bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate pharmacotherapy intensification after cardiac resynchronization therapy: incidence, characteristics, and impact
Authors: Ogawa Kojiro , Yamasaki Hiro , Aonuma Kazutaka , Otani Masafumi , Hattori Ai , Baba Masako , Yoshida Kentaro , Igarashi Miyako , Nishina Hidetaka , Suzuki Kou , Nogami Akihiko , Ieda Masaki
Published: March 2024

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for drug‐refractory heart failure (HF) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Acute haemodynamic improvement after CRT implantation may enable the intensification of HF medication soon thereafter. Immediate pharmacotherapy intensification (IPI) after CRT implantation achieves a synergetic effect, possibly leading to a better prognosis. This study aimed to explore the incidence, characteristics, and impact of IPI on real‐world outcomes among CRT recipients with a history of hospitalization for acute HF.

Methods and results

This multicentre retrospective study enrolled CRT recipients with LBBB morphology, a QRS width ≥120 ms, a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, and New York Heart Association II–IV HF symptoms. All patients had previous HF hospitalizations within the previous year and received guideline‐directed medical therapy before CRT implantation. Patient baseline characteristics, including HF medication, were collected. IPI was defined as the intensification of beta‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists within 30 days of CRT implantation. The primary endpoint was all‐cause death or first hospitalization for HF; the secondary endpoint was all‐cause death. We enrolled 194 patients (75% male; mean age, 65 ± 13 years; 78% with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy). One hundred five (54%) patients received IPI. Patients who received IPI exhibited a significantly shorter QRS duration (159 ± 26 vs. 171 ± 32 ms; P = 0.004), higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (55.2 ± 20.0 vs. 47.8 ± 24.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.022), and more dilated cardiomyopathy. During a median follow‐up period of 29 months, 70 (36%) patients reached the primary endpoint and 42 (22%) patients died. Patients with IPI showed significantly better outcomes for the primary and secondary endpoints than patients without IPI. The volumetric responder ratio at 6 months after implantation was not significantly different between patients with and without IPI; however, patients who received IPI had reduced mortality even at 6 months after implantation. In the multivariate analysis, IPI was an independent predictor of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.97; P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Immediate intensification of HF medication was achieved in 54% of CRT recipients and was significantly higher in patients without excessive QRS prolongation, preserved renal function, and dilated cardiomyopathy than others. In patients with LBBB morphology and QRS ≥ 120 ms, IPI was associated with a significantly better prognosis and fewer HF hospitalizations after CRT implantation than others.
Diagnosis of glaucoma using multi‐scale attention block in convolution neural network and data augmentation techniques
Authors: Khajeha Hamid Reza , Fateh Mansoor , Abolghasemi Vahid
Published: March 2024

Glaucoma is defined as an eye disease leading to vision loss due to the optic nerve damage. It is often asymptomatic, thus, timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial. In this article, we propose a novel approach for diagnosing glaucoma using deep neural networks, trained on fundus images. Our proposed approach involves several key steps, including data sampling, pre‐processing, and classification. To address the data imbalance issue, we employ a combination of suitable image augmentation techniques and Multi‐Scale Attention Block (MAS Block) architecture in our deep neural network model. The MAS Block is a specific architecture design for CNNs that allows multiple convolutional filters of various sizes to capture features at several scales in parallel. This will prevent the over‐fitting problem and increases the detection accuracy. Through extensive experiments with the ACRIMA dataset, we demonstrate that our proposed approach achieves high accuracy in diagnosing glaucoma. Notably, we recorded the highest accuracy (97.18%) among previous studies. The results from this study reveal the potential of our approach to improve early detection of glaucoma and offer more effective treatment strategies for doctors and clinicians in the future. Timely diagnosis plays a crucial role in managing glaucoma since it is often asymptomatic. Our proposed method utilizing deep neural networks shows promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and aiding healthcare professionals in making informed decisions.
Mechanism and control of strong rock pressure in the gully area under compound key strata
Authors: Lai Xingping , Zhu Haoyu , Shan Pengfei , Zhang Yun , Wu Longquan , Qiao Hao , Zhao Haozhou , Dai Ziqiang
Published: March 2024

In view of the problem strong rock pressure is easy to occur in coal seam mining in western gully terrain. Based on the coal seam mining conditions in the gully area under the compound key strata of Zhujiamao Coal Mine, the methods of similar simulation, theoretical calculation and analysis, numerical simulation and field measurement are adopted. The dynamic structure model of the key strata of the gully is constructed, and the mechanism and prevention and control measures of the strong rock pressure in the gully area of the working face under the compound key strata are analyzed. The research shows that the upper slope section of the gully area first undergoes rotary deformation, and then the chain structure formed by the broken block occurs sliding instability and impacts inferior key strata, resulting in strong rock pressure behavior in the working face. The calculation formula of the first breaking step distance of the main key strata rotation deformation and sliding instability during the movement of the overlying strata is derived. The calculation results show that the initial rotation deformation and sliding instability breaking step distances are 27 and 142 m, respectively, which are in good agreement with the support crushing at 145 m of the first gully. Using 3DEC numerical simulation, the stress of the second gully is reduced by 3.8 MPa after pressure relief, which verifies the position of strong rock pressure calculated by the formula and provides a theoretical basis for subsequent hydraulic fracturing. According to the mechanism, the comprehensive prevention and control measures of strong rock pressure in gully terrain are put forward. The support resistance of the working face is calculated to be 10,011 kN by the support resistance formula, and the ZY11000/14/34D hydraulic support is used. The working resistance of the calculated dangerous area after hydraulic fracturing is basically lower than 30 MPa, and the control effect is good. It has reference significance for coal seam mining through gully terrain.
Petrogenetic evolution of Ramagiri greenstone terrane, Central Dharwar craton, Andhra Pradesh, India: Unravelling ancient oceanic basin of Archean Earth
Authors: Chaudhury Sukanya , Mehera Lakshmi , Ghosh Prasun , Ghosh Biswajit
Published: March 2024

The Ramagiri greenstone terrane (RGT) of Central Dharwar craton, India, is recognized as remnants of Archean oceanic crust squeezed between ancient proto‐continental terranes. The granites and gneisses formed as a result of partial melting, resisted subduction and collided, sinking the intervening ocean basin. The geochemical characteristics of the bimodal metavolcanics of RGT were carefully assessed using suitable proxy. An insight into them suggests that the mafic rocks bear characteristics of island arc tholeiites belonging to suprasubduction zone setting, as corroborated by their low TiO2/Yb (avg 443) and high Th/Nb (avg 0.8). Their high V/Ti (avg 0.3) ratio points towards a mantle source that has been influenced by subduction, whereas low Ti/Yb echoes high degrees of shallow melting with little residual garnet. The felsic rocks on the other hand are metaluminous–peraluminous, mostly calc‐alkaline and geochemically akin to I‐ and S‐type syncollisional and volcanic arc granite emplaced during intercontinent collision. Their immobile element plot with low Nb + Y (avg 25) concentration also points towards a volcanic arc environment.
The role of self‐regulatory abilities in predicting performance while teleworking: A cross‐sectional and a panel study during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mihalca Loredana , Ratiu Lucia , Mengelkamp Christoph , Brendea Gabriela , Metz Daniel
Published: March 2024

Scholars have argued that individual characteristics promoting self‐regulation such as self‐efficacy and self‐goal setting were crucial for employees to cope effectively with the challenges of teleworking during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Yet, research simultaneously exploring these specific self‐regulatory abilities in relation to various performance dimensions is scarce. Thus, we examined whether self‐efficacy and self‐goal setting are related to proficiency, adaptivity, and proactivity while teleworking during the pandemic using a cross‐sectional design (Study 1) and tested the directionality of these relationships using a two‐wave cross‐lagged panel design (Study 2). The degree of telework was considered a moderator for these relationships in both studies. Study 1 (N = 830) findings indicated that both self‐efficacy and self‐goal setting were positively related to all performance dimensions and that the degree of telework moderated the regression of adaptivity on self‐efficacy to a small extent. Study 2 (N = 263) findings showed that self‐efficacy at Time 1 had a positive effect on self‐goal setting, proficiency, and adaptivity, measured at Time 2, whereas self‐goal setting at Time 1 did not predict significantly any of the performance dimensions at Time 2. We also found evidence that adaptivity positively influenced self‐efficacy over time. Our results provide important insights into the nature and directional relationships between self‐regulatory abilities and different performance dimensions while teleworking during the pandemic.
Relationship between menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Yuk Jin‐Sung
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore the risk of breast cancer associated with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), including the various progestogens used today.

Methods

The study included postmenopausal women over 40 years from the National Health Insurance Database in South Korea (2011–2014) who either used MHT for over 6 months (MHT group) or never used MHT (non‐MHT group) and were matched 1:1 based on several variables using propensity score matching. Both groups were followed until 2020.

Results

The non‐MHT and MHT groups comprised 153 736 women each. In Cox proportional hazard analysis with time‐dependent covariates, MHT was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.3). Tibolone, estradiol valerate (EV)/medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), EV/norethisterone acetate (NETA), conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), EV, estradiol hemihydrate (EH), CEE/micronized progesterone (MP), CEE/MPA, EV/MP, EV/MPA, and EH/MP did not increase the risk of breast cancer compared with the non‐MHT group. However, EH/drospirenone (DRSP) (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.38–1.66), EH/NETA (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34–2.06), EH/dydrogesterone (DYD) (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12–1.68), and EV/cyproterone acetate (CPA) (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.54–1.96) increased the risk of breast cancer compared with the non‐MHT group.

Conclusions

MHT was linked to increased breast cancer risk, but not all MHTs. Specific combined therapies (EH/DRSP, EH/DYD, EH/NETA, and EV/CPA) were associated with higher risk, whereas estrogen alone and tibolone were not.
Impact of crystalline domains on long‐term stability and mechanical performance of anisotropic silk fibroin sponges
Authors: Aikman Elizabeth L. , Rao Asha P. , Jia Yinhao , Fussell Emily E. , Trumbull Kayleigh E. , Sampath Janani , Stoppel Whitney L.
Published: March 2024

Sponge‐like materials made from regenerated silk fibroin biopolymers are a tunable and advantageous platform for in vitro engineered tissue culture and in vivo tissue regeneration. Anisotropic, three‐dimensional (3D) silk fibroin sponge‐like scaffolds can mimic the architecture of contractile muscle. Herein, we use silk fibroin solution isolated from the cocoons of Bombyx mori silkworms to form aligned sponges via directional ice templating in a custom mold with a slurry of dry ice and ethanol. Hydrated tensile mechanical properties of these aligned sponges were evaluated as a function of silk polymer concentration (3% or 5%), freezing time (50% or 100% ethanol), and post‐lyophilization method for inducing crystallinity (autoclaving, water annealing). Hydrated static tensile tests were used to determine Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength across sponge formulations at two strain rates to evaluate rate dependence in the calculated parameters. Results aligned with previous reports in the literature for isotropic silk fibroin sponge‐like scaffolds, where the method by which beta‐sheets were formed and level of beta‐sheet content (crystallinity) had the greatest impact on static parameters, while polymer concentration and freezing rate did not significantly impact static mechanical properties. We estimated the crystalline organization using molecular dynamics simulations to show that larger crystalline regions may be responsible for strength at low strain amplitudes and brittleness at high strain amplitudes in the autoclaved sponges. Within the parameters evaluated, extensional Young's modulus is tunable in the range of 600–2800 kPa. Dynamic tensile testing revealed the linear viscoelastic region to be between 0% and 10% strain amplitude and 0.2–2 Hz frequencies. Long‐term stability was evaluated by hysteresis and fatigue tests. Fatigue tests showed minimal change in the storage and loss modulus of 5% silk fibroin sponges for more than 6000 min of continuous mechanical stimulation in the linear regime at 10% strain amplitude and 1 Hz frequency. Furthermore, we confirmed that these mechanical properties hold when decellularized extracellular matrix is added to the sponges and when the mechanical property assessments were performed in cell culture media. We also used nano‐computed tomography (nano‐CT) and simulations to explore pore interconnectivity and tortuosity. Overall, these results highlight the potential of anisotropic, sponge‐like silk fibroin scaffolds for long‐term (>6 weeks) contractile muscle culture with an in vitro bioreactor system that provides routine mechanical stimulation.
Influence of incubation temperature, maternal effects, and paternity on quality of olive ridley hatchlings (Lepidochelys olivacea) from a mass‐nesting beach in the Mexican Pacific
Authors: Labastida‐Estrada Elizabeth , González‐Cortés Liliana , Karam‐Martínez Samantha G. , Montoya‐Márquez José Alberto , Zúñiga‐Marroquín Tania , Becerril‐Morales Felipe , Islas‐Villanueva Valentina
Published: March 2024

Future climate change scenarios project that the increase in surface temperatures will affect ocean temperatures, inducing shifts in marine biodiversity. Sea turtles are species that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change because temperature is a factor that influences embryonic development. We collected clutches of olive ridley turtles from a mass‐nesting beach in the Mexican Pacific, which were incubated in ex situ conditions. When the hatchlings emerged, we measured the body condition index—which evaluates the weight‐length relationship—and swim thrust, both were considered traits associated with fitness, termed “fitness proxies,” and evaluated the effects of incubation temperature, maternal effects, and paternity on these fitness proxies. The body condition index was correlated positively and significantly with the arribada month and temperature during the last third of the incubation period but showed an inverse relationship with the maternal effect. While swim thrust was positively correlated with the maternal effect and the arribada month, there was an inverse relationship with incubation temperature during the first third of the period. Paternity, whether single or multiple, did not have a significant effect on either fitness proxies; however, it may have effects on the average fitness of a population of hatchlings. These results underscore the need to expand research on the sublethal effects of high incubation temperatures on the adaptation and survival of sea turtles, particularly in scenarios of rapid climate change.
Respiratory syncytial virus incidence and typing in the last six seasons in the north of Spain (Asturias). Genetic characterization during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic
Authors: Rojo‐Alba Susana , Martínez Zulema Pérez , González‐Alba José María , Boga José Antonio , Varela Cristina Ochoa , Álvarez Maria Agustina Alonso , Fonseca Carmen Pérez , Clemente Marta María García , Rodriguez José Gutierrez , García Estibaliz Garrido , Pérez Mercedes Rodríguez , García Santiago Melón , Álvarez‐Argüelles Marta Elena
Published: March 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus is associated with lower respiratory tract infections. As several types and genotypes can circulate at the same time, genomic characterization is important for timely epidemiological control and treatment measures. In the last 6 seasons (2017–2023), 191 236 nasopharyngeal swabs were processed for respiratory viruses to determine the etiology of acute respiratory infections, describe the incidence and distribution of RSV types and enrich the data of epidemiological molecular studies on RSV in Spain. The incidence of RSV reached 7% in the pre‐pandemic season. RSV was most frequent in children under 5 years of age (12.6%), but was also significant in those over 70 years of age (5.63%). The measures taken to control SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were useful for RSV control and the incidence decreased to 1.8%, but caused a change in the types. Pre‐pandemic, the majority circulating types were RSV‐B/RSV‐B/RSV‐A and in the pandemic it was RSV‐B/RSV‐B. In the last season, RSV‐B and RSV‐A were detected in the same proportion. Genetic characterization showed three new clades. This has been taken into account to understand the epidemiology as well as the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies.
Repeated finasteride administration promotes synaptic plasticity and produces antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like effects in female rats
Authors: Nayana Jose , Shankaranarayana Rao Byrathnahalli S. , Srikumar Bettadapura N.
Published: March 2024

Finasteride is used in female‐pattern hair loss, hirsutism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. It inhibits 5α‐reductase, which is an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of neurosteroids. The effects of finasteride treatment on mental health in female patients as well as the effects of repeated/chronic finasteride administration in female rodents are still unknown. Accordingly, in our study, we administered finasteride (10, 30, or 100 mg/Kg, s.c.) for 6 days in female rats and evaluated behavior, plasma steroid levels, and synaptic plasticity. Depression‐like behavior was evaluated using forced swim test (FST) and splash test. Anxiety‐like behavior was evaluated using novelty‐suppressed feeding task (NSFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), and light–dark test (LDT). Plasma steroid levels were assessed using ELISA and synaptic plasticity by field potential recordings. We observed that finasteride decreased total immobility duration in FST, indicating antidepressant‐like effect and decreased the latency to first bite in NSFT, showing anxiolytic‐like effect. We also found a significant increase in plasma estradiol and a significant decrease in plasma corticosterone level. Furthermore, field potential recordings showed that finasteride increased hippocampal long‐term potentiation. These results indicate that repeated finasteride administration in female rats may have antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like effect, which might be mediated by enhanced estradiol levels or decreased corticosterone levels. Further studies are required to validate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of finasteride in female rats. Understanding the mechanisms will help us in developing novel neurosteroid‐based therapeutics in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders in women.
Simultaneous MPFL reconstruction and guided growth result in low rates of recurrent patellofemoral instability
Authors: Bram Joshua T. , Tracey Olivia C. , Lijesen Emilie , Li Don T. , Chipman Danielle E. , Retzky Julia S. , Fabricant Peter D. , Green Daniel W.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Implant‐mediated guided growth (IMGG) is used to address coronal plane deformity in skeletally immature patients. Few studies have reported on IMGG and simultaneous medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for paediatric patients with concurrent genu valgum and patellofemoral instability (PFI). This study aimed to report on the outcomes of these simultaneous procedures.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective review of paediatric patients undergoing simultaneous MPFL reconstruction and IMGG between 2016 and 2023. Mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA) and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were measured on full‐length hip‐to‐ankle plain radiographs. Measurements were taken preoperatively, prior to implant removal and/or at final follow‐up with minimum 1‐year clinical follow‐up.

Results

A total of 25 extremities in 22 patients (10 female) underwent simultaneous IMGG and MPFL reconstruction. The mean age at surgery was 12.6 ± 1.7 years. The mean duration of implant retention was 18.6 ± 11.3 months. Nineteen extremities (76%) underwent implant removal by final follow‐up. Preoperative HKA corrected from a mean of 5.8 ± 2.3° to −0.8 ± 4.5° at implant removal or final follow‐up (p < 0.001), with mLDFA and MAD similarly improving (both p < 0.001). HKA corrected a mean of 0.7 ± 0.9° per month, while mLDFA and MAD corrected a mean of 0.5 ± 0.6°/month and 2 ± 3 mm/month, respectively. At the time of implant removal or final follow‐up, 88% of patients demonstrated alignment within 5° of neutral. Only one extremity experienced subsequent PFI (4%). For 14 patients who underwent implant removal with further imaging at a mean of 7.8 ± 4.9 months, only one patient (7%) had a valgus rebound to an HKA > 5°.

Conclusion

Simultaneous MPFL reconstruction and IMGG provided successful correction of lower extremity malalignment with only one recurrence of PFI. This approach is a reliable surgical option for skeletally immature patients with genu valgum and PFI.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 case series.
Ecosystem function associated with soil organic carbon declines with tropical dry forest degradation
Authors: de Sosa Laura L. , Carmona Inmaculada , Panettieri Marco , Griffith Daniel M. , Espinosa Carlos I. , Jara‐Guerrero Andrea , Plaza César , Madejón Engracia
Published: March 2024

Forest degradation is increasingly recognized as a major threat to global biodiversity and the multiple ecosystem services forests provide. This study examined the impacts of forest degradation on soil quality and function in a seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) of Ecuador. Previous studies of SDTFs have focused on the impacts of land‐use conversion on soils, while this study assessed the less visible but pervasive effects of degradation. We compared soil physical–chemical properties, enzymatic activity, particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC) along a gradient of SDTF degradation in both the dry and rainy season. Our findings showed a consistent and steady reduction in soil quality (total C and N) and function (dehydrogenase and β‐glucosidase activity) that paralleled the loss of vegetative structure and diversity along the degradation gradient. Soil physical–chemical properties were less variable and enzymatic activity was generally higher in the dry season compared to the rainy season. We also showed for the first time a significant and uniform decrease in POC and MAOC with degradation in SDTF. The relative proportion of these two components was constant along the gradient except in the most degraded state (arid land), where POC was higher in proportion to MAOC, suggesting that extreme forest degradation may cause this ecosystem to cross a functional tipping point. These findings address an important knowledge gap for SDTFs by showing a consistent loss of soil quality and functionality with degradation, and suggest that extreme degradation can result in an alternate state with compromised resilience.
Soil organic carbon enrichment in the particulate matter emitted by rural soils: A laboratory assessment
Authors: Ramirez Haberkon Nancy B. , Mendez Mariano J.
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the organic carbon (OC) content in the PM10 emitted by agricultural soils and rural roads under controlled conditions. Samples were collected from agricultural soils and rural roads. The PM10 was generated and collected using an electrostatic precipitator coupled with the Easy Dust Generator (EDG). This procedure ensures that the PM10 collected come specifically from soil. OC contents were measured in both the soil and PM10. The enrichment ratio (ER) was calculated as the ratio between OC content in the PM10 and OC content in the soil. The results showed that OC content in the PM10 ranged from 2.7% to 3.5% in agricultural soils and from 1.4% to 2.9% in rural roads. These values were comparable with the OC contents observed in fine particles transported by the wind, but lower than OC contents observed in PM10 samples collected in rural areas using active samplers and filters. A quadratic function described the association between OC in PM10 and OC in the soil. A negative potential function described the association between ERs and OC in the soil. Both associations suggested a saturation of OC in PM10 when the OC content in the soil was high. This information is crucial for a better comprehending of the dust emission role in the redistribution of OC within terrestrial ecosystems and to the atmosphere and oceans.
Characteristics and hotspots of forest litter decomposition research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Jianxing , Ye Shaoming , Guo Yili , Wang Shengqiang
Published: March 2024

The decomposition of forest litter is essential for maintaining forest ecosystem productivity and improving soil fertility. Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a pivotal role in the study of litter decomposition. Nevertheless, existing literature reviews often concentrate on specific hot topics, lacking a more comprehensive and systematic overview of this field. This study was based on the Web of Science core collection of literature. CiteSpace and VOSviewer bibliometric tools were employed to systematically analyze the literature associated with forest litter decomposition from multiple perspectives, published from 1996 to 2023. Publishing trends, literature exchanges, development trends, influential countries, institutions, authors, and journals were identified and discussed. We arrived at the following conclusions that research in this field exhibited a clear trend of rapid growth, particularly after 2016. On one hand, this phenomenon may have been due to the United Nations climate agreement signed in late 2015, while in contrast it was also related to technological and theoretical advances. The United States, China, and Germany are prominent in this field and collaborative research is steadily increasing. Frequently cited articles reveal that advances in theory and technology are of great significance toward the development of the field. The keywords and investigative hotspots in this research domain show a staged development; however, nutrient cycling, carbon dynamics, soil, and root systems are stable hot topics. Future research should strengthen international cooperation, broaden the scope of research, consider a wider range of ecological processes, and delve into fundamental topics such as nutrient cycling, carbon dynamics, soil biology, and litter quality.
K3 surfaces with a symplectic automorphism of order 4
Authors: Piroddi Benedetta
Published: March 2024

Given , a K3 surface admitting a symplectic automorphism of order 4, we describe the isometry on . Having called and , respectively, the minimal resolutions of the quotient surfaces and , we also describe the maps induced in cohomology by the rational quotient maps and : With this knowledge, we are able to give a lattice‐theoretic characterization of , and find the relation between the Néron–Severi lattices of and in the projective case. We also produce three different projective models for and , each associated to a different polarization of degree 4 on .
Nonisocyanate Polyurethane Segmented Copolymers from Bis‐Carbonylimidazolides
Authors: Sintas Jose I. , Bean Ren H. , Zhang Rui , Long Timothy E.
Published: March 2024

Bis‐carbonylimidazolide (BCI) functionalization enables an efficient synthetic strategy to generate high molecular weight segmented nonisocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). Melt phase polymerization of ED‐2003 Jeffamine, 4,4′‐methylenebis(cyclohexylamine), and a BCI monomer that mimics a 1,4‐butanediol chain extender enables polyether NIPUs that contain varying concentrations of hard segments ranging from 40 to 80 wt. %. Dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry reveal thermal transitions for soft, hard, and mixed phases. Hard segment incorporations between 40 and 60 wt. % display up to three distinct phases pertaining to the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) soft segment Tg, melting transition, and hard segment Tg, while higher hard segment concentrations prohibit soft segment crystallization, presumably due to restricted molecular mobility from the hard segment. Atomic force microscopy allows for visualization and size determination of nanophase‐separated regimes, revealing a nanoscale rod‐like assembly of HS. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering confirms nanophase separation within the NIPU, characterizing both nanoscale amorphous domains and varying degrees of crystallinity. These NIPUs, which are synthesized with BCI monomers, display expected phase separation that is comparable to isocyanate‐derived analogues. This work demonstrates nanophase separation in BCI‐derived NIPUs and the feasibility of this nonisocyanate synthetic pathway for the preparation of segmented PU copolymers.
How Do I Report Genes in a Paper?
Authors: Gabbert Carolin , Klein Christine , Trinh Joanne
Published: March 2024

Genetic testing, including whole genome, whole exome, and other next‐generation sequencing technologies, has evolved vastly in the past decade. With this, the number of identified genes and genetic variants is constantly increasing. Although a variety of databases and online tools exist that summarize, categorize, and classify genes, a clear guideline of which information is needed when reporting a gene and what to do when identifying a new gene is lacking. This includes the correct nomenclature, descriptive information about genetic loci and genetic variation, aliases, and correlated phenotypes. This tutorial is meant to serve as an introduction to reporting genes in a paper and provides an overview of available databases and tools to obtain all necessary information on the genes of interest.
Assessment on interoceptive awareness on alcohol use and gambling disorders reveals dissociable interoceptive abilities linked to external and internal dependencies: Practical use of Body Perception Questionnaire Very Short Form (BPQ‐VSF) in clinical settings
Authors: London Giselle , Hida Hiroko , Kagaya Ariyuki , Yamawaki Shigeto , Machizawa Maro G.
Published: March 2024

Interoception is one of the pivotal cognitive functions for mechanisms of our body awareness, and malfunction of the interoceptive network is thought to be associated with mental illness, including addiction. Within addictive disorders, substance‐based and non‐substance‐based addictions are known to hold dissociable reward systems. However, little is known about how interoceptive awareness between these addiction sub‐types would differ. Subjective interoceptive awareness was assessed among patients with alcohol use disorder (n = 50) who were subsequently hospitalized or remained out‐patient and gambling addiction (n = 41) by the Body Awareness component of the Japanese version of the Body Perception Questionnaire (BPQ‐VSFBA‐J) and compared them against healthy control (n = 809). Both addiction groups showed significantly lower BPQ than the control, with no substantial differences between inpatients and outpatients for alcohol samples. Notably, BPQ scores for gambling patients were significantly lower than those for the alcohol group. This evidence may suggest a putative role of interoceptive ability on the severity of behavioral addiction over substance‐based addiction.
Transcriptomic analysis and fusion gene identifications of midbody remnants released from colorectal cancer cells reveals they are molecularly distinct from exosomes and microparticles
Authors: Suwakulsiri Wittaya , Xu Rong , Rai Alin , Chen Maoshan , Shafiq Adnan , Greening David W. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: March 2024

Previously, we reported that human primary (SW480) and metastatic (SW620) colorectal (CRC) cells release three classes of membrane‐encapsulated extracellular vesicles (EVs); midbody remnants (MBRs), exosomes (Exos), and microparticles (MPs). We reported that MBRs were molecularly distinct at the protein level. To gain further biochemical insights into MBRs, Exos, and MPs and their emerging role in CRC, we performed, and report here, for the first time, a comprehensive transcriptome and long noncoding RNA sequencing analysis and fusion gene identification of these three EV classes using the next‐generation RNA sequencing technique. Differential transcript expression analysis revealed that MBRs have a distinct transcriptomic profile compared to Exos and MPs with a high enrichment of mitochondrial transcripts lncRNA/pseudogene transcripts that are predicted to bind to ribonucleoprotein complexes, spliceosome, and RNA/stress granule proteins. A salient finding from this study is a high enrichment of several fusion genes in MBRs compared to Exos, MPs, and cell lysates from their parental cells such as MSH2 (gene encoded DNA mismatch repair protein MSH2). This suggests potential EV‐liquid biopsy targets for cancer detection. Importantly, the expression of cancer progression‐related transcripts found in EV classes derived from SW480 (EGFR) and SW620 (MET and MACCA1) cell lines reflects their parental cell types. Our study is the report of RNA and fusion gene compositions within MBRs (including Exos and MPs) that could have an impact on EV functionality in cancer progression and detection using EV‐based RNA/ fusion gene candidates for cancer biomarkers.
Transforming Undesired Corrosion Products into a Nanoflake‐Array Functional Layer: A Gelatin‐Assistant Modification Strategy for High Performance Zn Battery Anodes
Authors: Wu Bing , Liu Jiaxing , Rao Shengpu , Zheng Chengjin , Song Weihao , Ma Qing , Niu Jin , Wang Feng
Published: March 2024

As corrosion products of Zn anodes in ZnSO4 electrolytes, Zn4SO4 (OH)6·xH2O with loose structure cannot suppress persistent side reactions but can increase the electrode polarization and induce dendrite growth, hindering the practical applications of Zn metal batteries. In this work, a functional layer is built on the Zn anode by a gelatin‐assistant corrosion and low‐temperature pyrolysis method. With the assistant of gelatin, undesired corrosion products are converted into a uniform nanoflake array comprising ZnO coated by gelatin‐derived carbon on Zn foil (denoted Zn@ZnO@GC). It is revealed that the gelatin‐derived carbons not only enhance the electron conductivity, facilitate Zn2+ desolvation, and boost transport/deposition kinetics, but also inhibit the occurrence of hydrogen evolution and corrosion reactions on the zincophilic Zn@ZnO@GC anode. Moreover, the 3D nanoflake array effectively homogenizes the current density and Zn2+ concentration, thus inhibiting the formation of dendrites. The symmetric cells using the Zn@ZnO@GC anodes exhibit superior cycling performance (over 7000 h at 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2) and without short‐circuiting even up to 25 mAh cm−2. The Zn@ZnO@GC||NaV3O8 full cell works stably for 5000 cycles even with a limited N/P ratio of ≈5.5, showing good application prospects.
Support‐Based Transfer and Contacting of Individual Nanomaterials for In Situ Nanoscale Investigations
Authors: Hettler Simon , Furqan Mohammad , Arenal Raul
Published: March 2024

Although in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of nanomaterials has been gaining importance in recent years, difficulties in sample preparation have limited the number of studies on electrical properties. Here, a support‐based preparation method of individual 1D and 2D materials is presented, which yields a reproducible sample transfer for electrical investigation by in situ TEM. A mechanically rigid support grid facilitates the transfer and contacting to in situ chips by focused ion beam with minimum damage and contamination. The transfer quality is assessed by exemplary specimens of different nanomaterials, including a monolayer of WS2. Possible studies concern the interplay between structural properties and electrical characteristics on the individual nanomaterial level as well as failure analysis under electrical current or studies of electromigration, Joule heating, and related effects. The TEM measurements can be enriched by additional correlative microscopy and spectroscopy carried out on the identical object with techniques that allow a characterization with a spatial resolution in the range of a few microns. Although developed for in situ TEM, the present transfer method is also applicable to transferring nanomaterials to similar chips for performing further studies or even for using them in potential electrical/optoelectronic/sensing devices.
Beta regression for double‐bounded response with correlated high‐dimensional covariates
Authors: Liu Jianxuan
Published: March 2024

Continuous responses measured on a standard unit interval are ubiquitous in many scientific disciplines. Statistical models built upon a normal error structure do not generally work because they can produce biassed estimates or result in predictions outside either bound. In real‐life applications, data are often high‐dimensional, correlated and consist of a mixture of various data types. Little literature is available to address the unique data challenge. We propose a semiparametric approach to analyse the association between a double‐bounded response and high‐dimensional correlated covariates of mixed types. The proposed method makes full use of all available data through one or several linear combinations of the covariates without losing information from the data. The only assumption we make is that the response variable follows a Beta distribution; no additional assumption is required. The resulting estimators are consistent and efficient. We illustrate the proposed method in simulation studies and demonstrate it in a real‐life data application. The semiparametric approach contributes to the sufficient dimension reduction literature for its novelty in investigating double‐bounded response which is absent in the current literature. This work also provides a new tool for data practitioners to analyse the association between a popular unit interval response and mixed types of high‐dimensional correlated covariates.
Creating “Windows of Opportunity”: How Police Officers Sense and Generate Momentum for Gaining Control in Police‐Civilian Interactions
Authors: Keesman Laura D.
Published: March 2024

This article examines how police officers generate momentum and create opportunities for gaining control in—what they perceive as—potentially violent interactions. Theoretically, the article aims to add to interactionist sociology by illuminating the mechanisms through which participants anticipate and create shared meanings of future possibilities for an encounter. I build upon insights into the function of social interaction for future configuration proposed by interactionist scholars since the 1960s. The empirical contribution is to challenge explanations of officers' attempts to gain control as mere cognitivist decision‐making, ignoring the embodied dimension of anticipating. Drawing on ninety‐four elicitation interviews with Dutch officers on violent events and field work observations of police‐civilian interactions, findings show that officers argue they sense opportunities through an awareness of civilian distraction. To create opportunities for actions that enable gaining control, they refocus civilians' attention. Officers do this by acting in ways a civilian does not readily anticipate through bodily spatial positioning and by using material objects, what I refer to as “positional play.” By detailing how officers act upon momentum, I illustrate that embodied sense‐making and attunement toward serendipitous circumstances is key for police action. The article enriches interactionist scholarship by showing the mise en scène of how the police realize control on an embodied level.
Flavonoids and Alkaloids from Marine‐Derived Actinomycete Streptomyces sp. C011
Authors: Hoa Tran Thi Thanh , Van Nam Vu , Huong Doan Thi Mai , Dao Phi Thi , Phuong Nguyen Nam , Minh Le Thi Hong , Quyen Vu Thi , Anh Nguyen Mai , Murphy Brian T. , Ly Ho Thi Minh , Van Cuong Pham
Published: March 2024

Five secondary metabolites including three flavonoids, 6‐lavandulyl‐5,7,2′,4′‐tetrahydroxyflavanone (1), 5′‐lavandulyl‐2′‐methoxy‐2,4,4′,6′‐tetrahydroxychalcone (2), 6‐lavandulyl‐7‐methoxy‐5,2′,4′‐trihydroxyflavanone (3), and two alkaloids, tryptoline (4), and norharman (5) were isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. C011. Their structures were determined by spectral data analysis, including MS, 2D NMR, and CD spectrum. All the separated compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 exhibited antimicrobial activity.
Progress through synergistic effects of heterojunction in nanocatalysts ‐ Review
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Duc , Quang Duong Tuan
Published: March 2024

There are major advances in the development of the nanostructured materials to enhance the reaction performance in catalytic field. Recent efforts have shown that high conversion efficiency and stability of efficient nanocatalysts can be achieved by combining the intrinsic properties of single components into heterostructures. The unprecedented combination affords the integrated nanocatalysts capable of overcoming the limitations of single components and addressing the issues of the assessment of the efficiency of the catalytic converters. The present review gives a concise overview of the heterostructured nanoarchitectures with a focus of the tailoring of their structural geometry, self‐construction and surface chemistry to effectively create integrated catalysts with multi‐functionalities. The novel integrated catalysts present in the critical review were emphasized these concepts by undergoing inherent synergistic effects in their heterojunction structures to emerge superior catalytic performance and high selectivity for promising applications. Various types of the integrated nanocatalysts including coupled particles, porous composites, organized hybrids, assembled films, and biomimetic replicas are presented in respect to the discussion of expressive statements for widespread emerging applications in artificial photosynthesis, graphene‐based catalysts, electrochemical gas sensing, water‐gas shift reaction, and methane fuel generation.
Study on SARS‐CoV‐2 inhibition of some potential drugs using molecular docking simulation
Authors: My Tran Thi Ai , Hieu Le Trung , Hai Nguyen Thi Thanh , Loan Huynh Thi Phuong , Bui Thanh Q. , Thuy Bui Thi Phuong , Van Trung Phung , Tram Bui Thi Bao , Tran Nguyen Huyen Ngoc , Quy Phan Tu , Quang Duong Tuan , Oanh Doan Thi Yen , Van Tat Pham , Dao Duy Quang , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai
Published: March 2024

Inhibitory capabilities of six old drugs selected from the DrugBank database including Losartan, Triazavirin, TMC‐310911, Verapamil, Clevudine and Elbasvir, which are promising for the treatment of an infectious disease caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, were examined on the host receptor Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the main protease (PDB6LU7) of SARS‐CoV‐2 using molecular docking simulation. Results reveal that both proteins ACE2 and PDB6LU7 are in strong inhibition by the drugs and the inhibitory effectiveness is in the order: Clevudine > Triazavirin > TMC‐310911 > Elbasvir > Losartan > Verapamil. In particular, the inhibitability highly correlates with the average docking score energy of inhibitory complexes, and drug‐protein active interactions. Regarding inhibitory ligands, their polarizability, molecular size, and dispersion coefficient logP are also significant indicators for inhibition potential. The drugs are suggested as valuable resources for selecting potential pharmaceuticals to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion into human body given theoretical demonstration of molecular docking simulation.
Terpene and lignan glycosides from the leaves of Aralia chinensis
Authors: Yen Pham Hai , Chuong Nguyen Thi Hong , Lien Giang Thi Kim , Cuc Nguyen Thi , Thu Vu Kim , Tai Bui Huu , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Van Minh Chau , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2024

From the methanol extract of Aralia chinensis leaves, three terpene glycosides (1‐3) and one lignan glycoside (4) were isolated by using various chromatographic methods. Their chemical structures were identified as (2R,6S)‐borane‐2,6‐diol 2‐O‐β‐D‐apiofuranosyl‐(1→6)‐glucopyranoside (1), 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐glucuronopyranosyl‐oleanolic acid‐28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2), 3‐O‐[α‐L‐arabinofuranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐glucuronopyranosyl‐oleanolic acid‐28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3), and liriodendrin (4) by using combination ofESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectral data as well as by comparison with the previous literature.
Domino Reaction of Benzyne with Dimethyl 3,5‐Dioxopimelate
Authors: Erfle Silke , Langer Peter
Published: March 2024

The reaction of dimethyl 3,5‐dioxopimelate, a readily available 1,3,5,7‐tetracarbonyl compound, with benzyne resulted in formation of a highly functionalized naphthalene derivative which is formed by an unprecedented domino ‘insertion / aldol condensation’ reaction.
SERS chemical enhancement by copper ‐ nanostructures: Theoretical study of Thiram pesticide adsorbed on Cu20 cluster
Authors: Hieu Truong Dinh , Chinh Ngo Thi , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai , Quang Duong Tuan , Quang Dao Duy
Published: March 2024

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a surface‐sensitive technique, allows the practicability of detecting chemical compounds in ultra‐low concentration. In this work, a chemical enhancement mechanism of SER process of Thiram pesticide adsorbed on copper nanomaterial surface was proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) approaches. Structural and electronic properties of Thiram and Thiram‐Cu20 complexes were optimized using PBE method with LanL2DZ basis set for copper atoms and cc‐pVDZ basis set for the non‐metal atoms. In the most stable adsorption configuration, Thiram interacted with Cu20 cluster via two S(sp2) atoms. The main peaks on normal Raman spectrum of Thiram were characterized at 371, 576, 1414 and 1456 cm‐1 responsible for the stretching vibrations of C–S, C=S, S–C–S and C–N groups, respectively. Otherwise, the main peaks of Thiram‐Cu20 SERS spectrum were found at 534, 874, 982, 1398 and 1526 cm‐1 corresponding to the stretching vibrations of S–S, C‐S, S–C–S, C–N and CH3–N bonds, respectively. The SERS chemical enhancement of Thiram by Cu20 cluster was about 2 and 6 times stronger than those obtained from Ag20 and Au20 cluster, respectively. The chemical enhancement mechanism was also explained by analyzing HOMO and LUMO energies gap and density of states.