bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Channel reconfiguration for intelligent reflecting surface‐aided vehicular networks
Authors: Wang Ruyan , Wang Kang , Cui Yaping , He Peng , Wu Dapeng
Published: August 2023

Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) has been recognized as one of the core technologies in the sixth generation (6G). Nevertheless, the character of channel state rapid change is a major problem in vehicular networks due to the dynamic vehicle movement and electromagnetic wave random scattering. In order to address the above problem, a strategy that joint phase shifts and channel alignment (PS‐CA) is proposed to reduce Doppler shift impact and improve communication performance in IRS‐aided vehicular networks. In this article, the channels can be divided into two types: the one type is the cascaded channel from the base station (BS) to the IRS and then to the vehicle; the other one is the direct channel from the BS to the vehicle. Thus, the proposed PS‐CA strategy can be divided into two stages. In the first stage, the cascaded channel fast fading state is reduced by designing IRS reflection phase shifts. In the second stage, considering the phase difference between the direct channel and the cascaded channel, we designed a correction function to align the direct channel with the cascaded channel. Then, we combined the designed correction function with IRS reflection phase shifts to reduce the impact of the direct channel fast fading state on overall performance. Simulation results demonstrate that compared to the RPS strategy, the PS‐CA strategy achieves higher spectral efficiency by 31.5.
Efficient resolution of incompressible Navier–Stokes equations using a robust high‐order pseudo‐spectral approach
Authors: Drissi Mohamed , Mesmoudi Said , Mansouri Mohamed
Published: August 2023

An accurate numerical tool is presented in this work to investigate the stationary incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The proposed approach is based on a pseudo‐spectral method for discretizing the differential equations and the asymptotic numerical method to convert nonlinear systems into linear algebraic equations. The coupling of the spectral method with the asymptotic numerical method is considered as an efficient algorithm to solve any nonlinear differential equations. Their efficiency and robustness are examined here on the flow fluid in different canal with different geometries. These computational efficiency and performance have been analysed via several numerical and benchmark examples of incompressible fluid flow in lid‐driven cavity and vortex shedding over L‐Shaped cavity and fluid flow around a square obstacle. The validation of the proposed approach is made by comparison between the obtained results and those calculated using a finite element method or Ansys commercial code. This validation asserts that the presented numerical tool can be promise for solving fluid flow problems with high accuracy.
Hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant effects of granulometric classes and decoction of Ficus dicranostyla Mildbread leaves powders against carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Tabi Omgba Yves , Tsague Marthe Valentine , Temdie Guemmogne Romeo Joël , Tembe Achick Estella , Ngono Mballa Rose , Fokunang Ntungwen Charles , Ngadjui Tchaleu Bonaventure , Dimo Théophile , Ndongo Embola Judith , Ze Minkande Jacqueline
Published: August 2023

Ficus dicranostyla is a plant from the Moraceae family commonly used in African countries for its nutritional value and its believed medicinal properties. Its antioxidant in vitro capacity and its richness in phenolic compounds have been previously demonstrated. This work aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activities of different granulometric fractions of the F. dicranostyla leaves against carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Powdery fractions (<125, 250–125, and ≥250 μm), and the unsieved powder, obtained from the F. dicranostyla leaves were water‐dissolved and given orally to rats at the same dose (250 mg/kg body weight) before administering carbon tetrachloride intraperitoneally (1 mL/Kg bw). The lipid status parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL‐cholesterol, and LDL‐cholesterol), hepatic toxicity through aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) in blood plasma, and antioxidant status by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in liver homogenate were performed. The activities of all parameters registered a significant (p < .05) alteration in CCl4‐treated rats, which were significantly recovered toward an almost normal level in coadministered with Ficus dicranostyla leaf powder samples in a particle size‐dependent manner. Results suggest that the smaller particle size of the powder fraction, as well as the decoction powder of Ficus dicranostyla, may be used as hepatoprotective and antioxidant agents.
Social media intervention for promoting breastfeeding among WIC participants
Authors: Sanchez Louisiana M. , Park Sung‐Yeon , Kohnen Taya , Sarnquist Bret , Jeon Hyo Jin (Jean) , Granner Michelle , Morning Kelly , MacNeil Patricia , Deavers Olivia , Soto Valery , Christiansen Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Social media have emerged as a promising communication channel for promoting breastfeeding among a new generation of mothers. Yet, there is no published study reporting the effects of a large‐scale social media intervention on key breastfeeding‐related perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. As a component of its breastfeeding promotion campaign, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program implemented a 12‐month intervention using Facebook and Instagram and subsequently evaluated the outcomes by surveying WIC‐participating women (N = 832) twice, immediately before and after the intervention. Based on their level of exposure to the intervention messages, the women were retrospectively classified into two groups, resulting in a two‐group (no–low exposure vs. medium–high exposure) quasi‐experiment. Women in the medium–high exposure group, in comparison with women in the no–low exposure group, exhibited higher campaign awareness (p < .001), visits to the campaign website (p < .001), and engagement with the website content (p < .001). They also reported more positive breastfeeding attitudes (M = 17.26 vs. M = 16.51, p < .05), self‐efficacy (M = 54.48 vs. M = 49.94, p < .01), and social support (M = 27.37 vs. M = 25.11, p < .001). But they did not differ from women in the no–low exposure group in breastfeeding initiation (p > .05) and duration (p > .05). In conclusion, a social media‐based intervention resulted in more positive breastfeeding attitudes, higher self‐efficacy, and higher perceived social support. Future studies need to investigate the optimal level of intervention message dosage that prompts significant behavioral changes.
The impact of financial development and technological innovations on renewable energy consumption: Do the roles of economic openness and financial stability matter in BRICS economies?
Authors: Athari Seyed Alireza
Published: August 2023

There is a significant gap in comprehensively probing the determinants of renewable energy consumption (REN) in developing markets. Extant literature suggests the beneficial role of using renewable energy in diminishing carbon emissions and increasing environmental quality. This work addresses this gap and contributes by investigating the factors which significantly affect the REN in emerging economies. More specifically, the present study attempts to contribute by probing the effects of economic openness and financial stability on REN while considering the roles of financial development, technological innovations, and economic growth. To achieve this purpose, this study focuses on BRICS emerging countries, which are five massive and outstanding emerging economies of the globe, and uses both the fixed effects and quantile panel data approaches for yearly data between 2000 and 2021. Remarkably, the results reveal that economic openness and financial stability positively impact REN, implying that rising them helps achieve environmental sustainability. Moreover, the findings indicate the positive and significant role of financial development and technological innovations in increasing REN, whereas economic growth impacts adversely. The findings have essential recommendations for governments, policymakers, and regulatory bodies especially by focusing on the drivers of REN and attempting to maintain banking sector stability to increase REN and promote environmental sustainability.
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells differentiation induction with MAPK/ERK inhibitor fails to support repair processes in the chronically demyelinated CNS
Authors: Ganz Tal , Zveik Omri , Fainstein Nina , Lachish Marva , Rechtman Ariel , Sofer Lihi , Brill Livnat , Ben‐Hur Tamir , Vaknin‐Dembinsky Adi
Published: August 2023

Remyelination failure is considered a major obstacle in treating chronic‐progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown blockage in the differentiation of resident oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) into myelin‐forming cells, suggesting that pushing OPC into a differentiation program might be sufficient to overcome remyelination failure. Others stressed the need for a permissive environment to allow proper activation, migration, and differentiation of OPC. PD0325901, a MAPK/ERK inhibitor, was previously shown to induce OPC differentiation, non‐specific immunosuppression, and a significant therapeutic effect in acute demyelinating MS models. We examined PD0325901 effects in the chronically inflamed central nervous system. Treatment with PD0325901 induced OPC differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes with high morphological complexity. However, treatment of Biozzi mice with chronic‐progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis with PD0325901 showed no clinical improvement in comparison to the control group, no reduction in demyelination, nor induction of OPC migration into foci of demyelination. PD0325901 induced a direct general immunosuppressive effect on various cell populations, leading to a diminished phagocytic capability of microglia and less activation of lymph‐node cells. It also significantly impaired the immune‐modulatory functions of OPC. Our findings suggest OPC regenerative function depends on a permissive environment, which may include pro‐regenerative inflammatory elements. Furthermore, they indicate that maintaining a delicate balance between the pro‐myelinating and immune functions of OPC is of importance. Thus, the highly complex mission of creating a pro‐regenerative environment depends upon an appropriate immune response controlled in time, place, and intensity. We suggest the need to employ a multi‐systematic therapeutic approach, which cannot be achieved through a single molecule‐based therapy.
Evidence for adaptive myelination of subcortical shortcuts for visual motion perception in healthy adults
Authors: Rowe Elise G. , Zhang Yubing , Garrido Marta I.
Published: August 2023

Conscious visual motion information follows a cortical pathway from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and on to the primary visual cortex (V1) before arriving at the middle temporal visual area (MT/V5). Alternative subcortical pathways that bypass V1 are thought to convey unconscious visual information. One flows from the retina to the pulvinar (PUL) and on to medial temporal visual area (MT); while the other directly connects the LGN to MT. Evidence for these pathways comes from non‐human primates and modest‐sized studies in humans with brain lesions. Thus, the aim of the current study was to reconstruct these pathways in a large sample of neurotypical individuals and to determine the degree to which these pathways are myelinated, suggesting information flow is rapid. We used the publicly available 7T (N = 98; ‘discovery’) and 3T (N = 381; ‘validation’) diffusion magnetic resonance imaging datasets from the Human Connectome Project to reconstruct the PUL–MT (including all subcompartments of the PUL) and LGN–MT pathways. We found more fibre tracts with greater density in the left hemisphere. Although the left PUL–MT path was denser, the bilateral LGN–MT tracts were more heavily myelinated, suggesting faster signal transduction. We suggest that this apparent discrepancy may be due to ‘adaptive myelination’ caused by more frequent use of the LGN–MT pathway that leads to greater myelination and faster overall signal transmission.
Estimating uncertainty in streamflow and solute fluxes at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Pu Ge , Campbell John L. , Green Mark B. , Merriam Jeff L. , Zietlow David , Yanai Ruth D.
Published: August 2023

Stream fluxes are commonly reported without a complete accounting for uncertainty in the estimates, which makes it difficult to evaluate the significance of findings or to identify where to direct efforts to improve monitoring programs. At the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA, stream flow has been monitored continuously and solute concentrations have been sampled approximately weekly in small, gaged headwater streams since 1963, yet comprehensive uncertainty analyses have not been reported. We propagated uncertainty in the stage height–discharge relationship, watershed area, analytical chemistry, the concentration–discharge relationship used to interpolate solute concentrations, and the streamflow gap‐filling procedure to estimate uncertainty for both streamflow and solute fluxes for a recent 6‐year period (2013–2018) using a Monte Carlo approach. As a percentage of solute fluxes, uncertainty was highest for NH4+ (34%), total dissolved nitrogen (8.8%), NO3− (8.1%), and K+ (7.4%), and lowest for dissolved organic carbon (3.7%), SO42− (4.0%), and Mg2+ (4.4%). In units of flux, uncertainties were highest for solutes in highest concentration (Si, DOC, SO42−, and Na+) and lowest for those lowest in concentration (H+ and NH4+). Laboratory analysis of solute concentration was a greater source of uncertainty than streamflow for solute flux, with the exception of DOC. Our results suggest that uncertainty in solute fluxes could be reduced with more precise measurements of solute concentrations. Additionally, more discharge measurements during high flows are needed to better characterize the stage‐discharge relationship. Quantifying uncertainty in streamflow and element export is important because it allows for determination of significance of differences in fluxes, which can be used to assess watershed response to disturbance and environmental change.
A new model for simulating root water uptake by vegetation under the impact of a dynamic groundwater table in arid regions
Authors: Qiao Shufeng , Ma Rui , Sun Ziyong , Wang Yunquan , Hu Shun
Published: August 2023

Ecological water conveyance is an effective measure to mitigate or reverse vegetation ecosystem degradation in arid regions, which can lead to frequent fluctuations in the groundwater table. The depth of soil water that vegetation takes up varies in response to groundwater table fluctuations in arid environments. To better characterize the root water uptake process under dynamic changes in the groundwater table in arid regions, this study proposed a new model for simulating root water uptake. The model reduces the dominant effect of root density on water uptake by introducing a correction factor and accounts for the effect of changes in the water content profile on root water uptake in arid areas. The new model was incorporated into the HYDRUS code and tested against the monitoring data of typical vegetation in the arid region of northwestern China. The results demonstrated that the soil water content simulated by the new model matched well with the observed data, which was consistent with the water uptake process under the fluctuations of the groundwater table at the study site. Compared with other models, this model can flexibly alter water uptake layers according to soil moisture conditions in arid conditions, thus providing a new method to depict the dynamic process of water uptake influenced by fluctuations in the groundwater table.
Roles of zinc in cancers: From altered metabolism to therapeutic applications
Authors: Bendellaa Mohamed , Lelièvre Pierre , Coll Jean‐Luc , Sancey Lucie , Deniaud Aurélien , Busser Benoit
Published: August 2023

Zinc (Zn) is a crucial trace element involved in various cellular processes, including oxidative stress, apoptosis and immune response, contributing to cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of Zn homeostasis occurs in certain cancers. This review discusses the role of Zn in cancer and its associated components, such as Zn‐related proteins, their potential as biomarkers and the use of Zn‐based strategies for tumor treatment. ZIP and ZnT proteins regulate Zn metabolism under normal conditions, but their expression is aberrant in cancer. These Zn proteins can serve as prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers, aiding in early cancer detection and disease monitoring. Moreover, targeting Zn and its pathways offers potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Modulating Zn biodistribution within cells using metal‐binding agents allows for the control of downstream signaling pathways. Direct utilization of zinc as a therapeutic agent, including Zn supplementation or Zn oxide nanoparticle administration, holds promise for improving the prognosis of cancer patients.
Potential causal links of long‐term air pollution with lung cancer incidence: From the perspectives of mortality and hospital admission in a large cohort study in southern China
Authors: Guo Tong , Chen Shirui , Wang Ying , Zhang Yuqin , Du Zhicheng , Wu Wenjing , Chen Shimin , Ju Xu , Li Zhiqiang , Jing Qinlong , Hao Yuantao , Zhang Wangjian
Published: August 2023

Evidence on the potential causal links of long‐term air pollution exposure with lung cancer incidence (reflected by mortality and hospital admission) was limited, especially based on large cohorts. We examined the relationship between lung cancer and long‐term exposure to particulate matter (PM, including PM2.5, PM10 and PM10‐2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) among a large cohort of general Chinese adults using causal inference approaches. The study included 575 592 participants who were followed up for an average of 8.2 years. The yearly exposure of PM and NO2 was estimated through satellite‐based random forest approaches and the ordinary kriging method, respectively. Marginal structural Cox models were used to examine hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality and hospital admission due to lung cancer following air pollution exposure, adjusting for potential confounders. The HRs of mortality due to lung cancer were 1.042 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.033‐1.052), 1.032 (95% CI:1.024‐1.041) and 1.052 (95% CI:1.041‐1.063) for each 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10 and NO2, respectively. In addition, we observed statistically significant effects of PMs on hospital admission due to lung cancer. The HRs (95%CI) were 1.110 (1.027‐1.201), 1.067 (1.020‐1.115) and 1.079 (1.010‐1.153) for every 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, PM10‐2.5, respectively. Furthermore, we found larger effect estimates among the elderly and those who exercised more frequently. We provided the most comprehensive evidence of the potential causal links between two outcomes of lung cancer and long‐term air pollution exposure. Relevant policies should be developed, with special attention to protecting the vulnerable groups of the population.
Low frequency of intracranial progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Kemmotsu Naoya , Ninomiya Kiichiro , Kunimasa Kei , Ishino Takamasa , Nagasaki Joji , Otani Yoshihiro , Michiue Hiroyuki , Ichihara Eiki , Ohashi Kadoaki , Inoue Takako , Tamiya Motohiro , Sakai Kazuko , Ueda Youki , Dansako Hiromichi , Nishio Kazuto , Kiura Katsuyuki , Date Isao , Togashi Yosuke
Published: August 2023

Intracranial metastases are common in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, whose prognosis is very poor. In addition, intracranial progression is common during systemic treatments due to the inability to penetrate central nervous system (CNS) barriers, whereas the intracranial effects of cancer immunotherapies remain unclear. We analyzed clinical data to evaluate the frequency of intracranial progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with PD‐1 blockade therapies compared with those treated without PD‐1 blockade therapies, and found that the frequency of intracranial progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with PD‐1 blockade therapies was significantly lower than that in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapies. In murine models, intracranial rechallenged tumors after initial rejection by PD‐1 blockade were suppressed. Accordingly, long‐lived memory precursor effector T cells and antigen‐specific T cells were increased by PD‐1 blockade in intracranial lesions. However, intracranial rechallenged different tumors are not suppressed. Our results indicate that cancer immunotherapies can prevent intracranial progression, maintaining long‐term effects intracranially as well as systemically. If intracranial recurrence occurs during the treatment with PD‐1 blockade therapies, aggressive local therapies could be worthwhile.
Optical, thermal, and magnetic properties of a microporous fluorinated iron phosphate: (H3O)2[Fe4(H2O)2F4(PO4)2(HPO4)2](H2O)
Authors: Bouzidia Nabaa , Ben Salah Abdelhamid , Hamdi Besma
Published: August 2023

The non‐centrosymmetric microporous fluorinated iron phosphate, (H3O)2[Fe4(H2O)2F4(PO4)2(HPO4)2](H2O), is endowed with properties. In fact, the thermogravimetric analysis study shows a mass loss evolution as a temperature function. The optical study was also examined by UV–vis absorption. The magnetic results reveal the appearance of a ferromagnetic behavior at low temperature (Tc = 11.64 K).
Drug‐Related Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Losa Ana , Gomes Rita , Mourão Francisco Ribeiro , Cardoso Sandra Soares , Vieira Paula Manuel , Correia Mário Rui , Silva Helena Moreira , Silva Gisela , Tavares Marta , Silva Ermelinda Santos , Lima Rosa
Published: August 2023

The therapeutic approach to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex, often involving multiple pharmacologic classes. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of drug‐related adverse reactions (ARs) associated with therapies used in pediatric IBD. We conducted a retrospective study of pediatric patients with IBD followed in a tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2022. Ninety‐nine patients were included (62.6% were male), with a median age at diagnosis of 13 years (interquartile range [IQR] 11‐15 years). The majority had Crohn's disease (69.7%), followed by ulcerative colitis (21.2%) and unclassified IBD (9.1%). The most prescribed therapies were: immunomodulators (n = 75, 75.8%), exclusive enteral nutrition (n = 61, 61.6%), and biologics (n = 58, 58.6%). During a median follow‐up time of 31 months (IQR 11‐51 months), the incidence of ARs was 16.2% (16 ARs occurred in 14 patients). The main drug involved was azathioprine (12/16) and the most frequent AR was hepatitis (5/16). Drug discontinuation was necessary in all but 1 case. Of the ARs recorded, 75% were mild to moderate and 81.3% did not require specific treatment; all patients had clinical and/or analytical normalization. There was a positive association between the cumulative number of prescribed drugs and the occurrence of ARs (P = .044). The incidence of ARs was similar to the rates reported in the few existing previous studies. The majority of ARs were mild, but implied the discontinuation of therapy or dose reduction, with a possible impact on disease control.
Barriers to initiate buprenorphine and methadone for opioid use disorder treatment with postdischarge treatment linkage
Authors: Calcaterra Susan L. , Lockhart Steven , Natvig Crystal , Mikulich Susan
Published: August 2023

Background

Hospitals are an essential site of care for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Buprenorphine and methadone are underutilized in the hospital.

Objectives

Characterize barriers to in‐hospital buprenorphine or methadone initiation to inform implementation strategies to increase OUD treatment provision.

Design, Settings, and Participants

Survey of hospital‐based clinicians' perceptions of OUD treatment from 12 hospitals conducted between June 2022 and August 2022.

Measures

Survey questions were grouped into six domains: (1) evidence to treat OUD, (2) hospital processes to treat OUD, (3) buprenorphine or methadone initiation, (4) clinical practices to treat OUD, (5) leadership prioritization of OUD treatment, and (6) job satisfaction. Likert responses were dichotomized and associations between “readiness” to initiate buprenorphine or methadone and each domain were assessed.

Results

Of 160 respondents (60% response rate), 72 (45%) reported higher readiness to initiate buprenorphine compared to methadone, 55 (34%). Respondents with higher readiness to initiate medications for OUD were more likely to perceive that evidence supports the use of buprenorphine and methadone to treat OUD (p < .001), to perceive fewer barriers to treat OUD (p < .001), to incorporate OUD treatment into their clinical practice (p < .001), to perceive leadership support for OUD treatment (p < .007), and to have great job satisfaction (p < .04). Clinicians reported that OUD treatment protocols with treatment linkage, increased education, and addiction specialist support would facilitate OUD treatment provision.

Conclusion

Interventions that incorporate protocols to initiate medications for OUD, include addiction specialist support and education, and ensure postdischarge OUD treatment linkage could facilitate hospital‐based OUD treatment provision.
Exploration of chiral drugs as references for chiral discrimination of valsartan and voriconazole by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Wei , Liu Jie , He Lan , Liu Yang , Zhang Caiyu
Published: August 2023

The use of mass spectrometry for chiral recognition and quantification has attracted great interest owing to its speed, sensitivity, specificity, and tolerance. However, searching for chiral selectors in chiral analyses using mass spectrometry is still problematic. In this study, chiral drugs could be applied as references for the chiral recognition and enantiomeric quantification of valsartan and voriconazole. Two novel pairs of metal‐bound diastereomeric complex ions were detected by mass spectrometry, namely, nickel (II)‐bound dimeric ions [NiII (2R,5S‐emtricitabine) (S‐valsartan)‐H]+ and [NiII (2R,5S‐emtricitabine) (R‐valsartan)‐H]+ and copper (II)‐bound dimeric ions [CuII (S,S,S‐enalaprilat) (2S,3R‐voriconazole)‐H]+ and [CuII (S,S,S‐enalaprilat) (2R,3S‐voriconazole)‐H]+. The resulting diastereomers were successfully identified based on the relative intensities of their characteristic fragments using tandem mass spectrometry. The logarithm of the characteristic fragment ion abundance ratio exhibited a good linear relationship with the enantiomeric excess. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to elucidate the mechanism of the structural differences observed in the MS results. This established approach proves that chiral drugs can serve as ligands for the rapid recognition and quantitative analysis of other chiral drugs without a chiral chromatographic column or complex sample pretreatment.
Assessing the ecological impacts of coastal reclamation on cropland protection: An integrated index system
Authors: Qiu Lefeng , Bao Helen X. H.
Published: August 2023

Coastal land reclamation has been practiced widely to accommodate rapid urbanization. But the exploitation of coastal wetlands also imposes ecological risks and jeopardizes ecological security in many countries. The overall effects of coastal land reclamation must therefore be assessed. We developed a conceptual framework to evaluate the ecological effects of coastal land reclamation on cropland protection along three dimensions: land quantity, ecological environment, and land quality. An integrated index system was constructed accordingly and tested by using data from Cixi, a coastal city in eastern China. Our index system generated rich information to assess the impacts of reclamation on added cropland area, landscape ecological risk, and cropland soil quality. The results showed that between 1985 and 2020, a total area of 393.71 km2 of coastal wetlands were reclaimed in Cixi City, which played a crucial part in upholding the equilibrium between the land supply and demand during urbanization. However, its adverse ecological effects were also evidenced. Coastal reclamation not only increased the landscape disturbance and ecological risk but also significantly decreased the overall cropland soil quality. The city's original reclamation‐driven development strategy is unable to meet the updated requirements of “quantity‐quality‐ecological balance” for cropland protection. Our index system can help land use policymakers monitor the ecological effects of coastal reclamation. The knowledge gained will have major policy implications for the land use management that promotes sustainability in coastal regions.
Multidisciplinary care improves outcomes for patients with carotid body paragangliomas—The UCLA experience
Authors: Wong Kirsten , Tam Kenric , Tran Eric K. , Sajed Dipti , St. John Maie
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effects and outcomes of multidisciplinary surgical approaches in the management of carotid body tumors (CBT).

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study at the University of California—Los Angeles Medical Center was conducted on patients who presented with CBTs and underwent surgical resections from 1998 to 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v27 and Excel.

Results

A total of 75 patients with 79 CBT resections were included. Operating surgical subspecialties included: 41.8% vascular surgery, 24.1% otolaryngology head and neck surgeons (OHNS), and 31.6% combined OHNS and vascular. 68.4% of tumors underwent preoperative embolization. EBL was directly correlated with tumor size. CBT size was similar for OHNS (30 mm) and vascular (31 mm) but was significantly larger for combined OHNS and vascular cases (38 mm). EBL was higher in combined cases (301 mL) compared to OHNS (124 mL) or vascular (203 mL) alone. Incidence of postoperative cranial nerve deficits was 7.8%, with combined OHNS and vascular cases having an incidence of 4.0% when compared to OHNS (5.3%) versus vascular surgery alone (12.1%).

Conclusion

CBTs can be managed effectively by single surgical specialties with similar outcomes between vascular surgery and OHNS. In larger, higher grade tumors, however, a combined vascular and OHNS approach had lower incidence of postoperative cranial nerve injuries when compared to single specialty resections, despite a larger EBL. Thus, a multidisciplinary surgical approach suggests favorable outcomes with fewer incidence of cranial nerve deficits for larger, more complex CBT resections.

Level of Evidence

2b—Individual retrospective cohort study.
All‐Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene) Oxide: Validation of OPLS‐AA Force Field for Conformational Behaviour in Vacuum and in Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Venezia Enzo , Auriemma Finizia , de Ballestreros Odda Ruiz , Guerra Gaetano , Milano Giuseppe , Correa Andrea
Published: August 2023

OPLS force field has been successfully validated for poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene) oxide (PPO) in comparison with quantum chemical results and available experimental data. The formation of stable polymer solvent complexes, where solvent molecules are hosted in closed loops, has been detected in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of OPLS all‐atom (OPLS‐AA) models of diluted solutions of PPO in CCl4. Estimations of free energy of solvation indicate an entropic stabilization of the polymer solvent complexes. A very high similarity of these structures with the intra‐helical channels observed in the structure of PPO co‐crystals suggests their possible role in the nucleation process inducing the crystallization of PPO from organic solvents.
A Bayesian approach of the consequence of failure on inequality acceptance: Experimental evidence
Authors: Prost Emillien , Lo Gaye‐Del
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we design a two‐stage experiment and a tractable model. The first stage is a tournament, and the second stage involves a hierarchical relationship where the loser of the tournament must declare what they think is an acceptable earnings distribution to have an incentive to work for the winner. We use a Becker–Degroot–Marschak (BDM) procedure to elicit the acceptable earnings distribution. We show that failure in the tournament could decrease the willingness to accept wage inequality and that this behavior relies on Bayesian updating. We identify a “fresh start” effect: When the asset required to win the tournament is not the same as the asset that the loser uses to produce after failure, inequality acceptance is higher.
Are early post‐discharge physician contacts associated with 30‐day psychiatric re‐hospitalisation? A nationwide claims data based retrospective cohort study in Austria free of immortal time bias
Authors: Katschnig H. , Straßmayr C. , Endel F. , Posch M. , Steiner I.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Cost containment and quality of care considerations have increased research interest in the potential preventability of early re‐hospitalisations. Various registry‐based retrospective cohort studies on psychiatric re‐hospitalisation have focused on the role of early post‐discharge service contacts, but either did not consider their time‐dependent nature (‘immortal time bias’) or evaded the issue by analysing late re‐hospitalisations. The present study takes care of the immortal time bias in studying early psychiatric re‐hospitalisations.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study using nationwide electronic claims data in Austria, 10,689 adults discharged from acute psychiatric inpatient wards were followed up for 30 days. Cox regression analyses were performed with post‐discharge psychiatric and general practitioner contacts as time‐dependent covariates and time to first psychiatric re‐hospitalisation as outcome.

Results

Post‐discharge ambulatory physician contacts were significantly associated with a decreased psychiatric re‐hospitalisation rate (hazard ratio 0.77 [95% CI 0.69; 0.87], p < 0.0001), with similarly strong contributions to this association by general practitioners and psychiatrists.

Conclusions

Despite avoiding the immortal time bias and controlling for several confounders, we suggest to be cautious with a causal interpretation of the identified association, since potentially relevant confounders, such as disease severity, were unavailable in our claims data base.
Increased density of Bluehead Sucker larvae decreases critical thermal maximum
Authors: Riepe Tawni B. , Hooley-Underwood Zachary E. , McDevitt Rebecca E. , Sralik Alan , Cadmus Pete
Published: August 2023

Objective

Streams used by Bluehead Suckers Catostomus discobolus experience variable water temperatures of high and low extremes and extreme rates of change. Acute and chronic laboratory temperature tests have been used to develop protective thermal criteria, but these methods do not allow for testing the lethality of temperature interactions with other stressors. For instance, fish density and temperature interactions are likely to occur during low-flow periods with high densities of fish stranded in a stagnant pool; but standard thermal tests only included one fish.

Methods

We examined the effect of two acclimation temperatures that represent field temperatures (8°C and 18°C) on hatch success and larval survival, and the critical thermal maximum (CTMax) and minimum temperatures (CTMin). We then investigated how the interaction of density (n = 1, n = 10, n = 25 fish per 2 L) and temperature influence CTMax or CTMin.

Result

We found maximum egg hatch success and larval survival at 18°C and the temperature range for Bluehead Sucker larvae at 18°C was 7.2 ± 1.6°C to 32.1 ± 2.4°C. However, when the density of the larvae was high (n = 25 per 2 L) the upper thermal limit significantly decreased by 5.9°C.

Conclusion

Our results indicate higher fish densities negatively affect the tolerance of the fish to increased temperature. Thus, density and temperature interactions should be considered when developing protective temperature criteria.
Synthesis of functionalized Salen‐Ni‐based polyphosphazene flame retardant and its performance study
Authors: Tian Li , Wang Xingyu , Zhang Haiyin , Zheng Qiang , Cui Jinfeng , Yang Baoping , Guo Junhong , Mu Bo , Bao Xuemei , Wang Zhaohui , Li Huaming
Published: August 2023

A novel functional copulatory polyphosphazene microsphere (Salen‐PZN‐Ni‐KH550) was successfully synthesized via reaction of the surface of Salen‐Ni‐based polyphosphazene (Salen‐PZN‐Ni) with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and it was introduced as an additive flame retardant in pure epoxy resin (EP). Thereafter, the effects of the prepared flame‐retardant Salen‐PZN‐Ni‐KH550 on thermal stability, combustion performance, and flame‐retardant mechanism of the EP system were studied in detail. The addition of Salen‐PZN‐Ni‐KH550 led to a significant increase in thermal stability and formation of carbon residue in the EP at a temperature of 800°C. The results showed that the addition of 5 wt% Salen‐PZN‐Ni‐KH550 lowered the maximum heat release rate, as well as the peak smoke release rate by 28.83% and 25.71%, respectively. This resulted in a significant improvement in the fire safety of EP. Additionally, the introduction of Salen‐PZN‐Ni‐KH550 considerably inhibited the evolution of the toxic gas CO and of other volatile products that are produced during the decomposition process of EP. The results of study suggest that mechanism of the flame retardant may be associated to gas‐phase quenching, incombustible gas release, synergistic catalytic carbonization effect and to the formation of components with extremely high thermal stability. The fire safety of EP composites and the reduction of toxic gases can be attributed to the synergistic effects of nickel, APTES, and polyphosphazene microspheres. The development of the new flame‐retardant Salen‐PZN‐Ni‐KH550 is an effective strategy to improve the fire resistance of polymers.
Small proteins in bacteria – Big challenges in prediction and identification
Authors: Fuchs Stephan , Engelmann Susanne
Published: August 2023

Proteins with up to 100 amino acids have been largely overlooked due to the challenges associated with predicting and identifying them using traditional methods. Recent advances in bioinformatics and machine learning, DNA sequencing, RNA and Ribo‐seq technologies, and mass spectrometry (MS) have greatly facilitated the detection and characterisation of these elusive proteins in recent years. This has revealed their crucial role in various cellular processes including regulation, signalling and transport, as toxins and as folding helpers for protein complexes. Consequently, the systematic identification and characterisation of these proteins in bacteria have emerged as a prominent field of interest within the microbial research community. This review provides an overview of different strategies for predicting and identifying these proteins on a large scale, leveraging the power of these advanced technologies. Furthermore, the review offers insights into the future developments that may be expected in this field.
Biomimetic mussel technology for membrane material modification: Adhesion mechanism and design strategy
Authors: Chen Shaowei , Liu Peng , Li Zhenchun , Bi Yuanyuan , Li Feihong , Yu Yunwu
Published: August 2023

In recent years, there has been increasing interest among scientists in the research and development of mussel biomimetic membrane technology, owing to the unique advantages of mussel foot silk protein. This article provides a concise overview of the development of biomimetic mussel technology and its innovative approach to modifying membrane materials. The remarkable adhesion and suitability of mussel bionics can effectively enhance the physical and chemical structure of the substrate surface in membrane materials, and serve as a platform for subsequent post‐functionalization, offering endless possibilities for the advancement of membrane materials.
Selection of collagen IV fragments forming the outer sphere of the native protein: Assessment of biological activity for regenerative medicine
Authors: Becht Angelika , Frączyk Justyna , Waśko Joanna , Menaszek Elżbieta , Kajdanek Jakub , Miłowska Katarzyna , Kolesinska Beata
Published: August 2023

The aim of this research was to select the fragments that make up the outer layer of the collagen IV (COL4A6) protein and to assess their potential usefulness for regenerative medicine. It was expected that because protein–protein interactions take place via contact between external domains, the set of peptides forming the outer sphere of collagen IV will determine its interaction with other proteins. Cellulose‐immobilized protein fragment libraries treated with polyclonal anti‐collagen IV antibodies were used to select the peptides forming the outer sphere of collagen IV. In the first test, 33 peptides that strongly interacted with the polyclonal anti‐collagen IV antibodies were selected from a library of non‐overlapping fragments of collagen IV. The selected fragments of collagen IV (cleaved from the cellulose matrix) were tested for their cytotoxicity, their effects on cell viability and proliferation, and their impact on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The studies used RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells and Hs 680.Tr human fibroblasts. PrestoBlue, ToxiLight™, and ToxiLight 100% Lysis Control assays were conducted. The viability of fibroblasts cultured with the addition of increasing concentrations of the peptide mix did not show statistically significant differences from the control. Fragments 161–170, 221–230, 721–730, 1331–1340, 1521–1530, and 1661–1670 of COL4A6 were examined for cytotoxicity against BJ normal human foreskin fibroblasts. None of the collagen fragments were found to be cytotoxic. Further research is underway on the potential uses of collagen IV fragments in regenerative medicine.
Stakeholder orientation and product market performance: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Lu Juntai , Wei Jia
Published: August 2023

We examine the causal effect of stakeholder orientation on firms' product market performance. Using the staggered enactment of constituency statutes across different states as an exogenous shock that increases the extent of the stakeholder orientation, difference‐in‐difference estimations suggest that on average firms incorporated in states that adopted constituency statutes increase sales growth by 1.7% relative to firms incorporated in states that did not adopt such statutes. The effect is stronger if a firm has higher labor intensity and if a firm operates in a durable goods industry. In addition, we find that stakeholder orientation improves the quality of innovation.
Solvation Structure Tuning Induces LiF/Li3N‐Rich CEI and SEI Interfaces for Superior Li/CFx Batteries
Authors: Li Ping , Cheng Zhe , Liu Jialu , Che Lukang , Zhou Yingke , Xu Enmin , Tian Xiaohui , Yuan Zhongzhi
Published: August 2023

The electrode/electrolyte interfaces play an important role in the electrochemical reaction kinetics to alleviate the severe polarization and voltage hysteresis in lithium primary batteries. Herein, C5F5N is proposed as an electrolyte additive to tune the characteristics of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The Li/CFx primary battery with C5F5N additive exhibits an excellent discharge‐specific capacity of 981.4 mAh g−1 (0.1 C), a remarkable high‐rate capability of 598 mAh g−1 (15 C), and an outstanding energy/power density of 1068.7 Wh kg−1/24362.5 W kg−1. It also shows remarkable storage performance with 717.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C after storage at 55 °C for 2 months. The excellent performance of the Li/CFx batteries is closely related to the improved and stable Li3N/LiF‐rich homogeneous interfaces induced by the C5F5N additive, which results in uniform distribution of Li+ flux, facilitated electrochemical kinetics, and increased rate capability of Li/CFx battery. Therefore, C5F5N is expected to be a promising electrolyte additive, and the related electrode/electrolyte interface engineering provides an effective and facile strategy to increase the performance of the lithium primary battery.
A Modified Strong Tracking Adaptive Kalman Filter for Precision Clock Synchronization System
Authors: Zhang Weiran , Hou Yanhong
Published: August 2023

In order to reduce the clock offset caused by network delay jitter, network asymmetry, clock drift and clock frequency difference in the clock synchronization process of IEEE1588, a modified Strong Tracking Adaptive Kalman Filter (MSTAKF) algorithm was proposed. The Kalman filter model established by the algorithm is based on clock offset, network delay, frequency deviation and asymmetry ratio. The filter includes the modified strong tracking algorithm based on fuzzy logic and hypothesis test proposed in this paper, which can effectively eliminate the influence of outliers, and finally make the model tracking effect better. In addition, the modified Sage‐Husa algorithm based on Cholesky decomposition is also included, which makes the measurement noise more stable and ensures the positivity of the measurement noise covariance. The experimental results show that the proposed MSTAKF is smoother than Karman filter (KF), Sage‐Husa adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) and strong tracking Sage‐Husa adaptive Kalman filter (STAKF). Compared with these filter algorithms after testing in the LAN environment, the precision improvement and accuracy rate are significantly improved. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Predictive value of crossover sign for outcome of ultrasound‐guided vacuum aspiration in women with Cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Shen M. , Li L. , Zhu L. , Liu J. , Lin T. , Liu X.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To examine the value of the crossover sign (COS) in predicting treatment outcome in women with a Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) who were treated with ultrasound‐guided vacuum aspiration.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of women with CSP who underwent ultrasound‐guided vacuum aspiration. Based on the relationship between the gestational sac, Cesarean scar and anterior wall of the uterus, CSPs were classified by COS type. Analysis was conducted to investigate the association between COS type (COS‐1, COS‐2) and treatment outcome. The incidence of treatment failure, retained pregnancy tissue, secondary therapy and bleeding ≥ 200 mL were analyzed.

Results

In total, 181 eligible patients with CSP, including 90 (49.7%) women with COS‐1 and 91 (50.3%) women with COS‐2, were analyzed. COS‐1 patients had a higher incidence of treatment failure compared with COS‐2 patients (25.6% vs 8.8%; P = 0.003), as well as higher rates of retained pregnancy tissue (18.9% vs 6.6%; P = 0.013), secondary therapy (20.0% vs 6.6%; P = 0.002) and bleeding of ≥ 200 mL (13.3% vs 4.4%; P = 0.034). COS‐1 and a large gestational sac (30.1–50.0 mm or >50.0 mm in diameter) were associated independently with increased risk of treatment failure (odds ratio, 4.57 (95% CI, 1.66–12.56); P = 0.003, 4.34 (95% CI, 1.35–13.94); P = 0.014 and 10.50 (95% CI, 2.54–43.46); P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Ultrasound evaluation of the relationship between the gestational sac and the endometrial line (COS classification) in women with CSP may help to predict treatment outcome among those undergoing vacuum aspiration. Among COS‐1 patients, especially those with a gestational sac diameter of >30.0 mm, vacuum aspiration may be discouraged. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.