bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of thermal conductivity of bilayer graphene nanoribbon through interlayer covalent bond and tensile strain
Authors: Li Yao-Long , Li Zhe , Li Song-Yuan , Zhang Ren-Liang ,   School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China,   Hebei Key Laboratory of Mechanical Reliability for Heavy Equipments and Large Structures, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Published: September 2023

The interlayer bonding of graphene is a method of modifying graphene, which can change the mechanical property and conductivity of graphene, but also affect its thermal properties. In this paper, the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method is used to study the thermal conductivity of bilayer graphene nanoribbon which is local carbon sp3 hybridization (covalent bond formed between layers) under different concentration and angle of interlayer covalent bond chain and different tensile strain. The mechanism of the change of the thermal conductivity of bilayer graphene nanoribbon is analyzed through the density of phonon states. The results are as follows. The thermal conductivity of bilayer graphene nanoribbon decreases with the increase of the interlayer covalent bond concentration due to the intensification of phonon scattering and the reduction of phonon group velocities and effective phonon mean free path. Moreover, the decrease rate of thermal conductivity depends on the distribution angle of covalent bond chain. With the increase of interlayer covalent bond concentration, when the interlayer covalent bond chain is parallel to the direction of heat flow, the thermal conductivity decreases slowest because the heat transfer channel along the heat flow direction is gradually affected; when the interlayer covalent bond chain is at an angle with respect to the direction of heat flow, the thermal conductivity decreases more rapidly, and the larger the angle, the faster the thermal conductivity decreases. The rapid decline of thermal conductivity is due to the formation of interfacial thermal resistance at the interlayer covalent bond chain, where strong phonon-interface scattering occurs. In addition, it is found that the thermal conductivity of bilayer graphene nanoribbon with interlayer bonding will be further reduced by tensile strain due to the intensification of phonon scattering and the reduction of phonon group velocity. The results show that the thermal conductivity of bilayer graphene nanoribbon can be controlled by interlayer bonding and tensile strain. These conclusions are of great significance in designing and thermally controlling of graphene based nanodevices.
Methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone, MG-H1, increases food intake by altering tyramine signaling via the GATA transcription factor ELT-3 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Muthaiyan Shanmugam Muniesh , Chaudhuri Jyotiska , Sellegounder Durai , Sahu Amit Kumar , Guha Sanjib , Chamoli Manish , Hodge Brian , Bose Neelanjan , Amber Charis , Farrera Dominique O , Lithgow Gordon , Sarpong Richmond , Galligan James J , Kapahi Pankaj
Published: September 2023

The Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars, is exploited to produce flavorful food ubiquitously, from the baking industry to our everyday lives. However, the Maillard reaction also occurs in all cells, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs are a heterogeneous group of compounds resulting from the irreversible reaction between biomolecules and α-dicarbonyls (α-DCs), including methylglyoxal (MGO), an unavoidable byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis and lipid peroxidation. We previously demonstrated that Caenorhabditis elegans mutants lacking the glod-4 glyoxalase enzyme displayed enhanced accumulation of α-DCs, reduced lifespan, increased neuronal damage, and touch hypersensitivity. Here, we demonstrate that glod-4 mutation increased food intake and identify that MGO-derived hydroimidazolone, MG-H1, is a mediator of the observed increase in food intake. RNAseq analysis in glod-4 knockdown worms identified upregulation of several neurotransmitters and feeding genes. Suppressor screening of the overfeeding phenotype identified the tdc-1-tyramine-tyra-2/ser-2 signaling as an essential pathway mediating AGE (MG-H1)-induced feeding in glod-4 mutants. We also identified the elt-3 GATA transcription factor as an essential upstream regulator for increased feeding upon accumulation of AGEs by partially controlling the expression of tdc-1 gene. Furthermore, the lack of either tdc-1 or tyra-2/ser-2 receptors suppresses the reduced lifespan and rescues neuronal damage observed in glod-4 mutants. Thus, in C. elegans, we identified an elt-3 regulated tyramine-dependent pathway mediating the toxic effects of MG-H1 AGE. Understanding this signaling pathway may help understand hedonistic overfeeding behavior observed due to modern AGE-rich diets.
Removal of extracellular human amyloid beta aggregates by extracellular proteases in C. elegans
Authors: Jongsma Elisabeth , Goyala Anita , Mateos José Maria , Ewald Collin Yvès
Published: September 2023

The amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients’ brains contain collagens and are embedded extracellularly. Several collagens have been proposed to influence Aβ aggregate formation, yet their role in clearance is unknown. To investigate the potential role of collagens in forming and clearance of extracellular aggregates in vivo, we created a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain that expresses and secretes human Aβ1-42. This secreted Aβ forms aggregates in two distinct places within the extracellular matrix. In a screen for extracellular human Aβ aggregation regulators, we identified different collagens to ameliorate or potentiate Aβ aggregation. We show that a disintegrin and metalloprotease a disintegrin and metalloprotease 2 (ADM-2), an ortholog of ADAM9, reduces the load of extracellular Aβ aggregates. ADM-2 is required and sufficient to remove the extracellular Aβ aggregates. Thus, we provide in vivo evidence of collagens essential for aggregate formation and metalloprotease participating in extracellular Aβ aggregate removal.
Deciphering pathological behavior of pediatric medullary thyroid cancer from single-cell perspective
Authors: Chen De-qian , Zhou En-qing , Chen Hui-fen , Zhan Yong , Ye Chun-Jing , Li Yi , Dai Shu-yang , Wang Jun-feng , Chen Lian , Dong Kui-ran , Dong Rui
Published: September 2023

Background

Pediatric medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is one of the rare pediatric endocrine neoplasms. Derived from C cells of thyroid glands, MTC is more aggressive and more prompt to metastasis than other types of pediatric thyroid cancer. The mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

We performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing on the samples of the primary tumor and metastases lymph nodes from one patient diagnosed with MTC, and it is the first single-cell transcriptome sequencing data of pediatric MTC. In addition, whole exome sequencing was performed and peripheral blood was regarded as a normal reference. All cells that passed quality control were merged and analyzed in R to discover the association between tumor cells and their microenvironment as well as tumor pathogenesis.

Results

We first described the landscape of the single-cell atlas of MTC and studied the interaction between the tumor cell and its microenvironment. C cells, identified as tumor cells, and T cells, as the dominant participant in the tumor microenvironment, were particularly discussed in their development and interactions. In addition, the WES signature of tumor cells and their microenvironment were also described. Actively immune interactions were found, indicating B cells, T cells and myeloid cells were all actively participating in immune reaction in MTC. T cells, as the major components of the tumor microenvironment, proliferated in MTC and could be divided into clusters that expressed proliferation, immune effectiveness, and naive markers separately.
Chorein sensitive microtubule organization in tumor cells
Authors: Alkahtani Saad , Alkahtane Abdullah A. , Stournaras Christos , Alarifi Saud
Published: September 2023

Background

The purpose of this study is to analyzed the involvement of chorein in microtubules organization of three types of malignant; rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells (ZF), rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RH30), and rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD). ZF are expressing high chorein levels. Previous studies revealed that chorein protein silencing in ZF tumor cells persuaded apoptotic response followed by cell death. In addition, in numerous malignant and non-malignant cells this protein regulates actin cytoskeleton structure and cellular signaling. However, the function of chorein protein in microtubular organization is yet to be established.

Methods

In a current research study, we analyzed the involvement of chorein in microtubules organization by using three types of malignant rhabdomyosarcoma cells. We have applied confocal laser-scanning microscopy to analyze microtubules structure and RT-PCR to examine cytoskeletal gene transcription.

Results

We report here that in rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RH30), chorein silencing induced disarrangement of microtubular network. This was documented by laser scanning microscopy and further quantified by FACS analysis. Interestingly and in agreement with previous reports, tubulin gene transcription in RH cells was unchanged upon silencing of chorein protein. Equally, confocal analysis showed minor disordered microtubules organization with evidently weakened staining in rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD and ZF) after silencing of chorein protein.

Conclusion

These results disclose that chorein silencing induces considerable structural disorganization of tubulin network in RH30 human rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells. Additional studies are now needed to establish the role of chorein in regulating cytoskeleton architecture in tumor cells.
La construcción científica y social en Chile a través de la práctica médica, 1850-1950
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Instituto de Historia, Saldaña Lagos Catalina
Published: September 2023

El propósito central de esta investigación es conocer cómo se construyó científica y socialmente la sífilis en Chile, entre las décadas que van desde 1850, cuando aparecen las primeras publicaciones médicas sobre ella en el país, hasta 1950, momento en que la penicilina se consolidó como el medicamento definitivo para algunas enfermedades infecciosas. Adhiriendo al planteamiento que sostiene que las enfermedades, además de ser un fenómeno médico-biológico son también construcciones científicas y sociales, esta tesis concibe a la sífilis como un hecho médico y social, respecto del cual la experiencia de los médicos fue fundamental, pues ellos fueron los testigos más directos de los padecimientos de las y los pacientes sifilíticos. En consecuencia, el acercamiento al estudio de la sífilis y la posibilidad de deducir la situación de las y los enfermos, se realizan a través del análisis de los estudios realizados por los médicos, publicados en artículos y casos clínicos. Asimismo, las fuentes médicas permiten conocer y analizar las prácticas y experiencias clínicas de los galenos chilenos, evidenciando su importancia en la construcción científica de la sífilis y su valoración como garantes del conocimiento médico sobre la enfermedad. El discurso contenido en las publicaciones médicas, además de revelar aspectos relacionados a los tratamientos, al contagio, a los “tipos de sífilis”, a la circulación del conocimiento a nivel local y extranjero, entre otros, expresó elementos que contribuyeron a reforzar representaciones sociales de las y los sifilíticos. Los médicos tratantes tuvieron un papel orientador, contenedor y de confianza para los enfermos, pero también actuaron como censores al implantar una serie de opiniones de orden moral en forma de consideraciones profesionales para evitar la propagación, lo cual implicó la consolidación de un discurso que influyó en la visión de la sociedad sobre la sífilis. El interés de los médicos por conocer con mayor profundidad las causas, síntomas, manifestaciones y tratamientos de la enfermedad estuvo precipitado por los alcances del contagio –muy extendido en Chile durante la época de estudio– teniendo como una de las consecuencias más importantes, convertir a la sífilis en un problema médico. Del mismo modo, las dimensiones de su propagación impulsaron la reacción institucional para detener el contagio, con base principalmente en el conocimiento y discurso médico de la época. Esta reacción demostró el precario estado sanitario de Chile, pues el Estado debió dar respuestas una vez que las dimensiones del contagio fueron evidentes y avaladas por los médicos, quienes se transformaron en los portavoces de la salubridad, legitimados por el conocimiento científico resultante de la práctica clínica y de su experiencia directa con los enfermos y enfermas de sífilis.
Diseño, síntesis y estudios biológicos de nuevos inhibidores de las quinasas BCR-ABL y BTK que poseen el núcleo purínico 2,6,9-Trisustituído como potenciales agentes para el tratamiento de la leucemia
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Bertrand Delard Jean-Luc Gerard
Published: September 2023

Las quinasas Bcr-Abl y BTK se encuentran entre las dianas terapéuticas para el tratamiento de la leucemia. Por lo tanto, algunas estrategias se han centrado en el uso de inhibidores de estas quinasas como herramientas quimioterapéuticas para tratar la leucemia, como imatinib (para Bcr-Abl) o ibrutinib (para BTK). Sin embargo, la eficacia de estos fármacos se ha visto reducida debido a varios mecanismos de resistencia, lo que ha motivado el desarrollo de nuevos inhibidores más efectivos. En un estudio previo, en nuestro grupo de laboratorio se diseñó, sintetizó y evaluó una pequeña serie de derivados de purina 2,6,9-trisustituidos como inhibidores de Bcr-Abl y BTK. A partir de ello, se identificaron dos potentes inhibidores de ambas quinasas con valores de IC50 de 40 nM y 580/660 nM para Bcr-Abl y BTK, respectivamente. En esta tesis de doctoral, continuando con el programa para desarrollar derivados de purina 2,6,9-trisustituidos con actividad anticancerígena, se reporta una nueva serie de cuarenta y nueve derivados de purina con efectos interesantes sobre ambas proteínas, en donde se remarcan los compuestos 10i y 12j como inhibidores de Bcr-Abl y BTK. Se identificó que la longitud y el volumen de la cadena de alquilo en N-9 influyeron dramáticamente en el efecto inhibidor de estas quinasas. Mientras que para Bcr-Abl un grupo voluminoso (isopentilo) o una cadena de alquilo lineal de más de cinco carbonos disminuyó la potencia (valores IC50 = 100 µM). Para BTK, una cadena lineal de cinco o seis carbonos aumentó de manera interesante la actividad (dependiendo del resto aminofenilo en C-6, puede ser n-pentilo o n-hexilo). Mediante estudios de inmunotransferencia se comprobó que los compuestos 10i y 12j inhibían la vía de señalización de Bcr-Abl y BTK, respectivamente a nivel celular. Además, 10i detiene el ciclo celular en G1 y promueve la expresión de proteínas pro-apoptóticas. Los resultados del acoplamiento demuestran que la cadena alquílica juega un papel crucial en la posición para la inhibición con en cada quinasa asi como una doble interacción de puente de hidrógeno entre el fragmento aminofenilo en C-6 y N-7 con Met318 (Bcr-Abl) y Met477 (BTK). Para sistematizar la información de la relación estructura-actividad se realizó un 3D-QSAR para validar nuestro diseño y proponer una serie racional de modificaciones estructurales que den lugar a una nueva familia de compuestos.
Patient-Related Factors Affecting Type 2 Diabetes Medication Non-Adherence: A Comprehensive Review of BMI, Knowledge Levels, Treatment Concerns, and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Milla-Amekor Emily , Ewusie Ebenezer Ato
Published: September 2023

The persistent issue of non-adherence to medications in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has far-reaching implications, affecting not only the health outcomes for individual patients but also exacerbating the overall financial burden of healthcare systems. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of a spectrum of factors that influence adherence to diabetic medications, thus extending the discourse beyond a mere attribution of responsibility to patients. In particular, the study looks at how factors like BMI, disease knowledge, treatment worries, and self-efficacy are linked to non-adherence.

The review substantiates that deficits in disease-specific knowledge and lower levels of self-efficacy are significantly correlated with medication non-adherence. Concurrently, elevated BMI values and apprehensions regarding treatment were also found to have an adverse effect on adherence, although the magnitude of their influence was comparatively less pronounced. Consequently, the incorporation of these identified variables into customised treatment regimens is strongly advocated. Interventional strategies, such as educational modules designed to enhance the understanding of the disease, coupled with psychological support mechanisms aimed at elevating self-efficacy, emerged as viable solutions to the persistent issue of medication non-adherence. Moreover, pre-emptively addressing concerns related to treatment options and accounting for BMI when prescribing medications offer additional pathways to improve medication compliance rates.

The paper reinforces the imperative for a multidimensional patient-centered healthcare model. By meticulously identifying and addressing the multifaceted factors that contribute to medication non-adherence, healthcare practitioners could optimise health outcomes, mitigate complications, and thus effectuate substantial reductions in healthcare costs associated with type 2 diabetes.
Comparative Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Oluwakemi Oduwole Omolara , Abdullahi Muhammad, Umar , Anyachebelu Kene Tochukwu
Published: September 2023

This study undertakes a comparative examination of machine learning algorithms used for intrusion detection, addressing the escalating challenge of safeguarding networks from malicious attacks in an era marked by a proliferation of network-related applications. Given the limitations of conventional security tools in combatting intrusions effectively, the adoption of machine learning emerges as a promising avenue for bolstering detection capabilities. The research evaluates the efficacy of three distinct machine learning algorithms—Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Naive Bayes—in identifying diverse attack categories, including Denial of Service, Probe, Remote to Local, and User to Root.

Conducted on the NSL-KDD dataset, the analysis unveils CNN and RNN as superior performers compared to Naive Bayes, particularly in terms of detection accuracy. These findings extend value to both researchers and practitioners in the realm of intrusion detection systems, offering insights into optimal algorithmic choices. Furthermore, the study's implications resonate within broader contexts, such as the advancement of secure automation in industrial environments and the realm of automobile automation. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing efforts to fortify network security and promote the development of safer technological landscapes.
Optimizing Carrot Harvesting Machine Design: Incorporating Soil and Crop Parameters
Authors: Gaadhe S. K.  , Chavda S. K.  , Bandhiya R. D.  , Gojiya D. K.  , Chavda D. B.
Published: September 2023

Mechanization in carrot harvesting is essential to save time and reduce labour-intensive work as well as harvesting costs. The aim of the study was to determine the soil properties and plant parameters for designing an appropriate carrot (cv: Madhuvan) harvesting machine, that would address the challenges faced by farmers. The physical characteristics of the soil and carrot plants significantly influence the design of the digging, conveying, de-topping, and collection units. These parameters include the digging depth, blade angle, forward speed, plant catch height, conveyor belt spacing, conveyor speed, and collection unit size. The mean values of shoot length, root length and shoot diameter at top of carrot were 62.5 cm, 26.5 cm, and 3.72 cm, respectively. The average weight of carrot root was 61.85 g. The mean values for spacing between ridges, height of ridge and width of ridge were 44.3 cm, 12.1 cm, and 42.8 cm, respectively. The mean number of carrots per meter row length was observed as 41. The black cotton soil with a mean moisture content of 19.77% (d.b.) at the harvesting stage of carrot, and its bulk density measured 1.31 g cm-3, while the average value of soil resistance was 2153.5 kPa. By utilizing this data, the machine's design can be fine-tuned to ensure effective digging performance while minimizing any potential damage to the carrot roots during the harvesting.
Molecular Characterization of Rice Genotypes Using Molecular Markers
Authors: Thete A. M.  , Dahat D. V.  , Jambhale V. M.  , Chaudhari S. R.
Published: September 2023

Rice, (Oryza sativa L. 2n=24) belongs to the family Gramineae and subfamily Oryzoideae. Oryza has two cultivated species: Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima. Breeding for good-quality traits requires the selection of parents with a wider genetic diversity. Molecular markers are used in molecular biology and biotechnology to identify a sequence of DNA. Molecular markers have played an increasing role in rice breeding for cultivar improvement, screening, selection, and germplasm collections. The present investigation is undertaken to study the genetic diversity among thirty rice genotypes using the ISSR marker.

Out of 40 ISSR primers, 9 amplified and showed polymorphism, viz., ISSR 807, ISSR 808, ISSR 809, ISSR 811, ISSR 816, ISSR 823, ISSR 826, ISSR 827 and ISSR 829. A total of 76 loci were generated by amplification with 9 polymorphic primers, out of which 66 loci were polymorphic with an average of 86.84 percent polymorphism. Among ISSR primers, ISSR 807 produced the maximum number of 11 loci. A dendrogram constructed using NTSYSpc 2.02i software grouped all 30 genotypes into two major clusters (clusters A and B). Cluster A Kalbhat alone is present in one sub-cluster at 69.2% similarity with Karjat 2, Jaya, Sairam, Saubhagya Dhan, RPBIO 226, Karjat 6, Ratnagiri 1, DRR Dhan 44, DRR Dhan 45, DRR Dhan 46, MTU 10010, Karjat 7, Swarna Shreya, Sugandha, and Madhumati. In Cluster B Karjat 3 alone forms one sub- cluster and has 70 % similarity with MTU 1001, PKVHMT, JGL 1798, Indrayani, Phule Samruddhi, Phule Maval, Sonsal, Pavana, DRR Dhan 41, kundalika, Bhogawati, Ambemohar, and Phule Radha.
Jogo Coreocartográfico: reflexões sobre autoria em dança na contemporaneidade
Authors: Almeida Alex Sander Silveira , Jesus Thiago Silva de Amorim , Azevedo Cláudio Tarouco de
Published: September 2023

Neste artigo serão encontrados dados oriundos da pesquisa de Mestrado que aborda o tema Autoria em Dança na Contemporaneidade. O estudo foi desenvolvido no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Artes Visuais da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. O trabalho está vinculado ao Grupo de Pesquisa OMEGA (Observatório de Memória, Educação Gesto e Arte) e pertence à linha de pesquisa Processos de Criação e Poéticas do Cotidiano com apoio da bolsa de estudos da CAPES.O estudo objetiva refletir sobre procedimentos e fenômenos dramatúrgicos coletivos de criação em dança. A metodologia cartográfica dá suporte ao trabalho e propõe a estratégia de um Jogo Coreocartográfico como investigação e análise de fazeres artísticos realizados por individuos e coletivos na contemporaneidade. As referências e abordagens teóricas que possibilitam vislumbrar estratégias existentes nos processos colaborativo de criação e as relações compreendidas entre obra, artistas e público são alguns dos resultados aqui discutidos.
Sobretudo Amor: dramaturgia no entrelaçamento da escrita de si e escrita de nós
Authors: Santana Monica
Published: September 2023

O artigo relata o processo criativo de desenvolvimento da obra Nome da Obra, cuja dramaturgia foi desenvolvida pela artista-pesquisadora Nome da Autora, partindo de uma série de entrevistas com mulheres negras sobre afetividade. O texto observa o modo como as noções de escrita de si, escrevivência, fabulação se articulam numa busca de presença, mas também de anúncio de devires por meio da linguagem na perspectiva desta obra que se inscreve no âmbito da performance/teatro negro e político. Trata-se de compreender a potência de uma fala que se dá articulada em comunidade com a finalidade de produzir visibilidade e reivindicar a narração de uma história que é coletiva.
A encruzilhada como corpo-tambor na trajetória da dança afro-gaúcha de Mestra Iara
Authors: Alves Neto Manoel Gildo
Published: September 2023

Este artigo apresenta parte da trajetória da artista gaúcha Maria Iara Santos Deodoro (Mestra Iara), a partir da perspectiva dos saberes estéticos-corpóreos emergentes das práticas artístico-pedagógicas desenvolvidos nos últimos 48 anos através do ensino e criação em Dança Afro-Gaúcha no Rio Grande do Sul. Partindo do conceito de motriz cultural e da noção de estética nagô odara, expomos especificamente a importância da encruzilhada corpo-tambor na produção de uma arte cuja estética singular, calcada numa ética coletiva, é evocada a partir de imersões nas memórias africanas resguardadas, eminentemente, nos toques dos tambores do sul do Brasil. Apresentamos também o surgimento do Grupo Afro-Sul de Música e Dança em Porto Alegre, fundado no contexto das insurgências do Movimento Negro nas Artes Cênicas na década de 1970, tendo Mestra Iara como uma das fundadoras. A reflexão evidencia o contexto das Dança Negras no sul do Brasil destacando suas corporeidades, cuja expressividade emerge da ancestralidade africana, mobilizando corpos através da rítmica dos tambores do sul do Brasil, herança da diáspora negra nas Américas.
The Inflation Reduction Act and Access to High-Cost Cardiovascular Therapies
Authors: Kazi Dhruv S. , Wadhera Rishi K. , Rome Benjamin N.
Published: September 2023

This Viewpoint discusses how the price negotiation for certain drugs under the Inflation Reduction Act will provide a unique opportunity to enhance access to therapies for older patients with cardiovascular conditions and diabetes.
Becoming a Palliative Care Physician During Surgical Residency
Authors: Cottrell-Cumber Sarah , Pujari Amit , O’Connell Kathleen M.
Published: September 2023

This Viewpoint describes the option of integrating hospice and palliative medicine training into surgical training.
Reporting of Circumferential Resection Margin in Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Manisundaram Naveen , DiBrito Sandra R. , Hu Chung-Yuan , Kim Youngwan , Wick Elizabeth , Palis Bryan , Peacock Oliver , Chang George J.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Circumferential resection margin (CRM) in rectal cancer surgery is a major prognostic indicator associated with local recurrence and overall survival. Facility rates of CRM positivity have recently been established as a new quality measure by the Commission on Cancer (CoC); however, the completeness of CRM status reporting is not well characterized.

Objective

To describe the changes in CRM reporting and factors associated with low rates of reporting.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Cancer Database between January 2010 and December 2019. Data were analyzed between October 1, 2021, and February 1, 2022. Data from the National Cancer Database included patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma receiving surgical treatment at CoC-accredited facilities throughout the US.

Exposures

Patient, tumor, and facility-level factors. Facilities were divided by surgical volume, safety-net status, and CoC facility type.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Circumferential resection margin missingness rates.

Results

A total of 110 571 patients (59.3% men) with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent curative-intent surgery at 1307 CoC-accredited hospitals were included for analysis. Reporting of CRM improved over the study period, with a mean (SE) missing 12.0% (0.32%) decreased from 16.3% (0.36%). Academic facilities had a higher missingness than other facility types (14.3% vs 10.5%-12.7%; P < .001). Mean (SE) rates of missingness were similar between hospitals of varying volume (lowest quartile: 12.2% [0.93%] vs highest quartile: 12.4% [0.53%]; P = .96). Cases in which fewer than 12 lymph nodes were removed had higher rates of missingness (18.1% vs 11.4%; P < .001). Increased odds of CRM missingness were noted with T category (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.35-1.65) and N category (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.82-2.20). Black race was associated with missingness (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.14).

Conclusion and Relevance

Although CRM positivity reporting has improved over the last decade, the findings of this study suggest there is substantial room for improvement as it becomes a quality standard. Missingness appears to be associated with poor performance on other quality metrics and facility type. This measure appears to be ideal for targeted institution-level feedback to improve quality of care nationally.
Estimating current effective sizes of large populations from a single sample of genomic marker data: A comparison of estimators by simulations
Authors: Wang Jinliang
Published: September 2023

Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) data are increasingly used in estimating the current effective population sizes (Ne) for informing the conservation of endangered species and guiding the management of exploited species. Previous assessments of sibship frequency (SF) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimators of Ne focused on small populations where genetic drift is strong and thus Ne is easy to estimate. Genomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data provide ample information and hold the potential for application of these estimators to large populations where genetic drift is rather weak and thus Ne is difficult to estimate. In this study, I simulated very large populations and sampled a widely variable number of individuals (genotyped at 10,000 SNPs) for estimating Ne by both SF and LD methods. I also considered the more realistic situation where a population experiences a bottleneck, and where marker data suffer from genotyping errors. The simulations show that both SF and LD methods can yield accurate Ne estimates of very large populations when sampled individuals are sufficiently numerous. When n is much smaller than Ne, however, Ne estimates are in a bimodal distribution with a substantial proportion of the estimates being infinitely large. For a population with a bottleneck, LD estimator overestimates and underestimates the Ne of the parental population from samples taken at and after the bottleneck, respectively. LD estimator also overestimates Ne substantially when applied to data suffering from allelic dropouts and false alleles. In contrast, SF estimator is unbiased and accurate when populations are changing in size or markers suffer from genotyping errors.
Remission of severe myasthenia gravis after autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Schlatter Monica I. , Yandamuri Soumya S. , O'Connor Kevin C. , Nowak Richard J. , Pham Minh C. , Obaid Abeer H. , Redman Callee , Provost Marie , McSweeney Peter A. , Pearlman Michael L. , Tees Michael T. , Bowen James D. , Nash Richard A. , Georges George E.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody‐mediated neuromuscular junction disorder involving the acetylcholine receptors on the motor endplate. The safety and response to high‐dose chemotherapy (HDIT) and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) were assessed in a patient with severe refractory MG.

Methods

As part of a pilot study of HDIT/HCT for patients with treatment‐resistant autoimmune neurological disorders, a patient with severe refractory MG underwent treatment. After mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells with rituximab, prednisone, and G‐CSF, the patient had HDIT consisting of carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan, and rabbit antithymocyte globulin, followed by autologous HCT. The effect of treatment on the autoantibody to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) was assessed.

Results

The patient had been diagnosed with AChR antibody‐positive MG 14 years before HDIT/HCT and had failed thymectomy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and multiple immunomodulatory agents. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification was IVb before HDIT/HCT. She tolerated HDIT/HCT well and started to improve clinically within days of treatment. At both 1 and 2 years after HDIT/HCT, patients remained symptom‐free. After HDIT/HCT, AChR‐binding autoantibodies persisted, and the relative frequency of immune cell subtypes shifted.

Interpretation

HDIT/HCT induced a complete response of disease activity in a patient with severe refractory MG. This response may suggest that a cell‐mediated etiology may be a significant contributing factor in refractory MG cases. A phase 2 clinical trial is warranted to establish if HDIT/HCT can be an effective therapy for severe refractory MG and to gain a further understanding of disease pathogenesis.
Confinement‐Induced Phonon Softening and Hardening in Sb2Te3 Thin Films
Authors: Mertens Julian , Kerres Peter , Xu Yazhi , Raghuwanshi Mohit , Kim Dasol , Schön Carl‐Friedrich , Frank Jonathan , Hoff Felix , Zhou Yiming , Mazzarello Riccardo , Jalil Abdur Rehman , Wuttig Matthias
Published: September 2023

Scaling effects in Sesqui‐chalcogenides are of major interest to understand and optimize their performance in heavily scaled applications, including topological insulators and phase‐change devices. A combined experimental and theoretical study is presented for molecular beam epitaxy‐grown films of antimony‐telluride  (Sb2Te3). Structural,vibrational, optical, and bonding properties upon varying confinement are studied for thicknesses ranging from 1.3 to 56 nm. In ultrathin films, the low‐frequency coherent phonons of A1g1 symmetry are softened compared to the bulk (64.5 cm−1 at 1.3 nm compared to 68 cm−1 at 55.8 nm). A concomitant increase of the high‐frequency A1g2 Raman mode is seen. X‐ray diffraction analyses unravel an accompanying out of plane stretch by 5%, mainly stemming from an increase in the Te‐Te gap. This conclusion is supported by density functional theory slab models, which reveal a significant dependency of chemical bonding on film thickness. Changes in atomic arrangement, vibrational frequencies, and bonding extend over a thickness range much larger than observed for other material classes. The finding of these unexpectedly pronounced thickness‐dependent effects in quasi‐2D material Sb2Te3 allows tuning of the film properties with thickness. The results are discussed in the context of a novel bond‐type, characterized by a competition between electron localization and delocalization.
Permeable and Patternable Super‐Stretchable Liquid Metal Fiber for Constructing High‐Integration‐Density Multifunctional Electronic Fibers
Authors: Li Hengyi , Qu Ruixiang , Ma Zhijun , Zhou Ningjing , Huang Qiyao , Zheng Zijian
Published: September 2023

Stretchable electronic fibers are essential for soft electronics because of their small footprint, light weight, high compliance, and ease of integration. To date, the majority of stretchable electronic fibers are fabricated with solidly filled fiber substrates where the exchange of gas or liquid between the outer environment and the inner part of the fiber is largely inhibited, if not impossible. The nonpermeability largely wastes the inner volume of the fiber, especially for those sensor fibers. Here, a continuous fabrication of permeable and super‐stretchable liquid metal fibers for constructing high‐integration‐density and multifunctional electronic fibers are reported. The electronic fiber is comprised of self‐assembled porous elastomer fibers and multilayers of coaxially arranged liquid metal circuits patterned in the three‐dimensional space of the fiber matrix. The micron‐scale porous structure of the fiber matrix enables high permeability for effective materials/energy exchange between the surrounding environment and the components in different layers of the fiber. As a proof of concept, a stretchable multifunctional electronic fiber incorporated with three individual layers responsible for lighting, data transmission, and biochemical sensing, as well as an artificial neuron integrating multi‐modal sensing and electrical signal transmission capabilities, illustrating the potential of the fiber fabrication strategy for stretchable electronics applications is demonstrated.
A Redox‐Active Covalent Organic Framework with Highly Accessible Aniline‐Fused Quinonoid Units Affords Efficient Proton Charge Storage
Authors: Yan Xiaoli , Wang Feixiang , Su Xi , Ren Junyu , Qi Meiling , Bao Pengli , Chen Weihua , Peng Chengxin , Chen Long
Published: September 2023

Owing to their intrinsic safety and sustainability, aqueous proton batteries have emerged as promising energy devices. Nevertheless, the corrosion or dissolution of electrode materials in acidic electrolytes must be addressed before practical applications. In this study, a cathode material based on a redox‐active 2D covalent organic framework (TPAD‐COF) with aniline‐fused quinonoid units featuring inherently regular open porous channels and excellent stability is developed. The TPAD‐COF cathode delivers a high capacity of 126 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, paired with long‐term cycling stability with capacity retention of 84% after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1. Comprehensive ex situ spectroscopy studies correlated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that both the –NH– and C=O groups of the aniline‐fused quinonoid units exhibit prominent redox activity of six electrons during the charge/discharge processes. Furthermore, the assembled punch battery consisting of a TPAD‐COF//anthraquinone (AQ) all‐organic system delivers a discharge capacity of 115 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 130 cycles, implying the potential application of the TPAD‐COF cathode in aqueous proton batteries. This study provides a new perspective on the design of electrode materials for aqueous proton batteries with long‐term cycling performance and high capacity.
Inorganic All‐Solid‐State Sodium Batteries: Electrolyte Designing and Interface Engineering
Authors: Yang Yaxiong , Yang Shoumeng , Xue Xu , Zhang Xianghua , Li Qifei , Yao Yu , Rui Xianhong , Pan Hongge , Yu Yan
Published: September 2023

Inorganic all‐solid‐state sodium batteries (IASSSBs) are emerged as promising candidates to replace commercial lithium‐ion batteries in large‐scale energy storage systems due to their potential advantages, such as abundant raw materials, robust safety, low price, high‐energy density, favorable reliability and stability. Inorganic sodium solid electrolytes (ISSEs) are an indispensable component of IASSSBs, gaining significant attention. Herein, this review begins by discussing the fundamentals of ISSEs, including their ionic conductivity, mechanical property, chemical and electrochemical stabilities. It then presents the crystal structures of advanced ISSEs (e.g., β/β''‐alumina, NASICON, sulfides, complex hydride and halide electrolytes) and the related issues, along with corresponding modification strategies. The review also outlines effective approaches for forming intimate interfaces between ISSEs and working electrodes. Finally, current challenges and critical perspectives for the potential developments and possible directions to improve interfacial contacts for future practical applications of ISSEs are highlighted. This comprehensive review aims to advance the understanding and development of next‐generation rechargeable IASSSBs.
Toward the Scaling up of Daytime Radiative Coolers: A Review
Authors: Kousis Ioannis , Pisello Anna Laura
Published: September 2023

Daytime Radiative Cooling (DRC) is a highly effective passive cooling technique that holds great potential for enhancing energy efficiency and promoting decarbonization. Several Daytime Radiative Coolers (DRCs) are reported in the literature to highly reflect shortwave radiation and emit thermal radiation, either specifically in the Atmospheric Window (AW) wavelengths (8–13 µm) (Selective DRCs) or in both AW and non‐AW wavelengths (Broadband DRCs). This review presents the advancements in the six key categories of DRCs identified in the literature based on their design characteristics: i) multilayer DRCs, ii) metamaterial DRCs, iii) randomly distributed particle DRC structures, iv) porous DRCs, v) colored DRCs, and vi) adaptive DRCs. The review discusses their main attributes in terms of their demonstrated thermo‐optical performance. Research gaps include the need for real‐life studies to investigate scaling up DRCs in the built environment and their effects on indoor thermal comfort and air temperature reduction. Finally, an eight‐step feedback‐loop scheme is proposed to establish efficient design and implementation protocols for DRC materials in the built environment.
Nonvolatile Displays Based on Phase Change Materials
Authors: Cui Yuying , Zhang Yunyan , Cheng Zhiyuan
Published: September 2023

With an increasing requirement to showcase dynamic and adaptable content for diverse purposes, ranging from interactive marketing to energy efficiency initiatives, it is vital to develop technologies that consume negligible power to display images and exhibit good sunlight legibility, rapid refresh rates, and full‐spectrum color reproduction. Nonvolatile displays based on phase change materials (NvD‐PCMs) can satisfy all the aforementioned criteria and have attracted immense attention in academia and industry. However, despite advancements in the color‐changing performance of such coatings, NvD‐PCM technology remains associated with several challenges, such as the lack of a microstructural‐origin‐based systematic explanation of the color‐generating mechanism and development of pixelated displays. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advances in NvD‐PCMs. It discusses the intrinsic properties and material selection of PCMs for display applications, summarizing the rendering mechanism for adjustable structural colors and challenges associated with nanopixel display technology, finally providing a multidimensional outlook on the future research direction in this domain. By overcoming the constraints of NvD‐PCMs and exploring their potential, this review aims to contribute to their advancement, facilitating the development of innovative display technologies that meet the increasing demands of various industries.
“Co‐Stabilization, Fine‐Tuning” Strategy for Highly Stable Coloring of Stimuli‐Responsive Materials and their Hydrochromic Applications
Authors: Gao Junli , Wang Songcheng , Qin Tianyou , Xi Guan , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An , Sheng Lan
Published: September 2023

It is of great significance, but extremely challenging, to endow stimulus‐response materials with both excellent dynamic responsiveness and high coloring stability. Herein, a strategy of “co‐stabilization, fine‐tuning” is proposed to address this conundrum by manipulating multiple dynamically competing supramolecular interactions and conformational fine‐tuning linked coloring. With this idea, a new supramolecular hydrochromic system is constructed and the as‐prepared dye‐based hydrochromic materials (DHMs) have a highly stable water‐induced coloration in a wide pH range, abnormally high temperature, and high salt concentration. Meanwhile, it possesses the best comprehensive performance of hydrochromism (i.e., high optical contrast, multicolor, excellent repeatability). These new DHMs can not only meet the general needs, but also have some unique applications in helping humans adapt to “harsh environments”. The verified “co‐stabilization, fine‐tuning” strategy promises to bring unlimited ideas and implications for functional materials to cope with abnormal environments.
Modular Droplet‐Based Fluidics for Large Volume Libraries of Individual Multiparametric Codes in Lab‐On‐Chip Systems
Authors: Schütt Julian , Nhalil Hariharan , Fassbender Jürgen , Klein Lior , Grosz Asaf , Makarov Denys
Published: September 2023

Droplet‐based lab‐on‐a‐chip systems offer vast possibilities in the manipulation, guidance, tracking, and labeling of individual droplet‐based bioreactors. One of the targeted application scenarios is in drug discovery where millions of unique codes are required, which is out of reach for current technologies. Here, a concept for the realization of multiparametric codes, where information is stored in distinct physical and chemical parameters, is proposed and validated. Exemplarily, the focus is on the use of impedance and magnetic sensing by monitoring ionic concentration as well as magnetic content per droplet and droplet volume. Codes based on aqueous ferrofluid droplets are prepared using a tubing‐based millifluidic setup and consist of up to six droplets of different combinations of volumes and magnetic concentration. It is demonstrated that a droplet chain of three single droplets of different volumes with nine different magnetic nanoparticle concentrations accompanied with four different ionic concentrations per droplet offers up to 3 million unique codes. The developed fluidic platform can be readily extended to other types of sensors including optical ones to boost the coding capacity even further.
Artificial intelligence and satellite‐based remote sensing can be used to predict soybean (Glycine max) yield
Authors: Joshi Deepak R. , Clay Sharon A. , Sharma Prakriti , Rekabdarkolaee Hossein Moradi , Kharel Tulsi , Rizzo Donna M. , Thapa Resham , Clay David E.
Published: September 2023

Because the manual counting of soybean (Glycine max) plants, pods, and seeds/pods is unsuitable for soybean yield predictions, alternative methods are desired. Therefore, the objective was to determine if satellite remote sensing‐based artificial intelligence (AI) models could be used to predict soybean yield. In the study, multiple remote sensing‐based AI models were developed for soybean growth stage ranging from VE/VC (plant emergence) to R6/R7 (full seed to beginning maturity). The ability of the deep neural network (DNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and AdaBoost to predict soybean yield, based on blue, green, red, and near‐infrared reflectance data collected by the PlanetScope satellite at six growth stages, was determined. Remote sensing and soybean yield monitor data from three different fields in 2 years (2019 and 2021) were aggregated into 24,282 grid cells that had the dimensions of 10 m by 10 m. A comparison across models showed that the DNN outperformed the other models. Moreover, as crops matured from VE/VC to R4/R5, the R2 value of the models increased from 0.26 to over 0.70. These findings indicate that remote sensing data collected at different growth stages can be combined for soybean yield predictions. Moreover, additional work needs to be conducted to assess the model's ability to predict soybean yield with vegetation indices (VIs) data for fields not used to train the model.