bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What makes a good bat box? How box occupancy depends on box characteristics and landscape‐level variables
Authors: Pschonny Sandra , Leidinger Jan , Leitl Rudolf , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: March 2022

Bat populations are in steep decline and presently, 16% of all species are classified as ‘threatened’. One main driver identified for this decline is the loss of natural roosting opportunities, caused by the removal of natural habitats. Installation of bat boxes is one solution to compensate for the lack of natural roosting opportunities. Current recommendations for box design emphasize low maintenance costs and are rarely based on empirical evidence.

We investigated occupancy of 13,634 bat boxes in northern Bavaria, Germany. In our study, boxes differed in type, age and mounting height, as well as in maximum community age, that is the length of time a group of boxes had been installed in a particular place, the size of box groups and the distance to the next box in the surrounding area, that is box isolation.

Our results showed that box occupancy depended on box type and bat species. As a case study, we analysed the two most common species found within the investigated boxes, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Myotis nattereri, in more detail. Both species showed preference to a voluminous box that had a narrow entrance (‘Gable box’ 14 mm). For P. pipistrellus, only box type affected occupancy, whereas for M. nattereri, the relationship between box type and box age was important. Older boxes and boxes in areas with higher maximum community age of boxes showed higher box occupancy by bats. Box occupancy decreased with the distance between adjacent box groups (‘box isolation’). High mounting height showed a tendency for increased box occupancy, but the effect was only weakly significant.

Because of the species‐specific responses in our study, we suggest installing a combination of different box types, including at least one box type with a narrow entrance (14 mm). Boxes should be placed as box groups of three to four boxes, and there should be short distances between adjacent box groups. We also recommend installing new box groups close to areas of high maximum community age of boxes.
Deep learning‐based auto segmentation using generative adversarial network on magnetic resonance images obtained for head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Kawahara Daisuke , Tsuneda Masato , Ozawa Shuichi , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Nishio Teiji , Nagata Yasushi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Adaptive radiotherapy requires auto‐segmentation in patients with head and neck (HN) cancer. In the current study, we propose an auto‐segmentation model using a generative adversarial network (GAN) on magnetic resonance (MR) images of HN cancer for MR‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT).

Material and methods

In the current study, we used a dataset from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine MRI Auto‐Contouring (RT‐MAC) Grand Challenge 2019. Specifically, eight structures in the MR images of HN region, namely submandibular glands, lymph node level II and level III, and parotid glands, were segmented with the deep learning models using a GAN and a fully convolutional network with a U‐net. These images were compared with the clinically used atlas‐based segmentation.

Results

The mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the U‐net and GAN models was significantly higher than that of the atlas‐based method for all the structures (p < 0.05). Specifically, the maximum Hausdorff distance (HD) was significantly lower than that in the atlas method (p < 0.05). Comparing the 2.5D and 3D U‐nets, the 3D U‐net was superior in segmenting the organs at risk (OAR) for HN patients. The DSC was highest for 0.75–0.85, and the HD was lowest within 5.4 mm of the 2.5D GAN model in all the OARs.

Conclusions

In the current study, we investigated the auto‐segmentation of the OAR for HN patients using U‐net and GAN models on MR images. Our proposed model is potentially valuable for improving the efficiency of HN RT treatment planning.
The feasibility study on the generalization of deep learning dose prediction model for volumetric modulated arc therapy of cervical cancer
Authors: Qilin Zhang , Peng Bao , Ang Qu , Weijuan Jiang , Ping Jiang , Hongqing Zhuang , Bin Dong , Ruijie Yang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To develop a 3D‐Unet dose prediction model to predict the three‐dimensional dose distribution of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for cervical cancer and test the dose prediction performance of the model in endometrial cancer to explore the feasibility of model generalization.

Methods

One hundred and seventeen cases of cervical cancer and 20 cases of endometrial cancer treated with VMAT were used for the model training, validation, and test. The prescribed dose was 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. Eight independent channels of contoured structures were input to the model, and the dose distribution was used as the output of the model. The 3D‐Unet prediction model was trained and validated on the training set (n = 86) and validation set (n = 11), respectively. Then the model was tested on the test set (n = 20) of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer, respectively. The results between clinical dose distribution and predicted dose distribution were compared in the following aspects: (a) the mean absolute error (MAE) within the body, (b) the Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) under different isodose volumes, (c) the dosimetric indexes including the mean dose (Dmean), the received dose of 2 cm3 (D2cc), the percentage volume of receiving 40 Gy dose of organs‐at‐risk (V40), planning target volume (PTV) D98%, and homogeneity index (HI), (d) dose–volume histograms (DVHs).

Results

The model can accurately predict the dose distribution of the VMAT plan for cervical cancer and endometrial cancer. The overall average MAE and maximum MAE for cervical cancer were 2.43 ± 3.17% and 3.16 ± 4.01% of the prescribed dose, respectively, and for endometrial cancer were 2.70 ± 3.54% and 3.85 ± 3.11%. The average DSCs under different isodose volumes is above 0.9. The predicted dosimetric indexes and DVHs are equivalent to the clinical dose for both cervical cancer and endometrial cancer, and there is no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

A 3D‐Unet dose prediction model was developed for VMAT of cervical cancer, which can predict the dose distribution accurately for cervical cancer. The model can also be generalized for endometrial cancer with good performance.
Model reference adaptive control: A finite‐time approach
Authors: Franco Roberto , Ríos Héctor , Ferreira de Loza Alejandra
Published: March 2022

This article contributes with a finite‐time model reference adaptive control approach to solve the robust tracking problem for a class of disturbed scalar linear systems. A nonlinear continuous control law, composed of nonlinear adaptive gains, provides a finite‐time rate of convergence. For the ideal case, that is, without external disturbances, the tracking and the parameter (ideal control gains) identification error converge to zero in a finite time. For the disturbed case, the tracking and the parameter identification error dynamics are finite‐time input‐to‐state stable with respect to the external disturbance. The corresponding convergence proofs and the robustness analysis are based on a Lyapunov function approach, input‐to‐state stability theory, and homogeneity theory. Finally, simulation and experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Sensitivity and Detection Limit of Spectroscopic‐Grade Perovskite CsPbBr3 Crystal for Hard X‐Ray Detection
Authors: He Yihui , Hadar Ido , De Siena Michael C. , Klepov Vladislav V. , Pan Lei , Chung Duck Young , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: March 2022

Spectroscopic‐grade single crystal detectors can register the energies of individual X‐ray interactions enabling photon‐counting systems with superior resolution over traditional photoconductive X‐ray detection systems. Current technical challenges have limited the preparation of perovskite semiconductors for energy‐discrimination X‐ray photon‐counting detection. Here, this work reports the deployment of a spectroscopic‐grade CsPbBr3 Schottky detector under reverse bias for continuum hard X‐ray detection in both the photocurrent and spectroscopic schemes. High surface barriers of ≈1 eV are formed by depositing solid bismuth and gold contacts. The spectroscopic response under a hard X‐ray source is assessed in resolving the characteristic X‐ray peak. The methodology in enhancing X‐ray sensitivity by controlling the X‐ray energies and flux, and voltage, is described. The X‐ray sensitivity varies between a few tens to over 8000 μC Gyair−1 cm−2. The detectable dose rate of the CsPbBr3 detectors is as low as 0.02 nGyair s−1 in the energy discrimination configuration. Finally, the unbiased CsPbBr3 device forms a spontaneous contact potential difference of about 0.7 V enabling high quality of the CsPbBr3 single crystals to operate in “passive” self‐powered X‐ray detection mode and the X‐ray sensitivity is estimated as 14 μC Gyair−1 cm−2. The great potential of spectroscopic‐grade CsPbBr3 devices for X‐ray photon‐counting systems is anticipated in this work.
Electrochemically Exfoliated Chlorine‐Doped Graphene for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Micro‐Supercapacitors with High Volumetric Energy Density
Authors: Liu Binbin , Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Lina , Xu Caixia , Pan Zhenghui , Zhou Qiuxia , Zhou Weijia , Wang John , Gu Lin , Liu Hong
Published: March 2022

Graphene‐constructed micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) have received considerable attention recently, as part of the prospective wearable and portable electronics, owing to their distinctive merits of well‐tunable power output, robust mechanical flexibility, and long cyclability. In the current work, the focus is on the fabrication of high‐quality and solution‐processible chlorine‐doped graphene (Cl‐G) nanosheets through a handy yet eco‐friendly electrochemical exfoliation process. The Cl‐G is characteristic of the large lateral size of ≈10 µm, abundant nanopores with sizes of as small as 2 nm, as well as numerous steps from the rugged surface. Arising from the rich chemical functionalities and structure defects, the all‐solid‐state MSC built by using Cl‐G via a facile mask‐assisted method delivers a large reversible capacity and ultrasteady charge/discharge performance, with the capacitance being maintained at 98.1% even after 250 000 cycles. The Cl‐G‐MSC with EMIMBF4/PVDF‐HFP as the electrolyte displays a large volumetric capacitance up to 160 F cm−3 at the scan rate of 5 mV s−1 and high volumetric energy density of 97.9 mW h cm−3 at the power density of 3.4 W cm−3. The device can also output a high voltage up to 3.5 V and robust capability with 94.8% of capacitance retention upon 10 000 cycles.
Surface Modification of 2D Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Feng Chengyang , Wu Zhi‐Peng , Huang Kuo‐Wei , Ye Jinhua , Zhang Huabin
Published: March 2022

2D materials show many particular properties, such as high surface‐to‐volume ratio, high anisotropic degree, and adjustable chemical functionality. These unique properties in 2D materials have sparked immense interest due to their applications in photocatalytic systems, resulting in significantly enhanced light capture, charge‐transfer kinetics, and surface reaction. Herein, the research progress in 2D photocatalysts based on varied compositions and functions, followed by specific surface modification strategies, is introduced. Fundamental principles focusing on light harvesting, charge separation, and molecular adsorption/activation in the 2D‐material‐based photocatalytic system are systemically explored. The examples described here detail the use of 2D materials in various photocatalytic energy‐conversion systems, including water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen fixation, hydrogen peroxide production, and organic synthesis. Finally, by elaborating the challenges and possible solutions for developing these 2D materials, the review is expected to provide some inspiration for the future research of 2D materials used on efficient photocatalytic energy conversions.
Engineering High Strength and Super‐Toughness of Unfolded Structural Proteins and their Extraordinary Anti‐Adhesion Performance for Abdominal Hernia Repair
Authors: Su Juanjuan , Liu Baimei , He Haonan , Ma Chao , Wei Bo , Li Ming , Li Jingjing , Wang Fan , Sun Jing , Liu Kai , Zhang Hongjie
Published: March 2022

The utility of unfolded structural proteins with diverse sequences offers multiple potentials to create functional biomaterials. However, it is challenging to overcome their structural defects for the development of biological fibers with a combination of high strength and high toughness. Herein, robust fibers from a recombinant unfolded protein consisting of resilin and supercharged polypeptide are fabricated via wet‐spinning approaches. Particularly, the highly ordered structures induced by supramolecular complexation significantly improve the fiber's mechanical performance. In contrast to chemical fibers with high strength and low toughness (or vice versa), the present fibers demonstrate exceptional high strength and super‐toughness, showing a breaking strength of ≈550 MPa and a toughness of ≈250 MJ m–3, respectively, surpassing many polymers and artificial protein fibers. Remarkably, the outstanding biocompatibility and superior mechanical properties allow application of the constructed fiber patches for efficient abdominal hernia repair in rat models. In stark contrast to clinical patches, there is no observed tissue adhesion by this treatment. Therefore, this work provides a new type of engineered protein material for surgical applications.
Large Transverse and Longitudinal Magneto‐Thermoelectric Effect in Polycrystalline Nodal‐Line Semimetal Mg3Bi2
Authors: Feng Tao , Wang Panshuo , Han Zhijia , Zhou Liang , Zhang Wenqing , Liu Qihang , Liu Weishu
Published: March 2022

Topological semimetals provide new opportunities for exploring novel thermoelectric phenomena, owing to their exotic and nontrivial electronic structure topology around the Fermi surface. Herein, the discovery of large transverse and longitudinal magneto‐thermoelectric (MTE) effects in Mg3Bi2 is reported and predicted to be a type‐II nodal‐line semimetal in the absence of spin‐orbit coupling (SOC). The maximum transverse power factor is 2182 μW m−1K−2 at 13.5 K and 6 Tesla. The longitudinal power factor reaches up to 3043 μW m−1K−2, which is 20 times higher than that in a zero‐strength magnetic field and is also comparable to state‐of‐the‐art MTE materials. By compensating the Mg loss in Mg‐rich conditions for tuning the carrier concentration close to intrinsic state, the sample fabricated in this study exhibits a large linear non‐saturating magnetoresistance of 940% under a field of 14 Tesla. Using density functional calculations, the authors attribute the underlying mechanism to the parent linear‐dispersed nodal‐line electronic structure without SOC and the anisotropic Fermi surface shape with SOC, highlighting the essential role of high carrier mobility and open electron orbits in the moment space. This work offers a new avenue toward highly efficient MTE materials through defect engineering in polycrystalline topological semimetals.
2D Materials for Wearable Energy Harvesting
Authors: Lee Meng Hao , Wu Wenzhuo
Published: March 2022

The growing demand for energy in wearable sensors and portable electronics necessitates the development of self‐contained, sustainable, and mobile power sources capable of harvesting environmental energies. Researchers have made significant strides in implementing photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, piezoelectrics, and triboelectrics in 2D materials. This has resulted in significant advancements in wearable energy harvesting systems based on 2D materials. This review discusses the relationship between synthesis procedures, material structures/properties, and device performance in the context of 2D materials‐based wearable energy harvesting technologies. Finally, challenges and future research opportunities are identified and discussed based on current progress.
Enhanced Electrical Properties of Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition‐Grown MoS2 Thin Films through Oxygen‐Assisted Defect Control
Authors: Hong Woonggi , Park Cheolmin , Shim Gi Woong , Yang Sang Yoon , Choi Sung‐Yool
Published: March 2022

Although the synthesis of MoS2 thin film with a large area and excellent uniformity has been achieved through advanced synthesis techniques, such as metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), intrinsic defects such as vacancies and grain boundaries which degrade electrical performance still inevitably result from the process. In this paper, a method for controlling intrinsic defects in MOCVD‐grown MoS2 thin film to achieve enhanced electrical performance is reported. After applying the defect‐control process, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy confirms that the MoS2 thin film maintains a hexagonal lattice structure without any destruction or distortion, indicating that this is a nondestructive method. In addition, the MoS2 thin film subjected to the defect‐control process exhibits enhanced n‐type characteristics in the photoluminescence and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Field‐effect transistors using the defect‐controlled MoS2 as the channel also show enhanced electrical performance, arising from reductions in sheet and contact resistances of 21% and 46%, respectively. This improvement in the resistances leads to an increase in field‐effect mobility from 3.2 up to 11.8 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Cultural festival, climate change in different phenological phases, and lychee yield in China
Authors: Yan Fafa , Qi Wen'e , Chen Yuyou , Zhou Zhimin
Published: March 2022

As one of the biggest agroproducts producers, China plays an important role in the global supply. Yet, climate change inevitably threatens their production and leads to tremendous losses. Furthermore, climatic and nonclimatic factors are likely to influence their producing behaviors and yields. Accordingly, this work aims to explore both the qualitative and quantitative nexus between climate change, nonclimatic drivers, and agroproduct yield in China. We choose lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), with world's largest production in China and one of the most demanding agroproduct for climatic conditions, as the subject. A two‐way fixed‐effect Poisson model with robust standard error is developed based on county‐level panel data in 39 main producing counties in China along with climatic and cultural festival factors from 2014 to 2019. The main conclusions are as follows: (a) the lychee culture festival, a nonclimatic driver, has negative effect on lychee yield, and this is a novel effect pathway theoretically and we verify it empirically; (b) climate changes in various phenological phases are significantly correlated to lychee yield; precipitation during the exposure phase or flowering phase has negative effect, and minimum temperature during the heading phase has positive effect, which is the first paper in this field; and (c) a new method is developed to analyze nonnegative yield and production, which could also be applied in other industries.
In Materia Neuron Spiking Plasticity for Sequential Event Processing Based on Dual‐Mode Memristor
Authors: Shan Linbo , Wang Zongwei , Bao Lin , Bao Shengyu , Qin Yabo , Ling Yaotian , Bai Guandong , Robertson John , Cai Yimao , Huang Ru
Published: March 2022

Artificial neurons are the fundamental elements in neuromorphic computing systems. Studies have revealed neuronal spike‐rate adaptation owing to intrinsic plasticity that neurons will adapt to the spiking patterns and store the events in the background spiking through clustered neuronal spiking. The event can be reactivated by specific retrieval clues instead of solely relying on synaptic plasticity. However, the neural adaptation, as well as the interactive adaptations of neuronal activity for information processing, have not been implemented. Herein, an artificial adaptive neuron via in materia modulation of the VO2/HfO2 based dual‐mode memristor is demonstrated. By changing the conductance of the HfO2 layer, the firing threshold can be modulated, thus the excitability and inhibition can be adjusted according to the previous stimuli without any complex peripherals, showing an adaptive firing rate even under the same stimuli. The artificial neuron clusters can emulate the concept of neuronal memory and neural adaptation, demonstrating spatiotemporal encoding capabilities via the correlated neural firing patterns. This conceptual work provides an alternative way to expand the computation power of spiking neural networks by exploiting the neural adaptation and could be enlightenment to maximize the synergy across both synapse and neuron in neuromorphic computing systems.
An approach on the migratory processes in the north of Chile based on Y chromosome analysis
Authors: Reyes‐Madrid Margarita , Flores‐Alvarado Sandra , Pezo‐Valderrama Patricio , Orellana‐Soto Michael , Apata Mario , Moraga Mauricio , de Saint Pierre Michelle
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Northern Chile is an area characterized by a complex cultural and demographic trajectory. During the last few centuries, this complex trajectory has become the destination of intra‐ and intercontinental migratory waves. In this study, we analyzed the Y chromosome to evaluate how migratory and admixture patterns have affected the genetic composition of the populations in northern Chile compared with other populations of the country.

Methods

A total of 311 people from urban (Antofagasta and Calama), rural (Azapa and Camarones), and Native (Aymara and Atacameño) populations from northern Chile were characterized by 26 SNPs and the STR DYS393 of the Y chromosome, along with 69 individuals from Native populations (Mapuche, Pehuenche, and Huilliche) from southern Chile. In addition to characterizing the paternal lineages, multivariate analyses were performed to compare with published data from other Chilean populations.

Results

Both the Antofagasta and Calama populations show differences compared with the rest of the Chilean population. On one side, Antofagasta shows a high diversity of non‐Amerindian lineages, including the highest value for haplogroup I (12%) for all Chileans populations. Otherwise, Calama has the highest value of any Chilean urban population (31.9%) for Amerindian lineages, including the only Q‐M3 sub‐lineage detected in the entire sample. Regarding the Native population, Aymara presents the highest percentage of Q‐M3 (94.4%).

Conclusions

The Y chromosome haplogroup distribution allowed us to identify recent migratory processes typical of the northern populations studied. These have shaped the demographic and cultural dynamics of local and migrant groups in the territory.
Recent Advances in First‐Row Transition‐Metal‐Mediated C−H Halogenation of (Hetero)arenes and Alkanes
Authors: Paik Aniruddha , Paul Sabarni , Bhowmik Sabyasachi , Das Rahul , Naveen Togati , Rana Sujoy
Published: March 2022

The ubiquity of carbon halogen bonds in the structural core of numerous biomolecules and pharmaceuticals along with their role as synthetic precursors in various organic reactions makes the organic halides a crucial class of organic compounds. Consequently, the synthesis of organic halides with high regioselectivity is of paramount importance in synthetic chemistry. In nature, selective halogenation is achieved by metalloenzymes with high efficiency involving high‐valent iron‐oxo as active species. The high selectivity of halogenating enzymes attracted considerable attention leading to the development of several biomimetic approaches for C−H halogenation. Moreover, the emergence of transition metal (TM) catalyzed site‐selective C−H halogenation protocols through the development of several directed strategies has also been impressive. There has been significant development in the first row TM catalyzed C−H halogenation reactions despite the dominance of late transition metals catalysts in this field. But in literature, there is no up‐to‐date recent review article that consolidates bio‐mimetic as well as synthetic strategies of C−H halogenation (X=Cl, Br, I) containing organo‐fluorination with all the first‐row transition metals. Thus, we got motivated and have focused to elucidate the recent developments of first row TM‐catalyzed C−H halogenation of (hetero)arenes and alkanes through bio‐mimetic approaches as well as directed and undirected strategies in this present review. Additionally, this review covers the recent progresses in the C−H fluorination methodologies. Altogether, the review will provide a combined overview of all the strategies of first‐row transition‐metal‐mediated C−H halogenation reactions that may benefit the scientific community towards the development of new methodologies in this field.
Synthesis of N‐Cbz Amides and Their Applications in the Transamidation Reactions at Room Temperature
Authors: Sureshbabu Popuri , Azeez Sadaf , Pattanaik Koyal , Sabiah Shahulhameed , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: March 2022

A wide range of aryl and alkyl N‐Cbz amides were prepared from secondary amides and benzyl chloroformate in the presence of LiHMDS. Application of N‐Cbz amides in transamidation was demonstrated with different amines at room temperature in the presence of DBU. The reactivity of N‐Cbz amides is comparable with N‐Boc and N‐Ts amides in transamidation and transesterification reactions. The optimized condition was well‐suited for the transesterification reactions with thiols and alcohols. Broad substrate scope and excellent yields are the merits of the developed methodology.
Topological Invariant of Velocity Field in Quantum Systems
Authors: Fan Annan , Liang Shi‐Dong
Published: March 2022

A velocity field approach is proposed to characterize the topological invariants of quantum states based on the Poincar–Hopf theorem. It is found that the zero modes of the velocity field flow play the roles of effective topological charges to dominate the topological invariants against the parameter deformation. The validity of this approach is demonstrated by using the quantum sphere and torus models. These results are consistent with the mathematical results of the vector fields in the manifolds of the sphere and torus, Euler characteristic for sphere and for torus. The non‐Hermitian quantum torus model and differences in the topological invariants obtained using the velocity field and Chern number methods are discussed. The topological invariant characterized by the velocity field is homeomorphic in the Brillouin zone and the subbase manifold of the SU(2)‐bundle of the system, whereas the Chern number characterizes a homotopic invariant that is associated with the exceptional points in the Brillouin zone. These results enrich the topological invariants of quantum states and provide novel insights into the topological invariants of quantum states.
Neural network‐based continuous finite‐time tracking control for uncertain robotic systems with actuator saturation
Authors: Li Yi , Sai Huayang , Zhu Mingchao , Xu Zhenbang , Mu Deqiang
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a neural network‐based continuous finite‐time tracking controller for the robust high‐precision control of robotic systems under model uncertainty, external disturbance, and actuator saturation. First, a fast nonsingular integral terminal sliding mode (FNITSM) surface is adopted to ensure singularity avoidance and fast finite‐time convergence. Considering the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbance, the fully adaptive radial basis function neural network (ARBFNN) is used to approximate and compensate for the unknown dynamic model. Then, a novel continuous fast fractional‐order power (CFFOP) approach law is explored to increase the convergence rate and eliminate chattering in the FNITSM control. Meanwhile, the approach law relaxes the requirement on the exact information of the upper bound of the disturbances and their time derivatives. Besides, an actuator saturation compensator (ASO) is proposed to compensate for the limited control input. The stability and finite‐time convergence of the proposed controller are analyzed using the Lyapunov theory. Finally, comparative simulations of both the numerical and application examples are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes, indicating that the CFFOP approach law and ASO can be used effectively for robotic systems.
Homography‐based uncalibrated visual servoing with neural‐network‐assisted robust filtering scheme and adaptive servo gain
Authors: Gu Jinlin , Wang Wenrui , Li Ang , Zhu Mingchao , Cao Lihua , Xu Zhenbang
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a homography‐based uncalibrated visual servo system with neural‐network‐assisted robust filtering scheme and adaptive servo gain is presented. This system employs a homography‐based task function which is robust to image defects. A neural‐network‐assisted robust filtering method which combines the new form of smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) with a radial basis function (RBF) neural network is proposed to estimate the total Jacobian between task function and robot joints. The RBF neural network in this filtering method plays the role as a corrector to further improve the accuracy and compensate the interference caused by the measurement errors of image features. The controller that directly controls the robot joints based on the estimated total Jacobian is designed for achieving the robustness to robot parameters errors. By adopting this filtering scheme, the visual servo system shows better accuracy and convincing anti‐interference ability. In addition, a novel Q‐learning strategy is introduced for this homography‐based system to make adaptive adjustment for the servo gain. This adaptive gain enables the system to achieve a faster convergence speed while ensuring the accuracy. Several simulations and experiments have been carried out to verify the performance of the proposed system.
Synthetic role of miR‐200b‐3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound in the prediction of cerebral infarction in patients with transient ischemic attack
Authors: Zheng Jiwei , Wang Zhirong , Li Na , Zhang Xiaomeng , Huo Xiaoguang
Published: March 2022

Background

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a major risk factor for the occurrence of cerebral infarction (CI). This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the synthetic role of miR‐200b‐3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound for CI onset in patients with TIA.

Methods

Expression of miR‐200b‐3p was detected by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and carotid stenosis degree was evaluated using carotid ultrasound examination. Association of miR‐200b‐3p with ABCD2 scores and carotid stenosis degree was assessed using t‐test and chi‐square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to judge the ability of miR‐200b‐3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound to predict the occurrence of CI. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of miR‐200b‐3p and the accuracy of miR‐200b‐3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid ultrasound in predicting CI development.

Results

Expression of serum miR‐200b‐3p was significantly increased in TIA patients compared with healthy controls, and had diagnostic value in TIA patients. Serum miR‐200b‐3p was significantly associated with dyslipidemia, ABCD2 score, and carotid stenosis degree in TIA patients. ABCD2 score, carotid stenosis degree, and serum miR‐200b‐3p were independently associated with CI onset, and the synthetic role of these three indicators had the best accuracy in the prediction of CI onset in TIA patients.

Conclusion

Serum miR‐200b‐3p expression was increased in TIA patients with considerable diagnostic value to screen TIA cases from healthy controls. Moreover, we speculated that the combination of miR‐200b‐3p, ABCD2 score, and carotid stenosis degree by ultrasound may propose as an efficient predictive strategy for the prediction of CI in TIA patients.
m6A‐mediated regulation of PBX1‐GCH1 axis promotes gastric cancer proliferation and metastasis by elevating tetrahydrobiopterin levels
Authors: Liu Yinan , Zhai Ertao , Chen Junting , Qian Yan , Zhao Risheng , Ma Yan , Liu Jianqiu , Huang Zhixin , Cai Shirong , Chen Jianhui
Published: March 2022

Background

Methyltransferase 3 (METTL3)‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been demonstrated to be a potential factor in promoting gastric cancer (GC). METTL3 regulates a series of signaling pathways by modifying various mRNAs. This study aimed to identify novel METTL3‐mediated signaling pathways and explored possible targets for use in the clinical setting of gastric cancer.

Methods

To investigate the proliferation and metastatic capacity of GC cell lines with METTL3 knockdown, a xenograft, lung metastasis, and popliteal lymph node metastasis model was used. The m6A‐modified RNA immunoprecipitation (Me‐RIP) sequence was utilized to explore the target mRNAs of METTL3. Cell counting kit 8 and transwell assays were performed to investigate the promoting function of pre‐B cell leukemia homeobox 1 (PBX1) and GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1). Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation were employed to confirm the involvement of the METTL3‐PBX1‐GCH1 axis. ELISA and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry were used to explore the biological function of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4).

Results

Knockdown of METTL3 suppressed xenograft tumor growth and lung/lymph node metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that METTL3 combined with and stabilized PBX1 mRNAs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and further experiments suggested that PBX1 acted as a transcription factor inducing GCH1 expression. Moreover, the METTL3‐PBX1‐GCH1 axis increased BH4 levels in GC cells, thereby promoting tumor progression.

Conclusions

This study suggested that METTL3 enzymes promote tumor growth and lung/lymph node metastasis via METTL3‐PBX1‐GCH1 axis increasing BH4 levels in GC.
Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, incidence, and tumor doubling times in patients cured of hepatitis C
Authors: Perumalswami Ponni V. , Wyatt Brooke , Bowman Chip A. , Patel Krupa , Mageras Anna , Lewis Sara C. , Branch Andrea D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence and mortality vary by race/ethnicity and both are higher in Black patients than in Whites. For HCC surveillance, all cirrhotic patients are advised to undergo lifelong twice‐annual abdominal imaging. We investigated factors associated with surveillance and HCC incidence in a diverse HCC risk group, cirrhotic patients recently cured of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, all participants (n = 357) had advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis and were cured of HCV with antiviral treatment. None had Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) 2–5 lesions prior to HCV cure. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging were used for surveillance.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 40 months [interquartile range (IQR) = 28–48], the median percentage of time up‐to‐date with surveillance was 49% (IQR) = 30%–71%. The likelihood of receiving a first surveillance examination was not significantly associated with race/ethnicity, but was higher for patients with more advanced cirrhosis, for example, bilirubin [odds ratio (OR) = 3.8/mg/dL, p = 0.002], private insurance (OR = 3.4, p = 0.006), and women (OR = 2.3, p = 0.008). The likelihood of receiving two or three examinations was significantly lower for non‐Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics versus non‐Hispanic Whites (OR = 0.39, and OR = 0.40, respectively, p < 0.005 for both) and for patients with higher platelet counts (OR = 0.99/10,000 cells/µl, p = 0.01), but higher for patients with private insurance (OR = 2.8, p < 0.001). Incident HCC was associated with higher bilirubin (OR = 1.7, p = 0.02) and lower lymphocyte counts (OR = 0.16, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Contrary to best practices, HCC surveillance was associated with sociodemographic factors (insurance status and race/ethnicity) among patients cured of HCV. Guideline‐concordant surveillance is needed to address healthcare disparities.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Taurine‐Derived Diarylmethane and Dibenzoxanthene Derivatives as Possible Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Smolobochkin Andrey V. , Gazizov Almir S. , Yakhshilikova Lola J. , Bekrenev Dmitrii D. , Burilov Alexander R. , Pudovik Michail A. , Lyubina Anna P. , Amerhanova Syumbelya K. , Voloshina Alexandra D.
Published: March 2022

The series of novel taurine‐derived diarylmethanes and dibenzoxanthenes was synthesized starting from simple commercially available precursors via modular three‐stage approach. All the newly synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity, as well as cytotoxicity towards normal and cancer cell lines. Some of the synthesized compounds exhibited 2–4‐fold higher activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis and B. cereus compared with Chloramphenicol. In contrast to Chloramphenicol, the tested compounds also showed bactericidal, rather than bacteriostatic effect, which makes them promising candidates for further studies.
Synthesis and Anti‐Oomycete Activity of Sulfonate Derivatives of Fenjuntong
Authors: Che Zhiping , Li Yuanhao , Guo Xiaolong , He Jiaxuan , Zhang Song , Zhu Lina , Liu Yibo , Wei Ruxue , Yang Yingjun , Huang Xiaobo , Liu Shengming , Chen Genqiang , Tian Yuee
Published: March 2022

In order to discover highly active fungicides, sixteen novel sulfonate derivatives of Fenjuntong were synthesized by structural modification of 2′‐hydroxybutyrophenone, and their anti‐oomycete activity against Phytophthora capsici Leonian was determined in this study. Among all tested compounds, compound 3b displayed more significant anti‐oomycete activity than the precursor Fenjuntong against P. capsici, and the EC50 values of 3b and Fenjuntong were 84.50 and 517.25 mg/L, respectively. By comparing the anti‐oomycete activity of compounds 3a–p, I‐a–p, and II‐a–p, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Hydroxy group is well tolerated, and sulfonylation of hydroxy group enhances its anti‐oomycete activity. (2) The proper length of the ketone carbonyl chain is very important for their anti‐oomycete activity. (3) The presence of a site methoxy group in the structural skeleton is closely related to the anti‐oomycete activity. These important results will pave the way for further modification of Fenjuntong to develop potential new fungicides.
Linear IgA/IgG bullous dermatosis successfully treated with omalizumab: A case report
Authors: Haulrig Morten Bahrt , Nielsen Signe Ledou , Elberling Jesper , Skov Lone
Published: March 2022

Linear IgA/IgG bullous dermatosis (LAGBD) is a rare, autoimmune blistering skin disease. We report a case of LAGBD in a 70‐year‐old woman. All common treatments were discontinued due to side effects or lack of treatment response. The patient was successfully treated with omalizumab which cleared her lesions after three months.
Effective intubation technique to manage the airway obstruction in A case of Pierre Robin sequence: A case report
Authors: Mehrpisheh Shahrokh , Farhadi Roya
Published: March 2022

The case was a 4‐day‐old boy referred to the hospital with a diagnosis of Pierre Robin Sequence and with airway Obstruction. Using a laryngoscope in the hyperextended position and putting pressure on the cricoid, the vocal cords were visualized, and with the help of an assistant, the intubation was performed.
A case report of a Cerebellopontine angle lipoma revealed by vertigo
Authors: Hadj Taieb Mohamed Amine , Maamri Kais , Elkahla Ghassen , Darmoul Mehdi
Published: March 2022

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lipoma is an extremely rare lesion representing only 0.1% of all the CPA tumors. We present a case of a 56‐year‐old woman with a 6‐month history of vertigo. Cerebral MRI showed a left CPA lipoma. The patient was managed conservatively.
Lipiodol remnants misinterpreted as a metal device on postoperative abdominal X‐ray images
Authors: Kurimoto Chieko , Goto Shunji , Yamagishi Yoshikazu , Chiba Fumiko , Iwase Hirotaro , Kato Eiji
Published: March 2022

We experienced a case of pregnancy after hysterosalpingogram and residual lipiodol in the extraperitoneal space. Initially, we suspected a metallic remnant; however, analysis by mass spectrometer confirmed that it was a remnant of lipiodol.
Vacancy ordering in substoichiometric zirconium carbide: A review
Authors: Davey Theresa , Chen Ying
Published: March 2022

Zirconium carbide has a wide range of substoichiometry facilitated by varying numbers of carbon vacancies. Most experimental studies consider a solid solution of carbon and vacancies without long‐range ordering of vacancies. However, theoretical studies predict several superstructural long‐range ordered phases to be stable at low temperatures, and these predictions have been validated by experimental fabrication in some cases. The thermophysical properties of zirconium carbide are, therefore, affected not only by the number of carbon vacancies, but their arrangement, which increases the potential of its use as a tuneable ceramic in various applications in aerospace and nuclear industries. This review summarizes the experimental and theoretical studies exploring the long‐range ordered zirconium carbides including the known crystal structures, the mechanism for vacancy ordering, and the presently available information on the thermophysical properties. Explanations for the infrequent experimental observations of ordered zirconium carbides are also discussed considering fabrication temperatures, vacancy diffusion, and the effects of impurities, which may be helpful for future synthesis. While our understanding of vacancy ordering in zirconium carbide has vastly improved in recent years, there remain significant knowledge gaps. Areas where more experimental and theoretical studies are needed for further understanding are highlighted.
Liquid Biopsy for Patient Characterization in Cardiovascular Disease: Verification against Markers of Cytochrome P450 and P‐Glycoprotein Activities
Authors: Achour Brahim , Gosselin Pauline , Terrier Jean , Gloor Yvonne , Al‐Majdoub Zubida M. , Polasek Thomas M. , Daali Youssef , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Reny Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2022

Precision dosing strategies require accounting for between‐patient variability in pharmacokinetics together with subsequent pharmacodynamic differences. Liquid biopsy is a valuable new approach to diagnose disease prior to the appearance of clinical signs and symptoms, potentially circumventing invasive tissue biopsies. However, the possibility of quantitative grading of biomarkers, as opposed to simply confirming their presence or absence, is relatively new. In this study, we aimed to verify expression measurements of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) in liquid biopsy against genotype and activity phenotype (assessed by the Geneva cocktail approach) in 30 acutely ill patients with cardiovascular disease in a hospital setting. After accounting for exosomal shedding, expression in liquid biopsy correlated with activity phenotype for CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP3A, and P‐gp (r = 0.44–0.70, P ≤ 0.05). Although genotype offered a degree of stratification, large variability (coefficient of variation (CV)) in activity (up to 157%) and expression in liquid biopsy (up to 117%) was observed within each genotype, indicating a mismatch between genotype and phenotype. Further, exosome screening revealed expression of 497 targets relevant to drug metabolism and disposition (159 enzymes and 336 transporters), as well as 20 molecular drug targets. Although there were no functional data available to correlate against these large‐scale measurements, assessment of disease perturbation from healthy baseline was possible. Verification of liquid biopsy against activity phenotype is important to further individualize modeling approaches that aspire to achieve precision dosing from the start of drug treatment without the need for multiple rounds of dose optimization.
Artificial Neural Network vs. Pharmacometric Model for Population Prediction of Plasma Concentration in Real‐World Data: A Case Study on Valproic Acid
Authors: Soeorg Hiie , Sverrisdóttir Eva , Andersen Morten , Lund Trine Meldgaard , Sessa Maurizio
Published: March 2022

We compared the predictive performance of an artificial neural network to traditional pharmacometric modeling for population prediction of plasma concentrations of valproate in real‐world data. We included individuals aged 65 years or older with epilepsy who redeemed their first prescription of valproate after the diagnosis of epilepsy and had at least one valproate plasma concentration measured. A long short‐term memory neural network (LSTM) was developed using the training data set to fit the LSTM and the test data set to validate the model. Predictions from the LSTM were compared with those obtained from the population predictions from a pharmacometric model by Birnbaum et al. which had the best predictive performance for population predictions of valproate concentrations in Danish databases. We used the cutoff of ± 20 mg/L of prediction error to define good predictions. A total of 1,252 individuals were included in the study. The LSTM fitted using the training data set had poor predictive performance in the test data set, but better than that of the pharmacometric model. The proportion of individuals with at least one predicted concentration within ± 20 mg/L of observed concentration was largest in case of the LSTM (64.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 58.4–70.2%) compared with the pharmacometric model by Birnbaum et al. (49.8%, 95% CI: 47.0–52.6%). LSTM shows better predictive performance to predict valproate plasma concentrations compared with a traditional pharmacometric model in the investigated setting with real‐world data in older patients with epilepsy where information on exact timepoints for both dosing and plasma concentration measurement are missing.
Applying conflict resolution insights to the hyper‐polarized, society‐wide conflicts threatening liberal democracies
Authors: Burgess Guy , Burgess Heidi , Kaufman Sanda
Published: March 2022

Through this essay and its accompanying commentaries, we offer a focal point for a wide‐ranging dialogue about how those with conflict‐related expertise might do more to contribute to efforts to slow, and ultimately reverse, the hyper‐polarization spiral now threatening so many developed democracies. In addition to exploring ways for promoting the more widespread utilization of the conflict field's existing insights and practices, we consider strategies for better dealing with the enormous scale and complexity of contemporary society‐wide conflict, and for countering powerful, bad‐faith actors who, for personal profit, are deliberately amplifying our deep divisions. We propose a “massively parallel” approach that seeks to cultivate large numbers of independent but mutually reinforcing projects each addressing particular aspects of hyper‐polarization in specific contexts.