bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
lab: an R package for generating analysis-ready data from laboratory records
Authors: Tseng Yi-Ju , Chen Chun Ju , Chang Chia Wei
Published: August 2023

Background

Electronic health records (EHRs) play a crucial role in healthcare decision-making by giving physicians insights into disease progression and suitable treatment options. Within EHRs, laboratory test results are frequently utilized for predicting disease progression. However, processing laboratory test results often poses challenges due to variations in units and formats. In addition, leveraging the temporal information in EHRs can improve outcomes, prognoses, and diagnosis predication. Nevertheless, the irregular frequency of the data in these records necessitates data preprocessing, which can add complexity to time-series analyses.

Methods

To address these challenges, we developed an open-source R package that facilitates the extraction of temporal information from laboratory records. The proposed lab package generates analysis-ready time series data by segmenting the data into time-series windows and imputing missing values. Moreover, users can map local laboratory codes to the Logical Observation Identifier Names and Codes (LOINC), an international standard. This mapping allows users to incorporate additional information, such as reference ranges and related diseases. Moreover, the reference ranges provided by LOINC enable us to categorize results into normal or abnormal. Finally, the analysis-ready time series data can be further summarized using descriptive statistics and utilized to develop models using machine learning technologies.

Results

Using the lab package, we analyzed data from MIMIC-III, focusing on newborns with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We extracted time-series laboratory records and compared the differences in test results between patients with and without 30-day in-hospital mortality. We then identified significant variations in several laboratory test results 7 days after PDA diagnosis. Leveraging the time series–analysis-ready data, we trained a prediction model with the long short-term memory algorithm, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 for predicting 30-day in-hospital mortality in model training. These findings demonstrate the lab package’s effectiveness in analyzing disease progression.

Conclusions

The proposed lab package simplifies and expedites the workflow involved in laboratory records extraction. This tool is particularly valuable in assisting clinical data analysts in overcoming the obstacles associated with heterogeneous and sparse laboratory records.
Identification of novel key markers that are induced during traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Li Yucheng , Li Ningbo , Luan Changjiao , Pei Yunlong , Zheng Qingbin , Yan Bingchun , Ma Xingjie , Liu Weili
Published: August 2023

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as an increasing public health problem but has not been well studied, particularly the mechanisms of brain cellular behaviors during TBI.

Methods

In this study, we established an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) brain injury mice model using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) strategy. After then, RNA-sequencing of frontal lobes was performed to screen key inducers during TBI. To further verify the selected genes, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from TBI patients within 24 h who attended intensive care unit (ICU) in the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University and analyzed the genes expression using RT-qPCR. Finally, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and co-expression with cellular senescence markers were applied to evaluate the predictive value of the genes.

Results

A total of six genes were screened out from the RNA-sequencing based on their novelty in TBI and implications in apoptosis and cellular senescence signaling. RT-qPCR analysis of PBMCs from patients showed the six genes were all up-regulated during TBI after comparing with healthy volunteers who attended the hospital for physical examination. The area under ROC (AUC) curves were all >0.7, and the co-expression scores of the six genes with senescence markers were all significantly positive. We thus identified TGM1, TGM2, ATF3, RCN3, ORAI1 and ITPR3 as novel key markers that are induced during TBI, and these markers may also serve as potential predictors for the progression of TBI.
Decline of one of the southernmost northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) colonies and its relationship with a warm sea environment
Authors: Rodríguez-Rafael Eunice Donají , García-Aguilar María de la Concepción , Galván-Magaña Felipe , Elorriaga-Verplancken Fernando Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Over several decades, air temperature and sea surface temperature (SST) have increased in the northeastern Pacific, as has the frequency of large-scale warm anomalies in SST. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of these warm anomalies on the production of northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris; NES) pups from the colony of the San Benito Archipelago, located in the central-western region of the Baja California Peninsula. Pup and adult female counts from the 2002 to 2019 breeding seasons were compiled to determine the trend in the abundance of the colony and its current state. In addition, birth rate variations during the study period were assessed. Likewise, the presence of warm anomaly events in the SST in the potential foraging area of adult females (PFA) was analyzed. The San Benito colony decreased at an average annual rate of 3.6% from 2002 to 2019, with an estimated abundance of 4,723 individuals (95% CI: 3,821–5,615) in 2019. However, the birth rate remained constant (mean 0.68 ± 0.08), even though several warm anomaly events associated with El Niño and The Blob phenomena were detected in the PFA. Our results suggest that large-scale warm anomalies in the SST do not severely impact NES pup production, thus the decline of the San Benito colony since the late 1900s could be due to other environmental factors, such as the increase in air temperature associated with climate change.
A Study on Consumer Preference for Coconut Milk in Bangalore City
Authors: Bowya V. , Mahendran K. , Divya K. , Parimalrangan R. , Nalina L.
Published: August 2023

Aims: This study aimed to analyze consumer preferences for coconut milk, exploring association between consumer profiles and demographics. Additionally, it investigated factors that influenced buying behaviour of coconut milk consumers. The study provided insights into consumer education, income, age, and gender profiles concerning coconut milk, offering an understanding of the brands they preferred. Factor analysis revealed the forces shaping consumers' coconut milk purchase choices and brand preferences. These findings provided practical insights for refining producer and marketer strategies to meet consumer demands and enhance competitiveness in a dynamic market landscape.

Study Design: Descriptive research design.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Bangalore City, during July 2023, primary data was collected from a random sample of respondents.

Methodology: The study specifically targeted a sample size of 60 consumers. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the sample respondents. The study deployed Factor analysis to assess the factors that influence the consumer purchase Behaviour of coconut milk and priorities regarding various attributes of coconut milk.

Results: This study indicated that the majority of respondents were female (68.30%). The largest age group was 26-35 years (43.30%), and most respondents had an annual income of ₹6.00 lakhs - ₹8.00 lakhs (30%). About half of the respondents held Bachelor's degrees (50%), and the majority were employed (66.60%). Factor analysis provided that External perception factors comprised three factors namely Brand reputation, Availability, and Packaging with a variance of 32.378 percent that were the most influenced factors for the purchase of coconut milk by consumers.

Conclusion: Analyzing consumer profiles factor analysis provided vital insights for the coconut milk industry. These findings offer guidance for refining producer and marketer strategies to meet consumer demands and excel in a rapidly changing market environment. Tailoring product availability, packaging, pricing, and sustainability, in alignment with consumer preferences will effectively improve reach and meet consumer expectations in the coconut milk market.
OSMANLININ SON DÖNEMİNDE AYDIN BİR SUBAY: NAZİF PAŞA
Authors: Sarıbal İsmet
Published: August 2023

Nazif Paşa, Osmanlı Devleti’nde uzun süre ataşemiliterlik yapan ender subaylardan biridir. Viyana ve Berlin sefaretlerinde yaklaşık on yıl görev yapmıştır. Bu süreçte edindiği bilgi ve tecrübelerine istinaden Harbiye Nezaretinin muhtelif şubelerinin idaresini üstlenmiş, Tasfiye-i Rüteb Komisyonu Başkanlığı gibi önemli bir görevi icra etmiştir. Lakin mezkûr komisyon başkanlığı sırasında Mahmud Şevket Paşa’yla arası açılmış, bu nedenle Avrupa’ya gidip emekli olmak zorunda kalmıştır. Mahmud Şevket Paşa suikastının akabinde İstanbul’a dönmüş fakat gözaltına alınıp Vize’ye sürgüne gönderilmiştir. Bir müddet Vize’de kaldıktan sonra Avrupa’ya gitmesine müsaade edilmiş, yaklaşık beş yıl Viyana’da sürgünde yaşamıştır. Sürgün hayatı Enver Paşa ve diğer önde gelen İttihatçıların ülkeden ayrılmalarıyla sona ermiştir. İstanbul’a döndükten sonra, kısa bir süre Genelkurmay İkinci Başkanlığı yapan Nazif Paşa sonrasında aktif görevden ayrılmıştır. Bu çalışmada aynı zamanda Yeni Askerlik ve Terakki Çareleri adı kitapların yazarı olan Nazif Paşa’nın hayatı hakkında değerlendirmelerde bulunulacaktır.
XIII. VE XIV. YÜZYIL HADİSELERİNE HERETİK BİR YAKARIŞ: KIRBAÇÇILAR HAREKETİ VE KUTSAL KAN İKONOGROFİSİ
Authors: Abdurrahmanoğlu Asiye
Published: August 2023

Orta Çağ Hıristiyan toplumunda krizler, savaşlar, salgın hastalıklar, kıtlıklar Tanrı’nın bir gazabı olarak düşünülmekteydi. Bu tarz olumsuzluklarla karşı karşıya kalan insanlar, Tanrı’nın öfkesini yatıştırmak için çeşitli eylemlere başvuruyorlardı. XIII. ve XIV. yüzyılda Avrupa sokaklarına dökülen Kırbaççılar da, aynı içgüdü ile hareket etmekteydiler. Üst üste yaşadıkları felaketler neticesinde Tanrı’nın onları yok etmeye kararlı olduğuna inanmışlardı ve bedenlerini kırbaçlayarak bu sonun önüne geçmeyi, Tanrı’yı yatıştırmayı denediler. Ellerinde kırbaçlarla, yerel ilahiler eşliğinde şehirleri, kasabaları dolaştılar. Toplam otuz üç buçuk gün boyunca bedenlerini kırbaçla tedip ettiler. Ritüellerinde kanın özel bir yeri bulunmaktaydı ve bu kan Mesih’in kanını sembolize ediyordu. Ancak yerel otoriteler ve Papalık eylemlerini sakıncalı gördü ve yasakladı. XIV. yüzyıldaki eylemleri XIII. yüzyıla kıyasla daha fazla ses getirdi. Kırbaççılar XIV. yüzyılda radikalleştiler. Çalışmamızın amacı iki evre halinde tarih sahnesine çıkan Kırbaççıların ortaya çıkış serüvenlerini değerlendirmektir. Bu bağlamda çalışmamız XIII. ve XIV. yüzyılın sosyal tarihine konu üzerinden bir bakış açısı atmayı hedeflemektedir.
Clinical Features and Prognoses of Patients With Breast Cancer Who Underwent Surgery
Authors: Liu Gang , Kong Xiangyi , Dai Qichen , Cheng Han , Wang Jing , Gao Jidong , Wang Yipeng
Published: August 2023

Importance

Breast cancer (BC) remains a pervasive malignant neoplasm worldwide, with increasing incidence. However, there are a scarcity of studies examining the clinical characteristics and prognosis of Chinese patients with BC who have undergone surgery.

Objective

To evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with surgically treated BC in China, focusing on histopathology and surgical approach.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with unilateral BC who underwent surgery between January 2009 and September 2017, with a median follow-up time of 7.69 years. Clinical features were extracted from these records, and survival analysis was performed. Data analysis was conducted in March 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patients’ OS and DFS.

Results

The study included 14 782 patients (14 724 [99.6%] female patients; mean [SD] age, 51.6 [10.9] years). Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was the most prevalent type, observed in 12 671 patients (85.6%). Stages 0, I, II, III, and IV accounted for 6.4% (919 patients), 32.0% (4579 patients), 40.5% (5791 patients), 20.2% (2896 patients), and 0.9% (126 patients) of cases, respectively. Hormone receptor (HR) positivity was observed in 10 241 patients (75.1%), and 3665 (29.1%) tested positive for ERBB2 (formerly HER2/neu). The HR-negative–ERBB2-negative, HR-negative–ERBB2-positive, HR-positive–ERBB2-negative, and HR-positive–ERBB2-positive subtypes constituted 13.3% (1666 patients), 12.7% (1595 patients), 57.8% (7251 patients), and 16.2% (2034 patients) of cases, respectively. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) was performed in 2884 patients (19.5%). The 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 92.9% (13 689 of 14 732) and 87.4% (3287 of 3760), while the 5-year and 10-year DFS rates were 89.0% (12 916 of 14 512) and 82.9% (3078 of 3713), respectively. Multivariate analysis found that for patients with IDC, age, BCS, invasive tumor size, tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), the number of lymph node metastases (LNMs), distant metastasis, Ki67, and HR status were associated with OS, whereas invasive tumor size, tumor grade, LVI, the number of LNMs, HR status, and ERBB2 status were associated with DFS. After propensity score matching, BCS was equivalent to mastectomy with respect to survival in patients with IDC.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of patients with BC who underwent surgery in China provides valuable insights into the histopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of this population. The diverse histopathological features emphasize the necessity for customized treatment strategies. The relatively low BCS rate in the study population suggests the need for heightened awareness and adoption of this approach, considering its potential advantages for survival.
Coordinating nucleoporin condensation and nuclear pore complex assembly
Authors: Kuiper E. F. Elsiena , Prophet Sarah M. , Schlieker Christian
Published: August 2023

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is among the most elaborate protein complexes in eukaryotes. While ribosomes and proteasomes are known to require dedicated assembly machinery, our understanding of NPC assembly is at a relatively early stage. Defects in NPC assembly or homeostasis are tied to movement disorders, including dystonia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as aging, requiring a better understanding of these processes to enable therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss recent progress in the understanding of NPC assembly and highlight how related defects in human disorders can shed light on NPC biogenesis. We propose that the condensation of phenylalanine‐glycine repeat nucleoporins needs to be carefully controlled during NPC assembly to prevent aberrant condensation, aggregation, or amyloid formation.
Chromosomal instability and a deregulated cell cycle are intrinsic features of high‐risk gastrointestinal stromal tumours with a metastatic potential
Authors: Namløs Heidi Maria , Khelik Ksenia , Nakken Sigve , Vodák Daniel , Hovig Eivind , Myklebost Ola , Boye Kjetil , Meza‐Zepeda Leonardo A.
Published: August 2023

Patients with localised, high‐risk gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) benefit from adjuvant imatinib treatment. Still, approximately 40% of patients relapse within 3 years after adjuvant therapy and the clinical and histopathological features currently used for risk classification cannot precisely predict poor outcomes after standard treatment. This study aimed to identify genomic and transcriptomic profiles that could be associated with disease relapse and thus a more aggressive phenotype. Using a multi‐omics approach, we analysed a cohort of primary tumours from patients with untreated, resectable high‐risk GISTs. We compared patients who developed metastatic disease within 3 years after finishing adjuvant imatinib treatment and patients without disease relapse after more than 5 years of follow‐up. Combining genomics and transcriptomics data, we identified somatic mutations and deregulated mRNA and miRNA genes intrinsic to each group. Our study shows that increased chromosomal instability (CIN), including chromothripsis and deregulated kinetochore and cell cycle signalling, separates high‐risk samples according to metastatic potential. The increased CIN seems to be an intrinsic feature for tumours that metastasise and should be further validated as a novel prognostic biomarker for high‐risk GIST.
In Situ Heating Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy Experiments on an Al–Mg Alloy
Authors: Banhart John , Yang Zi , Guo Qianning , Liu Meng , Butterling Maik , Liedke Maciej Oskar , Hirschmann Eric , Wagner Andreas
Published: August 2023

The binding between vacancies and Mg atoms in an aluminum solid solution is not fully understood but essential for understanding its role in age hardening of many Al alloys. After annealing and quenching, Mg prevents the loss of excess vacancies during natural ageing and forms complexes containing one, possibly two, vacancies, and various Mg atoms. By heating the alloy after natural ageing, these complexes are dissolved, i.e., natural ageing is reverted. This reversion process is studied by in situ positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy utilizing the very high count rate at the accelerator driven facility ELBE. Positron spectra are continuously acquired during heating at rates between 3 and 50 K min−1. After correcting for the contributions of the oxidized surface and decomposing spectra into components, the process can be followed in detail and is found to take place in distinct stages: first, the number of vacancy–Mg complexes is reduced and then the liberated vacancies agglomerate into clusters that eventually dissolve at even higher temperatures.
Interface Oxygen Vacancy‐Enhanced Co3O4/WO3 Nanorod Heterojunction for Sub‐ppm Level Detection of NOx
Authors: Manoharan Mathankumar , Govindharaj Kamaraj , Muthumalai Karuppasamy , Kumaravel Sabarish , Haldorai Yuvaraj , Rajendra Kumar Ramasamy Thangavelu
Published: August 2023

Herein, a cobalt oxide/tungsten oxide (Co3O4/WO3) p–n heterojunction for NOx detection is developed and optimized. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy shows that the WO3 nanorods are embellished with Co3O4 nanostructure. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the presence of oxygen vacancy on the Co3O4 coupled with WO3 heterojunction. Compared to bare WO3 and pure Co3O4, the Co3O4/WO3 heterojunction sensor shows significant sensitivity to NOx at 200 °C. The sensor exhibits higher linearity from 0.4 to 10 ppm of NOx, with a sensing response of 4.4–93%. The NOx sensitivity of the Co3O4/WO3 heterojunction sensor is ninefold higher than that of the pure WO3 sensor. Even in a high humidity (84%) environment, the Co3O4/WO3 heterojunction sensor demonstrates high NOx sensitivity. The sensor maintains remarkable stability measured for up to 4 weeks. The possible NOx sensing mechanism of the Co3O4/WO3 heterojunction is additionally discussed.
Disulfide‐Bridged Dynamic Covalent Triazine Polymer Thin Films by Interface Polymerization: High Refractive Index with Excellent Optical Transparency
Authors: Begum Salma , Kutonova Ksenia , Mauri Anna , Koenig Meike , Chan Ka Chun , Sprau Christian , Dolle Christian , Trouillet Vanessa , Hassan Zahid , Leonhard Tobias , Heißler Stefan , Eggeler Yolita M. , Wenzel Wolfgang , Kozlowska Mariana , Bräse Stefan
Published: August 2023

Exploring innovative strategies for molecular structuring of dynamic materials that combine self‐correcting intrinsic reversibility with the robustness of covalent bonds, has been a long‐standing objective from applications perspective in fields ranging from molecular engineering to nanotechnology and interfacial science. To establish dynamic covalent chemistry approaches combined with interfacial polymerization, herein, a distinct synthetic approach is reported to develop disulfide‐bridged 2D polymeric C3N3S3 triazine thin‐films by interfacial thiol‐disulfide dynamic exchange process crosslinking tritopic planar 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐trithiol molecular tectons via intermolecular disulfide formation in the presence of I2 vapors at the air/water interface under redox condition. The resulting centimeter‐scale polymeric thin‐films are covalently cross‐linked, dynamic in nature, featuring tunable thickness (6–200 nm) and significant morphological variations are realized under the influence of varying reaction time, concentration and types of reducing agents. Notably, C3N3S3 polymer thin films exhibit a transflectance of around 99.5% in the range from 430 to 1800 nm, show high refractive indices (1.730–1.488) and optical anisotropy with uniaxial negative birefringence. The C3N3S3 free‐standing polymer thin‐films can be easily transferred to different substrates or possibly into application‐relevant forms for device fabrications, making this useful from materials application perspective.
Light‐Induced Dielectric Enhancement in a 2D Dion–Jacobson Type Perovskite Phase Transition Material
Authors: Gao Changhao , Xu Haojie , Guo Wuqian , Liu Yi , Fan Qingshun , Ma Yu , Yang Tian , Li Wenjing , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: August 2023

Stimuli‐responsive materials, showing bistable behaviors between two distinct states under external stimuli, can be potentially applied as basic components of modern electrical and electronic devices. 2D hybrid perovskites hold a promise to switch and tune dielectric bistability based on their solid‐state phase transitions. Here, strong dielectric enhancements are successfully actualized by virtue of light illumination in a Dion–Jacobson (DJ) type 2D hybrid perovskite, (HDA)(MA)2Pb3Br10 (1, where HDA is 1,6‐hexanediammonium and MA is methylammonium). Upon heating, 1 exhibits an ordered–disordered phase transition ≈ 324 K (Tc), accompanying a transition from its low to high dielectric state. Strikingly, its light‐induced dielectric constant changes are greatly enhanced with a magnitude up to 250% near the Tc, superior to most traditional inorganic phase transition materials. This process closely relates to the photoexcited dielectric effect that is caused by the interband photo‐excitation. Benefitting from the stability of DJ‐type perovskite structure, the switching cycles of dielectric enhancement display operational stability with superior anti‐fatigue characteristics. As per the knowledge, the findings of this strong dielectric enhancement are unprecedented in the family of 2D DJ‐type hybrid perovskites, which will facilitate broad interest in exploiting new stimuli‐responsive materials to assemble high‐performance smart electronic devices.
Hydroaminoalkyl Functionalization of Pyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones by Visible Light Organophotocatalysis: A Radical Approach to Biginelli‐Type Dihydropyrimidines
Authors: Lukianov Oleh , Tkachuk Viktor , Shishkina Svitlana , Lachmann Leonid , Vadzyuk Olga , Borysko Petro , Kovalskyy Dmytro , Gillaizeau Isabelle , Sukach Volodymyr
Published: August 2023

Herein, we report a visible‐light‐mediated hydroaminoalkylation of pyrimidin‐2(1H)‐onesviathe aza‐Giese‐type reaction in presence of acridinium dye as photocatalyst under mild aerobic conditions. UsingN‐Boc protected aminoalkyl trifluoroborates as radical precursors and various pyrimidine‐2(1H)‐one substrates, a diverse set of Biginelli‐type 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones was prepared in 31–73% yields. Further transformation of the products obtained enabled the synthesis of 3,6,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine‐2,5‐dione derivatives which showed promise as inhibitors of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes (IC50 0.46–1.12 μM for PARP‐2 in a fluorometric assay).
Design of motifs interfacial interactions by co‐evolved analysis of D‐amino acid dehydrogenase for stability enhancement
Authors: Ji Zhehui , Zhang Qian , Duan Lingxuan , Dong Lingling , Wang Shizhen
Published: August 2023

To design D‐amino acid dehydrogenase (DAADH) for enhanced stability, the interactions of the subunit interfaces of DAADH were analyzed. Interaction network analysis of DAADH indicated that there are only weak interactions between the A and B subunits. Several co‐evolved residue pairs were selected for mutation to enhance interfacial interactions of subunits, and 11 designed DAADHs were obtained. DA06 and DA11 were selected for experimental verification for their salt bridges are 1.4 and 1.2‐fold of that of DAwild, respectively. DA11 can maintain 93% activity in 80°C, while it was only 40% for DAwild. Thermostability study indicated the half‐life of DA11 was 2‐fold of DAwild. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the extraordinary stability of the DA11 was due to the formation of extra interfacial salt bridges. The article provides a strategy of mutations outside the active site of enzyme by co‐evolutionary analysis which can reduce the effect of the activity‐thermostability trade‐off.
Perioperative Risk Assessment for Skin Injury
Authors: Kozhimala Kathryn , Crowley‐Barnett Jennifer , Dobbie Mary , Delmore Barbara , Chau Jasmine , Flood Joan
Published: August 2023

Hospital‐acquired pressure injuries create a tremendous cost to health care organizations and negatively affect quality and patient safety. Surgical patients are at an increased risk for skin injury, particularly a pressure injury, because of a lack of sensation and immobility during a procedure. An interprofessional team at our facility identified factors that place surgical patients at risk for skin injury. We developed a risk assessment protocol in March 2021 using the Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control) method. After data review and analysis, we identified age of 65 years or older, existence of a skin condition, and procedural duration greater than four hours as significant predictors for postoperative skin injury. Our findings reinforce the benefit of using an appropriate risk assessment protocol that alerts the perioperative team members to at‐risk patients.
Improving interfacial adhesive bond durability of a structural epoxy with steel using a tannic acid‐based additive for underwater applications
Authors: Babu Noel , Zhang Puxuan , Massou Maleck , Li Chenggao , Xian Guijun
Published: August 2023

This study explores the applicability of a tannic acid‐based (TA‐AGE) additive to improve interfacial bond durability of a structural epoxy (Ep.) adhesive for underwater applications. A modified epoxy M(Ep.) was prepared from Ep. by incorporating 1 wt% (optimized) TA‐AGE additive. Although the cohesive properties of Ep. were slightly affected by the modification, underwater adhesion was improved. Incorporation of TA‐AGE additive in the adhesive can strengthen the interfacial bonds by forming more noncovalent interactions with the adherend surface. In addition, a 6‐month durability study in distilled water at 20°C, 40°C, and 60°C was performed to study the effect of water uptake on the evolution of viscoelastic, tensile properties and interfacial bond durability of Ep. and M(Ep.). With aging, the tensile properties of M(Ep.) degraded more rapidly than Ep. due to higher water uptake. Steel joints bonded with M(Ep.) in air, but cured underwater, had strength retention of 97%, 99% and 107% in 20°C, 40°C, and 60°C water, respectively, after 6‐month aging. Meanwhile, joints prepared underwater with M(Ep.) had a strength retention of 77% in 20°C water. Joint strength retention (%) in both cases was significantly higher than Ep. bonded joints aged under similar conditions.
Influence of carbon black particle size on fatigue life of rubber compound by varying strain and temperature
Authors: Chanda Jagannath , Dolui Tuhin , Hanumanthrao Sushmitha , Shilavant Ramesh , Ghosh Prasenjit , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra
Published: August 2023

Fatigue failure is one of the most critical failure modes in engineering structures. The fracture process proceeds through two major phases: crack nucleation and subsequent crack propagation leading to the ultimate failure. With special reference to rubber products especially tyre, the fatigue crack growth characteristics have been well understood with good approximation by many researchers. But the experimental research on crack nucleation is in the nascent stage. In the present study, we have focused on the role of filler particle size, temperature and strain on crack nucleation and fracture surface morphology of unfilled and carbon black (CB)‐filled natural rubber (NR) compounds. Three different kinds of ASTM grade carbon blacks, namely, N134, N234 and N339 have been used to determine the effect of filler particle size on crack initiation. All compounds have been tested at room temperature (i.e., RT 25°C), 70°C and 100°C with different strain amplitudes (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125%) to understand its effect on damage mechanics. It is observed that at a given strain and temperature, compound with N134 has better fatigue life in comparison to the N234 and N339. It is also found that with increasing temperature, fatigue life is being reduced for all the compounds. Optical microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) along with micro computational tomography (CT) have been utilized to understand the failure mechanism which reveal the presence of initial flaws as filler protrusions that creates micro cracks during fatigue loading and thus leads to crack nucleation.
Defect‐induced Ordered Mesoporous Titania Molecular Sieves: A Unique and Highly Efficient Hetero‐phase Photocatalyst for Solar Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev , Vatti Surya Kumar , Gu Qinfen , Wagh Dipti , Manyar Haresh , Selvam Parasuraman
Published: August 2023

The conversion of solar energy into fuel has gained significant interest, particularly in photocatalytic water splitting, and the materials that efficiently generate hydrogen from water or aqueous solution using solar irradiation are highly desired for the hydrogen economy. Photocatalysts made of N‐doped TiO2 are frequently utilized for breaking of water molecules in the process of generating hydrogen. To achieve this target, a unique defect‐induced nitrogen‐doped highly organized 2D‐hexagonal periodic mesoporous titania, TiO2‐xNy with a well‐crystallized framework is synthesized in a reproducible way using structure‐directing agents, e. g., F108, F127, P123, and CTAB. The nitrogen is incorporated into these samples through a facile method involving the calcination of templated materials in an air. A systematic characterization of the resulting ordered mesoporous titania employing a battery of experimental techniques indicates the presence of considerable amounts of intrinsic defects, viz., trapped electrons in oxygen vacancy and/or Ti3+ centres via nitrogen‐doping in the titania matrix. These defects in turn promote the charge separation of photogenerated excitons, and therefore exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction as compared to commercial titania such as Aeroxide®P‐25. The superior activity of the N‐doped mesoporous TiO2 is attributed to the synergistic effect of facile charge migration with high carrier density, unique phase composition (bronze and anatase), slow recombination of photo‐induced excitons, and enhanced absorbance from ultra‐violet to the visible region.
Probe Beam Dichroism and Birefringence in Stimulated Raman Scattering in Polyatomic Molecules
Authors: Semak Bogdan V. , Beltukov Yaroslav M. , Vasyutinskii Oleg S.
Published: August 2023

Dichroism and birefringence in Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) in polyatomic molecules were studied theoretically. General expressions describing the change of the polarization matrix of the probe laser beam transmitted through initially isotropic molecular sample excited by the pump laser beam have been derived. Arbitrary polarization states and propagation directions of the incoming pump and probe beams were considered. The expressions were written in terms of spherical tensor operators that allowed for separation of the field polarization tensor and the molecular part containing three scalar values of nonlinear optical susceptibility
with
=0,1,2. The geometry of almost collinear propagation of the pump and probe beams through the molecular sample was considered in greater details. It was shown that the dichroism and birefringence refer to the nonlinear optical susceptibility element
and that their contributions to the SRS signal can be separated experimentally by using an appropriate probe beam polarization analyzer installed in front of the photodetector. Particular cases of the off‐resonant SRS and resonant SRS have been considered. The results obtained were expressed in terms of the Stokes polarization parameters of the pump and probe beams.
On The Nature of FeIV=Oaq in Aqueous Media: A DFT analysis
Authors: Karimadom Basil Raju , Meyerstein Dan , Kornweitz Haya
Published: August 2023

FeIV=Oaq is a key intermediate in many advanced oxidation processes and probably in biological systems. It is usually referred to as FeIV=O2+. The pKa's of FeIV=Oaq as derived by DFT are: pKa1=2.37 M06 L/6‐311++G(d,p) (SDD for Fe) and pKa2=7.79 M06 L/6‐311++G(d,p) (SDD for Fe). This means that in neutral solutions, FeIV=Oaq is a mixture of (H2O)4(OH)FeIV=O+ and (H2O)2(OH)2FeIV=O. The oxidation potential of FeIV=Oaq in an acidic solution, E0{(H2O)5FeIV=O2+/FeIII(H2O)63+, pH 0.0} is calculated with and without a second solvation sphere and the recommended value is between 2.86 V (B3LYP/Def2‐TZVP, with a second solvation sphere) and 2.23 V (M06 L/Def2‐TZVP without a second solvation sphere). This means that FeIV=Oaq is the strongest oxidizing agent formed in systems involving FeVIO42− even in neutral media.
LGBTQ+ cultural‐competence training effectiveness: Mental health organization and therapist survey outcome results from a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boekeloo Bradley , Fish Jessica , Turpin Rodman , Aparicio Elizabeth M. , Shin Richard , Vigorito Michael A. , Lare Sean M. , McGraw James S. , King‐Marshall Evelyn
Published: August 2023

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) persons frequently lack access to mental health service organizations (MHOs) and therapists who are competent with LGBTQ+ clients. Existing continuing education programmes to better equip therapists to work with LGBTQ+ clients are often not widely accessible or skills focused, evaluated for effectiveness and inclusive of MHO administrators who can address the organizational climate needed for therapist effectiveness. A virtual, face‐to‐face, multi‐level (administrators and therapists) and multi‐strategy (technical assistance, workshop and clinical consultations) LGBTQ+ cultural competence training—the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC)—was tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Ten organizations were randomly assigned to the intervention (SGDLC plus free online videos) or control (free online videos only) group. Pretest/posttest Organization LGBTQ+ Climate Surveys (n = 10 MHOs) and pretest/posttest Therapist LGBTQ+ Competence Self‐Assessments (n = 48 therapists) were administered. Results showed that at pretest, average ratings across organization LGBTQ+ climate survey items were low; twice as many items improved on average in the intervention (10/18 items) than control (5/18 items) group organizations. At pretest, therapist average scores (range 0–1) were highest for knowledge (0.88), followed by affirmative attitudes (0.81), practice self‐efficacy (0.81), affirmative practices (0.75) and commitment to continued learning (0.69). Pretest/posttest change scores were higher for the intervention relative to the control group regarding therapist self‐reported affirmative attitudes (cumulative ordinal ratio [OR] = 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.73, 6.26), practice self‐efficacy (OR = 5.28, 95% CI = 2.00, 13.93) and affirmative practices (OR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.18, 8.25). Average therapist and administrator satisfaction scores were high for the SGDLC. These findings suggest the SGDLC training can affect organizational‐ and therapist‐level changes that may benefit LGBTQ+ clients.
A Multistakeholder Perspective on Advancing Individualized Therapeutics
Authors: Pacanowski Michael , Vitarello Julia , Hyun Insoo , Yu Timothy , Zineh Issam
Published: August 2023

Precision medicine has evolved from the application of pharmacogenetic biomarkers to the prospective development of targeted therapies in patients with specific molecular/genetic subtypes of disease to truly “N‐of‐1” medicines targeted to very small numbers of patients – in some cases, a single identified patient. This latter iteration of precision medicine presents unprecedented opportunities for patients with severe, life‐threatening, or life‐limiting diseases. At the same time, these modalities present complex scientific, clinical, and regulatory challenges. To realize the promise of individualized medicines, a multistakeholder approach to streamlining medical diagnoses, advancing the technologies that enable development of these therapeutic modalities, and re‐envisioning collaborative environments for access and evidence generation is of critical importance. Herein, we highlight some of these challenges and opportunities.
Interface Regulation via Electric Double Layer for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Du Haiying , Song Keming , Yang Mingrui , Huang Peng , Chen Weihua
Published: August 2023

Interphases, especially the electrochemically formed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), are significantly important for cycling stability, reaction kinetics and safety of rechargeable batteries. The structure and composition of the electric double layer (EDL) greatly affect the formation of the SEI and the performance of electrodes. However, as far as we know, there is no review discussing the theme specifically. Herein, the recent substantial progress for EDL and its impact on the formation of SEI in rechargeable batteries are reviewed and discussed. Firstly, the specific adsorption of electrolyte components on electrodes’ surface and the ionic solvation structure are introduced. Furthermore, various methods for controlling EDL in different electrode systems are described. Finally, the potential future advancements of the SEI through the manipulation of EDL are discussed, aiming to enhance the electrochemical performance of rechargeable batteries.
LAMP‐based molecular sexing in a gonochoric marine bivalve (Macoma balthica rubra) with divergent sex‐specific mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Le Cam Sabrina , Brémaud Julie , Malkócs Tamás , Kreckelbergh Eugénie , Becquet Vanessa , Dubillot Emmanuel , Garcia Pascale , Breton Sophie , Pante Eric
Published: August 2023

Taking advantage of the unique system of doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) of mitochondria, we developed a reliable molecular method to sex individuals of the marine bivalve Macoma balthica rubra. In species with DUI (~100 known bivalves), both sexes transmit their mitochondria: males bear both a male‐ and female‐type mitogenome, while females bear only the female type. Male and female mitotypes are sufficiently divergent to reliably PCR‐amplify them specifically. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a precise, economical and portable alternative to PCR for molecular sexing and we demonstrate its application in this context. We used 154 individuals sampled along the Atlantic coast of France and sexed microscopically by gonad examination to test for the congruence among gamete type, PCR sexing and LAMP sexing. We show an exact match among the sexing results from these three methods using the male and female mt‐cox1 genes. DUI can be disrupted in inter‐specific hybrids, causing unexpected distribution of mitogenomes, such as homoplasmic males or heteroplasmic females. To our knowledge, DUI disruption at the intra‐specific scale has never been tested. We applied our sexing protocol to control for unexpected heteroplasmy caused by hybridization between divergent genetic lineages and found no evidence of disruption in the mode of mitochondrial inheritance in M. balthica rubra. We propose LAMP as a useful tool to accelerate eco‐evolutionary studies of DUI. It offers the opportunity to investigate the potential role of, previously unaccounted‐for, sex‐specific patterns such as sexual selection or sex‐specific dispersal bias in the evolution of free‐spawning benthic species.
Dynamic colour change as a signalling tool in bluelined goatfish (Upeneicthtys lineatus)
Authors: Tosetto Louise , Hart Nathan S. , Williamson Jane E.
Published: August 2023

Many animal species can rapidly change their body colouration and patterning, but often the ecological drivers of such changes are unknown. Here, we explored dynamic colour change in the bluelined goatfish, Upeneichthys lineatus, a temperate marine teleost species. Upeneichthus lineatus can change in a matter of seconds, from a uniform white colour to display prominent, vertical, dark red stripes. Initial observations suggested that rapid colour change in U. lineatus was associated with feeding and may act as a signal to both conspecifics and heterospecifics that are frequently observed to follow feeding goatfish. Field observations of the colour and behaviour of individual U. lineatus were collected to (1) document the repertoire of behaviours that U. lineatus displays and categorise associated colour patterns; (2) quantify the speed of dynamic colour change; (3) establish the context in which U. lineatus changes colour and pattern; and (4) test whether the behaviour of follower fishes is influenced by colour patterning or specific behaviours of the focal goatfish. We found that U. lineatus changed colouration from white to the red banded pattern in less than 10 s. The key driver of rapid colour change in U. lineatus was feeding, particularly when the fish fed with its head buried in sediment. Conspecific followers were most likely to be white in colour and adopt searching behaviour, regardless of the focal fish colour or behaviour. Other species of follower fish spent significantly more time following U. lineatus that were displaying dark red stripes when searching or eating, implying the red stripes may be an interspecific signalling mechanism. Our findings indicate that rapid colour change in teleost fish may be used for social communication and may provide U. lineatus with increased protection from predation when feeding via a safety‐in‐numbers approach.
Distribution pattern and change prediction of Phellodendron habitat in China under climate change
Authors: Zhao Yanghui , Wen Yafeng , Zhang Wenqian , Wang Chuncheng , Yan Yadan , Hao Siwen , Zhang Donglin
Published: August 2023

Phellodendron has always been of great significance in promoting human health and ecological restoration. However, human activities and climate change have severely affected habitat, population dynamics and sustainable use of Phellodendron. Little is known about the geographical distribution pattern and their responses to climate change of Phellodendron. In order to reveal the impact of climate change on Phellodendron, we conducted a study based on natural distribution data of two species (297 occurrence points), 20 environmental factors, and an optimized MaxEnt model. Our results identified the main environmental factors influencing Phellodendron, predicted their potential geographical distribution, and assessed migration trends under climate change in China. Our analysis showed that Ph. amurense and Ph. chinense have potential suitable habitats of 62.89 × 104 and 70.71 × 104 km2, respectively. Temperature and precipitation were found to play an essential role in shaping the present geographical distribution of Phellodendron populations. Based on two future climate scenarios, we forecasted that the potential suitable habitat of Ph. amurense would decrease by 12.52% (SSP245) and increase by 25.28% (SSP585), while Ph. chinense would decline by 19.61% (SSP245) and 15.78% (SSP585) in the late‐21st century. The potential suitable habitats of Ph. amurense and Ph. chinense would shift to northward and westward, respectively. Hydrothermal change was found to be the primary driver of the suitable habitat of Phellodendron populations in the future. We recommend establishing nature reserves for existing Phellodendron populations, especially Ph. chinense. Our study provided a practical framework for the impact of climate change on the suitable habitat of Phellodendron species and guided regional cultivation, long‐term conservation, and sustainable use.
Ecosystem size and complexity as extrinsic drivers of food chain length in branching ecosystems
Authors: Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Finlay Jacques C. , Terui Akira
Published: August 2023

Understanding the drivers of food chain length in natural communities has intrigued ecologists since Elton publicized “food cycles” in the early 20th century. Proposed drivers of food chain length have included productivity, disturbance regime, ecosystem size, and trophic omnivory. However, current theories have largely assumed simple, two‐dimensional habitat architectures and may not be adequate to predict food chain length in ecosystems with a complex, branching structure. Here, we develop a spatially explicit theoretical model that provides an integrated framework for understanding variation in food chain length in branching networks. We show independent, positive influences of ecosystem size and complexity (as indicated by branching properties) on food chain length. However, the effects of ecosystem size and complexity were contingent upon other factors, appearing more clearly in high‐disturbance and high‐productivity regimes. Our results suggest that ecosystem complexity is an important yet overlooked driver of food chain length that may increase the resilience to anthropogenic environmental changes.
Baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in the EMPACT‐MI trial
Authors: Harrington Josephine , Udell Jacob A. , Jones W. Schuyler , Anker Stefan D. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Petrie Mark C. , Andersen Knut Robert , Sumin Mikhail , Zwiener Isabella , Hernandez Adrian F. , Butler Javed
Published: August 2023

Aims

Empagliflozin has been shown to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and in those with heart failure. The impact of empagliflozin in post‐acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is unknown.

Methods and results

The Study to Test the Effect of Empagliflozin on Hospitalization for Heart Failure and Mortality in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (EMPACT‐MI) trial screened 6610 participants with AMI and randomized 6522 to empagliflozin or placebo in addition to standard of care. The median (interquartile) age was 64 (56–71) years and 75.1% of patients were male. Major comorbidities included hypertension (69.1%), type 2 diabetes (31.7%), prior myocardial infarction (13.0%), and atrial fibrillation (10.9%). The majority (74.3%) of patients presented with an ST‐elevation myocardial infarction. Overall, 56.9% of patients had acute signs or symptoms of congestion requiring treatment and 78.3% had left ventricular systolic dysfunction with ejection fraction <45%. Clinical characteristics, including baseline demographics, rates of revascularization, and cardiovascular medications at discharge were largely comparable to recent trials of the post‐AMI population.

Conclusion

The EMPACT‐MI trial will establish the benefit and risks of empagliflozin treatment in patients with AMI.