bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Engineering of Novel Fluorophores for High‐Contrast Bioimaging
Authors: Xu Shuai , Pan Wenjing , Ren Tian‐Bing , Huan Shuang‐Yan , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Bing 
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive SummaryFluorophores play a significant role in achieving high‐contrast imaging in complex physiological environment. Herein, we present the results of our studies on the development of various fluorophores, such as anti‐solvatochromic fluorophores, long wavelength emission two‐photon fluorophores, large Stokes shift fluorophores and solid‐state fluorophores, to achieve high‐contrast bioimaging in physiological environments. In this study, we have primarily focused on the design, optical performance, imaging mechanisms, and the applications of these fluorophores with respect to complex physiological conditions.What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?Orderly assembly of small‐molecule dyes and their applications for long‐term in situ bioimaging.How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?We have long been engaged in the field of fluorescence imaging for biomedical applications, and realized that obtaining the target's in situ information is urgent and challenging. Our exploration revealed that the orderly assembly of specific molecular dyes is an effective strategy to overcome this problem. Keeping curiosity and thinking is the key to solvingproblems in scientific research.What is the most important personality for scientific research?Clear mind and perseverance.What's your hobby?Communicating with Youngs.How do you keep balance between research and family?To make a proper allotment of time.How do you supervise your students?Let them know what they want and fight for it.
Efficacy and safety of thalidomide in preventing oral mucositis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy: A multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liang Leifeng , Liu Zhibing , Zhu Haisheng , Wang Hongqian , Wei Yan , Ning Xuejian , Shi Zhiling , Jiang Liujun , Lin Zhan , Yan Haolin , Wang Rensheng , Hu Kai 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThis multicenter clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide (THD) in preventing oral mucositis (OM) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).MethodsPatients with locally advanced NPC were randomly assigned to either a THD group or a control group. All 160 patients received radical intensity‐modulated radiotherapy plus cisplatin‐based concurrent chemotherapy and basic oral hygiene guidance. Patients in the THD group received additional THD at the beginning of CCRT. The primary end points were the latency period and the incidence of OM. The secondary end points were mouth and throat soreness (MTS), weight loss, short‐term efficacy, and adverse events.ResultsThe median latency period of OM was 30 and 14 days in the THD and control groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.23‐0.35; P < .0001). The incidence of OM and severe OM (World Health Organization grade 3 or higher) was significantly lower in the THD group than the control group (87.5% vs 97.5% [P = .016] and 27.5% vs 46.3% [P = .014], respectively). THD treatment also remarkably reduced the intensity of MTS and the degree of weight loss. In comparison with the control group, the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and insomnia was significantly decreased, whereas the incidence of dizziness and constipation was obviously increased in the THD group. The objective response rates 3 months after CCRT were similar between the groups.ConclusionsTHD prolonged the latency period, reduced the incidence of OM, and did not affect the short‐term efficacy of CCRT in patients with NPC.Lay Summary

Oral mucositis is the most common complication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during chemoradiotherapy; it decreases the patient's quality of life, and ideal mucosal protective agents are lacking.

A few basic research and preclinical studies have shown that thalidomide may be an approach to ameliorating oral mucositis.

The results of the current study confirm that thalidomide has a protective effect against oral mucositis in patients who have received chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Architecture‐oriented security strategy determination for cyber‐physical systems
Authors: He Gaofeng , Xu Bingfeng , Zhao Junjie , Shi Yadong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCyber‐physical systems (CPSs) usually have a huge number of nodes, and it is very expensive to deploy security defenses at all nodes. Therefore, selecting the most appropriate nodes for protection to ensure system security is an essential issue in CPS. However, how to achieve this in the system design phase remains to be an open challenge. In this paper, we propose a security strategy determination method for CPS design models. In particular, we utilize SysML to model a CPS. To choose the best nodes for security protection, we realize an automatic construction of an attack‐defense tree (ADTree) model from the SysML model by considering the known attacks and defenses. Further, we transform the ADTree model into an atom attack‐defense tree (A2DTree) model and infer the optimal security strategy under a given cost constraint. We implement our method as an open‐source tool and test it with a pump station attack. The experimental results show that the proposed method is reasonable and feasible and can provide theoretical guidance for the formulation of CPS security policies.
A new design self‐balanced 13‐level switched‐capacitor inverter
Authors: Jena Kasinath , Panigrahi Chinmoy Kumar , Gupta Krishna Kumar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study introduces a novel switched‐capacitor (SC) inverter with a simple architecture. The proposed topology synthesized a 13‐level voltage waveform with a boosting factor of six. The unique features of the proposed topology are the self‐balancing property of capacitors voltage, high boosting factor, least cost function, lower peak inverse voltage, and lower per‐unit total standing voltage. A brief analysis of the circuit description, operating principle, the modulation scheme has been presented. The proposed topology's advantages over the existing topologies have been demonstrated through comparative investigations. Finally, the simulation and experimental findings have confirmed the feasibility and dynamic performance of the suggested topology.
Synthesis of a Substituted [10]Cycloparaphenylene through [2+2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Volkmann Jannis , Kohrs Daniel , Bernt Felix , Wegner Hermann A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHerein, we report the synthesis and investigation of a substituted [10]cycloparaphenylene (CPP) incorporating a diethylphthalane unit. An efficient strategy relying on a symmetric built‐up starting with propargyl ether as [2+2+2] cycloaddition precursor was developed. The straightforward synthesis required overcoming unexpected obstacles within the [2+2+2] cycloaddition, protection and aromatization. These results give valuable insights for accessing CPPs with highly substituted subunits. Finally, a seven‐step synthesis with an overall yield of 8 % provided the target nanoring, including good to excellent yields for the critical macrocyclization and aromatization. The synthesized nanohoop exhibits a hypsochromic shift in fluorescence and absorption, compared to the unsubstituted [10]CPP. This observation is proposedly caused by an increased torsion angle between the bivalent substituted phenyl moieties and the adjacent units.
A Sandwich‐type Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Sensitive Determination of Salmonella Typhimurium in Food
Authors: Sun Qiaoling , Liu Xiaojun , Tang Haowen , Qian Yuying , Gu Haiying , He Hong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA sandwich‐type electrochemical immunosensor was developed for sensitive detection of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) in milk and eggs. According to the antigen‐antibody specific binding, Anti‐S. Typhimurium antibody was used to recognize the S. Typhimurium, while the HRP‐Anti‐S. Typhimurium antibody as signal probe was used to catalyze H2O2 with the assistance of thionine. The immunosensor showed wide linear range from 5.6×101 to 5.6×108 CFU/mL and low detection limit of 35 CFU/mL. The immunosensor also exhibited excellent specificity, reproducibility and stability, indicating that it had practicability in quality control of complex food samples and potential in clinical applications.
Seismic assessment approaches for mass‐dominant sliding contents: The case of storage racks
Authors: Tsarpalis Dimitrios , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Vayas Ioannis 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe typical view of seismic performance of structure‐content systems is one of segregation: Contents are assumed to be of low mass relative to the supporting structure, leading to a separate treatment of the two, whereby one first analyzes the structure and then subjects any contents to the resulting peak floor acceleration responses. Racking structures are of the exact opposite persuasion, having massive “palletized” contents that can slide on top of light cold‐formed steel frames, with Content‐Structure‐Sliding Interaction (CSSI) governing global and local response. In support of assessment and design, three approaches are investigated to capture CSSI: (i) introducing friction sliders per pallet and running nonlinear response‐history analysis, (ii) increasing the model viscous damping and using elastic response‐history analysis, and (iii) reducing the horizontal seismic loads in tandem with modal response spectrum analysis. Each comes with its own challenges and modelling/analysis needs, offering different levels of accuracy (or no appreciable capability at all) when assessing the actual sliding displacement of contents. Three case studies are employed to calibrate empirical relationships for damping amplification and seismic load reduction, largely removing the bias of simpler alternatives (ii) and (iii), respectively, to level the ground for future code applications.
Plant food bioactives and its effects on gut microbiota profile modulation for better brain health and functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder individuals: A review
Authors: Shanmugam Haripriya , Ganguly Subhasish , Priya Badma 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRecent advances in gut microbiota researches are establishing the association between food, gut microbiota, and brain health. Previously unknown communication networks between inhabiting microbes within the gut linings and the brain are being uncovered. The nature of the interaction between gut microbiota and the brain is a new frontier of research exploration. Diet plays an important role in modulating microbiota‐gut‐brain axis and exerts a profound influence on brain functioning. This review focuses on the effect of plant food bioactives or phytochemicals in modulating gut microbiota profile in Autistic individuals, for improving brain health and functioning. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease marked by issues with speech, memory, and social behavior. Currently, an alarming rise in ASD cases among the children across the globe is being recorded. ASD has no known cure or causes; genetic or environmental factor possibly plays an important role in the development of ASD. Since dietary intervention is one of the most important solutions that might bring a positive change in the overall brain functioning of the ASD individuals. In this review, important plant food bioactives and gut microbes associated with better brain health and functioning in ASD individuals with its mode of action have been explained. Specifically plant food bioactives having influence over brain functions like memory, behavior, and cognition through balancing beneficial gut microbiota to reduce the symptoms associated with ASD are presented.
Multiobjective optimization for the optimal heat pipe working parameters based on Taguchi's design of experiments
Authors: Koneru Sireesha , Srinath A. , Nageswara Rao Boggarapu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA heat pipe (HP) is a device transferring large quantities of heat through a small area of the cross‐section with very small deviations in temperature. The thermal impedance of HP is lower while thermal conductance is higher. HPs are designed for controlling temperature, amplification of heat flux, and diminution. HPs are being used in the cooling of aircraft and electronics, solar energy, systems of heat recovery, and nuclear reactors. Complex mathematical formulation demands experimentation to acquire the physical phenomena. Performing experiments is a tedious task with increasing the working parameters and their assigned levels. In such situations, a systematic statistical approach (viz., the Taguchi method) has to be adopted to minimize the number of experiments and to provide the information for the full factorial design of experiments. This paper adopts the modified Taguchi method and applies a simple and reliable multiobjective optimization concept to determine the optimal HP working parameters (viz., heat input, inclination angle, and flow rate). In the optimization process, efficiency, thermal resistance, and overall heat transfer coefficient are the performance indicators (PIs). Empirical relations are developed and validated for the PIs in terms of the HP working parameters. The recommended Taguchi's orthogonal array to perform a few tests may not have the set of optimal working parameters. Additional tests are to be performed to confirm the estimates of the PIs for the optimal working parameters. Confirmation test results in the present study indicate close‐to/within the estimated range.
Rapid hemostasis and high bioactivity cerium‐containing mesoporous bioglass for hemostatic materials
Authors: Liu Jiaxi , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Yin , Wang Anping , Zhu Wei , Xu Meijia , Zhuang Shuxian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA two‐step‐acid‐catalyzed‐self‐assembly method was used to prepare cerium‐containing mesoporous bioactive glass with P123 as a template. The results showed that MBG without cerium and MBG with cerium slightly affected its surface area, and its water absorption rate was significantly higher. In vitro coagulation experiments showed that Ce‐MBG significantly reduces prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), indicating that MBG containing Ce could promote coagulation and platelet adhesion compared with MBG. These suggested that Ce‐MBG may be a good dressing with hemostatic properties, which could shorten the bleeding time of the wound and control the bleeding.
Comparison of IL‐6 measurement methods with a special emphasis on COVID‐19 patients according to equipment and sample type
Authors: Choi Yu Jeong , Roh Juhye , Kim Sinyoung , Lee Kyung‐A , Park Younhee 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a multifunctional cytokine associated with various diseases, including coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Although IL‐6 levels can be assessed using serum samples, use of the AFIAS (Boditech Med Inc.) automated immunoassay analyzer enables quick and simple measurement of IL‐6 levels in both serum and whole blood specimens. This study aimed to assess the correlation between IL‐6 measurements obtained from the AFIAS IL‐6 assay and Elecsys IL‐6 assay (Roche Diagnostics). Additionally, utilization of the AFIAS IL‐6 assay was evaluated.MethodsThe IL‐6 levels from 113 serum samples quantified using two assay systems were evaluated for their degree of correlation. Meanwhile, the linearity, analytical sensitivity, and precision/reproducibility of the AFIAS IL‐6 assay were also assessed.ResultsQuantification of IL‐6 with the AFIAS IL‐6 and Elecsys IL‐6 assays showed excellent agreement (kappa 0.802) and were found to be correlated (y = −0.2781 + 1.068x; 95% confidence interval: 1.007–1.124). AFIAS IL‐6 showed good analytical performances. IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in deceased patients compared to those with non‐complicated disease and those who were intubated (p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Finally, IL‐6 levels more accurately predicted poor prognosis in patients, than did C‐reactive protein (area under the curve, 0.716 vs. 0.634).ConclusionThe overall analytical performance of the AFIAS assay was comparable to that of the Elecsys IL‐6 assay. In light of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, the AFIAS may be an attractive tool for measuring IL‐6 levels.
Identifying the analogues of berberine as promising antitubercular drugs targeting Mtb‐FtsZ polymerisation through ligand‐based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Akinpelu Olayinka I. , Kumalo Hezekiel M. , Mhlongo Sizwe I. , Mhlongo Ndumiso N. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBerberine, an active compound in the extract of golden seal (an age‐long remedy for many infections) has been confirmed to be responsible for the extract's activity against multi‐drug resistant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There is no available study that shows the exact target of berberine in M tuberculosis, although it is confirmed that berberine inhibits the polymerisation of filamentous temperature‐sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), an important bacteria cytokinesis protein, in Escherichia coli, suggesting that FtsZ could as well be the target of berberine in M tuberculosis. In this study, we carried out ligand‐based virtual screening to identify analogues of berberine followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the complexes of Mtb‐FtsZ with berberine (berb1) and the five selected analogues (berb9 [ZINC1709414], berb37 [ZINC238749993], berb38 [ZINC13509022], berb43 [ZINC14765594], and berb48 [ZINC238758595]). Post‐MD analyses such as binding free energy, RMSD, RMSF, RoG and hydrogen bond lifetime analysis were used to understand the interactions between these ligands and the receptor. The results suggested that Mtb‐FtsZ could likely be the target of berberine in M tuberculosis as it forms a stable complex coupled with a significantly high binding energy. The study also identified other potential inhibitors of MTB‐FtsZ polymerisation. Berb38 specifically showed greater interaction with the residues at the binding site of the protein, forming a far more stable complex with the receptor than any of the other compounds under investigation, including berberine itself. ADME properties calculations also predicted all the ligands to be bioactive as orally administered drugs.
A rare case of drug‐induced bradycardia associated with the just low dose use of methylprednisolone in a child with COVID‐19
Authors: Jiang Ping , Wu Shuang‐hua , Zhu Ting , Guo Yuan , He Yi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMethylprednisolone (MP) is usually used to reduce inflammation reaction and tissue damage, which may have a beneficial treatment effect on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, we present the case of a child who manifests significant bradycardia with the use of just low dose MP on the premise of the long‐term use of arbidol. Arbidol can affect the activity of CYP3A4, which is also a key metabolic enzyme of MP by competitive inhibition, and which is easy to aggravate the side effects of MP. Therefore, more attention should be paid to bradycardia occurrence in the patient with COVID‐19 when MP is considered in COVID‐19.
Thyroid Cancer Incidence Trends Among Filipinos in the United States
Authors: Megwalu Uchechukwu C. , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba , Moon Peter , Palaniappan Latha P. 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo analyze thyroid cancer incidence trends among Filipinos relative to non‐Filipino Asians and non‐Hispanic Whites in the US.Study DesignPopulation‐based analysis of cancer incidence data.MethodsPopulation‐based analysis of cancer incidence data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 9 detailed Asian/Pacific Islander subgroup incidence and population datasets. Adult patients aged 20 and older with thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2004 to 2014 were included. Annual percent change (APC) of the incidence rates were calculated using joinpoint regression analysis.ResultsThe incidence rates were 19.57 (95% CI 19.03–20.12) per 100,000 for Filipinos, 10.45 (95% CI 10.22–10.68) per 100,000 for non‐Filipino Asians, and 13.94 (95% CI 13.85–14.02) per 100,000 for non‐Hispanic Whites. The highest increase was seen among non‐Hispanic Whites (average APC 5.04, 95% CI 4.61–5.46). Incidence rates of tumors ≤ 2 cm remained stable among Filipinos but increased in non‐Filipino Asians (average APC 5.38, 95% CI 2.51–8.34) and non‐Hispanic Whites (average APC 5.81 95% CI 4.52–7.11).ConclusionFilipinos have high incidence of thyroid cancer compared with other racial/ethnic groups. However, non‐Hispanic Whites have the highest increase in incidence rates, resulting in a significant narrowing of the gap in incidence rates between Filipinos and non‐Hispanic Whites. This is most likely due to enhanced detection of small tumors in non‐Hispanic Whites. Laryngoscope, 132:1495–1502, 2022
Effect of heat treatment on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of selective laser melting Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Sui A.Q. , Liu B.J. , Liu C.H. , Wang D.S. , Wang E.L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe present work shows that the effect of several heat treatments on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V processed by selective laser melting (SLM). The microstructure of Ti6Al4V alloy produced by selective laser melting exhibited bulky prior β columnar grains, and a large amount of fine acicular martensites α′ were observed inside the prior β columnar grains. The acicular martensitic α′ were transformed to a mixture of α and β after heat treatment, and the grain size increases with the increase of heat‐treated temperature. The results of 3.5 wt% NaCl solution electrochemical corrosion test showed that the heat‐treated samples possess a higher corrosion resistance than the as‐received sample. Among of them, the sample after heat‐treated at 730 °C exhibited best corrosion resistance and excellent fracture strain. The sample heat treated at 1015 °C showed worst mechanical properties due to the formation of Widmanstätten structure.
Milling performance of stone‐plastic composite with diamond cutters
Authors: Zhang F. , Wu Z. , Ding J. , Guo X. , Cao P. , Zhu Z. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn order to meet the requirements of cutting efficiency and economy in the processing of stone plastic composite, milling tests of the stone plastic composite were conducted using straight tooth diamond tools. Cutting forces and temperature were measured under different cutting parameters. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the variation of cutting forces and temperature and to determine the significant contribution of each variable and its two‐level interaction. The correlation between actual and predicted results was found by building mathematical models of cutting forces and temperatures, which can be used to make accurate predictions. At last, the optimal cutting parameters for stone plastic composite straight‐tooth milling with low cutting forces and cutting temperatures were found to be 10° front angle, 37.9 m/s cutting speed, 0.32 mm feed per tooth, and 0.5 mm milling depth. It is possible to improve processing efficiency and reduce production costs by using these parameters in industrial processing.