bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proxy-Model Comparison for the Eocene-Oligocene Transition in Southern High Latitudes
Authors: Tibbett Emily , Burls Natalie J , Hutchinson David , Feakins Sarah J
Published: December 2022

The Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT) marks the shift from greenhouse to
icehouse conditions at 34 Ma, when a permanent ice sheet developed on
Antarctica. Climate modeling studies have recently assessed the drivers
of the transition globally. Here we revisit those experiments for a
detailed study of the southern high latitudes in comparison to the
growing number of mean annual sea surface temperature (SST) and mean air
temperature (MAT) proxy reconstructions, allowing us to assess
proxy-model temperature agreement and refine estimates for the magnitude
of the pCO forcing of the EOT. We compile and
update published proxy temperature records on and around Antarctica for
the late Eocene (38-34 Ma) and early Oligocene (34-30 Ma). Compiled SST
proxies cool by up to 3°C and MAT by up to 4°C between the timeslices.
Proxy data were compared to previous climate model simulations
representing pre- and post-EOT, typically forced with a halving
of pCO. We scaled the model outputs to identify
the magnitude of pCO change needed to drive a
commensurate change in temperature to best fit the temperature proxies.
The multi-model ensemble needs a 30 or 33% decrease
in pCO, to best fit MAT or SST proxies
respectively, a difference of just 3%. These proxy-model
intercomparisons identify pCO as the primary
forcing of EOT cooling, with a magnitude (-200 or -243 ppmv) approaching
that of the pCO proxies (-150 ppmv). However
individual model estimates span -66 to -375 ppmv, thus proxy-model
uncertainties are dominated by model divergence.
Effect-Based Trigger Values Are Essential for the Uptake of Effect-Based Methods in Water Safety Planning
Authors: Neale Peta A. , Escher Beate I. , de Baat Milo L. , Enault Jérôme , Leusch Frederic D. L.
Published: December 2022

Effect-based methods (EBMs) using in vitro bioassays and well plate–based in vivo assays are recommended for water quality monitoring because they can capture the mixture effects of the many chemicals present in water. Many in vitro bioassays are highly sensitive, so an effect in a bioassay does not necessarily indicate poor chemical water quality. Consequently, effect-based trigger values (EBTs) have been introduced to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable chemical water quality and are required for the wider acceptance of EBMs by the water sector and regulatory bodies. These EBTs have been derived for both drinking water and surface water to protect human and ecological health, respectively, and are available for assays indicative of specific receptor-mediated effects, as well as assays indicative of adaptive stress responses, apical effects, and receptor-mediated effects triggered by many chemicals. An overview of currently available EBTs is provided, and a simple approach is proposed to predict interim EBTs for assays currently without an EBT based on the effect concentration of the assay reference compound. There was good agreement between EBTs predicted using this simplistic approach and EBTs from the literature derived using more robust methods. Finally, an interpretation framework that outlines the steps to take if the effect of a sample exceeds the EBT was developed to help facilitate the uptake of EBMs in routine water quality monitoring and water safety planning for drinking water production. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:714–726. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Analysis of water source contributions and their impacts on hydrological structural connectivity in plain urban river network areas based on stable isotopes (δ2H, δ18O)
Authors: Zhang Shuiling , Bu Jiuhe , Li Chunhui , Xu Xiangen , Wang Xuan , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2022

Water sources carry chemicals that can have a significant impact on the water environment of a river network, and understanding the contribution of different water sources to the river network can help to manage the pollution of the river network at its source. The hydrological connectivity of a river network affects the self‐purification capacity and flood prevention capacity of the river. Therefore, an isotope tracer approach was applied to determine the contribution rate of different water bodies to a river network and hydrological connectivity was quantified by introducing the retention rate. Changzhou city was selected as the study area because it is an urbanized city with the characteristics of a plain river network and it is faced with poor hydrological connectivity due to artificial constructions (dams and pumps) and human activity (urbanization). River water, well water (shallow groundwater), lake water and rainfall were collected during the flood season and nonflood season, and hydrogen and oxygen isotopes were determined. The temporal and spatial variations in hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in different water bodies and the state of the water cycle in different water bodies were analysed. IsoSource and MixSIAR models were established to analyse the contribution rate of river network water sources in the study area, and their effectiveness was compared. The results of the MixSIAR model were selected to evaluate the hydrological connectivity of the river network in the study area, providing a method to quantify the hydrological connectivity of specific rivers of the river network in Changzhou city. This method could also be applied to other urban plain river network areas to study river connectivity.
A reconnaissance survey of channel bank particulate phosphorus concentrations, controls and estimated contributions to riverine loads across England
Authors: Pulley Simon , Zhang Yusheng , Copeland‐Phillips Ruth , Vadher Atish N. , Foster Ian D.L. , Boardman John , Collins Adrian L.
Published: December 2022

Channel banks can contribute a significant proportion of fine‐grained (<63 μm) sediment to rivers, thereby also contributing to riverine total particulate phosphorus loads. Improving water quality through better agricultural practices alone can be difficult since the contributions from non‐agricultural sources, including channel banks, can generate a ‘spatial mismatch’ between the efficacy of best management applied on farms and the likelihood of meeting environmental objectives. Our study undertook a reconnaissance survey (n = 76 sites each with 3 profiles sampled) to determine the total phosphorus (TP) concentrations of channel banks across England and to determine if TP content can be predicted using readily accessible secondary data. TP concentrations in adjacent field topsoils, local soil soil type/texture and geological parent material were examined as potential predictors of bank TP. Carbon and nitrogen content were also analysed to explore the impacts of organic matter content on measured TP concentrations. The results suggest that channel bank TP concentrations are primarily controlled by parent material rather than P additions to adjacent topsoils through fertilizer and organic matter inputs, but significant local variability in concentrations prevents the prediction of bank TP content using mapped soil type or geology. A median TP concentration of 873 mg kg−1 was calculated for the middle section of the sampled channel bank profiles, with a 25th percentile of 675 mg kg−1, and 75th percentile of 1159 mg kg−1. Using these concentrations and, in comparison with previously published estimates, the estimated number of inland WFD waterbodies in England for which channel bank erosion contributes >20% of the riverine total PP load increased from 15 to 25 (corresponding range of 17–35 using the 25th and 75th percentiles of measured TP concentrations). Collectively, these 25 waterbodies account for 0.2% of the total inland WFD waterbody area comprising England.
The effects of long‐term drainage and short‐term restoration on dissolved organic C concentrations and optical properties in the Baijianghe Peatland
Authors: Wei Hengchen , Wang Zucheng , Xu Xiaoyun , Xu Zhiwei , Wang Shengzhong
Published: December 2022

Peatlands are important reservoirs of terrestrial carbon (C), whose fate can have implications for the global C cycle and climate change. Many peatlands around the world have been drained for agriculture and forestry and restored later on hoping to reduce C emissions and improve water quality. However, the actual effects of these management practices remain unclear. To address this, we investigated the concentration and quality of dissolved organic C (DOC) and water chemistry (nutrient and Fe concentrations) in the surface water (creeks and ditches) of the natural, drained, and restored areas along an elevation gradient of the Baijianghe (BJH) peatland in northeast China from 2017 to 2020. We found significantly higher DOC concentrations in the natural than the drained area, with a heavier, more fulvic, and less aromatic DOC composition upslope, but the difference in DOC quality became smaller downslope. Restoration, on the other hand, did not bring DOC concentrations or quality back to the natural conditions within 2 years. These variations in DOC concentration and quality were closely associated with dissolved Fe concentration, highlighting the role of the Fe redox cycle, as Fe(II) can catalyse phenol oxidation activities and promote DOC production. Vegetation also affected DOC characteristics, as the drained and restored areas were dominated by shrubs with woodier tissues, which probably released less in amount but more recalcitrant DOC. Our study features rare side‐by‐side comparisons between pristine, drained, and restored areas of the same peatland, and sheds light on factors affecting peatland DOC under different management practices.
Evaluating the safety of perioperative dexamethasone treatment: A retrospective analysis of a single center pediatric low‐grade glioma cohort
Authors: Gorodezki David , Zipfel Julian , Queudeville Manon , Holzer Ursula , Bevot Andrea , Schittenhelm Jens , Nägele Thomas , Schuhmann Martin U. , Ebinger Martin
Published: December 2022

In addition to surgical management, corticosteroids have proven to be beneficial in the management of acute symptoms related to CNS tumors, and have been widely used for many decades, with dexamethasone (DM) representing the most commonly used agent. However, lately published in vitro data possibly indicates a DM‐induced suppression of oncogene‐induced senescence (OIS) in a preclinical pediatric low‐grade glioma (pLGG) model, which, alongside data associating perioperative DM treatment with reduced event‐free survival in adult glioma, raises questions concerning the safety of DM treatment in pLGG. A total of 172 patients with pLGG were retrospectively analyzed concerning the impact of perioperative DM application on postoperative short‐ and long‐term tumor growth velocity and progression‐free survival (PFS). Three‐dimensional volumetric analyses of sequential MRI follow‐up examinations were used for assessment of tumor growth behavior. Mean follow‐up period accounted for 60.1 months. Sixty‐five patients (45%) were perioperatively treated with DM in commonly used doses. Five‐year PFS accounted for 93% following gross‐total resection (GTR) and 57% post incomplete resection (IR). Comparison of short‐ and long‐term postoperative tumor growth rates in patients with vs without perioperative DM application showed no significant difference (short‐term: 0.022 vs 0.023 cm3/month, respectively; long‐term: 0.019 vs 0.023 cm3/month, respectively). Comparison of PFS post IR (5‐year‐PFS: 65% vs 55%, respectively; 10‐year‐PFS: 52% vs 53%, respectively) and GTR (5‐ and 10‐years‐PFS: 91% vs 92%, respectively) likewise showed similarity. This data emphasizes the safety of perioperative DM application in pLGG, adding further evidence for decision making and requested future guidelines.
Spin Evolution in the Born‐Oppenheimer Approximation
Authors: Ansermet J.‐ Ph. , Maschke Klaus , Reuse François
Published: December 2022

The first part of this article attempts to highlight in chronological order some prominent papers that have direct connexion with the Born‐Oppenheimer approximation. This timeline successively points to the role of level crossing, the notions of gauge field and geometrical or Berry phase, early experiments that were accounted for with that concept, and its major role in understanding anomalous transport in solids. The second part analyzes the time evolution of states under the adiabatic approximation when the states are spin degenerate. The geometrical phase thus found entails an electron spin evolution. Then, we examine the case of moleclar dynamics. Starting from the Born‐Oppenheimer approximation, we obtain a spin evolution by replacing the classical nuclear positions by their quantum mechanical counterparts in the terms that describe electrostatic interactions between nuclei and electrons.
Pilot test of a measure to assess clients’ perceptions of their home visitors
Authors: Damashek Amy , Berman Ariel , Belachew Bethelhem , Kothari Catherine
Published: December 2022

Home visiting services for caregivers of infants and young children have been found to be an effective method for promoting child development. Unfortunately, such services suffer from high rates of attrition, suggesting the need to identify factors related to client retention in services. Research has indicated that the client‐provider relationship is an important predictor of client retention in home visiting services; however, measures to assess this relationship are limited. This study reports on a pilot test of the Client Perceptions of Home Visitors Questionnaire, developed to assess home visiting clients’ perceptions of their relationship with their home visitor. The measure was completed by 39 diverse home visiting clients during pregnancy in a midwestern town in the United States. The scale was found to have good internal consistency. Validity analyses found that the scale was positively associated with client satisfaction with services and perceived provider cultural sensitivity. The scale was also positively associated with retention in services at an 8‐month follow‐up. Additional research should examine the measure's psychometrics with larger samples.
Biochemical responses as early and reliable biomarkers of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides intoxication: A systematic literature review
Authors: Sepahi Samaneh , Gerayli Sina , Delirrad Mohammad , Taghavizadeh Yazdi Mohammad Ehsan , Zare‐Zardini Hadi , Bushehri Behzad , Ghorani‐Azam Adel
Published: December 2022

Inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity has been long considered as the main diagnostic method of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides poisoning; however, it has been shown that ChE activity may also be altered due to exposure to other non‐organophosphorus toxicants and variety of different medical conditions. Hence, to avoid misdiagnosis, we aimed to systematically review available documents to look for additional biomarkers of OP and carbamate poisoning. The electronic databases in addition to Google scholar were searched for eligible articles on March 2022 using “organophosphate,” “carbamate,” and “biomarker” including all their similar terms. After collecting the relevant documents, the data were extracted and described qualitatively. In total, data of 66 articles from 51 human and 15 animal studies were extracted. Findings demonstrated that enzymes such as β‐glucuronidase, neuropathy target esterase, amylase, and lipase, in addition to hematological indicators such as CBC, CRP, lactate dehydrogenase, and CPK have high sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of OP poisoning. Findings suggest that using various markers for diagnosis of OP intoxication is helpful for appropriate management, and early identifying the patients at risk of death. The suggested biomarkers also help to avoid misdiagnosis of OP poisoning with other similar conditions.
International joint ventures, shareholder returns, venture complexity, and political risk
Authors: Wild John J. , Wild Jonathan M. , Wild Kenneth L.
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the formation of international joint ventures into emerging markets and the corresponding implications to shareholder wealth. Empirical evidence from this study reveals that formation of international joint ventures into emerging markets are value enhancing for shareholders. The formation of international joint ventures increases firm value by more than 1%, on average. This study also investigates two important factors for their influence on the market's assessment of the joint venture formation—the complexity of the joint venture and the political risk of the host country. Evidence in this study reveals that less complex ventures into emerging markets reap significantly greater shareholder wealth effects relative to more complex ventures. Evidence also reveals that shareholders receive a risk premium for accepting greater political risk. In addition to understanding the ramifications of international joint venture formation, this study has relevance for managers' site selection decisions when considering venture complexity and the political risk of emerging markets.
Effect of titanium, antimony, and ruthenium doping on tin dioxide adsorption properties. Quantum‐chemical modeling
Authors: Zyubina Tatyana S. , Zyubin Alexander S. , Frolova Lyubov A. , Pisarev Rostislav V. , Pisareva Anna V. , Dobrovolsky Yury A.
Published: December 2022

The influence of the composition of oxides supports on the specific electroactive surface area of Pt in the catalysts, the platinum nanoparticles dispersion, and Pt contents in the catalysts was studied. The Sb‐doped SnO2 oxides with various Sb‐doping levels were prepared as a supports of platinum catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Density functional theory simulation of Ti, Sb, and Ru doping of tin dioxide and interaction of the doped surfaces with platinum cluster Pt19 have been carried out. All calculations were performed in PBE exchange–correlation functional, with periodic boundary conditions and projector‐augmented waves (PAW) basis set. The calculation results were compared with the experimental data X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was shown that Sb doping of tin dioxide (in quantity of less than 10%, that is, the quantity which cannot provoke significant defects of crystal structure of the supports) leads to a significant increase in a number of platinum clusters adsorbed from the colloidal solution onto the supports surface which results to an increase of the platinum cluster interaction with the supports. The calculated and experimental results are in close fit.
Evaluation of serum B7‐H3 expression, ultrasound and clinical characteristics to predict the risk of cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma by nomogram
Authors: Huang Yingcheng , Huang Zehao , Cai Huizhu , Zhuge Lingdun , Wang Shixu , Yan Dangui , Zhang Xiwei , An Changming , Niu Lijuan , Li Zhengjiang
Published: December 2022

Background

Improving the preoperative diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) will help improve the clinical outcomes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. B7‐H3, as an immune checkpoint of the B7 family, is highly expressed in PTC tissues and related to LNM and prognosis. We aimed to explore the clinical values of serum B7‐H3 (sB7‐H3) in predicting LNM in PTC by a nomogram prediction model.

Methods

From September 2019 to May 2021, a total of 344 PTC patients with primary surgery in our hospital were enrolled in this research. Enzyme‐linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect sB7‐H3 from the peripheral blood of PTC patients and normal controls. We created a nomogram prediction model in combination with sB7‐H3 expression, clinical and ultrasound characteristics to predict LNM in the early stage.

Results

Gender (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.015), tumor size (p < 0.001), number of tumors (p = 0.021) and sB7‐H3 expression (p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for LNM in PTC. All the factors were included in the nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) was 73.9% (95% CI, 68.12%–79.69%).

Conclusion

The nomogram is helpful in assessing the risk of LNM in PTC. sB7‐H3 has excellent potential in predicting LNM in patients with PTC as an adjunctive ultrasound tool.
The nexus between gender, parental supervision, and opioid misuse among justice‐involved adolescents
Authors: Vroom Enya B. , Johnson Micah E.
Published: December 2022

Justice‐involved adolescents (JIA) are at higher risk for opioid misuse (OM) and opioid‐related overdose than nonoffending adolescents. Untreated OM can lead to severe consequences (e.g., trauma), which may be harsher for female JIA. Therefore, examining risk and protective factors, such as parental supervision, is essential to identify factors that may impact OM. The current study used a statewide, cross‐sectional dataset including 79,960 JIA from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Stratified logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results indicated that JIA who experienced sporadic or inadequate supervision had 2.14 and 3.54 higher odds, respectively, of misusing opioids compared to JIA who experienced consistent supervision. Female JIA who experienced sporadic or inadequate supervision had 2.23 and 3.70 higher odds, respectively, of misusing opioids. Results suggest parental supervision is an important protective factor that should be considered in developing prevention and treatment efforts that serve JIA who misuse opioids, especially females.
Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and autism spectrum disorders: Results from a family‐based case‐control study
Authors: Ghahari Nima , Yousefian Fatemeh , Najafi Ehsan
Published: December 2022

Background

Autism prevalence has increased considerably, but its etiology is still poorly understood. While there have been suggestions regarding associations between air pollution exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, several studies have looked at the effect of air pollution exposure on autism. However, the results are inconsistent. The possible role of unknown confounders is mainly blamed for this inconsistency.

Methods

To minimize confounding effects, we evaluated the impact of air pollution exposure on autism using a family‐based case‐control study. Cases were individuals with a diagnosis of autism born between 2009 and 2012 in Isfahan city, Iran. The controls did not have a previous history of autism and were cousins of the case person. The controls were matched with the autistic cases in terms of residential location and age range. For each trimester of pregnancy, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and PM10 exposure were estimated using the inverse distance weighted method.

Results

The analysis indicates a significant association between CO exposure and autism in the second trimester (OR = 1.59; p = 0.046, 95% CI: 1.01–2.51) and entire pregnancy (OR = 2.02; p = 0.049, 95% CI: 1.01–2.95). Likewise, exposure to NO2 during the second trimester (OR = 1.17; p = 0.006, 95% CI: 1.04–1.31), third trimester (OR = 1.11; p = 0.046, 95% CI: 1.01–1.24), and entire pregnancy (OR = 1.27; p = 0.007, 95% CI: 1.07–1.51) were found to be associated with increased risk of autism.

Conclusions

Overall, our study found higher exposure to CO and NO2, particularly during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, was significantly associated with a higher risk of autism.
External validation of a model to predict future chronic opioid use among hospitalized patients
Authors: Calcaterra Susan L. , Grimm Eric , Keniston Angela
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous research demonstrates an association between opioid prescribing at hospital discharge and future chronic opioid use. Various opioid guidelines and policies contributed to changes in opioid prescribing practices. How this affected hospitalized patients remains unknown.

Objective

Externally validate a prediction model to identify hospitalized patients at the highest risk for future chronic opioid therapy (COT).

Designs

Retrospective analysis of health record data from 2011 to 2022 using logistic regression.

Participants

Hospitalized adults with limited to no opioid use 1‐year prior to hospitalization.

Settings

A statewide healthcare system.

Main Measurements

Used variables associated with progression to COT in a derivation cohort from a different healthcare system to predict expected outcomes in the validation cohort.

Key Results

The derivation cohort included 17,060 patients, of whom 9653 (56.6%) progressed to COT 1 year after discharge. Compared to the derivation cohort, in the validation cohort, patients who received indigent care (odds ratio [OR] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] =  0.27–0.59, p < .001) were least likely to progress to COT. Among variables assessed, opioid receipt at discharge was most strongly associated with progression to COT (OR = 3.74, 95% CI = 3.06–4.61, p < .001). The receiver operating characteristic curve for the validation set using coefficients from the derivation cohort performed slightly better than chance (AUC = 0.55).

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of externally validating a prediction model prior to use outside of the derivation population. Periodic updates to models are necessary as policy changes and clinical practice recommendations may affect model performance.
Genetic defects in peroxisome morphogenesis (Pex11β, dynamin‐like protein 1, and nucleoside diphosphate kinase 3) affect docosahexaenoic acid‐phospholipid metabolism
Authors: Abe Yuichi , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Waterham Hans R. , Mandel Hanna , Falik‐Zaccai Tzipora C. , Ishihara Naotada , Fujiki Yukio
Published: December 2022

Peroxisomes are essential organelles involved in lipid metabolisms including plasmalogen biosynthesis and β‐oxidation of very long‐chain fatty acids. Peroxisomes proliferate by the growth and division of pre‐existing peroxisomes. The peroxisomal membrane is elongated by Pex11β and then divided by the dynamin‐like GTPase, DLP1 (also known as DRP1 encoded by DNM1L gene), which also functions as a fission factor for mitochondria. Nucleoside diphosphate kinase 3 (NME3) localized in both peroxisomes and mitochondria generates GTP for DLP1 activity. Deficiencies of either of these factors induce abnormal morphology of peroxisomes and/or mitochondria, and are associated with central nervous system dysfunction. To investigate whether the impaired division of peroxisomes affects lipid metabolisms, we assessed the phospholipid composition of cells lacking each of the different division factors. In fibroblasts from the patients deficient in DLP1, NME3, or Pex11β, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6)‐containing phospholipids were found to be decreased. Conversely, the levels of several fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4) and oleic acid (C18:1) were elevated. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts from Drp1‐ and Pex11β‐knockout mice also showed a decrease in the levels of phospholipids containing DHA and AA. Collectively, these results suggest that the dynamics of organelle morphology exert marked effects on the fatty acid composition of phospholipids.
Characterizing the Macrophage Population in Patients With Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Ospino Rafael , Berges Alexandra , Mafla Laura , Collins Samuel , Li Yee Chan , Lina Ioan , Gelbard Alexander , Hillel Alexander T. , Motz Kevin
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is characterized by progressive fibrosis and subglottic luminal narrowing. Currently, immune characterization has focused on T‐cells; however, macrophages remain largely unexplored. The goals of this study are to characterize the transcriptome of iSGS macrophages and the fibrogenic nature of identifed biomarkers.

Study Design

Bioinformatics and in vitro.

Methods

Human tracheal biopsies from iSGS scar (n = 4), and matched non‐scar (n = 4) regions were analyzed using single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq). Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed on rapidly processed autopsies (RPA) and iSGS tracheal resections (n = 4) to co‐localize S100A8/9 and CD11b. Collagen gene/protein expression was assessed in iSGS fibroblasts (n = 4) treated with protein S100A8/9 (1000 ng/ml). Macrophages were subclustered to identify distinct subpopulations.

Results

scRNA‐seq analysis revealed S100A8/S100A9 (fold change (FC) = 4.1/1.88, p < 0.001) as top differentially expressed genes in iSGS macrophages. IF exhibited increased CD11b+/S100A8/9+ cells in tracheal samples of iSGS versus RPA (26.75% ± 7.08 vs. 0.594% ± 0.974, n = 4, p = 0.029). iSGS fibroblasts treated with S100A8/9 demonstrated increased gene expression of COL1A1 (FC = 2.30 ± 0.45, p = 0.03, n = 4) and COL3A1 (FC = 2.44 ± 0.40, p = 0.03, n = 4). COL1A1 protein assays revealed an increase in the experimental group, albeit not significant, (p = 0.12, n = 4). Finally, macrophage sub clustering revealed one subpopulation as a predominant source of S100A8/S100A9 expression (FC = 7.94/5.47, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

S100A8/9 is a key biomarker in iSGS macrophages. Although S100A8/9 demonstrates profibrotic nature in vitro, the role of S100A8/9+ macrophages in vivo warrants further investigation.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:2308–2316, 2023
The contribution of self‐disclosure to promotional response: Examining the roles of deservingness and social class
Authors: Wang Jun , Han Bing , Liu Yi
Published: December 2022

Facing the fact of declining sales of firms, promotions serve as an important tool to facilitate short‐term sales. Yet, marketers still face the question of promotion effectiveness based on consumer self‐disclosure behavior. In this paper, we examine the effects of self‐relevant information disclosure on promotional response as well as the mechanism and boundary conditions associated with this effect. Four studies using both real and fictitious brands across a variety of contexts were conducted to test the hypotheses and show that self‐disclosure contributes to promotional response because of the enhanced feeling of deservingness. Moreover, this research also demonstrates that self‐disclosed consumers from a lower social class are more likely to respond to promotions. Taken together, these insights contribute to the research on promotions and self‐disclosure and can be helpful to marketers by suggesting some guidelines for developing cost‐effective promotion strategies, for example, identifying the target consumer segments for promotions.
California poll seeks MH care equity for Black, Latina women
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2022

Aiming to uplift challenges that Black and Latina women face in accessing mental health care and their priorities for approaches to create greater equity in the provision of mental health care, a new report calls for key investments to be made by health care providers and universities to increase the number of women of color who enter mental health professions.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy compared with video‐assisted thoracic surgery after propensity‐score matching in elderly patients with pathologically‐proven early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Xiao‐ye , Gao Miao‐Miao , Cheng Ze‐yuan , Cai Zheng‐Kun , Yu Lu , Niu Geng‐Min , Li Jun‐Yi , Bai Yu , Zhao Shu‐Zhou , Song Yong‐Chun , Wang Xiao‐Guang , Dong Yang , Yu Xu‐yao , Tao Zhen , Yuan Zhi‐Yong
Published: December 2022

Objective

Standard medical treatment for early non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is surgery; however, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) can be a viable substitute for elderly patients who can no longer tolerate or refuse surgery. The unsurpassed care for elderly patients with early NSCLC remains inconclusive.

We conducted a propensity‐score matching analysis to compare the efficacy and side‐effects of SBRT and video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in elderly patients with pathologically‐proven early NSCLC.

Methods

This single‐institution retrospective study included 310 elderly patients who underwent VATS (n = 180) or SBRT (n = 130) from January 2011 to November 2018 at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. Sex, performance status, pathology type, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and T‐stage according to the eighth tumor node metastasis classification were considered when performing propensity‐score matching.

Results

After propensity‐score matching, 71 patients were included in each group for analysis. A median follow‐up period of 53.5 months was observed for all patients; 72 and 53 months for patients undergoing VATS and SBRT, respectively. Overall survival (p = 0.492), progression‐free survival (p = 0.294), locoregional recurrence‐free survival (p = 0.866), and distant metastasis‐free survival (p = 0.452) did not differ significantly between the VATS and SBRT groups. Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the T‐stage and overall survival. However, treatment‐related toxicity was lower in the SBRT group than in the VATS group.

Conclusions

SBRT is an option comparable with surgery for elderly patients with pathologically‐proven early‐stage NSCLC.
Membrane targeting with palmitoylated lysine added to PP1‐disrupting peptide induces PP1‐independent signaling
Authors: Chojnacki Jeremy E. , Scheinost Laura , Wang Yansong , Köhn Maja
Published: December 2022

Protein phosphatase‐1 (PP1) is a ubiquitous enzyme involved in multiple processes inside cells. PP1‐disrupting peptides (PDPs) are chemical tools that selectively bind to PP1 and release its activity. To restrict the activity of PDPs to a cellular compartment, we developed PDP‐Mem, a cell membrane‐targeting PDP. The membrane localization was achieved through the introduction of a palmitoylated lysine. PDP‐Mem was shown to activate PP1α in vitro and to localize to the membrane of HeLa Kyoto and U2OS cells. However, in cells, the combination of the polybasic sequence for cell penetration and the membrane targeting palmitoylated lysine activates the MAPK signaling pathway and induces cytoplasmic calcium release independently of PP1 activation. Therefore, when targeting peptides to cellular membranes, undesired effects induced by the targeting sequence and lipid modification need to be considered.
Interfacial Contact Management in Perovskite Solar Cells with Carbon Top Electrode
Authors: Dolzhikova Ekaterina A. , Ozerova Victoria V. , Shchurik Elena V. , Tsarev Sergey A. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: December 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a promising photovoltaic technology that has great potential for mass application. The main advantages of the perovskite solar cells are related to simplicity of their fabrication, tunable optical properties, and low cost of active materials. For further reducing the device costs, graphite‐based contacts are often used to replace an energy‐inefficient deposition of metal contacts, which is a trade‐off between the cost and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of devices. Herein, a new approach to increase the PCE of hole transport layer‐free perovskite cells with carbon‐based electrodes by the sequential treatment of the perovskite absorber layer and perovskite/carbon electrode interface with methylammonium iodide is presented. The proposed passivation technique leads to a dramatic improvement in the device power conversion efficiency from the initial 3.9% to 7.9%. The origin of the enhanced device performance is attributed to the passivation of defects on the perovskite/carbon interface and, most importantly, improving the electrical contact between the top electrode and absorber layer.
Solid‐Volume‐Fraction Retained Tailoring of Thermal Diffusivity of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanofluid: A Photothermal Investigation
Authors: Swapna Mohanachandran Nair Sindhu , Korte Dorota , Sankararaman Sankaranarayana Iyer
Published: December 2022

The diversified forms of heat engines necessitate developing energy‐efficient engine oils and coolants. The article proposes a method of thermal diffusivity tuning of the base fluid (ethylene glycol) using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), annealed at different temperatures, without altering the solid volume fraction. Having studied the annealing‐induced structure modifications of MWCNTs through thermogravimetric and spectroscopic studies, the thermal diffusivity variations are investigated through the sensitive photothermal mode‐mismatched dual‐beam thermal lens technique. The study reveals that the annealing‐induced structure modifications lower the nanofluid's thermal diffusivity and unveils the existence of transition annealing temperature of MWCNTs above which the nanoparticles can make the nanofluid a heat trapper. The study also proposes the importance of making more energy‐efficient engine oils by keeping the temperature of the engine oil below the transition temperature.
Improvement in the performance of focusing plasma desorption ionization by altering its counter electrode
Authors: Zheng Yajun , Zuo Qianqian , Xiang Zhicheng , Huang Yajie , Zhang Zhiping
Published: December 2022

Rationale

Plasma‐based ionization sources play a vital role in rapidly analyzing diverse compounds without extensive sample pretreatment. In contrast to other sources, DC voltage‐based ionizations are more advantageous due to their high analytical sensitivity and good tandem with commercially available mass spectrometers without extra power supplies. However, their performance is at the risk of high current DC voltage and helium flow rate, which poses significant challenges to practical operation and increased expense.

Methods

In this work, we propose a novel focusing plasma desorption ionization (FPDI) in which a visible plasma beam is favorably generated between a conducting wire in a polymeric tube and a counter electrode composed of metal mesh and filter paper drilled with holes. A systematic investigation has been conducted on the influences of the geometry of drilled holes in filter paper, applied DC voltage, helium flow rate, and filter paper size. The optimized system is used to analyze various pesticides in fluid foodstuffs.

Results

Compared to metal mesh and conducting paper as the counter electrode for FPDI‐MS, combining metal mesh and filter paper drilled holes improved the analysis sensitivity by a factor of more than five. By applying the developed protocol for determining pesticides in complex matrixes such as orange juice and milk, a limit of detection as low as 1.3–3.0 ng mL−1 could be achieved.

Conclusions

A novel FPDI‐MS technique has been developed by combining metal mesh and filter paper drilled with holes as the counter electrode and sample carrier. The corresponding improvement in analysis sensitivity facilitates the future expansion of FPDI‐MS applications into different pesticides and other compounds in complex matrixes.
Effects of automated skill assessment on robotic surgery training
Authors: Brown Jeremy D. , Kuchenbecker Katherine J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Several automated skill‐assessment approaches have been proposed for robotic surgery, but their utility is not well understood. This article investigates the effects of one machine‐learning‐based skill‐assessment approach on psychomotor skill development in robotic surgery training.

Methods

N = 29 trainees (medical students and residents) with no robotic surgery experience performed five trials of inanimate peg transfer with an Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Standard robot. Half of the participants received no post‐trial feedback. The other half received automatically calculated scores from five Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skill domains post‐trial.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups regarding overall improvement or skill improvement rate. However, participants who received post‐trial feedback rated their overall performance improvement significantly lower than participants who did not receive feedback.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that automated skill evaluation systems might improve trainee self‐awareness but not accelerate early stage psychomotor skill development in robotic surgery training.
Global sampled‐data stabilization via static output feedback for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems
Authors: Cao Kecai , Qian Chunjiang , Gu Juping
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes some novel compensating strategies in output feedback controller design for a class of nonlinear uncertain system. With Euler approximation introduced for unmeasured state and coordinate transformation constructed for continuous system, sampled‐data stabilization under arbitrary sampling period is firstly realized for linear system using compensation between sampling period and scaling gain. Then global sampled‐data stabilization for a class of nonlinear system is studied using linear feedback domination of Lyapunov functions. Extension of obtained results to three‐dimensional system or systems under general assumptions are also presented. With the compensation schemes proposed in controller design, the sufficiently small sampling period or approximating step previously imposed is not required any more. The proposed controllers can be easily implemented using output measurements sampled at the current step and delayed output measurements sampled at the previous step without constructing state observers which has been illustrated by the numerical studies.
Colonisation of terrestrial vegetation in an intermittent river: Diversity responses to seasonal drying
Authors: Milner Victoria S. , Dutton John S. , Hayes Chloe
Published: December 2022

Intermittent rivers are dynamic ecosystems that experience a predictable or unpredictable loss of surface water and are characterised by changing lotic, lentic (ponding) and dry habitats. Plant communities colonising dry channels during the desiccation stage can be diverse, abundant and differ in their tolerances to water availability and habitat conditions. This study examines the colonisation of terrestrial vegetation in two intermittent rivers in the United Kingdom, and whether terrestrial plant taxonomic richness and functional diversity increase during the dry phase. Six reaches were surveyed for terrestrial plants during the dry phase over a standard 100 m length every month from April to October 2021. We found the channel and bank taxonomic richness increased with drying duration. Functional traits of vegetation height, clonality, clonality richness and Ellenberg's value of light moisture also increased with stream desiccation. Bed sediment conditions (the proportion of sand and gravel) and the 12‐month antecedent percentage of zero flow days were the key drivers of plant community composition. We believe plant propagules from the riparian zone and channel vegetation on topographic high points in the channel aided plant colonisation of the riverbed once flow ceased. Past research may have underestimated the biodiversity value of intermittent rivers by failing to include the ecological importance of plants during the dry phase. Information on plant diversity of the dry phase is important to determine the overall biodiversity of intermittent rivers for their long‐term conservation and management.
An Expanded Perlite‐Based Aerogel with Oil‐Repellent Properties for Efficient Solar Evaporation in Oil‐bearing Wastewater
Authors: Guo Yuping , Tian Qi , Lu Haijing , Qu Nannan , Chen Lihua , Zhang Yuhan , Xiao Chaohu , Hasi Qi‐Meige
Published: December 2022

Solar steam generation (SSG) has become a cutting‐edge technology to solve fresh water shortage. Herein, a neotype photothermal conversion material (CAEP‐PFO) was designed and prepared by using expanded perlite as raw material and sodium alginate as crosslinking agent, through directional freezing, surface carbonization and oil‐phobic modification. Through characterization analysis, the results showed that the prepared CAEP‐PFO has a porosity of 92 %, a light absorption of more than 88 %, and a low thermal conductivity of 0.06834 W m−1 K−1. In addition, CAEP‐PFO exhibits excellent salt resistance and oil repellency, and possess an evaporation efficiency of 78.6 % in 10 % brine and 80.2 % in oil‐bearing wastewater under the irradiation of 1 kW m−2, respectively. After 8 cycles of test, the evaporation efficiency in pure water is relatively stable, and the average evaporation efficiency can reach 84.28 %. The research may lay a foundation for the future preparation of photothermal materials and the practical application in seawater and oil‐bearing wastewater.
Discovery of Novel 1,2,4‐Oxadiazolyl Triazole Hybrids as B‐Raf Inhibitors for the Treatment of Melanoma
Authors: Pingili Divya , Svum Prasad , Raghavendra Nulgumnalli Manjunathaiah
Published: December 2022

A fascinating oncology target is the serine/threonine‐specific protein kinase B‐Raf, which is a component of the MAPK pathway. A new series of triazolo oxadiazole derivatives have been identified as the primary scaffold of small molecule B‐Raf inhibitors. Twelve derivatives (7a–l) of triazolo oxadiazole hybrids were synthesized and characterized by spectral data. The evaluation of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrated that the compounds′ solubility, lipophilicity, and compliance with Lipinski's rule are all within acceptable ranges. The anti‐proliferative capability of the synthesized derivatives was evaluated by screening them against the human melanoma cell lines Skmel‐23 and A375, which express B‐Raf in their wild‐type and mutant forms, respectively. The IC50 values differed significantly from those of the conventional doxorubicin. The IC50 values for compounds 7b and 7e against Skmel‐23 were determined to be 26.95 and 76.17 μM, respectively. The compounds 7b and 7c inhibited A375 cells at IC50 concentrations of 16.64 and 78.1 μM, respectively. Therefore, these compounds were subjected to morphological screening to detect changes in cell morphology and evaluate their apoptotic potential. The compound 7b was found to significantly inhibit both cell lines and is therefore a promising therapeutic candidate for targeting both wild‐type and mutant B‐Raf forms.
Copper‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−N Coupling of (E)‐3‐(2‐Bromophenysl)‐2‐arylacrylamides for the Synthesis of 3‐Arylquinolin‐2‐ones
Authors: Jiang Yi , Gu Jiayi , Nie Wenxing , Lu Guoqing , Xin Meixiu , Zhu Zefeng , Jiang Jiayao , Meng Yingfen , Miao Hui , Zou Yong
Published: December 2022

A copper‐catalyzed, facile and efficient approach for the synthesis of 3‐arylquinolin‐2‐ones starting from (E)‐3‐(2‐bromophenyl)‐2‐arylacrylamides has been developed. Readily available starting materials, noble metal‐ and ligand‐free conditions, as well as good tolerability for phenolic groups make this protocol attractive and practicable.
Quantitative Element‐Sensitive Analysis of Individual Nanoobjects
Authors: Wählisch André , Unterumsberger Rainer , Hönicke Philipp , Lubeck Janin , Kayser Yves , Weser Jan , Dai Gaoliang , Hahm Kai , Weimann Thomas , Seim Christian , Rehbein Stefan , Beckhoff Burkhard
Published: December 2022

A reliable and quantitative material analysis is crucial for assessing new technological processes, especially to facilitate a quantitative understanding of advanced material properties at the nanoscale. To this end, X‐ray fluorescence microscopy techniques can offer an element‐sensitive and non‐destructive tool for the investigation of a wide range of nanotechnological materials. Since X‐ray radiation provides information depths of up to the microscale, even stratified or buried arrangements are easily accessible without invasive sample preparation. However, in terms of the quantification capabilities, these approaches are usually restricted to a qualitative or semi‐quantitative analysis at the nanoscale. Relying on comparable reference nanomaterials is often not straightforward or impossible because the development of innovative nanomaterials has proven to be more fast‐paced than any development process for appropriate reference materials. The present work corroborates that a traceable quantification of individual nanoobjects can be realized by means of an X‐ray fluorescence microscope when utilizing rather conventional but well‐calibrated instrumentation instead of reference materials. As a proof of concept, the total number of atoms forming a germanium nanoobject is quantified using soft X‐ray radiation. Furthermore, complementary dimensional parameters of such objects are reconstructed.