bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated intramuscular adipose tissue content with a high Ishak fibrosis stage (>3) had a negative effect on liver regeneration in cirrhotic patients undergoing portal vein embolization
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ling , Huang Meng‐Chuan , Chang Chiao‐I , Yang Li‐Hwa , Wu Chia‐Jen , Chiu Chien‐Chih , Chen Chiao‐Yun , Hsu Jui‐Sheng , Lee King‐Teh , Chang Wen‐Tsan
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the relationship between body composition parameters and changes in future liver remnant volume (FLRV) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing portal vein embolization (PVE) in preparation for right hepatectomy. This retrospective study enrolled 21 patients between May 2013 and October 2020. Body composition parameters, including skeletal muscle attenuation (SMA), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC), and visceral‐to‐subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (VSR), were measured by computed tomography (CT) prior to PVE. Liver volumetry was measured before and at least 5 weeks after PVE. The mean interval between two CT volumetries was 9.1 ± 4.9 weeks, the mean value of increase in FLRV (ΔFLRV) was 236.0 ± 118.3 cm3, the ratio of increased FLRV (ΔFLRV%) was 55.7 ± 29.4%, and the rate of increased FLRV was 31.0 ± 18.8 (cm3/week). Subjects with high IMAC showed significantly lower (p = 0.044) ΔFLRV% than those with normal IMAC. Furthermore, ΔFLRV% was linearly reduced (p for trend = 0.043) among those with low Ishak fibrosis stage (<3) + normal IMAC (76.1 ± 36.8%), those with low Ishak fibrosis stage (<3) + high IMAC or high Ishak fibrosis stage (>3) + normal IMAC (54.0 ± 24.1%), and those with high Ishak fibrosis stage (>3) + low IMAC (28.7 ± 1.6%) (p for trend = 0.043). Our data indicated that high IMAC with a high Ishak fibrosis stage (>3) had a significant negative effect on ΔFLRV%.
In Reference to Predicting Pathologic Lymph Node Positivity in cN0 Pharynx and Larynx Cancers
Authors: Mani Suresh , Panda Smriti , Kumar Rajeev , Singh Chirom A
Published: November 2022

We thank Eric M. Anderson et al. (1) for describing and identifying the probability and predictors of pN+ among patients with cN0 pharynx and larynx cancer in a large national dataset. We have a few questions about this retrospective study and would like to discuss them with the author so that we can better comprehend them. Laryngoscope, 2022
Livestock exclusion enhances shrub encroachment in an alpine meadow on the eastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shi Huijin , Jiang Shengjing , Bian Jianghui , He Jin‐Sheng
Published: November 2022

The Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau alpine grassland is experiencing shrub encroachment, which threatens the livelihoods of local nomads. Livestock exclusion management policies have also been implemented in this grassland. It has been predicted that shrubs here will likely encroach after long‐term yak elimination, but this inference is not supported by a manipulation experiment. To determine how shrubs respond to livestock grazing cessation, we investigated Potentilla fruticose L. characteristics and properties of herbs and soil in a ‘livestock exclusion‐free grazing’ system with exclosure experiments of 9, 17, and 23 years in the northeast region of the Plateau. We showed that each characteristic of shrub growth and reproduction was significantly greater in exclosures than in control plots, and shrub properties enhancements by livestock exclusion increased over time. We further found that this livestock exclusion induced‐shrub encroachment was related not only to the exclusion of livestock's direct disturbances but also to the competitive advantage gain of shrubs through plant–plant interactions and improvement of resources in deep soil for shrubs. Given the negative influences of shrub encroachment, especially lowering rangeland quality, livestock exclusion management in alpine grasslands should be used with caution.
3D Printed Multifunctional Self‐Adhesive and Conductive Polyacrylamide/Chitosan/Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose/CNT Hydrogels as Flexible Sensors
Authors: Hao Feiyue , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili , Sun Shuang
Published: November 2022

3D printing of hydrogels with improved mechanical properties will play an important role in many fields in the future. Polyacrylamide with controllable reaction conditions and chitosan with increased mechanical strength are chosen to prepare hybrid hydrogels with high mechanical properties (elongation >2000%). The addition of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose enables this hydrogel system to have excellent rheological properties for 3D printing. The samples prepared by 3D printing technology have larger elongation (>1000%) and higher elastic modulus (141.99 kPa). Carbon nanotube‐added composite hydrogels can be used to fabricate flexible electronic devices with diverse functions and structures. The prepared sensor can detect the signals of human movement (joint movement, breathing, drinking water), and has a sensitive signal response in the range of 12–67 °C. In addition, this sensor can also be extended to the application of NH3 gas signal sensing. Due to the stable performance and long service life of conductive multifunctional hydrogels, the application potential of hydrogel sensors will be further increased. In conclusion, this simple‐prepared 3D‐printable high‐mechanical‐performance hydrogel with multiple network crosslinks has a favorable competitive advantage in future flexible material applications.
Mimicking Enzymatic Non‐Covalent Interactions with Functionalized Covalent Organic Frameworks for Improved Adsorption and Hydrolysis of Cellobiose
Authors: Lan Pui Ching , Zhang Yin , Zhang Weijie , Ge Xueying , Ma Shengqian
Published: November 2022

Tuning catalytic centers in heterogeneous catalyst, both in a chemical and a spatial manner, is a powerful approach to improve the stability and the efficiency of catalysts. While the chemical aspects are largely understood, the spatial interactions around active sites, comprised of non‐covalent interactions, are difficult to maintain and challenging to study. Herein, the unique properties of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are utilized to establish an ideal reaction environment for the hydrolysis of cellobiose and other common disaccharides in mild, metal‐free, and neutral aqueous conditions. The chosen COF, HCl‐PSA‐IM‐COF‐OMe (“HCl” for hydrochloric acid, “PSA” for propyl sulfonic acid, “IM” for imidazole, and “OMe” for methoxy), is modified to be ultra‐stable in aqueous conditions and possesses sulfonic acid groups for general acid catalysis and for enhanced hydrogen bonding with reactants as well as intraporous chloride anions for oxocarbenium intermediate stabilization. In addition, the system also relies on the differences in adsorptive binding behavior, Kads, of the reactants and the products to the functionalized framework and benefits from a separate physical, kinetic process to boost the catalytic cycle. Due to its stability in aqueous conditions, HCl‐PSA‐IM‐COF‐OMe can be recycled and maintains its hydrolytic properties for five cycles before regeneration is needed.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Separator Modification of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Yang Xuemiao , Li Pengyue , Cui Fangling , Wang Ruihu , Li Xiaoju
Published: November 2022

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as one of the promising energy storage systems. However, rapid capacity attenuation caused by shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides is major challenge in practical application. The separator modification is regarded as one countermeasure besides the construction of sulfur host materials. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are one type of outstanding candidates for suppressing shuttle effect of polysulfides. Herein, recent advances of COFs in the application as commercial separator modifiers are summarized. COFs serve as ionic sieves, the importance of porous size and surface environments in inhibiting soluble polysulfides shuttling and promoting lithium ions conduction is highlighted. The superiority of charge‐neutral COFs, ionic COFs, and the composites of COFs with conductive materials for improving reversible capacity and cycling stability is demonstrated. Some new strategies for the design of COF‐based separator modifiers are proposed to achieving high energy density. The review provides new perspectives for future development of high‐performance Li–S batteries.
A novel splicing mutation in 5'UTR of GJB1 causes X‐linked Charcot—Marie–tooth disease
Authors: Li MeiYi , Yin Minna , Yang Li , Chen Zhiheng , Du Peng , Sun Ling , Chen Juan
Published: November 2022

Background

Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is the most frequent hereditary motor sensory neurological disease. GJB1 gene is the second most frequent cause of CMT, accounting for approximately 10% of CMT cases worldwide. We identified a large Han family with X‐linked CMT disease.

Methods

In this study, the probands and his mother underwent electrophysiological examinations and other family members were assessed retrospectively. Whole‐exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and SNP array linkage analysis were performed to find and confirm the variant. The functional effect of the identified variant was further investigated in HEK293 cells and MCF‐7 cells by minigene splicing assay.

Results

The affected individuals had some clinical symptoms including symmetric atrophy and progressive weakness of the distal muscles in their twenties. Electrophysiological examinations result in peripheral nerve injury of the upper and lower limbs. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a novel hemizygous deletion mutation (NM_000166: c.‐16‐8_‐14del) in the GJB1 gene. SNP array linkage analysis and co‐segregation analysis confirmed this mutation. Minigene splicing assay verified that this mutation leads to the activation of cryptic splicing sites in exon 2 which results in the deletion of exon 2.

Conclusion

Our study provides theoretical guidance for prenatal diagnosis and subsequent fertility of this family. This result expands the spectrum of mutations in GJB1 known to be associated with CMTX and contributes to the diagnosis of CMT and clinical genetic counseling.
Field test of an enhanced LIPS to direct‐monitor the elemental composition of particulate matters in polluted air
Authors: Zhixing Gao , Fengming Hu , Hongyu He , Jing Li , Daqing Cui , Jian Gao , Zhao Wang
Published: November 2022

Laser‐induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS, also LIBS) is a promising technique for the challenging issues associated with the real time and in‐situ monitoring of the elements in aerosol particulate matter. A prototype of Aero‐LIPS had been set up with the techniques of aerosol beam focusing, enhanced plasma emission collector, and conditional data filter to demonstrate the potential application of air pollution composition monitoring. It can identify more than 40 elements from aerosols and continuously monitor 20 elements with a time interval of 10 min. In the field test of an Asian dust event, the major elements, such as Ca, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, P, and S, were real‐time monitored, which weighted 77.9% part of the particulate matter. The evolutions of temporal elemental concentrations went well along with the particle matter concentration. In the test, several persistent lines of U and Th have been identified from dusted air, although their concentrations range in the level of nano‐grams per cubic meter. Further work is ongoing to directly determine the detection limit of U and Th to confirm the potential application for nuclear emission safeguard.
Pathways to subsistence management in Alaska national parks: Perspectives of harvesters and agency staff
Authors: Green Kristen M. , Beaudreau Anne H. , Lukin Maija Katak , Ardoin Nicole M.
Published: November 2022

Alaska Native peoples rely on harvest of animals and plants for cultural, nutritional, social and spiritual benefits. Contemporary management of these resources occurs under state and federal regulations; however, a long history of Indigenous stewardship precedes Western management systems and continues today. To illuminate the areas of compatibility and divergence among Indigenous and Western management systems, we examined multiple perspectives on subsistence management in Western Arctic National Parklands through interviews and focus group discussions with Indigenous (Iñupiat) communities and National Park Service (NPS) staff members in Alaska, USA.

We examined perceptions about (1) communication and relationships between subsistence harvesters and NPS staff and (2) barriers to, and solutions for, improving subsistence management. We find various pathways to improving subsistence management from within the NPS structure that were shared between harvesters and management staff including addressing bureaucratic barriers and institutional structures, engaging the public in formal regulatory processes, enhancing community engagement and informal communication pathways, and bridging Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific knowledge systems.

Pathways described by both harvesters and agency staff for improving management within the current governance system included fostering local and Indigenous representation in NPS management, minimizing NPS staff turnover, and changing the frequency and style of NPS engagement, especially through in‐person visits to rural villages. NPS staff described the need for increased funding, allocation of time and personnel to facilitate more outreach in villages; such shifts may help mitigate some of the perceived challenges associated with agency responsiveness to harvester needs.

Harvesters and agency staff also discussed ways to perpetuate Indigenous stewardship practices outside of the federal (and state) governance systems. Advocating for self‐determination and sovereignty over resource stewardship was the most prevalent theme from harvester interviews. Harvesters discussed power asymmetries that are embedded in the current management system and paths forward for Indigenous self‐determination.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Psychosocial outcomes and quality of life among school‐age survivors of retinoblastoma
Authors: Morse Melanie , Parris Kendra , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Phipps Sean , Brennan Rachel C. , Wilson Matthew W. , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Goode Kristin , Willard Victoria W.
Published: November 2022

Background

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular childhood cancer and is typically diagnosed in young children. With increasing number of survivors and improved medical outcomes, long‐term psychosocial impacts need to be explored. Thus, the current study sought to assess functioning in school‐aged survivors of retinoblastoma.

Procedure

Sixty‐nine survivors of retinoblastoma underwent a one‐time evaluation of psychosocial functioning. Survivors (Mage = 10.89 years, SD = 1.07 years; 49.3% male; 56.5% unilateral disease) and parents completed measures of quality of life (QoL; PedsQL) and emotional, behavioral, and social functioning (PROMIS [patient‐reported outcome measurement information system] Pediatric Profile, BASC‐2 parent report). Demographic and medical variables were also obtained.

Results

On the whole, both survivors and caregivers indicated QoL and behavioral and emotional health within the typical range of functioning. Survivors reported better physical QoL compared to both parent report and a national healthy comparison sample, whereas caregivers reported that survivors experienced lower social, school, and physical QoL than a healthy comparison. Regarding behavioral and emotional health, survivors indicated more anxiety than a nationally representative sample. Parents of female survivors endorsed lower adaptive scores than parents of male survivors.

Conclusions

Results indicated that survivors of retinoblastoma reported QoL and behavioral and emotional health within normal limits, although parents appear to perceive greater impairment across several assessed domains. Understanding both survivor and parent reports remains important for this population. Future research should explore psychosocial functioning of these survivors as they transition to adolescence and early adulthood, given the increased independence and behavioral and emotional concerns during these developmental periods.
Cardiovascular toxicities with pediatric tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: An analysis of adverse events reported to the Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Narayan Hari K. , Sheline Karyn , Wong Victor , Kuo Dennis , Choo Sun , Yoon Janet , Leger Kasey , Kutty Shelby , Fradley Michael , Tremoulet Adriana , Ky Bonnie , Armenian Saro , Guha Avirup
Published: November 2022

We sought to examine cardiovascular toxicities associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in pediatrics. We examined 1624 pediatric adverse events with imatinib, dasatinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, crizotinib, and ruxolitinib reported to the Food and Drug Administration between January 1, 2015, and August 14, 2020. There were 102 cardiovascular event reports. Hypertension was the most commonly reported cardiovascular event and was most frequently associated with sorafenib and pazopanib. The presence of infection increased the reporting odds of cardiovascular events overall and specifically cardiac arrest, heart failure, and hypertension. These data provide early insight into cardiovascular toxicities with tyrosine kinase inhibitor use in pediatrics.
MCO1 and MCO3, two putative ascorbate oxidases with ferroxidase activity, new candidates for the regulation of apoplastic iron excess in Arabidopsis
Authors: Brun Alexis , Smokvarska Marija , Wei Lili , Chay Sandrine , Curie Catherine , Mari Stéphane
Published: November 2022

Iron (Fe) is an essential metal ion that plays a major role as a cofactor in many biological processes. The balance between the Fe2+ and Fe3+ forms is central for cellular Fe homeostasis because it regulates its transport, utilization, and storage. Contrary to Fe3+ reduction that is crucial for Fe uptake by roots in deficiency conditions, ferroxidation has been much less studied. In this work, we have focused on the molecular characterization of two members of the MultiCopper Oxidase family (MCO1 and MCO3) that share high identity with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferroxidase Fet3. The heterologous expression of MCO1 and MCO3 restored the growth of the yeast fet3fet4 mutant, impaired in high and low affinity Fe uptake and otherwise unable to grow in Fe deficient media, suggesting that MCO1 and MCO3 were functional ferroxidases. The ferroxidase enzymatic activity of MCO3 was further confirmed by the measurement of Fe2+‐dependent oxygen consumption, because ferroxidases use oxygen as electron acceptor to generate water molecules. In planta, the expression of MCO1 and MCO3 was induced by increasing Fe concentrations in the medium. Promoter‐GUS reporter lines showed that MCO1 and MCO3 were mostly expressed in shoots and histochemical analyses further showed that both promoters were highly active in mesophyll cells. Transient expression of MCO1‐RFP and MCO3‐RFP in tobacco leaves revealed that both proteins were localized in the apoplast. Moreover, cell plasmolysis experiments showed that MCO1 remained closely associated to the plasma membrane whereas MCO3 filled the entire apoplast compartment. Although the four knock out mutant lines isolated (mco1‐1, mco1‐2, mco3‐1, and mco3‐2) did not display any macroscopic phenotype, histochemical staining of Fe with the Perls/DAB procedure revealed that mesophyll cells of all four mutants overaccumulated Fe inside the cells in Fe‐rich structures in the chloroplasts, compared with wild‐type. These results suggested that the regulation of Fe transport in mesophyll cells had been disturbed in the mutants, in both standard condition and Fe excess. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that MCO1 and MCO3 participate in the control of Fe transport in the mesophyll cells, most likely by displacing the Fe2+/Fe3+ balance toward Fe3+ in the apoplast and therefore limiting the accumulation of Fe2+, which is more mobile and prone to be transported across the plasma membrane.
Current and future potential distribution of the invasive scale Ceroplastes rusci (L., 1758) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) under climate niche
Authors: Shan Yiman , Gao Xinyue , Hu Xinyu , Hou Yunfeng , Wang Fang
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

The fig wax scale, Ceroplastes rusci is an invasive pest that feeds on more than 94 genera from 52 families that is spread across 60 countries, causing negative impacts to agriculture and forestry. Understanding the potential distribution of invasive species under climate change is crucial for the management and monitoring purposes. Thus, we predicted the potential distribution areas of C. rusci using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) based on the occurrence data and environmental variables under current and future climatic scenarios.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the temperature annual range (Bio 7) and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio 10) attributed to a higher contribution to the current model of the distribution of C. rusci. The potential distribution maps illustrated the main concentrated areas of C. rusci which included South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In addition, potential range expansions or reductions were predicted under different future climate change scenarios, which showed that the total suitable areas of the fig wax scale presented an increasing trend until 2100.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides significant data to understand the potential distribution of C. rusci around the world. It also serves as an early warning for the highly suitable habitat areas that even offers a platform to the currently non‐infested regions or countries who are yet to develop monitoring strategies in response to the possible C. rusci outbreak. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Immobilized Zirconocene Chloride on Magnetite‐reduced Graphene Oxide: A Highly Efficient and Reusable Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst for One‐pot Three‐component Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and Dihydropyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes
Authors: Bayzidi Massood , Zeynizadeh Behzad
Published: November 2022

The present paper describes the synthesis and characterization of the functionalized magnetite reduced graphene oxide (rGO@Fe3O4) with zirconocene dichloride as rGO@Fe3O4@ZrCp2Cl2. The prepared magnetic nanomaterial was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) and mass spectrometry (MS). This new heterogeneous nanocatalyst showed the perfect catalytic activity towards synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and Dihydropyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes derivatives through multicomponent reaction of dimedone or 4‐hydroxycoumarin, malononitrile and aromatic aldehydes in polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG‐400) at 100 °C. The influence of the amount of nanocatalyst, varying temperature of the reaction and the kind of solvent on the rate of condensation reaction was investigated. Recovery and reusability of the applied nanocatalyst was examined for five consecutive cycles without the significant loss of its catalytic activity.
Synthesis and Characterization of 2‐(2‐((1‐Aryl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)phenyl)benzoxazoles: Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Thakral Sumit , Rani Suman , Lal Kashmiri , Kumar Devinder
Published: November 2022

A series of twenty 2‐(2‐((1‐aryl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)phenyl) benzoxazoles were synthesized from different aryl azides by copper catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction in 78–88 % yield. The structure of products was elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. These compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines [MCF‐7 (Breast), HT‐29 (Colon), Hep‐G2 (Liver), A549 (Lung) and PC‐3 (Prostate)] using the standard drug Adriamycin. It was found that 2‐(2‐((1‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)phenyl)benzoxazole (6 g) was active against all the above cancer cell lines with good activity against PC‐3 cancer cell line (GI50 value 60 μM) comparative to Adriamycin (GI50 value 0.3 μM). Compound 6 g also displayed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 value 4.56 μM) as compared to standard ascorbic acid (IC50 value 9.10 μM).
Nano‐Theranostic Modality for Visualization of the Placenta and Photo‐Hyperthermia for Potential Management of Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Moses Abraham S. , Kadam Leena , St Lorenz Anna , Baldwin Maureen K. , Morgan Terry , Hebert Jessica , Park Youngrong , Lee Hyelim , Demessie Ananiya A. , Korzun Tetiana , Mamnoon Babak , Alani Adam W. G. , Taratula Oleh , Myatt Leslie , Taratula Olena R.
Published: November 2022

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternity‐related death in the first trimester of pregnancy. Approximately 98% of ectopic implantations occur in the fallopian tube, and expedient management is crucial for preventing hemorrhage and maternal death in the event of tubal rupture. Current ultrasound strategies misdiagnose EP in up to 40% of cases, and the failure rate of methotrexate treatment for confirmed EP exceeds 10%. Here the first theranostic strategy for potential management of EP is reported using a near‐infrared naphthalocyanine dye encapsulated within polymeric nanoparticles. These nanoparticles preferentially accumulate in the developing murine placenta within 24 h following systemic administration, and enable visualization of implantation sites at various gestational stages via fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging. These nanoparticles do not traverse the placental barrier to the fetus or impact fetal development. However, excitation of nanoparticles localized in specific placentas with focused NIR light generates heat (>43 °C) sufficient for disruption of placental function, resulting in the demise of targeted fetuses with no effect on adjacent fetuses. This novel approach would enable diagnostic confirmation of EP when current imaging strategies are unsuccessful, and elimination of EP could subsequently be achieved using the same nano‐agent to generate localized hyperthermia resulting in targeted placental impairment.
Versatile MXene integrated assembly for piezoresistive micro‐force sensing
Authors: Wang Shenglong , Lan Boling , Gao Yuyu , Xie Yanting , He Hanyu , Xiong Da , Tian Guo , Yang Tao , Huang Junfeng , Ao Yong , Sun Yue , Yang Weiqing , Deng Weili
Published: November 2022

MXenes have received tremendous attention for flexible electronics owing to their excellent conductivity, water dispersibility, and mechanical flexibility. However, the sediment from the MXene production process is usually discarded as trash, resulting in low utilization. Here, we present a flexible pressure sensor that enables micro‐force sensing and efficient utilization of MXene by confining MXene trash among structured MXene electrodes. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of both the confined micro‐conical structure and easily changeable space of MXene trash, the as‐designed device can detect extremely subtle pressure of 2.9 Pa, deliver a high sensitivity over 4.08 kPa−1, and exhibit a remarkably fast response time (7 ms). These properties make it suitable for monitoring weak force signals from human wrist pulse and even for detecting dynamic responses associated with acoustic waves. This work provides a reference for the versatile and efficient application of MXene in the same device, showing great potential for sustainable production of next‐generation wearable smart electronics.
2D nonlocal elasticity: Investigation of stress and strain fields in complex shape regions
Authors: Kuvyrkin Georgy Nikolaevich , Savelyeva Inga Yurievna , Sokolov Andrey Alexandrovich
Published: November 2022

The paper presents the features of solutions to nonlocal elasticity problems in domains with stepped transitions and elliptical notches. A comparative analysis of the solutions obtained in the classical and nonlocal elasticity theories was carried out, as well as an analysis of the influence of the main parameters of the model on the final results. The presented solutions for the region with a step transition are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data and have similar portraits of deformations and resultant stresses along the loading axis. In regions with elliptical notches, similar effects are observed. In addition to qualitative agreement with experiments, solutions in the nonlocal formulation have lower stress values in the concentrators and exhibit edge effects, which are characterized by sharp stress and strain gradients at the domain boundaries. The solutions were carried out numerically by the finite element method.
Religious/Spiritual Development and Positive Psychology: Toward an Integrative Theory
Authors: Davis Edward B. , Day James M. , Lindia Philip A. , Lemke Austin W.
Published: November 2022

Throughout the history of psychology, scholars and practitioners have sought to understand religious/spiritual (R/S) development and its intersections with well-being. Several models of R/S development have been proposed, but they have neither been well-integrated with each other nor studied and applied broadly in the field of positive psychology. This chapter’s purpose is to draw on existing longitudinal research on R/S development to propose an integrative theory that can guide developmental science and practice on religion, spirituality, and positive psychology. This Positive Religious and Spiritual Development (PRSD) theory posits that people’s religiousness/spirituality (a) is motivated by goals designed to meet psychological needs (e.g., for acceptance, predictability, and competence); (b) consists of mental/neural representations (stored beliefs, emotions, action tendencies, and physiological responses) and R/S habits that develop and change through relational experiences at the micro-, meso-, and macrolevels; (c) is influenced by numerous contextual factors (e.g., age, sex/gender, culture, and faith tradition), including personal and sociocultural assets and liabilities (risk and resilience factors); and (d) interacts bidirectionally with people’s holistic well-being via psychological, social, behavioral, and physical pathways. We offer illustrative examples of PRSD theory, highlight some of its caveats and limitations, and discuss its applications for clinical practice and religious ministry.
Meaning as a Framework for Integrating Positive Psychology and the Psychology of Religiousness and Spirituality
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Van Tongeren Daryl R.
Published: November 2022

Both the subfields of positive psychology (PP) and the psychology of religiousness and spirituality (PRS) are producing interesting, relevant, and impactful research, but very little integration of this research occurs between these subfields. We propose that a meaning system framework may be useful in unifying science and practice at the intersection of PP and PRS. In this chapter, we describe this meaning systems framework and summarize each subfield’s key meaning-related areas of focus, methods, and applications. We then highlight the convergences and divergences in these key areas of both subfields. We conclude that meaning is a unifying construct around which future theory and empirical research on PP and PRS can coalesce, and we propose some specific directions for a fruitful integration of these two subfields.
Large N expansion of an integrated correlator in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Hatsuda Yasuyuki , Okuyama Kazumi
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Recently Dorigoni, Green and Wen conjectured a remarkable exact formula for an integrated correlator of four superconformal primary operators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. In this work, we investigate its large N limit in detail. We show that the formula of Dorigoni, Green and Wen can be recast into the sum over the contributions of (p, q)-strings via the holography in the large N limit. Due to the SL(2, ℤ) duality, all the contributions are governed by a single function, typically appearing as the fundamental string contribution. The large order behavior for the perturbative genus expansion of this function allows us to reveal the large N non-perturbative corrections. The same result is obtained more systematically by using a Laplace-difference equation for the integrated correlator.
Hermitian K-theory for stable $$\infty $$-categories I: Foundations
Authors: Calmès Baptiste , Dotto Emanuele , Harpaz Yonatan , Hebestreit Fabian , Land Markus , Moi Kristian , Nardin Denis , Nikolaus Thomas , Steimle Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

This paper is the first in a series in which we offer a new framework for hermitian$${\text {K}}$$K-theory in the realm of stable$$\infty $$∞-categories. Our perspective yields solutions to a variety of classical problems involving Grothendieck-Witt groups of rings and clarifies the behaviour of these invariants when 2 is not invertible. In the present article we lay the foundations of our approach by considering Lurie’s notion of a Poincaré$$\infty $$∞-category, which permits an abstract counterpart of unimodular forms called Poincaré objects. We analyse the special cases of hyperbolic and metabolic Poincaré objects, and establish a version of Ranicki’s algebraic Thom construction. For derived$$\infty $$∞-categories of rings, we classify all Poincaré structures and study in detail the process of deriving them from classical input, thereby locating the usual setting of forms over rings within our framework. We also develop the example of visible Poincaré structures on$$\infty $$∞-categories of parametrised spectra, recovering the visible signature of a Poincaré duality space. We conduct a thorough investigation of the global structural properties of Poincaré$$\infty $$∞-categories, showing in particular that they form a bicomplete, closed symmetric monoidal$$\infty $$∞-category. We also study the process of tensoring and cotensoring a Poincaré$$\infty $$∞-category over a finite simplicial complex, a construction featuring prominently in the definition of the$${\text {L}}$$L- and Grothendieck-Witt spectra that we consider in the next instalment. Finally, we define already here the 0th Grothendieck-Witt group of a Poincaré$$\infty $$∞-category using generators and relations. We extract its basic properties, relating it in particular to the 0th$${\text {L}}$$L- and algebraic$${\text {K}}$$K-groups, a relation upgraded in the second instalment to a fibre sequence of spectra which plays a key role in our applications.
Importance of beta cell mass for glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jansen Theodorus J. P. , Brom Maarten , Boss Marti , Buitinga Mijke , Tack Cees J. , van Meijel Lian A. , de Galan Bastiaan E. , Gotthardt Martin
Published: November 2022

Aims/hypothesis

The role of beta cell mass in the balance of glucose control and hypoglycaemic burden in people with type 1 diabetes is unclear. We applied positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radiolabelled exendin to compare beta cell mass among people with type 1 diabetes and either low glucose variability (LGV) or high glucose variability (HGV).

Methods

All participants with either LGV (n=9) or HGV (n=7) underwent a mixed-meal tolerance test to determine beta cell function and wore a blinded continuous glucose monitor for a week. After an i.v. injection with [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4, PET images were acquired for the quantification of pancreatic uptake of radiolabelled exendin. The mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean) of the pancreas was used to determine the amount of beta cell mass.

Results

Participants with LGV had lower HbA1c (46.0 mmol/mol [44.5–52.5] [6.4% (6.3–7)] vs 80 mmol/mol [69.0–110] [9.5% (8.5–12.2)], p=0.001) and higher time in range (TIR) (75.6% [73.5–90.3] vs 38.7% [25.1–48.5], p=0.002) than those with HGV. The SUVmean of the pancreas was higher for the LGV than for the HGV group (5.1 [3.6–5.6] vs 2.9 [2.1–3.4], p=0.008). The AUCC-peptide:AUCglucose ratio was numerically, but not statistically, higher in the LGV compared with the HGV group (2.7×10−2 [6.2×10−4–5.3×10−2] vs 9.3×10−4 [4.7×10−4–5.2×10−3], p=0.21). SUVmean correlated with the AUCC-peptide:AUCglucose ratio (Pearson r=0.64, p=0.01), as well as with the TIR (r=0.64, p=0.01) and the SD of interstitial glucose levels (r=−0.66, p=0.007).

Conclusion/interpretation

Our data show higher beta cell mass in people with type 1 diabetes and LGV than in those with HGV, independent of beta cell function.

Graphical abstract
Mergers and bank branches: two decades of evidence from the USA
Authors: Calzada Joan , Fageda Xavier , Martínez-Santos Fernando
Published: November 2022

In recent decades, the US bank market has been exposed to several waves of mergers, resulting in concerns about branch presence and consumer access to financial services. This paper examines the effects of bank mergers on branch density in the period 2000–2020. To do so, we use panel regressions and matching techniques at the census tract level to study the impact of inter- and intrastate mergers before and after the Great Recession of 2007. To generate plausible exogenous variation for mergers, our analysis focuses on transactions involving large entities, and we consider the within-tract variation in exposure to mergers. A comparison of exposed and unexposed tracts shows that in the period under study each merger  reduced branch density by around 3%. Moreover, interstate mergers reduced branch density at the tract level across the whole period but had an expansionary effect on the number of branches at the county level before the crisis. Intrastate mergers, in contrast, had a consolidation effect across the whole period, an impact that was more intense in rural tracts and in tracts where merging entities operated overlapping branch networks. Finally, we show that the reduction of bank branches was stronger in tracts with a relatively higher penetration of broadband Internet services, but we find no evidence that the adoption of FinTech services intensified branch closures.
Leflunomide abrogates neuroinflammatory changes in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease: the role of TNF-α/NF-κB/IL-1β axis inhibition
Authors: Nafea Menna , Elharoun Mona , Abd-Alhaseeb Mohammad Mohmoud , Helmy Maged Wasfy
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and is associated with disrupted cognition and behavior. Neuroinflammatory pathogenesis is the main component that contributes to AD initiation and progression through microglial activation and neuronal damage. Thus, targeting inflammatory pathways may help manage AD. In this study, for the first time, the potential prophylactic and therapeutic effects of leflunomide were investigated either alone or in combination with rivastigmine in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD-like rats using behavioral, biochemical, and histological approaches. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into two protocols: the treatment protocol, subdivided into five groups (n = 6)—(1) control group, (2) AlCl3 (50, 70, 100 mg/kg/I.P) group, (3) reference group (rivastigmine 2 mg/kg/P.O.), (4) experimental group (leflunomide 10 mg/kg/P.O.), and (5) combination group (rivastigmine + leflunomide); and the prophylactic protocol (leflunomide 10 mg/kg/P.O.), which started 2 weeks before AlCl3 induction. The results showed that AlCl3 disrupted learning and memory parameters in rats and increased amyloid-β plaque deposition and neurofibrillary tangle aggregation. Moreover, AlCl3 administration markedly elevated acetylcholinesterase activity, nuclear factor-kappa β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1 beta, and marked degenerative changes in the pyramidal neurons. However, administration of leflunomide alone or with rivastigmine in AlCl3-induced AD rats restored most of the behavioral, biochemical, and histological parameters triggered by AlCl3 in rats. Our findings suggest that leflunomide can potentially restore most of the neuronal damage in the hippocampal tissues of AlCl3-induced AD rats. However, these preclinical findings still need to be confirmed in clinical trials.
Bioactive compounds, pharmacological actions and pharmacokinetics of Cupressus sempervirens
Authors: Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Teibo John Oluwafemi , Shaheen Hazem M. , Akinfe Opeyemi Abigail , Awad Aya Ahmed , Teibo Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios
Published: November 2022

The roles of plants and its products in all forms of life cannot be overemphasized. The medicinal products from plant are phytochemicals, drugs, food supplements, beauty products, etc. In ethnomedicine, leaves, fruits, stem, bark, root and fluids from plants are used in the cure, management and prevention of several diseases. Cupressus sempervirens, sometimes called Italian or Mediterranean cypress, is found in subtropical Asia, North America and eastern Mediterranean region. Pharmacological investigations of Cupressus sempervirens showed biological properties such as aromatherapeutic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic or anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiperspirant, diuretic and antispasmodic. Chemical analysis of Cupressus sempervirens gives phytochemicals like monoterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoid glycosides and bioflavonoids. The current review highlights interactions, conventional uses and biological actions of Cupressus sempervirens plant and plant products.
Brief report: STING expressed in tumor and non-tumor compartments has distinct roles in regulating anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Kim Jennie C. , Liu Xian , Fitzgerald Karen , Eng Jason S. , Orf Jessica , O’Brien Sarah A. , Belmontes Brian , Casbon Amy-Jo , Novitskiy Sergey V. , Tarbell Kristin V. , DeVoss Jason , Egen Jackson G.
Published: November 2022

Type I interferon-mediated activation of immune cells can facilitate the generation of productive tumor antigen-specific T cell responses in solid tumors. The cGAS/STING DNA sensing pathway is a critical upstream mediator of type I interferon production and is an important regulator of anti-tumor immunity. Numerous STING pathway agonists are now being tested in clinical trials, but the effectiveness of this approach is not yet clear and a better understanding of the relative importance of this pathway in various tumor settings is needed. We have evaluated syngeneic tumor models with different baseline inflammatory states to determine the contributions of STING activity in both tumor and non-tumor cellular compartments to anti-tumor immune responses. We find that productive anti-tumor immune responses in the poorly immunogenic B16F10 model show a strong dependence on STING expression in non-tumor cells. In the immunogenic MC38 model, constitutive STING activation in tumor cells can partially bypass the requirement for STING-dependent activity from immune cells. Our findings reveal multiple, context-dependent roles for STING activity in the regulation of anti-tumor immunity and the response to immunotherapy. In preclinical models where STING is basally active, checkpoint inhibition is more likely to have a therapeutic effect and removal of STING signaling from either the tumor or the non-tumor compartment has a minimal effect. Removal of STING signaling in both, however, diminishes the efficacy derived from checkpoint therapy. Further work is needed to understand the heterogeneity of STING signaling in patients, both in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, and the best means of harnessing this pathway to generate anti-tumor immunity and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Impact of ocean data assimilation on climate predictions with ICON-ESM
Authors: Pohlmann Holger , Brune Sebastian , Fröhlich Kristina , Jungclaus Johann H. , Sgoff Christine , Baehr Johanna
Published: November 2022

We develop a data assimilation scheme with the Icosahedral Non-hydrostatic Earth System Model (ICON-ESM) for operational decadal and seasonal climate predictions at the German weather service. For this purpose, we implement an Ensemble Kalman Filter to the ocean component as a first step towards a weakly coupled data assimilation. We performed an assimilation experiment over the period 1960–2014. This ocean-only assimilation experiment serves to initialize 10-year long retrospective predictions (hindcasts) started each year on 1 November. On multi-annual time scales, we find predictability of sea surface temperature and salinity as well as oceanic heat and salt contents especially in the North Atlantic. The mean Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is realistic and the variability is stable during the assimilation. On seasonal time scales, we find high predictive skill in the tropics with highest values in variables related to the El Niño/Southern Oscillation phenomenon. In the Arctic, the hindcasts correctly represent the decreasing sea ice trend in winter and, to a lesser degree, also in summer, although sea ice concentration is generally much too low in both hemispheres in summer. However, compared to other prediction systems, prediction skill is relatively low in regions apart from the tropical Pacific due to the missing atmospheric assimilation. Further improvements of the simulated mean state of ICON-ESM, e.g. through fine-tuning of the sea ice and the oceanic circulation in the Southern Ocean, are expected to improve the predictive skill. In general, we demonstrate that our data assimilation method is successfully initializing the oceanic component of the climate system.
Diuretic dose trajectories in dilated cardiomyopathy: prognostic implications
Authors: Nuzzi Vincenzo , Cannatà Antonio , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Manca Paolo , Stolfo Davide , Gregorio Caterina , Barbati Giulia , Bromage Daniel I. , McDonagh Theresa , Cleland John G. F. , Merlo Marco , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: November 2022

Background

For patients with heart failure, prescription of loop diuretics (LD) and of higher doses are associated with an adverse prognosis. We investigated LD dose trajectories and their associations with outcomes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods

Associations between outcomes and both furosemide-equivalent dose (FED) at enrolment and change in FED in the subsequent 24 months were evaluated. According to FED trajectory, patients were classified as (i) dose↑ (FED increase by ≥ 50% or newly initiated); (ii) dose↓ (FED decrease by ≥ 50%); (iii) stable dose (change in FED by < 50%); and (iv) never-users. The primary outcome was all-cause-death/heart transplantation/ventricular-assist-device/heart failure hospitalization. The secondary outcome was all-cause-death/heart transplantation/ventricular-assist-device.

Results

Of 1,131 patients enrolled, 738 (65%) were prescribed LD at baseline. Baseline FED was independently associated with outcome (HR per 20 mg increase: 1.12 [95% CI 1.04–1.22], p = 0.003).
Of the 908 with information on FED within 24 months from enrolment, 31% were never-users; 29% were dose↓; 26% were stable dose and 14% were dose↑. In adjusted models, compared to never-users, stable dose had a higher risk of the primary outcome (HR 2.42 [95% CI 1.19–4.93], p = 0.015), while dose↑ had the worst prognosis (HR 2.76 [95% CI 1.27–6.03], p = 0.011). Results were similar for the secondary outcome. Compared to patients who remained on LD, discontinuation of LD (143, 24%) was associated with an improved outcome (HR 0.43 [95% CI 0.28–0.65], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with DCM, LD use and increasing FED are powerful markers of adverse outcomes. Patients who never receive LD have an excellent prognosis.

Graphical abstract