bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measures of Brain Connectivity and Cognition by Sex in US Children
Authors: Tomasi Dardo , Volkow Nora D.
Published: February 2023

Importance

The neurobiological underpinnings underlying sex differences in cognition during adolescence are largely unknown.

Objective

To examine sex differences in brain circuitry and their association with cognitive performance in US children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed behavioral and imaging data from 9- to 11-year-old children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study between August 2017 and November 2018. The ABCD study is an open-science, multisite study following up more than 11 800 youths into early adulthood for 10 years with annual laboratory-based assessments and biennial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The selection of ABCD study children for the current analysis was based on the availability of functional and structural MRI data sets in ABCD Brain Imaging Data Structure Community Collection format. Five hundred and sixty participants who had excessive level of head motion (>50% of time points with framewise displacement >0.5 mm) during resting-state functional MRI were excluded from the analyses. Data were analyzed between January and August 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the sex differences in (A) global functional connectivity density at rest and (B) mean water diffusivity (MD) and (C) the correlation of these metrics with total cognitive scores.

Results

A total of 8961 children (4604 boys and 4357 girls; mean [SD] age, 9.92 [0.62] years) were included in this analysis. Girls had higher functional connectivity density in default mode network hubs than boys, predominantly in the posterior cingulate cortex (Cohen d = −0.36), and lower MD and transverse diffusivity, predominantly in the superior corticostriatal white matter bundle (Cohen d = 0.3). Age-corrected fluid and total composite scores were higher for girls than for boys (Cohen d = −0.08 [fluid] and −0.04 [total]; P = 2.7 × 10−5). Although total mean (SD) brain volume (1260 [104] mL in boys and 1160 [95] mL in girls; t = 50; Cohen d = 1.0; df = 8738) and the proportion of white matter (d = 0.4) were larger for boys than for girls, the proportion of gray matter was larger for girls than for boys (d = −0.3; P = 2.2 × 10−16).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study on sex differences in brain connectivity and cognition are relevant to the future creation of brain developmental trajectory charts to monitor for deviations associated with impairments in cognition or behavior, including those due to psychiatric or neurological disorders. They could also serve as a framework for studies investigating the differential contribution of biological vs social or cultural factors in the neurodevelopmental trajectories of girls and boys.
Using Haplotype-Based Artificial Intelligence to Evaluate SARS-CoV-2 Novel Variants and Mutations
Authors: Zhao Lue Ping , Cohen Seth , Zhao Michael , Madeleine Margaret , Payne Thomas H. , Lybrand Terry P. , Geraghty Daniel E. , Jerome Keith R. , Corey Lawrence
Published: February 2023

Importance

Earlier detection of emerging novel SARS-COV-2 variants is important for public health surveillance of potential viral threats and for earlier prevention research. Artificial intelligence may facilitate early detection of SARS-CoV2 emerging novel variants based on variant-specific mutation haplotypes and, in turn, be associated with enhanced implementation of risk-stratified public health prevention strategies.

Objective

To develop a haplotype-based artificial intelligence (HAI) model for identifying novel variants, including mixture variants (MVs) of known variants and new variants with novel mutations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used serially observed viral genomic sequences globally (prior to March 14, 2022) to train and validate the HAI model and used it to identify variants arising from a prospective set of viruses from March 15 to May 18, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Viral sequences, collection dates, and locations were subjected to statistical learning analysis to estimate variant-specific core mutations and haplotype frequencies, which were then used to construct an HAI model to identify novel variants.

Results

Through training on more than 5 million viral sequences, an HAI model was built, and its identification performance was validated on an independent validation set of more than 5 million viruses. Its identification performance was assessed on a prospective set of 344 901 viruses. In addition to achieving an accuracy of 92.8% (95% CI within 0.1%), the HAI model identified 4 Omicron MVs (Omicron-Alpha, Omicron-Delta, Omicron-Epsilon, and Omicron-Zeta), 2 Delta MVs (Delta-Kappa and Delta-Zeta), and 1 Alpha-Epsilon MV, among which Omicron-Epsilon MVs were most frequent (609/657 MVs [92.7%]). Furthermore, the HAI model found that 1699 Omicron viruses had unidentifiable variants given that these variants acquired novel mutations. Lastly, 524 variant-unassigned and variant-unidentifiable viruses carried 16 novel mutations, 8 of which were increasing in prevalence percentages as of May 2022.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, an HAI model found SARS-COV-2 viruses with MV or novel mutations in the global population, which may require closer examination and monitoring. These results suggest that HAI may complement phylogenic variant assignment, providing additional insights into emerging novel variants in the population.
Inhibition of EZH2 exerts antitumorigenic effects in renal cell carcinoma via LATS1
Authors: Hong Seong Hwi , Hwang Hyun Ji , Son Da Hyeon , Kim Eun Song , Park Sung Yul , Yoon Young Eun
Published: February 2023

The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for approximately 90% of cases. RCC is a variant disease with numerous subtypes; the most common subtype is clear cell RCC (ccRCC, 75%), followed by papillary RCC (pRCC, 10%) and chromophobe RCC (chRCC, 5%). To identify a genetic target for all subtypes, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases of ccRCC, pRCC, and chromophobe RCC. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which encodes a methyltransferase, was observed to be significantly upregulated in tumors. The EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat induced anticancer effects in RCC cells. TCGA analysis revealed that large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1), a key tumor suppressor of the Hippo pathway, was significantly downregulated in tumors; the expression of LATS1 was increased by tazemetostat. Through additional experiments, we confirmed that LATS1 plays a crucial role in EZH2 inhibition and has a negative association with EZH2. Therefore, we suggest that epigenetic control could be a novel therapeutic strategy for three subtypes of RCC.
Comparison between mono‐tacrolimus and mono‐glucocorticoid in the treatment of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Fan Zhirong , Lei Lin , Su Shengyao , Zhang Shu , Xie Nairong , Li Ling , Lu Yan , Di Li , Wang Min , Xu Min , Shen Xin‐Ming , Da Yuwei
Published: February 2023

Objective

Use of tacrolimus in mild to moderate myasthenia gravis (MG) is generally limited to glucocorticoid‐refractory cases; the advantage of mono‐tacrolimus over mono‐glucocorticoids is unknown.

Methods

We included mild to moderate MG patients treated with mono‐tacrolimus (mono‐TAC) or mono‐glucocorticoids (mono‐GC). The correlation between the immunotherapy options and the treatment efficacy and side effects were examined in 1:1 propensity‐score matching. The main outcome was time to minimal manifestations status or better (MMS or better). Secondary outcomes include time to relapse, the mean changes in Myasthenia Gravis‐specific Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) scores and the rate of adverse events.

Results

Baseline characteristics showed no difference between matched groups (49 matched pairs). There were no differences in median time to MMS or better between the mono‐TAC group and mono‐GC group (5.1 vs. 2.8 months: unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.46–1.16; p = 0.180), as well as in median time to relapse (data unavailable for the mono‐TAC group since 44 of 49 [89.8%] participants remained in MMS or better; 39.7 months in mono‐GC group: unadjusted HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.23–1.97; p = 0.464). Changes in MG‐ADL scores between the two groups were similar (mean differences, 0.3; 95% CI, −0.4 to 1.0; p = 0.462). The rate of adverse events was lower in the mono‐TAC group compared to the mono‐GC group (24.5% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.002).

Interpretation

Mono‐tacrolimus performs superior tolerability with non‐inferior efficacy compared to mono‐glucocorticoids in mild to moderate myasthenia gravis patients who refuse or have a contraindication to glucocorticoids.
Moist‐Electric Generator with Efficient Output and Scalable Integration Based on Carbonized Polymer Dot and Liquid Metal Active Electrode
Authors: Li Qijun , Qin Yukun , Cheng Dengke , Cheng Ming , Zhao Hongjia , Li Lvzhou , Qu Songnan , Tan Jing , Ding Jianning
Published: February 2023

Moisture‐enabled electricity generation (MEG) is highly promising in next‐generation energy conversion. However, the practical applications of existing MEG devices are limited due to their low current and voltage outputs, strong dependence on high moisture, and inflexible nature. Herein, an efficient MEG integrated with flexible, all‐weather, and scalable fabrication characteristics based on the rational combination of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) and liquid metal (LM) active electrodes is developed for the first time. Remarkably, the fabricated MEG device can produce a stable voltage output of 800 mV and a record high current density of 1640 µA cm−2. Even at a low air humidity of 15%, the MEG device can provide a high voltage output of 0.65 V and a considerable current density of 12 µA cm−2. The prompted diffusion of hydrogen ions in CPDs and the additional metal ions ionized from the LM electrode contribute synergistically to the high electricity generation. Additionally, the device can be easily integrated on various flexible substrates and generate an ultrahigh voltage of 210 V to power commercial electronics, showing great potential in large‐scale fabrication and application.
Fully 3D‐Printed, Stretchable, and Conformable Haptic Interfaces
Authors: Grasso Giulio , Rosset Samuel , Shea Herbert
Published: February 2023

Integrating rich cutaneous haptic feedback enhances realism and user immersion in virtual and augmented reality settings. One major challenge is providing accurately localized cutaneous stimuli on fingertips without interfering with the user's dexterity. This sub 200 µm thick, fully printed, stretchable Hydraulically Amplified Taxels (HAXELs) enable both static indentation and vibrating haptic stimuli, localized to a 2.5 mm diameter region. The HAXELs are directly bonded to the user's skin, are soft enough to conform to any body part, and can be fabricated in dense arrays with no crosstalk. All functional materials (elastomers, stretchable conductors, and sacrificial layers) are deposited by inkjet printing, which allows rapid prototyping of multi‐material, polymer‐based structures. The actuators consist of oil‐filled stretchable pouches, whose shape is controlled by electrostatic zipping. The 5 mm wide actuators weigh <250 mg and generate cutaneous stimuli well above reported perception thresholds, from DC to 1 kHz. They operate well even when stretched to over 50%, allowing great freedom in placement. The 2 × 2 arrays are tested on the fingers of human volunteers: the actuated quadrant is correctly identified 86% of the time. Printing soft actuators allows tailoring dense and effective cutaneous haptics to the unique shape of each user.
Variability in molar crown morphology and cusp wear in two Western chimpanzee populations
Authors: Stuhlträger Julia , Kullmer Ottmar , Wittig Roman M. , Kupczik Kornelius , Schulz‐Kornas Ellen
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Chimpanzees(Pan troglodytes)possess a relatively generalized molar morphology allowing them to access a wide range of foods. Comparisons of crown and cusp morphology among the four subspecies have suggested relatively large intraspecific variability. Here, we compare molar crown traits and cusp wear of two geographically close populations of Western chimpanzees,P. t. verus, to provide further information on intraspecific dental variability.

Materials and Methods

Micro‐CT reconstructions of high‐resolution replicas of first and second molars of two Western chimpanzee populations from Ivory Coast (Taï National Park) and Liberia, respectively were used for this study. First, we analyzed projected tooth and cusp 2D areas as well as the occurrence of cusp six (C6) on lower molars. Second, we quantified the molar cusp wear three‐dimensionally to infer how the individual cusps alter with advancing wear.

Results

Both populations are similar in their molar crown morphology, except for a higher appearance rate of a C6 in Taï chimpanzees. In Taï chimpanzees, lingual cusps of upper molars and buccal cusps of lower molars possess an advanced wear pattern compared to the remaining cusps, while in Liberian chimpanzees this wear gradient is less pronounced.

Discussion

The similar crown morphology between both populations fits with previous descriptions for Western chimpanzees and provides additional data on dental variation within this subspecies. The wear pattern of the Taï chimpanzees are in concordance with their observed tool rather than tooth use to open nuts/seeds, while the Liberian chimpanzees may have consumed hard food items crushed between their molars.
Hybridization‐Induced Spin‐Wave Transmission Stop Band within a 1D Diffraction Grating
Authors: Riedel C. , Taniguchi T. , Körber L. , Kákay A. , Back C. H.
Published: February 2023

Spin wave propagation is studied through a diffraction grating in a 200 nm thick YIG film by using scanning time resolved magneto‐optic Kerr microscopy (TR‐MOKE) and supported by micromagnetic simulations. Caustic‐like spin wave emission and the hybridization of Damon Eshbach (DE) type spin wave modes within the grating region, depending on the magnetic field and the dimensions of the grating, are observed. Hybridization leads to an increased attenuation length for propagating spin waves and consequently to a transmission stop‐band for spin waves at the grating for a certain magnetic field range.
Teaching vulval anatomy in the twenty‐first century: The Australian experience
Authors: Hayes Jennifer A. , Temple‐Smith Meredith J.
Published: February 2023

Anatomy has often been regarded as an immutable discipline where everything that needs to be known is known. This article focuses on the teaching of vulval anatomy, the diversification of gender in contemporary society, and the increasing popularity of the Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS) industry. The binary language and singular structural arrangements contained in lectures and chapters on “female genital anatomy” are nowadays rendered exclusive and incomplete. A series of 31 semi‐structured interviews with Australian anatomy teachers identified barriers and facilitators for teaching vulval anatomy to contemporary student cohorts. Barriers included lack of connection to contemporary clinical practice, time and technical difficulty involved in regularly updating online presentations, the crowded curriculum, personal sensitivity to teaching vulval anatomy, and reluctance to introduce inclusive terminology. Facilitators included lived experience, regular use of social media, and institutional initiatives toward inclusivity including the support of queer colleagues.
Prognostication refinement in NPM1‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia stratified by FLT3‐ITD status with different induction doses of cytarabine
Authors: Wang Biao , Hua Xiaoying , Zhang Jihong , Gu Weiying , Li Haiqian
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed to retrospectively discern the heterogeneity of outcomes from clinicopathological characteristics and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) data in adult patients with NPM1‐mutated (NPM1mut) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induced with standard‐dose (SD, 100–200 mg/m2) and intermediate‐dose (ID, 1000–2000 mg/m2) cytarabine arabinose (Ara‐C).

Methods

In the entire cohort and FLT3‐ITD subgroups, multivariate Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the comprehensive complete remission (cCR) rate after one or two induction cycles, event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Among a total of 203 NPM1mut patients evaluable for clinical outcome, 144 (70.9%) received a first SD‐Ara‐C induction and 59 (29.1%) received ID‐Ara‐C induction. Early death was recorded in seven (3.4%) after one or two cycles of induction. Focusing analysis on the NPM1mut/FLT3‐ITD(−) subgroup, independent factors showing inferior outcome were presence of TET2 mutation [cCR rate, OR = 12.82 (95%CI 1.93–85.28), p = 0.008; EFS, HR = 2.92 (95%CI 1.46–5.86), p = 0.003], increasing age [EFS, HR = 1.49 (95%CI 1.10–2.02), p = 0.012 by every 10‐years elevation], white blood cell count ≥60 × 109/L [EFS, HR = 3.30 (95%CI 1.63–6.70), p = 0.001], and ≥4 mutated genes at initial diagnosis [OS, HR = 5.54 (95%CI 1.77–17.33), p = 0.003]. In contrast, when focusing on the NPM1mut/FLT3‐ITD(+) subgroup, factors showing superior outcome were ID‐Ara‐C induction [cCR rate, OR = 0.20 (95%CI 0.05–0.81), p = 0.025; EFS, HR = 0.27 (95%CI 0.13–0.60), p = 0.001] and allo‐transplantation [OS, HR = 0.45 (95%CI 0.21–0.94), p = 0.033]. Factors showing inferior outcome included CD34(+) [cCR rate, OR = 6.22 (95%CI 1.86–20.77), p = 0.003; EFS, HR = 2.01 (95%CI 1.12–3.61), p = 0.020] and ≥5 mutated genes [OS, HR = 2.85 (95%CI 1.33–6.10), p = 0.007].

Conclusion

We conclude that TET2(+), age, and white blood cell count convey an outcome risk modulation for AML with NPM1mut/FLT3‐ITD(−), as does CD34 and ID‐Ara‐C induction for NPM1mut/FLT3‐ITD(+). The findings permit re‐stratification of NPM1mut AML into distinct prognostic subsets to guide risk‐adapted individualized treatment.
A Guide to Gene‐Centric Analysis Using TreeSAPP
Authors: Morgan‐Lang Connor , Hallam Steven J.
Published: February 2023

Gene‐centric analysis is commonly used to chart the structure, function, and activity of microbial communities in natural and engineered environments. A common approach is to create custom ad hoc reference marker gene sets, but these come with the typical disadvantages of inaccuracy and limited utility beyond assigning query sequences taxonomic labels. The Tree‐based Sensitive and Accurate Phylogenetic Profiler (TreeSAPP) software package standardizes analysis of phylogenetic and functional marker genes and improves predictive performance using a classification algorithm that leverages information‐rich reference packages consisting of a multiple sequence alignment, a profile hidden Markov model, taxonomic lineage information, and a phylogenetic tree. Here, we provide a set of protocols that link the various analysis modules in TreeSAPP into a coherent process that both informs and directs the user experience. This workflow, initiated from a collection of candidate reference sequences, progresses through construction and refinement of a reference package to marker identification and normalized relative abundance calculations for homologous sequences in metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets. The alpha subunit of methyl‐coenzyme M reductase (McrA) involved in biological methane cycling is presented as a use case given its dual role as a phylogenetic and functional marker gene driving an ecologically relevant process. These protocols fill several gaps in prior TreeSAPP documentation and provide best practices for reference package construction and refinement, including manual curation steps from trusted sources in support of reproducible gene‐centric analysis. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Creating reference packages

Support Protocol 1: Installing TreeSAPP

Support Protocol 2: Annotating traits within a phylogenetic context

Basic Protocol 2: Updating reference packages

Basic Protocol 3: Calculating relative abundance of genes in metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets
Puppet masters of B‐cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: The preB cell receptor and the interleukin 7 receptor α
Authors: Das Gupta Dennis , Lohoff Michael
Published: February 2023

B‐cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL) is enriched for a preB cell phenotype, hinting at a specific vulnerability of this cell stage. Two signaling pathways via the preB cell receptor (preBCR) and the interleukin 7 receptor α (IL‐7Rα) chain govern the balance between differentiation and proliferation at this stage and both receptor pathways are routinely altered in human BCP‐ALL. Here, we review the immunobiology of both the preBCR as well as the IL‐7Rα and analyze the human BCP‐ALL spectrum in the light of these signaling complexes. Finally, we present a terminology for preBCR signaling modules that distinguishes a pro‐proliferative “phase‐I” module from a pro‐differentiative “phase‐II” module. This terminology might serve as a framework to better address shared oncogenic mechanics of preB cell stage BCP‐ALL.
Novel approach for the performance augmentation of phase change material integrated battery thermal management system for number of charging/discharging cycles
Authors: Patel Jay R. , Rathod Manish K.
Published: February 2023

With the development of fast charging unit for electric vehicles (EVs) battery, it is required to develop a battery pack that can maintain the temperature in the desired range. Hence, some thermal management system is required to enhance performance and safety issues. The objective of the present work is to enhance the performance of phase change material (PCM)‐based battery thermal management system (BTMS) for continuous charging/discharging cycles. The cycle is considered as 3C‐1C as charging‐discharging rates. The PCM‐in‐pack BTMS is effective only for one cycle, and after that, the value of maximum battery temperature (Tmax) and maximum battery temperature difference (ΔTmax) reaches above 60°C and 5°C, respectively. The PCM‐around‐cell BTMS (PCM layer around battery cells) is found effective in maintaining ΔTmax below 5°C for three consecutive cycles but found effective in maintaining Tmax below 60°C for the first cycle only. For further improvement, fins are utilized, and found that fin and PCM‐around‐cell BTMS can effectively maintain Tmax below 60°C for two cycles. Even the addition of fins is found effective after the second cycle; therefore, rest time between charging and discharging is explored for further improvement. With a 10‐min rest time, both Tmax and ΔTmax are found under 60°C and 5°C for four consecutive cycles. However, the value of Tmax increases around 4°C to 5°C after each cycle. This problem of increment in Tmax after each cycle is eliminated by 20‐min rest time and found almost similar Tmax for four consecutive cycles. For 20 min of rest time between charging and discharging, Tmax is found with PCM‐around‐cell with fin based BTMS as 44.98°C, 45.98°C, 46.49°C, and 46.82°C during four consecutive cycles. Hence, PCM‐around‐cell arrangement, fins, and rest time of 20 min can provide desirable results for a large number of consecutive cycles.
Future of Nanotechnology in Food Industry: Challenges in Processing, Packaging, and Food Safety
Authors: Singh Rajesh , Dutt Shradha , Sharma Priyanka , Sundramoorthy Ashok K. , Dubey Aman , Singh Anoop , Arya Sandeep
Published: February 2023

Over the course of the last several decades, nanotechnology has garnered a growing amount of attention as a potentially valuable technology that has significantly impacted the food industry. Nanotechnology helps in enhancing the properties of materials and structures that are used in various fields such as agriculture, food, pharmacy, and so on. Applications of nanotechnology in the food market have included the encapsulation and distribution of materials to specific locations, the improvement of flavor, the introduction of antibacterial nanoparticles into food, the betterment of prolonged storage, the detection of pollutants, enhanced storage facilities, locating, identifying, as well as consumer awareness. Labeling food goods with nano barcodes helps ensure their security and may also be used to track their distribution. This review article presents a discussion about current advances in nanotechnology along with its applications in the field of food‐tech, food packaging, food security, enhancing life of food products, etc. A detailed description is provided about various synthesis routes of nanomaterials, that is, chemical, physical, and biological methods. Nanotechnology is a rapidly improving the field of food packaging and the future holds great opportunities for more enhancement via the development of new nanomaterials and nanosensors.
Integrated diffusion image operator (iDIO): A pipeline for automated configuration and processing of diffusion MRI data
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Chin Heather , Chong Shin Tai , Kung Yi‐Chia , Kuo Kuan‐Tsen , Huang Chu‐Chung , Lin Ching‐Po
Published: February 2023

The preprocessing of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data involve numerous steps, including the corrections for head motion, susceptibility distortion, low signal‐to‐noise ratio, and signal drifting. Researchers or clinical practitioners often need to configure different preprocessing steps depending on disparate image acquisition schemes, which increases the technical threshold for dMRI analysis for nonexpert users. This could cause disparities in data processing approaches and thus hinder the comparability between studies. To make the dMRI data processing steps transparent and adapt to various dMRI acquisition schemes for researchers, we propose a semi‐automated pipeline tool for dMRI named integrated diffusion image operator or iDIO. This pipeline integrates features from a wide range of advanced dMRI software tools and targets at providing a one‐click solution for dMRI data analysis, via adaptive configuration for a set of suggested processing steps based on the image header of the input data. Additionally, the pipeline provides options for post‐processing, such as estimation of diffusion tensor metrics and whole‐brain tractography‐based connectomes reconstruction using common brain atlases. The iDIO pipeline also outputs an easy‐to‐interpret quality control report to facilitate users to assess the data quality. To keep the transparency of data processing, the execution log and all the intermediate images produced in the iDIO's workflow are accessible. The goal of iDIO is to reduce the barriers for clinical or nonspecialist users to adopt the state‐of‐art dMRI processing steps.
Dysfunctions associated with the intraparietal sulcus and a distributed network in individuals with math learning difficulties: An ALE meta‐analysis
Authors: Tablante Jonathan , Krossa Lani , Azimi Tannaz , Chen Lang
Published: February 2023

Math learning difficulty (MLD) is a learning disorder characterized by persistent impairments in the understanding and application of numbers independent of intelligence or schooling. The current study aims to review existing neuroimaging studies to characterize the neurobiological basis in MLD for their quantity and arithmetic dysfunctions. We identified a total of 24 studies with 728 participants through the literature. Using the activation likelihood estimate (ALE) method, we found that the most consistent neurobiological dysfunction in MLD was observed in the right intraparietal sulcus (IPS) with distinct patterns of the anterior and posterior aspects. Meanwhile, neurobiological dysfunctions were also observed in a distributed network including the fusiform gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, insula, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and claustrum. Our results suggest a core dysfunction in the right anterior IPS and left fusiform gyrus with atypically upregulated functions in brain regions for attention, working memory, visual processing, and motivation, serving as the neurobiological basis of MLD.
Long‐term effect of childhood pandemic experience on medical major choice: Evidence from the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in China
Authors: Chen Ze , Wang Yuan , Guan Yanjun , Guo Michael Jie , Xu Rong
Published: February 2023

This study examines the long‐term effect of a pandemic on a crucial human capital decision, namely college major choice. Using China's 2008–2016 major‐level National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) entry grades, we find that the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) had a substantial deterrent effect on the choice of majoring in medicine among high school graduates who experienced the pandemic in their childhood. In provinces with larger intensities of SARS impact, medical majors become less popular as the average Gaokao grades of enrolled students decline. Further evidence from a nationally representative survey shows that the intensity of the SARS impact significantly decreases children's aspirations to pursue medical occupations, but does not affect their parents' expectations for their children to enter the medical profession. Our discussion on the effect mechanism suggests that the adverse influence of SARS on the popularity of medical majors likely originates from students' childhood experiences.
Privacy‐preserving scheme of distributed sensor networks with dynamic code
Authors: Chen Peipei , Liu Yun , Yang Wen
Published: February 2023

In this letter, we consider the privacy‐preserving strategy of the distributed state estimator over wireless sensor networks. Aiming at an eavesdropper who can intercept the data transmitted on the communication channel, we design a simple preserving scheme to encode the transmitted data by using system dynamics and history estimates. To analyze the privacy‐preserving performance, we use the gap between the values deciphered by the eavesdropper and decoded by the sensor as the privacy index to evaluate the degree of robust privacy protection. Finally, we provide some simulations to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed preserving schemes.
Glycyrrhetinic acid ameliorates diosbulbin B‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice by modulating metabolic activation of diosbulbin B
Authors: Lin Dongju , Liu Jie , Chang Xiaojin , Yang Bufan , Gu Xiaofei , Li Weiwei
Published: February 2023

Exposure to diosbulbin B (DBB), the primary component of the herbal medicine Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DB), can cause liver injury in humans and experimental animals. A previous study found DBB‐induced hepatotoxicity was initiated by CYP3A4‐mediated metabolic activation and subsequent formation of adducts with cellular proteins. The herbal medicine licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is frequently combined with DB used in numerous Chinese medicinal formulas in an effort to protect against DB‐elicited hepatotoxicity. Importantly, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), the major bioactive ingredient in licorice, inhibits CYP3A4 activity. The study aimed to investigate the protection of GA against DBB‐induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying mechanism. Biochemical and histopathological analysis showed GA alleviated DBB‐induced liver injury in a dose‐dependent manner. In vitro metabolism assay with mouse liver microsomes (MLMs) indicated that GA decreased the generation of metabolic activation‐derived pyrrole‐glutathione (GSH) conjugates from DBB. Toxicokinetic studies demonstrated that GA increased maximal serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the serum–time curve (AUC) of DBB in mice. In addition, GA attenuated hepatic GSH depletion caused by DBB. Further mechanistic studies showed that GA reduced the production of DBB‐derived pyrroline‐protein adducts in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that GA exerted protective effect against DBB‐induced hepatotoxicity, mainly correlated with suppressing the metabolic activation of DBB. Therefore, the development of a standardized combination of DBB with GA may protect patients from DBB‐induced hepatotoxicity.
Shared Leadership, Dynamic Capability, and Effectiveness in Teams: The Case of Korean Firms
Authors: Yoon Jeongkoo , Jeong Yejee , Kim Moonjoo
Published: February 2023

The current research developed a model to explain team effectiveness in Korean firms and theorized how a leader's vertical transformational leadership and members' shared transformational leadership affect team performance and creativity differentially through the mediating process of dynamic capability (i.e., exploitation and exploration). The hypotheses were: (a) the two forms of leadership affect dynamic capability, but the effect of members' shared transformational leadership is greater than that of the leader's vertical transformational leadership; (b) dynamic capability in the team enhances both team performance and creativity; and (c) dynamic capability mediates the effects of the two forms of leadership on team performance and creativity. Testing the hypotheses with 71 teams and 324 members sampled from Korean firms, the current study provided overall support for the hypotheses. Partially supporting the hypothesis, leaders' transformational leadership positively affected the exploitation, but not the exploration. In contrast, members' shared transformational leadership positively affected both dimensions of dynamic capability. Supporting the second hypothesis, the two dimensions of team dynamic capability positively affected both team performance and creativity. Finally, the results supported all mediating effects of leadership on team performance and creativity, except the mediation effect of leaders' transformational leadership on exploration.
Intraobserver and Interobserver Reproducibility of Breast Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging Quantitative Parameters: Readout‐Segmented vs. Single‐Shot Echo‐Planar Imaging
Authors: Hu Yiqi , Hu Qilan , Zhan Chenao , Yin Ting , Ai Tao
Published: February 2023

Background

The recommended technique for breast diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) acquisitions is not sufficiently standardized in clinical practice.

Purpose

To investigate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of DWI measurements, diffusion‐kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameters, and image quality evaluation in breast lesions between single‐shot echo‐planar imaging (ss‐EPI) and readout‐segmented echo‐planar imaging (rs‐EPI).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 295 women with 209 malignant and 86 benign breast lesions.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3‐T; fat‐saturated T2‐weighted MR imaging (T2WI); multi‐b‐value DWI with both ss‐EPI and rs‐EPI readouts; T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI).

Assessment

Mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusion (MD), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured for each lesion on ss‐EPI and rs‐EPI, respectively. Image quality was visually evaluated regarding image sharpness, geometric distortion, lesion conspicuity, visualization of anatomic structures, and overall quality. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed twice with a time interval of 2 weeks.

Statistical Tests

Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility were evaluated using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC), within‐subject coefficient of variation (wCV), and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

MK, MD, and ADC quantitative parameters for breast lesions showed excellent intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility, with ICCs >0.75 and wCV values ranging from 2.51% to 7.08% for both sequences. The wCV values in both intraobserver and interobserver measurements were higher in the ss‐EPI sequence (3.63%–7.08%) than that of the rs‐EPI sequence (2.51%–3.62%). The wCV values differed in subgroups with different histopathological types of lesions, breast density, lesion morphology, and lesion sizes, respectively. Furthermore, rs‐EPI (ICCs, 0.76–0.97; wCV values, 2.41%–6.04%) had better intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility than ss‐EPI (ICCs, 0.54–0.90; wCV values, 6.18%–13.69%) with regard to image quality.

Data Conclusion

Compared to the ss‐EPI, the rs‐EPI sequence showed higher intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility for quantitative diffusion‐related parameters and image quality assessments measured in breast DWI and DKI.

Evidence Level

2.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Multiple approaches to characterize and visualize the chemical composition of Sijunzi Decoction comprehensively
Authors: Pu Zongjin , Chen Xiaonan , Dong Bangjian , Ma Ping , Li Xiaobo
Published: February 2023

Sijunzi Decoction is composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle, and it is a classic formula for treating spleen deficiency syndrome in Chinese medicine. Clarifying the active substances is an effective way to develop Traditional Chinese medicine and innovative medicines. Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and inorganic elements in the decoction were analyzed by multiple approaches. A molecular network was also used for visualizing the ingredients in Sijunzi Decoction, and representative components were also quantified. The detected components accounted for 74.544% of the Sijunzi Decoction freeze‐dried powder, including 41.751% crude polysaccharides, 17.826% sugars (degree of polymerization 1–2), 8.181% total saponins, 2.427% insoluble precipitates, 2.154% free amino acids, 1.177% total flavonoids, 0.546% total phenolic acids, and 0.483% inorganic elements. Molecular network and quantitative analysis used to characterize the chemical composition of Sijunzi Decoction. The present study systematically characterized the constituents of Sijunzi Decoction, revealed the composition ratio of each type of constituent, and provided a reference for study on the substance basis of other Chinese medicine.
Influence of the Degree of Swelling on the Stiffness and Toughness of Microgel‐Reinforced Hydrogels
Authors: Kessler Michael , Yuan Tianyu , Kolinski John M. , Amstad Esther
Published: February 2023

The stiffness and toughness of conventional hydrogels decrease with increasing degree of swelling. This behavior makes the stiffness‐toughness compromise inherent to hydrogels even more limiting for fully swollen ones, especially for load‐bearing applications. The stiffness‐toughness compromise of hydrogels can be addressed by reinforcing them with hydrogel microparticles, microgels, which introduce the double network (DN) toughening effect into hydrogels. However, to what extent this toughening effect is maintained in fully swollen microgel‐reinforced hydrogels (MRHs) is unknown. Herein, it is demonstrated that the initial volume fraction of microgels contained in MRHs determines their connectivity, which is closely yet nonlinearly related to the stiffness of fully swollen MRHs. Remarkably, if MRHs are reinforced with a high volume fraction of microgels, they stiffen upon swelling. By contrast, the fracture toughness linearly increases with the effective volume fraction of microgels present in the MRHs regardless of their degree of swelling. These findings provide a universal design rule for the fabrication of tough granular hydrogels that stiffen upon swelling and hence, open up new fields of use of these hydrogels.
An empirical analysis of evaluating the operational and economic efficiency of retail stores under an adverse operating environment
Authors: Aggelopoulos Eleftherios , Lampropoulos Ioannis , Paraschi Elen Paraskevi
Published: February 2023

This paper evaluates the relative efficiency of 83 food retail stores of a major Greek Supermarket network using monthly panel data that relates to an extended period of deep economic recession (2012–2013). We highlight the importance of the comparative analysis of operational and economic perspectives of the retail stores' efficiency, as they fully capture the real conditions in very competitive and dynamic recessionary environments given that retail stores are interested in minimizing costs while maximizing sales and profits. Efficiency measurements and comparisons led to the identification of benchmark stores and problematic ones thus leading to a series of management actions.
Convergence analysis of the splitting method to the nonlinear heat equation
Authors: Choi Hyung Jun , Choi Woocheol , Koh Youngwoo
Published: February 2023

In this article, we analyze an operator splitting scheme of the nonlinear heat equation in (): where and with and . We establish the well‐posedness of the approximation of in ‐space (), and furthermore, we derive its convergence rate of order for a time step . Finally, we give some numerical examples to confirm the reliability of the analyzed result
A comprehensive investigation of drilling performance of anisotropic stacked glass‐carbon fiber reinforced hybrid laminate composites
Authors: Ergene Berkay , Bolat Cagin , Karakilinc Ucan , Irez Alaeddin Burak
Published: February 2023

Among the various renewable energy sources, wind energy offers an effective solution to the energy providers. Onshore wind turbines are generally designed for sites with low wind resources, while offshore wind turbines can be more efficient in producing energy thanks to their longer blades that provide more than 10 MW of rated power. Offshore wind turbine blades are subjected to significantly higher stresses and harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, hybrid composites composed of carbon and glass fibers can offer cost‐effective and long‐lasting solutions for wind turbine blade manufacturers. Turbine blades are connected with main spars through bolted connections and high interlaminar stresses occurring during the drilling process can cause to delamination in the composites. To prevent catastrophic failure related to defective machining, the drilling process must be performed meticulously and all machining‐related results must be analyzed step by step. In this paper, dry drilling properties of hybrid glass‐carbon fiber laminate epoxy matrix composites were examined experimentally in order to contribute to the wind energy sector. The results showed that the delamination factor could be decreased with higher cutting speeds or lower feed rates. Besides, higher feed levels caused higher thrust forces on the tool body.
Transverse fatigue behavior analysis of symmetric and asymmetric glass fiber‐reinforced laminates
Authors: Sharma Nisha , Singh Kalyan Kumar
Published: February 2023

This study examined the effect of interchanging the position of (0°/90°) and (±45°) angle ply around the midplane of an eight‐layer symmetric [(0°/90°)/(±45°)2/(0°/90°)]s and asymmetric woven glass fiber reinforced composite laminate having [(0°/90°)/(±45°)2/(0°/90°)//(±45°)/(0°/90°)2/(±45°)] and (±45°)/(0°/90°)2/(±45°)//(0°/90°)/(±45°)2/(0°/90°) stacking sequence by means of flexure and fatigue test. The flexural and fatigue behavior of glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates was analyzed as well. The GFRP laminates in varying stacking sequence having a volume fraction of 55 ± 0.9% were subjected to fatigue and damage analysis under stress levels ranging from 90% to 50% of their ultimate flexural strength at f = 1 Hz, R = 0.1. Flexure and fatigue testing was done in accordance with ASTM D790/D790‐17. The experiment results showed that the symmetric laminate with (0°/90°) ply at the compression and tension sides exhibited greater flexural strength (458.09 MPa) and fatigue lives as compared to the asymmetric A (352.70 MPa) and asymmetric B (272.89 MPa) laminates with (0°/90°) and (±45°) ply at the compression sides respectively. Microscopy and transmission light photography techniques were used to detect the damage behavior and capture the debond zone images. The correlation between the load‐deflection curve, Wohler‐curve, hysteresis loops, dynamic stiffness and debond zones was also examined with regard to different stacked laminates.
Enhanced sensing performance of flexible strain sensors prepared from biaxially stretched carbon nanotubes/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites
Authors: Li Zhen , Chen Xiaoyu , Tang Shuai , Xiang Dong , Harkin‐Jones Eileen , Chen Yong , Zhao Chunxia , Li Hui , Wang Ping , Zhou Lihua , Wang Junjie , Li Yuntao , Wu Yuanpeng
Published: February 2023

Flexible strain sensors from biaxially stretched carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposites are fabricated in this study. It is shown that biaxial stretching promotes the homogeneous distribution and alignment of CNTs in the stretching plane, improving the sensing performance of the strain sensors. The optimized stretching ratios (SRs) of CNT/PDMS nanocomposites are determined. Compared to an unstretched CNT/PDMS‐1.0 sensor (gauge factor [GF] value = 0.73, detectable range from 0 to 60%), the 1.5 wt% CNT/PDMS‐1.5 sensor (SR = 1.5) exhibits enhanced strain sensitivity (GF = 2.8), a wider detectable range (0–370%) and better performance stability. The GF values of CNT/PDMS‐2.0 and CNT/PDMS‐2.5 sensors with SRs of 2.0 and 2.5, respectively, were 1.18 and 1.06, respectively, due to more significant conductive network reconstruction in the process of applying strain, leading to a decreasing GF. The possibility of sensors in the application of wearable electronic components is also demonstrated. The sensor shows a clear and stable signal output when different strain modes are applied, such as tensile, compressive, bending, and twisting.
The yeast ALA synthase C‐terminus positively controls enzyme structure and function
Authors: Tran Jenny U. , Brown Breann L.
Published: February 2023

5‐Aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) is a pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent enzyme that catalyzes the first and rate‐limiting step of heme biosynthesis in α‐proteobacteria and several non‐plant eukaryotes. All ALAS homologs contain a highly conserved catalytic core, but eukaryotes also have a unique C‐terminal extension that plays a role in enzyme regulation. Several mutations in this region are implicated in multiple blood disorders in humans. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae ALAS (Hem1), the C‐terminal extension wraps around the homodimer core to contact conserved ALAS motifs proximal to the opposite active site. To determine the importance of these Hem1 C‐terminal interactions, we determined the crystal structure of S. cerevisiae Hem1 lacking the terminal 14 amino acids (Hem1 ΔCT). With truncation of the C‐terminal extension, we show structurally and biochemically that multiple catalytic motifs become flexible, including an antiparallel β‐sheet important to Fold‐Type I PLP‐dependent enzymes. The changes in protein conformation result in an altered cofactor microenvironment, decreased enzyme activity and catalytic efficiency, and ablation of subunit cooperativity. These findings suggest that the eukaryotic ALAS C‐terminus has a homolog‐specific role in mediating heme biosynthesis, indicating a mechanism for autoregulation that can be exploited to allosterically modulate heme biosynthesis in different organisms.