bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hakai, a novel Runx2 interacting protein, augments osteoblast differentiation by rescuing Runx2 from Smurf2‐mediated proteasome degradation
Authors: Upadhyay Vishal , Sharma Shivani , Sethi Arppita , Singh Anil Kumar , Chowdhury Sangita , Srivastava Swati , Mishra Shivkant , Singh Shyam , Chattopadhyay Naibedya , Trivedi Arun Kumar
Published: July 2024

Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is a key regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. In Runx2‐deficient embryos, skeletal development ceases at the cartilage anlage stage. These embryos die of respiratory failure upon birth and display a complete absence of bone and cartilage mineralization. Here, we identified Hakai, a type of E3 ubiquitin ligase as a potential Runx2 interacting partner through affinity pulldown‐based proteomic approach. Subsequently, we observed that similar to Runx2, Hakai was downregulated in osteopenic ovariectomized rats, suggesting its involvement in bone formation. Consistent with this observation, Hakai overexpression significantly enhanced osteoblast differentiation in mesenchyme‐like C3H10T1/2 as well as primary rat calvaria osteoblast (RCO) cells in vitro. Conversely, overexpression of a catalytically inactive Hakai mutant (C109A) exhibited minimal to no effect, whereas Hakai depletion markedly reduced endogenous Runx2 levels and impaired osteogenic differentiation in both C3H10T1/2 and RCOs. Mechanistically, Hakai physically interacts with Runx2 and enhances its protein turnover by rescuing it from Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2)‐mediated proteasome degradation. Wild‐type Hakai but not Hakai‐C109A inhibited Smurf2 protein levels through proteasome‐mediated degradation. These findings underscore Hakai's functional role in bone formation, primarily through its positive modulation of Runx2 protein turnover by protecting it from Smurf2‐mediated ubiquitin‐proteasomal degradation. Collectively, our results demonstrate Hakai as a promising novel therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
The LTAR Grazing Land Common Experiment at the Central Plains Experimental Range: Collaborative adaptive rangeland management
Authors: Augustine David J. , Derner Justin D. , Porensky Lauren M. , Hoover David L. , Ritten John P. , Kearney Sean P. , Ma Liwang , Peck Dannele , Wilmer Hailey ,   the CARM Stakeholder Group
Published: July 2024

Semiarid rangelands throughout the western Great Plains support livestock production and many other ecosystem services. The degree to which adaptive multi‐paddock (AMP) grazing management approaches can help achieve desired ecosystem services remains unclear. At the Central Plains Experimental Range in northeastern Colorado, a management‐science partnership with a diverse stakeholder group is comparing collaborative adaptive rangeland management (CARM), designed to incorporate AMP principles, to traditional rangeland management (TRM), consisting of season‐long grazing during the growing season. Each treatment was implemented on a set of 10, 130‐ha pastures paired by soils, topography, and plant communities to evaluate how CARM affects vegetation (composition and production), livestock production (steer weight gain), and wildlife habitat (vegetation structure for grassland birds). For the first 5 years of the experiment, CARM cattle were managed as a single herd using AMP grazing with planned year‐long rest in 20% of the pastures. Relative to TRM, CARM enhanced heterogeneity in vegetation structure across the landscape, benefiting two grassland bird species. However, this came at the cost of 12%–16% lower steer weight gains in CARM versus TRM and declining populations of a third bird species of conservation concern in both treatments. Here we discuss how increased understanding of ecological and social processes during the experiment's first 5 years led to changes in the CARM treatment and management objectives during the next 5 years. We also discuss how innovations in remote sensing, environmental sensors, ecosystem modeling, social learning, and economic analyses are being integrated into and supported by the CARM experiment.
Immunometabolites in viral infections: Action mechanism and function
Authors: Bouzari Behnaz , Chugaeva Uliana Y. , Karampoor Sajad , Mirzaei Rasoul
Published: July 2024

The interplay between viral pathogens and host metabolism plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of viral infections. Upon viral detection, the metabolic landscape of the host cell undergoes significant changes, shifting from oxidative respiration via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to increased aerobic glycolysis. This metabolic shift is accompanied by elevated nutrient accessibility, which is vital for cell function, development, and proliferation. Furthermore, depositing metabolites derived from fatty acids, TCA intermediates, and amino acid catabolism accelerates the immunometabolic transition, facilitating pro‐inflammatory and antimicrobial responses. Immunometabolites refer to small molecules involved in cellular metabolism regulating the immune response. These molecules include nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids, along with metabolic intermediates and signaling molecules adenosine, lactate, itaconate, succinate, kynurenine, and prostaglandins. Emerging evidence suggests that immunometabolites released by immune cells establish a complex interaction network within local niches, orchestrating and fine‐tuning immune responses during viral diseases. However, our current understanding of the immense capacity of metabolites to convey essential cell signals from one cell to another or within cellular compartments remains incomplete. Unraveling these complexities would be crucial for harnessing the potential of immunometabolites in therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss specific immunometabolites and their mechanisms of action in viral infections, emphasizing recent findings and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
Performance evaluation of the MAGLUMI Hepatitis B virus surface antigen chemiluminescence immunoassay
Authors: Shen Lihong , Zhang Yun , Shi Min , Shao Lijia , Feng Shengchun , Li Weiting , Fang Zhonggang , Yin Jun , Li Tinghua
Published: July 2024

A highly sensitive and reliable Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) measurement is essential to universal screening, timely diagnosis, and management of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of MAGLUMI HBsAg chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). MAGLUMI HBsAg (CLIA) was compared against ARCHITECT HBsAg. 411 HBsAg positive samples, including different stages of infection, genotypes, subtypes, mutants, and 30 seroconversion panels were tested to evaluate diagnostic sensitivity. Diagnostic specificity was evaluated by testing 205 hospitalized samples and 5101 blood donor samples. Precision, limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), and linearity were also verified. The diagnostic sensitivity of the MAGLUMI HBsAg (CLIA) was 100% with better seroconversion sensitivity than ARCHITECT HBsAg. The MAGLUMI HBsAg (CLIA) has optimal detection efficacy for HBV subgenotypes samples. The analytical sensitivity is 0.039 IU/mL. The initial diagnostic specificity is 99.63% on blood donors and 96.59% on hospitalized samples. The verification data demonstrated high repeatability, a LoB of 0.02 IU/mL, LoD of 0.05 IU/mL and an excellent linearity of 0.050–250 IU/mL (R2 = 0.9946). The MAGLUMI HBsAg (CLIA) is proved a highly sensitive and reliable assay with optimal subgenotype detection efficacy.
Seasonality and Activity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Rhizosphere of Endemic Tree Species
Authors: Lambais Érica Olandini , de Souza Tancredo Augusto Feitosa , Késsia Paloma , Nascimento Gislaine dos Santos , Macedo Rodrigo , de Bakker Alexandre Pereira , Lambais George Rodrigues , Dias Bruno Oliveira , da Silva Fraga Vânia
Published: July 2024

This study analyzed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) activity and soil chemical properties in Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Bauhinia ungulata, Caesalpinia pyramidalis, and Caesalpinia ferrea. AMF spores, root colonization, total glomalin‐related soil protein (T‐GRSP), easily extracted GRSP (EE‐GRSP), and soil chemical properties were measured four times (July 2019, 2020 and December 2019, 2020). Significant differences were observed in AMF spores, root colonization, T‐GRSP, and EE‐GRSP among the plant species and across seasons. For soil chemical properties, we observed differences among plant species. During the dry season, B. ungulata and C. pyramidalis had the highest AMF spores and root colonization (57.3 ± 0.27 spores 50 g soil−1 and 48.8 ± 1.05, respectively), whereas during the rainy season, C. pyramidalis and C. ferrea showed the highest AMF spores and root colonization (36.6 ± 0.13 spores 50 g soil−1 and 62.2 ± 1.17, respectively). A. pyrifolium showed the highest T‐GRSP in both seasons. On the basis of the soil chemical properties, we found that (i) A. pyrifolium, B. ungulata, and C. ferrea showed the highest soil organic carbon (1.32 ± 0.03 g kg−1), phosphorus (7.01 ± 0.26 mg kg−1), and soil pH (5.85 ± 0.23) and (ii) C. pyramidalis showed the highest Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, H+ + Al3+, K+, and soil total nitrogen (1.36 ± 0.04, 0.73 ± 0.01, 3.72 ± 0.85, 4.56 ± 0.12 cmolc kg−1, 15.43 ± 1.53 mg kg−1, and 0.16 ± 0.01 g kg−1, respectively). Our results highlight the advantage of AMF spores as perennating structures over other AM fungal propagules in seasonal vegetation like Caatinga.
Evaluating Poetry: Navigating the Divide between Aesthetical and Creativity Judgments
Authors: Chaudhuri Soma , Pickering Alan , Bhattacharya Joydeep
Published: July 2024

The comprehension and appreciation of poetry are inherently subjective, involving both creativity and aesthetic appeal. However, do these assessments of aesthetics and creativity rely on identical criteria, or do they vary depending on underlying factors? We addressed this question in this study. Participants (N = 96) evaluated 25 English poems across nine subjective characteristics: reading fluency, vivid imagery, perceived emotions (valence and arousal), surprise, originality, usefulness, aesthetic appeal, and creativity. Linear mixed‐model analysis revealed that a poem's creativity was primarily predicted by its originality, followed by its usefulness and vivid imagery. Conversely, the evaluation of a poem's aesthetic appeal followed a different route; it was mainly predicted by a poem's reading fluency, followed by arousal, valence, and vivid imagery. Additionally, the association between creativity and originality was significantly moderated by participants' personality traits, specifically, openness, vividness of visual imagery, and curiosity. The relationship between aesthetic appeal and reading fluency was moderated by the vividness of auditory imagery trait. These findings suggest that a poem's creativity evaluation closely aligns with the standard definition of creativity, relying on its originality and usefulness. The study provides novel insights into the implicit internal models in the evaluation of poetry.
Migrating ripples create streambed heterogeneity altering microbial diversity and metabolic activity
Authors: Oprei Anna , Schreckinger José , Kamjunke Norbert , Worrich Anja , Mutz Michael , Risse‐Buhl Ute
Published: July 2024

Sandy sediments of lowland streams are typically transported at low flow in the form of migrating ripples. In these bedforms, microbial communities spanning all trophic guilds (heterotrophic bacteria, fungi, photoautotrophic and phagotrophic protists) are exposed to highly frequent moving–resting cycles of sediment grains. Up to date, it is unknown to what extent ripple migration impacts community metabolism and composition as well as the vertical zonation of sediment‐associated multitrophic microbial communities compared to stationary sediments. We hypothesize that, as a result of mechanical abrasion and limited light supply, migrating ripple sediments have lower microbial abundance, diversity, metabolism and resource acquisition and no vertical zonation compared to stationary sediments. We collected samples from five lowland streams in north‐eastern Germany between May and June 2020. The coarser and better sorted sediments of migrating ripples had a higher oxygen concentration and less organic matter than stationary sediments. Photosynthetic pigments, potential extracellular enzyme activities, bacterial cell counts, and fungal gene copies were lower in migrating ripples than in stationary sediments. In contrast, cell‐specific bacterial production was higher in migrating ripples. Metabarcoding revealed that bedform migration was important in shaping the community structure of bacteria, fungi, and phagotrophic protists. Dry mass‐related net community production, respiration, and bacterial production were higher in superficial compared to underlying layers irrespective of sediment transport. By modulating the abundance, diversity, and structure of different trophic guilds of microbial communities and their resource acquisition, migrating bedforms create streambed heterogeneity, shaping regional biodiversity and the flow of matter through the benthic food web.
On differentiability of Sobolev functions with respect to the Sobolev norm
Authors: Gol'dshtein Vladimir , Hashash Paz , Ukhlov Alexander
Published: July 2024

We study connections between the ‐differentiability and the ‐differentiability of Sobolev functions. We prove that ‐differentiability implies the ‐differentiability, but the opposite implication is not valid. The notion of approximate differentiability is discussed as well. In addition, we consider the ‐differentiability of Sobolev functions ‐almost everywhere.
Outcomes for children with recurrent/refractory atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor: A single‐institution study with molecular correlation
Authors: Carey Steven S. , Huang Jie , Myers Jason R. , Mostafavi Roya , Orr Brent A. , Dhanda Sandeep Kumar , Michalik Layna H. , Tatevossian Ruth G. , Klimo Paul , Boop Frederick , Lu Congyu , Sioson Edgar , Zhou Xin , Nichols Kim E. , Merchant Thomas E. , Ellison David W. , Robinson Giles W. , Onar‐Thomas Arzu , Gajjar Amar , Upadhyaya Santhosh A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Survival data for recurrent pediatric atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) and its association to molecular groups are extremely limited.

Methods

Single‐institution retrospective study of 64 children less than 21 years old with recurrent or treatment‐refractory (progressive disease [PD]) ATRT treated at St. Jude Hospital from January 2000 to December 2020. Demographic, clinicopathologic, treatment, molecular grouping (SHH, TYR, and MYC) and germline data were collected. Progression‐free survival (PFS2: time from PD to subsequent first progression) and overall survival (OSpostPD: time from PD to death/last follow‐up) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Median age at and time from initial diagnosis to PD were 2.1 years (range: 0.5–17.9 years) and 5.4 months (range: 0.5–125.6 months), respectively. Only five of 64 children (7.8%) are alive at median follow‐up of 10.9 (range: 4.2–18.1) years from PD. The 2/5‐year PFS2 and OSpostPD were 3.1% (±1.8%)/1.6% (±1.1%) and 20.3% (±4.8%)/7.3% (±3.5%), respectively. Children with TYR group (n = 10) had a better OSpostPD compared to those with MYC (n = 11) (2‐year survival estimates: 60.0% ± 14.3% vs. 18.2% ± 9.5%; p = .019), or those with SHH (n = 21; 4.8% ± 3.3%; p = .014). In univariate analyses, OSpostPD was better with older age at diagnosis (p = .037), female gender (p = .008), and metastatic site of PD compared to local or combined sites of PD (p < .001). Two‐year OSpostPD for patients receiving any salvage therapy (n = 39) post PD was 33.3% ± 7.3%.

Conclusions

Children with recurrent/refractory ATRT have dismal outcomes. Older age at diagnosis, female gender, TYR group, and metastatic site of PD were associated with relatively longer survival in our study.
The Role of Structural Flexibility in Hydrocarbon‐Stapled Peptides Designed to Block Viral Infection via Human ACE2 Mimicry
Authors: Jiang Sicheng , Tian Yu , Nicolaescu Vlad , Mansurov Aslan , Randall Glenn , Tirrell Matthew V. , LaBelle James L.
Published: July 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic drove a uniquely fervent pursuit to explore the potential of peptide, antibody, protein, and small‐molecule‐based antiviral agents against severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The interaction between the SARS‐CoV2 spike protein with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor that mediates viral cell entry was a particularly interesting target given its well‐described protein–protein interaction (PPI). This PPI is mediated by an α‐helical portion of ACE2 binding to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and thought to be susceptible to blockade through molecular mimicry. Small numbers of hydrocarbon‐stapled synthetic peptides designed to disrupt or block this interaction were tested individually and were found to have variable efficacy despite having related or overlapping sequences and similarly increased α‐helicity. Reasons for these differences are unclear and reported preclinical successes have been limited. This study sought to better understand reasons for these differences through evaluation of a comprehensive collection of hydrocarbon‐stapled peptides, designed based on four distinct principles: stapling position, number of staples, amino acid sequence, and primary sequence length. Surprisingly, we observed that the helicity and amino acid sequence iterations of hydrocarbon‐stapled peptides did not correlate with their bioactivity. Our results highlight the importance of iterative and combinatorial testing of these compounds to determine a configuration that best mimics natural binding and allows for chain flexibility while sacrificing structural helicity.
Using mobile phone data to capture residential segregation and its association with travel mobility
Authors: Pan Yu , He Sylvia Y.
Published: July 2024

This study measures residential segregation and investigates its association with travel mobility by using mobile phone data from Shenzhen, China. It considers residential segregation in terms of income level and migrant group; and travel mobility in terms of travel frequency, activity space, and travel distance. Unlike previous research on residential segregation and travel mobility, our research uses mobile phone data to produce empirical evidence. The extent of segregation between different migrant and income‐level groups is measured using the location quotient and Getis‐Ord index. This enables us to develop a linear regression model with which to investigate the associations of residential segregation with travel mobility. The study results show that the segregation of middle‐ and low‐income groups and migrants from Southwestern China and Jiangxi is negatively associated with travel mobility among those in the suburbs; meanwhile, for groups segregated in the city center, there is a positive association with travel mobility. These findings suggest that residential segregation is especially adverse for the travel mobility of disadvantaged groups and those living in the suburbs. Accordingly, the paper presents policy recommendations that would enhance travel mobility by alleviating the problems associated with the residential segregation of socially disadvantaged groups living in the suburbs.
Investigation of Angle‐Dependent Shubnikov‐de Haas Oscillations in Topological Insulator Bismuth
Authors: Karn Navneet Kumar , Kumar Yogesh , Awana Geet , Awana Veer Pal Singh
Published: July 2024

The current article investigates the band structure in the presence and absence of spin‐orbit coupling (SOC), examines the Z2 invariants, and investigates the detailed angle‐dependent magneto‐transport of up to 10 T (Tesla) and down to 2 K for the bismuth crystal. The out‐of‐plane field‐dependent magnetoresistance (MR) is positive and is huge to the order of ≈104% at 2 K and 10 T. On the contrary, the longitudinal (in‐plane) field‐dependent MR is relatively small and is negative. The thermal activation energy is also estimated by using the Boltzmann formula from resistivity versus temperature measurement under applied transverse magnetic fields. The topological nature of Bi is confirmed by Z2 invariant calculation using density functional theory (DFT). PBESol bands show trivial but hybrid functional (HSE) bands show non‐trivial topology being present in Bismuth. This article comprehensively studies the dependence of MR oscillations upon the angle between the applied field and the current. The observed oscillations fade away as the angle is increased. This article is an extension of our previous work on bismuth (J. Sup. Novel Mag. 2023, 36, 389), in which a comprehensive analysis of its structural and micro‐structural properties is conducted along with its transport behavior in an applied transverse magnetic field.
Excitonic Properties versus Structure Stability Trade‐Off in Halide Perovskite Photovoltaics Caused by van der Waals Interactions
Authors: Rathod Siddharth N. , Farajian Amir A.
Published: July 2024

Lead halide perovskites, and their derivatives, are among the most promising photovoltaic materials for third generation solar cells. Despite the large number of available works on some of these materials, excitonic properties whose assessment has been challenging are less investigated. These include quantitative measures of excitonic properties variations with van der Waals (vdW) interactions. Consistent comparisons of how vdW interactions affect phononic and optical properties are also desirable. This work focuses on cubic phases of with X = Cl, Br, I, and MA = methylammonium, using density functional theory simulations including vdW interactions. These cause 30%–38% increase of absolute cohesive energies and 15%–37% reduction of ionic/vibrational contributions to static dielectric constants, along with 10%–29% reduction of exciton Bohr radii and 29%–107% increase of exciton binding energies. The effects on band gaps, frequency‐dependent dielectric functions, and exciton effective masses are less pronounced. Within the Mott–Wannier exciton model, the results suggest a trade‐off between photovoltaic performance and structure stability. The results can help assess stability, feasibility, and performance of hybrid photovoltaic materials.
“Green” Aqueous Synthesis, Structural, and Optical Properties of Quaternary Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2NiSnS4 Nanocrystals
Authors: Ivakhno‐Tsehelnyk Oleksandra , Selyshchev Oleksandr , Kondratenko Serhiy , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: July 2024

Element substitution in Cu2ZnSnS4‐like chalcogenides offers the potential to create alternative low‐cost photovoltaic and thermoelectric materials with tunable properties. In this work, the “green” synthesis of colloidal cation‐substituted Cu–Ni–Sn–S nanocrystals (CNTS NCs) in aqueous solutions using thioglycolic acid as a stabilizer is reported for the first time. The structural and optical properties of CNTS NCs are studied in colloidal solutions and thin films, and are compared with those of Cu–Zn–Sn–S (CZTS) NCs obtained under similar conditions. The NC sizes of both compounds are estimated to be in the range of 1.5–2.5 nm. Both NCs exhibit strongly non‐stoichiometric composition and a structure corresponding to cationically disordered kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4, which are common features of such quaternary metal‐based chalcogenides. The phonon Raman spectra of CNTS and CZTS NCs exhibit very similar lineshapes, but the CNTS phonon band has a larger width and lower frequency, presumably due to stronger cation disorder. The absorption of both types of NCs extends continuously through the visible range with an estimated bandgap of ≈2.2 eV and sub‐bandgap absorption due to an Urbach tail. The absorption coefficient of CNTS is determined to be α > 102 cm−1 at 700 nm and α > 104 cm−1 at 400 nm.
Ferroelectricity‐Induced Surface Ferromagnetism in Core–Shell Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles
Authors: Canhassi Carlos A. I. , Chernozem Roman V. , Chernozem Polina V. , Romanyuk Konstantin N. , Zelenovskiy Pavel , Urakova Alina O. , Gerasimov Evgeny Y. , Koptsev Danila A. , Surmeneva Maria A. , Surmenev Roman A. , Kholkin Andrei L. , Kopelevich Yakov
Published: July 2024

Magnetoelectric nanoparticles (NPs) present an important class of nanomaterials with a wide interest in piezocatalytic and biomedical applications. Herein, the results of magnetoelectric and magnetization measurements performed on core–shell NPs having magnetic core (MnFe2O4, MFO) and ferroelectric shell (Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.5Zr0.5O3, BCZT) synthesized by the microwave hydrothermal method are reported. Magnetic results are compared with the measurements on reference MFO NPs prepared under identical conditions. Detailed SQUID magnetometer measurements of the magnetization hysteresis loops M(H) down to 2 K reveal the existence of a clear exchange bias effect in pure MFO NPs attributed to the coexistence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic short‐range interactions. When the magnetic core is covered by the thin ferroelectric BCZT shell, it is observed that 1) the shell suppresses the apparent bias effect and 2) induces an “extra” ferromagnetic magnetization at T < 20 K. The results indicate that this “extra” ferromagnetism has a 2D character and it is most likely related to the interface interactions between the MFO core and BCZT shell. Ferroelectric properties and strong magnetoelectric effect in core–shell NPs are revealed via piezoresponse force microscopy under magnetic field. The mechanisms of the observed effects are discussed.
Combined matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐mass spectrometry imaging with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for observing spatial distribution of lipids in whole Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Vandenbosch Michiel , van Hove Erika R. Amstalden , Mohren Ronny , Vermeulen Isabeau , Dijkman Henry , Heeren Ron M. A. , Leonards Pim E. G. , Hughes Samantha
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) is a powerful label‐free technique for biomolecule detection (e.g., lipids), within tissue sections across various biological species. However, despite its utility in many applications, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is not routinely used in combination with MALDI‐MSI. The lack of studies exploring spatial distribution of biomolecules in nematodes is likely due to challenges with sample preparation.

Methods

This study developed a sample preparation method for whole intact nematodes, evaluated using cryosectioning of nematodes embedded in a 10% gelatine solution to obtain longitudinal cross sections. The slices were then subjected to MALDI‐MSI, using a RapifleX Tissuetyper in positive and negative polarities. Samples were also prepared for liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analysis using an Exploris 480 coupled to a HPLC Vanquish system to confirm the MALDI‐MSI results.

Results

An optimised embedding method was developed for longitudinal cross‐sectioning of individual worms. To obtain longitudinal cross sections, nematodes were frozen at −80°C so that all worms were rod shaped. Then, the samples were defrosted and transferred to a 10% gelatine matrix in a cryomold; the worms aligned, and the whole cryomold submerged in liquid nitrogen. Using MALDI‐MSI, we were able to observe the distribution of lipids within C. elegans, with clear differences in their spatial distribution at a resolution of 5 μm. To confirm the lipids from MALDI‐MSI, age‐matched nematodes were subjected to LC‐MS/MS. Here, 520 lipids were identified using LC‐MS/MS, indicating overlap with MALDI‐MSI data.

Conclusions

This optimised sample preparation technique enabled (un)targeted analysis of spatially distributed lipids within individual nematodes. The possibility to detect other biomolecules using this method thus laid the basis for prospective preclinical and toxicological studies on C. elegans.
Community‐acquired necrotizing pneumonia caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a healthy pregnant woman after being infected with influenza A: A case report for early warning
Authors: Do Thanh Hoa , Anh Duc Vu , Hai Ghi Nguyen , Le Xuan Duong
Published: July 2024

A previously healthy woman, 5 weeks pregnant, was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition for septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome due to methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after being infected with Influenza for 3 days. The patient in this case suffered from severe sequelae due to necrotizing pneumonia and later died on the 20th day after admission. We would like to remind clinicians to be aware of this rare but serious diagnosis. The key is to begin appropriate treatment immediately because MRSA necrotizing pneumonia is mediated by toxins and once the toxins are released they cannot be limited by antibiotic treatments. Necrotizing pneumonia related to MRSA should be considered in young patients with pneumonia, sepsis, and neutropenia following seasonal influenza infection with rapidly progressive symptoms.
Enhancing GaN Nanowires Performance Through Partial Coverage with Oxide Shells
Authors: Szymon Radoslaw , Zielony Eunika , Sobanska Marta , Stachurski Tomasz , Reszka Anna , Wierzbicka Aleksandra , Gieraltowska Sylwia , Zytkiewicz Zbigniew R.
Published: July 2024

Core‐shell gallium nitride (GaN)‐based nanowires offer noteworthy opportunities for innovation in high‐frequency opto‐ and microelectronics. This work delves deeply into the physical properties of crystalline GaN nanowires with aluminum and hafnium oxide shells. Particular attention is paid to partial coverage of nanowires, resulting with exceptional properties. First, the crystal lattice relaxation is observed by X‐ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy measurements. A high potential of partial coverage for optoelectronic applications is revealed with photo‐ and cathodoluminescence spectra along with an exploration of their temperature dependency. Next, the study focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind the observed enhancement of the luminescence efficiency. It is confirmed that nanowires are effectively protected against photoadsorption using partial coatings. This research advances the frontiers of nanotechnology, investigating the benefits of partial coverage, and shedding light on its complex interaction with cores.
The impacts of season extension on upper Great Lakes shipping
Authors: Rust Daniel L. , Stewart Richard D.
Published: July 2024

This article is a synopsis of the first phase of a multiyear study completed for the Wisconsin Sea Grant on the impact of an extended shipping season on the Great Lakes because of climate change. The new factors of reduced ice coverage and the completion of a second Poe‐sized lock at the Sault Ste. Marie were considered in analyzing the possible changes. This article outlines the study's methodology, summarizes findings, and discusses the potential impact of season extension on vessels, ports, personnel, and beneficial cargo owners.
The financial impact of delays to percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery at a county hospital
Authors: Palasi Stephen F. , Rivas Alexis , Owen Christopher K. , Rajendran Rohit , Macias Juanita , Gregg Justin , McCarty Melina , da Silva Rodrigo Donalisio
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a standard management for complex renal stone disease. However, the implications of delays in PCNL are under‐explored. We hypothesized that increased time prior to intervention in a county hospital system would be associated with higher hospital charges, increased clinic and hospital visits, and increased procedural interventions.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective chart review of 132 adult patients undergoing PCNL at a county hospital from April 2019 to December 2022 was performed. Groups were organized based on time from diagnosis to surgery (<4 months, 4–6 months, >6 months). Key outcomes included hospital charges, insurance types, ureteral stent versus nephrostomy decompression, presence of stent encrustation, and number of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, emergency department (ED) visits, and interventions. Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA was used for determining group differences between continuous variables, and χ2 was used for categorical variables.

Results

A total of 132 PCNLs were analyzed with a median diagnosis‐to‐operating room (OR) period of 135 days. Compared to patients with diagnosis‐to‐OR period less than 4 months, those with PCNL performed in 4–6 months and over 6 months had 7% and 36% higher hospital charges respectively ($27 607 vs. $29 416 vs. $37 622, p = 0.018). Delays to PCNL surgery resulted in more CT scans (p = 0.019), clinic visits (p < 0.001), and interventions (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our study showed that in a medically underserved population, increased diagnosis‐to‐OR period led to increased healthcare utilization, additional procedures, and hospital charges. Changes aimed at reducing the time from diagnosis to surgery could reduce the financial burden for both patients and the healthcare system.
Primary immune‐mediated neutropenia and precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia in a 4‐year‐old cat
Authors: Travail Victoria , Di Bella Andrea
Published: July 2024

A 4‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair was presented for acute onset of lethargy. The cat had been diagnosed with and treated for precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia 2 years before presentation. The clinical examination was unremarkable. Haematology and biochemistry revealed neutropenia and hyperglobulinaemia. Electrophoresis revealed polyclonal gammopathy. Toxoplasma spp. IgG/IgM, Bartonella spp., feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus serology were negative. Urine culture was negative. A computed tomography scan of the thorax and abdomen revealed an enlarged spleen, and cytology was suggestive of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies were supportive of primary immune‐mediated neutropenia and recurrence of precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia. The cat was treated successfully with prednisolone and cyclosporine. The necessity to perform a bone marrow biopsy should be highlighted in this case, as the diagnosis of precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia and immune‐mediated neutropenia was based on bone marrow sampling, exclusion of infectious disorders and response to immunosuppressive medications.
The International Anticorruption Agenda, Legal Culture, and Business Environment in Uzbekistan
Authors: Mustafoev Tolibjon
Published: July 2024

This chapter aims to examine the impact of the international anticorruption agenda on the business and investment climate and legal culture in Uzbekistan. In undertaking this task, I specifically emphasise the daily life of anticorruption laws, policies, and agencies in Uzbekistan in order to understand how domestic institutions and actors perceive, interpret, negotiate, and challenge global anticorruption norms. These processes will be explored by drawing from interviews with key informants from the business and government sectors and by critically analysing Uzbekistan’s anticorruption legal framework and current public policy developments.
Understanding the Legal Culture in Uzbekistan Through an Analysis of Business Disputes in Economic Courts
Authors: Kolenko Evgeniy , Dostqoriev Muzaffar , Azizov Nasimbek
Published: July 2024

More than one million economic agreements are concluded in Uzbekistan annually, indicative of ever-increasing business activities in the country. In turn from a legal standpoint, these developments may lead to numerous business disputes, since one of the parties may refuse or be unable to fulfil contractual obligations. Given the prevalence of informal law in Uzbekistan, it is highly likely that parties will attempt to resolve their disputes through informal, extra-legal means. However, since Uzbekistan launched legal reforms in 2018 specifically emphasising increasing access to courts, citizens might be more inclined to resolve their disputes through formal legal channels. Thus, analysing business disputes allows us to shed light on the legal consciousness (legal culture) amongst different members of society, such as legal practitioners, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens. Based on these considerations, we provide a socio-legal investigation of the legal consciousness (legal culture) of legal practitioners, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens in Uzbekistan by analysing economic court decisions. The analysis of economic court decisions allows us to understand the role of law in everyday life, showing, in particular, how the legal culture and the legal consciousness of the people can impact social life and the formation of a rule of law culture in Uzbekistan.
Promises and Commitments: The Role of Fair and Equitable Provisions and Local Foreign Direct Investment Law and Regulations in Generating Legitimate Expectations
Authors: Sayfutdinov Khasan
Published: July 2024

Most tribunals link legitimate expectations to violations of fair and equitable treatment provisions in bilateral investment treaties (BITs). The legitimate expectations of investors in the host country vary from country to country. This chapter analyses the most recent fair and equitable treatments (FETs) in Uzbekistan’s investment treaties and assesses the role of local investment law and regulations in building legitimate expectations. To do so, I review investment arbitration cases to build an analytical framework, whereby case law provides methodological guidance to design questions for interviews and focus-group discussions. According to the sources of legitimate expectations, this study divides direct and indirect expectations into two groups, and provides suggestions for improving current FET provisions by including more precise wording in Uzbek BITs. This chapter also contains recommendations for generating direct legitimate expectations such that foreign investors may rely on the country’s direct assurance and representations which target specific groups of investors intending to invest in the country.
Between the Sacred and the Secular: Publishing, Books, and Everyday Life in Colonial Cochinchina
Authors: Cao Vy
Published: July 2024

Records of the colonial legal deposit allow us to reconstruct the rapid rise of print culture in late colonial Indochina. Between 1922 and 1945, approximately 257 printing and publishing houses produced more than 25,000 periodicals and non-periodicals. Using data from the Indochinese collection of the French National Library, this chapter traces the landscape of publishing in colonial Cochinchina. It then focuses on the multiple meanings of the book as a printed object, and particularly the practice of book donation, to explore how print culture transformed local relations to reading, trading, and devotion. While books are often understood as vectors of modernity, attending to their materiality reminds us they were also an everyday consumer good. In the case of donated books, they could even serve as a kind of religious currency, creating social ties, and confirming readers’ participation in a shared traditional cosmology.
Preclinical research progress in HER2-targeted small-molecule probes for breast cancer
Authors: Sun Yefan , Zhai Luoping , Ma Le , Zhang Wanchun
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that has the highest morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a key driver of breast cancer development. Therefore, accurate assessment of HER2 expression in cancer patients and timely initiation or termination of anti-HER2 treatment are crucial for the prognosis of breast cancer patients. The emergence of radiolabeled molecular probes targeting HER2 makes this assessment possible. This article describes different types of small-molecule probes that target HER2 and are used in current preclinical applications and summarizes their advantages and disadvantages.
The change of the absorptance at the transition from partial- to full-penetration laser welding
Authors: Wagner Jonas , Hagenlocher Christian , Weber Rudolf , Graf Thomas
Published: July 2024

Full-penetration laser welding processes are necessarily associated with significant changes of the geometrical properties of the keyhole at the beginning of the process when the keyhole expands all the way through the workpiece and finally pierces the bottom of the sheet. The impact that this transition has on the absorptance was investigated by means of X-ray imaging to determine the geometry of the keyhole and subsequent raytracing to calculate the distribution of the absorbed irradiance. The results show a significant drop of the overall absorptance when the bottom of the capillary opens through the rear side of the workpiece which in practice is noticed by an unstable behavior of the keyhole. Since the drop of the absorptance is less pronounced for smaller diameters of the keyhole, one may recommend the application of laser beams with small diameters at least during the initial phase until the keyhole is fully developed and reliably reaches through the bottom surface of the welded sheet.
Correlation Between Antimicrobial Structural Classes and Membrane Partitioning: Role of Emerging Lipid Packing Defects
Authors: Sankaran S. V. , Saiba Roni , Sikdar Samapan , Vemparala Satyavani
Published: July 2024

In this study, a combination of bioinformatics and molecular dynamics simulations is employed to investigate the partitioning behavior of different classes of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) into model membranes. The main objective is to identify any correlations between the structural characteristics of AMPs and their membrane identification and early-stage partitioning mechanisms. The simulation results reveal distinct membrane interactions among the various structural classes of AMPs, particularly in relation to the generation and subsequent interaction with lipid packing defects. Notably, AMPs with a structure-less coil conformation generate a higher number of deep and shallow defects, which are larger in size compared to other classes of AMPs. AMPs with helical component demonstrated the deepest insertion into the membrane. On the other hand, AMPs with a significant percentage of beta sheets tend to adsorb onto the membrane surface, suggesting a potentially distinct partitioning mechanism attributed to their structural rigidity. These findings highlight the diverse membrane interactions and partitioning mechanisms exhibited by different structural classes of AMPs.

Graphical abstract
DNA, databases and diet: a case study on the parrotfish Scarus rivulatus
Authors: van der Reis Aimee L. , Clements Kendall D.
Published: July 2024

DNA metabarcoding is increasingly used in dietary studies, but this molecular technique has limitations including DNA extraction, primer choice suitability and completeness of DNA reference databases. Together, these limitations can create successive biases; some of which can be identified by careful data interrogation. Here, we examine some of the influential factors impacting DNA metabarcoding by focusing on the diet of the grazing coral reef parrotfish Scarus rivulatus (Labridae). The 16S V3-4 and 18S V4 gene regions were targeted to detect a wide range of taxa in the pharyngeal content, but genus-level amplicon sequence variant (ASV) assignments were ≤ 40%. Multiple universal 18S V4 primer sets, which amplified the same portion of the gene region, highlighted disparities that impacted resulting datasets and dietary data interpretation. Approximately 50% of ASVs overlapped among these 18S V4 datasets. Overall, our results show that protein-rich epilithic and endolithic microscopic photoautotrophs were consistently present and that S. rivulatus appears to rely on protein-rich taxa, especially dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. Even if all qualitative limitations could be addressed, our data emphasise the difficulty of making straightforward quantitative conclusions about the diet composition of grazing fishes using DNA metabarcoding alone. Thus, until DNA metabarcoding reaches a state of maturity where quantitative data can be gained, additional support is required from other dietary analysis methods to provide robust interpretations and conclusions.
Ion irradiation induced blister formation and exfoliation in 3C-SiC
Authors: Sreelakshmi N. , Sen Sujoy , Ganesan K. , Amirthapandian S.
Published: July 2024

Investigation of surface blistering and exfoliation in silicon carbide (SiC) by H+ ion irradiation can be utilized for the smart cut or ion cut process, which will overcome the major challenges impeding the technological development of SiC. Blister formation and exfoliation in cubic 3CSiC were studied by carrying out 50 keV H+ ion irradiations. Both formation and exfoliation of blisters were observed in post-annealed (at 600 °C and 800 °C) samples (ion fluence: 7 × 1016 ions/cm2), where the disorder level is 0.95, which is close to the amorphization dose. The samples were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman scattering techniques. AFM measurements indicate that blisters exfoliate at a depth of around 289 nm, where H ions result in maximum damage. Raman scattering results reveal the presence of vacancy-hydrogenated complex in the post-annealed samples. Raman mapping around blisters suggests that there is more internal stress around the periphery of blisters than at its centre. Internal pressure and stress inside the blisters are estimated using Föppl-von Karman’s (FvK) theory of thin plates. The internal pressure decreases with the diameter of the blisters. FvK theory of thin plates has enabled the determination of a threshold stress of 0.06 GPa, describing the change from a tensile to a compressive stress state in the buckles, which leads to the exfoliation of blisters.
The impact of preoperative 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on functional outcomes and health-related quality of life following radical prostatectomy – A propensity score matched longitudinal study
Authors: Westhofen Thilo , Frank Kerstin , Buchner Alexander , Becker Armin , Eismann Lennert , Rodler Severin , Aydogdu Can , Berg Elena , Jokisch Friedrich , Kazmierczak Philipp M. , Stief Christian G. , Kretschmer Alexander
Published: July 2024

Objectives

While the impact of treatment with 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARI) on the risk of cancer-related mortality in men with prostate cancer (PC) has been extensively studied, little is known about the impact of preoperative 5-ARI use on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

Within our prospectively maintained institutional database of 5899 patients treated with RP for PC (2008– 2021), 99 patients with preoperative 5-ARI therapy were identified. A 1:4 propensity-score matched analysis of 442 men (n = 90 5-ARI, n = 352 no 5-ARI) was conducted. Primary endpoint was continence recovery using daily pad usage and ICIQ-SF. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 and PR25 questionnaires. Multivariable Cox-regression-models tested the effect of preoperative 5-ARI treatment on continence-recovery (p < 0.05).

Results

Patients were followed up perioperatively, followed by annual assessments up to 60mo postoperatively. Preoperative mean ICIQ-SF score (2.2 vs. 0.9) was significantly higher in the 5-ARI cohort (p = 0.006). 24mo postoperatively, 68.6% (no 5-ARI) vs. 55.7% (5-ARI) had full continence recovery (p = 0.002). Multivariable Cox regression analysis, revealed preoperative 5-ARI treatment as an independent predictor for impaired continence recovery (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27–0.94, p = 0.03) In line, general HRQOL was significantly higher for patients without 5-ARI only up to 24mo postoperatively (70.6 vs. 61.2, p = 0.045). There was no significant impact of preoperative 5-ARI treatment on erectile function, biochemical recurrence-free survival and metastasis-free survival.

Conclusions

Pre-RP 5-ARI treatment was associated with impaired continence outcomes starting 24mo postoperatively, suggesting that preoperative 5-ARI treatment can impair the long-term urinary function recovery following RP.