bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorene‐Chloroquine Hybrids: Synthesis, in vitro Antiplasmodial Activity, and Inhibition of Heme Detoxification Machinery of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Parth  , Kaur Navpreet , Korkor Constance , Mobin Shaikh M. , Chibale Kelly , Singh Kamaljit
Published: August 2022

Fluorene‐chloroquine hybrids have been identified as a new promising class of antiplasmodial agents. The most active compound 9 d exhibited good in vitro antiplasmodial activity against a chloroquine‐sensitive NF54 strain of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum with an IC50 value of 139 nM. UV‐visible absorption, FTIR spectral and 1H NMR titration data corroborated the binding of 9 d to monomeric and μ‐oxodimeric heme as well as inhibition of β‐hematin formation, which collectively supported the inhibition of heme detoxification machinery in P. falciparum. In silico docking studies revealed the binding interactions of the hybrids in the active site of the wild type as well as quadruple mutant of Pf‐DHFR‐TS dihydrofolate enzyme. Further, the ADMET parameters were predicted and were in good agreement with the expected values, suggesting the drug likeness of the synthesized hybrid molecules.
Genetic Modification of Primary Human Myeloid Cells to Study Cell Migration, Activation, and Organelle Dynamics
Authors: Greiner Daniel , Scott Tiana M. , Olson Gregory S. , Aderem Alan , Roh‐Johnson Minna , Johnson Jarrod S.
Published: August 2022

Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are mononuclear phagocytes with key roles in the immune system. As antigen‐presenting cells, they link innate detection of microbes with programming adaptive immune responses. Myeloid DCs and macrophages also play critical roles in development, promote tissue homeostasis, and direct repair in response to injury and inflammation. As cellular migration and organelle dynamics are intimately connected with these processes, it is necessary to develop tools to track myeloid cell behavior and function. Here, we build on previously established protocols to isolate primary human myeloid cells from peripheral blood and report an optimized method for their genetic modification with lentiviral vectors to study processes related to cell migration, activation, and organelle dynamics. Specifically, we provide a protocol for delivering genetically encoded fluorescent markers into primary monocyte‐derived DCs (MDDCs) and monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) to label mitochondria, peroxisomes, and whole cells. We describe the isolation of primary CD14+ monocytes from peripheral blood using positive selection with magnetic beads and, alternatively, isolation based on plastic adherence. Isolated CD14+ cells can be transduced with lentiviral vectors and subsequently cultured in the presence of cytokines to derive MDDCs or MDMs. This protocol is highly adaptable for cotransduction with vectors to knock down or overexpress genes of interest. These tools enable mechanistic studies of genetically modified myeloid cells through flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and other downstream assays. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Transduction of MDDCs and MDMs with lentiviral vectors encoding fluorescent markers

Alternate Protocol 1: Isolation of monocytes by plastic adhesion

Alternate Protocol 2: Transduction of MDDCs and MDMs with lentiviral vectors to knock down or overexpress genes of interest

Support Protocol 1: Production and purification of lentiviral vectors for transduction into primary human myeloid cells

Support Protocol 2: Flow cytometry of MDDCs and MDMs

Support Protocol 3: Fixed and live‐cell imaging of fluorescent markers in MDMs and MDDCs
Message exchange dynamics in wireless biological nanonetworks
Authors: Kantelis Konstantinos , Nicopolitidis Petros
Published: August 2022

Diffusive biological nanonetworks have been established as a communication physical layer option and are envisaged to govern the development of future nanonetwork communications. Being the major communication paradigm in biological environments, it allows biological nanomachines to communicate through exchanging pulses of molecules in an aqueous medium being endogenous to these dimensions and following the requirements for biocompatibility and interoperability. The peculiarities of this nanoscale level, related mostly to the channel and the message carriers, hinder the performance of communication protocols. Therefore, in this work, parameters that affect the communication at the lowest level are being analyzed bringing new insights in the sector. Analyzing the major components that take part in the reception process, the dynamics of message transfer between nanonodes are revealed by a plethora of simulation scenarios. By entering into the equation the dynamics of chemotaxis, the behavior of such a system is scrutinized pertaining to the communication performance and stability. The proposed analysis revealed that unlike electromagnetic nanonetworks and due to the nature of the medium, there are factors that should be foreseen in the design of biological communication protocols. These significant deductions are supplementary to the established work, by shedding light on the special characteristics of biological communication entities and the way they affect the information exchange.
The role of nocturnal fishes on coral reefs: A quantitative functional evaluation
Authors: Collins William P. , Bellwood David R. , Morais Renato A.
Published: August 2022

The ecological functions of nocturnal coral reef fishes are poorly known. Yet, nocturnal resources for coral reef consumers are theoretically as abundant and productive, if not more so, than their diurnal counterparts. In this study, we quantify and contrast the energetic dynamics of nocturnal and diurnal fishes in a model coral reef ecosystem, evaluating whether they attain similar levels of biomass production. We integrated a detailed dataset of coral reef fish counts, comprising diurnal and nocturnal species, in sites sheltered and exposed to wave action. We combined somatic growth and mortality models to estimate rates of consumer biomass production, a key ecosystem function. We found that diurnal fish assemblages have a higher biomass than nocturnal fishes: 104% more in sheltered sites and 271% more in exposed sites. Differences in productivity were even more pronounced, with diurnal fishes contributing 163% more productivity in sheltered locations, and 558% more in exposed locations. Apogonidae dominated biomass production within the nocturnal fish assemblage, comprising 54% of total nocturnal fish productivity, which is proportionally more than any diurnal fish family. The substantially lower contributions of nocturnal fishes to biomass and biomass production likely indicate constraints on resource accessibility. Taxa that overcome these constraints may thrive, as evidenced by apogonids. This study highlights the importance of nocturnal fishes in underpinning the flow of energy and nutrients from nocturnal resources to reef communities; a process driven mainly by small, cryptic fishes.
Canopy arthropod responses to repeated canopy opening in a wet tropical forest
Authors: Pandey Manoj , Schowalter Timothy D.
Published: August 2022

With predictions of increased frequency of intense hurricanes, it is increasingly crucial to understand how biotic and abiotic components of forests will be affected. This study describes canopy arthropod responses to repeated experimental and natural canopy opening at the Luquillo Experimental Forest Long‐term Ecological Research Site (LTER) in Puerto Rico. The canopy trimming experiment (CTE1) treatments were started in 2004, and a second trimming (CTE2) was conducted in 2014, to study effects of increased hurricane frequency at the site. Paired disturbed plots with canopy trimmed (trim) and undisturbed plots with no trimming (no trim) were replicated in three experimental blocks. Arthropods were sampled by bagging branches on seven representative early and late successional overstory and understory tree species annually from 2004 to 2009 for CTE1 and 2015 to 2019 for CTE2. In addition to the experimental manipulation, the CTE site was disturbed by Hurricane Maria (Category 4) in September 2017, providing an additional natural canopy opening to the experiment. We evaluated the effect of the second experimental trimming, compared canopy arthropod responses to the three canopy‐opening events, and compared the effects of experimental trimming and natural canopy opening by Hurricane Maria. The second experimental canopy trimming produced canopy arthropod responses consistent with hurricane disturbances, with sap‐sucking herbivores increasing in abundance on the trimmed plots, whereas other functional groups generally declined in abundance in disturbed plots. Responses to the first and second trimmings were generally similar. However, Hurricane Maria exacerbated the responses, indicating the likely effect of increased hurricane frequency and intensity.
High‐Performance and Large‐Area Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Based on NiOx Films Enabled with A Novel Microstructure‐Control Technology
Authors: Shen Guibin , Li Xin , Zou Yuqin , Dong Hongye , Zhu Dongping , Jiang Yanglin , Ng Xin Ren , Lin Fen , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Mu Cheng
Published: August 2022

The improvement in the efficiency of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is significantly limited by undesirable contact at the NiOX/perovskite interface. In this study, a novel microstructure‐control technology is proposed for fabrication of porous NiOX films using Pluronic P123 as the structure‐directing agent and acetylacetone (AcAc) as the coordination agent. The synthesized porous NiOX films enhanced the hole extraction efficiency and reduced recombination defects at the NiOX/perovskite interface. Consequently, without any modification, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSC with MAPbI3 as the absorber layer improved from 16.50% to 19.08%. Moreover, the PCE of the device composed of perovskite Cs0.05(MA0.15FA0.85)0.95Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 improved from 17.49% to 21.42%. Furthermore, the application of the fabricated porous NiOX on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates enabled the fabrication of large‐area PSCs (1.2 cm2) with a PCE of 19.63%. This study provides a novel strategy for improving the contact at the NiOX/perovskite interface for the fabrication of high‐performance large‐area perovskite solar cells.
Indicators of central sensitization in chronic neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Authors: Lütolf Robin , Rosner Jan , Curt Armin , Hubli Michèle
Published: August 2022

Background

Central sensitization is considered a key mechanism underlying neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Two novel proxies for central sensitization were investigated in thoracic SCI subjects with (SCI‐NP) and without NP (SCI‐nonNP) compared to healthy controls (HC). Specifically, temporal summation of pain (TSP) was investigated by examining pain ratings during a 2‐min tonic heat application to the volar forearm. Additionally, palmar heat‐induced sympathetic skin responses (SSR) were recorded in order to reveal changes in pain‐autonomic interaction above the lesion level. Pain extent was assessed as the percentage of the body area and the number of body regions being affected by NP.

Results

Enhanced TSP was observed in SCI‐NP (+66%) compared to SCI‐nonNP (−75%, p = 0.009) and HC (−59%, p = 0.021). In contrast, no group differences were found (p = 0.685) for SSR habituation. However, pain extent in SCI‐NP was positively correlated with deficient SSR habituation (body area: r = 0.561, p = 0.024; body regions: r = 0.564, p = 0.023).

Conclusions

These results support the value of TSP and heat‐induced SSRs as proxies for central sensitization in widespread neuropathic pain syndromes after SCI. Measures of pain‐autonomic interaction emerged as a promising tool for the objective investigation of sensitized neuronal states in chronic pain conditions.

Significance

We present two surrogate readouts for central sensitization in neuropathic pain following SCI. On the one hand, temporal summation of tonic heat pain is enhanced in subjects with neuropathic pain. On the other hand, pain‐autonomic interaction reveals potential advanced measures in chronic pain, as subjects with a high extent of neuropathic pain showed diminished habituation of pain‐induced sympathetic measures. A possible implication for clinical practice is constituted by an improved assessment of neuronal hyperexcitability potentially enabling mechanism‐based treatment.
Study of clay degradation in an earthslide combining OBIA and roughness analysis of UAV‐based optical images
Authors: Fiolleau Sylvain , Jongmans Denis , Bièvre Grégory , Chambon Guillaume , Michel Olivier , Borgniet Laurent
Published: August 2022

Flow‐like landslides in clay slopes pose major threats to people and infrastructure, which has led to numerous studies in recent decades. However, the mechanisms leading to the solid–fluid transition in clay are still poorly understood, despite numerous studies on its rheological evolution. The aim of this study is to contribute to quantify the degradation of clay at the surface of the Harmalière landslide (French Alps) from the analysis of a series of three unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) acquisitions. Two approaches were combined to process the acquired optical images. First, image classification was performed applying object‐based image analysis (OBIA) to the red, green and blue (RGB) and surface roughness layers. Second, deeper analysis of the surface roughness allows to describe the morphology evolution and to interpret the degradation scheme from undegraded clay to degraded clay.

The study shows that the applied methodology is appropriate to perform a thorough analysis of the material degradation pattern on the surface of a landslide. The temporal analysis shows an average degradation rate leading to the complete degradation of a block in about 2 years. Meanwhile, a spatial analysis shows that non‐degraded clays degrade faster in the lower part of the study area, reactivated 30 years ago, than in the upper part, reactivated only a few years ago. In addition, roughness analyses enabled to highlight the evolution of the morphology during the degradation process of the clay blocks, from angular blocks to mounds.
Trading cryptocurrencies using algorithmic average true range systems
Authors: Cohen Gil
Published: August 2022

This research makes the first attempt to design, optimize and use average true range (ATR)‐based trading systems for five popular cryptocurrencies. We used particle swarm optimization procedures to optimize systems with multiple objectives that are based on the ATR concept. Our aim was to determine the best configurations for each system that would maximize net profits, the profit factor, and the percentage of profitable trades. We demonstrate that the ATR‐based systems can predict the price trends of the examined cryptocurrencies. Our results also indicate that optimized Keltner Channel‐based systems improve the ability of the stand‐alone optimized ATR systems to forecast trends, net profits, and the profit factor. Finally, both systems perform better for long trades than for short trades.
Incentives to implement personalized medicine under second‐best pricing
Authors: Mougeot Michel , Naegelen Florence
Published: August 2022

We characterize the socially optimal pricing policy inducing the implementation of personalized medicine. As a benchmark, we analyze the first‐best allocation and the second‐best optimal policy when only one treatment is available. Then, we characterize the optimal policy that a Health Authority can design to induce the firm to bear an investment and testing cost allowing it to tailor treatment to patients' needs. We show how optimal prices increase with treatment quality and effectiveness. We characterize the conditions under which these prices yield higher social welfare than in the benchmark case. Moreover, we address some policy and industrial organization issues and characterize the pricing policy inducing the firm to choose the optimal level of treatment effectiveness.
Embracing universalism: The new Brazilian cross‐border insolvency regime
Authors: Campana Filho Paulo Fernando
Published: August 2022

This article provides an analysis of cross‐border insolvency provisions in Brazil after the enactment of a recent legislative reform incorporating the UNCITRAL Model Law on cross‐border insolvency, in the context of the country's legal tradition and territorialist history, and of the first cases ruled on the matter.
Liquiritin alleviates alpha‐naphthylisothiocyanate‐induced intrahepatic cholestasis through the Sirt1/FXR/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Yan Miao , Guo Lin , Ma Jiating , Yang Yan , Tang Tingli , Zhang Bikui , Zhou Wei , Zou Wei , Hou Zhenyan , Gu Hongmei , Gong Hui
Published: August 2022

Liquiritin (LQ) is an important monomer active component in flavonoids of licorice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of LQ in cholestatic mice. LQ (40 or 80 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered to mice once daily for 6 days, and mice were treated intragastrically with a single dosage of ANIT (75 mg/kg) on the 5th day. On the 7th day, mice were sacrificed to collect blood and livers. The mRNA and protein levels were determined by qRT‐PCR and western blot assay. We also conducted systematical assessments of miRNAs expression profiles in the liver. LQ ameliorated ANIT‐induced cholestatic liver injury, as evidenced by reduced serum biochemical markers and attenuated pathological changes in liver. Pretreatment of LQ reduced the increase of malondialdehyde, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β induced by ANIT. Moreover, ANIT suppressed the expression of Sirt1 and FXR in liver tissue, which was weakened in the LQ pre‐treatment group. LQ enhanced the nuclear expression of Nrf2, which was increased in the ANIT group. LQ also increased the mRNA expressions of bile acid transporters Bsep, Ntcp, Mrp3, and Mrp4. Furthermore, a miRNA deep sequencing analysis revealed that LQ had a global regulatory effect on the hepatic miRNA expression. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly related to metabolic pathways, endocytosis, and MAPK signaling pathway. Collectively, LQ attenuated hepatotoxicity and cholestasis by regulating the expression of Sirt1/FXR/Nrf2 and the bile acid transporters, indicating that LQ might be an effective approach for cholestatic liver diseases.
Methodology for the Guidelines on Evaluation and Management of Hypoparathyroidism and Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Yao Liang , Guyatt Gordon , Ye Zhikang , Bilezikian John P. , Brandi Maria Luisa , Clarke Bart L. , Mannstadt Michael , Khan Aliya A.
Published: August 2022

To develop guidelines for hypoparathyroidism and primary hyperparathyroidism, the panel assembled a panel of experts in parathyroid disorders, general endocrinologists, representatives of the Hypoparathyroidism Association, and systematic review and guideline methodologists. The guideline panel referred to a formal process following the Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group (GRADE) methodology to issue GRADEd recommendations. In this approach, panelists and methodologists formatted the questions, conducted systematic reviews, evaluated risk of bias, assessed certainty of evidence, and presented a summary of findings in a transparent fashion. For most recommendations, the task forces used a less structured approach largely based on narrative reviews to issue non-GRADEd recommendations. The panel issued Eight GRADEd recommendations (seven for hypoparathyroidism and one for hyperparathyroidism). Each GRADEd recommendation is linked to the underlying body of evidence and judgments regarding the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations, values and preferences, and costs, feasibility, acceptability and equity. This article summarizes the methodology for issuing GRADEd and non-GRADEd recommendations for patients with hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Extracellular vesicle‐packaged miR‐181c‐5p from epithelial ovarian cancer cells promotes M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages via the KAT2B/HOXA10 axis
Authors: Yang Shuyan , Zhao Honghui , Xiao Wei , Shao Lei , Zhao Chunyan , Sun Pengcheng
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The molecular mechanistic actions of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in modulating macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is largely unknown. The study was performed to clarify the effect and downstream mechanism of microRNA‐181c‐5p (miR‐181c‐5p)‐containing EVs from EOC cells in the M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs).

Methods

EVs were isolated from normoxic and hypoxic human EOC cells SKOV3. Human mononuclear cell THP‐1 was induced by phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate to differentiate into TAMs. The targeting relationship between miR‐181c‐5p and KAT2B was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The interaction between KAT2B and HOXA10 was detected by immunofluorescence, Co‐IP and ChIP assays. EdU staining, the scratch test and Transwell assay were used to assess the resultant cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The mouse xenograft model and the pulmonary metastasis model were developed through intraperitoneal injection of SKOV3 cells and tail vein injection of THP‐1 cells, respectively.

Results

Hypoxic SKOV3 cell‐derived EVs could be internalized by TAMs. SKOV3 cell‐derived EVs induced by hypoxia (H‐EVs) promoted M2 polarization of TAMs and facilitated the proliferation, migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells. miR‐181c‐5p was highly expressed in H‐EVs and promoted the M2 polarization of TAMs. Further, miR‐181c‐5p targeted KAT2B, upregulated HOXA10 and activated the JAK1/STAT3 pathway, thereby promoting the M2 polarization of TAMs. In both mouse models, H‐EV‐derived miR‐181c‐5p promoted growth and metastasis of EOC cells.

Conclusion

The miR‐181c‐5p‐containing EVs from hypoxic EOC cells may upregulate HOXA10 by targeting KAT2B and activate the JAK1/STAT3 pathway to promote the M2 polarization of TAMs, ultimately promoting growth and metastasis of EOC cells in vitro and in vivo.
Radiographic technique modification and evidence‐based practice: A qualitative study
Authors: Rawle Marnie , Pighills Alison , Mendez Diana , Dobeli Karen
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Evidence‐based practice in radiography is an emerging practice, due to a lack of evidence. Beyond the diagnostic requirements of the examination, imaging technique decisions are guided by the radiographer's tertiary education and clinical experience. Imaging technique decisions should include all aspects of evidence‐based practice: research‐based evidence, patient circumstances and clinical experience. Previous research suggests radiographers do to not fully engage with the latter, which may jeopardise progress in the field and lead to outdated practices and suboptimal outcomes for patients. This study aimed to examine the motivators and influences involved in radiographers' decision‐making when modifying imaging acquisition techniques.

Methods

An exploratory descriptive, inductive qualitative interview‐based design was used with a convenience sample of radiographers from three public hospital sites in Queensland. Twelve one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews were performed via video conference, the data were analysed through thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes emerged from the data: advancement of technology; experience rather than evidence; radiology's influence on radiographic practice; information sources; and image quality. The pursuit of image quality was the key motivator and criterion that influenced radiographers' choices in imaging technique modification. Interviewees did not engage routinely with research‐based evidence, preferring to rely on empirical observations and professional experience.

Conclusion

The exclusion of research‐based evidence can lead to outdated and ineffective clinical decisions. Further work is needed to promote more research in the field of radiography and increase the willingness and capacity of radiographers to follow the principles of evidence‐based practice.
California's multi‐billion plan for youth MH to include 40,000 new workers
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2022

Less than a year following the California Legislature's infusion of multibillions to support a behavioral health initiative for youth, California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week announced a master plan to overhaul the state's mental health system for children. The $4.7 billion plan will provide Californians ages 0–25 with increased access to mental health and substance use supports.
Miniaturized VHF‐band LTCC balun using L‐C surrounded resonator
Authors: Hu Shanwen , Wang Yu , Xu Cuihua , Zhou Bo
Published: August 2022

A miniaturized lumped‐element balun is proposed for the very high frequency band applications. The miniaturization is accomplished by the inductor–capacitor (L‐C) surrounded resonator, which places a vertically interdigital‐capacitor inside spiral inductor for higher integration. The L‐C surrounded resonator only takes up one element's area without increasing the number of substrate layers. The balun is built on a 10‐layer thickness low temperature co‐fired ceramic substrate and has the smallest reported size of only 0.004 × 0.003 × 0.0003λg. Moreover, the proposed balun also has a second‐order harmonic suppression of 40 dB. Furthermore, thermal boundary analysis, comparisons, and discussions are also implemented.
Partitioned coupling framework to combine a kinematic hardening plasticity model and a creep model for structures in a high‐temperature environment
Authors: Yusa Yasunori , Miyamura Tomoshi , Yin Jun , Koike Kuniaki , Ikeda Takashi , Yamada Tomonori
Published: August 2022

The present study proposes a partitioned coupling framework for the implementation of a combined kinematic hardening plasticity and creep model. In the present framework, plastic and creep implicit stress integrations are performed alternately and iteratively until convergence in a partitioned coupling manner. This approach enables us to tractably implement a constitutive model that combines a plasticity model and a creep model in the program. The present framework was applied to the combination of the Ohno–Wang plasticity model and the Norton–Bailey creep model for numerical examples. The numerical examples demonstrated the capability of the present framework in analyzing realistic structures at high temperature with the consideration of both plasticity and creep.
A dual decomposition of the closest point projection in incremental elasto‐plasticity using a mixed shell finite element
Authors: Liguori Francesco S. , Madeo Antonio , Garcea Giovanni
Published: August 2022

Mixed assumed stress finite elements (FEs) have shown good advantages over traditional displacement‐based formulations in various contexts. However, their use in incremental elasto‐plasticity is limited by the need for return mapping schemes which preserve the assumed stress interpolation. For elastic‐perfectly plastic materials and small deformation problems, the integration of the constitutive equation furnishes a closest point projection (CPP) involving all the element stress parameters. In this work, a dual decomposition strategy is adopted to split this problem into a series of CPPs at the integration points level and in a nonlinear system of equations over the element, in order to simplify its solution. The strategy is tested with a four nodes mixed shell FE, named MISS‐4, characterized by an equilibrated stress interpolation which improves the accuracy. Two decomposition strategies are tested to express the plastic admissibility either in terms of stress resultants or point‐wise Cauchy stresses. The recovered elasto‐plastic solution preserves all the advantages of MISS‐4, namely it is accurate for coarse meshes in recovering the equilibrium path and evaluating the limit load showing a quadratic rate of convergence, as demonstrated by the numerical results.
Chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia in pediatric oncology: Scope of the problem and opportunities for intervention
Authors: Degliuomini Melanie D. , Armstrong Katherine , Mauguen Audrey , Slotkin Emily K. , Roberts Stephen S. , Dunkel Ira J. , Clouser Mary , Ortiz Michael V. , Soff Gerald A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a known hematologic complication of oncology treatment. This single‐institution study examines the degree with which CIT impacts specific pediatric solid tumor cohorts reflected by platelet transfusion burden and treatment modifications.

Procedure

Data regarding clinically relevant CIT were obtained via a retrospective chart review of pediatric solid tumor patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 2013 to 2020. Patients were stratified based on histologic diagnoses as well as chemotherapy regimen. CIT impact was assessed through platelet transfusion means, chemotherapy dose reductions, and treatment delays.

Results

A total of 150 patients were included with mean age 10.3 [0.2–21.0]. Patients receiving therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma and localized Ewing sarcoma, both of which included high‐dose cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, required the most platelet transfusions over the treatment course, with a mean of 13 and 9, respectively. Reduced relative dose intensity (RDI), due in part to CIT, was greatest for the patients receiving therapy for high‐risk and intermediate‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma. Fifty‐six percent of high‐risk patients experienced a reduced RDI during the final two cycles of treatment and 69% of intermediate‐risk patients experienced one during the final four cycles of treatment.

Conclusions

The impact of CIT varied by the administered chemotherapy regimens and dose intensity of chemotherapy agents. This study demonstrated that CIT causes both marked platelet transfusion burden as well as treatment reduction and delay within certain solid tumor cohorts. This can lend to future studies aimed at reducing the burden of CIT and targeting the most at‐risk populations.
Effect ofGOagglomeration on the mechanical properties of graphene oxide and nylon 66 composites and micromechanical analysis
Authors: Chen Qi , Guo Zhangxin , Cheng Feng , Chai Gin Boay , Li Yongcun , Luan Yunbo , Liang Jianguo
Published: August 2022

Nanoparticles are prone to aggregation in the matrix under the action of surface energy, chemical bonding, electrostatic attraction, and van der Waals forces. Based on the molecular dynamics method, the tensile properties of graphene oxide (GO)‐reinforced nylon 66 composites were simulated and calculated, and the stress–strain curves, atomic stress clouds, and changes in the number of hydrogen bonds were obtained for the composites under tensile loading, and the effects of GO agglomeration on the mechanical properties of GO/PA66 composites were analyzed. When the GO mass fraction accounted for 90.3%, 80.5%, and 70.6% of the model, respectively, the mechanical properties of the composites decreased by 15.4%, 4.5%, and 4.2%, respectively. Because GO agglomeration in the composites made it difficult to bond effectively between GO and PA66, the number of hydrogen bonds and the type of hydrogen bonds within the model, varied with the degree of aggregation. The changes in the number of hydrogen bonds and the type of hydrogen bonds during uniaxial stretching were simulated by molecular dynamics. The number of hydrogen bonds and the type of hydrogen bonds directly affect the mechanical properties of the composites. It can be seen from the atomic stress cloud diagram that the aggregation of GO makes the mechanical properties of GO fail to exert effectively. The main stress is on the C atoms in the outermost layer of GO, while the stress on the inner layer C atoms is relatively small. As the degree of GO agglomeration decreases, the stress on each C atom of GO lamellae tends to be uniform, which effectively brings into play the excellent mechanical properties of GO and improves the mechanical properties of the composite.
Twitter is garbage: A Thick Big Data exploration of #zerowaste hashtag on Twitter in relation to packaging and food packaging materials
Authors: Ganczewski Grzegorz , Jemielniak Dariusz
Published: August 2022

Zero Waste (ZW) is a relatively new concept of waste reduction, which encourages life cycle thinking in the design of new products and services. Today ZW is becoming a lifestyle trend and social media amplifies this trend and helps to propagate the movement. The popularisation of the ZW concept through social media can be attributed to Bea Johnson, author of a bestselling book on ZW living. Many tips on how to achieve ZW living in Bea Johnson's book refer to food packaging and packaging materials, and literature shows that global consumers are increasingly concerned about the negative environmental impacts of packaging waste. Given the popularity of ZW lifestyle in social media, this study explores the ZW trend as reported by users of the popular social media platform Twitter through the lens of Bea Johnson's ZW living model, taking into consideration the public concern on packaging and packaging materials. For the purposes of this paper, Twitter discourse on ZW is used to draw conclusions on the popular understanding of its impact and effects. This paper uses Thick Big Data study of the collected 124,077 tweets with #zerowaste hashtag. In the study, it was found that majority of popular tweets with #zerowaste hashtag refer to packaging and food packaging. The majority of tweets focused on plastics, and the sentiment of this packaging material was negative. Other packaging materials found in #zerowaste hashtag tweets include paper, glass and metal, and the sentiment for those materials is gradually more positive.
Best practices to account for capture probability and viewable area in camera‐based abundance estimation
Authors: Moeller Anna K. , Waller Scott J. , DeCesare Nicholas J. , Chitwood M. Colter , Lukacs Paul M.
Published: August 2022

A suite of recently developed statistical methods to estimate the abundance and density of unmarked animals from camera traps require accurate estimates of the area sampled by each camera. Although viewshed area is fundamental to achieving accurate abundance estimates, there are no established guidelines for collecting this information in the field. Furthermore, while the complexities of the detection process from motion sensor photography are generally acknowledged, viewable area (the common factor between motion sensor and time lapse photography) on its own has been underemphasized. We establish a common set of terminology to identify the component parts of viewshed area, contrast the photographic capture process and area measurements for time lapse and motion sensor photography, and review methods for estimating viewable area in the field. We use a case study to demonstrate the importance of accurate estimates of viewable area on abundance estimates. Time lapse photography combined with accurate measurements of viewable area allow researchers to assume that capture probability equals 1. Motion sensor photography requires measuring distances to each animal and fitting a distance sampling curve to account for capture probability of <1.
Talk moves as pedagogical tools for eliciting and working with student ideas in an undergraduate general biology laboratory
Authors: Barnes Evan R. , Gray Ron , Grinath Anna S.
Published: August 2022

Eliciting student thinking as resources for learning is central to productive sense making. Educators use pedagogical tools such as talk moves to direct classroom conversations toward and sometimes away from student learning. This mixed methods study describes how teaching assistants (TAs) use talk moves as pedagogical tools to elicit and work with student ideas in an undergraduate general biology laboratory course. We combined mixed‐effects modeling with micro‐level analyses of discourse using conversation analysis to describe quantitative relationships and qualitative sequencing in how TAs used ambitious and conservative talk moves to meet the pedagogical goals of a planned elicitation discussion. The two major contributions of this study are: (1) the specification of the relationship between the two parts of the TA talk move/student contribution adjacency pair in the context of elicitation discussions and (2) describing sequences of talk moves and other factors that provide insight to features of more or less rigorous elicitation discussions. These contributions have implications for future research to test hypotheses based on the qualitative findings and for informing TA professional development focused on elicitation discussions. We conclude with a discussion around common considerations in instructional decision making in light of the findings.
Ultra‐Broadband Random Laser and White‐Light Emissive Carbon Dots/Crystal In‐Situ Hybrids
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhang Shaofeng , Li Yunfei , Wu Cuiyu , Zhang Wenfei , Zhang Hailong , Xie Zheng , Zhou Shuyun
Published: August 2022

The continuous white‐light emission of carbon dots (CDs) can be applied to producing multicolor laser emissions by one single medium. Meanwhile, the solid‐state emission greatly contributes to its practical application. In this work, a strategy to realize the in‐situ hybridization of silane‐functionalized CDs (SiCDs) and 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid trimethyl ester (Et3BTC) by a one‐pot solvothermal method is reported. Significantly, the SiCDs/Et3BTC hybrid crystals exhibit ultra‐broadband random laser emission over the near ultraviolet‐visible region under 265 nm nanosecond pulsed laser excitation. The wavelength region of laser emission is achieved from 315 to 600 nm within an emission band of CDs‐based materials. It is worth noting that the wavelength range of the laser is wider than the previously reported works. It is proposed that the continuous white‐light emission of SiCDs caused by multiple fluorescence centers mainly gives rise to the broadband random laser emission. Moreover, the crystals are conducive to forming resonance and realizing solid‐state laser emission. This in‐situ method is expected to enable a more convenient, cheaper, and greener approach to prepare luminescent hybrids for application in multicolor laser displays, multi‐level laser anti‐counterfeiting, supercontinuum light sources, and so on.
Enhanced Activities in Alkaline Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions on MoS2 Electrocatalysts by In‐Plane Sulfur Defects Coupled with Transition Metal Doping
Authors: Ma Yuanhang , Leng Difei , Zhang Xuming , Fu Jijiang , Pi Chaoran , Zheng Yang , Gao Biao , Li Xiangguo , Li Neng , Chu Paul K. , Luo Yongsong , Huo Kaifu
Published: August 2022

2D transition metal disulfides (TMDs) are promising and cost‐effective alternatives to noble‐metal‐based catalysts for hydrogen production. Activation of the inert basal plane of TMDs is crucial to improving the catalytic efficiency. Herein, introduction of in‐plane sulfur vacancies (Sv) and 3d transition metal dopants in concert activates the basal planes of MoS2 (M‐Sv‐MoS2) to achieve high activities in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Acetate introducing mild wet chemical etching removes surface S atoms facilitating subsequent cation exchange between the exposed Mo atoms and targeted metal ions in solution. Density‐functional theory calculation demonstrates that the exposed 3d transition metal dopants in MoS2 basal planes serve as multifunctional active centers, which not only reduce ΔGH* but also accelerate water oxidation. As a result, the optimal Ni‐Sv‐MoS2 and Co‐Sv‐MoS2 electrocatalysts show excellent stability and alkaline HER and OER characteristics such as low overpotentials of 101 and 190 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. The results reveal a strategy to activate the inert MoS2 basal planes by defect and doping co‐engineering and the technique can be extended to other types of TMDs for high‐efficiency electrocatalysis beyond water splitting.
Over 16% Efficient Solution‐Processed Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells via Incorporation of Copper‐Rich Precursor Film
Authors: Gao Qianqian , Yuan Shengjie , Zhou Zhengji , Kou Dongxing , Zhou Wenhui , Meng Yuena , Qi Yafang , Han Litao , Wu Sixin
Published: August 2022

Solution processing of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber is a highly promising strategy for a cost‐effective CIGS photovoltaic device. However, the device performance of solution‐processed CIGS solar cells is still hindered by the severe non‐radiative recombination resulting from deep defects and poor crystal quality. Here, a simple and effective precursor film engineering strategy is reported, where Cu‐rich (CGI >1) CIGS layer is incorporated into the bottom of the CIGS precursor film. It has been discovered that the incorporation of the Cu‐rich CIGS layer greatly improves the absorber crystallinity and reduces the trap state density. Accordingly, more efficient charge generation and charge transfer are realized. As a result of systematic processing optimization, the champion solution‐processed CIGS device delivers an improved open‐circuit voltage of 656 mV, current density of 33.15 mA cm−2, and fill factor of 73.78%, leading to the high efficiency of 16.05%.
Boosting Electrical Response toward Trace Volatile Organic Compounds Molecules via Pulsed Temperature Modulation of Pt Anchored WO3 Chemiresistor
Authors: Dai Tiantian , Yan Zhi , Li Meng , Han Yulei , Deng Zanhong , Wang Shimao , Wang Ruyang , Xu Xiaohong , Shi Lei , Tong Wei , Bao Jun , Qiao Zhenhua , Li Liang , Meng Gang
Published: August 2022

Insufficient limit of detection (LoD) toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs) hinders the promising applications of metal oxide chemiresistors in emerging air quality monitoring and/or breath analysis. There is an inherent limitation of widely adopted strategies of creating sensitive chemiresistors then operating at the optimized temperature via a continuous heating (CH) mode. Herein, a strategy combining Pt single atoms anchoring (chemical sensitization) with pulsed temperature modulation (PTM, physical sensitization) is proposed. Apart from generating abundant surface asymmetric oxygen vacancy (Pt‐VO‐W) active sites at pulsed high temperature (HT) stage, inward diffusion of trace target VOCs across the sensing layer at pulsed low temperature stage (driven by PTM induced concentration gradient), can greatly enhance the charge interaction probability between the generated surface active species and the surrounding VOCs, and thus offers a novel avenue on addressing the bottleneck issue of low LoD by PTM. Triggered by HT of 300 °C, the responses of Pt anchored WO3 chemiresistor to 1 ppm trimethylamine (TMA) and xylene can be drastically boosted from 1.9 (CH) to 6541.5 (PTM) and 1.5 (CH) to 1001.1 (PTM), respectively. And ultra‐low theoretic LoD of 0.78 ppt (TMA) and 0.18 ppt (xylene) are successfully achieved, respectively.
Acute MPTP treatment decreases dendritic spine density of striatal medium spiny neurons via SNK‐SPAR pathway in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Su Yebo , Jia Miao , Yuan Sifan , Wang Cong , Feng Jiahui , Zhang Yumei
Published: August 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a well‐known neurodegenerative disorder associated with a high risk in middle‐aged and elderly individuals, severely impacting the patient's quality of life. 1‐Methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is frequently used to establish PD in animals. Dendritic spines are dendritic processes that form the foundation of learning and memory. Reportedly, dendritic spine density of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) declines in PD, and this decline has been associated with PD progression; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we used the MPTP animal model to examine whether serum‐induced kinase (SNK) and spine‐associated Rap guanosine triphosphatase (SPAR) contribute to decreased dendritic spine density in striatal MSNs. MPTP was used to establish the animal model, which exhibits motor function impairment and dopaminergic cell loss. To assess spine density, Golgi staining was performed to count striatal dendritic spines, which were reduced in the MPTP group when compared with those in the normal control group. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze changes in SNK and SPAR expression. MPTP treatment significantly increased the expression of SNK in striatal MSNs, whereas that of SPAR was significantly decreased when compared with the normal control group. These findings offer clues to further explore the mechanism of declining dendritic spine density in patients with PD and provide evidence for potential target identification in PD.
Survey of respiratory disease associated with Mycoplasma gallisepticum in British gamebirds (2016–2019): In vitro antibiotic sensitivity, pathology and detection of other pathogens
Authors: Welchman David , Tasker John , Poulos Christopher , Ellis Christine , Bradbury Janet M.
Published: August 2022

Background

The causes of respiratory disease in British gamebirds were investigated during 2016–2019 following concerns about poorer responses to antibiotic treatment. Emphasis was placed on Mycoplasma gallisepticum, but other possible bacterial and viral causes were included, along with gross and histopathological examination.

Methods

Clinical respiratory disease outbreaks were investigated.

Results

Mycoplasma gallisepticum was detected by PCR in 65 of 69 outbreaks in pheasants and partridges and isolated from 56 of these. Partial mgc2 gene sequences from 28 M. gallisepticum isolates were compared, and 26 proved identical, suggesting the prevalence of a dominant sequence type. Minimum inhibitory concentration values for tiamulin, tylosin, tylvalosin, doxycycline and tetracycline were significantly higher than the reference strain but could not be correlated with treatment failures. Other bacterial species were isolated from sinuses but were not consistently correlated with disease. RT‐PCRs detected coronaviruses in 18% of 49 outbreaks and avian metapneumovirus in 8%. Histopathological lesions were typical of M. gallisepticum sinusitis and significantly associated with M. gallisepticum PCR outbreak positivity.

Conclusion

Mycoplasma gallisepticum remains an important cause of respiratory disease in gamebirds. Synergism with other pathogens may have played a role in some outbreaks. Specific reasons for variable responses to antibacterial treatment were not identified.
Diskussion
Authors: Röper Johann W. A.
Published: August 2022

Die Diskussion der Ergebnisse erfolgt in zwei Schritten. Der Erste Schritt diskutiert die vorgestellten Ergebnisse und bewertet die Innovationen, die durch die Szenarien und Szenariovariationen dargestellt werden. Den Ergebnissen dieser Arbeit werden zudem Kenntnisse aus Beiträgen über Kosten der Luftrettung gegenüber gestellt, die in den Recherchen des 2. Kapitels aufgeführt wurden.