bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of sustainability governance attributes on comprehensive CSR reporting: A developing country setting
Authors: Ali Waris , Mahmood Zeeshan , Wilson Jeffrey , Ismail Hina
Published: November 2023

This research examines the influence of sustainability governance attributes such as the sustainability department, sustainability committee, sustainability officer, sustainability policy, sustainability strategy, and sustainability assurance on comprehensive CSR reporting. Content analysis of corporate annual reports and sustainability reports of 280 non‐financial listed companies in Pakistan was used to determine comprehensive CSR reporting score and to capture sustainability governance attributes. Multivariate regression analysis technique was used to test the relationships. The results revealed that all the sustainability governance mechanisms except the sustainability officer and the sustainability department positively influenced comprehensive CSR reporting. This study highlights the usefulness of implementing sustainability governance mechanisms in promoting comprehensive reporting in developing countries and sets implications for shaping future CSR‐related policies and practices. This research extends the literature on the importance of internal corporate governance mechanisms in driving sustainability reporting agenda by providing empirical evidence in favor of sustainability governance mechanisms in improving comprehensive reporting in developing countries.
High‐throughput Compositional Screening of PdxTi1‐xHy and PdxNb1‐xHy Hydrides for CO2 Reduction**
Authors: Ai Changzhi , Chang Jin Hyun , Tygesen Alexander Sougaard , Vegge Tejs , Hansen Heine Anton
Published: November 2023

Electrochemical experiments and theoretical calculations have shown that Pd‐based metal hydrides can perform well for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Our previous work on doped‐PdH showed that doping Ti and Nb into PdH can improve the CO2RR activity, suggesting that the Pd alloy hydrides with better performance are likely to be found in the PdxTi1‐xHy and PdxNb1‐xHy phase space. However, the vast compositional and structural space with different alloy hydride compositions and surface adsorbates, makes it intractable to screen out the stable and active PdxM1‐xHy catalysts using density functional theory calculations. Herein, an active learning cluster expansion (ALCE) surrogate model equipped with Monte Carlo simulated annealing (MCSA), a CO* binding energy filter and a kinetic model are used to identify promising PdxTi1‐xHy and PdxNb1‐xHy catalysts with high stability and superior activity. Using our approach, we identify 24 stable and active candidates of PdxTi1‐xHy and 5 active candidates of PdxNb1‐xHy. Among these candidates, the Pd0.23Ti0.77H, Pd0.19Ti0.81H0.94, and Pd0.17Nb0.83H0.25 are predicted to display current densities of approximately 5.1, 5.1 and 4.6 μA cm−2 at −0.5 V overpotential, respectively, which are significantly higher than that of PdH at 3.7 μA cm−2.
Chances and challenges in intranasal administration delivery for brain disease treatment
Authors: Zheng Shuyu , Guo Yuanyuan , Yan Furong , Yan Feng , Qi Ruogu , Shen Jianliang
Published: November 2023

In order to overcome the formidable challenges posed by the intricate physiological barriers of the brain, the employment of intranasal administration (INA) has emerged as an unconventional method for drug delivery, offering distinct advantages such as non‐invasiveness and enhanced pharmacokinetic characteristics within the brain. Primarily exploiting the distinct conduit offered by the olfactory and/or trigeminal nerve systems, the INA route effectively delivers therapeutic agents. With introducing appropriate improvements to the drug formulation, such as the incorporation of nanocarriers, the efficacious delivery via the INA approach has gained considerable traction for the treatment of neurological disorders. This concise review highlights the notable progress in INA delivery and explores the potential therapeutic modalities inherent in this promising paradigm.
Changes in crop trait plasticity with domestication history: Management practices matter
Authors: Nimmo Victoria , Violle Cyrille , Entz Martin , Rolhauser Andres G. , Isaac Marney E.
Published: November 2023

Crop domestication has led to the development of distinct trait syndromes, a series of constrained plant trait trade‐offs to maximize yield in high‐input agricultural environments, and potentially constrained trait plasticity. Yet, with the ongoing transition to organic and diversified agroecosystems, which create more heterogeneous nutrient availability, this constrained plasticity, especially in root functional traits, may be undesirable for nutrient acquisition. Such agricultural systems require a nuanced understanding of the soil‐crop continuum under organic amendments and with intercropping, and the role crop genetic resources play in governing nutrient management and design. In this study, we use a functional traits lens to determine if crops with a range of domestication histories express different functional trait plasticity and how this expression changes with soil amendments and intercropping. We utilize a common garden experiment including five wheat (Triticum aestivum) varietals with a range of domestication histories planted in a factorial combination with amendment type (organic and inorganic) and cropping design (monoculture or intercropped with soybean). We use bivariate, multivariate and trait space analyses to quantify trait variation and plasticity in five leaf and five root functional traits. Almost all leaf and root traits varied among varieties. Yet, amendment type was nearly inconsequential for explaining trait expression across varieties. However, intercropping was linked to significant differences in root acquisitive strategies, regardless of the varietals' distinct history. Our findings show substantial leaf and root trait plasticity, with roots expressing greater trait space occupation with domestication, but also the strong role of management in crop trait expression. We underscore the utility of a functional trait‐based approach to understand plant–soil dynamics with organic amendments, as well as the role of crop genetic histories in the successful transition to low‐input and diversified agroecosystems.
Dynamic changes in Wolbachia infection over a single generation of Drosophila suzukii, across a wide range of resource availability
Authors: McPherson Audrey E. , Abram Paul K. , Curtis Caitlin I. , Wannop Erik R. , Dudzic Jan P. , Perlman Steve J.
Published: November 2023

Wolbachia bacteria are maternally inherited symbionts that commonly infect terrestrial arthropods. Many Wolbachia reach high frequencies in their hosts by manipulating their reproduction, for example by causing reproductive incompatibilities between infected male and uninfected female hosts. However, not all strains manipulate reproduction, and a key unresolved question is how these non‐manipulative Wolbachia persist in their hosts, often at intermediate to high frequencies. One such strain, wSuz, infects the invasive fruit pest Drosophila suzukii, spotted‐wing drosophila. Here, we tested the hypothesis that wSuz infection provides a competitive benefit when resources are limited. Over the course of one season, we established population cages with varying amounts of food in a semi‐field setting and seeded them with a 50:50 mixture of flies with and without Wolbachia. We predicted that Wolbachia‐infected individuals should have higher survival and faster development than their uninfected counterparts when there was little available food. We found that while food availability strongly impacted fly fitness, there was no difference in development times or survival between Wolbachia‐infected and uninfected flies. Interestingly, however, Wolbachia infection frequencies changed dramatically, with infections either increasing or decreasing by as much as 30% in a single generation, suggesting the possibility of unidentified factors shaping Wolbachia infection over the course of the season.
Multimodal characterization of dilated cardiomyopathy: Geno‐ And Phenotyping of PrImary Cardiomyopathy (GrAPHIC)
Authors: Keil Laura , Berisha Filip , Ritter Stella , Skibowski Johanna , Subramanian Hariharan , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Kubisch Christian , Woitschach Rixa , Fabritz Larissa , Twerenbold Raphael , Blankenberg Stefan , Weidemann Sören , Zeller Tanja , Kirchhof Paulus , Reichart Daniel , Magnussen Christina
Published: November 2023

Aims

Cardiomyopathies (CMPs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are defined by structural and functional abnormalities of the cardiac muscle. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the most common CMP, is defined by left ventricular dilation and impaired contractility and represents a common cause of heart failure. Different phenotypes result from various underlying genetic and acquired causes with variable effects on disease development and progression, prognosis, and response to medical treatment. Current treatment algorithms do not consider these different aetiologies, due to lack of insights into treatable drivers of cardiac failure in patients with DCM. Our study aims to precisely phenotype and genotype the various subtypes of DCM and hereby lay the foundation for individualized therapy.

Methods and results

The Geno‐ And Phenotyping of PrImary Cardiomyopathy (GrAPHIC) is a currently ongoing prospective observational monocentric cohort study that recruits patients with DCM after exclusion of other causes such as coronary artery disease, valvular dysfunction, myocarditis, exposure to toxins, and peripartum CMP. Patients are enrolled at our heart failure outpatient clinic or during hospitalization at the University Hospital Hamburg. Clinical parameters, multimodal imaging and functional assessment, cardiac biopsies, and blood samples are obtained to enable an integrated genomic, functional, and biomarker analysis.

Conclusions

The GrAPHIC will contribute to a better understanding of the heterogeneous nature of primary CMPs focusing on DCM and provide improved prognostic approaches and more individualized therapies.
In‐situ electrochemical reconstruction of CoCO3@FeOOH for boosting high‐current‐density oxygen evolution reaction and freestanding Zn‐air battery
Authors: Jiao Chuanlai , Xu Zian , Xia Yu , Chen Shaoqing , Wang Hsing‐Lin
Published: November 2023

The activity of electrocatalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for the widespread applications of water electrolysis and zinc‐air batteries. Iron‐cobalt‐based catalysts attract considerably interests due to their high intrinsic activity and stability. However, it is still challenging in further promoting the OER efficiency at the high current density (500 mA cm−2) and understanding the real active sites during the OER process. In this work, the composite catalyst, cobalt carbonate (CoCO3) and iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH), were successfully synthesized on the carbon cloth (CoCO3@FeOOH/CC) by a facile hydrothermal method. Through in‐situ electrochemical activation, the CoFe2O4/CoFeOOH catalyst (R−CoCO3@FeOOH/CC) exhibits significantly improved OER overpotential, 190 and 238 mV at the current density of 50 and 500 mA cm−2. By the in‐situ Raman spectroscopy analysis and microscopy observations, the reconstructed structure CoFe2O4/CoFeOOH was identified. Based on the highly active OER performance of R−CoCO3@FeOOH/CC, it enables the continuous operation of freestanding ZABs at the ultralow charge voltage of 1.74 V in 5 mA cm−2. These findings offer valuable insights for the design and application of high‐performance iron‐cobalt‐based OER catalysts.
Facile synthesize of composite for pollutant removal of lead and methylene blue (MB)
Authors: Syed Noureen , Feng Yongqiang , Mahar Faraz Khan , Fahad Raja , Abro Zamir Ahmed , Huang Jianfeng
Published: November 2023

Water contamination caused by inconsistencies in the removal of contemporary colors and heavy metals constitutes a serious global ecological concern. This study introduces a composite material made of cellulose acetate coated with activated carbon, which is made more effective by including pectic enzymes. This composite is easily manufactured and has caused considerable interest due to its potential in wastewater treatment via absorption‐based techniques for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and lead removal. Thermal processing and electrospinning are used in the synthesis process. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Energy Dispersive Xray‐ Analysis (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and UV‐absorbency were used to characterize the resultant pectic cellulose/activated carbon nanofibers (P‐CNFs). In addition, inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS) was used to evaluate lead ion adsorption. Several parameters, including initial lead ion and methylene blue concentrations, solution pH, and nanofiber, were investigated. Fifty percent of pectic‐containing composite (cellulose/activated carbon) P‐CNF has shown remarkable differences when compared to non‐pectic and different ratio composite due to higher surface area and porosity. It also increases light absorption and decreases charge recombination, resulting in a maximum degradation efficiency of 98.5% in a neutral solution under UV‐light irradiation for 25 min, compared to pure CNF (degradation efficiency is 49% after 60 min of irradiation). In the case of lead removal, 80% efficiency was achieved in 5 min.
An approach to improve the efficiency of cooling enhancement of a thermoelectric refrigerator through the use of phase‐change materials
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Ruo‐ji
Published: November 2023

In this study, a technique is suggested to enhance the temperature difference for cooling and energy efficiency of thermoelectric cooler (TEC) used in cooled detectors when subjected to high current conditions. Embedding a structure for storing heat during phase change is the basis of this method at the heat sink. A simulation model was created for a common two‐stage series TEC with an asymmetrical design, which is coupled with a structure for storing heat through phase change. The research examined how phase transition heat storage impacts the coefficient of performance (COP) and refrigeration temperature difference across various phase‐change substances, heat transfer coefficients at the hot end, currents, and the height of the phase‐change material (PCM). The findings suggest that the suggested approach of combining PCM with TEC can efficiently lower the cold end temperature of TEC by a maximum of 20 K, enhance the temperature gap by a maximum of 16 K, and preserve the consistency of the optimized quantity across various hot end heat transfer coefficients. During the phase‐change process of PCMs, the COP of TECs integrated with PCM is found to increase by an average of 2%–3% compared to TECs without PCM integration. Under the maximum current operating condition, the cryogenic temperature can be optimized to a minimum of 238 K. In summary, the proposed method of integrating phase‐change heat storage with TECs provides a promising solution for improving their cooling performance and energy efficiency in cooled detectors under high current conditions. Additional investigation can be conducted to explore the practical application of this approach and enhance the design parameters for various uses.
Impact of amino acids and sugars after thermal processing on acrylamide formation in synthetic potato models and real potatoes
Authors: Bachir Nivine , Akkoum Hadiya , Pujola Montserrat , Sepulcre Franscesc , Haddarah Amira
Published: November 2023

Amino acids and sugars, along with the thermal processing, are considered the main parameters to control acrylamide formation in fried potatoes. To evaluate which of these parameters had the greatest influence, 10 synthetic potato‐starch‐based models formulated in different amino acid and/or sugar combinations and three potato cultivars were assigned. High‐performance‐liquid chromatography and gas chromatography flame‐ionized‐detectors were applied to quantify amino acids, sugars, and acrylamide. Results showed that reducing sugars and sucrose significantly increased acrylamide formation amongst all potato samples. Synthetic potato models Asn‐GFS contained the highest amount of acrylamide compared to Glu‐Fru and real potatoes (Agria and Kennebec). Thus, sugars were considered critical factors for acrylamide formation in potatoes and remained the most practical way of reducing its production.
Microglia–neuron–vascular interactions in ischemia
Authors: Lénárt Nikolett , Cserép Csaba , Császár Eszter , Pósfai Balázs , Dénes Ádám
Published: November 2023

Cerebral ischemia is a devastating condition that results in impaired blood flow in the brain leading to acute brain injury. As the most common form of stroke, occlusion of cerebral arteries leads to a characteristic sequence of pathophysiological changes in the brain tissue. The mechanisms involved, and comorbidities that determine outcome after an ischemic event appear to be highly heterogeneous. On their own, the processes leading to neuronal injury in the absence of sufficient blood supply to meet the metabolic demand of the cells are complex and manifest at different temporal and spatial scales. While the contribution of non‐neuronal cells to stroke pathophysiology is increasingly recognized, recent data show that microglia, the main immune cells of the central nervous system parenchyma, play previously unrecognized roles in basic physiological processes beyond their inflammatory functions, which markedly change during ischemic conditions. In this review, we aim to discuss some of the known microglia–neuron–vascular interactions assumed to contribute to the acute and delayed pathologies after cerebral ischemia. Because the mechanisms of neuronal injury have been extensively discussed in several excellent previous reviews, here we focus on some recently explored pathways that may directly or indirectly shape neuronal injury through microglia‐related actions. These discoveries suggest that modulating gliovascular processes in different forms of stroke and other neurological disorders might have presently unexplored therapeutic potential in combination with neuroprotective and flow restoration strategies.
Dietary intake effects on severity of cancer treatment‐induced mucositis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Manifar Soheila , Tonkaboni Arghavan , Sobhanifar Aysan , HafeziMotlagh Kimia , Bitarafan Sama , Mazani Mina , Bossi Paolo
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Oral mucositis is one of the most serious complications due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer treatment. Oral mucositis causes a wide range of clinical signs and symptoms, such as ulcers, pain, and dysphagia. Additionally, because of speech limitations, patients' self‐esteem will decrease, ultimately causing reduced quality of life. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the role of diet in the onset and progress of mucositis induced by chemotherapy and radiation therapy in patients with cancers.

Methods

In this study, 121 patients with a mean age of 51.43 ± 13.08 years were selected randomly and referred to the cancer institute, where they underwent their first phase of chemotherapy. In this step, patients were examined and their severity of oral mucositis was graded according to the World Health Organization criteria. They completed a 3‐day allergen food recall and dietary recommendations were met. After completing the forms, four questionnaires were filled out for each patient, the patient's nutrition was analyzed using the N4 software, and the amount of macro‐ and micronutrients was measured.

Results

Micronutrients such as aspartic acid, glycine, serine, proline, alanine, arginine, glutamic acid, and vitamin B12 and macronutrients such as rose water, sausage, beverages, coffee, and lamb meat were examined, and a significant difference was observed between groups (grade 1 and 2 mucositis) (p < 0.005). In patients with grade 2 mucositis, a lower level of vitamin B12 was reported (p < 0.005). There is a negative correlation between amounts of macro‐ and micronutrients and grades of oral mucositis.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that diet plays a considerable role in the severity of oral mucositis caused by cancer treatment.
An encoder–decoder and modified U‐Net network for microwave imaging of stroke
Authors: Liu Jinzhen , Chen Liming , Xiong Hui
Published: November 2023

Microwave imaging has been widely used in stroke diagnosis as a non‐invasive, ionizing radiation‐free imaging method. However, the electromagnetic inverse scattering problems of microwave imaging are nonlinear and ill‐posed. To further improve the accuracy of microwave imaging algorithms to identify and reconstruct stroke regions. A novel Encoder‐Decoder and Modified U‐Net (ED‐MUNET) network for microwave imaging of stroke is proposed. The newly proposed ED‐MUNET method accomplishes the initial imaging from scattered data to stroke images through an encoder–decoder in the first step. In the second step, the feature information of the reconstructed image is extracted through the modified U‐Net network, and the reconstruction from the rough stroke image to the high‐resolution image is realized. The second step avoids black‐box operations and improves image accuracy. ED‐MUNET has fewer artifacts, the relative reconstruction error is less than 0.05, and the reconstructed images are clearer, according to the comparative experiments with other networks. The experimental results showed the superiority of the proposed method for reconstructing stroke images.
The development of a nucleus pulposus‐derived cartilage analog scaffold for chondral repair and regeneration
Authors: Thomas Vishal Joseph , Buchweitz Nathan Foster , Baek Jay John , Wu Yongren , Mercuri Jeremy John
Published: November 2023

Focal chondral defects (FCDs) significantly impede quality of life for patients and impose severe economic costs on society. One of the most promising treatment options—autologous matrix‐induced chondrogenesis (AMIC)—could benefit from a scaffold that contains both of the primary cartilage matrix components—sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) and collagen type II. Here, 17 different protocols were evaluated to determine the most optimum strategy for decellularizing (decelling) the bovine nucleus pulposus (bNP) to yield a natural biomaterial with a cartilaginous constituency. The resulting scaffold was then characterized with respect to its biochemistry, biomechanics and cytocompatibility. Results indicated that the optimal decell protocol involved pre‐crosslinking the tissue prior to undergoing decell with trypsin and Triton X‐100. The residual DNA content of the scaffold was found to be 32.64 ± 9.26 ng/mg dry wt. of tissue with sGAG and hydroxyproline (HYP) contents of 72.53 ± 16.43. and 78.38 ± 8.46 μg/mg dry wt. respectively. The dynamic viscoelastic properties were found to be preserved (complex modulus: 17.92–16.62 kPa across a range of frequencies) while the equilibrium properties were found to have significantly decreased (aggregate modulus: 11.51 ± 9.19 kPa) compared to the non‐decelled fresh bNP tissue. Furthermore, the construct was also found to be cytocompatible with bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). While it was not permissive of cellular infiltration, the BMSCs were still found to have lined the laser drilled channels in the scaffold. Taken together, the biomaterial developed herein could be a valuable addition to the AMIC family of scaffolds or serve as an off‐the‐shelf standalone option for cartilage repair.
A Q‐learning method based on coarse‐to‐fine potential energy surface for locating transition state and reaction pathway
Authors: Xu Wenjun , Zhao Yanling , Chen Jialu , Wan Zhongyu , Yan Dadong , Zhang Xinghua , Zhang Ruiqin
Published: November 2023

Transition state (TS) on the potential energy surface (PES) plays a key role in determining the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions. Inspired by the fact that the dynamics of complex systems are always driven by rare but significant transition events, we herein propose a TS search method in accordance with the Q‐learning algorithm. Appropriate reward functions are set for a given PES to optimize the reaction pathway through continuous trial and error, and then the TS can be obtained from the optimized reaction pathway. The validity of this Q‐learning method with reasonable settings of Q‐value table including actions, states, learning rate, greedy rate, discount rate, and so on, is exemplified in 2 two‐dimensional potential functions. In the applications of the Q‐learning method to two chemical reactions, it is demonstrated that the Q‐learning method can predict consistent TS and reaction pathway with those by ab initio calculations. Notably, the PES must be well prepared before using the Q‐learning method, and a coarse‐to‐fine PES scanning scheme is thus introduced to save the computational time while maintaining the accuracy of the Q‐learning prediction. This work offers a simple and reliable Q‐learning method to search for all possible TS and reaction pathway of a chemical reaction, which may be a new option for effectively exploring the PES in an extensive search manner.
SPANA: Spatial decomposition analysis for cellular‐scale molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Yu Isseki , Mori Takaharu , Matsuoka Daisuke , Surblys Donatas , Sugita Yuji
Published: November 2023

The rapid increase in computational power with the latest supercomputers has enabled atomistic molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations of biomolecules in biological membrane, cytoplasm, and other cellular environments. These environments often contain a million or more atoms to be simulated simultaneously. Therefore, their trajectory analyses involve heavy computations that can become a bottleneck in the computational studies. Spatial decomposition analysis (SPANA) is a set of analysis tools in the Generalized‐Ensemble Simulation System (GENESIS) software package that can carry out MD trajectory analyses of large‐scale biological simulations using multiple CPU cores in parallel. SPANA applies the spatial decomposition of a large biological system to distribute structural and dynamical analyses into individual CPU cores, which reduces the computational time and the memory size, significantly. SPANA opens new possibilities for detailed atomistic analyses of biomacromolecules as well as solvent water molecules, ions, and metabolites in MD simulation trajectories of very large biological systems containing more than millions of atoms in cellular environments.
A cross‐professional competency framework for communicating genomic results
Authors: Pichini Amanda , Tatton‐Brown Kate , Thomas Ellen , Bishop Michelle
Published: November 2023

To ensure genomic medicine is delivered safely and effectively, it is crucial that healthcare professionals are able to understand and communicate genomic results. This Education Innovation describes a nationally agreed, cross‐professional competency framework outlining the knowledge, skills and behaviors required to communicate genomic results. Using principles of the nominal group technique, consensus meetings with clinical, scientific and educational experts identified six stages in the return of results process, drafted and iterated competencies. Competencies were then mapped across three levels to acknowledge different degrees of experiences and scopes of practice. The framework was open for consultation with healthcare professionals and patient communities before being published. The finalized framework includes six core competency statements required to communicate genomic results. This framework is designed to be a guide for best practice and a developmental tool to support individuals and organizations. It can be used by healthcare professionals, such as genetic counselors, to identify individual learning needs or to structure the development of training for other healthcare professionals who are increasingly involved in requesting and returning results for genomic tests.
Mindfulness and yoga therapy for acute pain in sickle cell disease
Authors: Dev Pallavi , Bavli Natalie , Sims Brittney , Foster Jenny , Moscowitz Anna , Makris Una E. , Rambally Siayareh
Published: November 2023

There is a paucity of data regarding the use of non‐pharmacologic therapies for pain in sickle cell disease. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of video‐guided mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga, in addition to standard of care, during admission for painful vaso‐occlusive crisis. Feasibility was demonstrated by the enrollment rate of > 90% and high level of participant engagement in the intervention. Acceptability was demonstrated by positive feedback obtained in post‐intervention surveys and the majority of subjects who expressed interest in participating in future mindfulness and yoga therapy sessions.
ENSO and IOD contributions to seasonal meteorological droughts over the Yangtze River basin
Authors: Yin Hao , Fowler Hayley J. , Blenkinsop Stephen , Wu Zhiyong , He Hai , Li Yuan
Published: November 2023

The Yangtze River basin (YRB) has experienced frequent extreme drought events in recent years. Many studies have explored the impact of anomalous tropical sea surface temperatures on seasonal meteorological droughts over the YRB, yet two critical issues remain: (1) the regimes of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) causing YRB droughts; (2) the timing and spatial pattern of YRB droughts caused by ENSO and IOD. To address these knowledge gaps, we employed a comprehensive investigation. First, the Severity–Area–Density (SAD) method is applied to identify seasonal drought events over the YRB during 1971–2022. Second, we utilize composite analysis to specify the effects of ENSO and IOD. Our findings indicate that YRB droughts are significantly increased in the August of combined Eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño and positive IOD developing years, October of Central Pacific (CP) El Niño developing years, January of EP La Niña years, and April of CP El Niño decaying years. Third, we conduct numerical simulations and conclude that ENSO and IOD events contribute to the YRB droughts by modulating large‐scale circulation patterns, triggering the formation of cyclones and anticyclones over the Western North Pacific (WNP) and the Tibetan Plateau, and affecting the westerlies and other water vapour transport processes. These results on the physical mechanisms causing seasonal drought in the YRB can guide drought monitoring and prediction in the region.
Increased anoxia following species invasion of a eutrophic lake
Authors: Rohwer Robin R. , Ladwig Robert , Hanson Paul C. , Walsh Jake R. , Vander Zanden M. Jake , Dugan Hilary A.
Published: November 2023

Species invasions can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by re‐wiring food webs. A trophic cascade triggered by the invasion of the predatory zooplankter spiny water flea (Bythotrephes cederströmii) resulted in increased phytoplankton due to decreased zooplankton grazing. Here, we show that increased phytoplankton biomass led to an increase in lake anoxia. The temporal and spatial extent of anoxia experienced a step change increase coincident with the invasion, and anoxic factor increased by 11 d. Post‐invasion, anoxia established more quickly following spring stratification, driven by an increase in phytoplankton biomass. A shift in spring phytoplankton phenology encompassed both abundance and community composition. Diatoms (Bacillaryophyta) drove the increase in spring phytoplankton biomass, but not all phytoplankton community members increased, shifting the community composition. We infer that increased phytoplankton biomass increased labile organic matter and drove hypolimnetic oxygen consumption. These results demonstrate how a species invasion can shift lake phenology and biogeochemistry.
Temperature effects on the passivity breakdown of copper in chloride‐containing borate buffer solution
Authors: Zhou Yuting , Mao Feixiong , Yu Jingkun , Assellin Edouard
Published: November 2023

Passivity and passivity breakdown of pure copper were studied in alkaline chloride‐containing borate buffer solution from 25°C to 80°C by electrochemical measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The corresponding E–pH diagrams were also calculated. Increased temperatures make the open circuit potential and formation potential for cuprous oxide (Cu2O) shift in a negative direction. The mean breakdown potential shifts in a positive direction and the distribution of breakdown potential has a wider width, while the minimum breakdown potential decreases slightly at higher temperature. The anodic passive film formed at 0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl for 6 h in a chloride‐free solution at T ≥ 40°C can maintain passivity after the addition of 0.1 M NaCl, but cannot maintain passivity at 25°C at the same concentration. High temperature benefits the growth of copper oxide over the formation of copper chloride species. Cu2O and CuO have excellent corrosion resistance to 0.1 M NaCl and passivity can be maintained well above the CuO/Cu2O equilibrium at pH > 8.
Effects of compressive damage on the corrosion protection performance of offshore wind power coating systems
Authors: Momber Andreas W. , Marquardt Tom , Irmer Michael , Kelm Daniel
Published: November 2023

Damage to multilayer organic coating systems due to compressive loads can deteriorate the corrosion protection performance of the coatings under offshore exposure. The contribution is concerned with statistical investigations into the effects of load‐based and coating‐based factors on the protection performance of different coating systems. Accelerated cyclic laboratory tests (ISO 12944‐9) were performed on four multilayer coating systems, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results of analysis of variance investigations revealed that the effects on the anticorrosive performance of the coatings (anticorrosive effect [AE]) were dominated by coating‐based factors, namely coating system and total dry film thickness. These factors could explain 86% of all effects. Coating system was the only extremely significant factor. Load‐based factors did not deliver notable effects (5%). Except for the contact stiffness, these factors were insignificant. The load intensity was insignificant for all target parameters (blistering, delamination, AE). Coating regions, plastically deformed during the compression tests, did not lead to a reduction in the protection performance.
Detailed Analysis of ITPR1 Missense Variants Guides Diagnostics and Therapeutic Design
Authors: Tolonen Jussi Pekka , Parolin Schnekenberg Ricardo , McGowan Simon , Sims David , McEntagart Meriel , Elmslie Frances , Shears Debbie , Stewart Helen , Tofaris George K. , Dabir Tabib , Morrison Patrick J. , Johnson Diana , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Ellard Sian , Shaw‐Smith Charles , Znaczko Anna , Dixit Abhijit , Suri Mohnish , Sarkar Ajoy , Harrison Rachel E. , Jones Gabriela , Houlden Henry , Ceravolo Giorgia , Jarvis Joanna , Williams Jonathan , Shanks Morag E. , Clouston Penny , Rankin Julia , Blumkin Lubov , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Ponger Penina , Raskin Salmo , Granath Katariina , Uusimaa Johanna , Conti Hector , McCann Emma , Joss Shelagh , Blakes Alexander J.M. , Metcalfe Kay , Kingston Helen , Bertoli Marta , Kneen Rachel , Lynch Sally Ann , Martínez Albaladejo Inmaculada , Moore Austen Peter , Jones Wendy D. ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Becker Esther B.E. , Németh Andrea H.
Published: November 2023

Background

The ITPR1 gene encodes the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor type 1 (IP3R1), a critical player in cerebellar intracellular calcium signaling. Pathogenic missense variants in ITPR1 cause congenital spinocerebellar ataxia type 29 (SCA29), Gillespie syndrome (GLSP), and severe pontine/cerebellar hypoplasia. The pathophysiological basis of the different phenotypes is poorly understood.

Objectives

We aimed to identify novel SCA29 and GLSP cases to define core phenotypes, describe the spectrum of missense variation across ITPR1, standardize the ITPR1 variant nomenclature, and investigate disease progression in relation to cerebellar atrophy.

Methods

Cases were identified using next‐generation sequencing through the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study, the 100,000 Genomes project, and clinical collaborations. ITPR1 alternative splicing in the human cerebellum was investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

We report the largest, multinational case series of 46 patients with 28 unique ITPR1 missense variants. Variants clustered in functional domains of the protein, especially in the N‐terminal IP3‐binding domain, the carbonic anhydrase 8 (CA8)‐binding region, and the C‐terminal transmembrane channel domain. Variants outside these domains were of questionable clinical significance. Standardized transcript annotation, based on our ITPR1 transcript expression data, greatly facilitated analysis. Genotype–phenotype associations were highly variable. Importantly, while cerebellar atrophy was common, cerebellar volume loss did not correlate with symptom progression.

Conclusions

This dataset represents the largest cohort of patients with ITPR1 missense variants, expanding the clinical spectrum of SCA29 and GLSP. Standardized transcript annotation is essential for future reporting. Our findings will aid in diagnostic interpretation in the clinic and guide selection of variants for preclinical studies. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Studying carrier frequency of spinal muscular atrophy in the State of Qatar and comparison to other ethnic groups: Pilot study
Authors: Ibrahim Faisal , Velayutham Dinesh , Alsharshani Mohamed , AlAlami Usama , AlDewik Manar , Abuarja Tala , Al Rifai Hilal , Al‐Dewik Nader I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations and deletions in SMN1 at exon 7. The carrier frequency for SMN1 mutations ranges from 2 to 4% in the general population.

Methods

We examined allelic, genotypic relatedness and copy number (CN) variations and frequencies of SMN1 and SMN2, in 13,426 samples from Qatar biobank (QBB) to provide a precise estimation of SMA carrier frequency in Qatar in comparison to other populations.

Results

The SMA carrier frequency was found to be (2.8%) and the rs143838139 was found in 491/13426 (3.66%) of individuals. The SNP rs121909192, which is a pathogenic risk factor, was found in 321/13500 (2.38%). In Addition 242/11379 (2.13%) had two copies of SMN1 and the rs143838139, which may explain the (2 + 0) silent carrier. Additionally, two participants were found to be SMA type 4 with 0 and 4 copy numbers in SMN1 and SMN2, respectively.

Conclusion

The SMA carrier frequency in Qatar was found to be comparable to Saudi Arabia and Caucasians. The likely pathogenic variant, rs121909192, was found to be significantly higher when compering with other in our study. The rs143838139 variant, which has a strong association with the silent carrier genotype, has been found. Consequently, testing for this SNP may enhance the precision of evaluating the likelihood of a patient having an affected child. We conclude that the frequency of SMA carriers varies within the Qatar population and other ethnic groups.
Machine learning based on SPECT/CT to differentiate bone metastasis and benign bone lesions in lung malignancy patients
Authors: Wang Huili , Chen Yiru , Qiu Jianfeng , Xie Jindong , Lu Weizhao , Ma Junchi , Jia Mingsheng
Published: November 2023

Background

Bone metastasis is a common event in lung cancer progression. Early diagnosis of lung malignant tumor with bone metastasis is crucial for selecting effective treatment strategies. However, 14.3% of patients are still difficult to diagnose after SPECT/CT examination.

Purpose

Machine learning analysis of [99mTc]‐methylene diphosphate (99mTc‐MDP) SPECT/CT scans to distinguish bone metastases from benign bone lesions in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

One hundred forty‐one patients (69 with bone metastases and 72 with benign bone lesions) were randomly assigned to the training group or testing group in a 7:3 ratio. Lesions were manually delineated using ITK‐SNAP, and 944 radiomics features were extracted from SPECT and CT images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select the radiomics features in the training set, and the single/bimodal radiomics models were established based on support vector machine (SVM). To further optimize the model, the best bimodal radiomics features were combined with clinical features to establish an integrated Radiomics‐clinical model. The diagnostic performance of models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and confusion matrix, and performance differences between models were evaluated using the Delong test.

Results

The optimal radiomics model comprised of structural modality (CT) and metabolic modality (SPECT), with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.919 and 0.907 for the training and testing set, respectively. The integrated model, which combined SPECT, CT, and two clinical features, exhibited satisfactory differentiation in the training and testing set, with AUC of 0.939 and 0.925, respectively.

Conclusions

The machine learning can effectively differentiate between bone metastases and benign bone lesions. The Radiomics‐clinical integrated model demonstrated the best performance.
Integrin α6: a potential target for cancer molecular imaging and targeting therapy
Authors: Li Xin‐Ling , Shen Zhuo‐Lun , Wang Qiao‐Li , Ye Jia‐Cong , Zhang Wen‐Biao , Li Ying‐He , Feng Guo‐Kai , Zeng Mu‐Sheng
Published: November 2023

As a major kind of cell surface adhesion molecules with signal transduction function, integrins play a major role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The role of integrins in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment has been extensively revealed. Among the integrin family, integrin αvβ3 is the most studied integrin in the past 20 years. Plenty of preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted, which showed clinical benefits of targeting integrin αvβ3 in tumor imaging and treatment. Currently, the focus of interest is gradually shifting from integrin αvβ3 toward other integrin subtypes. Integrin α6 is expressed in many malignant tumors, such as colorectal cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer, and its expression is correlated with poor survival of the patients. Recent studies have shown that tumor molecular imaging agents and therapeutic drugs targeting integrin α6 have excellent safety and efficacy in preclinical mouse models, encouraging clinical translation of this promising target. In this review, we briefly overview the physiological and pathological function of integrin α6 and highlight the recent advances in integrin α6‐targeted imaging and therapeutics in tumors.
A novel design of three‐dimensional/unidirectional hybrid composites to balance in‐plane and interlaminar mechanical properties
Authors: Zha Yibin , Li Zherui , Cai Zhixiang , Qin Cheng , Fan Yi , Li Yongfeng , Ma Qihua , Zhang Hui , Gan Xuehui
Published: November 2023

The working condition of the rail transit components such as bogies is complicated, so the high comprehensive performance of composite parts is desperately required. However, existing pure three‐dimensional braided or laminated composites have been unable to satisfy the cooperative demand of in‐plane and interlaminar properties. In this paper, a novel design of three‐dimensional braided/unidirectional (3D/UD) hybrid composite is proposed to balance the in‐plane (tensile, compression, bending), interlaminar (interlaminar shear, low‐speed impact) properties of the composite. The effects of different 3D/UD mixing ratio and layup sequence on the mechanical properties and damage mechanism of hybrid composites were studied by the parametric analysis of the experimental test results, and the comprehensive mechanical properties of the hybrid structure were optimized by COPRAS evaluation method. The results show that the larger the proportion of unidirectional layer, the better the mechanical property in‐plane, but the worse interlayer property. In addition, the change of layup sequence induces a complex nonlinear relationship between 3D/UD mixing ratio and mechanical properties. Combined with microscopic failure characterization results, it is found that the sandwich structure and the addition of uniformly distributed interfacial layer can improve the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite. The optimization results show that the sandwich structure hybrid composite UD6/3D/UD6 with the best balance between in‐plane and interlaminar properties was selected by COPRAS. Compared with pure 3D composites, the comprehensive mechanical properties of UD6/3D/UD6 are increased by 53.9%, which provides a reference for the structural design of hybrid composites in the future.

Highlights

A novel design of 3D/UD hybrid composite is proposed to balance the in‐plane and interlaminar properties.

The influence regularity of 3D/UD mixing ratio and layup sequence on properties of hybrid composites were obtained.

The mixing failure mechanism of interlayer and in‐plane was revealed.

The optimal structure UD6/3D/UD6 under complex working conditions was obtained by COPRAS.
Congenital small bowel obstruction: Prenatal detection and outcome
Authors: Heinrich H. , Pijpers A. G. H. , Linskens I. H. , van Leeuwen E. , Schattenkerk L. D. Eeftinck , Derikx J. P. M. , Pajkrt E.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate and compare the outcome of fetuses and neonates with congenital small bowel obstructions (SBO), evaluate the screening performance of prenatal ultrasound for SBO and identify possible risk factors for adverse outcomes.

Methods

All cases referred to the Amsterdam University Medical Centers between 2007 and 2021 for a prenatal suspected SBO, supplemented by cases of postnatal diagnosis of SBO, were included. The primary outcome was survival after 24 weeks of gestation until the first year of life.

Results

147 cases of SBO were included with a survival rate of 86.2% (119/138) after 24 weeks of gestation until the first year of age. Additional structural or chromosomal anomalies were found to have an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Intrauterine fetal demise occurred in 10/147 (6.8%) cases and 9/147 (6.1%) cases died during postnatal follow‐up. The overall positive predictive value of all prenatally diagnosed cases was 91.5%. Surgical correction was performed in 123/128 (96.0%) of the live‐born cases.

Conclusions

Congenital SBO has an overall favorable prognosis, but the outcome is negatively impacted by the possible presence of additional structural or chromosomal anomalies. Fetal monitoring in the early third trimester should be considered, since all cases of Intrauterine fetal demise occurred between 30 and 35 weeks of gestation.
Confronting racial inequity in health and education: Supporting students with sickle cell disease
Authors: Jones Paul C. , Schmitt Ara J. , Nayyar Akshita , Brandon Conaway R. , Eyler Kelly , Franklin Kirstin , Hodge Clyniece
Published: November 2023

The racialized history of sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to contribute to racial disparities in healthcare and education. In the context of the racialized history of SCD, we begin by outlining subtypes of SCD and explaining that SCD is associated with chronic pain, silent cerebral infarct, overt stroke, and poor overall well‐being—all of which have implications for school functioning. A literature search was conducted to identify significant meta‐analyses, systematic reviews, and empirical articles to inform school psychologists' evaluation, service delivery, and decision‐making practices when working with students with SCD. Common negative neuropsychological and psychoeducational outcomes associated with SCD are reviewed. Finally, recommended culturally responsive practices are discussed, ahead of a conclusion that contains a call to action for school psychologists.