bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Une voie inexplorée de renouvellement du fédéralisme canadien : l’obligation constitutionnelle de négocier des changements constitutionnels
Authors: Taillon Patrick , Deschênes Alexis
Published: September 2012

La présente étude a pour objet l’obligation de négocier des changements constitutionnels voulus par une majorité claire de la population d’une province. Il s’agit en fait d’examiner l’applicabilité de l’obligation de négocier, formulée par la Cour suprême du Canada dans le Renvoi relatif à la sécession du Québec, à des projets de modification constitutionnelle autres que l’accession du Québec à l’indépendance politique. En s’appuyant sur l’analyse des sources, des fondements, du rang, du caractère directement exécutoire et de la « justiciabilité  » de l’obligation de négocier, les auteurs arrivent à préciser le sens et la portée de cette obligation qui pèse sur les autorités fédérales et provinciales. Or, la place de l’obligation de négocier dans la hiérarchie des normes et les termes généraux employés par la Cour suprême pour définir cette obligation militent manifestement en faveur d’un large domaine d’application de l’obligation à tout projet de modification constitutionnelle voulue par une majorité claire de la population d’une province. Bien que le contrôle judiciaire de cette obligation demeure, en tout état de cause, limité par le contenu somme toute modeste de l’obligation de négocier, de même que par les dimensions proprement politiques des négociations, l’obligation de négocier reste susceptible de donner lieu à des litiges concrets dont la justiciabilité pourrait amener la Cour suprême à sanctionner le non-respect de cette obligation.
The Living Conditions of University Students in Boarding Houses and Dormitories in Davao City, Philippines
Authors: Brilliantes Ruel A. , Aga Nelia B. , Tipace Fe C. , Adegue Cesar A. , Perez Mercelee P. , Aya-Ay Adorico M. , Sagarino Emma V.
Published: September 2012

Living in a boarding house or dormitory is necessary for students who come from far places. In Davao City, an observable statistics of university students from neighboring provinces and the city’s outskirts live in these temporary residences. However, reports reveal that these housing facilities, most of the time, fail to consider students’ safety and welfare. This study determined the living conditions of university students in boarding houses and dormitories. This is anchored on the premise that the physical and environmental components of these residential facilities could affect students’ holistic well-being. Data elicited through survey involving five hundred seventy-one (571) respondents and focused group discussion among selected groups of student-boarders/dormers, reveal that a student’s stay in a boarding house and dormitory has significant contributions to his/her personal, social, academic and emotional growth. But, this has nothing to do with the development of his/her spirituality. Results demonstrate further, that respondents have recognized their boarding houses and dormitories possessing good basic housing facilities. However, they felt the deficiency in the provisions of safety and security facilities especially on fire escapes or exits and fire extinguishers. This manifests that most operators have violated some requirements set under the Building Code of the Philippines.   Keywords - Living conditions, university students, boarding houses, dormitories, Davao City
Intentionality in Parenting Styles of Parents and Student-Facilitators’ Reflections: A Hermeneutical-Deconstruction Analysis
Authors: Isonza Vicky Discaya
Published: September 2012

In the context of a seminar-workshop on parenting styles, the intentionality of parent-participants and student-facilitators was explored over the goal of enhancing the welfare and functioning of children. Student-facilitators conducted learning activities and processed discussions on care and discipline issues. Using the mixed method, quantitative and qualitative analyses were drawn. A Likert scale measured democratic and authoritarian dimensions in parenting style. Through the lens of postmodern paradigm, the hermeneutic-deconstruction analysis illuminated the phenomena on parents’ understanding of parenting styles and student-facilitators’ learning outcomes based on their reflections. In conclusion, the celebration of special occasions is the ‘signified’ indicant of parents’ nurturing in the family. Responsiveness and communication are ‘signifiers’ (not emphasized /hidden). Their ‘folk belief’ concepts are operatives of mental states that reflect an authoritarian parenting style; but group-acknowledgements in discussions can move them to favor the democratic style. Parents value a norm-based rationality on discipline of children. In the deconstruction process unexpected events are laid bare. This contributes an authentic learning opportunity for students to expand a social consciousness that rouses the move for social action. Implications of a postmodern analytical approach to learning intervention for parents, and the pedagogic method of reflective analysis and social action are discussed. Keywords - intentionality, parenting style, hermeneuticalde construction analysis, pedagogy, social action
Entrepreneurial Competencies of 2nd Generation Selected Family Business Owners in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Odejar Bienvenido , Kenmoe Johan Theiry , Gernal Liza Macasukit
Published: September 2012

Family-owned firms are one of the foundations of the world’s business community and are a growing area of interest among young business leaders. It is especially pertinent in today’s global environment where apt business knowledge and entrepreneurial ability are critical factors for initiating a venture and achieving its continual growth. In retrospect, we have looked at how successful family businesses have survived through the ups and downs of unpredictable economies and found that it is with discipline, passion, adequate succession planning and the proper utilization of financial resources among other significant contributors that allowed family business owners to have accomplished such a tremendous feat. However, the same cannot be said of the majority of today’s money spending generation where young men and women alike find joy in lavishly spending their former generation’s hard earned money. This research paper examines the entrepreneurial abilities and interest of the second generation in starting a business and how they can best be able to foster their strengths.   Keywords - Family Business, Entrepreneurial Abilities, Second Generation Competencies, Future Directions
The Portfolio Management of Orphanages in Bohol
Authors: Golosino Ernesto O.
Published: September 2012

The complexities brought about by the fast paced civilization posed a colossal problem which government cannot address alone. In a country like the Philippines, societal demands in terms of security, justice, wealth redistribution and the overall welfare of the citizens have grown geometrically vis a vis limited financial and resource capabilities of the government. The diversities of demand among the citizens sometimes forced our leaders to take the driver set blind folded. The methods subscribed by our leaders lead to delayed if not disproportional dispatch of services which gradually distorted social balance. This disequilibrium has been gradually corrected by the philanthropists, charitable institutions and the non-government organizations in general. In Bohol, one of the issues though not alarming as of the moment is the presence of abandoned/neglected children. These fragile souls momentarily find peaceful abode thru the Department of Social Welfare and Development until they arrive at the doors of orphanages. Considering that orphanages heavily relied on dole out, financial grants and donations, the researcher wanted to ascertain if on top of these, the said institution interfaced in their system the basics of portfolio management. The paper is based mainly on secondary data analysis. The results showed that the theories on portfolio management were not being adhered to.   Keywords - Orphanage, Bohol, Department of Social Welfare and Development
Slow‐replicating leukemia cells represent a leukemia stem cell population with high cell‐surface CD74 expression
Authors: Li Huan , Cao Zhijie , Liu Yiming , Xue Zhenya , Li Yishuang , Xing Haiyan , Xu Yingxi , Gu Runxia , Qiu Shaowei , Wei Hui , Wang Min , Rao Qing , Wang Jianxiang
Published: June 2024

Persistence of quiescent leukemia stem cells (LSCs) after treatment most likely contributes to chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis of leukemia patients. Identification of this quiescent cell population would facilitate eradicating LSCs. Here, using a cell‐tracing PKH26 (PKH) dye that can be equally distributed to daughter cells following cell division in vivo, we identify a label‐retaining slow‐cycling leukemia cell population from AML1‐ETO9a (AE9a) leukemic mice. We find that, compared with cells not maintaining PKH‐staining, a higher proportion of PKH‐retaining cells are in G0 phase, and PKH‐retaining cells exhibit increased colony formation ability and leukemia initiation potential. In addition, PKH‐retaining cells possess high chemo‐resistance and are more likely to be localized to the endosteal bone marrow region. Based on the transcriptional signature, HLA class II histocompatibility antigen gamma chain (Cd74) is highly expressed in PKH‐retaining leukemia cells. Furthermore, cell surface CD74 was identified to be highly expressed in LSCs of AE9a mice and CD34+ human leukemia cells. Compared to Lin−CD74− leukemia cells, Lin−CD74+ leukemia cells of AE9a mice exhibit higher stemness properties. Collectively, our findings reveal that the identified slow‐cycling leukemia cell population represents an LSC population, and CD74+ leukemia cells possess stemness properties, suggesting that CD74 is a candidate LSC surface marker.
Lattice‐Strained Materials and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Burange Anand S.
Published: June 2024

Strain plays a crucial role in lattice compression and expansion, as well as in modifying the d‐band structure, among other effects. In certain classes of materials, strain can significantly influence catalytic activity. This article primarily focuses on strain, including its types, methods of measurement, and applications to catalysis, with a particular emphasis on ORR reactions.
Optimal minimum MU for intensity‐modulated proton therapy with pencil‐beam scanning proton beams
Authors: Yi ByongYong , Mossahebi Sina , Jatczak Jenna , Mundis Michelle , Houser Thomas , Alicia David , Han Dong , Gonzalez Rosette , Olis Stephen , Zakhary Mark
Published: June 2024

Purpose

A higher minimum monitor unit (minMU) for pencil‐beam scanning proton beams in intensity‐modulated proton therapy is preferred for more efficient delivery. However, plan quality may be compromised when the minMU is too large.

This study aimed to identify the optimal minMU (OminMU) to improve plan delivery efficiency while maintaining high plan quality.

Methods

We utilized clinical plans including six anatomic sites (brain, head and neck, breast, lung, abdomen, and prostate) from 23 patients previously treated with the Varian ProBeam system. The minMU of each plan was increased from the current clinical minMU of 1.1 to 3–24 MU depending on the daily prescribed dose (DPD). The dosimetric parameters of the plans were evaluated for consistency against a 1.1‐minMU plan for target coverage as well as organs‐at‐risk dose sparing. DPD/minMU was defined as the ratio of DPD to minMU (cGy/MU) to find the OminMU by ensuring that dosimetric parameters did not differ by >1% compared to those of the 1.1‐minMU plan.

Results

All plans up to 5 minMU showed no significant dose differences compared to the 1.1‐minMU plan. Plan qualities remained acceptable when DPD/minMU ≥35 cGy/MU. This suggests that the 35 cGy/MU criterion can be used as the OminMU, which implies that 5 MU is the OminMU for a conventional fraction dose of 180 cGy. Treatment times were decreased by an average of 32% (max 56%, min 7%) and by an average of 1.6 min when the minMU was increased from 1.1 to OminMU.

Conclusion

A clinical guideline for OminMU has been established. The minMU can be increased by 1 MU for every 35 cGy of DPD without compromising plan quality for most cases analyzed in this study. Significant treatment time reduction of up to 56% was observed when the suggested OminMU is used.
Investigation of YAP‐1, OTX‐2, and nestin protein expressions in neuroblastoma: a preliminary study
Authors: Kum Özşengezer Selen , Altun Zekiye Sultan , Sanlav Gamze , Baran Burçin , Kızmazoğlu Deniz , Aktaş Safiye , Keskinoğlu Pembe , Olgun Nur
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. YAP (Yes‐associated protein) is a highly expressed protein in NB. Nestin is an important marker of neuronal differentiation in NB. Orthodenticle homeobox (OTX) is a transcription factor and is overexpressed in blastoma‐derived tumors. The aim of this study was to examine the potential roles of YAP‐1, Nestin, and OTX‐2 proteins in prognosis and risk stratification in neuroblastoma

Methods

Tumor sections of 56 patients with different NB risk groups were analyzed. YAP‐1, Nestin, and OTX‐2 protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in NB patient tissue samples.

Results

YAP‐1, Nestin, and OTX‐2 protein expression levels were evaluated together with the clinical findings of NB patients. YAP‐1 was expressed in 18% of all tissues, while Nestin was expressed in 20.4%. OTX‐2 protein expression was found in 41.1% of the NB patients. YAP‐1 was expressed in 26.9% of high‐risk and 11.5% of low‐risk patients. Nestin was expressed in 24.4% high‐risk and 33.3% low‐risk patients. OTX‐2 was expressed in 68.2% high‐risk and 60% low‐risk patients.YAP‐1 was shown to provide survival advantages among risk groups.

Interpretation

The findings of this study support that YAP‐1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker for staging and risk‐group assignment of NB patients. YAP‐1 expression in neuroblastoma is associated with significantly poorer survival probabilities and should be considered as a potential therapeutic target. OTX‐2 is a promising predictive biomarker candidate, but its mechanisms need further investigation in neuroblastoma, as nestin expression is not significantly linked to patient survival.
3D‐Printed Tissue‐Specific Nanospike‐Based Adhesive Materials for Time‐Regulated Synergistic Tumor Therapy and Tissue Regeneration In Vivo
Authors: Lee Hyun , Han Ginam , Na Yuhyun , Kang Minho , Bang Seo‐Jun , Kang Hyeong Seok , Jang Tae‐Sik , Park Jung‐Hoon , Jang Hae Lin , Yang Kisuk , Kang Heemin , Jung Hyun‐Do
Published: June 2024

The growing concerns regarding cancer recurrence, unpredictable bone deficiencies, and postoperative bacterial infections subsequent to the surgical removal of bone tumors have highlighted the need for multifaceted bone scaffolds that afford tumor therapy, bacterial therapy, and effective vascularized bone reconstruction. However, challenging trilemma has emerged in the realm of bone scaffolds regarding the balance between achieving appropriate mechanical strength, ensuring biocompatibility, and optimizing a degradation rate that aligns with bone‐regenerative rate. Considering these challenges, innovative theragenerative platform is developed by utilizing 3D printing‐based nanospikes for the first time. This platform comprises tissue‐specific nanospiked hydroxyapatite decorated with magnesium (nMg) and adhesive DNA (aDNA). The incorporation of nMg within polylactic acid (PLA) matrix confers photothermal capabilities and helps to modulate mechanical and degradation properties and improve the biocompatibility of theragenerative platform. Simultaneously, the immobilized aDNA contributed to the enhancement of vascularized bone healing. These 3D‐printed tissue‐adhesive theragenerative platforms exhibit superior mechanical properties and offer controlled degradability. Moreover, they enable the eradication of bacteria and osteosarcoma through hyperthermia and promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. This groundbreaking approach is poised to pave the way for the fabrication and design of novel implantable biomaterials that integrate therapeutic and regenerative functions.
Engineered Nanobodies Elicit Durable and Robust Bi‐Therapeutic Efficacy Toward Virus and Tumors
Authors: Jia Bo , Gu Xinquan , Shen Siyu , Liu Yangyi , Li Ming , Wei Zheng , Sun Yao , Ma Chao , Wang Fan , Su Juanjuan , Zhang Hongjie , Li Jingjing , Wei Wei , Liu Kai
Published: June 2024

Nanobodies (Nbs) are one of the most promising therapeutics for overcoming immune escape in various diseases, including SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and cancers. However, the small sizes of nanobodies make them prone to renal clearance, thus decreasing circulation half‐life and hindering therapeutic efficacy. Traditional modification technologies, i.e., biotinylation and Fc‐fusion, aim to enhance nanobody pharmacokinetics, but they may introduce heterogeneous products with impaired functions and potentially affect binding to the Fc receptor. Here, a versatile nanobody engineering strategy is presented via molecular modification mediated by an intrinsically disordered protein. The engineered nanobody nano‐formulations retain their high‐affinity binding to the spike protein receptor binding domain and possess submicromolar levels of half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against the pseudotyped SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, comparable to the unmodified nanobodies. Notably, the nano‐formulations show elongated half‐lives that are up to ≈15 times higher than those of original nanobodies and superior to other reported modified nanobodies. Furthermore, the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of such nano‐formulation toward breast cancer is significantly enhanced. Therefore, this nanobody engineering strategy offers a convenient and broadly applicable solution to address the suboptimal in vivo performance of nanobodies, holding substantial promise for effectively combating treatment‐tolerant cancers and future pandemics.
A Novel PiGF@Diamond Color Converter with a Record Thermal Conductivity for Laser‐Driven Projection Display
Authors: Yu Zikang , Zhao Jiuzhou , Yang Zezhong , Mou Yun , Zhang Hongjin , Xu Ruipeng , Wang Qing , Zeng Lingwei , Lei Lei , Lin Shisheng , Li Hong , Peng Yang , Chen Daqin , Chen Mingxiang
Published: June 2024

High‐brightness laser lighting is confronted with crucial challenges in developing laser‐excitable color converting materials with effective heat dissipation and super optical performance. Herein, a novel composite of phosphor‐in‐glass film on transparent diamond (PiGF@diamond) is designed and fabricated via a facile low‐temperature co‐sintering strategy. The as‐prepared La3Si6N11:Ce3+ (LSN:Ce) PiGF@diamond with well‐retained optical properties of raw phosphor shows a record thermal conductivity of ≈599 W m−1 K−1, which is about 60 times higher than that of currently well‐used PiGF@sapphire (≈10 W m−1 K−1). As a consequence, this color converter can bear laser power density up to 40.24 W mm−2 and a maximum luminance flux of 5602 lm without luminescence saturation due to efficient inhibition of laser‐induced heat accumulation. By further supplementing red spectral component of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (CASN:Eu), the PiGF@diamond based white laser diode is successfully constructed, which can yield warm white light with a high color rendering index of 89.3 and find practical LD‐driven applications. The findings will pave the way for realizing the commercial application of PiGF composite in laser lighting and display.
Elastic Molecular‐Assisted Fabrication of Orthorhombic Non‐Perovskite CsPbI2Br for Ultralow Dark Current in Advanced X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Han Ting , Xue Zhiyu , Qin Haiqing , Qin Aimiao , Xiang Yong , Wang Xinyu , Hu Xiaoran , Gong Jue , Li Zhenlin
Published: June 2024

In the pursuit of low‐dose flat‐panel X‐ray detection and imaging, controlling dark current is pivotal. Modulating the bandgap and resistivity of photosensitive materials is one of the methods to reduce dark current. The study introduces a novel approach by first demonstrating a non‐perovskite orthorhombic phase δ‐CsPbI2Br thick film, fabricated using an innovative elastic molecular‐assisted coating strategy. This technique results in a material with an optimized bandgap of 2.30 eV and a significantly elevated resistivity of 2.42 × 10¹⁰ Ω cm. Consequently, this leads to an ultralow dark current of 1.34 nA cm⁻2. Leveraging this advancement, the developed X‐ray detectors showcase a groundbreaking low detection limit of 53 nGyair s⁻¹, surpassing the performance of their cubic‐phase counterparts. Remarkably, the material exhibits excellent phase stability, maintaining its properties for up to 80 days. By integrating with a thin‐film transistor array, a flat‐panel X‐ray detector that delivers high‐quality 8‐bit imaging across a 64 × 64 matrix is successfully engineered. This work not only presents a transformative approach to substantially reduce dark current in low‐dose X‐ray detection but also sets a new benchmark in the field by combining enhanced imaging capability with robust long‐term stability.
Ultrafast Hot‐Electron Transfer and Plasmonic Coupling Enable Au/MXene Nanohybrids with Broadband Excellent Nonlinear Absorption
Authors: Chen Shuang , Zhou Wenfa , Yan Tianpeng , Li Zhenhua , Gao Yachen , Wang Yuxiao , Song Yinglin , Zhang Xueru
Published: June 2024

Achieving coupling between plasma oscillators can significantly modulate their intrinsic optical characteristics. In this paper, strong coupling generated by the surface plasma of MXene and Au nanobipyramids (NBPs) for broadband ultrafast nonlinear optical modulation is reported. The femtosecond transient absorption spectra reveal that the ultrafast hot electron transfer occurred in the Au/MXene nanohybrids at <200 fs. Au/Ta4C3Tx nanohybrids outperform the outstanding broadband saturable absorption (SA), with a saturation intensity 106 times less than that of the initial MXene. Laser excitation at 1100 nm results in reverse saturable absorption for Ta4C3Tx nanosheets and a strong SA for Au/Ta4C3Tx nanohybrids, which extends the range of SA. Theoretical calculations indicate that excellent nonlinearity is synergistically achieved via hot electron transfer and plasmon coupling. Femtosecond transient absorption spectra reveal that Au NBPs offer the additional occupied state for carriers through the transfer process and extend the carrier lifetime considerably. This study provides theoretical guidance for the exploration of remarkable novel nonlinear‐active 2D layer‐based materials and candidates for the practical applications of saturable absorbers.
Biomimetic Structurally Colored Film for High‐Performance Radiative Cooling
Authors: Lin Yiyi , Qin Chaohua , Liang Zixian , Lin Wanying , Wang Jizhuang , Li Dan
Published: June 2024

In recent years, passive radiative cooling has garnered considerable attention as a sustainable thermal regulation without relying on external energy sources, thus mitigating pollutants generation. However, an intrinsic limitation of these cooling systems lies in the reflective glare, often characterized by an ivory or silvery appearance. This drawback limits their practical application, especially where both functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal are pivotal. Herein, a biomimetic approach inspired by Saharan silver ants' thermoregulatory capabilities is adopted. These ants, equipped with distinctive triangular‐shaped hair, maintain body temperature lower than the ambient air. Leveraging insights from this natural model, a reusable silicon template is employed to fabricate a metasurface structural colored film with a triangular prism array structure using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and the phase separation technique. The film demonstrates an average emissivity of 96% within the atmospheric window and an average solar reflectivity of 93%, leading to a maximum temperature reduction of 8.6 °C during daytime and 5.9 °C at night. Furthermore, the film displays stretchability and mechanical resilience, bolstered by the microscale prismatic structure enhancing superhydrophobicity. This work introduces a biomimetic strategy aimed at augmenting thermal emission while reconciling the challenge of achieving visual appealand high radiative cooling performance.
LTBP2 Knockdown Ameliorates Cardiac Fibrosis and Apoptosis via Attenuating NF‐κB Signaling Pathway and Oxidative Stress in Mice with Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Yifeng , Hua Dongxu , Zhao Kun , Xie Qiyang , Wu Xiaoguang , Gao Min , Huang Wanling , Huang Wen , Li Peng , Sheng Yanhui
Published: June 2024

At present, there is no therapeutic approach available to reverse the progression of pathological fibrosis and ventricle chamber stiffening. This study is designed to explore the effects of latent transforming growth factor‐beta‐binding protein 2 (LTBP2) on cardiac fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the underlying mechanisms. The key differential gene LTBP2 is identified by mRNA sequencing. Ang II‐induced cells and mice are treated with LTBP2 si‐RNA or knockdown adenovirus, respectively, and the indicators of cardiac function, oxidative stress, cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis, and remodeling are examined. The underlying mechanism is elucidated in vitro by oxidative stress and an agonist of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). LTBP2 is upregulated in the cardiac tissue of mice with Ang II‐mediated HF. The knockdown of LTBP2 enhanced cardiac function, attenuated cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis, hypertrophy, and oxidative stress injury, and suppressed NF‐κB expression. These results are validated in vitro. The effects of LTBP2 gene silencing are reversed by either NF‐κB or oxidative stress agonists in vitro. Taken together, these findings suggest that LTBP2 knockdown alleviates HF by inhibiting cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis, and hypertrophy via attenuating NF‐κB signaling pathway and oxidative stress. Thus, targeting LTBP2 may be a novel approach to the treatment of HF.
Development of a New Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Radioligand Targeting RIPK1 in the Brain and Characterization in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Bai Ping , Lan Yu , Liu Yan , Mondal Prasenjit , Gomm Ashley , Xu Yulong , Wang Yanli , Wang Yongle , Kang Leyi , Pan Lili , Bagdasarian Frederick A. , Hallisey Madelyn , Lobo Fleur , Varela Breanna , Choi Se Hoon , Gomperts Stephen N. , Wey Hsiao‐Ying , Shen Shiqian , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Wang Changning , Zhang Can
Published: June 2024

Targeting receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) has emerged as a promising therapeutic stratagem for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). A positron emission tomography (PET) probe enabling brain RIPK1 imaging can provide a powerful tool to unveil the neuropathology associated with RIPK1. Herein, the development of a new PET radioligand, [11C]CNY‐10 is reported, which may enable brain RIPK1 imaging. [11C]CNY‐10 is radiosynthesized with a high radiochemical yield (41.8%) and molar activity (305 GBq/µmol). [11C]CNY‐10 is characterized by PET imaging in rodents and a non‐human primate, demonstrating good brain penetration, binding specificity, and a suitable clearance kinetic profile. It is performed autoradiography of [11C]CNY‐10 in human AD and healthy control postmortem brain tissues, which shows strong radiosignal in AD brains higher than healthy controls. Subsequently, it is conducted further characterization of RIPK1 in AD using [11C]CNY‐10‐based PET studies in combination with immunohistochemistry leveraging the 5xFAD mouse model. It is found that AD mice revealed RIPK1 brain signal significantly higher than WT control mice and that RIPK1 is closely related to amyloid plaques in the brain. The studies enable further translational studies of [11C]CNY‐10 for AD and potentially other RIPK1‐related human studies.
Mussel‐Derived and Bioclickable Peptide Mimic for Enhanced Interfacial Osseointegration via Synergistic Immunomodulation and Vascularized Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhou Wei , Liu Yang , Dong Jiale , Hu Xianli , Su Zheng , Zhang Xianzuo , Zhu Chen , Xiong Liming , Huang Wei , Bai Jiaxiang
Published: June 2024

Inadequate osseointegration at the interface is a key factor in orthopedic implant failure. Mechanistically, traditional orthopedic implant interfaces fail to precisely match natural bone regeneration processes in vivo. In this study, a novel biomimetic coating on titanium substrates (DPA‐Co/GFO) through a mussel adhesion‐mediated ion coordination and molecular clicking strategy is engineered. In vivo and in vitro results confirm that the coating exhibits excellent biocompatibility and effectively promotes angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Crucially, the biomimetic coating targets the integrin α2β1 receptor to promote M2 macrophage polarization and achieves a synergistic effect between immunomodulation and vascularized bone regeneration, thereby maximizing osseointegration at the interface. Mechanical push‐out tests reveal that the pull‐out strength in the DPA‐Co/GFO group is markedly greater than that in the control group (79.04 ± 3.20 N vs 31.47 ± 1.87 N, P < 0.01) and even surpasses that in the sham group (79.04 ± 3.20 N vs 63.09 ± 8.52 N, P < 0.01). In summary, the novel biomimetic coating developed in this study precisely matches the natural process of bone regeneration in vivo, enhancing interface‐related osseointegration and showing considerable potential for clinical translation and applications.
Challenges and Opportunities for Passive Thermoregulation
Authors: Guo Na , Shi Changmin , Warren Natalie , Sprague‐Klein Emily A. , Sheldon Brian W. , Yan Hongjie , Chen Meijie
Published: June 2024

The unsustainable nature of energy‐intensive and environmentally unfriendly traditional air conditioning systems, compacted with recent climate change effects, show an urgent need for more sustainable and efficient thermoregulation solutions. Innovations in passive daytime radiative coolers (PDRCs) and selective solar absorbers (SSAs), which utilize natural resources, the “cold” outer space and “hot” sun from the sky, offer an environmentally friendly and cost‐effective alternative. However, various factors significantly impede the commercial viability of these technologies, such as lack of emphasis on advancements for practical application, the challenge of reversible functionality between PDRCs and SSAs, inconsistent performance evaluation, and the absence of effective mass production strategies. Here current challenges and future development trends of PDRC and SSA‐aided innovation are discussed. Specifically, challenges and opportunities relating to application conditions, evaluation parameter standardization, and strategies are considered for large‐scale production, all of which are critical for realizing the full potential of PDRCs and SSAs.
Protective effects of diversified diets for dietary folate adequacy and serum homocysteine in breastfeeding mothers amid historic drought
Authors: Fujita Masako , Asthana Ananyaa , Wamwere‐Njoroge George
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The United Nations recommends that women consume ≥5 food groups, also known as the minimum dietary diversity score for women (MDD‐W), for nutritional health. This is increasingly unattainable for populations in climate hot zones coping with food insecurity by prioritizing calories over dietary breadth. Breastfeeding mothers may be particularly vulnerable to adverse health impacts of low dietary diversity due to elevated nutritional requirements for lactation. We investigated how the protective effects of MDD‐W for folate adequacy varies by MDD‐W score and mother–infant life history characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from breastfeeding mothers (n = 228) in northern Kenya, surveyed during the 2006 Horn‐of‐Africa drought. Logistic regression models for adequate dietary folate (and vitamins B12 and B6) and normal homocysteine (folate‐replete status) evaluated the effect of MDD‐W alone and in interaction with infant/maternal characteristics.

Results

MDD‐W (as ordinal or dichotomous variable) was positively associated with adequate folate (and vitamin B12). Having male infant was inversely associated with adequate dietary folate. MDD‐W was generally unassociated with homocysteine. However, there was an interaction between MDD‐W and sex of the infant. Namely, MDD‐W ≥ 3 predicted increased probability of normal homocysteine among mothers with female infants but not male infants.

Conclusions

Diets consisting of three or more food groups may protect adequate folate intake for many breastfeeding mothers. More research is needed to establish what level of dietary diversity would protect against hyperhomocysteinemia during breastfeeding and what factors promote or hinder the benefit of diversified diets on maternal folate nutrition.
Cost of agricultural injuries in the United States: Estimates based on surveillance, insurance, and government statistics
Authors: Adhikari Suraj , Wilson Fernando , Rautiainen Risto
Published: June 2024

Background

Agriculture is a hazardous industry but the frequency and severity of agricultural injuries are not well documented as nonfatal injuries to self‐employed farmers are excluded from national surveillance. The aim of this study was to provide new injury rate and cost estimates in US agriculture.

Methods

Injury data were obtained from 2018 to 2020 Farm and Ranch Health and Safety Surveys. Responses from 7,195 farm/ranch operators included injury frequency, medical expense, and lost work time data. These injury rate and cost data were used to estimate national injury costs for self‐employed farmers using Census of Agriculture operator count, injury costs for hired agricultural workers using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) nonfatal injury count, and fatal injury costs using BLS count of fatal injuries.

Results

The injury rate for self‐employed farmers and ranchers was 15.25 injuries per 100 operators or 11.9 “recordable” injuries per 100 full time equivalent operators (FTE). Average costs for nonfatal injuries were: $10,878 for medical care, $4735 for lost work time, and $15,613 in total per injury case. The total national agricultural injury cost estimate was $11.31 billion per year; 11.3% higher than the earlier benchmark using 1992 data; both in March 2024 dollars. The cost burden was 2.1% of the US national gross farm income and 13.4% of the net farm income in 2019.

Conclusions

Injuries result in significant economic losses to farm and ranch operators, their family members, workers, and society. Preventive efforts should be scaled up to reduce the frequency and costs of agricultural injuries.
ACOX1 gain‐of‐function variation in a 10‐years‐old patient responsive to immunomodulating therapy
Authors: Filippi Corinna , Brunetti Sara , Plumari Massimo , Valente Enza Maria , Accorsi Patrizia , Fazzi Elisa Maria
Published: June 2024

A heterozygous gain‐of‐function variant in the acyl‐CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) gene, c.710A>G (p.Asn237Ser), is known to cause Mitchell syndrome, a very rare progressive disorder characterized by episodic demyelination, sensory polyneuropathy, and hearing loss. Only eight patients have been described so far. A single patient has been treated with intravenous immunoglobulin administration, indicating clinical improvement. In this study, we describe a 10‐year‐old girl carrying the identical mutation, who presented with progressive sensorineural deafness, visual abnormalities, skin ichthyosis, and gait ataxia from infantile age with progressive worsening and loss of walking ability by the age of 10 years. Antioxidant therapies and monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions showed excellent clinical results: after 1 year of treatment, the child is now able to walk, run, and jump. We emphasize the importance of early genetic diagnosis since an effective treatment is available for this rare condition.
Brief communication: New method for measuring nitrogen isotopes in tooth dentine at high temporal resolution
Authors: Smith Tanya M. , Ávila Janaína N. , Arora Manish , Austin Christine , Drake Teresa , Kinaston Rebecca , Sudron Emma , Wang Yue , Williams Ian S.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) are widely used to study human nursing and weaning ages. Conventional methods involve sampling 1‐mm thick sections of tooth dentine—producing an averaging effect that integrates months of formation. We introduce a novel protocol for measuring δ15N by multicollector secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).

Materials and Methods

We sampled dentine δ15N on a weekly to monthly basis along the developmental axis in two first molars of healthy children from Australia and New Zealand (n = 217 measurements). Nitrogen isotope ratios were determined from measurements of CN− secondary molecular ions in ~35 μm spots. By relating spot position to enamel formation, we identified prenatal dentine, as well as sampling ages over more than 3 years. We also created calcium‐normalized barium and strontium maps with laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry.

Results

We found rapid postnatal δ15N increases of ~2‰–3‰, during which time the children were exclusively breastfed, followed by declines as the breastfeeding frequency decreased. After weaning, δ15N values remained stable for several months, coinciding with diets that did not include meat or cow's milk; values then varied by ~2‰ starting in the third year of life. Barium did not show an immediate postnatal increase, rising after a few months until ~1–1.5 years of age, and falling until or shortly after the cessation of suckling. Initial strontium trends varied but both individuals peaked months after weaning.

Discussion

Developmentally informed SIMS measurements of δ15N minimize time averaging and can be precisely related to an individual's early dietary history.
Guidance for clinical practice using emergency and point‐of‐care ultrasonography
Authors: Kameda Toru , Ishii Hiromoto , Oya Seiro , Katabami Kenichi , Kodama Takamitsu , Sera Makoto , Takei Hirokazu , Taniguchi Hayato , Nakao Shunichiro , Funakoshi Hiraku , Yamaga Satoshi , Senoo Satomi , Kimura Akio
Published: June 2024

Owing to the miniaturization of diagnostic ultrasound scanners and their spread of their bedside use, ultrasonography has been actively utilized in emergency situations. Ultrasonography performed by medical personnel with focused approaches at the bedside for clinical decision‐making and improving the quality of invasive procedures is now called point‐of‐care ultrasonography (POCUS). The concept of POCUS has spread worldwide; however, in Japan, formal clinical guidance concerning POCUS is lacking, except for the application of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) and ultrasound‐guided central venous cannulation. The Committee for the Promotion of POCUS in the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) has often discussed improving the quality of acute care using POCUS, and the “Clinical Guidance for Emergency and Point‐of‐Care Ultrasonography” was finally established with the endorsement of JAAM. The background, targets for acute care physicians, rationale based on published articles, and integrated application were mentioned in this guidance. The core points include the fundamental principles of ultrasound, airway, chest, cardiac, abdominal, and deep venous ultrasound, ultrasound‐guided procedures, and the usage of ultrasound based on symptoms. Additional points, which are currently being considered as potential core points in the future, have also been widely mentioned. This guidance describes the overview and future direction of ultrasonography for acute care physicians and can be utilized for emergency ultrasound education. We hope this guidance will contribute to the effective use of ultrasonography in acute care settings in Japan.
Common Biosynthesis of Non‐Canonical C16 Terpenes through a Fragmentation‐Recombination Mechanism
Authors: Xu Houchao , Goldfuss Bernd , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: June 2024

The biosynthesis of six recently reported non‐canonical C16 sesquiterpenoids named after ancient Greek philosophers, archimedene, aristotelene, eratosthenene, pythagorene, α‐democritene and anaximandrene, was investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and isotopic labeling experiments. The results revealed for all compounds except archimedene a unique fragmentation‐recombination mechanism as previously demonstrated for sodorifen biosynthesis, in addition to a remarkable “dancing” mechanism for anaximandrene biosynthesis.
Mesencephalic trigeminal neuron dendritic structures in the macaque
Authors: Wang Niping , Warren Susan , May Paul J.
Published: June 2024

It is presumed that the unusual central location of mesencephalic trigeminal neurons is a specialization that allows them to receive synaptic input. However, relatively few synaptic terminals were observed on the somata of mesencephalic trigeminal neurons in macaque monkeys via electron microscopy. This leaves the question of dendritic synaptic terminals open. Unlike the pseudounipolar neurons found in the trigeminal ganglion, some mesencephalic trigeminal neurons have been reported to be multipolar cells exhibiting a number of dendritic processes in non‐primate species. To examine whether this morphological feature was also present in macaque monkeys, we retrogradely filled these cells with biotinylated dextran amine by injecting it into the trigeminal nerve entry zone. A portion of the mesencephalic trigeminal neurons exhibited short, poorly branched, dendritic processes. They also exhibited very fine, short processes believed to be somatic spines. Thus, primate trigeminal mesencephalic neurons appear to have specializations aimed at increasing the membrane surface area available for synaptic input.
Synthesis of ω‐Hydroxy Fatty Acid Alkyl Esters by Macrocyclic Lactones Alcoholysis Catalyzed by Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Zinc Aryloxides
Authors: Petrus Rafał , Matuszak Karolina , Kinzhybalo Vasyl
Published: June 2024

A series of zinc aryloxides, [Zn4(sal‐Me)8]⋅2.5(C7H8) (1), [Zn4(sal‐Me)8]⋅CH2Cl2 (2), [Zn4(μ3‐OR)2(sal‐R)6] (3) (for R=Me (0.51), Et (0.49)), [Zn4(μ3‐OMe)4(sal‐Me)4(HOMe)4] (4), [Zn(sal‐Me)2(py)2]⋅THF (5), {[Zn(sal‐Me)2(tmbpy)] ⋅ 2(C6H5CH3)}n (6), [Zn2(sal‐Me)2(THF)2Cl2] ⋅ 0.5(C6H5CH3) (7), and [Zn4(μ3‐OMe)2(sal‐Me)4Cl2] (8) (Hsal‐Me=methyl salicylate, py=pyridine, tmbpy=4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine) were obtained that have different nuclearities and central core topologies and contain ligands of different basicity and coordination abilities.
Do not walk into darkness in greenhushing: A cross‐cultural study on why Chinese and South Korean corporations engage in greenhushing behavior
Authors: Tao Zhibin
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on exploring the factors influencing why companies engage in greenhushing decisions in the cultural backgrounds of China and Republic of Korea. Structural equation modeling analysis indicates that in these two countries, reputational risk not only directly leads to corporate greenhushing behavior, but also exerts its influence through conservatism as a mediating factor. Reputational risk causes companies to exhibit conservatism, which in turn leads to the adoption of greenhushing behavior. Furthermore, tests for moderation effects revealed that, in the Chinese sample data, a transparent information disclosure mechanism has the ability to mitigate the impact of reputational risk on corporate greenhushing behavior, as well as to alleviate the influence of conservatism on corporate greenhushing behavior. In the South Korean sample data, a transparent information disclosure mechanism can moderate the impact of reputational risk on conservatism and corporate greenhushing behavior. Finally, the fsQCA method is tested to derive the different configurations and pathways that lead to the strong emergence of greenhushing behavior in companies in China and Republic of Korea, as well as to identify the most influential pathways. This study provides substantial theoretical support for further exploration of the causal mechanisms of corporate greenhushing behavior and promotion of cross‐cultural comparisons and learning in the international environmental management field. In addition, provides rich empirical support and theoretical guidance for corporate environmental management decision‐making and policy formulation. The findings highlight the further standardization and strengthening of transparent information disclosure mechanisms will be an important direction for future environmental policy development.
Impact of rural location on receipt of standard of care treatment and survival for locally advanced bladder cancer in Louisiana
Authors: Escott Megan , Yi Yong , Foret Ashley , Li TingTing , Hsieh Mei‐Chin , Delacroix Scott E. , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , Westerman Mary E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aim to determine the effect of region of residence (urban vs. rural) on the odds of receiving standard of care treatment for locally advanced BCa in Louisiana and its impact on survival outcomes.

Methods

Using the Louisiana Tumor Registry, we identified American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage II or III, BCa diagnoses in Louisiana residents between 2010 and 2020. Treatment received was classified as standard or non‐standard of care according to American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines and location of residence was determined using Rural Urban Commuting Area‐Tract‐level 2010 (RUCA). Multivariable logistic regression analyses and multivariate cox proportional hazard analyses were performed.

Results

Of 983 eligible patients, 85.6% (841/983) lived in urban areas. Overall, only 37.5% received standard‐of‐care (SOC) for the definitive management of locally advanced bladder cancer. Individuals living in rural areas (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.31–0.91, p = 0.02) were less likely to receive standard of care treatment. Both rural residence and receipt of non‐standard of care therapy were associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer‐specific (adj HR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09–2.14, p = 0.01 and adj HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.43–2.39, <0.0001) and overall mortality (adj HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01–1.61, p = 0.04 and adj HR: 1.73 95% CI: 1.44–2.07, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Most patients with locally advanced bladder cancer in Louisiana do not receive SOC therapy. Individuals living in rural locations are more likely to receive non‐standard of care therapy than individuals in urban areas. Nonstandard of care treatment and rural residence are both associated with worse survival outcomes for Louisiana residents with locally advanced bladder cancer.
Meta‐analysis on axillary lymph node metastasis rate in ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion
Authors: Li Xiongxiong , Zhou Can , Xu Ting , Ren Yu , Li Meng , Shang Jin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To address the question of axillary lymph node staging in ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCIS‐MI), we retrospectively evaluated axillary lymph nodes metastasis (ALNM) rate in a cohort of postsurgical DCIS‐MI patients. By analyzing these data, we aimed to generate clinically relevant insights to inform treatment decision‐making for this patient population.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, Wipe, and China Biomedical Literature Database to identify relevant publications in any language. All the analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 software.

Results

Among the 28 studies involving 8279 patients, the pooled analysis revealed an ALNM rate of 8% (95% CI, 7% to 10%) in patients with DCIS‐MI. Furthermore, the rates of axillary lymph node macrometastasis, micrometastasis, and ITC in patients with DCIS‐MI were 2% (95% CI, 2% to 3%), 3% (95% CI, 2% to 4%), and 2% (95% CI, 1% to 3%), respectively. Moreover, 13 studies investigated the non‐sentinel lymph node (Non‐SLN) metastasis rate, encompassing a total of 1236 DCIS‐MI cases. The pooled analysis identified a Non‐SLN metastasis rate of 33% (95% CI, 14% to 55%) in patients with DCIS‐MI.

Conclusion

The SLNB for patients with DCIS‐MI is justifiable and could provide a novel therapeutic basis for systemic treatment decisions.