bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of mechanical, thermal, and wear‐resistant properties of PDMS nanocomposites filled with low loading of 2D MoS2
Authors: Wang Leilei , Choi Jungwook
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based nanocomposites with different loadings of two‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets. The uniform incorporation of the MoS2 nanosheets in the PDMS matrix was confirmed by unique excitonic absorption peaks, Raman signatures, and x‐ray photoelectron spectra of the MoS2. Owing to the excellent mechanical properties of the embedded MoS2 nanosheets, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of PDMS respectively increased to 42.86% and 19.63% compared to that of pristine PDMS, even at a low MoS2 loading of 0.04 wt%. A dynamic mechanical analysis of the nanocomposites revealed an increase in the storage modulus of PDMS by 9.83% and 30.88% with 0.04 wt% MoS2 loading at strain and frequency sweeps from 0% to 1% and 0.01–10 Hz, respectively. The low MoS2 loading also increased degradation temperature for 50% weight loss from 575.76 (for PDMS) to 652.74°C (for MoS2‐PDMS). In addition, ball‐on‐disk tribology tests revealed that the incorporation of MoS2 nanosheets withstand higher angular speeds (up to 15.71 rad/s) and significantly reduced the friction coefficient by 39.69% (at 7.85 rad/s). Our results imply that MoS2‐PDMS nanocomposites could potentially be used in various applications that require dielectric properties with improved mechanical and thermal stability.
Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of anti‐hyperalgesia, anticonvulsant and antioxidant activity of novel VV‐hemorphin‐5 analogs
Authors: Todorov Petar , Georgieva Stela , Tchekalarova Jana , Peneva Petia , Mateeva Polina , Assenov Borislav , Dzhambazova Elena , Pechlivanova Daniela
Published: August 2023

Two series of new VV‐hemorphin‐5 analogs with structures Val–Val–Tyr–Xxx–Trp–Thr–Gln–NH2 and Adam–Val–Val–Tyr–Xxx–Trp–Thr–Gln–NH2, where Xxx is Ac5c (1‐aminocyclopentane‐1‐carboxylic acid), Ac6c (1‐aminocyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic acid), Ac7c (1‐aminocycloheptane‐1‐carboxylic acid), and Adam is the low‐molecular‐weight lipophilic adamantyl building block, were synthesized, characterized electrochemically and evaluated for antioxidant, anti‐hyperalgesia, and anticonvulsant activity. The design of the compounds followed the strategy to improve the propensity for aqueous solubility and/or to increase their affinity for the target receptor or enzyme. The partition coefficient value shows that the peptide scaffold goes from hydrophilic to lipophilic with the increasing size of the cycloalkane ring and even more with the introduction of the adamantane. The peptides C5‐V and C7‐V were the only analogs that provoked an immediate antinociceptive effect changing the mechanical pain threshold. The six new peptide analogs produced a significant and long‐lasting carrageenan model of inflammatory pain in rats. While the adamantane hemorphin analog Ad7‐V was the only compound with the potency to suppress psychomotor seizures in the 6‐Hz test, the C6‐V and Ad6‐V exhibited protective activity against the seizure spread in the maximal electroshock seizure test in mice. The active analogs did not show neurotoxicity or sedative effects. Our results revealed a structure‐related specific activity of a newly designed hemorphin analog that could be used as a template for future modification and preparation of compounds with potential analgesic and anticonvulsant activity.
Tmem178 Negatively Regulates IL‐1β Production Through Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Khanna Kunjan , Yan Hui , Mehra Muneshwar , Rohatgi Nidhi , Mbalaviele Gabriel , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Faccio Roberta
Published: August 2023

Objective

Inflammasomes modulate the release of bioactive interleukin (IL)‐1β. Excessive IL‐1β levels are detected in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) with mutated and unmutated inflammasome components, raising questions on the mechanisms of IL‐1β regulation in these disorders.

Methods

To investigate how the NLRP3 inflammasome is modulated in sJIA, we focused on Transmembrane protein 178 (Tmem178), a negative regulator of calcium levels in macrophages, and measured IL‐1β and caspase‐1 activation in wild‐type (WT) and Tmem178−/− macrophages after calcium chelators, silencing of Stim1, a component of store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE), or by expressing a Tmem178 mutant lacking the Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (Stim1) binding site. Mitochondrial function in both genotypes was assessed by measuring oxidative respiration, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and mitochondrial damage. CSS development was analyzed in Perforin−/−/Tmem178−/− mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) in which inflammasome or IL‐1β signaling was pharmacologically inhibited. Human TMEM178 and IL1B transcripts were analyzed in data sets of whole blood and peripheral blood monocytes from healthy controls and patients with active sJIA.

Results

TMEM178 levels are reduced in whole blood and monocytes from patients with sJIA while IL1B levels are increased. Accordingly, Tmem178−/− macrophages produce elevated IL‐1β compared with WT cells. The elevated intracellular calcium levels after SOCE activation in Tmem178−/− macrophages induce mitochondrial damage, release mtROS, and ultimately promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In vivo, inhibition of inflammasome or IL‐1β neutralization prolongs Tmem178−/− mouse survival in LCMV‐induced CSS.

Conclusion

Down‐regulation of TMEM178 levels may represent a marker of disease activity and help identify patients who could benefit from inflammasome targeting.

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Transition of average drug‐to‐antibody ratio of trastuzumab deruxtecan in systemic circulation in monkeys using a hybrid affinity capture liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Habara Hiromi , Okamoto Hiromi , Nagai Yoko , Oitate Masataka , Takakusa Hideo , Watanabe Nobuaki
Published: August 2023

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T‐DXd, DS‐8201a) is an antibody–drug conjugate, comprising an anti‐HER2 antibody at a drug‐to‐antibody ratio of 7–8 with the topoisomerase I inhibitor DXd. In this study, the concentrations of antibody‐conjugated DXd and total antibody were determined and observed to decrease over time following intravenous administration of T‐DXd to monkeys. The drug‐to‐antibody ratio of T‐DXd also decreased in a time‐dependent manner, which reached approximately 2.5 in 21 days after administration. It was suggested that antibody‐conjugated DXd of T‐DXd was relatively stable in vivo compared with that of other reported antibody–drug conjugates.
Roles of circular RNAs in osteogenic/osteoclastogenic differentiation
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Chao , Xu Lin , Li Xingnuan
Published: August 2023

The process of bone remodeling occurs and is regulated through interactions between osteoclasts, which resorb bone, and osteoblasts, which generate bone tissue. When the homeostatic balance between these two cell types is dysregulated, this can contribute to abnormal bone remodeling resulting in a loss of bone mass as is observed in osteoporosis (OP) and other forms of degenerative bone metabolic diseases. At present, details of molecular mechanism underlying the development of bone metabolic diseases such as OP remain to be elucidated. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are small non‐coding RNA molecules with a closed‐loop structure that can regulate the differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. The present review provides a systematic overview of recent literature on the processes through which circRNAs regulate the dynamic balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts that ultimately preserve bone homeostasis. It will also give insight that can shape current understanding of the pathogenesis of OP and other bone metabolic diseases to better guide diagnostic and treatment strategies for affected patients.
Automated calibration and in‐line measurement of product quality during therapeutic monoclonal antibody purification using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Jiarui , Chen Jingyi , Studts Joey , Wang Gang
Published: August 2023

Current manufacturing and development processes for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies demand increasing volumes of analytical testing for both real‐time process controls and high‐throughput process development. The feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy as an in‐line product quality measuring tool has been recently demonstrated and promises to relieve this analytical bottleneck. Here, we resolve time‐consuming calibration process that requires fractionation and preparative experiments covering variations of product quality attributes (PQAs) by engineering an automation system capable of collecting Raman spectra on the order of hundreds of calibration points from two to three stock seed solutions differing in protein concentration and aggregate level using controlled mixing. We used this automated system to calibrate multi‐PQA models that accurately measured product concentration and aggregation every 9.3 s using an in‐line flow‐cell. We demonstrate the application of a nonlinear calibration model for monitoring product quality in real‐time during a biopharmaceutical purification process intended for clinical and commercial manufacturing. These results demonstrate potential feasibility to implement quality monitoring during GGMP manufacturing as well as to increase chemistry, manufacturing, and controls understanding during process development, ultimately leading to more robust and controlled manufacturing processes.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis orchestrates CD143+ cancer‐associated fibroblasts to suppress colorectal tumorigenesis by Wnt signaling‐regulated GAS1
Authors: Chen Shujie , Fan Lina , Lin Yifeng , Qi Yadong , Xu Chaochao , Ge Qiwei , Zhang Ying , Wang Qiwen , Jia Dingjiacheng , Wang Lan , Si Jianmin , Wang Liangjing
Published: August 2023

Background

The interplay between gut microbiota and tumor microenvironment (TME) in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well explored. Here, we elucidated the functional role of Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B.a) on CRC and investigated its possible mechanism on the manipulation of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in CRC.

Methods

Different CRC animal models and various cell line models were established to explore the function of B.a on CRC. The single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) or flow cytometry was used to detect the cell subsets in the TME of CRC. Western blot, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), or immunofluorescence staining were performed to examine the activation of Wnt signaling and growth arrest specific 1 (GAS1) on CD143+ CAFs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative real‐time PCR (CHIP‐qPCR) was performed to investigate the regulation of transcription factor 4 (TCF4) on GAS1. Multi‐immunofluorescence assay examined the expression level of CD143 and GAS1 on tissue microarray.

Results

We found that B.a abundance was significantly reduced in CRC patients from two independent cohorts and the bacteria database of GMrepo. Supplementation with B.a suppressed ApcMin/+ spontaneous or AOM/DSS‐induced tumorigenesis in mice. scRNA‐seq revealed that B.a facilitated a subset of CD143+ CAFs by inhibiting the infiltration of Th2 cells, while promoting the TNF‐alpha+ B cells in TME. CD143+ CAFs highly expressed GAS1 and exhibited tumor suppressive effect. Mechanistically, GAS1 was activated by the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in CD143+ CAFs. B.a abundance was correlated with the expression level of CD143 and GAS1. The level of CD143+ CAFs predicted the better survival outcome in CRC patients.

Conclusions

These results highlighted that B.a induced a new subset of CD143+ CAFs by Wnt signaling‐regulated GAS1 to suppress tumorigenesis and provided a novel therapeutic target for probiotic‐based modulation of TME in CRC.
An unusual case of heart failure due to ANCA‐negative vasculitis: A case report and focused review of the literature
Authors: Orlando Porras Bueno Cristian , Ines Saldarriaga Giraldo Clara , Eduardo Roncancio Villamil Gustavo , Fernanda Álvarez Barreneche María
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Heart failure due to ANCA‐negative vasculitis, is a rare potentially life‐threatening manifestation of ANCA vasculitis. Therefore, physicians must always pay attention to this manifestation for proper disease diagnosis and treatment.

Less than 10% of primary vasculitides cause cardiac dysfunction, with Takayasu's arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis being the most common cases. However, any cardiac tissue can be affected by ANCA vasculitis. We present a case of heart failure with reduced ventricular ejection fraction due to ANCA negative‐vasculitis.
Synchronous occurrence of hepatic mucinous cystic neoplasm and serous ovarian cystadenoma
Authors: Limaiem Faten
Published: August 2023

Key clinical message

The coexistence of hepatic mucinous cystic neoplasm and ovarian serous cystadenoma is rare and can only be confirmed by histological examination of the surgical specimen. Complete surgical resection is the optimal treatment.

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) of the liver are rare premalignant lesions that account for less than 5% of all hepatic cysts. The synchronous occurrence of hepatic MCN with ovarian cystadenomas is rare. Herein, we report a case of a hepatic MCN coexistent with a serous ovarian cystadenoma.
Extracerebral anaplastic meningioma
Authors: Carillio Guido , Lavecchia Anna Maria , Misuraca Demetrio
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Conventional treatments of anaplastic meningioma include surgery and radiotherapy. Temozolomide is also an option. Metastases to extracerebral organs are very rare and hardly manageable. Antiangiogenic drugs could represent a salvage therapy.

Anaplastic meningioma is an unusual tumor subtype that rarely involves organs outside the brain. In our case, a patient with cerebral meningioma developed lung metastases after 19 years from the initial tumor appearance. This unpredictable behavior could make complex the diagnosis.
Prediction of Molecular Conformation Using Deep Generative Neural Networks
Authors: Xu Congsheng , Lu Yi , Deng Xiaomei , Yu Peiyuan
Published: August 2023

The accurate prediction of molecular conformations with high efficiency is crucial in various fields such as materials science, computational chemistry and computer‐aided drug design, as the three‐dimensional structures accessible at a given condition usually determine the specific physical, chemical, and biological properties of a molecule. Traditional approaches for the conformational sampling of molecules such as molecular dynamics simulations and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods either require an exponentially increasing amount of time as the degree of freedom of the molecule increases or suffer from systematic errors that fail to obtain important conformations, thus presenting significant challenges for conformation sampling with both high efficiency and high accuracy. Recently, deep learning‐based generative models have emerged as a promising solution to this problem. These models can generate a large number of molecular conformations in a short time, and their accuracy is comparable and, in some cases, even better than that of current popular open‐source and commercial software. This Emerging Topic introduces the recent progresses of using deep learning for predicting molecular conformations and briefly discusses the potential and challenges of this emerging field.
Early Warning for the Electrolyzer: Monitoring CO2 Reduction via In‐Line Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Warkentin Hugh , O'Brien Colin P. , Holowka Sarah , Maxwell Benjamin , Awara Mariam , Bouman Mark , Zeraati Ali Shayesteh , Nicholas Rachael , Ip Alexander H. , Elsahwi Essam S. , Gabardo Christine M. , Sinton David
Published: August 2023

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to fuels and feedstocks presents an opportunity to decarbonize the chemical industry, and current electrolyzer performance levels approach commercial viability. However, stability remains below that required, in part because of the challenge of probing these electrolyzer systems in real time and the challenge of determining the root cause of failure. Failure can result from initial conditions (e. g., the over‐ or under‐compression of the electrolyzer), gradual degradation of components (e. g., cathode or anode catalysts), the accumulation of products or by‐products, or immediate changes such as the development of a hole in the membrane or a short circuit. Identifying and mitigating these assembly‐related, gradual, and immediate failure modes would increase both electrolyzer lifetime and economic viability of CO2RR. We demonstrate the continuous monitoring of CO2RR electrolyzers during operation via non‐disruptive, real‐time electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Using this technique, we characterise common failure modes ‐ compression, salt formation, and membrane short circuits ‐ and identify electrochemical parameter signatures for each. We further propose a framework to identify, predict, and prevent failures in CO2RR electrolyzers. This framework allowed for the prediction of anode degradation ~11 hours before other indicators such as selectivity or voltage.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel pleuromutilin derivatives containing benzimidazoles as effective anti‐MRSA agents
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Wen , Ren Jie , Lu Jia‐Xun , Chen Xiao‐Ying , He Xian‐Jin , Wang Qi , Zhou Zi‐Dan , Jin Zhen , Zeng Zhen‐Ling , Tang You‐Zhi
Published: August 2023

A series of pleuromutilin derivatives containing benzimidazole were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial activities against Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in this study. The in vitro antibacterial activities of the synthesized derivatives against four strains of S. aureus (MRSA ATCC 43300, S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus 144, and S. aureus AD3) were determined by the broth dilution method. Among these derivatives, compound 58 exhibited superior in vitro antibacterial effect against MRSA (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 0.0625 μg/mL) than tiamulin (MIC = 0.5 μg/mL). Compound 58 possessed a faster bactericidal kinetic and a longer post‐antibiotic effect time against MRSA than tiamulin. Meanwhile, at 8 μg/mL concentration, compound 58 did not display obviously cytotoxic effect on the RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, compound 58 (−2.04 log10 CFU/mL) displayed superior in vivo antibacterial efficacy than tiamulin (−1.02 log10 CFU/mL) in reducing MRSA load in mice thigh infection model. In molecular docking study, compound 58 can successfully attach to the 50S ribosomal active site (the binding free energy is −8.11 kcal/mol). Therefore, compound 58 was a potential antibacterial candidate for combating MRSA infections.
Patient mortality following new‐onset heart failure stratified by cancer type and status
Authors: Nouhravesh Nina , Strange Jarl E. , Holt Anders , Tønnesen Jacob , Andersen Camilla Fuchs , Nielsen Sebastian K. , Køber Lars , Mentz Robert J. , Nielsen Dorte , Fosbøl Emil L. , Lamberts Morten , Schou Morten
Published: August 2023

Aim

Expected 1‐year survival is essential to risk stratification of patients with heart failure (HF); however, little is known about the 1‐year prognosis of patients with HF and cancer. Thus, the objective was to investigate the 1‐year prognosis following new‐onset HF stratified by cancer status in patients with breast, gastrointestinal, or lung cancer.

Methods and results

All Danish patients with new‐onset HF from 2000 to 2018 were included. Cancer status was categorized as history of cancer (no cancer‐related contact within 5 years of HF diagnosis), non‐active cancer (curative intended procedure administered) and active cancer. Standardized 1‐year all‐cause mortality was reported using G‐computation. Age‐stratified 1‐year all‐cause mortality was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. In total, 193 359 patients with HF were included, 7.3% had either a breast, gastrointestinal, or lung cancer diagnosis. Patients with cancer were older and more comorbid than patients without cancer. Standardized 1‐year all‐cause mortality (95% confidence intervals) was 24.6% (23.0–26.2%), 27.1% (25.5–28.6%), and 29.9% (25.9–34.0%) for history of breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancer, respectively, which was comparable to patients with non‐active cancers. For active breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancer, standardized 1‐year all‐cause mortality was 36.2% (33.8–38.6%), 49.0% (47.2–50.9%), and 61.6% (59.7–63.5%), respectively. One‐year all‐cause mortality increased incrementally with age, except for active lung cancer.

Conclusion

Standardized 1‐year all‐cause mortality was comparable for patients with history of cancer and non‐active cancer regardless of cancer type, but varied comprehensively for active cancers. Prognostic impact of age was limited for active lung cancer. Thus, granular stratification of cancer is necessary for optimized management of new‐onset HF.
Scaling Microseismic Cloud Shape during Hydraulic Stimulation using Permeability and In-situ Stress
Authors: mukuhira yusuke , Yang Meihua , Ishibashi Takuya , Okamoto Kyosuke , Moriya Hirokazu , Kumano Yusuke , Rubinstein Justin L. , Asanuma Hiroshi , Ito Takatoshi , Yan Kangnan , Zuo Yinhui
Published: August 2023

Forecasting microseismic cloud shape as a proxy of stimulated rock
volume is essential for the design of an energy extraction system. The
microseismic cloud created during hydraulic stimulation is known
empirically to extend in the maximum principal stress direction.
However, this empirical relationship is often inconsistent with reported
results, and the cloud growth process remains poorly understood. This
study investigates microseismic cloud growth using data obtained from a
hydraulic stimulation project in Basel, Switzerland, and explores its
correlation with measured in-situ stress. We applied principal component
analysis to a time series of microseismic distribution for macroscopic
characterization of microseismic cloud growth in two- and
three-dimensional space. The microseismic cloud in addition to extending
in the direction of maximum principal stress expanded to the direction
of intermediate principal stress too. The orientation of the least
microseismic cloud growth was stable and almost identical to the minimum
principal stress direction. Following the stimulation, the orientation
of microseismic cloud growth was consistent with the in-situ stress
direction. Further, microseismic cloud shape ratios showed good
agreement when compared with in-situ stress magnitude. The permeability
tensor estimated from microseismicity also presented good correlation in
terms of direction and magnitude with microseismic cloud growth. We show
that in-situ stress plays a dominant role by controlling the
permeability of each existing fracture in the reservoir fracture system.
Consequently, microseismic cloud growth can be scaled by in-situ stress
if there is sufficient variation in the existing faults.
Transfer‐entropy‐based dynamic feature selection for evaluating Bitcoin price drivers
Authors: Barak Sasan , Parvini Navid
Published: August 2023

Despite the growing literature in cryptocurrency forecasting and their price drivers, the relationship between their price and other financial time series is an ongoing matter of debate. This study proposes a three‐step methodology to cover these arguments. First, we conduct an ad hoc analysis using transfer entropy (TE) to study the causal relationship between Bitcoin (BTC) returns and a vast array of financial time series. Then, we utilize variables with a significant amount of information flow toward BTC returns to forecast multi‐step‐ahead BTC returns. Finally, we use explainable artificial intelligence post hoc analysis methods to discover the contribution of each input feature to the overall forecasting. The results indicate a significant change in the information flow pattern in the first days of the COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak. Additionally, our proposed TE‐based feature‐selection method outperforms both benchmarks, a nonfeature‐selection model, and backward stepwise regression.
Nanoplatforms: The future of oral cancer treatment
Authors: Senevirathna Kalpani , Jayawickrama Shalindu M. , Jayasinghe Yovanthi A. , Prabani Karunakalage I. P. , Akshala Kushani , Pradeep Ratupaskatiye G. G. R. , Damayanthi Hewaratne D. W. T. , Hettiarachchi Kalani , Dorji Thinley , Lucero‐Prisno Don E. , Rajapakse Rajapakse M. G. , Kanmodi Kehinde K. , Jayasinghe Ruwan D.
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Cytotoxicity is a key disadvantage of using chemotherapeutic drugs to treat cancer. This can be overcome by encapsulating chemotherapeutic drugs in suitable carriers for targeted delivery, allowing them to be released only at the cancerous sites. Herein, we aim to review the recent scientific developments in the utilization of nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems for treating oral malignancies that can lead to further improvements in clinical practice.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and other notable databases to identify recent peer‐reviewed clinical trials, reviews, and research articles related to nanoplatforms and their applications in oral cancer treatment.

Results

Nanoplatforms offer a revolutionary strategy to overcome the challenges associated with conventional oral cancer treatments, such as poor drug solubility, non‐specific targeting, and systemic toxicity. These nanoscale drug delivery systems encompass various formulations, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and hydrogels, which facilitate controlled release and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to oral cancer sites. By exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention effect, Nanoplatforms accumulate preferentially in the tumor microenvironment, increasing drug concentration and minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Additionally, nanoplatforms can be engineered to carry multiple drugs or a combination of drugs and diagnostic agents, enabling personalized and precise treatment approaches.

Conclusion

The utilization of nanoplatforms in oral cancer treatment holds significant promise in revolutionizing therapeutic strategies. Despite the promising results in preclinical studies, further research is required to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long‐term effects of nanoformulations in clinical settings. If successfully translated into clinical practice, nanoplatform‐based therapies have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce side effects, and pave the way for more personalized and effective oral cancer treatments.
Maximally edge‐connected realizations and Kundu's k $k$‐factor theorem
Authors: Shook James M.
Published: August 2023

A simple graph with edge‐connectivity and minimum degree is maximally edge‐connected if . In 1964, given a nonincreasing degree sequence , Jack Edmonds showed that there is a realization of that is ‐edge‐connected if and only if with when . We strengthen Edmonds's result by showing that given a realization of if is a spanning subgraph of with such that when , then there is a maximally edge‐connected realization of with as a subgraph. Our theorem tells us that there is a maximally edge‐connected realization of that differs from by at most edges. For , if has a spanning forest with components, then our theorem says there is a maximally edge‐connected realization that differs from by at most edges. As an application we combine our work with Kundu's ‐factor theorem to show there is a maximally edge‐connected realization with a ‐factor for and present a partial result to a conjecture that strengthens the regular case of Kundu's ‐factor theorem.
The use of radiomics in magnetic resonance imaging for the pre‐treatment characterisation of breast cancers: A scoping review
Authors: Campana Annalise , Gandomkar Ziba , Giannotti Nicola , Reed Warren
Published: August 2023

Radiomics is an emerging field that aims to extract and analyse a comprehensive set of quantitative features from medical images. This scoping review is focused on MRI‐based radiomic features for the molecular profiling of breast tumours and the implications of this work for predicting patient outcomes. A thorough systematic literature search and outcome extraction were performed to identify relevant studies published in MEDLINE/PubMed (National Centre for Biotechnology Information), EMBASE and Scopus from 2015 onwards. The following information was retrieved from each article: study purpose, study design, extracted radiomic features, machine learning technique(s), sample size/characteristics, statistical result(s) and implications on patient outcomes. Based on the study purpose, four key themes were identified in the included 63 studies: tumour subtype classification (n = 35), pathologically complete response (pCR) prediction (n = 15), lymph node metastasis (LNM) detection (n = 7) and recurrence rate prediction (n = 6). In all four themes, reported accuracies widely varied among the studies, for example, area under receiver characteristics curve (AUC) for detecting LNM ranged from 0.72 to 0.91 and the AUC for predicting pCR ranged from 0.71 to 0.99. In all four themes, combining radiomic features with clinical data improved the predictive models. Preliminary results of this study showed radiomics potential to characterise the whole tumour heterogeneity, with clear implications for individual‐targeted treatment. However, radiomics is still in the pre‐clinical phase, currently with an insufficient number of large multicentre studies and those existing studies are often limited by insufficient methodological transparency and standardised workflow. Consequently, the clinical translation of existing studies is currently limited.
Inequitable access to Ebola vaccines and the resurgence of Ebola in Africa: A state of arts review
Authors: Abdul‐Rahman Toufik , Lawal Lukman , Meale Emily , Ajetunmobi Oyinbolaji A. , Toluwalashe Soyemi , Alao Uthman Hassan , Ghosh Shankhaneel , Garg Neil , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Wireko Andrew Awuah , Mehta Aashna , Sikora Kateryna
Published: August 2023

The Ebola virus, a member of the filoviridae family of viruses, is responsible for causing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) with a case fatality rate as high as 50%. The largest EVD outbreak was recorded in West Africa from March 2013 to June 2016, leading to over 28 000 cases and 11 000 deaths. It affected several countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Until then, EVD was predominantly reported in remote villages in central and west Africa close to tropical rainforests. Human mobility, behavioral and cultural norms, the use of bushmeat, burial customs, preference for traditional remedies and treatments, and resistance to health interventions are just a few of the social factors that considerably aid and amplify the risk of transmission. The scale and persistence of recent ebola outbreaks, as well as the risk of widespread global transmission and its ability for bioterrorism, have led to a rethinking of public health strategies to curb the disease, such as the expedition of Ebola vaccine production. However, as vaccine production lags in the subcontinent, among other challenges, the risk of another ebola outbreak is likely and feared by public health authorities in the region. This review describes the inequality of vaccine production in Africa and the resurgence of EVD, emphasizing the significance of health equality.
Collocating pipelines to minimize fragmentation: evaluating ecological costs of a shale gas mitigation practice
Authors: Langlois Lillie A. , Brenner Stephen J. , Brittingham Margaret C.
Published: August 2023

Shale gas development occurs in forests of the Appalachian Basin within breeding habitat for forest songbirds. Development requires linear infrastructure (e.g., pipelines, gas access roads) that fragments habitat and reduces core forest. Collocation is a mitigation practice that sites new pipelines adjacent to existing surface disturbance such as forest roads; it reduces core forest loss but may have associated ecological costs, defined as negative effects on native species and ecosystems. We conducted a paired sampling design between forest roads and collocated pipelines (expanded gas access roads collocated with pipelines) to evaluate ecological costs to forest songbirds in 2013 in Pennsylvania, USA. We surveyed 4 focal songbird species: 3 territorial species that varied in habitat requirements and the non‐territorial brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), an obligate brood parasite. We used spot mapping to survey focal species within linear corridors and the adjacent mature forest. Territory density of forest interior ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) was significantly lower on collocated pipelines (5.1 fewer territories per 10 ha) compared to forest road sites. We found no effect of collocation on territory density for the early successional species, eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) and chestnut‐sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica). Territories of all 3 territorial focal species crossed collocated pipeline sites less frequently than forest roads (ovenbird: 16%, eastern towhee: 14%, chestnut‐sided warbler: 31%) and the barrier effect increased with increasing corridor width. In contrast, brown‐headed cowbird abundance was 15 times greater at collocated pipelines compared to forest roads, suggesting that wider gas corridors provide enhanced access routes for cowbirds. Our study indicates the expansion of forest roads to collocated pipelines exacerbates the negative ecological effects already present with the existing road including increased edge avoidance by a forest interior species, greater barrier effects for all 3 territorial forest songbirds, and increased access for brown‐headed cowbirds into core forest. We support collocation as a mitigation strategy but emphasize restricting overall corridor width to reduce the additional ecological costs associated with this practice.
Tissue proteomics repositories for data reanalysis
Authors: Stroggilos Rafael , Tserga Aggeliki , Zoidakis Jerome , Vlahou Antonia , Makridakis Manousos
Published: August 2023

We are approaching the third decade since the establishment of the very first proteomics repositories back in the mid‐'00s. New experimental approaches and technologies continuously enrich the field while producing vast amounts of mass spectrometry data. Together with initiatives to establish standard terminology and file formats, proteomics is rapidly transforming into a mature component of systems biology. Here we describe the ProteomeXchange consortium repositories. We specifically search, collect and evaluate public human tissue datasets (categorized as “complete” by the repository) submitted in 2015–2022, to both map the existing information and assess the data set reusability. Human tissue data are variably represented in the repositories reviewed, ranging between 10% and 25% of the total data submitted, with cancers being the most represented, followed by neuronal and cardiovascular diseases. About half of the retrieved data sets were found to lack annotations or metadata necessary to directly replicate the analysis. This poses a rough challenge to data reusability and highlights the need to increase awareness of the mage‐tab file format for metadata in the community. Overall, proteomics repositories have evolved greatly over the past 7 years, as they have grown in size and become equipped with various powerful applications and tools that enable data searching and analytical tasks. However, to make the most of this potential, priority must be given to finding ways to secure detailed metadata for each submission, which is likely the next major milestone for proteomics repositories.
Three‐dimensional‐printed dual‐polarized high‐isolation horn antenna at Ka‐band
Authors: Bharath Kunooru , Nandigama Srujana Vahini , Dasari Rama Krishna , PandhariPande Vijay M.
Published: August 2023

A dual‐polarized horn antenna with good port‐to‐port isolation is designed at Ka‐band and fabricated using three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology, and the measured results are discussed with simulation data. In order to achieve high port‐to‐port isolation with dual polarization, a metallic via is inserted into the coupled port, which is placed on top of the broad wall input of the horn antenna. The proposed horn is fabricated with the help of a low‐cost atomic diffusion additive manufacturing (ADAM) 3D printing technique using 17‐4PH stainless steel material. The measured reflection parameter at port1 (direct port) is better than 15 dB over Ka‐band, while the measured reflection parameter at port2 (coupled port) is better than 10 dB over 27–29 GHz, the isolation parameter (S21) between the ports is better than 50 dB over Ka‐band, and the cross‐polarization level is at least 30 dB below the copolarization.
Rates and predictors of visits to primary care physicians during and after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Breakey Vicky R. , Sutradhar Rinku , Nathan Paul C. , Patel Serina , Wheaton Laura , Li Qing , Bassal Mylene , Gibson Paul , Pole Jason D. , Athale Uma , Gupta Sumit
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Patient re‐engagement with primary care physicians (PCPs) after cancer treatment is essential to facilitate survivorship care and to meet non‐oncology primary care needs. We identified rates and predictors of PCP visits both during and after treatment among a population‐based cohort of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

Children of age less than 18 years at ALL diagnosis in Ontario between 2002 and 2012 were linked to administrative data and matched to controls without cancer. PCPs at diagnosis were identified and PCP visit rates during treatment compared between patients and controls. Post‐treatment PCP visit rates were also calculated. Predictors included demographic‐, disease‐, and PCP‐related variables.

Results

A total of 743/793 (94%) patients and 3112/3947 (79%) controls had a PCP at diagnosis. Almost half of patients (361/743, 45%) did not visit their PCP during treatment. Visit rate during treatment was 0.64 per person per year (PPPY) versus 1.4 PPPY among controls (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 0.47, 95th confidence interval [95CI]: 0.40–0.54; p < .0001). No disease‐ or PCP‐related factors were associated with visit rates. Total 711 patients completed frontline therapy; 287 (40.4%) did not have a PCP visit after treatment. Nonetheless, survivors overall visited PCPs post treatment more often than controls (aRR 1.4, 95CI: 1.2–1.6; p < .0001). Survivors who saw their PCP during treatment had post‐treatment visit rates twice that of other survivors (aRR 2.0, 95CI: 1.6–2.5; p < .0001).

Conclusions

Only a portion of children with ALL see their PCPs during treatment and return to PCP care following treatment completion. Post‐treatment engagement with PCPs may be improved by PCP involvement during ALL treatment.
A multilevel framework for assessing self‐regulated learning in school contexts: Innovations, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Cleary Timothy J. , Russo Michelle R.
Published: August 2023

As the importance of student self‐regulated learning (SRL) among school‐aged populations continues to increase, there is an emerging need for school psychologists and other school professionals to develop the knowledge and skills to effectively assess this process. The current paper provides a conceptual and empirical overview of a multimethod SRL diagnostic assessment framework included as part of the Self‐Regulation Empowerment Program (SREP). In addition to providing information about the operation and sequence of the SREP diagnostic assessment process, the current paper underscores the commonly used measures of SRL (e.g., self‐report questionnaires, teacher rating scales, SRL microanalysis, think‐aloud protocols) and provides evidence supporting their psychometric rigor and utility in school settings. This paper also serves as a roadmap that school psychologists can use to increase the frequency and quality of school‐based SRL assessments. Future research directions regarding the SREP diagnostic assessment process are also emphasized.
Experimental and Theoretical Study on Anisotropic Electron Mobility in 4H‐SiC
Authors: Ishikawa Ryoya , Tanaka Hajime , Kaneko Mitsuaki , Kimoto Tsunenobu
Published: August 2023

Electron mobility parallel to the c‐axis in 4H‐SiC is experimentally determined by Hall effect measurements over wide donor density and temperature ranges (6 × 1014–3 × 1018 cm−3 and 140–600 K), and it is compared with that perpendicular to the c‐axis obtained for the same conditions. Empirical equations for the mobility along both directions are determined as functions of donor density and temperature, which contribute to the simulation and designing of SiC devices. The origin of the mobility anisotropy is discussed, focusing on the electron effective mass anisotropy. For a precise analysis, taking into account the effect of electrons at a higher energy region than the conduction band bottom, an average electron effective mass considering the energy distribution is theoretically calculated from the band structure of SiC. As a result, it is clarified that the electron mobility anisotropy including its temperature dependence is explained by the average electron effective mass anisotropy.
Review of fragmentation of synthetic single‐stranded oligonucleotides by tandem mass spectrometry from 2014 to 2022
Authors: Hannauer Fabien , Black Rachelle , Ray Andrew D. , Stulz Eugen , Langley G. John , Holman Stephen W.
Published: August 2023

The fragmentation of oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry allows for the determination of their sequences. It is necessary to understand how oligonucleotides dissociate in the gas phase, which allows interpretation of data to obtain sequence information. Since 2014, a range of fragmentation mechanisms, including a novel internal rearrangement, have been proposed using different ion dissociation techniques. The recent publications have focused on the fragmentation of modified oligonucleotides such as locked nucleic acids, modified nucleobases (methylated, spacer, nebularine and aminopurine) and modification to the carbon 2′‐position on the sugar ring; these modified oligonucleotides are of great interest as therapeutics. Comparisons of different dissociation techniques have been reported, including novel approaches such as plasma electron detachment dissociation and radical transfer dissociation. This review covers the period 2014–2022 and details the new knowledge gained with respect to oligonucleotide dissociation using tandem mass spectrometry (without priori sample digestion) during that time, with a specific focus on synthetic single‐stranded oligonucleotides.
A lower bound for set‐coloring Ramsey numbers
Authors: Aragão Lucas , Collares Maurício , Marciano João Pedro , Martins Taísa , Morris Robert
Published: August 2023

The set‐coloring Ramsey number is defined to be the minimum such that if each edge of the complete graph is assigned a set of colors from , then one of the colors contains a monochromatic clique of size . The case is the usual ‐color Ramsey number, and the case was studied by Erdős, Hajnal and Rado in 1965, and by Erdős and Szemerédi in 1972. The first significant results for general were obtained only recently, by Conlon, Fox, He, Mubayi, Suk and Verstraëte, who showed that if is bounded away from 0 and 1. In the range , however, their upper and lower bounds diverge significantly. In this note we introduce a new (random) coloring, and use it to determine up to polylogarithmic factors in the exponent for essentially all , , and .
Understanding the social dimensions of resilience: The role of the Social Sciences in Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Action, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Imperiale Angelo Jonas , Vanclay Frank
Published: August 2023

This special issue contributes to building an integrated social science perspective on resilience and resilience‐building. The articles in this issue provide theoretical reflections and empirical insights on two dimensions that characterize resilience in society. The first (local community dimension) comprises the set of community resources, services, adaptive, transformative and coping capacities, processes, actions and behaviors that enable communities to learn from crises, disasters and past failures and transform toward sustainability in localities (community resilience). The second (governance dimension) comprises the set of adaptive and transformative governance strategies and assessment frameworks that enable social learning and sustainability transformation to be strengthened in localities and scaled up across multiple governance levels (social resilience). This special issue provides a theoretical common‐ground and practical pathways to define resilience and to support recovery and development planning to enhance resilience in society in order to achieve effective disaster risk reduction and climate action for sustainable development.
Eco‐friendly and Efficient Synthesis of Water‐soluble MoS2 Quantum Dot Probe for Smart Explosive Sensors
Authors: Parab Aniket A. , Karpe Aniket S. , Tiwari Anjali , Pattanaik Amitansu , Jadhav Yogesh , Walke Pravin , Chaskar Atul
Published: August 2023

The rapid detection of buried landmines has become a crucial concern of global security owing to the advancement in terrorist attacks. Indeed, the development of smart materials for the rapid detection of explosives especially nitro‐explosives is the need of time. However, the sensitivity and selectivity of materials for the detection of nitro‐explosives are major hurdles due to their low vapour pressure at room temperature. Albeit, it could be resolved by the use of advanced functional nanomaterials bearing high surface area and excellent optoelectronic properties. In this context, the water‐soluble MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized by an ultrafast eco‐friendly hot injection method and potentially used for the detection of nitro‐explosives. The detection of picric acid (PA), 2,4,6‐Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and various other nitroaromatic compounds is performed by fluorescent probe technique. Notably, MoS2 QDs have effectively detected picric acid and TNT exhibiting detection limits of 5.13 ppm and 43.93 ppm respectively in water via a photoinduced electron transfer mechanism. Real‐time analysis of picric acid employing a paper strip of MoS2 QD as a fluorescent probe clearly demonstrates MoS2 QDs′ potential for practical usage in explosive detection. This work is patented: Application No. 202121000715 (applied).
Experimental and Computational Characterization of the Molecular Interaction between Bovine Serum Albumin and an Ester‐functionalized Cationic Gemini Surfactant
Authors: Lal Hira , Akram Mohd. , Kabir‐ud‐Din
Published: August 2023

In view of the recent emergence of surfactants as therapeutic agents for industrial‐based pharmacology, the current study highlights the critical aspects of a cationic C12−E2O2−C12 gemini surfactant, such as pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Surface tension, fluorescence and absorption studies reveal that the gemini surfactant interacts efficiently with the BSA. The Stern‐Volmer and Benesi‐Hildebrand equations, utilized to compute the binding constants (KSV and Kb), evaluated at three temperatures by utilizing fluorescence quenching data, provide evidence of static quenching and the evaluated thermodynamic parameters (which are all negative) suggest a spontaneous complexation with the pivotal role being played by both van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Other complementary methods (3‐D, synchronous, RRS, CD, FT‐IR) confirmed conformational alterations in BSA due to the interaction. Binding of the C12−E2O2−C12 gemini surfactant within the protein's site I (sub‐domain IIA) had been derived from site probe and molecular docking analyses. Also, the HOMO‐LUMO energies, band gap energy and global reactivity descriptors of C12−E2O2−C12 gemini surfactant and the aromatic residues of BSA were evaluated. The study might help use C12−E2O2−C12, gemini surfactant as a therapeutic agent in the pharmaceutical industry.