bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Site Surgery in Distantly Metastatic Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Carey Ryan M. , Prasad Aman , Wei Kimberly , Brant Jason A. , Brody Robert M. , Leibowitz Jason M. , Civantos Francisco J. , Sweeny Larissa
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Determine if intensive local therapy (i.e., local surgery or radiation) has a survival benefit for patients presenting with distantly metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

Retrospective population‐based cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database presenting with distantly metastatic OPSCC. Overall survival (OS) was compared for patients receiving systemic therapy alone or in combination with local surgery or curative dose radiation, controlling for various clinicodemographic factors.

Results

Between 2010 and 2015, 627 patients presented with newly diagnosed, metastatic OPSCC and an initial treatment course including systemic chemotherapy. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that local radiation therapy was independently associated with improved OS (OR 0.64, CI [0.51–0.81]); local surgery was not independently associated with improved OS (OR 0.99, CI [0.65–1.53]). Higher T stages were associated with worse OS (OR 1.69, CI [1.14–2.50] for T3 and OR 1.77, CI [1.22–2.58] for T4 compared to T1). HPV‐positive (HPV+) tumors were associated with improved OS compared to HPV‐ (OR 0.79, CI [0.64–0.97]). Multiagent chemotherapy was associated with improved OS compared to single‐agent (OR 0.78, CI [0.62–1.00]). The best survival for the entire cohort and for HPV+ patients was for radiation with systemic therapy and the worst survival for systemic therapy alone.

Conclusions

Curative dose local radiotherapy in addition to systemic therapy is associated with improved OS compared to systemic therapy alone in patients presenting with distantly metastatic OPSCC. There is not a significant survival benefit for local surgery in addition to systemic therapy in this patient population, regardless of HPV status.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2243–2251, 2024
On‐Chip Light Polarization Management by Mapping the Polarization Information to Phase Shift
Authors: Deng Qingzhong , Jin Ming , Qin Jun , Sun Pengfei , Shu Haowen , Ju Cheng , Neutens Pieter , Tao Zihan , Zhou Peiqi , Wang Bo , Tao Yuansheng , Zhang Xuguang , Shi Jingbo , Bai Bowen , Liu Lu , Xiao Xi , Van Dorpe Pol , Wang Xingjun , Zhou Zhiping
Published: November 2023

The comprehensive management of light polarization states has significantly advanced various fields into a new era. With the advent of photonic integration, there has been a persistent desire to replace the bulky optical components with compact chip‐scale circuits. Nonetheless, the complete integration of polarization‐dependent systems has not yet been accomplished due to the absence of a mature polarization management scheme that possesses a tiny form factor and high foundry process compatibility meanwhile maintaining low operation complexity. Here, to overcome these limitations a novel concept called polarization phase mapping, which encodes the information between the light polarization in one waveguide and the relative light phase shift in another two waveguides, is proposed. With this bi‐directional mapping approach, the fundamental basis of polarization management has shifted from polarization adjustment to phase regulation. All essential polarization‐related functions including synthesizing, stabilizing, measuring, rotating, splitting, and mixing are demonstrated with the standard process in foundries. The size of the polarization rotating unit is pushed down to a few light wavelengths while keeping a competitive performance. Moreover, the proposed concept can be readily applied to other integrated photonics platforms. It is expected to unlock new opportunities for complex polarization‐related applications.
Revolutionizing the battle against locally advanced breast cancer: A comprehensive insight into neoadjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Kong Xiangyi , Song Jiarui , Gao Peng , Gao Ran , Zhang Lin , Fang Yi , Wang Yipeng , Gao Jidong , Wang Jing
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer (BC) constitutes one of the most pervasive malignancies affecting the female population. Despite progressive improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, leading to an increased detection of early stage BCs, locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) persists as a significant clinical challenge. Owing to its poor overall survival (OS) rate, elevated recurrence rate, and high potential for distant metastasis, LABC prominently impacts the comprehensive efficacy of BC treatments. Radiotherapy, encompassing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative modalities, is acknowledged as an effective strategy for mitigating BC metastasis and enhancing survival rates among patients. Nevertheless, the domain of preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NART) remains conspicuously underexplored in clinical studies. Available research suggests that NART can induce tumor volume reduction, provoke fibrotic changes in tumor and adjacent normal tissues, thereby mitigating intraoperative cancer propagation and enhancing the quality of life for LABC patients. This manuscript seeks to provide a review of contemporary research pertaining to LABC and its preoperative radiotherapy.
APNA, AANA issue statement on ketamine infusion therapy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2023

Observing that ketamine infusion therapy is increasingly being used for such mental health conditions as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, treatment‐resistant depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder, two national nursing associations have released a joint statement indicating that patients with psychiatric disorders may benefit from the use of ketamine infusion therapy.
Event‐triggered networked cascade control systems design subject to hybrid attacks
Authors: Kazemy Ali , Saravanakumar Ramasamy
Published: November 2023

This paper deals with the design problem of networked cascade control systems (NCCSs) with two different event‐triggered mechanisms (ETMs) for the feedback loops. A combination of stochastic denial‐of‐service (DoS) attack and deception attack has been considered for the communication network. To comply with the practical point of view, the primary and the secondary systems have been considered with distinct disturbances. First, the closed‐loop system with state feedback controllers is provided in a unified stochastic delayed system. Then, the Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory and stochastic analysis techniques are employed to derive and formulate control design conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a superheater steam temperature control is utilized to assess the applicability of the proposed method.
Temporal Trends in Pediatric Acute Sinusitis Surrounding the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Kalavacherla Sandhya , Hall Madelyn , Jiang Wen , Carvalho Daniela
Published: November 2023

Objective

We assessed patterns in the national incidence of pediatric acute sinusitis and associated complications surrounding the initial COVID‐19 lockdown.

Study Design

Retrospective National Database review.

Setting

The Pediatric Health Information System.

Methods

Acute sinusitis and associated complication incidence data from 2015 to 2022 were queried. Three time periods of T1, T2, and T3 were defined as: pre‐COVID‐19 baseline, initial pandemic, and postpandemic. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon rank sum tests, multivariable logistic regressions, and autoregressive integrated moving averages (ARIMA) to assess differences between the observed complication rates in T2 and T3 and the expected incidence rates in these time periods as estimated from T1 data.

Results

We identified 2535 acute sinusitis admissions across 42 centers. The incidence differed between T1 (31.5 cases/month), T2 (15.8 cases/month), and T3 (29 cases/month). Children aged 10 to 14 years had the highest acute sinusitis incidence rate (32.5%) compared to other ages in T2. At T1, acute sinusitis and associated complication rates followed parallel seasonal patterns. Although sinusitis incidence decreased during T2, complications increased significantly during T2 and T3 compared to T1 (37.4% and 39% vs 27.5%,P < .001). In the ARIMA model, the ratio of the observed to expected incidence (95% confidence interval) of complications was 1.09 (0.69, 2.60) in T2 and 1.14 (0.73, 2.62) in T3.

Conclusion

We report the simultaneous decrease in acute sinusitis incidence and an increase in associated complications during and after the initial COVID‐19 pandemic compared to the prepandemic baseline, reflecting changing patterns in viral infection due to the pandemic.
Deficiency of inflammation‐sensing protein neuropilin‐2 in myeloid‐derived macrophages exacerbates colitis via NF‐κB activation
Authors: Li Tong , Ran Jingjing , Miao Zhiyong , Yang Min , Mou Dachao , Jiang Yunhan , Xu Xiaoqiu , Xie Qibing , Jin Ke
Published: November 2023

Neuropilin‐2 (NRP2) is a multifunctional protein engaged in the regulation of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, axon guidance, and tumor metastasis, but its function in colitis remains unclear. Here, we found that NRP2 was an inflammation‐sensing protein rapidly and dramatically induced in myeloid cells, especially in macrophages, under inflammatory contexts. NRP2 deficiency in myeloid cells exacerbated dextran sulfate sodium salt‐induced experimental colitis by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages and colon injury. Mechanistically, NRP2 could be induced via NF‐κB activation by TNF‐α in macrophages, but exerted an inhibitory effect on NF‐κB signaling, forming a negative feedback loop with NF‐κB to sense and alleviate inflammation. Deletion of NRP2 in macrophages broke this negative feedback circuit, leading to NF‐κB overactivation, inflammatory exacerbation, and more severe colitis. Collectively, these findings reveal inflammation restriction as a role for NRP2 in macrophages under inflammation contexts and suggest that NRP2 in macrophages may relieve inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Beta‐blocker use and survival after pancreatic cancer surgery: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kirkegård Jakob , Cronin‐Fenton Deirdre , Lund Andrea , Mortensen Frank Viborg
Published: November 2023

Purpose

We examined the association between use of beta‐blockers and survival in pancreatic cancer patients after curative‐intent surgery.

Methods

Using Danish healthcare registries, we conducted a population‐based cohort study of all patients undergoing curative‐intent surgery for pancreatic cancer in Denmark 1997–2021. We defined beta‐blocker use according to exposure before surgery as current (≤90 days), recent (91–365 days), or former (366–730 days) use, requiring at least one filled prescription. Patients were followed from the date of surgery for up to 5 years. We used Cox regression to compute hazard ratios (HRs) of deaths with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for age, sex, year of diagnosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, alcohol, and smoking. We also conducted an active comparator analysis, where we used angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin‐receptor blockers as comparators instead of nonusers.

Results

We included 2592 patients, of which 16.7% were beta‐blocker users. Median survival for the entire population was 24.4 months. Beta‐blocker use was associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04–1.34). This was evident in current (adjusted HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02–1.38) and recent (adjusted HR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04–1.59) but not former (adjusted HR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.64–1.43) users. In the active comparator analysis, the association between beta‐blocker exposure and mortality attenuated slightly (adjusted HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.93–1.35).

Conclusions

We observed an association between beta‐blocker use and increased mortality in patients operated for pancreatic cancer. Findings are likely explained by confounding by indication.
Intercropped Flemingia macrophylla successfully traps tea aphid (Toxoptera aurantia) and alters associated networks to enhance tea quality
Authors: Gao Jie , Tang Jianwei , Zhang Sen , Zhang Chunyan
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The tea aphid, Toxoptera aurantia is a destructive pest causing severe damage to the quality and yield of tea, Camellia sinensis. Relying on chemical insecticides to control this pest causes adverse ecological and economic consequences. Trap plants are an eco‐friendly alternative strategy to mitigate pest damage on focal plants by attracting target insects and natural enemies. Yet, the utilization of trap plants in tea plantations remains limited. Besides, the effects of the trap plant on the tea aphid–ant–predator community and tea quality and yield are unknown.

RESULTS

Intercropped Flemingia macrophylla successfully trapped tea aphids and enhanced the complexity of aphid–ant–predator networks over three consecutive years compared to monoculture management. Moreover, F. macrophylla significantly increased the abundance of natural predators by 3100% and species richness by 57%. The increasing predators suppressed the aphid population and hampered its spillover to neighbouring tea plants. Consequently, F. macrophylla improved tea quality by an 8% increase in soluble sugar and a 26% reduction in polyphenols to amino acids ratio.

CONCLUSION

The study illustrated that F. macrophylla is a suitable trap crop for tea aphid control in tea plantations. This legume increases species nodes and strengthens multiple connections in aphid‐associated communities through its cascade effects, improving tea quality. These findings shed light on the potential application of trap plants in tea plantations as an efficient integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identifying drug targets with thermal proteome profiling using IBT‐16plex
Authors: Shi Zhaomei , Ren Yan , Li Shuwei , Hao Piliang
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Thermal proteome profiling (TPP) has been widely used for the identification of drug targets for several years, and TMTpro‐16plex has recently been evaluated for TPP of vehicle‐ and drug‐treated samples in a single labeling process to reduce missing values and save instrument time. A novel isobaric labeling reagent, IBT‐16plex, was developed with slightly better performance in protein identification and quantification than the commercially available TMTpro‐16plex.

Methods

In this study, we applied the newly developed IBT‐16plex for target identification of methotrexate and panobinostat using TPP.

Results

The known targets of these two drugs were successfully identified with elevated melting temperatures, and some known off‐targets and potential new off‐targets were also identified.

Conclusions

IBT‐16plex can be a cost‐effective replacement for TMTpro‐16plex for TPP applications.
Adaptive event‐triggered fault detection for Markov jump nonlinear systems with time delays and uncertain parameters
Authors: Qin Chuancheng , Lin Wen‐Juan , Yu Jinpeng
Published: November 2023

This article proposes a fault detection (FD) method for a class of Markov jump nonlinear systems with time delays and uncertain parameters. The FD problem is transformed into a filtering question by designing a FD filter that satisfies appropriate performance index. An adaptive event‐triggered mechanism is introduced to conserve network resources, and the impact of time‐varying and network‐induced delay on the system is fully considered. Then, stochastical stability and appropriated performance index of the residual system are guaranteed using the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional theory, discrete Wirtinger inequality and extended reciprocally convex matrix inequality. Finally, a simulation example verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the designed FD filter.
Guidance method of underwater vehicle for rugged seafloor observation in close proximity
Authors: Noguchi Yukiyasu , Sekimori Yuki , Maki Toshihiro
Published: November 2023

Obtaining detailed information about the ocean through seafloor optical imaging is crucial, yet poses significant challenges due to the high attenuation of light, which necessitates the camera to be positioned within several meters of the seafloor. This paper proposes a method for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to track the seafloor at a close range suitable for optical survey. Through the probabilistic processing of measurements from a mechanical scanning imaging sonar, the AUV can safely follow the seafloor, even in the presence of large obstacles or overhanging geometries. The method was implemented on the low‐cost AUV, HATTORI, and its effectiveness was confirmed by sea experiments around Nishinoshima island, an uninhabited volcanic island located about 1000 km south of Tokyo, Japan. Detailed images of the rugged seafloor were successfully captured under the challenging condition of strong currents.
Sample size and predictive performance of machine learning methods with survival data: A simulation study
Authors: Infante Gabriele , Miceli Rosalba , Ambrogi Federico
Published: November 2023

Prediction models are increasingly developed and used in diagnostic and prognostic studies, where the use of machine learning (ML) methods is becoming more and more popular over traditional regression techniques. For survival outcomes the Cox proportional hazards model is generally used and it has been proven to achieve good prediction performances with few strong covariates. The possibility to improve the model performance by including nonlinearities, covariate interactions and time‐varying effects while controlling for overfitting must be carefully considered during the model building phase. On the other hand, ML techniques are able to learn complexities from data at the cost of hyper‐parameter tuning and interpretability. One aspect of special interest is the sample size needed for developing a survival prediction model. While there is guidance when using traditional statistical models, the same does not apply when using ML techniques. This work develops a time‐to‐event simulation framework to evaluate performances of Cox regression compared, among others, to tuned random survival forest, gradient boosting, and neural networks at varying sample sizes. Simulations were based on replications of subjects from publicly available databases, where event times were simulated according to a Cox model with nonlinearities on continuous variables and time‐varying effects and on the SEER registry data.
Preparation of 2,5‐Disubstituted Tetrazoles using a Copper‐Catalysed Regioselective Direct Coupling of Tetrazoles with Free NH Groups and Boronic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Kataky Sudhamoyee , Sarma Bipul , Thakur Ashim Jyoti
Published: November 2023

The development of a mild and efficient protocol that allows the direct C−N coupling of N−H free tetrazole and low toxic boronic acid was presented. A careful optimization of the reaction conditions revealed that reaction proceeded smoothly in presence of a 10 mol % copper complex catalytic system without the need of any additives. Thus, the results presented herein represents a reliable and efficient protocol for the synthesis of regioselective 2,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles.
A Feasible Synthesis of (−)‐Menthol‐Amino Acid Conjugates as Potential TRPM8 Agonists
Authors: Deepalekshmi P. , Mahadevaprasad B. , Apoorva S. N. , Shreya K. , Bettadaiah B. K.
Published: November 2023

A simple and feasible protocol for synthesizing the menthol‐amino acid conjugates by reacting t‐Boc‐amino acids with (1R,2S,5R)‐(−)‐menthol is reported. The synthesis involved the formation of an ester bond between the protected amino acid and (−)‐menthol using DCC, and DMAP as reagents. The t‐Boc‐menthol conjugates are deprotected using TFA in DCM to afford the menthol‐amino acid conjugates in excellent yield (>85 %). (−)‐Menthol possesses therapeutic properties, while amino acids are known for their diverse chemical functionalities and biological activities, making them a promising platform for designing TRPM8 agonists. By combining the unique characteristics of (−)‐menthol and amino acids, this conjugation approach can enhance TRPM8 agonistic activity. The synthesized conjugates are characterized through various spectroscopic techniques.
Concave Structural Carbon Co‐Doped with Iron Atom Pairs and Nitrogen as Ultra‐High Performance Catalyst Toward Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Shi Xiudong , Pu Zonghua , Chi Bin , Yu Siyan , Hu Jingsong , Sun Shuhui , Liao Shijun
Published: November 2023

It is crucial to rationally design and synthesize atomic‐scale transition metal‐doped carbon catalysts with high electrocatalytic activity to achieve a high‐efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, an electrocatalyst comprised of Fe–Fe dual atom pairs and N‐doped concave carbon are reported (N‐CC@Fe DA) that achieves ultrahigh electrocatalytic ORR activity. The catalyst is prepared by a gaseous doping approach, with zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) as the carbon framework precursor and cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl dimer as the Fe–Fe atom pair precursor. The catalyst exhibits high cathodic ORR catalytic performance in an alkaline Zn/air battery and proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), yielding peak power densities of 241 mW cm−2 and 724 mW cm−2, respectively, compared to 127 mW cm−2 and 1.20 W cm−2 with conventional Pt/C catalysts as cathodes. The presence of Fe atom pairs coordinate with N atoms is revealed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation results show that the Fe–Fe pair structure is beneficial for adsorbing oxygen molecules, activating the O─O bond, and desorbing OH* intermediates formed during oxygen reduction, resulting in a more efficient oxygen reaction. The findings may provide a new pathway for preparing ultra‐high‐performance doped carbon catalysts with Fe–Fe atom pair structures.
Electroactive Bi‐Functional Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators
Authors: Liu Gaoyu , Deng Yakui , Ni Bin , Nguyen Giao T. M. , Vancaeyzeele Cédric , Brûlet Annie , Vidal Frédéric , Plesse Cédric , Li Min‐Hui
Published: November 2023

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with promising applications in the field of actuators and soft robotics are reported. However, most of them are activated by external heating or light illumination. The examples of electroactive LCEs are still limited; moreover, they are monofunctional with one type of deformation (bending or contraction). Here, the study reports on trilayer electroactive LCE (eLCE) by intimate combination of LCE and ionic electroactive polymer device (i‐EAD). This eLCE is bi‐functional and can perform either bending or contractile deformations by the control of the low‐voltage stimulation. By applying a voltage of ±2 V at 0.1 Hz, the redox behavior and associated ionic motion provide a bending strain difference of 0.80%. Besides, by applying a voltage of ±6 V at 10 Hz, the ionic current‐induced Joule heating triggers the muscle‐like linear contraction with 20% strain for eLCE without load. With load, eLCE can lift a weight of 270 times of eLCE‐actuator weight, while keeping 20% strain and affording 5.38 kJ·m−3work capacity. This approach of combining two smart polymer technologies (LCE and i‐EAD) in a single device is promising for the development of smart materials with multiple degrees of freedom in soft robotics, electronic devices, and sensors.
A Dual‐Polythiophene Blending Strategy to Reduce the Efficiency‐Stability‐Cost Gap of Solar Cells
Authors: Qi Qingchun , Wang Jingjing , Gao Mengyuan , Ke Huizhen , Zhao Wenchao , Zhang Kai , Li Sunsun , He Chunyong , Kuvondikov Vakhobjon , Ye Long
Published: November 2023

Benefiting from the photovoltaic material innovation and delicate device optimization, high‐efficiency solar cells employing polymeric materials are thriving. Reducing the gap of cost, efficiency, and stability is the critical challenge faced by the emerging solar cells such as organics, quantum dots and perovskites. Poly(3‐alkylthiophene) demonstrates great potential in organic solar cells and quantum dot solar cells as the active layer or the hole transport layer due to its large scalability, excellent photoelectric performance, and favorable hydrophobicity. The present low efficiency and insufficient stability, restrict its commercial application. In this work, a facile strategy of blending two simple polythiophenes is put forward to manipulate the film microstructure and enhance the device efficiency and thermal stability of solar cells. The introduction of P3PT can improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a benchmark cost‐effective blend P3HT:O‐IDTBR to 7.41%, and the developed ternary solar cells also exhibit increased thermal stability. More strikingly, the quantum dot solar cells with the dual‐polythiophene hole transport layer achieve the highest PCE of 10.51%, which is among the topmost efficiencies for quantum dots/polythiophene solar cells. Together, this work provides an effective route to simultaneously optimize the device efficiency and thermal stability of solar cells.
Free‐Electron Inversive Modulation to Charge Antibonding Orbital of ReS2 Cocatalyst for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Gao Duoduo , Zhong Wei , Zhang Xidong , Wang Ping , Yu Huogen
Published: November 2023

The free electron transfer between cocatalyst and photocatalyst has a great effect on the bonding strength between the active site and adsorbed hydrogen atom (Hads), but there is still a lack of effective means to purposely manipulate the electron transfer in a beneficial direction of H adsorption/desorption activity. Herein, when ReSx cocatalyst is loaded on TiO2 surface, a spontaneous free‐electron transfer from ReSx to TiO2 happens due to the smaller work function of ReSx, causing an over‐strong S‐Hads bond. To prevent the over‐strong S‐Hads bonds of ReSx in the ReSx/TiO2 , a free‐electron reversal transfer strategy is developed to weaken the strong S‐Hads bonds via increasing the work function of ReSx by incorporating O to produce ReOSx cocatalyst. Research results attest that a larger work function of ReOSx than that of TiO2 can induce reversal transfer of electrons from TiO2 to ReOSx to produce electron‐rich S(2+δ)−, causing the increased antibonding‐orbital occupancy of S‐Hads in ReOSx/TiO2 . Accordingly, the stability of adsorbed H on S sites is availably decreased, thus weakening the S‐Hads of ReOSx. In this case, an electron‐rich S(2+δ)−‐mediated “capture‐hybridization‐conversion” mechanism is raised . Benefiting from such property, the resultant ReOSx/TiO2 photocatalyst exhibits a superior H2‐evolution rate of 7168 µmol h−1 g−1 .
Machine learning methods for developments of binding kinetic models in predicting protein‐ligand dissociation rate constants
Authors: Zhao Yujing , Liu Qilei , Du Jian , Meng Qingwei , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2023

Binding kinetic properties of protein–ligand complexes are crucial factors affecting the drug potency. Nevertheless, the current in silico techniques are insufficient in providing accurate and robust predictions for binding kinetic properties. To this end, this work develops a variety of binding kinetic models for predicting a critical binding kinetic property, dissociation rate constant, using eight machine learning (ML) methods (Bayesian Neural Network (BNN), partial least squares regression, Bayesian ridge, Gaussian process regression, principal component regression, random forest, support vector machine, extreme gradient boosting) and the descriptors of the van der Waals/electrostatic interaction energies. These eight models are applied to two case studies involving the HSP90 and RIP1 kinase inhibitors. Both regression results of two case studies indicate that the BNN model has the state‐of‐the‐art prediction accuracy (HSP90: , MAEtest = 0.184, rtest = 0.976, RMSEtest = 0.220; RIP1 kinase: , MAEtest = 0.188, rtest = 0.961, RMSEtest = 0.290) in comparison with other seven ML models.
Quantitative analysis of diurnal CO2 flux variations above an alkaline playa
Authors: Doucet Anne‐Martine , Jones Frances , Raymond Katherine E. , Dipple Gregory , Black Thomas Andrew , Ladd Bethany , Mayer Klaus Ulrich
Published: November 2023

The alkaline playas at Atlin, BC, provide a unique opportunity for studying the carbonate–bicarbonate system and carbonate mineral stability at the Earth's surface. In this study, dynamic closed chambers (DCCs) and pore‐gas sampling were used to directly quantify carbon dioxide (CO2) emission rates and characterize processes governing the CO2 exchange across the playa‐atmosphere interface. Data were collected at the Atlin site continuously over 27 days in 2020 and 14 days in 2021. Results indicate minimal net exchange of CO2 across the playa‐atmosphere interface during the monitoring periods, with average fluxes over the two periods of −0.03 and 0.09 µmol m−2 s−1 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. However, distinct diurnal oscillations of CO2 fluxes were measured with average daytime fluxes of 0.15 ± 0.34 µmol m−2 s−1 (2020) and 0.15 ± 0.19 µmol m−2 s−1 (2021) and nighttime fluxes of −0.24 ± 0.31 µmol m−2 s−1 (2020) and 0.04 ± 0.18 µmol m−2 s−1 (2021). These observations, supported by reactive transport modeling, indicate that CO2 exchange is predominantly governed by changes in CO2 solubility in alkaline porewater related to diurnal temperature fluctuations and variations in CO2 concentrations in ambient air above the ground surface. Even though CO2 concentrations exceed 8000 ppmv at 1‐m depth, CO2 emissions to the atmosphere were found to be minimal, likely due to high moisture contents, low connectivity, and tortuosity, limiting upward CO2 migration. These findings provide insights into CO2 flux dynamics in alkaline arid regions and show promise for the application of the DCC method for monitoring ex situ carbon mineralization at sites with enhanced mineral weathering.
Holocene sedimentary history of the Silala River (Antofagasta Region, Chile)
Authors: Latorre Claudio , Frugone‐Álvarez Matías
Published: November 2023

Assessing past and ongoing climate change in the central Andes is critical for understanding the impact of future environmental changes under anthropogenic warming. Emerging from springs located in Bolivia and flowing into northern Chile's Atacama Desert, the Silala River contains inset, terraced wetland (or in‐stream) deposits that provide a unique opportunity to study the impact of past hydroclimate change in a sensitive groundwater system with a small catchment area. After an initial (late Pleistocene) period of deep incision to form the present ravine, in‐stream wetland fine‐grained deposits formed during three phases of aggradation dated to >8.5–1.9 ka (Unit 1), >0.65–0.2 ka (Unit 2), and <0.2 ka to the recent 20th century (Unit 4). These phases of accumulation were coeval with periods of well‐dated records of elevated groundwater tables throughout northern Chile. Phases of abrupt downcutting occurred due to a lowering of the water table after 1.9 ka and before 0.2 ka. The cycle of erosion and deposition clearly continues to the present as evinced by the very recent (21st century) incision of Unit 4 (>1.5 m in some areas) throughout sectors of the Silala where dried‐out standing vegetation can be seen. Such recent incision may be due to multiple different factors, including recent climate change coupled with intense extraction of groundwater resources by the copper mining industry.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Character Strengths and Its Utility for Military Leadership: A View from Positive Psychology
Authors: Cosentino Alejandro César , Solano Alejandro Castro
Published: November 2023

Positive individual traits have been considered important by both Eastern and Western cultures. According to military academy manuals, the positive traits of individuals are significant elements for people who will hold military leadership positions. Since the dawn of the twenty-first century, positive psychology has had a positive trait classification of six virtues that include a total of 24 character strengths originating from the proposals of Peterson and Seligman. Because character strengths can be assessed using reliable and valid measurement instruments, several empirical investigations have been carried out in military populations in the American and European continents. The studies conducted on the 24 character strengths have been mostly on cadets. The results of these studies have shown that character strengths are related to the military population. Thus, the relationship between the 24 character strengths and several points of interest, such as membership in military academic institutions, cadets’ family of origin, and academic and military performance, among other findings, have been empirically studied.
Introduction to Environmental Pollutants and Human Exposure
Authors: Caserta Donatella , Costanzi Flavia , De Marco Maria Paola , Besharat Aris , Ruscito Ilary
Published: November 2023

The new millennium started with more public attention dedicated to the close relationship between environmental pollutants and human health. In this introductive chapter, the main pollutants and their effects on the human beings will be analyzed. Environmental contaminants can be divided into three main categories: biological agents, chemical agents, and radiation. Contamination can be found in air, water, food, and soil.

The effects of the exposure to various environmental pollutants on humans are numerous and very heterogeneous. In addition to the prominent roles of radiation and biological agents, chemical agents are playing an increasing central role in human health. Specifically, endocrine disruptors (EDs) belong to a category of pollutants, which act individually and synergically, by interfering at different levels of human health and by acting with the pathophysiological mechanisms of the primary diseases, cancerogenesis, and infertility.
Endocrine Disruption in Women: A Cause of PCOS, Early Puberty, or Endometriosis
Authors: Wenger Jean Marie , Marci Roberto
Published: November 2023

A growing number of scientific studies have shown, since the last decade, increasing evidence suggesting that the human health and wildlife could be affected by a wide range of substances broadly disseminated in the environment and also found recurrently in a wide array of everyday products. These products were identified as toxicants with various effects on endocrine processes and functions as neoplasm development, reproductive dysfunctions, and immunological and thyroid disorders [1]. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are defined as “an exogenous chemical, or mixture of chemicals, that interferes with any aspect of hormone action” [2], are not rogue pharmaceuticals or rare contaminants.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and Reproductive Outcomes
Authors: D’Angelo Arianna , St Pier Georgina
Published: November 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are prevalent throughout the environment and known to negatively impact fertility. As the prevalence of unexplained subfertility increases worldwide, it is important to understand the impact EDCs might have on reproduction and fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This chapter examines the impact of EDCs on assisted reproduction treatments and pregnancy outcomes. The literature is frequently conflicting; however, the association between exposure to EDCs and poor reproductive outcomes is undeniable. Women of a reproductive age should therefore minimise exposure to these chemicals where possible, with healthcare professionals actively advocating their avoidance where possible. Further research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms of action of these substances, to identify which specific chemicals have the greatest effect and to provide recommendations for how to mitigate these effects.
Introduction: Organization as a Scientific Blind Spot
Authors: Mossio Matteo
Published: November 2023

For most of the twentieth century, biology forgot or largely neglected organization. By this term, I mean a certain mode of interaction among the parts of a system, which is by hypothesis distinctively realized by biological systems. While a systemic trend is progressively pervading various biological fields – notably Evolutionary Biology, Systems Biology and Origins of Life – I suggest that organization still remains a blind spot of biological thinking. Therefore, I submit, biology should be enriched by an explicit and specific notion of organization, drawing in particular on the theory of autonomy, of which I recall some central tenets. I conclude with a brief overview of the scientific and philosophical tradition which has explicitly elaborated on biological organization, and of the more recent literature to which this book aims to contribute.
There Are No Intermediate Stages: An Organizational View on Development
Authors: Bich Leonardo , Skillings Derek
Published: November 2023

Theoretical accounts of development exhibit several internal tensions and face multiple challenges. They span from the problem of the identification of the temporal boundaries of development (beginning and end) to the characterization of the distinctive type of change involved compared to other biological processes. They include questions such as the role to ascribe to the environment or what types of biological systems can undergo development and whether they should include colonies or even ecosystems. In this chapter we discuss these conceptual issues, and we argue that adopting an organizational approach may help solve or clarify them.

While development is usually identified with the achievement of an adult form with the capability to reproduce and therefore maintain a lineage, adopting the organizational approach may provide a different strategy, which focuses also on the maintenance of the current organization of the organism. By doing so an organizational approach favors a switch in perspective which consists in analyzing how organisms maintain their viability at each moment of development rather than considering them as going through intermediate stages of a process directed toward a specific goal state. This developmental dimension of biological organization has yet to be given a general and detailed analysis within the organizational theoretical perspective, apart from some preliminary attempts. How a biological organization is maintained through a series of radical organizational changes and what these changes are issues that still require clarification. In this chapter we offer the beginnings of such an analysis of developmental transitions, understood as changes in functionality brought forth by regulatory mechanisms in the context of the continued maintenance of organizational viability at every step.
Low glycemic index diet restrains epileptogenesis in a gender-specific fashion
Authors: Michetti Caterina , Ferrante Daniele , Parisi Barbara , Ciano Lorenzo , Prestigio Cosimo , Casagrande Silvia , Martinoia Sergio , Terranova Fabio , Millo Enrico , Valente Pierluigi , Giovedi’ Silvia , Benfenati Fabio , Baldelli Pietro
Published: November 2023

Dietary restriction, such as low glycemic index diet (LGID), have been successfully used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. However, if such diet could also counteract antiepileptogenesis is still unclear. Here, we investigated whether the administration of LGID during the latent pre-epileptic period, prevents or delays the appearance of the overt epileptic phenotype. To this aim, we used the Synapsin II knockout (SynIIKO) mouse, a model of temporal lobe epilepsy in which seizures manifest 2–3 months after birth, offering a temporal window in which LGID may affect epileptogenesis. Pregnant SynIIKO mice were fed with either LGID or standard diet during gestation and lactation. Both diets were maintained in weaned mice up to 5 months of age. LGID delayed the seizure onset and induced a reduction of seizures severity only in female SynIIKO mice. In parallel with the epileptic phenotype, high-density multielectrode array recordings revealed a reduction of frequency, amplitude, duration, velocity of propagation and spread of interictal events by LGID in the hippocampus of SynIIKO females, but not mutant males, confirming the gender-specific effect. ELISA-based analysis revealed that LGID increased cortico-hippocampal allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels only in females, while it was unable to affect ALLO plasma concentrations in either sex. The results indicate that the gender-specific interference of LGID with the epileptogenic process can be ascribed to a gender-specific increase in cortical ALLO, a neurosteroid known to strengthen GABAergic transmission. The study highlights the possibility of developing a personalized gender-based therapy for temporal lobe epilepsy.
Studienabschnitt „Vom Symptom zur Erkrankung“ – Schritte in ein integriertes Zahnmedizincurriculum
Authors: Lemke Rüdiger , Mirzakhanian Christine , Sehner Susanne , Bruhn Natascha
Published: November 2023

In Anlehnung an den am Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf bereits etablierten Modellstudiengang Humanmedizin (iMED) wurde das zahnmedizinische Ausbildungskonzept grundlegend überarbeitet und der Modellstudiengang Zahnmedizin (iMED DENT) entwickelt. Hierbei wurden Reformziele wie Interdisziplinarität zwischen Zahnmedizin und Medizin, früher Patient:innenkontakt, psychosoziale und kommunikative Kompetenzen sowie eine wissenschaftliche Orientierung festgelegt. Der zweite Studienabschnitt „Vom Symptom zur Erkrankung“ im 2. und 3. Studienjahr stellt das Bindeglied zwischen der „Normalfunktion“ im 1. Studienjahr und dem letzten klinischen Ausbildungsabschnitt „Therapie“ dar. Der modulare Aufbau des Modellstudiengangs ermöglicht es, Themen repetitiv aufzugreifen und zu vertiefen sowie in der präklinisch praktischen Ausbildung zahnärztliche Fertigkeiten als Vorbereitung auf die Behandlung von Patient:innen zu verfestigen. Die zahnärztliche Prophylaxe, das Assistieren in der Klinik und die Befunderhebung bei Patient:innen schaffen in diesem Ausbildungsabschnitt den frühen Bezug zur Praxis. Neu integriert sind der Wissenschafts- und Kommunikationsstrang, die ebenfalls modular und in enger Verzahnung mit der Zahnmedizin stattfinden. Die bisherigen Ergebnisse der jährlichen Lehrevaluationen der ersten 3 Kohorten des Modellstudiengangs sprechen für eine erfolgreiche Umsetzung, zeigen aber auch, dass die kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung und Verbesserung des Konzeptes anzustreben sind.
Combined treatment of wood with thermosetting resins and phosphorous flame retardants
Authors: Wu Muting , Emmerich Lukas , Kurkowiak Katarzyna , Militz Holger
Published: November 2023

Wood modification with thermosetting resins results in improved dimensional stability and durability. However, the treatment does not enhance fire resistance. To address this, Scots pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris L.) was impregnated with thermosetting resins such as 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea, phenol-formaldehyde resin and melamine-formaldehyde resin, along with a phosphorus polyol as the flame retardant. Both weight percent gain and cell wall bulking were measured to investigate the deposition of resin and phosphorus polyol. Fire resistance was assessed through thermogravimetric analysis, Bunsen burner test and mass loss calorimeter. The inclusion of a phosphate polyol improved thermal stability, reduced flammability and heat release. Melamine-formaldehyde resin combined with phosphorus polyol demonstrated self-extinguishing capability with the heat release rate comparable to non-combustible materials inside 400 s. Moreover, the total heat release within 600 s shows an 84% reduction compared to untreated wood.
Analysis of the contact critical pressure of collapsible tubes for biomedical applications
Authors: Laudato Marco , Mihaescu Mihai
Published: November 2023

The onset of self-excited oscillations in airways and blood vessels is a common phenomenon in the human body, connected to both normal and pathological conditions. A recent experimental investigation has shown that the onset of self-excited oscillations happens for values of the intramural pressure close to the contact critical pressure. The goal of this work is to analyse the dependence of the contact critical pressure on the vessel’s geometric parameters. The methodology is based on the implementation of an experimentally validated computational model of a collapsible tube. The results confirm the correlation between the contact critical pressure and the onset of self-excited oscillations in collapsible tubes. Moreover, a set of general equations to compute the contact critical pressure and the corresponding areas of collapsible tubes with arbitrary geometries has been derived.
Micro simulated moving bed chromatography-mass spectrometry as a continuous on-line process analytical tool
Authors: Diehm Juliane , Witting Lennart , Kirschhöfer Frank , Brenner-Weiß Gerald , Franzreb Matthias
Published: November 2023

Continuous manufacturing is becoming increasingly important in the (bio-)pharmaceutical industry, as more product can be produced in less time and at lower costs. In this context, there is a need for powerful continuous analytical tools. Many established off-line analytical methods, such as mass spectrometry (MS), are hardly considered for process analytical technology (PAT) applications in biopharmaceutical processes, as they are limited to at-line analysis due to the required sample preparation and the associated complexity, although they would provide a suitable technique for the assessment of a wide range of quality attributes. In this study, we investigated the applicability of a recently developed micro simulated moving bed chromatography system (µSMB) for continuous on-line sample preparation for MS. As a test case, we demonstrate the continuous on-line MS measurement of a protein solution (myoglobin) containing Tris buffer, which interferes with ESI-MS measurements, by continuously exchanging this buffer with a volatile ammonium acetate buffer suitable for MS measurements. The integration of the µSMB significantly increases MS sensitivity by removing over 98% of the buffer substances. Thus, this study demonstrates the feasibility of on-line µSMB-MS, providing a versatile PAT tool by combining the detection power of MS for various product attributes with all the advantages of continuous on-line analytics.

Graphical abstract