bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiferroelectric and ferrielectric liquid‐crystal display: Electrically controlled birefringence color switch as a new mode
Authors: Emelyanenko A. V. , Pozhidaev E. P. , Molkin V. E. , Shtykov N. M.
Published: July 2008

Abstract— A mixture with intermediate biaxial (ferrielectric) smectic phases existing in a broad temperature range has been developed. At any temperature within this range, as well as in the antiferroelectric phase range, several birefringence color states can be switched stepwise by application of an electric field, and therefore a LC cell placed between crossed polarizers can display form several colors without the use of color filters. A very small time switching between color states (about 10 μsec) can be a basis for this new mode in display technology because several full‐color optical states can be realized in the same material (or in the mixture of materials). These possibilities were investigated both theoretically and experimentally.
2‐D/3‐D displays based on switchable lenticulars
Authors: Krijn Marcel P. C. M. , de Zwart Siebe T. , de Boer Dick K. G. , Willemsen Oscar H. , Sluijter Maarten
Published: July 2008

Abstract— An attractive concept for 3‐D displays is the one based on LCDs equipped with lenticular lenses. This enables autostereoscopic multiview 3‐D displays without a loss in brightness. A general issue in multiview 3‐D displays is their relatively low spatial resolution because the pixels are divided among the different views. To overcome this problem, we have developed switchable displays, using liquid‐crystal (LC) filled switchable lenticulars. In this way, it is possible to have a high‐brightness 3‐D display capable of fully exploiting the native 2‐D resolution of the underlying LCD. The feasibility of LC‐filled switchable lenticulars was shown in several applications. For applications in which it is advantageous to be able to display 3‐D and 2‐D content simultaneously, a 42‐in. locally switchable prototype having a matrix electrode structure was developed. These displays were realized using cylindrically shaped lenticular lenses in contact with LC. An alternative for these are lenticulars based on gradient‐index (GRIN) LC lenses. Preliminary results for such switchable GRIN lenses are presented as well.
Near‐to‐eye display with diffractive exit pupil expander having chevron design
Authors: Levola Tapani , Aaltonen Viljakaisa
Published: July 2008

Abstract— Near‐to‐eye displays (NEDs) provide a unique way to perceive a larger image than the device itself. The user acceptance of commercially available NEDs has not been high partly because of reported physiological symptoms. Devices also tend to be thick and heavy, and therefore uncomfortable to wear. To overcome these shortcomings and to make a very usable device, a new approach was needed. By using very thin plastic light guides with diffractive structures on the surfaces, many of the known obstacles can be notably reduced. These exit pupil expanders (EPEs) enable a light and thin design for see‐through NEDs. The so‐called chevron EPE was designed to further improve the design and usability aspects of NEDs. The diffractive EPE has typically one incoupling grating area that delivers light into the light guide symmetrically towards the left and right eyes. By using slanted or overhanging gratings, the incoupling is very asymmetric. If the incoupling area is divided into two parts, each having opposite slanting angles, the EPE plate can be cut in half, and the left and right parts can be separated. The plates can be further tilted to a chevron shape following more closely the human face and mimicking the conventional eyeglass design. The reflection of the light from the tilted plate is directed out from the image‐forming optics, and therefore the contrast is improved. The privacy of the usage is improved because at the output the secondary beams are harder to observe. Because the device is brought closer to face, it enables better weight balance. The chevron geometry partially prevents the ambient light from the sides to enter the diffractive structures, and thus the unwanted reflections are also reduced. Furthermore, the half‐size of the chevron EPE parts from the undivided EPE results in a better production yield.
Horizontal Drilling Review
Authors: Pendleton L. E.
Published: July 2008

Horizontal drilling has rapidly come into its own as a viable alternative to conventional exploration and production techniques.

The method has proved its value both for the unprecedented increases in production it has enabled operators to realize, and for its availability to allow those same operators to increase reserves by developing resources that might not otherwise be tapped. Innovative operators are applying horizontal technology to produce oil at current prices, rather than waiting for the market to improve before initiating development. Throughout the world, horizontal drilling is burgeoning, and with it, tremendous opportunities – and challenges – for operators and service companies alike.

For many operators today, the question is not so much whether to drill horizontally, but how.
Evaluating the Opportunities for Horizontal Wells in Oman
Authors: Kharusi M. S.
Published: July 2008

The paper describes the results of a comprehensive campaign to evaluate the applicability of horizontal wells in the concession area of Petroleum Development Oman. Thirty- one horizontal wells have been completed by June 1991 in ten different fields, covering a variety of reservoir conditions. Test wells have covered both clastics and carbonates, thin and thick oil columns, heavy and light oils, high and low watercuts. Productivities vary from mediocre to spectacular, sometimes with wells only a couple of hundred meters apart. The pace of learning has been rapid and conclusions in general very positive.
Fluid Characterization for Compositional Simulation with Application to Endicott Field, Alaska.
Authors: Ali Ansar , Mehta V. , Ogbe D. O. , Kamath V. A. , Patil S. L.
Published: July 2008

In this study a method is presented for fluid characterization of Endicott crude oil for compositional simulation. The proposed method is developed by combining PVT and slim-tube data. Fluid properties are calculated using an equation-of-state PVT simulator, and the results are validated by history matching the data obtained from slim-tube experiments run on Endicott field oil samples. The results of the fluid characterization are used as input to a compositional simulator to study the displacement of Endicott oil by injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) and Prudhoe Bay gas (PBG) and their mixtures with natural gas liquids (NGL) into the reservoir. Fluid injection schemes such as single-slug followed by continuous water injection and multi-slug WAG process are discussed. The recovery performance of various solvent injectants in displacing the oil is determined to evaluate the technical feasibility of applying miscible EOR methods to augment production of the Endicott field.
Are Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Norms on Death Anxiety Valid?
Authors: Beshai James A.
Published: July 2008

Cross-cultural comparisons of norms derived from research on Death Anxiety are valid as long as they provide existential validity. Existential validity is not empirically derived like construct validity. It is an understanding of being human unto death. It is the realization that death is imminent. It is the inner sense that provides a responder to death anxiety scales with a valid expression of his or her sense about the prospect of dying. It can be articulated in a life review by a disclosure of one's ontology. This article calls upon psychologists who develop death anxiety scales to disclose their presuppositions about death before administering a questionnaire. By disclosing his or her ontology a psychologist provides a means of disclosing his or her intentionality in responding to the items. This humanistic paradigm allows for an interactive participation between investigator and subject. Lester, Templer, and Abdel-Khalek (2006–2007) enriched psychology with significant empirical data on several correlates of death anxiety. But all scientists, especially psychologists, will always have alternative interpretations of the same empirical fact pattern. Empirical data is limited by the affirmation of the consequent limitation. A phenomenology of language and communication makes existential validity a necessary step for a broader understanding of the meaning of death anxiety.
Evaluation of antiviral activity of fractionated extracts of sage Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Smidling Dragana , Mitic-Culafic Dragana , Vukovic-Gacic Branka , Simic Draga , Knezevic-Vukcevic Jelena
Published: July 2008

In the present study, we examined cytotoxicity and extracellular and intracellular antiviral activity of frac?tionated extracts of wild and cultivated sage Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) in vitro using the WISH-VSV model system. Extracts were obtained by fractionating depigmented ethanol extracts of sage plants with supercritical CO2 at different pressures. Cytotoxicity was determined by examining cellular morphology in situ with the aid of a colorimetric micromethod and by cell staining with trypan blue. The fraction of distilled cultivated sage obtained at CO2 pressure of 300 bars and temperature of 60?C (149/3) was the most cytotoxic, with CTD10 44 ?g/ml. That of non-distilled cultivated sage obtained at CO2 pressure of 500 bars and temperature of 100?C (144/5) was the least toxic (CTD10 199 ?g/ml). Moreover, 144/5 had an antiviral effect at the intracellular level: when added 5 hours before VSV infection, it caused 100% reduction of CPE at concentrations of 99.5 and 199.0 ?g/ml; when added after virus penetration had occurred, the same concentrations caused 35 and 60% reduction, respectively. The obtained results indicate that antiviral activity of 144/5 involves inhibition of the early steps of the virus infective cycle without a direct virucidal effect. Abbreviations: WISH - human amnion epithelial cells, VSV - vesicular stomatitis virus, HSV - herpes simplex virus, CPE - cytopathic effect, IS - selectivity index, TCID50 - tissue culture infective dose, CTD10 - 10% cytotoxic concentrations.
Macroinvertebrate diversity in the karst Jadro River (Croatia)
Authors: Radja Biljana , Puljas Sanja
Published: July 2008

This paper presents the results of 10 years of investigation of the aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna along the karst Jadro River. The Jadro is a typical karst river. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected along the river at 15 sites by standard methods of sampling, in addition to which several physicochemical parameters were also determined. Based on qualitative and quantitative composition of the macroinvertebrate fauna, correspondence analysis divided the river course into three sections: upstream, midcourse, and downstream. Forty-three taxa were recorded. Results of saprobiological analysis based on macrozoobenthos indicate that water of the Jadro River belongs to quality classes I and II.
Why education policies fail: Multiple streams model of policymaking
Authors: Teodorovic Jelena
Published: July 2008

In this paper, the author first presents a Multiple Streams model of policymaking introduced by John Kingdon and elaborated by Robert W. Porter. The relevance and usefulness of the model are then exemplified by analyzing a reform in Argentine education. Kingdon and Porter argued that, for education policies to succeed, the following three streams of actions need to meet: problem must be clearly defined, feasible solutions offered, and political consensus obtained. In 1993, Argentina passed the Federal Law of Education in the attempt to reduce large educational inequities between the rich and the poor. The Law largely failed because (1) problems were narrowly defined only by the government, (2) solutions were one-sided, primarily focusing on the financial, and neglecting contextual and implementation problems, and (3) political will existed only at the highest level, while actual capacities of implementing units were far below those needed for the reform. Analyzing policies through the lens of the Multiple Streams model of policymaking is recommended for other policymakers.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Foot and Ankle: Impact of Unplanned Excision, Limb Salvage, and Multimodality Therapy
Authors: Thacker Mihir M. , Potter Benjamin K. , Pitcher J David. , Temple H Thomas.
Published: July 2008

Background: Foot and ankle sarcomas have historically been treated with amputation because of the difficulty in achieving local disease control and maintaining a functional foot. Potential opportunities for limb salvage may be further compromised by unplanned excisions. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 52 consecutive patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the foot and ankle and analyzed the impact of planned versus unplanned initial excision, limb salvage, and multimodality therapy on treatment and outcomes. Results: Unplanned excisions had been performed in 29 (55.8%) patients. Limb salvage was performed in 38 patients, with 14 requiring free soft tissue transfers. At an average followup of 99 (range, 24 to 216) months, the 5-year overall survival estimate was 76.3%. Although not statistically significant, we noted clinically relevant potential differences in local recurrence-free, disease-free, and oncologic survival between the planned and unplanned excision groups. Seven patients (13.5%) had a local recurrence, five of these following an unplanned excision. Functional scores averaged 83.2% for all patients which were similar between planned versus unplanned and amputation versus limb salvage groups. Significantly more patients with unplanned excisions required free flaps for limb salvage ( p = 0.017) and received adjuvant radiotherapy ( p = 0.0004). Conclusion: Unplanned surgery for soft tissue sarcomas of the foot and ankle often results in the need for more aggressive surgery and/or adjuvant radiotherapy and may impact oncologic outcomes, but does not necessarily portend worse functional outcomes. Multi-modal therapy and judicious use of soft tissue flap reconstruction allows limb salvage in most patients with favorable outcomes.
A. C. Bradley's Views of Shelley's Poetry and Poetics
Authors: O'Neill Michael
Published: July 2008

Critical reception is central to the existence of Romantic legacies, and, in turn, takes on the function of a legacy for subsequent interpreters. In what follows I seek to recover a sense of the contribution made by A. C. Bradley to our understanding of Shelley.1 Convinced that there is much value in reviewing and re-considering past criticism which is now relatively neglected, the essay embodies the hope that thinking about the ways in which an author was once considered will involve, at least implicitly, reflection on current critical modes.
Sensations spill a Deluge over the Figure
Authors: Collins Lorna
Published: July 2008

This paper utilises Deleuze's Logic of Sensation to critique the concept ‘Figure’ that he raises to formulate this theory in his monograph of Francis Bacon. Deleuze engages with Bacon's paintings to demonstrate how sensations from Figural artworks rupture through representation and disrupt binary logic. However, in his argument Deleuze seems to use the same kind of thinking that he intends the Figure to disrupt, since he prioritises and secludes art deemed Figural over and above abstraction. Such problematic categorisation is challenged here, by juxtaposing Figural and abstract paintings by Francis Bacon and Wassily Kandinsky. Both Figural and abstract works resound with The Logic of Sensation, which thereby spills over those boundaries posited by Deleuze's Figure.
From Socrates to Electracy and BeyondInventions 1--15 On the rhythm of translation and proportionality• • After(:) The Technological ConditionSinfonias I -- XV (The Technics of Time and the Hedgehog)
Authors: Leavey John
Published: July 2008

Executed according to the rhythm and references of Bach's Inventions and Sinfonias, this piece analyzes the times of the technological condition, electracy, and reading as ways to explore invention‘s' (composed, performed, taught, as an invitation to think invention in more than one way). The temporalities of invention(,) of the human and of electracy are played off one another to understand how integrity and priority attempt to contain the technological condition in a limited notion of afterness and how electracy might be begun to be translated in a certain manner.
Extracellular Vesicles from Highly Metastatic Osteosarcoma Cells Induce Pro‐Tumorigenic Macrophage Phenotypes
Authors: Griffin Katherine H. , Mizenko Rachel R. , Arun Vishalakshi , Carney Randy P. , Leach J. Kent
Published: April 2024

Metastasis is the principal factor in poor prognosis for individuals with osteosarcoma (OS). Understanding the events that lead to metastasis is critical to develop better interventions for this disease. Alveolar macrophages are potentially involved in priming the lung microenvironment for OS metastasis, yet the mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. Since extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a known actor in primary tumor development, their potential role in OS metastagenesis through macrophage modulation is explored here. The interaction of EVs isolated from highly metastatic (K7M2) and less metastatic (K12) osteosarcoma cell lines is compared with a peritoneal macrophage cell line. An EV concentration that reproducibly induced macrophage migration is identified first, then used for later experiments. By confocal microscopy, both EV types associated with M0 or M1 macrophages; however, only K7M2‐EVs are associated with M2 macrophages, an interaction that is abrogated by EV pre‐treatment with anti‐CD47 antibody. Interestingly, all interactions appeared to be surface binding, not internalized. In functional studies, K7M2‐EVs polarized fewer macrophages to M1. Together, these data suggest that K7M2‐EVs have unique interactions with macrophages that can contribute to the production of a higher proportion of pro‐tumor type macrophages, thereby accelerating metastasis.
Graphene Quantum Dots Eradicate Resistant and Metastatic Cancer Cells by Enhanced Interfacial Inhibition
Authors: Su Yan , Ye Kai , Hu Jinyan , Zhang Zhenlin , Wang Yang , Geng Bijiang , Pan Dengyu , Shen Longxiang
Published: April 2024

Drug‐resistant and metastatic cancer cells such as a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in metastasis and relapse. Conventional small‐molecule chemotherapeutics, however, are unable to eradicate drug‐resistant CSCs owing to limited interface inhibitory effects. Herein, it is reported that enhanced interfacial inhibition leading to eradication of drug‐resistant CSCs can be dramatically induced by self‐insertion of bioactive graphene quantum dots (GQDs) into DNA major groove (MAG) sites in cancer cells. Since transcription factors regulate gene expression at the MAG site, MAG‐targeted GQDs exert greatly enhanced interfacial inhibition, downregulating the expression of a collection of cancer stem genes such as ALDH1, Notch1, and Bmi1. Moreover, the nanoscale interface inhibition mechanism reverses cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) by inhibiting MDR1 gene expression when GQDs are used at a nontoxic concentration (1/4 × half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)) as the MDR reverser. Given their high efficacy in interfacial inhibition, CSC‐mediated migration, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells can be substantially blocked by MAG‐targeted GQDs, which can also be harnessed to sensitize clinical cytotoxic agents for improved efficacy in combination chemotherapy. These findings elucidate the inhibitory effects of the enhanced nano–bio interface at the MAG site on eradicating CSCs, thus preventing cancer metastasis and recurrence.
Thermal Radiation Annealing for Overcoming Processing Temperature Limitation of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Jieqiong , Zhao Zinan , Qian Jin , Liang Zihui , Wu Congcong , Wang Kai , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yang Dong
Published: April 2024

Common polymeric conductive electrodes, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coated with indium tin oxide, face a major challenge due to their low processing‐temperature limits, attributed to PET's low glass transition temperature (Tg) of (70–80 °C). This limitation significantly narrows the scope of material selection, limits the processing techniques applicable to the low Tg, and hinders the ripened technology transfer from glass substrates to them. Addressing the temperature constraints of the flexible substrates is impactful yet underexplored, with broader implications for fields beyond photovoltaics. Here, a new thermal radiation annealing methodology is introduced to address this issue. By applying the above Tg radiation annealing in conjunction with thermoelectric cooling, highly ordered molecular packing on PET substrates is successfully created, which is exclusively unachievable due to PET's low thermal tolerance. As a result, in the context of perovskite solar cells, this approach enables the circumvention of high‐temperature annealing limitations of PET substrates, leading to a remarkable flexible device efficiency of 22.61% and a record fill factor of 83.42%. This approach proves especially advantageous for advancing the field of flexible optoelectronic devices.
Structural Isomeric Effect on Spin Transport in Molecular Semiconductors
Authors: Yang Tingting , Qin Yang , Wu Meng , Guo Lidan , Gu Xianrong , Meng Ke , Hu Shunhua , Zhang Cheng , Zheng Ruiheng , Zhang Rui , Sun Xiangnan
Published: April 2024

Molecular semiconductor (MSC) is a promising candidate for spintronic applications benefiting from its long spin lifetime caused by light elemental‐composition essence and thus weak spin‐orbit coupling (SOC). According to current knowledge, the SOC effect, normally dominated by the elemental composition, is the main spin‐relaxation causation in MSCs, and thus the molecular structure‐induced SOC change is one of the most concerned issues. In theoretical study, molecular isomerism, a most prototype phenomenon, has long been considered to possess little difference on spin transport previously, since elemental compositions of isomers are totally the same. However, here in this study, quite different spin‐transport performances are demonstrated in ITIC and its structural isomers BDTIC experimentally, for the first time, though the charge transport and molecular stacking of the two films are very similar. By further experiments of electron‐paramagnetic resonance and density‐functional‐theory calculations, it is revealed that noncovalent‐conformational locks (NCLs) formed in BDTIC can lead to enhancement of SOC and thus decrease the spin lifetime. Hence, this study suggests the influences from the structural‐isomeric effect must be considered for developing highly efficient spin‐transport MSCs, which also provides a reliable theoretical basis for solving the great challenge of quantificational measurement of NCLs in films in the future.
TBHP‐Mediated Hydroxyperfluoroalkylation of Alkenes with Perfluoroalkyl Iodides to Construct β‐Perfluoroalkyl Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Jiantao , Zhu Weiming , Su Renhua , Xiao Duoduo , Zhou Peng , Chen Kai , Zhang Min , Chen Cui , Liu Weibing
Published: April 2024

A three‐component strategy for the synthesis of β‐perfluoroalkyl allyl alcohols from 1,3‐dienes is developed. A diverse range of synthetically valuable β‐perfluoroalkyl allyl alcohols are obtained in moderate to high yields. Broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance are observed. This method is also applicable to mono‐olefins and 1,3‐enynes. The control experiment results demonstrate that the hydroxyl group OH in the product comes from TBHP. In addition, the practicality and mild reaction conditions make these synthetic transformations attractive and valuable for organic synthesis.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Vapor Phase Polymerized PEDOT‐Tos via Ionic Liquid Post‐Treatment
Authors: Bao Yuanrong , Sun Yajing , Jiao Fei , Hu Wenping
Published: April 2024

Thermoelectric (TE) materials can effectively convert waste heat into electricity, which is a key technology for solving energy shortage problems. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), as a promising energy conversion material, has attracted much attention due to its easy doping, low toxicity, and high flexibility. However, the TE performance of PEDOT still needs further improvement. In this work, vapor phase polymerization (VPP) and ionic liquid (IL) post‐treatment are combined to obtain high‐performance PEDOT film. It is demonstrated that by varying the polymerization conditions, the optimal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of PEDOT‐Tos are 947 S cm−1 and 18.3 µV K−1, respectively. Furthermore, after treatment with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM BF4), its power factor can be further enhanced to a maximum value of 154.58 µW m−1 K−2, which is 4.9 times higher than that without treatment (31.67 µW m−1 K−2). The enhanced TE performance of PEDOT is largely due to changes in doping levels and morphology, which have been confirmed through different characterization methods. These results will contribute to the preparation of high‐performance PEDOT films by the VPP method.
Sustainable Harnessing of Waste Polycarbonate for Synthesizing Activated Furans to Generate Stenhouse Adducts on Polymer Surface
Authors: Zeußel Lisa , Chowdhary Shefali , Wu Haocheng , Kumar Vipan , Singh Sukhdeep
Published: April 2024

Plastics are versatile materials, offering lightweight, durable, and affordable solutions across various industries. However, their non‐degradable nature poses challenges by end of their life. This study presented an innovative carbonyl extraction method to utilize waste poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PC) as reaction precursor to synthesis of activated furan as precursor for photoswitchable Stenhouse adducts. This innovative chemical strategy not only generated N,N’‐functionalized barbiturates but also provided an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective alternative to traditional synthesis methods. The method presented hereby not only promotes sustainability by repurposing waste polycarbonate as carbonyl equivalent under green conditions but also yielded reusable bisphenol A (BPA). Furthermore, the derived activated furans exhibited their functionality by forming colored donor‐acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) on aminated polymer surfaces. This work demonstrated a transition from a linear plastics economy toward a circular one, highlighting the potential of plastic waste as a resource for creating materials with improved properties.
A psychometric investigation of health‐related quality of life measures for paediatric neurodevelopment assessment: Reliability and concurrent validity of the PEDS‐QL, CHU‐9D, and the EQ‐5D‐Y
Authors: Perry N. , Boulton K. A. , Hodge A. , Ong N. , Phillips N. , Howard K. , Raghunandan R. , Silove N. , Guastella A. J.
Published: April 2024

There is a need for tools that can provide a brief assessment of functioning for children with neurodevelopmental conditions, including health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). This study evaluated the psychometric properties of three commonly used and well known HR‐QoL measures in a cohort of children presenting to clinical developmental assessment services. The most common diagnoses received in these assessment services were autism spectrum disorders. Findings showed good internal consistency for the PedsQL and the CHU‐9D, but not the EQ‐5D‐Y. This research also found that the CHU‐9D, EQ‐5D‐Y, and PedsQL correlated with relevant functioning domains assessed by the VABS‐III. Overall, the measures showed that children with neurodevelopmental conditions experienced poor HR‐QoL. The majority of children (>86%) met cut‐off criteria for significant health concerns on the PedsQL. On the EQ‐5D‐Y and CHU‐9D, they showed reduced HR‐QoL particularly on domains relating to school and homework, being able to join in activities, looking after self, and doing usual activities. This study supports the use of the CHU‐9D and PedsQL in this population to assess and potentially track HR‐QoL in a broad neurodevelopment paediatric population.
Interscanner reproducibility of volumetric quantitative susceptibility mapping about cerebral subcortical gray nuclei at different MR vendors with the same magnetic strength
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Zhao Shuqiang , Chen Zhiye
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) technique was a new quantitative magnetic resonance imaging technique to evaluate the cerebral iron deposition in clinical practice. The current study was aimed to investigate the reproducibility of the volumetric susceptibility value of the subcortical gray nuclei at two different MR vendor with the same magnetic strength.

Methods

Cerebral magnitude and phase images of 21 normal subjects were acquired from a 3D multiecho enhanced gradient recalled echo sequence at two different 3.0T MR scanner, and then the magnetic susceptibility images were generated by STI software. The brain structural images were coregistered with magnitude images and generated the normalized parameters, and then generated the normalized susceptibility images. The subcortical gray nuclei template was applied to extract the volumetric susceptibility value of the target nuclei.

Results

ICC value (95% CI) of the caudate, putamen and GP were 0.847 (0.660–0.935), 0.848 (0.663–0.935) and 0.838 (0.643–0.931), respectively. The ICC value of the thalamus was 0.474 (0.064–0.747). Ninety‐five point two percent (20/21) of the difference points of the susceptibility located between the 95% LA for the caudate at the two different 3.0T MR scanner, while the less than 95% of the difference points of the susceptibility value located between the 95% LA for the putamen, globus pallidus and thalamus.

Conclusion

The current study identified that the caudate had the stable reproducibility of the magnetic susceptibility value, and the other basal ganglion nuclei should be cautious for the quantitative evaluation of the magnetic susceptibility value at different 3.0T MR scanner.
Regulatory distance and firms' environmental innovation: The role of environmental information disclosure and social trust
Authors: Liao Zhongju , Zhang Mengnan
Published: April 2024

Environmental innovation is an important force driving the development of a green and low‐carbon economy, and close supervision can assist the government in guiding firms' environmental innovation behavior. Based on institutional theory, we construct a model of the relationship between regulatory distance, environmental information disclosure, social trust, and firms' environmental innovation. We analyze a sample of 577 private A‐share listed manufacturing companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2012 to 2022 using multiple regression analysis to test the impact of regulatory distance on firms' environmental innovation. We also consider the mediating effect of environmental information disclosure and the moderating effect of social trust. The results show that an increase in regulatory distance has a negative impact on environmental innovation. Environmental information disclosure plays a partial mediating role between regulatory distance and environmental innovation, and social trust can weaken the negative impact of regulatory distance on environmental innovation. We propose various suggestions based on our findings to promote active environmental innovation by firms.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Gypsogenin Derivatives as Potential Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Emirdağ Safiye , Ulusoy Nafia Gökçe , Aksel Mehran
Published: April 2024

Natural compounds are important sources for the treatment of chronic disorders such as cancer and microbial infectious disorders. In this research, Gypsogenin and its derivatives (2 a–2 f) have been tested against different cancer cell lines (MCF‐7, HeLa, Jurkat and K562 cell lines) and further analyzed for cell proliferation, cell death type, and for act of the mechanism. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT method and cell death types were analyzed with HO/PI staining. Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF‐1), Interleukin 1 (IL‐1), Interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF‐α), key players in breast cancer development and progression, were determined by Elisa kits. Results showed that compound 2 e inhibited the MCF‐7 cell line proliferation with an IC50 value of 0.66±0.17 μM with 93.38 % apoptosis rate. Compound 2 e also decreased FGF‐1, IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels. Molecular docking studies performed in the binding site of FGFR‐1 indicated that compound 2 e formed key hydrogen bonding with Arg627 and Asn568. Besides, compounds 2 a–2 f were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria and C. albicans via the microdilution method. Overall, compound 2 e stands out as a potential anticancer agent for future studies.
Cyclotriphosphazene‐Based Photocatalysts containing Orthogonal BODIPY Moieties for Chemical Transformations
Authors: Gül Elif Yıldız , Eçik Esra Tanrıverdi
Published: April 2024

Molecular organic photocatalysts developed for use in chemical transformation reactions have gained momentum in recent years. In this study, six new triplet photosensitizers were prepared to determine their photocatalyst capabilities and chemical transformation abilities. The chemical structures of the synthesized orthogonal BODIPYs and their cyclotriphosphazene derivatives were analyzed and then their photophysical characteristics including the UV‐Vis absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra, fluorescence quantum yields, were investigated. The quantitative singlet oxygen formation was determined by chemical trapping using DPBF (diphenylisobenzofuran). In particular, cyclotriphosphazene derivative 12 having three BODIPY moieties showed efficient singlet oxygen production with high photostability and good molar extinction coefficient. The photo‐oxidation ratio constant of 1,5‐dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) was calculated as 28.7×10−3 min−1 for compound 12 and at the end of 22.5 min., DHN converted to juglone with 100 % efficiency. In addition, the ability of the compounds to convert 1,3‐cyclohexadiene into peroxides in the presence of molecular oxygen and light was investigated and the conversion efficiency was determined by NMR technique. All compounds have been presented as photocatalysts for use in different synthetic photochemistry applications.
Endoscopic treatment of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery by using polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue
Authors: Koshino Kurodo , Nakagawa Ryosuke , Tani Kimitaka , Kondo Hiroka , Maeda Fumi , Ohki Takeshi , Ogawa Shimpei , Yamaguchi Shigeki
Published: April 2024

We describe the case of a 66‐year‐old man with an anastomotic fistula after rectal surgery, which was treated colonoscopically using polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue. Polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue have been used in thoracic surgery and otolaryngology to reinforce sutures and prevent air leakage. There have been recent reports of their use in endoscopic surgery for the closure of intraoperative perforations after endoscopic submucosal dissection and for fistula closure after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery. However, anastomotic fistulas in colorectal surgery are difficult to visualize endoscopically and may be difficult to suture with clips due to fibrosis. Polyglycolic acid sheets can be easily trimmed, and the fistula can be easily filled using these sheets; moreover, using fibrin glue to fix the sheets may enable fistula closure in areas that are difficult to visualize endoscopically.
Who earns engineering degrees? Detecting longitudinal data trends with infographics
Authors: Schaefer Kristin L. , Henderson Jerrod A.
Published: April 2024

Typical data available to engineering educators about the state of degrees awarded is disseminated via various groups. The most salient limitations to each of these sources are a lack of disaggregating data by multiple personal identities and an annualized reporting schedule hindering interpretations over time. This analysis ascertains how female degrees earned in engineering changed for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels from 2005 to 2021. We sought to understand trends by disaggregating ASEE records by gender, race, and engineering discipline. Data gathered from EDMS were cleaned, analyzed, and visualized, following principles for data sense making and human factors. Results highlight women gravitating towards Biological, Environmental, and Computational engineering disciplines. The total number of all degrees awarded is increasing for all genders in all disciplines, but these trends are not evenly distributed across disciplines. While it is true that the overall proportion of women in engineering wavered near 20%, this statistic does not tell the whole story of what has been occurring in engineering. By disaggregating infographics, we tracked percentage growth in certain fields as well as overall increases in number of degrees awarded at all levels of higher education. Future research is needed to determine causes for women's choices in engineering.
Low‐grade systemic inflammation stimulates microglial turnover and accelerates the onset of Alzheimer's‐like pathology
Authors: Guerrero‐Carrasco Monica , Targett Imogen , Olmos‐Alonso Adrian , Vargas‐Caballero Mariana , Gomez‐Nicola Diego
Published: April 2024

Several in vivo studies have shown that systemic inflammation, mimicked by LPS, triggers an inflammatory response in the CNS, driven by microglia, characterized by an increase in inflammatory cytokines and associated sickness behavior. However, most studies induce relatively high systemic inflammation, not directly compared with the more common low‐grade inflammatory events experienced in humans during the life course. Using mice, we investigated the effects of low‐grade systemic inflammation during an otherwise healthy early life, and how this may precondition the onset and severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like pathology. Our results indicate that low‐grade systemic inflammation induces sub‐threshold brain inflammation and promotes microglial proliferation driven by the CSF1R pathway, contrary to the effects caused by high systemic inflammation. In addition, repeated systemic challenges with low‐grade LPS induce disease‐associated microglia. Finally, using an inducible model of AD‐like pathology (Line 102 mice), we observed that preconditioning with repeated doses of low‐grade systemic inflammation, prior to APP induction, promotes a detrimental effect later in life, leading to an increase in Aβ accumulation and disease‐associated microglia. These results support the notion that episodic low‐grade systemic inflammation has the potential to influence the onset and severity of age‐related neurological disorders, such as AD.
Comparison of measured and predicted herbicide concentrations in surface water catchments in Belgium
Authors: Hörold-Willkomm Claudia , Herrmann Marco , Baets Dirk , Sur Robin
Published: April 2024

In the process of approval of active substances and authorization in the European Union and at the member state level, it must be shown by the applicant that an unacceptable risk for nontarget organisms in the aquatic environment by the active substance can be excluded. To achieve this aim, standardized models, scenarios, and agreed pesticide input parameters have to be used to calculate the exposure as defined by the FOrum for the Co-ordination of pesticide fate models and their Use (FOCUS). During a period of daily surface water sampling lasting 3.5 years, a survey was conducted among farmers in the highly vulnerable catchment of Grote Kemmelbeek in Belgium to collect agronomic data on crops, application dates, and application rates of 12 applied herbicides and one metabolite. Daily surface water concentrations for the same herbicides were measured over 2.5 years for a second, much larger but less vulnerable, catchment of Kleine Aa (KAa). A comparison of realistic worst-case predicted environmental concentrations in surface water (PECsw) according to FOCUS with measured concentrations shows that, in the GKb catchment, the PECsw was never exceeded for six substances, was exceeded on only 1–2 days for five substances, and was exceeded on 9–27 days for two substances. For the KAa catchment, the PECsw was only exceeded on two days for one compound and never for the other 12 compounds. These numbers correspond to a level of protection of the FOCUS PECsw between 100% and 97% and are much higher than the regulatory protection goal of 90%. These two case studies demonstrate the protectiveness of the FOCUS surface water approach. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1447–1462. © 2024 Bayer AG. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

Based on a multiyear analysis of surface water monitoring data of 12 herbicides and one soil metabolite in two agricultural catchments, it was demonstrated that the FOrum for the Co-ordination of pesticide fate models and their Use (FOCUS) predicted environmental concentrations in surface water modeling approach is highly protective. The level of protection was between 100% and 97% and much higher than the regulatory protection goal of 90%. Monitoring data contain significant proportions of point source contributions, which stem from noncompliant uses and are therefore not considered in the regulatory exposure assessment. If point source contributions had been omitted from the comparison, the protection level of FOCUS would have been even higher.
Calcified apoptotic vesicles from PROCR+fibroblasts initiate heterotopic ossification
Authors: Yan Jianfei , Gao Bo , Wang Chenyu , Lu Weicheng , Qin Wenpin , Han Xiaoxiao , Liu Yingying , Li Tao , Guo Zhenxing , Ye Tao , Wan Qianqian , Xu Haoqing , Kang Junjun , Lu Naining , Gao Changhe , Qin Zixuan , Yang Chi , Zheng Jisi , Shen Pei , Niu Lina , Zou Weiguo , Jiao Kai
Published: April 2024

Heterotopic ossification (HO) comprises the abnormal formation of ectopic bone in extraskeletal soft tissue. The factors that initiate HO remain elusive. Herein, we found that calcified apoptotic vesicles (apoVs) led to increased calcification and stiffness of tendon extracellular matrix (ECM), which initiated M2 macrophage polarization and HO progression. Specifically, single‐cell transcriptome analyses of different stages of HO revealed that calcified apoVs were primarily secreted by a PROCR+fibroblast population. In addition, calcified apoVs enriched calcium by annexin channels, absorbed to collagen I via electrostatic interaction, and aggregated to produce calcifying nodules in the ECM, leading to tendon calcification and stiffening. More importantly, apoV‐releasing inhibition or macrophage deletion both successfully reversed HO development. Thus, we are the first to identify calcified apoVs from PROCR+fibroblasts as the initiating factor of HO, and might serve as the therapeutic target for inhibiting pathological calcification.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in patients with hematological malignancies in the Omicron era: Respiratory failure, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality in seronegative and seropositive patients
Authors: Franceschini Erica , Menozzi Valentina , Todisco Vera , Pellegrino Mariachiara , Cantergiani Samuele , Dessilani Andrea , Spadoni Anna , Romani Federico , Mazzocchi Alice , Santoro Antonella , Meschiari Marianna , Cervo Adriana , Gilioli Andrea , Bettelli Francesca , Fregni‐Serpini Giulia , Grottola Antonella , Candoni Anna , Guaraldi Giovanni , Sarti Mario , Luppi Mario , Mussini Cristina
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) have a high risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), also in the Omicron period.

Material and methods

Retrospective single‐center study including HM patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV2) infection from January 2022 to March 2023. Study outcomes were respiratory failure (RF), mechanical ventilation (MV), and COVID‐related mortality, comparing patients according to SARS‐CoV2 serology.

Results

Note that, 112 patients were included: 39% had negative SARS‐CoV2 serology. Seronegative were older (71.5 vs. 65.0 years, p = 0.04), had more often a lymphoid neoplasm (88.6% vs. 69.1%, p = 0.02), underwent anti‐CD20 therapy (50.0% vs. 30.9% p = 0.04) and had more frequently a severe disease (23.0% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.02) than seropositive.

Kaplan‐Meier showed a higher risk for seronegative patients for RF (p = 0.014), MV (p = 0.044), and COVID‐related mortality (p = 0.021). Negative SARS‐CoV2 serostatus resulted in a risk factor for RF (hazards ratio [HR] 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–4.67, p = 0.04), MV (HR 3.37, 95% CI 1.06–10.68, p = 0.04), and COVID‐related mortality (HR 4.26, 95% CI 1.09–16.71, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

: HM patients with negative SARS‐CoV2 serology, despite vaccinations and previous infections, have worse clinical outcomes compared to seropositive patients in the Omicron era. The use of serology for SARS‐CoV2 diagnosis could be an easy tool to identify patients prone to developing complications.
The choice of serum‐free light chain analysis method could potentially have clinical consequences for myeloma patients
Authors: Veskovski Ljupco , Jakobsson Ingvar , Andersson Per‐Ola , Gustafsson Therese , Sedigh Annelie , Knut‐Bojanowska Dorota , Hansson Markus , Hveding Blimark Cecilie , Mellqvist Ulf‐Henrik
Published: April 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease, that at times poses diagnostic and monitoring challenges. Over the last decades laboratory methods have been expanded with serum free light chain (FLC) analysis. Alerted by two index cases with clinical impact due to failure of the FLC analysis to indicate a disease progression, we aimed to identify any clinical consequences due to known differences between FLC analysis methods. We applied two FLC analysis methods (Freelite Binding Site [FBS] and N‐Latex Siemens [NLS]) on all patients with MM and monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance diagnosed/followed up at Södra Älvsborg Hematology Unit, from April to December 2022. From a total of 123 patients with malignant plasma cell disorder, we identified five cases (4.1%) where solely the FBS method, as opposed to NLS, urine and serum electrophoresis, could support diagnosis or detect progression. The consequences of this discrepancy included not only change of diagnosis or delayed therapy but also change of treatment. Our findings indicate that a stronger awareness of the potential weaknesses of different FLC methods is needed, which calls for a closer collaboration between clinical chemists and hematologists.