bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of phage‐displayed antibodies with high affinity and specificity by electrophoresis in microfluidic devices
Authors: Sanluis‐Verdes Anahí , Peñaherrera Ana , Torán José L. , Rosero Gustavo , Noriega María A. , Lerner Betiana , Pérez Maximiliano , Casasnovas José M.
Published: March 2023

A method development aimed for high‐throughput and automated antibody screening holds great potential for areas ranging from fundamental molecular interactions to the discovery of novel disease markers, therapeutic targets, and monoclonal antibody engineering. Surface display techniques enable efficient manipulation of large molecular libraries in small volumes. Specifically, phage display appeared as a powerful technology for selecting peptides and proteins with enhanced, target‐specific binding affinities. Here, we present a phage‐selection microfluidic device wherein electrophoresis was performed under two orthogonal electric fields through an agarose gel functionalized with the respective antigen. This microdevice was capable of screening and sorting in a single round high‐affinity phage‐displayed antibodies against virus glycoproteins, including human immunodeficiency virus‐1 glycoprotein 120 or the Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV‐GP). Phages were differentially and laterally swept depending on their antigen affinity; the high‐affinity phages were recovered at channels proximal to the application site, whereas low‐affinity phages migrated distal after electrophoresis. These experiments proved that the microfluidic device specifically designed for phage‐selection is rapid, sensitive, and effective. Therefore, this is an efficient and cost‐effective method that allowed highly controlled assay conditions for isolating and sorting high‐affinity ligands displayed in phages.
Lower Levelized Cost of Energy Achievement of Silicon Heterojunction Solar Modules with Low Water Vapor Transmission Rate Encapsulants
Authors: Bai Yu , Zhao Yilin , Li Junjun , Chen Hongyuan , Lambertz Andreas , Qiu Qingqing , Qian Cheng , Shi Jianhua , Liu Wenzhu , Chen Tao , Yu Junsheng , Ding Kaining , Yu Jian
Published: March 2023

The damp‐heat (DH) degradation of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar modules leads to severe power loss, necessitating superior‐quality encapsulation materials. Herein, it is aimed to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and optical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin elastomer (POE), and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). TPO demonstrates the lowest water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of only 3.14 g (m2·day)−1, which is approximately seven times lower than that of EVA. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of EVA demonstrates a loss of the carbonyl group, revealing the formation of acetic acid under DH stress, which is not observed in POE and TPO. Both glass/back sheet and glass/glass (G/G) modules show a significant influence of encapsulant material on DH degradation. The maximum output power (Pmax) of the G/TPO/G single‐cell module maintains 96.6% of its initial value after 1000 h DH stress. After sealing the edge, the G/G commercial‐size modules encapsulated with lower WVTR encapsulants display excellent DH reliability, and Pmax degrades <4.8% after 3000 h of DH stress. The predicted levelized cost of energy (LCOE) decreases ≈0.11 US cents/(KW h), which boosts additional power generation and illustrates the remarkable potential for the SHJ solar modules meeting the requirements of reliable, sustainable, and low‐LCOE systems.
Boron Nitride from Ammonia Borane and Alkali Amidoboranes and Its Features for Carbon Dioxide Capture
Authors: Castilla-Martinez Carlos A. , Mighri Rimeh , Charmette Christophe , Cartier Jim , Demirci Umit B.
Published: March 2023

Herein, three boranes are studied as potential precursors of boron nitride (BN) and their carbon dioxide adsorption capacity is evaluated. The selected boranes are ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3), lithium amidoborane (LiAB, LiNH2BH3), and sodium amidoborane (NaAB, NaNH2BH3), and they are pyrolyzed at four different temperatures. All the characterization techniques show the formation of BN from the three boranes. However, LiAB and NaAB form hexagonal BN (h‐BN) at a lower temperature in comparison with AB. The insertion of the alkali metal inside the BN structure is also evidenced. These materials show interesting results when they are exposed to a CO2 atmosphere. The materials are able to adsorb CO2 at nearly ambient conditions, and the best results are achieved with samples that do not present a crystalline structure. AB treated at 600 °C uptakes 34 cm3 g−1 (66.8 mg g−1) at 1.5 bar CO2 and 30 °C. Considering that the materials developed in this study are nonporous, the results are promising, opening new perspectives as potential sorbents for CO2.
Emotional experience elicited by direct electrical stimulation: Case series and literature review
Authors: Hao Guiliang , Zhou Xiaoxia , Yan Hao , Wang Xueyuan , Qiao Liang , Ni Duanyu , Shu Wei , Yu Tao
Published: March 2023

Objective

The cortical representation of emotions is complex, and cortical mapping of emotional experience is incomplete. We aimed to contribute to cortical mapping of emotional experience.

Methods

Clinical data from 400 patients with medically refractory epilepsy who underwent stereo‐electroencephalography implantation for localization of the epileptogenic zone at the Beijing Institute of Functional Neurosurgery between October 2015 and June 2021 were collected retrospectively. Furthermore, we reviewed studies that described cortical mapping of emotional experience through electrical cortical stimulation (ECS). Affective responses similar to ictal aura and electrode contacts located in the SOZ were excluded to investigate emotional experiences in normal brain regions.

Results

Emotional experiences were evoked by stimulation at 10 electrode contacts in the seven patients, including five contacts that evoked mirth and excitement, one contact that evoked calmness, three contacts that evoked fear, and one contact that evoked sadness. In addition, 21 studies that evaluated emotional experiences in response to cortical electrical stimulation were reviewed. Emotions were distributed in the amygdala, hippocampus, temporal lobe, frontal lobe, insula, frontal operculum, parietal operculum, and cingulate cortex.

Significance

We provided additional evidence that brain regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, temporal lobe, frontal lobe, insula, frontal operculum, parietal operculum, and cingulate cortex were associated with emotional experience.
Identification methods of material‐based damping for cracked reinforced concrete beam models
Authors: Chambreuil Clotilde , Giry Cédric , Ragueneau Frédéric , Léger Pierre
Published: March 2023

Seismic performance evaluation in structural design requires the use of sophisticated numerical models. In particular, to accurately represent the non‐linear behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) structures when subjected to dynamic loadings, the energy dissipation mechanisms must be accurately represented. However, the classical viscous damping models, which are still widely used, are not based on physical considerations at the material level and the choice of damping parameters is often arbitrary. This paper, thus, proposes a time‐domain damping identification method based on equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems. The methodology is developed using either an updated linear model or a non‐linear energy‐dissipating constitutive model. Energy dissipative phenomena are cracking, friction and unilateral effects upon crack closure. Both models allow the identification of different damping transient variations: (i) With the updated linear model, intrinsic damping ratios and frequencies are identified to define a simple generic damping model, and (ii) with the non‐linear constitutive model, the identified viscous damping ratios represent the dissipative phenomena not described by the material model. The aim is to propose simple models that can be used by anyone to complement their own models. Applying the method to experimental data allows evaluating effective damping ratio transient variations as functions of variables representative of non‐linear behaviour. It is shown that it is possible to accurately model the energy dissipation that is missing in the non‐linear dynamic constitutive models through effective viscous damping models based on dissipative phenomena internal variables.
Glacier structure influence on Himalayan ice‐front morphology
Authors: Peacey Matthew W. , Reynolds John M. , Holt Tom O. , Glasser Neil F.
Published: March 2023

We investigate the role of glacier structures in controlling ice‐front morphology and dynamics of four Himalayan lake‐terminating glaciers over a 20‐year period. At Imja, Trakarding, Lumdin and Dang Pu glaciers, lake area was mapped between 2000 and 2020 using Landsat 5/7/8 and Sentinel‐2 imagery. Discrete glacier flow units were identified, with glacier structures (e.g., open crevasses, transverse structures, longitudinal structures) digitised using the finest resolution panchromatic bands in each year (30, 15, or 10 m). Mapping revealed a distinct pattern of transverse structures towards the terminus of each glacier that influence ice‐front position and morphology and are then exploited via iceberg calving events. Our structural analysis also illustrates the role of subsurface conduits in calving events. During subsurface conduit collapse, glacier recession is enhanced, leading to calving along adjacent transverse structures. Furthermore, our analysis shows that ice‐front morphology influences the pattern of glacier recession. Ice fronts with distinct ice aprons undergo slower periods of recession than ice fronts with ice cliffs. We conclude that glacier structures are important in determining ice‐front morphologies at lake‐terminating Himalayan glaciers, and therefore, structural analysis is vital when assessing future ice‐front positions and behaviour, as well as rates of glacier recession.
Remote sensing of laboratory rivers
Authors: Leenman Anya S. , Eaton Brett C.
Published: March 2023

Remote sensing enables us to measure fluvial systems without disrupting their dynamics. Small‐scale physical models of rivers allow us to observe their geomorphic evolution, but we need remote sensing methods to monitor these laboratory landscapes without altering their flow or topography, just as with field‐scale rivers. In this paper, we review how experimental geomorphologists have adapted remote sensing for the laboratory. We consider how remote methods to monitor model topography, flow depth, velocity and planform have been employed, enabling uninterrupted experimental evolution. We also explore the transfer of techniques between field‐scale and experimental remote sensing; the controlled conditions in the lab aided the development of some methods, while others benefited from airborne deployment. We consider recent developments offered by laboratory remote sensing, including through‐water laser scanning and adaptations of structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry; we also consider new challenges associated with these developments, such as computational power. Finally, we discuss new research problems that laboratory remote sensing is opening up to geomorphology. We hope this review will be useful for experimentalists seeking to collect data remotely, continuously and/or cost‐effectively.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of two Costa Rican cultivars of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana): An underexploited crop in the American tropic
Authors: Cubero‐Román Eric , Carvajal‐Miranda Yendry , Rodríguez Gerardo , Álvarez‐Valverde Victor , Jiménez‐Bonilla Pablo
Published: March 2023

Ber is an antioxidant‐rich fruit from Asia and has recently been cultured in Central America. The antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity of Z. mauritiana cultured of bers from Guanacaste, Costa Rica, were evaluated. Two farm locations and two cultivars were evaluated. Total polyphenolic compounds (TPC), proanthocyanidin compounds (PAC), and ascorbic acid were spectrophotometrically quantified. Antioxidant activity has been analyzed using the DPPH method. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion method. Ber samples contained 11–44 mg GAE/g TPC. Green fruits and leaves had the highest concentrations. The ascorbic acid concentration in ber fruits was determined between 251 and 466 mg/100 g. Ber vitamin C content is higher than most common fruits. Proanthocyanidin compounds were determined between 1.8 and 9.9 mg 4‐MCG/g, and the highest concentration was observed in the leaves. Our samples showed the antioxidant activity of 90–387 μmol TE/g, which was moderate activity. The nutritional quality of ber fruits was related to maturity conditions. The ber fruits, a crop from Asia previously adapted to live in Costa Rica, are rich in vitamin C and TPC, and the concentration of those metabolites was even higher than the concentration reported in bers grown in other countries. The TPC and PACs had an interestingly wide antimicrobial spectrum. Cultivars and farm locations have a significant effect on metabolite production.
Characterization of hawthorn pectin gained via different ethanol concentrations
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhu Yiwei , Li Dan , Zhu Chuanhe
Published: March 2023

Pectin is identified as an effective delivery material due to its excellent gel‐forming ability, low immunogenic properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These excellent properties depend on the preparation method of pectin. In the study, four pectin fractions (named: CAHP30, CAHP40, CAHP50, and CAHP60, respectively) were obtained by different ethanol precipitations (30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%). Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and emulsifying ability of HP were investigated and analyzed. Results showed that the surface structure of pectin was changed by ethanol fractional precipitation, and four fractions were low methoxy pectin. They had different monosaccharide compositions, but all rich in GalA. The Mw/Mn of CAHP30, CAHP40, CAHP50, and CAHP60 were 3.29, 2.57, 2.66, and 2.77, respectively. CAHP30 and CAHP60 had excellent emulsifying ability; moreover, CAHP60 was endowed with additional lipid antioxidant capacity and had the best thermal stability. E‐CAHP40 exhibited a property between the entangled network structure. Overall, pectin with specific properties could be obtained by different ethanol concentrations.
The Contribution of Digital Sequence Information to Conservation Biology: A Southern African Perspective
Authors: Russo Isa‐Rita M. , de Jager Deon , van Wyk Anna M. , Klopper Arrie W. , Uiseb Kenneth , Birss Coral , Rushworth Ian , Bloomer Paulette
Published: March 2023

Many recent contributions have made a compelling case that genetic diversity is not adequately reflected in international frameworks and policies, as well as in local governmental processes implementing such frameworks. Using digital sequence information (DSI) and other publicly available data is supported to assess genetic diversity, toward formulation of practical actions for long‐term conservation of biodiversity, with the particular goal of maintaining ecological and evolutionary processes. Given the inclusion of specific goals and targets regarding DSI in the latest draft of the Global Biodiversity Framework negotiated at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022 and the crucial decisions on access and benefit sharing to DSI that will be taken in the coming months and future COP meetings, a southern African perspective on how and why open access to DSI is essential for the conservation of intraspecific biodiversity (genetic diversity and structure) across country borders is provided.
Meandering reduces the influence of stream orientation on riparian shade
Authors: Rutherford J. Christopher
Published: March 2023

Restoring riparian shade helps maintain healthy stream ecosystems and computer models are helpful in guiding restoration. The effects of meandering and orientation on shade to direct and diffuse lighting were investigated using a simplified model of riparian vegetation. Previous studies have shown that straight streams oriented east–west (EW) experience higher direct lighting than those oriented north–south (NS). Meandering decreased reach‐averaged direct lighting in EW valley streams, increased lighting in NS valley streams but had little effect on diffuse lighting. When meander amplitude equalled 50% of meander wavelength lighting of streams in EW and NS‐aligned valleys was similar. In EW valleys, lighting was highest at stream bends and a strategy to increase shade quickly would be to prioritize planting tall vegetation on bends. In NS valleys, lighting was lowest at bends suggesting the opposite strategy. Shade exceeding 70%, a criterion for preventing nuisance aquatic plant growths and stressfully high water temperatures, occurs in ‘typical’ meandering streams on cloudless, mid‐summer days at mid‐latitudes once the ratio of tree height to stream width H/W exceeds about 2. The model over‐simplifies riparian vegetation and the effects of canopy shape and overhang merit further investigation.
Declaration of emergency state due to COVID‐19 spread in Japan reduced maternal transports without reduction in preterm delivery
Authors: Homma Chika , Hasegawa Junichi , Nishimura Yoko , Furuya Natsumi , Nakamura Masamitsu , Suzuki Nao
Published: March 2023

Introduction

To clarify whether the declaration of an emergency state due to the spread of COVID‐19 in Japan affected the number of maternal transports and premature births.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based descriptive study was conducted in perinatal centers throughout Japan in 2020. The incidence of maternal transport and preterm delivery rates every month after the COVID‐19 spread in 2020 were compared with those in 2019.

Results

Participants were recruited from 52 perinatal centres. The maternal transport rate (maternal transports per number of deliveries) was 10.6% in April and 11.0% in June 2020, compared with 12.5% in 2019 (P < 0.05). The maternal transport rate due to preterm labor was 4.8% in April 2020 and 5.8% in 2019 (P < 0.05). The maternal transport rate during the declaration of emergency state decreased by 21% in April 2020 in non‐emergency‐declared prefectures, and decreased by 17% in May 2020 in emergency‐declared prefectures. However, there was no significant difference in the preterm delivery rate between 2020 and 2019, regardless of the prefecture and gestational period.

Conclusion

Declaration of the emergency status due to COVID‐19 spread in Japan reduced maternal transport due to preterm labor, but did not reduce preterm delivery itself.
Examining Children and adolescent mental health trajectories during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Findings from a year of the Co‐SPACE study
Authors: Guzman Holst Carolina , Bowes Lucy , Waite Polly , Skripkauskaite Simona , Shum Adrienne , Pearcey Samantha , Raw Jasmine , Patalay Praveetha , Creswell Cathy
Published: March 2023

Background

A major concern throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic has been on young people's experiences with mental health. In this study we mapped children and adolescents' mental health trajectories over 13 months of the pandemic and examine whether family, peer, and individual‐level factors were associated with trajectory membership.

Methods

This study focuses on a sub‐sample from the Co‐SPACE study of 3322 children and adolescents (aged 4–16 years) for whom parents completed a survey at Time 0 and at least one follow‐up survey between March 2020 and May 2021. We used growth mixture models to examine trajectories in emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity/inattention difficulties using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and multinomial logistic regression models to estimate factors associated with individual trajectory membership.

Results

The average trend in young people's mental health appeared to follow changes in national guidelines regarding the pandemic. Distinct trends in GMM models highlighting individual differences showed that a 5‐trajectory model best explained the changes in emotional problems whilst 4‐trajectory models best explained variation in hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems. While most young people followed low stable (62%–85%) or moderate stable (28%) symptom trajectories, 14%–31% experienced very high, high stable or increasing mental health difficulties. Young people following high stable trajectories were more likely to have special educational needs and/or neurodevelopmental disorders, parents reporting higher levels of distress and parent‐child conflict, and were less likely to have at least one close friend.

Conclusions

Most young people adapted well and experienced low stable symptoms, but nearly one third experienced high stable or increasing mental health difficulties. Young people with complex needs and parents with higher psychological distress were particularly vulnerable to high stable problems while those with positive peer relationships were less vulnerable. This study offers insight into potential factors that can be addressed using targeted interventions to improve the wellbeing of parents and young people in the event of future lockdowns and school closures.
Use of archived data to derive soil health and water quality indicators for monitoring shifts in natural resources
Authors: Fortuna Ann‐Marie , Starks Patrick J. , Moriasi Daniel N. , Steiner Jean L.
Published: March 2023

Current gaps impeding researchers from developing a soil and watershed health nexus include design of long‐term field‐scale experiments and statistical methodologies that link soil health indicators (SHI) with water quality indicators (WQI). Land cover is often used to predict WQI but may not reflect the effects of previous management such as legacy fertilizer applications, disturbance, and shifts in plant populations) and soil texture. Our research objectives were to use nonparametric Spearman rank‐order correlations to identify SHI and WQI that were related across the Fort Cobb Reservoir experimental watershed (FCREW); use the resulting rho (r) and p values (P) to explore potential drivers of SHI‐WQI relationships, specifically land use, management, and inherent properties (soil texture, aspect, elevation, slope); and interpret findings to make recommendations regarding assessment of the sustainability of land use and management. The SHI values used in the correlation matrix were weighted by soil texture and land management. The SHI that were significantly correlated with one or more WQI were available water capacity (AWC), Mehlich III soil P, and the sand to clay ratio (S:C). Mehlich III soil P was highly correlated with three WQI: total dissolved solids (TDS) (0.80; P < 0.01), electrical conductivity of water (EC‐H2O) (0.79; P < 0.01), and water nitrates (NO3‐H2O) (0.76; P < 0.01). The correlations verified that soil texture and management jointly influence water quality (WQ), but the size of the soils dataset prohibited determination of the specific processes. Adoption of conservation tillage and grasslands within the FCREW improved WQ such that water samples met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards. Future research should integrate current WQI sampling sites into an edge‐of‐field design representing all management by soil series combinations within the FCREW.
The impact of ethnic fractionalisation on labor productivity: Does firm size matter?
Authors: Khalid Usman , Amin Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Ethnic fractionalisation has both positive and negative consequences. We contend that the positive effects of skill complementarity in the production process apply to large firms. Because small businesses rely more on public goods and have less access to institutions, the negative effects of lower quality public goods and higher transaction costs have a greater impact on them. Consistent with this viewpoint, we find that larger firm size significantly mitigates the negative impact of higher ethnic fractionalisation on the level and growth rate of labor productivity in manufacturing firms across 84 developing countries. Evidence on the potential mechanisms is provided.
Synthesis of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 inhibitors BI 1147560 and BI 1181181 labeled with carbon‐14 and deuterium
Authors: Latli Bachir , Hrapchak Matt J. , Reeves Jonathan T. , Lee Heewon , Song Jinhua J.
Published: March 2023

The generation of amyloid beta peptides that aggregate in the brain is believed to play a major role in Alzheimer's disease. In theory, the inhibition of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which catalyzes the initial rate‐limiting step in amyloid beta production, may slow or stop Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we report the preparation of two potent BACE1 inhibitors, BI 1147560 (1) and BI 1181181 (2), labeled with carbon‐14 and with deuterium. The use of advanced key chiral intermediates like 3 and 5 shortened the carbon‐14 syntheses of these two compounds to five and six steps, respectively, and helped in preparing them with very high chemical purity and enantiomeric excess without deviating from the process chemistry route. For the deuterium synthesis, oxetan‐3‐ylmethanamine [2H6]‐7 and 2‐fluoro‐2‐methylpropan‐1‐amine [2H6]‐9 were prepared then used with the chiral intermediate 5 to furnish deuterium labeled 1 and 2, respectively.
Mediators of county‐level racial and economic privilege in cancer screening
Authors: Munir Muhammad Musaab , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Alaimo Laura , Moazzam Zorays , Lima Henrique A. , Endo Yutaka , Beane Joal , Kim Alex , Dillhoff Mary , Cloyd Jordan , Ejaz Aslam , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Area‐level social determinants of health (SDoH) impact access to cancer care and prevention. Little is known about the factors that underlie the impact of residential privilege on county‐level cancer screening uptake.

Methods

Population‐based cross‐sectional study examining county‐level data was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's PLACES database, American Community Survey and the County Health Rankings and Roadmap database. The Index of Concentration of Extremes (ICE), a validated measure of racial and economic privilege, was examined relative to county‐level rates of US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guideline‐concordant screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to determine the indirect and direct effects of ICE on cancer screening uptake.

Results

Across 3142 counties, county‐level cancer screening rates demonstrated geographical variation ranging from 54.0% to 81.8% for breast cancer screening, from 39.8% to 74.4% for colorectal cancer screening, and from 69.9% to 89.7% for cervical cancer screening. Of note, cancer screening rates for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer all increased from lower (ICE‐Q1) to higher (ICE‐Q4) privileged areas (breast: Q1 = 71.0% vs. Q4 = 72.2%; colorectal: Q1 = 59.4% vs. Q4 = 65.0%; cervical: Q1 = 83.3% vs. Q4 = 85.2%; all p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that the observed disparities between ICE and cancer screening uptake were explained by mediators such as poverty status, lack of health insurance or employment, urban–rural location and access to primary care physicians that accounted for 64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61%–67%), 85% (95% CI: 80%–89%), and 74% (95% CI: 71%–77%) of the effect on breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening, respectively.

Conclusions

In this cross‐sectional study, the association between racial and economic privilege on USPSTF‐recommended cancer screening was complex and influenced by an interplay of sociodemographic, geographical, and structural factors. Understanding the underlying area‐level SDoH that mediate disparities in cancer prevention strategies can help focus interventions to improve equity in cancer prevention.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma characteristics and outcomes: A SEER‐Medicare analysis
Authors: Taioli Emanuela , Wolf Andrea , Alpert Naomi , Rosenthal Daniel , Flores Raja
Published: March 2023

Background

Pleural mesothelioma is rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Previous research has indicated that female individuals have better survival than male individuals, but this has never been examined in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database.

Materials and Methods

Malignant pleural mesothelioma cases diagnosed from 1992 to 2015 were queried from the linked SEER‐Medicare database. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the clinical and demographic factors associated with sex. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model and propensity matching methods were used to assess sex differences in overall survival (OS) while accounting for potential confounders.

Results

Among 4201 patients included in the analysis, 3340 (79.5%) were males and 861 (20.5%) females. Females were significantly older, with more epithelial histology than males were, and had significantly better OS, adjusted for confounders (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.76–0.90). Other variables independently associated with improved survival included younger age at diagnosis, having a spouse/domestic partner, epithelial histology, lower comorbidity score, and receipt of surgery or chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The study describes sex differences in mesothelioma occurrence, treatment, and survival and is the first to examine SEER‐Medicare. It provides directions for future research into potential therapeutic targets.
Multiplex epigenome editing of ion channel expression in nociceptive neurons abolished degenerative IVD‐conditioned media‐induced mechanical sensitivity
Authors: Stover Joshua D. , Trone Matthew A. , Lawrence Brandon , Bowles Robby D.
Published: March 2023

Background

Low back pain is a major contributor to disability worldwide and generates a tremendous socioeconomic impact. The degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) has been hypothesized to contribute to discogenic pain by sensitizing nociceptive neurons innervating the disc to stimuli that is nonpainful in healthy patients. Previously, we demonstrated the ability of degenerative IVDs to sensitize neurons to mechanical stimuli; however, elucidation of degenerative IVDs discogenic pain mechanisms is required to develop therapeutic strategies that directly target these mechanisms.

Aims

In this study, we utilized CRISPR epigenome editing of nociceptive neurons to identify mechanisms of degenerative IVD‐induced changes to mechanical nociception and demonstrated the ability of multiplex CRISPR epigenome editing of nociceptive neurons to modulate inflammation‐induced mechanical nociception.

Methods and Results

Utilizing an in vitro model, we demonstrated degenerative IVD‐produced IL‐6‐induced increases in nociceptive neuron activity in response to mechanical stimuli, mediated by TRPA1, ASIC3, and Piezo2 ion channel activity. Once these ion channels were identified as mediators of degenerative IVD‐induced mechanical nociception, we developed singleplex and multiplex CRISPR epigenome editing vectors that modulate endogenous expression of TRPA1, ASIC3, and Piezo2 via targeted gene promoter histone methylation. When delivered to nociceptive neurons, the multiplex CRISPR epigenome editing vectors abolished degenerative IVD‐induced mechanical nociception while preserving nonpathologic neuron activity.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the potential of multiplex CRISPR epigenome editing as a highly targeted gene‐based neuromodulation strategy for the treatment of discogenic pain, specifically; and, for the treatment of inflammatory chronic pain conditions, more broadly.
Efficient Dense Orbital Angular Momentum Demultiplexing Enabled by Quasi‐Wavelet Conformal Mapping
Authors: Cao Han , Liang Yize , Wang Lulu , Ruan Zhengsen , Wang Hongya , Zeng Jinwei , Wang Jian
Published: March 2023

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) has recently attracted increasing interest in optical communications for capacity scaling by OAM mode‐division multiplexing (MDM). OAM (de)multiplexer is crucial to the success of OAM‐MDM communications. Scalable and efficient dense OAM demultiplexing is highly desired, but full of challenges. Here, a quasi‐wavelet conformal mapping method is proposed and demonstrated to implement scalable and efficient dense OAM demultiplexing. The OAM mode is divided at the input plane into multiple concentric rings, which are mapped to multiple tilted plane waves and arranged side by side in a line. The engineered transformed light beams with periodic extension and increased length enable narrow focused spot width, reduced beam overlap, and suppressed demultiplexing crosstalk. The quasi‐wavelet conformal mapping method is compared with conventional log‐polar transformation scheme and hybrid log‐polar and fan‐out technique, and the crosstalk matrix for OAM demultiplexing is measured. Efficient OAM demultiplexing is demonstrated for 15 OAM modes (OAM−7 to OAM+7) with a maximum crosstalk of −12.1 dB in the experiment. Moreover, the method is also applied to system‐level data‐carrying OAM‐MDM communications with favorable performance. The demonstrated quasi‐wavelet conformal mapping method may pave the way for future ultrahigh capacity dense OAM‐MDM communications with a large number of OAM modes.
Organ‐PAM: Photoacoustic Microscopy of Whole‐organ Multiset Vessel Systems
Authors: Zhang Junning , Peng Dinglu , Qin Wei , Qi Weizhi , Liu Xiaoya , Luo Yucheng , Guo Qiongyu , Xi Lei
Published: March 2023

Organs maintain their unique functions through a variety of distinctive vessel systems. However, examination of multiset vessels over the entire organ still remains challenging due to the difficulties of assigning multiple vessel systems and labor‐intensive imaging reconstruction technologies. Here, an organ‐level photoacoustic microscopic imaging platform, named Organ‐PAM, with a micron‐scale spatial resolution and ultra‐large field of view (FOV), which can achieve a lateral and axial FOV of up to ≈81 cm2 and ≈30 mm, respectively, is presented. With the assistance of whole‐organ decellularization, optical clearing, and a specifically designed photoacoustic gradient concentration differential angiographic pipeline, the visualization of up to four sets of vessel systems inside diversified organs is successfully achieved with multiple scales. In addition, quantitative analyses of vessel systems in both healthy livers and kidneys as well as cancerous livers with exogenous transplanted tumors are conducted at different stages. Thus, the platform enables high‐efficiency multiset vessel imaging, recognition, and quantification of different organs, providing critical insights into distinct vessel systems under varying pathological conditions.
Remote Preparation of Optical Cat States Based on Gaussian Entanglement
Authors: Han Dongmei , Sun Fengxiao , Wang Na , Xiang Yu , Wang Meihong , Tian Mingsheng , He Qiongyi , Su Xiaolong
Published: March 2023

Remote state preparation enables one to prepare and manipulate quantum state non‐locally. As an essential quantum resource, optical cat state is usually prepared locally by subtracting photons from a squeezed vacuum state. For remote quantum information processing, it is essential to prepare and manipulate optical cat states remotely based on Gaussian entanglement, which remains a challenge. Here, experimental preparation of optical cat states based on a remotely distributed two‐mode Gaussian entangled state in a lossy channel is presented. By performing photon subtraction and homodyne projective measurement at Alice's station, an optical cat state is prepared remotely at Bob's station. Furthermore, the prepared cat state is rotated by changing Alice's measurement basis of homodyne detection, which demonstrates the remote manipulation of it. By distributing two modes of the two‐mode Gaussian entangled state in lossy channels, it is demonstrated that the remotely prepared cat state can tolerate much more loss in Alice's channel than that in Bob's channel. It is also shown that cat states with amplitudes larger than 2 can be prepared by increasing the squeezing level and subtracting photon numbers. The results make a crucial step toward remote hybrid quantum information processing involving discrete‐ and continuous‐variable techniques.
Melt Instability Identification Using Unsupervised Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Gansen Alex , Hennicker Julian , Sill Clemens , Dheur Jean , Hale Jack S. , Baller Jörg
Published: March 2023

In industrial extrusion processes, increasing shear rates can lead to higher production rates. However, at high shear rates, extruded polymers and polymer compounds often exhibit melt instabilities ranging from stick‐slip to sharkskin to gross melt fracture. These instabilities result in challenges to meet the specifications on the extrudate shape. Starting with an existing published data set on melt instabilities in polymer extrusion, we assess the suitability of clustering, unsupervised machine learning algorithms combined with feature selection, to extract and identify hidden and important features from this data set, and their possible relationship with melt instabilities. The data set consists of both intrinsic features of the polymer as well as extrinsic features controlled and measured during an extrusion experiment. Using a range of commonly available clustering algorithms, it is demonstrated that the features related to only the intrinsic properties of the data set can be reliably divided into two clusters, and that in turn, these two clusters may be associated with either the stick‐slip or sharkskin instability. Furthermore, using a feature ranking on both the intrinsic and extrinsic features of the data set, it is shown that the intrinsic properties of molecular weight and polydispersity are the strongest indicators of clustering.
Liouville‐type theorems for a nonlinear fractional Choquard equation
Authors: Duong Anh Tuan , Loan Tran Thi , Quyet Dao Trong , Thang Dao Manh
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with the fractional Choquard equation on the whole space with , and . We first prove that the equation does not possess any positive solution for . When , we establish a Liouville type theorem saying that if
then the equation has no positive stable solution. This extends, in particular, a result in [27] to the fractional Choquard equation.
Periodic solutions of second‐order degenerate differential equations with infinite delay in Banach spaces
Authors: Bu Shangquan , Cai Gang
Published: March 2023

We consider the well‐posedness of the second‐order degenerate differential equations
with infinite delay on [0, 2π] in Lebesgue–Bochner spaces and periodic Besov spaces , where , and M are closed linear operators in a Banach space X satisfying and the kernels . Using known operator‐valued Fourier multiplier theorems, we are able to give necessary and sufficient conditions for the well‐posedness of (P) in and . These results are applied to examine some concrete examples.
Study on corrosion resistance of aluminium coating deposited on magnesium‐zinc‐yttrium‐calcium alloy by cold spray
Authors: Wang M. , Yu B. , Chang D. , Zheng L.
Published: March 2023

Pure aluminium coatings were prepared on magnesium‐zinc‐yttrium‐calcium alloy substrate via cold spraying technology with different scanning speeds and working gas temperature. The correlation between the corrosion resistance of the coatings and the different spraying process was studied. While the working gas temperature is 600 °C and the scanning speed is 1 mm/s, aluminium coating has less porosity and the coating was well combined with the substrate. Higher temperature of working gas increases the plastic deformation of particles, which lead to a dense aluminium coating. The relationship of corrosion resistance on working gas temperature and scanning speed of aluminium coatings has also been investigated by immersion corrosion test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. The results show that the cold sprayed aluminium coatings revealed a lower porosity and higher corrosion resistance with the decreasing scanning speed and the increasing temperature of working gas. The porosity and corrosion current densities were 0.938 vol.% and 2.427 ⋅ 10−6 A/cm2. The experimental results show that the aluminium coating prepared by cold spraying has a good protective effect on magnesium alloy.
Development of micro‐form‐fitted amorphous thermoplast/light metal hybrid components
Authors: Wurzbacher S. , Mascher M. , Wagner P. , van der Straeten K. , Jüptner U. , Hopmann C.
Published: March 2023

In order to meet the high demands on tolerances and surface qualities, for example in automotive lighting applications, a hybrid part composed of a light metal (aluminium) and an amorphous thermoplastic (polycarbonate) could be an alternative to the established mono‐materials used today. Due to the lack of adhesion promoter systems for joining this specific material combination, a micro‐form‐fitted connection by creating undercut microstructures by laser ablation is used to achieve a full‐surface bond. First investigations are carried out to ensure the filling of these microstructures with different polycarbonate moulding compounds by over moulding in the injection moulding process. Subsequently, the influence of the moulding compound, the structure arrangement and the influence of a pickling treatment on the bond strength are analysed by tensile shear testing.
A novel equal channel angular pressing design to eliminate punch deflection and to reduce the pressing force
Authors: Abbaszadeh B. , Sheikhi M. M. , Fallah M. M. , Eskandarzade M.
Published: March 2023

In the present study a new design of the equal channel angular pressing die and punch is introduced. The new design eliminates the deflection of the punch and at the same time lowers the frictional forces by reducing the contact area. In order to show the capability of the new design, the Al‐7075 alloy samples were processed in two equal channel angular pressing dies. The measured data for the novel and conventional equal channel angular pressing processes were compared. The microstructure of the processed samples was examined with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results of the experimental study revealed that the novel die can fully eliminate the risk of the punch deflection and simultaneously reduce the maximum required pressing force by about 3.1 % to 9.8 % for 16 % to 40 % reduction in frictional contact surfaces. The analysis of experimental results showed that there is non‐linear relation between the frictional contact area and the pressing load. In addition, it is shown that despites high contact pressures and high temperatures the use of graphite as a lubricant between sliding surfaces can considerably reduce the pressing load.
Formation of the carbonated hydroxyapatite film on Ti‐30Zr‐5Al‐3V bio‐alloy
Authors: Liu K. Y. , Cui J. F. , Liang S. X. , Zhou Y. X. , Yin L. X. , Huang G. W. , Shi Y. D. , Liu X. Y. , Zheng L. Y. , Xing Z. G. , Wang W. J.
Published: March 2023

The Ti‐30Zr‐5Al‐3V titanium alloy has an ultra‐low Young's modulus. So, it promises great application potential as a hard‐tissue implanted biomaterial. However, its surface performances need to be improved before clinical applications. In this work, a carbonated hydroxyapatite film is deposited on the surface of Ti‐30Zr‐5Al‐3V bio‐alloy using electrochemical methods. Microstructure, film‐substrate adhesion, and electrochemical corrosion behavior of carbonated hydroxyapatite deposited specimens in Ringer's solution are investigated. A homogeneous, dense, and fully covered carbonated hydroxyapatite film forms on the surface after depositing at 3 V, 90 °C for 120 minutes. The formation mechanism of the carbonated hydroxyapatite film on the micro‐nano structure surface is revealed. The corrosion performance of carbonated hydroxyapatite deposited specimens in Ringer's solution is evaluated by using potentiodynamic polarization curves. The carbonated hydroxyapatite deposition obviously enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Ti‐30Zr‐5Al‐3V bio‐alloy.
Quantified Striatal Dopaminergic Denervation as Predictor for Motor Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Trinh Ilene , Muralidhar Angeni , Yang Justin , Phielipp Nicolás
Published: March 2023

Background

A hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is progressive loss of dopamine terminals in the basal ganglia, with clinical symptoms including motor and non‐motor manifestations such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and cognitive impairment. Dopamine transporter single‐photon emission computed tomography (DaT‐SPECT) can be used to assess dopaminergic denervation by detecting loss of striatal dopamine transporters (DaT).

Objective

We examined DaT binding scores’ (DaTbs) association with motor outcomes in PD and explored its usefulness as a predictor of disease progression. Faster dopaminergic denervation in the basal ganglia was hypothesized to have stronger correlation and predictive value for poor motor outcomes.

Methods

Data was analyzed from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. DaTbs in the putamen and caudate nucleus were correlated with Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) scores for walking and balance difficulties, gait difficulties, and presence of dyskinesias. A predictive model using baseline speed of drop in DaT binding score was performed for each motor outcome.

Results

All motor outcomes had mild, significantly negative correlation with DaTbs in the putamen and caudate nucleus, with similar degree of correlation per region. Speed of drop was predictive of only substantial gait difficulties when evaluated in the putamen but not the caudate.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that analyzing speed of drop in DaTbs, which occurs early in the motor phase of the disease, may be helpful for predicting clinical outcomes in PD. Longer observation of this cohort may provide further data to investigate DaTbs as a prognostic marker in PD.
Scoping Review of Multidisciplinary Care in Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Willford Samantha , Deeb Wissam
Published: March 2023

Objective

To review current multidisciplinary care practices in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS).

Background

Individuals with TS can have multiple symptoms and comorbidities and require treatment to encompass all of their needs. A multidisciplinary research or care model approaches the situation/problem from all sides and uses multiple perspectives.

Methods

A database search of Medline (using Pubmed), PsychINFO, and Scopus was performed using keywords related to multidisciplinary care and TS. The authors then screened the results for relevant information using a standardized extraction form to collect data. Next, relevant codes from text analysis were extracted with a final list agreed on with author consensus. Finally, we inferred common themes.

Results

The search revealed 2304 citations, and 87 were selected for full‐text analysis. One additional article was identified by manual search. Thirty‐one citations were deemed relevant. Multidisciplinary team members typically included a psychiatrist or child psychiatrist, a neurologist or child neurologist, and a psychologist or therapist at the core. Four primary benefits were associated with multidisciplinary care: establishing the diagnosis, managing the complexity of TS and its associated comorbidities, averting complications, and evaluating advanced therapies. Limitations include possible poor team dynamics and rigidity in the approach leading to an algorithmic treatment plan.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary care model for TS is the preferred model advocated by patients, physicians, and organizations. This scoping review reveals that the impetus for multidisciplinary care rests on four primary benefits, but there is a lack of empirical evidence for defining and evaluating its use.
Existence of positive solutions for a class of quasilinear Schrödinger equation with critical exponent
Authors: Jing Li , Guo Zuji , Teng Kaimin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we consider the following quasilinear Schrödinger equations with critical growth

where
, and
. The existence of positive solutions will be established through using the variational approach.