bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical approach for managing patients with unexpected CDH1 mutations: A case report
Authors: Garitaonaindia Yago , Méndez Miriam , Valentín Fátima , Gutiérrez Lourdes , de Tejada Alberto Herreros , Sánchez Ruiz Antonio , Provencio Mariano , Romero Atocha
Published: July 2024

Background

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) (OMIM# 137215) is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome associated with CDH1 (OMIM# 192090) mutations. Prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG) is the most recommended preventive treatment when a pathogenic mutation is found. However, the increasing use of genetic testing has led to the identification of incidental CDH1 mutations in individuals without a family history of gastric cancer. It remains unclear whether these patients should undergo prophylactic total gastrectomy.

Methods

Germline DNA, obtained from peripheral blood, was analysed by NGS.

Results

A 47‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma, FIGO stage IIIC, with a Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) GIS status of 78 (positive, cut‐off: 43). She received chemotherapy and niraparib treatment. A multigene panel test revealed no pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 (OMIM# 113705)/BRCA2 (OMIM# 600185) genes, but a de novo deletion of exon 16 in CDH1 was found incidentally. She had no previous family history of gastric or breast cancer. The patient was enrolled in a surveillance program involving periodic endoscopy and was diagnosed with diffuse gastric cancer through biopsies of a pale area in the antrum after 1 year of close endoscopic follow‐up.

Conclusion

This case presents supportive evidence for the pathogenic classification of the loss of the last exon of CDH1.
Momentum for licensure compacts signals wide embrace of telehealth
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2024

This month's announcement of a $2.5 million federal investment to develop multistate health provider licensure compacts signals a continued and significant push to embrace telehealth as a key vehicle for easing the workforce shortage in mental health and other health disciplines.
APA special issue focuses on dismantling racism in psychology
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2024

Acknowledging that the field of psychology has had a long history of committing harm against people of color and asserting that psychologists must work to dismantle racism within the field, the American Psychological Association (APA) last week published a special issue on these concerns in its journal American Psychologist.
Medial prefrontal cortex neurotransmitter abnormalities in posttraumatic stress disorder with and without comorbidity to major depression
Authors: Swanberg Kelley M. , Prinsen Hetty , Averill Christopher L. , Campos Leonardo , Kurada Abhinav V. , Krystal John H. , Petrakis Ismene L. , Averill Lynnette A. , Rothman Douglas L. , Abdallah Chadi G. , Juchem Christoph
Published: July 2024

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric condition that follows exposure to a traumatic stressor. Though previous in vivo proton (1H) MRS) research conducted at 4 T or lower has identified alterations in glutamate metabolism associated with PTSD predisposition and/or progression, no prior investigations have been conducted at higher field strength. In addition, earlier studies have not extensively addressed the impact of psychiatric comorbidities such as major depressive disorder (MDD) on PTSD‐associated 1H‐MRS‐visible brain metabolite abnormalities. Here we employ 7 T 1H MRS to examine concentrations of glutamate, glutamine, GABA, and glutathione in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of PTSD patients with MDD (PTSD+MDD+; N = 6) or without MDD (PTSD+MDD−; N = 5), as well as trauma‐unmatched controls without PTSD but with MDD (PTSD−MDD+; N = 9) or without MDD (PTSD−MDD−; N = 18). Participants with PTSD demonstrated decreased ratios of GABA to glutamine relative to healthy PTSD−MDD− controls but no single‐metabolite abnormalities. When comorbid MDD was considered, however, MDD but not PTSD diagnosis was significantly associated with increased mPFC glutamine concentration and decreased glutamate:glutamine ratio. In addition, all participants with PTSD and/or MDD collectively demonstrated decreased glutathione relative to healthy PTSD−MDD− controls. Despite limited findings in single metabolites, patterns of abnormality in prefrontal metabolite concentrations among individuals with PTSD and/or MDD enabled supervised classification to separate them from healthy controls with 80+% sensitivity and specificity, with glutathione, glutamine, and myoinositol consistently among the most informative metabolites for this classification. Our findings indicate that MDD can be an important factor in mPFC glutamate metabolism abnormalities observed using 1H MRS in cohorts with PTSD.
The CCL2–CCR2 axis determines whether glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity or wire‐loop lesions develop through glomerular macrophage and neutrophil infiltration in lupus nephritis
Authors: Zoshima Takeshi , Baba Tomohisa , Nakatani Kimihiko , Nagata Michio , Mukaida Naofumi , Kawano Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2024

The CCL2–CCR2 axis is involved in lupus nephritis, however the precise roles in the mechanisms by which different pathological lesions develop after glomerular immune complex deposition remain elusive. Previously, we demonstrated that genetic CCR2 inhibition induced a histological switch from glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity to wire‐loop lesions in murine lupus nephritis. This study aimed to clarify the CCL2–CCR2 axis‐mediated cellular mechanism in the formation of these different pathological lesions. We injected MRL/lpr mouse‐derived monoclonal IgG3 antibody‐producing hybridomas, 2B11.3 or B1, into wild‐type (WT) mice to selectively induce glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity or wire‐loop lesions. The expression of chemokine and chemokine receptors was analyzed using RT‐quantitative PCR and/or immunofluorescence. We found 2B11.3 caused glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity in WT mice with glomerular infiltration of larger numbers of CCR2‐expressing macrophages and neutrophils phagocyting immune complex, whereas B1 induced wire‐loop lesions. In glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity, CCL2 was identified as the ligand involved in the CCR2‐positive cell infiltration; it was expressed by glomerular endothelial cells and macrophages. Notably, 2B11.3‐induced glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity converted to wire‐loop lesions with reduced glomerular macrophage and neutrophil infiltration in CCL2‐deficient (Ccl2−/−) mice similarly observed in Ccr2−/− mice. Moreover, this histological conversion was also observed when both glomerular macrophage and neutrophil infiltration were inhibited in anti‐Ly6G antibody‐treated Ccr5−/− mice but not when only glomerular macrophage infiltration was inhibited in Ccr5−/− mice or when only glomerular neutrophil infiltration was inhibited in anti‐Ly6G antibody‐treated WT mice. In contrast, B1 injection caused wire‐loop lesions in Ccl2−/− and Ccr2−/− mice, as observed in WT mice. Moreover, 2B11.3 induced CCL2 from glomerular endothelial cells to a larger extent than B1 when injected into Ccr2−/− mice. In conclusion, the CCL2–CCR2 axis determines whether glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity or wire‐loop lesions develop by regulating glomerular infiltration of phagocytic cells: macrophages and neutrophils. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Splenic complications in pediatric sickle cell disease: A retrospective cohort review
Authors: George Alex , Conneely Shannon E. , Mangum Ross , Fasipe Titilope , Lupo Philip J. , Scheurer Michael E.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To delineate the natural history of splenic complications other than loss of splenic function in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), we performed a retrospective chart review of patients with SCD treated at the Texas Children's Hospital.

Methods

We determined the dates of diagnoses of splenic complications, the number of acute splenic sequestration crises (ASSC), and hydroxyurea treatment in pediatric patients with SCD. We also examined the association of hydroxyurea therapy with the onset and severity of ASSC.

Results

The cumulative prevalence of splenic complications was 24.7% for splenomegaly, 24.2% for ASSC, 9.6% for hypersplenism, and 5.6% for splenectomy. The cumulative prevalence of splenic complications was highest in patients with hemoglobin Sβ0 (69.2%), intermediate in hemoglobin SS (33.3%), low in hemoglobin SC (9.0%), and non‐existent in hemoglobin Sβ+. The overall event rate of ASSC was 8.3 per 100 patient‐years. The event‐rate was 28.4 for hemoglobin Sβ0, 10.9 for hemoglobin SS, and 3.5 for hemoglobin SC. Patients with hemoglobin SS and hemoglobin Sβ0 on hydroxyurea therapy had a significantly higher occurrence of ASSC than those who were not, with event rates of 14.2 and 3.1, respectively. The event rate was also higher for children who started hydroxyurea before age 2 years than for those who started after this age (19.8 and 9.2, respectively).

Conclusions

The prevalence and severity of splenic problems vary widely between different sickle cell genotypes, with hemoglobin Sβ0 having the most severe complications. Hydroxyurea therapy is associated with increased incidence of ASSC, particularly when initiated before 2 years of age.
Blinatumomab infusion interruptions in pediatric patients rarely lead to readmission
Authors: Moody Jonathan , Barker Patricia J. , Sciasci Joseph , Pauley Jennifer L. , Bragg Allison , McMillan Cody , Triplett Brandon M. , Swanson Hope D.
Published: July 2024

Blinatumomab is a bispecific T‐cell engager administered as a 28‐day continuous infusion. Infusions can be associated with interruptions requiring support from clinical staff, but the frequency of interventions with outpatient blinatumomab has not been characterized. This study is a single‐center, retrospective review of patients who received blinatumomab between December 3, 2014 and October 31, 2021 to determine frequency and type of interventions. Forty patients received blinatumomab for 69 cycles. Clinical staff intervention was required in 31 (45%) cycles, only six (8.7%) cycles needed readmission. Management of outpatient blinatumomab infusions requires education and training of clinical staff and caregivers to quickly troubleshoot interruptions.
Study on the anticancer effects of cold atmospheric plasma on deep subcutaneous tumor cells
Authors: Zhang Jishen , Xu Shengduo , Chen Jinkun , Yang Weiji , Wu Tong , Wang Zifeng , Guo Li , Liu Dingxin , Zhang Hao , Xu Yujing , Rong Mingzhe
Published: July 2024

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy has been proven to effectively inhibit the growth of subcutaneous tumors. However, there is no research to explain how plasma‐induced anticancer effects can be transmitted to cancer cells through normal cells. Here, we monitored the effects of plasma‐irradiated HaCaT cells on nonirradiated A375 and HaCaT cells in terms of cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in vitro. The experimental results indicated that plasma irradiation may induce plasma‐irradiated HaCaT cells to release soluble factors into the cell culture medium, thereby selectively killing nonirradiated A375 cells. The plasma‐generated short‐lived species play a crucial role in the release of soluble factors. Our research showed that plasma‐induced anticancer effects can be transmitted to deep nonirradiated cancer cells through plasma‐irradiated normal cells.
Cystic fibrosis year in review 2023
Authors: Swetland David V. , Savant Adrienne P.
Published: July 2024

This past year, there were many important advances for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Of the many publications related to CF in 2023, there was further evaluation of highly effective modulator therapy, new assessments and guidelines for clinical manifestations and therapies for CF, advances in newborn screening and diagnosis, and evaluation of outcomes for people with CF transmembrane conductance regulator‐related metabolic syndrome/CF screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis. The aim of this review article is not to provide a full assessment of the wide range of articles published in 2023, but to provide a brief review of publication that may lead to changes in clinical care.
Toward enhancing nonlinear observers for Lipschitz system: Exploiting the matrix multipliers‐based LMIs
Authors: Mohite Shivaraj , Alma Marouane , Zemouche Ali
Published: July 2024

This article is focused on the design of an LMI‐based observer for the class of disturbance‐affected nonlinear systems. Two novel LMI conditions are derived by deploying a more general form of the matrix multiplier compared to the one used in the literature. The first method is based on the use of the criterion, while the second one utilizes an ISS notion. Both LMIs are developed by employing the reformulated Lipschitz property, a well‐known LPV approach and the new variant of Young inequality. The key element of the proposed LMI conditions is the incorporation of the novel matrix multipliers which allow us to include some additional decision variables as compared to the methods proposed in the literature. These additional variables add extra degrees of freedom, thus enhancing the LMI feasibility. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies is showcased through a numerical example.
Robust fault detection for switched systems with unstable modes: A bumpless transfer piecewise filtering approach
Authors: Liang Zhanhong , Gao Jinfeng , Yao Lina
Published: July 2024

This investigation addresses the bumpless transfer fault detection (FD) problem within switched systems that possess unstable modes. A switched piecewise FD filter is developed as a residual generator by segmenting each dwell time interval. The transition between different filters precipitates pronounced, abrupt jumps in the residual signal. Consequently, a novel definition of the residual bumpless transfer performance is introduced to constrain the magnitude of residual fluctuations during switching instances. Additionally, an alternating switching strategy—characterized by slow and fast mode‐dependent average dwell time and supported by the multiple discontinuous Lyapunov function method—is devised to assure the asymptotic stability and the weighted performance of the augmented system. Concurrently, sufficient conditions for the solvability of the bumpless transfer FD problem are articulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Lastly, a switched buck‐boost circuit and a numerical example are presented to substantiate the merits of the proposed bumpless transfer piecewise filtering method.
Assisted migration of coho salmon: Influences of passage and habitat availability on population dynamics
Authors: Benjamin Joseph R. , Dunham Jason B. , Scheidt Nicholas , Rothenbuecher Carla , Sipher Cory
Published: July 2024

Assisted migration is a means of introducing a species into a previously unoccupied area. Although this idea is relatively new for many species, there are many extant examples involving fish that can be instructive. We studied a case of assisted migration where upstream access of migrating adult coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch over a naturally impassible barrier was established through construction of fish ladders. Although these passage structures have successfully allowed coho salmon to colonize upstream locations, managers had concerns regarding how efficiently these structures passed fish, as well as questions regarding access to specific upstream habitats, and passage barriers further upstream. To address these concerns, we developed a stage‐based population model to explore: (1) influences of passage over structures, (2) rearing habitats upstream of the structures, and (3) consequences of additional barriers to passage in the system. Model simulations suggest high fish passage at the ladders was associated with the highest smolt and adult abundance of coho salmon. The importance of passage was strongly influenced by juveniles rearing in a lake, where increased lake rearing at each passage scenario increased abundance of smolts and adults. Opening habitat further upstream was estimated to increase adult and smolt abundance up to 12%. Results of model simulations also helped to identify uncertainties that could be evaluated further (e.g., juvenile rearing in the lake). In general, our findings point to the importance of considering a full range of processes that can drive expected outcomes for assisted migration.
Soil health influenced more by conservation tillage and cropping practice than irrigation level in a sandy semiarid cotton system
Authors: Petermann Billi Jean , Lewis Katie , Acosta‐Martinez Veronica , Laza Haydee E. , Steffan Joshua J. , Slaughter Lindsey C.
Published: July 2024

Cropping systems in semiarid regions have frequently relied on continuous tillage and irrigation, but declining groundwater resources have prompted a greater focus on conservation practices to improve soil health and water storage. We compared soil health responses from cotton production systems in semiarid, coarse‐textured soils with different crop management strategies under high or low irrigation levels. Management systems included continuous cotton with conventional tillage (CCCT) compared to no‐till cotton with a rye cover crop (NTCR) and no‐till cotton with a wheat‐fallow rotation (NTCW), including high or low irrigation zones within each system. Samples were collected annually from two bulk soil depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm) and root‐associated soils 7 years after systems were established and continued for 2 years. We found that cropping system, but not irrigation level, altered soil microbial communities and other soil health indicators. Despite variation between study years and sampling zones, the conservation systems had greater soil microbial community size via ester‐linked fatty acid methyl ester (EL‐FAME or FAME) analysis, extracellular enzyme activities, and soil organic matter than the CCCT system. The NTCW system also had greater arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi FAME abundance. Our study suggests that no‐till and conservation strategies such as cover cropping and rotation can improve biological soil health indicators in these sandy semiarid soils even with limited irrigation.
Observation of a Reversible Order‐Order Transition in a Metal‐Organic Framework – Ionic Liquid Nanocomposite Phase‐Change Material
Authors: Nozari Vahid , Azar Ayda Nemati Vesali , Sajzew Roman , Castillo‐Blas Celia , Kono Ayano , Oschatz Martin , Keen David A. , Chater Philip A. , Robertson Georgina P. , Steele James M. A. , León‐Alcaide Luis , Knebel Alexander , Ashling Christopher W. , Bennett Thomas D. , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: July 2024

Metal‐organic framework (MOF) composite materials containing ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed for a range of potential applications, including gas separation, ion conduction, and hybrid glass formation. Here, an order transition in an IL@MOF composite is discovered using CuBTC (copper benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate) and [EMIM][TFSI] (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide). This transition – absent for the bare MOF or IL – provides an extended super‐cooling range and latent heat at a capacity similar to that of soft paraffins, in the temperature range of ≈220 °C. Structural analysis and in situ monitoring indicate an electrostatic interaction between the IL molecules and the Cu paddle‐wheels, leading to a decrease in pore symmetry at low temperature. These interactions are reversibly released above the transition temperature, which reflects in a volume expansion of the MOF‐IL composite.
Catalytic Potential of Supported Superatoms
Authors: Kilic Mehmet Emin , Jena Puru
Published: July 2024

The importance of catalysts in industrial products is a driving factor in the search of efficient and cost‐effective catalysts, creating considerable interest in the past decade in single‐atom catalysis. One of the first requirements of a good catalyst is that it should bind to the molecules with energies intermediate between physisorption and chemisorption while simultaneously activating them. Herein, it is shown that superatoms, which are atomic clusters with fixed size and composition, can meet this challenge even better than the atoms whose chemistry they mimic. The reactions of molecules such as H2, O2, N2, CO, NO, and CO2 with an atom (Li) and its corresponding superatom (Li3O) are confirmed through study. As these clusters need to be supported on a substrate for practical applications, the study focuses on the reaction of CO2 with Li and Li3O supported on graphene, Au(111), and Cu(111) substrates. Using density functional theory, it is shown that the Li3O superatom can activate CO2 far greater than the Li atom – stretching the CO bond from 1.16 Å to as large as 1.30 Å and bending the O─C─O bond angle from 180° to as low as 120°. Equally interesting, the results are not very sensitive to the substrate.
Innovative Synthesis of Photo‐Responsive, Self‐Healing Silicone Elastomers with Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Thermal Stability
Authors: Wang Chen , Qiao Lili , Li Sai , Duan Pengwei , Fu Xuewei , Duan Yatong , Cheng Hong‐Bo , Liu Jun , Zhang Liqun
Published: July 2024

Photo‐responsive materials have garnered significant interest for their ability to react to non‐contact stimuli, though achieving self‐healing under gentle conditions remains an elusive goal. In this research, an innovative and straightforward approach for synthesizing silicone elastomers is proposed that not only self‐heal at room temperature but also possess unique photochromic properties and adjustable mechanical strength, along with being both transparent and reprocessable. Initially, aldehyde‐bifunctional dithiophene‐ethylene molecules with dialdehyde groups (DTEM) and isocyanurate (IPDI) is introduced into the aminopropyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (H2N‐PDMS‐NH2) matrix. Subsequently, palladium is incorporated to enhance coordination within the matrix. These silicone elastomers transition to a blue state under 254 nm UV light and revert to transparency under 580 nm light. Remarkably, they demonstrate excellent thermal stability at temperatures up to 100 °C and show superior fatigue resistance. The optical switching capabilities of the silicone elastomers significantly affect both their mechanical characteristics and self‐healing abilities. Notably, the PDMS‐DTEM‐IPDI‐@Pd silicone elastomer, featuring closed‐loop photo‐switching molecules, exhibits a fracture toughness that is 1.3 times greater and a room temperature self‐healing efficiency 1.4 times higher than its open‐loop counterparts. This novel photo‐responsive silicone elastomer offers promising potential for applications in data writing and erasure, UV protective coatings, and micro‐trace development.
Using a Flexible Fountain Pen to Directly Write Organic Semiconductor Patterns with Crystallization Regulated by the Precursor Film
Authors: Liu Bingyang , Wang Jialin , Zhang Guoxin , Du Gengxin , Xia Huihui , Deng Weiwei , Zhao Xinyan
Published: July 2024

Organic semiconductor (OSC) films fabricated by meniscus‐guided coating (MGC) methods are suitable for cost‐effective and flexible electronics. However, achieving crystalline thin films by MGC methods is still challenging because the nucleation and crystal growth processes are influenced by the intertwined interactions among solvent evaporation, stochastic nucleation, and the fluid flow instabilities. Herein, a novel flexible fountain pen with active ink supply is designed and used to print OSCs. This direct‐write method allows the flexible pen tip to contact the substrate, maintaining a robust meniscus by eliminating the gap found in conventional MGCs. An in situ optical microscopy observation system shows that the precursor film plays a critical role on the crystallization and the formation of coffee rings and dendrites. The computational fluid dynamics simulations demonstrate that the microstructure of the pen promotes extensional flows, facilitating mass transport and crystal alignment. Highly‐aligned ribbon‐shaped crystals of a small organic molecule (TIPS‐pentacene), as well as a semiconducting polymer (N2200) with highly‐ordered orientations, have been successfully printed by the flexible fountain pen. Organic field‐effect transistors based on the flexible pen printed OSCs exhibit high performances and strong anisotropic mobility. In addition, the flexible fountain pen is expandable for printing multiple lines or large‐area films.
Revisit the Efficacy of Transformation‐Induced Plasticity Mechanism and Martensite‐Austenite Composite Fiber Effect on the Increase of Uniform Elongation in Steel
Authors: Poddar Debasis , Chintha Appa Rao , Jayabalan Bhagyaraj , Sharma Vikram , Majumder Manoj Krishna
Published: July 2024

The ductility of a retained austenite (RA)‐bearing steel is conventionally correlated with the gradual transformation of RA into martensite during straining, i.e., transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) mechanism. Nevertheless, current experiments and mathematical calculations illustrate that most of the RA transformed into martensite at quite an early stage of tensile straining. The result shows that only 4% of leftover RA exists after the initial tensile loading. It looks like enough RA is not available to operate TRIP to obtain successive ductility in the steel. Inexplicably, current work exhibits the maximum uniform tensile elongation after the major martensite transformation, which contradicts the conventional TRIP‐driven ductility theory. Thus, only 4% RA could be one of the prime factors that operate unfailingly to impart ductility in the steel. This work has created an understanding of the possible factors responsible for the observed ductility in the current steel while TRIP is not operating.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Processing Map of Cr–Mn–Ni–Mo–N Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Wang Donghao , Liu Jin , Teng Yingxue , Guo Jing , Zhang Dazheng
Published: July 2024

In the present work, the hot deformation behavior of two austenitic stainless steels with different nitrogen is studied by conducting compression tests at the strain rates in the range 0.01–7 s−1 and temperatures in the range 950–1150 °C using a Gleeble thermomechanical simulator. Simultaneously, the constitutive relationship is based on the Arrhenius hyperbolic sine equation and constructs the corresponding thermal processing maps based on dynamic material modeling (DMM).The 23Cr7MnNi2Mo0.93N (0.93 N) steel possesses a higher hot deformation resistance and a higher activation energy of deformation (628.39 kJ mol−1) compared to the 23Cr7MnNi2Mo0.45N (0.45 N) steel (315.79 kJ mol−1). Dynamic recrystallization occurs predominantly in 0.93 N steels under the conditions tested, the samples with 0.93% nitrogen content exhibit higher peak stresses and more complex rheological behavior. According to the thermal processing maps, the hot working region for 0.45 N steel is 1020 to 1150 °C at strain rates of 0.01 to 0.1 s−1, while 0.93 N steel is not suitable for processing in the experimental parameter range.
International graduate students: Unique stories and missing voices in higher education
Authors: Bodine Al‐Sharif Mary Ann , Koo Katie , Bista Krishna
Published: July 2024

Amid the globalized environment of higher education, international graduate students remain vital contributors to U.S. institutions as they contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy annually, drive innovation, and play a significant role in diversifying and globalizing U.S. institutions. Open Doors reported that international students constituted 4.7% of the U.S. higher education demographic in the 2021/2022 academic year and 40.6% of international students are enrolled in graduate degree programs. Despite such significant representation, research predominantly concentrates on undergraduate international students, often overlooking the graduate segment. This article seeks to amplify the voices of international graduate students, detailing their distinctive challenges and successes in the U.S. academic landscape. Addressing areas such as academic support, socioemotional well‐being, and professional development, the project underscores the critical roles these students play, both academically and in the U.S. workforce. By shedding light on the nuanced experiences of this cohort, we advocate for more informed, culturally sensitive approaches to supporting international graduate students.
Funktionale Beschichtung von Batteriepulvern
Authors: Höhn Mandy , Beaupain Jean Philippe , Siebecke Eleonore , Krug Mario , Höhn Sören
Published: July 2024

Zwei Beschichtungsverfahren, zum einen die Atomlagenabscheidung (ALD) und zum anderen die nasschemische Sprühtrocknung, wurden ausgewählt, um Aktivmaterialien mit Schutzschichten zu versehen. Es wurden sowohl im ALD‐Prozess als auch in der Sprühtrocknung verschiedene Schichtmaterialien hinsichtlich Zusammensetzung und Schichtdicke herge‐stellt und bezüglich ihrer elektroche‐mischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Dabei zeigen sich positive Effekte im Ratentest und im Langzeittest von sehr dünner Al2O3 ALD‐Schichten auf LNMO. Für die mit nur 1 nm beschichtete LNMO‐Probe zeigt sich, dass der Verlust im Vergleich zur unbeschichteten Probe gering ist. Dagegen zeigen 5 nm Al2O3 bereits eine erhebliche Isolierung des Materials. Die Sprühtrocknungsversuche zur Beschichtung von NMC811 mit Li2O·WO3 zeigen nach der Kalzinierung eine Anlagerung von Wolfram an der Pulveroberfläche und entlang der Korngrenzen. Die elektrochemische Ratenfähigkeit und Zyklenstabilität des Aktivmaterials wird durch die Beschichtung mit 0,5 mol% Li2O·WO3 signifikant verbessert. Eine Skalierung der Beschichtungsprozesse ALD und Sprühtrocknung in einen technischen Maßstab wird als möglich erachtet.
Tribological behavior of TiAlCrSiN coated cutting tools
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Kalscheuer Christian , Tayyab Muhammad
Published: July 2024

TiAlCrSiN nanocomposite tool coatings offer a potential solution for challenging cutting processes. Here, tribological behavior of the coated tool against workpiece material is paramount to improving the tool wear resistance. Hence, current study focuses on effect of TiAlCrSiN‐based tool coatings on friction behavior and chip formation under challenging cutting conditions. The investigated variants included cemented carbide cutting inserts with monolayer TiAlCrSiN, multilayer TiAl‐CrSiN/TiAlCrSiON and uncoated inserts. The tribological behavior of tools was analyzed during linear planing of highspeed steel PM HS6‐5‐3C with cutting speed vc = 110 m/min, width of cut b = 2 mm and uncut chip thicknesses h = 0.04 mm and h = 0.1 mm. Process forces and chip formation over cutting length L = 100 mm were recorded using dynamometer and high‐speed camera, respectively. The coated inserts showed a reduction in process forces and calculated apparent coefficient of friction. Among coated variants, multilayer coating resulted in lower process forces and apparent coefficient of friction at uncut chip thicknesses h = 0.04 mm. At h = 0.1 mm, both coated variants had a comparable performance. The adhesion of HS6‐5‐3C on tool was identified as one of the main contributing factors to the observed tribological behavior. Here, multilayer TiAlCrSiN/TiAlCrSiON showed promising potential to reduce workpiece material adhesion on tool surface and resultantly improve tribo‐logical behavior of the tool.
Ruptured jejunal diverticulum in a 7‐month‐old domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Stark Eden D. , Adams Tippy
Published: July 2024

A 7‐month‐old, female, entire, domestic shorthair presented for acute onset vomiting and anorexia for 24 hours. Radiographs were concerning for mineralised foreign body and peritonitis due to decreased serosal detail and mineral opacities not associated with the lumen of the intestines. An abdominal ultrasound confirmed the presence of a mass or foreign body with a scant amount of fluid in the caudal abdomen. A celiotomy was performed revealing a 3 cm diameter mass at the antimesenteric border of the jejunum with adhered omentum to the jejunal wall. Resection and anastomosis were performed, and the cat recovered uneventfully. The mass was found to be a ruptured jejunal diverticulum. To date, there are few congenital diverticula reported in cats, and to the authors’ knowledge, no previous reports of ruptured diverticula in cats.
The role of sea hares as significant algal herbivores on the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Crofts Rory , Little Maxine , Ward Selina
Published: July 2024

Sea hares are cryptic, herbivorous sea slugs present on many coral reefs worldwide. Although they are known to consume high quantities of macroalgae, they are rarely considered or quantified in assessing algal suppression. Their role as algal suppressors is not well understood, therefore this study sought to quantify sea hare herbivory on the abundant red algal genus Laurencia. The sea hares Aplysia dactylomela, Dolabella auricularia and Dolabella sp. were collected and used in herbivory trials in aquaria at Heron Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef to quantify their rate of consumption. A. dactylomela consumed 76.9 g partially dried weight of Laurencia per 24-h, which was significantly more than the other species, with D. auricularia consuming an average of 22.5 g and Dolabella sp. consuming 37.4 g partially dried weight. Consumption of Laurencia by A. dactylomela increased with body size, with the exception of the smallest animals, which ate up to 12.5 times their body weight. D. auricularia consumed significantly more algae than was lost in control tanks. Although we observed Dolabella sp. feeding on Laurencia, the amount consumed was not significantly different to loss of algae in control tanks. The rate of herbivory on Laurencia by A. dactylomela is comparable or greater than that of more commonly studied reef herbivores such as fishes and urchins, which suggests that they may contribute to algal suppression on coral reefs and further studies are warranted to evaluate their possible role in coral-algal phase shift dynamics.
Pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes of low-dose nivolumab relative to conventional dose in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Gandhi Khushboo A. , Shirsat Aditi , HJ Sharat Kumar , Chavan Ashish , Dicholkar Parnika , Shah Saniya , Menon Nandini , Noronha Vanita , Joshi Amit , Prabhash Kumar , Patil Vijay , Gota Vikram
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Nivolumab is approved at various doses, including 3 mg/kg, 240 mg and 480 mg flat doses at various dosing intervals. The concept of low-dose immunotherapy is gaining traction in recent years. However, there is a need to better understand the pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes at lower doses.

Methods

Patients were either administered 40 mg flat dose or 3 mg/kg Q2W/Q3W, depending on affordability as per prevailing hospital practice. All patients were hospitalized on day 1 and pharmacokinetic samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 6.0, 24.0, 72.0 h and day 14 following administration of the first dose of nivolumab. Plasma nivolumab levels were measured by ELISA. Patients were followed up for response and toxicity.

Results

Twenty five patients were included in the study. Fourteen received nivolumab at conventional dose (3 mg/kg), while 11 patients received low-dose (40 mg flat). The geometric means of dose normalized Cmax and AUC0-t were comparable between those who received conventional dose and low-dose of nivolumab (0.28 versus 0.23 µg/mL/mg and 0.0014 versus 0.0011 d/mL respectively). Nineteen patients were evaluable for response. ORR among patients who received conventional dose was 5/11 (45.5%) whereas it was 4/9 (44.4%) in the low-dose cohort. All 14 (100%) patients in conventional dosing group and 7/11 patients (63.64%) in low-dose group had treatment emergent adverse events. Grade ≥ 3 toxicities were observed in 4/14 patients in conventional dose group and none in low-dose group.

Conclusion

Low-dose nivolumab leads to lower exposure in patients as compared with conventional dose, but low-dose was better tolerated, while response rates were comparable to conventional dose.
Metabolic Regulation in the Induction of Trained Immunity
Authors: Ferreira Anaisa V. , Domínguez-Andrés Jorge , Merlo Pich Laura M. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G.
Published: July 2024

The innate immune system exhibits features of memory, termed trained immunity, which promote faster and more robust responsiveness to heterologous challenges. Innate immune memory is sustained through epigenetic modifications, affecting gene accessibility, and promoting a tailored gene transcription for an enhanced immune response. Alterations in the epigenetic landscape are intertwined with metabolic rewiring. Here, we review the metabolic pathways that underscore the induction and maintenance of trained immunity, including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and amino acid and lipid metabolism. The intricate interplay of these pathways is pivotal for establishing innate immune memory in distinct cellular compartments. We explore in particular the case of resident lung alveolar macrophages. We propose that leveraging the memory of the innate immune system may present therapeutic potential. Specifically, targeting the metabolic programs of innate immune cells is an emerging strategy for clinical interventions, either to boost immune responses in immunosuppressed conditions or to mitigate maladaptive activation in hyperinflammatory diseases.
Arctic Sea Ice Variations in the First Half of the 20th Century: A New Reconstruction Based on Hydrometeorological Data
Authors: Semenov Vladimir A. , Aldonina Tatiana A. , Li Fei , Keenlyside Noel Sebastian , Wang Lin
Published: July 2024

The shrinking Arctic sea-ice area (SIA) in recent decades is a striking manifestation of the ongoing climate change. Variations of the Arctic sea ice have been continuously observed by satellites since 1979, relatively well monitored since the 1950s, but are highly uncertain in the earlier period due to a lack of observations. Several reconstructions of the historical gridded sea-ice concentration (SIC) data were recently presented based on synthesized regional sea-ice observations or by applying a hybrid model–empirical approach. Here, we present an SIC reconstruction for the period 1901–2019 based on established co-variability between SIC and surface air temperature, sea surface temperature, and sea level pressure patterns. The reconstructed sea-ice data for March and September are compared to the frequently used HadISST1.1 and SIBT1850 datasets. Our reconstruction shows a large decrease in SIA from the 1920 to 1940 concurrent with the Early 20th Century Warming event in the Arctic. Such a negative SIA anomaly is absent in HadISST1.1 data. The amplitude of the SIA anomaly reaches about 0.8 mln km2 in March and 1.5 mln km2 in September. The anomaly is about three times stronger than that in the SIBT1850 dataset. The larger decrease in SIA in September is largely due to the stronger SIC reduction in the western sector of the Arctic Ocean in the 70°–80°N latitudinal zone. Our reconstruction provides gridded monthly data that can be used as boundary conditions for atmospheric reanalyses and model experiments to study the Arctic climate for the first half of the 20th century.
Anti-proliferative impact of resveratrol on gingival fibroblasts from juvenile hyaline fibromatosis
Authors: Saygun Işıl , Slezovic Melis Özgül , Özkan Cansel Köse , Bengi Vahdi Umut , Elçi Pınar , Serdar Muhittin , Kantarci Alpdogan
Published: July 2024

Aim

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound with biological activities such as anti-inflammation and antioxidation. Its anti-fibrotic effect has been experimentally demonstrated in the pancreas and liver. This study aims to determine the anti-proliferative effect of resveratrol on fibroblasts obtained from hyperplastic gingival tissues from a patient diagnosed with Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis (JHF).

Materials and methods

Primary gingival fibroblast cell lines were obtained from gingival growth tissues by the gingivectomy of a patient with JHF. Gingival fibroblasts were treated with or without 3 different doses of resveratrol (50, 100, 200 µM). Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation were evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h. Collagen, TGF, and CTGF were analyzed by ELISA in the 48-hour supernatants.

Results

All three doses of resveratrol suppressed the proliferation of JHF gingival fibroblasts at 24 and 48 h without showing any cytotoxic effect compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). At 72 h, 100 and 200 µM resveratrol showed significantly less proliferation (p < 0.0001), less collagen, CTGF, and TGF- β (p < 0.001) than the control group.

Conclusion

Resveratrol had a profound anti-proliferative effect on gingival fibroblasts obtained from gingival enlargements with JHF, suggesting that it can be used as a therapeutic to prevent excessive cell growth by suppressing collagen, CTGF, and TGF- β synthesis in the pathogenesis of hyperplasia.
Enhanced molecular first hyperpolarizabilities with Reichardt’s type of zwitterions: a computational study on roles of various monocyclic aromatic bridges
Authors: Pant Divya , Sitha Sanyasi
Published: July 2024

Context

This work reports structure–property correlations of 27 zwitterions Reichardt’s types of zwitterions. Focuses are twofold, to see the (1) impacts of metamerism with Reichardt’s vs Brooker’s types of zwitterions and (2) impacts of monocyclic aromatic rings as bridges. All the molecules considered here have pyridinium (common acceptor: A) and p-phenylene-dicyanomethanide (common donor: D). Fundamental molecular properties like dipole moments (μ), polarizabilities (α), hyperpolarizabilities (β), and adiabatic absorptions were computed only for the Reichardt types and compared with the literature reported respective Brooker’s types of zwitterions. As an impact of metamerism, in general 2–3 times enhanced hyperpolarizabilities (β) were observed for Reichardt’s compared to Brooker’s types. Exceptions were observed with some triazine bridges and furan bridge, where Brooker’s types were found to be more efficient. As impacts of aromatic bridges, in general, 6–sevenfold enhanced β compared to well-known traditional bridges and enhanced β were observed compared to D-A directly connected zwitterion (benzene bridge: sixfold enhanced β). Current findings show that the aromatic bridge control with Reichardt’s types of zwitterions is more efficient and thus may be employed as an effective strategy for the designing of functional molecular chromophores for various other fundamental areas.

Methods

All computations were performed with Gaussian 09. Geometry optimizations and computations of fundamental properties were carried out with HF, B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, and ωB97xD methodologies, with 6-31G(d,p) and aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets. For adiabatic excitations, computations were carried out using TDDFT and TDHF approaches. For the computations of the response properties (like the nonlinear optical responses), CPHF approach was used.
Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) in finance: a systematic literature review
Authors: Černevičienė Jurgita , Kabašinskas Audrius
Published: July 2024

As the range of decisions made by Artificial Intelligence (AI) expands, the need for Explainable AI (XAI) becomes increasingly critical. The reasoning behind the specific outcomes of complex and opaque financial models requires a thorough justification to improve risk assessment, minimise the loss of trust, and promote a more resilient and trustworthy financial ecosystem. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) identifies 138 relevant articles from 2005 to 2022 and highlights empirical examples demonstrating XAI's potential benefits in the financial industry. We classified the articles according to the financial tasks addressed by AI using XAI, the variation in XAI methods between applications and tasks, and the development and application of new XAI methods. The most popular financial tasks addressed by the AI using XAI were credit management, stock price predictions, and fraud detection. The three most commonly employed AI black-box techniques in finance whose explainability was evaluated were Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Random Forest. Most of the examined publications utilise feature importance, Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), and rule-based methods. In addition, they employ explainability frameworks that integrate multiple XAI techniques. We also concisely define the existing challenges, requirements, and unresolved issues in applying XAI in the financial sector.
Application of Optogenetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Tianjiao , Xu Mengying , Islam Binish , Wang Jianwu
Published: July 2024

Optogenetics, a revolutionary technique integrating optical and genetic methodologies, offers unparalleled precision in spatial targeting and temporal resolution for cellular control. This approach enables the selective manipulation of specific neuronal populations, inducing subtle electrical changes that significantly impact complex neural circuitry. As optogenetics precisely targets and modulates neuronal activity, it holds the potential for significant breakthroughs in understanding and potentially altering the course of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by selective neuronal loss leading to functional deficits within the nervous system. The integration of optogenetics into neurodegenerative disease research has significantly advanced in the field, offering new insights and paving the way for innovative treatment strategies. Its application in clinical settings, although still in the nascent stages, suggests a promising future for addressing some of the most challenging aspects of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of these research undertakings.
Model predictive-based DNN control model for automated steering deployed on FPGA using an automatic IP generator tool
Authors: Reda Ahmad , Bouzid Afulay Ahmed , Zghaibe Alhasan , Drótos Daniel , József Vásárhelyi
Published: July 2024

With the increase in the non-linearity and complexity of the driving system’s environment, developing and optimizing related applications is becoming more crucial and remains an open challenge for researchers and automotive companies alike. Model predictive control (MPC) is a well-known classic control strategy used to solve online optimization problems. MPC is computationally expensive and resource-consuming. Recently, machine learning has become an effective alternative to classical control systems. This paper provides a developed deep neural network (DNN)-based control strategy for automated steering deployed on FPGA. The DNN model was designed and trained based on the behavior of the traditional MPC controller. The performance of the DNN model is evaluated compared to the performance of the designed MPC which already proved its merit in automated driving task. A new automatic intellectual property generator based on the Xilinx system generator (XSG) has been developed, not only to perform the deployment but also to optimize it. The performance was evaluated based on the ability of the controllers to drive the lateral deviation and yaw angle of the vehicle to be as close as possible to zero. The DNN model was implemented on FPGA using two different data types, fixed-point and floating-point, in order to evaluate the efficiency in the terms of performance and resource consumption. The obtained results show that the suggested DNN model provided a satisfactory performance and successfully imitated the behavior of the traditional MPC with a very small root mean square error (RMSE = 0.011228 rad). Additionally, the results show that the deployments using fixed-point data greatly reduced resource consumption compared to the floating-point data type while maintaining satisfactory performance and meeting the safety conditions