bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and breast cancer
Authors: Rahme Elham , Ghosn Joumana , Dasgupta Kaberi , Rajan Raghu , Hudson Marie
Published: December 2005

Background

Eighty percent of all breast cancers and almost 90% of breast cancer deaths occur among post-menopausal women. We used a nested case control design to examine the association between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and breast cancer occurrence among women over 65 years of age. The cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme is expressed more in breast cancers than in normal breast tissue. COX-2 inhibition may have a role in breast cancer prevention.

Methods

In the Canadian province of Quebec, physician services are covered through a governmental insurance plan. Medication costs are covered for those ≥ 65 years of age and a publicly funded screening program for breast cancer targets all women 50 years of age or older. We obtained encrypted data from these insurance databases on all women ≥ 65 years of age who filled a prescription for COX-2 inhibitors, non-selective NSAIDs (ns-NSAIDs), aspirin, or acetaminophen between January 1998 and December 2002. Cases were defined as those women who have undergone mammography between April 2001 and June 2002 and had a diagnosis of breast cancer within six months following mammography. Controls included those who have undergone mammography between April 2001 and June 2002 without a diagnosis of any cancer during the six months following mammography. The exposure of interest, frequent NSAID use, was defined as use of ns-NSAIDs and/or COX-2 inhibitors for ≥ 90 days during the year prior to mammography. Frequent use served as a convenient proxy for long term chronic use.

Results

We identified 1,090 cases and 44,990 controls. Cases were older and more likely to have breast cancer risk factors. Logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders showed that frequent use of ns-NSAIDs and/or COX-2 inhibitors was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (OR: 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.89). Results were similar for COX-2 inhibitors (0.81, 0.68–0.97) and ns-NSAIDs (0.65, 0.43–0.99), when assessed separately. Frequent use of aspirin at doses > 100 mg/day in the year prior to mammography was also associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (0.75, 0.64–0.89). However, use of aspirin at doses ≤ 100 mg/day did not have any association with breast cancer (0.91, 0.71–1.16).

Conclusion

Women who use NSAIDs or doses of aspirin > 100 mg frequently may have a lower risk of breast cancer.
National estimates for maternal mortality: an analysis based on the WHO systematic review of maternal mortality and morbidity
Authors: Betrán Ana P , Wojdyla Daniel , Posner Samuel F , Gülmezoglu A Metin
Published: December 2005

Background

Despite the worldwide commitment to improving maternal health, measuring, monitoring and comparing maternal mortality estimates remain a challenge. Due to lack of data, international agencies have to rely on mathematical models to assess its global burden. In order to assist in mapping the burden of reproductive ill-health, we conducted a systematic review of incidence/prevalence of maternal mortality and morbidity.

Methods

We followed the standard methodology for systematic reviews. This manuscript presents nationally representative estimates of maternal mortality derived from the systematic review. Using regression models, relationships between study-specific and country-specific variables with the maternal mortality estimates are explored in order to assist further modelling to predict maternal mortality.

Results

Maternal mortality estimates included 141 countries and represent 78.1% of the live births worldwide. As expected, large variability between countries, and within regions and subregions, is identified. Analysis of variability according to study characteristics did not yield useful results given the high correlation with each other, with development status and region. A regression model including selected country-specific variables was able to explain 90% of the variability of the maternal mortality estimates. Among all country-specific variables selected for the analysis, three had the strongest relationships with maternal mortality: proportion of deliveries assisted by a skilled birth attendant, infant mortality rate and health expenditure per capita.

Conclusion

With the exception of developed countries, variability of national maternal mortality estimates is large even within subregions. It seems more appropriate to study such variation through differentials in other national and subnational characteristics. Other than region, study of country-specific variables suggests infant mortality rate, skilled birth attendant at delivery and health expenditure per capita are key variables to predict maternal mortality at national level.
Stromal mesenchyme cell genes of the human prostate and bladder
Authors: Goo Young Ah , Goodlett David R , Pascal Laura E , Worthington Kelsey D , Vessella Robert L , True Lawrence D , Liu Alvin Y
Published: December 2005

Background

Stromal mesenchyme cells play an important role in epithelial differentiation and likely in cancer as well. Induction of epithelial differentiation is organ-specific, and the genes responsible could be identified through a comparative genomic analysis of the stromal cells from two different organs. These genes might be aberrantly expressed in cancer since cancer could be viewed as due to a defect in stromal signaling. We propose to identify the prostate stromal genes by analysis of differentially expressed genes between prostate and bladder stromal cells, and to examine their expression in prostate cancer.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry using antibodies to cluster designation (CD) cell surface antigens was first used to characterize the stromas of the prostate and bladder. Stromal cells were prepared from either prostate or bladder tissue for cell culture. RNA was isolated from the cultured cells and analyzed by DNA microarrays. Expression of candidate genes in normal prostate and prostate cancer was examined by RT-PCR.

Results

The bladder stroma was phenotypically different from that of the prostate. Most notable was the presence of a layer of CD13+cells adjacent to the urothelium. This structural feature was also seen in the mouse bladder. The prostate stroma was uniformly CD13-. A number of differentially expressed genes between prostate and bladder stromal cells were identified. One prostate gene, proenkephalin (PENK), was of interest because it encodes a hormone. Secreted proteins such as hormones and bioactive peptides are known to mediate cell-cell signaling. Prostate stromal expression of PENK was verified by an antibody raised against a PENK peptide, by RT-PCR analysis of laser-capture microdissected stromal cells, and by database analysis. Gene expression analysis showed that PENK expression was down-regulated in prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Our findings show that the histologically similar stromas of the prostate and bladder are phenotypically different, and express organ-specific genes. The importance of these genes in epithelial development is suggested by their abnormal expression in cancer. Among the candidates is the hormone PENK and the down-regulation of PENK expression in cancer suggests a possible association with cancer development.
Lymph node infarction – a rare complication associated with disseminated intra vascular coagulation in a case of dengue fever
Authors: Rao I Satish , Loya Anand C , Ratnakar KS , Srinivasan VR
Published: December 2005

Background

Lymph node infarction is known to occur in association with many non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions however its occurrence in association with DIC is not reported hitherto in the literature.

Case presentation

We describe an unusual case of lymph node infarction in a twenty seven year old male following disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a case of dengue fever. Multiple sections of the infarcted and the surrounding non-infarcted lymph nodes failed to reveal any predisposing condition. How ever the parahilar vessels showed thrombotic occlusion, which must have been responsible for the infarction.

Conclusion

Global infarction of the lymph node may mask the underlying pathology. Any malignancy especially lymphoma may coexist or follow lymph node infarction, therefore the patient needs constant surveillance.
Dual-modality impairment of implicit learning of letter-strings versus color-patterns in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Chiu Ming-Jang , Liu Kristina , Hsieh Ming H , Hwu Hai-Gwo
Published: December 2005

Background

Implicit learning was reported to be intact in schizophrenia using artificial grammar learning. However, emerging evidence indicates that artificial grammar learning is not a unitary process. The authors used dual coding stimuli and schizophrenia clinical symptom dimensions to re-evaluate the effect of schizophrenia on various components of artificial grammar learning.

Methods

Letter string and color pattern artificial grammar learning performances were compared between 63 schizophrenic patients and 27 comparison subjects. Four symptom dimensions derived from a Chinese Positive and Negative Symptom Scale ratings were correlated with patients' artificial grammar implicit learning performances along the two stimulus dimensions. Patients' explicit memory performances were assessed by verbal paired associates and visual reproduction subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scales Revised Version to provide a contrast to their implicit memory function.

Results

Schizophrenia severely hindered color pattern artificial grammar learning while the disease affected lexical string artificial grammar learning to a lesser degree after correcting the influences from age, education and the performance of explicit memory function of both verbal and visual modalities. Both learning performances correlated significantly with the severity of patients' schizophrenic clinical symptom dimensions that reflect poor abstract thinking, disorganized thinking, and stereotyped thinking.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that schizophrenia affects various mechanisms of artificial grammar learning differently. Implicit learning, knowledge acquisition in the absence of conscious awareness, is not entirely intact in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects implicit learning through an impairment of the ability of making abstractions from rules and at least in part decreasing the capacity for perceptual learning.
Phase II Study of Fixed Dose Rate Gemcitabine With Cisplatin for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Ko Andrew H. , Dito Elizabeth , Schillinger Brian , Venook Alan P. , Bergsland Emily K. , Tempero Margaret A.
Published: December 2005

Purpose

Although gemcitabine remains the standard of care for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, additional improvements may be realized by combining therapeutic agents with synergistic activity, and optimizing drug delivery using pharmacokinetic principles such as fixed dose rate (FDR) infusion. The objectives of this study were to determine safety and efficacy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with FDR gemcitabine in combination with low-dose cisplatin.

Patients and Methods

Chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma were treated with a combination of gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 at 10 mg/m2/min together with cisplatin 20 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Patient follow-up was performed using computerized tomographic scans and serial CA 19-9 measurements.

Results

A total of 51 patients were enrolled onto the study, with a median follow-up time of 215 days. Twenty-two of 40 patients (55.0%) with a baseline serum CA 19-9 level ≥ 2× the upper limit of normal demonstrated a ≥ 50% biomarker decline during treatment. Nine of 47 patients (19.1%) with measurable disease achieved a partial response, and 28 patients (59.6%) had disease stabilization for at least two treatment cycles. Median time to progression was 3.9 months and median survival was 7.1 months, with an estimated 1-year survival rate of 29%. The most frequently reported grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (52.9%) and thrombocytopenia (15.7%). Most patients were switched to an every-other-week dosing schedule.

Conclusion

The combination of FDR gemcitabine and cisplatin is well tolerated and appears to be an acceptable, albeit not clearly superior, alternative to other gemcitabine/platinum regimens for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Gene Expression Profiling of Localized Esophageal Carcinomas: Association With Pathologic Response to Preoperative Chemoradiation
Authors: Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Wu Tsung-Teh , Luthra Madan G. , Izzo Julie , Lopez-Alvarez Enrique , Zhang Li , Bailey Jaime , Lee Jeffrey H. , Bresalier Robert , Rashid Asif , Swisher Stephen G. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: December 2005

Purpose

Patients with localized esophageal carcinoma have a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Patients are often treated similarly (ie, with preoperative chemoradiotherapy) but the outcomes vary greatly. Chemoradiotherapy and surgery can result in significant undesirable consequences. Currently, however, there are no tools to help select optimum therapy. We hypothesized that gene expression profiling could provide clues and biomarkers for selection of therapy.

Methods

Pretreatment endoscopic cancer biopsies from 19 patients (16 with adenocarcinoma, two with squamous cell carcinoma, and one with adenosquamous carcinoma) enrolled onto a preoperative chemoradiotherapy protocol were profiled using oligonucleotide microarrays. Surgical specimens following therapy were assessed for the degree of pathologic response. On the basis of array data, selected genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis segregated the cancers into two molecular subtypes, each consisting 10 and nine specimens, respectively. Most cancers (five of six) that had pathologic complete response (pathCR) clustered in molecular subtype I. Subtype II, with one exception, consisted cancers that had less than pathCR (< pathCR). Using a combination marker approach, levels of PERP, S100A2, and SPRR3 allowed discrimination of pathCR from < pathCR with high sensitivity and specificity (85%). Pathway analysis identified apoptotic pathway as one of the key functions downregulated in molecular type II in comparison with type I.

Conclusion

These encouraging, albeit preliminary, data suggest that expression profiling may distinguish cancers with different pathologic outcome. This is the first report to show subtypes of esophageal cancers with distinct molecular signatures. The potential of PERP, S100A2, and SPRR3 as biomarkers of pathCR warrants further validation.
Multi-pH Monte Carlo Simulation of Coil–Globule Transition of Weak Polyelectrolyte
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Kiuchi Takahiro , Matsuoka Tatsuro , Koda Shinobu
Published: December 2005

A generalized ensemble Monte Carlo simulation method that enables one to simulate open systems under various chemical potentials in a single run is applied to the pH titration of weak polyelectrolytes. The free energy profile has a double-minimum structure as the function of the ionization degree in poor solvents, indicating the change in the ionization degree that resembles a first-order phase transition. The two minima correspond to the less-charged globular state and the charged coil state. The structures of the polymer in the instable region of the ionization degree are investigated in detail. Results show that the conformation of the transition state consists of one blob and one or two strings. In addition to the structural inhomogeneity, a heterogeneous distribution of the charge is found there.
Paramagnetic Semiconductors: Hybrid Molecular Materials Based on Ethyl- and Methyl-pyridinium-Substituted Verdazyl Radical Cations and the Ni(dmit)2 Anion (dmit = 1,3-Dithiol-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate)
Authors: Mukai Kazuo , Shiba Daisuke , Yoshida Kenji , Mukai Kyohei , Hisatou Hiroyuki , Ohara Keishi , Hosokoshi Yuko , Azuma Nagao
Published: December 2005

Four kinds of 1:1 salts of 3-(4- and 3-alkyl-pyridinium)-1,5-diphenylverdazyl (alkyl = ethyl and methyl) radical cations with the Ni(dmit)2 anion ([p-EtPyDV]+[Ni(dmit)2]− (1), [m-EtPyDV]+[Ni(dmit)2]− (2), [p-MePyDV]+[Ni(dmit)2]− (3), and [m-MePyDV]+[Ni(dmit)2]− (4)) have been prepared. The magnetic properties of salts 1–4 were discussed based on the results obtained by magnetic susceptibility and ESR measurements of 1–4 and the crystal structure analysis of 1. The results of the crystal structure analysis of salt 1 indicate the dimer formation in Ni(dmit)2 anion molecules, and the dimers are sandwiched between two verdazyl cations [p-EtPyDV]+, indicating the formation of a magnetic linear tetramer in 1. The magnetic susceptibility data for salt 1 have been fitted to a four-spin linear tetramer model using an end exchange interaction of 2J1/kB = −780 K and a central interaction of 2J2/kB = −200 K. The conductivity (σ) of salts 1, 2, 3, and 4 at room temperature was σ = 2.3 × 10−5, 1.8 × 10−4, 1.4 × 10−5, and 5.4 × 10−6 S cm−1 with an activation energy of EA = 0.28, 0.52, 0.21, and 0.33 eV, respectively. The 1:1 salts 1–4 are new molecular paramagnetic semiconductors.
Theoretical Study on the Disproportionation Reaction of Nickel(II) Mixed-Ligand Complexes Containing N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediamine, Benzoylacetonate, and a Halide Anion
Authors: Miyamoto Keiko , Takano Keiko , Fukuda Yutaka
Published: December 2005

Density functional theory, B3LYP/CEP-31G calculations, were performed on nickel(II) complexes comprising N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen), benzoylacetonate (bzac), and a halide anion (X), Ni(tmen)(bzac)X·n(H2O) (n = 1–4, X = Cl−, Br−, and I−). Fully optimized geometries of [Ni(bzac)2(tmen)], [NiCl(bzac)(tmen)(H2O)], and [Ni(bzac)(tmen)(H2O)2]+ are all in good agreement with crystallographic data. This series of nickel(II) complexes shows a disproportionation reaction in a non-polar and rather inert solvent, such as 1,2-dichloroethane and acetone, accompanied by highly contrasting color changes of the solutions. Also, the presence of an intermediate compound has been confirmed. A possible reaction mechanism of this reaction as well as the structure of the intermediate compound are discussed.
Steric Effect of 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol as Hydrogen-Bond Donor on Outer-Sphere Complexation in the Synergistic Extraction of Aluminium(III) and Gallium(III) with 2,4-Pentanedione
Authors: Imura Hisanori , Namai Tatsunori , Ishimori Ken-ichiro , Hayashi Sumiko , Ohashi Akira , Ohashi Kousaburo
Published: December 2005

The synergistic extraction of aluminium(III) and gallium(III) with 2,4-pentanedione (Hacac) in heptane from a weakly acidic solution was investigated in the presence of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol (BTMP). A large enhancement of the extraction of metal(III) was ascribed to the formation of outer-sphere complexes between metal(III) chelates and BTMP in the organic phase. Furthermore, an IR study demonstrated that the outer-sphere complexes were formed by the hydrogen bond between the hydroxy hydrogen atom of BTMP and the oxygen atoms of metal(III) chelates. The formation constants of the outer-sphere complexes with BTMP were determined and compared with those with 3,5-dichlorophenol (DCP) to understand the steric effect of the phenol derivative in this synergistic extraction. The bulky trifluoromethyl-group of BTMP and the short oxygen–oxygen nonbonded distance of Al(acac)3 resulted in a steric repulsion between two BTMP molecules to prevent the formation of Al(acac)3·3BTMP, although Al(acac)3·3DCP, Ga(acac)3·3BTMP, and Ga(acac)3·3DCP could be formed. Such a steric effect on outer-sphere complexation improves the separation efficiency between aluminium(III) and gallium(III) in the present synergistic extraction.
Synthesis of 11H-Indolo[3,2-c]quinoline Derivatives Carrying a Substituent at the 6-Position
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Izumi Yusuke , Hayashi Kazutaka , Morikawa Osamu , Konishi Hisatoshi
Published: December 2005

A convenient synthesis of 11H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolines carrying a substituent, such as 1-hydroxyalkyl, 1-alkoxyalkyl, or 1-(dialkylamino)alkyl, at the 6-position by electrophile-mediated cyclization reactions of 2-(2-isocyanophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-indole is described.
Chemistry of Anthracene–Acetylene Oligomers. II. Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of 1,8-Anthrylene–Ethynylene Cyclic Tetramers and Related Acyclic Oligomers
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Goichi Michio , Kotani Masashi , Takezaki Makoto
Published: December 2005

The title π-conjugated oligomers consisting of anthracene and acetylene units were synthesized to construct a new type of three-dimensional organic architecture. An acyclic chain was extended by the sequence of the Sonogashira coupling and the desilylation from 1,8-diethynylanthracene derivatives and 1,8-diiodoanthracene to form a tetramer, which was then coupled intramolecularly to afford a cyclic tetramer as orange crystals. It is characteristic that a substituent free cyclic tetramer shows the hypochromic effect in the UV spectrum and the presence of an excimer-type emission in the fluorescence spectrum. X-ray analysis revealed that the cyclic tetramer took a diamond prism structure of nearly C2 symmetry, and the skeletal swing between the two enantiomeric forms via a square prism form was observable by dynamic NMR spectroscopy (barrier: ca. 38 kJ mol−1). The structural and spectral properties as well as some reactivities of the cyclic tetramer and related acyclic oligomers up to heptamer are reported.
Electrophilic Arylation of Phenols: Construction of a New Family of 1-Methyl-2-quinolones
Authors: Asahara Motoki , Ohtsutsumi Masaki , Tamura Mina , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi , Ariga Masahiro
Published: December 2005

1-Methyl-3,6,8-trinitro-2-quinolone was found to be a suitable substrate for electrophilic arylation on benzene rings leading to (1,2-dihydro-4-quinolyl)phenols. The resultant products constitute a new family of 1-methyl-2-quinolones, which is often found in biologically active compounds as a partial structure.
Improved Golgi-like Visualization in Retrogradely Projecting Neurons after EGFP-Adenovirus Infection in Adult Rat and Monkey
Authors: Tomioka Ryohei , Rockland Kathleen S.
Published: December 2005

An adenovirus vector was generated using a neuron-specific promoter synapsin I and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter (AdSynEGFP). In addition, two modifications were identified that resulted in robust and reliable retrograde transport and EGFP expression after injection of the virus into three different brain regions in adult rats (medial prefrontal cortex, posterior thalamic nuclear group, and CA1). These are post-injection survival times of 14 days and addition of high concentrations of NaCl (≥600 mM) to the injection buffer. These modifications resulted in obvious improvement in the intensity of the EGFP signal and in the number of labeled cells. Use of anti-EGFP in immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase processing further enhanced the signal so that Golgi-like filling of dendritic spines and axon collaterals was routinely achieved. Effectiveness of the AdSynEGFP for Golgi-like filling was confirmed in one rhesus monkey with injections in visual area V4. Because of the long-term viability of the infected neurons (at least up to 28 days in rats and 22 days in monkey), this AdSynEGFP is suitable for use in microcircuitry studies in combination with other fluorescently tagged elements, including anterogradely labeled extrinsic projections. The native EGFP signal (without antibody enhancement) may be sufficient for studies involving cultured cells or slices. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:539-548, 2006)
Neural Networks in Bankruptcy Prediction - A Comparative Study on the Basis of the First Hungarian Bankruptcy Model
Authors: Virág Miklós , Kristóf Tamás
Published: December 2005

The article attempts to answer the question whether or not the latest bankruptcy prediction techniques are more reliable than traditional mathematical-statistical ones in Hungary. Simulation experiments carried out on the database of the first Hungarian bankruptcy prediction model clearly prove that bankruptcy models built using artificial neural networks have higher classification accuracy than models created in the 1990s based on discriminant analysis and logistic regression analysis. The article presents the main results, analyses the reasons for the differences and presents constructive proposals concerning the further development of Hungarian bankruptcy prediction.
Efficient Market Hypothesis in the Capital Market of a Small Transition Economy - Does It Hold?
Authors: Jagric Timotej , Strasek Sebastjan
Published: December 2005

A wavelet analysis of long-range dependence based on the Hurst exponent is presented in this paper. Numerical comparisons are made against traditional estimators of the exponent based on R/S analysis. The estimator is used to perform an analysis of the long-range dependence in the capital market of a small transition economy (Slovenia). Results of the study suggest that the efficient market hypothesis may not hold for the observed capital market. Furthermore, results also suggest that the estimation of the exponent is sensitive to the frequencies of the data employed and to the sample period. Additionally, the format of the time series has an important impact on the results.
Information Society in Hungary: Impact Assessment of Public Policies with the Help of Social Indicators
Authors: Futó Péter
Published: December 2005

Despite significant policy efforts, in 2003 the Hungarian general population has fallen behind the Central and Eastern European (CEE) average regarding most social indicators of Internet access, usage, knowledge and attitudes. The article is a policy impact assessment interpreting the results of a population survey covering 10 countries of CEE, performed in 2003 within the framework of the SIBIS Project (Statistical Indicators Benchmarking the Information Society). The 10 Newly Associated States (NAS) covered by the survey are as follows: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. In case of Hungary the relevant strategies, legal framework development and support actions of various public policy areas are analysed with the help of an international comparative analysis of survey findings.
Simulation and Optimisation
Authors: Molnar Istvan
Published: December 2005

The main goal of simulation optimisation problem-solving process is minimising overall resources (time, money, human and technical resources), while maximising the overall information (e.g. system behaviour, sensitivity, optimal solutions) obtained in the process. The present paper gives a broad overview of the field of interest and describes new, integrative approaches for simulation and optimisation problems, using the achievements of different scientific areas.
It is Important to Organise the Disorganised
Authors: Redek Tjaša
Published: December 2005

The article examines the significance of institutional quality for economic performance during transition. Institutions are the rules of the game. In any economy the most important institutions are the legal system, the state, the structure of the financial system and the system of international relations. The process of economic transition in Central and Eastern Europe was mainly a process of massive institutional changes which were spurred by economic causes and also themselves had significant economic consequences. The article examines the institutional changes in transition economies and shows that institutions matter. The first decade of transition gave the impression that it is important to build as good institutional framework as possible and as fast as possible. But today, with the quick growth of some South Eastern European economies, it seems not to hold that the better the institutions the better the economic performance, but rather to (at least) establish some satisfactory level of institutional quality is important to resume growth, which can also be assisted by foreign capital.
Robust and quantized repetitive tracking control for fractional‐order fuzzy large‐scale systems
Authors: Tharanidharan V. , Saravanakumar T. , Anthoni S. Marshal
Published: February 2024

In this article, the decentralized repetitive tracking controller design for fractional‐order large‐scale Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system with time delays is developed. We mainly focus on the design of a decentralized repetitive tracking controller based on the Lyapunov stability theory, by which the addressed large‐scale system asymptotically stabilized with performance index. Further, the repetitive control with quantized signal is developed to ensure the good tracking performance with the presence of interconnected model and external disturbances. Specifically, a logarithmic quantizer is used to quantify the control signal which can reduce the data transmission rate in the network. Finally, a numerical example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller design technique.
Engineering Lymphangiogenesis‐On‐Chip: The Independent and Cooperative Regulation by Biochemical Factors, Gradients, and Interstitial Fluid Flow
Authors: Tronolone James J. , Mohamed Nadin , Jain Abhishek
Published: February 2024

Despite the crucial role of lymphangiogenesis during development and in several diseases with implications for tissue regeneration, immunity, and cancer, there are significantly fewer tools to understand this process relative to angiogenesis. While there has been a major surge in modeling angiogenesis with microphysiological systems, they have not been rigorously optimized or standardized to enable the recreation of the dynamics of lymphangiogenesis. Here, a Lymphangiogenesis‐Chip (L‐Chip) is engineered, within which new sprouts form and mature depending upon the imposition of interstitial flow, growth factor gradients, and pre‐conditioning of endothelial cells with growth factors. The L‐Chip reveals the independent and combinatorial effects of these mechanical and biochemical determinants of lymphangiogenesis, thus ultimately resulting in sprouts emerging from a parent vessel and maturing into tubular structures up to 1 mm in length within 4 days, exceeding prior art. Further, when the constitution of the pre‐conditioning cocktail and the growth factor cocktail used to initiate and promote lymphangiogenesis are dissected, it is found that endocan (ESM‐1) results in more dominant lymphangiogenesis relative to angiogenesis. Therefore, The L‐Chip provides a foundation for standardizing the microfluidics assays specific to lymphangiogenesis and for accelerating its basic and translational science at par with angiogenesis.
Eliminating the Misconceptions Regarding the Usage of Commercially Available Silicone Elastomers in Thin Film Actuators
Authors: Fukui Hiroshi , Akasaka Masayasu , Kishimoto Norihisa , Tsuda Takeaki , Sasaki Kaito
Published: February 2024

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are actively being studied to develop soft transducers including DE actuators (DEAs). Poly(dimethylsiloxane) is a popular elastomer component and known for yielding a relatively low dielectric constant (ε′) for DEAs. Herein, a novel polysiloxane‐based DE, namely, DOWSIL ME 7540 Electroactive Elastomer is reported, offering ε′ = 5.2–5.5 over a broad frequency range that is nearly two times as high as that for commercially popular SYLGARD 184 Silicone Elastomer as a comparative DE. Weibull analysis is useful for statistically evaluating dielectric strength (DS). ME 7540 DE attains DS = 63.8 V μm−1, which is only 16% lower than DS = 75.7 V μm−1 obtained with 184 DE. The material parameters obtained by fitting uniaxial extension results with the Yeoh model are used to simulate an equibiaxial stress–stretch ratio (λib) curve, with i = 1 or 2, and the relationship between voltage and λ1b. Simulation and actuation experiments confirm that ME 7540 DE performs better than 184 DE over one million cycles. With these advantages, ME 7540 DE will help accelerate not only fundamental studies but also developments in real‐life applications in the DEA field.
Microscale Structure Additive Manufacturing Control Method Using Localized Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Wang Lei , Liao Xiaobo , Chen Siyu , Wu Wenlin , Li Tong , Zhuang Jian , Cai Yong
Published: February 2024

Micro‐nano scale 3D printing is attracting attention as an alternative manufacturing method for a variety of applications in electronic information, biomedical, and sensing devices. Localized electrochemical deposition (LECD) based on nanopipettes is naturally superior and economical for the manufacturing of high‐freedom, impurity‐free metal conductors. However, flexible printing sacrifices roughness and straightness. Therefore, the present study initially establishes a simulation model for LECD and subsequently analyzes the key factors that influence the quality and stability of the deposited structure. Furthermore, an effective solution is proposed to enhance the surface quality. Second, a constant deposition current control method based on fuzzy proportional–intergral–derivaite (PID) is proposed to effectively suppress the fluctuation and improve the stability and quality of the deposited structure. Finally, compared with the open‐loop control method, the proposed constant current control method can reduce the radial fluctuation of the copper pillar structure by 87%, and effectively improve the surface quality of the structure. The proposed method provides a new idea to carry out LCED‐based 3D printing with high resolution at the micro‐nano scale.
Tailoring First Coordination Sphere of Dual‐Metal Atom Sites Boosts Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Activities
Authors: Wang Zhe , Xu Ruojie , Ye Qitong , Jin Xiaoyan , Lu Zhe , Yang Zhenbei , Wang Yong , Yan Tao , Liu Yipu , Pan Zhijuan , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Fan Hong Jin
Published: February 2024

It is important to tune the coordination configuration of dual‐atom catalyst (DAC), especially in the first coordination sphere, to render high intrinsic catalytic activities for oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER). Herein, a type of atomically dispersed and boron‐coordinated DAC structure, namely, FeN4B‐NiN4B dual sites, is reported. In this structure, the incorporation of boron into the first coordination sphere of FeN4/NiN4 atomic sites regulates its geometry and electronic structure by forming “Fe‐B‐N” and “Ni‐B‐N” bridges. The FeN4B‐NiN4B DAC exhibits much enhanced ORR and OER property compared to the FeN4‐NiN4 counterparts. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the boron‐induced charge transfer and asymmetric charge distributions of the central Fe/Ni atoms optimize the adsorption and desorption behavior of the ORR/OER intermediates and reduce the activation energy for the potential‐determining step. Zinc‐air batteries employing the FeN4B‐NiN4B cathode exhibit a high maximum power density (236.9 mW cm−2) and stable cyclability up to 1100 h. The result illustrates the pivotal role of the first‐coordination sphere of DACs in tuning the electrochemical energy conversion and storage activities.
Multiscale Mineralization in the Leopard Gecko Eggshell
Authors: Deering Joseph , Nelea Valentin , McKee Marc D.
Published: February 2024

Reptilian (non‐avian) eggshell biomineralization is markedly different from avian eggshells. Despite discontinuous/variable mineralization, the reptilian eggshell (like in birds) is responsible for protective and developmental functions of the egg as part of a highly successful reproduction strategy. Using multiscale imaging and characterization methods including X‐ray and electron microscopy/tomography, a 3D overview of eggshell ultrastructure in the gekkotan Eublepharis macularius – the common leopard gecko is provided. Eggshell mineral is shown to be sensitive to aqueous preparations, where cryogenic methods are essential for accurate mineral and organic preservation. Interwoven with the mineral are underlying organic fibers involved in the formation of complex hierarchical order in the eggshell, including nucleation and growth of mineral. The calcitic mineral phase of the eggshell takes on three microstructural motifs at the shell surface: nodular scutes (≈40 µm), intermittent blunt or star‐shaped mineral rosettes (≈1 mm), and smaller mineral corollas (≈10 µm). Individual scutes have two hierarchical mineral structures – mineral nanospheres (≈500 nm) and mineral nanodomains (≈40 nm). Diverse and variable biomineralization features of reptilian eggshells likely reflect the importance of differences in ecology and physiology on egg formation, survival, and eggshell mechanics, and are likely related to hydration sensitivity, structural organic‐inorganic interactions, and mineral polymorphism.
Suppressing Halide Segregation via Pyridine‐Derivative Isomers Enables Efficient 1.68 eV Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Liu , Fang Zheng , Jin Yongbin , Feng Huiping , Deng Bingru , Zheng Lingfang , Xu Peng , Chen Jingfu , Chen Xueling , Zhou Yangying , Shi Congbo , Gao Wei , Yang Jinxin , Xu Xipeng , Tian Chengbo , Xie Liqiang , Wei Zhanhua
Published: February 2024

Light‐induced phase segregation is one of the main issues restricting the efficiency and stability of wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (WBG PSCs). Small organic molecules with abundant functional groups can passivate various defects, and therefore suppress the ionic migration channels for phase segregation. Herein, a series of pyridine‐derivative isomers containing amino and carboxyl are applied to modify the perovskite surface. The amino, carboxyl, and N‐terminal of pyridine in all of these molecules can interact with undercoordinated Pb2+ through coordination bonds and suppress halide ions migration via hydrogen bonding. Among them, the 5‐amino‐3‐pyridine carboxyl acid (APA‐3) treated devices win the champion performance, enabling an efficiency of 22.35% (certified 22.17%) using the 1.68 eV perovskite, which represents one of the highest values for WBG‐PSCs. This is believed to be due to the more symmetric spatial distribution of the three functional groups of APA‐3, which provides a better passivation effect independent of the molecular arrangement orientation. Therefore, the APA‐3 passivated perovskite shows the slightest halide segregation, the lowest defect density, and the least nonradiative recombination. Moreover, the APA‐3 passivated device retains 90% of the initial efficiency after 985 h of operation at the maximum power point, representing the robust durability of WBG‐PSCs under working conditions.
Filling of Chitosan Film with Wax/Halloysite Microparticles for Absorption of Hydrocarbon Vapors
Authors: Caruso Maria Rita , D'Agostino Giulia , Wasserbauer Jaromír , Šiler Pavel , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Milioto Stefana , Lazzara Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

The effect of the preparation protocol of chitosan (CHI) based films filled with wax microparticles stabilized by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in Pickering emulsions (PE) is investigated. The obtained results show that the addition of acetic acid (before or after the preparation of wax/HNT microspheres) affects the properties of the composite films as well as the colloidal stability of PE. The colloidal behavior of CHI/HNT/wax PE by optical microscopy and sedimentation tests are studied. On the other hand, the corresponding composite films (prepared by solvent casting method) are characterized through several techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy, UV–vis spectrometer, water permeability, and contact angle measurements. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis allows this to estimate the effect of wax microparticles on the tensile performances of CHI‐based films. As a general consideration, the filling of the CHI matrix with wax/HNT improves the physicochemical properties of the films. Finally, the efficacy of the films as adsorbents of n‐dodecane vapors is explored. Due to the presence of hydrophobic domains (wax embedded in CHI), the composite films possess higher adsorption efficiencies compared to pristine CHI. Accordingly, it can be stated that the combination of CHI with wax/HNT microparticles is promising to obtain biocompatible composite films useful for remediation purposes.
Insight into Sulfur‐Containing Zwitter‐Molecule Boosting Zn Anode: from Electrolytes to Electrodes
Authors: Song Weihao , Liu Jiaxing , Rao Shengpu , Zhao Ming , Lv Yanqun , Zhao Shunshun , Ma Qing , Wu Bing , Zheng Chengjin , Chen Shimou , Li Zhilin , Niu Jin , Wang Feng
Published: February 2024

Numerous organic electrolytes additives have been reported to improve Zn anode performance in aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs). However, the modification mechanism needs to be further revealed in consideration of different environments for electrolytes and electrodes during the charge‐discharge process. Herein, sulfur‐containing zwitter‐molecule (methionine, Met) is used as an additive for ZnSO4 electrolytes. In electrolytes, Met reduces the H2O coordination number and facilitates the desolvation process by virtue of functional groups (─COOH, ─NH2, C─S─C), accelerating Zn2+ transference kinetics and decreasing the amount of active water. On electrodes, Met prefers to adsorb on Zn (002) plane and further transforms into a zincophilic protective layer containing C─SOx─C through an in situ electrochemical oxidization, suppressing H2 evolution/corrosion reactions and guiding dendrite‐free Zn deposition. By using Met‐containing ZnSO4 electrolytes, the Zn//Zn cells show superior cycling performance under 30 mA cm−2/30 mA h cm−2. Moreover, the full cells Zn//NH4V4O10 full cells using the modified electrolytes exhibit good performance at temperatures from −8 to 60 °C. Notably, a high energy density of 105.30 W h kg−1 can be delivered using a low N/P ratio of 1.2, showing a promising prospect of Met electrolytes additives for practical use.
Elucidating the Energy Storage Performance of 2D Metallic Vanadium Ditelluride/Carbon Nanotube for Next‐Generation Asymmetric Supercapacitors Using Emerging MoSSe/Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Koottumvathukkal Anil Sree Raj , Radhakrishnan Sithara , Kuniyil Namsheer , Cho Jung Sang , Jeong Sang Mun , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: February 2024

Recently, vanadium ditelluride (VTe2) a member of the transition metal ditellurdies family has emerged as a functional material for energy storage applications owing to its exotic intrinsic properties. Similar to most of the nanostructured materials, a hybrid structure of VTe2 is expected to provide enhanced energy storage capability. Herein, two hybrid structures of VTe2 are engineered using well‐explored nanocarbons such as RGO and carbon nanotube (CNT) to create a compelling supercapacitor electrode material. Both the hybrid structures show improved electrochemical activity, but VTe2/CNT fared better in the charge storage efficiency. The enhanced active sites, short ionic/electronic pathways provided by the CNT network, and the large electric double‐layer contribution have synergized for the inflated capacitance of VTe2/CNT. Further, a high‐performance asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) of VTe2/CNT//MoSSe/CNT is constructed in a typical Swagelok cell, and the ASC delivered an energy density output of 36.28 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 463.16 W kg−1 with a remarkable 80.26% capacitance retention. The results of this work suggest that VTe2/CNT is a promising contender in the pantheon of functional materials for energy storage applications in the near future.
Comparison of nurse and resident physician paging frequency by sex in the emergency department
Authors: Sarma Deesha , Stenson Bryan , MacDougall Gordon , Mangino Alyssa , Sanchez Leon D. , Chiu David T.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The role of biological sex in interprofessional relationships is an important factor in collaborative health care settings such as the emergency department (ED) but one that has been sparsely studied. While there is anecdotal evidence on gender‐based differences in communication, little research has focused on this topic. The goal of this study was to determine whether there are differences in paging frequency between nurses and male and female residents.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patient visits to our urban, tertiary care academic ED between January 1 and April 1, 2021. Only pages from nurses to emergency medicine (EM) residents were included. Outcome variables included number of pages received by sex, number of unique ED visits, and mean number of pages per unique visit. Pearson's chi‐square tests were used to analyze differences between observed and expected results.

Results

A total of 15,617 pages from nurses to residents over 6843 unique patient visits to the ED were analyzed. This included 187 nurses, 162 (87%) of whom were female and 25 (13%) were male. Of the 39 residents, 12 (31%) were female and 27 (69%) were male. Female residents received 4500 pages over 2228 unique patient ED visits, or a mean of two pages per patient with a mean of 186 unique ED visits per female resident. Male residents received 11,117 pages over 4615 unique patient ED visits, or a mean of 2.4 pages per patient, with a mean of 171 unique ED visits per male resident. This difference in pages per patient was statistically significant (χ2(1) = 369, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found that male residents received significantly more pages per patient than their female colleagues. Overall, further research is required to understand the factors, such as characteristics of patients or preferred communication methods of providers, that drive this disparity and what the implications are for patient outcomes.
Risk factors of postoperative complications and their effect on survival after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Long Vo Duy , Thong Dang Quang , Dat Tran Quang , Nguyen Doan Thuy , Hai Nguyen Viet , Quoc Ho Le Minh , Anh Nguyen Vu Tuan , Vuong Nguyen Lam , Bac Nguyen Hoang
Published: February 2024

Background

The association between postoperative complications and long‐term survival after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for gastric cancer (GC) remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of postoperative complications and evaluate their impact on survival outcomes in patients undergoing LG.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 621 patients who underwent LG for gastric adenocarcinoma between March 2015 and December 2021. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, with major complications defined as Grade III or higher. Logistic regression models with stepwise backward procedure were used to identify risk factors for complications. To assess the impact of postoperative complications on survival, uni‐ and multi‐variable Cox proportional hazard models were used for overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Overall rate of postoperative complications was 17.6% (109 patients); 33 patients (5.3%) had major complications. Independent risk factors for major complications were Charlson comorbidities index (OR [95% CI], 1.87 [1.09–3.12], p‐value = 0.018 for each one score increase), and type of anastomosis (OR [95% CI], 0.28 [0.09–0.91], p‐value = 0.029 when comparing Billroth II with Billroth I). Multivariable analysis identified major complications as an independent prognostic factor to reduce OS (HR [95% CI], 2.32 [1.02–5.30], p‐value = 0.045) and DFS (HR [95% CI], 2.63 [1.37–5.06], p‐value = 0.004). Other prognostic factors for decreased survival outcomes were tumor size, presence of invasive lymph nodes, and T4a stage.

Conclusions

Major complications rate of LG for GC was approximately 5.3%. Charlson comorbidities index and type of anastomosis were identified as risk factors for major postoperative complications. Major complications were demonstrated to pose adverse impact on survival outcomes.