bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal‐Free N, P‐Codoped Carbon for Syngas Production with Tunable Composition via CO2 Electrolysis: Addressing the Competition Between CO2 Reduction and H2 Evolution
Authors: Takada Ryuji , Okada Hiroyuki , Narimatsu Kotaro , Miyake Koji , Uchida Yoshiaki , Tsuji Etsushi , Nishiyama Norikazu
Published: November 2024

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide into value‐added fine chemicals is a promising technique to realize the carbon cycle. Recently, metal‐free heteroatom doped carbons are proposed as promising cost‐effective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the lack of understanding of the active site prevents the realization of a high‐performance electrocatalyst for the CO2RR. Herein, we synthesized metal‐free N, P co‐doped carbons (NPCs) for producing syngas, which is composed of H2 and CO, by CO2 electrolysis using inexpensive bio‐based raw materials via simple pyrolysis. The syngas ratio (H2/CO) can be controlled within the high demand range (0.3–4) at low potentials using NPCs by tuning the N and P contents. In comparison with only N doping or P doping, N and P co‐doping has a positive impact on improving CO2RR activity. Experimental analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that negatively charged C atoms adjacent to N and P atoms are the most favorable active sites for CO2‐to‐CO conversion compared to pyridinic N on N, P co‐doped carbon. Introducing N atoms generates the preferable CO2 adsorption site, and P atoms contribute to decreasing the Gibbs free energy barrier for key *COOH intermediates adsorbed on the negatively charged C atoms.
Disentangling the molecular mystery of tumour–microbiota interactions: Microbial metabolites
Authors: Duan Yu‐Fei , Dai Jia‐Hao , Lu Ying‐Qi , Qiao Han , Liu Na
Published: November 2024

The profound impact of the microbiota on the initiation and progression of cancer has been a focus of attention. In recent years, many studies have shown that microbial metabolites serve as key hubs that connect the microbiome and cancer progression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Multiple mechanisms that influence tumour development and therapy resistance, including disrupting cellular signalling pathways, triggering oxidative stress, inducing metabolic reprogramming and reshaping tumour immune microenvironment, are reviewed. Focusing on recent advancements in this field, this review also summarises the methodological framework of studies regarding microbial metabolites. In this review, we outline the current state of research on tumour‐associated microbial metabolites and describe the challenges in future scientific research and clinical applications.

Key points

Metabolites derived from both gut and intratumoural microbiota play important roles in cancer initiation and progression.

The dual roles of microbial metabolites pose an obstacle for clinical translations.

Absolute quantification and tracing techniques of microbial metabolites are essential for addressing the gaps in studies on microbial metabolites.

Integrating microbial metabolomics with multi‐omics transcends current research paradigms.
Juxtaglomerular Cell Tumor With Cytohistological Correlation: A Case Report
Authors: Woods Shane M. , Pei Robert , Wang Brant G.
Published: November 2024

Juxtaglomerular cell tumors (JCT) are uncommon renin‐secreting tumors of the kidney with cytologic findings of JCT rarely reported. We describe a case of JCT in a 37‐year‐old man with uncontrolled hypertension that was cured by removal of the tumor via partial nephrectomy. Cytology material was prepared by scraping of the freshly sectioned tumor mass and stained with Diff‐Quik and Papanicolaou stains. Cytohistological findings and immunohistochemistry studies are discussed regarding diagnosis and differential diagnoses.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of a Rodent Pest, Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), Associated With Changes in Climate and Land Cover in South Korea
Authors: Kunwar Binod , Baral Suraj , Jeong Young‐Hun , Park Seon‐Mi , Choi Sung‐Hwan , Oh Hong‐Shik
Published: November 2024

The distribution of mammalian pests is altered by changes in global climate and land cover. Rattus norvegicus is a significant pest that contributes to the catastrophic decline of native species. Therefore, the studies identifying potentially suitable habitats for Rattus norvegicus and the impact of future climate change on the extent of such habitats are crucial. In this study, we determined the effects of key environmental and ecological variables on Rattus norvegicus in South Korea by considering multiple climate changes, land cover, and dispersal scenarios. The available presence locations with the least correlated variables and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model along with multiple Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenarios were utilized to project current and future habitat suitability. Additionally, three dispersal scenarios were incorporated into the model to enrich the analysis of potential future distribution. Mean diurnal temperature, elevation, and nighttime light were the three most important variables contributing to the species' distribution. The coastal and northern regions of South Korea constitute currently suitable habitats and are expected to exhibit a significant increase in the species' population under future climate projections. The results demonstrate the potential expansion of Rattus norvegicus as a result of changes in climate and land cover and provide crucial insights into the species' environmental niches. This study highlights the potential areas for monitoring, early warning, and developing effective prevention and control strategies for Rattus norvegicus.
Condo or cuisine? The function of fine woody debris in driving decomposition, detritivores, and their predators
Authors: Benedetto Nicholas V. , McClain Craig R. , Clay Natalie A.
Published: November 2024

Community structure and ecosystem function may be driven by the size or the energy within a given habitat, but these metrics (space and energy) are difficult to separate, especially in systems where the habitat itself is also food, such as detritus. Only a handful of studies have attempted to isolate potential mechanisms experimentally, which has left a notable knowledge gap in understanding the drivers of community structure and function. Here, we tested whether fine woody debris (FWD) affects leaf litter communities primarily as a source of space or energy. We used a crossed factor design to isolate the effects of FWD as space and energy, with four treatments: (1) no FWD, (2) only energy‐providing FWD (sawdust), (3) only space‐providing synthetic wood debris, and (4) a combination of both space and energy. We hypothesized that the highest levels of diversity, carnivore:detritivore ratio, and decomposition rate would occur on plots supplied with sawdust (representing energy), synthetic woody debris (representing space), or a combination of both, depending on the relative significance of FWD as a source of either energy or space. After 7 months, FWD as a source of energy but not space led to decreased decomposer abundance and richness. Conversely, increased proportion of carnivores and labile substrate decomposition was primarily driven by FWD as a source of space. However, the fastest decomposition of more recalcitrant substrates required both space and energy (additive), and the synergy of space and energy supported the greatest proportion of carnivores. These results suggest that the presence of FWD in forest ecosystems supports increased diversity and decomposition through a synergistic interaction of space and energy and the maintenance of deadwood like FWD in forest ecosystems can thus significantly contribute to forest ecosystem function.
Memory Phenotype Tfh Cells Develop Without Overt Infection and Support Germinal Center Formation and B Cell Responses to Viral Infection
Authors: Symonds Alistair L. J. , Busharat Zabreen , Du Mengmeng , Miao Tizong , Li Suling , Hou Xiujuan , Wang Ping
Published: November 2024

Pathogen‐induced memory Tfh cells are important to maintain high‐affinity antibodies against pathogens. We have now discovered Tfh cells with a similar memory phenotype (MP) that develop in pathogen‐free conditions. These MP Tfh cells are similar to pathogen‐induced memory Tfh in both phenotype and function. They express FR4 and Egr2, which are both found in pathogen‐induced memory Tfh cells. FR4+Egr2+ CD4 MP cells express genes involved in the development of Tfh cells and homeostatic proliferation, as well as key metabolic pathways discovered in pathogen‐induced memory Tfh cells. MP Tfh cells can support B cell–mediated IgG production in vitro and induce germinal center formation and anti‐viral antibodies in response to virus infection. These mouse MP Tfh cells share a similar phenotype to human circulating Tfh cells that are increased in Sjögren's syndrome patients. Although Foxp3‐positive circulating T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are normal, a proportion of circulating Tfh cells from patients express increased levels of T‐bet, which is associated with high levels of inflammatory pathology. Thus, although they do not require overt infection for their development, MP Tfh cells are important for protective immune responses, and dysregulated MP Tfh responses may play a role in autoimmunity.
Nanofiber/Nanoparticle Electrodes for Ultra‐low Platinum Fuel Cells via Simultaneous Foam Electrospinning and Electrospraying
Authors: Kim Dohyun , Sun Rui , Elabd Yossef A.
Published: November 2024

In this study, we developed a new technique, simultaneous foam electrospinning and electrospraying (FE/E), that produces nanofiber/nanoparticle electrodes at higher production rates compared to needle‐based electrospinning and electrospraying (E/E). Herein, the nanofiber amount was precisely controlled by applying various voltages on the foam electrospinning process at a fixed platinum (Pt) loading, which enables an exclusive investigation into the impact of ionomer nanofiber on fuel cell performance at ultra‐low Pt loadings for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The results show that fuel cell performance is strongly dependent on ionomer nanofiber content. At 0.04 mg/cm2 nanofiber amount, the electrodes exhibited the highest fuel cell power density of 1.09 W/cm2 and Pt utilization of 11.5 kW/gPt, which are 28% and 39% higher than those of the electrode produced via electrospraying alone, respectively. The improvement results from enhanced proton and gas transport stemming from the nanofiber network as verified by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and oxygen gain voltage analysis. The FE/E technique provides a pathway to produce ultra‐low Pt nanofiber/nanoparticle electrodes at high production rates and high fuel cell performance.
Assessment of Landslide Susceptibility using Geospatial Techniques: A Comparative Evaluation of Machine Learning and Statistical Models
Authors: Raut Subrata , Dutta Dipanwita , Bera Debarati , Samanta Rajeeb
Published: November 2024

This study delineates landslide susceptibility zones in the Kalimpong district by integrating multi‐sensor datasets and assessing the effectiveness of statistical and machine learning models for precision mapping. The analysis utilises a comprehensive geospatial dataset, including remote sensing imagery, topographical, geological, and climatic factors. Four models were employed to generate landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs) using 16 influencing factors: two bivariate statistical models, frequency ratio (FR) and evidence belief function (EBF) and two machine learning models, random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). Out of 1244 recorded landslide events, 871 events (70%) were used for training the models, and 373 events (30%) for validation. The distribution of susceptibility classes predicted by The RF and SVM models produced similar susceptibility distributions, predicting 13.30% and 14.30% of the area as highly susceptible, and 2.42% and 2.82% as very highly susceptible, respectively. In contrast, the FR model estimated 20.98% of the area as highly susceptible and 4.30% as very highly susceptible, whereas the EBF model predicted 17.42% and 5.89% for these categories, respectively. Model validation using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves revealed that the machine learning models (RF and SVM) had superior prediction accuracy with AUC values of 95.90% and 86.60%, respectively, compared to the statistical models (FR and EBF), which achieved AUC values of 74.30% and 76.80%. The findings indicate that Kalimpong‐I is most vulnerable, with 6.76% of its area categorised as very high susceptibility and 24.80% as high susceptibility. Conversely, the Gorubathan block exhibited the least susceptible, with 0.95% and 6.48% of its area classified as very high and high susceptibility, respectively. This research provides essential insights for decision‐makers and policy planners in landslide‐prone regions and can be instrumental in developing early warning systems, which are vital for enhancing community safety through timely evacuations and preparedness measures.
Hydrological Dynamics in Response to Vegetation Restoration in a Typical Wind–Water Erosion Crisscross Catchment
Authors: Jing Tongge , Fang Nufang , Ni Lingshan , Zhang Fengbao , Zeng Yi , Dai Wei , Shi Zhihua
Published: November 2024

The intricate climate and surface composition of the wind‐water erosion crisscross region create a distinctive environment for erosion and sediment production. However, research on the hydrological characteristics and responses to vegetation restoration in this area is limited. This study focuses on a representative catchment (3253 km2) in the northern Loess Plateau of China, examining the streamflow and sediment transport dynamics before (P1: 1977–1988) and after (P2: 2006–2017) vegetation restoration. Our results show that streamflow is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, while sediment transport is highly concentrated over a few days during the wet season. Flood events account for the majority of sediment yield, contributing over 70% in both periods, with hyperconcentrated flows (SSCp ≥ 300 kg m−3) being particularly significant. Vegetation restoration has resulted in an 85% reduction in annual sediment yield and an 89% decrease in the frequency of hyperconcentrated flood events. Despite these reductions, hyperconcentrated floods remain the dominant sediment transport mechanism, with just 9.7% of events in P2 responsible for nearly half of the sediment transported. Analyses of effective sediment transport discharge and sediment rating curves indicate a higher discharge threshold for hyperconcentrated floods post‐vegetation restoration, leading to a greater sediment transport magnitude in P2. Hysteresis analysis shows a predominant counter‐clockwise pattern in both periods, driven by abundant sediment sources and the high transport capacity of hyperconcentrated floods. Vegetation restoration has reduced the availability of sediment for transport, resulting in more linear relationships and decreased complexity in hysteresis patterns. Under future scenarios of intensified climate extremes, this region remains at high risk of erosion and sediment yield.
Association of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width to Albumin Ratio With the Prevalence of Kidney Stones Among the General Adult Population
Authors: Wu Linbin , Zhang Yuanfeng , Chen Dake , Chen Wu , Wu Yuanzhao , Yin Bowei , Kong Xianghui , Miao Feilong , Ye Ruxian , Li Chengpeng , Li Xiaodan , Chen Li
Published: November 2024

Background

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and serum albumin levels are potential indicators of inflammatory conditions. However, the relationship between the RDW to albumin ratio (RAR) and the prevalence of kidney stones in the general adult population is not yet established.

Methods

This study utilized data from the 2007 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) project. RAR levels were calculated by dividing RDW by albumin. Multiple logistic regressions and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were applied to examine the associations between RDW, albumin, RAR, and the prevalence of kidney stones.

Results

A total of 31,417 adults (2987 participants with kidney stones) were included for analysis. The mean age of the participants was 47.84 ± 0.23 years, and 48.86% were male. The mean of RDW, albumin, and RAR was 13.25 ± 0.02%, 4.26 ± 0.01 g/dL, and 3.14 ± 0.01, respectively. Compared to the first quartile, the fourth quartile of RDW (OR = 1.44 [1.21–1.72], Ptrend < 0.001) and RAR (OR = 1.62 [1.35–1.95], Ptrend < 0.001) were positively associated with the prevalence of kidney stones, whereas albumin (OR = 0.75 [0.63–0.89], Ptrend < 0.001) was negatively associated with the prevalence of kidney stones after multivariable adjustment. Furthermore, we found that both RDW and RAR levels were positively and non‐linearly related to the prevalence of kidney stones, with inflection points of 13.50% and 3.23, respectively. On the other hand, serum albumin concentrations exhibited a linear association with the prevalence of kidney stones.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that higher RAR levels are associated with an increased prevalence of kidney stones in the general adult population.
The potential hazards of high doses of vitamin B6 in treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: A systematic review
Authors: He Ling , Fan Yulin , Hu Yuanmei , Tian Chunhua , Tian Ying , Zhang Jidong , Ren Yanping , Tan Jun
Published: November 2024

Vitamin B6 is frequently utilized as a therapeutic agent for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). Research indicates that excessive intake of vitamin B6 can have implications on neurological function, underscoring the importance of cautious consideration when administering vitamin B6 treatment during early pregnancy. This systematic review investigates the effects of high doses of vitamin B6 on pregnant women experiencing NVP. We searched the PubMed® MEDLINE® database for articles using the following terms: “pregnancy” or “nausea and vomiting during pregnancy” and “vitamin B6.” Women with nausea and vomiting symptoms during pregnancy use more than the tolerable amount of vitamin B6. A total of 136 articles were identified from the PubMed® MEDLINE® database. The etiology and treatment of NVP are briefly outlined, followed by a summary and analysis of 19 relevant literature sources. Among these sources, 12 reports detailed the adverse effects of excessive vitamin B6 intake in women; 164/1226 individuals experienced neurological symptoms such as burning, tingling, paresthesia, ataxia, or perioral numbness. Additionally, out of 245 women, four experienced miscarriages and one had an intrauterine demise. The overconsumption of vitamin B6 has the potential to impact nerve function, particularly during the critical first trimester of embryonic development. It might result in adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, intrauterine fetal demise, and congenital abnormalities.
Optimal timing for induction of labor in normotensive women: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gunnarsdóttir Jóhanna , Swift Emma Marie , Smárason Alexander , Einarsdóttir Kristjana
Published: November 2024

Objective

Labor induction is offered to reduce the risk of stillbirth at late term (41+0 to 41+6) but earlier induction in normotensive singleton pregnancies is supported by weak evidence. The aim of the present study was to investigate the optimal timing for induction in normotensive women.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study including 70 293 singleton term births in Iceland during 1997–2018. Women with serious pre‐gestational comorbidity, hypertension, stillbirth or previous cesarean birth were excluded. The risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for induction at each week from gestational age 37–41 weeks was compared with expectant management, defined as deliveries at a later gestational age. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using log‐binomial regression adjusting for sociodemographics, parity, and pregnancy complications.

Results

The risk of cesarean was lower with induction at ≥40+0 than expectant management, especially at late term (RR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63–0.83). Respiratory distress was diagnosed in 4.4% of infants after induction from 37+0 to 37+6 but 1.3% in the expectant management group (RR 3.08, 95% CI: 1.97–4.81). Induction between 37+0 and 38+6 compared with expectant management was associated with a reduced risk of shoulder dystocia, but this was non‐significant in births of infants with normal birthweight.

Conclusion

Labor induction from 40+0 compared with expectant management was associated with reduced risk of cesarean birth in Icelandic women without an increase in risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. No additional benefit appeared to be from inducing at earlier gestations in low‐risk pregnancies.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived Ectonucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase 3 Alleviates Mitochondrial Dysfunction of Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes via Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase 1‐Induced Suppression of the AKT/Notch2 Pathway
Authors: Tang Xin , He Jingsheng , Hao Ye
Published: November 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease that usually starts from joint cartilage injury. Notch2, a versatile signaling in human development and diseases, was recently uncovered to be an important regulator in chondrocyte damage. However, in OA chondrocytes, how Notch2 activation is dysregulated is largely unknown. Here, integrated bioinformatic analysis was performed on GEO datasets (GSE199193 and GSE224255) to search potential extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived regulators of Notch2 in OA chondrocytes. Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 3 (Entpd3), a most differentially expressed gene both in LPS‐induced macrophage EV and Notch2 mutant chondrocytes, was screened as the candidate regulator of Notch2 in OA chondrocytes. Gain‐of‐function experiments in cultured human chondrocytes revealed that recombinant Entpd3 protein and macrophage EV both had a protective effect on LPS‐induced inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and collagen loss in chondrocytes. In terms of mechanism, Entpd3 directly interacted with ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) and suppressed AKT/Notch2‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, we verified that either macrophage EV administration or Entpd3 overexpression was able to alleviate osteoarthritis in mice in vivo. In conclusion, Entpd3 is identified as a new regulator in OA, which alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction induced chondrocyte damage via ENPP1‐induced suppression of the AKT/Notch2 pathway.
Endocannabinoid receptor 2 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Simonaro Calogera M. , Yasuda Makiko , Schuchman Edward H.
Published: November 2024

Herein, we studied the expression of endocannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R), a known inflammation mediator, in several lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) animal models and evaluated it as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for these diseases. CB2R was highly elevated in the plasma of Farber disease and mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type IIIA mice, followed by Fabry disease and MPS type I mice. Mice with acid sphingomyelinase‐deficient Niemann‐Pick disease (ASMD) and rats with MPS type VI exhibited little or no plasma CB2R elevation. High‐level expression of CB2R was also observed in tissues of Farber and MPS IIIA mice. Treatment of MPS IIIIA patient cells with CB2R agonists led to a reduction of CB2R and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), a chemotactic factor that is elevated in this LSD. Treatment of MPS IIIA mice with one of these agonists (JWH133) led to a reduction of plasma and tissue CB2R and MCP‐1, a reduction of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the brain, and an improvement in hanging test performance. JWH133 treatment of Farber disease mice also led to a reduction of MCP‐1 in tissues and plasma, and treatment of these mice by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) led to a reduction of plasma CB2R, indicating its potential to monitor treatment response. Overall, these findings suggest that CB2R should be further examined as a potential therapeutic target for the LSDs and may also be a useful biomarker to monitor the impact of therapies.
Metabolomic Profiling of Cerebrospinal Fluid Reveals Metabolite Biomarkers in Tick‐Borne Encephalitis Patient
Authors: Liang Runxin , Li Yuchang , Li Jing , Zhang Sen , Gao Yanhong , Tan Fuli , Feng Ye , Chen Yuehong , Wang Fei , Jiang Tao , Kang Xiaoping
Published: November 2024

Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) can cause life‐threatening central nervous system infection. Changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites may reflect critical aspects of host responses and end‐organ damage in neuro infection and neuroinflammation. In this study, we applied an untargeted metabolomics screen of CSF samples to investigate the metabolites profile and explore biomarkers for TBEV infection. By analyzing CSF samples from 77 patients with TBEV infection and 23 without TBEV infection, tryptophan metabolism and Citrate cycle were found to be the top important metabolic pathways in differentiating the control and case groups; acetoacetate, 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐(methylthio)‐adenosine, 3‐methyl‐2‐oxobutanoic acid, and so forth. were identified to be metabolic biomarkers (|FC|> 1, VIP > 1, FDR < 0.05) in CSF and clearly separated the TBEV infection from the noninfected samples. Moreover, four metabolites were identified to be associated with fatal outcome, including kynurenic acid, 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid, DL‐tryptophan, indole‐3‐acrylic acid, demonstrating the potential predictive biomarkers for severe TBEV infection. This study explored the metabolic profile of TBEV infection in CSF samples and identified candidate biomarkers for TBEV infection, which might be useful in target screening for differential diagnosis and therapeutic inter‐vention.
The Characterization of the Lattice Vibrations of Ammonium Nitrate in ANFO Mixture After Authentic Detonations Using Confocal Raman Microscopy and Single Crystal X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Estevanes Jared , Jernigan Nicholas , Zall Christopher , Monjardez Geraldine
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to characterize ammonium nitrate lattice vibrations in an ammonium nitrate and fuel oil mixture (ANFO) following authentic explosive events using confocal Raman microscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Two simulated IEDs were constructed and detonated, consisting of several different substrate materials, using ANFO as the main charge. Crystalline material was observed to be growing on several of the postblast substrates. Microscopical examination revealed the crystalline material to have isotropic and anisotropic characteristics. Following recrystallization from water, the material was identified as ammonium nitrate. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction enabled the identification of the unit cells and molecular structures of the crystals formed after the blast. The values corresponded to the known Phase IV structure of recrystallized ammonium nitrate; however, there were minor yet statistically significant variations in the distances in the unit cell dimensions and O–N–O angles. Ex situ analysis of isotropic crystalline fragment using confocal Raman microscopy determined that lattice vibrations within the material were different than the ANFO intact reference, with the blue shifting of several bands, the emergence of new bands, and the loss of other characteristic bands. It was determined that the isotropic crystalline material observed in the postblast residue consisted of stressed state Phase IV AN. This suggests that a thermal change of AN can be observed in the microscopical characteristics and Raman spectrum of the crystals, demonstrating the importance of low frequency Raman spectroscopy (10–250 cm−1), which allows the identification of distinct spectral features of crystalline salts.
Efficacy of brodalumab in psoriasis patients with a body weight >100 kg: Real‐world evidence (RWE) from the LIBERO study
Authors: von Kiedrowski Ralph , Asadullah Khusru , Korge Bernhard , Tsarovina Konstantina , Augustin Matthias
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients with psoriasis often suffer from obesity. However, only limited data are available on the efficacy of brodalumab 210 mg, a fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin IgG2 antibody binding to the human interleukin 17 receptor subunit A, in obese patients in daily practice, to date.

Objectives

A subgroup analysis from the LIBERO study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of brodalumab in patients weighing ≤100 and >100 kg after ~12 weeks (W) and ~52 W.

Methods

LIBERO is a large prospective, multicenter, non‐interventional, real‐world‐evidence study including adult patients with plaque psoriasis treated with brodalumab 210 mg.

Results

Four hundred and sixty‐one patients with a body weight up to 100 kg (nonobese) and 161 patients with >100 kg body weight (obese) were included in this subgroup analysis. At baseline, the majority of patients in both groups had very severe (12.6%; 15.7%) or severe (49.4%; 55.0%) psoriasis, as assessed by Physician Global Assessment (PGA). As of W2, a significant reduction of the mean PASI could be achieved in both groups. In patients weighing ≤100 kg mean PASI decreased from 16.9 to 9.0 and further improved to 2.6 at ~W12 (p < 0.001). In the patient group >100 kg, the PASI decreased from 17.9 to 10.2 at ~W2 (p < 0.001) and improved further to 3.9 at ~W12 (p < 0.001). However, at ~W12 absolute PASI0‐3 rates were lower in patients >100 kg than in patients ≤100 kg (68.4% vs. 80.5%, p = 0.006); there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at ~W52/last visit any more in any of the effectiveness parameters with, for example, a PGA0/1 response of 82.3% versus 86.5% (p = 0.6089), respectively.

Conclusions

This subgroup analysis of LIBERO confirmed, that in daily practice brodalumab can be equally beneficial patients with >100 and ≤100 kg in the long‐term management of psoriasis.
The Effect of Different Aging Methods on the Heavy Metal Adsorption Capacity of Microplastics
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Su , Liang Xiao , Hou Ziyan , Lin Xiaonan , Chao Lei
Published: November 2024

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern. MPs undergo aging in the environment, which includes light‐induced and temperature‐induced degradation. Existing studies on MP aging predominantly focus on UV‐induced and high‐temperature aging. This experiment addresses the issue of the combined pollution of MPs and heavy metals in the environment, nonbiodegradable polystyrene (PS) MPs and utilizing biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs along with the heavy metals Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ as the research objects. The study aims to simulate the aging of MPs under UV and high‐temperature conditions and to investigate the adsorption of heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) by aged MPs. This research helps to further the understanding of the interactions between MPs and heavy metals in the environment, as well as the environmental risks posed by their combined pollution, thereby providing a foundation for managing MPs and heavy metal contamination. The study reveals that under both aging conditions, the MPs' surface becomes rougher, developing cracks that increase its specific surface area, reduce the average adsorption pore size and zeta potential, and enhance crystallinity and oxygen content. UV aging has a more pronounced effect on the physical and chemical properties of the microplastics. The adsorption level of heavy metals by MPs remain largely unchanged before and after aging; however, the aging process slightly increased the adsorption capacity of the MPs. PS‐T increased the adsorption of Cd2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ by 0.0011, 0.003, 0.002, PS‐UV increased the adsorption of Cd2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ by 0.0024, 0.015, 0.011, PLA‐T increased the adsorption of Cd2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ by 0.0023, 0.014, and 0.023, and PLA‐UV increased the adsorption of Cd2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ by 0.0028, 0.017, and 0.03, respectively.
Ecosystem Services Supply‐Demand Mismatch and Their Drivers in Highly Spatially Heterogeneous South China Karst Ecoregions
Authors: Chen Yi , Xiong Kangning , Luo Lu , Chen Jiaying
Published: November 2024

Understanding the issues of natural capital, group consumption, and the role of internal and external factors in discussions on the sustainability of ecosystem services (ES) can help to realize sustainable socio‐ecological system management. However, previous studies have complemented ecological management practices from a holistic or ES supply perspective, with little consideration of spatial and temporal differences in supply–demand mismatches across ecoregions. On the basis of the frameworks of spatial quantification, matching analysis, driver identification, and management strategy development, this study explores the differences in the supply and demand of key ES in various ecological zones of the South China Karst (SCK) and employs correlation analyses to reveal the direction and degree of influence of the drivers on the mismatch of supply and demand. Furthermore, valuable ecological management strategies are provided. The results showed that, in general, the supply of habitat quality (HQ) and carbon sequestration (CS) decreased, and the supply capacity for soil conservation (SC), food provision (FP), and water yield (WY) improved. The demand for WY decreased, whereas the demand for all other services increased to varying degrees. Except for the SC imbalance, the supply and demand of other ES matched well, with localized mismatch areas concentrated around the city. These gradually evolved from a point distribution to a continuous type of line or even surface distribution from 2000 to 2020. The temporal and spatial variability of ES was evident in different ecoregions, and key socio‐ecological drivers were inconsistent in their ability to explain ES supply and demand mismatches, especially in medium‐high mountain regions. Additionally, we provide valuable spatial planning and ecological management strategies for future socioe‐cological system management on the basis of the results of different regional studies.
Implications of Pea–Barley‐Mixed Cropping on Gross Margin, Root Rot Infestation, and Nitrogen Supply—A Swiss Case Study
Authors: Vonzun Seraina , Schneider Michael , Gfeller Valentin , Hohmann Pierre , Haug Benedikt , Meyer Matthias , Messmer Monika M.
Published: November 2024

A growing demand for plant‐based proteins and renewable nitrogen supplies has necessitated an intensification of legume cultivation in Europe. However, the cultivation of grain legumes is inherently exposed to various risks, including lodging and fungal infections. Mixed cropping of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) presents a promising approach to increase plant‐based protein production while also improving yield stability. We performed a multi‐environment‐mixed cropping comparison with pure pea and pure barley to determine the effects of the cultivation method on root rot resistance, N supply in successive crops, grain yield, and economic performance. While the economic performance was similar for pure pea and mixed cropping, we observed a lower variability of the farmer's gross margin in mixed cropping compared with pure cropping across 3 years and two locations. Especially in seasons with high precipitation, the mixed cropping approach prevented lodging and harvest losses. The N supply in the successive crop was equal or higher in mixed cropping compared with pure pea cropping. No variation in the pea root rot infestation levels was observed between mixed and pure cropping, indicating a general demand for resistance breeding. Our experiment indicated genotype‐specific effects on the gross margin in regard to culture (pure pea and mixed cropping). Leafy genotypes in particular demonstrate substantial performance gains when cultivated in mixed cropping systems. The conclusion is that mixed cropping leads to similarly positive crop rotation nitrogen effects as pure pea cropping, with the advantage of reduced gross margin and yield variability.
(TTTCA)exp Drives the Genotype–Phenotype Correlation and Genetic Anticipation in FCMTE1
Authors: Chen Xinhui , Wang Bo , Xia Haibin , Wang Haotian , Yang Dehao , Chen Miao , Yu Huijun , Zhang Fan , Kang Yixin , Chen Yiling , Jin Nan , Wang Lebo , Liu Peng , Xie Fei , Fu Aisi , Hu Ben , Ouyang Zhiyuan , Wu Sheng , Ding Yao , Ji Junfeng , Wang Shuang , Luo Wei , Cen Zhidong
Published: November 2024

Background

The pentanucleotide (TTTCA) repeat expansion (exp) insertion, along with the accompanying (TTTTA)exp, causes familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy (FCMTE). The genotype–phenotype correlations and intergenerational instabilities related to (TTTCA)exp and (TTTTA)exp are still unclear.

Objective

The aim was to investigate the genotype–phenotype correlations and intergenerational instabilities related to (TTTCA)exp and (TTTTA)exp in FCMTE1.

Methods

We performed targeted long‐read sequencing on 77 FCMTE1 patients. After quality control, metrics such as total repeat count, respective (TTTTA)exp and (TTTCA)exp count, and interruptions were assessed in 73 patients. Correlations between metrics and the patients' clinical features, as well as repeat instability during parental transmission, were analyzed.

Results

Among 73 alleles, the average total repeat counts were 848 ± 152 units, with (TTTTA)exp and (TTTCA)exp averaging 498 ± 196 units and 356 ± 110 units, respectively. (TTTCA)exp counts were inversely correlated with the age at onset for cortical tremor (Spearman's rho = −0.348, P = 0.005) and epilepsy (Spearman's rho = −0.424, P = 0.003). A negative correlation was found between (TTTCA)exp counts and relatively moderate seizure pattern with prodrome (odds ratio = 0.988, 95% confidence interval: 0.980–0.995, P = 0.002). During parental transmission, (TTTCA)exp counts increased significantly (P = 0.007), with maternal transmission showing a significantly larger increase compared to paternal transmission (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

The (TTTCA)exp insertion serves as the length‐dependent pathogenic component within the two‐motif repeat expansion. Its differential expanding nature during parental transmissions is highly associated with the genetic anticipation in FCMTE1. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A 26‐GHz Low Noise Amplifier With 1.6‐dB Minimum Noise Figure in 0.15‐μm GaN‐on‐SiC Process
Authors: Mao Fengyuan , Chen Zhijian , Li Bin , Wu Zhaohui , Chen Xinhuang , Yang Siyuan
Published: November 2024

A 24.8–29.1‐GHz four‐stage gallium nitride (GaN) low noise amplifier (LNA) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is presented in this letter which is fabricated in a 0.15‐μm GaN‐on‐SiC process. The proposed GaN LNA utilizes gate/drain bypass networks and source degeneration (SD) to achieve both 0–40‐GHz unconditional stability and broadband simultaneous noise and input matching (SNIM). The measured results show a peak gain of 19.9 dB with a 3‐dB bandwidth of 4.3 GHz and a low noise figure (NF) of 1.58–2.57 dB. The input and output return losses are better than 11 dB and the output‐referred third‐order intercept point (OIP3) is greater than 21 dBm. The presented LNA has a core area of 4.2 mm2 and consumes a power dissipation of 150 mW. Compared with other state‐of‐the‐art GaN LNA designs, the proposed LNA exhibits competitive NF and overall performance.
Proton‐free induction decay MRSI at 7 T in the human brain using an egg‐shaped modified rosette K‐space trajectory
Authors: Blömer Simon , Hingerl Lukas , Marjańska Małgorzata , Bogner Wolfgang , Motyka Stanislav , Hangel Gilbert , Klauser Antoine , Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Strasser Bernhard
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Proton (1H)‐MRSI via spatial‐spectral encoding poses high demands on gradient hardware at ultra‐high fields and high‐resolutions. Rosette trajectories help alleviate these problems, but at reduced SNR‐efficiency because of their k‐space densities not matching any desired k‐space filter. We propose modified rosette trajectories, which more closely match a Hamming filter, and thereby improve SNR performance while still staying within gradient hardware limitations and without prolonging scan time.

Methods

Analytical and synthetic simulations were validated with phantom and in vivo measurements at 7 T. The rosette and modified rosette trajectories were measured in five healthy volunteers in 6 min in a 2D slice in the brain. An elliptical phase‐encoding sequence was measured in one volunteer in 22 min, and a 3D sequence was measured in one volunteer within 19 min. The SNR per‐unit‐time, linewidth, Cramer‐Rao lower bounds (CRLBs), lipid contamination, and data quality of the proposed modified rosette trajectory were compared to the rosette trajectory.

Results

Using the modified rosette trajectories, an improved k‐space weighting function was achieved resulting in an SNR per‐unit‐time increase of up to 12% compared to rosette's and 23% compared to elliptical phase‐encoding, dependent on the two additional trajectory parameters. Similar results were achieved for the theoretical SNR calculation based on k‐space densities, as well as when using the pseudo‐replica method for simulated, in vivo, and phantom data. The CRLBs of γ‐aminobutyric acid and N‐acetylaspartylglutamate improved non‐significantly for the modified rosette trajectory, whereas the linewidths and lipid contamination remained similar.

Conclusion

By optimizing the shape of the rosette trajectory, the modified rosette trajectories achieved higher SNR per‐unit‐time and enhanced data quality at the same scan time.
Regional changes in cerebral perfusion with age when accounting for changes in gray‐matter volume
Authors: Hu Jian , Craig Martin S. , Knight Silvin P. , De Looze Celine , Meaney James F. , Kenny Rose Anne , Chen Xin , Chappell Michael A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

One possible contributing factor for cerebral blood flow (CBF) decline in normal aging is the increase in partial volume effects due to brain atrophy, as cortical thinning can exacerbate the contamination of gray‐matter (GM) voxels by other tissue types. This work investigates CBF changes in normal aging of a large elderly cohort aged 54 to 84 and how correction for partial volume effects that would accommodate potential changes in GM might affect this.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 474 participants aged 54 to 84 years using pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling MRI. A volumetric pipeline and a surface‐based pipeline were applied to measure global and regional perfusion. Volumetric regions of interest (ROIs) included GM, cerebral white matter, vascular territories, and the brain atlas from the UK Biobank. The cortical parcellation was using Desikan–Killiany atlas. Non–partial volume effect correction (PVEc) and PVEc GM‐CBF changes with aging were modeled using linear regressions.

Results

Global GM CBF decreased by 0.17 mL/100 g/min per year with aging before PVEc (p < 0.05) and was 0.18 mL/100 g/min after PVEc (p < 0.05). All cortical parcels exhibited CBF decreases with age before PVEc. After PVEc, seven parcels retained decreasing trends. However, GM CBF demonstrated increase with age after PVEc in three parcels.

Conclusion

Although decreases in global perfusion are observed with aging before PVEc, perfusion variations appear to be more regionally selective after PVEc. This supports the understanding that variation in cerebral perfusion with age observed with imaging is influenced by regional changes in anatomy that can be accommodated with PVEc, but perfusion variation is still observable even after PVE is accounted for.
A signal model for fat‐suppressed T1‐mapping and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with interrupted spoiled gradient‐echo readout
Authors: Wennen Myrte , Stehling Wilhelm , Marcus J. Tim , Kuijer Joost P. A. , Lavini Cristina , Heunks Leo M. A. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Coolen Bram F. , Nederveen Aart J. , Gurney‐Champion Oliver J.
Published: November 2024

The conventional gradient‐echo steady‐state signal model is the basis of various spoiled gradient‐echo (SPGR) based quantitative MRI models, including variable flip angle (VFA) MRI and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE). However, including preparation pulses, such as fat suppression or saturation bands, disrupts the steady‐state and leads to a bias in T1 and DCE parameter estimates. This work introduces a signal model that improves the accuracy of VFA T1‐mapping and DCE for interrupted spoiled gradient‐echo (I‐SPGR) acquisitions. The proposed model was applied to a VFA T1‐mapping I‐SPGR sequence in the Gold Standard T1‐phantom (3 T), in the brain of four healthy volunteers (3 T), and to an abdominal DCE examination (1.5 T). T1‐values obtained with the proposed and conventional model were compared to reference T1‐values. Bland–Altman analysis (phantom) and analysis of variance (in vivo) were used to test whether bias from both methods was significantly different (p = 0.05). The proposed model outperformed the conventional model by decreasing the bias in the phantom with respect to the phantom reference values (mean bias ‐2 vs. ‐35% at 3 T) and in vivo with respect to the conventional SPGR (‐6 vs. ‐37% bias in T1, p < 0.01). The proposed signal model estimated approximately 48% (depending on baseline T1) higher contrast concentrations in vivo, which resulted in decreased DCE pharmacokinetic parameter estimates of up to 35%. The proposed signal model improves the accuracy of quantitative parameter estimation from disrupted steady‐state I‐SPGR sequences. It therefore provides a flexible method for applying fat suppression, saturation bands, and other preparation pulses in VFA T1‐mapping and DCE.
Intent‐Based Network Configuration Using Large Language Models
Authors: Tu Nguyen , Nam Sukhyun , Hong James Won‐Ki
Published: November 2024

The increasing scale and complexity of network infrastructure present a huge challenge for network operators and administrators in performing network configuration and management tasks. Intent‐based networking has emerged as a solution to simplify the configuration and management of networks. However, one of the most difficult tasks of intent‐based networking is correctly translating high‐level natural language intents into low‐level network configurations. In this paper, we propose a general and effective approach to perform the network intent translation task using large language models with fine‐tuning, dynamic in‐context learning, and continuous learning. Fine‐tuning allows a pretrained large language model to perform better on a specific task. In‐context learning enables large language models to learn from the examples provided along with the actual intent. Continuous learning allows the system to improve overtime with new user intents. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we present and evaluate it with two use cases: network formal specification translation and network function virtualization configuration. Our evaluation shows that with the proposed approach, we can achieve high intent translation accuracy as well as fast processing times using small large language models that can run on a single consumer‐grade GPU.