bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Earthquake Reconnaissance of a Dam with Stabilizing Fill using Drone Photogrammetry
Authors: Park DongSoon
Published: October 2023

Post-earthquake reconnaissance is an important process for assessing the safety of massive structures. Dams are critical structures that require evaluation following an earthquake, as dam failure can lead to significant damage to the surrounding area. This paper presents drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) photogrammetry-based reconnaissance of the Angat Dam (Philippines), which has stabilizing fill, following the M 6.1 Luzon earthquake in April 2019. The author presents the results of visual inspection, drone digital mapping, and seismically induced deformation monitoring, as well as a general interpretation of dam safety. Analysis of the instrumentation data did not indicate that any significant changes in crest settlement, piezometric head, or seepage rate resulted from the earthquake. However, seismically induced longitudinal cracking along the dam crest was observed in the drone photogrammetry. The digital surface model, orthoimage, and as-built GIS geometry characterizations generated using the drone photogrammetry facilitated the geospatial analysis of seismic cracking and deformation. It is found that the uplift deformation was caused by counteracting effects between the existing dam body and its stabilizing fill. It is concluded that the results obtained using drone digital mapping are a valuable reference for future deformation monitoring using regular mapping methods in a 3D geospatial digital model.
A Study on Numercalization of Smoke Detector Response Characteristics
Authors: Kang Dooho , Choi Hanbit , Hwang Euyhong , Choi Donmook
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to quantify the response characteristics of a smoke detector. The theory on the entrance resistance of a smoke detector was reviewed, and a method for quantifying the response characteristics through the time constant and characteristic length was proposed. To apply the proposed method, a real-scale fire test of paper and wood, as described in the Excellent Quality Certification Test Rules for Detectors, was conducted. The time constant of the smoke detector was classified into three categories and derived. For domestic smoke detectors, the time constant can be reasonably determined based on the smoke peak value in fires that generate grayish white smoke. This study can serve as a reference for further studies on various samples and fire patterns; the expected response characteristics can be inferred when the detector is installed, which will contribute to improving the reliability of the detector.
Tenofovir vs Entecavir Among Patients With HBV-Related HCC After Resection
Authors: Li Pengpeng , Wang Yuanyuan , Yu Jian , Yu Judian , Tao Qifei , Zhang Jinwei , Lau Wan Yee , Zhou Weiping , Huang Gang
Published: October 2023

Importance

Tenofovir disoproxil and entecavir are both commonly used first-line antiviral treatments, but their comparative recurrence and overall survival (OS) benefits remain unclear.

Objective

To explore differences of tenofovir disoproxil vs entecavir in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS after liver resection with curative intent in patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) related to hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Shanghai, China, between January 4, 2015, and April 1, 2023. Participants included patients with HBV-related HCC who underwent liver resection with curative intent from January 2015 to December 2018. Patients who received tenofovir disoproxil were matched with patients who received entecavir in a 1:1 ratio using propensity score matching. Data were analyzed from April 3 to May 31, 2023.

Exposures

Receiving tenofovir disoproxil or entecavir as antiviral treatment for HBV.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary end points were RFS and OS rates.

Results

Among 4451 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.1 [10.0] years; 3764 male [84.6%]; median [range] follow-up, of 51 [3 to 91] months), 989 patients in each of the groups were selected in propensity score matching. Baseline characteristics were comparable. In propensity score–matched groups, OS rates were 92.2% at 1 year, 70.9% at 3 years, and 54.2% at 5 years in the entecavir group, compared with 90.9% at 1 year, 75.2% at 3 years, and 64.0% at 5 years in the tenofovir disoproxil group. RFS rates were 83.9% at 1 year, 50.0% at 3 years, and 43.3% at 5 years in the entecavir group, compared with 85.3% at 1 year, 55.6% at 3 years, and 51.4% at 5 years in the tenofovir disoproxil group. Patients in the tenofovir disoproxil group had better OS (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.94; P = .004) and RFS rates (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.92; P = .001) compared with the entecavir group. Restricted mean survival time differences of entecavir vs tenofovir disoproxil groups were −0.05 (95% CI, −0.18 to 0.08) months at 1 year (P = .45), 0.20 (95% CI, −0.62 to 1.03) months at 3 years (P = .63), and 1.82 (95% CI, 0.14 to 3.51) months at 5 years (P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that in patients undergoing curative liver resection for HBV-related HCC, tenofovir disoproxil was associated with better long-term OS and RFS rates compared with entecavir, providing insights for antiviral treatment.
Outcomes Following Early Postoperative Adjuvant Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases
Authors: Bander Evan D. , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Chen Justin , Reiner Anne S. , Brown Samantha , Giantini-Larsen Alexandra M. , Young Robert J. , Beal Kathryn , Imber Brandon S. , Pike Luke R. G. , Brennan Cameron W. , Tabar Viviane , Panageas Katherine S. , Moss Nelson S.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) enhances the local control of resected brain metastases (BrM). However, the risks of local failure (LF) and potential for posttreatment adverse radiation effects (PTRE) after early postoperative adjuvant SRS have not yet been established.

Objective

To evaluate whether adjuvant SRS delivered within a median of 14 days after surgery is associated with improved LF without a concomitant increase in PTRE.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study examines a clinical workflow (RapidRT) that was implemented from 2019 to 2022 to deliver SRS to surgical patients within a median of 14 days, ensuring all patients were treated within 30 days postoperatively. This prospective cohort was compared with a historical cohort (StanRT) of patients with BrM resected between 2013 and 2019 to assess the association of the RapidRT workflow with LF and PTRE. The 2 cohorts were combined to identify optimal SRS timing, with a median follow-up of 3.3 years for survivors.

Exposure

Timing of adjuvant SRS (14, 21, and 30 days postoperatively).

Main Outcomes and Measures

LF and PTRE, according to modified Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases criteria.

Results

There were 438 patients (265 [60.5%] female patients; 23 [5.3%] Asian, 27 [6.2%] Black, and 364 [83.1%] White patients) with a mean (SD) age of 62 (13) years; 377 were in the StanRT cohort and 61 in the RapidRT cohort. LF and PTRE rates at 1 year were not significantly different between RapidRT and StanRT cohorts. Timing of SRS was associated with radiographic PTRE. Patients receiving radiation within 14 days had the highest 1-year PTRE rate (18.08%; 95% CI, 8.31%-30.86%), and patients receiving radiation between 22 and 30 days had the lowest 1-year PTRE rate (4.10%; 95% CI, 1.52%-8.73%; P = .03). LF rates were highest for patients receiving radiation more than 30 days from surgery (10.65%; 95% CI, 6.90%-15.32%) but comparable for patients receiving radiation within 14 days, between 15 and 21 days, and between 22 and 30 days (≤14 days: 5.12%; 95% CI, 0.86%-15.60%; 15 to ≤21 days: 3.21%; 95% CI, 0.59%-9.99%; 22 to ≤30 days: 6.58%; 95% CI, 3.06%-11.94%; P = .20).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of adjuvant SRS timing following surgical resection of BrM, the optimal timing for adjuvant SRS appears to be within 22 to 30 days following surgery. The findings of this study suggest that this timing allows for a balanced approach that minimizes the risks associated with LF and PTRE.
Diphtheria Toxoid Particles as Q Fever Vaccine
Authors: Sam Gayathri , Chen Shuxiong , Plain Karren , Marsh Ian , Westman Mark E. , Stenos John , Graves Stephen R. , Rehm Bernd H. A.
Published: October 2023

There is an unmet need for a stable and nonreactogenic vaccine against the bioterrorism agent, Coxiella burnetii, causing Q fever. Here a safe, effective, and non‐reactogenic Q fever vaccine is developed by employing self‐assembled particles (CPs) composed of cross‐reacting material 197, a nontoxic variant of diphtheria toxin. CPs are designed that incorporate selected C. burnetii antigens and assemble them inside engineered Escherichia coli at high yields. A cost‐effective manufacturing process enables the production of CP‐based Q fever vaccine candidates. Four vaccine candidates are developed, including a T‐cell epitope‐based vaccine (CP‐COX), and one that comprises two immunodominant antigens, Com1 and YbgF. The latter is tested separately (CP‐Com1, CP‐YbgF) or as a mixture (CP‐Com1/CP‐YbgF). Initial immunogenicity studies in mice reveal that the mixed CP‐Com1/YbgF elicits the highest antibody titers with a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of ≈100 000 and induction of TH1 and TH2 cytokines. CP‐Com1/YbgF is further evaluated in guinea pigs, demonstrating its safety and efficacy, as shown by the absence of adverse reactions and a significant reduction in febrile responses compared to alum upon challenge with C. burnetii. Together, the study shows the potential of CPs for the development of a safe and immunogenic subunit Q fever vaccine.
A NIR Programmable In Vivo miRNA Magnifier for NIR‐II Imaging of Early Stage Cancer
Authors: Wang Caixia , Xie Yuxin , Song Xuefang , Chao Zhicong , Wu Kun , Fang Yanyun , Zhao Hongxia , Ju Huangxian , Liu Ying
Published: October 2023

Aberrant expressions of biomolecules occur much earlier than tumor visualized size and morphology change, but their common measurement strategies such as biopsy suffer from invasive sampling process. In vivo imaging of slight biomolecule expression difference is urgently needed for early cancer detection. Fluorescence of rare earth nanoparticles (RENPs) in second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) region makes them appropriate tool for in vivo imaging. However, the incapacity to couple with signal amplification strategies, especially programmable signal amplification strategies, limited their application in lowly expressed biomarkers imaging. Here we develop a 980/808 nm NIR programmed in vivo microRNAs (miRNAs) magnifier by conjugating activatable DNAzyme walker set to RENPs, which achieves more effective NIR‐II imaging of early stage tumor than size monitoring imaging technique. Dye FD1080 (FD1080) modified substrate DNA quenches NIR‐II downconversion emission of RENPs under 808 nm excitation. The miRNA recognition region in DNAzyme walker is sealed by a photo‐cleavable strand to avoid “false positive” signal in systemic circulation. Upconversion emission of RENPs under 980 nm irradiation activates DNAzyme walker for miRNA recognition and amplifies NIR‐II fluorescence recovery of RENPs via DNAzyme catalytic reaction to achieve in vivo miRNA imaging. This strategy demonstrates good application potential in the field of early cancer detection.
Three‐Component Multiblock 1D Supramolecular Copolymers of Ir(III) Complexes with Controllable Sequences
Authors: Chen Yan , Wan Qingyun , Shi Yusheng , Tang Bingtao , Che Chi‐Ming , Liu Chun
Published: October 2023

Multicomponent supramolecular block copolymers (BCPs) have attracted much attention due to their potential functionalities, but examples of three‐component supramolecular BCPs are rare. Herein, we report the synthesis of three‐component multiblock 1D supramolecular copolymers of Ir(III) complexes 1–3 by a sequential seeded supramolecular polymerization approach. Precise control over the kinetically trapped species via the pathway complexity of the monomers is the key to the successful synthesis of BCPs with up to 9 blocks. Furthermore, 5‐block BCPs with different sequences could be synthesized by changing the addition order of the kinetic species during a sequentially seeded process. The corresponding heterogeneous nucleation‐elongation process has been confirmed by the UV/Vis absorption spectra, and each segment of the multiblock copolymers could be characterized by both TEM and SEM. Interestingly, the energy transfer leads to weakened emission of 1‐terminated and enhanced emission of 3‐terminated BCPs. This study will be an important step in advancing the synthesis and properties of three‐component BCPs.
Combining Nitridoborates, Nitrides and Hydrides—Synthesis and Characterization of the Multianionic Sr6N[BN2]2H3
Authors: Wandelt Sophia L. , Mutschke Alexander , Khalyavin Dmitry , Calaminus Robert , Steinadler Jennifer , Lotsch Bettina V. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

Multianionic metal hydrides, which exhibit a wide variety of physical properties and complex structures, have recently attracted growing interest. Here we present Sr6N[BN2]2H3, prepared in a solid‐state ampoule reaction at 800 °C, as the first combination of nitridoborate, nitride and hydride anions within a single compound. The crystal structure was solved from single‐crystal X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction data in space group P21/c (no. 14), revealing a three‐dimensional network of undulated layers of nitridoborate units, strontium atoms and hydride together with nitride anions. Magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and vibrational spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical calculations further confirm the structure model. Electrochemical measurements suggest the existence of hydride ion conductivity, allowing the hydrides to migrate along the layers.
Electrochemical Nickel‐Catalyzed Selective Inter‐ and Intramolecular Arylations of Cysteine‐Containing Peptides**
Authors: Shen Linhua , Monasson Olivier , Peroni Elisa , Le Bideau Franck , Messaoudi Samir
Published: October 2023

Here we report a simple electrochemical route towards the synthesis of S‐arylated peptides by a site selective coupling of peptides with aryl halides under base free conditions. This approach demonstrates the power of electrochemistry to access both highly complex peptide conjugates and cyclic peptides.
Development of a new affinity chromatography method for purification of horseradish peroxidase enzyme
Authors: Gerni Serpil , Özdemir Hasan
Published: October 2023

In this study, benzohydroxamic acid molecules were synthesized from methyl 4‐amino‐2‐methoxy, methyl 4‐amino‐3‐nitro, methyl 4‐amino‐3‐methyl, and methyl 4‐amino‐3‐chloro benzoate molecules, and the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme was purified in one step using the affinity chromatography technique for the first time. The IC50 and Ki values for the 4‐amino 3‐methyl benzohydroxamic acid molecule were 0.136 and 0.132 ± 0.054 μM, respectively, while the IC50 and Ki values for the 4‐amino‐3‐nitro benzohydroxamic acid molecule were 56.00 and 51.90 ± 9.90 μM, respectively. It was found that the IC50 and Ki values for the 4‐amino‐3‐chloro benzohydroxamic acid molecule were 218.33 and 175.67 ± 43.78 μM, respectively, whereas the IC50 and Ki values for the 4‐amino‐2‐methoxy benzohydroxamic acid molecule were 306.00 and 218.00 ± 68.80 μM, respectively. The HRP enzyme was synthesized from 4‐amino‐2‐methoxy hydroxamic acid column with a 35.97% yield 601.13 times, 4‐amino‐3‐nitro hydroxamic acid column, with a 14.00% yield 404.11 times, 4‐amino‐3‐methyl hydroxamic acid column with an 8.70% yield 394.88 times, and 4‐amino‐3‐chloro hydroxamic acid column with a 4.48% yield 284.85 times. Thus, the HRP enzyme was purified in a single step with hydroxamic acids, and its molecular weight was found to be 44 kDa. The optimum pH was 8.0, the optimum temperature was 15°C, and the optimum ionic strength was 0.4 M for the purified HRP enzyme.
The causal effects between selenium levels and the brain cortical structure: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Zhong Yuqing , He Kejun
Published: October 2023

Extensive research has demonstrated the critical role of selenium (Se) and selenoproteins in brain function and cognition. However, the impact of Se on brain cortical structure remains enigmatic. Therefore, this study used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal effect between Se levels and brain cortical structure.

Methods

This study utilizes 11 genetic variants associated with Se level variations, extracted from a large‐scale genome‐wide association study (GWAS) encompassed circulating Se levels (n = 5477) and toenail Se levels (n = 4162) in the European population. Outcome data were sourced from the summary statistics of the ENIGMA Consortium, comprising GWAS data from 51,666 individuals. The variables include cortical surface area (SA), thickness (TH) at the global level, and 34 functional cortical regions evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. The inverse‐variance‐weighted method was used as the primary estimate. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to detect potential violations of assumptions underlying MR.

Results

At the global level, Se levels were not correlated with SA but showed a significant negative correlation with TH (β = −0.00485 mm, SE = 0.00192, p = .0115). Heterogeneity was observed across different brain regions, with positive correlations found between Se levels and the TH of the parahippocampal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and frontal pole, whereas negative correlations were found with the TH of the inferior parietal lobe and middle temporal lobe. Regarding SA, Se levels exhibit positive correlations with the pars triangularis, caudal anterior cingulate, inferior parietal lobe, and banks of the superior temporal sulcus. Conversely, negative correlations were observed with the medial orbitofrontal cortex, posterior cingulate gyrus, insula, and the middle, superior, and transverse gyrus of the temporal lobe. No pleiotropy was detected.

Results

This MR study indicated that Se levels causally influence the brain cortical structure.
Synthesis of Pure‐Phase Ni2P Nanocatalysts via Phosphorus Ligand Selection for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wei Hailong , Gu Fangwei , Wang Yongsheng , Hao Jinyuan , Zhu Wei , Zhuang Zhongbin
Published: October 2023

Developing facile and low‐cost synthetic methods of high‐active platinum group metal‐free electrocatalysts is essential for green hydrogen production primarily based on water electrolysis. We adopted a facile solution‐based synthetic approach to prepare nickel phosphide nanoparticles (NP) and systematically studied the role of phosphorus ligands in the synthesis. Pure‐phase Ni2P NPs were obtained by selecting the proper phosphorus ligands, which tuned the structures of the product. The Ni2P nanowire, prepared using triphenyl phosphite, exhibited the best activity and stability in acidic, neutral, and alkaline media for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), indicating the advantages of the nanowire structure to the performance. In the acidic medium, it only required overpotential values of 100 and 167 mV to achieve the HER current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the overpotential increased only by 26 mV during the 50‐hour stability test, indicating potential for device application. It was also demonstrated that the on‐site generation of insoluble nickel salts (e. g., hydroxides, phosphates, etc.) on the surface resulted in lower activity and stability in neutral and alkaline media than in acid.
Revealing the atomic mechanism of diamond–iron interfacial reaction
Authors: Ku Yalun , Xu Kun , Yan Longbin , Zhang Kuikui , Song Dongsheng , Li Xing , Li Shunfang , Cheng Shaobo , Shan Chongxin
Published: October 2023

Diamond, with ultrahigh hardness, high wear resistance, high thermal conductivity, and so forth, has attracted worldwide attention. However, researchers found emergent reactions at the interfaces between diamond and ferrous materials, which significantly affects the performance of diamond‐based devices. Herein, combing experiments and theoretical calculations, taking diamond–iron (Fe) interface as a prototype, the counter‐diffusion mechanism of Fe/carbon atoms has been established. Surprisingly, it is identified that Fe and diamond first form a coherent interface, and then Fe atoms diffuse into diamond and prefer the carbon vacancies sites. Meanwhile, the relaxed carbon atoms diffuse into the Fe lattice, forming Fe3C. Moreover, graphite is observed at the Fe3C surface when Fe3C is over‐saturated by carbon atoms. The present findings are expected to offer new insights into the atomic mechanism for diamond‐ferrous material's interfacial reactions, benefiting diamond‐based device applications.
o‐Hydroxyarylphosphanes: Strategies for Syntheses of Configurationally Stable, Electronically and Sterically Tunable Ambiphiles with Multiple Applications
Authors: Heinicke Joachim W.
Published: October 2023

o‐Hydroxyarylphosphanes are fascinating compounds by their multiple‐reactivity features, attributed to the ambident hard and soft Lewis‐ and also Brønstedt acid‐base properties, wide tuning opportunities via backbone substituents with ±mesomeric and inductive, at P and in o‐position to P and O also steric effects, and in addition, the configurational stability at three‐valent phosphorus. Air sensitivity may be overcome by reversible protection with BH3, but the easy oxidation to P(V)‐compounds may also be used. Since the first reports on the title compounds ca. 50 years ago the multiple reactivity has led to versatile applications. This includes various P−E−O and P=C−O heterocycles, a multitude of O‐substituted derivatives including acyl derivatives for traceless Staudinger couplings of biomolecules with labels or functional substituents, phosphane‐phosphite ligands, which like the o‐phosphanylphenols itself form a range of transition metal complexes and catalysts. Also main group metal complexes and (bi)arylphosphonium‐organocatalysts are derived. Within this review the various strategies for the access of the starting materials are illuminated, including few hints to selected applications.
Integration of circulating microRNAs and transcriptome signatures identifies early‐pregnancy biomarkers of preeclampsia
Authors: Mirzakhani Hooman , Handy Diane E. , Lu Zheng , Oppenheimer Ben , Litonjua Augusto A. , Loscalzo Joseph , Weiss Scott T.
Published: October 2023

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathobiology of preeclampsia, a common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. In a nested matched case‐control cohort within the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), we previously identified peripheral blood mRNA signatures related to preeclampsia and vitamin D status (≤30 ng/mL) during gestation from 10 to 18 weeks, using differential expression analysis.

Methods

Using quantitative PCR arrays, we conducted profiling of circulating miRNAs at 10–18 weeks of gestation in the same VDAART cohort to identify differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs associated with preeclampsia and vitamin D status. For the validation of the expression of circulating miRNA signatures in the placenta, the HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblast cell line was used. Targets of circulating miRNA signatures in the preeclampsia mRNA signatures were identified by consensus ranking of miRNA‐target prediction scores from four sources. The connected component of target signatures was identified by mapping to the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network and hub targets were determined. As experimental validation, we examined the gene and protein expression of IGF1R, one of the key hub genes, as a target of the DE miRNA, miR‐182‐5p, in response to a miR‐182‐5p mimic in HTR‐8/SVneo cells.

Results

Pregnant women with preeclampsia had 16 circulating DE miRNAs relative to normal pregnancy controls that were also DE under vitamin D insufficiency (9/16 = 56% upregulated, FDR < .05). Thirteen miRNAs (13/16 = 81.3%) were detected in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Overall, 16 DE miRNAs had 122 targets, of which 87 were unique. Network analysis demonstrated that the 32 targets of DE miRNA signatures created a connected subnetwork in the preeclampsia module with CXCL8, CXCL10, CD274, MMP9 and IGF1R having the highest connectivity and centrality degree. In an in vitro validation experiment, the introduction of an hsa‐miR‐182‐5p mimic resulted in significant reduction of its target IGF1R gene and protein expression within HTR‐8/SVneo cells.

Conclusions

The integration of the circulating DE miRNA and mRNA signatures associated preeclampsia added additional insights into the subclinical molecular signature of preeclampsia. Our systems and network biology approach revealed several biological pathways, including IGF‐1, that may play a role in the early pathophysiology of preeclampsia. These pathways and signatures also denote potential biomarkers for the early stages of preeclampsia and suggest possible preventive measures.
A global systematic review of frugivorous animal tracking studies and the estimation of seed dispersal distances
Authors: Fell Adam , Silva Thiago , Duthie A. Bradley , Dent Daisy
Published: October 2023

Seed dispersal is one of the most important ecosystem functions globally. It shapes plant populations, enhances forest succession, and has multiple, indirect benefits for humans, yet it is one of the most threatened processes in plant regeneration, worldwide. Seed dispersal distances are determined by the diets, seed retention times and movements of frugivorous animals. Hence, understanding how we can most effectively describe frugivore movement and behaviour with rapidly developing animal tracking technology is key to quantifying seed dispersal. To assess the current use of animal tracking in frugivory studies and to provide a baseline for future studies, we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis on the existing primary literature of global tracking studies that monitor movement of frugivorous animals. Specifically, we identify studies that estimate dispersal distances and how they vary with body mass and environmental traits. We show that over the last two decades there has been a large increase in frugivore tracking studies that determine seed dispersal distances. However, some taxa (e.g. reptiles) and geographic locations (e.g. Africa and Central Asia) are poorly studied. Furthermore, we found that certain morphological and environmental traits can be used to predict seed dispersal distances. We demonstrate that flight ability and increased body mass both significantly increase estimated seed dispersal mean and maximum distances. Our results also suggest that protected areas have a positive effect on mean seed dispersal distances when compared to unprotected areas. We anticipate that this review will act as a reference for future frugivore tracking studies, specifically to target current taxonomic and geographic data gaps, and to further explore how seed dispersal relates to key frugivore and fruit traits.
Incidence, risk assessment and prevention of sudden cardiac death in cardiomyopathies
Authors: Polovina Marija , Tschöpe Carsten , Rosano Giuseppe , Metra Marco , Crea Filippo , Mullens Wilfried , Bauersachs Johann , Sliwa Karen , de Boer Rudolf A. , Farmakis Dimitrios , Thum Thomas , Corrado Domenico , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Bozkurt Biykem , Filippatos Gerasimos , Keren Andre , Skouri Hadi , Moura Brenda , Volterrani Maurizio , Abdelhamid Magdy , Ašanin Milika , Krljanac Gordana , Tomić Milenko , Savarese Gianluigi , Adamo Marianna , Lopatin Yuri , Chioncel Ovidiu , Coats Andrew J.S. , Seferović Petar M.
Published: October 2023

Cardiomyopathies are a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, mainly due to the development of heart failure and increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Despite improvement in survival with contemporary treatment, SCD remains an important cause of mortality in cardiomyopathies. It occurs at a rate ranging between 0.15% and 0.7% per year (depending on the cardiomyopathy), which significantly surpasses SCD incidence in the age‐ and sex‐matched general population. The risk of SCD is affected by multiple factors including the aetiology, genetic basis, age, sex, physical exertion, the extent of myocardial disease severity, conduction system abnormalities, and electrical instability, as measured by various metrics. Over the past decades, the knowledge on the mechanisms and risk factors for SCD has substantially improved, allowing for a better‐informed risk stratification. However, unresolved issues still challenge the guidance of SCD prevention in patients with cardiomyopathies. In this review, we aim to provide an in‐depth discussion of the contemporary concepts pertinent to understanding the burden, risk assessment and prevention of SCD in cardiomyopathies (dilated, non‐dilated left ventricular, hypertrophic, arrhythmogenic right ventricular, and restrictive). The review first focuses on SCD incidence in cardiomyopathies and then summarizes established and emerging risk factors for life‐threatening arrhythmias/SCD. Finally, it discusses validated approaches to the risk assessment and evidence‐based measures for SCD prevention in cardiomyopathies, pointing to the gaps in evidence and areas of uncertainties that merit future clarification.
Understanding the role of environmental temperature on sex determination through comparative studies in reptiles and amphibians
Authors: Akashi Hiroshi , Hasui Daiki , Ueda Kai , Ishikawa Momoka , Takeda Masayoshi , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: October 2023

In vertebrates, species exhibit phenotypic plasticity of sex determination that the sex can plastically be determined by the external environmental temperature through a mechanism, temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD). Temperature exerts influence over the direction of sexual differentiation pathways, resulting in distinct primary sex ratios in a temperature‐dependent manner. This review provides a summary of the thermal sensitivities associated with sex determination in reptiles and amphibians, with a focus on the pattern of TSD, gonadal differentiation, temperature sensing, and the molecular basis underlying thermal sensitivity in sex determination. Comparative studies across diverse lineages offer valuable insights into comprehending the evolution of sex determination as a phenotypic plasticity. While evidence of molecular mechanisms governing sexual differentiation pathways continues to accumulate, the intracellular signaling linking temperature sensing and sexual differentiation pathways remains elusive. We emphasize that uncovering these links is a key for understanding species‐specific thermal sensitivities in TSD and will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem and biodiversity conservations.
Understanding tax payment behaviour in the West African Economic and Monetary Union: The role of perceived detection capacity and honesty
Authors: Djahini‐Afawoubo Dossè Mawussi
Published: October 2023

The analysis of the key factors influencing the perception of tax compliance in WAEMU countries is the primary goal of this study. In particular, the study examines how intrinsic factors, such as honesty and the perception of the tax administration's capacity to detect fraud, affect perceptions of tax compliance in the WAEMU. Ordered probit regression was used to examine Afrobarometer data. According to the findings, honest citizens are more likely to be compliant, whereas a lack of good detection skills is negatively correlated with the perception of tax compliance. The results also reveal cross‐country differences driven by the levels of institutional trust, corruption and democracy.
Isogeometric topology optimization for infill designs of porous structures with stress minimization in additive manufacturing
Authors: Wei Dongyu , Zhu Guoliang , Shi Zhiwu , Gao Liang , Sun Baode , Gao Jie
Published: October 2023

Porous structures by additive manufacturing have fascinating and compelling performance compared with solid structures. The stress‐related porous infill designs which could greatly mitigate the effects of the intrinsic high residual stress in additive manufacturing process have gained increasing attention. In the current work, we propose a promising Isogeometric Topology Optimization (ITO) method for porous infill structures with stress minimization to avoid the occurrence of stress concentrations in additive manufacturing. The IsoGeometric Analysis (IGA) and induced p‐norm aggregation are utilized to develop a stress‐minimization topology description model for infill design, which can remove the mesh dependency and offer benefits for improving numerical accuracy and convergence stability. We also introduced global volume constraints to easily control the usage of material and eliminate the over‐fine structures affecting the printing accuracy. Several numerical examples are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed ITO method on porous infill designs with stress minimization. The laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique is employed to fabricate several prototypes, and the performance are evaluated by experiments. The advancements of our work are demonstrated effectively, which is adapted for additive manufacturing and practical application.
Subjective time dilation as a result of entropy
Authors: Zhang Dongxue , Wang Yi , Bao Yan
Published: October 2023

Subjective time dilation is an effect discovered using the oddball paradigm, where expanding visual stimuli, but not shrinking ones, induce a prolongation of subjective temporal perception compared to static stimuli. This disparity is often seen as another demonstration of humans' evolved reaction to approaching threats, since visual expansion resembles approaching potential threats and warrants extra attention. In this study, we show that by manipulating the relative sizes of stimuli, both expanding and shrinking stimuli can induce prolongation of subjective time in an oddball paradigm. We propose an alternative explanation based on information theory, linking subjective temporal perception to entropy, an objective property of stimulus that is information uncertainty. Temporal function as a logistic function thus serves as the framework inside which content functions like information processing are able to operate coherently.
Cefepime‐induced delirium
Authors: Suppamutharwyam Malarkodi , Shah Tunku Muzafar
Published: October 2023

Cefepime is a fourth‐generation cephalosporin widely used to treat severe infections. However, some patients are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing cefepime‐induced encephalopathy (CIE). While CIE presenting as delirium is not uncommon, it is often missed in clinical practice. Current guidelines recommend prescribing cefepime adjusted for renal clearance to reduce the risk of toxicity. However, this rare case suggests adjusting cefepime for renal dysfunction may be insufficient to prevent CIE. Thus, clinicians must continuously evaluate patients on cefepime therapy to promptly diagnose CIE.
Hydrogel, the Next‐Generation Electrolyte for Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Wang Bin , Chen Jingwei , Cao Sheng , Yang Yadong , Yu William W. , Li Haizeng
Published: October 2023

Electrolytes have become a research frontier in the electrochromic community owing to their widespread applications in advanced electronic devices especially in electrochromic devices (ECDs). However, traditional ECDs with liquid electrolytes commonly suffer from inflexibility, complicated configurations, and poor electrochromic properties. To achieve solid‐ or flexible‐state ECDs, an alternative method is to employ polymer electrolyte gels, which integrate the virtues of both liquid‐ and solid‐state electrolytes. In this review, first, the device configurations of conventional ECDs are introduced, where the classification of electrolytes for ECDs is comprehensively introduced. Then the current situation and applications of hydrogels for ECDs, where it is expected to reveal the developing trends of hydrogel‐based ECDs are specially reviewed. Finally, the insights on the design methods of hydrogel electrolytes for flexible and efficient ECDs are proposed.
The effect of phytosterol supplementation on lipid profile: A critical umbrella review of interventional meta‐analyses
Authors: Wang Le , Feng Li , Prabahar Kousalya , Hernández‐Wolters Benjamin , Wang Zhenxing
Published: October 2023

Despite multiple investigations assessing the impact of phytosterol supplementation on serum lipid levels, there is still a great deal of debate regarding the benefits of this intervention in the management of dyslipidemia. Therefore, we aimed at clarifying this dilemma by conducting the present umbrella review of interventional meta‐analyses. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were used to search for pertinent publications on the effect of phytosterol supplementation on the lipid profile in humans up to June 2023. To compute the overall effect size (ES) and confidence intervals (CI), the random‐effects model was used. The I2 statistic and Cochrane's Q‐test were applied to estimate the heterogeneity among the studies. Seventeen meta‐analyses with 23 study arms were included in the umbrella meta‐analysis. Data pooled from the 23 eligible arms revealed that phytosterol supplementation reduces low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (ES = −11.47 mg/dL; 95% CI: −12.76, −10.17, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES = −13.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: −15.68, −10.37, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (TG) (ES = −3.77 mg/dL; 95% CI: −6.04, −1.51, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that phytosterol administration with dosage ≥2 g/day and duration over 8 weeks and in hypercholesterolemic subjects was more likely to decrease LDL‐C, TC, and TG. Phytosterol administration did not significantly modify HDL‐C (ES = 0.18 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.13, −0.51, p = 258) levels when compared to controls. The present umbrella meta‐analysis confirms that phytosterol administration significantly reduces LDL‐C, TC, and TG, with a greater effect with doses of ≥2 g/day and treatment duration >8 weeks, suggesting its possible application as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of phytosterols in patients with specific health conditions, as well as to ascertain the adverse effects, the maximum tolerable dose, and the maximum recommended duration of phytosterol administration.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Modified M2 High‐Speed Steel by Adding La2O3 in the Electroslag Casting Process
Authors: Hu Xiaona , Chen Wei , Lu Deping , Lu Lei , Jia Jingxuan , Li Huicheng , Zou Jin , Hu Qiang
Published: October 2023

An electroslag casting method is used to add rare‐earth La to M2 high‐speed steels by adding La2O3 into the molten slag. The effects of the La content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of M2 high‐speed steel are studied. The results show that rare‐earth La is effectively added to steel by taking advantage of the decomposition of La2O3. The rare‐earth La partially modifies the pre‐existing oxide and sulfide inclusions into small and spherical rare‐earth oxysulfide inclusions. By adding an appropriate amount of La, the as‐cast iron dendrite matrix and coarse eutectic carbides can be refined, the carbide content is reduced, the carbide network is broken, and the decomposition of M2C into M6C and MC is promoted. After heat treatment, the network breaking and spheroidalization of the carbides are further facilitated, and the carbide content is reduced. The impact toughness and bending strength of the studied samples are improved by modifying the inclusions and optimizing the microstructure.
What Is the Metaverse?
Authors: Mooij Annelieke
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses the development of virtual reality. It will then further discuss the contours and technical details of the Metaverse. The chapter will conclude by offering a brief reflection on the future of the Metaverse.
Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism via the Metaverse
Authors: Mooij Annelieke
Published: October 2023

This chapter assesses the risks of money laundering and financing of terrorism (MLFT) via the Metaverse. This chapter starts in Sect. 4.2 by discussing the three traditional stages of MLFT in relation to the Metaverse. These stages are placement, layering and integration. In addition to the traditional stages of MLFT, the Metaverse poses additional risks to MLFT. The first additional risk identified in this book is the possibility of entering and creating realities fully anonymously. The threats of anonymity in the Metaverse will be discussed in Sect. 4.3.1. The second additional risk is that of the lack of jurisdiction in the Metaverse. This will be further explored in Sect. 4.3.2. The third and final additional risk relating to the Metaverse is that of the use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These will be discussed in Sect. 4.3.3.
A retrospective real-world study: the efficacy of immune-related combination therapies in advanced non-small cell lung cancer after resistance to EGFR-TKIs
Authors: Cai Ruoxue , Liu Ying , Yu Mingyan , Sha Huanhuan , Guo Mengya , Chen Yue , Ye Jinjun , Zhou Guoren , Fang Ying , Shen Bo
Published: October 2023

Background

Whether patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) should choose an immune-combination therapy regimen after EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) resistance is currently unclear.

Methods

We evaluated 118 NSCLC patients treated by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) + chemotherapy (I + C), ICIs + chemotherapy + antiangiogenic therapy (I + C + A), chemotherapy + antiangiogenic therapy (C + A) after inefficacy of EGFR-TKIs. We assessed the objective remission rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and progression-free survival (PFS) of these treatments.

Results

The ORR was 26.1% vs 38.2% vs 16.3% in the three groups (P = 0.093). The divergence in DCR was also statistically significant (65.2% vs 85.3% vs 74.4%, P = 0.209). The median PFS was no statistically significant difference in PFS (3.09 vs 6.31 vs 5.91 months, P = 0.809), but the Kaplan–Meier survival curve of 12-month-PFS indicated an apparent survival advantage in the I + C + A group (P = 0.001). In addition, the I + C/I + C + A group showed higher median PFS than the C + A group in patients with brain metastases (median PFS, 6.44 vs 4.21 months, P = 0.022). The divergence in ORR of patients in the brain group was also statistically significant (P = 0.045). The I + C + A group showed superior efficacy in patients with liver metastases (median PFS, 0.95 vs 6.44 vs 3.48 months, P < 0.0001). The Cox proportional hazard modeling analysis suggested that the age, brain metastases, and liver metastases were all connected with the prognosis.

Conclusions

This study suggests that advanced NSCLC patients after resistance to EGFR-TKIs may achieve better outcomes from triple therapy. Patients with brain metastases favor ICIs-related combination therapies and patients with liver metastases prefer I + C + A therapy.
Annotate and retrieve in vivo images using hybrid self-organizing map
Authors: Kaur Parminder , Malhi Avleen , Pannu Husanbir
Published: October 2023

Multimodal retrieval has gained much attention lately due to its effectiveness over uni-modal retrieval. For instance, visual features often under-constrain the description of an image in content-based retrieval; however, another modality, such as collateral text, can be introduced to abridge the semantic gap and make the retrieval process more efficient. This article proposes the application of cross-modal fusion and retrieval on real in vivo gastrointestinal images and linguistic cues, as the visual features alone are insufficient for image description and to assist gastroenterologists. So, a cross-modal information retrieval approach has been proposed to retrieve related images given text and vice versa while handling the heterogeneity gap issue among the modalities. The technique comprises two stages: (1) individual modality feature learning; and (2) fusion of two trained networks. In the first stage, two self-organizing maps (SOMs) are trained separately using images and texts, which are clustered in the respective SOMs based on their similarity. In the second (fusion) stage, the trained SOMs are integrated using an associative network to enable cross-modal retrieval. The underlying learning techniques of the associative network include Hebbian learning and Oja learning (Improved Hebbian learning). The introduced framework can annotate images with keywords and illustrate keywords with images, and it can also be extended to incorporate more diverse modalities. Extensive experimentation has been performed on real gastrointestinal images obtained from a known gastroenterologist that have collateral keywords with each image. The obtained results proved the efficacy of the algorithm and its significance in aiding gastroenterologists in quick and pertinent decision making.
Estimation of uncertainty from duplicate measurements: new quantification procedure in the case of concentration-dependent precision
Authors: Synek Václav , Kříženecká Sylvie
Published: October 2023

In many analytical measurements, the analyte concentration in test samples can vary considerably. In such cases, the standard deviation (SD) quantifying measurement imprecision should be expressed as a function of the concentration, c: $${s}_{c}=\sqrt{{\mathrm{s}}_{0}^{2}+{ s}_{r}^{2}{c}^{2}}$$

s
c

=

s

0

2

+

s

r

2

c

2

, where s0 represents a non-zero SD at zero concentration and sr represents a near-constant relative SD at very high concentrations. In the case of SD repeatability, these parameters can be estimated from the differences of duplicated results measured on routine test samples. Datasets with a high number of duplicate results can be obtained within internal quality control. Most procedures recommended for this estimation are based on statistically demanding weighted regression.

This article proposes a statistically less demanding procedure. The s0 and sr parameters are estimated from selected subsets of absolute and relative differences of duplicates measured at low to medium concentrations and high to medium concentrations, respectively. The estimates are obtained by iterative calculations from the root mean square of the differences with a correction for the influence of the second parameter. This procedure was verified on Monte Carlo simulated datasets. The variability of the parameter estimates obtained by this proposed procedure may be similar or slightly worse than that of the estimates obtained by the best regression procedure, but better than the variability of the estimates obtained by other tested regression procedures. However, a selection of the duplicates from an inappropriate concentration range may cause a substantial increase in variability of the estimates obtained.
Small area prediction of proportions and counts under a spatial Poisson mixed model
Authors: Boubeta Miguel , Lombardía María José , Morales Domingo
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces an area-level Poisson mixed model with SAR(1) spatially correlated random effects. Small area predictors of proportions and counts are derived from the new model and the corresponding mean squared errors are estimated by parametric bootstrap. The behaviour of the introduced predictors is empirically investigated by running model-based simulation experiments. An application to real data from the Spanish living conditions survey of Galicia (Spain) is given. The target is the estimation of domain proportions of women under the poverty line.