bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Human Health: Effects on Metabolism, Diabetes and Cancer
Authors: Renzelli Valerio , Gallo Marco , Morviducci Lelio , Marino Giampiero , Ragni Alberto , Tuveri Enzo , Faggiano Antongiulio , Mazzilli Rossella , Natalicchio Annalisa , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Montagnani Monica , Fogli Stefano , Giuffrida Dario , Argentiero Antonella , Danesi Romano , D’Oronzo Stella , Gori Stefania , Franchina Tindara , Russo Antonio , Monami Matteo , Sciacca Laura , Cinieri Saverio , Colao Annamaria , Avogaro Angelo , Di Cianni Graziano , Giorgino Francesco , Silvestris Nicola
Published: August 2023

There is increasing evidence of the role of endocrine disruptors (EDs) derived from commonly employed compounds for manufacturing and processing in altering hormonal signaling and function. Due to their prolonged half-life and persistence, EDs can usually be found not only in industrial products but also in households and in the environment, creating the premises for long-lasting exposure. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are common EDs used in industrial products such as flame retardants, and recent studies are increasingly showing that they may interfere with both metabolic and oncogenic pathways. In this article, a multidisciplinary panel of experts of the Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD), the Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) and the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) provides a review on the potential role of PBDEs in human health and disease, exploring both molecular and clinical aspects and focusing on metabolic and oncogenic pathways.
Pelvic Extirpative Surgery for the “End-Stage Irradiated Bladder”
Authors: Moring Nikolas , Barrett Seamus , Peterson Andrew C. , Inouye Brian M.
Published: August 2023

Men with prostate cancer have the daunting task of selecting from multiple modalities of treatment. The long-term effects of radiation therapy are only now being recognized. For both patients and surgeons, the end-stage irradiated bladder poses numerous problems and challenges. Specifically, irradiated bladders with urosymphyseal fistula, radiation cystitis, and rectourethral fistula are challenging to manage and treat. This review outlines the presentation, workup, and management including cystectomy for these three devastating late complications of radiation therapy. There are special considerations when performing benign cystectomy that are not typically considered during oncologic cystectomy. We discuss an overview of the current literature regarding the “end-stage bladder” resulting from radiation therapy and the important considerations that must be acknowledged when managing these patients. It is shown that many of the less invasive and conservative options ultimately lead to cystectomy. Indeed, our review concludes that cystectomy with urinary diversion is a safe and viable option in select irradiated patients with the goal to improve quality of life.
Expression of Stem Cell Markers in High-LET Space Radiation-Induced Intestinal Tumors in Apc1638N/+ Mouse Intestine
Authors: Kwiatkowski Elaina , Suman Shubhankar , Kallakury Bhaskar V. S. , Datta Kamal , Fornace Albert J. , Kumar Santosh
Published: August 2023

Estimation of cancer risk among astronauts planning to undertake future deep-space missions requires understanding the quantitative and qualitative differences in radiogenic cancers after low- and high-LET radiation exposures. Previously, we reported a multifold higher RBE for high-LET radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis in Apc1638N/+ mice. Using the same model system, i.e., Apc1638N/+ mice, here, we report qualitative differences in the cellular phenotype of low- and high-LET radiation-induced GI tumors. Stem cell (SC) phenotypes were identified using BMI1, ALDH1, CD133, DCLK1, MSI1, and LGR5 markers in low (γ-rays)- and high (56Fe)-LET radiation-induced and spontaneous tumors. We also assessed the expression of these markers in the adjacent normal mucosa. All six of these putative SC markers were shown to be overexpressed in tumors compared to the adjacent normal intestinal tissue. A differential SC phenotype for spontaneous and radiogenic intestinal tumors in Apc1638N/+ mice was observed, where the ALDH1, BMI1, CD133, MSI1, and DCLK1 expressing cells were increased, while LGR5 expressing cells were decreased in 56Fe-induced tumors compared to γ-ray-induced and spontaneous tumors. Furthermore, higher β-catenin activation (marked by nuclear localization) was observed in 56Fe-induced tumors compared to γ and spontaneous tumors. Since differential tumor cell phenotype along with activated β-catenin may very well affect malignant progression, our findings are relevant to understanding the higher carcinogenic risk of high-LET radiation. This study has implications for the assessment of GI-cancer risk among astronauts, as well as for the estimation of secondary cancer risk among patients receiving hadron therapy, considering that our results indicate increased stemness properties after radiation.
Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Initiation and Completion among Adults Aged 18–26 Years in a Large Healthcare System
Authors: Khalil Lucien , Russo Elena , Venkatakrishnan Kripa , Mazul Angela L. , Zevallos Jose P.
Published: August 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, with over 40% prevalence in the US. Oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) driven by high-risk HPV are increasing (up to 90%), with HPV vaccination being the only prevention available. The aim of this study was to investigate HPV vaccination among patients aged between 18 and 26 years old with at least one encounter at a large healthcare system and identify sociodemographic factors associated with vaccine initiation and completion. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted between 2018 and 2021, including 265,554 patients identified from the Clinical Data Warehouse. HPV vaccination status by age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, primary care (PCP) visits in the past year, alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug use, and age at vaccination was examined. Overall, 33.6% of females and 25.4% of males have completed the HPV vaccine. Black Americans were 35% more likely to initiate the vaccine than White Americans but were less likely to complete the entire course. Overall, HPV vaccination prevalence was far below the Health People 2030 goal of 80%, especially in young males. This low rate is troubling, since many patients had a PCP visit and remained unvaccinated, which serves as a missed opportunity for vaccination.
The Impact of ETV6-NTRK3 Oncogenic Gene Fusions on Molecular and Signaling Pathway Alterations
Authors: Kinnunen Matias , Liu Xiaonan , Niemelä Elina , Öhman Tiina , Gawriyski Lisa , Salokas Kari , Keskitalo Salla , Varjosalo Markku
Published: August 2023

Chromosomal translocations creating fusion genes are common cancer drivers. The oncogenic ETV6-NTRK3 (EN) gene fusion joins the sterile alpha domain of the ETV6 transcription factor with the tyrosine kinase domain of the neurotrophin-3 receptor NTRK3. Four EN variants with alternating break points have since been detected in a wide range of human cancers. To provide molecular level insight into EN oncogenesis, we employed a proximity labeling mass spectrometry approach to define the molecular context of the fusions. We identify in total 237 high-confidence interactors, which link EN fusions to several key signaling pathways, including ERBB, insulin and JAK/STAT. We then assessed the effects of EN variants on these pathways, and showed that the pan NTRK inhibitor Selitrectinib (LOXO-195) inhibits the oncogenic activity of EN2, the most common variant. This systems-level analysis defines the molecular framework in which EN oncofusions operate to promote cancer and provides some mechanisms for therapeutics.
Beta-Transducin Repeats-Containing Proteins as an Anticancer Target
Authors: Kim Dong Joon , Yi Yong Weon , Seong Yeon-Sun
Published: August 2023

Beta-transducin repeat-containing proteins (β-TrCPs) are E3-ubiquitin-ligase-recognizing substrates and regulate proteasomal degradation. The degradation of β-TrCPs’ substrates is tightly controlled by various external and internal signaling and confers diverse cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and DNA damage response. In addition, β-TrCPs function to regulate transcriptional activity and stabilize a set of substrates by distinct mechanisms. Despite the association of β-TrCPs with tumorigenesis and tumor progression, studies on the mechanisms of the regulation of β-TrCPs’ activity have been limited. In this review, we studied publications on the regulation of β-TrCPs themselves and analyzed the knowledge gaps to understand and modulate β-TrCPs’ activity in the future.
CoFe Amorphous Double Hydroxides Modified Hematite Photoanode with the Synergism of Co and Fe for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Chang Yue , Han Minmin , Wang Yang , Ding Yehui , Huang Fei
Published: August 2023

In this study, a hematite photoanode with a CoFe-ADH co-catalyst loaded on the surface was successfully prepared through hydrothermal treatment, annealing, and electrodeposition. We investigated the influence of the deposition time and Co/Fe molar ratio for CoFe-ADH on the performance of α-Fe2O3 in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. With an optimized condition of CoFe-ADH, the prepared CoFe-ADH/α-Fe2O3 photoanode exhibited a high photocurrent density of 1.58 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is about 2.5 times as high as that of α-Fe2O3. A series of characterization results and detailed mechanism studies reveal that surface modification of hematite by introducing CoFe-ADH can boost the surface charge transfer efficiency, which can be attributed to the good optical transparency, the amorphous structure of CoFe-ADH, and the synergism of Co and Fe in CoFe-ADH. The good optical transparency contributes to decreasing the loss of light absorption by the photoanodes; the amorphous structure could prevent the formation of grain boundaries and provide more active catalytic sites for PEC water oxidation; and the synergism of Co and Fe in CoFe-ADH enhances photogenerated carriers effective separation and the hole’s injection. This work provides valuable insights into the influence of bimetallic co-catalysts on the PEC performance of photoanodes, offering guidance for photoanodes to achieve excellent performance.
Mortality in Women across the FMR1 CGG Repeat Range: The Neuroprotective Effect of Higher Education
Authors: Hong Jinkuk , Dembo Robert S. , DaWalt Leann Smith , Baker Mei Wang , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Mailick Marsha R.
Published: August 2023

Higher education has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, slowing the rate of age-related cognitive decline, and is associated with lower rates of early mortality. In the present study, the association between higher education, fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) cytosine–guanine–guanine (CGG) repeat number, and mortality before life expectancy was investigated in a population cohort of women born in 1939. The findings revealed a significant interaction between years of higher education and CGG repeat number. Counter to the study’s hypothesis, the effects of higher education became more pronounced as the number of CGG repeats increased. There was no effect of years of higher education on early mortality for women who had 25 repeats, while each year of higher education decreased the hazard of early mortality by 8% for women who had 30 repeats. For women with 41 repeats, the hazard was decreased by 14% for each additional year of higher education. The interaction remained significant after controlling for IQ and family socioeconomic status (SES) measured during high school, as well as factors measured during adulthood (family, psychosocial, health, and financial factors). The results are interpreted in the context of differential sensitivity to the environment, a conceptualization that posits that some people are more reactive to both negative and positive environmental conditions. Expansions in CGG repeats have been shown in previous FMR1 research to manifest such a differential sensitivity pattern.
Improved Method for Dental Pulp Stem Cell Preservation and Its Underlying Cell Biological Mechanism
Authors: Takeshita-Umehara Mai , Tokuyama-Toda Reiko , Takebe Yusuke , Terada-Ito Chika , Tadokoro Susumu , Inoue Akemi , Ijichi Kohei , Yudo Toshio , Satomura Kazuhito
Published: August 2023

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are considered a valuable cell source for regenerative medicine because of their high proliferative potential, multipotency, and availability. We established a new cryopreservation method (NCM) for collecting DPSCs, in which the tissue itself is cryopreserved and DPSCs are collected after thawing. We improved the NCM and developed a new method for collecting and preserving DPSCs more efficiently. Dental pulp tissue was collected from an extracted tooth, divided into two pieces, sandwiched from above and below using cell culture inserts, and cultured. As a result, the cells in the pulp tissue migrated vertically over time and localized near the upper and lower membranes over 2–3 days. With regard to the underlying molecular mechanism, SDF1 was predominantly involved in cell migration. This improved method is valuable and enables the more efficient collection and reliable preservation of DPSCs. It has the potential to procure a large number of DPSCs stably.
Review of the Status and Prospects of Fiber Optic Hydrogen Sensing Technology
Authors: Shen Changyu , Xie Zihan , Huang Zhenlin , Yan Sasa , Sui Wenbo , Zhou Jun , Wang Zhaokun , Han Wei , Zeng Xianglong
Published: August 2023

With the unprecedented development of green and renewable energy sources, the proportion of clean hydrogen (H2) applications grows rapidly. Since H2 has physicochemical properties of being highly permeable and combustible, high-performance H2 sensors to detect and monitor hydrogen concentration are essential. This review discusses a variety of fiber-optic-based H2 sensor technologies since the year 1984, including: interferometer technology, fiber grating technology, surface plasma resonance (SPR) technology, micro lens technology, evanescent field technology, integrated optical waveguide technology, direct transmission/reflection detection technology, etc. These technologies have been evolving from simply pursuing high sensitivity and low detection limits (LDL) to focusing on multiple performance parameters to match various application demands, such as: high temperature resistance, fast response speed, fast recovery speed, large concentration range, low cross sensitivity, excellent long-term stability, etc. On the basis of palladium (Pd)-sensitive material, alloy metals, catalysts, or nanoparticles are proposed to improve the performance of fiber-optic-based H2 sensors, including gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide (TiO2), tungsten oxide (WO3), Mg70Ti30, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), graphene oxide (GO), etc. Various microstructure processes of the side and end of optical fiber H2 sensors are also discussed in this review.
Student Burnout in Children and Adolescents: The Role of Attachment and Emotion Regulation
Authors: Iuga Ioana Alexandra , David Oana Alexandra , Danet Marie
Published: August 2023

In an effort to explain the factors contributing to the development of student burnout, a construct that has received attention in relation to academic outcomes, including burnout, is emotion regulation. Further, attachment theory has been used to explore the variations in the use of particular emotion regulation strategies, and attachment has received support as a contributing factor. The aim of the study is to explore the role of attachment security and emotion regulation strategies associated with student burnout symptoms in a sample of 602 Romanian children and adolescents (55% female) aged 8–16 (M = 10.45) from 18 schools. A secondary objective was to explore the gender differences in burnout symptoms. The results show that attachment security negatively predicts student burnout symptoms. Further, a higher attachment security positively predicts the use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies, which, in turn, are negatively related to student burnout. Emotion regulation strategies mediate the relationship between attachment and burnout symptoms. No gender differences have been identified. The study has practical implications for both parents and specialists, bringing to attention the importance of secure attachment in children, which could further encourage the use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies.
Long Noncoding RNA TALAM1 Is a Transcriptional Target of the RUNX2 Transcription Factor in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bermúdez Gisella , Bernal Camila , Otalora Andrea , Sanchez Paula , Nardocci Gino , Cañas Alejandra , Lopez-Kleine Liliana , Montecino Martín , Rojas Adriana
Published: August 2023

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It has been reported that genetic and epigenetic factors play a crucial role in the onset and evolution of lung cancer. Previous reports have shown that essential transcription factors in embryonic development contribute to this pathology. Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) proteins belong to a family of master regulators of embryonic developmental programs. Specifically, RUNX2 is the master transcription factor (TF) of osteoblastic differentiation, and it can be involved in pathological conditions such as prostate, thyroid, and lung cancer by regulating apoptosis and mesenchymal–epithelial transition processes. In this paper, we identified TALAM1 (Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1) as a genetic target of the RUNX2 TF in lung cancer and then performed functional validation of the main findings. Methods: We performed ChIP-seq analysis of tumor samples from a patient diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma to evaluate the target genes of the RUNX2 TF. In addition, we performed shRNA-mediated knockdown of RUNX2 in this lung adenocarcinoma cell line to confirm the regulatory role of RUNX2 in TALAM1 expression. Results: We observed RUNX2 overexpression in cell lines and primary cultured lung cancer cells. Interestingly, we found that lncRNA TALAM1 was a target of RUNX2 and that RUNX2 exerted a negative regulatory effect on TALAM1 transcription.
The Efficacy, the Treatment Response and the Aquaretic Effects of a Three-Year Tolvaptan Regimen in Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Gkika Vasiliki , Louka Michaela , Tsagkatakis Mihail , Tsirpanlis George
Published: August 2023

Tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, is the first and only approved specific treatment for Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), and is used in current clinical practice. Real clinical data are missing. In this retrospective study, 41 ADPKD patients received tolvaptan for 3 years, from 2018 to 2021. Total kidney volume (TKV) was measured using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, at initiation and at the end of the treatment period. A complete biochemistry/hematology profile and a 24 h urine volume collection were performed monthly for the first 18 months and every 3 months thereafter. At the end of the treatment period, the median (IQR) estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (e-GFR) was 5.3 (−1.3, 8.7) mL/min higher than the expected e-GFR decline without treatment, while the prediction for End Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (ESKD) had been prolonged by 1 (0, 2) year. Total Kidney Volume did not change significantly (2250 (1357) mL at 3 years of treatment vs. 2180 (1091) mL expected without treatment, p = 0.48). Younger patients with a relatively preserved e-GFR, lower hypertension burden, better familiar renal prognosis and more severe imaging data showed better outcomes. The aquaretic adverse effects of tolvaptan did not affect renal function and electrolyte balance in 51 patients, in a follow-up period of 18 months. Consequently, tolvaptan seems to be effective in preventing progression of ADPKD when administered in a timely manner in patients with better familiar renal history, shorter hypertension duration and worse imaging profile. Increased diuresis does not affect treatment efficacy.
Medium and High Phosphorous Ni-P Coatings Obtained via an Electroless Approach: Optimization of Solution Formulation and Characterization of Coatings
Authors: Genova Virgilio , Paglia Laura , Pulci Giovanni , Pedrizzetti Giulia , Pranzetti Alice , Romanelli Marco , Marra Francesco
Published: August 2023

A new lead-free electroless Ni-P plating solution was developed for the deposition of coatings with medium phosphorus content (MP, 6–9 wt%), and its composition was optimized to obtain deposits with high phosphorus (HP, 10–14 wt%). Cleaning and activation treatments were studied in terms of effectiveness and influence on the deposition rate. The concentration of reagents (nickel salt, complexing agent, reducing agent and stabilizer) was studied, and their combined effect on P content and plating rate was investigated. The obtained coatings were analyzed by SEM and XRD and thermally treated at 400 °C and 600 °C to study microstructural evolution. Vickers hardness was measured on as-deposited and annealed coatings to relate hardness evolution to microstructural changes after thermal treatments. Optimal deposition conditions were determined, enabling the production of MP coatings (6.5 wt% P) with a plating rate of 40 µm/h and HP coatings (10.9 wt% P) with a plating rate of 25 µm/h at 90 °C. Samples heat-treated at 400 °C showed improved hardness thanks to crystallization and microprecipitation of Ni3P hard phases, whereas hardness decrease was observed after treatment at 600 °C due to the combined effect of grain growth and coarsening of Ni3P precipitates. No through-the-thickness cracks were detected by the Ferroxyl reagent after heat treatments.
Unraveling the Cracking Mechanisms of Air Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings: An In-Situ SEM Investigation
Authors: Amer Mohamed , Curry Nicholas , Arshad Muhammad , Hayat Qamar , Janik Vit , Nottingham Jon , Bai Mingwen
Published: August 2023

In this research work, real-time three-point bending coupled with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique were used to study the crack formation and growth of air plasma spraying (APS) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). The acquired micrographs were then used to study the strain fields in the vicinity of the cracking region using digital image correlation (DIC) analysis. Fractography analysis for the fractured regions of the APS coatings was also discussed. Based on real-time observation, it was found that roughness of the coatings’ free surface (e.g., valleys) can promote the initiation of cracks since it acts as stress concentration points. Pores and splats features of the coating microstructure contribute to crack branching and crack path deflection, respectively. The former phenomenon (i.e., crack branching) negatively affects the lifetime of the TBC system as it results in an increased fracture area, while the latter can improve the fracture toughness of the coatings and its durability through improving the coating’s ability to dissipate the energy required for crack propagation.
Corrosion Resistance, Interfacial Contact Resistance, and Hydrophobicity of 316L Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates Coated with TiN/Amorphous Carbon Double Layer under Different Carbon Target Currents
Authors: Huang Yifei
Published: August 2023

To improve the corrosion, interfacial contact resistance, and hydrophobicity of bipolar plates used in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, a series of TiN/amorphous carbon double-layer coatings was prepared on 316L stainless steel using magnetron sputtering. The structure of the amorphous carbon was controlled with different carbon target currents. The changed rules in the coating structure and performance under different carbon target currents were studied. Due to appropriate sputtering energy, an appropriate carbon target current reduced the grain boundary of the coating, resulting in a smoother surface, and increased the content of sp2 hybrid carbon. Compared with uncoated 316L stainless steel, the samples coated with amorphous carbon showed greatly improved corrosion resistance and conductivity. At a carbon target current of 5 A, low contact resistance and high corrosion resistance were achieved simultaneously. The significant improvement in corrosion resistance is attributed to the improvement in the quality of the coating surface. Due to the appropriate carbon target current increasing the content of sp2 hybrid carbon in the coating, the contact resistance of the coating was reduced. When the carbon target current was 5 A, the interfacial contact resistance of the sample was 3.9 mΩ·cm2, which is significantly lower than that of bare 316L stainless steel. After constant potential polarization testing, the coating still exhibited good conductivity.
Shear Bond Strength of Repaired CAD/CAM Resin-Based Composite Materials Submitted to Er:YAG Laser Treatments at Different Powers
Authors: Ozturk Yesilirmak Sevda , Oglakci Burcu , Ozduman Zumrut Ceren , Eliguzeloglu Dalkilic Evrim
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different powers of Er:YAG laser irradiation on the shear bond strength (SBS) of repaired CAD/CAM resin-based composite materials. A total of 180 CAD/CAM resin-based composite specimens (5 × 5 × 2 mm) were obtained (Shofu Block HC—SB; Grandio Blocs—GB). They were allocated into six groups according to surface pretreatment methods: no surface pretreatment (control), hydrofluoric acid (HF), diamond bur and 3 W, 5 W, and 7 W Er:YAG lasers (20 Hz) (n = 15). Silane and universal adhesive were applied. The repair procedure was completed with nano-ceramic composite resin (Ceram-X Sphere TEC-One). The samples were thermocycled for 10,000 cycles (5–55 °C). The SBS was evaluated with a universal test machine (1 mm/min). A 3D optic profilometer was used to assess the surface topography. Statistical analysis was performed with a two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (p < 0.05). For SB samples, HF and diamond bur caused significantly higher SBSs than 3 W and 7 W lasers, while for GB samples, they led to a significantly higher SBS than all laser treatments. For SB samples, the 5 W laser led to the highest SBS, while for GB samples, the 7 W laser caused the highest SBS (p < 0.05). For both blocks, adhesive failure was more common for the 3 W laser, and a decrease in adhesive failures and an increase in mixed failures were observed with increasing laser irradiation. The 3D optic profilometer revealed that smoother surfaces were obtained with the 3 W laser than other laser irradiation at different powers. Pretreatment with increasing Er:YAG laser powers led to similar bond strengths to hydrofluoric-acid- and diamond-bur-treated CAD/CAM resin-based composite materials. A more powerful laser treatment is required to provide a higher bond strength for restorative materials containing a higher inorganic ceramic content.
Amine-Terminated Modified Succinic Acid-Magnetite Nanoparticles for Effective Removal of Malachite Green Dye from Aqueous Environment
Authors: Melhi Saad
Published: August 2023

In this study, amine-terminated succinic acid-modified magnetic nanoparticles (MSA@TEPA) have been successfully synthesized using a facile two-step procedure as a new effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green from aqueous solutions. The MSA@TEPA was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The parameters influencing the adsorption capacity of MSA@TEPA, such as pH (3–8), contact time (t: 5–480 min), initial concentrations of MG dye (Co: 20–200 mg/L), and adsorbent mass (0.05–0.5 g), were evaluated. It was observed that, under specified experimental conditions (Co: 25 mg/L, pH: 7.1, T: 298 K, agitation rate: 100 rpm, and t: 420 min), the MSA@TEPA nanocomposite exhibits excellent adsorption efficiency (97.74%) for MG dye. The adsorption kinetics follow the PSO model, and the equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of up to 282.65 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process of MG dye was an exothermic process. After five consecutive cycles, MSA@TEPA nanocomposite still show good adsorption efficiency for MG dye. It is assumed that, because of the presence of amine group, adsorption mainly occurred through electrostatic interaction and H-bonding. In conclusion, the study shows a new and effective adsorbent with high adsorptive capacity, easy magnetic separation using an external magnetic field, and reusability for MG dye elimination from aqueous solutions.
Study on the Soil Microbial Diversity of Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium faberi in the Qinling Mountains after Introduction and Domestication
Authors: Lv Ruixue , Zhang Jing , Liao Huimin , Yong Jean W. H. , Song Junyang
Published: August 2023

Rhizosphere microbial communities have abundant species and a large number, and affect the physiology and growth of plants. When studying rhizosphere microbes, the rhizosphere ecosystem function and protection of wild orchids will be facilitated. By using high-throughput sequencing technology, the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere bacteria and fungi of wild Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium faberi in the Qinling Mountains were analyzed at phylum, class, order, family, and genus levels to explore the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community structure and diversity of orchid plants (C. goeringii and C. faberi) under natural conditions. The results showed that at the phylum level Proteobacteria was dominant in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil of C. goeringii and C. faberi, but the proportion was different. The abundance of Proteobacteria in rhizosphere soil of C. faberi was the highest (35.5%), which was about 1.3 times of that in non-rhizosphere soil. Bacteroidetes accounted for 17.2% in rhizosphere soil of C. goeringii, much higher than that of non-rhizosphere soil (7.92%). The dominant groups of fungi in rhizosphere soil of C. goeringii and C. faberi were both Ascomycota. At the genus level, PCoA analysis showed that the community structure of bacteria and fungi in different samples was not only common but also specific, which was manifested in the similar dominant species but different subdominant species. This difference is reflected in the composition and relative abundance of microbial communities between different samples, and will gradually become obvious with the refinement of genera.
Factors Influencing Activity and Detection of Species in a Cross Timbers Snake Assemblage
Authors: King Clint , Meik Jesse M.
Published: August 2023

The Cross Timbers of North America is an ecotone between the eastern deciduous forests and central grasslands and exhibits a diverse composite snake fauna. Over a 3-yr period, we performed repeated nocturnal road surveys of snakes across three transects in Wise County, Texas, and evaluated species composition, relative abundances, vehicular mortality, detection probability, and the influence of environmental variables on snake activity. Sixteen taxa and 406 observations were recorded over 250 surveys, and the three most frequently encountered species had detection probabilities of approximately 0.20: Pantherophis obsoletus, Agkistrodon laticinctus, and Nerodia rhombifer. Only the two species of Agkistrodon present at our study area showed significant differences in count frequencies across the three transects. Covariate effects on overall snake activity were subtle, with barometric pressure, ordinal date, and ambient temperature better explaining variation in combined snake counts than humidity, wind speed, or lunar phase. Furthermore, peak snake activity corresponded closely to the timing of peak warm-season precipitation in the study area, suggesting that snake activity coincides with rainfall periodicity in the Cross Timbers region. However, results of site-occupancy models indicated that covariate effects were different across species, and that several common species did not show clear responses to any of the survey covariates.
Arteria Praebronchialis (AP) Found on MDCT: An Updated Incidence and Branching Patterns
Authors: Gil Bo Mi , Beck Kyongmin Sarah , Kim Kyung Soo , Han Dae Hee
Published: August 2023

Preoperative detection of the arteria praebronchialis (AP), a rare variant mediastinal branch of the left pulmonary artery, can be crucial to a successful left-lung surgery; if the AP is overlooked and ligated during surgery, the blood supply to the remaining lobe may be compromised. The purpose of this study was to update the incidence and branching patterns of the AP. From 18 April 2012 to 31 December 2022, contrast-enhanced CT was screened by one radiologist for the presence of AP. Branching patterns of the AP were analyzed by three thoracic radiologists. The incidence of AP was updated to 0.068% (18/26,310) from the previously reported 0.03%; the incidence of AP for male and female patients was 0.110% and 0.017%, respectively. AP supplied only the LLL in 10 cases and both the lingular division of LUL and LLL in nine cases. Dual segmental supply by both the AP and the normal left descending pulmonary artery existed in 15 cases; exclusive segmental supply by either artery existed in four cases. The AP supplies either the LLL alone or both LLL and the lingular division of LUL, and its incidence is not negligible in the male population, necessitating routine surveillance prior to pulmonary resection.
Faster Elbow MRI with Deep Learning Reconstruction—Assessment of Image Quality, Diagnostic Confidence, and Anatomy Visualization Compared to Standard Imaging
Authors: Herrmann Judith , Afat Saif , Gassenmaier Sebastian , Grunz Jan-Peter , Koerzdoerfer Gregor , Lingg Andreas , Almansour Haidara , Nickel Dominik , Patzer Theresa Sophie , Werner Sebastian
Published: August 2023

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate a deep learning (DL) reconstruction for turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences of the elbow regarding image quality and visualization of anatomy. Materials and Methods: Between October 2020 and June 2021, seventeen participants (eight patients, nine healthy subjects; mean age: 43 ± 16 (20–70) years, eight men) were prospectively included in this study. Each patient underwent two examinations: standard MRI, including TSE sequences reconstructed with a generalized autocalibrating partial parallel acquisition reconstruction (TSESTD), and prospectively undersampled TSE sequences reconstructed with a DL reconstruction (TSEDL). Two radiologists evaluated the images concerning image quality, noise, edge sharpness, artifacts, diagnostic confidence, and delineation of anatomical structures using a 5-point Likert scale, and rated the images concerning the detection of common pathologies. Results: Image quality was significantly improved in TSEDL (mean 4.35, IQR 4–5) compared to TSESTD (mean 3.76, IQR 3–4, p = 0.008). Moreover, TSEDL showed decreased noise (mean 4.29, IQR 3.5–5) compared to TSESTD (mean 3.35, IQR 3–4, p = 0.004). Ratings for delineation of anatomical structures, artifacts, edge sharpness, and diagnostic confidence did not differ significantly between TSEDL and TSESTD (p > 0.05). Inter-reader agreement was substantial to almost perfect (κ = 0.628–0.904). No difference was found concerning the detection of pathologies between the readers and between TSEDL and TSESTD. Using DL, the acquisition time could be reduced by more than 35% compared to TSESTD. Conclusion: TSEDL provided improved image quality and decreased noise while receiving equal ratings for edge sharpness, artifacts, delineation of anatomical structures, diagnostic confidence, and detection of pathologies compared to TSESTD. Providing more than a 35% reduction of acquisition time, TSEDL may be clinically relevant for elbow imaging due to increased patient comfort and higher patient throughput.
A Rare Case of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery to Pulmonary Trunk Fistula Associated with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Popa Ramona Mihaela , Ispas Alexandru Florin , Manea Rosana Mihaela
Published: August 2023

Coronary-artery-to-pulmonary-artery fistulae represent rare vascular anomalies defined as abnormal communications between the coronary arteries and the pulmonary arterial system. Takotsubo Syndrome represents a stress-induced cardiomyopathy defined by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, with minimal elevation of cardiac biomarkers, without angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. We hereby richly illustrate an unusual and rare case of a female patient with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and left-anterior-descending-coronary-artery-to-pulmonary-trunk fistula through multi-modality imaging evaluations, obtaining a detailed anatomical representation of the coronary arteries and the fistulous connection, which further guided the optimal treatment strategy. The patient was treated conservatively. The main teaching points of this case are the following: (1) The coronary fistula may represent just an incidental finding in a Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy clinical scenario. (2) The particularly rare association between left-anterior-descending-coronary-artery-to-pulmonary-trunk fistula and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy presentation is mainly due to the stress-induced overstimulation of myocardial beta-1 receptors, accentuating the coronary steal phenomenon in the setting of the coronary fistula, manifesting as anginal pain, and also the stress-induced adrenergic drive causing the Takotsubo-like presentation with apical ballooning of the left ventricle.
Acceptance of AI in Semi-Structured Decision-Making Situations Applying the Four-Sides Model of Communication—An Empirical Analysis Focused on Higher Education
Authors: Greiner Christian , Peisl Thomas C. , Höpfl Felix , Beese Olivia
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the impact of generative AI systems like ChatGPT on semi-structured decision-making, specifically in evaluating undergraduate dissertations. We propose using Davis’ technology acceptance model (TAM) and Schulz von Thun’s four-sides communication model to understand human–AI interaction and necessary adaptations for acceptance in dissertation grading. Utilizing an inductive research design, we conducted ten interviews with respondents having varying levels of AI and management expertise, employing four escalating-consequence scenarios mirroring higher education dissertation grading. In all scenarios, the AI functioned as a sender, based on the four-sides model. Findings reveal that technology acceptance for human–AI interaction is adaptive but requires modifications, particularly regarding AI’s transparency. Testing the four-sides model showed support for three sides, with the appeal side receiving negative feedback for AI acceptance as a sender. Respondents struggled to accept the idea of AI, suggesting a grading decision through an appeal. Consequently, transparency about AI’s role emerged as vital. When AI supports instructors transparently, acceptance levels are higher. These results encourage further research on AI as a receiver and the impartiality of AI decision-making without instructor influence. This study emphasizes communication modes in learning-ecosystems, especially in semi-structured decision-making situations with AI as a sender, while highlighting the potential to enhance AI-based decision-making acceptance.
Illumination-Aware Cross-Modality Differential Fusion Multispectral Pedestrian Detection
Authors: Wang Chishe , Qian Jinjin , Wang Jie , Chen Yuting
Published: August 2023

Multispectral information fusion technology is a practical approach to enhance pedestrian detection performance in low light conditions. However, current methods often overlook the impact of illumination on modal weights and the significance of inter-modal differential information. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel illumination-aware cross-modality differential fusion (IACMDF) model. The weights of the different modalities in the fusion stage are adaptively adjusted according to the illumination intensity of the current scene. On the other hand, the advantages of the respective modalities are fully enhanced by amplifying the differential information and suppressing the commonality of the twin modalities. In addition, to reduce the loss problem caused by the importance occupied by different channels of the feature map in the convolutional pooling process, this work adds the squeeze-and-excitation attention mechanism after the fusion process. Experiments on the public multispectral dataset KAIST have shown that the average miss rate of our method is substantially reduced compared to the baseline model.
Analysis of Electromagnetic Interference for Anti-Medal UHF RFID Temperature Tag in High Power Electronic Equipment
Authors: Liang Jian , Zhou Zhuomin , Xiao Zhenfeng , Liu Haotian , Lu Zhiqiang , Su Li , Guo Wei , Deng Xiangtian
Published: August 2023

Being inches from the rapid development of new energy technology, the capacity of high-power power electronic equipment is increasing rapidly, and the requirements for its safe and reliable operation are also rising. As a result, the demand for online temperature monitoring of such equipment is becoming increasingly urgent. RFID temperature measurement technology can be used for real-time monitoring of the temperature of powered operation equipment. However, the operation of high-power electronic equipment generates strong electromagnetic interference, which can seriously affect the normal operation of RFID temperature measurement systems. For applications involving the internal temperature measurement of high-power power electronic equipment, this paper employs an RFID anti-metal temperature tag antenna with a short-circuit cutoff structure. This structure was tested in an excitation switchgear cabinet. During the low-power operation of the cabinet, the temperature tag functioned normally. By combining an RFID antenna model with an electromagnetic interference simulation model of the main circuit of the excitation switchgear cabinet, this paper establishes an electromagnetic interference simulation model for an RFID temperature tag. It analyzes how the tag’s antenna performance parameters change when subjected to interference. Through simulation, the failure mechanism of the RFID temperature tag during the high-power operation of the excitation switchgear cabinet is clarified. The analysis found that there are both conductive electromagnetic interference and radiated electromagnetic interference in the excitation switchgear cabinet, with the conductive electromagnetic interference having a more significant effect. Conductive electromagnetic interference can seriously impact the performance of RFID temperature tags in the excitation switchgear cabinet, significantly degrading their performance. In contrast, the effect of radiated electromagnetic interference on the tags is relatively small. Therefore, this paper employs anti-metal RFID temperature tags and simulates and analyzes their electromagnetic interference characteristics.
National Security as a Value-Added Proposition for Advanced Nuclear Reactors: A U.S. Focus
Authors: Gattie David , Hewitt Michael
Published: August 2023

The U.S. has transitioned from being the 20th-century global leader in civilian nuclear power to a nation searching for ways to revive its once-dominant nuclear enterprise. The future of U.S. civilian nuclear power transcends that of a science and technology issue and, fundamentally, is a policy issue. This is a policy paper that uses a nuclear power policy framework to analyze current and historical U.S. civilian nuclear power policy and to identify weaknesses and deficiencies that need to be overcome in order for the U.S. to (1) leverage advanced nuclear reactors as a domestic technology to meet energy security and reliability objectives under carbon constraints, (2) operationalize national security as a priority objective and (3) restore the U.S. as a major global exporter of nuclear technology. The results of this analysis indicate that the national security implications of U.S. nuclear power have been marginalized in general due to the domestic market challenges of competing with less expensive and oftentimes more socially acceptable technologies, as well as the international challenges of competing with state-owned nuclear enterprises. The results are then discussed and used for making three following policy recommendations: (1) conduct a U.S. nuclear industrial base review; (2) create a demand signal using U.S. military installations; and (3) shift away from a sell-side nuclear vendor model for global exports to a buy-side model brokered by a third-party integrator that can work with multiple U.S. nuclear partners.
Alternative First Exons Drive Enzymatic Activity Variation in Chalcone Synthase 3 of Dendrobium sinense
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Liyan , Ou Qiongjian , You Huiyan , Wang Jia , Niu Jun
Published: August 2023

Dendrobium sinense, a native orchid species of Hainan Island, is cultivated for its ornamental flowers. Recently, this species has gained significant attention due to its medicinal value. This study focuses on the identification of type III polyketide synthase (PKS), which catalyzes the formation of crucial intermediates in secondary metabolites. Through analysis of previous transcriptome data, a total of ten type III DsPKS genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the type III PKS proteins into CHS, BBS, and PKS groups. Interestingly, the DsCHS3 gene exhibited alternative first exons, resulting in two splice variants, namely DsCHS3-1 and DsCHS3-2. Full-length cDNA sequencing revealed that DsCHS3-1 was the more prevalent splice variant. Prokaryotic expression and purification of DsCHS3-1 and DsCHS3-2 proteins were successfully achieved. Enzyme activity analysis demonstrated significantly higher catalytic activity in DsCHS3-2 compared to DsCHS3-1, particularly in the conversion of p-coumaryol-CoA and malonyl-CoA to naringin chalcone. Functional complementation assays in Arabidopsis mutants confirmed the higher catalytic activity of DsCHS3-2, as it restored flavonoid biosynthesis to a greater extent compared to DsCHS3-1. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the alternative splicing patterns and functional divergence of DsCHS3 genes in D. sinense.