bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calipered kinematic alignment restored the arithmetic hip–knee–ankle angle, achieved high satisfaction and improved clinical outcomes
Authors: Suzuki Leina , Munir Selin , Hellman Jorgen
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether unrestricted calipered kinematic alignment (KA), coupled with a medial‐stabilised (MS) implant system, can reproduce the patient's constitutional alignment as per the arithmetic hip–knee‐ankle (aHKA) and improve clinical outcomes.

Methods

One‐hundred and ninety‐three patients received total knee arthroplasty by the senior author. To determine whether the constitutional alignment was achieved, the postoperative hip–knee–ankle (HKA) alignment was compared against the aHKA. Range of motion (ROM) was determined preoperative and postoperatively at 6 months and 2 years by measuring the active flexion and extension. Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) including Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and Visual Analogue Scale for Satisfaction were also completed. The Sports and Recreation component of KOOS was used to assess the patient's ability to return to sports and daily activities.

Results

There was a strong correlation between postoperative HKA and aHKA (r = 0.7, p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in both extension and flexion seen from as early as 6 months postoperatively, with a mean flexion of 123° ± 11° and extension of 1° ± 3° at 2 years. PROMs had significant improvements with a mean score of 42.8 ± 6.0 for the OKS and all KOOS subscales consisting of Symptoms (88.0 ± 11.7), Pain (91.4 ± 11.6), Activities of Daily Living (91.1 ± 12.4), Sports (76.8 ± 22.1) and Quality of Life (83.0 ± 19.1). The FJS had significant improvements from 6 months to 2 years of 19.9 (p < 0.05), with a mean score of 69.2 ± 26.6 at 2 years. Ninety‐three percent (180 patients) were classified as ‘satisfied’ at the 2‐year timepoint. The KOOS Sports component was completed by 64% (124 patients), whereby the mean age was younger than the noncompliant patients (67.7 ± 9.4 vs. 71.7 ± 8.2 years).

Conclusion

Unrestricted calipered KA can result in an alignment that closely resembles the patient's constitutional alignment, as per the aHKA. This resulted in improved knee ROM and patient satisfaction, as well as assisting younger patients to return to sports and daily activities.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Effect of age and gender in rates of achieving minimal clinically important difference and patient‐acceptable symptom state 2 years after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction
Authors: Ben Hui , Yeom Ji Woong , Kholinne Erica , Guo Jia , Park Ji Yeon , Ryu Seung Min , Koh Kyoung‐Hwan , Jeon In‐Ho
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the effects of gender and age on achieving clinically significant outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up.

Methods

Patients undergoing ASCR for irreparable rotator cuff tear between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Preoperative and minimum 2‐year postoperative PROMs were collected, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant, single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient‐acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) were calculated for each functional score and analyzed according to age and gender. The percentages of patients achieving MCID and PASS were recorded.

Results

The study included 83 patients, with a mean follow‐up of 3.5 ± 1.4 years. Significant improvements were found in ASES, Constant, SANE, and VAS for all groups based on gender and age. Based on receiver‐operating characteristic curves, all scores had acceptable areas under the curve for PASS. Values for PASS and MCID were 81.5 and 10.3 for ASES; 61.5 and 6.2 for Constant; 82.5 and 11.5 for SANE and 1.5 and 1.1 for VAS, respectively. Analysis of achieving MCID and PASS showed no difference between the groups in the majority of outcome measures. However, female patients achieved the SANE thresholds for PASS at significantly higher rates than male patients. Patients ≥65 years old achieved ASES and Constant thresholds for MCID at significantly higher rates than patients ˂65 years old.

Conclusion

Most patients achieved MCID and PASS at a 2‐year follow‐up. Patients showed comparable rates of MCID and PASS achievement on most outcome tools based on age and gender. Female patients achieved PASS on SANE at significantly higher rates than male patients and older patients achieved MCID on ASES and Constant at higher rates than young patients. Thus, age is a stronger factor for achieving MCID than gender.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Recycling of Polyolefins for Multiple Lifecycles
Authors: Matthews Megan , van Reenen Albert
Published: March 2024

The recycling of polyolefins for multiple life cycles is becoming a legislative requirement in the South African plastics industry. This study shows that this cannot be a blanket requirement for all polyolefins. While HDPE displays good resistance to weathering, the decrease in molecular weight limits the maximum number of life cycles before which the resultant product has lost all integrity. Impact polypropylenes fare much worse during weathering and more than 50% of impact properties are lost within the first 12 months of exposure. The blending of virgin material into degraded material can recover some properties of HDPE but not in the case of impact polypropylenes. The same legislation can therefore not be applied to all plastics and specific targets should depend on polymer composition.
Effects of indirect signal absorption in the chemotaxis system involving singularly signal‐dependent motilities
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Jiaqi , Pan Fei
Published: March 2024

We consider the initial‐boundary problem of the chemotaxis system with indirect consumption
in a smoothly bounded domain with . It is shown that for all suitably regular initial data, global solvability in classical sense can be established even with singularly signal‐dependent motilities involved. To be specific, the global classical solution is constructed for arbitrary .
CEO turnover, ESG‐washing, and firm value
Authors: Yoo Ji Seon , Song Won Ja , Ku Ja Eun
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the effects of chief executive officer (CEO) turnover on myopic investment decisions and firm value. A variable for environment, social, and governance (ESG)‐washing is designed and employed as an alternative proxy for myopic investment. We find that firms with more frequent CEO turnover are more likely to engage in ESG‐washing as a form of myopic investment to meet short‐term performance goals. In addition, firms that engage in ESG‐washing report lower firm value than firms that are not involved in ESG‐washing because the lack of substantive investment accompanying these activities ultimately deteriorates firm reputation and value in return for short‐term improvement in ESG performance.
Striatal and Extrastriatal Monoaminergic Disruption in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Ma Jing‐Hong , Dong Chong , Qiao Hong‐Wen , Barret Olivier , Tamagnan Gilles D. , Mao Wei , Xu Er‐He , Zhang Chun , Lu Jie , Chan Piu , Liu Shu‐Ying
Published: March 2024

Background

As a biomarker targeting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), 18F‐9‐fluoropropyldihydrotetrabenazine (18F‐FP‐DTBZ) positron emission tomography (PET) is highly accurate in diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD) and assessing its severity. However, evidence is insufficient in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Objective

We evaluated the striatal and extrastriatal monoaminergic disruption of PSP and differences in patterns between patients with PSP, PD, and healthy controls (HCs) using 18F‐FP‐DTBZ PET, as well as its correlations with the clinical characteristics of PSP.

Methods

We recruited 58 patients with PSP, 23 age‐ and duration‐matched patients with PD, as well as 17 HCs. Patients were scanned using 18F‐FP‐DTBZ PET/computed tomography, and images were spatially normalized and analyzed based on the volume of interest.

Results

VMAT2 binding differed significantly in the striatum and substantia nigra among the groups (P < 0.001). A more severe disruption in the caudate was noted in the PSP group (P < 0.001) than in the PD group. However, no differences were found in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, amygdala, or raphe between the PD and PSP groups. Within the PSP group, striatal VMAT2 binding was significantly associated with the fall/postural stability subscore of the PSP Rating Scale, especially in the putamen. Furthermore, VMAT2 binding was correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination or Montreal Cognitive Assessment in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

Caudate disruptions showed prominent differences among the groups. VAMT2 binding in the striatum and hippocampus reflects the severity of fall/postural stability and cognition, respectively. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Climatic interactions between cold surges in the South China Sea and North Pacific extratropical cyclones
Authors: Xia Lan , Zhang Jialin , Hu Yao
Published: March 2024

Cold surge events in the South China Sea (over 110–117.5° E longitude at 15° N latitude) from 1979 to 2019 are divided into four types depending on their correlation with North Pacific extratropical cyclones (ECs). Climatologic relationships between the two phenomena reveal that 92% (39%) of all cold surges are accompanied by ECs (explosive extratropical cyclones, abbreviated as EC‐E), while 31% of ECs are accompanied by cold surges. The occurrence and development of ECs favour eruptions of cold air from higher latitudes, which in turn produce conditions conducive to cold surges. In the North Pacific, ECs travel in a northeastward direction, ultimately contributing to the Aleutian low. Meanwhile, the westerly jet is observed to strengthen following cold surge events. Both actions drive further EC activity, which in turn facilitates subsequent cold surges. Therefore, when ECs occur before and after cold surges, the cold surge event itself tends to be relatively strong and long lived. The transmission of energy by ECs is a primary link between the high and middle latitudes and contributes to the impact of cold surges on low latitudes. This study also explores the respective influences of the Siberia High and Aleutian Low on cold surges. The majority of cold surges that do not involve ECs occur in the context of the weaker Siberia High and Aleutian Low. Cold surges accompanied with ECs can be even stronger and longer lasting when the Siberia High and Aleutian Low strengthen.
Adapting low‐dose CT denoisers for texture preservation using zero‐shot local noise‐level matching
Authors: Ko Youngjun , Song Seongjong , Baek Jongduk , Shim Hyunjung
Published: March 2024

Background

On enhancing the image quality of low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT), various denoising methods have achieved meaningful improvements. However, they commonly produce over‐smoothed results; the denoised images tend to be more blurred than the normal‐dose targets (NDCTs). Furthermore, many recent denoising methods employ deep learning(DL)‐based models, which require a vast amount of CT images (or image pairs).

Purpose

Our goal is to address the problem of over‐smoothed results and design an algorithm that works regardless of the need for a large amount of training dataset to achieve plausible denoising results. Over‐smoothed images negatively affect the diagnosis and treatment since radiologists had developed clinical experiences with NDCT. Besides, a large‐scale training dataset is often not available in clinical situations. To overcome these limitations, we propose locally‐adaptive noise‐level matching (LANCH), emphasizing the output should retain the same noise‐level and characteristics to that of the NDCT without additional training.

Methods

We represent the NDCT image as the pixel‐wisely weighted sum of an over‐smoothed output from off‐the‐shelf denoiser (OSD) and the difference between the LDCT image and the OSD output. Herein, LANCH determines a 2D ratio map (i.e., pixel‐wise weight matrix) by locally matching the noise‐level of output and NDCT, where the LDCT‐to‐NDCT device flux (mAs) ratio reveals the NDCT noise‐level. Thereby, LANCH can preserve important details in LDCT, and enhance the sharpness of the noise‐free regions. Note that LANCH can enhance any LDCT denoisers without additional training data (i.e., zero‐shot).

Results

The proposed method is applicable to any OSD denoisers, reporting significant texture plausibility development over the baseline denoisers in quantitative and qualitative manners. It is surprising that the denoising accuracy achieved by our method with zero‐shot denoiser was comparable or superior to that of the best training‐based denoisers; our result showed 1% and 33% gains in terms of SSIM and DISTS, respectively. Reader study with experienced radiologists shows significant image quality improvements, a gain of + 1.18 on a five‐point mean opinion score scale.

Conclusions

In this paper, we propose a technique to enhance any low‐dose CT denoiser by leveraging the fundamental physical relationship between the x‐ray flux and noise variance. Our method is capable of operating in a zero‐shot condition, which means that only a single low‐dose CT image is required for the enhancement process. We demonstrate that our approach is comparable or even superior to supervised DL‐based denoisers that are trained using numerous CT images. Extensive experiments illustrate that our method consistently improves the performance of all tested LDCT denoisers.
Analytical solution for buried pipeline deformation induced by normal and reverse fault considering structural joint influence
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Feng Jiawei , Zhu Zhengguo , Zhao Qihua , Pan Yutao
Published: March 2024

Previous studies take less account of analytical solution analysis for buried pipeline under the action of active fault. Furthermore, current theoretical studies of fault‐pipeline interactions generally treat the structure as continuous pipeline, with less attention given to the effect of joints. This paper provides an analytical method to estimate the deformation and internal force of jointed pipelines under normal and reverse fault. By introducing the simplified soil deformation model and error function, the soil greenfield deformation curves under the influence of normal and reverse fault are obtained. Considering the interaction between the pipeline structure and the disturbed soil, the two‐parameter Pasternak foundation model is adopted to analyze the forces on pipeline infinitesimal elements. Then, the mechanical response of the jointed pipeline structure due to the fault additional load is solved by finite difference method. The accuracy of the presented analytical solution is verified by comparisons with observed data of model test and 3D numerical simulation results. Finally, the parametric analyses are performed to estimate the influence for the characteristics of the foundation, fault and joint, including subgrade shear stiffness, subgrade reaction coefficient, fault dip, joint rotational stiffness, joint spacing, and intersection of fault and pipeline.
Can we predict and manage persistent storage and voiding LUTS following bladder outflow resistance reduction surgery in men? ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Tarcan Tufan , Hashim Hashim , Malde Sachin , Sinha Sanjay , Sahai Arun , Acar Omer , Selai Caroline , Agro Enrico Finazzi , Abrams Paul , Wein Alan
Published: March 2024

Aims

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) persist in up to 50% of patients after bladder outflow resistance reduction surgery (BORRS) in men. Our think tank aims to address the predictive factors for persistent LUTS after BORRS and to propose the recommendations for future research to enable improved better patient counseling and selection by more accurate prediction of treatment outcome.

Methods

A think tank of ICI‐RS gathered in 2023, Bristol, UK, to discuss the pre and postsurgical clinical and urodynamic evaluation of men undergoing BORRS and whether it is possible to predict which men will have persistent LUTS after BORRS.

Results

Our think tank agrees that due to the multifactorial, and still not fully understood, etiology of male LUTS it is not possible to precisely predict in many men who will have persistent LUTS after BORRS. However, severe storage symptoms (overactive bladder, OAB) in association with low volume and high amplitude detrusor overactivity and low bladder capacity in preoperative urodynamics, increase the likelihood of persistent OAB/storage symptoms after BORRS. Furthermore, patients who are clearly obstructed and have good bladder contractility on preoperative pressure flow studies do better postoperatively compared to their counterparts. However, the benefit of pressure flow studies is decreased in patients who do not acceptably void during the study. Poor voiding after BORRS may occur due to persistent obstruction or detrusor underactivity.

Conclusion

Future research is needed to increase our understanding of why male LUTS persist after surgery, and to enable better patient selection and more precise patient counseling before BORRS.
Quantitative investigation on ballistic resistance and energy absorption behavior of columnar ceramic/interlayer hybrid fiber composites
Authors: Jiang Yang , Zhang Zhongwei , Song Chunming , Tan Yizhong , Lin Yuan , Xiang Yuhang , Sun Minqian
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the impact of hybrid fiber structures on the ballistic performance of columnar ceramic/interlayer hybrid fiber composites. Three hybrid fiber composites and one single fiber‐component composite were fabricated. The accuracy of the numerical model was validated through quantitative analysis of matching micro‐CT images with simulation results. The error of the back convex height (BCH) values between the numerical simulation and the micro‐CT was only 2.8%. The error of delamination area at four thickness positions is only 0.7%, 14.7%, 0.3%, and 5.3%, respectively. The quantitative study on the ballistic performance of ceramic/fiber composites indicates that all hybrid fiber composites provide enhanced penetration resistance, with the sandwich structure outperforming the rest. Compared with the C‐U sample, the bullet's remaining velocity and the BCH in the C‐(A/U/A) sample were significantly improved, with reductions of 195 m∙s−1 and 16.6 mm, respectively. During the penetration process, the ceramic/fiber composites mainly exhibited damage failure mechanisms such as ceramic crushing to form ceramic cones, shear failure, and shear‐tensile‐delamination mixed failure. The energy absorption rate (EAR) of ceramic failure was 54.1%–60.2%, the EAR of tension was 12.5%–20.9%, and the EAR of the tension‐delamination‐shearing mixed model was 21.9%–32.8%.

Highlights

The numerical model is quantitatively validated with micro‐CT results.

Ballistic resistance and EARs in six stages are quantitatively analyzed.

C‐(A/U/A) composite has superior ballistic resistance compared to C‐U.
Nanoclay protonation and silane functionalization to enhance mechanical and fracture performance of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar Swatantra , Halder Sudipta , Choudhury Pannalal
Published: March 2024

Nanoclay is considered to be one of the best fillers for reinforcement in structural polymer composites because of its low cost, easy availability, and ability to improve mechanical, thermal, corrosion resistance, barrier properties and nonflammability in corresponding nanocomposites. Pristine nanoclay is hydrophilic and therefore needs surface modification to make it compatible for uniform dispersion with polymer matrix. In the present work, montmorillonite nanoclay was protonated for generating more hydroxyl groups to facilitate silane functionalization and is reinforced to prepare epoxy nanocomposites with a varying content of 0.5 to 20 wt%. Studies are also conducted to investigate the effect of silanization of unprotonated nanoclay on epoxy nanocomposites. Interestingly, uniform highly exfoliated reduced‐size nanoclay platelets are obtained for functionalized protonated nanoclay. This behavior is attributed to the increase in the d‐spacing between the interlayers of the nanoclay during protonation and silanization. Tensile performances are found best with 0.5 wt% of silanized clay with an improvement of ~50%, ~84% and ~177% in strength, modulus and absorbed failure energy compared to neat epoxy. Although flexural and fracture performance are found highest with 2 wt% of silanized protonated clay with an improvement of ~57.5% in flexural strength and a remarkable ~241% and ~964% enhancement in fracture toughness and fracture energy compared to neat epoxy. The toughening mechanism investigation endorses the improvement in interfacial adhesion of the protonated silanized nanoclay that enhances the properties of the interfacial region, which significantly enhances the resistance for in‐panne crack propagation in epoxy nanocomposites.

Highlights

Synthesized silanized and silanized protonated montmorillonite clay.

Protonation facilitated silane moiety attachment onto nanoclay.

Maximum improvement of flexural strength by ~57.5% for ESPrC2.

KIC and GIC were highest showing ~1.74 MPam1/2 and ~830.28 J/m2 for ESPrC2.

Enhanced interfacial adhesion due to SPrC with the epoxy matrix.
Effects of melatonin, proline, and salicylic acid on seedling growth, photosynthetic activity, and leaf nutrients of sorghum under salt stress
Authors: Kiremit Mehmet Sait , Öztürk Elif , Arslan Hakan , Subrata Bhaskara Anggarda Gathot , Akay Hasan , Bakirova Aigerim
Published: March 2024

Soil salinization poses a significant challenge to the sustainability and productivity of agriculture worldwide. This issue continues to hinder plant growth, requiring innovative solutions to alleviate salt stress. Moreover, climate change accelerates soil salinization, which may soon spread to previously unaffected agricultural areas. Therefore, the present study evaluated the potential role of different seed priming agents (hydro (H), salicylic acid (SA), proline (P), and melatonin (MEL)) on seedlings and leaf macro and micronutrients of sorghum grown under four (.27, 2.5, 5.0, and 8.0 dS m−1) soil salinity conditions. Soil salinity drastically reduced all the growth parameters of sorghum seedlings, primarily the reduction in growth traits, which was remarkable after 2.5 dS m−1 soil salinity. In addition, plant height, shoot fresh weight, and stomata were reduced by 40.8%, 74.6%, and 36.5%, respectively, at 8.0 dS m−1 compared to .27 dS m−1. SA‐ and MEL‐primed seeds mitigated the harmful effects of soil salinity by reducing Na+ accumulation in the leaves and increasing the K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios and photosynthetic activity under salt stress. However, the Zn2+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ contents of sorghum leaves increased with increasing soil salinity, and these nutrients also improved with seed priming by SA, MEL, and P. Considering all nutrients, MEL‐primed sorghum seeds had better macro‐ and micro‐nutrient uptake capacities than the H, SA, and P treatments under high soil salinity conditions. Finally, the present study showed that MEL‐induced improvement in salt tolerance in sorghum seedlings was related to enhanced nutritional status, photosynthetic activity, and biomass production in salinized areas.
Chromosome‐scale genome assembly of Poa trivialis and population genomics reveal widespread gene flow in a cool‐season grass seed production system
Authors: Brunharo Caio A. C. G. , Benson Christopher W. , Huff David R. , Lasky Jesse R.
Published: March 2024

Poa trivialis (L.) is a cool‐season grass species found in various environments worldwide. In addition to being a desired turfgrass species, it is a common weed of agricultural systems and natural areas. As a weed, it is an important contaminant of commercial cool‐season grass seed lots, resulting in widespread gene flow facilitated by human activities and causing significant economic losses to farmers. To better understand and manage infestations, we assembled and annotated a haploid genome of P. trivialis and studied troublesome field populations from Oregon, the largest cool‐season grass seed producing region in the United States. The genome assembly resulted in 1.35 Gb of DNA sequence distributed among seven chromosome‐scale scaffolds, revealing a high content of transposable elements, conserved synteny with Poa annua, and a close relationship with other C3 grasses. A reduced‐representation sequencing analysis of field populations revealed limited genetic diversity and suggested potential gene flow and human‐assisted dispersal in the region. The genetic resources and insights into P. trivialis provided by this study will improve weed management strategies and enable the development of molecular detection tests for contaminated seed lots to limit seed‐mediated gene flow. These resources should also be beneficial for turfgrass breeders seeking to improve desirable traits of commercial P. trivialis varieties and help to guide breeding efforts in other crops to enhance the resiliency of agricultural ecosystems under climate change.

Significance Statement:

The chromosome‐scale assembly of Poa trivialis and population genomic analyses provide crucial insights into the gene flow of weedy populations in agricultural systems and contribute a valuable genomic resource for the plant science community.
Cumulative cancer locations on prostate biopsy and active surveillance outcomes in the MRI era
Authors: Fletcher Sean A. , Mamawala Mufaddal M. , Holler Albert E. , Bhanji Yasin , Macura Katarzyna J. , de la Calle Claire M. , Pavlovich Christian P.
Published: March 2024

Background

To validate the use of a cumulative cancer locations (CCLO) score, a measurement of tumor volume on biopsy, and to develop a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐informed CCLO (mCCLO) score to predict clinical outcomes on active surveillance (AS).

Methods

The CCLO score is a sum of uniquely involved sextants with prostate cancer on diagnostic + confirmatory biopsy. The mCCLO score incorporates MRI findings into the CCLO score. Participants included 1284 individuals enrolled on AS between 1994 and 2022, 343 of whom underwent prostate MRI. The primary outcome was grade reclassification (GR) to grade group ≥2 disease; the secondary outcome was receipt of definitive treatment.

Results

Increasing CCLO and mCCLO risk groups were associated with higher risk of GR and undergoing definitive treatment (both p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, increasing mCCLO score was associated with higher risk of GR and receipt of definitive treatment (hazard ratios [HRs] per 1‐unit increase: 1.26 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.41] and 1.21 [95% CI: 1.07–1.36], respectively). The model using mCCLO score to predict GR (c‐index: 0.671; 95% CI: 0.621–0.721) performed at least as well as models using the number of cores positive for cancer (0.664 [0.613–0.715]; p = 0.7) and the maximum percentage of cancer in a core (0.641 [0.585–0.696]; p = 0.14).

Conclusions

The CCLO score is a valid, objective metric to predict GR and receipt of treatment in a large AS cohort. The ability of the MRI‐informed mCCLO to predict GR is on par with traditional metrics of tumor volume but is more descriptive and may benefit from greater reproducibility. The mCCLO score can be implemented as a shorthand, informative tool for counseling patients about whether to remain on AS.
Arpc2 integrates ecdysone and juvenile hormone metabolism to influence metamorphosis and reproduction in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Ge Runting , Zhang Ling , Yang Yanhua , Chen Keping , Li Chengjun
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Actin‐related protein 2/3 complex regulates actin polymerization and the formation of branched actin networks. However, the function and evolutionary relationship of this complex subunit 2 (Arpc2) has been poorly understood in insects.

RESULTS

To address these issues, we performed comprehensive analysis of Arpc2 in Tribolium castaneum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Arpc2 was originated from one ancestral gene in animals but evolved independently between vertebrates and insects after species differentiation. T. castaneum Arpc2 has a 906‐bp coding sequence and consists of 4 exons. Arpc2 transcripts were abundantly detected in embryos and pupae but less so in larvae and adults, while it had high expression in the gut, fat body and head but low expression in the epidermis of late‐stage larvae. Knockdown of it at the late larval stage inhibited the pupation and resulted in arrested larvae. Silencing it in 1‐day pupae impaired eclosion, which caused adult wings to fail to close. Injection of Arpc2 dsRNAs into 5‐day pupae made adults have smaller testis and ovary and could not lay eggs. The expression of vitellogenin 1 (Vg1), Vg2 and Vg receptor (VgR) was downregulated after knocking down Arpc2 5 days post‐adult emergence. Arpc2 silencing reduced 20‐hydroxyecdysone titer by affecting the enzymes of its biosynthesis and catabolism but increased juvenile biosynthesis via upregulating JHAMT3 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that Arpc2 is associated with the metamorphosis and reproduction by integrating ecdysone and juvenile hormone metabolism in T. castaneum. This study provides theoretical basis for developing Arpc2 as a potential RNA interference target for pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hole Conduction Mechanism in In–Mg‐Codoped GaN Prepared via Pulsed Sputtering Deposition
Authors: Naito Aiko , Ueno Kohei , Kobayashi Atsushi , Fujioka Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

This study reports the pulsed sputtering deposition (PSD) epitaxial growth of In–Mg‐codoped GaN with a high hole concentration of 6.2 × 1018 cm−3 and its hole conduction mechanism. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that In–Mg‐codoped GaN coherently grows on a GaN substrate without structural degradation and In concentration is 1.3%. Temperature‐dependent conductivity is explained by the combination of the band and nearest‐neighbor hopping conduction models. Curve fitting in the band conduction region is used to estimate the Mg activation energy, which is as low as 89 meV. This is responsible for the high hole concentration of 6.2 × 1018 cm−3. These results indicate that In–Mg codoping using low‐temperature PSD is a promising technique for the preparation of GaN with a high hole concentration without structural degradation.
ESMAX for spatial agroecology: A conceptual spatial model for the quantification and visualisation of ES performance from different configurations of landscape
Authors: Morris Richard , Davis Shannon , Grelet Gwen‐Aëlle , Gregorini Pablo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Agriculture is confronted by the dual challenges of increasing global demand for food production while reducing negative impacts on the environment. One suggested solution is transitioning modern industrial agriculture to more agroecologically‐informed practices, thus realigning increased food production with the carrying capacity of Earth Systems. The transition to multifunctional agroecological systems, that promote the production of multiple ecosystem services (ES) as well as food production, requires an adaptive management process that addresses climate‐change, market complexity, practical implementation and knowledge transfer.

Materials & Methods

This work proposes a spatially explicit methodology to support this process. Spatial agroecology, in this context, combines a new Geographic Information Systems (GIS)‐based model (ESMAX) with development of a ‘solution space’ to assist stakeholders identify configurations of agroecological components (in this case, trees on farm) at the scale of a 1 ha paddock to supply a targeted range of regulating ES (cooling effect, flood mitigation and habitat). ESMAX uses distance‐decay characteristics specific to each type of regulating ES to quantify and visualise the influence of spatial configuration of ES‐supplying tree clumps on overall ES performance.

Results

The results from this application of spatial agroecology suggest regulating ES production at farm and paddock scale is influenced by the arrangement of trees on farm. ESMAX's results show paddocks with large tree clumps return the best cooling effect, while small clumps deliver the best flood mitigation and most suitable habitat. Evenly dispersed arrangements of small tree clumps provide the best multifunctional performance across all three ES modelled in this work.

Conclusion

Designed spatial agroecological interventions can affect landscape multifunctionality at paddock scale, where practical decisions are made and implemented. This provides spatially explicit support of an adaptive management process. Utilising agroecological systems as spatial mechanisms for supplying critical regulating ES also highlights a new function for agriculture in the Anthropocene epoch.
Identification of Volatile Markers in Sweat for COVID‐19 Screening by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chuachaina Suriwipa , Thaveesangsakulthai Isaya , Sinsukudomchai Pornpawit , Somboon Pakpum , Traipattanakul Jantima , Torvorapanit Pattama , Chatdarong Kaywalee , Kulsing Chadin , Nhujak Thumnoon
Published: March 2024

Due to an outbreak of coronavirus spreading in recent years, there is an urgent need for effective, rapid, and non‐invasive diagnostics to detect and differentiate among patients who are infected and uninfected with SARS‐CoV‐2 for controlling the virus propagation. This study developed an alternative method for COVID‐19 screening from volatile analysis of metabolites mainly studied in sweat samples obtained from the populations in Bangkok, Thailand, during December 2020 to April 2022. A total of 140 collected samples; 70 positive confirmed COVID‐19 cases and another 70 negatives confirmed COVID‐19 cases were applied to be separated, detected, and identified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)/odor occurring from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection body by the technique of Headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) together with principle component analysis (PCA), which allowed potential volatile markers of COVID‐19 such as pentadecane, nonanal, styrene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (up to 94 % accuracy, 93 % sensitivity, 96 % selectivity, and 94 % specificity), respectively, along with limit of detection in a range of 0.26–125 μg. The result was validated by comparison with the RT‐PCR results.
Potential Wound Dressing with Antibacterial Effect from Cross‐Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Caseinate/CuO NP Electrospun Mat
Authors: Samatya Yilmaz Sema , Uzuner Hüseyin , Aytac Ayşe
Published: March 2024

In this study, nanofibers were produced from Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Sodium Caseinate (SoCAS)/Copper Oxide nanoparticle (CuO NP) mixtures by electrospinning method. Nano surfaces were cross‐linked by immersion in a Glutaraldehyde (GLA) bath. Electrospun mats are designed as modern wound dressings with antibacterial effects for exuding wounds. The cross‐linking process by dipping has thickened a bit of nanofiber diameter by creating a coating effect on fiber surface. The increase of acetal bonds and decrease of hydroxyl groups in structure by cross‐linking have improved thermal properties of nanofibers. The increase in melting enthalpy has also improved mechanical properties of mats. The mixture of semicrystalline PVA and SoCAS has increased breaking stress of nanostructure. Besides, the CuO NP additive improved the breaking strength and elongation behavior of mats. It was stated that cross‐linked nanofibers swelled without dissolving in distilled water and contained water‐repellent groups. The CuO NP supplementation delayed the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, it was observed that antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was higher than against E. coli. It was reported that 5 % CuO NP‐doped nanofiber can be used as a wound dressing, owing to its high fibroblast cell viability at 24th and 48th hours and 99.48 % antibacterial activity against S. aureus.
Promoting CO2 Electroreduction Over Nano‐Socketed Cu/Perovskite Heterostructures via A‐Site‐Valence‐Controlled Oxygen Vacancies
Authors: Chen Mingfa , Xu Yunze , Zhang Yu , Zhang Zhenbao , Li Xueyan , Wang Qi , Huang Minghua , Fang Wei , Zhang Yu , Jiang Heqing , Zhu Yongfa , Zhu Jiawei
Published: March 2024

Despite the intriguing potential, nano‐socketed Cu/perovskite heterostructures for CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) are still in their infancy and rational optimization of their CO2RR properties is lacking. Here, an effective strategy is reported to promote CO2‐to‐C2+ conversion over nano‐socketed Cu/perovskite heterostructures by A‐site‐valence‐controlled oxygen vacancies. For the proof‐of‐concept catalysts of Cu/La0.3‐xSr0.6+xTiO3‐δ (x from 0 to 0.3), their oxygen vacancy concentrations increase controllably with the decreased A‐site valences (or the increased x values). In flow cells, their activity and selectivity for C2+ present positive correlations with the oxygen vacancy concentrations. Among them, the Cu/Sr0.9TiO3‐δ with most oxygen vacancies shows the optimal activity and selectivity for C2+. And relative to the Cu/La0.3Sr0.6TiO3‐δ with minimum oxygen vacancies, the Cu/Sr0.9TiO3‐δ exhibits marked improvements (up to 2.4 folds) in activity and selectivity for C2+. The experiments and theoretical calculations suggest that the optimized performance can be attributed to the merits provided by oxygen vacancies, including the accelerated charge transfer, enhanced adsorption/activation of reaction species, and reduced energy barrier for C─C coupling. Moreover, when explored in a membrane‐electrode assembly electrolyzer, the Cu/Sr0.9TiO3‐δ catalyst shows excellent activity, selectivity (43.9%), and stability for C2H4 at industrial current densities, being the most effective perovskite‐based catalyst for CO2‐to‐C2H4 conversion.
Experimental study and optimal design of UHPC T‐shaped beam
Authors: Deng Shuwen , Huang Zhiming , Yan Banfu , Shen Lian , Huang Zheng , Wang Yi
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the ordinary reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam, steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam and prestressed UHPC T‐shaped beam were compared by conducting the flexure test. The vertical displacement, crack development, strain change, and crack resistance were discussed. The steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam shown better cracking resistance and mechanical properties. Based on the research, the multi‐scale finite element model of the steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam was established, and the influence parameters were analyzed. The beam height, steel plate thickness and web thickness shown great influence on the ultimate bearing capacity of the beam. The bearing capacity calculation formulas of the steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam based on the plastic strengthening model of the steel were proposed. The calculation results shown good agreement with the test value.
Electrocatalytic synthesis of C–N coupling compounds from CO2 and nitrogenous species
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Li Danyang , Tu Yunchuan , Deng Jiao , Bi Huiting , Yao Yongchao , Wang Yan , Li Tingshuai , Luo Yongsong , Sun Shengjun , Zheng Dongdong , Carabineiro Sónia A. C. , Chen Zhou , Zhu Junjiang , Sun Xuping
Published: March 2024

The electrocatalytic synthesis of C–N coupling compounds from CO2 and nitrogenous species not only offers an effective avenue to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce environmental pollution, but also establishes a route to synthesize valuable chemicals, such as urea, amide, and amine. This innovative approach expands the application range and product categories beyond simple carbonaceous species in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, which is becoming a rapidly advancing field. This review summarizes the research progress in electrocatalytic urea synthesis, using N2, NO2−, and NO3− as nitrogenous species, and explores emerging trends in the electrosynthesis of amide and amine from CO2 and nitrogen species. Additionally, the future opportunities in this field are highlighted, including electrosynthesis of amino acids and other compounds containing C–N bonds, anodic C–N coupling reactions beyond water oxidation, and the catalytic mechanism of corresponding reactions. This critical review also captures the insights aimed at accelerating the development of electrochemical C–N coupling reactions, confirming the superiority of this electrochemical method over the traditional techniques.
Research on the interfacial bonding performance of novel composite L‐shaped concrete‐filled steel tubes
Authors: Bai Ying‐hua , Xin Hao , Xie Bo , Shen Kang , Yan Yan
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate the bonding performance of novel composite specially shaped concrete‐filled steel tubes (CFSTs). Seven novel composite L‐shaped CFST specimens were designed utilizing variations in steel tube wall thickness, steel tube length, and concrete strength as the primary parameters. Their failure modes, load–slip relationships, and longitudinal strain distribution patterns were examined through push‐out tests. Additionally, finite element models of the members were established using nonlinear spring elements based on the experimental data and subjected to numerical analysis. The research findings indicate that the ultimate bond strength of the composite L‐shaped CFSTs is positively correlated with steel tube wall thickness, steel tube length, and concrete strength. The strain distributions on the concave and convex faces of the L‐shaped steel tubes are identical. The results obtained from the finite element analysis closely match the experimental findings.
Masculinized discourses of STEM interest, performance, and competence that shape university STEM students' recognition of a “STEM person”
Authors: Cian Heidi , Dou Remy
Published: March 2024

How individuals come to perceive themselves in STEM is predicated on their understanding of what it means to be a member of the STEM community. This association is consequential when considering the perpetuation of white male ownership of STEM knowledge and power that forces learners identifying with groups systemically marginalized by racial and gender discrimination to adopt particular norms, values, and behaviors to gain recognition. In effect, these expectations help to maintain masculinized Discourses as STEM professionals are encultured to apply the same recognition criteria to which they were judged themselves. We examine how these Discourses are maintained even as learners who identify with groups that carry histories of systemic marginalization by racist, sexist, and elitist practices gain access to STEM communities. Specifically, we explore how university STEM students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution in the United States articulate gendered expectations of STEM membership through their characterization of themselves and others as (not) STEM people. Drawing from theories in Discourse, social identity, and feminist critiques of science, we describe how students implicitly recognize STEM identity in gendered ways. We discuss how our findings illuminate the mechanisms by which STEM recognition is afforded by pointing to its dependence on masculinized displays of STEM performances, competence, and interests, leading to a cycle of marginalization as learners are encultured to perpetuate existing STEM Discourses in their recognition of others. We discuss research implications for measurements of STEM identity that do not account for gendered Discourses and offer practical implications for the design of learning experiences that co‐opt existing Discourses to inoculate gendered perceptions of a STEM person prototype. Lastly, we present a case for elevating the role of maternal caregivers and family immigration histories in STEM identity construction.
Exploration of immune cell heterogeneity by single‐cell RNA sequencing and identification of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ai Bolun , Liang Yicheng , Yan Tao , Lei Yangyang
Published: March 2024

Clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory in patients with pancreatic cancer (PAC). In this study, through single‐cell sequencing, we identified eight cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Redimensional clustering of epithelial cells, myeloid cells, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) revealed heterogeneity in the TME of PAC. Intercellular communication analysis showed strong direct interactions between matrix CAFs, inflammatory CAFs, and epithelial cells. Additionally, we found that the SPP1‐associated pathway was activated in monocytes, whereas the vascular endothelial growth factor‐associated pathway was activated in epithelial cells. These results improve the understanding of the TME of pancreatic cancer and provide a foundation for further studies on intratumoral heterogeneity. In addition, differentially expressed gene secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) was identified in pancreatic cancer, and functional experiments showed that SLPI had a strong impact on cell viability and apoptosis, which offers a potential therapy target for pancreatic cancer.
First‐trimester screening identifies maternal cardiac maladaptation in midgestation
Authors: Charakida M. , Gibbone E. , Huluta I. , Syngelaki A. , Wright A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2024

Objective

We have previously established that a logistic regression model, based on maternal demographic characteristics and blood pressure measured at 11–13 weeks' gestation, can identify about 70% of women who develop future chronic hypertension (CH) in the 3 years following pregnancy, at a screen‐positive rate of 10%. Furthermore, in midgestation, women who subsequently develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have increased peripheral vascular resistance and mild cardiac functional and morphological alterations and these cardiovascular abnormalities persist for at least 2 years after delivery. In this study, we set out to examine whether use of the first‐trimester risk model for subsequent development of CH can help to identify women at high risk for cardiovascular maladaptation in midgestation.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of 3812 women with singleton pregnancy attending for a routine hospital visit at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation and again at 19 + 1 to 23 + 3 weeks at King's College Hospital, London, UK, between December 2019 and August 2020. The first‐trimester visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history and measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In midgestation, detailed maternal cardiovascular assessment was carried out. The association between risk for development of CH, determined from first‐trimester assessment, and cardiovascular indices in midgestation was examined.

Results

Women who were at high risk for development of future CH, compared to those at low risk, had a higher incidence of HDP. In addition, high‐risk women had reduced systolic and diastolic function in midgestation. Among women with HDP, those who were at high risk for future CH, compared to those at low risk, had worse cardiac function in midgestation.

Conclusions

Use of a model for first‐trimester prediction of subsequent development of CH can identify women who show evidence of cardiac maladaptation in midgestation. Further studies are needed to clarify whether women who screen as high risk for future CH, compared to those at low risk, have reduced cardiac function beyond pregnancy. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.