bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver integrity and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Lu Yifei , Pike James Russell , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Walker Keenan A. , Raffield Laura M. , Selvin Elizabeth , Avery Christy L. , Engel Stephanie M. , Mielke Michelle M. , Garcia Tanya , Palta Priya
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

We examined midlife (1990–1992, mean age 57) and late‐life (2011–2013, mean age 75) nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and aminotransferase with incident dementia risk through 2019 in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

METHODS

We characterized NAFLD using the fatty liver index and fibrosis‐4, and we categorized aminotransferase using the optimal equal‐hazard ratio (HR) approach. We estimated HRs for incident dementia ascertained from multiple data sources.

RESULTS

Adjusted for demographics, alcohol consumption, and kidney function, individuals with low, intermediate, and high liver fibrosis in midlife (HRs: 1.45, 1.40, and 2.25, respectively), but not at older age, had higher dementia risks than individuals without fatty liver. A U‐shaped association was observed for alanine aminotransferase with dementia risk, which was more pronounced in late‐life assessment.

DISCUSSION

Our findings highlight dementia burden in high‐prevalent NAFLD and the important feature of late‐life aminotransaminase as a surrogate biomarker linking liver hypometabolism to dementia.

Highlights

Although evidence of liver involvement in dementia development has been documented in animal studies, the evidence in humans is limited.

Midlife NAFLD raised dementia risk proportionate to severity.

Late‐life NAFLD was not associated with a high risk of dementia.

Low alanine aminotransferase was associated with an elevated dementia risk, especially when measured in late life.
Low‐Electronegativity Mn‐Contraction of PtMn Nanodendrites Boosts Oxygen Reduction Durability
Authors: Nie Yan , Sun Yingjun , Song Bingyi , Meyer Quentin , Liu Shiyang , Guo Hongyu , Tao Lu , Lin Fangxu , Luo Mingchuan , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Yang Liming , Zhao Chuan , Guo Shaojun
Published: December 2023

Platinum metal (PtM, M=Ni, Fe, Co) alloys catalysts show high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity due to their well‐known strain and ligand effects. However, these PtM alloys usually suffer from a deficient ORR durability in acidic environment as the alloyed metal is prone to be dissolved due to its high electronegativity. Herein, we report a new class of PtMn alloy nanodendrite catalyst with low‐electronegativity Mn‐contraction for boosting the oxygen reduction durability of fuel cells. The moderate strain in PtMn, induced by Mn contraction, yields optimal oxygen reduction activity at 0.53 A mg−1 at 0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Most importantly, we show that relative to well‐known high‐electronegativity Ni‐based Pt alloy counterpart, the PtMn nanodendrite catalyst experiences less transition metals’ dissolution in acidic solution and achieves an outstanding mass activity retention of 96 % after 10,000 degradation cycles. Density functional theory calculation reveals that PtMn alloys are thermodynamically more stable than PtNi alloys in terms of formation enthalpy and cohesive energy. The PtMn nanodendrite‐based membrane electrode assembly delivers an outstanding peak power density of 1.36 W cm−2 at a low Pt loading and high‐performance retention over 50 h operations at 0.6 V in H2‐O2 hydrogen fuel cells.
Realizing Persistent Zero Area Compressibility over a Wide Pressure Range in Cu2GeO4 by Microscopic Orthogonal‐Braiding Strategy
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , Liu Youquan , Molokeev Maxim S. , Xu Bohui , Jiang Xingxing , Lin Zheshuai
Published: December 2023

Zero area compressibility (ZAC) is an extremely rare mechanical response that exhibits an invariant two‐dimensional size under hydrostatic pressure. All known ZAC materials are constructed from units in two dimensions as a whole. Here, we propose another strategy to obtain the ZAC by microscopically orthogonal‐braiding one‐dimensional zero compressibility strips. Accordingly, ZAC is identified in a copper‐based compound with a planar [CuO4] unit, Cu2GeO4, that possesses an area compressibility as low as 1.58(26) TPa−1 over a wide pressure range from ≈0 GPa to 21.22 GPa. Based on our structural analysis, the subtle counterbalance between the shrinkage of [CuO4] and the expansion effect from the increase in the [CuO4]‐[CuO4] dihedral angle attributes to the ZAC response. High‐pressure Raman spectroscopy, in combination with first‐principles calculations, shows that the electron transfer from in‐plane bonding dx2‐y2 to out‐of‐plane nonbonding dz2 orbitals within copper atoms causes the counterintuitive extension of the [CuO4]‐[CuO4] dihedral angle under pressure. Our study provides an understanding on the pressure‐induced structural evolution of copper‐based oxides at an electronic level and facilitates a new avenue for the exploration of high‐dimensional anomalous mechanical materials.
Manipulating the Microenvironment of Single Atoms by Switching Support Crystallinity for Industrial Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Luqi , Ma Mingyue , Zhang Chenchen , Chang Hao‐Hsiang , Zhang Ying , Li Linlin , Chen Han‐Yi , Peng Shengjie
Published: December 2023

Modulating the microenvironment of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is critical to optimizing catalytic activity. Herein, we innovatively propose a strategy to improve the local reaction environment of Ru single atoms by precisely switching the crystallinity of the support from high crystalline and low crystalline, which significantly improves the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. The Ru single‐atom catalyst anchored on low‐crystalline nickel hydroxide (Ru−LC−Ni(OH)2) reconstructs the distribution balance of the interfacial ions due to the activation effect of metal dangling bonds on the support. Single‐site Ru with a low oxidation state induces the aggregation of hydronium ions (H3O+), leading to the formation of a local acidic microenvironment in alkaline media, breaking the pH‐dependent HER activity. As a comparison, the Ru single‐atom catalyst anchored on high‐crystalline nickel hydroxide (Ru−HC−Ni(OH)2) exhibits a sluggish Volmer step and a conventional local reaction environment. As expected, Ru−LC−Ni(OH)2 requires low overpotentials of 9 and 136 mV at 10 and 1000 mA cm−2 in alkaline conditions and operates stably at 500 mA cm−2 for 500 h in an alkaline seawater anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer. This study provides a new perspective for constructing highly active single‐atom electrocatalysts.
Modulation of Singlet‐Triplet Gap in Atomically Precise Silver Cluster‐Assembled Material
Authors: Chandrashekar Priyanka , Sardar Gopa , Sengupta Turbasu , Reber Arthur C. , Mondal Pradip Kumar , Kabra Dinesh , Khanna Shiv N. , Deria Pravas , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: December 2023

Silver cluster‐based solids have garnered considerable attention owing to their tunable luminescence behavior. While surface modification has enabled the construction of stable silver clusters, controlling interactions among clusters at the molecular level has been challenging due to their tendency to aggregate. Judicious choice of stabilizing ligands becomes pivotal in crafting a desired assembly. However, detailed photophysical behavior as a function of their cluster packing remained unexplored. Here, we modulate the packing pattern of Ag12 clusters by varying the nitrogen‐based ligand. CAM‐1 formed through coordination of the tritopic linker molecule and NC‐1 with monodentate pyridine ligand; established via non‐covalent interactions. Both the assemblies show ligand‐to‐metal‐metal charge transfer (LMMCT) based cluster‐centered emission band(s). Temperature‐dependent photoluminescence spectra exhibit blue shifts at higher temperatures, which is attributed to the extent of the thermal reverse population of the S1 state from the closely spaced T1 state. The difference in the energy gap (ΔEST) dictated by their assemblies played a pivotal role in the way that Ag12 cluster assembly in CAM‐1 manifests a wider ΔEST and thus requires higher temperatures for reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) than assembly of NC‐1. Such assembly‐defined photoluminescence properties underscore the potential toolkit to design new cluster‐ assemblies with tailored optoelectronic properties.
Modulation of the Structure‐function Relationship of the “nano‐greenhouse effect” towards Optimized Supra‐photothermal Catalysis
Authors: Zhong Biqing , Cai Mujin , Liu Shuang , He Jiari , Wang Jiaqi , Feng Kai , Tolstoy Valeri P. , Jiang Lin , Li Chaoran , An Xingda , He Le
Published: December 2023

Photothermal catalytic CO2hydrogenation holds great promise for relieving the global environment and energy crises. The “nano‐greenhouse effect” has been recognized as a crucial strategy for improving the heat management capabilities of a photothermal catalyst by ameliorating the convective and radiative heat losses. Yet it remains unclear to what degree the respective heat transfer and mass transport efficiencies depend on the specific structures. Herein, the structure‐function relationship of the “nano‐greenhouse effect” was investigated and optimized in a prototypical Ni@SiO2core‐shell catalyst towards photothermal CO2catalysis. Experimental and theoretical results indicate that modulation of the thickness and porosity of the SiO2nanoshell leads to variations in both heat preservation and mass transport properties. This work deepens the understandings on the contributing factor of the “nano‐greenhouse effect” towards enhanced photothermal conversion. It also provides insights on the design principles of an ideal photothermal catalyst in balancing heat management and mass transport processes.
Cover Picture: Astron. Nachr. 10/2023
Authors: Schey L. , Heidt J. , Pramskiy A. , Thompson D. , Agapito G. , Esposito S. , Gredel R. , Miller D. , Pinna E. , Puglisi A. , Rossi F. , Seifert W. , Taylor G. , Quirrenbach A.
Published: December 2023

Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 multicolor‐image of Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 2273, highlighting its various spiral arms, bars, and rings. Observations through five filters have been used to create this image. FOV is 2.59'×2.01', north is 6.8° left of vertical. The innermost bluish ring inside the yel‐low square, measuring a few arcsec in diameter, is the target of the study by Schey et al., this issue, e220094, to explore how active nuclei are fed. Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, J.Greene.

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Funds of knowledge: Towards an asset‐based approach to refugee education and family engagement in England
Authors: Câmara Jáfia Naftali
Published: December 2023

This paper reports findings from a doctoral study that investigated how young refugees and their families encounter England's education system. All children have the right to education in England; however, there are no specific educational policies for young refugees' education. Their invisibility in policy makes it more challenging for them to access appropriate support and contributes to them being portrayed through a deficit‐based lens. Due to limited school–home partnerships, educators may often be unaware that people with ‘refugee’ and ‘asylum seeker’ statuses face various barriers in and outside of school, further disadvantaging them. In this doctoral research, I drew on the concept of funds of knowledge (FofK) to highlight young refugees' and their families' practices and knowledge(s). I conducted a critical ethnography combined with arts‐based activities to investigate young people's and their families' experiences and perspectives of education. Based on the research findings, I argue that families' FofK can be used as resources for teaching and learning and to help overcome deficit‐based views of young learners. An FofK framework may help schools establish young people's and families' expectations, understand their circumstances in England and build deeper school–home partnerships.
ICG‐based laser treatments for ophthalmic diseases: Toward their safe and rapid strategy
Authors: Ye Jinfa , Wu Yiming , Pan Jintao , Cai Shundong , Cheng Yuhang , Chu Chengchao , Su Min
Published: December 2023

The eye is a very important organ, and keratitis, corneal neovascularization, floaters, age‐related macular degeneration, and other vision problems have seriously affected people's quality of life. Among the ophthalmic treatments, laser photocoagulations have been proposed and have shown therapeutic effects in clinical settings. However, corneal thinning and bleeding lesions induced by laser damage have led to limit its applications. To treat the issues of traditional hyperthermia treatments, photosensitizers [e.g., indocyanine green (ICG)] have been investigated to increase the therapeutic effects of corneal neovascularization and choroidal neovascularization. In the recent study, with the help of ICG, laser‐induced nanobubble was proposed to treat vitreous opacities. The developed strategies could enlarge the effect of laser irradiation and reduce the side effects, so as to expand the scope of laser treatments in clinical ophthalmic diseases.
Humanized mouse models: A valuable platform for preclinical evaluation of human cancer
Authors: Yang Yuening , Li Jiaqian , Li Dan , Zhou Weilin , Yan Feiyang , Wang Wei
Published: December 2023

Animal models are routinely employed to assess the treatments for human cancer. However, due to significant differences in genetic backgrounds, traditional animal models are unable to meet bioresearch needs. To overcome this restriction, researchers have generated and optimized immunodeficient mice, and then engrafted human genes, cells, tissues, or organs in mice so that the responses in the model mice could provide a more reliable reference for treatments. As a bridge connecting clinical application and basic research, humanized mice are increasingly used in the preclinical evaluation of cancer treatments, particularly after gene interleukin 2 receptor gamma mutant mice were generated. Human cancer models established in humanized mice support exploration of the mechanism of cancer occurrence and provide an efficient platform for drug screening. However, it is undeniable that the further application of humanized mice still faces multiple challenges. This review summarizes the construction approaches for humanized mice and their existing limitations. We also report the latest applications of humanized mice in preclinical evaluation for the treatment of cancer and point out directions for future optimization of these models.
Modeling large‐scale bioreactors with diffusion equations. Part I: Predicting axial dispersion coefficient and mixing times
Authors: Losoi Pauli , Konttinen Jukka , Santala Ville
Published: December 2023

Bioreactor scale‐up is complicated by dynamic interactions between mixing, reaction, mass transfer, and biological phenomena, the effects of which are usually predicted with simple correlations or case‐specific simulations. This two‐part study investigated whether axial diffusion equations could be used to calculate mixing times and to model and characterize large‐scale stirred bioreactors in a general and predictive manner without fitting the dispersion coefficient. In this first part, a resistances‐in‐series model analogous to basic heat transfer theory was developed to estimate the dispersion coefficient such that only available hydrodynamic numbers and literature data were needed in calculations. For model validation, over 800 previously published experimentally determined mixing times were predicted with the transient axial diffusion equation. The collected data covered reactor sizes up to 160 m3, single‐ and multi‐impeller configurations with diverse impeller types, aerated and non‐aerated operation in turbulent and transition flow regimes, and various mixing time quantification methods. The model performed excellently for typical multi‐impeller configurations as long as flooding conditions were avoided. Mixing times for single‐impeller and few nonstandard bioreactors were not predicted equally well. The transient diffusion equation together with the developed transfer resistance analogy proved to be a convenient and predictive model of mixing in typical large‐scale bioreactors.
Investigation into struvite precipitation: A commonly encountered problem during fermentations on chemically defined media
Authors: Steimann Thomas , Wollborn David , Röck Florian , Horstmann Rebekka , Schmitt Elina , Christ Jonas Johannes , Blank Lars Mathias , Büchs Jochen
Published: December 2023

Chemically defined mineral media are widely used in bioprocesses, as these show less batch to batch variation compared with complex media. Nonetheless, the recommended media formulations often lead to the formation of precipitants at elevated pH values. These precipitates are insoluble and reduce the availability of macronutrients to the cells, which can result in limiting growth rates and lower productivity. They can also damage equipment by clogging pipes, hoses, and spargers in stirred tank fermenters. In this study, the observed precipitate was analyzed via X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and identified as the magnesium ammonium phosphate salt struvite (MgNH4PO4 × 6H2O). The solubility of struvite crystals is known to be extremely low, causing the macronutrients magnesium, phosphate, and ammonium to be bound in the struvite crystals. Here, it was shown that struvite precipitates can be redissolved under common fermentation conditions. Furthermore, it was found that the struvite particle size distribution has a significant effect on the dissolution kinetics, which directly affects macronutrient availability. At a certain particle size, struvite crystals rapidly dissolved and provided unlimiting growth conditions. Therefore, struvite formation should be considered during media and bioprocess development, to ensure that the dissolution kinetics of struvite are faster than the growth kinetics.
Modeling large‐scale bioreactors with diffusion equations. Part II: Characterizing substrate, oxygen, temperature, carbon dioxide, and pH profiles
Authors: Losoi Pauli , Konttinen Jukka , Santala Ville
Published: December 2023

Large‐scale fermentation processes involve complex dynamic interactions between mixing, reaction, mass transfer, and the suspended biomass. Empirical correlations or case‐specific computational simulations are usually used to predict and estimate the performance of large‐scale bioreactors based on data acquired at bench scale. In this two‐part‐study, one‐dimensional axial diffusion equations were studied as a general and predictive model of large‐scale bioreactors. This second part focused on typical fed‐batch operations where substrate gradients are known to occur, and characterized the profiles of substrate, pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature. The physically grounded steady‐state axial diffusion equations with first‐ and zeroth‐order kinetics yielded analytical solutions to the relevant variables. The results were compared with large‐scale Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae experiments and simulations from the literature, and good agreement was found in substrate profiles. The analytical profiles obtained for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and were also consistent with the available data. Distribution functions for the substrate were defined, and efficiency factors for biomass growth and oxygen uptake rate were derived. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that axial diffusion equations can be used to model the effects of mixing and reaction on the relevant variables of typical large‐scale fed‐batch fermentations.
Impact of C‐coding self‐assessment exercises on exam performance: A study in engineering education
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vidal Javier , García‐Beltrán Ángel
Published: December 2023

The Bologna process has brought about a revolution in university studies since, among other things, it encourages continuous evaluations throughout the academic period. This situation causes already depleted teaching teams to have an additional workload, so automatic tools are needed to evaluate the new assignments. In the computer science field, the ideal evaluation technique would be to use automatic code evaluators (i.e., Java, C, C++, etc.). The main objective of this work is to analyze whether the use of C‐coding self‐assessment exercises correlates with an improvement in exam performance. For this purpose, we have collected self‐assessment exercises carried out on the AulaWeb platform belonging to the Degree in Organizational Engineering and Degree in Chemical Engineering, taken in the last 5 and 3 years, respectively, in the course of Programming Fundamentals (Fundamentos de Programación) in an engineering school of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. In total, 688 students completed these assignments. The most important results are: (a) regarding the January final exam, self‐assessment exercises have influence on the final grade and (b) regarding the June final exam, there are academic years where students forget to carry out programming problem of greater complexity making a negative correlation between self‐assessment performance and final scores achieved.
Endometrial cancer arising from adenomyosis with unusual manifestation: A case report
Authors: Shahnazari Razieh , Shirzadi Shahriar , Karaji Sina , Mokhles Parisa , Far Mohamad Javad Ghafouri , Maghsudlu Salome
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Endometrial Carcinoma Arising from Adenomyosis (EC‐AIA) is an unusual condition, primarily occurring in postmenopausal women. We present a rare case of a 34‐year‐old woman with EC‐AIA, highlighting the diagnostic challenges in distinguishing this malignancy from adenomyosis preoperatively. Conventional imaging methods exhibited limitations, necessitating post‐surgery confirmation through comprehensive examinations. The case emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and timely management in such uncommon gynecological conditions.
Stand der Kenntnisse und Technik bezüglich Wasserstoffsicherheit
Authors: Jordan Thomas , Askar Enis , Holtappels Kai , Deeg Sabine , Jopen Manuela , Stoll Uwe , Reinecke Ernst-Arendt , Krause Ulrich , Beyer Michael , Markus Detlev
Published: December 2023

Die Einführung von Wasserstoff als sicherer Energieträger braucht eine robuste Wissensbasis, darauf aufgebaute Werkzeuge zur Auslegung und Sicherheitsbewertung von Wasserstofftechnologien und ein international harmonisiertes Regelwerk. Viele der innovativen Technologien implizieren Wasserstoff bei hohen Drücken und/oder kryogenen Temperaturen, mit denen in verteilten Anwendungen erstmalig private Nutzer in Kontakt kommen. Um überkonservative, teure Sicherheitslösungen zu vermeiden, gleichzeitig aber die Einsetzbarkeit und Sicherheit von Wasserstoffanwendungen zu demonstrieren und die Akzeptanz für die Technologie aufrecht zu halten, muss auch die Sicherheitsforschung mit den Trends der technologischen Entwicklung Schritt halten, oder sie besser noch antizipieren. So beschreibt dieser Überblicksartikel nicht nur den gegenwärtigen Stand der Kenntnisse und Technik bezüglich Wasserstoffsicherheit, sondern auch ihre Weiterentwicklung.
Production of CRISPR‐Cas9 Transgenic Cell Lines for Knocksideways Studies
Authors: Wagenbach Michael , Vicente Juan Jesus , Wagenbach Wren , Wordeman Linda
Published: December 2023

Protein activity is generally functionally integrated and spatially restricted to key locations within the cell. Knocksideways experiments allow researchers to rapidly move proteins to alternate or ectopic regions of the cell and assess the resultant cellular response. Briefly, individual proteins to be tested using this approach must be modified with moieties that dimerize under treatment with rapamycin to promote the experimental spatial relocalizations. CRISPR technology enables researchers to engineer modified protein directly in cells while preserving proper protein levels because the engineered protein will be expressed from endogenous promoters. Here we provide straightforward instructions to engineer tagged, rapamycin‐relocalizable proteins in cells. The protocol is described in the context of our work with the microtubule depolymerizer MCAK/Kif2C, but it is easily adaptable to other genes and alternate tags such as degrons, optogenetic constructs, and other experimentally useful modifications. Off‐target effects are minimized by testing for the most efficient target site using a split‐GFP construct. This protocol involves no proprietary kits, only plasmids available from repositories (such as addgene.org). Validation, relocalization, and some example novel discoveries obtained working with endogenous protein levels are described. A graduate student with access to a fluorescence microscope should be able to prepare engineered cells with spatially controllable endogenous protein using this protocol. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Choosing a target site for gene modification

Basic Protocol 2: Design of gRNA(s) for targeted gene modification

Basic Protocol 3: Split‐GFP test for target efficiency

Basic Protocol 4: Design of the recombination template and analytical primers

Support Protocol 1: Design of primers for analytical PCR

Basic Protocol 5: Transfection, isolation, and validation of engineered cells

Support Protocol 2: Stable transfection of engineered cells with binding partners
An in‐depth analysis of the polyvagal theory in light of current findings in neuroscience and clinical research
Authors: Manzotti Andrea , Panisi Cristina , Pivotto Micol , Vinciguerra Federico , Benedet Matteo , Brazzoli Federica , Zanni Silvia , Comassi Alberto , Caputo Sara , Cerritelli Francesco , Chiera Marco
Published: December 2023

The polyvagal theory has led to the understanding of the functions of the autonomic nervous system in biological development in humans, since the vagal system, a key structure within the polyvagal theory, plays a significant role in addressing challenges of the mother–child dyad. This article aims to summarize the neurobiological aspects of the polyvagal theory, highlighting some of its strengths and limitations through the lens of new evidence emerging in several research fields—including comparative anatomy, embryology, epigenetics, psychology, and neuroscience—in the 25 years since the theory's inception. Rereading and incorporating the polyvagal idea in light of modern scientific findings helps to interpret the role of the vagus nerve through the temporal dimension (beginning with intrauterine life) and spatial dimension (due to the numerous connections of the vagus with various structures and systems) in the achievement and maintenance of biopsychosocial well‐being, from the uterus to adulthood.
Artificial intelligence methods for improved detection of undiagnosed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Wu Jack , Biswas Dhruva , Ryan Matthew , Bernstein Brett S. , Rizvi Maleeha , Fairhurst Natalie , Kaye George , Baral Ranu , Searle Tom , Melikian Narbeh , Sado Daniel , Lüscher Thomas F. , Grocott‐Mason Richard , Carr‐White Gerald , Teo James , Dobson Richard , Bromage Daniel I. , McDonagh Theresa A. , Shah Ajay M. , O'Gallagher Kevin
Published: December 2023

Aim

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains under‐diagnosed in clinical practice despite accounting for nearly half of all heart failure (HF) cases. Accurate and timely diagnosis of HFpEF is crucial for proper patient management and treatment. In this study, we explored the potential of natural language processing (NLP) to improve the detection and diagnosis of HFpEF according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) diagnostic criteria.

Methods and results

In a retrospective cohort study, we used an NLP pipeline applied to the electronic health record (EHR) to identify patients with a clinical diagnosis of HF between 2010 and 2022. We collected demographic, clinical, echocardiographic and outcome data from the EHR. Patients were categorized according to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Those with LVEF ≥50% were further categorized based on whether they had a clinician‐assigned diagnosis of HFpEF and if not, whether they met the ESC diagnostic criteria. Results were validated in a second, independent centre. We identified 8606 patients with HF. Of 3727 consecutive patients with HF and LVEF ≥50% on echocardiogram, only 8.3% had a clinician‐assigned diagnosis of HFpEF, while 75.4% met ESC criteria but did not have a formal diagnosis of HFpEF. Patients with confirmed HFpEF were hospitalized more frequently; however the ESC criteria group had a higher 5‐year mortality, despite being less comorbid and experiencing fewer acute cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that patients with undiagnosed HFpEF are an at‐risk group with high mortality. It is possible to use NLP methods to identify likely HFpEF patients from EHR data who would likely then benefit from expert clinical review and complement the use of diagnostic algorithms.
Luminescent Platinum(II) Complexes with a Tridentate Caffeine‐Based NHC‐Pincer Ligand: Synthesis, Electrochemistry and Photophysics
Authors: Bysewski Oliver , Klosterhalfen Niklas , Jordan Rose , Kletsch Lukas , Winter Andreas , Klein Axel , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: December 2023

A strategy of “greening up” Pt(II) luminophores is presented. For this purpose, caffeine, as a renewable alkaloid and precursor for an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC), is incorporated into a tridentate, pincer‐type ligand framework. A series of luminescent Pt(II) complexes, containing the tridentate bis‐NHC ligand and an arylacetylide ligand is reported. The complexes’ electrochemistry and photophysics strongly depend on the electronic nature of the substituent on arylacetylide ligand. The use of bio‐derived ligands represents one important approach to make emitters or sensitizers eco‐friendlier by coming back to cheap, abundant and non‐harmful staring materials for their synthesis.
Stochastic security‐constrained transmission and energy storage expansion planning considering high penetration of renewable energy in integrated gas‐electricity networks
Authors: Farokhzad Rostami Hosein , Samiei Moghaddam Mahmoud , Radmehr Mehdi , Ebrahimi Reza
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a new formulation for solving the expansion planning of transmission lines and energy storage systems while considering the integration of electricity and gas networks. The proposed model is a bi‐level stochastic planning model. It involves transmission and battery expansion planning at one level, and gas network modeling at the other. The study addresses the impact of high penetration of renewable resources and security constraints on both the electricity and gas networks within the context of network expansion planning. The proposed model is a stochastic mixed‐integer linear programming model at both levels, and its challenging solution is achieved through reformulation and decomposition methods. Two experimental networks are analyzed: a 6‐node network and the IEEE RTS 24‐bus network for the electricity network, coupled with 5‐node and 10‐node gas network systems. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model. Simulation results indicate that the proposed model is highly effective in scenarios where power and gas network lines are disconnected, preventing load shedding even when the integrated network lines are disconnected.
Influence of vegetation‐induced water table seasonality on groundwater chloride concentration dynamics in a riparian fen peatland
Authors: Renaud Adrien , Durand Véronique , Mügler Claude , Marlin Christelle , Léger Emmanuel , Noret Aurélie , Monvoisin Gaël
Published: December 2023

Peatlands are environments that rely mainly on high water levels to accumulate organic matter. Depending on the chemical species observed, the lowering of the water table can change biogeochemical equilibriums, with various impacts. This paper aims to understand the effect of shallow groundwater seasonality on chloride concentrations in a French riparian peatland by combining water table monitoring, geochemical and stable water isotopes analysis. Water table levels and groundwater samples were recorded and collected for 3 years, every 2 months, in nine observation wells and the nearby river. Chloride concentrations were highly variable in space and time, ranging from 10 to 100 mg L−1. They are shown to be related to the water table dynamics, which are closely linked to the life cycle of the local vegetation. These dynamics were characterized by a significant drawdown between June and October due to plant transpiration and a fast recovering period just after its senescence. Results show that the chloride accumulates within the unsaturated zone during the drying phase and is solubilized back into the groundwater during the rewetting phase, increasing its concentration. Moreover, the water table rises in autumn with various dynamics according to the location in the peatland, which induces some special differences in hydraulic gradients. Such gradients allow lateral transfers from zones of fast recovery to zones of slow recovery, where year‐to‐year chloride accumulation was observed. These complex 3D processes preclude the use of chloride to constrain how the peatland hydrogeological system functions. Conversely, the use of stable water isotopes in this work emphasizes the importance of the river's role during the summer as a water supplier to counterbalance vegetation transpiration.
The diffusion of normal skin wound myofibroblast‐derived microvesicles differs according to matrix composition
Authors: Arif Syrine , Larochelle Sébastien , Trudel Benjamin , Gounou Céline , Bordeleau François , Brisson Alain R. , Moulin Véronique J.
Published: December 2023

Microvesicles (MVs) are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that can transfer biological information over long distances, affecting normal and pathological processes including skin wound healing. However, the diffusion of MVs into tissues can be impeded by the extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigated the diffusion of dermal wound myofibroblast‐derived MVs into the ECM by using hydrogels composed of different ECM molecules such as fibrin, type III collagen and type I collagen that are present during the healing process. Fluorescent MVs mixed with hydrogels were employed to detect MV diffusion using fluorometric methods. Our results showed that MVs specifically bound type I collagen and diffused freely out of fibrin and type III collagen. Further analysis using flow cytometry and specific inhibitors revealed that MVs bind to type I collagen via the α2β1 integrin. These data demonstrate that MV transport depends on the composition of the wound environment.
New eigenvalue bound for the fractional chromatic number
Authors: Guo Krystal , Spiro Sam
Published: December 2023

Given a graph , we let denote the sum of the squares of the positive eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix of , and we similarly define . We prove that
and thus strengthen a result of Ando and Lin, who showed the same lower bound for the chromatic number . We in fact show a stronger result wherein we give a bound using the eigenvalues of and whenever has a homomorphism to an edge‐transitive graph . Our proof utilizes ideas motivated by association schemes.
Catalyst‐free one‐pot synthesis of 2,4,5‐tri‐ and 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles
Authors: Bandivadekar Priyanka V. , Chaturbhuj Ganesh U.
Published: December 2023

The present work emphasizes catalyst‐free 2,4,5‐tri‐ and 1,2,4,5‐tetra substituted imidazole synthesis using diversified aldehydes with benzil, ammonium acetate, or amines. Ammonium acetate plays a vital role as a reactant catalyst by dissociating into acetic acid to afford imine and diamine formation to ascertain the 2,4,5‐tri‐ and 1,2,4,5‐tetra substituted imidazoles. The key advantages of the current approach are efficient, greener, eco‐friendly, and facile, with moderate to excellent yield in shorter reaction time at the temperature of 80°C. Ethanol:water as a solvent makes the reaction process eco‐friendly. Overall, the described approach offers a promising route for the efficient and sustainable synthesis of substituted imidazoles, which have a wide range of applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science.
Significance of Normalized Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in the Vesical Imaging‐Reporting and Data System for Diagnosing Muscle‐Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Liu Peikun , Cai Lingkai , Yu Ruixi , Cao Qiang , Bai Kexin , Zhuang Juntao , Wu Qikai , Li Pengchao , Yang Xiao , Lu Qiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Vesical Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (VI‐RADS) has been developed for assessing bladder cancer from multiparametric (mp) MRI but its performance in diagnosing muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is suboptimal.

Purpose

To investigate associations between normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (NADC) and clinicopathological characteristics and to determine whether the inclusion of NADC can improve the performance of VI‐RADS in diagnosing MIBC.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Two hundred seventy‐five patients with pathologically confirmed bladder cancer (101 MIBC and 174 non‐MIBC [NMIBC]) underwent preoperative mpMRI (233 male, 42 female).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, T2‐weighted imaging (turbo spin‐echo), diffusion‐weighted imaging (free‐breathing spin‐echo), and dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging (gradient‐echo).

Assessment

NADC was the mean ADC of tumor divided by that of the iliopsoas muscles in trans caput femoris plane. Associations between NADC and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Models were established for differentiating MIBC and NMIBC: VI‐RADS model; VN model (VI‐RADS and NADC), Images model (significant variables from imaging associated with MIBC), LN model (Images model without NADC), and Full model (all significant variables associated with MIBC).

Statistical Tests

Variables for model development were based on logistic regression. Models were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Comparison of the area under the curves (AUCs) for the models used DeLong's test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

NADC was significantly lower in lesions with diameter ≥ 3 cm, MIBC, histological high grade, lymph node metastasis, and lymphovascular invasion. Compared with VI‐RADS model, the AUCs for VN model (VI‐RADS score and NADC), Images model (VI‐RADS score, NADC and tumor size) and Full model (VI‐RADS score, NADC, tumor size and histological grade) were significantly higher. No significant differences were observed between the AUCs for VN model and Images model (P = 0.051).

Data Conclusion

NADC reflects information about the aggressiveness of bladder cancer. Combining VI‐RADS with NADC can improve performance in diagnosing MIBC.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Into the unknown? Explaining management nonresponse after a supply‐base disruption
Authors: Lu Jiachun , Yan Tingting , Browning Tyson R.
Published: December 2023

The world is witnessing more supply‐base disruptions, where multiple suppliers of a buying firm simultaneously experience disturbed operations. Compared to single‐supplier disruptions, supply‐base disruptions create a more uncertain situation for a purchasing manager, yet they can also reveal improvement opportunities. Hence, it is theoretically and practically valuable to understand why a purchasing manager might not be willing to explore these opportunities. Adopting a sensemaking perspective, we investigate how two dimensions of supply‐base disruption severity, breadth and depth, influence managers' perception of disruption severity and post‐recovery action (i.e., suggesting supply‐base restructuring ideas). We conducted multiple scenario‐based experiments with practitioners and triangulated the experimental results with interviews, finding that both breadth and depth have diminishing, positive effects on perceived severity. Interestingly, depth is less influential than breadth. These findings reveal the circumstances under which the severity of a complex, disruptive situation could be misestimated. Our results also show that supply‐base structural complexity (a cue of the task environment) amplifies the positive effect of perceived severity on a manager's inclination to walk into the unknown to propose supply‐base restructuring ideas. These findings provide an explanation for management nonresponse after a supply‐base disruption.
Combining PTH(1‐34) and mechanical loading has increased benefit to tibia bone mechanics in ovariectomised mice
Authors: Roberts Bryant C. , Cheong Vee San , Oliviero Sara , Arredondo Carrera Hector M. , Wang Ning , Gartland Alison , Dall'Ara Enrico
Published: December 2023

Combined treatment with PTH(1‐34) and mechanical loading confers increased structural benefits to bone than monotherapies. However, it remains unclear how this longitudinal adaptation affects the bone mechanics. This study quantified the individual and combined longitudinal effects of PTH(1‐34) and mechanical loading on the bone stiffness and strength evaluated in vivo with validated micro‐finite element (microFE) models. C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomised at 14‐week‐old and treated either with injections of PTH(1‐34), compressive tibia loading or both interventions concurrently. Right tibiae were in vivo microCT‐scanned every 2 weeks from 14 until 24‐week‐old. MicroCT images were rigidly registered to reference tibia and the cortical organ level (whole bone) and tissue level (midshaft) morphometric properties and bone mineral content were quantified. MicroCT images were converted into voxel‐based homogeneous, linear elastic microFE models to estimate the bone stiffness and strength. This approach allowed us for the first time to quantify the longitudinal changes in mechanical properties induced by combined treatments in a model of accelerated bone resorption. Both changes of stiffness and strength were higher with co‐treatment than with individual therapies, consistent with increased benefits with the tibia bone mineral content and cortical area, properties strongly associated with the tibia mechanics. The longitudinal data shows that the two bone anabolics, both individually and combined, had persistent benefit on estimated mechanical properties, and that benefits (increased stiffness and strength) remained after treatment was withdrawn.
Cellular behavior and extracellular matrix turnover in bovine annulus fibrosus cells under hydrostatic pressure and deviatoric strain
Authors: Taiji Ryo , Kang James D. , Mizuno Shuichi
Published: December 2023

Intervertebral disc herniation is a common spinal disorder that is often treated with discectomy when conservative measures fail. To devise therapeutic strategies for tears in the annulus fibrosus (AF), the regenerative capability of AF cells under spinal loading needs to be addressed. We hypothesized that the compressive loading associated with deformation in AF cells reduces synthetic and degradative activities in extracellular matrix and cell proliferation. We evaluated expression of key matrix molecules and cell proliferation by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry by inner and outer bovine AF cells incubated under hydrostatic pressure (HP), arc‐bending strain (Strain), and combined HP and Strain (HP/Strain) mimicking spinal loading. Inner AF cells showed significantly increased levels of aggrecan core protein, chondroitin sulfate N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase‐1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐2 by 6 days under HP (p < 0.05), with a tendency toward increased matrix metalloproteinase‐13. Outer AF cells demonstrated a significant decline in collagen type‐2 under Strain and HP/Strain (p < 0.05) and a tendency toward suppression of collagen type‐1 and elastin expression compared to HP and unloaded control. On the other hand, proliferating cell nucleus antigen increased significantly under Strain and HP/Strain in inner AF and declined under unloaded and HP in outer AF (p < 0.05). Immunohistology findings supported reductions in gene expressions of matrix molecules. Thus, changes in HP/Strain in AF appear to diminish synthetic and degradative activities while increasing cell proliferation. To promote regeneration, continuous overloading should be avoided, as it converts the synthetic activity to a state in which tissue repair is limited.
Influence of flooding variability on the development of an Amazonian peatland
Authors: Sassoon D. , Fletcher W. J. , Roucoux K. H. , Ryan P. , Lawson I. T. , Honorio Coronado E. N. , Del Aguila Pasquel J. , Bishop T. , Åkesson C. M. , Hastie A.
Published: December 2023

Peat in the Pastaza–Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB), northern Peru, forms beneath open wetlands, palm swamps, pole forests and seasonally flooded forests. These vegetation communities may represent different successional stages of peatlands, but the spatiotemporal patterns of peatland development in Amazonia are still poorly understood. We present a new geochemical and palaeoecological record spanning the last c. 4330 years from an open peatland (San Roque, core SAR_T3_03_B). Our results suggest the persistence of predominantly herbaceous vegetation communities at the core site since the start of peat accumulation (c. 3180 cal a bp). Micro‐X‐ray fluorescence core scanning provides evidence for episodes of fluvially derived minerogenic input and simultaneous increases in flood‐tolerant taxa relating to intervals of increased frequency and depth of riverine flooding. The establishment of Mauritia flexuosa palms from around 440 cal a bp coincided with a shift to lower flooding depth and frequency which continues to the present day. This study reveals the role of flooding variability in shaping peatland development and influencing vegetation succession in the PMFB, underlining the need to understand natural environmental variability for the conservation of these ecosystems due to their vital contributions to ecosystem services and carbon storage.
Simulating the effects of optimizing sowing date and variety shift on maize production at finer scale in northeast China under future climate
Authors: Zhang Chuanwei , Gao Jiangbo , Liu Lulu , Wu Shaohong
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Global warming and the rising occurrences of climate extremes have become formidable challenges for maize production in northeast China. The optimization of sowing date and variety choice stand out as two economic approaches for maize to enhance its resilience to climate change. Nevertheless, assessment of the potential of optimizing sowing date and variety shift on maize yield at finer scale remains underexamined. This study investigated the implications of optimizing sowing date and implementing variety shift on maize yield from a regional perspective.

RESULTS

Compared to the reference period (1986–2005), climate change would decrease by 11.5–34.6% (the range describes the differences among climate scenarios and agro‐ecological regions) maize yield in the 2050s (2040–2059) if no adaption measure were to be implemented. The combined adaption (optimizing sowing date and variety shift) can improve maize yield by 38.8 ± 11.3%, 42.7 ± 9.7% and 33.9 ± 7.6% under the SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, respectively. The current sowing window typically falls within the projected optimal sowing window, defined as the period capable of achieving 90% of the maximum yield within the potential sowing window under future climate conditions. Consequently, the potential of the effect of optimizing sowing window on maize yield is limited. In contrast, variety shift results in higher yield improvement, as temperature rise creates favorable conditions for transplanting varieties with an extended growth period, particularly in high latitudes and mountainous regions. Under future climate, cumulative precipitation and compound drought and hot days during maize growing seasons are two key factors influencing maize production.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimization of sowing date and variety choice can improve maize yield in northeast China. In addition, maize production should consider varieties with longer growth period and drought and heat tolerance to adapt to climate change. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.