bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of managed access agreements in England based on stakeholder experience
Authors: Farmer Caroline , Barnish Maxwell S. , Trigg Laura A. , Hayward Samuel , Shaw Naomi , Crathorne Louise , Strong Thomas , Groves Brad , Spoors John , Melendez Torres G. J.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The objective of this research was to evaluate managed access policy in England, drawing upon the expertise of a range of stakeholders involved in its implementation.

Methods

Seven focus groups were conducted with payer and health technology assessment representatives, clinicians, and representatives from industry and patient/carer organizations within England. Transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis to identify stakeholders’ views on the successes and challenges of managed access policy.

Results

Stakeholders discussed the many aims of managed access within the National Health Service in England, and how competing aims had affected decision making. While stakeholders highlighted a number of priorities within eligibility criteria for managed access agreements (MAAs), stakeholders agreed that strict eligibility criteria would be challenging to implement due to the highly variable nature of innovative technologies and their indications. Participants highlighted challenges faced with implementing MAAs, including evidence generation, supporting patients during and after the end of MAAs, and agreeing and reinforcing contractual agreements with industry.

Conclusions

Managed access is one strategy that can be used by payers to resolve uncertainty for innovative technologies that present challenges for reimbursement and can also deliver earlier access to promising technologies for patients. However, participants cautioned that managed access is not a “silver bullet,” and there is a need for greater clarity about the aims of managed access and how these should be prioritized in decision making. Discussions between key stakeholders involved in managed access identified challenges with implementing MAAs and these experiences should be used to inform future managed access policy.
Shallow suture at ventricular septal defect may safely reduce right bundle branch block
Authors: Kim Dae Hyeon , Cho Sungkyu , Kim Woong-Han , Kwon Hye Won , Song Mi Kyoung , Kwak Jae Gun
Published: July 2023

Background:

To avoid rhythm disturbance, sutures for ventricular septal defect closure have been traditionally placed 2∼5 mm or more away from the edge of the ventricular septal defect. However, the traditional suturing method appears to induce right bundle branch block and tricuspid valve regurgitation after ventricular septal defect closure more than our alternative technique, shallow suturing just at the edge of the ventricular septal defect (shallower bites at the postero-inferior margin). We aimed to verify our clinical experience of perimembranous ventricular septal defect repair.

Methods:

The alternative shallow suturing method has been applied since 2003 at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 556 isolated perimembranous ventricular septal defect patients who underwent surgical closure from 2000 to 2019. We investigated the postoperative occurrence of right bundle branch block or progression of tricuspid regurgitation and analysed risk factors for right bundle branch block and tricuspid regurgitation.

Results:

Traditional suturing method (Group T) was used in 374 cases (66.8%), and alternative suturing method (Group A) was used in 186 cases (33.2%). The right bundle branch block occurred more frequently in Group T (39.6%) than in Group A (14.9%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, Group T and patch material were significant risk factors for late right bundle branch block. More patients with progression of tricuspid regurgitation were found in Group T.

Conclusions:

Shallow suturing just at the edge of the ventricular septal defect may reduce the rate of right bundle branch block occurrence and tricuspid regurgitation progression without other complications.
Brady-arrhythmias requiring permanent pacemaker implantation during and after staged Fontan palliation
Authors: Bohn Cornelius , Schaeffer Thibault , Staehler Helena , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Piber Nicole , Cuman Magdalena , Hager Alfred , Ewert Peter , Hörer Jürgen , Ono Masamichi
Published: July 2023

Background:

Brady-arrhythmia requiring pacemaker implantation remains one of the Fontan-specific complications before and after total cavopulmonary connection.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 620 patients who underwent total cavopulmonary connection between 1994 and 2021 was performed to evaluate the incidence of brady-arrhythmia and the outcomes after pacemaker implantation. Factors associated with the onset of brady-arrhythmia were identified.

Results:

A total of 52 patients presented with brady-arrhythmia and required pacemaker implantation. Diagnosis included 16 sinus node dysfunctions, 29 atrioventricular blocks, and 7 junctional escape rhythms. Pacemaker implantation was performed before total cavopulmonary connection (n = 16), concomitant with total cavopulmonary connection (n = 8), or after total cavopulmonary connection (n = 28, median 1.8 years post-operatively). Freedom from pacemaker implantation following total cavopulmonary connection at 10 years was 92%. Twelve patients needed revision of electrodes due to lead dysfunction (n = 9), infections (n = 2), or dislocation (n = 1). Lead energy thresholds were stable, and freedom from pacemaker lead revision at 10 years after total cavopulmonary connection was 78%. Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (odds ratio: 6.6, confidence interval: 2.0–21.5, p = 0.002) was identified as a factor associated with pacemaker implantation before total cavopulmonary connection. Pacemaker rhythms for Fontan circulation were not a risk factor for survival (p = 0.226), protein-losing enteropathy/plastic bronchitis (p = 0.973), or thromboembolic complications (p = 0.424).

Conclusions:

In our cohort of patients following total cavopulmonary connection, freedom from pacemaker implantation at 10 years was 92% and stable atrial and ventricular lead energy thresholds were observed. Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries was at increased risk for pacemaker implantation before total cavopulmonary connection. Having a pacemaker in the Fontan circulation had no adverse effect on survival, protein-losing enteropathy/plastic bronchitis, or thromboembolic complications.
Assessing Theory of Mind in bilinguals: A scoping review on tasks and study designs
Authors: Feng Justin , Cho Sohyun , Luk Gigi
Published: July 2023

Previous developmental studies reported bilinguals’ Theory of Mind (ToM; the ability to take on another's perspective) develops differently than monolinguals. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate how researchers assess bilinguals’ ToM and whether they characterize bilinguals’ lived experiences. We analyzed 53 publications examining ToM in bilinguals, with most papers studying children (n = 42; 79%). We identified 96 different tasks used across these 53 papers. The most common are 46 (48%) cases of the false-belief task, a cognitive-focused task using story vignettes. Few tasks target other types of ToM, such as ToM in social settings or taking others’ emotional perspectives. Furthermore, only half of the papers reported language history (n = 28, 53%) and exposure (n = 25, 47%), limiting the inferrability of ToM and language experiences. Expanding how we study ToM in bilinguals will improve our understanding of the intersection of bilingualism and ToM.
Synergistic interactions of 2,4-D, dichlorprop-p, dicamba, and halauxifen/fluroxypyr for controlling multiple herbicide-resistant kochia (Bassia scoparia L.)
Authors: Dhanda Sachin , Kumar Vipan , Geier Patrick W. , Currie Randall S. , Dille J. Anita , Obour Augustine , Yeager Elizabeth A. , Holman Johnathon
Published: July 2023

Multiple herbicide-resistant (MHR) kochia is a serious concern in the U.S. Great Plains and warrants alternative herbicide mixtures for its control. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at Kansas State University research and extension centers near Hays and Garden City, KS, to investigate the interactions of 2,4-D, dichlorprop-p, dicamba, and halauxifen/fluroxypyr premix in various combinations for MHR kochia control. Two previously confirmed MHR (resistant to glyphosate, dicamba, and fluroxypyr) populations and a susceptible population were tested in a greenhouse study. Kochia at the Hays field site was resistant to glyphosate and chlorsulfuron, whereas the population at Garden City was resistant to glyphosate, dicamba, and fluroxypyr. Results from a greenhouse study indicated that 2,4-D, dicamba, dichlorprop-p, and a halauxifen/fluroxypyr premix provided 26% to 69% control of both MHR populations at 28 d after treatment (DAT). However, the control increased to 85% to 97% when these herbicides were applied in three-way mixtures. Synergistic interactions were observed when dicamba was mixed with dichlorprop-p, 2,4-D, dichlorprop-p + 2,4-D, and halauxifen/fluroxypyr + 2,4-D for shoot dry weight reductions (86% to 92%) of both MHR populations. Results from a field study also indicated synergistic interactions when dicamba was mixed with dichlorprop-p + 2,4-D, halauxifen/fluroxypyr + dichlorprop-p, and halauxifen/fluroxypyr + 2,4-D, resulting in 84% to 95% control of MHR kochia at 28 DAT across both sites. These results indicate that synergistic effects of mixing dicamba with other auxinic herbicides in two- or three-way mixtures can help control MHR kochia.
The Effectiveness of the Prosocial Goals Intervention
Authors: Laguna Mariola , Kędra Michał , Mazur-Socha Zofia
Published: July 2023

Abstract. The aim of our study was to test the effectiveness of the prosocial goals intervention in adolescents. We tested its effects on prosocial behavior as assessed by the decomposed game (DG) and the Efforts for Charity Index (ECI) capturing actual behavior leading to charitable donations. We applied a randomized controlled trial with four measurements. The results showed statistically significant effects of the intervention on the ECI, even when the baseline level of prosocial behavior and participants’ age were controlled for, but revealed no significant effects on the DG. The ECI proved to be a reliable and sensitive behavioral tool assessing changes in prosocial behavior. This short intervention facilitating prosocial goal realization may be useful for practitioners working with adolescents.
A Bayesian Model for Inferring Total Solar Irradiance From Proxies and Direct Observations: Application to the ACRIM Gap
Authors: Amdur T. , Huybers P.
Published: July 2023

Differences among total solar irradiance (TSI) estimates are most pronounced during the so‐called “ACRIM Gap” of 1989–1991, when available satellite‐based observations disagree in trend and no observations exist from satellites with on‐board calibration. Different approaches to bias‐correcting noisy satellite‐based observations lead to discrepancies of up to 0.7 W/m2 in the change in TSI during the Gap. Using a Bayesian hierarchical model for TSI (BTSI), we jointly infer TSI during the ACRIM Gap from satellite‐based observations and proxies of solar activity. In addition, BTSI yields estimates of noise and drift in satellite‐based observations and calibration for proxy records. We find that TSI across the ACRIM Gap changes by only 0.01 W/m2, with a 95% confidence interval of [−0.07, 0.09] W/m2. Our results are consistent with the PMOD CPMDF and Community Consensus TSI reconstructions and inconsistent with the 0.7 W/m2 trend reported in the ACRIM composite reconstruction. Constraints on the trend across the ACRIM Gap are primarily obtained through constraints on the drift in the Nimbus‐7 satellite that are afforded by overlapping satellite and proxy observations.
Loss of spines in the prelimbic cortex is detrimental to working memory in mice with early-life adversity
Authors: Xu Liping , Liu Yue , Long Jingyi , He Xiulan , Xie Fanbing , Yin Qiao , Chen Michael , Long Dahong , Chen Yuncai
Published: July 2023

Adverse experiences in early life can shape neuronal structures and synaptic function in multiple brain regions, leading to deficits of distinct cognitive functions later in life. Focusing on the pyramidal cells of the prelimbic cortex (PrL), a main subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex, the impact of early-life adversity (ELA) was investigated in a well-established animal model generated by changing the rearing environment during postnatal days 2 to 9 (P2-P9), a sensitive developmental period. ELA has enduring detrimental impacts on the dendritic spines of PrL pyramidal cells, which is most apparent in a spatially circumscribed region. Specifically, ELA affects both thin and mushroom-type spines, and ELA-provoked loss of spines is observed on selective dendritic segments of PrL pyramidal cells in layers II-III and V-VI. Reduced postsynaptic puncta represented by postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), but not synaptophysin-labelled presynaptic puncta, in ELA mice supports the selective loss of spines in the PrL. Correlation analysis indicates that loss of spines and postsynaptic puncta in the PrL contributes to the poor spatial working memory of ELA mice, and thin spines may play a major role in working memory performance. To further understand whether loss of spines affects glutamatergic transmission, AMPA- and NMDA-receptor-mediated synaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded in a group of Thy1-expressing PrL pyramidal cells. ELA mice exhibited a depressed glutamatergic transmission, which is accompanied with a decreased expression of GluR1 and NR1 subunits in the PrL. Finally, upregulating the activation of Thy1-expressing PrL pyramidal cells via excitatory DREADDs can efficiently improve the working memory performance of ELA mice in a T-maze-based task, indicating the potential of a chemogenetic approach in restoring ELA-provoked memory deficits.
Statins suppress cell-to-cell propagation of α-synuclein by lowering cholesterol
Authors: Min Joo-Ok , Ho Hoang-Anh , Lee Wonjae , Jung Byung Chul , Park Sung Jun , Kim Seokjoong , Lee Seung-Jae
Published: July 2023

Cell-to-cell propagation of protein aggregates has been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying mechanism and modulators of this process are not fully understood. Here, we screened a small-molecule library in a search for agents that suppress the propagation of α-synuclein and mutant huntingtin (mHtt). These screens yielded several molecules, some of which were effective against both α-synuclein and mHtt. Among these molecules, we focused on simvastatin and pravastatin. Simvastatin administration in a transgenic model of synucleinopathy effectively ameliorated behavioral deficits and α-synuclein accumulation, whereas pravastatin had no effect. Because only simvastatin enters the brain effectively, these results suggest that inhibition of brain cholesterol synthesis is important in simvastatin effects. In cultured cells, accumulation of intracellular cholesterol, induced by genetic ablation of the NPC1 gene or by pharmacological treatment with U18666A, increased α-synuclein aggregation and secretion. In contrast, lowering cholesterol using methyl-β-cyclodextrin or statins reversed α-synuclein aggregation and secretion in NPC1-knockout cells. Consistent with these observations, feeding a high-fat diet aggravated α-synuclein pathology and behavioral deficits in the preformed fibril-injected mouse model, an effect that was also reversed by simvastatin administration. These results suggest that statins suppress propagation of protein aggregates by lowering cholesterol in the brain.
An overview of arsenic trioxide-involved combined treatment algorithms for leukemia: basic concepts and clinical implications
Authors: Jiang Yanan , Shen Xiuyun , Zhi Fengnan , Wen Zhengchao , Gao Yang , Xu Juan , Yang Baofeng , Bai Yunlong
Published: July 2023

Arsenic trioxide is a first-line treatment drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia, which is also effective for other kinds of leukemia. Its side effects, however, limit its clinical application, especially for patients with complex leukemia symptoms. Combination therapy can effectively alleviate these problems. This review summarizes the research progress on the combination of arsenic trioxide with anticancer drugs, vitamin and vitamin analogs, plant products, and other kinds of drugs in the treatment of leukemia. Additionally, the new progress in arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity was summarized. This review aims to provide new insights for the rational clinical application of arsenic trioxide.
Ghost admixture in eastern gorillas
Authors: Pawar Harvinder , Rymbekova Aigerim , Cuadros-Espinoza Sebastian , Huang Xin , de Manuel Marc , van der Valk Tom , Lobon Irene , Alvarez-Estape Marina , Haber Marc , Dolgova Olga , Han Sojung , Esteller-Cucala Paula , Juan David , Ayub Qasim , Bautista Ruben , Kelley Joanna L. , Cornejo Omar E. , Lao Oscar , Andrés Aida M. , Guschanski Katerina , Ssebide Benard , Cranfield Mike , Tyler-Smith Chris , Xue Yali , Prado-Martinez Javier , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Kuhlwilm Martin
Published: July 2023

Archaic admixture has had a substantial impact on human evolution with multiple events across different clades, including from extinct hominins such as Neanderthals and Denisovans into modern humans. In great apes, archaic admixture has been identified in chimpanzees and bonobos but the possibility of such events has not been explored in other species. Here, we address this question using high-coverage whole-genome sequences from all four extant gorilla subspecies, including six newly sequenced eastern gorillas from previously unsampled geographic regions. Using approximate Bayesian computation with neural networks to model the demographic history of gorillas, we find a signature of admixture from an archaic ‘ghost’ lineage into the common ancestor of eastern gorillas but not western gorillas. We infer that up to 3% of the genome of these individuals is introgressed from an archaic lineage that diverged more than 3 million years ago from the common ancestor of all extant gorillas. This introgression event took place before the split of mountain and eastern lowland gorillas, probably more than 40 thousand years ago and may have influenced perception of bitter taste in eastern gorillas. When comparing the introgression landscapes of gorillas, humans and bonobos, we find a consistent depletion of introgressed fragments on the X chromosome across these species. However, depletion in protein-coding content is not detectable in eastern gorillas, possibly as a consequence of stronger genetic drift in this species.
Unconventional colloidal aggregation in chiral bacterial baths
Authors: Grober Daniel , Palaia Ivan , Uçar Mehmet Can , Hannezo Edouard , Šarić Anđela , Palacci Jérémie
Published: July 2023

When in equilibrium, thermal forces agitate molecules, which then diffuse, collide and bind to form materials. However, the space of accessible structures in which micron-scale particles can be organized by thermal forces is limited, owing to the slow dynamics and metastable states. Active agents in a passive fluid generate forces and flows, forming a bath with active fluctuations. Two unanswered questions are whether those active agents can drive the assembly of passive components into unconventional states and which material properties they will exhibit. Here we show that passive, sticky beads immersed in a bath of swimming Escherichia coli bacteria aggregate into unconventional clusters and gels that are controlled by the activity of the bath. We observe a slow but persistent rotation of the aggregates that originates in the chirality of the E. coli flagella and directs aggregation into structures that are not accessible thermally. We elucidate the aggregation mechanism with a numerical model of spinning, sticky beads and reproduce quantitatively the experimental results. We show that internal activity controls the phase diagram and the structure of the aggregates. Overall, our results highlight the promising role of active baths in designing the structural and mechanical properties of materials with unconventional phases.
Flow dynamics in rivers with riffle-pool morphology: a dataset from case studies and field experiments
Authors: Shumilova Oleksandra O. , Sukhodolov Alexander N.
Published: July 2023

Bars and pools, common for natural riverbeds, form sequential patterns due to interactions between river flow, alluvium and vegetation. While the morphodynamics of bar-pool units are relatively well understood, far less is known about associated riffle-pool hydrodynamics because of a lack of high-resolution data collected in rivers and problems attaining natural scaling in laboratory studies. Here we present a dataset on turbulent flow structure in riffle-pool sequences of a natural river. Two case studies and two field-based experiments were carried out in a side branch of the braided gravel-bed Tagliamento River in Italy. Our case studies deliver detailed information about the three-dimensional structure of mean and turbulent flows in natural riffle-pool/run and pool-riffle/glide transitions. Field-based experiments completed with the in-stream flume models of a riffle-pool transition and a shallow jet model provide a methodological bridge for linking simplified hydrodynamic theories of shallow jets to complex flow structure documented by our case studies. Therefore, this dataset enables examination of scaling effects and can be widely used for validation of numerical models.
Upcycling of surgical facemasks into carbon based thin film electrode for supercapacitor technology
Authors: Ahmed Aamir , Verma Sonali , Mahajan Prerna , Sundramoorthy Ashok K. , Arya Sandeep
Published: July 2023

Polypropylene (PP), a commonly used plastic, is used for making the outer layers of a surgical face mask. In 2020, around 3 billion surgical face masks were disposed into the environment, causing a huge threat to wildlife, aquatic life, and ecosystems. In this work, we have reported the sulfonation technique for stabilizing the surgical face masks and their conversion into carbon nanoparticles for application as a supercapacitor electrode. The electrode is fabricated by preparing a slurry paste of carbon nanoparticles and pasting it on a conductive wearable fabric. To investigate the performance of the carbon thin film electrode, electrochemical techniques are employed. The Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) analysis performed at different scan rates in a 6 molar KOH electrolyte reveals that the carbon thin film acts as a positive electrode. At 4 A g−1, the electrode shows a specific capacitance of 366.22 F g−1 and 100% retention of specific capacitance for 8000 cycles. A two-electrode asymmetric device is fabricated using carbon thin film as the positive electrode, NiO thin film as the negative electrode, and a KOH separator between two electrodes. The device shows a specific capacitance of 113.73 F g−1 at 1.3 A g−1 and glows a red LED for 6 min. This work is a step towards upcycling the waste produced from surgical face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic and its application for energy storage.
LC–MS/MS analysis of carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines in Spodoptera litura using the QuEChERS method
Authors: Battu Jabez Raju , Karthik Somala , Yashaswini Gummudala , Thakur Himanshu , Keerthana Alagesan , Kumar M. P. Shireesh , Reddy Morthala Shankara Sai
Published: July 2023

Nicotine is a highly addictive alkaloid and a neurostimulator found in tobacco that causes addiction in humans and makes tobacco a high-demand commercial product. It is popularly used for recreational purposes and is a harmful substance (Oral LD50 value for rat is 50 mg/kg) and causes addiction. The metabolites of nicotine such as the Tobacco-specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs) are hazardous substances whose metabolites are highly electrophilic and form DNA adducts, which will initiate the process of carcinogenesis. TSNAs are formed during curing, storage and fermentation due to the nitrosation of nicotine and other tobacco alkaloids. TSNAs are used as biomarkers for cancer risk assessment in humans exposed to tobacco and its products. To determine the occasional formation of TSNAs in tobacco-feeding insects, 5th instar larvae of Spodoptera litura and their faeces were analyzed for the presence of N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) along with the stored tobacco leaves (PT-76) using an Agilent 6470B LC–MS/MS system following ISO/DIS 19290:2015 protocol. The larvae are extracted in a buffered acetonitrile–water extraction and the amount of TSNAs are quantified in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. 20 $$\upmu$$
μ
l of each extracted and cleaned up sample was injected into the LC–MS/MS system for quantification. The Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) were 0.001 mg/kg and 0.005 mg/kg for all the tested nitrosamines. NNN was found to be 0.361 mg/kg, 0.340 mg/kg, and 5.66 mg/kg in insect whole-body samples, faeces, and tobacco leaves, respectively. NNK was found to be 0.060 mg/kg, 0.035 mg/kg and 0.93 mg/kg in insect whole body samples, faeces and tobacco leaves, respectively. However, NNAL was not detected in both the insect’s whole body and faeces. Recoveries ranged between 95 and 98% for all compounds when spiked at LOD and LOQ. The presence of TSNAs is a biomarker for cancer risk and their presence in insects would point to cancer risk assessment in tobacco feeding insects and any possible TSNA-detoxifying pathways in insects that might prevent mutagenesis caused these compounds.
The pharmacological mechanism of β-elemene in the treatment of esophageal cancer revealed by network pharmacology and experimental verification
Authors: Zhou Dejiang , Wu Xiaoling , Liu Xiaoli , He Sheng , Ni Jiang , Chen Beijin , Mu Dong
Published: July 2023

The study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of β-elemene (ELE) in the treatment of esophageal cancer (EC). In this study, public databases were used to predict related targets in ELE and EC. The network analysis was performed to identify key targets of ELE in EC treatment. Further, bioinformatics and DAVID databases were used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, respectively. Ultimately, molecular docking and in vitro cell experiments were conducted to validate the results of network pharmacology enrichment. As a result, 34 candidate targets for ELE in the treatment of EC were obtained, and five key targets (STAT3, EGFR, CTNNB1, BCL2L1 and CASP9) were identified. GO functional annotation yielded 2200 GO entries (p < 0.05). KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis screened 100 pathways (p < 0.05). Molecular docking results showed that ELE had similar affinity with five key targets. In vitro experiments showed that the expressions of STAT3, EGFR and BCL2L1 were significantly decreased, and the expression of CASP9 in the ELE intervention group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group. All in all, ELE may play a key role in the treatment of EC by regulating the expression of STAT3, EGFR, BCL2L1 and CASP9.
Investigation the interaction of dietary fat quality indices and the MC4R gene in metabolically healthy and unhealthy overweight and obese women
Authors: Rasaei Niloufar , Fallah Melika , Nemati Mohammad , Gholami Fatemeh , Ghaffarian-Ensaf Rasool , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: July 2023

Obesity has become a common global problem. Some obese people can be metabolically healthy. Gene-environment interaction can be important in this context. This study aimed to assess the interaction between dietary fat quality indices and the Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene in metabolically healthy and unhealthy overweight and obese women. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 279 women with overweight and obesity. The definition of metabolically healthy and unhealthy phenotypes was done according to Karelis criteria. Dietary assessment was done using a 147-item validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and dietary fat quality was assessed by cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (N6/N3) essential fatty acids. MC4R was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. A generalized linear model was used to evaluate the interaction between dietary fat quality indices and the MC4R gene in both crude and adjusted models. Study subjects with higher ratio of N6/N3 had higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA IR) index (P = 0.03) and other variables showed no difference according to the tertile of CSI and N6/N3. Participants with the C allele of MC4R rs17782313 had lower height (P < 0.001) and higher HOMA index (P = 0.01). We found that the CC genotype of MC4R interacts with the N6/N3 ratio on the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in the crude model (β = 9.94, CI 2.49–17.39, P = 0.009) and even after adjustment for all confounders (β = 9.002, CI 1.15–16.85, P = 0.02, β =  − 12.12, CI 2.79–21.46, P = 0.01). The data of this study can justify one inconsistency observed in society, regarding dietary recommendations about metabolic health status. Those with CC genotype, are more likely to have an unhealthy phenotype with an increase in N6/N3 as one fat quality indices than those who do not have CC genotype. We found the interaction of dietary fat quality indices such as N6/N3 and the MC4R gene in metabolically unhealthy overweight and obese women.
Splashing of tungsten-based anode during arc discharge
Authors: Iida Kenta , Komen Hisaya , Shigeta Masaya , Tanaka Manabu
Published: July 2023

A unique mechanism of splashing from a tungsten-based anode was identified during arc discharge. Splashing occurred by breakoff of a liquid metal column, which elongates after a local concavity formed on the molten anode surface. Blue–violet luminescence, emitted by cerium ions originating from additives in the tungsten-based anode, was captured before the concavity formation. The surface temperature exceeded the boiling point of the additives at the time of splashing. The measured droplet speeds suggested that an electromagnetic force contributes the high-speed ejections. Energy dispersive spectrometry mapping also exhibited a remnant of the additives on the longitudinal cross-section of the anode after arc discharge. Based on these experimental facts, the mechanism of anode splashing in arc discharge was deduced as follows: bubble formation of additives at temperatures above their boiling point, bubble bursting at the surface, micro-plasma jet generation, liquid-column elongation and breakoff under an electromagnetic force, and consequent high-speed droplet ejection.
Nonclassical mechanisms to irreversibly suppress β-hematin crystal growth
Authors: Ma Wenchuan , Balta Victoria A. , Pan Weichun , Rimer Jeffrey D. , Sullivan David J. , Vekilov Peter G.
Published: July 2023

Hematin crystallization is an essential element of heme detoxification of malaria parasites and its inhibition by antimalarial drugs is a common treatment avenue. We demonstrate at biomimetic conditions in vitro irreversible inhibition of hematin crystal growth due to distinct cooperative mechanisms that activate at high crystallization driving forces. The evolution of crystal shape after limited-time exposure to both artemisinin metabolites and quinoline-class antimalarials indicates that crystal growth remains suppressed after the artemisinin metabolites and the drugs are purged from the solution. Treating malaria parasites with the same agents reveals that three- and six-hour inhibitor pulses inhibit parasite growth with efficacy comparable to that of inhibitor exposure during the entire parasite lifetime. Time-resolved in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), complemented by light scattering, reveals two molecular-level mechanisms of inhibitor action that prevent β-hematin growth recovery. Hematin adducts of artemisinins incite copious nucleation of nonextendable nanocrystals, which incorporate into larger growing crystals, whereas pyronaridine, a quinoline-class drug, promotes step bunches, which evolve to engender abundant dislocations. Both incorporated crystals and dislocations are known to induce lattice strain, which persists and permanently impedes crystal growth. Nucleation, step bunching, and other cooperative behaviors can be amplified or curtailed as means to control crystal sizes, size distributions, aspect ratios, and other properties essential for numerous fields that rely on crystalline materials.
Deep immunophenotyping reveals clinically distinct cellular states and ecosystems in large-scale colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Si , Pan Tao , Xu Gang , Gao Yueying , Zhang Ya , Xu Qi , Pan Jiwei , Zhou Weiwei , Xu Juan , Li Qifu , Li Yongsheng
Published: July 2023

Determining the diverse cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their organization into cellular communities, is critical for understanding the biological heterogeneity and therapy of cancer. Here, we deeply immunophenotype the colorectal cancer (CRC) by integrative analysis of large-scale bulk and single cell transcriptome of 2350 patients and 53,137 cells. A rich landscape of 42 cellular states and 7 ecosystems in TMEs is uncovered and extend the previous immune classifications of CRC. Functional pathways and potential transcriptional regulators analysis of cellular states and ecosystems reveal cancer hallmark-related pathways and several critical transcription factors in CRC. High-resolution characterization of the TMEs, we discover the potential utility of cellular states (i.e., Monocytes/Macrophages and CD8 T cell) and ecosystems for prognosis and clinical therapy selection of CRC. Together, our results expand our understanding of cellular organization in TMEs of CRC, with potential implications for the development of biomarkers and precision therapies.
A direct Z-scheme NiCo2O4/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction for highly efficient visible-light-driven H2 evolution
Authors: Yan Dan , Li Yan , Zhao Fangli , Sun Tao , Fan Jun , Yu Qiushuo , Liu Enzhou
Published: July 2023

Schematic illustration of charge transfer mechanism over NiCo2O4/ZnIn2S4.
Augmenting cyan emission in vanadate garnets via Dy3+activation for light emitting devices and multi-mode optical thermometry
Authors: Bindhu Amrithakrishnan , Naseemabeevi Jawahar Isuhak , Ganesanpotti Subodh
Published: July 2023

Cyan emitting Dy3+ activated vanadate garnet for solid-state lighting and multi-mode optical thermometry.
Efficient 1-(thiophen-2-yl)isoquinoline-based ionic iridophosphors with bulky counterions for solution-processed deep-red electroluminescence
Authors: Tao Peng , Zheng Xiao-Kang , Jiang He , Sheng Xinghao , Deng Yongjing , Chan Yuk Yin Ian , Zhao Qiang , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: July 2023

A pair of new deep-red emissive ionic iridium(iii) complexes showing high photoluminescence quantum yields are designed by incorporating bulky tetraarylborate anions for efficient solution-processed electroluminescence.
Direct measurements of size-independent lithium diffusion and reaction times in individual polycrystalline battery particles
Authors: Min Jinhong , Gubow Lindsay M. , Hargrave Riley J. , Siegel Jason B. , Li Yiyang
Published: July 2023

A newly developed single-particle electrochemistry platform conducted on NMC cathodes for Li-ion batteries shows that smaller particles do not have faster charging and discharge rates than larger ones.
Fluorophore unit controlled photoswitching of hydrazone derivatives: reversible and irreversible off–on/dual-color fluorescence photoswitches
Authors: Sivadas Deepanjaly K. , Ravi Sasikala , Nagarasu Palaniyappan , Johnson Delna , Thiruvenkatam Vijay , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip , Madhu Vedichi
Published: July 2023

Photo-responsive hydrazone functionalized fluorophores displayed structure-dependent reversible and irreversible fluorescence photoswitching and mechanofluorochromism.
Synthetic strategies for the construction of C3-fluorinated oxindoles
Authors: Deeksha  , Bittu  , Singh Ritesh
Published: July 2023

This review highlights the strategies developed to date to access C3-difluoro and monofluorooxindoles via inter- and intramolecular approaches.
Synthesis of composite imprinted polymer membranes for the selective removal of 17β-estradiol from water
Authors: Niavarani Zahra , Breite Daniel , Prager Andrea , Thomas Isabell , Kuehnert Mathias , Abel Bernd , Gläser Roger , Schulze Agnes
Published: July 2023

Composite microfiltration polyethersulfone membranes incorporating molecularly imprinted particles (MIPs) were developed for efficient and selective adsorption of 17β-estradiol from water.
Bi-Blatter diradicals: convenient access to regioisomers with tunable electronic and magnetic properties
Authors: Pomikło Dominika , Pietrzak Anna , Kishi Ryohei , Kaszyński Piotr
Published: July 2023

Three biphenyl intermediates open up access to isomeric Blatter diradicals with tunable properties. The S–T energy gap ΔES–T and diradicaloid parameter y depend on connectivity.
Combining computational fluid dynamics, photon fate simulation and machine learning to optimize continuous-flow photocatalytic systems
Authors: de Oliveira Gabriela X. , Kuhn Simon , Riella Humberto G. , Soares Cíntia , Padoin Natan
Published: July 2023

Photoredox catalysis is a thriving field in chemistry. Microfluidics bring advantages for light-mediated reactions. CFD, ray-tracing, and machine learning hold promise in advancing microflow techniques.
Pre-service chemistry teachers’ understanding of knowledge related to climate change
Authors: Wan Yanlan , Ding Xiaoyu , Yu Hairong
Published: July 2023

Climate change presents a global human challenge, and many countries are paying increased attention to climate change issues. Chemistry plays a critical role in addressing climate change. The dual nature of pre-service chemistry teachers’ identity determines the importance of their understanding of climate change. This study employed a phenomenography methodological framework and semi-structured interviews to explore 16 pre-service chemistry teachers’ understanding of climate change's manifestations, causes, impacts, and ways to cope with climate change. The results showed that although pre-service chemistry teachers had a certain knowledge of climate change, their understanding of the concepts of climate change, global climate warming, and greenhouse effects and their interrelatedness was ambiguous or false. Their explanations of the harm caused by acid rain, the mechanism of ozone layer destruction, and the greenhouse effect were inadequate. Factors that influenced pre-service chemistry teachers’ understanding of climate change included school curriculum, particularly chemistry courses, science popularisation aided by information technology, and their informal education through social life experiences. These findings provide insights into pre-service chemistry teachers’ professional development and higher education's approach to teaching about climate change.
Sketch and Speak Expository Intervention for Adolescents: A Single-Case Experiment via Telepractice
Authors: Peterson Amy K. , Ukrainetz Teresa A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

This study investigated the effects of
Sketch and Speak
strategy intervention on expressive and receptive expository discourse for adolescents with language-related learning disabilities (LLD).

Method:

Three participants completed baseline and twelve 45- to 60-min individual treatment sessions in a multiple-baseline across participants design. In treatment, participants learned to take notes using pictography and conventional bulleted notes, orally generate sentences from their notes, and orally practice full sentences and oral reports. Session tests with varied levels of instructional support were used to collect outcome data on free-recall oral reports, short-answer question responses, and participant notes. A distal, age- referenced expository task and social validity questionnaires were administered pre-/postintervention.

Results:

Visual and statistical analyses revealed significant effects of treatment on the primary outcome measure of Oral Report Quality and on secondary outcomes of Note Quantity and Quality. There was no significant effect of treatment on Short-Answer Recall questions. Two participants generalized strategies during the treatment phase to independent performance on Oral Reports and one improved on Note Quality. All three participants improved on the distal expository measure. Social validity questionnaires showed participant awareness and buy-in of taught strategies, with potential for generalization at the high school level.

Conclusions:

These adolescent students benefited from explicit instruction in note-taking strategies and systematic oral practice of expository discourse even within the challenging delivery setting of telepractice. This study provides evidence for the use of
Sketch and Speak
expository intervention with adolescents with LLD to improve comprehension and expression of grade-level material.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23681505
Revisit security in the era of DevOps: An evidence‐based inquiry into DevSecOps industry
Authors: Zhou Xin , Mao Runfeng , Zhang He , Dai Qiming , Huang Huang , Shen Haifeng , Li Jingyue , Rong Guoping
Published: July 2023

By adopting agile and lean practices, DevOps aims to achieve rapid value delivery by speeding up development and deployment cycles, which however lead to more security concerns that cannot be fully addressed by an isolated security role only in the final stage of development.DevSecOpspromotes security as a shared responsibility integrated into the DevOps process that seamlessly intertwines development, operations, and security from the start throughout to the end of cycles. While some companies have already begun to embrace this new strategy, both industry and academia are still seeking a common understanding of the DevSecOps movement. The goal of this study is to report the state‐of‐the‐practice of DevSecOps, including the impact of DevOps on security, practitioners' understanding of DevSecOps, and the practices associated with DevSecOps as well as the challenges of implementing DevSecOps. The authors used a mixed‐methods approach for this research. The authors carried out a grey literature review on DevSecOps, and surveyed the practitioners of DevSecOps in industry of China. The status quo of DevSecOps in industry is summarized. Three major software security risks are identified with DevOps, where the establishment of DevOps pipeline provides opportunities for security‐related activities. The authors classify the interpretations of DevSecOps into three core aspects of DevSecOps capabilities, cultural enablers, and technological enablers. To materialise the interpretations into daily software production activities, the recommended DevSecOps practices from three perspectives—people, process, and technology. Although a preliminary consensus is that DevSecOps is regarded as an extension of DevOps, there is a debate on whether DevSecOps is a superfluous term. While DevSecOps is attracting an increasing attention by industry, it is still in its infancy and more effort needs to be invested to promote it in both research and industry communities.
Calibrating angular momentum transport in intermediate-mass stars from gravity-mode asteroseismology
Authors: Mombarg J. S. G.
Published: July 2023

Context. The physical mechanisms driving the transport of angular momentum in stars are not fully understood, as current models cannot explain the observed stellar rotation profiles across all stages of evolution.

Aims. By making use of pulsating F-type dwarfs, we aim to (i) observationally calibrate the efficiency of angular momentum transport, assuming a constant uniform viscosity, and (ii) test how well state-of-the-art rotating stellar models with angular momentum (AM) transport by rotationally induced processes can explain observed rotation profiles. In both cases, the aim is to simultaneously reproduce the measured near-core rotation and core-to-surface rotation ratio.

Methods. Asteroseismic modelling is applied to a sample of seven slowly rotating pulsators in order to derive (core) masses and ages from their gravity-mode oscillations. This work focuses on the main sequence (MS), using models that start with an initial uniform rotation frequency at the start of core-hydrogen burning, which is a free parameter. Two treatments of AM transport are considered: (i) a constant uniform viscosity, and (ii) rotationally induced processes (including the Spruit-Tayler dynamo). Next, the initial rotation frequency of each star is derived from the observed present-day near-core rotation frequency for both treatments.

Results. Asteroseismic modelling of gravity mode periods reveals that all seven slowly rotating stars (one of which is not further modelled) in the sample are near the end of core-hydrogen burning. To explain the near-core rotation rate at the inferred age, initial rotation frequencies at the zero-age main sequence need to be below 10% of the initial critical break-up frequency. The derived initial rotation frequencies are consistent with previous works.

Conclusions. A diffusive approximation of angular momentum transport can in general explain the observed rotation profiles of the six slowly rotating F-type dwarfs for average values of the viscosity of between 2 × 105 and 5 × 107 cm2 s−1 or when the viscosity is computed from rotationally induced mechanisms. Yet, for three stars in the sample, the core-to-surface rotation fraction from rotationally induced mechanisms is predicted to be higher than observed.
Service Science Education for Industry Employability in Management Engineering: An Integrated Pathway from Bachelor to Master Level
Authors: Mezzenzana Mauro , Strada Emanuele , Ravarini Aurelio
Published: July 2023

The School of Industrial Engineering at LIUC Università Cattaneo offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Management Engineering, carefully designed to nurture engineers with managerial skills. The curriculum combines fundamental areas like mathematics and physics with advanced topics, including innovation management, organizational design, marketing, and operations management. The program stresses five main areas: analysis, design, implementation, validation, and management, preparing students to apply engineering methodologies to complex processes in various contexts. A unique Business Services specialization focuses on equipping management engineers for the service sector and steering digital transformation in businesses. The undergraduate program includes modules such as Digital Enterprise Management and IoT Systems Design, while the graduate program incorporates Management Information Systems and offers optional courses. The school partners with Microsoft Italia, promoting educational innovation in digital business management using tools like MS Power BI and Azure cloud services. Offering a range of internships and international experiences, the School of Industrial Engineering at LIUC successfully secures an employment rate of 89.1% for graduates within three months post-graduation.
The Heater Cooler as a Source of Infection from Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Stammers Alfred H. , Riley Jeffrey B.
Published: July 2023

Nosocomial infections acquired during the course of cardiac surgery and hospitalization can have devastating patient consequences. The source of these infections is often difficult to determine which complicates eradication efforts. Recently it has become apparent that the heater-cooler devices used in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass may become contaminated with bacteria that are normally found in hospital water sources. The culprit organisms are nontuberculous mycobacteria which coat the intrinsic surfaces found within the circuits of the heater-coolers. Aerosolization of the bacteria occurs during normal heater-cooler operation which can disperse the organisms throughout the operating room. The bacteria are slow-growing and may not present for months, or years, following exposure which makes epidemiological determination a challenge. The ensuing report summarizes a recent outbreak in these infections that have been reported both in Europe and the United States, along with efforts to reduce the risk for patient infection.