bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ceRNA network construction and identification of hub genes as novel therapeutic targets for age-related cataracts using bioinformatics
Authors: Hong Yingying , Wu Jiawen , Sun Yang , Zhang Shenghai , Lu Yi , Ji Yinghong
Published: March 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract (ARC).

Methods

We obtained the transcriptome datafile of th ree ARC samples and three healthy, age-matched samples and used differential expression analyses to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The differential lncRNA-associated competing endogenous (ceRNA) network, and the protein-protein network (PPI) were constructed using Cytoscape and STRING. Cluster analyses were performed to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of the hub genes affecting ARC progression. To verify the immune status of the ARC patients, immune-associated analyses were also conducted.

Results

The PPI network identified the FOXO1 gene as the hub gene with the highest score, as calculated by the Maximal Clique Centrality (MCC) algorithm. The ceRNA network identified lncRNAs H19, XIST, TTTY14, and MEG3 and hub genes FOXO1, NOTCH3, CDK6, SPRY2, and CA2 as playing key roles in regulating the pathogenesis of ARC. Additionally, the identified hub genes showed no significant correlation with an immune response but were highly correlated with cell metabolism, including cysteine, methionine, and galactose.

Discussion

The findings of this study may provide clues toward ARC pathogenic mechanisms and may be of significance for future therapeutic research.
Common eating habit patterns are associated with a high maximum occlusal force and pre-eating cardiac vagal tone
Authors: Okada Masahiro , Okada Kosuke , Kakehashi Masayuki
Published: March 2023

Background

Masticatory function is associated with nervous function, including autonomic nervous function, and both functions are influenced by human habits. In a previous preliminary study of 53 young women, we found that eating habit patterns were associated with occlusal force as an indicator of masticatory function. Therefore, we hypothesized that relationships exist between occlusal force, the autonomic nervous system, and eating habit patterns.

Methods

To test our hypothesis, we analyzed the relationship between heart rate variability measured before and after lunch in 53 young women, and measured and surveyed maximum occlusal force and eating habit patterns, respectively, in these participants.

Results

High occlusal force was associated with an increased high-frequency (HF) component (vagal tone index) of the heart rate variability index immediately before lunch (standardized regression coefficient (β) = 0.417, P = 0.002). Each of the eating habit items surveyed in a questionnaire showed a similar tendency for the HF component immediately before lunch and maximum occlusal force; in particular, “Habit of eating breakfast” and “Number of meals per day” were significantly associated with both variables. Additionally, total eating habit scores related to higher maximum occlusal force were associated with an increase in the HF component immediately before lunch (β = 0.514, P < 0.001). The maximum occlusal force and the pre-eating HF component values were stratified by total eating habit scores (into low, medium, high categories), and the high scores were significantly higher than the medium or low scores.

Conclusions

Occlusal force and the pre-eating cardiac vagal response of individuals were characterized by their common eating habit patterns, indicating that eating habits may be simultaneously associated with the development of masticatory function, nervous system development, and cardiovascular rhythm. Although further research is needed to investigate these relationships in detail, our findings provide insights that will inform the study of physical functions, neurodevelopment, habitual behaviors, and health in humans.
Integrating eDNA and citizen science observations to model distribution of a temperate freshwater turtle near its northern range limit
Authors: Feng Wenxi , Lougheed Stephen C.
Published: March 2023

Background

To determine species distributions and the factors underlying them, reliable occurrence data are crucial. Assembling such data can be challenging for species with cryptic life histories or that occur at low densities.

Methods

We developed species-specific eDNA protocols, from sampling through data interpretation, to detect the common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) and tested whether eDNA occurrences change our understanding of the species distribution and the factors that shape its northern range limit. We used Species Distribution Models (SDMs) with full parameter optimization on citizen science observations of S. odoratus in Southern Ontario alone and together with eDNA occurrences.

Results

Our eDNA protocol was robust and sensitive. SDMs built from traditional observations and those supplemented with eDNA detections were comparable in prediction accuracy. However, models with eDNA detections suggested that the distribution of S. odoratus in Southern Ontario is underestimated, especially near its northern range limit, and that it is shaped by thermal conditions, hydrology, and elevation. Our study underscores the promise of eDNA for surveying cryptic aquatic organisms in undocumented areas, and how such insights can help us to improve our understanding of species distributions.
Analysis on the Effectiveness of Ideological and Political Education in Higher Vocational Colleges under the New Media Environment
Authors: WANG Yu-liang
Published: March 2023

Ideological and political education plays a crucial role in shaping the values, beliefs, and attitudes of students in higher vocational colleges. With the emergence of new media technologies, there has been a significant shift in the way that students consume information and interact with the world around them. This thesis aims to analyze the effectiveness of ideological and political education in higher vocational colleges under the new media environment. Through a review of the literature, case studies, and survey data, this thesis will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving the effectiveness of ideological and political education in higher vocational colleges.
The Application of Business English in Agricultural Products Trading Enterprises under the Background of Economic Globalization
Authors: Wanbing Zhang , Yilun Li
Published: March 2023

As economic globalization continues to accelerate, international trade has become an important aspect of agricultural product trading enterprises. To be competitive in the global market, it is essential for these enterprises to possess proficient business English skills. This thesis examines the application of business English in agricultural products trading enterprises in the context of economic globalization. The literature review discusses the importance of business English in international trade, the challenges faced by agricultural products trading enterprises, and the strategies for developing effective business English skills. The empirical research involves a case study of a Chinese agricultural products trading enterprise, analyzing the application of business English in its international trade operations. The results suggest that effective communication in English is essential for success in international trade, and that agricultural products trading enterprises need to develop strong business English skills to remain competitive in the global market.
Core Code Optimization for Efficiency Improvement of College Teaching Management Information System Based on Distributed CUDA Architecture
Authors: Juanjuan CHENG
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an intelligent attendance design scheme based on a distributed three-tier architecture. This scheme uses the TCP/IP network to build the communication link of the attendance terminal, the control host and the server, and realizes the induction and identification of the attendance identity by running the intelligent attendance software. The technical scheme proposes the top-level design of the educational administration system of vocational colleges in the context of the digital campus. Based on the J2EE platform, the main code is developed using the Java programming language and server-side Java technologies (such as EJBs, Servlet, JSP, JNDI, JDBC, and RMI, etc.).
Data Crawler Data Collection and QoS Optimization Path of Smart Course Online + Offline Evaluation Platform
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: March 2023

Based on the development background of "Internet +", this paper introduces the advantages of the application of the smart teaching mode, analyzes the problems existing in the smart teaching of vocational education courses, and explores the countermeasures for the application of the smart teaching mode in vocational education. The influence of internal factors such as educational emotion and information teaching technology and external factors such as schools and social environment, web page analysis technology, database technology, Web technology and GIS technology for extraction, storage, and spatial analysis of real estate data, "smart learning platform", etc. The core link, the routing strategy is mainly implemented by the QoS routing control framework, and the physical topology discovery module in the framework, in order to analyze the internal elements of the teaching paradigm change from the perspective of technical support.
Tihum: tierra húmeda, agro-parque fitodepurador para la recarga hídrica del río Copiapó en Tierra Amarilla
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Estudios Urbanos, Valenti Alessia
Published: March 2023

El cambio climático y la sobre explotación del agua por parte de agroindustria y minería hacen que la cuenca del río Copiapó esté sujeta a creciente escasez hídrica. El efecto ya evidente sobre los ecosistemas y los campos de cultivo llama a la regeneración de la mallacuífera, red de agua en forma liquida superficial y subterránea, en movimiento desde el altiplano hacia la costa en el cauce propio del río, en los canales de riego y en las quebradas, y viceversa movida hacia arriba en los acueductos de agua desalada. A pesar de la condición semidesértica y de la sequía mencionada, el agua sigue siendo un elemento penetrante del lugar. Genera así situaciones de humedad donde vida vegetal, animal y humana se integran en un ecosistema equilibrado. Donde ese equilibrio está amenazado, se buscan estrategias que pongan en relación las variables de flujo hídrico para regenerar el tejido agro-productivo ahora en crisis y contribuir al sustento del humedal radicado en la cuenca. Se propone entonces un escenario de ocupación antrópica del territorio alternativo al existente, donde los desechos líquidos de las actividades productivas alimenten la presencia humana en el valle. Se supone en este sentido que la reactivación con agua recuperada de las superficies de cultivo a través de una malla acuífera artificial y según principios sustentables pueda garantizar un aporte hídrico fijo a la cuenca. El estudio se enfoca en Tierra Amarilla, pueblo agro- minero del valle fluvial, donde se propone contribuir a la recarga del acuífero a través de la recuperación de agua contaminada por procesos mineros. El agro-parque Ti-hum se abastece e infiltra al Copiapó agua fitodepurada del tranque de relaves El Buitre.
Tesis Paisaje interior de manzana : un nuevo espacio colectivo a partir de la reinvención de fragmentos privados
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Estudios Urbanos, Jaramillo Gunckel Sofía
Published: March 2023

El desarrollo del centro histórico de Santiago con un fuerte carácter comercial, cívico y de servicios bajo las lógicas de la fachada continua, constituida por normativa a través de la resolución lote a lote, fue generando especialmente desde la década de los treinta en adelante de acuerdo a los postulados del Plan Brunner, manzanas que presentan una fuerte dicotomía entre su condición pública fuerte en identidad, actividad y carácter y los espacios interiores privados no planificados. Esta cara residual de la ciudad se desarrolla generalmente sobre el nivel comercial, el cual corresponde a las cuatro fachadas externas de la manzana, a la calle y espacio público, al primer (y en ocasiones segundo) nivel de las galerías comerciales y a los diferentes espacios interiores en los primeros niveles. Este ámbito público tiende a no dialogar con lo que ocurre al interior en los niveles superiores. Sin embargo, se descubre un valor en este interior, el cual esconde un mundo relacionado a una dimensión doméstica, complejo y rico en relaciones, lecturas y formas de uso que los residentes de la manzana muchas veces establecen de manera espontánea. Así se configura un paisaje interior de manzana que esconde el potencial de articular la poco desarrollada dimensión colectiva, en un centro de Santiago que presenta poca disponibilidad de suelo, alta consolidación de los edificios existentes y un espacio público muy activo. Por esta razón se busca estudiar y poner en valor este interior de manzana bajo una nueva mirada colectiva de la fachada interna, basándose en un estudio bibliográfico y en la observación en el uso del espacio por parte de los residentes. Así se pretende encontrar una respuesta teórica y práctica a las necesidades de la vivienda en el densificado Santiago Centro, poniendo en discusión temáticas asociadas al diseño a través del entendimiento de las relaciones espaciales, visuales y sensoriales que la vivienda como elemento construido norma en la relación entre vecinos. Esto tiene como objetivo repensar el paisaje interior de manzana, su articulación y relación con lo público y su desarrollo en el centro.
Quantum scalar theories in the AdS/CFT correspondence
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Instituto de Física, Bianchi Palacios Ernesto
Published: March 2023

This thesis contains original research on the conjectured AdS/CFT correspondence. Known are the holographic correlators resulting from this correspondence under its classical approximation, confirming the conjecture at this level. In this work we will explore its consequences beyond this approximation, considering the quantum corrections to these known dual correlators for the particular cases of scalar Phi^3 and Phi^4 theories on a fixed AdS(d+1) background. This will involve the development of a scheme that adds systematically order by order the quantum corrections to the correlators obtained classically together with the computation of these new contributions, introducing on the way sensible regularization and renormalization schemes for the different expected divergences. This process will show in a clear way the effect of these loop corrections through the main role played by the infrared and ultraviolet divergences, which is briefly summarized in: the quantum corrections to the holographic correlators produce anomalies in the resulting CFT in the form of an anomalous scaling dimension, confirming the validity of the conjecture beyond tree-level computations. All this study is carried out throughout this thesis for arbitrary values of the parameters of the theory in the bulk. With the intention to study the general ideas and results developed in this work, at the end of the thesis a particular case is analyzed.
ANALIZA PRACY PRZEKSZTAŁTNIKA SMC STEROWANEGO METODĄ WEKTORA PRZESTRZENNEGO
Authors: Suliga Mateusz
Published: March 2023

Artykuł prezentuje badania symulacyjne pośredniego przekształtnika matrycowego o topologii Sparse Matrix Converter (SMC). W porównaniu do standardowego układu przekształtnika matrycowego, topologia SMC wykorzystuje mniej elementów półprzewodnikowych, co zmniejsza cenę wykonania układu. Do sterowania łącznikami została wybrana metoda sterowania wektorowego, Space Vector Modulation (SVM). Wynikiem przeprowadzonych badań są przebiegi kształtowanych napięć wyjściowego oraz prądów wejściowych przekształtnika. Wyznaczone spektrum harmonicznych przebiegów potwierdza poprawność działania zaprojektowanego modelu przekształtnika oraz przedstawia procentową zawartość wyższych harmonicznych. Układ typu SMC spełnia założenia związane z przekształtnikami matrycowymi, przy jednoczesnym wykorzystaniu mniejszej ilości elementów półprzewodnikowych.
MONITOROWANIE TEMPERATURY TRANSFORMATORA WYSOKOENERGETYCZNEGO Z WYKORZYSTANIEM CZUJNIKA ŚWIATŁOWODOWEGO
Authors: KULIG Magdalena
Published: March 2023

Bazując na wielu zaletach technologii czujników światłowodowych, artykuł przedstawia możliwość pomiaru temperatury w trudnych warunkach środowiskowych, na przykład w wysokim polu elektromagnetycznym. W omawianych czujnikach światłowodowych stosuje się interferometry Fabry-Perota, z krótką wnęką rezonansową o małej rozdzielczości. Walorami takiego rozwiązania są m.in. prosta i zwarta budowa, niska cena, mały wpływ temperatury oraz brak zaniku obrazu interferencyjnego wywołanego polaryzacją. W związku z możliwością obciążeń transformatorów, zakłady elektroenergetyczne oraz firmy prowadzące eksploatację testują transformatory mocy w celu oceny ich stanu, ustalenia harmonogramu prac konserwacyjnych i zaplanowania wymiany. Najczęściej stosowany jest pomiar temperatury oleju stosując typowe czujniki. Jednak taki pomiar nie odzwierciedla temperatury uzwojenia podczas nagłego zwiększenia obciążenia transformatora. Zaproponowany sposób weryfikowania parametru jakim jest temperatura uzwojenia może być bardzo atrakcyjny dla dystrybutorów energii elektrycznej.
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes, Using Agro Morphological and Molecular Markers (RAPD)
Authors: Idris Atif Elsadig , Abuali Atif Ibrahim , Siddig Marmar A. El , Abdelsalam Abdelsalam Kamil , Osman Bakri Mohammed Elhassan , Omer Omer Ahamed Mohamed
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to look at the genetic variation in seventeen genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) from different agro-climatic regions of Sudan, using both agro-morphological traits and RAPD markers. From July 13 to November 2013, the field experiment was conducted on the experimental farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Shambat. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed in this investigation. The seventeen sesame genotypes had their nine growths and yield parameters assessed, the number of branches, the height of the first capsules, the number of capsules per plant, and the weight of 1000 seeds all showed a highly significant difference. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p≥0.05). The plant's height and days to 50% flowering were counted. The number of capsules per plant and seed weight showed the largest genotypic and phenotypic variance. The heritability value was greater when 1000 seeds were used. On the other hand, plant height had the lowest rating. The Highland genotype had the maximum yield (0.2506 ton/ha). Seed yield (ton/ha) was found to be highly associated with seed output per plant, capsule number per plant, and stem diameter. However, there was a non-significant, inverse relationship between height to first capsule and days to flowering. Molecular DNA marker (RAPD) analysis revealed that three RAPD primers chosen for molecular analysis had 170 bands, 130 of which were polymorphic (76.47%). The results based on high genetic variation for agro-morphological traits and polymorphism at DNA level indicating that, the techniques was efficient in determining diversity among sesame genotypes and this information will be useful for collection, conversation and breeding program in the future.
Influence of Pottasium and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.)
Authors: Sandeep Rathod , Singh Rajesh , Pradhan Akankhya , Indu Thakur , Tejaswi Addanki
Published: March 2023

Background: Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) is a significant food and livestock crop in the semi-arid tropics. Pearl millet is a crucial part of the nation's food security because of its capacity to thrive in drier and less fertile regions, where other grains have a comparative disadvantage.

Objectives: Effect of potassium and plant growth regulators on growth parameters and yield of pearl millet

 Methods: With the goal of the study effect of potassium and plant growth regulators on growth and yield of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Var. NBH- 5658 under a Randomized block design(RBD) with 10 treatments (T1-T10) The experiment's findings showed that a potassium concentration of 60 kg/ha combined with an NAA concentration of 100 ppm and a triacontanol concentration of 500 ppm led to the highest plant height (221.20 cm), dry weight (49.42 cm), and yield parameters for ear head length (20.50 cm), number of grains per ear head (1970), Test weight (9.38 g), grain yield (2.72 t/ha), and stover yield (3.78 t/ha).

Conclusion: Farmers found that using potassium at a rate of 60 kg/ha in conjunction with NAA at a concentration of 100 ppm and Triacontanol at a concentration of 500 ppm produced the best results, with plant dimensions of (221.20 cm) in height, (49.42 gm) in plant dry weight, (1972) grains per ear head, (9.38 g) test weight, (2.68 ta/ha) in grain yield, and (3.26 ta/ha) in stover yields, respectively.
Investigations on the Antimalarial Properties of Cleistopholis patens (Annonaceae) Leaf Methanol Extract and Its Partitioned Fractions in Mice
Authors: Famuyiwa Funmilayo G. , Odediran Samuel A. , Oladiran Oluyemi J.
Published: March 2023

Aim: The methanol extract and partitioned fractions of Cleistopholis patens leaf were evaluated for antiplasmodial activities with a view to establishing its antimalarial potential and identifying the most active partitioned fraction.

Methods: The leaf was collected, authenticated, air-dried and powdered. The extract, prepared by maceration in methanol was tested (0-800 mg/kg) against P. berghei berghei in mice using Peter’s four-day test. Normal saline and Chloroquine (10 mg/kg) were negative and positive control respectively. Percentage parasitemia, percentage chemosuppression, effective doses, survival times and percentage survivors were the parameters used for the assessment. The extract was thereafter suspended in water and successively partitioned into n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate and the resulting fractions and the aqueous phase were similarly tested at doses 10-80 mg/kg.

Results: The methanol extract which was comparable (P=.06) in activity to chloroquine gave 1.05±0.09 percentage parasitemia, 77.45±4.39 percentage chemosuppression at 40 mg/kg and an ED50 and ED90 of 255.83±3.60 and 471.35±15.05 mg/kg. The most active n-hexane fraction elicited a percentage chemosuppression of 82%, 0.87 percentage parasitaemia at 80 mg/kg, moderately high percentage survivor and relatively low ED50 and ED90 of 28.87±5.29 and 56.30±8.44 mg/kg.

Conclusion: The methanol extract of C. patens leaf is active against P. berghei berghei and the antimalarial compounds is likely to be concentrated in the n-hexane fraction.
Pulsed Oral Azithromycin vs 6-Week Oral Doxycycline for Moderate to Severe Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Upaphong Phit , Tangmonkongvoragul Chulaluck , Phinyo Phichayut
Published: March 2023

Importance

The treatment of moderate to severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) with oral doxycycline requires a 6-week course of treatment and has frequent adverse effects (AEs), which may be associated with poor compliance.

Objective

To determine if the effects of a 3-week course of oral azithromycin were equivalent to the AEs of a 6-week course of oral doxycycline.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-masked randomized clinical trial was conducted at a referral center in Thailand from September 2018 to May 2022. Participants with moderate to severe MGD judged unresponsive to conservative management were included.

Interventions

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive oral azithromycin (1 g once per week for 3 weeks) or oral doxycycline (200 mg daily for 6 weeks).

Main Outcomes and Measures

After initiating therapy, the study team assessed the total MGD score and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score at the initial visit, at 6 weeks, and at 8 weeks, and assessed AEs at 6 weeks and 8 weeks. The prespecified equivalence margins for MGD score and OSDI score were set at ±2 and ±9, respectively.

Results

A total of 137 eyes from 137 patients were randomized into groups, 68 eyes in the azithromycin group and 69 eyes in the doxycycline group (female, 66.4%; mean age, 62.0 [SD, 15.1] years). The adjusted mean difference of total MGD scores between groups at week 6 and week 8 were −0.33 (95% CI, −1.70 to 1.03; P for equivalence = .01) and 0.13 (95% CI, −1.59 to 1.84; P for equivalence = .02), respectively. The adjusted mean difference of OSDI between groups score at week 6 and week 8 was −1.20 (95% CI, −5.31 to 2.91; P for equivalence  < .001) and −1.59 (95% CI, −5.73 to 2.55; P for equivalence  < .001), respectively. In addition, patients treated with azithromycin had fewer gastrointestinal AEs (4.4% vs 15.9%; risk difference, 11.5%; 95% CI 1.6%-21.4%; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

These data support an equivalency of effects of azithromycin as compared with doxycycline for MGD score and OSDI score at both follow-up times. The study did not show more gastrointestinal AEs in the azithromycin group. The reduced dosing and potentially fewer gastrointestinal AEs associated with azithromycin support its use as an alternative to doxycycline for at least 6 weeks.

Trial Registration

ThaiClinicalTrials.org Identifier: TCTR20180810001
Challenges of Shared Decision-making by Clinicians and Patients With Low-risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Yang Wanding , Lee Ying Ki , Lorgelly Paula , Rogers Simon N. , Kim Dae
Published: March 2023

Importance

Several international guidelines have endorsed more conservative treatment of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (LRDTC), yet patients are facing more treatment options with similar oncologic outcomes and are expressing feelings of confusion, dissatisfaction, and anxiety. Shared decision-making, which considers the patient’s values and preferences along with the most reliable medical evidence, has been proposed to optimize patient satisfaction in the context of the current clinical equipoise.

Objectives

To understand key individual and behavioral factors affecting the patient and clinician decision-making process in treatment decision for LRDTC.

Evidence Review

This systematic review and meta-ethnography involved a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL databases for qualitative and mixed-method studies on patient and clinician experiences with the decision-making process for LRDTC treatment. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool; meta-ethnography was used for data analysis. Primary and secondary themes of the included studies were extracted, compared, and translated across articles to produce a lines-of-argument synthesis.

Findings

Of 1081 publications identified, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis produced 4 themes: (1) a bimodal distribution of patient preferences for treatment decisions; (2) clinician anxiety affected equipoise and biased their recommendations; (3) clinicians struggled to identify patient concerns and preferences; and (4) the clinician-patient relationship and psychosocial support were key to shared decision-making but were frequently overlooked.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review and meta-ethnography emphasize the need for better patient-clinician communication, particularly with respect to eliciting patient concerns and preferences. With an ever-increasing pool of thyroid cancer survivors, future efforts should be directed at establishing and evaluating tools that will aid in shared decision-making for treatment of patients with LRDTC.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022286395
A Simple Guide to Effect Size Measures
Authors: Kallogjeri Dorina , Piccirillo Jay F.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Effect size quantifies the magnitude of the difference or the strength of the association between variables. In clinical research it is important to calculate and report the effect size and the confidence interval (CI) because it is needed for sample size calculation, meaningful interpretation of results, and meta-analyses.

Observations

There are many different effect size measures that can be organized into 2 families or groups—d family and r family. The d family includes measures that quantify the differences between groups. The r family includes measures that quantify the strength of the association. Effect sizes that are presented in the same units as the characteristic being measured and compared are known as nonstandardized or simple effect sizes. The nonstandardized effect sizes have the advantage of being more informative, easier to interpret, and easier to evaluate in the light of clinical significance or practical relevance. Standardized effect sizes are unit-less and are helpful for combining and comparing effects of different outcome measures or across different studies (ie, meta-analysis).

Conclusions and Relevance

The choice of the correct effect size measure depends on the research question, study design, targeted audience, and the statistical assumptions being made. For a complete and meaningful interpretation of results from a clinical research study, the investigator should make clear the type of effect size being reported, its magnitude and direction, degree of uncertainty of the effect size estimate as presented by the CIs, and whether the results are compatible with a clinically meaningful effect.
Research on the actual use of the complex public library from the perspectives of visiting purpose and usage behavior connection between users' visiting purpose and space usage at St and Tg libraries
Authors: Shiwa Fumihiko , Fukumoto Nanami , Nitamizu Koji
Published: March 2023

This research clarifies the following issues to obtain useful knowledge for future public library planning by capturing the behavior of the complex public library in Japan based on the user's purpose of visit. First, the functional structure and management policy of the complex public library in recent years were examined. Second, the connection between users' purpose of visit and the space used at St and Tg libraries were clarified. Finally, the users' purpose of visit, patterns and development of “by‐the‐way use,” and expansion of space used under “stop by use” were evaluated to determine the usage structure of the stay‐oriented library.
Updating and Validating the Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index to Incorporate ICD‐10‐CM Diagnostic Codes
Authors: Dolomisiewicz Anthony , Ali Hanifah , Roul Punyasha , Yang Yangyuna , Cannon Grant W. , Sauer Brian , Baker Joshua F. , Mikuls Ted R. , Michaud Kaleb , England Bryant R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To update and validate the Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index (RDCI) utilizing International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) codes.

Methods

We defined ICD‐9‐CM (n = 1,068) and ICD‐10‐CM (n = 1,425) era cohorts (n = 862 in both) spanning the ICD‐9‐CM to ICD‐10‐CM transition in a multicenter, prospective rheumatoid arthritis registry. Information regarding comorbidities was collected from linked administrative data over 2‐year assessment periods. An ICD‐10‐CM code list was generated from crosswalks and clinical expertise. ICD‐9– and ICD‐10–derived RDCI scores were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The predictive ability of the RDCI for functional status and death during follow‐up was assessed using multivariable regression models and goodness‐of‐fit statistics (Akaike's information criterion [AIC] and quasi information criterion [QIC]) in both cohorts.

Results

Mean ± SD RDCI scores were 2.93 ± 1.72 in the ICD‐9‐CM cohort and 2.92 ± 1.74 in the ICD‐10‐CM cohort. RDCI scores had substantial agreement in individuals who were in both cohorts (ICC 0.71 [95% confidence interval 0.68–0.74]). Prevalence of comorbidities was similar between cohorts with absolute differences <6%. Higher RDCI scores were associated with a greater risk of death and poorer functional status during follow‐up in both cohorts. Similarly, in both cohorts, models including the RDCI score had the lowest QIC (functional status) and AIC (death) values, indicating better model performance.

Conclusion

The newly proposed ICD‐10‐CM codes for the RDCI‐generated comparable RDCI scores to those derived from ICD‐9‐CM codes and are highly predictive of functional status and death. The proposed ICD‐10‐CM codes for the RDCI can be used in rheumatic disease outcomes research spanning the ICD‐10‐CM era.
Cell Electrospinning: A Mini‐Review of the Critical Processing Parameters and Its Use in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Elveren Beste , Kurečič Manja , Maver Tina , Maver Uroš
Published: March 2023

Functional tissue engineering is a widely studied area of research with increasing importance in regenerative medicine, as well as in the development of in vitro models used for drug discovery and mimicking diseased tissues, among other applications. Electrospinning (ES) is one of the most widely used methods in these fields. It has attracted considerable interest because it can produce materials resembling the extracellular matrix of native tissues. The micro/nanofibers produced by this method provide a cell‐friendly environment that promotes cellular activities. Cell electrospinning (C‐ES) is based on the fundamental ES process and enables the encapsulation of viable cells in a micro/nanofibrous mesh. In this review, the process of C‐ES and the materials used in this process are discussed. This work also discusses the applications of C‐ES in tissue engineering, focusing on recent advances in this field.
The Construction of Polyphotocage Platform for Anticancer Photochemotherapy
Authors: He Maomao , Wang Ran , Zhang Ruifeng , Miao Pengcheng , Wang Peiyuan , Wei Zhiyong , Leng Xuefei , Li Yang , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun , Sun Wen
Published: March 2023

Photocages enable the precise activation of molecular function with light in many research fields, such as anticancer treatment, where remote spatiotemporal control over the release of an active drug is needed. However, the poor physiological stability and tumor accumulation of conventional small molecular photocages are significant obstacles to developing efficient therapy in vivo. In this study, a new concept of “polyphotocage” is proposed through photocage–polymer hybrid macromolecular engineering. Photoresponsive Ru complex photocage is designed and fused with PEGylated polycarbonates, resulting in the polyphotocage. Various anticancer drugs can be readily conjugated to the polyphotocage via coordination linkage, which can be cut off to release drugs by red light. The polyphotocages can self‐assemble into nanoparticles, which enhances the stability of the Ru photocage and demonstrates the efficient accumulation in different‐sized tumorswith a high signal‐to‐background ratio. Furthermore, rapid cellular internalization and mitochondrial anchoring capability allowed the polyphotocages to deliver drugs into the mitochondria, which induces mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. These properties ensure the effective delivery of anticancer drugs to solid tumors and multiple tiny tumors, ultimately inhibiting tumor proliferation. This strategy of polyphotocages provides a new platform for the future design of drug‐delivery systems for cancer photochemotherapy.
Defect Modulation in Cobalt Manganese Oxide Sheets for Stable and High‐Energy Aqueous Aluminum‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Jinlin , Gong Wenbin , Geng Fengxia
Published: March 2023

Rechargeable aqueous Al‐ion batteries (AIBs) are promising low‐cost, safe, and high energy density systems for large‐scale energy storage. However, the strong electrostatic interaction between the Al3+ and the host material, usually leads to sluggish Al3+ diffusion kinetics and severe structure collapse of the cathode material. Consequently, aqueous AIBs currently suffer from low energy density as well as inferior rate capability and cycling stability. Here, defective cobalt manganese oxide nanosheets are reported as cathode material for aqueous AIBs to improve both reaction kinetics and stability, delivering a record high energy density of 685 Wh kg−1 (based on the masses of the cathode and anode) and a reversible capacity of 585 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 with a retention of 78% after 300 cycles. The impressive energy density and cycling stability are due to a synergistic effect between the substituted cobalt atoms and the manganese vacancies, which improve the structural stability and promote both electron conductivity and ion diffusion. When applied in aqueous Zn‐ion batteries, a high specific energy of 390 Wh kg−1 at 100 mA g−1 is realized while retaining 84% initial capacity over 1000 cycles. The study offers a new pathway to building next‐generation high‐energy aqueous rechargeable metal batteries.
Semiconductor Thermal and Electrical Properties Decoupled by Localized Phonon Resonances
Authors: Spann Bryan T. , Weber Joel C. , Brubaker Matt D. , Harvey Todd E. , Yang Lina , Honarvar Hossein , Tsai Chia‐Nien , Treglia Andrew C. , Lee Minhyea , Hussein Mahmoud I. , Bertness Kris A.
Published: March 2023

Thermoelectric materials convert heat into electricity through thermally driven charge transport in solids or vice versa for cooling. To compete with conventional energy‐conversion technologies, a thermoelectric material must possess the properties of both an electrical conductor and a thermal insulator. However, these properties are normally mutually exclusive because of the interconnection between scattering mechanisms for charge carriers and phonons. Recent theoretical investigations on sub‐device scales have revealed that nanopillars attached to a membrane exhibit a multitude of local phonon resonances, spanning the full spectrum, that couple with the heat‐carrying phonons in the membrane and cause a reduction in the in‐plane thermal conductivity, with no expected change in the electrical properties because the nanopillars are outside the pathway of voltage generation and charge transport. Here this effect is demonstrated experimentally for the first time by investigating device‐scale suspended silicon membranes with GaN nanopillars grown on the surface. The nanopillars cause up to 21% reduction in the thermal conductivity while the power factor remains unaffected, thus demonstrating an unprecedented decoupling in the semiconductor's thermoelectric properties. The measured thermal conductivity behavior for coalesced nanopillars and corresponding lattice‐dynamics calculations provide evidence that the reductions are mechanistically tied to the phonon resonances. This finding paves the way for high‐efficiency solid‐state energy recovery and cooling.
Unraveling the Electrochemical Mechanism in Tin Oxide/MXene Nanocomposites as Highly Reversible Negative Electrodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gentile Antonio , Arnold Stefanie , Ferrara Chiara , Marchionna Stefano , Tang Yushu , Maibach Julia , Kübel Christian , Presser Volker , Ruffo Riccardo
Published: March 2023

Lithium‐ion batteries are constantly developing as the demands for power and energy storage increase. One promising approach to designing high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries is using conversion/alloying materials, such as SnO2. This class of materials does, in fact, present excellent performance and ease of preparation; however, it suffers from mechanical instabilities during cycling that impair its use. One way to overcome these problems is to prepare composites with bi‐dimensional materials that stabilize them. Thus, over the past 10 years, two‐dimensional materials with excellent transport properties (graphene, MXenes) have been developed that can be used synergistically with conversion materials to exploit both advantages. In this work, a 50/50 (by mass) SnO2/Ti3C2Tz nanocomposite is prepared and optimized as a negative electrode for lithium‐ion batteries. The nanocomposite delivers over 500 mAh g−1 for 700 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and demonstrates excellent rate capability, with 340 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1. These results are due to the synergistic behavior of the two components of the nanocomposite, as demonstrated by ex situ chemical, structural, and morphological analyses. This knowledge allows, for the first time, to formulate a reaction mechanism with lithium‐ions that provides partial reversibility of the conversion reaction with the formation of SnO.
Controlling the Composition and Position of Metal–Organic Frameworks via Reactive Inkjet Printing
Authors: Gregory David Alexander , Nicks Joshua , Artigas‐Arnaudas Joaquin , Harris Michael S. , Foster Jonathan A. , Smith Patrick J.
Published: March 2023

Reactive inkjet printing (RIJ) is demonstrated as a new approach to the patterning of surfaces with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). RIJ is an emerging manufacturing technique that jets solutions of reagents onto a substrate allowing them to react in situ to form the desired material. MOFs have the potential to perform a variety of useful sensing, catalytic, separation and storage applications within sophisticated devices, however, their insolubility makes them challenging to process into complex shapes and patterns. The RIJ approach offers advantages over conventional inkjet printing in that it allows stable solutions of different ligand and metal ions to be combined in a “mix‐and‐match” way. Here, the benefits of the RIJ approach are demonstrated to optimize the stoichiometry of the printed MOF, print a variety of different frameworks using common inks, and create gradients where the composition of the printed MOFs gradually varies between one isoreticular structure and another. Proof of principle is also demonstrated for the approach by demonstrating size selective encapsulation of a dye within a RIJ printed MOF. It is anticipated that this approach will be broadly applicable to the printing of MOFs and related materials enhancing their use across a variety of different applications.
Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells for Screening of Selective Inhibitors of Tumor‐Initiating Stem‐Like Cells
Authors: Chen Chia‐Lin , Hernandez Juan Carlos , Uthaya Kumar Dinesh Babu , Machida Tatsuya , Tahara Stanley M. , El‐Khoueiry Anthony , Li Meng , Punj Vasu , Swaminathan Suresh Kumar , Kirtane Ameya , Chen Yibu , Panyam Jayanth , Machida Keigo
Published: March 2023

A critical barrier to effective cancer therapy is the improvement of drug selectivity, toxicity, and reduced recurrence of tumors expanded from tumor‐initiating stem‐like cells (TICs). The aim is to identify circulating tumor cell (CTC)‐biomarkers and to identify an effective combination of TIC‐specific, repurposed federal drug administration (FDA)‐approved drugs. Three different types of high‐throughput screens targeting the TIC population are employed: these include a CD133 (+) cell viability screen, a NANOG expression screen, and a drug combination screen. When combined in a refined secondary screening approach that targets Nanog expression with the same FDA‐approved drug library, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor(s) combined with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) demonstrate the highest efficacy for inhibition of TIC growth in vitro and in vivo. Addition of immune checkpoint inhibitor further decreases recurrence and extends PDX mouse survival. RNA‐seq analysis of TICs reveals that combined drug treatment reduces many Toll‐like receptors (TLR) and stemness genes through repression of the lncRNA MIR22HG. This downregulation induces PTEN and TET2, leading to loss of the self‐renewal property of TICs. Thus, CTC biomarker analysis would predict the prognosis and therapy response to this drug combination. In general, biomarker‐guided stratification of HCC patients and TIC‐targeted therapy should eradicate TICs to extend HCC patient survival.
Graphene Nano‐Blister in Graphite for Future Cathode in Dual‐Ion Batteries: Fundamentals, Advances, and Prospects
Authors: He Yitao , Dong Yujie , Zhang Yaohui , Li Yongtao , Li Haijin
Published: March 2023

The intercalating of anions into cost‐effective graphite electrode provides a high operating voltage, therefore, the dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) as novel energy storage device has attracted much attention recently. The “graphene in graphite” has always existed in the graphite cathode of DIBs, but has rarely been researched. It is foreseeable that the graphene blisters with the intact lattice structure in the shell can utilize its ultra‐high elastic stiffness and reversible lattice expansion for increasing the storage capacity of anions in the batteries. This review proposes an expected “blister model” by introducing the high elasticity of graphene blisters and its possible formation mechanism. The unique blisters composed of multilayer graphene that do not fall off on the graphite surface may become indispensable in nanotechnology in the future development of cathode materials for DIBs.
Ultrafast 3D Hybrid‐Ion Transport in Porous V2O5 Cathodes for Superior‐Rate Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Li Shengwei , Weng Xinger , Gao Lei , Yan Yu , Zhang Ning , Qu Xuanhui , Jiao Lifang , Liu Yongchang
Published: March 2023

Layered V2O5 is a star cathode material of rechargeable aqueous zinc‐based batteries (RAZBs) owing to the rich redox chemistry of vanadium, which commonly exhibits the 2D ion‐diffusion mechanism through Zn2+ (de)intercalation at edge sites but is plagued by the inert basal planes. Here, hierarchically porous V2O5 nanosheets vertically grown on carbon cloth (V2O5/C) are innovatively prepared, where the porous structure with lattice defects successfully unlocks the V2O5 basal plane to provide additional ion‐diffusion channels and abundant active sites. Thus, highly efficient and ultrafast 3D Li+/Zn2+ co‐insertion/extraction behaviors along both the c‐axis and ab plane of V2O5 are realized for the first time in the formulated 15 m LiTFSI + 1 m Zn(CF3SO3)2 aqueous electrolyte, as elucidated by systematic ex situ analyses, multiple electrochemical measurements, and theoretical computations. As a result, the porous V2O5/C electrode delivers an exceptional high‐rate capability (up to 100 A g−1) and an ultralong cycling durability (15 000 cycles) in RAZBs. Finally, quasi‐solid‐state wearable rechargeable zinc batteries employing the porous V2O5/C cathode demonstrate respectable performance even under severe deformations and low temperatures. This work achieves a conceptual breakthrough represented by an upgrading of the traditional 2D ion transportation in layered cathodes to the more facile 3D diffusion for designing high‐performance battery electrochemistry.