bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme ion heating in the dayside ionosphere in response to the arrival of a coronal mass ejection on 12 March 2012
Authors: Fujiwara H. , Nozawa S. , Ogawa Y. , Kataoka R. , Miyoshi Y. , Jin H. , Shinagawa H.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Simultaneous measurements of the polar ionosphere with the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) ultra high frequency (UHF) radar at Tromsø and the EISCAT Svalbard radar (ESR) at Longyearbyen were made during 07:00–12:00 UT on 12 March 2012. During the period, the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft observed changes in the solar wind which were due to the arrival of coronal mass ejection (CME) effects associated with the 10 March M8.4 X-ray event. The solar wind showed two-step variations which caused strong ionospheric heating. First, the arrival of shock structures in the solar wind with enhancements of density and velocity, and a negative interplanetary magnetic field (IMF)-Bz component caused strong ionospheric heating around Longyearbyen; the ion temperature at about 300 km increased from about 1100 to 3400 K over Longyearbyen while that over Tromsø increased from about 1050 to 1200 K. After the passage of the shock structures, the IMF-Bz component showed positive values and the solar wind speed and density also decreased. The second strong ionospheric heating occurred after the IMF-Bz component showed negative values again; the negative values lasted for more than 1.5 h. This solar wind variation caused stronger heating of the ionosphere in the lower latitudes than higher latitudes, suggesting expansion of the auroral oval/heating region to the lower latitude region. This study shows an example of the CME-induced dayside ionospheric heating: a short-duration and very large rise in the ion temperature which was closely related to the polar cap size and polar cap potential variations as a result of interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere.
Global sensitivity analysis of the climate–vegetation system to astronomical forcing: an emulator-based approach
Authors: Bounceur N. , Crucifix M. , Wilkinson R. D.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. A global sensitivity analysis is used to describe the response of the Earth Climate Model of Intermediate Complexity LOVECLIM to components of the astronomical forcing (longitude of perihelion, obliquity, and eccentricity) assuming interglacial boundary conditions. Compared to previous studies, the sensitivity is global in the sense that it considers the full range of astronomical forcing that occurred during the Quaternary. We provide a geographical description of the variance due to the different components and their combinations and identify non-linear responses. The methodology relies on the estimation of sensitivity measures, which due to the computational cost of LOVECLIM cannot be obtained directly. Instead, we use a fast surrogate of the climate model, called an emulator, in place of the simulator. A space filling design (a maximin Latin hypercube constrained to span the range of astronomical forcings characterising the Pleistocene) is used to determine a set of experiments to run, which are then used to train a reduced-rank Gaussian process emulator. The simulator outputs considered are the principal modes of the annual mean temperature, precipitation, and the growing degree days, extracted using a principal component analysis. The experiments are run on two distinct land surface schemes to address the effect of vegetation response on climate. Sensitivity to initial conditions is also explicitly assessed. Precession and obliquity are found to contribute equally to growing degree days (GDD) in the Northern Hemisphere, and the effects of obliquity on the response of Southern Hemisphere temperature dominate precession effects. Further, compared to the original land-surface scheme with fixed vegetation, the LOVECLIM interactive vegetation induces non-linear responses in the Sahel-Sahara and Arctic sea-ice area. Finally, we find that there is no synergy between obliquity and precession.
Resolving terrestrial ecosystem processes along a subgrid topographic gradient for an earth-system model
Authors: Subin Z. M. , Milly P. C. D. , Sulman B. N. , Malyshev S. , Shevliakova E.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Soil moisture is a crucial control on surface water and energy fluxes, vegetation, and soil carbon cycling. Earth-system models (ESMs) generally represent an areal-average soil-moisture state in gridcells at scales of 50–200 km and as a result are not able to capture the nonlinear effects of topographically-controlled subgrid heterogeneity in soil moisture, in particular where wetlands are present. We addressed this deficiency by building a subgrid representation of hillslope-scale topographic gradients, TiHy (Tiled-hillslope Hydrology), into the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) land model (LM3). LM3-TiHy models one or more representative hillslope geometries for each gridcell by discretizing them into land model tiles hydrologically coupled along an upland-to-lowland gradient. Each tile has its own surface fluxes, vegetation, and vertically-resolved state variables for soil physics and biogeochemistry. LM3-TiHy simulates a gradient in soil moisture and water-table depth between uplands and lowlands in each gridcell. Three hillslope hydrological regimes appear in non-permafrost regions in the model: wet and poorly-drained, wet and well-drained, and dry; with large, small, and zero wetland area predicted, respectively. Compared to the untiled LM3 in stand-alone experiments, LM3-TiHy simulates similar surface energy and water fluxes in the gridcell-mean. However, in marginally wet regions around the globe, LM3-TiHy simulates shallow groundwater in lowlands, leading to higher evapotranspiration, lower surface temperature, and higher leaf area compared to uplands in the same gridcells. Moreover, more than four-fold larger soil carbon concentrations are simulated globally in lowlands as compared with uplands. We compared water-table depths to those simulated by a recent global model-observational synthesis, and we compared wetland and inundated areas diagnosed from the model to observational datasets. The comparisons demonstrate that LM3-TiHy has the capability to represent some of the controls of these hydrological variables, but also that improvement in parameterization and input datasets are needed for more realistic simulations. We found large sensitivity in model-diagnosed wetland and inundated area to the depth of conductive soil and the parameterization of macroporosity. With improved parameterization and inclusion of peatland biogeochemical processes, the model could provide a new approach to investigating the vulnerability of Boreal peatland carbon to climate change in ESMs.
An assessment of fire occurrence regime and performance of Canadian fire weather index in south central Siberian boreal region
Authors: Chu T. , Guo X.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Wildfire is the dominant natural disturbance in Eurasian boreal region, which acts as a major driver of the global carbon cycle. An effectiveness of wildfire management requires suitable tools for fire prevention and fire risk assessment. This study aims to investigate fire occurrence patterns in relation to fire weather conditions in the remote south central Siberia region. The Canadian Fire Weather Index derived from large-scale meteorological reanalysis data was evaluated with respects to fire regimes during 14 consecutive fire seasons in south central Siberian environment. All the fire weather codes and indices, including the Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC), the Duff Moisture Code (DMC), the Drought Code (DC), the Buildup Index (BUI), the Initial Spread Index (ISI), and the Fire Weather Index (FWI), were highly reflected inter-annual variation of fire activity in south central Siberia. Even though human-caused fires were major events in Russian boreal forest including south central Siberia, extreme fire years were strongly correlated with ambient weather conditions (e.g. Arctic Oscillation, air temperature, relative humidity and wind), showing by in-phase (or positive linear relationship) and significant wavelet coherence between fire activity and DMC, ISI, BUI, and FWI. Time series observation of 14 fire seasons showed that there was an average of about 3 months lags between the peaks of fire weather conditions and fire activity, which should take into account when using coarse scale fire weather indices in the assessment of fire danger in the study area. The results are expected to contribute to a better reconstruction and prediction of fire activity using large-scale reanalysis data in remote regions in which station data are very few.
Clinical Aspects of Homologous Insemination. Is it an Effective Technique in this Day and Age?
Authors: Páez Gustavo ,   Universidad Austral
Published: July 2014

La mentalidad que predomina en el recurso a las técnicas de reproducción está caracterizada por la búsqueda de la eficacia. Este motivo lleva a dejar de lado aquellos métodos que actualmente son considerados “de baja complejidad”.Sin embargo, estos procedimientos tienen una aplicación determinada, que en muchos casos evitaría tener que recurrir a la fecundación in vitro y transferencia del embrión(Fivet) y a la intracytoplasmicsperminjection(ICSI), evitando así la manipulación de embriones humanos.En el presente artículo se resume el estado actual de aplicación de las técnicas de inseminación, de baja complejidad.Como fruto de la investigación se podrá apreciar que: a) la inseminación tiene su propio campo de aplicación en el que puede competir con la Fivet; b) por la escasa información existente, sería útil realizar más estudios comparativos entre los resultados de Fivet, ICSI e inseminación: actualmente no hay suficiente evidencia que justifique desechar esta última para optar por las dos primeras.
Ethics in Medicine
Authors: Pardo Antonio ,   Universidad de Navarra
Published: July 2014

La medicina existe desde tiempo inmemorial porque el enfermar pertenece a la esencia del hombre, y porque la ayuda mutua es unelemento imprescindible de la vida humana en sociedad. De aquí se deriva que quien tiene vocación de médico se debe a los enfermos,viviendo con ellos un respeto negativo (no hacer daño) y uno positivo (ayudar en la enfermedad), con competencia técnica,honestidad e integridad. Y debe atender del modo más humano posible, que resulta obligado ante la vida dependiente del enfermo.
Religious Grounds in Judaism and Islam for Performing Autopsies
Authors: Castellanos Diego Giovanni ,   Universidad del Rosario
Published: July 2014

El texto estudia el desafío que la realización de exámenes post mórtem implica para las creencias religiosas en lo relativo al tratoque debe darse al cuerpo humano. Se toma como ejemplo el debate que este tipo de prácticas médicas ha suscitado dentro deljudaísmo y el islam. Para esto se explica la manera en la que es considerada la práctica médica dentro de la ley religiosa, Halakha enel judaísmo y Sharia en el islam; así como las disposiciones de esta respecto a la muerte y los rituales funerarios. A continuación seanalizan los esfuerzos de ambas religiones por integrar los aspectos positivos de la realización de autopsias, si bien limitando su usoy extensión a circunstancias particulares. Se pretende mostrar que en la ética médica se deberían considerar aspectos tales como losvalores religiosos de los pacientes. También se busca mostrar que las religiones constituyen sistemas dinámicos adaptables frente alos cambios de las sociedades contemporáneas.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 6, No. 3
Authors: John Albert
Published: July 2014

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 6, No. 3, 2014.
PRVNÍ NÁLEZY KOSTERNÍCH ELEMENTŮ ELEUTHEROZOIDNÍCH OSTNOKOŽCŮ Z LÍŠEŇSKÉHO SOUVRSTVÍ (FAMEN–TOURNAI) MORAVSKÉHO KRASU
Authors: Kumpan Tomáš
Published: July 2014

During a biostrati biostratigraphic survey of the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary in the Moravian Karst (Moravo-Silesian Zone, Czech Republic) an abundant microfauna was obtained. Besides the conodonts, diverse ichthyoliths, eleutherozoid and pelmatozoid echinoderms, bryozoans, inarticulate brachiopods and rare foraminifers were found in insoluble residues. This contribution is focused on the eleutherozoid echinoderms remains from interval of the late Famennian Middle Palmatolepis gracilis expansa conodont Zone to the early Tournaisian Siphonodella duplicata conodont Zone from the Lesní lom, Mokrá and Křtiny quarries (NE of Brno). The eleutherozoid echinoderms are generally less frequent than conodonts and ichthyoliths, however in two levels from the Lesní lom and Mokrá quarries (Famennian Protognathodus kockeli and Tournaisian Siphonodella bransoni Zones) are relatively common. The classes Ophiuroidea and Holothuroidea are reported for the first time from the Moravian Karst. Ophiuroids of the order Oegophiurida MATSUMOTO 1915 (genus Furcaster STÜRTZ, 1900), Phrynophiurida MATSUMOTO 1915 (genus ?Eospondylus GREGORY, 1897) and Stenurida SPENCER, 1951 were determinated. Presented are mainly arm vertebral ossicles. Holothurian sclerites belong to the order Dendrochirotida GRUBE, 1840 (genus Eocaudina MARTIN, 1952) and Apodida BRANDT, 1835 (Achistrum ETHERIDGE, 1881; ?Gagesiniotrochus BOCZAROWSKI, 2001). The most distinctive feature is the mass occurrence of the eleutherozoids elements just after the Hangenberg Event s. s. (last Famennian Protognathodus kockeli conodont Zone). The mentioned fauna probably represents a pioneer association and the presence of commonly opportunistic generalists as are ophiuroids and holuthuroids fits into this scenario.
URAN A THORIUM V GRANITICKÝCH PEGMATITECH A APLITECH SILEZIKA
Authors: Zimák Jiří
Published: July 2014

Contents of uranium and thorium were measured using a laboratory gamma-ray spectrometer in 575 samples of granitic pegmatites and aplites from Silesicum. Very low contents of the both elements were found in metapegmatites occurring in metagranitoids and blastomylonites of the Desná Group, in pre-Variscan muscovite pegmatites with tourmaline, and in Variscan beryl-columbite pegmatites. Very high uranium and thorium contents are in some pegmatite dykes occurring on the Kluč Hill near Kociánov. The pegmatites are composed mainly of feldspars, quartz and mica (biotite and/or muscovite), and contain accessory minerals of uranium and thorium such as uraninite, coffi nite and thorite. The Kluč Hill pegmatites are spatially and genetically bound to a small I-type Variscan granitoid body (so-called Rudná hora Intrusion). Highest average uranium contents were found in pyroxenic pegmatites occurring in the Žulová Massif mantle (its marbles can be considered the main source of uranium).
ZÁZNAMY SEVEROKOREJSKÝCH JADERNÝCH EXPLOZÍ NA SEISMICKÉ STANICI VRAC
Authors: Havíř Josef
Published: July 2014

Seismic station VRAC operated by IPE (Institute of Physics of the Earth) is part of the International Monitoring System CTBTO (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization). This monitoring system is built for verifi cation of the compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Station VRAC provided important registration of the nuclear explosions. Last explosions were carried out on the territory Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), latest North Korean nuclear test was conducted this year (12. 2. 2013). Station VRAC recorded signal of all North Korean nuclear explosions. Registrations by stations of International Monitoring System, including station VRAC, significantly contributed to improving of the discrimination techniques, mainly to improving the discrimination between natural earthquakes and explosions based on the analyses of Ms and mb magnitudes.
TRANSFORMACE BENTONITU PŘI INTERAKCI S VODOU
Authors: Kubcová Veronika , Zeman Josef , Hanuláková Dana
Published: July 2014

Bentonite is a clayey rock, which is planed to be used as an engineer barrier at building a deep storage of nuclear waste. The bentonite sample from the deposit Rokle and two reacting media, both natural and synthetical waters, were used for the experimental study of the mineral stability in aqueous environment at temperature of 95 °C. From experimental data, changes of chemical composition of the system were quantified. Based on the program Geochemist´s Workbench®, the model of bentonite-water interaction was derived. Major changes in the composition of water takes place during the fi rst three months and the composition of water has very little effect on stability and properties of bentonite.
PŘÍNOS GEOFYZIKÁLNÍCH MĚŘENÍ PRO POZNÁNÍ TEKTONIKY A SESUVŮ VE ŠLAPANICÍCH
Authors: Peterová Pavla Tomanová , Hubatka František , Krejčí Oldřich
Published: July 2014

In the area of the Šlapanice school buildings a large frontal landslide in Lower Badenian clay covered by loesses and anthropogenic sediments was documented. Length of the landslide is ca 200 m, width at the base up to 720 m, thickness of the body of the landslide based on geophysical research reaches to 10 m. The landslide is a complex body consisting of older and active parts. The school buildings were founded in old landslide originally. Georadar (two profiles) and geoelektric (one profile) measurements were used for geotechnical evaluation of the landslide. Multi electrode cable tomography (ERT) and dipole electromagnetic conductivity survey (DEMP) were used from geoelectric method. Closely the northern part of the building was measured and interpreted geological-geophysical profile PF0 which was constructed based on georadar measurement and hydrogeological borehole VS-1, the sharp boundary between sediments of the Lower Carboniferous and the Lower Badenian of the Carpathian Foredeep was found. There were intepreted two fault systems of SW–NE direction taking place parallel to the margin of the basin. In the profile PF1 the structure of the landslide in detail was documented. Due to geophysical measurements and study of the borehole database a new fault system within the school buildings area was intepreted.
MIOCENE BRACHIOPODS FROM THE ŽIDLOCHOVICE LOCALITY, CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Pavézková Jana , Hladilová Šárka , Bitner Maria Aleksandra
Published: July 2014

Miocenní brachiopodi z lokality Židlochovice, Česká republikaV příspěvku jsou prezentovány první nálezy miocenních brachiopodů z lokality Židlochovice (karpatská předhlubeň, Morava, Česká republika), a to ze dvou nových vrtů, ŽIDL1 a ŽIDL2, které byly na této lokalitě provedeny v roce 2010. Byly zjištěny celkem 4 druhy brachiopodů, a to Argyrotheca cuneata (Risso, 1826), Argyrotheca sp., Joania sp. a Megathiris detruncata (Gmelin, 1790). Vyskytují se poměrně velmi vzácně a v malém počtu jedinců, byli nalezeni zejména ve vrtu ŽIDL2, pouze druh A. cuneata se objevil i ve vrtu ŽIDL1. Všechny zjištěné druhy jsou běžné v miocénu Centrální Paratethydy
PŘÍSPĚVEK K POZNÁNÍ STRATIGRAFICKÉ POZICE MAGMATITŮ TĚŠÍNITOVÉ ASOCIACE VE SLEZSKÉ JEDNOTCE
Authors: Skupien Petr , Pavluš Ján
Published: July 2014

New results of stratigraphic investigations of the Early Cretaceous sediments of the Hradiště Formation accompanying magmatic rocks of the teschenite association of the Silesian Unit (flysch belt, the Western Carpathians) were made based on noncalcareous dinoflagellate cysts. In view of the dinoflagellate cysts found, the stratigraphic range of the magmatic rocks under study is from the Late Hauterivian to the Late Barremian. It is also possible to assume that the main area of the magmatic activity around Nový Jičín and Příbor is associated with the Late Barremian.
The Multiannual Financial Framework 2014–2020 and the Europe 2020 Strategy – Ambitions beyond (Financial) Capacities? Path Dependency and the EU Budget
Authors: Kölling Mario
Published: July 2014

It is a widely accepted fact that there are considerable advantages in funding research at the EU level, given that research becomes more efficient when it is undertaken on a larger scale. For this reason, the European Commission proposed the MFF 2014–2020 as a tool to contribute to the Europe 2020 Strategy. This new orientation of the EU budget, together with the lessons learned during the economic crisis, seemed to represent, at the forefront of the MFF negotiations, a critical constellation for change in the nature of the communitarian budget and its conversion into a policy instrument. In this paper, I will analyze both the preferences of the main actors in the negotiations and the negotiating process, as well as the design of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014–2020, asking: How far will the MFF 2014–20 contribute to reaching the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy; is there a new direct political and policy link between the EU budget and the goals of the EU 2020 strategy? *****Dr. Mario Kölling, García Pelayo Fellow, Center of Political and Constitutional Studies (CEPC), Plaza de la Marina Española, 9, 28071 Madrid / Spain, mario.koelling@cepc.es.
Mezi masovou a kartelovou stranou. Možnosti teorie při výkladu vývoje ČSSD a KSČM v letech 2000-2010
Authors: Hejtmánek Jan
Published: July 2014

Polášek, Martin; Novotný, Vilém; Perottino, Michel (et al). 2012. Mezi masovou a kartelovou stranou. Možnosti teorie při výkladu vývoje ČSSD a KSČM v letech 2000-2010. Praha: Sociologické Nakladatelství (SLON). 192 pages.
The Political Web: Media, Participation and Alternative Democracy
Authors: Macková Alena
Published: July 2014

Dahlgren, Peter. 2013. The Political Web: Media, Participation and Alternative Democracy. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 208 pages.
The City as an Actor in European Governance? Notes on the Local Sphere Research
Authors: Havlík Vratislav
Published: July 2014

The paper uses the example of Czech and German cities to examine the involvement of the local sphere in multilevel EU governance. Under some conceptualizations (multilevel governance, Europeanization and paradiplomacy), cities are perceived to be relevant actors. However, the range of their competencies and opportunities to create EU politics appears rather unclear and has been left largely unexplored. The inclusion of the local sphere in the concept of multilevel governance is often merely declaratory in character, without offering a clear definition of what is meant by its involvement in practice, what its nature and scope are and what restrictions apply. This paper attempts to initiate a discussion on the role played by cities as the fourth level in European governance and use research to data-map the role played by cities in European policymaking.
The Safe Drinking Water Act: The first 10 years
Authors: Kimm Victor J. , Cotruvo Joseph A. , Hoffbuhr Jack , Calvert Arden
Published: July 2014

The Safe Drinking Water Act not only changed the management and treatment of US water supplies but also established a regulatory implementation process that incorporated science policy and stakeholder input.
Source water protection: Perspectives of the past, present, and future
Authors: Gullick Richard W.
Published: July 2014

As essential as source water protection is, and for the abundance of tools and guidance available, implementation of this centuries‐old concept is met with numerous obstacles, including a casual attitude.
The evolution of asset management in the water industry
Authors: Jones Martin , Williams Will , Stillman Jeff
Published: July 2014

Led by utilities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, utility asset management has developed into a management concept; this article reviews how asset management has evolved in the US water industry and what the future holds.
Future water resource challenges: Four critical and recurring themes
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: July 2014

The twin challenges of water quantity and water quality represent a planetary crisis, perhaps the defining crisis of the 21st century, that can only be addressed by better understanding water's key themes and their implications to lay the groundwork for more substantive and fundamental solutions to our long‐term water resource challenges.
Facilitating supplemental disinfection for Legionella control in plumbing systems
Authors: Cotruvo Joseph A.
Published: July 2014

Slight changes to the way supplemental disinfection is currently regulated could lead to reductions in legionellosis and other diseases without a significant impact on other important drinking water quality parameters.
The importance of waiting
Authors: Sanders Jarred , Biron David
Published: July 2014

Neural circuits that prevent a male C. elegans worm from copulating for several minutes after ejaculation have been identified.
Calmodulin-controlled spatial decoding of oscillatory Ca2+ signals by calcineurin
Authors: Mehta Sohum , Aye-Han Nwe-Nwe , Ganesan Ambhighainath , Oldach Laurel , Gorshkov Kirill , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2014

Calcineurin is responsible for mediating a wide variety of cellular processes in response to dynamic calcium (Ca2+) signals, yet the precise mechanisms involved in the spatiotemporal control of calcineurin signaling are poorly understood. Here, we use genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors to directly probe the role of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in modulating calcineurin activity dynamics in insulin-secreting MIN6 β-cells. We show that Ca2+ oscillations induce distinct temporal patterns of calcineurin activity in the cytosol and plasma membrane vs at the ER and mitochondria in these cells. Furthermore, we found that these differential calcineurin activity patterns are determined by variations in the subcellular distribution of calmodulin (CaM), indicating that CaM plays an active role in shaping both the spatial and temporal aspects of calcineurin signaling. Together, our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which oscillatory signals are decoded to generate specific functional outputs within different cellular compartments.
Reducing Disparities Through Online Accessibility Information
Authors: Barsky Benjamin A. , Stein Michael Ashley , Iezzoni Lisa I.
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint describes the need for more health care organizations to include disability accessibility information on their websites and to improve physical access for patients with disabilities.
Immunotherapy and Overall Survival Among Patients With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Obesity
Authors: Ihara Yasutaka , Sawa Kenji , Imai Takumi , Bito Tsubasa , Shimomura Yuki , Kawai Ryota , Shintani Ayumi
Published: August 2024

IMPORTANCE

The association between obesity and response to cancer treatment and survival remains unclear, with conflicting findings from various studies. The optimal choice between conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy for first-line treatment remains uncertain in patients with obesity who potentially have an inadequate therapeutic response to immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) modifies the association of immunotherapy or conventional therapy with overall survival in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC).

DESIGN, SETTING, and PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cohort study, using administrative claims data obtained from advanced treatment centers in Japan, was conducted between December 1, 2015, and January 31, 2023. Participants included individuals aged 18 years or older with aNSCLC who received immunotherapy, using immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment or conventional chemotherapy.

EXPOSURE

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy as first-line chemotherapy was compared with conventional chemotherapy, identified through patient medical records.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was overall survival. Survival analysis covered a 3-year follow-up period after the first-line chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 31 257 patients with aNSCLC were identified. Of these, 12 816 patients received ICI therapy (mean [SD] age, 70.2 [9.1] years; 10 287 [80.3%] men) and 18 441 patients received conventional chemotherapy (mean [SD] age, 70.2 [8.9] years; 14 139 [76.7%] men). Among patients with BMI less than 28, ICI therapy was associated with a significantly lower hazard of mortality (eg, BMI 24: hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.87) compared with those who underwent conventional chemotherapy. However, no such association was observed among patients with BMI 28 or greater (eg, BMI 28: HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-1.00).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this retrospective cohort study suggest that BMI modifies the association of ICI therapy compared with conventional chemotherapy with overall survival in patients with aNSCLC. A lack of association between ICI therapy and improved survival in patients with aNSCLC and overweight or obesity compared with conventional chemotherapy was observed. This suggests that ICI therapy may not be the optimal first-line therapy for patients with overweight or obesity and the use of conventional chemotherapy should also be considered in such patients.
Engagement in alcohol‐free activity reduces use, improves functioning
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2024

Most substance use treatment providers, policymakers and researchers likely have been paying too little attention to the role of access to alcohol‐free activities in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). A newly published analysis of clinical trial data shows a link between engagement in alcohol‐free activities and reduced drinking behaviors.
NIDA blog promotes office‐based pharmacy dispensing
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2024

In a blog published last week, Nora Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) seems to promote office‐based prescription and pharmacy dispensing of methadone to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). This is not the first time she has said this, although more directly in the past (see ADAW https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34120). Of course, federal agencies do not comment on pending legislation, and there is some, although it appears to be languishing (see ADAW https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34134).
Embedding Biomimetic Vascular Networks via Coaxial Sacrificial Writing into Functional Tissue
Authors: Stankey Paul P. , Kroll Katharina T. , Ainscough Alexander J. , Reynolds Daniel S. , Elamine Alexander , Fichtenkort Ben T. , Uzel Sebastien G.M. , Lewis Jennifer A.
Published: August 2024

Printing human tissues and organs replete with biomimetic vascular networks is of growing interest. While it is possible to embed perfusable channels within acellular and densely cellular matrices, they do not currently possess the biomimetic architectures found in native vessels. Here, coaxial sacrificial writing into functional tissues (co‐SWIFT) is developed, an embedded bioprinting method capable of generating hierarchically branching, multilayered vascular networks within both granular hydrogel and densely cellular matrices. Coaxial printheads are designed with an extended core–shell configuration to facilitate robust core–core and shell–shell interconnections between printed branching vessels during embedded bioprinting. Using optimized core–shell ink combinations, biomimetic vessels composed of a smooth muscle cell‐laden shell that surrounds perfusable lumens are coaxially printed into granular matrices composed of: 1) transparent alginate microparticles, 2) sacrificial microparticle‐laden collagen, or 3) cardiac spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Biomimetic blood vessels that exhibit good barrier function are produced by seeding these interconnected lumens with a confluent layer of endothelial cells. Importantly, it is found that co‐SWIFT cardiac tissues mature under perfusion, beat synchronously, and exhibit a cardio‐effective drug response in vitro. This advance opens new avenues for the scalable biomanufacturing of vascularized organ‐specific tissues for drug testing, disease modeling, and therapeutic use.
Spatially Resolved Light‐Induced Ferroelectric Polarization in α‐In2Se3/Te Heterojunctions
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Haozhe , Mu Haoran , Li Yun , Wang Pu , Wang Yu , Chen Tongsheng , Yuan Jian , Chen Weiqiang , Yu Wenzhi , Zhang Guangyu , Bao Qiaoliang , Lin Shenghuang
Published: August 2024

Light‐induced ferroelectric polarization in 2D layered ferroelectric materials holds promise in photodetectors with multilevel current and reconfigurable capabilities. However, translating this potential into practical applications for high‐density optoelectronic information storage remains challenging. In this work, an α‐In2Se3/Te heterojunction design that demonstrates spatially resolved, multilevel, nonvolatile photoresponsivity is presented. Using photocurrent mapping, the spatially localized light‐induced poling state (LIPS) is visualized in the junction region. This localized ferroelectric polarization induced by illumination enables the heterojunction to exhibit enhanced photoresponsivity. Unlike previous reports that observe multilevel polarization enhancement in electrical resistance, the device shows nonvolatile photoresponsivity enhancement under illumination. After polarization saturation, the photocurrent increases up to 1000 times, from 10−12 to 10−9 A under the irradiation of a 520 nm laser with a power of 1.69 nW, compared to the initial state in a self‐driven mode. The photodetector exhibits high detectivity of 4.6×1010 Jones, with a rise time of 27 µs and a fall time of 28 µs. Furthermore, the device's localized poling characteristics and multilevel photoresponse enable spatially multiplexed optical information storage. These results advance the understanding of LIPS in 2D ferroelectric materials, paving the way for optoelectronic information storage technologies.
Conductive Gel Phantoms for Training in Electrosurgery
Authors: Migliorini Lorenzo , Valaperta Giacomo , Acocella Fabio , Santaniello Tommaso , Castelli Nicolò , Perin Alessandro , Cavaliere Francesco , Vertemati Maurizio , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Milani Paolo
Published: August 2024

Considering the increasing demand for personalized surgical care, as well as current healthcare resources limitations, the use of anatomical accurate 3D physical phantoms is becoming increasingly important for the training of surgeons and the test of surgical instruments. A lack of physical models is nowadays denoted regarding the training in electrosurgery, despite its wide diffusion in medical practice. This work reports an extensive characterization of electrosurgical physical phantoms fabricated with tissue‐mimicking ionogels and hydrogels. A careful design of the conductive gels allow the fine tuning of their mechanical and electrical properties, in order to match those of biological tissues. The manufacturing of a novel multi‐material skin stratification bench‐top pad is reported together with its use for training in both cold and electrical surgery. Furthermore, a feasibility study is reported, showing the use of conductive ionogels for simulating the coagulation of cortical vessels during brain surgery.
From Pregnancy to Pathogens: Boosting Lateral Flow Assays Sensitivity with a Hydrogel Reaction Trap
Authors: Mahardika Ignasia Handipta , Shin Jeong‐Hyeop , Yukird Jutiporn , Lee Sang Ho , Pyun Nayoon , Oh Byung‐Keun , Shin Kwanwoo
Published: August 2024

Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) are cost‐effective and widely utilized for rapid diagnostics, yet they often suffer from limited sensitivity. This study introduces a straightforward yet highly effective method to enhance LFAs performance by integrating a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel to create a “reaction trap.” This hydrogel reaction trap optimizes the flow rate and reaction time at the sensing components, substantially improving assay performance. By applying various hydrogel concentrations (6%, 9%, 12%, 15%, and 18% w/v), significant enhancements across a range of detection systems are achieved. An optimized 18% hydrogel concentration shows a 1.5 times increase in sensitivity in the tested commercial pregnancy test. Additionally, 12% hydrogel concentration is tested in pregnancy, ovulation, and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) commercial kits, and the improvement reached up to a sevenfold increase in signal intensity. The enhancement in detection illustrates the profound impact of this simple modification and shows the importance of hydrogel concentration optimization to maximize detection improvement. These results demonstrate that hydrogel‐coated LFAs offer a scalable and highly effective solution for boosting the reliability and sensitivity of rapid diagnostics across different healthcare settings, with broad potential for global health diagnostics applications.
Solution State‐Like Reactivity of a Flexible Crystalline Werner‐Type Metal Complex
Authors: Zhang Yunya , Zheng Xin , Saito Yuki , Takeda Takashi , Hoshino Norihisa , Takahashi Kiyonori , Nakamura Takayoshi , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Noro Shin‐ichiro
Published: August 2024

Flexible crystalline solids exhibit unique properties in response to external stimuli like heat and light. However, challenges exist in developing crystalline solids that have similar degrees of flexibility as in solution. Herein, we report the preparation of the new flexible crystalline metal complex [Cd(CF3SO3)2(4‐spy)4] (4‐spy=4‐styrylpyridine), which contains photoreactive 4‐spy ligand. Unlike traditional solids, this metal complex displays solution state‐like [2+2] photocycloaddition reactivity. Specifically, UV irradiation of the crystalline material leads to formation of the same diverse array of dimers and cis isomer that are generated by photoreaction in the solution state. In addition, the photoresponsive flexibility of the solid leads to a photosalient effect and photo‐induced formation of pores. The origin of the solution state‐like photoreactivity of the solid is related to properties of the Cd(II) cation and fluorinated CF3SO3 anion, and the multi‐orientational arrangement of the 4‐spy ligands.
Development of an Impinging Jet Microreactor Synthesis Process for Surfactant‐Free Pt‐Nanoparticles as PEMFC Catalyst Component
Authors: Modl Tanja , Lynn Nicholas , Schmitz‐Stöwe Sabine , Schwarz Thomas , Stöwe Klaus
Published: August 2024

Colloidal, surfactant‐free platinum nanoparticles were prepared via a self‐built continuous impinging jet microreactor synthesis process in alkaline aqueous methanol solution (Co4CatTM process). In these syntheses, methanol functions as a reducing agent as well as an additional solvent. Especially the synthesis of surfactant‐free nanoparticles remained challenging, and additionally, the transfer of this synthesis into a continuous process required several optimization steps. In this contribution we present highly controllable final particle sizes by adjusting process temperature, platinum precursor concentration and molar ratio of the hydroxide and platinum precursor used. The size objective of the surfactant‐free Pt nanoparticles was a range of 1 – 10 nm, due to the intended application in various catalytic processes, especially as PEMFC electrocatalyst. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ‐potential measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV/Vis spectroscopy were used to monitor the particle stability over a certain period of time and study the rate of the reduction reaction in more detail.
A facile ice‐templating‐induced puzzle coupled with carbonization strategy for kilogram‐level production of porous carbon nanosheets as high‐capacity anode for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Xing Baolin , Shi Feng , Jin Zhanzhan , Zeng Huihui , Qu Xiaoxiao , Huang Guangxu , Zhang Chuanxiang , Xu Yunkai , Chen Zhengfei , Lu Jun
Published: August 2024

Two‐dimensional porous carbon nanosheets (PCNSs) are considered promising anodes for lithium‐ion batteries due to their synergetic features arising from both graphene and porous structures. Herein, using naturally abundant and biocompatible sodium humate (SH) as the precursor, PCNSs are prepared from the laboratory scale up to the kilogram scale by a method of a facile ice‐templating‐induced puzzle coupled with a carbonization strategy. Such obtained SH‐derived PCNSs (SH‐PCNSs) possess a hierarchical porous structure dominated by mesopores having a specific surface area (~127.19 2 g−1), pore volume (~0.134 cm3 g−1), sheet‐like morphology (~2.18 nm in thickness), and nitrogen/oxygen‐containing functional groups. Owing to these merits, the SH‐PCNSs present impressive Li‐ion storage characteristics, including high reversible capacity (1011 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (465 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1), and superior cycle stability (76.8% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1). It is noted that the SH‐PCNSs prepared from the kilogram‐scale production procedure possess comparable electrochemical properties. Furthermore, coupling with a LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode, the full cells deliver a high capacity of 167 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and exhibit an outstanding energy density of 128.8 Wh kg−1, highlighting the practicability of this porous carbon nanosheets and the potential commercial opportunity of the scalable processing approach.
Produktionsausfälle vermeiden und Kosten einsparen
Authors: Hettegger Michael
Published: August 2024

Durch vorbeugende Instandhaltungstools wie Valve Sense, ein KI‐gestütztes, mobiles Inspektionssystem zur Leckageerkennung in Ventilen, kann die Überprüfung ohne Demontage der Ventile im laufenden Produktionsbetrieb hausintern und auch innerhalb von Ex‐Zonen durchgeführt werden. Leckagen können durch Messen von Schallemissionen bereits vor dem Entstehen größerer Schäden im System entdeckt, Produktionsausfälle vermieden und enorme Folgekosten eingespart werden.
Wasserstoff zuverlässig abdichten
Authors: Steffens Robert
Published: August 2024

Dauerhafte, technische und kalkulierbare Sicherheit sind bei Planung, Auslegung und Nachhaltigkeit mit beliebigen Konzentrationen an Wasserstoff in Erdgas bis zu reinen Wasserstoffprozessen bei Dichtungsanwendungen Voraussetzung. Bei Elastomerwerkstoffen mit Wasserstoffkontakt sind niedrige Glastemperaturen und starke Verbindung zwischen Elastomer und Stahleinlage wesentliche Aspekte, die zur Sicherheit beitragen.
Assessment of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor–Mediated Effects of Aromatic Sensitizers in Paper Recycling Effluent Employing Zebrafish Embryos and in Silico Docking
Authors: Takeda Kazuki , Sarata Aoi , Terasaki Masanori , Kubota Akira , Shimizu Keita , Kamata Ryo
Published: August 2024

Aromatic sensitizers and related substances (SRCs), which are crucial in the paper industry for facilitating color-forming and color-developing chemical reactions, inadvertently contaminate effluents during paper recycling. Owing to their structural resemblance to endocrine-disrupting aromatic organic compounds, concerns have arisen about potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms. We focused on SRC effects via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), employing molecular docking simulations and zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo exposure assessments. Molecular docking revealed heightened binding affinities between certain SRCs in the paper recycling effluents and zebrafish Ahr2 and human AHR, which are pivotal components in the SRC toxicity mechanism. Fertilized zebrafish eggs were exposed to SRCs for up to 96 h post fertilization; among these substances, benzyl 2-naphthyl ether (BNE) caused morphological abnormalities, such as pericardial edema and shortened body length, at relatively low concentrations (1 μM) during embryogenesis. Gene expression of cytochrome P450 1A (cyp1a) and ahr2 was also significantly increased by BNE. Co-exposure to the AHR antagonist CH-223191 only partially mitigated BNE's phenotypic effects, despite the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin being relatively well restored by CH-223191, indicating BNE's AHR-independent toxic mechanisms. Furthermore, some SRCs, including BNE, exhibited in silico binding affinity to the estrogen receptor and upregulation of cyp19a1b gene expression. Therefore, additional insights into the toxicity of SRCs and their mechanisms are essential. The present results provide important information on SRCs and other papermaking chemicals that could help minimize the environmental impact of the paper industry. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2176–2188. © 2024 SETAC
Insights on the microbiology of Ethiopian fermented milk products: A review
Authors: Karssa Tiruha H. , Kussaga Jamal B. , Semedo‐Lemsaddek Teresa , Mugula Jovin K.
Published: August 2024

Fermented milk products play a vital role in the diets of Ethiopians. They are produced from either spontaneous fermentation or back‐slopping methods at the household level, in which lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts predominate. As a result, the processing steps are not standardized and overall safety is still of public health relevance. Therefore, quality and safety improvement, standardization of traditional manufacturing practices, and commercialization of products to a wider market are important. Hence, this systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the microbiology of traditional Ethiopian fermented milk products, including ergo (spontaneously fermented whole milk), dhanaan (fermented camel milk), ititu (concentrated sour milk or spontaneously fermented milk curd), ayib (traditional cottage cheese), qibe (traditional butter), arrera (defatted buttermilk), and hazo (spiced fermented buttermilk). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and searched relevant databases and search engines, including the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. Furthermore, the pertinent literature was checked individually and identified. Dairy fermentation provides shelf‐life extension and improves the organoleptic quality of products. Nonetheless, the aforementioned Ethiopian fermented foods may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157: H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., or Staphylococcus aureus due to inadequate processing and handling practices. This systematic review also revealed that these traditional milk products lack consistent quality and safety due to poor hygienic preparation techniques, non‐controlled fermentation, and limited knowledge or awareness of small‐holder dairy farmers. Therefore, the use of suitable procedures including good hygienic practices and controlled fermentation is recommended.
Pharmacological characterization of the antidiabetic drug metformin in atherosclerosis inhibition: A comprehensive insight
Authors: Turkistani Areej , Al‐Kuraishy Haydar M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Bahaa Mostafa M. , Al‐Windy Salah , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: August 2024

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a progressive disease that interferes with blood flow, leading to cardiovascular complications such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and vascular ischemia. The progression of AS is correlated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Various signaling pathways, like nuclear erythroid‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kruppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2), are involved in the pathogenesis of AS. Nrf2 and KLF2 have anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, activation of these pathways may reduce the development of AS. Metformin, an insulin‐sensitizing drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), increases the expression of Nrf2 and KLF2. AS is a common long‐term macrovascular complication of T2DM. Thus, metformin, through its pleiotropic anti‐inflammatory effect, may attenuate the development and progression of AS.

Aims

Therefore, this review aims to investigate the possible role of metformin in AS concerning its effect on Nrf2 and KLF2 and inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. In addition to its antidiabetic effect, metformin can reduce cardiovascular morbidities and mortalities compared to other antidiabetic agents, even with similar blood glucose control by the Nrf2/KLF2 pathway activation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, metformin is an effective therapeutic strategy against the development and progression of AS, mainly through activation of the KLF2/Nrf2 axis.