bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust internal representations for domain generalization
Authors: Rostami Mohammad
Published: October 2023

This paper, which is part of the New Faculty Highlights Invited Speaker Program of AAAI'23, serves as a comprehensive survey of my research in transfer learning by utilizing embedding spaces. The work reviewed in this paper specifically revolves around the inherent challenges associated with continual learning and limited availability of labeled data. By providing an overview of my past and ongoing contributions, this paper aims to present a holistic understanding of my research, paving the way for future explorations and advancements in the field. My research delves into the various settings of transfer learning, including, few‐shot learning, zero‐shot learning, continual learning, domain adaptation, and distributed learning. I hope this survey provides a forward‐looking perspective for researchers who would like to focus on similar research directions.
Unique Patterns in Amino Acid Sequences of Aging‐Related Proteins
Authors: Szatmári Eszter Zita , Csordás Attila , Kerepesi Csaba
Published: October 2023

Aging has strong genetic components and the list of genes that may regulate the aging process is collected in the GenAge database. There may be characteristic patterns in the amino acid sequences of aging‐related proteins that distinguish them from other proteins and this information will lead to a better understanding of the aging process. To test this hypothesis, human protein sequences are extracted from the UniProt database and the relative frequency of every amino acid residue in aging‐related proteins and the remaining proteins is calculated. The main observation is that the mean relative frequency of aspartic acid (D) is consistently higher, while the mean relative frequencies of tryptophan (W) and leucine (L) are consistently lower in aging‐related proteins compared to the non‐aging‐related proteins for the human and four examined model organisms. It is also observed that the mean relative frequency of aspartic acid is higher, while the mean relative frequency of tryptophan is lower in pro‐longevity proteins compared to anti‐longevity proteins in model organisms. Finally, it is found that aging‐related proteins tend to be longer than non‐aging‐related proteins. It is hoped that this analysis initiates further computational and experimental research to explore the underlying mechanisms of these findings.
Microstructure Characterization and Robust Lubrication Performance of CoCrNi Medium Entropy Alloy with Advanced Electrochemical Boronizing Treatment
Authors: Feng Ningbo , Wu Hongxing , Li Pengfei , Dong Jianxin , Chen Ying , Hua Ke , Wang Haifeng
Published: October 2023

CoCrNi medium‐entropy alloy (MEA) is a promising material for aviation and aerospace applications due to its excellent strength and ductility. However, its low surface hardness and poor wear resistance pose challenges for its tribological performance. To address this issue, electrochemical boronizing is explored as a potential solution, offering advantages such as a fast boronizing rate and low cost. This study demonstrates that electrochemical boronizing can significantly enhance the surface hardness and self‐lubrication performance of CoCrNi MEA, as well as retain impressive mechanical performance. Results show that a boronized layer with a thickness of about 50 μm is formed on the surface in 45 min. The boronized layer is mainly composed of Co2B, Ni2B, CrB, CoB, and Ni3B. After boronizing, the surface hardness of the sample increases by about 9 times, and the ultimate tensile strength and uniform elongation can reach 97% and 73% of the original sample, respectively. Compared with the original alloy, the friction coefficient and wear rate of boronized MEA are reduced by 38% and 85% under deionized water conditions, respectively. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals the generation of boron‐containing tribofilm on the wear scars, which significantly reduces friction and wear during the friction process.
3D Printing of Polyvinylidene Fluoride‐Based Piezoelectric Sensors for Noninvasive Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Mandal Arijit , Morali Alban , Skorobogatiy Maksim , Bodkhe Sampada
Published: October 2023

The successful fabrication and application of 3D‐printed piezoelectric sensors, made from polyvinylidene fluoride‐barium titanate nanocomposites, for continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring, is presented. The sensors are fabricated using direct‐ink write 3D printing technique possessing excellent flexibility, rendering them ideal for wearable applications. Key printing parameters, such as nozzle size and pressure, are optimized to achieve a β‐phase of 70% and an overall crystallinity of 48.3%. The sensors are characterized under dynamic pressures and show excellent linearity with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.99 and a pressure sensitivity of 0.024 V kPa−1, and demonstrate durability over 3600 cycles. The performance of our piezoelectric sensors is compared with a standard BP monitoring device for a subject, and a strong correlation with a standard deviation of 3.87 and 0.63 mmHg for sytolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively, is found. The development of sensors through 3D printing, as demonstrated in this study, represents a significant scientific advancement in the field of personalized healthcare. This novel approach enables the creation of customized wearable devices tailored for real‐time health monitoring of BP and heart rate.
2D Mesoporous Naphthalene‐Based Conductive Heteroarchitectures toward Long‐Life, High‐Capacity Zinc‐Iodine Batteries
Authors: Wei Facai , Zhang Tingting , Xu Hengyue , Peng Yonghui , Guo Haitao , Wang Yuexi , Guan Shaojian , Fu Jianwei , Jing Chengbin , Cheng Jiangong , Liu Shaohua
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, rechargeable aqueous zinc‐iodine batteries have attracted extensive attention due to their low cost, high safety, and high theoretical capacity. However, the poor electrical conductivity of iodine and the shuttling effect of soluble polyiodide ions impose an insurmountable constraint on their performance. Here, a facile soft‐hard‐templated co‐assembly strategy is proposed to fabricate naphthalene‐based heteroarchitectured conductive nanosheets with ordered mesopore arrays (≈10 nm), uniform thickness (24.5 nm), high specific surface area (221.5 m2 g−1), and good electronic conductivity (3.9 × 10−3 S cm−1). Density function theory calculation and systematic experimental results show that the complementary combination of the 2D polar semiconducting polymer chains and conductive carbon framework enables the highly efficient immobilization of iodine and then constrains their shuttling effect through strong physicochemical interactions. Accordingly, the resultant zinc‐iodine batteries deliver a high specific capacity of 271.4 mAh g−1, excellent rate capability, and impressive long‐term cycling stability (35 000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A g−1), superior to most of the previous reports. This study opens new venues for rationally constructing heteroarchitectured porous materials for energy storage applications.
Metallic Materials for Bone Repair
Authors: Fan Linlin , Chen Sen , Yang Minghui , Liu Yajun , Liu Jing
Published: October 2023

Repair of large bone defects caused by trauma or disease poses significant clinical challenges. Extensive research has focused on metallic materials for bone repair because of their favorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and manufacturing processes. Traditional metallic materials, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys, are widely used in clinics. Biodegradable metallic materials, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc alloys, are promising candidates for bone repair because of their ability to degrade over time. Emerging metallic materials, such as porous tantalum and bismuth alloys, have gained attention as bone implants owing to their bone affinity and multifunctionality. However, these metallic materials encounter many practical difficulties that require urgent improvement. This article systematically reviews and analyzes the metallic materials used for bone repair, providing a comprehensive overview of their morphology, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and in vivo implantation. Furthermore, the strategies and efforts made to address the short‐comings of metallic materials are summarized. Finally, the perspectives for the development of metallic materials to guide future research and advancements in clinical practice are identified.
An Erythrocyte Membrane‐Derived Nanosystem for Efficient Reversal of Endothelial Injury in Sepsis
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Jian , Jing Qi , Chen Ziying , Wang Kai , Sun Chuanzheng
Published: October 2023

Sepsis is caused by a disordered host immune in response to infection and endothelial cells perform a crucial role in boosting immunity reaction in the pathophysiology of sepsis and septic organ failure. The aim of this study is to construct a novel erythrocyte membrane‐derived nanosystems to reverse endothelial damage in sepsis. Herein, an innovative nanometer calcium metal‐organic framework (Ca‐MOF) is generated for the first time by using chelidonic acid as a ligand and calcium chloride as an ion donor for anti‐inflammation. Then, zoliflodacin is loaded into Ca‐MOF (CMZ) to sterilize and nanoscale erythrocyte membrane vesicles are prepared by modification with a γ3 peptide on the surface (γ3‐RM) for precise targeting. Finally, γ3‐RM camouflages the nanocore CMZ, to form novel erythrocyte membrane‐camouflaged nanoparticle γ3‐RCMZ. The superior performance of novel nanosystem results from its suitable biocompatibility, nontoxicity, specific targeting, and anti‐inflammatory and bactericidal effects. Its anti‐inflammatory mechanism mainly involves inhibiting the Caspase1‐nuclear factor kappa‐B (Caspase1‐NF‐κB) pathway and oxidative stress reduction to alleviate endothelial damage. Moreover, the findings have revealed for the first time that the bactericidal drug zoliflodacin also has anti‐inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, the novel nanosystem (γ3‐RCMZ) provides a new nanotherapy strategy for sepsis treatment.
A Nanozyme‐Based Electrode for High‐Performance Neural Recording
Authors: Liu Shuangjie , Wang Yang , Zhao Yue , Liu Ling , Sun Si , Zhang Shaofang , Liu Haile , Liu Shuhu , Li Yonghui , Yang Fan , Jiao Menglu , Sun Xinyu , Zhang Yuqin , Liu Renpeng , Mu Xiaoyu , Wang Hao , Zhang Shu , Yang Jiang , Xie Xi , Duan Xiaojie , Zhang Jianning , Hong Guosong , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Ming Dong
Published: October 2023

Implanted neural electrodes have been widely used to treat brain diseases that require high sensitivity and biocompatibility at the tissue–electrode interface. However, currently used clinical electrodes cannot meet both these requirements simultaneously, which hinders the effective recording of electronic signals. Herein, nanozyme‐based neural electrodes incorporating bioinspired atomically precise clusters are developed as a general strategy with a heterogeneous design for multiscale and ultrasensitive neural recording via quantum transport and biocatalytic processes. Owing to the dual high‐speed electronic and ionic currents at the electrode–tissue interface, the impedance of nanozyme electrodes is 26 times lower than that of state‐of‐the‐art metal electrodes, and the acquisition sensitivity for the local field potential is ≈10 times higher than that of clinical PtIr electrodes, enabling a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of up to 14.7 dB for single‐neuron recordings in rats. The electrodes provide more than 100‐fold higher antioxidant and multi‐enzyme‐like activities, which effectively decrease 67% of the neuronal injury area by inhibiting glial proliferation and allowing sensitive and stable neural recording. Moreover, nanozyme electrodes can considerably improve the SNR of seizures in acute epileptic rats and are expected to achieve precise localization of seizure foci in clinical settings.
Highly Reliable Van Der Waals Memory Boosted by a Single 2D Charge Trap Medium
Authors: Liu Chao , Pan Jie , Yuan Qihui , Zhu Chao , Liu Jianquan , Ge Feixiang , Zhu Jijie , Xie Haitao , Zhou Dawei , Zhang Zicheng , Zhao Peiyi , Tian Bobo , Huang Wei , Wang Lin
Published: October 2023

Charge trap materials that can store carriers efficiently and controllably are desired for memory applications. 2D materials are promising for highly compacted and reliable memory mainly due to their ease of constructing atomically uniform interfaces, however, remain unexplored as being charge trap media. Here it is discovered that 2D semiconducting PbI2 is an excellent charge trap material for nonvolatile memory and artificial synapses. It is simple to construct PbI2‐based charge trap devices since no complicated synthesis or additional defect manufacturing are required. As a demonstration, MoS2/PbI2 device exhibits a large memory window of 120 V, fast write speed of 5 µs, high on‐off ratio around 106, multilevel memory of over 8 distinct states, high reliability with endurance up to 104 cycles and retention over 1.2 × 104 s. It is envisioned that PbI2 with ionic activity caused by the natively formed iodine vacancies is unique to combine with unlimited 2D materials for versatile van der Waals devices with high‐integration and multifunctionality.
Cation Defect‐Engineered Boost Fast Kinetics of Two‐Dimensional Topological Bi2Se3 Cathode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zong Yu , Chen Haichao , Wang Jinsong , Wu Menghua , Chen Yu , Wang Liyu , Huang Xinliang , He Hongwei , Ning Xin , Bai Zhongchao , Wen Wen , Zhu Daming , Ren Xiaochuan , Wang Nana , Dou Shixue
Published: October 2023

The challenge with aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) lies in finding suitable cathode materials that can provide high capacity and fast kinetics. Herein, two‐dimensional topological Bi2Se3 with acceptable Bi‐vacancies for ZIBs cathode (Cu‐Bi2−xSe3) is constructed through one‐step hydrothermal process accompanied by Cu heteroatom introduction. The cation‐deficient Cu‐Bi2−xSe3 nanosheets (≈4 nm) bring improved conductivity from large surface topological metal states contribution and enhanced bulk conductivity. Besides, the increased adsorption energy and reduced Zn2+ migration barrier demonstrated by density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations illustrate the decreased Coulombic ion‐lattice repulsion of Cu‐Bi2−xSe3. Therefore, Cu‐Bi2−xSe3 exhibits both enhanced ion and electron transport capability, leading to more carrier reversible insertion proved by in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (SXRD). These features endow Cu‐Bi2−xSe3 with sufficient specific capacity (320 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), high‐rate performance (97 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1), and reliable cycling stability (70 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 4000 cycles). Furthermore, quasi‐solid‐state fiber‐shaped ZIBs employing the Cu‐Bi2−xSe3 cathode demonstrate respectable performance and superior flexibility even under high mass loading. This work implements a conceptually innovative strategy represented by cation defect design in topological insulator cathode for achieving high‐performance battery electrochemistry.
Structure Design, Surface Modification, and Application of CNT Microwave‐Absorbing Composites
Authors: Cai Yanzhi , Yu Haiming , Cheng Laifei , Guo Siyu , Liu Tingting , Chen Dengpeng , Huang Shaohua , Hu Zhongyi , Wang Yuhan , Zhou Yuan
Published: October 2023

Electromagnetic (EM) contamination has now become a non‐negligible problem. To solve the EM contamination problem, it is imperative to develop high‐efficiency absorption materials with thin thickness, light weight, strong absorption properties, and broad absorption bands. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a special helical structure and chirality, which will lead to special EM effects and therefore can absorb EM microwaves through magnetic polarization attenuation such as hysteresis loss, domain wall resonance, and aftereffect loss. Moreover, they have the characteristics of light weight, good compatibility, wide absorption frequency band, and high electrical loss angle tangent. In this paper, the different structures of CNT microwave‐absorbing composites are reviewed and the effects of the composite structures on the microwave‐absorbing properties are systematically discussed. The methods and mechanisms of surface modification of CNT absorber composites and the effects of modification on the absorber properties are summarized in detail. The progress of two specific CNT microwave‐absorbing composites, namely flexible and high‐temperature microwave‐absorbing composites, is briefly described. The shortcomings and challenges in the application of CNT microwave‐absorbing composites are described and future research directions for CNT microwave‐absorbing composites are explored.
45,X/46,XY mosaicism: Clinical manifestations and long term follow‐up
Authors: Alkhunaizi Ebba , Albrecht Jenna Plamondon , Aarabi Mahmoud , Witchel Selma F. , Wherrett Diane , Babul‐Hirji Riyana , Dupuis Annie , Chiniara Lyne , Chater‐Diehl Eric , Shago Mary , Shuman Cheryl , Rajkovic Aleksandar , Yatsenko Svetlana A. , Chitayat David
Published: October 2023

45,X/46,XY chromosomal mosaicism presents a range of clinical manifestations, including phenotypes from Turner syndrome through genital abnormalities to apparently unaffected phenotypic males; however, the full clinical spectrum has not yet been fully delineated since prior studies on the clinical phenotype and associated risk of gonadal tumors included small cohorts and limited follow‐up. To better describe the clinical manifestations and long‐term outcome of patients with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with 45,X/46,XY from three health centers (Hospital for Sick Children and Mount Sinai Hospital in Canada, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in United States). Of 100 patients with 45,X/46,XY karyotype, 47 were raised as females and 53 as males. Females were significantly shorter than males (p = 0.04) and height Z‐score was significantly decreased with age for both genders (p = 0.02). Growth hormone (GH) treatment did not result in a significant height increase compared to the untreated group (p = 0.5). All females required puberty induction in contrast to majority of males. Five females were diagnosed with gonadal tumors, while no males were affected. Around 58% of patients exhibited at least one Turner syndrome stigmata. This study expands the clinical spectrum, long‐term outcomes, and associated tumor risk in a large cohort of patients with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism. Additionally, it highlights our experience with GH therapy and prophylactic gonadectomy.
Quality of life measures in children with Down syndrome with disorders of gut–brain interaction
Authors: Ciciora Steven L. , Manickam Kandamurugu , Saps Miguel
Published: October 2023

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with multiple medical comorbidities. Perhaps related to such, caregivers of individuals with DS report lower quality of life (QoL) compared to individuals without DS. It has been shown that disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) such as functional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in individuals with DS. We measured caregiver‐reported QoL in individuals with DS with a DGBI and compared them to individuals with DS without a DGBI via a cross‐sectional national survey. All measures of QoL were lower in those with DS who meet criteria for a DGBI compared to those with DS without a DGBI. Males and females with DS and at least one DGBI had similar QoL scores. While FC was the most common DGBI seen in individuals with DS, there was no difference in any aspect of QoL in subjects with FC when compared to individuals with other DGBIs. However, all measures of QoL were lower in those with IBS compared to individuals with other DGBIs. These findings suggest that management of gastrointestinal symptoms from DGBIs, particularly IBS, may serve as a target for increasing QoL in a notable subset of individuals with DS.
Experimental and Computational Studies on Uranium Diazomethanediide Complexes
Authors: Li Tongyu , Wang Dongwei , Heng Yi , Hou Guohua , Zi Guofu , Ding Wanjian , Maron Laurent , Walter Marc D.
Published: October 2023

Uranium diazomethanediide complexes can be prepared and their synthesis, structure and reactivity were explored. Reaction of the uranium imido compound [η5‐1,2,4‐(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U=N(p‐tolyl)(dmap) (1) or [η5‐1,3‐(Me3C)2C5H3]2U=N(p‐tolyl)(dmap) (4) with Me3SiCHN2 cleanly yields the first isocyanoimido metal complexes [η5‐1,2,4‐(Me3Si)3C5H2]2U(=NNC)(μ‐CNN=)U(dmap)[η5‐1,2,4‐(Me3Si)3C5H2]2 (2) and {[η5‐1,3‐(Me3C)2C5H3]2U[μ‐(=NNC)]}6 (5), respectively. Both compounds exhibit remarkable thermal stability and were fully characterized. According to density functional theory (DFT) studies the bonding between the Cp2U2+ and [NNC]2− moieties is strongly polarized with a significant 5 f orbital contribution, which is also reflected in the reactivity of these complexes. For example, complex 5 acts as a nucleophile toward alkylsilyl halides and engages in a [2+2] cycloaddition with CS2, but no reaction occurs in the presence of internal alkynes.
Recent advances in cocatalyst engineering for solar‐driven overall water splitting
Authors: Pelicano Christian Mark , Tong Haijian
Published: October 2023

Solar‐driven overall water splitting using particulate photocatalysts represents a viable and attractive paradigm to produce H2. To achieve sustainable artificial photosynthesis, considerable effort has been devoted in enhancing the overall efficiency and stability of photocatalysts. More specifically, modifying the photocatalyst surface with suitable cocatalysts can significantly enhance its water‐splitting performance. In this minireview, we describe recent advances with respect to the hybridization strategies in constructing high‐performance cocatalyst/photocatalyst systems. We first discuss the fundamental concepts and principles governing the photocatalytic water splitting and the important role of cocatalysts. Subsequently, we examine the strengths and drawbacks of conventional and emerging cocatalyst loading strategies. Special consideration is given to the structure–activity relationship of cocatalysts to achieve efficient photocatalytic H2 production from pure H2O. Finally, the remaining key challenges and possible future directions in the discovery and further exploration of cocatalyst materials are also discussed. We anticipate this review will provide insights and inspire more research interest in designing high‐performance cocatalysts for photocatalytic overall water splitting.
Responses of native freshwater mussels to remediation to remove polychlorinated biphenyl‐contaminated sediments in the upper Hudson River
Authors: Newton Teresa J. , Mayer Denise A. , Rogala James T. , Madden Sean S. , Gray Brian R.
Published: October 2023

The Hudson River, New York, was contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from two manufacturing plants over a period of approximately 30 years, and PCBs are still present in sediment and biota today. The river provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including native freshwater mussels. A remediation programme, consisting of dredging followed by the placement of backfilled sediment and/or a subaqueous cap, was initiated in 2009 to remove PCB‐contaminated sediments, and managers were concerned about how remediation could affect the mussels.

Quantitative surveys were conducted across nine reaches (pools) to estimate species composition, density, population size, population structure, and ecosystem services of mussel assemblages, pre‐ and post‐remediation. Surveys were stratified into remediated areas (targeted for dredging) and non‐remediated areas (not targeted for dredging).

Pre‐remediation, the river contained a low diversity, and high, but variable, density of mussels that were strongly dominated by Elliptio complanata. The presence of few fresh dead mussels indicates low natural mortality. Frequent recruitment by many species, varied length classes, and high biomass also support robust assemblages that perform important ecosystem services, such as biofiltration.

Remedial activity removed most of the mussels and the associated services that they perform: their density was reduced by 83% and their filtration capacity was reduced by 93%, relative to non‐remediated areas. Areas that were remediated were almost devoid of adult mussels, but the presence of small mussels indicates that natural recolonization is occurring. However, it is unknown whether these assemblages will persist. As mussels are generally long lived and slow growing, natural recovery is anticipated to be slow, in the order of decades.
Interaction with peers online: LGBTQIA+ individuals' information seeking and meaning‐making during the life transitions of identity construction
Authors: Jia Romy Menghao , Du Jia Tina , Zhao Yuxiang (Chris)
Published: October 2023

People search for information and experiences and seek meaning as a common reaction to new life challenges. There is little knowledge about the interactions through which experiential information is acquired, and how such interactions are meaningful to an information seeker. Through a qualitative content analysis of 992 posts in an online forum, this study investigated lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals' online information interactions and meaning‐making with peers during their life transitions of identity construction. Our analysis reveals LGBTQIA+ people's life challenges across three transition stages (being aware of, exploring, and living with a new identity). Three main types of online peer interactions were identified within: cognitive, affective, and situational peer interactions. We found that online peer interactions are not only a type of information source that LGBTQIA+ individuals use to acquire understanding about themselves but a unique space for transformation learning and meaning‐making where they share self‐examination and reflection, conduct assessments and assumptions, and obtain strength and skills to initiate and adapt life transitions. The findings have theoretical contributions to the development of information behavior models of transitions and practical implications on providing information services that support LGBTQIA+ individuals' meaning‐making during the life transition.
Identification of angiogenesis‐related subtypes, the development of a prognosis model, and features of tumor microenvironment in colon cancer
Authors: Wang Feifei , Wang Changjing , Li Baokun , Wang Guanglin , Meng Zesong , Han Jiachao , Guo Ganlin , Yu Bin , Wang Guiying
Published: October 2023

Angiogenesis is associated with tumor progression, prognosis, and treatment effect. However, the angiogenesis’ underlying mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment (TME) still remain unclear. Understanding the dynamic interactions between angiogenesis and TME in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is necessary. We downloaded the transcriptome data and corresponding clinical data of colon cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, respectively. We identified two distinct angiogenesis‐related molecular subtypes (subtype A and subtype B) and assessed the clinical features, prognosis, and infiltrating immune cells of patients in the two subtypes. According to the prognostic differential genes, we defined two different gene clusters to further explore the correlation between angiogenesis and tumor heterogeneity. Then, we construct the prognostic risk scoring model angiogenesis‐related gene (ARG‐score) including seven genes (ARMCX2, latent transforming growth factor β binding protein 1, ADAM8, FABP4, CCL11, CXCL11, ITLN1) using Lasso‐multivariate cox method. We analyzed the correlation between ARG‐score and prognosis, clinicopathological features, TME, molecular feature, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and microsatellite instability (MSI) status. To assess the application value of ARG‐score in clinical treatment, immunophenotype score was used to predict patients’ immunotherapy response in colon cancer. We found the mutations of ARGs in TCGA–COAD dataset from genetic levels and discussed their expression patterns based on TCGA and GEO datasets. We observed important differences in clinicopathological features, prognosis, immune feature, molecular feature between the two molecular subgroups. Then, we established an ARG‐score for predicting OS and validated its predictive capability. A high ARG‐score characterized by higher transcription level of ARGs, suggested lower MSI‐high (MSI‐H), lower immune score, and worse clinical stage and survival outcome. Additionally, the ARG‐score was remarkably related to the CSCs index and immunotherapy sensitivity. We found two new molecular subtypes and two gene clusters based on ARGs and established an ARG‐score. Multilayered analysis revealed that ARGs were remarkably correlated to the heterogeneity of colon cancer patients and explained the process of tumorigenesis and progression better. The ARG‐score can help us better assess patients’ survival outcomes and provide guidance for individualized treatment.
Effect of choosing coordinate systems on computationally predicting nonradiative transition rates of flexible thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules
Authors: Min Byeong Ki , Kim Donggeon , Kim Dongwook , Rhee Young Min
Published: October 2023

Understanding nonradiative transition mechanisms is important in various situations. However, compared with radiative processes where temporal profiles of photon emission can be monitored in a straightforward manner, experimentally accessing the rate information may not be an easy task with nonradiative transitions. Hence, applying theoretical tools toward predicting the rates can be a useful tactic. Such predictions become very useful in designing optoelectronic materials as in the molecules adopted for constructing organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The correlation function formalism is a method that can fulfill the purpose of designing OLED materials. The formalism requires information regarding the vibrational normal modes of the two electronic states before and after the transition. Because the method is also based on harmonic oscillator approximation, it can actually fail to provide high reliability when there is a large geometric distortion between the initial and the final states. In fact, the harmonic normal mode picture is more prone to lose reliability in the Cartesian coordinates than in the internal ones even at a small distortion, and hence adopting internal coordinates may be more preferable for practical calculations. This is because normal mode mixing becomes less severe when molecular coordinates are described with internal degrees of freedom such as bond stretching, bending, and torsion. In this regard, how much more reliable the nonradiative rate predictions in OLED materials become with the use of internal coordinate system deserves a close inspection. In this account, we review on the derivation of the correlation function formalism and provide how it can be adapted toward the use of the internal coordinates. As a demonstration, we evaluate the intersystem crossing and the internal conversion rates of a series of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules with both Cartesian and internal coordinate systems. Overall, handling transitions involving substantial structural changes is improved indeed with the internal coordinates. However, limitations are still apparent for the TADF systems with a flexible donor–acceptor type construct especially when the inevitable inter‐domain twisting takes place with the electronic transition. Future prospect for handling the issue is commented as a concluding remark.
Political tolerance and the golden rule: Reciprocity increases acceptance of normative protest actions of disliked groups
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Yogeeswaran Kumar , Adelman Levi
Published: October 2023

The golden rule is a widespread moral guide for preventing conflict across cultures and religions, and reciprocity is foundational to political tolerance. This raises the question of whether the golden rule has an impact on one's willingness to tolerate political protest actions of disliked ideological groups. In the current research, we examined whether making salient golden rule reciprocity impacts on political tolerance of one's least‐liked groups. Data from two experiments (N = 950) revealed that participants who watched a 3‐min video highlighting the golden rule showed significantly more tolerance of normative protest actions of their least‐liked group relative to watching a control video. By contrast, the golden rule video had no significant impact on tolerance of non‐normative protest actions of one's least‐liked group. Additionally, the golden rule video had no impact on one's attitudes or willingness to engage in contact with the least‐liked group indicating that increased political tolerance of normative protest actions was not due to changing attitudes towards the least‐liked group. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that reminders of the principle of reciprocity and the golden rule can increase political tolerance with benefits for liberal democracy. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Novel Antitubercular Agents: Design, Synthesis, Molecular Dynamic and Biological Studies of Pyrazole – 1,2,4‐Triazole Conjugates
Authors: Ajin K. A. , Arun Kumar Sethu , Singh Manisha , Akshatha H. S. , Bhagyalalitha Meduri , Pujar Karthik G. , Sumana M. N. , Chandrashekar V. M. , Bidye Durgesh , Pujar Gurubasavaraj Veeranna
Published: October 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has numerous cell wall and non‐cell wall mediated receptors for drug action, of which cell wall mediated targets were found to be more promising because of their pivotal role in bacterial protection and survival. Herein, we reported the design and synthesis of a series of pyrazole‐linked triazoles based on the reported structural features of promising drug candidates that target DprE1 receptors through a Structure‐based drug design (SBDD) approach (6a–6j and 7a–7j). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in‐vitro antitubercular activity against virulent strains of Mtb H37Rv. In‐silico studies revealed that most compounds exhibit binding interactions with crucial amino acids like Lys418, Tyr314, Tyr60, and Asp386 at DprE1. Furthermore, the protein‐ligand (7j) shows appreciable stability compared to innate protein in a 100 ns molecular dynamic simulation study. In‐vitro MAB assay revealed that 14 compounds exhibit significant antitubercular activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the 3.15–4.87 μM of the 20 compounds tested. An in‐vitro cytotoxicity study on normal cell lines (MCF10) revealed safe compounds (IC50 values:341.85 to 726.08 μM). Hence, the present study opens the development of new pyrazole‐linked triazoles as probable DprE1 inhibitors.
Intramuscular hydatid cyst of paraspinal muscle: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Shrestha Anisha , Shrestha Anish Kumar , Deo Alok , Sharma Gopal Raman
Published: October 2023

Hydatid cyst is a zoonosis caused by ingestion of eggs of Echinococcus‐a tapeworm. Following ingestion of the eggs, oncosphere larvae are released which penetrate the intestinal wall to invade various organs of the body including liver, lungs, and skeletal muscles via. blood vessels. Due to their contractile nature and high lactic acid content, skeletal muscles are typically not a suitable site for attachment of hydatid cyst. In our case report presented below, we report a rare case of an isolated hydatid cyst of paraspinal muscle presenting as a slow‐growing asymptomatic mass in the back, posing a clinical diagnostic dilemma.
Pulmonary thromboembolism as a rare complication of Plasmodium vivax malaria: A case report
Authors: Solela Gashaw , Daba Merga , Getahun Zerubabel , Getachew Yared , Girma Dejene
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Low threshold is required to suspect complications of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Pulmonary thromboembolism, though rare, should be considered as its complication in the presence of unexplained and sudden onset shortness of breath.

The hypercoagulable complications of malaria typically manifest in the microvasculature. However, there are several cases of intracranial venous thrombosis caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria, and there was one case report of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) due to P. falciparum. A 30‐year‐old Ethiopian male patient presented with sudden onset of shortness of breath for 3 days. He had also high‐grade fever, chills, and rigors associated with loss of appetite and fatigue of similar duration. He was from malaria endemic area. He had a pulse rate of 108 beats per minutes, respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation of 82% with atmospheric air and temperature of 38.9°C. Further examination revealed accentuation of pulmonary component of second heart sound. Complete blood count revealed mild anemia and peripheral blood film showed trophozoites of P. vivax. Pulmonary CT angiography showed filling defects in the right and left pulmonary arteries. The patient was diagnosed to have P. vivax malaria complicated by PTE. He was managed with intranasal oxygen, antimalarial agent, and anticoagulation. Upon serial evaluations on the third week and second month of follow up, he did not have complaints and physical examination was non‐remarkable. Malaria is a protozoan disease with high mortality and morbidity. For a long time, severe cases of malaria were thought to be mostly caused by P. falciparum. However, recent evidences have shown a paradigm shift and we should remember that P. vivax can also cause severe malaria and this can be complicated by hypercoagulable conditions including PTE.
Studies of the Anaerobic Leaching of Iron and Copper Containing Dump Material and Comparison to Chemical Leaching
Authors: Samani Leila Derakhshan , Glombitza Franz , Pätzold Carsten , Bertau Martin
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the leaching of a non‐sulfide copper ore by a new bioleaching process, the Ferredox process. In the Ferredox process, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans reduces ferric ions and oxidizes sulfur at low pH under anaerobic conditions. In this study, a bacterial culture (mainly A. ferrooxidans) was initially grown aerobically. Bacterial dissolution of iron sludge under anaerobic conditions versus sulfuric acid was compared. An iron slurry sample from the West Rand Ditch near Hoyerswerda, Germany and from the Golestan Mine in Iran was investigated. Two shake flasks each containing an iron slurry and non‐sulfidic Fe/Cu ore were used. One shake flask each was subjected to an anaerobic process by A. ferrooxidans, while the other sample was leached with dilute sulfuric acid. In the chemical leaching, the amount of dissolved copper was 2.5 %, only slightly higher than in the bioleaching. In a subsequent anaerobic column leaching with A. ferrooxidans, 35 % of the contained copper was mobilized from 1366 g ore.
Reduction of phosphogypsum for SO2 production: Insights into the release characteristics of SO2 following the solid–solid reaction of CaS and CaSO4 under different atmospheres
Authors: Gao Peng , Shen Yue , Zheng Min , Xie Haitao
Published: October 2023

Phosphogypsum (PG) severely pollutes the environment and is difficult to recycle. PG is primarily composed of CaSO4 · 2H2O. In this study, the characteristics of SO2 released from the solid–solid reaction between calcium sulphide (CaS) and CaSO4 were thoroughly investigated using thermodynamic calculations. Experiments were performed by tuning the molar ratio of CaS to CaSO4, reaction atmosphere (S, CH4, N2, and air), and the heating rate. As shown by the phase diagram, high reaction temperatures favour CaO stability, and the corresponding maximum SO2 equilibrium partial pressure increases. The total SO2 production significantly increased with increasing molar ratio and slightly increased when the ratio exceeded 1:3. The SO2 productions were ranked from highest to lowest as follows: S, CH4, N2, CO, and air. The total SO2 production decreased with increasing heating rate. For the reaction between CaS and CaSO4, a higher molar ratio of CaS to CaSO4 no less than 1:3, both S and CH4 reductive atmospheres, and a lower heating rate (2°C/min) favour the total SO2 emission.
Porous cenosphere ceramic microfiltration membrane: Preparation, characterization, permeability evaluation, and cost estimation
Authors: Pradhan Prachiprava , Rathod Ajit P. , Rai Suchita B. , Sonawane Shriram S.
Published: October 2023

Ceramic membranes are now receiving greater attention and are regarded as the best alternative option for reducing energy use. There are currently a number of limitations on the use of ceramic membranes, including high raw material costs and high sintering temperatures during synthesis. Cost‐effective raw materials were employed in the synthesis of ceramic membranes to get around these restrictions. Utilizing a straightforward pressing technique, circular disc‐type membranes were prepared. To assess the membrane properties, the impact of sintering temperatures between 700 and 900°C was examined. By varying the sintering temperature, the average membrane pore diameter was observed. The membrane, which was sintered at 800°C, had pores that were on average 110 nm in size. Furthermore, the porosity of these synthesized membranes ranged from 22% to 35% with an average pore diameter of 74–121 nm. These manufactured membranes showed very good chemical stability when both acidic and basic solutions were used. Various characterization methods, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were used. Thermo‐gravimetric investigation revealed that the synthesized cenosphere membrane required a minimum sintering temperature of about 700°C. The flux measured with deionized water and the applied transmembrane pressure showed an upward trend. The impact of sintering temperature on permeate flux was investigated. The results showed that as the sintering temperature increased from 700°C to 900°C, the flux reduced. It was determined that the synthesized membrane cost ₹1618.80/m2.
Atonic‐BECTS: An unusual presentation of self‐limited epilepsy in childhood
Authors: Sampat Varun , Singh Avantika , Patel Hema
Published: October 2023

Objectives

We describe an unusual patient with self‐limited epilepsy in childhood to aid in the accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of an atonic variant of self‐limited focal epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records documenting the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment. We also reviewed the relevant video electroencephalograms (EEGs).

Patient Description

This 3‐year‐old girl with self‐limited focal epilepsy of childhood (formerly called benign rolandic epilepsy) began having recurrent falls. Multiple clinical seizures were recorded on video EEG. The video documented generalized loss of tone resulting in falls, while the ictal EEG revealed one‐second paroxysms of 4 Hz spike‐slow‐wave discharges in the left centrotemporal region, followed by a brief generalized electrodecrement for 400 milliseconds. These findings support the diagnosis of an atypical variant of benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), known as atonic‐BECTS. Valproic acid was maximized. On follow‐up, the patient was seizure‐free with a normal EEG and normal development.

Discussion

Few prior publications describe atonic‐BECTS. We present a child with atonic‐BECTS whose ictal video EEG confirms atonic seizures. While atonic seizures typically occur with generalized epilepsies, our report highlights that they can present as an atypical manifestation of self‐limited focal epilepsy in childhood.
Congenital myasthenic syndrome type 2C in a neonate: Redefining the phenotype of CHRNB1‐related myasthenic syndromes
Authors: Gonzalez Zurisadai , Kayyal Simon , Zadeh Neda , Thomas Julian
Published: October 2023

Objective

We present a neonate with generalized weakness due to autosomal recessive congenital myasthenic syndrome type 2C (CMS2C) resulting from a compound heterozygous mutation in the CHRNB1 gene.

Patient description

Our patient was determined by multiple methodologies to have a diagnosis of CMS2C (OMIM #616314). Whole‐genome sequencing revealed two distinct variants in the CHRNB1 gene (OMIM *100710): a maternally inherited 2 kb pathogenic microdeletion on chromosome 17p13.1 and a paternally inherited intronic deletion (c.1218‐9_1218‐7) that was reported by the laboratory as a variant of unknown significance.

Conclusions

CMS2C is a rare autosomal recessive genetic condition associated with early‐onset muscle weakness. Our patient had a paternally inherited deletion in CHRNB1 (c.1218‐9_1218‐7) that was initially described as a variant of unknown significance. We suggest this finding is “likely pathogenic,” as this aberration has not been commonly described. He also had a partial deletion of CHRNB1 in the maternally inherited allele, which provides further evidence that partial gene deletions may be a more common molecular mechanism than previously known for this condition. The combination of the clinical presentation and electrophysiologic data allowed us to understand the molecular findings and ultimately diagnose CMS2C in our patient.
UV Irradiation of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polypropylene and Detection of Formed Microplastic Particles Down to 1 μm
Authors: Mikac Lara , Csáki Attila , Zentai Benedek , Rigó István , Veres Miklós , Tolić Ana , Gotić Marijan , Ivanda Mile
Published: October 2023

The degradation of plastics upon UVC irradiation in aqueous solution and the formation of microplastic (MP) particles were investigated. Polypropylene (PP) and recycled and virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were irradiated with a UV lamp emitting light at 254 nm. Irradiation was performed for 15 and 30 min, respectively, at an intensity of about 0.3 W cm−2. The formation of MP was studied by Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that MP particles were formed after irradiation and that their number was significantly higher in the recycled PET than in the virgin material. The number of PP MP formed was lower compared to PET and was not significantly different after 15 and 30 min. In addition, ethanol was used as an alternative solvent to investigate how its chemical properties and interactions with UVC irradiation affect the degradation of PET and PP plastics. The use of ethanol and recycled PET resulted in a lower number of MP particles at both irradiation times. When ethanol was used after 30 min of irradiation, significantly more PP MP formed. The different chemical structures of PET and PP combined with the different solvent properties of water and ethanol contribute to the differences in their susceptibility to UVC degradation.