bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of Headless Compression Screws, Kirschner Wires and Bioabsorbable Pins in Distal Oblique Metatarsal Osteotomy for Correction of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Kuru Tolgahan , Mutlu Ibrahim , Bilge Ali , Nusran Gurdal , Kaymaz Burak , Yilmaz Onur , Kizilay Hasan , Ceviz Emrah , Yaradilmis Y. Ugur , Erken H. Yener
Published: October 2022

Background: Distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal is a widely used method for the correction of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformities. The objective of this study was to compare the stability of headless compression screws, kirschner wires and absorbable pins in terms of stiffness and maximum load in distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy.

Methods: A total of 30 4th generation first metatarsal synthetic bone models were divided into three groups according to the fixation techniques. The stiffness of the first metatarsal was calculated as the slope of the linear curve that fit with the first linear part of the force displacement curve. The failure strength was recorded as the maximum load. The stiffness and maximum load values in the axillary and transverse configurations were compared between the three fixation groups.

Results: The stiffness was statistically higher in Group K and Group C compared to Group B in both axial and transverse loading. Similarly, the maximum load was significantly higher in both Group K and Group C compared to Group B in both loading conditions. No significant difference was found between Group K and Group C in stability. The higher failure strength was obtained with headless compression screws (113.34±35.88 N) in the axial loading. The lowest failure strength was found in the absorbable pins technique (16.17±7.72 N) in the transverse loading.

Conclusion: No significant difference was found between the Kirschner wires and headless compression screws techniques, although the highest strength was obtained with headless compression screws that are increasingly used in orthopedic practice.
Internally generated time in the rodent hippocampus is logarithmically compressed
Authors: Cao Rui , Bladon John H , Charczynski Stephen J , Hasselmo Michael E , Howard Marc W
Published: October 2022

The Weber-Fechner law proposes that our perceived sensory input increases with physical input on a logarithmic scale. Hippocampal ‘time cells’ carry a record of recent experience by firing sequentially during a circumscribed period of time after a triggering stimulus. Different cells have ‘time fields’ at different delays up to at least tens of seconds. Past studies suggest that time cells represent a compressed timeline by demonstrating that fewer time cells fire late in the delay and their time fields are wider. This paper asks whether the compression of time cells obeys the Weber-Fechner Law. Time cells were studied with a hierarchical Bayesian model that simultaneously accounts for the firing pattern at the trial level, cell level, and population level. This procedure allows separate estimates of the within-trial receptive field width and the across-trial variability. After isolating across-trial variability, time field width increased linearly with delay. Further, the time cell population was distributed evenly along a logarithmic time axis. These findings provide strong quantitative evidence that the neural temporal representation in rodent hippocampus is logarithmically compressed and obeys a neural Weber-Fechner Law.
Postsynaptic plasticity of cholinergic synapses underlies the induction and expression of appetitive and familiarity memories in Drosophila
Authors: Pribbenow Carlotta , Chen Yi-chun , Heim M-Marcel , Laber Desiree , Reubold Silas , Reynolds Eric , Balles Isabella , Fernández-d V Alquicira Tania , Suárez-Grimalt Raquel , Scheunemann Lisa , Rauch Carolin , Matkovic Tanja , Rösner Jörg , Lichtner Gregor , Jagannathan Sridhar R , Owald David
Published: October 2022

In vertebrates, several forms of memory-relevant synaptic plasticity involve postsynaptic rearrangements of glutamate receptors. In contrast, previous work indicates that Drosophila and other invertebrates store memories using presynaptic plasticity of cholinergic synapses. Here, we provide evidence for postsynaptic plasticity at cholinergic output synapses from the Drosophila mushroom bodies (MBs). We find that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit α5 is required within specific MB output neurons for appetitive memory induction but is dispensable for aversive memories. In addition, nAChR α2 subunits mediate memory expression and likely function downstream of α5 and the postsynaptic scaffold protein discs large (Dlg). We show that postsynaptic plasticity traces can be induced independently of the presynapse, and that in vivo dynamics of α2 nAChR subunits are changed both in the context of associative and non-associative (familiarity) memory formation, underlying different plasticity rules. Therefore, regardless of neurotransmitter identity, key principles of postsynaptic plasticity support memory storage across phyla.
Heterogeneous mission planning for a single unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with attention-based deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Jung Minjae , Oh Hyondong
Published: October 2022

Large-scale and complex mission environments require unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deal with various types of missions while considering their operational and dynamic constraints. This article proposes a deep learning-based heterogeneous mission planning algorithm for a single UAV. We first formulate a heterogeneous mission planning problem as a vehicle routing problem (VRP). Then, we solve this by using an attention-based deep reinforcement learning approach. Attention-based neural networks are utilized as they have powerful computational efficiency in processing the sequence data for the VRP. For the input to the attention-based neural networks, the unified feature representation on heterogeneous missions is introduced, which encodes different types of missions into the same-sized vectors. In addition, a masking strategy is introduced to be able to consider the resource constraint (e.g., flight time) of the UAV. Simulation results show that the proposed approach has significantly faster computation time than that of other baseline algorithms while maintaining a relatively good performance.
Mobile phone addiction and non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents in China
Authors: Wang Rui , Yang Runxu , Ran Hailiang , Xu Xiufeng , Yang Guangya , Wang TianLan , Che Yusan , Fang Die , Lu Jin , Xiao Yuanyuan
Published: October 2022

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has recently widely discussed. Independently, mobile phone addiction (MPA) has also attracted academic attention. A few research have examined the correlation between the two. However, there is inadequate knowledge to characterize this relationship altogether. This study further explores the correlation between MPA and NSSI, specifically repeated and severe NSSI.

Method

A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,719 adolescents in Lincang, Yunnan. The mobile phone addiction index (MPAI) and the Modified Adolescents Self-Harm Survey (MASHS) were administered in combination. The connection between the MPAI and NSSI, as well as both repeated and severe NSSI, was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. (The copyright holders have permitted the authors to use the MPAI and the MASHS).

Results

The prevalence of NSSI was 47.11% (95% CI [36.2–58.0%]), and the detection rate of MPA was 11.11% (95% CI [6.7–18.0%]). The prevalence of NSSI among those with MPA was 4.280 times (95% CI [3.480–5.266]) that of respondents not exhibiting MPA. In addition, all subscales of the MPAI, except for the feeling anxious and lost subscale (FALS), were positively correlated with NSSI. Risk factors, represented by odds ratios, of repeated NSSI with the inability to control cravings subscale (ICCS), the FALS, and the withdrawal and escape subscale (WES) was 1.052 (95% CI [1.032–1.072]), 1.028 (95% CI [1.006–1.051]), and 1.048 (95% CI [1.019–1.078]) respectively. Risk factors of these same three subscales for severe NSSI, had odds ratios of 1.048 (95% CI [1.029–1.068]), 1.033 (95% CI [1.009–1.057]), and 1.045 (95% CI [1.018–1.073]).

Conclusion

MPA was shown to be a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. Individuals with high scores on the ICCS, the WES, and the FALS were more prone to experience repeated and severe NSSI. As a result, early assessment using the MPAI to determine the need for intervention can contribute to the prediction and prevention of NSSI.
Comparison of reference gene expression stability in mouse skeletal muscle via five algorithms
Authors: Ma Jianfeng , Chen Jingyun , Gan Mailin , Chen Lei , Zhao Ye , Niu Lili , Zhu Yan , Zhang Shunhua , Li Xuewei , Guo Zongyi , Wang Jinyong , Zhu Li , Shen Linyuan
Published: October 2022

Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a widely applied technique for relative quantification of gene expression. In this context, the selection of a suitable reference gene (RG) is an essential step for obtaining reliable and biologically relevant RT-qPCR results. The present study aimed to determine the expression stability of commonly used RGs in mouse skeletal muscle tissue. The expression pattern of eight RGs (ACTB, GAPDH, HPRT, YWHAZ, B2M, PPIA, TUBA and 18S) were evaluated by RT-qPCR in different sample groups classified based on genetic background, muscle tissue type, and growth stage, as well as in a C2C12 myoblast cell line model. Five computational programs were included in the study (comparative ΔCq value, NormFinder, BestKeeper, geNorm, RefFinder) to evaluate the expression stability of RGs. Furthermore, the normalization effects of RGs in soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius (GAS) muscle tissue were evaluated. Collectively, ACTB, HPRT and YWHAZ were shown to be the most stable RGs, while GADPH and 18S were the least stable. Therefore, the combined use of ACTB, HPRT and YWHAZ is recommended for the normalization of gene expression results in experiments with murine skeletal muscle. The results discussed herein provide a foundation for gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR in mammalian skeletal muscle.
The Link between Mathematics Teaching Strategies and Students' Anxiety
Authors: Atoyebi Oluwatoyin Motunrayo , Atoyebi Samuel Babajide
Published: October 2022

This study focused on the link between Mathematics teaching strategies and students' anxiety in school. This study follows a qualitative approach, using a systematic literature review by evaluating and summarizing the relevant research results on students' Mathematics anxiety and Mathematics teaching strategies. Online databases were searched and ten studies were selected, and only the studies that were published between 2000 and 2022 were included in this study. The studies examined how students' Mathematics anxiety is affected by Mathematics teaching strategies such as the followings: problem-based teaching style, direct teaching style, single instructional approach, systematic and structured approach, creative and discovery approach, inclusive instructional strategies, inquiry-based learning, and student-centered learning methods of teaching. The study concluded that there is a relationship between Mathematics teaching strategies and students' Mathematics anxiety. Student-centered teaching methods, problem-based teaching approaches, creative and discovery approaches, inclusive instructional strategies, and inquiry-based learning were found to reduce Mathematics learning anxiety. Based on the findings, this systematic literature review suggests that a positive and welcoming environment should be created by Mathematics teachers so that concepts in Mathematics can be discussed by students without being afraid of failing, thereby reducing their anxiety in Mathematics.
Juchez Probability Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Echebiri Udochukwu Victor , Mbegbu Julian Ibezimako
Published: October 2022

A novel distribution called the Juchez distribution is proposed and studied. This distribution is composite of both exponential and gamma distributions. The properties and features of this distribution are studied, with empirical emphasis: on the inequality relationship within the measures of central tendency, and the coefficient of variation. The model parameter was estimated using the method of maximum likelihood, where the asymptotic and consistent properties are numerically studied as well. The flexibility of this distribution is shown, through an application to a facebook Live-Streaming and Cancer data set. This distribution shows a high efficiency when compared with other one parameter distributions.
Application of the Some Blaise Abbo (SBA) Method to Solving the Time-fractional Schrödinger Equation and Comparison with the Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Yindoula Joseph Bonazebi , Wellot Yanick Alain Servais , Hamadou Bamogo , Bassono Francis , Paré Youssouf
Published: October 2022

We have solved the Schrödinger equation with the HPM method and the SBA method. We have noticed that with these two methods we find the same result.
Increased pressure sore risk has a worse diagnosis in hospitalized Stroke patients / Maior risco de lesão por pressão tem pior prognóstico na hospitalização de pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral
Authors: Beche Patricia Leticia , Schott Mairin , Timm Marques Clandio , Mortari Sérgio Roberto , Colpo Elisângela
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: associar o risco de lesão por pressão com a gravidade de pacientes hospitalizados com Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Método: estudo transversal, 64 pacientes hospitalizados com Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos em prontuário, sendo realizada avaliação antropométrica, risco de lesão por pressão pela Escala de Braden e vitamina C sérica. Resultados: amostra predominantemente de idosos com Acidente Vascular Cerebral isquêmico, 48,4% apresentaram alto risco de desenvolver lesão por pressão. Pacientes com maior risco de lesão por pressão tiveram maior mortalidade (p < 0,001), leucocitose (p = 0,028) e linfopenia (p <0,001) quando comparados com pacientes com menor risco. No entanto, os níveis de vitamina C sérica não diferiram estatisticamente entre o risco de lesão. Sobre o estado nutricional não houve diferenças significativas entre o risco de lesão por pressão. Conclusão: conclui-se que pacientes com alto risco de desenvolver lesão por pressão apresentam leucocitose, linfopenia e maior risco de mortalidade./p>
High-risk Electrocardiogram Patterns
Authors: Vallelonga Fabrizio , Diella Francesco A. , Smith Stephen W.
Published: October 2022

This case report describes a patient in their 50s who presented to the emergency department with the presence of typical retrosternal chest pain radiating to the left scapular site.
Assessment of Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis Among Underground Hard Rock and Other Mining Industry Workers in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah
Authors: Blanc Paul D. , Trupin Laura , Yelin Edward H. , Schmajuk Gabriela
Published: October 2022

Importance

Respirable silica exposure has been strongly and consistently linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among foundry workers, persons in the construction trades, stone crushers and drillers, and coal miners. However, risk of RA in hard rock mining has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective

To analyze occupational risk of RA in hard rock miners in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional survey study estimated the association between mining industry work and reported RA in a random-digit telephone survey of men 50 years or older living in selected counties with elevated levels of pneumoconiosis mortality (N = 1988). The survey was conducted between January 12 and May 4, 2021.

Exposures

Underground hard rock and other mining and related mineral-processing occupations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Report of a clinician diagnosis of RA further defined by treatment with corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Risk was estimated using logistic regression.

Results

The analytic sample of 1988 men (survey response rate, 11.1% of all contacts) had a mean (SD) age of 68.6 (10.1) years. Underground hard rock mining was reported by 118 (5.9%); underground mining of other types, predominantly coal mining (no concomitant hard rock), 62 (3.1%); and surface mining or ore processing (no underground), 262 (13.2%). Adjusting for age and smoking and accounting for nonmining silica exposure, mining employment was associated with increased odds of corticosteroid-treated RA (n = 89) (odds ratio, 4.12 [95%, 2.49-6.81]). The odds were similar for RA treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (n = 80) (odds ratio, 3.30 [95% CI, 1.93-5.66]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional survey study, workers in hard rock and other underground mining and surface mining occupations experienced 3- to 4-fold increased odds of RA. These findings suggest that clinicians should consider patients with relevant work exposures as at higher risk for developing RA.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinical Trials and Interpretation of Functional End Points and Fluid Biomarkers
Authors: Shefner Jeremy M. , Bedlack Richard , Andrews Jinsy A. , Berry James D. , Bowser Robert , Brown Robert , Glass Jonathan D. , Maragakis Nicholas J. , Miller Timothy M. , Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Cudkowicz Merit E.
Published: October 2022

Importance

Clinical trial activity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is dramatically increasing; as a result, trial modifications have been introduced to improve efficiency, outcome measures have been reassessed, and considerable discussion about the level of data necessary to advance a drug to approval has occurred. This review discusses what recent pivotal studies can teach the community about these topics.

Observations

By restricting inclusion and exclusion criteria, recent trials have enrolled populations distinct from previous studies. This has led to efficacy signals being observed in studies that are smaller and shorter than was thought feasible previously. However, such trials raise questions about generalizability of results. Small trials with equivocal clinical results also raise questions about the data necessary to lead to regulatory approval. The ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised remains the most commonly used primary outcome measure; this review discusses innovations in its use. Blood neurofilament levels can predict prognosis in ALS and may be a sensitive indicator of biologic effect; current knowledge does not yet support its use as a primary outcome.

Conclusions and Relevance

It is now possible to use specific inclusion criteria to recruit a homogeneous patient population progressing at a specific rate; this will likely impact trials in the future. Generalizability of results on limited populations remains a concern. Although clinical outcomes remain the most appropriate primary outcome measures, fluid markers reflecting biologically important processes will assume more importance as more is learned about the association between such markers and clinical end points. The benefit of use of analytic strategies, such as responder analyses, is still uncertain.
Tryptophan‐96 in cytochrome P450 BM3 plays a key role in enzyme survival
Authors: Ravanfar Raheleh , Sheng Yuling , Gray Harry B. , Winkler Jay R.
Published: October 2022

Flavocytochrome P450 from Bacillus megaterium (P450BM3) is a natural fusion protein containing reductase and heme domains. In the presence of NADPH and dioxygen the enzyme catalyses the hydroxylation of long‐chain fatty acids. Analysis of the P450BM3 structure reveals chains of closely spaced tryptophan and tyrosine residues that might serve as pathways for high‐potential oxidizing equivalents to escape from the heme active site when substrate oxidation is not possible. Our investigations of the total number of enzyme turnovers before deactivation have revealed that replacement of selected tryptophan and tyrosine residues with redox inactive groups leads to a twofold reduction in enzyme survival time. Tryptophan‐96 is critical for prolonging enzyme activity, suggesting a key protective role for this residue.
The effect of justified video game violence on aggressive behavior and moderated immersion: An experimental approach
Authors: Chen Shuai , Mao Bo , Liu Yanling
Published: October 2022

The effect of violent video games on aggressive behavior is an important topic in the field of game research. Recently, growing evidence suggests that justified game violence decreases feelings of guilt caused by in‐game immoral behavior. However, little is known about the impact on aggressive behavior, and whether other factors moderate this effect. In a two‐factor experiment, we tested the impact of justification of video game violence on aggressive behavior, and whether this effect would be enhanced by game immersion. Pilot experiment 1 (N = 60) and pilot experiment 2 (N = 40) demonstrated that the justification of violence and game immersion was successfully controlled by avatar and graphics quality. In the Main experiment, 123 participants played one of four conditions of a video game (2 [justification: justified vs. unjustified violence] × 2 [immersion: high vs. low immersion]) and it was found that participants who played in the justified violence condition reported greater aggressive behavior than those in the unjustified violence condition. In addition, participants who played in high immersion reported greater aggressive behavior than those in low immersion. However, game immersion did not moderate the effects of justified violence. This unexpected effect is likely due to participants' distancing themselves from and identifying less with their violent avatars.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Weight‐Loss Interventions Prior to Total Knee Replacement for Patients With Class III Obesity
Authors: Kostic Aleksandra M. , Leifer Valia P. , Selzer Faith , Hunter David J. , Paltiel A. David , Chen Antonia F. , Robinson Malcolm K. , Neogi Tuhina , Collins Jamie E. , Messier Stephen P. , Edwards Robert R. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Losina Elena
Published: October 2022

Objective

Class III obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m2) is associated with higher complications following total knee replacement (TKR), and weight loss is recommended. We aimed to establish the cost‐effectiveness of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and lifestyle nonsurgical weight loss (LNSWL) interventions in knee osteoarthritis patients with class III obesity considering TKR.

Methods

Using the Osteoarthritis Policy model and data from published literature to derive model inputs for RYGB, LSG, LNSWL, and TKR, we assessed the long‐term clinical benefits, costs, and cost‐effectiveness of weight‐loss interventions for patients with class III obesity considering TKR. We assessed the following strategies with a health care sector perspective: 1) no weight loss/no TKR, 2) immediate TKR, 3) LNSWL, 4) LSG, and 5) RYGB. Each weight‐loss strategy was followed by annual TKR reevaluation. Primary outcomes were cost, quality‐adjusted life expectancy (QALE), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs), discounted at 3% per year. We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to examine the robustness of conclusions to input uncertainty.

Results

LSG increased QALE by 1.64 quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and lifetime medical costs by $17,347 compared to no intervention, leading to an ICER of $10,600/QALY. RYGB increased QALE by 0.22 and costs by $4,607 beyond LSG, resulting in an ICER of $20,500/QALY. Relative to immediate TKR, LSG and RYGB delayed and decreased TKR utilization. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, RYGB was cost‐effective in 67% of iterations at a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $50,000/QALY.

Conclusion

For patients with class III obesity considering TKR, RYGB provides good value while immediate TKR without weight loss is not economically efficient.
Peptide‐Reinforced Amphiphilic Polymer Conetworks
Authors: Velasquez Sara T. R. , Jang Daseul , Jenkins Peter , Liu Peng , Yang Liu , Korley LaShanda T. J. , Bruns Nico
Published: October 2022

Amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) are polymer networks composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain segments. Their applications range from soft contact lenses to membranes and biomaterials. APCNs based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) are flexible and elastic in the dry and swollen state. However, they are not good at resisting deformation under load, i.e., their toughness is low. A bio‐inspired approach to reinforce APCNs is presented based on the incorporation of poly(β‐benzyl‐L‐aspartate) (PBLA) blocks between cross‐linking points and PDMS chain segments. The mechanical properties of the resulting peptide‐reinforced APCNs can be tailored by the secondary structure of the peptide chains (β‐sheets or a mixture of α‐helices and β‐sheets). Compared to non‐reinforced APCNs, the peptide‐reinforced networks have higher extensibility (53 vs. up to 341%), strength (0.71 ± 0.16 vs. 22.28 ± 2.81 MPa), and toughness (0.10 ± 0.04 vs. up to 4.85 ± 1.32 MJ m−3), as measured in their dry state. The PBLA peptides reversibly toughen and reinforce the APCNs, while other key material properties of APCNs are retained, such as optical transparency and swellability in water and organic solvents. This paves the way for applications of APCNs that benefit from significantly increased mechanical properties.
Recent Progress in Advanced Units of Triboelectric Electronic Skin
Authors: Li Weixin , Dong Jianing , Zhang Xiaotong , Fan Feng Ru
Published: October 2022

Electronic skin (e‐skin) is facing new challenges owing to the development of artificial intelligence. Among the existing working modes, triboelectric‐based e‐skin (TES) can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and can be used as a sensor to directly output an electrical signal without additional power supply. Therefore, with the advantages of self‐powering, low cost, and wide application of materials, TES provides a new concept for developing e‐skin and has been extensively studied. Starting from TES, this review describes the working principle and application of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in e‐skin. Existing materials for TES can be mainly divided into fiber textiles, gels, liquid‐based materials, and degradable materials. Therefore, the material section is divided into four chapters to describe the properties of each material. As for the structure of TES, the transition from single‐channel to multi‐channel for the multifunctionalization of TES is described, and the various links required for a TES‐based closed‐loop system are introduced. Based on these advanced units, the recent progress as well as the current challenges and future development prospects of TES are reviewed.
Rapeseed Cake Valorization into Bioplastics Based on Protein Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Bagnani Massimo , Ehrengruber Silas , Soon Wei Long , Peydayesh Mohammad , Miserez Ali , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: October 2022

Biodegradable polymers obtained from renewable resources are urgently needed to help mitigating the environmental burden of plastic pollution. Herein, a green process is developed to obtain protein‐based bioplastics through valorization of rapeseed cake. First, the effects of different protein extraction protocols are investigated, including water extraction at pH values from 1 to 12 and salt extraction with isoelectric point precipitation (IP), on proteins profile and sample composition. It is demonstrated that alkaline extraction at pH 12 results in the highest extraction yields of proteins (≈70%) and total solutes (≈50%). The IP results in lower yields but in highest protein purity of ≈80%. Alkaline extraction at pH 10.5 results in the extraction of 36% total solutes and ≈50% of proteins, with a protein profile similar to that obtained by IP, rich in α and β polypeptides chains of cruciferin. AFM analysis shows that samples containing cruciferin allow self‐assembly into mature amyloid fibrils upon incubation. Rapeseed amyloids are blended with polyvinyl alcohol and glycerol to develop bioplastics films that are characterized by decreased water absorption, higher water contact angle, and elongation at break >600%, more than double compared to films obtained from native monomers.
4D Printed Light‐Responsive Patterned Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Using a Single Structural Color Ink
Authors: Sol Jeroen A. H. P. , Douma Robin F. , Schenning Albert P. H. J. , Debije Michael G.
Published: October 2022

Envisioning robotic devices with functionality resulting from processing rather than exclusively material composition, multimodal responsive devices produced from a single azobenzene‐functionalized cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer ink are demonstrated. The resulting device displays simultaneous structural color and actuation in response to both ultraviolet and blue light exposures. Through direct ink writing, a microextrusion‐based additive manufacturing technique, the liquid crystalline ink is deposited into different effective mesophases—planar and slanted cholesteric, and a uniaxial pseudo‐nematic state—by altering only two printing conditions: deposition speed and time before photopolymerization. Comparing the three different printed mesophases, marked differences in optical properties and actuation behaviors are found. Demonstrators based on bilayer architectures present concepts for interactive soft multiactuators deposited in a single printing step from a single ink.
Enhancements of Second Harmonic Generation and Birefringence in Traditional RbTiOPO4‐Type Crystals by Aliovalent Substitution of Ti Site
Authors: Zhu Pengfei , Li Ziqing , Wang Zhenyan , Ai Li , Zhao Jianfu , Li Chao , Duan Xiulan , Zhao Xian , Yu Fapeng
Published: October 2022

Strong second harmonic response and large birefringence of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials have important scientific and technical significance for tunable lasers. The second harmonic generation (SHG) response in NLO crystals has been generally enhanced by improving the polarization of bridged oxygen atoms or local structural distortions, while the synergy of the two contributions to enhance the SHG response is rarely explored. To this end, new crystals with traditional RbTiOPO4 (RTP)‐structure, Rb1–xTi1–xSbxOPO4 (x = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.06), containing novel functional SbO6 octahedra and Rb vacancies are designed through a one‐site aliovalent substitution and grown in this work. Rb0.94Ti0.94Sb0.06OPO4 exhibits an enhanced SHG response, nearly 1.48 times that of the RTP crystal, accompanied by the largest birefringence in phosphates (exp. 0.202 at 546 nm, cal. 0.156 at 1064 nm). Theoretical calculations and crystal structure analysis confirm that the higher polarizability of bridged oxygen and the local structural distortions in Rb1–xTi1–xSbxOPO4 strengthen the NLO activity of neighboring units, thus significantly prompt the SHG effect and optical anisotropy. This study provides a new paradigm to deeply improve the NLO performance of crystal materials and benefits for expanding their practical applications.
Erbium‐Hyperdoped Silicon Quantum Dots: A Platform of Ratiometric Near‐Infrared Fluorescence
Authors: Wang Kun , He Qiang , Yang Deren , Pi Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

Ratiometric near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence holds great promise for important applications such as temperature sensing, food safety detection, and biological imaging owing to its self‐calibration and contactless measurements in the NIR region. For ratiometric NIR fluorescence, the suppression of optical reabsorption and signal interference is crucial. In this work, freestanding erbium (Er)‐hyperdoped silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) with UV absorption and NIR emission are synthesized via nonthermal plasma, effectively avoiding optical reabsorption. Er with the valence of +3 is found to be mainly located in the subsurface region of Er‐hyperdoped Si QDs, which emit NIR light at the wavelengths of 830 and 1540 nm. The distinct difference between the two NIR wavelengths (Δλ = 710 nm) well impedes signal interference in ratiometric NIR fluorescence. It is shown that Er‐hyperdoped Si QDs may be a powerful platform of ratiometric NIR fluorescence by exemplarily demonstrating their temperature‐sensing capability in a wide temperature range (297–477 K) with high relative sensitivity (3.05% K−1), high‐temperature resolution (<0.018 K), and high repeatability (>98%). The temperature sensing of Er‐hyperdoped Si QDs may be further employed to construct logic gates, enabling in‐sensor computing.
Automated Stain‐Free Holographic Image‐Based Phenotypic Classification of Elliptical Cancer Cells
Authors: Jaferzadeh Kevyan , Son Seungwoo , Rehman Abdur , Park Seonghwan , Moon Inkyu
Published: October 2022

Image‐based stain‐free elliptical cancer cell classification is very challenging due to interclass morphological similarity. Herein, the classification of three types of cancer cell lines (lung, breast, and skin) by feature‐based machine learning and image‐based deep learning with a convolutional neural network (CNN) is addressed. Digital holography in a microscopic configuration is used to obtain stain‐free quantitative phase images representing the intracellular content and morphology of cells. In feature‐based classification, several features related to both the intracellular material and thickness of cancer cells are extracted, followed by the feature selection and the training of random forest, support vector machine, and pattern recognition artificial neural networks. For image‐based classification, two types of deep learning CNN models are trained: skip connections (Resnet) and without the skip connection. The accuracy of the two strategies is analyzed and the deep learning strategy outperforms feature‐based classification by about 9% with the 10‐fold cross‐validation evaluation.
Synthesis of Phenanthrene‐Based Polycycles by Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Cyclization of Biphenyl‐Embedded Trienynes
Authors: Milián Ana , García‐García Patricia , Vaquero Juan J. , Sanz Roberto , Fernández‐Rodríguez Manuel A.
Published: October 2022

Gold(I)‐catalyzed cyclization of o‐alkenyl‐o’‐alkynylbiaryls in the presence of external or internal nucleophiles provides a straightforward access to phenanthrene‐based polycycles, which are of considerable interest in materials science. Thus, their reactions with alcohols yield functionalized dihydrophenanthrenes, in a process that can also be carried out intramolecularly, to provide phenanthrene‐derived heteropolycyclic compounds. Moreover, benzo[b]triphenylenes can be synthesized from o‐methoxyvinyl‐o’‐alkynylbiaryls, in a reaction in which an (hetero)aryl substituent at the triple bond acts as an internal nucleophile.

magnified image
Unexpected Stereoselective Access to 2‐Aminooxazolines from Propargyl Ureas by Silver Salts under Mild Conditions
Authors: Voronov Aleksandr , Casnati Alessandra , Mazzeo Paolo P. , Pelagatti Paolo , Bacchi Alessia , Mancuso Raffaella , Gabriele Bartolo , Motti Elena , Maestri Giovanni , Fehér Péter Pál , Stirling András , Della Ca' Nicola
Published: October 2022

Propargyl ureas can lead to a range of possible heterocyclic compounds, mainly depending on the employed catalyst. Silver salts are known to promote the N‐5‐exo‐dig cyclization mode to imidazolidinone derivatives. Conversely, a versatile and stereoselective O‐5‐exo‐dig cyclization of propargyl ureas to 2‐aminooxazolines by Ag(I) catalysis is here disclosed. Good to excellent yields and complete stereoselectivity of the external double bond have been achieved under milder reaction conditions (50–60 °C). A one‐pot protocol starting from the corresponding propargylic amines and isocyanates has been developed as well. N,N’‐Dipropargyl ureas underwent a uncommon O‐5‐exo‐dig/N‐5‐endo‐dig double cyclization sequence. Finally, insights into the tautomeric equilibrium of 2‐aminooxazoles and on their relative reactivity are provided.

magnified image
Magnetic Skin for Touchless Human–Computer Interaction to Prevent Healthcare‐Associated Infections
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Chen Guangyuan , Chen Jiamin
Published: October 2022

Healthcare‐associated infections are a major problem in hospitals, and regular disinfection methods cannot guarantee that all pathogens are eliminated. Non‐contact human–computer interactions can effectively reduce the risk of contamination by preventing direct contact between medical staff and electronic products. In this study, a new type of flexible and highly malleable magnetic skin composed of a mixture of an elastic matrix and permanent magnetic powder is demonstrated. In addition, the relationship between the magnetic skin properties and the elastic matrix, magnetic powder material, and their ratio is studied. In addition, the application of magnetic skin in gesture recognition (representing discrete gesture input) and magnetic positioning (representing continuous input) is explored to easily achieve touchless human–computer interactions. Both perform well and provide a new way for future human–computer interaction.
Gradients of Orientation, Composition, and Hydration of Proteins for Efficient Light Collection by the Cornea of the Horseshoe Crab
Authors: Spaeker Oliver , Taylor Gavin J. , Wilts Bodo D. , Slabý Tomáš , Abdel‐Rahman Mohamed Ashraf Khalil , Scoppola Ernesto , Schmitt Clemens N. Z. , Sztucki Michael , Liu Jiliang , Bertinetti Luca , Wagermaier Wolfgang , Scholtz Gerhard , Fratzl Peter , Politi Yael
Published: October 2022

The lateral eyes of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, are the largest compound eyes within recent Arthropoda. The cornea of these eyes contains hundreds of inward projecting elongated cuticular cones and concentrate light onto proximal photoreceptor cells. Although this visual system has been extensively studied before, the precise mechanism allowing vision has remained controversial. Correlating high‐resolution quantitative refractive index (RI) mapping and structural analysis, it is demonstrated how gradients of RI in the cornea stem from structural and compositional gradients in the cornea. In particular, these RI variations result from the chitin‐protein fibers architecture, heterogeneity in protein composition, and bromine doping, as well as spatial variation in water content resulting from matrix cross‐linking on the one hand and cuticle porosity on the other hand. Combining the realistic cornea structure and measured RI gradients with full‐wave optical modeling and ray tracing, it is revealed that the light collection mechanism switches from refraction‐based graded index (GRIN) optics at normal light incidence to combined GRIN and total internal reflection mechanism at high incident angles. The optical properties of the cornea are governed by different mechanisms at different hierarchical levels, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of arthropod cuticle.
CYFIP2 p.Arg87Cys Causes Neurological Defects and Degradation of CYFIP2
Authors: Kang Muwon , Zhang Yinhua , Kang Hyae Rim , Kim Seoyeong , Ma Ruiying , Yi Yunho , Lee Seungjoon , Kim Yoonhee , Li Huiling , Jin Chunmei , Lee Dongmin , Kim Eunjoon , Han Kihoon
Published: October 2022

Here, we report the generation and comprehensive characterization of a knockin mouse model for the hotspot p.Arg87Cys variant of the cytoplasmic FMR1‐interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2) gene, which was recently identified in individuals diagnosed with West syndrome, a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The Cyfip2+/R87C mice recapitulated many neurological and neurobehavioral phenotypes of the patients, including spasmlike movements, microcephaly, and impaired social communication. Age‐progressive cytoarchitectural disorganization and gliosis were also identified in the hippocampus of Cyfip2+/R87C mice. Beyond identifying a decrease in CYFIP2 protein levels in the Cyfip2+/R87C brains, we demonstrated that the p.Arg87Cys variant enhances ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of CYFIP2. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:155–163
Photo‐Facilitated Detection and Sequencing of 5‐Formylcytidine RNA
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Yang , Huang Zu‐Rui , Xie Li‐Jun , Liu Li , Han Da‐Li , Cheng Liang
Published: October 2022

5‐Formylcytidine (f5C) is one of the epigenetic nucleotides in tRNA. Despite the evident importance of f5C in gene expression regulation, little is known about its exact amount and position. To capture this information, we developed a modification‐specific functionalization with a semi‐stabilized ylide. The chemical labelling exhibited a high selectivity towards f5C and allowed distinction from similar 5‐formyluridine. We realized a detection strategy based on the fluorescence signal of the cyclization product 4,5‐pyridin‐2‐amine‐cytidine paC, which exhibited a high quantum yield. The results clearly identified f5C with a limit of detection at 0.58 nM. This method altered the hydrogen bonding activities of f5C and modulated its reverse transcription signature in its sequencing profile. We showed that f5C can be detected from tRNA segments with a single‐base resolution. Taken together, this approach is a sensitive, antibody‐free, and applicable detection and sequencing method for f5C‐containing RNA.
Overcoming Electrostatic Interaction via Strong Complexation for Highly Selective Reduction of CN− into N2
Authors: Tian Lei , Zhang Long‐Shuai , Zheng Ling‐Ling , Chen Ying , Ding Lin , Fan Jie‐Ping , Wu Dai‐She , Zou Jian‐Ping , Luo Sheng‐Lian
Published: October 2022

Limited by the electrostatic interaction, the oxidation reaction of cations at the anode and the reduction reaction of anions at the cathode in the electrocatalytic system nearly cannot be achieved. This study proposes a novel strategy to overcome electrostatic interaction via strong complexation, realizing the electrocatalytic reduction of cyanide (CN−) at the cathode and then converting the generated reduction products into nitrogen (N2) at the anode. Theoretical calculations and experimental results confirm that the polarization of the transition metal oxide cathodes under the electric field causes the strong chemisorption between CN− and cathode, inducing the preferential enrichment of CN− to the cathode. CN− is hydrogenated by atomic hydrogen at the cathode to methylamine/ammonia, which are further oxidized into N2 by free chlorine derived from the anode. This paper provides a new idea for realizing the unconventional and unrealizable reactions in the electrocatalytic system.
Umpolung Synthesis of Pyridyl Ethers by BiV‐Mediated O‐Arylation of Pyridones
Authors: Ruffell Katie , Gallegos Liliana C. , Ling Kenneth B. , Paton Robert S. , Ball Liam T.
Published: October 2022

We report that O‐selective arylation of 2‐ and 4‐pyridones with arylboronic acids is affected by a modular, bismacycle‐based system. The utility of this umpolung approach to pyridyl ethers, which is complementary to conventional methods based on SNAr or cross‐coupling, is demonstrated through the concise synthesis of Ki6783 and picolinafen, and the formal synthesis of cabozantib and golvatinib. Computational investigations reveal that arylation proceeds in a concerted fashion via a 5‐membered transition state. The kinetically‐controlled regioselectivity for O‐arylation—which is reversed relative to previous BiV‐mediated pyridone arylations—is attributed primarily to the geometric constraints imposed by the bismacyclic scaffold.
Multiple Roles of Alkanethiolate‐Ligands in Direct Formation of H2O2 over Pd Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Lin , Moura Pedro , Medlin J. Will , Grönbeck Henrik
Published: October 2022

Coadsorbed organic species including thiolates can promote direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H2 and O2 over Pd particles. Here, density functional theory based kinetic modeling, augmented with activity measurements and vibrational spectroscopy are used to provide atomistic understanding of direct H2O2 formation over alkylthiolate(RS) Pd. We find that the RS species are oxidized during reaction conditions yielding RSO2 as the effective ligand. The RSO2 ligand shows superior ability for proton transfer to the intermediate surface species OOH, which accelerates the formation of H2O2. The ligands promote the selectivity also by blocking sites for unselective water formation and by modifying the electronic structure of Pd. The work rationalizes observations of enhanced selectivity of direct H2O2 formation over ligand‐funtionalized Pd nanoparticles and shows that engineering of organic surface modifiers can be used to promote desired hydrogen transfer routes.
Stereochemistry Controls Dihydrogen Bonding Strengths in Chiral Amine Boranes Adducts
Authors: Kemper Michael , Drost Deborah A. , Engelage Elric , Merten Christian
Published: October 2022

The growing interest in exploiting novel concepts of non‐covalent interactions in catalysts and supramolecular chemistry made us revisit a special kind of hydrogen bonding: the dihydrogen bond (DHB), formed between a classical hydrogen bond donor and a hydridic hydrogen as acceptor. Herein, we investigate how the strength of the N−Hδ+⋅⋅⋅δ−H−B interaction and hence the DHB‐driven self‐aggregation of amine‐borane adducts is governed by steric effects by comparing the structures and binding enthalpies of various chiral derivatives. For a diastereomeric pair of amine‐boranes prepared from a chiral secondary amine, we show that the stereochemistry at the nitrogen has significant influence on the interaction enthalpy. Based on this finding, N‐chiral amine boranes can be envisioned to become interesting building blocks in supramolecular chemistry to fine‐tune the formation dynamics of assemblies.
Features of the vertebral column and caudal fin skeleton for identifying Engraulis australis in food of the Australasian gannet Morus serrator, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
Authors: Jawad Laith A. , Adams Nigel J.
Published: October 2022

Identifying fish species from their bone remains is employed in identifying the prey of aquatic animals. However, diagnostic skeletal descriptions are scarce for fish species prey found in the food of piscivorous birds and other marine predators in New Zealand. The present article addresses this knowledge gap, providing a diagnostic description for the vertebral column and the skeleton of the caudal fin of the Australian anchovy Engraulis australis inhabiting coastal waters in and around the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. The vertebral column of E. australis is divided into four morphologically distinct regions more complicated than the classical division in abdominal and caudal parts only and the drawing of characteristic‐looking vertebral profiles. Each of these four regions is associated with characteristic vertebral profiles. These morphological descriptive parameters express a morphotype that may be linked with the swimming mode of the Australian anchovy. The skeleton of the caudal fin of E. australis showed distinctive characteristics that will be useful as diagnostic criteria to identify specimens of the Australian anchovy and separate them from the skeletal elements of other fish species found in the food of gannets and other marine predators in future studies.