bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving attitudes toward brands with global consumer culture positioning: The triggering role of emotions
Authors: Cai Yuanyuan , Wu Yi , He Jiaxun , Liu Yongxin
Published: April 2024

This research examines how incidentally evoked approach‐oriented (vs. avoidance‐oriented) emotions help improve consumer attitudes toward brands with global consumer culture positioning (GCCP). Moreover, we demonstrate that promotion‐focused brand associations that are uniquely linked with GCCP messages mediate this effect, while this effect is eliminated when consumers are aware of the potential influence of their emotions on judgment. We conducted four experiments to examine and clarify the above effects. The findings contribute theoretically by introducing emotions as a novel antecedent to consumers' GCCP preferences. Practically, this research provides actionable guidelines for international marketers in effectively implementing GCCP strategies.
Bifunctional Metal‐Organic Nanoballs Featuring Lewis Acidic and Basic Sites as a New Platform for One‐Pot Tandem Catalysis
Authors: Verma Gaurav , Kumar Sanjay , Slaughter Elliott R. , Vardhan Harsh , Alshahrani Thamraa M. , Niu Zheng , Gao Wen‐Yang , Wojtas Lukasz , Chen Yu‐Sheng , Ma Shengqian
Published: April 2024

The design and synthesis of polyhedra using coordination‐driven self‐assembly has been an intriguing research area for synthetic chemists. Metal‐organic polyhedra are a class of intricate molecular architectures that have garnered significant attention in the literature due to their diverse structures and potential applications. Hereby, we report Cu‐MOP, a bifunctional metal‐organic cuboctahedra built using 2,6‐dimethylpyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylic acid and copper acetate at room temperature. The presence of both Lewis basic pyridine groups and Lewis acidic copper sites imparts catalytic activity to Cu‐MOP for the tandem one‐pot deacetalization‐Knoevenagel/Henry reactions. The effect of solvent system and time duration on the yields of the reactions was studied, and the results illustrate the promising potential of these metal‐organic cuboctahedra, also known as nanoballs for applications in catalysis.
Substituent Effects in the Cationic Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore: Ultrafast Excited‐State Proton Transfer or Twisting?
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Chen Cheng , Sokolov Anatolii I. , Baranov Mikhail S. , Fang Chong
Published: April 2024

Understanding the structure‐function relationships of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore is important in rationally developing new molecular tools for biological imaging and beyond. Herein, we systematically modified the GFP chromophore structure with electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating groups (EWGs and EDGs) to investigate the substituent effects on the excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) and twisting dynamics of the cationic chromophore in solution. With key insights gained from femtosecond transient absorption and stimulated Raman spectroscopy, we reveal that the EWG substitution by –F increases photoacidity in an additive manner and leads to an ultrafast barrierless ESPT by difluorination, while the EDG substitution by –OCH3 also results in ultrafast ESPT despite the weak photoacidity as estimated by the Förster equation. We ascribe the unusually fast kinetics in methoxylated derivatives to the occurrence of a pre‐existing chromophore‐solvent complex that sets up the acceptor site for ESPT. Furthermore, the kinetic competition between ESPT and twisting pathways is crucial for the observation of ESPT in action, particularly for molecules undergoing efficient nonradiative decay in the excited state through torsional motions. Such flexible and highly engineerable molecules can enable more versatile photoswitches and sensors.
Purification of SRSF1 from E. coli for Biophysical and Biochemical Assays
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2024

The Ser/Arg‐rich splicing factors (SR proteins) constitute a crucial protein family in alternative splicing, comprising twelve members characterized by unique repetitive Arg‐Ser dipeptide sequences (RS) and one to two RNA‐recognition motifs (RRM). The RS regions of SR proteins undergo variable phosphorylation, resulting in unphosphorylated, partially phosphorylated, or hyper‐phosphorylated states based on functional requirements. Despite the identification of the SR protein family over 30 years ago, the purification of native SR proteins in soluble form at large quantities has presented challenges due to their low solubility. This protocol delineates a method for acquiring soluble, full‐length, unphosphorylated, hypo‐ and hyper‐phosphorylated SRSF1, a prototypical SR family member. Notably, this protocol facilitates the purification of SRSF1 in ample quantities suitable for NMR, as well as various biophysical and biochemical studies. The methodologies and principles outlined herein are expected to extend beyond SRSF1 protein production and can be adapted for purifying other SR protein family members or SR‐related proteins, such as snRNP70 and U2AF‐35. Given the involvement of these proteins in numerous essential biological processes, this protocol will prove beneficial to researchers in related fields. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Purification of SRSF1 from E. coli

Support Protocol: Purification of ULP1

Basic Protocol 2: Purification of hypo‐phosphorylated SRSF1 from E. coli

Basic Protocol 3: Purification of hyper‐phosphorylated SRSF1 from E. coli
Development of an implicit electromagnetic capability for a hybrid gyrokinetic ion‐fluid electron model
Authors: Dorf Mikhail , Dorr Milo , Ghosh Debojyoti
Published: April 2024

We report on the development and implementation of a hybrid kinetic ion–fluid electron model for electromagnetic COGENT simulations of edge plasmas. COGENT is a finite‐volume gyrokinetic code that employs a locally field‐aligned coordinate system combined with a mapped multi‐block grid technology to handle strongly anisotropic edge plasma turbulence. The simulation model involves the long‐wavelength limit of the ion gyrokinetic equation coupled to the vorticity and Ohm's law equations for the electromagnetic field perturbations. In order to handle the fast Alfvén wave time scales, an implicit‐explicit time integration approach with a physics‐based preconditioner is used. The model is successfully applied to the simulations of ion‐scale resistive‐drift ballooning turbulence in a toroidal annulus geometry. Substantial speed‐up over a fully explicit time integration approach is observed.
Pragmatic clinical trials to advance research in children and adolescents with eating disorders
Authors: Norris Mark L. , Spettigue Wendy , Obeid Nicole
Published: April 2024

Objective

To discuss the utility of pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) to help advance research in eating disorders (EDs).

Methods

We describe challenges associated with traditional explanatory research trials and examine PCTs as an alternative, including a review of the PRECIS‐2 tool.

Results

There are many challenges associated with the design and completion of traditional RCTs within the field of EDs. Pragmatic clinical trials are studies that closely align with conditions available in everyday practice and focus on outcomes that are relevant to patients and clinicians. Results of PCTS maximize applicability and generalizability to clinical settings.

Discussion

Available therapies established for the treatment of EDs provide remission rates that rarely exceed 50%, implying a need for additional research on new or adjunctive treatments. In addition to a general overview of PCTs, we draw upon published literature and our own experiences involving adjunctive olanzapine for the treatment of children and youth with anorexia nervosa to help highlight challenges associated with randomized controlled trial (RCT) design and implementation, and offer pragmatic suggestions that would allow patients greater choice in treatment trials, while at the same time capturing outcomes that are most likely to advance treatment efforts.

Conclusions

Pragmatic clinical trials provide alternatives to RCT design that can help bolster research in EDs that aims to explore real‐world effects of interventions.

Public Significance

Available therapies established for the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) in children and adolescents provide remission rates that rarely exceed 50%, implying a need for additional research on new or adjunctive treatments. In this article, we discuss the utility of pragmatic trials to help promote research that can help advance knowledge that is relevant to clinical care settings.
The genetic signature left by the range expansion of red foxes in Australia is detectable after more than 80 years of population stability
Authors: Sarre Stephen D. , Adamack Aaron T. , Hitchen Yvette , Soulsbury Carl D. , Gruber Bernd , Berry Oliver F.
Published: April 2024

Reconstructing biological invasions from historical sources can provide insights into how they occur but are difficult to do when invasions are poorly documented. Genetic signatures left by invaders can also offer insights into invasion routes, points of origin and general biology but often present conclusions that are contradictory to expectations. Here, we test the ability of continental‐wide microsatellite genotype data from 29 loci and 3122 samples to reconstruct the well‐documented invasion of red foxes Vulpes vulpes from the United Kingdom into Australia over 150 years ago, an invasion that has led to the extinction of many native species. Our analysis reveals several key signals of invasion evident in Australian foxes. They display lower levels of diversity than foxes sampled from the UK, exhibit clines in diversity from the point of introduction (south‐east Australia) to the edge of their range, and show strong evidence of allele surfing in westerly and north‐easterly directions. These characteristics are consistent with a single point of origin followed by rapid expansion in westerly and north‐easterly directions as suggested by historical records. We also find little genetic structure in foxes across Australia with only the vast Nullarbor Plains and Great Victoria Desert region presenting a detectable barrier to their dispersal. As such, no mainland region within the current range of foxes can be considered genetically isolated and therefore appropriate for localised eradication efforts. Overall, our analyses demonstrate the ability of comprehensive population genetic studies to reconstruct invasion histories even after more than 80 years since colonisation was stabilised.
Colony morphotype governs innate and adaptive pulmonary immune responses to Mycobacterium abscessus infection in C3HeB/FeJ mice
Authors: Ferrell Kia C. , Stewart Erica L. , Counoupas Claudio , Triccas James A.
Published: April 2024

Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging pathogen that causes chronic pulmonary infection. Treatment is challenging owing in part to our incomplete understanding of M. abscessus virulence mechanisms that enable pathogen persistence, such as the differing pathogenicity of M. abscessus smooth (S) and rough (R) colony morphotype. While R M. abscessus is associated with chronic infection and worse patient outcomes, it is unknown how immune responses to S and R M. abscessus differ in an acute pulmonary infection setting. In this study, immunological outcomes of M. abscessus infection with S and R morphotypes were examined in an immune‐competent C3HeB/FeJ murine model. R M. abscessus infection was associated with the rapid production of inflammatory chemokines and recruitment of activated, MHC‐II+ Ly6C+ macrophages to lungs and mediastinal LN (mLN). While both S and R M. abscessus increased T helper 1 (Th1) phenotype T cells in the lung, this was markedly delayed in mice infected with S M. abscessus. However, histopathological involvement and bacterial clearance were similar regardless of colony morphotype. These results demonstrate the importance of M. abscessus colony morphotype in shaping the development of pulmonary immune responses to M. abscessus, which further informs our understanding of M. abscessus host–pathogen interactions.
Atomic‐scale strain analysis for advanced Si/SiGe heterostructure by using transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Li Lan , Bi Ran , Dong Zuoyuan , Ye Changqing , Xie Jing , Wang Chaolun , Li Xiaomei , Pey Kin‐Leong , Li Ming , Wu Xing
Published: April 2024

Three‐dimensional stacked transistors based on Si/SiGe heterojunction are a potential candidate for future low‐power and high‐performance computing in integrated circuits. Observing and accurately measuring strain in Si/SiGe heterojunctions is critical to increasing carrier mobility and improving device performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with high spatial resolution and analytical capabilities provides technical support for atomic‐scale strain measurement and promotes significant progress in strain mapping technology. This paper reviews atomic‐scale strain analysis for advanced Si/SiGe heterostructure based on TEM techniques. Convergent‐beam electron diffraction, nano‐beam electron diffraction, dark‐field electron holography, and high‐resolution TEM with geometrical phase analysis, are comprehensively discussed in terms of spatial resolution, strain precision, field of view, reference position, and data processing. Also, the advantages and critical issues of these strain analysis methods based on the TEM technique are summarized, and the future direction of TEM techniques in the related areas is prospected.
Damping‐dependent correlations between horizontal‐horizontal, horizontal‐vertical, and vertical‐vertical pairs of spectral accelerations
Authors: Wang Mao‐Xin , Wang Gang
Published: April 2024

Correlation coefficients for 5%‐damped spectral accelerations (SAs) of horizontal ground‐motion components have been extensively studied and applied in probabilistic seismic analysis using vector‐valued intensity measures (IMs). Such correlations are, however, not sufficient for structures with different damping ratios under multidirectional earthquake shakings. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the correlations between horizontal‐horizontal (H‐H), horizontal‐vertical (H‐V), and vertical‐vertical (V‐V) pairs of SAs for different damping ratios based on the NGA‐West2 ground motion database. The correlations of SAs with peak ground acceleration (PGA) and peak ground velocity (PGV) are also investigated. The uncertainty in correlations is measured by integrating the bootstrap method into the logic‐tree framework. Comparative results indicate that the correlation coefficients generally increase for IMs of larger damping ratios. The relative difference between the damping‐dependent and conventional 5%‐damped correlation coefficients can be notable, reaching 100% and 35% in the SA‐SA and SA‐PGV (or PGA) pairs, respectively. Based on the empirical correlation results, an artificial neural network is utilized to develop parametric models of the correlations and the executive files for implementing these models are provided. The ANN‐aided damping‐dependent correlation models developed can be considered as a generalization of the conventional 5%‐damped correlation models, and may serve as useful tool in applications such as ground‐motion selection and vector‐valued probabilistic seismic risk assessment for structure systems.
Gracilaria chorda attenuates obesity‐related muscle wasting through activation of SIRT1/PGC1α in skeletal muscle of mice
Authors: Yoo Ahyoung , Ahn Jiyun , Seo Hyo Deok , Hahm Jeong‐Hoon , Kim Min Jung , Jung Chang Hwa , Ha Tae Youl
Published: April 2024

Gracilaria chorda (GC) is a red algal species that is primarily consumed in Asia. Here, we investigated the effect of GC on obesity‐related skeletal muscle wasting. Furthermore, elucidating its impact on the activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1α) constituted a critical aspect in understanding the underlying mechanism of action. In this study, 6‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce obesity, then continued on the HFD for another 8 weeks while orally administered GC. GC decreased ectopic fat accumulation in skeletal muscle and increased muscle weight, size, and function in obese mice. Furthermore, GC reduced skeletal muscle atrophy and increased hypertrophy in mice. We hypothesized that the activation of SIRT1/PGC1α by GC regulates skeletal muscle atrophy and hypertrophy. We observed that GC increased the expression of SIRT1 and PGC1α in skeletal muscle of mice and in C2C12 cells, which increased mitochondrial function and biogenesis. In addition, when C2C12 cells were treated with the SIRT1‐specific inhibitor EX‐527, no changes were observed in the protein levels of SIRT1 and PGC1α in the GC‐treated C2C12 cells. Therefore, GC attenuated obesity‐related muscle wasting by improving mitochondrial function and biogenesis through the activation of SIRT1/PGC1α in the skeletal muscle of mice.
A custom device for managing recurrent tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis dislodgement and aspiration due to treatment refractory, severely enlarged puncture: A video case report
Authors: Ebersole Barbara M. , Zafereo Mark , Hutcheson Katherine A.
Published: April 2024

We report the case of a laryngectomized patient with an enlarged tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) that is refractory to standard treatments and culminating in life‐threatening recurrent dislodgement and aspiration of custom fabricated dual extra‐large flange voice prostheses (VP). The fabrication and use of a novel intraluminal prosthetic device to prevent dislodgement, lessen aspiration, and preserve TE voice is described. A custom device insetting a commercial VP into the posterior wall of a LaryTube (coined “inset‐VP”) was devised with the primary goal of eliminating chronic VP dislodgement and lessening aspiration while maintaining TE voice. Tools required to fabricate the device included a commercial laryngectomy tube, standard‐flanged commercial indwelling voice prosthesis, felt‐tip marker, 6 mm biopsy punch, and silk suture. After 7 months of using an inset‐VP LaryTube device, the patient has experienced zero episodes of VP aspiration. Thin liquid aspiration control is equivalent or better than prior management with custom 24–30 mm dual collar prostheses. TEP voice is fluent and functional with device in place. Novel strategies are needed to manage the rare but devastating effects of a severely enlarged TEP. Solutions to manage symptoms need to be patient‐specific, aligning with their anatomy, physiology, psychosocial needs, and goals. The inset‐VP device described in this report may offer improved prosthetic retention in select patients with enlarged TE puncture and frequent VP dislodgements.
Quality of life improvements in women with uterine fibroids treated with relugolix combination therapy during the LIBERTY long‐term extension study: A descriptive subgroup analysis in women with anemia at baseline
Authors: Venturella Roberta , Lukes Andrea S. , Wu Rui , McLean Rachel , Rakov Viatcheslav G. , Al‐Hendy Ayman
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of 52 weeks of treatment with relugolix combination therapy (relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1 mg, norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg) on symptoms of uterine fibroids (UF) and quality of life (QoL) in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with UF and anemia (hemoglobin ≤10.5 g/dL) at baseline.

Methods

This post hoc analysis included women from the LIBERTY long‐term extension study with anemia (hemoglobin concentration ≤10.5 g/dL) at pivotal study baseline and documented hemoglobin values at week 52 (anemia‐evaluable population). Treatment responders: women achieving a menstrual blood loss volume of <80 mL and a ≥50% reduction over the last 35 days of treatment. Anemia responders were women achieving a hemoglobin increase of >2 g/dL from baseline to week 52. Least squares (LS) mean changes from baseline in uterine fibroid symptom (UFS)‐QoL symptom severity, fatigue, and health‐related QoL total (HR‐QoL) and (sub)scale scores were calculated.

Results

In total, 115 women were included in the anemia‐evaluable population. Of 39 anemia‐evaluable women who received continuous treatment with relugolix combination therapy for 52 weeks, 34 (87.2%) met treatment responder criteria and 23 (59.0%) were anemia responders. LS mean hemoglobin concentration increased by 29.4% at week 52. LS mean UFS‐QoL symptom severity and fatigue scores decreased by 38.5 and 31.9 points, respectively, and HR‐QoL total score increased by 41.6 points.

Conclusion

In women with UF and a high disease burden due to anemia, relugolix combination therapy substantially improved hemoglobin levels, decreased distress due to symptoms, especially fatigue, over 52 weeks.
Case in which percutaneous fibrin glue injection was useful for refractory urinary fistula following robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Yukimatsu Nao , Yamasaki Takeshi , Iguchi Keiko , Otoshi Taiyo , Kato Minoru , Uchida Junji
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Urinary fistula is a rare complication following robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy. For cases refractory to conservative treatment, only ureteral stent placement and percutaneous drainage are the established treatment alternatives.

Case presentation

A 44‐year‐old man presented with urinary fistula 3 weeks after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for right renal cell carcinoma. Follow‐up observations were conducted for 2 weeks; however, no improvements were observed. Additionally, the patient did not improve following percutaneous drainage and ureteral stent insertion. Subsequently, the patient received percutaneous injections of fibrin glue, with the urinary fistula showing significant improvements on the following day.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that percutaneous fibrin glue injection can effectively treat refractory urinary fistula following partial nephrectomy.
SeqKit2: A Swiss army knife for sequence and alignment processing
Authors: Shen Wei , Sipos Botond , Zhao Liuyang
Published: April 2024

In the era of ubiquitous high‐throughput sequencing studies, there is a growing need for analysis tools that are not just performant but also comprehensive and user‐friendly enough to cater to both novice and advanced users. This article introduces SeqKit2, the next iteration of the widely used sequence analysis tool SeqKit, featuring expanded functionality, performance optimizations, and support for additional compression methods. Retaining a pragmatic subcommand architecture, SeqKit2 represents substantial enhancement through the inclusion of 19 additional subcommands, expanding its overall repertoire to a total of 38 in eight categories. The new subcommands add functionality such as amplicon processing and robust, error‐tolerant parsing of sequence records. In addition, three subcommands designed for real‐time analysis are added for periodic monitoring of properties of FASTQ and Binary Alignment/Map alignment records and real‐time streaming from multiple sequence files. The performance of SeqKit2 is benchmarked against the old version of SeqKit, Bioawk, Seqtk, and SeqFu tools. SeqKit2 consistently outperforms its predecessor, albeit with marginally higher memory usage, while maintaining competitive runtimes against other tools. With its broad functionality, proven usability, and ongoing development driven by user feedback, we hope that bioinformaticians will find SeqKit2 useful as a “Swiss army knife” of sequence and alignment processing—equally adept at facilitating ad hoc analyses and seamlessly integrating into larger pipelines.
Advances in multimodality imaging and the application of new cardiac imaging technologies for radiation‐induced heart disease
Authors: Du Zeliu , Lan Chuanqiang , Shen Lin , Tian Zhifeng , Hu Hongfei , Mei Jie , Feng Ye , Zhai Mengqian , Yu Junchao , Liu Kan , Ji Jiansong , Lu Chenying
Published: April 2024

Radiation‐induced heart disease (RIHD) is a heterogeneous, delayed, and potentially fatal adverse reaction to radiation that can damage all structures of the heart, including the pericardium, myocardium, coronary arteries, valves, and conduction system, leading to a series of diseases. Acute and chronic disease processes play a role in the development of RIHD, the onset times of which range from months to decades. However, the clinical manifestations of RIHD are usually insidious, overlap with several other diseases, and lack specificity. Cardiovascular imaging is essential for early diagnosis, follow‐up, and outcome assessment in patients with RIHD. This review first describes the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of RIHD before providing an overview of the practical approaches and research advances in multimodal cardiovascular imaging in patients with RIHD, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and nuclear medicine, and cardiac computed tomography (CT). Then, the value of new cardiac imaging assessments for the early diagnosis of RIHD is described, particularly with relation to speckle‐tracking echocardiography, extracellular volume fraction assessment as a quantitative CMR technique, CMR myocardial strain assessment, positron emission tomography‐CT myocardial perfusion imaging, CT‐ECV, and CT strain assessment, amongst others. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each screening technique are compared with the aim of better guiding the follow‐up and diagnosis of subclinical RIHD and preventing cardiovascular events.
Genistein effect in cultured ovine ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Singh Poonam K. , Kumar Bogapathi Sampath , Nandi Sumanta , Gupta Paluru S. P. , Mondal Sukanta
Published: April 2024

Genistein, an isoflavone has the potential to mimic, augment, or dysregulate the steroid hormone production pathways. We hypothesized that genistein affects the granulosa cell (GCs) functions through a series of biochemical, molecular, and genomic cascades. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of genistein exposure on GCs viability, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis. The present study involved 3/5 days of exposure to genistein on GCs collected from abattoir‐derived ovine ovaries at doses of 0, 1, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µM. The harvested GCs were used for growth, cytotoxicity, and gene expression studies related to apoptosis, growth, and steroidogenesis. We observed that genistein had both stimulatory at 10 and 25 µM levels as well as inhibitory effects at 50 and 100 µM levels on the growth and proliferation of GCs. Genistein significantly decreased the levels of 17β‐estradiol at higher exposure (50 and 100 µM), whereas the progesterone level increased significantly as the genistein exposure increased. Additionally, genistein could also alter the mRNA expression of the steroidogenic receptor, enzymes, proteins, and growth‐related genes suggesting that genistein could potentially alter the steroidogenic pathways. We conclude that genistein can interfere with cell survival and steroidogenesis by exhibiting a dose‐dependent biphasic response on the viability, growth‐related parameters, and the synthesis of 17β‐estradiol in the cultured GCs.
Nodal negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation by inducing STAT1 phosphorylation
Authors: Kim Jung Ha , Kim Kabsun , Kim Inyoung , Seong Semun , Koh Jeong‐Tae , Kim Nacksung
Published: April 2024

Several members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) superfamily regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and function of bone‐forming osteoblasts and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. However, it is still unknown whether Nodal, a member of the TGF‐β superfamily, serves a function in bone cells. In this study, we found that Nodal did not have any function in osteoblasts but instead negatively regulated osteoclast differentiation. Nodal inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation by downregulating the expression of pro‐osteoclastogenic genes, including c‐fos, Nfatc1, and Blimp1, and upregulating the expression of antiosteoclastogenic genes, including Bcl6 and Irf8. Nodal activated STAT1 in osteoclast precursor cells, and STAT1 downregulation significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of Nodal on osteoclast differentiation. These findings indicate that Nodal activates STAT1 to downregulate or upregulate the expression of pro‐osteoclastogenic or antiosteoclastogenic genes, respectively, leading to the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of Nodal on osteoclast differentiation contributed to the reduction of RANKL‐induced bone loss in vivo.
Engineering culture under stress: A comparative case study of undergraduate mechanical engineering student experiences
Authors: Deters Jessica R. , Leydens Jon A. , Case Jennifer , Cowell Margaret
Published: April 2024

Background

Engineering culture research to date has described the culture as rigid, chilly, and posing many barriers to entry. However, the COVID‐19 pandemic provided an important opportunity to explore how engineering culture responds to a major disruption.

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to understand how elements of engineering culture emerged in mechanical engineering students' perceptions of their classroom experiences during the pandemic and how their experiences varied across two national contexts.

Method

This qualitative comparative case study examines undergraduate mechanical engineering students' perceptions of their experiences taking courses during the pandemic at two universities—one in the United States and one in South Africa. Semistructured interviews were conducted across both sites with 21 students and contextualized with 3 faculty member interviews. Student interviews were analyzed using an iterative process of deductive coding, inductive coding, and pattern coding.

Results

We identified two key themes that characterized participants' experiences during the pandemic: hardness and access to resources. We found that students at both sites experienced two types of hardness—intrinsic and constructed—and were more critical of constructed forms of hardness. We found that the South African university's response to facilitating student access to resources was viewed by students as more effective when compared with the US university.

Conclusions

We found that hardness remained a central feature of engineering culture, based on student perceptions, and found that students expressed awareness of resource‐related differences. A key distinction emerged between intrinsic and constructed hardness.
Synthetic biology‐based bacterial extracellular vesicles displaying BMP‐2 and CXCR4 to ameliorate osteoporosis
Authors: Liu Han , Song Peiran , Zhang Hao , Zhou Fengjin , Ji Ning , Wang Mingkai , Zhou Guangyin , Han Ruina , Liu Xinru , Weng Weizong , Tan Haoqi , Wang Sicheng , Zheng Lei , Jing Yingying , Su Jiacan
Published: April 2024

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systematic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and fragile bone microarchitecture. Conventional treatment for OP has limited efficacy and long‐term toxicity. Synthetic biology makes bacterial extracellular vesicle (BEVs)‐based therapeutic strategies a promising alternative for the treatment of OP. Here, we constructed a recombinant probiotics Escherichia coli Nissle 1917‐pET28a‐ClyA‐BMP‐2‐CXCR4 (ECN‐pClyA‐BMP‐2‐CXCR4), in which BMP‐2 and CXCR4 were overexpressed in fusion with BEVs surface protein ClyA. Subsequently, we isolated engineered BEVs‐BMP‐2‐CXCR4 (BEVs‐BC) for OP therapy. The engineered BEVs‐BC exhibited great bone targeting in vivo. In addition, BEVs‐BC had good biocompatibility and remarkable ability to promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Finally, the synthetic biology‐based BEVs‐BC significantly prevented the OP in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. In conclusion, we constructed BEVs‐BC with both bone‐targeting and bone‐forming in one‐step using synthetic biology, which provides an effective strategy for OP and has great potential for industrialization.
Tephra identification without pre‐separation in ashed peat
Authors: Blennerhassett LUCY C. , Guyett PAUL C. , Tomlinson EMMA L.
Published: April 2024

Cryptotephras in peat and sediment samples are traditionally separated for geochemical characterization using chemical or density floatation techniques following initial tephra identification and shard counting through analysis of ashed residue via light microscopy. However, these practices can be time consuming, subject to practitioner experience and material type, with a potential for sample loss. We present an alternative approach to identify cryptotephra in peat and sedimentary samples, where ashed material is mounted directly in epoxy resin and analysed through back‐scattered electron (BSE) imaging via scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX). Semi‐quantitative, unsupervised chemical maps of epoxy mounts are created within 120 min using ‘Feature Analysis’ on AZtec software by Oxford Instruments. These maps locate grains of higher atomic mass and categorize phases based on geochemistry. We create a tephra identification method using an ombrotrophic peat sample doped with bimodal Vedde Ash, where recovery of the known tephra proportion in wet peat is 96%. We also propose an automated alternative to optical shard counting, whereby tephra counts identified via Feature Analysis can be ratioed to total grain counts acquired through ImageJ software and extrapolated to the inorganic fraction in wet peat. We apply the method to a minerotrophic peat from Brackloon Wood, Mayo, Ireland, where the Laki ad 1783–84 cryptotephra is successfully identified.
Role of Ultrasound and Ultrasound‐Based Prediction Model in Differentiating Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma From Follicular Thyroid Adenoma
Authors: Zhang Fan , Mei Fang , Chen Wen , Zhang Yongyue
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aims to identify distinct ultrasound (US) characteristics for distinguishing follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) from follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA), and construct a user‐friendly preoperative risk stratification model for thyroid follicular neoplasms.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients diagnosed with pathologically confirmed FTA or FTC and undergoing US examinations between July 2017 and June 2021 were designated as the training cohort, and those from July 2021 to June 2023 were enrolled as the external validation set. We systematically assessed and compared the sonographic and clinical characteristics of FTC and FTA. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of US features with FTC in the training set. A prediction nomogram model, incorporating US features independently associated with FTC, was developed and validated externally to assess its performance.

Results

A total of 645 patients (FTA/FTC = 530/115) were included in the training set, while 197 patients (FTA/FTC = 165/32) constituted the validation set. In the training set, solid composition, hypo‐echogenicity, irregular margin, calcification, protrusion sign, trabecular formation, absent or thick halo, and mainly central hypervascularity were identified as independent factors associated with FTC. The prediction nomogram model constructed using these variables showed good performance in differentiating FTC from FTA with an area under the curve of 0.948 in the training set and 0.915 in the validation set.

Conclusions

The preoperative nomogram model constructed based on US features serves as an effective tool for the risk stratification of thyroid follicular neoplasms.
Effect of oleic acid modified GO‐LaF3 on lubrication characteristics of 10# white oil
Authors: Liu Tianxia , Qin Jian , Wang Jian , Li Jing , Liu Jinyu
Published: April 2024

To study the synergistic lubricating effects of graphene oxide (GO) and lanthanum fluoride (LaF3), and find a new anti‐wear additive, oleic acid surface‐modified graphene oxide‐lanthanum fluoride (OA‐GO‐LaF3, OGL) composite nano‐additive was prepared by hydrothermal method by using oleic acid as the modifier. The morphology, structure, composition, element valence, thermal stability and tribological properties of nano additives were characterised by a series of modern characterisation methods. Results show that OGL has a higher degree of graphitization, smaller particle size, more homogeneous disperse, higher LaF3 load and stronger thermal stability than that of GL. The tribological properties of OGL which is modified by oleic acid are better than unmodified GL. Analysis of the friction mechanism shows that both OGL and GL can generate LaF3 physical adsorption films through adsorption during the friction process and tribochemical reactions film containing lanthanum compounds, carbon oxide compounds, and iron oxide compounds on the friction surface. These physical adsorption films and chemical reaction film can improve lubrication.
Synthesis and Characterization of an Alicyclic Acid Anhydride Containing Four Stereoisomers and the Derived Polyamideimides Using Diisocyanates
Authors: Duke Tariku Nefo , Zhong Kai‐Cheng , Chen Jyh‐Chien
Published: April 2024

An alicyclic acid anhydride containing four stereoisomers, racemic (1S,2R,3R,4R,5R)‐bicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid‐2,3‐anhydride (7a+7a′) and racemic (1S,2S,3S,4R,5R)‐bicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid‐2,3‐anhydride (7b+7b′) (BOTA), is synthesized using phthalic anhydride as the starting material. The chemical structures of the products in each step are fully characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The polycondensation process involving BOTA and several diisocyanates is applied to prepare polyamideimides (PAIs). Furthermore, PAI‐Xs are prepared using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and various mole ratios of BOTA and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA). PAI‐Xs exhibit good solubility in organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc), γ‐butyrolactone (GBL), N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), and m‐cresol at room temperature. They can form flexible films with low coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) (51–70 ppm °C−1) and high glass transition temperatures (Tg) (222–272 °C). They also demonstrate high transparency with transmittance at 500 nm (T500 nm) ranging from 77.2% to 82.5%. BOTA can be a significant building block in PAI synthesis, offering an alternative to 1,2,4‐trimellitic anhydride (TMA).
Promoting organ donation through philanthropic partnerships
Authors: Hoang Chi
Published: April 2024

Government agencies and health practitioners are partnering with businesses to promote organ donation to wider audiences. However, little is known about whether targeted promotion through partnerships will help or hurt an agency promoting organ donation in its goal to obtain support from the public. Four studies reveal that depending on the risk of dying associated with partner members, a partnership promoting posthumous organ donation targeting these members may heighten thoughts of donors' exploitation. Donor exploitation concern, in turn, makes the targeted promotion of organ donation through the partnership unacceptable to people. This perception diminishes people's support for the agency initiating such a partnership in terms of how they evaluate it, intend to visit its website, and donate money to support its cause. We further show that the negative effect of targeted promotion through partnerships is alleviated when people are primed to be less concerned about the exploitation of organ donors or when the organ donation agency's commitment to protecting donors' rights is made salient.
On the refinements of some important inequalities with a finite set of positive numbers
Authors: Benaissa Bouharket , Zeki Sarikaya Mehmet
Published: April 2024

In this research, a novel method for enhancing the Hölder–Işcan inequality through the utilization of both integrals and sums, as well as the mean power inequality, has been introduced. This approach outperforms traditional Hölder and mean power integral inequalities by employing a finite set of functions. Through the careful selection of the function
, an entirely new category of classical inequalities emerges for both Hölder and mean power inequalities.
Deep learning‐based rapid image reconstruction and motion correction for high‐resolution cartesian first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging at 3T
Authors: Wang Junyu , Salerno Michael
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a deep learning (DL) ‐based rapid image reconstruction and motion correction technique for high‐resolution Cartesian first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging at 3T with whole‐heart coverage for both single‐slice (SS) and simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) acquisitions.

Methods

3D physics‐driven unrolled network architectures were utilized for the reconstruction of high‐resolution Cartesian perfusion imaging. The SS and SMS multiband (MB) = 2 networks were trained from 135 slices from 20 subjects. Structural similarity index (SSIM), peak SNR (PSNR), and normalized RMS error (NRMSE) were assessed, and prospective images were blindly graded by two experienced cardiologists (5, excellent; 1, poor). For respiratory motion correction, a 2D U‐Net based motion corrected network was proposed, and the temporal fidelity and second‐order derivative were calculated to assess the performance of the motion correction.

Results

Excellent performance was demonstrated in the proposed technique with high SSIM and PSNR, and low NRMSE. Image quality scores were (4.3 [4.3, 4.4], 4.5 [4.4, 4.6], 4.3 [4.3, 4.4], and 4.5 [4.3, 4.5]) for SS DL and SS L1‐SENSE, MB = 2 DL and MB = 2 SMS‐L1‐SENSE, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05 for SS and SMS) between (SMS)‐L1‐SENSE and the proposed DL technique. The network inference time was around 4 s per dynamic perfusion series with 40 frames while the time of (SMS)‐L1‐SENSE with GPU acceleration was approximately 30 min.

Conclusion

The proposed DL‐based image reconstruction and motion correction technique enabled rapid and high‐quality reconstruction for SS and SMS MB = 2 high‐resolution Cartesian first‐pass perfusion imaging at 3T.
Mutations in the leptin‐melanocortin pathway and weight loss after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Nianrong , Wang Hao , Ran Shuman , Wang Zhe , Zhou Biao , Wang Siqi , Li Zhengqi , Liu Baoyin , Nie Yuntao , Huang Yishan , Meng Hua
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective of this meta‐analysis was to quantify the overall effects of gene mutations in the leptin‐melanocortin pathway on short‐ and long‐term weight loss after bariatric surgery.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase were searched, and data were analyzed using ReviewManager (RevMan) version 5.4. The datasets were divided into two subgroups based on postoperative time, and the outcome measure was the percentage of total weight loss. Meta‐regression analysis was performed, and the outcome was presented as the weighed mean difference of percentage of total weight loss.

Results

The results showed that patients with mutations in the leptin‐melanocortin pathway experienced 3.03% lower total weight loss after bariatric surgery (mean difference, −3.03; 95% CI: −3.63 to −2.44), mainly reflected in lower long‐term postoperative weight loss (mean difference, −3.43; 95% CI: −4.09 to −2.77), whereas mutation carriers exhibited a magnitude of short‐term postoperative weight loss that was similar to patients without such mutations (total difference value, −1.13; 95% CI: −2.57 to 0.31).

Conclusions

Mutations in leptin‐melanocortin pathway genes reduce long‐term weight loss after bariatric surgery, whereas this effect may not be reflected during the period of rapid weight loss within 12 months. These genetic variants increase the difficulties in maintaining patients' long‐term weight loss.
Facile synthesis of a novel organic salt containing DOPO and pyrimidine as a reactive additive for high‐efficiency flame retarding epoxy resin
Authors: Luo Qinqin , Sun Yulin
Published: April 2024

A novel organic salt containing DOPO and pyrimidine (AD) was successfully synthesized through a simple acid–base neutralization reaction. The salt was used as a reactive flame retardant for epoxy resin. Non‐isothermal DSC tests disclosed that the epoxy resin displayed a lower temperature of onset curing and exothermic peak in the presence of AD. By using only 3 wt% AD, the epoxy resin achieved a UL‐94 V‐0 rating and a limited oxygen index value of 27.4%, revealing the high flame‐retardant efficiency of AD. AD inhibited the release of heat and smoke. The analysis of the flame‐retardant mode of action indicated that AD was able to impede combustion not only by the dilution and quenching effects in the gas phase but also by the charring effect in the condensed phase. During UL‐94 testing, 3 wt% AD gave the epoxy resin good flame retardancy due to the charring and blowing‐out effects formed by adding AD. The blowing‐out effect was that the release of strong airflows suppressed or even blew out the flame based on the dilution and quenching effects of phosphorous‐containing radicals and numerous non‐combustible gases produced by the degradation of AD and epoxy resin matrix. Additionally, the incorporation of AD slightly increased the glass transition temperature and the tensile and flexural strengths of the epoxy resin. This study provided a meaningful attempt to improve the flame retardance of epoxy resin by introducing a reactive pyrimidine‐organophosphonic acid salt.
κ‐Carrageenan/poly(sodium styrenesulfonate‐co‐acrylic acid) macroporous anionic monoliths: Dye adsorption and oil–water separation properties
Authors: Jia Fengbo , Cao Liqin , Mi Hongyu , Dong Yong , Zhang Qiang
Published: April 2024

κ‐Carrageenan (κC) is a widely used food hydrogel, but its use as an environmental adsorption separation material still needs to be further developed. Herein, a novel macroporous anionic monolith was synthesized by the oil‐in‐water high internal phase emulsion template method. The monolith was obtained by the continuous phase polymerization of sodium styrenesulfonate (NaSS) and acrylic acid (AA), in which κC was introduced to form a semi‐interpenetrating network structure to improve its overall performance. The results showed that the mechanical strength of the monolith increased with κC content. Because of the use of two strong hydrophilic monomers, NaSS and AA, the porous monolith proved to be superoleophobic underwater. In addition, the porous materials had a strong cationic dye adsorption capacity (2455 mg/g for malachite green, 1180 mg/g for methylene blue) and a fast removal rate, good reusability, and oil–water separation. This work highlights their potential application value in the purification of complex water environments.