bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Flare Risk Index Informed by Select Immune Mediators in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Munroe Melissa E. , Blankenship Derek , DeFreese Daniele , Purushothaman Mohan , DeJager Wade , Macwana Susan , Guthridge Joel M. , Kamp Stan , Redinger Nancy , Aberle Teresa , Chakravarty Eliza F. , Arriens Cristina , Li Yanfeng , Zeng Hu , McCarthy‐Fruin Kathleen A. , Osei‐Onomahm Shirley‐Ann , Thanarajasingam Uma , James Judith A. , Jupe Eldon
Published: October 2022

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is marked by immune dysregulation linked to varied clinical disease activity. Using a unique longitudinal cohort of SLE patients, this study sought to identify optimal immune mediators informing an empirically refined flare risk index (FRI) reflecting altered immunity prior to clinical disease flare.

Methods

Thirty‐seven SLE‐associated plasma mediators were evaluated by microfluidic immunoassay in 46 samples obtained in SLE patients with an imminent clinical disease flare (preflare) and 53 samples obtained in SLE patients without a flare over a corresponding period (pre‐nonflare). SLE patients were selected from a unique longitudinal cohort of 106 patients with classified SLE (meeting the American College of Rheumatology 1997 revised criteria for SLE or the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics 2012 revised criteria for SLE). Autoantibody specificities, hybrid SLE Disease Activity Index (hSLEDAI) scores, clinical features, and medication usage were also compared at preflare (mean ± SD 111 ± 47 days prior to flare) versus pre‐nonflare (99 ± 21 days prior to nonflare) time points. Variable importance was determined by random forest analysis with logistic regression subsequently applied to determine the optimal number and type of analytes informing a refined FRI.

Results

Preflare versus pre‐nonflare differences were not associated with demographics, autoantibody specificities, hSLEDAI scores, clinical features, nor medication usage. Forward selection and backward elimination of mediators ranked by variable importance resulted in 17 plasma mediator candidates differentiating preflare from pre‐nonflare visits. A final combination of 11 mediators best informed a newly refined FRI, which achieved a maximum sensitivity of 97% and maximum specificity of 98% after applying decision curve analysis to define low, medium, and high FRI scores.

Conclusion

We verified altered immune mediators associated with imminent disease flare, and a subset of these mediators improved the FRI to identify SLE patients at risk of imminent flare. This molecularly informed, proactive management approach could be critical in prospective clinical trials and the clinical management of lupus.
Smart Multi‐Layer Architecture Electrodes for High Energy Density Lithium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Lee Sang Ho
Published: October 2022

Multi‐layer architectures for use in both negative and positive electrodes are developed through a layer‐by‐layer spray printing approach using complementary material combinations, with the ultimate goal to realize an ideal concept of hybrid lithium‐ion capacitors more fully – delivering attractive energy densities of insertion‐type negative electrodes while preserving outstanding power performances of activated carbon positive electrodes. To sustain advantageous capacities of intercalation anodes even at ultra‐fast charging rates, a thin, discrete layer of high capacity Si was interleaved between high power Li4Ti5O12 electrodes. In a cathode electrode, a sequential layer of insertion‐type LiFePO4 was assembled with a conventional activated carbon layer into a single layer structure, aiming at boosting overall deliverable capacities. The lithium‐ion capacitor comprising the smart multi‐layer architectures of negative and positive electrodes then provided a remarkable energy density of ∼110 Wh/kg with an outstanding power performance of 15 kW/kg.
The effects of noncontingent reinforcement on task disengagement following failure of differential reinforcement treatment
Authors: O’Brien Matthew J. , Romani Patrick W. , Berg Wendy K. , Wacker David P.
Published: October 2022

Following the failure of applications of differential reinforcement (DR), the effects of reinforcement delivered noncontingently (NCR) on task disengagement and task completion were evaluated within reversal designs for three children with autism spectrum disorder. In Experiment 1, we compared DR and NCR schedules that combined positive and negative reinforcement. In Experiment 2, we replicated the results of Experiment 1 and then evaluated NCR schedules composed solely of negative reinforcement and NCR schedules that combined negative reinforcement with high‐or low‐preferred stimuli. In Experiment 3, we further analyzed NCR schedules that included different types and qualities of positive reinforcement, but without the inclusion of negative reinforcement. The results showed that NCR schedules using positive reinforcers can be effective as a treatment for task disengagement, but the type and preference of the reinforcer can alter effectiveness. These results are interpreted in terms of the motivating operations associated with task disengagement.
Telehealth parent training for a young child at risk for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Azzano Alicia , Vause Tricia , Ward Rebecca , Feldman Maurice A.
Published: October 2022

The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of telehealth to access behavioral interventions. Face‐to‐face parent training improves the development and behaviors of young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We evaluated a telehealth parent training intervention for a child at risk for ASD. Two parents identified possible early ASD symptoms in their 30‐month‐old son (lack of imitation, pointing, and vocal manding). Both parents simultaneously received telehealth behavioral skills training on the Parent Intervention for Children at Risk for Autism program for 1 hour per week over 29 weeks. Multiple baseline designs across parent and child behaviors showed that both parents improved their parent teaching fidelity above 80% and the child improved on all trained behaviors. This study expands the utility of telehealth behavioral parent training to young children at risk for ASD to mitigate early symptoms of ASD.
Analytical strategies in neurotransmitter measurements: A mini literature review
Authors: Zhu Mingyu , Liu Guanglin , Chen Huan , Ma Wanwan , Cui Lili , Nimmu Narendra Varma , Hou Hongwei , Hu Qingyuan , Zhang Youyu
Published: October 2022

Neurotransmitters (NTs) are endogenous, polar, low‐molecular‐weight compounds that play multiple pivotal roles in the central nervous system. NTs are involved in communicating information, responding to stress, regulating motor coordination, and allowing interneuronal communication in living organisms. It is essential to determine the distribution of NTs in brain regions to better understand drug dependence and abuse, neurological disorders, psychological disorders, and aging. Monitoring NT levels is also important in diagnosing and avoiding serious illnesses. We here review chromatography‐based analytical techniques, including pretreatment methods (e.g., microdialysis and solid‐phase microextraction), as well as detection strategies (e.g., MS and electrochemistry), focusing on developments in these techniques over the past 5 years. We then highlight recent advances in electrochemical and fluorescence imaging methods in vivo and the disadvantages and advantages of such technologies, including high spatiotemporal resolution, polymer specificity, and high sensitivity. Finally, we summarize and compare the complementary advantages of chromatography‐based analytical techniques and biosensors and discuss trends in the development of NT detection technologies.
Key technologies and case implementation of online course
Authors: Liu Lin , Wanwu Li , Zhang Hui , Li Jinhong
Published: October 2022

To adapt to the needs of teaching modes such as network distance education and mobile online learning, and overcome the space‐time limitation of traditional offline education, the construction of online courses has become an important task of informatization in education. The research analyzes several key technologies for the construction of online courses and proposes solutions for making dynamic maps and demonstration animations, sharing relevant teaching resources, cloud classroom design, special experiment design, and online testing and question & answer (Q & A). On this basis, with the index system of “Modern Distance Education Standards” as a reference, the national standard and evaluation plan of online courses as guides, and computer technology and multimedia technology as means, the research develops an online course case of Marine Geographic Information System (MGIS). Based on the.NET platform, construct a teaching resource website supporting MGIS. The online course and its supporting teaching resources website have realized the characteristic function of personalized self‐learning, dynamic demonstration of knowledge, online testing according to different learning stages, interesting experiments to stimulate learning enthusiasm, intelligent feedback learning effect, and so on. Through application and practice in teaching, the website of online courses and resources has achieved a good teaching effect.
The clinical outcome of postoperative radiotherapy using hybrid planning technique in left breast cancer after breast‐conserving surgery
Authors: Wei Ting‐Na , Yeh Hui‐Ling , Lin Jia‐Fu , Hung Chih‐Chiang
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to observe the preliminary clinical outcome and acute toxicity of hybrid intensity modulated radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy planning technique with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB).

Methods

From November 2015 to December 2018, 149 female patients with left‐side breast cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy with hybrid IMRT and VMAT planning technique with SIB were reviewed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was acute toxicities and the secondary endpoints were local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis‐freesurvival (DMFS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

The median age was 52 years old and median follow‐up was 43.4 months. Eighty‐six percent of patients had acute grade 0 to grade1 dermatitis and 14% had grade 2 dermatitis. No acute radiation pneumonitis, esophagitis, or cardiovascular events were recorded during follow‐up. The 3‐year LRFS, DMFS, DFS, and OS rates were 95.1%, 95.1%, 90.3%, and 97.9%, respectively. The subgroup analysis revealed that patients with lymphovascular invasion had more local recurrence rate and worse DFS rate. Patients with advanced N stage had the trend of worse DMFS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hybrid IMRT and VMAT technique is feasible, safe and has less acute radiation related toxicities in SIB postoperative radiotherapy for left‐sided breast cancer.
In‐vitro anti‐inflammatory activity of serine protease inhibitor from Cassia siamea and Dolichos biflorus: A comparative study
Authors: Honnenahalli Rajegowda Sachin , Athahalli Honnagirigowda Sneha Rani
Published: October 2022

Cassia siamea is a nonedible legume belonging to Fabaceae. The seed of C. siamea contains ~16% of protein. The study reports the biochemical characterization of purified novel serine protease inhibitor from seeds of C. siamea, aimed with assessing the anti‐inflammatory activity. The seed extract was subjected to ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)‐anion exchange chromatography and affinity‐chromatography to obtain a relative pure protease inhibitor. Thirty‐fivefold purification with the specific activity of 250 U/mg of trypsin inhibitory unit was obtained. The characterization of protease inhibitor for optimum temperature, pH, and metal ions were measured using N‐α‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide (BAPNA) assay and casein zymogram. The C. siamea trypsin inhibitor (CsTI) has a relative molecular mass of 25.540 kDa. Purified CsTI and Dolichos biflorus were tested for anti‐inflammatory efficacy against A549 and RAW264.7 cell lines. The inhibitory activity of both purified inhibitors are comparable and are potent toward anti‐inflammatory activity. The purified inhibitor shows to be a promising candidate as anti‐inflammatory agent by targeting the serine proteases.
Effects of moderate‐intensity pulsed electric field on the structure and physicochemical properties of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) prolamin
Authors: Zhang Yidan , Jing Xu , Chen Zhenjia , Wang Xiaowen
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment is currently a hot spot in food science research. The improvement and regulation of protein structure and physicochemical properties after PEF treatment are a new development in its processing technology. This study aimed to clarify the effects of moderate‐intensity PEF treatment on the structure and physicochemical properties of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) prolamin and its action rules.

Findings

PEF treatment changed the spatial conformation of millet prolamin, increased its hydrophobicity and solubility in alcohol solution, but did not change the subunit composition distribution. It also promoted the increase in soluble aggregates, resulting in an increase in protein particle size. The α‐helix content of the protein decreased, the β‐sheet content increased, the number of disulfide bonds increased, and the protein structure became more orderly after treatment.

Conclusions

The results showed that the structure and physicochemical properties of millet prolamin significantly changed after the moderate‐intensity PEF treatment.

Significance and Novelty

The increased hydrophobicity of prolamin makes it a strong future candidate in medicinal excipients, food packaging materials, and biodegradable polymers.
A case of peripheral odontogenic fibroma arising in the mandibular premolar region of a teenager
Authors: Yamashiro Kie , Sekido Katsuhisa , Hariya Yasushi , Okita Michiko , Harada Masashi , Tatetsu Masaharu
Published: October 2022

Peripheral odontogenic fibroma (POdF) is a rare, benign ectomesenchymal tumor. Herein, we report a case of a 15‐year‐old female patient who developed POdF in the mandible. The lesion was resected along with the periosteum. Histopathological findings revealed a small mass and cord‐like epithelium. There was no recurrence 16 months postoperatively.
In situ formation of self‐antistacking FeCoOx on N‐doped graphene: A 3D‐on‐2D nanoarchitecture for long‐life Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zheng Zehao , Wang Cuie , Mao Peng , Zhu Yijun , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei , Liao Kaiming , Shao Zongping
Published: October 2022

Before the practical application of rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs), a critical issue regarding the inherent slow reaction kinetics of the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) must be addressed. Here, we fabricate a cost‐effective bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst with a self‐antistacking structure, where three‐dimensional (3D) Fe–Co bimetallic oxide particles (FeCoOx) are directly grown on 2D N‐doped graphene (NG). The in situ grown FeCoOx particles can alleviate the NG interlaminar restacking, ensuring abundant channels for diffusion of O2/OH− species, while the NG allows rapid electron flow. Benefiting from this self‐antistacking 3D‐on‐2D structure and synergetic electrocatalysis, FeCoOx@NG demonstrated excellent activity for both ORR and OER (ΔE = 0.78 V), which is superior to that of the binary mixtures of Pt/C and RuO2 (ΔE = 0.83 V). A homemade ZAB with 20%‐FeCoOx@NG delivers a specific capacity of 758.9 mAh g−1, a peak power density of 215 mW cm−2, and long‐term cyclability for over 400 h. These research results suggest that designing a bimetallic oxide/N‐doped carbon 3D‐on‐2D nanoarchitecture using an in situ growth strategy is an attractive and feasible solution to overcome electrocatalytic problems in ZABs.
Emerging and Versatile Platforms of Metal‐Ion‐Doped Carbon Dots for Biosensing, Bioimaging, and Disease Therapy
Authors: Qian Sihua , Li Lin , Wu Kerong , Wang Yuhui , Wei Gang , Zheng Jianping
Published: October 2022

Metal ions possess abundant electrons and unoccupied orbitals, as well as large atomic radii, whose doping into carbon dots (CDs) is a facile strategy to endow CDs with additional physicochemical characteristics. After being doped with metal ions, CDs reveal obvious changes in their optical, electronic, and magnetic properties by adjustments to their electron density distribution and the energy gaps, leading them to be promising and competitive candidates as labeling probes, imaging agents, catalysts, nanodrugs, and so on. In this review, we summarize the fabrication methods of metal‐ion‐doped CDs (M‐CDs), and highlight their biological applications including biosensing, bioimaging, tumor therapy, and anti‐microbial treatment. Finally, the challenging future perspectives of M‐CDs are analyzed. We hope this review will provide inspiration for further development of M‐CDs in various biological aspects, and help readers who are interested in M‐CDs and their biological applications.
Role of Pb Doping on the Thermoelectric Properties of Mg3Sb1.8‐yBi0.2Pby Alloys
Authors: Zhu Bo , Lu Xu , Hu Lianglu , Zhang Qiang , Wang Lifei , Zheng Yun , Fan Jianfeng
Published: October 2022

In this work, we focused on the matrix material with a composition of Mg3Sb1.8Bi0.2. The effect of Pb doping on the thermoelectric properties of Mg3Sb1.8‐yBi0.2Pby (y=0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02) compounds was investigated. Mechanical alloying followed by spark plasma sintering was employed to synthesize the corresponding bulk materials. The x‐ray diffraction results indicate that the doping limit of Pb in Mg3Sb1.8Bi0.2 is 0.01∼0.02. Pb doping significantly increases the carrier concentration up to >1019 cm−3, while decreasing the Seebeck coefficient. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of the matrix material is reduced upon Pb doping at 400–700 K. As a result, the thermoelectric figure of merit is improved in the low‐temperature range, and a ZT value of 0.039 is obtained for the y=0.005 sample at 500 K, which is 77% higher than that of the undoped sample.
Exploring the use of data compression for accelerating machine learning in the edge with remote virtual graphics processing units
Authors: Peñaranda Cristian , Reaño Carlos , Silla Federico
Published: October 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are usually low performance nodes connected by low bandwidth networks. To improve performance in such scenarios, some computations could be done at the edge of the network. However, edge devices may not have enough computing power to accelerate applications such as the popular machine learning ones. Using remote virtual graphics processing units (GPUs) can address this concern by accelerating applications leveraging a GPU installed in a remote device. However, this requires exchanging data with the remote GPU across the slow network. To address the problem with the slow network, the data to be exchanged with the remote GPU could be compressed. In this article, we explore the suitability of using data compression in the context of remote GPU virtualization frameworks in edge scenarios executing machine learning applications. We use popular machine learning applications to carry out such exploration. After characterizing the GPU data transfers of these applications, we analyze the usage of existing compression libraries for compressing those data transfers to/from the remote GPU. Our exploration shows that transferring compressed data becomes more beneficial as networks get slower, reducing transfer time by up to 10 times. Our analysis also reveals that efficient integration of compression into remote GPU virtualization frameworks is strongly required.
Interactions between Caffeine, Theophylline and Derivatives with Gold Nanoparticles and Implications for Aptamer‐Based Label‐Free Colorimetric Detection
Authors: Labas Sarah R. , Liu Juewen
Published: October 2022

Caffeine, theophylline, and other methylxanthines have interesting biological activities and are consumed in high quantities globally, causing health and environmental concerns. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have excellent optical properties for biosensor development, although little is known about the adsorption of these xanthine derivatives to AuNPs. In this work, interactions of these compounds with AuNPs were studied. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are adsorbed in a manner that affords protection against salt‐induced aggregation, whereas xanthine and paraxanthine are adsorbed to destabilize and thus aggregate the AuNPs. Caffeine and theophylline are able to protect AuNPs starting at concentrations as low as 6.3 μM. Xanthine and paraxanthine induce significant AuNP aggregation at 5 μM. Adsorption was also confirmed by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Using two recently selected DNA aptamers for caffeine and theophylline, the label‐free colorimetric sensing method was tested; our results indicated that due to adsorption of these target molecules, this method cannot be directly used for their detection. The adsorption of these compounds to AuNPs may enable various detection methods such as SERS, but at the same time, it may complicate other detection methods.
On the Molecular Origin of the Red Emission in the Newly Synthesized Carbon‐Based Quantum Dots
Authors: Bourgonje Connor R. , Heyne Belinda , Anikovskiy Max
Published: October 2022

Carbon‐based quantum dots (QDs) represent a new family of luminescent nanomaterials with intriguing emission properties. They are synthesized predominately with the emission in the blue and green region of the visible spectrum, with limited success in producing red emission. Furthermore, the current literature on the subject lacks consensus with respect to the morphology of QDs. Contrary to their semiconductor counterparts, the data on the structure of fluorescing centers is scarce. Herein, we describe a facile one‐pot synthesis of red emissive QDs using citric acid and formamide as precursors without addition of any other source of nitrogen. The photophysical properties of the synthesized species were investigated by steady state and transient absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Some structural peculiarities were revealed using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Our findings show that the newly synthesized carbon‐based QDs, at least their emissive centers, are not part of nanoparticles but rather resemble small organic fluorophores. Furthermore, we have not eliminated the possibility that multiple fluorophores with different emission properties may be embedded within a single molecular entity.
High N‐H Photoacidity of a Nitrogen‐Rich Fused Ring Heteroaromatic Scaffold
Authors: Centore Roberto , D'Amato Assunta , Della Sala Giorgio , Di Donato Mariangela , Landi Alessandro , Manfredi Carla , Peluso Andrea
Published: October 2022

It is shown that 4‐methyl‐7‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐triazolo[3,2‐c]triazole exhibits a high photoacidity, unprecedented in neutral molecules in which the proton is delivered by a NH bond, which promotes acetalization of aldehydes under irradiation by a near‐UV low power LED. Time dependent transient absorption spectroscopy shows a series of stimulated emission signals attributable to photo‐tautomerization and formation of the deprotonated species, followed by broad positive absorption band which does not decay within the investigated timescale, compatible with the formation of a long living species, possibly the anion in the lowest energy triplet state. Computational analyses qualitatively confirm the strong photoacidity of the molecule in all its tautomeric forms, allow to assign transient absorption signals, and show that the first singlet excited state exhibits high spin‐orbit couplings with excited triplet states which could promote a fast singlet‐triplet transition, thus leading to a long living species able to photocatalyze chemical reactions.
Effect of glazing and polishing on opalescence and fluorescence of dental ceramics
Authors: Hashemikamangar Sedighe Sadat , Nahavandi Alireza Mahmoudi , Daryadar Marzieh , Valizadeh Sara , Özcan Mutlu
Published: October 2022

Objective

Tooth enamel has opalescence and fluorescence, which should be mimicked by esthetic dental restorations. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of glazing and polishing on the opalescence and fluorescence of dental ceramics.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four discs were fabricated of feldspathic, IPS e.max, zirconia, and Enamic ceramics with 10 mm diameter and 0.5 and 1 mm thicknesses (n = 12). Of the discs fabricated with 0.5 and 1 mm thicknesses, half of them were glazed and the remaining half were polished (n = 6). Opalescence was calculated as the difference in yellow‐blue (CIE ∆b*) and red‐green (CIE ∆a*) color axes between the transmitted and reflected colors. The fluorescence of specimens was measured by a novel technique. Data were analyzed using two‐way analysis of variance at a 0.05 level of significance.

Results

In all groups (except for the Enamic ceramic), the mean opalescence of polished specimens (e.max = 2.704, feldspathic = 1.67, zirconia = 3.143) was higher than that of glazed specimens (e.max = 2.163, feldspathic = 1.016, zirconia = 2.690). The mean opalescence of glazed Enamic specimens (2.140) was higher than that of polished specimens (1.308). The fluorescence of glazed and polished specimens was not significantly different.

Conclusion

Surface treatment (glazing/polishing) affects the opalescence, but not the fluorescence of dental ceramics evaluated in this study.
Bio‐Waste‐Derived Hard Carbon Anodes Through a Sustainable and Cost‐Effective Synthesis Process for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Moon Hyein , Innocenti Alessandro , Liu Huiting , Zhang Huang , Weil Marcel , Zarrabeitia Maider , Passerini Stefano
Published: October 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are postulated as sustainable energy storage devices for light electromobility and stationary applications. The anode of choice in SIBs is hard carbon (HC) due to its electrochemical performance. Among different HC precursors, bio‐waste resources have attracted significant attention due to their low‐cost, abundance, and sustainability. Many bio‐waste materials have been used as HC precursors, but they often require strong acids/bases for pre‐/post‐treatment for HC development. Here, the morphology, microstructure, and electrochemical performance of HCs synthesized from hazelnut shells subjected to different pre‐treatments (i. e., no pre‐treatment, acid treatment, and water washing) were compared. The impact on the electrochemical performance of sodium‐ion cells and the cost‐effectiveness were also investigated. The results revealed that hazelnut shell‐derived HCs produced via simple water washing outperformed those obtained via other processing methods in terms of electrochemical performance and cost–ecological effectiveness of a sodium‐ion battery pack.
Single‐cell transcriptome profiling reveals the key role of ZNF683 in natural killer cell exhaustion in multiple myeloma
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Mengping , Wan Yike , Zhong Lu , Han Xiaofeng , Chen Xiaotong , Xiao Fei , Liu Jia , Zhang Yiwei , Zhu Di , Xiang Jing , Liu Junling , Huang Honghui , Hou Jian
Published: October 2022

Backgrounds

Decreased cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells has been shown in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, by using single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis and in vitro experiments, we aim to uncover and validate molecularly distinctive insights into identifying regulators for NK cell exhaustion and provide potential targets for novel immune therapies in MM.

Methods

Single‐cell RNA sequencing was conducted in the bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from 10 newly diagnosed MM patients and three healthy volunteers. Based on the cluster‐defining differentially expressed genes, we named and estimated functional states of each cluster via bioinformatics analyses. Functional significance of key findings obtained from sequencing analysis was examined in a series of in vitro experiments, including luciferase reporter assay, lentiviral expression vector construction, NK cell transfection, RT‐qPCR, flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity assay.

Results

We classified NK cells into seven distinct clusters and confirmed that a subset of ZNF683+ NK cells were enriched in MM patients with ‘exhausted’ transcriptomic profile, featuring as decreased expression of activating receptors and cytolytic molecules, as well as increased expression of inhibitory receptors. Next, we found a significant downregulation of SH2D1B gene that encodes EAT‐2, an adaptor protein of activating receptor SLAMF7, in ZNF683+ NK cells from MM patients versus healthy volunteers. We further proved that ZNF683 transfection in NK cells significantly downregulated SH2D1B expression via directly binding to the promoter of SH2D1B, leading to NK cell cytotoxic activity impairment and exhausted phenotypes acquisition. In contrast, ZNF683 knockout in NK cells from MM patients increased cytotoxic activity and reversed NK cell exhaustion.

Conclusions

In summary, our findings uncover an important mechanism of ZNF683+ NK cell exhaustion and suggest that transcriptional suppressor ZNF683 as a potential useful therapeutic target in immunotherapy of MM.
Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing technology demonstrates the heterogeneity between aged prostate peripheral and transitional zone
Authors: Yan Qiuxia , Wang Miao , Xia Haoran , Dai Cao , Diao Tongxiang , Wang Yingfei , Hou Huimin , Zhang Hong , Liu Ming , Long Xingbo
Published: October 2022

Background

Identifying cellular and functional heterogeneity within aged prostate is critical for understanding the spatial distribution of prostate diseases.

Methods

Aged human prostate peripheral zone (PZ) and transitional zone (TZ) tissues were used for single‐cell RNA‐sequencing. Results were validated by immunofluorescence staining.

Results

We found that club/hillock epithelial cells, compared with other epithelial cells, had significantly higher NOTCH signaling activity and expressed higher levels of neuro‐stems but lower androgen‐related genes. These cells were primarily found in the TZ and provided a stem‐like niche around the proximal prostate ducts. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the aged luminal population. A novel TFF3+ luminal subtype with elevated MYC and E2F pathway activities was observed, primarily in the PZ. Further analysis revealed that epithelial cells in the TZ had higher levels of stem‐ and inflammation‐related pathway activities but lower androgen/lineage‐related pathway activities than those in the PZ. Notably, the activation of MYC, E2F and DNA repair pathways significantly increased in PZ luminal cells. In the immune landscape, we found that the immune microenvironment in the TZ is more complex and disordered with more infiltration of NK and Treg cells. CD8 T cell and macrophage in the TZ exhibit both inflammation activation and suppression phenotypes. In the stroma, the TZ had a higher fibroblast density, and fibroblasts in the TZ exhibited stronger transcriptome activity in immunity and proliferation. Ligand–receptor interaction analysis revealed that fibroblasts could contribute to a NOTCH signaling niche for club/hillock cells in the TZ and balance the prostate immune microenvironment. The activation of stem properties, inflammatory infiltration and loss of androgen/lineage activity are prominent features distinguishing the TZ from PZ.

Conclusions

Our study explains the heterogeneity between the TZ and PZ of aged prostate, which may help understand the spatial distribution of prostate diseases and establish a foundation for novel target discovery.
Colonoscopy‐assisted percutaneous sigmoidopexy for a complete rectal prolapse: A case report
Authors: Takahashi Junji , Yoshida Masashi , Kamada Teppei , Nakaseko Yuichi , Nakashima Keigo , Suzuki Norihiko , Ohdaira Hironori , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: October 2022

Colonoscopy‐assisted percutaneous sigmoidopexy is a simple and swift procedure that does not require general anesthesia. While we first developed this procedure for treating sigmoid volvulus, we herein present the first case in which we used it to correct a complete rectal prolapse in an older patient. Existing treatment modalities for rectal prolapses are limited by high recurrence rates, greater invasiveness, and greater complications; thus, there is a need for minimally invasive techniques that are associated with lower recurrence rates and fewer complications. In this case, a woman in her 90s complained of persistent fecal incontinence, dysuria, anal pain, and difficulty in walking. She was diagnosed with a complete rectal prolapse of 15 cm and was treated with colonoscopy‐assisted percutaneous sigmoidopexy. The sigmoid colon was tractioned colonoscopically and fixed to the abdominal wall to immobilize the prolapsed rectum. The patient developed no complications intraoperatively and postoperatively and experienced no recurrence during a 5‐year postoperative period. This report documents the first case wherein colonoscopy‐assisted percutaneous sigmoidopexy was used successfully to correct a complete rectal prolapse.
The effects of local filtering processes on the structure and functioning of native plant communities in experimental urban habitats
Authors: Borowy Dorothy , Swan Christopher M.
Published: October 2022

Despite a growing literature‐base devoted to document biodiversity patterns in cities, little is known about the processes that influence these patterns, and whether they are consistent over time. In particular, numerous studies have identified the capacity of cities to host a rich diversity of plant species. This trend, however, is driven primarily by introduced species, which comprise a large proportion of the urban species pool relative to natives. Using an experimental common garden study, we assessed the relative influence of local assembly processes (i.e., soil environmental filtering and competition from spontaneous urban species) on the taxonomic and functional diversity of native plant communities sampled over four seasons in 2016–2018. Taxonomic and functional diversity exhibited different responses to local processes, supporting the general conclusion that species‐ and trait‐based measures of biodiversity offer distinct insights into community assembly dynamics. Additionally, we found that neither soil nor competition from spontaneous urban species influenced taxonomic or functional composition of native species. Functional composition, however, did shift strongly over time and was driven by community‐weighted mean differences in both measured traits (maximum height, Hmax; specific leaf area, SLA; leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence, Chl a) and the relative proportions of different functional groups (legumes, annual and biennial‐perennial species, C4 grasses, and forbs). By contrast, taxonomic composition only diverged between early and late seasons. Overall, our results indicate that native species are not only capable of establishing and persisting in vacant urban habitats, they can functionally respond to local filtering pressures over time. This suggests that regional dispersal limitation may be a primary factor limiting native species in urban environments. Thus, future regreening and management plans should focus on enhancing the dispersal potential of native plant species in urban environments, in order to achieve set goals for increasing native species diversity and associated ecosystem services in cities.
Influence of land use changes on landscape connectivity for North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis)
Authors: Liang Guofu , Liu Jingzhen , Niu Hanbo , Ding Shengyan
Published: October 2022

North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) is the most widespread subspecies of leopard and one of the rare and endangered species in China. It is currently confined to several isolated natural reserves, and little is known about its habitat network connectivity with land use changes. This study was conducted to assess the impacts of land use changes on landscape connectivity for North China leopard in the Great Taihang Region. Circuit theory‐based connectivity models and least‐cost path analyses were used to delineate pathways suitable for species movement, and evaluate the impacts of land use changes on landscape connectivity. The results revealed that there were 37 least‐cost paths in 1990 and 38 in 2020. The area of forest land increased from 57,142.74 km2 to 74,836.64 km2, with the percentage increasing from 26.61% to 34.85%. In general, the increase in forest land area promoted the landscape connectivity for North China leopard at broad spatial scales. The improvement of landscape connectivity was not always consistent with the land use changes, and there was a slightly decreasing trend on connectivity in some key movement barrier areas with high intensity of human activities. Improving landscape connectivity at broad spatial scales is as important as protecting the habitats (natural reserves) where the species lives. Our study can serve as an example of exploring the relationships between land use changes and landscape connectivity for species conservation at broad spatial scales with limited movement pattern data. This information is proved to be critical for enhancing landscape connectivity for the conservation concern of North China leopard and planning of natural reserves network.
Interactions between shrub encroachment and water infiltration on the hillslope of a typical steppe
Authors: Zhang Si‐Yi , Zhang Zhi‐Hua , He Bin , Jiang Zhi‐Yun , Li Xiao‐Yan
Published: October 2022

Shrub encroachment has been a worldwide phenomenon, but the interactions between the surface hydrological cycle and the shrub‐encroached landscape at different hillslope positions remain poorly investigated. The present study was undertaken to explore the interactions between the water infiltration patterns affected by shrub encroachment. At four slope positions of a hillslope encroached by Caragana microphylla Lam, soil water content and temperature were continuously measured at 10‐min intervals at four or five depths in both the presence (shrub patches) and absence (grass matrix) of shrubs. Then, the infiltration of rainfall and meltwater was estimated based on analyses of the above data. The rainfall infiltration ratios (IRs) of grass matrix were as high as 0.78 ± 0.08, except at the lower site, which had a value of only 0.47. The IRs of shrub patches increased from 0.38 at the top site to 0.77 at the lower site. In snowy years, snow and ice were blown upward by wind and accumulated in the shrub patches and their leeward areas, which resulted in higher water input for the shrub patches than for the grass matrix. Shrub encroachment changed the microtopography and soil properties of the hillslope and further affected the surface hydrological processes. The feedbacks between shrub encroachment and water infiltration varied among sites of the hillslope, which may in turn have affected the development of shrub patches.
Potential for significant precipitation cycling by forest‐floor litter and deadwood
Authors: Floriancic Marius G. , Allen Scott T. , Meier Raphael , Truniger Lucas , Kirchner James W. , Molnar Peter
Published: October 2022

The forest‐floor litter layer can retain substantial volumes of water, thus affecting evaporation and soil‐moisture dynamics. However, litter layer wetting/drying dynamics are often overlooked when estimating forest water budgets. Here, we present field and laboratory experiments characterizing water cycling in the forest‐floor litter layer and outline its implications for subcanopy microclimatic conditions and for estimates of transpiration and recharge. Storage capacities of spruce needle litter and beech broadleaf litter averaged 3.1 and 1.9 mm, respectively, with drainage/evaporation timescales exceeding 2 days. Litter‐removal experiments showed that litter reduced soil water recharge, reduced soil evaporation rates, and insulated against ground heat fluxes that impacted snowmelt. Deadwood stored ~0.7 mm of water, increasing with more advanced states of decomposition, and retained water for >7 days. Observed daily cycles in deadwood weight revealed decreasing water storage during daytime as evaporation progressed and increasing storage at night from condensation or absorption. Water evaporating from the forest‐floor litter layer modulates the subcanopy microclimate by increasing humidity, decreasing temperature, and reducing VPD. Despite the relatively small litter storage capacity (<3.1 mm in comparison to ~102 mm for typical forest soil rooting zones), the litter layer alone retained and cycled 18% of annual precipitation, or 1/3 of annual evapotranspiration. These results suggest that overlooking litter interception may lead to substantial overestimates of recharge and transpiration in many forest ecosystems.
U‐shaped association between body mass index and ejection fraction in intensive care unit patients with heart failure
Authors: Liu Hualong , Huang Ying , Zhuo Wen , Wan Rong , Hong Kui
Published: October 2022

Aims

There are limited data about the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) in patients with heart failure (HF). The study aims to assess the correlation between BMI and left ventricular EF under HF conditions.

Methods and results

We derived the data from the Dryad Digital Repository for analysis, and the information of the original patients was obtained from the MIMIC‐III database by the data uploader. We performed smooth curve and two piecewise linear regression analyses to evaluate the association between BMI and EF in HF patients. A total of 962 participants were included in this study, with age of 73.7 ± 13.5 years, and 475 participants were male (49.4%). The results of the smooth curve supported a U‐shaped relationship between BMI and EF, and the inflection point was found to be a BMI of 23.3 kg/m2 in these HF patients. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that EF decreased with increasing BMI up to the inflection point (β = −0.7, 95% CI −1.3 to −0.1, P = 0.028), whereas beyond the turning point, the relationship between EF and BMI showed a positive correlation (β = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.3 P < 0.001). Importantly, ischaemic heart disease (interaction P = 0.0499) and hyperlipidaemia (interaction P = 0.0162) affected the association between BMI and EF in the lower BMI group (BMI < 23.3 kg/m2), although only diabetes mellitus (interaction P = 0.0255) altered the association between BMI and EF in the higher BMI group (BMI ≥ 23.3 kg/m2).

Conclusions

In addition to higher BMI, we also found that lower BMI is related to higher EF in intensive care unit patients with HF, supporting a U‐shaped association between BMI and EF.
GSDMD‐mediated NETosis promotes the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Xie Jian , Zhu Cheng‐long , Wan Xiao‐jian , Zhao Zhen‐zhen , Meng Yan , Li Peng , Guo Yu , Liu Qiang , Bian Jin‐jun , Deng Xiao‐ming , Wang Jia‐feng
Published: October 2022

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a classical molecule involved in pyroptosis. It has been reported to be cleaved into N‐terminal fragments to form pores in the neutrophil membrane and promote the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, it remains unclear if GSDMD is involved in neutrophil regulation and NET release during ARDS. The role of neutrophil GSDMD in the development of ARDS was investigated in a murine model of ARDS induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using the neutrophil specific GSDMD‐deficient mice. The neutrophil GSDMD cleavage and its relationship with NETosis were also explored in ARDS patients. The cleavage of GSDMD in neutrophils from ARDS patients and mice was upregulated. Inhibition of GSDMD by genetic knockout or inhibitors resulted in reduced production of NET both in vivo and in vitro, and attenuation of LPS‐induced lung injury. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that the inhibition of GSDMD attenuated endothelial injury co‐cultured with neutrophils from ARDS patients, while extrinsic NETs reversed the protective effect of GSDMD inhibition. Collectively, our data suggest that the neutrophil GSDMD cleavage is crucial in NET release during ARDS. The NET release maintained by cleaved GSDMD in neutrophils may be a key event in the development of ARDS.
Synthesis of Anthracene and Pyrene End‐Capped Triarylamines for p‐Channel High‐Performance OFETs
Authors: Devibala Panneerselvam , Balambiga Balu , Imran Predhanekar Mohamed , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Nagarajan Samuthira
Published: October 2022

A series of new anthracene/pyrene functionalized triarylamine‐based D‐π‐D’ semiconductors are demonstrated as p‐channel material for high‐performance OFETs. The introduction of electron‐donating end‐caps and ethynyl styrylene bridged spacers at D‐π‐D’ architecture modulated the self‐ordering, electron distribution, and field‐effect mobility. These molecules exhibited high‐lying HOMO of ∼4.8 eV, enabling the hole‐transporting property and reducing the energy barrier for charge injection. Organic field‐effect transistors fabricated on bottom‐gated top‐contact architecture containing pyrene end‐capped triarylamines with tert‐butylphenyl sidearm as active layer displayed high hole mobility of 2.5 cm2/Vs and on/off current ratio of 107, and the threshold voltage of −7 V. The highest performance was supported by the molecular order of the film, planarity, high HOMO, and electron‐donating nature of the end‐capping units, as illustrated by the SEM, XRD, and DFT studies.
Decisions, decisions, decisions in an uncertain environment
Authors: Cressie Noel
Published: October 2022

Decision‐makers abhor uncertainty, and it is certainly true that the less there is of it the better. However, recognizing that uncertainty is part of the equation, particularly for deciding on environmental policy, is a prerequisite for making wise decisions. Even making no decision is a decision that has consequences, and using the presence of uncertainty as the reason for failing to act is a poor excuse. Statistical science is the science of uncertainty, and it should play a critical role in the decision‐making process. This opinion piece focuses on the summit of the knowledge pyramid that starts from data and rises in steps from data to information, from information to knowledge, and finally from knowledge to decisions. Enormous advances have been made in the last 100 years ascending the pyramid, with deviations that have followed different routes. There has generally been a healthy supply of uncertainty quantification along the way but, in a rush to the top, where the decisions are made, uncertainty is often left behind. In my opinion, statistical science needs to be much more pro‐active in evolving classical decision theory into a relevant and practical area of decision applications. This article follows several threads, building on the decision‐theoretic foundations of loss functions and Bayesian uncertainty.
Determination of vitamin K encapsulated into lipid nanocarriers by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yoo Guijae , Kim Tae‐Eun , Lee Min Hyeock , Kim Bum‐Keun , Jang Hae Won
Published: October 2022

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was used in conjunction with liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–tandem mass spectrometry to quantitate vitamins K1 and K2 in vitamin‐fortified emulsions, and vital microextraction parameters were optimized using response surface methodology coupled with Box–Behnken design. Under optimal microextraction conditions, highly linear (R2 > .999) calibration curves were obtained for both vitamins in a broad concentration range (1–1000 μg/L), and vitamin recoveries exceeded 90%. The detection and quantitation limits equaled 1.89 and 5.72 μg/L for vitamin K1, respectively, and 5.00 and 15.15 μg/L for vitamin K2, respectively. When applied to vitamin‐K‐loaded nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles, the developed method achieved excellent results, outperforming the currently employed Korean Food Code method, and therefore holding great promise for the quantitation of vitamin K in vitamin‐fortified food products.