bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the anterior approach recommended for liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ishii Takamichi , Iwaki Kentaro , Nakakura Akiyoshi , Uchida Yoichiro , Ito Takashi , Hatano Etsuro
Published: November 2023

Background/Purpose

The anterior approach (AA) in liver resection has proven more effective with regard to short‐term outcomes than the conventional approach (CA). However, its superiority over the CA concerning long‐term outcomes remains unclear. This meta‐analysis compared the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of the AA and CA.

Methods

Databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched to identify studies comparing the AA and CA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver resection. The primary outcomes were the in‐hospital mortality, in‐hospital morbidity, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion, R0 rate, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Ten studies involving 1369 patients were included (AA, n = 595; CA, n = 774). Despite no significant differences in the in‐hospital mortality or morbidity, the AA demonstrated a superior DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.77) and OS (HR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48–0.65) and was associated with a longer operative time, less blood loss, and less transfusion than the CA. No marked differences in other outcomes were noted.

Conclusions

The AA for HCC liver resection helped reduce blood loss and need for transfusion, improving the DFS and OS.
Comparative oil extraction from mutt (Myliobatis goodei) liver by enzymatic hydrolysis: free versus immobilized biocatalyst
Authors: Morales Andrés H , Pisa José H , Gómez María I , Romero Cintia M , Vittone Marina , Massa Agueda E , Lamas Daniela L
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The development and fine‐tuning of biotechnological processes for fish oil extraction constitute a very important focus to contribute to the development of a food industry based on fish consumption. This work lies in a comparative analysis of the oil extraction yield of Myliobatis goodei livers using free and immobilized enzymes.

RESULTS

An immobilized biocatalyst was designed from the cell‐free extract of a Bacillus sp. Mcn4. A complete factorial design was used to study the components of the bacterial culture medium and select the condition with the highest titers of extracellular enzymatic activities. Wheat bran had a significant effect on the culture medium composition for enzymatic production. The immobilized biocatalyst was designed by covalent binding of the proteins present in the cocktail retaining a percentage of different types of enzymatic activities (Mult.Enz@MgFe2O4). Among the biocatalyst used, Alcalase® 2.4 L and Purazyme® AS 60 L (free commercial proteases) showed extraction yields of 87.39% and 84.25%, respectively, while Mult.Enz@MgFe2O4 achieved a better one of 89.97%. The oils obtained did not show significant differences in their physical–chemical properties while regarding the fatty acid content, the oil extracted with Purazyme® AS 60 L showed a comparatively lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the use of by‐products of M. goodei is a valid alternative and encourages the use of immobilized multienzyme biocatalysts for the treatment of complex substrates in the fishing industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigating the mechanism of antioxidants as egg white powder flavor modifiers
Authors: Zhang Weijian , Yang Yanjun , Su Yujie , Gu Luping , Chang Cuihua , Li Junhua
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The uses of egg white powder (EWP) are restricted because of its odor. It is necessary to find a method to improve its flavor. In this paper, three different antioxidants – green tea extract (GTE), sodium ascorbate (SA), and glutathione (GSH) – were selected to modify the flavor. The physicochemical and structural properties of EWP were investigated to study the mechanism of the formation and release of volatile compounds.

RESULTS

Antioxidants can modify the overall flavor of EWP significantly, inhibiting the generation or release of nonanal, 3‐methylbutanal, heptanal, decanal, geranyl acetone, and 2‐pemtylfuran. A SA‐EWP combination showed the lowest concentration of ‘off’ flavor compounds; GTE‐EWP and GSH‐EWP could reduce several ‘off’ flavor compounds but increased the formation of geranyl acetone and furans. The changes in the carbonyl content and the amino acid composition confirmed the inhibition of antioxidants with the oxidative degradation of proteins or characteristic amino acids. The results of fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provided structural information regarding EWP, which showed the release of volatile compounds decreased due to structural changes. For example, the surface hydrophobicity increased and the protein aggregation state changed.

CONCLUSIONS

Antioxidants reduce the ‘off’ flavor of EWP in two ways: they inhibit protein oxidation and Maillard reactions (they inhibit formation of 3‐methylbutanal and 2‐pemtylfuran) and they enhance the binding ability of heat‐denatured proteins (reducing the release of nonanal, decanal, and similar compounds). © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantifying the effect of non‐ionic surfactant alkylphenol ethoxylates on the persistence of thiabendazole on fresh produce surface
Authors: Du Xinyi , Gao Zili , He Lili
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Understanding the role of adjuvants in pesticide persistence is crucial to develop effective pesticide formulations and manage pesticide residues in fresh produce. This study investigated the impact of a commercial non‐ionic surfactant product containing alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) on the persistence of thiabendazole on apple and spinach surfaces against the 30 kg m−3 baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) soaking, which was used to remove the active ingredient (AI) in the cuticular wax layer of fresh produce through alkaline hydrolysis. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mapping method was used to quantify the residue levels on fresh produce surfaces at different experimental scenarios. Four standard curves were established to quantify surface thiabendazole in the absence and presence of APEOs, on apple and spinach leaf surfaces, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, the result showed that APEOs enhanced the persistence of thiabendazole over time. After 3 days of exposure, APEOs increased thiabendazole surface residue against NaHCO3 hydrolysis on apple and spinach surfaces by 5.39% and 10.47%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that APEOs led to more pesticide residues on fresh produce and greater difficulty in washing them off from the surfaces using baking soda, posing food safety concerns. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Daily exposure to combat‐related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri‐ and postdeployment experiences
Authors: Mojallal Mahsa , Simons Raluca M. , Simons Jeffrey S. , Swaminath Surabhi
Published: November 2023

One of the central symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heightened reactivity to trauma cues. The current study used experience sampling to investigate the associations between exposure to combat‐related cues and PTSD symptoms in 93 U.S. veterans who served in support of recent military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We also examined the effects of peri‐ and postdeployment factors, including exposure to combat, unit support during deployment, and postdeployment social support on PTSD. Participants completed eight brief random surveys daily for 2 weeks using palmtop computers. The results indicated that more daytime exposure to trauma cues was associated with experiencing more PTSD symptoms at the within‐person level, B = 3.18. At the between‐person level, combat exposure, B = 4.20, was associated with more PTSD symptoms, whereas unit support, B = –0.89, was associated with experiencing fewer symptoms. At the cross‐level interaction, unit support, B = –0.80, moderated the association between trauma cue exposure and PTSD symptom count. Contrary to our hypothesis, postdeployment social support, B = –0.59, was not associated with PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest a functional association between exposure to trauma cues and PTSD symptoms among recent‐era U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of unit support during deployment.
Orientation of the Scapula in the Standing Position
Authors: Andro Christophe , Garraud Charles , Deransart Pierrick , Stindel Eric , Letissier Hoel , Dardenne Guillaume
Published: November 2023

Objectives

A new ultrasound‐based device is proposed to non‐invasively measure the orientation of the scapula in the standing position to consider this parameter for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of this device.

Methods

Accuracy was assessed by comparing measurements made with the ultrasound device to those acquired with a three‐dimensional (3D) optical localization system (Northern Digital, Canada) on a dedicated mechanical phantom. Three users performed 10 measurements on three healthy volunteers with different body mass (BMI) indices to analyze the reliability of the device by measuring the intra and interobserver variabilities.

Results

The mean accuracy of the device was 0.9°± 0.7 (0.01–3.03), 1.3°± 0.8 (0.03–4.55), 1.9°± 1.5 (0.05–5.76), respectively, in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were excellent whatever the BMI and the users experience.

Conclusions

The device is accurate and reliable enough for the measurement of the scapula orientation in the standing position.
OUR GREATEST OPPOSITION IS OUR DIVISION
Authors: McArthur Sarah
Published: November 2023

The author connects her work of 2001 as a writer and managing editor for a research project about the “global leader of the future,” which grew into the book Global Leadership: the Next Generation; with her current work as editor‐in‐chief of Leader to Leader. It is also connected with her earlier partnership and collaboration with Frances Hesselbein, Leader to Leader’s founder and longtime editor‐in‐chief. This is further tied to the author’s collaborations with former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Ford Motor Company, Alan Mulally. The latter was the first recipient of the Leader to Leader Institute’s Leader of the Future award, presented by Hesselbein in 2006. The author shares remarks she “made recently at a 100 Coaches event in Nashville that describe why Frances Hesselbein, Marshall Goldsmith, I, and many more, want Alan’s ’Working Together’ to reach as broad an audience as possible.” Within she includes comments made by Frances in 2006 for the award presented to Mulally: “Alan is the leader in Marshall’s vision of the stakeholder centered leader whose leadership and management system includes all of the stakeholders and helps successful leaders, their teams and organizations become even more successful using stakeholder centered coaching.”
Oral Administration of Sargassum horneri Suppresses Particulate Matter‐Induced Oxidative DNA Damage in Alveolar Macrophages of Allergic Airway Inflammation: Relevance to PM‐Mediated M1/M2 AM Polarization
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Yang Jiwon , Herath Kalahe Hewage Iresha Nadeeka Madushani , Jeon You‐Jin , Son Young‐Ok , Kwon Doyoung , Kim Hyun Jung , Jee Youngheun
Published: November 2023

Scope

Particulate matter (PM) can cause cellular oxidative damage and promote respiratory diseases. It has recently shown that Sargassum horneri ethanol extract (SHE) containing sterols and gallic acid reduces PM‐induced oxidative stress in mice lung cells through ROS scavenging and metal chelating. In this study, the role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) is identified that are particularly susceptible to DNA damage due to PM‐triggered oxidative stress in lungs of OVA‐sensitized mice exposed to PM.

Methods and results

The study scrutinizes if PM exposure causes oxidative DNA damage to AMs differentially depending on their type of polarization. Further, SHE's potential is investigated in reducing oxidative DNA damage in polarized AMs and restoring AM polarization in PM‐induced allergic airway inflammation. The study discovers that PM triggers prolonged oxidative stress to AMs, leading to lipid peroxidation in them and alveolar epithelial cells. Particularly, AMs are polarized to M2 phenotype (F4/80+CD206+) with enhanced oxidative DNA damage when subject to PM‐induced oxidative stress. However, SHE repairs oxidative DNA damage in M1‐ and M2‐polarized AMs and reduces AMs polarization imbalance due to PM exposure.

Conclusion

These results suggest the possibility of SHE as beneficial foods against PM‐induced allergic airway inflammation via suppression of AM dysfunction.
Permethylation as a strategy for high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharide structure analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance—Case study of Xylella fastidiosa extracellular polysaccharide
Authors: Ndukwe Ikenna E. , Black Ian , Castro Claudia A. , Vlach Jiri , Heiss Christian , Roper Caroline , Azadi Parastoo
Published: November 2023

Current practices for structural analysis of extremely large‐molecular‐weight polysaccharides via solution‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy incorporate partial depolymerization protocols that enable polysaccharide solubilization in suitable solvents. Non‐specific depolymerization techniques utilized for glycosidic bond cleavage, such as chemical degradation or ultrasonication, potentially generate structural fragments that can complicate complete and accurate characterization of polysaccharide structures. Utilization of appropriate enzymes for polysaccharide degradation, on the other hand, requires prior structural knowledge and optimal enzyme activity conditions that are not available to an analyst working with novel or unknown compounds. Herein, we describe an application of a permethylation strategy that allows the complete dissolution of intact polysaccharides for NMR structural characterization. This approach is utilized for NMR analysis of Xylella fastidiosa extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), which is essential for the virulence of the plant pathogen that affects multiple commercial crops and is responsible for multibillion dollar losses each year.
Attenuation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via stem cell and extracellular vesicle therapy: An updated review
Authors: Lockard Gavin , Gordon Jonah , Schimmel Samantha , El Sayed Bassel , Monsour Molly , Garbuzova‐Davis Svitlana , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: November 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly fatal neurological disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Though typically idiopathic, familial forms of ALS are commonly composed of a superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation. Basic science frequently utilizes SOD1 models in vitro and in vivo to replicate ALS conditions. Therapies are sparse; those that exist in the market extend life minimally, thus driving the demand for research to identify novel therapeutics. Transplantation of stem cells is a promising approach for many diseases and has shown efficacy in SOD1 models and clinical trials. The underlying mechanism for stem cell therapy presents an exciting venue for research investigations. Most notably, the paracrine actions of stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been suggested as a potent mitigating factor. This literature review focuses on the most recent preclinical research investigating cell‐free methods for treating ALS. Various avenues are being explored, differing on the EV contents (protein, microRNA, etc.) and on the cell target (astrocyte, endothelial cell, motor neuron‐like cells, etc.), and both molecular and behavioral outcomes are being examined. Unfortunately, EVs may also play a role in propagating ALS pathology. Nonetheless, the overarching goal remains clear: to identify efficient cell‐free techniques to attenuate the deadly consequences of ALS.
Reduced order modeling of structural problems with damage and plasticity
Authors: Kehls Jannick , Kastian Steffen , Brepols Tim , Reese Stefanie
Published: November 2023

Model order reduction (MOR) techniques are used across the engineering sciences to reduce the computational complexity of high‐fidelity simulations. MOR methods reduce the computation time by representing the problem using a lower number of degrees of freedom (DOF). The use of reduced order models (ROM) in the analysis of structural problems with damage and plasticity has the potential to significantly reduce computational time and increase efficiency. Of course, the approximation of a problem in a lower dimensional space introduces an approximation error that needs to be kept small enough so that the results of the ROM maintain their validity. One well‐known reduced order modeling approach is the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). POD is used to extract the dominant modes of the structure, which are then used to solve a problem in the smaller dimensional subspace. To overcome the limitations of the POD regarding nonlinear problems, the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) is employed. An exemplary uncertainty quantification application is used to investigate the methodology. The investigation shows that the POD‐based DEIM can significantly reduce the computational effort of highly nonlinear structural simulations incorporating damage while maintaining a high approximation accuracy.
Diagonally‐Addressed Matrix Nicknack: How to improve SpMV performance
Authors: Saak Jens , Schulze Jonas
Published: November 2023

We suggest a technique to reduce the storage size of sparse matrices at no loss of information. We call this technique Diagonally‐Addressed (DA) storage. It exploits the typically low matrix bandwidth of matrices arising in applications. For memory‐bound algorithms, this traffic reduction has direct benefits for both uni‐precision and multi‐precision algorithms. In particular, we demonstrate how to apply DA storage to the Compressed Sparse Rows (CSR) format and compare the performance in computing the Sparse Matrix Vector (SpMV) product, which is a basic building block of many iterative algorithms. We investigate 1367 matrices from the SuiteSparse Matrix Collection fitting into the CSR format using signed 32 bit indices. More than 95% of these matrices fit into the DA‐CSR format using 16 bit column indices, potentially after Reverse Cuthill‐McKee (RCM) reordering. Using IEEE 754 precision scalars, we observe a performance uplift of 11% (single‐threaded) or 17.5% (multithreaded) on average when the traffic exceeds the size of the last‐level CPU cache. The predicted uplift in this scenario is 20%. For traffic within the CPU's combined level 2 and level 3 caches, the multithreaded performance uplift is over 40% for a few test matrices.
Investigation dry reforming of methane over nickel using a one‐dimensional model
Authors: Rakhi  , Giri Binod R , Günther Vivien , Mauss Fabian
Published: November 2023

In the field of catalysis, dry reforming, that is, methane reforming with , is in the focus due to growing environmental concerns about oil depletion and global warming with a desire to produce synthesis gas. However, this process can lead to the formation of carbon, which can cause catalyst deactivation, especially at industrial conditions. Nevertheless, the key to develop a more coke‐resistant catalyst is a better comprehension of the reforming process at a molecular level. Regardless of all the investigations available in literature, the detailed path for the conversion of methane to syngas and carbon remains a controversial issue. Another problem in setting up a reaction mechanism is the difficulty to define the thermodynamic data for intermediate surface species and this leads to the development of thermodynamic consistent surface reaction mechanisms in literature where the thermodynamic data are not used to calculate the rate coefficients of the reverse reactions. Rather the Arrhenius parameters for the forward as well as backward reactions are explicitly given in the reaction mechanism to establish thermodynamic equilibrium. In this investigation, a kinetically consistent detailed surface reaction mechanism is developed which consists of 26 reversible reactions with the help of a one‐dimensional model, LOGEcat. Our previous work constructs the basis of the present investigation. Further, a detailed sensitivity analysis of reversible reactions and reaction pathways is performed to understand the mechanism better. The mechanism is validated for dry reforming of methane over nickel catalyst, however, it can also be used for other processes, such as, steam reforming and partial oxidation. The mechanism is tested by comparing the simulation results with the literature experiments and simulations in a wide range of temperature. The new developed kinetically consistent surface reaction mechanism is able to accurately express the dry reforming of methane over the nickel catalyst for complete range of temperature and also provide a useful insight into the key rate determining steps.
Preparation, stretch‐induced crystallization and thermo‐oxidative aging behavior of poly (lactic acid)/saponite grafted polystyrene nanocomposites films
Authors: Wang Zhe , Jilili Yikelamu , Ma Yumiao , Zhen Weijun
Published: November 2023

In this work, modified saponite (SAP‐g‐PS) was prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization, and the optimum synthesis conditions of SAP‐g‐PS were investigated. Furthermore, SAP‐g‐PS was used as a reinforcing filler for poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and the mechanical properties results revealed that the elongation at break increased by 81.51% compared to pure PLA when SAP‐g‐PS was added up to 0.5 wt%. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the fracture of PLA based nanocomposite films was ductile. The thermal analysis results showed that the maximum thermal decomposition temperature was increased from 352.19°C (PLA0, pure PLA film) to 361.63°C (PLA3, 0.5 wt% SAP‐g‐PS), and the crystallinity was increased from 18.2% (PLA0) to 31.3% (PLA3) at the traction ratio of 14. The stretch‐induced crystallization behavior of PLA based nanocomposites films was investigated under the conditions of the optimum blow molding process, and it was found that the elongation at break of PLA0 films increased from 25.8% to 37.4% and that of PLA3 was increased from 81.4% to 135.5% with the increase of the traction ratio, the crystallinity of both films showed an increasing trend, which indicated that the presence of the tensile flow field improved the orientation of the PLA, and increased its crystallization and mechanical properties. The thermo‐oxidative aging kinetics of PLA based nanocomposites films with different additions of SAP‐g‐PS were investigated by thermo‐oxidative aging experiments, and the lifetime of the films were predicted by the Arrhenius equation, which showed that the addition of SAP‐g‐PS effectively improved the lifetime of PLA based nanocomposites films.
Effect of curing temperature on shape memory properties of graphene oxide‐carbon fiber hybrid‐reinforced shape memory polymer composites
Authors: Ma Yuqin , Guo Haiyin , Xu Yi , Li Puda , Xu Wei , Ji Jing , Shi Yanni
Published: November 2023

In order to study the effect of curing temperature on the shape memory properties (SMPs) of GO‐CF hybrid‐reinforced SMPCs, eight sets of composites were prepared at different curing temperatures (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130°C). The rheological and curing properties of the matrix, and the apparent density, porosity, microstructure, and SMPs of the composite were measured and analyzed, respectively. The results showed that at 100°C, the composite has the highest apparent density (1.52 g/cm3), the lowest porosity (0.47%), the best SMPs, the shape fixed rate of 99.13%, the shape recovery rate of 96.54%, and the maximum shape recovery force (5.15 N). The shape recovery speed and rate of shape recovery are also the fastest. This is because when the curing temperature is 100°C, the viscosity of the matrix can be kept at a low level, and the curing reaction rate is appropriate. This not only ensures that the matrix can be fully infiltrated into the fiber space but also obtains the matrix with appropriate crosslinking degree. Therefore, the microstructure of the prepared composite is ideal, which makes the matrix has a strong ability to restrain the expansion force of the fiber and a high efficiency of the transfer force and heat. Finally, in the test of SMPs, the composite showed higher SMPs. It was concluded that the SMPs of the composites were mainly affected by the infiltration effect of the matrix in the fiber.

Highlights

The microstructure of the composite was more ideal at 100 °C.

The composite with the lowest porosity has the best shape memory properties.

The high porosity weakens the heat and force transfer ability of the matrix.

The shape memory properties of composites are the best prepared at 100  °C.
Optimizing large real‐world data analysis with parquet files in R: A step‐by‐step tutorial
Authors: Abdelaziz Abdullah I. , Hanson Kent A. , Gaber Charles E. , Lee Todd A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The use of open‐source programming languages can facilitate open science practices in real‐world evidence (RWE) studies. Real‐world studies often rely on using big data, which makes using such languages complicated. We demonstrate an efficient approach that enables RWE researchers to use R to undertake RWE analysis tasks from cohort building to reporting.

Methods

Using the Merative Marketscan data (2017–2019), we developed an R function to transform the data into parquet format to be used in R. Then, we compared the differences in data size before and after transformation. We compared the performance of the transformed data in R to the original data in terms of numerical consistency and running times required to complete simple exploratory tasks. To show how the transformed databases can be used in practice, we conducted a simplified replication of an active comparator new user study from the literature. All codes are available on GitHub.

Results

Our approach exhibited high efficiency in data storage, as evidenced by the converted data size, which ranged from 10% to 43% of that of the original data files. The runtime of the exploratory tasks in R generally outperformed that of the original data with SAS. We showed, through example, how the converted data can be efficiently used to implement an RWE study.

Conclusion

We demonstrate a free and efficient solution to facilitate the use of open‐source programming languages with big real‐world databases, which can facilitate the adoption of open science practices.
P/N/Si‐containing synergistic flame retardants endowing lignin‐based epoxy resin with good flame retardancy, mechanical properties and heat resistance
Authors: Li Jialan , Wang Jinlei , Zheng Huimin , Guo Jianwei , Guo Ruijie , Yan Hong
Published: November 2023

Biobased epoxy resins are gaining attention as a renewable alternative to petroleum‐based resins. However, their inherent flammability requires flame‐retardant treatment. In this study, hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPCP) and various synergists were utilized to improve the flame retardancy of lignin‐based epoxy resin (EP‐L). Results showed that (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) had the most effective synergistic effect for HPCP to form a P/N/Si‐containing system, resulting in a compact crosslinked char layer. Upon the incorporation of HPCP and APTES (6∶1, 12 wt% of EP mass) into EP, a V‐0 classification was achieved in the UL‐94 vertical burning assessment, with a limiting oxygen index of 33.6% and a 47.77% decrease in the peak of heat release rate. This system minimally influenced the tensile strength of the composite (a 16.51% reduction), and maximumly increased its initial degradation temperature by 83 °C, compared with EP‐L. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Lithological controls on soil properties, Snow Island, Maritime Antarctica
Authors: Lopes Davi do Vale , de Oliveira Fábio Soares , Reis João Santiago , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto G. R.
Published: November 2023

Soil–parent material is a critical controlling factor of soil properties in the Antarctic region due to a limited degree of soil development. However, the degree to which soil–parent material can be considered the major controlling factor in pedogenesis and subsequent soil physical and chemical properties in Antarctica should be better understood to improve soil mapping and interpretations. The present study aims to analyze the soil properties of different lithological groups on the President Head Peninsula on Snow Island, Maritime Antarctica. Thirty soil profiles across the major lithological groupings on Snow Island (beach deposits, andesites, basalts/andesites, conglomerate, sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones) were described, and the morphological, physical, and chemical properties of samples from sampled genetic horizons were characterized. Beach deposits were most clearly differentiated from other lithological groups, whereas most other groups overlapped strongly in observed properties. Whereas some lithological groups (e.g., sedimentary rock groups) were characterized largely by immature soils with little degree of pedogenesis, other sampled soils exhibited more development. The soil–parent material relationships of Snow Island revealed a unique setting of a complex heterogeneous landscape and show that the area has a great pedological complexity induced by phosphatization, melanization, and cryoturbation processes that preclude placing primary importance on parent material and lithology as the major controlling factor in Antarctic soils.
TEPCAM: Prediction of T‐cell receptor–epitope binding specificity via interpretable deep learning
Authors: Chen Junwei , Zhao Bowen , Lin Shenggeng , Sun Heqi , Mao Xueying , Wang Meng , Chu Yanyi , Hong Liang , Wei Dong‐Qing , Li Min , Xiong Yi
Published: November 2023

The recognition of T‐cell receptor (TCR) on the surface of T cell to specific epitope presented by the major histocompatibility complex is the key to trigger the immune response. Identifying the binding rules of TCR–epitope pair is crucial for developing immunotherapies, including neoantigen vaccine and drugs. Accurate prediction of TCR–epitope binding specificity via deep learning remains challenging, especially in test cases which are unseen in the training set. Here, we propose TEPCAM (TCR–EPitope identification based on Cross‐Attention and Multi‐channel convolution), a deep learning model that incorporates self‐attention, cross‐attention mechanism, and multi‐channel convolution to improve the generalizability and enhance the model interpretability. Experimental results demonstrate that our model outperformed several state‐of‐the‐art models on two challenging tasks including a strictly split dataset and an external dataset. Furthermore, the model can learn some interaction patterns between TCR and epitope by extracting the interpretable matrix from cross‐attention layer and mapping them to the three‐dimensional structures. The source code and data are freely available at https://github.com/Chenjw99/TEPCAM.
Proposal for a Tunable Room‐Temperature Single‐Photon Source Based on a Plasmonic Nanoantenna Driven by Inelastic Tunneling in the Coulomb Regime
Authors: Kewes Günter , Benson Oliver
Published: November 2023

Herein, a tunnel‐current‐driven plasmonic nanoantenna for the generation of single photons is proposed. The proposal uses two constituents: 1) small gold nanoparticles that feature Coulomb blockade already at room temperature combined with an 2) self‐similar nanorod arrangement. The Coulomb blockade allows for single‐plasmon generation and the nanorod arrangement for an efficient transformation into photons. As the emission from such an electrically driven antenna follows its spectral scattering response, the color of single photons can be tuned by geometrical changes of the antenna over an extremely broad range far into the infrared. The calculations suggest high photon purities, repetition rates beyond, and efficiencies comparable to ordinary single‐photon sources based on emitters like color centers or heralded single‐photon sources, respectively. Given recent achievements in the field and the simplicity of the proposal, the device can be built with existing technology.
The Relationships of AMPK Allosteric Inhibitors with Their Activities against Breast Cancer in 2D and 3D Models
Authors: El‐Araby Moustafa E. , Khan Mohammad I. , Muhammad Yosra A. , Razeeth Shait Mohammed Mohammed , Dalhat Mahmood H. , Alharbi Majed A. , Mass Shaza , Abou Gharbia Magid , Khayat Maan T. , Omar Abdelsattar M.
Published: November 2023

AMP‐activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) has conflicting roles in solid tumor progression as it shows anticarcinogenic activities in healthy cells while it may help the existing cancer cells to survive through certain stress conditions such as metastasis, hypoxia, and dormancy. These cells are usually present in the core of the solid tumors. To explore AMPK inhibitors and their anticancer activities, three compounds related to N‐benzyl‐[4‐(phenylamino)aryl]acetamide scaffold demonstrated high potency as α1/β1/γ2 AMPK allosteric inhibitors (IC50 range 7.77–13.75 nM). As an example, the compound N‐(6‐(2‐(benzylamino)‐2‐oxoethyl)pyridin‐3‐yl)‐3‐methoxybenzamide (MAK‐11) inhibited cancer growth at IC50 values 0.148 μM (MCF7, monolayer), 0.097 μM (T47D, monolayer), 19.58 μM (MCF7, spheroids) and 3.72 μM (T47D, spheroids). It was also found that MAK‐11 caused increases in spheroid model dead cells (36.5 % and 32.1 %), induced mitochondrial depolarization (34.0 % and 36.8 %), and elevated ROS levels (24.6 %% and 32.1 %) for MCF7 and T47D, respectively. We also profiled the drug‐likeness of compounds and confirmed that they do not inhibit HSF (non‐cancerous cell lines). It was noticed that monolayer (2D) assay results are not parallel to the spheroid (3D) results as MAK‐11 was 97 times lower than MAK‐6 in T47D 2D assay, while it was twice as potent as the same compound in the 3D assay. Therefore, we propose that AMPK inhibitors should be tested on 3D tumor models that are similar to the environment with the core of tumor cells.
Decomposition Kinetics of Perfluoro‐(4‐methyl‐2‐pentene) (C6F12) and its Extinguishing Performance Study
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Ji Qiuchi , Zhang Xiao
Published: November 2023

The urgent desire for Halon substitution has initiated the development of potential environment friendly alternatives since the Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments were introduced. Atmospheric degradable agents such as halogenated alkenes, fluorinated ketones and cyclic compounds have been extensively studied. Among them, perfluoro‐(4‐methyl‐2‐pentene) (C6F12) has an analogous structure to C6F12O (Novec 1230) and has been regarded as one kind of potential substitute. In this paper, the main decomposition kinetics of C6F12 are studied numerically. In addition, the interactions between C6F12 and flames are studied experimentally. The results show that the suppression effectiveness of C6F12 is comparable to C6F12O, and the temperature rise is not obvious. The low chemical reactivity is believed to be caused by the perfluorinated methyl and isopropyl groups adjacent to olefinic carbon decreasing the reactivity of C6F12 toward OH radicals. Chemical kinetics simulation indicates that H‐induced reactions dominate the initial decomposition of C6F12, and a lot of isomers will be formed via a series of isomerization reactions and subsequent decomposition reactions at high temperature. These findings suggest the promising applicability of C6F12 and worth further study.
An Open‐Source Multifunctional Testing Platform for Optical Phase Change Materials
Authors: Popescu Cosmin-Constantin , Dao Khoi Phuong , Ranno Luigi , Mills Brian , Martin-Monier Louis , Zhang Yifei , Bono David , Neltner Brian , Gu Tian , Hu Juejun , Aryana Kiumars , Humphreys William M. , Kim Hyun Jung , Vitale Steven , Miller Paul , Roberts Christopher , Geiger Sarah , Callahan Dennis , Moebius Michael , Kang Myungkoo , Richardson Kathleen A. , Ríos Ocampo Carlos A.
Published: November 2023

Owing to their unique tunable optical properties, chalcogenide phase change materials are increasingly being investigated for optics and photonics applications. However, in situ characterization of their phase transition characteristics is a capability that remains inaccessible to many researchers. Herein, a multifunctional silicon microheater platform capable of in situ measurement of structural, kinetic, optical, and thermal properties of these materials is introduced. The platform can be fabricated leveraging industry‐standard silicon foundry manufacturing processes. This platform is fully open‐sourced, including complete hardware design and associated software codes.
High‐Performance Se–S Composite Cathode Rich in Defects for Wide‐Temperature Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Shi Xiaomeng , Zeng Zhichao , Wen Yongqing , Zhang Hongtu , Zhang Yabin , Du Yaping
Published: November 2023

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are a research hotspot for their superior safety. The solid electrolytes (SEs) are key components in ASSLBs, and the emerging rare‐earth halide SEs (RE‐HSEs) are valued for their comprehensive performances of good ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and deformability. In addition, cathode materials can influence the properties of ASSLBs, and sulfur (S) attracts much attention due to the lower toxicity and much higher energy density compared with commercial oxide cathodes. However, the S possesses poor electronic conductivity, which can be improved by the introduction of selenium (Se) with much higher electronic conductivity. In this work, a series of SexS1–x composites is synthesized by a melting method. Due to the introduction of Se and the enriched defects from the melting process, the electronic and ionic conductivities of SexS1–x are improved. After application in ASSLBs based on RE‐HSE Li3YBr6, the SexS1–x materials exhibit good performances with low polarizations, good cycling stabilities, and excellent rate properties at room temperature. Moreover, the assembled solid batteries can realize stable cycling performance (100 cycles) at low temperature (−30 °C) and a normal discharge–charge process at high temperature (120 °C).
Can geography explain Quebec's historical poverty?
Authors: Geloso Vincent , Rouanet Louis
Published: November 2023

From the 19th century to the 1940s, Quebec remained poorer and less economically developed than the rest of Canada in general, and than Ontario in particular. This placed Quebec at the bottom of North American rankings of living standards. One prominent hypothesis for the initiation of this gap is tied to disparities in agricultural land quality. We formally test this hypothesis using newly available data for the mid‐19th century and find it holds little explanatory power. We further argue that poor institutions in Quebec, notably seigneurial tenure, were at the root of the development gap and that the effect of land quality on living standards was institutionally contingent.
High‐Efficiency Infrared Sulfide Lead Quantum Dot Solar Cells via Mixed Halide Ions Ligand Engineering
Authors: Xia Yong , Ji TaiMing , Lu Yu , Xiang PengFei , Wu ZhiXu , Yang XiaoKun , Deng Hui
Published: November 2023

Tandem solar cells are regarded as an effective way to break through the theoretical efficiency of the Shockley–Queisser limit, and large‐size lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) are considered ideal infrared (IR) photovoltaic materials for absorbing low‐energy IR photons in the bottom subcells of tandem solar cells due to their tunable bandgaps and multiexciton generation effects. However, the exposed (100) surface of large‐size PbS QDs leads to poor passivation during the ligand‐exchange process, resulting in degraded device performance. Herein, a mixed halide ions ligand passivation strategy is developed to synergistically passivate the (111) and (100) facets of large‐size QDs. Particularly, a gradual dropwise addition of lead chloride salts dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide for achieving precisely proportional surface passivation of Cl ions in the ligand exchange is proposed, which enhances the quality of the QD solids and obtains excellent control of the surface trap states. Additionally, optical and electrical characterization results show that the passivated IR PbS QD solids have higher carrier mobility, longer carrier lifetime, and lower defect density, which increases the IR efficiency of IR PbS QD solar cells to 1.25%.
Influence of silver doping on pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrogenic effects of nano‐titanium dioxide in murine lung
Authors: Huang Xiaoquan , Li Congcong , Wei Tingting , Zou Lingyue , Liu Na , Bai Changcun , Yao Yongshuai , Wang Zhihui , Li Binjing , Qiao Dong , Niu Yiru , Wang Xiaoli , Tang Meng
Published: November 2023

Silver is usually loaded on nano‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) through photodeposition method to enhance visible‐light catalytic functions for environment purification. However, little is known about how the toxicity changes after silver doping and how the physicochemical properties of loaded components affect nanocomposite toxicity. In this study, Ag‐TiO2 with different sizes and contents of silver particles were obtained by controlling photodeposition time (PDT) and silver addition amount. Pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrogenic responses of these photocatalysts were evaluated in male C57BL/6J murine lung. As a result, silver was well assembled on TiO2, promoting visible‐light catalytic activity. Notably, the size of silver particles increased with PDT. Meanwhile, toxicity results showed that pure TiO2 (P25) mainly caused neutrophil infiltration, while 2 wt/wt% silver‐loaded TiO2 recruited more types of inflammatory cells in the lung. Both of them caused the increase of proinflammatory cytokines while decreasing the anti‐inflammatory cytokine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. However, 2 wt/wt% silver doping also accelerated the lung pro‐fibrogenic response of photocatalysts in the subacute phase from evidence of collagen deposition and hydroxyproline concentrations. Mechanistically, the overactivation of TGFBR2 receptors in TGF‐β/smads pathways by silver‐loaded TiO2 rather than pure TiO2 may be the reason why silver‐loaded TiO2 can promote pro‐fibrogenic effect response. Intriguingly, the increased toxicity caused by silver doping can be rescued by increasing the size of the loaded silver or decreasing the silver amount. These results may be important for the new understanding of the toxicity of TiO2‐based photocatalysts.
Introduction
Authors: Norkus Zenonas
Published: November 2023

This book is a comparative case study in the historical sociology of modern social restorations. This is a new field in comparative social research designed to extend and complete comparative historical sociological research on social revolutions. Comparative research on revolutions is a well-established research field, as at least four generations of theory have changed to date (cf. Goldstone 2001, 2014; DeFronzo 2006, 2021). It originated with the comparison of 1789 French and 1917 Russian revolutions (Shlapentokh 1999), culminating in the famous study by Theda Skocpol (1979), which is one of the most influential and cited works in comparative social research (Goodwin 1996). Puzzlingly, as yet no authors have taken into due account the fact that both great modern social revolutions did in fact end (in 1815 and 1989 correspondingly) with restorations of the prerevolutionary regimes.
Life Expectancy in the Interwar Period: Fixing Data Gaps for Lithuania and Explaining Early Demographic Transition in Estonia and Latvia
Authors: Norkus Zenonas
Published: November 2023

Table 10.1 provides a compilation of the available data on life expectancy at birth, based on life tables for the Baltic countries and Finland in 1897–1938, which is included because of its role as a regional benchmark country in the perceptions of the indigenous populations of the Baltic countries. It also provides Gapminder (Lindgren 2020) estimates, which could not be neglected because of my interest (for application of the OOST) in the 1913 life expectancy values. They could only be interpolated or estimated from values in the years for which life tables could be constructed. I rely on my estimates, but those coming from Gapminder are useful as a control instance.
The Idea of Social Restoration
Authors: Norkus Zenonas
Published: November 2023

In fights between the factions of the victorious French revolutionaries in 1792–1799, the accusation of scheming to restore the monarchy was the most murderous claim that could be made. In power struggles over who would succeed Vladimir Lenin within the USSR (1924–1938), the indictment of plotting the restoration of capitalism was deemed most ruinous. This was the case in the infamous ‘Moscow trials’ of 1936–1938 where Kamenev, Zinov’ev, Bukharin and other rivals of Joseph Stalin were indicted for conspiring to dismember the USSR and to restore capitalism. The indictments were false, but after some 50 years the USSR was dismembered and capitalism was restored, as happened in France in 1814–1815 to the Bourbon monarchy.
The ‘Baltic Question’ and Retroactive Politics in the Baltic Restorations
Authors: Norkus Zenonas
Published: November 2023

Of course, survivors from the interwar republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were not single survivals from the interwar years in 1990, helping make the continuity of the Baltic states and societies a sociological reality. The next and no less important asset of tokenist restoration politics in 1988–1991 was the survival of the Baltic states de jure as persons in international law. Knowledge of this legal fact was the main source of inspiration of fundamentalist tokenist restoration politics in the Baltic countries. The main cause of the de jure survival of the Baltic states was the US policy of non-recognition of the annexation of the Baltic states, dating back to 23 July 1940.
Thalamic Foxp2 regulates output connectivity and sensory-motor impairments in a model of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Rodríguez-Urgellés Ened , Casas-Torremocha Diana , Sancho-Balsells Anna , Ballasch Iván , García-García Esther , Miquel-Rio Lluis , Manasanch Arnau , del Castillo Ignacio , Chen Wanqi , Pupak Anika , Brito Veronica , Tornero Daniel , Rodríguez Manuel J. , Bortolozzi Analia , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. , Giralt Albert , Alberch Jordi
Published: November 2023

Background

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a disorder that affects body movements. Altered glutamatergic innervation of the striatum is a major hallmark of the disease. Approximately 30% of those glutamatergic inputs come from thalamic nuclei. Foxp2 is a transcription factor involved in cell differentiation and reported low in patients with HD. However, the role of the Foxp2 in the thalamus in HD remains unexplored.

Methods

We used two different mouse models of HD, the R6/1 and the HdhQ111 mice, to demonstrate a consistent thalamic Foxp2 reduction in the context of HD. We used in vivo electrophysiological recordings, microdialysis in behaving mice and rabies virus-based monosynaptic tracing to study thalamo-striatal and thalamo-cortical synaptic connectivity in R6/1 mice. Micro-structural synaptic plasticity was also evaluated in the striatum and cortex of R6/1 mice. We over-expressed Foxp2 in the thalamus of R6/1 mice or reduced Foxp2 in the thalamus of wild type mice to evaluate its role in sensory and motor skills deficiencies, as well as thalamo-striatal and thalamo-cortical connectivity in such mouse models.

Results

Here, we demonstrate in a HD mouse model a clear and early thalamo-striatal aberrant connectivity associated with a reduction of thalamic Foxp2 levels. Recovering thalamic Foxp2 levels in the mouse rescued motor coordination and sensory skills concomitant with an amelioration of neuropathological features and with a repair of the structural and functional connectivity through a restoration of neurotransmitter release. In addition, reduction of thalamic Foxp2 levels in wild type mice induced HD-like phenotypes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we show that a novel identified thalamic Foxp2 dysregulation alters basal ganglia circuits implicated in the pathophysiology of HD.