bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transoral approach to the upper cervical spine
Authors: Merwin Gerald E. , Post J. Christopher , Sypert George W.
Published: October 2006

The transoral approach to pathology of the upper cervical spine is logical, but it is seldom used due to concerns about exposure and infection. The authors report on 16 consecutive patients requiring exposure from clivus through C3 for pathology, including spinal cord compression by rheumatoid pan‐nus, craniovertebral anomalies, and tumor. Exposure was obtained using a Dingman mouth gag and soft palate retraction with silicone rubber sheeting. A horizontal “H” incision was made in the posterior pharyngeal wall creating three layers, closed separately, with attention to a watertight closure of the final mucosal layer. In no case was it necessary to divide the mandible, tongue, soft palate, or uvula. There were no deaths, wound breakdowns, infections, or persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Patients with neurological indications improved postopera‐tively, and all tumors were grossly resected.

Combined otolaryngology/neurosurgical exposure and treatment of pathology involving the upper cervical spine via the transoral approach is safe and effective. Functional results have been excellent, and no major complications were encountered.
Anatomic considerations in botulinum toxin type a therapy for spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Castellanos Paul F. , Gates George A. , Esselman Gregory , Song Felix , Vannier Michael W. , Kuo Michael
Published: October 2006

Chemodenervation by injection of botulinum toxin type A into the vocal fold(s) has become the preferred treatment for patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Injection may be done either perorally or transcutaneously; each method has its advocates and advantages. The authors have used the transcutaneous transcricothyroid membrane route exclusively with satisfactory results in more than 50 patients. Temporary breathiness and aspiration are common.

The preferred injection site should be as close as possible to the motor end plates of the affected muscle. The thyroarytenoid muscle end plates are distributed throughout the muscle, whereas in the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle they are located in band in the center of the muscle. The transcutaneous injection site is below and posterior to the midpoint of the vibrating vocal fold as visualized by indirect laryngoscopy. The proximity of this site to the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle suggests that postinjection breathiness and aspiration may be related to spread of botulinum toxin type A to the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle. However, it is likely that thyroarytenoid muscle paresis is mainly responsible for this side effect and that the rapid clearing of the breathy dysphonia in the face of prolonged relief of spasmodic dysphonia symptoms suggests the action of an adaptive neural response, such as axonal sprouting. Further research of this subject is warranted.
A Comparison of preservation techniques in a vascularized rat laryngeal transplant model
Authors: Strome Marshall , Wu Justin , Strome Scott , Brodsky Gilbert
Published: October 2006

In earlier laryngeal transplantation studies by Takenouchi, et al.,1 the longest ischemic interval tolerated was 45 minutes. A new animal model and enhanced preservative solutions made reassessment timely. This study evaluated two determinants of graft viability: 1. the duration of ischemia and 2. the composition of the preservative media. Three groups of viable transplants were assessed. Groups I and II were preserved with iced heparinized saline with respective ischemic intervals of 3 and 6 hours. Group III was preserved with the Wisconsin solution during a 20‐hour ischemic interval. All animals were sacrificed at 24 hours

Representative sections of group I confirmed viability whereas group II exhibited both clinical and histologic evidence of irreversible vascular change. In contrast, most representative sections in group III had little demonstrable change. These data suggest that laryngeal allografts can endure prolonged ischemic intervals if properly maintained.
Inner ear hair cell regeneration in a mammal: Identification of a triggering factor
Authors: Lambert Paul R.
Published: October 2006

Recent observations have shown that mammals possess a limited capacity for regeneration of inner ear sensory epithelia. It is clear, however, that a mitogenic growth factor will be necessary to up‐regulate this capacity before clinical application becomes feasible. This study used in vitro cultures of adult mouse vestibular organs for assessing the mitogenic effect of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF‐α). Sixty‐one utricles and cristae were maintained in culture for 7 to 8 days. Neomycin was used to damage the hair cells. Autoradiography permitted identification of any cell which had undergone mitosis during the culture period. The proliferative response was compared in organs exposed to TGF‐alpha and those maintained in the basic culture medium only. The results demonstrated that TGF‐alpha significantly increased cell proliferation in the sensory epithelia and also in the marginal zones surrounding them. This finding provides a scientific basis for the concept that inner ear hair cell damage in humans may someday be reversible pharmacologically.
The efficacy of topical antibiotic prophylaxis for contaminated head and neck surgery
Authors: Grandis Jennifer R. , Vickers Richard M. , Rihs John D. , Yu Victor L. , Wagner Robin L. , Kachman Kimberly K. , Johnson Jonas T.
Published: October 2006

This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of using perioperative topical antibiotics in contaminated head and neck surgery and to standardize the culture methodology (both qualitative and quantitative) which could serve as bacteriologic endpoints for evaluation. Following preliminary studies to establish oral cavity indicator organisms and the impact of a single antibiotic mouthwash dose on oral microflora, 10 consecutive patients undergoing contaminated head and neck surgery were recruited into a clinical trial where clindamycin mouthwash and intraoperative irrigation containing clindamycin were used instead of traditional parenteral antibiotics. The bacteriologic efficacy of topical clindamycin was assessed by comparing the presence of four indicator microorganisms (two aerobic and two anaerobic) cultured from two oral cavity culture sites before and after antibiotic prophylaxis

The patients included in the study underwent total laryngectomy plus neck dissection(s) for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma from 1991 to 1992 at a large university hospital specializing in head and neck cancer surgery. The main outcome measures used were the development of a postoperative wound infection and quantitative and qualitative bacteriology of the intraoperative neck wound and postoperative oral cavity

Two aerobic and two anaerobic organisms proved useful as a practical indicator for bacteriologic efficacy. Preoperative mouthwash resulted in a 99% reduction of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in intraoperatively cultured neck sites. Irrigation during surgery with the clindamycin solution further reduced the bacterial neck counts by an additional 90%. There was a consistent overgrowth of Hemophilus species on postoperative oral cavity cultures. No patient developed a postoperative wound infection

A topical prophylactic antibiotic alone was efficacious and safe for patients undergoing major contaminated head and neck surgery. Culture methods for assessment of bacteriologic efficacy were reproducible and cost‐effective. This pilot study furnishes the ethical and scientific basis for large‐scale prospective trials comparing topical versus parenteral antimicrobial agents.
Tinnitus suppression by electrical stimulation of the cochlear wall and by cochlear implantation
Authors: Ito Juichi , Sakakihara Junji
Published: October 2006

Some recent studies have reported on tinnitus suppression by electrical stimulation of the cochlear wall and by cochlear implant. In the present study, the degree of tinnitus in cochlear implant candidates was determined and the effects of promontory stimulation and cochlear implantation on tinnitus were investigated

Of the cochlear implant candidates, all of whom were either severely hearing impaired or totally deaf, 87% experienced tinnitus. When electrical stimulation was applied to the cochlear wall (promontory stimulation test), tinnitus was abolished in 23% and improved in 46% of the patients. Thus, electrical stimulation of the cochlear wall effectively suppressed tinnitus in 69% of the patients. Following cochlear implantation, tinnitus was abolished in 35% and decreased in 42%. Thus, intracochlear electrical stimulation was effective for treatment of tinnitus in 77% of the patients. The suppression of tinnitus continued for several hours after the patients switched off the implant device. In 60% of the patients whose tinnitus was suppressed or abolished after the cochlear implant surgery, tinnitus was also suppressed in the contralateral ear.
Fractures of the shaft of the humerus
Authors: Ekholm R. , Adami J. , Tidermark J. , Hansson K. , Törnkvist H. , Ponzer S.
Published: October 2006

We studied the epidemiology of 401 fractures of the shaft of the humerus in 397 patients aged 16 years or older. The incidence was 14.5 per 100 000 per year with a gradually increasing age-specific incidence from the fifth decade, reaching almost 60 per 100 000 per year in the ninth decade. Most were closed fractures in elderly patients which had been sustained as the result of a simple fall. The age distribution in women was characterised by a peak in the eighth decade while that in men was more even. Simple fractures were by far the most common and most were located in the middle or proximal shaft. The incidence of palsy of the radial nerve was 8% and fractures in the middle and distal shaft were most likely to be responsible. Only 2% of the fractures were open and 8% were pathological. These figures are representative of a population with a low incidence of high-energy and penetrating trauma, which probably reflects the situation in most European countries.
Aneurysm of the common iliac artery presenting as a lumbosacral plexopathy
Authors: Gardiner M. D. , Mangwani J. , Williams W. W.
Published: October 2006

We describe a case of lumbosacral plexopathy caused by an isolated aneurysm of the common iliac artery. The patient presented with worsening low back pain, progressive numbness and weakness of the right leg in the L2-L4 distribution. This had previously been diagnosed as sciatica. A CT scan showed an aneurysm of the right common iliac artery which measured 8 cm in diameter. Despite being listed for emergency endovascular stenting, the aneurysm ruptured and the patient died.

It is important to distinguish a lumbosacral plexopathy from sciatica and to bear in mind its treatable causes which include aneurysms of the common and internal iliac arteries.
Tendon retracts more than muscle in experimental chronic tears of the rotator cuff
Authors: Meyer D. C. , Lajtai G. , von Rechenberg B. , Pfirrmann C. W. A. , Gerber C.
Published: October 2006

We released the infraspinatus tendons of six sheep, allowed retraction of the musculotendinous unit over a period of 40 weeks and then performed a repair. We studied retraction of the musculotendinous unit 35 weeks later using CT, MRI and macroscopic dissection.

The tendon was retracted by a mean of 4.7 cm (3.8 to 5.1) 40 weeks after release and remained at a mean of 4.2 cm (3.3 to 4.7) 35 weeks after the repair. Retraction of the muscle was only a mean of 2.7 cm (2.0 to 3.3) and 1.7 cm (1.1 to 2.2) respectively at these two points. Thus, the musculotendinous junction had shifted distally by a mean of 2.5 cm (2.0 to 2.8) relative to the tendon. Sheep muscle showed an ability to compensate for approximately 60% of the tendon retraction in a hitherto unknown fashion. Such retraction may not be a quantitatively reliable indicator of retraction of the muscle and may overestimate the need for elongation of the musculotendinous unit during repair.
Intercalary endoprosthetic reconstruction for diaphyseal bone tumours
Authors: Ahlmann E. R. , Menendez L. R.
Published: October 2006

Custom-made intercalary endoprostheses may be used for the reconstruction of diaphyseal defects following the resection of bone tumours. The aim of this study was to determine the survival of intercalary endoprostheses with a lap joint design, and to evaluate the clinical results, complications and functional outcome. We retrospectively reviewed six consecutive patients, three of whom underwent limb salvage with intercalary endoprostheses of the tibia, two of the femur, and one of the humerus. Their mean age was 42 years (28 to 64). The mean follow-up was 21.6 months (9 to 58). The humeral prosthesis required revision at 14 months owing to aseptic loosening. There were no implant-related failures. Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional outcome scores indicated that patients achieved 90% of premorbid function.

Custom intercalary endoprostheses result in reconstructions comparable with, if not better than, those of allografts. Using this design of implant reduces the incidence of early complications and difficulties experienced with previous versions.
Die Beneš-Dekrete und die Vertreibung der Deutschen im europäischen Vergleich
Authors: Kittel Manfred , Möller Horst
Published: October 2006

Weshalb sind deutschsprachige Volksgruppen am Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges nur im östlichen Teil Europas kollektiv aus ihrer angestammten Heimat vertrieben worden? Und warum beschränkten sich die westlichen Staaten darauf, vom dänischen Nordschleswig über das belgische Eupen-Malmedy bis zum italienischen Südtirol eine individuelle politische Säuberung gegen besonders belastete Kollaborateure des Dritten Reiches durchzuführen? Die komplexen Gründe für diese unterschiedlichen Entwicklungen erörtern Manfred Kittel und Horst Möller in einem Aufsatz, der die Ergebnisse eines international vergleichenden Projekts im Auftrag des Deutsch-Tschechischen Zukunftsfonds resümiert und dabei vor allem die Frage nach der Vergleichbarkeit der sogenannten Benesˇ-Dekrete stellt.
Adult disease: echoes of the past
Authors: Gluckman P D , Hanson M A
Published: October 2006

Disease occurs if an environmental challenge exceeds the ability of an individual to mount an effective adaptive response to it. Evolution has selected genomically determined traits, which are optimal for a species to survive the historical environment. However, this adaptive ability to withstand an environmental challenge varies among individuals and is itself a phenotypic characteristic: how is this determined? We argue that maternal and placental cues that constrain prenatal development, induce offspring to develop predictive adaptive responses more suited to a deprived postnatal environment, i.e. a more favorable phenotype for survival of the species than that which would be established by the genotype in the absence of environmental influence. This ‘survival phenotype’ can be exaggerated further by the postnatal environment. Since predictive adaptive responses maximize the chance of survival to reproduce, this phenomenon has itself been protected through evolution. Furthermore, such rapid adaptive responses may allow transgenerational transmission of phenotypic traits advantageous for survival of a species through transient environmental change. We argue that risk of disease is increased, when the actual postnatal environment does not match that predicted prenatally. In humans, this explains patterns of disease, especially those for which risk is determined in part during development, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and the rising risks of childhood obesity. The predictive adaptive response hypothesis extends foregoing concepts in this field and lends itself to experimental testing. It provides insights into ways to reduce the burden of certain common chronic diseases in both developed and developing countries.
Is short stature a problem? The psychological view
Authors: Voss Linda D
Published: October 2006

The use of GH in short normal children remains a controversial issue as physicians and parents alike are under continuing pressure to identify and to treat such children. Before asking who might respond to growth-promoting therapy, we should first ask who needs it. Rational intervention assumes some abnormality, physical or psychological, that can be corrected. Where short stature is the result of GH deficiency, the case for intervention is clear and uncontroversial. Where there is no clear deficiency, treatment can be regarded neither as replacement therapy, nor as corrective, but simply cosmetic. However, there might be a case for therapy if there were clear evidence of an association between short stature and psychosocial dysfunction. The common perception that short stature is an inevitable handicap has been founded on unreliable evidence, largely clinic-based studies, where children experiencing the greatest difficulties are likely to be found. Such reports, unless challenged, can only lead to an increasing demand for treatment, both from and for those who were previously unconcerned. The Wessex Growth Study recruited an unselected cohort of short normal children, not from the clinic, but from the community at large, and has challenged the widely held belief that short stature is an inevitable disadvantage. The progress of these children, followed over some 13 years, has given little cause for concern. Indeed, this study, and others subsequently, has demonstrated the normality of the psychosocial functioning of the short normal child.
Sexual dimorphism in cognition and behaviour: the role of X-linked genes
Authors: Skuse David H
Published: October 2006

Chimpanzees and humans last shared a common ancestor between 5 and 7 million years ago; 99% of the two species’ DNA is identical. Yet, since the paths of primate evolution diverged, there have been remarkable developments in the behavioural and cognitive attainments of our species, which ultimately reflect subtle differences in gene structure and function. These modifications have occurred despite evolutionary constraints upon the diversity of genetic influences, on the development and function of neural tissue. Significant species differences can be observed both at the levels of function (gene expression) and structure (amino acid sequence). Protein evolution is driving an accelerating increase in brain complexity and size. Playing centre stage, in terms of the proportion of genes involved in brain development and cognitive function, is the X chromosome. Recently, it has become clear that a long-standing theory, implicating X-linked genes in a sexually antagonistic evolutionary role, is probably correct. Genes on the sex chromosomes can directly influence sexual dimorphism in cognition and behaviour, independent of the action of sex steroids. Mechanisms by which sex-chromosomal effects, due to X-linked genes, influence neural development or function are reviewed. These include the biased expression of genes subject to X-inactivation, haploinsufficiency (in males) for non-inactivated genes with no Y homology, sex-specific brain functions and genomic imprinting of X-linked loci. Evidence supporting each of these mechanisms is available from both human and animal models. Recently, the first candidate genes have been discovered.
The Effect of Task Complexity and Task Conditions on Foreign Language Development and Performance. Three Empirical Studies.
Authors: Sercu Lies , De Wachter Lieve , Peters Elke , Kuiken Folkert , Vedder Ineke
Published: October 2006

It has been argued that tasks constitute a valid alternative unit to sequence the language learning process, as opposed to linguistically defined syllabuses. Implementing this claim presupposes that it is possible to assess the cognitive and linguistic demands of tasks, so that they can be sequenced in such a way that they optimally support and promote the L2 learning process. Knowing what demands a task will make opens up the possibility of using task design to manipulate the learner's attention between form and meaning in ways that may help interlanguage development.

In this article, we present three empirical studies, which have tried to manipulate task complexity in order to study the effects of differing levels of task complexity on (L2) performance. We situate our studies within the Triadic Componential Framework for Task Design (TCFTD), elaborated by Robinson (1995; 2001; 2005) and interpret our findings in the light of two alternative theories, trying to explain effects on L2 performance arising from task manipulation, namely the Limited Attentional Capacity Model (Skehan & Foster 2001), and the Cognition Hypothesis (Robinson 2001; 2005). Apart from yielding evidence against or in favour of these theories, our studies demonstrate that manipulating L2 learners' attention while performing a task is anything but straightforward. The studies also illustrate how task conditions appear to interact with task complexity.
Ultraviolet irradiation and chlorination/dechlorination for municipal wastewater disinfection: Assessment of performance limitations
Authors: Blatchley Ernest R. , Bastian K. Chad , Duggirala Ravi K. , Alleman James E. , Moore Mark , Schuerch Peter
Published: October 2006

A large‐scale ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system was operated in parallel with an existing full‐scale chlorination system for comparison of process performance at a 340 L/s (7.8 mgd) municipal wastewater treatment facility. The UV disinfection system was operated using two different lamp configurations: vertical and horizontal. Both UV system configurations were operated at the same hydraulic loading, corresponding to the loading at anticipated peak flow for the facility. Both UV systems were shown to be capable of achieving effective inactivation of coliform bacteria. The chlorination system yielded inconsistent performance, probably as a result of inefficient contact chamber design. The major limitation to performance in the UV system was fouling of lamp jackets. Chemical analysis of the fouling materials revealed the presence of a broad spectrum of metals in an amorphous precipitate. Fouling control by air sparging was shown to be effective in slowing the fouling process. An economic analysis of the two disinfection alternatives revealed that UV irradiation would be a less expensive alternative than chlorination and dechlorination at the West Lafayette Wastewater Treatment Plant, both in terms of capital and operating costs.
Quantification of total mercury discharges from publicly owned treatment works to Wisconsin surface waters
Authors: Mugan Thomas J.
Published: October 2006

Testing of mercury levels in both raw and treated wastewater at publicly owned treatment works in the past has frequently detected concentrations just above the common lower limit of detection of 0.2 μg/L. In recent years those results have been questioned. This paper assembles and summarizes results of recent tests, conducted using more sensitive laboratory methods. The data indicate that although influent levels compare reasonably well with past data, effluent levels are much lower than previously thought. Further, this new information shows that a large percentage of the incoming mercury becomes associated with the wastewater solids during the treatment process. Much research effort has been expended on the behavior of mercury in natural waters, and this knowledge can be applied to the wastewater field. However, the mechanisms for removal of mercury from the waste stream are not completely understood. Additional study is needed to determine the forms mercury takes during the treatment process and which factors may affect its removal.
Sludge management using the biodegradable organic fraction of municipal solid waste as a primary substrate
Authors: Kayhanian Masoud , Rich Dan
Published: October 2006

An innovative anaerobic composting process has been used to manage wastewater treatment plant sludges using the biodegradable organic fraction (BOF) found in municipal solid waste (MSW) as a primary substrate. Three different types of wastewater treatment plant sludges (primary, thickened activated, and digested) were commingled with a simulated biodegradable organic fraction of municipal solid waste and used as a feedstock. Digester performance was evaluated for each feedstock under similar retention times, a constant total solids content, and a constant C:N ratio. Additional aspects of the process which have been analyzed include volume reduction, air emission, and humus characteristics. Results obtained indicate that stable and robust digestion was achieved using organic loading rates of 6.5‐8 g biodegradable volatile solids per kilogram active reactor mass per day. Under these organic loading rates, methane gas production rates as high as 0.36 m3/kg biodegradable volatile solids added per day were obtained, gassifying approximately half the dry mass of the feedstock. Substrate volume reduction through the process was ∼65–69% as compared with the same quantities of sludge and MSW in a well‐compacted landfill. The emissions produced from anaerobic digestion and aerobic biodrying are found to have no adverse effect on human heath and the environment. The humus produced is a fine, odorless, and pathogen‐free material with metal pollutant concentrations well below the “clean sludge” standards specified by EPA Part 503 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
Perturbation index of linear partial differential-algebraic equations with a hyperbolic part
Authors: Angermann Lutz , Rang Joachim
Published: October 2006

This paper deals with linear partial differential-algebraic equations (PDAEs) which have a hyperbolic part. If the spatial differential operator satisfies a Gårding-type inequality in a suitable function space setting, a perturbation index can be defined. Theoretical and practical examples are considered.
Health Professional vs Layperson Values and Preferences on Scarce Resource Allocation
Authors: Buhr Russell G. , Huynh Ashley , Lee Connie , Nair Vishnu P. , Romero Ruby , Wisk Lauren E.
Published: March 2024

Importance

COVID-19 prompted rapid development of scarce resource allocation (SRA) policies to be implemented if demand eclipsed health systems’ ability to provide critical care. While SRA policies follow general ethical frameworks, understanding priorities of those affected by policies and/or tasked with implementing them is critical.

Objective

To evaluate whether community members and health care profesionals (HCP) agree with SRA protocols at the University of California (UC).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This survey study used social media and community-partnered engagement to recruit participants to a web-based survey open to all participants aged older than 18 years who wished to enroll. This study was fielded between May and September 2020 and queried participants’ values and preferences on draft SRA policy tenets. Participants were also encouraged to forward the survey to their networks for snowball sampling. Data were analyzed from July 2020 to January 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Survey items assessed values and preferences, graded on Likert scales. Agreement was tabulated as difference in Likert points between expressed opinion and policy tenets. Descriptive statistics were tested for significance by HCP status. Free text responses were analyzed using applied rapid qualitative analysis.

Results

A total of 1545 participants aged older than 18 years (mean [SD] age 49 [16] years; 1149 female participants [74%], 478 health care practitioners [30%]) provided data on SRA values and preferences. Agreement with UC SRA policy as drafted was moderately high among respondents, ranging from 67% to 83% across domains. Higher agreement with the interim policy was observed for laypersons across all domains except health-related factors. HCPs agreed more strongly on average that resources should not be allocated to those less likely to survive (HCP mean, 3.70; 95% CI, 3.16-3.59; vs layperson mean, 3.38; 95% CI, 3.17-3.59; P = .002), and were more in favor of reallocating life support from patients less likely to those more likely to survive (HCP mean, 6.41; 95% CI, 6.15-6.67; vs layperson mean, 5.40; 95% CI, 5.23-5.58; P < .001). Transparency and trust building themes were common in free text responses and highly rated on scaled items.

Conclusions and Relevance

This survey of SRA policy values found moderate agreement with fundamental principles of such policies. Engagement with communities affected by SRA policy should continue in iterative refinement in preparation for future crises.
Targeting ABCA1 via Extracellular Vesicle‐Encapsulated Staurosporine as a Therapeutic Strategy to Enhance Radiosensitivity
Authors: Yang Qi , Gao Wenyan , Li Xinyue , Li Xin , Zhou Xuantong , Li Wenxin , Zhou Changchun , Luo Aiping , Liu Zhihua
Published: March 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential for tumor initiation, recurrence, metastasis, and resistance. However, targeting CSCs as a therapeutic approach remains challenging. Here, a stemness signature based on 22‐gene is developed to predict prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Staurosporine (STS) is identified as a radioresistance suppressor by high‐throughput screening of a library of 2131 natural compounds, leading to dramatically improved radiotherapy efficacy in subcutaneous tumor models. Mechanistically, STS inhibits cell proliferation through the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway and suppressed stemness by targeting ATP‐binding cassette A1 (ABCA1), which is transcriptionally regulated by liver X receptor alpha (LXRα). STS can selectively bind to the nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD) of ABCA1 and compete for ATP, blocking ABCA1‐mediated drug efflux and facilitating intracellular accumulation of STS. Considering the cytotoxicity of STS, an extracellular vesicle‐encapsulated STS system (EV‐STS) is established for effective STS delivery. EV‐STS shows remarkable tumor growth inhibition, even at half the dose of STS, with superior safety and efficacy. These findings indicate that ABCA1 may serve as a predictor of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in ESCC patients. EV‐STS has shown improved antitumor efficacy and low systemic toxicity, offering a promising therapeutic approach for ESCC.
Engineering Anomalously Large Electron Transport in Topological Semimetals
Authors: Plisson Vincent M. , Yao Xiaohan , Wang Yaxian , Varnavides George , Suslov Alexey , Graf David , Choi Eun Sang , Yang Hung‐Yu , Wang Yiping , Romanelli Marisa , McNamara Grant , Singh Birender , McCandless Gregory T. , Chan Julia Y. , Narang Prineha , Tafti Fazel , Burch Kenneth S.
Published: March 2024

Anomalous transport of topological semimetals has generated significant interest for applications in optoelectronics, nanoscale devices, and interconnects. Understanding the origin of novel transport is crucial to engineering the desired material properties, yet their orders of magnitude higher transport than single‐particle mobilities remain unexplained. This work demonstrates the dramatic mobility enhancements result from phonons primarily returning momentum to electrons due to phonon‐electron dominating over phonon–phonon scattering. Proving this idea, proposed by Peierls in 1932, requires tuning electron and phonon dispersions without changing symmetry, topology, or disorder. This is achieved by combining de Haas ‐ van Alphen (dHvA), electron transport, Raman scattering, and first‐principles calculations in the topological semimetals MX2 (M = Nb, Ta and X = Ge, Si). Replacing Ge with Si brings the transport mobilities from an order magnitude larger than single particle ones to nearly balanced. This occurs without changing the crystal structure or topology and with small differences in disorder or Fermi surface. Simultaneously, Raman scattering and first‐principles calculations establish phonon–electron dominated scattering only in the MGe2 compounds. Thus, this study proves that phonon‐drag is crucial to the transport properties of topological semimetals and provides insight to engineer these materials further.
Row unit down force and coulter effects vary by environmental conditions in organic no‐till soybeans
Authors: Brockmueller Ben , Drewry Jessica L. , Vereecke Léa , Luck Brian , Silva Erin M. , Smith Andrew
Published: March 2024

Concerns over tillage intensity and soil erosion in organic cropping systems have prompted the development of reduced tillage organic systems that use cover crops rather than soil disturbance as the primary weed control tool. However, planting into high residue cover crop mulches may inhibit crop establishment due to poor seed placement. Adaptation of agricultural equipment to high residue planting conditions could reduce variability in crop stands, thereby improving grain yield. Field trials at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station, Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, and three on‐farm locations representing seven site‐years of data from 2019 to 2020 comprised a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment comparing (1) a low (457,135 seeds ha−1) versus high (555,986 seeds ha−1) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeding rate, (2) a 13 fluted‐wavy coulter versus no coulter attachment, (3) low (667 N) versus high (1334 N) row unit down force, and (4) spiked versus rubber closing wheels on soybean stand establishment and grain yield in an organic cover crop–based reduced tillage system. Combined across site‐years, high row unit down force and coulters increased soybean stand establishment by 2.3% and 2.4%, respectively; however, the magnitude and direction of effects varied within each site‐year. Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) biomass accumulation negatively correlated to soybean stand establishment and demonstrated trends toward increasing soybean yield. Significant correlations between soybean stand establishment and yield were noted under high rye biomass conditions, indicating potential improvements to soybean yields by increasing plant stands.
Long‐term outcomes and survival analysis of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei at a newly established peritoneal malignancy centre in Japan
Authors: Yano Hideaki , Gohda Yoshimasa , Moran Brendan J. , Suda Ryuichiro , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: March 2024

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is established in the management of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), selected cases of peritoneal mesothelioma, and resectable colorectal or ovarian peritoneal metastases in Western countries. However, the efficacy and feasibility of these techniques are not well established in the Asian population, and little has been reported on long‐term survival outcomes for surgically resected PMP patients.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of short‐ and longer‐term outcomes of consecutive patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for PMP in a newly established peritoneal malignancy unit in Japan between 2010 and 2016.

Results

A total of 105 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC and 57 maximal tumor debulking (MTD) for pseudomyxoma peritonei. In the CRS group, the primary tumor was appendiceal in 94 patients (90%) followed by ovarian and colorectal. Major postoperative complications occurred in 22/105 patients (21%) with one in‐hospital mortality (0.9%). The 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates for the CRS group were 74.2% and 50.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed unfavorable histology to be the significant predictor of reduced overall and disease‐free survival. Completeness of cytoreduction, CA19‐9, and CA125 were also associated with disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

This is the first report on long‐term outcomes and survival analysis of CRS and HIPEC for PMP in the Asian population. CRS and HIPEC can be conducted with reasonable safety and favorable survival in a new center. Complete tumor removal and histological type are the strongest prognostic factors for both overall and disease‐free survival.
Substrate Controlled [3+3] Relay Catalytic Cyclization of α‐(3‐Isoindolinonyl) Propargylic Alcohols with 5‐Aminoisoxazoles
Authors: Li Wenzhe , Gao Min , Li Min , Yang Shuang , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: March 2024

Two different skeletons have been constructed by cyclization of α‐(3‐isoindolinonyl) propargylic alcohols with 5‐aminoisoxazoles bearing different N‐substituents under the relay catalysis of Brønsted acid and Lewis acid. This method provided spiro‐isoindolinone‐dihydropyridines with moderate to high yields (up to 99 %) as well as isoxazolo[4,5‐b]pyridines in moderate to good yields (up to 86 %). The structures of two products were determined by X‐ray crystal structural analyses. Moreover, fluorescence testing proved that one of the isoxazolo[4,5‐b]pyridines exhibited aggregation induced emission (AIE) effect. Finally, the control experiments revealed the possible reaction mechanism.
Synthese und Reaktivität dreifach koordinierter Organoberylliumazide
Authors: Czernetzki Corinna , Kunz Tanja , Huynh Silvia , Lamprecht Anna , Sprenger Jan , Finze Maik , Arrowsmith Merle , Braunschweig Holger
Published: March 2024

Eine Reihe terminaler mono‐ und disubstituierter Berylliumaziden der Form [(CAAC)Be(N3)R] (R=CAACH, Dur; CAACH/CAAC=1‐(2,6‐Diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidin‐2‐yl/iden, Dur=2,3,5,6‐Tetramethylphenyl) und [L2Be(N3)2] (L=CAACNH=1‐(2,6‐Diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidin‐2‐imin, IiPrMe=1,3‐Diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐yliden) wurden synthetisiert und mittels NMR‐Spektroskopie und Röntgenkristallographie charakterisiert. Die Thermolyse‐ und Photolyseprodukte dieser ersten Beispiele dreifach koordinierter Azidoberylliumkomplexe zeigen Ligandenaustauschreaktionen und die formale Insertion eines Nitrens in die CAAC−Be‐Bindung, wodurch cyclische Alkyl(amino)imin‐Liganden (CAAI) entstehen. Darüber hinaus führt die Reaktion mit einem kleinen N‐heterocyclischen Carben (NHC) zu einem unerwarteten CAAC‐NHC‐Ligandenaustausch, während die Reaktion mit Pentaphenylborol das erste γ‐Azidaddukt eines Borols ergibt, welches seit langem als erster Schritt in der Synthese von 1,2‐Azaborininen aus Borolen und Aziden postuliert wurde.
The Cyanoketenyl Anion [NC3O]−
Authors: Krischer Felix , Swamy Varre S. V. S. N. , Feichtner Kai‐Stephan , Ward Robert J. , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: March 2024

Cumulenes and heterocumulenes with three or more cumulative multiple bonds are usually reactive species that serve as valuable building blocks for more complex molecules but tend to isomerize or cyclize and therefore are difficult to isolate. Using a mild ligand exchange reaction at the carbon in α‐metalated ylides, we have now succeeded in the synthesis and gram‐scale isolation of the elusive cyanoketenyl anion [NC3O]−. Despite its assumed cumulene‐like structure and the delocalization of the negative charge across the whole 5‐atom molecule, it features a bent geometry with a nucleophilic central carbon atom. Computational studies reveal an ambiguous bonding situation in the anion, which can be illustrated only by a combination of different resonance structures. Nonetheless, the anion features remarkable stability, thus allowing the storage of its potassium‐crown ether salt and its application as a highly functional synthetic building block. The cyanoketenyl anion readily reacts with a series of small molecules to form more complex organic compounds, including industrially valuable compounds such as cyanoacetate. This work demonstrated that reactive species can be generated by novel synthesis methods and open up atom‐economic pathways to complex compounds from small abundant molecules.
Guar gum assisted synthesis of high‐quality silver nanoplates and their polyimide matrix nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Authors: Mehmood Zahid , Shah Syed Aizaz Ali , Omer Saeed , Idrees Ramsha , Bashir Aamna , Qaisrani Tahir Maqsood , Saeed Shaukat
Published: March 2024

Two‐dimensional (2D) silver nanoplates are chemically synthesized in the presence of guar gum – a naturally occurring biopolymer. The polymer directs anisotropic growth of silver nuclei into high aspect ratio nanoplates spanning 4500 ± 500 nm lateral length with thickness as small as 40 ± 10 nm. After a thorough investigation of the reaction parameters (temperature, precursor to reductant ratio, and polymer quantity) on the morphology of the product, a scalable synthetic protocol to achieve good yields (95%–98%) of highly pure (~100%) 2D silver nanoplates (AgNPls) in a facile, inexpensive, room temperature, aqueous phase chemical reaction of only about 5 min is devised. The optimized AgNPls induce appreciable conductivity of 5.5 ± 0.38 S/cm in polyimide at only 12 wt% loading. Consequently, the resulting polymer nanocomposite (containing 12 wt% AgNPls), at only 130 ± 15 μm thickness and 0.45 g/cm3 density, effectively blocks electromagnetic radiation in X‐band with a total shield effectiveness of about 10 dB resulting in substantially high specific shielding effectiveness and absolute shielding effectiveness of 22.48 and 1729.23 dB cm3 g−1, respectively. Additionally, the nanocomposites remain thermally stable up to 500°C in oxidative environment and possess an appreciably high storage modulus of 3.113 GPa at 50°C. These low‐density conductive polyimide films, therefore, present great prospects in shielding against electromagnetic interference under extreme conditions.
Artificial neural networks reconstruct missing perikymata in worn teeth
Authors: Modesto‐Mata Mario , de la Fuente Valentín Luis , Hlusko Leslea J. , Martínez de Pinillos Marina , Towle Ian , García‐Campos Cecilia , Martinón‐Torres María , Bermúdez de Castro José María
Published: March 2024

Dental evolutionary studies in hominins are key to understanding how our ancestors and close fossil relatives grew from the early stages of embryogenesis into adults. In a sense, teeth are like an airplane's ‘black box’ as they record important variables for assessing developmental timing, enabling comparisons within and between populations, species, and genera. The ability to discern this type of nuanced information is embedded in the nature of how tooth enamel and dentin form: incrementally and over years. This incremental growth leaves chronological indicators in the histological structure of enamel, visible on the crown surface as perikymata. These structures are used in the process of reconstructing the rate and timing of tooth formation. Unfortunately, the developmentally earliest growth lines in lateral enamel are quickly lost to wear once the tooth crown erupts. We developed a method to reconstruct these earliest, missing perilymata from worn teeth through knowledge of the later‐developed, visible perikymata for all tooth types (incisors, canines, premolars, and molars) using a modern human dataset. Building on our previous research using polynomial regressions, here we describe an artificial neural networks (ANN) method. This new ANN method mostly predicts within 2 counts the number of perikymata present in each of the first three deciles of the crown height for all tooth types. Our ANN method for estimating perikymata lost through wear has two immediate benefits: more accurate values can be produced and worn teeth can be included in dental research. This tool is available on the open‐source platform R within the package teethR released under GPL v3.0 license, enabling other researchers the opportunity to expand their datasets for studies of periodicity in histological growth, dental development, and evolution.
A matter of precision? Scene imagery in individuals with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Faustmann Larissa L. , Altgassen Mareike
Published: March 2024

The ability to create mental representations of scenes is essential for remembering, predicting, and imagining. In individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) this ability may be impaired. Considering that autistic characteristics such as weak central coherence or reduced communication abilities may disadvantage autistic participants in traditional imagery tasks, this study attempted to use a novel task design to measure the ability of scene imagery. Thirty high‐functioning adults with ASD and 27 non‐autistic matched control adults were asked to describe imagined fictitious scenes using two types of scene imagery tasks. In a free imagery task, participants were asked to imagine a scene based on a given keyword. In a guided imagery task, participants had to imagine a scene based on a detailed description of the scene. Additionally, narrative abilities were assessed using the Narrative Scoring Scheme. Statistical analyses revealed no group effects in the free and guided imagery of fictional scenes. Participants with ASD performed worse than control participants in the narrative task. Narrative abilities correlated positively with performance in both imagery tasks in the ASD group only. Hence, individuals with ASD seem to show as good imagery abilities as non‐autistic individuals. The results are discussed in the light of the differences between imagery and imagination and possible gender differences.
Purpose‐Driven Leadership: How Authentic Leaders Can Deliver Results for a Nonprofit
Authors: Rosen Diane
Published: March 2024

Dr. Diane Rosen is a principal at Compass Consultants, a business consultancy. In this article, she discusses how nonprofit leadership is different from the for‐profit sector and how to optimize impact through authentic leadership.
Nanomaterials for co‐immobilization of multiple enzymes
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Lovell Jonathan F. , Shi Jiafu , Zhang Yumiao
Published: March 2024

In order to co‐immobilize multiple enzymes, a wide range of nanomaterials has been designed to achieve synergistic enzyme activity and enhance catalytic efficiency. Nanomaterials, as carriers for enzyme co‐immobilization, possess various advantages such as tunable morphology and size, high specific surface area, and abundant chemically active sites. They can significantly enhance enzyme stability, activity, and catalytic efficiency. We overview the commonly used methods and strategies of enzyme co‐immobilization. This review further summarizes the latest research advances in nanomaterials for enzyme co‐immobilization applications over the past 5 years. Meanwhile, the advantages and challenges of these nanomaterials used for enzyme co‐immobilization as well as some potential future directions are also discussed.