bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneously Immortalised Nonhuman Primate Müller Glia Cell Lines as Source to Explore Retinal Reprogramming Mechanisms for Cell Therapies
Authors: Salman Ahmed , Bolinches‐Amorós Arantxa , Storm Tina , Moralli Daniela , Bryika Paulina , Russell Angela J. , Davies Stephen G. , Barnard Alun R. , MacLaren Robert E.
Published: November 2024

Cell replacement therapies for ocular diseases characterised by photoreceptors degeneration are challenging due to poor primary cell survival in culture. A stable retinal cell source to replace lost photoreceptors holds promise. Müller glia cells play a pivotal role in retinal homoeostasis by providing metabolic and structural support to retinal neurons, preventing aberrant photoreceptors migration, and facilitating safe glutamate uptake. In fish and amphibians, injured retinas regenerate due to Müller‐like glial stem cells, a phenomenon absent in the mammalian retina for unknown reasons. Research on Müller cells has been complex due to difficulties in obtaining pure cell population and their rapid de‐differentiation in culture. While various Müller glia cell lines from human and rats are described, no nonhuman primate Müller glia cell line is currently available. Here, we report spontaneously immortalised Müller glia cell lines derived from macaque neural retinas that respond to growth factors and expand indefinitely in culture. They exhibit Müller cells morphology, such as an elongated shape and cytoplasmic projections, express Müller glia markers (VIMENTIN, GLUTAMINE SYNTHASE, glutamate‐aspartate transporter, and CD44), and express stem cell markers such as PAX6 and SOX2. In the presence of factors that induce photoreceptor differentiation, these cells show a shift in gene expression patterns suggesting a state of de‐differentiation, a phenomenon known in reprogrammed mammalian Müller cells. The concept of self‐renewing retina might seem unfeasible, but not unprecedented. While vertebrate Müller glia have a regeneration potential absent in mammals, understanding the mechanisms behind reprogramming of Müller glia in mammals could unlock their potential for treating retinal degenerative diseases.
Four timing patterns of initiation of advance care planning discussions as practiced by home visiting nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Ushikubo Mitsuko , Ishikawa Maho
Published: November 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to explore the actual timing of the initiation of advance care planning (ACP) discussions by experienced visiting nurses for older homebound patients.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 home visit nurses, followed by a qualitative, inductive analysis.

Results

Four ACP initiation timing patterns were extracted.

Conclusions

Home visit nurses used the following timing patterns differently depending on each patient's situation: “Starting when visiting nurses get to know the patients,” “Waiting for a change in the patient's medical condition,” “Waiting to begin ACP discussions until the patient and nurse are emotionally ready,” and “Starting ACP discussions in a proactive, but non‐shocking manner.”
Effects of catechins, resveratrol, silymarin components and some of their conjugates on xanthine oxidase‐catalyzed xanthine and 6‐mercaptopurine oxidation
Authors: Bencsik Tímea , Balázs Orsolya , Vida Róbert G , Zsidó Balázs Z , Hetényi Csaba , Valentová Kateřina , Poór Miklós
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Over the past two decades, the global incidence of gout has markedly increased, affecting people worldwide. Considering the side effects of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor drugs (e.g. allopurinol and febuxostat) used in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, the potential application of phytochemicals has been widely studied. In addition, XO also takes part in the elimination of certain drugs, including 6‐mercaptopurine. In the current explorative study, we aimed to examine the potential effects of tea catechins, resveratrol, silymarin flavonolignans and some of their conjugated metabolites on XO‐catalyzed xanthine and 6‐mercaptopurine oxidation, applying in vitro assays and modeling studies.

RESULTS

Catechins, resveratrol and resveratrol conjugates exerted no or only weak inhibitory effects on XO. Silybin A, silybin B and isosilybin A were weak, silychristin was a moderate, while 2,3‐dehydrosilychristin was a potent inhibitor of the enzyme. Sulfate metabolites of silybin A, silybin B and isosilybin A were considerably stronger inhibitors compared to the parent flavonolignans, and the sulfation of 2,3‐dehydrosilychristin slightly increased its inhibitory potency. Silychristin was the sole flavonolignan tested, where sulfate conjugation decreased its inhibitory effect.

CONCLUSION

2,3‐Dehydrosilychristin seems to be a promising candidate for examining its in vivo antihyperuricemic effects, because both the parent compound and its sulfate conjugate are highly potent inhibitors of XO. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
An improved low‐rank plus sparse unrolling network method for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jiang Ming‐feng , Chen Yun‐jiang , Ruan Dong‐sheng , Yuan Zi‐han , Zhang Ju‐cheng , Xia Ling
Published: November 2024

Background

Recent advances in deep learning have sparked new research interests in dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reconstruction. However, existing deep learning‐based approaches suffer from insufficient reconstruction efficiency and accuracy due to the lack of time correlation modeling during the reconstruction procedure.

Purpose

Inappropriate tensor processing steps and deep learning models may lead to not only a lack of modeling in the time dimension but also an increase in the overall size of the network. Therefore, this study aims to find suitable tensor processing methods and deep learning models to achieve better reconstruction results and a smaller network size.

Methods

We propose a novel unrolling network method that enhances the reconstruction quality and reduces the parameter redundancy by introducing time correlation modeling into MRI reconstruction with low‐rank core matrix and convolutional long short‐term memory (ConvLSTM) unit.

Results

We conduct extensive experiments on AMRG Cardiac MRI dataset to evaluate our proposed approach. The results demonstrate that compared to other state‐of‐the‐art approaches, our approach achieves higher peak signal‐to‐noise ratios and structural similarity indices at different accelerator factors with significantly fewer parameters.

Conclusions

The improved reconstruction performance demonstrates that our proposed time correlation modeling is simple and effective for accelerating MRI reconstruction. We hope our approach can serve as a reference for future research in dynamic MRI reconstruction.
Lung CT‐based multi‐lesion radiomic model to differentiate between nontuberculous mycobacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hu Yanlin , Zhong Lingshan , Liu Hongying , Ding Wenlong , Wang Li , Xing Zhiheng , Wan Liang
Published: November 2024

Background

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM‐LD) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis lung disease (MTB‐LD) are difficult to distinguish based on conventional imaging examinations. In recent years, radiomics has been used to discriminate them. However, existing radiomic methods mainly focus on specific lesion types, and have limitations in handling the presence of multiple lesion types that vary among different patients.

Purpose

We aimed to establish a radiomic model based on multiple lesion types in the patient's CT scans, and analyzed the importance of different lesion types in distinguishing the two diseases.

Methods

120 NTM‐LD and 120 MTB‐LD patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study and randomly split into the training (168) and testing (72) sets. A total of 1037 radiomic features were extracted separately for each lesion type. The univariate analysis, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator were used to select the significant radiomic features. The radiomic signature score (Radscore) from each lesion type was estimated and aggregated to construct the multi‐lesion feature vector for each patient. A multi‐lesion radiomic (MLR) model was then established using the random forest classifier, which can estimate importance coefficients for different lesion types. The performances of the MLR model and single radomic models were investigated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The impact of the predicted lesion importance was also evaluated in subjective imaging diagnosis.

Results

The MLR model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 90.2% (95% CI: 86.2% 94.1%) in differentiating NTM‐LD and MTB‐LD, outperforming the models using specific lesion types following existing radiomic models by 1% to 13%. Among different lesion types, tree‐in‐bud pattern demonstrated the highest distinguishing value, followed by consolidation, nodules, and lymph node enlargement. Given the estimated lesion importance, two senior radiologists exhibited improved accuracy in diagnosis, with an increased accuracy of 8.33% and 8.34%, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first radiomic study to use multiple lesion types to distinguish NTM‐LD and MTB‐LD. The developed MLR model performed well in differentiating the two diseases, and the lesion types with high importance exhibited the potential to assist experienced radiologists in clinical decision‐making.
Rapid in vivo EPID image prediction using a combination of analytically calculated attenuation and AI predicted scatter
Authors: Anderson Brian , Moore Lance , Bojechko Casey
Published: November 2024

Background

The electronic portal imaging device (EPID) can be used in vivo, to detect on‐treatment errors by evaluating radiation exiting a patient. To detect deviations from the planning intent, image predictions need to be modeled based on the patient's anatomy and plan information. To date in vivo transit images have been predicted using Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms. A deep learning approach can make predictions faster than MC and only requires patient information for training.

Purpose

To test the feasibility and reliability of creating a deep‐learning model with patient data for predicting in vivo EPID images for IMRT treatments.

Methods

In our approach, the in vivo EPID image was separated into contributions from primary and scattered photons. A primary photon attenuation function was determined by measuring attenuation factors for various thicknesses of solid water. The scatter component of in vivo EPID images was estimated using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN input was a 3‐channel image comprised of the non‐transit EPID image and ray tracing projections through a pretreatment CBCT. The predicted scatter component was added to the primary attenuation component to give the full predicted in vivo EPID image. We acquired 193 IMRT fields/images from 93 patients treated on the Varian Halcyon. Model training:validation:test dataset ratios were 133:20:40 images. Additional patient plans were delivered to anthropomorphic phantoms, yielding 75 images for further validation. We assessed model accuracy by comparing model‐calculated and measured in vivo images with a gamma comparison.

Results

Comparing the model‐calculated and measured in vivo images gives a mean gamma pass rate for the training:validation:test datasets of 95.4%:94.1%:92.9% for 3%/3 mm and 98.4%:98.4%:96.8% for 5%/3 mm. For images delivered to phantom data sets the average gamma pass rate was 96.4% (3%/3 mm criteria). In all data sets, the lower passing rates of some images were due to CBCT artifacts and patient motion that occurred between the time of CBCT and treatment. 

Conclusions

The developed deep‐learning‐based model can generate in vivo EPID images with a mean gamma pass rate greater than 92% (3%/3 mm criteria). This approach provides an alternative to MC prediction algorithms. Image predictions can be made in 30 ms on a standard GPU. In future work, image predictions from this model can be used to detect in vivo treatment errors and on‐treatment changes in patient anatomy, providing an additional layer of patient‐specific quality assurance.
Biodegradable PBAT/SWCNT Porous Material for Piezoresistive Sensing and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Jiang Ming , Zhao Haili , Chen Tao , Li Guangming
Published: November 2024

Porous biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)‐based material, used in wearable electronics for sensing human motion, is beneficial for environmental protection. Although PBAT demonstrates good elongation at break and impact performance, specific studies on its processing, modification, and porous structure are needed. Therefore, PBAT/single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) porous material was prepared via a salt‐templating method. It was found that part of the SWCNT was embedded in the walls of the pores in the PBAT substrate, while another part was exposed on the pore surface. PBAT served as the structural framework, and SWCNT functioned mainly as the active component, especially the SWCNT exposed on the surface. This unique microstructure imparted the porous material with desirable piezoresistive properties and effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities. When the material was compressed, the exposed SWCNT was forced into closer contact, increasing the number of electrical transport pathways and further enhancing conductivity. The resulting porous sensor exhibited a notable response to strain up to 100% and demonstrated high sensitivity (1.25) while maintaining robust cyclic stability after 1000 cycles. Human pulse and finger flexion were successfully recorded using the fabricated porous sensor. Moreover, the porous material displayed EMI shielding capabilities, primarily through the absorption of electromagnetic (EM) waves, a phenomenon associated with the rough surface of the pores created by the exposed SWCNT. The overall electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was around 60 dB. Given these advantages, the green biodegradable material PBAT shows significant potential for application in piezoresistive sensors and electromagnetic interference shielding with appropriate modification and preparation.
Stronger Empathy and Better Peer Relationship? One‐Year Cross‐Lagged Panel Analysis in Preschoolers
Authors: Zeng Xiao , Xiong Yao , Mo Kainian , Yang Mengyao , Xie Binglin , Yan Zhiqiang
Published: November 2024

The development of empathy and the establishment of peer relationships significantly influence the quality of preschoolers' social lives. Past research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between empathy and peer relationships. However, debates persist regarding causality. To provide evidence on this matter, we conducted a year‐long longitudinal study involving 160 preschoolers at T1, with 137 children (mean age = 60.99 months, SD = 3.51; 66 males) retained at T2, 1 year later. Our study employed a two‐wave design and cross‐lagged panel analysis. Data on empathy and peer relationships were collected through empathy story tasks and peer nominations. For the analysis of peer nominations, we selected three centrality measures from social network analysis: degree centrality (number of direct friendships), closeness centrality (proximity between network members), and betweenness centrality (control/mediation of information exchange). Results from the cross‐lagged panel analysis reveal that preschoolers' affective and cognitive empathy at T1 positively and significantly predict peer relationships at T2. Specifically, both forms of empathy predict degree centrality and closeness centrality. Additionally, hierarchical linear modeling indicates that, even after controlling for affective empathy, cognitive empathy significantly predicts both degree centrality and closeness centrality at T2. These findings underscore the importance of nurturing empathy, especially cognitive empathy, to enhance peer relationships among preschoolers. Consequently, educators can play a vital role in improving peer relationships by intervening in empathy development, promoting greater social interaction.
An Arabidopsis Cell Culture With Weak Circadian Rhythms Under Constant Light Compared With Constant Dark Can Be Rescued by ELF3
Authors: Laosuntisuk Kanjana , Desai Jigar S. , Doherty Colleen J.
Published: November 2024

Callus and cell suspension culture techniques are valuable tools in plant biotechnology and are widely used in fundamental and applied research. For studies in callus and cell suspension cultures to be relevant, it is essential to know if the underlying biochemistry is similar to intact plants. This study examined the expression of core circadian genes in Arabidopsis callus from the cell suspension named AT2 and found that the circadian rhythms were impaired. The circadian waveforms were like intact plants in the light/dark cycles, but the circadian expression in the AT2 callus became weaker in the free‐running, constant light conditions. Temperature cycles could drive the rhythmic expression in constant conditions, but there were novel peaks at the point of temperature transitions unique to each clock gene. We found that callus freshly induced from seedlings had normal oscillations, like intact plants, suggesting that the loss of the circadian oscillation in the AT2 callus was specific to this callus. We determined that neither the media composition nor the source of the AT2 callus caused this disruption. We observed that ELF3 expression was not differentially expressed between dawn and dusk in both entrained, light–dark cycles and constant light conditions. Overexpression of AtELF3 in the AT2 callus partially recovers the circadian oscillation in the AT2 callus. This work shows that while callus and cell suspension cultures can be valuable tools for investigating plant responses, careful evaluation of their phenotype is important. Moreover, the altered circadian rhythms under constant light and temperature cycles in the AT2 callus could be useful backgrounds to understand the connections driving circadian oscillators and light and temperature sensing at the cellular level.
Alert, but not alarmed: Electoral disinformation and trust during the 2023 Australian voice to parliament referendum
Authors: Carson Andrea , Grömping Max , Gravelle Timothy B. , Jackman Simon , Phillips Justin B.
Published: November 2024

In 2024 experts highlight misinformation and disinformation “amid elections” as the top short‐term global risk. In addressing this pressing concern, electoral authorities are devising strategies to counter electoral disinformation while governments consider changes to public policy and legislation. Drawing on motivated reasoning theory, this study assesses the impact of disinformation and mitigation measures in Australia during the 2023 referendum campaign – to establish a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament – and its subsequent impacts on trust in the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Through a nationally representative survey experiment (N = 3825) we find overall high public trust in the AEC with disinformation having a small, but detectable effect. This study finds a level of “moral panic” regarding disinformation's threat to electoral integrity, at least in the Australian setting. However, concerningly, we also find existing AEC communication and refutation strategies have limited impact on countering distrust arising after a disinformation attack, suggesting a need for other strategies. Nonetheless, the study underscores the resilience of Australian electoral processes against disinformation threats serving as a caution against excessive legislative reaction to this global problem. Our study contributes to understanding the complex interplay between information, trust, and public policy responses to disinformation challenges.
Minimally Invasive Versus Invasive Proteomics: Urine and Blood Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Vitorino Rui
Published: November 2024

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This underlines the urgent need for effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic counseling. Proteomic signatures from plasma and urine have emerged as promising tools for these efforts, each offering unique advantages and challenges. This review provides a detailed comparison of urine and blood proteomic analyzes in the context of CAD and explores their respective advantages and limitations. Urine proteomics offers a minimally invasive, easily repeatable, and temporally stable sampling method, but faces challenges such as lower protein concentrations and potential contamination. Despite its invasive nature, blood proteomics captures high protein concentration and directly reflects systemic physiological changes, making it valuable for acute assessments. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly improved the analysis and interpretation of proteomic data, enabling greater accuracy in diagnosis and predictive modeling. AI algorithms, particularly in pattern recognition and data integration, are helping to uncover subtle relationships between biomarkers and disease progression and supporting the discovery of plasma‐ and urine‐based CAD biomarkers. This review demonstrates the potential of combining urine and blood proteomic data using AI to advance personalized approaches in CAD diagnosis and treatment. Future research should focus on standardization of collection protocols, validation of biomarkers in different populations, and the complexity of integrating data from different sources to maximize the potential of proteomics in the treatment of CAD.
Enzymatic, structural, and biophysical characterization of a single‐domain antibody (VHH) selectively and tightly inhibiting neutrophil elastase and exhibiting favorable developability properties
Authors: Redeghieri Paola , Moray Joël , Kerff Frédéric , Gohy Sophie , Leal Teresinha , Muyldermans Serge , Vanbever Rita , Morales‐Yánez Francisco Javier , Dumoulin Mireille
Published: November 2024

Human neutrophil elastase (hNE), a serine protease released by neutrophils during inflammation, plays a major role in the pathophysiology of several conditions especially in inflammatory lung diseases. Its inhibition constitutes, therefore, a promising therapeutic strategy to combat these diseases. In this work, we characterized the in vitro properties of a VHH (i.e., the antigen binding domain of camelid heavy chain‐only antibodies), referred to as NbE201. This VHH is able to inhibit tightly, selectively and competitively both human and murine elastases with the inhibition constants (Ki) of 4.1 ± 0.9 nM and 36.8 ± 3.9 nM, respectively. The IC50 for the inhibition of the hydrolysis of elastin is in the same range to that of alpha‐1 antitrypsin (i.e., the main endogenous inhibitor of hNE also used in the clinic) and 14 times better than that of Sivelestat (i.e., the 2nd clinically approved hNE inhibitor). The X‐ray crystal structure of the NbE201‐hNE complex reveals that the Complementarity Determining Regions CDR1 and CDR3 of the VHH bind into the substrate binding pocket of hNE and prevent the access to small or macromolecular substrates. They do not, however, bind deep enough into the pocket to be hydrolyzed. NbE201 is highly stable towards oxidation, deamidation, and chemical or thermal denaturation. NbE201 is therefore likely to tolerate manufacturing processes during drug development. These results highlight the high potential of NbE201 as a (pre)clinical tool to diagnose and treat diseases associated with excessive hNE activity, and for fundamental research to better understand the role of hNE in these conditions.
Personalized Medicine: Leave no Patient Behind; Report From the 2024 Coffey‐Holden Prostate Cancer Academy Meeting
Authors: Miyahira Andrea K. , Sharifi Marina , Chesner Lisa N. , El‐Kenawi Asmaa , Haas Roni , Sena Laura A. , Tewari Alok K. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Soule Howard R.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The 11th Annual 2024 Coffey ‐ Holden Prostate Cancer Academy (CHPCA) Meeting, was themed “Personalized Medicine: Leave No Patient Behind,” and was held from June 20 to 23, 2024 at the University of California, Los Angeles, Luskin Conference Center, in Los Angeles, CA.

Methods

The CHPCA Meeting is an academy‐styled annual conference organized by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, to focus discussion on the most critical emerging research that have the greatest potential to advance knowledge of prostate cancer biology and treatment. The 2024 CHPCA Meeting was attended by 75 academic investigators and included 37 talks across 8 sessions.

Results

The meeting sessions focused on: novel human, mouse and systems biology research models, novel immunotherapies for prostate cancer, efforts to overcome treatment resistance, the role of metabolism and diet in prostate cancer biology and as a therapeutic target, mechanisms that drive differentiation into neuroendocrine cancer subtypes, the evolving prostate cancer epigenome in disease progression and treatment resistance, and machine learning and advanced computational approaches for precision oncology.

Discussion

This article summarizes the presentations and discussions from the 2024 CHPCA Meeting. We hope that sharing this knowledge will inspire and accelerate research into new discoveries and solutions for prostate cancer.
Isatuximab–dexamethasone–pomalidomide combination effects on serum M protein and PFS in myeloma: Development of a joint model using phase I/II data
Authors: Pitoy Antoine , Desmée Solène , Riglet François , Thai Hoai‐Thu , Klippel Zandra , Semiond Dorothée , Veyrat‐Follet Christine , Bertrand Julie
Published: November 2024

This study aimed at leveraging data from phase I/II clinical trials to build a nonlinear joint model of serum M‐protein kinetics and progression‐free survival (PFS) accounting for the effects of isatuximab (Isa), pomalidomide (Pom), and dexamethasone (Dex) in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Serum M‐protein levels and PFS data from 203 evaluable patients, included either in a phase I/II study (n = 173) or in a phase I study (n = 30), were used to build the model. First, we independently developed a longitudinal model and a PFS model. Then, we linked them in a nonlinear joint model by selecting the link function that best captured the association between serum M‐protein kinetics and PFS. A Claret tumor growth‐inhibition model accounting for the additive effects of Isa, with an Emax function, Pom, and Dex on serum M‐protein elimination was selected to describe serum M‐protein kinetics. PFS was best described with a log‐logistic model and associations with baseline beta‐2 microglobulin level, age, and coadministration of Dex were identified. The instantaneous change in serum M‐protein level was found to be associated with PFS in the final joint model. Using model simulations, we retrospectively supported the Isa 10 mg/kg weekly for 4 weeks, then biweekly (QW/Q2W) dosing regimen of the ICARIA‐MM phase III pivotal study, and validated it using the same phase III pivotal study data.
Superconducting Properties of Welded Three Top‐Seeded YBa2Cu3O7−x Produced with NdBCO/YBCO/MgO Thin‐Film Seed
Authors: Batur Kübra Nur , Duman Şeyda , Çakir Bakiye , Başoğlu Mehmet , Aydiner Alev
Published: November 2024

This study investigates hollow single‐crystal top‐seeded melt growth (TSMG) YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO or Y123) samples welded with Ag‐added TSMG YBCO solder materials produced using NdBCO/YBCO/MgO thin‐film seeds. Three main samples and one solder material are produced by the TSMG method. In order to increase the dimensions of the bulk YBCO superconductor, two slices of the solder material and the main samples are stacked on top of each other with the c‐axis parallel and welded at 1030 °C. X‐ray diffraction patterns, polarized optical photographs, and SEM micrographs are taken to determine the structural properties of the samples. A preferential orientation in the c‐axis is observed with a good connection. Low‐temperature resistance and magnetization measurements are made for the specimens taken from the welding region. A sharp superconducting transition occurs at 0 T around 93 K for welding regions of W‐ab and W‐bc specimens. The critical current densities (Jc) are high as in the main samples. At the same time, the Jc values at 77 K and 0 T are found as 1.54 × 104, 1.98 × 104, 2.21 × 104, 2.31 × 104, and 2.36 × 104 A cm−2 for the W‐a, W‐ab, W‐b, W‐bc, and W‐c specimens, respectively. The single‐grain feature is not impaired; thus, the absence of additional grain boundaries facilitates the current passage.
A Unified Adaptive Event‐Triggered Output Feedback Consensus for Multi‐Agent Systems With or Without Output Constraints
Authors: Huang Zixuan , Karimi Hamid Reza , Niu Ben , Li Lun , Zhao Xudong
Published: November 2024

This paper is dealing with the problem of adaptive event‐triggered leader‐follower consensus for multi‐agents systems with output constraints and dead‐zone inputs. By introducing an advanced nonlinear mapping technique to obtain the unconstrained auxiliary variables of constrained system states, a new systems model without output constraints is constructed. Unlike existing schemes, the proposed strategy can be used in both constrained and unconstrained situations without requiring changes to the control structure. Moreover, a state estimator is constructed to observe the unavailable states. To conserve communication resources, an event‐triggered rule with a dynamic threshold is designed to decrease superfluous information transmissions from the controller to the actuator. It is proven that all signals in closed‐loop systems are ultimately bounded, and the system output does not violate the given constraint range. At last, a numerical simulation example is provided to confirm the correctness and efficiency of the proposed method.
Development of Vincristine‐Loaded Nano Graphene Oxides for Dual Therapies Against Canine Anaplastic Carcinoma Cells Obtained From a Dog with Spontaneous Mammary Tumor
Authors: Atay Yunus Emre , Yusufbeyoğlu Sadi , Hamurcu Zuhal , Güler Ahsen , Bayram Latife Çakir , Ekebaş Görkem , Celik Cagla , Yilmaz Cemile , Ocsoy Ismail , Akar Yaşar
Published: November 2024

Among pet species, mammary tumors are most commonly encountered in dogs. In the traditional treatment of mammary tumors in dogs; surgical operation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cryotherapy, radiotherapy and homeopathy are used. Herein, we reported vincristine loaded nano graphene oxide (Vin@nGO) for simultaneous photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy under near infrared laser (NIR, 808 nm), whereas GO was used both as a platform for vincristine and as a photothermal (PT) agent, and vincristine was used as a chemotherapeutic agent. Spontaneous mammary tumor masses of a dog were removed and primary tumor cells were obtained and propagated by tissue culture from tumor tissue samples under appropriate conditions. Then, these cells were incubated with Vin@nGO and exposed to NIR laser. NIR laser irradiation at 808 nm was converted to heat by nGO, then the target cancer cells were destroyed by both hyperthermia and chemotherapy. MTS analysis was performed to test the effectiveness of this dual therapy on cell proliferation and a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell proliferation/viability was found (90% reduction compared to the control group (p < 0.0001)). Our study data also shed light on usability of Vin@nGO in the in vivo model for future work.
Facilitating Oriented Electron Transfer from Cu to Mo2C MXene for Weakened Mo─H Bond Toward Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Generation
Authors: Liu Ruiyun , Wang Ping , Wang Xuefei , Chen Feng , Yu Huogen
Published: November 2024

Mo2C MXene (Mo2CTx) is recognized as an excellent cocatalyst due to unique physicochemical properties and platinum‐like d‐band of Mo active sites. However, Mo sites of Mo2CTx with high‐density empty d‐orbitals exhibit strong Mo─Hads bonds during photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, leading to easy adsorption of hydrogen ions from solution and unfavorable desorption of H2 from Mo sites. To weaken the Mo─Hads bond, a strategy of oriented electron transfer from Cu to Mo2CTx to increase the antibonding orbital occupancy of Mo─Hads hybrid orbitals is implemented by introducing Cu into Mo2CTx interlayers to form Cu‐Mo2CTx. The Cu‐Mo2CTx is synthesized from Mo2Ga2C and CuCl2 via a one‐step molten salt method and combined with TiO2 to form Cu‐Mo2CTx/TiO2 photocatalyst through an ultrasound‐assisted approach. Hydrogen production tests reveal that an exceptional performance of Cu‐Mo2CTx/TiO2 (6446 µmol h−1 g−1, AQE = 18.3%) is 8.4 fold higher than that of Mo2CF2/TiO2 (Mo2CF2 by the conventional etchant NH4F+HCl). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and characterization results corroborate that the oriented electron transfer from Cu to Mo2CTx increases the Mo─Hads antibonding occupancy in Cu‐Mo2CTx, thereby weakening Mo─Hads bonds and accelerating the hydrogen evolution rate of TiO2. This research offers valuable insights into optimizing H‐adsorption capabilities at active sites on MXene materials.
In Situ Self‐Assembled 200 nm‐Depth Highly Active Layer Non‐Precious Metals Catalyst for Industrial Water Electrolysis
Authors: You Xin , Zhang Hao , Xiong Xiaolu , Hu Zhiwei , Kuo Chang‐Yang , Chang Fan‐Hsiu , Chen Chien‐Te , Li Zhenya , Bian Wenjie , Jing Chao , Wang Jian‐Qiang , Zhang Linjuan
Published: November 2024

Nickel‐based electrocatalysts are promising for industrial water electrolysis, but the dense hydroxyl oxide layer formed during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limits active sites accessibility and presents challenges in balancing structural stability with effective charge transfer. Based on this, an efficient in situ leaching strategy is proposed to construct grain boundary‐rich catalyst structure with high charge transfer ability and a deep catalytic active layer reached >200‐nm. Under OER conditions, stable sub‐nano Ni3Al particles are embedded in Ni(Fe)OOH, originating from leaching out the unstable Ni2Al3 phase of the initial Ni2Al3/Ni3Al alloy doped with Fe. The structural evolutions are characterized using in situ Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The catalyst exhibits exemplary performance, evidenced by a low overpotential of 212 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a minimal Tafel slope of 25.0 mV dec−1. The catalyst maintains stable for >500 h at 500 mA cm−2 under industrial conditions. Furthermore, its performance in seawater electrolysis is notably superior, exhibiting an overpotential of 223 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 37.5 mV dec−1. The in situ high activity in the deep porous phase by leaching out unstable phases provides a new method for engineering high‐performance industrial catalysts.
Achieving Ultrafast Charge Transfer by Engineering Multiple Pn Junctions in 3D Hierarchical Cathodes Toward Photo‐Chargeable Zinc‐Organic Batteries
Authors: Liu Hang , Tian Zhuocheng , Peng Shaoqian , Cui Lianmeng , Wang Dongxue , Yang Xu , Zhou Liang , Xia Jianlong
Published: November 2024

Photo‐charging zinc ion batteries (PCZIBs) emerge as an innovative approach for the effective utilization and storage of solar energy. However, challenges originating from the suboptimal accessibility of photoexcited charges to electroactive sites severely restrict their practical applications. Herein, a facile methodology to balance light utilization and electrochemical performance by constructing multiple pn junctions in a 3D hierarchical PTCDA‐SP/CuZnS photoelectrochemical cathode is reported. DFT calculations reveal that p‐type CuZnS can adjust the local electronic environment of n‐type PTCDA‐SP, facilitating the formation of multiple pn junctions among the interface of this cathode. This unique nanostructure significantly promotes ultrafast charge transfer within 3 ps and prevents other undesirable excited state decay pathways, as well as boosts ultrashort photo‐response relaxation time less than 20s, resulting in high values of both photo current and voltage of 72.1 µA cm−2 and 813 mV cm−2 respectively. Additionally, all these carbonyls are responsible for photoelectrochemical Zn2+ storage cascade, ensuring significant improvements in reversible capacities (ca. 32%). This study describes a paradigm of building pn junction on 3D hierarchical cathodes to construct high‐performance PCZIBs.
Efficient Ion Screening Boosted by MOF/COF Bilayer Membrane Through Multiple Separation Mechanisms
Authors: Ma Yu , Liu Lin , Yu Ruihe , Ma Mengran , Gao Nan , Sun Lu , Zhang Ning , Zhu Guangshan
Published: November 2024

Porous organic frameworks (POFs), including metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have drawn attention as ion‐selective materials due to their well‐defined channels and functional sites. However, their individual limitations require novel approaches to maximize their potential. In this study, a hybrid bilayer membrane combining MOFs and COFs on a nylon substrate via consecutive liquid‐liquid interface polymerization is developed. This method forms robust chemical bonds between the MOF and COF layers, creating efficient ion transport channels. The integration of ZIF‐8 (MOF layer), which exhibits strong electrostatic repulsion against cations, with TpPa‐SO3H (COF layer), offering strong cation coordination, results in a synergistic effect that significantly enhances ion separation. The ZIF‐8/TpPa‐SO3H/nylon membrane achieved a Li+/Mg2+ separation ratio of 501, which is 400 times higher than the pristine ZIF‐8 membrane and 200 times higher than the TpPa‐SO3H membrane. This outstanding performance is due to the combined electrostatic repulsion of the MOF layer and functional coordination of the COF layer, enabling precise ion discrimination. The membrane's structural integrity and chemical stability further contribute to its superior ion separation efficiency, making it a promising candidate for large‐scale lithium extraction from salt lakes.
Evolutions of Microstructure by Cerium Treatment in As‐Cast M2 High‐Speed Steel
Authors: Li Bobo , Hou Dong , Liu Tao , Wang Deyong , He Jianxiong , Fan Lei , Wang Huihua , Wang Zhenyu
Published: November 2024

The carbide distribution of M2 high speed steel (HSS) is not uniform during the solidification process. The effects of cerium (Ce) on the microstructure, primary carbides, and inclusions of M2 HSS are studied by combining experiment and theory. In the results, it is shown that the eutectic carbides of M2‐type HSS are MC‐ and M6C‐type cubic crystalline carbide and M2C‐type hexagonal crystalline carbide. The addition of rare‐earth elements does not change the type of carbides but changes their morphology. Among them, the shape factor K of the carbide increases from 0.3245 to 0.3736, and the volume percentage of the rare‐earth steel carbide decreases by 18% after 3D reconstruction. Notably, through first‐principles molecular dynamics calculations, it is shown that Ce strengthens the interaction between Fe and alloying elements in the molten state. The evolution sequence of inclusions is as follows: Al2O3 → CeAlO3, Ce2O2S → Ce2O3. The modified inclusions nucleate inhomogeneous on the primary carbide and are affected by the migration of dissolved cerium in the steel melt, resulting in a 23% thinning of the secondary dendrite arm spacing. In these results, theoretical guidance and practical guidance for improving the homogenization of as‐cast carbides are provided.
Are we training the trainers? Leadership educator preparation in student affairs programs
Authors: Friesen Katherine L. , Teig Trisha S. , Painter Claire E.
Published: November 2024

Recently, leadership education researchers and practitioners have raised significant concerns about the gap between the expectations of, and professional training for, leadership educators in student affairs. These professionals are frequently required to facilitate leadership learning, especially in co‐curricular training spaces for student leaders. However, they are often not adequately prepared or resourced by their professional development to deliver these training experiences. Moreover, the growing professional development opportunities in leadership education suggest practitioners need education earlier to be effective in their jobs. This article focuses on these gaps in preparing student affairs professionals as leadership educators in leadership training capacities and suggestions for future research to meet these unaddressed needs.
MART: MultiscAle Relational Transformer Networks for Multi-agent Trajectory Prediction
Authors: Lee Seongju , Lee Junseok , Yu Yeonguk , Kim Taeri , Lee Kyoobin
Published: November 2024

Multi-agent trajectory prediction is crucial to autonomous driving and understanding the surrounding environment. Learning-based approaches for multi-agent trajectory prediction, such as primarily relying on graph neural networks, graph transformers, and hypergraph neural networks, have demonstrated outstanding performance on real-world datasets in recent years. However, the hypergraph transformer-based method for trajectory prediction is yet to be explored. Therefore, we present a MultiscAle Relational Transformer (MART) network for multi-agent trajectory prediction. MART is a hypergraph transformer architecture to consider individual and group behaviors in transformer machinery. The core module of MART is the encoder, which comprises a Pair-wise Relational Transformer (PRT) and a Hyper Relational Transformer (HRT). The encoder extends the capabilities of a relational transformer by introducing HRT, which integrates hyperedge features into the transformer mechanism, promoting attention weights to focus on group-wise relations. In addition, we propose an Adaptive Group Estimator (AGE) designed to infer complex group relations in real-world environments. Extensive experiments on three real-world datasets (NBA, SDD, and ETH-UCY) demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance, enhancing ADE/FDE by 3.9%/11.8% on the NBA dataset. Code is available at https://github.com/gist-ailab/MART.
The Platformization of the Family
Authors: Livingstone Sonia , Sefton-Green Julian
Published: November 2024

This chapter sets the context for the whole book by describing the broad context of digital transformations focusing on digital platforms across many domains in contemporary life. Platforms are now a key type of societal infrastructure governing many social, institutional and interpersonal interactions. The chapter then introduces literature describing how platforms are increasingly understood in relationship to families. This is both in terms of the family as a social unit and how the family conducts its interior and exterior lives through or ‘on’ platforms. The chapter describes the theories and concepts that have been used to explain how families use platforms to ‘compose’ themselves and how families are addressed and identified as a social unit through and by digital platforms. Contemporary ideas of the family itself are of course in a change of flux and the chapter goes onto describe how the sociology of the family is reconceptualising what the family might mean in the context of radical social restructuring and individualisation. The chapter ends by trying to conceptualise the relationship between families and platforms and how this relationship may be better understood by researching the activities of platformization.
Researching the Platformization of the Family: Methodological Challenges
Authors: Membrive Antonio , Miño-Puigcercós Raquel
Published: November 2024

This chapter addresses the challenge of designing research methods to empirically study the platformization of the family. In order to move away from simplistic definitions and discussions like “screen time”, we need rigorous and imaginative methods for capturing everyday family life and understand how platform logics are structuring relationships between and beyond families. Therefore, this chapter identifies ethnographical and participatory methodological approaches and strategies used by researchers who have conducted empirical work on family lives and platformization. By illustrating how these methodologies have been useful to understand how interactions among families are mediated by digital platforms, the authors discuss its potentials and limitations to understand and theorise the processes of platformization in contemporary societies.
Planar Binary Trees, Noncrossing Partitions and the Operator-Valued S-Transform
Authors: Ebrahimi-Fard Kurusch , Ringeard Timothé
Published: November 2024

We revisit the twisted multiplicativity property of Voiculescu’s S-transform in the operator-valued setting, using a specific bijection between planar binary trees and noncrossing partitions.
An 808 line phasor-based dehomogenisation Matlab code for multi-scale topology optimisation
Authors: Woldseth Rebekka Varum , Sigmund Ole , Jensen Peter Dørffler Ladegaard
Published: November 2024

This work presents an 808-line Matlab educational code for combined multi-scale topology optimisation and phasor-based dehomogenisation titled . The multi-scale formulation utilises homogenisation of optimal microstructures to facilitate efficient coarse-scale optimisation. Dehomogenisation allows for a high-resolution single-scale reconstruction of the optimised multi-scale structure, achieving minor losses in structural performance, at a fraction of the computational cost, compared to its large-scale topology optimisation counterpart. The presented code utilises stiffness optimal Rank-2 microstructures to minimise the compliance of a single-load case problem, subject to a volume fraction constraint. By exploiting the inherent efficiency benefits of the phasor-based dehomogenisation procedure, on-the-fly dehomogenisation to a single-scale structure is obtained. The presented code includes procedures for structural verification of the final dehomogenised structure by comparison to the multi-scale solution. The code is introduced in terms of the underlying theory and its major components, including examples and potential extensions, and can be downloaded from Github.
Peter Paul Rickham: the Liverpool neonatal surgery unit 1953
Authors: Losty Paul D.
Published: November 2024

This article highlights the evolution, birth and legacy of the world’s first neonatal surgical unit established at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Liverpool in 1953. Peter Paul Rickham, a creative pioneering and innovative surgeon, is credited here as a major driving force that helped shape and progress the modern day development of neonatal surgery. Rickham’s vision was realised by studying neonatal surgical disorders and the mortality rate of congenital anomalies in Mersey Region while working as a young senior registrar with Isabella Forshall. Rickham defined the extent of the problem(s) and set to work as a newly appointed consultant a vision for improving outcomes with the creation and establishment of a preeminent world leading neonatal surgical unit. Surgeons from all over the world travelled to work, learn and train with Rickham and the paediatric surgical staff team at Alder Hey in the subsequent years to follow. Neonatal anaesthesia greatly advanced by Jackson Rees a colleague working in Liverpool with Rickham allowed huge success to flourish—‘the impossible became possible’. The neonatal surgical unit in Liverpool became the benchmark and prototype for units to develop around the world immediately resulting in improvement in the survival of newborn infants undergoing surgery from 22 to 74%. Rickham’s contributions to neonatal and paediatric surgery are truly remarkable. Alder Hey hosts an international symposium and special dinner with Rickham family members as VIP guests in its calendar of events. A symposium highlight is the Rickham Lecture with the PPR Gold Medal awarded to an international renowned leader in the field of paediatric surgery and the surgical sciences.