bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disturbance In The Composition of Lipoprotein Particles And Chronic Inflammation As Prognostic Factors In The Development of Coronary Disease
Authors: Jovović Biljana , Lečć Nevenka , Jelić Marija , Damnjanović Goran , Đinđić Boris , Sokolović Dušan
Published: April 2007

Disturbance In The Composition of Lipoprotein Particles And Chronic Inflammation As Prognostic Factors In The Development of Coronary Disease

The study focused on 30 dyslipidemic patients (12 women and 18 men); 16 of them had coronary disease (CD). The concentrations of apoA and apoB were determined in all patients, as well as the calculated ratio between apoA and apoB. As far as inflammatory indicators are concerned, the concentrations of sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), albumin, fibrinogen, intracellular adhesive molecule (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesive molecule (VCAM -1) were determined. In patients with CD there were considerably higher concentrations of fibrinogen (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.7 g/L) and VCAM-1 (10.9 ± 3.6 vs. 8.3 ± 2.8 g/L) (p<0.05) while the numerical values of hsCRP and ICAM-1 were not significantly different in relation to the patients without CD. The concentration of apoB and the value of apoB/apoA ratio were considerably higher in patients with CD (1.7 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 and 1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4; p<0.05), whereas the concentration of apoA did not differ in relation to the patients without CD. The research confirmed the significance of the disturbance in the composition of lipoprotein particles and the systemic inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, whereas their significant mutual connection was not shown. This indicates their cumulative effect and different mechanisms at the base of these disturbances.
Urinary Cystatin C as a Marker of Tubular Dysfunction
Authors: Mijušković Zoran , Maksić Đorđe , Hrvačević Rajko , Vučelić Marina , Subota Vesna , Stojanović Jelica , Pejović Janko
Published: April 2007

Urinary Cystatin C as a Marker of Tubular Dysfunction

Cystatin C (CysC) is a nonglycosylated 13 KD protein that belongs to the type II cystatin gene family. It is a strong inhibitor of cysteine proteinases, freely filtered by the kidney glomerulus and reabsorbed by the tubulus, where it is almost totally catabolized. Remainder of the nonmetabolized CysC is eliminated in urine and may represent a useful marker of tubular dysfunction. The aim of the study was to confirm the clinical importance of the quantitative determination of CysC by an automated immunonephelometric method (DADE Behring). Two groups of patients were examined: one with glomerular (GD, n=36) and one with tubular dysfunction (TD, n=31), and compared with the control group (CG, n=31) of healthy males and females from laboratory personnel (n=11) and patients on routine systematic examination (n=20), from 25 to 58 years old. The patient groups were categorised according to the urine analysis of total proteins, creatinine and adequate proteins electrophoretic panel. CysC concentration in CG was in the range of 0.02-0.15 mg/L; 0.01-0.48 mg/L and 0.25-18 mg/L in GD and TD groups respectively. Values of means ± SD for patient groups (GD=0.11 ± 0.14; TD=3.92 ± 3.75 mg/L) showed statistical significance (p<0.001) in the TD group in relation to GD and CG groups. It confirms that quantitative determination of CysC in one urine portion, with a fast laboratory method, might be a useful marker of tubular dysfunction, especially in emergency situations, taking into account that there is no interference of circadian variation on its concentration.
Measuring Forest Preferences of the Population - A Danish Approach
Authors: Jensen Frank Søndergaard , Koch Niels Elers
Published: April 2007

This paper is based on the report entitled «Forest recreation in Denmark» by KOCH and JENSEN (1988). The authors discuss the concept and the interest of preference measurements. The paper describes how the preference surveys developed at the Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute are implemented. Two national interview-based surveys covering 3087 persons were carried out in 1977–78. The first survey used the «experimental method» based on postal questionnaires. Respondents assessed 52 black-and-white photographs considered in pairs, and 100 verbal stimuli. The second survey used the «standard assessment method». 216 persons were shown 80 colour slides photographed at different seasons. Processing and analysis of data, sources of errors and main outcomes are discussed.
Wald und Forstwirtschaft Kirgistans | Forests and Forestry in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Scheuber Matthias , Müller Ueli , Köhl Michael
Published: April 2007

Kyrgyzstan is situated in Central Asia between Kazakhstan and China. Mountain ranges dominate the country's topography. The dry continental climate means that forests are only found on north-facing mountain slopes and account for only 3 to 5 % of the country's surface area. The main forest types are spruce forest in the north, walnut-fruit forest on the slopes of the Fergana valley and juniper forest in the mountains of south Kyrgyzstan. Over-exploitation in the first half of the century coupled with a lack of felling and excessive overgrazing have shaped the way the forest looks today.

The declaration of independence by the former Soviet republic in 1991 changed the general situation dramatically. Forest authorities are now trying to meet the huge challenges by implementing new concepts laid down in the 1999 forest law. Since 1995, the Kyrgyz-Swiss Forestry Support Program has offered help and support to the forest authorities. Its main objectives are to improve inventory and planning, to further develop forest enterprises and to preserve the walnut-fruit forests.
Nachweis von Vegetationswirkungen bei oberflächennahen Bodenbewegungen – Grundlagen eines neuen Ansatzes | The Evidence of Vegetation Effects on Superficial Soil Movements – Basics of a New Approach
Authors: Böll Albert , Graf Frank
Published: April 2007

Present-day models and characteristic values for the quantification of vegetation effects are evaluated in view of their use in engineering design concepts and stability calculations. The assignment of the vegetation effects to the angle of shearing resistance Φ' is the core of a new approach and its corresponding testing method. Experimental difficulties,resulting from planted soil samples, are avoided by introducing the «virtual density».
Wozu denn Wald? Der Wald und die Qualität des Lebens in der Stadt | What is the Forest There for? Forests and the Quality of City Life
Authors: Wild-Eck Stephan
Published: April 2007

This article begins by considering the extent to which the surrounding environment exerts an influence on humans,and then looks at the significance of the forest, and quality of life in urban areas. Using the results of empirical studies carried out in Zurich, it shows that the significance of forests and areas of nature can be over- or underestimated in a discussion of the quality of life, depending on the viewpoint.
Search for a balance between changing requirements for benefits from the forest and its condition in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids (Czech Republic)
Authors: Tesař Vladimír , Krečmer Vladimír
Published: April 2007

The forest area of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids is on the slopes of the most westerly range of mountains of the Carpathian System in the Czech Republic, the only site with specific growth conditions for the forest. The exceptional significance of the area consists on its role in ensuring the range of requirements for the functions of the forest for a large industrial agglomeration. In this area, the forests form a vitally important environment. The region has the natural appearance of a mountain landscape and a long and eventful history of forest use. The forest culture changed its original composition to the benefit of species highly valued in past centuries. Particularly dramatic were the changes which occurred in the course of the last 60 years. They occurred because of strong anthropic pressure and within a very short period of time as far as the life of a forest is concerned. The demands of the society concerning other benefits of the forest, especially the protection of water resources for a new industrial agglomeration with extensive housing areas in the Ostrava region in the northern foothills, were gradually increasing with the growing problem of air pollution. Since the 1950s, local forestry has been facing new and unusual problems related to forest policy and the multifunctional use of the forest. In order to ensure forest functions, new solutions must be sought in terms of forest management and particularly in terms of silvicultural methods,which have to be sufficiently flexible to efficiently respond to environmental changes and to a possible shift in the demands placed on the forest. The present forest management systems are based on the principles of sustainable forestry, i.e.,on the principles of ecologically justified silviculture.
Naturgefahren – vom Einzelbild zur Gesamtbetrachtung | Natural hazards – from single events to complete coverage
Authors: Frey Werner , Wilhelm Christian , Krummenacher Bernhard
Published: April 2007

When dealing with natural hazards our society must optimise important technical, sociological and economical measures including landscape use. Natural hazards are particularly important in Alpine regions where successful development is linked to rational and economically tolerable safety measures.
Sturmschäden in ungleichförmigen Beständen | Storm damage in irregular stands
Authors: Dvořák Lubor , Bachmann Peter , Mandallaz Daniel
Published: April 2007

A selection forest covering about 500 ha in Schwarzenegg, on the southwest border of the Bernese Emmental, was subjected to areal and random spot checks in order to investigate dependencies between the damage caused by Lothar and various factors. Over the entire area 18% of the stems and 24% of the reserve stock is damaged. Worst hit are the acid and wet sites or low-lying sites. Selection sites are less effected than conversion stands and these less than even-aged stands. According to species, damage is significantly higher for spruce than for fir,and higher for fir than for beech. Yield intervention on sites up to 5 years before and between 15 and 20 years before the storm led to greater damage than intervention taken 5 to 15 years before the storm. Average strengths of interference between 70 to 150 sv/ha were less destabilising than weaker or stronger interference, regardless of how long before the storm they were carried out. It seems that, as far as risk reduction is concerned, selection forest is to be preferred to even-aged forest,as, in addition, permanent rejuvenation phases occur in selection stands over the whole area, which facilitate the reconstitution of structured stock in case of damage.
Wald- und Forstgeschichte in der Schweiz | Forest and woodland history in Switzerland
Authors: Bürgi Matthias , Hürlimann Katja , Schuler Anton
Published: April 2007

After describing the quality of the current forest and woodland history in Switzerland, the paper evaluates major topics and methods of the field. Many traditional studies in and approaches to forest history do not sufficiently recognise and take into account new developments in social and economic history, as well as in ecology. The authors promote the integration of ecological and historical knowledge, insights, and methods to achieve a high level of interdisciplinarity in forest and woodland history.
Vibration Energy Harvesting with Printed P(VDF:TrFE) Transducers to Power Condition Monitoring Sensors for Industrial and Manufacturing Equipment
Authors: Alvarez Rueda Asier , Petritz Andreas , Schäffner Philipp , Postl Markus , Adler Manfred , Belegratis Maria , Groten Jonas , Stadlober Barbara
Published: March 2024

A vibration energy harvesting system based on fully printed piezoelectric transducers is realized. The transducers have a butterfly‐like architecture based on two single‐optimized cantilevers with a resonance frequency tuned to 49.5 Hz and can be easily mounted to an industrial engine. By comparing single‐ and multistack configurations of the piezoelectric layers combined with full‐wave or voltage doubler rectifiers, the power transfer characteristics and impedance can be matched to the electrical requirements of the sensing circuitry. A single stack with 21 μm thickness results in the maximum power output of 14.4 μW at a vibration velocity of 11.5 mm s−1, typical for industrial engines. The system is used to power a wireless sensor node on a 1 kW rotary pump in normal operation. The system can harvest up to 138 mJ within 24 h, sufficient for daily remote monitoring of the engine's vibration spectrum and temperature state. The system is thus suitable as a low‐cost, ecofriendly power source for industrial IoT applications.
Dual‐Responsive Supramolecular Polymeric Nanomedicine for Self‐Cascade Amplified Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Hu Wenting , Ye Binglin , Yu Guocan , Yang Huang , Wu Hao , Ding Yuan , Huang Feihe , Wang Weilin , Mao Zhengwei
Published: March 2024

Insufficient tumor immunogenicity and immune escape from tumors remain common problems in all tumor immunotherapies. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death that is accompanied by immune checkpoint inhibitors, can induce effective immunogenic cell death and long‐term immune activation. Therapeutic strategies to jointly induce pyroptosis and reverse immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments are promising for cancer immunotherapy. In this regard, a dual‐responsive supramolecular polymeric nanomedicine (NCSNPs) to self‐cascade amplify the benefits of cancer immunotherapy is designed. The NCSNPs are formulated by β‐cyclodextrin coupling nitric oxide (NO) donor, a pyroptosis activator, and NLG919, an indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor, and self‐assembled through host–guest molecular recognition and hydrophobic interaction to obtain nanoparticles. NCSNPs possess excellent tumor accumulation and bioavailability attributed to ingenious supramolecular engineering. The study not only confirms the occurrence of NO‐triggered pyroptosis in tumors for the first time but also reverses the immunosuppressive microenvironment in tumor sites via an IDO inhibitor by enhancing the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, to achieve remarkable inhibition of tumor proliferation. Thus, this study provides a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
AFM Imaging Reveals MicroRNA‐132 to be a Positive Regulator of Synaptic Functions
Authors: Park Ikbum , Kim Hyun Jin , Shin Juyoung , Jung Yu Jin , Lee Donggyu , Lim Ji‐seon , Park Jong Mok , Park Joon Won , Kim Joung‐Hun
Published: March 2024

The modification of synaptic and neural connections in adults, including the formation and removal of synapses, depends on activity‐dependent synaptic and structural plasticity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating these changes by targeting specific genes and regulating their expression. The fact that somatic and dendritic activity in neurons often occurs asynchronously highlights the need for spatial and dynamic regulation of protein synthesis in specific milieu and cellular loci. MicroRNAs, which can show distinct patterns of enrichment, help to establish the localized distribution of plasticity‐related proteins. The recent study using atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based nanoscale imaging reveals that the abundance of miRNA(miR)‐134 is inversely correlated with the functional activity of dendritic spine structures. However, the miRNAs that are selectively upregulated in potentiated synapses, and which can thereby support prospective changes in synaptic efficacy, remain largely unknown. Using AFM force imaging, significant increases in miR‐132 in the dendritic regions abutting functionally‐active spines is discovered. This study provides evidence for miR‐132 as a novel positive miRNA regulator residing in dendritic shafts, and also suggests that activity‐dependent miRNAs localized in distinct sub‐compartments of neurons play bi‐directional roles in controlling synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity.
Bioengineered Hydrogels Recapitulate Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Cancer
Authors: Ho Nicholas Ching Wei , Yap Josephine Yu Yan , Zhao Zixuan , Wang Yunyun , Fernando Kanishka , Li Constance H , Kwang Xue Lin , Quah Hong Sheng , Arcinas Camille , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna , Fong Eliza Li Shan
Published: March 2024

Recently mapped transcriptomic landscapes reveal the extent of heterogeneity in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) beyond previously established single‐gene markers. Functional analyses of individual CAF subsets within the tumor microenvironment are critical to develop more accurate CAF‐targeting therapeutic strategies. However, there is a lack of robust preclinical models that reflect this heterogeneity in vitro. In this study, single‐cell RNA sequencing datasets acquired from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tissues to predict microenvironmental and cellular features governing individual CAF subsets are leveraged. Some of these features are then incorporated into a tunable hyaluronan‐based hydrogel system to culture patient‐derived CAFs. Control over hydrogel degradability and integrin adhesiveness enabled derivation of the predominant myofibroblastic and inflammatory CAF subsets, as shown through changes in cell morphology and transcriptomic profiles. Last, using these hydrogel‐cultured CAFs, microtubule dynamics are identified, but not actomyosin contractility, as a key mediator of CAF plasticity. The recapitulation of CAF heterogeneity in vitro using defined hydrogels presents unique opportunities for advancing the understanding of CAF biology and evaluation of CAF‐targeting therapeutics.
Chromatin Modifier EP400 Regulates Oocyte Quality and Zygotic Genome Activation in Mice
Authors: Tian Qing , Yin Ying , Tian Yu , Wang Yufan , Wang Yong‐feng , Fukunaga Rikiro , Fujii Toshihiro , Liao Ai‐hua , Li Lei , Zhang Wei , He Ximiao , Xiang Wenpei , Zhou Li‐quan
Published: March 2024

Epigenetic modifiers that accumulate in oocytes, play a crucial role in steering the developmental program of cleavage embryos and initiating life. However, the identification of key maternal epigenetic regulators remains elusive. In the findings, the essential role of maternal Ep400, a chaperone for H3.3, in oocyte quality and early embryo development in mice is highlighted. Depletion of Ep400 in oocytes resulted in a decline in oocyte quality and abnormalities in fertilization. Preimplantation embryos lacking maternal Ep400 exhibited reduced major zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and experienced developmental arrest at the 2‐to‐4‐cell stage. The study shows that EP400 forms protein complex with NFYA, occupies promoters of major ZGA genes, modulates H3.3 distribution between euchromatin and heterochromatin, promotes transcription elongation, activates the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial functions, and facilitates the expression of rate‐limiting enzymes of the TCA cycle. This intricate process driven by Ep400 ensures the proper execution of the developmental program, emphasizing its critical role in maternal‐to‐embryonic transition.
YY1 Lactylation Aggravates Autoimmune Uveitis by Enhancing Microglial Functions via Inflammatory Genes
Authors: Huang Jiaxing , Wang Xiaotang , Li Na , Fan Wei , Li Xingran , Zhou Qian , Liu Jiangyi , Li Wanqian , Zhang Zhi , Liu Xiaoyan , Zeng Shuhao , Yang Hui , Tian Meng , Yang Peizeng , Hou Shengping
Published: March 2024

Activated microglia in the retina are essential for the development of autoimmune uveitis. Yin‐Yang 1 (YY1) is an important transcription factor that participates in multiple inflammatory and immune‐mediated diseases. Here, an increased YY1 lactylation in retinal microglia within in the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) group is observed. YY1 lactylation contributed to boosting microglial activation and promoting their proliferation and migration abilities. Inhibition of lactylation suppressed microglial activation and attenuated inflammation in EAU. Mechanistically, cleavage under targets & tagmentation （CUT&Tag） analysis revealed that YY1 lactylation promoted microglial activation by regulating the transcription of a set of inflammatory genes, including STAT3, CCL5, IRF1, IDO1, and SEMA4D. In addition, p300 is identified as the writer of YY1 lactylation. Inhibition of p300 decreased YY1 lactylation and suppressed microglial inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, the results showed that YY1 lactylation promoted microglial dysfunction in autoimmune uveitis by upregulating inflammatory cytokine secretion and boosting cell migration and proliferation. Therapeutic effects can be achieved by targeting the lactate/p300/YY1 lactylation/inflammatory genes axis.
Transient‐State Self‐Bipolarized Organic Frameworks of Single Aromatic Units for Natural Sunlight‐Driven Photosynthesis of H2O2
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Chen Lizheng , Niu Ruping , Ma Zhuoyuan , Ba Kaikai , Xie Tengfeng , Chu Xuefeng , Wu Shujie , Wang Dayang , Liu Gang
Published: March 2024

Constructing π‐conjugated polymer structures through covalent bonds dominates the design of organic framework photocatalysts, which significantly depends on the selection of multiple donor‐acceptor building blocks to narrow the optical gap and increase the lifetimes of charge carriers. In this work, self‐bipolarized organic frameworks of single aromatic units are demonstrated as novel broad‐spectrum‐responsive photocatalysts for H2O2 production. The preparation of such photocatalysts is only to fix the aromatic units (such as 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene) with alkane linkers in 3D space. Self‐bipolarized aromatic units can drive the H2O2 production from H2O and O2 under natural sunlight, wide pH ranges (3.0‐10.0) and natural water sources. Moreover, it can be extended to catalyze the oxidative coupling of amines. Experimental and theoretical investigation demonstrate that such a strategy obeys the mechanism of through‐space π‐conjugation, where the closely face‐to‐face overlapped aromatic rings permit the electron and energy transfer through the large‐area delocalization of the electron cloud under visible light irradiation. This work introduces a novel design concept for the development of organic photocatalysts, which will break the restriction of conventional through‐band π‐conjugation structure and will open a new way in the synthesis of organic photocatalysts.
Tuning the Properties of Multi‐Stable Structures Post‐Fabrication Via the Two‐Way Shape Memory Polymer Effect
Authors: Risso Giada , Kudisch Max , Ermanni Paolo , Daraio Chiara
Published: March 2024

Multi‐stable elements are commonly employed to design reconfigurable and adaptive structures, because they enable large and reversible shape changes in response to changing loads, while simultaneously allowing self‐locking capabilities. However, existing multi‐stable structures have properties that depend on their initial design and cannot be tailored post‐fabrication. Here, a novel design approach is presented that combines multi‐stable structures with two‐way shape memory polymers. By leveraging both the one‐way and two‐way shape memory effect under bi‐axial strain conditions, the structures can re‐program their 3D shape, bear loads, and self‐actuate. Results demonstrate that the structures' shape and stiffness can be tuned post‐fabrication at the user's need and the multi‐stability can be suppressed or activated on command. The control of multi‐stability prevents undesired snapping of the structures and enables higher load‐bearing capability, compared to conventional multi‐stable systems. The proposed approach offers the possibility to augment the functionality of existing multi‐stable concepts, showing potential for the realization of highly adaptable mechanical structures that can reversibly switch between being mono and multi‐stable and that can undergo shape changes in response to a change in temperature.
Rapid Self‐Assembly Mini‐Livers Protect Mice Against Severe Hepatectomy‐Induced Liver Failure
Authors: Luo Miaomiao , Lai Jiahui , Zhang Enhua , Ma Yue , He Runbang , Mao Lina , Deng Bo , Zhu Junjin , Ding Yan , Huang Jialyu , Xue Bin , Wang Qiangsong , Zhang Mingming , Huang Pengyu
Published: March 2024

The construction of bioartificial livers, such as liver organoids, offers significant promise for disease modeling, drug development, and regenerative medicine. However, existing methods for generating liver organoids have limitations, including lengthy and complex processes (taking 6–8 weeks or longer), safety concerns associated with pluripotency, limited functionality of pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocytes, and small, highly variable sizes (typically ≈50–500 µm in diameter). Prolonged culture also leads to the formation of necrotic cores, further restricting size and function. In this study, a straightforward and time‐efficient approach is developed for creating rapid self‐assembly mini‐livers (RSALs) within 12 h. Additionally, primary hepatocytes are significantly expanded in vitro for use as seeding cells. RSALs exhibit consistent larger sizes (5.5 mm in diameter), improved cell viability (99%), and enhanced liver functionality. Notably, RSALs are functionally vascularized within 2 weeks post‐transplantation into the mesentery of mice. These authentic hepatocyte‐based RSALs effectively protect mice from 90%‐hepatectomy‐induced liver failure, demonstrating the potential of bioartificial liver‐based therapy.
Defect Passivation of 2D Semiconductors by Fixating Chemisorbed Oxygen Molecules via h‐BN Encapsulations
Authors: Jung Jin‐Woo , Choi Hyeon‐Seo , Lee Young‐Jun , Kim Youngjae , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Choi Min‐Yeong , Jang Jae Hyuck , Chung Hee‐Suk , Kim Dohun , Kim Youngwook , Cho Chang‐Hee
Published: March 2024

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is a key ingredient for various 2D van der Waals heterostructure devices, but the exact role of h‐BN encapsulation in relation to the internal defects of 2D semiconductors remains unclear. Here, it is reported that h‐BN encapsulation greatly removes the defect‐related gap states by stabilizing the chemisorbed oxygen molecules onto the defects of monolayer WS2 crystals. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) combined with theoretical analysis clearly confirms that the oxygen molecules are chemisorbed onto the defects of WS2 crystals and are fixated by h‐BN encapsulation, with excluding a possibility of oxygen molecules trapped in bubbles or wrinkles formed at the interface between WS2 and h‐BN. Optical spectroscopic studies show that h‐BN encapsulation prevents the desorption of oxygen molecules over various excitation and ambient conditions, resulting in a greatly lowered and stabilized free electron density in monolayer WS2 crystals. This suppresses the exciton annihilation processes by two orders of magnitude compared to that of bare WS2. Furthermore, the valley polarization becomes robust against the various excitation and ambient conditions in the h‐BN encapsulated WS2 crystals.
Assessment and treatment of multiply maintained self injury for a visually impaired elementary student with autism
Authors: Snyder Sara K. , Griffin Madeline L. , Ayres Kevin M.
Published: March 2024

Assessment of challenging behavior via functional analysis (FA) and subsequent treatment including functional communication training (FCT) is a common approach to treating severe problem behavior for individuals with autism and intellectual disability. Assessment and treatment for these behaviors exhibited by individuals who have a co‐occurring diagnosis of visual impairment and autism spectrum disorder present unique challenges to this approach. The current study included an 8‐year‐old White, visually impaired male on the autism spectrum who engaged in self injurious behavior (SIB). Based on the results of the FA, conducted in his classroom, the researchers began FCT to address the multiple maintaining functions of SIB. Results suggest that adaptations to FCT may be necessary for visually impaired individuals on the autism spectrum to make the communication response more salient to the individual and establish independent communication responses.
N‐allyl quinoxaline derivative exhibited potent and selective cytotoxicity through EGFR/VEGFR‐mediated apoptosis: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Nafie Mohamed S. , Ali Mohab A. , Youssef Magdy M.
Published: March 2024

The cytotoxic activity, EGFR/VEGFR2 target inhibition, apoptotic activity, RT‐PCR gene expression, in vivo employing a solid‐Ehrlich carcinoma model, and in silico investigations for highlighting the binding affinity of eight quinoxaline derivatives were tested for anticancer activities. The results showed that compound 8 (N‐allyl quinoxaline) had potent cytotoxicity against A594 and MCF‐7 cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.86 and 1.06 µM, respectively, with noncytotoxic activity against WISH and MCF‐10A cells having IC50 values more than 100 µM. Furthermore, it strongly induced apoptotic cell death in A549 and MCF‐7 cells by 43.13% and 34.07%, respectively, stopping the cell cycle at S and G1‐phases. For the molecular target, the results showed that compound 8 had a promising EGFR inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.088 µM compared to Sorafenib (IC50 = 0.056 µM), and it had a promising VEGFR2 inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.108 µM compared to Sorafenib (IC50 = 0.049 µM). Treatment with compound 8 ameliorated biochemical and histochemical parameters near normal in the in vivo investigation, with a tumor inhibition ratio of 68.19% compared to 64.8% for 5‐FU treatment. Finally, the molecular docking study demonstrated the binding affinity through binding energy and interactive binding mode inside the EGFR/VEGFR2 proteins. Potent EGFR and VEGFR2 inhibition of compound 8 suggests its potential for development as a selective anticancer drug.
Platform investment and creators' quality choice
Authors: Chen Limei , Wang Yanru
Published: March 2024

Creative tools on content platforms significantly increase content quantity by reducing entry barriers. However, tools such as TikTok video templates primarily facilitate the production of relatively lower‐quality content, negatively impacting content quality due to creative limitations and style uniformity. Why do some platforms develop these tools while others do not? We develop a game‐theoretic model with monopoly and duopoly scenarios to investigate platform investment decisions concerning these special tools. We find that a platform is only incentivized to invest in facilitating low‐quality content production when the entry barrier is low. Additionally, the investment level may not decrease as users increasingly value high‐quality content. In the duopoly case, platforms may adopt differentiated strategies to mitigate direct competition, especially when users substantially value high‐quality content compared with low‐quality content.
Association of in‐line digestive enzyme cartridge with enteral feeds on improvement in anthropometrics among pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Shrivastava Samarth , Shaw Karyn , Lee MinJae , Reitich Patricia , Hunter Stacie , Klosterman Mary , Sathe Meghana
Published: March 2024

Background

Approximately 85% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) with 10% requiring supplemental nighttime enteral tube feedings. Administration of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) with nighttime feedings is fraught with challenges. RELiZORB (Alcresta Therapeutics, Inc), an in‐line lipase cartridge, delivers PERT continuously with enteral feedings. Outcomes related to the use of this in‐line lipase cartridge are lesser known. This project evaluated anthropometrics related to in‐line lipase cartridge use among pediatric patients with CF already receiving oral PERT therapy prior to nighttime enteral feedings.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on 29 patients with CF and EPI receiving supplemental tube feedings and utilizing in‐line lipase cartridge for a continuous 12 month period between 2015 and 2019. Anthropometrics were evaluated 12 months before and after initiation of in‐line lipase cartridge.

Results

Compared with mean height z score at 6‐months pre–in‐line lipase cartridge, mean height z score at 6‐months post–in‐line‐lipase cartridge (adjusted mean difference [AMD] = 0.2540; 95% CI = [0.0487, 0.4592]; P = 0.0153) and mean height z score at 12‐months post–in‐line lipase cartridge (AMD = 0.2684; 95% CI = [0.0203, 0.5166]; P = 0.0340) were significantly higher. Mean weight z score at 12‐months post–in‐line‐lipase‐cartridge neared statistical significance compared with 6‐months pre–in‐line lipase cartridge (AMD = 0.2816; 95% CI = [−0.0003, 0.5634]; P = 0.0502) when excluding seven patients with advanced lung disease (forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration of 40%). Weight‐for‐length or body mass index did not significantly differ compared with pre–in‐line lipase cartridge.

Conclusion

Use of in‐line lipase cartridge with enteral feeds improved anthropometrics, especially height, in pediatric patients with CF.
On the Relations between Fermion Masses and Isospin Couplings in the Microscopic Model
Authors: Lampe Bodo
Published: March 2024

Quark and lepton masses and mixings are considered in the framework of the microscopic model. The most general ansatz for the interactions among tetrons leads to a Hamiltonian involving Dzyaloshinskii‐Moriya (DM), Heisenberg and torsional isospin forces. Diagonalization of the Hamiltonian provides for 24 eigenvalues which are identified as the quark and lepton masses. While the masses of the third and second family arise from DM and Heisenberg type of isospin interactions, light family masses are related to torsional interactions among tetrons. Neutrino masses turn out to be special in that they are given in terms of tiny isospin non‐conserving DM, Heisenberg and torsional couplings. The approach not only leads to masses, but also allows to calculate the quark and lepton eigenstates, an issue, which is important for the determination of the CKM and PMNS mixing matrices. Compact expressions for the eigenfunctions of are given. The almost exact isospin conservation of the system dictates the form of the lepton states and makes them independent of all the couplings in . As a consequence, a parameter‐free analytic expression for the PMNS matrix is derived which fits numerically all the measured matrix components. The formula includes a prediction of the leptonic Jarlskog invariant . An outlook is given on the treatment of the CKM matrix.
The Chiral Ring of D=4$D=4$, N=1${\mathcal {N}}=1$ SYM with Exceptional Gauge Groups
Authors: Cederwall Martin , Ferretti Gabriele
Published: March 2024

The Cachazo–Douglas–Seiberg–Witten conjecture, concerning the algebraic structure of the chiral ring in , supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory, is proven for exceptional gauge groups. This completes the proof of the conjecture.
High‐Pressure‐Induced Lattice and Electronic Structural Transformations in Multilayer ZrS2
Authors: Zhu Jian , Feng Dengman , Li Liang , Zhou Qiang , Yan Yalan
Published: March 2024

Compared with Group VIB transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), Group IVB TMDs, specifically ZrX2, have exhibited superior carrier mobility, rendering them highly promising for developing innovative electron devices. The application of high‐pressure has been identified as an effective approach for altering the physical properties of TMDs by manipulating their lattice and electronic structures. This subject has attracted considerable attention within the scientific community. In this investigation, in situ high‐pressure Raman scattering and UV‐visible absorption spectra analysis are conducted to examine the lattice and electronic structural changes in multilayer ZrS2. Raman spectroscopy analysis reveals two phase transitions occurring at 3.65 and 10.95 GPa. Concurrently, the optical absorption findings reveal a distinct transformation in both the optical energy gap and Urbach energy at 3.34 GPa, highlighting the accompanying lattice and electronic structural changes in ZrS2 under high‐pressure. Moreover, these lattice and electronic structural changes are found to be irreversible, indicating the potential utility of compressed ZrS2 in optoelectronic devices.
Characterization of ZnO Crystals of Various Geometries Grown by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition on a c‐Plane Sapphire Substrate
Authors: Kato Kodai , Iwata Junichi , Sakai Masaru , Hara Kazuhiko , Kouno Tetsuya
Published: March 2024

ZnO nanowires, nanowalls, and thin‐film‐like crystals are grown simultaneously on a c‐plane sapphire substrate by mist chemical vapor deposition (mist‐CVD) at a high growth temperature. Mist‐CVD is expected to be a potentially low‐environment‐impact and low‐cost crystal growth technique. Using mist‐CVD techniques, a spatial distribution of crystal growth is obtained owing to equipment configurations that enable the simultaneous fabrication of ZnO crystals of various geometries. Their crystallinity and photoluminescence properties are examined to clarify their potential applications and to investigate low‐cost photonic applications based on these properties.
Collaborative Management of Light‐Absorbing Supplementation and Defect Passivation Based on Green‐Emitting ((CH3)4N)2(C2H5)4N·MnBr4 Single Crystals for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Songbo , Dong Pengpeng , Wei Xiaopeng , Wang Jilin , Mo Shuyi , Zheng Guoyuan , Tian Nan , Peng Yong , Long Fei , Yao Disheng
Published: March 2024

In conventional p–i–n inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), there exists considerable energy loss due to both unsatisfactory light path design and trap‐induced interfacial defects. The sunlight is absorbed competitively by conductive oxide substrates and hole transport material in front of the perovskite layer, while the opaque metal back electrode also prevents light penetration. Worse yet, there is severe nonradiative charge recombination caused by defects between the perovskite layer and the electron transport material. To tackle the above two issues, a new green‐emitting material ((CH3)4 N)2(C2H5)4N·MnBr4 is synthesized and introduced in/on the perovskite layer to achieve both defect passivation and light complementation. The green luminescence of this single crystal at the interface is found to provide secondary light absorption, as evidenced by a remarkable promotion of short‐circuit current density. It is also found that the excess PbI2 on the surface of perovskite can be effectively removed, and as the interfacial additive, ((CH3)4 N)2(C2H5)4 N·MnBr4 inhibits trap‐assisted recombination losses, which provides favorable energy‐level alignment and extends charge carrier lifetime. As a result, the champion PCE (21.23%) of the target‐treated ((CH3)4 N)2(C2H5)4 N·MnBr4 device exceeds that 19.5% of the pristine‐without ((CH3)4 N)2(C2H5)4 N·MnBr4 device. This work provides an effective interfacial strategy for high‐performance and stable inverted PSCs.
Suppressed Gold Penetration with the Molybdenum Oxide Interlayer to Increase Power Conversion Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Purev‐Ochir Badamgarav , Song Jun Tae , Wang Pangpang , Yahiro Masayuki , Yamada Sunao , Nakanotani Hajime , Matsushima Toshinori , Adachi Chihaya
Published: March 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have undergone an unprecedentedly rapid development in both power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational durability. However, a number of unknown challenges remain before PSC products are ready to launch. Herein, it is demonstrated that the vacuum deposition of gold (Au) onto the organic hole‐transport layer (HTL) results in Au penetration into the perovskite layer. This Au penetration proves to be a limiting factor in PCE due to detrimental carrier recombination caused by the penetrated Au component inside the perovskite light absorber. To mitigate this issue, a thin molybdenum oxide (MoOx) interlayer between the organic HTL and the Au electrode is introduced, effectively reducing the Au penetration and suppressing the carrier recombination. Consequently, this MoOx introduction increases PCEs from ≈16.9% to ≈19.6% by ≈2.7%. Furthermore, using the MoOx interlayer improves the long‐term durability of PSCs. These findings are crucial in elucidating a basic mechanism that limits PCE and in advancing the fabrication of PSC products with even higher performance.
Mixed Self‐Assembled Hole‐Transport Monolayer Enables Simultaneous Improvement of Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Do‐Ha , Lee Hyun‐Jung , Lee Sang‐Heon , Kang Yu‐Jin , Kwon Sung‐Nam , Kim Do‐Hyung , Na Seok‐In
Published: March 2024

As one of the interface engineering methods for realizing high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) with hole‐transport properties have recently been applied as an effective way to reduce energy losses at the hole‐transport layer/perovskite interface, especially in PSCs with p–i–n structure. However, there are still limitations in implementing PSC with high efficiency and high stability due to the inherent weaknesses of single SAMs. Herein, it is demonstrated that a mixed self‐assembled hole‐transport monolayer with an appropriate mixture of [2‐(3,6‐dimethoxy‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (MeO‐2PACz) and [4‐(3,6‐dimethyl‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me‐4PACz) enables simultaneous improvement of efficiency and stability of PSCs. In the mixed SAM, MeO‐2PACz maintains favorable wettability to produce high‐quality films, while the deep highest occupied molecular orbital of Me‐4PACz optimizes the energy level for efficient charge transfer, resulting in improved PSC performance. Encouragingly, Me‐4PACz mitigates the stability issues of MeO‐2PACz, producing mixed SAM‐based PSCs with excellent stability. These PSCs achieve up to 20.63% efficiency and exhibit excellent thermal long‐term stability, retaining 90% and 80% of their initial efficiency after approximately 1400 and 2100 h at 65 °C in an N2 atmosphere. These findings suggest the potential of mixed SAM approaches for the realization of high‐performance PSCs.
Goreisan‐induced modulation of fecal bile acid composition and gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Watanabe Shiro , Takahashi Kyoka , Awale Suresh , Furusawa Yukihiro , Tabuchi Yoshiaki , Nishidono Yuto , Tanaka Ken
Published: March 2024

Aim

Bile acids are suggested to be involved in the antidiarrhetic effect of Goreisan (GRS). This study aimed to investigate the effect of GRS on fecal bile acid levels and composition of the gut microbiota in mice. Correlation analysis was employed to identify the potential gut microbiota associated with the alterations in fecal bile acid levels induced by GRS.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet supplemented with GRS water extract for 4 weeks. Feces and cecal contents were collected from the mice to determine bile acid levels and analyze bacterial composition.

Results

GRS administration significantly increased the levels of fecal secondary bile acids, including ω‐muricholic acid (MCA), hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), and lithocholic acid (LCA). In contrast, the levels of primary bile acids, such as β‐MCA, cholic acid (CA), and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) showed a marked decrease. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the relative abundance of Alloprevotella, Dehalobacterium PAC001221, and Eubacterium g23 and fecal levels of ωMCA, HDCA, and LCA.

Conclusions

GRS was suggested to promote the formation of fecal secondary bile acids in mice, possibly through the enhancement of bacterial 7β‐dehydroxylation and 6β‐epimerization activities. These changes may be involved in the antidiarrhetic action of GRS. Concurrent evaluation of fecal bile acids and gut microbiota presents a promising approach for elucidating the novel mechanisms underlying the effects of kampo formulations, particularly in modulating the microbial metabolism of intestinal bile acids.
Magnetoelastic effect on semi‐infinite moving crack in an orthotropic structure influenced by anti‐plane wave
Authors: Alam Samim , Karan Somashri , Mandal Subhas Chandra
Published: March 2024

A two dimensional boundary value problem of magnetoelasticity for a semi‐infinite moving crack situated between an orthotropic half‐space and an orthotropic layer has been considered. Also, it has been considered that the crack is agitated by an anti‐plane shear wave. The contemplated problem has been reduced to a typical Wiener–Hopf equation by employing Fourier integral transform to the convenient boundary condition. The accomplished Wiener–Hopf equation has been solved only for asymptotic case to get the analytical expression of stress intensity factor (SIF) and crack tearing displacement (CTD). The dependence of several parameters including the magnetoelastic coupling factor, material constants, crack propagation velocity and crack depth from the upper surface on the SIF and CTD have been illustrated using variety of graphs.
Molecular engineering of a spheroid-penetrating phage nanovector for photodynamic treatment of colon cancer cells
Authors: Turrini Eleonora , Ulfo Luca , Costantini Paolo Emidio , Saporetti Roberto , Di Giosia Matteo , Nigro Michela , Petrosino Annapaola , Pappagallo Lucia , Kaltenbrunner Alena , Cantelli Andrea , Pellicioni Valentina , Catanzaro Elena , Fimognari Carmela , Calvaresi Matteo , Danielli Alberto
Published: March 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents an emerging strategy to treat various malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CC), the third most common cancer type. This work presents an engineered M13 phage retargeted towards CC cells through pentavalent display of a disulfide-constrained peptide nonamer. The M13CC nanovector was conjugated with the photosensitizer Rose Bengal (RB), and the photodynamic anticancer effects of the resulting M13CC-RB bioconjugate were investigated on CC cells. We show that upon irradiation M13CC-RB is able to impair CC cell viability, and that this effect depends on i) photosensitizer concentration and ii) targeting efficiency towards CC cell lines, proving the specificity of the vector compared to unmodified M13 phage. We also demonstrate that M13CC-RB enhances generation and intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggering CC cell death. To further investigate the anticancer potential of M13CC-RB, we performed PDT experiments on 3D CC spheroids, proving, for the first time, the ability of engineered M13 phage conjugates to deeply penetrate multicellular spheroids. Moreover, significant photodynamic effects, including spheroid disruption and cytotoxicity, were readily triggered at picomolar concentrations of the phage vector. Taken together, our results promote engineered M13 phages as promising nanovector platform for targeted photosensitization, paving the way to novel adjuvant approaches to fight CC malignancies.
Circle packings from tilings of the plane
Authors: Rehwinkel Philip , Whitehead Ian , Yang David , Yang Mengyuan
Published: March 2024

We introduce a new class of fractal circle packings in the plane, generalizing the polyhedral packings defined by Kontorovich and Nakamura. The existence and uniqueness of these packings are guaranteed by infinite versions of the Koebe–Andreev–Thurston theorem. We prove structure theorems giving a complete description of the symmetry groups for these packings. And we give several examples to illustrate their number-theoretic and group-theoretic significance.