bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FSHβ links photoperiodic signaling to seasonal reproduction in Japanese quail
Authors: Majumdar Gaurav , Liddle Timothy A , Stewart Calum , Marshall Christopher J , Bain Maureen , Stevenson Tyler
Published: December 2023

Annual cycles in daylength provide an initial predictive environmental cue that plants and animals use to time seasonal biology. Seasonal changes in photoperiodic information acts to entrain endogenous programs in physiology to optimize an animal’s fitness. Attempts to identify the neural and molecular substrates of photoperiodic time measurement in birds have, to date, focused on blunt changes in light exposure during a restricted period of photoinducibility. The objectives of these studies were first to characterize a molecular seasonal clock in Japanese quail and second, to identify the key transcripts involved in endogenously generated interval timing that underlies photosensitivity in birds. We hypothesized that the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) provides the neuroendocrine control of photoperiod-induced changes in reproductive physiology, and that the pars distalis of the pituitary gland contains an endogenous internal timer for the short photoperiod-dependent development of reproductive photosensitivity. Here, we report distinct seasonal waveforms of transcript expression in the MBH, and pituitary gland and discovered the patterns were not synchronized across tissues. Follicle-stimulating hormone-β (FSHβ) expression increased during the simulated spring equinox, prior to photoinduced increases in prolactin, thyrotropin-stimulating hormone-β, and testicular growth. Diurnal analyses of transcript expression showed sustained elevated levels of FSHβ under conditions of the spring equinox, compared to autumnal equinox, short (<12L) and long (>12L) photoperiods. FSHβ expression increased in quail held in non-stimulatory short photoperiod, indicative of the initiation of an endogenously programmed interval timer. These data identify that FSHβ establishes a state of photosensitivity for the external coincidence timing of seasonal physiology. The independent regulation of FSHβ expression provides an alternative pathway through which other supplementary environmental cues, such as temperature, can fine tune seasonal reproductive maturation and involution.
C9orf72 polyPR directly binds to various nuclear transport components
Authors: Jafarinia Hamidreza , Van der Giessen Erik , Onck Patrick R.
Published: December 2023

The disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) is an important mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases. In the case of C9orf72-ALS, trafficking of macromolecules through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) might get frustrated by the binding of C9orf72-translated arginine-containing dipeptide repeat proteins (R-DPRs) to the Kapβ family of nuclear transport receptors. Beside Kapβs, several other types of transport components have been linked to NCT impairments in R-DPRs expressed cells, but the molecular origin of these observations has not been clarified. Here, we adopt a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model at amino-acid resolution to study the direct interaction between polyPR, the most toxic DPR, and various nuclear transport components to elucidate the binding mechanisms and provide a complete picture of potential polyPR-mediated NCT defects. We found polyPR to directly bind to several isoforms of the Impα family, CAS (the specific exporter of Impα) and RanGAP. We observe no binding between polyPR and Ran. Longer polyPRs at lower salt concentrations also make contact with RanGEF and NTF2. Analyzing the polyPR contact sites on the transport components reveals that polyPR potentially interferes with RanGTP/RanGDP binding, with nuclear localization signal (NLS)-containing cargoes (cargo-NLS) binding to Impα, with cargo-NLS release from Impα, and with Impα export from the nucleus. The abundance of polyPR binding sites on multiple transport components combined with the inherent polyPR length dependence makes direct polyPR interference of NCT a potential mechanistic pathway of C9orf72 toxicity.
Deletion of FNDC5/Irisin modifies murine osteocyte function in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Shimonty Anika , Pin Fabrizio , Prideaux Matt , Peng Gang , Huot Joshua R , Kim Hyeonwoo , Rosen Clifford J , Spiegelman Bruce M , Bonewald Lynda F
Published: December 2023

Irisin, released from exercised muscle, has been shown to have beneficial effects on numerous tissues but its effects on bone are unclear. We found significant sex and genotype differences in bone from wildtype (WT) mice compared to mice lacking
Fndc5
(KO), with and without calcium deficiency. Despite their bone being indistinguishable from WT females, KO female mice were partially protected from osteocytic osteolysis and osteoclastic bone resorption when allowed to lactate or when placed on a low-calcium diet. Male KO mice have more but weaker bone compared to WT males, and when challenged with a low-calcium diet lost more bone than WT males. To begin to understand responsible molecular mechanisms, osteocyte transcriptomics was performed. Osteocytes from WT females had greater expression of genes associated with osteocytic osteolysis and osteoclastic bone resorption compared to WT males which had greater expression of genes associated with steroid and fatty acid metabolism. Few differences were observed between female KO and WT osteocytes, but with a low calcium diet, the KO females had lower expression of genes responsible for osteocytic osteolysis and osteoclastic resorption than the WT females. Male KO osteocytes had lower expression of genes associated with steroid and fatty acid metabolism, but higher expression of genes associated with bone resorption compared to male WT. In conclusion, irisin plays a critical role in the development of the male but not the female skeleton and protects male but not female bone from calcium deficiency. We propose irisin ensures the survival of offspring by targeting the osteocyte to provide calcium in lactating females, a novel function for this myokine.
Unravelling Financial Distress: The Impact of Profitability, Leverage, Liquidity, Operating Capacity and Company Size
Authors: Utami Tri , Rahmawati Ika Yustina , Bagis Fatmah , Utami Restu Frida
Published: December 2023

Aims: To Establish effect of Profitability, Leverage, Liquidity, Operating Capacity, and Company Size of Transportation & Logistic Companies Listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).

Study Design: The population of this study consists of 37 transportation and logistics companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period 2018-2022. Data from this study comes from the company’s annual report.

Place and Duration of Study: Transportation firms that are listed from 2018 to 2022 on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI)

Methodology: In this research comes from the Company's annual report. The method used by the data is purposive sampling. For this investigation consisted of 22 companies where the sample of 63 businesses because it was unbalanced data for analysis used descriptive static analysis, logistic regression analysis, model feasibility test, and hypothesis test tested using the Eviews 13 analysis tool.

Results: The results of the test analysis if the p-value is 0.03 < 0.05 with a positive coefficient value of 43.19423, then this shows that ROA has a significant positive effect on financial distress. The results of the test analysis if the p-value is 0.07 > 0.05, then this shows that DER has no effect on financial distress. The results of the test analysis if the p-value is 0.60 > 0.05, then this shows that CR has no effect on financial distress. The results of the test analysis if the p-value is 0.35 > 0.05, then this shows that TATO has no effect on financial distress. The results of the test analysis if the p-value is 0.04 < 0.05 with a negative coefficient value of -1.566118, then this shows that Company Size has a significant negative effect on financial distress.

Conclusion: This quantitative study assesses the impact of profitability, leverage, liquidity, operating capacity, and company size on the financial distress of transportation and logistics companies using numerical data to test the hypothesis. Specifically, it evaluates the relationship between profitability, leverage, liquidity, operating capacity, and company size to financial distress.
Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Quality Parameters and Yield of Fodder Cowpea Varieties
Authors: Puramanagari Bhuvaneswari , Hemalatha S.  , Tirumala Reddy S.  , Leelavathy G. P.  , Chandrika V.
Published: December 2023

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of, 2022–2023 on sandy clay loam soils at a dry land farm in the S.V. Agricultural College in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. To study the Effect of organic nutrient management on quality parameters and yield of fodder cowpea The Split-plot design of the study included three replications. The treatments consisted of four varieties viz., V1: Vijaya, V2: MFC-09-01, V3: MFC-09-03, and V4: MFC-08-14 assigned to main plots, four organic nutrient management practices viz., F1: Control, F2 : 100 % organic source through (FYM) F3: 75 % organic source through (FYM) + Rhizobium + PSB + KSB and F4: 50 % organic source through (FYM) + Rhizobium + PSB + KSB allotted to sub plots. The soil was neutral in reaction (6.8 pH) low in available nitrogen (176 kg ha-1) and medium in available phosphorus (27 kg ha-1) and low in available potassium (219 kg ha-1) status.). The results revealed that among the varieties tested, higher quality parameters i.e., (Crude protein content , Total ash content and dry fodder yield) was recorded with MFC-09-01 (V2) and dry fodder yield (5.8 t ha-1) as well as crude protein (15.1 %), ash content (12.5 % ) were obtained with the application of 75 % organic source through (FYM) + Rhizobium + PSB + KSB. Furthermore, compared to all other treatments.
Symptomatology and Morpho-Cultural Characterization of Colletotrichum musae, a Causal Agent of Anthracnose Disease in Banana
Authors: Saurabh Kanade , Sandip Wagh , Swapnali Khokrale , Pravin Khaire , Dipali Pardhi
Published: December 2023

The study focused on the identification and characterization of Colletotrichum musae as a significant post-harvest fungal pathogen causing anthracnose disease in bananas. Symptoms included sunken, water-soaked spots on infected tissues, leading to soft, red-brown to black-coloured spots with irregular shapes. The pathogen was isolated and cultured on Potato dextrose agar medium, and its pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating healthy banana fruits, resulting in typical anthracnose-like spots. Cultural characteristics of C. musae on PDA revealed whitish to black colonies, and microscopic examination showed oblong to cylindrical, single-celled conidia. Acervuli, which were salmon-coloured initially and later turned dark brown to black, were observed on the lesions. The fungus exhibited maximum growth and sporulation on PDA, followed by oat meal agar and Richard’s agar. Additionally, the study highlighted the morphological features of C. musae, including septate, irregularly branched, and vacuolated mycelium. The findings contribute to understanding the pathology and characteristics of C. musae, providing valuable information for managing post-harvest anthracnose in bananas.
Structural and Modal Analysis of the Unloading Robot on the Broaching Machine
Authors: Xuebing Wang , Yahuia Wang , Huchena Zhang
Published: December 2023

In order to meet the actual production of a machining company in the low production efficiency, labor intensity, process flow complexity and other real problems, the broaching machine processing upgraded and designed a broaching machine for the production of automatic loading and unloading device. This paper analyzes the layout scheme and workflow of automatic loading and unloading, designs the overall structure of the loading and unloading device and key components, and establishes a three-dimensional model through Solidworks software, and carries out a static analysis of the limit position in the operation process by using the finite element analysis software ANSYS Workbench, and obtains the maximum deformation under the limiting conditions of 0.1129mm, and the maximum stress value of 24.236MPa. The maximum deformation is 0.1129mm and the maximum stress is 24.236MPa. Subsequently, modal analysis is carried out to extract the first 6 orders of intrinsic frequency and corresponding vibration pattern, and harmonic response analysis is carried out on the weak components on the basis of modal analysis, which verifies that the structure complies with the design requirements in terms of strength, stiffness and resonance of the whole machine, and it provides the theoretical basis for the subsequent structural improvement and optimization design.
Problem and Prospect of Pharmaceuticals Industry of Bangladesh amid LDC Graduation
Authors: Rashid Harunur
Published: December 2023

Aims: The paper aims to identify the prospects and challenges of the pharmaceutical sector of Bangladesh after graduation and explores potential areas of market and product diversification. Addressing the upcoming graduation challenges, the paper sheds light on trade-related challenges of pharmaceutical industry and digs out a way forward.
Study Design: The study is conducted using primary data from the Key Informant Interview (KII) and secondary data from different publications and sources. A qualitative survey tool is used for assessing the view of stakeholders and graduation challenges for pharmaceutical sector. 
Methodology: The study uses qualitative tools to evaluate the area of market and product diversification of the pharmaceutical industry and finally uses the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to forecast export figure from 2023 to 2032 and what interventions need to be taken to reach the expected level of growth amid LDC graduation.
Results: The pharmaceutical industry will confront significant hurdles in terms of value addition, TRIPS-waiver erosion, patent payments, and license fees for producing pharmaceuticals product and medicine after graduation. Moreover, the industry faces difficulties due to excessive reliance on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) imports, limited diversified products, lack of  Research and Development (R&D) and lab testing facilities, lack of infrastructure in the API park, dearth of bioequivalence test facilities, and patentable molecules in the post-graduation era.
Recommendation: Bangladesh needs to accentuate API production, R&D, reverse engineering, and technical know-how as well as make a functional API Park, develop a curriculum to have experts in synthesis chemistry, and establish an accredited bioequivalence study center to secure patentable molecules and API.
Differences in Self-Reported and Billed Postpartum Visits Among Medicaid-Insured Individuals
Authors: Bellerose Meghan , Daw Jamie R. , Steenland Maria W.
Published: December 2023

Importance

State Medicaid programs have recently implemented several policies to improve access to health care during the postpartum period. Understanding whether these policies are succeeding will require accurate measurement of postpartum visit use over time and across states; however, current estimates of use vary substantially between data sources.

Objectives

To examine disagreement between postpartum visit use reported in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and Medicaid claims and assess whether insurance transitions from Medicaid at the time of childbirth to other insurance types after delivery are associated with the degree of disagreement.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals in South Carolina after delivery who had completed a PRAMS survey and for whom Medicaid was the payer of their delivery care. PRAMS responses from 2017 to 2020 were linked to inpatient, outpatient, and physician Medicaid claims; survey-weighted logistic regression models were then used to examine the association between postpartum insurance transitions and data source disagreement. Data were analyzed from February through October 2023.

Exposure

Insurance transition type: continuous Medicaid, Medicaid to private insurance, Medicaid to no insurance, and Emergency Medicaid to no insurance.

Main Outcome and Measure

Data source disagreement due to reporting a postpartum visit in PRAMS without a Medicaid claim for a visit or having a Medicaid claim for a visit without reporting a postpartum visit in PRAMS.

Results

Among 836 PRAMS respondents enrolled in Medicaid at delivery (663 aged 20-34 years [82.9%]), a mean of 85.7% (95% CI, 82.1%-88.7%) reported a postpartum visit in PRAMS and a mean of 61.6% (95% CI, 56.9%-66.0%) had a Medicaid claim for a postpartum visit. Overall, 253 respondents (30.3%; 95% CI, 26.1%-34.7%) had data source disagreement: 230 individuals (27.2%; 95% CI, 23.2%-31.5%) had a visit in PRAMS without a Medicaid claim, and 23 individuals (3.1%; 95% CI, 1.8%-5.2%) had a Medicaid claim without a visit in PRAMS. Compared with individuals continuously enrolled in Medicaid, those who transitioned to private insurance after delivery and those who were uninsured after delivery and had Emergency Medicaid at delivery had an increase in the probability of data source agreement of 15.8 percentage points (95% CI, 2.6-29.1 percentage points) and 37.2 percentage points (95% CI, 19.6-54.8 percentage points), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study’s findings suggest that Medicaid claims may undercount postpartum visits among people who lose Medicaid or switch to private insurance after childbirth. Accounting for these insurance transitions may be associated with better claims-based estimates of postpartum care.
State Formation, Early South Asia
Authors: Sahu† Bhairabi Prasad
Published: December 2023

This entry provides an overview of theories about state formation in ancient and early medieval South Asia, weaving in trends over the last forty years. Aspects of state formation in the tribal frontiers and courtly ideology in pan‐Indian and regional dimensions are addressed.
Yavanajātaka
Authors: Mak Bill M.
Published: December 2023

The
Yavanajātaka
, attributed to the Greco‐Indian king Sphujidhvaja, is an astral treatise composed in Sanskrit between 550 and 600
ce
, with materials dated to as early as the first century
ce
. It belongs to a subset of Jyotiṣa literature with notable foreign influences, associated with the Yavanas (Greeks). The extant recension of the
Yavanajātaka
contains about 2270 verses, dealing largely with various topics in horoscopy and other indigenous forms of astral divination, providing indirectly a post‐Gupta reflection of the Indian society. The last chapter of the work deals with astronomical topics in a manner similar to early Siddhānta texts such as Varāhamihira's
Pañcasiddhāntikā
. The text is not well‐known in the extant repertoire of classical Sanskrit astral texts. Interests in the text are revived among modern scholars due to the evidences of early Hellenistic astral science in the text identified by David Pingree. While direct links between the text and its Greek counterparts are lacking, the
Yavanajātaka
has an overall character of an amalgamation of Hellenistic and Indian astral traditions.
Chim i Kustig
Authors: Andrés‐Toledo Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2023

The brief Middle Persian text
Chim i kustig
“Significance of the sacred girdle,” also known as
Pus i danishn‐kamag
“Son eager to know,” is a Zoroastrian philosophical treatise in which a philosopher explains to his son the reasons for tying and wearing the Zoroastrian sacred girdle.
Dystonia, spastic tetraplegia, and ataxia due to a novel mutation in the dynamin domain of OPA1
Authors: Shi YuZhi , Zhang Kang , Dong GeHong , Pan Hua , Chen Bin , Wang An , Niu SongTao , Wang XinGao , Zhang ZaiQiang
Published: December 2023

Movement disorders manifest in various hereditary neurodegenerative diseases. We reported a young man who presented with progressive upper limb dystonia, spastic tetraplegia, and ataxia. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel variant, c.2357A > G, in the dynamin domain of OPA1. No mtDNA deletion was detected in muscle by long‐range PCR. Atrophy and decreased glucose metabolism of the basal ganglia were discovered. Decreased mtDNA copy number, fragmented mitochondria, slightly impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and increased autophagy were detected in mutant fibroblasts. Evident oxidative phosphorylation impairment and mtDNA deletions were not involved in the pathogenicity of this mutation unlike mutations in the GTPase domain of OPA1.
The Design of Supramolecular Assemblies with Metal Salt as Precursors Enables The Growth of Stable Polymeric Carbon Nitride Photoanodes
Authors: Garg Devesh , Shmila Tirza , Mark Gabriel , Mondal Sanjit , Battula Venugopala Rao , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: December 2023

Polymeric carbon nitrides (CN) have gained significant interest as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). A widely researched approach for synthesizing CN films with controlled optical and photoelectrochemical properties relies on using supramolecular assemblies as the precursors for thermal polymerization over a transparent conductive substrate. However, the formation of supramolecular assemblies is highly dependent on the temperature and solubility in a given solvent, limiting the full potential of this method. Moreover, the intercalation of metal ions is challenging due to the use of polar solvents. Here, this study shows a new way of synthesizing supramolecular assemblies with metal ions using a solvothermal approach. The solvent, monomer composition, salt quantity, reaction temperature, and film thickness are varied in this study. As a result, well‐attached, uniform CN films with good optoelectronic properties are achieved. The synthesized photoactive CN films exhibit very low onset potentials and reach ≈0.13, ≈0.15, and 0.30 ± 0.01 mA cm−2 photocurrents in 0.1 m phosphate buffer (neutral) solution, 0.1 m KOH(aq) (basic) solution, and 0.1 m KOH solution containing 10 vol.% triethanolamine as the hole scavenger, respectively.
Pirin Inhibits FAS‐Mediated Apoptosis to Support Colorectal Cancer Survival
Authors: Ma Huanhuan , Suleman Muhammad , Zhang Fengqiong , Cao Tingyan , Wen Shixiong , Sun Dachao , Chen Lili , Jiang Bin , Wang Yue , Lin Furong , Wang Jinyang , Li Boan , Li Qinxi
Published: December 2023

Resistance to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with obstruction of FAS (Apo‐1 or CD95)‐dependent apoptosis, a hallmark of cancer. Here it is demonstrated that the upregulation of pirin (PIR) protein in colon cancers promotes tumorigenesis. Knockout or inhibition of PIR dramatically increases FAS expression, FAS‐dependent apoptosis and attenuates colorectal tumor formation in mice. Specifically, NFκB2 is a direct transcriptional activator of FAS and robustly suppressed by PIR in dual mechanisms. One is the disruption of NFκB2 complex (p52‐RELB) association with FAS promoter, the other is the inhibition of NIK‐mediated NFκB2 activation and nuclear translocation, leading to the inability of active NFκB2 complex toward the transcription of FAS. Furthermore, PIR interacts with FAS and recruits it in cytosol, preventing its membrane translocation and assembling. Importantly, knockdown or knockout of PIR dramatically sensitizes cells to FAS mAb‐ or active CD8+ T cells‐triggered cell death. Taken together, a PIR‐NIK‐NFκB2‐FAS survival pathway is established, which plays a key role in supporting CRC survival.
Temperature‐Mediated Dynamic Lithium Loss and its Implications for High‐Efficiency Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Ding Jun‐Fan , Xu Rui , Xiao Ye , Yan Chong , Huang Jia‐Qi
Published: December 2023

Lithium (Li) metal has been strongly regarded as the ultimate anode option for next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries. Nevertheless, the insufficient Coulombic efficiency induced by the extensive active Li loss largely hinders the practical operation of Li metal batteries under wide temperature range. Herein, the temperature‐mediated dynamic growth of inactive Li from −20 to 60°C via titration gas chromatograph measurements is quantitatively decoupled. Combined X‐ray photoelectronic spectroscopy, cryo‐transmission electronic microscopy, and scanning electronic microscopy methods depicted that both solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) characteristics and Li deposition compactness can be profoundly manipulated by working temperature. The elevation of temperature is found to fundamentally aggravate the parasitic reactions and deteriorate the spatial uniformity of SEI, yet promote the lateral growth of Li by kinetic reason. The opposite effects of temperature on SEI properties and Li deposition compactness can properly explain the intricate temperature‐dependent growth rates of SEI‐Li+ and dead Li0 capacity loss observed under titration gas chromatograph measurements. Design implications towards more stable Li metal anodes with higher reversibility can thus be yielded.
High Levels of Perivascular Inflammation and Active Demyelinating Lesions at Time of Death Associated with Rapidly Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course: A Retrospective Postmortem Cohort Study
Authors: Nicholas Richard , Magliozzi Roberta , Marastoni Damiano , Howell Owain , Roncaroli Federico , Muraro Paolo , Reynolds Richard , Friede Tim
Published: December 2023

Objective

Analysis of postmortem multiple sclerosis (MS) tissues combined with in vivo disease milestones suggests that whereas perivascular white matter infiltrates are associated with demyelinating activity in the initial stages, leptomeningeal immune cell infiltration, enriched in B cells, and associated cortical lesions contribute to disease progression. We systematically examine the association of inflammatory features and white matter demyelination at postmortem with clinical milestones.

Methods

In 269 MS brains, 20 sites were examined using immunohistochemistry for active lesions (ALs) and perivenular inflammation (PVI). In a subset of 22, a detailed count of CD20+ B cells and CD3+ T cells in PVIs was performed.

Results

ALs were detected in 22%, whereas high levels of PVI were detected in 52% of cases. ALs were present in 35% of cases with high levels of PVI. Shorter time from onset of progression to death was associated with increased prevalence and higher levels of PVI (both p < 0.0001). Shorter time from onset of progression to wheelchair use was associated with higher prevalence of ALs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.921, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.858–0.989, p = 0.0230) and higher level of PVI (OR = 0.932, 95% CI = 0.886–0.981, p = 0.0071). High levels of PVI were associated with meningeal inflammation and increased cortical demyelination and significantly higher levels of B lymphocytes within the PVI.

Interpretation

ALs, a feature of early disease stage, persist up to death in a subgroup with high levels of PVI. These features link to a rapid progressive phase and higher levels of meningeal inflammation and B‐cell infiltrates, supporting the hypothesis that chronic inflammation drives progression in MS. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:706–719
Rational Integration of Nanozyme Probe and Smartphone Device for On‐Site Analysis
Authors: Wu Tong , Zhou Quan , Chen Guosheng , Huang Siming , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: December 2023

On‐site detection featuring miniaturized, integrated analytical device and rapid data feedback has encouraged a great deal of attention, especially in the current context of pandemic diseases occurring with high frequency worldwide. This convenient detection device constitutes a stable recognition element and a portable signal treatment and readout module. In this regard, the enzyme‐mimic nanomaterials (nanozymes) with the merits of structural stability, cost efficiency, scale‐up synthesis and high recyclability well meet the requirements for recognition unit set‐up. While the all‐pervading smartphone, which enables the data collection through photography or wireless transmission, holds numerous opportunities in the design of hand‐held analytical device. In this review, we summarize the advances of nanozyme‐smartphone integrated platforms, with special emphasis of the signal transduction principles involving colorimetric, chemiluminescence, and electrochemical signals. The diversified on‐site applications in terms of biological, environment and food analysis are showcased. Finally, the current challenges as well as the future perspectives on nanozyme design, sensing diversity and smartphone analysis are discussed.
Modification of epoxy asphalt by low‐doping PE‐GMA and PE‐MAH
Authors: Zhu Liuyu , Jing Hui , Luo Chunjia , Li Mengru , Deng Juanli , Yan Luke
Published: December 2023

Low‐density polyethylene grafted glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐GMA) and low‐density polyethylene maleic anhydride (PE‐MAH) are low‐cost commercialized polymeric materials. Because of their low viscosity, molecular flexibility, solubility parameters, and polarity similar to asphalt or epoxy resins, PE‐GMA and PE‐MAH are added to epoxy asphalt (EA) to improve the compatibility and toughness of EA. The microstructure, viscosity, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical behavior, and mechanical properties of PE‐GMA and PE‐MAH modified EA were investigated. Smaller and more uniformly distributed asphalt particles were formed in mixes with lower PE‐GMA or PE‐MAH content. The polymer dispersity index of the modified EA is 1.1–1.4 lower than that of the pure EA, and compatibility is significantly improved. The reason is that PE‐GMA and PE‐MAH are polyethylene with polar functional groups, and their molecular structure includes both polar functional groups and nonpolar polyethylene chains, improving the compatibility between polar epoxy resin and nonpolar asphalt in EA. In addition, the incorporation of PE‐GMA or PE‐MAH effectively improves the low‐temperature toughness of EA. It also has high damping performance and tan δ, improved the durability and comfort of EA pavement.
Types of domain and task‐solving information in media scholars' data interaction
Authors: Korkeamäki Laura , Keskustalo Heikki , Kumpulainen Sanna
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine what types of domain and task‐solving information media scholars need while interacting with research data to create new knowledge. The study is situated within information interaction research in information science. The approach is user‐oriented and qualitative. The research data consist of interviews of 25 media scholars about their interactions with research data. In the analysis, deductive and inductive approaches were combined to identify domain and task‐solving information types from the interview data. The results show that media scholars needed two domain information types and three task‐solving information types while interacting with research data. The domain information types were (1) earlier research information and (2) experience‐based domain information. The task‐solving information types were (1) information about methods and tools, (2) information about rules and norms, and (3) self‐created task‐supporting information. Of these, experience‐based domain information and self‐created task‐supporting information have been less considered in prior research on domain and task‐solving information. The findings of this study are useful for providing support for data interaction. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the concepts of domain information and task‐solving information in the context of interacting with research data.
A commentary on children's books about autism: What messages do they send about neurodiversity?
Authors: Venker Courtney E. , Lorang Emily
Published: December 2023

The past three decades have seen an exponential increase in the publication of children's books about autism. This increased availability of children's books is exciting because they have the power to promote understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of neurodiversity. However, growing concerns have been raised by both autistic and non‐autistic people that some children's books about autism may work against neurodiversity, rather than promoting it. This Commentary discusses the strikingly different ways in which children's books about autism portray key concepts related to neurodiversity, including autistic differences, agency, abilities, and communication. We present concrete examples (including books by autistic authors); highlight the views of autistic and non‐autistic parents of autistic children; and discuss how different books may leave readers with different impressions of autism and neurodiversity. Given the vastly different themes that emerge across different books, we conclude that it is important for educators, families, and other members of the autism community to make informed and individualized choices about what books they use for what purpose. We emphasize the need for systematic, high‐quality research on children's books about autism, including content analyses and studies that determine what messages these books send to their intended audience: children. It is vital that autistic people continue to shape this conversation, contributing unique insights that inform research priorities and the methodological approaches used to investigate them.
Voices from the edge: Girls' experiences of being at risk of permanent exclusion
Authors: Clarke Emma
Published: December 2023

This paper considers the experiences of education for girls at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream secondary schools in England. The number of girls being permanently excluded from school is a growing issue, and data suggests that girls are being excluded at a percentage rate which exceeds boys, yet they have continued to receive comparatively little attention, either in policy, research or the media. This study uses ecomapping and semi‐structured interviews to examine the challenges girls face and the resources they use to address or ameliorate them. The paper provides an overview of the data collected, considers how the prevalent challenges reported by girls compare to existing research and suggests a number of approaches which could be taken to support girls. It reflects on girls' lack of visibility and voice in policy and research on school exclusions, how this has continued to affect the services and support available to them, and schools' responses to their behaviour. It concludes by reviewing the recommendations previous studies have advocated to support girls at risk of exclusion and reflects on the progress made towards these, noting how current issues of school funding, teacher recruitment and attrition, performativity and accountability have impacted on the scope of action it is possible for individual schools to take.
Optimization and validation of high‐performance liquid chromatography using modified QuEChERS to determine anthelmintic drugs in mutton
Authors: Hiwa Hiwa Muhammad Husein , Khulod Khulod Ibraheem Hassan
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to rapidly determine the presence of anthelmintic drugs in sheep meat using the optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) method with modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) technology. Fifty fresh sheep meat samples from different slaughterhouses were collected. A double extraction procedure (QuEChERS/HPLC‐UV technology) was used to extract the target analytes. A multilevel calibration curve from 1 to 1000 g/kg was used to establish instrument linearity for rafoxanide, albendazole, and closantel, whereas 0.1–100 μg/kg was used for ivermectin, levamisole, and oxyclozanide to find the lowest concentration, maximum residue limit (MRL), and occupied range for targeted analytes. The concentration levels were used to investigate the linearity, whereas several certified reference materials were applied to determine accuracy. The process was linear for all combinations, from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to the maximum concentration. The LOQ was established at 0.5 μg/kg for ivermectin, levamisole, and oxyclozanide and 10 μg/kg for rafoxanide, albendazole, and closantel. Recovery values were 70%–120%, and repeatability/reproducibility stated in relative standard deviation was obtained at less than 20%. QuEChERS method revealed that most meat samples contained anthelmintic drug residues, of which the majority exceeded the MRLs. Thus, the drugs should be used correctly in animals to avoid residues in food for human consumption.
Introduction of transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair in patients with congenital heart disease at a children's hospital
Authors: Jolley Matthew A. , Sulentic Analise , Amin Silvani , Gupta Mudit , Ching Stephen , Cianciulli Alana , Wang Yan , Sabin Patricia , Zelonis Christopher , Daemer Matthew , Silvestro Elizabeth , Coleman Keith , Ford Lauren K. , Edelson Jonathan B. , Ruckdeschel Emily S. , Cohen Meryl S. , Nicolson Susan C. , Gillespie Matthew J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) is a devastating complication in children and young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly in patients with single ventricle physiology. Transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) is a rapidly expanding, minimally invasive option for the treatment of AVVR in adults that avoids the morbidity and mortality associated with open heart surgery. However, application of TEER in in CHD and in children is quite novel. We describe the development of a peri‐procedural protocol including image‐derived pre‐intervention simulation, with successful application to four patients.

Aims

To describe the initial experience using the MitraClip system for TEER of dysfunctional systemic atrioventricular valves in patients with congential heart disease within a pediatric hospital.

Methods

A standardized screening and planning process was developed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, three dimensional echocardiography and both virtual and physical simulation. Procedures were performed using the MitraClip G4 system and patients were clinically followed post‐intervention.

Results

A series of four CHD patients with at least severe AVVR were screened for suitability for TEER with the MitraClip system: three patients had single ventricle physiology and Fontan palliation, and one had repair of a common atrioventricular canal defect. Each patient had at least severe systemic AVVR and was considered at prohibitively high risk for surgical repair. Each patient underwent a standardized preprocedural screening protocol and image‐derived modeling followed by the TEER procedure with successful clip placement at the intended location in all cases.

Conclusions

The early results of our protocolized efforts to introduce TEER repair of severe AV valve regurgitation with MitraClip into the CHD population within our institution are encouraging. Further investigations of the use of TEER in this challenging population are warranted.
Prognostic value of the number of biopsied sentinel lymph nodes for Chinese patients with melanoma: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Hu Tu , Xu Yu , Yan Wangjun , Wang Chunmeng , Sun Wei , Kong Yunyi , Chen Yong
Published: December 2023

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) helps to determine accurate pathological stages and facilitates strategies for regional disease control in melanoma. However, whether the number of biopsied sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) influences the patients' survival is rarely investigated.

Methods

Acral or cutaneous melanoma patients with no history of nodal disease who received SLNB in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Clinicopathological variables including Breslow index, ulceration, number of positive SLNs, SLN/non‐SLN status were analyzed. The pathologic nodal (pN) stage and pathological stage were defined.

Results

A total of 381 eligible patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 132 (34.7%) patients were diagnosed with SLN‐positive. The median number of biopsied SLNs was 2 (range: 1 to 20). Different numbers of biopsied SLNs did not influence the release‐free survival (RFS) of the general patients. However, patients with >2 SLNs had a longer RFS than those with 1–2 SLNs in T4, N1a group and those who rejected complete lymph node dissection (CLND).

Conclusions

In patients with T4 melanomas, N1a melanomas and those that did not undergo a CLND, the prognosis of those with three or more SLNs retrieved seemed to be improved.
Research on dual‐coupled wireless power transfer system for cardiac pacemaker based on integrated coils
Authors: Chen Weihua , Ge Shuaishuai , Yan Xiaoheng , Song Yuhang , Jia Jingtao
Published: December 2023

In order to reduce the implantation volume and improve the transmission efficiency of the magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transfer system for cardiac pacemakers, a dual‐coupled wireless power transfer system for cardiac pacemakers that integrates a compensation coil into the main coil was designed. First, the mutual inductance equivalent model of the dual‐coupled wireless power transfer system was established and the impedance matching parameters were solved. The double‐sided inductor–capacitor–inductor (DS‐LCL) circuit simulation model considering the equivalent series resistance was established with MATLAB. The influence of different inductance ratios on the output power and transfer efficiency of the system was analyzed in the range of 200–300 kHz, and the system parameters for optimal transfer efficiency were determined. Second, the compensation coil on the same side was naturally decoupled by changing the aspect ratio of the compensation coil. The magnetic field distribution between the internally integrated dual‐coupled structure proposed in this paper and the conventional integrated structure was compared using COMSOL, and the safety assessment of the system was conducted, considering parameters such as temperature rise and specific absorption rate. Finally, an experimental platform was established to verify the system's output performance and safety. The results showed that compared with conventional integrated structures, the proposed integrated structure increased the output power by 0.229 W and transmission efficiency by 10.08% at a transmission distance of 8 mm. The maximum temperature rise is 1.9°C.
Correspondence between scalp‐EEG and stereoelectroencephalography seizure‐onset patterns in patients with MRI‐negative drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Bolzan Anna , Benoit Jeanne , Pizzo Francesca , Makhalova Julia , Villeneuve Nathalie , Carron Romain , Scavarda Didier , Bartolomei Fabrice , Lagarde Stanislas
Published: December 2023

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between scalp‐EEG and stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) seizure‐onset patterns (SOP) in patients with MRI‐negative drug‐resistant focal epilepsy.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 41 patients without visible lesion on brain MRI who underwent video‐EEG followed by SEEG. We defined five types of SOPs on scalp‐EEG and eight types on SEEG. We examined how various clinical variables affected scalp‐EEG SOPs.

Results

The most prevalent scalp SOPs were rhythmic sinusoidal activity (56.8%), repetitive epileptiform discharges (22.7%), and paroxysmal fast activity (15.9%). The presence of paroxysmal fast activity on scalp‐EEG was always seen without delay from clinical onset and correlated with the presence of low‐voltage fast activity in SEEG (sensitivity = 22.6%, specificity = 100%). The main factor explaining the discrepancy between the scalp and SEEG SOPs was the delay between clinical and scalp‐EEG onset. There was a correlation between the scalp and SEEG SOPs when the scalp onset was simultaneous with the clinical onset (p = 0.026). A significant delay between clinical and scalp discharge onset was observed in 25% of patients and featured always with a rhythmic sinusoidal activity on scalp, corresponding to similar morphology of the discharge on SEEG. The presence of repetitive epileptiform discharges on scalp was associated with an underlying focal cortical dysplasia (sensitivity = 30%, specificity = 90%). There was no significant association between the scalp SOP and the epileptogenic zone location (deep or superficial), or surgical outcome.

Significance

In patients with MRI‐negative focal epilepsy, scalp SOP could suggest the SEEG SOP and some etiology (focal cortical dysplasia) but has no correlation with surgical prognosis. Scalp SOP correlates with the SEEG SOP in cases of simultaneous EEG and clinical onset; otherwise, scalp SOP reflects the propagation of the SEEG discharge.

Plain Language Summary

We looked at the correspondence between the electrical activity recorded during the start of focal seizure using scalp and intracerebral electrodes in patients with no visible lesion on MRI. If there is a fast activity on scalp, it reflects similar activity inside the brain. We found a good correspondence between scalp and intracerebral electrical activity for cases without significant delay between clinical and scalp electrical onset (seen in 75% of the cases we studied). Visualizing repetitive epileptic activity on scalp could suggest a particular cause of the epilepsy: a subtype of brain malformation called focal cortical dysplasia.
Optimized deep learning based hypernet convolution neural network and long short term memory for joint pilot design and channel estimation in MIMO‐OFDM model
Authors: Silpa C. , Vani A. , Naidu K. Rama
Published: December 2023

In multiple input multiple output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO‐OFDM) systems, efficient pilot design (PD) and channel estimation (CE) greatly influences the reliability and robustness of pilot‐based CE methods. But, accurate estimationof the channel remains a challenge in a high‐mobility environment with non‐linear channel characteristics. Many techniques have been introduced to overcome the pilot contamination and CE problems in the MIMO‐OFDM system to overcome this issue. However, these techniques take multiple paths at the receiver, resulting in delay spread and interference in the communication. Hence, this study presents a novel deep learning (DL) based technique for channel estimation based on channel state information (CSI). A DL technique based on a hyper convolutional neural network (Hyper‐CNN) is introduced for the optimal pilot design. The selection of the pilot position can be made using the tunicate swarm optimization (TSO) approach. Finally, a DL‐based long short‐term memory (LSTM) model is proposed for the CE in the MIMO‐OFDM system. The proposed method is implemented in the MATLAB platform, and the outcome is compared under different metrics like mean square error (MSE) and bit error rate (BER). In the experimental scenario, the proposed method attains the BER of 0.20 and 0.03 for CP (cyclic prefix) and without CP, respectively. In addition, the proposed method attains the MSE of 1.14, 0.99, 1.08 and 0.97 for 8, 16, 48 and 64 pilots, respectively. The performance of a proposed method is compared with the existing method and proves the efficacy of the proposed method.
Teachers' report of sense of time in kindergarten predicts children's time‐processing skills in first grade
Authors: Tombini Giulia , Tobia Valentina , Ghislanzoni Laura , Gambarini Andrea , Ogliari Anna , Marzocchi Gian Marco
Published: December 2023

The main aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate if a questionnaire measuring the sense of time, filled in by teachers and parents in the last year of kindergarten, was able to predict children's time‐processing skills at the end of 1st grade. The sample included 131 children (initial mean age = 4.77 ± 0.29 years) tested three times in a 2‐year period with tasks of time reproduction, time discrimination, and comparison of durations. One of their parents and teachers filled in a questionnaire about children's sense of time both in kindergarten and 1st grade. The teacher version of the questionnaire administered in kindergarten was able to predict most of the time‐processing tasks at the end of 1st grade. The parent version of the questionnaire was not able to predict children's performance in these tasks. Different developmental trajectories of time reproduction and time discrimination were observed. This study supports the role of preschool teachers as skilled evaluators of children's time‐processing skills.