bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body composition and risk of major gynecologic malignancies: Results from the UK Biobank prospective cohort
Authors: Yun Peng , Xia Bin , Tian Xiao‐hui , Gong Ting , Liu An‐ran , Yuan Jin‐qiu , Li Fang‐ping
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association between body composition and subsequent risk of the major gynecologic malignancies.

Methods

This is a prospective analysis of participants from the UK Biobank. We measured baseline body composition and confirmed cancer diagnosis through linkage to cancer and death registries. We evaluated hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence interval (CIs) with COX models adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

We document 1430 cases of the top three gynecologic malignancies (uterine corpus cancer 847 cases, ovarian cancer 514 cases, and cervical cancer 69 cases) from 245,084 female participants (75,307 were premenopausal and 169,777 were postmenopausal). For premenopausal women, whole body fat‐free mass (WBFFM) was associated with an increased risk of uterine corpus cancer (Adjusted HR per unit increase 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06). For postmenopausal women, compared with the first quartile, the fourth quartile of WBFFM and whole body fat mass(WBFM) was associated with 2.16 (95% CI 1.49–3.13) times and 1.89 (95% CI 1.31–2.72) times of increased uterine corpus cancer risk, respectively. Regarding the distribution of body fat mass (FM)/fat‐free mass (FFM), FFM distributed in the trunk was associate with increased uterine corpus cancer risk in premenopausal (HR 1.18,95% CI 1.07–1.31) and postmenopausal women (HR 1.13,95% CI 1.09–1.18). Meanwhile, FM/FFM distributed in the limbs present an U‐shaped associations with uterine corpus cancer risk. We did not observe any association between aforementioned body composition indices with ovarian or cervical cancer.

Conclusion

FM is associated with an increased risk of uterine corpus cancer in postmenopausal women. Meanwhile, FFM is found to be a risk factor for uterine corpus cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. No association of body composition with ovarian or cervical cancer was observed.
Using deep learning to identify bladder cancers with FGFR‐activating mutations from histology images
Authors: Velmahos Constantine S. , Badgeley Marcus , Lo Ying‐Chun
Published: June 2021

Background

In recent years, the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathway has been proven to be an important therapeutic target in bladder cancer. FGFR‐targeted therapies are effective for patients with FGFR mutation, which can be discovered through genetic sequencing. However, genetic sequencing is not commonly performed at diagnosis, whereas a histologic assessment of the tumor is. We aim to computationally extract imaging biomarkers from existing tumor diagnostic slides in order to predict FGFR alterations in bladder cancer.

Methods

This study analyzed genomic profiles and H&E‐stained tumor diagnostic slides of bladder cancer cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 418 cases). A convolutional neural network (CNN) identified tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). The percentage of the tissue containing TIL (“TIL percentage”) was then used to predict FGFR activation status with a logistic regression model.

Results

This predictive model could proficiently identify patients with any type of FGFR gene aberration using the CNN‐based TIL percentage (sensitivity = 0.89, specificity = 0.42, AUROC = 0.76). A similar model which focused on predicting patients with only FGFR2/FGFR3 mutation was also found to be highly sensitive, but also specific (sensitivity = 0.82, specificity = 0.85, AUROC = 0.86).

Conclusion

TIL percentage is a computationally derived image biomarker from routine tumor histology that can predict whether a tumor has FGFR mutations. CNNs and other digital pathology methods may complement genome sequencing and provide earlier screening options for candidates of targeted therapies.
Community college faculty engagement in psychology's professional societies
Authors: Ronquillo‐Adachi Jaclyn , Lewis Ladonna , Rudmann Jerry , Boenau Martha , Hailstorks Robin J.
Published: June 2021

Psychology's organizations have included community college faculty members in a variety of professionally enriching events and roles that have helped to shape the direction of the discipline.
Disciplinary societies and community colleges: Partners in progress
Authors: Maier Mark , Rowell Katherine R. , Macdonald R. Heather
Published: June 2021

This chapter summarizes the varied disciplinary society structures and synthesizes the ways to enhance the relationship between the disciplinary societies and their community college partners.
Indication for management of oropharyngocutaneous fistulas after head and neck reconstruction using a “stick‐shaped platysma flap” technique
Authors: Matsuura‐Midorikawa Mari , Rikimaru Hideaki , Rikimaru‐Nishi Yukiko , Migita Hisashi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Oyama Mai , Kiyokawa Kensuke
Published: June 2021

Key Clinical Message

The main strength of the stick‐shaped platysma flap technique is it provides adequate tissue volume, while being comparatively simple to perform. It is a highly efficient and straightforward method to close intractable fistulas with minimal morbidity.
Stability criteria and convective mass transfer from the falling spherical drops, part I: Bingham plastic fluids
Authors: Nirmalkar Neelkanth , Alam Md J. , Gupta Anoop K.
Published: June 2021

This work deals with the flow and mass transfer around a falling spherical drop in Bingham plastic fluids. Bubbles, drops, and particles are often dispersed in a suspending fluid of non‐Newtonian nature. For example, suspensions of particles in a polymer solution are used in hydraulic fracturing slurries and swarms of bubbles are used in airlift bioreactors containing various biomacromolecules, as well as in foam production, degassing, and de‐volatilization of polymer melts. Governing equations for momentum and mass transfer and the Bingham constitutive equation are solved over a wide range of dimensionless groups as Reynolds number, ; Schmidt number, ; Bingham number, ; and viscosity ratio (0.1 and 10). The local underline transport processes are expressed using streamlines, concentration contours, and sheared and un‐sheared regions, whereas the average transport quantities are reported in terms of drag coefficient, critical yield‐stress parameter, and Sherwood number. A co‐existence of sheared and un‐sheared regions occurs within the flow domain due to the fluid‐yield stress. The sheared regions progressively diminish with the increasing value of the Bingham number. On the other hand, inertial effects (increasing ) promotes the expansion of the sheared region in the flow domain. The new modified dimensionless groups are defined by re‐scaling the governing equations based on the effective viscosity of the fluid. Finally, the present numerical values of the drag and average Sherwood number are correlated using the new modified dimensionless numbers.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of the performances of type‐C and three‐segment demisters used in cooling towers
Authors: Tang Ya , Xu Yu Ting , He Chang , Zhang Bing Jian , Chen Qing Lin
Published: June 2021

Demisters have become a key vapour‐liquid separation device for eliminating mist and preventing any escape of liquid droplets from cooling towers. In this paper, the overall performances of two types of demisters, namely type‐C and three‐segment demisters, are systematically investigated by using both experimental and numerical methods. The validation results show that the numerical results agree well with experimental data. On this basis, the underlying influences of key operating parameters, such as the circulating pressure of the pump, spray water flow rate, inlet gas velocity, and droplet size on the overall performance, are revealed. The results show that the overall separation efficiency is more sensitive to the gas velocity and increasing the gas velocity leads to two distinct declining stages of the overall separation efficiency for both demisters. The first stage appears due to the competition between the drag force and the inertial/centrifugal forces, while the next stage arises mainly due to the droplet re‐entrainment. The geometric design of the type‐C demister is more conducive to the separation of the fine droplets due to the presence of the hook plate, even at a relatively low gas velocity. Besides, the type‐C demister has more potential to reduce the power consumption while achieving a higher profit for a given grade separation efficiency.
POLARIO – A simple low‐cost‐polarimeter for the chemistry lesson
Authors: Helfensteller Ronny , Flint Alfred
Published: June 2021

Mit den Themen optische Aktivität und Mutarotation beschäftigen sich Schülerinnen und Schüler der Sekundarstufe II mit überaus komplexen Sachverhalten. Umso wichtiger ist es, dass diese Themen mit einfachen, anschaulichen Experimenten untermauert werden können. Im folgenden Artikel wird eine Bauanleitung für ein Low‐Cost‐Polarimeter vorgestellt, welches schnell und einfach mit wenig Materialaufwand im Chemieunterricht eingesetzt werden kann.
Digitalization and computational thinking in lower secondary science education using the example of paper chromatography
Authors: Kraska Thomas
Published: June 2021

Die Papierchromatographie ist ein einfaches und ungefährliches Experiment, das sich für die Unterstufe eignet. Neben der Vermittlung der fachlichen Inhalte ermöglicht die Papierchromatographie auch den Einsatz von Modellierung und Simulation, da sich die submikroskopischen Vorgänge so vereinfachen lassen, dass sie für Schülerinnen und Schüler am Anfang der Sekundarstufe nachvollziehbar sind. Hier wird über den Einsatz digitaler Methoden in Ergänzung zu der experimentellen Durchführung der Papierchromatographie in einem Wahlpflichtfach Naturwissenschaften in der Klassenstufe 6 berichtet. Im Anschluss an eine Reihe von Experimenten wurde die Chromatographie zunächst über ein Spiel und anschließend im Computer simuliert. Ein solches Simulationsprogramm erlaubt die Variation der Parameter, um das Modell zu erkunden sowie die Einführung des Teilchenmodells und der molekularen Wechselwirkung. Die Umsetzung in einer graphischen Programmierumgebung wie zum Beispiel Scratch erlaubt die Programmierung durch die Schülerinnen und Schüler in dieser Altersklasse. So können schon früh Modellierung und Simulation als wichtige Bestandteile des naturwissenschaftlichen Arbeitens eingeführt werden.
Thymol blue – hands‐on synthesis & AR‐based learning materials
Authors: Tschiersch Anja , Banerji Amitabh , Remus Ludger
Published: June 2021

In diesem Artikel werden die Synthese von Thymolblau als Schülerexperiment und passende Augmented‐Reality (AR)‐gestützte Lernmaterialien vorgestellt. Zudem wird der Kenntnisstand zur Synthese von Thymolblau sowie dessen pH‐abhängige Struktur‐Eigenschafts‐Beziehung vor dem Hintergrund neuerer Erkenntnisse diskutiert und es wird über Erfahrungen mit dem Einsatz des Experimentes in der schulischen und universitären Praxis und im Rahmen von Fortbildungen berichtet.
A SMAD4‐modulated gene profile predicts disease‐free survival in stage II and III colorectal cancer
Authors: Szeglin Bryan C. , Wu Chao , Marco Michael R. , Park Hyun Sung , Zhang Zeda , Zhang Bing , Garcia‐Aguilar Julio , Beauchamp R. Daniel , Chen X. Steven , Smith J. Joshua
Published: June 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer is the second‐leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in the United States and a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Loss of SMAD4, a critical tumor suppressor and the central node of the transforming growth factor‐beta superfamily, is associated with worse outcomes for colorectal cancer patients; however, it is unknown whether an RNA‐based profile associated with SMAD4 expression could be used to better identify high‐risk colorectal cancer patients.

Aim

Identify a gene expression‐based SMAD4‐modulated profile and test its association with patient outcome.

Methods and results

Using a discovery dataset of 250 colorectal cancer patients, we analyzed expression of BMP/Wnt target genes for association with SMAD4 expression. Promoters of the BMP/Wnt genes were interrogated for SMAD‐binding elements. Fifteen genes were implicated and three tested for modulation by SMAD4 in patient‐derived colorectal cancer tumoroids. Expression of the 15 genes was used for unsupervised hierarchical clustering of a training dataset and two resulting clusters modeled in a centroid model. This model was applied to an independent validation dataset of stage II and III patients. Disease‐free survival was analyzed by the Kaplan‐Meier method. In vitro analysis of three genes identified in the SMAD4‐modulated profile (JAG1, TCF7, and MYC) revealed modulation by SMAD4 consistent with the trend observed in the profile. In the training dataset (n = 553), the profile was not associated with outcome. However, among stage II and III patients (n = 461), distinct clusters were identified by unsupervised hierarchical clustering that were associated with disease‐free survival (p = .02, log‐rank test). The main model was applied to a validation dataset of stage II/III CRC patients (n = 257) which confirmed the association of clustering with disease‐free survival (p = .013, log‐rank test).

Conclusions

A SMAD4‐modulated gene expression profile identified high‐risk stage II and III colorectal cancer patients, can predict disease‐free survival, and has prognostic potential for stage II and III colorectal cancer patients.
Outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in a single center in Brazil: A survival analysis study
Authors: Bonilha Thais A. , Obadia Danielle D. A. , Valveson Andressa C. , Land Marcelo G. P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common neoplasm in childhood. The probability of current overall survival (OS) is around 90% in developed countries. There are few studies that demonstrate the results in Brazil.

Aim

This work aims to analyze the results of children with ALL treated at a single institution in Rio de Janeiro.

Methods and results

Retrospective analysis survival study of a cohort of childhood ALL patients treated in Hemorio. Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank methods were used for the analysis of OS and events‐free survival (EFS) and the Cox proportional hazards regression model for multivariate analysis.

The probability of OS and EFS at 6 years was 52% and 45%. The probability of OS and EFS in 6 years for patients aged 10‐17 years was 31% and 28% and for the younger was 65% and 55%, respectively (p < .001). A probability of OS and EFS in 6 years for patients with more than 100 000 leukocytes/mm3 at diagnosis was 19% and 16% and those with less than 100 000 were 62% (p = .007) and 55% (p = .008). Those who received less than 10 doses of native Escherichia coli asparaginase had a probability of OS and EFS in 6 years of 27% and 21% and those who received at least 10 doses were 74% and 65% (p < .001).

Conclusions

The presence of a high number of adolescents and high‐risk patients, as well as many patients who discontinued the use of asparaginase or any substitute led to a lower probability of OS and EFS in our cohort.
The changing role of natural and human agencies shaping the ecology of an African savanna ecosystem
Authors: Western David , Mose Victor N.
Published: June 2021

Reconstructing the historical interplay of wildlife and pastoralists in the African savannas is clouded in contemporary studies by the transformation of subsistence societies and land use changes. We draw on five decades of monitoring by the Amboseli Conservation Program to illustrate the rainfall–plant–herbivore linkages in a free‐ranging wildlife–livestock system transitioning to contemporary savanna landscapes. In half a century, the coupled interactions of wildlife and livestock in the Amboseli ecosystem driven by rainfall and water sources have been severed and reshaped by farming, land subdivision, sedentism, poaching, and intensified herbivory. Livestock ranges have expanded, wildlife ranges have contracted, and overlapping spatial use has fluctuated with population sizes. In contrast, wildlife and livestock herds have been sustained where the rangelands remain open. A decrease in the mean body size reflecting a shift to small stock among pastoralists has increased species dominance, decreased diversity, and elevated biomass turnover and the probability of extreme shortfalls. In recent droughts, pastoralists have been importing food supplements to reduce drought risk and purchased livestock to restock herds, further uncoupling the rainfall‐herbivore link. Our study reinforces the view that biomes worldwide are shaped at an accelerating pace by human agencies rather than endogenous environmental factors. Disputes over models of rangeland systems echo the wider debate over using natural ecosystems as benchmarks for conservation verses “gardening” nature. We argue that models of natural ecosystems fail to account for the dominant role of humans in contemporary ecosystem yet that it is possible to monitor the complex interplay of human and natural systems and interpret the changes in terms of ecological function using macroecological analysis. The key finding for conservation is the importance of space, landscape heterogeneity, social networks, and mobility in sustaining the large herbivore populations.
Offer drive‐in theater admissions event to creatively reach prospective students
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: June 2021

“It helped seal the deal for me,” and “Thank you for being creative and going the extra mile to provide in‐person information.” Those are just two of the positive pieces of feedback the admissions team at Kent State University received after hosting five November 2020 admissions events at drive‐in theaters across Ohio.
Adhering to core principles helps to guide a college's growth
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: June 2021

The Jesuit values that attracted John Mahoney to Boston College as an undergraduate in the 1970s continue to shape the explosive growth he has seen as an administrator there for nearly an entire career. As the college's Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Mahoney continues to carry forward a tradition at an institution credited for implementing the first incarnation of the enrollment management role.
Multivariable neural network to postprocess short‐term, hub‐height wind forecasts
Authors: Salazar Andrés A. , Che Yuzhang , Zheng Jiafeng , Xiao Feng
Published: June 2021

This work introduces a novel error correction method for short‐term, hub‐height wind speed forecasting systems aimed at power output prediction. We present a multivariable neural network that is trained to reduce the error in wind speed predictions out of a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model, by exploiting hidden information in additional atmospheric variables, that is, wind direction, temperature, and pressure. The unique layout of the network was influenced by that of denoising autoencoders, and their ability to learn mapping functions. The predicted values from the NWP model, which incorporate errors due to numerical discretization, inaccuracies in initial/boundary conditions and parametrizations, complex terrain features, etc., are mapped to a more accurate prediction in which the errors have been reduced. To show the performance of the proposed model, training and validation are carried out with 4 years of forecasted and observed data for fifteen sites in a wind farm in Awaji Island, Japan, in a challenging zone with complex topography and therefore complicated, highly fluctuating wind patterns. Moreover, a single variable (i.e., wind speed) network is also implemented in order to expose the contribution and usefulness of including additional atmospheric variables. The results show a considerable reduction in the root mean square error as well as an increase in the correlation coefficient. As expected, it is found that multiple meteorological variables as inputs offer a huge advantage when compared with the equivalent single‐variable correction method.
Logistic challenges at contract SBT 1.1 – Intermediate construction access Göstritz
Authors: Entfellner Manuel , Hauer Hannes , Bauer Johann
Published: June 2021

Base tunnels usually require temporary intermediate construction accesses in order to be able to carry out the tunnelling work in a timely, economical and logistical reasonable scope. Intermediate construction accesses in the form of shafts lead to particular logistical challenges in supplying the tunnel headings. At contract SBT 1.1‐Tunnel Gloggnitz as the eastern section of the Semmering Base Tunnel, the shafts of the intermediate construction access Göstritz cannot be sunk from the surface for topographical reasons but are instead developed by an access tunnel. This fact requires the construction of complex underground structures and logistical interfaces to supply the four tunnel headings, beginning from the building site facilities, via the access tunnel, through the shafts to the tunnel face. In addition to the ongoing supply of all kinds of support measures, the excavated material is mucked by means of fully automatic belt and shaft conveyor systems. To ensure the permanent safety of the crew on‐site, the highest demands and resilience are placed on the transport systems through the two 250 m deep shafts, the ventilation and the mountain water drainage systems of up to 500 l/s. The article describes the experience and ongoing optimization of the logistics concept as well as innovative new developments that are applied in this special tunnel project.
BIM meets Lean – Logistics study of a long tunnel using BIM and Lean methods
Authors: Fentzloff Wolfgang , Rothe Stefanie , Stahn Christian , Papantonakis Dimitrios
Published: June 2021

Infrastructure projects in inner‐city areas are gaining in importance on the one hand and are subject to increasingly restrictive requirements due to the space available on the other. This affects not only the site installations, but also to a large extent the access to and the material handling on the construction sites. Implenia has been using the digital capabilities of BIM to improve project execution for several years. Visualisations, data management and collaboration create a transparency that is necessary to face the difficult boundary conditions. Lean Construction method of optimizing and stabilizing material flows, which is new to the infrastructure sector, can ideally use BIM digital tools to map its processes. It was obvious to use this symbiosis of the two methods.

Implenia was commissioned in 2019 with the project 380 kV Kabeldiagonale Berlin with a nearly 7 km long TBM tunnel in the middle of Berlin. At this point in time, when the concepts for TBM tunnelling are being prepared, several insights can already be drawn that are ground‐breaking for the application in future projects.
Rail‐bound logistics in tunnelling – Challenging logistics for a 30 km long TBM drive
Authors: Goliasch Robert , Gschnitzer Ernst
Published: June 2021

During the early years of the 19th century, narrow‐gauge railways found their way into mines and tunnel projects. Due to economic reasons, these rail‐bound transport systems were successfully used for the transport of personnel, supplies and muck operations. While the worldwide transport logistics developed and changed continuously over the following century, there was limited demand within the tunnelling industry on innovation and improvement for these robust, durable and simple railways. Moreover, rubber‐tired transport systems were introduced to the market and replaced traditional rail equipment on many tunnelling projects. The MTS tunnel Drive 1, originally planned to be 13 km in length and now extended to 30 km, will become the longest single tunnel drive in the world, demonstrating the flexibility of a rail‐bound system. Since the start of the project, various suppliers and manufacturers for rail‐bound equipment and rail track systems have been involved in the development of innovative drive systems, under‐carriages and rail tracks. This article provides an overview of the design, implementation and lessons learned so far.
Single 808 nm near‐infrared‐triggered multifunctional upconverting phototheranostic nanocomposite for imaging‐guided high‐efficiency treatment of tumors
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Tao , Xing Da
Published: June 2021

Multifunctional phototheranostic nanocomposites are promising for early diagnosis and precision therapy of cancer. Aim to enhance their accuracy and efficiency, in this study, we develop a single‐laser excited activatable phototheranostic nanocomposite (UCNPs‐D‐MQ): 808 nm‐excited upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) as the matrix programmed assembly with amphipathic compound DSPE‐PEG‐COOH, a near‐infrared absorbing polymer DPP and the pro‐photosensitizer MBQB. Upon endocytosed by cancer cells and excited by the 808 nm laser, UCNPs‐D‐MQ could produce high‐yield reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the results of singlet oxygen generation from transferring to methylene blue, GSH depletion and ROS generation from photoactivation. It was proven both in vitro and in vivo that the nanocomposites exhibits remarkable therapeutic efficacy as well as minimal photodamage to normal cells. These results reveal UCNPs‐D‐MQ as a robust theranostic agent for tumor phototherapy.
Silencing of the CrkL gene reverses the doxorubicin resistance of K562/ADR cells through regulating PI3K/Akt/MRP1 signaling
Authors: Yu Jiang , Chen Wen‐XU , Xie Wen‐Jing , Chen Rong‐Wei , Lin Dan‐Qi , You Wei‐Wei , Ye Wei‐Lin , Zhang Hong‐Qin , Lin Dong‐Hong , Xu Jian‐Ping
Published: June 2021

Background

Doxorubicin is a first‐line chemotherapy agent on human myelogenous leukemia clinical treatment, but the development of chemoresistance has largely limited curative effect. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biological function and molecular mechanisms of CrkL to Doxorubicin resistance.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) assay was performed to examine the expression of CrkL in K562 and K562/ADR cells. The expression of CrkL was silenced through RNA interference technology. MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis rate after CrkL siRNA transfection. The protein expression changes of PI3K/AKT/MRP1 pathway induced by CrkL siRNA were observed by Western Blot assay. Xenograft tumor model was carried out to observe tumor growth in vivo.

Results

We observed that silencing of CrkL could effectively increase apoptosis rate induced by doxorubicin and dramatically reversed doxorubicin resistance in K562/ADR cells. Further studies revealed knockdown CrkL expression suppressed PI3K/Akt/MRP1 signaling, which indicated CrkL siRNA reversed doxorubicin effect through regulating PI3K/Akt/MRP1 pathway. In addition, overexpression of MRP1 could evidently reduce apoptosis rate and reversed the inhibitory effects of doxorubicin resistance caused by CrkL siRNA on K562/ADR cells. Finally, in vivo experiments revealed that CrkL silencing acted a tumor‐suppressing role in myelogenous leukemia via regulating PI3K/Akt/MRP1 signaling.

Conclusion

Together, we indicated that CrkL is up‐regulated in myelogenous leukemia cells and silencing of CrkL could reverse Doxorubicin resistance effectively. These results show a potential novel strategy for intervention chemoresistance in myelogenous leukemia during chemotherapy.
Excellent photocatalytic performance of hydrogenated dark purple Ag/TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Du Mingming , Xu Geting , Zeng Ganning , Sheng Yinxiao , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Yuhe , Li Xiaonian
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Photocatalytic oxidation technology with semiconductor materials has shown great application prospects in environmental protection, energy and other fields. Developing a semiconductor material with high light conversion efficiency is a current scientific frontier problem.

RESULTS

A novel dark purple Ag/TiO2 catalyst with small energy gap of 2.27 eV was prepared and characterized using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance UV–visible (DRUV‐Vis) techniques. Experimental results show that TiO2 phase transformation from anatase to rutile was inhibited in the presence of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) during hydrogenation. A surface disordered layer of 0.8–2.0 nm was formed which greatly enhanced light absorption according to DRUV‐Vis spectral analysis. Due to the favorable synergistic effect between Ag NPs and the surface disordered layer of TiO2, the dark purple Ag/TiO2 catalyst showed enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity. After utilization for five cycles, there was no significant decrease in the activity, suggesting high catalytic stability of the novel dark purple Ag/TiO2 catalyst.

CONCLUSIONS

The results verify that the novel dark purple Ag/TiO2 catalyst with small energy gap of 2.27 eV has enhanced photocatalytic performance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Assessment of difficulty in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: A modification of the Japanese difficulty scoring system – A single‐center high‐volume experience
Authors: Deiro Giacomo , De Pastena Matteo , Paiella Salvatore , Balduzzi Alberto , Montagnini Greta , Andreotti Elena , Casetti Luca , Landoni Luca , Salvia Roberto , Esposito Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Background

The Japanese difficulty scoring system (DSS) was developed to assess the difficulty of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). The study aimed to validate a modified DSS (mDSS) in a European high‐volume center.

Methods

Patients' clinical data underwent LDP for benign and malignant pancreatic lesion between September 2013 and February 2020 were reviewed. Expert laparoscopic surgeons performed the procedures. The mDSS consisted of seven variables, such as type of operation, malignancy, neoadjuvant therapy, pancreatic resection line, tumor close to major vessels, tumor extension to peripancreatic tissue, and left‐sided portal hypertension and/or splenomegaly. According to the difficulty level and previous score, the mDSS was subdivided into three classes: low, intermediate, and high. Surrogates of case complexity (operative time, intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion requirements, conversion rate) were used to validate the new scoring system.

Results

The study population included 140 LDP. Ninety‐five (68%), 35 (25%) and 10 (7%) patients belonged to low, intermediate, and high difficulty groups. The mDSS identified the complexity of the surgical case of the series for all the surrogates of complexity considered, namely conversion rate (P = .004), operative time (P = .033) and intraoperative blood loss (P = .009). No differences were recorded in the postoperative outcomes (P > .05).

Conclusion

The mDSS for LDP better stratified the pancreatic procedures according to their complexity. The new scoring system may allow an appropriate preoperative evaluation of surgical difficulty, facilitating LDP's training program. Future prospective studies are needed to validate the mDSS.
Activation of human γδ T cells and NK cells by Staphylococcal enterotoxins requires both monocytes and conventional T cells
Authors: Mata Forsberg Manuel , Arasa Claudia , van Zwol Willemien , Uzunçayır Sibel , Schönbichler Anna , Regenthal Paulina , Schelin Jenny , Lindkvist-Petersson Karin , Björkander Sophia , Sverremark-Ekström Eva
Published: June 2021

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) pose a great threat to human health due to their ability to bypass antigen presentation and activate large amounts of conventional T cells resulting in a cytokine storm potentially leading to toxic shock syndrome. Unconventional T- and NK cells are also activated by SE but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, the authors aimed to explore the underlying mechanism behind SE-mediated activation of MAIT-, γδ T-, and NK cells in vitro. CBMC or PBMC were stimulated with the toxins SEA, SEH, and TSST-1, and cytokine and cytotoxic responses were analyzed with ELISA and flow cytometry. All toxins induced a broad range of cytokines, perforin and granzyme B, although SEH was not as potent as SEA and TSST-1. SE-induced IFN-γ expression in MAIT-, γδ T-, and NK cells was clearly reduced by neutralization of IL-12, while cytotoxic compounds were not affected at all. Kinetic assays showed that unconventional T cell and NK cell-responses are secondary to the response in conventional T cells. Furthermore, co-cultures of isolated cell populations revealed that the ability of SEA to activate γδ T- and NK cells was fully dependent on the presence of both monocytes and αβ T cells. Lastly, it was found that SE provoked a reduced and delayed cytokine response in infants, particularly within the unconventional T and NK cell populations. This study provides novel insights regarding the activation of unconventional T- and NK cells by SE, which contribute to understanding the vulnerability of young children towards Staphylococcus aureus infections.
14‐3‐3ζ is crucial for the conversion of labile short‐term object recognition memory into stable long‐term memory
Authors: Navarro‐Lobato Irene , Masmudi‐Martín Mariam , Quiros‐Ortega Maria E. , Gaona‐Romero Celia , Carretero‐Rey Marta , Rey Blanes Cristina , Khan Zafar U.
Published: June 2021

The consolidation of new memories into long‐lasting memories is multistage process characterized by distinct temporal dynamics. However, our understanding on the initial stage of transformation of labile memory of recent experience into stable memory remains elusive. Here, with the use of rats and mice overexpressing a memory enhancer called regulator of G protein signaling 14 of 414 amino acids (RGS14414) as a tool, we show that the expression of RGS14414 in male rats' perirhinal cortex (PRh), which is a brain area crucial for object recognition memory (ORM), enhanced the ORM to the extent that it caused the conversion of labile short‐term ORM (ST‐ORM) expected to last for 40 min into stable long‐term ORM (LT‐ORM) traceable after a delay of 24 hr, and that the temporal window of 40 to 60 min after object exposure not only was key for this conversion but also was the time frame when a surge in 14‐3‐3ζ protein was observed. A knockdown of 14‐3‐3ζ gene abrogated both the increase in 14‐3‐3ζ protein and the formation of LT‐ORM. Furthermore, this 14‐3‐3ζ upregulation increased brain‐derived growth factor (BDNF) levels in the time frame of 60 min and 24 hr and 14‐3‐3ζ knockdown decreased the BDNF levels, and a deletion of BDNF gene produced loss in mice ability to form LT‐ORM. Thus, within 60 min of object exposure, 14‐3‐3ζ facilitated the conversion of labile ORM into stable ORM, whereas beyond the 60 min, it mediated the consolidation of the stable memory into long‐lasting ORM by regulating BDNF signaling.
Base‐catalyzed oxidation of sugarcane molasses by potassium ferricyanide in alkaline solutions
Authors: Ibrahim Samia M. , Al‐Hossainy Ahmed F. , Zoromba Mohamed Sh. , El Azab Islam H.
Published: June 2021

Spectrophotometrically, the oxidation of sugarcane molasses using the sucrose unit (SCM) by a hexacyanoferrate(III) ion at a constant ionic strength of 1.0 mol dm–3 was studied. As the alkali content rose, the rates of reaction were observed to rise, suggesting that the reaction was base‐catalyzed in nature. The structure of the 1:1 intermediate complex proves the obedience of [SCM] reliance on rate constants for the Michaelis–Menten kinetics. After 65–70% of reaction completion, the discrepancy between first‐order pseudo‐curves and linearity ensures that a variety of oxidation products are intervened during the progression of the reaction. The redox system was carried out through the mechanism of free‐radical action. The activation parameters were measured, and an effective reaction mechanism has been developed and debated. Oxalic acid as a natural antioxidant compound was synthesized by the oxidation of SCM using the hexacyanoferrate(III) ion.
Differentially expressed circRNA and functional pathways in the hippocampus of epileptic mice based on next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Liao Xian‐Qiu , Yu Hai‐Chun , Diao Li‐Mei , Lu Ling , Li Huan , Zhou Yan‐Ying , Qin Hong‐Ling , Huang Qi‐Liu , Lv Ting‐Ting , Huang Xiao‐Mei
Published: June 2021

Epilepsy is a clinical syndrome caused by the highly synchronized abnormal discharge of brain neurons. It has the characteristics of paroxysmal, transient, repetitive, and stereotyped. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered type of noncoding RNA with diverse cellular functions related to their excellent stability; additionally, some circRNAs can bind and regulate microRNAs (miRNAs). The present study was designed to screen the differentially expressed circRNA in an acute seizure model of epilepsy in mice, analyze the related miRNA and mRNA, and study their participating functions and enrichment pathways. In order to obtain the differential expression of circRNA in epilepsy and infer their function, we used next‐generation sequencing and found significantly different transcripts. CIRI (circRNA identifier) software was used to predict circRNA from the hippocampus cDNA, EdgeR was applied for the differential circRNA analysis between samples, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to draw the network diagram. A total of 10,388 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, of which 34 were upregulated and 66 were downregulated. Among them, mm9_circ_008777 and mm9_circ_004424 were the key upregulated genes, and their expression in the epilepsy group was verified using Quantitative real‐time PCR (QPCR). The analysis indicated that the extracted gene ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were closely related to several epilepsy‐associated processes. This study determined that mm9_circ_008777 and mm9_circ_004424 are potential biomarkers of epilepsy, which play important roles in epilepsy‐related pathways. These results could help improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms of circRNAs and epilepsy treatments.
Does stapedotomy improve high frequency conductive hearing?
Authors: Roychowdhury Prithwijit , Polanik Marc D. , Kempfle Judith S. , Castillo‐Bustamante Melissa , Fikucki Cheryl , Wang Michael J. , Kozin Elliott D. , Remenschneider Aaron K.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Stapedotomy is performed to address conductive hearing deficits. While hearing thresholds reliably improve at low frequencies (LF), conductive outcomes at high frequencies (HF) are less reliable and have not been well described. Herein, we evaluate post‐operative HF air‐bone gap (ABG) changes and measure HF air conduction (AC) thresholds changes as a function of frequency.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who underwent primary stapedotomy with incus wire piston prosthesis between January 2016 and May 2020. Pre‐ and postoperative audiograms were evaluated. LF ABG was calculated as the mean ABG of thresholds at 250, 500, and 1000 Hz. HF ABG was calculated at 4 kHz.

Results

Forty‐six cases met criteria. Mean age at surgery was 54.0 ± 11.7 years. The LF mean preoperative ABG was 36.9 ± 11.0 dB and postoperatively this significantly reduced to 9.35 ± 6.76 dB, (P < .001). The HF mean preoperative ABG was 31.1 ± 14.4 dB and postoperatively, this also significantly reduced to 14.5 ± 12.3 dB, (P < .001). The magnitude of LF ABG closure was over 1.5 times the magnitude of HF ABG closure (P < .001). The gain in AC decreased with increasing frequency (P < .001).

Conclusion

Hearing improvement following stapedotomy is greater at low than high frequencies. Postoperative air bone gaps persist at 4 kHz. Further biomechanical and histopathologic work is necessary to localize postoperative high frequency conductive hearing deficits and improve stapedotomy hearing outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4, retrospective study.
Synthesis of Discrete Conjugated Fluorene‐Azo Oligomers for the Investigation of Azobenzene Position‐Dependent Physical Properties and Photoresponsive Behavior
Authors: Liu Min , Shi Xianheng , Li Lishan , Zhang Jiandong , Huang Zhihao , Zhang Wei , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin
Published: June 2021

It is well known that macromolecular structure, including composition, topology and sequence, significantly determines the properties of conjugated polymers/oligomers. To accurately understand the structure‐induced properties, discrete oligomers/polymers with molecularly defined structures are the ideal model because they provide distinct nonstatistical results. Herein, a series of discrete conjugated fluorene‐azo oligomers with different positions of the azobenzene units along the main chain (i.e., sequence) are efficiently prepared based on CuAAC “click” chemistry via a stepwise chain‐growth strategy. Position‐dependent behavior has an evident impact on the properties of oligomers, such as thermal properties, optical properties and photoresponsive behavior in both solution and thin film states. In addition, the fluorene‐azo oligomers show less photodegradation of 9,9‐dioctyl‐fluorene in the solid‐state than oligofluorene during UV light irradiation; however, position‐dependent photodegradation is found in solution. Optimized configurations and UV–vis absorption spectra of fluorene‐azo oligomers are calculated by density functional theory. Experimental results and theoretical analysis indicate that the location of azobenzene can play a dominant role in determining the properties of fluorene‐azo oligomers resulting from sequence‐mandated conformational changes. Undoubtedly, this work can provide deeper insight into the structure–property relationships based on precisely sequence‐defined polymer structures.
Impact of Synthetic Route on Photovoltaic Properties of Isoindigo‐Containing Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Tepliakova Marina M. , Kuznetsov Ilya E. , Avilova Irina A. , Stevenson Keith J. , Akkuratov Alexander V.
Published: June 2021

Herein, the synthesis of a novel isoindigo‐based conjugated polymer using Suzuki and Stille polycondensation reactions is reported. It is shown that the polymer obtained using various reactions possesses different performance in photovoltaic devices. In particular, polymers synthesized using Suzuki and Stille polycondensation demonstrate 2.7% and 4.1% efficiency in organic solar cells, and 12.6% and 15.1% in perovskite solar cells, respectively. The observed difference in the performances of devices is attributed to the appearance of defects in the polymer obtained via Suzuki reaction. Using high‐performance liquid chromatography it is demonstrated that the origin of the polymer quality deterioration is the poor stability of isoindigo‐based monomer under conditions of Suzuki polycondensation. Revealing this aspect allows one to figure out a more effective approach for the synthesis of high‐quality isoindigo‐based polymers for organic electronics.
Facile Fabrication of Povidone Iodine‐Embedded Polytetrafluoroethylene Superhydrophobic Films with Improved Antiadhesive and Bactericidal Properties in Bacterial Environments
Authors: Niu Xueming , Wan Shuqian , Rong Xiaona , Lin Mian , Mehwish Nabila , Wei Kun , Lee Bae Hoon
Published: June 2021

It remains a challenge to maintain the antiadhesion properties of superhydrophobic films after exposure to bacterial environments. In this work, superhydrophobic bactericidal polymer films via the simple incorporation of polyvinylpyrrolidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) or iodine into polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are fabricated to improve their antiadhesive and antibacterial capability. Superhydrophobic iodine‐embedded films, polytetrafluoroethylene/polyvinylpyrrolidone‐iodine and polytetrafluoroethylene‐iodine (PTFE/PVP‐I and PTFE‐I), show excellent antiadhesive and bactericidal performances even post exposure to bacterial solutions as compared to iodine‐free counterparts by controlling the release of iodine. Especially, superhydrophobic PTFE/PVP‐I films display a more sustained iodine release profile and significant antibacterial properties against gram‐positive (S. aureus, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) and gram‐negative (E. coli) bacteria. Such a facile combination of antiseptic agents and superhydrophobic surface could be widely used for antiseptic biomedical applications.
Do not sound like an announcer. The emphasis strategy in commercials
Authors: Rodero Emma , Potter Robert F.
Published: June 2021

Most consumers do not like the speech style that announcers use in marketing messages. The main reason is an exaggerated way of speaking with a strong emphasis. Indeed, announcers tend to stress too many words in commercials, producing an overly emphatic speech style, which sounds choppy and stuttering. This study analyzes how different strategies of emphasizing words in commercials affect the listeners' cognitive processing. Four different strategies (no emphasis, moderate‐low, moderate‐high, and over‐emphasis) were applied to 16 commercials. Participants (N = 52) had their physiological response (heart rate and skin conductance) measured during ad presentation. Afterward they assessed the commercials' effectiveness and adequacy and performed an immediate recall and a recognition test. The results indicated that the commercials presenting a moderate emphasis (low and high) improved the listeners' cognitive processing compared to messages with no emphasis strategy and the standard industry practice of using over‐emphasis.
Optimal retrieval in puzzle‐based storage with heuristic search and tabulation
Authors: Rosenfeld Ariel
Published: June 2021

Puzzle‐based storage (PBS) systems provide a space efficient solution for storage and retrieval of unit loads (e.g., cars, boxes) in the very land‐expensive urban environment. In this work, we formulate a highly generic optimal retrieval problem, consisting of any number of loads to be retrieved, and an arbitrary number of I/O points and empty locations (escorts) on a two‐dimensional lattice graph. We theoretically analyze the characteristics of the problem and propose a set of graph search algorithms to tackle the inherent complexities thereof. In contrast to existing work in the field, we investigate the runtime‐memory tradeoff pertaining to our problem, highlighting the possible benefits and limitations of our heuristic search and tabulation techniques. Our results demonstrate that our algorithms are capable of optimally solving moderate‐sized PBS problems using a limited amount of memory and in a reasonable amount of time.
Consider increased grad student housing to improve retention rates
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2021

The state of California is facing a housing crisis, one that has only worsened with the COVID‐19 pandemic. The University of California, Santa Cruz, is doing its part to combat that crisis by converting open fields to a new student housing complex, which will be called Student Housing West.