bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Lead‐Free Perovskite‐Like MA3Bi2I9 for Photo‐Catalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ahmad Khursheed , Raza Waseem , Kumar Praveen , Khan Mohd Quasim , Alsalme Ali , Kim Haekyoung
Published: February 2023

In this study, a highly air stable and eco‐friendly methyl ammonium bismuth iodide (MA3Bi2I9) perovskite‐like material has been prepared. After physiochemical characterizations, the synthesized MA3Bi2I9 was utilized as photo‐catalyst towards hydrogen production. It is important to design and synthesize lead (Pb)‐free perovskite‐like material (MA3Bi2I9) for photo‐catalytic hydrogen‐production applications. The synthesized MA3Bi2I9 exhibits excellent photo‐catalytic hydrogen generation with a production rate of 11.43 μmolg−1 h−1. In the presence of a platinum co‐catalyst, the hydrogen production rate further increases to 172.44 μmolg−1 h−1. The MA3Bi2I9 photo‐catalyst also demonstrates excellent cyclic stability.
Colorimetric evaluation of 3D printing polymers exposed to accelerated aging for Cultural Heritage applications
Authors: Higueras María , Collado‐Montero Francisco José , Medina Víctor Jesús
Published: February 2023

3D printing has become a widespread technology that allows the creation of physical objects from different materials. The conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage field has recently introduced this technology as a complement to its traditional methods. However, the main concern in the application of 3D printing in this context is the long‐term behavior of the materials used. The key objective of this research was the identification of the suitability of 3D printing filaments for conservation purposes. The methodology followed in this study consisted of a selection of 13 3D printing filaments for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technologies, which were tested and exposed to an accelerated aging procedure. In order to classify and recommend the materials that present better results, the properties of color, the glossiness, the pH and the Volatile Organic Compounds emission were investigated. This paper collects the results of the analyses carried out, focusing discussion on the colorimetric behavior. The results demonstrate the usefulness of some of the materials studied, highlighting the performance of EP as one of the most stable and reliable materials while Flex is one of the most changeable ones in the Cultural Heritage context. Even though this research provides an overview of the aging of the materials studied, further analyses should be performed to understand the chemical composition and its behavior when exposed to a long‐lasting aging process.
Further validation of the Multidimensional Version of the Fear‐of‐Self Questionnaire in a Persian non‐clinical and clinical obsessive–compulsive disorder sample
Authors: Sharifi Bastan Farangis , Aardema Frederick , Khosravani Vahid , Samimi Ardestani Seyed Mehdi , Wong Shiu Fung
Published: February 2023

Previous research has shown that vulnerable self‐themes and feared self‐perceptions may play an important role in the development and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). In particular, the recently validated Multidimensional Version of the Fear‐of‐Self Questionnaire (FSQ‐MV) has shown strong relationships with OCD symptoms independent of cognitive constructs and negative mood in non‐clinical samples. The current study aimed to further evaluate the validity and reliability of a Persian version of the FSQ‐MV in OCD patients (N = 300), as well as non‐clinical individuals (N = 300). Participants completed a set of scales evaluating feared self‐perceptions and OCD‐related symptoms/conditions. The results showed that the Persian version of the FSQ‐MV replicated the three‐factor structure of the original scale in non‐clinical and OCD patients. The FSQ‐MV and its subscales had excellent reliability. Additionally, the FSQ‐MV was significantly associated with related cognitive constructs, as well as OCD symptoms and their severity, in both samples. The feared self, especially the corrupted feared self, was a significant unique predictor of OC symptomology, especially for repugnant obsessions, and OCD severity. The study confirmed the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the FSQ‐MV. Moreover, cognitive conceptualizations may benefit from a consideration of the feared self in OCD, which may play an important role in its development, maintenance and severity.
Warfarin‐Rifampin‐Gene (WARIF‐G) Interaction: A Retrospective, Genetic, Case–Control Study
Authors: Salem Muhammad , El‐Bardissy Ahmed , Elshafei Mohamed Nabil , Khalil Ahmed , Mahmoud Hesham , Fahmi Amr Mohamed , Kasem Mohamed , Bader Loulia , Sherbash Mohamed , Elawady Mostafa Ibrahim , Abdalazim Walaa , Howady Faraj , Elewa Hazem
Published: February 2023

Warfarin is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). Concomitant use with the potent CYP2C9 inducer, rifampin, requires close monitoring and dosage adjustments. Although, in theory, warfarin dose increase should overcome this interaction, most reported cases over the last 50 years have not responded even to high warfarin doses, but some have responded to modest doses. To investigate the genetic polymorphisms' impact on this unexplained interpatient variability, we performed genotyping of CYP2C9, VKORC1, and CYP4F2 for warfarin and rifampin concomitant receivers from 2016 to 2022 at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. We identified and included 36 patients: 22 responders and 14 nonresponders. Warfarin‐responders were significantly more likely to have one or more warfarin‐sensitizing CYP2C9/VKORC1 alleles than nonresponders (odds ratio = 23.2, 95% confidence interval = 3.2–195.6; P = 0.0001). The mean genetic‐based pre‐interaction calculated dose was significantly lower for responders than for nonresponders (P < 0.001); and was negatively correlated with warfarin sensitivity index (WSI) (r = −0.58; P = 0.0002). The median percentage time in therapeutic range and mean WSI were significantly higher in the warfarin‐sensitizing CYP2C9/VKORC1 alleles carriers than noncarriers (P = 0.017 and 0.0004, respectively). Whereas the warfarin‐sensitizing CYP2C9/VKORC1 genotypes were associated with modest on‐rifampin warfarin dose requirements, the noncarriers would have required more than double these doses to respond. Warfarin‐sensitizing CYP2C9/VKORC1 genotypes and low genetic‐based warfarin calculated doses were associated with higher warfarin sensitivity and better anticoagulation quality in patients receiving rifampin concomitantly.
Transgene by germplasm interactions can impact transgene evaluation
Authors: Linares Julien F. , Coles Nathan D. , Mo Hua , Habben Jeff E. , Humbert Sabrina , Messina Carlos , Tang Tom , Cooper Mark , Gho Carla , Carrasco Ricardo , Carter Javier , Flounders Jillian Wicher , Brummer E. Charles
Published: February 2023

Transgenes have been successfully commercialized for qualitatively inherited insect and herbicide resistance traits that show similar effects across genetic backgrounds. However, for quantitative traits like yield, genetic background may affect the measured transgene value. In this paper, we evaluated whether different genetic backgrounds impact the estimated value of a transgene for grain yield, plant height, and anthesis‐silking interval for maize by developing isogenic pairs of lines with and without a transgene and testing them in hybrid combination with non‐transgenic lines from a complementary heterotic group across eleven environments in the United States. Over all hybrid combinations, the transgene increased yield by 0.2 Mg ha−1. Across multiple non‐transgenic lines of the opposing heterotic group, the transgene effect within a line pair ranged from an increase of 0.8 Mg ha−1 for the NSS4 (non‐stiff stalk) and SS7 (stiff stalk) transgenic lines to a reduction of 0.3 Mg ha−1 for the NSS5 transgenic line when compared to their non‐transgenic isoline. Transgenic hybrids were often taller than non‐transgenic hybrids (p < 0.05). Anthesis to silking interval was reduced by four growing degree days overall, but no transgene × genotype interaction was detected among line pairs. Our results show the importance of testing transgene efficacy across a large sample of elite hybrid pairs to assess the gene's value. By only testing in a specific hybrid background, as may be done for qualitative traits like insect resistance, transgenes could be erroneously advanced or eliminated.
Machine learning approach to stratify complex heterogeneity of chronic heart failure: A report from the CHART‐2 study
Authors: Nakano Kenji , Nochioka Kotaro , Yasuda Satoshi , Tamori Daito , Shiroto Takashi , Sato Yudai , Takaya Eichi , Miyata Satoshi , Kawakami Eiryo , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Ueda Takuya , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: February 2023

Aims

Current approaches to classify chronic heart failure (HF) subpopulations may be limited due to the diversity of pathophysiology and co‐morbidities in chronic HF. We aimed to elucidate the clusters of chronic patients with HF by data‐driven approaches with machine learning in a hospital‐based registry.

Methods and results

A total of 4649 patients with a broad spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the CHART‐2 (Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District‐2) study were enrolled to this study. Chronic HF patients were classified using random forest clustering with 56 multiscale clinical parameters. We assessed the influence of the clusters on cardiovascular death, non‐cardiovascular death, all‐cause death, and free from hospitalization by HF. Latent class analysis using random forest clustering identified 10 clusters with four primary components: cardiac function (LVEF, left atrial and ventricular diameters, diastolic blood pressure, and brain natriuretic peptide), renal function (glomerular filtration rate and blood urea nitrogen), anaemia (red blood cell, haematocrit, haemoglobin, and platelet count), and nutrition (albumin and body mass index). All 11 significant clinical parameters in the four primary components and two disease aetiologies (ischaemic heart disease and valvular heart disease) showed statistically significant differences among the 10 clusters (P < 0.01). Cluster 1 (26.7% of patients), which is characterized by preserved LVEF (<59%, 37% of the total) with lowest brain natriuretic peptide (>111.3 pg/mL, 0.9%) and lowest left atrial diameter (>42 mm, 37.4%), showed the best 5 year survival rate of 98.1% for cardiovascular death, 95.9% for non‐cardiovascular death, 92.9% for all‐cause death, and 91.7% for free from hospitalization by HF. Cluster 10 (6.0% of the total), which is co‐morbid disorders of all four primary components, showed the worst survival rate of 39.1% for cardiovascular death, 68.9% for non‐cardiovascular death, 23.9% for all‐cause death, and 28.1% for free from hospitalization by HF.

Conclusions

These results suggest the potential applicability of the machine leaning approach, providing useful clinical prognostic information to stratify complex heterogeneity in patients with HF.
Comparing emulation methods for a high‐resolution storm surge model
Authors: Hutchings Grant , Sansó Bruno , Gattiker James , Francom Devin , Pasqualini Donatella
Published: February 2023

Realistic simulations of complex systems are fundamental for climate and environmental studies. Large computer systems are often not sufficient to run sophisticated computational models for large numbers of different input settings. Statistical surrogate models, or emulators, are key tools enabling fast exploration of the simulator input space. Gaussian processes have become standard for computer simulator emulation. However, they require careful implementation to scale appropriately, motivating alternative methods more recently introduced. We present a comparison study of surrogates of the Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) simulator—the simulator of choice for government agencies—using four emulation approaches: BASS; BART; SEPIA; and RobustGaSP. SEPIA and RobustGaSP use Gaussian processes, BASS implements adaptive splines, and BART is based on ensembles of regression trees. We describe the four models and compare them in terms of computation time and predictive metrics. These surrogates use proven and distinct methodologies, are available through accessible software, and quantify prediction uncertainty. Our data cover millions of response values. We find that SEPIA and RobustGaSP provide exceptional predictive power, but cannot scale to emulate experiments as large as the one considered in this paper as effectively as BASS and BART.
Erfahrungen beim Tunnelbau in durchlässigem glazialen Lockergestein: offener Kies
Authors: Steiner Walter
Published: February 2023

Glacial soil deposits are present in Europe on both sides of the Alps, in Scandinavia, Northern Germany, Poland and in North America. There are typical names of the stages of the glaciation, however, the geotechnical characteristics of glacial deposits are similar in all regions; but are very heterogeneous locally. Glacial deposits extend from boulders to invisible silt particle (rock flour) and to clay particles, both of similar grain size. In this paper the focus will be on clean gravel without fines, so‐called open gravel and the challenges and solutions for tunnelling.

Face support by pure bentonite slurry is insufficient in open gravel. Different techniques have been used in practice: clogging the pore channels with fines of appropriate gradation by controlling the content fines in the slurry. Use of high viscous slurry with increased clay or bentonite content. In another solution lime powder and polymers were added in the excavation chamber of an earth‐pressure shield to modify the ground. Other aspects such as muck disposal will be evaluated.
EPB tunnelling in long, highly sensitive sections – The experience of Grand Paris Line 14 underpassing the Orly Airport
Authors: Fantini Paolo , Calderon Miranda Javier , Dell‘Ava Gabriele , Flor Alberto
Published: February 2023

The correct definition and application of face confinement pressure is one of the main challenges for urban tunnels, where soil perturbation can affect the surrounding structures with undesirable or even severe consequences. The choice of this parameter needs to comply not only with minimal geotechnical performances, such as volume loss control, water pressure balance, and front stability, but also with optimization criteria (impact on production rate and Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) components wear). The Grand Paris Line 14 South tunnel has emphasized this concept especially on the 1.5 km section below the Orly International Airport, with two constraints: the limitation of deformations on sensitive airport structures and the tight schedule due to the Olympic Games of 2024. The 8.83 m‐diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM ‘Koumba’ successfully performed the excavation at 20 m depth. The design face pressure profile, varying between 0.8 and 2.6 bar, was studied. A complex monitoring system was also provided to validate design expectations and to update the TBM‐soil interaction prediction model. This article focuses on the experience acquired on the EPB face confinement pressure management along this long, highly sensitive section. The first part presents the comparison between reference values and thresholds given by the designer and the real TBM drive oscillation. The second part is dedicated to the observed influence of the face pressure on the geotechnical aspect, machine mechanical parameters, and production rates.
Modulation of Schwann cell homeostasis by the BAP1 deubiquitinase
Authors: Duong Phu , Ramesh Raghu , Schneider Andrew , Won Seongsik , Cooper Aaron J. , Svaren John
Published: February 2023

Schwann cell programming during myelination involves transcriptional networks that activate gene expression but also repress genes that are active in neural crest/embryonic differentiation of Schwann cells. We previously found that a Schwann cell‐specific deletion of the EED subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex (PRC2) led to inappropriate activation of many such genes. Moreover, some of these genes become re‐activated in the pro‐regenerative response of Schwann cells to nerve injury, and we found premature activation of the nerve injury program in a Schwann cell‐specific knockout of Eed. Polycomb‐associated histone modifications include H3K27 trimethylation formed by PRC2 and H2AK119 monoubiquitination (H2AK119ub1), deposited by Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). We recently found dynamic regulation of H2AK119ub1 in Schwann cell genes after injury. Therefore, we hypothesized that H2AK119 deubiquitination modulates the dynamic polycomb repression of genes involved in Schwann cell maturation. To determine the role of H2AK119 deubiquitination, we generated a Schwann cell‐specific knockout of the H2AK119 deubiquitinase Bap1 (BRCA1‐associated protein). We found that loss of Bap1 causes tomacula formation, decreased axon diameters and eventual loss of myelinated axons. The gene expression changes are accompanied by redistribution of H2AK119ub1 and H3K27me3 modifications to extragenic sites throughout the genome. BAP1 interacts with OGT in the PR‐DUB complex, and our data suggest that the PR‐DUB complex plays a multifunctional role in repression of the injury program. Overall, our results indicate Bap1 is required to restrict the spread of polycomb‐associated histone modifications in Schwann cells and to promote myelin homeostasis in peripheral nerve.
Opening of hotels and ski facilities: Impact on mobility, spending, and Covid‐19 outcomes
Authors: Zaremba Krzysztof
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates how reopening hotels and ski facilities in Poland impacted tourism spending, mobility, and COVID‐19 outcomes. We used administrative data from a government program that subsidizes travel to show that the policy increased the consumption of tourism services in ski resorts. By leveraging geolocation data from Facebook, we showed that ski resorts experienced a significant influx of tourists, increasing the number of local users by up to 50%. Furthermore, we confirmed an increase in the probability of meetings between pairs of users from distanced locations and users from tourist and non‐tourist areas. As the policy impacted travel and gatherings, we then analyzed its effect on the diffusion of COVID‐19. We found that counties with ski facilities experienced more infections after the reopening. Moreover, counties strongly connected to the ski resorts during the reopening had more subsequent cases than weakly connected counties.
The Skewness‐Kurtosis plane for cryptocurrencies' universe
Authors: Karagiorgis Ariston , Ballis Antonis , Drakos Konstantinos
Published: February 2023

Cryptocurrency returns diverge excessively from normality, with the interrelationship of Skewness and Kurtosis being accordant with a parabolic form, yet this connection is scantly documented. We begin by demonstrating diagrammatically the attributes of the S‐K plane for cryptocurrencies. Moreover, by taking advantage of the panel structure of the data, we estimate a quadratic model for the S‐K plane. Then we investigate whether the type and the infrastructure of the cryptocurrency, as well as the period under examination, alter the architecture of the plane. We find that the squared Skewness of tokens substantially lowers the slope of Kurtosis, while the same applies to the earlier era of the market.
Photoisomerization of linear merocyanines in salt solutions
Authors: Wu Ping‐Chien , Tan Kui‐Thong , Chen I‐Chia
Published: February 2023

The trans‐cis isomerization in the excited state of linear merocyanine L‐Mero4 and phenyl substituted linear merocyanine P‐L‐Mero4 in salt solution and in ionic liquid was investigated using frequency upconversion measurements. Strontium chloride and cesium iodide were added to solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF) to vary the ionic strength. The time‐resolved fluorescence curves of merocyanines displayed multiple exponential decay behavior. The second temporal component with time constant τ2 ≈ 2.8 (11) ps of L‐Mero4 (P‐L‐Mero4) in DMSO was assigned to the duration to reach the isomerization equilibrium between the trans and the twisted conformers. The τ2 increased at higher salt concentrations and was explained by the attachment of salt ions on the polar excited merocyanines decelerating the isomerization rate. The rotational correlation time constants obtained from the anisotropy decay of fluorescence were 360 and 240 ps in neat DMSO for L‐Mero4 and P‐L‐Mero4, respectively, and they increased to 790 and 450 ps in the most concentrated SrCl2. Using Perrin relation, we estimated the increase in the rotating volume at [SrCl2] = 536 mM, revealing ≈15 SrCl2 molecules surrounding L‐Mero4 and 7 SrCl2 on P‐L‐Mero4. The experimental data indicated that the ion–molecule interaction was stronger with SrCl2 and on L‐Mero4 than on P‐L‐Mero4.
Green catalyst access to thieno [2, 3‐b] pyridines derivatives
Authors: Mehaoui Nawel , Boudjema Souheyla , Kibou Zahira , Choukchou‐Braham Noureddine , Choukchou‐Braham Abderrahim
Published: February 2023

The current study focuses on the use of tungstovanadophosphoric heteropoly acid H4PW11VO40·8 H2O (PVW) with Keggin structure and supported on acid activated (PVW/AAM) in the synthesis of new substituted Thieno [2, 3‐b] pyridines derivatives. The suggested protocol is an easy, environmentally friendly method for synthesis of thieno [2,3‐b] pyrimidine derivatives obtained from 3‐cyano‐2‐aminothiophene as building blocks under solvent‐free reactions condition. Excellent product yields of substituted Thieno [2, 3‐b] pyridine derivatives (60%–97%) were achieved using the synthesized PVW/AAM catalyst. The current processes provide benefits including a quicker reaction time, an easy set‐up, and high yields. Spectroscopic data (IR, +H and 13C NMR spectra) have revealed the structural details of all target compounds. The catalyst was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, BET and Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction showed that PVW was correctly incorporated on an acid activated clays support. In comparison to the parent, Tungstovanadophosphoric acid, the PVW supported acid activated montmorillonite provided increased Lewis acid site density, redox characteristics, and surface area. Due to the recoverability of heterogeneous catalysts, the heterogenization of homogeneous catalysts is very attractive. In addition, the produced catalysts can be simply removed from the reaction system and reused six times more effectively.
Pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period in infantile liver failure syndrome type 2 due to variants in NBAS
Authors: Peters Bianca , Wiemers Felix , Lenz Dominic , Kölker Stefan , Hoffmann Georg F. , Köhler Siegmund , Staufner Christian
Published: February 2023

Biallelic pathogenic variants in the neuroblastoma amplified sequence (NBAS) gene affecting the Sec39 domain are associated with a predominant hepatic phenotype named infantile liver failure syndrome type 2 (ILFS2). Individuals are at risk of developing life‐threatening acute liver failure episodes, most likely triggered by febrile infections. Pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period are well known triggers of decompensation in different inherited metabolic diseases and therefore entail a potential risk also for individuals with ILFS2. We studied pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period in a woman with ILFS2 (homozygous for the NBAS variant c.2708 T > G, p.(Leu903Arg)). During two pregnancies there were no complications associated with the underlying genetic condition. Two healthy boys were born by cesarean section. To reduce the risk of fever and febrile infections, we avoided prolonged labor, epidural analgesia, and breastfeeding. Maternal body temperature and liver function were closely monitored. In case of elevated body temperature, antipyretic treatment (acetaminophen, metamizole) was given without delay. Alanine and aspartate aminotransferases as well as liver function remained normal throughout the observation period. Hence, pregnancy and childbirth are feasible in women with ILFS2 under careful monitoring.
Evolution of homology: From archetype towards a holistic concept of cell type
Authors: Rusin Leonid Y.
Published: February 2023

The concept of homology lies in the heart of comparative biological science. The distinction between homology as structure and analogy as function has shaped the evolutionary paradigm for a century and formed the axis of comparative anatomy and embryology, which accept the identity of structure as a ground measure of relatedness. The advent of single‐cell genomics overturned the classical view of cell homology by establishing a backbone regulatory identity of cell types, the basic biological units bridging the molecular and phenotypic dimensions, to reveal that the cell is the most flexible unit of living matter and that many approaches of classical biology need to be revised to understand evolution and diversity at the cellular level. The emerging theory of cell types explicitly decouples cell identity from phenotype, essentially allowing for the divergence of evolutionarily related morphotypes beyond recognition, as well as it decouples ontogenetic cell lineage from cell‐type phylogeny, whereby explicating that cell types can share common descent regardless of their structure, function or developmental origin. The article succinctly summarizes current progress and opinion in this field and formulates a more generalistic view of biological cell types as avatars, transient or terminal cell states deployed in a continuum of states by the developmental programme of one and the same omnipotent cell, capable of changing or combining identities with distinct evolutionary histories or inventing ad hoc identities that never existed in evolution or development. It highlights how the new logic grounded in the regulatory nature of cell identity transforms the concepts of cell homology and phenotypic stability, suggesting that cellular evolution is inherently and massively network‐like, with one‐to‐one homologies being rather uncommon and restricted to shallower levels of the animal tree of life.
Impacts of Early Holocene environmental dynamics on open‐air occupation patterns in the Western Mediterranean: insights from El Arenal de la Virgen (Alicante, Spain)
Authors: Fernández‐López De Pablo Javier , Polo‐Díaz Ana , Rabuñal José Ramón , Gómez Puche Magdalena , Carrión Marco Yolanda , Cantó Ana , Mclaughlin Rowan , Ferrer Carlos , Burjachs Francesc
Published: February 2023

Open‐air sites represent a fundamental proxy of the Early Holocene adaptive systems in the Iberian Peninsula. However, its research potential for the study of human–environmental interactions has been minimally explored. In this work, we present the results of an integrated research programme focused on open‐area excavations at the Mesolithic site of Arenal de la Virgen (Alicante, Spain). Novel multi‐scalar geoarchaeological and archaeo‐stratigraphic studies, coupled with featured‐based palaeobotanical analysis, were used to design an extensive radiocarbon dating programme and produce different Bayesian chronological models. Our results distinguish two different Mesolithic occupation phases, dating to 9.3–9.1 and 8.6–8.3k cal a bp respectively, consisting of combustion features and lithic scatters. The comparison of occupational dynamics with the nearby palaeoecological records of Salines and Villena indicated that both Mesolithic phases occurred under relatively stable environmental conditions. The second Mesolithic phase, however, ended during the onset of the 8.2k cal a
bp climatic event, when sedimentation processes shifted from soil formation to accretion of aeolian sands. We demonstrate that the end of the Mesolithic occupations at Arenal de la Virgen coincides with the cessation of radiocarbon‐dated activity in other open‐air Postglacial sites in the central Mediterranean region of Iberia.
Comparison of surgeon and pathologist total mesorectal excision grade after rectal cancer resection: A single institution analysis
Authors: Kato Patrick J. , Kanters Arielle E. , Rivard Samantha J. , Hendren Samantha , Ramm Carole , Albright Jeremy , Schumaker Kate E. , Cleary Robert K.
Published: February 2023

Background

A Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Colorectal Cancer Project initiative sought to increase adoption of surgeon total mesorectal excision (TME) grading through standardized education and synoptic operative reporting. Our study aim was to assess initiative impact and level of agreement between surgeon and pathologist‐determined TME grades.

Methods

This is a retrospective comparison of surgeon and pathologist TME grades before and after initiative implementation using a prospectively maintained enhanced recovery colorectal surgery database.

Results

There were 112 TMEs before, and 53 TMEs following initiative implementation. There was a significant increase in surgeon TME‐grade reporting in the postinitiative period (25.0% pre‐ vs. 81.1% post‐, p < 0.001). Pathologist TME‐grade reporting was high in both time periods and there was no significant change (91.1% pre‐ vs. 88.7% post‐, p = 0.84). Surgeon and pathologist agreement was 59.3% in the preinitiative period (Κ “minimal”   0.356) and 65.0% in the postinitiative period (Κ “moderate” = 0.605, p = 0.827). There was no significant association between clinical T‐stage and surgeon or pathologist TME grade.

Conclusion

Surgeon TME grading improves with education and synoptic operative reporting. There is only moderate agreement between surgeon and pathologist, a finding that requires further study. Organized regional initiatives are effective at implementing rectal cancer management quality improvement.
An Injectable Integration of Autologous Bioactive Concentrated Growth Factor and Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel with Efficient Growth Factor Release and 3D Spatial Structure for Accelerated Wound Healing
Authors: Zhang Lixiang , Yuan Zhengchao , Shafiq Muhammad , Cai Youjun , Wang Zewen , Nie Piming , Mo Xiumei , Xu Yuan
Published: February 2023

Growth factors are essential for wound healing owing to their multiple reparative effects. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is a third‐generation platelet extract containing various endogenous growth factors. Herein, a CGF extract solution is combined with gelatin methacrylate (GM) by physical blending to produce GM@CGF hydrogels for wound repair. The GM@CGF hydrogels show no immune rejection during autologous transplantation. Compared to CGF, GM@CGF hydrogels not only exhibit excellent plasticity and adhesivity but also prevent rapid release and degradation of growth factors. The GM@CGF hydrogels display good injectability, self‐healing, swelling, and degradability along with outstanding cytocompatibility, angiogenic functions, chemotactic functions, and cell migration‐promoting capabilities in vitro. The GM@CGF hydrogel can release various effective molecules to rapidly initiate wound repair, stimulate the expressions of type I collagen, transform growth factor β1, epidermal growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, promote the production of granulation tissues, vascular regeneration and reconstruction, collagen deposition, and epidermal cell migration, as well as prevent excessive scar formation. In conclusion, the injectable GM@CGF hydrogel can release various growth factors and provide a 3D spatial structure to accelerate wound repair, thereby providing a foundation for the clinical application and translation of CGF.
Graded filtrations and ideals of reduction number 2
Authors: Kumashiro Shinya
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we give a way to construct graded filtrations of graded modules. We then apply it to the Sally module, which describes a correction term of the Hilbert function. As a result, we obtain the inequality of the Hilbert coefficients for ideals of reduction number 2 or 3.
Frequency and type of cancers in myotonic dystrophy: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: D'Ambrosio Eleonora S. , Chuang Kathy , David William S. , Amato Anthony A. , Gonzalez‐Perez Paloma
Published: February 2023

Introduction/Aims

Myotonic dystrophies (DMs) are autosomal dominant diseases in which expression of a mutant expanded repeat mRNA leads to abnormal splicing of downstream effector genes thought to be responsible for their multisystem involvement. Cancer risk and cancer‐related deaths are increased in DM patients relative to the general population. We aimed at determining the frequency and type of cancers in both DM1 and DM2 vs a non‐DM muscular dystrophy cohort.

Methods

A retrospective, cross‐sectional study was carried out on patients with genetically confirmed DM1, DM2, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) at our institutions from 2000 to 2020.

Results

One hundred eighty‐five DM1, 67 DM2, 187 FSHD, and 109 OPMD patients were included. Relative to non‐DM, DM patients had an increased cancer risk that was independent of age and sex. Specifically, an increased risk of sex‐related (ovarian) and non–sex‐related (non‐melanoma skin, urological, and hematological) cancers was observed in DM1 and DM2, respectively. The length of CTG repeat expansion was not associated with cancer occurrence in the DM1 group.

Discussion

In addition to current consensus‐based care recommendations, our findings prompt consideration of screening for skin, urological, and hematological cancers in DM2 patients, and screening of ovarian malignancies in DM1 female patients.
Patients' perceived challenges, competencies, and supportive care needs during acute clinical treatment of breast or gynecological cancer
Authors: Fahmer Natascha , Faller Hermann , Wöckel Achim , Salmen Jessica , Heuschmann Peter U. , Meng Karin
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine challenges, competencies, and supportive care needs (SCN) of women with breast or gynecological cancer during acute cancer treatment and associations to other health‐related variables.

Methods

We surveyed 120 patients with breast or gynecological cancer at the end of acute cancer treatment, either directly after surgery or during adjuvant chemotherapy. We assessed challenges, subjective competencies, and SCN using a self‐developed measure comprising 25 items referring to coping tasks assigned to six domains. In addition, patients' competencies and health literacy (HL) were assessed.

Results

Most patients felt at least moderately challenged by coping tasks concerning psychological distress (e.g., dealing with fears and insecurities, 70.2%; coping with cancer diagnosis, 69.6%) and physical complaints (e.g., dealing with a reduced physical capacity, 56.6%). About 42.5%–71.4% of patients who evaluated coping tasks as highly challenging felt competent to deal with these challenges themselves. Less than half of patients reported SCN, mainly regarding psychological concerns. The extent of challenging coping tasks, patients' perceived ability to overcome challenges themselves, and SCN showed associations to patient competencies and HL.

Conclusions

SCN regarding psychological concerns and health behavior should be addressed in acute cancer care and rehabilitation programs. In addition, promoting HL might be essential in strengthening patients' subjective competencies related to various coping tasks.
Integrative structural analysis of the type III secretion system needle complex from Shigella flexneri
Authors: Flacht Lara , Lunelli Michele , Kaszuba Karol , Chen Zhuo Angel , Reilly Francis J. O'. , Rappsilber Juri , Kosinski Jan , Kolbe Michael
Published: February 2023

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a large, transmembrane protein machinery used by various pathogenic gram‐negative bacteria to transport virulence factors into the host cell during infection. Understanding the structure of T3SSs is crucial for future developments of therapeutics that could target this system. However, much of the knowledge about the structure of T3SS is available only for Salmonella, and it is unclear how this large assembly is conserved across species. Here, we combined cryo‐electron microscopy, cross‐linking mass spectrometry, and integrative modeling to determine the structure of the T3SS needle complex from Shigella flexneri. We show that the Shigella T3SS exhibits unique features distinguishing it from other structurally characterized T3SSs. The secretin pore complex adopts a new fold of its C‐terminal S domain and the pilotin MxiM[SctG] locates around the outer surface of the pore. The export apparatus structure exhibits a conserved pseudohelical arrangement but includes the N‐terminal domain of the SpaS[SctU] subunit, which was not present in any of the previously published virulence‐related T3SS structures. Similar to other T3SSs, however, the apparatus is anchored within the needle complex by a network of flexible linkers that either adjust conformation to connect to equivalent patches on the secretin oligomer or bind distinct surface patches at the same height of the export apparatus. The conserved and unique features delineated by our analysis highlight the necessity to analyze T3SS in a species‐specific manner, in order to fully understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of these systems. The structure of the type III secretion system from Shigella flexneri delineates conserved and unique features, which could be used for the development of broad‐range therapeutics.
Machine Learning for Orbital Energies of Organic Molecules Upwards of 100 Atoms
Authors: Gaul Christopher , Cuesta-Lopez Santiago
Published: February 2023

Organic semiconductors are promising materials for cheap, scalable, and sustainable electronics, light‐emitting diodes, and photovoltaics. For organic photovoltaic cells, it is a challenge to find compounds with suitable properties in the vast chemical compound space. For example, the ionization energy should fit to the optical spectrum of sunlight, and the energy levels must allow efficient charge transport. Herein, a machine learning model is developed for rapidly and accurately estimating the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies of a given molecular structure. It is built upon the SchNet model [Schütt et al. (2018)] and augmented with a “Set2Set” readout module [Vinyals et al. (2016)]. The Set2Set module has more expressive power than sum and average aggregation and is more suitable for the complex quantities under consideration. Most previous models are trained and evaluated on rather small molecules. Therefore, the second contribution is extending the scope of machine learning methods by adding also larger molecules from other sources and establishing a consistent train/validation/test split. As a third contribution, a multitask ansatz is made to resolve the problem of different sources coming at different levels of theory. All three contributions in conjunction bring the accuracy of the model close to chemical accuracy.
Approximately counting independent sets in bipartite graphs via graph containers
Authors: Jenssen Matthew , Perkins Will , Potukuchi Aditya
Published: February 2023

By implementing algorithmic versions of Sapozhenko's graph container methods, we give new algorithms for approximating the number of independent sets in bipartite graphs. Our first algorithm applies to ‐regular, bipartite graphs satisfying a weak expansion condition: when is constant, and the graph is a bipartite ‐expander, we obtain an FPTAS for the number of independent sets. Previously such a result for was known only for graphs satisfying the much stronger expansion conditions of random bipartite graphs. The algorithm also applies to weighted independent sets: for a ‐regular, bipartite ‐expander, with fixed, we give an FPTAS for the hard‐core model partition function at fugacity . Finally we present an algorithm that applies to all ‐regular, bipartite graphs, runs in time , and outputs a ‐approximation to the number of independent sets.
Sense of community and anxiety during a global pandemic: The role of world assumptions in couples
Authors: Witting Alyssa Banford , Busby Dean M. , Allen Emma
Published: February 2023

The current study was designed to examine the role of sense of community at the outset of COVID‐19 pandemic‐related shutdowns as a longitudinal predictor of anxiety in couples. We also sought to investigate whether self‐reported changes in perceived levels of benevolent world assumptions would serve as an indirect conveyor of this association. Data were collected at three time points during the first 6‐months of pandemic shutdowns in the US and the current study utilized responses from 535 heterosexual cisgender couples. Mplus was used to path model lagged associations between sense of community at wave 1, world assumptions at waves 1 and 2 and anxiety symptoms at all three waves for both partners. Findings demonstrated direct effects within men and women with a stronger sense of community at wave 1 relating to lower anxiety at waves 2, and within women this effect extended to wave 3. Further, we found that a higher sense of community at wave 1 in men associated with perceived strengthening of benevolent world assumptions at the next wave for men and women. We noted that perceived strengthened benevolent world assumptions at wave 2 associated with lower anxiety at wave 3 within men. Indirect effects showed that a stronger sense of community at wave 1 associated with lower anxiety at wave 3 within men.
Software integration model: An assessment tool for global software development vendors
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Khan Siffat Ullah , Khan Habib Ullah , Rashid Nasir
Published: February 2023

The trend toward global software development (GSD) has grown tremendously in recent years because of the rapid acceleration in information and communication technologies (ICTs). The reason for the changing trend toward GSD is to develop high‐quality software with minimum cost and time with round the clock. Despite the benefits gained from GSD, there are certain challenges associated with it. Literature reveals that software integration is an integral challenge in the GSD domain and vendors face numerous difficulties in integrating the software components to build the final product. The main aim of this research study is to develop a software integration model (SIM) that will assist GSD vendors to address the factors linked with various stages of software integration. This model is basically designed for GSD vendor organizations to assess and improve their software integration‐related activities. However, it is also beneficial for GSD client organizations in getting knowledge about the status of the GSD vendor organization's software integration capabilities. The research design is composed of well‐known research strategies including systematic literature review (SLR), questionnaire survey, and case study approach. This research study yielded the SIM. We identified nine critical success factors (CSFs) and 10 critical barriers (CBs) in software integration through SLR‐1 by extracting the data from a sample of 105 papers. Similarly, we also identified a total of 132 practices/solutions, for the identified CSFs and CBs in software integration, through SLR‐2 from a sample of 40 papers. These identified factors and practices were validated from 96 global software industry experts/practitioners through online survey. The identified CSFs, CBs, and their associated practices have been arranged adequately across the six software integration levels of SIM. We have adapted SIM structure from capability maturity model integration (CMMI), implementation maturity model (IMM), and software outsourcing vendors readiness model (SOVRM). We also conducted six case studies in the software industry for SIM applicability and validity. The participants' feedback from the six case studies in GSD vendor's organizations portray that the SIM is beneficial for GSD vendors to assess their software integration capability.
Post‐Synthetic Surface Modification of Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Potential Applications
Authors: Figueroa‐Quintero Leidy , Villalgordo‐Hernández David , Delgado‐Marín José J. , Narciso Javier , Velisoju Vijay Kumar , Castaño Pedro , Gascón Jorge , Ramos‐Fernández Enrique V.
Published: February 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous hybrid materials with countless potential applications. Most of these rely on their porous structure, tunable composition, and the possibility of incorporating and expanding their functions. Although functionalization of the inner surface of MOF crystals has received considerable attention in recent years, methods to functionalize selectively the outer crystal surface of MOFs are developed to a lesser extent, despite their importance. This article summarizes different types of post‐synthetic modifications and possible applications of modified materials such as: catalysis, adsorption, drug delivery, mixed matrix membranes, and stabilization of porous liquids.
Design and Experiment of a Three Phase Two Switches Voltage Clamping Buck PFC
Authors: Zhao Yinfeng , Yu Fei , Song Qingguo , Zhu Zhongni
Published: February 2023

A new three‐phase two‐switch voltage clamping buck Power Factor Correction (PFC) is presents in this paper. The principle and equations of operations are described in detail. Based on the volt‐second balance principle of input inductance in the new converter, this paper gives the design method of the circuit's key components, with voltage and current stresses analyzed. On the basis of the theory above, a prototype with parameters of a 5 kW is designed. Problems of extremely high switch peak voltage stress in the conventional one are solved. The manufacturing cost of high power three phase rectifier has been significantly decreased. A 5 kW experimental prototype with unity power factor, 4.4% input line current THD, 200 Vdc output, and system efficiency of 96% at full load under 380 Vrms input line‐to‐line voltage has been successfully implemented. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Blended teaching of English speaking in a Vietnamese context: Design and procedure
Authors: Do Anh Tuan
Published: February 2023

This article aims to disseminate a technology‐enhanced language pedagogy for teaching oral English in a World Englishes context, which is underpinned by the theories of scaffolding, scaffolded instruction, and task‐based learning, and utilises a Moodle learning management system (LMS) as its e‐learning platform. In this pedagogy, not only do technologies assist language teaching and learning in terms of lesson design, materials development, and lesson delivery, but they actually involve and play a crucial role in students’ oral language development with the exploitation of text‐to‐ speech (TTS) and automatic speech recognition (ASR). The contemporary status of teaching and learning oral English is discussed to clarify the congruence of the pedagogy with an emerging consensus on teaching English speaking. A brief summary of technology‐enhanced language learning (TELL) and a critical examination of current practices of teaching oral English with technology are also presented for consideration of the position of the proposed framework in the field. The adaptability of the framework in case of the inaccessibility of an LMS is also discussed.