bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GSH‐Responsive Metal–Organic Framework for Intratumoral Release of NO and IDO Inhibitor to Enhance Antitumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Du Lihua , He Haozhe , Xiao Zecong , Xiao Hong , An Yongcheng , Zhong Huihai , Lin Minzhao , Meng Xiaochun , Han Shisong , Shuai Xintao
Published: February 2022

Immunotherapy brings great benefits for tumor therapy in clinical treatments but encounters the severe challenge of low response rate mainly because of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Multifunctional nanoplatforms integrating effective drug delivery and medical imaging offer tremendous potential for cancer treatment, which may play a critical role in combinational immunotherapy to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment for efficient tumor therapy. Here, a nanodrug (BMS‐SNAP‐MOF) is prepared using glutathione (GSH)‐sensitive metal–organic framework (MOF) to encapsulate an immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor BMS‐986205, and the nitric oxide (NO) donor s‐nitrosothiol groups. The high T1 relaxivity allows magnetic resonance imaging to monitor nanodrug distribution in vivo. After the nanodrug accumulation in tumor tissue via the EPR effect and subsequent internalization into tumor cells, the enriched GSH therein triggers cascade reactions with MOF, which disassembles the nanodrug to rapidly release the IDO‐inhibitory BMS‐986205 and produces abundant NO. Consequently, the IDO inhibitor and NO synergistically modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment with increase CD8+ T cells and reduce Treg cells to result in highly effective immunotherapy. In an animal study, treatment using this theranostic nanodrug achieves obvious regressions of both primary and distant 4T1 tumors, highlighting its application potential in advanced tumor immunotherapy.
Vascular Derived ECM Improves Therapeutic Index of BMP‐2 and Drives Vascularized Bone Regeneration
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Zhou Xingzhi , Sun Wenquan , Zhang Zengjie , Teng Wangsiyuan , Wang Fangqian , Sun Hangxiang , Zhang Wei , Wang Jianwei , Yu Xiaohua , Ye Zhaoming , Li Weixu
Published: February 2022

Vascularized osteogenesis is essential for successful bone regeneration, yet its realization during large size bone defect healing remains challenging due to the difficulty to couple multiple biological processes. Herein, harnessing the intrinsic angiogenic potential of vascular derived extracellular matrix (vECM) and its specific affinity to growth factors, a vECM/GelMA based hybrid hydrogel delivery system is constructed to achieve optimized bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) therapeutic index and provide intrinsic angiogenic induction during bone healing. The incorporation of vECM not only effectively regulates BMP‐2 kinetics to match the bone healing timeframe, but also promotes angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo results also show that vECM‐mediated BMP‐2 release remarkably enhances vascularized bone formation for critical size bone defects. In particular, blood vessel ingrowth stained with CD31 marker in the defect area is substantially encouraged over the course of healing, suggesting incorporation of vECM served roles in both angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Thus, the authors’ study exemplifies that affinity of growth factor towards ECM may be a promising strategy to be leveraged to develop sophisticated delivery systems endowed with desirable properties for regenerative medicine applications.
Filament Engineering of Two‐Dimensional h‐BN for a Self‐Power Mechano‐Nociceptor System
Authors: Ding Guanglong , Chen Ruo‐Si , Xie Peng , Yang Baidong , Shang Gang , Liu Yang , Gao Lili , Mo Wen‐Ai , Zhou Kui , Han Su‐Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: February 2022

The switching variability caused by intrinsic stochasticity of the ionic/atomic motions during the conductive filaments (CFs) formation process largely limits the applications of diffusive memristors (DMs), including artificial neurons, neuromorphic computing and artificial sensory systems. In this study, a DM device with improved device uniformity based on well‐crystallized two‐dimensional (2D) h‐BN, which can restrict the CFs formation from three to two dimensions due to the high migration barrier of Ag+ between h‐BN interlayer, is developed. The BN‐DM has potential arrayable feature with high device yield of 88%, which can be applied for building a reservoir computing system for digital pattern recognition with high accuracy rate of 96%, and used as an artificial nociceptor to sense the external noxious stimuli and mimic the important biological nociceptor properties. By connecting the BN‐DM to a self‐made triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a self‐power mechano‐nociceptor system, which can successfully mimic the important nociceptor features of “threshold”, “relaxation” and “allodynia” is designed.
In Situ Electrospinning of Aggregation‐Induced Emission Nanofibrous Dressing for Wound Healing
Authors: Dong Ruihua , Li Ying , Chen Mian , Xiao Peihong , Wu Yifan , Zhou Kun , Zhao Zheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2022

Rapid wound dressing and effective antibacterial therapy that meet the extreme requirements of emergency situations are urgently needed for treating skin wounds. Here, an in situ deposited and personalized nanofibrous dressing is reported which can be directly electrospun on skin wounds by a handheld electrospinning device and perfectly fits different wounds of various sizes. Moreover, an aggregation‐induced emission luminogen with photodynamic therapy effect is loaded in the nanofibrous dressings which endows the dressing's long‐term antibacterial activity during the wound healing process. The in situ electrospun nanofibers show excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo studies demonstrate that these antibacterial nanofibrous dressings can effectively reduce inflammation and significantly accelerate wound healing. Such an in situ produced antibacterial dressing is promising as a total solution for treating emergencies, including patient‐specific clinical wounds and military injuries.
Phase‐Pure Engineering for Efficient and Stable Formamidinium‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Dong Xue , Chao Lingfeng , Niu Tingting , Li Yiyun , Guo Peiyao , Hui Wei , Song Lin , Wu Zhongbin , Chen Yonghua
Published: February 2022

Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) with a narrow bandgap, broad light absorption spectra, and high thermal stability has emerged as one of the promising active materials for perovskite solar cells. To date, the certified power conversion efficiency of FAPbI3‐based solar cells has reached 25.7%, comparable with that of monocrystalline silicon solar cells (26.7%). However, FAPbI3 tends to form an undesirable metastable nonperovskite phase (α‐FAPbI3), which is the most fatal issue for the commercialization development of FAPbI3‐based perovskite solar cells. Many efforts are committed to stabilizing the α‐FAPbI3 phase. In this review, the strategies involving composition engineering in A‐site (including double‐cation, triple‐cation, quadruple‐cation systems) and X‐site ions (halides and pseudohalides) to stabilize FA‐based perovskites are summarized. To realize higher efficiencies and avoid the increase in bandgap and phase segregation issue induced by the multicomponent elements, the corresponding strategies for preparing a pure α‐FAPbI3 perovskite with various functional materials are discussed. Moreover, the perovskite crystal redissolution strategy to prepare perovskite films with high purity, precise stoichiometric ratio, high crystallinity, ideal crystal orientation, and low defect density is described for highly efficient FAPbI3‐based perovskite solar cells. Finally, the perspective for future research directions toward highly reproducible and large‐area FAPbI3‐based photovoltaics is raised.
A novel watermarking scheme based on discrete wavelet transform‐singular value decomposition
Authors: Yasmeen Fauzia , Uddin Mohammad Shorif
Published: February 2022

Due to the rapid advancement in information technology, individuals as well as organizations frequently transfer or share their digital content via cyberspace. The security and integrity of this digital content become a big concern, as any middleman can misuse or temper this content. Digital watermarking is a blessing to protect it from any unwanted tampering. Even though many researchers have implemented various watermarking approaches, but still ownership protection and reliability concerns are not fully mitigated. This paper proposes an improved novel hybrid watermarking scheme by combining discrete wavelet transform (DWT) with singular value decomposition (SVD) to minimize these concerns. At first, the host image is decomposed by multi‐level DWT and a two‐level SVD is applied to the fourth lower‐level coefficient (LL5) of the host image. Then the watermark is inserted into the specified sub‐band of the host image. The watermark is extracted in a reverse manner. The hybridization of DWT and SVD ensures that the watermarking technique performs better in terms of visual distortion and robustness. The outcomes of the experiment show that our proposed method is more robust, imperceptible, and secure than the existing DWT‐SVD based methods, even with a broad watermark scale.
Exploring graduate student roles and responsibilities in enhancing sense of belonging in residence life during COVID‐19
Authors: Hernández Erin , Kalstrom Benjamin , Murray Abigail , Nelson Zoe , Squire Dian
Published: March 2022

Based on an autoethnographic study, this article aims to better understand how graduate student residence life staff made sense of their responsibilities and roles in enhancing student belonging within residence halls. The article also explores how the graduate students’ own sense of belonging was impacted as a result of COVID‐19 policy.
A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of multi‐residual pesticides in blood
Authors: Kumar Dileshwar , Sinha Sukesh Narayan , Ungarala Ramakrishna , Mungamuri Sathish Kumar , Kasturi Vasudev
Published: February 2022

Pesticides are synthetic chemical compounds that are toxic and may cause toxicity when exposed in large quantities. The leading site of action of these compounds is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Quantifying the pesticide levels in the human body can help understand and study pesticide exposure in humans. The study aimed to develop and validate a rapid and accurate liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination of pesticide concentration in human blood samples. The analytes were separated using an Agilent Stable Bond C18 column and a mobile phase containing 10 mM ammonium formate in water and acetonitrile. The limits of detection and quantitation from the developed method were 0.023–0.161  and 0.072–0.487 ng/mL, respectively, while the recoveries from the spiked blood samples were 78.01–104.36%. The intraday and interday accuracies and precision were 40–105% and 0.5–13 RSD% and 40–113% and 3–14 RSD%, respectively. Linear regression was obtained at a value of > 0.9921, indicating the method to be accurate and precise. Validation was further performed on pesticide exposure and control blood samples effectively. The developed method can be employed to estimate the levels of exposure in blood samples since the method has been found to be accurate and reliable under the European standard guidelines.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Fossils: 15
Authors: Herendeen Patrick S.
Published: February 2022

The following three generic names are recommended for conservation: Protophyllocladoxylon with a conserved type, Williamsonia with a conserved type and Zamites with a conserved type. The following two species names are recommended for conservation: Aspleniopteris difformis (Comptonia difformis) against Phyllites comptoniifolius and Williamsonia gigas T.M. Harris against W. gigas (Lindl. & Hutton) Carruth.
A new sectional classification of Lachenalia (Asparagaceae) based on a multilocus DNA phylogeny
Authors: Duncan Graham D. , Schlichting Carl D. , Forest Félix , Ellis Allan G. , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Verboom G. Anthony
Published: February 2022

Lachenalia (Asparagaceae; Scilloideae; Hyacintheae) is a large and morphologically diverse genus of more than 140 bulbous species endemic to southern Africa. Previous attempts to infer a well‐resolved and robustly supported phylogeny of Lachenalia using Sanger sequencing of candidate loci and/or morphological characters have been largely unsuccessful. Consequently, the current infrageneric classification is artificial, and there is a need to explore alternative avenues to produce a phylogenetic classification. In this paper, we present a novel phylogenetic hypothesis for Lachenalia inferred using maximum likelihood and coalescent‐based species tree estimation (ASTRAL) as applied to 378 hybrid‐enrichment loci. Our tree is well resolved and well supported, providing strong support for a monophyletic radiation of the genus in southern Africa and a solid foundation for a revised infrageneric classification. The well‐supported placement of L. isopetala Jacq. as sister to Lachenalia + Massonia supports the establishment of a new monotypic genus, Pseudolachenalia, to accommodate this species. Conversely, the inclusion of species previously classified as Polyxena within the Lachenalia clade supports the transfer of these species to Lachenalia. Within Lachenalia, the delimitation of subgenera and sections is complicated by the highly imbalanced character of the phylogeny and by the high levels of homoplasy shown by most morphological characters traditionally used to delimit species in this group. Nonetheless, we propose an infrageneric taxonomy comprising 10 morphologically distinct, monophyletic sections. The largest of these, L. sect. Lachenalia, is further divided into 13 more‐or‐less diagnosable, monophyletic subsections. Keys to the sections of Lachenalia, and to the subsections of L. sect. Lachenalia, are provided.
Investigating the dimensions of modeling competence among preservice science teachers: Meta‐modeling knowledge, modeling practice, and modeling product
Authors: Göhner Maximilian Felix , Bielik Tom , Krell Moritz
Published: February 2022

Worldwide, teachers are expected to engage their students in authentic practices, like scientific modeling. Research suggests that teachers experience challenges when integrating modeling in their classroom instruction, with one explanation that teachers themselves lack the necessary modeling competence. Currently, theoretical conceptualizations structure the modeling competence into three dimensions: meta‐modeling knowledge, modeling practice, and modeling products. While each of these dimensions is well researched on its own and the three dimensions are commonly expected to be highly positively related, studies investigating their specific relationships are widely lacking. Aiming to fill this gap, the present study investigated the meta‐modeling knowledge, modeling practice, and modeling products of 35 secondary preservice biology teachers engaging in a black box modeling task. Data were collected with an established pen‐and‐paper questionnaire consisting of five constructed response items assessing meta‐modeling knowledge and by videotaping the participants engaging in the black box modeling task. Herein, the three dimensions of modeling competence were operationalized as five variables including decontextualized and contextualized meta‐modeling knowledge, complexity, and homogeneity of the modeling processes and a modeling product score. In contrast to our expectations and common assumptions in the literature, significant relationships between the five variables were widely lacking. Only the complexity of the modeling processes correlated significantly with the quality of the modeling products. To investigate this relationship further, a qualitative in‐depth analysis of two cases is presented. Implications for biology teacher education are discussed.
Inguinal herniorrhaphy in goat: The novel way of using vest‐over‐pants closure technique
Authors: Kitessa Jiregna Dugassa , Merga Abebe Fromsa , Afata Abebe Wirtu , Feyisa Cheru Telila
Published: March 2022

The present case report aims to describe surgical repair and management of inguinal hernia in a 2‐month‐old, 5 kg, female kid admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. General and clinical examination revealed a large swelling in the left groin, progressing to the groin area that could be reduced to the ring. After aseptic preparation of the surgical site, stabilisation with diazepam at 0.1 mg/kg and circular infiltration with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride at 3.4 mg/kg, a sharp linear incision was made in the skin and subcutaneous tissue over the swelling slightly lateral to the udder. Then the contents were identified and relocated. From there, the ring was renewed and sutured with the appropriate threads and patterns followed by muscle layer and skin. After the operation, the kid was administered with antibiotics and analgesics intramuscularly for 3 days, incision site was dressed with diluted chlorhexidine solution and the kid successfully recovered without complications.
Anaesthetic management of a dog with severe pulmonary stenosis and R2A right coronary artery anomaly undergoing placement of a hybrid transventricular pulmonary stent
Authors: Cambruzzi Martina , Borgeat Kieran , MacFarlane Paul
Published: February 2022

A 7‐month‐old, 12.2 kg, male, neutered, English bulldog with severe pulmonary stenosis and R2A right coronary artery anomaly was anaesthetised for placement of hybrid right ventricle to pulmonary artery stent. An alfentanil bolus (10 μg/kg intravenously) was used as premedication. Anaesthesia was induced with midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) and etomidate (1 mg/kg) intravenously, and maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen. Perioperative analgesia was achieved combining locoregional techniques with intravenous analgesics. The main intraoperative complications were hypotension, bradycardia, ventricular premature complexes, ST‐segment depression and transient hypoxaemia. Lidocaine constant‐rate infusion (50 μg/kg/min) and magnesium sulphate constant‐rate infusion (5 mg/kg/h) were used to prevent arrhythmias during the cardiac manipulations and stent placement. Hypotension was treated with dobutamine and noradrenaline constant‐rate infusion. The use of different drugs and anaesthetic techniques (balanced anaesthesia) provided antinociception, muscle relaxation and appeared to be effective in preventing major cardiovascular complications.
Primary mediastinal spindle cell sarcoma in a dog
Authors: Lomas Daniel C. , Garrett Katrina , Taylor David , Havlicek Martin , Jenkins Paul L.
Published: March 2022

Soft tissue sarcomas are frequently reported tumours in dogs and are most often located in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. Primary thoracic soft tissue sarcomas are infrequently reported in veterinary literature. This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a primary mediastinal spindle cell sarcoma of a 7‐year‐old, male, neutered Labrador retriever. Staging was performed before surgery. Computed tomography revealed a large intrathoracic mass in the left ventral hemithorax. A left‐sided thoracotomy was performed and a large pedunculated mass originating from the caudal mediastinum was excised. Histopathology revealed a high‐grade, undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry staining confirmed the mesenchymal origin of the mass. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered. Thoracic radiology was performed 38 days after surgery and revealed pleural effusion and mass effect in the caudal thorax. The patient was euthanased 66 days after surgery due to acute respiratory distress.
Anaesthetic management for cardiac 3D electro‐anatomical mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation in a horse with sustained atrial tachycardia
Authors: Phillips Victoria , Schauvliege Stijn , Decloedt Annelies , Van Steenkiste Glenn , van Loon Gunther
Published: March 2022

Atrial arrhythmias in horses are common, and novel catheter‐based treatment techniques require the horse to be under general anaesthesia. A 3‐year‐old gelding, weighing 517 kg, presented for cardiac three‐dimensional electro‐anatomical mapping and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of sustained atrial tachycardia. The current case report describes a suitable anaesthetic protocol that included medetomidine and methadone as premedication, a combination of ketamine and diazepam for co‐induction of anaesthesia and maintenance with isoflurane vaporised in an oxygen/air mixture with constant‐rate infusions of medetomidine and lidocaine. Total anaesthesia time was 205 minutes. The current protocol did not negatively impact on the procedure performed, provided good haemodynamic stability for several hours and enabled a smooth, good‐quality recovery. The horse developed a triceps myopathy postoperatively, which was successfully treated and the horse was discharged 18 days following treatment.
Weather, climate, and agriculture: Historical contributions and perspectives from agricultural meteorology
Authors: Parolini Giuditta
Published: February 2022

All over the world, farming communities need to adapt to a changing climate. At the same time, they are confronted by the necessity to increase food availability for a growing population, but also to ensure a sustainable use of natural resources. In this process, agriculture is not just the fiend responsible for an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, nor the victim of rising temperatures and extreme weather events. Agriculture is also an ally in climate change mitigation and adaptation because the selection of ad hoc crop varieties and livestock can lower the environmental impact of farming and the implementation of better management practices can promote soil conservation. Whether agriculture will have a positive or a negative impact on climate change adaptation and mitigation will depend on the rural policies implemented, but it will also be contingent on an adequate understanding of the interconnections existing between weather, climate, and farming. This review explores such interconnections by focusing on the history of agricultural meteorology, which is the research field that studies the impact of weather and climate on crops, livestock, farming operations, and plant and animal pests and diseases. The article discusses stakeholders, institutions, and main developments in agricultural meteorology, and describes how the agenda of agricultural meteorology has shifted over time. At the beginning of the 20th century, research in agricultural meteorology focused on increasing the profitability of farming. In the 21st century, instead, the main goal of agricultural meteorology is to ensure food security and guarantee sustainability.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Disciplinary Perspectives
Enzyme‐mediated intratumoral self‐assembly of nanotheranostics for enhanced imaging and tumor therapy
Authors: Yuan Yue , Bulte Jeff W. M.
Published: March 2022

Enzyme‐mediated intratumoral self‐assembled (EMISA) nanotheranostics represent a new class of smart agents for combined imaging and therapy of cancer. Cancer cells overexpress various enzymes that are essential for high metabolism, fast proliferation, and tissue invasion and metastasis. By conjugating small molecules that contain an enzyme‐specific cleavage site to appropriate chemical linkers, it is possible to induce self‐assembly of nanostructures in tumor cells having the target enzyme. This approach of injecting small theranostic molecules that eventually become larger nanotheranostics in situ avoids some of the major limitations that are encountered when injecting larger, pre‐assembled nanotheranostics. The advantage of EMISA nanotheranostics include the avoidance of nonspecific uptake and rapid clearance by phagocytic cells, increased cellular accumulation, reduced drug efflux and prolonged cellular exposure time, all of which lead to an amplified imaging signal and therapeutic efficacy. We review here the different approaches that can be used for preparing EMISA‐based organic, inorganic, or organic/inorganic hybrid nanotheranostics based on noncovalent interactions and/or covalent bonding. Imaging examples are shown for fluorescence imaging, nuclear imaging, photoacoustic imaging, Raman imaging, computed tomography imaging, bioluminescent imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide‐Based Structures
Partners in crime: Proteins implicated in RNA repeat expansion diseases
Authors: Baud Anna , Derbis Magdalena , Tutak Katarzyna , Sobczak Krzysztof
Published: March 2022

Short tandem repeats are repetitive nucleotide sequences robustly distributed in the human genome. Their expansion underlies the pathogenesis of multiple neurological disorders, including Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia, fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and myotonic dystrophies, known as repeat expansion disorders (REDs). Several molecular pathomechanisms associated with toxic RNA containing expanded repeats (RNAexp) are shared among REDs and contribute to disease progression, however, detailed mechanistic insight into those processes is limited. To deepen our understanding of the interplay between toxic RNAexp molecules and multiple protein partners, in this review, we discuss the roles of selected RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with RNAexp and thus act as “partners in crime” in the progression of REDs. We gather current findings concerning RBPs involved at different stages of the RNAexp life cycle, such as transcription, splicing, transport, and AUG‐independent translation of expanded repeats. We argue that the activity of selected RBPs can be unique or common among REDs depending on the expanded repeat type. We also present proteins that are functionally depleted due to sequestration on RNAexp within nuclear foci and those which participate in RNAexp‐dependent innate immunity activation. Moreover, we discuss the utility of selected RBPs as targets in the development of therapeutic strategies.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Correction to: Decolonising Blue Spaces in the Anthropocene
Authors: Parsons Meg , Fisher Karen , Crease Roa Petra
Published: February 2022

This book was inadvertently published with incorrect information with reference to The Waikato River Authority on pages 306, 307, 369 and 370. This text has now been revised and updated.
On unitarity of tree-level string amplitudes
Authors: Arkani-Hamed Nima , Eberhardt Lorenz , Huang Yu-tin , Mizera Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Four-particle tree-level scattering amplitudes in string theory are magically consistent with unitarity, reflected in the non-trivial fact that beneath the critical dimension, the residues of the amplitudes on massive poles can be expanded in partial waves with all positive coefficients. While this follows (rather indirectly) from the no-ghost theorem, the simplicity of the statement and its fundamental importance for the physical consistency of string theory begs for a more direct and elementary understanding. In this note we take a step in this direction by presenting a new expression for the partial wave coefficients of string amplitudes, given by surprisingly simple double/triple contour integrals for open/closed strings. This representation allows us to directly prove unitarity of all superstring theories in D ≤ 6 spacetime dimensions, and can also be used to determine various asymptotics of the partial waves at large mass levels.
Holographic complexity and de Sitter space
Authors: Chapman Shira , Galante Damián A. , Kramer Eric David
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We compute the length of spacelike geodesics anchored at opposite sides of certain double-sided flow geometries in two dimensions. These geometries are asymptotically anti-de Sitter but they admit either a de Sitter or a black hole event horizon in the interior. While in the geometries with black hole horizons, the geodesic length always exhibit linear growth at late times, in the flow geometries with de Sitter horizons, geodesics with finite length only exist for short times of the order of the inverse temperature and they do not exhibit linear growth. We comment on the implications of these results towards understanding the holographic proposal for quantum complexity and the holographic nature of the de Sitter horizon.
Phenomenology of unusual top partners in composite Higgs models
Authors: Cacciapaglia G. , Flacke T. , Kunkel M. , Porod W.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We consider a particular composite Higgs model which contains SU(3) color octet top partners besides the usually considered triplet representations. Moreover, color singlet top partners are present as well which can in principle serve as dark matter candidates. We investigate the LHC phenomenology of these unusual top partners. Some of these states could be confused with gluinos predicted in supersymmetric models at first glance.
Notes on flat fronts in hyperbolic space
Authors: Dubois J. , Hertrich-Jeromin U. , Szewieczek G.
Published: March 2022

We give a short introduction to discrete flat fronts in hyperbolic space and prove that any discrete flat front in the mixed area sense admits a Weierstrass representation.
UNITARY REPRESENTATIONS OF THE $$ \mathcal{W} $$3-ALGEBRA WITH c ≥ 2
Authors: CARPI SEBASTIANO , TANIMOTO YOH , WEINER MIHÁLY
Published: March 2022

We prove unitarity of the vacuum representation of the $$ \mathcal{W} $$
W
3-algebra for all values of the central charge c ≥ 2.We do it by modifying the free field realization of Fateev and Zamolodchikov resulting in a representation which, by a nontrivial argument, can be shown to be unitary on a certain invariant subspace, although it is not unitary on the full space of the two currents needed for the construction. These vacuum representations give rise to simple unitary vertex operator algebras. We also construct explicitly unitary representations for many positive lowest weight values. Taking into account the known form of the Kac determinants, we then completely clarify the question of unitarity of the irreducible lowest weight representations of the $$ \mathcal{W} $$
W
3-algebra in the 2 ≤ c ≤ 98 region.
A geochemical study of the Sweet Home mine, Colorado Mineral Belt, USA: formation of deep hydrothermal vein–type molybdenum greisen and base metal mineralization
Authors: Stoltnow Malte , Lüders Volker , de Graaf Stefan , Niedermann Samuel
Published: March 2022

Deep hydrothermal Mo, W, and base metal mineralization at the Sweet Home mine (Detroit City portal) formed in response to magmatic activity during the Oligocene. Microthermometric data of fluid inclusions trapped in greisen quartz and fluorite suggest that the early-stage mineralization at the Sweet Home mine precipitated from low- to medium-salinity (1.5–11.5 wt% equiv. NaCl), CO2-bearing fluids at temperatures between 360 and 415 °C and at depths of at least 3.5 km. Stable isotope and noble gas isotope data indicate that greisen formation and base metal mineralization at the Sweet Home mine was related to fluids of different origins. Early magmatic fluids were the principal source for mantle-derived volatiles (CO2, H2S/SO2, noble gases), which subsequently mixed with significant amounts of heated meteoric water. Mixing of magmatic fluids with meteoric water is constrained by δ2Hw–δ18Ow relationships of fluid inclusions. The deep hydrothermal mineralization at the Sweet Home mine shows features similar to deep hydrothermal vein mineralization at Climax-type Mo deposits or on their periphery. This suggests that fluid migration and the deposition of ore and gangue minerals in the Sweet Home mine was triggered by a deep-seated magmatic intrusion. The findings of this study are in good agreement with the results of previous fluid inclusion studies of the mineralization of the Sweet Home mine and from Climax-type Mo porphyry deposits in the Colorado Mineral Belt.
Local fiscal multipliers of different government spending categories
Authors: van Gemert Thomas , Lieb Lenard , Treibich Tania
Published: February 2022

This paper compares multipliers of different categories of US federal government spending, and in doing so provides a new insight as to why fiscal multipliers may differ across countries and time. We identify exogenous federal government spending shocks at the state level for defense and non-defense spending. Using a projection-based approach, we estimate the cumulative multiplier due to shocks in either of these spending categories. Our results indicate that defense spending yields lower multipliers than non-defense spending. Thus, focusing only on defense spending may result in underestimating the multiplier for government spending.
Diversity and spatiotemporal dynamics of fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil of Lycium barbarum L.: a new insight into the mechanism of geoherb formation
Authors: Li Yuekun , Chen Kaili , Liu Siyang , Liang Xiaojie , Wang Yajun , Zhou Xuan , Yin Yue , Cao Youlong , An Wei , Qin Ken , Sun Yanfei
Published: February 2022

Lycium barbarum L. is a well-known traditional geoherb in Ningxia, China. The fruits of L. barbarum contain several dietary constituents, and thus, they exert many beneficial effects on human health. However, a few studies have been conducted on the geoherb L. barbarum and its rhizosphere soil fungal community. In this study, we determined the physicochemical properties and fungal community structure of rhizosphere soil of L. barbarum from three regions of China, namely Ningxia (NX), Qinghai (QH), and Xinjiang (XJ), during three development stages of L. barbarum. Soil pH varied between 7.56 and 8.60 across the three regions, indicating that alkaline soil is conducive to the growth of L. barbarum. The majority of soil properties in NX, an authentic geoherb-producing area, were substantially inferior to those in XJ and QH during all three developmental stages. Total sugar, polysaccharide (LBP), and flavonoid contents were the highest in wolfberry fruits from NX. High-throughput sequencing showed that the abundance of the soil fungal population in NX was higher than that in QH and XJ during the flowering and fruiting stage and summer dormant stage. Moreover, the soil fungal diversity increased with the development of wolfberry. Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota were the predominant phyla in the rhizosphere fungal communities in all samples. Redundancy analysis showed a significant correlation of the soil-available phosphorus and LBP of wolfberry fruits with the fungal community composition. The characteristics of rhizosphere fungal communities determined in the present study provide insights into the mechanism of geoherb formation in NX wolfberry.
Comparison of analytical sensitivity and efficiency for SARS-CoV-2 primer sets by TaqMan-based and SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR
Authors: Tao Yile , Yue Yang , Qiu Guangyu , Ji Zheng , Spillman Martin , Gai Zhibo , Chen Qingfa , Bielecki Michel , Huber Michael , Trkola Alexandra , Wang Qiyuan , Cao Junji , Wang Jing
Published: February 2022

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to threaten public health. For developing countries where vaccines are still in shortage, cheaper alternative molecular methods for SARS-CoV-2 identification can be crucial to prevent the next wave. Therefore, 14 primer sets recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) was evaluated on testing both clinical patient and environmental samples with the gold standard diagnosis method, TaqMan-based RT-qPCR, and a cheaper alternative method, SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR. Using suitable primer sets, such as ORF1ab, 2019_nCoV_N1 and 2019_nCoV_N3, the performance of the SYBR Green approach was comparable or better than the TaqMan approach, even when considering the newly dominating or emerging variants, including Delta, Eta, Kappa, Lambda, Mu, and Omicron. ORF1ab and 2019_nCoV_N3 were the best combination for sensitive and reliable SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and broad accessibility.

Key points

• With suitable primer sets, the SYBR Green method performs better than the TaqMan one.

• With suitable primer sets, both methods should still detect the new variants well.

• ORF1ab and 2019_nCoV_N3 were the best combination for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
The Application of Human Factors Engineering to Reduce Operating Room Turnover in Robotic Surgery
Authors: Cohen Tara N. , Anger Jennifer T. , Shamash Kevin , Catchpole Kenneth R. , Avenido Raymund , Ley Eric J. , Gewertz Bruce L. , Shouhed Daniel
Published: February 2022

Background

Challenges associated with turnover time are magnified in robotic surgery. The introduction of advanced technology increases the complexity of an already intricate perioperative environment. We applied a human factors approach to develop systematic, data‐driven interventions to reduce robotic surgery turnover time.

Methods

Researchers observed 40 robotic surgery turnovers at a tertiary hospital [20 pre‐intervention (Jan 2018 to Apr 2018), 20 post‐intervention (Jan 2019 to Jun 2019)]. Components of turnover time, including cleaning, instrument and room set‐up, robot preparation, flow disruptions, and major delays, were documented and analyzed. Surveys and focus groups were used to investigate staff perceptions of robotic surgery turnover time. A multidisciplinary team of human factors experts and physicians developed targeted interventions. Pre‐ and post‐intervention turnovers were compared.

Results

Median turnover time was 67 min (mean: 72, SD: 24) and 22 major delays were noted (1.1/case). The largest contributors were instrument setup (25.5 min) and cleaning (25 min). Interventions included an electronic dashboard for turnover time reporting, clear designation of roles and simultaneous completion of tasks, process standardization of operating room cleaning, and data transparency through monthly reporting. Post‐intervention turnovers were significantly shorter (U = 57.5, p = .000) and ten major delays were noted.

Conclusions

Human factors analysis generated interventions to improve turnover time. Significant improvements were seen post‐intervention with a reduction in turnover time by a 26 min and decrease in major delays by over 50%. Future opportunities to intervene and further improve turnover time include targeting pre‐ and post‐operative care phases.
Surgical Maneuver and Tactics of Using the Inferior Phrenic Vein as a Landmark in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Left Adrenalectomy
Authors: Wang Fang‐Ming , Xing Nian‐Zeng
Published: February 2022

Identification and control of the central adrenal vein (CAV) are key steps in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. However, the retroperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy (RLLA) lacks identifiable anatomical landmarks and does not have advantage of quickly exposing CAV. Here, we developed surgical maneuver and tactics of using the inferior phrenic vein (IPV) as a landmark in RLLA. During operations, we searched for the IPV between superior margin of renal artery and anterior aspect of psoas major muscle, and then the left IPV was followed and applied as an anatomical landmark to identify the CAV. Moreover, our study showed that variations in the left adrenal venous anatomy occurred in cases with pheochromocytomas. The application of left IPV as a landmark to search for CAV has important clinical significance in RLLA.
Influence of presence in an inter-professional simulation training of the emergency caesarean section: a cross-sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Flentje Markus , Hagemann Vera , Brodowski Lars , Papageorgiou Spiyridon , von Kaisenberg Constantin , Eismann Hendrik
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Emergency training using simulation is a method to increase patient safety in the delivery room. The effect of individual training concepts is critically discussed and requires evaluation. A possible influence factor of success can be the perceived reality of the participants. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the presence in a simulated emergency caesarean section improves subjective effect of the training and evaluation.

Methods

In this observation study, professionals took part in simulated emergency caesarean sections to improve workflow and non-technical skills. Presence was measured by means of a validated questionnaire, effects and evaluation by means of a newly created questionnaire directly after the training. Primary outcome was a correlation between presence and assumed effect of training and evaluation.

Results

106 participants (70% of course participants) answered the questionnaires. Reliability of the presence scale was good (Cronbach’s alpha 0.72). The presence correlated significantly with all evaluated items of non-technical skills and evaluation of the course. The factor “mutual support” showed a high effect size (0.639), the overall evaluation of the course (0.395) and the willingness to participate again (0.350) a medium effect. There were no differences between the professional groups.

Conclusion

The presence correlates with the assumed training objectives and evaluation of the course. If training is not successful, it is one factor that needs to be improved.
Value of a lateral inferior pedicle flap in Draf IIb for recurrent frontal sinus diseases: a prospective study
Authors: He Chao , Zhen Hong-Tao
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The Draf IIb procedure allows the widest unilateral access to the frontal sinus in a minimally invasive fashion, with efficiency and safety comparable to the Draf III. However, this technique is still associated with a high postoperative stenosis rate. The exposure of drilled bone induces osteitis predisposing to scarring and neo-osteogenesis causing ostium restenosis. We developed a novel lateral inferior pedicle flap (LIPF) to cover the exposed bone and prevent restenosis during Draf IIb. We aimed to describe our technique.

Methods

Adult patients requiring a Draf IIb for unilateral recurrent frontal sinus disease were prospectively enrolled. A LIPF technique was systematically performed. Demographics and complications were recorded. The primary outcome measure was neo-ostium patency at 12 months. In patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the clinical control rate was evaluated at 12 months.

Results

59 patients underwent the Draf IIb with LIPF technique from 2013 to 2021. 49 patients (20 women/29 men, median age of 48.0 years) completed at least 12 months of follow-up (median 41.0 months, range 12–100 months). Indications included recalcitrant CRS (n = 32), inverted papilloma (n = 9) and frontal mucocele (n = 8). Overall, the neo-ostium remained patent at 12 months in all patients, and the clinical control rate of 32 patients with recalcitrant CRS at 12 months was 100%. No main complications were recorded.

Conclusion

The LIPF technique was associated with a high rate of success for a Draf IIb.
Phylogenetic analysis of forkhead transcription factors in the Panarthropoda
Authors: Schomburg Christoph , Janssen Ralf , Prpic Nikola-Michael
Published: March 2022

Fox genes encode transcription factors that contain a DNA binding domain, the forkhead domain, and are known from diverse animal species. The exact homology of the Fox genes of different species is debated and this makes inferences about the evolution of the Fox genes, and their duplications and losses difficult. We have performed phylogenetic analyses of the Fox gene complements of 32 panarthropod species. Our results confirm an ancestral complement of FoxA, FoxB, FoxC, FoxD, FoxF, FoxG, FoxJ1, FoxJ2/3, FoxK, FoxL1, FoxL2, FoxN1/4, FoxN2/3, FoxO, FoxP, and FoxQ2 in the Arthropoda, and additionally FoxH and FoxQ1 in the Panarthropoda (including tardigrades and onychophorans). We identify a novel Fox gene sub-family, that we designate as FoxT that includes two genes in Drosophila melanogaster, Circadianly Regulated Gene (Crg-1) and forkhead domain 3F (fd3F). In a very recent paper, the same new Fox gene sub-family was identified in insects (Lin et al. 2021). Our analysis confirms the presence of FoxT and shows that its members are present throughout Panarthropoda. We show that the hitherto unclassified gene CG32006 from the fly Drosophila melanogaster belongs to FoxJ1. We also detect gene losses: FoxE and FoxM were lost already in the panarthropod ancestor, whereas the loss of FoxH occurred in the arthropod ancestor. Finally, we find an ortholog of FoxQ1 in the bark scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus, confirmed not only by phylogenetic analysis, but also by forming an evolutionarily conserved gene cluster with FoxF, FoxC, and FoxL1. This suggests that FoxQ1 belongs to the ancestral Fox gene complement in panarthropods and also in chelicerates, but has been lost at the base of the mandibulate arthropods.
The genomic characteristics of RET fusion positive tumors in Chinese non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients
Authors: Wu Guowu , Guo Longhua , Gu Yinfang , Huang Tanxiao , Liu Ming , Zou Xiaofang , Yang Bo , Huang Ping , Wen Chunling , Yi Lilan , Liao Wenting , Zhao Dongdong , Zhu Junlin , Zhang Xiaoni , Liu Yuanyuan , Yin Yan , Chen Shifu
Published: February 2022

Background

Approximately 1–2% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor RET (rearranged during transfection) fusions. The oncogenic RET fusions could lead to constitutive kinase activation and oncogenesis.

Methods

1746 Chinese NSCLC patients were analyzed in this study. Tumor tissues were collected, and were formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and archived. Peripheral blood (PB) samples were also collected from each patient as control. In addition, we selected 17 of them for cfDNA NGS testing and 14 tumor samples for immunohistochemistry testing using PD-L1 rabbit monoclonal antibody, clones 28-8 (Abcam, Cambridge, UK).

Results

Of the 1746 NSCLC cases, RET rearrangements were identified in 25 cases (1.43%) with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, of which 20 (80%) were female. We found that 14 out of 25 patients had an KIF5B-RET fusion, with KIF5B exon15-RET exon12, KIF5B exon23-RET exon12, and KIF5B exon24-RET exon11 detected in 14, 3, and 1 patients, respectively. We also identified one novel RET fusion partner PLCE1 and 4 intergenic-breakpoint fusions.

Conclusion

In this study, using the hybrid capture based next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, we revealed the genomic profiling for the patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that exhibited the detailed breakpoints of Chinese NSCLC patients with RET rearrangement, and we found a novel new partner PLCE1. The results provided genomic information for patients with RET fusion which is significant for personalized clinical management in the era of precision medicine.