bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating climate‐change refugia into 30 by 30 conservation planning in North America
Authors: Saunders Sarah P , Grand Joanna , Bateman Brooke L , Meek Mariah , Wilsey Chad B , Forstenhaeusler Nicole , Graham Erin , Warren Rachel , Price Jeff
Published: January 2023

Countries have set targets for conserving natural areas to mitigate biodiversity loss, such as the protection of 30% of lands by 2030, commonly referred to as “30 by 30”. Yet strategic conservation planning to align those targets with climate‐change refugia is lacking. We investigated the feasibility of achieving 30 by 30 in North America by assessing the proportions of state/provincial/territorial land projected to provide refugia for terrestrial biodiversity and the proportions of those refugia that are currently protected. We also conducted a reserve selection prioritization to identify priority areas that complement the current protected area network and capture refugia for seven taxonomic groups. In North America, <15% of refugia are protected, but ample opportunity exists to expand protection if warming is limited to 2°C. Beyond 2°C, however, the majority of refugia will occur only at high latitudes and elevations. Incorporation of refugia into 30 by 30 efforts will facilitate species persistence under climate change.
Application of encapsulated Indigofera tinctoria extract as a natural antioxidant and colorant in ice cream
Authors: Shadordizadeh Talieh , Mahdian Elham , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2023

In this study, Indigofera tinctoria extract (ITLE) along with maltodextrin in different concentrations was encapsulated using a freeze dryer, and some physicochemical properties were measured. Powder containing 30% maltodextrin was selected as the optimal powder for use in ice‐cream production in four levels (0%–1.8%), and some quality parameters were examined. The results showed that with increasing the carrier concentration, moisture content, aw, solubility, a*, and b* of the powders decreased; bulk density, tapped density, and L* did not change significantly; total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of powders also increased significantly (p < .05). Addition of encapsulated ITLE to the ice cream caused a significant decrease in L*, b*, and melting rate, a significant increase in a*, overrun, and hardness of the samples and no change in the viscosity of the ice‐cream mix (p < .05). Ice cream containing 1.2% encapsulated ITLE had higher sensory acceptance than other levels following control ice cream. The results of this study showed that ITLE can be used as a desirable additive in the production as a natural antioxidant and color agent.
Developmental and aging resting functional magnetic resonance imaging brain state adaptations in adolescents and adults: A large N (>47K) study
Authors: Abrol Anees , Fu Zening , Du Yuhui , Wilson Tony W. , Wang Yu‐Ping , Stephen Julia M. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: January 2023

The brain's functional architecture and organization undergo continual development and modification throughout adolescence. While it is well known that multiple factors govern brain maturation, the constantly evolving patterns of time‐resolved functional connectivity are still unclear and understudied. We systematically evaluated over 47,000 youth and adult brains to bridge this gap, highlighting replicable time‐resolved developmental and aging functional brain patterns. The largest difference between the two life stages was captured in a brain state that indicated coherent strengthening and modularization of functional coupling within the auditory, visual, and motor subdomains, supplemented by anticorrelation with other subdomains in adults. This distinctive pattern, which we replicated in independent data, was consistently less modular or absent in children and presented a negative association with age in adults, thus indicating an overall inverted U‐shaped trajectory. This indicates greater synchrony, strengthening, modularization, and integration of the brain's functional connections beyond adolescence, and gradual decline of this pattern during the healthy aging process. We also found evidence that the developmental changes may also bring along a departure from the canonical static functional connectivity pattern in favor of more efficient and modularized utilization of the vast brain interconnections. State‐based statistical summary measures presented robust and significant group differences that also showed significant age‐related associations. The findings reported in this article support the idea of gradual developmental and aging brain state adaptation processes in different phases of life and warrant future research via lifespan studies to further authenticate the projected time‐resolved brain state trajectories.
Stereoselective Synthesis and Biological Profile of All Stereoisomers of Lactam Analogues of Strigolactones GR24 and GR18
Authors: Quinodoz Pierre , Lumbroso Alexandre , Lachia Mathilde , Screpanti Claudio , Rendine Stefano , Horoz Beyza , Bozoflu Mert , Catak Saron , Fonné‐Pfister Raymonde , Hermann Katrin , De Mesmaeker Alain
Published: January 2023

Strigolactones (SLs) are signaling molecules involved in plant development and governing interactions with soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere as well as the germination of parasitic weeds. Developing their use in Crop Protection is a promising approach to a sustainable agriculture by mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. Recently, a new class of lactam analogues of SL has emerged, namely strigolactams, displaying outstanding potency to induce the germination of parasitic weed O. cumana as well as enhanced chemical and soil stability. Herein, we describe the stereoselective synthesis of GR24 and GR18 lactams harnessing the chemistry of chiral keteniminium (KI) salts, in particular the unprecedented reactivity of chloro‐substituted KI, supported by DFT calculations. We disclose subsequently the biological activity on corn of the 32 stereopure strigolactams prepared, highlighting the crucial influence of stereochemistry and lactam substitution, rationalized by docking analyses. Finally, we performed stability studies in soil, which reveal that stereoisomers display very different half‐lives, reflecting the significant impact of stereochemistry on degradation kinetics.
A proposed approach to defining per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based on molecular structure and formula
Authors: Gaines Linda G. T. , Sinclair Gabriel , Williams Antony J.
Published: January 2023

Various groups and researchers, including the authors of this work, have proposed different definitions of what constitutes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The different definitions are all based on a structural definition. Although a structural definition is reasonable, such an approach is difficult to execute if the intent is to narrow or refine the definition. This approach can also lead to inexplicable demarcations of what are and what are not PFAS. Our objective was to create a narrow, simple PFAS definition that allows interested groups to communicate with a common understanding and will also serve as a starting point to focus on substances that are of real environmental concern. Our studies have demonstrated that numerous highly fluorinated complex structures exist that make a structure-based definition difficult. We suggest that a definition based on fractional fluorination expressed as the percentage of fluorine of a molecular formula using atom counting offers advantages. Using a combination of a structure-based definition and a definition based on the fractional percentage of the molecular formula that is fluorine can provide a more inclusive and succinct definition. Thus, we propose a new definition based on four substructures along with any structures where the molecular formula is 30% fluorine by atom count. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1333–1347. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
An optimized radiosynthesis of [18F]DK222, a PET radiotracer for imaging PD‐L1
Authors: Holt Daniel P. , Kumar Dhiraj , Nimmagadda Sridhar , Dannals Robert F.
Published: January 2023

A radiochemical synthesis of [18F]DK222, a peptide binder of programmed death ligand 1 protein, suitable for human PET studies is described, and results from validation productions are presented. The high specific activity radiotracer product is prepared as a sterile, apyrogenic solution that conforms to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements. In addition, the production is extended to use a commercial synthesizer platform (General Electric FASTlab 2).
Assessment of the mechanical role of cranial sutures in the mammalian skull: Computational biomechanical modelling of the rat skull
Authors: Sharp Alana C. , Dutel Hugo , Watson Peter J. , Gröning Flora , Crumpton Nick , Fagan Michael J. , Evans Susan E.
Published: January 2023

Cranial sutures are fibrocellular joints between the skull bones that are progressively replaced with bone throughout ontogeny, facilitating growth and cranial shape change. This transition from soft tissue to bone is reflected in the biomechanical properties of the craniofacial complex. However, the mechanical significance of cranial sutures has only been explored at a few localised areas within the mammalian skull, and as such our understanding of suture function in overall skull biomechanics is still limited. Here, we sought to determine how the overall strain environment is affected by the complex network of cranial sutures in the mammal skull. We combined two computational biomechanical methods, multibody dynamics analysis and finite element analysis, to simulate biting in a rat skull and compared models with and without cranial sutures. Our results show that including complex sutures in the rat model does not substantially change overall strain gradients across the cranium, particularly strain magnitudes in the bones overlying the brain. However, local variations in strain magnitudes and patterns can be observed in areas close to the sutures. These results show that, during feeding, sutures may be more important in some regions than others. Sutures should therefore be included in models that require accurate local strain magnitudes and patterns of cranial strain, particularly if models are developed for analysis of specific regions, such as the temporomandibular joint or zygomatic arch. Our results suggest that, for mammalian skulls, cranial sutures might be more important for allowing brain expansion during growth than redistributing biting loads across the cranium in adults.
Advances in conduits and anastomotic techniques employed in esophageal cancer resections: A review
Authors: Soriano Carlos , Wee Jon
Published: January 2023

Esophageal surgery has evolved significantly since the first esophagectomy, with advancements in diagnosis allowing medicine to keep pace with the disease's increasing incidence. Multimodal treatment improves outcomes, but surgical resection remains imperative for local control, with various techniques in existence but none demonstrating clear superiority. More recently, minimally invasive and robotic surgery have further reduced perioperative morbidity. This review discusses techniques for esophageal resection, with attention to the options available for anastomosis and reconstructive conduits.
MRI‐based degeneration grades for lumbar facet joints do not correlate with cartilage mechanics
Authors: Middendorf Jill M. , Barocas Victor H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Lumbar facet joint arthritis is characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, loss of joint spacing, and increased boney spur formation. These signs of facet joint degeneration have been previously measured using destructive biochemical and mechanical analysis. Nondestructive clinical evaluation of the facet joint has also been performed using MRI scoring, which ranks the health of the facet joint using the Fujiwara scale. However, nondestructive clinical evaluation of facet joint arthritis using standard MRI scoring provides low resolution images which result in high interobserver variability. Therefore, to assess the accuracy of nondestructive MRI analysis with regard to the health of the facet joint, this study determined whether any correlations existed between lumbar facet joint articular cartilage mechanics, facet articular cartilage biochemical signatures, and Fujiwara scores.

Materials and Method

To accomplish this aim, human cadaveric lumbar spines were obtained and imaged using T1 MRI, then independently scored by three spine researchers. An osteochondral plug from each of the L2 thru L5 facet joints was obtained and loaded under unconfined compression.

Results

The experiments showed no trends between histological images and changes in the Fujiwara score. The mechanical properties of articular cartilage (thickness, Young's modulus, instantaneous modulus, and permeability) also had no correlations with the Fujiwara score.

Conclusions

These results show that the current Fujiwara score cannot accurately describe the biomechanics or biochemical composition of facet joint articular cartilage.
Metal Coordination in Polyimine Covalent Adaptable Networks for Tunable Material Properties and Enhanced Creep Resistance
Authors: Schoustra Sybren K. , Smulders Maarten M. J.
Published: January 2023

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) can replace classical thermosets, as their unique dynamic covalent bonds enable recyclable crosslinked polymers. Their creep susceptibility, however, hampers their application. Herein, an efficient strategy to enhance creep resistance of CANs via metal coordination to dynamic covalent imines is demonstrated. Crucially, the coordination bonds not only form additional crosslinks, but also affect the imine exchange. This dual effect results in enhanced glass transition temperature (Tg), elasticmodulus (G′) and creep resistance. The robustness of metal coordination is demonstrated by varying metal ion, counter anion, and coordinating imine ligand. All variations in metal or anion significantly enhance the material properties. The Tg and G′ of the CANs are correlated to the coordination bond strength, offering a tunable handle by which choice of metal can steer material properties. Additionally, large differences in Tg and G′ are observed for materials with different anions, which are mostly linked to the anion size. This serves as a reminder that for coordination chemistry in the bulk, not only the metal ion is to be considered, but also the accompanying anion. Finally, the reinforcing effect of metal coordination is proved insensitive to the metal–ligand ratio, emphasizing the robustness of the applied method.
Semi‐supervised training using cooperative labeling of weakly annotated data for nodule detection in chest CT
Authors: Maynord Michael , Farhangi M. Mehdi , Fermüller Cornelia , Aloimonos Yiannis , Levine Gary , Petrick Nicholas , Sahiner Berkman , Pezeshk Aria
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Machine learning algorithms are best trained with large quantities of accurately annotated samples. While natural scene images can often be labeled relatively cheaply and at large scale, obtaining accurate annotations for medical images is both time consuming and expensive. In this study, we propose a cooperative labeling method that allows us to make use of weakly annotated medical imaging data for the training of a machine learning algorithm. As most clinically produced data are weakly‐annotated – produced for use by humans rather than machines and lacking information machine learning depends upon – this approach allows us to incorporate a wider range of clinical data and thereby increase the training set size.

Methods

Our pseudo‐labeling method consists of multiple stages. In the first stage, a previously established network is trained using a limited number of samples with high‐quality expert‐produced annotations. This network is used to generate annotations for a separate larger dataset that contains only weakly annotated scans. In the second stage, by cross‐checking the two types of annotations against each other, we obtain higher‐fidelity annotations. In the third stage, we extract training data from the weakly annotated scans, and combine it with the fully annotated data, producing a larger training dataset. We use this larger dataset to develop a computer‐aided detection (CADe) system for nodule detection in chest CT.

Results

We evaluated the proposed approach by presenting the network with different numbers of expert‐annotated scans in training and then testing the CADe using an independent expert‐annotated dataset. We demonstrate that when availability of expert annotations is severely limited, the inclusion of weakly‐labeled data leads to a 5% improvement in the competitive performance metric (CPM), defined as the average of sensitivities at different false‐positive rates.

Conclusions

Our proposed approach can effectively merge a weakly‐annotated dataset with a small, well‐annotated dataset for algorithm training. This approach can help enlarge limited training data by leveraging the large amount of weakly labeled data typically generated in clinical image interpretation.
Obesity and metabolic dysfunction correlate with background parenchymal enhancement in premenopausal women
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Crane Tracy E. , Kontos Despina , Yang Shengping , Conant Emily F. , Mack Julie A. , Ahima Rexford S. , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study tested the hypothesis that obesity and metabolic abnormalities correlate with background parenchymal enhancement (BPE), the volume and intensity of enhancing fibroglandular breast tissue on dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Participants included 59 premenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Metabolic parameters included dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry‐quantified body composition, plasma biomarkers of insulin resistance, adipokines, inflammation, lipids, and urinary sex hormones. BPE was assessed using computerized algorithms on dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

BMI was positively correlated with BPE (r = 0.69; p < 0.001); participants with obesity had higher BPE than those without obesity (404.9 ± 189.6 vs. 261.8 ± 143.8 cm2; Δ: 143.1 cm2 [95% CI: 49.5‐236.7]; p = 0.003). Total body fat mass (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), body fat percentage (r = 0.64; p < 0.001), visceral adipose tissue area (r = 0.65; p < 0.001), subcutaneous adipose tissue area (r = 0.60; p < 0.001), insulin (r = 0.59; p < 0.001), glucose (r = 0.35; p = 0.011), homeostatic model of insulin resistance (r = 0.62; p < 0.001), and leptin (r = 0.60; p < 0.001) were positively correlated with BPE. Adiponectin (r = −0.44; p < 0.001) was negatively correlated with BPE. Plasma biomarkers of inflammation and lipids and urinary sex hormones were not correlated with BPE.

Conclusions

In premenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer, increased BPE is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, leptin, and adiponectin.
Synthesis and properties of transparent poly(ester‐amide‐imide)s from tert‐butylhydroquinone bis(trimellitate anhydride) and p‐phthaloyl chloride
Authors: Wen Yaqing , Lu Chunshan , Chen Guofei , Fang Xingzhong
Published: January 2023

Two series of poly(ester‐amide‐imide)s (PEsAIs) with simultaneously bulky side groups, ester and amide bonds were synthesized by copolymerization of tert‐butylhydroquinone bis(trimellitate anhydride), p‐phthaloyl chloride and other monomers. These PEsAIs had glass transition temperatures (Tgs) in the range of 231–301 °C, coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of 17–59 ppm K−1 and displayed good mechanical properties with tensile modulus of 2.6–4.5 GPa, tensile strengths of 63–143 MPa and elongations at break of 3.0%–11.7%. All films had good transparency with transmittances at 400 nm (T400nm) of 43%–80%. The introduction of p‐phthaloyl chloride successfully improved the properties of the polymer with higher transmittance, higher Tg and lower CTE. In particular, PEsAI‐b‐60 presented the best comprehensive performance with a moderate Tg of 301 °C, low CTE of 17 ppm K−1 and high transmittance (T400nm) of 75%. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
‘FLLA11019‐8’: A new dual‐purpose facultative oat cultivar for grain and forage production in the southern United States
Authors: Babar Md Ali , Harrison Stephen A. , Blount Ann , Barnett Ronald D. , Johnson Jerry , Mergoum Mohamed , Mailhot Daniel J. , Murphy J. Paul , Mason Richard E. , Ibrahim Amir , Sutton Russell , Simoneaux Bryan , Boyles Richard , Stancil Brad , Marshall David , Fountain Myron , Klos Kathy Esvelt , Khan Naeem , Wallau Marcelo , Jordan Henry G. , Ma Xuefeng , Arbelaez Juan
Published: January 2023

‘FLLA11019‐8’ (Reg. no. CV‐386, PI 700040) is new facultative oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar for the southern United States for forage, grain, cover, and wildlife food crop uses. It was co‐developed by the University of Florida and Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and was released in 2020 under the SunGrains, a cooperative small grain breeding program among seven Southern Universities. This line was derived from a single cross between two advanced breeding lines, FL0564‐Ab13 and LA06071SBSB‐S1. Exclusive marketing rights were granted to Ragan & Massey, Inc., and the line is currently commercializing under the names of RAM Forage Oats and PlotSpike Forage Oats. The University of Florida is the lead institution in this release. FLLA11019‐8 (originally named FLLA11‐19S‐8) was developed using the selected bulk breeding method and was selected as an F5:6 head row. The line was evaluated in observation, preliminary, advanced, regional, and state grain and forage yield trials from 2016 to 2021. FLLA11019‐8 was released based on the merits of its broad adaptation, excellent grain yield, volume weight, forage potential, and winter survival. It is resistant to crown rust and stem rust and moderately resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus. It is a mid‐maturing and mid‐tall height variety. FLLA11019‐8 has semi‐prostrate plant type with vigorous early‐season growth and high tillering capacity. It has performed very well in both grain and forage trials and is broadly adapted to the southern and southeastern United States.
Counter‐intuitive enhancement of degradation of polyethylene terephthalate through engineering of lowered enzyme binding to solid plastic
Authors: Mrigwani Arpita , Thakur Bhishem , Guptasarma Purnananda
Published: January 2023

Degradation of solid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by leaf branch compost cutinase (LCC) produces various PET‐derived degradation intermediates (DIs), in addition to terephthalic acid (TPA), which is the recyclable terminal product of all PET degradation. Although DIs can also be converted into TPA, in solution, by LCC, the TPA that is obtained through enzymatic degradation of PET, in practice, is always contaminated by DIs. Here, we demonstrate that the primary reason for non‐degradation of DIs into TPA in solution is the efficient binding of LCC onto the surface of solid PET. Although such binding enhances the degradation of solid PET, it depletes the surrounding solution of enzyme that could otherwise have converted DIs into TPA. To retain a subpopulation of enzyme in solution that would mainly degrade DIs, we introduced mutations to reduce the hydrophobicity of areas surrounding LCC's active site, with the express intention of reducing LCC's binding to solid PET. Despite the consequent reduction in invasion and degradation of solid PET, overall levels of production of TPA were ~3.6‐fold higher, due to the partitioning of enzyme between solid PET and the surrounding solution, and the consequent heightened production of TPA from DIs. Further, synergy between such mutated LCC (F125L/F243I LCC) and wild‐type LCC resulted in even higher yields, and TPA of nearly ~100% purity.
Model of DC Tunneling Conductivity via Hydrogen‐Like Impurities in Heavily Doped Compensated Semiconductors
Authors: Poklonski Nikolai A. , Anikeev Ilya I. , Vyrko Sergey A. , Zabrodskii Andrei G.
Published: January 2023

Herein, a theoretical model is proposed for the weakly temperature‐dependent electrical conductivity of compensated crystalline semiconductors with hydrogen‐like impurities near the insulator–metal concentration phase transition (Mott transition). The model uses a simple non‐stoichiometric cubic “impurity lattice” formed by the doping and compensating impurities in crystal matrix. A shift of the c‐band bottom (v‐band top) into the bandgap due to overlap of the excited states of neighboring impurities is considered. The distribution of electron (and hole) density of states in the band of ground (unexcited) states of impurities is assumed to be Gaussian. Tunneling transitions of electrons between nearest donors in the charge states () and (), and tunneling transitions of holes between acceptors in the charge states () and () are considered. It is shown that, at low temperatures, transitions of electrons (holes) near the Fermi level in the impurity band lead to electrical conductivity that weakly depends on temperature (in the form of a characteristic plateau). The results of calculating electrical resistivity in the zero‐temperature limit for the plateau region agree with the known experimental data for moderately compensated n‐ and p‐type Ge, Dia, Si, ZnSe, GaAs, InSb, and InP crystals.
Development of a search and rescue robot system for the underground building environment
Authors: Wang Gongcheng , Wang Weidong , Ding Pengchao , Liu Yueming , Wang Han , Fan Zhenquan , Bai Hua , Hongbiao Zhu , Du Zhijiang
Published: January 2023

The underground building environment plays an increasingly important role in the construction of modern cities. To deal with possible fires, collapses, and so on, in underground building space, it is a general trend to use rescue robots to replace humans. This paper proposes a dual‐robot system solution for search and rescue in an underground building environment. To speed up rescue and search, the two robots focus on different tasks. However, the environmental perception information and location of them are shared. The primary robot is used to quickly explore the environment in a wide range, identify objects, cross difficult obstacles, and so on. The secondary robot is responsible for grabbing, carrying items, clearing obstacles, and so on. In response to the difficulty of rescue caused by unknown scenes, the Lidar, inertial measurement unit and multiview cameras are integrated for large‐scale 3D environment mapping. The depth camera detects the objects to be rescued and locate them on the map. A six‐degree‐of‐freedom manipulator with a two‐finger gripper is equipped to open doors and clear roadblocks during the rescue. To solve the problem of severe signal attenuation caused by reinforced concrete walls, corners and long‐distance transmission, a wireless multinode networking solution is adopted. In the case of a weak wireless signal, the primary robot uses autonomous exploration for environmental perception. Experimental results show the robots' system has high reliability in over‐the‐horizon maneuvering, teleoperation of the door opening and grasping, object searching, and environmental perception, and can be well applied to underground search and rescue.
Robust causal inference of drug‐drug interactions
Authors: Shu Di , Han Peisong , Hennessy Sean , Miano Todd A
Published: January 2023

There is growing interest in developing causal inference methods for multi‐valued treatments with a focus on pairwise average treatment effects. Here we focus on a clinically important, yet less‐studied estimand: causal drug‐drug interactions (DDIs), which quantifies the degree to which the causal effect of drug A is altered by the presence versus the absence of drug B. Confounding adjustment when studying the effects of DDIs can be accomplished via inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), a standard approach originally developed for binary treatments and later generalized to multi‐valued treatments. However, this approach generally results in biased results when the propensity score model is misspecified. Motivated by the need for more robust techniques, we propose two empirical likelihood‐based weighting approaches that allow for specifying a set of propensity score models, with the second method balancing user‐specified covariates directly, by incorporating additional, nonparametric constraints. The resulting estimators from both methods are consistent when the postulated set of propensity score models contains a correct one; this property has been termed multiple robustness. In this paper, we derive two multiply‐robust estimators of the causal DDI, and develop inference procedures. We then evaluate their finite sample performance through simulation. The results demonstrate that the proposed estimators outperform the standard IPTW method in terms of both robustness and efficiency. Finally, we apply the proposed methods to evaluate the impact of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors (RAS‐I) on the comparative nephrotoxicity of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioids, using data derived from electronic medical records from a large multi‐hospital health system.
Crystal Face Dominated Fabrication of Prussian Blue Analogue with Oriented Growth and Naturally Nonpreferred Unsaturated Coordination Center
Authors: Li Hang , Ding Xinyu , Shi Jiangwei , Su Mengfei , Hu Ye , Zhang Chunyan , Gao Feng , Lu Qingyi
Published: January 2023

Defects, such as unsaturated coordination centers and vacancies, can fundamentally change materials’ inherent properties and growth habits. The development of defect engineering has promoted the application of many technologies, but it is still a great challenge to selectively manufacture defect sites in existing material systems. It is shown here that in situ site‐directed tailoring of metal sites in Prussian blue analogs (PBA) can be achieved according to the reducibility differences of different metal atoms, forming naturally nonpreferred unsaturated coordination centers. Meanwhile, the in situ capture of small reducing molecule can realize site‐directed tailoring of crystal facets during crystal growth and results in oriented 1D growth. As an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst, the resulted PBA with the nonpreferred unsaturated coordination centers shows a low overpotential of 239 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkali, superior to the original PBAs and the previously reported defective PBA derivatives, which can be ascribed to the unsaturated coordination active center and the unique 1D structure. This work opens up opportunities for producing naturally nonpreferred unsaturated coordination center in nanomaterials for broad applications.
Analysis and prediction of the compressive and splitting tensile performances for the novel multiple hooked‐end steel fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Gao Danying , Guo Yajiang , Pang Yuyang , Chen Gang , Shi Ming , Ding Chong , Liu Dongxu
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the application of the novel multiple hooked‐end steel fiber has gradually become a hot spot in the engineering due to its several excellent properties. In this study, the splitting tensile and compressive properties of the SFRC with 3D single hooked‐end and 4D/5D multiple hooked‐end steel fibers were studied. The variables of the experimental investigation included the concrete matrix strength, steel fiber content, and aspect ratio. The results showed that the compressive strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) increased first and then decreased with the increasing steel fiber content. The concrete matrix, aspect ratio, and end hook number of steel fiber had the significant effect on the optimal steel fiber content. In addition, increasing the content of steel fiber was the most effective way to improve the splitting tensile strength of SFRC, and the splitting tensile strength increased with the increase of the aspect ratio and end hook number of steel fiber. Finally, the splitting tensile strength prediction model of SFRC with novel multiple hooked‐end steel fiber was proposed by introducing the steel fiber number in the SFRC section, and the accuracy of the model was verified by comparison with experimental data.
Garcinol protects SH‐SY5Y cells against MPP+‐induced cell death by activating DJ‐1/SIRT1 and PGC‐1α mediated antioxidant pathway in sequential stimulation of p‐AMPK mediated autophagy
Authors: Lee Tian‐Kuo , Ashok Kumar K. , Huang Chih‐Yang , Liao Po‐Hsiang , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Liao Shih‐Chieh , Hsieh Dennis Jine‐Yuan , Chiu Ping‐Ling , Chang Yung‐Ming , Ju Da‐Tong
Published: January 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD), a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, can reduce the population of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The cause of this neuronal death remains unclear. 1‐Methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) is a potent neurotoxin that can destroy dopaminergic (DA) neurons and promote PD. Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivative, was extracted from Garcinia indica and is an important active compound it has been used as an anticancer, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory, agent and it can suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated cell death in a PD model. Human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells (1 × 105 cells) were treated with MPP+ (1 mM) for 24 h to induce cellular ROS production. The formation of ROS was suppressed by pretreatment with different concentrations of garcinol (0.5 and 1.0 μM) for 3 h in SH‐SY5Y cells. The present study found that MPP+ treatment increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the increased ROS began to promote cell death in SH‐SY5Y cells. However, our natural compound garcinol effectively blocked MPP+‐mediated ROS formation by activating the DJ‐1/SIRT1 and PGC‐1α mediated antioxidant pathway. Further findings indicate that the activated SIRT1 can also regulate p‐AMPK‐mediated autophagy to protect the neurons from the damage it concludes that garcinol sub‐sequential regulates intracellular autophagy in this model, and the productive efficacy of garcinol was confirmed by western blot analysis and MitoSOX DCFDA and MTT assays. The results showed garcinol increased protection due to the prevention of MPP+‐induced ROS and the promotion of cell survival.
On the associativity of 1-loop corrections to the celestial operator product in gravity
Authors: Bittleston Roland
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The question of whether the holomorphic collinear singularities of graviton amplitudes define a consistent chiral algebra has garnered much recent attention. We analyse a version of this question for infinitesimal perturbations around the self-dual sector of 4d Einstein gravity. The singularities of tree amplitudes in such perturbations do form a consistent chiral algebra, however at 1-loop its operator products are corrected by the effective graviton vertex. We argue that the chiral algebra can be interpreted as the universal holomorphic surface defect in the twistor uplift of self-dual gravity, and show that the same correction is induced by an anomalous diagram in the bulk-defect system. The 1-loop holomorphic collinear singularities do not form a consistent chiral algebra. The failure of associativity can be traced to the existence of a recently discovered gravitational anomaly on twistor space. It can be restored by coupling to an unusual 4th-order gravitational axion, which cancels the anomaly by a Green-Schwarz mechanism. Alternatively, the anomaly vanishes in certain theories of self-dual gravity coupled to matter, including in self-dual supergravity.
The rates of adult neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis are linked to cell cycle regulation through p27-dependent gene repression of SOX2
Authors: Domingo-Muelas Ana , Morante-Redolat Jose Manuel , Moncho-Amor Verónica , Jordán-Pla Antonio , Pérez-Villalba Ana , Carrillo-Barberà Pau , Belenguer Germán , Porlan Eva , Kirstein Martina , Bachs Oriol , Ferrón Sacri R. , Lovell-Badge Robin , Fariñas Isabel
Published: January 2023

Cell differentiation involves profound changes in global gene expression that often has to occur in coordination with cell cycle exit. Because cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 reportedly regulates proliferation of neural progenitor cells in the subependymal neurogenic niche of the adult mouse brain, but can also have effects on gene expression, we decided to molecularly analyze its role in adult neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis. At the cell level, we show that p27 restricts residual cyclin-dependent kinase activity after mitogen withdrawal to antagonize cycling, but it is not essential for cell cycle exit. By integrating genome-wide gene expression and chromatin accessibility data, we find that p27 is coincidentally necessary to repress many genes involved in the transit from multipotentiality to differentiation, including those coding for neural progenitor transcription factors SOX2, OLIG2 and ASCL1. Our data reveal both a direct association of p27 with regulatory sequences in the three genes and an additional hierarchical relationship where p27 repression of Sox2 leads to reduced levels of its downstream targets Olig2 and Ascl1. In vivo, p27 is also required for the regulation of the proper level of SOX2 necessary for neuroblasts and oligodendroglial progenitor cells to timely exit cell cycle in a lineage-dependent manner.
Capacity models for timber under compression perpendicular to grain with screw reinforcement
Authors: Aloisio Angelo , Ussher Ebenezer , Fragiacomo Massimo , Tomasi Roberto
Published: January 2023

This paper compares the performance of probabilistic and deterministic capacity models for reinforced timber members under compression perpendicular to the grain. A database collecting approximately 60 test results has been compiled by reviewing research papers and master’s and doctoral theses from the past twenty years. The capacity model proposed for the next generation of Eurocodes assesses the capacity as the minimum between the values associated with two failure modes, one at the contact plate and one at the screw tips. The main drawbacks of the model are the excessive elaborateness, given its limitation in accuracy and the fallacy in predicting the observed failure modes. In detail, the failure by the screw tips seldom occurs, although it was expected in more than half of the selected specimens. The authors attempted to simplify the capacity equation by proposing a generalized expression corresponding to the failure mode at the contact plate, corrected by a factor including the effects of load and screw arrangement and geometric details of the specimen. A deterministic mechanical model obtained by multiplying the timber strength by the contact area with a given coefficient performs better than the Eurocode model, which attempts to include the effect of load diffusion (R$$^2\approx 0.27$$

2

≈
0.27

). A constant factor equal to 2 yields a suitable fitting (R$$^2\approx 0.76$$

2

≈
0.76

). The best performance is achieved with a four-term polynomial, with adimensional addends, leading to an optimum fitting (R$$^2\approx 0.82$$

2

≈
0.82

).
Biodistribution and dosimetry for combined [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T/[225Ac]Ac-PSMA-I&T therapy using multi-isotope quantitative SPECT imaging
Authors: Delker Astrid , Schleske Mirjam , Liubchenko Grigory , Berg Isabella , Zacherl Mathias Johannes , Brendel Matthias , Gildehaus Franz Josef , Rumiantcev Mikhail , Resch Sandra , Hürkamp Kerstin , Wenter Vera , Unterrainer Lena M. , Bartenstein Peter , Ziegler Sibylle I. , Beyer Leonie , Böning Guido
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Quantitative SPECT for patient-specific dosimetry is a valuable tool in the scope of radionuclide therapy, although its clinical application for 225Ac-based treatments may be limited due to low therapeutic activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of clinical quantitative low-count SPECT imaging during [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T/[225Ac]Ac-PSMA-I&T treatment.

Methods

Eight prostate cancer patients (1000 MBq/8 MBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T/[225Ac]Ac-PSMA-I&T) received a single-bed quantitative 177Lu/225Ac SPECT/CT acquisition (1 h) at 24 h post treatment (high-energy collimator, 16 projections p. head à 3.5 min, 128 × 128 pixel). The gamma peak at 440 keV (width: 10%) of the progeny 213Bi was imaged along with the peak at 208 keV (width: 15%) of 177Lu. Quantification included CT-based attenuation and window-based scatter correction plus resolution modelling. Gaussian post-filtering with a full-width-half-maximum of 30 mm and 40–45 mm was employed to match the signal-to-noise ratio of 225Ac and 177Lu, respectively.

Results

Kidney (r = 0.96, p < 0.01) and lesion (r = 0.94, p < 0.01) SUV for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T and [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-I&T showed a strong and significant correlation. Kidney SUV were significantly higher (p < 0.01) for [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-I&T (2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 0.9), while for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T lesion SUV were significantly higher (p = 0.03; 1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.1 ± 1.5). For absorbed dose estimates, significant differences regarding the kidneys remained, while no significant differences for lesion dosimetry were found.

Conclusion

Quantitative low-count SPECT imaging of the peak at 440 keV during [225Ac]Ac-PSMA-I&T therapy is feasible. Multi-isotope imaging for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T/[225Ac]Ac-PSMA-I&T therapy indicates accumulation of free 213Bi in the kidneys.
Another Year of Record Heat for the Oceans
Authors: Cheng Lijing , Abraham John , Trenberth Kevin E. , Fasullo John , Boyer Tim , Mann Michael E. , Zhu Jiang , Wang Fan , Locarnini Ricardo , Li Yuanlong , Zhang Bin , Yu Fujiang , Wan Liying , Chen Xingrong , Feng Licheng , Song Xiangzhou , Liu Yulong , Reseghetti Franco , Simoncelli Simona , Gouretski Viktor , Chen Gengxin , Mishonov Alexey , Reagan Jim , Li Guancheng
Published: January 2023

Changes in ocean heat content (OHC), salinity, and stratification provide critical indicators for changes in Earth’s energy and water cycles. These cycles have been profoundly altered due to the emission of greenhouse gasses and other anthropogenic substances by human activities, driving pervasive changes in Earth’s climate system. In 2022, the world’s oceans, as given by OHC, were again the hottest in the historical record and exceeded the previous 2021 record maximum. According to IAP/CAS data, the 0–2000 m OHC in 2022 exceeded that of 2021 by 10.9 ± 8.3 ZJ (1 Zetta Joules = 1021 Joules); and according to NCEI/NOAA data, by 9.1 ± 8.7 ZJ. Among seven regions, four basins (the North Pacific, North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern oceans) recorded their highest OHC since the 1950s. The salinity-contrast index, a quantification of the “salty gets saltier—fresh gets fresher” pattern, also reached its highest level on record in 2022, implying continued amplification of the global hydrological cycle. Regional OHC and salinity changes in 2022 were dominated by a strong La Niña event. Global upper-ocean stratification continued its increasing trend and was among the top seven in 2022.
Assessing the learning curve of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision: a multicenter study considering procedural safety, pathological safety, and efficiency
Authors: Burghgraef T. A. , Sikkenk D. J. , Crolla R. M. P. H. , Fahim M. , Melenhorst J. , Moumni M. El , Schelling G. van der , Smits A. B. , Stassen L. P. S. , Verheijen P. M. , Consten E. C. J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Evidence regarding the learning curve of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision is scarce and of low quality. Case-mix is mostly not taken into account, and learning curves are based on operative time, while preferably clinical outcomes and literature-based limits should be used. Therefore, this study aims to assess the learning curve of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in four Dutch centers. The primary aim was to assess the safety of the individual and institutional learning curves using a RA-CUSUM analysis based on intraoperative complications, major postoperative complications, and compound pathological outcome (positive circumferential margin or incomplete TME specimen). The learning curve for efficiency was assessed using a LC-CUSUM analysis for operative time. Outcomes of patients before and after the learning curve were compared.

Results

In this study, seven participating surgeons performed robot-assisted total mesorectal excisions in 531 patients. Learning curves for intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and compound pathological outcome did not exceed predefined literature-based limits. The LC-CUSUM for operative time showed lengths of the learning curve ranging from 12 to 35 cases. Intraoperative, postoperative, and pathological outcomes did not differ between patients operated during and after the learning curve.

Conclusion

The learning curve of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision based on intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and compound pathological outcome did not exceed predefined limits and is therefore suggested to be safe. Using operative time as a surrogate for efficiency, the learning curve is estimated to be between 12 and 35 procedures.
Experimental Investigations on Hydro-mechanical Processes in Reconstituted Clay Shale and Their Significance for Constitutive Modelling
Authors: Nitsch Antonia , Leuthold Julia , Machaček Jan , Grandas Tavera Carlos Eduardo
Published: January 2023

The hydro-mechanical processes of a reconstituted clay shale (Opalinus Clay) were studied and implications for constitutive modelling of swellable clay shales derived. The study aims to provide further insights into these coupled processes. For that, oedometric swelling tests with varying boundary conditions and loading paths, oedometric compression tests under dry and saturated conditions, and permeability tests were performed. The results showed a unique preloading line for the dry state when plotting the void ratio against the vertical stress. For saturated states, this line was shifted to the left (to smaller stresses) which revealed a severe reduction of preloading stress due to saturation. All loading paths converged in a normal compression line (NCL) regardless of the mechanical boundary conditions during saturation. A trend line affine to the NCL was established for swelling pressures at different initial void ratios. The influence of saturation on the mechanical properties became further evident, as the un-/reloading stiffness was significantly reduced. A linear relationship between volumetric deformation and saturation was found. A severe swelling induced reduction of permeability in the saturated state was demonstrated and confirmed by the analysis of consolidation processes during oedometric loading. The experimental findings were used to derive fundamental assumptions for constitutive modelling and were discussed within a numerical framework for expansive soils.
Improving AMulet2 for verifying multiplier circuits using SAT solving and computer algebra
Authors: Kaufmann Daniela , Biere Armin
Published: January 2023

Verifying arithmetic circuits and most prominently multiplier circuits is an important problem which in practice is still considered to be challenging. One of the currently most successful verification techniques relies on algebraic reasoning. In this article, we present AMulet2, a fully automatic tool for verification of integer multipliers combining SAT solving and computer algebra. Our tool models multipliers given as and-inverter graphs as a set of polynomials and applies preprocessing techniques based on elimination theory of Gröbner bases. Finally, it uses a polynomial reduction algorithm to verify the correctness of the given circuit. AMulet2 is a re-factorization and improved re-implementation of our previous verification tool AMulet1 and cannot only be used as a stand-alone tool but also serves as a polynomial reasoning framework. We present a novel XOR-based slicing approach and discuss improvements on the data structures including monomial sharing.