bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODELOWANIE POLIMERYZACJI STOPNIOWEJ MONOMERU AB2. PORÓWNANIE METOD STATYSTYCZNEJ I KINETYCZNEJ
Authors:   Rzeszow University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Industrial and Materials Chemistry, Skóra Elżbieta , Galina Henryk
Published: February 2023

Two methods of modeling polymerization processes: statistical and kinetic ones were used to calculate molecular parameters: number- and weight average polymerization degree of hyperbranched polymers, formed in the step polymerization of symmetric monomer of AB2 type. Calculations were carried out for monomers reacting with the first shell substitution effect, i.e. after the “first” group B has reacted, the reactivity of the “second” group changed. Unlike for the results of modeling polymerization systems involving other monomers of functionality higher than 2, the weight average polymerization degrees calculated using the two methods were not different, irrespectively of the magnitude of substitution effect.
Building WOM from Consumer Involvement for Virtual Idols Endorsement
Authors: Li Yuanlong , Yen Tsaifa (TF) , Han Linshan
Published: February 2023

In the era of the meta-universe, virtual idol endorsement is a rising issue in recent years. Some moral and illegal problems can be avoided through virtual idol endorsement. Virtual idol endorsement, can be said to be one of the feasible solutions of brand spokesperson, which is conducive to the development of marketing strategy and sustainable development of enterprises. Fewer studies, however, have been made on clarifying the effect of consumer involvement on words of mouth. The purpose of this study is to sort out the variable relationship in virtual idol endorsement. Data was collected by questionnaire survey and a total of 425 valid samples were received. Findings reveal that consumer involvement has a significant and positive impacts on brand image, brand awareness and words of mouth, which are the three powerful antecedents. Moreover, both brand image and brand awareness are the mediators in the virtual idol endorsement context. Such the product design of an enterprise should think from the consumer orientation was drawn to enterprises.
Characterization of Grazed Vegetation within Mountainous Areas in the Plateau Region of Togo (West Africa)
Authors: Yawo Nenonene Amen , Akonta Dewa Kassa Kodjo , Béssan Amegnaglo Kossi , Léonard Agbodan Kodjovi Mawuégnigan , Koba Koffi
Published: February 2023

Objectives: Livestock production systems in Togo are still dependent on availability of natural vegetation for livestock feed. The present study aims at characterizing grazed vegetation of the Plateau Region. More specifically, the aim is to inventory forage species and analyze their diversity.

Methodology: In order to characterize the grazed plant communities of the zone, phytosociological surveys were carried out at six sites, namely: Nyidové and Djamakondji (Agou), Dalia (Haho), Tchella (Ogou), Onè (Amou) and Mempeassem (Danyi). A total of 140 plots (10mx10m), twenty per site, were installed and investigated using the Braun-Blanquet method. Ecological parameters (bush fires, grazing, biomass removal, etc.) are the main factors responsible for the loss of forage diversity and degradation of plant cover on the sites.

Abstract: A total of 87 species were inventoried, mainly in the families Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae. Among the species identified, the most palatable are Panicum maximum (Poaceae), Centrosema pubescens (Fabaceae) and Sporobolus pyramidalis (Poaceae).The palatability index of available vegetation varies from site to site. It is low (IS<4) on two of the sites without good grasses or legumes (Dalia and Tchella) and average (IS<5) on the other sites with good quality. As for biological families, the most represented are Asteraceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, etc. Mesophanerophytes, champhytes, therophytes, microphanerophytes, nanophanerophytes and hemicryptophytes are the most predominant biological life forms while pantropicals are more represented in Dalia (40%) and Tchella (49%). Chromolaena odorata (92.85%), Imperata cylindrica (78.57%), Tridax procumbens (64.28%) non-consumed invasive species are very much represented and reflect the state of degradation of grazed vegetations.

Conclusion: The results of this study will be used for pastoral management work in the area.
New HIV Vaccine Approach Safely Stimulated Rare Precursors to Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Suran Melissa
Published: February 2023

This Medical News article discusses a clinical trial for an HIV vaccine that uses germline targeting, a novel technique to induce rare immune cell precursors of broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Frequency and Characteristics of Trials Using Medical Writer Support in High-Impact Oncology Journals
Authors: Buck Eva , Haslam Alyson , Tuia Jordan , Prasad Vinay
Published: February 2023

Importance

The practice of using medical writers to communicate scientific information has gained popularity, but it may affect how and what information is communicated.

Objective

To assess characteristics of oncology trials that use medical writers and whether there is an association between the use of medical writers and trial success or the primary outcome evaluated.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included oncology trials testing a tumor-targeting intervention that were published in The Lancet, The Lancet Oncology, JAMA, JAMA Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and The New England Journal of Medicine between May 1, 2021, and May 1, 2022.

Exposures

Assistance of medical writers or no assistance.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the percentage of studies with medical writers, the percentage of trial successes reported with medical writers, the association between trial success and medical writer use, and the association between a primary end point and medical writer use.

Results

Among 270 studies, 141 (52.2%) included a medical writer and 129 (47.8%) did not include a medical writer. Of the studies that included a medical writer, 83 (58.9%) were successful. Of the studies that did not include a medical writer, 64 (49.6%) were successful (P = .16 for difference). Studies with medical writers were less likely than studies without medical writers to have the end point of overall survival (15 [10.6%] vs 17 [13.2%]) and disease-free or event-free survival (16 [11.3%] vs 29 [22.5%]), whereas studies with a medical writer were more likely to have the end point of progression-free survival (32 [22.7%] vs 17 [13.2%]). Use of medical writer was associated with the conclusions being presented favorably in all studies (113 [80.1%] vs 89 [69.0%]; odds ratio [OR], 1.81 [95% CI, 1.04-3.19]), but when adjusted for other variables, there was no association (OR, 1.84 [95% CI, 0.92-3.72]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, trials using medical writers were more likely to report surrogate end points, such as progression-free survival, and favorable conclusions, but when adjusted for trial phase, randomization, and study funding, there was no association with favorable conclusions. These findings suggest that journals need heightened scrutiny for studies with medical writers and that authorship should be properly acknowledged.
Research of Dynamic Corrosion Behavior, Microstructure, and Biocompatibility of Mg–Zn–Ca–Zr Alloys in Simulated Body Fluid Solution Induced by Zn Element Addition
Authors: Cao Xin , Li Chao , Wu Bing , Liang Ming
Published: February 2023

Herein, the effect of Zn (2,3,4 and 5 wt%) addition on the microstructure, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility of Mg‐xZn‐0.5Ca‐0.4Zr alloys is discussed by micromorphology, immersion/electrochemical, and cytotoxicity experiments. The results reveal that all as‐cast samples with a duplex morphology consist of Mg7Zn3 phase and α‐Mg matrix. With the addition of Zn element, the quantities of Mg7Zn3 phase increase gradually; while its micromorphology obviously changes from dot‐like to network shape, the average grain size decreases gradually. In addition, corrosion mechanism demonstrates that all as‐cast alloys suffer from microgalvanic corrosion between eutectic Mg7Zn3 and α‐Mg substrate due to potential difference of |ΔE| = 180 mV. However, the strip‐shape Mg7Zn3 contained in the Mg–4Zn–0.5Ca–0.4Zr alloy and compared with dot‐like\network shape phase can effectively hinder the spreading of corrosion from one grain to another, which causes Mg–4Zn–0.5Ca–0.4Zr to exhibit superior corrosion resistance. In addition, the biocompatibility conducted by methyl‐thiazolyl‐tetrazolium method via L929 cells reveals that as‐cast Mg–4Zn–0.5Ca–0.4Zr alloy is confirmed with low hemolysis rate (H% = 2.5%) and excellent proliferation capability (P% > 100%), which suggest that Mg–4Zn–0.5Ca–0.4Zr may be a good candidate for implant application.
Recent Progress of Conductive Hydrogel Fibers for Flexible Electronics: Fabrications, Applications, and Perspectives
Authors: Li Wanwan , Liu Jiao , Wei Jingnan , Yang Zhaoyan , Ren Chunlei , Li Bingxiang
Published: February 2023

Flexible conductive materials with intrinsic structural characteristics are currently in the spotlight of both fundamental science and advanced technological applications due to their functional preponderances such as the remarkable conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and tunable physical and chemical properties, and so on. Typically, conductive hydrogel fibers (CHFs) are promising candidates owing to their unique characteristics including light weight, high length‐to‐diameter ratio, high deformability, and so on. Herein, a comprehensive overview of the cutting‐edge advances the CHFs involving the architectural features, function characteristics, fabrication strategies, applications, and perspectives in flexible electronics are provided. The fundamental design principles and fabrication strategies are systematically introduced including the discontinuous fabrication (the capillary polymerization and the draw spinning) and the continuous fabrication (the wet spinning, the microfluidic spinning, 3D printing, and the electrospinning). In addition, their potential applications are crucially emphasized such as flexible energy harvesting devices, flexible energy storage devices, flexible smart sensors, and flexible biomedical electronics. This review concludes with a perspective on the challenges and opportunities of such attractive CHFs, allowing for better understanding of the fundamentals and the development of advanced conductive hydrogel materials.
Engineering Tridimensional Hydrogel Tissue and Organ Phantoms with Tunable Springiness
Authors: Liu Desheng , Jiang Pan , Wang Yixian , Lu Yaozhong , Wu Jiayu , Xu Xin , Ji Zhongying , Sun Chufeng , Wang Xiaolong , Liu Weimin
Published: February 2023

Biomimicking organ phantoms with vivid biological structures and soft and slippery features are essential for in vitro biomedical applications yet remain hither to unmet challenges in their fabrication such as balancing between spatial structural complexity and matchable mechanical properties. Herein, 3D printable tissue‐mimicking elastomeric double network hydrogels with tailorable stiffness are evolved to idiosyncratically match diverse biological soft tissues by regulating the compositions of hydrogel matrix and the density of metal coordination bonds. Relying on digital light processing 3D printing, various mechanically tunable biomimetic volumetric hydrogel organ constructs with structural complexity and fidelity, including kidney, brain, heart, liver, stomach, lung, trachea, intestine, and even the intricate vascularized tissues, are fabricated faultlessly. Proof‐of‐concept 3D printed hydrogel heart and liver phantoms provide sophisticated internal channels and cavity structures and external realistic anatomical architectures that more closely mimic native organs. For the in vitro application demonstration, a 3D printed hydrogel brain phantom with tortuous cerebral arteries and slippery characters serves as an effective neurosurgical training platform for realistic simulation of endovascular interventions. This platform offers a means to construct mechanically precisely tunable hydrogel‐based biomimetic organ phantoms that are expected to be used in surgical training, medical device testing, and organs‐on‐chips.
Loss of RPA1 Impairs Peripheral T Cell Homeostasis and Exacerbates Inflammatory Damage through Triggering T Cell Necroptosis
Authors: Song Jia , Zhang Xin , Yin Yue , Guo Mengfan , Zhao Xuyang , Wang Likun , Ren Caixia , Yin Yuxin , Zhang Xuehui , Deng Xuliang , Lu Dan
Published: February 2023

The peripheral T cell pool is maintained at dynamic homeostasis through fine‐tuning of thymic output and self‐renewal of naïve T cells. Lymphopenia or reduced lymphocyte number is implicated in autoimmune diseases, yet little is known about the homeostatic mechanisms. Here, it is reported that the replication protein A1 (RPA1) plays a critical role in T cell homeostasis. Utilizing T cell‐specific Rpa1‐deficient (Rpa1fl/fl Cd4‐cre) mice, loss of Rpa1 results in lymphopenia through restraining peripheral T cell population and limiting TCR repertoire diversity. Moreover, Rpa1fl/fl Cd4‐cre mice exhibit increased susceptibility to inflammatory diseases, including colitis and hepatitis. Clinical analysis reveals that the expression of RPA1 is reduced in patients with ulcerative colitis or other autoinflammatory diseases. Mechanistically, depletion of RPA1 activates ZBP1‐RIPK3 signaling through triggering the genomic DNA leakage into cytosol, consequently resulting in T cell necroptosis. This necroptotic T cell death induced by RPA1 deficiency allows the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which in turn recruits leukocytes and exacerbates inflammatory response. Reciprocally, chemical or genetic inhibition of necroptosis signaling can ameliorate the Rpa1 deficiency‐induced inflammatory damage. The studies thus uncover the importance of RPA1‐ZBP1‐RIPK3 axis in T cell homeostasis and provide a promising strategy for autoinflammatory disease treatment.
Tethered cord syndrome in KBG syndrome
Authors: Hills Sonia , Pugacheva Alisa , Weltin Patricia , Maughan Annette , Morton Sarah U. , Feldman Henry A. , Klinge Petra M. , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: February 2023

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is characterized by leg pain and weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, orthopedic malformations such as scoliosis, and motor deficits caused by the fixation of the spinal cord to surrounding tissues. TCS is surgically treatable and often found in conjunction with other syndromic conditions. KBG syndrome is caused by variants in the ANKRD11 gene and is characterized by short stature, developmental delay, macrodontia, and a triangular face. The current study explores the prevalence of TCS in pediatric KBG patients and their associated signs and symptoms. Patients with KBG were surveyed for signs and symptoms associated with TCS and asked if they had been diagnosed with the syndrome. We found a high proportion of patients diagnosed with (11%) or being investigated for TCS (24%), emphasizing the need to further characterize the comorbid syndromes. No signs or symptoms clearly emerged as indicative of TCS in KBG patients, but some the prevalence of some signs and symptoms varied by sex. Male KBG patients with diagnosed TCS were more likely to have coordination issues and global delay/brain fog than their female counterparts. Understanding the presentation of TCS in KBG patients is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Recognition and responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) in gambler's help services: A qualitative study
Authors: Suomi Aino , O'Dwyer Carol , Sbisa Alyssa , Metcalf Olivia , Couineau Anne‐Laure , O'Donnell Meaghan , Cowlishaw Sean
Published: February 2023

Accumulating evidence shows a strong association between gambling problems and reports of intimate partner violence (IPV) but provides limited guidance about how to respond to these issues in specialised gambling services. The aim of this study was thus to improve understanding of the potential role of gambling help providers in identifying and responding to IPV. This was addressed via 20 semistructured interviews with gambling help service staff in Australia (15 female and 5 male). Data were analysed in the context of a social constructivist approach to thematic analysis, which produced four themes: (1) “It's loaded with complexity,” which highlights the clinical complexity of clients who disclosed both gambling problems and IPV; (2) “The hidden nature of gambling and IPV,” describing stigma, shame and secrecy attached to both gambling and IPV; (3) “The big thing is putting it on the radar,” which outlined factors in the service context that either enabled client disclosures of IPV or kept it hidden; and (4) “It's everyone's business,” which described current approaches to interagency collaboration, with reference to factors that either limited or facilitated such responses to addressing IPV.
Cognitive trajectories diverge by genetic risk in a preclinical longitudinal cohort
Authors: Vasiljevic Eva , Koscik Rebecca Langhough , Jonaitis Erin , Betthauser Tobey , Johnson Sterling C. , Engelman Corinne D.
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

We sought to characterize the timing of changes in cognitive trajectories related to genetic risk using the apolipoprotein E (APOE) score, a continuous measure of Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. We also aimed to determine whether that timing was different when genetic risk was measured using an AD polygenic risk score (PRS) that contains APOE.

METHODS

We analyzed trajectories (N ≈1135) for four neuropsychological composite scores using mixed effects regression for longitudinal change across APOE scores and PRS of participants in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention, a longitudinal study of adults aged 40 to 70 at baseline, with a median participant follow‐up time of 7.8 years.

RESULTS

We found a significant non‐linear age‐by‐APOE score interaction in predicting cognitive decline. Cognitive trajectories diverged by APOE score at approximately 65 years of age. A 0.5 standard deviation difference in cognition between extreme percentiles of the PRS was predicted to occur 1 to 2 years before that of the APOE score.

DISCUSSION

Cognitive decline differs across time and APOE score. Estimates did not substantially shift with the AD PRS.

Highlights

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) score, a continuous measure, accounts for non‐linear genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Non‐linear age interacts with the APOE score to affect cognition.

Cognitive decline starts to differ by APOE score levels at approximately age 65.

Cognitive decline timing by polygenic risk (including APOE) is similar to APOE alone.
Self‐reported experiences of discrimination and incident dementia
Authors: Bancks Michael P. , Byrd Goldie S. , Caban‐Holt Allison , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Forrester Sarah N. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Heckbert Susan R. , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Rapp Stephen R. , Sachs Bonnie C. , Hughes Timothy M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Discrimination negatively impacts health and may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in dementia risk.

Methods

Experiences of lifetime and everyday discrimination were assessed among 6509 Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants. We assessed the association of discrimination with incidence of dementia including adjustment for important risk factors, cohort attrition, and we assessed for effect modification by race/ethnicity.

Results

Prevalence of any lifetime discrimination in MESA was 42%, highest among Black adults (72%). Over a median 15.7 years of follow‐up, there were 466 incident cases of dementia. Lifetime discrimination, but not everyday discrimination, was associated with incident dementia (Waldp = 0.03). Individuals reporting lifetime discrimination in ≥2 domains (compared to none) had greater risk for dementia (hazard ratio: 1.40; 95%: 1.08, 1.82) after adjustment for sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors. Associations did not differ by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate an association of greater experiences of lifetime discrimination with incident dementia.
APOE ε4 is associated with earlier symptom onset in LOAD but later symptom onset in EOAD
Authors: Polsinelli Angelina J. , Lane Kathleen A. , Manchella Mohit K. , Logan Paige E. , Gao Sujuan , Apostolova Liana G.
Published: February 2023

Background

We studied the effect of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status and sex on age of symptom onset (AO) in early‐ (EO) and late‐ (LO) onset Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Method

A total of 998 EOAD and 2562 LOAD participants from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) were included. We used analysis of variance to examine AO differences between sexes and APOE genotypes and the effect of APOE ε4, sex, and their interaction on AO in EOAD and LOAD, separately.

Results

APOE ε4 carriers in LOAD had younger AO and in EOAD had older AO. Female EOAD APOE ε4 carriers had older AO compared to non‐carriers (P < 0.0001). There was no difference for males. Both male and female LOAD APOE ε4 carriers had younger AO relative to non‐carriers (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The observed earlier AO in EOAD APOE ε4 non‐carriers relative to carriers, particularly in females, suggests the presence of additional AD risk variants.
Can an Earth‐mass planet exist between Jupiter and Saturn? A numerical experiment
Authors: Dvorak Rudolf , Cuntz Manfred
Published: February 2023

Motivated by previous studies about asteroids situated between Jupiter and Saturn, where long‐term stable orbits with small eccentricities and low inclinations have been identified, we extend this research by placing an Earth‐mass planet in the region between Jupiter and Saturn. We pursued numerical integrations of the equations of motions for the outer solar system encompassing Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, as well as the additional Earth‐mass planet. This 6‐body system has been integrated with the Lie method for up to 500 Myr. The default initial stable zone for the Earth‐mass planet has been assumed between 7.04 and 7.31 au based on the results from previous studies by our group. We explored each region separately for 360 Earth‐mass planets (assuming different mean anomalies) and inspected the respective escape times (ETs). The overall picture shows that the most stable orbits occur between 7.12 and 7.28 au. Furthermore, the mean of the ETs for all 360 mean anomalies between 7.24 and 7.12 au gradually decreases from ET = 11 to 0.9 Myr, although smaller values are obtained for the median due to outliers. To check the role of stability of the Earth‐mass planet depending on its initial inclination, we focused on three regions (i.e., 7.23, 7.24, and 7.25 au) in terms of their ETs assuming i = 1°, 3°, and 5°; however, no significant differences were found. Hence, the general possibility of an Earth‐mass planet situated between Jupiter and Saturn in the Solar System's distant past is highly notable, although it would have been a transient event.
Deducing the EOS of dense neutron star matter with machine learning
Authors: Farrell Delaney , Baldi Pierre , Ott Jordan , Ghosh Aishik , Steiner Andrew W. , Kavitkar Atharva , Lindblom Lee , Whiteson Daniel , Weber Fridolin
Published: February 2023

The interior of a neutron star is a unique astrophysical laboratory for studying matter at extreme densities and pressures beyond what is replicable in terrestrial experiments. While there is no direct way to simulate the interior of these stars, one promising avenue to learning more about the equation of state (EOS) of such matter is through X‐rays emitted from the star's surface. The current state‐of‐the‐art method for inference of EOS from a star's X‐ray spectra uses piece‐wise, simulation‐based likelihoods that rely on theoretical assumptions complicated by systematic uncertainties. To reduce the dimensionality of the problem, this method infers macroscopic properties of the star (mass and radius) from emitted X‐ray spectra, and from those quantities infers the EOS. This work approaches the same problem using machine learning techniques, demonstrating a series of enhancements to the current state‐of‐the‐art by realistic uncertainty quantification and reducing the need for theoretical assumptions. We also demonstrate novel inference of the EOS directly from high‐dimensional simulated X‐ray spectra from neutron stars that negate the need for a piece‐wise approach. This inference allows for a natural propagation of uncertainties from the X‐ray spectra by conditioning the discussed networks on realistic sources of uncertainty for each star.
Spectra of puffy accretion discs: the kynbb fit
Authors: Lančová Debora , Yilmaz Anastasiya , Wielgus Maciek , Dovčiak Michal , Straub Odele , Török Gabriel
Published: February 2023

Puffy disc is a numerical model, expected to capture the properties of the accretion flow in X‐ray black hole (BH) binaries in the luminous, mildly sub‐Eddington state. We fit the kerrbb and kynbb spectral models in XSPEC to synthetic spectra of puffy accretion discs, obtained in general relativistic radiative magnetohydrodynamic simulations, to see if they correctly recover the BH spin and mass accretion rate assumed in the numerical simulation. We conclude that neither of the two models is capable of correctly recovering the puffy disc parameters, which highlights a necessity to develop new, more accurate spectral models for the luminous regime of accretion in X‐ray BH binaries. We propose that such spectral models should be based on the results of numerical simulations of accretion.
Formoptimierung außermittig belasteter Stützen – Theorie und experimentelle Verifizierung
Authors: Schmidt Angela , Scheerer Silke , Curbach Manfred
Published: February 2023

Bei der Formoptimierung wird die äußere Gestalt eines Bauteils entsprechend dem vorherrschenden Kraftfluss gewählt. Hierdurch lassen sich bei gleichem Materialeinsatz große Laststeigerungen erzielen bzw. bei gleicher Tragfähigkeit hohe Materialeinsparungen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird eine Formoptimierung für außermittig beanspruchte Stützen vorgestellt, bei denen die Biegebeanspruchung aus einer Rahmenwirkung des Tragsystems resultiert. Dies ist z. B. in Randstützen typischer Stahlbetonskelettbauten der Fall, wie sie üblicherweise bei Wohn‐ und Geschäftshäusern zum Einsatz kommen. Das im Beitrag vorgestellte Formoptimierungsverfahren kann auf Stützen mit einem beliebigen Verhältnis von Momenten‐ zu Normalkraftbeanspruchung angewendet werden, unter Voraussetzung eines eintretenden Materialversagens. Ergebnisse zur Formoptimierung bei einem Stabilitätsversagen wurden für zentrisch gedrückte Stützen bereits gesondert veröffentlicht. Die Optimierung selbst erfolgt iterativ an einer über die Höhe segmentierten Stütze unter dem Kriterium, einen gleichmäßigen Spannungszustand im Bauteil zu erreichen. Mithilfe einer experimentellen Überprüfung an 3,3 m hohen Stützen konnte das gewählte Berechnungs‐ und Optimierungsverfahren verifiziert werden. Neben den Versagenslasten wurden an ausgewählten Punkten zudem die Betondehnungen sowie das Verformungsverhalten analysiert und bewertet.
Deep learning‐based pathology image analysis predicts cancer progression risk in patients with oral leukoplakia
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Gleber‐Netto Frederico O. , Wang Shidan , Martins‐Chaves Roberta Rayra , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Vigneswaran Nadarajah , Sarkar Arunangshu , William William N. , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki , Williams Michelle , Bell Diana , Palsgrove Doreen , Bishop Justin , Heymach John V. , Gillenwater Ann M. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Ferrarotto Renata , Lippman Scott M. , Pickering Curtis Rg , Xiao Guanghua
Published: February 2023

Background

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is associated with an increased risk for oral cancer (OC) development. Prediction of OL cancer progression may contribute to decreased OC morbidity and mortality by favoring early intervention. Current OL progression risk assessment approaches face large interobserver variability and is weakly prognostic. We hypothesized that convolutional neural networks (CNN)‐based histology image analyses could accelerate the discovery of better OC progression risk models.

Methods

Our CNN‐based oral mucosa risk stratification model (OMRS) was trained to classify a set of nondysplastic oral mucosa (OM) and a set of OC H&E slides. As a result, the OMRS model could identify abnormal morphological features of the oral epithelium. By applying this model to OL slides, we hypothesized that the extent of OC‐like features identified in the OL epithelium would correlate with its progression risk. The OMRS model scored and categorized the OL cohort (n = 62) into high‐ and low‐risk groups.

Results

OL patients classified as high‐risk (n = 31) were 3.98 (95% CI 1.36–11.7) times more likely to develop OC than low‐risk ones (n = 31). Time‐to‐progression significantly differed between high‐ and low‐risk groups (p = 0.003). The 5‐year OC development probability was 21.3% for low‐risk and 52.5% for high‐risk patients. The predictive power of the OMRS model was sustained even after adjustment for age, OL site, and OL dysplasia grading (HR = 4.52, 1.5–13.7).

Conclusion

The ORMS model successfully identified OL patients with a high risk of OC development and can potentially benefit OC early diagnosis and prevention policies.
Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of primary intraocular lymphoma: Single‐center real‐world clinical experience
Authors: Min Gi‐June , Kim Tong Yoon , Jeon Young‐Woo , O Joo Hyun , Choi Byung‐Ock , Park Gyeongsin , Park Young‐Hoon , Cho Seok‐Goo
Published: February 2023

Background

The diagnosis and management of primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) remain challenging. This study identified factors indicative of PIOL, described treatment outcomes, and determined modalities to prevent relapse.

Methods

We included 21 PIOL‐diagnosed patients, seven via cytology, 12 via genetic evaluation, and two via interleukin (IL) level measurements, who underwent vitrectomy and received local intravitreal methotrexate (IV‐MTX) injection. Clinical outcomes, including treatment response and relapse, were compared between patients receiving IV‐MTX alone (n = 13) or IV‐MTX with systemic high‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX) as prophylaxis (n = 8).

Results

Twelve ophthalmologic and eight central nervous system (CNS) relapse cases within a median of 20.3 and 11.6 months were shown, regardless of the treatment modalities, with a median progression‐free survival of 21.3 (95% confidence interval, 9.5–36.7) months. There was no difference in demographic characteristics between the two groups, except with the poorer performance status in patients in the HD‐MTX prophylaxis group. Furthermore, patients demonstrated rapid elevations in the vitreous fluid IL‐10/IL‐6 cytokine ratio before ophthalmologic and CNS relapse. Therefore, diagnosis should be based on clinical signs and assisted by vitrectomy, cytologic, molecular, and cytokine studies.

Conclusion

For PIOL, aggressive systemic treatment equivalent to that of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is recommended because solely HD‐MTX did not prevent or delay CNS relapse. To prevent PIOL relapse in the CNS efficiently, prospective trials with large numbers of patients and advanced therapeutic regimens are necessary. Furthermore, regular clinical follow‐up is crucial, and the IL‐10/IL‐6 ratio can help evaluate relapse promptly.
Regulating Antifreeze Activity through Water: Latent Functions of the Sugars of Antifreeze Glycoprotein Revealed by Total Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Okamoto Ryo , Orii Ryo , Shibata Hiroyuki , Maki Yuta , Tsuda Sakae , Kajihara Yasuhiro
Published: February 2023

Antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP), which inhibits the freezing of water, is highly O‐glycosylated with a disaccharide, d‐Galβ1‐3‐d‐GalNAcα (GalGalNAc). To elucidate the function of the sugar residues for antifreeze activity at the molecular level, we conducted a total chemical synthesis of partially sugar deleted AFGP derivatives, and unnatural forms of AFGPs incorporating glucose (Glc)‐type sugars instead of galactose (Gal)‐type sugars. These elaborated AFGP derivatives demonstrated that the stereochemistry of each sugar residue on AFGPs precisely correlates with the antifreeze activity. A hydrogen–deuterium exchange experiment using synthetic AFGPs revealed a different dynamic behavior of water around sugar residues depending on the sugar structures. These results indicate that sugar residues on AFGP form a unique dynamic water phase that disturbs the absorbance of water molecules onto the ice surface, thereby inhibiting freezing.
Ge32Co9−x: Creating “Empty” Space by High Pressure
Authors: Clark William P. , Carrillo‐Cabrera Wilder , Prots Yurii , Fitch Andy , Krnel Mitja , Schwarz Ulrich , Grin Yuri
Published: February 2023

The compound Ge32Co9−x(x=0.54(6),a=10.9861(3) Å, space groupImm) prepared under high pressure and at high temperature is metastable under ambient conditions. It crystallizes in a new structure type, Pearson symbolcI82−1.08. The crystal structure represents a slightly distorted cubic primitive arrangement of germanium atoms with part of the Ge cubes filled by cobalt. Analysis of the chemical bonding by real‐space methods revealed three‐core cluster units Ge16Co3and seemingly empty regions comprising either covalent inter‐polyhedral Ge−Ge bonds or lone‐pairs located at the germanium atoms. The electrical conductivity is metal‐like.
Phylogenetic analyses reveal bat communities in Northwestern Mexico harbor a high diversity of novel cryptic ectoparasite species
Authors: Najera‐Cortazar Laura A. , Keen Alex , Kitching Thomas , Stokes Drew , Goodman Simon J.
Published: February 2023

Parasites are integral parts of ecosystem function and important drivers of evolutionary processes. Characterizing ectoparasite diversity is fundamental to studies of host–parasite interactions, evolution, and conservation, and also for understanding emerging disease threats for some vector borne pathogens. With more than 1400 species, bats represent the second most speciose mammalian clade, but their ectoparasite fauna are poorly known for most species. We sequenced mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase C subunit I and nuclear 18S ribosomal gene fragments, and used Bayesian phylogenetic analyses to characterize ectoparasite taxon identity and diversity for 17 species of parasitized bats sampled along the Baja California peninsula and in Northwestern Mexico. The sequence data revealed multiple novel lineages of bat bugs (Cimicidae), flies (Nycteribiidae and Streblidae), and ticks (Argasidae). Within families, the new linages showed more than 10% sequence divergence, which is consistent with separation at least at the species level. Both families of bat flies showed host specificity, particularly on Myotis species. We also identified new records for the Baja peninsula of one tick (Carios kelleyi), and of five Streblid bat fly species. One Nycteribiid bat fly haplotype from Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) hosts was found throughout the peninsula, suggesting potential long distance co‐dispersal with hosts. Different bat bug and tick communities were found in the north and south of the peninsula. This study is the first systematic survey of bat ectoparasites in the Baja California peninsula, revealing novel lineages that are highly genetically differentiated from other parts of North America. For some ectoparasite species, haplotype distributions may reflect patterns of bat migration. This work is a first step in characterizing ectoparasite diversity over the Baja California peninsula, and understanding how ecological and evolutionary interactions shape bat ectoparasite communities among host species in different parts of their ranges.
Diet composition of omnivorous Mesopotamian spiny‐tailed lizards (Saara loricata) in arid human‐altered landscapes of Southwest Iran
Authors: Qashqaei Ali T. , Ghaedi Zeinab , Coogan Sean C. P.
Published: February 2023

The Mesopotamian spiny‐tailed lizard, Saara loricata, is one of the largest lizard species in the Middle East. Here, we report on the diet of the lizard and their potential role in seed dispersal in Southwestern Iran. We analyzed lizard fecal pellet groups (n = 124) for their food item composition and seed content. We calculated the relative frequency of occurrence (FO%), relative volume (V%), and importance value (IV%) for each food item. Moreover, the number of seeds of each plant food item was counted. Our findings reveal the first solid evidence of omnivorous behavior in the lizard. In total, 16 plant food items and 14 animal food items were identified. Herbaceous plants (IV = 110.2%) and invertebrates (4.8%) were the most important food groups. The plant food items with the highest FO% were Poaceae (56.4%), Centaurea sp. (43.5%), and Medicago polymorpha (27.4%); and the V% for these items were 53.6%, 30.9%, and 13.1%, respectively. Most of the seeds that were consumed by lizards were from Poaceae (547 seeds; 47.81%) and Fabaceae (285 seeds; 24.91%). We also found that each individual lizard could play an equal role in the seed dispersal of all plant families identified. Previous studies show that plant species density and richness are important features for the burrow site selection of Mesopotamian spiny‐tailed lizard. This study highlights the potential role of lizards in influencing the vegetation communities around their burrows through seed dispersal.
Genetic characteristics influence the phenotype of marine macroalga Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Preston Roxana , Rodil Iván F.
Published: February 2023

Intraspecific variation is an important component of heterogeneity in biological systems that can manifest at the genotypic and phenotypic level. This study investigates the influence of genetic characteristics on the phenotype of free‐living Fucus vesiculosus using traditional morphological measures and microsatellite genotyping. Two sympatric morphotypes were observed to be significantly genetically and morphologically differentiated despite experiencing analogous local environmental conditions; indicating a genetic element to F. vesiculosus morphology. Additionally, the observed intraclonal variation established divergent morphology within some genets. This demonstrated that clonal lineages have the ability to alter morphological traits by either a plastic response or somatic mutations. We provide support for the potential occurrence of the Gigas effect (cellular/organ enlargement through genome duplication) in the Fucus genus, with polyploidization appearing to correlate with a general increase in the size of morphological features. Phenotypic traits, as designated by morphology within the study, of F. vesiculosus are partially controlled by the genetic characteristics of the thalli. This study suggests that largely asexually reproducing algal populations may have the potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions through genome changes or phenotypic plasticity.
CCR4+CD8+ T cells clonally expand to differentiated effectors in murine psoriasis and in human psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Montico Guendalina , Mingozzi Francesca , Casciano Fabio , Protti Giulia , Gornati Laura , Marzola Erika , Banfi Giuseppe , Guerrini Remo , Secchiero Paola , Volinia Stefano , Granucci Francesca , Reali Eva
Published: February 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an autoimmune component and associated with joint inflammation in up to 30% of cases. To investigate autoreactive T cells, we developed an imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like inflammation model in K5‐mOVA.tg C57BL/6 mice expressing ovalbumin (OVA) on the keratinocyte membrane, adoptively transferred with OT‐I OVA‐specific CD8+ T cells. We evaluated the expansion of OT‐I CD8+ T cells and their localization in skin, blood, and spleen. scRNA‐seq and TCR sequencing data from patients with psoriatic arthritis were also analyzed. In the imiquimod‐treated K5‐mOVA.tg mouse model, OT‐I T cells were markedly expanded in the skin and blood at early time points. OT‐I T cells in the skin showed mainly CXCR3+ effector memory phenotype, whereas in peripheral blood there was an expansion of CCR4+CXCR3+ OT‐I cells. At a later time point, expanded OVA‐specific T‐cell population was found in the spleen. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, scRNA‐seq and TCR sequencing data showed clonal expansion of CCR4+ TCM cells in the circulation and further expansion in the synovial fluid. Importantly, there was a clonotype overlap between CCR4+ TCM in the peripheral blood and CD8+ T‐cell effectors in the synovial fluid. This mechanism could play a role in the generation and spreading of autoreactive T cells to the synovioentheseal tissues in psoriasis patients at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.
Screen‐printed electrochemical sensors for label‐free potentiometric and impedimetric detection of human serum albumin
Authors: Kamel Ayman H. , Ashmawy Nashwa H. , Youssef Teraze A. , Elnakib Mostafa , Abd El‐Naby Heba , Abd‐Rabboh Hisham S. M.
Published: February 2023

Herein, two electrochemical methods based on potentiometric and impedimetric transductions were presented for albumin targeting, employing screen‐printed platforms (SPEs) to make easy and cost‐effective sensors with good detection merits. The SPEs incorporated ion‐to‐electron multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) transducer. Sensors were constructed using either tridodecyl methyl‐ammonium chloride (TDMACl) (sensor I) or aliquate 336S (sensor II) in plasticized polymeric matrices of carboxylated poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC‐COOH). Analytical performances of the sensors were evaluated using the above‐mentioned electrochemical techniques. For potentiometric assay, constructed sensors responded to albumin with −81.7 ± 1.7 (r2 = 0.9986) and −146.2 ± 2.3 mV/decade (r2 = 0.9991) slopes over the linearity range 1.5 μM–1.5 mM with 0.8 and 1.0 μM detection limits for respective TDMAC‐ and aliquate‐based sensors. Interference study showed apparent selectivity for both sensors. Impedimetric assays were performed at pH = 7.5 in 10 mM PBS buffer solution with a 0.02 M [Fe(CN)6]−3/−4redox‐active electrolyte. Sensors achieved detection limits of 4.3 × 10−8and 1.8 × 10−7 M over the linear ranges of 5.2×10−8–1.0×10−4 M and 1.4×10−6–1.4×10−3 M, with 0.09 ± 0.004 and 0.168 ± 0.009 log Ω/decade slopes for sensors based on TDMAC and aliquate, respectively. These sensors are characterized with simple construction, high sensitivity and selectivity, fast response time, single‐use, and cost‐effectiveness. The methods were successfully applied to albumin assessment in different biological fluids.
Performance and emission analysis of single‐cylinder direct injection engine running with cottonseed‐ethyl oleate biodiesel blends
Authors: Singh Nishant Kumar , Singh Yashvir , Rahim Erween Abd , Sharma Abhishek , Singla Amneesh
Published: February 2023

In this study, the performance and exhaust emissions of a direct injection (DI) diesel engine are compared using blended fuels consisting of cottonseed oil (CSO) and ethyl oleate (EO) at various diesel proportions. The uniqueness of this work lies in the fact that it utilizes engine emission and performance studies with blended fuel made from CSO and EO at a higher volume (%) composition than is typically used. Biodiesel reduces brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC) compared to CSO, even though it is higher than diesel due to viscosity and heating value. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was enhanced until 800 rpm and afterward reduced as the engine's speed continued to increase. Among all the blends, BTE was recorded as highest for CE20D and minimum for CSO. Because EO was unsaturated, culminating in a reasonably short ignition delay, NOx emissions in fused biofuel were marginally more significant than in diesel. The concentrations of UHC and CO reduced as the concentrations of CSO and EO increased, caused by a rise in the oxygen concentration by mass portion. The results of the combustion and emission tests suggest that CE20D has the potential to be a sustainable alternative fuel.
Tectonic advection of contacts enhances landscape transience
Authors: Mitchell Nate , Forte Adam M.
Published: February 2023

Contrasts in bedrock erodibility have been shown to drive landscape transience, but it is unclear whether horizontal tectonic displacements would enhance such effects. Furthermore, one might expect these factors to coexist, as tectonic convergence helps to create rock strength contrasts in settings like the Himalayas. How do landscapes respond when contacts separating units are raised vertically and shifted horizontally by tectonics? To evaluate such questions, we use landscape evolution models to simulate the exposure of a weak unit in a landscape equilibrated to a strong unit. We explore different simulations varying factors like weak unit erodibility, diffusivity, contact dip, and topographic advection rate. In these simulations, we assess the migration of the main drainage divide as well as changes in channel steepness and topographic relief within the strong unit. Our model results show that the horizontal movement of a contact does enhance drainage divide migration and increases in channel steepness, especially when the contact migrates along rivers with low drainage areas. Across all simulations, however, increases in topographic relief are minimal and temporary. Unexpected behaviors emerge in our simulations in which the mass balance of topography is influenced by horizontal tectonic displacements. For example, the exposure of the weak unit causes a gradual decline in the steepness of the strong unit. We interpret such behaviors to be artifacts related to the fixed boundaries of our domain and likely unrepresentative of natural landscapes. Instead, we focus on simulations where advection does not influence the mass balance of topography. These models show that the horizontal movement of contacts can enhance landscape transience, but this transience is marked by features one can use as diagnostic characteristics. Detecting such characteristics in natural landscapes featuring tectonic convergence would be difficult, however, due to the natural coincidence of factors such as faulting, folding, and landslides.
Experimental investigation of change in performance parameters on cooling of lithium‐ion battery pack using nanofluids
Authors: Thorat Prajwal
Published: February 2023

Electric vehicles surged into the automobile industry due to increasing emissions and future extinction of fossil fuels which resulted due to their unforeseen utilization all over the globe. Battery is important components for manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). Currently lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) cells are the most advanced and efficient cell technology developed till date. These cells work well within an operating temperature range of 15° C to 35°C. Thus, many battery cooling techniques were developed such as air, liquid, phase change material (PCM) and heat pipe based cooling system. Liquid cooling was found to be the most efficient, adoptable and convenient system used in EVs. The current paper focuses on development of an active indirect liquid cooling system using nanofluids as coolant. Different performance parameters such as mass flow rate, nanoparticle concentration and maximum temperature of battery pack were varied and simulation results were validated using experimental results. The results concluded that nanofluids show improved and enhanced cooling as in comparison with other coolants such as water and ethylene glycol. Al2O3‐water nanofluid is the most preferable to use in EVs as coolants due to its efficient cooling, low cost and environmental friendly nature. On increasing the mass flow rate of the coolants, flowing into the cooling tube increases the cooling performance and reduces the temperature of battery pack within the battery operating zone. The cooling performance using nanofluids increased by 40% as in comparison with water and ethylene glycol as coolants when tested experimentally.