bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bintrafusp Alfa for Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer After Platinum Failure
Authors: Birrer Michael , Li Guiling , Yunokawa Mayu , Lee Jung-Yun , Kim Byoung Gie , Oppermann Christina Pimentel , Zhou Qi , Nishio Shin , Okamoto Aikou , Wu Xiaohua , Mileshkin Linda , Oaknin Ana , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Hasegawa Kosei , Jehl Genevieve , Vugmeyster Yulia , Zhang Sen , Bajars Marcis , Yonemori Kan
Published: July 2024

Importance

Cervical cancer is a common and lethal cancer worldwide. Bintrafusp alfa is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the human transforming growth factor β receptor II (or transforming growth factor β trap) fused via a flexible linker to the C-terminus of each heavy chain of an immunoglobulin G1 antibody blocking programmed cell death 1 ligand 1.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and response rates of bintrafusp alfa in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This phase 2 nonrandomized controlled trial evaluated bintrafusp alfa monotherapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Data were collected from March 2020 to February 2022.

Intervention

Patients received bintrafusp alfa, 1200 mg, intravenously once every 2 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was confirmed objective response rate per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by an independent review committee.

Results

At data cutoff, 146 of 203 screened patients received 1 or more doses of bintrafusp alfa; of these, the median (range) age was 53 (24-79) years. The study met its primary end point of a 95% CI above the objective response rate benchmark of 15%, with a confirmed objective response rate of 21.9% (95% CI, 15.5-29.5) per the independent review committee. Of these patients, 19 (59.4%) had a durable response of 6 months or more. At data cutoff, responses were ongoing in 13 of 32 responders (40.6%). The most common treatment-related adverse events were anemia (25 [17.1%]), rash (21 [14.4%]), hypothyroidism (15 [10.3%]), and pruritus (15 [10.3%]). Any-cause adverse events of special interest included anemia (82[56.2%]), bleeding events (81 [55.5%]), and immune-related adverse events (49 [33.6%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This phase 2 nonrandomized controlled trial of bintrafusp alfa met its primary end point, which may support the potential of a bispecific therapy targeting transforming growth factor β and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04246489
Clinical utility of diffusion MRI‐derived measures of cortical microstructure in a real‐world memory clinic setting
Authors: Torso Mario , Fumagalli Giorgio , Ridgway Gerard R. , Contarino Valeria Elisa , Hardingham Ian , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela , Chance Steven A. , Arighi Andrea
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate cortical microstructural measures from diffusion MRI as “neurodegeneration” markers that could improve prognostic accuracy in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

The prognostic power of Amyloid/Tau/Neurodegeneration (ATN) biomarkers to predict progression from MCI to AD or non‐AD dementia was investigated. Ninety patients underwent clinical evaluation (follow‐up interval 32 ± 18 months), lumbar puncture, and MRI. Participants were grouped by clinical stage and cerebrospinal fluid Amyloid and Tau status.

T1‐structural and diffusion MRI scans were analyzed to calculate diffusion metrics related to cortical columnar structure (AngleR, ParlPD, PerpPD+), cortical mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy. Statistical tests were corrected for multiple comparisons. Prognostic power was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and related indices.

Results

A progressive increase of whole‐brain cortical diffusion values was observed along the AD continuum, with all A+ groups showing significantly higher AngleR than A−T−.

Investigating clinical progression to dementia, the AT biomarkers together showed good positive predictive value (with 90.91% of MCI A+T+ converting to dementia) but poor negative predictive value (with 40% of MCI A−T− progressing to a mix of AD and non‐AD dementias). Adding whole‐brain AngleR as an N marker, produced good differentiation between stable and converting MCI A−T− patients (0.8 area under ROC curve) and substantially improved negative predictive value (+21.25%).

Interpretation

Results support the clinical utility of cortical microstructure to aid prognosis, especially in A−T− patients. Further work will investigate other complexities of the real‐world clinical setting, including A−T+ groups. Diffusion MRI measures of neurodegeneration may complement fluid AT markers to support clinical decision‐making.
Automated Synthesis of DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Islas Patricia , Platnich Casey M. , Gidi Yasser , Karimi Ryan , Ginot Lorianne , Saliba Daniel , Luo Xin , Cosa Gonzalo , Sleiman Hanadi F.
Published: July 2024

DNA nanotechnology has revolutionized the ability to position matter at the nanoscale, but the preparation of DNA‐based architectures remains laborious. To facilitate the formation of custom structures, a fully automated method is reported to produce sequence‐ and size‐defined DNA nanotubes. By programming the sequential addition of desired building blocks, rigid DX‐tile‐based DNA nanotubes and flexible wireframe DNA structures are attained, where the total number of possible constructs increases as a power function of the number of different units available. Using single‐molecule fluorescence imaging, the kinetics and yield of each synthetic step can be quantitatively determined, revealing differences in self‐assembly dynamics as the nanotube is built up from the solid support and providing new insights into DNA self‐assembly. The exploitation of automation for both assembly and analysis (through an ad‐hoc developed K‐means clustering algorithm) facilitates a workflow wherein the synthesis parameters may be iteratively improved upon, demonstrating how a single‐molecule “assembly‐analysis‐optimization” sequence can be used to generate complex, noncovalent materials in good yield. The presented synthetic strategy is generalizable, making use of equipment already available in most standard laboratories and represents the first fully automated supramolecular assembly on a solid support.
AI‐Assisted Self‐Powered Vehicle‐Road Integrated Electronics for Intelligent Transportation Collaborative Perception
Authors: Pang Yafeng , Zhu Xingyi , He Tianyiyi , Liu Shuainian , Zhang Zixuan , Lv Qiaoya , Yi Peng , Lee Chengkuo
Published: July 2024

Collaborative perception between a vehicle and the road has the potential to enhance the limited perception capability of autonomous driving technologies. With this background, self‐powered vehicle‐road integrated electronics (SVRIE) with a multilevel fractal structure is designed to play a dual role, including a SVRIE device integrated into vehicle tires and a SVRIE array embedded into a road surface. The pressure sensing capability and anti‐crosstalk performance of the SVRIE array are characterized separately to validate the feasibility of applying the SVRIE in a cooperative vehicle‐infrastructure system. It is demonstrated that the SVRIE based on the multi‐layered fractal structure exhibits maximum performance in collaborative sensing and interaction between vehicles and road information, such as vehicle motion, road surface condition, and tire life cycle health monitoring. Traditional data analysis methods are often of questionable accuracy. Therefore, a convolutional neural network is used to classify the vehicle and road conditions with accuracy of at least 88.3%. The transfer learning model is constructed to enhance the road surface identification capabilities with 100% accuracy. The accuracies of the vehicle tire motion recognition and tire health monitoring are 97% and 99%, respectively. This work provides new ideas for collaborative perception between vehicles and roadsides.
Recent Advances on Carbon‐Based Metal‐Free Electrocatalysts for Energy and Chemical Conversions
Authors: Zhai Qingfeng , Huang Hetaishan , Lawson Tom , Xia Zhenhai , Giusto Paolo , Antonietti Markus , Jaroniec Mietek , Chhowalla Manish , Baek Jong‐Beom , Liu Yun , Qiao Shizhang , Dai Liming
Published: July 2024

Over the last decade, carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts (C‐MFECs) have become important in electrocatalysis. This field is started thanks to the initial discovery that nitrogen atom doped carbon can function as a metal‐free electrode in alkaline fuel cells. A wide variety of metal‐free carbon nanomaterials, including 0D carbon dots, 1D carbon nanotubes, 2D graphene, and 3D porous carbons, has demonstrated high electrocatalytic performance across a variety of applications. These include clean energy generation and storage, green chemistry, and environmental remediation. The wide applicability of C‐MFECs is facilitated by effective synthetic approaches, e.g., heteroatom doping, and physical/chemical modification. These methods enable the creation of catalysts with electrocatalytic properties useful for sustainable energy transformation and storage (e.g., fuel cells, Zn‐air batteries, Li‐O2 batteries, dye‐sensitized solar cells), green chemical production (e.g., H2O2, NH3, and urea), and environmental remediation (e.g., wastewater treatment, and CO2 conversion). Furthermore, significant advances in the theoretical study of C‐MFECs via advanced computational modeling and machine learning techniques have been achieved, revealing the charge transfer mechanism for rational design and development of highly efficient catalysts. This review offers a timely overview of recent progress in the development of C‐MFECs, addressing material syntheses, theoretical advances, potential applications, challenges and future directions.
19F MRI/CEUS Dual Imaging‐Guided Sonodynamic Therapy Enhances Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Qiu , Xiao Hong , Hu Lijun , Huang Yongquan , Cao Zhong , Shuai Xintao , Su Zhongzhen
Published: July 2024

Treatment of highly aggressive triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the clinic is challenging. Here, a liposome nanodrug (LP@PFH@HMME) integrating imaging agents and therapeutic agents for bimodal imaging‐guided sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is developed, which boosted immunogenicity to enable potent immunotherapy via immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in TNBC. In the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), LP@PFH@HMME undergoes “nano‐to‐micro” transformation due to a pH‐responsive lipid fusion, which makes droplets much more sensitive to ultrasound (US) in contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and SDT studies. The nanodrug demonstrates robust bimodal imaging ability through fluorine‐19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) and CEUS bimodal imaging, and it exhibits excellent solubility in aqueous solution with relatively high 19F content and desirable long transverse relaxation time (T2 = 1.072 s), making it suitable for high‐performance 19F MRI, in addition to effective accumulation of nanodrugs after tail vein injection. Thus, 19F MRI/CEUS dual imaging is achievable to show adequate time points for US irradiation of tumor sites to induce highly effective SDT, which produces abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) to assist ICB‐based immunotherapy. The combination treatment design of sonodynamic therapy with immunotherapy effectively inhibited TNBC growth and recurrence, highlighting the promise of multifunctional nanodrugs in treating TNBC.
Modifying Parallel Excitations into One Framework for C(sp3)─H Bond Activation with Energy Combined More Than Two Photons
Authors: Shen Qingbo , Chen Jiali , Jing Xu , Duan Chunying
Published: July 2024

Natural photosynthesis enzymes utilize energies of several photons for challenging oxidation of water, whereas artificial photo‐catalysis typically involves only single‐photon excitation. Herein, a multiphoton excitation strategy is reported that combines parallel photo‐excitations with a photoinduced electron transfer process for the activation of C(sp3)─H bonds, including methane. The metal–organic framework Fe3‐MOF is designed to consolidate 4,4′,4″‐nitrilotrisbenzoic units for the photoactivation of dioxygen and trinuclear iron clusters as the HAT precursor for photoactivating alkanes. Under visible light irradiation, the dyes and iron clusters absorbed parallel photons simultaneously to reach their excited states, respectively, generating 1O2 via energy transfer and chlorine radical via ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer. The further excitation of organic dyes leads to the reduction of 1O2 into O2•− through a photoinduced electron transfer, guaranteeing an extra multiphoton oxygen activation manner. The chlorine radical abstracts a hydrogen atom from alkanes, generating the carbon radical for further oxidation transformation. Accordingly, the total oxidation conversion of alkane utilizing three photoexcitation processes combines the energies of more than two photons. This new platform synergistically combines a consecutive excited photoredox organic dye and a HAT catalyst to combine the energies of more than two photons, providing a promising multiphoton catalysis strategy under energy saving, and high efficiency.
In Situ Encapsulation of SnS2/MoS2 Heterojunctions by Amphiphilic Graphene for High‐Energy and Ultrastable Lithium‐Ion Anodes
Authors: Yu Wenjun , Cui Baitao , Han Jianming , Zhu ShaSha , Xu Xinhao , Tan Junxin , Xu Qunjie , Min Yulin , Peng Yiting , Liu Haimei , Wang Yonggang
Published: July 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries with transition metal sulfides (TMSs) anodes promise a high capacity, abundant resources, and environmental friendliness, yet they suffer from fast degradation and low Coulombic efficiency. Here, a heterostructured bimetallic TMS anode is fabricated by in situ encapsulating SnS2/MoS2 nanoparticles within an amphiphilic hollow double‐graphene sheet (DGS). The hierarchically porous DGS consists of inner hydrophilic graphene and outer hydrophobic graphene, which can accelerate electron/ion migration and strongly hold the integrity of alloy microparticles during expansion and/or shrinkage. Moreover, catalytic Mo converted from lithiated MoS2 can promote the reaction kinetics and suppress heterointerface passivation by forming a building‐in‐electric field, thereby enhancing the reversible conversion of Sn to SnS2. Consequently, the SnS2/MoS2/DGS anode with high gravimetric and high volumetric capacities achieves 200 cycles with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of >90%, as well as excellent low‐temperature performance. When the commercial Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 (NCM811) cathode is paired with the prelithiated SnS2/MoS2/DGS anode, the full cells deliver high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 577 Wh kg−1 and 853 Wh L−1, respectively. This work highlights the significance of integrating spatial confinement and atomic heterointerface engineering to solve the shortcomings of conversion‐/alloying typed TMS‐based anodes to construct outstanding high‐energy LIBs.
Anionic Surfactant‐Modulated Electrode–Electrolyte Interface Promotes H2O2 Electrosynthesis
Authors: Sun Wen , Tang Lei , Ge Wangxin , Fan Yu , Sheng Xuedi , Dong Lei , Zhang Wenfei , Jiang Hongliang , Li Chunzhong
Published: July 2024

Conventional strategies for highly selective and active hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) electrosynthesis primarily focus on catalyst design. Electrocatalytic reactions take place at the electrified electrode–electrolyte interface. Well‐designed electrolytes, when combined with commercial catalysts, can be directly applied to high‐efficiency H2O2 electrosynthesis. However, the role of electrolyte components is equally crucial but is significantly under‐researched. In this study, anionic surfactant n‐tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA) and its analogs are used as electrolyte additives to enhance the selectivity of the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction. Mechanistic studies reveal that TDPA assembled over the electrode–electrolyte interface modulates the electrical double‐layer structure, which repels interfacial water and weakens the hydrogen‐bond network for proton transfer. Additionally, the hydrophilic phosphonate moiety affects the coordination of water molecules in the solvation shell, thereby directly influencing the proton‐coupled kinetics at the interface. The TDPA‐containing catalytic system achieves a Faradaic efficiency of H2O2 production close to 100% at a current density of 200 mA cm−2 using commercial carbon black catalysts. This research provides a simple strategy to enhance H2O2 electrosynthesis by adjusting the interfacial microenvironment through electrolyte design.
Using In situ Transmission Electron Microscopy to Study Strong Metal‐Support Interactions in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Dai Jie , Sun Yifei , Liu Zhewei , Zhang Yiyuan , Duan Sibin , Wang Rongming
Published: July 2024

Precisely controlling the microstructure of supported metal catalysts and regulating metal‐support interactions at the atomic level are essential for achieving highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts. Strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI) not only stabilizes metal nanoparticles and improves their resistance to sintering but also modulates the electrical interaction between metal species and the support, optimizing the catalytic activity and selectivity. Therefore, understating the formation mechanism of SMSI and its dynamic evolution during the chemical reaction at the atomic scale is crucial for guiding the structural design and performance optimization of supported metal catalysts. Recent advancements in in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have shed new light on these complex phenomena, providing deeper insights into the SMSI dynamics. Here, the research progress of in situ TEM investigation on SMSI in heterogeneous catalysis is systematically reviewed, focusing on the formation dynamics, structural evolution during the catalytic reactions, and regulation methods of SMSI. The significant advantages of in situ TEM technologies for SMSI research are also highlighted. Moreover, the challenges and probable development paths of in situ TEM studies on the SMSI are also provided.
Fixed‐time fault‐tolerant control for power system with multiple actuator constraints
Authors: Bai Wen , Xiaoping Liu Peter , Wang Huanqing
Published: July 2024

This paper copes with the fixed‐time fault‐tolerant control problem for a single‐machine infinite power system with static VAR compensators. In order to handle the controller design problem caused by the actuator failures and unknown dead zone input, a fuzzy fault‐tolerant control algorithm is derived by introducing the adaptive backstepping method. An adaptive fixed‐time control strategy is designed to guarantee that the output signal can track the desired trajectory within a fixed time, where the convergence time is independent of the initial condition. Compared with existing results, the proposed controller guarantees the controlled system maintains semiglobal fixed‐time stability and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood around zero. Both actuator faults and dead zones have been considered, which can better meet the practical control requirements. A simulation example demonstrates the designed controller.
Transition metal dichalcogenide FET‐based dynamic random‐access memory
Authors: Raoofi Mahdiye , Gholipour Morteza
Published: July 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenide field‐effect transistors (TMDFETs) as a replacement for conventional metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) have attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. The efficiency of these devices should be investigated in different aspects in digital systems. One of the important components of such systems is dynamic random‐access memory (DRAM), which is used in most computers and many electronic systems as the main memory due to its small area and simple structure, compared to static memory (SRAM) cells. In this paper, a regular DRAM cell is designed based on TMDFET devices and its performance is compared with a similar cell in conventional MOSFET technology from various aspects, including DRAM‐specific timing characteristics considering changes in design and environmental parameter variations using Monte Carlo simulations. The simulations have been carried out in HSPICE with 16 nm technology under fair conditions for different technologies, at room temperature with a 0.7‐V power supply. The results show that the TMD‐DRAM has 3.55×, 3.08×, and 2.23× faster bitline recovery, merge time, and sense time than Si‐MOS‐DRAM, respectively. The Si‐MOS‐DRAM, on the other hand, has 1.65× faster write time compared to TMD‐DRAM. However, TMD‐DRAM consumes overall higher power than Si‐MOS‐DRAM, and shows higher average read power variability with the σ/μ = 0.476. The TMD‐DRAM also shows higher variability in the studied timing characteristics than Si‐MOS‐DRAM except merge and sense times.
A robust sensor‐less field‐oriented control of six‐phase induction motor drive with reduced common mode voltage
Authors: Shah Krunal , Maurya Rakesh
Published: July 2024

This article narrates a robust sensor‐less indirect rotor field‐oriented control (IRFOC) of a six‐phase asymmetrical induction motor (SPAIM) drive with an online estimation of parameters and reduction of common mode voltage (CMV). In comparison to the conventional IRFOC technique, the proposed IRFOC provides the least CMV using modified space vector modulation (SVM). To guarantee proper operation of IRFOC, accurate estimation of rotor time constant is mandatory; any mismatch in the actual and tuned value may lead to poor performance of the IRFOC algorithm. This problem will be further accelerated with encoder‐less control using model‐based estimators. In this manuscript, the problem of simultaneous estimation of speed and machine parameters is investigated, and a model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based speed estimator accompanied by online estimation of parameters is proposed to improve sturdiness against variation of parameters. A Simulink model of the proposed method is developed and a simulation study is carried out. To validate the simulation results, a scaled prototype model of The SPAIM rated for 2 HP, 200 V is developed and encoder‐less IRFOC for the SPAIM drives is implemented using an STM32F407VG controller board. The performance of the proposed observers is tested and verified for all the possible operating conditions and results are presented.
Theophrastaceae cubanae novae III. —Jacquinia bissei Lepper sp. nov.
Authors: Lepper Lothar
Published: July 2024

Aus der Gattung Jacquinia wird eine neue endemische Art des Florenbezirkes der Sierra Maestra, Jacquinia bissei Lepper, beschrieben.
Acerca del género Ayenia L. (Sterculiaceae) en Cuba
Authors: Fuentes Alicia Rodríguez
Published: July 2024

Se realizaron estudios morfológicos en numerosos ejemplares del género Ayenia L. (Sterculiaceae) procedente de varias regiones del país, arrojando la existencia de la Ayenia insulaecola Cristobal, de 2 nuevas especies, la Ayenia cubensis A. Rodríguez y la Ayenia spinosa A. Rodríguez et Bisse, de 3 subespecies de la Ayenia euphrasifolia Griseb., la A. euphrasifolia Griseb. subsp. euphrasifolia, la A. euphrasijolia Griseb. subsp. ophiticola A. Rodríguez y la A. euphrasifolia Griseb. subxp. litoralis A. Rodríguez. Así mismo se desrcibe una nueva subsección de la sect, Leiayenia Griseb., la subsect. Spinosa para las especies Ayenia spinosa A. Rodríguez et Bisse y la Ayenia cajalbanensis Alain. Se ofrece una clave do determinación simple para las especies cubanas.
Die Gattung Mimosa L. (Leguminosae — Mimosoideae) in Cuba
Authors: Bässler Manfred
Published: July 2024

Die Gattung Mimosa L. ist in Cuba mit 10 Arten vertreten, von denen 4 Arten endemisch sind. Mimosa berlandieri Gray (Syn. M. catalinae León) wird als neue Art für Cuba nachgewiesen.

Es wird eine taxonomische Revision der cubanischen Arten mit einem neuen Bestimmungsschlüssel und mit Verbreitungskarten für alle Arten vorgelegt.
Über die Gattung Shaferocharis Urban (Rubiaceae) in Cuba
Authors: Manitz Hermann
Published: July 2024

Die Gattung Shaferocharis ist ein Endemit Ost‐Cubas, sie umfaβt 3 Arten. Einige Angaben im Protolog von S. villosa Borhidi werden korrigiert.
Sobre el género Trichomanes L. en Cuba
Authors: Villaverdge Carlos Sánchez , Pichaco Isabel Quintana , Caluff Manuei. García
Published: July 2024

Se caracterizan morfológica y anatómicamente las especies del género Trichomnnes L. subgénero Vandenboschia (Copel.) Allan, presentando su distribución geográfica y notas sobre su ecología. Se brindan claves para determinar los subgéneros del género Trichomanes y las especies del subgénero Vandenboschia.
Aspectos fitogeográficos y ecológicos del género Portillaca L. en Cuba
Authors: Menes Maria Dolores Ortega
Published: July 2024

Se da la distribución geográfica y características ecológicas do las especies del génera Partidura reportadas para Cuba.
Cytomorphology of the tribe Heliantheae (Asteraceae) from Southern Nigeria
Authors: Gill L. S. , Omoigwi D. I.
Published: July 2024

Cytomorphological studies of 24 taxa distributed in 13 species and 10 genera have been carried out from Southern Nigeria. Chromosome reports for Spilanthes ciliata (n =13) and new cytotypes in Bidens pilosa (n = 48), Sclerocarpus africanus (n =22) are recorded for the first time. The chromosome counts of 2 varieties of Aspilia africana, i. e. var. ambigua (n =13) and var. guineensis (n =13) differs from the previously reported number of (n = 14). The distribution maps and the achene morphology of the taxa studied are provided for the first time. The occurrence of Spilanthes ciliata in West Africa is reported here for the first time.
Epidermal studies as an aid to taxonomy: Sida L.
Authors: Rao S. Raja Shanmpkha , Saibaba A. M.
Published: July 2024

Epidermal studies including trichomes in seven species of Sida have been undertaken. The foliar stomata are anisocytic, anomocytic or tetracytic, the first type being dominant. Further structure and organographic distribution of trichomes in all plant parts have been investigated. Based in structure in all, fifteen trichome types have been recognized. Distribution of foliar epidermal characters, especially those of trichomes, in found to be taxonomically usefull in Sida. Accordingly a key is prepared for the identification of different species of this taxon.
Assessment of the applicability of DFT methods to [Cp*Rh]‐catalyzed hydrogen evolution processes
Authors: Chamkin Aleksandr A. , Chamkina Elena S.
Published: July 2024

The present computational study provides a benchmark of density functional theory (DFT) methods in describing hydrogen evolution processes catalyzed by [Cp*Rh]‐containing organometallic complexes. A test set was composed of 26 elementary reactions featuring chemical transformations and bonding situations essential for the field, including the emerging concept of non‐innocent Cp* behavior. Reference values were obtained from a highly accurate 3/4 complete basis set and 6/7 complete PNO space extrapolated DLPNO‐CCSD(T) energies. The performance of lower‐level extrapolation procedures was also assessed. We considered 84 density functionals (DF) (including 13 generalized gradient approximations (GGA), nine meta‐GGAs, 33 hybrids, and 29 double‐hybrids) and three composite methods (HF‐3c, PBEh‐3c, and r2SCAN‐3c), combined with different types of dispersion corrections (D3(0), D3BJ, D4, and VV10). The most accurate approach is the PBE0‐DH‐D3BJ (MAD of 1.36 kcal mol−1) followed by TPSS0‐D3BJ (MAD of 1.60 kcal mol−1). Low‐cost r2SCAN‐3c composite provides a less accurate but much faster alternative (MAD of 2.39 kcal mol−1). The widely used Minnesota‐family M06‐L, M06, and M06‐2X DFs should be avoided (MADs of 3.70, 3.94, and 4.01 kcal mol−1, respectively).
Wearable sensor systems measure differences in knee laxity between healthy and affected knees during dynamic exercise activities: A systematic review
Authors: van Eijck Sander C. , Vugts Marly M. J. , Janssen Rob P. A. , Hoogendoorn Iris , Ito Keita , van der Steen Maria C.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Knee laxity can be experienced as knee instability which may lead to a limitation in the activity of patients. Current methods to determine knee instability are performed in a static setting, which does not always correlate with dynamic knee laxity during activities. Wearables might be able to measure knee laxity in a dynamic setting and could be of added value in the diagnosis and treatment of excessive knee laxity. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the wearables that have been developed and their ability to measure knee laxity during dynamic activities.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. A literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane databases. Included studies assessed patients with knee instability using a non‐invasive wearable sensor system during dynamic activity, with comparison to a reference system or healthy knees. Data extraction was performed by two authors via a predefined format. The risk of bias was assessed by The Dutch checklist for diagnostic tests.

Results

A total of 4734 articles were identified. Thirteen studies were included in the review. The studies showed a great variety of patients, sensor systems, reference tests, outcome measures and performed activities. Nine of the included studies were able to measure differences in patients with knee instability, all including a tri‐axial accelerometer. Differences were not measurable in all parameters and activities in these studies.

Conclusions

Wearables, including at least a tri‐axial accelerometer, seem promising for measuring dynamic knee laxity in the anterior‐posterior and mediolateral direction. At this stage, it remains unclear if the measured outcomes completely reflect the knee instability that patients experience in daily life.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Social network strategies to distribute HIV self‐testing kits: a global systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Siyue , Jing Fengshi , Fan Chengxin , Dai Yifan , Xie Yewei , Zhou Yi , Lv Hang , He Xi , Wu Dan , Tucker Joseph D. , Tang Weiming
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Social network strategies, in which social networks are utilized to influence individuals or communities, are increasingly being used to deliver human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interventions to key populations. We summarized and critically assessed existing research on the effectiveness of social network strategies in promoting HIV self‐testing (HIVST).

Methods

Using search terms related to social network interventions and HIVST, we searched five databases for trials published between 1st January 2010 and 30th June 2023. Outcomes included uptake of HIV testing, HIV prevalence and linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) or HIV care. We used network meta‐analysis to assess the uptake of HIV testing through social network strategies compared with control methods. A pairwise meta‐analysis of studies with a comparison arm that reported outcomes was performed to assess relative risks (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among the 4496 manuscripts identified, 39 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including one quasi‐experimental study, 22 randomized controlled trials and 16 observational studies. Networks HIVST testing was organized by peers (distributed to known peers, 15 studies), partners (distributed to their sexual partners, 16 studies) and peer educators (distributed to unknown peers, 8 studies). Among social networks, simulating the possibilities of ranking position, peer distribution had the highest uptake of HIV testing (84% probability), followed by partner distribution (80% probability) and peer educator distribution (74% probability). Pairwise meta‐analysis showed that peer distribution (RR 2.29, 95% CI 1.54−3.39, 5 studies) and partner distribution (RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.50−2.07, 10 studies) also increased the probability of detecting HIV reactivity during testing within the key population when compared to the control.

Discussion

All of the three social network distribution strategies enhanced the uptake of HIV testing compared to standard facility‐based testing. Linkage to ART or HIV care remained comparable to facility‐based testing across the three HIVST distribution strategies.

Conclusions

Network‐based HIVST distribution is considered effective in augmenting HIV testing rates and reaching marginalized populations compared to facility‐based testing. These strategies can be integrated with the existing HIV care services, to fill the testing gap among key populations globally.

PROSPERO Number

CRD42022361782
Recombination and selection trajectory of the monkeypox virus during its adaptation in the human population
Authors: Zheng Jialu , Zeng Jinfeng , Long Haoyu , Chen Jian , Liu Kaijie , Chen Yixiong , Du Xiangjun
Published: July 2024

Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), was historically confined to West and Central Africa but has now spread globally. Recombination and selection play crucial roles in the evolutionary adaptation of MPXV; however, the evolution of MPXV and its relationship with the recent, ground‐breaking monkeypox epidemic remains poorly understood. To gain insights into the evolutionary dynamics of MPXV, comprehensive in silico recombination and selection analyses were conducted based on MPXV whole genome sequence data. Three types of recombination were identified: five ancestor‐sharing interspecies recombination events, six specific interspecies recombination events and four intraspecies recombination events. The results highlight the prevalent occurrence of recombination in MPXV, with 73.3% occurring in variable regions of the genome. Selection analysis was performed from three dimensions: proteins around recombination regions, proteins from recombinant ancestors and MPXV branches, and whole‐genome gene analysis. Results revealed 2 and 7 proteins under positive selection in the first two dimensions, respectively. These proteins are mainly involved in infection immunity, apoptosis regulation and viral virulence. Whole‐genome analysis detected 25 genes under positive selection, mainly associated with immune response and viral regulation. Understanding their evolutionary patterns will help predict and prevent cross‐species transmission, zoonotic outbreaks and potential human epidemics.
Transverse interlaminar ultrasound‐guided C1‐C2 puncture for the intrathecal administration of nusinersen in patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Yuan Qing , Cui Xulei , Zhang Jiao , Dai Yi , Feng Feng , Huang Yuguang , Zhang Shuyang
Published: July 2024

Introduction/Aims

Severe spinal deformities and previous spinal orthopedic instrumentation may result in substantial technical challenges for nusinersen delivery through lumbar puncture in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The aim of this paper was to review our experience with ultrasound‐guided cervical puncture as an alternative approach for the intrathecal administration of nusinersen.

Methods

This was a retrospective medical record review of transverse interlaminar ultrasound‐guided C1‐C2 puncture for nusinersen delivery in SMA patients. The details of puncture, complications, and success rate of the procedure were summarized.

Results

There were four patients who received a total of 13 cervical punctures for nusinersen delivery. All procedures were technically successful with no major complications. Full doses of nusinersen were delivered intrathecally.

Discussion

Transverse interlaminar ultrasound‐guided C1‐C2 puncture is an alternative approach for administering nusinersen if lumbar puncture fails. The success of the technique requires a thorough preprocedural evaluation of cervical spine imaging, sound knowledge of the cervical sonoanatomy and careful manipulation of the needle.
Nonlinear Effect Analysis and Sensitivity Improvement in Spin Exchange Relaxation Free Atomic Magnetometers
Authors: Xing Bozheng , Ma Ning , Lv Haoran , Lu Jixi
Published: July 2024

In this study, the influence of the nonlinear magneto–optical rotation effect on a spin‐exchange relaxation‐free (SERF) atomic magnetometer is analyzed. The nonlinear effect is described by saturation parameters obtained from the density matrix model considering the Rabi oscillation of the probe light. For better sensitivity, the nonlinear effect is suppressed, and larger output signals are achieved. Based on the nonlinear effect analysis, the relationship between the probe sensitivity and light power density is obtained, and the optimal probe light power density is measured with best probe sensitivity. The best probe sensitivity improves by ≈6 times at the optimal probe light power density compared with that in the conventional linear optical rotation detection. The proposed method can be applied to SERF magnetometers, co‐magnetometers, and atomic spin gyroscopes.
Periodic event‐triggered output feedback regulation for feedforward nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Liu Qingrong , Zhang Xianfu
Published: July 2024

This article addresses the global regulation by periodic event‐triggered output feedback control for a class of feedforward nonlinear systems. Particularly, the considered systems suffer from parameter uncertainties and unknown measurement sensitivity, which entail integrating advanced compensation strategies within the event‐triggered framework. To this end, a time‐varying gain is devised to tackle uncertain nonlinearities as well as the sampling error. Subsequently, a novel periodic event‐triggered output feedback controller is constructed based on the delicate choice of design parameters. Notably, the proposed control scheme is able to avoid the continuous monitoring of the system behavior, and guarantee that all closed‐loop system states are globally bounded and ultimately converge to zero. Finally, a practical example is given to illustrate the main results.
Separable and controlled direct effects for competing events: Estimation of component specific effects on sickness absence
Authors: Maltzahn Niklas N. , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind , Gran Jon Michael
Published: July 2024

In many settings, it is reasonable to think of treatment as consisting of a number of components, either because this is the case in practice or because it is conceptually possible to decompose treatment into separate components due to the way in which it exerts effects on the outcome of interest. For competing events, the treatment decomposition idea has recently been suggested to separate effects of treatments on the outcome of interest from effects mediated through competing events using so‐called separable effects. Like the idea of separating effects of exposure, it has been pointed out that ideas from mediation analysis generally may help to clarify the interpretation of existing estimands used in competing events settings. One example is the use of the controlled direct effect, to conceptualize the effects of interventions preventing the competing event from occurring. In this article, we identify the controlled direct effect as a component specific effect and discuss the merits of this estimand when the prevented event is non terminal and other methods of effects separation are problematic. Our motivating example is the study of a policy initiative, introduced in 2001, aimed at reducing long term sickness absence (SA) in Norway. The initiative consists of different components, one being to encourage use of graded SA, which is considered a key tool in the Nordic countries to reduce long term SA. The analysis makes use of longitudinal registry data for 113 808 individuals, followed from the time of first SA.
Semiotics for Actor-Network Theory
Authors: Peverini Paolo
Published: July 2024

This chapter aims to show how the relationship between Latour's investigation on meaning and the research perspective on signification developed within the framework of structural semiotics is anything but episodic, marginal or outdated. With the aim of highlighting the reasons behind an uninterrupted dialogue, even if often denied or marginalised in the field of social sciences, this chapter considers the main semiotic concepts at the basis of Latour’s work, highlighting the main affinities and discontinuities that emerge at a theoretical and methodological level, with particular reference to actor-network theory. It is pointed out that the metaphor of semiotics as a toolbox for actor-network theory is overly reductive and does not sufficiently account for the presence of a common non-anthropomorphic theory of agency and an anti-dualist epistemological principle that recognizes the primacy of the relationship over the elements involved in a social phenomenon. To this end, a comparison is made between the notions of actor, actant, enunciation, narrative program originally elaborated within the framework of semiotic theory and their novel reinterpretation introduced by Latour to examine the paradoxes of modernity.
Introduction
Authors: Aggestam Karin , Rosamond Annika Bergman , Hedling Elsa
Published: July 2024

This chapter introduces the study of the politics of feminist foreign policy and digital diplomacy. It unpacks two transformative and intersecting developments: (1) Sweden’s adoption of a distinct feminist branding of its foreign policy and (2) the embrace of digitalisation in diplomacy. In 2014, Sweden made history by becoming the first country in the world to launch a feminist foreign policy. This pioneering political move demanded both visibility and global attention, prompting Sweden to explore new digital environments and social media platforms, which would offer both scale and reach. Subsequently, several other states followed suit, embracing Sweden’s feminist foreign policy as a model of foreign policy conduct. This feminist shift in global politics has given rise to contestation, resistance and rejection by a range of global actors. This chapter advances a novel conceptual framework for studying the relationship between feminist foreign policy and digital diplomacy. The framework employs three key concepts: (a) articulation, (b) resonance and (c) contestation. These concepts are used to analyse Sweden’s feminist foreign policy leadership, nation branding and visual representation in global politics.
The Politics of Feminist Foreign Policy and Digital Diplomacy: Leadership, Branding and Visuality
Authors: Aggestam Karin , Rosamond Annika Bergman , Hedling Elsa
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines the interplay between digital diplomacy and feminist foreign policy by advancing a theoretical framework based on three key processes of politicisation: (a) articulation, (b) resonance and (c) contestation. This framework captures the fluctuation between antagonistic and agonistic political dynamics and the interplay between digital diplomacy and foreign policy. It highlights how these dynamics shape how states navigate, influence and respond to global developments. More specifically, the framework analyses these political dynamics and processes within three core foreign policy and diplomacy domains: (a) leadership, (b) branding and (c) visuality. As such, it seeks to explain why, how and in what ways the politics of digital diplomacy and feminist foreign policy are pursued, practised and perceived in contemporary global politics.
Political Leadership and the Digital Diffusion of Feminist Foreign Policy
Authors: Aggestam Karin , Rosamond Annika Bergman , Hedling Elsa
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines the role of political leadership and the utilisation of digital diplomacy in advancing the norms and objectives of feminist foreign policy. It explores the various roles that leaders play in the political articulation, resonance and contestation of feminist foreign policy in the digital realm. It specifically analyses how and in what ways former Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallström actively engaged, as a norm entrepreneur, in efforts to garner political support for Sweden’s feminist foreign policy, while disseminating a feminist vision of a more gender-just world order to global online audiences. Moreover, the chapter examines how Wallström strategically articulated Sweden’s feminist foreign policy as a prioritised agenda and the international resonance it elicited, particularly evidenced by the positive responses of states such as Canada and Germany. Finally, the chapter elucidates the ramifications of political leadership and gendered contestation on social media by analysing Sweden’s role in the #shedecides digital campaign. This campaign was triggered in response to the reinstatement of the US global gag rule by the Trump Administration, which sought to restrict the sexual and reproductive rights of girls and women worldwide.
Visuality, Digital Visibility and Feminist Foreign Policy
Authors: Aggestam Karin , Rosamond Annika Bergman , Hedling Elsa
Published: July 2024

In this chapter, we explore how online opportunities, emerging from visual language, symbolic representation and global visibilities productively diffused the communication of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy to global audiences. The launch and trajectory of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy involved the management of visual representations and close navigation of the visual saturation of the contemporary political information environment. The reach and resonance of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy were strengthened by the political mobilisation and employment of a range of visual representations and visibility structures. This chapter analyses the use of visual language in the political articulation of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy. To this effect, we provide a visual analysis of a photo exhibition that became a successful conversation, enabling the connection between the global goals of feminist foreign policy with wider gender debates that resonated with a range of national settings. Finally, we analyse the WikiGap initiative, which aimed to enhance the visibility of women’s stories and experiences online. The initiative illustrates how Sweden’s contestation of gendered politics was made visible online.
The SemGuS Toolkit
Authors: Johnson Keith J. C. , Reynolds Andrew , Reps Thomas , D’Antoni Loris
Published: July 2024

Semantics-Guided Synthesis (SemGuS) is a programmable framework for defining synthesis problems in a domain- and solver-agnostic way. This paper presents the standardized SemGuS format, together with an open-source toolkit that providesa parser, a verifier, and enumerative SemGuS solvers. The paper also describes an initial set of SemGuS benchmarks, which form the basis for comparing SemGuS solvers, and presents an evaluation of the baseline enumerative solvers.
QReach: A Reachability Analysis Tool for Quantum Markov Chains
Authors: Dai Aochu , Ying Mingsheng
Published: July 2024

We present QReach, the first reachability analysis tool for quantum Markov chains based on decision diagrams CFLOBDD (presented at CAV 2023). QReach provides a novel framework for finding reachable subspaces, as well as a series of model-checking subprocedures like image computation. Experiments indicate its practicality in verification of quantum circuits and algorithms. QReach is expected to play a central role in future quantum model checkers.