bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes After Combined Prenatal Cannabis and Nicotine Exposure
Authors: Crosland B. Adam , Garg Bharti , Bandoli Gretchen E. , Mandelbaum Ava D. , Hayer Sarena , Ryan Kimberly S. , Shorey-Kendrick Lyndsey E. , McEvoy Cindy T. , Spindel Eliot R. , Caughey Aaron B. , Lo Jamie O.
Published: May 2024

Importance

The prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy is rising and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. In parallel, combined prenatal use of cannabis and nicotine is also increasing, but little is known about the combined impact of both substances on pregnancy and offspring outcomes compared with each substance alone.

Objective

To assess the perinatal outcomes associated with combined cannabis and nicotine exposure compared with each substance alone during pregnancy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective population-based cohort study included linked hospital discharge data (obtained from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information) and vital statistics (obtained from the California Department of Public Health) from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2019. Pregnant individuals with singleton gestations and gestational ages of 23 to 42 weeks were included. Data were analyzed from October 14, 2023, to March 4, 2024.

Exposures

Cannabis-related diagnosis and prenatal nicotine product use were captured using codes from International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, and International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main outcomes were infant and neonatal death, infants small for gestational age, and preterm delivery. Results were analyzed by multivariable Poisson regression models.

Results

A total of 3 129 259 pregnant individuals were included (mean [SD] maternal age 29.3 [6.0] years), of whom 23 007 (0.7%) had a cannabis-related diagnosis, 56 811 (1.8%) had a nicotine-use diagnosis, and 10 312 (0.3%) had both in pregnancy. Compared with nonusers, those with cannabis or nicotine use diagnoses alone had increased rates of infant (0.7% for both) and neonatal (0.3% for both) death, small for gestational age (14.3% and 13.7%, respectively), and preterm delivery (<37 weeks) (12.2% and 12.0%, respectively). Moreover, risks in those with both cannabis and nicotine use were higher for infant death (1.2%; adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 2.18 [95% CI, 1.82-2.62]), neonatal death (0.6%; ARR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.36-2.28]), small for gestational age (18.0%; ARR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.86-2.02]), and preterm delivery (17.5%; ARR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.75-1.91]).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that co-occurring maternal use of cannabis and nicotine products in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of infant and neonatal death and maternal and neonatal morbidity compared with use of either substance alone. Given the increasing prevalence of combined cannabis and nicotine use in pregnancy, these findings can help guide health care practitioners with preconception and prenatal counseling, especially regarding the benefits of cessation.
Longitudinal study of immunity toSARS‐CoV2in ocrelizumab‐treatedMSpatients up to 2 years afterCOVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Kister Ilya , Curtin Ryan , Piquet Amanda L. , Borko Tyler , Pei Jinglan , Banbury Barbara L , Bacon Tamar E. , Kim Angie , Tuen Michael , Velmurugu Yogambigai , Nyovanie Samantha , Selva Sean , Samanovic Marie I. , Mulligan Mark J. , Patskovsky Yury , Priest Jessica , Cabatingan Mark , Winger Ryan C. , Krogsgaard Michelle , Silverman Gregg J.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

(1) To plot the trajectory of humoral and cellular immune responses to the primary (two‐dose) COVID‐19 mRNA series and the third/booster dose in B‐cell‐depleted multiple sclerosis (MS) patients up to 2 years post‐vaccination; (2) to identify predictors of immune responses to vaccination; and (3) to assess the impact of intercurrent COVID‐19 infections on SARS CoV‐2‐specific immunity.

Methods

Sixty ocrelizumab‐treated MS patients were enrolled from NYU (New York) and University of Colorado (Anschutz) MS Centers. Samples were collected pre‐vaccination, and then 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks post‐primary series, and 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks post‐booster. Binding anti‐Spike antibody responses were assessed with multiplex bead‐based immunoassay (MBI) and electrochemiluminescence (Elecsys®, Roche Diagnostics), and neutralizing antibody responses with live‐virus immunofluorescence‐based microneutralization assay. Spike‐specific cellular responses were assessed with IFNγ/IL‐2 ELISpot (Invitrogen) and, in a subset, by sequencing complementarity determining regions (CDR)‐3 within T‐cell receptors (Adaptive Biotechnologies). A linear mixed‐effect model was used to compare antibody and cytokine levels across time points. Multivariate analyses identified predictors of immune responses.

Results

The primary vaccination induced an 11‐ to 208‐fold increase in binding and neutralizing antibody levels and a 3‐ to 4‐fold increase in IFNγ/IL‐2 responses, followed by a modest decline in antibody but not cytokine responses. Booster dose induced a further 3‐ to 5‐fold increase in binding antibodies and 4‐ to 5‐fold increase in IFNγ/IL‐2, which were maintained for up to 1 year. Infections had a variable impact on immunity.

Interpretation

Humoral and cellular benefits of COVID‐19 vaccination in B‐cell‐depleted MS patients were sustained for up to 2 years when booster doses were administered.
Double misinformation and eyewitness performance: An experimental replication
Authors: Smołka Ewa , Blank Hartmut
Published: May 2024

Eyewitnesses may be exposed to multiple pieces of misinformation concerning the same original detail. The two misleading details contradicting each other enable detecting a discrepancy between them, which, given that only one of them can be true, should reduce credibility of the misinformation source(s) and improve reporting. This, however, can only happen at sufficiently high levels of misinformation availability (i.e., encoding of misinformation and its subsequent accessibility): with low misinformation availability, double misinformation should instead increase the misinformation effect, providing multiple chances of yielding to misinformation. To test these predictions, we experimentally manipulated misinformation availability (high vs. low) and presented double or single misinformation. However, double versus single misinformation presentation did not affect performance or interact with misinformation availability and participants frequently reported misinformation while fully detecting discrepancies between items. Therefore, discrepancy detection alone may not be sufficient in reducing the misinformation effect, with various decision‐making processes involved in reporting.
In Situ Electrical Resistance Measurement of Pure Titanium During Severe Plastic Deformation by High‐Pressure Sliding
Authors: Horita Zenji , Ikeda Yukimasa , Haraguchi Rin , Arita Makoto , Yumoto Manabu , Takizawa Yoichi
Published: May 2024

In this study, in situ measurements of electrical resistance in pure Ti during severe plastic deformation (SPD) under high pressures are presented. The process of high‐pressure sliding (HPS) is adopted for the SPD so that straining is feasible under various pressures covering α to ω allotropic phase transformation in pure Ti. Anvil surfaces are coated by a plasma‐sprayed alumina layer to maintain electrical insulation between the sample and the anvils during HPS operation. The electrical resistance increases continuously with straining by the HPS processing but the increase in the electrical resistance is more pronounced as the applied pressure increases, particularly when the ω phase formation occurs. The phase transformation is evidenced by X‐Ray diffraction analysis as well as in situ static heating experiment. The continuous increase in the electrical resistance suggests that there is neither critical strain nor avalanche for the phase transformation to the ω phase.
Microfluidic Platforms to Screen Granular Hydrogel Microenvironments for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Krattiger Lisa A. , Emiroglu Dilara Börte , Pravato Silvia , Moser Lukas O. , Bachmann Olivia A. , La Cioppa Simona Y. , Rivera Gabriel J. Rodriguez , Burdick Jason A. , deMello Andrew J. , Tibbitt Mark W. , Ehrbar Martin
Published: May 2024

Granular hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of biomaterials in medical research, enabling independent control of matrix stiffness within a porous biomaterial. Such microgel packings comprise interconnected pores and high surface‐to‐volume ratios. These features facilitate cell viability and nutrient diffusion, which are critical in enabling tissue regeneration. Despite the current interest in granular hydrogels for tissue engineering applications, only a few in vitro platforms are used to investigate cell interactions, limiting their design, and translation. In this study, microfluidic platforms able to reproducibly confine and immobilize microgels without the need for secondary cross‐linking are developed. Protocols are established for the generation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hBM‐MSC)‐infiltrated microporous substrates and early‐time responses of cells to their environment are studied. Further, a tissue invasion assay is established, where cells infiltrate granular materials at different rates depending on growth factor presence or material properties. This platform is compatible with a range of different granular materials, and it is envisioned to have significant utility as a pre‐clinical tool for the rational design of materials for tissue healing applications.
Regulating the Zn Electrode/Electrolyte Interface Toward High Stability– Insights from the Resting Time Impact on Zn Electrode Performance
Authors: Cai Zhijun , Wang Jiangpeng , Lian Sitian , Chen Junwu , Lang Feng , Li Zhe , Li Quan
Published: May 2024

Resting, a common procedure performed before cycling, is identified to have a significant impact on the cycle performance of acidic aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZBs). It is demonstrated that resting duration significantly affects the Zn anode's cyclability and is closely related to the evolution of zinc hydroxide sulfate (ZHS), a byproduct formed on the Zn anode in AZBs, even without electrochemical cycling. Mechanism analysis suggests that both the uniformity and quantity of ZHS are critical factors in determining the electrode's cycling stability. Consequently, controlling the interfacial ZHS effectively enhances the cycle performance of the Zn electrode by preventing Zn corrosion and promoting uniform Zn stripping/plating during cycling. It is demonstrated that an effective hydrothermal ZHS layer can protect the Zn electrode, rendering it less susceptible to resting impacts, resulting in a long cycle life of over 3800 h at 2 mA cm−2−0.5 mAh cm−2. With a 30% depth of discharge, this strategy helps to extend the cycle life to >1000 h. (4 mA cm−2–2 mAh cm−2). The findings not only highlight the importance of standardizing the resting period in evaluating the AZBs performance, but also lead to the relationship understanding among resting, ZHS evolution, and Zn electrode cyclability, further guiding strategy to improve the cycling stability of AZBs.
A Lithium‐Affinitive Covalent Organic Polymer Network Functionalized Separator for Dendrite‐Free and High‐Durability Lithium–Sulfur Batteries under Harsh Conditions
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Pan Yukun , Chen Hongli , Wang Xiaowei , Huang Yanan , Yi Shan , Niu Bo , Long Donghui , Zhang Yayun
Published: May 2024

Lithium–Sulfur (Li─S) batteries are renowned for their high theoretical specific capacity and cost‐effectiveness. Nevertheless, their performance could be impeded by obstacles including lithium dendrite growth and lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttle, particularly under harsh conditions. Herein, an economical strategy is reported for modifying polyolefin separators (PP) with covalent organic polymer networks (TPE) to alter Li solvent structure, enhance lithium‐ion transport, and suppress shuttle effects. Combining in situ/ex situ characterization and theoretical calculations, it is demonstrated that the lithiophilic groups (‐C═N‐) in the TPE@PP separator form strong interaction with lithium, facilitating the dissociation of Li─Solvent/LiPS‐solvent to release freer lithium ion and shape a stable solid electrolyte interface rich in LiF and Li3N. The polymer network serves as a “highway” that accelerates Li transport and promotes uniform nucleation behavior. Therefore, the Li|TPE@PP|CNT/S cell enables 60% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1.0 C and exhibits stable cycling performance of 100 cycles from ‐40 to 80 °C. Moreover, the pouch cell maintains a capacity of more than 600 mA h g−1 after 30 cycles at 0 °C. This study provides a promising avenue for the application of high‐performance batteries in harsh environment from the perspective of separator engineering.
Tuning Electronegativity‐Difference Configuration to Construct Non‐Bonded O 2p Orbitals for Reversible Anionic Redox in O3‐Type Cathode
Authors: Li Zeyu , Yu Yang , Zhang Tianran , Wong Deniz , Schulz Christian , Zhang Nian , Ning De , Li Qingyuan , Zhang Jicheng , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: May 2024

How to tune the activity and reversibility of oxygen anion redox (OAR) is a critical issue for O3‐type sodium‐ion battery (SIB) cathodes. Herein, the key role of electronegativity‐difference configuration on the activation of OAR is find out, and further tune electronegativity‐difference configuration with La incorporation to construct non‐bonded O 2p orbitals and achieve the reversible anionic redox in O3‐type NaMn1/3Fe1/3Ni1/3O2. Owing to the special extranuclear electronic structure of La3+ [Xe], the La electron cloud is difficult to be disturbed by the O electron cloud, and some O electrons do not participate in the formation of ionic bonds, thus retaining the non‐bonded electrons of O 2p and activating OAR. Moreover, La3+ doping also decreases the Coulomb force between Na+ and O2− favoring Na+ migration as well as strengthening the La─O bonds inhibiting the irreversible phase transition. La2O3 coating layer also plays a role on inhibiting the reaction between molecular oxygen and the electrolyte, and making OAR reversible. After modification, the cycling stability is significantly improved (86.9% vs 27.3%@2C@200cycles; 90.8% vs 52.9%@5C@300 cycles). This study presents some insights on OAR activation mechanism and offers a facile strategy to improve the activity and reversibility of OAR for designing high performance SIBs cathodes.
Biomaterials‐Based Technologies in Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering
Authors: Luo Wei , Zhang Hanli , Wan Renwen , Cai Yuxi , Liu Yinuo , Wu Yang , Yang Yimeng , Chen Jiani , Zhang Deju , Luo Zhiwen , Shang Xiliang
Published: May 2024

For many clinically prevalent severe injuries, the inherent regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle remains inadequate. Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE) seeks to meet this clinical demand. With continuous progress in biomedicine and related technologies including micro/nanotechnology and 3D printing, numerous studies have uncovered various intrinsic mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle regeneration and developed tailored biomaterial systems based on these understandings. Here, the skeletal muscle structure and regeneration process are discussed and the diverse biomaterial systems derived from various technologies are explored in detail. Biomaterials serve not merely as local niches for cell growth, but also as scaffolds endowed with structural or physicochemical properties that provide tissue regenerative cues such as topographical, electrical, and mechanical signals. They can also act as delivery systems for stem cells and bioactive molecules that have been shown as key participants in endogenous repair cascades. To achieve bench‐to‐bedside translation, the typical effect enabled by biomaterial systems and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms are also summarized. Insights into the roles of biomaterials in SMTE from cellular and molecular perspectives are provided. Finally, perspectives on the advancement of SMTE are provided, for which gene therapy, exosomes, and hybrid biomaterials may hold promise to make important contributions.
A Systematic Study on the Physicochemical Interactions Between Polymeric Micelles and Mucin: Toward the Development of Optimal Drug Delivery Nanocarriers
Authors: Tollemeto Matteo , Badillo‐Ramírez Isidro , Thamdrup Lasse Højlund Eklund , Li Yudong , Ghavami Mahdi , Padial Tania Patiño , Christensen Jørn B. , van Hest Jan , Boisen Anja
Published: May 2024

The optimal performance of drug delivery formulations, including polymeric nanoparticles, relies on particle distribution throughout the body and the interactions with biological barriers, particularly mucosal layers, which often limit their potential. A systematic and comprehensive study is presented through a multidisciplinary approach combining conventional and novel techniques for in vitro studies to understand the key molecular interactions between polymeric micelles and mucin. The results shows that polymeric micelles are integrates within the mucin layer, mirroring its viscoelastic properties, evidenced as a dissipation difference of 0.1 ± 0.44, measured by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering reveals predominant hydrogen bonding within the mucin's hydrophilic core, while the isothermal titration calorimetry method confirms multiple non‐specific binding sites on the protein backbone. By performing the periodic acid‐Schiff stain assay, a binding amount of 0.20 mg of mucin per milligram of nanoparticles is quantified. Furthermore, motility studies show the surface binding of mucin on the polymeric nanoparticles influencing their Brownian motion. This study sheds light toward the improvement for a better drug delivery formulation and fabrication of optimal nanoparticle colloidal systems, which can advance translational drug delivery technologies into clinical application while enriching the field of surface and colloidal chemistry.
3D Printing of Succulent‐Inspired Microneedle Array for Enhanced Tissue Adhesion and Controllable Drug Release
Authors: Sun Yazhi , Wang Xiaocheng , Tang Min , Melarkey Mary K. , Lu Ting‐yu , Xiang Yi , Chen Shaochen
Published: May 2024

Controllable and long‐term release remains a great challenge in current drug delivery systems. Benefiting from their efficient drug loading and painless administration, microneedles (MNs) have emerged as a promising platform for transdermal drug delivery, while they often fail to achieve long‐term tissue adhesion and controllable extended drug release. Here, 3D printing of an innovative MN patch is presented with succulent‐inspired responsive microstructures and light‐controllable long‐term release capability. The MN exhibits a reversible shrink‐swell volume change behavior in response to surrounding humidity, which enables sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration under the shrinkage conditions and efficient long‐term adhesion when swollen in skin tissues. Moreover, the MN patch introduces a controllable long‐term drug release system, achieved through the integration of thiolated heparin (Hep‐SH) for sustained growth factor release and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets for controlled drug release via near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. The MN patches with growth factor loading have good biocompatibility and can promote the proliferation, migration, and proangiogenesis of endothelial cells is further demonstrated. Thus, it is believed that such flexible MN patches can be promising candidates for controllable long‐term transdermal drug delivery as well as other related tissue engineering applications.
Configuration and Operation Optimization for Industrial Steam Power System Sustainable Retrofit Considering Renewable Energy Integration
Authors: Li Zeqiu , Yang Liujian , Tian Ying , Huang Xiuhui
Published: May 2024

Renewable energy integration and operational optimization are crucial in energy sustainability and decarbonization, especially for industrial steam power systems (SPS). This study establishes an SPS superstructure that integrates wind, solar, and biomass energy. A mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is developed to determine an optimal retrofit strategy that minimizes the life cycle cost, which includes carbon emission cost and energy cost. To solve this high‐dimensional complex optimization problem, a multistage strategy fusion differential evolution algorithm with dynamic partitioning of the SVM feasible domain (SVM‐MS‐DE) is developed. The results from the optimal strategy demonstrate a 9.02% reduction in the system's total cost and a 9.64% decrease in carbon emission through the incorporation of wind and solar energy. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis on biomass ratio, carbon emission price, energy demand, and carbon emission limits reveal that the region can contribute significantly to renewable energy initiatives. Several recommended policies are provided to encourage enterprises to move towards sustainable development.
Enhancing sulfur resistance of oxides in carbon monoxide oxidation by a high‐entropy‐stabilized strategy
Authors: Du Shengyu , Zhang Pengfei
Published: May 2024

Industrial chemical processes require sulfur‐resistant catalysts, which reduce catalyst replacement costs and simplify process operations. Herein, a high‐entropy‐stabilized strategy was put forward for sulfur‐resistant catalysis. A spinel high entropy (Zn0.2Mg0.2Cu0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Al2O4) was introduced by ball milling process with aluminum isopropoxide as the main precursor. Zn0.2Mg0.2Cu0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Al2O4 possessed a high surface area of 171.2 m2 g−1, higher than typical high‐entropy oxides (HEOs). The high‐entropy spinel catalyst exhibited better SO2‐resistance performance in the oxidation of carbon monoxide, better than the simple oxides. The SO2‐resistance of Zn0.2Mg0.2Cu0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Al2O4 was primarily improved by reinforcing the stability of the oxide using a high‐entropy structure to decrease the absorption of SO2 on its surface. Any adsorbed SO2 on the surface of the HEO was then selectively trapped by sacrificial metal ions with stronger electron‐withdrawing ability, protecting the active center (Cu2+, Co2+) from poisoning. This work reveals the significance of high‐entropy structures in sulfur resistance.
Racialization processes and depressive symptoms among pregnant Mexican‐origin immigrant women
Authors: LeBrón Alana M. W. , Rodriguez Victoria E. , Sinco Brandy R. , Caldwell Cleopatra H. , Kieffer Edith C.
Published: May 2024

This study examines how racialization processes (conceptualized as multilevel and dynamic processes) shape prenatal mental health by testing the association of discrimination and the John Henryism hypothesis on depressive symptoms for pregnant Mexican‐origin immigrant women. We analyzed baseline data (n = 218) from a healthy lifestyle intervention for pregnant Latinas in Detroit, Michigan. Using separate multiple linear regression models, we examined the independent and joint associations of discrimination and John Henryism with depressive symptoms and effect modification by socioeconomic position. Discrimination was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β = 2.84; p < .001) when adjusting for covariates. This association did not vary by socioeconomic position. Women primarily attributed discrimination to language use, racial background, and nativity. We did not find support for the John Henryism hypothesis, meaning that the hypothesized association between John Henryism and depressive symptoms did not vary by socioeconomic position. Examinations of joint associations of discrimination and John Henryism on depressive symptoms indicate a positive association between discrimination and depressive symptoms (β = 2.81; p < .001) and no association of John Henryism and depressive symptoms (β = −0.83; p > .05). Results suggest complex pathways by which racialization processes affect health and highlight the importance of considering experiences of race, class, and gender within racialization processes.
Multifunctional amphoteric heteropolymer for chromium free sustainable leather process
Authors: Inbasekar Chandrasekar , Fathima Nishter Nishad
Published: May 2024

The post‐tanning process of leather making involves the of large quantities of auxiliary chemicals to enhance the functionalities of the leather. Hence, developing multifunctional polymers are essential to reduce the pollution load and enhance sustainability. Herein, we report the synthesis of multifunctional retanning and fatliquoring agent using a hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer by modifying the hydroxyl group to carboxyl and long‐chain hydrocarbon along with quaternary ammonium monomer. The resulting polymer has been subsequently used in the tanning and post‐tanning process. The influence of the carboxyl group increases the metal uptake of the aluminum (twofold) and zirconium (1.5‐fold) tanning agent, and hydrothermal stability of the polymer‐treated leathers is 74 and 81°C for aluminum and zirconium tanning, respectively. The experimental leather showed uniform pore size distribution and better organoleptic characteristics than the control. Introducing the quaternary ammonium group in the polymer increased dye exhaustion in the experimental process up to 97%. The anti‐bacterial studies show the polymer is effective against gram‐positive species due to electrostatic interaction. The biochemical analysis of the experiment process shows higher biodegradability (0.62). Thus, the present study opens a new avenue for a sustainable replacement for conventional post‐tanning chemicals.
Buoyancy control and air breathing in royal knifefish (Chitala blanci) and a new hypothesis for the early evolution of vertebrate air‐breathing behaviors
Authors: Kaczmarek Elska B. , Brainerd Elizabeth L.
Published: May 2024

We present the first description of inspiration‐first air breaths in royal knifefish, Chitala blanci, a ray‐finned fish known to use four‐stroke air breaths. Four‐stroke breaths are used by nearly all ray‐finned fish species that use their gas bladder to breathe air and are the ancestral breath type of ray‐finned fishes. Interestingly, one such species, Amia calva, is known to perform two distinct breath types. Amia use four‐stroke breaths when they need more oxygen and performs inspiration‐first breaths to restore buoyancy. We observed that C. blanci also performs inspiration‐first breaths and tested whether the two breath types are performed for the same functions in C. blanci as they are in Amia. We recorded the frequency of each breath type when exposed to aquatic hypoxia and two conditions of oxygen availability. We found that C. blanci performed more four‐stroke breaths (81% ± 15% of total breaths) than inspiration‐first breaths when exposed to aerial normoxia but performed more inspiration‐first breaths (72% ± 40%) than four‐stroke breaths when exposed to aerial hyperoxia. These patterns match those described for Amia and indicate that C. blanci performs four‐stroke breaths in response to oxygen depletion and performs inspiration‐first breaths to maintain buoyancy. Few studies have examined the role of air‐breathing in buoyancy regulation. Decreasing buoyancy, rather than oxygen availability, to stimulate air breaths may reveal that inspiration‐first breaths are more common among fishes than we are aware. We consider this possibility and present a new hypothesis for the origin and early evolution of air breathing in vertebrates.
Cover Picture: Astron. Nachr. 4/2024
Authors: Küker Manfred , Järvinen S. P. , Hubrig S. , Ilyin Ilya , Schöller M.
Published: May 2024

Variability of the Hα emission line profile of the magnetic O‐type star HD 54897 over one decade, from 2014 to 2024. In the left panels, each profile is plotted with a different color as is indicated in the legend, showing the corresponding observing date and instrument used: H: HARPS, E: ESPaDOnS, U: UVES, and P: PEPSI. The upper panel shows the profiles based on the spectra observed recently, while the bottom panel shows all available profiles published previously. The right panel shows the same data in a color scale plot. The red color corresponds to the strongest emission, while the blue color shows the Hα line wings appearing in absorption. The observed Hα emission is thought to originatein a disk of increased gas density in the equatorial plane of the magnetic field. For details see the article by Küker et al., this issue, e230169.

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Sustainability in a broad sense: An essential aspect of scientific conferences
Authors: Brohus Malene , Bootman Martin D. , Bultynck Geert
Published: May 2024

This article reflects on sustainability in the context of scientific conferences with emphasis on environmental, diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual aspects. We argue that it is imperative to embrace sustainability as a broad concept during conference organization. In‐person conferences have an obvious environmental impact but mitigating strategies can be implemented, such as incentivizing low‐emission travel, offering fellowships to support sustainable traveling, and promoting use of public transport or car‐pooling. Utilizing eco‐conscious venues, catering, and accommodations, along with minimizing resource wastage, further reduces environmental impact. Additional considerations include facilitating hybrid format conferences that allow both in‐person and online attendance. Hybrid conferences enhance global participation whilst reducing resource consumption and environmental impact. Often‐overlooked benefits can arise from the simple recording of talks to enable asynchronous viewing for people unable to attend in person, in addition to providing a legacy of knowledge that, for example, could support the training of early career researchers (ECRs) or newcomers in the field. The longevity of a research field, intellectual sustainability, requires an inclusive conference atmosphere, offering optimal opportunities for ECRs, minority groups, and researchers from emerging countries. Diversity and inclusivity not only enrich conference experiences but also enhances creativity and innovation.
Harnessing solar power for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of coloured pollutants using novel Mg‐doped‐ZnFe2O4/S@g‐C3N4 heterojunction: A facile hydrothermal synthesis approach
Authors: Rubab Rawish , Mansoor Sana , Javed Mohsin , Hamza Ali , Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Mahmood Sajid , Qamar Muhammad Azam , Shoaib Muhammad , Alotaibi Khalid M. , Alshalwi Matar
Published: May 2024

The ability of heterogeneous photocatalysis to effectively remove organic pollutants from wastewater has shown great promise as a tool for environmental remediation. Pure zinc ferrites (ZnFe2O4) and magnesium‐doped zinc ferrites (Mg@ZnFe2O4) with variable percentages of Mg (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mol%) were synthesized via hydrothermal route and their photocatalytic activity was checked against methylene blue (MB) taken as a model dye. FTIR, XPS, BET, PL, XRD, TEM, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy were used for the identification and morphological characterization of the prepared nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites (NCs). The 7% Mg@ZnFe2O4 NPs demonstrated excellent degradation against MB under sunlight. The 7% Mg@ZnFe2O4 NPs were integrated with diverse contents (10, 50, 30, and 70 wt.%) of S@g‐C3N4 to develop NCs with better activity. When the NCs were tested to degrade MB dye, it was revealed that the 7%Mg@ZnFe2O4/S@g‐C3N4 NCs were more effective at utilizing solar energy than the other NPs and NCs. The synergistic effect of the interface formed between Mg@ZnFe2O4 and S@g‐C3N4 was primarily responsible for the boosted photocatalytic capability of the NCs. The fabricated NCs may function as an effective new photocatalyst to remove organic dyes from wastewater.
Microextraction techniques for occupational biological monitoring: Basic principles, current applications and future perspectives
Authors: Sohrabi Younes , Rahimian Fatemeh , Yousefinejad Saeed , Aliasghari Fereshteh , Soleimani Esmaeel
Published: May 2024

The application of green microextraction techniques (METs) is constantly being developed in different areas including pharmaceutical, forensic, food and environmental analysis. However, they are less used in biological monitoring of workers in occupational settings. Developing valid extraction methods and analytical techniques for the determination of occupational indicators plays a critical role in the management of workers’ exposure to chemicals in workplaces. Microextraction techniques have become increasingly important because they are inexpensive, robust and environmentally friendly. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review and interpret the applications of METs and novel sorbents and liquids in biological monitoring. Future perspectives and occupational indicators that METs have not yet been developed for are also discussed.
Examining associations between goal and attribute framing, HIV treatment motivation, and affective responses: A mixed methods study of patient thoughts and perceptions
Authors: Houston Eric , Mindry Deborah , Alvarado Eric , Kim Joshua J. , Evans Justine , Tarn Derjung M.
Published: May 2024

The use of framing in persuasive health communications considerably affects health behaviour, but our understanding of how framing influences patient motivation to take HIV treatments remains limited. This study examined how goal and attribute framing are related to the motivational and affective responses linked to HIV treatment adherence behaviours. The predominantly low‐income, African American sample (n = 30) consisted of HIV patients living in Chicago and Los Angeles who reported their thoughts and perceptions regarding HIV treatment in two previous studies. We performed content analysis on data consisting of a total of 119 thoughts and perceptions, categorized the data by type of framing expressed (goal, attribute), and determined correlations between framing type, treatment‐related motivation (i.e., intrinsic, extrinsic, approach, avoidance) and affective responses (i.e., positive, negative). Goal framed thoughts were classified as either gain‐ or loss‐framed. We found that goal framed thoughts highlighting the gains associated with medication adherence were associated with higher levels of intrinsic motivation than either goal framed thoughts highlighting losses or attribute framed thoughts (p < .02). There were no significant associations between type of framing and patients' extrinsic, approach, or avoidance treatment motivations. Negative affect related more strongly to attribute framed thoughts and perceptions than to either gain‐ or loss‐framed thoughts (p < .001). Findings suggest that gain framing may be associated with stronger and more consistent adherence and treatment engagement among HIV patients with a promotion‐oriented self‐regulatory focus. Future studies are needed to evaluate the relative effect of framing manipulations on actual changes in HIV treatment adherence across time.
Chemical Production of Cytotoxic Bispecific Antibodies Using the Ugi Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Vaur Valentine , Koutsopetras Ilias , Erb Stéphane , Jackowska Bianka , Benazza Rania , Cahuzac Héloïse , Detappe Alexandre , Hernandez‐Alba Oscar , Cianférani Sarah , Scott Christopher J. , Chaubet Guilhem
Published: May 2024

Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have recently emerged as a promising platform for the treatment of several conditions, most importantly cancer. Based on the combination of two different antigen‐binding motifs in a single macromolecule; bsAbs can either display the combined characteristics of their parent antibodies, or new therapeutic features, inaccessible by the sole combination of two distinct antibodies. While bsAbs are traditionally produced by molecular biology techniques, the chemical development of bsAbs holds great promises and strategies have just begun to surface. In this context, we took advantage of a chemical strategy based on the use of the Ugi reaction for the site‐selective conjugation of whole antibodies and coupled the resulting conjugates in a bioorthogonal manner with Fab fragments, derived from various antibodies. We thus managed to produce five different bsAbs with 2 : 1 valency, with yields ranging from 20 % to 48 %, and showed that the affinity of the parent antibody was preserved in all bsAbs. We further demonstrated the interest of our strategy by producing two other bsAbs behaving as cytotoxic T cell engagers with IC50 values in the picomolar range in vitro.
Because trauma matters: School suspension
Authors: Paccione‐Dyszlewski Margaret
Published: May 2024

During my years as the director of mental health services for the Delaware Department of Corrections, I had the privilege of talking with many individuals as they reflected on their road to incarceration. School suspension was frequently an early stop on the journey.
MEIS2 suppresses breast cancer development by downregulating IL10
Authors: Xiao Yongzhi , Liu Yingzhe , Sun Yangqing , Huang Changhao , Zhong Shangwei
Published: May 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed female cancer. Homeobox protein MEIS2, a key transcription factor, is involved in the regulation of many developmental and cellular processes. However, the role of MEIS2 in the development of breast cancer is still unclear.

Aims

We aimed to examine the role of myeloid ecotropic insertion site (MEIS2) in breast cancer and the association of MEIS2 with breast cancer clinical stages and pathological grades. We revealed the underlying mechanism by which MEIS2 affected breast cancer cell growth and tumor development.

Methods and Results

Using human BC cell lines, clinical samples and animal xenograft model, we reveal that MEIS2 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. The expression of MEIS2 is inversely correlated with BC clinical stages and pathological grades. MEIS2 knockdown (MEIS2‐KD) promotes while MEIS2 overexpression suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor development in vitro and in animal xenograft models, respectively. To determine the biological function of MEIS2, we screen the expression of a group of MEIS2 potential targeting genes in stable‐established cell lines. Results show that the knockdown of MEIS2 in breast cancer cells up‐regulates the IL10 expression, but MEIS2 overexpression opposed the effect on IL10 expression. Furthermore, the suppressive role of MEIS2 in breast cancer cell proliferation is associated with the IL10 expression and myeloid cells infiltration.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the tumor suppressor of MEIS2 in breast cancer progression is partially via down regulating the expression of IL10 and promoting myeloid cells infiltration. Targeting MEIS2 would be a potentially therapeutic avenue for BC.
A novel approach for location selection in logistics: Ensemble SVM and improved genetic algorithm
Authors: Lu Chao , Hong Feng
Published: May 2024

Gathering logistics operations in an individual location offers various benefits at the macro level namely reducing environmental and community issues, replacing overflow of traffic, minimizing air pollution, and more. But the complexity in the selection of location is maximized and the logistic operation chooses the wrong location due to frequent variations in characteristics. Also, it is suitable for capturing long‐term dependencies. To overcome these difficulties, we propose ESVM‐IGS; an Ensemble support vector machine, and an Improved Genetic algorithm, with an initial search strategy to improve the efficiency. The Ensemble SVM is applied to produce a better outcome. To identify optimal configurations in the complex optimization problem an initial search‐based improved genetic algorithm is implemented. To conduct our experiments, the ESVM‐IGS is rigorously evaluated on the GIS real‐time Dataset and the efficiency of the model is validated with various performance measures. From the analysis, the proposed method results that it solved the complexity burden and improved the selection ability of long‐term dependency. The experimental results depict the better efficiency of the ESVM‐IGS method for the location selection strategy of logistics.
Ionization Patterns and Chemical Reactivity of Cytosine‐Guanine Watson‐Crick Pairs
Authors: Uddin Ismihan A. , Stec Ewa , Papadantonakis George A.
Published: May 2024

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Papadantonakis’ group. The image shows a Watson‐Crick Guanine‐Cytosine pair, and the difference between vertical and adiabatic ionization potentials. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202300946.
Evaluation of the effects of postprocessing settings in digital bitewing radiographs on proximal caries detection
Authors: Abdinian Mehrdad , Keshani Forooz , Sadeghi Fateme , Soltani Parisa , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Rengo Carlo
Published: May 2024

Objective

Radiographs are an integral part of detecting proximal caries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of contrast, brightness, noise, sharpness, and γ adjustment of digital intraoral radiographs on the diagnosis of proximal caries.

Materials and methods

In this in vitro study, 40 extracted teeth including 20 premolars and 20 molars with enamel lesions (white spot or dentin discoloration seen through the enamel) were mounted together in groups of eight inside the skull. Bitewing radiographic images of each dental group were obtained by a photostimulable phosphor plate sensor with exposure conditions of 8 mA, 70 kV, and 0.2 s. The images were reconstructed by the built‐in software and examined by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists in various settings of contrast, brightness, sharpness, noise, and γ. The teeth were then cut mesiodistally and the presence or absence of caries was confirmed by an oral and maxillofacial pathologist using a stereomicroscope. The data were then analyzed using the κ agreement coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (α = .05).

Results

Adjustment of brightness and contrast led to higher diagnostic performance with an accuracy of 82.5% and 83.8 (for observers 1 and 2, respectively) and 82.5% (for both observers), respectively. Noise adjustment was the least helpful approach for diagnosis of proximal dental caries among other adjustments, with an accuracy of 78.8% and 77.5% for observers 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusion

Brightness and contrast setting was more efficient in improving the diagnostic potential of bitewing radiographs compared to other adjustments.
A bidirectional resonant CLLC converter combining three‐level characteristic and bipolar DC structure
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Wu Xiaohua , Chen Xiliang , Zhao Xin
Published: May 2024

In order to meet the efficient and convenient usage requirements for bidirectional DC‐DC converters in some fields such as DC microgrids and vehicle power conversion systems, a bidirectional resonant CLLC converter combining three‐level characteristic and bipolar DC structure is used and analyzed in this paper. A three‐level topology is adopted in the resonant CLLC converter, which can achieve stable and wider range voltage regulation through the frequency adjustment combined with duty cycle and phase shift modulation, and can also increase the flexibility of control strategy. The application of bipolar DC structure enables this resonant CLLC converter to have multi‐port on one side, and the method of using two interleaved inductors combined with synchronous rectification enables the output voltage of the converter to maintain a certain balance. In this paper, the voltage gains and running states of the three‐level regulation method are analyzed, and then these operation modes and the bipolar DC voltage balance effect of the converter under synchronous rectification control are verified by the experiment results.
Performance evaluation of Non‐Orthogonal multiple access system based on outage probability and power consumption
Authors: Chandra Kothapalli Ramesh , Borugadda Somasekhar
Published: May 2024

In this growing world, the field of communication is developing quickly. The research community's attention is shifting to the design of networks beyond fifth generation (5G) and the sixth generation (6G) due to the rapid spread of the 5G mobile networks. Due to that, there will be a lot of traffic in the area, which will interfere with the channels and maybe produce noise. Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) contributes to streamlined communication and a decrease in the possibility of interference. The communication will be encoded and decoded from transmitter to receiver utilizing the superposition coding (SC) and successive interference cancelation (SIC) approaches, ensuring the message's secrecy. This paper considers a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT)‐based cooperative NOMA system, where the nearby user to the source node acts as a relay to assist the far user. To further enhance the system performance, an improved golden search optimization (IGSO) is used to determine the best power allocation and power splitting coefficients by decreasing the outage probability. The existing models are compared with the proposed model in the results section regarding outage probability and throughput, where the proposed model outperformed all other existing models.
Fracturing behaviors of flawed granite induced by dynamic loadings: A study based on DIP and PFC
Authors: Wang Xiao , Sun Wenbin , He Changdi , Yuan Wei , Sarfarazi Vahab , Wang Haozheng
Published: May 2024

This study explored the dynamic behaviors and fracturing mechanisms of flawed granite under split‐Hopkinson pressure bar testing, focusing on factors like grain size and flaw dimensions. By means of digital image processing and the discrete element method, Particle Flow Code 2D (PFC2D) models were constructed based on real granite samples, effectively overcoming the limitations of prior studies that mainly relied on randomized parameters. The results illustrate that the crack distribution of granite is significantly influenced by grain size and flaw dimensions. Tension cracks predominate and mineral boundaries, such as between feldspar and quartz, become primary crack sites. Both flaw length and width critically affect the crack density, distribution, and dynamic strength of granite. Specifically, dynamic strength tends to decrease with the enlargement of flaws and increase with an increase in flaw angles up to 90°.
Is it there?—Estimating the invasion of armored sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys sp.) in the water bodies of Eastern Ghats, India using the eDNA approach
Authors: Ganguly Neeldeep , Umapathy Govindhaswamy
Published: May 2024

Early detection of invasive species is crucial for effectively controlling the potential damage they can inflict on the ecosystems. In contrast to the many limitations that conventional detection methods like visual surveys and netting hold, environmental DNA assay provides a powerful alternative. This non‐invasive, highly sensitive, and user‐friendly technique offers the advantage of detecting invasive species even in areas where direct observation is challenging, thus addressing the shortcomings of traditional techniques and enhancing overall accuracy in estimating distribution. The spread of invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. has become a cause for concern in biodiversity‐rich countries like India. Despite this, comprehensive studies on the prevalence of this invasive species are limited. The Eastern Ghats of India remain under‐explored with a high potential for supporting diverse lifeforms. Studying the extent of biological invasions in the Eastern Ghats is essential for effective management and to mitigate the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of invasive species. In this study, we have designed and optimized an eDNA‐based quantitative PCR assay to map the presence and spread of invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. in selected freshwater ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats. This assay detected invasive Pterygoplichthys sp. in almost 65% of the total locations sampled. This study can be further extended to larger geographical areas, which can contribute to formulating necessary measures by the authorities to manage invasion and conserve the diversity of the freshwater ecosystem.