bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide and panel‐based cell‐free DNA characterization of patients with resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: van den Ende Tom , van der Pol Ymke , Creemers Aafke , Moldovan Norbert , Boers Dries , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I , Hulshof Maarten CCM , Cillessen Saskia AGM , van Grieken Nicole CT , Pegtel D Michiel , Derks Sarah , Bijlsma Maarten F , Mouliere Florent , van Laarhoven Hanneke WM 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCirculating tumor DNA (ctDNA) holds promise in resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) to predict patient outcome but is not yet sensitive enough to be clinically applicable. Our aim was to combine ctDNA mutation data with shallow whole‐genome sequencing (sWGS)‐derived copy number tumor fraction estimates (ichorCNA) to improve pathological response and survival prediction in EAC. In total, 111 stage II/III EAC patients with baseline (n = 111), post‐neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) (n = 68), and pre‐surgery (n = 92) plasma samples were used for ctDNA characterization. sWGS (<5× coverage) was performed on all time‐point samples, and copy number aberrations were estimated using ichorCNA. Baseline and pre‐surgery samples were sequenced using a custom amplicon panel for mutation detection. Detection of baseline ctDNA was successful in 44.3% of patients by amplicon sequencing and 10.5% by ichorCNA. Combining both, ctDNA could be detected in 50.5% of patients. Baseline ctDNA positivity was related to higher T stage (cT3, 4) (p = 0.017). There was no relationship between pathological response and baseline ctDNA positivity. However, baseline ctDNA metrics (variant allele frequency > 1% or ichorCNA > 3%) were associated with a high risk of disease progression [HR = 2.23 (95% CI 1.22–4.07), p = 0.007]. The non‐clearance of a baseline variant or ichorCNA > 3% in pre‐surgery samples was related to early progression [HR = 4.58 (95% CI 2.22–9.46), p < 0.001]. Multi‐signal analysis improves detection of ctDNA and can be used for prognostication of resectable EAC patients. Future studies should explore the potential of multi‐modality sequencing for risk stratification and treatment adaptation based on ctDNA results. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Influence of ethylene/propylene sequences on the thermal and mechanical properties of propylene‐based elastomers
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Wenhui , Sun Yun , He Xuelian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA range of industrial propylene‐based elastomers (PBEs) were investigated to disclose the relationship between the ethylene/propylene sequences distribution and the performance. The results of carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopy indicated that the majority of propylene sequences existed as isotactic polypropylene (iPP) segments and the stochastic insertion of ethylene sequences mainly in the form of ethylene–propylene (EP) segments. In this case, the amorphous EP chain segments joined by iPP crystals served as physical cross‐linking points, while the completeness of iPP crystallines was disturbed by the presence of ethylene sequences. Eventually, the ratios of imperfect short crystalline were gradually raised with the increasing ethylene contents, and even noncrystalline when the ethylene contents were higher than 15%. Accordingly, the features of these short crystalline networks played a decisive role of the mechanical properties of these PBEs. It was revealed that the higher contents of PPP segments led to more stiffness of PBEs. Therefore, the excessive insertion of ethylene sequences negatively affected the crystallization and mechanical performances of PBEs, and the optimal ethylene content was about 10%–15%. Additionally, in the case of similar molecular sequences, low‐molecular weight had adverse effect on strength or stiffness.
Allosteric site variants affect GTP hydrolysis on Ras
Authors: Johnson Christian W. , Fetics Susan K. , Davis Kathleen P. , Rodrigues Jose A. , Mattos Carla 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRAS GTPases are proto‐oncoproteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation in response to extracellular signals. The signaling functions of RAS, and other small GTPases, are dependent on their ability to cycle between GDP‐bound and GTP‐bound states. Structural analyses suggest that GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by HRAS can be regulated by an allosteric site located between helices 3, 4, and loop 7. Here we explore the relationship between intrinsic GTP hydrolysis on HRAS and the position of helix 3 and loop 7 through manipulation of the allosteric site, showing that the two sites are functionally connected. We generated several hydrophobic mutations in the allosteric site of HRAS to promote shifts in helix 3 relative to helix 4. By combining crystallography and enzymology to study these mutants, we show that closure of the allosteric site correlates with increased hydrolysis of GTP on HRAS in solution. Interestingly, binding to the RAS binding domain of RAF kinase (RAF‐RBD) inhibits GTP hydrolysis in the mutants. This behavior may be representative of a cluster of mutations found in human tumors, which potentially cooperate with RAF complex formation to stabilize the GTP‐bound state of RAS.
The possible links between the Barents–Kara sea‐ice area, Ural blocking, and the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Ahmadi Ramin , Alizadeh Omid 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe investigated the possible links between the Barents–Kara sea‐ice area (SIA), Ural blocking, and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in December–January (DJ) and February–March (FM) using the ERA5 data for the period December 1979–March 2022. The Barents–Kara SIA loss in December is correlated with an increase in geopotential height at 500 hPa (), mean sea‐level pressure (MSLP), and the frequency and intensity of blocking over the Ural in DJ. The Barents–Kara SIA loss in December is also associated with the weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex in FM (particularly in mid‐February) and the negative NAO index. However, our results show that persistent Ural blocking occurs during the transition from a neutral or positive NAO index to its negative phase. Indeed, a significant decrease in NAO index leads to the development of an area of instantaneous blocking (IB) and positive anomalies over the Ural. Persistent Ural blocking contributes significantly to Barents–Kara SIA loss, with a peak decline about seven days after the onset of Ural blocking. The onset of persistent Ural blocking also precedes the weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex by about one month. This implies that the negative correlation between the Barents–Kara SIA loss in December and the NAO index in FM might be caused by the weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex, which itself is induced by persistent Ural blocking. We conclude that the Barents–Kara SIA loss in December can be viewed as a sign rather than the cause of changes in atmospheric circulation over the high‐latitude North Atlantic in succeeding months, because the Barents–Kara SIA also largely responds to Ural blocking and the NAO.
Room‐Temperature Solvent Evaporation Induced Crystallization: A General Strategy for Growth of Halide Perovskite Single Crystals by Applying the Le Chatelier's Principle
Authors: Gao Lei , Luo Xiuting , Sun Jia‐Lin , Li Qiang , Yan Qingfeng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe growth of high‐quality halide perovskite single crystals is imperative to study their intrinsic physical properties and to realize high‐performance optoelectronic devices. Here, a room‐temperature solvent evaporation‐induced crystallization (RTSEIC) method is reported based on Le Chatelier's principle, which provides a general strategy to grow halide perovskite single crystals including 3D, 2D, 1D, and 0D, and either hybrid or all‐inorganic halide perovskites. Taking 2D n‐BA2PbBr4 (n‐BA = butylammonium) as an example, the room‐temperature crystallization kinetics is demonstrated. The centimeter‐sized n‐BA2PbBr4 single crystals exhibit an extremely small full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.024° in (0 0 2) plane rocking curve and a small trap density of 2.74 × 1010 cm−3. The superior crystalline quality endows the n‐BA2PbBr4 single crystal ultraviolet photodetectors with recorded performance among reported n‐BA2PbBr4 ultraviolet photodetectors, demonstrating a detectivity reaching 1.8 × 1013 Jones, a fast response time of 55 µs and a high on‐off ratio of 104. The low‐cost, simple, general, and efficient RTSEIC method is anticipated to promote the blossoming of halide perovskites single crystals.
Amorphous‐Crystalline Interfaces on Hollow Nanocubes Derived from Ir‐Doped Ni–Fe–Zn Prussian Blue Analog Enables High Capability of Alkaline/Acidic/Saline Water Oxidations
Authors: Han HyukSu , Kim So Jung , Jung Sun Young , Oh Dongjo , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Jang Jin Uk , Bang Junghwan , Yeo Sunghwan , Shin Tae Ho 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDevelopment of highly efficient and robust electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under specific electrolyte is a key to actualize commercial low‐temperature water electrolyzers. Herein, a rational catalyst design strategy is first reported based on amorphous–crystalline (a–c) interfacial engineering to achieve high catalytic activity and durability under diverse electrolytes that can be used for all types of low‐temperature water electrolysis. Abundant a–c interface (ACI) is implemented into a hollow nanocubic (pre)‐electrocatalyst which is derived from Ir‐doped Ni–Fe–Zn Prussian blue analogues (PBA). The implemented c–a interface is well maintained during prolonged OER in alkaline, alkalized saline, and acidic electrolytes demonstrating its diverse functionality for water electrolysis. Notably, the final catalyst exhibits superior catalytic activity with excellent durability for OER compared to that of benchmark IrO2 catalyst, regardless of chemical environment of electrolytes. Hence, this work can be an instructive guidance for developing the ACI engineered electroctalyst which can be diversely used for different types of low‐temperature electrolyzers.
Decrypting the Electron‐Withdrawing Effect of Au‐Decorated Bi2O3 for Efficient CO2‐to‐Formate Electroreduction
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Wang Wenqian , Liu Bowen , Song Zichen , Ren Zhiyu , Fu Honggang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlthough the electron‐withdrawing effect of gold (Au) is highlighted in catalytic reactions, its enhancement mechanism for electron transport, especially in the electrochemical process, is still unclear. Herein, Au‐decorated Bi2O3 (Au‐Bi2O3) is proposed as a proof‐of‐concept to investigate the electron‐withdrawing effect in the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) process. Evidence from in situ Raman spectra and in situ XRD tests reveals that, compared to Bi2O3, Bi species in Au‐Bi2O3 can be reduced to metallic Bi more rapidly and more easily driven by the electron‐withdrawing effect of Au. The XPS tests after eCO2RR further validates the transformation from Bi3+ to Bi0 in Au‐Bi2O3 is more complete. Meanwhile, in the in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, the key intermediates (CO2*− and OCHO*−) appear at the more positive potential, indicating that metallic Bi is favorable for eCO2RR due to the lower energy barrier as corroborated by density function theory (DFT) calculations. Au don't directly participate in the conversion from CO2 to formate as the reaction sites, but utilize the electron‐withdrawing effect to motivate Bi‐sites to deliver higher catalytic activity and higher selectivity to formate at a lower applied potential. This study not only has an insight into the electron‐withdrawing effect of Au on the eCO2RR process, but also develops a new perspective for engineering electron‐withdrawing effect in electrocatalysts for high‐efficient CO2‐to‐formate conversion.
Short‐Range Graphitic Nanodomains in Hypocrystalline Carbon Nanotubes Realize Fast Potassium Ion Migration and Multidirection Stress Release
Authors: Chu Jianhua , Zhang Chaojie , Wu Xiaowei , Xing Lidong , Zhang Jianguo , Zhang Liqiang , Wang Haichuan , Wang Wei , Yu Qiyao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDefect‐rich carbon materials are considered as one of the most promising anodes for potassium‐ion batteries due to their enormous adsorption sites of K+, while the realization of both rate capability and cycling stability is still greatly limited by unstable electrochemical kinetics and inevitable structure degradation. Herein, an Fe3+‐induced hydrothermal‐pyrolysis strategy is reported to construct well‐tailored hybrid carbon nanotubes network architecture (PP‐CNT), in which the short‐range graphitic nanodomains are in‐situ localized in the pea pod shape hypocrystalline carbon. The N,O codoped hypocrystalline carbon region contributes to abundant defect sites for potassium ion storage, ensuring high reversible capacity. Meanwhile, the short‐range graphitic nanodomains with expanded interlayer spacing facilitate stable K+ migration and fast electron transfer. Furthermore, the finite element analysis confirms the volume expansion caused by K+ intercalation can be availably buffered due to the multidirection stress release effect of the unique porous pea pod shape, endowing carbon nanotubes with superior structural integrity. Consequently, the PP‐CNT anode exhibits superior potassium‐storage performance, including high reversible capacity, exceptional rate capability, and ultralong cycling stability. This work opens a new avenue for the fabrication of advanced carbon materials for achieving durable and fast potassium storage.
CircDLGAP4 induces autophagy and improves endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis by targeting PTPN4 with miR‐134‐5p
Authors: Xiong Yan , Huang Hui , Chen Fuli , Tang Yijia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveCircular RNAs (circRNAs), a new subgroup of non‐coding RNAs in the human transcriptome, are crucial in atherosclerosis (AS). Here, a newly identified circRNA circDLGAP4 was demonstrated to be downregulated in oxidized forms of low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL)‐induced HUVECs.MethodsThis research adopted ox‐LDL to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to mimic AS in vitro. To further validate the protective action of circDLGAP4 in AS, a mouse model of AS was constructed with a high‐fat diet. Functional assays evaluated circDLGAP4 role in AS in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, mechanism assays evaluated association of circDLGAP4/miR‐134‐5p/PTPN4.ResultsCircDLGAP4 was induced to promote cell proliferative behavior and autophagy, inhibit apoptotic and inflammatory activities in ox‐LDL‐treated HUVECs, and attenuated endothelial barrier function. CircDLGAP4 regulated PTPN4 by directly targeting miR‐134‐5p. Meanwhile, inhibiting miR‐134‐5p reduced ox‐LDL‐induced cell dysfunction. Knockout of PTPN4 reversed circDLGAP4 overexpression or miR‐134‐5p downregulation in vitro. In addition, reducing circDLGAP4 or overexpressing miR‐134‐5p increased the red atherosclerotic plaque and lesion area of AS mice, reduced autophagy level, and promoted the release of inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionThis study extends the role of circRNA in AS by inducing autophagy and improving endothelial dysfunction in AS via the circDLGAP4/miR‐134‐5p/PTPN4 axis.
Fecal occult blood and calprotectin testing to prioritize primary care patients for colonoscopy referral: The advantage study
Authors: Lanas Ángel , Balaguer Francesc , Sánchez‐Luengo Marta , Hijos‐Mallada Gonzalo , Hernández‐Mesa Goretti , Piñero Melisa , Castillo Joaquin , Ocaña Teresa , Cubiella Joaquín , Crespo Anais , Iglesias Águeda , Medeiros Isabel , Cacho Guillermo , Jover‐Martínez Rodrigo , Alustiza Miren , Diaz‐Tasende José , Poves Carmen , Macedo Guilherme , Quintero Enrique ,   The Advantage study group
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundColonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and screening, but endoscopy services are usually overburdened. This study aims to investigate the usefulness of fecal hemoglobin (fHb) and calprotectin (FC) for the identification of patients with high probability of CRC who need urgent referral.MethodsIn a multicenter prospective study, we enrolled symptomatic patients referred from primary care for colonoscopy. Prior to bowel preparation, fHb and FC quantitative tests were performed. The diagnostic performance was estimated for each biomarker/combination. We built a multivariable predictive model based on logistic regression, translated to a nomogram and a risk calculator to assist clinicians in the decision‐making process.ResultsThe study included 1224 patients, of whom 69 (5.6%) had CRC. At the fHb cut‐offs of >0 and 10 μg/g, the negative predictive values for CRC were 98.8% (95% confidence interval 97.8%–99.3%) and 98.6% (95%CI 97.7%–99.1%), and the sensitivities were 85.5% (95%CI 75.0%–92.8%) and 79.7% (95%CI 68.3%–88.4%), respectively. When we added the cut‐off of 150 μg/g of FC to both fHb thresholds, the sensitivity of fecal tests improved. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the concentration of fHb was an independent predictor for CRC; age and gender were also independently associated with CRC.ConclusionsfHb and FC are useful as part of a triage tool to identify those symptomatic patients with high probability of CRC. This can be easily applied by physicians to prioritize high‐risk patients for urgent colonoscopy.
Juvenile primary acquired hypothyroidism in a dog with suspected renal dysplasia
Authors: Parton Sophie , Atkins Callum , Boag Alisdair M. , Woods Glynn 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA 1‐year 3‐month‐old, female, neutered crossbreed dog presented for investigation of polyuria, polydipsia and azotaemia. Subsequent biochemistry, endocrine testing and abdominal ultrasound identified hypercholesterolaemia, thyroglobulin autoantibody‐positive hypothyroidism, and IRIS stage II non‐hypertensive, non‐proteinuric suspected renal dysplasia, with a concurrent Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. The patient responded well clinically to levothyroxine treatment, with improvement in hypercholesterolaemia, azotaemia and demeanour at home. At follow‐up biochemistry assessment, hyperphosphataemia and hypercalcaemia (total and ionised) were documented, presumed to be driven by renal insufficiency and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism, although this aetiology was not definitively proven. Normalisation of these values was noted following renal diet implementation and addition of phosphate binders. This case highlights acquired primary hypothyroidism with evidence of thyroiditis in a juvenile dog with suspected congenital renal dysplasia.
Dangers of Inadvertent Escalation in South Asia
Authors: Salik Naeem 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBarry Posen has, in his study on Inadvertent Escalation, raised a very pertinent question asking, ‘Can Nuclear Powers fight conventional wars with each other and avoid the use of nuclear weapons?’ This question should always be kept in mind by all nuclear powers especially those with mutually hostile relationships. It is evident that the phenomenon of ‘Inadvertent Escalation’ cannot be understood without an understanding of the process of Escalation. South Asia despite the nuclearization of the region in 1998, has been facing one crisis after another each more belligerent than the preceding one and with the potential to wittingly or unwittingly embroil the antagonists into an irreversible escalation cycle with potentially catastrophic consequences. This paper is aimed at sensitising the decision makers in both countries to the dangers inherent in recurring crises especially in the absence of any overarching restraint regime and to make them understand that they might have escaped devastating results in the previous crises merely due to sheer good luck and not any prudence on their part. Case studies of February 2019 crisis between India and Pakistan and the March 2022 Stray Missile crisis have been employed to bring home the point.
Nuclear Weapons and the Militarization of AI
Authors: Tamburrini Guglielmo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis contribution provides an overview of nuclear risks emerging from the militarization of AI technologies and systems. These include AI enhancements of cyber threats to nuclear command, control and communication infrastructures, proposed uses of AI systems affected by inherent vulnerabilities in nuclear early warning, AI-powered unmanned vessels trailing submarines armed with nuclear ballistic missiles. Taken together, nuclear risks emerging from the militarization of AI add new significant motives for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
Fertility Intensity and Timing
Authors: Doignon Yoann , Blöss-Widmer Isabelle , Ambrosetti Elena , Oliveau Sébastien 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis chapter looks at the comparative evolution of fertility since 1950 through several synthetic indicators of fertility intensity (average number of children per woman) and timing (age at childbearing, all birth ranks combined). The Mediterranean area is still a fairly contrasted area in terms of fertility levels, but the reduction in the gaps between countries has been clear and rapid since the 1970s. Fertility is still relatively high in some Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries and is decreasing noticeably, while very low levels can be observed on the Northern Shore (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, etc.). The chapter also presents the most probable fertility trends in this region of the world by returning to the underlying hypotheses. Is the hypothesis of a sustainable convergence of fertility at the level of the replacement fertility rate between the shores foreseeable and, if so, over what time horizon?
Mortality Profiles
Authors: Doignon Yoann , Blöss-Widmer Isabelle , Ambrosetti Elena , Oliveau Sébastien 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Mediterranean is currently characterised by rather low mortality. Indeed, life expectancy at birth exceeds the global average in almost all countries of the region. But this was not always the case. Mortality in the Mediterranean has fallen sharply since 1950: average life expectancy at birth was 78 years in 2019 compared to only 53 years in 1950. This dramatic increase in life expectancy at birth is a sign of great convergence between Mediterranean countries, but also of a profound shift in mortality patterns concerning both causes of mortality and ages at which people die. Despite these general trends of overall convergence in mortality, disparities persist between countries. This chapter takes a look at the evolution of mortality in the Mediterranean since 1950. We will start by describing trends in overall mortality by studying the indicator of life expectancy at birth. We will then analyse mortality by major age groups: child mortality (0–5 years), adult mortality (15–64 years) and mortality at advanced ages (65 years or older). Finally, to explain the identified mortality differences, we will take a look at the health transition in the Mediterranean in relation to the major causes of mortality.
Theories of Discourse (on Quality) and Narrative Inquiry
Authors: Sadownik Alicja R. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe chapter discusses the discourse theory of Laclau and Mouffe (Hegemony and socialist strategy: towards a radical democratic politics. Verso, 1985) and relates it to conceptualisations of ECEC quality as a process of meaning-making (Dahlberg et al., Beyond quality in early childhood education and care: languages of evaluation. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203371114, 2013) and narrative inquiry that theorises human experience as a story. Such a conceptualisation allows us to look at more-than-parental involvement as a never-ending process of meaning-making that manoeuvres between reproducing and challenging the established hegemonies of meaning and communication channels. The included empirical example comes from a quality development project run by an ECEC setting in a multicultural neighbourhood in Norway.