bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giver‐receiver discrepancy in decisions between probabilistic and regular gifts
Authors: Peng Peiru , Zeng Jianmin
Published: June 2024

Previous research has identified discrepancies between gift givers and receivers in their attitudes towards certain types of gifts, such as self‐improvement gifts. However, it remains unexplored whether there are divergent preferences between givers and receivers regarding probabilistic gifts (i.e., gifts involving probabilistic goods), despite the growing popularity of such goods. To address this gap, we conducted five studies. Study 1 revealed that when presented with a choice between probabilistic gifts and regular gifts, givers were less likely than receivers to select probabilistic gifts. This discrepancy was replicated in two contexts: vertical outcomes of probabilistic gifts (e.g., travel packages with varying prices) in Study 2, and horizontal outcomes of probabilistic gifts (e.g., T‐shirts with different patterns) in Study 3. Study 4 identified that this asymmetrical preference occurred due to different regulatory focus and perceptions of norm violations among individuals when engaging in gift giving. Givers exhibited a higher inclination towards prevention‐focused strategies, whereas receivers displayed a stronger preference for promotion‐focused strategies. Moreover, givers tend to significantly overestimate the extent to which receivers perceive probabilistic gifts as violating gifting norms. These disparities resulted in an asymmetrical preference for probabilistic gifts between givers and receivers. In Study 5, we found that consideration of creativity in gifting moderated the giver‐receiver asymmetrical preference for probabilistic gifts. Specifically, givers with heightened consideration of creativity were more likely to choose probabilistic gifts. These findings imply that gift givers could give greater consideration to probabilistic gifts, and marketers can capitalize on this by promoting probabilistic goods as viable gift options.
An approach to slice regular functions via post‐quantum calculus theory
Authors: González‐Cervantes José Oscar , Núñez‐Olmedo Luis Gerardo , Bory‐Reyes Juan , Sabadini Irene
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this paper is to combine the
‐calculus in the quaternionic context, which is proposed via two kinds of
‐operators, with the theory of slice regular functions. Specifically, we shall work in suitable subclasses of slice regular functions in which the
‐operators can be related with the slice derivative. The paper presents some results such as an integral formula and series expansion.
Non‐global solutions for the inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger equation without gauge invariance
Authors: Saanouni Tarek
Published: June 2024

This work investigates the non‐global existence of solutions for the inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger problem without gauge invariance. Indeed, initially, we establish the non‐global existence of certain mass‐subcritical solutions. Subsequently, we demonstrate the non‐global existence of energy‐subcritical solutions characterized by small initial data. These results are are acknowledged to be unsuccessful for the classical gauge invariant inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger equation (INLS).
Point collocation with mollified piecewise polynomial approximants for high‐order partial differential equations
Authors: Alfarisy Dewangga , Zuhal Lavi , Ortiz Michael , Cirak Fehmi , Febrianto Eky
Published: June 2024

The solution approximation for partial differential equations (PDEs) can be substantially improved using smooth basis functions. The recently introduced mollified basis functions are constructed through mollification, or convolution, of cell‐wise defined piecewise polynomials with a smooth mollifier of certain characteristics. The properties of the mollified basis functions are governed by the order of the piecewise functions and the smoothness of the mollifier. In this work, we exploit the high‐order and high‐smoothness properties of the mollified basis functions for solving PDEs through the point collocation method. The basis functions are evaluated at a set of collocation points in the domain. In addition, boundary conditions are imposed at a set of boundary collocation points distributed over the domain boundaries. To ensure the stability of the resulting linear system of equations, the number of collocation points is set larger than the total number of basis functions. The resulting linear system is overdetermined and is solved using the least square technique. The presented numerical examples confirm the convergence of the proposed approximation scheme for Poisson, linear elasticity, and biharmonic problems. We study in particular the influence of the mollifier and the spatial distribution of the collocation points.
Self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation are associated with lower sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption in low‐income overweight and obese mothers of young children
Authors: Jancsura McKenzie K. , Helsabeck Nathan P. , Militello Lisa K. , Chang Mei‐Wei
Published: June 2024

Sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is strongly associated with obesity. Autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy, key concepts of self‐determination theory, may influence SSB consumption. Low‐income mothers of young children experience disproportionate rates of obesity. Whether autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy are associated with SSB consumption in low‐income mothers of young children is unknown. This exploratory secondary data analysis explored whether autonomous motivation or self‐efficacy were associated with SBB consumption using data from a lifestyle intervention for low‐income, overweight or obese mothers with young children. Participants (N = 311) completed surveys assessing autonomous motivation, self‐efficacy, and SSB consumption at baseline, after the 16‐week intervention, and at 3‐month follow‐up. Using baseline data, we performed linear regression models to explore associations of self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation with SSB consumption. We also performed mixed effects models to explore whether autonomous motivation or self‐efficacy were associated with SSB consumption over time. At baseline, a one‐point increase in autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy were associated with 4.36 (p < 0.001) and 6.43 (p = 0.025) fewer ounces of SSB consumption per day, respectively. In longitudinal models, SSB consumption decreased over time. Change in SSB consumption was associated with self‐efficacy (B = −4.88; p = 0.015) and autonomous motivation (B = −2.29; p = 0.008). Our findings suggest self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation may influence SSB consumption among mothers of young children with overweight and obesity. Further investigation should explore if self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation have long‐term effects on SSB consumption.
Reinforcing poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) biodegradable blends with silicon carbide (SiC): A silane‐coupled approach for enhanced mechanical and thermal performance
Authors: Somdee Patcharapon , Shettar Manjunath , Prasoetsopha Natkrita , Ansari Manauwar Ali
Published: June 2024

This study aims to enhance the properties of biodegradable plastics by blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as well as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with silicon carbide (SiC). SiC content was varied from 10 to 40 phr using an internal mixer, maintaining a 90/10 wt% ratio of PLA/PBS as the matrix. The investigation covered mechanical, thermal properties, chemical structure, and composite morphology. The morphological analysis confirmed even dispersion of SiC within the PLA/PBS matrix, possibly due to improved compatibility via a silane coupling treatment. This resulted in the maximum Young's modulus and impact strength with 40 phr SiC, showing a 40% and 76% enhancement, respectively, compared to pure PLA. Concerning thermal properties, SiC addition influenced the mobility of PLA/PBS molecular chains and crystalline structure, leading to an increase in Tg with higher SiC fractions. However, ΔHm of PLA, PBS, and Xc,PLA decreased, which corresponds to reduced viscosity in the PLA/PBS blend and increased mobility with higher SiC content, as indicated by the elevated MFI value.

Highlights

Young's modulus increased by 40% and impact strength by 76% than pure PLA.

Even SiC dispersion in PLA/PBS, possibly aided by silane coupling.

SiC alters chain mobility, boosts crystalline structure, raising Tg.

ΔHm and Xc,PLA reduced, suggests reduced viscosity in PLA/PBS at more SiC.

Elevated MFI value shows increased chain mobility in PLA/PBS blend at more SiC.
Fetal bradycardia in open versus fetoscopic prenatal repair of spina bifida
Authors: Papastefan Steven T. , Alhajjat Amir M. , Ott Katherine C. , Liesman Daniel R. , Langereis Morgan M. , Boat Anne C. , Pombar Xavier F. , Kominiarek Michelle A. , Bowman Robin M. , Shaaban Aimen F.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To compare the occurrence of fetal bradycardia in open versus fetoscopic fetal spina bifida surgery.

Methods

This is a single‐institution retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing open (n = 25) or fetoscopic (n = 26) spina bifida repair between 2017 and 2022. From October 2017 to June 2020, spina bifida repairs were performed via an open classical hysterotomy, and from November 2020 to June 2022 fetoscopic repairs were performed following transition to this technique. Fetal heart rate (FHR) in beats per minute (bpm) was recorded via echocardiography every 15 min during the procedure. Cohort characteristics, fetal bradycardia and maternal physiologic parameters were compared between the groups.

Results

Fetuses undergoing an open repair more frequently developed bradycardia defined as <110 bpm (32% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.008), and a trend was observed for FHR decreases more than 25 bpm from baseline (20% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.073). Profound bradycardia less than 80 bpm was rare, occurring in only three operations (two in open, one in fetoscopic repair) with two fetuses (one in each group) requiring emergency cesarean delivery.

Conclusion

When compared to open fetal surgery, fetal bradycardia occurred less frequently in fetoscopic surgery despite a significantly greater anesthetic exposure and the use of the intraamniotic carbon dioxide insufflation.
Caudal regression in fetus with de novo SMARCA2 pathogenic variant
Authors: Wang Michelle Joy , Febres‐Cordero Daniela A. , Poorvu Tabitha , Delerme Paula , Hecht Jonathan , Oyelese Yinka , O’Brien Barbara , Ferrés Millie Anne
Published: June 2024

Nicolaides‐Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic condition that is characterized by severe intellectual disability, dysmorphic facial features, short stature, sparse hair, and early onset seizures. This diagnosis is established by suggestive clinical findings and the identification of a heterozygous SMARCA2 pathogenic variant by molecular genetic testing. There are not, however, consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for this condition as there are so few documented cases. Here, we present a case of prenatally diagnosed caudal regression with sacral agenesis and congenital vertical talus (rocker bottom feet) that was ultimately found to have a de novo SMARCA2 pathogenic variant. The patient had an amniocentesis with normal karyotype and microarray followed by failed direct rapid whole exome sequencing (WES) due to maternal cell contamination. She elected for termination of the pregnancy based on the clinical prognosis of the ultrasound findings; WES revealed a pathogenic variant after her termination. We believe this is the first case of these findings associated with NCBRS. If any future cases of either finding are found in association with a SMARCA2 genetic variant, caudal regression and rocker bottom feet should be included in the spectrum of physical traits associated with this pathogenic variant.
Comparative metabolite profiling of salt sensitive Oryza sativa and the halophytic wild rice Oryza coarctata under salt stress
Authors: Tamanna Nishat , Mojumder Anik , Azim Tomalika , Iqbal Md Ishmam , Alam Md Nafis Ul , Rahman Abidur , Seraj Zeba I.
Published: June 2024

To better understand the salt tolerance of the wild rice, Oryza coarctata, root tissue‐specific untargeted comparative metabolomic profiling was performed against the salt‐sensitive Oryza sativa. Under control, O. coarctata exhibited abundant levels of most metabolites, while salt caused their downregulation in contrast to metabolites in O. sativa. Under control conditions, itaconate, vanillic acid, threonic acid, eicosanoids, and a group of xanthin compounds were comparatively abundant in O. coarctata. Similarly, eight amino acids showed constitutive abundance in O. coarctata. In contrast, under control, glycerolipid abundances were lower in O. coarctata and salt stress further reduced their abundance. Most phospholipids also showed a distribution similar to the glycerolipids. Fatty acyls were however significantly induced in O. coarctata but organic acids were prominently induced in O. sativa. Changes in metabolite levels suggest that there was upregulation of the arachidonic acid metabolism in O. coarctata. In addition, the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as well as cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis were also more enriched in O. coarctata, likely contributing to its anatomical traits responsible for salt tolerance. The comparative variation in the number of metabolites like gelsemine, allantoin, benzyl alcohol, specific phospholipids, and glycerolipids may play a role in maintaining the superior growth of O. coarctata in salt. Collectively, our results offer a comprehensive analysis of the metabolite profile in the roots of salt‐tolerant O. coarctata and salt‐sensitive O. sativa, which confirm potential targets for metabolic engineering to improve salt tolerance and resilience in commercial rice genotypes.
Incidence and outcomes of pediatric patients with dual diagnosis of traumatic spinal cord injury and brain injury on an inpatient rehabilitation unit
Authors: Chicoine Caitlin , Mitelpunkt Alexis , Zhang Nanhua , Bolikal Priya
Published: June 2024

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are diagnoses commonly encountered on the pediatric rehabilitation unit. However, there is limited evidence in the literature addressing the incidence of or rehabilitation outcomes in pediatric patients with a dual diagnosis of TBI and SCI.

Objective

To determine incidence and functional outcomes of the dual diagnosis population.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation unit within an academic pediatric hospital.

Patients

Pediatric patients admitted to a single inpatient rehabilitation unit with a diagnosis of traumatic SCI between 2006 and 2019. Fifty‐four patient records were identified and 26 met inclusion criteria.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

Presence of concomitant TBI in patients with diagnosed SCI.

Results

Seven of 26 patients were given a dual diagnosis of TBI and SCI during their initial rehabilitation hospitalization. After review of charts, authors identified 12 additional patients with suspected dual diagnoses based on injury characteristics and symptoms. There were no significant differences in functional outcomes across diagnosis groups.

Conclusions

Incidence of dual diagnosis among pediatric patients with traumatic SCI was initially found to be 27%; the retrospective review indicated that TBI may be underdiagnosed in this patient population, and the dual diagnosis incidence may be as high as 73%. All patients had improved functional outcomes during their rehabilitation stays regardless of presence or absence of TBI.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Brindisino Fabrizio , Marruganti Sharon , Lorusso Domenico , Cavaggion Claudia , Ristori Diego
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To investigate if Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy (ESWT) is effective in reducing pain and disability, in improving function, quality of life and complete resorption rate of calcification in patients with Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy. To investigate which modality of ESWT brings the greatest clinical improvements between High (HE)‐SWT and Low Energy (LE)‐SWT and between Focal (F)‐SWT and Radial (R)‐SWT.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL Database, and PEDro databases until February 2024 were searched. Study registers were further investigated. The Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed with the Revised Cochrane RoB Tool (RoB 2). The certainty of evidence was rated with GRADE.

Results

Twenty‐one randomized controlled trials were included. None was judged as overall low RoB. Comparing ESWT and Ultrasound Guided Needling Procedures (USGNP), the pooled results reported a significant difference favoring USGNP in pain at <24 and <48 weeks (MD = 1.17, p = 0.004, I2 = 59%; MD = 1.31, p = 0.004, I2 = 42%, respectively). Comparing ESWT and sham‐ESWT, the pooled results reported a clinically significant difference favoring ESWT in pain and function at 24 weeks (MD = −5.72, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%; Standardized Mean Difference = 2.94, p = 0.02 I2 = 98%, respectively). Comparing HE‐SWT and LE‐SWT, HE‐SWT was statistically and clinically superior in pain and function at <24 weeks (MD = −1.83, p = 0.03, I2 = 87%; MD = 14.60, p = 0.002, I2 = 77%, respectively) and showed a significantly higher complete resorption rate of calcification at 12 weeks (Risk Ratio = 2.53, p = 0.001, I2 = 0%). F‐SWT and R‐SWT appear equally effective in reducing pain, improving disability and resorption rate. The certainty of evidence was rated as very low through GRADE approach.

Conclusion

USGNP was statistically superior to ESWT in pain reduction at <24 and <48 weeks. ESWT was clinically better to sham‐ESWT in pain reduction and function improvement at 24 weeks. HE‐SWT was clinically more effective than LE‐SWT in reducing pain, improving function at <24 weeks, and resolving calcific deposits at 12 weeks, while no differences between F‐SWT and R‐SWT were reported.
Amphiphilic amidines as potential plasmic membrane‐targeting antifungal agents: synthesis, bio‐activities and QSAR
Authors: Chen Guangyou , Bai Jing , Wu Xinyan , Huo Xinyi , Li Yongqiang , Lei Peng , Ma Zhiqing
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess broad‐spectrum biological activities with less inclination to inducing antibiotic resistance. Herein a battery of amphiphilic amidines were designed by mimicking the characteristics of AMPs. The antifungal activities and the effects to the hyphal morphology and membrane permeability were investigated.

RESULTS

The results indicated the inhibitory rates of ten compounds were over 80% to Botrytis cinerea and ten compounds over 90% to Valsa mali Miyabe et Yamada at 50 mg L−1. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of compound 5g and 6g to V. mali were 1.21 and 1.90 mg L−1 respectively. The protective rate against apple canker of compound 5g reached 93.4% at 100 mg L−1 on twigs, superior to carbendazim (53.3%). When treated with 5g, the cell membrane permeability and leakage of content of V. mali increased, accompanied with the decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level. Concurrently, the mycelial hyphae contracted, wrinkled, and collapsed, providing evidence of membrane perturbation. A three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) between the topic compounds and the EC50 to V. mali was established showing good predictability (r2 = 0.971).

CONCLUSION

Amphiphilic amidines can acquire antifungal activities by acting on the plasmic membrane. Compound 5g could be a promising lead in discovering novel fungicidal candidates. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
FogDEFTKube: Standards‐compliant dynamic deployment of fog service containers
Authors: Thalla Rajesh , Srirama Satish Narayana
Published: June 2024

The traditional cloud‐centric approach in IoT applications lack the speed and efficiency required for time‐critical tasks, resulting in network inefficiencies. To address this, the notions of Edge and Fog computing have emerged as alternatives. Fog computing facilitates the deployment of services and applications closer to the network's edge, lowering latency and allowing real‐time capabilities. It enhances reliability, fault tolerance, and connectivity in areas with spotty network coverage. Despite the fact that fog computing overcomes the limitations of cloud‐centric IoT processing, its adoption faces challenges like platform independence, interoperability, and portability. To tackle these challenges, the FogDEFT (Fog computing out of the box: Dynamic dEployment of Fog service containers with TOSCA) framework was developed. It complies to OASIS‐TOSCA standards and guarantees dynamic deployment of fog services on resource‐constrained devices while leveraging Docker containerization technology to ensure platform independence and interoperability. Due to its tight coupling with Docker Swarm, which is designed for medium‐sized deployments, the fogDEFT framework is constrained by Docker Swarm's limitations, hindering its ability to effectively manage large‐scale, automated, and resource‐efficient microservice deployments. To address these limitations, we propose FogDEFTKube, an extension of the FogDEFT architecture that incorporates Kubernetes for orchestration, Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment, and a comprehensive redefinition of the core capabilities of the FogDEFT architecture. This offers a promising solution that supports Kubernetes for handling scalable and highly available fog applications with ease while offering CI/CD. FogDEFTKube simplifies the modeling and deployment of fog services while abstracting the complexities of underlying fog networks.
Viewing cancer as a chaotic ‘information processing system’
Authors: Tez Mesut
Published: June 2024

The effort to define life encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from biology and physics to spirituality. Traditionally, replies were restricted to specialized specialties, resulting in disjointed solutions. Cancer research has mostly concentrated on genetic and cellular factors. This essay aims to reframe the way we think about cancer by looking at it through the perspective of information processing. It investigates the cybernetic component of life, perceiving it as a unified system of information processing at all scales. Stem cell research reveals their complex heterogeneity and flexibility, which are critical for tissue repair and development. Initially thought to be harmful, chaotic gene expression is now acknowledged to provide cellular flexibility. Using chaos to improve adaptation contrasts with the unpredictability of evolution, showcasing the system's ability to learn and adapt. Creativity, disorder and chaos interact, opening up new avenues for new ideas. This viewpoint opposes the gene‐centric view of cancer and highlights the importance of understanding biological processes beyond genetic reductionism. The essay finishes by pushing for a paradigm change towards seeing cancer as an informational process rather than just a hereditary disease and encouraging a better knowledge of the information processing capabilities of cellular life.
Influence of Ageing Time of Starch Gels Prior to Freeze–Thaw Cycles on the Properties of Pinhão Starch Hydrogel (Araucaria angustifolia)
Authors: Sena dos Santos Jucilene , Biduski Bárbara , Colussi Rosana , Hernandez Flores Wladimir , Ruschel dos Santos Luciana
Published: June 2024

The ageing time of a starch gel can influence the structure of hydrogels as the reorganization of amylose–amylopectin can progressively change over time. This study evaluates the influence of ageing time prior to freeze–thaw cycles on pore formation, water absorption, and mechanical resistance of pinhão starch hydrogels. The hydrogels are prepared by starch gelatinization followed by ageing for 0, 3, 6, and 9 h before the freeze–thaw cycles. Immediately frozen gel (0 h) produces a hydrogel with a honeycomb structure with regular pores size while ageing (3, 6, and 9 h) created a spongy structure. The hydrogels aged for 0 and 3 h fragment after the compression test, while those aged for 6 and 9 h maintain firm and intact structures. The 0 h aged hydrogels have the lowest water absorption (520%) and the highest mechanical resistance (1407.50 g). The hydrogels aged for 3, 6, and 9 h show water absorption between 670% and 700% and mechanical resistance of 635.34–800.79 g. In conclusion, a minimum of 6 h gel ageing before freeze–thaw cycles is necessary to achieve a firm structure and ensure the required functional properties for practical application with pinhão starch.
Analysis on flexural capacity of basalt textile grid‐reinforced ECC strengthening RC beam
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Gejia , Zhang Zhen , Wang Zicheng , Han Yufei
Published: June 2024

The basalt textile grid‐reinforced engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is used to strengthening the reinforced concrete beam. Flexural test and theoretical analysis were carried out. The flexural tests were performed, including six basalt textile grid‐reinforced ECC strengthening beams and one control beam. The variables include two grid strength and three treatments for the interface of the strengthening layer. The failure modes of test beams were evaluated. The load‐deflection curve is analyzed, and stress–strain curve of steel bar and grid are analyzed. The strengthening effects of chipping treatment, epoxy resin bonding treatment and rebar‐planting treatment are discussed. The comprehensive evaluation of the results shows that the strengthening effect of the epoxy resin bonding treatment is the best method. The carrying capacity of the strengthened beam in cracking stage, yield stage, and ultimate stage increased 62.8%–78.5%, 10.3%–18.9%, and 1.8%–10.9%, respectively. The analytical solutions for the calculation method of carrying capacity of strengthened beams in cracking, yield, and ultimate stages is proposed. The calculation value of strengthened beam agree well with the test results. The formula for predicting the flexural capacity of a beam strengthened with the basalt textile grid‐reinforced ECC is established.
Passing as Able‐Bodyminded, Disabled, or Supercrip: Rethinking Impression Management Strategies Through a Disability Lens
Authors: Wechuli Yvonne
Published: June 2024

This paper further develops the interactionist notion of passing from a disability studies perspective. Drawing on central disability studies journals' archives in the course of a theoretical PhD project that explores disability studies' theorizing of emotions, passing emerged as one of several issues of emotional relevance in the context of disability—more specifically, as one among several strategic negotiations of feelings in a dis/ableist society. When rethinking passing through the lens of disability, a more nuanced typology emerges; three different ways to negotiate the visibility of one's disability status in order to manage the public impression. I discuss my terminological choices to acknowledge how disabled people strategically negotiate visibility to avoid being made to feel unpleasant in a dis/ableist society.
A prospective single‐arm clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of monofilament polydioxanone barbed suture, MONOFIX®, on abdominal fascial closure
Authors: Pyo Dae Hee , Yun Seong Hyeon , Lee Woo Yong
Published: June 2024

Background

For abdominal fascial closure, the choice of optimal suture material and appropriate suture technique are of paramount importance to prevent the incidence of incisional hernia. Although barbed sutures are widely used in various surgical fields, their safety and feasibility on abdominal fascial closure which requires the most tensile strength for security have not been established yet.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, single‐arm, interventional clinical trial to present the postoperative outcomes of using barbed sutures in abdominal fascial closure between April 2021 and August 2021. Patients with colorectal cancer who underwent minimally invasive surgery in elective setting were included. For all participants, monofilament polydioxanone barbed suture, MONOFIX®, was used to secure the abdominal fasica. The primary outcome was the 1‐year incidence of incisional hernia assessed by computed tomography.

Results

A total of 30 patients were included. The median fascial incision length and suture length were 6.5 cm (range, 6–7.5 cm) and 31 cm (range, 27.5–39.0 cm), respectively. The median procedure time of abdominal fascial closure was 4 min (range, 3–9 min). There was no incidence of unexpected event related to suturing including suture cutting, stopper separation from threads, and suture loosening. One case of superficial surgical site infection occurred during postoperative hospital stays. There was no fascial dehiscence, incisional hernia, and adhesive ileus during a median follow‐up period of 17.5 months.

Conclusion

Monofilament polydioxanone barbed suture, MONOFIX®, may be used safely and effectively on abdominal fascial closure.

Clinicaltrials.gov number

NCT05872334.
Distributive Justice
Authors: de Vries Annick , Werner Gijsbert , Wijlhuizen Elsenoor , Toom Victor , Bovens Mark , Hulscher Suzanne
Published: June 2024

In this chapter, we draw on political philosophy and ethics to identify ten principles of distributive justice that are relevant to climate policy. We have divided these principles into four categories: ‘greatest utility’, ‘individual rights and freedoms’, ‘solidarity and capacity’ and ‘contribution and benefit’. We briefly discuss some important ethical and political-philosophical schools associated with these categories, and elaborate on the ten principles.
Schur line defect correlators and giant graviton expansion
Authors: Beccaria M.
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We consider Schur line defect correlators in four dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 U(N) SYM and their giant graviton expansion encoding finite N corrections to the large N limit. We compute in closed form the single giant graviton contribution to correlators with general insertions of $$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

-BPS charged Wilson lines. For the 2-point function with fundamental and anti-fundamental Wilson lines, we match the result from fluctuations of two half-infinite strings ending on the giant graviton, recently proposed in arXiv:2403.11543. In particular, we prove exact factorization of the defect contribution with respect to wrapped D3 brane fluctuations representing the single giant graviton correction to the undecorated Schur index. This follows from a finite-difference representation of the Schur line defect index in terms of the index without defects, and similar factorization holds quite generally for more complicated defect configurations. In particular, the single giant graviton contribution to the 4-point function with two fundamental and two anti-fundamental lines is computed and discussed in this perspective.
Prostaglandin I2 signaling prevents angiotensin II-induced atrial remodeling and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in mice
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yuan Meng , Cai Wenbin , Sun Weiyan , Shi Xuelian , Liu Daiqi , Song Wenhua , Yan Yingqun , Chen Tienan , Bao Qiankun , Zhang Bangying , Liu Tong , Zhu Yi , Zhang Xu , Li Guangping
Published: June 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, and atrial fibrosis is a pathological hallmark of structural remodeling in AF. Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) can prevent the process of fibrosis in various tissues via cell surface Prostaglandin I2 receptor (IP). However, the role of PGI2 in AF and atrial fibrosis remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the role of PGI2 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AF and the underlying molecular mechanism. PGI2 content was decreased in both plasma and atrial tissue from patients with AF and mice treated with Ang II. Treatment with the PGI2 analog, iloprost, reduced Ang II-induced AF and atrial fibrosis. Iloprost prevented Ang II-induced atrial fibroblast collagen synthesis and differentiation. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that iloprost significantly attenuated transcriptome changes in Ang II-treated atrial fibroblasts, especially mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-regulated genes. We demonstrated that iloprost elevated cAMP levels and then activated protein kinase A, resulting in a suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and P38 activation, and ultimately inhibiting MAPK-dependent interleukin-6 transcription. In contrast, cardiac fibroblast-specific IP-knockdown mice had increased Ang II-induced AF inducibility and aggravated atrial fibrosis. Together, our study suggests that PGI2/IP system protects against atrial fibrosis and that PGI2 is a therapeutic target for treating AF.

The prospectively registered trial was approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The trial registration number is ChiCTR2200056733. Data of registration was 2022/02/12.
Structure, regulation, and mechanisms of nonmuscle myosin-2
Authors: Chinthalapudi Krishna , Heissler Sarah M.
Published: June 2024

Members of the myosin superfamily of molecular motors are large mechanochemical ATPases that are implicated in an ever-expanding array of cellular functions. This review focuses on mammalian nonmuscle myosin-2 (NM2) paralogs, ubiquitous members of the myosin-2 family of filament-forming motors. Through the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work, NM2 paralogs remodel and shape cells and tissues. This process is tightly controlled in time and space by numerous synergetic regulation mechanisms to meet cellular demands. We review how recent advances in structural biology together with elegant biophysical and cell biological approaches have contributed to our understanding of the shared and unique mechanisms of NM2 paralogs as they relate to their kinetics, regulation, assembly, and cellular function.
Phospholipid scramblase 1: an essential component of the nephrocyte slit diaphragm
Authors: Castillo-Mancho Vicente , Atienza-Manuel Alexandra , Sarmiento-Jiménez Jorge , Ruiz-Gómez Mar , Culi Joaquim
Published: June 2024

Blood ultrafiltration in nephrons critically depends on specialized intercellular junctions between podocytes, named slit diaphragms (SDs). Here, by studying a homologous structure found in Drosophila nephrocytes, we identify the phospholipid scramblase Scramb1 as an essential component of the SD, uncovering a novel link between membrane dynamics and SD formation. In scramb1 mutants, SDs fail to form. Instead, the SD components Sticks and stones/nephrin, Polychaetoid/ZO-1, and the Src-kinase Src64B/Fyn associate in cortical foci lacking the key SD protein Dumbfounded/NEPH1. Scramb1 interaction with Polychaetoid/ZO-1 and Flotillin2, the presence of essential putative palmitoylation sites and its capacity to oligomerize, suggest a function in promoting SD assembly within lipid raft microdomains. Furthermore, Scramb1 interactors as well as its functional sensitivity to temperature, suggest an active involvement in membrane remodeling processes during SD assembly. Remarkably, putative Ca2+-binding sites in Scramb1 are essential for its activity raising the possibility that Ca2+ signaling may control the assembly of SDs by impacting on Scramb1 activity.
Disrupting Smad3 potentiates immunostimulatory function of NK cells against lung carcinoma by promoting GM-CSF production
Authors: Lian Guang-Yu , Wang Qing-Ming , Mak Thomas Shiu-Kwong , Huang Xiao-Ru , Yu Xue-Qing , Lan Hui-Yao
Published: June 2024

Through Smad3-dependent signalings, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) suppresses the development, maturation, cytokine productions and cytolytic functions of NK cells in cancer. Silencing Smad3 remarkably restores the cytotoxicity of NK-92 against cancer in TGF-β-rich microenvironment, but its effects on the immunoregulatory functions of NK cells remain obscure. In this study, we identified Smad3 functioned as a transcriptional repressor for CSF2 (GM-CSF) in NK cells. Therefore, disrupting Smad3 largely mitigated TGF-β-mediated suppression on GM-CSF production by NK cells. Furthermore, silencing GM-CSF in Smad3 knockout NK cells substantially impaired their anti-lung carcinoma effects. In-depth study demonstrated that NK-derived GM-CSF strengthened T cell immune responses by stimulating dendritic cell differentiation and M1 macrophage polarization. Meanwhile, NK-derived GM-CSF promoted the survival of neutrophils, which in turn facilitated the terminal maturation of NK cells, and subsequently boosted NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity against lung carcinoma. Thus, Smad3-silenced NK-92 (NK-92-S3KD) may serve as a promising immunoadjuvant therapy with clinical translational value given its robust cytotoxicity against malignant cells and immunostimulatory functions to reinforce the therapeutic effects of other immunotherapies.
Optimization of an architected composite with tailored graded properties
Authors: Casalotti Arnaldo , D’Annibale Francesco , Rosi Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

The aim of the present study is to design a solid material with specific and tailored mechanical properties through a suitably defined design framework and to evaluate the effectiveness of different microstructure geometries in an engineering perspective. To these ends, topology optimization algorithms are applied on a 2D homogenized equivalent model of a periodic structure. The design framework, developed in a previous work for 2D lattices made of regular hexagons, is here expanded and validated also in the cases of circular and square unit cells. The proposed approach involves optimizing porosity distribution of a homogenized equivalent solid, obtained through a Bloch–Floquet-based analysis, within a 2D lattice of regular unit cells forming the core element of a sandwich panel. Finite-element analyses on homogenized and fine structural models are carried out in order to validate the procedure, beyond the particular choice of the unit cell geometry and to detect its effectiveness and limits.
Application of a robust MALDI mass spectrometry approach for bee pollen investigation
Authors: Braglia Chiara , Alberoni Daniele , Di Gioia Diana , Giacomelli Alessandra , Bocquet Michel , Bulet Philippe
Published: June 2024

Pollen collected by pollinators can be used as a marker of the foraging behavior as well as indicate the botanical species present in each environment. Pollen intake is essential for pollinators’ health and survival. During the foraging activity, some pollinators, such as honeybees, manipulate the collected pollen mixing it with salivary secretions and nectar (corbicular pollen) changing the pollen chemical profile. Different tools have been developed for the identification of the botanical origin of pollen, based on microscopy, spectrometry, or molecular markers. However, up to date, corbicular pollen has never been investigated. In our work, corbicular pollen from 5 regions with different climate conditions was collected during spring. Pollens were identified with microscopy-based techniques, and then analyzed in MALDI-MS. Four different chemical extraction solutions and two physical disruption methods were tested to achieve a MALDI-MS effective protocol. The best performance was obtained using a sonication disruption method after extraction with acetic acid or trifluoroacetic acid. Therefore, we propose a new rapid and reliable methodology for the identification of the botanical origin of the corbicular pollens using MALDI-MS. This new approach opens to a wide range of environmental studies spanning from plant biodiversity to ecosystem trophic interactions.

Graphical Abstract
Quantitative proteome-wide O-glycoproteomics analysis with FragPipe
Authors: Polasky Daniel A. , Lu Lei , Yu Fengchao , Li Kai , Shortreed Michael R. , Smith Lloyd M. , Nesvizhskii Alexey I.
Published: June 2024

Identification of O-glycopeptides from tandem mass spectrometry data is complicated by the near complete dissociation of O-glycans from the peptide during collisional activation and by the combinatorial explosion of possible glycoforms when glycans are retained intact in electron-based activation. The recent O-Pair search method provides an elegant solution to these problems, using a collisional activation scan to identify the peptide sequence and total glycan mass, and a follow-up electron-based activation scan to localize the glycosite(s) using a graph-based algorithm in a reduced search space. Our previous O-glycoproteomics methods with MSFragger-Glyco allowed for extremely fast and sensitive identification of O-glycopeptides from collisional activation data but had limited support for site localization of glycans and quantification of glycopeptides. Here, we report an improved pipeline for O-glycoproteomics analysis that provides proteome-wide, site-specific, quantitative results by incorporating the O-Pair method as a module within FragPipe. In addition to improved search speed and sensitivity, we add flexible options for oxonium ion-based filtering of glycans and support for a variety of MS acquisition methods and provide a comparison between all software tools currently capable of O-glycosite localization in proteome-wide searches.

Graphical Abstract
Root stacks and periodic decompositions
Authors: Bodzenta A. , Donovan W.
Published: June 2024

For an effective Cartier divisor D on a scheme X we may form an $${n}^{\text {th}}$$

n

th

 root stack. Its derived category is known to have a semiorthogonal decomposition with components given by D and X. We show that this decomposition is $$2n$$

2
n

-periodic. For $$n=2$$

n
=
2

this gives a purely triangulated proof of the existence of a known spherical functor, namely the pushforward along the embedding of D. For $$n > 2$$

n
>
2

we find a higher spherical functor in the sense of recent work of Dyckerhoff et al. (N-spherical functors and categorification of Euler’s continuants. arXiv:2306.13350, 2023). We use a realization of the root stack construction as a variation of GIT, which may be of independent interest.
Two protocols for the detection of oleaginous bacteria using Oil Red O
Authors: Silva Roxana A. , Hernández Martín A. , Kalscheuer Rainer , Steinbüchel Alexander , Alvarez Héctor M.
Published: June 2024

The selection of oleaginous bacteria, potentially applicable to biotechnological approaches, is usually carried out by different expensive and time-consuming techniques. In this study, we used Oil Red O (ORO) as an useful dye for staining of neutral lipids (triacylglycerols and wax esters) on thin-layer chromatography plates. ORO could detect minimal quantities of both compounds (detection limit, 0.0025 mg of tripalmitin or 0.005 mg of cetylpalmitate). In addition, we developed a specific, rapid, and inexpensive screening methodology to detect triacylglycerol-accumulating microorganisms grown on the agar plate. This staining methodology detected 9/13 strains with a triacylglycerol content higher than 20% by cellular dry weight. ORO did not stain polyhydroxyalkanoates-producing bacteria. The four oleaginous strains not detected by this screening methodology exhibited a mucoid morphology of their colonies. Apparently, an extracellular polymeric substance produced by these strains hampered the entry of the lipophilic dye into cells. The utilization of the developed screening methodology would allow selecting of oleaginous bacteria in a simpler and faster way than techniques usually used nowadays, based on unspecific staining protocols and spectrophotometric or chromatographic methods. Furthermore, the use of ORO as a staining reagent would easily characterize the neutral lipids accumulated by microorganisms as reserve compounds.

Key points

• Oil Red O staining is specific for triacylglycerols

• Oil Red O staining is useful to detect oleaginous bacteria

• Fast and inexpensive staining to isolate oleaginous bacteria from the environment
Effects of the pleiotropic regulator DasR on lincomycin production in Streptomyces lincolnensis
Authors: Pai Huihui , Liu Yiying , Zhang Chuanbo , Su Jianyu , Lu Wenyu
Published: June 2024

The lincoamide antibiotic lincomycin, derived from Streptomyces lincolnensis, is widely used for the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. As a common global regulatory factor of GntR family, DasR usually exists as a regulatory factor that negatively regulates antibiotic synthesis in Streptomyces. However, the regulatory effect of DasR on lincomycin biosynthesis in S. lincolnensis has not been thoroughly investigated. The present study demonstrates that DasR functions as a positive regulator of lincomycin biosynthesis in S. lincolnensis, and its overexpression strain OdasR exhibits a remarkable 7.97-fold increase in lincomycin production compared to the wild-type strain. The effects of DasR overexpression could be attenuated by the addition of GlcNAc in the medium in S. lincolnensis. Combined with transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR results, it was found that most structural genes in GlcNAc metabolism and central carbon metabolism were up-regulated, but the lincomycin biosynthetic gene cluster (lmb) were down-regulated after dasR knock-out. However, DasR binding were detected with the DasR responsive elements (dre) of genes involved in GlcNAc metabolism pathway through electrophoretic mobility shift assay, while they were not observed in the lmb. These findings will provide novel insights for the genetic manipulation of S. lincolnensis to enhance lincomycin production.

Key points

• DasR is a positive regulator that promotes lincomycin synthesis and does not affect spore production

• DasR promotes lincomycin production through indirect regulation

• DasR correlates with nutrient perception in S. lincolnensis
Enhanced bioenergetic cellular activity with metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis in Keloid and Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae
Authors: Chalwa Temwani , Lebeko Maribanyana , Matobole Relebohile , P Khumalo Nonhlanhla , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: June 2024

Keloid scars and folliculitis keloidalis nuchae (FKN) are benign fibroproliferative dermal lesions of unknown aetiology and ill-defined treatment, which typically present in genetically susceptible individuals. Their pathognomonic hallmarks include local aggressive invasive behaviour plus high recurrence post-therapy. In view of this, we investigated proliferative and key parameters of bioenergetic cellular characteristics of site-specific keloid-derived fibroblasts (intra(centre)- and peri(margin)-lesional) and FKN compared to normal skin and normal flat non-hypertrophic scar fibroblasts as negative controls.

The results showed statistically significant (P < 0.01) and variable growth dynamics with increased proliferation and migration in keloid fibroblasts, while FKN fibroblasts showed a significant (P < 0.001) increase in proliferation but similar migration profile to controls. A statistically significant metabolic switch towards aerobic glycolysis in the fibroblasts from the disease conditions was noted. Furthermore, an increase in basal glycolysis with a concomitant increase in the cellular maximum glycolytic capacity was also demonstrated in perilesional keloid and FKN fibroblasts (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial function parameters showed increased oxidative phosphorylation in the disease conditions (P < 0.05) indicating functional mitochondria. These findings further suggest that Keloids and FKN demonstrate a switch to a metabolic phenotype of aerobic glycolysis. Increased glycolytic flux inhibition is a potential mechanistic basis for future therapy.