bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Pleural Fluid Cholesterol and Total Protein in Differentiation of Exudates and Transudates in Cases Presenting in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Raj Subedi Amrit
Published: January 2025

Pleural effusions are very common clinical findings; we came across in clinical practice. Their proper diagnosis based on different parameters like pleural fluid protein, LDH, ADA, cholesterol is very important. Lights criteria though used as standard method in differentiating pleural effusions as exudates and transudates, it usually misidentifies 15-20 % of transudates as exudates. Hence, role of other criteria like combined pleural fluid cholesterol and total protein in differentiation of pleural fluid is studied in this study. The general objective was to study role of combined pleural fluid cholesterol and total protein in differentiation of exudates and transudates in cases presenting in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. 90 patients with pleural effusion were enrolled in this study. Out of 90 patients, 49 patients were from male sex which is equal to 54.4% and 41 patients were from female sex which is equal to 45.6%. Right-sided pleural effusion (66.7%) was predominant in our study. By diagnosis on discharge out of 90 samples 62(68.9%) were exudates and 28(31.1%) were transudates. Based on Light’s criteria, 65 (72.2%) pleural effusions were found to be exudates and 25 were found to be transudates, with sensitivity and specificity of 98.4 % and 85.7 % respectively. According to pleural fluid total protein, it classified 62.2 % [n=56] of cases as exudates and 37.8 % [n=34] of cases as transudates. Sensitivity and specificity with 88.7 % and 96.4 % respectively. Based on pleural fluid cholesterol, our study showed 64.4% [n=58] of cases as exudates and 35.6% [n= 32] of cases as transudates with sensitivity and specificity of 93.5 % and 100 % respectively. Combined pleural total protein and cholesterol however classified 57.8% [n=52] of cases as exudates and 42.2% [n=38] of cases as exudates with sensitivity and specificity of 83.9 % and 100 % respectively Though Light’s criteria remain the gold standard for distinguishing transudates from exudates, combined pleural fluid cholesterol and total protein examination may improve diagnostic accuracy in circumstances where the diagnosis on discharge differs from the outcome from Light’s criteria.
Cómo mejorar las experiencias de lectura en dispositivos digitales
Authors: Rodríguez Diego
Published: January 2025

Si tuviese que elegir un invento que cambió la humanidad para siempre, sería la comunicación escrita. Y es que ha permitido plasmar el conocimiento, transmitir la historia y es una herramienta poderosísima para el avance y el progreso. Incluso ahora, es el principal medio para comunicarnos y ayudarnos a entender el mundo. Ya sea a través de un paper científico, un mensaje de texto en un programa de mensajería o una publicación en la web. Quizás os hayáis acercado a este artículo para ver algunos trucos con CSS y recomendaciones de diseño fáciles de implementar. No es el objetivo, sino dar una visión más amplia a la hora de favorecer la experiencia de lectura y el aprendizaje en contextos digitales. Habrá múltiples soluciones, y serán las personas las que decidan qué funciona y qué no. Nosotros y nosotras como diseñadores somos simplemente «el medio» para que ello suceda.
Um rei em três versões: a construção da história de D. Afonso Henriques pelos cronistas medievais portugueses
Authors: Michelan Kátia Brasilino
Published: January 2025

Neste livro, Kátia Brasilino Michelan busca trabalhar sob uma perspectiva historiográfica atual, tomando a questão das práticas de escrita e de memória na cultura ocidental, analisando o fazer histórico cronístico português do século XIV até o início do século XVI, com a narração da história do reinado de D. Afonso Henriques (1109?-1185), o primeiro rei português. Para isso, a autora selecionou três crônicas em língua ver­nácula que contam a história do monarca, procurando pôr em evidência três versões de séculos diferentes de uma mesma história, para assim perceber as atualizações do passado que cada cronista realizou. O leitor tem em mãos um livro de consistência indiscutível, relevante para os estudos sobre as crônicas e a memória da monarquia na época da formação do Estado lusitano.
The Geometry and Dimensionality of Brain-wide Activity
Authors: Wang Zezhen , Mai Weihao , Chai Yuming , Qi Kexin , Ren Hongtai , Shen Chen , Zhang Shiwu , Tan Guodong , Hu Yu , Wen Quan
Published: January 2025

Understanding neural activity organization is vital for deciphering brain function. By recording whole-brain calcium activity in larval zebrafish during hunting and spontaneous behaviors, we find that the shape of the neural activity space, described by the neural covariance spectrum, is scale-invariant: a smaller,
randomly sampled
cell assembly resembles the entire brain. This phenomenon can be explained by Euclidean Random Matrix theory, where neurons are reorganized from anatomical to functional positions based on their correlations. Three factors contribute to the observed scale invariance: slow neural correlation decay, higher functional space dimension, and neural activity heterogeneity. In addition to matching data from zebrafish and mice, our theory and analysis demonstrate how the geometry of neural activity space evolves with population sizes and sampling methods, thus revealing an organizing principle of brain-wide activity.
Clinical characteristics of pathogens in children with community-acquired pneumonia were analyzed via targeted next-generation sequencing detection
Authors: Zhao Junhua , Xu Mingfeng , Tian Zheng , Wang Yu
Published: January 2025

Background

The primary purpose of this study was to detect the pathogen species using targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) to investigate the characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)-related pathogens in children in Xiantao city, Hubei province, China.

Methods

A total of 1,527 children with CAP were prospectively recruited from our hospital between May 2022 and February 2023. Information on age and sex was collected from the medical records. Pathogen detection was performed using standard detection methods and tNGS.

Results

The positive coincidence rate of standard detection methods and tNGS were 61.95% (946/1,527) and 97.05% (1,482/1,527), respectively. Among the 1,482 children with CAP, the numbers of bacteria, virus, chlamydia, and mycoplasma infection were 1,188, 975, 321, and 1, respectively. Co-existing species showed high prevalence in CAP, and the prevalence of children infected with only one pathogen was 20.31%. The numbers of children infected with two and three pathogens were the highest, accounting for 29.22% and 25.17%, respectively. Among the 44 pathogens detected using tNGS, 17 species of bacteria, 25 species of viruses, one species of chlamydia, and one species of mycoplasma were documented. Among all infectious pathogens, the top five were Haemophilus influenzae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, human herpes virus type 5 (HHV-5), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The results showed that pathogenic infections in children with CAP were related to age but not to gender.

Conclusion

The infection pathogens in children with CAP were complex and the incidence of co-existence was observed to be high. The pathogens involved in CAP were closely related to the age of the child. In addition, tNGS was shown to better identify pathogens than the standard detection method, which is crucial for improving the accuracy of early CAP diagnosis and initiating appropriate treatment in a timely manner, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes.
E-Wom Mediates Price Perception Brand Image to Increase Impulse Buying and Flash Sales as Moderation on the Lazada Application
Authors: Halik Abdul , Sukesi Sukesi , Arif Donny
Published: January 2025

The research aims to find out and prove that the e-word of mouth mediates price perception, the brand image on impulse buying and the role of flash sales in moderating the e-word of mouth on impulse buying. The method is that the data was collected directly from 200 Lazada respondents in Surabaya. This research uses quantitative methods and explanatory methods to get concrete answers. They used SEM version AMOS 24 for research analysis. Brand image and price perception influence e-word of mouth as mediating variables for impulsive buying. If the brand image looks good, word of mouth will grow, influencing spontaneous purchases.
Meanwhile, brand image has a positive and significant influence and price perception has a positive but not significant influence on impulse buying. Brand image can foster spontaneous purchases, but price perceptions positively affect impulse purchases, even though this is not essential.
Dignity in The Remains of the Day from the Lens of Ontology, Ethics, and Liberalism
Authors: Khosravi Sareh
Published: January 2025

This study examines the concept of dignity in Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day, contrasting the universal, ontological notion of inherent dignity with the limited, class-based view held by the protagonist, Mr. Stevens. The study argues that Stevens' narrow understanding of dignity, rooted in his service to his employer (a Nazi sympathizer), leads him to engage in immoral actions. This analysis draws on Kant's focus on good will as the basis of moral behaviour, proposing that although Stevens demonstrates a significant sense of duty and follows rules closely, he lacks the essential moral consciousness necessary for genuinely ethical conduct. The protagonist’s actions, though ethically sound within his specific social context, are ultimately driven by a desire to maintain a rigid, hierarchical order. The research also analyzes Stevens' actions through the lens of John Rawls' liberalism, which emphasizes the influence of social institutions on individual values. The study concludes that Stevens' flawed definition of dignity serves as a tool to justify his service and evade personal responsibility. His reliance on a narrow notion of dignity allows him to rationalize his actions, even as they contradict a broader understanding of morality and human worth.
Evaluating Reference Ages for Selecting Prosthesis Types for Heart Valve Replacement in Korea
Authors: Park Sung Jun , Ok You Jung , Kim Ho Jin , Kim Ye-Jee , Kim Seonok , Ahn Jung-Min , Kim Dae-Hee , Choi Jae-Sung , Kim Joon Bum
Published: May 2023

Importance

Although a patient’s age may be the only objective figure that can be used as a reference indicator in selecting the type of prosthesis in heart valve surgery, different clinical guidelines use different age criteria.

Objective

To explore the age-associated survival-hazard functions associated with prosthesis type in aortic valve replacement (AVR) and mitral valve replacement (MVR).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study compared the long-term outcomes associated with mechanical and biologic prostheses in AVR and MVR according to recipient’s age using a nationwide administrative data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. To reduce the potential treatment-selection bias between mechanical and biologic prostheses, the inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighting method was used. Participants included patients who underwent AVR or MVR in Korea between 2003 and 2018. Statistical analysis was performed between March 2022 and March 2023.

Exposures

AVR, MVR, or both AVR and MVR with mechanical or biologic prosthesis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was all-cause mortality after receiving prosthetic valves. The secondary end points were the valve-related events, including the incidence of reoperation, systemic thromboembolism, and major bleeding.

Results

Of the total of 24 347 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.5 [7.3] years; 11 947 [49.1%] men) included in this study, 11 993 received AVR, 8911 received MVR, and 3470 received both AVR and MVR simultaneously. Following AVR, bioprosthesis was associated with significantly greater risks of mortality than mechanical prosthesis in patients younger than 55 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.18; 95% CI, 1.32-3.63; P = .002) and in those aged 55 to 64 years (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.63; P = .04), but the risk of mortality reversed in patients aged 65 years or older (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66-0.90; P = .001). For MVR, the risk of mortality was also greater with bioprosthesis in patients aged 55 to 69 years (aHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.44; P = .02), but there was no difference for patients aged 70 years or older (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.79-1.42; P = .69). The risk of reoperation was consistently higher with bioprosthesis, regardless of valve position, in all age strata (eg, MVR among patients aged 55-69 years: aHR, 7.75; 95% CI, 5.14-11.69; P < .001); however, the risks of thromboembolism and bleeding were higher in patients aged 65 years and older after mechanical AVR (thromboembolism: aHR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.41-0.73; P < .001; bleeding: aHR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.25-0.60; P < .001), with no differences after MVR in any age strata.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationwide cohort study, the long-term survival benefit associated with mechanical prosthesis vs bioprosthesis persisted until age 65 years in AVR and age 70 years in MVR.
A hybrid robust model reference adaptive controller and proportional integral controller without reference model for partially modeled systems
Authors: Evald Paulo Jefferson Dias de Oliveira , Hollweg Guilherme Vieira , Tambara Rodrigo Varella , Gründling Hilton Abílio
Published: May 2023

This work presents the discrete‐time stability analysis of a hybrid robust model reference adaptive controller and proportional‐integral controller (MRAC‐PI) controller using Lyapunov criterion. The control structure merges the classical PI controller with a robust model reference adaptive control, resulting in an adaptive and robust control strategy, where the gains unite both control techniques in a unique structure and it does not require the design of a reference model, being able to track straightforwardly the reference signal. The adaptive gains are updated continuously by a modified gradient algorithm regarding control action, regulation error, and the system output. The stability analysis provides the controller design constraints, while also demonstrate the tendency of regulation error to a residual set, and proves the boundedness of all closed‐loop signals. Furthermore, as the controller is robust to unmodeled dynamics, it is feasible to control partially modeled systems. Simulation results in a real‐world engineering application are presented to corroborate the robustness of this controller and show its fast response in the face of critical exogenous system perturbations.
Ultrafast Switchable Passive Radiative Cooling Smart Windows with Synergistic Optical Modulation
Authors: Deng Yuan , Yang Yihai , Xiao Yuanhang , Xie He‐Lou , Lan Ruochen , Zhang Lanying , Yang Huai
Published: May 2023

Switchable passive radiative cooling (PRC) smart windows can modulate sunlight transmission and spontaneously emit heat to outer space through atmospheric transparent window, presenting great potential in building energy conservation. However, realizing stable and on‐demand control of the cooling efficiency for PRC materials is still challenging. Herein, an electro‐controlled polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) smart window showing PRC property is designed and prepared by adding mid‐infrared emitting reactive monomers into the conventional PDLC matrix. It is found that not only the electro‐optical properties but also the PRC efficiency of PRC PDLC film are tunable by regulating the content of the mid‐infrared emitting components, film thickness, and micromorphology. This advanced PRC PDLC material achieves a near/sub‐ambient temperature when the solar irradiance is below 400 W m−2 and can dynamically manage daytime cooling efficiency. Importantly, its PRC efficiency is capable of being tuned in an on‐demand and ultrafast millisecond‐scale way, whose controllable transparency enables multistage heat regulation. This study is hoped to provide new inspiration in the preparation of advanced optical devices and energy‐efficient equipment.
Self‐Assembly of Janus Graphene Oxide via Chemical Breakdown for Scalable High‐Performance Memristors
Authors: Hui Fei , Zhang Conghui , Yu Huanhuan , Han Tingting , Weber Jonas , Shen Yaqing , Xiao Yiping , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Zhijun , Liu Peisong
Published: May 2023

Janus 2D materials have drawn substantial attention recently owing to its extraordinary interface properties and promising applications in optoelectronic devices. However, the scalable fabrication of high‐quality Janus 2D materials is still one of the main obstacles to hinder its implementation in the industry. Herein, a new method (called “chemical breakdown”) is developed to obtain large‐area uniform Janus graphene oxide (J‐GO) films with high‐quality. Moreover, the first application of J‐GO in the field of memristive devices is presented for neuromorphic computing. In particular, crossbar arrays of Ag/J‐GO/Au memristive devices that exhibit threshold resistive switching (RS) with enhanced performance are fabricated, e.g., low leakage current (≈10−12 A), low operation voltage (≈0.3 V), high endurance (>12,000 cycles), and electro‐synaptic plasticity. This work provides a novel strategy to obtain large‐area, continuous and uniform Janus 2D films, and proposes a new application for Janus 2D materials in a hot topic (i.e., neuromorphic computing) within the field of solid‐state microelectronics.
Fused Cytomembrane‐Camouflaged Nanoparticles for Tumor‐Specific Immunotherapy
Authors: Ji Ping , Deng Xin‐Chen , Jin Xiao‐Kang , Zhang Shi‐Man , Wang Jia‐Wei , Feng Jun , Chen Wei‐Hai , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: May 2023

Tumor immunotherapy is commonly hindered by inefficient delivery and presentation of tumor antigens as well as immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To overcome these barriers, a tumor‐specific nanovaccine capable of delivering tumor antigens and adjuvants to antigen‐presenting cells and modulating the immune microenvironment to elicit strong antitumor immunity is reported. This nanovaccine, named FCM@4RM, is designed by coating the nanocore (FCM) with a bioreconstituted cytomembrane (4RM). The 4RM, which is derived from fused cells of tumorous 4T1 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages, enables effective antigen presentation and stimulation of effector T cells. FCM is self‐assembled from Fe(II), unmethylated cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG), and metformin (MET). CpG, as the stimulator of toll‐like receptor 9, induces the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokine and the maturation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), thereby enhancing antitumor immunity. Meanwhile, MET functions as the programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitor and can restore the immune responses of T cells against tumor cells. Therefore, FCM@4RM exhibits high targeting capabilities toward homologous tumors that develop from 4T1 cells. This work offers a paradigm for developing a nanovaccine that systematically regulates multiple immune‐related processes to achieve optimal antitumor immunotherapy.
Manipulating the Dynamic Adaptivity of a Fluid Interface to Maintain the Multipotency of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Lyu Wenyan , Hu Wei , Shi Jiaming , Chen Jieman , Song Jingwen , Zhang Qindan , Yuan Xuefeng , Li Dairui , Nakanishi Jun , Jia Xiaofang
Published: May 2023

The native extracellular matrix is highly dynamic with continuous mutual feedback between cells being responsible for many important cell function regulators. However, establishing bidirectional interaction between complex adaptive microenvironments and cells remains elusive. Herein an adaptive biomaterial based on lysozyme monolayers self‐assembled at a perfluorocarbon FC40–water interface is reported. The dynamic adaptivity of interfacially assembled protein nanosheets is modulated independently of bulk mechanical properties by covalent crosslinking. This provides a scenario to establish bidirectional interactions of cells with liquid interfaces of varying dynamic adaptivity. This is found that growth and multipotency of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are enhanced at the highly adaptive fluid interface. The multipotency retention of hMSCs is mediated by low cell contractility and metabolomic activity involving the continuous mutual feedback between the cells and materials. Consequently, an understanding of the cells’ response to dynamic adaptivity has substantial implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Resonance Effect in Brunel Harmonic Generation in Thin Film Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Li Weiwei , Saleh Ahmad , Sharma Manas , Hünecke Christian , Sierka Marek , Neuhaus Marcel , Hedewig Lina , Bergues Boris , Alharbi Meshaal , ALQahtani Hadi , Azzeer Abdallah M. , Gräfe Stefanie , Kling Matthias F. , Alharbi Abdullah F. , Wang Zilong
Published: May 2023

Nonlinear optical properties of organic semiconductors (OSCs) have been extensively investigated in the perturbative regime, while strong light induced high‐order processes in solid‐state OSCs are less studied. Here, below‐threshold harmonic generation is examined, both experimentally and theoretically, in two solid‐state thin film OSCs, that is, tetraphenylporphyrin and zinc tetraphenylporphyrin. Results show that the π–π* excitations of the porphyrin ring system generate the harmonic emission. The contribution of the Brunel harmonic to the 5th harmonic emission is uncovered, where the resonant 5‐photon transition (S0 → S2 transition) is found to lead to an early onset of non‐perturbative behavior. A similar resonance effect is expected in Brunel harmonic generation in other organic materials.
Laccase‐Based Self‐Amplifying Catalytic System Enables Efficient Antibiotic Degradation for Sustainable Environmental Remediation
Authors: Xia Ying , Xia Liming , Lin Xinda
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic contamination poses potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Laccase (LAC) has emerged as a promising biocatalyst for the oxidation of environmentally toxic contaminants with high catalytic efficiency; however, its large‐scale application is hindered by enzyme costs and dependency on redox mediators. Herein, a novel self‐amplifying catalytic system (SACS) for antibiotic remediation that does not require external mediators is developed. In SACS, a natural mediator‐regenerating koji with high‐activity LAC, derived from lignocellulosic waste, initiates the chlortetracycline (CTC) degradation. Subsequently, an intermediate product, CTC327, identified as an active mediator for LAC via molecular docking, is formed and then starts a renewable reaction cycle, including CTC327‐LAC interaction, stimulated CTC bioconversion, and self‐amplifying CTC327 release, thus enabling highly efficient antibiotic bioremediation. In addition, SACS exhibits excellent performance in producing lignocellulose‐degrading enzymes, highlighting its potential for lignocellulosic biomass deconstruction. To demonstrate its effectiveness and accessibility in the natural environment, SACS is used to catalyze in situ soil bioremediation and straw degradation. The resulting CTC degradation rate is 93.43%, with a straw mass loss of up to 58.35% in a coupled process. This mediator regeneration and waste‐to‐resource conversion in SACS provides a promising route for environmental remediation and sustainable agricultural practices.
Current status of preoperative risk assessment for posthepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nishio Takahiro , Taura Kojiro , Koyama Yukinori , Ishii Takamichi , Hatano Etsuro
Published: May 2023

Liver resection is an effective therapeutic option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a major cause of hepatectomy‐related mortality, and the accurate prediction of PHLF based on preoperative assessment of liver functional reserve is a critical issue. The definition of PHLF proposed by the International Study Group for Liver Surgery has gained acceptance as a standard grading criterion. Liver function can be estimated using a variety of parameters, including routine blood biochemical examinations, clinical scoring systems, dynamic liver function tests, liver stiffness and fibrosis markers, and imaging studies. The Child–Pugh score and model for end‐stage liver disease scores are conventionally used for estimating liver decompensation, although the alternatively developed albumin‐bilirubin score shows superior performance for predicting hepatic dysfunction. Indocyanine green clearance, a dynamic liver function test mostly used in Japan and other Asian countries, serves as a quantitative estimation of liver function reserve and helps determine indications for surgical procedures according to the estimated risk of PHLF. In an attempt to improve predictive accuracy, specific evaluation of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension has gained popularity, including liver stiffness measurements using ultrasonography or magnetic resonance elastography, as well as noninvasive fibrosis markers. Imaging modalities, including Tc‐99m‐labeled galactosyl serum albumin scintigraphy and gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, are used for preoperative evaluation in combination with liver volume. This review aims to provide an overview of the usefulness of current options for the preoperative assessment of liver function in predicting PHLF.
A Short‐Cut to Substituted Fused Pyrrolo[2,1‐c][1,4]oxazines: A Hybrid Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Ivanov Andrey V. , Bobkov Alexander S. , Martynovskaya Svetlana V. , Budaev Arsalan B. , Vitkovskaya Nadezhda M.
Published: May 2023

The effect of substituents in the pyrrole ring and at the triple bond on the formation of fused pyrrolooxazines from 1H‐pyrrol‐2‐ylmethanols and propargyl chlorides has been theoretically and experimentally studied. The energy characteristics of the reaction are evaluated using quantum‐chemical calculations (CBS‐Q//B3). A one‐pot transition metal‐free synthesis of substituted 3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrrolo[2,1‐c][1,4]oxazines in good yields has been implemented in the superbasic system NaOH/DMSO.
Azoheteroarene und Diazocine als Molekulare Photoschalter: Selbstassemblierung, Responsive Materialien und Photopharmakologie
Authors: Mukherjee Anurag , Seyfried Maximilian D. , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: May 2023

Aromatische Einheiten, die mit einer Azofunktionalität (−N=N−) verknüpft sind, bilden eine einzigartige Klasse von Verbindungen, bekannt als molekulare Photoschalter, die bei Bestrahlung eine reversible Umwandlung zwischen ihren E‐ und Z‐Isomeren zeigen. Photoschalter wurden in näherer Vergangenheit umfassend untersucht, um dynamische, selbstassemblierende Materialien, optoelektronische Geräte, steuerbare Biomaterialien und vieles mehr, herzustellen. Die meisten dieser Materialien beinhalten Azobenzole als molekulare Photoschalter. Hierfür zeigt SciFinder bereits mehr als 7000 Artikel und 1000 Patente. Dementsprechend wurde viel Aufwand investiert, um die Effizienz der Photoisomerisierung und die damit verbundenen mesoskopischen Eigenschaften von Azobenzolen zu verbessern. Seit kurzer Zeit haben Azoheteroarene und zyklische Azobenzole wie Arylazopyrazole, Arylazoisoxazole, Arylazopyridine und Diazocine als Photoschalter der zweiten Generation an Bedeutung gewonnen. Diese Photoschalter bieten einzigartiges Schaltverhalten und responsive Eigenschaften, die sie zu vielversprechenden Kandidaten für die Entwicklung von photoresponsiven Materialien bis hin zu Photopharmakophoren machen. In diesem Kurzaufsatz stellen wir die strukturellen Unterschiede und photoresponsiven Eigenschaften von Azohezeroarenen und Diazocinen vor und fassen den aktuellen Stand der Anwendung dieser Photoschalter als responsive Bausteine in der supramolekularen Assemblierung, Materialwissenschaften und Photopharmakologie zusammen. Dabei soll ihr vielseitiges photochemisches Verhalten, ihre verbesserten Funktionalitäten und die neusten Anwendungen hervorgehoben werden.
Optimizing efficient PCR‐amplifiable DNA extraction from herbarium specimens
Authors: Gouker Fred E. , Guo Yonghong , Svoboda Harlan T. , Pooler Margaret R.
Published: May 2023

Premise

The objective of this study was to optimize an existing DNA extraction protocol for recalcitrant plant taxa to obtain high‐quality DNA from preserved herbarium tissue suitable for downstream PCR applications.

Methods and Results

Leaf tissue from 30 diverse plant species was obtained from the U.S. National Arboretum Herbarium. Our previous DNA extraction protocol (Gouker et al., 2020, Applications in Plant Sciences 8: e11403) was improved by use of 10X Tris‐EDTA buffer, addition of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, and omission of sample heating during homogenization, and resulted in total DNA yields ranging from 60–2460 ng. Optimized PCR amplification using universal plant primers for the ITS‐p3/u4 region and the P6 loop of the trnL (UAA) chloroplast intron was successful for most specimens.

Conclusions

This protocol, which is simple, fast, and uses standard laboratory‐grade chemicals, yields DNA from herbarium specimens that is comparable in quality to that from commercially available kits, and is of sufficient quality and quantity for other applications.
Effective use of screening experiments: Some practical experiences
Authors: Snee Ronald D. , Bailey Steven P.
Published: May 2023

When faced with a problem to be solved by running designed experiments we should first think of what strategy should be used for the experimentation. One aspect of successful experimental strategy is how to use screening experiments in practice. In this article the authors share their combined experiences of more than 90 years in using designed experiments in which screening experiments are an integral part of the strategy. Along the way the benefits of running screening experiments and why they work are discussed. Topics such as the Pareto principle applied to experimentation and the robustness of screening designs to assumptions are addressed. Case studies, tips, traps, and guidelines are provided. What emerges is a holistic approach to experimentation that results in practicing scientists and engineers getting the right data in the right amount at the right time.
Toward rapid and sensitive point‐of‐care diagnosis with surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐based optofluidic systems
Authors: Joung Younju , Park Sohyun , Kang Binnam , Choo Jaebum
Published: May 2023

With the recent global outbreaks of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019, developing a detection system capable of quickly and accurately diagnosing diseases on‐site has become a pressing need. The ability to diagnose patients in the field is crucial for the prompt isolation and treatment of infected individuals and the prevention of the spread of the disease. Our research group has recently developed a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering optofluidic system that enables rapid and accurate point‐of‐care diagnostics. This account will introduce the principle and configuration of the fluidic devices, such as lateral flow assay strips or microfluidic channels, and the portable Raman spectrometer. We will also highlight the challenges that must be addressed for using this system in clinical settings. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective disease management and control, and developing this system can significantly improve our ability to respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases.
LncRNA BCLET variant confers bladder cancer susceptibility through alternative splicing of MSANTD2 exon 1
Authors: Liu Hanting , Wang Xi , Guo Zheng , Sun Guanting , Lv Qiang , Qin Chao , Yuan Lin , Wang Yunyan , Du Mulong , Wang Meilin , Zhang Zhengdong , Chu Haiyan
Published: May 2023

Background

Alternative splicing (AS)‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with risk of cancers, but the potential mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Two‐stage case–control studies comprising 1630 cases and 2504 controls were conducted to investigate the association between the AS‐SNPs and bladder cancer susceptibility. A series of assays were used to evaluate the functional effect of AS‐SNPs on bladder cancer risk.

Results

We observed that SNP rs558814 A>G located in lncRNA BCLET (Bladder Cancer Low‐Expressed Transcript, ENSG00000245498) can decrease the risk of bladder cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76–0.92, p = 3.26 × 10−4). Additionally, the G allele of rs558814 had transcriptional regulatory effects and facilitated the expression of BCLET transcripts, including BCLET‐long and BCLET‐short. We also found decreased BCLET expression in bladder cancer tissues and cells, and BCLET transcript upregulation substantially inhibited tumor growth of both bladder cancer cells and xenograft models. Mechanistically, BCLET recognized and regulated AS of MSANTD2 to participate in bladder carcinogenesis, preferentially promoting the production of MSANTD2‐004.

Conclusions

SNP rs558814 was associated with the expression of BCLET, which mainly increased the expression of MSANTD2‐004 through AS of MSANTD2.
Prognostic effect of residual plasma Epstein–Barr viral DNA after induction chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Hua , Zhou Ping , Wang Jun , Yu Yi‐Feng , Zhou Rui , Lin Qin , Wu San‐Gang
Published: May 2023

Background

To assess the prognostic effect of plasma Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA load after induction chemotherapy (postIC‐EBV DNA) on survival outcomes in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA‐NPC).

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with LA‐NPC between August 2017 and October 2021 were included. The chi‐squared test, receiver operating characteristic, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazard model were used for statistical analysis.

Results

We included 172 patients with EBV DNA‐positive LA‐NPC in this study. There were 35.5% (n = 61) of patients had plasma residual EBV DNA after induction chemotherapy (IC). Patients with higher EBV DNA before IC (p < 0.001) and advanced nodal stage (p = 0.031) were significantly related to a higher rate of residual postIC‐EBV DNA. Patients with detectable postIC‐EBV DNA had inferior 3‐year locoregional relapse‐free survival (LRFS) (86.7% vs. 96.9%, p = 0.020), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) (76.8% vs. 94.2%, p < 0.001), disease‐free survival (DFS) (68.2% vs. 91.1%, p < 0.001), and overall survival (OS) (87.8% vs. 97.9%, p = 0.044) compared to those with undetectable postIC‐EBV DNA. The multivariate prognostic analyses showed that detectable postIC‐EBV DNA was the independent prognostic factor related to LRFS (p = 0.032), DMFS (p = 0.010), and DFS (p = 0.004) than those with undetectable postIC‐EBV DNA. Pretreatment EBV DNA load had no prognostic effect in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

The monitoring of plasma postIC‐EBV DNA has improved prognostication in LA‐NPC. Our findings suggest that postIC‐EBV DNA may be a robust indicator to identify the optimal candidate for intensive treatment.
Five Sesquiterpenes from Paraconiothyrium sp. and Their Anti‐inflammatory Activity
Authors: Zeng Qingting , Cui Hao , Yao Houzong , Yuan Tao
Published: May 2023

Five eremophilane sesquiterpenes including three new ones, named paraconions A–C (1–3), were isolated from an endophytic fungus, Paraconiothyrium sp. from Artemisia selengensis. The structures of these new compounds were established based on spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, as well as high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS). An anti‐inflammatory assay indicated that paraconion B (2) inhibited lipopolysaccharide‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 51.7 μM. The compounds discovered in this study will enrich the structural types of secondary metabolites of the endophytic fungus Paraconiothyrium sp.
A Cooperative Rh/Co‐Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation Reaction for the Synthesis of Terpene Amines
Authors: Pérez Alonso Alejandro , Pham Minh Doan , Pla Daniel , Gómez Montserrat
Published: May 2023

An original bimetallic catalytic system based on Rh(I) and Co(0) in glycerol is described for the synthesis of biomass‐derived amines through the tandem hydroaminomethylation reaction of terpenes, such as (R)‐limonene, β‐pinene and camphene. Under optimized conditions, this multicatalytic system is highly chemoselective (avoiding hydrogenations of substrates and aldehyde‐based intermediates, and aldol condensations), exhibiting good‐to‐excellent regioselectivity towards linear amines. From a mechanistic viewpoint, cobalt mainly boosts the reductive amination, while rhodium shows a foremost role in the hydroformylation step. Regarding the nature of the organometallic species, catalytically inactive metal nanoparticles have been identified at the end of the reaction, proving the homogeneous nature of the bimetallic catalytic system.
Absorbance spectral slopes for monitoring tropical peat water dissolved organic matter fractions during microbubble pre‐ozonation
Authors: Notodarmojo Suprihanto , Qadafi Muammar , Zevi Yuniati
Published: May 2023

The dissolved organic matter (DOM) protonated fractions of various hydrophobicities were correlated with the tropical peat waters' UV–Vis spectral slopes. This study was conducted to determine how microbubble pre‐ozonation affects UV–Vis spectral slopes in tropical peat water treatment processes This study was conducted to determine how microbubble pre‐ozonation affects UV–Vis spectral slopes in tropical peat water treatment processes. Microbubble pre‐ozonation was carried out at pH 7 followed by alum coagulation and activated carbon (AC) adsorption. The results showed that the log‐transformed UV–Vis absorption of processed peat water had four spectral slopes in the range of 220 to 420 nm. The degradation of the transphilic (TPH) DOM fraction had a strong negative correlation with the S220‐240 and S241‐272 values (R2 > 0.85). Similarly, the hydrophilic‐charged (HPIC) and hydrophilic‐neutral (HPIN) fractions had a strong negative correlation with the S220‐240 and S241‐272 values (R2 > 0.84 and R2 > 0.70). Meanwhile, the S273‐350 S>350 values had a low and negligible correlation with all analyzed DOM fractions (R2 < 0.30). The lower wavelength spectral slopes ratio (S220‐240/S241‐272) was moderately correlated with the DOM fraction, while the correlation with higher wavelength values was negligible. Based on these findings, the UV–Vis spectral slopes ratio at lower wavelengths appears to be useful information for developing a surrogate parameter of DOM fractions in peat water treatment processes.
Effect of additives on the compressive strength and denitrification performance of fly ash catalysts
Authors: Liu Yongjuan , Zhang Lei , Jia Yang , Shu Hao , Lei Zhang , Shuangyan Song , Zou Zhuorui
Published: May 2023

Fly ash is a massive industrial waste. Owing to the abundance of oxides, such as SiO2 and Al2O3, fly ash is considered a high value material. In this study, we assessed its application in the industrial deoxidation of nitrogen oxides, a major environmental pollutant, using the selective catalytic reduction technology. Fly ash was used as the main raw material and bentonite was used as an auxiliary material in the catalyst. Silica sol, starch, and glycerol were added to improve the compressive strength and denitrification performance of the catalyst. The use of silica sol as a binder improved the compressive strength of the catalyst due to the production of Si–O–Si. In addition, the availability of acidic functional groups could improve the denitrification performance of the catalyst. The optimal dosages of the additives were as follows: 6% silica sol, 6% starch, and 5% glycerol. Under these conditions, the catalyst formation was the easiest, the cracks were the least, the compressive strength of the catalyst reached 1434 kPa, and the denitrification performance improved. The findings presented here are relevant for the development of an economical and practicable solution for tackling environmental pollution caused by nitrogen oxides.
Corporate environmental information disclosure and green innovation: The moderating effect of CEO visibility
Authors: Liu Jing‐Yue , Zhang Yue‐Jun , Cho Charles H.
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the effect of corporate environmental information disclosure (EID) on green innovation in China's heavily polluting industries during 2009–2020 and the moderating effect of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) visibility. The results show that: (1) corporate EID increases green innovation, and CEO visibility strengthens the positive impact of corporate EID on green innovation. (2) The green innovation fostered by EID comes from the leverage effect, not from the crowding‐out effect at the expense of other existing innovations; EID stimulates green innovation by alleviating financing constraints and increasing R&D expenditures. (3) Corporate EID has a greater impact on substantive green innovation than on strategic green innovation, and hard EID makes a more significant contribution to green innovation than soft EID does. (4) State‐owned, large, and established enterprises benefit more from the promotion effect of EID on green innovation as well as the positive moderating effect of CEO visibility.
Explainable automated evaluation of the clock drawing task for memory impairment screening
Authors: Handzlik Dakota , Richmond Lauren L. , Skiena Steven , Carr Melissa A. , Clouston Sean A. P. , Luft Benjamin J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The clock drawing task (CDT) is frequently used to aid in detecting cognitive impairment, but current scoring techniques are time‐consuming and miss relevant features, justifying the creation of an automated quantitative scoring approach.

Methods

We used computer vision methods to analyze the stored scanned images (N = 7,109), and an intelligent system was created to examine these files in a study of aging World Trade Center responders. Outcomes were CDT, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, and incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results

The system accurately distinguished between previously scored CDTs in three CDT scoring categories: contour (accuracy = 92.2%), digits (accuracy = 89.1%), and clock hands (accuracy = 69.1%). The system reliably predicted MoCA score with CDT scores removed. Predictive analyses of the incidence of MCI at follow‐up outperformed human‐assigned CDT scores.

Discussion

We created an automated scoring method using scanned and stored CDTs that provided additional information that might not be considered in human scoring.
Trait‐mediated responses of caterpillar communities to spongy moth outbreaks and subsequent tebufenozide treatments
Authors: Leroy Benjamin M. L. , Rabl Dominik , Püls Marcel , Hochrein Sophia , Bae Soyeon , Müller Jörg , Hebert Paul D. N. , Kuzmina Maria L. , Zakharov Evgeny V. , Lemme Hannes , Hahn W. Andreas , Hilmers Torben , Jacobs Martin , Kienlein Sebastian , Pretzsch Hans , Heidrich Lea , Seibold Sebastian , Roth Nicolas , Vogel Sebastian , Kriegel Peter , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: May 2023

Outbreaks of the spongy mothLymantria disparcan have devastating impacts on forest resources and ecosystems. Lepidoptera‐specific insecticides, such asBacillus thuringiensisvar.kurstaki(BTK) and tebufenozide, are often deployed to prevent heavy defoliation of the forest canopy. While it has been suggested that using BTK poses less risk to non‐target Lepidoptera than leaving an outbreak untreated, in situ testing of this assumption has been impeded by methodological challenges. The trade‐offs between insecticide use and outbreaks have yet to be addressed for tebufenozide, which is believed to have stronger side effects than BTK. We investigated the short‐term trade‐offs between tebufenozide treatments and no‐action strategies for the non‐target herbivore community in forest canopies. Over 3 years, Lepidoptera and Symphyta larvae were sampled by canopy fogging in 48 oak stands in southeast Germany during and after a spongy moth outbreak. Half of the sites were treated with tebufenozide and changes in canopy cover were monitored. We contrasted the impacts of tebufenozide and defoliator outbreaks on the abundance, diversity, and functional structure of chewing herbivore communities. Tebufenozide treatments strongly reduced Lepidoptera up to 6 weeks after spraying. Populations gradually converged back to control levels after 2 years. Shelter‐building species dominated caterpillar assemblages in treated plots in the post‐spray weeks, while flight‐dimorphic species were slow to recover and remained underrepresented in treated stands 2 years post‐treatment. Spongy moth outbreaks had minor effects on leaf chewer communities. Summer Lepidoptera decreased only when severe defoliation occurred, whereas Symphyta declined 1 year after defoliation. Polyphagous species with only partial host plant overlap with the spongy moth were absent from heavily defoliated sites, suggesting greater sensitivity of generalists to defoliation‐induced plant responses. These results demonstrate that both tebufenozide treatments and spongy moth outbreaks alter canopy herbivore communities. Tebufenozide had a stronger and longer lasting impact, but it was restricted to Lepidoptera, whereas the outbreak affected both Lepidoptera and Symphyta. These results are tied to the fact that only half of the outbreak sites experienced severe defoliation. This highlights the limited accuracy of current defoliation forecast methods, which are used as the basis for the decision to spray insecticides.
Coral restoration for coastal resilience: Integrating ecology, hydrodynamics, and engineering at multiple scales
Authors: Viehman T. Shay , Reguero Borja G. , Lenihan Hunter S. , Rosman Johanna H. , Storlazzi Curt D. , Goergen Elizabeth A. , Canals Silander Miguel F. , Groves Sarah H. , Holstein Daniel M. , Bruckner Andrew W. , Carrick Jane V. , Haus Brian K. , Royster Julia B. , Duvall Melissa S. , Torres Walter I. , Hench James L.
Published: May 2023

The loss of functional and accreting coral reefs reduces coastal protection and resilience for tropical coastlines. Coral restoration has potential for recovering healthy reefs that can mitigate risks from coastal hazards and increase sustainability. However, scaling up restoration to the large extent needed for coastal protection requires integrated application of principles from coastal engineering, hydrodynamics, and ecology across multiple spatial scales, as well as filling missing knowledge gaps across disciplines. This synthesis aims to identify how scientific understanding of multidisciplinary processes at interconnected scales can advance coral reef restoration. The work is placed within the context of a decision support framework to evaluate the design and effectiveness of coral restoration for coastal resilience. Successfully linking multidisciplinary science with restoration practice will ensure that future large‐scale coral reef restorations maximize protection for at‐risk coastal communities.