bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Detection of Amyloid‐Related Changes in Memory among Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults with Daily Digital Testing
Authors: Papp Kathryn V. , Jutten Roos J. , Soberanes Daniel , Weizenbaum Emma , Hsieh Stephanie , Molinare Cassidy , Buckley Rachel , Betensky Rebecca A. , Marshall Gad A. , Johnson Keith A. , Rentz Dorene M. , Sperling Reisa , Amariglio Rebecca E.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study was undertaken to determine whether assessing learning over days reveals Alzheimer disease (AD) biomarker‐related declines in memory consolidation that are otherwise undetectable with single time point assessments.

Methods

Thirty‐six (21.9%) cognitively unimpaired older adults (aged 60–91 years) were classified with elevated β‐amyloid (Aβ+) and 128 (78%) were Aβ− using positron emission tomography with 11CPittsburgh compound B. Participants completed the multiday Boston Remote Assessment for Neurocognitive Health (BRANCH) for 12 min/day on personal devices (ie, smartphones, laptops), which captures the trajectory of daily learning of the same content on 3 repeated tests (Digit Signs, Groceries‐Prices, Face‐Name). Learning is computed as a composite of accuracy across all 3 measures. Participants also completed standard in‐clinic cognitive tests as part of the Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite (PACC‐5), with 123 participants undergoing PACC‐5 follow‐up after 1.07 (standard deviation = 0.25) years.

Results

At the cross‐section, there were no statistically significant differences in performance between Aβ+/− participants on any standard in‐clinic cognitive tests (eg, PACC‐5) or on day 1 of multiday BRANCH. Aβ+ participants exhibited diminished 7‐day learning curves on multiday BRANCH after 4 days of testing relative to Aβ− participants (Cohen d = 0.49, 95% confidence interval = 0.10–0.87). Diminished learning curves were associated with greater annual PACC‐5 decline (r = 0.54, p < 0.001).

Interpretation

Very early Aβ‐related memory declines can be revealed by assessing learning over days, suggesting that failures in memory consolidation predate other conventional amnestic deficits in AD. Repeated digital memory assessments, increasingly feasible and uniquely able to assess memory consolidation over short time periods, have the potential to be transformative for detecting the earliest cognitive changes in preclinical AD. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:507–517
Hot or Not? Reassessing Mechanisms of Photocurrent Generation in Plasmon‐Enhanced Electrocatalysis
Authors: Bagnall Andrew J. , Ganguli Sagar , Sekretareva Alina
Published: November 2023

It is now widely accepted that certain effects arising from localised surface plasmon resonance, such as enhanced electromagnetic fields, hot carriers, and thermal effects, can facilitate electrocatalytic processes. This newly emerging field of research is commonly referred to as plasmon‐enhanced electrocatalysis (PEEC) and is attracting increasing interest from the research community, particularly regarding harnessing the high energy of hot carriers. However, this has led to a lack of critical analysis in the literature, where the participation of hot carriers is routinely claimed due to their perceived desirability, while the contribution of other effects is often not sufficiently investigated. As a result, correctly differentiating between the possible mechanisms at play has become a key point of contention. In this review, we specifically focus on the mechanisms behind photocurrents observed in PEEC and critically evaluate the possibility of alternative sources of current enhancement in the reported PEEC systems. Furthermore, we present guidelines for the best experimental practices and methods to distinguish between the various enhancement mechanisms in PEEC.
Formation of a Reactive [Mn(III)−O−Ce(IV)] Species and its Facile Equilibrium with Related Mn(IV)(OX) (X = Sc or H) Complexes
Authors: Gupta Sikha , Arora Pragya , Kumar Rakesh , Awasthi Ayushi , Chandra Bittu , Eerlapally Raju , Xiong Jin , Guo Yisong , Que Lawrence , Draksharapu Apparao
Published: November 2023

Lewis acid‐bound high valent Mn‐oxo species are of great importance due to their relevance to photosystem II. Here, we report the synthesis of a unique [(BnTPEN)Mn(III)−O−Ce(IV)(NO3)4]+ adduct (2) by the reaction of (BnTPEN)Mn(II) (1) with 4 eq. ceric ammonium nitrate. 2 has been characterized using UV/Vis, NMR, resonance Raman spectroscopy, as well as by mass spectrometry. Treatment of 2 with Sc(III)(OTf)3 results in the formation of (BnTPEN)Mn(IV)−O−Sc(III) (3), while HClO4 addition to 2 forms (BnTPEN)Mn(IV)−OH (4), reverting to 2 upon Ce(III)(NO3)3 addition. 2 can also be prepared by the oxidation of 1 eq. Ce(III)(NO3)3 with [(BnTPEN)Mn(IV)=O]2+ (5). In addition, the EPR spectroscopy revealed the elegant temperature‐dependent equilibria between 2 and Mn(IV) species. The binding of redox‐active Ce(IV) boosts electron transfer efficiency of 2 towards ferrocenes. Remarkably, the newly characterized Mn(III)−O−Ce(IV) species can carry out O‐atom and H‐atom transfer reactions.
A commentary on infant mental health knowledge within the training of family therapists
Authors: Elliott Robyn , Cousins Colleen , Opie Jessica , McIntosh Jennifer
Published: November 2023

This paper considers the role of academic training programs in the integration of family therapy and infant mental health (IMH) curricula. It takes the form of a conversation between senior academic staff of the Bouverie Centre in Australia and the special issue editors. Robyn Elliott and Colleen Cousins are family therapists, trauma specialists, and academics at the Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University. Robyn supervises the development and delivery of the Master of Clinical Family Therapy, accredited by the Australian Association of Family Therapy. Colleen is a psychologist and family therapist and coordinates the Graduate Certificate of Family Therapy program. They are in dialogue here with the special issue co‐editors, Jessica Opie and Jennifer McIntosh. We consider the degree to which current family therapy training holds the infant in mind, and approaches to deepening the future training nexus between IMH and family therapy.
Synthesis of lesquerella‐based bisphosphonates
Authors: Boon Laurelee M. , Bamert Sierra R. , Fayer Effrat L. , Coley Chelsea L. , Henry Shannon M. , Cermak Diana M. , Cermak Steven C.
Published: November 2023

Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) have found wide use in today's market, ranging from industrial materials to pharmaceuticals. Castor oil, which is obtained from castor seeds, has served as a primary source of the most common HFA, ricinoleic acid, but also contains several undesirable compounds which pose severe health risks, the most notable being ricin, an unusually stable, toxic protein. A promising HFA alternative is lesquerella oil, an oil obtained from seeds of the Lesquerella fendleri species. Lesquerella oil is mainly comprised of lesquerolic acid, an HFA that is structurally similar to ricinoleic acid, the only difference being that lesquerolic acid possesses two additional methylene groups on the carboxyl end of the molecule. In addition, the bisphosphonate moiety has been shown to display interesting biological activities, primarily as osteoporosis drugs and anti‐cancer therapeutics. The synthesis of lesquerella‐based bisphosphonates, both an unsaturated and saturated series, have been produced in high yields and high purity and are reported here.
Reactivity of NHI‐Stabilized Heavier Tetrylenes towards CO2 and N2O
Authors: Groll Lisa , Kelly John A. , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: November 2023

A heteroleptic amino(imino)stannylene (TMS2N)(ItBuN)Sn: (TMS=trimethylsilyl, ItBu=C[(N−tBu)CH]2) as well as two homoleptic NHI‐stabilized tetrylenes, (ItBuN)2E: (NHI=N‐heterocyclic imine, E=Ge, Sn) are presented. VT‐NMR investigations of (ItBuN)2Sn: (2) reveal an equilibrium between the monomeric stannylene at room temperature and the dimeric form at −80 °C as well as in the solid state. Upon reaction of the homoleptic tetrylenes with CO2, both compounds insert two equivalents of CO2, however differing bonding modes can be observed. (ItBuN)2Sn: (2) inserts one equivalent of CO2 into each Sn−N bond, giving carbamato groups coordinated κ2O,O’ to the metal center. With (ItBuN)2Ge: (3), the Ge−N bonds stay intact upon activation, being bridged by one molecule of CO2 respectively, forming 4‐membered rings. Furthermore, the reactivity of 2 towards N2O was investigated, resulting in partial oxidation to form stannylene dimer [((ItBuN)3SnO)(ItBuN)Sn:]2 (6).
Slower pace in early walking onset is related to communication, motor skills, and adaptive function in autistic toddlers
Authors: Wilson Rujuta B. , Burdekin Emma D. , Jackson Nicholas J. , Hughart Lauren , Anderson Jeff , Dusing Stacey C. , Gulsrud Amanda , Kasari Connie
Published: November 2023

The onset of walking is a major developmental milestone in early childhood and is critical to the development of language and social communication. Delays in walking have been described in individuals with ASD. Yet, less is known about the quality of early gait development in toddlers with ASD and the relationship to motor skills, social communication, and language. Quantitative measures of locomotion can improve our ability to evaluate subtle and specific motor differences in toddlers with ASD and their relationship to other developmental domains. We used quantitative gait analysis to evaluate locomotion in toddlers with ASD (n = 51) and compared these data to a reference chronological aged (CA) and mental aged (MA) matched typically developing (TD) cohort (n = 45). We also examined the relationship of quantitative gait metrics to developmental measures among toddlers with ASD. We found that although toddlers with ASD achieved a typical age range of walking onset, they exhibited a pattern of slower pace compared to the TD cohort when matched by CA and MA. We also found that slower measures of pace were associated with lower developmental scores of communication, motor skills, and adaptive function. Our findings improve characterization of locomotion in toddlers with ASD and the relationship of motor skills to other developmental domains.
Quantitation of levetiracetam concentrations in plasma and saliva samples by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: Application to therapeutic drug monitoring for pregnant women with epilepsy
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Jin Ying , Li Wanling , He Chaoqun , Di Xiangjie , Duan Yifei , Chen Lei , Wang Zhenlei
Published: November 2023

Although levetiracetam (LEV) has favorable linear pharmacokinetic properties, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is necessary for pregnant women with epilepsy. This study aims to build a simple, reliable, and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method for determining LEV concentrations in plasma and saliva samples, to support the routine TDM of LEV in Chinese pregnant women with epilepsy. The stable isotope‐labeled LEV‐d6 was used as the internal standard. The extracted samples were analyzed using a UPLC–MS/MS system with positive electrospray ionization. Mobile phase A was water containing 5 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid, and phase B was 1:1 methanol–acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. The method was validated and utilized to determine LEV concentrations in non‐pregnant and pregnant patients with epilepsy. The developed method was validated in both plasma and saliva samples over a concentration range of 0.1–50 μg/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracy for LEV ranged from −7.0% to 2.9%, with precisions between 2.7% and 9.3%. In pregnant patients, the mean dose‐standardized LEV trough plasma concentrations were significantly lower than those in non‐pregnant patients (4.73 ± 2.99 vs. 7.74 ± 3.59 ng/mL per mg/day; P < 0.0001). It is recommended that the TDM of LEV should be routinely performed during the different stages of pregnancy.
Corporate social responsibility oriented boards and triple bottom line performance: A meta‐analytic study
Authors: Zubeltzu‐Jaka Eugenio , Álvarez‐Etxeberria Igor , Aldaz‐Odriozola Maider
Published: November 2023

In this article, we aim to investigate the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR)‐oriented boards on triple bottom‐line (TBL) performance and whether internal corporate governance exhibits a facilitating role in achieving the sustainable development goals by enhancing the performance indicators of the TBL. Specifically, this article aims to shed light on this issue by meta‐analyzing the relationship between good governance and both social and financial performance, using a global sample to facilitate this analysis taking into account the incidence of the institutional characteristics of different countries and their impact on the relationship studied, by means of eight meta‐analyses. For this purpose, we conducted a meta‐analytic study on a sample of 289 articles published between 1997 and 2021. The results show that CSR‐oriented boards have a direct effect on corporate social performance (CSP) indicators and that their impact on financial outcomes is mediated by CSP strategies. Board size, gender diversity, and board independence present a facilitator profile of CSP, while only gender diversity enhances financial outcomes. The influence of CSR‐oriented boards is more acute in countries with greater protection for stakeholders and stronger environmental awareness.
Sustainability transformation in the textile industry—The case of wastewater management
Authors: Gomes Kamol , Caucci Serena , Morris Jon , Guenther Edeltraud , Miggelbrink Judith
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the relationships between textile wastewater management and its impact on ecosystems and community livelihoods. Using the case of the wastewater management practices of the Bangladesh textile industry and thematic analysis of key informant interviews with industry representatives in the production value chain, the study illustrates perceptions of sustainability transformation regarding wastewater management, specifically by integrating sustainable water and energy practices. The findings reveal the adverse effects of textile wastewater on freshwater resources, such as the obstruction of socio‐economic development and environmental sustainability, and highlight the distinctions between compliant and non‐compliant textile industries regarding sustainability transformation. These results also indicate challenges that hinder the sustainability of textile effluent treatment, including the absence of techno‐ecology, pro‐environmental behaviour, stringent regulations, reliable surveillance, and collaborative actions. Recommendations include improving cooperation among community‐stakeholders and decision‐makers to promote sustainability transformation in textile wastewater management, prioritising water energy resources to advance environmental development, and fulfilling socio‐economic demands.
TTC7B is a new prognostic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma linked to immune infiltration and ferroptosis
Authors: He Rong , Zhang Xun , Wu Yongzhi , Weng Zhijie , Li Longjiang
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate the expression of TTC7B and its prognostic significance, biological roles, and impact on the immune system in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Materials and Methods

Clinical and genomic data were obtained from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas), GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus), GEPIA2 (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2.0), and TIMER2.0 (Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0) databases. R software was utilized to process the retrieved data. qPCR and immunohistochemical assays were performed to validate the findings obtained from the databases.

Results

High expression of TTC7B was observed in HNSCC, and this heightened expression is significantly associated with reduced overall survival (OS) in patients, making it an independent risk factor impacting OS. TTC7B is correlated with focal adhesions and cell migration pathways based on functional enrichment analysis. CIBERSORT analysis and TIMER2.0 show a positive link between TTC7B and multiple immune cells, particularly macrophages. Pearson's analysis reveals a significant correlation between TTC7B and ferroptosis‐related genes.

Conclusion

In all, TTC7B could serve as a promising prognostic indicator of HNSCC, and is closely associated with focal adhesions, immune infiltration, and ferroptosis.
Hole‐Transporting Materials based on Oligo(hetero)aryls with a Naphthodithiophene Core – Succinct Synthesis by Twofold Direct C−H Olefination
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Chi , Lee Kun‐Mu , Wu Xiao‐Wei , Lin Li , Yu Wei‐Lun , Liu Ching‐Yuan
Published: November 2023

This work demonstrated the first synthetic application of direct C−H olefinations in the step‐saving preparation of various hole‐transporting materials (HTM) for efficient perovskite solar cells (PSC). Cross‐dehydrogenative couplings of naphthodithiophene (NDT) with vinyl arenes under palladium‐catalysis facilely generated various new oligo(hetero)aryls with internal alkenes. Reaction conditions were optimized, which gave the product isolated yields of up to 71 % with high (E)‐stereoselectivity. These readily accessible NDT core‐based small molecules involving olefin as π‐spacers displayed immediate power conversion efficiencies of up to 17.2 % without a device oxidation process that is required for the commercially available spiro‐OMeTAD and most other existing HTMs while fabricated in corresponding PSC devices.
Enantioselective Amination of 3‐Substituted‐2‐benzofuranones via Non‐covalent N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis
Authors: Mondal Bhaskar Deb , Gorai Sadhan , Nath Rounak , Paul Ankan , Guin Joyram
Published: November 2023

Herein, an efficient method for asymmetric α‐amination of 2‐benzofuranones with N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis is reported. The process is based on non‐covalent interaction of NHC with substrate, facilitating the formation of a chiral ion‐pair that encompasses enolate and azolium salt. The activated enolate adds to an electrophilic amine source with sufficient facial control to furnish an enantioenriched product having an amine substituted quaternary stereocenter. The process displays a broad substrate scope. A preparative scale synthesis has been achieved. Preliminary mechanistic investigations based on experimental and DFT studies suggest a reaction pathway that involves non‐covalent substrate/NHC interactions and essentially implicate the role of π‐π interaction in diastereomeric transition states for stereo‐chemical discrimination.
Computational models for the simulation of the elastic and fracture properties of highly porous 3D‐printed hydroxyapatite scaffolds
Authors: D'Andrea Luca , Gastaldi Dario , Baino Francesco , Verné Enrica , Schwentenwein Martin , Örlygsson Gissur , Vena Pasquale
Published: November 2023

Bone scaffolding is a promising approach for the treatment of critical‐size bone defects. Hydroxyapatite can be used to produce highly porous scaffolds as it mimics the mineralized part of bone tissue, but its intrinsic brittleness limits its usage. Among 3D printing techniques, vat photopolymerization allows for the best printing resolution for ceramic materials. In this study, we implemented a Computed micro‐Tomography based Finite Element Model of a hydroxyapatite porous scaffold fabricated by vat photopolymerization. We used the model in order to predict the elastic and fracture properties of the scaffold. From the stress–strain diagram of a simulated compression test, we computed the stiffness and the strength of the scaffolds. We found that three morphometric features substantially affect the crack pattern. In particular, the crack propagation is not only dependent on the trabecular thickness but also depends on the slenderness and orientation of the trabeculae with respect to the load. The results found in this study can be used for the design of ceramic scaffolds with heterogeneous pore distribution in order to tailor and predict the compressive strength.
Changes in Secondary Structure and Properties of Bovine Serum Albumin as a Result of Interactions with Gold Surface
Authors: Tworek Paulina , Rakowski Kamil , Szota Magdalena , Lekka Małgorzata , Jachimska Barbara
Published: November 2023

Proteins can alter their shape when interacting with a surface. This study explores how bovine serum albumin (BSA) modifies structurally when it adheres to a gold surface, depending on the protein concentration and pH. We verified that the gold surface induces significant structural modifications to the BSA molecule using circular dichroism, infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Specifically, adsorbed molecules displayed increased levels of disordered structures and β‐turns, with fewer α‐helices than the native structure. MP‐SPR spectroscopy demonstrated that the protein molecules preferred a planar orientation during adsorption. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the interaction between cysteines exposed to the outside of the molecule and the gold surface was vital, especially at pH=3.5. The macroscopic properties of the protein film observed by AFM and contact angles confirm the flexible nature of the protein itself. Notably, structural transformation is joined with the degree of hydration of protein layers.
Wettability of Graffiti Coatings by Green Nanostructured Fluids
Authors: Bartman Marcin , Hołysz Lucyna , Balicki Sebastian J. , Szczęsna‐Górniak Weronika , Wilk Kazimiera A.
Published: November 2023

Green nanostructured fluids (GNFs), specifically water‐in‐oil nanoemulsions (w/o NEs), were investigated as professional “brush on, wipe off” nanodetergents for the effective removal of various challenging graffiti coatings. The efficacy of the advanced nanodetergents in eradicating resilient graffiti coatings was evaluated using various methods to assess the surface properties of forming graffiti coatings. The surface properties of these coatings were examined by assessing their wettability by water, surface free energy, and topography to obtain information on the intermolecular interactions with the nanodetergent during the wetting and graffiti removal process. Our findings revealed significant variations in the coating removal rate and efficacy of green nanostructured fluids, which are stabilized using surfactants derived from saccharides or amino acids. A water‐in‐oil nanoemulsion, stabilized by caprylyl/capryl glucoside, demonstrated exceptional efficiency at cleaning graffiti paints based on alkyd resin and containing various additives such as nitrocellulose or bitumen, from any hard surface within a short time period. However, a w/o NE, stabilized by sodium cocoyl glycinate, also showed effective removal of graffiti paints containing durable bitumen, albeit at a slower rate on. These green nanostructured fluids can be used as specific nanodetergents for the comprehensive removal of various graffiti coatings, but require a specified action time to prevent damage to the original substrate beneath the paint coating.
Geographical classification of opium samples from Myanmar and Afghanistan by NMR profiling and chemometrics
Authors: Liu Cui‐Mei , Jia Wei , Liu Xue‐Yan , Du Yu , Hua Zhen‐Dong
Published: November 2023

This study presents a new strategy to discriminate between opium samples obtained from different geographical regions. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) profiling and chemometrics were applied to geographical classification of opium originating from Myanmar and Afghanistan, which are two major opium producing countries in the world. A total of 50 Myanmar and 46 Afghanistan authentic opium samples were analyzed by 1H‐NMR, and the chemical profiles were characterized. Different sample preparation procedures, data processing methods, and chemometrics were compared to obtain the best classification effect. It was found that drying and the addition of buffer solutions were unnecessary for classification purposes; thus, the gum opium samples were extracted directly with CD3OD, which shortened sample preparation time. A full discrimination between the two geographical origins was achieved by 1H‐NMR profiling and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. All 30 opium samples were classified correctly by the developed orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model. Compared with traditional chromatography and mass spectrometry profiling methods, the 1H‐NMR profiling method was faster (with instrument analysis time of less than 3 min) and reproducible. This study provides new insights into the applying of NMR profiling and chemometrics to rapid drug profiling analysis.
Diplomacy online: A case of mistaking broadcasting for dialogue
Authors: Roos Carla Anne , Utz Sonja , Koudenburg Namkje , Postmes Tom
Published: November 2023

Online discussions can fuel perceptions of misalignment, disagreement, conflict or even polarization. In this study, we look at everyday diplomatic expressions that could buffer this. We use automated and manual coding to analyze diplomatic behaviour in online discussions and its consequences for discussion sentiment. We analyze Reddit forums with differing norms: civil (N = 4594 comments), incivil (N = 2126) and social support subreddits (N = 1401). The automated content analysis shows that diplomatic behaviour occurs but does not affect the subsequent discussion. The manual analysis reveals why: discussions consist of disjointed statements rather than dialogue, making diplomacy inconsequential. These results have consequences for the field. First, what appears to be an escalating dialogue might actually be a string of personal attitudes broadcasted in a shared space. Second, the usefulness of automated content analysis in studying interaction dynamics is limited because of difficulties distinguishing broadcasting from dialogue.
Electrocatalytic conversion of waste polyamide‐66 hydrolysates into high‐added‐value adiponitrile and hydrogen fuel
Authors: Xiao Chuqian , Leow Wan Ru , Chen Luyang , Li Yuhang , Li Chunzhong
Published: November 2023

To reduce environmental pollution and plastic recycling costs, polyamide‐66 (PA‐66) as the most consumed engineering polymer needs to be recycled effectively. However, the existing recycling methods cannot convert waste PA‐66 into valuable chemicals for upcycling under ambient conditions. Here, we report an integrated hydrolysis and electrocatalytic process to upcycle waste PA‐66 into valuable adiponitrile (ADN), adipic acid, and H2 commodities, thereby closing the PA‐66 loop. To enable electrooxidation of the PA‐66 hydrosylate hexamethylenediamine (HMD), we fabricated anode catalysts with hierarchical Ni3S2@Fe2O3 core‐shell heterostructures comprising spindle‐shaped Ni3S2 cores and Fe2O3 nanosheet shells. The unique core‐shell architecture and synergy of the Ni3S2 and Fe2O3 catalysts enabled the selective dehydrogenation of C–N bonds from HMD to nitrile C≡N bonds, forming ADN with near‐unity Faradaic efficiency at 1.40 V during the 100‐h stability test even at 100 mA cm−2. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Ni(Fe) oxy(hydroxide) species formed were in the active state during oxidation, accelerating the activation of the amino C–N bond for dehydrogenation directly into the C≡N bonds.
Integrating system dynamics and scenarios: A framework based on personal experience
Authors: Kunc Martin
Published: November 2023

System dynamics (SD) is a methodology to generate qualitative and quantitative models. SD has two main concepts that are highly suitable to use with scenarios: feedback processes that define the structure of sociotechnical systems and accumulation processes that are responsible for the dynamic behavior of systems over time. This article discusses a framework that integrates methodologically scenarios and SD. The integration can take multiple forms depending on the use of SD for creating or supporting scenarios. The framework is illustrated with multiple examples. Since SDs' practice uses processes similar to scenario practice, mutual enrichment between the communities can be highly successful.
High‐precision real‐time urine crystallization recognition based on dilated bilinear space pyramid ConvNext
Authors: Ding Ning , Bao Xu , Sun Shantong , Wang Yun
Published: November 2023

Urinary sediment image detection, as one of the three major routine clinical tests in medical practice, is an important method for physical examination and diagnosis of urinary system diseases. Crystalluria detection is a subtask of urinary sediment image detection, focusing on detecting and identifying crystalline components in urine. To address the issues of low accuracy and inefficiency caused by small crystal granularity in crystalluria detection, we propose the Dilated Bilinear Space Pyramid ConvNext Network (DBSPC‐Net), which achieves high‐precision real‐time crystalluria detection. DBSPC‐Net ingeniously combines dilated convolution pooling with bilinear space pyramid, introducing Dilated Bilinear Space Pyramid Pooling (DBSPP) to enlarge the receptive field and capture information at multiple scales. Additionally, we utilize the Normalized Gaussian Wasserstein Distance Loss (NWDLoss) instead of Intersection over Union (IoU) to enhance the recognition of small targets. Finally, the ConvNext module is employed to fuse local and global features, enhancing urine crystal recognition accuracy and speed. The crystalluria dataset is sourced from 400 actual patients in a hospital. It comprises five main types of urine crystals, namely calcium oxalate dihydrate, calcium oxalate monohydrate, uric acid, ammonium magnesium phosphate, and cystine. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed improved model achieves an average precision of 87.34% and a detection time of 7.9 ms per urine crystal image. DBSPC‐Net can accurately and rapidly identify crystalluria objects in scenarios involving microscope mica compensation, meeting the requirements of algorithmic detection accuracy and real‐time performance in crystalluria detection.
Calculation of the anharmonic effect on hydrogen abstraction in the combustion mechanism of n‐propylbenzene
Authors: Xu Shuyang , Song Zening , Hu Wenye , Yu Hongjing , Yao Li
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the hydrogen abstraction reactions of ‐propylbenzene during the combustion process, encompassing 14 reaction systems. The harmonic and anharmonic reaction rate constants were computed over a temperature range of 300–4000 K and the paper derived kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for these reactions. The findings indicate that, in the majority of the reactions, the harmonic reaction rate constants consistently exceed the anharmonic ones, particularly in the high‐temperature regime, showcasing a significant disparity between the two. However, it is important to acknowledge the presence of certain differences, such as the presence of a negative temperature coefficient in R12. The study demonstrates the notable influence of anharmonic effects while validating the feasibility of the YL (Yao and Lin) method and these results provide reliable data for the engine combustion reaction mechanism construction.
17β‐Estradiol mediates TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling to attenuate the fibrosis of TGF‐β1‐induced bovine endometrial epithelial cells via GPER
Authors: Fang Zihao , Wang Qian , Duan Hongwei , Sheng Xihui , Qi Xiaolong , Xing Kai , Liu Bingying , Chang Di , Guo Yong , Wang Xiangguo , Xiao Longfei
Published: November 2023

Abnormal function and fibrosis of endometrium caused by cows' endometritis pose difficult implantation of embryos and uterine cavity adhesions. 17β‐Estradiol (E2) serves as the most effective aromatized estrogen, and its synthetase and receptors have been detected in the endometrium. Studies have demonstrated the positive role of estrogen in combating pathological fibrosis in diverse diseases. However, it is still unknown whether E2 regulates endometrium fibrosis in bovine endometritis. Herein, we evaluated the expression patterns of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT)‐related proteins (α‐SMA, vimentin N‐cadherin and E‐cadherin), cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), and G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in bovine healthy endometrium and Inflammatory endometrium. Our data showed that the inflamed endometrium presented low CYP19A1 and GPER expression, and significantly higher EMT process versus the normal tissue. Moreover, we established a TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis model in BEND cells, and found that E2 inhibited the EMT process of BEND cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The anti‐fibrotic effect of E2 was blocked by the GPER inhibitor G15, but not the estrogen nuclear receptors (ERs) inhibitor ICI182780. Moreover, the GPER agonist G1 inhibited fibrosis and Smad2/3 phosphorylation but increased the expression of TGFBR3 in BEND cells. Transfection with TGFBR3 small interfering RNA blocked the effect of G1 on fibrosis of BEND cells and upregulated the expression of P‐Smad2/3. Our in vivo data also showed that E2 and G1 affected uterus fibrosis in mice endometritis model caused by LPS, which was associated with the inhibition of TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling. In conclusion, our data implied that E2 alleviates the fibrosis of TGF‐β1‐induced BEND cells, which is associated with the GPER mediation of TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling.
Prehatching development of the adrenal gland in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): Histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies
Authors: Fadl Saher , Saleh Abdelmohaimen M. M. , Abou‐Elmagd Ahmed , Abdel‐maksoud Fatma M.
Published: November 2023

The adrenal glands play a key role in maintaining the physiological balance of birds and helping them to survive environmental changes. The objective of the present work was to give a detailed investigation of the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical findings of the adrenal gland in Japanese quail during the prehatching phase. The current study was performed on 45 healthy Japanese quail embryos at different prehatching periods. Our results showed the primordium of the quail's adrenocortical tissue appeared at 3 days of incubation as a thickening of the splanchnic mesoderm. The prospective chromaffin cells appeared at 5 days as clusters of cells migrated from the neural crest cells along the dorsal aorta toward the interrenal tissue. TH immunoreactivity was observed in the neural crest cells during their migration toward the adrenal primordium. Furthermore, these TH immunopositive cells were intermingled with the developing interrenal cell cords that developed from the coelomic epithelium. NSE immunostaining was detected within the cytoplasm of interrenal cells, chromaffin cells, and ganglion cells. Sox10 is expressed in chromaffin and ganglion cells with different staining intensities. On the 13th day of prehatching, both interrenal and chromaffin cells were β‐catenin immunonegative, but on the 17th day, both cells were immunopositively. Our findings show that during prenatal life, the adrenal gland undergoes significant morphological changes. Together, the present data suggest that studying the prenatal development of the adrenal gland in birds is important for advancing our understanding of this critical organ and its functions.

Research Highlights

The present study aimed to give a detailed study of the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigations of the adrenal gland in Japanese quail during the prehatching period.

The interrenal primordium was observed on the third embryonic day, on the fifth ED the primordium of the chromaffin tissue appeared as row of migrating neural crest cell.

At the ultrastructural level, the interrenal cells take steroid‐secreting cells characters, they have varying amounts of lipid droplets and abundant mitochondria at 15th ED contained moderate number of lysosomes and mitochondria.
MORC3 represses the HCMV major immediate early promoter in myeloid cells in the absence of PML nuclear bodies
Authors: Champion Anna , Rowland Alexandra , Yee Levia , van den Boomen Dick , Reeves Matthew , Lehner Paul , Sinclair John , Poole Emma
Published: November 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can undergo either a latent or a lytic infection in cells of the myeloid lineage. Whilst the molecular mechanisms which determine the outcome of infection are far from clear, it is well established that a key factor is the differential regulation of the major immediate early promoter (MIEP) responsible for driving lytic immediate early gene expression. Using a myelomonocytic cell line stably transduced with a GFP reporter under the control of the MIEP, which recapitulates MIEP regulation in the context of virus infection, we have used an unbiased CRISPR‐Cas9 sub‐genomic, epigenetic library screen to identify novel cellular factors involved in MIEP repression during establishment and maintenance of latency in myeloid cells. One such cellular factor identified was MORC3. Consistent with MORC3 being a robust repressor of the MIEP, we show that THP1 cells devoid of MORC3 fail to establish latency. We also show that MORC3 is induced during latent infection, recruited to the MIEP and forms MORC3 nuclear bodies (MORC3‐NBs) which, interestingly, co‐localize with viral genomes. Finally, we show that the latency‐associated functions of MORC3 are regulated by the deSUMOylase activity of the viral latency‐associated LUNA protein likely to prevent untimely HCMV reactivation.
Enhanced periodontal tissue healing via vascular endothelial growth factor expression following low‐level erbium‐doped: yttrium, aluminum, and garnet laser irradiation: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Takemura Shu , Mizutani Koji , Mikami Risako , Nakagawa Keita , Hakariya Masahiro , Sakaniwa Eri , Saito Natsumi , Kominato Hiromi , Kido Daisuke , Takeda Kohei , Aoki Akira , Iwata Takanori
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low‐level erbium‐doped: yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation on periodontal tissue healing and regeneration through angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro studies.

Methods

Intrabony defects were surgically created in the bilateral maxilla molar of rats. The defects were treated by open flap debridement (OFD) with Er:YAG laser, including low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI) to bone and blood clot surfaces, or conventional procedures. The mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the surgical sites was quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The decalcified specimens were prepared for histometric analysis. Also, LLLI was performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells to evaluate the effects on angiogenesis. Cell proliferation, VEGF expression, and tube formation were assessed. In addition, capsazepine (CPZ), a selective inhibitor of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), treatment was performed before LLLI for the same assays.

Results

OFD using Er:YAG laser did not generate thermal damage on bone or root surfaces. LLLI accelerated hemostasis by coagulation of the superficial layers of blood clots in the laser‐treated group. Postoperative healing was sound in all animals in both groups. VEGF expression and bone formation were significantly increased in the laser‐treated group compared to those in the conventional treatment group. In vitro, cell proliferation and VEGF expression were significantly increased in the LLLI group compared to the control group. Tube‐formation assays showed that LLLI significantly promoted angiogenesis. CPZ treatment significantly suppressed VEGF expression and tube formation following LLLI.

Conclusions

This study suggests that Er:YAG laser irradiation may promote periodontal tissue healing by enhancing angiogenetic effect of endothelial cells via TRPV1.
Quaternary alluvial paleosols of the Atbara River, eastern Sudan: description and paleoenvironments
Authors: Mohammednoor M. , Bibi F. , Eisawi A. , Tsukamoto S. , Bussert R.
Published: November 2023

Quaternary climatic changes in the Nile Basin and their effects on the evolution of African mammals and vegetation are poorly understood, particularly for the last 1 Ma. Pleistocene (~230 to <17 ka) alluvial sediments exposed along the middle stretches of the Atbara River in eastern Sudan are rich in fossil vertebrates and are ideal for paleoenvironmental reconstruction during this time interval. We performed petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical analyses on the middle Atbara paleosols to reconstruct the paleoclimate and paleolandscape. We describe Aridisols/Calcisols characterized by calcretes and containing gypsum and halite, and Vertisols with pedogenic slickensides and a relatively large amount of smectite. The paleosols indicate that the study area transitioned from an arid to semi‐arid climate during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS)7/6, to a more humid climate during MIS5, and then a return to more arid conditions during MIS2. The studied paleosols likely supported a range of grassland and wooded grassland savanna habitats. Our study confirms that the Atbara River Valley provided favorable living conditions for Pleistocene large mammal communities includingHomo, potentially facilitating dispersals out of Africa through the Nile corridor.
Treatment of residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer
Authors: Heater Natalie K. , Somayaji Khyati , Gradishar William
Published: November 2023

Substantial advances have been made in the systemic treatment of breast cancer with residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy. We reviewed recent and ongoing studies informing the standard clinical management of residual disease by subtype: HER2+, TNBC, and HR+/HER2‐, as well as strategies for BRCA+ disease. We conclude with a discussion of ongoing clinical trials and current controversies regarding the treatment of residual disease in breast cancer.
Complicated grief and posttraumatic stress after loss and separation under terror conditions
Authors: Jann Philipp , Neldner Sina , Neuner Frank , Mohammed Rezhna
Published: November 2023

The lives of people in conflict areas are often characterized by the experience of traumatic events frequently accompanied by loss and separation. These can equally trigger symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complicated grief (CG). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether affected individuals could be assigned to distinct classes at symptom‐cluster levels of these two disorders. Moreover, we aimed to identify event‐related and sociodemographic predictors associated with membership in these pathological classes. Participants were Iraqi internally displaced persons (IDPs; N = 199) who fled their hometowns due to the ISIS conflict and reported having lost an important person within the past 5 years. Based on the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) and Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), a latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to examine different classes of symptom clusters. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine which variables predicted assignment to these symptom classes. The impact of loss and separation among IDPs in Iraq manifested in CG symptoms in more than half of the affected population and was often accompanied by PTSD. LCA identified a low‐symptoms class (17.6%), CG class (33.7%), PTSD class (12.1%), and comorbid PTSD+CG class (36.7%). The sudden or violent death of a loved one was identified as a distinguishing factor for PTSD. Furthermore, separation was associated with comorbidity. Aid agencies should take these specific factors into account to improve effective and economic aid delivery to IDPs continuously affected by terror.
Reassessing the Role of Phonomicrosurgery and Smoking Status in the Management of Reinke's Edema
Authors: Quinton Brooke A. , Arianpour Khashayar , Yaffe Noah M. , Tierney William S. , Benninger Michael S. , Bryson Paul C.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To elucidate recurrence patterns of Reinke's edema (RE) following phonomicrosurgery and compare current and former smokers' outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent microflap excision for RE at our institution since 2008. Patient data were collected, including demographics, smoking history, and operative and voice outcomes during the available follow‐up period. Descriptive statistics, student's t‐tests, Chi‐squared analyses, and Fischer's exact tests were used for the appropriate between‐group comparisons utilizing JMP statistical software.

Results

Patients who quit smoking on the day of surgery or continued to smoke postoperatively were included in our group of current smokers (n = 56). Patients who quit smoking within the month of surgery or longer were included in our group of former smokers (n = 22). There was no significant difference in postoperative voice outcomes between groups. Eight patients in the entire cohort experienced recurrence during the available follow‐up period. Fischer's exact test revealed no statistically significant association between smoking status and recurrence (two‐tailed p > 0.05). The mean time to recurrence for current smokers who did recur was 69 and 54 months for former smokers.

Conclusion

We report low overall recurrence rates after microflap excision of RE lesions compared with historical data, without any significant difference in recurrence or voice outcomes when comparing current and former smokers. Further prospective trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to guide the surgical management of RE patients and the implications of smoking status.

Level of Evidence.

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2659–2663, 2024
Stable carbon isotopic composition of amino sugars in heterotrophic bacteria and phytoplankton: Implications for assessment of marine organic matter degradation
Authors: Guo Jinqiang , Achterberg Eric P. , Shen Yuan , Yuan Huamao , Song Jinming , Liu Jin , Li Xuegang , Duan Liqin
Published: November 2023

Compound‐specific isotope analysis has opened up a new realm for resolving the sources and transformation processes of marine organic matter. However, the stable carbon isotope patterns of amino sugars remain unknown. We examined δ13C of amino sugars in marine phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria, and the variations in amino sugar δ13C during 66‐d planktonic organic matter degradation experiments, to investigate the metabolic sources and transformations of amino sugars by bacterial reworking. The δ13C values of glucosamine (GlcN) and galactosamine (GalN) were comparable in heterotrophic bacteria (difference Δδ13CGlcN–GalN = 0.4–4.0‰) but pronouncedly different in phytoplankton (Δδ13CGlcN–GalN = 4.3–16.6‰), suggesting similar synthesis pathways of GlcN and GalN in bacteria that differed from phytoplankton. Compared to GlcN and GalN, bacteria preferentially use isotopically light organic compounds for muramic acid (MurA) synthesis. During simulated microbial degradation of organic matter, the δ13C difference between GlcN and GalN decreased from 5.8‰ on the initial day to 1‰ at a late stage in the experiment, but the difference between GlcN and MurA remained at 5.3‰. This difference is consistent with the pattern in cultured phytoplankton (average Δδ13CGlcN–GalN = 5.9‰ ± 1.4‰) and heterotrophic bacteria (average Δδ13CGlcN–MurA = 4.6‰ ± 3.4‰), indicating enhanced bacterial resynthesis as degradation proceeded. Based on the difference in δ13C among GlcN, GalN, and MurA, we propose a novel index of variation in amino sugar δ13C, representing amino sugar resynthesis, to describe the diagenetic state of organic matter. Together, these findings suggest that amino sugar δ13C can be used as a new tool to track heterotrophic processes of marine organic matter.