bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPLC–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics and network pharmacology to differentiate Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Cheng Wei , Chen Xinmei , Wang Kaixuan
Published: December 2023

Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. (C. tinctoria) is a traditional medicinal plant, primarily found in plateau areas with altitudes exceeding 3000 m. The efficacy of C. tinctoria appears to be intricately tied to its quality. However, there is a scarcity of studies focused on evaluating the quality of C. tinctoria from diverse geographical locations. In this study, we used ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry to analyze and identify the prevalent chemical components in 12 batches of C. tinctoria sourced from Xinjiang, Qinghai, Tibet, and Yunnan provinces in China. By using cluster analysis and discriminant analysis of partial least squares, we assessed the similarity and identified varying components in the 12 batches of C. tinctoria. Subsequently, their quality was further evaluated. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified potential active components for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The findings revealed the presence of 16 flavonoids, 3 phenylpropanes, 2 sugars, 2 amino acids, and 7 hydrocarbons in the analyzed samples. Through variable importance screening, 17 constituents were identified as quality difference markers. Marein and flavanomarein emerged as pivotal markers, crucial for distinguishing variations in C. tinctoria. In addition, network pharmacology predicted 187 targets for 9 common active components, including marein and flavanomarein. Simultaneously, 1747 targets related to diabetes mellitus were identified. The drug–component–disease target network comprised 91 nodes and 179 edges, encompassing 1 drug node, 9 component nodes, and 81 target nodes. In summary, marein and flavanomarein stand out as key biomarkers for assessing the quality of C. tinctoria, offering a scientific foundation for the quality evaluation of C. tinctoria Nutt.
Profiling regulatory T lymphocytes within the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer via radiomics
Authors: Jiang Wenying , Wu Ruoxi , Yang Tao , Yu Shengnan , Xing Wei
Published: December 2023

Objective

To generate an image‐driven biomarker (Rad_score) to predict tumor‐infiltrating regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) in breast cancer (BC).

Methods

Overall, 928 BC patients were enrolled from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for survival analysis; MRI (n = 71 and n = 30 in the training and validation sets, respectively) from the Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) were retrieved and subjected to repeat least absolute shrinkage and selection operator for feature reduction. The radiomic scores (rad_score) for Treg infiltration estimation were calculated via support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression (LR) algorithms, and validated on the remaining patients.

Results

Landmark analysis indicated Treg infiltration was a risk factor for BC patients in the first 5 years and after 10 years of diagnosis (p = 0.007 and 0.018, respectively). Altogether, 108 radiomic features were extracted from MRI images, 4 of which remained for model construction. Areas under curves (AUCs) of the SVM model were 0.744 (95% CI 0.622–0.867) and 0.733 (95% CI 0.535–0.931) for training and validation sets, respectively, while for the LR model, AUCs were 0.771 (95% CI 0.657–0.885) and 0.724 (95% CI 0.522–0.926). The calibration curves indicated good agreement between prediction and true value (p > 0.05), and DCA shows the high clinical utility of the radiomic model. Rad_score was significantly correlated with immune inhibitory genes like CTLA4 and PDCD1.

Conclusions

High Treg infiltration is a risk factor for patients with BC. The Rad_score formulated on radiomic features is a novel tool to predict Treg abundance in the tumor microenvironment.
Surgical resection of soft tissue metastasis in cancers: A single‐center study of 77 cases over a 7‐year period
Authors: Ye Qingrong , Hu Tu , Sun Zhengwang , Xu Peihang , Wang Chunmeng , Sun Yangbai , Yan Wangjun
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Soft tissue metastasis (STM) of cancers, encompassing skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissue metastasis, is less common due to unique homeostatic conditions. With longer life expectancy and the advent of new imaging modalities, clinical physicians will increasingly encounter and manage such cases. This study retrospectively reviewed cases of STM in visceral cancers who underwent surgery at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center over a 7‐year period.

Methods

Data were collected through a comprehensive review of medical records, including demographic variables, primary tumor characteristics, surgical data, tumor pathology, and outcomes. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

The study included 77 cases with a median follow‐up period of 854 days. The most common primary tumor sites were the lung (11) and breast (10). The abdominal wall was the most frequent site of metastasis. The combination of visceral metastasis, age over 52 years, and a history of primary tumor correlates with a poorer prognosis. Surgical‐related metastases are associated with a higher degree of differentiation. Additionally, we have identified a better prognosis for patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) exhibiting potential resectable soft tissue metastases.

Conclusion

The combination of visceral metastasis, age over 52 years, and a history of primary tumor suggest a poorer prognosis. While no significant impact on survival was observed for patients with lymph node metastasis. Surgical‐related metastases are associated with a higher degree of differentiation. CUP patients with potentially resectable soft tissue metastases should be considered for surgical intervention.
Cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 2 retards platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB‐evoked phenotypic transition of airway smooth muscle cells by decreasing YAP/TAZ activity
Authors: Wang Huiyuan , Zhang Yang , Zhong Bo , Geng Yan , Hao Juanjuan , Jin Qiaoyan , Hou Wei
Published: December 2023

Cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 2 (Csrp2) has emerged as a key factor in controlling the phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells. The phenotypic transition of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is a pivotal step in developing airway remodeling during the onset of asthma. However, whether Csrp2 mediates the phenotypic transition of ASMCs in airway remodeling during asthma onset is undetermined. This work aimed to address the link between Csrp2 and the phenotypic transition of ASMCs evoked by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB in vitro. The overexpression or silencing of Csrp2 in ASMCs was achieved through adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer. The expression of mRNA was measured by quantitative real‐time‑PCR. Protein levels were determined through Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was detected by EdU assay and Calcein AM assays. Cell cycle distribution was assessed via fluorescence‐activated cell sorting assay. Cell migration was evaluated using the scratch‐wound assay. The transcriptional activity of Yes‐associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) was measured using the luciferase reporter assay. A decline in Csrp2 level occurred in PDGF‐BB‐stimulated ASMCs. Increasing Csrp2 expression repressed the PDGF‐BB‐evoked proliferation and migration of ASMCs. Moreover, increasing Csrp2 expression impeded the phenotypic change of PDGF‐BB‐stimulated ASMCs from a contractile phenotype into a synthetic/proliferative phenotype. On the contrary, the opposite effects were observed in Csrp2‐silenced ASMCs. The activity of YAP/TAZ was elevated in PDGF‐BB‐stimulated ASMCs, which was weakened by Csrp2 overexpression or enhanced by Csrp2 silencing. The YAP/TAZ activator could reverse Csrp2‐overexpression‐mediated suppression of the PDGF‐BB‐evoked phenotypic switching of ASMCs, while the YAP/TAZ suppressor could dimmish Csrp2‐silencing‐mediated enhancement on PDGF‐BB‐evoked phenotypic switching of ASMCs. In summary, Csrp2 serves as a determinant for the phenotypic switching of ASMCs. Increasing Csrp2 is able to impede PDGF‐BB‐evoked phenotypic change of ASMCs from a synthetic phenotype into a synthetic/proliferative phenotype through the effects on YAP/TAZ. This work implies that Csrp2 may be a key player in airway remodeling during the onset of asthma.
The Stereochemical Course of DmdC, an Enzyme Involved in the Degradation of Dimethylsulfoniopropionate
Authors: Chhalodia Anuj K. , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: December 2023

The acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase DmdC is involved in the degradation of the marine sulfur metabolite dimethylsulfonio propionate (DMSP) through the demethylation pathway. The stereochemical course of this reaction was investigated through the synthesis of four stereoselectively deuterated substrate surrogates carrying stereoselective deuterations at the α‐ or the β‐carbon. Analysis of the products revealed a specific abstraction of the 2‐pro‐R proton and of the 3‐pro‐S hydride, establishing an anti elimination for the DmdC reaction.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2023

How psychotherapy can help with BPD and early trauma

The lawsuit against AAP over ‘affirmative care’ model for trans

The AACAP policy on bullying prevention
The use of mindfulness‐based interventions with children
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: December 2023

In the last 10 years, mindfulness has become a popular approach for managing strong or distressing feelings for adults and children. Particularly for children, mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) have been touted as a modality for the treatment of conditions ranging from attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and stress. Jon Kabat‐Zinn, the widely recognized originator of medically based mindfulness, defines the concept as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non‐judgmentally” (Kabat‐Zinn, 1982). Practices such as yoga, breathwork, or meditation all incorporate mindfulness to act or react with awareness and with a lack of judgment regarding those thoughts and feelings that arise.
Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles via Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly: Morphology Evolution and Function Regulation
Authors: Xu Chang , Zheng Ming‐Xin , Wei Yen , Yuan Jin‐Ying
Published: December 2023

Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LC NPs) are a kind of polymer NPs with LC mesogens, which can form special anisotropic morphologies due to the influence of LC ordering. Owing to the stimuli‐responsiveness of the LC blocks, LC NPs show abundant morphology evolution behaviors in response to external regulation. LC NPs have great application potential in nano‐devices, drug delivery, special fibers and other fields. Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) method can synthesize LC NPs at high solid content, reducing the harsh demand for reaction solvent of the LC polymers, being a better choice for large‐scale production. In this review, we introduced recent research progress of PISA‐LC NPs by dividing them into several parts according to the LC mesogen, and discussed the improvement of experimental conditions and the potential application of these polymers.
Population‐based evaluation of disparities in stomach cancer by nativity among Asian and Hispanic populations in California, 2011–2015
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Tsai Kai‐Ya , Zhang Juanjuan , Hwang Amie E. , Deapen Dennis , Koh Jennifer J. , Kawaguchi Eric S. , Buxbaum James , Ahn Sang Hoon , Liu Lihua
Published: December 2023

Background

Stomach cancer incidence presents significant racial/ethnic disparities among racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States, particularly among Asian and Hispanic immigrant populations. However, population‐based evaluation of disparities by nativity has been scarce because of the lack of nativity‐specific population denominators, especially for disaggregated Asian subgroups. Population‐based stomach cancer incidence and tumor characteristics by detailed race/ethnicity and nativity were examined.

Methods

Annual age‐adjusted incidence rates were calculated by race/ethnicity, sex, and nativity and tumor characteristics, such as stage and anatomic subsite, were evaluated using the 2011–2015 California Cancer Registry data. For Hispanic and Asian populations, nativity‐specific population counts were estimated using the US Census and the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample data.

Results

During 2011–2015 in California, 14,198 patients were diagnosed with stomach cancer. Annual age‐adjusted incidence rates were higher among foreign‐born individuals than their US‐born counterparts. The difference was modest among Hispanics (∼1.3‐fold) but larger (∼2‐ to 3‐fold) among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Americans. The highest incidence was observed for foreign‐born Korean and Japanese Americans (33 and 33 per 100,000 for men; 15 and 12 per 100,000 for women, respectively). The proportion of localized stage disease was highest among foreign‐born Korean Americans (44%); a similar proportion was observed among US‐born Korean Americans, although numbers were limited. For other Asians and Hispanics, the localized stage proportion was generally lower among foreign‐born than US‐born individuals and lowest among foreign‐born Japanese Americans (23%).

Conclusions

Nativity‐specific investigation with disaggregated racial/ethnic groups identified substantial stomach cancer disparities among foreign‐born immigrant populations.
An Overview on Lead Halide Perovskite based Composites and Heterostructures: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Sunny Fency , Kurukkal Balakrishnan Subila , Kalarikkal Nandakumar
Published: December 2023

Lead Halide Perovskites (LHPs) have garnered great attention in recent times due to their astonishing properties that range from direct tunable bandgaps, strong light absorption, defect resistance and the easily accessible synthesis of high‐quality crystals and films. These materials find application in multitudinous fields including photovoltaics, optoelectronics, lasers, catalysis and in the emerging field of spintronics. Though they show exceptional optoelectronic properties with enhanced applications, the instability of LHPs act as a main downside when it comes to real world applications. Integrating complementary materials to LHPs that form composites with better stability along with improved performance have started to gain traction. These composites and heterostructures incorporating functional materials with LHPs have made the utilization of perovskites in everyday life more feasible. The existing synthetic strategies for heterostructure and composites heavily draw from the techniques used for halide perovskite synthesis. These methods often under‐utilize the potential of exploring the synergy of materials interaction. This review explores the synthesis methods followed to produce these hybrid materials focusing on the improvements required in terms of fundamental studies and their applications.
Management of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: A consensus report from the GCC Adult ALL Working Group
Authors: Alfraih Feras , Absi Ahmed , Abuhaleeqa Mohamed , Alghamdi Khalofa , Alhuraiji Ahmad , Al‐Khabori Murtadha , Al‐Shaibani Zeyad , Alzahrani Musa , Cherif Honar , Eldadah Saleem , Hanbali Amr , Motabi Ibraheem H. , Salama Hind
Published: December 2023

Leukemia burden is growing in the Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) countries. Nonetheless, there is no unified protocol for managing adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in the GCC‐countries. Therefore, the GCC Adult‐ALL Treaters working group developed this consensus to address the adult‐ALL treatment protocols in the GCC‐countries and related toxicities' management. Besides, the consensus aimed to highlight the current unmet needs and treatment gaps and provide recommendations to optimize adult‐ALL care and patient‐centered communication. A three‐step modified Delphi method to develop evidence‐based recommendations through two‐voting rounds and in‐between virtual meetings are used in the manuscript development. A 12 experts' panel from five GCC‐countries and two international experts were invited to participate in this consensus. This consensus consisted of 35‐statements that highlighted the experts' recommendations to optimize ALL adults' care in the first line setting and manage pediatric or pediatric‐inspired regimens‐related toxicities. Besides, guidance was provided for future research direction and improve patient‐centered communication. In conclusion, the adult‐ALL management landscape is evolving, and the current evidence highlights better response and survival outcomes with pediatric or pediatric‐inspired regiments. Therefore, protocols are needed to optimize the adult‐ALL management in the GCC and tailored clinical‐trials findings according to the GCC patients' characteristics and local‐healthcare infrastructure.
An efficient key agreement and anonymous privacy preserving scheme for vehicular ad‐hoc networks with handover authentication
Authors: Priyadharshini A. , Dannana Suresh , Rajasekaran Arun Sekar , Maria Azees
Published: December 2023

Vehicular ad‐hoc networks (VANETs) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation systems. VANETs are a type of wireless ad‐hoc network that enables communication between vehicles and between vehicles and roadside infrastructure. VANETs can also improve the efficiency of transportation systems by reducing traffic congestion and improving traffic flow. In addition to improving safety and efficiency, VANETs also face several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring the security and privacy of the data transmitted over the network. In this manuscript, an anonymous authentication scheme for VANET users is proposed along with privacy preservation and confidentiality. An efficient session key agreement protocol is designed for transferring location‐based information between the vehicle user and the roadside unit (RSU). Further, updated session keys are transferred to the subsequent RSU, when the vehicle user moves to another location. Moreover, re‐authentication of VANET users is completely evaded during to handover authentication, thus reducing the computational overhead. In addition, Resistance to different security assaults is discussed in this work through informal analysis. Finally, performance is compared with different relevant schemes and validated through Cygwin software.
Thermoelectric Properties of Porphyrin Nano Rings: A Theoretical and Modelling Investigation
Authors: Al‐Owaedi Oday A.
Published: December 2023

Propagation of De Broglie waves through nanomolecular junctions is greatly affected by molecular topology changes, which in turn plays a key role in determining the electronic and thermoelectric properties of source|molecule|drain junctions. The probing and realization of the constructive quantum interference (CQI) and a destructive quantum interference (DQI) are well established in this work. The critical role of quantum interference (QI) in governing and enhancing the transmission coefficient T(E), thermopower (S), power factor (P) and electronic figure of merit (ZelT) of porphyrin nanorings has been investigated using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) methods, a tight binding (Hückel) modelling (TBHM) and quantum transport theory (QTT). Remarkably, DQI not only dominates the asymmetric molecular pathways and lowering T(E), but also improves the thermoelectric properties.
Beyond the business case? Retracing the walk of Corporate social responsibility and financial performance relationship in the Oil and Gas sector
Authors: Esposito Paolo , Ahmad Zubair , Riso Vincenzo , Mustafa Noman
Published: December 2023

The relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance (FP) has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. In particular, the nature of the relationship between the two constructs has not been investigated in depth. Therefore, drawing on the resource‐based view and Stakeholder theory, this study theoretically and empirically examined the relationship between economic perspective of CSR and FP analyzing the mediating role of competitive advantage under the empirical settings of the downstream Oil and Gas companies of Pakistan. Based on the 178 responses from the managerial level employees of these firms, the empirical outcomes stands with the assumption of the study that the implementation of CSR in the Oil and Gas industry is economically driven and have a positive relationship with FP, while competitive advantage partially mediates the relationship between economic CSR and FP. The outcomes of the study carry the important managerial and practical implications for Oil and Gas firms which are fallen in the business case.
All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors Based on Cobalt Magnesium Telluride Microtubes Decorated with Tellurium Nanotubes
Authors: Bhol Prangya , Jagdale Pallavi B. , Jadhav Arvind H. , Saxena Manav , Samal Akshaya K.
Published: December 2023

Magnesium (Mg) has received very little exploration on its importance in the realm of battery‐type energy storage technologies. They are abundantly present in seawater, and if successfully extracted and utilized in energy storage systems, it could lead to the long‐term advancement of human civilization. Here, we fabricated an all‐solid‐state supercapacitor (ASSSC) using tellurium nanotubes decorated cobalt magnesium telluride microtubes (Te NTs@CoMgTe MTs) clad on nickel foam (NF). Owing to the unique mixed phase hierarchical structure, Te NTs@CoMgTe MTs showcases some advancement in energy storage performance. When tested in a three‐electrode system, multiphasic hybrid of elemental Te and metal tellurides, Te NTs@CoMgTe MTs outperforms the monometallic telluride owing to the strong synergistic interaction effect triggered from conductive three components and delivers a long‐life span performance up to 15,000 cycles. The fabricated Te NT@CoMgTe MT//AC solid‐state device exhibits a maximum areal capacity of 59.2 μAh cm−2 (56.3 mAh g−1) at a current density of 6 mA cm−2 with a maximum energy density of 42.2 Wh kg−1 (46.5 μWh cm−2) at a power density of 6857.1 W kg−1 (7574.6 μW cm−2). The performance of the device is rigid even at different bending angles (0 to 180°) which validates the extensibility of the process for future applications.
Stable and Efficient Mixed‐halide Perovskite LEDs
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Saike , Jiang Yuanzhi , Yuan Mingjian
Published: December 2023

Tailoring bandgap by mixed‐halide strategy in perovskites has attracted extraordinary attention due to the flexibility of halide ion combinations and has emerged as the most direct and effective approach to precisely tune the emission wavelength throughout the entire visible light spectrum. Mixed‐halide perovskites, yet, still suffered from several problems, particularly phase segregation under external stimuli because of ions migration. Understanding the essential cause and finding sound strategies, thus, remains a challenge for stable and efficient mixed‐halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). The review herein presents an overview of the diverse application scenarios and the profound significance associated with mixed‐halide perovskites. We then summarize the challenges and potential research directions toward developing high stable and efficient mixed‐halide PeLEDs. The review thus provides a systematic and timely summary for the community to deepen the understanding of mixed‐halide perovskite materials and resulting PeLEDs.
Immunological link between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes deciphered by single‐cell RNA analysis
Authors: Lee Hansong , Joo Ji‐Young , Song Jae‐Min , Kim Hyun‐Joo , Kim Yun Hak , Park Hae Ryoun
Published: December 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder that causes various complications, including periodontitis (PD). Although a bidirectional relationship has been reported between DM and PD, their immunological relationship remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the immune response in patients with PD alone and in those with both PD and DM (PDDM) to expand our knowledge of the complicated connection between PD and DM.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 11 healthy controls, 10 patients with PD without DM, and six patients with PDDM, followed by analysis using single‐cell RNA sequencing. The differences among groups were then compared based on intracellular and intercellular perspectives.

Results

Compared to the healthy state, classical monocytes exhibited the highest degree of transcriptional change, with elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in both PD and PDDM. DM diminished the effector function of CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells as well as completely modified the differentiation direction of these cells. Interestingly, a prominent pathway, RESISTIN, which is known to increase insulin resistance and susceptibility to diabetes, was found to be activated under both PD and PDDM conditions. In particular,CAP1+ classical monocytes from patients with PD and PDDM showed elevated nuclear factor kappa B‐inducing kinase activity.

Conclusions

Overall, this study elucidates how the presence of DM contributes to the deterioration of T/NK cell immunity and the immunological basis connecting PD to DM.
Microbiota: A key factor affecting and regulating the efficacy of immunotherapy
Authors: Jiang Yao , Jia Dingjiacheng , Sun Yong , Ding Ning , Wang Liangjing
Published: December 2023

Background

Immunotherapy has made significant progress in cancer treatment; however, the responsiveness to immunotherapy varies widely among patients. Growing evidence has demonstrated the role of the gut microbiota in the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Main body

Herein, we summarise the changes in the microbiota in different cancers under various immunotherapies. The microbial‐host signal transmission on immunotherapeutic responses and mechanisms associated with microbial translocation to tumours in the context of immunotherapy are also discussed. In addition, we have highlighted the clinical application value of methods for regulating the microbiota. Finally, we elaborate on the relationship between the microbiota, host and immunotherapy, and provide potential directions for future research.

Conclusion

Different microbiota cause changes in the tumour microenvironment through microbial signals thereby affecting immunotherapy efficacy. Translocation of gut microbiota and the role of extraintestinal microbiota in immunotherapy deserve attention. Microbiota regulation is a novel strategy for combination therapy with immunotherapy. Although there are several aspects that deserve further refinement and exploration with regard to administration and clinical translation. Nevertheless, it is foreseeable that the microbiota will become an integral part of cancer treatment.
Biogenicity of amorphous organic matter and bacteriomorph acritarchs preserved in wrinkle structures from the Ediacaran Cíjara Formation, Spain
Authors: Álvaro J. Javier , Ortiz José E. , Neto de Carvalho Carlos , López‐Cilla Ignacio , Sánchez‐Palencia Yolanda , Torres Trinidad
Published: December 2023

Establishing the biogenicity of sedimentary surface textures with unresolved microbial origin is critical to any environmental and geobiological interpretation of clastic settings. Here, some Ediacaran wrinkle structures and associated carbonaceous greywacke samples containing mat fragments rich in ‘bacteriomorph acritarchs’ are investigated. Their biogenicity was evaluated with transmitted light and scanning electron microscopy, epifluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, and confirmed by the presence of distinct cyanobacterial biomarkers. The comparison of results yielded by these techniques validates the use of Raman spectroscopy on Neoproterozoic kerogen (organic‐walled microfossils and amorphous organic material) under low metamorphic conditions. Raman spectrographs also allowed recognition of associated rare‐earth element‐rich phosphate (monazite) and subsidiary metal sulphide concentrations, and interpreted as a result of biosorption and/or mat trapping under normal oxic conditions. These microbial mat features represent cyanobacterial bloom‐forming Bavlinella acritarchs, which characterise eutrophic episodes in a semi‐enclosed retroarc basin sandwiched between an active Cadomian arc and West Gondwana.
The effect of pioneer carrion beetles on the emission of volatile organic compounds and carrion insect community assembly
Authors: Ito Minobu , Nishigaki Atsuko , Hasegawa Masami
Published: December 2023

Mechanisms of carrion insect succession have been interpreted separately from interspecific interactions between early and later colonists or from changes in volatile organic compounds perceived by insects resulting from the progression of decomposition. To link these perspectives, we examined through laboratory and field experiments whether the modification of volatile organic compounds by early colonists could be a mechanism of succession. In the laboratory experiment, we used Necrophila japonica (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) as an early colonist and examined its effects on the emissions of important volatile attractants for carrion insects, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) from carcasses. We collected DMDS and DMTS, using the static headspace method, under the following conditions: (i) rat carcass, (ii) rat carcass with artificial damage to the abdomen, (iii) rat carcass fed on by 10 Ne. japonica individuals, and (iv) 10 Ne. japonica individuals, and analyzed the collected gases using a gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer. After 12 and 30 h, carcasses fed on by Ne. japonica emitted higher concentrations of DMDS and DMTS than in other conditions. In the field experiment, we examined the effects of DMDS and DMTS on the attraction of carrion insects using traps baited with a mixture of DMDS and DMTS, hexane (odors unrelated to carcasses), or an empty microtube. Traps baited with DMDS and DMTS attracted more necrophagous species and individuals than traps not baited with this combination. These results showed that accelerated emissions of DMDS and DMTS from carcasses caused by early colonists may contribute to community assembly during carrion insect succession.
Silyl‐Substituted ortho‐Terphenoxide Group 3–5 Complexes: Synthesis, Structure and Applications in Catalysis
Authors: Polak Lara H. , Soltys John B. , Hultzsch Kai C.
Published: December 2023

The complexation behavior of 3,3’‐silyl‐substituted ortho‐terphenoxide ligands o‐C6H4(C6H2‐2‐OH‐3‐SiR3‐5‐Me)2 (SiR3= SiPh3, SiMePh2, SiMe3, Sit‐BuMe2) with a range of yttrium, titanium, niobium and tantalum precursors was examined. The complexation of the ligands with [Y(N(SiHMe2)2)3(THF)2] yielded monomeric complexes, as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography for the methyldiphenylsilyl‐ and tert‐butyldimethylsilyl‐substituted complex. The triphenylsilyl‐substituted yttrium bis(dimethylsilyl)amido complex showed good activity in the intramolecular hydroamination reaction of aminoalkenes. Complexation with Ti(NMe2)4 yielded a mixture of products, depending on the silyl substituents and the solvent used for complexation. A mono‐ligated bimetallic titanium complex and a bisligated titanium complex were analyzed by X‐ray crystallography. Complexation with M(NMe2)5 (M=Nb, Ta) produced the corresponding monomeric ortho‐terphenoxide complexes as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray structure analysis of a niobium complex and 3 tantalum complexes.
Deacetylation of Mannosylerythritol Lipids in Hydrophobic Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Cassimon Jonas , Kovács Attila , Neyts Erik , Cornet Iris , Billen Pieter
Published: December 2023

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are a promising group of biosurfactants due to their high fermentation yield, selfassembly and biological activity. During fermentation by Pseudozyma aphidis, a mixture of MELs with different levels of acylation is formed, of which the fully deacetylated form is the most valuable. In order to reduce the environmental impact of deacetylation, an enzymatic process using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) has been developed. We tested the deacetylation of a purified MELs mixture with immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B enzyme and 2‐ethylhexanol as co‐substrate in 140 h reactions with different NADES. We identified hydrophobic NADES systems with similar yields and kinetics as in pure 2‐ethylhexanol solvent. Our results indicate that deacetylation of MELs mixtures in NADES as a solvent is possible with yields comparable to pure co‐substrate and that hydrophobic NADES without carboxylic acid compounds facilitate the reaction to the greatest extent.
Meta‐identification: Perceptions of others’ group identification shape group life
Authors: Steffens Niklas K. , Greenaway Katharine H. , Moore Sam , Munt Katie A. , Grundmann Felix , Haslam S. Alexander , Jetten Jolanda , Postmes Tom , Skorich Daniel P. , Tatachari Srinivasan
Published: December 2023

In the present research, we introduce and develop the concept of meta‐identification – perceptions of others’ identification with a group – and examine its capacity to shape group life. Across two cross‐sectional studies and three experiments (Ntotal = 3992), we investigate the relationship between participants’ meta‐identification in an intragroup context and their group meaningfulness, collective self‐efficacy, organisational citizenship behaviour and (perceived and behavioural) performance. Results indicate that perceiving other group members to be highly identified with a group promotes perceptions of group meaningfulness and collective self‐efficacy, promotes organisational citizenship behaviour and enhances perceived, and in some contexts actual, group performance. Furthermore, results show that individuals’ meta‐identification makes a unique contribution to outcomes above and beyond their social identification. We discuss implications for social identity theorising and the role of meta‐identification in supporting meaningful and functional group life.
A learning‐based approach to regression analysis for climate data–A case of Northeast China
Authors: Guo Jiaxu , Xu Yidan , Hu Liang , Wu Xianwei , Xu Gaochao , Che Xilong
Published: December 2023

Global climate change is an important issue that all of humanity needs to address together. Precipitation is an important climatic feature for agricultural development and food security, and the study of precipitation and its associated climatic factors is important for the analysis of global change. As an important part of China's food production, Northeast China has a temperate monsoon climate with simultaneous rain and heat, which is favorable for crop growth. In this paper, a scientific workflow for climate data analysis with a learning‐based method is designed. Using climate data from typical models in CMIP6, a machine learning‐based approach is used to establish regression relationships between precipitation and climate variables such as temperature, humidity and wind speed in Northeast China, which is validated through a time series approach. We design a weight‐based model ensemble method and a learning‐based bias correction method, so that the ensemble model can achieve better performance. We also analyze the precipitation trends in Northeast China under the three Shared Socio‐economic Pathways (SSPs). This will help researchers to analyze the long‐term evolution and factors of climate.
Technology readiness level of hydrogen storage technologies for transport
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: December 2023

The uptake of hydrogen in transport applications needs the further development of storage technologies. As discussed here, hydrogen can be stored physically based, as a gas, compressed or cold/cryo compressed, or a liquid, or it can be stored material‐based. The material‐based hydrogen storage technologies, despite having been supported in recent years by more intense research and development expenditure versus the physically based, have a technology readiness level (TRL) still very low. Therefore, physical hydrogen storage technologies of much better TRL, with some existing products only in need of further refinement, should become the preferential recipient of R&D expenditure, to deliver the immediate benefits needed.
Influence of cooling methods on high‐temperature residual mechanical characterization of strain‐hardening cementitious composites
Authors: Kumar Dhanendra , Soliman Amr A. , Ranade Ravi
Published: December 2023

Residual strength tests are commonly used to characterize the high‐temperature mechanical properties of concrete materials. In these tests, the specimens are heated to a target temperature in a furnace and then cooled down to room temperature, followed by mechanical testing at room temperature. This research investigates the influence of the cooling method on the residual strength of Strain Hardening Cementitious Composites (SHCC) after exposure to 400°C and 600°C. Two types of cooling methods — furnace‐cooling (within a closed furnace) and water‐cooling (immersed in a water tank) — were adopted. Four different SHCC previously investigated by the authors for high‐temperature residual mechanical and bond behavior with steel were studied. Two different specimen sizes were tested under uniaxial compression and flexure to characterize the residual compressive strength and modulus of rupture. The effect of the cooling method was prominent for the normalized residual modulus of rupture at 400°C, but not at 600°C. The cooling method had no effect on the normalized residual compressive strength of any material at either of the two temperatures, except one of the SHCC (PVA‐SC) at 400°C. Specimen size also had no effect on the normalized residual compressive strength and modulus of rupture irrespective of the cooling method.
The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Postmenopause Sexuality Questionnaire
Authors: Kürne Hatice Gülşah , Akbayrak Türkan
Published: December 2023

Objective

To translate and to validate the Postmenopause Sexuality Questionnaire (PMSQ) for Turkish women in the climacteric.

Methods

The study included 356 menopausal women with a mean age of 60.2 ± 7.6 years. First, the demographic characteristics and obstetric information of the women were recorded. Then, the PMSQ was adapted into Turkish. In order to determine the sexual activity and menopause‐specific quality of life, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), and the PMSQ were administered. The reliability and validity of the PMSQ were assessed with internal consistency, test–retest, and criterion validity analyses.

Results

According to the results of the study, the internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.97) and test–retest reliability (r = 0.95) of the PMSQ were found to be high (P < 0.001). Criterion validity was established based on the relationship of PMSQ scores with FSFI (r = 0.76; P < 0.001) and MENQOL (r = −0.47, P < 0.001) scores.

Conclusion

According to this study, it was determined that the Turkish version of the PMSQ can be a valid and reliable scale to evaluate sexual activity in Turkish menopausal women.
SNHG16/miR‐205/HDAC5 is involved in the progression of renal fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Yingdan , Wang Hanqing , Tang Yunhai , Wang Juan , Wu Xia , He Zifan , He Yayun , Tang Zhihuan
Published: December 2023

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) represents an irreversible and progressive pathological manifestation of chronic renal disease, which ultimately leads to end‐stage renal disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to be involved in the progression of RIF. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16), a member of lncRNAs, has been found to be involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. This paper first researched the effect of SNHG16 on renal fibrosis. We established a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)‐induced mouse RIF model by ligation of the left ureter to evaluate the biological function of SNHG16 in RIF. As a result, SNHG16 was upregulated in UUO‐induced renal fibrotic tissues. Knockdown of SNHG16 inhibited RIF and reduced alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), fibronectin, and college IV expression. miR‐205 was a target of SNHG16, and downregulated in UUO‐induced renal fibrotic tissues. Inhibition of miR‐205 promoted RIF and increased the expression of α‐SMA, college IV, and fibronectin. Overexpression of SNHG16 promoted the UUO‐induced RIF, but miR‐205 abrogated this effect of SNHG16. Histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) showed high expression in UUO‐induced renal fibrotic tissues. Knockdown of HDAC5 significantly reduced α‐SMA, fibronectin, and college IV expression in renal tissues of UUO‐induced mice. Inhibition of miR‐205 promoted HDAC5 expression, but knockdown of SNHG16 inhibited HDAC5 expression in renal tissues of UUO‐induced mice. In conclusion, SHNG16 is highly expressed in renal fibrotic tissues of UUO‐induced mice. Knockdown of SHNG16 may prevent UUO‐induced RIF by indirectly upregulating HDAC5 via targeting miR‐205. SHNG16 may be novel target for treating renal fibrosis.
Evaluation of the effects of pemafibrate on metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease with hypertriglyceridemia using magnetic resonance elastography combined with fibrosis‐4 index and the magnetic resonance imaging‐aspartate aminotransferase score
Authors: Ichikawa Takeshi , Oba Haruki , Owada Mai , Watanabe Kazuki , Yoshimura Tsubasa , Fuchigami Ayako , Nakamura Atsushi
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effects of pemafibrate treatment in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and hypertriglyceridemia using non‐invasive stiffness‐based models, including magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) combined with the fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) (MEFIB) index and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (MAST) score.

Methods

In total, 179 patients with MASLD treated with pemafibrate were enrolled. We evaluated the effects of 48‐week pemafibrate treatment using the MEFIB index, which classifies patients based on the combination of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) on MRE and FIB‐4 and the MAST score, which is calculated based on LSM on MRE, MRI‐proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF), and AST levels.

Results

Pemafibrate treatment led to significant reduction in AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (P = 0.011, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively) and significant improvements in triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). The MRI‐PDFF values were not significantly altered. However, a significant decrease in LSM on MRE was detected (P = 0.003). Evaluation of fibrosis using the MEFIB index and MAST score demonstrated significant improvement (P = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). Changes in the MAST score showed positive correlation with changes in ALT and GGT levels (r = 0.821, P < 0.001, and r = 0.808, P < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, ALT and GGT levels at baseline were significantly associated with improvements in the MAST score (P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Pemafibrate led to improvements in the MEFIB index and MAST score, as well as liver function. It is a promising therapeutic agent for patients with MASLD and hypertriglyceridemia with the potential to reduce liver‐related events.
A multiscale approach to statistical downscaling of daily precipitation: Israel as a test case
Authors: Sandler Dor , Saaroni Hadas , Ziv Baruch , Hochman Assaf , Harnik Nili , Rostkier‐Edelstein Dorita
Published: December 2023

Rainfall in the Eastern Mediterranean is strongly modulated by complex topography and localized mesoscale processes. General circulation models (GCMs) struggle to capture daily precipitation variability in the region, both in time and in space. Rain in the Eastern Mediterranean occurs within a hierarchy of scales, as synoptic scale structures often drive local rainfall patterns. Daily rain prediction in the region can therefore benefit from analog downscaling—a nonlinear regression of a high‐resolution predictand from past synoptic‐scale predictors. We present a multiscaled downscaling algorithm of daily rain over Israel. The underlying goal is to create a mechanism‐based tool that will improve the analysis and prediction of precipitation on short time scales in models that cannot produce the field explicitly. We train the algorithm using coarse grid ERA5 reanalysis data and measurements from 21 rain gauges. The routine uses a k‐nearest neighbours algorithm to find the most similar past instances (i.e., analogs) for every predicted day. Analog selection is performed in two steps, based on scale (synoptic and local), as to not overshadow correlative but local predictors. The algorithm also includes several unique aspects tailored to Mediterranean climate: subdaily predictors of cyclone life cycles; representation of upper level cyclonic drivers; and the inclusion of rainfall potential using the Modified K‐Index (MKI). The proposed algorithm has better accuracy (66% correct predictions) compared to non‐downscaled reanalysis and climatological predictions. It better captures the spatial rainfall variance, mitigates the “drizzle bias,” and improves skill in extreme event prediction. However, it underestimates very rainy events and has trouble fully representing the spatial variance in the region. Nonetheless, our algorithm represents the potential for computationally inexpensive downscaling of daily precipitation in the Mediterranean with various possible applications, for example, characterization of droughts and storms, linking hydrological and synoptic scale processes and introducing uncertainty estimates using large ensembles.
Safe bearing region for avoiding meniscal bearing impingement and overhang in mobile‐bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zheng Nan , Dai Huiyong , Zou Diyang , Wang Qi , Tsai Tsung‐Yuan
Published: December 2023

The purposes of this study were to propose a quantitative method of bearing overhang to minimize the effect of bearing spinning on mobile‐bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (MB UKA), suggest and apply safe bearing regions in daily activities. The overhang distance and area were calculated for neutral and spinning positions. The safe bearing regions were based on the relationship between bearing overhang and linear wear rate. Eleven patients were included in an in‐vivo experiment under dual fluoroscopic imaging following medial MB UKA. The bearing position was tracked by minimal joint space width, and the bearing overhang was calculated accordingly. Due to an equal contribution of 1 mm increase in medial overhang and 30 mm2 overhang areato wear rate, the maximum effect of potential bearing spinning on medial overhang distance was approximately three times as large as the overhang area. The safe bearing distance and area regions were rectangles and arches with different scales for different size combinations of bearing, femoral and tibial components. The maximum bearing overhang area during lunge (R = 0.76, p = 0.006) and open‐chain exercise (R = 0.68, p = 0.02) significantly correlated with the overhang area in standing. The overhang area can be an appropriate parameter for evaluating dislocation degree less affected by potential bearing spinning than the overhang distance in clinical practice. The corresponding safe overhang area regions were proposed for surgical planning and postoperative dislocation degree evaluation. The bearing overhang area in static standing posture can be a valuable reference to estimate the dynamic overhang area and dislocation degree during motion.