bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A subject advantage in covert dependencies: The case ofwh‐question comprehension in French Sign Language
Authors: Hauser Charlotte , Aristodemo Valentina , Donati Caterina
Published: June 2023

Studies on sentence processing have shown that, as with all A‐bar dependencies, content questions involvingwh movement display a subject advantage. Very little is known, however, aboutwh‐in‐situ questions. The aim of this article is to fill this gap and explore whether a subject advantage can be found inwh‐in‐situ questions. We report the results of a sentence‐to‐picture matching task using in‐situwh questions in French Sign Language. Three adult populations with different ages of exposure to sign language were studied. Results show that comprehension ofwh‐in‐situ questions in French Sign Language does display a subject advantage. We argue that this is relevant for the analysis ofwh in situ, supporting a covert‐movement analysis against alternatives involving some form of (unselective) binding. Moreover, comparison of our three populations shows that delayed exposure to language has an impact on the comprehension ofwh questions, confirming that early language deprivation affects language competence in adulthood.
Patterns and drivers of heat production in the plant genus Amorphophallus
Authors: Claudel Cyrille , Loiseau Oriane , Silvestro Daniele , Lev‐Yadun Simcha , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: June 2023

Thermogenesis – the ability to generate metabolic heat – is much more common in animals than in plants, but it has been documented in several plant families, most prominently the Araceae. Metabolic heat is produced in floral organs during the flowering time (anthesis), with the hypothesised primary functions being to increase scent volatilisation for pollinator attraction, and/or to provide a heat reward for invertebrate pollinators. Despite in‐depth studies on the thermogenesis of single species, no attempts have yet been made to examine plant thermogenesis across an entire clade. Here, we apply time‐series clustering algorithms to 119 measurements of the full thermogenic patterns in inflorescences of 80 Amorphophallus species. We infer a new time‐calibrated phylogeny of this genus and use phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate the evolutionary determinants of thermogenesis. We find striking phenotypic variation across the phylogeny, with heat production in multiple clades reaching up to 15°C, and in one case 21.7°C above ambient temperature. Our results show that the thermogenic capacity is phylogenetically conserved and is also associated with inflorescence thickness. Our study paves the way for further investigations of the eco‐evolutionary benefits of thermogenesis in plants.
The role of extracellular vesicles in iron homeostasis and ferroptosis: Focus on musculoskeletal diseases
Authors: Liao Zhiwei , Tong Bide , Ou Zixuan , Wei Junyu , Lei Ming , Yang Cao
Published: June 2023

Iron homeostasis is crucial for maintaining proper cellular function, and its disruption is considered one of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal diseases. Under conditions of oxidative stress, the accumulation of cellular iron overload and lipid peroxidation can lead to ferroptosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), serving as mediators in the cell‐to‐cell communication, play an important role in regulating the outcome of cell ferroptosis. Growing evidence has proven that EV biogenesis and secretion are tightly associated with cellular iron export. Furthermore, different sources of EVs deliver diverse cargoes to bring about phenotypic changes in the recipient cells, either activating or inhibiting ferroptosis. Thus, delivering therapies targeting ferroptosis through EVs may hold significant potential for treating musculoskeletal diseases. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the role of EVs in iron homeostasis and ferroptosis, as well as their therapeutic applications in musculoskeletal diseases, and thereby provide valuable insights for both research and clinical practice.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma arising from an ectopic pancreas in a cat
Authors: Cho Hyun , Choi Jihye
Published: June 2023

An 8‐year‐old male neutered Korean shorthair cat presented with chronic vomiting. Radiographically, an oval‐shaped soft tissue abdominal mass caudoventral to the left kidney was detected. On ultrasonography, the hypoechoic mass was well‐defined with thick, irregular, and hyperechoic margins and had no continuity with the pancreas or other adjacent organs. The mass was surgically excised. Areas of atypical pancreatic acinar epithelial cells were identified histopathologically. Postoperative CT demonstrated a normal pancreas in the expected anatomical region. Based on diagnostic imaging, surgical and histopathology findings, the mass was diagnosed as a well‐differentiated pancreatic acinar cell adenocarcinoma arising from ectopic pancreatic tissue.
Perspective: Large Language Models in Applied Mechanics
Authors: Brodnik Neal R. , Carton Samuel , Muir Caelin , Ghosh Satanu , Downey Doug , Echlin McLean P. , Pollock Tresa M. , Daly Samantha
Published: June 2023

Large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT and PaLM, are able to perform sophisticated text comprehension and generation tasks with little or no training. Alongside their broader societal impacts, these capabilities carry great promise for the physical sciences, including applied mechanics. We present a summary of recent developments in these models, their application to mechanics and adjacent fields, and a perspective on their future use in applied mechanics, taking into account their limitations and the unique challenges of the field.
Deposition Temperature Induced Texture and Strengthening of Ti/Ni Multilayer Thin Films
Authors: Yang Zhou , Wang Junlan
Published: June 2023

Strong thermal effect on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti/Ni multilayer thin films was observed from in situ heating during deposition and subsequent annealing. Films deposited at low-temperature show preferred crystallographic texture for both Ti and Ni layers, with columnar structure extending through the layers. The columnar structure becomes more distinct and complete with the increase of temperature up to 300 °C, and meanwhile, more atomic diffusion and intermixing occur along the Ti/Ni interfaces, promoting the formation of Ti-Ni intermetallic precipitates. High-temperature deposition causes disintegration of the layered structure. Columnar Ti-Ni alloys and further recrystallized alloys were detected with the preferred crystallographic texture. For material strength, an increased hardness trend was observed with increasing deposition temperature even with much larger grain size compared to room temperature case. Furthermore, for multilayer systems deposited under low temperature, post-annealing resulted in higher hardness with minimal microstructure modification, with more strengthening observed in lower deposition temperature case.
Sequential Sampling-Based Asymptotic Probability Estimation of High-Dimensional Rare Events
Authors: Xu Yanwen , Wang Pingfeng
Published: June 2023

Accurate analysis of rare failure events with an affordable computational cost is often challenging in many engineering applications, particularly for problems with high-dimensional system inputs. The extremely low probabilities of occurrence often lead to large probability estimation errors and low computational efficiency. Thus, it is vital to develop advanced probability analysis methods that are capable of providing robust estimations of rare event probabilities with narrow confidence bounds. The general method of determining confidence intervals of an estimator using the central limit theorem faces the critical obstacle of low computational efficiency. This is a side effect of the widely used Monte Carlo method, which often requires a large number of simulation samples to derive a reasonably narrow confidence interval. In this paper, a new probability analysis approach is developed which can be used to derive the estimates of rare event probabilities efficiently with narrow estimation bounds simultaneously for high-dimensional problems and complex engineering systems. The asymptotic behavior of the developed estimator is proven theoretically without imposing strong assumptions. An asymptotic confidence interval is established for the developed estimator. The presented study offers important insights into the robust estimations of the probability of occurrences for rare events. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the developed technique are assessed with numerical and engineering case studies. Case study results have demonstrated that narrow bounds can be obtained efficiently using the developed approach with the true values consistently located within the estimation bounds.
An Aerodynamic Loss Model for Axial Turbine Design
Authors: Li Zhi , Liu Yan
Published: June 2023

Aerodynamic loss models play an important role in the preliminary design of axial turbines. However, prediction accuracy and parameter sensitivity of traditional models being used for decades are problematic. Thus, this paper proposed a new loss model for predicting turbine aerodynamic performance at the design point. In order to construct the model, 228 turbine cascades for calibration were designed and evaluated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on massive CFD data, correlation of parameters and loss coefficients were investigated. Finally, new loss model expressions were built. The accuracy of the proposed novel model was verified by CFD for nine turbines including 15 stages. Numerical results show that the average efficiency deviation for the new model is 0.48% for stages and 0.009 for entropy loss coefficient of the blade rows. Compared with the Craig and Cox model and Kacker and Okapuu model, the presented new model performs better in predicting aerodynamic loss, especially in predicting the effect of parameters on the losses.
H/ACA snRNP–dependent ribosome biogenesis regulates translation of polyglutamine proteins
Authors: Breznak Shane M. , Peng Yingshi , Deng Limin , Kotb Noor M. , Flamholz Zachary , Rapisarda Ian T. , Martin Elliot T. , LaBarge Kara A. , Fabris Dan , Gavis Elizabeth R. , Rangan Prashanth
Published: June 2023

Stem cells in many systems, including
Drosophila
germline stem cells (GSCs), increase ribosome biogenesis and translation during terminal differentiation. Here, we show that the H/ACA small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex that promotes pseudouridylation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosome biogenesis is required for oocyte specification. Reducing ribosome levels during differentiation decreased the translation of a subset of messenger RNAs that are enriched for CAG trinucleotide repeats and encode polyglutamine-containing proteins, including differentiation factors such as RNA-binding Fox protein 1. Moreover, ribosomes were enriched at CAG repeats within transcripts during oogenesis. Increasing target of rapamycin (TOR) activity to elevate ribosome levels in H/ACA snRNP complex–depleted germlines suppressed the GSC differentiation defects, whereas germlines treated with the TOR inhibitor rapamycin had reduced levels of polyglutamine-containing proteins. Thus, ribosome biogenesis and ribosome levels can control stem cell differentiation via selective translation of CAG repeat–containing transcripts.
An adenoviral-vectored vaccine confers seroprotection against capsular group B meningococcal disease
Authors: Dold Christina , Marsay Leanne , Wang Nelson , Silva-Reyes Laura , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Paterson Gavin K. , Sharkey Kelsey , Wyllie David , Beernink Peter T. , Hill Adrian V. , Pollard Andrew J. , Rollier Christine S.
Published: June 2023

Adenoviral-vectored vaccines are licensed for prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Ebola virus, but, for bacterial proteins, expression in a eukaryotic cell may affect the antigen’s localization and conformation or lead to unwanted glycosylation. Here, we investigated the potential use of an adenoviral-vectored vaccine platform for capsular group B meningococcus (MenB). Vector-based candidate vaccines expressing MenB antigen factor H binding protein (fHbp) were generated, and immunogenicity was assessed in mouse models, including the functional antibody response by serum bactericidal assay (SBA) using human complement. All adenovirus-based vaccine candidates induced high antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses. A single dose induced functional serum bactericidal responses with titers superior or equal to those induced by two doses of protein-based comparators, as well as longer persistence and a similar breadth. The fHbp transgene was further optimized for human use by incorporating a mutation abrogating binding to the human complement inhibitor factor H. The resulting vaccine candidate induced high and persistent SBA responses in transgenic mice expressing human factor H. The optimized transgene was inserted into the clinically relevant ChAdOx1 backbone, and this vaccine has now progressed to clinical development. The results of this preclinical vaccine development study underline the potential of vaccines based on genetic material to induce functional antibody responses against bacterial outer membrane proteins.
Failure of
mecA/mecC
PCR Testing to Accurately Predict Oxacillin Resistance in a Patient with Staphylococcus aureus Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Hess Kyle A. , Kooda Kirstin , Shirley Joshua D. , Schuetz Audrey N. , Abu Saleh Omar , Stevens Ryan W.
Published: June 2023

Genotypic testing for
mecA
/
mecC
is heavily relied upon for rapid optimization of antimicrobial therapy in infections due to
Staphylococcus aureus
. Little is known regarding optimal reporting and/or therapy for patients demonstrating lack of genotypic evidence of
mecA
or
mecC
but phenotypic oxacillin resistance.
Optimization and Clinical Evaluation of an Automated Commercial Analyte-Specific Reagent Assay for
Mycoplasmoides genitalium
Macrolide Resistance Detection in Primary Clinical Specimens
Authors: Munson Erik , Zapp Amanda , Moore Josephine , Lavey Stephen C. , Russell Hunter , Munson Kimber L. , Martin Irene
Published: June 2023

With improvement in laboratory diagnosis of
Mycoplasmoides genitalium
infection through molecular diagnostics, macrolide resistance determination within
M. genitalium
-positive patients is necessary. In this study, we report baseline parameters for an analyte-specific reagent (ASR) macrolide resistance real-time reverse transcriptase PCR on an open access analyzer and evaluated detection of macrolide resistance-mediated mutation (MRM) within 23S rRNA in a clinical specimen set.
Anaerobic phloroglucinol degradation by
Clostridium scatologenes
Authors: Zhou Yan , Wei Yifeng , Jiang Li , Jiao Xinan , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2023

Polyphenols are abundant in nature, and their anaerobic biodegradation by gut and soil bacteria is a topic of great interest. The O
2
requirement of phenol oxidases is thought to explain the microbial inertness of phenolic compounds in anoxic environments, such as peatlands, termed the enzyme latch hypothesis. A caveat of this model is that certain phenols are known to be degraded by strict anaerobic bacteria, although the biochemical basis for this process is incompletely understood. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a gene cluster in the environmental bacterium
Clostridium scatologenes
for the degradation phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene), a key intermediate in the anaerobic degradation of flavonoids and tannins, which constitute the most abundant polyphenols in nature. The gene cluster encodes the key C-C cleavage enzyme dihydrophloroglucinol cyclohydrolase, as well as (
S
)-3-hydroxy-5-oxo-hexanoate dehydrogenase and triacetate acetoacetate-lyase, which enable phloroglucinol to be utilized as a carbon and energy source. Bioinformatics studies revealed the presence of this gene cluster in phylogenetically and metabolically diverse gut and environmental bacteria, with potential impacts on human health and carbon preservation in peat soils and other anaerobic environmental niches.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides novel insights into the microbiota’s anaerobic metabolism of phloroglucinol, a critical intermediate in the degradation of polyphenols in plants. Elucidation of this anaerobic pathway reveals enzymatic mechanisms for the degradation of phloroglucinol into short-chain fatty acids and acetyl-CoA, which are used as a carbon and energy source for bacterium growth. Bioinformatics studies suggested the prevalence of this pathway in phylogenetically and metabolically diverse gut and environmental bacteria, with potential impacts on carbon preservation in peat soils and human gut health.
Genetic and Functional Analysis of the
pks
Gene in Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Luo Chenshuo , Chen Yanshu , Hu Xueni , Chen Shanjian , Lin Yulan , Liu Xiaoqian , Yang Bin
Published: June 2023

The infection rate with
pks
-positive
K. pneumoniae
has been increasing in recent years. Two previous surveys in Taiwan reported 25.6%
pks
gene islands and 16.7%
pks
-positive
K. pneumoniae
strains in bloodstream infections, and Chinese scholars also did a survey of
K. pneumoniae
bloodstream infections in Changsha, China, and found 26.8%
pks
-positive
K. pneumoniae
.
Understanding factors influencing the use of clinical guidelines in low-income and middle-income settings: a scoping review
Authors: Orangi Stacey , Orangi Tiffany , Kabubei Kenneth Munge , Honda Ayako
Published: June 2023

Objective

A scoping review was undertaken to determine the extent to which existing studies have examined factors influencing healthcare providers’ use of clinical guidelines in low and middle-income country (LMIC) settings and determine which factors constrain or facilitate the use of clinical guidelines by healthcare providers.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

The literature search was conducted using PubMed in January 2021.

Eligibility criteria

We identified empirical studies, published between 2011–2021 in English, which included clinicians and/or nurses as healthcare providers, used a health facility as the study site, and were located in an LMIC.

Data extraction and synthesis

Information extracted from the literature review was organised using themes and the findings synthesised using thematic analysis.

Results

The review identified five types of interacting factors that influence healthcare providers’ use of and compliance with clinical guidelines. The factors identified are organisational factors, factors relating to individual healthcare providers, attributes of the clinical guidelines, patient-related factors and institutional factors. Organisational factors can be further divided into the physical work environment, organisational culture and working conditions. The effective use of clinical guidelines in LMIC settings is greatly impacted by the contextualisation of clinical guidelines, end-user engagement and alignment of the implementation of clinical guidelines with the institutional arrangements in the broader health system.

Conclusion

The development and evaluation of concrete interventions is vital to facilitate the implementation of clinical guidelines and improve healthcare service quality. Further studies are necessary to examine the relative importance of the five identified factors on the effective use of clinical guidelines in different contexts.
Reporting and data-sharing level of acupuncture randomised controlled trials: a cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Duan Yuting , Xu Zhirui , Li Xinyu , Zhao Pinge , Wu Shengwei , Chen Zewei , Guo Jiewen , Zhou Yiye , Tang Chunzhi , Yu Lin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) play an important role in evidence-based medicine. However, an article with low reporting quality may mislead both experts and the general public into an erroneous decision. Data sharing can contribute to the truthfulness and transparency of trials. Acupuncture RCTs have been increasing rapidly these years, but the reporting quality and data-sharing level of acupuncture RCTs are not clear. Thus, this study will provide the current status of the reporting quality and data-sharing level of acupuncture RCTs.

Methods and analysis

A cross-sectional study will be conducted. The seven databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang Database and VIP will be searched between 1 January 2012 and 15 October 2022 to identify acupuncture RCTs. The basic characteristics of included trials will be summarised. The reporting quality for included RCTs will be assessed by the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials 2010 statement and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture. The data-sharing level will be assessed by open science practices.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this study. This protocol has been registered in Open Science Framework Registries. The findings of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal.
Young-onset colorectal cancer: treatment-related nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
Authors: Mauri Gianluca , Pedrani Martino , Ghezzi Silvia , Bencardino Katia , Mariano Sara , Bonazzina Erica , Serra Francesco , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Caccialanza Riccardo , Cavestro Giulia Martina , Siena Salvatore , Artale Salvatore , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) incidence is increasing, raising a clinical challenge. Clinicians tend to treat EO-CRC patients with more intensive regimens despite the lack of survival benefits, based on an age-related bias. Limited evidence is available regarding treatment-related toxicities in this peculiar subset of patients.

Methods

We performed a literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus, looking for reporting of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea occurring in patients with EO-CRC, defined by age lower than 50 years old at initial diagnosis, while receiving anticancer treatment.

Results

2318 records were screened and 9 full-text articles were considered eligible for inclusion for a total of 59 783 patients (of whom 8681 EO-CRC patients). We found nausea and vomiting occurring at higher incidence among EO-CRC compared with older patients, while no difference was reported as for diarrhoea. Peritoneal involvement, age younger than 40, female gender, suboptimal adherence to guidelines and oxaliplatin might represent potential risk factors for increased nausea and vomiting in patients with EO-CRC.

Conclusion

EO-CRC patients experience more nausea and vomiting but equal or less diarrhoea compared with older patients. Adherence to clinical guidelines is recommended, and more data are warranted to assess if an enhanced antiemetic approach might be required, particularly in case of specific risk factors.
The VxrAB two-component system is important for the polymyxin B-dependent activation of the type VI secretion system in Vibrio cholerae O1 strain A1552
Authors: Mathieu-Denoncourt Annabelle , Duperthuy Marylise
Published: June 2023

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is used by bacteria for virulence, resistance to grazing, and competition with other bacteria. We previously demonstrated that the role of the T6SS in interbacterial competition and in resistance to grazing is enhanced in Vibrio cholerae in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of polymyxin B. Here, we performed a global quantitative proteomic analysis and a targeted transcriptomic analysis of the T6SS-known regulators in V. cholerae grown with and without polymyxin B. The proteome of V. cholerae is greatly modified by polymyxin B with more than 39% of the identified cellular proteins displaying a difference in their abundance, including T6SS-related proteins. We identified a regulator whose abundance and expression are increased in the presence of polymyxin B, vxrB, the response regulator of the two-component system VxrAB (VCA0565-66). In vxrAB, vxrA and vxrB deficient mutants, the expression of both hcp copies (VC1415 and VCA0017), although globally reduced, was not modified by polymyxin B. These hcp genes encode an identical protein Hcp, which is the major component of the T6SS syringe. Thus, the upregulation of the T6SS in the presence of polymyxin B appears to be, at least in part, due to the two-component system VxrAB.
The soybean NADPH oxidase gene GmRbohK is crucial for nodule formation in symbiosis
Authors: Ke Danxia , Feng Shuang , Hu Yihan , Xu Dan , Wang Huan
Published: June 2023

Plants regulate various biological activities in cells by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) as signal molecules. Plant NADPH oxidases, respiratory burst oxidase homologues (Rbohs), are the main source of ROS and participate in a variety of plant physiological processes. However, there are few studies regarding the function of Rbohs in rhizobium–legume symbiotic nodulation. A Rbohs subfamily gene GmRbohK was cloned and the gene expression and its subcellular localization were studied. The GmRbohK gene was highly expressed in soybean roots and nodules and greatly induced by rhizobia. GmRbohK was located at the cell membrane of Arabidopsis protoplasts. Moreover, RNA interference (RNAi) of GmRbohK resulted in a decrease in the number of nodules and nitrogenase activity. Meanwhile, the expression levels of nodulation marker genes decreased in association with the decrease in GmRbohK expression level. RNAi of GmRbohK inhibited the production of ROS and blocked infection events at the initial stage of nodule formation. Further analysis of nodule tissue sections revealed that RNAi of GmRbohK significantly reduced the number of bacteroids in the nodule infection area. In conclusion, GmRbohK is heavily involved in the regulation of soybean nodule formation.
Comparison of Kaltenborn mobilization technique and muscle energy technique on range of motion, pain and function in subjects with chronic shoulder adhesive capsulitis
Authors: Pattnaik Sandeep , Kumar Pravin , Sarkar Bibhuti , Oraon Anil Kumar
Published: June 2023

Background: Shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a common musculoskeletal condition causing pain, loss of range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder, and a decrease in its functionality, yet poorly defined and understood since its identification. Kaltenborn mobilization technique (KMT) and muscle energy technique (MET) are commonly used physiotherapeutic techniques for their treatment. To the best of our understanding, there was no study found to compare the effectiveness of one technique over another.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of KMT and MET on the ROM, pain and function in subjects with chronic shoulder AC.

Methods: In this single-centred, single-blinded quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design 35 subjects were randomized into two groups: Group A ([Formula: see text]) received KMT and Group B ([Formula: see text]) received MET along with the moist hot pack (MHP), supervised exercises and home exercises common to both the groups. A total of 32 subjects completed the study with three dropouts. Subjects were evaluated before and after 10 treatment sessions for the outcomes, shoulder external rotation passive range of motion (ER-PROM) and abduction passive range of motion (ABD-PROM) using the universal goniometer, intensity of pain using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and functional disability using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI).

Results: Analysis of 32 subjects showed that both groups were homogenous at baseline. The within-group analysis showed significant improvement ([Formula: see text]) in both groups related to all the outcomes. But when we compared the groups, Group B showed significant ([Formula: see text]) improvement in NPRS and SPADI in comparison to Group A. However, there was non-significant ([Formula: see text]) difference found in ER-PROM and ABD-PROM.

Conclusion: Both KMT and MET are effective in improving ROM, pain and function but MET showed a significant reduction of pain and improvement in function in subjects with chronic shoulder AC, thus supporting its use as a physiotherapeutic treatment technique.
Organic nanomaterials from self-assembly of BODIPY-benzothiadiazole conjugate for PDT/PTT synergistic therapy
Authors: Sha Qilong , Deng Jingran , Zhang Huishuang , Luo Xiaogang , Wu Fengshou
Published: June 2023

Near-infrared light-induced phototherapy including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a new noninvasive method for cancer treatment owing to the nature of high efficiency and spatiotemporal selectivity. In this study, a new boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) molecule (BDP-BT) with donor (D)-receptor (A)-donor (D) structure was designed and successfully synthesized by conjugation of benzothiadiazole (BT) with BODIPY structure. The polyethylene glycol chain (PEG) was modified onto the meso site of BODIPY to improve the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of the compound. The amphiphilic BDP-BT was then self-assembled into nanoparticles (BDP-BT NPs) with red-shifted absorption and enhanced hydrophilicity. BDP-BT NPs can produce effective reactive oxygen species and local hyperthermia triggered by a single laser. The in vitro experiments revealed that BDP-BT NPs had good biocompatibility and remarkable photocytoxicity. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC[Formula: see text] of BDP-BT NPs was valued at 22.17 [Formula: see text]g/mL under 635 nm laser irradiation. Furthermore, BDP-BT NPs can efficiently generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tumor cells under light irradiation. Thus, the as-prepared BDP-BT NPs could be used as promising agents for PDT and PTT synergistic cancer therapy.
A Theoretical and Experimental Square-Wave Voltammetric Study of Ascorbic Acid in Light of Multi-Step Electron Transfer Mechanism
Authors: Stojanov Leon , Mirčeski Valentin
Published: June 2023

A detailed theoretical and experimental study of the complex redox mechanism of ascorbic acid in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.3) by square-wave voltammetry is presented. Experimental square-wave voltammograms at edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrode consist of a typical irreversible peak for a direct two-step electrode oxidation of the ascorbic acid. The complex mechanism of oxidation of the ascorbic acid was represented by a theoretical model for E1C’E2C mechanism. Morphology of theoretical square-wave voltammograms greatly depended on different specific parameters of the model. This feature was used to make the best fit between experimental and theoretical voltammograms for 2 different step potentials, which resulted in revelation of all specific parameters (standard electrochemical rate constant, diffusion coefficient, electron transfer coefficient and rate constants for both chemical reactions) of the model. Therefore, we showed that using only square-wave voltammetry, both experimentally and theoretically, it is possible to make a detailed study of the complex oxidation of ascorbic acid and further enlighten its redox mechanism.
Incentive Mechanism for the Development of Rural New Energy Industry: New Energy Enterprise–Village Collective Linkages considering the Quantum Entanglement and Benefit Relationship
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Yin Shi
Published: June 2023

As an important foundation of and driving force for rural revitalisation, green and low-carbon energy development is an intrinsic requirement for meeting the people’s needs. Rural energy utilization efficiency is low, and there is an urgent need to develop and use renewable green energy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore and clarify the entanglement mechanism between new energy enterprises (NEEs) and village collectives (VCs) considering the mutually beneficial evolutionary stability strategy of the main participants in the rural new energy industry (RNEI) regarding the quantum entanglement state. The quantum evolutionary game model for NEEs and VCs was constructed, and a set of quantum strategies of both parties was introduced. This not only expands the strategy set of the classical game model but also considers the characteristics of quantum entanglement in the implementation of the quantum game. This study also analysed the evolution path and stability strategy of participants in the process of RNEI’s development. The results of this study are presented as follows: (i) after considering the entanglement of states, it is easier to adopt the complete quantum strategy to realize the complete incentive situation that “income increases with the increase of one’s own efforts,” which is conducive to the development of the RNEI. (ii) Observable and quantifiable performance indicators are of greatest importance. Both parties involved in the development of the RNEI should make relevant information open and transparent to promote the smooth implementation of the RNEI development process. (iii) The signing of the “entanglement contract” requires a scientific, complete, specific, and quantifiable performance evaluation system to be established by a professional and independent third-party organization. The study not only makes a certain theoretical contribution to clarifying the mechanism of entanglement between NEEs and village collectives but also provides a theoretical basis for scientific and effective cooperation between NEEs and village collectives.
The Differential Moderating Effect of Executive Compensation on Innovation Investment and Cash Holding Value in China
Authors: Zhang Lin , Shao Chonglin , Wang Jia
Published: June 2023

In the context of technological innovation promoting the long-term sustainable development of enterprises, how to better motivate senior executives to create greater value for an enterprise is being widely discussed. In particular, the COVID-19 outbreak has raised concerns about whether companies can deliver more value by holding large amounts of cash. However, although scholars have conducted a lot of research on topics such as innovation and firm value, how differentiated executive compensation incentives regulate the relationship between firm innovation and the value of cash holdings has hardly been explored. This paper selects the balanced panel data of 1470 A-share listed companies from 2012 to 2020 in China to explore the relationship between innovation investment, executive compensation, and the value of cash holdings. It is found that innovation investment has a positive impact on the value of the cash holdings. Based on Herzberg’s hygiene motivational factors, different types of executive compensation may have a hygiene effect or a motivational effect, which is different. As a result, the moderating effect of executive compensation on innovation investment and the value of cash holdings are significantly different. Executive equity compensation and in-service consumption are motivational attributes. They have a positive moderating effect on innovation investment and the value of cash holdings. The moderating effect of executive monetary compensation on innovation investment and the value of cash holdings changes with the change in monetary compensation. When monetary compensation is lower than the threshold value, monetary compensation is reflected as a hygiene attribute, so it has no significant positive moderating effect on innovation investment and the value of cash holdings. When monetary compensation is higher than the threshold value, monetary compensation is reflected as a motivational attribute, so it has a significant positive moderating effect on innovation investment and the value of cash holdings. Meanwhile, it is tested that monetary compensation is not manipulated by executive compensation defense behavior when it is reflected as motivational attributes.
The Relationship between Metacognitive Beliefs with Clinical Belongingness and Resilience among Novice Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Soltanian Mitra , Payegozar Rasool , Paran Maryam , Sharifi Nasrin
Published: June 2023

Background. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a sensitive ward for nurses. However, the low nurse-to-patient ratio has led to the hiring of novice nurses into the critical areas such as NICUs. These nurses are in need of help in the clinical environment as they have no much experience caring the neonates in the real clinical setting. Therefore, it is necessary to address the individual and psychological capacities with the help of which a person can overcome the difficult situations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metacognitions, clinical belongingness, and resilience of novice nursing staff in NICU wards. Method. This study is a descriptive-analytical study, and the research samples were composed of 78 novice nursing staff of Neonatal Intensive Care Units from teaching hospitals. Samples were selected via a purposive sampling method. Research tools included demographic, Wells and Hatton metacognitive beliefs, Jones Levitt belonging, and Connor–Davidson resilience questionnaires. SPSS 22 software was used for data analysis. Results. The mean score of metacognitive beliefs in novice nursing staff was 92.67 ± 13.69, and it was 116.69 ± 19.11 for belongingness and 78.78 ± 14.73 for resilience. There is positive and significant relationship between metacognitive beliefs and belongingness (

p
<
0.019

, r = 0.265). In addition, the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and resilience in novice nursing staff was positive and significant (

p
<
0.001

, r = 0.359). Conclusion. There is a positive relationship between metacognitive beliefs with belongingness and resilience of novice nurses; nursing managers can consider educational metacognition workshops to enhance the sense of belongingness and resilience of novice nursing staff leading to improve their clinical performance in neonatal care.
Evaluation of Electrocardiogram-Gated Computed Tomography Angiography to Quantify Changes in Geometry and Dynamic Behavior during the Cardiac Cycle of the Nellix Endovascular Sealing System
Authors: Van Den Ham Leo H. , Lazarian Talar , Groot Jebbink Erik , Lardenoije Jan-Willem , Zeebregts Clark J. , Reijnen Michel M. P. J.
Published: June 2023

Background. The Nellix endovascular sealing system (EVAS) was a unique concept with regard to its sealing concept that failed, related to high migration rates. We investigated the changes in aortoiliac morphology during the cardiac cycle before and after EVAS using electrocardiography (ECG)-gated CT. Methods. Eight patients scheduled for EVAS were prospectively enrolled. ECG-gated CT scans were made pre- and postoperatively. Measurements were performed in the mid-systolic and mid-diastolic phases. Endpoints were changes in infrarenal aortoiliac morphology postoperatively compared to preoperatively and their changes in the cardiac cycle. Results. Both pre- and postoperatively, there were no changes during the cardiac cycle. EVAS caused an increase in neck diameter and surface in both phases (

p
<
0.001

). EVAS increased the luminal AAA volume (

p
<
0.001

), with a decrease in thrombus volume (

p
<
0.001

) in both phases and an increase in total volume (

p
<
0.001

) in the systolic phase. During follow-up, one patient presented with >5 mm migration. There were no differences in the movements of this patient compared to the remaining patients. Conclusion. The cardiac cycle had a very limited effect on the aortoiliac dynamics before and after EVAS and, therefore, there is probably not a role for ECG-gated CT in enhanced surveillance programs. EVAS itself has a significant impact on anatomy, particularly the neck diameter, length, and volumes of the AAA.
Progressive Collapse Resistance Mechanism of RC Frame Structure Considering Reinforcement Corrosion
Authors: Bao Chao , Lv Dahai , Wang Huxiang , Zhang Yuhang , Ma Xiaotong , Lim Kar Sing , Zhang Juping
Published: June 2023

Corrosion causes reduction in cross-sectional area of reinforcement, deterioration of mechanical properties, and degradation of bonding properties between reinforced concrete, which are the most important factors leading to the degradation of structural service performance. In order to investigate the progressive collapse mechanism of a corroded reinforced concrete frame structure, the failure modes, characteristics of the vertical displacement, and load capacity are studied using the finite element method. Based on existing experimental research, the established model is verified, and the influence of different influencing factors on the progressive collapse mechanism is analyzed. The results show that the corrosion of the reinforcement affects the yield load, peak load, and ultimate load of the reinforced concrete substructure. As the corrosion rate increases, the tensile arch action shows a particularly severe deterioration. The variation of concrete strength and the height–span ratio affects the substructure’s load-bearing capacity much more significantly than the stirrup spacing.
Parametric Evaluation of the Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Properties of R22 and R407c inside Horizontal Microfin Tube
Authors: Deb Sandipan , Vidhyarthi Neeraj Kumar , Pal Sagnik , Das Ajoy Kumar , Barik Debabrata
Published: June 2023

The flow boiling heat transfer performance of R22 and R407c, in a microfin tube with a helix angle of 22° and an apex angle of 48°, was evaluated in a study. The study is aimed at investigating the impact of heat flux, mass flux, saturation temperature, and vapor quality on the heat transfer coefficient during flow boiling. Two different saturation temperatures, 293.15 K and 313.15 K, were used in the experiments, with heat fluxes ranging from 25 to 85 kW.m-2 and mass fluxes ranging from 150 to 350 kg.m-2.s-1. To validate the experimental data, the results were compared with existing correlations for microfin tubes. The calculated error margin among all correlations with the experimental dataset, which ±15% and ±30%, was also matched by 85% and 95% of the datasets, respectively. Findings reveal that at lower saturation temperatures, the average heat transfer coefficients augmented with increasing mass flux. The study also found that R22 has a higher heat transfer coefficient than R407c at low saturation temperatures due to its stronger thermal conductivity and lower viscosity.
Supplementary Table S5 from Identification of a ΔNp63-Dependent Basal-Like A Subtype-Specific Transcribed Enhancer Program (B-STEP) in Aggressive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xin , Kutschat Ana P. , Aggrey-Fynn Joana , Hamdan Feda H. , Graham Rondell P. , Wixom Alexander Q. , Souto Yara , Ladigan-Badura Swetlana , Yonkus Jennifer A. , Abdelrahman Amro M. , Alva-Ruiz Roberto , Gaedcke Jochen , Ströbel Philipp , Kosinsky Robyn Laura , Wegwitz Florian , Hermann Patrick , Truty Mark J. , Siveke Jens T. , Hahn Stephan A. , Hessmann Elisabeth , Johnsen Steven A. , Najafova Zeynab
Published: June 2023

Supplementary Table S5 contains list of genes associated with L3.6pl TP63 dependent enhancers.
Supplementary Table S6 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

Normalized differentially expressed genes between subclones (related to Figure 5a)
Supplementary Methods from Identification of a ΔNp63-Dependent Basal-Like A Subtype-Specific Transcribed Enhancer Program (B-STEP) in Aggressive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xin , Kutschat Ana P. , Aggrey-Fynn Joana , Hamdan Feda H. , Graham Rondell P. , Wixom Alexander Q. , Souto Yara , Ladigan-Badura Swetlana , Yonkus Jennifer A. , Abdelrahman Amro M. , Alva-Ruiz Roberto , Gaedcke Jochen , Ströbel Philipp , Kosinsky Robyn Laura , Wegwitz Florian , Hermann Patrick , Truty Mark J. , Siveke Jens T. , Hahn Stephan A. , Hessmann Elisabeth , Johnsen Steven A. , Najafova Zeynab
Published: June 2023

The file contains additional supplementary methods
Supplementary Table S1 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

Description of samples in the autochthonous study
Supplementary Figure S1 from Identification of a ΔNp63-Dependent Basal-Like A Subtype-Specific Transcribed Enhancer Program (B-STEP) in Aggressive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xin , Kutschat Ana P. , Aggrey-Fynn Joana , Hamdan Feda H. , Graham Rondell P. , Wixom Alexander Q. , Souto Yara , Ladigan-Badura Swetlana , Yonkus Jennifer A. , Abdelrahman Amro M. , Alva-Ruiz Roberto , Gaedcke Jochen , Ströbel Philipp , Kosinsky Robyn Laura , Wegwitz Florian , Hermann Patrick , Truty Mark J. , Siveke Jens T. , Hahn Stephan A. , Hessmann Elisabeth , Johnsen Steven A. , Najafova Zeynab
Published: June 2023

Defining the basal-like A-specific enhancer landscape in PDAC
Supplementary Figure S8 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

Validation of the LBC labeling and xenograft growth.
Supplementary Figure S7 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

Determination of LBC counts by PCR error correction.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

SCLC Subtype-specific marker expression from the RPR2-Cas9 mouse model.
Supplementary Figure S13 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

Determining effective concentrations for treatment of SCLC cell lines with cisplatin and etoposide.
Supplementary Figure S12 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

GAGE2A and PAGE5 upregulation upon treatment of cisplatin and etoposide.
Supplementary Figure S10 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

Graphic displaying the sample makeup of the three NCI-H209 sample arms.