bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generative adversarial networks applied to gene expression analysis: An interdisciplinary perspective
Authors: Ai Xusheng , Smith Melissa C , Feltus Frank Alex
Published: August 2023

The remarkable flexibility and adaptability of generative adversarial networks (GANs) have led to the proliferation of its models in bioinformatics research. Proteomic and transcriptomic profiles have been shown to be promising methods for discovering and identifying disease biomarkers. However, those analyses were performed by trained human examiners making the process tedious, time consuming, and hard to standardize. With the development of GANs, it is now possible to reduce computational costs and human time for bioinformatics analysis to produce effective biomarkers. Moreover, GANs help address the lack of phenotypic state transitional gene expression data as well as avoid protected human data constraints by generating RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data from random vectors. The purpose of this review is to summarize the use of GAN approaches and techniques to augment RNA‐seq expression data and identify clinically useful biomarkers. We compare different studies that use different types of GAN models to examine the biomarkers. Also, we identify research gaps and challenges that apply GANs to bio‐informatics. Finally, we propose potential directions for future research.
Ulinastatin inhibits the metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by involving uPA/uPAR signaling
Authors: Li Chang‐Zhi , Qiang Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Zhi‐Jie , Zheng Li‐Sheng , Peng Li‐Xia , Mei Yan , Meng Dong‐Fang , Wei Wen‐Wen , Chen Dong‐Wen , Xu Liang , Lang Yan‐Hong , Xie Ping , Peng Xing‐Si , Wang Ming‐Dian , Guo Ling‐Ling , Shu Di‐Tian , Ding Liu‐Yan , Lin Si‐Ting , Luo Fei‐Fei , Wang Jing , Li Sha‐Sha , Huang Bi‐Jun , Chen Jin‐Dong , Qian Chao‐Nan
Published: August 2023

Distant metastasis is the primary reason for treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we investigated the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) on NPC metastasis and its underlying mechanism. Highly‐metastatic NPC cell lines S18 and 58F were treated with UTI and the effect on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by MTS and Transwell assays. S18 cells with luciferase‐expressing (S18–1C3) were injected into the left hind footpad of nude mice to establish a model of spontaneous metastasis from the footpad to popliteal lymph node (LN). The luciferase messenger RNA (mRNA) was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the metastasis inhibition rate was calculated. Key molecular members of the UTI‐related uPA, uPAR, and JAT/STAT3 signaling pathways were detected by qPCR and immunoblotting. UTI suppressed the migration and infiltration of S18 and 5‐8F cells and suppressed the metastasis of S18 cells in vivo without affecting cell proliferation. uPAR expression decreased from 24 to 48 h after UTI treatment. The antimetastatic effect of UTI is partly due to the suppression of uPA and uPAR. UTI partially suppresses NPC metastasis by downregulating the expression of uPA and uPAR.
The functional effects of a dominant consumer are altered following the loss of a dominant producer
Authors: Mahanes Samuel A. , Sorte Cascade J. B. , Bracken Matthew E. S.
Published: August 2023

Human impacts on ecosystems are resulting in unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss worldwide. The loss of species results in the loss of the multiple roles that each species plays or functions (i.e., “ecosystem multifunctionality”) that it provides. A more comprehensive understanding of the effects of species on ecosystem multifunctionality is necessary for assessing the ecological impacts of species loss. We studied the effects of two dominant intertidal species, a primary producer (the seaweed Neorhodomela oregona) and a consumer (the shellfish Mytilus trossulus), on 12 ecosystem functions in a coastal ecosystem, both in undisturbed tide pools and following the removal of the dominant producer. We modified analytical methods used in biodiversity–multifunctionality studies to investigate the potential effects of individual dominant species on ecosystem function. The effects of the two dominant species from different trophic levels tended to differ in directionality (+/−) consistently (92% of the time) across the 12 individual functions considered. Using averaging and multiple threshold approaches, we found that the dominant consumer—but not the dominant producer—was associated with ecosystem multifunctionality. Additionally, the relationship between abundance and multifunctionality differed depending on whether the dominant producer was present, with a negative relationship between the dominant consumer and ecosystem function with the dominant producer present compared to a non‐significant, positive trend where the producer had been removed. Our findings suggest that interactions among dominant species can drive ecosystem function. The results of this study highlight the utility of methods previously used in biodiversity‐focused research for studying functional contributions of individual species, as well as the importance of species abundance and identity in driving ecosystem multifunctionality, in the context of species loss.
Discipline differences in mental models: How mechanical engineers and automation engineers evaluate machine processes
Authors: Schmidt Judith , Müller Romy
Published: August 2023

Interdisciplinary collaboration frequently comes into play when existing problems cannot be solved by one discipline alone. However, the interlocking of contributions from different disciplines is by no means trivial. This exploratory study examines one foundation of successful teamwork, namely shared mental models. To this end, we compared the contents of mental models between members of different but interdependent disciplines who collaboratively solve knowledge‐intensive, creative tasks. Five automation and five mechanical engineers were recruited from a company that produces packaging machines. In semi‐structured interviews, participants reported their approach to evaluating the process behavior of a packaging machine, and their mental models were represented in concept maps. Quantitative analyses revealed that the maps of automation engineers were smaller than those of mechanical engineers. In qualitative analyses, the focus on different levels of abstraction and on contents from the two disciplines was examined. Automation engineers represented a large proportion of rather abstract machine functions, whereas mechanical engineers additionally represented the physical implementation of these functions. The disciplinary focus also differed in the sense that automation engineers mainly attended to automated machine processes, while mechanical engineers attended to both mechanical and automated processes. Overall, automation engineers' focus was narrower than that of mechanical engineers. We explain these results by considering typical tasks and reasoning processes in both disciplines, and discuss how shared mental models can aid the integration of different disciplinary perspectives, for instance, during Systems Engineering.
Synthesis and Reactions of Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted 1,3,5‐Triazines
Authors: Jeon Woohyung , Baiazitov Ramil , Chierchia Matteo , Niederer Kyle , Ren Hongyu , Moon Young‐Choon , Gilbert Bradley B.
Published: August 2023

A variety of di‐ and trifluoromethyl‐s‐triazines are prepared following straightforward synthetic protocols from simple, commercially available starting materials. Trichloromethyl‐substituted triazine electrophiles are obtained in good yield and react with amine nucleophiles to afford aminotriazine products in good to excellent yield. The nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction is broad in scope and proceeds smoothly with both aromatic and aliphatic (primary, secondary, and branched) amines in the presence of non‐participating functional groups including alcohols, carboxylic acids, indoles, and common amine protecting groups. Furthermore, most reactions require only a catalytic amount of 4‐DMAP with no stoichiometric base and are complete within two hours at ambient temperature.
TNFRSF13B gene mutation in familial acute myeloid leukemia: A new piece in the complex scenario of hereditary predisposition?
Authors: Cumbo Cosimo , Orsini Paola , Tarantini Francesco , Anelli Luisa , Zagaria Antonella , Tragni Vincenzo , Coccaro Nicoletta , Tota Giuseppina , Parciante Elisa , Conserva Maria Rosa , Redavid Immacolata , Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Minervini Angela , Attolico Immacolata , Gentile Mattia , Pierri Ciro Leonardo , Specchia Giorgina , Musto Pellegrino , Albano Francesco
Published: August 2023

TNFRSF13B mutations are widely associated with common variable immunodeficiency. TNFRSF13B was recently counted among relevant genes associated with childhood‐onset of hematological malignancies; nonetheless, its role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unexplored. We report the study of a family with two cases of AML, sharing a germline TNFRSF13B mutation favoring the formation of a more stable complex with its ligand TNFSF13: a positive regulator of AML‐initiating cells. Our data turn the spotlight onto the TNFRSF13B role in AML onset, inserting a new fragment into the complex scenario of a hereditary predisposition to myeloid neoplasms.
Neutrophil‐to‐monocyte ratio is the better new inflammatory marker associated with rheumatoid arthritis activity
Authors: Obaid Jamil M. A. S. , Almjydy Malikah M. A. , Garban Maymouna A. Q. , Al‐hebari Fatima S. Q. , Al‐washah Nusaibah A. H.
Published: August 2023

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that chronically affects patients with episodes of inflammation. New inflammatory hematological markers were investigated for follow‐up, such as the neutrophil–monocyte ratio (NMR), lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR), and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR). This study was conducted to determine the most useful marker based on studies of association with RA disease activity and correlation with the classical markers C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid factor (RF).

Methods

This case‐control study included 62 chronic RA patients who had previously been diagnosed and experienced episodes of symptoms while attending a variety of public and private rheumatology clinics in Ibb City, Republic of Yemen, for the period of September 1 to November 30, 2021. Twenty healthy volunteers were included in this study. Complete blood count, CRP, ESR, and RF levels were measured in all participants.

Results

The total leukocyte count, neutrophil count, platelet count, NMR, LMR, and NLR were positively correlated with CRP and ESR, but the monocyte count was reversed. The area under the curve (AUC = 0.861, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.769–0.948) for the NMR cutoff value of 4.7 was equal to that of CRP and close to that of ESR. This NMR cutoff value had 87% sensitivity and 80% specificity. LMR and NLR cutoff values of 4.35 and 1.35, respectively, resulted in AUCs of (AUC = 0.807, 95% CI, 0.708–0.905) and (AUC = 0.699, 95% CI, 0.571–0.819); their sensitivity and specificity were 62.3%, 90%, 57.4%, and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions

As a convenient and low‐cost inflammatory marker of RA activity, NMR outperformed LMR and NLR.
Direct synthesis of β2,3‐amino acid from β‐hydroxycarbamides: Implication in the synthesis of azumamide analogs and conformational analysis
Authors: Khan Afsar Ali , Vaishnav Jayanti , Gangwar Manoj Kumar , Ampapathi Ravi Sankar , Koley Dipankar
Published: August 2023

The designed β2,3 unnatural amino acids have been synthesized from α‐methyl‐β‐hydroxycarbamides via direct azidation without obtaining eliminated products. Furthermore, these β2,3 amino acids were utilized to synthesize cyclic tetrapeptides (CTPs) as azumamide analogs. 2D‐NMR analysis revealed the compact secondary structure as a single conformer. Presence of intramolecular H‐bonding in CTPs was observed in this α3β2,3 architecture and displayed a seven‐membered γ‐turn structure.
Insights into thiram fungicide: A comparative study of solution and solid phases through Raman, DCDR, and SERS measurements and DFT simulations
Authors: Valášková Martina , Kuižová Alžbeta , Kočišová Eva , Profant Václav
Published: August 2023

Thiram, a widely known fungicide, has evinced a negative impact on the environment and human health that led to the banning of its use in plant protection products on all commodities in the European Union. Therefore, there is a need for monitoring possible illicit use, which requires sensitive and accurate detection methods. In this study, the behavior of thiram in different phases was investigated in order to better understand its properties. Raman spectra were obtained from thiram in the solid state as a crystalline powder, dissolved in different solvents, and from dried deposits using the drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) method. The analyses of acquired Raman spectra revealed evidence of hydrogen bonding between thiram and chloroform in the solution phase. The reliability and sensitivity of DCDR measurements were also highlighted, with high‐quality spectra obtained from a dried pattern from droplet at a 40 μM concentration. Moreover, the study identified the most abundant conformer of intact (undegraded) thiram molecule and enabled reliable band assignment and vibrational analysis based on DFT simulations, providing a better understanding of the compound's properties. The results also suggested that thiram can be coordinated to silver in nanostructured SERS active substrates not only in the degraded form but also in the undegraded form. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into thiram's behavior and can be helpful in the further development of efficient and effective methods for its detection and analysis.
A Novel Methacryloyl Chitosan Hydrogel Microneedles Patch with Sustainable Drug Release Property for Effective Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Dai Panpan , Ge Xing , Sun Caixia , Jiang Hui , Zuo Wanchao , Wu Pengcheng , Liu Cong , Deng Shuyue , Yang Jun , Dai Jianjun , Ju Yanmin
Published: August 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent skin disease that often requires long‐term treatment, and topical transdermal drug delivery can reduce systemic side effects. However, it is still a challenge in efficient transdermal drug delivery for psoriasis treatment due to low penetration efficiency of most drugs and the abnormal skin conditions of psoriasis patients. Here, a safe and effective methacryloyl chitosan hydrogel microneedles (CSMA hMNs) patch is developed and served as a sustained drug release platform for the treatment of psoriasis. By systematically optimizing the CSMA preparation, CSMA hMNs with excellent morphological characteristics and strong mechanical properties (0.7 N needle−1) are prepared with a concentration of only 3% (w/v) CSMA. As a proof‐of‐concept, methotrexate (MTX) and nicotinamide (NIC) are loaded into CSMA hMNs patch, which can produce a sustained drug release of 80% within 24 h in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the CSMA hMNs patch can effectively inhibit the skin thickening and spleen enlargement of psoriatic mice and has a good biosafety profile at sufficient therapeutic doses. This study provides a new idea for the preparation of hMN systems using modified CS or other biocompatible materials and offers an effective therapeutic option for psoriasis treatment.
Flexible Conductive Decellularized Fish Skin Matrix as a Functional Scaffold for Myocardial Infarction Repair
Authors: Fang Zhanhong , Lv Bingyang , Zhan Jiamian , Xing Xianglong , Ding Chengbin , Liu Jianing , Wang Leyu , Zou Xiaoming , Qiu Xiaozhong
Published: August 2023

Engineering cardiac patches are proven to be effective in myocardial infarction (MI) repair, but it is still a tricky problem in tissue engineering to construct a scaffold with good biocompatibility, suitable mechanical properties, and solid structure. Herein, decellularized fish skin matrix is utilized with good biocompatibility to prepare a flexible conductive cardiac patch through polymerization of polydopamine (PDA) and polypyrrole (PPy). Compared with single modification, the double modification strategy facilitated the efficiency of pyrrole polymerization, so that the patch conductivity is improved. According to the results of experiments in vivo and in vitro, the scaffold can promote the maturation and functionalization of cardiomyocytes (CMs). It can also reduce the inflammatory response, increase local microcirculation, and reconstruct the conductive microenvironment in infarcted myocardia, thus improving the cardiac function of MI rats. In addition, the excellent flexibility of the scaffold, which enables it to be implanted in vivo through “folding‐delivering‐re‐stretehing” pathway, provides the possibility of microoperation under endoscope, which avoids the secondary damage to myocardium by traditional thoracotomy for implantation surgery.
Self‐Destructive Nanoscavengers Capture and Clear Neurotoxic Soluble β‐Amyloid Aggregates
Authors: Zhao Yu , Li Qiushi , Huang Qingqing , Liu Yang
Published: August 2023

Cerebral soluble β‐amyloid aggregates (sAβs) accumulation is one of the most important causes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. In order to mitigate the neurotoxicity induced by sAβs and achieve enhanced AD therapeutic outcomes, robust sAβs clearance become an emerging task. Herein, a self‐destructive nanoscavenger (SDNS) is reported based on multifunctional peptide‐polymer complexes that can capture extracellular sAβs via hydrogen‐bonding interactions and deliver them into microglial lysosomes. The internalized SDNS then occurs self‐destruction within lysosomes and upregulates autophagy, thereby promoting the degradation of neurotoxic sAβs. Importantly, the enhanced autophagy also significantly suppresses the secretion of inflammatory factors by microglia, which is induced by internalized sAβs. Given that cerebral persistent inflammatory environment disturbs microglia‐mediated phagocytosis and degradation, it is believed that this synergistic approach has valuable potential as a therapeutic strategy for AD.
Correlating Molar Mass, π‐Conjugation, and Optical Properties of Narrowly Distributed Anionic Polythiophenes in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Schmidt Martina , Karg Matthias , Thelakkat Mukundan , Brendel Johannes C.
Published: August 2023

Polythiophene‐based conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPE) are attracting increasing attention as sensor or interface materials in chemistry and biology. While cationic polythiophenes are better understood, limited structural information is available on their anionic counterparts. Limited access to well‐defined polymers has made the study of structure‐property relationships difficult and clear correlations have remained elusive. By combining controlled Kumada catalyst transfer polymerization with a polymer‐analog substitution, regioregular and narrowly distributed poly(6‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)hexane‐1‐sulfonate)s (PTHS) with tailored chain length are prepared. Analysis of their aqueous solution structures by small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) revealed a cylindrical conformation for all polymers tested, with a length close to the contour length of the polymer chains, while the estimated radii remain too small (<1.5 nm) for extensive π‐stacking of the chains. The latter is particularly interesting as the longest polymer exhibits a concentration‐independent structured absorption typical of crystalline polythiophenes. Increasing the ionic strength of the solution diminishes these features as the Coulomb repulsion between the charged repeat units is shielded, allowing the polymer to adopt a more coiled conformation. The extended π‐conjugation, therefore, appears to be a key parameter for these unique optical features, which are not present in the corresponding cationic polythiophenes.
Simultaneous quantification of hyperpolarized xenon‐129 ventilation and gas exchange with multi‐breath xenon‐polarization transfer contrast (XTC) MRI
Authors: Amzajerdian Faraz , Hamedani Hooman , Baron Ryan , Loza Luis , Duncan Ian , Ruppert Kai , Kadlecek Stephen , Rizi Rahim
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of a multi‐breath xenon‐polarization transfer contrast (XTC) MR imaging approach for simultaneously evaluating regional ventilation and gas exchange parameters.

Methods

Imaging was performed in five healthy volunteers and six chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The multi‐breath XTC protocol consisted of three repeated schemes of six wash‐in breaths of a xenon mixture and four normoxic wash‐out breaths, with and without selective saturation of either the tissue membrane or red blood cell (RBC) resonances. Acquisitions were performed at end‐exhalation while subjects maintained tidal breathing throughout the session. The no‐saturation, membrane‐saturation, and RBC‐saturation images were fit to a per‐breath gas replacement model for extracting voxelwise tidal volume (TV), functional residual capacity (FRC), and fractional ventilation (FV), as well as tissue‐ and RBC‐gas exchange (fMem and fRBC, respectively). The sensitivity of the derived model was also evaluated via simulations.

Results

With the exception of FRC, whole‐lung averages for all metrics were decreased in the COPD subjects compared to the healthy cohort, significantly so for FV, fRBC, and fMem. Heterogeneity was higher overall in the COPD subjects, particularly for fRBC, fMem, and fRBC:Mem. The anterior‐to‐posterior gradient associated with the gravity‐dependence of lung function in supine imaging was also evident for FV, fRBC, and fMem values in the healthy subjects, but noticeably absent in the COPD cohort.

Conclusion

Multi‐breath XTC imaging generated high‐resolution, co‐registered maps of ventilation and gas exchange parameters acquired during tidal breathing and with low per‐breath xenon doses. Clear differences between healthy and COPD subjects were apparent and consistent with spirometry.
Executive function differences as a function of parent‐reported binge eating and weight: Results from the adolescent brain cognitive development study
Authors: Rozzell‐Voss Kaitlin N. , Klimek‐Johnson Patrycja , Eichen Dawn M. , Brown Tiffany A. , Blashill Aaron J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Binge eating is a relatively common disordered eating behavior among children, and is associated with poor health outcomes. Executive function (EF)—higher order cognitive abilities related to planning and impulse control—may be implicated in both binge eating and pediatric obesity. Although EF deficits are evident among individuals with obesity and/or binge eating, findings are mixed across the lifespan.

Methods

The present study examined differences in EF among children with varying weight statuses and parent‐reported binge eating. The sample included 10,017 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, aged 9–10 years.

Results

Children with parent‐reported binge eating—either with overweight/obesity or normal weight—had significantly lower EF than those with no binge eating and a normal weight status but did not differ from those with no binge eating and overweight/obesity. Children with no binge eating and overweight/obesity also had statistically significantly lower EF than those with normal weight status. Although all significant differences between groups were negligible to very small, results may indicate similar neurocognitive profiles among children with binge eating and those with overweight/obesity.

Conclusions

Alterations in EF among children with binge eating may not be solely related to weight‐specific factors, as significant differences also emerged among children with normal weight status, with versus without parent‐reported binge eating. Future research is needed to understand temporal associations between obesity, disordered eating, and neurocognition in children using multi‐informant methods for assessing binge eating.
Enhanced Performance of CdTe Solar Cells with Sb2Se3 Back Contacts
Authors: Liu Fei , Wang Guangwei , Huang Zixiang , Tian Juan , Wang Deliang
Published: August 2023

The barrier at CdTe/metal interface severely limits the efficiency of CdTe photovoltaic devices. Herein, the effectiveness of a thermally evaporated Sb2Se3 buffer layer as a back contact in CdTe solar cells is investigated, revealing a significant enhancement in device performance. Through optimization of Sb2Se3 thickness, a remarkable increase in the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) to 804 mV is achieved, leading to a substantial efficiency improvement of 12.84% when compared to the Au‐only back contact device. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals a well‐matched energy band alignment at CdTe/Sb2Se3 interface, confirming favorable conditions for hole transport. To further enhance the device performance, Cu doping is implemented in the Sb2Se3 film, resulting in additional improvements to the VOC and fill factor (FF) of the Cu‐doped configuration to 819 mV and 72.35%, respectively, while also enhancing the overall efficiency to 14.3%.
On the Possibility of Realizing a 2D Structure of Si─N Bonds by Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Pécz Béla , Nemeth Miklos , Giannazzo Filippo , Kakanakova-Georgieva Anelia
Published: August 2023

2D SiN honeycomb monolayer structures predicted theoretically have been the focus of interest in materials science for a long time, most recently for their semiconducting and ferromagnetic properties. Herein, by investigating metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition processes and direct heat treatment of epitaxial graphene in ammonia flow, the possibility of realizing a certain periodic 2D structure via Si─N bonds under epitaxial graphene on SiC (0001) is reported. The result is of interest because it is compatible with semiconductor material deposition technologies and future use in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Fatty acid metabolism disorders and potential therapeutic traditional Chinese medicines in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Liu Xianfeng , Xu Xinmei , Zhang Tao , Xu Lei , Tao Honglin , Liu Yue , Zhang Yi , Meng Xianli
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the primary cause of mortality in the whole world. Growing evidence indicated that the disturbances in cardiac fatty acid metabolism are crucial contributors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The abnormal cardiac fatty acid metabolism usually leads to energy deficit, oxidative stress, excessive apoptosis, and inflammation. Targeting fatty acid metabolism has been regarded as a novel approach to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, there are currently no specific drugs that regulate fatty acid metabolism to treat cardiovascular diseases. Many traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases in clinics. And modern studies have shown that they exert a cardioprotective effect by regulating the expression of key proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1. Hence, we systematically reviewed the relationship between fatty acid metabolism disorders and four types of cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. In addition, 18 extracts and eight monomer components from traditional Chinese medicines showed cardioprotective effects by restoring cardiac fatty acid metabolism. This work aims to provide a reference for the finding of novel cardioprotective agents targeting fatty acid metabolism.
17.2: Optical Compensation Study of MicroLED with Pure PAM Driving Scheme
Authors: Lyu Bojia
Published: August 2023

In this study, the compensation effect of a 7.56‐inch MicroLED product with pure PAM driving scheme is verified using the conventional optical compensation (Demura) method. A theoretical analysis of the overcompensation problem due to the variation of color coordinates of MicroLED devices with luminance is performed. The related phenomenon generates an overcompensation problem of about 10 gray levels at a specific gray level and luminance.
The Role of V‐Species and O‐Species on Controlled‐Hydrogen‐Reduction VOx Surfaces in Cyclohexane Oxidation
Authors: Li Yingwei , Chen Shengxin , Jin Ying , Li Xinxin , Zhang Ruirui , Liu Ruixia
Published: August 2023

A series of controlled‐hydrogen‐reduction VOx (CHR‐VOx) were prepared after our controllable hydrogen treatment, and CHR‐VOx were controlled to be reduced to the states dominated by V5+ and V4+ species, subsequently the catalytic roles of V‐species and O‐species for cyclohexane (CHA) oxidation were explored. As expected, the surface properties of CHR‐VOx have occurred remarkable change resulting in a significantly improvement on catalytic performance determined by V‐species and O‐species. The reduction behavior of the properties was recognized by XPS and Raman. Generally, the moderate‐reduced CHR‐VOx which possessed most 78.7 % multi‐liganded‐oxygen (LO) performed the best conversion for CHA (11.8 %), and the over‐reduced CHR‐VOx with a large content of V4+ species (33 %) performed a best selectivity for adipic acid (44.3 %). In this case, LO sites were regarded as the active site to accelerate the activation of CHA, while V4+ species were regarded as the oxygen vacancies (OVs) through V4+−OV to contribute to the further oxidation to adipic acid.
Synthesis of Co3O4/NiCo2O4 Double‐Shelled Nanocages with Enhanced Capacitive and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Properties in Battery‐Supercapacitor Hybrid Devices
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Meng Ya'nan , Yu Deyang , Guo Chunli , Liu Liangyu , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: August 2023

Nanomaterials with hollow shell structure were studied and used in environment and energy technology due to their high specific capacity and good cycling stability. In this study, Co3O4/NiCo2O4 double‐shelled nanocages (DSNCs) were synthesized. Firstly, ZIF‐67 (Zeolitic imidazolate framework) was synthesized at room temperature; then, a ZIF‐67/Ni−Co layered double shelled hydroxides (LDH) structure was synthesized by preparing the shell structure with the use of nickel nitrate. Finally, this LDH was calcinated at 350 °C to form Co3O4/NiCo2O4 DSNCs. Among the prepared electrodes, Co3O4/NiCo2O4‐2 DSNCs exhibited the largest specific capacity (236.18 C g−1), with high cycling stability (103.43 %, 5000 cycles). Meanwhile, the assembled Co3O4/NiCo2O4‐2//AC BSH device showed outstanding cycling stability, with a specific capacitance retention rate of 85.39 % and a good coulombic efficiency of 96.35 % even after 10000 cycles. Moreover, in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), Co3O4/NiCo2O4‐2 DSNCs also had a low Tafel slope and overpotential (158 mV). Co3O4/NiCo2O4 DSNCs with enhanced electrochemical performance demonstrate that the property of energy conversion and storage can be improved by preparation of hollow structure.
Metal‐Free Visible‐Light‐Promoted Haloazidation/Cyclization of Phenyl‐Linked 1,6‐Enynes with TMSN3 and NIS/NBS**
Authors: Hu Lin‐Ping , Zhang De‐Run , Liu Feng‐Lin , Huang Xiao‐Hong , Li Xia , Teng Ming‐Yu , Liu Bo , Huang Guo‐Li
Published: August 2023

A metal‐ and oxidant‐free procedure for the three‐component haloazidation/cyclization of phenyl‐linked 1,6‐enynes with TMSN3 and N‐iodo(bromo)succinimide under the irradiation of visible light was described. Moreover, this reaction involved a radical addition/5‐exo‐dig cyclization/radical coupling process, and realized simultaneous construction of C−N, C−C, and C−X (I, Br) bonds in one step.
Asymmetric Synthesis of the Contact Sex Pheromone of the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire
Authors: Yu Shihang , Wu Jianwei , Bian Qinghua , Wang Min , Zhong Jiangchun
Published: August 2023

Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire is a wood‐boring pest of ash trees. The contact sex pheromone of this pest was synthesized from chiral propylene oxide. This asymmetric synthesis was efficient and mainly involved the ring‐opening reaction of chiral propylene oxide, the stereospecific inversion of secondary tosylate and Wittig coupling of chiral aldehyde.
Biomimetic nanoparticles targeting atherosclerosis for diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Li Yuyu , Wang Jifang , Xie Jun
Published: August 2023

Atherosclerosis is a typical chronic inflammatory vascular disease that seriously endangers human health. At present, oral lipid‐lowering or anti‐inflammatory drugs are clinically used to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. However, traditional oral drug treatments have problems such as low utilization, slow response, and serious side effects. Traditional nanodrug delivery systems are difficult to interactively recognize by normal biological organisms, and it is difficult to target the delivery of drugs to target lesions. Therefore, building a biomimetic nanodrug delivery system with targeted drug delivery based on the pathological characteristics of atherosclerosis is the key to achieving efficient and safe treatment of atherosclerosis. In this review, various nanodrug delivery systems that can target atherosclerosis are summarized and discussed. In addition, the future prospects and challenges of its clinical translation are also discussed.
Dipolar Interlayers in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Guiqiang , Wang Dongsheng , Chang Jiarun , Meng Fanning , Xiang Wanchun
Published: August 2023

A typical perovskite solar cell (PSC) is composed of a perovskite layer, electron/hole transport layer(s), cathode, and anode, producing several interfaces between these functional layers. These interfaces undoubtedly have great influence on the device performance. Introducing the dipolar interlayer is one of the most significant interface engineering strategies in PSCs, which helps to improve the charge extraction and collection and has made critical contribution to the fast development of PSC technology. Herein, the progress in the use of dipolar interlayers to promote the performance of PSCs is summarized. The dipolar interlayers in PSCs based on the device structure are categorized and the effect of each type of dipolar interlayer on the interface energy‐level structure, interface charge transport and recombination, the interface defect passivation, perovskite morphology, and the device performance is discussed. A perspective on how to develop more effective dipolar interlayer materials and further enhancing the device performance from the viewpoint of the interface and dipolar interlayers is given.
The basis for ductility evaluation in SFRC structures in MC2020: An investigation on slabs and shallow beams
Authors: Colombo Matteo , Conforti Antonio , di Prisco Marco , Leporace‐Guimil Bruno , Plizzari Giovanni , Zani Giulio
Published: August 2023

The paper presents a synthesis of an extensive experimental campaign on linear and two‐dimensional steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) structural elements carried out to check the ductility requirements aimed at guaranteeing limit analysis approaches for the computation of ultimate load‐bearing capacity of SFRC structures; special attention is devoted to the role of the degree of redundancy of the structure. In particular, full‐scale shallow beams and slabs reinforced with steel fibers (with or without conventional longitudinal reinforcement) were tested in two different laboratories: the Politecnico di Milano (PoliMI) and the University of Brescia (UniBS). In this experimental campaign, two different fiber contents and fiber types were considered. The experimental investigation, carried out within the activities to support Annex L of Eurocode 2, was fundamental also for developing the design rules included in the fib Model Code 2020 and allowed to formulate conclusions regarding optimization of the mix design, ductility, and design prediction at the ultimate capacity.
Multifocal cerebral haemorrhage in two dogs with erythrocytosis
Authors: Danciu Cecilia‐Gabriella , O'Brien Kevin , Skovola Eleftheria , Crawford Abbe Harper
Published: August 2023

An 8‐month‐old, female toy poodle and a 5‐year‐3‐month‐old, male, neutered Bernese Mountain dog presented with acute onset, progressive neurological deficits. Neurological examination findings were consistent with multifocal forebrain, brainstem and potential C1–C5 spinal cord segment involvement in both dogs. The toy poodle had a packed cell volume of 85% on presentation, and rapidly deteriorated to cardiopulmonary arrest. Postmortem examination revealed multifocal leptomeningeal, white and grey matter haemorrhage. Femoral bone marrow analysis revealed 95%:5% haematopoietic:fat ratio (reference value: 80%:20%). The Bernese Mountain dog had an initial packed cell volume of 81%. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head identified multifocal cerebral haemorrhage. The erythrocytosis was believed to be secondary to marked bilateral nephropathy. Following two phlebotomies, the packed cell volume decreased to 78%. However, the dog deteriorated and had a cardiopulmonary arrest. We report two clinical cases in which erythrocytosis was the cause of rapid and severe neurological deterioration.
Filter bubbles in recommender systems: Fact or fallacy—A systematic review
Authors: Areeb Qazi Mohammad , Nadeem Mohammad , Sohail Shahab Saquib , Imam Raza , Doctor Faiyaz , Himeur Yassine , Hussain Amir , Amira Abbes
Published: August 2023

A filter bubble refers to the phenomenon where Internet customization effectively isolates individuals from diverse opinions or materials, resulting in their exposure to only a select set of content. This can lead to the reinforcement of existing attitudes, beliefs, or conditions. In this study, our primary focus is to investigate the impact of filter bubbles in recommender systems (RSs). This pioneering research aims to uncover the reasons behind this problem, explore potential solutions, and propose an integrated tool to help users avoid filter bubbles in RSs. To achieve this objective, we conduct a systematic literature review on the topic of filter bubbles in RSs. The reviewed articles are carefully analyzed and classified, providing valuable insights that inform the development of an integrated approach. Notably, our review reveals evidence of filter bubbles in RSs, highlighting several biases that contribute to their existence. Moreover, we propose mechanisms to mitigate the impact of filter bubbles and demonstrate that incorporating diversity into recommendations can potentially help alleviate this issue. The findings of this timely review will serve as a benchmark for researchers working in interdisciplinary fields such as privacy, artificial intelligence ethics, and RSs. Furthermore, it will open new avenues for future research in related domains, prompting further exploration and advancement in this critical area.

This article is categorized under:

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Human Centricity and User Interaction

Application Areas > Internet

Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Ethical Considerations

Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Security and Privacy
Gradient estimates for the insulated conductivity problem with inclusions of the general m‐convex shapes
Authors: Zhao Zhiwen
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the insulated conductivity model with two touching or close‐to‐touching inclusions is considered in with . We establish the pointwise upper bounds on the gradient of the solution for the generalized m‐convex inclusions under these two cases with , which show that the singular behavior of the gradient in the thin gap between two inclusions is described by the first non‐zero eigenvalue of an elliptic operator of divergence form on . Finally, the sharpness of the estimates is also proved for two touching axisymmetric insulators, especially including curvilinear cubes.
Reasoning with Recommender Systems? Practical Reasoning, Digital Nudging, and Autonomy
Authors: Bartmann Marius
Published: August 2023

One of the core tasks of recommender systems is often defined as follows: Find good items. Recommender systems are thus designed to support our decision-making by helping us find our way around the online world and guiding us to the things we want. However, relying on recommender systems has a profound effect on our decision-making because they structure the environment in which we make choices. In this contribution, I examine how recommender systems affect our practical reasoning and whether they pose a threat to autonomy, i.e., what influence recommender systems have on our capacity for making our own choices. I argue that a basic requirement for integrating automated recommendations in autonomous decision-making consists in being able to identify the rationale behind recommendations: only if we understand why we are being presented with certain recommendations is it possible for them to be integrated into decision-making in a way that preserves autonomy.
Biomarkers and Molecular Imaging in Postoperative DTC Management
Authors: Albano Domenico , Dondi Francesco , Bellini Pietro , Bertagna Francesco
Published: August 2023

The standard of care for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) includes surgery, risk-adapted postoperative radioiodine [iodine-131 (131I)] therapy, individualized thyroid hormone therapy, and follow-up for detection of patients with recurrent or persistent disease.

Recently, several international associations like ATA, EANM, and SNMMI developed specific guidelines for the management of these patients. They shared that an individualized risk-adapted approach should be suggested considering the main clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological features. The postoperative management of DTC is a challenge because several biomarkers and molecular imaging tools are available. The choice of execution and the timing of neck ultrasound, serum anti-thyroglobulin antibody and basal/stimulated thyroglobulin, the 131I/123I diagnostic whole-body scans integrated by single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) if indicated, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) is directly related to the patients’ characteristics. In this chapter, we summarize the role of the main biomarker and molecular imaging examinations in the management of DTC patients in postoperative setting.
Definition of Radioactive Iodine Refractory Thyroid Cancer and Redifferentiation Strategies
Authors: Finessi M. , Liberini V. , Deandreis D.
Published: August 2023

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC) presents a 10-year survival rate of > 90% in case of localized disease while in case of distant metastases prognosis is poorer. Radioactive iodine is the first-line therapy for ablation, adjuvant intent, and for the treatment of distant metastases.

In case of distant metastases, 50% of these patients obtain complete remission or stabilization of the disease over a long-term period with RAI therapy. Unfortunately, the remaining 50% of these patients, with the most aggressive and rapidly progressive disease, develop a RAI refractory disease thyroid cancer with loss of the ability to concentrate RAI or disease progression despite RAI uptake and with consequently poor outcomes (5-year disease-specific survival rates of 60–70% and a 10-year survival rate of 10%). In these patients, other treatment modalities including locoregional or systemic treatment by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) should be preferred. Nevertheless, the definition of refractory thyroid cancer is still challenging and the decision to stop radioactive iodine and switch the therapeutic approach is still based on an individualized choice.

Finally, a new approach by redifferentiation strategies combining TKI treatment and radioactive iodine is very promising for refractory and slowly progressive tumors.
Global Access to Cardiac Surgery Centers: Distribution, Disparities, and Targets
Authors: Vervoort Dominique , Babar Maryam Salma , Sabatino Marlena E. , Riaz Mehr Muhammad Adeel , Hey Matthew T. , Prakash Meghana P. H. , Mathari Sulayman El , Kpodonu Jacques
Published: August 2023

Background

Global data on cardiac surgery centers are outdated and survey‐based. In 1995, there were 0.7 centers per million population, ranging from one per 120,000 in North America to one per 33 million in sub‐Saharan Africa. This study analyzes the contemporary distribution of cardiac surgery centers and proposes targets relative to countries’ cardiovascular disease (CVD) burdens.

Methods

Medical databases, gray literature, and governmental reports were used to identify the most recent post‐2010 data that describe the number of centers performing cardiac surgery in each nation. The 2019 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Global Burden of Disease Results Tool provided national CVD burdens. One‐third of the CVD burden was assumed to be surgical. Center targets were proposed as the average or half of the average of centers per million surgical CVD patients in high‐income countries.

Results

5,111 cardiac surgery centers were identified across 230 nations and territories with available data, equaling 0.73 centers per million population. The median (interquartile range) number of centers ranged from 0 (0–0.06) per million in low‐income countries to 0.75 (0–1.44) in high‐income countries. Targets were 612.2 (optimistic) or 306.1 (conservative) centers per million surgical CVD incidence. In 2019, low‐income, lower‐middle‐income, and upper‐middle‐income countries possessed 34.8, 149.0, and 271.9 centers per million surgical CVD incidence.

Conclusion

Little progress has been made to increase cardiac surgery centers per population despite growing CVD burdens. Today’s global cardiac surgical capacity remains insufficient, disproportionately affecting the world’s poorest regions.
Shear Behaviour of Fibreglass Rock Bolts for Various Pretension Loads
Authors: Gregor Peter , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , McDougall Kevin , Aziz Naj , Jodeiri Shokri Behshad
Published: August 2023

In this paper, after determining an appropriate experimental design and testing scheme to test the shear performance suitably, the impacts of pretension and shear interfaces on fibreglass rock bolts were investigated. For this purpose, at the first stage, the double shear testing apparatus was modified to address the issues and shortcomings of the established testing methodology. Then, 20-tonne and 30-tonne rock bolts were tested with pretension loads of 0 kN, 10 kN, 15 kN, and 20 kN for each test scheme. For this, a 40 MPa small aggregate concrete was used for all samples to simulate the host rock. The grout used to anchor the rock bolts was mixed to the product’s recommended guidelines to ensure close resemblance to field mixtures. To maintain consistency, all samples were manufactured with the same concrete and grout recipes. The results of double shear tests revealed that increasing the pretension also increased the confining pressures at the shear interfaces for clean joints. This, in turn, reduced the damage propagating from the bolt at the shear interface and decreased the hinge point bending. The results can be applied for further analytical and numerical studies, which could utilise for a better understanding of the shear behaviour of fibreglass rock bolts.
A stochastic model leading to various particle mass distributions including the RRSB distribution
Authors: Stoyan Dietrich , Zhang Zong-Xian
Published: August 2023

Modern particle size statistics uses many different statistical distributions, but these distributions are empirical approximations for theoretically unknown relationships. This also holds true for the famous RRSB (Rosin-Rammler-Sperling-Bennett) distribution. Based on the compound Poisson process, this paper introduces a simple stochastic model that leads to a general product form of particle mass distributions. The beauty of this product form is that its two factors characterize separately the two main components of samples of particles, namely, individual particle masses and total particle number. The RRSB distribution belongs to the class of distributions following the new model. Its simple product form can be a starting point for developing new particle mass distributions. The model is applied to the statistical analysis of samples of blast-produced fragments measured by hand, which enables a precise investigation of the mass-size relationship. This model-based analysis leads to plausible estimates of the mass and size factors and helps to understand the influence of blasting conditions on fragment-mass distributions.