bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive neural network based compensation control of quadrotor for robust trajectory tracking
Authors: Bouaiss Oussama , Mechgoug Raihane , Taleb‐Ahmed Abdelmalik , Brikel Ala Eddine
Published: July 2023

Neural network (NN) methods have become increasingly efficient and applicable in control. This article presents a novel nested control strategy based on adaptive radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN) and NN supervised control embedded with integrator back stepping (IBS) for a robust position and attitude trajectory tracking of quadrotor aerial robot in presence of modeling uncertainties, sensing noise, and external bounded disturbance. The control philosophy is derived from the decentralized inverse dynamics, where the adaptive RBFNN is adopted for the outer loop to approximate the unknown external disturbance, and adaptively compensate for their effect. In conjunction with a supervised control that stabilizes the attitude in the inner loop by adaptively compensating the unknown and unmodeled uncertainties, avoiding initial instability of the attitude during NN convergence. Furthermore, noise is attenuated by an adaptive extended Kalman filter. Stability analysis was elaborated using Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation of adaptive RBFNN control philosophy proved robustness and effectiveness compared to proportional integral derivative, IBS, and offline decentralized convolution neural network algorithms as it generates the control law by guarantying a fast convergence of parameters, better external disturbance compensation, and noise attenuation. The proposed scheme of robust tracking was validated.
Activating the Inert Na1 Sites in Na2FePO4F Toward High Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Huang Huiqin , Xia Yufan , Hao Youchen , Li Haosheng , Wang Caiyun , Shi Tingting , Lu Xingyu , Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Xu Ben Bin , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: July 2023

Na2FePO4F, an iron‐based fluorophosphate with facile 2D sodium ion channels, is considered as a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries because of low cost, resource abundance, and nontoxicity. However, its application is considerably restricted by the limited intrinsic electronic conductivity and specific capacity. Herein, a doping strategy represented by Cu2+ is proposed to boost the electrochemical performance, attributed to the derivation of a new active Na3 site originated from the inert Na1 site and the band gap reduction due to the d‐orbital hybridization. Consequently, the as‐obtained Na2Fe0.95Cu0.05PO4F/C composite can deliver an excellent rate capacity of 74 mAh g⁻1 at 20 C and a decent specific capacity of 119 mAh g⁻1 at 0.1 C, which is superior to the previously reported Na2FePO4F‐based cathode materials. This study sheds new light on developing high performance fluorophosphates cathode materials via regulating the Na site and electronic structure.
Reinforcing Hydrogel by Nonsolvent‐Quenching‐Facilitated In Situ Nanofibrosis
Authors: Yang Xule , Xu Liju , Wang Chen , Wu Jilin , Zhu Bin , Meng Xiaohui , Qiu Dong
Published: July 2023

Nanofibrous hydrogels are pervasive in load‐bearing soft tissues, which are believed to be key to their extraordinary mechanical properties. Enlighted by this phenomenon, a novel reinforcing strategy for polymeric hydrogels is proposed, where polymer segments in the hydrogels are induced to form nanofibers in situ by bolstering their controllable aggregation at the nanoscale level. Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels are chosen to demonstrate the virtue of this strategy. A nonsolvent‐quenching step is introduced into the conventional solvent‐exchange hydrogel preparation approach, which readily promotes the formation of nanofibrous hydrogels in the following solvent‐tempering process. The resultant nanofibrous hydrogels demonstrate significantly improved mechanical properties and swelling resistance, compared to the conventional solvent‐exchange hydrogels with identical compositions. This work validates the hypothesis that bundling polymer chains to form nanofibers can lead to nanofibrous hydrogels with remarkably enhanced mechanical performances, which may open a new horizon for single‐component hydrogel reinforcement.
A UV‐Resistant Heterogeneous Wettability‐Patterned Surface
Authors: Gao Chunlei , Zhang Lei , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei
Published: July 2023

Preparing UV‐resistant heterogeneous wettability patterns is critical for the practical application of surfaces with heterogeneous wettability. However, combining UV‐resistant superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic materials on heterogeneous surfaces is challenging. Inspired by the structure of cell membranes, a UV‐resistant heterogeneous wettability‐patterned surface (UPS) is designed via laser ablation of the coating of multilayer structures. UV‐resistant superhydrophobic silica patterns can be created in situ on surfaces covered with superhydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles. The UV resistance time of the UPS with a TiO2‐based surface is more than two orders of magnitude higher than that obtained with other surface molecular modification methods that require a mask. The cell‐membrane‐like structure of the UPS regulates the migration of internal siloxane chain segments in the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of the surface. The UPS enables efficient patterning of functional materials under UV irradiation, controlling the wetting behavior of liquids in open‐air systems. Furthermore, its heterogeneous wettability remains stable even after 50 h of intense UV irradiation (365 nm, 500 mW cm−2). These UV‐resistant heterogeneous wettability patterned surfaces will likely be applied in microfluidics, cell culture, energy conversion, and water collection in the future.
Surface‐Functionalizable Plant‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Targeted Drug Delivery Carrier Using Grapefruit
Authors: Moon Kyunghwan , Hur Jihyeon , Kim Kwang Pyo , Lee Kangwon , Kang Ji Yoon
Published: July 2023

Recently, membrane‐modified mammalian exosomes have been considered strong candidates for targeted drug delivery carriers because of their biocompatibility, biodistribution, and low immune response. However, the widespread utilization of exosomes still requires overcoming several challenging issues, including low stability, high production cost, and low mass productivity. Therefore, artificial extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from cell membranes or liposomes containing various lipids have been suggested. However, only a few meet the demands of cost‐effective mass production and durability of EVs. Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of replacing mammalian cell exosomes and liposomes with plant‐derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) as targeted drug delivery carriers. They are characterized by nontoxicity, high stability, and high yield. Adding a functionalizable lipid moiety with a maleimide group at the membrane of grapefruit‐derived pEVs imparts targeting ability. The targeting function can be easily enhanced by attaching an aptamer using click chemistry. Indeed, treatment of brain cells with pEV‐aptamers (hCMEC/D3 and U87MG) confirms that aptamer functionalization of pEV enhanced selective cellular uptake. Functionalization of the pEV membrane using aptamer is expected to be effective in providing low‐cost and mass‐producible targeted drug delivery carriers with similar efficacy as mammalian exosomes or liposomes.
First‐Principle Study of Bandgap Engineering and Optical Properties of Monolayer WSe2 in Second Near‐Infrared Windows
Authors: Zhao Ruoli , Liu Ling , Pei Jiahui , Liu Changlong , Liu Tianyu , Zhang Xiao‐Dong
Published: July 2023

Fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) window is opening up new possibilities in bioimaging due to its low scattering rate within the tissue. The integration of 2D materials with NIR‐II fluorescence will enable the development of multifunctional imaging probes. However, there are very few 2D materials that can fluoresce in the NIR‐II range. Monolayer WSe2 is a potential 2D material, but its photoluminescence (PL) around 790 nm is still far from the NIR‐II range due to its bandgap of 1.54 eV. In this study, it is investigated the electronic structures, dielectric functions, and PL spectra for Te, I, and Cr‐doped monolayer WSe2, as well as W and S vacant monolayer WSe2. Most of the defected monolayer WSe2 remain semiconductors, except for a few configurations exhibiting metallic properties after making vacancies. Among the monolayer WSe2 under investigation, the Cr‐doped WSe2 performs the best, exhibiting a strong PL peak in NIR‐II with a decreased bandgap around 1.0 eV. As increasing Cr concentration, the peak shifts further toward the red end of the spectrum due to an enhancement of p–d transition. The results provide a useful guideline for material synthesis applied in NIR‐II bioimaging and other biophysics.
Personalization of Complex Vaginal Inserts of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate via 3D‐Printing
Authors: Eder Simone , Kuchler Lisa , Katschnig Matthias , Brandl Bianca , Wolfgang Matthias , Koutsamanis Ioannis , Hentschel Lukas , Arbeiter Florian , Roblegg Eva , Spoerk Martin
Published: July 2023

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with a vinyl acetate (VA) content of 28 wt.% (EVA28) is frequently used in vaginal inserts and subcutaneous implants due to its biocompatibility and drug‐releasing properties. Traditionally being processed via hot melt extrusion, its processibility via filament‐based 3D‐printing was reported to be impossible. Consequently, no applicable customization concepts for vaginal inserts exist. For the first time, the fabrication of 3D‐printed vaginal inserts (urethra pessaries) of EVA28 is demonstrated by optimizing its viscosity, employing 3D‐printer adaptations, and carefully selecting printing parameters. The infill pattern of fully filled mono‐material pessaries (determining the number and orientation of weld lines) significantly affects the in vitro release of the model drug progesterone (P4), while other critical parameters (the pessary's mechanical properties and appearance) remain unaffected. Weld lines act as diffusion barriers for dissolved P4 molecules. Hence, a high number of weld lines to be crossed reduces the overall P4 diffusivity in EVA28, decreasing the P4 release rate. To further control the P4 release, innovative multi‐material pessary designs (additionally comprising EVA with a VA content of 9 wt.% that is also used in vaginal inserts) allow to tailor the in vitro drug release and the mechanics individually. Thereby, this work highly improves the mechanistic understanding on drug release modifications from 3D‐printed non‐biodegradable devices. The findings build the basis for the first application of customized vaginal inserts, as they are based on polymers used in corresponding marketed products for more than 20 years.
Turning Self‐Trapped Exciton Emission to Near‐Infrared Region in Thermochromism Zero‐Dimensional Hybrid Metal Halides
Authors: Bai Tianxin , Wang Xiaochen , He Yanmei , Wei Haiwen , Su Yan , Chen Junsheng
Published: July 2023

Low dimensional lead‐free metal halides have become the spotlight of the research on developing multifunctional optoelectronic materials as their properties show a wide range of tunability. However, most reported low dimensional metal halides only function in the ultra‐violet to visible range due to their large bandgap. Moreover, the organic cation based low dimensional metal halides show limited thermal stability; on the other hand, their inorganic cation based counterparts suffer from limited solution processability. A hybrid cation approach is proposed, where a zero dimensional (0D) metal halide ((DFPD)2CsBiI6) is developed by using mixed organic–inorganic cations: 4, 4‐difluoropiperidine (DFPD) and cesium (Cs+). This ensures both thermal stability and solution processability. Furthermore, [BiI6]3− octahedra are serving as active light absorption units, which ensures the bandgap to be located at the visible region. Its photoluminescence (PL) is further shifted to the near infrared (NIR) region by doping (DFPD)2CsBiI6 with antimony (Sb3+). The developed materials show multifunctional properties: thermochromic behavior, light detection, and NIR light emitting. This study expands the scope of developing multifunctional 0D metal halides.
L‐Arginine‐Loaded Gold Nanocages Ameliorate Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Nitric Oxide Production and Maintaining Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Wang Zekun , Yang Nana , Hou Yajun , Li Yuqing , Yin Chenyang , Yang Endong , Cao Huanhuan , Hu Gaofei , Xue Jing , Yang Jialei , Liao Ziyu , Wang Weiyun , Sun Dongdong , Fan Cundong , Zheng Lemin
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Reperfusion therapy is vital to patient survival after a heart attack but can cause myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Nitric oxide (NO) can ameliorate MI/RI and is a key molecule for drug development. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can easily oxidize NO to peroxynitrite, which causes secondary cardiomyocyte damage. Herein, L‐arginine‐loaded selenium‐coated gold nanocages (AAS) are designed, synthesized, and modified with PCM (WLSEAGPVVTVRALRGTGSW) to obtain AASP, which targets cardiomyocytes, exhibits increased cellular uptake, and improves photoacoustic imaging in vitro and in vivo. AASP significantly inhibits oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)‐induced H9C2 cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation revealed that AASP improves mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), restores ATP synthase activity, blocks ROS generation, and prevents NO oxidation, and NO blocks ROS release by regulating the closing of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). AASP administration in vivo improves myocardial function, inhibits myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, and ultimately attenuates MI/RI in rats by maintaining mitochondrial function and regulating NO signaling. AASP shows good safety and biocompatibility in vivo. This findings confirm the rational design of AASP, which can provide effective treatment for MI/RI.
Small farms in North Carolina, United States: Analyzing farm and operator characteristics in the pursuit of economic resilience and sustainability
Authors: Quaicoe Obed , Asiseh Fafanyo , Baffoe‐Bonnie Anthony , Ng'ombe John N.
Published: July 2023

Ensuring the sustainability of small farms relies on understanding farm economics, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect. In North Carolina, many small farms are confronted with financial challenges and the risk of collapse. This study examines the factors that influence farm profitability while considering the intersectionality of race and gender. The findings reveal significant disparities in farm and operator characteristics. Specifically, first‐generation and retiree farmers exhibit a lower likelihood of profitability. Conversely, factors positively associated with profitability include owning larger farm acreage, engaging in commercial agricultural production, utilizing paid family labor, practicing full‐time farming, and being a non‐White minority farmer. To foster the sustainability of small farms, it is imperative to implement policies that support full‐time farming and incentivize the use of paid family labor. These measures can contribute to bolstering profitability and safeguarding the economic viability of small farms.
Trans‐ethnic genomic informed risk assessment for Alzheimer's disease: An International Hundred K+ Cohorts Consortium study
Authors: Sleiman Patrick M. , Qu Hui‐Qi , Connolly John J. , Mentch Frank , Pereira Alexandre , Lotufo Paulo A. , Tollman Stephen , Choudhury Ananyo , Ramsay Michele , Kato Norihiro , Ozaki Kouichi , Mitsumori Risa , Jeon Jae‐Pil , Hong Chang Hyung , Son Sang Joon , Roh Hyun Woong , Lee Dong‐gi , Mukadam Naaheed , Foote Isabelle F. , Marshall Charles R. , Butterworth Adam , Prins Bram P. , Glessner Joseph T. , Hakonarson Hakon ,   Davos Alzheimer Collaborative and IHCC consortium
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

As a collaboration model between the International HundredK+ Cohorts Consortium (IHCC) and the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC), our aim was to develop a trans‐ethnic genomic informed risk assessment (GIRA) algorithm for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

The GIRA model was created to include polygenic risk score calculated from the AD genome‐wide association study loci, the apolipoprotein E haplotypes, and non‐genetic covariates including age, sex, and the first three principal components of population substructure.

RESULTS

We validated the performance of the GIRA model in different populations. The proteomic study in the participant sites identified proteins related to female infertility and autoimmune thyroiditis and associated with the risk scores of AD.

CONCLUSIONS

As the initial effort by the IHCC to leverage existing large‐scale datasets in a collaborative setting with DAC, we developed a trans‐ethnic GIRA for AD with the potential of identifying individuals at high risk of developing AD for future clinical applications.
Biomarker disclosure protocols in prodromal Alzheimer's disease clinical trials
Authors: Rahman‐Filipiak Annalise , Bolton Corey , Grill Joshua D. , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Chin Nathaniel , Heidebrink Judith , Getz Sarah , Fowler Nicole R. , Rosen Allyson , Lingler Jennifer , Wijsman Ellen , Clark Lindsay ,   for the Advisory Group on Risk Evidence Education in Dementia (AGREED)
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

The development of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has allowed researchers to increase sample homogeneity and test candidate treatments earlier in the disease. The integration of biomarker “screening” criteria should be met with a parallel implementation of standardized methods to disclose biomarker testing results to research participants; however, the extent to which protocolized disclosure occurs in trials is unknown.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature to identify prodromal AD trials published in the past 10 years. From these, we quantified the frequency of biomarker disclosure reporting and the depth of descriptions provided.

RESULTS

Of 30 published trials using positron emission tomography or cerebrospinal fluid‐based amyloid positivity as an eligibility criterion, only one mentioned disclosure, with no details on methods.

DISCUSSION

Possible reasons for and implications of this information gap are discussed. Recommendations are provided for trialists considering biomarker screening as part of intervention trials focused on prodromal AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

Few prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) trial papers discuss biomarker disclosure.

Disclosure has implications for participants, family members, and trial success.

Disclosure must be consistently integrated and reported in prodromal AD trials.

Best practice guidelines and training resources for disclosure are needed.
Membrane‐Vesicle‐Mediated Interbacterial Communication Activates Silent Secondary Metabolite Production
Authors: Yoshimura Aya , Saeki Rio , Nakada Ryusuke , Tomimoto Shota , Jomori Takahiro , Suganuma Keisuke , Wakimoto Toshiyuki
Published: July 2023

Most bacterial biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are “silent BGCs” that are expressed poorly or not at all under normal culture conditions. However, silent BGCs, even in part, may be conditionally expressed in response to external stimuli in the original bacterial habitats. The growing knowledge of bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) suggests that they could be promising imitators of the exogenous stimulants, especially given their functions as signaling mediators in bacterial cell‐to‐cell communication. Therefore, we envisioned that MVs added to bacterial cultures could activate diverse silent BGCs. Herein, we employed Burkholderia multivorans MVs, which induced silent metabolites in a wide range of bacteria in Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla. A mechanistic analysis of MV‐induced metabolite production in Xenorhabdus innexi suggested that the B. multivorans MVs activate silent metabolite production by inhibiting quorum sensing in X. innexi. In turn, the X. innexi MVs carrying some MV‐induced peptides suppressed the growth of B. multivorans, highlighting the interspecies communication between B. multivorans and X. innexi through MV exchange.
The enhancement of antibacterial and anti‐biofouling properties of chitosan/silver nanoparticles‐grafted composite polyamide membrane
Authors: Duong Quan Xuan , Do Nguyen Hanh , Pham Hien Thanh , Ngo Thu Hong Anh
Published: July 2023

This study endeavors to augment the antibacterial and anti‐biofouling properties of thin‐film composite polyamide membranes by subjecting them to modification with antibacterial chitosan and silver nanoparticle materials through the UV‐induced graft polymerization technique. Various surface assessment methods were employed, and the efficiency of the membrane performance was demonstrated through the flux and the retention of the filtration process, which used calcium chloride as the foulant. Antibacterial, antifouling, and anti‐biofouling capabilities were assessed through several tests. The findings revealed that the chitosan/silver nanoparticles‐grafted membranes exhibited superior antibacterial and anti‐biofouling abilities with consistent flux and enhanced retention, underscoring the prospective implementation of this approach in filtration systems to curtail biofouling and bolster overall efficacy.
Data‐driven stability of stochastic mean‐field type games via noncooperative neural network adversarial training
Authors: Barreiro‐Gomez Julian , Choutri Salah E.
Published: July 2023

We propose an approach to neural network stochastic differential games of mean‐field type and its corresponding stochastic stability analysis by means of adversarial training (aka adversarial attacks). This is a class of data‐driven differential games where the distribution of the variables such as the system states and the decision‐makers' strategies (control inputs) is incorporated into the problem. This work casts the cooperative/noncooperative game terminology into the deep learning framework where we talk about cooperative and noncooperative neural network computations that involve learning capabilities and neural network architectures. We suggest a method to computationally validate the feasibility of the approximated solutions via neural networks and evaluate the stochastic stability of the associated closed‐loop system (state feedback Nash). Moreover, we enhance the stochastic stability by enlarging the training set with adversarial initial states to obtain a more robust neural network for a particular decision‐maker. Finally, a worked‐out example based on the linear‐quadratic mean‐field type game (LQ‐MTG) that illustrates our methodology is presented.
Emerging trends in materials and devices‐based electric stimulation therapy for tumors
Authors: Xie Shiwang , Huang Jing , Pereira Andreia Trindade , Xu Lingling , Luo Dan , Li Zhou
Published: July 2023

Electrical stimulation (ES), as one of the physical therapy modalities for tumors, has attracted extensive attention of researchers due to its promising efficacy. With the continuous development of material science, nanotechnology, and micro/nano processing techniques, novel electroactive nanomaterials and delicately designed devices have emerged to realize innovative ES therapies, which provide more possibilities and approaches for tumor treatment. Meanwhile, exploring the molecular biological mechanisms underlying different ES modalities affecting tumor cells and their immune microenvironment is also an unresolved hotspot emerging from the current biomedical engineering research. Focusing on the above research interests, in this review, we systematically summarized the effects of different ES parameters on the subcellular structure of tumor cells and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in conjunction with the involved signaling pathways. In addition, we also reviewed the latest progress in novel self‐powered devices and electroactive nanomaterials for tumor therapy. Finally, the prospects for the development of electrostimulation tumor therapy are also discussed, bringing inspiration for the development of new physical therapy strategies in the future.
Acetaminophen impairs ferroptosis in the hippocampus of septic mice by regulating glutathione peroxidase 4 and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 pathways
Authors: Chu Jing , Li Hong , Yuan Zhihao , Zhou Wenyu , Yu Yang , Yu Yonghao
Published: July 2023

Background

Neuronal ferroptosis is a major cause of cognitive impairment and mortality in patients with sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE). A low dose of acetaminophen (APAP) in septic mice can prevent ferroptosis in the hippocampal tissue; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which APAP reduces ferroptosis in the hippocampal tissues of septic mice.

Methods

A mouse model of SAE was established, and the ferroptosis pathway inhibitors RSL3 and iFSP1+RSL3 were used in addition to APAP for the interventions, respectively. The 7‐day survival rate of the mice was recorded, and cognitive function was examined using the Morris water maze test. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe hippocampal tissue damage. Hippocampal iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using chemical colorimetric methods. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in hippocampal tissues.

Results

RSL3 reversed the efficacy of APAP on improving cognitive dysfunction in septic mice but did not obviously reverse the survival rate of mice enhanced by APAP. RSL3 aggravated APAP‐induced hippocampal tissue damage in mice attenuated by APAP. RSL3 inhibited glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and increased ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE) expression. RSL3 also reversed the effects of APAP in reducing iron, MDA, and ROS levels in the hippocampal tissues of septic mice. iFSP1+RSL3 further reversed the effect of APAP on ameliorating cognitive dysfunction in septic mice and successfully reversed the survival rate of mice enhanced by APAP. iFSP1+RSL3 aggravated APAP‐induced cerebral hippocampal damage. iFSP1+RSL3 inhibited both GPX4 and FSP1, further reversing the effect of APAP on the reduction in iron, 4‐HNE, ROS, and MDA levels in the cerebral hippocampus of mice with sepsis.

Conclusion

These data suggest that APAP inhibits ferroptosis in the cerebral hippocampus of septic mice through the GPX4 and FSP1 pathways.
The effects of equine‐assisted activities on execution function in children aged 7–8 years: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cheng XiaoDong , Zhen KeXin , Fan Yongzhao , Tang Qian , Wu Hao
Published: July 2023

Background

: This study examines the effects of equine‐assisted activity (EAA) training on executive functioning (EF) (inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in children aged 7–8 years.

Methods

: Twenty‐Four healthy children aged 7–8 years with a 1:1 ratio of boys to girls were randomly divided into EAA group (EAAG) or control group (CG). The subjects in EAAG were trained for 12 weeks, and CG participated in normal daily activities. All subjects conducted the Flanker, 1‐Back, and More‐odd shifting tasks at rest and recorded the average reaction times (RTs) and accuracy data of each task.

Results

: After 12 weeks of EAA intervention, EAAG showed a highly significant increase (p < .01) in mean RTs and accuracy in the Flanker and More‐odd shifting tasks and a highly significant increase (p < .01) in accuracy only in 1‐Back.

Conclusion

: These findings suggest that 12‐week EAA training can be effective in improving EF and promoting cognitive performance in children aged 7–8 years.
Pluronic F127 “nanoarmor” for stabilization of Cowpea mosaic virus immunotherapy
Authors: Shin Matthew D. , Jung Eunkyeong , Moreno‐Gonzalez Miguel A. , Ortega‐Rivera Oscar A. , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: July 2023

Our lab demonstrated that intratumoral Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) is a potent antitumor immunotherapy when used as in situ vaccine. As we pave the way for human clinical translation, formulation chemistry needs to be optimized for long‐term storage of the drug candidate. In this work, CPMV was nanoengineered with Pluronic F127 to realize liquid and gel formulations which mitigate structural changes and RNA release during long‐term storage. We evaluated the CPMV‐F127 formulations for their stability and biological activity through a combination of in vitro assays and efficacy in vivo using a B16F10 murine melanoma model. Results demonstrate that both F127 liquid and gel formulations preserve CPMV structure and function following extended periods of thermal incubation at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C. Heat‐incubated CPMV without formulation resulted in structural changes and inferior in vivo efficacy. In stark contrast, in vivo efficacy was preserved when CPMV was formulated and protected with the F127 “nanoarmor.”
When do I ponder? The role of elaboration in counterfactual thinking
Authors: Sivaraman Anuradha , Ford Weixing , Sundaram Suresh
Published: July 2023

The counterfactual thought such as “If only I had…” has a powerful impact on people's subsequent behavioral intentions. The literature has documented what may happen with CFT. But little has been done to investigate how CFT produces these effects. In this research, three studies provided evidence to show that elaboration rather than priming is the mechanism for CFT to have an effect on behavioral intentions; and the factors such as argument strength, outcome severity, and goal valence may interfere with such counterfactual effects. These theoretical contributions to the CFT literature offer important managerial implications and help marketers determine optimal persuasion strategies to influence consumers' information processing style.
ent‐Kaurane‐Type Diterpenes Induce ROS‐Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis by Suppress the Homologous Recombination DNA Repair in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Xie Yikun , Su Yifan , Liao Zirou , Liang Xinran , Hua Jing , Zhang Dawei , Hu Dexuan , Yu Qian
Published: July 2023

Six ent‐kaurane‐type diterpenes were isolated from the roots of Isodon ternifolia. Previous studies have shown that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (MCF‐7, A549, and HCT116), but its molecular mechanism has not been studied yet. In the present study, the inhibited proliferation of compounds 1 and 2 of two triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines (4T1 and MDA‐MB‐231) have been demonstrated by MTT and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry, western blotting, and qPCR were used to further demonstrate the apoptosis process in TNBCs. Importantly, the following mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decrease during apoptosis was demonstrated to correlate to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, DNA damage induced by compounds 1 and 2 was illustrated by detect of homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair genes and proteins expression, such as RAD51. These results indicated that compounds 1 and 2 could trigger the TNBCs apoptosis mediated by ROS‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and induce DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) by down regulating HR DNA repair. Furthermore, this research reveals that the mechanism between mitochondria dysfunction and DNA damage is deserved to be investigated for elucidating the dynamic signal transduction between the nucleus and the cellular matrix during apoptosis.
Highly Efficient Electrochemiluminescence from Imidazole‐Based Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Pavan Giulio , Morgan Luca , Demitri Nicola , Alberoni Chiara , Scattolin Thomas , Aliprandi Alessandro
Published: July 2023

A family of novel thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters has been synthesized by a straightforward and metal‐free synthesis, and structurally characterized. In this work we kept the acceptor moiety, 4‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzonitrile, fixed and systemically tested different donors to correlate their photophysical and electrochemical properties with their performance in electrochemiluminescence using both benzoyl peroxide as co‐reactant and co‐reactant free (annihilation) conditions. Some compounds exceeded the efficiency of the standard [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 by up to 28 times with benzoyl peroxide and 38 times in annihilation. Interestingly, we found that the efficiency is mainly dictated by the electrochemical reversibility of the redox processes rather than by the photophysical properties in terms of photoluminescence quantum yields or excited‐state lifetime. In addition, the annihilation electrochemiluminescence efficiency strongly depends on the pulse sequence. The imidazole moiety can be conveniently alkylated, thus allowing the insertion of functional groups, such a carboxylic acid, and enabling practical applications.
Combination of deep learning and ensemble machine learning using intraoperative video images strongly predicts recovery of urinary continence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Nakamura Wataru , Sumitomo Makoto , Zennami Kenji , Takenaka Masashi , Ichino Manabu , Takahara Kiyoshi , Teramoto Atsushi , Shiroki Ryoichi
Published: July 2023

Background

We recently reported the importance of deep learning (DL) of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging in predicting the degree of urinary incontinence (UI) following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). However, our results were limited because the prediction accuracy was approximately 70%.

Aim

To develop a more precise prediction model that can inform patients about UI recovery post‐RARP surgery using a DL model based on intraoperative video images.

Methods and Results

The study cohort comprised of 101 patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing RARP. Three snapshots from intraoperative video recordings showing the pelvic cavity (prior to bladder neck incision, immediately following prostate removal, and after vesicourethral anastomosis) were evaluated, including pre‐ and intraoperative parameters. We evaluated the DL model plus simple or ensemble machine learning (ML), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was analyzed through sensitivity and specificity. Of 101, 64 and 37 patients demonstrated “early continence (using 0 or 1 safety pad at 3 months post‐RARP)” and “late continence (others),” respectively, at 3 months postoperatively. The combination of DL and simple ML using intraoperative video snapshots with clinicopathological parameters had a notably high performance (AUC, 0.683–0.749) to predict early recovery from UI after surgery. Furthermore, combining DL with ensemble artificial neural network using intraoperative video snapshots had the highest performance (AUC, 0.882; sensitivity, 92.2%; specificity, 78.4%; overall accuracy, 85.3%) to predict early recovery from post‐RARP incontinence, with similar results by internal validation. The addition of clinicopathological parameters showed no additive effects for each analysis using DL, EL and simple ML.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the DL algorithm with intraoperative video imaging is a reliable method for informing patients about the severity of their recovery from UI after RARP, although it is not clear if our methods are reproducible for predicting long‐term UI and pad‐free continence.
Short‐time existence for the network flow
Authors: Lira Jorge , Mazzeo Rafe , Pluda Alessandra , Sáez Mariel
Published: July 2023

This paper contains a new proof of the short‐time existence for the flow by curvature of a network of curves in the plane. Appearing initially in metallurgy and as a model for the evolution of grain boundaries, this flow was later treated by Brakke using varifold methods. There is good reason to treat this problem by a direct PDE approach, but doing so requires one to deal with the singular nature of the PDE at the vertices of the network. This was handled in cases of increasing generality by Bronsard‐Reitich, Mantegazza‐Novaga‐Tortorelli and eventually, in the most general case of irregular networks by Ilmanen‐Neves‐Schulze. Although the present paper proves a result similar to the one in Ilmanen et al., the method here provides substantially more detailed information about how an irregular network “resolves” into a regular one. Either approach relies on the existence of self‐similar expanding solutions found in Mazzeo and Saez. As a precursor to the main theorem, we also prove an unexpected regularity result for the mixed Cauchy‐Dirichlet boundary problem for the linear heat equation on a manifold with boundary.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Vonoprazan‐ or Esomeprazole‐Based Bismuth‐Containing Quadruple Therapy: A Phase 1, Double‐Blind, Parallel‐Group Study in Adults with Helicobacter pylori Infection in China
Authors: Miao Jia , Hu Chao , Tang Jie , Wang Wenyan , Wang Ying , Men Ruoting , Yang Li , Gu Liqun , Yoshida Naoki , Czerniak Richard
Published: July 2023

Quadruple therapy comprising 2 antibiotics, a proton pump inhibitor, and bismuth, is recommended for Helicobacter pylori eradication in China. This Phase 1, double‐blind, parallel‐group study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of bismuth‐containing vonoprazan‐ or esomeprazole‐based quadruple therapy in H. pylori–positive healthy subjects at a single site in China. Quadruple therapy comprising vonoprazan 20 mg or esomeprazole 20 mg with bismuth potassium citrate 600 mg (equivalent to bismuth 220 mg), clarithromycin 500 mg, and amoxicillin 1000 mg was administered twice daily for 2 weeks. Forty‐four subjects were enrolled, 22 each in the vonoprazan (mean age, 34.5 years; men, 63.6%) and esomeprazole (mean age, 31.6 years; men, 59.1%) groups. Day 14 bismuth plasma pharmacokinetic parameters area under the plasma concentration–time curve during a dosing interval (geometric mean ratio, 1.07 [90% confidence interval, 0.82–1.40]) and maximum observed plasma concentration (geometric mean ratio, 1.30 [90% confidence interval, 0.94–1.81]) were similar between the treatment groups. At Day 42 follow‐up, 100% and 94.4% of subjects were H. pylori negative in the vonoprazan and esomeprazole groups, respectively. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar between the groups, with no serious adverse events. No new safety concerns were identified. In conclusion, vonoprazan had no significant effect on plasma bismuth exposure compared with esomeprazole.
Pharmacokinetics of the Akt Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase Inhibitor, Capivasertib, Administered to Healthy Volunteers in the Presence and Absence of the CYP3A4 Inhibitor Itraconazole
Authors: Miller Claire , Sommavilla Roberto , Barry Simon T. , Eberlein Cath , Morris Thomas , Wadsworth Ian , Cullberg Marie
Published: July 2023

Capivasertib is a potent, selective inhibitor of all 3 Akt isoforms (Akt1/2/3), and it is currently being tested in Phase III trials for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer. To investigate the effect of a cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitor on the pharmacokinetics of capivasertib, a Phase I drug–drug interaction study of capivasertib and itraconazole was conducted in 11 healthy volunteers (median age, 54 years). The 8‐day study had 3 stages: Participants received a single dose of capivasertib 80 mg in Stage 1, 4 doses of itraconazole 200 mg over 3 days in Stage 2, and a final dose of capivasertib 80 mg coadministered with itraconazole 200 mg in Stage 3. Capivasertib pharmacokinetics were examined in Stages 1 and 3. Itraconazole coadministration increased the maximum plasma concentration of capivasertib and total capivasertib exposure (area under the concentration–time curve from time of administration to infinity) by 1.70‐fold (90% confidence interval, 1.56–1.86) and 1.95‐fold (90% confidence interval, 1.82–2.10), respectively.
Can I count on you? Social support, depression and suicide risk
Authors: Silva Christiana , McGovern Christopher , Gomez Stephanie , Beale Eleanor , Overholser James , Ridley Josephine
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Interpersonal factors play an important role in the etiology and treatment of depression. Social support derives from compassionate words and helpful actions provided by family, friends or a significant other. The present study was designed to examine various sources of social support as they relate to the severity of depressive symptoms, hopelessness and suicide risk in adult psychiatric outpatients.

Method

Participants were recruited through mental health clinics at a veteran's affairs medical centre. A total of 96 depressed patients were assessed using a diagnostic interview and self‐report measures of depression severity, hopelessness and social support. Among these depressed adults, 45.8% had attempted suicide at least once. Social support variables were compared between suicide attempters and non‐attempters to better understand the relationship between social support and suicidal behaviour.

Results

Depression severity and hopelessness were both significantly associated with lower levels of social support in multiple areas. Individuals with a history of suicide attempt reported lower levels of available support as compared to those who have never attempted suicide.

Conclusion

Deficient social relationships increase the risk of suicide in depressed patients, exceeding the impact of depression alone on suicide risk. The lack of social support may play a vital role in feelings of hopelessness and isolation that contribute to a suicidal crisis. Psychosocial treatment should be considered to reduce the risk of suicide and severity of depression by strengthening social support and bolstering interpersonal relationships.
Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplants as dynamical systems: influence of early‐term immune milieu on long‐term T‐cell recovery
Authors: Zelikson Viktoriya , Sabo Roy , Serrano Myrna , Aqeel Younus , Ward Savannah , Al Juhaishi Taha , Aziz May , Krieger Elizabeth , Simmons Gary , Roberts Catherine , Reed Jason , Buck Gregory , Toor Amir
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Immune recovery following haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) functions as a dynamical system. Reducing the duration of intense immune suppression and augmenting antigen presentation has the potential to optimise T‐cell reconstitution, potentially influencing long‐term outcomes.

Methods

Based on donor‐derived T‐cell recovery, 26 patients were adaptively randomised between mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) administered for 30‐day post‐transplant with filgrastim for cytokine support (MMF30 arm, N = 11), or MMF given for 15 days with sargramostim (MMF15 arm, N = 15). All patients underwent in vivo T‐cell depletion with 5.1 mg kg−1 antithymocyte globulin (administered over 3 days, Day −9 through to Day −7) and received reduced intensity 450 cGy total body irradiation (3 fractions on Day −1 and Day 0). Patients underwent HLA‐matched related and unrelated donor haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Results

Clinical outcomes were equivalent between the two groups. The MMF15 arm demonstrated superior T‐cell, as well as T‐cell subset recovery and a trend towards superior T‐cell receptor (TCR) diversity in the first month with this difference persisting through the first year. T‐cell repertoire recovery was more rapid and sustained, as well as more diverse in the MMF15 arm.

Conclusion

The long‐term superior immune recovery in the MMF15 arm, administered GMCSF, is consistent with a disproportionate impact of early interventions in HCT. Modifying the ‘immune‐milieu’ following allogeneic HCT is feasible and may influence long‐term T‐cell recovery.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy versus choledochoduodenostomy for malignant biliary obstruction: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yamazaki Hirofumi , Yamashita Yasunobu , Shimokawa Toshio , Minaga Kosuke , Ogura Takeshi , Kitano Masayuki
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided biliary drainage encompasses techniques such as EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS) and EUS‐guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS‐CDS). This meta‐analysis compared the efficacy of EUS‐CDS with that of EUS‐HGS for the treatment of biliary obstruction.

Methods

A systematic meta‐analysis of all relevant articles listed was performed by searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. We used random effects or fixed effects models to compare success rates, adverse events, procedure times, and time to recurrent biliary obstruction after EUS‐CDS and EUS‐HGS.

Results

This meta‐analysis included 18 eligible studies. There was no significant difference between EUS‐CDS and EUS‐HGS with respect to technical success rate (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.73) and clinical success rate (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.43–1.04), or with respect to total procedure‐related adverse events (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.00–1.93). Subgroup analysis of adverse events revealed that the rate of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) was significantly higher for EUS‐HGS (OR 2.95; 95% CI 1.54–5.64). There was no significant difference between the two methods with respect to time to recurrent biliary obstruction (mean difference –11.93 days; 95% CI –47.77–23.91). However, the procedure time was longer for EUS‐HGS (mean difference, 3.21 min; 95% CI 1.24–5.19).

Conclusion

EUS‐CDS and EUS‐HGS are comparable in terms of technical success, clinical success, and rate of adverse events; however, EUS‐CDS is superior with respect to procedure time and preventing RBO.
RETRACTED: Measuring the management of natural resources and regional sustainable development: Mediating role of green finance in China
Authors: Tao Meichen , Zhang Bo , Kizi Gavkhar Bekmurodova Adkham
Published: July 2023

China's economic growth is making it difficult to deal with the issue of decreasing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency as the world's largest energy user and supplier. This research, which uses theoretical and empirical studies and chooses 30 provinces panel data from China between 2005 and 2021, demonstrates the impacts of natural resources, technological advancement, and the growth of sustainable energy sources and their methods. The findings indicate that (1) Natural resources significantly promote the growth of renewable energy sources, (2) The development and technological innovations can benefit from using natural resources and (3) The growth of sustainable energy is positively affected by technological improvement. The study provides significant suggestions to assist regions in improving their energy sustainability. The results guide developing nations looking to leverage financial development, green investment and technological innovation in productive areas to achieve sustainable development objectives.
Radiation therapy for low‐ and high‐risk perineural invasion in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Clinical outcomes and patterns of failure
Authors: Gobillot Theodore A. , Greer Matthew , Parvathaneni Upendra , Liao Jay J. , Laramore George E. , Goff Peter , Wallner Kent , Rodriguez Cristina P. , Houlton Jeffrey J. , Barber Brittany R. , Futran Neal D. , Rizvi Zain H.
Published: July 2023

Background

Perineural invasion (PNI) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) portends poor prognosis. Extent of treatment of nerve pathways with varying degrees of PNI and patterns of failure following elective neural radiotherapy (RT) remain unclear.

Methods

Retrospective review of HNSCC patients with high‐risk (clinical/gross, large‐nerve, extensive) or low‐risk (microscopic/focal) PNI who underwent curative‐intent treatment from 2010 to 2021.

Results

Forty‐four patients (mean follow‐up 22 months; 59% high‐risk, 41% low‐risk PNI) were included. Recurrence following definitive treatment occurred in 31% high‐risk and 17% low‐risk PNI patients. Among high‐risk patients, 69% underwent surgery with post‐operative RT and 46% underwent elective neural RT. Local control (83% low‐risk vs. 75% high‐risk), disease‐free, and overall survival did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

High local control rates were achieved in high‐risk PNI patients treated with adjuvant or primary RT, including treatment of both involved and uninvolved, communicating cranial nerves, with few failures in electively treated regions.