bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femmes, cultures maraîchères et recours aux soins en Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Fromageot Audrey , Parent Florence , Coppieters Yves
Published: October 2010

Mujeres, cultivo de hortalizas y recurso a los tratamientos médicos en el Africa occidental

Desde los años 80 las mujeres están en el centro de los proyectos de desarrollo rural en Africa subsahariana. A menudo aparecen como mayoritarias entre los protagonistas de lo que los Documentos Estratégicos de Reducción de la Pobreza definen de manera lacónica con la sigla AGR (Actividades Generadoras de Recursos). Este reconocimiento va de par con el de su función de encargarse de las necesidades de salud domésticas. Sin embargo, las mujeres también son mencionadas por su baja frecuentación de los centros de atención de salud primaria. Aún más que los hombres, recurren primero a los servicios de salud familiares o informales. Si se tiene en cuenta su mayor autonomía financiera lograda gracias a sus actividades, parece poco convincente la explicación que atribuye la baja frecuentación femenina de los centros de salud a meras razones de costo. El estudio de las tareas de horticultura de las mujeres de la etnia senufo en la frontera de la Costa de Marfíl y Burkina Faso se interroga sobre la función desempeñada por ellas en los modos de atención sanitaria de las familias y sobre todo de los niños, como también sobre las consecuencias que tiene este modo sobre los itinerarios terapéuticos y en las modalidades del recurso a los tratamientos médicos.
Quasi-isometric classification of some high dimensional right-angled Artin groups
Authors: Behrstock Jason , Januszkiewicz Tadeusz , Neumann Walter D.
Published: October 2010

In this note we give the quasi-isometry classification for a class of right-angled Artin groups. In particular, we obtain the first such classification for a class of Artin groups with dimension larger than 2; our families exist in every dimension.
Automorphisms of partially commutative groups I: Linear subgroups
Authors: Duncan Andrew J. , Kazachkov Ilya , Remeslennikov Vladimir N.
Published: October 2010

We construct and describe several arithmetic subgroups of the automorphism group of a partially commutative group. More precisely, given an arbitrary finite graph

Γ

we construct arithmetic subgroups

\mathrm{St}(L_Y)

and

\mathrm{St}(L^{\mathrm{max}})

, represented as subgroups of

\mathrm{GL}(n,ℤ)

, where

n

is the number of vertices of the graph

Γ

. Here

L_Y

and

L^{\mathrm{max}}

are certain lattices of subsets of

X = V(Γ)

and

\mathrm{St}(K)

is the stabiliser of the subgroup generated by

K

. In addition we give a description of the decomposition of the group

\mathrm{St}^{\mathrm{conj}}(L_X)

, which stabilises

L_X

up to conjugacy, as a semidirect product of the group of conjugating automorphisms and

\mathrm{St}(L_X)

.
The cyclically presented groups with relators $x_ix_{i+k}x_{i+l}$
Authors: Edjvet Martin , Williams Gerald
Published: October 2010

Continuing Cavicchioli, Repovš, and Spaggiari’s investigations into the cyclic presentations

\langle x_1, \ldots , x_n | x_ix_{i+k}x_{i+l} = 1 (1 ≤ i ≤ n) \rangle

we determine when they are aspherical and when they define finite groups; in these cases we describe the groups’ structures. In many cases we show that if the group is infinite then it contains a non-abelian free subgroup.
On the extraction of roots in exponential $A$-groups
Authors: Majewicz Stephen , Zyman Marcos
Published: October 2010

An exponential A-group is a group which comes equipped with an A-action (A is a commutative ring with unity), satisfying certain axioms. In this paper, we investigate some aspects of root extraction in the category of exponential A-groups. Of particular interest is the extraction of roots in nilpotent R-powered groups. Among other results, we prove that if R is a PID and G is a nilpotent R-powered group for which root extraction is always possible, then the torsion R-subgroup of G lies in the center. Furthermore, if the torsion R-subgroup is finitely R-generated, then G is torsion-free.
On Leighton’s graph covering theorem
Authors: Neumann Walter D.
Published: October 2010

We give short expositions of both Leighton’s proof and the Bass–Kulkarni proof of Leighton’s graph covering theorem, in the context of colored graphs. We discuss a further generalization, needed elsewhere, to “symmetry-restricted graphs”. We can prove it in some cases, for example, if the “graph of colors” is a tree, but we do not know if it is true in general. We show that Bass’s Conjugation Theorem, which is a tool in the Bass–Kulkarni approach, does hold in the symmetry-restricted context.
Geometry and arithmetic of verbal dynamical systems on simple groups
Authors: Bandman Tatiana , Grunewald Fritz , Kunyavskii Boris , Jones Nathan
Published: October 2010

We study dynamical systems arising from word maps on simple groups. We develop a geometric method based on the classical trace map for investigating periodic points of such systems. These results lead to a new approach to the search of Engel-like sequences of words in two variables which characterize finite solvable groups. They also give rise to some new phenomena and concepts in the arithmetic of dynamical systems.
Subgroups of free metabelian groups
Authors: Baumslag Gilbert , Miller III Charles F. , Ostheimer Gretchen
Published: October 2010

In 1954 A. G. Howson proved that the intersection of two finitely generated subgroups of a free group is again finitely generated. Now the free metabelian subgroups of a free metabelian group of finite rank n are quite restricted. Indeed they are again of finite rank at most n. This suggests that there may be an analog of Howson’s theorem for free metabelian groups. This turns out not to be the case. The object of this paper is to explore such intersections in free metabelian groups and, more generally, in the wreath product of two free abelian groups. In such a wreath product we show, for instance, that there are algorithms to decide whether or not the intersection of two finitely subgroups is finitely generated or trivial. This leaves open the existence of algorithms to decide the same questions for finitely generated subgroups of finitely generated metabelian groups as a whole.
Where do winds come from? A new theory on how water vapor condensation influences atmospheric pressure and dynamics
Authors: Makarieva A. M. , Gorshkov V. G. , Sheil D. , Nobre A. D. , Li B.-L.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Phase transitions of atmospheric water play a ubiquitous role in the Earth's climate system, but their direct impact on atmospheric dynamics has escaped wide attention. Here we examine and advance a theory as to how condensation influences atmospheric pressure through the mass removal of water from the gas phase with a simultaneous account of the latent heat release. Building from fundamental physical principles we show that condensation is associated with a decline in air pressure in the lower atmosphere. This decline occurs up to a certain height, which ranges from 3 to 4 km for surface temperatures from 10 to 30 °C. We then estimate the horizontal pressure differences associated with water vapor condensation and find that these are comparable in magnitude with the pressure differences driving observed circulation patterns. The water vapor delivered to the atmosphere via evaporation represents a store of potential energy available to accelerate air and thus drive winds. Our estimates suggest that the global mean power at which this potential energy is released by condensation is around one per cent of the global solar power – this is similar to the known stationary dissipative power of general atmospheric circulation. We conclude that condensation and evaporation merit attention as major, if previously overlooked, factors in driving atmospheric dynamics.
Dependence of SOA oxidation on organic aerosol mass concentration and OH exposure: experimental PAM chamber studies
Authors: Kang E. , Toohey D. W. , Brune W. H.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The oxidation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is studied with mass spectra analysis of SOA formed in a Potential Aerosol Mass (PAM) chamber, a small flow-through photo-oxidation chamber with extremely high OH and ozone levels. Oxidation for a few minutes in the PAM chamber is equivalent to days to weeks in the atmosphere. The mass spectra were measured with a Quadrupole Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (Q-AMS) for SOA formed from oxidation of α-pinene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and a mixture of the three. The organic mass fraction of m/z 44 (CO2+) and m/z 43 (mainly C2H3O+), named f44 and f43, respectively, are used as indicators of the degree of organic aerosol (OA) oxidation that occurs as the OA mass concentration or the OH exposure are varied. The degree of oxidation is sensitive to both. For a fixed OH exposure, the degree of oxidation initially decreases rapidly and then more slowly as the OA mass concentration increases. For fixed initial precursor VOC amounts, the degree of oxidation increases linearly with OH exposure, with linear f44 increase and f43 decrease. The degree of oxidation seen in this study is similar to that seen in large environmental chambers for the least oxidized OA and similar to the atmosphere for the most oxidized OA. These results, while sensitive to the determination of f44 and f43, provide evidence that characteristics of atmospheric OA oxidation can be generated in a PAM chamber. For all measurements in this study, the sum of f44 and f43 is 0.25± 0.03, so that the slope of a linear regression is approximately −1 on an f44 vs. f43 plot. This constancy of the sum suggests that these ions are complete proxies for organic mass in the OA studied.
A two-dimensional volatility basis set: 1. organic-aerosol mixing thermodynamics
Authors: Donahue N. M. , Epstein S. A. , Pandis S. N. , Robinson A. L.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. We develop the thermodynamic underpinnings of a two-dimensional volatility basis set (2-D-VBS) employing saturation concentration (Co) and the oxygen content (O:C) to describe volatility, mixing thermodynamics, and chemical evolution of organic aerosol. This is an extension of our earlier one-dimensional approach employing C* only (C*=γ Co, where γ is an activity coefficient). We apply a mean-field approximation for organic aerosol, describing interactions of carbon and oxygen groups in individual molecules (solutes) with carbon and oxygen groups in the organic-aerosol solvent. In so doing, we show that a linear structure activity relation (SAR) describing the single-component Co of a molecule is directly tied to ideal solution (Raoult's Law) behavior. Conversely, non-ideal solution behavior (activity coefficients) and a slightly non-linear SAR emerge from off-diagonal (carbon-oxygen) interaction elements. From this foundation we can build a self-consistent description of OA mixing thermodynamics, including predicted saturation concentrations and activity coefficients (and phase separation) for various solutions from just four free parameters: the carbon number of a hydrocarbon with a 1 μg m−3 Co, and the carbon-carbon, oxygen-oxygen, and non-ideal carbon-oxygen terms. This treatment establishes the mean molecular formula for organics within this 2-D space as well as activity coefficients for molecules within this space interacting with any bulk OA phase described by an average O:C.
Interglacial and glacial variability from the last 800 ka in marine, ice and terrestrial archives
Authors: Lang N. , Wolff E. W.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. We have compiled 37 ice, marine and terrestrial palaeoclimate records covering the last 800 000 years in order to assess the pattern of glacial and interglacial strength, and termination amplitude. Records were selected based on their length, completeness and resolution, and their age models were updated, where required, by alignment to the LR04 benthic δ18O stack. The resulting compilation allows comparison of individual glacial to interglacial transitions with confidence, but the level of synchronisation is inadequate for discussion of temporal phasing. The comparison of interglacials and glacials concentrates on the peaks immediately before and after terminations; particularly strong and weak glacials and interglacials have been identified. This confirms that strong interglacials are confined to the last 450 ka, and that this is a globally robust pattern; however weak interglacials (i.e. marine isotope stage 7) can still occur in this later period. Strong glacial periods are also concentrated in the recent half of the records, although marine isotope stage 16 is strong in many δ18O records. Strong glacials show some tendency to be followed by strong interglacials, suggesting that we should not expect interglacial strength to be strongly influenced by the instantaneous orbital forcing. Many interglacials have a complex structure, with multiple peaks and troughs whose origin needs to be understood. However this compilation emphasises the under-representation of terrestrial environments and highlights the need for long palaeoclimate records from these areas. The main result of this work is the compiled datasets and maps of interglacial strength which provide a target for modelling studies and for conceptual understanding.
Evaluation of a present-day climate simulation with a new coupled atmosphere-ocean model GENMOM
Authors: Alder J. R. , Hostetler S. W. , Pollard D. , Schmittner A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. We present a new, non-flux corrected AOGCM, GENMOM, that combines the GENESIS version 3 atmospheric GCM (Global ENvironmental and Ecological Simulation of Interactive Systems) and MOM2 (Modular Ocean Model version 2). We evaluate GENMOM by comparison with reanalysis products (e.g., NCEP2) and eight models used in the IPCC AR4 assessment. The overall present-day climate simulated by GENMOM is on par with the models used in IPCC AR4. The model produces a global temperature bias of 0.6 °C. Atmospheric features such as the jet stream structure and major semi-permanent sea level pressure centers are well simulated as is the mean planetary-scale wind structure that is needed to produce the correct position of stormtracks. The gradients and spatial distributions of annual surface temperature compare well both to observations and to the IPCC AR4 models. A warm bias of ~2 °C is simulated by MOM between 200–1000 m in the ocean. Most ocean surface currents are reproduced except where they are not resolved well by the T31 resolution. The two main weaknesses in the simulations is the development of a split ITCZ and weaker-than-observed overturning circulation.
Study of outgoing longwave radiation anomalies associated with Haiti earthquake
Authors: Xiong P. , Shen X. H. , Bi Y. X. , Kang C. L. , Chen L. Z. , Jing F. , Chen Y.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The paper presents an analysis by using the methods of Eddy field calculation mean and wavelet maxima to detect seismic anomalies within the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) data based on time and space. The distinguishing feature of the method of Eddy field calculation mean is that we can calculate "the total sum of the difference value" of "the measured value" between adjacent points, which could highlight the singularity within data. The identified singularities are further validated by wavelet maxima, which using wavelet transformations as data mining tools by computing the maxima that can be used to identify obvious anomalies within OLR data. The two methods has been applied to carry out a comparative analysis of OLR data associated with the earthquake recently occurred in Haiti on 12 January 2010. Combining with the tectonic explanation of spatial and temporal continuity of the abnormal phenomena, the analyzed results have indicated a number of singularities associated with the possible seismic anomalies of the earthquake and from the comparative experiments and analyses by using the two methods, which follow the same time and space, we conclude that the singularities observed from 19 to 24 December 2009 could be the earthquake precursor of Haiti earthquake.
Multiple Onychopapillomas and BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome
Authors: Lebensohn Alexandra , Ghafoor Azam , Bloomquist Luke , Royer Michael C. , Castelo-Soccio Leslie , Karacki Kelli , Hathaway Olanda , Maglo Tenin , Wagner Cathy , Agra Maria G. , Blakely Andrew M. , Schrump David S. , Hassan Raffit , Cowen Edward W.
Published: May 2024

Importance

BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1) tumor predisposition syndrome (TPDS) is a cancer genodermatosis associated with high risk of uveal and cutaneous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and multiple internal malignant neoplasms, including mesothelioma and renal cell carcinoma. Early detection of the syndrome is important for cancer surveillance and genetic counseling of family members who are at risk.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of nail abnormalities in individuals with pathogenic germline variants in BAP1.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prospective cohort study, individuals who were known carriers of pathogenic BAP1 germline variants were consecutively enrolled between October 10, 2023, and March 15, 2024. Dermatologic evaluation for nail abnormalities was performed, including a history of nail abnormalities and associated symptoms, physical examination, medical photography, and nail biopsy for histopathology. This was a single-center study conducted at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were the prevalence and spectrum of nail changes and histopathologic characterization.

Results

Among 47 participants (30 female [63.8%]; mean [SD] age, 46.4 [15.1] years) ranging in age from 13 to 72 years from 35 families, nail abnormalities were detected in 41 patients (87.2%) and included leukonychia, splinter hemorrhage, onychoschizia, and distal nail hyperkeratosis. Clinical findings consistent with onychopapilloma were detected in 39 patients (83.0%), including 35 of 40 individuals aged 30 years or older (87.5%). Nail bed biopsy was performed in 5 patients and was consistent with onychopapilloma. Polydactylous involvement with onychopapillomas was detected in nearly all patients who had nail involvement (38 of 39 patients [97.4%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that BAP1 TPDS was associated with a high rate of nail abnormalities consistent with onychopapillomas in adult carriers of the disease. Findings suggest that this novel cutaneous sign may facilitate detection of the syndrome in family members who are at risk and patients with cancers associated with BAP1 given that multiple onychopapillomas are uncommon in the general population and may be a distinct clue to the presence of a pathogenic germline variant in the BAP1 gene.
Measuring Primary Care Spending in the US by State
Authors: Cohen Deborah J. , Totten Annette M. , Phillips Robert L. , Jabbarpour Yalda , DeVoe Jennifer
Published: May 2024

This case series identifies states’ estimates of primary care spending and recommends steps policymakers can take toward standardizing these estimates.
Oncogenic composite mutations can be predicted by co‐mutations and their chromosomal location
Authors: Küçükosmanoglu Asli , van der Borden Carolien L. , de Boer Lisanne E. A. , Verhaak Roel , Noske David , Wurdinger Tom , Radonic Teodora , Westerman Bart A.
Published: May 2024

Genetic heterogeneity in tumors can show a remarkable selectivity when two or more independent genetic events occur in the same gene. This phenomenon, called composite mutation, points toward a selective pressure, which frequently causes therapy resistance to mutation‐specific drugs. Since composite mutations have been described to occur in sub‐clonal populations, they are not always captured through biopsy sampling. Here, we provide a proof of concept to predict composite mutations to anticipate which patients might be at risk for sub‐clonally driven therapy resistance. We found that composite mutations occur in 5% of cancer patients, mostly affecting the PIK3CA, EGFR, BRAF, and KRAS genes, which are common precision medicine targets. Furthermore, we found a strong and significant relationship between the frequencies of composite mutations with commonly co‐occurring mutations in a non‐composite context. We also found that co‐mutations are significantly enriched on the same chromosome. These observations were independently confirmed using cell line data. Finally, we show the feasibility of predicting compositive mutations based on their co‐mutations (AUC 0.62, 0.81, 0.82, and 0.91 for EGFR, PIK3CA, KRAS, and BRAF, respectively). This prediction model could help to stratify patients who are at risk of developing therapy resistance‐causing mutations.
The High Temperature Strength of Single Crystal Ni‐base Superalloys – Re‐visiting Constant Strain Rate, Creep, and Thermomechanical Fatigue Testing
Authors: Sirrenberg Marc , Babinský Tomás , Bürger David , Guth Stefan , Parsa Alireza B. , Thome Pascal , Dlouhý Antonin , Mills Michael J. , Eggeler Gunther
Published: May 2024

The present work takes a new look at the high temperature strength of single crystal (SX) Ni‐base superalloys. It compares high temperature constant strain rate (CSR) testing, creep testing, and out‐of‐phase thermomechanical fatigue (OP TMF) testing, which represent key characterization methods supporting alloy development and component design in SX material science and technology. The three types of tests are compared using the same SX alloy, working with precisely oriented <001>‐specimens and considering the same temperature range between 1023 and 1223 K, where climb controlled micro‐creep processes need to be considered. Nevertheless, the three types of tests provide different types of information. CSR testing at imposed strain rates of 3.3 × 10−4 s−1 shows a yield stress anomaly (YSA) with a YSA stress peak at a temperature of 1073 K. This increase of strength with increasing temperature is not observed during constant load creep testing at much lower deformation rates around 10−7 s−1. Creep rates show a usual behavior and increase with increasing temperatures. During OP‐TMF loading, the temperature continuously increases/decreases in the compression/tension part of the mechanical strain‐controlled cycle (±0.5%). At the temperature, where the YSA peak stress temperature is observed, no peculiarities are observed. It is shown that OP‐TMF life is sensitive to surface quality, which is not the case in creep. A smaller number of cycles to failure is observed when reducing the heating rate in the compression/heating part of the mechanical strain‐controlled OP‐TMF cycle. The results are discussed on a microstructural basis, using results from scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and in light of previous work published in the literature.
Boosting Na‐O Affinity in Na3Zr2Si2PO12 Electrolyte Promises Highly Rechargeable Solid‐State Sodium Batteries
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Chen , Sun Zheng , Li Meng , Jin Haibo , Zhao Yongjie
Published: May 2024

All‐solid‐state batteries have drawn a lot of concern owing to their distinct advantages in energy density and safety. However, the interfacial issues between the solid electrolyte and electrodes are still roadblocks to large scale application of rechargeable solid‐state batteries. In this work, it reveals that promoting the Na‐O affinity in Na3Zr2Si2PO12 electrolyte can effectively boost its air stability. Specifically, a two‐step sintering approach is employed to actively regulate the microstructure evolution of Na3Zr2Si2PO12 electrolyte. Apart from the enhanced strength of the Na‐O bond, the mechanical performance and ionic conductivity are also apparently improved in comparison with the traditional one‐step sintering. Moreover, a low resistance of 68 Ω cm2 is achieved with the Na/Na3Zr2Si2PO12 interface, demonstrating long cycling stability of 1000 cycles at 0.1 mA cm−2. The designed Na3Zr2Si2PO12 ceramic electrolyte paired with Na3.5V0.5Mn0.5Fe0.5Ti0.5(PO4)3 cathode and metallic Na anode manifests outstanding cycling stability with a high reversible discharge capacity of 136 mAh g−1 after nearly 400 cycles at 1 C, and 25 °C. Therefore, it is believed that the delicate modulation of solid electrolyte microstructure is of great importance for accelerating the application of solid‐state batteries.
Prenatal 1‐Nitropyrene Exposure Causes Autism‐Like Behavior Partially by Altering DNA Hydroxymethylation in Developing Brain
Authors: Zhao Ting , Huang Cheng‐Qing , Zhang Yi‐Hao , Zhu Yan‐Yan , Chen Xiao‐Xi , Wang Tao , Shao Jing , Meng Xiu‐Hong , Huang Yichao , Wang Hua , Wang Hui‐Li , Wang Bo , Xu De‐Xiang
Published: May 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by social communication disability and stereotypic behavior. This study aims to investigate the impact of prenatal exposure to 1‐nitropyrene (1‐NP), a key component of motor vehicle exhaust, on autism‐like behaviors in a mouse model. Three‐chamber test finds that prenatal 1‐NP exposure causes autism‐like behaviors during the weaning period. Patch clamp shows that inhibitory synaptic transmission is reduced in medial prefrontal cortex of 1‐NP‐exposed weaning pups. Immunofluorescence finds that prenatal 1‐NP exposure reduces the number of prefrontal glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) positive interneurons in fetuses and weaning pups. Moreover, prenatal 1‐NP exposure retards tangential migration of GAD67‐positive interneurons and downregulates interneuron migration‐related genes, such as Nrg1, Erbb4, and Sema3F, in fetal forebrain. Mechanistically, prenatal 1‐NP exposure reduces hydroxymethylation of interneuron migration‐related genes through inhibiting ten‐eleven translocation (TET) activity in fetal forebrain. Supplement with alpha‐ketoglutarate (α‐KG), a cofactor of TET enzyme, reverses 1‐NP‐induced hypohydroxymethylation at specific sites of interneuron migration‐related genes. Moreover, α‐KG supplement alleviates 1‐NP‐induced migration retardation of interneurons in fetal forebrain. Finally, maternal α‐KG supplement improves 1‐NP‐induced autism‐like behaviors in weaning offspring. In conclusion, prenatal 1‐NP exposure causes autism‐like behavior partially by altering DNA hydroxymethylation of interneuron migration‐related genes in developing brain.
Lineage‐Specific Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Human iPSCs Showed Distinct Patterns in Transcriptomic Profile and Extracellular Vesicle Production
Authors: Winston Tackla , Song Yuanhui , Shi Huaiyu , Yang Junhui , Alsudais Munther , Kontaridis Maria I. , Wu Yaoying , Gaborski Thomas R. , Meng Qinghe , Cooney Robert N. , Ma Zhen
Published: May 2024

Over the past decades, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been extensively investigated as a potential therapeutic cell source for the treatment of various disorders. Differentiation of MSCs from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iMSCs) has provided a scalable approach for the biomanufacturing of MSCs and related biological products. Although iMSCs shared typical MSC markers and functions as primary MSCs (pMSCs), there is a lack of lineage specificity in many iMSC differentiation protocols. Here, a stepwise hiPSC‐to‐iMSC differentiation method is employed via intermediate cell stages of neural crest and cytotrophoblast to generate lineage‐specific MSCs with varying differentiation efficiencies and gene expression. Through a comprehensive comparison between early developmental cell types (hiPSCs, neural crest, and cytotrophoblast), two lineage‐specific iMSCs, and six source‐specific pMSCs, are able to not only distinguish the transcriptomic differences between MSCs and early developmental cells, but also determine the transcriptomic similarities of iMSC subtypes to postnatal or perinatal pMSCs. Additionally, it is demonstrated that different iMSC subtypes and priming conditions affected EV production, exosomal protein expression, and cytokine cargo.
Graph‐Based Pangenome of Actinidia chinensis Reveals Structural Variations Mediating Fruit Degreening
Authors: Wang Yingzhen , Li Pengwei , Zhu Yanyan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Sijia , He Yan , Wu Ying , Lin Yunzhi , Wang Hongtao , Ren Wangmei , Wang Lihuan , Yang Ying , Wang Runze , Zheng Pengpeng , Liu Yongsheng , Wang Songhu , Yue Junyang
Published: May 2024

Fruit ripening is associated with the degreening process (loss of chlorophyll) that occurs in most fruit species. Kiwifruit is one of the special species whose fruits may maintain green flesh by accumulating a large amount of chlorophyll even after ripening. However, little is known about the genetic variations related to the fruit degreening process. Here, a graph‐based kiwifruit pangenome by analyzing 14 chromosome‐scale haplotype‐resolved genome assemblies from seven representative cultivars or lines in Actinidia chinensis is built. A total of 49,770 non‐redundant gene families are identified, with core genes constituting 46.6%, and dispensable genes constituting 53.4%. A total of 84,591 non‐redundant structural variations (SVs) are identified. The pangenome graph integrating both reference genome sequences and variant information facilitates the identification of SVs related to fruit color. The SV in the promoter of the AcBCM gene determines its high expression in the late developmental stage of fruits, which causes chlorophyll accumulation in the green‐flesh fruits by post‐translationally regulating AcSGR2, a key enzyme of chlorophyll catabolism. Taken together, a high‐quality pangenome is constructed, unraveled numerous genetic variations, and identified a novel SV mediating fruit coloration and fruit quality, providing valuable information for further investigating genome evolution and domestication, QTL genes function, and genomics‐assisted breeding.
Single‐Stranded Nucleic Acid Transmembrane Molecular Carriers Based on Positively Charged Helical Foldamers
Authors: Ge Yunpeng , Li Wencan , Tian Jun , Yu Hao , Wang Zhenzhu , Wang Ming , Dong Zeyuan
Published: May 2024

Transmembrane delivery of biologically active nucleic acids is an important process in cells and has inspired one to develop advanced drug delivery techniques. In this contribution, molecular‐level single‐stranded nucleic acid transmembrane carriers are reported based on 3.2 nm long Huc's foldamers (AOrnQ3Q3)8 and (mQ3Q2)8 with linearly and helically aligned positive charges, respectively. These two foldamers not only show very strong DNA affinity via electrostatic interactions but also discriminatively bind single‐stranded DNA (ss‐DNA) and double‐stranded DNA (ds‐DNA), corroborating the importance of precise charge arrangement in the electrostatic interactions. More importantly, these two foldamers are capable of efficiently transporting ss‐DNA across the lipid membranes, and the ss‐DNA transport activity of (AOrnQ3Q3)8 with linearly aligned charges is higher than that of (mQ3Q2)8 with helically aligned charges. Thus a type of novel single‐stranded nucleic acid transmembrane molecular carriers based on positively charged helical foldamers are introduced. Further, effective and enhanced expression in EGFP‐mRNA transfection experiments strongly demonstrates the potential of positively charged foldamers for RNA transmembrane transport and therapy.
Inhibition of DEF‐p65 Interactions as a Potential Avenue to Suppress Tumor Growth in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Huang Sicong , Yang Jiaqi , Xie Teng , Jiang Yangwei , Hong Yifan , Liu Xinyuan , He Xuyan , Buratto Damiano , Zhang Dong , Zhou Ruhong , Liang Tingbo , Bai Xueli
Published: May 2024

The limited success of current targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer underscores an urgent demand for novel treatment modalities. The challenge in mitigating this malignancy can be attributed to the digestive organ expansion factor (DEF), a pivotal yet underexplored factor in pancreatic tumorigenesis. The study uses a blend of in vitro and in vivo approaches, complemented by the theoretical analyses, to propose DEF as a promising anti‐tumor target. Analysis of clinical samples reveals that high expression of DEF is correlated with diminished survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Crucially, the depletion of DEF significantly impedes tumor growth. The study further discovers that DEF binds to p65, shielding it from degradation mediated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway in cancer cells. Based on these findings and computational approaches, the study formulates a DEF‐mimicking peptide, peptide‐031, designed to disrupt the DEF‐p65 interaction. The effectiveness of peptide‐031 in inhibiting tumor proliferation has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. This study unveils the oncogenic role of DEF while highlighting its prognostic value and therapeutic potential in pancreatic cancer. In addition, peptide‐031 is a promising therapeutic agent with potent anti‐tumor effects.
Multifunctional Nanofibrous Hollow Microspheres for Enhanced Periodontal Bone Regeneration
Authors: Li Qian , Ma Chi , Jing Yan , Liu Xiaohua
Published: May 2024

Destructive periodontitis destroys alveolar bone and eventually leads to tooth loss. While guided bone regeneration, which is based on creating a physical barrier to hinder the infiltration of epithelial and connective tissues into defect sites, has been widely used for alveolar bone regeneration, its outcomes remain variable. In this work, a multifunctional nanofibrous hollow microsphere (NFHMS) is developed for enhanced alveolar bone regeneration. The NFHMS is first prepared via combining a double emulsification and a thermally induced phase separation process. Next, E7, a short peptide with high specific affinity to bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMSCs), is conjugated onto the surface of NFHMS. After that, bone forming peptide (BFP), a short peptide derived from bone morphology protein 7 is loaded in calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles, which are further encapsulated in the hollow space of the NFHMS‐E7 to form NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP. The NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP selectively promoted the adhesion of BMSCs and expelled the adhesion of fibroblasts and epithelial cells. In addition, the BFP is sustainedly released from the NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP to enhance the osteogenesis of BMSCs. A rat challenging fenestration defect model showed that the NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP significantly enhanced alveolar bone tissue regeneration. This work provides a novel bioengineering approach for guided bone regeneration.
Creating Anti‐Chiral Exceptional Points in Non‐Hermitian Metasurfaces for Efficient Terahertz Switching
Authors: Yu Zhongyi , He Weibao , Hu Siyang , Ren Ziheng , Wan Shun , Cheng Xiang'ai , Hu Yuze , Jiang Tian
Published: May 2024

Non‐Hermitian degeneracies, also known as exceptional points (EPs), have presented remarkable singular characteristics such as the degeneracy of eigenvalues and eigenstates and enable limitless opportunities for achieving fascinating phenomena in EP photonic systems. Here, the general theoretical framework and experimental verification of a non‐Hermitian metasurface that holds a pair of anti‐chiral EPs are proposed as a novel approach for efficient terahertz (THz) switching. First, based on the Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase and unitary transformation, it is discovered that the coupling variation of ±1 spin eigenstates will lead to asymmetric modulation in two orthogonal linear polarizations (LP). Through loss‐induced merging of a pair of anti‐chiral EPs, the decoupling of ±1 spin eigenstates are then successfully realized in a non‐Hermitian metasurface. Final, the efficient THz modulation is experimentally demonstrated, which exhibits modulation depth exceeding 70% and Off‐On‐Off switching cycle less than 9 ps in one LP while remains unaffected in another one. Compared with conventional THz modulation devices, the metadevice shows several figures of merits, such as a single frequency operation, high modulation depth, and ultrafast switching speed. The proposed theory and loss‐induced non‐Hermitian device are general and can be extended to numerous photonic systems varying from microwave, THz, infrared, to visible light.
Flexible endoscopic intubation in emergency medicine: A mixed‐methods needs assessment
Authors: Sandefur Benjamin J. , Shappell Eric F. , Campbell Ronna L. , Brown Calvin A. , Driver Brian E. , Carlson Jestin N. , Mullan Aidan F. , Park Yoon Soo , Tekian Ara
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This needs assessment aimed to improve understanding of flexible endoscopic intubation training and practice in emergency medicine (EM), providing insights to educators and practice leaders seeking to improve education and practices.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, mixed‐methods needs assessment of emergency physicians (EPs) incorporating focus groups and a survey. Focus groups comprised community EPs, academic EPs, and resident EPs. We analyzed focus group transcripts using grounded theory, qualitatively describing EM endoscopic intubation. The qualitative analysis shaped our survey instrument, which we deployed in cross‐sectional fashion. We report survey data with descriptive statistics.

Results

Focus groups with 13 EPs identified three themes: indications for use of endoscopic intubation, factors impacting a physician's decision to endoscopically intubate, and attaining and maintaining endoscopic intubation competency. Of 257 surveyed EPs (33% response rate), 79% had received endoscopic intubation training during residency, though 82% had performed this procedure 10 or fewer times in their career. Despite 97% acknowledging the necessity of competency, only 23% felt highly confident in their ability to perform endoscopic intubation. Participants (93%) reported scarce opportunities to perform the procedure and identified factors believed to facilitate competency acquisition and maintenance, including opportunities to perform endoscopic intubation in practice (98%), local champions (93%), and performing nasopharyngoscopy (87%).

Conclusions

While most EPs acknowledged the importance of competency in endoscopic intubation, they reported scarce procedural opportunities and commonly expressed low confidence. Further research is needed on this topic, and we propose avenues to enhance education and practices related to endoscopic intubation. These include development of robust procedural curricula, support of local champions, and incorporating nasopharyngoscopy into EM practice.
Exact Functional Integration of Radial and Complex Slave‐Boson Fields: Thermodynamics and Dynamics of the Two‐Site Extended Hubbard Model
Authors: Dao Vu Hung , Frésard Raymond
Published: May 2024

The functional integral formulation of the Hubbard model when treated in its Kotliar‐Ruckenstein representation in the radial gauge involves fermionic, as well as complex and radial slave boson fields. In order to improve on the understanding of the interplay of the three types of fields, and on the nature of the latter, a comprehensive investigation of an exactly solvable two‐site cluster is performed, as it entails all pitfalls embodied in this approach. It is first shown that the exact partition function is recovered, even when incorporating in the calculation the square root factors that are at the heart of the representation, when suitably regularized. It is shown that using radial slave boson fields allows to overcome all hurdles following from the normal ordering procedure. It is then demonstrated that this applies to the Green's function as well, and to the correlation functions of physical interest, thereby answering the criticisms raised by Schönhammer [K. Schönhammer, Phys. Rev. B 1990 42, 2591]. In addition, the investigation generalizes the calculations to the Hubbard model extended by a non‐local Coulomb interaction.
From Plastic Waste to Green Hydrogen and Valuable Chemicals Using Sunlight and Water
Authors: Anh Nguyen Thi Kim , Trần‐Phú Thành , Daiyan Rahman , Minh Chau Ta Xuan , Amal Rose , Tricoli Antonio
Published: May 2024

Over 79 % of 6.3 billion tonnes of plastics produced from 1950 to 2015 have been disposed in landfills or found their way to the oceans, where they will reside for up to hundreds of years before being decomposed bringing upon significant dangers to our health and ecosystems. Plastic photoreforming offers an appealing alternative by using solar energy and water to transform plastic waste into value‐added chemical commodities, while simultaneously producing green hydrogen via the hydrogen evolution reaction. This review aims to provide an overview of the underlying principles of emerging plastic photoreforming technologies, highlight the challenges associated with experimental protocols and performance assessments, discuss recent global breakthroughs on the photoreforming of plastics, and propose perspectives for future research. A critical assessment of current plastic photoreforming studies shows a lack of standardised conditions, hindering comparison amongst photocatalyst performance. Guidelines to establish a more accurate evaluation of materials and systems are proposed, with the aim to facilitate the translation of promising fundamental discovery in photocatalysts design.
Boosting the Electroreduction of CO2 to CO by Ligand Engineering of Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Han Sang Myeong , Park Minyoung , Kim Jiyoung , Lee Dongil
Published: May 2024

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has been widely studied as a promising means to convert anthropogenic CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. In this process, the alkali metal ions present in the electrolyte are known to significantly influence the CO2RR activity and selectivity. In this study, we report a strategy for preparing efficient electrocatalysts by introducing a cation‐relaying ligand, namely 6‐mercaptohexanoic acid (MHA), into atom‐precise Au25 nanoclusters (NCs). The CO2RR activity of the synthesized Au25(MHA)18 NCs was compared with that of Au25(HT)18 NCs (HT=1‐hexanethiolate). While both NCs selectively produced CO over H2, the CO2‐to‐CO conversion activity of the Au25(MHA)18 NCs was significantly higher than that of the Au25(HT)18 NCs when the catholyte pH was higher than the pKa of MHA, demonstrating the cation‐relaying effect of the anionic terminal group. Mechanistic investigations into the CO2RR occurring on the Au25 NCs in the presence of different catholyte cations and concentrations revealed that the CO2‐to‐CO conversion activities of these Au25 NCs increased in the order Li+<Na+<K+<Cs+, and are gated by the cation‐coupled electron transfer step. These results were confirmed by the Nernstian shifts of the polarization curves at different cation concentrations.
Self‐Assembled Pure Covalent Tubes Exhibiting Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Ge Chenqi , Shang Weili , Chen Zhong , Liu Jiyong , Tang Hua , Wu Yating , He Siyu , Liu Minghua , Li Hao
Published: May 2024

Here, we successfully synthesized four structurally analogous, self‐assembled chiral molecular tubes with relatively high yields. This achievement involved the condensation of six equivalents of enantiomerically pure trans‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (trans‐CHDA) and three equivalents of the corresponding tetraformyl precursor. Each precursor was equipped with a luminescent linker terminated by two m‐phthalaldehyde units. Even though these tetraformyl precursors are barely soluble in almost all organic solvents, the molecular tubes are highly soluble in nonpolar solvents such as chloroform, allowing us to fully characterize them in solution. The stereo‐chirality of the chiral bisamino building blocks endows the frameworks of molecular tubes with planar chirality. As a consequence, all of these molecular tubes exhibit circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with relatively large dissymmetry values |glum| up to 7×10−3, providing an efficient method for synthesizing CPL‐active materials.
Thermally Controlled Synthesis of Cr2(NCN)3/CrN Heterostructured Composite Anodes for High‐Performance Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Hanlou , Guo Penghui , Wang Jing , Zhao Silong , Yang Mohan , Liu Xingxing , Wang Lian , Wang Meng , Wu Feng , Tan Guoqiang
Published: May 2024

Cr2(NCN)3 features high specific capacity and fast electrical conductivity, making it a promising anode candidate for Li‐ion batteries. However, inherent chemical and structural metastability severely restrict its capacity output and cycle life, resulting in unsatisfactory battery performance. Here we use its thermal instability characteristic and propose a thermal controlled structural coordination strategy to in‐situ construct a Cr2(NCN)3/CrN heterostructure. Systematic studies reveal the thermodynamic structural evolution of Cr2(NCN)3 under precise temperature regulation, as well as the essential relevancy between electrochemical properties and crystalline structures. An optimal Cr2(NCN)3/CrN heterostructural composite obtained at 690 °C features uniform two‐phase recombination with abundant grain boundaries enables promising electrochemical performance, exhibiting a high reversible discharge capacity (760 mAh g−1) and a good cycle performance (75 % retention after 100 cycles). It is worth noting that the above performance is significantly improved over unmodified pure transition metal carbodiimides or metal nitride anodes. This study provides a simple and universal structural regulation strategy for transition metal carbodiimides that utilizes their thermal sensitivity to synchronously construct synergistic transition metal carbodiimides/transition metal nitrides heterostructures, promoting their potential applications in Li‐ion batteries.
First derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric method for the simultaneous determination of tramadol and celecoxib in their dosage forms and human plasma
Authors: Ramadan Hesham Sameh , Abdel Salam Randa A. , Hadad Ghada M. , Belal Fathalla , Salim Mohamed M.
Published: May 2024

One of the most common features of many different clinical conditions is pain; hence, there is a crucial need for eliminating or reducing it to a tolerable level to retrieve physical, psychological and social functioning. A first derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetry technique is proposed for the simultaneous determination of celecoxib and tramadol HCl, a recent coformulation authorized for treating acute pain in adults. The method includes using synchronous spectrofluorimetry at ∆λ = 80 nm where tramadol HCl was determined using first derivative technique at λ = 230.2 nm, while celecoxib was determined at λ = 288.24 nm. The proposed method was successfully applied to their co‐formulated dosage forms in addition to spiked human plasma and validated in agreement with the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). The linear ranges were found to be 0.50–5.0 and 0.15–0.50, the limits of detection to be 0.088 and 0.011 and the limits of quantification to be 0.266 and 0.032 μg/ml for celecoxib and tramadol, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference when compared with previously reported methods as evidenced by the values of the variance ratio F‐test and Student t‐test. The proposed method was successfully applied to commercial dosage forms and spiked human samples. Moreover, the greenness of the proposed method was investigated based on the analytical eco‐scale approach, with the results showing an excellent green scale with a score of 95.
Take proactive steps to limit risks, liability related to court storming
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: May 2024

Reports of court‐storming incidents after upset victories or championships tend to renew the focus on event security, safety, and injury prevention. This is especially true this year with the high‐profile incidents of fans colliding with star players such as Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Kyle Filipowski of Duke, as exuberant fans ran wild at the conclusion of their respective games. Although serious injuries were fortunately avoided, there could easily have been a different result in both cases. Indeed, just watching the video replays of these headline‐making stories clearly underscores the potential for a season‐ending injury in both of these situations.