bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Aflatoxin Resistance-related Proteins/Genes through Proteomics and RNAi Gene Silencing1
Authors: Chen Z-Y. , Brown R. L. , Guo B. Z. , Menkir A. , Cleveland T. E.
Published: April 2009

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus Link ex. Fries, and A. prarasiticus Speare during infection of susceptible crops, such as maize, cottonseed, peanuts and tree nuts. This paper will review research efforts in identifying aflatoxin resistance-related proteins/genes in maize. Similar strategies may be useful in peanut. For maize, although genotypes resistant to A. flavus infection or aflatoxin production have been identified, the incorporation of resistance into commercial lines has been slow due to the lack of selectable markers and poor understanding of host resistance mechanisms. Recently, resistance-associated proteins (RAPs) were identified through proteomic comparison of constitutive protein profiles between resistant and susceptible maize genotypes. These proteins belong to three major groups based on their peptide sequence homologies: storage proteins, stress-related proteins, and antifungal proteins. Preliminary characterization of some of these RAPs suggest that they play a direct role in host resistance, such as pathogenesis-related protein 10 (PR10), or an indirect role, such as glyoxalase I (GLX I), through enhancing the host stress tolerance. To verify whether these RAPs play a role in host resistance, RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing technique was used to silence the expression of these genes in maize. RNAi vectors (glx I RNAi and pr10 RNAi) were constructed using Gateway technology, and then transformed into immature maize embryos using both bombardment and Agrobacterium infection. The extent of gene silencing in transgenic callus tissues ranged from 20% to over 99%. The RNAi silenced transgenic maize seeds have also been obtained from plants regenerated from Agrobacterium transformed callus lines. Kernel screen assay of the transgenic maize kernels demonstrated a significant increase in susceptibility to A. flavus colonization and aflatoxin production in some of the silenced transgenic lines compared with non-silenced control kernels, suggesting the direct involvement of these two proteins in aflatoxin resistance in maize.
Breeding Peanut for Resistance to Aflatoxin Contamination at ICRISAT
Authors: Nigam S. N. , Waliyar F. , Aruna R. , Reddy S. V. , Kumar P. Lava , Craufurd P. Q. , Diallo A. T. , Ntare B. R. , Upadhyaya H. D.
Published: April 2009

Peanut plays an important role in the livelihoods of poor farmers and in the rural economy of many developing countries. Aflatoxin contamination in peanut seeds, caused by Aspergillus flavus, hampers international trade and adversely affects health of consumers of peanut and its products. It can occur in the field when the crop is growing, during harvesting and curing, and in storage and transportation. Aflatoxin research on peanut at ICRISAT focuses on identification and utilization of genetic resistance to preharvest seed infection and aflatoxin production by A. flavus and pre and post harvest management practices to minimize contamination. Breeding for aflatoxin resistance has been a contentious issue in peanut for nearly four decades since the first report of host resistance to aflatoxin production by A. flavus. Despite global efforts, progress in aflatoxin resistance breeding has been limited due to the low level of resistance to different components of resistance (preharvest seed infection and aflatoxin production, and in vitro seed colonization by A. flavus), their variable performance due to high G × E interaction, lack of reliable screening protocols, and limited understanding of genetics of resistance. Efforts to combine the three independently inherited components of resistance did not produce expected results towards improving the host plant resistance to aflatoxin contamination. Although breeding lines have shown better performance for resistance to aflatoxin contamination at ICRISAT, they need wider evaluation under diverse growing conditions. The search for better sources of resistance in the cultivated and wild Arachis germplasm continues, and recent developments in the area of transgenic research through modification of aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway or use of genes with antifungal and anti-aflatoxin properties appear encouraging. Meanwhile, the available improved breeding lines coupled with pre and post harvest aflatoxin management practices can help to significantly reduce aflatoxin contamination in farmers' fields. It is expected that transgenic resistance against fungal infection and aflatoxin production in combination with conventional breeding efforts may lead to the development of agronomically superior peanuts that are free of aflatoxin contamination.
Survival of mossy cells of the hippocampal dentate gyrus in humans with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Seress László , Ábrahám Hajnalka , Horváth Zsolt , Dóczi Tamás , Janszky József , Klemm Joyce , Byrne Richard , Bakay Roy A. E.
Published: April 2009

Object

Hippocampal sclerosis can be identified in most patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Surgical removal of the sclerotic hippocampus is widely performed to treat patients with drug-resistant mesial TLE. In general, both epilepsy-prone and epilepsy-resistant neurons are believed to be in the hippocampal formation. The hilar mossy cells of the hippocampal dentate gyrus are usually considered one of the most vulnerable types of neurons. The aim of this study was to clarify the fate of mossy cells in the hippocampus in epileptic humans.

Methods

Of the 19 patients included in this study, 15 underwent temporal lobe resection because of drug-resistant TLE. Four patients were used as controls because they harbored tumors that had not invaded the hippocampus and they had experienced no seizures. Histological evaluation of resected hippocampal tissues was performed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mossy cells were identified in the control as well as the epileptic hippocampi by using cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide immunohistochemistry. In most cases the number of mossy cells was reduced and thorny excrescences were smaller in the epileptic hippocampi than in controls; however, there was a significant loss of pyramidal cells and a partial loss of granule cells in the same epileptic hippocampi in which mossy cell loss was apparent. The loss of mossy cells could be correlated with the extent of hippocampal sclerosis, patient age at seizure onset, duration of epilepsy, and frequency of seizures.

Conclusions

In many cases large numbers of mossy cells were present in the hilus of the dentate gyrus when most pyramidal neurons of the CA1 and CA3 areas of the Ammon's horn were lost, suggesting that mossy cells may not be more vulnerable to epileptic seizures than the hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
William Henry Battle and Battle's sign: mastoid ecchymosis as an indicator of basilar skull fracture
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Loukas Marios , Oakes W. Jerry , Cohen-Gadol Aaron
Published: April 2009

William Henry Battle (1855–1936) practiced medicine in England > 1 century ago and is primarily remembered for his description of ecchymosis over the mastoid, which indicates fracture of the skull base. Although Mr. Battle made many contributions to medicine, almost nothing exists in the literature regarding his life and findings, especially in regard to head injury. The following is a review of Battle's background and his contributions to medicine, specifically his observations associated with basilar skull fractures.
Characteristics of auras in patients undergoing temporal lobectomy
Authors: Binder Devin K. , Garcia Paul A. , Elangovan Ganesh K. , Barbaro Nicholas M.
Published: April 2009

Object

Prior studies suggest that aura semiology may have localizing value. However, temporal lobe aura characteristics and response to surgery have not been studied in large patient series.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed the case records of 182 patients undergoing temporal lobectomy for medically intractable epilepsy at a single institution. They analyzed the frequency and type of auras and seizures preoperatively, and at 3 months and 1 year after temporal lobectomy. Auras were divided into medial semiology (rising epigastric, olfactory/gustatory, experiential, and fear) and lateral semiology (auditory, somatosensory, and visual), or other.

Results

Of 182 patients, 150 were included in this study. The preoperative prevalence of auras was 77%. Multiple types of auras were present in 20% of patients. The most common aura was rising epigastric (26% of all auras). Postoperatively, auras were eliminated in 63% of patients at 3 months and in 64% at 1 year. Seventy-seven patients (51%) were seizure-free and aura-free, 22 (15%) were seizure-free with auras, 26 (17%) had seizures but no auras, and 25 (17%) had seizures with auras. Despite having their auras eliminated, 6.7% of patients continued to have complex partial seizures. Lateral temporal auras were more than twice as likely as medial temporal auras to persist after surgery (p < 0.002).

Conclusions

While the majority of patients in the authors' series became seizure- and aura-free, a significant minority still had persistent auras. Patients with lateral temporal auras appear to be at increased risk for having persistent postoperative auras. The discrepancy between aura and seizure outcomes results in a small group of patients having persistent seizures but losing their auras postoperatively.
Real-time myocardial perfusion contrast echocardiography and regional wall motion abnormalities after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Abdelmoneim Sahar S. , Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Lee Vivien H. , Daugherty Wilson P. , Bernier Mathieu , Oh Jae K. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Mulvagh Sharon L.
Published: April 2009

Object

The pathophysiology of myocardial dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear. Using myocardial real-time perfusion contrast echocardiography (RTP-CE), the authors evaluated microvascular function in patients with acute SAH.

Methods

Over a 15-month period, 10 patients with acute SAH and evidence of cardiac dysfunction were prospectively enrolled. The authors performed RTP-CE within 48 hours of SAH diagnosis. Wall motion and myocardial perfusion were evaluated in 16 left ventricle segments. Qualitative and quantitative RTP-CE analyses were conducted to compare patients with and without regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Follow-up RTP-CE at a mean of 53.7 ± 43 days was undertaken in patients with baseline RWMAs.

Results

Ten patients with SAH and evidence of cardiac dysfunction were prospectively enrolled. There were 3 men and 7 women whose mean age was 63.5 ± 10.1 years. The authors documented evidence of RWMAs in 6 patients. Normal perfusion was demonstrated by RTP-CE in all patients at baseline and follow-up, despite the presence of RWMAs. Compared with patients presenting with normal wall motion, in patients with RWMAs there was a trend for higher quantitative RTP-CE parameters, suggesting hyperemia with mean myocardial blood flow velocity (β, s−1) of 1.08 ± 0.61 (95% CI 0–2.61) compared with 1.62 ± 0.64 (95% CI 0.94–2.29) and myocardial blood flow (A × β, dB/s) of 0.99 ± 0.41 (95% CI 0–2.0) versus 1.63 ± 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–2.53). Follow-up RTP-CE was feasible in 3 patients with RWMAs. Regional systolic function was restored in those who completed follow-up.

Conclusions

The authors found that RTP-CE readily evaluates microvascular function in patients with SAH. Wall motion and perfusion dissociation were observed. Quantitative RTP-CE showed a trend for microvascular hyperemia in patients with RWMAs, suggesting that post-SAH myocardial dysfunction could occur in the absence of microvascular dysfunction.
On the Free Energy That Drove Primordial Anabolism
Authors: Kaufmann Michael
Published: April 2009

A key problem in understanding the origin of life is to explain the mechanism(s) that led to the spontaneous assembly of molecular building blocks that ultimately resulted in the appearance of macromolecular structures as they are known in modern biochemistry today. An indispensable thermodynamic prerequisite for such a primordial anabolism is the mechanistic coupling to processes that supplied the free energy required. Here I review different sources of free energy and discuss the potential of each form having been involved in the very first anabolic reactions that were fundamental to increase molecular complexity and thus were essential for life.
Use of Macro Fibre Composite Transducers as Acoustic Emission Sensors
Authors: Eaton Mark , Pullin Rhys , Holford Karen , Evans Sam , Featherston Carol , Rose Alex
Published: April 2009

The need for ever lighter and more efficient aerospace structures and components has led to continuous optimization pushing the limits of structural performance. In order to ensure continued safe operation during long term service it is desirable to develop a structural health monitoring (SHM) system. Acoustic emission (AE) offers great potential for real time global monitoring of aerospace structures, however currently available commercial sensors have limitations in size, weight and adaptability to complex structures. This work investigates the potential use of macro-fibre composite (MFC) film transducers as AE sensors. Due to the inhomogeneous make-up of MFC transducers their directional dependency was examined and found to have limited effect on signal feature data. However, signal cross-correlations revealed a strong directional dependency. The sensitivity and signal attenuation with distance of MFC sensors were compared with those of commercially available sensors. Although noticeably less sensitive than the commercial sensors, the MFC sensors still had an acceptable operating range. Furthermore, a series of compressive carbon fiber coupon tests were monitored in parallel using both an MFC sensor and a commercially available sensor for comparison. The results showed good agreement of AE trends recorded by both sensors.
Interpretation of Absorption Bands in Airborne Hyperspectral Radiance Data
Authors: Szekielda Karl  H. , Bowles Jeffrey  H. , Gillis David  B. , Miller W. David
Published: April 2009

It is demonstrated that hyperspectral imagery can be used, without atmospheric correction, to determine the presence of accessory phytoplankton pigments in coastal waters using derivative techniques. However, care must be taken not to confuse other absorptions for those caused by the presence of pigments. Atmospheric correction, usually the first step to making products from hyperspectral data, may not completely remove Fraunhofer lines and atmospheric absorption bands and these absorptions may interfere with identification of phytoplankton accessory pigments. Furthermore, the ability to resolve absorption bands depends on the spectral resolution of the spectrometer, which for a fixed spectral range also determines the number of observed bands. Based on this information, a study was undertaken to determine under what circumstances a hyperspectral sensor may determine the presence of pigments. As part of the study a hyperspectral imager was used to take high spectral resolution data over two different water masses. In order to avoid the problems associated with atmospheric correction this data was analyzed as radiance data without atmospheric correction. Here, the purpose was to identify spectral regions that might be diagnostic for photosynthetic pigments. Two well proven techniques were used to aid in absorption band recognition, the continuum removal of the spectra and the fourth derivative. The findings in this study suggest that interpretation of absorption bands in remote sensing data, whether atmospherically corrected or not, have to be carefully reviewed when they are interpreted in terms of photosynthetic pigments.
A short stereoselective synthesis of (+)-(6R,2′S)-cryptocaryalactone via ring-closing metathesis
Authors: Radha Krishna Palakodety , Lopinti Krishnarao , Reddy K L N
Published: April 2009

A short stereoselective synthesis of (+)-(6R,2′S)-cryptocaryalactone was successfully completed. Key steps included the application of Carreira’s asymmetric alkynylation reaction to form a propargylic alcohol and subsequently lactone formation using the powerful ring-closing metathesis reaction.
Automated treatment planning for whole breast irradiation with individualized tangential IMRT fields
Authors: Zaratim Giulianne Rivelli Rodrigues , dos Reis Ricardo Gomes , dos Santos Marcos Antônio , Yagi Nathalya Ala , Oliveira e Silva Luis Felipe
Published: April 2024

Purposes

This study aimed to develop and validate algorithms for automating intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning in breast cancer patients, with a focus on patient anatomical characteristics.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively selected 400 breast cancer patients without lymph node involvement for automated treatment planning. Automation was achieved using the Eclipse Scripting Application Programming Interface (ESAPI) integrated into the Eclipse Treatment Planning System. We employed three beam insertion geometries and three optimization strategies, resulting in 3600 plans, each delivering a 40.05 Gy dose in 15 fractions. Gantry angles in the tangent fields were selected based on a criterion involving the minimum intersection area between the Planning Target Volume (PTV) and the ipsilateral lung in the Beam's Eye View projection. ESAPI was also used to gather patient anatomical data, serving as input for Random Forest models to select the optimal plan. The Random Forest classification considered both beam insertion geometry and optimization strategy. Dosimetric data were evaluated in accordance with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 1005 protocol.

Results

Overall, all approaches generated high‐quality plans, with approximately 94% meeting the acceptable dose criteria for organs at risk and/or target coverage as defined by RTOG guidelines. Average automated plan generation time ranged from 6 min and 37 s to 9 min and 22 s, with the mean time increasing with additional fields. The Random Forest approach did not successfully enable automatic planning strategy selection. Instead, our automated planning system allows users to choose from the tested geometry and strategy options.

Conclusions

Although our attempt to correlate patient anatomical features with planning strategy using machine learning tools was unsuccessful, the resulting dosimetric outcomes proved satisfactory. Our algorithm consistently produced high‐quality plans, offering significant time and efficiency advantages.
Liquid Metal Electrode Ink for Printable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ozawa Yuta , Nishitai Yuuki , Ochirkhuyag Nyamjargal , Usami Natsuka , Kanto Moeka , Ueno Kazuhide , Ota Hiroki
Published: April 2024

Recent advancements have significantly improved the flexibility of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The battery electrode contains a reaction layer and a current collector layer. Flexible battery electrodes, in which these layers are integrated, are fabricated in a single process, simplifying the electrode fabrication process. However, to date, integrated electrodes have lower conductivity than conventional two‐layer electrodes, and the process that maintains conductivity has not been simplified. This study proposes a liquid metal electrode ink that simultaneously plays the role of the reaction and current collector layers with high conductivity and can be formed in a single process via printing. It employs a gallium‐based liquid metal as a liquid current collector, embedded with Li4Ti5O12 or Li2TiS3 as active materials. These liquid metal electrodes exhibit a high electronic conductivity of 104 S cm−1 and can be fabricated without requiring the lengthy postprocessing time associated with conventional inks. Moreover, the ink can be applied directly to various insulating and nonflat curved substrates, demonstrating its charge–discharge performance, even when bent to a 1 mm radius to maintain flexibility. Liquid metal‐based electrode inks simplify the LIB fabrication process, contributing to efficient production methods for electrodes in future LIBs.
Fracture Toughness Investigations of an Ion‐Irradiated Nanocrystalline TiZrNbHfTa Refractory High‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: Moschetti Michael , Hohenwarter Anton , Alfreider Markus , Couzinié Jean‐Philippe , Wei Tao , Davis Joel , Xu Alan , Bhattacharyya Dhriti , Kruzic Jamie Joseph , Gludovatz Bernd
Published: April 2024

Refractory high‐entropy alloys (RHEAs) show potential for use in extreme environments, such as advanced nuclear reactors, owing to their high melting temperature, and often outstanding combinations of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and irradiation‐damage tolerance. This study evaluates the fracture toughness of a TiZrNbHfTa RHEA across different scales and microstructures, with a focus on the impact of He2+‐ion irradiation. Micro‐ and millimeter‐scale specimens with nanocrystalline (NC) microstructures are compared to existing ASTM standard sized coarse‐grained (CG) specimen data, with critical dimensions spanning over three orders of magnitude, from 10 μm to 12 mm. The ASTM standard sized CG specimens exhibit a fracture toughness 41‐fold greater than their NC microscale counterparts (210–5.1 MPa m1/2), while NC millimeter‐scale specimens show a 7.5‐fold higher fracture toughness than NC microscale specimens (38.1–5.1 MPa m1/2). He2+‐ion irradiation leads to a 27% decrease in fracture toughness in the NC microscale specimens. The results highlight the impact of sample dimensional scale, microstructure, and ion irradiation on the fracture toughness of the RHEA, indicating a need for thorough examination of such factors when investigating the mechanical properties of these materials.
Dismantlable Coronated Nanoparticles for Coupling the Induction and Perception of Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Liang Huan , Xu Chunchen , Guo Daoxia , Peng Fei , Chen Nan , Song Haiyun , Ji Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2024

Therapy‐induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) can initiate both innate and adaptive immune responses for amplified anti‐tumor efficacy. However, dying cell‐released ICD signals are prone to being sequestered by the TIM‐3 receptors on dendritic cell (DC) surfaces, preventing immune surveillance. Herein, dismantlable coronated nanoparticles (NPs) are fabricated as a type of spatiotemporally controlled nanocarriers for coupling tumor cell‐mediated ICD induction to DC‐mediated immune sensing. These NPs are loaded with an ICD inducer, mitoxantrone (MTO), and wrapped by a redox‐labile anti‐TIM‐3 (αTIM‐3) antibody corona, forming a separable core–shell structure. The antibody corona disintegrates under high levels of extracellular reactive oxygen species in the tumor microenvironment, exposing the MTO‐loaded NP core for ICD induction and releasing functional αTIM‐3 molecules for DC sensitization. Systemic administration of the coronated NPs augments DC maturation, promotes cytotoxic T cell recruitment, enhances tumor susceptibility to immune checkpoint blockade, and prevents the side effects of MTO. This study develops a promising nanoplatform to unleash the potential of host immunity in cancer therapy.
Disorder‐Broadened Phase Boundary with Enhanced Amorphous Superconductivity in Pressurized In2Te5
Authors: Zhao Yi , Ying Tianping , Zhao Lingxiao , Wu Juefei , Pei Cuiying , Chen Jing , Deng Jun , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Wang Qi , Cao Weizheng , Li Changhua , Zhu Shihao , Zhang Mingxin , Yu Na , Zhang Lili , Chen Yulin , Chen Chui‐Zhen , Yu Tongxu , Qi Yanpeng
Published: April 2024

As an empirical tool in materials science and engineering, the iconic phase diagram owes its robustness and practicality to the topological characteristics rooted in the celebrated Gibbs phase law free variables (F) = components (C) – phases (P) + 2. When crossing the phase diagram boundary, the structure transition occurs abruptly, bringing about an instantaneous change in physical properties and limited controllability on the boundaries (F = 1). Here, the sharp phase boundary is expanded to an amorphous transition region (F = 2) by partially disrupting the long‐range translational symmetry, leading to a sequential crystalline–amorphous–crystalline (CAC) transition in a pressurized In2Te5 single crystal. Through detailed in situ synchrotron diffraction, it is elucidated that the phase transition stems from the rotation of immobile blocks [In2Te2]2+, linked by hinge‐like [Te3]2− trimers. Remarkably, within the amorphous region, the amorphous phase demonstrates a notable 25% increase of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc), while the carrier concentration remains relatively constant. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is proposed revealing that the unconventional boost in amorphous superconductivity might be attributed to an intensified electron correlation, triggered by a disorder‐augmented multifractal behavior. These findings underscore the potential of disorder and prompt further exploration of unforeseen phenomena on the phase boundaries.
Broadband Complete Polarization Control via Inverse‐Designed Photonic Crystal Slabs
Authors: Deng Ruhuan , Wang Xinhao , Zuo Yi , Liu Zhen , Wang Feifan , Peng Chao , Li Tongyu , Liu Wenzhe , Liu Xiaohan , Shi Lei
Published: April 2024

Polarization is a crucial characteristic of electromagnetic fields, and the ability to fully control it has many useful applications. While novel nanophotonic devices have been designed to achieve unprecedented capability to manipulate light on demand, their usage in the complete control of polarization states for the transmitted light has been relatively limited, and traditional design methods always produce devices with narrow operation bandwidths. In this work, a two‐phase topology optimization strategy is proposed in conjunction with adjoint method to inverse design photonic crystal slabs capable of complete polarization control. It successfully produces devices operating over a broad bandwidth that is significantly larger than the current state‐of‐the‐art designs, and their performances are also robust to material loss. This is also find that the C2v symmetry of the structure can regularize the problem, so that less simulation time and faster convergence can be obtained without compromising performance. This study demonstrates the power of the inverse design method, which can be further applied to achieve more complex polarization control and beyond.
Zirconium‐Pentacarboxylate Frameworks with Coexisted 4‐ and 9‐Connected Zr6 Clusters for Detection and Removal of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Peng Tianyou , Han Chao‐Qin , Zhou Kang , Wang Lei , Xu Guozhong , Liu Xiao‐Yuan
Published: April 2024

Due to the varying connectivity of Zr6 cluster and unlimited carboxylic acid‐based organic linkers, zirconium‐based metal‐organic frameworks (Zr‐MOFs) exhibit the most abundant structural diversity. However, Zr‐MOFs possessing more than one kind of Zr6 clusters in a single structure have not yet been reported. Herein, four new pentacarboxylic acids are synthesized to prepare Zr‐MOFs, HIAM‐4051 to HIAM‐4054. As a result, due to the different lengths of linkers, two novel underlying nets (typ and cqh) are found in these four MOFs with coexisting 4‐ and 9‐connected Zr6 clusters. Furthermore, by changing the acceptor groups in the linker skeleton, the emission of results Zr‐MOFs can be customized from blue, yellow–green to red. The nano‐sized HIAM‐4053‐NS exhibits high sensitivity and efficient adsorption for tetracycline hydrochloride with 0.22 µm detection limit and ≈0.6 g g−1 removal capacity. To the best of the knowledge, this work is the first example of constructing Zr‐MOFs using pentacarboxylic acids as organic linkers and the first report of Zr‐MOFs with coexisted Zr6 connectivities in a single MOF matrix. This study provides a novel insight for the construction of Zr‐MOFs with unprecedented structures, which will not only enrich the structure diversity but also offer more opportunity to extend the applications of Zr‐MOFs.
Noninvasive Injectable Optical Nanosensor‐Hydrogel Hybrids Detect Doxorubicin in Living Mice
Authors: Cohen Zachary , Alpert Dave J. , Weisel Adam C. , Ryan Amelia , Roach Arantxa , Rahman Syeda , Gaikwad Pooja V. , Nicoll Steven B. , Williams Ryan M.
Published: April 2024

While the tissue‐transparent fluorescence of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) imparts substantial potential for use in non‐invasive biosensors, the development of non‐invasive systems is yet to be realized. Here, the functionality of a SWCNT‐based nanosensor in several injectable SWCNT‐hydrogel systems, ultimately finding SWCNT encapsulation in a sulfonated methylcellulose hydrogel optimal for detection of ions, small molecules, and proteins is investigated. It is found that the hydrogel system and nanosensor signal are stable for several weeks in live mice. Then, it is found that this system successfully detects local injections of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin in mice. Future studies to adapt this device for the detection of other analytes in animals and, ultimately, patients are anticipated.
Mechanochromic Palettes of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Visual Signaling
Authors: Park Hyewon , Lee Hye Joo , Ahn Hyungju , Han Woong Chan , Yun Hee Seong , Choi Yun‐Seok , Kim Dae Seok , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: April 2024

Mechanochromic photonic materials present promising prospects for enhancing diverse facets of human life. Cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs) present immediate mechanochromic properties, allowing their utility in various fields, including camouflages, textiles, and anticounterfeiting. Nonetheless, it is essential to provide differentiated color information corresponding to diverse types and degrees of deformation for practical use in real life. Herein, the mechanochromic responses of CLCEs are investigated using their optical rotation under compression and uniaxial stretching. The CLCEs exhibit the same reflection colors indistinguishable for compression and uniaxial stretching due to their contracted pitches. In contrast, the linearly polarized light passing through deformed CLCEs can be modulated by optical rotation, resulting in distinct transmission colors that can be discerned through mechanical deformations. A visual signaling system with color information derived from optical rotation is demonstrated. By comprehending and manipulating the mechanoresponsive behavior of CLCEs, these materials can be advanced into innovative solutions with enhanced functionality and performance, thereby broadening their applications for human life enhancement.
An Ab Initio Investigation of Ultra‐Low Thermal Conductivity in Organically Functionalized TaS2${\rm TaS}_2$
Authors: Siddi Francesco , Cappai Antonio , Colombo Luciano , Melis Claudio
Published: April 2024

An ab initio characterization of the impact of tert‐Butyl isocyanate () functionalization on lattice thermal conductivity is presented. Such a system has been previously synthetized and experimentally charachterized, showing that the incorporation of covalently bonded on bulk leads to a dramatic in‐plane lattice thermal conductivity decrease by more than two orders of magnitudes. To elucidate these experimental findings, detailed calculations of the phonon dispersion relations and scattering rates in are performed. The analysis is addressed to discern the impact of inter‐layer covalently bonded molecules on these phonon properties, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of the observed thermal conductivity decrease. Present calculations provide evidence that the observed lattice thermal conductivity reduction is attributed to two effects: the increase of inter‐layer separation and the presence of low‐frequency molecular optical modes. The first inhibits specific Van der Waals quasi‐acoustic inter‐layer vibrational modes contributing as much as in bulk . The second effect dramatically decreases the phonon group velocities as a consequence of phonon‐crossing phenomena among low‐frequency molecular modes and acoustic modes, eventually leading to a strong reduction of all phonon lifetimes.
Analyze as randomized—Why dropping block effects in designed experiments is a bad idea
Authors: Frey Janina , Hartung Jens , Ogutu Joseph , Piepho Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2024

Agricultural experiments are often laid out as blocked designs such as the randomized complete block designs (RCBD) or split‐plot designs (SPD). Statistical analysis should follow the principle “analyze as randomized.” However, block effects are often not modeled or are typically dropped from the model when non‐significant. Additionally, if linear mixed models are fitted by REML with a non‐negativity constraint on all variances, an implicit model reduction occurs when the variance estimate for random block effects becomes negative in the final iteration. This study investigates the consequences of these types of model reduction on the Type I error rate and the standard error of a treatment difference (s.e.d.) by Monte Carlo simulation for experiments designed as RCBD or SPD. The number of blocks and treatments and the ratio of block or main‐plot error variance to residual error variance were varied, resulting in 27 scenarios. Dropping the block effect by default resulted in deflated Type I error rates and increased the s.e.d. in the RCBD. For the SPD, Type I error rates were inflated for the sub‐plot factor and the main‐plot‐by‐sub‐plot factor interaction, but were deflated for the main‐plot factor. Adverse effects of model reduction were reduced, but did not vanish completely, for model reduction based on significance testing. Implicit model reduction led to inflated Type I error rates for small variance ratios and small datasets. We conclude that block effects as well as main‐plot error effects need to be included by all means in statistical analysis.
Evolution of Surgical Robot Systems Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence: A Review
Authors: Liu Yanzhen , Wu Xinbao , Sang Yudi , Zhao Chunpeng , Wang Yu , Shi Bojing , Fan Yubo
Published: April 2024

Surgical robot systems (SRS) represent an innovative cross‐disciplinary research field using robotic technology to assist surgeons in operations. Current bottlenecks in SRS, such as the limited ability to process complex information and make surgical decisions, have not been effectively solved. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable technique for simulating and extending human intelligence. AI offers a new direction and impetus for SRS by enhancing performance in areas such as perception, navigation, surgical planning, and control strategies. This review introduces the developmental history of AI‐aided SRS, summarizes the basic SRS architecture, and analyzes how AI can improve SRS performance. Classical cases of AI‐aided SRS, the impact of evidence in clinical settings, and associated ethical and legal considerations are explored. Finally, the challenges in AI‐aided SRS are discussed, including algorithm development, surgical data science, human–robot coordination, and trust building between humans and robots.
Shape Control of Elastic Deformable Linear Objects for Robotic Cable Assembly
Authors: Cao Bin , Zang Xizhe , Zhang Xuehe , Chen Zhuo , Li Shouqiang , Zhao Jie
Published: April 2024

Currently, cables are manually installed in aircraft manufacturing scenarios. The utilization of robots in cable assemblies can enhance efficiency and ensure quality, presenting great promise for the future. However, the assembly process must control the shape of the cables, which is a significant challenge for robots. On the one hand, cables have high degrees of freedom in space, making accurate modeling of cable dynamics for robotic arm manipulation difficult; on the other hand, cable deformation has uncertainty, and the applied forces cause simultaneous deformation and motion, which is difficult to control. To address these problems, this study proposes a cable‐shape control method based on graph neural networks and online visual shape‐servoing. The method first approximates cable dynamics with a graph neural network. Then, in practice, the learnt model is used alongside visual‐based shape‐servoing to generate optimal robotic arm movements, controlling the cable to attain the desired shape. In the experiments, precise control of three different cable types is realized, and an example of a completed cable assembly is shown.
Leaf functional traits and ecological niche of Fagus grandifolia and Oreomunnea mexicana in natural forests and plantings as a proxy of climate change
Authors: Reyes‐Ortiz Miriam , Lira‐Noriega Andrés , Osorio‐Olvera Luis , Luna‐Vega Isolda , Williams‐Linera Guadalupe
Published: April 2024

Premise

Functional traits reflect species’ responses to environmental variation and the breadth of their ecological niches. Fagus grandifolia and Oreomunnea mexicana have restricted distribution in upper montane cloud forests (1700–2000 m a.s.l.) in Mexico. These species were introduced into plantings at lower elevations (1200–1600 m a.s.l.) that have climates predicted for montane forests in 2050 and 2070. The aim was to relate morphological leaf traits to the ecological niche structure of each species.

Methods

Leaf functional traits (leaf area, specific leaf area [SLA], thickness, and toughness) were analyzed in forests and plantings. Atmospheric circulation models and representative concentration pathways (RCPs: 2.6, 4.5, 8.5) were used to assess future climate conditions. Trait–niche relationships were analyzed by measuring the Mahalanobis distance (MD) from the forests and the plantings to the ecological niche centroid (ENC).

Results

For both species, leaf area and SLA were higher and toughness lower in plantings at lower elevation relative to those in higher‐elevation forests, and thickness was similar. Leaf traits varied with distance from sites to the ENC. Forests and plantings have different environmental locations regarding the ENC, but forests are closer (MD 0.34–0.58) than plantings (MD 0.50–0.70) for both species.

Conclusions

Elevation as a proxy for expected future climate conditions influenced the functional traits of both species, and trait patterns related to the structure of their ecological niches were consistent. The use of distances to the ENC is a promising approach to explore variability in species’ functional traits and phenotypic responses in optimal versus marginal environmental conditions.
Gender, race, and space: A qualitative exploration of young Black women's perceptions of urban neighborhoods
Authors: Fike Kayla J. , Mattis Jacqueline S.
Published: April 2024

How people think and feel about their neighborhood impacts the way they think of themselves and their futures. These linkages are especially important to understand in the case of urban‐residing young Black women. Researchers know very little about what contributes to young Black adults' urban neighborhood perceptions and often rely on “expert” definitions of markers of neighborhood quality. These definitions and subsequent explorations of residents' neighborhood assessment have not adequately considered intersecting oppressive systems that structure urban spaces both physically and socially. Further, within‐group diversity of young Black adults based on other social identities, such as gender and class, has gone underexplored in research on residents' neighborhood assessment. We used theory from Black feminist geography and sociology to guide our thematic analysis of interviews with young Black women (N = 9) regarding their urban neighborhood quality. We sought to explore the aspects or features of the neighborhood that young Black women discussed and how social identities may play a role in young Black women's descriptions of their urban neighborhoods. We argue three themes tell an overarching story of young Black women's urban spatial critical analysis: (1) outsiders' perceptions versus our realities, (2) gendered safety, and (3) visibility of young Black women. Young Black women's narratives highlighted communal aspects of neighborhood evaluation and attention to dominant narratives regarding marginalized groups and urban spaces.
Preparation and performance of polyimide lithium‐ion battery separator based on benzonorbornene main chain structure
Authors: Zou Shaoyu , He Xiaohui , Lu Yao , Huang Liang , Ye Jia , Huang Longming , Fu Zhihui , Yu Nengquan , Chen Defu
Published: April 2024

Separators are of significance in the thermal safety and energy‐storage performance of lithium‐ion batteries. Polyimide (PI) separators have great prospects as membrane candidate materials due to their high thermal and chemical stability. Here, a series of PI lithium‐ion battery membranes containing benzonorbornene and pyridine were prepared by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as pore‐forming agents. The obtained porous polymer membrane PI‐PEG600 had excellent thermal stability (initial weight‐loss temperature up to 300°C and Tg of 278°C), satisfying liquid electrolyte uptakes (up to 132.65%), and admirable ionic conductivity (1.62 × 10−4 S cm−1). The battery with PI porous membranes showed greatly enhanced electrochemical performance with high C‐rate discharge capability (167.3–108.8 mAh g−1, 0.1–2 C) and excellent capacity of 155.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 55 cycles, meanwhile, it could work steadily at 180°C. This work offers a feasible and effective route to develop membranes of heat‐resistant PI separators for safe lithium‐ion batteries.
Temperature dependency of electric field treatment for improvement of effective thermal conductivity of functional carbon/silicone rubber composite sheets
Authors: Haruki Masashi , Tanaka Akihiro
Published: April 2024

Relationship between the temperature of the electric field treatment (EFT) and the improvement of the effective thermal conductivity (TC) in the out‐of‐plane direction of the carbon nanofiber (CNF)/cured silicone rubber composite sheet was investigated to elucidate the appropriate operation of the EFT. Two types of silicone rubber precursors, with viscosities of 1.3 and 58 Pa∙s, were used. The effective TC gradually increased as the temperature during EFT increased from 40 to 80 °C. However, beyond 80 °C, the effective TC started to decrease and reached the same value as that of the sheet without EFT at 100 °C. This trend was observed regardless of the rubber species or CNF content. The influence of the EFT temperature was also discussed regarding the temperature dependency of the viscoelastic properties: storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex viscosity of the uncured precursor solution. When the temperatures were set at 80 °C, no significant changes were observed in the three‐viscoelastic properties for 60 min. On the other hand, a significant increase in the viscoelastic properties was observed after 10 min at 100 °C because of the start of the curing reaction, which supported the relationship between the temperature of the EFT and effective TC.
Mapping the relationship between genres and tasks: A study of undergraduate engineers
Authors: Dodson Samuel , Sinnamon Luanne , Kopak Rick
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a study that explores the genres, tasks, and the relationship between them in the context of undergraduate engineering education. We build upon previous research on the information behaviors of engineers, by focusing on undergraduates' self‐reported information use in order to understand how they interact with genres and perform tasks. We compiled and validated genre and task repertoires using an online questionnaire with 103 undergraduates. To analyze the responses, we employed exploratory data analysis techniques, including correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. We interpreted three latent dimensions of the genre–task relationship: disciplinary versus education (Dimension 1); classroom versus independent coursework (Dimension 2); and conceptual versus procedural knowledge (Dimension 3). The distinction between the educational function of genres and tasks that support teaching and learning and those that support the socialization of students into the discipline and profession accounted for the majority of the variance in the dataset. The use of genres across tasks revealed that respondents prefer proximal and accessible information, and that personal and less formal genres are central to the learning experience. Findings provide insights into how undergraduates navigate complex information environments and interact with genres and tasks in their coursework.
Establishment of a model to predict mortality after decompression craniotomy for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wu Birui , Zhang Juntao , Chen Junchen , Sun Xibo , Tan Dianhui
Published: April 2024

Background

The mortality rate of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still high even while undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC), and the expensive treatment costs bring huge economic burden to the families of patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify preoperative indicators that influence patient outcomes and to develop a risk model for predicting patient mortality by a retrospective analysis of TBI patients undergoing DC.

Methods

A total of 288 TBI patients treated with DC, admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical School from August 2015 to April 2021, were used for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for death after DC in TBI patients. We also built a risk model for the identified risk factors and conducted internal verification and model evaluation.

Results

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four risk factors: Glasgow Coma Scale, age, activated partial thrombin time, and mean CT value of the superior sagittal sinus. These risk factors can be obtained before DC. In addition, we also developed a 3‐month mortality risk model and conducted a bootstrap 1000 resampling internal validation, with C‐indices of 0.852 and 0.845, respectively.

Conclusions

We developed a risk model that has clinical significance for the early identification of patients who will still die after DC. Interestingly, we also identified a new early risk factor for TBI patients after DC, that is, preoperative mean CT value of the superior sagittal sinus (p < .05).
A Comprehensive Review on Reductive Recycling of Cathode Materials of Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yiran , Cai Junhui , Wang JiaYu , Xu Shengnv , Li Yanjuan , He Wei , Wang Zhanzhan , Yang Shun , Yan Xiao
Published: April 2024

The prosperity of the lithium‐ion battery market is inevitably accompanied by the depletion of corresponding resources and the accumulation of spent batteries in a dialectical manner. Spent lithium‐ion batteries are harboring the characteristics of hazardous waste and high‐value resources, so efficient recycling is of great significance. The cathode material is considered as an interesting target for repurposing. Despite some important reviews give commendable emphasis to recycling technologies, there is still a dearth of exploration of recycling mechanisms. This deficiency of awareness highlights the need for further research and development in this area. This review aims to systematically review and thoroughly discuss the reduction reaction mechanism of each method regarding different cathode materials. And systematically digest the selection of reducing agent and the effect of reduction reaction on material regeneration are systematically digested, as well as the impact of the reduction reaction on the regeneration of materials. This review emphasizes the importance of balancing efficiency, economic and environmental benefits in reuse technologies. Finally, the review proposes an outlook on the opportunities and challenges facing the reuse of key materials for next‐generation spent batteries aimed at promoting the green and sustainable development of lithium‐ion batteries, circular economy and ecological balance.