bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factor and Constraints Involved in Income Generation from Sericulture: A Study in three Districts of West Bengal, India
Authors: Sengupta Mrittika , Biswas Soma , Saha Soumen
Published: December 2023

Sericulture is an important sector for income generation in rural areas. Socio-personal and management factors along with relevant constraints were identified for income generation from sericulture in West Bengal. A total of 127 respondents were taken under the three districts i.e., Murshidabad, Nadia and South 24 Parganas. Total 14 socio-personal and 7 management factors were taken as independent variables and were statistically analyzed to understand their relationship with dependent variable income (y). The statistic used was correlation coefficient (r). Only 7 from socio-personal and 5 from management variables were found positively correlated with income. A total of 14 and 3 constraints were identified against mulberry and cocoon production, respectively. For mulberry production, 7 constraints were pest and disease related in that root rot disease and mealy bug pest (tukra) effected 8.66% and 18.11% with 6th and 1st rank respectively. For cocoon production 2 constraints were solely disease related in that grasserie infection and muscardine infection effected 62.20% and 29.92% with 1st and 2nd rank respectively. In socio-personal and management categories, a total of 4 major constraints were identified against income generation. However, based on the findings, it is to be mentioned that for any future income generation policy in sericulture care should be taken on identified factors and constraints based on their importance identified in this study.
Perfil de sensibilidade a antifúngicos de Candida lusitaniae isolada de caso de peritonite felina
Authors: Amorim Carolina Ferreira , Antón Ana Rita Sokolonski , Portela Ricardo Wagner
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Candida spp. são patógenos encontrados comumente em humanos, mas podem infectar outros animais. Candida lusitaniae é uma espécie menos frequentemente relatada de Candida não-albicans e pode levar a quadros de peritonite em humanos. Objetivo: relatar a identificação da C. lusitaniae isolada do líquido peritoneal de um gato adulto e avaliar o perfil de sensibilidade a antifúngicos. Metodologia: para identificação do fungo isolado de líquido peritoneal de gato com quadro de peritonite, foi utilizado o sistema MALDI-Biotyper. O ensaio de microdiluição foi realizado seguindo as normas do documento M27-S4 da CLSI para determinar a concentração mínima de antifúngicos capaz de inibir o crescimento de 100% dos fungos (MIC100). Logo após, foi obtida a concentração mínima dos mesmos antifúngicos capaz de inativar 100% dos fungos (MFC100). A atividade antimicrobiana dos compostos foi avaliada de acordo com a razão MFC100/MIC100. Resultados: O MALDI-Biotyper identificou a Candida lusitaniae como o agente etiológico da peritonite felina. Os antifúngicos testados nesta pesquisa apresentaram MIC100 definido, bem como 3/5 dessas drogas apresentaram ponto de corte epidemiológico. A relação MFC100/MIC100 classificou todos os antifúngicos aqui testados como tendo ação fungicida. Conclusão: a identificação da Candida lusitaniae, uma levedura rara, ocasionando peritonite em gatos, leva a uma discussão sobre os avanços dos fungos como agentes patogênicos em animais, especialmente Candida não-albicans, e sobre seus perfis de resistência a antifúngicos.
Avaliação de função e retorno a atividades pré-lesão em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia minimamente invasiva para reparo de lesão aguda de tendão calcâneo
Authors: Nonato Gabriela Silveira , Sberge Fernando Luis , Cunha Carolina , Conceição Cristiano Sena da
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: os tendões são estruturas que conectam os músculos aos ossos e geram transmissão de força, permitindo movimentos articulares. Lesões tendíneas levam os indivíduos a experimentarem dor e graus variados de limitação na prática de suas atividades diárias. Dados de literatura mostram que o tendão calcâneo está entre os mais propensos a lesão, tanto por sua anatomia quanto pelas altas demandas de carga fisiológica. O tratamento dessas rupturas tem mudado ao longo do tempo, evoluindo para procedimentos menos invasivos a fim de causar menor trauma cirúrgico possível e reduzir o tempo de cicatrização tecidual, restabelecendo funcionalidade prévia. Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o retorno a funções anteriores à lesão de pacientes submetidos a reparo cirúrgico de ruptura aguda de tendão calcâneo por técnicas minimente invasivas. Metodologia: inicialmente foi realizada uma busca de dados secundários em prontuários de um serviço de ortopedia de um hospital privado situado na cidade de Salvador (BA) entre os anos de 2016 a 2020. Os critérios de inclusão foram: idade ≥18; não sedentários; ruptura completa fechada da porção tendínea do calcâneo; ruptura ocorrida ≤7 dias antes do procedimento; ausência de procedimentos operatórios prévios no tendão lesionado; e sem história de ruptura parcial ou total prévia do tendão envolvido. Os critérios de exclusão foram: existência de doenças neurológicas centrais ou periféricas; paciente com alterações prévias da marcha; e pacientes com menos de três anos do tratamento cirúrgico. Para avaliar a funcionalidade foram utilizados o escore AOFAS para tornozelo e retropé e o questionário SF-36. Resultados: foram selecionados 23 prontuários de pacientes que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Destes, apenas 10 aceitaram participar do estudo. Todos eram do sexo masculino com média de idade de 46,5 anos. O tempo pós cirúrgico da avaliação atual foi, em média, de 4,5 anos.  Na análise da qualidade de vida dos pacientes, no domínio de capacidade funcional, a pontuação média foi de 97,5 pontos, sendo valor máximo de 100 pontos. Em relação à limitação por aspectos físicos, todos os pacientes tiveram recuperação completa (100 pontos). Quanto à dor, a média foi de 85,6 pontos. Todos os pacientes voltaram a praticar esportes. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significante (p>0,05) entre idade e avaliação de qualidade de vida pelo SF-36, já em relação ao tempo  pós-cirúrgico, observou-se uma forte correlação negativa, estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: a técnica de cirurgia minimamente invasiva parece ser uma abordagem que os cirurgiões devam levar em consideração na tomada de decisão terapêutica, visto que apresenta boa recuperação funcional de pessoas não sedentárias que sofreram ruptura aguda de tendão de calcâneo.
Perfil funcional de mulheres negras baianas com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNTs) após a pandemia da covid-19
Authors: Costa Isabelle de Oliveira , Lopes Selma Alves Valente do Amaral , Domingos Laisa Liane Paineiras
Published: December 2023

Introdução: o presente trabalho relata resultados preliminares de investigação sobre as condições de saúde de mulheres negras baianas com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNTs) e que foram infectadas pelo novo coronavírus durante a pandemia de covid-19. Objetivo: realizar um mapeamento e investigar a funcionalidade de mulheres negras com DCNTs e a condição pós-covid-19, residentes no estado da Bahia. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado por meio de um inquérito divulgado e respondido através das redes sociais mais comuns. Foi proposto identificar os sintomas relacionados à dispneia, o grau de independência funcional e o estado funcional pós-covid-19, por meio de instrumentos específicos. Resultados: preliminarmente, 18 respostas foram analisadas. A maioria das mulheres negras que compuseram a amostra são cisgênero, têm o ensino médio completo e residem na cidade de Salvador, Bahia. As DCNTs mais prevalentes na amostra foram a hipertensão arterial sistêmica e o diabetes mellitus. Dentre as 18 mulheres negras entrevistadas, quatro não apresentaram sintomas de dispneia, enquanto nove apresentaram sintomas correspondentes ao grau I, mencionando falta de ar aos esforços extremos, como correr e subir escadas íngremes e cinco com sintomas correspondentes ao grau II, referindo falta de ar ao andar depressa ou em subidas leves. 16 mulheres negras foram classificadas pelo Índice de Barthel como independentes, enquanto duas foram classificadas com uma dependência leve, considerando as categorias relacionadas ao controle esfincteriano (da bexiga), à mobilidade em superfície plana e ao acesso à escada. Conclusão: apesar das evidências afirmarem que a incapacidade física e a redução da função pulmonar são comuns entre os sobreviventes da covid-19, nota-se a ausência de estudos voltados especificamente para a condição pós-covid-19 em mulheres negras, tanto nas limitações leves quanto nas mais severas, atrelada à presença ou à falta de comorbidades.
‘Death Café’: perceptions of university students and professors about death and the finitude of life / ‘Death Café’: percepções de estudantes e professores universitários sobre morte e finitude de vida
Authors: Santos Fernando Ribeiro dos , Silva Lucimeire Aparecida da , Bais Dulce Dirclair Huf , Moreira Adailson da Silva , Bolela Fabiana , Pessalacia Juliana Dias Reis
Published: December 2023

Objetivo:este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as percepções de estudantes e docentes universitários da área da saúde sobre a morte e a finitude da vida, após participarem de uma atividade do tipo “Death Café”. Método: pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem clínico-qualitativa, realizada com 17 estudantes universitários e 6 professores em que se empregou a análise de conteúdo como método da análise de dados. Os resultados foram discutidos a partir do referencial da logoterapia. Resultados: emergiram quatro categorias: Qualidade de vida e morte, Morte e transcedentalidade, Preferências de fim de vida e Quebrando tabus. Conclusão: evidenciou-se uma mudança na compreensão dos participantes sobre o sentido da vida e da morte ao final da atividade proposta.
Improved Outcomes and Resource Use With Normothermic Machine Perfusion in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Nguyen Michelle C. , Zhang Chi , Chang Yu-Hui , Li Xingjie , Ohara Stephanie Y. , Kumm Kayla R. , Cosentino Christopher P. , Aqel Bashar A. , Lizaola-Mayo Blanca C. , Frasco Peter E. , Nunez-Nateras Raphael , Hewitt Winston R. , Harbell Jack W. , Katariya Nitin N. , Singer Andrew L. , Moss Adyr A. , Reddy Kunam S. , Jadlowiec Caroline , Mathur Amit K.
Published: January 2025

Importance

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has been shown to reduce peritransplant complications. Despite increasing NMP use in liver transplant (LT), there is a scarcity of real-world clinical experience data.

Objective

To compare LT outcomes between donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) allografts preserved with NMP or static cold storage (SCS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center, retrospective observational cohort study included all consecutive adult LTs performed between January 2019 and December 2023 at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Data analysis was performed between February 2024 and June 2024. Outcomes of DBD-SCS, DBD-NMP, DCD-SCS, and DCD-NMP transplants were compared.

Exposure

DBD and DCD livers preserved on NMP or SCS.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were early allograft dysfunction (EAD), intraoperative transfusion, and post-LT hospital resource use, including length of stay (LOS) and readmissions. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury (AKI) and 1-year graft and patient survival.

Results

A total of 1086 LTs were included in the following 4 groups: DBD-SCS (n = 480), DBD-NMP (n = 63), DCD-SCS (n = 264), and DCD-NMP (n = 279). Among LT recipients, median (IQR) age was 60.0 years (52.0-66.0); 399 LT recipients (36.7%) were female. DCD-NMP had the lowest EAD rate (17.5%), followed by DCD-SCS (50.0%), DBD-NMP (36.8%), and DBD-SCS (27.3%) (P < .001). DCD-NMP had the lowest intraoperative transfusion requirement compared to all other groups. Hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) LOS were shortest in DCD-NMP (median [IQR] hospital LOS, 5.0 days [4.0-7.0]; P = .01; median [IQR] ICU LOS, 1.5 days [1.2-3.1]; P = .01). One-year cumulative readmission probability was 86% lower for DCD-NMP vs DCD-SCS (95% CI, 0.09-0.22; P < .001) and 53% lower for DBD-NMP vs DBD-SCS (95% CI, 0.26-0.87; P < .001). AKI events were lower in DCD-NMP (31.1%) vs DCD-SCS (47.4%) (P = .001). Compared to SCS, the NMP group had a 78% overall reduction in graft failure (hazard ratio [HR], 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.49; P < .001). For those receiving DCD allografts, the risk reduction was even more pronounced, with an 87% decrease in graft failure (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.05-0.33; P < .001). NMP was significantly protective from patient mortality vs SCS (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12-0.80; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this observational high-volume cohort study, NMP significantly improved LT clinical outcomes and reduced hospital resource use, especially in DCD allografts. NMP may enhance access to LT by addressing the challenges historically linked with DCD liver use.
Numerical Simulation and Mechanical Property Evaluation of Novel Ti6Al4V BCCZ Lattice Structures Prepared by Laser Powder Bed Fusion with Various Bracing Positions
Authors: Shi Wentian , Liu Bo , Li Jie , Zhang Yuwei , Cao Shangguo , Jiang Wensong
Published: January 2025

By adding vertical bracings at the nodes of the body‐centered cubic (BCC) unit cell diagonal pillars, at the midpoints between the nodes and the pillar endpoints, at the quarter points near the endpoints, and at the endpoints, four new types of BCCZ unit cell structures are designed. Employing laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF), two sets of Ti6Al4V lattice structures with 75 and 85% porosities are produced. The mechanical properties, deformation failure modes, and energy absorption of the BCC and the novel body‐centered cubic (BCCZ) under uniaxial compression are investigated, followed by comparative analysis. The study reveals the position of vertical bracings within the unit cell influences the mechanical behavior of lattice structures. Under the same porosity, the BCCZ‐3 exhibits the best mechanical performance, while the BCC shows the lowest. The energy absorption capacity of the BCCZ‐3 is significantly higher than the other four structures. The energy absorption rates of A‐BCCZ‐3 and B‐BCCZ‐3 are 24.19 times and 15.08 times higher than that of the BCC, respectively, and 13.67 times and 8.27 times higher than BCCZ‐1. These findings indicate that the novel BCCZ structures have significant potential for load‐bearing applications compared to the conventional BCC and BCCZ lattice structures.
Enhancing Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance in a High Alloying Al–Zn–Mg–Cu Alloy by Controlling Recrystallization Morphology
Authors: Yu Mingyang , Li Xiwu , Wen Kai , Zhu Kai , Shi Guohui , Zhang Yongan , Li Zhihui , Xiong Baiqing
Published: January 2025

Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys are widely used in aerospace, with recrystallization significantly influencing their stress corrosion resistance. This study examines the impact of recrystallization morphology on corrosion resistance in a high‐alloying Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy, focusing on lath‐shaped and equiaxed recrystallized grains. The findings reveal that, at the same recrystallization fraction, the equiaxed sample has a 2.83 times higher corrosion current density and a 1.15 times higher stress corrosion cracking susceptibility index than the lath sample. However, its critical stress intensity factor is only 89.3% of the lath alloy's. Lath recrystallization demonstrates superior stress corrosion resistance due to larger grain sizes, wider grain boundary precipitate spacing, lower Zn and Mg content, and higher Cu content. Finite element simulations and in‐situ tensile tests show that the equiaxed sample experiences more stress concentration and cracking at grain boundaries under the same applied stress. These results provide insights into optimizing the stress corrosion resistance of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys.
Direct Ink Writing of Conductive Hydrogels
Authors: Ho Monica , Ramirez Aline Braz , Akbarnia Negar , Croiset Eric , Prince Elisabeth , Fuller Gerald G. , Kamkar Milad
Published: January 2025

Direct ink writing (DIW) is an additive manufacturing technique that has garnered notable interest due to its precise and consistent printing of a wide range of materials, such as viscoelastic hydrogels, pastes, and complex composites, by adjusting the ink's rheology. This material flexibility combined with the ability to print at room temperature makes DIW ideal for diverse applications and is scalable from small to industrial levels. In recent years, DIW of conductive hydrogels has gained significant attention across various fields, ranging from biomedical scaffolds to flexible electronics. Conductive hydrogels are a category of hydrogels which exhibit conductivity in their wet and/or dry state. Precursors like conductive polymers, metallic nanoparticles, and carbon‐based materials can be used to induce electronic and/or ionic conductivity in hydrogels. This review presents a comprehensive overview of conductive hydrogels demonstrating printability using the DIW technique. The fundamentals of DIW and conductive precursors are presented. Following, the different pathways for reaching optimal conductive hydrogel properties, including mechanical, conductive, and rheological, with a focus on ink synthesis and printability are introduced. Finally, emerging applications of DIW of conductive hydrogels in flexible electronics and medicine are highlighted, and the anticipated challenges for advancement of printable conductive hydrogels using DIW are discussed.
Self‐Adhesive Epidermal Bioelectrodes for Long‐Term Electrophysiological Monitoring and Emotion Recognition
Authors: Hu Xiaoqian , Wang Chao , Huang Jingjng , Yan Yuanhu , Liao Xiaoqing , Li Ying , Li Lu
Published: January 2025

With the development of wearable health monitoring technology, long‐term electrophysiological monitoring has shown significant promise in medical research and clinical applications. Facial electromyography (fEMG), as a pivotal tool for emotion recognition, is increasingly recognized for its value in the realm of affective analysis. However, the application of conventional electrodes for long‐term monitoring is limited by comfort and signal quality constraints. To address these limitations, this paper presents a composite electrode film based on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), poly(methyl vinyl ether‐alt‐maleic acid) (PMVEMA), and glycerol. The electrode exhibits excellent biocompatibility, self‐adhesion, and conductivity, allowing stable monitoring of physiological electrical signals over long periods of time without the use of conductive gels. Further use of the film to detect facial EMG signals and run machine learning algorithms for emotion recognition demonstrates its potential for psychological research and clinical applications.
Large Electromechanical Response and Field‐Induced Shape Memory Effect in Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Li Menglu , Li Weili , Cao Wenping , Xu Nuo , Li Wenqi , Fei Weidong
Published: January 2025

Electric‐field‐induced shape memory effect has potential applications in electromechanical actuator. Here, this study proposes the a phase structure design routine in (1‐x)(75Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐25SrTiO3)‐xPbTiO3 ceramics to obtain large electromechanical response and shape memory effect. It is found that the shape memory effect is closely related to the bending deformation induced by asymmetric polarization between positive and negative electrodes, which is resulted from the reductions of Bi3+ and Pb2+ because of electron injection from negative electrode. In addition, the content of ferroelectric phase with P4 mm structure and c/a ratio increase with PbTiO3 content increasing, and the coercive field of the ceramics is also enhanced by the PbTiO3 addition, Combing the crystal structure and chemical composition, the field‐induced deformation achieves 2.77% and shape memory effect is 1.75% at 80kV cm−1 and 0.1 Hz in the ceramic with the content of PbTiO3 is 40%.
Microglia‐Derived Interleukin‐6 Triggers Astrocyte Apoptosis in the Hippocampus and Mediates Depression‐Like Behavior
Authors: Shen Shi‐Yu , Liang Ling‐Feng , Shi Tian‐Le , Shen Zu‐Qi , Yin Shu‐Yuan , Zhang Jia‐Rui , Li Wei , Mi Wen‐Li , Wang Yan‐Qing , Zhang Yu‐Qiu , Yu Jin
Published: January 2025

In patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and animal models of depression, key pathological hallmarks include activation of microglia as well as atrophy and loss of astrocytes. Under certain pathological conditions, microglia can inflict damage to neurons and astrocytes. However, the precise mechanisms underlying how activated microglia induced astrocyte atrophy and loss remain enigmatic. In this study, a depression model induced by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) is utilized. The results show that CSDS induces significant anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors, along with notable astrocyte atrophy and apoptosis, microglial activation, and elevated levels of microglial interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Subsequent studies demonstrate that IL‐6 released from activated microglia promotes astrocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the knockdown of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in microglia, which is implicated in the stress response, reduces stress‐induced microglial activation, IL‐6 release, and astrocyte apoptosis. Direct inhibition of microglia by minocycline corroborates these effects. The selective knockdown of IL‐6 in microglia and IL‐6 receptors in astrocytes effectively mitigates depression‐like behaviors and reduces astrocyte atrophy. This study identifies microglial IL‐6 as a key factor that contributes to astrocyte apoptosis and depressive symptoms. Consequently, the IL‐6/IL‐6R pathway has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of depression.
Beam Scanning with Ultra‐Low Sidelobes and In‐Band Ultra‐Low Scattering Characteristics Empowered by Single Space‐Time‐Coding Radiation‐Scattering Metasurface
Authors: Jiang Lixin , Li Yongfeng , Yang Hao , Yan Mingbao , Jiang Jinming , Zhang Yunwei , Qin Zhe , Yang Wanwan , Chen Hongya , Pang Yongqiang , Guo Zhihao , Zheng Lin , Wang Jiafu , Qu Shaobo
Published: January 2025

The integrated modulation of radiation and scattering provides an unprecedented opportunity to reduce the number of electromagnetic (EM) apertures in the platform while simultaneously enhancing communication and stealth performance. Nevertheless, achieving full‐polarization, arbitrary amplitude, and phase modulation of radiation scattering remains a challenge. In this paper, a strategy that realizes space‐time coding of radiation scattering within the same frequency band, which enables the simultaneous and independent modulation of amplitude and phase, is proposed. To address the limitations of the high sideband levels (SBLs) of conventional space‐time‐coding metasurfaces, a strategy comprising nonuniform modulation periods and stochastic coding is proposed. Consequently, beam scanning with ultra‐low sidelobe levels (SLLs) and suppressed SBLs is achieved in the radiation mode (RM). In scattering mode (SM), in‐band low scattering characteristics are achieved within the same operating frequency band as RM. A prototype of a space‐time‐coding radiation‐scattering metasurface (STCRSM) is fabricated and the aforementioned functionalities are validated by measurements. Furthermore, the proposed strategy does not necessitate the utilization of optimization algorithms and exhibits low SLLs and low SBLs, which will make it flourish in RF stealth applications, such as covert communication systems.
Elucidating the Molecular Landscape of Cystic Kidney Disease: Old Friends, New Friends and Some Surprises
Authors: Watson Deborah , Mentch Frank , Billings Jonathan , Ostberg Kayleigh , March Michael E. , Kalish Jennifer M. , Li Dong , Cannon India , Guay‐Woodford Lisa M. , Hartung Erum , Strong Alanna
Published: January 2025

Cystic kidney diseases (CyKD) are a diverse group of disorders affecting more than 1 in 1000 individuals. Over 120 genes are implicated, primarily encoding components of the primary cilium, transcription factors, and morphogens. Prognosis varies greatly by molecular diagnosis. Causal variants are not identified in 10%–60% of individuals due to our limited understanding of CyKD. To elucidate the molecular landscape of CyKD, we queried the CAG Biobank using the ICD10 codes N28.1, Q61.1, Q61.11, Q61.19, Q61.2, Q61.3, and Q61.8 to identify individuals with CyKD. One hundred eight individuals met clinical criteria for CyKD and underwent proband‐only exome sequencing. Causal variants were identified in 86/108 (80%) individuals. The most common molecular diagnoses were PKD1‐related autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (32/108; 30%) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (21/108; 19%). Other common molecular diagnoses were ciliopathy syndromes (7/108; 6.5%) and Tuberous Sclerosis (6/108; 5.6%). Seven individuals had variants in genes not previously associated with CyKD (7/108; 6.5%). Candidate genes were identified in five individuals (5/108; 4.5%). Discordance between molecular and clinical diagnosis was present in two individuals. We demonstrate a high molecular diagnosis rate in individuals with CyKD that can result in diagnostic reclassification, supporting a role for genetic testing in CyKD.
The higher benefit of lecanemab in males compared to females in CLARITY AD is probably due to a real sex effect
Authors: Andrews Daniel , Ducharme Simon , Chertkow Howard , Sormani Maria Pia , Collins D. Louis ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

The phase 3 trial CLARITY AD found lecanemab slowed cognitive decline by 27%. However, subgroup analyses indicated a significant 31% sex difference in the effect and suggested no or limited effectiveness in females. We used simulations constrained by the trial design to determine whether that difference reflects a pre‐existing sex difference in Alzheimer's disease progression or was a random event.

METHODS

Simulations were generated using linear mixed models of cognitive decline fit to data from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants satisfying CLARITY AD inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The statistically non‐significant 7.9% smaller cognitive decline rate in our cohort's males versus females does not explain CLARITY AD's 31% sex difference in lecanemab's effect. A ≥ 31% difference occurred randomly in only 12 of our 10,000 simulations (0.0012 probability).

DISCUSSION

CLARITY AD's sex difference was probably not random. Lecanemab is likely less effective in females than males, but we cannot conclude the drug is ineffective in females.

Highlights

Lecanemab is more clinically effective in males than in females.

Forest plots should only report subgroup‐specific effects in well‐powered subgroups.

Trial simulations based on real data enable investigation of subgroup drug effects.

We cannot conclude that lecanemab is clinically ineffective in females.

A sex difference in lecanemab's efficacy could be linked to its action mechanism.
Heterogeneity in Populations and the Paradoxes of Survival: A Tribute to Nozer Singpurwalla
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Cha Ji Hwan
Published: January 2025

We consider several survival models in heterogeneous settings. Heterogeneity in the failure rates of subpopulations results (as a specific case) in the famous failure rate paradox when the failure rate of a mixture of items with constant failure rates is decreasing. Random failure rate that is due to a point process that increases it at random times on fixed values also results in the “bending down” of the population failure rate. Similar effect is observed while analyzing the extreme shock models with shock processes that possess memory. Finally, another paradox when, due to heterogeneity in a vital parameter of a model, a terminating point process with decreasing rate after “mixing” becomes a non‐terminating one with increasing rate is described. Those are the impacts of heterogeneity that are discussed from the unified perspective that employs the “principle”: the weaker subpopulations are dying out first.
The Value Chain of Sustainable Dual Carbon Sodium Ion Capacitors
Authors: Ajuria Jon , Mysyk Roman , Carriazo Daniel , Saurel Damien , Arnaiz Maria , Crosnier Olivier , Brousse Thierry , Ge Kangkang , Taberna Pierre-Louis , Simon Patrice , Ratso Sander , Karu Einar , Varzi Alberto , Badillo Juan Pablo , Hainthaler Andrea , Sidharthan Akshaya , Balducci Andrea , Eleri Obinna Egwu , de Buruaga Amaia Saenz , Olarte Javier , Lopez Cardona Juan Dayron , Bahmei Fatemeh , Bautista Sebastian P. , Weil Marcel
Published: January 2025

Now that fast action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change, developing new technologies to reduce worldwide carbon footprint is critical. Sodium ion capacitors can be a key enabler for widespread transport electrification or massive adoption of renewable technologies. However, a years‐long journey needs to be made from the first proof‐of‐concept report to a degree of maturity for technology transfer to the market. To shorten this path, this work gathers all the stakeholders involved in the technical development of the sodium ion capacitor technology, covering the whole value chain from academics (TRL 1‐3) and research centers (TRL3‐5) to companies and end‐users (TRL 6‐9). A 360‐degree perspective is given on how to focus the research and technology development of sodium ion capacitors, or related electrochemical energy storage technologies, from understanding underlying operation mechanisms to setting up end‐user specifications and industrial requirements for materials and processes. This is done not only in terms of performance metrics, but mainly considering relevant practical parameters, i.e., processability, scalability, and cost, leading up to the final sustainability evaluation of the whole of the technology by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis, which is of utmost importance for society and policymakers.
Beyond the ‘dilemma of difference’: An analysis of stories from experienced teachers, about their inclusive practice
Authors: Edwards Tracy
Published: January 2025

Efforts to strengthen inclusive practice in education have been found to be underpinned by encounters with dilemmas. In particular, much has been written about the ‘dilemma of difference’, which is the perceived tension between wanting to provide for individual needs in education and wanting to avoid stigmatising individuals by treating them differently to others, in order to do this. This article outlines a research study that worked with 42 ‘dilemma stories’, from 19 experienced teachers. The majority of these stories (35) were crafted as part of a methodological approach which involved story‐sharing dialogues with these teachers, transcription, and the (re)drafting of written narratives. Both phenomenography and hermeneutic phenomenology was applied to the analysis of the stories. This required an acceptance of the apparent ontological dissonance between the hermeneutic phenomenological preoccupation with the ‘pre‐reflective’ and phenomenography's emphasis on conceptions. Through the analysis, a typology of ‘four dilemmas of inclusive practice’ was arrived at. This typology suggests that experienced teachers often look beyond the ‘dilemma of difference’ and find themselves in more nuanced predicaments, which are arguably less visible to policymakers and advisors.
Visible Light‐Mediated Decarboxylative Giese Addition Utilizing Thioxanthone or Thioxanthone‐TfOH Complex as the Photocatalyst
Authors: Batsika Charikleia S. , Stini Naya A. , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: January 2025

Synthetic photochemistry is an alternative, green and sustainable approach in organic synthesis, offering the possibility for the discovery of novel reactivities. Carboxylic acids are abundant and widely used as suitable radical precursors for light‐mediated processes, providing access to products that are not accessible via conventional methods. Herein, we report a green, cheap, metal‐free, photochemical decarboxylative protocol for the 1,4‐radical conjugate addition (Giese reaction) using thioxanthone, a commercially available organic molecule, or a thioxanthone‐triflic acid (TfOH) complex, as the photocatalyst, under LED 427 nm irradiation. A wide range of carboxylic acids, amino acids and Michael acceptors has been tested, affording the desired products in good to high yields.
Respect the Leadership of Washington and Lincoln
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: January 2025

Those of us who grew up in the 1960s celebrated the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In elementary school, we cut out silhouettes of both presidents using scissors and black construction paper. The heads lined the hallways. As I recall, we got off school on February 12 and 22. Washington's birthday has been a federal holiday since February 22 was proclaimed a national holiday for all in 1879.
Spatiotemporal variability and functional redundancy obscure effects of urbanization on strawberry pollinators
Authors: Schulte Kyla D. , Wilson Caleb J. , Tawril Anna , Jamieson Mary A.
Published: January 2025

Pollination services across rural–urban gradients may vary as land cover and other environmental attributes differentially influence pollinators. Most studies examining crop pollination, however, have been conducted in rural environments, while research in urban areas has lagged behind despite growing interest in urban agriculture. In this study, we hypothesized that increased urbanization would alter pollinator community composition due to a reduction in natural areas within the surrounding landscape, potentially decreasing pollinator abundance. To evaluate this hypothesis, we conducted a three‐year study using strawberries as a focal study crop. We characterized the abundance, diversity, and community composition of bees across 10 farms along a rural–urban gradient in Michigan, USA. Across sites and years, we found that urbanization, measured as impervious surface cover, had no consistent effect on overall bee abundance and diversity. However, urbanization differentially influenced certain taxa, namely, Halictini which was positively associated with more urban environments in year one and Ceratinini which was negatively associated with more urban environments in year three. Sweat bees and small carpenter bees were the most frequent strawberry flower visitors across sites and years, although honey bees were dominant at rural sites in year one. We observed 61 bee species visiting strawberry flowers, most commonly Lasioglossum, Ceratina, and Augochlorella species. Most bee species were generalist foragers that visited many flower species within each site. Variation in strawberry floral visitors across years appeared to be driven by shifts in flower phenology, especially in year one when flowering was delayed due to the practice of flower removal to increase yield. Our study demonstrates the importance of wild bees, especially native species, as pollinators in urban agriculture and illustrates how habitat context shapes bee communities.
DNA Binding Activity of Functionalized Schiff Base Metal Complexes
Authors: D'Anna Luisa , Marretta Laura , Froux Aurane , Rubino Simona , Butera Valeria , Spinello Angelo , Bonsignore Riccardo , Terenzi Alessio , Barone Giampaolo
Published: January 2025

Based on our recent research experience, this review highlights the DNA binding of salen, salphen and salnaphen metal complexes, with a focus on G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA, which is crucial in peculiar genomic regions and in cancer regulation. Such metal complexes have in fact shown significant ability to bind and stabilize G4 structures. We will point out the role of the metal center and of the ligand substituents affecting their binding and selectivity toward G4s, supported by experimental and computational studies.
Study on the Influence of Complicated Geological Condition Permeability in Coal Reservoirs on Horizontal Well Drainage and Production
Authors: Qin Bing , Wei Qifu , Duan Wenjing , Shi Zhanshan , Hao Jianfeng , Liang Bing , Sun Weiji
Published: January 2025

Based on the engineering background of coalbed methane block in Liujia District of Fuxin with complex geological conditions, a seepage mathematical model considering the dynamic changes of porosity and permeability of coal reservoir caused by coal matrix shrinkage under the conditions of gas adsorption, desorption, and stress change is established. A geological model of heterogeneous coalbed methane reservoir is established, which includes igneous rock and fault geological structure. The influence of permeability on coalbed methane productivity and reservoir pressure under complex geological conditions is studied by numerical simulation. The results show that the permeability of coal seam is an important factor affecting the yield of coalbed methane. The higher the permeability, the faster the output rate of coalbed methane, the higher the output, the faster the pressure drop of coal reservoir, and the faster the desorption rate of coalbed methane. Under the premise that the horizontal wellbore is perpendicular to the maximum permeability direction of the coal seam, the productivity of the well arrangement method is higher than that of the parallel maximum permeability direction. However, the length of the horizontal well in the Liujia block is limited by the dense igneous rock distribution, and the desorption area of the coalbed methane is reduced and the production is reduced when the vertical arrangement is arranged. Therefore, the horizontal wells in the Liujia block should be parallel to the maximum permeability direction and set along the direction of igneous rock. The greater the vertical permeability of the coal seam, the faster the reservoir pressure decreases, and the better the horizontal well productivity.
The role of wildfires and forest harvesting on geohazards and channel instability during the November 2021 atmospheric river in southwestern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Hancock Carie‐Ann , Wlodarczyk Kyle
Published: January 2025

Sediment mobilized to rivers during extreme flood events can influence channel stability and cause significant morphological changes. A prolonged and intense atmospheric river (AR) struck southwestern British Columbia, Canada in November 2021, leading to extreme flooding and landsliding over approximately 70 000 km2 of mountainous areas. Entire communities within the region were evacuated, and the transportation infrastructure connecting them was severely damaged. The locations of 1300+ geohazards (e.g., debris flows, debris flood, debris slides, shallow landslides and bank erosion) were mapped from helicopter, ground observations, orthoimagery, site photos and social media posts alongside rivers and large gravel‐bed streams that experienced lateral instability. Morphological changes in two of these gravel‐bed rivers were examined in more detail by comparing pre‐event and post‐event lidar data using three‐dimensional point‐based normal differencing. We found that geohazards occurred more frequently in burned areas and along forest harvesting resource roads, providing point sources of sediment that entered mainstem rivers. The geohazard mapping and lidar change detection revealed that bank erosion and lateral instability often occurred downstream of these mapped sediment sources. As the frequency of wildfires and extreme meteorological events is predicted to increase with continued climate change, future risk assessments in communities should consider sediment sources that can be mobilized by these events and the resulting downstream morphological impacts.
Fluid‐Structure Interaction and Heat Transfer Characteristics of a Thin Flexible Heater Submersed in Non‐Newtonian Fluids Inside a Shear‐Driven Cavity
Authors: Chowdhury Asif Shorforaj , Nahin Mohtasim Saib , Sameem Ul Qaum Md. , Mahmood Fahim Tanfeez , Hasan Mohammad Nasim
Published: January 2025

This study examines fluid‐structure interaction (FSI)–induced flow and heat transfer phenomena in a double‐sided shear‐driven, that is, lid‐driven cavity filled with non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids. A flexible thin heater positioned at the center of the cavity serves as the heat source, while the moving side walls maintained at constant low temperature perform as a heat sink. The numerical approach adopts the finite element Galerkin method, integrating the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian framework with moving mesh technique to solve the associated flow, thermal, and stress fields. The thermoelastodynamic system behavior is analyzed through streamline, isothermal, and heater deformation visualizations, along with an evaluation of heat transfer performance, namely, the average Nusselt number. FSI‐induced internal stress scenario in the heater is also studied in terms of maximum von Mises stress. Variation of system conditions necessarily includes mixed convection strength, shearing effect, fluid rheology, and flexibility of the heater manifested by four governing system parameters, namely, the Richardson number (0.1 ≤ Ri ≤ 10), Reynolds number (100 ≤ Re ≤ 300), power‐law index (0.6 ≤ n ≤ 1.4), and Cauchy number (10⁻⁴ ≤ Ca ≤ 10⁻⁸). The findings of this study reveal a significant improvement in heat transfer for shear‐thinning fluids, with the most notable enhancement occurring at the highest Richardson number (Ri), where the heat transfer rate shows an increase of up to 33.33% compared with Newtonian fluids. The insights of this study might be helpful in heat transfer enhancement of industrial process equipment, particularly in applications such as food processing, electronics cooling, and chemical engineering, where non‐Newtonian fluids are extensively used in reactors and related thermofluid systems.
PSSKB: A Web Application to Study Protein Structures
Authors: Petrovskiy Denis V. , Nikolsky Kirill S. , Kulikova Liudmila I. , Rudnev Vladimir R. , Butkova Tatiana V. , Malsagova Kristina A. , Nakhod Valeriya I. , Kopylov Arthur T. , Kaysheva Anna L.
Published: January 2025

The proteins expressed during the cell cycle determine cell function and ensure signaling pathway activation in response to environmental influences. Developments in structural biology, biophysics, and bioinformatics provide information on the structure and function of particular proteins including that on the structural changes in proteins due to post‐translational modification (PTM) and amino acid substitutions (AAS), which is essential for understanding protein function and life cycle. These are PTMs and AASs that often modulate the function and alter the stability and localization of a protein in a cell. PSSKB is a platform that integrates all necessary tools for modeling the five common natural modifications and all canonical AASs in proteins. The available tools are not limited to the local database, so the user can select a protein from Uniprot ID or PDB ID. The result will be a three‐dimensional (3D) representation of the modified structure, as well as an analysis of the changes in the performance of the intact and modified structures after energy minimization compared with the original structure, which not only makes it possible to evaluate AAS/PTM influence of on a protein's characteristics but also to use the 3D model for further studies. Additionally, PSSKB enables the user to search, align, overlay, and determine the exact coordinates of protein structure fragments. The search results are a set of structural motifs similar to the query and ranked by statistical significance. The platform is fully functional and publicly available at https://psskb.org/. No registration is required to access the platform. A tutorial video can be found at https://psskb.org/page/about. Services provided on the platform are based on previously developed and published software. SCPacker applied for PTM Modeling and AAS services available at GitHub (https://github.com/protdb/SCPacker). SaFoldNet applied for a Similar Search service is also available at GitHub (https://github.com/protdb/ABBNet).
Carboxyl Terminal Modulator Protein Induces Cell Senescence and Is Upregulated With Aging by Zic2 in Rats
Authors: Shan Weiran , Li Jun , Philpot Zachary , Zuo Zhiyi
Published: January 2025

Carboxyl terminal modulator protein (CTMP) may be involved in various physiological and pathological processes, such as inflammation, tumor growth, and cardiac hypertrophy. Our recent study has shown that CTMP is increased with aging and plays a role in determining brain ischemic tolerance. However, it is not known how CTMP expression with aging is regulated and whether the changed CTMP expression has an effect on cell senescence. Here, cells that stably overexpressed CTMP were generated and cell senescence biomarkers were determined. The brains of Fischer 344 male rats were harvested for Western blot analysis and immunostaining to detect CTMP and the Zinc finger protein Zic2. The regulations of CTMP expression by Zic2 were examined by promoter activity assays. Increasing CTMP enhanced cells expressing senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining but without expression of Ki67, decreased cell proliferation and colony formation, and increased cells with condensed DNA of more than one pair of homologous chromosomes caused by senescence. Zic2 was decreased with aging in rats. Zic2 and CTMP were mainly expressed in the neurons in rats. Similarly, CTMP protein was expressed in the neurons of human brain. An anti‐Zic2 antibody immunoprecipitated DNA fragments of ctmp gene. Zic2 inhibited the activity of presumptive ctmp promoter. Overexpressing Zic2 decreased CTMP in cells. These results suggest that CTMP induces cell senescence and that Zic2 is a suppressor of CTMP expression. The decrease of Zic2 contributes to CTMP increase with aging.
Application of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Parameters of Metastatic Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients in Predicting the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Early Stage
Authors: Sun Jiawei , Zhao Qingzhuo , He Yan , Zhou Xianli
Published: January 2025

Background

To investigate the performance of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) parameters of metastatic axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) before and after two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients in predicting the efficacy of NAC.

Methods

A total of 41 postoperative breast cancer patients were selected. All patients underwent NAC, and ALN biopsy was positive before chemotherapy. Metastatic ALN was examined by CEUS before and after two courses of NAC. The CEUS parameters of metastatic ALNs before and after two courses of NAC were analyzed to determine the performance of CEUS parameters in predicting the efficacy of NAC in early stage.

Results

The NAC was effective for 28 cases and ineffective for 13 cases. There were no statistically significant differences in the CEUS parameters between effective NAC and ineffective NAC individuals before and after two courses of NAC. But, there were statistically significant differences in long diameter (LD), short diameter (SD), Peak intensity (Peak%) and area under the curve (AUC) between the effective and ineffective NAC patients after two courses of NAC. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis suggested the drop‐out value of LD, SD, Peak% and AUC after two courses of NAC can be used as important indicators to evaluate the efficacy of NAC (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

CEUS parameters of metastatic axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) before and after two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients can predict the efficacy of NAC in early stage.