bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An atypically mild case of ethylmalonic encephalopathy with pathogenic ETHE1 variant
Authors: Kashima Daniel T. , Sloan‐Heggen Christina M. , Gottlieb‐Smith Rachel J. , Barone Pritchard Amanda
Published: March 2023

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is a rare, severe, autosomal recessive condition caused by pathogenic variants in ETHE1 leading to progressive encephalopathy, hypotonia evolving to dystonia, petechiae, orthostatic acrocyanosis, diarrhea, and elevated ethylmalonic acid in urine. In this case report, we describe a patient with only mild speech and gross motor delays, subtle biochemical abnormalities, and normal brain imaging found to be homozygous for a pathogenic ETHE1 variant (c.586G>A) via whole exome sequencing. This case highlights the clinical heterogeneity of ETHE1 mutations and the utility of whole‐exome sequencing in diagnosing mild cases of EE.
Boosting Selective Oxidation of Ethylene to Ethylene Glycol Assisted by In situ Generated H2O2 from O2 Electroreduction
Authors: Guan Ming‐Hao , Dong Ling‐Yu , Wu Tao , Li Wen‐Cui , Hao Guang‐Ping , Lu An‐Hui
Published: March 2023

Ethylene glycol is a useful organic compound and chemical intermediate for manufacturing various commodity chemicals of industrial importance. Nevertheless, the production of ethylene glycol in a green and safe manner is still a long‐standing challenge. Here, we established an integrated, efficient pathway for oxidizing ethylene into ethylene glycol. Mesoporous carbon catalyst produces H2O2, and titanium silicalite‐1 catalyst would subsequently oxidize ethylene into ethylene glycol with the in situ generated H2O2. This tandem route presents a remarkable activity, i.e., 86 % H2O2 conversion with 99 % ethylene glycol selectivity and 51.48 mmol gecat−1 h−1 production rate at 0.4 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Apart from generated H2O2 as an oxidant, there exists ⋅OOH intermediate which could omit the step of absorbing and dissociating H2O2 over titanium silicalite‐1, showing faster reaction kinetics compared to the ex situ one. This work not only provides a new idea for yielding ethylene glycol but also demonstrates the superior of in situ generated H2O2 in tandem route.
Controlled synthesis of thermosensitive tunable porous film of (pNIPAM)‐b‐(PCL) copolymer for sustain drug delivery
Authors: Amgoth Chander , Patra Sukanya , Wasnik Kirti , Maity Pradip , Paik Pradip
Published: March 2023

There have been reports on different types of porous polymer films for various applications. The designing of such porous films with uniform properties is a challenging task. In this work, tunable porous thin films of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and polycaprolactone (PCL), that is, (pNIPAM)‐b‐(PCL) has been fabricated and its sustained drug delivery applications have been reported. First, the (pNIPAM)‐b‐(PCL) has been synthesized through the addition polymerization of pNIPAM and PCL. Then the synthesized (pNIPAM)‐b‐(PCL) has been used to design porous thin film with varying temperatures without using any external template, below and above the lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) of pNIPAM. Pore size in (pNIPAM)‐b‐(PCL) films has been tuned by varying the temperature from ~10 to 40°C. Then the developed thermosensitive porous film has been taken and seeded with the K562 (chronic myeloid leukemia blood cancer) and HepG2 (hepatocarcinoma) cells and the skin cancer cells (B16‐F10) killing efficiency of anticancer drug (e.g., doxorubicin hydrochloride, DOX) loaded (pNIPAM)‐b‐(PCL) film has been studied. It is found that the DOX‐loaded (pNIPAM)‐b‐(PCL) can efficiently kill the skin cancer cells. The porous polymer thin film reported in this work can be a versatile platform for the loading of drugs and it can be used for the various therapeutic applications.
Optical spectroscopy of Be stars: Peak separation of Balmer emission lines
Authors: Zamanov Radoslav K. , Stoyanov Kiril A. , Stefanov Stefan Y. , Bode Michael F. , Minev Milen S.
Published: March 2023

The Be stars display variable optical emission lines originating in the circumstellar disc. Here we analyze high resolution spectroscopic observations of Be stars and the distance between the peaks of , , and emission lines (,, and respectively). Combining published data, spectra from the ELODIE archive (obtained in the period 1998–2003) and Rozhen spectra (obtained 2015–2023) of 93 Be stars, we find a set of relations connecting , and . They are effective for , , and . The new equations are in the form and are valid for a wider velocity range than in previous studies.
Correcting for heterogeneity and non‐comparability bias in multicenter clinical trials with a rescaled random‐effect excess hazard model
Authors: Goungounga Juste A. , Grafféo Nathalie , Charvat Hadrien , Giorgi Roch
Published: March 2023

In the presence of competing causes of event occurrence (e.g., death), the interest might not only be in the overall survival but also in the so‐called net survival, that is, the hypothetical survival that would be observed if the disease under study were the only possible cause of death. Net survival estimation is commonly based on the excess hazard approach in which the hazard rate of individuals is assumed to be the sum of a disease‐specific and expected hazard rate, supposed to be correctly approximated by the mortality rates obtained from general population life tables. However, this assumption might not be realistic if the study participants are not comparable with the general population. Also, the hierarchical structure of the data can induces a correlation between the outcomes of individuals coming from the same clusters (e.g., hospital, registry). We proposed an excess hazard model that corrects simultaneously for these two sources of bias, instead of dealing with them independently as before. We assessed the performance of this new model and compared it with three similar models, using extensive simulation study, as well as an application to breast cancer data from a multicenter clinical trial. The new model performed better than the others in terms of bias, root mean square error, and empirical coverage rate. The proposed approach might be useful to account simultaneously for the hierarchical structure of the data and the non‐comparability bias in studies such as long‐term multicenter clinical trials, when there is interest in the estimation of net survival.
Radiation Models for Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of Photocatalytic Reactors
Authors: Barbosa Isabel S. O. , Santos Ricardo J. , Dias Madalena M. , Faria Joaquim L. , Silva Cláudia G.
Published: March 2023

The literature on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations applied to photocatalytic systems is reviewed. CFD simulations referring to three models, namely, P‐1, discrete ordinates (DO), and Monte Carlo (MC) models, for simulating radiation distribution in annular photoreactors are addressed and previous works using these models are reviewed. The cases are a three‐dimensional (3D) annular photoreactor and a two‐dimensional (2D) rectangular enclosure with black walls and the results are compared with the literature. The DO model was selected to solve the radiation transfer equation (RTE) as the most reliable model to fit the radiation distribution inside the reactor. The setting‐up of mesh, angular discretization, and boundary conditions for CFD simulation of photocatalytic reactors are addressed. When correctly set, the CFD models show an excellent agreement with the literature results.
Catalytic CO2 Methanation: Providing Optimal Test Conditions for Kinetic Investigations
Authors: Failing Luisa , Strucks Peter , Kaluza Stefan
Published: March 2023

In the context of using renewable energies and recycling climate‐changing gases, methanation of CO2 provides one possibility. However, volatile availability of renewable energies for hydrogen production and fluctuating CO2 streams from different sources lead to enhanced demand in investigating the influence of dynamic process operation on the catalyst performance, including detailed kinetic characterization. Reliable kinetic measurements require isothermal temperature control and absence of macrokinetic diffusion limitations. Both were investigated in this work while the determination of steady‐state kinetic parameters is part of ongoing studies. Furthermore, a detailed analysis with respect to the long‐term‐stability of the nickel‐based catalyst was performed.
Understanding and Engineering Interfacial Adhesion in Solid‐State Batteries with Metallic Anodes
Authors: Seymour Ieuan D. , Quérel Edouard , Brugge Rowena H. , Pesci Federico M. , Aguadero Ainara
Published: March 2023

High performance alkali metal anode solid‐state batteries require solid/solid interfaces with fast ion transfer that are morphologically and chemically stable upon electrochemical cycling. Void formation at the alkali metal/solid‐state electrolyte interface during alkali metal stripping is responsible for constriction resistances and hotspots that can facilitate dendrite propagation and failure. Both externally applied pressures (35–400 MPa) and temperatures above the melting point of the alkali metal have been shown to improve the interfacial contact with the solid electrolyte, preventing the formation of voids. However, the extreme pressure and temperature conditions required can be difficult to meet for commercial solid‐state battery applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of interfacial adhesion or ‘wetting’ at alkali metal/solid electrolyte interfaces for achieving solid‐state batteries that can withstand high current densities without cell failure. The intrinsically poor adhesion at metal/ceramic interfaces poses fundamental limitations on many inorganics solid‐state electrolyte systems in the absence of applied pressure. Suppression of alkali metal voids can only be achieved for systems with high interfacial adhesion (i. e. ‘perfect wetting’) where the contact angle between the alkali metal and the solid‐state electrolyte surface goes to θ=0°. We identify key strategies to improve interfacial adhesion and suppress void formation including the adoption of interlayers, alloy anodes and 3D scaffolds. Computational modeling techniques have been invaluable for understanding the structure, stability and adhesion of solid‐state battery interfaces and we provide an overview of key techniques. Although focused on alkali metal solid‐state batteries, the fundamental understanding of interfacial adhesion discussed in this review has broader applications across the field of chemistry and material science from corrosion to biomaterials development.
SiCO Ceramics as Storage Materials for Alkali Metals/Ions: Insights on Structure Moieties from Solid‐State NMR and DFT Calculations
Authors: Šić Edina , Rohrer Jochen , Ricohermoso Emmanuel III , Albe Karsten , Ionescu Emmanuel , Riedel Ralf , Breitzke Hergen , Gutmann Torsten , Buntkowsky Gerd
Published: March 2023

Polymer‐derived silicon oxycarbide ceramics (SiCO) have been considered as potential anode materials for lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries. To understand their electrochemical storage behavior, detailed insights into structural sites present in SiCO are required. In this work, the study of local structures in SiCO ceramics containing different amounts of carbon is presented. 13C and 29Si solid‐state MAS NMR spectroscopy combined with DFT calculations, atomistic modeling, and EPR investigations, suggest significant changes in the local structures of SiCO ceramics even by small changes in the material composition. The provided findings on SiCO structures will contribute to the research field of polymer‐derived ceramics, especially to understand electrochemical storage processes of alkali metal/ions such as Na/Na+ inside such networks in the future.
A true random number generator with high bit rate and low energy efficiency
Authors: Cheng Xin , Zhang Yunfeng , Zhu Haowen , Zhou Yang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a novel feedback architecture of true random number generator based on tetrahedral ring oscillator is proposed. The random raw bits are fed back to produce control voltages, which control the transmission gates in ring oscillators. Since random fluctuations of the control voltages increase the phase jitter of the oscillator, this architecture improves the bit rate and randomness of random sequence. Besides, a post‐processor is designed to enhance the randomness further. The circuit is implemented in TSMC 40‐nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process, and it takes up an area of 85 × 51 μm. Measurement results show that the random number sequences pass the statistical randomness tests, with a low power consumption of 67 μW, high speed of 45 Mbps, and low energy efficiency of 1.48 pJ/bit.
Targeting regulatory T cell metabolism in disease: Novel therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Halvorson Torin , Tuomela Karoliina , Levings Megan K.
Published: March 2023

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for immune homeostasis and suppression of pathological autoimmunity but can also play a detrimental role in cancer progression via inhibition of anti‐tumor immunity. Thus, there is broad applicability for therapeutic Treg targeting, either to enhance function, for example, through adoptive cell therapy (ACT), or to inhibit function with small molecules or antibody‐mediated blockade. For both of these strategies, the metabolic state of Tregs is an important consideration since cellular metabolism is intricately linked to function. Mounting evidence has shown that targeting metabolic pathways can selectively promote or inhibit Treg function. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of Treg metabolism and discuss emerging metabolic targeting strategies in the contexts of transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer. We discuss approaches to gene editing and cell culture to manipulate Treg metabolism during ex vivo expansion for ACT, as well as in vivo nutritional and pharmacological interventions to modulate Treg metabolism in disease states. Overall, the intricate connection between metabolism and phenotype presents a powerful opportunity to therapeutically tune Treg function.
Heteroleptic and Homoleptic Iron(III) Complexes with a Tris(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Borate Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application
Authors: Sato Yuna , Okamura Masaya , Hikichi Shiro
Published: March 2023

Heteroleptic and homoleptic iron(III) complexes supported by a tris(N‐heterocyclic carbene) borate ligand have been prepared and crystallographically characterized. The strong electron‐donating character of the tris(carbene) donor was revealed by UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements combined with quantum chemical calculations. The catalytic activity of each complex was evaluated in cyclohexane oxidation reaction using meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid (=mCPBA) as an oxidant, and both complexes show high catalytic activity and selectivity with TON=∼350 and A/(K+L)=8–10. Mechanistic studies suggested that radical‐chain processes are involved in the reaction due to mCPBA acting as a one‐electron oxidant, concomitant with the pathway of metal‐based reactive species. Moreover, it was found that the homoleptic and heteroleptic complexes differed significantly in the involvement of metal‐based active species, with the homoleptic complex exhibiting more metal‐based reactions.
A Water‐ and Base‐Stable Iminopyridine‐Based Cage That Can Bind Larger Organic Anions
Authors: Zenka Mattias , Preinl Joachim , Pertermann Eric , Lützen Arne , Tiefenbacher Konrad
Published: March 2023

Catalysis inside molecular cages and capsules has attracted an increasing amount of attention over the last decade. While many examples of the catalysis of reactions with cationic intermediates and transition states are known, those with anionic counterparts are scarce. One limiting factor is access to suitably sized cationic iminopyridine‐based cages that are stable towards water and anionic/nucleophilic guest molecules. This study aimed at identifying such suitable cages. In this full paper, we describe the journey that finally led to the synthesis of a novel iminopyridine‐based tetrahedron that can bind larger organic anions with binding constants of up to 850 M−1 in MeCN−d3/H2O=9 : 1. Importantly, it also displays stability in basic aqueous acetonitrile. Surprisingly, investigations towards catalysis of reactions with anionic transition states did not indicate rate accelerations in the presence of the cage.
Dietary Oil Type and Late Feed Restriction Elicit Synergistic Effects on Growth, Caeca Bacteria, Carcass, Fat Accretion, and Muscle Lipids in Female Broilers
Authors: Adeyemi Kazeem D. , Sola‐Ojo Foluke E. , Ahmed El‐Imam Aminat M. , Atolani Olubunmi , Alli Oluwasayope I. , Adegboyega Abdulhafeez O. , Abubakar Shukurat O. , Obamonire Oluwatosin S. , Ologunde Felicia O.
Published: March 2023

The influence of dietary oil type (OT) and late feed restriction (FR) on growth, caeca bacteria count, carcass, separable fat depots, serum and muscle lipids, and meat quality in broilers is examined. In total, 224, 21‐day‐old female Arbor acres broilers are randomly allotted to either PN, Unrestricted+50 g kg−1palm oil (PO); PR, 25%‐FR+PO; SN, Unrestricted+50 g kg−1soybean oil (SO); or SR, 25%‐FR+SO for 21 d. The SN and PR birds have the heaviest and lightest body weight gain (BWG), respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is poorer in the PN birds. Feed‐restricted birds have more caecaLactobacillusand lowerSalmonella, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides. Carcass yield is higher in SR birds and lower in PN birds. The FR‐OT interaction is significant for muscle lipids and weight of fat depots. The PN birds deposit more abdominal, intramuscular, sartorial, mesentery and neck fats, muscle saturated fatty acids, and C18:1n‐9 and lower C18:3n‐3 and C20:5n‐3 than other birds. Neither OT nor FR affects the pH, color, water holding capacity, and oxidative stability of breast meat. The changes elicited by 25%‐FR on BWG, FCR, carcass yield, depot fats, and muscle lipids in female broilers are dependent on dietary OT.

Practical Application: Fast growth rate and unrestricted access to feed can predispose broiler chickens to excessive fat accretion, which is counterproductive. Producing high‐quality carcasses that meet consumers’ expectation is crucial for sustainable and efficient broiler production. The possible interaction between dietary OT and late quantitative FR in mitigating excessive fat accretion and altering production indices in female broilers is explored. Late quantitative FR reduces BWG, FCR, serum lipids, caeca pH andSalmonellaspp. and fat accretion in fat depots, and enhances carcass yield and caecaLactobacillusspp. However, the impacts are more pronounced in the PO birds than the SO birds. Late FR improves the C18:3n‐3 and C18:2n‐6 contents in PO meat while reducing the C14:0 and C16:0 contents in SO meat. These findings explicate that dietary OT and late quantitative FR can be synergistically used to mitigate excessive fat accretion and alter growth, caeca microflora, and muscle lipids in broilers.
Revisiting Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction in Nonaqueous Media: Promoting CO2 Recycling in Organic Molecules by Controlling H2 Evolution
Authors: dos Reis Eduardo Arizono , da Silva Gelson T. S. T. , Santiago Elisabete I. , Ribeiro Caue
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to fuels or commodity chemicals using renewable energy has drawn attention as a strategy for closing the anthropogenic chemical carbon cycle. More than that, enhancing the C–C coupling between the intermediates could lead to producing a range of high‐value multi‐carbon molecules. Although the research mainly focuses on the aqueous media for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eRRCO2), using nonaqueous electrolytes has the advantage of suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction, controlling the proton‐assisted reduction reactions, and favoring the C–C coupling. Herein, the use of nonaqueous electrolytes for eRRCO2 and the components of the electrochemical reactor that affect the selectivity of the reaction are revisited. This review provides a perspective view of recent findings compared to well‐established papers while presenting what is known about eRRCO2 in nonaqueous media.
Managing Pathways for Introduction of Alien Crayfish: Evaluation of a Midwestern State's Regulations on the Pet Industry
Authors: DiStefano Robert J , Glon Mael G , O'Brian Bailey M
Published: March 2023

The increasing worldwide popularity of the aquatic pet trade causes widespread transport and introduction of alien species, including crayfish (Astacidea), into fisheries. Thirty crayfish species have invaded North America, affecting native species and changing ecosystems. Growing numbers of crayfish introductions are linked to the pet trade, and this pathway increasingly requires attention from natural resource managers. The Missouri Department of Conservation implemented regulations in 2014 to restrict pet store crayfish sales. We surveyed all Missouri pet stores in 2019 to estimate regulation compliance. Undercover enforcement agents visited stores and assessed crayfish sales by inspecting livestock and interviewing owners/employees. Simultaneously, we conducted a comparative survey of Ohio stores, where minimal regulations exist. Crayfish, including three alien species, were illegally sold at 15.5% of Missouri stores. In Ohio, 63% of stores sold crayfish, including three alien species. The Missouri regulations appear effective for managing and reducing pet store sales of potentially invasive crayfish.
Analysis of vein grafting versus arteriovenous loop in microvascular head and neck reconstruction: Multicenter series of 36 patients
Authors: Pak Kaitlynne Y. , Anderson Spencer R. , Langenfeld Tyler L. , Tan Kenneth , Slijepcevic Allison , Wimalawansa Sunishka , Ducic Yadranko , Wax Mark K. , Kadakia Sameep P.
Published: March 2023

Background

The utilization of an arteriovenous loop is an underreported technique that affords the creation of reliable vascular options. Understanding the efficacy and impacting variables of microvascular reconstruction with an arteriovenous loop can be critical to its use.

Methods

Multi‐institutional study of 36 patients who underwent vein grafting or AV loop with free tissue transfer.

Results

58.3% of patients received prior radiation and 38.9% prior flap reconstruction. Flap success for vein grafting was 76% and AV loop was 100% (p = 0.16). Success for the radiated cohort was 90.5% and non‐radiated 80% (p = 0.63). Flap success for the radiated, vein grafted patient was 83.3% and 100% flap success rate for radiated, AV loop patient (p = 0.49). Overall flap survival was 83.3% versus 97% overall success rate in the United States.

Conclusion

The AV loop is a viable modality for vessel‐depleted free tissue reconstruction. Radiation and previous surgery do not significantly impact flap success rates.
Long‐term prevention of bladder cancer progression by alpha1‐oleate alone or in combination with chemotherapy
Authors: Hien Tran Thi , Ambite Ines , Wan Murphy Lam Yim , Cavalera Michele , Esmaeili Parisa , Chaudhuri Arunima , Sabari Samudra , Babjuk Marek , Svanborg Catharina
Published: March 2023

Bladder cancer is common and one of the most costly cancer forms, due to a lack of curative therapies. Recently, clinical safety and efficacy of the alpha1‐oleate complex was demonstrated in a placebo‐controlled study of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Our study investigated if long‐term therapeutic efficacy is improved by repeated treatment cycles and by combining alpha1‐oleate with low‐dose chemotherapy. Rapidly growing bladder tumors were treated by intravesical instillation of alpha1‐oleate, Epirubicin or Mitomycin C alone or in combination. One treatment cycle arrested tumor growth, with a protective effect lasting at least 4 weeks in mice receiving 8.5 mM of alpha1‐oleate alone or 1.7 mM of alpha‐oleate combined with Epirubicin or Mitomycin C. Repeated treatment cycles extended protection, defined by a lack of bladder pathology and a virtual absence of bladder cancer‐specific gene expression. Synergy with Epirubicin was detected at the lower alpha1‐oleate concentration and in vitro, alpha1‐oleate was shown to enhance the uptake and nuclear translocation of Epirubicin, by tumor cells. Effects at the chromatin level affecting cell proliferation were further suggested by reduced BrdU incorporation. In addition, alpha1‐oleate triggered DNA fragmentation, defined by the TUNEL assay. The results suggest that bladder cancer development may be prevented long‐term in the murine model, by alpha1‐oleate alone or in combination with low‐dose Epirubicin. In addition, the combination of alpha1‐oleate and Epirubicin reduced the size of established tumors. Exploring these potent preventive and therapeutic effects will be of immediate interest in patients with bladder cancer.
Efficacy and Safety of Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Kim Geun‐Jeon , Basurrah Mohammed A. , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Minimally invasive and remote surgical approaches for thyroid tumors have been developed primarily for cosmetic benefit. However, conventional meta‐analysis could not provide comparative data between new techniques. This network meta‐analysis would be able to provide data for clinicians and patients to compare cosmetic satisfaction and morbidity by comparing surgical methods.

Data Sources

The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Trials, and Google Scholar.

Review methods

The nine interventions included minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy (MIVA), endoscopic and robotic bilateral axillo‐breast‐approach thyroidectomy (EBAB and RBAB, respectively), endoscopic and robotic retro‐auricular thyroidectomy (EPA and RPA, respectively), endoscopic or robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy (EAx and RAx, respectively), endoscopic and robotic transoral approaches (EO and RO, respectively), and a conventional thyroidectomy. We recorded the operative outcomes and perioperative complications; pairwise and network meta‐analyses were performed.

Results

EO, RBAB, and RO were associated with good patient cosmetic satisfaction. EAx, EBAB, EO, RAx, and RBAB were associated with significantly more postoperative drainage than the other methods. Postoperatively, more flap problems and wound infections were found in the RO than control group, and more transient vocal cord palsy was found in the EAx and EBAB groups. MIVA ranked first in terms of operative time, postoperative drainage amount, postoperative pain, and hospitalization, but cosmetic satisfaction was low. EAx, RAx, and MIVA ranked higher than the other approaches in terms of operative bleeding.

Conclusion

It was confirmed that minimally invasive thyroidectomy achieves high cosmetic satisfaction and is not inferior to conventional thyroidectomy in terms of surgical results or perioperative complications. Laryngoscope, 133:2470–2479, 2023
Torsion divisors of plane curves with maximal flexes and Zariski pairs
Authors: Artal Bartolo Enrique , Bannai Shinzo , Shirane Taketo , Tokunaga Hiro‐o
Published: March 2023

There is a close relationship between the embedded topology of complex plane curves and the (group‐theoretic) arithmetic of elliptic curves. In a recent paper, we studied the topology of some arrangements of curves that include a special smooth component, via the torsion properties induced by the divisors in the special curve associated to the remaining components, which is an arithmetic property. When this special curve has maximal flexes, there is a natural isomorphism between its Jacobian variety and the degree zero part of its Picard group. In this paper, we consider curve arrangements that contain a special smooth component with a maximal flex and exploit these properties to obtain Zariski tuples, which show the interplay between topology, geometry, and arithmetic.
Volunteers and resource management competencies of nonprofit organizations during challenging times
Authors: Lee Jeongyoon , Park Young Joo , Kim Sung‐eun
Published: March 2023

Nonprofit organizations increasingly compete for limited resources and recognize volunteers as vital assets. That said, which nonprofits are more successful in harnessing volunteers than others and enlisting more volunteers while responding to environmental changes? Guided by the resource‐based theory, this study theorizes that a nonprofit's human, social, and financial resource management competencies relate to its volunteer use. Also, applying contingent resource‐based theory extends our theoretical arguments as to why a nonprofit needs to develop its resource management competencies for the use of volunteers facing a community's financial hardship. Our zero‐inflated negative binomial analysis using the IRS 990 and U.S. Census data (2010–2012) finds that (1) a nonprofit's higher human, social, and financial resource management competencies have an important influence on using volunteers, and (2) a nonprofit having higher financial resource management competencies can use more volunteers when its community experiences economic hardship. These findings pinpoint that volunteer use is not separable from organizational holistic resource management competencies and suggest that turbulent environments can cause a significant shift in the management competencies required for volunteer use.
“KARER” intervention on care ability and burden for caregiving relatives of disabled patients with cardiocerebrovascular diseases: EMICARE mixed randomized clinical protocol
Authors: Molina Cardona Edith Milena , Contreras Moreno Jeffersson Ricardo , Puerto Pedraza Henry Mauricio , Moscoso Loaiza Luisa Fernanda , Sánchez Rodríguez Javier Mauricio
Published: March 2023

Aims

Determine efficacy of “KARER” educational intervention on caring ability and burden of caregiving relatives of disabled patients with stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

Design

Clinical, randomized, controlled and double blinded trial with a mixed approach.

Methods

Study population will be made up of 96 caregiving relatives of patients of home‐hospitalized care programs in the cities of Bogotá and Bucaramanga, (Colombia), between March 2021 and March 2022. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups, either intervention (n = 48) or control (n = 48). The intervention is interdisciplinary and multi‐component: B‐Learning modality and clinical simulation. Follow‐up of participants will last 8 weeks from intervention period start‐out, and measurements will be taken and analysed in masked form. The main results will be the mean score changes of care ability and caregiver burden.

Discussion

Caregiving relatives will show better adaptation to their role through effective use of caring abilities as they look after disabled persons with chronic diseases.
Field Apps Help Small Water Utilities Get Started With Digital Maps
Authors: Campbell Christa
Published: March 2023

Geographic information system technology can help small and rural utilities start collecting asset information using smart devices in the field.
Weight loss maintenance after a digital commercial behavior change program (Noom Weight): Observational cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: May Christine N. , Cox‐Martin Matthew , Ho Annabell Suh , McCallum Meaghan , Chan Caroline , Blessing Kelly , Behr Heather , Blanco Paige , Mitchell Ellen Siobhan , Michaelides Andreas
Published: March 2023

Background

Behavioral weight loss programs often lead to significant short‐term weight loss, but long‐term weight maintenance remains a challenge. Most weight maintenance data come from clinical trials, in‐person programs, or general population surveys, but there is a need for better understanding of long‐term weight maintenance in real‐world digital programs.

Methods

This observational survey study examined weight maintenance reported by individuals who had used Noom Weight, a digital commercial behavior change program, and identified factors associated with greater weight maintenance. The cross‐sectional survey was completed by 840 individuals who had lost at least 10% of their body weight using Noom Weight 6–24 months prior.

Results

The study found that 75% of individuals maintained at least 5% weight loss after 1 year, and 49% maintained 10% weight loss. On average, 65% of initial weight loss was maintained after 1 year and 57% after 2 years. Habitual behaviors, such as healthy snacking and exercise, were associated with greater weight maintenance, while demographic factors were not.

Conclusion

This study provides real‐world data on the long‐term weight maintenance achieved using a fully digital behavioral program. The results suggest that Noom Weight is associated with successful weight maintenance in a substantial proportion of users. Future research will use a randomized controlled trial to track weight maintenance after random assignment and at a 2 year follow‐up.
Electrospinning behavior and piezoelectric property of PVDF/PEDOT:PSS composite web by PEDOT:PSS addition
Authors: Lim Jihwan , Choi Sejin , Kim Han Seong
Published: March 2023

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a representative piezoelectric polymer with a high piezoelectric constant, which has been applied and studied in various fields because of its flexibility. PVDF has various crystallization phases, and the crystallization phase of the fabricated fibers is significantly influenced by the solution characteristics and additives during the electrospinning process. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is a conductive polymer that can improve piezoelectric performance by acting as an electron path when combined with a piezoelectric polymer; however, the electrospinning behavior depends on the solution properties. The characteristics of composite solutions with PEDOT:PSS added to PVDF were investigated, and the changes in electrospinning behavior and morphology were analyzed accordingly. We also evaluated the crystallinity of the PVDF in the deposited fibers using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. As the PEDOT:PSS content increased, the radius of the jet decreased, the deposition area decreased, the fiber diameter tended to increase, and the crystallinity of the β phase decreased. Changes in the piezoelectric performance of the PVDF/PEDOT composite webs with various PEDOT:PSS contents were investigated and analyzed. Based on the results of this study, ceramic‐based materials can be replaced with improved polymer‐based piezoelectric elements, thus accelerating the adoption of wearable piezoelectric devices.
Associations of prognostic‐awareness‐transition patterns with emotional distress and quality of life during terminally ill cancer patients' last 6 months of life
Authors: Chen Chen Hsiu , Wen Fur‐Hsing , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Chou Wen‐Chi , Chen Jen‐Shi , Tang Siew Tzuh
Published: March 2023

Objective

Unprecedently investigate associations of prognostic‐awareness‐transition patterns with (changes in) depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) during cancer patients' last 6 months.

Methods

In this secondary analysis study, 334 cancer patients in their last 6 months transitioned between four prognostic‐awareness states (unknown and not wanting to know, unknown but wanting to know, inaccurate awareness, and accurate awareness), thus constituting three transition patterns: maintaining‐accurate‐, gaining‐accurate‐, and maintaining‐inaccurate/unknown prognostic awareness. A multivariate hierarchical linear model evaluated associations of the transition patterns with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and QOL determined at final assessment and by mean difference between the first and last assessment.

Results

At the last assessment before death, the gaining‐accurate‐prognostic‐awareness group reported higher levels of depressive symptoms (estimate [95% confidence interval] = 1.59 [0.35–2.84]) and the maintaining‐ and gaining‐accurate‐prognostic‐awareness groups suffered more anxiety symptoms (1.50 [0.44–2.56]; 1.42 [0.13–2.71], respectively) and poorer QOL (−7.07 [−12.61 to 1.54]; −11.06 [−17.76 to −4.35], respectively) than the maintaining‐inaccurate/unknown‐prognostic‐awareness group. Between the first and last assessment, the maintaining‐ and gaining‐accurate‐prognostic‐awareness groups' depressive symptoms (1.59 [0.33–2.85]; 3.30 [1.78–4.82], respectively) and QOL (−5.04 [−9.89 to –0.19]; −8.86 [−14.74 to −2.98], respectively) worsened more than the maintaining‐inaccurate/unknown‐prognostic‐awareness group, and the gaining‐accurate‐prognostic‐awareness group's depressive symptoms increased more than the maintaining‐accurate‐prognostic‐awareness group (1.71 [0.42–3.00]).

Conclusions

Unexpectedly, patients who maintained/gained accurate prognostic awareness suffered more depression, anxiety, and poorer QOL at end of life. Promoting accurate prognostic awareness earlier in the terminal‐cancer trajectory should be supplemented with adequate psychological care to alleviate patients' emotional distress and enhance QOL.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01912846.
Optimised plasma sample preparation and LC‐MS analysis to support large‐scale proteomic analysis of clinical trial specimens: Application to the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) trial
Authors: O'Rourke Matthew B. , Januszewski Andrzej S. , Sullivan David R. , Lengyel Imre , Stewart Alan J. , Arya Swati , Ma Ronald C. , Galande Sanjeev , Hardikar Anandwardhan A. , Joglekar Mugdha V. , Keech Anthony C. , Jenkins Alicia J. , Molloy Mark P.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Robust, affordable plasma proteomic biomarker workflows are needed for large‐scale clinical studies. We evaluated aspects of sample preparation to allow liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis of more than 1500 samples from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) trial of adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Using LC‐MS with data‐independent acquisition we evaluated four variables: plasma protein depletion, EDTA or citrated anti‐coagulant blood collection tubes, plasma lipid depletion strategies and plasma freeze–thaw cycles. Optimised methods were applied in a pilot study of FIELD participants.

Results

LC‐MS of undepleted plasma conducted over a 45 min gradient yielded 172 proteins after excluding immunoglobulin isoforms. Cibachrome‐blue‐based depletion yielded additional proteins but with cost and time expenses, while immunodepleting albumin and IgG provided few additional identifications. Only minor variations were associated with blood collection tube type, delipidation methods and freeze–thaw cycles. From 65 batches involving over 1500 injections, the median intra‐batch quantitative differences in the top 100 proteins of the plasma external standard were less than 2%. Fenofibrate altered seven plasma proteins.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

A robust plasma handling and LC‐MS proteomics workflow for abundant plasma proteins has been developed for large‐scale biomarker studies that balance proteomic depth with time and resource costs.
Fus3/Kss1‐MAP kinase and Ste12‐like control distinct biocontrol‐traits besides regulation of insect cuticle penetration via phosphorylation cascade in a filamentous fungal pathogen
Authors: Zhao Xin , Jiang Yahui , Wang Huifang , Lu Zhuoyue , Huang Shuaishuai , Luo Zhibing , Zhang Liuyi , Lv Ting , Tang Xiaohan , Zhang Yongjun
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Homolog of the yeast Fus3/Kss1 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and its target transcription factor, Ste12‐like, are involved in penetration of host cuticle/pathogenicity in many ascomycete pathogens. However, details of their interaction during fungal infection, as well as their controlled other virulence‐associated traits, are unclear.

RESULTS

Ste12‐like (BbSte12) and Fus3/Kss1 MAPK homolog (Bbmpk1) interacted in nucleus, and phosphorylation of BbSte12 by Bbmpk1 was essential for penetration of insect cuticle in an insect fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. However, some distinct biocontrol‐traits were found to be mediated by Ste12 and Bbmpk1. In contrast to ΔBbmpk1 colony that grew more rapid than wild‐type strain, inactivation of BbSte12 resulted in the opposite phenotype, which was consistent with their different proliferation rates in insect hemocoel after direct injection of conidia bypass the cuticle. Reduced conidial yield with decreased hydrophobicity was examined in both mutants, however they displayed distinct conidiogenesis, accompanying with differently altered cell cycle, distinct hyphal branching and septum formation. Moreover, ΔBbmpk1 showed increased tolerance to oxidative agent, whereas the opposite phenotype was seen for ΔBbSte12 strain. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that Bbmpk1 controlled 356 genes depending on BbSte12 during cuticle penetration, but 1077 and 584 genes were independently controlled by Bbmpk1 and BbSte12.

CONCLUSION

BbSte12 and Bbmpk1 separately participate in additional pathways for control of conidiation, growth and hyphal differentiation, as well as oxidative stress response besides regulating cuticle penetration via phosphorylation cascade. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A model‐based meta analysis study of sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Yao Xueting , Zhou Jiawei , Song Ling , Ren Yupeng , Hu Pei , Liu Dongyang
Published: March 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) agent sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors show special benefits in reducing body weight and heart failure risks. To accelerate clinical development for novel SGLT2 inhibitors, a quantitative relationship among pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and disease end points (PK/PD/end points) in healthy subjects and patients with T2DM was developed. PK/PD/end point data in published clinical studies for three globally marketed SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin) were collected according to pre‐set criteria. Overall, 80 papers with 880 PK, 27 PD, 848 fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and 1219 hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data were collected. A two‐compartmental model with Hill's equation was utilized to capture PK/PD profiles. A novel translational biomarker, the change of urine glucose excretion (UGE) from baseline normalized by FPG (ΔUGEc) was identified to bridge healthy subjects and patients with T2DM with different disease statuses. ΔUGEc was found to have a similar maximum increase with different half‐maximal effective concentration values of 56.6, 2310, and 841 mg/mL·h for dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin respectively. ΔUGEc will change FPG based on linear function. HbA1c profiles were captured by indirect response model. Additional placebo effect was also considered for both end points. The PK/ΔUGEc/FPG/HbA1c relationship was validated internally using diagnostic plots and visual assessment and further validated externally using the fourth globally approved same‐in‐class drug (ertugliflozin). This validated quantitative PK/PD/end point relationship offers novel insight into long‐term efficacy prediction for SGLT2 inhibitors. The novelty identified ΔUGEc could make the comparison of different SGLT2 inhibitors' efficacy characteristics easier, and achieve early prediction from healthy subjects to patients.
A novel criterion based on continuous ranked probability score for performance evaluation of control charts
Authors: Zhou Panpan , Wang Wei , Lin Dennis K. J. , Liu Yang
Published: March 2023

Run length distributions are generally used to characterize the performance of a control chart in signaling alarms when a process is out‐of‐control. Since it is usually difficult to directly compare distributions, statistics of the run length distribution are commonly adopted as the performance criteria in practice. Particularly, the average run length (ARL) and its extended versions play a dominant role. However, due to the skewness of the run length distribution, the ARL cannot accurately reflect the central tendency and may be misleading in some cases. In order to comprehensively summarize the information of the run length distribution, a novel criterion is proposed based on the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS). The CRPS‐based criterion measures the difference between the run length distribution and the ideal constant value 0 for the run length. It has advantages of easy computation and good interpretability. Furthermore, theoretical properties and geometric representation guarantee that the CRPS‐based criterion is statistically consistent, informative of both first and second moments of the run length distribution, and robust to extreme values. Results of numerical experiments show that the proposed criterion favors control charts with higher probability to detect outliers earlier, and is a superior metric for characterizing the run length distribution.
A study of two‐dimensional coronene fractal structures with M‐polynomials
Authors: Hakami Khalil Hadi , Ahmad Ali , Azeem Muhammad , Husain Sadia , Koam Ali N. A.
Published: March 2023

The intriguing properties of polycyclic structure known as benzenoid hydrocarbons, which are unsaturated and totally conjugated molecules with hexagonal rings, continue to entice researchers to investigate their chemical and physical molecular structure with reference to aromaticity. To correlate important molecular structural attributes such as enthalpy, melting, boiling point, and cyclicity, numerical descriptors or topological indices which have been used for decades, for variety of two and three dimensional chemical structures networks or graphs with vital physicochemical properties. To determine the degree‐based topological indices, in this study, the degrees of the chemical structure or graph of the molecule under examination are utilized. In molecular graph theory, M‐polynomial is a relatively recent approach for investigating chemical networks and structures. It shows numerical descriptors in algebraic form and highlights molecular properties as a polynomial function. In this study, we propose a polynomials presentation of two‐dimensional coronene fractal structures and compute numerous M‐polynomials, including the M‐polynomials of the first and second Zagreb indexes, as well as the Randic index.
Pleural fluid milkshakes: three cases with different aetiologies
Authors: Huan Nai‐Chien , Tan Hooi Ann , Ramarmuty Hema Yamini , Ponnuvelu Subramaniam , Letcheminan Shivaanand , Sivaraman Kannan Kunji Kannan
Published: March 2023

In clinical practice, chylothorax is usually suspected in any patient with milky pleural fluid. However, contrary to popular belief, milky appearance of pleural fluid is seen in less than half of patients with chylothorax. A high index of suspicion for chylothorax is therefore needed in any turbid, bloody, or serosanguinous effusions of unclear aetiology. In this case series, we present three patients with biochemically proven chylothorax: each with a different presentation, pleural fluid appearance, underlying cause, management strategy and clinical outcome. The first patient developed ‘milky’ chylothorax secondary to lymphoma while the second patient's ‘yellow’ chylothorax is related to pleural tuberculosis. The final patient suffered from ‘pink’ chylothorax in the setting of systemic amyloidosis. In each of the cases, prompt diagnosis of chylothorax followed by efforts to elucidate the underlying cause are crucial steps to guide subsequent management with the main aim to ensure a better clinical outcome.