bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription factor combinations that define human astrocyte identity encode significant variation of maturity and function
Authors: Baranes Koby , Hastings Nataly , Rahman Saifur , Poulin Noah , Tavares Joana M. , Kuan Wei‐Li , Syed Najeeb , Kunz Meik , Blighe Kevin , Belgard T. Grant , Kotter Mark R. N.
Published: April 2023

Increasing evidence indicates that cellular identity can be reduced to the distinct gene regulatory networks controlled by transcription factors (TFs). However, redundancy exists in these states as different combinations of TFs can induce broadly similar cell types. We previously demonstrated that by overcoming gene silencing, it is possible to deterministically reprogram human pluripotent stem cells directly into cell types of various lineages. In the present study we leverage the consistency and precision of our approach to explore four different TF combinations encoding astrocyte identity, based on previously published reports. Analysis of the resulting induced astrocytes (iAs) demonstrated that all four cassettes generate cells with the typical morphology of in vitro astrocytes, which expressed astrocyte‐specific markers. The transcriptional profiles of all four iAs clustered tightly together and displayed similarities with mature human astrocytes, although maturity levels differed between cells. Importantly, we found that the TF cassettes induced iAs with distinct differences with regards to their cytokine response and calcium signaling. In vivo transplantation of selected iAs into immunocompromised rat brains demonstrated long term stability and integration. In conclusion, all four TF combinations were able to induce stable astrocyte‐like cells that were morphologically similar but showed subtle differences with respect to their transcriptome. These subtle differences translated into distinct differences with regards to cell function, that could be related to maturation state and/or regional identity of the resulting cells. This insight opens an opportunity to precision‐engineer cells to meet functional requirements, for example, in the context of therapeutic cell transplantation.
Fusing feature and output space for unsupervised domain adaptation on medical image segmentation
Authors: Wang Shengsheng , Fu Zihao , Wang Bilin , Hu Yulong
Published: April 2023

Image segmentation requires large amounts of annotated data. However, collecting massive datasets with annotations is difficult since they are expensive and labor‐intensive. The unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) for image segmentation is a promising approach to address the label‐scare problem on the target domain, which enables the trained model on the source labeled domain to be adaptive to the target domain. The adversarial‐based methods encourage extracting the domain‐invariant features by training a domain discriminator to mitigate the domain gap. Existing UDA segmentation methods fail to obtain satisfied segmentation results as they only consider the global knowledge of output space while neglecting the local information of feature space. In this paper, a fusing feature and output (FFO) space method is proposed for UDA, which in the context of medical image segmentation. The proposed model is learned by training a more powerful domain discriminator, which considers features extracted from both feature space and output space. Extensive experiments carried out on several medical image datasets show the adaptation effectiveness of our approach in improving the segmentation performance.
A systems framework to analyze the impact of corporate social investment projects with an information technology focus
Authors: Lefike Mmatseleng , Turpin Marita , Matthee Machdel
Published: April 2023

In South Africa, corporate social investment (CSI) is deployed as part of Broad‐Based Black Economic Empowerment (B‐BBEE) to assist and empower disadvantaged individuals and communities. Previous research revealed that CSI projects are often short‐lived and unsustainable. This study aims to analyze the impact of South African CSI projects that focus on information and communication technology (ICT) in poor urban communities. A case study was conducted comprising four CSI ICT learning centers in poor urban communities in Soweto, South Africa. An indigenous theoretical construct was developed, in the form of a systems framework, combining aspects of soft systems methodology (SSM), Ubuntu philosophy and autopoiesis. The aim of the systems framework was to study the impact of the CSI ICT learning centers in a holistic manner. The framework contributed as follows: the descriptive components of SSM assisted to describe the social systems of interest, in each case. The ubuntu lens helped to portray how the community members supported each other to benefit from the learning centers. Autopoiesis elements showed how the learning centers were able to self‐produce and collaborate in order to be sustainable. With the insight of the framework, six guiding principles were derived to inform the successful implementation of future CSI ICT interventions.
Effects of solar radiations on stratum corneum hydration: Part I, protective role of skin surface lipids
Authors: Assi Ali , Michael‐Jubeli Rime , Duplan Hélène , Baillet‐Guffroy Arlette , Jacques‐Jamin Carine , Tfayli Ali
Published: April 2023

This study used Raman spectroscopy to develop a new approach to evaluate the effects of solar radiation on the stratum corneum (SC). The method measures the SC's hydration and dehydration kinetics by calculating the vOH/vCH ratio to monitor the relative water content during the drying process. The study also investigated the role of skin surface lipids (SSLs) in protecting the SC from solar radiation. The SSLs film is a complex mixture of free fatty acids, triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, free and esterified cholesterols, that play a crucial role in the skin's barrier function. The results showed that solar radiation alters the water content and balance within the SC, and SSLs provide protection by acting as an optical filter by absorbing some of the energy of the solar light. This is confirmed by high temperature gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analyses by revealing a decrease in specific lipids after irradiating the SSLs .
Novel HALO® image analysis to determine cell phenotype in porous precision‐templated scaffolds
Authors: Chan Nathan R. , Hwang Billanna , Waworuntu Rachel L. , Tran An J. , Ratner Buddy D. , Bryers James D.
Published: April 2023

Image analysis platforms have gained increasing popularity in the last decade for the ability to automate and conduct high‐throughput, multiplex, and quantitative analyses of a broad range of pathological tissues. However, imaging tissues with unique morphology or tissues containing implanted biomaterial scaffolds remain a challenge. Using HALO®, an image analysis platform specialized in quantitative tissue analysis, we have developed a novel method to determine multiple cell phenotypes in porous precision‐templated scaffolds (PTS). PTS with uniform spherical pores between 30 and 40 μm in diameter have previously exhibited a specific immunomodulation of macrophages toward a pro‐healing phenotype and an overall diminished foreign body response (FBR) compared to PTS with larger or smaller pore sizes. However, signaling pathways orchestrating this pro‐healing in 40 μm PTS remain unclear. Here, we use HALO® to phenotype PTS resident cells and found a decrease in pro‐inflammatory CD86 and an increase in pro‐healing CD206 expression in 40 μm PTS compared to 100 μm PTS. To understand the mechanisms that drive these outcomes, we investigated the role of myeloid‐differentiation‐primary‐response gene 88 (MyD88) in regulating the pro‐healing phenomenon observed only in 40 μm PTS. When subcutaneously implanted in MyD88KO mice, 40 μm PTS reduced the expression of CD206, and the scaffold resident cells displayed an average larger nuclear size compared to 40 μm PTS implanted in mice expressing MyD88. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel image analysis method for phenotyping cells within PTS and identifies MyD88 as a critical mediator in the pore‐size‐dependent regenerative healing and host immune response to PTS.
The efficiency of a continuous versus an intermittent apheresis method for collection of hematopoietic progenitor stem cells: A systematic review
Authors: Hobbs Cassandra , Green Heidi , Fernandez Ritin
Published: April 2023

Peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor stem cells (HPSCs) are the most common source of stem cells for autologous and allogenic transplantation. Currently, systematic reviews comparing the collection efficiency of a continuous to an intermittent method are lacking despite the existence of primary studies. Therefore, the objective of this review was to synthesize the best available evidence to compare the efficiency of the continuous vs the intermittent method for the collection of hematopoietic progenitor stem cells required for HPC transplantation. A search using MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google scholar, and MedNar for both published and unpublished studies was conducted in December 2021. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. A critical appraisal of the studies was undertaken by two independent reviewers using the JBI quasi‐experimental critical appraisal checklist. A total of six studies were included in the review. The findings of this review demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference in the collection efficiency, length of procedure time, and total blood volume processed between the continuous and intermittent programs. The evidence suggests that the continuous method is as safe and effective as the intermittent method to collect HPSCs. Until further evidence becomes available clinicians should be guided by the policies of their individual hospitals.
Single center experience of therapeutic plasma exchange in a resource‐constrained setting: A study of trends in scope and complications
Authors: Pandey Prashant , Setya Divya , Marik Arghyadeep , Ranjan Shweta , Kumari Supriya , Mandal Saikat , Kumar Praveen
Published: April 2023

Background

Therapeutic apheresis procedures are becoming an increasingly integral part of modern medical practice, be it as a part of therapy or pre‐conditioning regimes for solid organ transplants. In our center, we follow the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) guidelines for categorizing these procedures. However, lack of a centralized registry for therapeutic apheresis in India, lack of consolidated data as well as a resource‐constrained setting prevent it from being utilized to its full potential.

Study Design and Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedures performed from January 2015 to October 2022 in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at a large tertiary care hospital in North India. All consecutive TPE procedures were included. Overall and specialty‐wise scoring for all patients was performed. Mean scores were calculated.

Results

A total of 1434 procedures were performed during the study duration of 7 years. These procedures were performed for 284 different patients. Majority of the procedures were referred from nephrology (895 of 1434, 62.4%), followed by neurology, gastroenterology, and liver transplant teams, hematology, critical care, rheumatology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Complete response, partial response, and no‐response were observed in 1077 (75.1%), 201 (14%), and 156 (10.9%) procedures respectively. Only 14 procedures reported adverse effects.

Discussion

Increasing effectiveness of TPE in a number of procedures and a variety of indications has broadened its scope, while the small number of adverse events, when supervised by trained Transfusion Medicine physicians has made TPE a more viable and safer alternative to other treatment modalities.
Field‐induced Co(II) single‐ion magnet with nearly perfect octahedral ligand field
Authors: Li Long‐He , Yao Hai‐Quan , Li Jian‐Rong , Peng Yan , Song Xiao‐Jiao , Hu Zhao‐Bo , Song You
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a mononuclear Co(II) compound [Co(H2O)6]Cl2·2C6H12N4·4H2O (1) was synthesized and characterized. X‐ray single crystal diffraction analyses shows that the Co(II) ion adopts almost perfect octahedral coordination geometry with O6 donors provided by six water molecules. Magnetic properties studies show it has strong in‐plane anisotropy with D = +66.7 cm−1. AC susceptibility measurements indicate it is a field‐induced SMM with Ueff = 56.11 K via Raman relaxation process and/or direct process. It is rare for Co(II) ion in cobalt‐based compound showing almost perfect octahedral coordination geometry.
Versatile cobalt(Salen‐NEt2) for aqueous cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization
Authors: Chang I‐Hsiang , Lu Hung‐Hsun , Ping Hsin , Chang Chun‐Wei , Peng Chi‐How
Published: April 2023

Cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) has enabled the polymerization of a wide range of monomers with predictable molecular parameters and well‐defined compositions and architectures. However, the synthesis of hydrophilic polymers by CMRP directly in the aqueous phase is still challenging. Herein, a handy cobalt complex was developed to perform CMRP of N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA) with linearly increased molecular weight, low polydispersity values, and smoothly shifted gel permeation chromatography (GPC) traces. The chain extensions of NVP, HEA, and DMA revealed the well chain‐end fidelity for the synthesis of block copolymers. Moreover, the poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐block‐poly(vinyl acetate) (PVP‐b‐PVAc) amphiphilic block copolymer colloidal solution was achieved directly in aqueous phase by cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (CMR‐PISA), forming the nanoparticles consisting of a hydrophilic PVP corona and a hydrophobic PVAc core. This new mediator opens the opportunity for the synthesis of various hydrophilic (co)polymers in an environmentally friendly manner.
A desire to create shared memories increases consumers' willingness to sacrifice experience quality for togetherness
Authors: Garcia‐Rada Ximena , Norton Michael I. , Ratner Rebecca K.
Published: April 2023

This work examines the trade‐offs that consumers in relationships make between the overall quality of an activity (i.e., experience quality) and the ability to share the activity in physical proximity to a relationship partner (i.e., togetherness). A pilot study and five experiments demonstrate that consumers value togetherness (vs. experience quality) relatively more when they share the experience with a close (vs. distant) relationship partner. Importantly, this work documents a novel mechanism underlying the value that consumers place on togetherness: a desire to create shared memories. Supportive of this mechanism, the extent to which consumers value togetherness (vs. experience quality) is increased when outcomes for the self and the partner are asymmetrical (vs. symmetrical) if choosing to be apart and is reduced when the experience is framed as utilitarian (vs. hedonic) and when consumers are reminded that they can create shared memories even when apart. Taken together, this work extends previous research on shared consumption by documenting a desire to create shared memories as a novel driver of consumer decision‐making in the context of close relationships.
Does Aid for Trade affect the quality of the environment? Evidence from Aid for Trade recipient countries
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao , Nguyen Van Anh , Ly‐My Dung
Published: April 2023

The positive impacts of Aid for Trade (AfT) have been well examined on various aspects such as trade, trade liberty, inward foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructure and so forth. However, the environmental effects of AfT have never been examined, while the environmental impact of foreign aid is already confirmed in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that investigated the connection between AfT and the quality of the environment in recipient countries. Using data from 100 countries from 2003 to 2019 with system generalised method of moment (GMM) estimator, our research results confirmed that AfT has a negative impact on the environmental quality of recipient countries, and we offer further explanations about this. However, the negative effect of AfT on environmental quality can be varied depending on the institutional quality and level of economic development of recipient countries.
A Digitally assisted nonlinearity suppression architecture using over‐the‐air beam cancelation
Authors: Mu Qin , Li Nanxi , Chen Cong , Wei Xiaozheng , Wen Rong , Wu Muqing , Li Xiang , Liu Ying
Published: April 2023

Using a large number of power amplifiers brings serious nonlinear distortion to 5G communication systems, which becomes a challenging problem for conventional digital predistortion (DPD) to linearize signals. To address this challenge, we propose a digitally assisted nonlinearity suppression architecture for applications in multiple antenna arrays. In this architecture, we use an auxiliary array to generate a nonlinear cancelation signal to cancel with the main beam at the receiving end. We explore a two‐step method to model the nonlinear signal and combine neural network to complete the modeling. In addition, we introduce a novel method for estimating and tracking the channel to update the model coefficients. To verify the proposed methods, we design a scene and compare the performance of our architecture with that of conventional DPD. Our experiments demonstrate that our proposed methods can significantly enhance the adjacent channel power leakage ratio performance by 12 dB while also optimizing in‐band distortion. Moreover, our architecture outperforms conventional DPD approaches even with enhanced distortion.
Cognitive dysfunction and increased phosphorylated tau are associated with reduced O‐GlcNAc signaling in an aging mouse model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Gupta Shreya , Jinka Sanjay K. A. , Khanal Saugat , Bhavnani Neha , Almashhori Fayez , Lallo Jason , Mathias Amy , Al‐Rhayyel Yasmine , Herman Danielle , Holden John G. , Fleming Sheila M. , Raman Priya
Published: April 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by hyperglycemia, obesity, and hyperlipidemia, can increase the risk of developing late‐onset dementia. Recent studies in patients and mouse models suggest a putative link between hyperphosphorylated tau, a component of Alzheimer's disease‐related dementia (ADRD) pathology, and cerebral glucose hypometabolism. Impaired glucose metabolism reduces glucose flux through the hexosamine metabolic pathway triggering attenuated O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) protein modification. The goal of the current study was to investigate the link between cognitive function, tau pathology, and O‐GlcNAc signaling in an aging mouse model of MetS, agouti KKAy+/−. Male and female C57BL/6, non‐agouti KKAy−/−, and agouti KKAy+/− mice were aged 12–18 months on standard chow diet. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured to confirm the MetS phenotype. Cognition, sensorimotor function, and emotional reactivity were assessed for each genotype followed by plasma and brain tissue collection for biochemical and molecular analyses. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in agouti KKAy+/− mice versus C57BL/6 controls and non‐agouti KKAy−/−. Behaviorally, agouti KKAy+/− revealed impairments in sensorimotor and cognitive function versus age‐matched C57BL/6 and non‐agouti KKAy−/− mice. Immunoblotting demonstrated increased phosphorylated tau accompanied with reduced O‐GlcNAc protein expression in hippocampal‐associated dorsal midbrain of female agouti KKAy+/− versus C57BL/6 control mice. Together, these data demonstrate that impaired cognitive function and AD‐related pathology are associated with reduced O‐GlcNAc signaling in aging MetS KKAy+/− mice. Overall, our study suggests that interaction of tau pathology with O‐GlcNAc signaling may contribute to MetS‐induced cognitive dysfunction in aging.
Zebrafish dnm1a gene plays a role in the formation of axons and synapses in the nervous tissue
Authors: Bragato Cinzia , Pistocchi Anna , Bellipanni Gianfranco , Confalonieri Stefano , Balciuniene Jorune , Monastra Federica Maria , Carra Silvia , Vitale Giovanni , Mantecca Paride , Cotelli Franco , Gaudenzi Germano
Published: April 2023

Classical dynamins (DNMs) are GTPase proteins engaged in endocytosis, a fundamental process for cargo internalization from the plasma membrane. In mammals, three DNM genes are present with different expression patterns. DNM1 is expressed at high levels in neurons, where it takes place in the recycling of synaptic vesicles; DNM2 is ubiquitously expressed, while DNM3 is found in the brain and in the testis. Due to the conservation of genes in comparison to mammals, we took advantage of a zebrafish model for functional characterization of dnm1a, ortholog of mammalian DNM1. Our data strongly demonstrated that dnm1a has a nervous tissue‐specific expression pattern and plays a role in the formation of both axon and synapse. This is the first in vivo study that collects evidence about the effects of dnm1a loss of function in zebrafish, thus providing a new excellent model to be used in different scientific fields.
Cartilage thickness mismatches in patellar osteochondral allograft transplants affect local cartilage stresses
Authors: Rosario Ryan , Arruda Ellen M. , Grant John A. , Coleman Rhima M.
Published: April 2023

Osteochondral allograft implantation is a form of cartilage transplant in which a cylindrical graft of cartilage and subchondral bone from a donor is implanted into a patient's prepared articular defect site. No standard exists for matching the cartilage thickness of the donor and recipient. The goal of this study was to use finite element (FE) analysis to identify the effect of cartilage thickness mismatches between donor and recipient cartilage on cartilage stresses in patellar transplants. Two types of FE models were used: patient‐specific 3D models and simplified 2D models. 3D models highlighted which geometric features produced high‐stress regions in the patellar cartilage and provided ranges for the parameter sweeps that were conducted with 2D models. 2D models revealed that larger thickness mismatches, thicker recipient cartilage, and a donor‐to‐recipient cartilage thickness ratio (DRCR) < 1 led to higher stresses at the interface between the donor and recipient cartilage. A surface angle between the donor‐recipient cartilage interface and cartilage surface normal near the graft boundary increased stresses when DRCR > 1, with the largest increase observed for an angle of 15°. A surface angle decreased stresses when DRCR < 1. Clinical Significance: This study highlights a potential mechanism to explain the high rates of failure of patellar OCAs. Additionally, the relationship between geometric features and stresses explored in this study led to a hypothetical scoring system that indicates which transplanted patellar grafts may have a higher risk of failure.
Sensory characterization of the perceived quality of East African highland cooking bananas (matooke)
Authors: Khakasa Elizabeth , Muyanja Charles , Mugabi Robert , Bugaud Christophe , Forestier‐Chiron Nelly , Uwimana Brigitte , Arinaitwe Ivan Kabiita , Nowakunda Kephas
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

It has recently become increasingly evident that banana projects in Uganda need to consider consumer preferences as part of the breeding process to increase the acceptability of new cultivars. A trained panel used quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) as a tool to assess the sensory characteristics of 32 cooking bananas (matooke). The aim was to investigate which sensory characteristics best describe matooke.

RESULTS

Fourteen descriptors were generated. The preferred attributes of matooke were high‐intensity yellow color, homogeneous distribution of yellow color, good matooke aroma, highly moldable by touch, moist and smooth in the mouth. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in the yellowness, homogeneity of color, firmness, moistness, smoothness, matooke aroma, hardness, and moldability across the genotypes (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed strong positive correlations between yellowness and homogeneity of the color (R = 0.92). Smoothness in the mouth and moldability by touch were strongly and positively correlated (R = 0.88). Firmness in the mouth was well predicted by hardness to touch (R2 = 0.85). The matooke samples were ranked into two sensory clusters by agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC).

CONCLUSION

The study showed attribute terms that could be used to describe matooke and also revealed that QDA may be used as a tool during the assessment and selection of new cooking banana hybrids to identify relevant sensory attributes because of its ability to discriminate among the banana hybrids. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Physicochemical and structural characterization of whey protein concentrate–tomato pectin conjugates
Authors: Alancay Matias Miguel , Lobo Manuel Oscar , Samman Norma Cristina
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Protein–pectin conjugates, obtained through a controlled Maillard reaction in blends of precursors, are studied for their contribution to improving the emulsifying and thermal properties of proteins. The objective was to obtain a conjugate between whey protein concentrate (WPC) and non‐conventional pectins extracted in acid (acid tomato pectin, ATP) and aqueous medium (water tomato pectin, WTP) from industrialized tomato residues (tomato waste, TW), characterize the conjugates and study their emulsion properties. The Maillard reaction was carried out at 60 °C and 75% relative humidity in blends with 2:1 proportions; 1:1 and 1:2 (mprotein:mpectin) for 3, 6 and 12 days. Conjugates were compared concerning treated and untreated WPC.

RESULTS

The WPC–ATP conjugate showed significant increases in color difference (ΔE). The electrophoresis profile of the conjugates showed diffuse bands of molecular weight between 37 and 250 kDa and a reduction in the intensity of bands characteristic of WPC (α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin). Thermal analysis showed an increase in the peak temperature and a reduction in the enthalpy change in protein denaturation, associated with the formation of conjugates. The infrared spectroscopy of the conjugates, in the amide III zone (1300–1100 cm−1), indicated an increase in the relative peak area associated with the unfolding and exhibition of the hydrophobic zones of the WPC fraction. The emulsions formulated with the conjugates showed a significant increase in the emulsifying stability index (ESI) (P < 0.05) concerning the treated and untreated WPC emulsions.

CONCLUSION

The formation of conjugates increased the emulsifying properties and improved the thermal stability of WPC, showing an innovative and alternative food ingredient too. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Synthesis of core‐shell material rich in carboxyl groups and its application in the selective adsorption of cationic peptides
Authors: Ahmed Shadi Ali Hassen , Yang YeTong , Li Shuming , Shi Haobin , Qian Linghui , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2023

The ability to extract peptides and proteins from biological samples with excellent reusability, high adsorption capacity, and great selectivity is essential in scientific research and medical applications. Inspired by the advantages of core‐shell materials, we fabricated a core‐shell material using amino‐functionalized silica as the core. Benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarbaldehyde and 3,5‐diaminobenzoic acid were used as model organic ligands to construct a shell coating by alternately reacting the two monomers on the surface of silica microspheres. The resultant material featured an outstanding capability for the adsorption of cationic peptides, most likely owing to its porous structure, a large number of carboxylic functional groups, and low mass‐transfer resistance. The maximum saturated adsorption capacity reached 833.3 mg/g and the adsorption process took only 20 min. Under optimized adsorption conditions, the core‐shell material was used to selectively adsorb cationic peptides from the tryptic digestive solution of lysozyme and bovine serum albumin, Specifically, the analysis results showed seven cationic peptides in the eluate and twenty anionic peptides in the supernatant, which indicates the efficient trap of most cationic peptides in the digestive solution.
Distributional shifts of wintering midcontinent greater white‐fronted geese
Authors: Moore Callie B. , Osborne Douglas C. , Askren Ryan J. , Carlson Lindsay G. , Brasher Michael G.
Published: April 2023

Despite a historically large degree of philopatry to the Gulf Coastal Plains wintering area in the United States and Mexico, the midcontinent population of greater white‐fronted geese (Anser albifrons) has demonstrated changes in their winter distribution in recent decades, warranting investigation into the timing and magnitude of change. We evaluated spatiotemporal patterns in winter band recovery distribution from 1974–2018 and midwinter waterfowl survey counts for midcontinent greater white‐fronted geese. We used an overlap similarity index to compare annual winter band recovery distributions with a historical reference distribution of 1955–1974, followed by a changepoint analysis to assess the timing and magnitude of distributional change. Our analyses revealed a 2‐stage shift in the distribution of winter band recoveries from midcontinent greater white‐fronted geese that occurred following the 1994–1995 season and the 2009–2010 season. As a result, the spatiotemporal distribution of midcontinent greater white‐fronted goose band recoveries can be explained in 3 distinct time eras: the historical era (1974–1995), the transitional era (1995–2010), and the current era (2010–2018). Patterns in midwinter waterfowl survey counts were consistent with changes in winter band recovery distributions, providing further support that midcontinent greater white‐fronted geese have shifted their core winter distribution nearly 750 km northeast over the last 5 decades from the Gulf Coastal Plain to the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Quantifying the timing and magnitude of this shift in winter distribution of midcontinent greater white‐fronted geese provides clarity to previous patterns in and changes to harvest distribution and could be used to facilitate future decisions regarding harvest management, regulatory frameworks, and habitat conservation planning efforts.
Synthesis of Functionalized Triblock Copolyesters Derived from Lactic Acid and Macrolactones for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Martínez Cutillas A. , Sanz‐Serrano D. , Oh S. , Ventura F. , Martínez de Ilarduya A.
Published: April 2023

Synthetic and functional grafts are a great alternative to conventional grafts. They can provide a physical support and the precise signaling for cells to heal damaged tissues. In this study, a novel RGD peptide end‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(lactic acid)‐b‐poly(globalide)‐b‐poly(lactic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol) (RGD‐PEG‐PLA‐PGl‐PLA‐PEG‐RGD) is synthetized and used to prepare functional scaffolds. The PGl inner block is obtained by enzymatic ring‐opening polymerization of globalide. The outer PLA blocks are obtained by ring‐opening polymerization of both, l‐lactide or a racemic mixture, initiated by the α‐ω‐telechelic polymacrolactone. The presence of PGl inner block enhances the toughness of PLA‐based scaffolds, with an increase of the elongation at break up to 300% when the longer block of PGl is used. PLA‐PGl‐PLA copolymer is coupled with α‐ω‐telechelic PEG diacids by esterification reaction. PEGylation provides hydrophilic scaffolds as the contact angle is reduced from 114° to 74.8°. That difference improves the contact between the scaffolds and the culture media. Moreover, the scaffolds are functionalized with RGD peptides at the surface significantly enhancing the adhesion and proliferation of bone marrow‐derived primary mesenchymal stem cells and MC3T3‐E1 cell lines in vitro. These results place this multifunctional polymer as a great candidate for the preparation of temporary grafts.
Radiation‐induced corrosion model for copper‐coated used fuel containers. Part 1. Validation of the bulk radiolysis submodel
Authors: Behazin Mehran , Briggs Scott , King Fraser
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the development of a mixed‐potential model coupling the anodic dissolution of copper to the oxidation and reduction of various radiolysis products, allowing the long‐term prediction of the radiation‐induced corrosion of copper. The overall conceptual model is described, followed by a more detailed discussion of the use of the commercial COMSOL software to predict bulk radiolysis behavior. Various methods are used to validate the COMSOL bulk radiolysis model, including comparison with short‐term experimental data reported in the literature. The underlying principles and assumptions along with the results of the validation procedures are also presented.
Generalized frame operator, lower semiframes, and sequences of translates
Authors: Corso Rosario
Published: April 2023

Given an arbitrary sequence of elements of a Hilbert space , the operator is defined as the operator associated to the sesquilinear form , for . This operator is in general different from the classical frame operator but possesses some remarkable properties. For instance, is always self‐adjoint with regard to a particular space, unconditionally defined, and, when ξ is a lower semiframe, gives a simple expression of a dual of ξ. The operator and lower semiframes are studied in the context of sequences of integer translates of a function of . In particular, an explicit expression of is given in this context, and a characterization of sequences of integer translates, which are lower semiframes, is proved.
Besov estimates for weak solutions of a class of quasilinear parabolic equations with general growth
Authors: Yao Fengping
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we obtain the local higher fractional differentiability regularity estimates in Besov spaces of weak solutions for the quasilinear parabolic equations with general growth under some proper conditions on , and . Moreover, we would like to point out that the results in the present work improve the known results for such parabolic equations.
Three‐dimensional numerical simulation of a laminar fluid flow in an enhanced microchannel with circular protrusions
Authors: Ghasemi S. E. , Ranjbar A. A.
Published: April 2023

In this research, thermal analysis is performed numerically to investigate the performance of microchannel with different protrusions. Four different configurations of circular protrusions are considered to simulate by computational fluid dynamics. The deionized water has been utilized as working fluid in this research, so that its thermal‐physical properties are dependent on temperature. The finite volume approach is employed for solving the governing equations of the laminar fluid flow in steady state condition. The outcomes of the numerical simulation show a very good agreement compared to experimental data. It can be found that the employing protrusions on the bottom wall impresses the thermal criteria in microchannels. The influence of protrusions on the heat transfer coefficient and the ratio of Nusselt number changes compared to the smooth channel are evaluated at various velocity of the fluid. An important result is that the microchannel with higher radius of protrusions has a better heat transfer rate.
Low profile conformal phased array with wide scanning range
Authors: Sheng Cao , He Shu‐Cheng , Qu Shi‐Wei , Yang Shiwen
Published: April 2023

A linearly polarized conformal phased array antenna with a low profile and a large scanning range is proposed, based on stacked patch antenna element fed by a coupled microstrip line. A backed compact cavity is designed in the antenna element, to reduce the mutual coupling between the elements. The prototype of the proposed conformal array, a conformal array composed of 4 × 4 elements which are axially mounted onto a cylindrical surface, is fabricated and measured, whose profile is as low as 0.072 λh (λh is the free‐space wavelength at the highest operating frequency). The experimental results demonstrate that the array achieves active VSWR below than 2.5 over the frequency band of 1.52–1.77 GHz (15%), within the wide‐scanning ranges of ±70° in the E plane and ±60° in the H plane, and the measured results are in good accordance with the calculation.
Computed tomography‐based radiomics nomogram using machine learning for predicting 1‐year surgical risk after diagnosis of Crohn's disease
Authors: Yao Jiayin , Zhou Jie , Zhong Yingkui , Zhang Min , Peng Xiang , Zhao Junzhang , Liu Tao , Wang Wei , Hu Pinjin , Meng Xiaochun , Zhi Min
Published: April 2023

Background

Identifying patients with aggressive Crohn's disease (CD) threatened by a high risk of early onset surgery is challenging.

Purpose

We aimed to establish and validate a radiomics nomogram to predict 1‐year surgical risk after the diagnosis of CD, thereby facilitating therapeutic strategies making.

Methods

Patients with CD who had undergone baseline computed tomography enterography (CTE) examination at diagnosis were recruited and randomly divided into training and test cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Enteric phase CTE images were obtained. Inflamed segments and mesenteric fat were semiautomatically segmented, followed by feature selection and signature building. A nomogram of radiomics was constructed and validated using a multivariate logistic regression algorithm.

Results

A total of 268 eligible patients were retrospectively included, 69 of whom underwent surgery 1‐year after diagnosis. A total of 1218 features from inflamed segments and 1218 features from peripheral mesenteric fat were extracted, and reduced to 10 and 15 potential predictors, respectively, to construct two radiomic signatures. By incorporating the radiomics signatures and clinical factors, the radiomics‐clinical nomogram showed favorable calibration and discrimination in the training cohort, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.957, which was confirmed in the test set (AUC, 0.898). Decision curve analysis and net reclassification improvement index demonstrated the clinical usefulness of the nomogram.

Conclusions

We successfully established and validated a CTE‐based radiomic nomogram with both inflamed segment and mesenteric fat simultaneously evaluated to predict 1‐year surgical risk in CD patients, which assisted in clinical decision‐making and individualized management.
Choroidal neovascularization removal with photo‐mediated ultrasound therapy
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Nguyen Van Phuc , Singh Rohit , Mossallam Basheer , Yang Xinmai , Wang Xueding , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible central vision loss. The main reason for lost vision due to AMD is choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In the clinic, current treatments for CNV include photodynamic therapy, laser photocoagulation, and anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

Purpose

This study evaluates a novel treatment technique combining synchronized nanosecond laser pulses and ultrasound bursts, namely photo‐mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT) as a potential treatment method for CNV, for its efficacy and safety in the treatment of CNV via the experiments in a clinically‐relevant rabbit model in vivo.

Methods

CNV was created by subretinal injection of Matrigel and vascular endothelial growth factor (M&V) in 10 New Zealand white rabbits. Six rabbits were used in the PUT group. In the control groups, two rabbits were treated by laser‐only, and two rabbits were treated by ultrasound‐only. The treatment efficacy was evaluated through fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FA) longitudinally for up to 4 weeks. Rabbits were sacrificed for histopathology 3 months after treatment to examine the safety of PUT.

Results

The fluorescein leakage on FA was quantified to longitudinally evaluate treatment outcome. Compared with baseline, the relative intensity index was reduced by 26.57% ± 8.66% at 3 days after treatment, 27.24% ± 6.21% at 1 week after treatment, 27.79% ± 2.61% at 2 weeks after treatment, and 32.12% ± 3.23% at 4 weeks after treatment, all with a statistically significant difference of p < 0.01. The comparison between the relative intensity indexes from the two control groups (laser‐only treatment and ultrasound‐only treatment) did not show any statistically significant difference at all time points. Safety evaluation at 3 months with histopathology demonstrated that the PUT did not result in morphologic changes to the neurosensory retina.

Conclusions

This study introduces PUT for the first time for the treatment of CNV. The results demonstrated good efficacy and safety of PUT to treat CNV in a clinically‐relevant rabbit model. With a single session of treatment, PUT can safely reduce the leakage of CNV for at least 1 month after treatment.
The content and effectiveness of physical activity for cancer‐related fatigue among colorectal cancer survivors: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Geng Liangrong , Li Xiaoyu , Guo Liqun , Zhang Rui , Yue Shujin
Published: April 2023

Aims

To review the content and efficacy of physical activity (PA) for cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) among colorectal cancer survivors.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials from inception to April 1, 2022, of the following database was performed: EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data and China Biology Medicine (CBM). RevMan5.4 software was used for performing meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of eight qualified randomized controlled trials that included 542 survivors were included. PA interventions significantly reduced the CRF (SMD = −0.46; 95% CI: [−0.76, −0.15], Z = 2.67, p = 0.003); Subgroup analysis showed that fatigue was significantly improved when the length of interventions was at least 6 months and the weekly duration of PA was less than 150 min/week (SMD = −0.54; 95% CI: [−0.81, −0.27], Z = 3.87 and p = 0.0001; SMD = −0.67; 95% CI: [−1.15, −0.19], Z = 2.74 and p = 0.006); PA intervention with the length of <6 months and the volume of ≥150 min/week did not reduce fatigue (p > 0.05).
Additive manufacturing of silicone composite structures with continuous carbon fiber reinforcement
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Peeke Lachlan M. , Periyasamy Mookkan , Campbell Ronald R. , Hickner Michael A.
Published: April 2023

As a relatively new material deployed in additive manufacturing (AM), silicone and its composites have the potential to realize tunable functionality and heterogeneous, architected properties for a number of applications requiring low modulus, elastic materials. Continuous fiber reinforced composites have been developed for AM to achieve various complex structures that are lightweight with high mechanical properties. AM of silicone‐based composites with direct ink writing (DIW) technology has potential application in medical devices, gasket components, flexible soft electronics, and food packaging. However, DIW printed materials have mechanical anisotropy since the extrusion‐based printing process creates small changes in geometry during the material deposition process. In addition, silicone elastomers are relatively low modulus in tension and can be reinforced with woven cloth or fibers. In this work, a continuous fiber AM machine is developed to manufacture silicone composite structures with continuous fiber reinforcing the printed silicone. Tensile tests show that the anisotropic property of the perpendicular printed specimens, relative to the tension direction, has been significantly improved by continuous carbon fiber reinforcements. This continuous fiber silicone reinforcement printing technique can be applied to tune fiber volume ratios and orientations for different silicone composite structures to meet the desired strength and stiffness.
Frustrated crystallization behavior under hierarchical confinement in electrospun fibers of poly(styrene)/poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(l‐lactide) ternary mixtures
Authors: Pal Sanchayan , Srivastava Rajiv K. , Nandan Bhanu
Published: April 2023

The crystallization behavior of binary crystalline mixtures composed of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) was investigated in the electrospun nanofibers fabricated by the ternary blends of polystyrene (PS), PEO, and PLLA. The weight fraction of PEO/PLLA mixture was kept at ≤0.2 such that PS formed the matrix phase. The preferred mixing of PEO and PLLA resulted in the formation of mixed PEO/PLLA dispersed domains in the PS matrix. The small diameter of the electrospun nanofibers restricted the size of dispersed domain. During cooling from melt, PLLA crystallized first resulting in crystallization induced phase separation and entrapment of PEO within the intracrystalline regions of PLLA crystals. Hence, whereas the PLLA crystallized within the soft PS matrix, the crystallization of PEO occurred within the hierarchical confinement imposed by the PLLA crystals as well as the glassy PS matrix. Interestingly, it was found that the confinement favored the formation of α crystals phase in PLLA even at very low crystallization temperatures. Furthermore, due to plausible entrapment of PEO segments within the PLLA crystals, significant depression in PLLA melting temperature was observed. Moreover, the PEO melting temperature also depressed by more than 30°C due to the frustrated crystallization within the hierarchical confinement.
Two‐Dimensional Electron Gases at the Amorphous and Crystalline SrTiO3/KTaO3 Heterointerfaces
Authors: Xu Hao , Gan Yulin , Zhao Yuchen , Li Minghang , Hu Xinzhe , Chen Xuanzhuang , Wang Ruwu , Li Ying , Sun Jirong , Hu Fengxia , Chen Yunzhong , Shen Baogen
Published: April 2023

The 5d two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) based on KTaO3 (KTO) exhibits a lot of exotic properties such as stronger spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) and higher superconductivity transition temperature than those of SrTiO3 (STO)‐based 3d 2DEGs, whereas it has much lower electron mobility. Herein, the property of the 5d 2DEGs is investigated including the carrier mobility and Rashba SOC by interfacing both amorphous and crystalline STO with the crystalline KTO. Metallic 2DEGs are achieved at both interfaces of amorphous and crystalline STO‐capped KTO. Notably, the amorphous STO/KTO heterointerface has a larger carrier concentration and higher Hall mobility than the crystalline STO/KTO counterparts at low temperatures, which stems from two kinds of carriers. In contrast, the 5d 2DEG formed at the crystalline interface exhibits much stronger Rashba SOC as revealed through magnetotransport measurement. The deduced maximum strength of Rashba SOC and spin‐splitting energy are ≈8.56 × 10−12 eV m and ≈33.52 meV, respectively. Our results provide new insights on designing on‐demand properties of KTO‐based conducting interfaces.
First‐Principles Estimation of Low‐Pressure Superconductivity in KC2H8 Ternary Hydride
Authors: Durajski Artur P. , Szczęśniak Radosław
Published: April 2023

Very recently, much research progress has been made on the pressure‐induced superconducting state in ternary hydrides. Herein, an ab initio study of the KC2H8 ternary system is presented at a pressure in the range of 0–100 GPa. Its structural, electronic, dynamical, and superconducting properties are investigated, demonstrating that, at low pressure, KC2H8 is dynamically stable in a clathrate structure with space group Fmm and exhibits superconducting behavior with critical temperatures Tc in the range of 4–94 K. The important role played by C‐ and K‐derived phonon modes at low frequencies and H‐derived phonon modes at high frequencies is highlighted. Moreover, through the analysis of the hydrogen isotope effect, the conventional phonon‐mediated pairing mechanism in this system is proved.