bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age‐ and sex‐specific changes in visceral fat mass throughout the life‐span
Authors: Baarts Rikke Bannebjerg , Jensen Mads Radmer , Hansen Ole Michael , Haddock Bryan , Prescott Eva , Hovind Peter , Simonsen Lene , Bülow Jens , Suetta Charlotte
Published: June 2023

Objective

Visceral fat mass (VFM) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and malignancy; however, normative data are limited. The aim of this study was to provide reference data for VFM from a large, apparently healthy Caucasian adult population.

Methods

Volunteers aged 20 to 93 years from the Copenhagen City Heart Study had a standardized whole‐body dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan performed using the iDXA (GE Lunar). Total and regional fat mass was measured. VFM was quantified using the CoreScan application.

Results

A total of 1277 participants were included (708 women, mean [SD], age: 56  [19] years, height: 1.66 [0.07] m, BMI: 24.64 [4.31] kg/m2; and 569 men, age: 57 [18] years, height: 1.80 [0.07] m, BMI: 25.99 [3.86] kg/m2). Increased VFM was positively correlated with age in both sexes. Men had significantly higher VFM in mass (g) after normalization to body size (m2) and total fat mass (p < 0.001). VFM increased more in women with high values of the android/gynoid ratio.

Conclusions

Normative data of VFM from a large, healthy Danish cohort aged 20 to 93 years are presented. VFM increased with age in both sexes, but men had significantly higher VFM compared with women with the same BMI, body fat percentage, and fat mass index.
Placental epigenetic marks related to gestational weight gain reveal potential genes associated with offspring obesity parameters
Authors: Gómez‐Vilarrubla Ariadna , Mas‐Parés Berta , Carreras‐Badosa Gemma , Xargay‐Torrent Sílvia , Prats‐Puig Anna , Bonmatí‐Santané Alexandra , de Zegher Francis , Ibañez Lourdes , López‐Bermejo Abel , Bassols Judit
Published: June 2023

Objective

Offspring exposed to gestational obesity have an increased risk for chronic diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetics may play a mechanistic role in metabolic programming. This study aimed to identify placental DNA methylation marks associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) and to study their association with offspring obesity parameters at school age.

Methods

A global methylation array was performed in 24 placentas from mothers with different degrees of GWG (screening sample). The methylation percentage of four cytosine‐guanine (CpG) sites and the relative expression of the respective annotated genes were studied in 90 additional placentas (validation sample). Associations of these epigenetic marks with clinical parameters in the offspring at 6 years of age were examined.

Results

The screening analysis identified 104 CpG sites (97 genes) associated with GWG. The validation analysis of four selected CpG sites (annotating for FRAT1, SNX5, and KCNK3 genes) showed that the upregulation of SNX5 methylation, the downregulation of FRAT1 methylation, and KCNK3 underexpression associated with an adverse metabolic phenotype in children of women with increased GWG.

Conclusions

These results suggest that placental regulation of FRAT1, SNX5, and KCNK3 relates to obesity parameters in offspring exposed to excessive GWG and thereby could condition the risk for future metabolic disorders.

image
Optimization of Chondrocyte Viability in Partially Decellularized Tracheal Grafts
Authors: Bergman Maxwell , Harwood Jacqueline , Liu Lumei , Dharmadikhari Sayali , Shontz Kimberly M. , Chiang Tendy
Published: June 2023

Objective

Advancements in tissue‐engineered tracheal replacement (TETR) show promise for the use of partially decellularized tracheal grafts (PDTG) to address critical gaps in airway management and reconstruction. In this study, aiming to leverage the immunoprivileged nature of cartilage to preserve tracheal biomechanics, we optimize PDTG for retention of native chondrocytes.

Study Design

Comparison in vivo murine study.

Setting

Research Institute affiliated with Tertiary Pediatric Hospital.

Methods

PDTG were created per a shortened decellularization protocol using sodium dodecyl sulfate, then biobanked via cryopreservation technique. Decellularization efficiency was characterized by DNA assay and histology. Viability and apoptosis of chondrocytes in preimplanted PDTG and biobanked native trachea (control) was assessed with live/dead and apoptosis assays. PDTG (N = 5) and native trachea (N = 6) were orthotopically implanted in syngeneic recipients for 1‐month. At the endpoint, microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) was employed to interrogate graft patency and radiodensity in vivo. Vascularization and epithelialization were qualitatively analyzed using histology images following explant.

Results

PDTG exhibited complete decellularization of all extra‐cartilaginous cells and reduced DNA content compared to control. Chondrocyte viability and nonapoptotic cell populations were improved utilizing biobanking and shorter decellularization time. All grafts remained patent. Evaluation of graft radiodensity at 1 month revealed elevation of Hounsfield units in both PDTG and native compared to host, with PDTG showing higher radiodensity than native. PDTG supported complete epithelialization and functional reendothelialization 1‐month postimplantation.

Conclusion

Optimizing PDTG chondrocyte viability is a key component to successful tracheal replacement. Ongoing research seeks to evaluate the acute and chronic immunogenicity of PDTG.
Thermal aging effect of polyamide 6 matrix composites produced by Tailor Fiber Placement (TFP) under compression molding on sliding wear properties
Authors: Sahin Alp Eren , Yarar Eser , Kara Hasan , Cep Emine Bas , Bora Mustafa Ozgur , Yilmaz Taner
Published: June 2023

Today, the aim is to reduce the harm caused by vehicles to the environment in accordance with decisions made to address environmental pollution and the global climate crisis. To this end, in addition to design improvements, and technological advancements, materials that can reduce the weight of the vehicles and provide the desired mechanical properties, are being studied. Glass fiber‐polyamide composites offer a unique combination of properties that make them suitable for a wide range of applications in the automotive industry. This study focused on the production of GF‐PA6 composites using compression molding and Tailor Fiber Placement (TFP) technology. The production was carried out at a constant temperature of 300°C, and 16 bar pressure, with holding times of 270–300–330 s. Short‐term thermal aging cycles were also applied to evaluate the effects of environmental exposure on the GF‐PA6 composite material. The wear behavior of the composite was then assessed through sliding wear tests, which indicated that an increase in holding time improved the wear resistance, while the aging process had a negative impact. The experimental results were analyzed statistically using response surface methodology (RSM) and showed a statistically consistent response. It was found that aging had no significant effect on the coefficient of friction (COF), but significantly impacted the wear rate. The COF of composite samples decreased approximately 35% with increasing holding time. When the sliding distance increased from 150 to 300 m, the wear rate value decreased by 24% in non‐aged samples and by 35% in aged samples.
‘Nachit’, a wild‐relative‐derived durum wheat resilient to climate change in Morocco
Authors: Taghouti Mona , Bassi Filippo Maria , Nasrellah Nsarelhaq , Amri Ahmed , Motawaj Jihan , Nachit Miloudi
Published: June 2023

Morocco, in North Africa, is a country vastly exposed to the whims of climate change, with frequent moisture and heat stresses occurring throughout the season. Hence, developing climate‐resilient, high‐yielding, and nutritious cultivars of durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. durum (Desf.)] is a major goal and challenge of Moroccan crop breeders. In that sense, the exploitation of crop wild relatives (CWRs) holds great potential to increase genetic diversity for critical adaptation traits. ‘Nachit’ (Reg. no. CV‐1202, PI 702365) is a CWR‐derived durum wheat cultivar released in 2018 for cultivation in Morocco by a joint effort of the National Institute of Agronomic Research, Morocco and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. Nachit was released due to its good adaptation to the Moroccan dry conditions combined with high yield potential under irrigated conditions, extremely large grains, and richness in protein content. It also combines several traits for drought tolerance such as earliness and deep root system. Nachit was derived from a top cross between two elite lines and a wild emmer [T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides] collected in Syria. Hence, it provides a substantial example of exploitation of CWRs to achieve a superior cultivar adapted to the climatic stresses and responding to human needs.
Seroprevalence and clinical characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hergenroeder Georgene E. , Faino Anna V. , Cogen Jonathan D. , Genatossio Alan , McNamara Sharon , Pascual Michael , Hernandez Rafael E.
Published: June 2023

Background

People with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) have chronic lung disease and may be at increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence and clinical characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), and to assess antibody responses following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or vaccination.

Methods

Children and adolescents with CF followed at Seattle Children's Hospital were enrolled between July 20, 2020 and February 28, 2021. SARS‐CoV‐2 serostatus was determined on enrollment at 6 and 11 months (±2 months) for nucleocapsid and spike IgG. Participants completed intake and weekly surveys inquiring about SARS‐CoV‐2 exposures, viral/respiratory illnesses, and symptoms.

Results

Of 125 PwCF enrolled, 14 (11%) had positive SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies consistent with recent or past infection. Seropositive participants were more likely to identify as Hispanic (29% vs. 8%,p = 0.04) and have pulmonary exacerbations requiring oral antibiotics in the year prior (71% vs. 41%,p = 0.04). Five seropositive individuals (35.7%) were asymptomatic, while six (42.9%) reported mild symptoms, primarily cough and nasal congestion. Antispike protein IgG levels were approximately 10‐fold higher in participants following vaccination compared with participants who had natural infection alone (p < 0.0001) and resembled levels previously reported in the general population.

Conclusions

A majority of PwCF have mild or no symptoms of SARS‐CoV‐2 making it difficult to distinguish from baseline respiratory symptoms. Hispanic PwCF may be disproportionately impacted, consistent with racial and ethnic COVID‐19 disparities among the general US population. Vaccination in PwCF generated antibody responses similar to those previously reported in the general population.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Hu Huiyong , Jing Xiaoping , Duan Xiuhua , Zhou Leiping , Xu Yunfeng
Published: June 2023

A fetus was found to have a right diaphragmatic hernia during a prenatal ultrasonography examination late in the second trimester. A “green channel” with multi department dynamic monitoring was instituted, at 40 + 4 weeks, with the infant under general anesthesia, hernia repair was later successfully performed. After the operation, the infant's vital signs were stable and their condition remained good during follow‐up.
Taekwondo Poomsae practise in slow motion and the balance of healthy older adults: A Pre‐Experimental Study
Authors: Li Derong Eric , Chiang Ji Long , Loh Zhi Hao Melvin , Zainuldin Rahizan
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Poor balance confidence and functional balance can lead to falls in community‐dwelling older adults. Exercises utilising slow movements have been shown to improve balance in this population. It is hypothesised that by superimposing the use of slow movements onto Taekwondo Poomsae, there could be similar benefits in improving balance confidence and functional balance in older adults.

Methods

This was a pre ‐ experimental study. Fifteen community‐dwelling older adults received 11 weeks of Slow Poomsae (SP) training using a proposed 50‐min protocol. Pre‐ and post‐intervention scores of the Activities‐Specific Balance Confidence Simplified Scale (ABC‐S), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and ‘Timed Up and Go’ test (TUG) assessments were recorded and compared.

Results

Fifteen eligible participants with mean and standard deviation (SD) of age 73.8 (6.05) years completed the study. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were seen in the pre‐post differences between ABC‐S, BBS, DGI, and TUG, with median score changes of 15 points (Z = −3.408), 3 points (Z = −3.306), 3 points (Z = −2.852), and 3.5 s (Z = −3.296) respectively.

Conclusion

The preliminary findings support the efficacy of SP as a potential balance training programme that is safe for healthy older adults to improve their balance confidence and functional balance. More research is required on this topic that leans towards a large population blinded randomised controlled trial with a longer intervention period and inclusion of a follow‐up to further elucidate the effects of long‐term practice and novelty of SP.
Conformational changes in the activation loop of a bacterial PASTA kinase
Authors: Bluma Matthew S. , Schultz Kathryn M. , Kristich Christopher J. , Klug Candice S.
Published: June 2023

Many bacterial genomes encode a transmembrane protein kinase belonging to the PASTA kinase family, which controls numerous processes in diverse bacterial pathogens, including antibiotic resistance, cell division, stress resistance, toxin production, and virulence. PASTA kinases share a conserved three‐part domain architecture, consisting of an extracellular PASTA domain, proposed to sense the peptidoglycan layer status, a single transmembrane helix, and an intracellular Ser/Thr kinase domain. The crystal structures of the kinase domain from two homologous PASTA kinases reveal a characteristic two‐lobed structure typical of eukaryotic protein kinases with a centrally located, but unresolved, activation loop that becomes phosphorylated and regulates downstream signaling pathways. We previously identified three sites of phosphorylation on the activation loop (T163, T166, and T168) of IreK, a PASTA kinase from the pathogen Enterococcus faecalis, as well as a distal phosphorylation site (T218) that each influence IreK activity in vivo. Still, the mechanism by which loop phosphorylation regulates PASTA kinase function is yet unknown. Therefore, we utilized site‐directed spin labeling (SDSL) and continuous wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to assess the E. faecalis IreK kinase activation loop dynamics, including the effects of phosphorylation on activation loop motion, and the IreK‐IreB interaction. Our results reveal that the IreK activation loop occupies a more immobile state when dephosphorylated, and that loop autophosphorylation shifts the loop to a more mobile state that can then enable interaction with IreB, a known substrate.
Chemical interactions modulate λ6‐85stability in cells
Authors: Knab Edward , Davis Caitlin M.
Published: June 2023

Because steric crowding is most effective when the crowding agent is similar in size to the molecule that it acts upon and the average macromolecule inside cells is much larger than a small protein or peptide, steric crowding is not predicted to affect their folding inside cells. On the other hand, chemical interactions should perturb in‐cell structure and stability because they arise from interactions between the surface of the small protein or peptide and its environment. Indeed, previous in vitro measurements of the λ‐repressor fragment, λ6‐85, in crowding matrices comprised of Ficoll or protein crowders support these predictions. Here, we directly quantify the in‐cell stability of λ6‐85and distinguish the contribution of steric crowding and chemical interactions to its stability. Using a FRET‐labeled λ6‐85construct, we find that the fragment is stabilized by 5°C in‐cells compared to in vitro. We demonstrate that this stabilization cannot be explained by steric crowding because, as anticipated, Ficoll has no effect on λ6‐85stability. We find that the in‐cell stabilization arises from chemical interactions, mimicked in vitro by mammalian protein extraction reagent (M‐PER™). Comparison between FRET values in‐cell and in Ficoll confirms that U‐2 OS cytosolic crowding is reproduced at macromolecule concentrations of 15% w/v. Our measurements validate the cytomimetic of 15% Ficoll and 20% M‐PER™ that we previously developed for protein and RNA folding studies. However, because the in‐cell stability of λ6‐85is reproduced by 20% v/v M‐PER™ alone, we predict that this simplified mixture could be a useful tool to predict the in‐cell behaviors of other small proteins and peptides.
Extein residues regulate the catalytic function of Spl DnaX intein enzyme by restricting the near‐attack conformations of the active‐site residues
Authors: Boral Soumendu , Sen Srijon , Kushwaha Tushar , Inampudi Krishna K. , De Soumya
Published: June 2023

Intein enzymes catalyze the splicing of their flanking polypeptide chains and have found tremendous biotechnological applications. Their terminal residues form the catalytic core and participate in the splicing reaction. Hence, the neighboring N‐ and C‐terminal extein residues influence the catalytic rate. As these extein residues vary depending on the substrate identity, we tested the influence of 20 amino acids at these sites in the Spl DnaX intein and observed significant variation of spliced product as well as N‐ and C‐terminus cleavage product formation. We investigated the dependence of these reactions on the extein residues by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on eight extein variants, and found that the conformational sampling of the active‐site residues of the intein enzyme differed among these extein variants. We found that the extein variants that sample higher population of near‐attack conformers (NACs) of the active‐site residues undergo higher product formation in our activity assays. Ground state conformers that closely resemble the transition state are referred to as NACs. Very good correlation was observed between the NAC populations from the MD simulations of eight extein variants and the corresponding product formation from our activity assays. Furthermore, this molecular detail enabled us to elucidate the mechanistic roles of several conserved active‐site residues in the splicing reaction. Overall, this study shows that the catalytic power of Spl DnaX intein enzyme, and most likely other inteins, depends on the efficiency of formation of NACs in the ground state, which is further modulated by the extein residues.
A disulfide chaperone knockout facilitates spin labeling and pulse EPR spectroscopy of outer membrane transporters
Authors: Wimalasiri Viranga W. , Jurczak Kinga A. , Wieliniec Monika K. , Nilaweera Thushani D. , Nakamoto Robert K. , Cafiso David S.
Published: June 2023

Pulse EPR measurements provide information on distances and distance distributions in proteins but require the incorporation of pairs of spin labels that are usually attached to engineered cysteine residues. In previous work, we demonstrated that efficient in vivo labeling of the Escherichia coli outer membrane vitamin B12 transporter, BtuB, could only be achieved using strains defective in the periplasmic disulfide bond formation (Dsb) system. Here, we extend these in vivo measurements to FecA, the E. coli ferric citrate transporter. As seen for BtuB, pairs of cysteines cannot be labeled when the protein is present in a standard expression strain. However, incorporating plasmids that permit an arabinose induced expression of FecA into a strain defective in the thiol disulfide oxidoreductase, DsbA, enables efficient spin‐labeling and pulse EPR of FecA in cells. A comparison of the measurements made on FecA in cells with measurements made in reconstituted phospholipid bilayers suggests that the cellular environment alters the behavior of the extracellular loops of FecA. In addition to these in situ EPR measurements, the use of a DsbA minus strain for the expression of BtuB improves the EPR signals and pulse EPR data obtained in vitro from BtuB that is labeled, purified, and reconstituted into phospholipid bilayers. The in vitro data also indicate the presence of intermolecular BtuB‐BtuB interactions, which had not previously been observed in a reconstituted bilayer system. This result suggests that in vitro EPR measurements on other outer membrane proteins would benefit from protein expression in a DsbA minus strain.
A Note on Integrability Loss in Fuzzball Geometries
Authors: Emelin Maxim , Massai Stefano
Published: June 2023

The dynamics of certain string configurations in a class of fivebrane supertube backgrounds is studied. In the decoupling limit of the fivebranes, these solutions are known to admit an exact description in worldsheet string theory and string propagation is integrable. For the asymptotically flat solutions, by using analytic tools of classical Hamiltonian systems, the non‐integrability of classical string motion is proved. This suggests that string dynamics in circular supertube geometries exhibit a regime of chaotic behavior.
DMC (2′,4′‐dihydroxy‐6′‐methoxy‐3′,5′‐dimethylchalcone) enhances exercise tolerance via the AMPK‐SIRT1‐PGC‐1α pathway in mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Su Xiaotong , Lai Linglin , Li Xu , Li Wenna , Mo Zhentao , Li Yiqi , Xiao Lu , Wang Wenjun , Wang Feng
Published: June 2023

Obesity is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This study aimed to determine the effects and mechanisms of 2′,4′‐dihydroxy‐6′‐methoxy‐3′,5′‐dimethylchalcone (DMC) on exercise tolerance in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two categories (7 groups [n = 8]): sedentary (control [CON], HFD, 200 mg/kg DMC, and 500 mg/kg DMC) and swimming (HFD, 200 mg/kg DMC, and 500 mg/kg DMC). Except the CON group, all other groups were fed HFD with or without DMC intervention for 33 days. The swimming groups were subjected to exhaustive swimming (three sessions/week). Changes in swimming time, glucolipid metabolism, body composition, biochemical indicators, histopathology, inflammation, metabolic mediators, and protein expression were assessed. DMC combined with regular exercise improved endurance performance, body composition, glucose and insulin tolerance, lipid profile, and the inflammatory state in a dose‐dependent manner. Further, DMC alone or combined with exercise could restore normal tissue morphology, reduce fatigue‐associated markers, and boost whole‐body metabolism and the protein expression of phospho‐AMP‐activated protein kinase alpha/total‐AMP‐activated protein kinase alpha (AMPK), sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1), peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC‐1α), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha in the muscle and adipose tissues of HFD‐fed mice. DMC exhibits antifatigue effects by regulating glucolipid catabolism, inflammation, and energy homeostasis. Furthermore, DMC exerts a synergistic exercise‐related metabolic effect via the AMPK‐SIRT1‐PGC‐1α signaling pathway, suggesting that DMC is a potential natural sports supplement with mimicked or augmented exercise effects for obesity prevention.
An experimental and DFT investigations of fused ring anthracenyl chalcones with effective modification in acceptor moiety: Nonlinear optical and optical limiting response
Authors: Zainuri Dian Alwani , Abdullah Mundzir , Bakar Mohamad Aizat Abu , Arshad Suhana , Razak Ibrahim Abdul
Published: June 2023

The significance of the anthracene moiety on nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristics is thoroughly examined. The presence of strong electron donor and acceptor groups, large and prolonged conjugation transfer axis, amplifies the push–pull action and increases NLO responses. The values of χ3 obtained for AC derivatives are considerably larger (10−3 esu), indicating that they accurately reflect NLO reactions. According to the optical limiting (OL) investigation, AC has a strong limiting behavior with action beginning at 1.6 KW/cm2. The relationship between transmittance and intensity has demonstrated their potential use in OL applications. Nonlinear optical studies show that all conjugated anthracene chalcones are potential materials for OL devices.
Efficient Verification of Arbitrary Entangled States with Homogeneous Local Measurements
Authors: Liu Ye‐Chao , Li Yinfei , Shang Jiangwei , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: June 2023

Quantum state verification (QSV) is the task of relying on local measurements only to verify that a given quantum device does produce the desired target state. Up to now, certain types of entangled states can be verified efficiently or even optimally by QSV. However, given an arbitrary entangled state, how to design its verification protocol remains an open problem. This study presents a systematic strategy to tackle this problem by considering the locality of what it initiates as the choice‐independent measurement protocols, whose operators can be directly achieved when they are homogeneous. Taking several typical entangled states as examples, this study shows the explicit procedures of the protocol design using standard Pauli projections, demonstrating the superiority of the method for attaining better QSV strategies. Moreover, the framework can be naturally extended to other tasks such as the construction of entanglement witnesses, and even parameter estimation.
Aperiodic sampled‐data consensus control for homogeneous and heterogeneous multi‐agent systems: A looped‐functional method
Authors: Peng Xiao‐Jie , He Yong
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the aperiodic sampled‐data consensus control problems for nonlinear homogeneous and heterogeneous multi‐agent systems (MASs). For homogeneous MASs, the consensus conditions, with and without time delays are derived by using a two‐sided‐looped functional. This less conservative approach takes full account of the information on the intervals to and to . On this basis, two aperiodic sampled‐data controllers are designed, and additional results on the estimate for the upper bound of the maximum allowable sampling interval are given as well. For heterogeneous MASs, the bounded consensus tracking criterion is derived based on the improved looped functional method. In addition, a corresponding heterogeneous sampled‐data controller is designed for each follower to ensure that the consensus tracking error exponentially converges to a bounded ellipsoid region. Finally, three illustrative examples are provided to show the efficiency and superiority of the proposed results.
Building resilience to climate change: Examining the impact of agro‐ecological zones and social groups on sustainable development
Authors: Kandel Giri Prasad , Bavorova Miroslava , Ullah Ayat , Kaechele Harald , Pradhan Prajal
Published: June 2023

Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, which is negatively affecting agricultural production and food security. However, the role of agro‐ecological zones and social groups in climate change adaptation (CCA) and its impact on smallholder farmers in Nepal remains unexplored. To fill this gap, this study aimed to identify the effect of agro‐ecological zones and social groups on smallholder farmers' adaptation to climate change using the multivariate probit model. Multistage sampling was used to collect data from 400 households in three agro‐ecological zones of Nepal. These zones were highland (mountainous region), midland (hilly region) and lowland (terai/plain region). The results of our study showed that farmers in the Mountain region are more likely to adopt off‐farm activities and temporary migration as a CCA strategy than those in the Terai/plain agro‐ecological zone. In the Terai/Plain, farmers mainly adopt small‐scale irrigation and agroforestry. In terms of social groups, the Brahmin group was more likely to adopt new crop varieties and small‐scale irrigation than the Sudra group. The Sudra farmers preferred temporary migration and off‐farm activities more than the Brahmins. Our study shows that policies to promote the adoption of CCA strategies need to take into account location and social group differences in order to improve the adaptive capacity of the most vulnerable farmers. Mountain and Sudra farmers need support to adapt to climate change and sustain agriculture.
Healthcare center clustering for Cox's proportional hazards model by fusion penalty
Authors: Liu Lili , He Kevin , Wang Di , Ma Shujie , Qu Annie , Lin Lu , Miller J. Philip , Liu Lei
Published: June 2023

There has been growing research interest in developing methodology to evaluate healthcare centers' performance with respect to patient outcomes. Conventional assessments can be conducted using fixed or random effects models, as seen in provider profiling. We propose a new method, using fusion penalty to cluster healthcare centers with respect to a survival outcome. Without any prior knowledge of the grouping information, the new method provides a desirable data‐driven approach for automatically clustering healthcare centers into distinct groups based on their performance. An efficient alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm is developed to implement the proposed method. The validity of our approach is demonstrated through simulation studies, and its practical application is illustrated by analyzing data from the national kidney transplant registry.
Subgroup analysis for longitudinal data based on a partial linear varying coefficient model with a change plane
Authors: Wei Kecheng , Qin Guoyou , Zhu Zhongyi
Published: June 2023

Subgroup analysis has become an important tool to characterize the treatment effect heterogeneity, and finally towards precision medicine. On the other hand, longitudinal study is widespread in many fields, but subgroup analysis for this data type is still limited. In this article, we study a partial linear varying coefficient model with a change plane, in which the subgroups are defined based on linear combination of grouping variables, and the time‐varying effects in different subgroups are estimated to capture the dynamic association between predictors and response. The varying coefficients are approximated by basis functions and the group indicator function is smoothed by kernel function, which are included in the generalized estimating equation for estimation. Asymptotic properties of the estimators for the varying coefficients, the constant coefficients and the change plane coefficients are established. Simulations are conducted to demonstrate the flexibility, efficiency and robustness of the proposed method. Based on the Standard and New Antiepileptic Drugs study, we successfully identify a subgroup in which patients are sensitive to the newer drug in a specific period of time.
Building a bridge to the future: Prospective legitimation in nascent markets
Authors: Harmon Derek , Rhee Eunice , Cho Yun Ha
Published: June 2023

Research Summary

How do new things in nascent markets become legitimate? Existing research points to a process where legitimacy is built by making associations with already legitimate ideas from other domains. In this study, however, we investigate the Internet boom of the 1990s, a nascent setting where something new—engagement metrics used to evaluate firms—gained legitimacy amongst investors, but not by being associated with already legitimate metrics. Using a question‐driven mixed‐methods approach, we reveal that these new metrics instead gained legitimacy through a novel process we term prospective legitimation, where a new basis of legitimacy was constructed by firms linking their otherwise unproven new metrics to future profitability. We discuss how these findings inform research on legitimacy, the development of nascent markets, and future‐oriented communications.

Managerial Summary

Firms in nascent markets often face the challenge of convincing investors to buy into something new. This is difficult because new ideas not only have few precedents, but they also have not been around long enough to have proven their value. Our research shows how firms can legitimate their new ideas prospectively by using future‐oriented communications that link their otherwise unproven new ideas to a desirable future outcome. Through an investigation of the Internet boom of the 1990s, we demonstrate that Internet firms gradually convinced investors to accept their new engagement metrics (e.g., traffic, visitors, users) before there was any concrete evidence that such metrics actually led to profitability. This study thus enhances our understanding of how new ideas gain traction in nascent markets.
Particles and Prejudice: Nanomedicine Approaches to Reducing Health Disparities in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Rowlands Claire E. , Folberg Abigail M. , Beickman Zachary K. , Devor Eric J. , Leslie Kimberly K. , Givens Brittany E.
Published: June 2023

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy worldwide and unfortunately has a much higher mortality rate in Black women compared with White women. Many potential factors contribute to these mortality rates, including the underlying effects of systemic and interpersonal racism. Furthermore, other trends in medicine have potential links to these rates including participation in clinical trials, hormone therapy, and pre‐existing health conditions. Addressing the high incidence and disparate mortality rates in endometrial cancer requires novel methods, such as nanoparticle‐based therapeutics. These therapeutics have been growing in increasing prevalence in pre‐clinical development and have far‐reaching implications in cancer therapy. The rigor of pre‐clinical studies is enhanced by the likeness of the model to the human body. In systems for 3D cell culture, for example, the extracellular matrix mimics the tumor more closely. The increasing emphasis on precision medicine can be applied to cancer using nanoparticle‐based methods and applied to pre‐clinical models by using patient‐derived model data. This review highlights the intersections of nanomedicine, precision medicine, and racial disparities within endometrial cancer and provides insights into reducing health disparities using recent scientific advances on the nanoscale.
Self‐Assembly of Mixed‐Dimensional GeS1−xSex (1D Nanowire)–(2D Plate) Van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Sutter Eli , Sutter Peter
Published: June 2023

The integration of dissimilar materials into heterostructures is a mainstay of modern materials science and technology. An alternative strategy of joining components with different electronic structure involves mixed‐dimensional heterostructures, that is, architectures consisting of elements with different dimensionality, for example, 1D nanowires and 2D plates. Combining the two approaches can result in hybrid architectures in which both the dimensionality and composition vary between the components, potentially offering even larger contrast between their electronic structures. To date, realizing such heteromaterials mixed‐dimensional heterostructures has required sequential multi‐step growth processes. Here, it is shown that differences in precursor incorporation rates between vapor–liquid–solid growth of 1D nanowires and direct vapor–solid growth of 2D plates attached to the wires can be harnessed to synthesize heteromaterials mixed‐dimensional heterostructures in a single‐step growth process. Exposure to mixed GeS and GeSe vapors produces GeS1−xSex van der Waals nanowires whose S:Se ratio is considerably larger than that of attached layered plates. Cathodoluminescence spectroscopy on single heterostructures confirms that the bandgap contrast between the components is determined by both composition and carrier confinement. These results demonstrate an avenue toward complex heteroarchitectures using single‐step synthesis processes.
Enhancing Ionic Transport and Structural Stability of Lithium‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes via Local Structure Regulation
Authors: Liu Wei , Xu Juping , Kan Wang Hay , Yin Wen
Published: June 2023

Lithium‐rich manganese‐based layered oxides (LRM) have garnered considerable attention as cathode materials due to their superior performance. However, the inherent structural degradation and obstruction of ion transport during cycling lead to capacity and voltage decay, impeding their practical applications. Herein, an Sb‐doped LRM material with local spinel phase is reported, which has good compatibility with the layered structure and provides 3D Li+ diffusion channels to accelerate Li+ transport. Additionally, the strong Sb‐O bond enhances the stability of the layered structure. Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry indicates that highly electronegative Sb doping effectively suppresses the release of oxygen in the crystal structure and mitigates successive electrolyte decomposition, thereby reducing structural degradation of the material. As a result of this dual‐functional design, the 0.5 Sb‐doped material with local spinel phases exhibits favorable cycling stability, retaining 81.7% capacity after 300 cycles at 1C, and an average discharge voltage of 1.87 mV per cycle, which is far superior to untreated material with retention values of 28.8% and 3.43 mV, respectively. This study systematically introduces Sb doping and regulates local spinel phases to facilitate ion transport and alleviate structural degradation of LRM, thereby suppressing capacity and voltage fading, and improving the electrochemical performance of batteries.
Ferroelectric–Optoelectronic Hybrid System for Photodetection
Authors: Liu Jie , Su Li , Zhang Xinglong , Shtansky Dmitry V. , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: June 2023

Photodetectors (PDs), as functional devices based on photon‐to‐electron conversion, are an indispensable component for the next‐generation Internet of Things system. The research of advanced and efficient PDs that meet the diverse demands is becoming a major task. Ferroelectric materials can develop a unique spontaneous polarization due to the symmetry‐breaking of the unit cell, which is switchable under an external electric field. Ferroelectric polarization field has the intrinsic characteristics of non‐volatilization and rewritability. Introducing ferroelectrics to effectively manipulate the band bending and carrier transport can be non‐destructive and controllable in the ferroelectric–optoelectronic hybrid systems. Hence, ferroelectric integration offers a promising strategy for high‐performance photoelectric detection. This paper reviews the fundamentals of optoelectronic and ferroelectric materials, and their interactions in hybrid photodetection systems. The first section introduces the characteristics and applications of typical optoelectronic and ferroelectric materials. Then, the interplay mechanisms, modulation effects, and typical device structures of ferroelectric–optoelectronic hybrid systems are discussed. Finally, in summary and perspective section, the progress of ferroelectrics integrated PDs is summed up and the challenges of ferroelectrics in the field of optoelectronics are considered.
Effect of Feeding Strip Temperature on Macrosegregation in a Large Continuous Casting Round Bloom
Authors: Yao Yuchao , Liu Zhongqiu , Rong Wenjie , Li Baokuan , Gan Yong
Published: June 2023

Feeding a cold steel strip into continuous casting (CC) mold is an effective method to improve the quality of large round bloom. However, it is difficult to assess the correlation between the bloom quality and the initial temperature of the strip. Therefore, a three‐phase mixed columnar–equiaxed solidification model is developed to evaluate the effect of feeding strip temperature on macrosegregation and solidification structure in a large vertical CC round bloom. The results show that feeding the steel strip induces “crystal rain” in the liquid core of the bloom and increases the volume fraction of the equiaxed phase. After feeding a strip, the flow direction of molten steel is changed, and the flow velocity is increased in the liquid core of the bloom. Furthermore, with initial temperature of the strip decreases, the production efficiency is improved. Compared to the four conditions investigated, the carbon distribution in the bloom is the most uniform, the negative segregation at the centerline of the bloom is the weakest with the value of −35.50%, and the extreme value difference of the macrosegregation index at 20 m below the meniscus is the smallest with the value of 38.35% under the condition of Tinitial = 500 K.
Stahlleichtbauhallen der DDR mit Geschichte und Perspektive – Ein Bericht aus dem DFG‐Schwerpunktprogramm „Kulturerbe Konstruktion“
Authors: Mende Volker , Heinrich Annkathrin , Hoyer Sebastian , Thiele Klaus
Published: June 2023

Ein Korpus von ca. 90 Präsentationsmodellen im Sammlungsbestand der TU Bergakademie Freiberg bietet Anlass, einige zwischen 1969 und 1990 errichtete, ausgewählte Stahlleichtbautragwerke des vormaligen VEB Metalleichtbaukombinat (MLK) näher zu betrachten. Dabei handelt es sich um hallenartige Bauwerke, welche sowohl innerhalb der DDR errichtet worden waren als auch in den Export gelangten. Es werden die grundlegenden politischen Prämissen, unter denen der Stahlhochbau in der DDR wirtschaften musste, erläutert. Anhand von prägnanten Tragwerken, welche sowohl langlebig als auch als Unikat errichtet wurden, soll deren bewiesene Fähigkeit zur Weiterfunktion unter neuen Grundbedingungen dargestellt werden. Gerade diese Tragwerke eignen sich hervorragend dazu, den Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt im Stahlhochbau auch für Bauten dieser Epoche anzuwenden.
Species delimitation and biogeography of Cyphostemma (Vitaceae), emphasizing diversification and ecological adaptation in Madagascar
Authors: Rabarijaona Romer Narindra , Ranaivoson Rindra Manasoa , Yu Jin‐Ren , You Yi‐Chen , Liu Bing , Ye Jian‐Fei , Barrett Russell L. , Rakotoarinivo Mijoro , Lin Xiao‐Lei , Wen Jun , Chen Zhi‐Duan , Lu Li‐Min
Published: June 2023

Cyphostemma, with ca. 200 species, is the second‐largest genus after Cissus in the grape family Vitaceae. Cyphostemma exhibits a high degree of morphological variation both between and within species that confounds species delimitation. Additional questions remain due to limited taxon sampling, original reference specimens damaged or lost and incomplete descriptions of taxa. Previous molecular studies, with limited taxon sampling, suggested three major clades corresponding to their distribution in continental Africa, Madagascar and Asia. However, deep relationships and biogeographic history within Cyphostemma remain unresolved. We conducted phylogenetic analysis and morphological character reconstruction of Cyphostemma using 91 newly assembled plastomes, with a focus on resolving complex taxonomic issues in Madagascar. Our results strongly support the Malagasy Cyphostemma as non‐monophyletic for the first time. Biogeographic reconstructions reveal two independent dispersals from continental Africa to Madagascar. The first dispersal is dated to the Oligocene and has led to the diversification of species with pinnate leaves in Madagascar. The second dispersal is estimated to have occurred during the late Miocene and has given rise to the only species with digitate leaves in Madagascar. Ancestral state reconstructions reveal that several morphological innovations may have promoted adaptation of Cyphostemma to a diverse range of habitats in Madagascar. In particular, a group of species from southern Madagascar have evolved both succulent stems and leaves to cope with extreme aridification in this region. Finally, relationships within three species complexes from the “Sambirano domain”, the southern spiny forest‐thicket and the northern limestone areas of Madagascar are clarified and four new taxa are proposed based on molecular and morphological evidence.
Bacterial meningitis secondary to otogenic infection in 10 French bulldogs: A retrospective case series
Authors: Butterfield Sarah , Whittaker Danielle , Tabanez Joana , Carrete Jordina Caldero , Pitchford Clare , Mattias Charles R. J. , Crawford Abbe , Rusbridge Clare
Published: June 2023

Background

There is limited published information to guide the clinical management of bacterial meningitis/encephalitis in dogs.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series comprising 10 French bulldogs from two referral centres. The cases were diagnosed with bacterial meningitis/encephalitis suspected secondary to otogenic infection based on detection of abnormal fluid/soft tissue opacity within the middle/inner ear, associated meningeal/intracranial involvement through MRI, the findings of cerebro‐spinal fluid (CSF) analysis suggestive of sepsis and/or clinical improvement following antibiosis.

Results

Ten dogs were included (three female and seven male), with a median age of 60 months. Dogs presented with acute onset (median 2 days), progressive history of vestibular signs and/or intra‐oral or cervical pain. Five dogs had gross signs of concurrent otitis externa. Common MRI findings included material within the tympanic bulla with adjacent meningeal enhancement. Analysis of CSF documented pleocytosis in all eight dogs, intracellular bacteria seen in three with positive bacteriological culture in two dogs. One dog was euthanised following diagnosis. Nine remaining dogs received antimicrobial therapy and six underwent surgical management. Three dogs treated surgically were neurologically normal within 2 weeks and the remaining three improved. Two dogs treated medically improved and one had complete resolution reported within a 4‐week follow‐up period. Study limitations include its retrospective nature and small sample size with minimal longer term follow‐up.

Conclusions

Bacterial meningitis/encephalitis in French bulldogs can require both medical and surgical treatment to achieve a favourable outcome.
In‐house manufactured benchtop XRF spectrometer
Authors: Gozetto Jonatha Demetrio , de Almeida Eduardo , Brasil Marcos Augusto Stolf , Virgilio Alex , Santos Eduardo , Furlan Gil Ribeiro , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson Wallace
Published: June 2023

The growing efficiency of agribusiness depends on the development of technology. A key challenge regards the determination of plant mineral content, which help farmers to make a decision about fertilizer use. Currently, such nutritional status diagnoses are made based on wet chemical methods; they are usually slow and generate chemical wastess. In this context, an in‐house manufactured XRF benchtop for agri‐samples is proposed in this study. This XRF system was furnished with a manual primary filter changer, vacuum chamber, dual interlock radiological protection system, which were installed in the equipment cover, and light signals. Analytical capabilities were also evaluated. The equipment presented spurious peaks of Ti, Fe, Ni, and Zn, which is not ideal for some agronomical applications; this issue might be overcome in the future by means of additional primary filters. The total x‐ray spectrum counting rate is roughly one magnitude order lower than two other commercial XRF systems, but the signal‐to‐noise ratio is quite similar. The vacuum chamber under partial vacuum improves the Al, Si, P and S signals from 1.5 to 2.2. The limits of detection (LOD, mg kg−1) for P (261), S (168), K (68), and Ca (50) macronutrients and Mn (14), Fe (15), Cu (9), and Zn (8) micronutrients are close to the ones reported in the literature. The limits of detection for P, S, K, and Ca are suitable for plant analysis.