bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vena cava leiomyosarcoma surgery results in a retrospective cohort of 41 patients from two centers
Authors: Bertrand Thibaud , Faron Matthieu , Mercier Olaf , Ngo Carine , Le Pechoux Cécile , Levy Antonin , Issard Justin , Henon Clémence , Honoré Charles , Fadel Elie , Le Cesne Axel
Published: July 2024

Background

Leiomyosarcoma of the vena cava (LMS‐VC) is a rare entity with poor oncological outcomes and a lack of histological staging prognostic factors.

Methods

Outcomes of consecutive patients operated on LMS‐VC between March 2003 and May 2022, in two specialized sarcoma centers were reported.

Result

Forty‐one patients were identified. Median size of LMS‐VC was 9 cm with 68% of complete obstruction. After surgery, severe complication rate was 30%. No postoperative mortality was reported. Microscopic complete excision was obtained for 71% of patients, R1 for 27% and one patient presented an R2 resection. Grade 3 was found in 24%. After a median follow‐up of 70 months, 3 years disease‐free survival (DFS) and 5 years DFS were 34% and 17%, and 3 years overall survival (OS) and 5 years OS were 74% and 50%. Distant metastasis concerned 54% of recurrences, local 7% and local and distant 5%. Multivariate analysis showed that FNCLCC grade (p < 0.001) and perioperative chemotherapy (p = 0.026) were significant factors for DFS. In multivariate analysis, FNCLCC grade was a significant factor for OS (p = 0.004).

Discussion

Perioperative chemotherapy may have a role to play in lowering the risk of recurrence for LMS‐VC, particularly in high‐grade tumor.
The 45° and 60° of sagittal femoral tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction provide similar knee stability
Authors: Cheng Rongshan , Yao Gai , Dimitriou Dimitris , Jiang Ziang , Yang Yangyang , Tsai Tsung‐Yuan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to compare 45° and 60° of sagittal femoral tunnel angles in terms of anterior tibial translation (ATT), valgus angle and graft in situ force following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

Ten porcine knees were subjected to the following loading conditions: (1) 89 N anterior tibial load at 35° (full extension), 60° and 90° of knee flexion and (2) 5 N m valgus tibial moment at 35° and 45° of knee flexion. ATT and graft in situ force of the intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and ACLR were collected using a robotic universal force/moment sensor (UFS) testing system for (1) ACL intact, (2) ACL‐deficient (ACLD) and (3) two different ACLR using different sagittal femoral tunnel angles (coronal 45°/sagittal 45° and coronal 45°/sagittal 60°).

Results

During the anterior tibial load, the femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 45° and 60° had significantly higher ATT than that of the ACL‐intact knees at 60° of knee flexion (p < 0.05). The femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 60° had significantly lower graft in situ force than that of the ACL‐intact knees at 60° and 90° of knee flexion (p < 0.05). During the valgus tibial moment, the femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 45° and 60° had significantly lower graft in situ force than that of the ACL‐intact knees at all knee flexions (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 45° provided similar ATT, valgus angle and graft in situ force to that of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 60°. Therefore, both femoral tunnel angles could be used in ACLR, as the sagittal femoral tunnel angle does not appear to be relevant in post‐operative knee stability.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Temporal Bone Histopathology of Atypical Cogan Syndrome
Authors: Ishibashi Yasuko , Kondo Kenji , Suzuki Yasushi , Kaga Kimitaka
Published: July 2024

Cogan's syndrome is a rare disorder first clinically defined in 1945, characterized by nonsyphilitic interstitial keratitis and progressive audiovestibular symptoms. Later, patients with audiovestibular dysfunction and various types of inflammatory eye disease were classified as having atypical Cogan's syndrome. The etiology and pathogenesis of Cogan's syndrome remain largely unknown. Here, we report a case of atypical Cogan's syndrome with a histological assessment of the temporal bone during the acute disease period. Temporal bone histology was compared to age‐ and gender‐matched normal control, and our findings revealed endolymphatic hydrops and degenerative changes in various parts of the inner ear. Laryngoscope, 134:5135–5138, 2024
Peritonsillar Abscess Outcomes with and Without Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kadrie A. , Ward C. , Chanamolu M. , Berry Joseph , Gillespie M.B.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common deep space head and neck infection, which can be diagnosed with or without computed tomography (CT). CT poses a risk for false positives, leading to unnecessary abscess drainage attempts without benefit, whereas needle or open aspiration without imaging could potentially lead to missed abscess in need of treatment. This study considered the utility and impact of obtaining CT scans in patients with suspected PTA by comparing outcomes between CT and non‐CT usage.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis using TriNetX datasets compared the outcomes of two cohorts: PTA without CT and PTA with CT. Measured outcomes included incision and drainage; quinsy adenotonsillectomy; recurrent PTA; airway emergency/obstruction; repeat emergency department (ED) visits; and need for antibiotics, opiates, or steroids. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a cohort analysis.

Results

The CT usage group had increased odds of receiving antibiotics (OR 3.043, [2.043–4.531]), opiates (OR 1.614, [1.138–1.289]), and steroids (OR 1.373, [1.108–1.702]), as well as a higher likelihood of returning to the ED (OR 5.900, [3.534–9.849]) and developing a recurrent PTA (OR 1.943, [1.410–2.677]). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of incision and drainage, quinsy adenotonsillectomy, or airway emergency/obstruction.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that CT scans for PTA diagnosis were associated with increased prescription of antibiotics, opioids, steroids, return ED visits, and recurrent PTA. Future prospective trials are needed to determine if the use of CT scans indicates higher patient acuity that explains the potential negative outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:4911–4917, 2024
Ensemble docking based virtual screening of SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease inhibitors
Authors: Fomina Anastasia D. , Uvarova Victoria I. , Kozlovskaya Liubov I. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Ishmukhametov Aydar A.
Published: July 2024

During the first years of COVID‐19 pandemic, X‐ray structures of the coronavirus drug targets were acquired at an unprecedented rate, giving hundreds of PDB depositions in less than a year. The main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the primary validated target of direct‐acting antivirals. The selection of the optimal ensemble of structures of Mpro for the docking‐driven virtual screening campaign was thus non‐trivial and required a systematic and automated approach. Here we report a semi‐automated active site RMSD based procedure of ensemble selection from the SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro crystallographic data and virtual screening of its inhibitors. The procedure was compared with other approaches to ensemble selection and validated with the help of hand‐picked and peer‐reviewed activity‐annotated libraries. Prospective virtual screening of non‐covalent Mpro inhibitors resulted in a new chemotype of thienopyrimidinone derivatives with experimentally confirmed enzyme inhibition.
Multi‐Task ADME/PK prediction at industrial scale: leveraging large and diverse experimental datasets**
Authors: Walter Moritz , Borghardt Jens M. , Humbeck Lina , Skalic Miha
Published: July 2024

ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) properties are key parameters to judge whether a drug candidate exhibits a desired pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. In this study, we tested multi‐task machine learning (ML) models to predict ADME and animal PK endpoints trained on in‐house data generated at Boehringer Ingelheim. Models were evaluated both at the design stage of a compound (i. e., no experimental data of test compounds available) and at testing stage when a particular assay would be conducted (i. e., experimental data of earlier conducted assays may be available). Using realistic time‐splits, we found a clear benefit in performance of multi‐task graph‐based neural network models over single‐task model, which was even stronger when experimental data of earlier assays is available. In an attempt to explain the success of multi‐task models, we found that especially endpoints with the largest numbers of data points (physicochemical endpoints, clearance in microsomes) are responsible for increased predictivity in more complex ADME and PK endpoints. In summary, our study provides insight into how data for multiple ADME/PK endpoints in a pharmaceutical company can be best leveraged to optimize predictivity of ML models.
Multiplicative rectifying submanifolds of multiplicative Euclidean space
Authors: Aydin Muhittin Evren , Has Aykut , Yilmaz Beyhan
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we initiate the study of the multiplicative Euclidean submanifolds, exhibiting the multiplicative counterparts of the Gauss–Weingarten formulas. Some particular types such as multiplicative conic, spherical, and totally geodesic submanifolds are analyzed. In relation to such multiplicative submanifolds, we introduce multiplicative rectifying submanifolds and characterize by means of multiplicative concurrent vector fields. The multiplicative rectifying hypersurfaces are also obtained.
A mixed finite element spatial discretization scheme and a higher‐order accurate temporal discretization scheme for a strongly discontinuous electromagnetic interface condition in ideal sliding electrical contact problems
Authors: Liu Shuqi , Yang Jinghan , Chen Dezhi , Chen Lixue
Published: July 2024

Sliding electrical contact involves multiple conductors sliding in contact at different speeds, with current flowing through the contact surfaces. The Lagrangian method is commonly used to describe the electromagnetic field in order to overcome the trouble of convective dominance, especially in high‐speed sliding electrical contact problems. However, to maintain correct field continuity, magnetic vector potential and scalar potential taken as variables cannot be continuous simultaneously at the ideal sliding electrical contact interface. This involves a strongly discontinuous condition for variables. Further, commonly used spatial–temporal discretization algorithms are invalid, for example, the classic finite element (CFEM) framework does not allow discontinuous variables, and the backward Euler method in time domain introduces a significant interface error source associated with the velocity of relative motion. To accurately handle strongly discontinuous conditions in numerical calculations, a mixed nodal finite element scheme and a higher‐order accurate temporal discretization scheme are introduced. In this scheme, classical finite element method is performed in each subdomain, and the derivative terms at the boundary are added as new variables. The effectiveness and accuracy of the above methods are verified by comparing them with a standard solution in a two‐dimensional railgun model and analyzing the current density distribution in a three‐dimensional railgun model.
Unequal gender‐based attraction toward public sector employment in China: The role of perceived discrimination and public service motivation
Authors: Yang Yan , Wen Bo , Tao Lei
Published: July 2024

Promoting demographic diversity and representation in the public sector workforce is a critical prerequisite for achieving social equity. This study investigates gender differences in public sectoral preference in China, subsequently exploring the underlying mechanisms that cause such a gender gap. Based on social psychological theories, this study develops and tests a moderated mediation model that examines public service motivation (PSM) as the mediating mechanism and perceived discrimination as the moderator. Utilizing the nationally representative China Education Panel Survey, our findings suggest a strong gender effect regarding the attractiveness of public sector employment in China. In terms of the specific mechanism whereby gender helps predict public sectoral preference, PSM indeed plays a mediating role. Specifically, the gender gap in public sector employment will be further widened by PSM when perceived discrimination is high. Overall, this study contributes to the extant literature by exploring the effects of gender on public sector preferences and to the practice by helping policymakers ideate solutions to enhance diversity effectively.
Investigation on the damage mechanisms using acoustic emission method and damping characteristics of hybrid flax‐glass composites
Authors: Rajendran Balaji , Krishna Prabakar K.
Published: July 2024

Fiber‐reinforced polymers (FRP) feature high strength‐to‐weight ratio amongst the emerging class of natural composites. This paper presents the impact of the glass fiber on the tensile strength of the flax epoxy laminate. The mechanical behavior and damping characteristics of flax fiber reinforced polymer (FFRP) and the hybrid flax‐glass fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP) are experimentally investigated. Both the flax and hybrid FRPs are made using vacuum infusion process. The specimens without and with holes of 4, 5, and 6 mm in diameter are subjected to tensile test using acoustic emission monitoring and free vibration test. In the former testing, HFRP resulted in higher peak frequencies and cumulative counts. Also, the natural frequency and damping factor of HFRP vary proportionately with the hole size, as identified in the latter tests. Different damage mechanisms during the tensile test revealed that the presence of glass fibers in HFRP increased resistance for certain damage mechanisms.

Highlights

Adding glass fiber to flax fiber reinforced polymer (FFRP) creates a hybrid FRP (HFRP) with increased resistance to damage and improved damping characteristics.

HFRP exhibits a distinction in failure mechanisms compared to FFRP.

The study utilizes acoustic emission (AE) to identify various damage mechanisms in the material, providing a more detailed information.

The addition of glass fibers in HFRP leads to a more pronounced increase in damping factors.
Understanding teacher counterproductive work behavior: Tracing individual, occupational, and organizational factors
Authors: Ghasemi Farshad , Herman Keith C.
Published: July 2024

Despite extensive research on antecedents and consequences of counterproductive work behavior (CWB), factors contributing to it in educational settings and teachers have not been adequately addressed. With participants of secondary school teachers working in public schools (270), private schools (302), and other educational institutions (319) in Iran, this study explored factors associated with CWB at the individual (age, gender, and perceived justice), occupational (interpersonal conflicts and working hours), and organizational (job content, class size, and teaching context) levels. Significant relationships, with small effect sizes, were found between CWB and younger male teachers with low perceived justice. The results also indicated a linear trend with occupational variables and CWB in the public sector. An escalation in CWB engagement was observed with an increase in working hours and class size. There was a strong positive correlation between psychological demands and CWB, and negative associations were found for social support and decision latitude with significant differences in teacher categories. Hierarchal regression analysis confirmed the significant contributions of these variables to the variances in CWB. The implications have been discussed in light of study results by recommending policies and strategies to be used by school psychologists, administrators, and teacher educators to curtail dysfunctional behaviors and ultimately create school environments that promote teachers' job commitment and the delivery of high‐quality education.
Registration of R18‐14147: A high‐protein conventional soybean germplasm line
Authors: Vieira C. Canella , Florez‐Palacios L. , Marmo R. G. , Acuña A. , Wu C. , Harrison D. , Rogers D. , Mozzoni L. , Roberts T. , Carlin J. F. , Faske T. R. , Mian M. A. R.
Published: July 2024

R18‐14147 (Reg. no. GP‐528, PI 705143) is a high‐protein conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm of maturity group Mid‐IV developed and released by the University of Arkansas System – Division of Agriculture Research & Extension in 2023. The germplasm is an F3:4 selection from the cross LG10‐3671‐1 × R09‐430. Plants of R18‐14147 have an indeterminate growth habit with purple flowers, gray pubescence, brown pod wall, and imperfect black hilum. Across 28 environments in Arkansas (2019–2022), R18‐14147 yield averaged 4482 kg ha−1, with broad adaptability and yield stability. Seed of R18‐14147 contains on average 429 g kg−1 and 191 g kg−1 of protein and oil on a dry weight basis, respectively, and seed weight is 15.2 g 100 seeds−1. The average seed protein content of this line is 8%–27% higher than the average protein content of the check cultivars used in various trials to evaluate R18‐14147. Additionally, R18‐14147 has been identified as resistant to stem canker. R18‐14147 presents soybean growers in the mid‐southern United States with a promising germplasm alternative combining high yield potential and elevated seed protein content for alternative crop rotation in herbicide‐tolerant cultivar systems, offering potentially seed‐saving cost benefits and serving as a valuable germplasm for new cultivar development.
Genetic fingerprinting reveals how traditional farming practices aided to preserve ancient table grape varieties in Almería (southeastern Spain)
Authors: Tello Javier , Galán Álvaro , Rodríguez‐Torres Inmaculada , Martínez‐Zapater José Miguel , Rubio Casanova Antonio , Ibáñez Javier
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Table grape production is a traditional practice in southeastern Spain, where locals have produced fresh grapes and raisins for centuries. Many of these vines are now centenary, and they represent a useful source of diversity for developing future table grape varieties with improved traits. Genetic analysis showed that many of the local varieties identified in this study were traditional varieties from Western Mediterranean countries. Others were not identified, and they might be old grape varieties of previous importance in the region. The conservation and characterization of these varieties could be key to ensuring current and future vineyard sustainability.

Current worldwide table grape production focuses on a reduced number of Vitis vinifera L. varieties. However, traditional farmers have grown many table grape varieties for centuries, as they provided a steady source of fresh fruit and raisins. These ancient living genotypes potentially store a genetic diversity that can be used now to ensure future grape production.

Here we focused on the study of grapevines found across Almería, one of the Spanish regions with longer tradition in table grape production. After an exhaustive inspection, we located 220 old (some centenary) vines producing grapes consumed by owners or in abandoned areas no longer devoted to agriculture.

Some of these vines were identified by comparing their simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic profiles with available data from international databases. We found that, while grape growers' efforts focused on the cultivation of traditional grape varieties from Western Mediterranean regions, they also cultivated few exogenous varieties if they provided additional fruit features. Other vines were found to have genetic profiles that did not match reference datasets. Interestingly, some of them were found in multiple locations, suggesting they are endangered varieties with some previous relevance in the region. Besides, first‐degree relationships support the autochthonous origin of many of these unidentified genotypes.

Locals kept a high number of different grapevine varieties, now considered reservoirs of genetic diversity. Traditional farming practices have been useful to prevent the loss of this diversity, which now needs to be preserved and further studied to contribute to the sustainability of viticultural systems.
Synergistic Influence of Doping and Co‐Doping of Trivalent Ions (La+3 and Al+3) on YFeO3 Nanomaterials
Authors: Kalakonda Sajini , Dachuru Rama Sekhara Reddy , Gudela Krishnaveni
Published: July 2024

Herein, the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of Y0.85La0.15FexAlyO3: (x; y) where x = 1; y = 0, x = 0.975; y = 0.025, x = 0.95; y = 0.05, and x = 0.9; y = 0.1 nanomaterials obtained from sol–gel method are reported. The X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) for the structural characterization, scanning electron microscopy for crystallite size estimation, ultraviolet–visible absorption for optical studies, and vibrating‐sample magnetometer for magnetic studies are used in this investigation. An increase of orthorhombic crystal structure with an increase of Al content in the sample is observed from XRD studies. The existence of all the elements present in the samples is observed from energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The optical bandgap increases from 2.04 to 2.10 eV with an increase of Al concentration from 0 to 0.05. The observed magnetization value is 3.14 emu g−1 for y = 0.05, which is higher than y = 0 (2.11 emu g−1) and y = 0.024 (2.58 emu g−1). In summary, the obtained result (x = 0.95; y = 0.05) can be useful for different magnetic‐based applications.
Improving Sustainable Financing for Universal Health Coverage in Bhutan: Exploring Policy Options and Financial Strategies
Authors: Tshering Ugyen , Sharma Jayendra , Tshering Dorji , Dendup Tandin
Published: July 2024

Deeply rooted in its developmental philosophy of gross national happiness (GNH), Bhutan's healthcare system strives towards achieving a shared goal of universal health coverage (UHC). Despite being primarily financed by the government, the health system faces a plethora of challenges. To overcome these hurdles and achieve UHC goals, expanding the fiscal space for health and improving operational efficiency are crucial. This article aims to address Bhutan's evolving healthcare landscape and advance the achievement of UHC through two policy options. The first policy option focuses on the dual objective of improving health outcomes and promoting financial sustainability by leveraging health taxes, whereas the second option emphasizes reinforcing a systematic health technology assessment (HTA) in the Bhutanese health system. First, drawing lessons from global experiences, the policy brief recommends leveraging health taxes to reduce societal and healthcare costs and enhance financial sustainability in the health sector. Considering Bhutan's high prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption, and taking opportunity from the ongoing Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform, continued advocacy on health taxes is essential, and soft earmarking the health taxes may be considered to finance a broader array of public health programmes, particularly focusing on the promotion of healthy lifestyle, health screening and outreach public health activities. Second, the integration of HTA into policymaking and decision‐making processes is essential for effective resource allocation in UHC. Nurturing and strengthening the existing HTA governance structure under the Ministry of Health (MoH) and establishing a dedicated multidisciplinary HTA Committee will ensure informed decision‐making and resource optimization. HTA evidence should inform the revision of health service standards, clinical guidelines development, procurement decisions and healthcare priorities. These policy options can assist the country in improving financial sustainability, enhancing effective resource allocation and utilization and improving healthcare delivery, aligning with its vision of GNH and ultimately accelerating progress towards achieving UHC.
Using peptide barcodes for simultaneous profiling of protein expression from mRNA
Authors: Kumano Shun , Tanaka Kazuki , Akahori Rena , Yanagiya Akiko , Nojima Akihiro
Published: July 2024

Rationale

mRNA technology has begun to play a significant role in the areas of therapeutic intervention and vaccine development. However, optimizing the mRNA sequence that influences protein expression levels is a resource‐intensive and time‐consuming process. This study introduces a new method to accelerate the selection of sequences of mRNA for optimal protein expression.

Methods

We designed the mRNA sequences in such a way that a unique peptide barcode, corresponding to each mRNA sequence, is attached to the expressed protein. These barcodes, cleaved off by a protease and simultaneously quantified by mass spectrometry, reflect the protein expression, enabling a parallel analysis. We validated this method using two mRNAs, each with different untranslated regions (UTRs) but encoding enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP), and investigated whether the peptide barcodes could analyze the differential eGFP expression levels.

Results

The fluorescence intensity of eGFP, a marker of its expression level, has shown noticeable changes between the two UTR sequences in mRNA‐transfected cells when measured using flow cytometry. This suggests alterations in the expression level of eGFP due to the influence of different UTR sequences. Furthermore, the quantified amount of peptide barcodes that were released from eGFP showed consistent patterns with these changes.

Conclusions

The experimental findings suggest that peptide barcodes serve as a valuable tool for assessing protein expression levels. The process of mRNA sequence selection, aimed at maximizing protein expression, can be enhanced by the parallel analysis of peptide barcodes using mass spectrometry.
The sustainability of small‐scale sheep and goat farming in a semi‐arid Mediterranean environment
Authors: Timpanaro Giuseppe , Foti Vera Teresa
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Small‐scale sheep and goat farming is one of the business models the EU depends on to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal. However, these production systems are characterized by structural weaknesses that risk being aggravated by international events, such as the post‐COVID‐19 crisis and reconstruction, the conflict in the European area and the generalized inflationary wave. Against this scenario, the work aims to expand knowledge of these companies’ sustainability levels to assess their performance, business model, the strategic keys to their resilience and chances of survival in the changed international scenario.

Materials & Methods

The approach chosen is SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems), the FAO's holistic framework. The empirical analysis focused on a sample of farms in a semi‐arid Mediterranean area.

Results

The results demonstrate the sustainability lag in governance, social capital, fertilizer management, landscape heritage and economic terms. This is due to the absence of strategic planning on soil, environmental and livestock management, genetic and human resource management, and farm structure. Regarding economic resilience on performance, the weight of the CAP (common agricultural policy) for these farms and the effect of high production costs are high.

Conclusion

The work is helpful for different stakeholders, who are invited both to structure the intervention of eco‐schemes on animal welfare for the 2023/2027 programming period and to support farm development plans to foster the flow of innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
Depth profile study of LaAl1‐xCrxO3/SrTiO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6, and 1) using time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS)
Authors: Dalai Manas Kumar , Samal Gupteswar , Das Trupti R. , Kumar Pramod , Sehgal Geetanjali , Dogra Anjana
Published: July 2024

The conducting two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) behavior in LaAlO3 (LAO)/SrTiO3 (STO) and their associated mechanisms from various aspects have brought tremendous attention in the concerned area of research. To correlate the 2DEG behavior with their compositions, we have performed time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) depth profile analysis of thin films of Cr‐doped LAO/STO system as LaAl1‐xCrxO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6 and 1) deposited over TiO2 terminated STO substrate, which includes two parent compounds LAO/STO (metallic) and LCO/STO (insulating). The uniform decrease of La and Al concentration at the interface of LAO/STO (metallic) system and in the contrary the nonuniformity of La and Cr concentration in LCO/STO (insulating) system have been highlighted. The uniform variation of ionic concentration at the interface of LAO/STO may increase the career concentrations to make the system metallic. The upward and downward diffusion at the interfaces of intermediate compositions varies differently from their parent ones due to the mixing of Al and Cr. Our results may help to understand the conducting nature of LAO/STO system for future developments and applications in such system.
Machine Learning Driven Atom‐Thin Materials for Fragrance Sensing
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Sun Ruijia , Bao Xuan , Yang Jiefu , Chen Yanling , Tang Bijun , Liu Zheng
Published: July 2024

Fragrance plays a crucial role in the daily lives. Its importance spans various sectors, from therapeutic purposes to personal care, making the understanding and accurate identification of fragrances essential. To fully harness the potential of fragrances, efficient and precise fragrance sensing and identification are necessary. However, current fragrance sensors face several limitations, particularly in detecting and differentiating complex scent profiles with high accuracy. To address these challenges, the use of atom‐thin materials in fragrance sensors has emerged as a groundbreaking approach. These atom‐thin sensors, characterized by their enhanced sensitivity and selectivity, offer significant improvements over traditional sensing technology. Moreover, the integration of Machine Learning (ML) into fragrance sensing has opened new opportunities in the field. ML algorithms applied to fragrance sensing facilitate advancements in four key domains: accurate fragrance identification, precise discrimination between different fragrances, improved detection thresholds for subtle scents, and prediction of fragrance properties. This comprehensive review delves into the synergistic use of atom‐thin materials and ML in fragrance sensing, providing an in‐depth analysis of how these technologies are revolutionizing the field, offering insights into their current applications and future potential in enhancing the understanding and utilization of fragrances.
Adsorbed Carbon Monoxide‐Enabled Self‐Terminated Au‐Grafting on Pt6 Nanoclusters for Enhanced Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Mymoona Paloli , Shibu Edakkattuparambil Sidharth , Jeyabharathi Chinnaiah
Published: July 2024

The study presents the first example of an adsorbed carbon monoxide (CO) enabled self‐terminated Au‐grafting on triphenylphosphine (PPh3) stabilized Pt6 nanoclusters (NCs) (Pt6 (PPh3)4Cl5 NCs or Pt6 NCs). Adsorbed PPh3 ligands weaken the Pt‐CO bond enabling the self‐terminated Au‐grafting on Pt6 NCs. The Au‐grafted Pt6 NCs exhibit enhanced methanol electrooxidation (MOR) in acidic solutions. The surface is composed of a PtAu ensemble exhibiting enhanced MOR and CO tolerance due to the synergistic interaction of Pt with Au and PPh3. The hydrogen underpotential deposition (H‐UPD) signal from a CO‐covered surface reveals the existence of free‐Pt sites on the PtAu ensemble causing higher MOR reactivity. The Au and PPh3 ensure electrocatalytic activity of the NCs, depriving of them at anodic potentials results in “a death‐valley” trend.
Micropattern Fabricated by Acropetal Migration Controlled through Sequential Photo and Thermal Polymerization
Authors: Gao Xiaxin , Li Jin , Yuan Wenqiang , Yan Shuzhen , Ma Xiaodong , Li Tiantian , Jiang Xuesong
Published: July 2024

Bottom‐up patterning technology plays a significant role in both nature and synthetic materials, owing to its inherent advantages such as ease of implementation, spontaneity, and noncontact attributes, etc. However, constrained by the uncontrollability of molecular movement, energy interaction, and stress, obtained micropatterns tend to exhibit an inevitable arched outline, resulting in the limitation of applicability. Herein, inspired by auxin's action mode in apical dominance, a versatile strategy is proposed for fabricating precision self‐organizing micropatterns with impressive height based on polymerization‐induced acropetal migration. The copolymer containing fluorocarbon chains (low surface energy) and tertiary amine (coinitiator) is designed to self‐assemble on the surface of the photo‐curing system. The selective exposure under a photomask establishes a photocuring boundary and the radicals would be generated on the surface, which is pivotal in generating a vertical concentration difference of monomer. Subsequent heating treatment activates the material continuously transfers from the unexposed area to the exposed area and is accompanied by the obviously vertical upward mass transfer, resulting in the manufacture of a rectilinear profile micropattern. This strategy significantly broadens the applicability of self‐organizing patterns, offering the potential to mitigate the complexity and time‐consuming limitations associated with top‐down methods.
Ultrafast 2D Nanosheet Assembly via Spontaneous Spreading Phenomenon
Authors: Shi Yue , Li Hong , Tsunematsu Hirofumi , Ozeki Harumi , Kano Kimiko , Yamamoto Eisuke , Kobayashi Makoto , Abe Hiroya , Chen Chun‐Wei , Osada Minoru
Published: July 2024

In 2D materials, a key engineering challenge is the mass production of large‐area thin films without sacrificing their uniform 2D nature and unique properties. Here, it is demonstrated that a simple fluid phenomenon of water/alcohol solvents can become a sophisticated tool for self‐assembly and designing organized structures of 2D nanosheets on a water surface. In situ, surface characterizations show that water/alcohol droplets of 2D nanosheets with cationic surfactants exhibit spontaneous spreading of large uniform monolayers within 10 s. Facile transfer of the monolayers onto solid or flexible substrates results in high‐quality mono‐ and multilayer films with high coverages (>95%) and homogeneous electronic/optical properties. This spontaneous spreading is quite general and can be applied to various 2D nanosheets, including metal oxides, graphene oxide, h‐BN, MoS2, and transition metal carbides, enabling on‐demand smart manufacture of large‐size (>4 inchϕ) 2D nanofilms and free‐standing membranes.
A Glance into the Near Future: Cultivated Meat from Mammalian and Insect Cells
Authors: Giglio Fabiana , Scieuzo Carmen , Ouazri Sofia , Pucciarelli Valentina , Ianniciello Dolores , Letcher Sophia , Salvia Rosanna , Laginestra Ambrogio , Kaplan David L. , Falabella Patrizia
Published: July 2024

The increasing global population and demand for meat have led to the need to find sustainable and viable alternatives to traditional production methods. One potential solution is cultivated meat (CM), which involves producing meat in vitro from animal stem cells to generate products with nutritional and sensory properties similar to conventional livestock‐derived meat. This article examines current approaches to CM production and investigates how using insect cells could enhance the process. Cell sources are a critical issue in CM production, alongside advances in culture media, bioreactors for scalability, and scaffold development. Insect cells, compared to commonly used mammalian cells, may offer advantages in overcoming technological challenges that hinder cell culture development and expansion. The objective of this review is to emphasize how insects, as a cell source for CM production, could offer a more sustainable option. A crucial aspect for achieving this goal is a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of muscle and fat cells. In this work, the characteristics of insect and mammalian cells are compared, focusing particularly on muscle and fat cell development, regulatory pathways, hormonal regulation, and tissue composition. Insect cells are a promising source for CM, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.
Phylogenetic patterns in fossil and living billfishes (Istiophoriformes, Istiophoridae): evidence from the Central Mediterranean
Authors: De Gracia Carlos , Villalobos‐Segura Eduardo , Ballen Gustavo A. , Carnevale Giorgio , Kriwet Jürgen
Published: July 2024

Study of the relationships of fossil and living billfishes is crucial for understanding the ecological drivers that control their biodiversity through time and how distributional patterns of extant populations may be affected by current abiotic events. Here we describe six istiophorid species that lived sympatrically in the central Mediterranean Sea during the Late Miocene, based on fossil istiophorids from Italy. Of these, †Pizzikoskerma salentina, †Sicophasma macrocanalata, †Makaira adensa and †Makaira cyclovata are new, while †M. belgica and †M. cf. colonense were described previously. The taxon Istiophorus is reported here for the first time in the Tortonian based on an unidentified species. We reconstructed the evolutionary direction of morphological traits by including the earliest known billfish, †Hemmingwaya sarissa, in our phylogenetic analysis as outgroup. A bill with circular cross‐section, 12 caudal vertebrae, a slim body and elongated first dorsal fin are shown to be plesiomorphic traits, while 13 caudal vertebrae, fusiform body, a shorter and pointed first dorsal fin, lateral process and quadrangular spines on the vertebral centra are traits associated with larger body sizes. The Makaira species described here have trabecular bone in the premaxilla forming the rostrum, an unusual pattern interpreted as an adaptation to reduce weight while simultaneously increasing body size. The fossil billfish assemblage suggests sea‐surface temperatures between 23°C and 24°C, much warmer than the modern central portion of the Mediterranean. The exquisite preservation of one specimen shows a trophic interaction between marlins and barracudas, the first direct evidence of predator–prey relationships in fossil istiophorids.
Boosting Metamorphic Relation Prediction via Code Representation Learning: An Empirical Study
Authors: Zheng Xuedan , Jiang Mingyue , Quan Zhou Zhi
Published: July 2024

Metamorphic testing (MT) is an effective testing technique having a broad range of applications. One key task for MT is the identification of metamorphic relations (MRs), which is a fundamental mechanism in MT and is critical to the automation of MT. Prior studies have proposed approaches for predicting MRs (PMR). One major idea behind these PMR approaches is to represent program source code information via manually designed code features and then to apply machine‐learning–based classifiers to automatically predict whether a specific MR can be applied on the target program. Nevertheless, the human‐involved procedure of selecting and extracting code features is costly, and it may not be easy to obtain sufficiently comprehensive features for representing source code. To overcome this limitation, in this study, we explore and evaluate the effectiveness of code representation learning techniques for PMR. By applying neural code representation models for automatically mapping program source code to code vectors, the PMR procedure can be boosted with learned code representations. We develop 32 PMR instances by, respectively, combining 8 code representation models with 4 typical classification models and conduct an extensive empirical study to investigate the effectiveness of code representation learning techniques in the context of MR prediction. Our findings reveal that code representation learning can positively contribute to the prediction of MRs and provide insights into the practical usage of code representation models in the context of MR prediction. Our findings could help researchers and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the strength of code representation learning for PMR and, hence, pave the way for future research in deriving or extracting MRs from program source code.
Digital primary source literacy: Developing skills for online archival research
Authors: Hoelscher Colleen
Published: July 2024

This chapter defines digital primary source literacy, identifies three key competencies necessary for students to develop when working with online archival sources as part of their course work, and provides a case study of a classroom exercise that can be adapted by faculty looking to develop these skills in their students.
Antinociceptive and wound healing effects of a commercial formulation of lidocaine, bupivacaine, adrenaline and cetrimide applied topically to superficial skin wounds in horses
Authors: Pratt Shaun , Sole‐Guitart Albert , de Klerk Karla , Evans Elizabeth , Hume Jane , Palmieri Chiara , Rainger Joanne , Goodwin Wendy
Published: July 2024

Background

Post‐traumatic distal limb wounds cause discomfort and heal gradually by second intention. The topical application of Tri‐Solfen (lidocaine hydrochloride, bupivacaine hydrochloride, adrenaline acid tartrate and cetrimide [LBAC]) produces effective postsurgical cutaneous analgesia in lambs, calves and piglets; however, its effect on wounds in horses is unknown.

Methods

The antinociceptive effect, measured by mechanical threshold (MT), and the wound healing impacts of LBAC compared with saline were investigated on surgically created 20 × 20 mm distal limb wounds in 10 horses. Treatment was applied once daily for 7 days following wounding on day 0. Mechanical thresholds were measured after treatment on days 1, 2 and 3. Healing was observed for 25 days.

Results

The topical application of LBAC immediately following wounding and its reapplication 24 hours later increased the average MT on the first post‐traumatic day by 3 Newtons. However, no antinociceptive benefit was observed on days 2 or 3. Treatment with LBAC did not adversely affect wound healing when compared with saline.

Limitations

Methodological differences preclude absolute MT comparisons between studies. The experimental design did not include a model of contaminated or naturally occurring wounds.

Conclusion

LBAC may provide an early antinociceptive benefit when applied to uncontaminated surgically created wounds without compromising healing.
Clinical management and case review of a presumptive novel clinical presentation of protothecosis in donkeys causing ulcerated nodular lesions in the ear pinnae of 18 animals
Authors: Kay Gigi , Knottenbelt Derek , Millins Caroline , Tligui Noursaid , Azelhak Rabia
Published: July 2024

This is a retrospective case series that describes a novel syndrome seen in 18 donkeys in Morocco that presented to this author,'s clinic with ulcerated nodular lesions of the ear pinnae. In the majority of cases, the lesions are confined to the ears, they are always bilateral and can occasionally progress to other areas of the body. Macroscopically, the lesions in all 18 donkeys are very uniform in presentation, even if the size of the nodules varies. This case series reviews the presentation, investigation, treatment and outcome for 18 cases presented to these authors’ clinics from 2011 to 2021. Skin biopsies from a subset of eight cases showed similar changes in chronic pyogranulomatous, dermatitis with myriad intra‐ and extra‐histiocytic organisms, the morphology of which is most consistent with that of Prototheca spp. infection. This is a novel presentation that represents a significant welfare issue for donkeys, as well as having important economic consequences for owners in the developing world.
Mechanisms and regulation of spliceosome‐mediated pre‐mRNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Senn Katherine Anne , Hoskins Aaron A.
Published: July 2024

Pre‐mRNA splicing, the removal of introns and ligation of flanking exons, is a crucial step in eukaryotic gene expression. The spliceosome, a macromolecular complex made up of five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and dozens of proteins, assembles on introns via a complex pathway before catalyzing the two transesterification reactions necessary for splicing. All of these steps have the potential to be highly regulated to ensure correct mRNA isoform production for proper cellular function. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) has a limited set of intron‐containing genes, many of these genes are highly expressed, resulting in a large number of transcripts in a cell being spliced. As a result, splicing regulation is of critical importance for yeast. Just as in humans, yeast splicing can be influenced by protein components of the splicing machinery, structures and properties of the pre‐mRNA itself, or by the action of trans‐acting factors. It is likely that further analysis of the mechanisms and pathways of splicing regulation in yeast can reveal general principles applicable to other eukaryotes.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Synthesis and anti-leishmanial activities of uniflorol analogues
Authors: da Silva Cardoso Paula , Niero Luana Budny , Frizon Tiago Elias Allievi , DalBó Silvia , Le Lamer Anne Cécile , Gouault Nicolas , de Aguiar Amaral Patrícia , Barlow James W.
Published: July 2024

Chromanones are a subset of the benzopyran family, and display diverse biological activities, both as natural products and synthetic derivatives. Among these, we selected the natural product uniflorol, a 4-chromanone with an α,β-unsaturated ketone side chain, as a lead compound due to its reported anti-leishmanial properties. We designed and synthesised four series of novel compounds, varying the substitution patterns around the benzopyran core, and evaluated the compounds for anti-leishmanial activity against amastigotes of L. infantum. We prepared and characterised 24 novel compounds; upon screening, 12 compounds demonstrated activity values of <50 μM, with the most potent compound, 16d, having an IC50 of 7.29 μM. Activity was favoured in compounds bearing a phenylalkenyl motif, such as cinnamyl, styryl or a more lipophilic extension, and amide analogues retained activity. Uniflorol analogues display promise as novel architectures towards the development of potential anti-leishmanial agents.