bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustentabilidade empresarial e ESG: uma distinção imperativa
Authors: Silva Fábio Coelho Netto Santos e
Published: January 2023

A sociedade cada vez mais incorpora as preocupações com as questões ambientais e sociais que possam afetar as gerações futuras, em especial após o alerta da pandemia Covid-19 sobre a interdependência das relações sociais, ambientais e econômicas. Com uma exigência cada vez mais responsável sobre sua forma de atuar perante a sociedade, as organizações se deparam frente a uma propagação do termo ESG pelo mercado financeiro, e que traz também a rediscussão do conceito da sustentabilidade empresarial frente a sociedade. Ambos os conceitos vêm sendo utilizados por muitas empresas de forma indiscriminada e sem a devida conexão com as esferas organizacionais das corporações. Nosso objetivo é esclarecer as diferenças essenciais para que as organizações utilizem as vantagens de ambos os conceitos em sua gestão e estratégia.
BNT162b2 Vaccine Effectiveness Against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Children Aged 5 to 11 Years
Authors: Jang Eun Jung , Choe Young June , Kim Ryu Kyung , Park Young-Joon
Published: January 2023

This cohort study examines data for all children aged 5 to 11 years in South Korea to gauge the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine when the Omicron variant was the dominant SARS-CoV-2 infection in the country.
PLP1 gene mutations cause spastic paraplegia type 2 in three families
Authors: Yao Li , Zhu Zeyu , Zhang Chao , Tian Wotu , Cao Li
Published: January 2023

Objective

Spastic paraplegia type 2 (SPG2) is an X‐linked recessive (XLR) form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) caused by mutations in proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) gene. We described the clinical and genetic features of three unrelated families with PLP1 mutations and reviewed PLP1‐related cases worldwide to summarize the genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods

The three probands were 23, 26, and 27 years old, respectively, with progressively aggravated walking difficulty as well as lower limb spasticity. Detailed physical examination showed elevated muscle tone, hyperreflexia, and Babinski signs in lower limbs. Brain MRI examinations were investigated for all cases. PLP1 mutations were identified by whole exome sequencing, followed by Sanger sequencing, family co‐segregation, and phenotypic reevaluation.

Results

A total of eight patients with SPG2 were identified in these three families. The probands additionally had cognitive impairment, urinary or fecal incontinence, ataxia, and white matter lesions (WML) in periventricular regions, with or without kinetic tremor. Three hemizygous mutations in PLP1 were identified, including c.453+159G>A, c.834A>T (p.*278C), and c.434G>A (p.W145*), of which c.834A>T was first associated with HSP.

Interpretation

We identified three families with complicated SPG2 due to three PLP1 mutations. Our study supports the clinically inter‐and intra‐family heterogeneity of SPG2. The periventricular region WML and cognitive impairment are the most common characteristics. The kinetic tremor in upper limbs was observed in 2/3 families, suggesting the spectrum of PLP1‐related disorders is still expanding.
Mobile digital gait analysis objectively measures progression in hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Loris Evelyn , Ollenschläger Malte , Greinwalder Teresa , Eskofier Björn , Winkler Jürgen , Gaßner Heiko , Regensburger Martin
Published: January 2023

Progressive spasticity and gait impairment is the functional hallmark of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), but due to inter‐individual variability, longitudinal studies on its progression are scarce. We investigated the progression of gait deficits via mobile digital measurements in conjunction with clinical and patient‐reported outcome parameters. Our cohort included adult HSP patients (n = 55) with up to 77 months of follow‐up. Gait speed showed a significant association with SPRS progression. Changes in stride time and gait variability correlated to fear of falling and quality of life, providing evidence that gait parameters are meaningful measures of HSP progression.
Engineered Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐Releasing Hydrogels Promote Fetal Membrane Healing In Vivo
Authors: Avilla‐Royo Eva , Vonzun Ladina , Seehusen Frauke , Vallmajo‐Martin Queralt , Famos Flurina , Moser Lukas , Gegenschatz‐Schmid Katharina , Krattiger Lisa Amanda , Strübing Nele , Weisskopf Miriam , Moehrlen Ueli , Ochsenbein‐Kölble Nicole , Ehrbar Martin
Published: January 2023

Fetoscopic interventions to treat fetal anomalies are currently performed for a variety of conditions. Depending on the procedure, preterm rupture of the fetal membranes (FMs) happens in around 30% of the cases, potentially leading to preterm birth and fetal morbidity and mortality. Here, the capacity of modular transglutaminase crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) (TG‐PEG) hydrogels that release platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB to promote FM healing is described. In vitro, such growth factor‐loaded hydrogels are able to stimulate amniotic cell migration and proliferation. When applied in vivo, these TG‐PEG hydrogels tightly seal the FM and uterus defects created by a fetoscope and remain stable for 10 days. The migration of healing‐related cells into such hydrogels in the myometrium, endometrium, and FM areas is only possible in soft TG‐PEG hydrogels. Importantly, bioengineered hydrogels releasing PDGF‐BB promote recruitment of host cells from the myometrium and the endometrium, and to a lesser extent from FM areas. In such hydrogels, the potent proliferation and matrix production of the recruited cells at the site of treatment into the biomaterial initiates a robust early healing response. PDGF‐BB‐loaded TG‐PEG hydrogels hold great promise for the treatment of fetoscopy‐induced FM defects and for the prevention of preterm birth.
Dynamic Nanophotonics in Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Conductive Oxide Films and Metasurfaces: A Quantitative, Nonlinear, Computational Model
Authors: Baxter Joshua , Pérez-Casanova Adriana , Cortes-Herrera Luis , Calà Lesina Antonio , De Leon Israel , Ramunno Lora
Published: January 2023

The promise of dynamic nanophotonic technologies relies on the confinement and spatiotemporal control of light at the nanoscale. Confinement via plasmonics, dielectric resonators, and waveguides can be complemented with materials whose optical properties can be controlled using nonlinear effects. Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) exhibit strong optical nonlinearities in their near‐zero permittivity spectral region, on the femtosecond timescale. Harnessing full spatiotemporal control over the nonlinear response requires a deeper understanding of the process. To achieve this, a self‐consistent multiphysics time‐domain model for the nonlinear optical response of TCOs is developed and implemented into a 3D finite‐difference time‐domain code. Simulations are compared and tuned against recently published experimental results for intense laser irradiation of thin indium tin oxide (ITO) films, achieving good quantitative agreement; the time‐domain dynamics of the nonlinear response and the phenomenon of time‐refraction are also explored. Finally, by simulating intense laser irradiation of a plasmonic particle on an ITO film, the applicability of the approach to time‐varying metasurfaces is demonstrated. As expected, significant enhancement of the nonlinear response of an ITO‐based metasurface over bare ITO thin films is found. This work thus enables quantitative nanophotonics design with conductive oxides in their epsilon‐near‐zero region.
Immuno‐Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging Identifies Functional Macromolecules by Using Microdroplet‐Cleavable Mass Tags
Authors: Song Xiaowei , Zang Qingce , Li Chao , Zhou Tianhao , Zare Richard N.
Published: January 2023

We present immunoassay‐based desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (immuno‐DESI‐MSI) to visualize functional macromolecules such as drug targets and cascade signaling factors. A set of boronic acid mass tags (BMTs) were synthesized to label antibodies as MSI probes. The boronic ester bond is employed to cross‐link the BMT with the galactosamine‐modified antibody. The BMT can be released from its tethered antibody by ultrafast cleavage of the boronic ester bond caused by the acidic condition of sprayed DESI microdroplets containing water. The fluorescent moiety enables the BMT to work in both optical and MS imaging modes. The positively charged quaternary ammonium group enhances the ionization efficiency. The introduction of the boron element also makes mass tags readily identified because of its unique isotope pattern. Immuno‐DESI‐MSI provides an appealing strategy to spatially map macromolecules beyond what can be observed by conventional DESI‐MSI, provided antibodies are available to the targeted molecules of interest.
Designing High‐Donicity Anions for Rechargeable Potassium Superoxide/Peroxide Batteries
Authors: Qin Lei , Schkeryantz Luke , Wu Yiying
Published: January 2023

A battery cathode based on the superoxide/peroxide redox not only inherits the advantage of oxygen (O2) batteries in high capacities and low costs but also overcomes the disadvantages in O2storage, electrolyte evaporation, and anode deactivation due to O2crossover. Herein, we report an enhanced potassium superoxide (KO2)/peroxide (K2O2) conversion by adopting a high‐donicity anion additive in the ether‐based electrolyte. Such an anion was synthesized via a “Solvent‐in‐Anion” strategy and validated to enhance the electron donicity of the electrolyte. The use of high‐donicity anion could lead to enhanced KO2utilization (≈90.2 %) by retarding electrode passivation and allow the full charging back of K2O2through the solution‐mediated pathway without electrocatalysts. No apparent cell degradation is observed during the first 120 cycles by controlling the reversible depth‐of‐discharge capacity at 292 mAh g−1within an O2‐free region. The K−KO2cell delivers a high energy efficiency (>84.4 %) and a lifespan of over 1440 hours.
Structure–activity relationship study to improve cytotoxicity and selectivity of lonafarnib against breast cancer cells
Authors: Hongnak Siriwat , Gust Ronald
Published: January 2023

Lonafarnib is designed as a farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor and displays inhibitory activities against a wide range of tumor cells. However, a major disadvantage is its unselective activity and high cytotoxicity against nonmalignant cells. Therefore, we structurally modified the terminal 4‐methylpiperidine‐1‐carboxamide residue of lonafarnib and evaluated the antiproliferative effects of the resulting derivatives in Michigan Cancer Foundation ‐ 7 (MCF‐7) breast cancer cells as well as simian virus 80 (SV‐80) fibroblasts. The highest cytotoxicity against both cell lines (IC50 about 2 µM) was shown by the piperidin‐4‐yl carbamate 15i and the S‐(piperidin‐4‐yl) carbamothioate 15j. Selectivity for tumor cells was realized in the case of the 1‐cyclohexyl‐1‐methylurea derivative 15b. It reduced the growth of MCF‐7 cells with an IC50 of 11.4 µM (lonafarnib: IC50 = 10.8 µM) without influence on the growth of SV‐80 cells (IC50 > 50 µM; lonafarnib: IC50 = 14.0 µM). Molecular modeling studies were performed to correlate the cytotoxicity with possible FTase interactions. The theoretical investigations, however, documented a comparable attachment of active, less active, and inactive compounds and did not allow an interpretation of the biological results based on these theoretical considerations.
Payment with knowledge: A method for a training of anatomy near‐peer teachers and formation of future anatomists
Authors: Guerrero‐Mendivil Francisco Daniel , Elizondo‐Omaña Rodrigo Enrique , Jacobo‐Baca Guillermo , Quiroz‐Perales Xavier Gerardo , Salinas‐Alvarez Yolanda , Martinez‐Garza Javier Humberto , de la Fuente‐Villarreal David , Quiroga‐Garza Alejandro , Guzman‐Lopez Santos
Published: January 2023

Near‐peer teaching has been widely implemented in medical schools and the benefits for the near‐peer teachers (NPTs), the students, and the institution have been well documented. However, NPT training methods and perceptions of such have been limited. A four‐year clinical anatomy and surgical training program was established (est. 2019) as part of the continuous training timeline for NPTs (n > 60 total) formation at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, in Mexico. The program provides various training courses for the NPTs according to their hierarchy, including teaching skills, professional development, psychosocial aspects, and career objectives. A “Clinical Anatomy and Surgical Training Diploma” was planned with 12 modules to aid in developing these abilities, along with a higher understanding of clinical anatomy shared by expert clinical specialists, and diverse clinical and surgical skills such as suturing, catheterization, and basic surgical procedures. The program has a completion rate of approximately 15 NPTs/year. All, while creating an environment with a sense of belonging, and facilitating mentorship between fellow NPTs and educators. Near‐peer teachers develop leadership, communication, and teaching skills. The program has provided a constant source of anatomy educators, avoiding any shortage.
Further results for synchronization of two coupled Boolean networks
Authors: Xu Die , Pan Qinyao , Zhong Jie , Li Bowen
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the complete synchronization of drive‐response Boolean networks (BNs) using the semi‐tensor product of matrices. First, a necessary and sufficient condition for complete synchronization is obtained. Next, a pinning control method for achieving complete synchronization of drive‐response BNs is proposed, based on certain transformations of the state transition matrix of drive BN. Then, an algorithm is proposed to obtain the minimum number of pinning nodes, based on the perturbation method. Finally, two numerical examples are given to verify the validity of the study results.
Mechanical dissection and culture of mouse cranial neural crest cells
Authors: Tian Yu , Lin Junyan , Li Xiaofeng , Zhu Guirong , Fan Liwen , Lou Shu , Li Dandan , Pan Yongchu
Published: January 2023

Owing to the contribution of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) to the majority of craniofacial structures, they have been studied extensively for the pathogenesis of craniofacial diseases. To investigate and summarize how to isolate and culture the CNCCs from wild‐type mice, a literature search was performed in online databases (PubMed and Web of Science) using optimized keywords “mouse,” “cranial neural crest cell” and “culture.” The literature was checked by two investigators according to the screening and exclusion criteria. Initially, 197 studies were retrieved from PubMed and 169 from Web of Science, and after excluding replicate studies, 293 articles were considered. Finally, 17 studies met all the criteria and were included in this review. The results showed that obtaining purified stem cells and balancing the need to promote cell growth and prevent unwanted early cell differentiation were the two key points in the isolation and culture of CNCCs. However, no standard criteria are available for answering these questions. Thus, it is important to emphasize the necessity for standardization of CNCC isolation, culture, and identification in research on craniofacial diseases.
The preliminary development and psychometric properties of the Psychotherapy Side Effects Scale
Authors: Fazhan Chen , Liang Liu , Xudong Zhao , Qiang Feng , Congcong Ge , Yunhan Zhao
Published: January 2023

Background

Side effects in psychotherapy are common and have a negative impact on patients or clients. However, effective evaluation tools are still lacking and have not been fully studied. The present study aims to develop a scale with good reliability and validity to measure the side effects of psychotherapy.

Methods

The 25 items in the Psychotherapy Side Effects Scale (PSES) were condensed and distributed to 420 subjects online to test its psychometric properties.

Results

The internal consistency of the PSES was satisfactory to excellent (Cronbach's ɑ coefficient was .95, and the Guttman split‐half coefficient was 0.88). A statistically significant negative correlation between the satisfaction score and the total score of the PSES was shown (r = −0.51, p < .001). The PSES could effectively discriminate between two groups with and without side effects (F = 250.95, p < .001) and was able to predict the occurrence of side effects in psychotherapy with an area under curve of 0.932 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.900–0.964 (p < .001). A cutoff was set at 36 points in total PSES score, from which the maximum Youden's index (= 0.72) could be obtained. The positive rate of the PSES was 24% (101/420).

Conclusion

The PSES showed good internal consistency, content validity, concurrent validity, discriminant validity and predictive validity in evaluating and identifying side effects in psychotherapy. More advanced reliability testing methods and structural validity testing for PESE need to be practiced in the future to better serve clinical practice.
Characterization of the gene signature correlated with favorable response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer: A hypothesis‐generating study
Authors: Jeon Seung Hyuck , Chie Eui Kyu
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to define the gene signature associated with response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), or chemoradiosensitivity (CRS) signature, in rectal cancer, and investigate the correlation between the CRS signature and characteristics of tumor.

Materials and Methods

Three public microarray datasets of pre‐nCRT rectal cancer were used to discover and validate the CRS signature, and the pathway analysis of the CRS signature was performed. Patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset were stratified according to the CRS signature enrichment score, and mutational profile and proportions of infiltrated immune cells were compared.

Results

In the discovery dataset (GSE53781), 95 genes were upregulated in complete responders compared to non‐complete responders and defined as the CRS signature. Pathways regarding DNA replication and repair processes as well as inflammatory response were enriched in the CRS signature. In the validation datasets (GSE35452 and GSE45404), patients with favorable response to nCRT exhibited higher enrichment score of the CRS. In TCGA‐READ cohort, patients with high CRS signature harbored KRAS mutation in lower frequency than those with low CRS signature. In addition, proportions of proinflammatory immune cells were higher, but proportion of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages was lower in patients with high CRS signature than those with low CRS signature.

Conclusions

The current integrative bioinformatic analysis suggests the CRS signature and showed that the CRS signature is associated with dissimilar mutational profile and increased immune response. The discovered CRS signature and related characteristics may serve as candidate of stratification factor in upcoming studies for rectal cancer.
Autologous menisci–cruciate ligament composite as a flap for soft tissue reconstruction following malignant bone tumor resection around the knee
Authors: Xu Yu , Li Yan , Fu Yiwei , Wang Bo , Lin Tiao , Zou Changye , Huang Gang , Shen Jingnan , Yin Junqiang
Published: January 2023

Background

Despite significant improvements in oncological treatment, the management of soft tissue defects following malignant tumor resection remains challenging. We investigated whether autologous menisci and cruciate ligament, which are traditionally discarded, can be recycled as a supplemental flap in repairing soft tissue defects following malignant bone tumor resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction around the knee.

Methods

Four knee specimens were dissected to provide a basis for the design of the menisci–cruciate ligament composite. Then, 40 patients with bone malignancies around the knee were enrolled and underwent reconstruction with free or vascularized composite following malignant tumor resection. The clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of this technique were evaluated in >1‐year follow‐up in each patient and compared with 87 patients who suffered from bone malignancies around the knee and were treated by limb salvage but without composite at our center over the same period. During the follow‐up, a composite from one patient who underwent secondary amputation was retrieved and examined for in vivo remodeling.

Results

Fourteen patients were treated with vascularized composite transfer (10 distal femurs and 4 proximal tibias) and 26 patients with free composite transfer (19 distal femurs and 7 proximal tibias). The composite can be used to cover the area of soft tissue defect from 22 to 48.38 cm2 (34.67 ± 6.48 cm2). With contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, peripheral rim healing and dotted blood flow signal at the side of anastomosis were detected on a patient 16 months after free composite transfer. Gross macroscopic remodeling and histopathologic analysis of a retrieved composite also indicated good healing with surrounding tissues and living cells in the composite. The complications and oncologic outcomes were comparable between study and control cohorts, but better Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score for patients reconstructed with composite (26.68 vs. 25.66, p  = 0.004). Of note, MSTS score was higher for patients reconstructed with composite at distal femur subdivision compared with the same subdivision in the control cohort (26.97 vs. 25.90, p  = 0.009). No statically significant difference was noted in complications, oncologic, and functional outcomes for patients reconstructed with free or vascularized composite.

Conclusion

Autogenous menisci–cruciate ligament composite is an alternative option for soft tissue reconstruction. Either vascularized or free composite can be applied, depending on the size and localization of the defect.
Different situations of identifying second primary malignant tumors in lymphoma patients with synchronous solid tumors
Authors: Gao Hongye , Wang Xiaogan , Lai Yumei , Zhang Chen , Mi Lan , Ji Xinqiang , Wang Xiaopei , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun , Liu Weiping
Published: January 2023

Background

To our knowledge, the different situations of identifying second primary malignant tumors (SPMTs) in lymphoma patients with synchronous solid tumors remain to be comprehensively investigated.

Methods

We retrospectively collected information pertaining to lymphoma patients with synchronous solid tumors (diagnosed within 6 months) at Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute between 2009 and 2019. The non‐parametric Aalen–Johansen estimator was applied to calculate cumulative incidence function in the competing risk model. Furthermore, propensity score‐matched analysis was performed to compare survival differences in lymphoma patients with or without synchronous solid tumors.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were enrolled. There were three situations of identifying SPMTs. First, in 15 patients (39.5%), SPMTs were identified before the initiation of any treatment. Among them, priority was given to anti‐lymphoma treatment in case of only three patients. Second, in 17 patients (44.7%), SPMTs were unexpectedly detected on surgical specimen assessment; of them, 13 received anti‐lymphoma treatment after surgery. Third, in six patients (15.8%), SPMTs were identified after the outset of treatment for the primary tumor; in this population, three of four patients with lymphoma switched toward the treatment plan for SPMTs. The 5‐year overall survival was 58.7%. The cumulative incidence function within 5 years was 26.6% for lymphoma and 14.7% for other solid tumors. The early identification of SPMTs was associated with better outcomes (p = 0.048). After balancing the baseline characteristics, no differences in survival were observed between lymphoma patients with and without synchronous solid tumors (p = 0.664).

Conclusions

This is the first study to present the different situations of identifying SPMTs in lymphoma patients with synchronous solid tumors. In only <50% patients, SPMTs were identifiable at baseline. SPMT identification at different situations may make it difficult to choose the optimal therapeutic option, which may consequently impact patient survival.
Quality Data from Messy Spectra: How Isometric Points Increase Information Content in Highly Overlapping Spectra
Authors: Kaspar Felix
Published: January 2023

Spectroscopic techniques are immensely useful for obtaining information about chemical transformations while they are happening. However, such data are often messy, and it is challenging to extract reliable information from them without careful calibrations or internal standards. This short introductory review discusses how isometric points (points in a spectrum where the signal intensity remains constant throughout the progress of a chemical transformation) can be used to derive high‐quality data from messy spectra. Such analyses are helpful in a variety of (bio‐)chemical settings, as selected case studies demonstrate.
N‐doped Nanocarbon Inserted NiCo‐LDH Nanoplates on NF with High OER/ORR Performances for Zinc‐Air Battery
Authors: Jia Zhe , Shang Jiayin , Xue Kaijing , Yang Xi , Wang Sumin , Xu Changhua , Wang Qiguan
Published: January 2023

Herein, a high performance bifunctional catalyst was prepared by inserting N‐doped nanomaterials into Ni−Co layered dihydroxides (NiCo‐LDH) nanoplates for high performance zinc‐air battery. By using self‐assembly of perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride and dicyandiamide in the hydrothermal condition, a nitrogen‐containing super thin carbonaceous nanosheet is achieved after calcination. Then NCM inserted NiCo‐LDH nanoplates attached to nickel foam (NiCo‐LDH/NCM@NF) are synthesized by in‐situ production of NiCo‐LDH species on NCM wrapped NF. The specific NCM improves the conductivity, electroactive surface area and the ORR/OER bifunctional activity of NiCo‐LDH nanoplates. In addition, benefited from the formed rich oxygen vacancies, NiCo‐LDH/NCM@NF delivers the low OER overpotential (352 mV at 50 mA cm−2) and boosted ORR performance with a half‐wave potential of 0.765 V vs RHE. As the air cathode, the fabricated ZAB devices show a satisfactory capacity of 685 mAh g−1 and the energy density of 158 mW cm−2.
Plugging the 3MC Sink in RuII‐Based Photocatalysts
Authors: Shillito Georgina E. , Rau Sven , Kupfer Stephan
Published: January 2023

Quantum chemical methods have been utilised to explore the kinetics and thermodynamics of a prominent charge recombination pathway in a series of RuII based molecular photocatalysts. Selective tuning of the RuII coordination sphere, replacing the tbbpy ligands of the hydrogen evolving parent photocatalyst with electron rich, biimidazole based ligands, promotes unidirectional charge transfer towards the bridging ligand during initial photoexcitation. These electronic effects are also significant in the triplet manifold, where the predicted rate of the undesired deactivation process from the 3MLCT state on the bridging ligand to a 3MC state on the ruthenium centre, is decreased relative to the parent complex, by 1–2 orders of magnitude, alongside a decrease in electronic coupling. This design methodology could be utilised to promote targeted (light‐driven) electron transfer pathways, as well as to potentially reduce 3MC deactivation pathways in commonly used polypyridyl‐based RuII photocentres, thus enhancing the quantum efficiency of light driven catalysis.
Improved Catalytic Performance of Direct Dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene by Creating Boron Defects on Phosphorus‐doped Boron Nitride
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Liu Hongyang , Luo Lukai , Lin Baining , Zhou Yonghua , Wang Hanqing , Wang Ping , Mao Yu
Published: January 2023

Phosphorus‐doped boron nitride (PBN) has been confirmed as an effective metal‐free catalyst for the direct dehydrogenation (DDH) of ethylbenzene to styrene. In this paper, we further used barbituric acid as co‐reactant sources to create B defects in both PBN and mesoporous PBN (m‐PBN) materials. The XPS, N2 adsorption‐desorption, UV‐vis DRS, EPR, 11B SS NMR characterizations indicated both the electronic and pore structures of the catalyst with B defects were adjusted. Except for the improvement of mass transfer caused by B defects, DFT calculations showed the increase of electron density in B defects areas could enhance the breaking of C−H in ethylbenzene and the bond‐forming of H−H, which was acted to improve the catalytic activity. The m‐PBN with B defects delivered the styrene production rate of 22.54 mmolST g−1 h−1 and stably run 300 h when in‐situ grown on Al2O3, proving that defect tuning strategy is useful to construct efficient catalysts for styrene production.
Chiral Silanols: Strategies and Tactics for Their Synthesis
Authors: Gao Jihui , He Chuan
Published: January 2023

Silanols are valuable and important compounds, which have found widespread applications in the field of materials science, synthetic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. Although a handful of approaches have been developed for the synthesis of various silanols, access to enantioenriched silicon‐stereogenic silanols remains underdeveloped. This Concept article intends to summarize and highlight recent advances in the construction of silicon‐stereogenic silanols and endeavors to encourage further research in this area.
High Content Imaging and Quantification of Microglia Phagocytosis In Vitro
Authors: McPherson Christopher A. , Kelly‐Rajan Kiran , Lefebvre d'Hellencourt Christian , Harry G. Jean
Published: January 2023

Microglia function as the tissue‐specific resident macrophages of the nervous system, performing immune and non‐immune functions. These functions are critical to development and to maintain homeostasis in the nervous system throughout the lifespan, and during brain injury or disease. One method by which microglia maintain homeostasis is phagocytosis of aberrant proteins, extracellular debris, synapses, or apoptotic cells. Phagocytic function can be changed by environmental or genetic risk factors that affect microglia. These protocols present a rapid and simple in vitro high‐content imaging protocol for studying phagocytosis in the murine microglia BV‐2 cell line. High‐content imaging and analysis enable versatility of the assay, which can be used to test multiple experimental conditions, or as a screening tool. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled particles

Basic Protocol 2: Examining modifications to phagocytosis by test substances

Basic Protocol 3: High content imaging and analysis of phagocytic cells
A power management strategy for a grid‐connected multi‐energy storage resources with a multiport converter
Authors: Tarassodi Pouya , Adabi Jafar , Rezanejad Mohammad
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a power management strategy to control a multiport converter as an interface among a three‐phase power grid, a renewable energy source (RES), and two energy storage resources (ESRs). The ESRs include electric energy storage (EES) and electric vehicle (EV). With the expansion of the use of EVs, batteries from EVs can be used as energy storage and support the integrated RES‐based electricity systems. EES and EV differ in availability, capacity, and charge/discharge rates. The multiport converter has a simple structure and reduced number of elements that allows simultaneous and independent use of resources. Two bidirectional DC ports enable two‐way power flow for ESRs. A two‐level power management system (TLPMS) is presented to deal with controlling battery charging, Vehicle‐to‐Grid (V2G) operation, and RES and power grid utilization. This way, TLPMS changes the case studies (CSs) based on the availability of EV and photovoltaic (PV) as well as batteries' state‐of‐charge (SOC). The performance of the proposed TLPMS has been evaluated by simulation results and experimental tests. The results show the fast and robust performance of the proposed TLPMS. So that the current on the power grid side, under consecutive changes in the CSs, achieves a steady state during a cycle (20 ms). Also, the speed of DC sources in achieving their reference values is high, which indicates the outstanding features of the proposed system.
Understanding the Rupture Kinematics and Slip Model of the 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo Earthquake: a Bilateral Event on Bifurcating Faults
Authors: Xu Liuwei , Yunjun Zhang , Ji Chen , Meng Lingsen , Fielding Eric , Zinke Robert , Bao Han
Published: January 2023

We image the rupture process of the 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo, Tibet earthquake
using slowness-enhanced back-projection and joint finite fault
inversion, which combines teleseismic broadband body waves, long-period
(166-333 s) seismic waves, and 3D ground displacements from radar
satellites. The results reveal a left-lateral strike-slip rupture,
propagating bilaterally on a 160-km-long north-dipping sub-vertical
fault system that bifurcates near its east end. About 80% of the total
seismic moment occurs on the asperities shallower than 10 km, with a
peak slip of 5.7 m. To simultaneously match the observed long-period
seismic waves and static displacements, notable deep slip is required,
despite a tradeoff with the rigidity of the shallow crust. This
coseismic deep slip within the ductile middle crust could result from
strain localization and dynamic weakening. Local crustal structure and
synthetic long-period Earth response for Tibet earthquakes thus deserve
further investigation. The WNW branch ruptures ~75 km at
~2.7 km/s, while the ESE branch ruptures
~85 km at ~3 km/s, though super-shear
rupture propagation possibly occurs during the ESE propagation from 12 s
to 20 s. Synthetic back-projection tests confirm overall sub-shear
rupture speeds and reveal a previously undocumented limitation caused by
the signal interference between two bilateral branches. The stress
analysis on the forks of the fault demonstrates that the pre-compression
inclination, rupture speed, and branching angle could explain the
branching behavior on the eastern fork.
What determines plant species diversity along the Modern Silk Road in the east?
Authors: Liu Yanlei , Xu Chao , Dong Wenpan , Chen Xun , Zhang Wen , Sun Yuzhe , Wang Guohong , Wang Yufei , Zhou Shiliang
Published: January 2023

As primary producers, plants provide food, oxygen, and other resources for global ecosystems, and should therefore be given priority in biodiversity protection. Most biodiversity research focuses on biodiversity hotspots, while biodiversity coldspots, such as deserts, are largely ignored. We propose that the factors shaping plant species diversity differ between biodiversity hot spots and cold spots, especially for desert ecosystems. To test this hypothesis, we investigated plant species diversity along the Modern Silk Road in the Northwest China desert, an area characterized by low precipitation, scarce vegetation, a limited number of species, and variable human activities. Surface soil was sampled from 144 plots, environmental DNA (eDNA) was extracted from soil samples, and seed plant species were identified using DNA metabarcoding technology. A total of 671 seed plant species were detected, which was more diverse than indicated by plot survey data. Plant species diversity gradually decreased from east to west along the Silk Road. In this area, temperature determines plant species diversity more than precipitation. Additionally, human activity has altered plant species diversity by introducing crops and invasive plants and eliminating environmentally adapted indigenous plants. Our results demonstrate the potential of eDNA metabarcoding technology for plant species diversity surveying. Desert plants have adapted to dry environments by relying on underground water or utilizing occasional rainfall as ephemerals, which are often not visible during surface surveys because of their short aboveground life cycle but can be detected with eDNA metabarcoding technology. Groundwater maintenance and human activity control are recommended for plant species diversity conservation and desertification control.
Perceptions on pregnancy and parenthood among program directors in pediatric dentistry
Authors: Canares Glenn , Rashed Heba , El‐Sayed Omar
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This cross‐sectional study assessed the perceptions of pediatric dental residency program directors (PDs) regarding policies and attitudes on pregnancy and parenthood during residency training.

Methods

A 28‐item electronic survey was administered to PDs of pediatric dental residencies in the United States. Statistical tests were performed. Variables were reported as counts (percentages) and compared using Fischer's exact test and chi‐squared tests at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Forty‐two of the 97 PDs completed the survey for 43% response rate. Almost all programs had a formal maternal leave policy, but perceptions and policies varied regarding the effects of both pregnancy and parenthood on residents during training. Chi‐square results compared if parenthood had a negative impact on the well‐being a female trainee versus a male trainee had a p‐value < .05.

Conclusions

There appeared to be a lack of national uniformity regarding program policies on parental leave. Most PDs perceived having a child during residency had at least one negative effect on their female residents. Finally, PDs were likely to perceive parenthood to adversely impact the well‐being and work of female trainees more so than their male counterparts.
Proof of a conjecture of Plummer and Zha
Authors: Chudnovsky Maria , Seymour Paul
Published: January 2023

Say a graph is a pentagraph if every cycle has length at least five, and every induced cycle of odd length has length five. Robertson proposed the conjecture that the Petersen graph is the only internally 4‐connected pentagraph, but this was disproved by Plummer and Zha in 2014. Plummer and Zha conjectured that every internally 4‐connected pentagraph is three‐colourable. We prove this: indeed, we will prove that every pentagraph is three‐colourable.
A leadless pacemaker in the real‐world setting: Patient profile and performance over time
Authors: Roberts Paul R. , Clémenty Nicolas , Mondoly Pierre , Winter Stefan , Bordachar Pierre , Sharman David , Jung Werner , Eschalier Romain , Theis Cathrin , Defaye Pascal , Anderson Christopher , Pol Aimée , Butler Kiah , Garweg Christophe
Published: January 2023

Background

While prior Micra trials demonstrated a high implant success rate and favorable safety and efficacy results, changes in implant populations and safety over time is not well studied. The objective of this analysis was to report the performance of Micra in European and Middle Eastern patients and compare to the Micra Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) and Micra Post Approval Registry (PAR) studies.

Methods

The prospective, single‐arm Micra Acute Performance European and Middle Eastern (MAP EMEA) registry was designed to further study the performance of Micra in patients from EMEA. The primary endpoint was to characterize acute (30‐day) major complications. Electrical performance was analyzed. The major complication rate through 12 months was compared with the IDE and PAR studies.

Results

The MAP EMEA cohort (n = 928 patients) had an implant success rate of 99.9% and were followed for an average of 9.7 ± 6.5 months. Compared to prior studies, MAP EMEA patients were more likely to have undergone dialysis and have a condition which precluded the use of a transvenous pacemaker (p < .001). Within 30 days of implantation, the MAP EMEA cohort had a major complication rate of 2.59%. Mean pacing thresholds were low and stable through 12 months (0.61 ± 0.40 V at 0.24 ms at implant and 12 months). Through 12 months post‐implantation, the major complication rate for MAP EMEA was not significantly different from IDE (p = .56) or PAR (p = .79).

Conclusion

Despite patient differences over time, the Micra leadless pacemaker was implanted with a high success rate and low complication rate, in‐line with prior reports.
Multiple amino acid supplementations to reduce dietary protein for pigs during early and late finisher periods under commercial conditions
Authors: Song Wenxin , Wu Zijuan , Li Wenli , Li Yali
Published: January 2023

Background

With the easy availability and competitive prices of crystalline amino acids (AAs), the reduction of dietary crude protein (CP) for pigs during early and late finisher periods is possible under commercial conditions. Two experiments were conducted to assess the growth efficiency of early and late‐finishing pigs fed with protein‐restricted diets supplemented with Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val, Ile and His. In Experiment 1, 840 early finishing pigs were allocated to four dietary treatments with CP levels designed at 150, 142, 134, and 126 g kg−1 diet. In Experiment 2, 768 late‐finishing pigs were allotted to four dietary treatments providing CP levels at 140, 130, 120, and 110 g kg−1 diet.

Results

In Experiment 1, the data showed that CP levels could be decreased from 150 to 126 g kg−1 without adversely affecting performance of early finishing pigs as no significant difference was observed for final bodyweight, average daily gain (ADG), feed to gain ratio (F:G), or average daily feed intake (ADFI). In Experiment 2, late‐finishing pigs consuming 120 g kg−1 CP tended to have the highest ADG and lowest F:G whereas those fed the 110 g kg−1 CP diet showed the opposite trend. Based on quadratic analysis, the optimum CP levels to maximize ADG and minimize F:G were 126 and 127 g kg−1, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings showed that dietary CP levels could be decreased to 126 g kg−1 for early finishing pigs while improved performance was noted in late‐finishing pigs consuming 120 g kg−1 CP. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The archaeal KEOPS complex possesses a functional Gon7 homolog and has an essential function independent of the cellular t6A modification level
Authors: Wu Pengju , Gan Qi , Zhang Xuemei , Yang Yunfeng , Xiao Yuanxi , She Qunxin , Ni Jinfeng , Huang Qihong , Shen Yulong
Published: January 2023

Kinase, putative Endopeptidase, and Other Proteins of Small size (KEOPS) is a multisubunit protein complex conserved in eukaryotes and archaea. It is composed of Pcc1, Kae1, Bud32, Cgi121, and Gon7 in eukaryotes and is primarily involved in N6‐threonylcarbamoyl adenosine (t6A) modification of transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Recently, it was reported that KEOPS participates in homologous recombination (HR) repair in yeast. To characterize the KEOPS in archaea (aKEOPS), we conducted genetic and biochemical analyses of its encoding genes in the hyperthermophilic archaeonSaccharolobus islandicus. We show that aKEOPS also possesses five subunits, Pcc1, Kae1, Bud32, Cgi121, and Pcc1‐like (or Gon7‐like), just like eukaryotic KEOPS. Pcc1‐like has physical interactions with Kae1 and Pcc1 and can mediate the monomerization of the dimeric subcomplex (Kae1‐Pcc1‐Pcc1‐Kae1), suggesting that Pcc1‐like is a functional homolog of the eukaryotic Gon7 subunit. Strikingly, none of the genes encoding aKEOPS subunits, including Pcc1 and Pcc1‐like, can be deleted in the wild type and in a t6A modification complementary strain named TsaKI, implying that the aKEOPS complex is essential for an additional cellular process in this archaeon. Knock‐down of the Cgi121 subunit leads to severe growth retardance in the wild type that is partially rescued in TsaKI. These results suggest that aKEOPS plays an essential role independent of the cellular t6A modification level. In addition, archaeal Cgi121 possesses dsDNA‐binding activity that relies on its tRNA 3ʹ CCA tail binding module. Our study clarifies the subunit organization of archaeal KEOPS and suggests an origin of eukaryotic Gon7. The study also reveals a possible link between the function in t6A modification and the additional function, presumably HR.
Hyperbolic inverse mean curvature flow with forced term: Evolution of plane curves
Authors: Wang Zenggui , Ding Ran
Published: January 2023

The motion of plane curves under hyperbolic inverse mean curvature with a constant force field
is considered. The preserving convexity of the evolving curve under this flow is proved. Furthermore, we give an example to understand how the forced term
affects the evolution of plane curves. Particularly, the asymptotic behavior of the flow is discussed.
Fragmented care and chronic illness patient outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Joo Jee Young
Published: January 2023

Aim

This systematic review examined recent studies on fragmented care of patients with chronic illnesses in the United States to examine the association between fragmented care and patient outcomes.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Studies published from January 1, 2012, to June 1, 2022, were selected from four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science), following the Cochrane protocols and PRISMA statements. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten studies that examined associations published between 2015 and 2021 were selected. A methodological assessment was conducted with the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross‐Sectional Studies. The studies selected for this systematic review were rated as having fair methodological rigor. The protocol of this review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021285379). Because of the heterogeneity of the selected studies' data, a systematic narrative synthesis of the extracted data was conducted.

Results

Three common measures for fragmented care and outcomes were synthesized. A synthesis of the studies found significant association between fragmented care and adverse outcomes of chronic illnesses (emergency department visits, utilization of diagnostic tests, and healthcare costs). Despite the heterogeneity of significant findings between fragmented care and patient outcomes, the relationship between these outcomes and fragmented care was significant. This systematic review provides clear evidence of the association between care fragmentation and its adverse effects on individuals with chronic illnesses. However, mixed relationship findings were also reported.

Conclusion

Given the demands of overcoming fragmented care in healthcare settings in the United States, nurse managers, healthcare leaders, and policymakers should utilize this evidence to reduce fragmented care strategies. It is recommended that nurse researchers and other healthcare practitioners conduct further studies to understand the contexts and mechanisms of fragmented care and develop theoretical frameworks for care fragmentation and chronic illness outcomes.