bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Performance and Safety: The Importance of Surface Treatment in the Medical Device Industry – An Overview
Authors: Sharma Akash , Luthra Gaurav
Published: May 2023

Surface treatment is a crucial process in the medical device industry that plays a vital role in improving the performance, durability, and safety of medical devices. This article provides an overview of the importance of surface treatment in the medical device industry. The article discusses the various surface treatment processes such as cleaning, passivation, anodizing, coating, plasma treatment, ion implantation, and surface roughening, and how they can improve the biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, adhesion, lubricity, and sterilization properties of medical devices. The article emphasizes the significance of biocompatibility in medical devices and how surface treatment processes can improve it. The article also highlights the importance of corrosion resistance and how surface treatment processes can provide the necessary protection. Additionally, the article discusses how surface treatment processes can improve the adhesion properties of medical devices, making them more effective in surgical procedures. Finally, the article concludes by summarizing the critical role of surface treatment in the medical device industry and how it contributes to enhancing the performance and safety of medical devices.
Perioperative and Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy Versus Open Right Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score–Matching Analysis
Authors: Park Eun-Kyu , Sultonova Rukhsora D. , Song SangHwa , Kim Hee Joon , Hur Young Hoe , Cho Chol Kyoon , Koh YangSeok
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Summary of background data

Despite the popularity of laparoscopic hepatectomy, it is still in need of further evidence to assess its safety and efficacy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

From 2008 to 2017, 149 patients (laparoscopic right hepatectomy [LRH], 28 patients; open right hepatectomy [ORH], 121 patients) were included. Baseline characteristics, including tumor characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and survival outcomes, were compared between the 2 groups. For group comparisons, one-to-one propensity score matching was used to minimize selection biases.

Results

After one-to-one propensity score matching, 25 LRHs were compared to 25 ORHs. Operative time was significantly shorter for the ORH group than for the LRH group (mean, 322.5 versus 379.5 minutes; P = 0.015), whereas the LRH group showed less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.02) and lower intraoperative transfusion (P = 0.02). Postoperative hospital stays were significantly shorter for the LRH group (mean, 14.5 days versus 20.2 days; P = 0.004). Overall morbidities were significantly lower in the LRH group (1:13, P = 0.00). The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 100%, 92.0%, and 92.0%, respectively, for the LRH group, and 84.0%, 80.0%, and 64.0%, respectively, for the ORH group. Furthermore, the cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 96.0%, 80.0%, and 75.3%, respectively, for the LRH group, and 72.0%, 48.0%, and 40.0%, respectively, for the ORH group. The LRH group showed significantly longer disease-free survival (P = 0.009) and overall survival (P = 0.028) than the ORH group.

Conclusion

LRH can be safely performed for hepatocellular carcinoma. LRH was associated with more favorable oncologic outcomes.
What Is Aortic Dissection?
Authors: Baman Jayson R. , Malaisrie S. Chris
Published: May 2023

This JAMA Patient Page describes aortic dissection, a tear in the aorta, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Effect of Immediate Referral vs a Brief Problem-solving Intervention for Screen-Detected Peripartum Depression
Authors: Elansary Mei , Kistin Caroline J. , Antonio Jocelyn , Fernández-Pastrana Ivys , Lee-Parritz Aviva , Cabral Howard , Miller Emily S. , Silverstein Michael
Published: May 2023

Importance

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults for depression in settings with programs in place to ensure receipt of appropriate care. Best practices regarding how to ensure such care are unknown, particularly for pregnant and postpartum persons.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of 2 strategies for the initial management of screen-detected peripartum depressive symptoms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized comparative effectiveness trial was performed from February 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020, at the prenatal clinic, postpartum unit, and pediatric clinic within an urban safety-net hospital. Participants included peripartum persons with positive depression screen results. Data were analyzed from July 6, 2020, to September 21, 2022, based on intention to treat.

Interventions

Engagement-focused care coordination (EFCC), which used shared decision-making and motivational techniques to refer patients to outside mental health services, and problem-solving education (PSE), a brief cognitive-behavioral program delivered at the screening site.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome consisted of severity of depressive symptoms; secondary outcomes included severity of anxiety symptoms and engagement with care, each measured bimonthly over 12 months. Rates of symptom elevations were modeled using negative binomial regression; rates of symptom trajectories were modeled using treatment × time interactions.

Results

Among the 230 participants (mean [SD] age, 29.8 [5.8] years), 125 (54.3%) were Black and 101 (43.9%) were Hispanic or Latina. At baseline, 117 participants (50.9%) reported at least moderately severe depressive symptoms (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology score ≥11), and 56 (24.3%) reported clinically significant anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory score ≥21). Across 6 assessment time points, the mean (SD) number of moderately severe depressive symptom episodes in EFCC was 2.2 (2.2), compared with 2.2 (2.1) in PSE, for an adjusted rate ratio (aRR) of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.77-1.17). The mean (SD) number of anxiety symptom elevations in EFCC was 1.1 (1.8), compared to 1.1 (1.6) in PSE, for an aRR of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.69-1.39). There were significant treatment × time interactions relative to mean depressive symptom scores (−0.34 [95% CI, −0.60 to −0.08]; P = .009 for interaction term), favoring EFCC. There were no differences in engagement with care.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized comparative effectiveness trial, there were no differences in depressive or anxiety symptom burden across comparators; however, the evidence suggested improved depressive symptom trajectory with immediate referral. Further work is necessary to guide approaches to management following depression screening for peripartum persons.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03221556
Barriers to AUD treatment for Latinos found in new measure
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Compared with whites, Latinos perceive a lack of social support, logistical barriers, low treatment efficacy, cultural barriers, and immigration‐related concerns as obstacles to treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to researchers who tested a new measure, the “Barriers to Specialty Alcohol Treatment” (BSAT) scale.
Revisiting the Role of Discharge Products in Li–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Zou Jinshuo , Liang Gemeng , Zhang Fangli , Zhang Shilin , Davey Kenneth , Guo Zaiping
Published: May 2023

Rechargeable lithium‐carbon dioxide (Li–CO2) batteries are promising devices for CO2 recycling and energy storage. However, thermodynamically stable and electrically insulating discharge products (DPs) (e.g., Li2CO3) deposited at cathodes require rigorous conditions for completed decomposition, resulting in large recharge polarization and poor battery reversibility. Although progress has been achieved in cathode design and electrolyte optimization, the significance of DPs is generally underestimated. Therefore, it is necessary to revisit the role of DPs in Li–CO2 batteries to boost overall battery performance. Here, a critical and systematic review of DPs in Li–CO2 batteries is reported for the first time. Fundamentals of reactions for formation and decomposition of DPs are appraised; impacts on battery performance including overpotential, capacity, and stability are demonstrated; and the necessity of discharge product management is highlighted. Practical in situ/operando technologies are assessed to characterize reaction intermediates and the corresponding DPs for mechanism investigation. Additionally, achievable control measures to boost the decomposition of DPs are evidenced to provide battery design principles and improve the battery performance. Findings from this work will deepen the understanding of electrochemistry of Li–CO2 batteries and promote practical applications.
Floating Carbon Nitride Composites for Practical Solar Reforming of Pre‐Treated Wastes to Hydrogen Gas
Authors: Linley Stuart , Reisner Erwin
Published: May 2023

Solar reforming (SR) is a promising green‐energy technology that can use sunlight to mitigate biomass and plastic waste while producing hydrogen gas at ambient pressure and temperature. However, practical challenges, including photocatalyst lifetime, recyclability, and low production rates in turbid waste suspensions, limit SR's industrial potential. By immobilizing SR catalyst materials (carbon nitride/platinum; CNx|Pt and carbon nitride/nickel phosphide; CNx|Ni2P) on hollow glass microspheres (HGM), which act as floating supports enabling practical composite recycling, such limitations can be overcome. Substrates derived from plastic and biomass, including poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and cellulose, are reformed by floating SR composites, which are reused for up to ten consecutive cycles under realistic, vertical simulated solar irradiation (AM1.5G), reaching activities of 1333 ± 240 µmolH2 m−2 h−1 on pre‐treated PET. Floating SR composites are also advantageous in realistic waste where turbidity prevents light absorption by non‐floating catalyst powders, achieving 338.1 ± 1.1 µmolH2 m−2 h−1 using floating CNx versus non‐detectable H2 production with non‐floating CNx and a pre‐treated PET bottle as substrate. Low Pt loadings (0.033 ± 0.0013% m/m) demonstrate consistent performance and recyclability, allowing efficient use of precious metals for SR hydrogen production from waste substrates at large areal scale (217 cm2), taking an important step toward practical SR implementation.
Ulnar shape of extant primates: Functional signals and covariation with triquetrum shape
Authors: Vanhoof Marie J. M. , Galletta Lorenzo , Matthews Harold , De Groote Isabelle , Vereecke Evie E.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

In this study, we investigated the shape differences of the distal ulna in a phylogenetic context among a broad range of primate taxa. Furthermore, we evaluated covariation between ulnar and triquetrum shape and a possible association between ulnar shape and locomotor behavior.

Materials and Methods

We applied 3D geometric morphometrics on a large dataset comprising the distal ulna of 124 anthropoid primate specimens belonging to 12 different genera. For each species, a mean shape was calculated using 11 Procrustes‐aligned surface landmarks on the distal ulna. These mean shapes are used in a bgPCA, pPCA, and PACA and 3D morphs were used to visualize more subtle differences between taxa. A p2B‐PLS analysis was performed to test the covariance between distal ulnar and triquetrum shape.

Results

The results show that more closely related species exhibit a similar distal ulnar shape. Overall, extant hominid ulnae show a shape shift compared to those of extant monkeys and hylobatids. This includes a shortening of the ulnar styloid process and dorspalmarly widening of the ulnar head, shape characteristics that are independent of phylogeny. Within the hominids, Pongo pygmaeus seem to possess the most plesiomorphic distal ulnar shape, while Gorilla and Homo sapiens display the most derived distal ulna. Cercopithecoids, hylobatids, and P. pygmaeus are characterized by a relatively deep ECU groove, which is a shape trait dependent of phylogeny. Although there was no significant covariation between distal ulnar shape and triquetrum shape, the shape differences of the distal ulna between the different primate taxa reveal a possible link with locomotor behavior.

Conclusions

The comparative analyses of this study reveal different shape trends in a phylogenetic context. Highly arboreal primates, such as hylobatids and Ateles fusciceps, show a distal ulnar morphology that appears to be adapted to tensile and torsional forces. In primates that use their wrist under more compressive conditions, such as quadrupedal cercopithecoids and great apes, the distal ulnar morphology seems to reflect increased compressive forces. In modern humans, the distal ulnar shape can be associated to enhanced manipulative skills and power grips. There was no significant covariation between distal ulnar shape and triquetrum shape, probably due to the variation in the amount of contact between the triquetrum and ulna. In combination with future research on wrist mobility in diverse primate taxa, the results of this study will allow us to establish form‐function relationships of the primate wrist and contribute towards an evidence‐based interpretation of fossil remains.
Impact of hollow glass microsphere addition to poly(ethylene vinyl) acetate foam on mechanical properties of sports footwear
Authors: Lunchev Andrey V. , Kashcheev Aleksandr , Tok Alfred ling Yoong , Lipik Vitali
Published: May 2023

Samples of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) co‐polymer foams in form of plates and industrial outsoles of prototyped sport shoes containing 0% (reference), 2.5%, and 5.0 weight % (wt%) of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) were made. The goal was to study the influence of HGM on properties of EVA foam in laboratory conditions followed by the industrial trial, where the most promising laboratory result was applied. The physical properties of samples and behavior of material under dynamic load were examined. EVA foams with HGM filler demonstrated that they have better ability to reduce impact peak force and increase absorb impact impulse compared to the reference foam without HGM. Addition of 5.0 wt% of HGM in laboratory foam increased its absorbed impact pulse by two‐fold. Meanwhile for industrial prototype outsoles, the impact peak force was reduced by 5%–7% in walking simulated conditions and by 11% in case of simulated running. It is also observed that, addition of 5.0 wt% of HGM in EVA foam increased its abrasion resistance by three times, which generally helps to increase the lifetime of sport footwear. Under dynamic load, samples with the addition of HGM behave interestingly and result shows a small decrease in energy return (7%) which is logical, because this composite tends to absorb energy and not return it. Samples with 2.5 wt% HGM are stiffer than reference until 40% compression deformation, but beyond that point it becomes softer, and better absorbs impact energy than reference. Outsole with 2.5% of HGM in EVA outsole increased resistance of shoe at lateral bending of 50% and 20% rise of resistance was found at medial twist. Impact absorption and flexibility resistance are useful for protection against impact which are also helpful to prevent sport injuries. The obtained results show the addition of HGMs which are cheap by‐products in several technologies brings improvement to properties of EVA foams which is the most common materials for the sport footwear industry.
Habitat preferences, genetic isolation and climatic vulnerability of an endangered freshwater crayfish and a widespread freshwater crab in streams of northern Japan
Authors: Hinosawa Tsubasa , Kinami Saki , Sogabe Atsushi , Ohtaka Akifumi , Azuma Nobuyuki , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Stream habitat is distributed discontinuously, which restricts the dispersal of animals among streams. Freshwater decapod crustaceans have poor dispersal ability and thus may suffer high extinction risk in the face of habitat destruction and other forces. Here, the ecological characteristics of two freshwater decapods, the threatened crayfish Cambaroides japonicus (de Haan, 1841) and the widespread crab Geothelphusa dehaani (White, 1847), were compared. The objective of the study was to determine which characteristics are most likely to limit the distribution of C. japonicus.

Environmental DNA sampling was conducted to detect C. japonicus and G. dehaani populations, and environmental characteristics were measured to identify suitable stream habitat. Phylogenetic divergence and genetic differentiation among populations were examined. Using species distribution modelling, the future distributions of both species under climate change were predicted.

Stream habitats harbouring C. japonicus tended to be supplied with more beech leaves and fewer cedar leaves, whereas those of G. dehaani were relatively wide, indicating that C. japonicus favours upstream areas in natural broad‐leaved forest. The results also showed greater genetic divergence among populations of C. japonicus than those of G. dehaani. Modelling indicated that most areas within the current distribution of C. japonicus were predicted to be areas with low distribution probability under a future climate scenario.

To protect C. japonicus, further loss of local populations should be prevented to allow for the maintenance of high genetic diversity among populations, which may provide the evolutionary capability of surviving under future climate conditions. To prevent further loss of C. japonicus populations, natural deciduous forests in mountainous areas need to be preserved. C. japonicus can be the indicator species within the freshwater environment in these forests. Conservation measures for C. japonicus should also be effective for the conservation of the other freshwater invertebrates in upstream areas.
Ferrocene‐Based N‐Heterocyclic Plumbylenes [Fe{(η5‐C5H4)NSiMe2R}2Pb:]: Influence of the Steric Demand of theN‐Substituents on Their Dimerization via C−H Activation with PbII
Authors: Guthardt Robin , Jacob Hannes L. , Herle Dominic , Leibold Michael , Bruhn Clemens , Heinz Myron , Holthausen Max C. , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: May 2023

Ferrocene‐based N‐heterocyclic plumbylenes fc[(NSiMe2R)2Pb:] (1; fc=1,1’‐ferrocenylene) are easily accessible by transamination from [(Me3Si)2N]2Pb and the corresponding 1,1’‐diaminoferrocene derivatives fc(NHSiMe2R)2. They may form unconventional dimers2by a process, which causes the cleavage of a cyclopentadienyl C−H bond and the formation of a Pb−C and an N−H bond. The monomer‐dimer equilibrium (21⇆2) has been addressed experimentally and computationally. It critically depends on the steric demand of theN‐substituents SiMe2R, which has been varied systematically by using homologues with aliphatic (R=methyl, ethyl, isopropyl,tert‐butyl) and aromatic units (R=phenyl, mesityl, ferrocenyl). Even in the sterically least congested case (R=methyl), dimerization is only slightly exergonic. It eventually becomes prohibitively endergonic with increasingly larger substituents and is thus not observed for R=tert‐butyl, mesityl, and ferrocenyl. R=phenyl represents a borderline case, where the dimer is still detectable in the equilibrium mixture, albeit as a very minor component, in accord with the slightly endergonic Gibbs free energy change calculated for its formation. Addition of 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) to the monomer‐dimer equilibrium mixtures cleanly affords the corresponding adducts [1(DMAP)], irrespective of the equilibrium composition.
Quatramer™ encapsulation of dual‐targeted PI3‐Kδ/HDAC6 inhibitor, HSB‐510, suppresses growth of breast cancer
Authors: Tiwari Sachchidanand , Liu Suiyang , Anees Mohd , Mehrotra Neha , Thakur Ashish , Tawa Gregory J. , Grewal Gurmit , Stone Richard , Kharbanda Surender , Singh Harpal
Published: May 2023

Multiple studies have shown that the progression of breast cancer depends on multiple signaling pathways, suggesting that therapies with multitargeted anticancer agents will offer improved therapeutic benefits through synergistic effects in inhibiting cancer growth. Dual‐targeted inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) have emerged as promising cancer therapy candidates. However, poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability limited their efficacy in cancer. The present study investigates the encapsulation of a PI3‐Kδ/HDAC6 dual inhibitor into hybrid block copolymers (polylactic acid‐methoxy polyethylene glycol; polylactic acid‐polyethylene glycol‐polypropylene glycol‐polyethylene glycol‐polylactic acid) (HSB‐510) as a delivery system to target PI3‐Kδ and HDAC6 pathways in breast cancer cells. The prepared HSB‐510 showed an average diameter of 96 ± 3 nm, a zeta potential of −17 ± 2 mV, and PDI of ˂0.1 with a slow and sustained release profile of PI3‐Kδ/HDAC6 inhibitors in a nonphysiological buffer. In vitro studies with HSB‐510 have demonstrated substantial growth inhibition of breast cancer cell lines, MDA‐MB‐468, SUM‐149, MCF‐7, and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) as well as downregulation of phospho‐AKT, phospho‐ERK, and c‐Myc levels. Importantly, bi‐weekly treatment of Balb/c wild‐type mice harboring EAC cells with HSB‐510 at a dose of 25 mg/kg resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition. The treatment with HSB‐510 was without any significant effect on the body weights of the mice. These results demonstrate that a novel Quatramer encapsulation of a PI3‐Kδ/HDAC6 dual inhibitor (HSB‐510) represents an approach for the successful targeting of breast cancer and potentially other cancer types.
Using immunohistochemistry to classify the molecular subtypes of Paget's disease of the breast
Authors: Cai Yujiao , Cheng Zhongquan , Nangong Jiarui , Zheng Xiaodan , Yuan Zhu
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To classify the molecular subtypes of Paget's disease of the breast, and then compare them with general breast cancer to get deeper understanding of this disease and offer better management of associate patients in clinical decisions.

Methods

We used immunohistochemistry to examine 42 cases of this disease by antibodies against estrogen and progesterone receptors, Ki‐67, as well as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER‐2). Due to damage and loss of specimens, etc., we obtained 36 pathological specimens from the 42 patients. For 30 of 36 pathological specimens (83.3%), we obtained a complete molecular subtype. Cause the other 6 pathological specimens have missing immunohistochemistry items. For patients with bilateral breast cancer, only information on the side with PDB is listed. For patients with recurrence, only information on the first onset was included. We finally compared and studied the molecular subtype of 26 samples. We calculated the relative frequencies of molecular subtypes including luminal A, luminal B, HER‐2‐enriched, and basal‐like and compared them between PDB and general breast carcinomas in other studies.

Results

The luminal A and B subtype were found, respectively, in 3 (11.5%) and 6 (23.1%) of all patients, and 15 cases of HER‐2‐enriched subtype was detected (57.7%). In addition, 2 (7.7%) showed a basal‐like subtype.

Conclusion

The molecular subtypes of common breast cancer and PDB‐associated breast cancer differ. Luminal subtypes are the most common in the former, while within our samples HER‐2 positive subtype was the highest in PDB‐associated breast carcinoma. With further understanding of this disease, rational therapies will be applied in different patients and cures for PDB and PDB‐associated carcinoma will be achieved.
ChatGPT – a revolution for teaching and learning in chemistry education?!
Authors: Pawlak Felix
Published: May 2023

Der KI‐basierte Chatbot „ChatGTP“ zog in kürzester Zeit viel Aufmerksamkeit auf sich, da er einen leichten und unmittelbaren Zugang sowie die Nutzung einer künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) bietet. Der Chatbot löst dabei unterschiedlichste Aufgaben und gibt Antworten auf die ihm gestellten Fragen. Hierzu können dem Chatbot sehr komplexe Aufgabenstellungen auch aus dem Chemieunterricht präsentiert werden, die dieser umfangreich und (zum Teil) korrekt bearbeitet. Diese neuen Möglichkeiten stellt das Lehren und Lernen vor eine neue Situation, in der eine KI die (Haus‐)Aufgaben für Schüler:innen lösen kann. Wie weit diese Technologie auf der Basis von Large Language Models ist und welche neuen Herausforderungen dies für das Lehren und Lernen im Chemieunterricht mit sich bringen kann, wird anhand von Beispielaufgaben zu Tensiden diskutiert.
What drives greenhouse gas emissions? An international scoping review of academic studies in 2010–2019
Authors: McCurdy Jacob , Rhodes Ekaterina
Published: May 2023

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have increased globally 10% in the last decade, but there is a large variation in emissions trajectories by country. Understanding the main drivers of recent changes in GHG emissions is important to guide effective climate action. Using a narrative scoping review of academic literature, we access 648 abstracts and review 30 studies to identify statistically significant independent variables that were associated with GHG emissions nationally and multinationally (i.e., in country groupings) during or overlapping the period 2010–2019. We describe the findings in terms of potential reasons for the positive or negative associations, outline the strength of associations relative to other variables within the same study, and compare the associations to findings in other studies. We find that population, energy consumption, and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita are the most common independent variables associated with increases in GHG emissions, whereas the square of GDP per capita and renewable energy production are associated with GHG reductions. We assign GHG drivers to seven categories: economic, energy, demographic, technology innovation, transportation, policy, and others. We conclude by discussing implications for future research and climate policy.
Anti‐Carbonic Anhydrase Goldbodies by Conformational Reconstruction of the Complementary‐Determining Regions of Phage‐Displayed Antibodies
Authors: Gao Tiange , Lou Chenxi , Wang Yan , Wang Haifang , Cao Aoneng
Published: May 2023

It has been demonstrated that the main complementary‐determining region (CDR) fragments of antibodies could be grafted onto gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to produce artificial antibody, dubbed Goldbody. Goldbody maintains the same binding specificity with the corresponding antigen as the original antibody, but has better stability than the antibody. However, the current design of Goldbodies is mainly based on the structures of antibody‐antigen complexes. To extend this promising technique to the majority of antibodies whose complexes with the corresponding antigens are not structurally solved, herein, two anti‐carbonic anhydrase (CA) antibodies screened by phage display were chosen to create anti‐CA Goldbodies. One of the anti‐CA antibodies, cAb‐CA05, has a known complex structure with CA; but the other, cAb‐CA06, does not. By conformational reconstruction of the CDR3 of cAb‐CA06, which is identified by sequence alignment, as well as the CDR3 of cAb‐CA05, two anti‐CA Goldbodies have been created. Interestingly, our results show the two Goldbodies can bind to CA simultaneously, unambiguously indicating their binding sites on CA are far away. As the CDR3 is the major binding unit for many antibodies, which can be reliably predicted by sequence alignment, it could be used as a general strategy to develop artificial antibodies by directly grafting and conformationally reconstructing the predicted CDR3 of antibodies.
Hexavalent Ions Insertion in Garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 Toward a Low Temperature Densification Reaction
Authors: Campanella Daniele , Zhu Wen , Girard Gabriel , Savoie Sylvio , Kaboli Shirin , Feng Zimin , Guerfi Abdelbast , Romio Martina , Molaiyan Palanivel , Bélanger Daniel , Paolella Andrea
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, solid electrolytes are considered the main alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium batteries. The fabrication of these materials is however limited by the strict synthesis conditions, requiring high temperatures which can negatively impact the final performances. Here, it is shown that a modification of garnet‐based Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and the incorporation of tellurium can accelerate the synthesis process by lowering the formation temperature of cubic LLZO at temperatures below 700 °C. Optimized synthesis at 750 °C showed a decrease in particle size and cell parameter for samples with higher amounts of Te and the evaluation of electrochemical performances reported for LLZO Te0.25 a value of ionic conductivity of 5,15×10−5 S cm−1 after hot‐pressing at 700 °C, two orders of magnitude higher than commercial Al‐LLZO undergoing the same working conditions, and the highest value at this densification temperature. Partial segregation of Te‐rich phases occurs for high‐temperature densification. Our study shows the advantages of Te insertion on the sintering process of LLZO garnet and demonstrates the achievement of highly conductive LLZO with a low‐temperature treatment.
Reconsidering Anode Materials for Fluoride‐Ion Batteries–The Unexpected Roles of Carbide Formation**
Authors: McTaggart Don , Warren Scott C. , Clemens Oliver
Published: May 2023

Carbon is a ubiquitous additive to enhance the electrical conductivity of battery electrodes. Although carbon is generally assumed to be inert, the poor reversibility seen in some fluoride‐ion battery electrodes has not been explained or systematically explored. Here, we utilize the Materials Project database to assess electrode deactivation reactions that result in the formation of a metal carbide. Specifically, we compare the theoretical potentials of MFy reduction to either the corresponding metal M or metal carbide MCx. We find that the formation of MCx is unlikely to be important in anodes that operate at modest reduction potentials, such as those made from electronegative metals like Zn, Sn, or Pb. However, in anodes that operate at extreme reduction potentials, such as alkaline earths or lanthanides, we find that formation of MCx is relevant and can emerge as a mechanism for capacity loss. Thus, side reactions of metals with carbon additives that form metal carbides possibly explain the poor reversibility of lanthanide or alkaline earth metal‐based electrode materials. Finally, we highlight that the carbide formation process might be exploited for designing cheap anode systems with improved reversibility.
Disturbance observer‐based quasi‐proportional resonant composite control strategy for high‐frequency LCLC inverters
Authors: Zijie Fang , Junfeng Liu , Hao Zhou , Jun Zeng , Pengyu Zhang
Published: May 2023

A quasi‐proportional resonant (QPR) composite control strategy based on disturbance observer (DOB) is proposed to improve the power quality and dynamic performance of the high‐frequency AC distribution system source side. The load DOB normalizes the controlled object while suppressing the load disturbance and improving the system's robustness and dynamic performance of the system. The QPR control strategy is proposed based on the internal mode principle, which improves the tracking capability of the system for the operating frequency band signal, reduces the system output steady‐state error, and suppresses the inverter output voltage harmonics. To adapt to the high bandwidth requirement of the controller for high‐frequency AC inverters, the proposed control strategy based on analogy devices implementation circuit is designed, and the corresponding controller parameters design method is given. Compared with the traditional control strategy, the proposed control strategy can reduce the inverter output voltage harmonics, effectively suppress the load disturbance, and improve the dynamic performance and steady‐state performance of the system. Finally, the experimental platform verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy and the designed circuit.
Development of a latent dementia index in the aging, demographics, and memory study: Validation and measurement invariance by sex
Authors: Saenz Joseph , Beam Christopher R. , Kim Alice J.
Published: May 2023

Latent variable models can create a latent dementia index (LDI) using cognitive and functional ability to approximate dementia likelihood. The LDI approach has been applied across diverse cohorts. It is unclear whether sex affects its measurement properties. We use Wave A (2001–2003) of the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (n = 856). Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test measurement invariance (MI) using informant‐reported functional ability and cognitive performance tasks, which we group into verbal, nonverbal, and memory. Partial scalar invariance was found, allowing for testing sex differences in LDI means (MDiff = 0.38). The LDI correlated with consensus panel dementia diagnosis, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and dementia risk factors (low education, advanced age, and apolipoprotein ε4 [APOE‐ε4] status) for men and women. The LDI validly captures dementia likelihood to permit estimation of sex differences. LDI sex differences indicate higher dementia likelihood in women, potentially due to social, environmental, and biological factors.
The utilisation of digital droplet PCR to enhance the diagnosis of bladder and pancreaticobiliary tumours in cytology specimens
Authors: Weigner Julie , Billings Raewyn , Scott Rodney J. , King Simon
Published: May 2023

Background

Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) is a relatively new technique used to detect molecular alterations with unprecedented precision and accuracy. It is particularly useful for detecting point mutations and copy number variation (CNV) in samples with small amounts of target DNA.

This proof of principle study was conducted to see if ddPCR technology could be applied to cytology specimens to detect molecular alterations which may influence diagnostic decision making.

Methods

A range of cytological specimens derived from bladder or pancreaticobiliary origin, with varying diagnoses but with an emphasis on abnormality, underwent ddPCR testing. DNA was manually extracted from Thinprep vials, cell blocks or direct fine needle aspiration smears. ddPCR was performed using two somatic point mutations TP53 R248W and TP53 R273H assays for both urine and pancreaticobiliary cytology specimens. Three CNV assays; CDKN2A, E2F3 and YWHAZ were applied to urine samples. SMAD4 and CDKN2A CNVs were applied to the pancreaticobiliary samples.

Results

16 of 21 urine specimens showed molecular alterations using ddPCR testing. 12 of those 16 cases were associated with malignant outcomes. The pancreaticobiliary specimens showed 14 of 37 specimens with molecular alterations, all of which were associated with carcinoma. We demonstrated an increasing percentage of molecular aberrations associated with increasing severity of cytological results.

Conclusion

Our results have shown that ddPCR can identify both mutations and CNVs in urine and pancreaticobiliary cytology derived samples. Being able to detect these molecular alterations may reduce the number of equivocal results leading to more timely and informed patient management decisions.
Including environmental covariates clarifies the relationship between endangered Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) abundance and environmental DNA
Authors: Morrison Melissa K. , Lacoursière‐Roussel Anaïs , Wood Zachary T. , Trudel Marc , Gagné Nellie , LeBlanc Francis , Samways Kurt , Kinnison Michael T. , Pavey Scott A.
Published: May 2023

Collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) as a nonlethal sampling approach has been valuable in detecting the presence/absence of many imperiled taxa; however, its application to indicate species abundance poses many challenges. A deeper understanding of eDNA dynamics in aquatic systems is required to better interpret the substantial variability often associated with eDNA samples. Our sampling design took advantage of natural variation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) distribution and abundance along 9 km of a single river in the Province of New Brunswick (Canada), covering different spatial and temporal scales to address the unknown seasonal impacts of environmental variables on the quantitative relationship between eDNA concentration and species abundance. First, we asked whether accounting for environmental variables strengthened the relationship between eDNA and salmon abundance by sampling eDNA during their spring seaward migration. Second, we asked how environmental variables affected eDNA dynamics during the summer as the parr abundance remained relatively constant. Spring eDNA samples were collected over a 6‐week period (12 times) near a rotary screw trap that captured approximately 18.6% of migrating smolts, whereas summer sampling occurred (i) at three distinct salmon habitats (9 times) and (ii) along the full 9 km (3 times). We modeled eDNA concentration as a product of fish abundance and environmental variables, demonstrating that (1) with inclusion of abundance and environmental covariates, eDNA was highly correlated with spring smolt abundance and (2) the relationships among environmental covariates and eDNA were affected by seasonal variation with relatively constant parr abundance in summer. Our findings underscore that with appropriate study design that accounts for seasonal environmental variation and life history phenology, eDNA salmon population assessments may have the potential to evaluate abundance fluctuations in spring and summer.
Fractionation of bacteria by electrophoresis as pre‐separation method before MALDI‐MS detection
Authors: Błońska Dominika , Kłodzińska Ewa , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: May 2023

The present study attempted to apply the capillary electrophoresis technique for the fractionation and separation of S. Staphylococcus hominis and Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from urine samples and the detection of migrated fraction with spectrometric method. This involved the selection of suitable conditions for separation as well as the identification of pathogens. The result of the research was the separation of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, as well as their subsequent identification by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry using two different approaches (culture of fractions on an agar plate and direct analysis of the collected fractions). The preliminary results provide a solid basis for further research on the use of electromigration techniques with LDI detection to identify pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in biological samples.
Partial Monte Carlo sampling for computer generated holograms
Authors: Blesa Alfonso , Magallón Juan Antonio , Serón Francisco José
Published: May 2023

CGH is considered as the key technology to integrate synthetic 3D imaging to get best photo‐realistic rendering quality and optimum viewing experience. We present a partial Monte Carlo sampling algorithm that uses a random subset of rays for the calculation of the CGH, reducing the computational cost. The similarity of the images obtained from the CGH with respect to the original one is evaluated as a function of the image resolution and the percentage of rays used. The results obtained are presented for both simulation and experimental set‐up.
Enantioselectivity in the Ecotoxicity of Amphetamine Using Daphnia magna as the Aquatic Model Organism: Morphophysiological, Behavioral, Reproductive and Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Ribeiro Cláudia , Gomes Cristiano , Pérez-Pereira Ariana , Carrola João Soares , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Langa Ivan , Couto Cristina , Castro Bruno B.
Published: May 2023

Amphetamine (AMP) is a chiral psychoactive substance that exhibits enantioselectivity in its pharmacological properties. It has been detected in wastewaters and surface waters and can occur as enantiomeric mixtures, but little is known about its environmental risk and potential enantioselective toxicity to aquatic organisms. Our study aimed to target enantioselectivity in AMP toxicity to the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. Daphnids were subchronically exposed to the racemate (rac-AMP: 0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg/L) and pure enantiomers, (R)-AMP and (S)-AMP (0.1, and 1.0 µg/L, respectively), for 8 days. Morphophysiological, swimming behavior, reproductive and biochemical variables were evaluated during critical life stages (juveniles vs. adults). Some responses were context-dependent and often enantioselective, varying between racemate and enantiomers and across the life stage of the organisms. Overall, rac-AMP stimulated D. magna growth, decreased heart rate and area, affected behavior, and stimulated reproduction. The effect of enantiomers was totally or partially concordant with rac-AMP, except for swimming behavior and reproduction. Enantioselectivity was observed for body size, number of eggs/daphnia, and heart rate (steeper decrease caused by (R)-AMP on day 3). Changes in biochemical parameters were also observed: AMP caused a significant decrease in catalase activity as racemate or pure enantiomers, whereas a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was found only for rac-AMP. Evidence for oxidative stress was contradictory, although both enantiomers caused a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species (unlike rac-AMP). Overall, these results show that AMP can interfere in an enantioselective way with aquatic organisms at low concentrations (e.g., 0.1 µg/L), demonstrating the relevance of this kind of study to an accurate environmental risk assessment regarding medium- to long-term exposure to this psychoactive drug. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1743–1754. © 2023 SETAC.
Different experiences of Asian emerging‐market economies in the two major financial crises
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Lei Chun Kwok , Zhao Qingbin , Liu Nian
Published: May 2023

This paper studies 10 Asian economies' experiences during two episodes of financial crises in 1997–08 and 2007–09. Our analysis of five crisis‐hit Asian countries shows that overinvestment via credit expansion and foreign financing has an adverse effect on banking sectors while income inequality contributes significantly to financial distress. With five no‐crisis emerging markets included in our Asia analysis, we find that export‐oriented growth backed up by domestic savings is financially less risky than investment‐led growth facilitated by capital inflows. Since such different strategies of output growth to deal with falling demand are related ultimately to the same factor–rising inequality, this distributional problem must be overcome effectively to enhance financial stability and ensure growth sustainability.
The adsorption behavior of BCl3SiHCl3 on aliphatic amine by DFT method
Authors: Mao Jin , Zhang Qingyu , Li Han , Qian Liqiang , Yang Wanxi , Peng Wencai , Zhang Jinli , Liu Jichang
Published: May 2023

Background

The removal of trace amount of BCl3 from SiHCl3 by adsorption is an efficient method in manufacture of electronic grade polysilicon.

Objective

DFT simulations were used to investigate the adsorption mechanism of aliphatic amine adsorbents and to compare the performance of these adsorbents.

Methods

The adsorption energies, mulliken charges, dipole moments and FMOs of aliphatic amines on SiHCl3 and BCl3 were calculated using the DFT method at the B3LYP/6‐311++G (2d, p) level, and on this basis the factors affecting the adsorption capacity and selectivity were explored in depth.

Results

The results indicates that these adsorbents show good adsorption performance and high separation efficiency for BCl3. In particular, (CH3)2NH has the highest adsorption capacity for BCl3 at 298 K and 1 atm and achieves effective desorption at high temperatures to allow the adsorbent to be reused.

Conclusions

The adsorption behaviors are strongly affected by frontier orbitals, dipoles and polarizabilities of aliphatic amines, among which HOMO of amines plays the decisive role for adsorbing BCl3, providing theoretical guidance for adsorbent design associated with removal of BCl3 from SiHCl3.
Do contingency‐conflicting elements drop out of equivalence classes? Retesting Sidman's (2000) theory
Authors: Silguero Russell , Vaidya Manish
Published: May 2023

Sidman's (2000) theory of stimulus equivalence states that all positive elements in a reinforcement contingency enter an equivalence class. The theory also states that if an element from an equivalence class conflicts with a reinforcement contingency, the conflicting element will “drop out” of the class. Minster et al. (2006) found evidence that a conflicting reinforcer does not drop out of an equivalence class. To explain their results, they proposed that the reinforcer enters the class via pairing after conditional relations have been established, and when there is a conflict between the class and the contingencies, conditionally related elements that have a longer history in the class and that were brought in via reinforcement will exert stronger control. In the current study, stimulus‐reinforcer relations were established before conditional relations to assess the role of developmental order of stimulus relations on conditional‐discrimination performance. The results replicate the findings of Minster et al. (2006) but suggest that developmental order may not be an important factor contributing to maintained accuracy on baseline conditional relations. An interpretation of “dropping out” in terms of differentiated subclasses is discussed. The relevance of the results to the phenomenon known as the differential outcomes effect is also discussed.
Soil properties and tree growth at medieval ridge and furrow sites in Brandenburg, northeastern Germany
Authors: Hirsch Florian , Schneider Anna , van der Maaten‐Theunissen Marieke , van der Maaten Ernst , Räbiger Christin , Raab Alexandra , Raab Thomas
Published: May 2023

Background

Ridge and furrow (RIFU) systems and associated soils are a widespread legacy of medieval agriculture, are archives of historical land use, and might affect recent ecosystems. Open questions about RIFU formation and potential legacy effects still exist, especially related to physical soil properties.

Aims

Our aims were (1) to characterize the soil properties of RIFU soils and (2) to compare the drought sensitivity and the growth resistance in extremely dry years of trees growing on ridges and furrows, respectively.

Methods

We studied soil physical (bulk density, saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, and texture) and chemical (soil pH, soil organic matter, and nitrogen content) properties and the climate sensitivity of tree growth on RIFU systems for three study sites in Prignitz, Germany.

Results

RIFU systems showed a high spatial heterogeneity of soil stratigraphy due to ridge construction and increased accumulation of soil moisture and organic matter in furrows due to post‐abandonment pedogenesis. Slight spatial differences in soil physical properties were found, with increased air capacity in ridge soils and higher available water contents in furrow soils. No differences in drought sensitivity were observed for trees growing on ridges and furrows, except for a wet site, where trees in furrows showed a higher sensitivity. Resistance in dry years tended to be similar or increase from furrows to ridges.

Conclusions

The results reflect a spatial differentiation of stratigraphy and post‐abandonment pedogenesis on abandoned RIFU systems and suggest an adaption to different moisture conditions through RIFU construction. Differences in drought sensitivity of tree growth with relative land surface could only be detected for one of the three sites, where trees were found to be less drought sensitive on ridges.