bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple‐negative breast cancer survival prediction using artificial intelligence through integrated analysis of tertiary lymphoid structures and tumor budding
Authors: Hou Xupeng , Li Xueyang , Han Yunwei , Xu Hua , Xie Yongjie , Zhou Tianxing , Xue Tongyuan , Qian Xiaolong , Li Jiazhen , Wang Hayson Chenyu , Yan Jingrui , Guo Xiaojing , Liu Ying , Liu Jing
Published: February 2024

Background

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous and clinically aggressive disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) and tumor budding (TB) are significantly correlated with the outcomes of patients who have TNBC, but no integrated TLS‐TB profile has been established to predict their survival. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the TLS/TB ratio and clinical outcomes of patients with TNBC using artificial intelligence (AI)‐based analysis.

Methods

The infiltration levels of TLSs and TB were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry staining, and AI‐based analysis. Various cellular subtypes within TLS were determined by multiplex immunofluorescence. Subsequently, the authors established a nomogram model, conducted calibration curve analyses, and performed decision curve analyses using R software.

Results

In both the training and validation cohorts, the antitumor/protumor model established by the authors demonstrated a positive correlation between the TLS/TB index and the overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) of patients with TNBC. Notably, patients who had a high percentage of CD8‐positive T cells, CD45RO‐positive T cells, or CD20‐positive B cells within the TLSs experienced improved OS and RFS. Furthermore, the authors developed a comprehensive TLS‐TB profile nomogram based on the TLS/TB index. This novel model outperformed the classical tumor‐lymph node‐metastasis staging system in predicting the OS and RFS of patients with TNBC.

Conclusions

A novel strategy for predicting the prognosis of patients with TNBC was established through integrated AI‐based analysis and a machine‐learning workflow. The TLS/TB index was identified as an independent prognostic factor for TNBC. This nomogram‐based TLS‐TB profile would help improve the accuracy of predicting the prognosis of patients who have TNBC.
Optimization of a flow cytometry test for routine monitoring of B cell maturation antigen targeted CAR in peripheral blood
Authors: Lee Won‐Ho , Graham Charlotte E. , Wiggin Hadley R. , Nolan Hannah K. , Graham Kiana J. , Korell Felix , Leick Mark B. , Barselau Alexis L. , Emmanuel‐Alejandro Estelle , Trailor Michael A. , Gildea Juliane M. , Preffer Frederic , Frigault Matthew J. , Maus Marcela V. , Gallagher Kathleen M. E.
Published: February 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cell therapies targeting BCMA have displayed impressive activity in the treatment of multiple myeloma. There are currently two FDA licensed products, ciltacabtagene autoleucel and idecabtagene vicleucel, for treating relapsed and refractory disease. Although correlative analyses performed by product manufacturers have been reported in clinical trials, there are limited options for reliable BCMA CAR T detection assays for physicians and researchers looking to explore it as a biomarker for clinical outcome. Given the known association of CAR T cell expansion kinetics with toxicity and response, being able to quantify BCMA CAR T cells routinely and accurately in the blood of patients can serve as a valuable asset. Here, we optimized an accurate and sensitive flow cytometry test using a PE‐conjugated soluble BCMA protein, with a lower limit of quantitation of 0.19% of CD3+ T cells, suitable for use as a routine assay for monitoring the frequency of BCMA CAR T cells in the blood of patients receiving either ciltacabtagene autoleucel or idecabtagene vicleucel.
Mechanistic Insights into Urea‐, Thiourea‐, and Isothiourea‐Based Bifunctional Tetraarylphosphonium Salt Catalysis for Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Toda Yasunori , Suenaga Daiki , Yamaguchi Ren , Suga Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

A novel bifunctional isothiourea derived from a tetraarylphosphonium salt catalyzes the coupling reaction of monosubstituted epoxides with 1 atm of carbon dioxide to afford five‐membered cyclic carbonates in high yields. Thiourea and urea groups are also effective hydrogen bond donors for the carbon dioxide fixation. Comprehensive mechanistic studies on this catalysis using theoretical calculations disclosed key hydrogen bond interactions between catalysts and intermediates, which relied upon orientation of the binding modes.
Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion with concurrent transverse myelitis
Authors: Austin‐Keiller Amanda , Saint‐Martin Christine , Myers Kenneth A.
Published: February 2024

We describe a patient with acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) with unique features, including concurrent transverse myelitis. A 2‐year‐old previously healthy girl had clinical findings consistent with AESD, occurring in association with influenza A infection. The posterior brain regions were most severely affected, resulting in cortical blindness. She also developed bilateral limb weakness, and spine MRI revealed transverse myelitis in the cervical region. She was treated acutely with intravenous methylprednisolone. Serum anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibodies were negative, as was an anti‐extractable nuclear antigen panel. Although her clinical presentation was severe, she improved dramatically over the following months, and 6 months following initial presentation, her parents felt she had returned to baseline. This is the first report of AESD occurring in combination with transverse myelitis. The co‐occurrence of the two conditions is unlikely to be coincidental, suggesting that there may be a shared or overlapping immunological pathway involved. The patient's recovery was impressive, which could partially relate to the acute treatment with corticosteroids.
Improving demand forecasting for customers with missing downstream data in intermittent demand supply chains with supervised multivariate clustering
Authors: Ducharme Corey , Agard Bruno , Trépanier Martin
Published: February 2024

In a collaborative supply chain arrangement like vendor‐managed inventory, information on product demand at the point of sale is expected to be shared among members of the supply chain. However, in practice, obtaining such information can be costly, and some members may be unwilling or unable to provide the necessary access to the data. As such, large collaborative supply chains with multiple members may operate under a mixed‐information scenario where point‐of‐sale demand information is not known for all customers. Other sources of demand information exist and are becoming more available along supply chains using Industry 4.0 technologies and can serve as a substitute, but the data may be noisy, distorted, and partially missing. Under mixed information, leveraging existing customers' point‐of‐sale demand to improve the intermittent demand forecast of customers with missing information has yet to be explored. We propose a supervised demand forecasting method that uses multivariate time series clustering to map multiple sources of demand data. Members with missing downstream demand data have their resulting demand forecast improved by averaging over customers with similar delivery patterns for their final demand forecast. Our results show up to a 10% accuracy improvement over traditional intermittent demand forecasting methods with missing information.
PSF‐Radon transform algorithm: Measurement of the point‐spread function from the Radon transform of the line‐spread function
Authors: Martínez Sandra , Martínez Oscar E.
Published: February 2024

In this article, we present a new method called point spread function (PSF)‐Radon transform algorithm. This algorithm consists on recovering the instrument PSF from the Radon transform (in the line direction axis) of the line spread function (i.e., the image of a line). We present the method and tested with synthetic images, and real images from macro lens camera and microscopy. A stand‐alone program along with a tutorial is available, for any interested user, in Martinez (PSF‐Radon transform algorithm, standalone program).

Research Highlights

Determining the instrument PSF is a key issue.

Precise PSF determinations are mandatory if image improvement is performed numerically by deconvolution.

Much less exposure time to achieve the same performance than a measurement of the PSF from a very small bead.

Does not require having to adjust the PSF by an analytical function to overcome the noise uncertainties.
Consistency in human papillomavirus type detection between self‐collected vaginal specimens and physician‐sampled cervical specimens
Authors: Chou Hung‐Hsueh , Yang Chung‐Yao , Chao Angel , Lin Hao , Lu Chien‐Hsing , Ou Yu‐Che , Hsu Shih‐Tien , Shih Yu‐Hsiang , Huang Huei‐Jean , Lin Cheng‐Tao , Chen Min‐Yu , Sun Lou , Tsai Ching‐Chou , Fu Hung‐Chun , Huang Kuan‐Gen , Wu Kai‐Yun , Wu Chen‐Hsuan , Hsieh Wu‐Chiao , Huang Yi‐Ting , Chen Liang‐Hsuan , Yang Lan‐Yan , Chang Wei‐Yang , Chang Ting‐Chang , Lai Chyong‐Huey
Published: February 2024

With the rising need for accessible cervical cancer screening, self‐sampling methods offer a promising alternative to traditional physician‐led sampling. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the HygeiaTouch Self Sampling Kit for Women in detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) types and predicting cervical lesions. We studied the concordance in identifying high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) types between samples collected by physicians and those self‐collected by women using a self‐sampling kit for validation. Women aged 21–65, fitting into specific categories based on their cervical health history were eligible. Cohen's kappa coefficient to gauge concordance between the two specimen types and relative accuracy metrics in identifying cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were also calculated, with physician‐sampled specimens serving as a reference. A total of 1210 participants from three institutes were involved. The self‐sampling kit closely matched the physician‐led method in terms of collecting valid specimens (100% vs. 100%), identifying hrHPV types (kappa: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.72–0.79; agreement: 87.7%, 95% CI: 85.8–89.6) and predicting CIN grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) (relative sensitivity: 0.949, relative accuracy: 0.959). Kappa values varied between 0.71 and 0.83 for different hrHPV types and combinations, with an overall value 0.75 (95% CI: 0.72–0.79) signifying robust compatibility between the two methods. Our study underscores the potential of the HygeiaTouch Self Sampling Kit as a reliable, efficient, and user‐friendly alternative to traditional sampling methods. This suggests that self‐sampling could be pivotal in expanding cervical cancer screening accessibility and enhancing detection rates.
Promotion focus is valued in men more than in women
Authors: Gutermuth Dinah , Hamstra Melvyn R. W.
Published: February 2024

In this research, we test the hypothesis that promotion‐focused eagerness does not yield the same evaluative benefits in the workplace for women as it does for men. Regulatory focus theory suggests that promotion‐focused eagerness potentially casts a person in a favorable light in the eyes of superiors. Nevertheless, we propose that promotion‐focused eagerness violates the prescriptive gender‐stereotypical expectations that people have of women. The gender deviance (i.e., not acting in line with gender expectations) that occurs when a woman is promotion‐focused causes this woman to pay a “gender tax” that a promotion‐focused man does not pay. First, we conducted two experiments wherein managers (N = 127) or students (N = 236) evaluated qualified fictional job applicants: in both experiments, compared with an identical male applicant, the promotion‐focused female job applicant was valued less, as evidenced by a lower starting salary offer. Second, in a dyadic study (N = 474 dyads), male employees' promotion focus was positively associated with their manager's evaluations of them, whereas female employees' promotion focus was not. Our results show that promotion‐focused women are not valued as positively as their male counterparts.
Multimodel comparison and assessment of short to medium range precipitation and temperature forecasts over India: Implications towards forecasting of meteorological indices in India
Authors: Saminathan Sakila , Mitra Subhasis , Singh Sarmistha , Mandal Raju , Joseph Susmitha
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive assessment of the forecast skill of various meteorological indices over the Indian region from different numerical weather prediction (NWP) models is lacking in the literature. In this study the performance of four NWP models, namely Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFSv12), European Center for Medium Range Forecasting (ECMWF), Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) towards forecasting of precipitation, temperature and associated meteorological indices, is evaluated at short to medium timescales across the Indian region. Further, the effect of ocean atmospheric (OA) oscillations on the precipitation/temperature forecast skill from the different NWP models is also assessed. Results show that the NWP models are better in predicting the meteorological indices than the quantitative forecasts. The ECMWF model was found to be the best for PCP forecasting with CFSv2 performing poorly. For temperature the GEFSv12 model performance was the lowest, compared to rest of the models. The models show poor skill in forecasting monsoon season precipitation compared to non‐monsoon and the temperature forecasts from the NWP models are particularly poor for the northern basins. Skilful temperature forecasts are observed in the Northwestern, Indo‐Gangetic and Central basins for the CFSv2 and ECMWF models. The forecast skill of precipitation indices are higher in the northwestern, central and Indo‐Gangetic basins compared to the rest. The skill of precipitation indices, namely rainy days, extreme rainy days and consecutive wet days, is higher during the monsoon seasons while the prediction skill of consecutive dry days is higher during the non‐monsoon season. OA analysis revealed that the ENSO phases have dominant effect on the forecast skill of the precipitation only. The temperature and meteorological indices forecasts are not affected significantly by the OA phases. The outcomes of this study have implications towards irrigation scheduling and water resources management decision making in India.
Global knee function rating more strongly influences adolescent athletes that sustain a sports‐related surgical ACL re‐injury or contralateral ACL injury
Authors: Nyland John , Tomberlin Colson , Brey Jennifer , Carter Sam
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated differences between adolescent athletes who sustained a surgical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) re‐injury, or contralateral ACL injury following return to sports bridge programme participation (Group 1) compared to those that did not (Group 2).

Methods

At 19.9 ± 7 years of age, 198 athletes participated in this study. Groups were compared for time postsurgery, preprogramme and postprogramme Knee Outcome Survey Sports Activity Scale (KOS‐SAS) and global rating of knee function (GRKF) during sports activities, postprogramme lower extremity physical function test performance and perceived sports performance compared to preinjury level.

Results

By 6.0 ± 3.2 years postsurgery, 11 (5.6%) sustained another ACL injury. Group 1 was younger (17.3 ± 1.7 years vs. 20.1 ± 6.8 years, p < 0.001). Postprogramme re‐evaluation revealed that Group 1 had a greater GRKF compared to their programme initiation GRKF than Group 2 (32.6 ± 38 vs. 20.0 ± 23, p = 0.04). Group 1 also had a greater mean preprogramme to postprogramme GRKF change than Group 2 (51.3 ± 31 vs. 35.5 ± 21, p = 0.02) (effect size = 0.73). More Group 1 subjects also had a GRKF difference that exceeded the overall mean than Group 2 (p = 0.04). Group 1 had moderately strong relationships between preprogramme and postprogramme GRKF score change and the postprogramme GRKF score (r = 0.65, p = 0.04) and between preprogramme and postprogramme KOS‐SAS score change and postprogramme GRKF score (r = 0.60, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Global rating scores had a stronger influence among adolescent athletes that sustained either surgical ACL re‐injury or contralateral ACL injury. Since group physical function and neuromuscular control factors were similar, clinicians need to increase their awareness and understanding of other factors that may influence surgical ACL re‐injury or contralateral ACL injury risk.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Vitamin C Inhibited Pulmonary Metastasis through Activating Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway
Authors: Man Shuli , Bi Jingxian , Liu Furui , Xie Wenwen , Ma Long
Published: February 2024

As an important nutritional component, vitamin C (Vc) shows good antitumor activity in a variety of cancer, but there are few studies in pulmonary metastasis. In order to verify its anticancer and antimetastatic effect, the study sets up H22 pulmonary metastasis mouse model. The results show that intraperitoneal injection of Vc inhibits pulmonary metastasis through up‐regulating the expression of Nrf2, HO‐1, cleaved caspases 3 and 9, and causing DNA damage and apoptosis which is similar to the pro‐oxidant effect of Vc in p53 null cells (H1299 cells). Meanwhile, oral administration of Vc up‐regulates the expression of p53, directly activates Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, increases expression of cleaved caspases 3 and 9, and ultimately inhibits pulmonary metastasis, which is the same as the antioxidant result of Vc in p53 wild‐type cells. In addition, Vc inhibits the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells in a concentration‐dependent manner and has little cytotoxic effects on normal cells. Notably, the experiment further illustrates that besides intravenous Vc, oral Vc significantly inhibits the pulmonary metastasis in mice. All in all, these findings provide new clues for Vc‐treated pulmonary metastasis in clinical research.
Optimal starting dosing regimen of intravenous oxytocin for labor induction based on the population kinetic‐pharmacodynamic model of uterine contraction frequency
Authors: Yu Zhiheng , Chen Rong , Zhao Cheng , Zhang Renwei , Zhou Tianyan , Zhao Yangyu
Published: February 2024

Background

Intravenous oxytocin is commonly used for labor induction. However, a consensus on the initial dosing regimen is lac with conflicting research findings and varying guidelines. This study aimed to develop a population kinetic‐pharmacodynamic (K‐PD) model for oxytocin‐induced uterine contractions considering real‐world data and relevant influencing factors to establish an optimal starting dosing regimen for intravenous oxytocin.

Methods

This retrospective study included pregnant women who underwent labor induction with intravenous oxytocin at Peking University Third Hospital in 2020. A  population K‐PD model was developed to depict the time course of uterine contraction frequency (UCF), and covariate screening identified significant factors affecting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxytocin. Model‐based simulations were used to optimize the current starting regimen based on specific guidelines.

Results

Data from 77 pregnant women with 1095 UCF observations were described well by the K‐PD model. Parity, cervical dilation, and membrane integrity are significant factors influencing the effectiveness of oxytocin. Based on the model‐based simulations, the current regimens showed prolonged onset times and high infusion rates. This study proposed a revised approach, beginning with a rapid infusion followed by a reduced infusion rate, enabling most women to achieve the target UCF within approximately 30 min with the lowest possible infusion rate.

Conclusion

The K‐PD model of oxytocin effectively described the changes in UCF during labor induction. Furthermore, it revealed that parity, cervical dilation, and membrane integrity are key factors that influence the effectiveness of oxytocin. The optimal starting dosing regimens obtained through model simulations provide valuable clinical references for oxytocin treatment.
Vacancy‐Type Defects and Their Trapping/Detrapping of Charge Carriers in Ion‐Implanted GaN Studied by Positron Annihilation
Authors: Uedono Akira , Tanaka Ryo , Takashima Shinya , Ueno Katsunori , Edo Masaharu , Shima Kohei , Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Uzuhashi Jun , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Ishibashi Shoji , Sierakowski Kacper , Bockowski Michal
Published: February 2024

Annealing behaviors of vacancy‐type defects in ion‐implanted GaN are studied by positron annihilation. Mg+ and N+ ions are implanted to obtain 700 nm deep box profiles with Mg and N concentrations of 1 × 1018 cm−3, and the samples are annealed using an ultrahigh‐pressure annealing system. For as‐implanted samples, the major defect species is identified as Ga‐vacancy (VGa)‐type defects. For N‐implanted GaN, the size of the vacancies increases as the annealing temperature increases up to 1100 °C and then shrank above 1200 °C. This behavior is attributed to recombinations between N‐vacancy (VN)‐type defects and excess N. For Mg‐implanted GaN, the major defect species after annealing above 1000 °C is vacancy clusters such as (VGaVN)3. Some of them act as nonradiative recombination centers for blue and ultraviolet luminescence. Their energy levels corresponding to the transition from positive to neutral are located between 2.6 eV above the valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum. The thermal activation process of electron detrapping from the vacancy clusters is also studied. For Mg‐implanted GaN, one of the major secondary defects is collapsed vacancy disks forming dislocation loops. They are eliminated by additional N implantation, which is associated with vacancy agglomerations under the annealing in VGa‐rich condition.
Comparing the atmospheric and ocean characteristics associated with two distinctly intensified pre‐monsoon tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Paul Debashis , Panda Jagabandhu , Sarkar Ankan , Kumar Subodh , Zhu Yi‐Jie , Collins Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Tropical cyclone (TC) Amphan is analyzed in terms of the various factors that governed the intensification process associated with it and compared with Fani. Furthermore, the TC radial characteristics and ocean productivity are examined. Notably, both TCs formed in the Bay of Bengal during the pre‐monsoon seasons of 2020 and 2019, respectively. For this study, both ocean and atmospheric parameters from various sources including global analyses, satellite observations, and outputs from Model for Prediction Across Scales‐Atmosphere (MPAS‐A) and Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF‐ARW), are considered. The results indicate a gradual decrease in vertical wind shear during Fani. In the case of Amphan, the increase in mid‐tropospheric relative humidity values is found to be substantial. The sea surface cooling after the passage of Amphan was higher than in the case of Fani. The higher sea surface temperature in the Amphan case corresponds to the lower aerosol loading (partly because of lockdown measures) than that of Fani in the pre‐cyclone phase. And the decrease (increase) in aerosol loading coincides with an increase (decrease) in the direct radiative forcing at the ocean surface. The Madden–Julian Oscillation played a greater role in the cyclogenesis of Fani, but Kelvin waves offered a major support in the case of Amphan. The warmer sea surface, higher tropical cyclone heat potential, and conducive ocean and atmospheric setting together supported the further intensification of Amphan to the supercyclone stage. The difference in chlorophyll concentration showed a significant variation, with higher positive values seen in the case of Amphan implicating greater vertical mixing. The numerical modeling effort indicated superior performance of MPAS‐A compared to WRF‐ARW in simulating the radial parameters of the TCs.
Synthesis, in vitro α‐Glucosidase Inhibition, DFT Calculations, and Molecular Docking Studies of Some New Substituted 2,5‐Bis(pyrazolyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles
Authors: Chaudhry Faryal , Abdullah Shawana , un‐Nisa Mehr , Hayat Anum , Ahmad Hafiz Adnan , Aslam Samina , Ashraf Muhammad , Munawar Munawar Ali
Published: February 2024

A pivotal feature of present research study is the synthesis of some new 2,5‐bis(pyrazolyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles as promising α‐glucosidase inhibitors. In this regard, a facile reaction scheme was designed to afford 1,3,4‐oxadiazole ring. In search of the most favourable reaction condition, a model reaction was first carried out between 1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbohydrazide (3) and 1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxylic acid (4 a) using phosphorous oxychloride (POCl3). The results emanated from this model reaction were utilized to prepare other derivatives to highlight the scope of current synthetic approach and the structures of the prepared molecules were characterized from spectroscopic techniques. These derivatives were further investigated for their α‐glucosidase inhibitory potentials. 2,5‐Bis(1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (5 a) and 2‐(3‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐5‐(1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (5 c) displayed strong in vitro inhibitory activities with IC50 73.1±1.13 μM and IC50 87.3±1.12 μM respectively with least toxicity profiles. Molecular docking and computational studies including geometry optimization of synthesized molecular systems, calculations of their orbital energies, and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface maps further helped to establish structural and electronic properties contributing towards their bioactivity. The electrophilicity index significantly quantifies the biological activity. The experimental and computational data altogether facilitated in understanding the therapeutic attributes of these versatile scaffolds in relation to their α‐glucosidase inhibition.
Advances in Polybenzocoumarins: Synthesis, Applications and Fluorescent Properties
Authors: Ullah Arif , Bukhari Kareem Shah , Farooq Faiza , Guo Fu‐Hu , Asif Muhammad , Ullah Afaq , Ullah Isfaq
Published: February 2024

Polybenzocoumarins, characterized by unique structural features, have emerged as a promising class of compounds with diverse applications. In the realm of fluorescence, these molecules exhibit notable properties attributed to their extended π‐conjugation, aromaticity, and potential for intramolecular charge transfer. Diverse synthetic methodologies, including green chemistry approaches and transition‐metal‐catalyzed reactions, are discussed. The review explores the impact of structural modifications on fluorescence behavior, providing insights for designing fluorescent probes. The versatility of polybenzocoumarins makes them promising in bioimaging, sensors, and optoelectronics. This concise overview serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the dynamic field of polybenzocoumarin chemistry.
Efficient Inverted Perovskite Photovoltaics Through Surface State Manipulation
Authors: Wang Xingtao , Zhang Chi , Liu Tiantian , Qin Shucheng , Lin Zizhen , Shi Congbo , Zhao Dongming , Zhao Zhiguo , Qin Xiaojun , Li Menglei , Wang Yong
Published: February 2024

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as the most promising avenue for the commercialization of PSCs due to their potential inherent stability. However, suboptimal interface contacts between electron transport layer (ETL) (such as C60) and the perovskite absorbing layer within inverted PSCs always result in reduced efficiency and poor stability. Herein, a surface state manipulation strategy has been developed by employing a highly electronegative 4‐fluorophenethylamine hydrochloride (p‐F‐PEACl) to effectively address the issue of poor interface contacts in the inverted PSCs. The p‐F‐PEACl demonstrates a robust interaction with perovskite film through bonding of amino group and Cl− with I− and Pb2+ ions in the perovskite, respectively. As such, the surface defects of perovskite film can be significantly reduced, leading to suppressed non‐radiative recombination. Moreover, p‐F‐PEACl also plays a dual role in enhancing the surface potential and improving energy‐level alignment at the interfaces between the perovskite and C60 carrier transport layer, which directly contributes to efficient charge extraction. Finally, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of devices increases from 1.104 V to 1.157 V, leading to an overall efficiency improvement from 22.34% to 24.78%. Furthermore, the p‐F‐PEACl‐treated PSCs also display excellent stability.
Unearthing the identity, taxonomy and nomenclature of the enigmatic Marchantiopsis stoloniscyphula (Marchantiophyta, Marchantiaceae) from China
Authors: Zheng Tian‐Xiong , Hu Yong , Li Wei , Li Xue‐Dong
Published: February 2024

Owing to a combination of reportedly unique morphological characters and an unlocatable type specimen, Marchantiopsis stoloniscyphula has been regarded as an enigmatic species in Marchantiaceae since its description, and all subsequent taxonomic treatments of this species were made without examination of the type. We located the original material of M. stoloniscyphula which was included as an admixture within the holotype of Wiesnerella fasciaria deposited in IFP. Our morphological examination found that M. stoloniscyphula and W. fasciaria are conspecific with Marchantia papillata subsp. grossibarba and Sandea japonica, respectively. The nomenclature of Marchantiopsis and M. stoloniscyphula are discussed. Lectotypes for M. stoloniscyphula and W. fasciaria are also designated.
Experimental support for a sustainable treatment strategy of acrylic fiber dyeing wastewater
Authors: Kabdaşlı Işık , Orhon Derin
Published: February 2024

The study intended to devise a sustainable treatment scheme for acrylic fiber dyeing process effluents, which significantly differ from other textile plant wastewaters. The necessary experimental support was generated from a set of tests conducted on the wastewater of a plant operation, focused solely on acrylic fiber dyeing. Related experiments involved effluent characterization, biological treatability, and chemical settling/oxidation performed on raw and bio‐treated effluent, as pre‐treatment and/or polishing steps. A total COD level of 910 mg/L with a 70% soluble ratio, low total N and P contents below 10 mg/L, a detergent content of 50 mg/L and a dark/black color of 1150 Pt‐Co unit defined the average properties of the raw plant effluent. Experimental support indicated that activated sludge operation at a sludge age level above 25 d, remained insufficient as it could only provide an effluent with a soluble COD level above 150 mg/L, a biomass escape in the range of 40 to 100 mg/L and with an intense dark color. A similar experimental template, including chemical settling, chemical oxidation by NaOCl and combination of the two processes, was tested as pre‐treatment and a polishing step after biological treatment. Pre‐treatment, although with some benefit to remove toxic and inhibitory compounds, proved to be highly costly, due to excessive chemical usage and sludge generation for a sustainable, cost‐effective approach. The sequence of chemical oxidation and settling steps implemented as a polishing stage was quite effective as it secured complete color removal, a major source of concern for the selected wastewater and also, it reduced COD down to 60 mg/L, a level significantly below the residual COD threshold for biological treatment. This approach, although case‐specific for this study, provided a scientific and general perspective for similar work.
Vadose zone perspectives in global arsenic research: A review and future opportunities
Authors: van Genuchten C. M. , Wang K. , Jakobsen R.
Published: February 2024

Few contaminants have been linked to more devastating human health and environmental impacts than carcinogenic arsenic (As). Geogenic As contamination of groundwater used as a drinking water source continues to threaten hundreds of millions of lives worldwide, with the As crisis in South and Southeast Asia often called “the largest mass poisoning in history.” In addition, anthropogenic As pollution derived from industrial activities (e.g., mining and smelting processes, wood preservation, and historic pesticide use) has created large sites of intensely contaminated soils and water bodies that urgently require remediation. Because of its profound negative impacts on environmental quality, As has also been the focus of considerable scientific research. In particular, vadose zone research, which aims to understand fluid flow and contaminant transport in variably saturated porous media, has been critical to identify sources of As contamination, predict the fate of As in natural and engineered systems, and help guide regulatory agencies, policymakers, and practitioners to minimize As impacts. In this work, we review several key topics in global As research that have been advanced by vadose zone knowledge. These topics include the release of geogenic As to groundwater, the remediation of anthropogenic As contamination, and the design and operation of As treatment systems. We end this review by highlighting urgent and important knowledge gaps in As research that can benefit from a more rigorous understanding of vadose zone processes.
Diatom metacommunity structuring in a large lake: geomorphic, water chemistry and dispersal effects on diatom guilds in Lake Ladoga (north-western Russia)
Authors: Rusanov Alexander G. , Kurashov Evgeny A. , Rasulova Anna M. , Bíró Tibor , Vadkerti Edit , Ács Éva
Published: February 2024

The relative importance of environmental filtering and dispersal in structuring metacommunities of littoral periphytic diatoms was assessed within a large lake (Lake Ladoga, north-western Russia). We hypothesized that different diatom functional guilds (high-profile, low-profile, motile and planktic) would respond differently to environmental and spatial variables, depending on their mode of attachment and dispersal ability. Guilds showed distinct distributional patterns along a gradient of wave-induced disturbance: low-profile diatoms dominated in exposed shorelines (high disturbance), whereas high-profile and motile diatoms were more abundant in coastal wetlands (low disturbance). Redundancy analysis with variation partitioning of the entire diatom community revealed that environmental variables (littoral geomorphology and water chemistry) outperformed spatial variables, indicating a predominant role of species sorting. When the diatom community was deconstructed into functional groups, benthic guilds (i.e., low-profile, high-profile and motile) showed higher dependence on environmental factors, whereas the planktic guild was primarily predicted by spatial factors. Thus, benthic taxa with lower dispersal abilities were less impacted by mass effects than planktic taxa. Among benthic guilds, motile diatoms were less sensitive to water chemistry compared to low-profile and high-profile diatoms, suggesting that a group-specific habitat preference may interfere with diatom responses to water quality changes. Hence, the response of diatom guilds to water quality parameters was related to their resistance to wave action. Overall, we concluded that the higher importance of environmental filtering than dispersal-related processes in shaping the diatom metacommunity resulted from a combination of a strong environmental gradient in geomorphology/water chemistry and the intermediate spatial scale of our study.
Neurexin1α knockout in rats causes aberrant social behaviour: relevance for autism and schizophrenia
Authors: Achterberg E. J. Marijke , Biemans Barbara , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J.
Published: February 2024

Rationale

Genetic and environmental factors cause neuropsychiatric disorders through complex interactions that are far from understood. Loss-of-function mutations in synaptic proteins like neurexin1α have been linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), both characterised by problems in social behaviour. Childhood social play behaviour is thought to facilitate social development, and lack of social play may precipitate or exacerbate ASD and SCZ.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that an environmental insult acts on top of genetic vulnerability to precipitate psychiatric-like phenotypes. To that aim, social behaviour in neurexin1α knockout rats was assessed, with or without deprivation of juvenile social play. We also tested drugs prescribed in ASD or SCZ to assess the relevance of this dual-hit model for these disorders.

Results

Neurexin1α knockout rats showed an aberrant social phenotype, with high amounts of social play, increased motivation to play, age-inappropriate sexual mounting, and an increase in general activity. Play deprivation subtly altered later social behaviour, but did not affect the phenotype of neurexin1α knockout rats. Risperidone and methylphenidate decreased play behaviour in both wild-type and knockout rats. Amphetamine-induced hyperactivity was exaggerated in neurexin1α knockout rats.

Conclusion

Deletion of the neurexin1α gene in rats causes exaggerated social play, which is not modified by social play deprivation. This phenotype therefore resembles disinhibited behaviour rather than the social withdrawal seen in ASD and SCZ. The neurexin1α knockout rat could be a model for inappropriate or disinhibited social behaviour seen in childhood mental disorders.
Heat transfer on impingement cooled meshing spur gears: Experimental comparison of into-mesh, out-of-mesh and inclined impingement methods
Authors: Ayan Emre , Kromer Christian , Schwitzke Corina , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: February 2024

Oil jet impingement cooling is the standard approach to cool high-speed high-power gears. The heat transfer between oil jets and gears is experimentally investigated in this paper. The three established methods of oil jet impingement cooling -into-mesh, out-of-mesh and inclined impingement on one of the gears- are studied. Heat transfer coefficients for these methods are experimentally determined. A loss correction approach is implemented for the evaluation of measurements. For the inclined impingement method, heat transfer on the non-impinged gear and the influence of meshing on the heat transfer coefficient are investigated. Gear meshing has an insignificant effect on the average heat transfer coefficient over the gear tooth. However, the spatial distribution of the heat transfer coefficient depends on the meshing configuration. Significant cooling on the non-impinged gear is observed with the inclined impingement method. The inclined impingement method is superior to the into-mesh and out-of-mesh methods at all measured operating points.
Unconventional light - matter interaction in the response-time region of unionized bound electrons
Authors: Parali Ufuk
Published: February 2024

In the literature, the experimental studies in laser-bound electron interaction without ionization show us that a specific amount of material-dependent response time must already pass so that the conventional interaction starts afterward and the bound electrons sense the electric field being applied to them. On the other hand, due to the lack of this conventional interaction in the mentioned material-specific response-time region, it is not correct to assume that the material is absolutely transparent to the applied field during this time period, in which we hypothesized that there must be an unconventional light-matter interaction phenomenon. We report the first numerical hypothesis for modeling the mechanism of this phenomenon, of which the interaction procedure has not yet been clearly understood. Our hypothesis very simply modifies the interaction Hamiltonian of the system by embedding an unknown time-varying function that we named the modifier function, proposing that it exists only in the response-time region of the material. The numerical solution in this study proved the existence of the modifier function in the response-time region for the first time. In our humble opinion, this proven phenomenon must be studied and understood more clearly both theoretically and experimentally for each material.
Improvements in urinary symptoms, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial distress in the early recovery period after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in 842 German bladder cancer patients: data from uro-oncological rehabilitation
Authors: Bahlburg Henning , Tully Karl Heinrich , Bach Peter , Butea-Bocu Marius Cristian , Reike Moritz , Roghmann Florian , Noldus Joachim , Müller Guido
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate urinary symptoms (continence and stoma care), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial distress (PD) in the early postoperative period after radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion for ileal conduit (IC) and ileal neobladder (INB) to obtain a better basis for patient counseling.

Methods

Data for 842 bladder cancer patients, who underwent 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation (IR) after RC and urinary diversion (447 IC, 395 INB) between April 2018 and December 2019 were prospectively collected. HRQoL, PD, and urinary symptoms were evaluated by validated questionnaires at the beginning (T1) and the end of IR (T2). In addition, continence status and micturition volume were objectively evaluated in INB patients by 24-h pad test and uroflowmetry, respectively.

Results

Global HRQoL was severely impaired at T1, without significant difference between the two types of urinary diversion. All functioning and symptom scales of HRQoL improved significantly from T1 to T2. In INB patients, all continence parameters improved significantly during IR, while patients with an IC reported fewer problems concerning urostomy management. The proportion of patients suffering from high PD decreased significantly from 50.7 to 34.9%. Age ≤ 59 years was the only independent predictor of high PD. Female patients and patients  ≤ 59 years were more likely to use individual psycho-oncological counseling.

Conclusion

HRQoL, PD and urinary symptoms improved significantly in the early recovery period after RC. Patients with urinary continence reported higher HRQoL and less PD. Psychosocial support should be offered especially to younger patients.
Die Geschichte der kardialen Resynchronisationstherapie
Authors: Stellbrink Christoph
Published: February 2024

Vor mehr als 30 Jahren erfolgte die erste Implantation eines permanenten, biventrikulären Herzschrittmachersystems bei einem Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz und ventrikulärer Leitungsstörung. In diesem Artikel soll die historische Entwicklung der kardialen Resynchronisationstherapie (CRT) vom pathophysiologischen Konzept über die ersten Proof of concept-Studien bis hin zu den großen randomisierten Studien, die dann zum Einzug der CRT in die Leitlinien zur Behandlung der Herzinsuffizienz geführt haben, dargestellt werden. Auch nach der Etablierung der CRT kam es zum einen zu einer Ausweitung der Indikationen z. B. auf Patienten mit milder Herzinsuffizienz oder Vorhofflimmern, aber auch zur Rückbesinnung auf die Patienten mit breiterem QRS-Komplex und Linksschenkelblock, die am meisten profitieren. Neue Techniken wie das Conduction-System-Pacing werden die Schrittmachertherapie bei Herzinsuffizienz verändern, als Alternative oder Ergänzung zur CRT.
The relationship between extreme inter-individual variation in macrophage gene expression and genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: O’Brien Claire L. , Summers Kim M. , Martin Natalia M. , Carter-Cusack Dylan , Yang Yuanhao , Barua Rasel , Dixit Ojas V. A. , Hume David A. , Pavli Paul
Published: February 2024

The differentiation of resident intestinal macrophages from blood monocytes depends upon signals from the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF1R). Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicates that dysregulation of macrophage differentiation and response to microorganisms contributes to susceptibility to chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we analyzed transcriptomic variation in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from affected and unaffected sib pairs/trios from 22 IBD families and 6 healthy controls. Transcriptional network analysis of the data revealed no overall or inter-sib distinction between affected and unaffected individuals in basal gene expression or the temporal response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the basal or LPS-inducible expression of individual genes varied independently by as much as 100-fold between subjects. Extreme independent variation in the expression of pairs of HLA-associated transcripts (HLA-B/C, HLA-A/F and HLA-DRB1/DRB5) in macrophages was associated with HLA genotype. Correlation analysis indicated the downstream impacts of variation in the immediate early response to LPS. For example, variation in early expression of IL1B was significantly associated with local SNV genotype and with subsequent peak expression of target genes including IL23A, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL8 and NLRP3. Similarly, variation in early IFNB1 expression was correlated with subsequent expression of IFN target genes. Our results support the view that gene-specific dysregulation in macrophage adaptation to the intestinal milieu is associated with genetic susceptibility to IBD.
Assessing the potential risks of climate change on the natural capital of six countries resulting from global warming of 1.5 to 4 °C above pre-industrial levels
Authors: Price Jeff , Warren Rachel , Forstenhäusler Nicole , Jenkins Rhosanna , Graham Erin
Published: February 2024

We present the results from a new framework providing an assessment of how climate change risks to natural capital accrue with warming of 1.5–4 °C in six countries (China, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and India). Unlike typical biodiversity and climate change studies, this assessment also considers landcover and population changes across a range of 17 ecosystem services. The potential impacts of climate change (alone) on natural capital at 1.5 °C is greatest in Brazil and least in Ghana. However, when population and landcover change are included, areas projected to be at high natural capital risk begin to accrue by 1.5 °C in all countries. By 2 °C, Ethiopia and Ghana show increasing areas at high risk, even though they are at low risk owing to climate alone. Thus, current impacts to biodiversity and ecosystem services and changes in potential demand coupled with warming exceed changes projected by climate alone. However, this also indicates that there is adaptation potential, especially with warming of < 2 °C, to reduce risk through restoring habitat. At lower levels of warming, targeted restoration of marginal agricultural habitats would increase the bank of natural capital for use by people and provide support for remaining agricultural lands. By 3 °C, the adaptation potential from restoration is substantially less: < 1% in Brazil, India and Egypt; 7–8% in China and Ethiopia; but still 26% in Ghana. This indicates that restoration as an adaptation option for biodiversity, and thus, natural capital, rapidly decreases with increasing temperatures. By 2100, factoring in population change (SSP2), current ecological footprint, and current landcover, even with only 1.5 °C warming, large parts of Brazil, eastern China, most of Egypt, much of Ethiopia, southwestern Ghana (except for protected areas), and most of India are at high to extreme natural capital risk with an adaptation deficit potentially equating to a soft adaptation limit.