bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stiffness‐Tunable Hydrogel‐Sandwich Culture Modulates the YAP‐Mediated Mechanoresponse in Induced‐Pluripotent Stem Cell Embryoid Bodies and Augments Cardiomyocyte Differentiation
Authors: Nattasit Praphawi , Niibe Kunimichi , Yamada Masahiro , Ohori‐Morita Yumi , Limraksasin Phoonsuk , Tiskratok Watcharaphol , Yamamoto Masaya , Egusa Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Microenvironmental factors, including substrate stiffness, regulate stem cell behavior and differentiation. However, the effects of substrate stiffness on the behavior of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐ derived embryoid bodies (EB) remain unclear. To investigate the effects of mechanical cues on iPSC‐EB differentiation, a 3D hydrogel‐sandwich culture (HGSC) system is developed that controls the microenvironment surrounding iPSC‐EBs using a stiffness‐tunable polyacrylamide hydrogel assembly. Mouse iPSC‐EBs are seeded between upper and lower polyacrylamide hydrogels of differing stiffness (Young's modulus [E’] = 54.3 ± 7.1 kPa [hard], 28.1 ± 2.3 kPa [moderate], and 5.1 ± 0.1 kPa [soft]) and cultured for 2 days. HGSC induces stiffness‐dependent activation of the yes‐associated protein (YAP) mechanotransducer and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in the iPSC‐EBs. Moreover, moderate‐stiffness HGSC specifically upregulates the mRNA and protein expression of ectoderm and mesoderm lineage differentiation markers in iPSC‐EBs via YAP‐mediated mechanotransduction. Pretreatment of mouse iPSC‐EBs with moderate‐stiffness HGSC promotes cardiomyocyte (CM) differentiation and structural maturation of myofibrils. The proposed HGSC system provides a viable platform for investigating the role of mechanical cues on the pluripotency and differentiation of iPSCs that can be beneficial for research into tissue regeneration and engineering.
High Ion Conducting Dobule Network Crosslinked Gel Polymer Electrolytes for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Lee Sangyeop , Choi U Hyeok
Published: March 2023

As the demand for electrical energy storage devices increases, various electrolytes are being studied. In particular, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with excellent physical properties can improve safety and cycle life, so attempts are underway to replace organic liquid electrolytes facing fire or explosion issues. However, the intrinsic poor electrochemical properties of GPEs limit their commercialization in all‐solid‐state energy storage devices. In an attempt to solve this problem, epoxy/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based double network electrolytes (DNEs) containing a mixture of bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt (LiTFSI) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIMTFSI) are designed to enhance the electrochemical properties of traditional single network electrolytes (SNEs). The synthesized epoxy/PEG‐based DNE has higher mechanical strength (G′ = 1.7 MPa) with outstanding ionic conductivity (σDC ≈ 5.8 × 10−4 S cm−1) at room temperature, compared to the epoxy‐based SNE. Then, an all‐solid‐state supercapacitor based on the DNE and activated carbon electrodes exhibits higher specific capacitance (≈153 F g−1) and power density (833 W kg−1), compared to the SNE‐based supercapacitor.
Walking school bus line routing for efficiency, health and walkability: A multi‐objective optimisation approach
Authors: Wang Judith Y. T. , Wu Zhengyu , Kang Yating , Brown Edward , Wen Mengfan , Rushton Christopher , Ehrgott Matthias
Published: March 2023

Walking School Bus (WSB) has been recognised as an innovative solution to promote walking to school, bringing a wide spectrum of benefits, including: health benefits from the physical exercise, social skills and traffic reduction. To facilitate the success of WSB, one vital element is its route planning, which directly affects the catchment for the service and the realisation of all the potential benefits. Previously, time has been the only factor that has been considered in WSB routing problems. Other important factors including air quality, safety and comfort will also be considered in this paper. Air quality along a WSB route is important to help realise the health benefits of walking. Traffic safety has been the biggest barrier to walking to school and must be addressed in planning a WSB route. Ensuring children have an enjoyable and comfortable experience is vital for the sustainability and success of WSB. A walking network is introduced to enable modelling pedestrian movements in detail, including walking movements on different sides of the road and crossing movements. This approach enables detailed route‐based analysis to assess the localised effect of air quality on pollutant dose. We define walkability as a measure of children's needs in safety and comfort, which can also be assessed in detail on each route. We propose a multi‐objective optimisation model to generate efficient WSB routes with three objectives representing the potential benefits of WSB: (1) to minimise time; (2) to minimise pollutant dose; and (3) to maximise walkability. We apply our model to a selected school in Bradford in the UK, generating three WSB lines following efficient routes. These lines go through a predetermined sequence of ‘WSB Stops’, with the final stop as the school. All children within the catchment area will be able to join a WSB within 1–2 min walk from their home to the nearest stop. Our multi‐objective WSB route planning model is highly transferable to any selected school in any WSB targeted area. Planners will be able to select a combination of WSB lines to offer, based on the requirement of coverage area and resource availability.
Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo differential equations with mixed delay terms and integral boundary conditions
Authors: Filali D. , Ali Arshad , Ali Zeeshan , Akram M. , Dilshad M.
Published: March 2023

In this research work, we investigate a class of Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo (ABC) differential equations (DEs) having proportional and discrete delay terms accompanied by integral boundary conditions. We study the two important aspects, that is, the existence of the solution and stability analysis for the problem mentioned above. We confirm the existence of at least one solution via Schaefer's fixed‐point theorem and its uniqueness by Banach's fixed‐point theorem. Moreover, for stability analysis, we use the concept of Hyers–Ulam stability. For application purposes, we apply the main results to a numerical problem for specific values of the parameters involved.
Effects of dispersal on competitive coexistence in a two‐patch competition model
Authors: Mai Ali , Sun Guowei , Wang Lin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we incorporate the dispersal of one species between two patches into a two‐species competition model. The dispersal process is assumed to involve time delay and population loss. We show that the dispersal rate and the loss during the dispersal jointly affect the stability and instability of model equilibria and induce the phenomena of multi‐stability and transient coexistence of both competing species in both patches.
Synchronization of time scales switched complex networks via impulsive couplings
Authors: Pei Yong , Chen Churong , Pi Dechang
Published: March 2023

We investigate the asymptotic synchronization problem of switched complex networks (SCNs) on time scales. Switches are made by a following time sequence with a dwell time constraint. By designing a Lyapunov function and a matrix inequality, self‐synchronizing criteria for SCNs are derived based on time scales theory. An impulsive coupling approach is designed to control links between nodes at the impulsive time. It is shown that the non‐synchronized SCNs can be synchronized by impulsive coupling with interval constraint. Three simulations on different time scales verify the effectiveness of our conclusions.
The mathematical foundations of the asymptotic iteration method
Authors: Batic Davide , Nowakowski Marek
Published: March 2023

We introduce a new approach to the asymptotic iteration method (AIM) by means of which we establish the standard AIM connection with the continued fractions technique, and we develop a novel termination condition in terms of the approximants. With the help of this alternative termination condition and certain properties of continuous fractions, we derive a closed formula for the asymptotic function
of the AIM technique in terms of an infinite series. Furthermore, we show that such a series converges pointwise to
which, in turn, can be interpreted as a specific term of the minimal solution of a certain recurrence relation. We also investigate some conditions ensuring the existence of a minimal solution and hence of the function
itself.
Capsaicin: A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Liu Tianxu , Wan Yuan , Meng Yaqi , Zhou Qiaoyun , Li Bin , Chen Yijie , Wang Ling
Published: March 2023

Capsaicin, the principal spicy component of red pepper, shows numerous bioactivities these years. Based on the results of past studies, capsaicin may have potential effects on the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). However, most studies mainly investigate functional dyspepsia‐treatment effects of capsaicin by discussing the relationship between capsaicin and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1). In fact, capsaicin may relieve the symptoms of FD in various ways. These effects involve desensitizing C nociceptive fibers, regulating kinds of neurotransmitters, counteracting viruses and inflammation, balancing the gut microbiota, inhibiting the secretion of gastric acid, and reducing oxidative stress damage. A full understanding of these mechanisms will help further development and utilization of capsaicin in food and medical fields.
Investigation of signal integrity of fuzz button connectors under different compression states
Authors: Wang Wenjia , Gao Jinchun , Flowers George T. , Wang Ziren , Bi Lingyu
Published: March 2023

Fuzz button connectors are extensively used in vertical interconnection for high‐density integrated circuits. This work studied the impact of fuzz buttons under different compression states on high‐frequency signal transmission using theoretical analysis and experimental testing. The resistance values for fuzz buttons with different heights in compression states were measured. The physical dimensions were obtained for sample fuzz buttons subjected to various compression states. The effects of long‐term compression of fuzz button on the resistance values and S parameters of the device under test (DUT) were analyzed. In addition, the high‐frequency parameters were measured for the DUT with fuzz buttons in various compression states. Both a three‐dimensional (3D) electromagnetic field model and an equivalent circuit model for the fuzz buttons under compression states were developed and the results of these two models show good agreement with experimental results. In the circuit model, a fuzz button connector with a three‐wire transmission line structure was modeled as a π impedance network, composed of equivalent inductances and capacitances. It was found that the proposed 3D electromagnetic field model and an equivalent circuit model can accurately predict the effect of fuzz buttons under different compression states on the signal transmission in the affected frequency band. However, the models cannot evaluate the communication performance of the whole system.
Optimized design of wide band polarization diversified compact microstrip transponder antenna for satellite communication
Authors: Ghosh Swarnadipto , Chakraborty Ayona , Chakraborty Samik
Published: March 2023

A major limitation of microstrip antenna is its narrow impedance bandwidth (1%–5%) which makes it unsuitable for the operation over C band, used for various satellite communications, Wi‐Fi devices, some surveillance, and weather radar systems. Furthermore, increasing bandwidth (BW) can cause a reduction in radiation efficiency and antenna gain making it unsuitable for some particular applications. Nonplanar and defected ground structures may provide enhanced BW but it also creates distorted radiation pattern, unwanted loss of power, and mechanical mounting hazard. Polarization diversity also gives flexibility in use for various applications. A unique compact dual band and Ultra‐Wide Band (viz., 4.29–5.32 and 6.04–8.77 GHz) and polarization diversified (viz., circular and dual polarization) perturbed square microstrip patch antenna has been proposed here overcome the above shortcomings. Innovative corner parasitic loading and shorting via implementation ensures the fulfillment of the above features with improved 24.45% and 33.75% BW.
Integrated intensity‐based technique for coronary artery calcium mass measurement: A phantom study
Authors: Black Dale , Xiao Xingshuo , Molloi Sabee
Published: March 2023

Background

Agatston scoring, the traditional method for measuring coronary artery calcium, is limited in its ability to accurately quantify low‐density calcifications, among other things. The inaccuracy of Agatston scoring is likely due partly to the arbitrary thresholding requirement of Agatston scoring.

Purpose

A calcium quantification technique that removes the need for arbitrary thresholding and is more accurate, sensitive, reproducible, and robust is needed. Improvements to calcium scoring will likely improve patient risk stratification and outcome.

Methods

The integrated Hounsfield technique was adapted for calcium scoring (integrated calcium mass). Integrated calcium mass requires no thresholding and includes all calcium information within an image. This study utilized phantom images acquired by G van Praagh et al., with calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) densities in the range of 200–800 mgHAcm−3 to measure calcium according to integrated calcium mass and Agatston scoring. The calcium mass was known, which allowed for accuracy, reproducibility, sensitivity, and robustness comparisons between integrated calcium mass and Agatston scoring. Multiple CT vendors (Canon, GE, Philips, Siemens) were used during the image acquisition phase, which provided a more robust comparison between the two calcium scoring techniques. Three calcification inserts of different diameters (1, 3, and 5 mm) and different HA densities (200, 400, and 800 mgHAcm−3) were placed within the phantom. The effect of motion was also analyzed using a dynamic phantom. All dynamic phantom calcium inserts were 5.0 ± 0.1 mm in diameter with a length of 10.0 ± 0.1 mm. The four different densities were 196 ± 3, 380 ± 2, 408 ± 2, and 800 ± 2 mgHAcm−3.

Results

Integrated calcium mass was more accurate than Agatston scoring for stationary scans (, ) and motion affected scans (, ). On average, integrated calcium mass was more reproducible than Agatston scoring for two of the CT vendors. The percentage of false‐negative and false‐positive calcium scores were lower for integrated calcium mass (15.00%, 0.00%) than Agatston scoring (28.33%, 6.67%). Integrated calcium mass was more robust to changes in scan parameters than Agatston scoring.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that integrated calcium mass is more accurate, reproducible, and sensitive than Agatston scoring on a variety of different CT vendors. The substantial reduction in false‐negative scores for integrated calcium mass is likely to improve risk‐stratification for patients undergoing calcium scoring and their potential outcome.
DNA methylation profile of single in vitro matured bovine oocytes
Authors: Vargas Luna N. , Caixeta Felippe M. C. , Dode Margot A. N. , Caetano Alexandre R. , Franco Maurício M.
Published: March 2023

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is commercially used despite incomplete nuclear reprogramming of the somatic cell nucleus by the enucleated oocyte compromising its efficiency. Oocyte selection is a key factor in increasing this efficiency as its cytoplasm reprograms the differentiated cell. In this study, we adapted a methodology to characterize epialleles in potential epigenetic markers in single in vitro matured oocytes. Characterization of the regions that control the expression of imprinted genes, X‐chromosome inactivation, and satellite I DNA (IGF2, ICR‐H19, XIST, RepA, and SAT1) showed methylated and unmethylated alleles in the imprinted genes IGF2 and ICR‐H19 while XIST‐DMR1 and RepA showed hypermethylated alleles. There was great variation in methylation patterns for candidate regions which may be related to oocyte quality. Moreover, the identification of different epialleles in the same oocyte suggests that, at least for those loci, the epigenome of the metaphase plate and polar body is different. The single‐cell bisulfite polymerase chain reaction technique can be used to improve the precision of selecting the best oocytes for SCNT procedures, thereby increasing its efficiency.
Blood‐brain barrier water exchange measurements using FEXI: Impact of modeling paradigm and relaxation time effects
Authors: Powell Elizabeth , Ohene Yolanda , Battiston Marco , Dickie Ben R. , Parkes Laura M. , Parker Geoff J. M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To evaluate potential modeling paradigms and the impact of relaxation time effects on human blood‐brain barrier (BBB) water exchange measurements using FEXI (BBB‐FEXI), and to quantify the accuracy, precision, and repeatability of BBB‐FEXI exchange rate estimates at 3.

Methods

Three modeling paradigms were evaluated: (i) the apparent exchange rate (AXR) model; (ii) a two‐compartment model () explicitly representing intra‐ and extravascular signal components, and (iii) a two‐compartment model additionally accounting for finite compartmental and relaxation times (). Each model had three free parameters. Simulations quantified biases introduced by the assumption of infinite relaxation times in the AXR and models, as well as the accuracy and precision of all three models. The scan–rescan repeatability of all paradigms was quantified for the first time in vivo in 10 healthy volunteers (age range 23–52 years; five female).

Results

The assumption of infinite relaxation times yielded exchange rate errors in simulations up to 42%/14% in the AXR/ models, respectively. Accuracy was highest in the compartmental models; precision was best in the AXR model. Scan–rescan repeatability in vivo was good for all models, with negligible bias and repeatability coefficients in grey matter of , , and .

Conclusion

Compartmental modelling of BBB‐FEXI signals can provide accurate and repeatable measurements of BBB water exchange; however, relaxation time and partial volume effects may cause model‐dependent biases.
Die Spitzenmuster der Kieselalgen
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: March 2023

Es ist noch immer ein Rätsel, wie Kieselalgen ihre feinziselierten Glasgehäuse herstellen. Was die Siliciumdioxidabscheidung auslöst, ist bereits bekannt. Doch erst jetzt haben Biowissenschaftler drei Proteine identifiziert, die die Musterbildung beeinflussen.
Kreislaufwirtschaft: Rohre aus alten Fenstern
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2023

Deutsche Unternehmen haben im Jahr 2021 einen geringeren Anteil PVC rezykliert, aber mehr Rezyklate eingesetzt als vier Jahre zuvor.
Hülle aus Glas
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: March 2023

Glas ist als Packmittel für Arznei‐ und Impfstoffe in der Coronakrise stärker in den Mittelpunkt gerückt und weiterentwickelt worden: mit festeren Oberflächen, besserem Schutz vor Abplatzungen und weniger extrahierbaren und auslaugbaren Bestandteilen.
Nanomaterialien im Alltag – Brillengläser
Authors: Heinzerling Peter
Published: March 2023

Beschichtungen, die Kunststoffgläser kratzfest machen und reflektierende Oberflächen entspiegeln, lassen sich in der Schule herstellen und untersuchen.
Dem Apfel ans Leder
Authors: Grandrath Rebecca , Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia
Published: March 2023

Verschwendung und Verlust von Lebensmitteln lassen sich vermeiden. Dies zeigt das Beispiel Apfel: Pressrückstände aus der Vermostung eignen sich als Rohstoff und liefern so Inhalte für den Chemieunterricht.
Treffen der Fonds‐Stipendiat:innen Nordost
Authors: Schlögl Johanna
Published: March 2023

Anfang Dezember 2022 fand nach zweijähriger Coronapause das Regionaltreffen der Promovierenden und Nachwuchsgruppenleiter:innen statt, die vom Fonds der Chemischen Industrie gefördert werden. Ziele dieser eintägigen Veranstaltung sind der wissenschaftliche Austausch sowie das Kennenlernen und Vernetzen der Stipendiat:innen. Eingeladen hatte Bartholomäus Pieber am Max‐Planck‐Institut für Kolloid‐ und Grenzflächenforschung (MPICI) im Science Park Potsdam‐Golm. Es nahmen 18 Wissenschaftler:innen aus Nordostdeutschland teil.
Nachruf: Dieter Oesterhelt (1940 – 2022)
Authors: Hegemann Peter , Michel Hartmut
Published: March 2023

Am 28. November starb Dieter Oesterhelt, Entdecker des Bakteriorhodopsins. Bis zum Jahr 2008 war er Direktor der Abteilung Membranbiochemie des Martinsrieder Max‐Planck‐Instituts für Biochemie.
Textilchemie: Wasserdicht auch ohne Fluor
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: March 2023

Outdoorjacken, die über Stunden im Regen trocken halten – das verdankten wir lange Zeit vor allem den Fluorkohlenwasserstoffen. Jetzt sucht die Textilindustrie nach weniger umweltschädlichen Alternativen, die das Gleiche leisten – keine einfache Aufgabe.
Gründen? Gunter Festel antwortet
Authors: Festel Gunter
Published: March 2023

Wie lässt sich das persönliche Risiko bei einer Gründung möglichst gering halten?
Digitalisierung: Temperaturen richtig regeln
Authors: Lainer Johann
Published: March 2023

Mit optimierter Prozesssteuerung lassen sich aus kommunalen Abfällen ohne Ferntransporte oder Pipelines Kraftstoffe für Tankstellen produzieren. Sensoren, Steuerungen und ihre Verbindungen schaffen Voraussetzungen für Analysen und Vorhersagen.
„Junge Leute wissen wenig über Fachhochschulen“
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: March 2023

Michael Groteklaes, Hochschule Niederrhein, und Wilhelm Buckermann, Hochschule Esslingen, engagieren sich für das Chemiestudium an Fachhochschulen oder Hochschulen für Angewandte Wissenschaften, wie sie heute oft heißen. Im Jahr 2022 hat Buckermann von Groteklaes die Leitung des Fachbereichstags Angewandte Chemie übernommen. Ein Gespräch über Studienanfänger mit Berufsausbildung, das Promotionsrecht und die Angst vor der Mathematik.
Jahresrückblick: Biotech läuft langsamer
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2023

Therapie‐ und Diagnostikunternehmen zufolge könnte die Geschäftslage wegen der Energiekrise schlechter sein als im Jahr 2008 mit der Finanzkrise.
Trendbericht Organische Chemie 2023
Authors: Breugst Martin , Andexer Jennifer N. , Beil Sebastian B. , Breinbauer Rolf , Dumele Oliver , Ernst Martin , Gellrich Urs , Germer Philipp , Giese Michael , Gulder Tobias A. M. , Huy Peter , Hüttel Wolfgang , Kath‐Schorr Stephanie , Körber Karsten , Kordes Markus , Kuttruff Christian , Lindel Thomas , Meier Robin , Myllek Sebastian , Schaschke Norbert , Pfrengle Fabian , Pietruszka Jörg , Sebode Hanna , Senge Mathias O. , Storch Golo , Straub Bernd F. , Teichert Johannes , Waldvogel Siegfried R. , Werner Thomas , Winter Christian
Published: March 2023

Polystyrolproben werden mit Eisen(III)chlorid und weißen LEDs zu Oligomeren und Benzoylprodukten; ein Wolframatkatalysator invertiert die Absolutkonfiguration an sp3‐Kohlenstoffzentren; gelöstes Rätsel um eine symmetrieverbotene konrotatorische 14‐Elektronen‐Elektrocyclisierung; Polycarbonate, die sich ohne Lösungsmittel recyceln lassen: Highlights von Oktober 2021 bis 2022.
Rethinking Chemistry – nicht ohne die GDCh‐Fachgruppen
Authors: Karger Gerhard
Published: March 2023

Zur zweitägigen Beratung mit dem GDCh‐Präsidenten trafen sich Anfang November vergangenen Jahres Vertreter von 33 GDCh‐Fachstrukturen, der Deutschen Bunsen‐Gesellschaft, des JungChemikerForums sowie Mitarbeiter der GDCh‐Geschäftsstelle. Nach zwei von der Coronapandemie geprägten Jahren konnte die Veranstaltung erstmals wieder in Präsenz stattfinden; Austragungsort war das Parkhotel in Fulda.
Intelligent element: Coupling Green function approach and artificial intelligence to reduce discretization effort
Authors: Peres Matheus L. , Sotelino Elisa D. , Mesquita Leonardo C.
Published: March 2023

This research work presents a method that modifies a classical numerical method using artificial intelligence (AI) and takes advantage of an analytical method to minimize the usual need for increasing discretization. Its formulation is based on the integration of two main concepts: the reciprocity theorem and the generalization capability of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The reciprocity theorem is used to formulate the mathematical expression governing the geomechanical problem, which is then discretized in space into intelligent elements. The behavior of the strain field inside these new elements is predicted using an ANN. To make these predictions, the neural network uses displacement boundary conditions, material properties, and the geometric shape of the element as input data. The comparison was performed for two examples, in which the first had a uniform depletion of the reservoir, while the second had a non‐uniform variation of the pore pressure. For the same level of accuracy, the proposed method was 10 times faster than the traditional method for the first example and five times faster for the second example on a computer with 12 threads of 2.6 GHz and 32 GB RAM.
Blenderized food tube feeding in very young pediatric patients with special healthcare needs
Authors: Walker Shawna , Johnson Teresa W. , Carter Holly , Spurlock Amy Y. , Johnson Kelly , Hussey Jenna
Published: March 2023

Background

Up to 85% of children with severe developmental disabilities have feeding disorders and require enteral tube feeding. Many caregivers desire blenderized tube feeding (BTF) instead of commercial formula (CF) for their child, citing a desire for a more physiologic feeding, to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and/or promote oral intake.

Methods

In this retrospective, single‐center study, medical records (n = 34) of very young children (aged ≤36 months) with severe developmental disabilities were reviewed. Comparisons of growth parameters, GI symptoms, oral feeding, and GI medication use were made between the initial introduction of BTF and again at the last patient encounter when the children aged out of the program.

Results

Of the 34 charts reviewed (16 male and 18 female patients), comparisons between baseline BTF introduction and the last patient encounter indicated reductions in adverse GI symptoms, significant GI medication reduction (P = 0.000), increased oral food intake, and nonsignificant improvements in growth parameters. These positive outcomes were realized whether children received full or partial BTF or type of BTF formulation.

Conclusion

Consistent with similar research studies, transitioning very young children with significant special healthcare needs from CF to BTF resulted in improvement in GI symptoms, reduced need for GI medications, supported growth goals, and contributed to improved oral feeding.
The use of nurse‐led care intervention to improve self‐care abilities subsequently decreasing readmission in multimorbid hospitalized patients: A quasi‐experimental study in a real‐world setting
Authors: Faessler Lukas , Kofler Sabine , Wenke‐Zobler Juliane , Brunner Corinne , Schäfer‐Keller Petra , De Geest Sabina , Schubert Maria , Regez Katharina , Schuetz Philipp , Mueller Beat , Conca Antoinette
Published: March 2023

Aim

Nurse‐led care aims to optimize the discharge preparation with a focus on increasing patients' independency and self‐care abilities. This study compared patients' improvements of self‐care abilities and frequency of readmission rate between nurse‐led care and regular nursing care within the acute hospital setting.

Design

A quasi‐experimental design within a real‐world setting was used for this work.

Methods

We included a pool of 2501 patients from a control group (medically stable in usual care) and 420 patients from an intervention group (nurse‐led care). After propensity score matching, the study cohort consisted of 612 patients.

Results

From admission to discharge, nurse‐led care patients showed superior improvements of total self‐care abilities compared to usual care patients. In particular, we found improvements in the following categories: mobility, grooming and excretion. Patients with nurse‐led care were furthermore less frequently readmitted to hospital compared with the control group patients.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Audiometric and Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Single‐Sided Deafness Cochlear Implant Recipients Using the CIQOL‐35
Authors: Mitton Tanner J. , Yancey Kristen L. , Isaacson Brandon , Kutz Walter , Whitson Johanna , Hunter Jacob B.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Describe the effect that cochlear implantation (CI) has on audiometric outcomes and quality of life (QOL) in patients with single‐sided deafness (SSD).

Study Design

Retrospective case review.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital system.

Methods

Preoperative and postoperative AzBio performance and Cochlear Implant Quality of Life‐35 (CIQOL‐35) Profile scores in CI patients with SSD were compared, and postoperative measures were compared to those from CI patients without SSD.

Results

Seventeen patients with unilateral CI and contralateral unaided pure‐tone averages ≤30 dB were included. The median age was 60.2 (interquartile range [IQR], 50.9‐64.9 years), and 7/17 (41%) were women. Median daily use was 8.2 hour (IQR, 5.4‐11.9 h). The median preoperative AzBio quiet score in the ear to be implanted was 3% (IQR, 0%‐6%). After a median follow‐up of 12.0 months, the median postoperative AzBio quiet score was 76% (IQR, 47%‐86%) (p < .01). SSD subjects demonstrated statistically significant improvements in median scores on the following CIQOL‐35 subdomains following implantation: Entertainment (17 preoperatively vs 21 postoperatively), Listening Effort (12 vs 14), Social (17 vs 22), and Global (28 vs 35; p < .05). SSD patients achieved equal or higher postoperative CIQOL‐35 scores in most subdomains (6/7) compared to an age‐matched group of non‐SSD CI recipients who underwent unilaterally (N = 19) or sequential (N = 6) implantation.

Conclusion

SSD CI patients not only demonstrate significant improvements in speech perception testing in the implanted ear but also exhibit improvement in multiple QOL subdomains on the CIQOL‐35, the only validated cochlear implant QOL instrument.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Saba Elias S. , Swisher Austin R. , Ansari Ghedak N. , Rivero Alexander
Published: March 2023

Objective

The interruption of vascular supply to the inner ear is one of several proposed etiologies of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The increased presence of cardiovascular risk factors may predispose patients to SSNHL through this pathway. This systematic review and meta‐analysis studies the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients diagnosed with SSNHL.

Data Sources

Databases included PubMed/Medline, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science.

Review Methods

Inclusion criteria included studies featuring SSNHL patients presenting with 1+ cardiovascular risk factors. Exclusion criteria included case reports and studies without outcome measures. Two investigators independently reviewed all manuscripts and performed quality assessments using validated tools.

Results

Of 532 identified abstracts, 27 studies met inclusion criteria (19 case‐control, 4 cohorts, 4 case series). Of these, 24 underwent meta‐analysis encompassing a total of 77,566 patients (22,620 SSNHL patients, 54,946 matched controls). The mean age was 50.43 years. SSNHL patients were more likely to have concomitant diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.61 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31, 1.99; p < .00001]) and hypertension (OR 1.5 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.94; p = .002]). An increased standard mean difference of total cholesterol of 11.09 mg/dL (95% CI; 3.51, 18.67; p = .004) was noted in the SSNHL group compared with the controls. No significant differences in smoking, high‐density lipoprotein, triglycerides, or body mass index were detected.

Conclusion

Patients presenting with SSNHL have a significantly higher risk of concomitant diabetes, hypertension, and higher total cholesterol in comparison to matched controls. This may indicate a higher cardiovascular risk profile in this population. More prospective and matched cohort studies are needed to understand the role of cardiovascular risk factors in SSNHL.
Wealth and risk heterogeneity effects in community‐based wildlife management: Experimental evidence
Authors: Carpenter Stefan , Kreitmair Ursula
Published: March 2023

Community‐based conservation is a widely adopted wildlife governance approach, but questions remain about the conditions under which this form of wildlife governance achieves success. Particularly, participating communities are often marked by considerable wealth and risk heterogeneities that are driven by differences in livestock or agricultural holdings and varying exposure to wildlife depredation of those holdings.

The effect of these types of heterogeneity on successful conservation collective action is understudied, particularly in the case of risk heterogeneity. This lacuna limits policymakers' ability to effectively match the design of community‐based programs to their particular settings.

Using established behavioural experimental techniques, we model the incentive structures underlying community‐based wildlife conservation where actors differ in wealth and exposure to human–wildlife conflict. We conduct a modified binary linear voluntary contribution mechanism game, in which we vary subject endowments and risk of incurring a loss when participating in collective action and we find that the type of heterogeneity matters to collective action success.

On their own, the presence of either economic or risk heterogeneities (but not both) dampen cooperation compared with homogeneous groups, as do ‘balanced’ distributions of both heterogeneities (where individuals facing high risk levels receive high endowments and vice versa). However, groups with ‘unbalanced’ heterogeneities (where those facing high risk levels receive low endowments and vice versa) demonstrate cooperation at similar levels to that of homogeneous groups.

At the individual level, risk drives cooperative behaviour, although its impact is influenced by relative wealth levels when both forms of heterogeneity are present.

These findings suggest the need for a more in‐depth look at the role and interaction of risk and wealth heterogeneities in conservation management.

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Processing and characterization of carbon nanofibers obtained from PAN/lignin blends processed by electrospinning
Authors: Cintra Isabela L. R. , Baldan Mauricio R. , Anjos Erick G. R. , Silva Thais F. , Guerrini Lilia M. , Rezende Mirabel C. , Botelho Edson C.
Published: March 2023

Blankets based on blends with different PAN/lignin ratios (10 and 50% wt. of lignin) were processed via electrospinning. Then, the blankets obtained were thermally treated in order to produce samples of carbon nanofibers. The thermo‐oxidative stabilization parameters were defined based on a 23‐factorial design. The samples, after stabilization, were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) techniques. Based on the results, the best parameters for the stabilization of electrospun, blankets were selected, and subsequently, the most adequate carbonization parameters were established to obtain the carbon blankets. The carbonized blankets were characterized for electrical conductivity by impedance spectroscopy, chemical structure (Raman and FT‐IR spectroscopies), crystallographic ordering by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and morphology (SEM). The results showed the feasibility of producing carbon blankets based on PAN/lignin blends. However, carbonized blankets showed low carbon yield (10–56%) and a decrease of up to 70% in fiber diameter. XRD and Raman spectroscopy showed that the structural ordering of carbon blankets presents different values according to the heat treatment parameters used (45–57%) and a poorly ordered structure, indicated by the ID/IG ratio.
The influence of cellulose content on the morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/Eucomis autumnaliscellulose biocomposites
Authors: Sikhosana S. T. , Gumede T. P. , Malebo N. J. , Ogundeji A. O. , Motloung B.
Published: March 2023

Among the commonly studied organic fillers for PLA, cellulose is the most promising. It is available in various particle sizes and sources, providing numerous options for finding a suitable match for PLA matrices. In this study, cellulose was extracted from the leaves ofE. autumnalisto create a novel PLA/cellulose composite. Based on a distinguished cellulose spectrum, EA cellulose was incorporated into a PLA matrix. According to SEM results, adding 3.0 wt% EA cellulose to PLA resulted in no fiber pull‐outs. Below this content, fiber pull‐outs were observed. FTIR and TGA results indicated no significant changes in chemical structure and thermal stability of the composites. XRD, DSC, and Tensile testing results revealed an increase in the crystallinity and modulus for the 3.0 wt% composites, below this content, the crystallinity and modulus of the samples were low. Therefore, in order to obtain the composition of the composite with the desired functional properties, the ratio of the PLA to EA cellulose plays a vital role, and these have to be controlled for more effective functional properties. This study has shown that blending PLA with EA cellulose can give improved properties at 3.0 wt% EA cellulose although not optimized.
L‐serine biosynthesis in the human central nervous system: Structure and function of phosphoserine aminotransferase
Authors: Marchesani Francesco , Zangelmi Erika , Murtas Giulia , Costanzi Elisa , Ullah Raheem , Peracchi Alessio , Bruno Stefano , Pollegioni Loredano , Mozzarelli Andrea , Storici Paola , Campanini Barbara
Published: March 2023

Organisms from all kingdoms of life synthesize L‐serine (L‐Ser) from 3‐phosphoglycerate through the phosphorylated pathway, a three‐step diversion of glycolysis. Phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) catalyzes the intermediate step, the pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent transamination of 3‐phosphohydroxypyruvate and L‐glutamate to O‐phosphoserine (OPS) and α‐ketoglutarate. PSAT is particularly relevant in the central nervous system of mammals because L‐Ser is the metabolic precursor of D‐serine, cysteine, phospholipids, and nucleotides. Several mutations in the human psat gene have been linked to serine deficiency disorders, characterized by severe neurological symptoms. Furthermore, PSAT is overexpressed in many tumors and this overexpression has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. Here, we report the detailed functional and structural characterization of the recombinant human PSAT. The reaction catalyzed by PSAT is reversible, with an equilibrium constant of about 10, and the enzyme is very efficient, with a kcat/Km of 5.9 × 106 M−1 s−1, thus contributing in driving the pathway towards the products despite the extremely unfavorable first step catalyzed by 3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. The 3D X‐ray crystal structure of PSAT was solved in the substrate‐free as well as in the OPS‐bound forms. Both structures contain eight protein molecules in the asymmetric unit, arranged in four dimers, with a bound cofactor in each subunit. In the substrate‐free form, the active site of PSAT contains a sulfate ion that, in the substrate‐bound form, is replaced by the phosphate group of OPS. Interestingly, fast crystal soaking used to produce the substrate‐bound form allowed the trapping of different intermediates along the catalytic cycle.
Additive energetic contributions of multiple peptide positions determine the relative promiscuity of viral and human sequences for PDZ domain targets
Authors: Tahti Elise F. , Blount Jadon M. , Jackson Sophie N. , Gao Melody , Gill Nicholas P. , Smith Sarah N. , Pederson Nick J. , Rumph Simone N. , Struyvenberg Sarah A. , Mackley Iain G. P. , Madden Dean R. , Amacher Jeanine F.
Published: March 2023

Protein–protein interactions that involve recognition of short peptides are critical in cellular processes. Protein–peptide interaction surface areas are relatively small and shallow, and there are often overlapping specificities in families of peptide‐binding domains. Therefore, dissecting selectivity determinants can be challenging. PDZ domains are a family of peptide‐binding domains located in several intracellular signaling and trafficking pathways. These domains are also directly targeted by pathogens, and a hallmark of many oncogenic viral proteins is a PDZ‐binding motif. However, amidst sequences that target PDZ domains, there is a wide spectrum in relative promiscuity. For example, the viral HPV16 E6 oncoprotein recognizes over double the number of PDZ domain‐containing proteins as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the cell, despite similar PDZ targeting‐sequences and identical motif residues. Here, we determine binding affinities for PDZ domains known to bind either HPV16 E6 alone or both CFTR and HPV16 E6, using peptides matching WT and hybrid sequences. We also use energy minimization to model PDZ–peptide complexes and use sequence analyses to investigate this difference. We find that while the majority of single mutations had marginal effects on overall affinity, the additive effect on the free energy of binding accurately describes the selectivity observed. Taken together, our results describe how complex and differing PDZ interactomes can be programmed in the cell.
Comparison of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in category IIIB chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A randomized prospective trial
Authors: Sevim Mehmet , Alkiş Okan , Kartal İbrahim Güven , Kazan Huseyin Ozgur , İvelik Halil İbrahim , Aras Bekir , Kabay Şahin
Published: March 2023

Background

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a heterogenous condition that impacts the Quality of life severely, and it has multimodal complex treatment options. We aimed to compare the efficacy of two well‐described neuromodulation therapies, transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) versus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the treatment of category IIIB CP/CPPS.

Methods

This study was designed as a randomized prospective clinical trial. We randomized category IIIB CP/CPPS patients into two treatment groups as TTNS and PTNS groups. Category IIIB CP/CPPS was diagnosed by two or four‐glass Meares‐Stamey test. All patients included in our study were antibiotic/anti‐inflammatory resistant. Transcutaneous and percutaneous treatments were applied 30 min sessions for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated by Turkish‐validated National Health Institute Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) initially and after treatment. Treatment success was evaluated within each group and also compared with each other.

Results

A total of 38 patients in the TTNS group and 42 patients in the PTNS group were included in the final analysis. The mean VAS scores of the TTNS group were lower than the PTNS group initially (7.11 and 7.43, respectively), (p = 0.03). The pretreatment NIH‐CPSI scores were similar between groups (p = 0.07). VAS scores, total NIH‐CPSI, NIH‐CPSI micturation, NIH‐CPSI pain, and NIH‐CPSI QoL scores decreased significantly at the end of the treatment in both groups. We found a significantly higher VAS and NIH‐CPSI scores decrease in the PTNS group compared to the TTNS group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Both PTNS and TTNS are effective treatment methods in category IIIB CP/CPPS. Comparing the two methods, PTNS provided a higher level of improvement in terms of pain and quality of life.
Tanshinone IIA relieves arthritis by inhibiting autophagy of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes via matrix metalloproteinase9/receptor for advanced glycation end product/toll‐like receptor 9 signal axis in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Chenggao , Wang Qian , Kuang Linju , Le Aiping
Published: March 2023

In this study, we probed into the related mechanism underlying the role of Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) in RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLSs). We constructed a mouse model of RA using the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) method. Gain‐ or loss‐of‐function approaches were used to manipulate matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE), and toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) in both CIA mice and RA‐FLSs following treatment with TIIA to study the in vivo and in vitro effect of TIIA through analysis of cell viability, and measurement of autophagy and inflammatory proteins as well as severity of RA. In vitro and in vivo animal experiments results showed that TIIA could inhibit the proliferation of RA‐FLSs and affect autophagy, thereby improving the symptoms of RA in mice. Mechanically, TIIA could inhibit the expression of MMP9 in RA‐FLSs, thereby inhibiting the shedding of RAGE and thus inhibiting the activation of TLR9. Finally, animal experiments confirmed that TIIA affected autophagy by regulating the MMP9/RAGE/TLR9 axis, and finally improve the symptoms of RA in mice. Conclusively, TIIA may inhibit expression of MMP9 to suppress the combination of RAGE and TLR9, thereby inhibiting RA‐FLS proliferation and affecting autophagy, eventually improve the RA.
Reliability analysis based on the Wiener process integrated with historical degradation data
Authors: Kang Wenda , Tian Yubin , Xu Houbao , Wang Dianpeng , Zheng Huiling , Zhang Ming , Mu Hao
Published: March 2023

For high‐reliability and long‐life electronic devices, reliability analyses based on degradation data with small sample sizes are an outstanding question. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the abundant historical degradation data. Exploiting the information in these historical data efficiently and integrating them to benefit the current reliability analysis is an important issue. This study proposes a new integrating method for the historical and current degradation data based on the Wiener process by considering the consistency of failure mechanisms between the different batches of degradation data. Simulation studies show that the new method has superior reliability estimation, and is robust to the assumption of consistent failure mechanisms. Finally, the proposed method is used to analyze a real data set consisting of the metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) degradation data.