bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Opto‐Thermal‐Hydrodynamic Manipulation and Polymerization (AOTHMAP) for 4D Colloidal Patterning
Authors: Shi Yang , Liu Lianrou , Huang Jingping , Xiong Jianyun , Zhong Shuhan , Zhu Guoshuai , Li Xing , He Ziyi , Pan Ting , Xin Hongbao , Li Baojun
Published: November 2024

Precision colloidal patterning holds great promise in constructing customizable micro/nanostructures and functional frameworks, which showcases significant application values across various fields, from intelligent manufacturing to optoelectronic integration and biofabrication. Here, a direct 4D patterning method via adaptive opto‐thermal‐hydrodynamic manipulation and polymerization (AOTHMAP) with single‐particle resolution is reported. This approach utilizes a single laser beam to automatically transport, position, and immobilize colloidal particles through the adaptive utilization of light‐induced hydrodynamic force, optical force, and photothermal polymerization. The AOTHMAP enables precise 1D, 2D, and 3D patterning of colloidal particles of varying sizes and materials, facilitating the construction of customizable microstructures with complex shapes. Furthermore, by harnessing the pH‐responsive properties of hydrogel adhesives, the AOTHMAP further enables 4D patterning by dynamic alteration of patterned structures through shrinkage, restructuring, and cloaking. Notably, the AOTHMAP also enables biological patterning of functional bio‐structures such as bio‐micromotors. The AOTHMAP offers a simple and efficient strategy for colloidal patterning with high versatility and flexibility, which holds great promises for the construction of functional colloidal microstructures in intelligent manufacturing, as well as optoelectronic integration and biofabrication.
An Ultrahigh‐Modulus Hydrogel Electrolyte for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Zong‐Ju , Shen Tian‐Yu , Xiao Xiong , He Xiu‐Chong , Luo Yan‐Long , Jin Zhong , Li Cheng‐Hui
Published: November 2024

Quasi‐solid‐state aqueous zinc ion batteries suffer from anodic zinc dendrite growth during plating/stripping processes, impeding their commercial application. The inhibition of zinc dendrites by high‐modulus electrolytes has been proven to be effective. However, hydrogel electrolytes are difficult to achieve high modulus owing to their inherent high water contents. This work reports a hydrogel electrolyte with ultrahigh modulus that can overcome the growth stress of zinc dendrites through mechanical suppression effect. By combining wet‐annealing, solvent‐exchange, and salting‐out processes and tuning the hydrophobic and crystalline domains, a hydrogel electrolyte is obtained with substantial water content (≈70%), high modulus (198.5 MPa), high toughness (274.3 MJ m−3), and high zinc‐ion conductivity (28.9 mS cm−1), which significantly outperforms the previously reported poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based hydrogels. As a result, the hydrogel electrolyte exhibits excellent dendrite‐suppression effect and achieves stable performance in Zn||Zn symmetric batteries (1800 h of cycle life at 1 mA cm−2). Moreover, the Zn||V2O5 pouch batteries display excellent cycling life and operate stably even under extreme conditions, such as large bending angle (180°) and automotive crushing. This work provides a promising approach for designing mechanically reliable hydrogel electrolytes for advanced aqueous zinc ion batteries.
Tailoring Dynamic Chains of Cross‐Linked PDMS to Hinder Oil Penetration
Authors: Hao Ruonan , Jing Hao , Wang Qing , Han Yunlong , Zhang Zhiyuan , Li Zhiyuan , Yin Chenglong , Li Lizhong , Zhang Ranlong , Sun Jining , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2024

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the most studied organosilicon polymer, finding broad applications in soft lithography of microfluidic devices, wearable electronics insulation, medical tubing, shielding coatings, and sealant elements. However, their cross‐linked forms swell severely in nonpolar oils due to the comparable solubility parameters. Here, an oil‐stable cross‐linked PDMS discovered by grafting flexible PDMS chains onto its polymeric networks is reported, which enables surface‐exposed chains with high dynamics. It is found that the synergetic effect of mobile nanopore filling and quasi‐liquid lubrication of PDMS brushes endows the cross‐linked matrix with a reduced oil absorption ratio of up to 91.7% without altering its surface composition. Moreover, stretching polymeric networks can be re‐arranged with an adequate grafting of PDMS chains, further enhancing the antipenetration performance. This discovery of the oil‐stable surface configuration of cross‐linked PDMS breaks the constraint of siloxane elastomers not being applicable in nonpolar soluble liquid, opening a new era of research in organosilicon chemistry.
“Powdered” lipases as industrial catalysts: Production of Interesterified, structured lipids
Authors: Suganuma Tomomi , Kataoka Yutaro , Uehara Hidetaka
Published: November 2024

Diversification of the applications of fats and oils has led to increasing demands on their properties. Interesterification reactions are used to alter the composition of the constituent triacylglycerols (commonly known as triglycerides) to introduce the desired properties and enhance their value. Enzymatic interesterification catalysts have garnered attention owing to their safety, efficiency, and natural origin. However, enzymes are sensitive to temperature, moisture, and pH conditions, posing risks of inactivation. Additionally, enzymatic catalysts have slower reaction rates than chemical catalysts. To suppress the hydrolysis side reaction, lipases with high activity in microaqueous systems should be selected. Industrial reaction systems that use non‐immobilized, powdered lipases overcome these issues owing to their insolubility in fats and oils. Continuous reaction systems, in which fats and oils are passed through a lipase‐packed reaction column, offer a high processing capacity per unit enzyme weight, because the oils interact with high concentrations of lipase. These advances have led to the commercialization of medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols and cocoa butter substitutes. Our technology using powdered lipases offers the solution to the challenges of handling non‐immobilized ones. This innovative approach allows for the efficient isolation and recovery of the enzymes after the reaction, maximizing their performance. Enzymatic catalysis can reduce the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of interesterification reactions and eliminate the need for chemical catalysts by avoiding water washing and wastewater treatment. These distinctive features make enzymatic interesterification reactions promising for the industrial preparation of higher‐value oils and fats worldwide.
Thermal degradation of polytetrafluoroethylene, modified polytetrafluoroethylene, and their nanocomposites with boron nitride nanobarbs: Lifetime predictions and kinetic analysis
Authors: Abiodun Samuel , Krishnamoorti Ramanan , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: November 2024

Flexible polymeric materials including dielectric thermal interface materials (TIMs) used in integrated circuits and other high frequency applications are exposed to extreme thermal and electrical conditions during their service life. Insight into the in‐use thermal stability and material lifetime is valuable to maintaining performance durability and preventing premature failure in actual end use. Herein, the thermal stability of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), modified PTFE and their nanocomposites with recent generation boron nitride nanobarbs (BNNBs) was investigated based on lifetime prediction from thermogravimetric analysis and tensile strength deterioration of heat‐aged samples. Additionally, thermal degradation kinetics and mechanism was investigated using the model‐free advanced isoconversional method based on changing activation energy. The result shows that BNNB extends the lifetime of the PTFE by an order of magnitude. The degradation mechanism proposed from TGA‐MS result is supported by the multistep degradation mechanism identified in the kinetic computation. These results are valuable for predicting materials' in‐use lifetime to avoid premature failure.
Analysing Turbulence Patterns in Nature‐Like Fishways: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Zhu Long , Xu Jinchao , Tang Nanbo , Wang Xiaogang , Chaturvedi Sadashiv , Liu Min , Srivastava Prashant K.
Published: November 2024

Nature‐like fishways are an important measure for restoring fish passage, mitigating the impacts of barriers, and providing valuable habitat benefits in a more natural and effective way than traditional technical fishways. Their ecological advantages make them a preferred solution in many river restoration projects. The turbulence at the fishway's pool is a key challenge in the design of fishways. This study evaluated the hydraulic performance of the nature‐like fishway section of the Zongyang Fishway Project in China. This utilized a trapezoidal cross‐section with a 1:242 bottom slope, 1:2 side slopes, and an operating water depth of 1–3 m. The bottom and sides were paved with 0.2–0.5 m diameter pebbles to create suitable habitat for bottom‐dwelling fish. The target design velocity was 0.7–0.9 m s−1. A physical model was constructed to assess the hydraulic characteristics of the nature‐like fishway, including flow velocities within the slots and turbulence levels in the pools. The results showed that the slot velocities were within the target range, the head loss was parallel to the bottom elevation, and the flow field near the bottom mimicked technical fishway conditions, whereas the surface flow resembled open channel flow. Turbulence intensity remained below 60% of the design velocity. These findings provide valuable insights into the hydraulic performance and suitability of this nature‐like fishway design for facilitating fish passage of the target freshwater species along with directly aiding to SDGs 6 and 14.
Tailoring the Lithium Deposition on Cu Substrate by a Functionalized‐Polysiloxane Layer
Authors: Akbar Yuwono Rio , Yu Peng‐Xuan , Foeng Ruben , Khotimah Chusnul , Salshabilla Salva , Wang Fu‐Ming , Tang Mao‐Tsu , Wu Nae‐Lih
Published: November 2024

Owing to the high theoretical capacity of 3860 mAh g−1 and low redox potential, lithium metal is the best candidate for the development of next generation high‐energy density lithium‐ion batteries. However, notorious lithium dendrites growth and the poor compatibility of liquid electrolyte hinder the commercialization of lithium metal batteries. In this work, an anode‐less system was used to understand the change in lithium deposition on Cu current collector after the additional functionalized‐polysiloxane (PE) layer. The PE structure consists of lithiophobic and lithiophilic side chains which facilitate the uniform lithium deposition on Cu substrate. This evidence was collected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after the cycling test of half‐cell configuration and the lithium deposition with different current densities. The reversibility was improved by 5 % compared with the bare Cu. In addition, the potential polarization was lowered after the addition of PE layer on bare Cu. Thus, the higher cycle stability (40 %) and more stable coulombic efficiency are observed on the PE@Cu||NCM83 cell compared with the bare‐Cu||NCM83 during the cycle test.
Treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome to relieve chronic migraine
Authors: Cha YH , Randall L. , Weber J. , Ahn S.
Published: November 2024

Prior case reports have suggested that treating thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) may relieve intractable migraine headaches, but there has been no case series large enough to show when underlying TOS should be suspected as a contributor to migraine burden. This observational followed by questionnaire study was performed in an outpatient neurology practice to identify clinical features of patients with migraine in which TOS contributed to migraine burden. We report the clinical features of 50 consecutive patients (48 women, 2 men, age = 43.9+/12.7 years) who were treated for chronic migraine and TOS (20 migraine with aura, 28 migraine without aura, two hemiplegic migraines). Headaches had become chronic within 1 year of onset in 21 patients (42%) with characteristics as follows (percentages are based on known data): greater severity ipsilateral to TOS limb pain (38/50=76%), presence of limb swelling (32/48=67%), and worsened by recumbency (32/38=84%). Thirty‐two patients eventually needed surgery, which included percutaneous transluminal venoplasty, 1st rib removal, scalenectomy, pectoralis minor tenotomy, and/or vein patching. The mean improvement of headaches on the treated side was 72 ± 26.7%; 12 patients experienced complete resolution of headaches after treatment of TOS (follow‐up 7.2 ± 5.2 months). Questionnaire responders reported significant reductions in headache days (18.3 ± 8.6 to 11.1 ± 10.8 days/month, p < 0.0016), severity (7.8+/2.5 to 5.4 ± 2.9, p < 0.00079), and need for emergency care (3.6 ± 4.0 to 0.71 ± 1.3 visits/year, p < 0.0029). Chronic migraines can be important manifestations of TOS. Early transition to a chronic state, lateralized limb pain, and headaches worsened by recumbency are clues to the contribution of TOS pathology. Addressing the TOS contribution to migraine can significantly reduce migraine headache burden.
Anatomical description of malformations of the neck of the left atrial appendage
Authors: Batko Jakub , Jakiel Rafał , Krawczyk–Ożóg Agata , Jaśkiewicz Kacper , Litwinowicz Radosław , Burysz Marian , Jakiel Marcin , Bartuś Krzysztof , Bolechała Filip , Strona Marcin , Hołda Mateusz Krystian
Published: November 2024

The recently‐described left atrial appendage (LAA) neck is a truncated cone‐shaped structure that connects the LAA orifice to its lobe. It shows malformations in some cases, but their exact description and clinical significance are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomical and morphometric analysis of LAA neck malformations in clinical context. A total of 250 autopsied human hearts (20.0% women, 46.7 ± 18.2 years old) were examined for mural malformations: spikes and bulges. Endocardial roughness of the LAA neck with a depth <2 mm and no recognizable epicardial protrusion was defined as ectopic trabeculation. LAA neck malformations were found in 13.6%, bulges in 10.0% of the hearts examined, spikes in only 3.2%, and ectopic trabeculations in 24.8%. In one case, both a bulge and a spike were found in the LAA neck. Most LAA neck roughness was observed on the aortic and venous surfaces of the LAA neck. Those surfaces were the most common locations for malformations and ectopic trabeculations. The LAA wall was significantly thinner than the surrounding neck wall within the bulges and the ectopic trabeculations, but not in the spikes.
Establishment and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram for Predicting Postoperative Overall Survival in Advanced Stage III–IV Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Lou Pengwei , Luo Dongmei , Huang Yuting , Chen Chen , Yuan Shuai , Wang Kai
Published: November 2024

Background

Most colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are at an advanced stage when they are first diagnosed. Risk factors for predicting overall survival (OS) in advanced stage CRC patients are crucial, and constructing a prognostic nomogram model is a scientific method for survival analysis.

Methods

A total of 2956 advanced stage CRC patients were randomised into training and validation groups at a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to screen risk factors for OS and subsequently construct a prognostic nomogram model for predicting 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 8‐ and 10‐year OS of advanced stage CRC patients. The performance of the model was demonstrated by the area under the curve (AUC) values, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). Kaplan–Meier curves were used to plot the survival probabilities for different strata of each risk factor.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the 32 clinical variables between patients in the training and validation groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses demonstrated that age, location, TNM, chemotherapy, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, MSH6, CEA, CA199, CA125 and CA724 were risk factors for OS. We estimated the AUC values for the nomogram model to predict 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 8‐ and 10‐year OS, which in the training group were 0.826 (95% CI: 0.807–0.845), 0.836 (0.819–0.853), 0.839 (0.820–0.859), 0.835 (0.809–0.862) and 0.825 (0.779–0.870) respectively; in the validation group, the corresponding AUC values were 0.819 (0.786–0.852), 0.831 (0.804–0.858), 0.830 (0.799–0.861), 0.815 (0.774–0.857) and 0.802 (0.723–0.882) respectively. Finally, the 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 8‐ and 10‐year OS rates for advanced stage CRC patients were 73.4 (71.8–75.0), 49.5 (47.8–51.4), 43.3 (41.5–45.2), 40.1 (38.1–41.9) and 38.6 (36.6–40.8) respectively.

Conclusion

We constructed and validated an original nomogram for predicting the postoperative OS of advanced stage CRC patients, which can help facilitates physicians to accurately assess the individual survival of postoperative patients and identify high‐risk patients.
Outcomes of Left Main Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Strepkos Dimitrios , Alexandrou Michaella , Mutlu Deniz , Carvalho Pedro E. P. , Choi James W. , Gorgulu Sevket , Jaffer Farouc A. , Chandwaney Raj , Alaswad Khaldoon , Basir Mir B. , Azzalini Lorenzo , Mastrodemos Olga C. , Rangan Bavana V. , Voudris Konstantinos , Jalli Sandeep , Burke M. Nicholas , Sandoval Yader , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of left main (LM) chronic total occlusions (CTO) has received limited study.

Methods

We compared the clinical and procedural characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent LM versus non‐LM CTO PCI at 41 US and non‐US centers between 2012 and 2024.

Results

During the study period 85 of 15,254 CTO PCIs (0.6%) performed in 14,969 patients were LM CTO PCIs. LM CTO PCI patients were older, had higher rates of dyslipidemia and heart failure and most (88.8%) had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). They were more likely to have moderately or severely calcified lesions (80.7% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.001) and had higher J‐CTO (2.76 ± 1.17 vs. 2.37 ± 1.26, p = 0.008), PROGRESS‐CTO MACE (3.56 vs. 2.57, p < 0.001), Mortality (2.45 vs. 1.68, p < 0.001), Pericardiocentesis (2.74 vs. 1.87, p < 0.001), Acute MI (1.72 vs. 0.89, p < 0.001) and Perforation (3.21 vs. 2.19, p < 0.001) scores. There was no difference in technical success (80.5% vs. 87.2%, p = 0.086) or major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) (2.4% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.700). LM CTO PCI patients with and without prior CABG surgery had similar technical success and MACE. The retrograde approach in prior CABG patients was more likely to be performed through saphenous vein grafts.

Conclusions

LM CTO PCI is infrequently performed, is associated with high comorbidity burden and angiographic complexity but can be performed with high success and acceptable complication rates.
Diagnostic Performance of Quantitative Flow Ratio for the Assessment of Non‐Culprit Lesions in Myocardial Infarction (QFR‐OUTSMART): Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Salinas‐Casanova José Alfredo , Jiménez‐Franco Vicente Alonso , Jerjes‐Sanchez Carlos , Quintanilla‐Gutiérrez Juan Alberto , De la Pena‐Almaguer Erasmo , Eguiluz‐Hernández Daniela , Vences‐Monroy Sofía , Joya‐Harrison Jorge Armando , Juarez‐Gavino Christian Eduardo , Flores‐Zertuche Mónica María , Ibarrola‐Peña Juan Carlos , Lira‐Lozano Daniel , Molina‐Avilés Marisol , Torre‐Amione Guillermo
Published: November 2024

Background

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) analysis is a simple and non‐invasive coronary physiological assessment method with evidence for evaluating stable coronary artery disease with correlation to fractional flow reserve (FFR). However, there is no evidence to recommend its use in non‐culprit lesions (NCLs) in myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis using the PRISMA and PROSPERO statements. The study's primary objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of QFR in identifying functionally significant NCLs after MI based on invasive FFR and non‐hyperemic pressure ratios as references. We obtained values of the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). We performed a leave‐one‐out sensitivity analysis for each study's impact on the overall effect.

Results

We included eight studies, with 713 patients and 920 vessels evaluated with QFR. The overall AUC was 0.941 (I2 = 0.559, p < 0.002), with a sensitivity of 87.3%, a specificity of 89.4%, a PPV of 86.6%, and an NPV of 90.1%. Compared to FFR, we found an AUC of 0.957 (I2 = 0.331, p < 0.194), a sensitivity of 89.6%, a specificity of 89.8%, a PPV of 88.3%, and an NPV of 91%. The sensitivity analysis showed a similar diagnostic performance in both studies.

Conclusions

QFR is effective in analyzing NCLs with a significant diagnostic yield compared to FFR, with an excellent AUC in MI patients. Performing prospective multicenter studies to characterize this population and reproduce our results is essential.
Efficacy of Daratumumab‐Based Regimens for Extramedullary Pulmonary Plasmacytoma: A Case Report
Authors: De Novellis Danilo , Zeppa Pio , Maffei Elisabetta , Giudice Valentina , Selleri Carmine , Serio Bianca
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) with pulmonary extramedullary disease is rare and usually associated with poor prognosis, and no data on daratumumab‐based regimens have been reported yet.

Case Presentation

Here, a 64‐year‐old man with pulmonary plasmacytoma received daratumumab‐based regimens and has achieved a very good partial response with lung mass disappearance and overall survival of 16 months. He did not receive autologous stem cell transplantation because of several comorbidities, such as severe drug‐induced neuropathy and JAK2‐mutated myeloproliferative neoplasm with marked splenomegaly.

Conclusions

We showed the efficacy of daratumumab in combination with targeted therapies for the treatment of pulmonary MM.
Service animal law and etiquette: How to treat service dogs on campus
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2024

Service dogs have become a common sight on and off campus. For dog lovers and non‐dog lovers alike, these animals evoke respect for their training, obedience, and commitment to assisting their owners. For the former (myself included), it can be hard to see such a good boy or girl and not want to pet or interact with them.
Performance of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Among Patients With Acute Ischaemic Stroke Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Shi Jie , Weng Jiahao , Ding Yu , Xia Yue , Zhou Yongwen , Wang Xulin , Zhang Feng , Zhang Pan , Luo Sihui , Zheng Xueying , Liu Xinfeng , Wang Chaofan , Sun Wen , Weng Jianping
Published: November 2024

Aims

Glucose metabolism abnormalities are prevalent in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients and are associated with poor prognosis. The continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system can provide detailed information on glucose levels and glycaemic excursions. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of CGM application in the acute phase of AIS patients.

Methods

This single‐centre, prospective, and observational study consecutively enrolled patients with AIS with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (AC‐LVO) and received mechanical thrombectomy (MT) within 24 h of symptom onset. A user‐retrospectively calibrated iPro2 CGM system was implanted right before the MT procedure started and removed on the fifth day after MT or at discharge. Fingertip glucose was measured as a reference. Accuracy evaluation included the Bland–Altman plot (with a proportion of CGM values within 15/15, 20/20 and 30/30), the absolute relative difference (ARD) and error grid analysis (EGA). The safety and glucose profiles were also evaluated.

Results

Of the 183 patients screened, 141 were included, with a median monitoring duration of 4.49 days. Compared to reference measurements, 3097 CGM readings were matched with a mean bias of −4.16 mg/dL. The proportions of sensor readings meeting the 15/15, 20/20 and 30/30 criteria were 64.55%, 76.07% and 87.21%, respectively. The overall mean and median ARD were 14.60% ± 14.62% and 9.77% (4.15, 20.00). EGA showed that 98.97%, 99.42% and 99.06% values fall within clinically accurate zones in Clarke, Parkes and continuous glucose EGA, respectively.

Conclusion

The CGM system was feasible, safe and accurate for in‐hospital use among AIS patients who received MT.
Analysis pipeline to quantify uterine gland structural variations
Authors: Khan Sameed , Shen May , Bhurke Aishwarya , Alessio Adam , Arora Ripla
Published: November 2024

Background

Technical advances in whole tissue imaging and clearing have allowed 3D reconstruction of exocrine uterine glands deep‐seated in the endometrium. However, there are limited gland structure analysis platforms to analyze these imaging data sets. Here, we present a pipeline for segmenting and analyzing uterine gland shape.

Results

Using our segmentation methodology, we derive metrics to describe gland length, shape, and branching patterns. We then quantify gland behavior with respect to organization around the embryo and proximity of each gland to the uterine lumen. We apply this image analysis pipeline to uterine glands at the peri‐implantation time points of a mouse pregnancy. Our analysis reveals that at the time of embryo or egg entry into the uterus, glands show changes in length, tortuosity, and proximity to the uterine lumen while gland branch number stays the same. Eventually, these shape changes aid in reorganization of the glands around the embryo implantation site. We further apply our analysis pipeline to human and guinea pig uterine glands, extending feasibility to other mammalian species.

Conclusion

This work serves as a resource for researchers to extract quantitative and reproducible morphological features from three‐dimensional uterine gland images to reveal insights about functional and structural patterns.
Predator Personality Variation, Not the Multiple Stressors of Temperature and Light, Determines Feeding Motivation in an Ambush Piscivore Saxatilia proteus
Authors: Brown Lucy J. , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: November 2024

Environmental conditions in freshwater ecosystems are increasingly determined by human activity. Increased temperature and light intensity are among the anthropogenic stressors dramatically altering these ecosystems, for example, through deforestation that reduces canopy cover of riparian vegetation. Simultaneous exposure to multiple stressors complicates predictions of responses to environmental stressors due to potential interactions, yet the interaction between temperature and light intensity on feeding motivation remains poorly understood. Here, a fully factorial design was employed to investigate the combined effect of increased temperature and light intensity on the feeding motivation of a freshwater predator, the pike cichlid Saxatilia proteus. Strikes toward food items were used to quantify the subjects' motivation to feed. We found no effect of temperature or light intensity on feeding motivation, either individually or as an interaction. Our repeated measures design allowed us to test whether the predatory fish showed personality variation, i.e., consistent inter‐individual differences, in their motivation to feed. While the time taken to make the first strike was not consistently different between individuals, the number of strikes in 1 min, 3 min and the time taken for the 10th strike (which were strongly correlated to one another) was consistently different between individuals. This variation could not be explained by variation in body length, which had no effect as a main effect. Thus, we suggest that anthropogenic effects that alter the composition of individuals in a population of predators, for example selective harvesting, will have a greater ecological effect than direct short‐term effects of variability in environmental factors.
Playback‐Aided Surveys and Acoustic Monitoring in the Detection of the Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti
Authors: Rajan Amrutha , Neema Aditi , Trivedi Pranav G. , Worah Sejal , M. R. Meera , Mukherjee Shomita , Robin V. V.
Published: November 2024

Monitoring rare and endangered species over the long term is challenging due to limited historical data and comparable methods. Climate and landscape changes can significantly impact species distributions, driving some to extinction. The Forest Owlet is an endangered bird considered extinct but rediscovered after 113 years in 1997. Since its rediscovery, followed by the description of its calls, there have been regular recent sightings of the species from newer locations, leading to its downlisting in the IUCN Red List from critically endangered to endangered. In the Dang region in Gujarat, India, there have been no historical records despite previous systematic ornithological studies over three decades, but have multiple sightings over the last few years. Although we now know a little more about the broad association of the species occurrence with habitat and climate variables, a major focus of this study is to estimate the reasons for the “appearance” of the Forest Owlet in Dangs. We revisited locations of past surveys to determine if the species is currently found in the study sites where it was previously unrecorded. We also examine whether new survey methods using playback of its call could enhance its detection. During resurveys, we located the Forest Owlet at new, previously unrecorded locations. Analyses of satellite imagery products revealed significant changes in the broader Dang landscape, including the loss of native forests, increased agriculture, and shifts in mean maximum temperature and rainfall. Our research suggests playback can enhance detection, although its effectiveness varies across landscapes. A detection strategy for long‐term monitoring was developed using different acoustic detectors. An effective detection distance of 300 m within the habitat was achieved using automated recording units (ARUs). Although the species responds to climate and habitat change, the cause of the increased reports of this endangered species remains undetermined. However, we found increased detections using newer survey techniques involving bioacoustics. We recommend using these techniques carefully for future baseline studies, which are urgently required.
Biogeography of Australian Camphorosmeae and Diversification in Climatic Space and Across Arid Habitat Types
Authors: Berasategui Jessica A. , Čalasan Anže Žerdoner , Kadereit Gudrun
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the biogeography of the Australian Camphorosmeae (Amaranthaceae s.l.) lineage and how it relates to shifts in climatic niche and habitat types. Building on previous research and data resources, we integrate molecular phylogenetics, bioclimatic data and biogeographical models to deepen our understanding of the diversification and adaptation of this group across Australia's diverse landscapes in relation to palaeoclimatic changes. For 159 species representing 12 genera, georeferenced distribution points were used to define the most informative bioclimatic variables using principal component analysis. Evolutionary shifts in climatic niches and habitat types were analysed, revealing clade‐specific shifts and adaptations to different habitats and climatic conditions. Biogeographical analyses allowed us to infer ancestral areas of Camphorosmeae in Australia and relate their expansion over evolutionary time to habitat shifts. Preadaptation of this group to warm and dry habitats coupled with key periods of aridification in Australia, particularly during the Late Miocene to Pliocene, were critical in driving its diversification through migration and local adaptation to varied habitats of arid Australia. Our analyses suggest that the ‘Riverine Desert’ habitat offered suitable conditions for ancestral Australian Camphorosmeae and facilitated their early widespread dispersal in the Western and Eastern Desert. We hypothesise that early diverging lineages such as Roycea adapted to the later emerging ‘Desert Lake’ habitat when it spread in Western Australia during the Early Pliocene. Further, habitat type shifts occurred from ‘Riverine Desert’ to ‘Shield Plain’, ‘Karst Plain’ and to ‘Sand Desert’ also during the Pliocene and Pleistocene once these habitat types emerged. This study illustrates the complex interplay between ecological flexibility and niche conservatism in shaping the biodiversity of Australian Camphorosmeae.
The devil‐angel shift in times of crisis: How Swiss scientists used policy narratives during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ksinsik Jule
Published: November 2024

This paper studies how scientists participated in policy debates during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Switzerland not only by telling facts but also by telling stories. It combines insights from Narrative Policy Framework and science communication literature with a conceptualization of scientific advice to study how scientists used narratives and the devil‐angel shift narrative strategy to communicate about policies and problems. Quantitative content analysis of Swiss newspaper articles shows that in statements with problem advice scientists use more narratives than in statements with policy advice and that the devil‐angel shift score for problem advice is significantly lower for narratives with problem advice. Overall, the research shows that problem advice is a good predictor for the use of the devil shift. However, when scientists used narratives with policy advice, they often followed a negative narrative strategy that also highlights problems.
Determinants of health‐related quality of life of patients with focal epilepsy: A systematic literature review
Authors: Engelhart Pamela , Marcin Caleb , Lerner Jason , Dill David , L'Italien Gil , Coric Vlad , Matsumoto Joyce , Potashman Michele H.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Focal epilepsy can have significant negative impacts on a person's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Although studies have been published on HRQoL in persons with focal epilepsy (PWFE), determinants of HRQoL have not been comprehensively examined. This systematic literature review (SLR) queried existing literature to identify aspects associated with HRQoL in PWFE without focus on resective epilepsy surgery, with an interest in identifying modifiable determinants for medical/nonmedical interventions.

Methods

This SLR was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published from January 1, 1900, to February 19, 2023, reporting on the association between HRQoL or employability and a range of demographic, psychosocial, or epilepsy‐related factors and comorbidities in PWFE.

Results

A total of 879 abstracts were identified, with 126 manuscripts reviewed and 37 studies selected for inclusion that quantified the relationship between HRQoL and the variable of interest by multivariate (N = 21) or univariate only (N = 15) methods; 10 multivariate models also included univariate data. In adjusted models, the most commonly examined determinants of HRQoL included depression (n = 15/21), number of antiseizure medications (ASMs; n = 13/21), seizure frequency (continuous seizure count, n = 11/21; seizure freedom, n = 5/21), anxiety (n = 10/21), duration of disease (n = 9/21), and cognition (n = 9/21). Depression, anxiety, and cognition were frequently seen as significant contributors to HRQoL when studied (14/15 [93%], 9/10 [90%], and 7/9 [78%], respectively). Among concepts studied less frequently, ASM severity/adverse event burden was significant each time examined (in 5/19 studies). Attainment of seizure freedom and employability was significant 75% (n = 3/4) and 72% (n = 5/7) of the time, respectively.

Significance

Poor HRQoL in PWFE can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including depression, anxiety, factors in disease management, and employability. An unmet need remains in addressing elements associated with poor HRQoL in this population.
Cervical Lymph Nodes Metastasis From Non‐head and Neck Primary Carcinomas: A Retrospective Analysis of 1448 Patients
Authors: Rao Jin‐Hui , Zha Cheng‐Peng , Zhang Wen‐Da , Cheng Liu‐Han , Lei Qian , Xie Tao , Peng Wen , Ye Pei‐Jing , Zhang Min‐Yue , Xing Yu‐Jie , Sun Chuan‐Zheng , Li Lei
Published: November 2024

Objective

To investigate the clinicopathological features of individuals who have cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) from non‐head and neck primary carcinomas.

Methods

The data of 1448 patients diagnosed with CLNM from non‐head and neck primary carcinomas at the Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China, from January 2013 to December 2023 were collected. The patients' general information, imaging data, and pathological information were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

There were 780 men and 668 women among the 1448 patients, for a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.17:1. The median age was 56 years (range 21–81 years). The most prevalent primary sites in males were the lung (n = 508, 65.1%) and, in females, the breast (n = 276, 41.3%). The most prevalent pathological kind (n = 949), or 65.5% of cases, was adenocarcinoma. There was a significant difference in the proportion of adenocarcinoma between males (n = 385, 49.4%) and females (n = 564, 84.4%). The common sites of CLNM from non‐head and neck primary carcinomas were level V (1,236 cases, 85.4%). In a subgroup of 1133 patients with primary cancer located in symmetrical or unilateral organs, 60.3% exhibited ipsilateral lymph node metastasis, 27.6% had bilateral lymph node metastasis, and 12.1% showed contralateral lymph node metastasis exclusively.

Conclusion

For patients with CLNM, especially those with metastasis to cervical areas IV‐V and those with adenocarcinoma pathology, it is particularly important to screen for primary foci in the lungs, breast, urogenital system, and digestive system after excluding head and neck primary cancers.
Are social media use and popularity in the peer group linked during adolescence? A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Schwartz David , Zhang Minci , Troop‐Gordon Wendy , Taylor Leslie M. , Chung Jinsol
Published: November 2024

Background

Popularity in adolescence has been the subject of considerable empirical inquiry over the last two decades. As research on this dimension of social experience evolved, fundamental shifts occurred in the modalities through which adolescents communicate. Social networking platforms, instant messaging applications, and other forms of social media emerged as organizing features of adolescent peer groups.

Objective

In the current paper, we present a systematic review and meta‐analysis examining evidence that social media activity is associated with both popularity and goals for becoming popular.

Methods

Syntheses were conducted based on 34 effect sizes from 12 studies (N = 7776; 4037 girls and 3739 boys) using three‐level Meta‐analytic techniques.

Results

Average effect sizes across studies were of small to medium magnitude and were not influenced by Meta‐analytic moderators. Although the findings provide support for expected positive associations between social media activity and popularity, unresolved questions remain.
Phytochemical Profiling by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS and In Vitro Investigation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Cassia bakeriana Bark Extract and Fractions
Authors: Prado Diego G. , Justino Allisson B. , Silva Tiara da C. , de Morais Sérgio A. L. , Martins Mário M. , Santos Paula de S. , Cunha Luís C. S. , de Sousa Raquel M. F. , de Aquino Francisco J. T. , Espindola Foued S. , de Oliveira Alberto
Published: November 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global health problem, placing patients at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of Cassia bakeriana bark extracts and fractions. We evaluate their ability to inhibit α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes and advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs). The antioxidant potential was also examined. Extracts were prepared through maceration with hexane (HE) and ethanol (EE), and the fractions were obtained via liquid–liquid extraction from EE. Anti‐enzymatic, anti‐glycation, antioxidant, and cytotoxic assays were conducted in 96‐well plates using different concentrations of samples to determine the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Active samples were further analyzed using HPLC‐(−)‐ESI‐MS/MS. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) demonstrated a high percentage of α‐amylase inhibition (94.0%) with a promising IC50 value of 1.05 μg mL−1. Additionally, EAF displayed 61.5% inhibition of α‐glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 537 μg mL−1. The EE, EAF, and n‐butanol fraction (BF) exhibited strong anti‐glycation capacities. Furthermore, the EE, EAF, BF, and dichloromethane fractions showed promising antioxidant activity using the DPPH and ORAC methodologies. Cytotoxic activity was also evaluated with Vero cells, revealing no adverse effects on cell viability (CC50 > 512.0 μg mL−1). Active samples predominantly comprised proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and anthraquinone, representing the main constituents of C. bakeriana bark. This study provides the first assessment of the antidiabetic potential of C. bakeriana bark and a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of its active extracts and fractions, offering hope for future treatments.
Esophageal food bolus impaction in children: A 15‐year experience and a review
Authors: Privato Roberto , Pezzoli Francesco , Barni Simona , Renzo Sara , Paci Monica , Barp Jacopo , Giovannini Mattia , Pessina Benedetta , Tomei Leonardo , Scarallo Luca , Lionetti Paolo , Mori Francesca
Published: November 2024

Objectives

We aimed to analyze the episodes of esophageal food bolus impaction (EFI) occurred over a time of 15 years in children admitted to a large pediatric emergency department (PED), documenting their clinical presentation, underlying pathology, management, biopsy rate, and follow‐up visits. Additionally, to combine our institutional experience with the existing literature, a comprehensive review was conducted.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all children presenting to our PED with EFI from 2010 to 2024. The comprehensive review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis statement for systematic reviews. Electronic databases including PubMed/Medline and EMBASE were screened. The data obtained was synthesized to map out the actual status and current literature on pediatric EFI.

Results

We identified 54 cases of EFI. Overall, 22 patients (41%) had underlying pathology. Previous episodes were reported in 14 cases (26%). Urgent endoscopy was performed in 31 cases (57%). The presence of underlying pathology was associated with the need for endoscopic removal (p = 0.013), as well as the history of previous episodes (p = 0.016). Biopsies were performed in 14 cases (26%). Pediatric gastroenterologists showed a higher rate of performed biopsies compared to surgeons, as well as higher rate of follow‐up visits. An underlying disease was found during later clinical follow‐up in 5 out of 54 cases of EFI (9%). A comprehensive review of 16 studies revealed high rates of underlying pathology and low rates of biopsies and follow‐up visits among children with EFI.

Conclusion

Increased vigilance in identifying underlying pathologies in children with EFI is crucial. The importance of performing biopsies, regardless of prior anatomical conditions, and the need for ongoing follow‐up to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses should be addressed through shared protocols.
A multimethod analysis for tracing Gravettian red ochre provenance at Arene Candide Cave (NW Italy)
Authors: Rellini I. , Martino G. , Cabella R. , Sessa E. , Maggi R. , Riel‐Salvatore J.
Published: November 2024

Arene Candide Cave, a key site for Western Mediterranean prehistory, is famous for the discovery of the richly adorned Mid–Upper Palaeolithic burial of the ‘Young Prince’ and for its use as a burial site at the end of the Pleistocene (Late Epigravettian). In both contexts, red ochre was a conspicuous element of the burial practices. Unfortunately, few provenance studies and analytical data are available for the pigments recovered in the cave. Likewise, the geographical and geological origins of these colouring materials, which are naturally abundant in the Liguro‐Provençal Arc, have received little to no attention despite their technical and symbolic value. During the 2008–2013 archaeological excavation at Arene Candide Cave, micromorphological samples were collected from the Upper Palaeolithic portion of the 1940s stratigraphic profiles, permitting a first description of site formation processes during the Gravettian. This led to the recognition of a Late Gravettian layer characterized by poorly sorted sediment rich in very small ochre fragments. This study establishes the provenance of these ochre fragments through the combined use of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The results reveal a strong correspondence between the Arene Candide ochres and local ore sites, which were never considered before as potential sources. The mineralogical composition of the samples, characterized by the presence of barium sulphate and iron oxides, indicates that the Finalese area (NW Liguria) in which the site is located was the most likely source of the colouring pigments used by the Upper Palaeolithic hunter‐gatherers of the Arene Candide Cave.
From being disrupted to being a disruptor: How university presses are helping to drive positive change
Authors: Hill Mandy
Published: November 2024

Key points

Digital disruption is not new and there are plenty of examples of university presses embracing radical change to help achieve our goals.

Cambridge University Press has shown the benefits of moving from being disrupted to being a disruptor in early open access (OA) transition.

University presses are well positioned to be part of the collaborative, systemic change now required to fulfil OA ambitions.

Being focused on the real needs of our communities enables us to see even major disruptions, including artificial intelligence, as just part of our development.
Generalized Coherent Wave Control at Dynamic Interfaces
Authors: Yu Youxiu , Gao Dongliang , Yang Yukun , Liu Liangliang , Li Zhuo , Yang Qianru , Wu Haotian , Zou Linyang , Lin Xiao , Xiong Jiang , Hou Songyan , Gao Lei , Hu Hao
Published: November 2024

Coherent wave control is of key importance across a broad range of fields such as electromagnetics, photonics, and acoustics. It enables us to amplify or suppress the outgoing waves via engineering amplitudes and phases of multiple incidences. However, within a purely spatially (temporally) engineered medium, coherent wave control requires the frequency of the associated incidences to be identical (opposite). In this work, this conventional constraint is broken by generalizing coherent wave control into a spatiotemporally engineered medium, i.e., the system featuring a dynamic interface. Owing to the broken translational symmetry in space and time, both the subluminal and superluminal interfaces allow interference between scattered waves regardless of their different frequencies and wavevectors. Hence, one can flexibly eliminate the backward‐ or forward‐propagating waves scattered from the dynamic interfaces by controlling the incident amplitudes and phases. The work not only presents a generalized way for reshaping arbitrary waveforms but also provides a promising paradigm to generate ultrafast pulses using low‐frequency signals. It has also implemented suppression of forward‐propagating waves in microstrip transmission lines with fast photodiode switches.