bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Chitosan Bionanocomposite Films as a Versatile Platform for Biomedical Hyperthermia
Authors: Barra Ana , Wychowaniec Jacek K. , Winning Danielle , Cruz Maria Margarida , Ferreira Liliana P. , Rodriguez Brian J. , Oliveira Helena , Ruiz‐Hitzky Eduardo , Nunes Cláudia , Brougham Dermot F. , Ferreira Paula
Published: December 2023

Responsive magnetic nanomaterials offer significant advantages for innovative therapies, for instance, in cancer treatments that exploit on‐demand delivery on alternating magnetic field (AMF) stimulus. In this work, biocompatible magnetic bionanocomposite films are fabricated from chitosan by film casting with incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) produced by facile one pot synthesis. The influence of synthesis conditions and MNP concentration on the films’ heating efficiency and heat dissipation are evaluated through spatio‐temporal mapping of the surface temperature changes by video‐thermography. The cast films have a thickness below 100 µm, and upon exposure to AMF (663 kHz, 12.8 kA m−1), induce exceptionally strong heating, reaching a maximum temperature increase of 82 °C within 270 s irradiation. Further, it is demonstrated that the films can serve as substrates that supply heat for multiple hyperthermia scenarios, including: i) non‐contact automated heating of cell culture medium, ii) heating of gelatine‐based hydrogels of different shapes, and iii) killing of cancerous melanoma cells. The films are versatile components for non‐contact stimulus with translational potential in multiple biomedical applications.
Multicrystalline Informatics Applied to Multicrystalline Silicon for Unraveling the Microscopic Root Cause of Dislocation Generation
Authors: Yamakoshi Kenta , Ohno Yutaka , Kutsukake Kentaro , Kojima Takuto , Yokoi Tatsuya , Yoshida Hideto , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Liu Xin , Kudo Hiroaki , Usami Noritaka
Published: December 2023

A comprehensive analysis of optical and photoluminescence images obtained from practical multicrystalline silicon wafers is conducted, utilizing various machine learning models for dislocation cluster region extraction, grain segmentation, and crystal orientation prediction. As a result, a realistic 3D model that includes the generation point of dislocation clusters is built. Finite element stress analysis on the 3D model coupled with crystal growth simulation reveals inhomogeneous and complex stress distribution and that dislocation clusters are frequently formed along the slip plane with the highest shear stress among twelve equivalents, concentrated along bending grain boundaries (GBs). Multiscale analysis of the extracted GBs near the generation point of dislocation clusters combined with ab initio calculations has shown that the dislocation generation due to the concentration of shear stress is caused by the nanofacet formation associated with GB bending. This mechanism cannot be captured by the Haasen‐Alexander‐Sumino model. Thus, this research method reveals the existence of a dislocation generation mechanism unique to the multicrystalline structure. Multicrystalline informatics linking experimental, theoretical, computational, and data science on multicrystalline materials at multiple scales is expected to contribute to the advancement of materials science by unraveling complex phenomena in various multicrystalline materials.
Integrated Optical Sensing and Communication (IOSAC) System Based on Hybrid‐Waveguide Structures
Authors: Ou Xiangpeng , Qiu Ying , Luo Ming , Li Junjie , He Xiaobin , Gao Jianfeng , Sun Fujun , Zhang Peng , Yang Gang , Du Anyan , Li Bin , Liu Zichen , Li Zhihua , Xie Ling , Xiao Xi , Luo Jun , Wang Wenwu , Tao Jin , Yang Yan
Published: December 2023

Advanced silicon photonic technologies enable integrated optical sensing and communication (IOSAC) in real time for the emerging application requirements of simultaneous sensing and communication for next‐generation networks. Herein, an IOSAC system is proposed and demonstrated on the silicon nitride (Si3N4) photonics platform. The IOSAC devices leveraging microring resonators excel in real‐time monitoring of analyte fluctuations and efficiently transmit this data to the terminal, positioning them as viable alternatives to bulk optics in applications that demand both high precision and speed. By directly integrating Si3N4 ring resonators with optical communication networks, simultaneous sensing and optical communication are demonstrated by an optical signal transmission experimental system using especially filtering amplified spontaneous emission spectra. The refractive index (RI) sensing ring with a sensitivity of 172 nm RIU−1, a figure of merit (FOM) of 1220, and a detection limit (DL) of 8.2 × 10−6 RIU is demonstrated. Simultaneously, the 1.25 Gbps optical on‐off‐keying (OOK) signal is transmitted at the concentration of different NaCl solutions, indicating the bit‐error‐ratio (BER) decreases with the increase in concentration. The novel IOSAC technology shows the potential to realize high‐performance simultaneous biosensing and communication in real time and further accelerate the development of IoT and 6G networks.
Photoacid Generators for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sun Tianzhen , Kang Lin , Zhao Hongyou , Zhao Yuxia , Gu Ying
Published: December 2023

Photoacid generators (PAGs) are compounds capable of producing hydrogen protons (H+) upon irradiation, including irreversible and reversible PAGs, which have been widely studied in photoinduced polymerization and degradation for a long time. In recent years, the applications of PAGs in the biomedical field have attracted more attention due to their promising clinical value. So, an increasing number of novel PAGs have been reported. In this review, the recent progresses of PAGs for biomedical applications is systematically summarized, including tumor treatment, antibacterial treatment, regulation of protein folding and unfolding, control of drug release and so on. Furthermore, a concept of water‐dependent reversible photoacid (W‐RPA) and its antitumor effect are highlighted. Eventually, the challenges of PAGs for clinical applications are discussed.
Engineering Versatile Nanomedicines for Ultrasonic Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Liang Jing , Qiao Xiaohui , Qiu Luping , Xu Huning , Xiang Huijing , Ding Hong , Chen Yu
Published: December 2023

Due to the specific advantages of ultrasound (US) in therapeutic disease treatments, the unique therapeutic US technology has emerged. In addition to featuring a low‐invasive targeted cancer‐cell killing effect, the therapeutic US technology has been demonstrated to modulate the tumor immune landscape, amplify the therapeutic effect of other antitumor therapies, and induce immunosensitization of tumors to immunotherapy, shedding new light on the cancer treatment. Tremendous advances in nanotechnology are also expected to bring unprecedented benefits to enhancing the antitumor efficiency and immunological effects of therapeutic US, as well as therapeutic US‐derived bimodal and multimodal synergistic therapies. This comprehensive review summarizes the immunological effects induced by different therapeutic US technologies, including ultrasound‐mediated micro‐/nanobubble destruction (UTMD/UTND), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and focused ultrasound (FUS), as well as the main underlying mechanisms involved. It is also discussed that the recent research progress of engineering intelligent nanoplatform in improving the antitumor efficiency of therapeutic US technologies. Finally, focusing on clinical translation, the key issues and challenges currently faced are summarized, and the prospects for promoting the clinical translation of these emerging nanomaterials and ultrasonic immunotherapy in the future are proposed.
Fast Energy Storage of SnS2 Anode Nanoconfined in Hollow Porous Carbon Nanofibers for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liang Fanghua , Dong Huilong , Dai Jiamu , He Honggang , Zhang Wei , Chen Shi , Lv Dong , Liu Hui , Kim Ick Soo , Lai Yuekun , Tang Yuxin , Ge Mingzheng
Published: December 2023

The development of conversion‐typed anodes with ultrafast charging and large energy storage is quite challenging due to the sluggish ions/electrons transfer kinetics in bulk materials and fracture of the active materials. Herein, the design of porous carbon nanofibers/SnS2 composite (SnS2@N‐HPCNFs) for high‐rate energy storage, where the ultrathin SnS2 nanosheets are nanoconfined in N‐doped carbon nanofibers with tunable void spaces, is reported. The highly interconnected carbon nanofibers in three‐dimensional (3D) architecture provide a fast electron transfer pathway and alleviate the volume expansion of SnS2, while their hierarchical porous structure facilitates rapid ion diffusion. Specifically, the anode delivers a remarkable specific capacity of 1935.50 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and excellent rate capability up to 30 C with a specific capacity of 289.60 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, at a high rate of 20 C, the electrode displays a high capacity retention of 84% after 3000 cycles and a long cycle life of 10 000 cycles. This work provides a deep insight into the construction of electrodes with high ionic/electronic conductivity for fast‐charging energy storage devices.
Social Interaction‐Aware Dynamical Models and Decision‐Making for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Crosato Luca , Tian Kai , Shum Hubert P. H. , Ho Edmond S. L. , Wang Yafei , Wei Chongfeng
Published: December 2023

Interaction‐aware autonomous driving (IAAD) is a rapidly growing field of research that focuses on the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) that are capable of interacting safely and efficiently with human road users. This is a challenging task, as it requires the AV to be able to understand and predict the behaviour of human road users. In this literature review, the current state of IAAD research is surveyed. Commencing with an examination of terminology, attention is drawn to challenges and existing models employed for modeling the behaviour of drivers and pedestrians. Next, a comprehensive review is conducted on various techniques proposed for interaction modeling, encompassing cognitive methods, machine‐learning approaches, and game‐theoretic methods. The conclusion is reached through a discussion of potential advantages and risks associated with IAAD, along with the illumination of pivotal research inquiries necessitating future exploration.
Comparison of total daily energy expenditure with dietary reference intakes values in a sample of urban, relatively active Brazilian adults: A doubly labeled water study
Authors: Bossan Francine Moreira , dos Anjos Luiz Antonio , Wahrlich Vivian , Ferriolli Eduardo , Pfrimer Karina
Published: December 2023

Objective

This report aimed to describe the results of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) assessed by doubly labeled water (DLWTDEE) and the adequacy of the dietary reference intakes (DRI) equations to estimate energy requirements (DRIER).

Methods

A cross‐sectional and observational study in a convenience sample of 40 healthy Brazilian adults (≥20 years; 21 women) living in a tropical urban region. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry, DLWTDEE was compared with DRIER using individual calculated physical activity level (PAL = DLWTDEE/BMR) in its estimation.

Results

BMR (5043 ± 548 kJ/day in women and 6213 ± 656 kJ/day in men), DLWTDEE (8372 ± 1324 kJ/day and 11 453 ± 1834 kJ/day), and PAL (1.66 ± 0.17 and 1.85 ± 0.30, respectively) were significantly higher in men. The DRIER significantly overestimated DLWTDEE by 13.7 ± 8.3% and 12.7 ± 10.7% in women and men, respectively.

Conclusion

In the present sample of relatively active urban Brazilian subjects, the DRIER yielded inaccurate estimation of DLWTDEE. More data from low‐ and moderate‐income countries are necessary to develop accurate estimates of TDEE.
An adult patient with Tatton–Brown–Rahman syndrome caused by a novel DNMT3A variant and axonal polyneuropathy
Authors: AlSabah Al‐Alya , Alsalmi Mohammed , Massie Rami , Bilodeau Marie‐Claude , Campeau Philippe M. , McGraw Serge , D'Agostino Maria Daniela
Published: December 2023

Tatton–Brown–Rahman syndrome (TBRS) is a rare autosomal dominant overgrowth syndrome first reported in 2014 and caused by pathogenic variants in the DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) gene. All individuals reported to date share a phenotype of somatic overgrowth, dysmorphic features, and intellectual disability. Peripheral neuropathy was not described in these cases. We report an adult patient with TBRS caused by a novel pathogenic DNMT3A variant (NM_175629.2: c.2036G>A, p.(Arg688His)) harboring an axonal length‐dependent sensory‐motor polyneuropathy. Extensive laboratory and molecular genetic work‐up failed to identify alternative causes for this patient's neuropathy. We propose that axonal neuropathy may be a novel, age‐dependent phenotypic feature in adults with TBRS and suggest that this syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with overgrowth, cognitive and psychiatric difficulties, and peripheral neuropathy.
Multimorbidity, cognitive phenotypes, and Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers in older adults: A population‐based study
Authors: Ren Yifei , Li Yuanjing , Tian Na , Liu Rui , Dong Yi , Hou Tingting , Liu Cuicui , Han Xiaolei , Han Xiaodong , Wang Lidan , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Ngandu Tiia , Marengoni Alessandra , Kivipelto Miia , Wang Yongxiang , Cong Lin , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

To examine the burden and clusters of multimorbidity in association with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐related plasma biomarkers among older adults.

METHODS

This population‐based study included 5432 participants (age ≥60 years); of these, plasma amyloid beta (Aβ), total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured in a subsample (n = 1412). We used hierarchical clustering to generate five multimorbidity clusters from 23 chronic diseases. We diagnosed dementia and MCI following international criteria. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

The number of chronic diseases was associated with dementia (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11 to 1.33), AD (1.13; 1.01 to 1.26), vascular dementia (VaD) (1.44; 1.25 to 1.64), and non‐amnestic MCI (1.25; 1.13 to 1.37). Metabolic cluster was associated with VaD and non‐amnestic MCI, whereas degenerative ocular cluster was associated with AD (p < 0.05). The number of chronic diseases was associated with increased plasma Aβ and NfL (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Multimorbidity burden and clusters are differentially associated with subtypes of dementia and MCI and AD‐related plasma biomarkers in older adults.

Highlights

We used hierarchical clustering to generate five clusters of multimorbidity.

The presence and load of multimorbidity were associated with dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

Multimorbidity clusters were differentially associated with subtypes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers.
Prospecting Quantum Correlations and Examining Teleportation Fidelity in a Pair of Coupled Double Quantum Dots System
Authors: Ait Chlih Anas , Rahman Atta ur , Habiballah Nabil
Published: December 2023

The topic of improving the ability of quantum systems to retain non‐local features and enhance the efficiency of quantum protocols continues. This study delves into the thermal investigation of quantum correlations and teleportation fidelity of a two‐qubit teleported state using excess electrons in a coupled double quantum dots system as a quantum channel. The study employs three reliable quantum quantifiers to prospect the resourcefulness and non‐classicality of the system. The findings suggest that preserving quantum correlations and optimizing teleportation fidelity require minimizing tunneling coupling and maximizing Coulomb interaction. The study has significant implications for quantum physics and its practical applications in quantum information processing.
Silk nanofibrous scaffolds assembled by natural polysaccharide konjac glucomannan
Authors: Xiao Jiahui , Ji Yueyang , Gao Zixin , Dai Yunfeng , Li Xiufang , Feng Yanfei , You Renchuan
Published: December 2023

Natural silk fibroin nanofibers (SNF) have recently attracted great attention in the field of biomaterials due to their excellent biocompatibility, outstanding mechanical properties, and biomimetic nanostructures. However, the poor structural stability of SNF assembly in aqueous conditions remains a major obstacle to their biomedical application. In this work, SNF scaffolds with extracellular matrix‐mimicking architecture and tunable properties were developed by using a small amount of konjac glucomannan (KGM) as a physical adhesive. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed that KGM facilitated the formation of hydrogen bond networks between SNF as well as nanofibers/polysaccharide molecules, thereby reinforcing the interconnectivity between SNF. The water stability test showed that SNF scaffolds exhibited good structural stability in water when the mass ratio of KGM/SNF reached 2.5/100. Raising KGM content significantly enhanced the compression strength, modulus, and swelling ratio of the porous scaffold. Whereas, the nanofibrous morphology and porosity of the scaffolds were significantly sacrificed as KGM content exceeded 10% as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. In vitro, cytocompatibility results also demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of the biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds, and the high porosity significantly enhanced cell viability. These results suggest that KGM‐reinforced SNF scaffolds may serve as promising candidates for biomaterial applications.
Comparative analysis of specimen geometries in material extrusion 3D printing: Implications for mechanical property evaluation
Authors: Neivock Matheus P. , Gomide Caio S. , Nogueira Vinícius G. , Caires Anderson R. L. , Oliveira Samuel L.
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the influence of specimen geometry on the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed parts by material extrusion (MEX). Four widely used technical standards were evaluated (ASTM D638, ASTM D3039/D3039M‐14, ISO 527/2, and ISO 37), and all possible geometries were tested. The specimens were subjected to uniaxial tensile loading using a universal testing machine to obtain the mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and Young modulus. Mean, , and values, as well as (number of specimens tested to reach at least 10 valid data) are geometry‐dependent. A critical analysis of these data allowed proposing the standard evaluation index () of the specimen geometry (standard) based on data variance and test efficiency to achieve valid data. The results indicate that ASTM D638 performed better than any other standard. For investigations involving the mechanical properties of tensile strength Types I and II (ASTM D638) are the most recommended specimens geometry (standard) for 3D MEX printing because it combines the lowest with the minimum . By following it, researchers and material suppliers can ensure accurate and reliable assessments of the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed parts, contributing to increased safety, reliability, and quality in additive manufacturing. Notes: MEX – Material Extrusion, ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, SD – Standard Deviation, CV – Coefficient of Variation, – Number of specimens tested to reach at least 10 valid data, – Standard Evaluation Index.
The Melbourne Study of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy low‐cost clinic I: Implementation, mental health and life functioning gains
Authors: Dean Suzanne , Tonge Bruce , Beaufoy Jeanette , Godfrey Celia , Grady Jacqueline , Pullen Jill , Smale Sarina , Hill Christine , Ivey Gavin , Taffe John
Published: December 2023

The Melbourne Study of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy examined the implementation, lived experience, and perceived therapeutic gains of psychoanalytic psychotherapy in a low‐cost, private‐sector community clinic. A first in Australia, this 8‐year demonstration project allowed naturalistic study of the impact and process of intensive, long‐term, time‐limited psychoanalytic psychotherapy delivered to self‐referred adults by clinicians with a common theoretical frame of practice. Presented in three papers, the research employed the RE‐AIM planning and evaluation framework, using complementary quantitative and qualitative methods, to study the psychotherapy service in terms of Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance. This first paper reports the Reach of the program to be 67% for those presenting for assessment for psychoanalytic psychotherapy, with Adoption of the full 2‐year treatment program being 60%. Improvements in mental health and life functioning provided quantitative evidence of Effectiveness for those completing the 2‐year treatment program, with Maintenance at 8‐month follow‐up. Patient age, gender and personality characteristics did not modify these improvements. In‐depth qualitative exploration of patient and psychotherapist perspectives regarding the psychotherapy is reported in the second paper highlighting expectations, experience and benefits of the psychotherapy. The third companion paper presents the qualitative findings concerning factors experienced as facilitating or challenging therapeutic progress. Each of the three related papers amplifies understandings of how low‐cost, long‐term but time‐limited psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be implemented in the community with adults otherwise unable to afford such treatment, and discusses lessons learned.
The Melbourne Study of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy II: Patients' and psychotherapists' perspectives on expectations, therapeutic experience and benefits
Authors: Grady Jacqueline , Dean Suzanne , Godfrey Celia , Beaufoy Jeanette , Pullen Jill , Smale Sarina , Hill Christine , Ivey Gavin , Tonge Bruce
Published: December 2023

The naturalistic, longitudinal Melbourne Study of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy was conducted in a subsidized community clinic established by the Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists as a demonstration project operating over 8 years. It offered lower SES adults twice‐weekly psychoanalytic psychotherapy for 2 years. An independent research program used the RE‐AIM planning and evaluation framework to investigate the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of the service. Complementary quantitative and qualitative methodologies studied mental health and general‐life functioning outcomes and underlying processes of treatment. Two papers present the qualitative arm of the research, exploring the lived experience of the psychotherapy, reported contemporaneously and retrospectively by patients and psychotherapists. This first paper details the qualitative design and methods employed. In‐depth semi‐structured narrative interviews during psychotherapy, upon completion at 2 years, and at an additional 8‐month follow‐up point for patients, were conducted. Analysis of the narrative transcripts of 143 participant interviews revealed themes regarding patient expectations of treatment and the perceptions of both patients and psychotherapists of the long‐term psychoanalytic psychotherapy experience and its benefits. Narratives thus provided evidence of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of the service. The findings enrich understanding of the effective processes underlying the outcomes of the quantitative arm of the study reported separately. The second qualitative paper presents the findings concerning participants' experiences of facilitative and challenging aspects of the treatment, as well as the implications of the qualitative findings overall.
The Melbourne Study of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy III: Patients' and psychotherapists’ perspectives on progress and challenges
Authors: Grady Jacqueline , Dean Suzanne , Godfrey Celia , Beaufoy Jeanette , Pullen Jill , Hill Christine , Ivey Gavin , Tonge Bruce
Published: December 2023

Qualitative exploration of the experience of psychoanalytic psychotherapy complemented the quantitative evaluation of mental health and life functioning improvements in the Melbourne Study of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Twice‐weekly treatment was offered to adults for 2 years by the private sector Glen Nevis Clinic for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, established by the Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists as a subsidized, low‐cost community service over 8 years. This paper is the second of two presenting the qualitative arm of the study, involving in‐depth narrative interviews with patients and psychotherapists. Analysis of 143 transcripts further contributes to evidence of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of psychoanalytic psychotherapy in a community setting. The first qualitative paper reports themes concerning patient expectations of psychotherapy and perspectives of both patients and psychotherapists on the experience and benefits of the treatment. This paper reports what was perceived by participants as facilitative or challenging for therapeutic progress, illuminating how experiences of the nature of psychoanalytic psychotherapy may have affected the Implementation, Effectiveness and Maintenance of the program. The most notable facilitative factors emerging were the exploratory, insight‐oriented nature of the work, elements of the patient‐psychotherapist relationship, and the frame of the treatment. Challenges were also often seen as inherent to Effectiveness; however, proposing the frame of 2‐year treatment, as both an expectation and a limit, probably inhibited program Reach, Adoption and overall Implementation. The limitations and strengths of the qualitative arm of the research, together with implications for further investigation, are discussed.
Using artificial intelligence to grade practical laboratory examinations: Sacrificing students' learning experiences for saving time?
Authors: Gonzalez Victor H. , Mattingly Spencer , Wilhelm Jessica , Hemingson Danielle
Published: December 2023

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) by students has recently been made a key topic among educators because of the potential to transform students' learning experiences. However, the use of AI‐based software by instructors has not received the same level of consideration despite its recent accessibility and prevalence. This contribution discusses the benefits, challenges, and limitations of commercial AI‐based software (Gradescope®) for grading summative, short answer practical examinations in an undergraduate gross anatomy course. While the integration of Gradescope® in grading practical examinations reduces time and perceived instructor biases, it might erode personal relationships between students and instructors, especially with regard to individual feedback. Future research should assess best practices for incorporating AI technology into course grading considering the challenges and trade‐offs to students and instructors.
Application of adaptive laboratory evolution to improve the tolerance of Rhodotorula strain to methanol in crude glycerol and development of an effective method for cell lysis
Authors: Wei Shiyu , Wang Hongyang , Fan Meixi , Cai Xinrui , Hu Junpeng , Zhang Ruixin , Song Baocai , Li Jing
Published: December 2023

Rhodotorula toruloides can utilize crude glycerol as the low‐cost carbon source for lipid production, but its growth is subjected to inhibition by methanol in crude glycerol. Here, transcriptome profiling demonstrated that 1004 genes were significantly regulated in the strain R. toruloides TO2 under methanol stress. Methanol impaired the function of membrane transport and subsequently weakened the utilization of glycerol, activities of the primary metabolism and functions of nucleus and ribosome. Afterwards the tolerance of TO2 to methanol was improved by using two‐round adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). The final strain M2‐ale had tolerance up to 3.5% of methanol. 1H NMR‐based metabolome analysis indicated that ALE not only improved the tolerance of M2‐ale to methanol but also tuned the carbon flux towards the biosynthesis of glycerolipid‐related metabolites. The biomass and lipid titer of M2‐ale reached 14.63 ± 0.45 g L−1 and 7.06 ± 0.44 g L−1 at 96 h in the crude glycerol medium, which increased up to 17.69% and 31.39%, respectively, comparing with TO2. Afterwards, an effective method for cell lysis was developed by combining sonication and enzymatic hydrolysis (So‐EnH). The lytic effect of So‐EnH was validated by using confocal imaging and flow cytometry. At last, lipid recovery rate reached 95.4 ± 2.7% at the optimized condition.
Rapid haemoglobin A and S quantification using Tosoh HLC‐723G8 in variant mode for patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Fadel Julien , Noyelle Juliette , Maingon Mathieu , Homedan Chadi , Dieu Xavier , de la Barca Juan Manuel Chao , Reynier Pascal , Mallebranche Coralie , Brasme Jean‐François , Mirebeau‐Prunier Delphine , Orvain Corentin , Chabrun Floris
Published: December 2023

The management of life‐threatening complications in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) requires an accurate and reproducible quantification of haemoglobin A (HbA) and S (HbS) with a short turnaround time and 24‐7 availability. We propose a novel method for quantifying HbA and HbS using the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) assay on a Tosoh HLC‐723G8 (G8) analyser in variant mode. HbA and HbS results obtained using our method highly correlated with results obtained using a reference method (r > 0.99 for 124 samples of patients with SCD or sickle cell trait). Our method met laboratory requirements for linearity (coefficient of variation [CV] and bias <5%), between‐run and within‐run reproducibility (CV <10%) and carryover (<0.5%) over the range of HbS and HbA values expected in a therapeutic context. Using the G8 analyser in variant mode is viable for monitoring HbA and HbS concentrations in dire situations. This method is easy to use, quick (1.6 min per sample), and automatable and produces highly reproducible results without significant bias. Finally, it does not require modifications to the analytical pipeline recommended by the supplier, enabling a 24‐7 availability without disrupting routine monitoring of HbA1c in the laboratory.
The German version of the tablet‐based UCSF Brain Health Assessment is sensitive to early symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Toller Gianina , Stäger Lorena , Kumurasamy Dilaxy , Callahan Patrick , Köhn Florian , Münzer Thomas , Kunze Ursi , Monsch Andreas U. , Possin Kate , Rankin Katherine P. , Felbecker Ansgar
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Cognition often remains unassessed in primary care. To improve early diagnosis of neurocognitive disorder (NCD) in Switzerland, the tablet‐based UCSF brain health assessment (BHA) and brain health survey (BHS) were validated.

Methods: The German BHA, BHS, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were administered to 67 patients with mild/major NCD and 50 controls. BHA includes subtests of memory, executive, visuospatial, and language functioning, and informant‐based BHS asks about behavior and motor functioning.

Results: The complete instrument (BHA + BHS) was most accurate at detecting mild NCD (AUC = 0.95) and NCD without amyloid pathology (AUC = 0.96), followed by the BHA. All measures were accurate (all AUCs > 0.95) at distinguishing major NCD and NCD with amyloid pathology (Alzheimer's disease [AD]) from controls.

Discussion: The German BHA and BHS are more sensitive to mild NCD and non‐AD presentations than the MoCA and thus have a high potential to identify patients with NCD in primary care earlier than currently used screens.
Non‐lesional white matter in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis assessed by multicomponent T2 relaxation
Authors: Bontempi Pietro , Rozzanigo Umberto , Marangoni Sabrina , Fogazzi Elena , Ravanelli Daniele , Cazzoletti Lucia , Giometto Bruno , Farace Paolo
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The purpose of the study is to investigate, by T2 relaxation, non‐lesional white matter (WM) in relapsing–remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Twenty stable RR MS patients underwent 1.5T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with 3D Fluid‐Attenuated Inversion‐Recovery (FLAIR), 3D‐T1‐weighted, and T2‐relaxation multi‐echo sequences. The Lesion Segmentation Tool processed FLAIR images to identify focal lesions (FLs), whereas T1 images were segmented to identify WM and FL sub‐volumes with T1 hypo‐intensity. Non‐lesional WM was obtained as the segmented WM, excluding FL volumes. The multi‐echo sequence allowed decomposition into myelin water, intra‐extracellular water, and free water (Fw), which were evaluated on the segmented non‐lesional WM. Correlation analysis was performed between the non‐lesional WM relaxation parameters and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, patient age, and T1 hypo‐intense FL volumes.

Results

The T1 hypo‐intense FL volumes correlated with EDSS. On the non‐lesional WM, the median Fw correlated with EDSS, disease duration, age, and T1 hypo‐intense FL volumes. Bivariate EDSS correlation of FL volumes and WM T2‐relaxation parameters did not improve significance.

Conclusion

T2 relaxation allowed identifying subtle WM alterations, which significantly correlated with EDSS, disease duration, and age but do not seem to be EDSS‐predictors independent from FL sub‐volumes in stable RR patients. Particularly, the increase in the Fw component is suggestive of an uninvestigated prodromal phenomenon in brain degeneration.
Episode of ventricular fibrillation in patient with coronary artery ectasia during coronary angiography
Authors: Zheng Shujiao , Liu Zuheng , Zhang Shaofeng , Xie Qiang
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

There was an 83‐year‐old man having coronary artery disease associated with coronary artery ectasia who occurred ventricular fibrillation suddenly during coronary artery angiography. As Kawasaki disease was suspected to the most likely reason which led to coronary artery lesion.
Influence of Planar Confinement on Momentum and Heat Transfer from a Blunt‐Headed Cylinder to Generalized Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Kaur Jaspinder , Chandra Avinash , Arya Raj Kumar , Ratan Jatinder Kumar , Tiwari Anurag Kumar
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the momentum and thermal characteristics of a blunt‐headed cylinder immersed in a stream of generalized Newtonian fluids (i.e., power‐law fluids) under various planar confinements. The flow and heat transfer characteristics were obtained by solving the constitutive equations with a finite‐element‐based solver for varying ranges of governing parameters. Reynolds number (Re = 1–40), Prandtl number (Pr = 5–100), power‐law index (n = 0.3–1.8), and blockage ratios (β = 2–40) were considered as the governing parameters for the study. Streamlines, drag coefficients, isotherm contours, and average Nusselt numbers were obtained as output parameters of the study. The local distribution of the pressure coefficient and Nusselt number are also presented to gain deep insight into the vicinity of the blunt‐headed cylinder. Shear‐thickening and shear‐thinning fluids exhibited an inverse trend for flow separation under planar confinements. The average Nusselt number exhibits a positive correlation with the Reynolds and Prandtl numbers while showing negative dependence on the power‐law index and blockage ratio. Overall, momentum and heat transfer show complex relationships with the governing parameters. The functional relationships are shown as correlations for flow‐separation Reynolds number, total drag force, and average Nusselt number on relevant dimensionless parameters for general applications.
Farmer insights on harvesting peanut: A survey from the Virginia–Carolina region of the United States
Authors: Jordan David L. , Anco Dan , Balota Maria , Brandenburg Rick L.
Published: December 2023

Plain Language Summary

Peanut harvest is a two‐step process that requires digging pods and inverting vines and threshing after pods and vines have dried for an adequate amount time. Weather patterns, including temperature and soil moisture, can affect the pod maturation process. Additionally, inclement weather, soil moisture conditions, farm logistics, balance of equipment and acreage, plant health and disease incidence, and equipment setting and operation can affect harvest efficiency and yield. A survey of 166 farmers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, representing 25% of acreage, was administered to determine their perceptions of challenges they face at harvest and how they address those challenges. The majority of growers indicated that they would dig pods and invert vines prior to a storm. Peanut maturity was as important as soil conditions and concerns over tropical weather when deciding when to dig peanut.
Open circuit fault diagnosis of three‐phase inverter based on SR‐WOA‐ELM
Authors: Yao Fang , Liu Qian , Ji Borui , Zhang Wenyu , Wu Youxi , Tang Yu
Published: December 2023

To ensure smooth power exchange in a three‐phase inverter, it is important to accurately detect the faults of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) switches. However, the fault characteristics of power tubes are complex, the fault diagnosis results are affected by the load, and the recognition accuracy of some fault diagnosis models is low. To tackle this issue, this paper proposes an inverter open circuit fault diagnosis method named SR‐WOA‐ELM, which integrates signal reconstruction (SR), the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and an extreme learning machine (ELM). First, the three‐phase output current is processed by the signal reconstruction method to eliminate the effect of load fluctuation, the average value of low frequency coefficients and wavelet entropy is extracted from the reconstructed three‐phase currents using the improved wavelet packet transform, and the fault feature vector is constructed by fusing the above two feature parameters. Second, the parameters of the ELM fault diagnosis model are optimized using WOA. Finally, the fault feature vector is added in the SR‐WOA‐ELM model to obtain the fault diagnosis results. Through simulation and experimental verification, the model can accurately identify the single‐tube and double‐tube faults of the inverter and is not affected by load fluctuations.
Advanced lifting wavelet transform and V‐degree polynomial‐based channel estimation in MIMO‐GFDM
Authors: Ray Deepak Kumar , Oza Shruti
Published: December 2023

The future generation of wireless communications systems uses the generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) due to its viable candidate waveform to perform multiple user scheduling. It is a non‐orthogonal waveform susceptible to intercarrier and intersymbol interference (ISI); still, it offers flexible pulse shaping that enhances the efficiency of user scheduling. Here, to accomplish spatial diversity, the multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) is incorporated with GFDM to enhance the performance; there is also an extra inter‐antenna interference problem that limits the model's performance. The issue concerning inter‐antenna interference can be resolved by adopting pilot‐based information transfer. The detection of a signal at the receiver based on the minimum mean square error has the issue of computational complexity while enhancing the estimation quality of a detector. Hence, a low‐complexity channel estimation technique is proposed in this research using the V‐degree polynomial‐based channel estimation technique, wherein the cubic order computation is reduced to square order. Also, the proposed adaptive pulse shaping technique, wherein the filter coefficient is optimized using the gazelle optimization algorithm (GOA) to provide optimal pulse shaping filter parameters by employing bit error rate (BER) as the objective function. The performance of a proposed V‐degree polynomial‐based channel estimation is analyzed based on various assessment measures like BER and MSE and acquired the minimal values of 5.75E‐05 and 2.07E‐05, respectively.
Non‐suicidal self‐injury among individuals with an eating disorder: A systematic review and prevalence meta‐analysis
Authors: Kirkpatrick Ryan H. , Breton Edith , Biorac Aleksandar , Munoz Douglas P. , Booij Linda
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of non‐suicidal self‐injury across eating disorders (EDs) and within diagnostic categories through systematic review and proportional, or so‐called prevalence, meta‐analysis.

Method

Included studies had to contain individuals with a verified diagnosis of an ED. The last literature search was conducted on September 11, 2023, for studies published on or before September 2023 without a restriction on earliest publication year. Results were synthesized and analyzed using the “metaprop” package in R and presented using forest plots. Bias was assessed by a Peters' regression test and funnel plot.

Results

79 studies published between 1985 and 2023 were included encompassing 32,334 individuals with an ED. Importantly, 42 studies were not included in any other meta‐analyses on self‐injury in EDs to date. Overall prevalence of non‐suicidal self‐injury was 34.59% (95%CI = 30.49–38.81). Prevalence in anorexia nervosa restrictive type, binge/purge type, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding/eating disorder were 23.19% (95%CI = 16.96–30.03%), 41.98% (95%CI = 32.35–51.91%), 36.97% (95%CI = 30.69–43.46%), 21.21% (95%CI = 14.93–28.12%) and 37.65% (95%CI = 28.59–47.09%), respectively. Prevalence estimations could not be estimated for other ED categories due to lack of a sufficient number of studies.

Discussion

Non‐suicidal self‐injury is prevalent across both binge/purge and restrictive EDs. Considering the transdiagnostic nature of self‐injurious behaviors in ED, the results highlight the importance of assessment and monitoring of self‐injury in people with ED, irrespective of specific diagnoses. The method of determining self‐injury varied across studies and may limit this study.

Public Significance

This study highlights the prevalence of self‐injury across eating disorders irrespective of diagnosis and within specific EDs. While diagnoses known to exhibit self‐injurious behaviors (e.g., bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype) demonstrated the highest prevalence of self‐injury, all diagnoses were found to have a prevalence greater than 20%. These findings suggest the importance of assessing and monitoring all individuals with an eating disorder for the presence of self‐injury.
ICRB: An improved consensus‐based redactable blockchain considering contextual consistency
Authors: Zhang Lejun , Zhu Chendong , Tian Zhihong , Liu Yuan , Qiu Jing , Su Shen , Xu Guangxia , Guo Ran
Published: December 2023

Blockchain is a distributed ledger proposed by Satoshi Nakamoto. It has become one of the most important networks for humans in the world. With the rapid development of blockchain technology, an increasing number of criminals are engaging in fraudulent activities, extortion and other financial crimes on the blockchain. Due to the immutability of blockchain, it is difficult for users to recover their losses. Some scholars have proposed the concept of the redactable blockchain. However, most redactable blockchain schemes fail to consider the impact of modification on the contextual economic relationships of the blockchain. We propose an improved redactable blockchain considering contextual consistency. Additionally, we utilize a security deposit mechanism to guarantee financial contextual consistency for the modified blockchain. We distribute users' security deposit account private keys to random users on the blockchain using Verifiable Secret Sharing, Verifiable Random Functions and other cryptographic primitives to achieve decentralized key management and modification. Experiments show that the performance of our scheme is acceptable in realistic situations.
Associations of self‐forgiveness processes with distress and well‐being outcomes: Evidence from a longitudinal study of Indonesian adults
Authors: Cook Kaye V. , Kurniati Ni Made Taganing , Suwartono Christiany , Widyarini Nilam , Griffin Brandon J. , Cowden Richard G.
Published: December 2023

To date, few empirical studies have examined the benefits of the processes involved in self‐forgiveness—value reorientation and esteem restoration—for individual well‐being using longitudinal data from non‐Western samples. In this study, we take a step toward addressing this gap by analysing three waves of data collected among 595 Indonesians (Mage = 21.95, SD = 4.39). Applying the analytic templates for lagged exposure‐wide and outcome‐wide longitudinal designs, we performed a series of linear regressions to estimate associations of value reorientation and esteem restoration in Wave 2 with three indicators of distress and 10 indicators of well‐being in Wave 3, adjusting for Wave 1 covariates. Value reorientation and esteem restoration were each associated with improvements in several well‐being outcomes (six for value reorientation and three for esteem restoration), but both showed little evidence of associations with the distress outcomes. In a secondary analysis, those who scored higher on both value reorientation and esteem restoration (i.e., self‐forgiveness group) in Wave 2 reported higher well‐being on five outcomes in Wave 3 compared to those who scored lower on value reorientation, esteem restoration, or both (i.e., no or partial self‐forgiveness group). We discuss some implications of the findings for conceptualising self‐forgiveness and promoting well‐being.
Comparing the reliability and validity of youth‐reported checklists and standardized interviews for categorical measurement of emotional and behavioral problems
Authors: Duncan Laura , Wang Li , Boyle Michael H.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Self‐completed checklists measuring youth mental health problems produce dimensional scale scores and can be converted to categorical classifications representing the presence/absence of psychopathology. We test whether categorical classifications from scale scores are equivalent psychometrically to categorical classifications of the same problems obtained by lay‐administered standardized structured diagnostic interviews.

Methods

The sample of n = 325 youth aged 12–18 (44% male) and their parent/caregivers come from combined test–retest reliability studies conducted in Ontario, Canada, from 2011 to 2015. Ontario Child Health Study Emotional Behavioural Scales‐Brief Version (OCHS‐EBS‐B) scores converted to categorical classifications of emotional and behavioral problems were compared with interview classifications. We test hypotheses of statistical equivalence and inferiority, using a confidence interval approach to detect if differences lie within the smallest effect size of interest of ±0.18. We compare categorical classifications on: (1) test–retest reliability (ҡ), (2) content validity (between‐instrument agreement), and (3) construct validity (strength of association with three mental health‐related constructs).

Results

Average test–retest reliabilities were 0.695 (checklists) and 0.670 (interviews). The reliability of checklist emotional problem classifications was not inferior to interview classifications and the difference in reliability between instruments for behavioral problems was small (−0.036). Average between‐instrument agreement was ҡ = 0.586 (observed) and ҡ = 0.841 (corrected for attenuation due to measurement error) indicating high content overlap. Statistical equivalence criteria were met in 5 of 6 construct validity comparisons.

Conclusions

Categorical classifications of emotional and behavioral problems from youth‐reported checklists are, on balance, equivalent to interview classifications. Checklists represent a simple, brief, inexpensive alternative to interviews.