bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of heating insufflation tube of AirSeal system on laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Sahara Kurumi , Ohno Ryo , Kajitani Ryuji , Munechika Taro , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Nagano Hideki , Watanabe Toshifumi , Aisu Naoya , Yoshida Yoichiro , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: January 2024

The AirSeal system (CONMED, NY, USA) can outstandingly keep pneumoperitoneum stable. However, water droplets form on the access port, impairing the performance of comfortable surgical procedures because of the resultant wet surgical field. This study was performed to clarify the mechanism of water droplet formation and to prevent it. Condensation was observed on the AirSeal system. A heater was wrapped around the tri-lumen tube, and the heating effect was assessed. The simulator experiments revealed that condensation formed in the tri-lumen tube and on the wall of the access port. The accumulated weight of the condensation on the wall of the access port was 41.6 g in the Heated group, 138.2 g in the Control group, and 479.4 g in the Cooled group. In the clinical assessment, the accumulated volume of the condensation attached to the inside wall was significantly smaller in the Heated group than in the Unheated group (111.7 g vs. 332.9 g, respectively). We clarified that the volume of condensation attached to the wall of the access port depended on the temperature of the tri-lumen tube. The clinical study revealed that the condensation on the access port was reduced by heating the tri-lumen tube. The development of a novel heating device for the insufflation tube would be effective and useful.
Polymeric coating doped with nanomaterials for functional impact on different substrates
Authors: Shahzadi Phool , Majeed Muhammad Amjad , Ibrahim Saba , Asif Sabahat , Kalsoom Razia , Hussain Irshad
Published: January 2024

Microorganism contamination on substrate surfaces is arousing increasingly concern as a serious health issue. In this research work, antimicrobial water-based acrylic paint containing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was prepared using the facile Ag+ in situ reduction process, in which AgNO3 and reducing agent sodium acrylate were refluxed with acrylic polymeric solution to obtain an antimicrobial and antifungal polymeric material for substrate coating. The Synthesized antimicrobial and antifungal water-based acrylic paint were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. The FTIR and UV–Visible spectroscopic analyses were investigated to study the water-based acrylic paint structure as well as the significant impact of Ag NPs on the paint matrix. The UV–Visible and FTIR Spectra peak shows successful integration of Ag NPs within the polymer matrix without altering the core functional groups of the paint. The water based acrylic paint exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity, revealed substantial inhibition zones against all four strains of Gram negative represented by Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Gram-positive represented by Bacillus cereus. The coated film on substrate also shows great inhibition zone which exhibit a strong antimicrobial activity. Moreover, water based acrylic paint also exhibited a great antifungal activity, revealed substantial zone of inhibition against the Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus and Rhizopus arrhizus fungal strains. Also, the coated film showed the best adhesion at 50% and 80% solution of polymeric coating sample as compared to pure or very dilute sample coating. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize varies industries from healthcare to construction.
Giving people the words to say no leads them to feel freer to say yes
Authors: Schlund Rachel , Sommers Roseanna , Bohns Vanessa K.
Published: January 2024

We examine how to structure requests to help people feel they can say no (or yes) more voluntarily. Specifically, we examine the effect of having the requester provide the request-target with an explicit phrase they can use to decline requests. Part of the difficulty of saying no is finding the words to do so when put on the spot. Providing individuals with an explicit script they can use to decline a request may help override implicit scripts and norms of politeness that generally dictate compliance. This should make individuals feel more comfortable refusing requests and make agreement feel more voluntary. Hence, we hypothesized that telling people how to say no (by providing them with an explicit script) would make compliance decisions feel more voluntary above and beyond merely telling them they can say no. Across two experimental lab studies (N = 535), we find support for this prediction.
A comparative study of fracture conductivity prediction using ensemble methods in the acid fracturing treatment in oil wells
Authors: Kharazi Esfahani Parsa , Akbari Mohammadreza , Khalili Yasin
Published: January 2024

The study of acid fracture conductivity stands as a pivotal aspect of petroleum engineering, offering a well-established technique to amplify production rates in carbonate reservoirs. This research delves into the intricate dynamics influencing the conductivity of acid fractures, particularly under varying closure stresses and in diverse rock formations. The conductivity of acid fractures is intricately interconnected with the dissolution of rock, etching patterns on fracture surfaces, rock strength, and closure stress. To accurately predict fracture conductivity under different closure stresses, a robust model is necessary. This model involves assessing both the baseline fracture conductivity under zero closure stress and the rate of conductivity variation as closure stress fluctuates. Key among the influential factors affecting fracture conductivity is the type of rock within the reservoir. Understanding and predicting the behavior of different formations under disparate closure stresses poses a significant challenge, as does deciphering the diverse effects of treatment parameters such as acid injection rate and strength on fracture conductivity. In this study, the predictive power of XGBoost, a machine learning algorithm, was explored in assessing acid fracture conductivity in dolomite and limestone formations. The findings revealed XGBoost's ability to outperform previous studies in predicting fracture conductivity in both types of formations. Notably, it exhibited superior accuracy in forecasting fracture conductivity under varying treatment conditions, underscoring its robustness and versatility. The research underscores the pivotal role of closure stress, dissolution rate of rock (DREC), and rock strength in influencing fracture conductivity. By integrating these parameters into the design of acid fracturing operations, accurate predictions can be achieved, allowing for the optimization of treatment designs. This study illuminates the potential of XGBoost in optimizing acid fracturing treatments, ultimately bolstering well productivity in carbonate reservoirs. Furthermore, it advocates for the essential nature of separate modeling and analysis based on rock types to comprehend and optimize fracturing processes. The comparison between dolomite and limestone formations unveiled distinct conductivity behaviors, underlining the significance of tailored analyses based on rock type for precise operational optimization.
Climatic comparison of surface urban heat island using satellite remote sensing in Tehran and suburbs
Authors: Zargari Motahhareh , Mofidi Abbas , Entezari Alireza , Baaghideh Mohammad
Published: January 2024

In this study, we aim to compare the climatic conditions of Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) in Tehran and its suburbs using day/night time data from three satellites. A high-resolution Land Surface Temperature (LST) data from MODIS Aqua, Sentinel-3, and Landsat 8 were selected to facilitate this study. The highest values of LST/UHI are observed in downtown Tehran and suburban areas at night. The temperature difference also shows an increase at night in Tehran and the western suburbs, while it decreases during the day. When comparing LST/UHI with altitude in different directions, it is found that urban areas and the south, southeast, southwest, and west suburban areas experience higher temperatures at night. MODIS LST products are more appropriate for checking nighttime SUHI in Tehran's Great area in comparison to other products. Moran's I indicates that the highest positive values occur during seasonal and annual periods at night. The Getis index demonstrates a consistent pattern across all seasons, and this trend persists throughout the year. The seasonal and annual UHI difference between Tehran and its suburbs is 5 °C. The LST diagram reveals that higher temperatures occur during warm months. The temporal NDVI distribution indicates lower NDVI values from June to February and summer to winter. The spatial distribution shows that due to the lack of NDVI index in urban areas, LST/UHI values are higher at night in Tehran compared to the suburbs. UHI is not limited to urban areas but has also spread beyond the city borders. As a result, the highest UHI values are found in downtown Tehran and its southeast, south, southwest, and west suburbs.
Blood and MRI biomarkers of mild traumatic brain injury in non-concussed collegiate football players
Authors: Cho Eunhan , Granger Joshua , Theall Bailey , Lemoine Nathan , Calvert Derek , Marucci Jack , Mullenix Shelly , O’Neal Hollis , Jacome Tomas , Irving Brian A. , Johannsen Neil M. , Carmichael Owen , Spielmann Guillaume
Published: January 2024

Football has one of the highest incidence rates of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among contact sports; however, the effects of repeated sub-concussive head impacts on brain structure and function remain under-studied. We assessed the association between biomarkers of mTBI and structural and functional MRI scans over an entire season among non-concussed NCAA Division I linemen and non-linemen. Concentrations of S100B, GFAP, BDNF, NFL, and NSE were assessed in 48 collegiate football players (32 linemen; 16 non-linemen) before the start of pre-season training (pre-camp), at the end of pre-season training (pre-season), and at the end of the competitive season (post-season). Changes in brain structure and function were assessed in a sub-sample of 11 linemen and 6 non-linemen using structural and functional MRI during the execution of Stroop and attention network tasks. S100B, GFAP and BDNF concentrations were increased at post-season compared to pre-camp in linemen. White matter hyperintensities increased in linemen during pre-season camp training compared to pre-camp. This study showed that the effects of repeated head impacts are detectable in the blood of elite level non-concussed collegiate football players exposed to low-moderate impacts to the heads, which correlated with some neurological outcomes without translating to clinically-relevant changes in brain anatomy or function.
The association between pupillary responses and axial length in children differs as a function of season
Authors: Reidy Marielle G. , Hartwick Andrew T. E. , Mutti Donald O.
Published: January 2024

The association between pupillary responses to repeated stimuli and adult refractive error has been previously demonstrated. This study evaluated whether this association exists in children and if it varies by season. Fifty children aged 8–17 years (average: 11.55 ± 2.75 years, 31 females) with refractive error between + 1.51 and − 5.69 diopters (non-cycloplegic) participated (n = 27 in summer, and n = 23 in winter). The RAPDx pupilometer measured pupil sizes while stimuli oscillated between colored light and dark at 0.1 Hz in three sequences: (1) alternating red and blue, (2) red-only, and (3) blue-only. The primary outcome was the difference in pupillary responses between the blue-only and red-only sequences. Pupillary constriction was greater in response to blue light than to red for those with shorter eyes in summer (β = − 9.42, P = 0.034) but not in winter (β = 3.42, P = 0.54). Greater constriction comprised faster pupillary escape following red light onset and slower redilation following stimulus offset of both colors (P = 0.017, 0.036, 0.035 respectively). The association between axial length and children’s pupillary responses in summer, but not winter may be explained by greater light-associated release of retinal dopamine in summer. Shorter eyes’ more robust responses are consistent with greater light exposure inhibiting axial elongation and reducing myopia risk.
An analytical methodology of rock burst with fully mechanized top-coal caving mining in steeply inclined thick coal seam
Authors: Shan Pengfei , Yan Zhongming , Lai Xingping , Xu Huicong , Hu Qinxin , Guo Zhongan
Published: January 2024

Rock burst disaster is still one of the most serious dynamic disasters in coal mining, seriously restricting the safety of coal mining. The b value is the main parameter for monitoring rock burst, and by analyzing its changing characteristics, it can effectively predict the dangerous period of rock burst. This article proposes a method based on deep learning that can predict rock burst using data generated from microseismic monitoring in underground mining. The method first calculates the b value from microseismic monitoring data and constructs a time series dataset, and uses the dynamic time warping algorithm (DTW) to reconstruct the established b value time series. A bidirectional short-term and short-term memory network (BiLSTM) loaded with differential evolution algorithm and attention mechanism was used for training, and a prediction model for the dangerous period of rock burst based on differential algorithm optimization was constructed. The study used microseismic monitoring data from the B1+2 fully mechanized mining face and B3+6 working face in the southern mining area of Wudong Coal Mine for engineering case analysis. The commonly used residual sum of squares, mean square error, root mean square error, and correlation coefficient R2 for time series prediction were introduced, which have significant advantages compared to basic LSTM algorithms. This verifies that the prediction method proposed in this article has good prediction results and certain feasibility, and can provide technical support for the prediction and prevention of rock burst in steeply inclined thick coal seams in strong earthquake areas.
Thermal activation energy on electrical degradation process in BaTiO3 based multilayer ceramic capacitors for lifetime reliability
Authors: Chun Jinsung , Heo Jungwoo , Lee KyungSoo , Ye Byeong Uk , Kang Byung Sung , Yoon Seok-Hyun
Published: January 2024

For a high capacitance and high lifetime reliability of multilayer ceramic capacitors for automotive applications, the activation energy on thermal activation process can typically be calculated by using Arrhenius based Prokopowicz–Vaskas equation as a method for lifetime prediction. In this study, it is clearly observed that the activation energy shows to be constant in the range of ~ 1.5 eV for the prototype MLCCs, higher than the activation energy values of ~ 1.0 eV related to the motion or diffusion of oxygen vacancies reported in the previous literature. The activation energy value of ~ 1.5 eV for three prototype MLCCs is close to a half the energy band gap (Eg/2 ≈ 1.6 eV) of BaTiO3 obtained from specific environment, where oxygen vacancies are stabilized by external containment such as the effect of rare earth oxide additives. Due to an obvious difference in activation energy values, it difficult to explain the conduction mechanism for failure by only oxygen vacancy migration. Therefore, the concepts of electronic processes and oxygen vacancy should be considered together to understand conduction mechanism for failure of BaTiO3-based MLCCs in thermal activation processes. It can be useful as an indicator for future MLCC development with high lifetime reliability.
Electronic transport in graphene with out-of-plane disorder
Authors: Guan Yifei , Yazyev Oleg V.
Published: January 2024

Real-world samples of graphene often exhibit various types of out-of-plane disorder–ripples, wrinkles and folds–introduced at the stage of growth and transfer processes. These complex out-of-plane defects resulting from the interplay between self-adhesion of graphene and its bending rigidity inevitably lead to the scattering of charge carriers thus affecting the electronic transport properties of graphene. We address the ballistic charge-carrier transmission across the models of out-of-plane defects using tight-binding and density functional calculations while fully taking into account lattice relaxation effects. The observed transmission oscillations in commensurate graphene wrinkles are attributed to the interference between intra- and interlayer transport channels, while the incommensurate wrinkles show vanishing backscattering and retain the transport properties of flat graphene. The suppression of backscattering reveals the crucial role of lattice commensuration in the electronic transmission. Our results provide guidelines to controlling the transport properties of graphene in presence of this ubiquitous type of disorder.
Machine learning-based clinical decision support system for treatment recommendation and overall survival prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-center study
Authors: Lee Kyung Hwa , Choi Gwang Hyeon , Yun Jihye , Choi Jonggi , Goh Myung Ji , Sinn Dong Hyun , Jin Young Joo , Kim Minseok Albert , Yu Su Jong , Jang Sangmi , Lee Soon Kyu , Jang Jeong Won , Lee Jae Seung , Kim Do Young , Cho Young Youn , Kim Hyung Joon , Kim Sehwa , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Namkug , Kim Kang Mo
Published: January 2024

The treatment decisions for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are determined by a wide range of factors, and there is a significant difference between the recommendations of widely used staging systems and the actual initial treatment choices. Herein, we propose a machine learning-based clinical decision support system suitable for use in multi-center settings. We collected data from nine institutions in South Korea for training and validation datasets. The internal and external datasets included 935 and 1750 patients, respectively. We developed a model with 20 clinical variables consisting of two stages: the first stage which recommends initial treatment using an ensemble voting machine, and the second stage, which predicts post-treatment survival using a random survival forest algorithm. We derived the first and second treatment options from the results with the highest and the second-highest probabilities given by the ensemble model and predicted their post-treatment survival. When only the first treatment option was accepted, the mean accuracy of treatment recommendation in the internal and external datasets was 67.27% and 55.34%, respectively. The accuracy increased to 87.27% and 86.06%, respectively, when the second option was included as the correct answer. Harrell’s C index, integrated time-dependent AUC curve, and integrated Brier score of survival prediction in the internal and external datasets were 0.8381 and 0.7767, 91.89 and 86.48, 0.12, and 0.14, respectively. The proposed system can assist physicians by providing data-driven predictions for reference from other larger institutions or other physicians within the same institution when making treatment decisions.
An interpretable model based on graph learning for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease with voice-related EEG
Authors: Zhao Shuzhi , Dai Guangyan , Li Jingting , Zhu Xiaoxia , Huang Xiyan , Li Yongxue , Tan Mingdan , Wang Lan , Fang Peng , Chen Xi , Yan Nan , Liu Hanjun
Published: January 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibits significant clinical heterogeneity, presenting challenges in the identification of reliable electroencephalogram (EEG) biomarkers. Machine learning techniques have been integrated with resting-state EEG for PD diagnosis, but their practicality is constrained by the interpretable features and the stochastic nature of resting-state EEG. The present study proposes a novel and interpretable deep learning model, graph signal processing-graph convolutional networks (GSP-GCNs), using event-related EEG data obtained from a specific task involving vocal pitch regulation for PD diagnosis. By incorporating both local and global information from single-hop and multi-hop networks, our proposed GSP-GCNs models achieved an averaged classification accuracy of 90.2%, exhibiting a significant improvement of 9.5% over other deep learning models. Moreover, the interpretability analysis revealed discriminative distributions of large-scale EEG networks and topographic map of microstate MS5 learned by our models, primarily located in the left ventral premotor cortex, superior temporal gyrus, and Broca’s area that are implicated in PD-related speech disorders, reflecting our GSP-GCN models’ ability to provide interpretable insights identifying distinctive EEG biomarkers from large-scale networks. These findings demonstrate the potential of interpretable deep learning models coupled with voice-related EEG signals for distinguishing PD patients from healthy controls with accuracy and elucidating the underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
A combined opposite targeting of p110δ PI3K and RhoA abrogates skin cancer
Authors: Tzenaki Niki , Xenou Lydia , Goulielmaki Evangelia , Tsapara Anna , Voudouri Irene , Antoniou Angelika , Valianatos George , Tzardi Maria , De Bree Eelco , Berdiaki Aikaterini , Makrigiannakis Antonios , Papakonstanti Evangelia A.
Published: January 2024

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide whereas SCC is the second most common non-melanoma human skin cancer with limited treatment options. Here we show that the development and metastasis of melanoma and SCC cancers can be blocked by a combined opposite targeting of RhoA and p110δ PI3K. We found that a targeted induction of RhoA activity into tumours by deletion of p190RhoGAP-a potent inhibitor of RhoA GTPase-in tumour cells together with adoptive macrophages transfer from δD910A/D910A mice in mice bearing tumours with active RhoA abrogated growth progression of melanoma and SCC tumours. Τhe efficacy of this combined treatment is the same in tumours lacking activating mutations in BRAF and in tumours harbouring the most frequent BRAF(V600E) mutation. Furthermore, the efficiency of this combined treatment is associated with decreased ATX expression in tumour cells and tumour stroma bypassing a positive feedback expression of ATX induced by direct ATX pharmacological inactivation. Together, our findings highlight the importance of targeting cancer cells and macrophages for skin cancer therapy, emerge a reverse link between ATX and RhoA and illustrate the benefit of p110δ PI3K inhibition as a combinatorial regimen for the treatment of skin cancers.
The mitochondrial protease PARL is required for spermatogenesis
Authors: Schumacher Sarah , Klose Laura , Lambertz Jessica , Lütjohann Dieter , Biemann Ronald , Kuerten Stefanie , Fester Lars
Published: January 2024

Mitochondrial function plays an important role in the maintenance of male fertility. However, the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial defect-related infertility remain mostly unclear. Here we show that a deficiency of PARL (Parl−/−), a mitochondrial protease, causes complete arrest of spermatogenesis during meiosis I. PARL deficiency led to severe downregulation of proteins of respiratory chain complex IV in testes that did not occur in other tested organs, causing a deficit in complex IV activity and ATP production. Furthermore, Parl−/− testes showed an almost complete loss of HSD17B3, a protein of the sER responsible for the last step in testosterone synthesis. While testosterone production appeared to be restored by overexpression of HSD17B12, loss of the canonical testosterone synthesis led to an upregulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) and of LH-regulated responses. These results suggest an important impact of the downstream regulation of mitochondrial defects that manifest in a cell-type-specific manner and extend beyond mitochondria.
Pseudospin-triplet pairing in iron-chalcogenide superconductors
Authors: Zeng Meng , Xu Dong-Hui , Wang Zi-Ming , Hu Lun-Hui , Zhang Fu-Chun
Published: January 2024

Understanding the pairing symmetry is a crucial theoretical aspect in the study of unconventional superconductivity for interpreting experimental results. Here we study superconductivity of electron systems with both spin and pseudospin-1/2 degrees of freedom. By solving linearized gap equations, we derive a weak coupling criterion for the even-parity spin-singlet pseudospin-triplet pairing. It can generally mix with the on-site s-wave pairing since both of them belong to the same symmetry representation (A1g) and their mixture could naturally give rise to anisotropic intra-band pairing gap functions with or without nodes. This may directly explain why some of the iron-chalcogenide superconductors are fully gapped (e.g. FeSe thin film) and some have nodes (e.g. LaFePO and LiFeP). We also find that the anisotropy of gap functions can be enhanced when the principal rotation symmetry is spontaneously broken in the normal state such as nematicity, and the energetic stabilization of pseudospin-triplet pairings indicates the coexistence of nematicity and superconductivity. This could be potentially applied to bulk FeSe, where gap anisotropy has been experimentally observed.
Non-orthogonal cavity modes near exceptional points in the far field
Authors: Yang Jingnan , Shi Shushu , Yan Sai , Zhu Rui , Zhao Xiaoming , Qin Yi , Fu Bowen , Chen Xiqing , Li Hancong , Zuo Zhanchun , Jin Kuijuan , Gong Qihuang , Xu Xiulai
Published: January 2024

Non-orthogonal eigenstates are a fundamental feature of non-Hermitian systems and are accompanied by the emergence of nontrivial features. However, the platforms to explore non-Hermitian mode couplings mainly measure near-field effects, and the far-field behaviours remain mostly unexplored. Here, we study how a microcavity with non-Hermitian mode coupling exhibits eigenstate non-orthogonality by investigating the spatial field and the far-field polarization of cavity modes. The non-Hermiticity arises from asymmetric backscattering, which is controlled by integrating two scatterers of different size and location into a microdisk. We observe that the spatial field overlap of two modes increases abruptly to its maximum value, whilst different far-field elliptical polarizations of two modes coalesce when approaching an exceptional point. We demonstrate such features experimentally by measuring the far-field polarization from the fabricated microdisks. Our work reveals the non-orthogonality in the far-field degree of freedom, and the integrability of the microdisks paves a way to integrate more non-Hermitian optical properties into nanophotonic systems.
Possibilities and limitations of antisense oligonucleotide therapies for the treatment of monogenic disorders
Authors: Lauffer Marlen C. , van Roon-Mom Willeke , Aartsma-Rus Annemieke ,   N = 1 Collaborative
Published: January 2024

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are incredibly versatile molecules that can be designed to specifically target and modify RNA transcripts to slow down or halt rare genetic disease progression. They offer the potential to target groups of patients or can be tailored for individual cases. Nonetheless, not all genetic variants and disorders are amenable to ASO-based treatments, and hence, it is important to consider several factors before embarking on the drug development journey. Here, we discuss which genetic disorders have the potential to benefit from a specific type of ASO approach, based on the pathophysiology of the disease and pathogenic variant type, as well as those disorders that might not be suitable for ASO therapies. We further explore additional aspects, such as the target tissues, intervention time points, and potential clinical benefits, which need to be considered before developing a compound. Overall, we provide an overview of the current potentials and limitations of ASO-based therapeutics for the treatment of monogenic disorders.
Challenges in implementing cultural adaptations of digital health interventions
Authors: Nittas Vasileios , Daniore Paola , Chavez Sarah J. , Wray Tyler B.
Published: January 2024

Differences in the access and use of digital health interventions are driven by culture, in addition to economic and physical factors. To avoid the systematic exclusion of traditionally underserved cultural groups, creating inclusive digital health interventions is essential. One way to achieve this is through cultural adaptations, defined as the systematic modification of an existing intervention that aligns with a target audience’s cultural norms, beliefs, and values. In theory, cultural adaptations can potentially increase the reach and engagement of digital health interventions. However, the evidence of whether and how that is achieved is limited. Justifying, planning, and implementing an adaptation comes with various challenges and takes time and money. This perspective provides a critical overview of the field’s current state and emphasizes the need for technology-specific frameworks that address when and how to culturally adapt digital health interventions.
Tethered spinal cord tension assessed via ultrasound elastography in computational and intraoperative human studies
Authors: Kerensky Max J. , Paul Abhijit , Routkevitch Denis , Hersh Andrew M. , Kempski Leadingham Kelley M. , Davidar A. Daniel , Judy Brendan F. , Punnoose Joshua , Williams Autumn , Kumar Avisha , Lehner Kurt , Smith Beth , Son Jennifer K. , Azadi Javad R. , Shekhar Himanshu , Mercado-Shekhar Karla P. , Thakor Nitish V. , Theodore Nicholas , Manbachi Amir
Published: January 2024

Background

Tension in the spinal cord is a trademark of tethered cord syndrome. Unfortunately, existing tests cannot quantify tension across the bulk of the cord, making the diagnostic evaluation of stretch ambiguous. A potential non-destructive metric for spinal cord tension is ultrasound-derived shear wave velocity (SWV). The velocity is sensitive to tissue elasticity and boundary conditions including strain. We use the term Ultrasound Tensography to describe the acoustic evaluation of tension with SWV.

Methods

Our solution Tethered cord Assessment with Ultrasound Tensography (TAUT) was utilized in three sub-studies: finite element simulations, a cadaveric benchtop validation, and a neurosurgical case series. The simulation computed SWV for given tensile forces. The cadaveric model with induced tension validated the SWV-tension relationship. Lastly, SWV was measured intraoperatively in patients diagnosed with tethered cords who underwent treatment (spinal column shortening). The surgery alleviates tension by decreasing the vertebral column length.

Results

Here we observe a strong linear relationship between tension and squared SWV across the preclinical sub-studies. Higher tension induces faster shear waves in the simulation (R2 = 0.984) and cadaveric (R2 = 0.951) models. The SWV decreases in all neurosurgical procedures (p < 0.001). Moreover, TAUT has a c-statistic of 0.962 (0.92-1.00), detecting all tethered cords.

Conclusions

This study presents a physical, clinical metric of spinal cord tension. Strong agreement among computational, cadaveric, and clinical studies demonstrates the utility of ultrasound-induced SWV for quantitative intraoperative feedback. This technology is positioned to enhance tethered cord diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative monitoring as it differentiates stretched from healthy cords.
Scenarios in IPCC assessments: lessons from AR6 and opportunities for AR7
Authors: Pirani Anna , Fuglestvedt Jan S. , Byers Edward , O’Neill Brian , Riahi Keywan , Lee June-Yi , Marotzke Jochem , Rose Steven K. , Schaeffer Roberto , Tebaldi Claudia
Published: January 2024

Scenarios have been an important integrating element in the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the understanding of possible climate outcomes, impacts and risks, and mitigation futures. Integration supports a consistent, coherent assessment, new insights and the opportunity to address policy-relevant questions that would not be possible otherwise, for example, which impacts are unavoidable, which are reversible, what is a consistent remaining carbon budget to keep temperatures below a level and what would be a consistent route of action to achieve that goal. The AR6 builds on community frameworks that are developed to support a coherent use of scenarios across the assessment, yet their use in the assessment and the related timelines presented coordination challenges. From lessons within each Working Group (WG) assessment and the cross-WG experience, we present insights into the role of scenarios in future assessments, including the enhanced integration of impacts into scenarios, near-term information and community coordination efforts. Recommendations and opportunities are discussed for how scenarios can support strengthened consistency and policy relevance in the next IPCC assessment cycle.
Examining the role of Acinetobacter baumannii plasmid types in disseminating antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Lam Margaret M. C. , Hamidian Mehrad
Published: January 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired infections with high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The spread of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains has become a global concern. Spread of AMR in A. baumannii is primarily mediated by the acquisition of AMR genes through mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the role of different plasmid types in disseminating AMR genes is essential. Here, we analysed the distribution of plasmid types, sampling sources, geographic locations, and AMR genes carried on A. baumannii plasmids. A collection of 813 complete plasmid entries was collated and analysed. We previously devised an Acinetobacter Plasmid Typing (APT) scheme where rep types were defined using 95% nucleotide identity and updated the scheme in this study by adding 12 new rep/Rep types (90 types in total). The APT scheme now includes 178 unique Rep variants belonging to three families: R1, R3, and RP. R1-type plasmids were mainly associated with global clone 1 strains, while R3-type plasmids were highly diverse and carried a variety of AMR determinants including carbapenem, aminoglycoside and colistin resistance genes. Similarly, RP-type and rep-less plasmids were identified as important carriers of aminoglycoside and carbapenem resistance genes. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution and characteristics of A. baumannii plasmids, shedding light on their role in the dissemination of AMR genes. The updated APT scheme and findings enhance our understanding of the molecular epidemiology of A. baumannii and provide valuable insights for surveillance and control strategies.
Cross-partisan discussions reduced political polarization between UK voters, but less so when they disagreed
Authors: de Jong Jona F.
Published: January 2024

Can brief, unmoderated cross-partisan discussions reduce political polarization, even when partisans disagree on the issue under discussion? This article reports results from an experiment that matched 582 UK Labour and Conservative party voters for a ten-minute, unmoderated chat discussion about a contentious issue in a wait-list control design. Issue disagreement between discussing partisans randomly varied, and was visible throughout the discussion. Results show that after the discussion, out-partisan sympathy and willingness to have cross-partisan discussions increased. There was no statistically significant effect on opinions. The effect on sympathy was lower when partisans’ issue opinions were further apart. Treatment effects correlate with reported experiences of perspective-getting, inclusion in the discussion, commonality and reduced misperceptions. Conservative respondents about to discuss immigration softened their views just prior to the discussion.
DDX5 inhibits inflammation by modulating m6A levels of TLR2/4 transcripts during bacterial infection
Authors: Xu Jian , Liu Li-Yuan , Zhi Fei-Jie , Song Yin-Juan , Zhang Zi-Hui , Li Bin , Zheng Fu-Ying , Gao Peng-Cheng , Zhang Su-Zi , Zhang Yu-Yu , Zhang Ying , Qiu Ying , Jiang Bo , Li Yong-Qing , Peng Chen , Chu Yue-Feng
Published: January 2024

DExD/H-box helicases are crucial regulators of RNA metabolism and antiviral innate immune responses; however, their role in bacteria-induced inflammation remains unclear. Here, we report that DDX5 interacts with METTL3 and METTL14 to form an m6A writing complex, which adds N6-methyladenosine to transcripts of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4, promoting their decay via YTHDF2-mediated RNA degradation, resulting in reduced expression of TLR2/4. Upon bacterial infection, DDX5 is recruited to Hrd1 at the endoplasmic reticulum in an MyD88-dependent manner and is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. This process disrupts the DDX5 m6A writing complex and halts m6A modification as well as degradation of TLR2/4 mRNAs, thereby promoting the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 and downstream NF-κB activation. The role of DDX5 in regulating inflammation is also validated in vivo, as DDX5- and METTL3-KO mice exhibit enhanced expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings show that DDX5 acts as a molecular switch to regulate inflammation during bacterial infection and shed light on mechanisms of quiescent inflammation during homeostasis.
Correction: A poly(thymine)-templated fluorescent copper nanoparticle hydrogel-based visual and portable strategy for an organophosphorus pesticide assay
Authors: Chen Jihua , Han Ting , Feng Xiuyun , Wang Baojuan , Wang Guangfeng
Published: January 2024

Correction for ‘A poly(thymine)-templated fluorescent copper nanoparticle hydrogel-based visual and portable strategy for an organophosphorus pesticide assay’ by Jihua Chen et al., Analyst, 2019, 144, 2423–2429, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9AN00017H.
Enriched switching in a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct via reversible covalent bonding
Authors: Zheng Peng Xuan , Ou Song Lin , Qu Lei Yu , Zhang Ying , Jiang Shi Qing , Li Xiang , Wan Jun Xiong , Zhang Min , Bao Xin
Published: January 2024

Our study demonstrates the application of reversible covalent bonding in achieving multipathway switching in response to photo-, acidity-, and thermo-stimuli in a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct.
Cobalt porphyrin-based hypercrosslinked ionic polymers as biomimetic nanoreactors for CO2 conversion to cyclic carbonates
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Zixuan , Wu Yuanxiang , Chen Kechi , Luo Rongchang
Published: January 2024

Cobalt porphyrin-based hypercrosslinked ionic polymers act as bifunctional catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates due to high surface areas, densely located ionic groups and highly dispersed cobalt sites.
Modular synthesis of congested β2,2-amino acids via the merger of photocatalysis and oxidative functionalisations
Authors: Anwar Khadijah , Capaldo Luca , Wan Ting , Noël Timothy , Gómez-Suárez Adrián
Published: January 2024

A two-step protocol for the modular synthesis of β2- and α-quaternary β2,2-amino acid derivatives is reported.
Crystal growth and morphology control of needle-shaped organic crystals
Authors: McArdle Patrick , Erxleben Andrea
Published: January 2024

In this highlight fundamental research on the growth of needle-like crystals and strategies to control the aspect ratio are reviewed.
Growth of 60 mm-diameter Yb:CNGG single crystals with disordered coordination structure for high-energy laser systems
Authors: Li Xiaoheng , Lu Dazhi , Wang Shuxian , Wu Kui , Yu Haohai , Li Jing , Zhang Huaijin
Published: January 2024

We report the growth of a 60 mm-diameter Yb:CNGG crystal without cracks by managing the influences of raw materials and temperature field. This achievement provides a promising gain medium for developing high-energy laser amplification systems.
N-heterocyclic carbene adsorption states on Pt(111) and Ru(0001)
Authors: Zhang Tianchi , Khomane Sonali B. , Singh Ishwar , Crudden Cathleen M. , McBreen Peter H.
Published: January 2024

NHC states on two reactive metal surfaces.
Study on interface engineering and chemical bonding of the ReS2@ZnO heterointerface for efficient charge transfer and nonlinear optical conversion efficiency
Authors: Zheng Xin-Yu , Li Hong-Yu , Shi Bing-Yin , Cao Hong-Xu , Liu Yu , Yin Hai-Tao
Published: January 2024

A VRe-ReS2@ZnO heterostructure is successfully constructed by a two-step method. Experimental characterization combined with DFT shows that the interface bonding and defects effect promotes the transport of photogenerated carriers at the heterostructure interface.
Enhancing CO2 electroreduction performance through transition metal atom doping and strain engineering in γ-GeSe: a first-principles study
Authors: Sun Yu-wang , Liu Lei , Liu Jing-yao
Published: January 2024

We explored the impact of transition metal single-atom doping and strain engineering on the CO2 electroreduction of γ-GeSe. Pd@γ-GeSe exhibited superior performance, while tensile strain enhanced the selectivity and activity of Rh@γ-GeSe.
Insight into melting point differences of dinitroimidazoles and dinitropyrazoles from the perspective of intermolecular interactions
Authors: Wu Junnan , Song Siwei , Qi Xiujuan , Yang Haijun , Wang Yi
Published: January 2024

A linear equation relating the interaction energy and melting point was fitted by decomposing the periodic crystal structures into molecular dimers and calculating their interaction energies using Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT).
A structural study on a specific Li-ion ordered complex in dimethyl carbonate-based dual-cation electrolytes
Authors: Chikaoka Yu , Tashiro Tomoya , Sawayama Saki , Kobayashi Ayana , Matsumoto Ayuna , Iwama Etsuro , Naoi Katsuhiko , Fujii Kenta
Published: January 2024

Li-ion ordered complexes formed in DMC-based dual-cation electrolytes.
Introducing gradient Er ions and oxygen defects into SrCoO3 for regulating structural, electrical and magnetic transport properties
Authors: Song Hongyuan , Wang Xuesong , Wu Haorong , Dong Kun , Meng Kun , Rong Ju , Yu Xiaohua , Chen Liangwei , Liu Bin , Ge Zhenhua , Yu Lan
Published: January 2024

The SrCoO3−δ system has broad application potential due to its diverse crystal structures, oxidation stoichiometric ratio, and significant electrical and magnetic properties.
Simultaneous Mn and Cl doping on Na3V2(PO4)3 with high performance for full sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Dong Haodi , Liu Changcheng , Huang Que , Chen Yanjun
Published: January 2024

A dual-modified Mn0.1Cl0.3-NVP composite is prepared by a facile sol–gel method, exhibiting superior sodium storage property.
Discovery of mitochondrion-targeting copper(ii)-plumbagin and -bipyridine complexes as chemodynamic therapy agents with enhanced antitumor activity
Authors: Zhang Hai-Qun , Lu Xing , Wu Jiang-Lun , Ou Mei-Quan , Chen Nan-Feng , Liang Hong , Chen Zhen-Feng
Published: January 2024

Four complexes (Cu1–Cu4) that consume glutathione (GSH) were synthesized as mitochondrion-targeting antitumor agents with enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT),exhibiting strong anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Supramolecular crystals of Mn(15-crown-5)(MnCl4)(DMF) with dielectric phase transition, high quantum yield and phase transition-induced luminescence enhancement behavior
Authors: Yuan Guo-Jun , Pan Xue-Wei , Chen Li , Chen Chao , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: January 2024

Phase transition results in dielectric anomaly, and emission enhancement in a high quantum yield luminescent supramolecular hybrid Mn(15-crown-5)(MnCl4)(DMF).
Access to ligand-stabilized PH-containing phosphenium complexes
Authors: Biskup David , Schnakenburg Gregor , Espinosa Ferao Arturo , Streubel Rainer
Published: January 2024

Addition of acids H-X at ligand-stabilized phosphinidene complexes forms P–H/P-X phosphane complexes whereas P–H containing phosphenium complex adducts are formed with superstrong acids. Detailed quantum chemical calculations provide further insights.
Prussian blue analogue-derived Co3O4/Fe2O3 with a partially hollow and octahedral structure for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Ju Hui , Yang Jixiang , Guo Xiaoyang , Lang Hongli , Wang Sheng , Pu Chenjin , Zhao Ling , Yang Lirong , Han Wenjing
Published: January 2024

The low resistance and high DOH− result from oxide particles present on the surface and within the inner parts of the octahedron. This allows the electrolyte ions to diffuse more efficiently and ensures a much more effective area for participating in a reaction.
A facile and scalable strategy for fabricating bio-based photodynamic antimicrobial nonwoven eco-textiles
Authors: Lv Zihao , Wang Qingqing , Wang Yang , Yuan Xiaohong , Xia Xin , Liao Shiqin , Wei Qufu
Published: January 2024

With the frequency of public health incidents globally, a bio-based eco-textile has been conveniently developed for all-weather photodynamic inactivation of drug-resistant bacteria.
Preparative regio- and stereoselective α-hydroxylation of medium chain mono- and dicarboxylic fatty acids
Authors: Bangert Klara , Swoboda Alexander , Vrabl Stephan , Rudalija Haris , Lazzarotto Mattia , Payer Stefan , Glieder Anton , van Slagmaat Christian A. M. R. , De Wildeman Stefaan M. A. , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

Regio- and stereoselective functionalisation reactions like C–H oxidation are of high importance for instance for the valorization of renewables like fatty acids by α-hydroxylation.
Facile fabrication of a stretchable, stable, and self-adhesive poly(ionic liquid) as a flexible sensor
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Zhou Shilu , Zhao Zhe , Zhang Fengfeng , Guo Zhongcheng , Liu Shimin , Lu Yan
Published: January 2024

By introducing a small amount of butyl acrylate to copolymerize with an ionic liquid, a high-performance poly(ionic liquid) was obtained, which could serve as a bimodal flexible sensor.
Antioxidant flavonoid-loaded nano-bioactive glass bone paste: in vitro apatite formation and flow behavior
Authors: Sohrabi Mehri , Hesaraki Saeed , Shahrezaee Mostafa , Shams-Khorasani Alireza , Roshanfar Fahimeh , Glasmacher Brigit , Heinemann Sascha , Xu Yi , Makvandi Pooyan
Published: January 2024

Non-cement pastes in the form of injectable materials have gained considerable attention in non-invasive regenerative medicine.
Synthesis of N-fused polycyclic indoles via a Pd-catalyzed multicomponent cascade reaction consisting of an amide-directed [3+1+1] annulation reaction of 3-diazo oxindole and isocyanides
Authors: Soam Pooja , Mandal Debasish , Tyagi Vikas
Published: January 2024

A palladium-catalyzed and amide-assisted multicomponent reaction of 3-diazo oxindole, isocyanide, and water to generate biologically important oxazole-fused indole scaffolds has been reported.
Regio- and chemoselective hydroboration of terminal alkynes with pinacolborane catalyzed by organo rare earth metal complexes
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Asif , Yan Xiangqian , Li Ruoling , Zhijia Fu , Zhang Shaowen , Li Xiaofang
Published: January 2024

We herein report the regio- and chemoselective hydroboration of terminal alkynes with pinacolborane by a series of constrained-geometry catalyst-type or CGC-type rare earth metal monoalkyl complexes.
Ingenious microenvironment regulation of a metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoreactor for electrochemical detection of chlorogenic acid
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Pan Sihua , Sun Wang , Wang Yang
Published: January 2024

This article provides an ingenious microenvironment regulation strategy for the controllable assembly of a hollow nanomaterial (Au/PcFe@HZIF-8) to detect CGA, which exhibits an excellent linearity range with a detection limit as low as 0.01 μmol L−1.
A cyclophane-based host–guest charge transfer complex for NIR-II photothermal conversion
Authors: Yang Fei , Li Yunong , Huang Kecheng , Wei Wei , Xu Yanqing
Published: January 2024

A cyclophane-based host–guest charge-transfer (CT) complex exhibited high-efficiency NIR-II photothermal conversion in both aqueous solution and the solid state, which was then exploited for antibacterial applications and seawater desalination.