bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using supramolecular polymerization of DNA to produce tandem repeat proteins
Authors: Amorin Matthew , Coleman Elliot H. , Bermudez Harry
Published: December 2023

Tandem repeat (TR) proteins are abundant in nature and show diverse biochemical and mechanical properties. However, these proteins can be difficult to synthesize in a precise way because of their repetitive nature. Using a supramolecular polymerization scheme known as hybridization chain reaction, we show how to generate the DNA sequences encoding such TR proteins. The polymerization mechanism allows for identical “monomers” to selectively create TR proteins of different molecular weight. We demonstrate this strategy with examples from elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) and mussel foot proteins (mfps). Moreover, the scheme can be adapted to create protein libraries through the use of multiple DNA hairpin “monomers.”
It's not all about money: Understanding Chinese student switchers in Britain
Authors: Huang Huan , Cohen Scott
Published: December 2023

This study challenges the assumption that international students from the Global South migrate to advanced Western economies primarily for economic gain and social distinction. Through temporally focused interviews with Chinese student switchers in the United Kingdom, that is, migrants who moved from China for university and remain working in situ after graduation, we examine how lifestyle factors may come into play in evoking and accommodating (im)mobilities. Our findings reveal how participants' experiences before, during and after international education are narrated as an entanglement of affective and rational concerns. We highlight how their migration decisions are driven by the search for a desired lifestyle that features work–life balance and a perceived release from a work‐oriented and socially pressurized life in China. Yet, their final emplacement remains an open question due to familial responsibilities in China and Chinese citizenship regulations. The study provides an original conceptual amalgamation of student migration and lifestyle mobility, and sheds further light on the importance of life courses in international student migration literature and lifestyle mobility studies.
Excited states of TAPT‐PDA COF spectra based on first principles and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Chen Nan , Ding Wangyang , Tang Xudong , Li Yongsheng , Su Zihan , Mo Fenglai , Hu Xiaolong , Wan Lingyu
Published: December 2023

Improving two‐dimensional (2D) materials is crucial for achieving integrated, intelligent, and multifunctional development of optoelectronic materials. Thus, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the excitation mechanisms of covalent organic framework (COF) materials in order to prepare and modify 2D materials. This study focuses primarily on the optoelectronic properties of TAPT‐PDA COF. First, the geometric structure of TAPT‐PDA COF, which has a pore size of 32.4 Å and a width of 1.75 Å, was determined using first principles and quantum chemical methods. Second, the hole–electron distribution of each excited state of TAPT‐PDA COF was analyzed for oscillator strengths exceeding 0.01. Additionally, the electron transition mechanism for each excited state following photon absorption was investigated. Finally, the study presents the UV–Vis and electronic circular dichroism spectra of TAPT‐PDA COF based on quantitative calculations. To validate the results, the chirality of TAPT‐PDA COF was experimentally confirmed. The graphs and data obtained from the experiments demonstrate that TAPT‐PDA COF exhibits excellent optoelectronic performance and has significant potential for application in optoelectronic devices.
The tendency to appraise stressful situations as more of a threat is associated with poorer health and well‐being
Authors: McLoughlin Ella , Arnold Rachel , Moore Lee J.
Published: December 2023

It has been argued that habitually appraising stressful events as more of a threat (i.e., situational demands exceed personal coping resources) may increase one's risk of ill‐health (e.g., depression). However, while first theorized 15 years ago, little research has tested this assertion. Thus, this study offered a novel test of the associations between trait challenge and threat appraisals and health‐related outcomes (i.e., mental health symptomology, psychological well‐being, and physical health complaints). Three hundred and ninety‐five participants (251 female, 144 male; Mage = 22.50 years, SD = 5.33) completed valid and reliable measures of trait challenge and threat appraisals, mental health (i.e., symptoms of depression and anxiety), well‐being (e.g., subjective vitality), and physical health complaints (e.g., respiratory illnesses). Regression analyses revealed that trait challenge and threat appraisals accounted for a significant proportion of variance in all outcomes after controlling for age and gender, with a tendency to appraise stressful events as more of a threat associated with poorer mental health (i.e., greater depression symptomology), well‐being (e.g., lower vitality), and physical health (e.g., more respiratory illnesses). Taken together, the findings highlight the importance of trait challenge and threat appraisals for health, although further research is needed using stronger designs (e.g., longitudinal) to enable a more causal understanding.
Tumor Microenvironment–Activated Nanostructure to Enhance MRI Capability and Nanozyme Activity for Highly Tumor‐Specific Multimodal Theranostics
Authors: Xie Wenteng , Gan Yuehao , Wang Lulu , Si Yuanchun , Li Qingdong , Song Tianwei , Wei Pengfei , Wu Zhengyan , Zhang Guilong
Published: December 2023

Copper‐based nanozymes exhibit excellent antitumor activity but are easily inactivated due to the disturbance of proteins or other macromolecules with sulfhydryl. A tumor microenvironment‐responsive CuMnO@Fe3O4 (CMF) core–shell nanozyme for highly efficient tumor theranostics is developed. A platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β‐recognizing cyclic peptide (PDGFB) target is conjugated to the surface of CMF to fabricate a tumor‐specific nanozyme (PCMF). The core–shell nanostructure significantly avoids the oxidation and inactivation of copper‐based nanozyme, promoting the antitumor activity of PCMF. The weak acid‐ and GSH‐activated T1 and T2 relaxation rate of PCMF contributes to T1 and T2 dual contrast imaging at the tumor site. In addition, the PCMF disintegrates and produces some metal ions that possess Fenton catalytic activity (i.e., Cu+, Mn2+, and Fe2+) under TME. This process significantly depletes GSH, accelerates Fenton and Fenton‐like reactions, enhances cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and induces cancer cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. PCMF also exhibits photothermal functions, so it can be used in combined photothermal therapy, ferroptosis therapy, and chemodynamic therapy, improving anticancer activity. This work provides insights into the design of an exquisite nanostructure for high‐sensitive and tumor‐specific theranostics.
A D‐Y Shaped Neuropeptide Y Mimetic Peptide‐Dye Self‐Assembly with Maximal Emission Beyond 1300 nm and Glioma Mitochondrial Activity Modulation
Authors: Li Yanying , He Xuelu , Wang Pin , Yuan Bo , Pan Yuanbo , Hu Xueyin , Lu Liheng , Wu Aiguo , Li Juan
Published: December 2023

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), as one of the most abundant neuropeptides known, is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system. However, most of the reported NPY‐mimetic peptides are hard to cross the blood–brain barrier, target glioma mitochondria, and achieve self‐assembly nanostructure in situ. Here, based on the α‐helix structure of the novel chiral NPY‐mimetic peptides D/LNPY(14), a Y‐shaped peptide is designed with the sequences that can be recognized by enterokinase and achieved nanofibers conversion in glioma cell mitochondria. Coupling the Y‐shaped NPY‐mimetic peptide with the NIR‐II fluorophore IR1048, a red‐shifting of the fluorescence spectrum beyond 1300 nm is achieved through self‐assembly. After the self‐assembly in glioma mitochondria, the formed nanofibers can promote intracellular mitochondrial ROS production and extend the NIR‐II fluorescence imaging time to at least 7 days in vivo. This work for the first time endows the self‐assembly of α‐helical‐based chiral NPY‐mimetic peptides, providing a novel strategy for glioma subcellular regulation enhanced antitumor treatment guided by NIR‐II fluorescence imaging.
Eu‐Based Porphyrin MOF Enables High‐Performance Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Dongqi , Zhou Huanyi , Lai Xiaoxia , Liu Xinxin , Sang Kaihang , Chen Yan , Chen Mianhong , Wei Jianwu , Wu Shan , Pang Qi , Zhou Liya , Chen Peican
Published: December 2023

The low power conversion efficiency (PCE) of hole transport materials (HTM) – free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) poses a challenge. Here, a novel 2D Eu‐TCPP MOF (TCPP; [tetrakis (4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin]) sandwiched between the perovskite layer and the carbon electrode is used to realize an effective and stable HTM‐free C‐PSCs. Relying on the synergistic effect of both the metal‐free TCPP ligand with a unique absorption spectrum and hydrophobicity and the EuO4(OH)2 chain in the Eu‐TCPP MOF, defects are remarkably suppressed and light‐harvesting capability is significantly boosted. Energy band alignment is achieved after Eu‐TCPP MOF treatment, promoting hole collection. Förster resonance energy transfer results in improved light utilization and protects the perovskite from decomposition. As a result, the HTM‐free C‐PSCs with Eu‐TCPP MOF reach a champion PCE of 18.13%. In addition, the unencapsulated device demonstrates outstanding thermal stability and UV resistance and keeps 80.6% of its initial PCE after 5500 h in a high‐humidity environment (65%–85% RH).
High‐Throughput Designed and Laser‐Etched NiFeCrVTi High‐Entropy Alloys with High Catalytic Activities and Corrosion Resistance for Hydrogen Evolution in Seawater
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Li Huanxin , Yang Chao , Jiang Min , Zhang Jiao , Fu Chaopeng
Published: December 2023

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution from seawater through wind or solar energy is a cost‐effective way to produce green hydrogen fuel. However, the lack of highly active and anti‐corrosive electrocatalysts in seawater severely hinders the industrial application. Herein, a novel Ni1.1FeCr0.4V0.3Ti0.3 high‐entropy alloy (HEA) is designed through high throughput computing and prepared via powder metallurgy with the surface treated by laser etching under different laser power. The laser‐etched NiFeCrVTi high‐entropy alloys exhibit a unique periodically ordered structure with multiple active centers and high porosity. The Ni‐HEA‐30 displays remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance with an overpotential of 55.9 mV and a Tafel slope of 47.3 mV dec−1 in seawater. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are applied to identify the real active sites for HER on the HEA surface as the key factor for both proton and intermediate transformation, which also reveals that the Cr atom promotes the adsorption energy of water molecules, and the modulation of the electronic structure plays a crucial role in optimizing the hydrogen binding capabilities of the Ni atoms within the alloy. Additionally, the electrocatalyst displays high corrosion resistance in seawater, contributing to the good durability for hydrogen production. This work uncovers a new paradigm to develop novel electrocatalysts with superior reaction activity in seawater.
Polystyrene‐Based Matrix to Enhance the Fluorescence of Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogen for Fluorescence‐Guided Surgery
Authors: Shi Qiankun , Xu Jieying , Xu Huihui , Wang Qiang , Huang Shaohui , Wang Xiaorui , Wang Peng , Hu Fang
Published: December 2023

Achieving ultrabright fluorogens is a key issue for fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS). Fluorogens with aggregation‐induced emission (AIEgens) are potential agents for FGS on the benefit of the bright fluorescence in physiological conditions. Herein, the fluorescence brightness of AIEgen is further improved by preparing the nanoparticle using a polystyrene‐based matrix and utilizing it for tumor FGS with a high signal‐to‐background ratio. After encapsulating AIEgen into polystyrene‐poly (ethylene glycol) (PS‐PEG), the fluorescence intensity of the prepared AIE@PS‐PEG nanoparticles is multiple times that of nanoparticles in 1, 2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐poly (ethylene glycol) (DSPE‐PEG), a commonly used polymer matrix for nanoparticle preparation. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that higher free energy is required for the outer rings of AIEgen to rotate in polystyrene than in the DSPE, indicating that the benzene rings in polystyrene can restrict the intramolecular motions of AIEgen better than the alkyl chain in DSPE‐PEG. Fluorescence correlation microscopy detections suggest that the triplet excited state of AIEgens is less in PS‐PEG than in DSPE‐PEG. The restricted intramolecular motions and suppressed triplet excited state result in ultrabright AIE@PS‐PEG nanoparticles, which are more conducive to illuminating tumor tissues in the intestine for FGS. The illumination of metastatic tumors in lungs by AIE@PS‐PEG nanoparticles is also tried.
Fostering expansive and connective sensemaking with preservice secondary science teachers
Authors: Watkins Jessica , De Lucca Natalie A. , Pao Serena R.
Published: December 2023

Preservice secondary science teachers often experience science learning in narrow and marginalizing ways in their science preparation. These experiences cause harm, particularly for preservice teachers of color. They also limit the disciplinary resources they can develop for later teaching science in ways that value and sustain their students' ways of knowing and being in the world. Our research explores possibilities for cultivating new spaces for preservice secondary science teachers to engage in science. In a content‐focused education course, we designed for and studied preservice teachers' engagement in expansive and connective sensemaking, incorporating heterogeneity, power, and historicity in pursuits of explanatory accounts of the natural world. In this article, we examined how this course design can support preservice teachers to attune to heterogeneity in ways of knowing in science and to connect to identity and historicity in scientific sensemaking. Our analysis suggests that students' final projects reflected attunements to diverse knowing, communicating, and relating in science and deep connections with their identities and future‐making, yet had fewer connections to sociohistorical narratives and structures. We developed illustrative case studies of four student projects, highlighting the personal, social, and political possibilities of creating space for future educators to imagine more expansive and connective forms of science. This study contributes a novel model for preservice science teacher education to support teacher learning to value and sustain their students' ways of knowing and being in the world.
DNMT1 regulates hypermethylation and silences hsa_circ_401351 in hydroquinone‐induced malignant TK6 cells
Authors: Han Yali , Meng Jinxue , Ling Xiaoxuan , Pan Zhijie , Zhang Haiqiao , Zhong Bohuan , Chen Shi , Pang Jing , Ma Yuliang , Chen Jialong , Liu Linhua
Published: December 2023

Background

Benzene and its metabolite hydroquinone (HQ) are widely used in daily life, and long‐term exposure to benzene or HQ can induce acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are mostly produced by reverse splicing of gene exon mRNA precursors. The modulation of circRNA expression is connected to leukemia progression; however, the molecular mechanism is still unknown.

Materials and methods

In this study, the cells were divided into four groups: PBS control group (PBS‐TK6), TK6 malignantly transformed cells induced by 10.0 μmol/L HQ (HQ‐TK6), and HQ‐TK6 cells treated with 5 μmol/L 5‐AzaC (DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) for 24 h (HQ + 5‐AzaC). HQ‐TK6 cells were treated with 200 nmol/L TSA (histone deacetylation inhibitor) for 24 h (HQ + TSA). qRT–PCR was used to identify the differential hsa_circ_401351 expression between the four groups. We further determined the hsa_circ_401351 promoter methylation level with methylation‐specific PCR. DNMT1 and DNMT3b were knocked down by CRISPR/Cas9 to elucidate the specific molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_401351 in HQ‐TK6 cells. CCK‐8 and flow cytometry detected cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, after hsa_circ_401351 was overexpressed in HQ‐TK6 cells.

Results

Compared with the PBS‐TK6 group, the expression of hsa_circ_401351 was found to be lower in the HQ‐TK6 group. Nevertheless, treatment with 5‐AzaC or TSA increased hsa_circ_401351 expression, with the upregulation being more pronounced in the TSA group. The expression of hsa_circ_401351 in the DNMT1 knockdown group was dramatically increased by 50% compared to that in the control group, and the DNA methylation level of the hsa_circ_401351 promoter region was decreased. When hsa_circ_401351 was overexpressed, HQ‐TK6 cell proliferation was significantly slowed after 48 h compared with the control group. Flow cytometry showed that cells were mainly arrested in G1 phase, and apoptosis was significantly enhanced. Similarly, qRT–PCR and Western blot data showed significant reductions in Caspase‐3 mRNA and protein production, and Bcl‐2 mRNA levels were also elevated.

Conclusions

Overall, our research showed that elevated DNMT1 expression in HQ‐TK6 cells increased methylation levels and decreased expression of the hsa_circ_401351 promoter region, limiting its ability to suppress HQ‐TK6 cell growth and enhance apoptosis.
Protective role of olive oil extract of propolis on short and long‐term administration of tamoxifen in rats
Authors: Silici Sibel , Kaynar Leylagül , Okan Aslı , Doğanyiğit Züleyha
Published: December 2023

Tamoxifen (TAM) is an antiestrogenic agent used for adjuvant treatment in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancers in the pre/post‐menopausal period. This study, it was aimed to determine the effect of olive oil extract of propolis (OEP) on short and long‐term administration of TAM in rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into groups with eight animals in each. Groups: control, OEP, TAM, and OEP + TAM. At the end of the experiment, oxidative stress tests were performed with Enzyme‐Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) on blood and tissue samples (liver, kidney, and ovary) taken from rats. After single‐dose TAM administration, there was a significant increase in red blood cell, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels compared to the control group, a decrease in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) value, a significant increase in liver enzymes and fasting glucose values was detected compared with the control and propolis groups. A normalizing effect was observed in the group given OEP and TAM combined. The increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) and the decrease in enzyme activities in tissues are also noteworthy. Propolis application reduced the tissue damage caused by TAM. In addition, improved cytokine levels, which increased with TAM administration. It has been concluded that OEP can be given in supportive treatment, as it improves hematological and antioxidant parameters in TAM treatment.
Using foliar δ13C from high‐Andean plants (Silala River basin) as a measure of potential evapotranspiration through water use efficiency
Authors: Suárez Francisco , Latorre Claudio , Mendoza Magdalena , Frugone Matías , Muñoz José F.
Published: December 2023

The water‐dependent nature of arid ecosystems is closely related to the coupling between energy input through photosynthesis and the loss of water through transpiration (Tr), which can be expressed as water use efficiency (WUE). The relationship, however, between environmental factors and plant physiology in controlling evapotranspiration is not well understood in high‐altitude arid environments. Here, we review the use of carbon isotope fractionation (δ13C) to indirectly track fluctuations in WUE and the use of the portable chamber method to partition landscape actual evapotranspiration (ETa) into Tr and bare soil evaporation (Ebs) in the alluvial deposits of the Silala River, a high elevation watershed located in northern Chile. Landscape ETa was also measured with Eddy covariance (EC) systems in the basin's riparian wetland and alluvial hillslope deposits. Carbon isotope results were consistent with what is known from the literature regarding these high‐elevation ecosystems. WUE, as estimated by carbon isotope discrimination values, decreased in summer (the wet season), and increased in winter at all sites. These results were consistent with the EC measurements. Changes in WUE were much greater in the valley wetlands than along the hillslopes, most likely due to a large drop in available soil moisture along the valley bottom during the dry season. Portable chamber results obtained during summer and winter field campaigns showed that at the landscape scale, hillslope ETa was mainly dominated by bare soil evaporation; and ETa partitioning into Tr and Ebs had a seasonal change.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Methods

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Acute limb ischemia in nonagenarians: Characteristics and factors related to outcomes in a single‐center consecutive series
Authors: Casajuana Urgell Eduard , Calsina Juscafresa Laura , Mascaró Oliver Maria , Abadal Jou Mar , Clarà Velasco Albert
Published: December 2023

Background

The increasing aging and frailty of the population make the management of acute limb ischemia (ALI) more difficult, with decision‐making far from being guided by evidence. The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics and results of ALI treatment in nonagenarians.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of nonagenarian patients with ALI attended at our institution between 2008 and 2021. The primary outcomes of the study were 1‐year limb salvage and survival rates.

Results

A total of 102 patients were included (mean age 92.38, 78.4% women). In 83 cases (81.4%) ALI was attributed to embolism, and 19 (18.6%) to acute arterial thrombosis. One‐month overall survival was 70.6%. Fifteen patients (14.7%) were treated palliatively, including 8 (53.3%) irreversible ALI with associated malignancy/advanced dementia, 5 (33.3%) with associated cerebral/intestinal ischemia and 2 (13.3%) with aortic occlusion and poor medical condition. None of these patients survived after 10 days. The remaining 87 patients (85.3%) were treated with isolated anticoagulation (n = 8, 9.1%), primary major amputation (n = 1, 1.1%) or revascularization (n = 78, 89.6%), including 69 (67.6%) embolectomies, 6 (5.9%) bypass and 3 (2.9%) endovascular techniques. One‐year limb salvage and survival rates were 96% and 48%, respectively. Predictive factors of lower survival included anemia (HR = 1.81, p = 0.014) and ALI severity (HR = 1.73, p = 0.032), but not cognitive or functional status. Patients surviving the ALI episode had a 1‐year survival rate significantly below that of a similar matched population.

Conclusion

Although nonagenarians with an ALI are often functionally and cognitively impaired and have a limited life expectancy, most patients need revascularization for limb salvage and this can be done successfully with a low invasive surgery.
Risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in early‐stage distal gastric cancer
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Liang Chen , Li Rui , Gao Jingwang , Gao Yunhe , Zhou Sixin , Li Peiyu
Published: December 2023

Objects

This study was designed to explore the risk factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in distal gastric cancer with early stage, and to provide reference for the choice of treatment protocols.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, 824 early distal gastric cancer (EDGC) cases who treated at our unit from 2010 to 2020 were selected as research objects. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between LNM and clinicopathological features.

Results

Of these 824 EDGC cases, 140 (17.0%) developed LNM, including 72 N1 stage and 68 N2‐3 stage LNM. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the tumor diameter ≥1.75 cm (odds ratio (OR) = 2.361, p < 0.001), tumor location (OR = 1.552, p = 0.046), histological classification (p = 0.004), tumor infiltration depth (OR = 2.154, p = 0.001), and vascular infiltration (OR = 4.354, p < 0.001) as independent predictors for LNM. Logistic regression analyses based on 756 N0‐1 LNM cases identified the smoking history (OR = 0.507, p = 0.043), tumor diameter ≥1.75 cm (OR = 2.265, p = 0.010), tumor location (OR = 1.834, p = 0.036), histological classification (p = 0.018), tumor infiltration depth (OR = 1.939, p = 0.034), and vascular infiltration (OR = 3.225, p < 0.001) as independent predictors for N1 LNM. Moreover, preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR = 7.087, p = 0.015), significant preoperative weight loss (OR = 2.724, p = 0.023), tumor diameter ≥1.75 cm (OR = 5.484, p = 0.001), multiple tumors (OR = 9.986, p = 0.038), histological classification (p = 0.029), and vascular infiltration (OR = 33.704, p < 0.001) were proved to be associated with LNM for T1a tumors.

Conclusions

The tumor diameter, location and infiltration depth, histological classification, and vascular infiltration were expected to be used as predictors of LNM in EDGC, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia, significant weight loss, tumor diameter and number, histological classification, and vascular infiltration were associated with LNM for T1a tumors.
The robotic‐assisted laparoscopic approach to biliary tract resection and reconstruction for benign indications: A single‐center experience
Authors: Rayman Shlomi , Ross Sharona B. , Pattilachan Tara M. , Christodoulou Maria , Rosemurgy Alexander , Sucandy Iswanto
Published: December 2023

Background

Benign biliary disease (BBD) is a prevalent condition involving patients who require extrahepatic bile duct resections and reconstructions due to nonmalignant causes.

Methods

This study followed all patients who underwent biliary resections for BBD between 2015 and 2023. We excluded those with malignant conditions and patients who had an ‘open’ operation. Based on the patient's anatomy, the procedures employed were either robotic Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) or robotic choledochoduodenostomy (CDD).

Results

From the 33 patients studied, 23 were female, and 10 were male. Anesthesiology (ASA) class was 3 ± 0.5; the MELD score was 9 ± 4.1; the Child‐Pugh score was 6 ± 1.7. The primary indications for undergoing the operation included iatrogenic bile duct injuries, biliary strictures, and type 1 choledochal cysts. The average surgical duration was about 272 min, and the average blood loss amounted to 79 mL. Postoperatively, three patients experienced major complications, all attributed to anastomotic leaks. The average hospital stay was 4 days, with a readmission rate of 15% within 30 days. During an average follow‐up period of 33 months, one patient had to undergo a revision at 18 months due to stricture. This necessitated further duct resection and reanastomosis. Notably, there were no reported hepatectomies, no conversion to the ‘open’ method, no intraoperative complications, and no mortalities.

Conclusions

Robotic extrahepatic bile duct resection and reconstruction with Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy or choledochoduodenostomy is safe with an acceptable postoperative morbidity, short hospital length of stay, and low postoperative stricture rate at intermediate duration follow‐up.
Multiscale modelling of fluid transport in vascular tumours subjected to electrophoresis anticancer therapies
Authors: Fülöp Zita Borbála , Ramírez-Torres Ariel , Penta Raimondo
Published: December 2023

Electrophoresis facilitated cancer treatment has demonstrated experimental efficacy in enhancing drug delivery within vascularised tumours. However, the lack of realistic mathematical models with direct measurements in the context of electrochemotherapy poses a challenge. We investigate the impact of an applied electric potential on the flow of Darcian-type fluid occurring in two distinct phases: the tumour and healthy regions. We employ the asymptotic homogenisation technique, assuming that the macroscale of the tumour domain is larger than the microscale characterised by vessel heterogeneities. We retain information about the microstructure by encoding information in the homogenised coefficients. We take into account both vascularisation and the microscale variations of the leading order and fine scale electric potential. The resulting effective differential problem reads as a Darcy-type system of PDEs, where the flow is driven by an effective source. The novel model can be used to predict the effect of an applied electric field on cancerous biological tissues, paving a new way of improving current electrochemotherapy protocols.
Polypharmazie bei akuten und chronischen Nierenerkrankungen
Authors: Manaila Roxana , Huwiler Andrea
Published: December 2023

Die Prävalenz der chronischen Nierenerkrankung („chronic kidney disease“ [CKD]) ist in den letzten Jahrzehnten stetig angestiegen. Die CKD ist eine graduell progressive Erkrankung, die mit mehreren Begleiterkrankungen assoziiert ist, beispielsweise mit kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen, Bluthochdruck, Anämie, Störungen des Mineral- und Knochenstoffwechsels, Elektrolytveränderungen und Störungen des Säure-Basen-Haushalts. Alle diese Begleiterkrankungen erfordern eine adäquate Medikation. Daher haben Patienten mit CKD ein hohes Risiko der Polypharmazie, die als Behandlung mit mehr als 5 Arzneimitteln täglich definiert ist. Polypharmazie geht mit einem stark erhöhten Risiko unerwünschter Arzneimittelwirkungen und schwerer Arzneimittelinteraktionen einher, die zu erhöhter Morbidität und Mortalität führen, wenn sie nicht gut kontrolliert werden und wenn die einzelnen Dosen während des Fortschreitens der CKD nicht entsprechend dem Nierenfunktionsabfall angepasst werden. Daher sollten mehrere Aspekte der Medikation beachtet und konstant überprüft werden. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt die Probleme auf, die sich aus einer inadäquaten Polypharmazie bei CKD ergeben; zu diesen zählen unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkungen und -interaktionen, die Komplexität der Therapieschemata, die Therapiebelastung und die Nichteinhaltung der Therapie. Zudem werden die wichtigsten Schritte zur Identifikation einer inadäquaten Polypharmazie diskutiert, wodurch sich Komplikationen vermeiden lassen und der Nutzen der Medikation erhöht werden kann. Zuletzt wird auf die Polypharmazie bei akuter Nierenschädigung eingegangen.
Biomimetic oculomotor control with spiking neural networks
Authors: Saquib Taasin , Terzopoulos Demetri
Published: December 2023

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are comprised of artificial neurons that, like their biological counterparts, communicate via electrical spikes. SNNs have been hailed as the next wave of deep learning as they promise low latency and low-power consumption when run on neuromorphic hardware. Current deep neural network models for computer vision often require power-hungry GPUs to train and run, making them great candidates to replace with SNNs. We develop and train a biomimetic, SNN-driven, neuromuscular oculomotor controller for a realistic biomechanical model of the human eye. Inspired by the ON and OFF bipolar cells of the retina, we use event-based data flow in the SNN to direct the necessary extraocular muscle-driven eye movements. We train our SNN models from scratch, using modified deep learning techniques. Classification tasks are straightforward to implement with SNNs and have received the most research attention, but visual tracking is a regression task. We use surrogate gradients and introduce a linear layer to convert membrane voltages from the final spiking layer into the desired outputs. Our SNN foveation network enhances the biomimetic properties of the virtual eye model and enables it to perform reliable visual tracking. Overall, with event-based data processed by an SNN, our oculomotor controller successfully tracks a visual target while activating 87.3% fewer neurons than a conventional neural network.
Volume energy density and laser power: key determinants in SLS-processed PA12 mechanical properties
Authors: Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Papazoglou Emmanouil L. , Karkalos Nikolaos E. , Markopoulos Angelos P.
Published: December 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) represents a significant breakthrough in the field of engineering, revolutionizing the way products and components are designed and manufactured. Among the various methods used to employ polymer materials in AM, powder bed fusion (PBF) processes, specifically selective laser sintering (SLS), stand out as one of the most widely utilized approaches. This method offers substantial advantages over other AM techniques for treating polymers. However, SLS is inherently based on complex underlying physical mechanisms and phenomena and it involves a significant number of process parameters, making a comprehensive and extensive study of the process necessary. In the present article, we conduct an experimental study to examine the impact of two pivotal process parameters in SLS: volumetric energy density (VED) and nominal laser power (LP), on the mechanical properties of Polyamide 12 (PA12). The assessment of the material’s mechanical behavior was conducted by measuring its tensile, compressive, and flexural properties, adhering to the respective ASTM standards. Additionally, we employed appropriate statistical tests, including the Coefficient of Variation (CV) to estimate the process’s repeatability and consistency, and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) method to determine significant differences between mean property values for different process parameters. The results revealed the impact of volumetric energy density (VED) and nominal laser power (LP) on each mechanical property and mechanical index. Furthermore, the study identifies general rules and trends related to the efficiency and feasible thresholds of the process. Finally, we provide an interpretation of the results based on the fundamental physical mechanisms, also supported by the respective XRD and microscopy images.
A biological insight of hops wastes vermicomposting by Eisenia Andrei
Authors: González-Moreno M.Á. , García Gracianteparaluceta B. , Marcelino Sádaba S. , Prieto Cobo E. , Seco A.
Published: December 2023

The study was conducted to assess the feasibility of usingEisenia andreiearthworms for vermicomposting hop remains from a lupulin extraction enterprises for the brewing industry. Vermicomposting process was conducted within 70 days using hop (Humulus lupulus) wastes blended with horse manure at five different ratios for triplicate in laboratory conditions. Number of worms, cocoons, and hatchlings were observed and recorded weekly as earthworm biomass, population build-up and reproduction biological parameters. The results showed an indirect relationship between the hop content and the growth and reproductive performance of the worms. Notwithstanding this fact, 100% of survival occurred in all combinations. A 50% blend of hop wastes and horse manure is suggested to ensure the optimizing usefulness ofE. andrei. In addition, moment of maximum splendour of worm population build-up and reproduction parameters measured was achieved at around 40 or 50 days since the beginning of the test, seeing a clear and widespread decline from that moment.
From Sustainable Development Goals to sustainable industry, innovation and infrastructure: insights from the digital sphere
Authors: Zarrabeitia-Bilbao Enara , Jaca-Madariaga Maite , Rio-Belver Rosa-María , Alvarez-Meaza Izaskun
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to analyze and understand the digital discussion on Twitter (from 2016 to 2022) of the SDGs in general and SDG 9 in particular, based on a comparative approach and with a methodology using Python libraries for advanced data analysis, social network analysis (SNA) methods and artificial neural networks (ANN) models. To this end, 6,323,139 tweets about SDGs in general and 2,892,922 about specific SDGs were retrieved for further analysis. The results obtained show that SDG 9 generated less interest and a lower presence of women in the social discussion than other SDGs over the seven years studied; furthermore, the number of tweets about SDG 9 has decreased. However, the digital conversation among different actors does develop in a cohesive manner, sharing leadership and space. This study shows that there are exceptional peaks in the digital activity and the SDG topic goes from “sidestream” to “mainstream” in terms of the digital public debate when certain celebrities (specifically, the Korean music group BTS) interact with the initiative. Finally, SDGs do not generate controversy and there is no substantial difference in the distribution of sentiment and emotions between different periods and different SDGs.
Substance-dependent EEG during recovery from anesthesia and optimization of monitoring
Authors: Lipp Marlene , Schneider Gerhard , Kreuzer Matthias , Pilge Stefanie
Published: December 2023

The electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during anesthesia emergence contains information about the risk for a patient to experience postoperative delirium, but the EEG dynamics during emergence challenge monitoring approaches. Substance-specific emergence characteristics may additionally limit the reliability of commonly used processed EEG indices during emergence. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of different EEG indices during anesthesia emergence that was maintained with different anesthetic regimens. We used the EEG of 45 patients under general anesthesia from the emergence period. Fifteen patients per group received sevoflurane, isoflurane (+ sufentanil) or propofol (+ remifentanil) anesthesia. One channel EEG and the bispectral index (BIS A-1000) were recorded during the study. We replayed the EEG back to the Conox, Entropy Module, and the BIS Vista to evaluate and compare the index behavior. The volatile anesthetics induced significantly higher EEG frequencies, causing higher indices (AUC > 0.7) over most parts of emergence compared to propofol. The median duration of “awake” indices (i.e., > 80) before the return of responsiveness (RoR) was significantly longer for the volatile anesthetics (p < 0.001). The different indices correlated well under volatile anesthesia (rs > 0.6), with SE having the weakest correlation. For propofol, the correlation was lower (rs < 0.6). SE was significantly higher than BIS and, under propofol anesthesia, qCON. Systematic differences of EEG-based indices depend on the drugs and devices used. Thus, to avoid early awareness or anesthesia overdose using an EEG-based index during emergence, the anesthetic regimen, the monitor used, and the raw EEG trace should be considered for interpretation before making clinical decisions.
Smoclust: synthetic minority oversampling based on stream clustering for evolving data streams
Authors: Chiu Chun Wai , Minku Leandro L.
Published: December 2023

Many real-world data stream applications not only suffer from concept drift but also class imbalance. Yet, very few existing studies investigated this joint challenge. Data difficulty factors, which have been shown to be key challenges in class imbalanced data streams, are not taken into account by existing approaches when learning class imbalanced data streams. In this work, we propose a drift adaptable oversampling strategy to synthesise minority class examples based on stream clustering. The motivation is that stream clustering methods continuously update themselves to reflect the characteristics of the current underlying concept, including data difficulty factors. This nature can potentially be used to compress past information without caching data in the memory explicitly. Based on the compressed information, synthetic examples can be created within the region that recently generated new minority class examples. Experiments with artificial and real-world data streams show that the proposed approach can handle concept drift involving different minority class decomposition better than existing approaches, especially when the data stream is severely class imbalanced and presenting high proportions of safe and borderline minority class examples.
The Principle-at-Risk Analysis (PaRA): Operationalising Digital Ethics by Bridging Principles and Operations of a Digital Ethics Advisory Panel
Authors: Nemat André T. , Becker Sarah J. , Lucas Simon , Thomas Sean , Gadea Isabel , Charton Jean Enno
Published: December 2023

Recent attempts to develop and apply digital ethics principles to address the challenges of the digital transformation leave organisations with an operationalisation gap. To successfully implement such guidance, they must find ways to translate high-level ethics frameworks into practical methods and tools that match their specific workflows and needs. Here, we describe the development of a standardised risk assessment tool, the Principle-at-Risk Analysis (PaRA), as a means to close this operationalisation gap for a key level of the ethics infrastructure at many organisations – the work of an interdisciplinary ethics panel. The PaRA tool serves to guide and harmonise the work of the Digital Ethics Advisory Panel at the multinational science and technology company Merck KGaA in alignment with the principles outlined in the company’s Code of Digital Ethics. We examine how such a tool can be used as part of a multifaceted approach to operationalise high-level principles at an organisational level and provide general requirements for its implementation. We showcase its application in an example case dealing with the comprehensibility of consent forms in a data-sharing context at Syntropy, a collaborative technology platform for clinical research.
First-Year Teacher Education Students’ Epistemological Beliefs About Science and History: Domain-Specific Profiles and Relationships
Authors: Korom Erzsébet , Nagy Márió Tibor , Majkić Maja
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the developmental levels of epistemological beliefs (EBs) about science and history among first-year teacher trainees (n = 146) through domain-specific questionnaires. A between-person analysis was used to examine the effect of academic studies and gender differences. Further, we employed a person-centred approach, k-means cluster analysis, to identify EB profiles for both domains. The results show that the impact of academic studies is greater on discipline-specific epistemological beliefs in history than in science, while the effect of gender is not significant in either area. We identified three EB profiles for both domains and found a significant positive correlation between the domain-specific EB profiles. A quarter of student teachers have a sophisticated profile in both science and history. Our research confirms the approach that individuals’ domain-specific epistemological beliefs develop in relation to domain-general beliefs. The results, in addition to contributing to a better understanding of the development of epistemological beliefs, also carry important implications for teacher education.
A systematic review of estimation of growth curve in goats
Authors: Makgopa Ledimo Faith , Mathapo Madumetja Cyril , Tyasi Thobela Louis
Published: December 2023

Growth is an economically important trait in animal production industry and is one of the subjects that can be justified mathematically. The literature recommends different non-linear model to estimate the growth of goats. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature published on estimation of growth using non-linear models in goats. Databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were evaluated systematically using the combination of the following key terms: Non-linear growth curve models such as Brody, Richards, Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy, Logistic models. A total of 25 eligible articles were found published between 2008 and 2022 in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey, Tunisia, and Vietnam. The results showed that out of 25 articles, Gompertz growth curve model was the most used (n = 10), followed by Logistic (n = 8), then Brody growth curve model (n = 6). The findings further indicated that Janoscheck growth curve model was the least used model (n = 1) for estimation of growth in goats. One of the limitations is that some of the reviewed articles did not indicate the sex of the animals which make it difficult to draw the conclude for sexes. The systematic review concludes that Gompertz growth curve model is the most recommended for estimation of growth parameters of goats, followed by Logistic, and then Brody. Therefore, researchers should consider using these models when studying growth parameters of goats.
Potentially Toxic Element (PTE) Sources in the Middle Eocene Carbonate Aquifer, East El Minia, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Abdel-Aziz A. , Salman Salman A. , Ismail Esam A. , Mostafa Alaa , Mohamed Ramadan S. A.
Published: December 2023

Water pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) becomes a major threat to the validity of that water for drinking and agriculture and hence human life. The current study aims to evaluate the carbonate aquifer groundwater PTE content, sources, and impact on water quality. To achieve this goal, drilling cutoff of two wells and 30 groundwater samples were collected and chemically analyzed. The groundwater has TDS values ranged from 271.2 to 971.8 mg/l. Freshwater recharge process led to the continuous freshening of the aquifer and enhanced the forward ion exchange reactions. Carbonate and evaporate mineral dissolution/precipitation processes are the main controller of groundwater chemistry. Cd and As represented the most hazardous elements in these rocks followed by Pb. The presence of high concentrations of PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in water-bearing carbonate rocks has led to detritus of water quality and its unsuitability for drinking owing to the occurrence of these harmful elements in water. Even though the high concentrations of PTEs in the studied water, these elements occurred in low mobility and toxicity species: Fe(OH)3, Mn2+, (HAsO4)−2, Cd2+, Cr2O3, Cu2O, CuO, and PbCO3. This reflects the importance of studying element species rather than total concentration. Even though the unsuitability of this water for drinking owing to high concentrations of some PTEs, all of the samples were found to be suitable for irrigation.