bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions from eye movement potentials to stimulus preceding negativity during anticipation of auditory stimulation
Authors: Engdahl Lis , Bjerre Vicky K. , Christoffersen Gert R. J.
Published: July 2007

Cognitive anticipation of a stimulus has been associated with an ERP called “stimulus preceding negativity” (SPN). A new auditory delay task without stimulus‐related motor activity demonstrated a prefrontal SPN, present during attentive anticipation of sounds with closed eyes, but absent during distraction of attention and during attention with fixed gaze. ERP maxima found near the eyes required examination of eye movement interference, wherefore six monopolar EOG electrodes were included. Similarities between ERPs and potentials evoked by voluntary eye movements with respect to spatial distribution and polarities of amplitudes around the eyes and over the frontal cortex suggested that, in the closed‐eyes condition, small involuntary downward eye movements occurred during attentive anticipation of sounds. Analyses of single trials corroborated this interpretation. On this basis it is suggested that the SPN was caused by such eye movements.
The effect of short‐term exposure of triamcinolone acetonide on fibroblasts and retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Oh Jaeryung , Jung You Sun , Kim Geun Soo , Oh In Kyung , Rho Bo‐Kun , Huh Kuhl
Published: July 2007

Purpose:  We investigated the effects of short‐term exposure to triamcinolone on cultured choroidal fibroblast (CFB) cells and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

Methods:  To evaluate the effect of triamcinolone on cell proliferation, CFB and RPE cells were divided into three groups: a short‐term exposure group; a longterm exposure group, and a non‐treated control group. Cells in the short‐term exposure group were briefly exposed (5, 15 or 30 mins) to triamcinolone (0.01 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml or mitomycin C (0.01 µg/ml, 1 µg/ml). Cells in the longterm exposure group were continuously incubated in culture medium containing the drug until assessment. The control group was cultured without drugs. Cell viability and the number of cells were assessed at day 5 after exposure. To investigate the direct toxicity of triamcinolone on confluent RPE cells, completely confluent cells were exposed to the drugs in the manner as described above. Cell viability was determined on days 0, 3 and 5 after treatment.

Results:  In the short‐term exposure group, 1 mg/ml triamcinolone caused a significant reduction in the proliferation of CFB and RPE cells. The proliferation of CFBs decreased even with exposure to 0.01 mg/ml triamcinolone. In the longterm exposure group, triamcinolone and mitomycin C reduced the proliferation of both CFB and RPE cells. Even very short periods of exposure to triamcinolone caused a significant reduction in the viability of completely confluent RPE cells.

Conclusions:  Even short periods of exposure to triamcinolone inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts and RPE cells and were significantly toxic to completely confluent RPE cells.
Hysterectomy leads to fast improvement of haematological and immunological parameters in bitches with pyometra
Authors: Bartoskova A. , Vitasek R. , Leva L. , Faldyna M.
Published: July 2007

Objectives: To investigate whether a combination of hysterectomy and antibiotic treatment leads to an improvement of altered haematological and immunological parameters in bitches affected by pyometra.

Methods: Blood samples obtained from 13 bitches affected by pyometra were investigated before hysterectomy and seven days later for a total and differential leucocyte count, activity of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and quantification of total serum immunoglobulins, lysozyme and circulating immune complexes.

Results: The parameters most affected included changes in blood profile (leucocytosis because of neutrophilia or leucopenia) and inhibition of lymphocyte activity. Seven days after hysterectomy, all affected parameters returned to normal levels comparable to clinically healthy dogs.

Clinical Significance: Application of immunostimulating therapy is not necessary to manage changes in blood cell counts and suppression of lymphocyte activity in bitches with pyometra. Removal of the infected uterus, being the source of infection, leads to improvement.
The Deleterious Effect of an Insertion Sequence Removing the Last Twenty Percent of the Essential
Escherichia coli rpsA
Gene Is Due to mRNA Destabilization, Not Protein Truncation
Authors: Skorski Patricia , Proux Florence , Cheraiti Chainez , Dreyfus Marc , Denmat Sylvie Hermann-Le
Published: July 2007

Ribosomal protein S1, the product of the essential
rpsA
gene, consists of six imperfect repeats of the same motif. Besides playing a critical role in translation initiation on most mRNAs, S1 also specifically autoregulates the translation of its own messenger.
ssyF29
is a viable
rpsA
allele that carries an IS
10
R insertion within the coding sequence, resulting in a protein lacking the last motif (S1
ΔC
). The growth of
ssyF29
cells is slower than that of wild-type cells. Moreover, translation of a reporter
rpsA-lacZ
fusion is specifically stimulated, suggesting that the last motif is necessary for autoregulation. However, in
ssyF29
cells the
rpsA
mRNA is also strongly destabilized; this destabilization, by causing S1
ΔC
shortage, might also explain the observed slow-growth and autoregulation defect. To fix this ambiguity, we have introduced an early stop codon in the
rpsA
chromosomal gene, resulting in the synthesis of the S1
ΔC
protein without an IS
10
R insertion (
rpsA

ΔC

allele).
rpsA

ΔC

cells grow much faster than their
ssyF29
counterparts; moreover, in these cells S1 autoregulation and mRNA stability are normal. In vitro, the S1
ΔC
protein binds mRNAs (including its own) almost as avidly as wild-type S1. These results demonstrate that the last S1 motif is dispensable for translation and autoregulation: the defects seen with
ssyF29
cells reflect an IS
10
R-mediated destabilization of the
rpsA
mRNA, probably due to facilitated exonucleolytic degradation.
Involvement of endogenous nitric oxide in angiotensin II-induced activation of vascular mitogen-activated protein kinases
Authors: Zhang Guo-Xing , Nagai Yukiko , Nakagawa Toshitaka , Miyanaka Hiroshi , Fujisawa Yoshihide , Nishiyama Akira , Izuishi Kunihiko , Ohmori Koji , Kimura Shoji
Published: July 2007

Angiotensin II (ANG II) is a powerful activator of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades in cardiovascular tissues through a redox-sensitive mechanism. Nitric oxide (NO) is considered to antagonize the vasoconstrictive and proarteriosclerotic actions of ANG II. However, the role of endogenous NO in ANG II-induced redox-sensitive signal transduction is not yet clear. In this study using catheterized, conscious rats, we found that acute intravenous administration of NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 5 mg/kg) enhanced phosphorylation of aortic MAP kinases extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38, which were suppressed only partially by a superoxide dismutase mimetic (Tempol), whereas ANG II-induced MAP kinase phosphorylation was markedly suppressed by Tempol. FK409, a NO donor, had little effect on vascular MAP kinase phosphorylation. On the other hand, acute exposure to a vasoconstrictor dose of ANG II (200 ng·kg−1·min−1 iv) failed to enhance phosphorylation of aortic MAP kinases in the chronically l-NAME-treated rats, whereas the vasoconstrictor effect of ANG II was not affected by l-NAME treatment. Furthermore, three different inhibitors of NO synthase suppressed, in a dose-dependent manner, ANG II-induced MAP kinase phosphorylation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells, which was closely linked to superoxide generation in cells. These results indicate the involvement of endogenous NO synthase in ANG II-induced signaling pathways, leading to activation of MAP kinase, and that NO may have dual effects on the vascular MAP kinase activation associated with redox sensitivity.
Effects of an aging vascular model on healthy and diseased hearts
Authors: Jegger David , da Silva Rafaela F. , Lartaud Isabelle , Gaillard Virginie , Jeanrenaud Xavier , Nasratullah Mohammad , von Segesser Ludwig K. , Atkinson Jeffrey , Segers Patrick , Tevaearai Hendrik , Stergiopulos Nikolaos
Published: July 2007

The vitamin D3and nicotine (VDN) model is a model of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) due to arterial calcification raising arterial stiffness and vascular impedance similar to an aged and stiffened arterial tree. We therefore analyzed the impact of this aging model on normal and diseased hearts with myocardial infarction (MI). Wistar rats were treated with VDN ( n = 9), subjected to MI by coronary ligation ( n = 10), or subjected to a combination of both MI and VDN treatment (VDN/MI, n = 14). A sham-treated group served as control (Ctrl, n = 10). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed every 2 wk, whereas invasive indexes were obtained at week 8 before death. Calcium, collagen, and protein contents were measured in the heart and the aorta. Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, thoracic aortic calcium, and end-systolic elastance as an index of myocardial contractility were highest in the aging model group compared with MI and Ctrl groups ( PVDN< 0.05, 2-way ANOVA). Left ventricular wall stress and brain natriuretic peptide ( PVDN×MI= not significant) were highest, while ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output were lowest in the combined group versus all other groups ( PVDN×MI< 0.05). The combination of ISH due to this aging model and MI demonstrates significant alterations in cardiac function. This model mimics several clinical phenomena of cardiovascular aging and may thus serve to further study novel therapies.
Abstraction versus Contradiction: Observations on Chris Arthur's The New Dialectic and Marx's 'Capital'
Authors: Finelli Roberto
Published: July 2007

This intervention concerns the different statute of abstraction in Marx's work. By means of a critical confrontation with Chris Arthur's work, Finelli presents his thesis of the presence of a double theory and fuction of abstraction in Marx's work. In the early Marx, until the German Ideology, abstraction is, in accordance with the traditional meaning of this term, a product of the mind, an unreal spectre. More exactly, it consists in negating the common essence belonging to labouring humanity and projecting it, as alienated universal, into the idea of philosophy, into the state of politics and into the money of the market. In the later Marx, the nature of abstraction is, rather than mental, practical. It is directly related to the quantity without quality of capitalist labour, and it is the product of the systemic connection of machines to labour-power. In contrast to Arthur, Finelli maintains that practical abstraction in the Marx of Capital is not located in the zone of exchange and the market, where there is the mediation of money. On the contrary, it is located in the zone of production, which, for Marx, is a social ensemble not mediated by money but by relations of technological domination.
Opportunity Theory and Agricultural Crime Victimization*
Authors: Mears Daniel P. , Scott Michelle L. , Bhati Avinash S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract  A growing body of research lends support to opportunity theory and its variants, but has yet to focus systematically on a number of specific offenses and contexts. Typically, the more crimes and contexts to which a theory applies, the broader its scope and range, respectively, and thus generalizability. In this paper, we focus on agricultural crime victimization— including theft of farm equipment, crops, livestock, and chemicals—an offense that opportunity theory appears well‐situated to explain. Specifically, we examine whether key dimensions of the theory are empirically associated with the likelihood of victimization and also examine factors associated with farmers' use of guardianship measures. In contrast to much previous research, we combine multiple individual‐level measures of these dimensions. We conclude that the theory partially accounts for variation in agricultural crime victimization, depending on the type of crime, and that greater work is needed investigating how key dimensions of opportunity theory should be conceptualized and operationalized in rural contexts. The study's implications for theory and practice are discussed.
The FDA in the Crosshairs—Science, Politics, and Abortion
Authors: Fernandez Lynch Holly , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: March 2024

In this Viewpoint, the Supreme Court case FDA v AHM is used to illustrate the tension the FDA faces between science and politics, and state authority over abortion vs federal authority over which drugs may be marketed nationwide.
ICLAMP: a novel technique to explore adenosine deamination via inosine chemical labeling and affinity molecular purification
Authors: Yang Yuxi , Nakayama Koki , Okada Shunpei , Sato Kazuki , Wada Takeshi , Sakaguchi Yuriko , Murayama Ayaka , Suzuki Tsutomu , Sakurai Masayuki
Published: March 2024

Recent developments in sequencing and bioinformatics have advanced our understanding of adenosine‐to‐inosine (A‐to‐I) RNA editing. Surprisingly, recent analyses have revealed the capability of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) to edit DNA:RNA hybrid strands. However, edited inosines in DNA remain largely unexplored. A precise biochemical method could help uncover these potentially rare DNA editing sites. We explore maleimide as a scaffold for inosine labeling. With fluorophore‐conjugated maleimide, we were able to label inosine in RNA or DNA. Moreover, with biotin‐conjugated maleimide, we purified RNA and DNA containing inosine. Our novel technique of inosine chemical labeling and affinity molecular purification offers substantial advantages and provides a versatile platform for further discovery of A‐to‐I editing sites in RNA and DNA.
Event‐triggered adaptive secure lateral stabilization for autonomous vehicles under actuator attacks
Authors: Sun Hong‐Tao , Chen Xinran , Shen Yitao , Peng Chen , Zhao Jiwei
Published: March 2024

False data injection attacks can disrupt the steering control actions and make a real threat to both the security and safety of autonomous vehicles. In this paper, a secure event‐triggered lateral control approach of autonomous vehicles subject to actuator attacks is investigated. Firstly, an arbitrary unknown actuator attacks is considered in the secure lateral steering control of autonomous vehicles. Thus, to save communication resources for the limited bandwidth CAN bus, the periodic event‐triggered transmission scheme is utilized, transforming the established lateral steering control into a time‐delay system through the consideration of periodic event‐triggered sampling. Then, an adaptive control compensation scheme is developed to mitigate the malicious effects caused by actuator attacks. The proposed secure control approach is skilled in compensating the unknown attacked steering control actions in an adaptive way. The stabilization criteria under the adaptive secure control law is well derived by Lyapunov–Krasovskii method and some linear inequality matrices operations. At last, the effectiveness of the proposed secure control scheme is verified by some numerical experiments borrowed from a practical vehicle.
A Gene‐Switch Platform Interfacing with Reactive Oxygen Species Enables Transcription Fine‐Tuning by Soluble and Volatile Pharmacologics and Food Additives
Authors: Huang Jinbo , Xue Shuai , Teixeira Ana Palma , Fussenegger Martin
Published: March 2024

Synthetic biology aims to engineer transgene switches for precise therapeutic protein control in cell‐based gene therapies. However, off‐the‐shelf trigger‐inducible gene circuits are usually switched on by single or structurally similar molecules. This study presents a mammalian gene‐switch platform that controls therapeutic gene expression by a wide range of molecules generating low, non‐toxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this system, KEAP1 (Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1) serves as ROS sensor, regulating the translocation of NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2) to the nucleus, where NRF2 binds to  antioxidant response elements (ARE) to activate the expression of a gene of interest. It is found that a promoter containing eight‐tandem ARE repeats is highly sensitive to the low ROS levels generated by the soluble and volatile molecules, which include food preservatives, food additives, pharmaceuticals, and signal transduction inducers. In a proof‐of‐concept study, it is shown that many of these compounds can independently trigger microencapsulated engineered cells to produce sufficient insulin to restore normoglycemia in experimental type‐1 diabetic mice. It is believed that this system greatly extends the variety of small‐molecule inducers available to drive therapeutic gene switches.
Recent Developments and Future Perspectives of Molybdenum Borides and MBenes
Authors: Rout Chandra Sekhar , Shinde Pratik V. , Patra Abhinandan , Jeong Sang Mun
Published: March 2024

Metal borides have received a lot of attention recently as a potentially useful material for a wide range of applications. In particular, molybdenum‐based borides and MBenes are of great significance, due to their remarkable properties like good electronic conductivity, considerable stability, high surface area, and environmental harmlessness. Therefore, in this article, the progress made in molybdenum‐based borides and MBenes in recent years is reviewed. The first step in understanding these materials is to begin with an overview of their structural and electronic properties. Then synthetic technologies for the production of molybdenum borides, such as high‐temperature/pressure methods, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), element reaction route, molten salt‐assisted, and selective etching methods are surveyed. Then, the critical performance of these materials in numerous applications like energy storage, catalysis, biosensors, biomedical devices, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and tribology and lubrication are summarized. The review concludes with an analysis of the current progress of these materials and provides perspectives for future research. Overall, this review will offer an insightful reference for the understanding molybdenum‐based borides and their development in the future.
Oncogenic Roles of Laminin Subunit Gamma‐2 in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma via Promoting EGFR Translation
Authors: Zhang Jianjuan , Ji Fubo , Tan Yaqi , Zhao Lei , Zhao Yongzhi , Liu Jiaxin , Shao Liyuan , Shi Jiong , Ye Meihua , He Xianglei , Jin Jianping , Zhao Bin , Huang Jun , Roessler Stephanie , Zheng Xin , Ji Junfang
Published: March 2024

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly lethal biliary epithelial cancer in the liver. Here, Laminin subunit gamma‐2 (LAMC2) with important oncogenic roles in iCCA is discovered. In a total of 231 cholangiocarcinoma patients (82% of iCCA patients) across four independent cohorts, LAMC2 is significantly more abundant in iCCA tumor tissue compared to normal bile duct and non‐tumor liver. Among 26.3% of iCCA patients, LAMC2 gene is amplified, contributing to its over‐expression. Functionally, silencing LAMC2 significantly blocks tumor formation in orthotopic iCCA mouse models. Mechanistically, it promotes EGFR protein translation via interacting with nascent unglycosylated EGFR in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), resulting in activated EGFR signaling. LAMC2‐mediated EGFR translation also depends on its interaction with the ER chaperone BiP via their C‐terminus. Together LAMC2 and BiP generate a binding “pocket” of nascent EGFR and facilitate EGFR translation. Consistently, LAMC2‐high iCCA patients have poor prognosis in two iCCA cohorts. LAMC2‐high iCCA cells are highly sensitive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data demonstrate LAMC2 as an oncogenic player in iCCA by promoting EGFR translation and an indicator to identify iCCA patients who may benefit from available EGFR‐targeted TKIs therapies.
Amorphous‐Like Ultralow Thermal Transport in Crystalline Argyrodite Cu7PS6
Authors: Shen Xingchen , Ouyang Niuchang , Huang Yuling , Tung Yung‐Hsiang , Yang Chun‐Chuen , Faizan Muhammad , Perez Nicolas , He Ran , Sotnikov Andrei , Willa Kristin , Wang Chen , Chen Yue , Guilmeau Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Due to their amorphous‐like ultralow lattice thermal conductivity both below and above the superionic phase transition, crystalline Cu‐ and Ag‐based superionic argyrodites have garnered widespread attention as promising thermoelectric materials. However, despite their intriguing properties, quantifying their lattice thermal conductivities and a comprehensive understanding of the microscopic dynamics that drive these extraordinary properties are still lacking. Here, an integrated experimental and theoretical approach is adopted to reveal the presence of Cu‐dominated low‐energy optical phonons in the Cu‐based argyrodite Cu7PS6. These phonons yield strong acoustic‐optical phonon scattering through avoided crossing, enabling ultralow lattice thermal conductivity. The Unified Theory of thermal transport is employed to analyze heat conduction and successfully reproduce the experimental amorphous‐like ultralow lattice thermal conductivities, ranging from 0.43 to 0.58 W m−1 K−1, in the temperature range of 100–400 K. The study reveals that the amorphous‐like ultralow thermal conductivity of Cu7PS6 stems from a significantly dominant wave‐like conduction mechanism. Moreover, the simulations elucidate the wave‐like thermal transport mainly results from the contribution of Cu‐associated low‐energy overlapping optical phonons. This study highlights the crucial role of low‐energy and overlapping optical modes in facilitating amorphous‐like ultralow thermal transport, providing a thorough understanding of the underlying complex dynamics of argyrodites.
A Scalable Robust Microporous Al‐MOF for Post‐Combustion Carbon Capture
Authors: Chen Bingbing , Fan Dong , Pinto Rosana V. , Dovgaliuk Iurii , Nandi Shyamapada , Chakraborty Debanjan , García‐Moncada Nuria , Vimont Alexandre , McMonagle Charles J. , Bordonhos Marta , Al Mohtar Abeer , Cornu Ieuan , Florian Pierre , Heymans Nicolas , Daturi Marco , De Weireld Guy , Pinto Moisés , Nouar Farid , Maurin Guillaume , Mouchaham Georges , Serre Christian
Published: March 2024

Herein, a robust microporous aluminum tetracarboxylate framework, MIL‐120(Al)‐AP, (MIL, AP: Institute Lavoisier and Ambient Pressure synthesis, respectively) is reported, which exhibits high CO2 uptake (1.9 mmol g−1 at 0.1 bar, 298 K). In situ Synchrotron X‐ray diffraction measurements together with Monte Carlo simulations reveal that this structure offers a favorable CO2 capture configuration with the pores being decorated with a high density of µ2‐OH groups and accessible aromatic rings. Meanwhile, based on calculations and experimental evidence, moderate host‐guest interactions Qst (CO2) value of MIL‐120(Al)‐AP (−40 kJ mol−1) is deduced, suggesting a relatively low energy penalty for full regeneration. Moreover, an environmentally friendly ambient pressure green route, relying on inexpensive raw materials, is developed to prepare MIL‐120(Al)‐AP at the kilogram scale with a high yield while the Metal‐ Organic Framework (MOF) is further shaped with inorganic binders as millimeter‐sized mechanically stable beads. First evidences of its efficient CO2/N2 separation ability are validated by breakthrough experiments while operando IR experiments indicate a kinetically favorable CO2 adsorption over water. Finally, a techno‐economic analysis gives an estimated production cost of ≈ 13 $ kg−1, significantly lower than for other benchmark MOFs. These advancements make MIL‐120(Al)‐AP an excellent candidate as an adsorbent for industrial‐scale CO2 capture processes.
Better together: A multistakeholder approach to developing specialty‐wide entrustable professional activities in emergency medicine
Authors: Caretta‐Weyer Holly A. , Sebok‐Syer Stefanie S. , Morris Amanda M. , Schnapp Benjamin H. , Fant Abra L. , Scott Kevin R. , Pirotte Matthew , Gisondi Michael A. , Yarris Lalena M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are a widely used framework for curriculum and assessment, yet the variability in emergency medicine (EM) training programs mandates the development of EPAs that meet the needs of the specialty as a whole. This requires eliciting and incorporating the perspectives of multiple stakeholders (i.e., faculty, residents, and patients) in the development of EPAs. Without a shared understanding of what a resident must be able to do upon graduation, we run the risk of advancing ill‐prepared residents that may provide inconsistent care.

Methods

In an effort to address these challenges, beginning in February 2020, the authors assembled an advisory board of 25 EM faculty to draft and reach consensus on a final list of EPAs that can be used across all training programs within the specialty of EM. Using modified Delphi methodology, the authors came to consensus on an initial list of 22 EPAs. The authors presented these EPAs to faculty supervisors, residents, and patients for refinement. The authors collated and analyzed feedback from focus groups of residents and patients using thematic analysis. The EPAs were subsequently refined based on this feedback.

Results

Stakeholders in EM residency training endorsed a final revised list of 22 EPAs. Stakeholder focus groups highlighted two main thematic considerations that helped shape the finalized list of EM EPAs: attention to the meaningful nuances of EPA language and contextualizing the EPAs and viewing them developmentally.

Conclusions

To foreground all key stakeholders within the EPA process for EM, the authors chose within the development process to draft; come to consensus; and refine EPAs for EM in collaboration with relevant faculty, patient, and resident stakeholders. Each stakeholder group contributed meaningfully to the content and intended implementation of the EPAs. This process may serve as a model for others in developing stakeholder‐responsive EPAs.
A Soft, Centimeter‐Scaled, Thin‐Cable‐Crawling Robot for Narrow Space Inspection
Authors: Ma Wentao , Li Bo , Jiang Lei , Wu Yehui , Bai Ruiyu , Chen Guimin
Published: March 2024

Cables are critical in engineering structures for load‐bearing, electronic connection, and mechanical transmission. Various cable‐crawling robots (CCRs) have been developed to perform scheduled inspection or convey supplies. Most existing CCRs are often actuated by motors and used in large‐scaled engineering structures. The heavy bodies of these CCRs can cause damage or even casualties once slippage or drop occurs. A small and lightweight CCR that can crawl on thin cables is highly demanded for safety inspection in narrow and confined inner spaces of engineering structures. Herein, a soft CCR (weight, 2.1 g; length, 43 mm) is developed by utilizing multilayered dielectric elastomer actuators. Compared with existing solutions, this CCR achieves crawling on thin cables (diameter: <1 mm) while crawling fastest (horizontal: 0.72 body length per second). The CCR is also capable of transporting objects (horizontal: 3.69 times its own weight; vertical: 0.76 times its own weight), climbing upward on a vertical cable, and locomoting across the water–air interface. The CCR is also demonstrated to crawl on a slack cable and circular/spiral cables. Finally, the soft robot, equipped with an endoscope, demonstrates inspections on a tensegrity structure as well as in an airplane wing model with a preplaced cable.
ATP‐Independent Turnover of Dinitrogen Intermediates Captured on the Nitrogenase Cofactor
Authors: Lee Chi Chung , Stang Martin , Ribbe Markus W. , Hu Yilin
Published: March 2024

Nitrogenase reduces N2 to NH3 at its active‐site cofactor. Previous studies of an N2‐bound Mo‐nitrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii suggest binding of three N2 species via asymmetric belt‐sulfur displacements in the two cofactors of its catalytic component (designated Av1*), leading to the proposal of stepwise N2 reduction involving all cofactor belt‐sulfur sites; yet, the evidence for the existence of multiple N2 species on Av1* remains elusive. Here we report a study of ATP‐independent, EuII/SO32−‐driven turnover of Av1* using GC‐MS and frequency‐selective pulse NMR techniques. Our data demonstrate incorporation of D2‐derived D by Av1* into the products of C2H2‐ and H+‐reduction, and decreased formation of NH3 by Av1* concomitant with the release of N2 under H2; moreover, they reveal a strict dependence of these activities on SO32−. These observations point to the presence of distinct N2 species on Av1*, thereby providing strong support for our proposed mechanism of stepwise reduction of N2 via belt‐sulfur mobilization.
Anaesthetic records: an evaluation of variation across England
Authors: Fenton R. , Thompson C. , Drake S. , Foley L. , Cook T. M.
Published: March 2024

We collected blank non‐specialist anaesthetic records from 71 National Health Service Trusts in England. A data set was established by collating all data items found in an initial tranche of 28 records. All 71 records were subsequently analysed for each data item in this data set. We found significant variation: the most populated record included 216 data items and the least included 38 data items: a greater than five‐fold variation. There was significant variation in the inclusion of data items commonly considered important to patient safety; 42% of records omitted documentation of fasting status, 72% omitted documentation of a discussion around the risk of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia, 92% omitted documentation of quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring and 63% omitted documentation for ‘Stop Before You Block’ when performing regional anaesthesia. The study highlights significant variability in the composition of anaesthetic records across England which may impact on its value as a data repository, an action trigger, a medicolegal account, and a tool to facilitate safe handover. Standardisation of the anaesthetic record or the establishment of standards of recording would help to allay potential risks to patient safety and assist in guiding future procurement of electronic solutions for anaesthetic records.
Utilization of industrial by‐product gypsum to prepare urea gypsum cocrystals as a sustained release fertilizer: A review
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Jia Caiyun , Fang Xiaoxia , Xiao Anni , Zhang Haijun
Published: March 2024

The large‐scale accumulation of industrial by‐product gypsum has led to land embezzlement and serious environmental pollution. Meanwhile, as a predominantly used nitrogen fertilizer, urea shows a disadvantage of high solubility in soil. Therefore, it can hydrolyze into large amounts of ammonium salts so rapidly that cannot be absorbed efficiently by crops. The sustainable method of using industrial by‐product gypsum to synthesize urea gypsum cocrystals is a promising way to solve above challenges. The synthesized urea gypsum shows low aqueous solubility and hygroscopicity, which can be used as sustained release fertilizer. In this review, the present status regarding urea gypsum is systematically reviewed, including its development history, preparation methods, impact of different raw materials, evaluation of products performance, and large‐scale trials. This review aims to reveal the current situation, identify current gaps, and provide suggestions for future investigations concerning urea gypsum.
CO2‐Free Ethylene Oxide Production via Liquid‐Phase Epoxidation with Fe2O3/MSM Catalyst
Authors: Maqbool Muhammad , Parveen Nazia , Jaffar Saima , Hassan Sadaf Ul , Mahmood Asif , Al‐Masry Waheed , Kim Taewook , Han Soo‐Kyung , Park Chan Ho , Razzaque Shumaila , Akhter Toheed
Published: March 2024

In this study, we present an approach for ethylene oxide (EO) production that addresses environmental concerns by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. Our catalyst, Fe2O3/MSM, was synthesized using a hydrothermal method, incorporating Fe2O3 nanoparticles into a well‐structured mesoporous silica matrix (MSM). We selected peracetic acid as the oxidant, enabling CO2‐free EO production while yielding valuable by‐products such as acetic acid, monoethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analyses confirmed the heteroatom structure of the catalysts and porosity, while Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis provided insights into its morphology. Then, the synthesized catalyst was used in the liquid‐phase epoxidation of ethylene for EO production. Our systematic experiments involved varying critical parameters such as temperature, ethylene to oxidant ratio, catalyst dosage, and solvent to optimize EO selectivity and ethylene conversion. The results of this study demonstrated an 80.2 % ethylene conversion to EO with an EO selectivity of 87.6 %. The production process yielded valuable by‐products without CO2 emissions, highlighting its environmental friendliness.
Pre‐Lithiation Technology for Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Principles, Applications, and Perspectives
Authors: Li Shuang , Jiang Jiangmin , Zheng Yun , Ju Zhicheng , Zhuang Quanchao , Wu Kai , Shao Huaiyu , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: March 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely used as a new energy storage system with high energy density and long cycle life. However, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formed on the surface of anode consumes excess active lithium during the initial cycle, resulting in an initial irreversible capacity loss (ICL) and reducing the overall electrochemical performance. To solve the critical issue, pre‐lithiation technology has been accepted as one of the most promising strategies. Due to the pre‐lithiated treatment provides additional active lithium to compensate for the ICL and effectively improves initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), leading to raising the working voltage, increasing the Li+ concentration, as well as improving the energy density and cycle stability of LIBs. In this overview, the causes of ICL in LIBs are analyzed from different perspectives, and various pre‐lithiation strategies are systematically classified and summarized. Finally, some current problems and development prospects in this field are summarized, with prospects for realizing industrialized technologies.
Green supplier development and sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Wamalwa Lucy Simani , Nang'ole Meyer Patricia
Published: March 2024

The rapid rise in demand for sustainably produced goods over the last decade has made integrating environmental sustainability practices into the supply chain a strategic capability for many businesses. Despite the rapid growth of green supply chain management research, scholars have not fully examined supplier development in the context of the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between green supplier development strategies and supplier adoption of natural resource‐based view (NRBV) strategies, as well as their impact on green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. We make a significant contribution in this field by integrating a natural‐resource‐based view and a dynamic capabilities perspective to investigate how firms in developing economies overcome the environmental sustainability capability deficiencies of small and medium‐sized enterprises and are able to develop and implement environmentally sustainable practices. Based on a survey of 167 manufacturing companies in Kenya, the findings reveal that focal firms' indirect environmental sustainability supplier development strategies significantly impact environmental sustainability practices among suppliers and that the focal firm‐supplier dyadic relational capabilities significantly affected suppliers' implementation of environmental sustainability practices. Furthermore, focal firms' resource investment (financial and capital) in environmentally sustainable supply chain management programs to develop suppliers has a significant impact on suppliers' implementation of environmental sustainability practices.
Structure–Based Site–Directed Mutagenesis of Hydroxynitrile Lyase from Cyanogenic Millipede, Oxidus gracilis for Hydrocyanation and Henry Reactions
Authors: Chaikaew Siriporn , Watanabe Yukio , Zheng Daijun , Motojima Fumihiro , Yamaguchi Takuya , Asano Yasuhisa
Published: March 2024

Hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL) from the cyanogenic millipede Oxidus gracillis (OgraHNL) is a crucial enzyme in the cyanogenesis pathway. Here, the crystal structures of OgraHNL complexed with sulfate, benzaldehyde (BA), (R)‐mandelonitrile ((R)‐Man), (R)‐2‐chloromandelonitrile ((R)‐2‐Cl−Man), and acetone cyanohydrin (ACN) were solved at 1.6, 1.7, 2.3, 2.1, and 2.0 Å resolutions, respectively. The structure of OgraHNL revealed that it belonged to the lipocalin superfamily. Based on this structure, positive variants were designed to further improve the catalytic activity and enantioselectivity of the enzyme for asymmetric hydrocyanation and Henry reactions.
Effect of alkali metal salt addition on disintegration of titania particles precipitated from tetraethyl orthotitanate in ethanol
Authors: Zimmermann Sebastian , Koenig Aaron Justin , Reich Oliver , Bressel Lena
Published: March 2024

Inline (or in situ) photon density wave spectroscopy was used to monitor the disintegration of secondary titania particles into their primary particles. Photon density wave spectroscopy can be applied to determine the reduced scattering coefficient of a dispersion without dilution or calibration, and thus enables process analysis in materials that are usually unsuitable for established particle characterization techniques. In this work, amorphous titania particles were precipitated from tetraethyl orthotitanate in ethanol by addition of water in presence of different alkali metal salts (NaCl, KCl, CsCl, K2SO4) with concentrations between 0 and 1.6 mM. The present results suggest that the synthesized titania secondary particles disintegrate into their primary particles if the electrostatic repulsion between the primary particles is promoted. This can be achieved by an increased alkali chloride concentration in the synthesis or by addition of larger alkali metal ions. In contrast, the particles are only weakly charged upon addition of sulfate ions, and the disintegration stops. The conclusions drawn from photon density wave spectroscopy results are supported by gravimetric determination of the particle yield, dynamic light scattering measurements, zeta‐potential measurements, and electron micrographs. Additionally, the disintegration was driven to completion by addition of hydrochloric acid to create a transparent suspension of titania primary particles as small as 4.7 nm.
Secondary Sites of the C‐type Lectin‐Like Fold
Authors: Lefèbre Jonathan , Falk Torben , Ning Yunzhan , Rademacher Christoph
Published: March 2024

C‐type lectins are a large superfamily of proteins involved in a multitude of biological processes. In particular, their involvement in immunity and homeostasis has rendered them attractive targets for diverse therapeutic interventions. They share a characteristic C‐type lectin‐like domain whose adaptability enables them to bind a broad spectrum of ligands beyond the originally defined canonical Ca2+‐dependent carbohydrate binding. Together with variable domain architecture and high‐level conformational plasticity, this enables C‐type lectins to meet diverse functional demands. Secondary sites provide another layer of regulation and are often intricately linked to functional diversity. Located remote from the canonical primary binding site, secondary sites can accommodate ligands with other physicochemical properties and alter protein dynamics, thus enhancing selectivity and enabling fine‐tuning of the biological response. In this review, we outline the structural determinants allowing C‐type lectins to perform a large variety of tasks and to accommodate the ligands associated with it. Using the six well‐characterized Ca2+‐dependent and Ca2+‐independent C‐type lectin receptors DC‐SIGN, langerin, MGL, dectin‐1, CLEC‐2 and NKG2D as examples, we focus on the characteristics of non‐canonical interactions and secondary sites and their potential use in drug discovery endeavors.
Molecular Ferroelastic Induced by Mono‐/Double‐Protonation Strategy
Authors: Luo Jia‐Qi , Lun Meng‐Meng , Jia Qiang‐Qiang , Wang Zhi‐Jie , Lu Hai‐Feng , Zhang Yi , Fu Da‐Wei
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Molecular ferroelastics with the natural features of mechanical flexibility and switchable spontaneous strain have attracted widespread attention in the scientific community due to their potential applications in tunable gratings, flexible memorizers, strain sensors, and intelligent actuators. However, most designs of molecular ferroelastics remain in the stage of blind exploration, posing a challenge to achieve a functional ferroelastic more effectively. Herein, we have successfully obtained a molecular ferroelastic, [Me2NH(CH2)2NH3](ReO4)2 (Me2NH(CH2)2NH3 = N,N‐dimethylethylenediammonium), under the guidance of the mono‐/double‐protonation strategy. The double‐protonated [Me2NH(CH2)2NH3](ReO4)2 undergoes a paraelastic‐ferroelastic phase transition with the Aizu notation of 2/mF at 322 K. Meanwhile, the theoretical calculation and experimental measurement simultaneously show that [Me2NH(CH2)2NH3](ReO4)2 possesses good mechanical flexibility, because its elastic modulus (E) of 8.26 GPa and hardness (H) of 0.45 GPa are smaller than the average values of organic crystals (E of 12.05 GPa and H of 0.5 GPa), which makes it promising to apply in wearable pressure sensors, implantable medical sensors, high‐precision tuners, etc. This work further enriches the molecular ferroelastic family and demonstrates that mono‐/double‐protonation is one of the effective molecular modification strategies for designing ferroelastics.
Ethnic differences in depression and anxiety among adults with atopic eczema: Population‐based matched cohort studies within UK primary care
Authors: Adesanya Elizabeth I. , Henderson Alasdair , Hayes Joseph F. , Lewin Alexandra , Mathur Rohini , Mulick Amy , Morton Caroline , Smith Catherine , Langan Sinéad M. , Mansfield Kathryn E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Evidence demonstrates that individuals with atopic eczema (eczema) have increased depression and anxiety; however, the role of ethnicity in these associations is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether associations between eczema and depression or anxiety differed between adults from white and minority ethnic groups in the UK.

Methods

We used UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD to conduct matched cohort studies of adults (≥18 years) with ethnicity recorded in primary care electronic health records (April 2006‐January 2020). We matched (age, sex, practice) adults with eczema to up to five adults without. We used stratified Cox regression with an interaction between eczema and ethnicity, to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for associations between eczema and incident depression and anxiety in individuals from white ethnic groups and a pooled minority ethnic group (adults from Black, South Asian, Mixed and Other groups).

Results

We identified separate cohorts for depression (215,073 with eczema matched to 646,539 without) and anxiety (242,598 with eczema matched to 774,113 without). After adjusting for matching variables and potential confounders (age, sex, practice, deprivation, calendar period), we found strong evidence (p < 0.01) of ethnic differences in associations between eczema and depression (minority ethnic groups: HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.22,1.45; white ethnic groups: HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.12,1.17) and anxiety (minority ethnic groups: HR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.28,1.55; white ethnic groups: HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.14,1.19).

Conclusions

Adults with eczema from minority ethnic groups appear to be at increased depression and anxiety risk compared with their white counterparts. Culturally adapted mental health promotion and prevention strategies should be considered in individuals with eczema from minority ethnic groups.
Developing Dynamic Structure‐Based Pharmacophore and ML‐Trained QSAR Models for the Discovery of Novel Resistance‐Free RET Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Through Extensive MD Trajectories and NRI Analysis
Authors: Sayyah Ehsan , Oktay Lalehan , Tunc Huseyin , Durdagi Serdar
Published: March 2024

Activation of RET tyrosine kinase plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including non‐small cell lung cancer, papillary thyroid cancers, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and 2B (MEN2A, MEN2B), and familial medullary thyroid cancer. Gene fusions and point mutations in the RET proto‐oncogene result in constitutive activation of RET signaling pathways. Consequently, developing effective inhibitors to target RET is of utmost importance. Small molecules have shown promise as inhibitors by binding to the kinase domain of RET and blocking its enzymatic activity. However, the emergence of resistance due to single amino acid changes poses a significant challenge. In this study, a structure‐based dynamic pharmacophore‐driven approach using E‐pharmacophore modeling from molecular dynamics trajectories is proposed to select low‐energy favorable hypotheses, and ML‐trained QSAR models to predict pIC50values of compounds. For this aim, extensive small molecule libraries were screened using developed ligand‐based models, and potent compounds that are capable of inhibiting RET activation were proposed.
Factors contributing to differences in cervical cancer screening in rural and urban community health centers
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Baeker Bispo Jordan , Pal Choudhury Parichoy , Wiese Daniel , Jemal Ahmedin , Islami Farhad
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Community health centers (CHCs) provide historically marginalized populations with primary care, including cancer screening. Previous studies have reported that women living in rural areas are less likely to be up to date with cervical cancer screening than women living in urban areas. However, little is known about rural–urban differences in cervical cancer screening in CHCs and the contributing factors, and whether such differences changed during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Using 8‐year pooled Uniform Data System (2014‐2021) data and Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition, the extent to which CHC‐ and catchment area–level characteristics explained rural‐urban differences in up‐to‐date cervical cancer screening was estimated.

Results

Up‐to‐date cervical cancer screening was lower in rural CHCs than urban CHCs (38.2% vs 43.0% during 2014–2019), and this difference increased during the pandemic (43.5% vs 49.0%). The rural–urban difference in cervical cancer screening in 2014–2019 was mostly explained by differences in CHC‐level proportions of patients with limited English proficiency (55.9%) or income below the poverty level (12.3%) and females aged 21 to 64 years (9.8%), and catchment area–level’s unemployment (3.4%) and primary care physician density (3.2%). However, Medicaid (–48.5%) or no insurance (–19.6%) counterbalanced the differences between rural–urban CHCs. The contribution of these factors to rural–urban differences in cervical cancer screening generally increased in 2020–2021.

Conclusions

Rural–urban differences in cervical cancer screening were mostly explained by multiple CHC‐level and catchment area–level characteristics. The findings call for tailored interventions, such as providing resources and language services, to improve cancer screening utilization among uninsured, Medicaid, and patients with limited English proficiency in rural CHCs.