bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tc‐99m mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy to assess future liver remnant function before major liver surgery
Authors: Smet Héloïse , Martin David , Uldry Emilie , Duran Rafaël , Girardet Raphael , Schaefer Niklaus , Prior John O. , Denys Alban , Halkic Nermin , Demartines Nicolas , Melloul Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Assessment of liver function is paramount before hepatectomy. This study aimed to assess future liver remnant function (FLR‐F) using hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) and to compare it to FLR volume (FLR‐V) in the prediction of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). The impact of volume and function gains were also assessed in patients undergoing portal vein embolization (PVE) or liver venous deprivation (LVD).

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing major hepatectomy between 02/2018 and 09/2021 with preoperative HBS were included. FLR‐V was expressed as percentage of total liver volume and analyzed using preoperative computed tomography. FLR‐V and FLR‐F gains after embolization were expressed in percentage. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to compare both methods in predicting PHLF.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were included. PVE and LVD were performed in 4 (11%) and 28 patients (78%), respectively. Overall, PHLF occurred in eight patients (22%). FLR‐F gain after embolization showed significant ability to predict PHLF (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.789), with cut‐off value of 150% showing a sensitivity of 1.00, a specificity of 0.42, and a negative predictive value of 1.00.

Conclusion

Preoperative HBS shows a high sensitivity to predict PHLF when HBS is performed twice to measure the function gain after venous embolization.
Outcomes in elderly patients undergoing hepatic resection compared to liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Khan Sameer A. , Ahmed Fasih A. , Hafeez Muhammad S. , Feng Lawrence R. , Seth Abhinav , Kwon Yong K. , Aziz Hassan
Published: August 2023

Background

Hepatic resection (HR) is an excellent option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For patients meeting the Milan criteria, a liver transplant (LT) is also a viable option for patients with HCC, especially those with end‐stage liver disease. With increasing rates of LTs amongst the elderly, we sought to determine long‐term outcomes in patients who underwent HR compared to LTs in this patient population.

Methods

We queried the national cancer database for elderly patients (≥70 years) diagnosed with HCC between 2004 and 2020. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) computed using the Kaplan−Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression. One‐to‐one propensity score matching was conducted on the basis of clinicodemographic features to account for baseline differences between patients undergoing each procedure.

Results

Of the 5090 patients included, 4674 (91.8%) and 416 (8.2%) patients underwent HR and LT, respectively. Compared with HR patients, patients receiving LT had better OS (p < 0.001) and greater median survival time (65.6 months HR vs. 97.9 months LT, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, a LT was independently associated with improved survival (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.50−0.76, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

LT is associated with improved survival for well‐selected elderly patients with HCC. Age alone should not be used as the sole parameter for the candidacy of LT in elderly patients.
Volumetric T2‐weighted spin echo imaging with improved SNR using localized quadratic encoding and a spiral readout trajectory
Authors: Kim Dahan , Wang Dinghui , Chao Tzu‐cheng , Campeau Norbert , Pipe James G.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To demonstrate T2‐weighted (single‐echo) spin‐echo (SE) imaging with near‐optimal acquisition efficiency by applying SNR‐efficient RF slice encoding and spiral readout.

Methods

A quadratic‐phase (frequency swept) excitation RF pulse replaced the conventional excitation in T2‐weighted SE sequence to excite a thick slab that is internally spatially encoded by a variable phase along the slice direction. Highly overlapping slabs centered at every desired slice location were acquired in multiple passes, such that the entire imaging volume was excited by contiguous slabs in any given pass. Following 90° excitation, each slab was refocused with a conventional 180° RF to produce a SE signal, followed by a spiral in‐out readout. A noise‐insensitive reconstruction removed the quadratic phase in the spatial frequency domain, yielding desired slice resolution and improved SNR.

Results

Increasing the RF frequency sweep (hence, excitation width) allowed more frequent encoding of each slice over the multiple passes, improving final image SNR, until crosstalk ensued at excessive slab widths compared to their center‐to‐center spacing. With an optimized slab width, the proposed technique used all passes to acquire every prescribed slice, with substantially improved SNR over conventional SE or 2D‐turbo‐spin‐echo (TSE) scans. Quantitative SNR measurements indicated similar SNR as 3D‐TSE, but radiologist scoring favored 3D‐TSE, mainly because of spiral‐related artifacts and possibly because of regularized reconstructions in 3D‐TSE.

Conclusion

Using SNR‐efficient slice excitation scheme and spiral readout helped eliminate SNR and temporal inefficiencies in conventional T2‐weighted imaging, yielding SNR independent of TR or number of passes.
How should prospective research be designed to legitimately assess the value of urodynamic studies in female urinary incontinence?
Authors: Tarcan Tufan , Finazzi‐Agrò Enrico , Kessler Thomas M. , Serati Maurizio , Solomon Eskinder , Rosier Peter F. W. M.
Published: August 2023

Aims

Since formal evidence demonstrating the value of urodynamic studies (UDS) in functional urology remains elusive, we aimed to consider how best to design robust research for this purpose in female urinary incontinence.

Methods

An expert group was convened to debate the following considerations: (a) precedents for formally proving the value of a gold standard diagnostic test, (b) key research principles, (c) defining a study population, (d) selecting endpoints, (e) defining interventional and controls arms, (f) blinding, (g) powering the study, and (h) duration of follow‐up. In each case, we considered the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in terms of scientific validity, ethical acceptability, practicality, and likelihood of bias.

Results

We agreed that unlike evaluating therapies, attempting to judge the value of a diagnostic test based on eventual treatment success is conceptually flawed. Nonetheless, we explored the design of a hypothetical randomized controlled trial for this purpose, agreeing that: (1) the study population must sufficiently reflect its real‐world counterpart; (2) clinical endpoints should include not only continence status but also other lower urinary tract symptoms and risks of management; (3) participants in the interventional arm should receive individualized management based on their UDS findings; (4) the most scientifically valid approach to the control arm—empiric treatment—is ethically problematic; (5) sufficient statistical power is imperative; and (6) ≥ 2 years' follow‐up is needed to assess the long‐term impact of management.

Conclusions

Although a perfect protocol does not exist, we recommend careful consideration of our observations when reflecting on past studies or planning new prospective research.
Current topics in pediatric enteral nutrition safety
Authors: Murayi Judy‐April O. , Goday Praveen S.
Published: August 2023

Enteral nutrition is a cornerstone of nutrition support therapy in patients of all ages and across the care continuum. Safe delivery of enteral nutrition to patients is paramount. This review article will focus on current topics in enteral nutrition safety primarily in children including safety with home‐made blenderized feeds, recent infant and enteral formula shortages largely due to formula contamination at the manufacturer level, and concerns with importing infant formulas.
Rolling preparation process and interface toughening mechanism of Al/CFRTP/Al composite laminates
Authors: Wang Aidong , Wang Jian , Wang Tao , Qiao Tianqi , Xiong Lang , Ding Zijun , Wang Chongyang
Published: August 2023

In this study, a highly efficient method for preparing Al/CFRTP/Al composite laminates by roller preparation was proposed. Three different surface treatments, namely, anodic oxidation, laser texture and surface modification, were used to improve the strength of the metal‐fiber interface. Results show that composite laminates can be prepared efficiently by using reasonable roll pressing technology. The composite laminates with a thickness of 3 mm has good shear strength when the reduction amount is 0.02 mm. Laser texturing increases the contact area at the laminate interface. The surface roughness of Al alloy sheet is improved after laser texture. Moreover, the matrix in the fiber layer of the laminate can be embedded in the gullies formed by the laser texture to form a mechanical interlocking structure. The shear strength of the laminates was further increased when the laser scanning spacing was 2 mm. The highest shear strength of the laminate is 52.4 MPa after using a coupling agent to modify the surface of the Al alloy sheet. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that a new chemical bond was generated at the interface between CFRTP and the Al alloy sheet modified with silane coupling agent, thereby forming a molecular bridge among different materials. Mechanical interlocking structure and the generation of new chemical bonds cause the interface to need to absorb more energy during the failure process, which is conducive to the improvement of the interface strength.

Highlights

Propose roller pressing to prepare Al/CFRTP/Al composite laminates.

Effect of laser texture of the laminates interface is clarified.

Mechanism of coupling agents at the interface has been elucidated.

Efficient preparation of thermoplastic fiber metal laminates has been achieved.
Preparation of novel hollow metal organic framework for enhancing flame retardancy of paraffin/EP thermal energy storage materials
Authors: Wang Xiu , Yan Meiling , Yu Jun , Luo Weiang , Chen Guorong
Published: August 2023

Paraffin is a potential thermal energy storage material, but leakage and flammability are the two major problems affecting its storage and safe use. Here, a novel flame retarded paraffin/epoxy resin composite was developed by using paraffin, epoxy resin and hollow metal organic framework (W‐UiO66‐PPA) as thermal energy storage material, supporting material and flame retardant, respectively. The thermal energy storage and flame retardancy performances were examined with differential scanning calorimetry, vertical burning, limiting oxygen index and cone calorimeter tests. The results show that the paraffin/epoxy resin retains intact without leakage when the content of paraffin reaches 40 wt%, and this material exhibits high melting latent heat and remarkable thermal recycling property. In addition, the flame retarded paraffin/epoxy resin shows excellent flame retardancy, which is attributed to the following three aspects: (1) the hollow structure with open vertices of W‐UiO66 is capable of absorbing and collecting the combustible gasses produced by the combustion of epoxy resin; (2) the Zr and W elements of W‐UiO66 can facilitate catalytic charring and form a dense char layer; (3) phosphorous‐containing free radicals are able to capture OH· and O· free radicals during the combustion of paraffin and epoxy resin, thus interrupting the combustion chain reaction. On the whole, the flame retarded paraffin/EP possesses excellent thermal energy storage, thermal recycling, and flame retardancy properties. Our work provides a fantastic inspiration for the rational design of other flame retarded form‐stable phase change materials.
Influence of resident involvement on fluoroscopy time and ionizing radiation exposure in fluoroscopy‐guided spinal procedures
Authors: Soucy Béatrice , Lee Dillon , Moreau‐Bourbonnais Amélie , Filiatrault Marc , Denis Isabelle , Chang Min Cheol , Boudier‐Revéret Mathieu
Published: August 2023

Background

Fluoroscopic guidance has become the standard for a variety of medical procedures. Mastering these techniques requires practice, which may entail additional radiation for patients and providers. Despite their widespread use, the literature examining factors influencing radiation exposure in fluoroscopically guided pain procedures is scarce.

Objective

To evaluate the influence of resident involvement on radiation exposure during fluoroscopy‐guided spinal interventions.

Design

Single‐center, observational study.

Setting

Outpatient physiatry clinic in a teaching hospital.

Patients

All patients who received cervical or lumbar facet block(s) (FBs), transforaminal epidural steroid injection(s) (TFESIs) without digital subtraction, or a caudal epidural (CE) during the study period were included.

Interventions

Resident involvement in the procedures: absent, observing, or participating.

Main Outcome Measures

Machine‐indicated fluoroscopy time (seconds) and radiation dose (milligrays [mGy]).

Results

Two hundred ninety six procedures were included: 188 FBs (58 cervical, 130 lumbar), 48 CEs, and 60 TFESIs. For lumbar FBs, fluoroscopy time and radiation dose increased significantly when residents performed them (meantime = 24.5 s, confidence interval [CI] = 20.4–28.7; meandose = 3.53 mGy, CI = 2.57–4.49) compared to when they observed (meantime = 9.9 s, CI = 8.1–11.7; meandose = 1.28 mGy, CI = 0.98–1.59) (mean difference: time = 14.63 s, CI = 9.31–19.94; dose = 2.25 mGy, CI = 1.17–3.33) and were absent during the procedure (meantime = 12.9 s, CI = 11.1–14.6; meandose = 1.65 mGy, CI = 1.40–1.89) (mean difference: time = 11.67 s, CI = 7.35–15.98; dose = 1.88 mGy, CI = 1.01–2.76). In the case of TFESIs, time, but not dose, increased significantly when residents observed (meantime = 39.1 s, CI = 30.7–47.6; meandose = 6.73 mGy, CI = 3.39–10.07) compared to when they were absent (meantime = 27.1 s, CI = 22.4–31.8; meandose = 4.41 mGy, CI = 3.06–5.76 (mean difference: time = 11.99 s, CI = 1.37–22.61; dose = 2.32 mGy, CI = −1.20–5.84). Finally, resident involvement did not significantly affect the outcomes for CEs (ptime = .032, pdose = .74) and cervical FBs (ptime = .64, pdose = .68).

Conclusion

Resident participation affected lumbar FBs the most, with an increase in both fluoroscopy time and radiation dose.
Effectiveness of psychoeducation interventions in reducing negative psychological outcomes and improving coping skills in caregivers of children with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Phiri Lophina , Li William Ho Cheung , Cheung Ankie Tan , Phiri Patrick G. M. C.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Psychoeducation interventions (PEIs) have been used as an adjunct treatment for negative psychological outcomes in caregivers of children with cancer. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of PEIs in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms and improving health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and coping skills in caregivers of children with cancer.

Method

Ten English databases were searched to identify studies on PEIs for caregivers of children with cancer. Studies inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) participants who were caregivers of children with cancer receiving treatment; (2) psychoeducational interventions assessing anxiety, depressive symptoms, HRQoL, and coping outcomes; and (3) usual care, waitlist, or active control as a control group. Meta‐analysis and narrative synthesis were used to analyse data.

Results

Fourteen randomised control trials were included. PEIs have a beneficial effect on anxiety levels (SMD: −0.59, 95% CI [−0.92, −0.25], p = 0.0007), quality of life (SMD: −0.31, 95% CI [−0.00, −0.61], p = 0.05) and depressive symptoms (SMD: −1.18, 95% CI [−2.08, −0.28], p = 0.01) immediately post‐intervention. The effect of PEIs was maintained at long‐term follow‐up on depressive symptoms (SMD: −0.52, 95% CI [−1.54, −0.36], p = 0.0004). Similarly, the synthesised data suggest that PEIs are effective in improving coping skills.

Conclusion

The review provides evidence that PEIs effectively reduce negative psychological outcomes and improve coping skills in caregivers of children with cancer. However, due to methodological flaws and heterogeneity of the interventions evaluated, more research is needed to determine the most effective PEI design and improve the quality of evidence.
Hydrophobicity and molecular mass‐based separation method for autoantibody discovery from mammalian total cellular proteins
Authors: Date Mirei , Miyamoto Ai , Honjo Tomoko , Shiokawa Tsugumi , Tada Hiroko , Okada Nobuhiro , Futami Junichiro
Published: August 2023

Serum autoantibody profiles are unique to individuals and reflect the level and history of autoimmunity and tumor immunity. The identification of autoantibody biomarkers is critical for the development of immune monitoring systems for immune‐related disorders. Here, we present a practical method for large‐scale autoantibody discovery using total cellular proteins from cultured mammalian cells. We found that nucleic acid‐free and fully denatured water‐soluble total cellular proteins from mammalian cells were superior, allowing precise separation by reversed‐phase HPLC after preparing a large set of homogeneous total cellular proteins. After separating the proteins based on hydrophobicity, the fractionated samples were subjected to molecular mass analysis using conventional SDS‐PAGE. The resulting two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis was successfully employed for immune blotting and LC–MS/MS analysis. All procedures, including TRIzol‐based total cellular protein extraction, solubilization of denatured proteins, reversed‐phase HPLC separation, and SDS‐PAGE, were highly reproducible and easily scalable. We propose this novel two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis system as an alternative proteomics‐based methodology suitable for large‐scale autoantibody discovery.
Are younger adults becoming less residentially mobile? A decomposition analysis of British trends, 1997–2019
Authors: Coulter Rory
Published: August 2023

Existing evidence suggests that rates of population mobility are falling in many Global North countries. However, the magnitude, selectivity and the drivers of U.K. relocation trends remain poorly understood. Using survey data and regression decompositions, this study examines how relocation propensity during the traditionally highly mobile phase of young adulthood changed in the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2019. The results show that rates of long‐term address changing in young adulthood fell over this period due to changes in behaviour. Relocation has also become harder to predict as rates of address changing have fallen most sharply among those groups who were formerly the most mobile. The paper concludes by reflecting on the possible causes of these trends and the ways that more temporary forms of mobility may be substituting for long‐term relocations as transitions to adulthood become more protracted and precarious.
One‐Step DcMS and HiPIMS Sputtered CIGS Films from a Quaternary Target
Authors: Oubaki Rachid , Machkih Karima , Larhlimi Hicham , Abegunde Olayinka O. , Alami Jones , Makha Mohammed
Published: August 2023

Using a quaternary compound target, Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films are prepared using one‐step, selenization‐free direct current magneton sputtering (DcMS) and high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) methods. This study investigates how the sputtering power affects the composition, microstructure, morphology, and electrical characteristics of the films. Film crystallinity is found to be affected by the sputtering power utilized. The films deposited at 0.25 kW are amorphous, whereas those formed at 0.5–1 kW display a chalcopyrite structure with a (112)–preferred orientation. With increased sputtering power, the films’ crystal quality improves, displaying a homogeneous and compact morphology free of peeling and cracking. Elemental measurement of the CIGS films reveals that, depending on the deposition method, the film composition deviates from that of the target. The electrical properties of the deposited films vary with increasing sputtering power.
Does information infrastructure and technological infrastructure reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the context of sustainable development? Examining spatial spillover effect
Authors: Liang Dapeng , Liu Jianjun , Liu Mengting , Sun Jiayin
Published: August 2023

To cope with global climate change and realize sustainable development, China has invested heavily in the construction of information infrastructure and technological infrastructure (IT) in recent years. In this research, we first find out the effect of IT on CO2 emissions and how IT impacts CO2 emissions, considering an expanded endogenous growth model. Then, using the dynamic spatial lag model and the system generalized method of moments (SGMM), this study investigates the impact of IT on CO2 emissions and their mechanisms in 30 provinces of China from 2005 to 2019. The results are: (1) CO2 emissions have a spatial lag effect, a temporal lag effect, and a spatio‐temporal lag effect. (2) IT reduces local CO2 emissions. (3) IT promotes the decrease of CO2 emissions in local areas over the short and long terms. In the long term, IT promotes the decrease of CO2 emissions in the surrounding regions. Both in the short and long terms, the direct effect is greater than the indirect effect. (4) IT reduces CO2 emissions through optimizing the energy consumption structure (ENS) and enhancing the level of green technology innovation (GI). This study provides a theoretical basis for realizing the dual carbon goals of emissions peak and carbon neutrality.
MoO2 Nanoclusters Embedded in Hierarchical Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanoflower as Electrocatalytic Mediators in Aqueous Zinc–Tellurium Batteries: Enhancing Electrochemical Kinetics of Tellurium Redox Reaction
Authors: Wang Honghai , Yang Wenyue , Xu Huiting , Li Meng , Liu Huibin , Gong Siqi , Zhao Fan , Li Chunli , Qi Junjie , Peng Wenchao , Liu Jiapeng
Published: August 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered to be one of the most promising devices for large‐scale energy storage systems owing to their high theoretical capacity, environmental friendliness, and safety. However, the ionic intercalation or surface redox mechanisms in conventional cathode materials generally result in unsatisfactory capacities. Conversion‐type aqueous zinc–tellurium (Zn–Te) batteries have recently gained widespread attention owing to their high theoretical specific capacities. However, it remains an enormous challenge to improve the slow kinetics of the aqueous Zn–Te batteries. Here, MoO2 nanoclusters embedded in hierarchical nitrogen‐doped carbon nanoflower (MoO2/NC) hosts are successfully synthesized and loaded with Te in aqueous Zn–Te batteries. Benefitting from the highly dispersed MoO2 nanoclusters and hierarchical nanoflower structure with a large specific surface area, the electrochemical kinetics of the Te redox reaction are significantly improved. As a result, the Te‐MoO2/NC electrode exhibits superior cycling stability and a high specific capacity of 493 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Meanwhile, the conversion mechanism is systematically explored using a variety of ex situ characterization methods. Therefore, this study provides a novel approach for enhancing the kinetics of the Te redox reaction in aqueous Zn–Te batteries.
Characterizing Spatial and Energetic Distributions of Trap States Toward Highly Efficient Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Chen Jing , Lou Yan‐Hui , Wang Zhao‐Kui
Published: August 2023

Due to their greater opt electric performance, perovskite photovoltaics (PVs) present huge potential to be commercialized. Perovskite PV’s high theoretical efficiency expands the available development area. The passivation of defects in perovskite films is crucial for approaching the theoretical limit. In addition to creating efficient passivation techniques, it is essential to direct the passivation approach by getting precise and real‐time information on the trap states through measurements. Therefore, it is necessary to establish quantitative characterization methods for the trap states in energy and 3D spaces. The authors cover the characterization of the spatial and energy distributions of trap states in this article with an eye toward high‐efficiency perovskite photovoltaics. After going over the strategies that have been created for characterizing and evaluating trap states, the authors will concentrate on how to direct the creative development of characterization techniques for trap states assessment and highlight the opportunities and challenges of future development. The 3D space and energy distribution mappings of trap states are anticipated to be realized. The review will give key guiding importance for further approaching the theoretical efficiency of perovskite photovoltaics, offering some future research direction and technological assistance for the development of appropriate targeted passivation technologies.
Interface Engineering and Boron Modification of Pd–B/Pd Hetero‐Metallene Synergistically Accelerate Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Liu Songliang , Zhang Hugang , Ren Tianlun , Yu Hongjie , Deng Kai , Wang Ziqiang , Xu You , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: August 2023

2D metallene possess high surface area and excellent electron transport capability, thus enabling efficient application in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the interface regulation and electronic structure optimization of metallene are still great challenges. Herein, Pd–B/Pd hetero‐metallene is constructed by interface engineering and B modification strategies for efficient electrocatalytic ORR. The 2D configuration of Pd–B/Pd hetero‐metallene exposes a large number of surface atoms and unsaturated defect sites, thus providing abundant catalytic active sites and exhibiting high electron mobility. More importantly, interface engineering and B modification synergistically optimizing the electronic configuration of the metallene system. This work not only provides an effective strategy for the rational regulation of the electronic configuration of metallene, but also offers a reference for the construction of efficient ORR catalysts.
Chemical tags and beyond: Live‐cell protein labeling technologies for modern optical imaging
Authors: Saimi Dilizhatai , Chen Zhixing
Published: August 2023

Imaging proteins with high resolution is crucial for studying cellular physiology and pathology. Fluorescence imaging is a privileged method to visualize proteins with subcellular precision in live cells. In recent years, there has been a tremendous advance in the field of fluorescent dyes that are optically more sophisticated than genetically‐encodable fluorescent proteins. In this review, we aim to discuss modern bioconjugation methods to specifically incorporate these dyes into protein‐of‐interests. We focus on advances in live‐cell labeling strategies and fluorescent probes, especially the HaloTag, SNAP‐tag, TMP‐tag, and unnatural amino acid systems and their applications. These protein labeling methods, along with cutting‐edge dyes and novel microscopy methods, have become the infrastructure for biological research in the era of super‐resolution imaging.
Correlation of Functional Coumarin Dye Structure with Molecular Packing and Organic Solar Cells Performance
Authors: Pradhan Rashmirekha , Khandelwal Kanupriya , Shankar S. Shyam , Panda Subhra Jyoti , Purohit Chandra Shekhar , Bag Bhawani Prasad , Singhal Rahul , Liu Wenrui , Zhu Xiaozhang , Sharma Ganesh D. , Mishra Amaresh
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) based on all‐small molecules have the convenient strategy toward high‐performance and stable devices. Herein, two coumarin‐based dyes C4 and C4–CN are designed and synthesized with a simple synthetic route. The molecules display different intra‐ and intermolecular interactions in the solid state originating from acceptor substitution, as revealed by the single‐crystal structure analysis. The introduction of dicyanomethylene acceptor group in C4–CN plays a synergistic role in molecular packing and orientation in the solid state, thus fostering the elongation of exciton lifetime and improved charge transport in photoactive layer. The optimized C4–CN:AQx–3‐based binary OSCs show a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.07%, which is appreciably higher than the C4:AQx–3‐based OSC (11.39%) due to the appropriate energy‐level alignment, balanced charge transport, favorable phase separation, and lower charge recombination. Furthermore, by introduction of C4–CN as the third component into C4:AQx–3 blend, the ternary OSC shows an improved PCE of 15.34%, which is linked with the enhanced crystallization, optimized morphology, balanced charge carrier mobility, and suppressed recombination with low energy loss.
Exogenous taurine administration abates reproductive dysfunction in male rats exposed to silver nanoparticles
Authors: Adedara Isaac A. , Ileola‐Gold Ayomitan V. , Adelaja Uthman A. , Njoku Chiwueze A. , Ikeji Cynthia N. , Owoeye Olatunde , Farombi Ebenezer O.
Published: August 2023

The broad contemporary applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been associated with various toxicities including reproductive toxicity. Taurine is well acknowledged for its potent pharmacological role in numerous disease models and chemically‐mediated toxicity. We investigated the effect of taurine on AgNPs‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. The animals were intraperitoneally injected with AgNPs (200 μg/kg) alone or co‐administered with taurine at 50 and 100 mg/kg for 21 successive days. Exogenous taurine administration significantly abated AgNPs‐induced oxidative injury by decreasing the levels of oxidative stress indices while boosting antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione level in the hypothalamus, testes and epididymis of exposed animals. Taurine administration alleviated AgNPs‐induced inflammatory response and caspase‐3 activity, an apoptotic biomarker. Moreover, taurine significantly improved spermiogram, reproductive hormones and the marker enzymes of testicular function in AgNPs‐treated animals. The ameliorative effect of taurine on pathological lesions induced by AgNPs in the exposed animals was substantiated by histopathological data. This study provides the first mechanistic evidence that taurine supplementation affords therapeutic effect against reproductive dysfunction associated with AgNPs exposure in male rats.
6‐Shogaol prevents benzo (A) pyrene‐exposed lung carcinogenesis via modulating PRDX1‐associated oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation in mouse models
Authors: Pan Shuang , Li Yaming , Zhang Jinzhao
Published: August 2023

In this study, we have investigated the chemopreventive role of 6‐shogaol (6‐SGL) on benzopyrene (BaP) exposed lung carcinogenesis by modulating PRDX1‐associated oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation in Swiss albino mouse models. Mice were exposed to BaP (50 mg/kg b.wt) orally twice a week for four consecutive weeks and maintained for 16 weeks, respectively. 6‐SGL (30 mg/kg b.wt) were orally administered to mouse 1 h before BaP exposure for 16 weeks. After the experiment's termination, 6‐SGL (30 mg/kg b.wt) prevented the loss in body weight, increased lung weight, and the total number of tumors in the mice. Moreover, we observed that 6‐SGL treatment reverted the activity of BaP‐induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in mice. Also, 6‐SGL impeded the phosphorylation of MAPK family proteins such as Erk1, p38, and Jnk1 in BaP‐exposed mice. PRDX1 is an essential antioxidant protein that scavenges toxic radicals and enhances several antioxidant proteins. Overexpression of PRDX1 substantially inhibits MAPKs, proliferation, and inflammation signaling axis. Hence, PRDX1 is thought to be a novel targeting protein for preventing BaP‐induced lung cancer. In this study, we have obtained the 6‐SGL treatment in a mouse model that reverted BaP‐induced depletion of PRDX1 expression. Moreover, pretreatment of 6‐SGL (30 mg/kg b.wt) significantly inhibited enhanced proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐β1, IL‐10) and proliferative markers (Cyclin‐D1, Cyclin‐D2, and PCNA) in BaP‐exposed mice. The histopathological studies also confirmed that 6‐SGL effectively protected the cells with less damage. Thus, the study demonstrated that 6‐SGL could be a potential phytochemical and act as a chemopreventive agent in BaP‐induced lung cancer by enhancing PRDX1 expression.
Introduction
Authors: Gukov Sergei , Koroteev Peter , Nawata Satoshi , Pei Du , Saberi Ingmar
Published: August 2023

In string theory, the term “brane” is used for certain extended objects. As is typical of string theory, there are many different ways of seeing or defining these objects, depending on one’s preferred point of view.
3d Theories and Modularity
Authors: Gukov Sergei , Koroteev Peter , Nawata Satoshi , Pei Du , Saberi Ingmar
Published: August 2023

In this section, we connect the brane setup of the above 2d A-model to 3d/3d correspondence and shed light on various modular representations coming from geometry.
Ergebnisse zur Reduzierung von subkutanem Fettgewebe mithilfe eines neuartigen, auf Mikrowellentechnologie basierenden Body-Contouring-Systems
Authors: Bonan Paolo , Coli Federica
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Im vergangenen Jahrzehnt hat der Body-Shaping-Markt kontinuierliche Zuwächse verzeichnet. Um die Verfahren zur Reduzierung von lokalen Fettansammlungen zu verbessern, wurde eine neuartige Methode entwickelt, die sich speziell auf subkutanes Körperfett konzentriert.

Studienziel

Ziel dieser Studie ist es nachzuweisen, dass ein neuartiges Mikrowellengerät mit einer Frequenz von 2,45 GHz bei der Reduzierung von Fettzellen sichtbare Ergebnisse mit größerer Sicherheit und Beständigkeit erzielt.

Materialien und Methoden

Neunzehn gesunde Patienten – 10 Frauen und 9 Männer – (im Alter von 24 bis 55 Jahren, was einem Altersdurchschnitt von 39 Jahren entspricht) und sichtbaren Fettansammlungen im Bauchbereich erhielten 3 Mikrowellenbehandlungssitzungen (im Abstand von jeweils 4 Wochen) unter Verwendung des neuen Onda Plus Body Shaping-Systems (von DEKA, Italien). Dieses Gerät verwendet einen Mikrowellenapplikator mit einer Frequenz von 2,45 GHz und einer integrierten Kühlung für einen optimalen Behandlungskomfort des Patienten während der Anwendung. Es wurde ein geeignetes Behandlungsprotokoll festgelegt, das ca. 10 min lang in jedem Behandlungsbereich angewandt wurde. Vor Beginn der Behandlung haben alle Patienten eine Einwilligungserklärung sowie ein Fotofreigabeformular unterzeichnet. Vor jeder Behandlungssitzung wurden folgende Daten erfasst: Körpergewicht, Größe, Taillenumfang sowie Fotos. Alle zu behandelnden Bereiche wurden im Stehen mit einem hautverträglichen weißen Stift vorgezeichnet. Ausgeschlossen wurden adipöse Patienten und solche, bei denen die Fettablagerungen über den gesamten Körper verteilt waren oder deren Haut sich in einem Zustand irreversibler Schlaffheit befand. Bei jedem Patienten wurde eine Blutuntersuchung durchgeführt – sowohl vor Beginn der Behandlung (T0) als auch am Ende des gesamten Behandlungsprotokolls (T3).

Ergebnisse

Sämtliche Patienten erfüllten die Einschluss‑/Ausschlusskriterien der Studie und unterzeichneten eine Einwilligungserklärung. Die 19 gesunden Erwachsenen wurden in 3 Gruppen aufgeteilt je nach Größe der Bauchfalte (Pinch). Gruppe 1 bestand aus 4 Patienten mit einem Pinch von mehr als 4,5 cm, Gruppe 2 bestand aus 10 Patienten mit einem Pinch von 2,5–4,5 cm, und Gruppe 3 bestand aus 5 Patienten mit einem Pinch von weniger als 2,5 cm. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass beim Follow-up nach 3 Monaten die klinisch messbare Reduzierung des Bauchumfangs bei allen Patienten 3,80 ± 1,21 cm betrug.

Schlussfolgerung

Es hat sich gezeigt, dass das mikrowellenbasierte Body-Contouring-System sicher und effektiv für die Reduzierung des Bauchumfangs verwendet werden kann. Es wurden weder starke Schmerzen noch merkliches Unbehagen während einer der Behandlungssitzungen berichtet.
Pyramiding Fusarium head blight resistance QTL from T. aestivum, T. dicoccum and T. dicoccoides in durum wheat
Authors: Kirana Rizky Pasthika , Michel Sebastian , Moreno-Amores Jose , Prat Noemie , Lemmens Marc , Buerstmayr Maria , Buerstmayr Hermann , Steiner Barbara
Published: August 2023

Key message

FHB resistance of durum wheat was improved by introgression of Fhb1 and resistance genes from emmer wheat and by selection against adverse alleles of elite durum wheat.

Durum wheat is particularly susceptible to Fusarium head blight (FHB) and breeding for resistance is impeded by the low genetic variation within the elite gene pool. To extend the genetic basis for FHB resistance in durum wheat, we analyzed 603 durum wheat lines from crosses of elite durum wheat with resistance donors carrying resistance alleles derived from Triticum aestivum, T. dicoccum and T. dicoccoides. The lines were phenotyped for FHB resistance, anthesis date, and plant height in artificially inoculated disease nurseries over 5 years. A broad variation was found for all traits, while anthesis date and plant height strongly influenced FHB severities. To correct for spurious associations, we adjusted FHB scorings for temperature fluctuations during the anthesis period and included plant height as a covariate in the analysis. This resulted in the detection of seven quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting FHB severities. The hexaploid wheat-derived Fhb1 QTL was most significant on reducing FHB severities, highlighting its successful introgression into several durum wheat backgrounds. For two QTL on chromosomes 1B and 2B, the resistance alleles originated from the T. dicoccum line Td161 and T. dicoccoides accessions Mt. Hermon#22 and Mt. Gerizim#36, respectively. The other four QTL featured unfavorable alleles derived from elite durum wheat that increased FHB severities, with a particularly negative effect on chromosome 6A that simultaneously affected plant height and anthesis date. Therefore, in addition to pyramiding resistance genes, selecting against adverse alleles present in elite durum wheat could be a promising avenue in breeding FHB-resistant durum wheat.
Dense forests constructed from grids
Authors: Shirandami Victor
Published: August 2023

A dense forest is a set $$F \subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

F
⊂

R

n

with the property that for all $$\varepsilon > 0$$

ε
>
0

there exists a number $$V(\varepsilon ) > 0$$

V
(
ε
)
>
0

such that all line segments of length $$V(\varepsilon )$$

V
(
ε
)

are $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-close to a point in F. The function V is called a visibility function of F. In this paper we study dense forests constructed from finite unions of translated lattices (grids). First, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for a finite union of grids to be a dense forest in terms of the irrationality properties of the matrices defining them. This answers a question raised by Adiceam, Solomon, and Weiss (J Lond Math Soc 105: 1167–1199, 2022). To complement this, we further show that such sets generically admit effective visibility bounds in the following sense: for all $$\eta > 0$$

η
>
0

, there exists a $$k \in {\mathbb {N}}$$

k
∈
N

such that almost all unions of k grids are dense forests admitting a visibility function $$V(\varepsilon ) \ll \varepsilon ^{-(n-1) -\eta }$$

V

(
ε
)

≪

ε

-
(
n
-
1
)
-
η

. This is arbitrarily close to optimal in the sense that if a finite union of grids admits a visibility function V, then this function necessarily satisfies $$V(\varepsilon ) \gg \varepsilon ^{-(n-1)}$$

V

(
ε
)

≫

ε

-
(
n
-
1
)

. One of the main novelties of this work is that the notion of ‘almost all’ is considered with respect to several underlying measures, which are defined according to the Iwasawa decomposition of the matrices used to define the grids. In this respect, the results obtained here vastly extend those of Adiceam, Solomon, and Weiss (2022) who provided similar effective visibility bounds for a particular family of generic unimodular lattices.
Colocalization of expression transcripts with COVID-19 outcomes is rare across cell states, cell types and organs
Authors: Willett Julian Daniel Sunday , Lu Tianyuan , Nakanishi Tomoko , Yoshiji Satoshi , Butler-Laporte Guillaume , Zhou Sirui , Farjoun Yossi , Richards J. Brent
Published: August 2023

Identifying causal genes at GWAS loci can help pinpoint targets for therapeutic interventions. Expression studies can disentangle such loci but signals from expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) often fail to colocalize—which means that the genetic control of measured expression is not shared with the genetic control of disease risk. This may be because gene expression is measured in the wrong cell type, physiological state, or organ. We tested whether Mendelian randomization (MR) could identify genes at loci influencing COVID-19 outcomes and whether the colocalization of genetic control of expression and COVID-19 outcomes was influenced by cell type, cell stimulation, and organ. We conducted MR of cis-eQTLs from single cell (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing. We then tested variables that could influence colocalization, including cell type, cell stimulation, RNA sequencing modality, organ, symptoms of COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 status among individuals with symptoms of COVID-19. The outcomes used to test colocalization were COVID-19 severity and susceptibility as assessed in the Host Genetics Initiative release 7. Most transcripts identified using MR did not colocalize when tested across cell types, cell state and in different organs. Most that did colocalize likely represented false positives due to linkage disequilibrium. In general, colocalization was highly variable and at times inconsistent for the same transcript across cell type, cell stimulation and organ. While we identified factors that influenced colocalization for select transcripts, identifying 33 that mediate COVID-19 outcomes, our study suggests that colocalization of expression with COVID-19 outcomes is partially due to noisy signals even after following quality control and sensitivity testing. These findings illustrate the present difficulty of linking expression transcripts to disease outcomes and the need for skepticism when observing eQTL MR results, even accounting for cell types, stimulation state and different organs.
Flame Surface Density and Artificially Thickened Flame Combustion Models Applied to a Turbulent Partially-Premixed Flame
Authors: Lomada Sai , Pfitzner Michael , Klein Markus
Published: August 2023

The Sydney Flame provides an excellent framework for systematic analysis of premixed, partially premixed and non-premixed methane/air combustion. It represents (depending on the axial position from the fuel inlet) non-premixed, partially premixed and fully premixed combustion. We simulate the test case FJ200-5GP-Lr75-57, which represents the partially premixed mode. Large-eddy simulations (LES) are conducted using a flame surface density combustion model (FSD) using one-step chemistry and an artificially thickened flame model (ATF) with a global two-step and an analytically reduced multi-step chemistry reaction mechanism. Unity Lewis numbers are assumed ($$Le=1$$

L
e
=
1

) at first. The FSD and ATF models are compared using the same computational mesh, numerical scheme and boundary conditions. Both models will be analysed regarding their accuracy and computational efficiency in the regime of partially premixed combustion. A comparison of the results points out the strengths and weaknesses of the FSD models. The FSD model with inclusion of flame stretch effects yields good agreement with mean experimental temperature, CO2 and H2O mass fraction distributions in contrast to the ATF model using the global two-step mechanism, which overestimates downstream temperature, CO2 and H2O mass fractions. The FSD model performs well in all regions, which are dominated first by premixed, then partially premixed and finally non-premixed combustion along the flame. The ATF multi-step chemistry shows good results only in the premixed mode region, while mean temperature, CO2 and mass fractions are overestimated in the non-premixed mode regions at higher mixture fraction values. Including differential diffusion into the transport equations improved the ATF model results in comparison with experiments. A mesh study revealed, that the ATF model performs only after mesh refinement. In particular results are improved in the non-premixed combustion region. In contrast, the FSD model is less resolution sensitive and performs very well for both meshes. An evaluation of the Wasserstein metric provides a quantitative assessment of different ATF model setups on simulation accuracy. Finally, computational times for all simulation setups are compared.
ProgPrompt: program generation for situated robot task planning using large language models
Authors: Singh Ishika , Blukis Valts , Mousavian Arsalan , Goyal Ankit , Xu Danfei , Tremblay Jonathan , Fox Dieter , Thomason Jesse , Garg Animesh
Published: August 2023

Task planning can require defining myriad domain knowledge about the world in which a robot needs to act. To ameliorate that effort, large language models (LLMs) can be used to score potential next actions during task planning, and even generate action sequences directly, given an instruction in natural language with no additional domain information. However, such methods either require enumerating all possible next steps for scoring, or generate free-form text that may contain actions not possible on a given robot in its current context. We present a programmatic LLM prompt structure that enables plan generation functional across situated environments, robot capabilities, and tasks. Our key insight is to prompt the LLM with program-like specifications of the available actions and objects in an environment, as well as with example that can be executed. We make concrete recommendations about prompt structure and generation constraints through ablation experiments, demonstrate state of the art success rates in VirtualHome household tasks, and deploy our method on a physical robot arm for tabletop tasks. Website and code at progprompt.github.io
FOXO1-regulated lncRNA CYP1B1-AS1 suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting neddylation
Authors: Tang Li , Wei Da , Xu Xinyu , Mo Dongping , Cheng Daofu , Yan Feng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Overactivated neddylation is considered to be a common event in cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate cancer development by mediating post-translational modifications. However, the role of lncRNA in neddylation modification remains unclear.

Methods

LncRNA cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily B member 1 antisense RNA 1 (CYP1B1-AS1) expression in breast cancer tissues was evaluated by RT-PCR and TCGA BRCA data. Gain and loss of function experiments were performed to explore the role of CYP1B1-AS1 in breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase assay, CHIP-qPCR assay, transcriptome sequencing, RNA-pulldown assay, mass spectrometry, RIP-PCR and Western blot were used to investigate the regulatory factors of CYP1B1-AS1 expression and the molecular mechanism of CYP1B1-AS1 involved in neddylation modification.

Results

We found that CYP1B1-AS1 was down-regulated in breast cancer tissues and correlated with prognosis. In vivo and in vitro functional experiments confirmed that CYP1B1-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, CYP1B1-AS1 was regulated by the transcription factor, forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and could be upregulated by inhibiting the PI3K/FOXO1 pathway. Moreover, CYP1B1-AS1 bound directly to NEDD8 activating enzyme E1 subunit 1 (NAE1) to regulate protein neddylation.

Conclusion

This study reports for the first time that CYP1B1-AS1 inhibits protein neddylation to affect breast cancer cell proliferation, which provides a new strategy for the treatment of breast cancer by lncRNA targeting neddylation modification.