bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delineation of prototypical degradation mechanism, characterization of unknown degradation impurities by liquid chromatography–quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry and stability‐indicating analytical method of selumetinib
Authors: Mishra Sonam , Rajput Niraj , Jadav Tarang , Panday Niraj Kumar , Sahu Amit Kumar , Sengupta Pinaki
Published: November 2023

Selumetinib (SELU) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2020. However, the degradation impurities of SELU have not been characterized or identified to date. The mechanism for impurity formation and the degradation behavior have not been previously studied. This study aims to elucidate the prototypical degradation mechanism of SELU. Furthermore, the degradation impurities have been identified using LC–quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and are reported in this article for the first time. In addition, a stability‐indicating analytical method (SIAM) has been developed for this drug. Forced degradation studies revealed the degradation of SELU under various stress conditions, including hydrolytic stress (acid and base), oxidative stress, and photolytic stress (ultraviolet and visible). Three degradation impurities were identified. This article presents the first validated SIAM, capable of accurately quantifying SELU in the presence of its degradation impurities. Furthermore, we have proposed the degradation pathway for SELU and its degradation impurities, a first in the field. The developed SIAM can find applications in process development and quality assurance of SELU in both research laboratories and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, the identified degradation impurities may serve as impurity standards for quality control testing in pharmaceutical industries.
Minimal residual disease status is the prognostic determinant following high‐dose treatment for patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Nahi Hareth , Afram Gabriel , Uttervall Katarina , Lockmer Sandra , Tätting Love , Gahrton Gösta , Kashif Muhammad , Alici Evren , Stromberg Olga , Klimkowska Monika , Lund Johan
Published: November 2023

Background

The presence of minimal residual disease (MRD+) following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma represents a poor prognostic factor for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

At our department, we recommend lenalidomide maintenance for patients who are MRD+ after ASCT, while MRD‐negative (MRD−) patients, after information about the national guidelines, were not advised to follow this regimen.

Results

Out of the total 228 patients, 175 received ASCT following first‐line induction (MRD− 92 (53%), MRD+ 83 (47%), at 2 months post‐ASCT), while 53 underwent ASCT after second‐line treatment (MRD− 27 (51%), MRD+ 26 (49%), at the same time point). Comparatively, MRD− patients who did not receive maintenance demonstrated better OS than MRD+ patients who received upfront ASCT and maintenance treatment (96% vs. 86%, p = 0.030, at 3 years). However, nonsignificant difference was found in PFS (76% vs. 62%, at 3 years). Furthermore, second‐line ASCT, MRD− non‐maintained patients exhibited significantly better PFS than MRD+ (71% vs. 27%, p > 0.001, at 3 years). However, OS was better but nonsignificant (96% vs. 76%, at 3 years). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed on 141 out of the 228 patients. Of these, 85 (60%) patients were deemed standard risk (SR), and 56 (40%) were classified as high risk (HR). In the SR cohort, MRD− patients exhibited better PFS and OS than MRD+ patients (71% vs. 59% and 100% vs. 85%, respectively). In the HR cohort, the MRD− patients showed superior PFS but similar OS compared to MRD+ patients (66% vs. 42% and 81% vs. 80%, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that being MRD− is a more crucial prognostic factor for the 3‐year PFS and OS than the presence of high‐risk cytogenetic markers or undergoing maintenance treatment. The latter appears insufficient, particularly for MRD+ patients following ASCT in the second‐line setting, suggesting that these patients may require a more intensive treatment approach.
Therapists' and counsellors' perceptions and experiences of offering online therapy during COVID‐19: A qualitative survey
Authors: Full Wayne , Vossler Andreas , Moller Naomi , Pybis Jo , Roddy Jeannette
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this research was to understand counsellors' and therapists' perceptions and experiences of working online during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

Five hundred and ninety clinicians, mostly UK‐based, responded to an online qualitative survey, which allowed data to be gathered from a broader range of participants than is typical for qualitative interviews or focus group studies, and provided a wide‐angle lens. The survey generated over 130,000 words, on which a five‐staged framework analysis was conducted. Seven superordinate themes were identified.

Results

In this paper, three of these superordinate themes specifically addressing online therapeutic practice with individual adult clients are presented. Therapists' accounts addressed the diverse ways in which the online space changed how they thought about the therapy relationship and their interactions with clients. Respondents described instances where online therapy had been beneficial for facilitating and cultivating the therapeutic process and relationship as well as how online therapy could have a potentially disruptive impact on therapeutic practice.

Implications

For practitioners who continue to deliver therapy solely online and/or offer hybrid services, this study identifies the specific knowledge and skills required for effective and safe online therapeutic work.
Anti‐Inflammatory Phomalones from the Deep‐Sea‐Derived Fungus Trichobotrys effuse FS522
Authors: Huang Hui‐Bin , Chen Yu‐Chan , Wen Ting‐Yue , Li Sai‐Ni , Liu Zhao‐Ming , Zhang Wei‐Min , Gao Xiao‐Xia
Published: November 2023

Four new phomalones A−D (1–4), together with five known analogues (5–9) were isolated from the deep‐sea‐derived fungus Trichobotrys effuse FS522. Their structures of the new compounds established by analysis of their NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of 2 was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. compounds 4, 6 and 8 substantially inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) with IC50 values of 4.64, 13.90, and 34.07 μM.
Single‐Component Catalysts for the Vinyl‐Addition Polymerization of Norbornene and its Derivatives
Authors: Bermesheva Evgeniya V. , Bermeshev Maxim V.
Published: November 2023

Vinyl‐addition polynorbornenes are versatile templates for the targeted design of high‐performance materials for various applications such as membrane gas separation, micro‐ and optoelectronics, fuel cells, sensors, and catalyst supports. The cornerstone of the synthesis of these compounds is the choice of catalyst used for polymerization. Previous review articles focused on two‐ and three‐component catalytic systems with cocatalysts used for vinyl‐addition polymerization (VAP). Hence, this Review discusses the advances in the design and development of single‐component neutral and cationic catalysts for the VAP of norbornenes. The catalyst structure, catalytic activity, and molecular weight characteristics of the polymers produced using these catalysts are elucidated.
Responsibilities for receiving and using individual participant data
Authors: Hunter Kylie E. , Tan Aidan C. , Webster Angela C. , Hamilton Daniel G. , Barnett Adrian , Jones Lee , Cheng Myra , Fahridin Salma , Laguna‐Camacho Antonio , Libesman Sol , Hoffmann Mark , Wang Rui , Seidler Anna Lene
Published: November 2023

Background

Sharing of individual participant data enhances the value of existing data to generate new evidence and inform decision‐making. While there is strong in‐principle support for data sharing, in practice study data are often difficult to find, access, and re‐use. Currently, there is no consensus statement to guide the data‐sharing process. In particular, more guidance is needed on the responsibilities of data recipients for re‐using individual participant data.

Purpose

To determine views on the responsibilities of recipients of study data, and to propose how these responsibilities could be met.

Methods

A 2‐h online focus group was conducted at the 2021 Association for Interdisciplinary Meta‐research and Open Science conference. Three example data‐sharing scenarios were discussed (evidence synthesis, study reproducibility, and secondary analyses). Notes and audio transcripts were collated using thematic analysis and shared with attendees for further iterative input.

Results

A purposive sample of 16 conference delegates attended the focus group. Analyses revealed four recurring themes that were synthesized into recommendations. The “privacy and ethics” theme described the need for data recipients to prioritize the protection of participant privacy, and the recommendation to proactively share a secure data management plan and evidence of ethical oversight with the data provider. The “capability and resourcing” theme required recipients to demonstrate sufficient capacity to process and analyze study data. The “recognition and collaboration” theme asserted the responsibility to acknowledge the contributions of data providers and invite them to contribute to the secondary project. Last, the “compliance” theme focused on the responsibility to adhere to local data sharing regulations.

Conclusions

Successful data sharing and re‐use requires cooperation from multiple stakeholders. We identified the responsibilities of recipients of study data to the individual from whom data arose and the research team who collected the data. Implementation of these in practice could facilitate increased data sharing.
Understanding the Electronic Structure of Magnetic Trinuclear Complexes Based on the Tris‐Dioxolene Triphenylene Non‐Innocent Bridging Ligand, a Theoretical Study
Authors: Suaud Nicolas , Colin Aristide , Bouammali Mohammed , Mallah Talal , Guihéry Nathalie
Published: November 2023

A complete theoretical analysis using first the simple Hückel model followed by more sophisticated multi‐reference calculations on a trinuclear Ni(II) complex (Tp#Ni3HHTP), bearing the non‐innocent bridging ligand HHTP3−, is carried out. The three semiquinone moieties of HHTP3− couple antiferromagnetically and lead to a single unpaired electron localized on one of the moieties. The calculated exchange coupling integrals together with the zero‐field parameters allow, when varied within a certain range, reproducing the experimental data. These results are generalized for two similar other trinuclear complexes containing Ni(II) and Cu(II). The electronic structure of HHTP3− turns out to be independent of both the chemical nature and the geometry of the metal ions. We also establish a direct correlation between the geometrical and the electronic structures of the non‐innocent ligand that is consistent with the results of calculations. It allows experimentalists to get insight into the magnetic behavior of this type of complexes by an analysis of their X‐ray structure.
Antibody drug conjugates in breast cancer in China: Highlights, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Li Jianbin , Jiang Zefei
Published: November 2023

Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel drugs that exert specific cytotoxicity against tumor cells. China approved T‐Dxd in May 2023, and their introduction has changed the nation’s clinical practice. Although more than 700 ADCs are being investigated worldwide, the challenges that remain in antibody engineering, drug discovery, safety management, resistance, drug selection, and sequencing hinder the further promotion and application of ADCs. Experts in China have discussed the several critical concerns related to clinical practice since 2022. Here, the authors conducted a review of ADCs and then discussed several ADCs explored in China. This study proposes several solutions and strategies to maximize the potential benefit that ADCs can provide to patients with breast cancer.
Accelerating x‐ray tracing for exascale systems using Kokkos
Authors: Wittwer Felix , Sauter Nicholas K. , Mendez Derek , Poon Billy K. , Brewster Aaron S. , Holton James M. , Wall Michael E. , Hart William E. , Bard Deborah J. , Blaschke Johannes P.
Published: November 2023

The upcoming exascale computing systems Frontier and Aurora will draw much of their computing power from GPU accelerators. The hardware for these systems will be provided by AMD and Intel, respectively, each supporting their own GPU programming model. The challenge for applications that harness one of these exascale systems will be to avoid lock‐in and to preserve performance portability. We report here on our results of using Kokkos to accelerate a real‐world application on NERSC's Perlmutter Phase 1 (using NVIDIA A100 accelerators) and Crusher, the testbed system for OLCF's Frontier (using AMD MI250X). By porting to Kokkos, we successfully ran the same X‐ray tracing code on both systems and achieved speed‐ups between 13 % and 66 % compared to the original CUDA code. These results are a highly encouraging demonstration of using Kokkos to accelerate production science code.
Th4+ Co‐doped YF3 : Yb3+, Er3+ Nanostructures for Enhanced Visible and NIR‐II Emissions and Potential Application as Cryogenic Thermometer
Authors: Balhara Annu , Gupta Santosh K. , Modak Brindaban , Nanda Sushri S. , Dash Suryanarayan , Sudarshan Kathi , Acharya Raghunath
Published: November 2023

Remarkable enhancement in green and red upconversion (UC) emissions by 124 and 88 %, respectively was achieved whereas down‐conversion (DC) luminescence in NIR‐II region (~1540 nm) was improved by 20 % in Th4+ co‐doped YF3 : Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystalline particles. The same is ascribed to lowering of symmetry via formation of asymmetric Er−F bonds and less symmetric Y3+ sites due to distortions on Th4+ co‐doping. Benefiting from the distinct temperature response of stark sublevels of the 4S3/2 and 4F9/2 states, we have proposed a strategy for luminescence intensity ratios (LIR) based thermometry involving thermally coupled (TCL) stark sub‐levels. This can be promising in more accurate temperature read‐out at cryogenic temperatures (~ −193 °C). Using the same, high Sa and Sr values of 0.0139 K−1 (80 K) and 0.682 % K−1(80 K) were obtained for 4S3/2 (1)/4S3/2 (2)→4I15/2 transitions. Higher Sa and Sr values of 0.226 K−1 (80 K) and 2.627 %K−1(80 K) were obtained for 4F9/2 (1)/4F9/2 (2)→4I15/2 transitions. The high sensitivity values were obtained than that reported for the YF3 host. We believe this work with improved UC luminescence on Th4+ addition will be boon to cryogenic temperature‐sensing.
From environmental sustainability practices to green innovations: Evidence from small and medium‐sized manufacturing companies
Authors: Gomes Sofia , Pinho Micaela , Lopes João M.
Published: November 2023

Manufacturing companies have come under pressure to reduce their negative environmental impact. In response, these companies have implemented environmentally sustainable practices in their organizations and adopted green innovations. The present study aims to analyze: (i) whether environmentally sustainable behaviors followed in manufacturing small and media‐sized enterprises (SME) encourage the adoption of green product/service innovation, green process innovation, and green organizational innovation and (ii) the main difficulties/constraints felt by SME managers in adopting both environmental sustainable practices and green innovations. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 3184 manufacturing SMEs. The quantitative analysis was performed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The results reveal that companies' previously pro‐environmental practices positively influenced the adoption of green innovations. Following environmentally sustainable practices was positively associated with adopting (by decreasing order): green process innovation, green product/service innovation and green organizational innovation.
A sensorless control strategy for automatic start‐up and grid‐synchronization of doubly fed induction generator in wind energy conversion system
Authors: Rauth Sheshadri Shekhar , Kastha Debaprasad , Bajpai Prabodh
Published: November 2023

In a wind energy conversion system (WECS) based on a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), a fast and smooth automatic synchronization of the DFIG with the utility grid is always desirable. Additionally, elimination of the need for a speed encoder makes the synchronization process much more reliable. This paper proposes a modified voltage controller‐based automatic grid‐synchronization strategy for the DFIG‐WECS using a rotor‐current‐dependent model‐reference‐adaptive‐system (MRAS) for rotor‐speed/position estimation. A V/f control‐based starting strategy is used to start the DFIG. An improved decoupled DFIG stator voltage controller is proposed to enhance the transient response during the DFIG grid synchronization. The modified controller is implemented in a grid‐voltage‐oriented reference frame to synchronize the DFIG‐stator with the grid. A robust modified MRAS with higher noise immunity and reduced machine parameter dependency is used to estimate the rotor‐speed/position during synchronization control. To validate the performance of the proposed strategy, a DFIG‐based WECS is modeled and simulated using an OPAL‐RT real‐time simulator, where a motor‐generator setup is modeled to have an equivalent WECS configuration. As compared with the latest reported work, this approach reduces the synchronization time by 16.99% while ensuring a smooth synchronization with no stator inrush‐current, even without any speed/position encoder.
Analysis of abnormal data in sensor networks based on improved LSTM in the Internet of Things environment
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhou Liang , Li Jing , Wang Jin , Qin Sihang
Published: November 2023

The proposed method addresses the challenge of online detection of high‐dimensional data in the IoT environment by introducing an anomaly data analysis technique based on improved LSTM. The method involves normalizing both normal and abnormal data using the correlation between multidimensional data and transforming them into gray image representations for input. Additionally, an enhanced abnormal data detection approach is presented through the construction of two parallel network models: a “two‐layer model” and a “single‐layer model.” This approach aims to improve stability in modeling normal data and enhance the detection capability for abnormal data. The proposed method was evaluated on the Human Activity Recognition (HAR) dataset, which consists of 561 dimensions. The experimental results showcased the effectiveness of this method, achieving a detection rate of 94.12% and a recall rate of 95.21%. These rates surpassed the performance of existing techniques in the field of abnormal data detection. Consequently, this method has demonstrated significant advancements and offers improved system performance when compared to current methods.
The benthic‐pelagic continuum: Age class and sex differences in the use of the vertical dimension by a rare pinniped
Authors: Lea Mary‐Anne , Tainsh Lachlan W. , Mattlin Rob , Torres Leigh , Vinette Herrin Kimberly , Thompson David R. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: November 2023

Sea lions as a group, display strong site fidelity, and varying degrees of vulnerability to environmental change, disease and fisheries interactions. One of the rarest pinnipeds, the New Zealand sea lion (NZSL, Phocarctos hookeri) has a very restricted breeding range. At Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku, one of the two primary breeding sites, at‐sea foraging behaviour is unknown. We hypothesised that NZSL of various sex and age classes would utilise the water column differently due to differing physiological constraints and therefore have different accessibility to prey resources. We tested whether sea lion diving behaviour varied in relation to (i) age and sex class, (ii) time of day and (iii) water depth. We also hypothesised that the proportion of benthic/pelagic diving, and consequently risk of fisheries interaction, would vary in relation to age and sex. Satellite telemetry tags were deployed on 25 NZSL from a range of age/sex classes recording dive depth, duration and location. Adult females and juveniles used inshore, benthic habitats, while sub‐adult males also utilised benthic habitats, they predominantly used pelagic habitat at greater distances from the island. Adult females and juveniles exhibited shorter dives than the same age/sex classes at the Auckland Islands, suggesting a lower dive effort for these age/sex classes at Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku. Adult females dived more frequently than other age/sex classes, likely operating closer to their physiological limits; however, further data for this age class is needed. Sub‐adult male use of pelagic prey may increase their exposure to mid‐water trawls; however, further research detailing the degree of spatial overlap with fisheries is required. This study highlights the utility of spatially explicit dive data to predict vertical habitat use, niche separation of various age and sex classes of marine predators and attribute potential fisheries interaction risk in relation to predator habitat use.
Regional differences and coronary microvascular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Erhardsson Mikael , Ljung Faxén Ulrika , Venkateshvaran Ashwin , Svedlund Sara , Saraste Antti , Lagerström Fermer Maria , Gan Li‐Ming , Shah Sanjiv J. , Tromp Jasper , SP Lam Carolyn , Lund Lars H. , Hage Camilla
Published: November 2023

Aims

In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), regional heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes is increasingly recognized, with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) potentially being a common shared feature. We sought to determine the regional differences in clinical characteristics and prevalence of CMD in HFpEF.

Methods and results

We analysed clinical characteristics and CMD in 202 patients with stable HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%) in Finland, Singapore, Sweden, and United States in the multicentre PROMIS‐HFpEF study. Patients with unrevascularized macrovascular coronary artery disease were excluded. CMD was assessed using Doppler echocardiography and defined as coronary flow reserve (adenosine‐induced vs. resting flow) < 2.5. Patients from Singapore had the lowest body mass index yet highest prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes; patients from Finland and Sweden were oldest, with the most atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and high smoking rates; and those from United States were youngest and most obese. The prevalence of CMD was 88% in Finland, 80% in Singapore, 77% in Sweden, and 59% in the United States; however, non‐significant after adjustment for age, sex, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, smoking, left atrial reservoir strain, and atrial fibrillation. Associations between CMD and clinical characteristics did not differ based on region (interaction analysis).

Conclusions

Despite regional differences in clinical characteristics, CMD was present in the majority of patients with HFpEF across different regions of the world with the lowest prevalence in the United States. This difference was explained by differences in patient characteristics. CMD could be a common therapeutic target across regions.
Hierarchical distributed voltage control for active distribution networks with photovoltaic clusters based on distributed model predictive control and alternating direction method of multipliers
Authors: Xu Guangda , Liu Liang , Lu Yi , Zhao Yuan , Li Yu , Gao Jing
Published: November 2023

This article proposes a hierarchical distributed voltage control (HDVC) scheme for active distribution networks (ADNs) with high penetration of photovoltaics based on distributed model predictive control (DMPC) and alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The reactive power outputs of several photovoltaic clusters (PVCs) and photovoltaic (PV) units within each PVC are optimally coordinated to keep PV terminal voltages and the voltages of all critical buses of ADNs within the feasible range and mitigate voltage fluctuations. In the ADN layer, a distributed reactive power control scheme based on DMPC is designed for the PVC, which regulates the voltages of all critical buses to be closed to the rated value and mitigates the reactive power variations. In the PVC layer, the reactive power outputs of PV units are optimized based on ADMM to minimize the voltage deviation of each PV terminal and track the reactive power reference from the PVC control. The proposed HDVC scheme requires communication only between neighboring PVC controller, while each PV controller only communicates with the corresponding PVC controller. This regulates the voltages in a completely decentralized manner and effectively reduces the computation burden of the PVC and PV controllers. A modified Finnish distribution network with 10 PVCs was used to validate the control performance of the proposed HDVC scheme.
Finite‐time coordination controls for multiple autonomous underwater vehicle systems
Authors: Chen Bo , Hu Jiangping , Ghosh Bijoy Kumar
Published: November 2023

Coordination control of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) has attracted considerable attention owing to its widespread applications in deep‐sea exploration, marine environment monitoring, regional searches, and detector recovery. In addition, finite‐time control theory is applied to ensure that the system achieves its control goal as soon as possible. To the authors' knowledge, few studies have systematically summarized the finite‐time coordination control of multiple AUV systems. Thus this review aims to systematically and completely introduce the research progress into the coordination control methods for multi‐AUV systems and their combination with finite‐time theory. The primary areas of focus are the research significance, present state, and prospects of coordination control and finite‐time control theory in multiple AUV systems, as well as their applications.
Thermodynamic and Environmental Analysis of Novel Cascade Refrigeration Cycles with Ejector and Intercooler for Ultralow Temperatures Using Eco‐Friendly Refrigerants
Authors: Hacıpaşaoğlu Servet Giray , Öztürk İlhan Tekin
Published: November 2023

The present study introduces a novel cascade ejector intercooler refrigeration cycle (CEIRC) and a novel cascade ejector booster refrigeration cycle (CEBRC), which are designed to improve ultralow temperature (ULT) refrigeration system performance based on various refrigerants in terms of energy, exergy, and environment. Through the analysis conducted with eco‐friendly refrigerants for CEIRC, the refrigerant pair exhibits the highest performance that is found to consist of RE170 for high‐temperature cycles and R170 for low‐temperature cycles. These refrigerants have very low global warming potential and are eco‐friendly. The coefficient of performance (COP) reveals improvements of 3.20–9.51%, 10.55–19.12%, and 31.96–65.97% over the CEBRC, cascade ejector refrigeration cycle (CERC), and cascade vapor compression refrigeration cycle (CVCRC), respectively, resulting in corresponding exergy efficiency improvements of 3.18–9.49%, 10.48–19.12%, and 31.87–65.98%. The total compressor power and exergy destruction are also compared, indicating that the CEIRC exhibits the best performance among the four. CEIRC achieves a COP increase of 11.6% compared with the cascade refrigeration cycle, which is considered the cycle with the highest performance operating at ultralow temperatures in the literature, which is CERC. The kg CO2 effect of the CEIRC is 11.35% lower than that of the CERC.
Revisiting the geomorphological‐biological divide: An introspective biogeomorphological perspective
Authors: Corenblit Dov , Corbara Bruno , Lala Kevin , Phillips Jonathan D. , Pocheville Arnaud , Roussel Erwan , Steiger Johannes , Viles Heather A.
Published: November 2023

We suggest that biogeomorphology should challenge the traditional dichotomy between living and non‐living components of Earth surface systems. To achieve this, biogeomorphologists should gain a better understanding of eco‐evolutionary models and empirical findings developing at the interface between ecology and evolutionary biology. Eco‐evolutionary models explore feedback loops between genes, organisms and the physical or biological components outside the organism's body. This changes our understanding of how organisms interact with their environment and the functional and evolutionary significance of biologically induced landforms. In the niche construction framework, genes can be conceived as the foundational evolutionary units of selection and inheritance, and everything beyond of this unit can be considered as the ‘environment’ for gene expression, either packaged within or unpackaged outside the organism. Both the packaged biological and unpackaged environments can be influenced by genes and manufactured by organisms, respectively, in the form of phenotypes or niche constructions. We propose that biomineralized structures, such as bones, osteoderms, antlers and shells, which can be packaged at varying degrees within an organism, as well as external products of genes such as termite mounds, which are unpackaged at the periphery of the organism, form a gradient of variation in the relative dominance and functional integration of biotic and abiotic components in ecosystems. A more explicit consideration of the functional interrelationships between physical and biological components transcending their traditional boundaries should promote a re‐evaluation of the dichotomy between biological and geomorphological entities.
Energy‐efficient UOWC‐RF systems with SLIPT
Authors: Agarwal Amit , Singh Keshav
Published: November 2023

This letter investigates a two‐hop underwater optical wireless communication‐radio frequency setup consisting of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), a communication buoy, and an onshore data center (ODC). The information transmission between AUV and ODC occurs in two phases. In the first phase, the AUV communicates to the buoy over the optical wireless link. The buoy harvests the energy by using simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer and also decodes the information. In the subsequent phase, the buoy transmits the decoded information to the ODC over an RF link by utilizing the harvested energy at the first phase. A joint optimization problem is proposed to minimize the total optical energy consumption at the AUV by optimally selecting the DC‐bias and the time allocated to the first and second phases subject to the minimum required end‐to‐end rate. Due to the non‐convexity of the original problem, an alternative approach is used to make it convex. For certain system parameters, our results show a significant energy savings of J at the required rate of 2 bits per channel use.
Hacking by the prompt: Innovative ways to utilize ChatGPT for evaluators
Authors: Ferretti Silva
Published: November 2023

“Hacking by the prompt”—writing simple yet creative conversational instructions in ChatGPT's message window—revealed many valuable additions to the evaluator's toolbox for all stages of the evaluation process. This includes the production of terms of reference and proposals for the dissemination of final reports. ChatGPT does not come with an instruction book, so evaluators must experiment creatively to understand its potential. The surprising performance of ChatGPT leads to the question: will it eventually substitute for evaluators? By describing ChatGPT through four personality characteristics (pedantic, “I know it all,” meek, and “speech virtuoso”), this article provides case examples of the potential and pitfall of ChatGPT in transforming evaluation practice. Anthropomorphizing ChatGPT is debatable, but the result is clear: tongue‐in‐cheek personality characteristics helped hack ChatGPT more creatively while remaining aware of its challenges. This article combines practical ideas with deeper reflection on evaluation. It concludes that ChatGPT can substitute for evaluators when evaluations mostly focus on paperwork and conventional approaches “by the book” (an unfortunate trend in the sector). ChatGPT cannot substitute engagement with reality and critical thinking. Will ChatGPT then be a stimulus to rediscover the humanity and the reality we lost in processes?
Nitrogen fertilizer affects the cooking quality and starch properties of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Liu Beibei , Zhou Haolu , Huang Yinghui , Gao Xiaoli
Published: November 2023

Nitrogen has a critical influence on the yield and quality of proso millet. However, the exact impact of nitrogen on the cooking quality of proso millet is not clear. In this study, the cooking quality and starch properties of two proso millet varieties (waxy‐Shaanxi millet [wSM] variety and non‐waxy‐Shaanxi millet [nSM] variety) were compared and analyzed under nitrogen fertilizer treatment (N150, 150 kg/hm2) and a control group without nitrogen application (N0, 0 kg/hm2). Compared with the N0 group, the N150 treatment significantly increased protein content, amylose levels, and total yield. Employing rapid visco analyser and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, we observed that under the N150 treatment, the peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity of proso millet powder were diminished, while the setback viscosity and enthalpy values (ΔH) increased. In addition, nitrogen treatment increased the solids content in the obtained rice soup and significantly hardened the texture of the rice. At the same time, we noticed that the absorption capacity of starch in water and oil was enhanced. These results showed that nitrogen fertilizer had significant effects on the cooking quality and starch properties of proso millet.
Mesozoic tectonic regime transformation in Fujian Province (Southeast China): Evidence from palaeostress field restoration and lithofacies palaeogeography evolution
Authors: Tan Yuanlong , Wang Zongxiu , Li Chunlin , Yan Xili , Peng Nan
Published: November 2023

The South China region has undergone a complex tectonic history since the Mesozoic era, characterized by significant tectonic regime transformations. However, the mechanism behind these transformations is still subject to debate. This study aims to elucidate the specific manifestations and stress mechanisms driving the tectonic transformations and their geological background. Through field geological surveys, effective stress inversions and analysis of lithofacies palaeogeography in Fujian Province, we have identified six distinct tectonic episodes that occurred during the Mesozoic: (a) late Middle Triassic to early Late Triassic: intense NNE–SSW compression generated an unconformity between the An'ren Formation and Dakeng Formation; (b) middle Late Triassic to early Middle Jurassic: NNE–SSW extension exerted control over the deposition of the Dakeng Formation, Wenbinshan Formation and Zhangping Formation; (c) late Middle Jurassic to early Late Jurassic: NW–SE compression resulted in an unconformity between the Zhangping Formation and Changlin Formation; (d) late Jurassic to early Cretaceous: NW–SE extension influenced the deposition of the Changlin Formation, Nanyuan Formation and Xiaoxi Formation; (e) late Early Cretaceous to Late Cretaceous: a strike–slip stress field caused an unconformity between the Xiaoxi Formation and Shaxian Formation; (f) post‐Late Cretaceous: NE–SW extension occurred. During the late Middle Jurassic to early Late Jurassic period, there was a notable change in the distribution of lithofacies palaeogeography. The coexistence of NE and E‐W‐trending patterns shifted to a predominant NE‐trending pattern, which was controlled by the palaeostress field transitioning from NNE–SSW extension to NW–SE compression. These changes indicate a tectonic regime transformation in Southeast China during this period. Considering the sedimentary, magmatic and tectonic activities, the tectonic evolution of Southeast China was predominantly influenced by the Palaeo‐Tethys tectonic domain from the Early Triassic to early Middle Jurassic and by the Palaeo‐Pacific tectonic domain from the late Middle Jurassic to the Cretaceous.
Factors associated with negative birth experience in Peruvian Quechua‐speaking indigenous women in a context of contagion due to COVID‐19
Authors: Olaza‐Maguiña Augusto Felix , De La Cruz‐Ramirez Yuliana Mercedes
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with negative birth experience in Peruvian Quechua‐speaking indigenous women in the context of contagion due to COVID‐19.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study, with 142 women from the Olleros community (Huaraz‐Peru, 3336 m a.s.l.), whose birth occurred between November 2020 and December 2021. Two questionnaires were applied between January and June 2022, prior voluntary informed consent and approval by an ethics committee. The SPSS program version 24 and the odds ratio (OR) were used with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 62.7% of women (89/142) had a negative birth experience. The main factors associated were hospital and biosafety factors, highlighting the restriction to choose the position during birth (OR = 15.64, CI: 1.89–128.99, P = 0.001), care of women in a language other than Quechua (OR = 5.86, CI: 1.51–22.76, P = 0.005) and fear of health personnel when approaching women due to COVID‐19 (OR = 10.61, CI: 3.94–28.56, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Hospital and biosafety factors are associated with negative birth experience in Peruvian Quechua‐speaking indigenous women, with less emphasis on sociodemographic and obstetric factors. The results found show that, in the case of this research, the negative birth experience is not only due to the restrictions imposed by COVID‐19 pandemic, but also to the limited application of the intercultural approach in Peru, where the opinion of women is not taken into account. In this sense, intervention actions are required through health policies with an intercultural approach that involve the active participation of women.
Early diagnosis of androgen insensitivity syndrome with cell‐free fetal DNA screening: A case report
Authors: Miller Amitai S. , Singh Tara A.
Published: November 2023

Synopsis

Non‐invasive prenatal testing provides an early opportunity to identify patients with genotype–phenotype sex discordance and can be used to screen for complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.
Universal transfer of full‐class metal electrodes for barrier‐free two‐dimensional semiconductor contacts
Authors: Hong Mengyu , Zhang Xiankun , Geng Yu , Wang Yunan , Wei Xiaofu , Gao Li , Yu Huihui , Cao Zhihong , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2023

Metal–semiconductor contacts are crucial components in semiconductor devices. Ultrathin two‐dimensional transition‐metal dichalcogenide semiconductors can sustain transistor scaling for next‐generation integrated circuits. However, their performance is often degraded by conventional metal deposition, which results in a high barrier due to chemical disorder and Fermi‐level pinning (FLP). Although, transferring electrodes can address these issues, they are limited in achieving universal transfer of full‐class metals due to strong adhesion between pre‐deposited metals and substrates. Here, we propose a nanobelt‐assisted transfer strategy that can avoid the adhesion limitation and enables the universal transfer of over 20 different types of electrodes. Our contacts obey the Schottky–Mott rule and exhibit a FLP of S = 0.99. Both the electron and hole contacts show record‐low Schottky barriers of 4.2 and 11.2 meV, respectively. As a demonstration, we construct a doping‐free WSe2 inverter with these high‐performance contacts, which exhibits a static power consumption of only 58 pW. This strategy provides a universal method of electrode preparation for building high‐performance post‐Moore electronic devices.
Effect of collagen denaturation degree on mechanical properties and biological activity of nanofibrous scaffolds
Authors: Tenchurin Timur Kh , Sytina Elena V. , Solovieva Elena V. , Shepelev Aleksey D. , Mamagulashvili Vissarion G. , Krasheninnikov Sergey V. , Yastremskiy Evgeniy V. , Nesterenko Elizaveta V. , Buzin Aleksandr I. , Istranova Elena V. , Istranov Leonid P. , Fatkhudinov Timur Kh , Panteleyev Andrey A. , Chvalun Sergey N.
Published: November 2023

Further progress in regenerative medicine and bioengineering highly depends on the development of 3D polymeric scaffolds with active biological properties. The most attention is paid to natural extracellular matrix components, primarily collagen. Herein, nonwoven nanofiber materials with various degrees of collagen denaturation and fiber diameters 250–500 nm were produced by electrospinning, stabilized by genipin, and characterized in detail. Collagen denaturation has been confirmed using DSC and FTIR analysis. The comparative study of collagen and gelatin nonwoven materials (NWM) revealed only minor differences in their biocompatibility with skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro. In long‐term subcutaneous implantation study, the inflammation was less evident on collagen than on gelatin NWM. Remarkably, the pronounced calcification was revealed in the collagen NWM only. The results obtained can be useful in terms of improving the electrospinning technology of collagen from aqueous solutions, as well as emphasize the importance of long‐term study to ensure proper implementation of the material, taking into account the ability of collagen to provoke calcification.
Lactate promotes myogenesis via activating H3K9 lactylation‐dependent up‐regulation of Neu2 expression
Authors: Dai Weilong , Wu Gang , Liu Ke , Chen Qianqian , Tao Jingli , Liu Honglin , Shen Ming
Published: November 2023

Background

Lactate, a glycolytic metabolite mainly produced in muscles, has been suggested to regulate myoblast differentiation, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Recently, lactate‐mediated histone lactylation is identified as a novel epigenetic modification that promotes gene transcription.

Methods

We used mouse C2C12 cell line and 2‐month‐old male mice as in vitro and in vivo models, respectively. These models were treated with lactate to explore the biological function and latent mechanism of lactate‐derived histone lactylation on myogenic differentiation by quantitative real‐time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation, cleavage under targets and tagmentation assay and RNA sequencing.

Results

Using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting, we proposed that lactylation might occur in the histones. Inhibition of lactate production or intake both impaired myoblast differentiation, accompanied by diminished lactylation in the histones. Using lactylation site‐specific antibodies, we demonstrated that lactate preferentially increased H3K9 lactylation (H3K9la) during myoblast differentiation (CT VS 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mM lactate treatment, P = 0.0012, P = 0.0007, and the rest of all P < 0.0001). Notably, inhibiting H3K9la using P300 antagonist could block lactate‐induced myogenesis. Through combined omics analysis using cleavage under targets and tagmentation assay and RNA sequencing, we further identified Neu2 as a potential target gene of H3K9la. IGV software analysis (P = 0.0013) and chromatin immunoprecipitation‐qPCR assay (H3K9la %Input, LA group = 9.0076, control group = 2.7184, IgG = 0.3209) confirmed that H3K9la is enriched in the promoter region of Neu2. Moreover, siRNAs or inhibitors against Neu2 both abrogated myoblast differentiation despite lactate treatment, suggesting that Neu2 is required for lactate‐mediated myoblast differentiation.

Conclusions

Our findings provide novel understanding of histone lysine lactylation, suggesting its role in myogenesis, and as potential therapeutic targets for muscle diseases.
Preparation of atom probe tips from (nano)particles in dispersion using (di)electrophoresis and electroplating
Authors: Vorlaufer Nora , Josten Jan , Carl Simon , Göbel Erik , Søgaard Alexander , Taccardi Nicola , Spiecker Erdmann , Felfer Peter
Published: November 2023

The behavior of catalytic particles depends on their chemical structure and morphology. To reveal this information, the characterization with atom probe tomography has huge potential. Despite progresses and papers proposing various approaches towards the incorporation of particles inside atom probe tips, no single approach has been broadly applicable to date. In this paper, we introduce a workflow that allowed us to prepare atom probe specimens from Ga particles in suspension in the size range of 50 nm up to 2 μm. By combining dielectrophoresis and electrodeposition in a suitable way, we achieve a near‐tip shape geometry, without a time‐consuming FIB lift‐out. This workflow is a simple and quick method to prepare atom probe tips and allows for a high preparation throughput. Also, not using a lift‐out allowed us to use a cryo‐stage, avoiding melting of the Ga particles, while ensuring a mechanical stable atom probe tip. The specimen prepared by this workflow enable a stable measurement and low fracture rates.

Research Highlights

Enabling cryo‐preparation of (nano)particles for the atom probe.

Characterization of surface and bulk elemental distribution of GaPt model SCALMS.
Investigating the impact of Sinopharm COVID‐19 vaccination on antibody response in pregnant women and their newborns
Authors: Abdolahi Tahoora , Maamouri Gholamali , Behmadi Maryam , Mirzaeian Sara , Boskabadi Hassan , Faramarzi Raheleh
Published: November 2023

This study aims to investigate the levels of receptor‐binding domain (RBD), spike, and neutralizing antibodies in pregnant women who received the Sinopharm vaccine and their newborns. A cross‐sectional study was conducted at a tertiary center, Mashhad, Iran. We included 88 pregnant women who had received at least two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples taken at delivery were analyzed for antibodies using ELISA tests. Antibody levels did not vary significantly between women with two or three vaccine doses. Only 1.1% of mothers had undetectable levels of RBD antibodies, but detectable antibodies were observed in all newborns. A significant linear correlation was found between the levels of neutralizing antibodies (r = 0.7, p < 0.001) and RBD antibodies (r = 0.833, p < 0.001) in mothers and their newborns, but not for Spike antibodies (r = 0.214, p = 0.045). In mothers, high titers of antispike and RBD antibodies were observed at the time of delivery. The high titers of RBD and antispike antibodies were found in cord blood, suggesting potential neonatal immunity. Detectable levels of antibodies were found in both groups, regardless of the timing of vaccination. The Sinopharm vaccine generates detectable levels of antibodies in pregnant women, which are efficiently transferred to their newborns. The number of vaccine doses (two or three) did not significantly impact the levels of detectable antibodies. This underscores Sinopharm's potential efficacy in protecting pregnant women and their infants from COVID‐19.