bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using machine learning models to predict HBeAg seroconversion in CHB patients receiving pegylated interferon‐α monotherapy
Authors: Shang Hongyan , Hu Yuhai , Guo Hongyan , Lai Ruimin , Fu Ya , Xu Siyi , Zeng Yongbin , Xun Zhen , Liu Can , Wu Wennan , Guo Jianhui , Ou Qishui , Chen Tianbin
Published: October 2022

Background and objective

Though there are many advantages of pegylated interferon‐α (PegIFN‐α) treatment to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, the response rate of PegIFN‐α is only 30 ~ 40%. Therefore, it is important to explore predictors at baseline and establish models to improve the response rate of PegIFN‐α.

Methods

We randomly divided 260 HBeAg‐positive CHB patients who were not previously treated and received PegIFN‐α monotherapy (180 μg/week) into a training dataset (70%) and testing dataset (30%). The intersect features were extracted from 50 routine laboratory variables using the recursive feature elimination method algorithm, Boruta algorithm, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Regression algorithm in the training dataset. After that, based on the intersect features, eight machine learning models including Logistic Regression, k‐Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Naïve Bayes were applied to evaluate HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients receiving PegIFN‐α monotherapy in the training dataset and testing dataset.

Results

XGBoost model showed the best performance, which had largest AUROC (0.900, 95% CI: 0.85–0.95 and 0.910, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98, in training dataset and testing dataset, respectively), and the best calibration curve performance to predict HBeAg seroconversion. The importance of XGBoost model indicated that treatment time contributed greatest to HBeAg seroconversion, followed by HBV DNA(log), HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, ALT, triglyceride, and ALP.

Conclusions

XGBoost model based on common laboratory variables had good performance in predicting HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients receiving PegIFN‐α monotherapy.
Risk factors for carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacterales infection among hospitalized patients with previous colonization
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhou Mao , Yan Qun , Jian Zijuan , Liu Wenen , Li Hongling
Published: October 2022

Background

We aimed to identify the risk factors for subsequent carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections in patients with initial rectal colonization with CRE.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case–control study on inpatients with rectal CRE colonization between January 2019 and December 2020. Clinical and microbiological data were extracted from hospital patients' medical records and the clinical microbiology laboratory. Risk factors were assessed and compared between patients with CRE colonization who had subsequent infections and those who did not have infections.

Results

Among 1064 patients screened for CRE, we enrolled 205 patients with rectal CRE colonization. Among the 205 colonized bacteria, 78.5% were Klebsiella pneumoniae, with 62.9% of them producing Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that more than three times hospitalization (p = 0.026), being in a coma (p = 0.019), and exposure to carbapenems (p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for CRE clinical infection among CRE rectal carriers.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report that more than three times hospitalization is an independent risk factor for subsequent CRE clinical infection in CRE intestinal carriers. Carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most important species isolated from hospitalized CRE rectal carriers and is the most common cause of subsequent infections.
Zinc transporter LIV1: A promising cell surface target for triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Saravanan Roshni , Balasubramanian Vaishnavi , Swaroop Balamurugan Srikanth Swamy , Ezhil Inemai , Afnaan Zeba , John Jisha , Sundaram Sandhya , Gouthaman Shanmugasundaram , Pakala Suresh B. , Rayala Suresh Kumar , Venkatraman Ganesh
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes contributing to the global cancer burden. The triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) molecular subtype accounts for the most aggressive type. Despite progression in therapeutic options and prognosis in breast cancer treatment options, there remains a high rate of distant relapse. With advancements in understanding the role of zinc and zinc carriers in the prognosis and treatment of the disease, the scope of precision treatment/targeted therapy has been expanded. Zinc levels and zinc transporters play a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, tumor surveillance, apoptosis, and immune function. This review focuses on the zinc transporter, LIV1, as an essential target for breast cancer prognosis and emerging treatment options. Previous studies give an insight into the role of LIV1 in fulfilling the most important hallmarks of cancer such as apoptosis, metastasis, invasion, and evading the immune system. Normal tissue expression of LIV1 is limited. Higher expression of LIV1 has been linked to Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition, histological grade of cancer, and early node metastasis. LIV1 was found to be one of the attractive targets in the therapeutic hunt for TNBCs. TNBCs are an immunogenic breast cancer subtype. As zinc transporters are known to serve as the metabolic gatekeepers of immune cells, this review bridges tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, TNBC and LIV1. In addition, the suitability of LIV1 as an antibody‐drug conjugate (Seattle genetics [SGN]‐LIV1A) target in TNBC, represents a promising strategy for patients. Early clinical trial results reveal that this novel agent reduces tumor burden by inducing mitotic arrest, immunomodulation, and immunogenic cell death, warranting further investigation of SGN‐LIV1A in combination with immuno‐oncology agents. Priming the patient's immune response in combination with SGN‐LIV1A could eventually change the landscape for the TNBC patient population.
One week of maternal separation induces more frequent, but less predictable, maternal caregiving behaviors
Authors: Granata Lauren , Gluck Ayalah , Parakoyi Abigail , Brenhouse Heather
Published: October 2022

Rodent models of early life adversity disrupt typical interactions between dams and offspring, impacting pup development over the lifespan. Predictability of caregiver interactions is a critical feature of the environment, and unpredictability is associated with behavioral and cognitive deficits in offspring. In the maternal separation (MS) paradigm, dams are not able to engage with pups while they are separated, and maternal care is impacted even after pups and dams are reunited. Using a 3.5‐h daily MS protocol in rats, the present study sought to compare diurnal patterns of maternal behavior, specifically predictability and fragmentation of care, between MS‐ and control‐reared dams. Three observation periods were assessed (1430, 2330, and 0830) between postnatal days 8–9. Frequencies and durations of maternal behaviors were measured, including pup‐directed licking/grooming, arched‐back and passive nursing, and carrying pups, as well as non‐pup‐directed self‐grooming, rearing, burrowing, nest‐building, and eating. The frequency of nest entries was interpreted as a measure of fragmentation, and entropy rate was calculated from transitional probability matrices to measure predictability of maternal behavioral sequences. After dam‐pup reunion, MS dams engaged in more bouts of nursing and licking/grooming and more nest entries, and behavioral sequences were less predictable than control dams. MS‐induced enhancement of care is a replication of previous research, but unpredictability and fragmented care during MS is a novel finding, as these measures have not been previously reported for MS.
Theory and applications on a new generalized Laplace‐type integral transform
Authors: Albayrak Durmuş
Published: October 2022

In this paper, several theorems and relations are examined by using a generalized Laplace‐type integral transform. A generalization of the harmonic oscillator in a non‐resisting and resisting medium problems, initial‐boundary problems, and integral equations is solved via this integral transform. Furthermore, the well‐known series entitled as Basel problem is obtained in a similar way. Moreover, we compare numerically classical and newly introduced by us integral transform.
Deep learning phase‐field model for brittle fractures
Authors: Ghaffari Motlagh Yousef , Jimack Peter K. , de Borst René
Published: October 2022

We present deep learning phase‐field models for brittle fracture. A variety of physics‐informed neural networks (PINNs) techniques, for example, original PINNs, variational PINNs (VPINNs), and variational energy PINNs (VE‐PINNs) are utilized to solve brittle phase‐field problems. The performance of the different versions is investigated in detail. Also, different ways of imposing boundary conditions are examined and are compared with a self‐adaptive PINNs approach in terms of computational cost. Furthermore, the data‐driven discovery of the phase‐field length scale is examined. Finally, several numerical experiments are conducted to assess the accuracy and the limitations of the discussed deep learning schemes for crack propagation in two dimensions. We show that results can be highly sensitive to parameter choices within the neural network.
Effects of in‐situ cryogenic testing temperature and ex‐situ cryogenic aging on the mechanical performance of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites with waste short carbon fibers as secondary reinforcements
Authors: Dasari Srinivasu , Patnaik Satyaroop , Ray Bankim Chandra , Prusty Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2022

Composite components' fabrication generates vast amounts of fiber wastes. This research suggests using short carbon fibers (SCFs) as secondary reinforcement in glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite for cryogenic application. The SCFs (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) were embedded in GFRP composites. Flexural test was performed to assess the integrity and durability of composites at in‐situ cryogenic temperature (CT), and after ex‐situ cryo‐aging in liquid nitrogen for various time intervals (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h). The composite with 0.1 wt% of SCFs showed the highest enhancement in flexural performance in all testing conditions, ∼16% at Room Temperature (RT), ∼12% at Cryogenic Temperature (CT, and between 13% and 39% after cryo‐aging. Composites with SCFs retained their strength at CT and after cryo‐aging, suggesting that the waste fibers could be economically reused and preferred over other expensive nanofillers as secondary reinforcements in GFRP composites for cryogenic applications.
An experimentally validated model for predicting the tensile modulus of tubular biaxial and triaxial hybrid braids
Authors: Ghamkhar Ghazal , Johari Majid Safar , Toudeshky Hossein Hosseini , Bodaghi Mahdi
Published: October 2022

Braiding is a versatile and cost‐effective approach to generating various composite structures for mechanical, sports, and biomedical engineering applications, which are different from each other. For example, a stent is a braided structure and blood penetration in it is essential as much as the right function. Predicting the tensile responses is a prerequisite for the success of implementation of braided structures, and it is usually performed via destructive mechanical testing that might be costly and/or time‐consuming. Therefore, it is essential to provide a model that can accurately predict the tensile modulus. In this research, a theoretical model is developed using the simplification of a braided structure and is validated via testing of biaxial and triaxial braids composed of polyester, glass, and basalt yarns on a 16‐carrier vertical braiding machine. Experimental results not only are used for the model validation but also show the effectiveness of axial yarn presence, hybridization, and the presence of high‐performance yarn in the braided structures on the tensile properties. A good correlation between theoretical values and experimental results is observed approving the high accuracy of the proposed model. This paper is likely to fill a gap in the state of the art and provide pertinent results that are instrumental in the design of hybrid‐braided structures with minimum computational/experimental effort. The research innovation centers on the use of two different yarns to make hybridization, simplicity of the model to be used for biaxial and triaxial braided structures, and a start to omit destructive tests.
Transfer of antibiotics and their metabolites in human milk: Implications for infant health and microbiota
Authors: Thomas Sydney P. , Denizer Erce , Zuffa Simone , Best Brookie M. , Bode Lars , Chambers Christina D. , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Liu George Y. , Momper Jeremiah D. , Nizet Victor , Tsunoda Shirley M. , Tremoulet Adriana H.
Published: October 2022

Antibiotics are an essential tool for perinatal care. While antibiotics can play a life‐saving role for both parents and infants, they also cause collateral damage to the beneficial bacteria that make up the host gut microbiota. This is especially true for infants, whose developing gut microbiota is uniquely sensitive to antibiotic perturbation. Emerging evidence suggests that disruption of these bacterial populations during this crucial developmental window can have long‐term effects on infant health and development. Although most current studies have focused on microbial disruptions caused by direct antibiotic administration to infants or prenatal exposure to antibiotics administered to the mother, little is known about whether antibiotics in human milk may pose similar risks to the infant. This review surveys current data on antibiotic transfer during lactation and highlights new methodologies to assess drug transfer in human milk. Finally, we provide recommendations for future work to ensure antibiotic use in lactating parents is safe and effective for both parents and infants.
Experimental and theoretical study of optical properties of pyrromethene (PM‐597) laser dye in binary eco‐friendly solvent
Authors: Al‐shamiri Hamdan A. S. , Melhi Saad , Alosaimi Eid. H. , El‐Gammal Bilal , Elhouichet Habib , Sakr Mahmoud A. S. , Kana Maram T. H. Abou , Kandel Hamed M.
Published: October 2022

The interaction of pyrromethene (PM‐597) laser dye with binary mixture of [1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoro‐borate (BMIM BF4)] ionic liquid with water [BMIM BF4: H2O] as binary eco‐friendly solvent, were investigated experimentally and theoretically by means of photophysical properties, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), photostability, electronic ground state of molecular structures of PM‐597, BMIM BF4 and mixture of (PM‐597/BMIM BF4) using the density functional theory (DFT) technique, molecular orbitals, energy gap (Eg) among HOMO and LUMO, and the maps of molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) for PM‐597 and mixture of (PM‐597/BMIM BF4) in gas phase were calculated using B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory. The refractive index (nD) and density (ρ) values for binary mixes of ionic liquid with water [BMIM BF4: H2O] with different ratios, increases as molecular mass of ionic liquid (BMIM BF4) in water increases. The frequency doubling Nd‐YAG laser of 532 nm was used to investigate amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). Aside from that, the efficiency of energy conversion was explored. Efficiency is relatively high, and 20.6% was achieved, with good photostability in case of 5 × 10−4 mol/L of PM‐597 in binary mixture of [90% BMIM BF4: 10% H2O] that was a decrease to ~48.3% of the initial amplified spontaneous emission, this output energy was observed after pumping by 72,000 shots at relatively high repetition rate (10 Hz) and pumping energy (40 mJ). In this research, we had used the mixture of [(BMIM BF4: H2O] with different ratios, as binary eco‐friendly solvent instead of harmful organic solvents.
High‐resolution stable isotopic signals of ground ice indicate freeze–thaw history in permafrost on the northeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yang Yuzhong , Wu Qingbai , Jin Huijun
Published: October 2022

Understanding the mechanism of formation of ground ice and the freeze–thaw history of permafrost is essential when assessing the future of permafrost in a changing climate. High‐resolution ground ice records, integrating stable isotopes (δ18O, d‐excess, and δ13C), hydrochemistry (EC and pH) data, and cryostratigraphy at a depth of 4.8 m from two contrasting permafrost profiles (P‐1, P‐2) in the Source Area of the Yellow River (SAYR) on the northeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), were investigated. The results suggested significant depth variations in the stable isotopes and hydrochemistry of the ground ice. The near‐surface ground ice (NSGI) and deep‐layer ground ice (DLGI) were characterized in terms of variations in stable isotopes and known modern active layer data. By synthesizing the measured δ18O and the modeled isotopic fractionation processes during freezing, we suggest that both the NSGI and DLGI in P‐1 were mainly formed by the segregation mechanism during permafrost aggradation. The NSGI in P‐2, however, exhibited quick freezing origins compared with the predominant ice segregation processes for the DLGI. By combining the evolution of various stable isotopes and hydrochemistry with 14C age data, four historical freeze–thaw stages were identified. Specifically, one thawing–refreezing stage (2.8–2.2 m), one freezing aggradation stage (2.2–1.6 m), and two permafrost aggradation–degradation cycle stages (4.8–2.8 m; 1.6–0.7 m) were differentiated, which emphasize the importance of climate‐induced freeze–thaw transitions and differing permafrost aggradation processes on ground ice formation and resultant isotope hydrochemical behaviors. This study is the first to use high‐resolution data in ground ice to interpret the freeze–thaw history of permafrost in the SAYR. These findings are important for further understanding of past permafrost evolution and projected future permafrost degradation trends on the QTP, and provide an alternative method to explore permafrost history.
About an (Im‐)Possible Anomaly in Band Structure Theory
Authors: Quandt Alexander
Published: October 2022

Based on an envelope function approach pioneered by Wannier and Slater, it can be shown that under the influence of strong effective magnetic fields in spinor space the band structure of certain materials gives rise to the analogs of tardyons and luxons, and in principle also to the analogs of tachyons. Such a (hypothetical) tachyonic band structure would be metallic, but with a gap in
k
‐space and not in the range of allowed band energies . Some of the conditions to observe such a tachyonic anomaly in certain types of electronic band structures, which do not seem to be implausible, are discussed. Similar anomalies should appear in the spectrum of Landau levels. Furthermore, some of the pathologies that would come with such exotic band structure anomalies are pointed out.
Iterative quantum phase estimation with variationally prepared reference state
Authors: Halder Dipanjali , Prasannaa V. Srinivasa , Agarawal Valay , Maitra Rahul
Published: October 2022

The iterative quantum phase estimation algorithm (IQPE) is theoretically appealing in its wide scope of being able to handle electronic correlation. However, the quality of the initial input state strongly enhances the probability of landing on the desired eigenstate. In this work, we systematically study two different parametrization schemes of the unitary coupled cluster (UCC) ansätz in the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) framework toward the reference state preparation for IQPE. The efficacy of the UCC variants toward an appropriate state preparation is studied with prototypical H4 molecule on a circle. While the conventional UCC ansätz can lead to high success probability across various degrees of electronic complexity, a resource efficient minimally parametrized UCC ansätz consisting of active space excitations is shown to incorporate the essential static correlation in the reference state description. We demonstrate that such a carefully prepared initial state can significantly reduce the effects of noise due to sampling in the estimation of the desired eigenphase.
An automatic extraction method on medical feature points based on PointNet++ for robot‐assisted knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Weiya , Zhou Haifeng , Yan Yuxin , Cheng Xiao , Yang Peng , Gan Liangzhi , Kuang Shaolong
Published: October 2022

Background

Image registration is a crucial technology in robot‐assisted knee arthroplasty, which provides real‐time patient information by registering the pre‐operative image data with data acquired during the operation. The existing registration method requires surgeons to manually pick up medical feature points (i.e. anatomical points) in pre‐operative images, which is time‐consuming and relied on surgeons experience. Moreover, different doctors have different preferences in preoperative planning, which may influence the consistency of surgical results.

Methods

A medical feature points automatic extraction method based on PointNet++ named Point_RegNet is proposed to improve the efficiency of preoperative preparation and ensure the consistency of surgical results. The proposed method replaces the classification and segmentation layer of PointNet++ with a regression layer to predict the position of feature points. The comparative experiment is adopted to determine the optimal set of abstraction layers in PointNet++.

Results

The proposed network with three set abstraction layers is more suitable for extracting feature points. The feature points predictions mean error of our method is less than 5 mm, which is 1 mm less than the manual marking method. Ultimately, our method only requires less than 3 s to extract all medical feature points in practical application. It is much faster than the manual extraction way which usually requires more than half an hour to mark all necessary feature points.

Conclusion

Our deep learning‐based method can improve the surgery accuracy and reduce the preoperative preparation time. Moreover, this method can also be applied to other surgical navigation systems.
High concentration of dopamine treatment may induce acceleration of human sperm motility
Authors: Kanno Hiroki , Kurata Shouhei , Hiradate Yuuki , Hara Kenshiro , Yoshida Hiroaki , Tanemura Kentaro
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In humans, catecholamines (including dopamine) have been identified in semen and fallopian tubes, while dopamine D2 receptors (D2DR) are found in the sperm midpiece region. How dopamine dose affects human sperm function and whether dopamine treatment is useful in assisted reproductive technology is unclear.

Methods

Sperm samples were obtained from patients with normal semen parameters undergoing fertility treatment. We investigated the effects of dopamine treatment on tyrosine phosphorylation and sperm motility. Sperm motility was analyzed using the computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system.

Results

This study revealed that various dopamine concentrations (0.1–100 μM) did not increase sperm tyrosine phosphorylation. Progressive motility increased substantially when treated with high concentrations of dopamine (10 and 100 μM) and was blocked by raclopride (a D2DR antagonist). After 24‐h sperm culture, the addition of 10 μM dopamine significantly increased curvilinear velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement, which are indicators of hyperactivation.

Conclusion

Dopamine did not affect tyrosine phosphorylation, but increased sperm motility. High concentrations of dopamine were more effective to accelerate sperm motility in cases where sperm motile capacity was low.
Prestrain Programmable 4D Printing of Nanoceramic Composites with Bioinspired Microstructure
Authors: Li Tian , Liu Quyang , Qi Haobo , Zhai Wei
Published: October 2022

Four‐dimensional (4D) printing enables programmable, predictable, and precise shape change of responsive materials to achieve desirable behaviors beyond conventional three‐dimensional (3D) printing. However, applying 4D printing to ceramics remains challenging due to their intrinsic brittleness and inadequate stimuli‐responsive ability. Here, this work proposes a conceptional combination of bioinspired microstructure design and a programmable prestrain approach for 4D printing of nanoceramics. To overcome the flexibility limitation, the bioinspired concentric cylinder structure in the struts of 3D printed lattices are replicated to develop origami nanoceramic composites with high inorganic content (95 wt%). Furthermore, 4D printing is achieved by applying a programmed prestrain to the printed lattices, enabling the desired deformation when the prestrain is released. Due to the bioinspired concentric cylinder microstructures, the printed flexible nanoceramic composites exhibit superior mechanical performance and anisotropic thermal management capability. Further, by introducing oxygen vacancies to the ceramic nanosheets, conductive nanoceramic composites are prepared with a unique sensing capability for various sensing applications. Hence, this research breaks through the limitation of ceramics in 4D printing and achieves high‐performance shape morphing materials for applications under extreme conditions, such as space exploration and high‐temperature systems.
Quantifying the Anomalous Local and Nanostructure Evolutions Induced by Lattice Oxygen Redox in Lithium‐Rich Cathodes
Authors: Zhao Enyue , Wu Kang , Zhang Zhigang , Fu Zhendong , Jiang Hanqiu , Ke Yubin , Yin Wen , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya , Wang Fangwei , Zhao Jinkui
Published: October 2022

Due to their accessible lattice oxygen redox (l‐OR) at high voltages, Li‐rich layered transition metal (TM) oxides have shown promising potential as candidate cathodes for high‐energy‐density Li‐ion batteries. However, this l‐OR process is also associated with unusual electrochemical issues such as voltage hysteresis and long‐term voltage decay. The structure response mechanism to the l‐OR behavior also remains unclear, hindering rational structure optimizations that would enable practical Li‐rich cathodes. Here, this study reveals a strong coupling between l‐OR and structure dynamic evolutions, as well as their effects on the electrochemical properties. Using the technique of neutron total scattering with pair distribution function analysis and small‐angle neutron scattering, this study quantifies the local TM migration and formation of nanopores that accompany the l‐OR. These experiments demonstrate the causal relationships among l‐OR, the local/nanostructure evolutions, and the unusual electrochemistry. The TM migration triggered by the l‐OR can change local oxygen coordination environments, which results in voltage hysteresis. Coupled with formed oxygen vacancies, it will accelerate the formation of nanopores, inducing a phase transition, and leading to irreversible capacity and long‐cycling voltage fade.
Effects of green tide on microbial communities in waters of the Jiangsu coastal area, China
Authors: Yuan Yiming , Luo Biyun , Li Zhien , He Yanlong , Xia Lihua , Qin Yutao , Wang Teng , Ma Keyi
Published: October 2022

Recently, green tide outbreaks have resulted in severe coastal ecology and economic effects in China. Jiangsu coastal areas are usually the site of early green tide outbreaks. To clarify the effects of green tide outbreaks in Jiangsu coastal areas, this study analyzed microbial communities during green tide‐free and green tide outbreak periods (May and July, respectively) through 16S rDNA sequencing. Sequences were clustered into 4117 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 1044 and 3834 of which were obtained from the May and July groups, respectively. Redundancy analysis indicated that green tide occurrence was closely associated with the temperature, pH, and concentrations of various nutrients. Diversity analysis revealed that the July group had a richer microbial community than the May group, in agreement with the results of propagule culture. Moreover, comparative analysis revealed that samples in the May and July groups clustered together. According to Megan analysis, the May group had much more Psychrobacter, Sulfitobacter, and Marinomonas than the July group, whereas the other genera were predominantly found in July, such as Ascidiacerhabitans, Synechococcus Hydrotalea, and Burkholderia‐Paraburkholderia. These findings suggest that green tide outbreaks affect marine microbial communities, and detecting the changes in the identified genera during green tide outbreaks may contribute to green tide forecasting.

Practitioner Points

Jiangsu coastal areas are usually the site of early green tide outbreaks.

Green tide occurrence was related to the concentrations of various nutrients.

Microbial species and community structure significantly changed after green tide outbreak.
Lipid‐based nucleic acid therapeutics with in vivo efficacy
Authors: Sufian Md. Abu , Ilies Marc A.
Published: October 2022

Synthetic vectors for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery are currently competing significantly with their viral counter parts due to their reduced immunogenicity, large payload capacity, and ease of manufacture under GMP‐compliant norms. The approval of Onpattro, a lipid‐based siRNA therapeutic, and the proven clinical success of two lipid‐based COVID‐19 vaccines from Pfizer‐BioNTech, and Moderna heralded the specific advantages of lipid‐based systems among all other synthetic nucleic acid carriers. Lipid‐based systems with diverse payloads—plasmid DNA (pDNA), antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), small activating RNA (saRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA)—are now becoming a mature technology, with growing impact in the clinic. Research over four decades identified the key factors determining the therapeutic success of these multi‐component systems. Here, we discuss the main nucleic acid‐based technologies, presenting their mechanism of action, delivery barriers facing them, the structural properties of the payload as well as the component lipids that regulate physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, efficacy, and toxicity of the resultant nanoparticles. We further detail on the formulation parameters, evolution of the manufacturing techniques that generate reproducible and scalable outputs, and key manufacturing aspects that enable control over physicochemical properties of the resultant particles. Preclinical applications of some of these formulations that were successfully translated from in vitro studies to animal models are subsequently discussed. Finally, clinical success and failure of these systems starting from 1993 to present are highlighted, in a holistic literature review focused on lipid‐based nucleic acid delivery systems.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Brazil–Japan Relationship: A Partnership?
Authors: de Oliveira Henrique Altemani , Lessa Antonio Carlos
Published: October 2022

This chapter aims to reassess the Brazil–Japan relationship, with emphasis on the post-Cold War era, and including brief comments on their previous relations. To comprehend their relationship’s meaning and mutual expectations, this reinterpretation focuses on strategies, characteristics, and means of cooperation in the political, economic, commercial, and technological dimensions. Initially, we will discuss the concept of strategic partnership and the Brazil–Japan relationship during the Cold War in three moments with differing emphases. Then, we will analyze the first attempts to resume the bilateral relationship in the 1990s, highlighting the role played by the Asian financial crisis in the rapprochement during the twenty-first century, with the landmark moments of the formation of the G4 in 2004, the adoption of the Japanese Digital TV system in 2006, and the celebration of 100 years of Japanese immigration in Brazil in 2008. Finally, we will comment on the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s efforts to consolidate the partnership after the global financial crisis (2008) and the effects of China’s growing presence in Latin America.
Japan’s Relationship with Portuguese-Speaking Africa: Considering the Future of Brazil–Japan Cooperation
Authors: Koyasu Akiko , Ramos Danielly
Published: October 2022

Japan and Brazil have built a partnership not only in bilateral and multilateral framework but also in triangular cooperation. In recent years, the term FOIP (Free and Open Indo–Pacific) has been used as the philosophy of Japanese diplomacy. FOIP vision means to achieve peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and African region. Brazil itself is not a direct region for FOIP. But considering the African region is included in FOIP, and for Brazil, Africa is a continent historically and strategically important, Japan’s diplomatic concept, FOIP is not irrelevant to Brazil. To think about the future of Japan–Brazil relations, it is necessary to consider Japan’s African diplomacy in the era of FOIP in order to compare it with Brazil’s African diplomacy. In this article we will especially focus on the Portuguese-speaking African countries. The structure of the article is as follows. First, regarding Japan’s diplomacy with Africa, the philosophy and achievements of TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) started under the initiative of Japanese government since 1993 will be explained. In considering the future cooperation between Japan and Brazil in Africa, it is also necessary to understand Brazil’s African diplomacy. To that ends, the second part of the article will be the Brazilian diplomatic relations with Africa from the postwar period to the present day. In contrast to the active relations with Africa during the Lula governments, some major setbacks can be seen in the current Bolsonaro administration’s diplomatic relations with Africa. After the characteristics of Japan and Brazil’s diplomacy with Africa have been clarified, in the third part of this article, we will inquire the possibility of further cooperation of Japan and Brazil while looking back on the history and achievements of triangular cooperation between Japan–Brazil, and African countries, especially Mozambique. And we will put some comments as a concluding remark.
Dissemination of Japanese Quality Control in Brazil
Authors: Hamaguchi Nobuaki , Miyazaki Silvio Y. M.
Published: October 2022

Until the 1980s, Brazilian industrialization was oriented toward the domestic market. Although competitive pressure was weak, exporting companies and local subsidiaries of multinationals deployed the Japanese quality control model, which was considered the hallmark of the Japanese industry’s competitiveness. Individual companies and local business associations were the leading promoters of quality control, with the collaboration of JUSE. The first boom fell short of expectations because of the lack of understanding from corporate managers and some inter-cultural problems for workers in introducing Total Quality Control. The market liberalization since the 1990s set new ground for competitiveness-seeking quality control, supported by the government. The second boom did not materialize because of the industrial paradigm change for machine-based productivity gains, while Japanese style quality control is human-based. Still, we find that Japanese style quality control has been effectively used in non-industrial sectors such as public administration and healthcare. We argue that Japanese technical cooperation capitalizing on quality control methods will enhance Brazil’s labor productivity and social well-being.
CP-violation, asymmetries and interferences in $$ t\overline{t}\phi $$
Authors: Azevedo Duarte , Capucha Rodrigo , Onofre António , Santos Rui
Published: October 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we use the associated production of top-quark pairs ($$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

) with a generic scalar boson (ϕ) at the LHC (pp → $$ t\overline{t}\phi $$
t

t
¯

ϕ
) to explore the sensitivity of a large set of observables to the sign of the CP mixing angle (α), present in the coupling between the scalar boson and the top quarks. The mass of the scalar boson is set to mϕ = 125 GeV (the Standard Model Higgs boson mass) and its coupling to top-quarks is varied such that α = 0°, 22.5°, 45.0°, 67.5°, 90.0°, 135.0° and 180.0°. Dileptonic final states of the $$ t\overline{t}\phi $$
t

t
¯

ϕ
system are used (pp → bℓ+νℓ$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

ℓ−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

ℓb$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

), where the scalar boson is expected to decay according to ϕ → $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

. A new method to reconstruct the scalar mass, originally designed for the low mass regime is used, improving the resolution of the Higgs mass by roughly a factor of two. A full phenomenological analysis is performed using Standard Model (SM) background and signal events generated with MadGraph5_aMC@NLO, in turn reconstructed using a kinematical fit. The most sensitive CP-observables are selected to compute Confidence Level (CL) limits as a function of the sign of the top quark Yukawa couplings to the ϕ boson. We also explore the sensitivity to interference terms using differential distributions and angular asymmetries. Given the significant difference between the pure scalar (σ0+) and pure pseudo-scalar (σ0−) production cross section values, it is unlikely the $$ t\overline{t}\phi $$
t

t
¯

ϕ
channel alone will be sensitive to the sign of the CP-mixing angle or interference terms, even at the end of the LHC. Using the $$ {b}_2^{t\overline{t}\phi } $$

b
2

t

t
¯

ϕ

and $$ {b}_4^{t\overline{t}\phi } $$

b
4

t

t
¯

ϕ

variables, exclusion limits at 95% CL for the CP-even and CP-odd components of the top quark Yukawa couplings are expected to be set to $$ \overset{\sim }{\kappa } $$

κ
~

∈ [-0.698,+0.698] and |κ| ∈ [0.878,1.04], respectively, at the end of the High Luminosity phase of the LHC (HL-LHC) by using the dileptonic decay channel alone.
gamma-UPC: automated generation of exclusive photon-photon processes in ultraperipheral proton and nuclear collisions with varying form factors
Authors: Shao Hua-Sheng , d’Enterria David
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The automated generation of arbitrary exclusive final states produced via photon fusion in ultraperipheral high-energy collisions of protons and/or nuclei, A B $$ \overset{\upgamma \upgamma}{\to } $$

→
γγ

A X B, is implemented in the MadGraph5_aMC@NLO and HELAC-Onia Monte Carlo codes. Cross sections are calculated in the equivalent photon approximation using γ fluxes derived from electric dipole and charge form factors, and incorporating hadronic survival probabilities. Multiple examples of γγ cross sections computed with this setup, named gamma-UPC, are presented for proton-proton, proton- nucleus, and nucleus-nucleus ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs) at the Large Hadron Collider and Future Circular Collider. Total photon-fusion cross sections for the exclusive production of spin-0, 2 resonances (quarkonia, ditauonium, and Higgs boson; as well as axions and gravitons), and for pairs of particles (J/ψJ/ψ, WW, ZZ, Zγ, $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

, HH) are presented. Differential cross sections for exclusive dileptons and light-by-light scattering are compared to LHC data. This development paves the way for the upcoming automatic event generation of any UPC final state with electroweak corrections at next-to-leading-order accuracy and beyond.
Anomaly inflow for local boundary conditions
Authors: Ivanov A. V. , Vassilevich D. V.
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study the η-invariant of a Dirac operator on a manifold with boundary subject to local boundary conditions with the help of heat kernel methods. In even dimensions, we relate this invariant to η-invariants of a boundary Dirac operator, while in odd dimension, it is expressed through the index of boundary operators. We stress the necessity of the strong ellipticity condition for the applicability of our methods. We show that the Witten-Yonekura boundary conditions are not strongly elliptic, though they are very close to strongly elliptic ones.
Human dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs through the consumption of Atlantic herring from fishing areas in the Norwegian Sea and Baltic Sea
Authors: Fechner Carolin , Frantzen Sylvia , Lindtner Oliver , Mathisen Gro Haarklou , Lillegaard Inger Therese L.
Published: October 2022

The concentrations of dioxins [polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)], and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in Atlantic herring depend on the fishing area. These substances originate from various anthropogenic sources and accumulate in the environment and in food. The influence of country-specific contaminant concentrations on human dietary exposure was studied exemplary for herring to show the influence of fish origin. PCDD/F and DL-PCB concentrations in herring from the Norwegian Sea and the Baltic Sea were combined with country-specific herring consumption. Herring concentrations showed geographical variation. For herring consumers, the 50th percentile dietary exposure to the total sum of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs amounted to 1.2 and 8.9 pg WHO-2005-TEQ/kg BW/week for Norway and Germany, respectively. The different exposure was mainly related to higher concentrations in herring from the Baltic Sea, rather than in herring from the Norwegian Sea. If contaminant concentrations are influenced by geographical origin, this should be integrated into the dietary exposure assessments. For herring, relevant fishing areas should be integrated into the sampling strategy to generate concentration data. The usage of country-specific data could refine exposure assessments.
Comparative LCA study of wood and mineral non-residential buildings in Germany and related substitution potential
Authors: Hafner Annette , Özdemir Özlem
Published: October 2022

The construction sector is a central source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing environmental impacts along the life cycle of buildings is therefore an important target. Given recent innovations in low-energy buildings and energy supply systems with low climate impacts, additional reduction potential can mainly be found in mitigating GHG emissions in other life cycle stages. The focus of mitigation has thus shifted to emissions related to material input, and comparative life cycle analyses of buildings constructed with different material types are becoming increasingly relevant in guiding regulations to achieve emission reduction targets. This paper performs comparative life cycle assessments for 48 non-residential buildings, comparing GHG emissions according to the current European standardised calculation methods. A substitution potential is introduced to evaluate the advantage of using timber as a building material. Furthermore, a comparative method is presented for assessing the substitution potential on the building level. The results show that the substitution potential for the construction of the studied buildings ranges from 5 to 48%. Specific substitution potentials are differentiated between four subcategories of non-residential buildings. The lowest substitution potential was identified for agricultural buildings and the highest for office and administration buildings. Moreover, the current research shows that the specific materials, construction, the geometry and design all affect the substitution potential of a building. On the basis of these values, it is possible to make projections regarding GHG reduction potential in the construction sector on a national scale.
The immigrant-native gap in risk and time preferences in Germany: levels, socio-economic determinants, and recent changes
Authors: Deole Sumit S. , Rieger Marc Oliver
Published: October 2022

We present new descriptive evidence on the immigrant-native gap in risk and time preferences in Germany, one of immigrants’ most preferred destination countries. Using the recent waves of the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) dataset, we find that the immigrant-native gap in risk preferences has widened for recent immigration cohorts, especially around the time of the 2015 European Refugee Crisis. We attribute the recent widening to decreased assimilation rates of new immigrants caused by reduced integration due to sudden increases in immigrants flows from culturally diverse parts of the world, particularly around the year 2015. We also find that the immigrant-native gap varies across different migrant groups: “Opportunity seekers,” which we define as economic immigrants who intend to stay in Germany only temporarily, are very similar in their risk preferences to natives. Other immigrants, however, are substantially more risk averse than natives. A smaller gap in risk preferences is also found among migrants who are female, highly educated, proficient in the host language, self-employed, and working in predominantly high-skilled jobs. Concerning time preferences, a noticeably large immigrant-native gap is evident, but the gap does not vary across most individual-level socio-economic variables.
A sensitive LC–MS/MS method for isomer separation and quantitative determination of 51 pyrrolizidine alkaloids and two tropane alkaloids in cow’s milk
Authors: Klein Lisa Monika , Gabler Angelika Miriam , Rychlik Michael , Gottschalk Christoph , Kaltner Florian
Published: October 2022

1,2-Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), their corresponding N-oxides (PANO), and tropane alkaloids (TA) are toxic secondary plant metabolites. Their possible transfer into the milk of dairy cows has been studied in feeding trials; however, only few data on the occurrence of these toxins in milk are available. In this study, the development of a sensitive analytical approach for the simultaneous detection and quantification of a broad range of 54 PA/PANO as well as of the TA atropine and scopolamine in milk of dairy cows is presented. The method optimisation focused on sensitivity and separation of PA/PANO isomers. Milk samples were extracted using liquid–liquid extraction with aqueous formic acid and n-hexane, followed by a cation-exchange solid-phase extraction for purification. Reversed phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis was performed using alkaline solvent conditions. Validation proved low limits of detection and quantification of 0.005 to 0.054 µg/L and of 0.009 to 0.123 µg/L, respectively. For 51 of the 54 tested PA/PANO and both TA, the recovery rates ranged from 64 to 127% with repeatability (RSDr) values below 15% at concentration levels of 0.05 and 0.50 µg/L and below 8% at a concentration level of 3.00 µg/L. Only three PANO did not match the validation criteria and were therefore regarded as semiquantitative. The final method was applied to 15 milk samples obtained from milk vending stations at farms and from local marketers in Bavaria, Germany. In three of the milk samples, traces of PA were detected.

Graphical abstract