bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyacrylic Acid and Chitosan Treatments on Silk Fabric for Protection Enhancements
Authors: Saraswathi E. , Moses J. Jeyakodi
Published: March 2023

Silk is utilized as most valuable fibers based on the unique properties like shiny sheen, remarkable comfort performance and bio considerations. Silk materials possess high applications as a natural substrate in the textile/garment industry and as a bio component in the medical applications. As silk is fine, delicate and sensitive it needs more care to protect from the ill effects of insects, light and chemicals. Hence, in this work an attempt is carried out on silk fabric by treatment with polyacrylic acid and chitosan followed by dyeing using few natural dyes and one synthetic reactive dye and subsequently subjected for different tests towards physical properties, colorimetric and fastness properties, low stress mechanical properties, antimicrobial and uv protection properties, SEM and XRD studies. The results of these tests give very good improvement of the protection behavior on the silk fabric suitable for the garments and other end use products.
The role of vascular surgery in intraoperative emergency consultations
Authors: Durmaz Aysegul , Arikan Ali Ahmet , Gur Sibel , Kanko Muhip
Published: March 2023

Aim: Vascular surgery is an important part of the multidisciplinary approach to surgical treatments, and vascular surgeons are often called on intraoperatively to provide immediate assistance to their colleagues. Our aim was to describe the extent of assistance provided during emergency intraoperative consultations at a single tertiary academic centre. Material and Methods: We reviewed the records of patients who were consulted intraoperatively in our hospital over a period of approximately 4 years (January 1, 2017-December 31, 2020) and organized the data collected. Results: 40 emergency intraoperative consultations were identified. 55% of the patients were female, with an average age of 48.83 years. The most frequently consulted subspecialty was obstetrics and gynecology (32%). Index cases were elective/nonurgent (90%), most involving tumor resection (77.5%). The primary reason for vascular consultation was revascularization (37.5%). The primary blood vessel and anatomic field of intervention were categorized. Most cases (50%) included preservation of blood flow, including primary arterial repair (20%) and ligation of the bleeding vessels (20%) in the first choice. Postoperative mean length of stay was 13 days, with a 30-day mortality of 5.1%. Conclusion: Using a wide variety of skills and techniques, vascular surgeons strive to respond to urgent open surgical consultations in various anatomical sites. Our study provides evidence to the wide range of knowledge and skills required for modern vascular surgeons and the place of the subspecialty in the core services offered in a multidisciplinary approach.
Life Is Not Fair
Authors: Gilsdorf Janet R.
Published: March 2023

A pediatrian’s elegy to a dear friend recounts in this narrative medicine essay how the obstacles from cancer did not impede her from living fully, allowing the friends to share life’s pleasures for many years.
Caffeic Acid‐Deferoxamine Self‐Polymerization Coating on Ti Implant Promotes Osteointegration by Synergetic Regulation of Multi‐Pathways in ONFH Mechanism
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Danyang , Yang Yulu , Gao Pengfei , Fan Wuzhe , Zhang Xianhui , Tang Yu , Yang Weihu , Cai Kaiyong
Published: March 2023

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common but sophisticated multifactorial disease. In this study, the genomic characteristics of ONFH from the sequencing is first analyzed. Excepting ischemia and inflammation, some of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are connected with autophagy. So, they are taken as the breakthrough points to design an auto polymerization coating of caffeic acid with grafting deferoxamine (DFO) and strontium on Ti substrate. In vitro cells and in vivo immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical results prove that the modified Ti can upregulate the expression of HIF‐1α in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by receptors of TGF‐β and TNFR on cell membrane. Interestingly, in MSCs, the upregulated HIF‐1α can promote autophagy to some extent by HIF‐1α/BNIP2 pathway. Meanwhile, appropriate autophagy and HIF‐1α can regulate MSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by STAT3/Notch pathway. However, in HUVECs, although autophagy increases slightly, the upregulated HIF‐1α prefers to increase its downstream target gene VEGF and accelerate angiogenesis by the pathway of HIF‐1α/VEGF. The results of in vivo implantation show that the modified Ti substrate can effectively enhance the integration effect of the implant by osteogenesis and angiogenesis. More significantly, the modified Ti can retard the further deterioration of ONFH by regulation of key genes.
Neutrophil Camouflaged Stealth Nanovehicle for Photothermal‐Induced Tumor Immunotherapy by Triggering Pyroptosis
Authors: Yu Xuya , Xing Guozheng , Sheng Shupei , Jin Limin , Zhang Yan , Zhu Dunwan , Mei Lin , Dong Xia , Lv Feng
Published: March 2023

The regulation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments via precise drug delivery is a promising strategy for preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis. Inspired by the stealth strategy, a stealthy nanovehicle based on neutrophil camouflage is developed to achieve precise delivery and tumor immunotherapy by triggering pyroptosis. The nanovehicle comprises anti‐CD11b‐ and IR820‐conjugated bovine serum albumin nanoparticles loaded with decitabine. Camouflaged by neutrophils, the nanovehicles achieve efficient tumor delivery by neutrophil hitchhiking owing to the biotropism of neutrophils for tumors. The fluorescent signal molecule, IR820, on the nanovehicle acts as a navigation monitor to track the precise delivery of the nanovehicle. The released decitabine upregulates gasdermin E, and laser irradiation activates caspase‐3, thereby resulting in pyroptosis, which improves the system's adaptive immune response. In a triple‐negative breast cancer animal model, it regulates the immunosuppressive microenvironment for effective tumor immunotherapy and induces a long‐lasting and strong immune memory to prevent lung metastasis.
Designing Zwitterionic Gel Polymer Electrolytes with Dual‐Ion Solvation Regulation Enabling Stable Sodium Ion Capacitor
Authors: Liu Siyang , Cheng Hongtai , Mao Runyue , Jiang Wanyuan , Wang Lin , Song Zihui , Pei Mengfan , Zhang Tianpeng , Hu Fangyuan
Published: March 2023

Sodium ion capacitors (SICs) show high energy/power densities owing to the special dual‐ion energy storage mechanism with cation intercalation and anion adsorption. However, the strong ion‐solvent interactions make it difficult for interfacial ion desolvation, which not only limits the ion transport kinetics, but also results in the solvent co‐intercalation into electrode materials. Here, an advanced zwitterionic gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is developed to weaken the ion‐solvent interactions. The 3‐(1‐vinyl‐3‐imidazolio) propanesulfonate (VIPS) zwitterions help to lower the desolvation barriers, enabling fast ion transfer kinetics for constructing stable quasi‐solid‐state SICs. Furthermore, the decomposition of VIPS contributes to the formation of S‐ and N‐based inorganic interphase on the surface of hard carbon anode, which reduces the Na+ ion diffusion barriers and improves electrochemical compatibility. The designed Zwitterionic GPE can stabilize 4.0 V hard carbon//activated carbon SICs with 95.3% capacity retention after 9000 cycles, showing a high energy density of 140.2 Wh kg−1. This study highlights the regulation of ion‐solvent chemistry and provides a guiding principle in electrolyte design for advanced hybrid ion capacitors.
Geophysical survey at the frontier of medieval Iberia: The castles of Molina de Aragón and Atienza (Guadalajara, Spain)
Authors: García‐Contreras Guillermo , Fry Robert , Banerjea Rowena Y. , Pluskowski Aleks
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the results of geophysical surveys conducted within two castles in central Iberia: the fortifications of Molina de Aragón and Atienza, both located within the modern province of Guadalajara in Spain. They represent essential case studies for understanding the transformations of the frontier societies of medieval south‐western Europe, because both were founded during the Andalusi period, both played a fundamental role at the time of the military confrontations between opposing Islamic and Christian states, and both became capitals within the feudal dependencies of the Crown of Castile during the Late Middle Ages. At present, these castles are uninhabited and protected archaeological sites, with no modern developments within their wards; the adjacent towns have developed on the outskirts of their outer walls. Although both castles have been the focus of uneven amounts of archaeological research, geophysical surveys, the first conducted at these sites, have proved to be a fundamental tool not only for planning future archaeological investigations but also for the data that they have provided on the potential roles of these castle wards.
The reversible low‐temperature instability of human DJ‐1 oxidative states
Authors: Andrews Tessa , Seravallic Javier , Powers Robert
Published: March 2023

DJ‐1 is a homodimeric protein that is centrally involved in various human diseases including Parkinson disease (PD). DJ‐1 protects against oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction through a homeostatic control of reactive oxygen species (ROS). DJ‐1 pathology results from a loss of function, where ROS readily oxidizes a highly conserved and functionally essential cysteine (C106). The over‐oxidation of DJ‐1 C106 leads to a dynamically destabilized and biologically inactivated protein. An analysis of the structural stability of DJ‐1 as a function of oxidative state and temperature may provide further insights into the role the protein plays in PD progression. NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifugation sedimentation equilibrium, and molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to investigate the structure and dynamics of the reduced, oxidized (C106‐SO2−), and over‐oxidized (C106‐SO3−) forms of DJ‐1 for temperatures ranging from 5°C to 37°C. The three oxidative states of DJ‐1 exhibited distinct temperature‐dependent structural changes. A cold‐induced aggregation occurred for the three DJ‐1 oxidative states by 5°C, where the over‐oxidized state aggregated at significantly higher temperatures than both the oxidized and reduced forms. Only the oxidized and over‐oxidized forms of DJ‐1 exhibited a mix state containing both folded and partially denatured protein that likely preserved secondary structure content. The relative amount of this denatured form of DJ‐1 increased as the temperature was lowered, consistent with a cold‐denaturation. Notably, the cold‐induced aggregation and denaturation for the DJ‐1 oxidative states were completely reversible. The dramatic changes in the structural stability of DJ‐1 as a function of oxidative state and temperature are relevant to its role in PD and its functional response to oxidative stress.
Lessons from professional identity development literature: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Dollarhide Colette T. , Gibson Donna M. , Brashear Kayleena L. , Huynh Jenny , Marshall Bowen , Robinson Kristian
Published: March 2023

The development of a professional identity as a counselor is the result of training, practice, and integration into a community of professional counselors and is defined as the synthesis of personal and professional behaviors, values, ethics, and worldview. The research on this topic has been plentiful, but this systemic and systematic review of the research literature provides a comprehensive overview of this important concept for counselor training and supervision.
“Three‐in‐one” strategy: Heat regulation and conversion enhancement of a multifunctional separator for safer lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhu Kaiping , Li Luhe , Xue Pan , Pu Jun , Wu Liyun , Guo Gengde , Wang Ran , Zhang Ye , Peng Huisheng , Hong Guo , Zhang Qiang , Yao Yagang
Published: March 2023

The safety problems encountered with lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) hinder their development for practical applications. Herein, a highly thermally conductive separator was constructed by cross‐weaving super‐aligned carbon nanotubes (SA‐C) on super‐aligned boron nitride@carbon nanotubes (SA‐BC) to create a composite film (SA‐BC/SA‐C). This separator was used to fabricate safe LSBs with improved electrochemical performance. The highly aligned separator structure created a uniform thermal field that could rapidly dissipate heat accumulated during continuous operation due to internal resistance, which prevented the development of extremely high temperatures. The array of boron nitride nanosheets endowed the composite separator with a large number of adsorption sites, while the highly graphitized carbon nanotube skeleton accelerated the catalytic conversion of high‐valence polysulfides into low‐valence polysulfides. The arrayed molecular brush design enabled the regulation of local current density and ion flux, and considerably alleviated the growth of lithium dendrites, thus promoting the smooth deposition of Li metal. Consequently, a battery constructed with the SA‐BC/SA‐C separator showed a good discharge capacity of 685.2 mAh g−1 over 300 cycles (a capacity decay of 0.026% per cycle) at 2 C and 60°C. This “three‐in‐one” multifunctional separator design strategy constitutes a new path forward for overcoming the safety problems of LSBs.
A‐DA’D‐A Type Pentacyclic Small Molecule Acceptors to Exceed 16.5% Efficiency by Heteroatom Effect at the Outer Side Chain
Authors: Zhu Shaofeng , Shi Changzhou , Wei Qingya , Zhu Can , Ren Jie , Li Jianghua , Meng Lei , Li Yongfang , Yuan Jun , Zou Yingping
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

In this work, we adopt a “heteroatom side‐chains” modification strategy to modify the thiophene units in A‐DA'D‐A (acceptor‐donor‐acceptor’‐donor‐acceptor) type pentacyclic SMAs (small molecule acceptors), that is, introducing branched alkyl chain at the β‐position of thiophene instead of straight alkyl chain, and then introducing oxygen atom at the third‐position on the basis of branched chain. Two new pentacyclic SMAs (BZ4F‐EH and BZ4F‐OEH) were synthesized, and the influence of the heteroatom side‐chains on photoelectric properties of A‐DA'D‐A type pentacyclic SMAs was systematically studied. Compared with our previously reported BZ4F (Y26), BZ4F‐EH shows slightly blue‐shifted absorption, while BZ4F‐OEH has obvious red‐shifted absorption. As a result, BZ4F‐OEH‐based binary device achieved a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.56% with a fill factor (FF) of 79.3%, which is the highest efficiency of pentacyclic SMAs to date. The results indicated that the modification of hetero‐atomization on the β‐position of thiophene is a simple and efficient way to improve the PCE of A‐DA'D‐A type SMAs, and this work provides an important guideline for future molecular design.
Characterization of temporal electrical activity patterns for detection of critical isthmus regions of recurrent atypical atrial flutter
Authors: Vonderlin Nadine , Siebermair Johannes , Mahabadi Amir , Pesch Elena , Koehler Miriam , Dobrev Dobromir , Janosi Rolf Alexander , Rassaf Tienush , Wakili Reza
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Identifying the critical isthmus region (CIR) of atrial re‐entry tachycardias (AT) is challenging. The Lumipoint® (LP) software, developed for the Rhythmia® mapping system, aims to facilitate the successful ablation of ATs by identifying the CIR.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of LP regarding the percentage of arrhythmia‐relevant CIR in patients with atypical atrial flutter (AAF).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed 57 AAF forms. Electrical activity (EA) was mapped over tachycardia cycle length resulting in a two‐dimensional EA pattern. The hypothesis was that EA minima suggest potential CIRs with slow‐conduction‐zone.

Results

A total of n = 33 patients were included, with the majority of patients being already preablated (69.7%). LP algorithm identified a mean of 2.4 EA minima and 4.4 suggested CIRs per AAF form. Overall, we observed a low probability of identifying only the relevant CIR (POR) at 12.3% but a high probability that at least one CIR is detected (PALO) at 98.2%. Detailed analysis revealed EA minima depth (≤20%) and width (>50 ms) as the best predictors of relevant CIRs. Wide minima occurred rarely (17.5%), while low minima were more frequently present (75.4%). Minima depth of EA ≤ 20% showed the best PALO/POR overall (95% and 60%, respectively). Analysis in recurrent AAF ablations (five patients) revealed that CIR in de novo AAF was already detected by LP during the index procedure.

Conclusion

The LP algorithm provides an excellent PALO (98.2%), but poor POR (12.3%) to detect the CIR in AAF. POR improved by preselection of the lowest and widest EA minima. In addition, there might be the role of initial bystander CIRs becoming relevant for future AAFs.
Microwave‐Assisted Reductive Amination of Aldehydes and Ketones Over Rhodium‐Based Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Bucciol Fabio , Gaudino Emanuela Calcio , Villa Alberto , Valsania Maria Carmen , Cravotto Giancarlo , Manzoli Maela
Published: March 2023

Microwave (MW)‐assisted reductive aminations of aldehydes and ketones were carried out in the presence of commercial and homemade heterogeneous Rh‐based catalysts. Ultrasound (US) was used to improve dispersion and stability of metal nanoparticles, while commercial activated carbon and carbon nanofibers were used as supports. Moreover, various bio‐derived molecules were selected as substrates, and aqueous ammonia was used as a cheap and non‐toxic reagent. MW combined with heterogeneous Rh catalysts gave a 98.2 % yield in benzylamine at 80 °C with 10 bar H2 for 1 h; and a 43.3 % yield in phenylethylamine at 80 °C and 5 bar H2 for 2 h. Carbon nanofibers proved to be a better support for the metal active phase than simple activated carbon, since a limited yield in benzylamine (10.6 %) but a high selectivity for the reductive amination of ketones was obtained. Thus, raspberry ketone was converted to raspberry amine in a 63.0 % yield.
Increasing the Fluorescence Quantum Yield and Lifetime of the Flavin Chromophore by Rational Design
Authors: Kubitz Mira K. , Haselbach Wiebke , Sretenović Dragana , Bracker Mario , Kleinschmidt Martin , Kühnemuth Ralf , Seidel Claus A. M. , Gilch Peter , Czekelius Constantin
Published: March 2023

A previous quantum chemical study (M. Bracker et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2019, 21, 9912–9923) on the excited state properties of fluorinated derivatives of the flavin chromophore promised an increased fluorescence performance of the derivative 7,8‐difluoro‐10‐methyl‐isoalloxazine (7,8‐dF‐MIA). Here, we describe the synthesis of 7,8‐dF‐MIA, its ribityl derivative, and for reason of comparison 9‐F‐MIA. The compounds dissolved in water (H2O and D2O) were characterized by steady state, time resolved, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The experiments confirm the increase of the fluorescence quantum yield of 7,8‐dF‐MIA (0.42 in H2O) compared to MIA (0.22) predicted by quantum chemistry. The anticipated reduction of the fluorescence quantum yield for 9‐F‐MIA is also confirmed experimentally. The quantum chemical computations as well as the spectroscopic observations attribute the increased fluorescence quantum yield of 7,8‐dF‐MIA predominantly to a decrease of the rate constant of intersystem crossing. Switching from H2O to D2O as a solvent is shown to increase fluorescence quantum yields (0.53 for 7,8‐dF‐MIA) and lifetimes of all fluorinated MIA derivatives. This can be attributed to a Förster type energy transfer from the excited chromophore to vibrational overtones of water and further water‐mediated deactivation processes.
The therapeutic potential of targeting minimal residual disease in melanoma
Authors: Patel Riyaben P , Somasundram Pretashini M , Smith Lorey K. , Sheppard Karen E. , McArthur Grant A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer with morbidity and mortality rates highest amongst European, North American and Australasian populations. The developments of targeted therapies (TTs) directed at the oncogene BRAF and its downstream mediator MEK, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma, improving patient outcomes. However, both TT and ICI have their limitations. Although TTs are associated with high initial response rates, these are typically short‐lived due to resistance. Conversely, although ICIs provide more durable responses, they have lower initial response rates. Due to these distinct yet complementary response profiles, it has been proposed that sequencing ICI with TT could lead to a high frequency of durable responses whilst circumventing the toxicity associated with combined ICI + TT treatment. However, several questions remain unanswered, including the mechanisms underpinning this synergy and the optimal sequencing strategy. The key to determining this is to uncover the biology of each phase of the therapeutic response.

Aims and methods

In this review, we show that melanoma responds to TT and ICI in three phases: early response, minimal residual disease (MRD) and disease progression. We explore the effects of ICI and TT on melanoma cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, with a particular focus on MRD which is predicted to underpin the development of acquired resistance in the third phase of response.

Conclusion

In doing so, we provide a new framework which may inform novel therapeutic approaches for melanoma, including optimal sequencing strategies and agents that target MRD, thereby ultimately improving clinical outcomes for patients.
Destabilization of microrchidia family CW‐type zinc finger 2 via the cyclin‐dependent kinase 1‐chaperone‐mediated autophagy pathway promotes mitotic arrest and enhances cancer cellular sensitivity to microtubule‐targeting agents
Authors: Hu Shu‐Yuan , Qian Jin‐Xian , Yang Shao‐Ying , Andriani Lisa , Liao Li , Deng Ling , Huang Min‐Ying , Zhang Yin‐Ling , Zhang Fang‐Lin , Shao Zhi‐Min , Li Da‐Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Microtubule‐targeing agents (MTAs), such as paclitaxel (PTX) and vincristine (VCR), kill cancer cells through activtion of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and induction of mitotic arrest, but the development of resistance poses significant clinical challenges.

Methods

Immunoblotting and RT‐qPCR were used to investigate potential function and related mechanism of MORC2. Flow cytometry analyses were carried out to determine cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The effect of MORC2 on cellular sensitivity to PTX and VCR was determined by immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and colony formation assays. Immunoprecipitation assays and immunofluorescent staining were utilized to investigate protein‐protein interaction and protein co‐localization.

Results

Here, we identified microrchidia family CW‐type zinc finger 2 (MORC2), a poorly characterized oncoprotein, as a novel regulator of SAC activation, mitotic progression, and resistance of cancer cells to PTX and VCR. Mechanically, PTX and VCR activate cyclin‐dependent kinase 1, which in turn induces MORC2 phosphorylation at threonine 717 (T717) and T733. Phosphorylated MORC2 enhances its interation with HSPA8 and LAMP2A, two essential components of the chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) mechinery, resulting in its autophagic degradation. Degradation of MORC2 during mitosis leads to SAC activation through stabilizing anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome activator protein Cdc20 and facilitating mitotic checkpoint complex assembly, thus contributing to mitotic arrest induced by PTX and VCR. Notably, knockdown of MORC2 promotes mitotic arrest induced by PTX and VCR and enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to PTX and VCR.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings unveil a previously unrecognized function and regulatory mechanism of MORC2 in mitotic progression and resistance of cancer cells to MTAs. These results also provide a new clue for developing combined treatmentstrategy by targeting MORC2 in combination with MTAs against human cancer.
High school graduation rates for SWDs are rising
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2023

The U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics recently released a report indicating that high school graduation rates for students with disabilities have increased. In the 2019–2020 academic year, 70.6% of SWDs received their high school diploma. This figure represents a 2.5% increase from the year before. The data, which reflects the most recent figures available, covers SWDs who obtained a regular diploma within four years, among other things.
Drought survival strategies differ between coastal and montane conifers in northern California
Authors: Robinson Wallis , Kerhoulas Lucy P. , Sherriff Rosemary L. , Roletti Gabriel , van Mantgem Phillip J.
Published: March 2023

Increasingly severe and prolonged droughts are contributing to tree stress and forest mortality across western North America. However, in many cases, we currently have poor information concerning how drought responses in forests vary in relation to competition, climate, and site and tree characteristics. We used annual tree ring evidence of 13C discrimination (Δ13C) and growth metrics to assess drought resistance and resilience for six conifer species at the intersection of several bioregions in northern California. Within each species' range in northern California, we collected competition and tree characteristics from 270 focal trees across sites that varied from wetter to drier habitat conditions (54 sites). Across sites, all six conifer species weathered the severe 2013–2015 drought with reasonably high resistance and post‐drought resilience. However, we found important differences in drought responses between coastal and montane species based on annual growth and Δ13C metrics. Broadly, the two coastal species showed consistent declines in drought resistance across successive drought years, whereas the four montane species maintained high drought resistance across drought years. More specifically, we found lower Δ13C and growth during drought years in coastal species, suggesting stomatal closure during drought with the potential for vulnerability to carbon depletion during long‐term drought. Conversely, Δ13C and growth were stable in montane species throughout the drought, which may contribute to hydraulic failure under increased drought frequency and/or severity. We also evaluated environmental factors that affect Δ13C using data from before and during the drought. These physiological models were consistent for the two coastal species, with a positive relationship between annual precipitation and Δ13C and a negative relationship between tree density and Δ13C. Conversely, the four montane models illustrated a greater importance of site conditions on drought responses for these species. Our findings show differential risk for drought stress across diverse conifers during severe drought. This work highlights the importance of site and tree characteristics in determining drought responses across cool, annually humid coastal habitats to seasonally dry montane habitats.
Study on the effect of rock stratum structure on the stability of weakly cemented layered floor and the floor control measures: A case study of Meihuajing Mine
Authors: Zhu Ye , Hua Xin‐zhu , Li Yong‐liang , Li Wei‐yu , Yang Ke
Published: March 2023

Given the deformation and instability of the layered floor of weakly cemented soft rock roadway, taking the mining roadway of Meihuajing Mine as the engineering background, the deformation and instability mechanism of the floor and the control measures of the surrounding rock under different stratum combination conditions are studied by using the methods of field investigation, numerical calculation and field test. The results show that: (1) the layered characteristics of surrounding rock in weakly cemented soft rock roadways are significant, and the combination structure of floor rock strata is complex and changeable. Under the influence of engineering disturbance, the roadway has a tendency of large deformation, especially floor heave. (2) The buckling instability of the layered floor is caused by the layered weakening effect, and the unstable zone, the substable zone and the stable zone are formed successively from the shallow to the deep. With the increase of the layer thickness, the integrity of the layered floor is improved, the layered weakening effect is reduced, and the overall stability of the layered floor is improved. (3) The existence of weak interlayer further degrades the integrity of layered floor, and the progressive failure of floor rock mass layer by layer is more significant under the influence of layered weakening effect. (4) The relatively hard rock stratum in the composite structure plays an important role in controlling the deformation and failure of the floor, playing the role of “local key stratum.” (5) Based on the cooperative control countermeasure of roof–rib–floor surrounding rock, the support technology of roof and ribs supported by blots mesh beam cable + floor supported by bolts grouting hardening + full section shotcrete is proposed. The results of numerical calculation and field test show that the support scheme greatly improves the stability of layered floor.
Skin precursor‐derived Schwann cells accelerate in vivo prevascularization of tissue‐engineered nerves to promote peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Li Meiyuan , Cheng Xiyang , Feng Shuyue , Zhu Hui , Lu Panjian , Zhang Ping , Cai Xiaodong , Qiao Pingping , Gu Xiaosong , Wang Gang , Xue Chengbin , Wang Hongkui
Published: March 2023

Prevascularization strategies have become a hot spot in tissue engineering. As one of the potential candidates for seed cells, skin precursor‐derived Schwann cells (SKP‐SCs) were endowed with a new role to more efficiently construct prevascularized tissue‐engineered peripheral nerves. The silk fibroin scaffolds seeded with SKP‐SCs were prevascularized through subcutaneously implantation, which was further assembled with the SKP‐SC‐containing chitosan conduit. SKP‐SCs expressed pro‐angiogenic factors in vitro and in vivo. SKP‐SCs significantly accelerated the satisfied prevascularization in vivo of silk fibroin scaffolds compared with VEGF. Moreover, the NGF expression revealed that pregenerated blood vessels adapted to the nerve regeneration microenvironment through reeducation. The short‐term nerve regeneration of SKP‐SCs‐prevascularization was obviously superior to that of non‐prevascularization. At 12 weeks postinjury, both SKP‐SCs‐prevascularization and VEGF‐prevascularization significantly improved nerve regeneration with a comparable degree. Our figures provide a new enlightenment for the optimization of prevascularization strategies and how to further utilize tissue engineering for better repair.
Mortality and readmission differences associated with after‐hours hospital admission: A population‐based cohort study in Queensland Australia
Authors: Bell Anthony , Boyle Justin , Rolls David , Khanna Sankalp , Good Norm , Xie Yang , Romeo Michele
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Policy makers and health system managers are seeking evidence on the risks involved for patients associated with after‐hours care. This study of approximately 1 million patients who were admitted to the 25 largest public hospitals in Queensland Australia sought to quantify mortality and readmission differences associated with after‐hours hospital admission.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to assess whether there were any differences in mortality and readmissions based on the time inpatients were admitted to hospital (after‐hours versus within hours). Patient and staffing data, including the variation in physician and nursing staff numbers and seniority were included as explicit predictors within patient outcome models.

Results

After adjusting for case‐mix confounding, statistically significant higher mortality was observed for patients admitted on weekends via the hospital's emergency department compared to within hours. This finding of elevated mortality risk after‐hours held true in sensitivity analyses which explored broader definitions of after‐hours care: an “Extended” definition comprising a weekend extending into Friday night and early Monday morning; and a “Twilight” definition comprising weekends and weeknights.

There were no significant differences in 30‐day readmissions for emergency or elective patients admitted after‐hours. Increased mortality risks for elective patients was found to be an evening/weekend effect rather than a day‐of‐week effect. Workforce metrics that played a role in observed outcome differences within hours/after‐hours were more a time of day rather than day of week effect, i.e. staffing impacts differ more between day and night than the weekday versus weekend.

Conclusion

Patients admitted after‐hours have significantly higher mortality than patients admitted within hours. This study confirms an association between mortality differences and the time patients were admitted to hospital, and identifies characteristics of patients and staffing that affect those outcomes.
Olaparib efficacy in patients with germline BRCA‐mutated, HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer: Subgroup analyses from the phase III OlympiAD trial
Authors: Senkus Elżbieta , Delaloge Suzette , Domchek Susan M. , Conte Pierfranco , Im Seock‐Ah , Xu Binghe , Armstrong Anne , Masuda Norikazu , Fielding Anitra , Robson Mark , Tung Nadine
Published: March 2023

In the primary analysis of the phase III OlympiAD trial, olaparib significantly prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) vs chemotherapy treatment of physician's choice (TPC) in patients with germline BRCA‐mutated (gBRCAm), HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC). We report subgroup analyses for the final analysis at a median OS follow‐up of 18.9 months (olaparib) and 15.5 months (TPC). Patients (N = 302) with gBRCAm, HER2‐negative mBC and ≤2 previous lines of chemotherapy for mBC were randomized 2:1 to open‐label olaparib (300 mg twice daily) or TPC. All subgroup analyses were prespecified except site of metastases. Investigator‐assessed median PFS was 8.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.8‐8.4; 176/205 events) for olaparib and 3.8 months (95% CI 2.8‐4.2; 83/97 events) for TPC (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.39‐0.66). In subgroup analyses, median PFS hazard ratios (95% CI) favored olaparib: hormone receptor status (triple‐negative: 0.47, 0.32‐0.69; hormone receptor‐positive: 0.52, 0.36‐0.75); gBRCAm (BRCA1: 0.49, 0.35‐0.71; BRCA2: 0.49, 0.33‐0.74); site of metastases (visceral/CNS: 0.53, 0.40‐0.71; non‐visceral: 0.45, 0.23‐0.98); prior chemotherapy for mBC (yes: 0.51, 0.38‐0.70; no: 0.49, 0.30‐0.82); prior platinum‐based chemotherapy for BC (yes: 0.49, 0.30‐0.83; no: 0.50, 0.37‐0.69); progressive disease at randomization (yes: 0.48, 0.35‐0.65; no: 0.61, 0.36‐1.07). Investigator‐assessed objective response rates were higher across all subgroups with olaparib (35‐68%) vs TPC (5‐40%). Global health status/health‐related quality of life increased in all subgroups with olaparib vs decreased/no change with TPC. These data confirm the consistency of olaparib benefit across patient subgroups in OlympiAD.
Measuring the efficiency and productivity of U.K. insurance market
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel , Staikouras Christos , Triantopoulos Christos , Wang Zhi Cheng
Published: March 2023

The U.K. insurance industry has a dominant international presence, suggesting strong competitiveness and performance. Yet, its efficiency and productivity has rarely being investigated. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of insurers' performance in the U.K. insurance market from 1996 to 2017, using stochastic frontier analysis to measure efficiency scores and productivity at the firm level. Results show the U.K. insurance industry could improve by about 40% in terms of cost efficiency and by 70% in terms of profit efficiency. In addition, our model reveals a higher cost efficiency score compared to profit efficiency, implying that there are higher inefficiencies on the income side of the insurance industry as measured by our profit function. In terms of total factor productivity (TFP) growth, we report a steady decline over time while on average is negative. By decomposing TFP growth into its underlying components, we reveal that the reported negative trend in TFP growth over time has mainly been driven by the enhanced competition that resulted in a drop in markup, while the scale and cost efficiency has also driven TFP growth down. However, from a positive point of view, we report evidence of both β‐convergence and σ‐convergence in cost and profit efficiency.
Subsurface phosphorus and nitrogen loss following liquid dairy manure and commercial fertilizer application on a clay soil in northwest Ohio
Authors: King Kevin W. , Hanrahan Brittany R. , LaBarge Gregory A. , Stinner Jedediah H. , Rumora Kathryne
Published: March 2023

Nutrient source has been the focus of much debate regarding the re‐eutrophication of Lake Erie, despite that only 20% of nutrients applied to crops in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) originate from organic sources. However, limited data and assessments exist on the subsurface tile drainage water quality comparison between organic (liquid dairy manure) and commercial (mono‐ammonium phosphate [MAP]) sources in crop production systems. Subsurface tile drainage, dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and total phosphorus (TP) losses in tile drainage discharge following equal phosphorus (P) based applications of liquid dairy manure and MAP were assessed using a before‐after control‐impact design and 4 years of data from a paired field system located in northwest Ohio. Nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−‐N ) and total nitrogen (TN) losses were also examined to supplement the P findings; however, due to dissimilar nitrogen application rates, losses were assessed in a different context. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected in drainage discharge volumes or TP loads between the control and impact sites. However, statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) were measured for mean daily DRP, NO3−‐N, and TN loads from the dairy manure site. While significant, mean daily DRP differences between commercial (MAP) and liquid dairy manure treatments were only on the order of 0.01 g DRP ha−1. Assuming current manure application extent and rates, when accumulated annually across the WLEB watershed, these losses are equivalent to less than 1% of target loads. These findings also help to inform nutrient management stewardship as it relates to nutrient source. Furthermore, additional research across a range of soil characteristics and cropping managements should be explored as well as the impacts of other livestock manure nutrients.
Glacial meltwater and sediment resuspension can be important sources of dissolved and total dissolvable aluminum and manganese to coastal ocean surface waters
Authors: Michael Susanna M. , Crusius John , Schroth Andrew W. , Campbell Robert , Resing Joseph A.
Published: March 2023

The supply of aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) to the Gulf of Alaska from coastal sources is poorly constrained. Here, we investigate the seasonality of sources to better constrain Al and Mn cycling in the coastal Gulf of Alaska region and add to our understanding of seasonal and interannual inputs. We examine Mn and Al behavior over the shelf to distinguish between redox‐induced release of dissolved trace metals (i.e., diffusion from sediments), sediment resuspension, and meltwater release. Data suggest that, prior to the onset of stratification in the spring, shelf sediment resuspension from deep mixing is an important mechanism for trace metal delivery to surface waters. As spring and summer ensue, increased meltwater discharge coupled with increased surface water temperatures result in stratification of the water column within the coastal Gulf of Alaska, and meltwater becomes a more important source of Al and Mn to the surface waters. The limited data available suggest that a redox‐driven flux of Mn from shelf sediments is not as important as the meltwater flux during the summer. In addition, dissolved trace metal concentrations in meltwater‐influenced plumes over the shelf exhibit conservative mixing, while particulate trace metal concentrations do not behave conservatively. This indicates that there are different physical controls (particle settling vs. mixing) on the spatial distributions of dissolved and particulate Al and Mn in coastal waters, the manifestation of which are likely highly variable and dependent on the trace metal composition of the river and the hydrodynamics governing this interaction at any given time.
Individualised human phenotype ontology gene panels improve clinical whole exome and genome sequencing analytical efficacy in a cohort of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies
Authors: Henry Olivia J. , Stödberg Tommy , Båtelson Sofia , Rasi Chiara , Stranneheim Henrik , Wedell Anna
Published: March 2023

Background

The majority of genetic epilepsies remain unsolved in terms of specific genotype. Phenotype‐based genomic analyses have shown potential to strengthen genomic analysis in various ways, including improving analytical efficacy.

Methods

We have tested a standardised phenotyping method termed ‘Phenomodels’ for integrating deep‐phenotyping information with our in‐house developed clinical whole exome/genome sequencing analytical pipeline. Phenomodels includes a user‐friendly epilepsy phenotyping template and an objective measure for selecting which template terms to include in individualised Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) gene panels. In a pilot study of 38 previously solved cases of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of the individualised HPO gene panels with the clinical epilepsy gene panel.

Results

The Phenomodels template showed high sensitivity for capturing relevant phenotypic information, where 37/38 individuals' HPO gene panels included the causative gene. The HPO gene panels also had far fewer variants to assess than the epilepsy gene panel.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated a viable approach for incorporating standardised phenotype information into clinical genomic analyses, which may enable more efficient analysis.
Analysis of a prion proliferation model with polymer coagulation in the presence of chaperone
Authors: Choudhary Kapil Kumar , Kumar Rajiv , Kumar Rajesh
Published: March 2023

In the present work, a mathematical model which consists of a nonlinear partial integro‐differential equation coupled with two ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is analyzed. This model describes the relation between infectious, noninfectious prion proteins, and chaperone. The well‐posedness of the system is proved for bounded kernels by using evolution operator theory in the state space
. The existence of a global weak solution for unbounded kernels is also discussed by a weak compactness argument. In addition, we investigated the stability analysis results theoretically and effect of chaperone on prion proliferation numerically.
A simple decoupling method applied in gain improvement of a planar array antenna
Authors: Yang Xu , Yu Li , Li Lin , Zhang Kai , Long Mao , Wan Jixiang
Published: March 2023

A 4 × 4 patch array antenna based on loading shorting vias is proposed in this letter. The excitation method of the array antenna adopts stripline coupling feed, leading to a strong mutual coupling between the adjacent elements. The realized gain and impedance match are deteriorated seriously. Then, eight groups of metallic vias are introduced to the array antenna. By adjusting their number and spacing, the radiation performance of the array antenna can be improved significantly. Finally, the experiment results show that the proposed array antenna resonates at 5.4 GHz. Compared with the antenna without shorting vias, one resonance point caused by the mutual coupling can be removed within 5.34 GHz to 5.46 GHz. The gain drops unexpectedly, which is improved as well.
Evaluation of Population Characteristic Differences between the Largemouth Bass and Its Backcross Following a Long-Term Florida Bass Stocking Effort
Authors: Lusk Sean C. , Middaugh Christopher R. , Asher Allison M.
Published: March 2023

Management agencies throughout the southern United States widely stock Florida Bass (FLB) Micropterus floridanus into extant Largemouth Bass (LMB) M. salmoides populations, with the intent of increasing the trophy potential of those water bodies. These stockings commonly lead to a shift in the systemwide genetic composition toward a population dominated by hybrids, which are predominantly LMB with low levels of FLB alleles (FX-LMB). Despite the increasing prevalence of FX-LMB throughout the Southeast, little work has examined FX-LMB population vital rates and whether these hybrids increase the trophy potential of a water body. Our study fills a void in existing research by comparing the population characteristics of FX-LMB and LMB using a common garden experimental design. Lake Ouachita is a large Arkansas reservoir that was stocked with over 800,000 fingerling FLB between 2007 and 2015. In 2019, we collected 1,000 bass from throughout the reservoir and determined the level of FLB introgression for each fish by using a panel of species-diagnostic single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We then tested for relationships between the percentage of FLB alleles or genotype and the age at 50% maturity, total annual mortality rate, size structure, condition, and growth. In addition, we compared tournament catches of large bass during the pre- and poststocking time periods to test whether catch rates of 2.3-kg and larger bass increased after FLB stockings. Our results indicated that FX-LMB hybrids likely do not mature earlier, survive longer, have better body condition, or have greater growth potential than native LMB in Lake Ouachita. We also did not observe differences in the number of hours to catch a 2.3-kg or larger bass or in the number of 2.3-kg and larger bass captured per tournament between the pre- and poststocking time periods. We conclude that a stocking program resulting in a subtle shift in the genetic composition toward the FX-LMB genotype will not effectively increase the trophy potential of a population.
Electrochemical Determination of Chloroquine Phosphate in Real Samples Using a Diresorcinate‐1,10‐phenanthrolinecobalt(II)‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Kassa Adane , Tigineh Getinet Tamiru , Abebe Atakilt
Published: March 2023

Chloroquine phosphate (CQP) is used for malaria treatment. As it is facing increasing resistance, it needs continuous monitoring using sensitive and specific detection methods. In this work, a voltammetric sensor was prepared by electropolymerization of a diresorcinate‐1,10‐phenanthrolinecobalt(II) complex on a glassy carbon electrode (poly(DHRPCo)/GCE) which was followingly characterized. Compared with a bare GCE, CQP showed single well shaped irreversible oxidative peak at the poly(DHRPCo)/GCE. The peak current showed excellent linearity with CQP concentration in the range of 0.005–300.0 μm with a detection limit of 0.39 nm. The response of CQP at poly(DHRPCo)/GCE was not influenced by the presence of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacillin and paracetamol in addition to its high stability and reproducibility. It was applied for detection of CQP in various real samples, including three brands of tablets, human blood serum, and urine samples. The detected amount in tablets were in the range 98.4–103.2 % of their labeled value. Spike recovery results in human blood serum, urine, and tablet samples were 99.35–100.28 %, 99.03–100.32 %, and 98.40–100.41 %, respectively. Interference recovery results with less than 4.60 % error, the lower limit of detection and the wider dynamic range than most of the previously reported methods validate the potential applicability of the proposed method for CQP determination in various real samples with complex matrices.