bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated System of Mechanical Regulator and Electrical Circuitry on Triboelectric Energy Harvesting with Near‐Field Communication for Low Power Consumption
Authors: Hwang Hee Jae , Kwon Daehyeok , Kwon Hee‐Young , Shim Minseob , Baik Jeong Min , Choi Dukhyun
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an integrated power generation, conversion, and storage system with a temperature monitoring system, including passive near‐field communication (PGCS‐TMS‐pNFC), based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The system consists of three parts; first, a mechanical regulation system (MRS) with kinematic design and multiphase control; second, a phase control rectifying circuit (PCRC) with a battery charging circuit (BCC); and third, a data processing and communication system (TMS‐pNFC) for low power consumption. The MRS, consisting of a reel spring and gear train, achieves a high‐frequency output exceeding 1000 Hz, and long‐lasting operation. PCRC provides stable and minimizing fluctuated DC output with a ripple effect as RMS voltage and current of 423 V and 46 µA, for 2 s, with a crest factor of 1.15 and 1.08. The PGCS‐TMS‐pNFC, harvesting building energy, such as opening and closing doors, is used to sense and store temperature data for more than 29 min, and the data is transmitted to the receiver via pNFC through smartphone tagging. Additionally, the PGCS with BCC is implemented on a bicycle frame to charge electronic devices while riding. This research underscores the integrated approach and practical applications of TENG technology that contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in the lives.
Association between hippocampal microglia, AD and LATE‐NC, and cognitive decline in older adults
Authors: Kapasi Alifiya , Yu Lei , Leurgans Sue E , Agrawal Sonal , Boyle Patricia A , Bennett David A , Schneider Julie A
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

This study investigates the relationship between microglia inflammation in the hippocampus, brain pathologies, and cognitive decline.

METHODS

Participants underwent annual clinical evaluations and agreed to brain donation. Neuropathologic evaluations quantified microglial burden in the hippocampus, amyloid beta (Aβ), tau tangles, and limbic age‐related transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) encephalopathy neuropathologic changes (LATE‐NC), and other common brain pathologies. Mixed‐effect and linear regression models examined the association of microglia with a decline in global and domain‐specific cognitive measures, and separately with brain pathologies. Path analyses estimated direct and indirect effects of microglia on global cognition.

RESULT

Hippocampal microglia were associated with a faster decline in global cognition, specifically in episodic memory, semantic memory, and perceptual speed. Tau tangles and LATE‐NC were independently associated with microglia. Other pathologies, including Aβ, were not related. Regional hippocampal burden of tau tangles and TDP‐43 accounted for half of the association of microglia with cognitive decline.

DISCUSSION

Microglia inflammation in the hippocampus contributes to cognitive decline. Tau tangles and LATE‐NC partially mediate this association.
The Impact of Metagenomics on Biocatalysis
Authors: Hogg Bethany N. , Schnepel Christian , Finnigan James D. , Charnock Simon J. , Hayes Martin A. , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: March 2024

In the ever‐growing demand for sustainable ways to produce high‐value small molecules, biocatalysis has come to the forefront of greener routes to these chemicals. As such, the need to constantly find and optimise suitable biocatalysts for specific transformations has never been greater. Metagenome mining has been shown to rapidly expand the toolkit of promiscuous enzymes needed for new transformations, without requiring protein engineering steps. If protein engineering is needed, the metagenomic candidate can often provide a better starting point for engineering than a previously discovered enzyme on the open database or from literature, for instance. In this review, we highlight where metagenomics has made substantial impact on the area of biocatalysis in recent years. We review the discovery of enzymes in previously unexplored or ‘hidden’ sequence space, leading to the characterisation of enzymes with enhanced properties that originate from natural selection pressures in native environments.
Late transition metal complexes of ferrocene‐containing nitrogen ligands: Coordination chemistry, electron transfer properties, and tumor cell viability
Authors: Jakopec Silvio , Pantalon Juraj Natalija , Jadreško Dijana , Vianello Robert , Brozovic Anamaria , Tadić Vanja , Milić Lea , Perić Berislav , Raić‐Malić Silvana , Kirin Srećko I.
Published: March 2024

Bis(2‐picolyl)amine (bpa), iminodiacetamide (imda), and bis‐1,2,3‐triazole (bta) ferrocene ligands (L) with and without an aliphatic linker were prepared by multi‐step synthesis. The cis‐fac, trans‐fac, or mer stereochemistry of their ML2 complexes with Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) was studied in the solid state (infrared [IR] and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction [SC‐XRD]), in solution (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] and cyclic voltammetry [CV]) and by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Crystal structures were determined for bpa ligand 7, and complexes [Ni(1)2](NO3)2 (1Ni), [Cu(8)2]OTf2 (8Cu), [Ni(10b)2](NO3)2 (10bNi), and [Cu(10b)2]OTf2 (10bCu). The bond strength of the central metal ion to the ligand amine nitrogen atom was studied by NMR, electrochemistry, and DFT. The information on redox‐active centers, electron transfer properties of ferrocene ligands (L), and their in situ complexation with zinc(II) and nickel(II) ions were obtained by voltammetric analysis. In addition, DFT calculations showed that the electron ionization in ML2 complexes occurs from one of the ferrocene units, leaving the electronic structure of the other ligand intact, while some of the expelled electron density is recovered by the adjacent amine through resonance. This effect is more pronounced in the free ligands, because the eventual amine resonance in ML2 needs to balance its Zn(II) coordination participation, which justifies why they show higher ionization energies over free ligands. Moreover, due to lower steric hindrance, the N(amino)–Zn(II) coordination is additionally stronger in 1:1 ML complexes, which makes their electron depletion further more demanding. If compared with the clinical drug cisplatin, complexes of bpa 1Ni and imda 2Ni showed a better effect on the viability of different tumor cell lines and better selectivity towards normal cells. Treatment with 1Ni and 2Ni causes an increase of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and leads to the accumulation of cells in G0/G1. A decrease in the expression level of anti‐apoptotic marker Bcl‐2 upon treatment with both compounds together with increased amount of Annexin V‐FITC positive cells implied apoptosis as the mode of cell death.
Degradation kinetics of PLA compounds with castor oil
Authors: Dantas Lorena , Araújo Amanda , Nicácio Pedro , Severo Amanda , Albuquerque Ananda , Souza Matheus , Luna Carlos , Araújo Edcleide , Wellen Renate
Published: March 2024

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) compounds with castor oil (CO) and epoxidized castor oil (ECO) were produced via formic acid, with levels of 5% CO, 3 and 5% ECO. The contribution of this study lies in the detailed analysis of thermal degradation and degradation kinetics of PLA/CO and PLA/ECO. Chemical changes were evidenced by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal stability, and degradation kinetics were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), using Friedman (FR), Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Vyazovkin (VZ) models. Results showed changes in FTIR spectra for PLA/CO and PLA/ECO. For PLA/5%CO and PLA/3%ECO, lower energy bonds formation were observed, resulting in modifications in the involved molecules and presence of CH type bonds in PLA/5%ECO. TGA analysis showed that PLA presented greater thermal stability compared with PLA/CO and PLA/ECO, with T5% = 306°C. The compounds 5% CO, 3 and 5% ECO exhibited lower degradation temperatures (298, 300, and 296°C), compared with PLA, as well as slower decomposition rates. Kinetic modeling using KAS and OFW models proved to be incapable of describing the degradation kinetics of PLA and its compounds. However, FR and VZ were considered adequate, with discrepancies varying between 7% to −4% and 9% to −3%, which showed higher (215, 185, 210, 189 KJ/mol) at α = 0.3 for PLA.
Flexible, chemically bonded bismuth/tungsten‐based polyvinyl alcohol‐polyvinyl pyrrolidone composite for gamma and neutron shielding application
Authors: Bijanu Abhijit , Arya Rahul , Rajak Gaurav , Gowri V. Sorna , Shil Rahitashya , Banerjee Kaushik , Bhattacharyya Sarmishtha , Mukhopadhyay Supriya , Chatterjee Sujoy , Ravishankar Raman , Salammal Shabi Thankaraj , Mishra Deepti
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the gamma and neutron shielding behavior of chemically bonded high atomic number (Z), tungsten trioxide‐polyvinyl alcohol‐polyvinylpyrrolidone (PW), and bismuth oxide‐polyvinyl alcohol‐polyvinylpyrrolidone (PB) composites were reported at varying thickness. The PW and PB composites were prepared through the dissolution technique rather than the commonly used dispersion technique. The gamma and neutron attenuation characteristics of the composites were studied using 22Na (0.511 and 1.274 MeV energy) and 252Cf (0–10 MeV energy) sources, respectively. The half value layer of PW and PB composite was found to be 61.22 ± 0.914 mm and 48.29 ± 1.52 mm and the linear attenuation coefficient was found to be 0.115 and 0.144 cm−1 at 0.511 MeV, respectively. Further, the experimental gamma‐ray attenuation results were validated theoretically using Phy‐X software and found to be well in agreement with the experimental data. Both the composites also showed similar neutron shielding behavior when compared to the commercially used high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). The developed composites possess good mechanical properties as they did not show any cracks or wrinkles after undergoing 5400 bending cycles during the flex test, showing their high durability of flexibility. Thus, these composites are found to be suitable for shielding both, the gamma‐rays and neutrons.
American Association for Anatomy recommendations for the management of legacy anatomical collections
Authors: Cornwall Jon , Champney Thomas H. , de la Cova Carlina , Hall Dominic , Hildebrandt Sabine , Mussell Jason C. , Winkelmann Andreas , DeLeon Valerie B.
Published: March 2024

Collections of human remains in scientific and private institutions have a long tradition, though throughout history there has often been variable regard for the respect and dignity that these tissues demand. Recent public scandals around the use of human remains, coupled with an increasing community awareness around accountability in such instances, forces scholars to confront the ethical and moral concerns associated with these collections. This includes specific focus on the acquisition, storage, use, and disposition of these remains, which were often collected with no consent and with little knowledge, or concern, about the individual or their respective culture and practices surrounding death and postmortem treatment. As a response, the American Association for Anatomy convened a Legacy Anatomical Collections Task Force to consider these issues and to develop recommendations to assist those working with these tissues in education, research, and museum collections. This has culminated with the development of Recommendations for the Management of Legacy Anatomical Collections. The recommendations provide both an ethical foundation and practical considerations for the use, storage, and disposition of legacy collections of human tissues, and deliver guidance for establishing appropriate management and oversight, investigating provenance, and engaging with communities of care. While these Recommendations are considered a living document which will change over time as ethical principles concerning human tissue evolve, they currently represent ‘best practice’ recommendations that can guide researchers, teachers, and museum associates as they consider the future of legacy anatomical collections in their care.
Investigation of Polyacrylonitrile‐Derived Multiple Carbon Shell Composites for Silicon‐Based Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dold Lukas Alexander , Bapat Chinmay Rajeev , Gentischer Harald , Ortlieb Niklas , Fischer Anna , Birke Kai Peter , Biro Daniel
Published: March 2024

The aim of manufacturing silicon‐carbon (Si/C) composites for lithium‐ion batteries is to embed silicon particles into a carbon matrix or shell, which results in improved electrical conductivities and cycling stability by avoiding the direct solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation on the silicon surfaces. In this study, we explore the production of Si/C composites containing one (single) and two (multiple) carbon shells, achieved through the carbonization of polyacrylonitrile. We thoroughly analyze the carbonization process of polyacrylonitrile and investigate the structural, physical, and electrochemical properties of the resulting Si/C composites. Our findings indicate that the increase of the carbon fraction and the second thermal treatment during the manufacturing of multiple carbon shells (MCS) have a significant impact on the conductivity of the powders, increasing it by one order of magnitude. We also discover that the MCS cover the silicon surface more effectively, as revealed through etching in a NaOH solution and subsequent elemental analysis. The MCS composite, containing 30 wt.% silicon, exhibits the best cycling performance in half‐cells at 0.5 C, with an initial capacity of 776 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 83.0 % after 100 cycles.
Bibliometric analysis of focal therapy in prostate cancer research
Authors: Shahait Mohammed , Ibrahim Sarah , Baqain Laith , Abdul‐Sater Zahi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The use of focal therapies for prostate cancer (PCa) has soared, as it controls disease and is associated with minimal side effects. Bibliometric analysis examines the global research landscape on any topic to identify gaps in the research and areas for improvement and prioritize future research efforts. This study aims to examine the research outputs and trends and collaboration landscape in the field of focal therapy for PCa on a global scale.

Methods

We searched Medline, PubMed and Scopus for peer‐reviewed publications on our research topic using controlled keywords. Search results were limited to the period between 1980 and 2022, screened for duplicates and then included in our study based on prespecified eligibility criteria. The Bibliometrix Package was used for comprehensive science mapping analysis of co‐authorship, co‐citation and co‐occurrence analysis of countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords in this field.

Results

This analysis included 2578 research articles. The annual scientific production increased from one article in 1982 to 143 in 2022 (13.21%). The average citation per year was incrementally increasing, and these documents were cited around 32.52 times. The documents included in this analysis were published in 633 sources. The international collaboration index was 22.7. In total, 6280 author keywords were identified. The most used keywords were ‘prostate cancer’, ‘focal therapy’, ‘prostate’ and ‘photodynamic therapy’.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis has provided a comprehensive review of focal therapy in PCa research, highlighting both the significant growth in the field and the existing gaps that require further exploration. The study points to the need for more diverse international collaboration and exploration of various treatment modalities within the context of focal therapy.
Identifying and verifying Huntington's disease subtypes: Clinical features, neuroimaging, and cytokine changes
Authors: Cao Ling‐Xiao , Yin Jin‐Hui , Du Gang , Yang Qing , Huang Yue
Published: March 2024

Aims

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Identifying distinct clinical clusters and their relevant biomarkers could elucidate the underlying disease pathophysiology.

Methods

Following the Enroll‐HD program initiated in 2018.09, we have recruited 104 HD patients (including 21 premanifest) and 31 health controls at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Principal components analysis and k‐means cluster analysis were performed to determine HD clusters. Chi‐square test, one‐way ANOVA, and covariance were used to identify features among these clusters. Furthermore, plasma cytokines levels and brain structural imaging were used as biomarkers to delineate the clinical features of each cluster.

Results

Three clusters were identified. Cluster 1 demonstrated the most severe motor and nonmotor symptoms except for chorea, the lowest whole brain volume, the plasma levels of IL‐2 were higher and significantly associated with cluster 1. Cluster 2 was characterized with the most severe chorea and the largest pallidum volume. Cluster 3 had the most benign motor symptoms but moderate psychiatric problems.

Conclusion

We have identified three HD clusters via clinical manifestations with distinct biomarkers. Our data shed light on better understanding about the pathophysiology of HD.
A modular and multi‐functional purification strategy that enables a common framework for manufacturing scale integrated and continuous biomanufacturing
Authors: Pybus Leon P. , Heise Charles , Nagy Tibor , Heeran Carmen , Dover Terri , Raven John , Kori Junichi , Burton Graeme , Sakuyama Hiroshi , Hastings Benjamin , Lyons Michelle , Nakai Shinichi , Haigh Jonathan
Published: March 2024

Biopharmaceutical manufacture is transitioning from batch to integrated and continuous biomanufacturing (ICB). The common framework for most ICB, potentially enables a global biomanufacturing ecosystem utilizing modular and multi‐function manufacturing equipment. Integrating unit operation hardware and software from multiple suppliers, complex supply chains enabled by multiple customized single‐use flow paths, and large volume buffer production/storage make this ICB vision difficult to achieve with commercially available manufacturing equipment. Thus, we developed SymphonX™, a downstream processing skid with advanced buffer management capabilities, a single disposable generic flow path design that provides plug‐and‐play flexibility across all downstream unit operations and a single interface to reduce operational risk. Designed for multi‐product and multi‐process cGMP facilities, SymphonX™ can perform stand‐alone batch processing or ICB. This study utilized an Apollo™ X CHO‐DG44 mAb‐expressing cell line in a steady‐state perfusion bioreactor, harvesting product continuously with a cell retention device and connected SymphonX™ purification skids. The downstream process used the same chemistry (resins, buffer composition, membrane composition) as our historical batch processing platform, with SymphonX™ in‐line conditioning and buffer concentrates. We used surge vessels between unit operations, single‐column chromatography (protein A, cation and anion exchange) and two‐tank batch virus inactivation. After the first polishing step (cation exchange), we continuously pooled product for 6 days. These 6 day pools were processed in batch‐mode from anion exchange to bulk drug substance. This manufacturing scale proof‐of‐concept ICB produced 0.54 kg/day of drug substance with consistent product quality attributes and demonstrated successful bioburden control for unit‐operations undergoing continuous operation.
A Self‐Regulated Process from Bench to Pilot Production of Non‐Natural Heterocycles Using Halohydrin Dehalogenases
Authors: Yang Xinhang , Zhao Xin , Luo Xiao , Sun Fenshuai , Bocola Marco , Verma Neha , Hong Zhongjie , Yang Hao , Chen Haibin
Published: March 2024

Halohydrin dehalogenases (HHDHs) have demonstrated significant potential as biocatalysts for synthesizing industrial heterocyclic compounds and chiral alkanolamines from aromatic substrates with NaOCN that are not feasible through chemosynthesis. To further study the HHDH reaction in real industrial applications, a diverse panel of HHDHs has been screened for their ability to convert aliphatic cyclohexene oxide. By using the best HHDH variant in form of a whole cell biocatalyst, a novel chemical process, regulated by the cascaded chemoenzymatic reactions for pilot‐scale ring‐opening reactions, has been successfully developed. Using the best HHDH hit in whole‐cell form provides a viable bio‐catalytic approach for the synthesis of related fine chemicals. Our research provides a promising strategy for scaling up non‐native ring‐opening reactions from the laboratory to industrial applications.
Exploring the Effects Behind the Outstanding Catalytic Performance of PdAg Catalysts Supported on Almond Shell‐Derived Activated Carbon Towards the Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid
Authors: Riquelme‐García Paula , Chaparro‐Garnica Jessica , Navlani‐García Miriam , Cazorla‐Amorós Diego
Published: March 2024

In this work, highly efficient carbon‐supported Pd‐based catalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation were synthesized by a straightforward wet impregnation‐reduction method. The carbon support was obtained from a biomass residue (almond shell) prepared via H3PO4‐assisted hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and thermal activation. This carbon support was doped with nitrogen groups to study the effect on the electronic properties and catalytic performance of the catalysts. Investigating the formation of PdAg alloys with varying Pd : Ag molar ratios resulted in catalysts exhibiting enhanced catalytic activity compared to monometallic Pd counterparts. Notably, the Pd1Ag0.5/NAS catalyst displayed outstanding catalytic performance, achieving an initial TOF of 1716 h−1 (calculated in the first 3 minutes of reaction and expressed per mole of Pd) and maintaining substantial activity over 6 consecutive reaction cycles. This work elucidates the successful synthesis of effective catalysts, emphasizing the influence of nitrogen doping and PdAg alloy composition on catalytic behavior and stability.
An evaluation of the recommendations for primary nutrition research addressing noncommunicable disease using the EPICOT+ framework: A cross‐sectional descriptive meta‐research study of Cochrane nutrition systematic reviews
Authors: Ruzive Sheena , Theunissen Helene , Durão Solange , Visser Marianne E. , Naude Celeste E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health problem and many risk factors associated with the development of NCDs are related to nutrition.

Aims

This study aimed to describe and summarize the research recommendations for primary research made in Cochrane nutrition systematic reviews (SRs) addressing NCDs, according to the evidence, population, intervention, comparison, outcome, time stamp (date of search), study design, time frame (length of follow‐up) and burden of disease (EPICOT+) framework.

Materials & Methods

We screened a database of Cochrane nutrition SRs (n = 692) in March 2021 to identify those SRs addressing the four main NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes) and their nutrition‐related risk factors (obesity, unhealthy diets). The “implications for research” sections of included SRs (and the “search methods” sections for the time stamp item) were analyzed using EPICOT+.

Results

We included 150/692 SRs; most addressed cardiovascular diseases (38.6%), and cancer (17.3%). The EPICOT+ items with the most reported research recommendations were time stamp (98.7%), intervention (94.7%), study design (89.3%), and outcomes (86%), and the least reported were the time frame (52%), comparison (30%), and burden of disease (8%). Most SRs recommended more studies overall (98.7%), assessing specific interventions (93.3%) (e.g., specific foods/food groups and diets/dietary patterns, micronutrient/complementary supplements, nutrition education techniques, and policies/programs) and a range of clinical and patient‐related outcomes (84.7%). Recommendations related to study design and quality included the need for more randomized (72.7%), better quality (55.3%), larger (44.7%), and better reported (26%) studies with a long‐term duration of follow‐up (50.7%).

Discussion

Our findings show that research recommendations reported in Cochrane nutrition SRs addressing the four major NCDs and their nutrition‐related risk factors largely followed the EPICOT+ framework. For example, items that could be improved upon were the comparison and time frame items.

Conclusion

These recommendations could contribute more significantly to planning future primary studies addressing important evidence gaps and limitations in the current evidence base.
Mechanistic basis for rescuing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation
Authors: Liang Jingsheng , Kazmierczak Katarzyna , Veerasammy Melanie , Yadav Sunil , Takeuchi Lauro , Kanashiro‐Takeuchi Rosemeire , Szczesna‐Cordary Danuta
Published: March 2024

We investigated the impact of the phosphomimetic (Ser15 → Asp15) myosin regulatory light chain (S15D‐RLC) on the Super‐Relaxed (SRX) state of myosin using previously characterized transgenic (Tg) S15D‐D166V rescue mice, comparing them to the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Tg‐D166V model and wild‐type (WT) RLC mice. In the Tg‐D166V model, we observed a disruption of the SRX state, resulting in a transition from SRX to DRX (Disordered Relaxed) state, which explains the hypercontractility of D166V‐mutated myosin motors. The presence of the S15D moiety in Tg‐S15D‐D166V mice restored the SRX/DRX balance to levels comparable to Tg‐WT, thus mitigating the hypercontractile behavior associated with the HCM‐D166V mutation. Additionally, we investigated the impact of delivering the S15D‐RLC molecule to the hearts of Tg‐D166V mice via adeno‐associated virus (AAV9) and compared their condition to AAV9‐empty vector‐injected or non‐injected Tg‐D166V animals. Tg‐D166V mice injected with AAV9 S15D‐RLC exhibited a significantly higher proportion of myosin heads in the SRX state compared to those injected with AAV9 empty vector or left non‐injected. No significant effect was observed in Tg‐WT hearts treated similarly. These findings suggest that AAV9‐delivered phosphomimetic S15D‐RLC modality mitigates the abnormal Tg‐D166V phenotype without impacting the normal function of Tg‐WT hearts. Global longitudinal strain analysis supported these observations, indicating that the S15D moiety can alleviate the HCM‐D166V phenotype by restoring SRX stability and the SRX ↔ DRX equilibrium.
The role of surgery and deescalation for HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Contrera Kevin J. , Patel Mihir R. , Burtness Barbara , Mehra Ranee , Ferris Robert L.
Published: March 2024

Recently published and ongoing trials are helping to define the role of transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer. Evidence to date supports the use of surgery as a valuable tool in the multidisciplinary deescalation of low‐risk human papillomavirus–related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
Identification of hippocampal area CA2 in hamster and vole brain
Authors: Siegler Preston N. , Shaughnessy Emma K. , Horman Brian , Vierling Tia T. , King Darron H. , Patisaul Heather B. , Huhman Kim L. , Alexander Georgia M. , Dudek Serena M.
Published: March 2024

Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and Syrian, or golden, hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are closely related to mice (Mus musculus) and are commonly used in studies of social behavior including social interaction, social memory, and aggression. Hippocampal area CA2 is known to play a key role in these behaviors in mice and responds to social stimuli in rats, but CA2 has yet to be characterized in hamsters or voles, which are also used in studies of social behaviors. Here, we used immunofluorescence to determine whether CA2 could be molecularly identified in tissue from voles and hamsters. We found that  staining for many CA2 markers was similar in these three species, with labeling seen in neurons at the distal end of the mossy fibers . In contrast, although perineuronal nets (PNNs) surround CA2 cells in mice, PNN staining differed across species. In voles, both CA2 and CA3 were labeled, whereas in hamsters, labeling was seen primarily in CA3. These results demonstrate that CA2 can be molecularly distinguished from neighboring CA1 and CA3 areas in voles and hamsters with several antibodies commonly used in mice. However, PNN staining is not useful for identifying CA2 in voles or hamsters, suggestive of differing roles for either PNNs or for the hippocampal subregions in social behavior. These findings reveal commonalities across species in the molecular profile of CA2 and should facilitate future studies of CA2 in these species.
TDLC: Tensor decomposition‐based direct learning‐compression algorithm for DNN model compression
Authors: Liu Weirong , Liu Peidong , Shi Changhong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Zhijun , Liu Chaorong
Published: March 2024

As a deep neural networks (DNNs) model compression method, learning‐compression (LC) algorithm based on pre‐trained models and matrix decomposition increases training time and ignores the structural information of models. In this manuscript, a tensor decomposition‐based direct LC (TDLC) algorithm without pre‐trained models is proposed. In TDLC, the pre‐trained model is eliminated, and tensor decomposition is first applied to LC algorithm to preserve the structural features of the model. There are two key steps in TDLC. An optimal rank selection method is first proposed in compression‐step (C‐step) of TDLC to find global optimal ranks of tensor decomposition. Second, TDLC utilizes cyclical learning rate, which is different from traditional monotonically learning rates schedule, to improve the generalization performance of uncompressed models in learning‐step (L‐step). TDLC obtains the optimal compression model by alternately optimizing L‐step and C‐step. TDLC is compared with 16 state‐of‐the‐art compression methods in experiments part. Extensive experimental results show that TDLC produces high‐accuracy compression models with high compression rate. Comparing with TDLC‐pre‐trained, TDLC notably achieves 30% training time shorten and 11% parameter reduction in Resnet32, while improving accuracy by 0.2%.
Droplet collision of hypergolic propellants
Authors: He Chengming , He ZhiXia , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2024

In the present mini‐review, droplet impacting on a liquid pool, jet impingement, and binary droplet collision of nonreacting liquids are first summarized in terms of basic phenomena and the corresponding nondimensional parameters. Then, two representative hypergolic bipropellant systems, a hypergolic fuel of N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) and an oxidizer of white fuming nitric acid (WFNA) and a monoethanolamine‐based fuel (MEA‐NaBH4) and a high‐density hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are discussed in detail to unveil the rich underlying physics such as liquid‐phase reaction, heat transfer, phase change, and gas‐phase reaction. This review focuses on quantifying and interpreting the parametric dependence of the gas‐phase ignition induced by droplet collision of liquid hypergolic propellants. The advances in droplet collision of hypergolic propellants are important for modeling the real hypergolic impinging‐jet (spray) combustion and for the design optimization of orbit‐maneuver rocket engines.
Grouped machine learning methods for predicting rock mass parameters in a tunnel boring machine‐driven tunnel based on fuzzy C‐means clustering
Authors: Wang Ruirui , Ni Yaodong , Zhang Lingli , Gao Boyang
Published: March 2024

To guarantee safe and efficient tunneling of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), rapid and accurate judgment of the rock mass condition is essential. Based on fuzzy C‐means clustering, this paper proposes a grouped machine learning method for predicting rock mass parameters. An elaborate data set on field rock mass is collected, which also matches field TBM tunneling. Meanwhile, target stratum samples are divided into several clusters by fuzzy C‐means clustering, and multiple submodels are trained by samples in different clusters with the input of pretreated TBM tunneling data and the output of rock mass parameter data. Each testing sample or newly encountered tunneling condition can be predicted by multiple submodels with the weight of the membership degree of the sample to each cluster. The proposed method has been realized by 100 training samples and verified by 30 testing samples collected from the C1 part of the Pearl Delta water resources allocation project. The average percentage error of uniaxial compressive strength and joint frequency (Jf) of the 30 testing samples predicted by the pure back propagation (BP) neural network is 13.62% and 12.38%, while that predicted by the BP neural network combined with fuzzy C‐means is 7.66% and 6.40%, respectively. In addition, by combining fuzzy C‐means clustering, the prediction accuracies of support vector regression and random forest are also improved to different degrees, which demonstrates that fuzzy C‐means clustering is helpful for improving the prediction accuracy of machine learning and thus has good applicability. Accordingly, the proposed method is valuable for predicting rock mass parameters during TBM tunneling.
Pupil reflex as a marker of activity and prognosis in heart failure: a longitudinal and prospective study
Authors: Zamorano Margarita , Monteagudo Juan Manuel , González Eduardo , Rayo Isabel , Fernández Sara , Castillo Miguel , Zhou Qiheng , de la Villa Pedro , Zamorano Jose Luis
Published: March 2024

Aims

Compensatory mechanisms in heart failure (HF) are triggered to maintain adequate cardiac output. Among them, hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the main ones and carries a worse prognosis. The pupillary reflex depends on the SNS, and we can evaluate it through pupillometry. The aim of the study was to compare the differences in pupillary reflex between patients with acute HF and controls and to analyse whether these differences in pupillary reflex may offer a new and easy prognostic factor in such patients.

Methods and results

We prospectively and consecutively included 107 patients admitted with decompensated HF. Quantitative pupillometry was performed with the NeuroOptics pupillometry during the first 24 h after admission and prior to discharge. The results were compared with those of a group of 100 healthy volunteers who also underwent pupillometry. The maximum baseline pupil size (MBPS) and the minimum pupil diameter (MPD) were measured. Patients with decompensated HF have a higher MBPS (3.64 ± 0.81) and higher MPD (2.60 ± 0.58) than HF patients at discharge and in the control group (P‐value = 0.01 and 0.01, respectively). Also, HF patients presented an improvement in pupillometric values at discharge [MBPS (3.47 ± 0.79) and MPD (2.51 ± 0.58)] and showed no differences compared with the control group [MBPS (3.34 ± 0.82) and MPD (2.40 ± 0.53)] (P‐value = 0.19 and 0.14, respectively). In addition, MBPS provides a good independent predictor of in‐hospital and 1 month mortality in patients admitted with HF. Six patients (5.61%) died during hospital admission, and 11 patients (10.2%) died in the first month after discharge. Also, four patients (3.74%) were readmitted within 1 month of discharge. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting in‐hospital mortality through MBPS was 0.823. No patient with an MBPS < 3.7 mm died. The ROC curve for predicting combined mortality or readmission within the first month for MBPS was 0.698.

Conclusions

Pupillometry may be a new, non‐invasive, and simple tool to determine the status of SNS, help in the prognostic stratification of acute HF patients, and improve therapeutic management.
Decision‐making accuracy of soccer referees in relation to markers of internal and external load
Authors: McEwan Gary P. , Unnithan Viswanath B. , Easton Chris , Glover Andrew J. , Arthur Rosie
Published: March 2024

This study examined the relationships between the decision‐making performances of soccer referees and markers of physiological load. Following baseline measurements and habituation procedures, 13 national‐level male referees completed a novel Soccer Referee Simulation whilst simultaneously adjudicating on a series of video‐based decision‐making clips. The correctness of each decision was assessed in relation to the mean heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), perceptions of breathlessness (RPE‐B) and local muscular (RPE‐M) exertion and running speeds recorded in the 10‐s and 60‐s preceding decisions. There was a significant association between decision‐making accuracy and the mean HR (p = 0.042; VC = 0.272) and RR (p = 0.024, VC = 0.239) in the 10‐s preceding decisions, with significantly more errors observed when HR ≥ 90% of HRmax (OR, 5.39) and RR ≥ 80% of RRpeak (OR, 3.34). Decision‐making accuracy was also significantly associated with the mean running speeds performed in the 10‐s (p = 0.003; VC = 0.320) and 60‐s (p = 0.016; VC = 0.253) preceding decisions, with workloads of ≥250 m·min−1 associated with an increased occurrence of decisional errors (OR, 3.84). Finally, there was a significant association between decision‐making accuracy and RPE‐B (p = 0.021; VC = 0.287), with a disproportionate number of errors occurring when RPE‐B was rated as “very strong” to “maximal” (OR, 7.19). Collectively, the current data offer novel insights into the detrimental effects that high workloads may have upon the decision‐making performances of soccer referees. Such information may be useful in designing combined physical and decision‐making training programmes that prepare soccer referees for the periods of match play that prove most problematic to their decision‐making.
Numerical analysis of water, energy, and environment nexus in the hybrid thermal and solar multigeneration power plants
Authors: Zahedi Rahim , Yousefi Hossein , Aslani Alireza , Ahmadi Rouhollah
Published: March 2024

The challenge of providing water, energy, and managing the environment is widely recognized as a significant barrier to global advancement in light of the increasing population. Based on projections, it is anticipated that the global community will encounter crises pertaining to water, energy and the environment in the foreseeable future. In this research, the application of the hybrid renewable system in a thermal power plant has been assessed based on the approach of analyzing the link between energy, water, and environment. The design of the solar system and the assessment of carbon balance during the power plant lifetime have been conducted in PVsyst application in 2022. Moreover, ReCipe environmental model has been used for assessing the effect of decrease in carbon emission on the ecosystem. The findings of the research indicate that the replacement of at least 2% of the nominal capacity of the fossil fuel power plant with the renewable one, prevents the emission of 1340.37 tons of carbon dioxide yearly. This amount equals to 371.25 m3 of reserve in fossil fuel consumption and 382.64 tons of crude oil. The results also showed that in addition to preserving natural resources, the hybrid cycle design leads to significant water demand reduction which equals to 3751 m3 with the capacity to supply underground water sources. Due to the interests of preserving water and energy resources and decreasing carbon emission in power plant industry, within the framework of nexus approach, management of energy supply by replacing resources and using water and heat recovery technologies and application of energy demand management policies based on energy efficiency and environmental implications is recommended.
Chaihu Guizhi decoction ameliorates depression symptoms in chronic restraint stress‐induced depressive rats by regulating gut microbiota and short‐chain fatty acids
Authors: Peng Dong , Cheng Yuying , Chen Yanlan , Cai Xin , Bao Hanxiao , Pan Xiangmin , Ding Wanyue , Chen Jianping , Li Pan
Published: March 2024

Chaihu Guizhi decoction (CJY) is a classic formula with antidepressant effects; however, it remains unclear whether the antidepressant mechanism of CJY involves modulation of the gut microbiota and which specific bacterial genera are regulated. The present study investigated the effects of CJY on the gut microbiota in chronic restraint stress (CRS)‐induced depressive rats. The results showed that CJY treatment attenuated depressive‐like behavior, repaired hippocampal neuronal damage, and increased neurotransmitter levels in CRS‐induced depressive rats. CJY reshaped the gut microbiota spectrum by increasing the level of the key bacterial genera that alleviate depression, such as Lactobacillus, while decreasing the level of the key bacterial genera that exacerbate depression, such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Lachnoclostridium. In addition, CJY restored the gut flora dysbiosis‐derived changes in the production of short‐chain fatty acids, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and valeric acid. This study lays the foundation for identifying therapeutic targets for CJY and elucidating its underlying mechanisms from the perspective of the microbiota.
Rate of occult metastasis in lip squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kansara Sagar , Oral Evrim , Sarkar Indrani , Sandulache Vlad , Mualla Rula , Walvekar Rohan R. , Ryan William , Ha Patrick
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The rate of occult metastasis in lip cancer is poorly studied. Management of the regional nodal basin in lip cancer is thus controversial. This study sought to understand the true rate of micrometastasis in lip cancer.

Materials and Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted of English language studies reporting lip cancer sentinel node biopsy results. Studies were obtained from the PubMed database between the years 2000 and 2023 using the search terms “sentinel node biopsy” and “squamous cell carcinoma.” Random effect and fixed effect meta‐analyses were performed.

Results

Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Low heterogeneity was noted among the studies, as indicated by the I2 inconsistency test (I2 = 0%). The rate of occult metastasis ranged between 0 and 33% (mean 9%). A total of 189 lip sentinel node biopsies had been performed. Of these, 21 revealed occult nodal metastasis (11.1%, 95% CI 7.36%–16.44%). One step, generalized linear mixed modeling revealed the true rate of occult nodal metastasis to be 10% (95% CI (0.0504, 0.1746), p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The rate of occult metastasis in lip cancer approaches the threshold for elective management of the regional nodal basin. Sentinel node biopsy is optimally suited for management of high‐risk early T stage lip cancer.
Nonisothermal analysis of two uniform boundary layer shear flows
Authors: Goher Sana , Abbas Zaheer , Rafiq Muhammad Yousuf , Sajid Muhammad
Published: March 2024

The heat transfer phenomenon on the multiphase flows plays an imperative role in several biological and industrial processes, like the oil production industries, catalytic reactors, energy losses in several thermal systems, energy storage, paper manufacture, and heat exchanger systems. Therefore, this study scrutinized the heat transfer characteristic between two uniform boundary layer shear flows with different strengths flowing in the same direction. This problem involves the simulation of the convergence of boundary layers with varying shear strengths. The nonlinear differential system is scrutinized and converted into dimensionless ordinary differential equations by employing appropriate dimensionless variables. The resulting set of highly nonlinear ordinary differential equations is resolved numerically utilizing the Matlab solver “bvp4c.” The resulting numerical solutions are used to construct graphs that illustrate and elucidate the impact of numerous physical parameters on flow patterns. For both fluids, results for the Nusselt number and shear stress are also presented graphically for various parameters. The acquired results demonstrate that the velocity profile upsurges for both upper and lower fluids by enhancing the shear parameter. Furthermore, the number of streamlines is enhanced by augmenting the values of the viscosities ratio parameter. The present problem applies to the trailing edge flow over a thin airfoil with camber.
Multifactor roadmap for designing low‐power‐consumed micro thermoelectric thermostats in a closed‐loop integrated 5G optical module
Authors: Yang Dongwang , Xing Yubing , Wang Jiang , Hu Kai , Xiao Yani , Tang Kechen , Lyu Jianan , Li Junhao , Liu Yutian , Zhou Peng , Yu Yuan , Yan Yonggao , Tang Xinfeng
Published: March 2024

As the core components of fifth‐generation (5G) communication technology, optical modules should be consistently miniaturized in size while improving their level of integration. This inevitably leads to a dramatic spike in power consumption and a consequent increase in heat flow density when operating in a confined space. To ensure a successful start‐up and operation of 5G optical modules, active cooling and precise temperature control via the Peltier effect in confined space is essential yet challenging. In this work, p‐type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 and n‐type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 bulk thermoelectric (TE) materials are used, and a micro thermoelectric thermostat (micro‐TET) (device size, 2 × 9.3 × 1.1 mm3; leg size, 0.4 × 0.4 × 0.5 mm3; number of legs, 44) is successfully integrated into a 5G optical module with Quad Small Form Pluggable 28 interface. As a result, the internal temperature of this kind of optical module is always maintained at 45.7°C and the optical power is up to 7.4 dBm. Furthermore, a multifactor design roadmap is created based on a 3D numerical model using the ANSYS finite element method, taking into account the number of legs (N), leg width (W), leg length (L), filling atmosphere, electric contact resistance (Rec), thermal contact resistance (Rtc), ambient temperature (Ta), and the heat generated by the laser source (QL). It facilitates the integrated fabrication of micro‐TET, and shows the way to enhance packaging and performance under different operating conditions. According to the roadmap, the micro‐TET (2 × 9.3 × 1 mm3, W = 0.3 mm, L = 0.4 mm, N = 68 legs) is fabricated and consumes only 0.89 W in cooling mode (QL = 0.7 W, Ta = 80°C) and 0.36 W in heating mode (Ta = 0°C) to maintain the laser temperature of 50°C. This research will hopefully be applied to other microprocessors for precise temperature control and integrated manufacturing.
Salt‐melt synthesis of poly(heptazine imide) in binary alkali metal bromides for enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Jin Yaxuan , Zheng Dandan , Fang Zhongpu , Pan Zhiming , Wang Sibo , Hou Yidong , Savateev Oleksandr , Zhang Yongfan , Zhang Guigang
Published: March 2024

Poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), a semicrystalline version of carbon nitride photocatalyst based on heptazine units, has gained significant attention for solar H2 production benefiting from its advantages including molecular synthetic versatility, excellent physicochemical stability and suitable energy band structure to capture visible photons. Typically, PHI is obtained in salt‐melt synthesis in the presence of alkali metal chlorides. Herein, we examined the role of binary alkali metal bromides (LiBr/NaBr) with diverse compositions and melting points to rationally modulate the polymerization process, structure, and properties of PHI. Solid characterizations revealed that semicrystalline PHI with a condensed π‐conjugated system and rapid charge separation rates were obtained in the presence of LiBr/NaBr. Accordingly, the apparent quantum yield of hydrogen using the optimized PHI reaches up to 62.3% at 420 nm. The density functional theory calculation shows that the dehydrogenation of the ethylene glycol has a lower energy barrier than the dehydrogenation of the other alcohols from the thermodynamic point of view. This study holds great promise for rational modulation of the structure and properties of conjugated polymeric materials.