bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research in UK architecture schools: clarification and case studies. Expert clarification
Authors: Lawson Bryan
Published: November 2002

Your leader (arq 6/1, p3) correctly
concluded that the latest round of
the UK Government's Research
Assessment Exercise (RAE) results
are the best yet overall for those
departments in universities that
include the subject of architecture.
But we are in danger of
misinterpreting this complex set of
results as a result of some other
more emotive and unclear
arguments. Let me take the process
apart slightly in order to clarify.
Case Study 2: another success
Authors: Porter David
Published: November 2002

I read Christine Hawley's letter (arq
6/1, p5)with sympathy and agree
that the generally poor showing by
architecture schools in the
Research Assessment Exercise has
repercussions beyond the
universities. It helps reinforce the
lowly position of the profession in
the eyes of the government – that
we are a second order service
provider within the construction industry.
No time loophole in Bell's theorem: The Hess–Philipp model is nonlocal
Authors: Gill R. D. , Weihs G. , Zeilinger A. , Żukowski M.
Published: November 2002

Hess and Philipp recently claimed [(2001)
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
98, 14224–14227 and 14228–14233] that proofs of Bell's theorem have overlooked the possibility of time dependence in local hidden variables, hence the theorem has not been proven true. Moreover they present what is claimed to be a local realistic model of the EPR correlations. If this is true then Bell's theorem is not just unproven, but false. We refute both claims. First, we explain why time is not an issue in Bell's theorem, and second, we show that their hidden variables model violates Einstein separability. Hess and Philipp have overlooked the freedom of the experimenter to choose settings of a measurement apparatus at will: any setting could be in force during the same time period.
Differentiation of Hdm2-mediated p53 ubiquitination and Hdm2 autoubiquitination activity by small molecular weight inhibitors
Authors: Lai Zhihong , Yang Tao , Kim Young B. , Sielecki Thais M. , Diamond Melody A. , Strack Peter , Rolfe Mark , Caligiuri Maureen , Benfield Pamela A. , Auger Kurt R. , Copeland Robert A.
Published: November 2002

The oncoprotein hdm2 ubiquitinates p53, resulting in the rapid degradation of p53 through the ubiquitin (Ub)–proteasome pathway. Hdm2-mediated destabilization and inactivation of p53 are thought to play a critical role in a number of human cancers. We have used anin vitroenzyme assay, monitoring hdm2-catalyzed Ub transfer from preconjugated Ub-Ubc4 to p53, to identify small molecule inhibitors of this enzyme. Three chemically distinct types of inhibitors were identified this way, each with potency in the micromolar range. All three types of compounds display selective inhibition of hdm2 E3 ligase activity, with little or no effect on other Ub-using enzymes. Most strikingly, these compounds do not inhibit the autoubiquitination activity of hdm2. Steady-state analysis reveals that all three classes behave as simple reversible inhibitors of the enzyme and that they are noncompetitive with respect to both substrates, Ub-Ubc4 and p53. Studies of the effects of combinations of two inhibitory molecules on hdm2 activity indicate that the three types of compounds bind in a mutually exclusive fashion, suggesting a common binding site on hdm2 for all of these inhibitors. These compounds establish the feasibility of selectively blocking hdm2-mediated ubiquitination of p53 by small molecule inhibitors. Selective inhibitors of hdm2 E3 ligase activity could provide a novel mechanism for the development of new chemotherapeutics for the treatment of human cancers.
PsbS-dependent enhancement of feedback de-excitation protects photosystem II from photoinhibition
Authors: Li Xiao-Ping , Müller-Moulé Patricia , Gilmore Adam M. , Niyogi Krishna K.
Published: November 2002

Feedback de-excitation (qE) regulates light harvesting in plants to prevent inhibition of photosynthesis when light absorption exceeds photosynthetic capacity. Although the mechanism of qE is not completely understood, it is known to require a low thylakoid lumen pH, de-epoxidized xanthophylls, and the photosystem II protein PsbS. During a short-term 4-h exposure to excess light, three PsbS- and qE-deficient
Arabidopsis thaliana
mutants that differed in xanthophyll composition were more photoinhibited than the wild type. The extent of photoinhibition was the same in all of the mutants, suggesting that qE capacity rather than xanthophyll composition is critical for photoprotection in short-term high light, in contrast to longer-term high light conditions (days) when additional antioxidant roles of specific xanthophylls are evident. Plants with a 2-fold increase in qE capacity were generated by overexpression of PsbS, demonstrating that the level of PsbS limits the qE capacity in wild-type
Arabidopsis
. These results are consistent with the idea that variations in PsbS expression are responsible for species-specific and environmentally induced differences in qE capacity observed in nature. Furthermore, plants with higher qE capacity were more resistant to photoinhibition than the wild type. Increased qE was associated with decreased photosystem II excitation pressure and changes in the fractional areas of chlorophyll
a
fluorescence lifetime distributions, but not the lifetime centers, suggesting that qE protects from photoinhibition by preventing overreduction of photosystem II electron acceptors. Engineering of qE capacity by PsbS overexpression could potentially yield crop plants that are more resistant to environmental stress.
The observed human sperm mutation frequency cannot explain the achondroplasia paternal age effect
Authors: Tiemann-Boege Irene , Navidi William , Grewal Raji , Cohn Dan , Eskenazi Brenda , Wyrobek Andrew J. , Arnheim Norman
Published: November 2002

The lifelong spermatogonial stem cell divisions unique to male germ cell production are thought to contribute to a higher mutation frequency in males. The fact that certain
de novo
human genetic conditions (e.g., achondroplasia) increase in incidence with the age of the father is consistent with this idea. Although it is assumed that the paternal age effect is the result of an increasing frequency of mutant sperm as a man grows older, no direct molecular measurement of the germ-line mutation frequency has been made to confirm this hypothesis. Using sperm DNA from donors of different ages, we determined the frequency of the nucleotide substitution in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (
FGFR3
) gene that causes achondroplasia. Surprisingly, the magnitude of the increase in mutation frequency with age appears insufficient to explain why older fathers have a greater chance of having a child with this condition. A number of alternatives may explain this discrepancy, including selection for sperm that carry the mutation or an age-dependent increase in premutagenic lesions that remain unrepaired in sperm and are inefficiently detected by the PCR assay.
Effects of long-term treatment with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist Decapeptyl and the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix on the levels of pituitary LHRH receptors and their mRNA expression in rats
Authors: Horvath Judit E. , Bajo Ana M. , Schally Andrew V. , Kovacs Magdolna , Herbert Francine , Groot Kate
Published: November 2002

The effects of depot formulations of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist Decapeptyl (25 μg/day) for 30 days or LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix pamoate (100 μg/day) for 30 days and daily injections of 100 μg of Decapeptyl for 10 days on the expression of mRNA for pituitary LHRH receptor (LHRH-R) and the levels of LHRH-R protein were evaluated in rats. Serum sex steroid concentrations and the weights of the reproductive organs were greatly reduced in all groups treated with analogs, demonstrating an efficient blockade of the pituitary–gonadal axis. Decapeptyl microcapsules elevated serum LH in female rats, but decreased it in male rats. LHRH-R mRNA expression in female pituitaries was reduced to 41% and 56–65% on days 10 and 30, respectively, whereas LHRH-R protein was 64% of control on day 10 and returned to pretreatment levels on day 30. Decapeptyl microcapsules reduced LHRH-R mRNA expression in male pituitaries to 58% on day 30 but not LHRH-R protein. Daily injections of Decapeptyl caused a desensitization of LH responses in female rats, while raising LHRH-R mRNA expression in female rats by 23% and LHRH-R protein levels by 119%. Cetrorelix pamoate reduced serum LH in female rats and diminished LHRH-R mRNA to 30% and 26% and LHRH-R protein to 57% and 48% on days 10 and 30, respectively. Elevated LHRH-R protein levels of ovariectomized rats were reduced after 10-day treatment with Cetrorelix or 100 μg/day Decapeptyl. Thus, changes in the mRNA expression after treatment with Cetrorelix, but not always Decapeptyl, paralleled those of LHRH-R protein. The inhibitory effect of Cetrorelix on serum LH, pituitary LHRH-R mRNA, and LHRH-R protein was greater than that of Decapeptyl.
Negative autoregulation of BCL-6 is bypassed by genetic alterations in diffuse large B cell lymphomas
Authors: Wang Xing , Li Zhiping , Naganuma Akira , Ye B. Hilda
Published: November 2002

Thirty to forty percent of diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCL) carry
BCL-6
translocations that disrupt its 5′ regulatory region. This same region is also subject to somatic hypermutations, although only a small fraction of these mutations have a detectable effect on transcription. Here, we show that transcription of the
BCL-6
gene is negatively self-regulated in multiple cell types. This mechanism operates by means of the interaction of two BCL-6-binding sites within exon 1 of the gene and the BCL-6 protein itself, which is a potent transcription repressor. Because the DLBCL-associated “activating mutations” specifically target these exon 1 binding sites, and because the entire exon 1 is usually removed in the
BCL-6
-translocated tumors, this autoregulation is bypassed in 30–40% of all DLBCL cases. Our results not only demonstrate an important mechanism governing the expression of BCL-6, but also explain how BCL-6 is deregulated in a large number of DLBCL patients, providing a better understanding of BCL-6-related lymphomagenesis.
FUNDAMENTAL APPROACH TO THE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT ISSUE
Authors: CARMELI MOSHE
Published: November 2002

We use a Riemannian four-dimensional presentation for gravitation in which the coordinates are distances and velocity rather than the traditional space and time. We solve the field equations and show that there are three possibilities for the Universe to expand. The theory describes the Universe as having a three-phase evolution with a decelerating expansion, followed by a constant and an accelerating expansion, and it predicts that the Universe is now in the latter phase. It is shown, assuming Ωm = 0.245, that the time at which the Universe goes over from a decelerating to an accelerating expansion, occurs at 8.5 Gyr ago, at which time the cosmic radiation temperature was 146K. Recent observations show that the Universe's growth is accelerating. Our theory confirms these recent experimental results. The theory predicts also that now there is a positive pressure in the Universe. Although the theory has no cosmological constant, we extract from it its equivalence and show that Λ = 1.934 × 10-35 s-2. This value of Λ is in excellent agreement with measurements. It is also shown that the three-dimensional space of the Universe is Euclidean, as the Boomerang experiment shows.
EARLY UNIVERSE SOURCES FOR CMB NON-GAUSSIANITY
Authors: GANGUI ALEJANDRO
Published: November 2002

In the framework of inflationary models with non-vacuum initial states for cosmological perturbations, we study non-Gaussian signatures on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation produced by a broken-scale-invariant model which incorporates a feature at a privileged scale in the primordial power spectrum.
CAN WE SEE THE SHAPE OF OUR UNIVERSE?
Authors: GOMERO G. I.
Published: November 2002

We address three relevant questions related to the search for the size and shape of our Universe: (i) How do the actual observation of multiple images of certain cosmic objects, e.g. galaxy clusters, constrain the possible models for the shape of our Universe?, (ii) What kind of predictions can be done once a pair of cosmic objects have been identified to be topological images related by a translation?, and (iii) Is it possible to determine if two regions of space are topologically identified, even when distortions on the distributions of cosmic sources due to observational limitations are not negligible? We give examples answering the first two questions using the suggestion of Roukema and Edge that the clusters RXJ 1347.5-1145 and CL 09104+4109 might be topological images of the Coma cluster. For the third question, we suggest a method based on the analysis of PSH's noise correlations which seems to give a positive answer.
SOME REMARKS ON TOPOLOGICAL DEFECTS AND THEIR GRAVITATIONAL CONSEQUENCES
Authors: BEZERRA VALDIR B. , DE A. MARQUES GEUSA , KHUSNUTDINOV NAIL R.
Published: November 2002

We calculate the energy radiated by a uniformly moving charged scalar particle in the spacetime of a point-like global monopole, for small solid angle deficit. We show that this energy is proportional to the cube of the velocity of the particle and to the cube of the Lorenz factor, in the non-relativistic and ultra-relativistic cases, respectively. We also determine the energy shifts of a hydrogen atom placed in the background spacetime of a cosmic string and we discuss the possibility that these shifts could provide a means of probing for the presence of this topological defect in the Universe.
COSMOLOGICAL MODELS OF GLOBAL UNIVERSE EVOLUTION AND DECOMPOSITION OF PERTURBATIONS
Authors: CHERVON SERGEI V.
Published: November 2002

It is shown that cosmological models, based on the self-interacting scalar field theory or on the theory of the chiral non-linear sigma model. Can describe the global evolution of the Universe, extending from an inflationary stage to the present time epoch. The method of cosmological perturbations decomposition for inflaton and non-inflaton ones is applied for two-component chiral cosmological model in the spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) Universe. New non-inflaton mode of cosmological perturbations is found.
RELATIVISTIC CORRECTIONS OF THE α2-ORDER FOR THE TOTAL ENERGY AND THE MINIMUM PRESSURE IN THE THOMAS–FERMI THEORY
Authors: TARASOV V. F.
Published: November 2002

The total relativistic kinetic energy of the Thomas–Fermi atom is Ekr = Ek + Er, where Ek = κk ∫ ρ5/3dv and Er = -κr ∫ ρ7/3dv + o(α2), [Formula: see text]. The minimum pressure of a relativistic degenerate electron gas is [Formula: see text]. In just the same way, the cases x = pμ / mc = 1 and x > 1 are explicitly considered.
Recombination in Evolutionary Genomics
Authors: Posada David , Crandall Keith A. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: November 2002

▪ Abstract  Recombination can be a dominant force in shaping genomes and associated phenotypes. To better understand the impact of recombination on genomic evolution, we need to be able to identify recombination in aligned sequences. We review bioinformatic approaches for detecting recombination and measuring recombination rates. We also examine the impact of recombination on the reconstruction of evolutionary histories and the estimation of population genetic parameters. Finally, we review the role of recombination in the evolutionary history of bacteria, viruses, and human mitochondria. We conclude by highlighting a number of areas for future development of tools to help quantify the role of recombination in genomic evolution.
Genetics of Sensory Mechanotransduction
Authors: Ernstrom Glen G. , Chalfie Martin
Published: November 2002

▪ Abstract  The molecular mechanisms for the transduction of light and chemical signals in animals are fairly well understood. In contrast, the processes by which the senses of touch, balance, hearing, and proprioception are transduced are still largely unknown. Biochemical approaches to identify transduction components are difficult to use with mechanosensory systems, but genetic approaches are proving more successful. Genetic research in several organisms has demonstrated the importance of cytoskeletal, extracellular, and membrane components for sensory mechanotransduction. In particular, researchers have identified channel proteins in the DEG/ENaC and TRP families that are necessary for signaling in a variety of mechanosensory cells. Proof that these proteins are components of the transduction channel, however, is incomplete.
Hypotension Caused by Extracorporeal Circulation
Authors: Borgdorff Piet , Fekkes Durk , Tangelder Geert Jan
Published: November 2002

Background—

Cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodialysis often cause hypotension. We investigated a possible role of pump-induced platelet activation with consequent serotonin release.

Methods and Results—

In rats, a heparin-coated extracorporeal shunt was placed between the proximal part of a carotid artery and the distal part of a femoral artery. Autoperfusion did not affect platelets or hemodynamics. Pump perfusion, however, immediately elicited strong platelet aggregation, whereas aortic pressure rapidly fell to 60±12% (mean±SD) of its prepump value, partially recovered, and then progressively decreased to 70±12% at 2 hours. Femoral resistance doubled and then decreased to 59±11%. The initial changes in aortic pressure and femoral resistance were proportional to the amount of platelet aggregation, were accompanied by a rise (6-fold) in plasma serotonin levels downstream of the pump, but not in the aorta, and could be mimicked by serotonin-infusion into the leg. All hemodynamic changes were prevented or largely reduced by blockade of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)
2
receptors with pizotifen or ritanserin. The hypotension and femoral resistance decrease could also be prevented or abolished by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO), an intermediate in 5-HT
2B
receptor-induced vasodilation. When the extracorporeal blood was pumped into the aortic arch instead of the femoral artery, the hypotensive effect was similar and also NO dependent, but it was absent with venous return.

Conclusions—

Pump perfusion with arterial return of the blood causes hypotension by endothelial NO-release, which in turn is triggered by serotonin from activated platelets.
Reverse Ventricular Remodeling Reduces Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Hung Judy , Guerrero J. Luis , Handschumacher Mark D. , Supple Gregory , Sullivan Suzanne , Levine Robert A.
Published: November 2002

Background—

In ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR), mitral leaflet closure is restricted by ventricular remodeling with displacement of the papillary muscles (PMs). Therapy is uncertain because ring annuloplasty does not alleviate PM displacement. We tested the hypothesis that echo-guided PM repositioning using an external device can reduce MR without compromising left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods and Results—

We studied 10 sheep with ischemic MR produced by circumflex ligation with inferior infarction, 6 acutely and 4 eight weeks after myocardial infarction (MI). A Dacron patch containing an inflatable balloon was placed over the PMs and adjusted under echo guidance to reverse LV remodeling and reposition the infarcted PM. 3D echo assessed mitral valve geometric changes. In 7 sheep, sonomicrometry and Millar catheters assessed changes in end-systolic and end-diastolic pressure-volume relationships, and microspheres were injected to assess coronary flow. Moderate MR after MI resolved with patch application alone (n=3) or echo-guided balloon inflation, which repositioned the infarcted PM, decreasing the PM tethering distance from 31.1±2.5 mm after MI to 26.8±1.8 with patch (
P
<0.01; baseline=25.5±1.5). LV contractility was unchanged (end-systolic slope=3.4±1.6 mm Hg/mL with patch versus 2.8±1.6 after MI). Although there was a nonsignificant trend for a mild increase in stiffness constant (0.07±0.05 mL
−1
versus 0.05±0.03 after MI,
P
=0.06), LV end-diastolic pressure was unchanged as MR resolved. Coronary flow to noninfarcted regions was not reduced.

Conclusions—

An external device that repositions the PMs can reduce ischemic MR without compromising LV function. This relatively simple technique can be applied under echo guidance in the beating heart.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Outcomes in Older Adult Patients With Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Gbolahan Olumide B. , Zhi Xiaojie , Liu Yuan , Shah Mihir M. , Kooby David A. , Alese Olatunji B.
Published: January 2024

Importance

The association of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) with survival in the general population of patients with resected biliary tract cancer (BTC) remains controversial. As such, the role of this treatment in the treatment of older adult patients (aged ≥70 years) needs to be evaluated.

Objective

To describe the patterns of use of AC and compare survival outcomes of AC and observation in older adult patients following resection of BTC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included 8091 older adult patients with resected BTC with data available in the National Cancer Database from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2019. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: AC and observation. The AC cohort was subdivided into single-agent and multiagent AC treatment.

Exposures

Adjuvant chemotherapy vs observation following BTC resection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) of patients who received AC compared with observation following resection of BTC as evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity score matching were performed to address indication bias.

Results

Between 2004 and 2019, of 8091 older adult patients with resected BTC identified (median [range] age, 77 [70-90] years; 5136 women [63.5%]; 2955 men [36.5%]), only one-third (2632 [32.5%]) received AC. There was an increase in the use of AC across the study period from 20.7% (n = 495) in 2004 to 2009 to 41.2% (n = 856) in 2016 to 2019. Age 80 years or older (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.25-0.33; P < .001) and gallbladder primary site (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.61-0.83; P < .001) were associated with a lower odds of AC. Following inverse probability of treatment weighting, as a composite, AC was not associated with improved survival (median OS, 20.5 months; 95% CI, 19.2-21.7 months) compared with observation (median OS, 19.0 months; 95% CI, 18.1-20.3 months). A longer median OS was associated with single-agent AC (21.5 months; 95% CI, 19.9-24.0 months) but not multiagent AC (19.1 months; 95% CI, 17.5-21.1 months) compared with observation (median OS, 17.3 months; 95% CI, 16.1-18.4 months). This improvement in OS with single-agent AC was not apparent on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.89-1.05; P = .44). However, age at diagnosis of 80 years or older (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.28-1.42; P < .001) and treatment at nonacademic centers (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.20, P < .001) were associated with worse OS.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of older adult patients, AC was not associated with an improvement in survival compared with observation following BTC resection. These findings suggest the need for further study of AC for older adult patients who may benefit after curative intent surgery for BTC.
Thinking That I Had Cancer Made Me a Better Oncologist
Authors: McGunigal Mary
Published: January 2024

This essay describes the author’s experience with a cancer scare and the increased empathy and experience gained.
The Case for Allowing Proton Beam Therapy on Head and Neck Cooperative Group Studies
Authors: McCall Neal S. , Frank Steven J. , Stokes William A.
Published: January 2024

This Viewpoint present the case for revisiting the proscription of proton beam therapy in trials of patients with de novo, nonmetastatic head and neck cancer.
The effect of facial ageing on forensic facial image comparison
Authors: Sexton Laura , Moreton Reuben , Noyes Eilidh , Martinez Sergio Castro , Laurence Sarah
Published: January 2024

Facial appearance changes over time as people age. This poses a challenge for individuals working in forensic settings whose role requires them to match the identity of face images. The present research aimed to determine how well an international sample of forensic facial examiners could match faces with a substantial age gap. We tested a sample of 60 facial examiners, 23 professional teams, and 81 untrained control participants. Participants matched pairs of photographs with a 10–30‐year age gap between the images. Participants also estimated the ages of the faces. On the matching task, individual professionals, and teams outperformed controls and made fewer high confidence errors. On the age estimation task, there was no advantage for professionals relative to controls. Our results suggest that forensic facial examiners can tolerate substantial age differences between adult faces when performing comparisons, but this advantage does not extend to accurate age estimation.
Modeling Foam Cell Formation in A Hydrogel‐Based 3D‐Intimal Model: A Study of The Role of Multi‐Diseases During Early Atherosclerosis
Authors: Akther Fahima , Sajin Dimple , Moonshi Shehzahdi S. , Wu Yuao , Vazquez‐Prada Karla X , Ta Hang Thu
Published: January 2024

Monocyte recruitment and transmigration are crucial in atherosclerotic plaque development. The multi‐disease complexities aggravate the situation and continue to be a constant concern for understanding atherosclerosis plaque development. Herein, a 3D hydrogel‐based model that integrates disease‐induced microenvironments is sought to be designed, allowing us to explore the early stages of atherosclerosis, specifically examining monocyte fate in multi‐disease complexities. As a proof‐of‐concept study, murine cells are employed to develop the model. The model is constructed with collagen embedded with murine aortic smooth muscle cells and a murine endothelial monolayer lining. The model achieves in vitro disease complexities using external stimuli such as glucose and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Hyperglycemia exhibits a significant increase in monocyte adhesion but no enhancement in monocyte transmigration and foam cell conversion compared to euglycemia. Chronic infection achieved by LPS stimulation results in a remarkable augment in initial monocyte attachment and a significant increment in monocyte transmigration and foam cells in all concentrations. Moreover, the model exhibits synergistic sensitivity under multi‐disease conditions such as hyperglycemia and infection, enhancing initial monocyte attachment, cell transmigration, and foam cell formation. Additionally, western blot data prove the enhanced levels of inflammatory biomarkers, indicating the model's capability to mimic disease‐induced complexities during early atherosclerosis progression.
Co‐Self‐Assembled Monolayers Modified NiOx for Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Qi , Wang Tianyue , Pu Xingyu , He Xilai , Xiao Mingchao , Chen Hui , Zhuang Lvchao , Wei Qi , Loi Hok‐Leung , Guo Peng , Kang Bochun , Feng Guangpeng , Zhuang Jing , Feng Guitao , Li Xuanhua , Yan Feng
Published: January 2024

[4‐(3,6‐dimethyl‐9H‐carbazol‐9yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me‐4PACz) self‐assembled molecules (SAM) are an effective method to solve the problem of the buried interface of NiOx in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the Me‐4PACz end group (carbazole core) cannot forcefully passivate defects at the bottom of the perovskite film. Here, a Co‐SAM strategy is employed to modify the buried interface of PSCs. Me‐4PACz is doped with phosphorylcholine chloride (PC) to form a Co‐SAM to improve the monolayer coverage and reduce leakage current. The phosphate group and chloride ions (Cl−) in PC can inhibit NiOx surface defects. Meantime, the quaternary ammonium ions and Cl− in PC can fill organic cations and halogen vacancies in the perovskite film to enable defects passivation. Moreover, Co‐SAM can promote the growth of perovskite crystals, collaboratively solve the problem of buried defects, suppress nonradiative recombination, accelerate carrier transmission, and relieve the residual stress of the perovskite film. Consequently, the Co‐SAM modified devices show power conversion efficiencies as high as 25.09% as well as excellent device stability with 93% initial efficiency after 1000 h of operation under one‐sun illumination. This work demonstrates the novel approach for enhancing the performance and stability of PSCs by modifying Co‐SAM on NiOx.
Heat Resistant Organic Dyes for High Temperature Luminescent Temperature Sensing
Authors: Qian Xuesen , Kong Mengfei , Song Linyi , Yue Guochang , Zhang Yong , Qian Yan , Fan Quli
Published: January 2024

Compliant and large‐area high‐temperature gradient sensing is essential for scientific and industrial applications but remains a big challenge. Although organic luminophores have intrinsic advantages of flexibility and solution processability, they generally suffer from significant emission quenching at high temperatures due to thermally facilitated nonradiative decay. Herein, a heat‐resistant blue emitter of C3 based on triarylphosphine oxide has been developed, due to the thermal population of the higher emissive state from its lowest excited state. Based on this, hybridization of C3 with a faster thermally‐deactivated yellow dye of T4AC which exhibits a large Stokes shift enables blocking of energy transfer and independent thermal response of the two respective emitters. Thus, sensitive ratiometric film thermometers for high‐temperature sensing can be constructed. The relative sensitivity (Sr) reaches 1.27%°C−1 at 128 °C and the temperature resolution is < 0.77 °C in a wide sensing range of 20–240°C. Moreover, naked‐eye thermal mapping and multiple anti‐counterfeiting of these ratiometric films have also been demonstrated.
Extended phenotypic characterization of a novel Helsmoortel‐van der Aa syndrome case series
Authors: Pascolini Giulia , Di Zenzo Giovanni , Panebianco Annarita , Didona Biagio , Gozes Illana
Published: January 2024

The neurodevelopmental disorder known as Helsmoortel‐van der Aa syndrome (HVDAS, MIM#616580) or ADNP syndrome (Orphanet, ORPHA:404448) is a multiple congenital anomaly (MCA) condition, reported as a syndrome in 2014, associated with deleterious variants in the ADNP gene (activity‐dependent neuroprotective protein; MIM*611386) in several children. First reported in the turn of the century, ADNP is a protein with crucial functions for the normal development of the central nervous system and with pleiotropic effects, explaining the multisystemic character of the syndrome. Affected individuals present with striking facial dysmorphic features and variable congenital defects. Herein, we describe a novel case series of HVDAS Italian patients, illustrating their clinical findings and the related genotype–phenotype correlations. Interestingly, the cutaneous manifestations are also extensively expanded, giving an important contribution to the clinical characterization of the condition, and highlighting the relation between skin abnormalities and ADNP defects.
Dysbiosis of gut microbiota in patients with severe COVID‐19
Authors: Shimizu Kentaro , Hirata Haruhiko , Tokuhira Natsuko , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Ueda Akiko , Tachino Jotaro , Koide Moe , Uchiyama Akinori , Ogura Hiroshi , Oda Jun
Published: January 2024

Aim

Altered gut microbiota has been proposed as one of the causes of exacerbation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19) from the perspective of the gut–lung axis. We aimed to evaluate gut microbiota in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID‐19 prior to using antibiotics.

Methods

We retrospectively selected for enrollment COVID‐19 patients who required mechanical ventilation on admission but who had not used antibiotics before admission to observe the influence of SARS‐Cov‐2 on gut microbiota. Fecal samples were collected serially on admission and were evaluated by 16S rRNA gene deep sequencing.

Results

The phylum of Bacteroidetes decreased, and those of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria increased in COVID‐19 patients compared with those in healthy controls (p < 0.001). The main commensals of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Blautia at the genus level were significantly decreased in the COVID‐19 patients, and opportunistic bacteria including Corynebacterium, Anaerococcus, Finegoldia Peptoniphilus, Actinomyces, and Enterococcus were increased (p < 0.001). α‐Diversity and β‐diversity in COVID‐19 patients significantly changed compared with those in the healthy controls.

Conclusion

The commensal gut microbiota were altered, and opportunistic bacteria increased in patients with severe COVID‐19 who required mechanical ventilation on admission.
Entanglement Generation in Capacitively Coupled Transmon–Cavity System
Authors: Wu Jian‐Zhuang , Lu Lian‐E , Zhao Xin‐Yu , Ma Yong‐Hong
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the higher energy levels of the transmon qubit are taken into consideration to investigate the continuous variable entanglement generation between the transmon qubit and the single‐mode cavity. Based on the framework of cavity Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), the authors show the entanglement generation depends on the driving field intensity, coupling strength, cavity field frequency, and qubit frequency. The numerical results show that strong entanglement can be generated by properly tuning these parameters. It is hoped that the results presented in this paper may lead to a better understanding of quantum entanglement generation in cavity QED systems and provide new perspectives for further research in quantum information processing.
Synthesis of bio‐based poly(butylene carbonate‐co‐glycolic acid) with tunable degradation rate and mechanical properties
Authors: Wang Yong , Wen Liang , Liu Jiajian , Li Chuncheng , Yin Tian , Xiao Yaonan , Jiang Zhikui , Wu Shaohua , Zhang Zijian , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2024

Bio‐based copolymers with excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability are highly desired for packaging and agricultural applications. In this work, a series of high molecular weight bio‐based poly(ester‐carbonate)s are synthesized using glycolic acid (GA), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO). The intrinsic viscosity ([η]) of these copolymers ranges from 0.70 to 1.11 dL/g. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break of PBCGA10 are 19.69 ± 2.40 MPa, 151.20 ± 37.17 MPa, and 1173 ± 142%, respectively, which are superior to the mechanical properties of PBAT. The degradation weight loss of PBCGA10 and PBCGA20 after 30 days can reach 8% and 40%, respectively, indicating excellent degradation performance of the copolymers. Moreover, copolymers undergo degradation through a surface degradation mechanism. The main products of copolymer degradation are BDO, CO2, and H2O, which do not cause harm to organisms and the environment.
The preparation and performance analysis of chemical‐treated maize straw fibers and Its high‐performance polypropylene/chemical‐treated maize straw fibers/maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene/silane coupling agent composites
Authors: Ge Jifei , Zhang Jianing , Gao Yunbao , Jin Jing , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2024

In recent years, there has been an increasing industrial interest in maize straws. In this work, chemical‐treated fibers (CTF) were fabricated based on wasted maize straws by chemical treatment combined with stirring. The experimental results suggest that a part of lignin in CTF was removed after chemical treatment, which resulted in the smooth surface morphology, better thermal stability, and even higher degree of crystallinity of CTF. Furthermore, the CTF were used to composite with polypropylene (PP). With the addition of PP‐g‐MAH and silane coupling agent (SCA), the compatibility between CTF and PP was improved and thus the mechanical performance of PP composites was also improved. At the same time, the tensile strength (54.9 ± 5.4 MPa), Young's modulus (1950 ± 246 MPa), specific strength (49.4 ± 3.9 MPa g−1 cm3) and impact strength (3.6 ± 0.3 kJ/m2) of the PP/CTF/PP‐g‐MAH/SCA (50/50/6/0.95) composite was increased by about 51%, 177%, 20%, and 113% relative to pure PP, respectively. In conclusion, transforming the wasted maize straws into CTF is an effective way to reduce environmental pollution and meet the growing global demand for energy‐saving materials.
HPV16 E6 promoting cervical cancer progression through down‐regulation of miR‐320a to increase TOP2A expression
Authors: Zhang Jianing , Yu Xiaohui , Guo Yi , Wang Daqing
Published: January 2024

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) has become the fourth most common cancer worldwide and it is mainly caused by the infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high‐risk HPV16. Aberrant miRNA expression in CC is closely related to HPV16 infection, and the regulation of HPV16 E6 expression can affect a variety of miRNA expression. This study aims to exploring the miRNAs involved in E6 regulation in CC.

Methods

Our study screened differentially expressed miRNAs in cervical cells of HPV16 infected and uninfected cervical cancer patients by analyzing the GSE81137 dataset of the gene expression omnibus database (GEO), and identified miR‐320a that plays an anti‐tumor role and is associated with good prognosis of cervical cancer. Explore the effect of HPV16 E6 on the expression of miR‐320a in cervical cancer, and verify whether HPV16 E6 regulates the downstream target gene TOP2A expression through miR‐320a, thereby affecting cervical cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The bioinformatic methods selected the miR‐320a, which was differentially expressed in cervical cells from HPV16‐infected patients compared to uninfected patients. We further demonstrated that miR‐320a level was regulated by HPV16 E6, which promoted the CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited apoptosis. In addition, we predicted the downstream target genes of miR‐320a and confirmed that TOP2A was one of its targeting proteins. Moreover, HPV16 E6 promoted the TOP2A expression in CC cells through down‐regulating miR‐320a, leading to promoting CC development.

Conclusions

We confirmed that HPV16 E6 promoted the TOP2A expression through down‐regulation of miR‐320a, thus promoting CC development, and the HPV16 E6/miR‐320a/TOP2A axis may perform as a potential target for CC treatment.
The impact of height and weight on rescreening rates within a population‐based breast screening program
Authors: Pirikahu Sarah , Darcey Ellie , Lund Helen , Wylie Elizabeth , Stone Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Women with obesity are at increased risk of post‐menopausal breast cancer and less likely to participate in breast screening. This study investigates the impact of asking women their height and weight within a population‐based screening program, and the association of BMI with rescreening status.

Methods

Data regarding 666,130 screening events from 318,198 women aged 50–74 attending BreastScreen Western Australia between 2016 and 2021 were used to compare crude and age‐standardised rescreening rates over time. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to investigate associations of BMI with rescreening status.

Results

Rescreening rates for women screened since 2016 were within 1.8% points from the previous reporting period, stratified by screening round. Increasing BMI was associated with decreased likelihood of returning to breast screening (OR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.988–0.998; OR = 0.989, 95% CI: 0.984–0.994; OR = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.982–0.987 for women screening for the first, second and third+ time, respectively).

Conclusions

This large, prospective study supports implementation of routine height and weight collection within breast screening programs. It shows that asking women their height and weight does not deter them from returning to screening and that women with increased BMI are less likely to rescreen, highlighting a need for targeted interventions to improve screening barriers for women living with obesity.
Green Emission of Erbium Doped SYW Phosphors for Optical Thermometry And Solid‐State Lighting
Authors: Kumari Sheetal , Rao A. S. , Sinha R. K.
Published: January 2024

A series of Er3+ ions doped Sr9Y2W4O24 (SYW) phosphors have been synthesised using solid‐state reaction technique. For optical thermometry and solid state lighting applications, the crystal structure, morphological, and luminescence features of the SYW : Er3+ phosphors were explored. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) reveal that synthesized phosphors having single phase with a tetragonal crystal structure and I41/a space group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the morphological behaviour and presence of composition elements. The optical bandgap of the phosphor was evaluated using UV‐Vis diffuse reflection spectra (DRS). The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra were captured under 380 nm excitation, and the peak with the maximum intensity was identified at 563 nm ascribed to transition 4S3/2→4I15/2, that emits green color in visible region. The temperature dependent PL (TD‐PL) spectra show that SYW phosphor is substantially more thermally stable, having thermal activation energy of about 0.247 eV. Additionally, the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) was used to study the optical sensing characteristics of the thermal quenching transitions (2H11/2, 4S3/2) with maximum relative sensitivity (SR) and an absolute sensitivity (SA) being 1.33 % K−1and 0.307 % K−1, respectively. All of the aforementioned findings demonstrate that SYW : Er3+ ions doped phosphors have potential for optical thermometry and other photonic devices.
N,N‐Dimethyl Formamide European Restriction Demands Solvent Substitution in Research and Development
Authors: Sherwood James , Albericio Fernando , de la Torre Beatriz G.
Published: January 2024

As of December 2023, the use of common solvent N,N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) will be restricted in the European Union because of its reproductive health hazard. Industrial facilities must comply with stricter exposure limits, and researchers are recommended to find alternative solvents. Here we explain the restrictions on DMF, which disciplines are affected, and how to substitute DMF to keep research and development commercially relevant.
Catalytic Cleavage of the C−O Bonds in Lignin and Lignin Model Compounds by Metal Triflate Catalysts
Authors: Zhu Rui , Mao Changtao , Gao Fang , Guo Zhongpeng , Li Moying , Xin Yu , Gu Zhenghua , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2024

The effective cleavage of C−O bonds in linkages of lignin was one of the significant strategies promoting lignin valorization. Herein, the strategy of C−O bonds cleavage of lignin using metal triflate as the catalyst was developed. The carboxylic acid or alcohol could be used as the nucleophile to stabilize the reactive intermediates formed during the depolymerization of lignin, and the corresponding ester/ether compounds could be obtained. This catalytic system was suitable for the C−O bond cleavage in α‐O‐4 and β‐O‐4 linkages with excellent efficiency. Additionally, reaction conditions were optimized. The reaction mixture was detected by 1H NMR, and no other byproducts were found. As for treated lignin samples, the cleavage of C−O bonds in linkages was determined by 2D HSQC NMR, the increased content of the phenol hydroxyl group was proved by FT‐IR, and the reduced molecular weight was investigated by GPC. Furthermore, multiple phenolic compounds were detected by GC‐MS in the reaction mixtures.
A simplified model and its parameters optimization methodology of LCC‐S WPT compensation network under dual‐side‐detuned conditions
Authors: Li Zhizhong , Han Fei , Zhang Guidong
Published: January 2024

Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems typically operate under broad coupling conditions. In response to the issue of significant fluctuations in output power due to changes in the coupling coefficient when the coupling coils are offset, this paper proposes a parameter design method for the LCC‐S topology that remains applicable under dual‐side‐detuned conditions. Presented the design principles of the dual‐side‐detuned circuit, and an iterative approach is employed to guide the parameter design process. It also introduced a method for selecting the rated coupling coefficient to minimize power fluctuations within the expected range. Experimental validation demonstrates that the robustness and resistance to coupling coefficient fluctuations of the proposed dual‐side‐detuned LCC‐S topology surpass those of other candidate schemes. Within a coupling variation range from 0.23 to 0.35, the maximum fluctuation rate of the output power remains below 6% while maintaining acceptable efficiency. This design has relevance to typical application scenarios.
In Situ Assembly of a Metal‐Templated Catalyst for Asymmetric Aldol Reactions: From the Metal Complexes Equilibria to a Practical System
Authors: Jimeno Ciril , Solà Jordi , Alfonso Ignacio
Published: January 2024

A zinc(II)‐templated catalyst assembling terpyridine and bipyridine organocatalytic ligands has been developed for the asymmetric aldol reaction. The system has been optimized to maximize the formation of the heteromeric bifunctional species through the determination of the equilibrium constants leading to the formation of all the species present. A practical, easy to synthesize catalytic system providing high stereoselectivity has been achieved in this way.
Mobilization of shared victimhood in the radical right populist Finns Party supporters’ identity work: A narrative–discursive approach to populist support
Authors: Rovamo Helena , Sakki Inari
Published: January 2024

In the 21st century, populist leaders have created and shaped narratives of threatened nations to foster a sense of shared victimhood and increase electoral appeal. However, an intriguing question has emerged: What roles do these outlined populist discourses of a threatened nation and shared victimhood play in the identity work of populist supporters? This study employs a narrative–discursive approach to analyse 25 in‐depth interviews with radical right populist Finns Party supporters. We investigate how the supporters construct and utilize populist discourses and narratives of lived experiences to legitimize their political support for the Finns Party. Furthermore, we illustrate how the related subject positions enable populist supporters to reproduce and enhance the populist discourse of ‘people's’ victimhood through the actions of ‘others’. This study contributes to the field by demonstrating how populist discourses and narratives of lived experiences can be mobilized into political support for the Finns Party.
Fifth National Climate Assessment Reveals Urgent Action Needed to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Cartwright Echo D.
Published: January 2024

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) was released in November 2023 by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The Assessment evaluates the impacts of a changing climate across 10 US regions and a wide range of biodiversity and other interests, including water, forests and ecosystems, coasts and oceans, agriculture and rural communities, the built environment, energy and transportation, health and air quality, and economic and social systems. The Assessment is the fifth such report released by the US government since 2000, using science‐based data by more than a dozen US agencies and approximately 750 scientists tracking the impacts of climate change, and peer‐reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM).1 The details outlined within the Assessment are not optimistic. In fact, the extensively peer‐reviewed report further quantifies the need to take immediate actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. Immediate actions will require both increased mitigation measures to reduce GHG emissions and adaptation measures as we attempt to live with the impacts of a changing climate.