bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotyping and vilifying the other behind the mask of humour – when a chicken smells of fear
Authors: Yahiaoui Rashid
Published: January 2023

Audiovisual texts are social semiotic constructions that arbitrate reality according to a set of discursive patterns and established beliefs. Therefore, it is natural for translators to re-create and manipulate audiovisual texts to overcome challenges pertaining to religion, culture, and politics, which are the three intrinsic determinants of positioning in any translation project. Leaning on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a methodological approach, this paper aims to investigate how stereotypes and disparagement humour about Arabs and Muslims are dealt with in translating a segment from Family Guy into Arabic. The focus of the paper is on examining ideology-related shifts, and how and to what degree the students manipulated or mitigated religio-cultural barriers, as well as on assessing the role of visuals in the decision-making process. The students’ translations denote the inextricable intertwining of their authoritative voices and the act of translation, that is, some students consciously attempted to expose the writers’ intentions, while others subverted the text as a protective and resistive measure against the anti-Islamic, racist, sexual humour of the show.
Clasnip: a web-based intraspecies classifier and multi-locus sequence typing for pathogenic microorganisms using fragmented sequences
Authors: Chuan Jiacheng , Xu Huimin , Hammill Desmond L. , Hale Lawrence , Chen Wen , Li Xiang
Published: January 2023

Bioinformatic approaches for the identification of microorganisms have evolved rapidly, but existing methods are time-consuming, complicated or expensive for massive screening of pathogens and their non-pathogenic relatives. Also, bioinformatic classifiers usually lack automatically generated performance statistics for specific databases. To address this problem, we developed Clasnip (www.clasnip.com), an easy-to-use web-based platform for the classification and similarity evaluation of closely related microorganisms at interspecies and intraspecies levels. Clasnip mainly consists of two modules: database building and sample classification. In database building, labeled nucleotide sequences are mapped to a reference sequence, and then single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) statistics are generated. A probability model of SNPs and classification groups is built using Hidden Markov Models and solved using the maximum likelihood method. Database performance is estimated using three replicates of two-fold cross-validation. Sensitivity (recall), specificity (selectivity), precision, accuracy and other metrics are computed for all samples, training sets, and test sets. In sample classification, Clasnip accepts inputs of genes, short fragments, contigs and even whole genomes. It can report classification probability and a multi-locus sequence typing table for SNPs. The classification performance was tested using short sequences of 16S, 16–23S and 50S rRNA regions for 12 haplotypes of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), a regulated plant pathogen associated with severe disease in economically important Apiaceous and Solanaceous crops. The program was able to classify CLso samples with even only 1–2 SNPs available, and achieved 97.2%, 98.8% and 100.0% accuracy based on 16S, 16–23S, and 50S rRNA sequences, respectively. In comparison with all existing 12 haplotypes, we proposed that to be classified as a new haplotype, given samples have at least 2 SNPs in the combined region of 16S rRNA (OA2/Lsc2) and 16–23S IGS (Lp Frag 4–1611F/Lp Frag 4–480R) regions, and 2 SNPs in the 50S rplJ/rplL (CL514F/CL514R) regions. Besides, we have included the databases for differentiating Dickeya spp., Pectobacterium spp. and Clavibacter spp. In addition to bacteria, we also tested Clasnip performance on potato virus Y (PVY). 251 PVY genomes were 100% correctly classified into seven groups (PVYC, PVYN, PVYO, PVYNTN, PVYN:O, Poha, and Chile3). In conclusion, Clasnip is a statistically sound and user-friendly bioinformatic application for microorganism classification at the intraspecies level. Clasnip service is freely available at www.clasnip.com.
Integrated omics analysis reveals the immunologic characteristics of cystic Peyer’s patches in the cecum of Bactrian camels
Authors: Wang Xiao shan , Li Pei xuan , Wang Bao shan , Zhang Wang dong , Wang Wen hui
Published: January 2023

Bactrian camels have specific mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) throughout the large intestine, with species-unique cystic Peyer’s patches (PPS) as the main type of tissue. However, detailed information about the molecular characteristics of PPS remains unclear. This study applied a transcriptomic analysis, untargeted metabolomics, and 16S rDNA sequencing to compare the significant differences between PPS and the adjacent normal intestine tissues (NPPS) during the healthy stage of three young Bactrian camels. The results showed that samples from PPS could be easily differentiated from the NPPS samples based on gene expression profile, metabolites, and microbial composition, separately indicated using dimension reduction methods. A total of 7,568 up-regulated and 1,266 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, and an enrichment analysis found 994 DEGs that participated in immune-related functions, and a co-occurance network analysis identified nine hub genes (BTK, P2RX7, Pax5, DSG1, PTPN2, DOCK11, TBX21, IL10, and HLA-DOB) during multiple immunologic processes. Further, PPS and NPPS both had a similar pattern of most compounds among all profiles of metabolites, and only 113 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, with 101 of these being down-regulated. Deoxycholic acid (DCA; VIP = 37.96, log2FC = −2.97, P = 0), cholic acid (CA; VIP = 13.10, log2FC = −2.10, P = 0.01), and lithocholic acid (LCA; VIP = 12.94, log2FC = −1.63, P = 0.01) were the highest contributors to the significant dissimilarities between groups. PPS had significantly lower species richness (Chao1), while Firmicutes (35.92% ± 19.39%), Bacteroidetes (31.73% ± 6.24%), and Proteobacteria (13.96% ± 16.21%) were the main phyla across all samples. The LEfSe analysis showed that Lysinibacillus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Candidatus_Stoquefichus, Mailhella, Alistipes, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005 were biomarkers of the NPPS group, while Escherichia_Shigella, Synergistes, Pyramidobacter, Odoribacter, Methanobrevibacter, Cloacibacillus, Fusobacterium, and Parabacteroides were significantly higher in the PPS group. In the Procrustes analysis, the transcriptome changes between groups showed no significant correlations with metabolites or microbial communities, whereas the alteration of metabolites significantly correlated with the alteration of the microbial community. In the co-occurrence network, seven DEMs (M403T65-neg, M329T119-neg, M309T38-neg, M277T42-2-neg, M473T27-neg, M747T38-1-pos, and M482t187-pos) and 14 genera (e.g., Akkermansia, Candidatus-Stoquefichus, Caproiciproducens, and Erysipelatoclostridium) clustered much more tightly, suggesting dense interactions. The results of this study provide new insights into the understanding of the immune microenvironment of the cystic PPS in the cecum of Bactrian camels.
Empirical Analysis of Remote Monitoring for the Development of Jinxiu Yao Cultural Tourism Resources Based on Real-Time Unmanned Sensor Image Technology
Authors: Wenming Wang
Published: January 2023

In the process of classroom teaching, the intelligent cloud teaching method with the blue ink cloud class app tool as the core application is introduced, and the smart campus platform is used to "fancy teaching" in the form of animation, micro-video, micro-class, MOOC, live broadcast, etc. The popular form and language convey the relevant knowledge and principles of management, mainly refers to the autonomous and intelligent methods adopted when implementing QoS decision-making and control in the cognitive network environment, to solve the problems of poor adaptability and comprehensiveness of dynamic and changeable networks. It can effectively improve the utilization of network resources and ensure the end-to-end QoS of the network. And emphatically introduced the ADO involved in the system development process. NET, XML and other key technologies, on this basis, the paper introduces the NET's intelligent teaching platform solution, the framework and overall design of the teaching platform.
Application of Virtual Information Sensing in the Development of Art Design Network Guidance System
Authors: Xiaohua HAO
Published: January 2023

The art design network teaching platform is a system with relatively large functions as a fusion technology, virtual reality technology can accurately construct a spatial information model under the spatial mapping of various information resources to ensure multi-dimensional analysis of data information. commonly used virtual information dissemination and the use of the system will change the existing practice teaching mode. It has the characteristics of large amount of information, flexible teaching guidance time, and standardized management. It will build a bridge of communication for teachers, students, and enterprises, and provide a broad display platform. It is an effective countermeasure to solve the current management problems in the practical teaching of art design.
Platform Design and Algorithm Tracking for Empirical Analysis of Team Cognition and Enterprise Performance in the Background of Big Data
Authors: Xiaolei Jin
Published: January 2023

As an important form of organizational decision-making, team decision-making has always been the focus of academic circles. This article discusses the relationship between cognitive characteristics, decision-making process and decision-making performance of team decision-making, and the explicit human capital and implicit human capital of the executive team, which are reflected in the two research levels of external representation and internal drive, affect the formation and development of corporate performance. improve. Combining the two research levels, taking team cognition as a bridge and creatively dividing it into rational cognition and perceptual cognition, a more comprehensive theoretical model of the relationship between human capital and enterprise performance of the executive team is established.
Synthesis, Biological Activity and Applications of 1,2,5-Oxadiazol: A Brief Review
Authors: Filho João Rufino de Freitas , Freitas Jucleiton José Rufino de , Freitas Juliano Carlo Rufino de , Ramos Clécio de Souza , Souza Fabrícia Aparecida Marques de , Ramos Jaqueline Ferreira , Tavares Ricarte , Oliveira Drielly Emanoele Tomé Barros De
Published: January 2023

Oxadiazoles are heterocyclic compounds that belong azole class which contain two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen, forming a five-membered heterocyclic ring. Four isomers of oxadiazoles are described in the literature. Among these, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,5-oxadiazole, and 1,3,4-oxadiazole have several applications biological. Compounds of this type have been used in the treatment of various diseases in both humans and animals.Among the immense class of heterocycle compounds with important biological activities already identified, the 1,2,5-oxadiazoles have stood out for the wide variety of applications in medicinal chemistry, in material, and agricultural chemistry. In this work, the main synthesis methods and advances for obtaining 1,2,5-oxadiazoles and their derivatives reported in the literature over the years are reviewed, as well as the applications of these compounds in several branches of chemistry and their biological activities discovered until the moment.
The Knowledge Provided to Students of Secondary Special Education through School Textbooks: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Nikolidakis Symeon , Gogou Lela
Published: January 2023

This article refers to the knowledge provided to Secondary Special Education students, through school textbooks, distributed free of charge to students by the Greek Ministry of Education. It is noted that in Greece books are distributed free of charge in primary and secondary education. In more detail, the results of a survey conducted in all (9) of the Unified Special Vocational High Schools (special vocational secondary schools) of the Prefecture of Attica, in Athens, which bring together students of all social classes, are presented. This survey concerns 89 semi-structured interviews, in which the principals and vice-principals, teachers and special educational staff (psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, speech therapists) working in these school structures, participated. We proceeded the study and analysis of the opinions of the participants of our sample, who expressed their opinions on the knowledge provided through the school textbooks distributed in the special secondary schools.
ANALISIS PENERAPAN MODEL UTAUT (UNIFIED THEORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY) TERHADAP MINAT BELI PADA SAYURBOX
Authors: Marciano Louis Loudevik , Chandra Marchellino Julian , Iskandar Vido
Published: January 2023

Saat ini kegiatan berbelanja sudah dapat dilakukan secara online. Salah satu website untuk kegiatan belanja kebutuhan sehari-hari adalah Sayurbox. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari effort expectancy, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, dan social influence terhadap minat beli konsumen pada website Sayurbox. Untuk memperoleh data penelitian maka dilakukan penyebaran kuesioner kepada responden penelitian dengan kriteria tertentu. Dari penyebaran kuesioner diperoleh 100 data yang dapat diolah menggunakan regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa effort expectancy, performance expectancy, dan social influence berpengaruh signifikan dan positif terhadap minat beli sedangkan facilitating condition tidak berpengaruh terhadap minat beli.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers and the Federal Trade Commission
Authors: Richman Barak D. , Adashi Eli Y.
Published: January 2023

This Viewpoint provides a brief history of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), describes the ways in which PBMs have acquired influence in the prescription drug distribution system, and suggests possible scenarios surrounding the June 2022 decision by the Federal Trade Commission to launch an investigation into PBM business practices.
A Reconfigurable Optoelectronic Synaptic Transistor with Stable Zr‐CsPbI3 Nanocrystals for Visuomorphic Computing
Authors: Shao He , Li Yueqing , Yang Wei , He Xiang , Wang Le , Fu Jingwei , Fu Mingyang , Ling Haifeng , Gkoupidenis Paschalis , Yan Feng , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: January 2023

Reconfigurable phototransistor memory attracts considerable attention for adaptive visuomorphic computing, with highly efficient sensing, memory, and processing functions integrated onto a single device. However, developing reconfigurable phototransistor memory remains a challenge due to the lack of an all‐optically controlled transition between short‐term plasticity (STP) and long‐term plasticity (LTP). Herein, an air‐stable Zr‐CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystal (PNC)‐based phototransistor memory is designed, which is capable of broadband photoresponses. Benefitting from the different electron capture ability of Zr‐CsPbI3 PNCs to 650 and 405 nm light, an artificial synapse and non‐volatile memory can be created on‐demand and quickly reconfigured within a single device for specific purposes. Owing to the optically reconfigurable and wavelength‐aware operation between STP and LTP modes, the integrated blue feature extraction and target recognition can be demonstrated in a homogeneous neuromorphic vision sensor array. This work suggests a new way in developing perovskite optoelectronic transistors for highly efficient in‐sensor computing.
Direct Observation of Oxygen Atoms Taking Tetrahedral Interstitial Sites in Medium‐Entropy Body‐Centered‐Cubic Solutions
Authors: Liu Chang , Cui Jizhe , Cheng Zhiying , Zhang Bozhao , Zhang Siyuan , Ding Jun , Yu Rong , Ma En
Published: January 2023

Interstitial solutes, such as carbon in steels, are effective solid‐solution hardening agents. These alloying elements are believed to occupy the octahedral interstices in body‐centered‐cubic (bcc) metals. Using deep‐sub‐angstrom‐resolution electron ptychography, here the first experimental evidence to directly observe individual oxygen atoms in a highly concentrated bcc solid solution—the (TiNbZr)86O12C1N1 medium‐entropy alloy (MEA)—is provided, whereby the interstitial sites in which the oxygen atoms are located are discerned. In addition to oxygen interstitials residing in octahedral sites, the first unambiguous evidence of a switch in preference to the unusual tetrahedral sites at high oxygen concentrations is shown. This shift away from octahedral occupancy is explained as resulting from the extra cost of strain energy when the requisite displacement of the host atoms is deterred in the presence of nearby octahedral interstitials.
Significant Improvement of Solid‐State One‐/Two‐Photon Excited Luminescence in HOFs via Constructing Hydrogen‐Bonded Solvate Model
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Hongjun , Zheng He‐Qi , Yang Yu , Cui Yuanjing , Yang Deren , Qian Guodong
Published: January 2023

A hydrogen‐bonded solvate (HBS) model is herein proposed to construct hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), for enhancing the solid‐state one‐/two‐photon excited fluorescence (1/2PEF) of organic fluorophores. Two photonic HOFs (ZJU‐HOF‐25 and ZJU‐HOF‐26) are synthesized by using the same organic fluorophore and the fluorophore in them features similar arrangement. The most obvious structural distinction between the two HOFs is the existence of solvent molecules in the crystal cell of ZJU‐HOF‐25. ZJU‐HOF‐25 is regarded as an ideal HBS material where solvent molecules separate fluorophores apart just like dissolving them. But ZJU‐HOF‐26 contains no solvent molecules and the fluorophores are connected directly via hydrogen bonds among them. A significant quantum yield (η) increase is realized from amorphous fluorophores (η ≈0%) to HBS‐based ZJU‐HOF‐25 (η ≈21.75%), while ZJU‐HOF‐26 displays poor 1PEF (η ≈0%). ZJU‐HOF‐25 also exhibits much stronger 2PEF with the two‐photon action cross section larger than ZJU‐HOF‐26 by almost two orders of magnitude. These phenomena are mainly attributed to that the solvent molecules in ZJU‐HOF‐25 benefit the homogeneous separation and conformation fixation of fluorophores, suppressing the non‐radiative transition. The HBS model thus shows the fantastic validity to improve solid‐state optical properties of organic materials, providing guidance for exploring advanced optical materials.
Solar Hydrogen
Authors: Li Zhongxiao , Fang Shi , Sun Haiding , Chung Ren‐Jei , Fang Xiaosheng , He Jr‐Hau
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen, produced through a zero‐pollution, sustainable, low‐cost, and high‐efficiency process, is regarded as the “ultimate energy” of the 21st century. Solar water‐splitting techniques have immense potential to make the idea a reality. Two promising approaches, photovoltaic‐electrolysis (PV‐EC) and photoelectrochemistry (PEC), have demonstrated solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency over 10%, which is the minimum required for competitively priced, large‐scale systems. Extensive studies of PV‐EC and PEC devices reported within the past five decades show increasing design complexity. To accurately describe the gap between laboratory research and practical application, the basic principles and concepts of PV‐EC and PEC are elaborated and clarified. The history of these developments is systematically summarized, and a comprehensive techno‐economic analysis of PV‐EC and PEC solar hydrogen production of 10 000 kg H2 day−1 is performed. The analysis shows that no solar hydrogen system is currently competitive with production methods based on fossil fuels, but the development of high‐efficiency water‐splitting electrolyzers with cost‐competitive components (especially for cation/anion exchange membranes) can accelerate progress.
TADF Invariant of Host Polarity and Ultralong Fluorescence Lifetimes in a Donor‐Acceptor Emitter Featuring a Hybrid Sulfone‐Triarylboron Acceptor**
Authors: Urban Mateusz , Marek‐Urban Paulina H. , Durka Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz , Pander Piotr , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: January 2023

10H‐Dibenzo[b,e][1,4]thiaborinine 5,5‐dioxide (SO2B)—a high triplet (T1=3.05 eV) strongly electron‐accepting boracycle was successfully utilised in thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters PXZ‐Dipp‐SO2B and CZ‐Dipp‐SO2B. We demonstrate the near‐complete separation of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals leading to a low oscillator strength of the S1→S0 CT transition, resulting in very long ca. 83 ns and 400 ns prompt fluorescence lifetimes for CZ‐Dipp‐SO2B and PXZ‐Dipp‐SO2B, respectively, but retaining near unity photoluminescence quantum yield. OLEDs using CZ‐Dipp‐SO2B as the luminescent dopant display high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 23.3 % and maximum luminance of 18600 cd m−2 with low efficiency roll off at high brightness. For CZ‐Dipp‐SO2B, reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) is mediated through the vibronic coupling of two charge transfer (CT) states, without involving the triplet local excited state (3LE), resulting in remarkable rISC rate invariance to environmental polarity and polarisability whilst giving high organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) efficiency. This new form of rISC allows stable OLED performance to be achieved in different host environments.
A Target Recycling Amplification Process for the Digital Detection of Exosomal MicroRNAs through Photonic Resonator Absorption Microscopy
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Shepherd Skye , Li Nantao , Che Congnyu , Song Tingjie , Xiong Yanyu , Palm Isabella Rose , Zhao Bin , Kohli Manish , Demirci Utkan , Lu Yi , Cunningham Brian T.
Published: January 2023

Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have considerable potential as pivotal biomarkers to monitor cancer development, dis‐ease progression, treatment effects and prognosis. Here, we report an efficient target recycling amplification process (TRAP) for the digital detection of miRNAs using photonic resonator absorption microscopy. We achieve multiplex digital detection with sub‐attomolar sensitivity in 20 minutes, robust selectivity for single nucleotide variants, and a broad dynamic range from 1 aM to 1 pM. Compared with traditional qRT‐PCR, TRAP showed similar accuracy in profiling exosomal miRNAs derived from cancer cells, but also exhibited at least 31‐fold and 61‐fold enhancement in the limits of miRNA‐375 and miRNA‐21 detection, respectively. The TRAP approach is ideal for exosomal or circulating miRNA biomarker quantification, where the miRNAs are present in low concentrations or sample volume, with potentials for frequent, low‐cost, and minimally invasive point‐of‐care testing.
Towards Electrochemiluminescence Microscopy Exploration of Plasmonic‐Mediated Phenomena at the Single‐Nanoparticle Level
Authors: Scarabelli Leonardo
Published: January 2023

The rational design of functional plasmonic metasurfaces and metamaterials requires the development of high‐throughput characterization techniques compatible with operando conditions and capable of addressing single‐nanostructures. In their work, Wei et al. demonstrate the use of electrochemiluminescence microscopy to investigate the mechanism behind plasmon‐enhanced luminescence induced by gold nanostructures. The use of gold plasmonic arrays was exploited to achieve the rapid spectroscopic evaluation of all the individual nanostructures, and the correlation of the results with high‐ resolution electron microscopy analysis, guaranteeing a strict one‐to‐one correspondence. The authors were able to identify two different mechanisms for the enhancement of [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐tri‐n‐propylamine electrochemiluminescence mediated by single gold nanoparticles and by small plasmonic clusters. In the future, the proposed characterization could be used for the rapid and in situ spectroscopic analysis of more complex plasmonic nanostructures and metasurfaces.
Extrusion 3D printing of a multiphase collagen‐based material: An optimized strategy to obtain biomimetic scaffolds with high shape fidelity
Authors: Montalbano Giorgia , Calore Andrea Roberto , Vitale‐Brovarone Chiara
Published: January 2023

Extrusion printing represents one of the leading additive manufacturing techniques for tissue engineering purposes due to the possibility of achieving accurate control of the final shape and porosity of the scaffold. Despite many polymeric materials having already been optimized for this application, the processing of biopolymer‐based systems still presents several limitations mainly ascribed to their poor rheological properties. Moreover, the introduction of inorganic components into the biomaterial formulation may introduce further difficulties related to system homogeneity, finally compromising its extrudability. In this context, the present study aimed at developing a new multi‐phase biomaterial ink able to mimic the native composition of bone extracellular matrix, combining type‐I‐collagen with nano‐hydroxyapatite and mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles. Starting from a comprehensive rheological assessment, computational‐fluid‐dynamics‐based models were exploited to describe the material flow regime and define the optimal printing process planning. During printing, a gelatin‐based bath was exploited to support the deposition of the material, while the gelation of collagen and its further chemical crosslinking with genipin enabled the stabilization of the printed structure, characterized by high shape fidelity. The developed strategy enables the extrusion printing of complex multi‐phase systems and the design of high‐precision biomimetic scaffolds with great potential for bone tissue engineering.
Stannate and surface functionalized molybdate of zinc for enhanced flame retardancy of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Mahajan Dhiraj S. , Sonawane Swati A. , Bari Mahendra L. , Patil Ujwal D. , Narkhede Jitendra S. , Deshpande Tushar D.
Published: January 2023

Self‐assembled platelike zinc molybdate and nanosized spherical zinc stannate particles were synthesized (at 27 & 5°C, respectively) following the surfactant mediated chemical precipitation method. Epoxy resin‐based composites were prepared by controllably adding 1%, 5%, and 10% (wt./wt.) of synthesized zinc‐based particles. Prepared composites were evaluated for their flame retardancy in terms of rate of burning, smoke density, limiting oxygen index and mechanical properties as flexural strength. Epoxy composites with 10% addition of oleic acid modified zinc molybdate with zinc stannate nanoparticles showed better performance in terms of flexural strength and improved flame retardancy among the composites prepared. The improvements in the flame retardancy and flexural strength of epoxy with surface modified fillers as compared to unmodified can be attributed to dispersion within a polymer matrix and correlated with their morphological, functional group, and thermogravimetric analyzes.
De Novo PACSIN1 Gene Variant Found in Childhood Lupus and a Role for PACSIN1/TRAF4 Complex in Toll‐like Receptor 7 Activation
Authors: Xie Chengmei , Zhou Haibo , Athanasopoulos Vicki , Shen Qian , Zhang Yaoyuan , Meng Xiangpeng , Burgio Gaetan , Arsov Todor , Lungu Adrian C. , Zhang Pingjing , Qin Yuting , Ma Jiangyang , Wu Xiaoqian , Jiang Xiaoyue , Ding Huihua , Meng Yao , Shen Nan , He Yuke , Vinuesa Carola G.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Increased Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR‐7) signaling leading to the production of type I interferon (IFN) is an important contributor to human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Protein kinase C and casein kinase substrate in neurons 1 (PACSIN1), a molecule that regulates synaptic vesicle recycling, has been linked to TLR‐7/TLR‐9–mediated type I IFN production in humans and mice, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We undertook this study to explore the pathogenicity and underlying mechanism of a de novo PACSIN1 missense variant identified in a child with SLE.

Methods

PACSIN1 Q59K de novo and null variants were introduced into a human plasmacytoid dendritic cell line and into mice using CRISPR/Cas9 editing. The effects of the variants on TLR‐7/TLR‐9 signaling in human and mouse cells, as well as PACSIN1 messenger RNA and IFN signature in SLE patients, were assessed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Mechanisms were investigated using luciferase reporter assays, RNA interference, coimmunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence.

Results

We established that PACSIN1 forms a trimolecular complex with tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 4 (TRAF4) and TRAF6 that is important for the regulation of type I IFN. The Q59K mutation in PACSIN1 augments binding to neural Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein while it decreases binding to TRAF4, leading to unrestrained TRAF6‐mediated activation of type I IFN. Intriguingly, PACSIN1 Q59K increased TLR‐7 but not TLR‐9 signaling in human cells, leading to elevated expression of IFNβ and IFN‐inducible genes. Untreated SLE patients had high PACSIN1 expression in peripheral blood cells that correlated positively with IFN‐related genes. Introduction of the Pacsin1 Q59K mutation into mice caused increased surface TLR‐7 and TRAIL expression in B cells.

Conclusion

PACSIN1 Q59K increases IFNβ activity through the impairment of TRAF4‐mediated inhibition of TLR‐7 signaling, possibly contributing to SLE risk.

image
Fine‐tuning the standard setting of objective structured practical examinations in clinical anatomy
Authors: Dissabandara Lakal O. , Nawaratna Sujeevi , Nirthanan Selvanayagam
Published: January 2023

The objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is a reliable assessment of practical skills in anatomy teaching. It is often administered as low‐stake assessments to track progress at multiple time points in anatomy curricula. Standard‐setting OSPEs to derive a pass mark and to ensure assessment quality and rigor is a complex task. This study compared standard‐setting outcomes of clinical anatomy OSPEs determined by traditional criterion‐referenced (Ebel) and norm‐referenced (“meanminusstandard deviation”) methods in comparison tohybrid methodswhich applybothcriterion‐referenced and norm‐referenced approaches in setting examination standards. The hybrid approaches utilized included the “Cohen method” and an adaptation of the “Taylor's method,” which is an improvement on the Cohen method. These diverse standard‐setting methods were applied retrospectively to 16 anatomy OSPEs conducted over 4 years for first‐ and second‐year medical students in a graduate Doctor of Medicine Program at Griffith Medical School, Australia; and the pass marks, failure rates, and variances of failure rates were compared. The application of the adaptation of Taylor's method to standard set OSPEs produced pass marks and failure rates comparable to the Ebel method, whereas the variability of failure rates was higher with the Ebel method than with the Cohen and Taylor's methods. This underscores this study's adaptation of Taylor's method as a suitable alternative to the widely accepted but resource intensive, panel‐based criterion‐referenced standard‐setting methods such as the Ebel method, where panelists with relevant expertise are unavailable, particularly for the multiple low‐stakes OSPEs in an anatomy curriculum.
Investigation of the Effect of Zeolite Supports and the Role of W‐Species for One‐Pot Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose to Ethylene Glycol: Theoretical & Experimental Studies.
Authors: Sreekantan Sreejith , Pratap Singh Chandrodai , Krishnamurty Sailaja , Marimuthu Banu
Published: January 2023

Endeavors were made to study the influence of various zeolite (HY, NaY, NaZSM‐5 and HZSM‐5) supports with (Al)−Ni−W metal combination catalysts for the ethylene glycol (EG) production, selectively from cellulose. From the experimental results ZSM‐5 (NaZSM‐5/73.3% & HZSM‐5/67.7%) support is superior over HY & NaY support in selective EG production from cellulose. It was understood that W‐ species with oxygen vacancies (WO3‐x, XPS analysis) plays an important role in producing the glycolaldehyde (GA) intermediate (via C−C cleavages), which on hydrogenation over Ni‐ sites selectively produce EG. Further, the studies based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) were conducted to substantiate the involvement of the WO3‐x species in the reaction. The adsorption energies and structural changes establish that the C2−C3 bond of the glucose elongates and thereby activates on adsorbing to WO3‐x sites supporting the formation of GA. Activation of GA on Ni‐ sites is distinguished by an increase of 0.1 Å in C=O bond length, which facilitates the hydrogenation of C=O resulting in EG. The reaction pathway is explained through an analysis of CDD and DOS.
Serum testosterone and prostate cancer in men with germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants
Authors: Dias Alexander , Brook Mark N. , Bancroft Elizabeth K. , Page Elizabeth C. , Chamberlain Anthony , Saya Sibel , Amin Jan , Mikropoulos Christos , Taylor Natalie , Myhill Kathryn , Thomas Sarah , Saunders Edward , Dadaev Tokhir , Leongamornlert Daniel , Dyrsø Jensen Thomas , Evans D. Gareth , Cybulski Cezary , Liljegren Annelie , Teo Soo H. , Side Lucy ,   The IMPACT study collaborators and Steering Committee, Kote‐Jarai Zsofia , Eeles Rosalind A.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The relation of serum androgens and the development of prostate cancer (PCa) is subject of debate. Lower total testosterone (TT) levels have been associated with increased PCa detection and worse pathological features after treatment. However, data from the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) and Prostate Cancer Prevention (PCPT) trial groups indicate no association. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of serum androgen levels and PCa detection in a prospective screening study of men at higher genetic risk of aggressive PCa due to BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants (PVs), the IMPACT study.

Methods

Men enrolled in the IMPACT study provided serum samples during regular visits. Hormonal levels were calculated using immunoassays. Free testosterone (FT) was calculated from TT and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) using the Sodergard mass equation. Age, body mass index (BMI), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and hormonal concentrations were compared between genetic cohorts. We also explored associations between age and TT, SHBG, FT and PCa, in the whole subset and stratified by BRCA1/2 PVs status.

Results

A total of 777 participants in the IMPACT study had TT and SHBG measurements in serum samples at annual visits, giving 3940 prospective androgen levels, from 266 BRCA1 PVs carriers, 313 BRCA2 PVs carriers and 198 non‐carriers. The median number of visits per patient was 5. There was no difference in TT, SHBG and FT between carriers and non‐carriers. In a univariate analysis, androgen levels were not associated with PCa. In the analysis stratified by carrier status, no significant association was found between hormonal levels and PCa in non‐carriers, BRCA1 or BRCA2 PVs carriers.

Conclusions

Male BRCA1/2 PVs carriers have a similar androgen profile to non‐carriers. Hormonal levels were not associated with PCa in men with and without BRCA1/2 PVs. Mechanisms related to the particularly aggressive phenotype of PCa in BRCA2 PVs carriers may therefore not be linked with circulating hormonal levels.
Genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin improve cell retention and chondrogenesis in a three‐dimensional GelMA culture system
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lu Wei , Sun Kexin , Jiang Haiyue
Published: January 2023

Elastic cartilage possesses many elastic fibers and has a high degree of elasticity. However, insufficient elastic fiber production remains unsolved in elastic cartilage tissue engineering. Exogenous elastin is difficult to degrade and violates cell proliferation and migration during cartilage regeneration. Moreover, exogenous elastic fibers are difficult to assemble with endogenous extracellular matrix components. We produced genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin to boost endogenous elastic fiber production. After identifying that genetic manipulation hardly impacted the cell viability and chondrogenesis of chondrocytes, we co‐cultured genetically engineered chondrocytes with untreated chondrocytes in a three‐dimensional gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) system. In vitro study showed that the co‐culture system produced more elastic fibers and increased cell retention, resulting in strengthened mechanics than the control system with untreated chondrocytes. Moreover, in vivo implantation revealed that the co‐culture GelMA system greatly resisted host tissue invasion by promoting elastic fiber production and cartilage tissue regeneration compared with the control system. In summary, our study indicated that genetically engineered chondrocytes overexpressing elastin are efficient and safe for promoting elastic fiber production and cartilage regeneration in elastic cartilage tissue engineering.
Independent and creative learning in a Digital Electronics course using a web‐based circuit simulator
Authors: Zhu Yong , Howell Simon
Published: January 2023

This paper illustrates the teaching approaches to assessment that foster independent learning in an undergraduate course in the discipline of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. A web‐based circuit simulator of CircuitLab was used to implement some of the laboratory tasks. Practical solutions have been applied to bridge the learning achievement gap between the formative laboratory assessment and the summative examination. To promote creative and independent learning, unique individual self‐discovery projects were given to each student. The projects are generated according to each student's student number in an innovative approach to prevent plagiarism. The scaffolding and self‐discovery lab activities can be modified to be pure online versions, which had been attested in the online course delivery during the COVID‐19 lockdown period in 2020.
Associations among navigational support and health care utilization and costs in patients with advanced cancer: An analysis based on administrative health insurance data
Authors: Schindel Daniel , Gebert Pimrapat , Frick Johann , Letsch Anne , Grittner Ulrike , Schenk Liane
Published: January 2023

Background

Fragmented and complex healthcare systems make it difficult to provide continuity of care for patients with advanced cancer near the end of life. Nurse‐based cross‐sectoral navigation support has the potential to increase patients' quality of life. The objective of this paper was to evaluate associations between navigation support and health care utilization, and the associated costs of care.

Methods

The evaluation is based on claims data from 37 statutory health insurance funds. Non‐randomized recruitment of the intervention group (IG) took place between 2018 and 2019 in four German hospitals. The comparison group (CG) was defined ex post. It comprises nonparticipating clients of the involved health insurance funds matched on age, gender, and diagnosis in a 1:4 ratio to the IG. Healthcare resource utilization was compared using incident rate ratios (IRRs) based on negative binomial regression models. Linear mixed models were performed to compare differences in lengths of hospital stays and costs between groups.

Results

A total of 717 patients were included (IG: 149, CG: 568). IG patients showed shorter average lengths of hospital stays (IG: 11 days [95% CI: 10, 13] vs. CG: 15 days [95% CI: 14, 16], p < 0.001). In the IG, 21% fewer medications were prescribed and there were on average 15% fewer outpatient doctor contacts per month. Average billed costs in the IG were 23% lower than in the CG (IG: 6754 EUR [95% CI: 5702, 8000] vs. CG: 8816 EUR [95% CI: 8153, 9533], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The intervention was associated with decreased costs mainly as a result of a non‐intended navigation effect. The social care nurses had navigated patients within the hospital early, needs‐oriented and effectively but interpreted their function less cross‐sectorally. Linkage of hospital‐based navigators with the outpatient care sector needs further exploration.
Real‐world analysis of the prognostic value of EGFR mutation detection in plasma ctDNA from patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Long Chaolian , Li Kun , Liu Zichen , Zhang Nana , Xing Xuya , Xu Liming , Gai Fei , Che Nanying
Published: January 2023

Background

The plasma sample has emerged as a promising surrogate sample for EGFR mutation detection in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In clinical practice, whether EGFR variants in baseline plasma ctDNA of advanced NSCLC can predict prognosis in addition to guiding targeted therapy remains to be further explored.

Material and Methods

In total, 315 NSCLC patients were retrospectively enrolled. EGFR mutation data from tissue detected by ARMS‐PCR and paired plasma samples within 1 month of admission detected by SuperARMS or ARMS‐PCR were collected. The correlation between baseline plasma ctDNA EGFR mutation status and survival was compared.

Results

EGFR mutation detection rates in tumor samples and plasma samples were 65.1% (205/315) and 43.8% (138/315). Referred to tissue results, the consistent rate of test ctDNA EGFR alteration by SuperARMS was higher than that detected by ARMS (79.5% vs. 69.0%, p = 0.04), either in stage I–IIIA patients (85.7% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.4) or stage IIIB–IV patients (79.1% vs. 69.4%, p = 0.04). Patients' treatment status and pathological subtype were the two factors that affected plasma ctDNA EGFR alteration detection accuracy. The concordance in non‐adenocarcinoma patients was obviously higher than that in adenocarcinoma (p = 0.02), and the concordance in treatment naïve patients was significantly higher than that in relapse patients (p = 0.047). In treatment naïve patients, the median PFS (mPFS) in plasma ctDNA EGFR‐positive patients was shorter than that in plasma ctDNA EGFR negative patients (7.0 vs. 10.0 months, p = 0.01). In relapsed patients, the mPFS in plasma ctDNA EGFR‐positive patients was 9.0 months versus 11.0 months in plasma ctDNA EGFR negative patients (p = 0.1).

Conclusions

A plasma sample could be an alternative for a molecular test when tissue samples was unavailable. The SuperARMS‐PCR detection method has high sensitivity in real‐world clinical practice. Furthermore, in patients with stage IIIB‐IV, baseline plasma ctDNA EGFR mutation positivity not only guides targeted therapy but also predicts a worse prognosis.
The impact of heat‐moisture treatment and pre‐gelatinization on functional, mechanical, and barrier properties of basmati rice starch films
Authors: Zareen Saba , Nawab Anjum , Alam Feroz , Hadi Alina
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives

This study investigated the effect of heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) and pre‐gelatinization (PG) on the physical, mechanical, barrier, and optical features of films based on starch extracted from the Pakistani well‐known variety “Basmati rice.” The thermal disintegration of granules was indicated by Scanning Electron Micrographs for HMT film.

Findings

The results of the study showed that the solubility of films in water was reduced in the following sequence: Pre‐gelatinized rice starch film (33.66%) > Native rice starch (NRS) film (30.42%) > Heat moisture‐treated rice starch (HMTRS) film (26.90%). The lowest water‐soluble HMTRS film showed increased water transfer resistance and both treatments (HMT and PG) reduced water vapor permeability values of NRS from 2.49 × 10−10 to 1.25 × 10−10 g−1 s−1 Pa−1 and 1.34 × 10−10 g−1 s−1 Pa−1, respectively.

Conclusions

HMT induced structural deviations that impact higher changes in color parameters and reduced transparency while both modified films had higher elongation at break than NRS films, but PG films had lower TS as compared to the HMT and NRS films.

Significance and Novelty

The lower water vapor permeability of HMT films makes them suitable for packaging moisture‐sensitive food products, while PG films can find use in the packaging of products that are sensitive to light.
Base Pair Stacking Modulates Solid‐State Charge Transport in DNA Hairpins
Authors: Wang Huili , Zhang Yongkang , Zhang Ziang , Huang Bing , Li Bingling , Guo Cunlan
Published: January 2023

Particular interest has been focused on modulation of solid‐state charge transport (CT) in DNA. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to do so in a sensitive and predictive manner due to the lack of a definite relationship between DNA base pair stacking and DNA CT. The challenges can be mainly attributed to the ill‐defined systems, which may lead to ambiguous and even contradictory conclusions. Here, we use DNA hairpins to construct the well‐defined self‐assembled monolayers. We reveal nearly positive‐linear correlations between DNA conformation and CT in the DNA hairpins regulated with metal ion chelation and DNA sequence. The correlations have been confirmed by the solid‐state current‐voltage characteristics and circular dichroism in solution. The enhanced CT via metal ion chelated DNA hairpins is mainly from the improved DNA energy coupling to electrodes, not the almost unchanged energy barrier when Hg ion‐induced DNA conformational switches toward the canonical B‐form.
Les organisations internationales et la résolution des problèmes mondiaux: Une analyse qualitative quantitative comparée de l'impact de l'autonomie, de l'expérience et des ressources financières sur leur capacité à atteindre leurs objectifs
Authors: Plourde Yves , Prémont‐Picard Anne Sophie
Published: January 2023

We examine the role autonomy plays for International Organisations (IO) in achieving their objectives. Using a configurational approach, we theorize four scenarios of the impact of autonomy in relation to their experience and the financial resources at their disposal. Our results, based on a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) applied to 20 IOs of the United Nations (UN) system, demonstrate that autonomy can be a condition for both the success or the failure of an IO. Our research calls for the development of a systems theory of the performance of IOs that considers the interdependence of conditions and the equifinality of solutions that explain the success (the failure) of organizations in the pursuit of their mission.
MXenes Functionalized with Macrocyclic Hosts: From Molecular Design to Applications
Authors: Li Run‐Hao , Lin Qian , Li Shu‐Lan , Sun Yue , Liu Yi
Published: January 2023

Two‐dimensional (2D) MXene has aroused wide attention for its excellent physical and chemical properties. The interlayer engineering formed by layer‐by‐layer stacking of MXene nanosheets can be employed for molecular sieving and water purification by incorporating specific groups onto the exterior surface of MXene. Macrocyclic hosts exhibiting unique structural features and recognition ability can construct smart devices for external stimuli with reversible features between macrocycles and guests. On that basis, macrocyclic hosts can be anchored to MXene to provide numerous insights into their compositions and intercalation states. In this review, the MXene prepared based on macrocyclic hosts from molecular design to applications is highlighted. Various MXenes functionalized with macrocyclic hosts are empowered in functional membrane (including water purification, organic solvent nanofiltration, and electromagnetic shielding), photocatalysis, sensing, and adsorption (interactions with specific guest). Hopefully, this review can bring new inspiration to the design of multifunctional MXene‐based materials and improving its practical applications.