bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IZAZOVNA PONAŠANJA DJECE PREDŠKOLSKOG UZRASTA
Authors: Šljivić Edisa
Published: January 2025

Disfunkcionalnost društva sve više utiče na pojavu raznih oblika devijantnog ponašanja djece i mladih. Asocijalno ponašanje mladih je sasvim uobičajna pojava čiju fenomenologiju proučavaju razne naučne discipline, a u cilju sagledavanja što adekvatnije prevencije takvih pojava. Ipak, neki socijalno neprilagođeni oblici ponašanja sve više se uočavaju i kod djece predškolskog uzrasta. Takvi oblici ponašanja, ako se u tom periodu ne koriguju mogu postati ozbiljan problem u školskom uzrastu kada su djeca izložena i većim uticajima rizičnih faktora. Zato je adekvatna socijalizacija djece predškolskog uzrasta jako važna. Upravo i cilj ovog rada je da ukažemo na izazovna ponašanja kod djece predškolskog uzrsta koja ako se ne preveniraju i ne kontrolišu mogu postati ozbiljan problem u njihovoj socijalizaciji i samom odrastanju.
A Study of Mechanical Seal Rings Thermal and Force Deformations in Energy Rotor Machines
Authors: Hui Weidong , Shevchenko Serhii , Korchak Mykola , Lesko Andrei , Monakhov Andrii , Halynkin Yurii , Gerasin Oleksandr
Published: January 2025

The operating experience of mechanical seals shows that as a result of angular deformations of the rings, wear of the contact surfaces along radius is uneven. In the area of hydrodynamic load support in the case of a confusor joint or a converging film, the slope of the pressure diagram is such that a decrease in the film thickness increases the hydrodynamic support. This enables stable non-contact sealing operation. When designing mechanical seals, it is necessary to calculate the deformations of the sealing rings caused by both the pressure of the medium being sealed and thermal effects in order to predict the size and direction of the radial cone and avoid unstable operation of the seal. The execution of the rubbing surfaces of the interface of the end pair should ensure the formation of the calculated confusor shape of the sealing gap in all modes of operation.
Long-term Persistence of Moderate or Low Normal Testosterone Levels and Prostate Gland Volume in Men 35–45 Years Old
Authors: Lazarov Georgi , Kumanov Philip , Mladenov Vladislav
Published: January 2025

In our outpatient practice, we are increasingly seeing men aged from 35 to 45 years who have a long-term persistence of moderate or low normal testosterone levels. We aimed to investigate whether there is a link between long-term persistence of moderate or low normal testosterone levels and prostate volume. For the period from January 2013 to December 2015 in the Department of Andrology of “St. Sofia” Hospital we investigated 73 men aged 35 to 45 years with normal or elevated body mass index and long-term persistence of moderate or low testosterone levels. To compare our results, at the beginning of the study we formed a control group of 20 healthy men of the same age. The prostate volume was calculated by ultrasound. We obtained, within the reference range, significantly lower values for total testosterone (p < 0.001) and higher prostate volume (p < 0.001) in the 73 men we investigated compared to those in the control group. In some men at a young age, certain deviations in the normal secretion of testosterone occur, in parallel with an increase in total prostate volume, which differs significantly from the same indicator in their peers with a high normal level of testosterone. In most cases overweight or obesity were a prerequisite for young men to increase their prostate volume, but with a weaker correlation dependence than testosterone. Without going into cellular processes, we determined that long-term persistence of moderate or low normal testosterone levels, was a prerequisite for men aged between 35 and 45 years to increase their prostate volume.
ATG6 interacting with NPR1 increases Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to Pst DC3000/avrRps4 by increasing its nuclear accumulation and stability
Authors: Zhang Baihong , Huang Shuqin , Guo Shuyu , Meng Yixuan , Tian Yuzhen , Zhou Yue , Chen Hang , Li Xue , Zhou Jun , Chen Wenli
Published: January 2025

Autophagy-related gene 6 (ATG6) plays a crucial role in plant immunity. Nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related genes1 (NPR1) acts as a signaling hub of plant immunity. However, the relationship between ATG6 and NPR1 is unclear. Here, we find that ATG6 directly interacts with NPR1.
ATG6
overexpression significantly increased nuclear accumulation of NPR1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that
ATG6
increases NPR1 protein levels and improves its stability. Interestingly, ATG6 promotes the formation of SINCs (SA-induced NPR1 condensates)-like condensates. Additionally, ATG6 and NPR1 synergistically promote the expression of
pathogenesis-related
genes. Further results showed that silencing
ATG6
in
NPR1-GFP
exacerbates
Pst
DC3000/
avrRps4
infection, while double overexpression of
ATG6
and
NPR1
synergistically inhibits
Pst
DC3000/
avrRps4
infection. In summary, our findings unveil an interplay of NPR1 with ATG6 and elucidate important molecular mechanisms for enhancing plant immunity.
Improving the accuracy of soil texture determination using pH and electro conductivity values with ultrasound penetration-based digital soil texture analyzer
Authors: Kilinc Emre , Orhan Umut
Published: January 2025

Soil texture analysis is critical for advancing agricultural productivity, ensuring environmental sustainability, and maintaining ecosystem balance. Traditional sedimentation-based methods, such as the hydrometer technique, are fast and practical but prone to inaccuracies due to the effects of water-soluble substances. This study focuses on the practical framework of integrating pH (potential of hydrogen) and EC (electrical conductivity), as indicators of dissolved substances that influence soil texture estimation. Using the Ultrasound Penetration-based Digital Soil Texture Analyzer (USTA), this research combined ultrasound time series data with pH and EC measurements to predict sand, silt, and clay ratios through machine learning methods—support vector regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN). Simulations showed that RF yielded the best results, improving R2 values to 0.52, 0.33, and 0.31 for sand, silt, and clay, respectively. The enhanced model performance demonstrates the viability of integrating pH and EC with advanced machine learning techniques to improve soil texture analysis accuracy. These findings suggest that automated systems like USTA, with modular pH and EC sensors, can provide cost-effective, efficient alternatives to traditional methods, offering practical implications for soil management and agricultural optimization.
Age-related effects on dynamic postural stability and prefrontal cortex activation during precision fitting tasks
Authors: Pan Jiahao , Tang Hui
Published: January 2025

Background

Dynamic postural control is impaired in older adults, as evidenced from worse dynamic postural stability compared to young adults during upright stance while concurrent goal-directed tasks. Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is considered to play an important role in goal-directed tasks. This study aimed to investigate the age effects on dynamic postural stability and PFC activation during precision fitting tasks.

Methods

Participant performed precision fitting tasks under four different conditions: large opening size with their arm’s length (close-large), small opening size with their arm’s length (close-small), large opening size with 1.3 times arm’s length (far-large), and small opening size with 1.3 times arm’s length (far-small). We analyzed the center of pressure-related outcomes representing dynamic postural stability and PFC activation at the six different subregions from healthy older adults (n = 15, 68.0 ± 3.5 years), and gender-matched middle-aged (n = 15, 48.73 ± 3.06 years) and young (n = 15, 19.47 ± 0.64 years) adults.

Results

The dynamic postural stability presented the young > middle-aged > older groups across the conditions. Specifically, the young group presented better dynamic postural stability than the older group in the close-large, far-large, and far-small conditions (p < .05), while showed better dynamic postural stability than the middle-aged group in the close-large condition (p < .05). Additionally, the older group had greater PFC activation at all PFC subregions than the young group (p < .05), while had greater activation at left dorsolateral and ventrolateral PFC than the middle-aged group (p < .05). The middle-aged group presented greater activation at left dorsomedial PFC than the young group (p < .05).

Conclusion

Heightened dorsomedial PFC activation in middle-aged adults compared to young adults may reflect a deficit in processing the visuomotor information during the precision fitting tasks. Degeneration of the ability in automatic coordination of dynamic postural control may begin to occur at midlife.
Hematopoietic stem cell discovery: unveiling the historical and future perspective of colony-forming units assay
Authors: Yusoff Nur Afizah , Abd Hamid Zariyantey , Budin Siti Balkis , Taib Izatus Shima
Published: January 2025

Stem cells are special cells with the distinctive capability to self-renew, forming a new pool of undifferentiated stem cells. They are also able to differentiate into lineage-specific cell types that are specialized and matured. Thus, stem cells are considered as the building blocks of tissues and organs in which they reside. Among the many types of stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the most studied adult stem cells and are considered as a promising source of cells for applications in the clinical and basic sciences. Historically, research on HSCs was initiated in the 1940s, where in a groundbreaking experiment, intravenously injected bone marrow (BM) cells prevented the death of irradiated mice by restoring blood cell production. Since then, HSCs have been studied and utilized in medical therapies and research for over several decades. Over time, more sophisticated tools have been developed to evaluate the behaviour of specifically purified subsets of hematopoietic cells that have the capacity to produce blood cells. One of the established tools is the colony-forming units (CFUs) assay. This assay facilitates the identification, enumeration, and analysis of colonies formed by differentiated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from myeloid, erythroid and lymphoid lineages. Hence, the CFUs assay is a fundamental in vitro platform that allows functional studies on the lineage potential of an individual HSPCs. The outcomes of such studies are crucial in providing critical insights into hematopoiesis. In this review, we explore the fundamental discoveries concerning the CFUs assay by covering the following aspects: (i) the historical overview of the CFUs assay for the study of clonal hematopoiesis involving multilineage potential of HSPCs, (ii) its use in various experimental models comprising humans, mice/rodents, zebrafish and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and (iii) research gaps and future direction concerning the role of CFUs assay in clinical and basic sciences. Overall, the CFUs assay confers a transformative platform for a better understanding of HSPCs biology in governing hematopoiesis.
Dihydromyricetin inhibits injury caused by ischemic stroke through the lncRNA SNHG17/miR-452-3p/CXCR4 axis
Authors: Xie Jiacheng , Yang Qiuyue , Zeng Xueliang , Zeng Qi , Xiao Hai
Published: January 2025

Ischemic stroke (IS) is an important cause of death worldwide. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) has been reported to have neuroprotective potential, but its role and mechanism in IS have not been fully elucidated. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to determine the safe dose of DHM in BV2 microglia and its applicability in OGD/R-treated cells. The mechanism of action of DHM was explored by RT-qPCR, ELISA, luciferase reporter gene assay and western blotting. DHM dose-dependently enhanced BV2 cell viability post-OGD/R and attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress. The protective effects of DHM were found to be mediated through the downregulation of SNHG17, which in turn modulated miR-452-3p expression. miR-452-3p was identified as a negative regulator of pro-inflammatory CXCR4, a direct target whose expression was inversely affected by SNHG17. The interaction between SNHG17 and miR-452-3p was further confirmed by RNA pull-down assays. Furthermore, manipulation of the SNHG17/miR-452-3p/CXCR4 axis was shown to modulate the NF-κB signaling pathway as evidenced by changes in phosphorylation levels. In conclusion, our findings elucidate a novel DHM-mediated neuroprotective mechanism in microglial cells involving the SNHG17/miR-452-3p/CXCR4 regulatory axis. This axis attenuates OGD/R-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress, suggesting a therapeutic potential for DHM in conditions characterized by such pathological processes.
Needs Assessment of Beneficiaries in the “Adopt-A-Trainee” Program of the University
Authors: Bachanicha Rafael , Dorio Jr. Policronio , Taoc Margarette
Published: January 2025

This study determines and explores the training needs of the beneficiaries of the adopted community of the university as an integral part of its community extension services. The study focused on assessing the beneficiaries' employable skills and employed a descriptive quantitative survey research method to determine the needs. There were 82 respondents in this study who were currently residing in the communities adopted by the university. Sampling techniques like convenience and snowballing were utilized to gather the desired data. The primary goal of this study was to assess the beneficiaries' current needs, which will be used to establish programs and activities for the University of Cebu LM Campus College Of Hospitality and Tourism Management's community extension services. The skills training for the entire duration includes food and beverage services, food production, food safety, housekeeping services, front office services, catering services, events management, and public area cleaning. Furthermore, this study sheds light on why the beneficiaries participate in the "Adopt-A-Trainee" program of the university. Through this study, the university was able to design a comprehensive training program specifically for the beneficiaries, making them skilled and employable individuals. Finally, this study served as the basis for future community extension programs to the adopted communities of the university.
Propuesta de metodología para el análisis semántico del léxico de las emociones: aplicación al léxico de la ilusión en español
Authors: Barrios Rodríguez María Auxiliadora
Published: January 2025

Este trabajo presenta una propuesta metodológica para el análisis semántico de las emociones y una aplicación al léxico próximo a ilusionado. Se resumen brevemente las características de dos modelos teóricos en los que se ha inspirado dicha metodología: la Metalengua Semántica Natural y la Teoría Sentido-Texto. La primera permite descomponer el significado gracias a los llamados primitivos semánticos y moléculas, palabras que nombran conceptos universales, con la particularidad, además, de que los primitivos no se pueden descomponer, mientras que las moléculas se pueden descomponer en primitivos. La segunda teoría aborda la combinatoria léxica y la fraseología mediante un lenguaje formal, que se basa en las llamadas funciones léxicas, una herramienta que facilita la tarea lexicográfica. Presentamos con detalle la justificación de la metodología propuesta, basada en datos de corpus y de diccionarios combinatorios, y la ilustramos con el análisis y la explicación semántica de los adjetivos expectante, anhelante, deseoso, esperanzado, optimista e ilusionado.
Role of Social Media in Enhancing Education and Communication in India: Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Prajapati Chandra Shekhar , Ram Lalla , Singh Shivendra Pratap , Kumar Monu , Kumar Suneel
Published: January 2025

Social media are interactive media platforms that facilitate the creation and sharing of material via online networks and communities. This content might include ideas, information, expressions of many types, and hobbies. Platforms of social media such as social networks, blogs, microblogs, wikis, social bookmarking, media sharing, and RSS are available to help people get information around the globe. India is the world's most populated country, with 1.42 billion people as of right now with its economy increasing at one of the quickest rates on the entire world. Indians use social media for 2.36 hours a day on average, and in 2023 there will be 467 million more social media users in the nation thanks to common internet access. It is truly remarkable to learn that 692 million Indians use the internet nowadays, and social media has emerged as a major factor in Indians' everyday internet usage. The popular social media platforms YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are used in the educational sector. These days, social media plays a big role in the lives of all students. Students can also take advantage of a wide range of courses that are provided by educational institutions all around the world to increase their knowledge and skills. Students can use social media platforms to learn on their own as well. Social media poses a multitude of challenges and drawbacks, such as the possibility of addiction and distraction for educators and learners alike. Access to the internet, gadgets, and digital literacy are necessary for using social media. However, not all Indian students and teachers have not equal access to these resources. Additionally, it leads to moral conundrums like privacy, plagiarism, or bias problems.
A Model Study of The Impact of Enlightenment Rate on The Dynamics of Typhoid Fever
Authors: Isobeye GEORGE, , Ikoruba ILE, Vivian , Christiana NKUTURUM,
Published: January 2025

In this study, a mathematical investigation of the effect of enlightenment rate on the spread of typhoid fever is considered, using a system of nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations and a MATLAB ODE45 numerical scheme. The result shows that a decrease in vaccination rate  significantly increases the size of the susceptible () class and the response functions,  or  thereby heightening the tendency for the disease to be endemic. If then the typhoid infection will spread throughout the population, but if  then the infection will not be able to take hold and will eventually die out. Furthermore, it was shown that, the basic reproduction number has the tendency to reveal faster if a disease will result in an epidemic than the effective reproduction number. Finally, as enlightenment rates approach zero, it was observed that, over time, the disease will result in an epidemic. It is therefore recommended that enlightenment rate of the exposed, enlightenment rate to go for treatment and enlightenment rate to go for vaccination should be taken seriously by policy makers in order to stem the spread of typhoid.
Simultaneous Adsorptive Desulphurization and Denitrogenation in Crude Tire Pyrolysis Oil Refining
Authors: Onu Chijioke Elijah , Madiebo Emeka Michael , Aneke Fortune Chinwoke , Onu Chiamaka Peace , Ohale Paschal Enyinnaya
Published: January 2025

Pyrolytic oil usually contains high nitrogen and sulphur content which reduces its efficiency in addition to posing crucial environmental and health concerns. Hence the need for desulphurization and denitrogenation of pyrolytic oil obtained from waste tire for efficient application. Freshly prepared Ni-Cr adsorbent impregnated with TiO2-SiO2 catalyst was used as the adsorbent in the treatment of the pyrolytic oil through adsorption process. Effect of operating time and catalyst ratio were investigated. The result showed that both operating time and catalyst ratio influenced the percentage removal of sulphur and nitrogen. TiO2:SiO2 catalyst ratio of 2:3 gave 78.38%sulphur removal while ratio of 5:0 gave 89.80% nitrogen removal. The effect of time indicated that 78.84% and 93.98% removal of sulpur and nitrogen were obtained respectively after 120 minutes. For optimal simultaneous removal of both sulphur and nitrogen, a mixing ratio of 1:4 was obtained. The study showed that Ni-Cr/TiO2-SiO2 can be an effective adsorbent in desulphurization and denitrogenation of crude tire pyrolytic oil.
Challenge Faced by Horticulturists in Orange Cultivation with Special Reference to Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Digarse Upasna , Bisht Kamini , Raut Ajay , Rathi Deepak , Singh Umesh
Published: January 2025

The study was conducted in Madhya Pradesh to examine the factors limiting citrus production and challenges faced by orange growers in the Agar Malwa and Pandhurna districts. A total of 183 respondents were selected using a proportional stratified sampling approach. The findings revealed several critical challenges affecting citrus farmers, with pest and disease outbreaks being the most significant constraint, impacting yield and fruit quality (mean score 4.26). Second major challenge was inadequate subsidies (mean score 4.19), followed by climate change effects, including temperature fluctuations, frosts, and irregular rainfall (mean scores 3.96 and 3.89, respectively). Other concerns included the high cost and unavailability of disease-free rootstock, a shortage of trained labor, market fluctuations, and post-harvest losses. These issues highlight the need for targeted policy, extension and research interventions to enhance pest and disease management, improve access to disease-free rootstock. Additionally, there is a need for market stabilization mechanisms and strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on citrus farming.
Exploring the Levels of Heavy Metals in Soil: A Case Study of Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Akuru Udiomine Brantley , Nwachoko Ndidi , Tetam Jack Gbenenee , Jamabo Miebaka , Amadi Chigozirim Steve , Peter-Osah Ebenezer
Published: January 2025

Background: Heavy metal-polluted soils are becoming more widespread around the world, as geologic and anthropogenic activity grow. The risk of soil contamination by metals increases drastically with increasing industrialization, urbanization, and oil spillage. Thus, it is necessary to monitor heavy metals concentration in agricultural areas because they can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
Objectives: the objective of the study was to investigate heavy metals concentration (lead, cadmium, chromium and iron) in soils of Ahoada West Local Government Area, specifically Akinima, Oruama, and Joinkrama 4.
Methods: Soil samples were collected from three places at varying depths (0-5, 0-10, and 0-15 cm). Concentrations of heavy metals were quantified using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. ANOVA was employed to ascertain significant differences in heavy metal concentrations at p<0.05 (IBM SPSS, 21 version).
Results: Results indicated that the concentrations (ppm) of lead (1.44-13.99), chromium (5.23-23.57), cadmium (0.22-2.28), and iron (3.92-13.36) were below the WHO limits. Also, it was observed that heavy metal concentrations increased with increasing soil depths, in the following order 0-15 > 0-10 > 0-5 cm. In terms of spatial distribution, Oruama had significantly higher heavy metal concentrations, followed by Joinkrama 4, and Akinima, with the exception of chromium, which was significantly higher in Joinkrama 4 (8.00; 17.29) in comparison with Oruama (7.30; 15.34), and Akinima (5.23; 12.43) for 0-5 and 0-10 cm respectively.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Oruama community generally had significantly higher levels of heavy metals, although the analyzed soil samples were below WHO permissible limits. This study, advances the understanding of heavy metal dynamics in soil health and agricultural sustainability in Ahoada West, by providing localized information on concentrations relative to depth of soil and locations. It emphasizes the need for regular monitoring to avoid possible pollution and bioaccumulation.
Down Syndrome in a New Era for Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Rafii Michael S. , Fortea Juan
Published: November 2023

This Viewpoint explains the genetic association between Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome and the negative impact of excluding people with Down syndrome from clinical trials on treatment for Alzheimer disease.
Molecular Diagnostic Yield of Exome Sequencing in Patients With Congenital Hydrocephalus
Authors: Greenberg Ana B. W. , Mehta Neel H. , Allington Garrett , Jin Sheng Chih , Moreno-De-Luca Andrés , Kahle Kristopher T.
Published: November 2023

Importance

Exome sequencing (ES) has been established as the preferred first line of diagnostic testing for certain neurodevelopmental disorders, such as global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder; however, current recommendations are not specific to or inclusive of congenital hydrocephalus (CH).

Objective

To determine the diagnostic yield of ES in CH and whether ES should be considered as a first line diagnostic test for CH

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were used to identify studies published in English between January 1, 2010, and April 10, 2023. The following search terms were used to identify studies:congenital hydrocephalus,ventriculomegaly,cerebral ventriculomegaly,primary ventriculomegaly,fetal ventriculomegaly,prenatal ventriculomegaly,molecular analysis,genetic cause,genetic etiology,genetic testing,exome sequencing,whole exome sequencing,genome sequencing,microarray,microarray analysis, andcopy number variants.

Study Selection

Eligible studies included those with at least 10 probands with the defining feature of CH and/or severe cerebral ventriculomegaly that had undergone ES. Studies with fewer than 10 probands, studies of mild or moderate ventriculomegaly, and studies using genetic tests other than ES were excluded. A full-text review of 68 studies was conducted by 2 reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were used by 2 reviewers to extract data. Data were synthesized using a random-effects model of single proportions. Data analysis occurred in April 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was pooled diagnostic yield. Additional diagnostic yields were estimated for specific subgroups on the basis of clinical features, syndromic presentation, and parental consanguinity. For each outcome, a 95% CI and estimate of interstudy heterogeneity (I2statistic) was reported.

Results

From 498 deduplicated and screened records, 9 studies with a total of 538 CH probands were selected for final inclusion. The overall diagnostic yield was 37.9% (95% CI, 20.0%-57.4%;I2 = 90.1). The yield was lower for isolated and/or nonsyndromic cases (21.3%; 95% CI, 12.8%-31.0%;I2 = 55.7). The yield was higher for probands with reported consanguinity (76.3%; 95% CI, 65.1%-86.1%;I2 = 0) than those without (16.2%; 95% CI, 12.2%-20.5%;I2 = 0).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic yield of ES in CH, the diagnostic yield was concordant with that of previous recommendations for other neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that ES should also be recommended as a routine diagnostic adjunct for patients with CH.
Catheter Ablation With Morphologic Repetitiveness Mapping for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lin Chin-Yu , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Higa Satoshi , Tsai Wen-Chin , Lo Men-Tzung , Chiang Chia-Hsin , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Chao Tze-Fan , Chung Fa-Po , Liao Jo-Nan , Chang Ting-Yung , Lin Chen , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Kuo Ling , Wu Cheng-I. , Liu Chih-Min , Liu Shin-Huei , Kuo Ming-Jen , Liao Ying-Chieh , Chuang Chieh-Mao , Chen Yun-Yu , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: November 2023

Importance

Catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) has shown limited success.

Objective

To determine whether AF drivers could be accurately identified by periodicity and similarity (PRISM) mapping ablation results for persistent AF when added to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective randomized clinical trial was performed between June 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, and included patients with persistent AF enrolled in 3 centers across Asia. Data were analyzed on October 1, 2022.

Intervention

Patients were assigned to the PRISM-guided approach (group 1) or the conventional approach (group 2) at a 1:1 ratio.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was freedom from AF or other atrial arrhythmia for longer than 30 seconds at 6 and 12 months.

Results

A total of 170 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.0 [12.3] years; 136 men [80.0%]) were enrolled (85 patients in group 1 and 85 patients in group 2). More group 1 patients achieved freedom from AF at 12 months compared with group 2 patients (60 [70.6%] vs 40 [47.1%]). Multivariate analysis indicated that the PRISM-guided approach was associated with freedom from the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia (hazard ratio, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.33-0.85]).

Conclusions and Relevance

The waveform similarity and recurrence pattern derived from high-density mapping might provide an improved guiding approach for ablation of persistent AF. Compared with the conventional procedure, this novel specific substrate ablation strategy reduced the frequency of recurrent AF and increased the likelihood of maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05333952
High‐definition map automatic annotation system based on active learning
Authors: Zheng Chao , Cao Xu , Tang Kun , Cao Zhipeng , Sizikova Elena , Zhou Tong , Li Erlong , Liu Ao , Zou Shengtao , Yan Xinrui , Mei Shuqi
Published: November 2023

As autonomous vehicle technology advances, high‐definition (HD) maps have become essential for ensuring safety and navigation accuracy. However, creating HD maps with accurate annotations demands substantial human effort, leading to a time‐consuming and costly process. Although artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) algorithms have been developed for prelabeling HD maps, a significant gap remains in accuracy and robustness between AI‐based methods and traditional manual pipelines. Additionally, building large‐scale annotated datasets and advanced machine learning algorithms for AI‐based HD map labeling systems can be resource‐intensive. In this paper, we present and summarize the Tencent HD Map AI (THMA) system, an innovative end‐to‐end, AI‐based, active learning HD map labeling system designed to produce HD map labels for hundreds of thousands of kilometers while employing active learning to enhance product iteration. Utilizing a combination of supervised, self‐supervised, and weakly supervised learning, THMA is trained directly on massive HD map datasets to achieve the high accuracy and efficiency required by downstream users. Deployed by the Tencent Map team, THMA serves over 1000 labeling workers and generates more than 30,000 km of HD map data per day at its peak. With over 90% of Tencent Map's HD map data labeled automatically by THMA, the system accelerates traditional HD map labeling processes by more than tenfold, significantly reducing manual annotation burdens and paving the way for more efficient HD map production.
Tendril‐Inspired Programmable Liquid Metal Photothermal Actuators for Soft Robots
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Du Yiming , Xiao Chao , Ding Xin , Pan Xiaoshuan , Zheng Kang , Liu Xianglan , Chen Lin , Gong Yi , Xue Meng , Tian Xingyou , Zhang Xian
Published: November 2023

Photothermal actuators are widely applied in robots, smart devices, and bionic systems. However, asymmetric thermal expansion, the most common mechanism for preparing photothermal actuators, has not been utilized in programmable liquid metal photothermal actuators. In this work, Liquid metal/Polyimide/Polytetrafluoroethylene (LM/PI/PTFE) programmable photothermal actuators based on asymmetric thermal expansion are prepared inspired by the climbing plant tendrils. The “protoplasm that can contract and bend” PTFE tape endows the photothermal actuator with programmable initial morphology. The photothermal properties and flexibility of the liquid metal microspheres, together with the significant property difference between PI and PTFE, endow the photothermal actuator with excellent response angles (130.74 ± 6.45°), response speeds (46.62 ± 2.33° s−1), stability (2000 cycles for 10 h), and load‐carrying capacity, which are not inferior to most of the reported PI photothermal actuators. The LM/PI/PTFE photothermal actuator has been successfully modelled and simulated by finite element analysis (FEA). Based on the programmable initial morphology and the simulation by FEA, this work has designed and prepared a variety of bionic systems and functional robots. The work of LM/PI/PTFE photothermal actuators provides a strategy for designing photothermal actuators and enables the future development of photothermal actuators in bionic systems and robots.
Light‐Responsive Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)‐Based Liquid‐Like Coating for Sustainable Scale Resistance
Authors: Wang Shuai , Fan Yue , Wang Yingke , Gui Lishuang , Huang Shilin , Wu Tongfei , Tian Xuelin
Published: November 2023

Scale accumulation is a serious problem in several industrial fields. Although a series of surface coatings are developed for anti‐scaling, they generally suffer from limited anti‐scaling capability and longevity. Herein, a light‐responsive liquid‐like coating is prepared by constructing a metal–organic framework (MOF) functionalized with poly‐spiropyran (PSP) and further grafting it with linear polydimethylsiloxane (LPDMS), which enables high‐performance anti‐scaling. The prepared MOF/PSP/LPDMS (MPL) coating integrates multiple strategies to synergistically suppress scale formation. It utilizes the PSP component to delay scaling by adsorbing salt ions and the liquid‐like LPDMS component to inhibit scale nucleation through reducing the scale‐substrate affinity interaction. The MOF skeleton isolates PSP components to prevent unfavorable aggregation, which helps to maintain high ion‐adsorption capacity upon exposure to ultraviolet or darkness. Additionally, the coating allows rapid release of adsorbed ions upon exposure to visible light, enabling the recovery of adsorption sites. Consequently, the MPL coating exhibits highly effective and sustainable anti‐scaling capability. Scale buildup of only 0.41 mg cm−2 for CaCO3 and 0.69 mg cm−2 for CaSO4 is achieved on the MPL coating after 14 days’ scaling test, which is far superior to previously‐reported anti‐scaling surfaces. This work paves the way for designing light‐responsive liquid‐like coatings for sustainable scale resistance.
Efficient Hydrazine Electro‐Oxidation Achieved by Tailored Electron Injection into Fe (III) Sites Activating Dehydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Shucong , Wei Xiaotong , Dai Shuixing , Wang Huanlei , Huang Minghua
Published: November 2023

Tailoring the d‐orbital electron of Fe (III) in oxyhydroxide is highly expected to realize an efficient hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) for assisting seawater electrolysis. Although interface engineering can effectively change electron states on Fe sites by charge injection or extraction, most interfaces have a directional electric field for inaccessible regulation. Herein, the combination of iron oxyhydroxide and biphasic nickel phosphide is established to obtain a dual built‐in electric field (BEF) with opposite direction, which aims to manipulate the d‐orbital electron configuration of Fe (III) sites, thereby optimizing the binding strength and activating of N2H4 intermediates. Both computational and experimental analyses reveal that the moderate Fe─*N2H4 binding strength originating from tailored electron injection plays the key role in accelerating dehydrogenation. Impressively, such a promising promotion endows the catalyst with a remarkable HzOR activity, realizing working potentials of −8 and 44 mV for 10 and 100 mA cm−2 in alkaline seawater, respectively, and achieving outstanding long‐term stability for over 100 h. H2 production from a hybrid seawater electrolyzer (HSE) requires a dramatically low power consumption of 16.4 Wh L−1 H2 with ≈100% Faraday efficiency. It is believed that the work sheds new inspiration on d‐orbital regulation for obtaining advanced HzOR electrocatalysts.
Hierarchically Structured Bioinspired Fibers Shaped by Liquid Droplets
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Zhang Jialin , Wu Peiyi
Published: November 2023

Nature has a remarkable ability to create multifunctional fibers, such as spider silk, by precisely controlling structures across various scales. However, replicating this in high‐speed spun synthetic fibers is challenging due to the absence of life‐specific forces and interactions required for manipulating composition, gradients, and structures. Here, a novel droplet‐coupled pultrusion spinning technique is demonstrated for industrial‐scale production of microfibers with hierarchical structures. Droplets spontaneously form on the surface of high‐speed spun fibers to tailor multiscale hierarchical structures, resulting in a nonlinear viscoelastic core embedded with anharmonic nanosprings consisting of amorphous and crystalline domains and a periodically reinforced nanofiber skin. These structural hierarchies enable unique mechanical property combinations including nonlinear viscoelasticity, large extensibility (613%), record‐high toughness (536 MJ m−3), highly efficient impact energy absorption, vibration damping and wide temperature adaptability (−67.4 to 278.9 °C). Additionally, the structured bioinspired fibers exhibit low‐frequency phononic bandgap and anomalous dispersion of mechanical waves. The droplet‐based approach allows precise control over heterogeneity at multiple scales within the identical components leading to impressive mechanical performance and additional functionalities, and is consider that it could be applied to the design of the next era of hierarchically structured nanocomposites for a wide range of applications.
Regulating Micro‐phase Structure in Plastic Crystal Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Quasi‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Fu Chuankai , Zhang Xu , Huo Hua , Zhu Jiaming , Xu Huifang , Wang Liguang , Ma Yulin , Gao Yunzhi , Yin Geping , Zuo Pengjian , Lu Jun
Published: November 2023

Quasi‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (QSSLMBs) necessitate stable electro‐electrolyte interfaces to ensure reliable stationary power supply, thereby placing significant emphasis on the development of polymer electrolytes with high and uniform conductivity. However, while preparing the polymer electrolytes, the uncontrolled radical polymerization process of polymer electrolytes often leads to localized phase agglomeration, resulting in inhomogeneous physiochemical properties. In this study, a method is proposed to regulate the micro‐phase structure, aiming to substantially enhance the homogeneity of physiochemical properties, specifically the ionic conductivity, through the optimization of organic monomer polymerization behavior. This proposed polymer electrolyte determines enhanced reaction kinetics and reactivity at the interfaces, thereby effectively regulating the Li plating/stripping behavior and mitigating dendrite formation. The Li||Li symmetrical cell employing the proposed polymer electrolyte demonstrates exceptional cyclic durability, surpassing 1000 h at 0.2 mA cm−2. Additionally, the QSSLMBs employing high‐voltage LiCoO2 as the cathode exhibit remarkable improvements in electrochemical performance, particularly in terms of cycling stability. The insights derived from this research suggest that the regulation of micro‐phase structure in polymer electrolytes represents a promising strategy to enhance the practicability of QSSLMBs.
Delivery of mRNA Vaccine with 1, 2‐Diesters‐Derived Lipids Elicits Fast Liver Clearance for Safe and Effective Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Yuandong , Hu Yuexiao , Xia Heng , Zhang Shiqiang , Lei Hanqi , Yan Binyuan , Xiao Ze Xiu , Chen Jinjin , Pang Jun , Zha Gao‐Feng
Published: November 2023

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine is explored as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy, but the side effects, especially the liver‐related damage caused by LNP, raise concerns about its safety. In this study, a novel library of 248 ionizable lipids comprising 1,2‐diesters is designed via a two‐step process involving the epoxide ring‐opening reaction with carboxyl group‐containing alkyl chains followed by an esterification reaction with the tertiary amines. Owing to the special chemical structure of 1,2‐diesters, the top‐performing lipids and formulations exhibit a faster clearance rate in the liver, contributing to increased stability and higher safety compared with DLin‐MC3‐DMA. Moreover, the LNP shows superior intramuscular mRNA delivery and elicits robust antigen‐specific immune activation. The vaccinations delivered by the LNP system suppress tumor growth and prolong survival in both model human papillomavirus E7 and ovalbumin antigen‐expressing tumor models. Finally, the structure of lipids which enhances the protein expression in the spleen and draining lymph nodes compared with ALC‐0315 lipid in Comirnaty is further optimized. In conclusion, the 1, 2‐diester‐derived lipids exhibit rapid liver clearance and effective anticancer efficiency to different types of antigens‐expressing tumor models, which may be a safe and universal platform for mRNA vaccines.
Alendronate PtIV Prodrug Amphiphile for Enhanced Chemotherapy Targeting and Bone Destruction Inhibition in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sun Kaichuang , Yuan Lu , Chen Shen , Sun Yong , Wei Dengshuai
Published: November 2023

Chemotherapy remains the primary treatment method for osteosarcoma after surgery. However, the lack of selectivity of chemotherapy for osteosarcoma leads to unpredictable therapeutic effects, undesirable side effects, and drug resistance. A platinum(IV) (PtIV) prodrug amphiphile (ALN‐PtIV‐Lipo) covalently bound to alendronate (ALN) and a lipid tail is designed to overcome these limitations. ALN‐PtIV‐Lipo can self‐assemble into PtIV lipid nanoparticles (APtIV) for osteosarcoma targeting chemotherapy and bone destruction inhibition. It is demonstrated that APtIV achieved an eightfold increase in the eradication of osteosarcoma cells compared to cisplatin and threefold selective inhibition of osteosarcoma cells over breast cancer cells via APtIV in vitro. After intravenous injection, APtIV effectively accumulates at the osteosarcoma site in vivo, resulting in significantly suppressed primary osteosarcoma growth, and alleviation of bone destruction. Therefore, APtIV delivers a promising solution for enhanced chemotherapy targeting and bone destruction inhibition in osteosarcoma.
Ultra‐Low Current 10 nm Spin Hall Nano‐Oscillators
Authors: Behera Nilamani , Chaurasiya Avinash Kumar , González Victor H. , Litvinenko Artem , Bainsla Lakhan , Kumar Akash , Khymyn Roman , Awad Ahmad A. , Fulara Himanshu , Åkerman Johan
Published: November 2023

Nano‐constriction based spin Hall nano‐oscillators (SHNOs) are at the forefront of spintronics research for emerging technological applications, such as oscillator‐based neuromorphic computing and Ising Machines. However, their miniaturization to the sub‐50 nm width regime results in poor scaling of the threshold current. Here, it shows that current shunting through the Si substrate is the origin of this problem and studies how different seed layers can mitigate it. It finds that an ultra‐thin Al2O3 seed layer and SiN (200 nm) coated p‐Si substrates provide the best improvement, enabling us to scale down the SHNO width to a truly nanoscopic dimension of 10 nm, operating at threshold currents below 30 A. In addition, the combination of electrical insulation and high thermal conductivity of the Al2O3 seed will offer the best conditions for large SHNO arrays, avoiding any significant temperature gradients within the array. The state‐of‐the‐art ultra‐low operational current SHNOs hence pave an energy‐efficient route to scale oscillator‐based computing to large dynamical neural networks of linear chains or 2D arrays.
High‐Performance Organic Electrochemical Transistors Achieved by Optimizing Structural and Energetic Ordering of Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Polymers
Authors: Jo Il‐Young , Jeong Dahyun , Moon Yina , Lee Dongchan , Lee Seungjin , Choi Jun‐Gyu , Nam Donghyeon , Kim Ji Hwan , Cho Jinhan , Cho Shinuk , Kim Dong‐Yu , Ahn HyungJu , Kim Bumjoon J. , Yoon Myung‐Han
Published: November 2023

For optimizing steady‐state performance in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), both molecular design and structural alignment approaches must work in tandem to minimize energetic and microstructural disorders in polymeric mixed ionic–electronic conductor films. Herein, a series of poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole)s bearing various lengths of aliphatic–glycol hybrid side chains (PDPP‐mEG; m = 2–5) is developed to achieve high‐performance p‐type OECTs. PDPP‐4EG polymer with the optimized length of side chains exhibits excellent crystallinity owing to enhanced lamellar and backbone interactions. Furthermore, the improved structural ordering in PDPP‐4EG films significantly decreases trap state density and energetic disorder. Consequently, PDPP‐4EG‐based OECT devices produce a mobility–volumetric capacitance product ([µC*]) of 702 F V−1 cm−1 s−1 and a hole mobility of 6.49 ± 0.60 cm2 V−1 s−1. Finally, for achieving the optimal structural ordering along the OECT channel direction, a floating film transfer method is employed to reinforce the unidirectional orientation of polymer chains, leading to a substantially increased figure‐of‐merit [µC*] to over 800 F V−1 cm−1 s−1. The research demonstrates the importance of side chain engineering of polymeric mixed ionic–electronic conductors in conjunction with their anisotropic microstructural optimization to maximize OECT characteristics.
3D Printing Manufacturing of Lithium Batteries: Prospects and Challenges toward Practical Applications
Authors: Huo Sida , Sheng Li , Su Ben , Xue Wendong , Wang Li , Xu Hong , He Xiangming
Published: November 2023

The manufacturing and assembly of components within cells have a direct impact on the sample performance. Conventional processes restrict the shapes, dimensions, and structures of the commercially available batteries. 3D printing, a novel manufacturing process for precision and practicality, is expected to revolutionize the lithium battery industry owing to its advantages of customization, mechanization, and intelligence. This technique can be used to effectively construct intricate 3D structures that enhance the designability, integrity, and electrochemical performance of both liquid‐ and solid‐state lithium batteries. In this study, an overview of the development of 3D printing technologies is provided and their suitability for comparison with conventional printing processes is assessed. Various 3D printing technologies applicable to lithium‐ion batteries have been systematically introduced, especially more practical composite printing technologies. The practicality, limitations, and optimization of 3D printing are discussed dialectically for various battery modules, including electrodes, electrolytes, and functional architectures. In addition, all‐printed batteries are emphatically introduced. Finally, the prospects and challenges of 3D printing in the battery industry are evaluated.