bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of industrial methyl diethanolamine solution on the aging of cured ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer and butyl rubber compounds, and associated blends with potential applications in rubber‐made sealants within gas refinery environments
Authors: Khani Zeynab , Movahed Saeed Ostad
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of aging in methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) solution on cured rubber compounds comprising ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer rubber (EPDM), butyl rubber (IIR), and blends, utilizing nano (nZnO) and conventional (ZnO) zinc oxides as curing activators. The analysis reveals that MDEA solution induces degradation in the rubber matrix by grafting amine and amide groups onto the rubber backbone, particularly affecting unsaturated units in diene monomers in EPDM and isoprene units in IIR. The Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) analysis validated the addition of these functional groups. Aging contributed to the formation of a thin rubber layer covering carbon black particles, likely due to un‐crosslinking and rubber chain scission, resulting in changes in bound rubber as observed in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Tensile strength and elongation at break typically decreased with aging, with EPDM compounds exhibiting the highest initial tensile strength and IIR compounds demonstrating superior initial elongation. Hardness remains largely unaffected by aging. This study showed the detrimental effects of MDEA exposure on rubber compounds, emphasizing the critical importance of material selection and property tailoring for specific applications in MDEA‐rich environments, such as gas refineries.
Polybenzoxazine‐based PEMFC composite bipolar plates with three‐dimensional conductive skeleton
Authors: Xianwu Cao , Bin Liu , Qilong Huang , Bin Hu , Yizhang Tong , Zhitao Yang
Published: July 2024

To address the limitation of poor conductivity in composite bipolar plates (CBPs), a three‐dimensional (3D) conductive skeleton structure of graphite flakes (GF) is constructed using the sacrificial template method. This method prepares 3D polybenzoxazine/graphite flakes composite bipolar plates (3D‐PBA/GF CBPs) with high conductivity through vacuum impregnation of benzoxazine resin (BA). In this paper, the effect of the presence of a conductive network structure on the key properties of CBPs is analyzed, and the performance of GF randomly dispersed CBPs obtained through traditional solution dispersion is also compared. Thanks to the efficient conductive path within its 3D conductive skeleton structure, the 3D‐PBA/GF CBP achieves excellent conductivity meeting US Department of Energy (DOE) targets (in‐plane conductivity greater than 100 S/cm, area‐specific resistance less than 10 mΩ cm2) at a low filler content (50 wt%). In addition, CBPs with 3D conductive skeleton structures also exhibit qualified service performances to meet the requirements of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Compared with GF randomly dispersed CBPs, 3D‐PBA/GF CBPs exhibited higher power density in a single cell. This study demonstrates that constructing PBA/GF CBPs with a 3D conductive skeleton to achieve an accumulation distribution of conductive fillers is an efficient method for enhancing the conductivity of CBPs.
Engineering a 3‐dimensional tissue construct with adipose‐derived stem cells for healing bone defect: An ex vivo study with femur head
Authors: Mahajan Aditi , Sharma Siddhartha , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Aggarwal Aditya , Bhattacharyya Shalmoli
Published: July 2024

The compatibility of bone graft substitutes (BGS) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is an important parameter to consider for their use in repairing bone defects as it eventually affects the clinical outcome. In the present study, a few commercially available BGS – β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), calcium sulfate, gelatin sponge, and different forms of hydroxyapatite (HAP) were screened for their interactions with MSCs from adipose tissue (ADSCs). It was demonstrated that HAP block favorably supported ADSC viability, morphology, migration, and differentiation compared to other scaffolds. The results strongly suggest the importance of preclinical evaluation of bone scaffolds for their cellular compatibility. Furthermore, the bone regenerative potential of HAP block with ADSCs was evaluated in an ex vivo bone defect model developed using patient derived trabecular bone explants. The explants were cultured for 45 days in vitro and bone formation was assessed by expression of osteogenic genes, ALP secretion, and high resolution computed tomography. Our findings confirmed active bone repair process in ex vivo settings. Addition of ADSCs significantly accelerated the repair process and improved bone microarchitecture. This ex vivo bone defect model can emerge as a viable alternative to animal experimentation and also as a potent tool to evaluate patient specific bone therapeutics under controlled conditions.
Transcranial direct current stimulation of the prefrontal and visual cortices diversely affects early and late perceptual learning
Authors: Wu Di , Zhu Yan , Wang Yifan , Liu Na , Zhang Pan
Published: July 2024

Background

Research has shown that visual perceptual learning (VPL) is related to modifying neural activity in higher level decision‐making regions. However, the causal roles of the prefrontal and visual cortexes in VPL are still unclear. Here, we investigated how anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the prefrontal and visual cortices modulates VPL in the early and later phases and the role of multiple brain regions.

Methods

Perceptual learning on the coherent motion direction identification task included early and later stages. After early training, participants needed to continuously train to reach a plateau; once the plateau was reached, participants entered a later stage. Sixty participants were randomly divided into five groups. Regardless of the training at the early and later stages, four groups received multitarget tDCS over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) and right middle temporal area (rMT), single‐target tDCS over the rDLPFC, and single‐target tDCS over the rMT or sham stimulation, and one group was stimulated at the ipsilateral brain region (i.e., left MT).

Results

Compared with sham stimulation, multitarget and two single‐target tDCS over the rDLPFC or rMT improved posttest performance and accelerated learning during the early period. However, multitarget tDCS and two single‐target tDCS led to equivalent benefits for VPL. Additionally, these beneficial effects were absent when anodal tDCS was applied to the ipsilateral brain region. For the later period, the above facilitating effects on VPL induced by multitarget or single‐target tDCS disappeared.

Conclusions

This study suggested the causal role of the prefrontal and visual cortices in visual motion perceptual learning by anodal tDCS but failed to find greater beneficial effects by simultaneously stimulating the prefrontal and visual cortices. Future research should investigate the functional associations between multiple brain regions to further promote VPL.
Exploring the synergy of problem‐based learning and computational fluid dynamics in university fluid mechanics instruction
Authors: Mora‐Melia Daniel , Gutiérrez‐Bahamondes Jimmy H. , Iglesias‐Rey Pedro L. , Martinez‐Solano Francisco Javier
Published: July 2024

Recently, the growing demand for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) skills in industry has highlighted the importance of their incorporation into university academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, many academic programs treat CFD tools as a “black box” in which users simply enter data without fully understanding the inner workings of the software or its application in real‐world situations. Therefore, in the context of a civil engineering program in Chile, a novel approach combining problem‐based learning (PBL) with CFD was introduced into the curriculum of a fluid mechanics course to foster crucial competencies. This comprehensive methodology allows students to acquire fundamental theoretical knowledge that is directly related to specific problems in the classroom. Subsequently, students measure relevant variables in the laboratory, ultimately using these data to build computational models for comparing and contrasting reality with simulations. To gauge the effectiveness and impact of this PBL strategy, both quantitative analysis of student performance and qualitative analysis through surveys were conducted. The results reveal a significant improvement in student performance with the implementation of the PBL methodology, alongside a positive perception among students regarding its implementation. This underscores its benefits for learning, motivation, and academic performance. Additionally, the implementation of PBL was found to enhance both theoretical and practical understanding of concepts related to fluid dynamics and CFD simulation.
MCM8 promotes gastric cancer progression through RPS15A and predicts poor prognosis
Authors: Ding Lixian , Sun Mingjun , Sun Yanyan , Li Jinxing , Zhang Zhicheng , Dang Shuwei , Zhang Jinning , Yang Bang , Dai Youlin , Zhou Qinghao , Zhou Dazhi , Li Encheng , Peng Shuqi , Li Guodong
Published: July 2024

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Minichromsome maintenance proteins family member 8 (MCM8) assists DNA repair and DNA replication. MCM8 exerts tumor promotor function in multiple digestive system tumors. MCM8 is also considered as a potential cancer therapeutic target.

Methods

Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze MCM8 expression and clinicopathological significance. MCM8 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and qRT‐PCR. MCM8 functions in GC cell were explored by Celigo cell counting, colony formation, wound‐healing, transwell, and annexin V‐APC staining assays. The target of MCM8 was determined by human gene expression profile microarray. Human phospho‐kinase array kit evaluated changes in key proteins after ribosomal protein S15A (RPS15A) knockdown. MCM8 functions were reassessed in xenograft mouse model. IHC detected related proteins expression in mouse tumor sections.

Results

MCM8 was significantly upregulated and predicted poor prognosis in GC. High expression of MCM8 was positively correlated with lymph node positive (p < 0.001), grade (p < 0.05), AJCC Stage (p < 0.001), pathologic T (p < 0.01), and pathologic N (p < 0.001). MCM8 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. RPS15A expression decreased significantly after MCM8 knockdown. It was also the only candidate target, which ranked among the top 10 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in sh‐MCM8 group. RPS15A was identified as the target of MCM8 in GC. MCM8/RPS15A promoted phosphorylation of P38α, LYN, and p70S6K. Moreover, MCM8 knockdown inhibited tumor growth, RPS15A expression, and phosphorylation of P38α, LYN, and p70S6K in vivo.

Conclusions

MCM8 is an oncogene and predicts poor prognosis in GC. MCM8/RPS15A facilitates GC progression.
Genome Mining Leads to the Identification of a Stable and Promiscuous Baeyer‐Villiger Monooxygenase from a Thermophilic Microorganism
Authors: Bunyat‐zada Amir R. , Ducharme Stephan E. , Cleveland Maria E. , Hoffman Esther R. , Howe Graeme W.
Published: July 2024

Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs) are NAD(P)H‐dependent flavoproteins that convert ketones to esters and lactones. While these enzymes offer an appealing alternative to traditional Baeyer‐Villiger oxidations, these proteins tend to be either too unstable or exhibit too narrow of a substrate scope for implementation as industrial biocatalysts. Here, sequence similarity networks were used to search for novel BVMOs that are both stable and promiscuous. Our genome mining led to the identification of an enzyme from Chloroflexota bacterium (strain G233) dubbed ssnBVMO that exhibits i) the highest melting temperature of any naturally sourced BVMO (62.5 °C), ii) a remarkable kinetic stability across a wide range of conditions, similar to those of PAMO and PockeMO, iii) optimal catalysis at 50 °C, and iv) a broad substrate scope that includes linear aliphatic, aromatic, and sterically bulky ketones. Subsequent quantitative assays using propiophenone demonstrated >95 % conversion. Several fusions were also constructed that linked ssnBVMO to a thermostable phosphite dehydrogenase. These fusions can recycle NADPH and catalyze oxidations with sub‐stoichiometric quantities of this expensive cofactor. Characterization of these fusions permitted identification of PTDH−L1‐ssnBVMO as the most promising protein that could have utility as a seed sequence for enzyme engineering campaigns aiming to develop biocatalysts for Baeyer‐Villiger oxidations.
Subdural hematoma due to skull base bone metastasis of epidermal growth factor receptor mutated non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Oka Tomohiko , Oda Naohiro , Daido Shigeru , Takata Ichiro
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Subdural hematoma due to skull base bone metastasis of lung cancer is rare but are oncological emergency, necessitating prompt identification when a headache develops with the progression of the malignancy.
Successful endoscopic endonasal trans‐sphenoidal resection for pituitary macro adenoma with apoplexy in a twin pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Jha Ujjwal Kumar , Basnet Pragyan , Das Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Pituitary apoplexy is a medical and surgical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and often urgent treatment to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

This report describes the successful management of a 37‐year‐old pregnant woman with a history of pituitary macroadenoma and apoplexy during a twin pregnancy. Presenting with bitemporal vision loss, a common pituitary adenoma symptom, she showed no other alarming signs despite a twin pregnancy. Successful endoscopic resection improved her vision, and postoperative recovery was uneventful. The discussion underscores significance of the diagnostic utility of contrast MRI. The patient's favorable outcome supports endoscopic resection feasibility in pregnant individuals with pituitary apoplexy.
Modular Synthesis of Azines Bearing a Guanidine Core from N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)‐Derived Selenoureas and Diazo Reagents
Authors: Tonis Efstathios , Tzouras Nikolaos V. , Bracho Pozsoni Nestor , Saab Marina , Bhandary Subhrajyoti , Van Hecke Kristof , Nelson David J. , Nahra Fady , Nolan Steven P. , Vougioukalakis Georgios C.
Published: July 2024

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐derived selenoureas comprise a fundamentally important class of NHC derivatives, with key applications in coordination chemistry and the determination of NHC electronic properties. Considering the broad reactivity of chalcogen‐containing compounds, it is surprising to note that the use of NHC‐derived selenoureas as organic synthons remains essentially unexplored. The present contribution introduces a novel, straightforward transformation leading to azines bearing a guanidine moiety, through the reaction of a wide range of NHC‐derived selenoureas with commercially available diazo compounds, in the presence of triphenylphosphine. This transformation offers a new approach to such products, having biological, materials chemistry, and organic synthesis applications. The guanidine‐bearing azines are obtained in excellent yields, with all manipulations taking place in air. A reaction mechanism is proposed, based on both experimental mechanistic findings and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A one‐pot, multicomponent transesterification reaction between selenoureas, α‐diazoesters, alcohols, and triphenylphosphine was also developed, providing highly functionalized azines.
Catalyst development for the tri‐reforming of methane (TRM) process by integrated singular machine learning models
Authors: de Souza Paulo A. L. , Afzal Raja Muhammad , Camacho Felipe Gomes , Mahinpey Nader
Published: July 2024

Tri‐reforming of methane (TRM) is a promising technology for the simultaneous production of hydrogen and syngas with high energy efficiency (above 70%). However, catalyst design for TRM is challenging due to complex reaction kinetics and the need for catalyst materials with great stability and activity. Machine learning, particularly artificial neural networks (ANNs), has emerged as a powerful tool in catalyst development for the TRM process. More than 6000 data points were selected to build individual models for each reaction and later coupled into an ensembled model used to make predictions considering TRM experimental conditions. The reaction temperature input parameter was found to be the one with major relative importance (61.4%), contributing the most to changes in the CH4 conversion %. Dry reforming of methane (DRM), steam reforming of methane (SRM), and partial oxidation of methane (POX) models observed errors (RMSE) of 3.44%, 2.20%, 1.61%, respectively, with the ensembled model having a maximum error of 4.48%. The newly devised artificial neural network (ANN) model demonstrates remarkable capability in accurately predicting CH4 conversion for novel catalyst formulations in the TRM process, exhibiting minimal error deviation.
The liquefaction characteristics of poplar under CuMgAlOx catalysis in supercritical methanol
Authors: Li Li , Wang Jiayi , Lian Zihe , Chen Hongtao , Li Jian
Published: July 2024

In an effort to explore the potential energy of biomass and reduce industrial reliance on fossil fuels, this study investigates the liquefaction of poplar wood using supercritical methanol and a CuMgAlOx catalyst. It assesses the composition of liquefied products and performs a comprehensive life‐cycle assessment. Results display that at 360°C, with 1 h of CuMgAlOx, poplar wood's conversion rate reached 98.4%. The proportion of alcoholic compounds in the liquefaction products increased dramatically from 7.99% without a catalyst to 70.81% with it, a rise of 786.23%. Moreover, the process's global warming potential (GWP) intensity is significantly lower at 0.886 gCO2eq/MJ compared to the 93 gCO2eq/MJ from conventional petroleum refining, underscoring its substantial emission reduction potential.
Magnetic adsorbents from co‐pyrolysis of non‐woody biomass and red mud for water decontamination
Authors: Loebsack Griffin , Kang Kang , Yeung Ken K.‐C. , Bartoli Mattia , Berruti Franco , Klinghoffer Naomi B.
Published: July 2024

Red mud (RM) and non‐woody biomass are both underutilized resources for renewable composite materials, which could be used in environmental decontamination processes. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of co‐pyrolyzing non‐woody biomass with RM to produce a magnetic biochar composite. When pyrolyzed, RM is reduced to magnetic iron while the non‐woody biochar is responsible for the adsorption of organic compounds. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, methyl orange, and methylene blue were used as test compounds to investigate the overall adsorptive capacity of the composite and to determine the possible adsorption mechanisms of biochar produced from RM pyrolyzed with switch grass, phragmites, rice husk, and miscanthus. The composite produced from a 1 to 1 mixture of RM and miscanthus showed the highest adsorption capacity with 13.8 and 8.34 mg/g of ibuprofen and acetaminophen adsorbed, respectively, which is attributed to its greater ‐interactions as a result of lower surface oxygen sites. Different ratios of RM to biomass were also tested for the production of the miscanthus composite, where it was found that the 1:2 ratio showed the best overall adsorption with 25.9 mg/g removal of acetaminophen, surpassing the miscanthus biochar's at 17.9 mg/g.
Assembling 2D Ni‐Co nanosheets onto Mo2C Nanorod towards Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution†
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Diao Yanan , Cai Huizhu , Fang Jiancong , Chen Bingbing , Bi Mingshu , Shi Chuan
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive Summary

A novel electrocatalyst, Ni‐Co/β‐Mo2C@C, was rationally designed to enhance the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in this work. Assembled with two‐dimensional Ni‐Co nanosheets onto Mo2C nanorods coated with a thin carbon shell, the catalyst demonstrates remarkable performance, including low overpotential (η10 = 57 mV) and reduced Tafel slope (63 mV·dec–1) in 0.5 mol·L–1 H2SO4 electrolyte. This innovative design strategy provides abundant active sites and efficient electron/ion transport pathways, effectively shortening reactant diffusion distances and enhancing electrocatalytic activity. Additionally, the carbon shell coating protects the catalyst from etching and agglomeration, ensuring its durability. This work presents a promising approach for engineering highly efficient metal carbide‐based HER catalysts through tailored composition and nanostructure design.
In Situ Liquid Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy Observations of Growth and Anticorrosion Behaviors of AuCl3 Shell on Au Nanobipyramids
Authors: Wei Wei , Sun Jun , Zhang Songtao , Sun Litao , Xu Feng
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Designing new materials and architectures to maintain activity and stability requires a better understanding on the anticorrosion dynamics of nanoparticles. Under‐coordinated atoms on the surface of nanoparticles can be protected by deposited shells. Real‐time observation on how protective shells grow and play a role is challenging but worthwhile. Here, protective effects of AuCl3 shells on Au nanobipyramids (NBPs) are studied in HAuCl4 aqueous solutions by in‐situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM). This study is the first to observe the formation of Au‐AuCl3 core‐shell nanostructure and the corresponding anticorrosion behaviors of AuCl3 deposited shell. The presence of CTAB can substantially influence the growth mode and structure of AuCl3 shell, by a direct or indirect way, intervene the dissolution of Au NBP. These growth or dissolution kinetics here revealed at the nanoscale provide insights towards engineering of the surface anticorrosion to pursue Au nanoparticles with improved stability in acidic environment.
House dust mite immunotherapy: A real‐world, prescription data‐based analysis
Authors: Mösges R. , Richter H. , Sager A. , Weber J. , Müller T.
Published: July 2024

Background

House dust mite (HDM) sensitisation can contribute to the development of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) or allergic asthma (AA). As treatment, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a promising approach, since it aims building immunotolerance against allergens, therewith establishing long‐term efficacy. The evaluation of AIT has been investigated in many randomised controlled trials, whereas few real‐world evidence studies are available.

Methods

We used data from the longitudinal prescription data base IQVIA™ LRx. Data on initial AIT prescriptions against HDM from January 2009 to December 2013 was analysed regarding treatment (subcutaneous AIT with either depigmented polymerised allergen extract [dSCIT] or other allergens [oSCIT], or sublingual immunotherapy [SLIT]) and treatment duration. Treatment groups were compared with a control group of AR patients not receiving AIT. Data on symptomatic medication was collected until February 2017 and progression of AR and AA was compared.

Results

Data of 7260 patients with AIT prescriptions and of 21,780 control patients was analysed. AIT was associated with a significant decrease of AR medication intake compared with control (dSCIT: −34.0%, p < 0.0001; oSCIT: −25.7%, p < 0.0001; SLIT: −37.7%, p = 0.0026). In asthmatics, SCIT was associated with a significant decrease of asthma medication compared with control (dSCIT: −45.2%, p < 0.0001; oSCIT: −32.9%, p < 0.0001). Further, a significantly reduced likelihood for onset of asthma medication was demonstrated in patients treated with SCIT compared with controls (dSCIT OR: 0.759, p = 0.0476; oSCIT OR: 0.815, p = 0.0339).

Conclusion

Real‐world data analyses indicate that AIT, particularly given via a subcutaneous route, reduces the need of medication against AR and AA and might delay the onset of asthma medication in patients with AR.
Sexual Dimorphism of Spinal Neural Circuits Controlling the Mouse External Urethral Sphincter With and Without Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Karnup Sergei , Hashimoto Mamoru , Cho Kang Jun , Beckel Jonathan , de Groat William , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: July 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts coordination between the bladder and the external urinary sphincter (EUS), leading to transient or permanent voiding impairment, which is more severe in males. Male versus female differences in spinal circuits related to the EUS as well as post‐SCI rewiring are essential for understanding of sex‐/gender‐specific impairments and possible recovery mechanisms. To quantitatively assess differences between EUS circuits in males versus females and in spinal intact (SI) versus SCI animals, we retrogradely traced and counted EUS‐related neurons. In transgenic ChAT‐GFP mice, motoneurons (MNs), interneurons (INs), and propriospinal neurons (PPNs) were retrogradely trans‐synaptically traced with PRV614‐red fluorescent protein (RFP) injected into EUS. EUS‐MNs in dorsolateral nucleus (DLN) were separated from other GFP+ MNs by tracing them with FluoroGold (FG). We found two morphologically distinct cell types in DLN: FG+ spindle‐shaped bipolar (SB‐MNs) and FG− rounded multipolar (RM‐MNs) cholinergic cells. Number of MNs of both types in males was twice as large as in females. SCI caused a partial loss of MNs in all spinal nuclei. After SCI, males showed a fourfold rise in the number of RFP‐labeled cells in retro‐DLN (RDLN) innervating hind limbs. This suggests (a) an existence of direct synaptic interactions between spinal nuclei and (b) a post‐SCI increase of non‐specific inputs to EUS‐MNs from other motor nuclei. Number of INs and PPNs deferred between males and females: In SI males, the numbers of INs and PPNs were ∼10 times larger than in SI females. SCI caused a twofold decrease of INs and PPNs in males but not in females.
MBB‐YOLO: A comprehensively improved lightweight algorithm for crowded object detection
Authors: Liao Junguo , Tian Haonan
Published: July 2024

Object detection in crowded scenes involves various difficulties, such as small objects, occluded objects, and insufficient features. Existing models for crowded object detection often focus on only one detection difficulty, and they are too large to be applied in practice. To address the diverse challenges of object detection in crowded scenes, we construct a lightweight crowded object detector called MBB‐YOLO, which contains several modules for comprehensive improvement. To improve the network's ability to extract fine‐grained features, we use SPD‐Conv and the proposed MS‐Conv to replace the strided convolution in the network. An bi‐branch multi‐scale convolution attention (BMCA) module is proposed to aggregate multi‐scale contextual information. We also propose boundary‐NMS to better identify proposal boxes from different objects, which reduces suppression errors caused by object occlusion. MBB‐YOLO achieves 87.6% AP and an inference speed of 78.8 FPS on the CrowdHuman dataset, which surpasses other mainstream lightweight object detectors.
New Horizons of Model Informed Drug Development in Rare Diseases Drug Development
Authors: Mitra Amitava , Tania Nessy , Ahmed Mariam A. , Rayad Noha , Krishna Rajesh , Albusaysi Salwa , Bakhaidar Rana , Shang Elizabeth , Burian Maria , Martin‐Pozo Michelle , Younis Islam R.
Published: July 2024

Model‐informed approaches provide a quantitative framework to integrate all available nonclinical and clinical data, thus furnishing a totality of evidence approach to drug development and regulatory evaluation. Maximizing the use of all available data and information about the drug enables a more robust characterization of the risk–benefit profile and reduces uncertainty in both technical and regulatory success. This offers the potential to transform rare diseases drug development, where conducting large well‐controlled clinical trials is impractical and/or unethical due to a small patient population, a significant portion of which could be children. Additionally, the totality of evidence generated by model‐informed approaches can provide confirmatory evidence for regulatory approval without the need for additional clinical data. In the article, applications of novel quantitative approaches such as quantitative systems pharmacology, disease progression modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, modeling of real‐world data using model‐based meta‐analysis and strategies such as external control and patient‐reported outcomes as well as clinical trial simulations to optimize trials and sample collection are discussed. Specific case studies of these modeling approaches in rare diseases are provided to showcase applications in drug development and regulatory review. Finally, perspectives are shared on the future state of these modeling approaches in rare diseases drug development along with challenges and opportunities for incorporating such tools in the rational development of drug products.
Numerical study of sheath formation in multi‐ion species plasmas
Authors: Rintarak Panupong , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kawamura Gakushi
Published: July 2024

A study of multi‐ion species plasmas in divertor region through kinetic simulation helps us understand particle transports and wall interactions. We analyzed plasma sheath behavior without collisions involving electrons, hydrogen isotopes, and helium ions using a one‐dimensional spatial space and three‐dimensional velocity space (1D3V) Particle‐In‐Cell (PIC) simulation. The PIC simulation model follows Maxwellian velocity distributions with the pre‐sheath acceleration for each particle species in the plasma source, and the plasmas move to the absorption wall with equal and constant flux. This revealed spatial potential variations due to differences in masses and charges of multi‐ion species plasmas, including independent sound velocities of each ion species. Increasing ion masses result in a more negative wall potential. The electrostatic force repels electrons and accelerates multi‐ions to reach the absorption wall. This information is found in the phase spaces of velocity in the sheath.
Four‐element equilateral triangular‐shaped MIMO antenna with connected ground for 5G sub:6 GHz N79 and WiFi‐6E band applications
Authors: Addepalli Tathababu , Nagaraju V. Siva , Medasani Sivasubramanyam , Rao Jetti Chandrasekhar , Badugu Prasanthi , Kumar Ch. Manohar , Uppada Rajyalakshmi , Kumar Bandi Kiran
Published: July 2024

The present communication presents a novel compact microstrip line feed dual‐band four‐element MIMO (multiple input multiple output) antenna for 5G sub‐6GHz N79 and WiFi‐6E bands with a defined size of 48 × 48 × 1.6 mm3. The FR4 substrate used in the construction of the designated antenna has a thickness of 1.6 mm, a relative permittivity of 4.4, and loss tangent values of 0.02. The proposed MIMO architecture consists of four equilateral triangle‐shaped antenna elements on top and ground with inverted L‐shaped stubs on the substrate's bottom layer. The ground structure of the antenna is a connected ground and is formed by defected ground parts which are connected with inverted L‐shaped stubs. The orthogonal structure of the MIMO antenna elements, with four armed square stubs among them, enhanced the isolation between surrounding antennas. The proposed four‐port MIMO antenna is built and tested in to validate design, scattering, and radiation performance, as well as MIMO diversity features. The designed antenna has more than 15 dB isolation and operates at 4.75 GHz from 4.45 to 5.2 GHz (5G sub‐6 GHz N79 band) and 6.3 GHz from 5.95 to 7.15 GHz (WiFi‐6E band). Furthermore, the design provides omnidirectional patterns, high gain (6.5dBi) and efficiency (>95%), a low envelope correlation coefficient (<0.00001) and acceptable diversity gain (10 dB), a good total active refraction coefficient (−10 dB) and low channel capacity loss (0.03 bit/s/Hz), and a considerable mean effective gain (MEG = −3 dB) and MEG ratio (0 dB). Because the simulated and tested results match so well, the antenna is a good candidate for 5G sub‐6 GHz N79 band operations.
The spatial extent and the dispersal strategy of species shape the occupancy frequency distribution of stream insect assemblages
Authors: Szivák I. , Csabai Z. , Schmera D. , Móra A.
Published: July 2024

Several theoretical models have been proposed as the underlying mechanisms behind occupancy frequency distribution (OFD) patterns. For instance, the metapopulation dynamic model predicts bimodal OFD pattern indicating the dominance of dispersal processes in structuring the assemblages, while the niche‐based model predicts unimodal right‐skewed OFD pattern, and thus assemblages are driven mostly by niche processes. However, it is well known that the observed OFD pattern reflects the interplay of several other factors (e.g. habitat heterogeneity, species specificity and sampling protocol parameters). It follows that the individual contribution of each factor to the OFD pattern is rather complicated to explore. Our main objective was to examine the role of the spatial extent of the sampling and the dispersal strategies of species in shaping OFD pattern. For this, we collected samples of stream insect assemblages inhabiting near‐natural streams in the Pannon Ecoregion. We formed groups of species representing contrasting dispersal strategies (referred to as dispersal groups). Applying a computer program algorithm, we produced samples with different spatial extent. We found that with increasing spatial extent, the OFD pattern changed from bimodal to unimodal for active dispersers. Insect groups with different dispersal strategies differed in the strength of support for OFD patterns within all spatial extent. Furthermore, the strength of support for OFD patterns varied across dispersal groups differently as the spatial extent increased. Our results reflected underlying changes in mechanisms structuring assemblages along an increasing spatial extent. We also assumed that the stream insect dispersal strategy influences the relative role of dispersal and niche processes particularly as spatial extent increases from stream reaches to the extent of adjacent valleys. We could define spatial extents and dispersal strategies within which unique metacommunity processes could underlie the organisation of assemblages.
Predicting the potential distribution change of the endangered Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) across its entire range in China under climate change
Authors: Wan Yaqiong , Li Luanxin , Zhou Jiang , Ma Yue , Zhang Yanjing , Liu Yan , Li Jiaqi , Liu Wei
Published: July 2024

The Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) is a rare primate species indicated as endangered and distributed in karst areas in northern Vietnam and southwestern China. However, research limited to specific nature reserves or sites has hampered holistic conservation management. A comprehensive map of the potential distribution for the Francois' langur is essential to advance conservation efforts and ensure coordinated management across regions. Here, we used 82 occurrence records of Francois' langur surveyed in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Chongqing from 2017 to 2020, along with 12 environmental variables, to build the potential habitat model under current and future climate (2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090s) using maximum entropy models (MaxEnt). Our results indicated that (1) precipitation‐ and temperature‐associated bioclimatic variables contributed the most to the distribution of Francois' langur. Vegetation, water sources, and anthropogenic variables also affected its distribution; (2) a total of 144,207.44 km2 of potential suitable habitat across the entire range in China was estimated by the current model. Moderate‐ and high‐suitability habitats accounted for only 23.76% (34,265.96 km2) of the predicted suitable habitat and were mainly distributed in southwest Guangxi, east of Chongqing, and the border between Guizhou and Chongqing; (3) the suitable habitats of Francois' langur will contract considerably under future climate change, and the habitat centroid will move in the southeast direction with a shifting distance of approximately 2.84 km/year from current to 2100. The habitat prediction of Francois' langur and the main drivers proposed in this study could provide essential insights for the future conservation of this endangered species. The existing distribution areas should be monitored and protected, but conservation beyond existing habitats should also be a focus of effort, especially in future expansion areas. This would ensure effective and timely protection under climate change and anthropogenic pressures.
The complete chloroplast genome of Marupa (Simarouba amara Aubl., Simaroubaceae)
Authors: Scarcelli Nora , Garcia Davila Carmen , Couderc Marie , Castro Ruiz Diana , Estivals Guillain , Angulo Chavez Carlos Alberto Custodio , Acho Vasquez Hector , Alvarado Reategui Jhon Gregory , Vizcarra Bentos Tony , Mariac Cédric
Published: July 2024

Marupa (Simarouba amara Aublet 1775) is a tropical tree of the family Simaroubaceae. It is commonly used for its wood in the Amazonian forest, and it is an important species for restoring degraded environments. Yet, very little genetic resources are available to study this plant. In this paper, we sequenced for the first time the complete chloroplast genome of Marupa, using Oxford Nanopore long‐read technology. The genome is 159,838 bp, includes 131 genes in total and presents a classic quadripartite structure. Its length and structure are similar to those of sister species of the Simaroubaceae family. A maximum likelihood phylogeny of the order Sapindale reveals that Simarouba amara is well positioned in its family. This complete plastome is a first step towards a better analysis of Marupa future evolution.
Selection of den sites and chronology of denning by black bears in the eastern Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin
Authors: Long Morgan E. , Stewart Kelley M. , Shoemaker Kevin T. , Reich Heather , Lackey Carl W. , Beckmann Jon P.
Published: July 2024

Use of dens during winter is an important strategy for American black bears (Ursus americanus) for both energy conservation and reproduction; and occupancy of suitable den sites has implications for reproductive fitness. Denning strategies may change as a result of changing climatic conditions and habitat loss. Black bears occupy arid environments in the eastern Sierra Nevada and the western ranges of the Great Basin Ecosystem. Our objectives were to identify: (1) which physical characteristics of habitat influenced selection of den sites at multiple spatial scales and (2) which environmental factors influenced timing of entrance and exit of dens by females and males. We evaluated selection of den sites by black bears at three spatial scales (300, 1000, and 4000 m) from 2011 to 2022. Terrain ruggedness was important for selection of den sites at all spatial scales. Within a 300‐m buffer from the den, bears selected den sites with rugged terrain, lower horizontal visibility, and greater canopy cover, resulting in more concealment and protection than that of the surrounding environment. Within 1000‐ and 4000‐m buffers around each den, bears selected den sites with rugged terrain, northern aspects, and steep slopes. At the 4000‐m scale, we observed interactions between sex with slope and distance to roads; females selected den sites on steeper slopes and closer to roads than did males. Females remained in the dens longer than males by entering earlier in the autumn and exiting later in the spring. Male bears exited their dens earlier with increasing consecutive days above freezing temperatures, but that relationship was weak for females. Knowing what characteristics are important for selection of den sites, and influence timing of denning, will be important for understanding how shifting climatic patterns will affect bears, particularly in arid environments that may be prone to wider fluctuations in climatic drivers of denning in the future.
Hydraulic analysis for assessing environmental flow selection and ecological model formulation
Authors: Harris Aubrey , Porter Michael , McKay S. Kyle , Mulchandani Anjali , Stone Mark
Published: July 2024

Ecosystem management depends on transforming qualitative observations (e.g., slow‐moving shallow conditions provide nursery refugia for silvery minnow larvae) into management actions to increase habitat quantity or improve habitat quality. To be effective, decision metrics that are developed for management objectives should be validated with field observations. Model assumptions, precision and parameter importance can be refined by comparing the fidelity of selected parameters computed as habitat quality metrics and the correlation of these metrics to real‐world observations. Validated environmental metrics are more credible for management and can be compatible with ecosystem monitoring and project design processes. In this study, streamflow monitoring data and hydraulic modelling are used to quantify fish habitat extent for 15 years of spring runoff. The spring runoff event coincides with larval maturation to a free‐swimming juvenile phase for the silvery minnow, a critical period in Rio Grande habitat management. Different methods to estimate habitat availability (i.e., hydrology statistics, inundation extents based on hydraulic modelling and areal habitat availability based on different formulations of a habitat suitability index curve) were used to test the efficacy of different metrics relative to species population monitoring. This analysis finds that flow–ecology relationships based on hydraulic modelling or hydrology statistics are both effective and highly correlated to larval production. The investigation shows how seasonal hydrologic characterization and hydraulic discretization have varying levels of correlation with seasonal fish production. This study demonstrates how hydraulic modelling data and hydrologic characterization of riverine environments can be used to validate or develop conceptual ecological models.
Immune response to cold exposure: Role of γδ T cells and TLR2‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Vasek Daniel , Holicek Peter , Galatik Frantisek , Kratochvilova Anna , Porubska Bianka , Somova Veronika , Fikarova Natalie , Hajkova Michaela , Prevorovsky Martin , Zurmanova Jitka M , Krulova Magdalena
Published: July 2024

The mammalian body possesses remarkable adaptability to cold exposure, involving intricate adjustments in cellular metabolism, ultimately leading to thermogenesis. However, cold‐induced stress can impact immune response, primarily through noradrenaline‐mediated pathways. In our study, we utilized a rat model subjected to short‐term or long‐term mild cold exposure to investigate systemic immune response during the cold acclimation. To provide human relevance, we included a group of regular cold swimmers in our study. Our research revealed complex relationship between cold exposure, neural signaling, immune response, and thermogenic regulation. One‐day cold exposure triggered stress response, including cytokine production in white adipose tissue, subsequently activating brown adipose tissue, and inducing thermogenesis. We further studied systemic immune response, including the proportion of leukocytes and cytokines production. Interestingly, γδ T cells emerged as possible regulators in the broader systemic response, suggesting their possible contribution in the dynamic process of cold adaptation. We employed RNA‐seq to gain further insights into the mechanisms by which γδ T cells participate in the response to cold. Additionally, we challenged rats exposed to cold with the Toll‐like receptor 2 agonist, showing significant modulation of immune response. These findings significantly contribute to understanding of the physiological acclimation that occur in response to cold exposure.
Electron Transfer Reaction Studies of Usnic Acid and Its Biosynthetic Precursor Methylphloroacetophenone
Authors: Mendes Hacke Ana Carolina , Vu Huynh Ngoc Dieu , Hardy Bruce , Kuss Sabine , Sorensen John L.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to investigate the electrochemical properties of usnic acid (UA), a secondary metabolite commonly biosynthesized by a variety of lichen species, and its biosynthetic precursor methylphloroacetophenone (MPA). During cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, well‐defined anodic peaks were observed for UA and MPA in 0.04 M Britton–Robinson buffer solution (pH 5) containing 20% (v/v) acetonitrile. The absence of cathodic peaks during the reverse voltammetric scans revealed that both oxidation reactions are chemically irreversible. Scan rate studies demonstrate that UA oxidation is an adsorption‐controlled process, whereas the oxidation of MPA molecules occurs as a diffusion‐controlled process. For both molecules, the number of electrons transferred during the oxidation was calculated to be 3. Differential pulse voltammetry results demonstrate that the anodic peak for the two molecules is markedly influenced by the solution pH and the same numbers of protons and electrons are involved in the oxidation process of the molecules. Based on the evidence generated by the electrochemical studies, oxidation mechanisms are proposed for UA and MPA, which involves a two‐step electron loss with a hydration reaction taking place in between. This study provides an understanding of the bioactivity mechanisms of these two natural products.
Self‐Thermostatic Internal Combustion Engine—Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Generation System Based on Methanol
Authors: Xie Xuan , Pan Zihao , Shen Shuo , Tai Mingqi , Wang Jian , Chen Zhiling , Tan Guirong , Yin Bifeng
Published: July 2024

Traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) have garnered considerable attention due to their high emissions and low efficiency issues. In this study, a novel ICE–fuel cell hybrid power system based on a single‐methanol fuel is proposed to address these concerns. The system utilizes methanol as fuel, directly supplying it to the methanol engine, and generates hydrogen for the fuel cell through methanol reforming technology. The structural design of the system fully exploits engine exhaust, first using waste heat for methanol reforming to produce hydrogen and then utilizing exhaust inertial potential energy to drive a dual turbocharging structure for air compression entering the fuel cell, thereby achieving self‐thermal balance. Thermodynamic analysis and cost evaluation indicate that the thermal efficiency of this system is improved by 8.34% compared to traditional diesel engine setups. Compared to engine‐fuel cell hybrid systems that do not utilize waste heat, the thermal efficiency is increased by 5.81%. In terms of economics, the cost of the methanol engine system is ≈.1466$ , which is 44.05% lower than the 0.262 $ fuel cost of traditional diesel engine systems. This study presents an innovative solution that significantly enhances thermal efficiency and offers economic advantages, providing a viable approach to address the low efficiency and high emissions issues of traditional ICEs.