bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZNF655 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through PSMB8
Authors: Fan Shasha , Liu Yu , Lin Zhenhai , Zhang Yongfa , Zhang Ning , Zhao Yiming , Zhou Jiaming , Mao Anrong , Wang Longrong , Feng Yun , He Xigan , Wang Lu , Pan Qi
Published: June 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer that is associated with high mortality rates. This study aims to investigate the role of ZNF655, a member of the zinc finger protein family, in the development of HCC. Immunohistochemical staining analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of ZNF655 in HCC patient samples. Lentivirus‐mediated ZNF655 knockdown was established in HCC cell lines (BEL‐7402 and HCCLM3). The effects of ZNF655 on different aspects of HCC cell behavior such as proliferation, apoptosis, cycle, migration and tumor formation were examined. Downstream targets of ZNF655 in HCC were identified and verified through loss/gain‐of‐function experiments. Clinically, ZNF655 expression was elevated in HCC and increased with the severity of the disease. Functionally, inhibition of ZNF655 expression reduced the progression of HCC cells by decreasing proliferation, causing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle retention in G2, suppressing migration, and attenuating tumor formation in mice. Mechanistically, the proteasome subunit beta type‐8 (PSMB8) was found to be co‐expressed with ZNF655 in HCC, and PSMB8 knockdown weakened the promotion of ZNF655 overexpression on HCC. In summary, these findings suggest that ZNF655 promotes the progression of HCC through PSMB8, and inhibition of its expression may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
Utilization and outcomes of protamine after percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Chavez‐Ponce Alejandra , El Shaer Ahmed , Samimi Sahar , Sulaiman Samian , Harris Alyssa , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the use pattern and outcomes of protamine administration for heparin reversal among sites performing percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).

Methods

We identified 45,135 patients who underwent LAAO at 243 hospitals participating in Vizient® Clinical Database between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021. Patients were stratified according to protamine administration after the procedure. Outcomes of interest included vascular complications, major bleeding, ischemic events, and same‐day discharge.

Results

A total of 40,278 patients were included in the propensity‐matched comparison, of whom 50% received protamine after the LAAO procedure. The use of protamine varied across hospitals, with 88 hospitals (36.2%) using protamine in >75% of cases and 32 hospitals (13.1%) not using protamine at all. Major bleeding occurred less frequently in the protamine group compared with the control group (2.4% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.03). Major vascular complications and pericardial tamponade were rare but slightly higher in the protamine group (0.8% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.04) and (1.0% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.01), respectively. There were no differences in the rates of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, all‐cause mortality, or the rate of any major adverse event between the two groups. Same‐day discharge was more frequent in the protamine group (12.3% vs 9.4%, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Protamine is used in approximately 50% of LAAO procedures and is associated with lower bleeding events and higher rates of same‐day discharge. The higher vascular complication and tamponade is likely due to its ad‐hoc use as a reversal agent in these patients.
Solvothermal Liquefaction of Industrial Soda Lignin into Functional Chemicals
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Negi Shweta , Negi Rachit , Bhaskar Thallada , Yenumala Sudhakara Reddy
Published: June 2023

Lignin is one of the most abundant and versatile biomass components, which can be used as a resource for bio‐based chemical production. This study investigates the liquefaction of soda lignin with water and ethanol in the temperature range of 220–280 °C during a reaction time of 15–45 min. The maximum bio‐oil yields of 59 and 57 wt % were observed in ethanol and water at 280 °C after 30 and 15 min of reaction time, respectively. It was observed that both solvents were suitable for depolymerizing lignin into methoxyphenols and acetosyringone. However, the area percent values of methoxyphenols (54.2) and acetosyringone (48.3) were higher in water than in ethanol. Ethanol was a more effective solvent with regard to a lower char yield, which was constant (37–41 wt %) in the temperature and reaction time ranges.
PtCoFe Intermetallic Alloy Catalyst Derived from PtFe@CoO with High Stability for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xue Yali , Deng Xin , Yan Yong , Zhang Jie , Wang Gang , Wang Ruilin , Chen Jinwei
Published: June 2023

Platinum‐based ordered alloy catalysts possess higher intrinsic activity in oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). High‐temperature annealing during ordered alloy formation frequently results in larger nanoparticles, and the strategy for obtaining ordered alloys at 600 °C is still undefined. Herein, an ordered Fe‐doped PtCo catalyst (O‐PtCoFe/C) with a size of sub‐4 nm was prepared at 600 °C derived from PtFe@CoO. CoO can generate oxygen vacancies by H2 reduction, lowering the atomic migration barrier and serving as a protective layer to inhibit nanoparticle migration. Experimental analyses showed the formation of O‐PtCoFe/C and electron‐rich Pt atoms due to Pt, Co, and Fe, which was advantageous for ORR performance. The mass activity of the prepared catalyst for ORR was 382.8 mA mgPt−1, which is 5.4 times greater than Pt/C. After 10000 potential cycles, the half‐wave potential was only negatively shifted by 10 mV. In PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cells) tests, the O‐PtCoFe/C showed only 3 % decay after 3000 cycles, whereas the Pt/C showed a significant loss (18.4 %). This work provides an effective method for preparing ordered PtCo alloys for fuel cell cathode catalysts at 600 °C.
One‐Pot Double Oxidation Synthesis ofN‐1‐Piperidonyl Amides FromN‐1‐Piperidinyl Amides withmeta‐Chloroperbenzoic Acid: Rimonabant Analogue as Model Study
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chieh , Zeng Wei‐Zheng , Li Sin‐Min , Chou Jia‐Yu , Tsai Shuo‐En , Fuh Wong Fung
Published: June 2023

A simple and efficient one‐pot oxidation synthesis ofN‐1‐piperidonyl amides was successfully developed through the double oxidation of hydrazides (involving hydrazonium formation, azodioxy‐carbonyl compounds generation, and α‐carbon oxidation) by usingmeta‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). The convenient oxidation method was also extended to Rimonabant analogue. The lactam oxidized Rimonabant analogue was first successfully synthesized for demonstrating the construction and characterized by NMR spectroscopic methods and the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study (ORTEP).
Free Ethynylarsinidene and Ethynylstibinidene: Heavier Analogues of Nitrenes and Phosphinidenes
Authors: Lawzer Arun‐Libertsen , Ganesan Elavenil , Gronowski Marcin , Custer Thomas , Guillemin Jean‐Claude , Kołos Robert
Published: June 2023

Until now, there has been very little experimental evidence for the existence of free arsinidenes and stibinidenes, apart from the hydrides, AsH and SbH. Here, we report on photogeneration of triplet ethynylarsinidene, HCCAs, and triplet ethynylstibinidene, HCCSb, from ethynylarsine and ethynylstibine, respectively, in solid argon matrices. The products were identified using infrared spectroscopy and the associated UV absorption spectra are interpreted with the aid of theoretical predictions.
Towards Fast Circularly Polarized Luminescence in 2‐Coordinate Chiral Mechanochromic Copper(I) Carbene Complexes
Authors: Muthig André M. T. , Wieland Justin , Lenczyk Carsten , Koop Stefan , Tessarolo Jacopo , Clever Guido H. , Hupp Benjamin , Steffen Andreas
Published: June 2023

A series of chiral mechanochromic copper(I) cAAC (cAAC=cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene) complexes with a variety of amide ligands have been studied with regard to their photophysical and chiroptical properties to elucidate structure‐property relationships for the design of efficient triplet exciton emitters exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence. Depending on the environment, which determines the excited state energies, either thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) from 1/3LLCT states or phosphorescence from 3LLCT/LC states occurs. However, neither chiral moieties at the carbene nor at the carbazolate ligands provide detectable luminescence dissymmetries glum. An exception is [Cu(phenoxazinyl)(cAAC)], showing orange to deep red TADF with λmax=601–715 nm in solution, powders and in PMMA. In this case, the amide ligand can undergo distortions in the excited state. This design motif leads to the first linear, non‐aggregated CPL‐active copper(I) complex with glum of −3.4 ⋅ 10−3 combined with a high radiative rate constant of 6.7 ⋅ 105 s−1.
Synthesis and Properties of Rubicene‐Based Aromatic π‐Conjugated Compounds as Five‐Membered Ring Embedded Planar Nanographenes
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Ban Sayaka , Hara Muneyasu , Kawamura Masahiko , Ikeda Hiroshi , Tsurumaki Eiji
Published: June 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons consisting of two or three rubicene substructures were designed as π‐conjugated compounds embedding five‐membered rings. The target compounds with t‐butyl groups were synthesized by the Scholl reaction of precursors consisting of 9,10‐diphenylanthracene units, even though a partially precyclized precursor was required for the synthesis of the trimer. These compounds were isolated as stable and dark blue solids. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and DFT calculations revealed the planar aromatic framework of these compounds. In the electronic spectra, the absorption and emission bands were considerably red‐shifted compared with those of the reference rubicene compound. In particular, the emission band of the trimer extended to the near‐IR region while retaining the emissive property. The narrowed HOMO‐LUMO gap with the extension of the π‐conjugation was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and DFT calculations.
Enantio‐ and Diastereomerically Pure Titanocenes by Dynamic Conformational Locking
Authors: Hilche Tobias , Krebs Tim , Weißbarth Hendrik , Lang Fabian , Schnakenburg Gregor , Gansäuer Andreas
Published: June 2023

The synthesis of enantiomerically pure titanocenes is limited to cases with enantiomerically pure substituents at the cyclopentadienyl ligands and to ansa‐titanocenes. For the latter complexes, the use of achiral ligands requires a resolution of enantiomers and frequently also a separation of the diastereoisomers obtained after metalation. Here, we introduce a new synthetic method that relies on the use of enantiomerically pure camphorsulfonate (CSA) ligands as control elements for the absolute and relative configuration of titanocene complexes. Starting from the conformationally flexible (RC5H4)2TiCl2, the desired conformationally locked and hence enantio‐ and diastereomerically pure complexes (RC5H4)2Ti(CSA)2 are obtained in just two steps. According to X‐ray crystallography the (RC5H4)2Ti fragment is essentially C2‐symmetric and nuclear magnetic resonance displays overall C2‐symmetry. We applied density functional theory methods to unravel the dynamics of the complexes and the mechanisms and selectivities of their formation.
Ganzheitliche Verwertung von Rapssaat
Authors: Hartmann Robert , Vorbeck Claudia
Published: June 2023

Am Fraunhofer‐Zentrum für Chemisch‐Biotechnologische Prozesse CBP in Leuna wurde eine Pilotanlage zur Herstellung von Proteinen aus Raps eingeweiht. Nach dem Prinzip einer Bioraffinerie liefert sie durch Ethanolextraktion nicht nur hochwertiges Rapsöl in Vorraffinatqualität, sondern auch ein an hochwertigen Proteinen reiches Rapskernkonzentrat, sekundäre Pflanzenstoffe sowie Rapsschalen als weitere Produkte.
Evaluation of air pollutants emitted from wastewater treatment processes in Egypt
Authors: Saleh Inas A. , Mohammed Atef M. F. , Abdel‐Latif Nasser M.
Published: June 2023

Despite the importance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to decontaminate wastewater, and consequently relieving the global freshwater reserves of industrial and domestic pollution, their effect on the air quality of the surrounding areas is often overlooked. The main aim of this work was thus to evaluate the nature and levels of common air pollutants released from different operating processes of a major WWTP in Egypt (Abu‐Rawash WWTP). Concentrations of gaseous pollutants (CO, NO2, SO2, NH3, H2S, total volatile organic compounds) and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulates) at each of the wastewater treatment operation processes within the premises were measured from September to December 2019. The intercorrelations between all pollutants were examined by principal component analysis using Minitab 17 statistical software. The results showed that the highest emission rates of gaseous pollutants were derived from the sludge thickening and dewatering process, and from the sedimentation tanks, whereas the highest levels of particulate matter were detected at the sludge handling facilities and cyclone devices. However, the recorded levels were generally lower than the maximum threshold limits set by the Egyptian Environment Laws (Law 4 of 1994 for the Protection of the Environment amended by Law 9/2009, and Law 105/2015) and the European Commission air quality guideline. This study emphasizes that the environmental impacts resulting from the direct air emissions of gases and particulates should be closely monitored if wastewater facilities are located in the vicinity of residential areas.
Incorporation of Coronene into Cage‐like Porous Organic Salts and Induction of its Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence in Air
Authors: Sei. Hiroi , Oka Kouki , Tohnai Norimitsu
Published: June 2023

Coronene emits phosphorescence only at cryogenic temperatures in the absence of oxygen. To achieve room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), coronene has been incorporated into various host materials to prevent non‐radiative deactivation of the incorporated molecules. Among host materials, crystalline porous materials homogeneously incorporate luminescent molecules and prevent their aggregation. Therefore, they have attracted attention as potential host materials. Although coronene incorporated into a crystalline porous material exhibited RTP in previous studies, the host material exhibited high affinity for oxygen, allowing the expression of RTP only under anoxic conditions. Therefore, RTP has not been achieved in air. Herein, we incorporate coronene into cage‐like sodalite‐type porous organic salts (s‐POSs) composed of tetrasulfonic acid with an adamantane core (4,4’,4’’,4’’’‐[adamantane‐1,3,5,7‐tetrayl]tetrabenzenesulfonic acid; AdPS) and triphenylmethylamines modified with substituents at the para‐position of the benzene rings (TPMA−X, X=methyl [Me], Br, I), which have low oxygen affinities and different degrees of heavy‐atom effects on incorporated coronene. The combination of the oxygen barrier due to the low affinity of s‐POSs for oxygen and the external heavy‐atom effect of bromine and iodine exposed on the pore surface enabled the incorporated coronene to exhibit RTP in air (phosphorescence lifetime with more than microseconds).
Synthesis of Hybrid Ligands with Nitrile and Cage Phosphane Donor Groups and their Applications in Gold‐Mediated Reactions
Authors: Horký Filip , Neubrand Maren , Císařová Ivana , Schulz Jiří , Štěpnička Petr
Published: June 2023

Altering the donor properties of phosphane ligands through substituent variation is an established tool in coordination chemistry and catalysis. This contribution describes the synthesis of two new hybrid donors (L) combining 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐2,4,6‐trioxa‐8‐phosphaadamantane‐8‐yl (PCg) and nitrile donor groups at different molecular scaffolds, viz. ferrocene‐1,1′‐diyl (fc) and 1,2‐phenylene. These ligands were used to prepare dimeric Au(I) complexes [Au2(μ(P,N)‐L)2][SbF6]2, which were evaluated as silver‐free, preformed catalysts in Au‐mediated cycloisomerization of (Z)‐3‐methylpent‐2‐en‐4‐yn‐1‐ol to 2,3‐dimethylfuran. The catalyst featuring the ferrocene‐based ligand, viz., [Au2(μ(P,N)‐CgPfcCN)2][SbF6]2, showed the best catalytic performance at low catalyst loading (0.5 or 0.15 mol.%), which exceeded that of its diphenylphosphanyl analog [Au2(μ(P,N)‐Ph2PfcCN)2][SbF6]2 studied earlier and the prototypical Au(I) precatalyst [Au(PPh3)(MeCN)][SbF6].
Monitoring Conformation and Protonation States of Glutathione by Raman Optical Activity and Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Das Moumita , Gangopadhyay Debraj , Hudecová Jana , Kessler Jiří , Kapitán Josef , Bouř Petr
Published: June 2023

Glutathione (GSH) is a common antioxidant and its biological activity depends on the conformation and protonation state. We used molecular dynamics, Raman and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectroscopies to investigate GSH structural changes in a broad pH range. Factor analysis of the spectra provided protonation constants (2.05, 3.45, 8.62, 9.41) in good agreement with previously published values. Following the analysis, spectra of differently protonated forms were obtained by extrapolation. The complete deprotonation of the thiol group above pH 11 was clearly visible in the spectra; however, many spectral features did not change much with pH. Experimental spectra at various pH values were decomposed into the simulated ones, which allowed us to study the conformer populations and quality of molecular dynamics (MD). According to this combined ROA/MD analysis conformation of the GSH backbone is affected by the pH changes only in a limited way. The combination of ROA with the computations thus has the potential to improve the MD force field and obtain more accurate populations of the conformer species. The methodology can be used for any molecule, but for a more detailed insight better computational techniques are needed in the future.
Spatio‐temporal distributions of accumulated charge density in atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Akashi Haruaki , Yoshinaga Tomokazu
Published: June 2023

The effect of the secondary electron emission coefficient on accumulated charge density distributions in atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges have been simulated using two‐dimensional fluid model. Spatio‐temporal distributions of accumulated charge density on each side of the dielectric have been examined. The differences of conventional waveforms of accumulated charge density and the simulated results were clarified. And when the dielectrics were negatively accumulated, charges were uniformly accumulated, while positive charges were not. Randomness of streamers' occurrence, and self‐organized structures have been also examined by the accumulated charge distributions.
Dual Additives for Stabilizing Li Deposition and SEI Formation in Anode‐Free Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wu Baolin , Chen Chunguang , Danilov Dmitri L. , Chen Zhiqiang , Jiang Ming , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Notten Peter H. L.
Published: June 2023

Anode‐free Li‐metal batteries are of significant interest to energy storage industries due to their intrinsically high energy. However, the accumulative Li dendrites and dead Li continuously consume active Li during cycling. That results in a short lifetime and low Coulombic efficiency of anode‐free Li‐metal batteries. Introducing effective electrolyte additives can improve the Li deposition homogeneity and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) stability for anode‐free Li‐metal batteries. Herein, we reveal that introducing dual additives, composed of LiAsF6 and fluoroethylene carbonate, into a low‐cost commercial carbonate electrolyte will boost the cycle life and average Coulombic efficiency of NMC||Cu anode‐free Li‐metal batteries. The NMC||Cu anode‐free Li‐metal batteries with the dual additives exhibit a capacity retention of about 75% after 50 cycles, much higher than those with bare electrolytes (35%). The average Coulombic efficiency of the NMC||Cu anode‐free Li‐metal batteries with additives can maintain 98.3% over 100 cycles. In contrast, the average Coulombic efficiency without additives rapidly decline to 97% after only 50 cycles. In situ Raman measurements reveal that the prepared dual additives facilitate denser and smoother Li morphology during Li deposition. The dual additives significantly suppress the Li dendrite growth, enabling stable SEI formation on anode and cathode surfaces. Our results provide a broad view of developing low‐cost and high‐effective functional electrolytes for high‐energy and long‐life anode‐free Li‐metal batteries.
A pathogenic nonsense mutation (c.1522C>T) of the MYBPC3 gene is implicated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ni Erru , Wang Tao , Zhang Xuan , Xie Huabin
Published: June 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetically and clinically heterogeneous cardiomyopathy, is commonly caused by mutations in the MYBPC3 gene or other various sarcomeric genes. HCM patients carrying sarcomeric gene mutations may experience an asymptomatic period at early stage but still possess an escalating risk of developing adverse cardiac events including sudden cardiac death. It is crucial to determine the phenotypic and pathogenic effects of mutations in sarcomeric genes. In this study, a 65‐year‐old male was admitted with a history of chest pain, dyspnoea, and syncope and with a family history of HCM and sudden cardiac death. On admission, electrocardiogram indicated atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed left ventricular concentric hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction (48%), which were ascertained by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. With late gadolinium‐enhancement imaging, cardiovascular magnetic resonance found myocardial fibrosis on left ventricular wall. The exercise stress echocardiography test showed non‐obstructive myocardial changes. Whole‐exome sequencing analysis identified a MYBPC3 gene heterozygous nonsense variant (c.1522C>T) in the patient and one of his healthy grandnieces (18‐year‐old). The patient was diagnosed with non‐obstructive HCM, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and so on. Medications, ICD implantation, and catheter ablation were chosen to maintain heart function. Our study provides the clinical evidence regarding the HCM pathogenicity of MYBPC3 c.1522C>T variant and highlights the significance of family genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of HCM.
Mechanistic Insights into the Synthesis of [Rh(acac)(CO)(NHC)] (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) Complexes Using a Weak Base
Authors: Guillet Sébastien G. , Ibni Hashim Ishfaq , Beliš Marek , Van Hecke Kristof , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven. P.
Published: June 2023

A simple synthetic method to access a wide range of [Rh(acac)(CO)(NHC)] complexes is described. In situ infra‐red monitoring provides insights into the mechanism of the reaction, including the identification of a key intermediate. An understanding of the reaction mechanism leads to the discovery of novel pathways to commonly used congeners.
Nonlinear estimator‐based state of charge estimation for lithium titanate oxide battery in energy storage systems
Authors: Muratoğlu Yusuf , Alkaya Alkan
Published: June 2023

Fuel savings, energy savings, and reduction of CO2 emissions are the key requirements in electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EVs and HEVs). These requirements are achieved through the usage of start‐stop systems, high‐rate energy boost during acceleration, and recovery of the energy during braking. Unfortunately, the commonly used lithium‐ion batteries are not a sufficient solution, although their performance is enhanced by supercapacitors. This hybrid system used is only a temporary solution. Therefore, lithium‐titanate‐oxide batteries (Li4Ti5O12—LTO), show high‐rate discharging and charging performance, high power capability, excellent cycle life, and improved cycle stability at wide‐rate temperatures and current rates are promising candidates for HEV and EV applications. There is a need to monitor the state of charge (SoC) for the reliability, performance, and safety of LTO batteries with the help of a battery management system. However, the conventional SoC estimation methods, such as open circuit voltage, Coulomb counting, artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, and linear Kalman filter algorithm become insufficient. In this paper, a new nonlinear approach for the SoC estimation of an LTO battery is presented. The approach combines the static battery model and the sigma point Kalman filter (SPKF) algorithm while adapting to both constant load and dynamic load. The results show that the SPKF algorithm successfully estimated the SoC of the LTO battery under various initial SoC initialization values. It is also supported by various metric errors calculated.
The fabric of Torre d'en Galmés, Menorca, Spain
Authors: Goldberg Paul , Pérez‐Juez Amalia
Published: June 2023

The term fabric has a variety of meanings, particularly in geology and archaeology. In the former case, it can encapsulate the three‐dimensional arrangement of particles and voids, including organizational aspects such as bedding. In archaeology, it can also refer to positions of sites on a landscape or the structure and geometry of, say, buildings within a site; it can also refer to the infillings within individual structures. In this study, we illustrate the concept of fabric with the site of Torre d'en Galmés on the Spanish Island of Menorca to show that in fact fabrics exist at a variety of scales from the geological fabric of the Island, down to the fabrics of the sedimentary infills between and within buildings and spaces. We show that by examining the fabrics at different scales on Menorca, we can gain a more complete and integrative understanding of the geoarchaeology at this location, rather than simply investigating individual aspects as is more typical in geoarchaeology and archaeology.
Clinical outcomes following intraoperative pedicle disruption in fibula free flaps
Authors: Jelmini Jonathan , Slijepcevic Allison A. , Patel Urjeet , Sweeny Larissa , Pipkorn Patrik , Ducic Yadro , Moe Justine , Pittman Amy , Rajasekaran Karthik , Diaz Jason , Thomas Carissa , Byrne Patrick , Rich Jason , Tamaki Akina , Puscas Liana , Petrisor Daniel , Wax Mark K.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Iatrogenic injury of the fibula free flap pedicle is rare. Postoperative flap survival and reconstructive outcomes following intraoperative pedicle severance are unknown. This study assesses free flap outcomes following accidental severance of the peroneal vessels.

Methods

Multi‐institutional retrospective chart review from 2000 to 2020.

Results

Of 2975 harvested fibula free flaps, 26 had a history of pedicle severance during surgical reconstruction. Reasons for intraoperative pedicle severance included transection during muscular dissection 10/26 (39%), accidental severance with the bone saw 12/26 (46%), and other 4/26 (15.6%). The surgeon responsible for pedicle severance included residents 5/26 (19%), fellows 10/26 (39%), attendings 10/26 (39%), and unknown 1/26 (3.9%). The pedicle artery and vein were severed 10/26 (39%), artery 8/26 (31%), and vein 8/26 (31%). Truncated pedicle vessels were used 3/26 (11.7%), intraoperative anastomoses were performed 23/26 (89%). Postoperative revision in the OR within 7 days of surgery was required 6/26 (23%); 4 flaps were salvaged and 2 flaps failed, both arterial thrombosis. Flap failure was attributed to vascular thrombosis. Long‐term flap survival and successful reconstructions were reported 24/26 (92%).

Conclusion

Accidental severance of fibula free flap pedicle vessels can be corrected with intraoperative repair, without affecting long‐term flap survival or reconstructive outcomes. Protecting the flap vessels while using the bone saw and during intramuscular dissection prevents accidental severance.
Blaming yourself, your partner, or an unexpected event: Attribution biases and trust in a physical coordination task
Authors: Hsiung Chi‐Ping , León Gabriel A. , Stinson David , Chiou Erin K.
Published: June 2023

As robots enabled by artificial intelligence become more agentic, people may come to develop trust schemas based on a robot's actions and attribute blame to the robot as they would with a human partner. Trust and blame have yet to be investigated during dynamic physical coordination tasks despite the potential ramifications for manufacturing and service industries that could benefit from effective human–robot physical coordination. In anticipation of future human–robot work configurations, we developed a joint physical coordination task as a preliminary test environment for understanding trust and blame in a work partner. Fifty‐five participants were asked to jointly balance and transport a weighted box along a fixed path, and we used this test environment to evaluate the impact of a surprising event on trust in a work partner, and attribution of blame following a negative performance outcome. Results indicate that the group who experienced a surprising event compared to the group who did not trusted their partner more, but there was no difference in the attribution of blame to themselves, their partner, or to the surprising event. Conversely, the group who did not experience a surprising event tended to blame themselves for the negative outcome. These findings suggest that environmental uncertainty may prompt people's attribution of blame across multiple parties, including themselves. Moreover, people may build trust in work partners through the shared experience of surprising events. Future work would benefit from adopting our study design to investigate whether these findings are extendable to human–robot joint actors.
The application of a system‐based risk management framework and social network analysis to the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship system: Who are the decision‐makers in the wider system?
Authors: Lynch Kirsty M. , Banks Victoria A. , Roberts Aaron P. J. , Downes Jon , Radcliffe Stewart , Plant Katherine L.
Published: June 2023

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) currently have no formal regulations developed specifically for their operation, as their regulatory framework is still under development. Rasmussen's Risk Management Framework has been used to develop an actor map of the current MASS system in the UK, to show who the actors, decision‐makers, and planners are within the wider sociotechnical system and the level at which they sit. From the actor map, two social networks were created, one to show the connections that currently exist between the actors within the MASS system and another to show what a future MASS system could look like if regulations and standards were put in place for MASS. Social Network Analysis was then used to investigate the wider MASS system's dynamics, to understand which actors currently have a high degree of influence within the UK MASS system, and where the shortfalls are in the current MASS system. The analysis showed that the industry and end user levels lacked support from the higher system levels, and the addition of formal regulations and standards in the future MASS system would increase the MASS system's resilience. System recommendations for each level in the Risk Management Framework were then made to suggest ways to increase the influence of the regulators and promote the safe operation of MASS.
Salivary cortisol as a marker for assessing the problem‐focused coping style of stressed students during the first year of university: An experimental study
Authors: Nagane Mitsuo , Oyama Yoshinori , Tamalu Fuminobu , Miwa Naofumi
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

First‐year students encounter substantial stress when they enter university. Their mental health often depends upon how well they cope with the stress of university life. Salivary components are well known to reflect the stress status of the students; however, the relationship between salivary components and coping styles remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, 54 healthy first‐year students voluntarily completed a questionnaire that addressed three different coping styles: problem‐focused, emotion‐focused, and escape‐focused. We simultaneously collected salivary samples from students in the classroom and measured concentrations of salivary cortisol and α‐amylase by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays over 4 months.

Results

We examined the relationship between coping style and salivary cortisol concentrations and found that the mean salivary cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in students who had a higher Likert‐type score for the problem‐focused coping style than in students who had a lower score. The difference in the mean cortisol concentrations between the two groups increased over time. However, we observed no apparent correlation between α‐amylase concentrations and Likert scores of the three coping styles.

Conclusion

These results suggest that salivary cortisol concentrations might reflect the stress‐coping status, particularly involving the problem‐focused coping style.
Does investor sentiment create value for asset pricing? An empirical investigation of the KOSPI‐listed firms
Authors: Bouteska Ahmed , Sharif Taimur , Abedin Mohammad Zoynul
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes the development of an improved investor sentiment index (ISI) to apply on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and assess the vitality of sentiment‐based factor for explaining critical equity market anomalies in asset pricing in Korea. We follow the methodology of Huang et al. (2015), the align sentiment index, and employ the partial least squares method to overcome the drawbacks of the pioneering BM index of Baker and Wurgler (2006, 2007). Based on the daily trading and price data for individual companies from 2006 to 2021, we construct a novel ISI, which has robust predicting ability for the aggregate stock market return, in comparison to other popular measures of sentiment in the contemporary finance literature. Furthermore, the sentiment‐based factor in this paper captures the small firm effect that the asset pricing modelling, containing the more topical Fama–French five factor modelling (5F‐FF), has struggled to illuminate completely. Given that our results have shown Korean stock market as fairly well‐organised in terms of the availability of the market intelligence, we speculate our results to have important managerial implications for financial regulators in Korea and countries holding similar economic features.
Farmers' reactions to the US–China trade war: Perceptions versus behaviors
Authors: Li Minghao , He Xi , Zhang Wendong , Qu Shuyang , Rodriguez Lulu , Gbeda James M.
Published: June 2023

This study examines how the political alignments of Midwestern farmers, proxied by their consumption of partisan media, affect their perceptions of and responses to the US–China trade war. Our results indicate that farmers who consume conservative media perceive a lower income loss resulting from the trade war and view the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) as more helpful. Conversely, farmers who consume liberal media have the opposite perception biases. We found no evidence of any association between partisan media consumption and planting and risk management decisions. Overall, partisan bias exists despite financial interest at stake but does not affect behaviors.
A pilot study of on‐site evaluation as external quality assessment for ISO 15189 accreditation of laboratories performing next‐generation sequencing oncology tests
Authors: Ravzanaadii Mendamar , Asai Satomi , Kakizoe Hidefumi , Natsagdorj Munkh‐Erdene , Miyachi Hayato
Published: June 2023

Background

As next‐generation sequencing (NGS) oncology tests vary by platform, application, and target of genes, specific methods for external quality assessment (EQA) have not been universally applied. Hence, we have attempted to implement on‐site evaluation as EQA in the accreditation program under ISO 15189 for laboratories that perform NGS oncology tests.

Methods

A total of 10 laboratories that performed NGS oncology tests were enrolled. Two types of EQA samples were prepared (Acrometrix Oncology Hotspot Control DNA and OncoSpan gDNA DNA samples), and the variant allele frequency of targeted genes was assigned. The samples were subjected to NGS oncology tests in participant laboratories according to their routine protocols. Based on the result reports, auditors visited the participant laboratories to perform on‐site evaluations and provided feedback regarding possible laboratory process improvement.

Results

The participant laboratories identified the targeted variants in the Acrometrix Oncology Hotspot Control DNA and OncoSpan gDNA samples with a success rate of 31–100% and 9.5–100%, respectively, compared with reference information, depending on their sequencing systems, and reported a few lower‐variant allele frequencies. Six of the eight evaluated laboratories failed to report at least three pathogenic variants due to errors in wet‐lab and/or dry‐lab processes. Based on the feedback reports and self‐assessment, auditors and laboratory staff discussed potential improvements to processes during on‐site evaluations for laboratory accreditations.

Conclusions

On‐site evaluation as EQA for NGS oncology tests in the laboratory accreditation program under ISO 15189 was successfully implemented and proved applicable to a broad spectrum of NGS tests.
A decade of grassroots pathway programming: Saturday Academy at New York University College of Dentistry
Authors: Pezzullo Cheryline , Mejia Eugenia E. , Burns Lorel E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Successful pathway programs require early and sustained support of student participants.

Purpose

We present the history and outcomes of a successful decade of continuous, grassroots, pathway programming at an individual dental institution.

Methods

Programmatic data were used to evaluate information on program participant demographics, academic pursuits, and career interests. Descriptive analyses were used to report on program enrollment as well as alumni academic and career outcomes.

Results

Between the years of 2013 and 2022, 346 high‐school students participated in Saturday Academy at NYU Dentistry. Of the 240 college‐aged and older program alumni, 72% (n = 172) have shared their academic and career plans after high‐school. At the time of publication, 78% (134/172) of alumni that have maintained contact with Saturday Academy and have expressed interest in pursuing a career in the health professions. Of the 172 alumni, 14% (n = 24) have enrolled in or graduated from a health professional program (dental hygiene, nursing, accelerated dental or medical program, dental or medical school, or other health professional program). Of these alumni (24/172), half (n = 12) have pursued education in the dental professions, specifically.

Conclusion

Saturday Academy at NYU Dentistry is an example of a sustainable and impactful pathway program in dental education and its outcomes support the merit of calls for increased institutional commitment and support of similar initiatives.
Comparative spatial transcriptomic profiling of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Delta and Omicron variants infections in the lungs of cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Oh Taehwan , Kim Green , Baek Seung Ho , Woo YoungMin , Koo Bon‐Sang , Hwang Eun‐Ha , Shim Kyuyoung , An You Jung , Kim Yujin , Park Jae‐Hak , Hong Jung Joo
Published: June 2023

Recently emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron variants are generally less pathogenic than previous strains. However, elucidating the molecular basis for pulmonary immune response alterations is challenging owing to the virus's heterogeneous distribution within complex tissue structure. Here, we revealed the spatial transcriptomic profiles of pulmonary microstructures at the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection site in the nine cynomolgus macaques upon inoculation with the Delta and Omicron variants. Delta‐ and Omicron‐infected lungs had upregulation of genes involved in inflammation, cytokine response, complement, cell damage, proliferation, and differentiation pathways. Depending on the tissue microstructures (alveoli, bronchioles, and blood vessels), there were differences in the types of significantly upregulated genes in each pathway. Notably, a limited number of genes involved in cytokine and cell damage response were differentially expressed between bronchioles of the Delta‐ and Omicron‐infection groups. These results indicated that despite a significant antigenic shift in SARS‐CoV‐2, the host immune response mechanisms induced by the variants were relatively consistent, with limited transcriptional alterations observed only in large airways. This study may aid in understanding the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 and developing a clinical strategy for addressing immune dysregulation by identifying potential transcriptional biomarkers within pulmonary microstructures during infection with emerging variants.
Moderation and mediation of land use change! Interplay between β‐diversity and landscape structures in agri‐ and silvicultural modified grasslands of South America
Authors: Ramírez Leonardo R. , Säumel Ina
Published: June 2023

Although land use change is the main driver of biodiversity decline in the South American temperate grasslands, its impacts on β‐diversity have not yet been evaluated. We investigated relationships between β‐diversity, landscape features, and geographical variables by surveying vegetation from 163 plots distributed in eight different land use types in Uruguay. We created land use maps using Landsat images and calculated landscape metrics, determining β‐diversity across all plots and exploring variation of β‐diversity among different land use types. We ran distance decay models to explore relationships between β‐diversity and geographical location, climate, and landscape metrics. Plant species communities were characterized by a high turnover and low nestedness of species, indicating high dissimilarity across Uruguay. Native forest showed higher β‐diversity than grassland, timber plantation, and crops. β‐diversity increased with geographical distance and environmental dissimilarity. At landscape scale, turnover decreased negatively and nestedness increased to contagion, number of patches, and area‐weighted mean. Nestedness increased with timber plantation and species turnover with crop area. Higher Landscape Shape Index of grassland and crops decreased species turnover. An increase of grassland and crop patches in the surrounding landscape was directly related to a higher species turnover. The high β‐diversity across Uruguay resulting from land use change, moderated by landscape configurations, suggests that numerous protected areas for different habitats are urgently required. A more inclusive vision on biodiversity conservation is necessary, extending the predominant focus from native forests to grasslands, and convincing a broad range of stakeholders, especially landowners and managers, about biodiversity‐friendly land‐use approaches.
Reconfigurable Spoof Localized Surface Plasmonic for Frequency Detections
Authors: Gao Xinxin , Ma Qian , Gu Ze , Cui Wen Yi , Cui Tie Jun , Chan Chi Hou
Published: June 2023

Under the impetus of wireless communications, metamaterials have attracted considerable attention due to their superior merits of free manipulation of electromagnetic waves and easy integration. However, most efforts to date are mainly focused on the modulation of wave information or recognition of wave intensity, while the frequency detection is rarely explored. Here, a spoof localized surface plasmon (SLSP) structure is proposed to realize reconfigurable frequency detections. By switching the bias voltage applied to the varactor, the resonance frequency of SLSP can be controlled dynamically from 1.95 to 2.35 GHz. The SLSP‐based waveguide has a relatively high quality factor due to the strongly localized field confinement. Reconfigurable frequency detection is demonstrated experimentally by monitoring the output voltage of the introduced detector. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement. This work will hold promising applications in wireless communication and sensing systems.
Scale‐Up Synthesis of Thermoresponsive Polymer Particles from Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐polystyrene via RAFT Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Schymura Juliane , Held Martin , Georgopanos Prokopios
Published: June 2023

In this work, the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization of poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐polystyrene is developed with the aim of scale‐up of the polymer synthesis. Influences on the stability of the emulsion, reaction kinetics, and product quality are examined, compared between small‐scale and bench‐scale syntheses, and discussed in detail. The block copolymer lattices are studied via temperature‐dependent dynamic light scattering measurements in order to investigate the effects of the scale‐up on the thermosensitive behavior of the block copolymer and on emulsion stability. Conversion determination and polymer characterization are attained through 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography, respectively. The emulsion polymerization is successfully scaled up after several changes in the reaction composition and shows promising results regarding desired properties of the polymer.
There's not much to tell: The impact of emotional resilience on negative word‐of‐mouth following service failure
Authors: Lteif Lama , Rubin Dan , Ball Joan , Lamberton Cait
Published: June 2023

Consumers routinely experience service failures in their daily lives. Research regarding such service failures has primarily focused on characteristics of and actions taken by the service provider and has thus far overlooked the role that consumers' own cognitions might play in determining their behavioral responses to service failures. In particular, emotional resilience—or the ability to rebound from negative experiences (including even the most banal service failures)—has been neglected in prior research. Addressing this gap in the literature, we examine the mechanisms that highly resilient consumers use to manage the negative experience of service failures and gauge whether those mechanisms can effectively reduce negative word‐of‐mouth. Across three studies, we evince that high trait resilient individuals are less likely to engage in negative word‐of‐mouth following service failures because they spontaneously utilize cognitive reappraisal—a strategy for emotion regulation. Importantly, this research suggests that the emotion regulation strategies spontaneously adopted by high trait resilient individuals can be successfully utilized by all consumers after an external prompt. Managing consumers' emotional responses in the face of service failures is shown to have positive benefits for the firm by reducing negative word‐of‐mouth. Notably, such interventions may benefit firms even when the opportunity for a service recovery is not presented.
Upgrading the Toolbox: Two‐Photon Absorption Induced Cleavage of Coumarin Dimers for Light‐Based 4D Printing
Authors: Inacker Sebastian , Schipplick Luca , Kahler Philipp , Hampp Norbert
Published: June 2023

The use of light for shaping and changing matter is of high relevance in polymer and material science. Herein, a photopolymer method is presented, which comprises the combination of 3D photo‐printing at 405 nm light and subsequent modification under two‐photon absorption (TPA) conditions at 532 nm light, adding the fourth dimension. The TPA‐triggered cycloreversion reaction of an intramolecular coumarin dimer (ICD) structure occurs within the absorbing material. The 3D‐printable matrix does not show any degradation under the TPA conditions. With the presented photochemical tool of TPA processes inside absorbing 3D photo‐printable matrices, new possibilities for post‐printing modification, e. g. for smart materials, are added.