bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Crystal Dimers and the Twist‐Bend Phases: Non‐Symmetric Dimers Consisting of Mesogenic Units of Differing Lengths
Authors: Gibb Calum J. , Majewska Magdalena , Pociecha Damian , Storey John M.D. , Gorecka Ewa , Imrie Corrie T.
Published: January 2024

The syntheses and characterisation of the 4‐[{[4‐({n‐[4‐(4‐cyanophenyl)phenyl]‐n‐yl}oxy)phenyl]‐methylidene}amino]phenyl‐4‐alkoxybenzoates (CBnOIBeOm) are reported with n=8 and 10 and m=1–10. The two series display fascinating liquid crystal polymorphism. All twenty reported homologues display an enantiotropic nematic (N) phase at high temperature. When the length of the spacer (n) is greater than that of the terminal chain (m), the twist‐bend nematic (NTB) phase is observed at temperatures below the N phase. As the length of the terminal chain is increased and extends beyond the length of the spacer up to three smectic phases are observed on cooling the N phase. One of these smectic phases has been assigned as the rare twist‐bend smectic C subphase, the SmCTB‐α phase. In all the smectic phases, a monolayer packing arrangement is seen, and this is attributed to the anti‐parallel associations of the like mesogenic units.
Recent Advance in Electrochromic Materials and Devices for Display Applications
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhu Hengli , Zhuang Jianbang , Lu Yijun , Chen Zhong , Guo Weijie
Published: January 2024

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) possess the performance advantages in terms of color adjustability, low power consumption, and visual friendliness, emerging as one of the ideal candidates for energy‐efficient smart windows, next‐generation displays, and wearable electronics. The optical and electrical characteristics of ECDs can be adjusted by modifying the materials or structure of devices. This review summarizes the recent developments of innovative technologies and key materials of ECDs for display applications, highlighting the key issues and development trends in this area.
Exploring the connection between non‐uniform electrostatic fields generated by opposite polarity voltages and the behavior of atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Yu Yutian , Wu Li , Chen Qiang , Shinohara Naoki , Huang Kama
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the counterintuitive behaviors of a microwave‐induced atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) under the influence of an external electrostatic field applied by one or a pair of parallel electrode plates subjected to DC voltages. The findings demonstrate that the plasma jet consistently deflects toward the electrode plate with an electrostatic potential, irrespective of the direction of the applied field. The deflection becomes more pronounced with increasing voltage on the electrode plate until the ionic wind generated by the high voltage significantly affects the jet's behavior. Remarkably, a negative voltage induces a greater deflection compared to a positive voltage. To further investigate this discovery, the dielectric properties and the non‐neutral characteristics of the APPJ are analyzed, and the simulations of the electric field distribution reveal a non‐uniform distribution, which plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanism behind the observed behaviors of the plasma jet. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism driving the observed phenomena and sheds light on the collective behavior of plasma jets under non‐uniform electric fields. The findings of this study offer valuable guidelines for investigating and controlling the behavior of APPJs.
Trappc1 intrinsically prevents ferroptosis of naive T cells to avoid spontaneous autoinflammatory disease in mice
Authors: Zhang Zhaoqi , Zhao Chenxu , Sun Lingyun , Cheng Chen , Tian Qianchuan , Wu Changhong , Xu Yanan , Dong Xue , Zhang Baojun , Zhang Lianfeng , Zhao Yong
Published: January 2024

T lymphocytes are pivotal in adaptive immunity. The role of the trafficking protein particle complex (TRAPPC) in regulating T‐cell development and homeostasis is unknown. Using CD4cre‐Trappc1flox/flox (Trappc1 cKO) mice, we found that Trappc1 deficiency in T cells significantly decreased cell number of naive T cells in the periphery, whereas thymic T‐cell development in Trappc1 cKO mice was identical as WT mice. In the culture assays and mouse models with adoptive transfer of the sorted WT (CD45.1+CD45.2+) and Trappc1 cKO naive T cells (CD45.2+) to CD45.1+ syngeneic mice, Trappc1‐deficient naive T cells showed significantly reduced survival ability compared with WT cells. RNA‐seq and molecular studies showed that Trappc1 deficiency in naive T cells reduced protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, enhanced unfolded protein responses, increased P53 transcription, intracellular Ca2+, Atf4‐CHOP, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid peroxide accumulation, and subsequently led to ferroptosis. Trappc1 deficiency in naive T cells increased ferroptosis‐related damage‐associated molecular pattern molecules like high mobility group box 1 or lipid oxidation products like prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, leukotriene C4, and leukotriene D4. Functionally, the culture supernatant of Trappc1 cKO naive T cells significantly promoted neutrophils to express inflammatory cytokines like TNFα and IL‐6, which was rescued by lipid peroxidation inhibitor Acetylcysteine. Importantly, Trappc1 cKO mice spontaneously developed severe autoinflammatory disease 4 weeks after birth. Thus, intrinsic expression of Trappc1 in naive T cells plays an integral role in maintaining T‐cell homeostasis to avoid proinflammatory naive T‐cell death‐caused autoinflammatory syndrome in mice. This study highlights the importance of the TRAPPC in T‐cell biology.
Spectroscopic Study on the Complexation of trivalent Actinide and Lanthanide ions with TEDGA in Solution
Authors: Sittel Thomas , Meißner Maximilian , Keller Max , Geist Andreas , Panak Petra J.
Published: January 2024

NMR spectroscopy studies on the complexation of La(III), Sm(III), Lu(III), Y(III) and Am(III) with N,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyldiglycolamide (TEDGA) have been performed. Initial studies concerning the stoichiometry of the complexes prove the formation of [M(TEDGA)3]3+ in D2O and [M(TEDGA)1‐3]3+ in CD3CN. Decreasing the solvent polarity translates to an increase of the complex stability as shown by complementary TRLFS studies with Cm(III). Due to delocalization of the lone electron pair of the amide nitrogen atom, the M(III)−O interaction has been studied indirectly by collecting 13C and 15N NMR data. The observed chemical shifts prove that the interaction of the trivalent ions, An(III) and Ln(III), and TEDGA is almost identical.
Holy Grail possibly made from clay
Authors: Zilberstein Gleb , Zilberstein Svetlana , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: January 2024

The main goal of the work was to find biochemical protein markers specific for grapes and wine in ancient amphorae shards and fermentation pools. Grape‐specific proteins are more reliable markers than tartaric acid and other small organic acids (tartaric acid natural source are not only grape but also apple, mango, and other plants). The Yavne winery (located in the Central District of Israel) is stated to be the largest known wine production complex from the Byzantine period (ca. 1500 years ago). The site has been excavated recently, and a number of wine jar have been recovered. We have applied our ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) (EVA studded with strong cation and anion exchangers) diskettes to the inner surface of a number of jars, thus capturing residual grape proteins therein. Via mass spectrometry analyses, we have been able to identify four grape and three yeast proteins. This has been possible because the EVA films, applied to such surfaces, are able to harvest and concentrate any trace species, rendering them amenable to instrumental analysis. Our analysis makes it possible to propose an explanation for the Holy Grail phenomenon as a dish in which wine or water begins to smell pleasant. We attribute this to the slow release of terpenes, aldehydes, and ketones from the clay walls of pottery. After digital modeling, we identified that “scallop‐shaped” niches in winery were used for the condensation of high percentage alcohol by passive evaporation from fermentation tanks.
Two‐phase anaerobic codigestion of a cassava starch‐based biopolymer with papaya waste
Authors: Cremonez Paulo André , Teleken Joel Gustavo , Meier Thompson Ricardo Weiser , Alves Helton José , Teleken Jhony
Published: January 2024

The objective of this work was to evaluate anaerobic digestion processes of mixtures of cassava starch‐based polymer (CSP) and papaya fruit pulp waste (PPW) at different ratios, with physical division of digestion stages. Acidogenic phase (phase 1) was conducted under temperature of 45°C and hydraulic retention time of 96 h. Monitoring reactors with destructive samples were subjected to the same conditions in order to assess the initial degradation profile of the substrates. The methanogenic phase (phase 2) was conducted under temperature of 37°C and the hydraulic retention time was defined as equal to the time the biogas production ceased. The results showed that the CSP/PPW mixtures presented interesting synergism and high biogas production potential under the conditions studied. The treatment with CSP/PPW at the ratio of 75/25 showed the best digestion performances in the phase 1. The highest CSP to PPW ratios showed satisfactory results for accumulated biogas productions (5955.58 mL) and for maximum biogas production rate (25.64 mL gVS−1 day−1) in the phase 2.
A comparative investigation of a time‐dependent mesh method and physics‐informed neural networks to analyze the generalized Kolmogorov–Petrovsky–Piskunov equation
Authors: Sultan Saad , Zhang Zhengce
Published: January 2024

The Kolmogorov–Petrovsky–Piskunov (KPP) partial differential equation (PDE) is solved in this article using the moving mesh finite difference technique (MMFDM) in conjunction with physics‐informed neural networks (PINNs). We construct a time‐dependent mesh to obtain approximate solutions for the KPP problem. The temporal derivative is discretized using a backward Euler, while the spatial derivatives are discretized using a central implicit difference scheme. Depending on the error measure, several moving mesh partial differential equations (MMPDEs) are employed along the arc‐length and curvature mesh density functions (MDF). The proposed strategy has been suggested to yield remarkably precise and consistent results. To find the approximate solution, we additionally employ physics‐informed neural networks (PINNs) to compare the outcomes of the adaptive moving mesh approach. It has been observed that solutions obtained using the moving mesh method (MMM) are sufficiently accurate, and the absolute error is also much lower than the PINNs.
Short‐term market impact of Black Sea Grain Initiative on four grain markets
Authors: Martins António Miguel
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the short‐term market reaction of four agricultural commodities to the Russian–Ukraine war and various stages of the Black Sea Grain Initiative Agreement. Using an event study, the results show a positive abnormal return for the agricultural grain markets with the outbreak of the war and the nonrenewal of the Black Sea Grain Agreement. These two events by causing supply‐side constraints, led to an increase in the price of grains. The results also show negative and statistically significant abnormal returns around the signing of the Black Sea Grain Agreement, its implementation through the departure of the first ship loaded with Ukrainian grain after the beginning of the war and the successive extensions of the agreement. These disruptions not only affect Ukraine and Russia but also have critical implications for world food security. Policy implications of our findings are provided.
Glioma stem cell‐derived exosomes induce the transformation of astrocytes via the miR‐3065‐5p/DLG2 signaling axis
Authors: Li Haoran , Zhu Jianjun , Liu Xinglei , Liu Liang , Huang Shilu , Wu Anyi , Xu Zhipeng , Zhang Xiaopei , Li Zengyang , Ni Fan , Liu Lijun , Dong Jun
Published: January 2024

Tumor‐associated astrocytes (TAAs) in the glioblastoma microenvironment play an important role in tumor development and malignant progression initiated by glioma stem cells (GSCs). In the current study, normal human astrocytes (NHAs) were cultured and continuously treated with GSC‐derived exosomes (GSC‐EXOs) induction to explore the mechanism by which GSCs affect astrocyte remodeling. This study revealed that GSC‐EXOs can induce the transformation of NHAs into TAAs, with relatively swollen cell bodies and multiple extended processes. In addition, high proliferation, elevated resistance to temozolomide (TMZ), and increased expression of TAA‐related markers (TGF‐β, CD44, and tenascin‐C) were observed in the TAAs. Furthermore, GSC‐derived exosomal miR‐3065‐5p could be delivered to NHAs, and miR‐3065‐5p levels increased significantly in TAAs, as verified by miRNA expression profile sequencing and Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Overexpression of miR‐3065‐5p also enhanced NHA proliferation, elevated resistance to TMZ, and increased the expression levels of TAA‐related markers. In addition, both GSC‐EXO‐induced and miR‐3065‐5p‐overexpressing NHAs promoted tumorigenesis of GSCs in vivo. Discs Large Homolog 2 (DLG2, downregulated in glioblastoma) is a direct downstream target of miR‐3065‐5p in TAAs, and DLG2 overexpression could partially reverse the transformation of NHAs into TAAs. Collectively, these data demonstrate that GSC‐EXOs induce the transformation of NHAs into TAAs via the miR‐3065‐5p/DLG2 signaling axis and that TAAs can further promote the tumorigenesis of GSCs. Thus, precisely blocking the interactions between astrocytes and GSCs via exosomes may be a novel strategy to inhibit glioblastoma development, but more in‐depth mechanistic studies are still needed.
Impacts of β‐thalassemia/hemoglobin E disease on pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Anuruksuwan Puntira , Sirilert Sirinart , Luewan Suchaya , Tongsong Theera
Published: January 2024

Objective

To compare obstetric outcomes between women with β‐thalassemia/hemoglobin E (β‐thal/HbE) disease and those of low‐risk pregnancies, and also between the two subgroups, β‐thal0/HbE and β‐thal+/HbE disease.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken on pregnant women with β‐thal/HbE disease and low‐risk pregnancies, which were randomly selected with a case‐to‐control ratio of 1:10.

Results

Pregnancies with β‐thal/HbE disease were identified in 0.19% of 59 152 pregnancies, including 104 women in the study group and 1040 women in the control group. The mean gestational age and mean birth weight were significantly lower in the study group. The prevalence of fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and low birth weight were significantly increased in the study group based on both univariate and multivariate analysis. The impacts were more striking in the β‐thal0/HbE subgroup than in the β‐thal+/HbE subgroup. The cesarean rate was significantly higher in the study group. No maternal death or serious complication was found in this cohort.

Conclusion

Based on this cohort, the largest ever published, β‐thal/HbE disease is significantly associated with increased incidence of fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and low birth weight. The impacts were more pronounced in the β‐thal0/HbE subgroup. Pregnancy may be relatively safer for women with β‐thal/HbE disease.
Does delayed vacuum‐assisted delivery harbor greater maternal or neonatal complications?
Authors: Bachar Gal , Abu‐Rass Hiba , Farago Naama , Zipori Yaniv , Beloosesky Ron , Ginsberg Yuval , Vitner Dana , Weiner Zeev , Khatib Nizar
Published: January 2024

Objective

To compare maternal and fetal outcomes between early (<2 h) and delayed (>2 h) vacuum extraction (VE) deliveries.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study in a single, university‐affiliated medical center (2014–2021). We included term singleton pregnancies delivered by VE, allocated into one of two groups according to second stage duration: <2 h or >2 h. Primary outcome was maternal composite adverse outcome (included chorioamnionitis, 3–4 degree lacerations, and postpartum hemorrhage [PPH]).

Results

We included 2521 deliveries: 2261 (89.6%) with early VE and 260 (10.4%) with delayed VE. Study groups' characteristics were not different, except of parity. Maternal composite outcome almost reached a significance (P = 0.054) comparing between the groups. Comparing second stage length up to 2 h versus more, there was similar rate of advance maternal lacerations. However, extending the second stage to more than 3 h was associated with third degree lacerations compared to 2–3 h (9.8% vs 3%, P = 0.011). There were significantly more PPH events in the later VE group (P = 0.004), but the need for blood transfusions was similar. The rates of 5 min Apgar score ≤7 (P = 0.001) and umbilical artery pH <7.0 were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1. The effect was much more pronounced when second stage was >3 h. After conducting multiregression analysis, the results became insignificant.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that VE performed in the late second stage of labor, up to 3 h, is safe as VE performed in the early stages regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. Extra caution is needed with extended second stage to more than 3 h.
Timing of cesarean delivery for fetal heart rate abnormalities in hypertensive pregnancies induced with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Londero Ambrogio P. , Fichera Anna , Orabona Rossana , Cagnacci Angelo , Prefumo Federico
Published: January 2024

Objective

The study aims to assess how oral misoprostol for cervical ripening affects the time of cesarean delivery (CD) for fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities in pre‐eclampsia patients. Secondary goals include determining the role of uterine hyperstimulation, comparing misoprostol with Foley catheter, and identifying risk factors for FHR abnormalities associated with CD.

Methods

A previously published randomized clinical trial was subjected to a secondary analysis (NCT01801410). We conducted a time‐dependent analysis, stratifying the population based on the final mode of induction used (low‐dose oral misoprostol vs Foley catheter).

Results

There was no CD for FHR abnormalities within 2 h of starting misoprostol. At 5 h, the cumulative incidence of CD for FHR abnormalities in the misoprostol group was 2.10%, while it was 1.00% in the Foley group (P = 0.565). After 25 h, the CD risk for FHR abnormalities remained constant in both groups at 21.00% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.00%–28.00%). Within 5 h of misoprostol induction, the risk of uterine hyperstimulation was similar in both groups (0.33% in misoprostol vs 0.34% in Foley group, P = 0.161). The risk of CD for FHR abnormalities was unaffected by newborn weight centiles.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in CD risk for FHR abnormalities between misoprostol and Foley catheter induction. Nonetheless, the cumulative incidence of CD for FHR abnormalities increased faster in the misoprostol group, indicating that FHR monitoring timing should be tailored to the induction method.
Impacted fetal head extraction methods at second stage cesarean and subsequent preterm delivery: A multicenter study
Authors: Peled Tzuria , Muraca Giulia M. , Ratner Miri , Sela Hen Y. , Kirubarajan Abirami , Weiss Ari , Grisaru‐Granovsky Sorina , Rottenstreich Misgav
Published: January 2024

Objective

Second‐stage cesarean delivery (CD) is associated with subsequent preterm birth (PTB). It has been suggested that an increased risk of PTB after second‐stage cesarean delivery could be linked to a higher chance of cervical injury due to the extension of the uterine incision. Previous studies have shown that reverse breech extraction is associated with lower rates of uterine incision extensions compared to the “push” method.

We aimed to investigate the association between the method of fetal extraction during second‐stage CD and the rate of spontaneous PTB (sPTB), as well as other maternal and neonatal outcomes during the subsequent pregnancy.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. The study population included women in their first subsequent singleton delivery following a second‐stage CD between 2004 and 2021. The main exposure of interest was the method of fetal extraction in the index CD (“push” method vs. reverse breech extraction). The primary outcome of this study was sPTB <37 weeks in the subsequent pregnancy. Secondary outcomes were overall PTB, trial of labor, and other adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Univariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression modeling.

Results

During the study period, 2969 index CD during second stage were performed, of those 583 met the inclusion criteria, of whom 234 (40.1%) had fetal extraction using the reverse breech extraction method, while 349 (59.9%) had the “push” method for extraction. In univariate analysis, women in those two groups had statistically similar rates of sPTB (3.7% vs. 3.0%; odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% CI: 0.49–3.19) and overall PTB (<37, <34 and <32 weeks), as well as other maternal, neonatal, and trial of labor outcomes. This was confirmed by multivariate analyses with an adjusted OR of 1.27 (95% CI: 0.43–3.71) for sPTB.

Conclusion

Among women with a previous second‐stage CD, no significant difference was observed in PTB rates in the subsequent pregnancies following the “push” method compared to the reverse breech extraction method.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the prostate
Authors: Fukiage Ken , Fujita Kazutoshi , Toyoda Shingo , Nishimoto Mitsuhisa , Kikuchi Takashi , Chikugo Takaaki , Yoshimura Kazuhiro , Esa Atsunobu , Ito Akihiko , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are borderline malignant soft tissue tumors primarily affecting the lungs and pelvic organs. This report presents a rare case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor originating from the prostate gland in a young male.

Case presentation

A 20‐year‐old man developed gross hematuria and dysuria, revealing a prostatic mass. Pathological examination of a biopsy displayed spindle‐shaped myofibroblast proliferation and an infiltrate of inflammatory cells, leading to a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Following fertility preservation measures, the patient underwent a robot‐assisted laparoscopic total prostatectomy with bilateral nerve sparing, resulting in a postoperative diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. No recurrence was observed in subsequent imaging, and urinary continence was maintained.

Conclusion

Surgical resection appears effective in managing inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the prostate. This case underscores the importance of complete tumor resection due to the significant recurrence risk associated with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. Radical total prostatectomy emerges as a potential treatment strategy for prostate originating inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors.
Fostering healthy relationships: A preliminary investigation of relationship education
Authors: Barden Sejal M. , Carlson Ryan G. , Taylor Dalena Dillman , Gao Ruiqin , Velez Marangelie
Published: January 2024

Robust and healthy relationships are pivotal for overall well‐being and wellness. Social support, the reduction of stigma, and the cultivation of quality time are critical elements in establishing and nurturing a healthy relationship as they bolster emotional well‐being, enhance communication, and alleviate stress. The aim of this research study was to investigate the associations between quality time, social support, and self‐stigma among couples (N = 518 dyads) engaged in a randomized controlled relationship education intervention, whether online or face to face. Longitudinal Actor–Partner Interdependence Models (L‐APIM) were employed to investigate the dyadic correlations and the influence of the intervention's modality on the three outcomes observed at the 1‐month postintervention follow‐up. Results indicated that individuals tend to exhibit consistent perceptions of quality time, social support, self‐stigma related to help‐seeking, and threats to self‐confidence regarding help‐seeking, both at baseline and the subsequent 1‐month follow‐up. Results and implications are discussed.
A preliminary investigation of the mediating roles of self‐compassion and emotion dysregulation in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and obsessive‐compulsive behaviors
Authors: Sher Alyssa , Wootton Bethany M. , Paparo Josephine
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Recent research has highlighted an association between maladaptive perfectionism and obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood. The primary aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether self‐compassion and emotion dysregulation independently mediated this relationship. The secondary aim was to determine whether serial mediation existed between these factors. Whether these relations held for overall obsessive‐compulsive (OC) symptoms, versus distinct dimensions of OCD, was also of interest.

Method

Three hundred and ninety‐two university students (Mage = 21.81, SD = 8.01), predominantly female (79.18%), participated in an online questionnaire that included a dimensional measure of OCD. Scales assessing maladaptive perfectionism, self‐compassion, emotion dysregulation, and negative emotion states were also included.

Results

Greater maladaptive perfectionism was related to more severe OCD. Emotion dysregulation, but not self‐compassion, independently mediated this relationship. A serial mediation relationship was found, in that greater maladaptive perfectionism was associated with lower self‐compassion, which was linked to greater emotion dysregulation, and in turn related to more severe OC behaviors. In addition, distinct patterns emerged for separate OC dimensions.

Conclusions

These findings highlight emotion regulation and self‐compassion as potential targets for OCD prevention, especially in individuals with symptoms in the symmetry and unacceptable thoughts dimensions.
Investigating the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by surveillance of patients with “K‐sign” of the pancreas by computed tomography: A prospective study
Authors: Takigawa Yutaka , Matsui Junichi , Igarashi Takao , Uchiyama Masateru , Sasaki Aya
Published: January 2024

Background

We previously conducted a retrospective study investigating pancreatic morphological abnormalities that lead to early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) using computed tomography (CT). We reviewed 41 of 308 PC patients between 2011 and 2017 who had previously undergone CT to look for morphological changes leading to cancer development. In 24 patients (58.5%), a K‐shaped constriction of the pancreas (“K‐sign”) was observed before the appearance of cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether an early PC diagnosis is possible by prospective CT follow‐up of patients with the K‐sign.

Methods

We investigated PC development through prospective surveillance of patients exhibiting K‐signs identified on CT.

Results

Of approximately 87 000 CT scans performed between April 2019 and August 2022, the K‐sign was observed in 54 patients. A total of 30 patients provided informed consent and were subsequently monitored using CT. Five patients (16.7%) were diagnosed with PC and underwent surgery after 3–24 months follow‐up. Pathologically, four of five patients (80%) were diagnosed with early‐stage pancreatic cancer (stage 0–IA). All patients exhibited defects in acinar structure, fibrous tissue, fat replacement, and inflammatory cells, suggesting their potential involvement in PC development.

Conclusion

The detection and surveillance of the K‐sign may be helpful for early PC diagnosis.
Trends, patterns and socioeconomic determinants of child and adolescent labour in India: Empirical analysis using national sample survey data
Authors: Jajoria Deepika , Jatav Manoj , Mishra Rakesh
Published: January 2024

Indian official data points out a progressive decline in child labour during last three decades.Nevertheless, there are several gaps that need to be addressed for targed policy intervention. This paper highlights the key socioeconomic vulnerabilities among children in rural and urban India and also summarize the key focus areas to be prioritized. We posit that children's entry into the labour force is driven by varied access to resources such as education, societal status and gender. The children in Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes households are the most vulnerable. We recommend prioritizing easy‐to‐access quality education among the key strategies for eradicating child labour.
Morphology of the epididymal duct of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)
Authors: Hassan Ferial , Holtz Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

The study provides a general overview of the morphology of the epididymal duct in pigs. Four epididymides from two sexually mature boars were dissected into 32 segments and examined histologically. Duct lumen and wall thickness were measured and relative surface area of different components was assessed by Chalkley's random hit method. The epithelial lining was characterized at X1000. Lumen diameter and wall thickness of efferent ductules averaged 177 and 30 µm, respectively. Of the epididymal duct from caput to distal corpus the luminal diameter was 332 µm, with a narrower section in the proximal corpus. Wall thickness averaged 70 µm. In the cauda, luminal diameter and wall thickness increased to 717 and 751 µm, respectively. The epithelial lining of the efferent ductules consists of a single layer of columnar cells with average height 21 µm. The lining of the epididymal duct consists of ciliated, pseudo‐stratified columnar epithelium composed of “basal cells” and “principal cells.” Particularly tall principal cells (96 µm) were found in the proximal caput. Height decreased to 40 µm at the distal cauda. Microvilli from principal cells were 14−17 µm long in the distal caput but decreased to 5 µm in the distal cauda. The epithelial lining was folded in the proximal caput and more so in the distal cauda. Secretory granules (epididymosomes) were present in small amounts in efferent ductules and epididymal duct; the largest quantities occurred in the distal cauda. Leukocytes were present throughout the duct, albeit in insignificant numbers. Chalkley's random hit method showed rapid spermatozoan transport through efferent ductules and proximal caput in large amounts of fluid. Sperm concentration increased due to fluid resorption in the proximal caput, was highest from caput flexure to proximal cauda and decreased at the caudal flexure, indicating secretory activity.
pH Mapping of Gliomas Using Quantitative Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI: Quasi‐Steady‐State, Spillover‐, and MT‐Corrected Omega Plot Analysis
Authors: Liu Ying , Wu Yin , Ji Yang , Zhao Botao , Jin Ziyi , Ju Shenghong , Chu Ying‐Hua , Liebig Patrick Alexander , Wang He , Li Cong , Zhang Xiao‐Yong
Published: January 2024

Background

Quantitative in‐situ pH mapping of gliomas is important for therapeutic interventions, given its significant association with tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Although chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) offers a noninvasive way for pH imaging based on the pH‐dependent exchange rate (ksw), the reliable quantification of ksw in glioma remains constrained due to technical challenges.

Purpose

To quantify the pH of gliomas by measuring the proton exchange rate through optimized omega plot analysis.

Study Type

Prospective.

Phantoms/Animal Model/Subjects

Creatine and murine brain lysates phantoms, six rats with glioma xenograft model, and three patients with World Health Organization grade 2–4 gliomas.

Field Strength/Sequence

11.7 T, 7.0 T, CEST imaging, T2‐weighted (T2W) imaging, and T1‐mapping.

Assessment

Omega plot analysis, quasi‐steady‐state (QUASS) analysis, multi‐pool Lorentzian fitting, amine and amide concentration‐independent detection, pH enhanced method with the combination of amide and guanidyl (pHenh), and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) were utilized for pH metric quantification. The clinical outcomes were determined through radiologic follow‐up and histopathological analysis.

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney U test was performed to compare glioma with normal tissue, and Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between ksw and other parameters.

Results

In vitro experiments reveal that the determined ksw at 2 ppm increases exponentially with pH (creatine phantoms: ksw = 106 + 0.147 × 10(pH‐4.198); lysates: ksw = 185.1 + 0.101 × 10(pH‐3.914)). Omega plot analysis exhibits a linear correlation between 1/MTRRex and 1/ω12 in the glioma xenografts (R2 > 0.98) and glioma patients (R2 > 0.99). The exchange rate in the rat glioma decreases compared to the contralateral normal tissue (349.46 ± 30.40 s−1 vs. 403.54 ± 51.01 s−1, P = 0.025), while keeping independence from changes in concentration (r = 0.5037, P = 0.095). Similar pattern was observed in human data.

Data Conclusion

Utilizing QUASS‐based, spillover‐, and MT‐corrected omega plot analysis for the measurement of exchange rates, offers a feasible method for quantifying pH within glioma.

Level of Evidence

NA

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Enhancing Nigrosome‐1 Sign Identification via Interpretable AI using True Susceptibility Weighted Imaging
Authors: Wang Chenglong , He Naying , Zhang Youmin , Li Yan , Huang Pei , Liu Yu , Jin Zhijia , Cheng Zenghui , Liu Yun , Wang Yida , Zhang Chengxiu , Haacke E. Mark , Chen Shengdi , Yan Fuhua , Yang Guang
Published: January 2024

Background

Nigrosome 1 (N1), the largest nigrosome region in the ventrolateral area of the substantia nigra pars compacta, is identifiable by the “N1 sign” in long echo time gradient echo MRI. The N1 sign's absence is a vital Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnostic marker. However, it is challenging to visualize and assess the N1 sign in clinical practice.

Purpose

To automatically detect the presence or absence of the N1 sign from true susceptibility weighted imaging by using deep‐learning method.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population/Subjects

453 subjects, including 225 PD patients, 120 healthy controls (HCs), and 108 patients with other movement disorders, were prospectively recruited including 227 males and 226 females. They were divided into training, validation, and test cohorts of 289, 73, and 91 cases, respectively.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D gradient echo SWI sequence at 3T; 3D multiecho strategically acquired gradient echo imaging at 3T; NM‐sensitive 3D gradient echo sequence with MTC pulse at 3T.

Assessment

A neuroradiologist with 5 years of experience manually delineated substantia nigra regions. Two raters with 2 and 36 years of experience assessed the N1 sign on true susceptibility weighted imaging (tSWI), QSM with high‐pass filter, and magnitude data combined with MTC data. We proposed NINet, a neural model, for automatic N1 sign identification in tSWI images.

Statistical Tests

We compared the performance of NINet to the subjective reference standard using Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses, and a decision curve analysis assessed identification accuracy.

Results

NINet achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 (CI: 0.76–0.89) in N1 sign identification, surpassing other models and neuroradiologists. NINet localized the putative N1 sign within tSWI images with 67.3% accuracy.

Data Conclusion

Our proposed NINet model's capability to determine the presence or absence of the N1 sign, along with its localization, holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy when evaluating PD using MR images.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Pregnancy outcomes after frozen‐thawed embryo transfer in women with COVID‐19 history: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Jialyu , Liu Yuxin , Wang Jiawei , Xu Dingfei , Huang Zhihui , Li Mengxi , Huang Lingling , Fan Lu , Liu Peipei , Xie Qiqi , Li Zengming , Wu Qiongfang , Lin Jiaying , Xia Leizhen , Tian Lifeng
Published: January 2024

The clinical effect of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation remains unclear. Herein, we aim to investigate whether a COVID‐19 history adversely affect female pregnancy outcomes after frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET). This prospective cohort study enrolled 230 women who underwent FET cycles from December 2022 to April 2023 in an academic fertility center. Based on the history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection before FET, women were divided into the infected group (n = 136) and the control group (n = 94). The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for potential confounders, while subgroup analysis and restricted cubic splines were used to depict the effect of postinfection time interval on FET. The results showed that the clinical pregnancy rate was 59.6% in the infected group and 63.9% in the control group (p = 0.513). Similarly, the two groups were comparable in the rates of biochemical pregnancy (69.1% vs. 76.6%; p = 0.214) and embryo implantation (51.7% vs. 54.5%; p = 0.628). After adjustment, the nonsignificant association remained between prior infection and clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.42–1.46). However, the odds for clinical pregnancy were significantly lower in the ≤30 days subgroup (OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.77), while no statistical significance was detected for 31–60 days and >60 days subgroups compared with the uninfected women. In conclusion, our findings suggested that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in women had no significant effect on subsequent FET treatment overall, but pregnancy rates tended to be decreased if vitrified‐thawed embryos were transferred within 30 days after infection. A 1‐month postponement should be rationally recommended, while further studies with larger sample groups and longer follow‐up periods are warranted for confirmation.
Novel serum biomarker of Golgi protein 73 for the diagnosis of clinically significant portal hypertension in patients with compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Shanghao , Ma Jianzhong , Chen Ping , Liu Shirong , Guo Ying , Tan Mingjie , Guo Xiaoqing , Feng Yinong , Wang Qinghui , Li Wenhua , Yang Chengchen , Gao Bo , Hua Yongli , Liu Ning , Song Haolin , He Ruiling , Wang Ruiying , Gao Qi , Liu Chuan , Qi Xiaolong
Published: January 2024

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the gold standard for evaluating clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). However, reliable noninvasive methods are limited. Our study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) for CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis. The study enrolled 262 consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis from three centers in China from February 2021 to September 2023, who underwent both serum GP73 tests and HVPG measurements. CSPH was defined as HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The prevalence of CSPH was 56.9% (n = 149). There were significant differences between the CSPH and non‐CSPH groups in the median serum GP73 level (126.8 vs. 73.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001). GP73 level showed a significant positive linear correlation with HVPG (r = 0.459, p < 0.001). The AUC for the diagnosis of CSPH using serum GP73 alone was 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–0.81). Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that the levels of GP73, platelets and international normalized ratio were independently associated with CSPH. The combination of these three markers was termed “IP73” score with an AUC value of 0.85 (95% CI 0.80–0.89) for CSPH. Using 0 as a cut‐off value, the specificity and sensitivity of IP73 score were 77.9% and 81.9%, respectively. The IP73 score offers a novel, simple and noninvasive method of assessing CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis. A cut‐off value of the IP73 score at 0 can distinguish patients with or without CSPH.
Role of chromium reductases, antioxidants, and biosorption against oxidative damage of metals by Bacillus cereus
Authors: Wani Parvaze A. , Olusebi Yusuff K. , Wani Uzma , Rafi Nusrat , Khan Mohd Sajjad Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Current research was performed to look for the performance of Bacillus cereus PY3 for metal detoxification. Strain PY3 was recognized as B. cereus using 16 S rRNA. Higher rate of removal of Zn and Cr (VI) by PY3 was obtained between pH 6–8 and 100–500 µg/mL in 24 h. Highest removal of Cr6+ by strain PY3 was achieved at acidic, neutral, and alkaline atmosphere, 100–300 µg Cr6+/mL and 25–35°C. Supernatant of PY3 detoxified Cr6+ into Cr3+ then cell pellet (debris) adsorbed them. The mechanism of metal removal was due to the release of cytolic extracts. Release of antioxidants and bio‐film played a protective role against cell damage. Metals increased antioxidants and bio‐film formation. SEM images showed the smooth external structure of PY3 when cells were exposed to metals thus confirming the role of cells for detoxification. Results Above facts conclude that PY3 can remove metallic pollution in polluted soil.
The robot uprising is here: Is scholarly publishing ready?
Authors: Benchekroun Sami
Published: January 2024

Key points

Research integrity is impossible to achieve without digital innovation.

Humans and machines have complementary strengths, which we should harness for collaboration.

We have backed ourselves into a corner with the way we have built current publishing infrastructure.

Today's research integrity solutions are downstream, but innovation requires integration throughout publishing infrastructure.
Size‐dependent community patterns differ between microbial eukaryotes and bacteria in a permafrost lake–river–sea continuum
Authors: Blais Marie‐Amélie , Matveev Alex , Lovejoy Connie , Vincent Warwick F.
Published: January 2024

Microbial communities play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, with contributions that can vary among taxonomic domains and size fractions. However, microbial assembly processes for bacteria and eukaryotes are seldom characterized together using size fractionation, especially in flowing waters. Here, we used amplicon sequencing combined with physicochemical measurements to determine how size fractionated (small fraction 0.22–3 μm; large fraction > 3 μm) community structure and diversity varied over a subarctic river continuum. We sampled the Sheldrake River, a 25 km river flowing through degrading discontinuous permafrost, from its lacustrine source through subarctic forest shrub tundra to its discharge plume in eastern Hudson Bay (Nunavik, Canada). Microbial community structure differed by size fraction and among habitats, with differences in the variables potentially driving community structure among size fractions and microbial domains. For the small size fraction, colored dissolved organic matter was a significant covariate of community variation for both bacteria and eukaryotes, consistent with the influence of landscape gradients. There were contrasting diversity patterns along the lake–river transect between bacterial size fractions. An abundance‐based approach indicated that for all communities, assembly processes were dominated by homogeneous selection, while an incidence‐based method showed dominance of heterogeneous selection for bacteria and homogenizing dispersal for microbial eukaryotes. Our findings show how different components of riverine microbial communities can have divergent patterns along the downstream continuum to the sea.
Augmented reality marketing and consumer‒brand relationships: How closeness drives brand love
Authors: Rauschnabel Philipp A. , Hüttl‐Maack Verena , Ahuvia Aaron C. , Schein Katrin E.
Published: January 2024

Marketers use augmented reality (AR) to place virtual brand‐related information into a consumer's physical context. Grounded in the literature on AR, brand love, metaphor theory, and closeness as interpreted by the neural theory of language, the authors theorize that branded AR content can reduce the perceived physical, spatial distance between a consumer and a brand. This perceived closeness subsequently drives the closeness of the emotional relationship in the form of brand love. Two empirical studies validate this framework. Study 1 shows that using an AR app (vs. non‐AR) increases the perceived physical closeness of the brand, which in turn drives brand love (i.e., relationship closeness). Study 2 replicates this finding in a pre‐/post‐use design. Here, high levels of local presence (i.e., the extent to which consumers perceive a brand as actually being present in their physical environment) drive perceived physical closeness, which leads to brand love. We also find that AR's power to generate brand love increases when the consumer is already familiar with the brand. We discuss managerial implications for AR marketing today and in a metaverse future in which AR content might be prevalent in consumers' everyday perceptions of the real world.
Understanding crowding perceptions and their impact on place experience: Insights from a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Sanz‐Blas Silvia , Buzova Daniela , Garrigos‐Simon Fernando J.
Published: January 2024

The existing research on the impact of crowding on visitors' experiences has yielded mixed results, mainly due to inadequate conceptualization and measurement of the phenomenon. To address this issue, we adopted a mixed‐methods approach. We first conducted a qualitative study (Study 1, focus group based) to understand (i) how consumers perceive crowding at leisure places, (ii) the sources of crowding (spatial or social), and (iii) its effects on their experiences and future behaviors. For Study 2 we collected quantitative data through a survey (n = 537 respondents) to estimate the association between objective and subjective measures of crowding, the relative contribution of human and spatial crowding to visitors' overall crowding perceptions and its impact on satisfaction and behavioral intentions. The results indicated there is a weak association between objective and perceived human crowding, which makes subjective measures more appropriate for assessing crowdedness. A formative two‐dimensional (human and spatial) conceptualization of crowding more adequately captures visitors' perceptions. The influence of each dimension is context‐dependent, such that human crowding is more problematic for visitors to monuments, while cruise ship tourists are less tolerant of spatial crowding. The findings also revealed that crowding negatively affects visitors' satisfaction, while its impact on behavioral intentions is mostly nonsignificant for cruise ship tourists.
Key factors influencing knowledge acquisition through game‐based learning
Authors: Calza‐Perez Mauro , Perez‐Ruiz Pilar , Enri‐Peiró Sandra , Martínez‐Climent Carla , Sánchez‐García Javier
Published: January 2024

This research enriches the current understanding of digital marketing knowledge acquisition through game‐based learning (GBL). The study is based on a sample of 476 participants who provided data before and after playing The Ecommerce Game(™). In this serious game, players must optimize the conversion rate of an e‐commerce venture. Data on key variables measuring players' digital marketing knowledge were collected. Before playing the game, participants reported on their perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude. After the game, participants' knowledge, motivation, enjoyment, and concentration were measured. The purpose of this study was to determine the positive impact of GBL on the professional development of participants. Participants reported that the skills acquired in GBL improved their professional performance. Thus, the results suggest that acceptance of a game can be an effective tool for players to acquire knowledge of digital marketing and e‐commerce. The motivation from gameplay was significant in aiding participants' learning experiences. Encouragingly, participants expressed a willingness to replay the game, emphasizing the enjoyableness of the learning process.