bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amblyopia Care Trends Following Widespread Photoscreener Adoption
Authors: Stults Cheryl D. , Liang Su-Ying , Wilcox Joseph , Nyong’o Omondi L.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Amblyopia can result in permanent vision loss if not properly treated before age 7 years. In 2017, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended that vision screening should occur at least once in all children aged 3 to 5 years to detect amblyopia.

Objective

To understand trends and factors associated with screening, referral, or diagnosis of amblyopia before and after photoscreening expansion across a relatively large health care system in late 2017.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a retrospective cohort study of electronic health record data from patients with a well child care visit at approximately age 3 years (ages 2.75-3.25 years) in a relatively large, multispecialty group practice in Northern California and linked census data between 2015 and 2022. Data were extracted and analyzed from October 2022 through August 2023.

Exposures

Patient sex, race and ethnicity, immunization records, previous well child care visits, and census-level median household income.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Vision screening, pediatric ophthalmology referral, or amblyopia diagnosis, compared using adjusted odds ratios (AORs).

Results

The study included 2015-2017 data from 23 246 patients aged 3 years with at least 1 well child care visit (11 206 [48.2%] female) compared with 2018-2022 postexpansion data from 34 281 patients (16 517 [48.2%] female). The screening rate increased from 5.7% (424 of 7505) in 2015 to 72.1% (4578 of 6354) in 2022. The referral rate increased from 17.0% (1279 of 7505) in 2015 to 23.6% (1836 of 7792) in 2018. The diagnosis rate was 2.7% (200 of 7505) in 2015, peaked at 3.4% (263 of 7792) in 2018, and decreased to 1.4% (88 of 6354) in 2022. Compared with White patients, patients who were Asian, Black, or Hispanic were less likely to be screened (Asian: AOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.88; Black: AOR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.96; Hispanic: AOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.97). Compared with White patients, patients who were Asian or Hispanic were more likely to be referred (Asian: AOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.36-1.62; Hispanic: AOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.18-1.48) and were more likely to be diagnosed (Asian: AOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.56; Hispanic: AOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.33-2.11).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, increased availability of photoscreeners was associated with an increase in overall rates of vision screening for children aged 3 years in a relatively large health care system. Given that US rates of visual impairment are predicted to increase, additional targeted interventions would be needed to address remaining disparities in amblyopia care along patient- and clinician-level factors.
Until Further Notice
Authors: Rahman Arifeen S.
Published: February 2024

This essay reflects on the transition from intern to resident and a 24-hour on-call shift starting with an emergency in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Aging as a Consequence of the Adaptation–Maladaptation Dilemma
Authors: Lissek Thomas
Published: February 2024

In aging, the organism is unable to counteract certain harmful influences over its lifetime which leads to progressive dysfunction and eventually death, thus delineating aging as one failed process of adaptation to a set of aging stimuli. A central problem in understanding aging is hence to explain why the organism cannot adapt to these aging stimuli. The adaptation–maladaptation theory of aging proposes that in aging adaptation processes such as adaptive transcription, epigenetic remodeling, and metabolic plasticity drive dysfunction themselves over time (maladaptation) and thereby cause aging‐related disorders such as cancer and metabolic dysregulation. The central dilemma of aging is thus that the set of adaptation mechanisms that the body uses to deal with internal and external stressors acts as a stressor itself and cannot be effectively counteracted. The only available option for the organism to decrease maladaptation may be a program to progressively reduce the output of adaptive cascades (e.g., via genomic methylation) which then leads to reduced physiological adaptation capacity and syndromes like frailty, immunosenescence, and cognitive decline. The adaptation–maladaptation dilemma of aging entails that certain biological mechanisms can simultaneously protect against aging as well as drive aging. The key to longevity may lie in uncoupling adaptation from maladaptation.
Stabilizing Top Interface by Molecular Locking Strategy with Polydentate Chelating Biomaterials toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells in Ambient Air
Authors: Liu Baibai , Ren Xiaodong , Li Ru , Chen Yu , He Dongmei , Li Yong , Zhou Qian , Ma Danqing , Han Xiao , Shai Xuxia , Yang Ke , Lu Shirong , Zhang Zhengfu , Feng Jing , Chen Cong , Yi Jianhong , Chen Jiangzhao
Published: February 2024

The instability of top interface induced by interfacial defects and residual tensile strain hinders the realization of long‐term stable n–i–p regular perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, one molecular locking strategy is reported to stabilize top interface by adopting polydentate ligand green biomaterial 2‐deoxy‐2,2‐difluoro‐d‐erythro‐pentafuranous‐1‐ulose‐3,5‐dibenzoate (DDPUD) to manipulate the surface and grain boundaries of perovskite films. Both experimental and theoretical evidence collectively uncover that the uncoordinated Pb2+ ions, halide vacancy, and/or I─Pb antisite defects can be effectively healed and locked by firm chemical anchoring on the surface of perovskite films. The ingenious polydentate ligand chelating is translated into reduced interfacial defects, increased carrier lifetimes, released interfacial stress, and enhanced moisture resistance, which should be liable for strengthened top interface stability and inhibited interfacial nonradiative recombination. The universality of the molecular locking strategy is certified by employing different perovskite compositions. The DDPUD modification achieves an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.17–24.47%, which is one of the highest PCEs ever reported for the devices prepared in ambient air. The unsealed DDPUD‐modified devices maintain 98.18% and 88.10% of their initial PCEs after more than 3000 h under a relative humidity of 10–20% and after 1728 h at 65 °C, respectively.
Flexible Textile Antennas for 5G Using Eco‐Friendly Water‐Based Solution and Scalable Printing Processes
Authors: Tavares Joana , Loss Caroline , Pinho Pedro , Alves Helena
Published: February 2024

Flexible textile antennas are important for wireless communication within the expansion of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), as it allows for their integration in daily life objects. However, achieving these functionalities in textiles is challenging because of limitations in the electronic performance, flexibility with scalable fabrication process. This paper presents two flexible textile antennas for wearable and non‐ wearable devices compatible with 5G technology created by printing highly conductive silver nanoparticle inks. Two textile substrates are explored, as the dielectric component, a 3D polyester, and a natural origin fabric, burel. The processes used are cost‐effective and scalable, with the antennas designed to operate at 3–3.5 GHz, maintaining their return loss performance even under bending deformation and washing cycles. By transferring the optimized devices into clothes and wall covering, a detailed analysis with experimental measurements of the textile‐based antenna for different operation scenarios is introduced. The work highlights the suitability of these antennas for wearable applications and their alignment with green wireless technologies, contributing to the advancement of sustainable wireless communication systems.
Asymmetric (3+2) Cycloaddition Employing β‐Fluoroalkylated α,β‐Unsaturated 2‐Acyl Imidazole Catalyzed by a Chiral‐at‐Metal Rhodium Complex
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Ji Xiang , Tian Xue , Zhao Zhifei , Pian Jixin , Li Shi‐Wu
Published: February 2024

An asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of β‐fluoroalkylated α,β‐unsaturated 2‐acyl imidazole with nitrones or N,N’‐cyclic azomethine imines to construct chiral α‐fluoroalkylated γ‐amino alcohols or chiral α‐fluoroalkylated 1,3‐diamino compounds has catalyzed by chiral‐at‐metal rhodium complexes is reported. The corresponding products with three contiguous tertiary stereocenters were obtained in 62%–98% yields with stereoselectivities up to >20:1 dr and 99% ee. Remarkably, as low as 0.06 mol% of chiral‐at‐metal rhodium complex can promote a gram‐scale reaction with nitrones or N,N’‐cyclic azomethine imines.
Crosstalk Between NK Cell Receptors and Tumor Membrane Hsp70‐Derived Peptide: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Yazdi Mina , Hasanzadeh Kafshgari Morteza , Khademi Moghadam Fatemeh , Zarezade Vahid , Oellinger Rupert , Khosravi Mohammad , Haas Stefan , Hoch Cosima C. , Pockley Alan Graham , Wagner Ernst , Wollenberg Barbara , Multhoff Gabriele , Bashiri Dezfouli Ali
Published: February 2024

Natural killer (NK) cells are central components of the innate immunity system against cancers. Since tumor cells have evolved a series of mechanisms to escape from NK cells, developing methods for increasing the NK cell antitumor activity is of utmost importance. It is previously shown that an ex vivo stimulation of patient‐derived NK cells with interleukin (IL)‐2 and Hsp70‐derived peptide TKD (TKDNNLLGRFELSG, aa450‐461) results in a significant upregulation of activating receptors including CD94 and CD69 which triggers exhausted NK cells to target and kill malignant solid tumors expressing membrane Hsp70 (mHsp70). Considering that TKD binding to an activating receptor is the initial step in the cytolytic signaling cascade of NK cells, herein this interaction is studied by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation computational modeling. The in silico results showed a crucial role of the heterodimeric receptor CD94/NKG2A and CD94/NKG2C in the TKD interaction with NK cells. Antibody blocking and CRISPR/Cas9–mediated knockout studies verified the key function of CD94 in the TKD stimulation and activation of NK cells which is characterized by an increased cytotoxic capacity against mHsp70 positive tumor cells via enhanced production and release of lytic granules and pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
Development of Complementary Photo‐arginine/lysine to Promote Discovery of Arg/Lys hPTMs Interactomes
Authors: Zong Yu , Weiss Nicole , Wang Ke , Pagano Alexandra E. , Heissel Søren , Perveen Sumera , Huang Jian
Published: February 2024

Arginine and lysine, frequently appearing as a pair on histones, have been proven to carry diverse modifications and execute various epigenetic regulatory functions. However, the most context‐specific and transient effectors of these marks, while significant, have evaded study as detection methods have thus far not reached a standard to capture these ephemeral events. Herein, a pair of complementary photo‐arginine/δ‐photo‐lysine (R‐dz/K‐dz) probes is developed and involve these into histone peptide, nucleosome, and chromatin substrates to capture and explore the interactomes of Arg and Lys hPTMs. By means of these developed tools, this study identifies that H3R2me2a can recruit MutS protein homolog 6 (MSH6), otherwise repelDouble PHD fingers 2 (DPF2), Retinoblastoma binding protein 4/7 (RBBP4/7). And it is disclosed that H3R2me2a inhibits the chromatin remodeling activity of the cBAF complex by blocking the interaction between DPF2 (one component of cBAF) and the nucleosome. In addition, the novel pairs of H4K5 PTMs and respective readers are highlighted, namely H4K5me‐Lethal(3)malignant brain tumor‐like protein 2 (L3MBTL2), H4K5me2‐L3MBTL2, and H4K5acK8ac‐YEATS domain‐containing protein 4 (YEATS4). These powerful tools pave the way for future investigation of related epigenetic mechanisms including but not limited to hPTMs.
High‐Frequency fT and fmax in Organic Transistors: Performance and Perspective
Authors: Darbandy Ghader , Pashaki Elahe Rastegar , Roemer Christian , Bonil Amric , Wang Juan , Iniguez Benjamin , Kleemann Hans , Kloes Alexander
Published: February 2024

In state‐of‐the‐art organic transistors, the transit frequency fT is reported to be fT = 40 MHz for vertical organic transistors, where a voltage‐normalized fT corresponds to 0.36 MHz V−2. The reported highest fT for conventional organic transistors is fT = 160 MHz, where the voltage‐normalized fT is 0.1 MHz V−2. While the reported transit frequency fT of n‐MOSFETs for silicon technology when normalized by the applied biases exceeds 300 GHz V−2. The reported carrier mobility of organic semiconductors is over 100 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is almost an order of magnitude lower than that of silicon. However, the transit frequency fT of organic transistors lags far behind silicon technology by about six orders of magnitude at a comparable device length below 300 nm. In this work, a technology computer‐aided design (TCAD) simulator is adjusted to the experimental DC and AC characteristics of the 200 nm device length vertical organic permeable‐base transistors (OPBTs) based on C60 as semiconductor. The AC performance of the devices is investigated and quantitatively analyzed the influence and contribution of key design, structure and material parameters that determine fT and fmax. The feasible ways to enhance and optimize the highest achievable fT and fmax are identified to reach the and overcome the limitations to high‐frequency operation in organic transistors.
Deep Multiphase Conversion Derived from NiTe2 Nanosheets with Preferred Kinetics for Highly Reversible Mild Aqueous Zinc–Tellurium Batteries
Authors: Si Jingying , Sun Yuanhe , Qi Rui , Lei Qi , Zhang Wei , Ren Zhiguo , Zhao Yuanxin , Li Haitao , Lin Mengru , Wen Wen , Zhang Jincang , Feng Zhenjie , Gao Yi , Li Xiaolong , Zhu Daming
Published: February 2024

Conversion‐type tellurium‐based cathodes have attracted great attention in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) due to potentially high capacity with impressive Te4+/Te0/Te2− conversion. However, impeded by the low‐conductivity Te4+ species and unpreferred kinetics, realizing deep zinc‐tellurium redox remains a major challenge. Herein, energetic NiTe2 nanosheets are first proposed and implemented as preprepared tellurium‐based deep redox cathodes in AZIBs with accelerated electron transport and favorable kinetics. Operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and comprehensive ex situ characterizations demonstrate that Te4+ species from direct oxidation of NiTe2 in dilute mild‐aqueous electrolyte undergo a thermodynamic two‐step TeO2→Te→ZnTe discharge process, while the intertwined tellurium oxides and high‐conductivity nickel monomers derived in situ from NiTe2 nanosheets promote a kinetics‐preferred one‐step ZnTe→TeO2 charging conversion with significantly boosted reversibility. Therefore, a high capacity of 510 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and 93% capacity retention over 400 cycles at 2000 mA g−1 are established. Operando pH tracking and electrode‐electrolyte engineering analyses define that the mild electrolyte environment rich in moisture and electrode conductivity optimization are both critical for achieving reversible tellurium deep redox conversion.
Bioinspired Stretchable Polymers for Dynamic Optical and Thermal Regulation
Authors: Yang Yanzhao , Liu Yuan , Chen Yuanhao , Wang Ling , Feng Wei
Published: February 2024

Elaborated optical and thermal modulatory systems are of great importance to the survival and evolution of organisms in nature. Inspired by these natural intelligent systems, researchers have made great efforts for developing stretchable polymers and exploring their applications in fields of communication, dynamic camouflage, thermal management, and others. Herein, an up‐to‐date account of the advancements in bioinspired stretchable polymers for dynamic optical and thermal regulation is provided. First, stretchable polymers for dynamic structural colors are presented, including cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers, photonic crystal elastomers, and emerging photonic polymers. Then stretchable polymers for dynamic infrared emissivity are introduced, which are achieved by stretch‐induced wrinkled‐flat surface or stretch‐induced cracked surface. Third, stretchable polymers for dynamic thermal management are discussed, focusing on tunable solar transmittance and dynamic radiative cooling. Moreover, the perspectives on the opportunities and challenges for future research directions of bioinspired stretchable polymers are presented at the end.
Metal–organic frameworks with aggregation‐induced emission
Authors: Xu Hang , Cheng Peng
Published: February 2024

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) materials exhibit remarkable emission in the aggregated or solid state while demonstrating minimal emission in dilute solutions. In contrast to conventional luminescent materials, AIE luminogens (AIEgens) offer several advantages in the aggregate state, including high quantum yield, excellent photostability, and low background signals, making them highly promising for diverse applications. Integrating AIEgens into designable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) enables tunable and well‐ordered AIE materials, allowing for precise control over photophysical properties and deeper exploration of AIE mechanisms. Numerous AIE MOFs have been constructed and investigated, and several reviews focus on their structure design and applications in sensing and bioimaging. This review highlights the state‐of‐the‐art advancements in AIE MOFs, including mechanisms, design strategies, and applications in chemical sensing, bioimaging, and disease therapy. The challenges associated with practical applications of AIE MOFs are also addressed, with an emphasis on their large‐scale production involved interdisciplinary collaboration. This comprehensive review aims at guiding further development of AIE MOFs and promoting their practical applications in analysis, healthcare, and other luminescence related fields.
Distinct gut microbiota alterations in patients with early‐stage and advanced‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Chao , Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Tai Wei‐Chen , Yao Chih‐Chien , Chuah Seng‐Kee , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Wang Jing‐Houng , Chen Chien‐Hung
Published: February 2024

Gut microbiota (GM) alterations play a key role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, little is known about the changes in GM diversity during the progression of HCC. Thus, we analyzed the differences in the fecal microbiota of patients with early‐stage and advanced‐stage HCC. This cross‐sectional study examined stool samples from adults with early‐stage HCC (n = 31) and advanced‐stage HCC (n = 44). The taxonomic composition of the GM was determined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of stool samples. There was no significant difference in the alpha‐diversity of the GM between groups; however, beta‐diversity was significantly different between the early‐stage and advanced‐stage groups. Further analysis indicated that the genus Veillonella, family Enterobacteriaceae, order Enterobactriales, and class Gammaproteobacteria were more abundant in the advanced‐stage group than the early‐stage group. Patients with early‐stage and advanced‐stage HCC exhibit different patterns of GM diversity. Furthermore, specific taxa—including Veillonella, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriales, and Gammaproteobacteria—are enriched in patients with advanced‐stage HCC.
Which intranasal corticosteroids can be used in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy or pre‐exposure prophylactic?
Authors: Norris Meghan , Lopez Erin , Delgado Daniel Alicea , Thorp Brian , Klatt‐Cromwell Christine , Senior Brent , Kimple Adam , Ebert Charles S.
Published: February 2024

Key points

All intranasal corticosteroid spray formulations are safe to use in patients on pre‐exposure prophylaxis.

Beclomethasone nasal spray can be used safely with all HAART and PrEP regimens.
Flavin‐N5OOH Functions as both a Powerful Nucleophile and a Base in the Superfamily of Flavoenzymes
Authors: Zhang Qiaoyu , Chen Qianqian , Shaik Sason , Wang Binju
Published: February 2024

Flavoenzymes can mediate a large variety of oxidation reactions through the activation of oxygen. However, the O2 activation chemistry of flavin enzymes is not yet fully exploited. Normally, the O2 activation occurs at the C4a site of the flavin cofactor, yielding the flavin C4a‐(hydro)hydroperoxyl species in monooxygenases or oxidases. Using extensive MD simulations, QM/MM calculations and QM calculations, our studies reveal the formation of the common nucleophilic species, Flavin‐N5OOH, in two distinct flavoenzymes (RutA and EncM). Our studies show that Flavin‐N5OOH acts as a powerful nucleophile that promotes C−N cleavage of uracil in RutA, and a powerful base in the deprotonation of substrates in EncM. We reason that Flavin‐N5OOH can be a common reactive species in the superfamily of flavoenzymes, which accomplish generally selective general base catalysis and C−X (X=N, S, Cl, O) cleavage reactions that are otherwise challenging with solvated hydroxide ion base. These results expand our understanding of the chemistry and catalysis of flavoenzymes.
Pushing The Extreme of Multicentre Bonding: Planar Pentacoordinate Hydride
Authors: Sarmah Kangkan , Kalita Amlan J. , Purkayastha Siddhartha K. , Guha Ankur K.
Published: February 2024

Planar hypercoordination has sparkled interest among the researchers from last few decades. Most of the elements in the Periodic Table have shown this remarkable structural feature. However, the smallest element, hydrogen, is missing in the list. No evidence is there in the literature. Herein, we introduce the first planar pentacoordinate hydrogen atom (ppH) in the global minimum geometry of Li5H6− cluster. Bonding analysis indicates that the central hydrogen atom is stabilized by multicentre bonding with five surrounding Li atoms. Natural charge analysis reveals that the central hydrogen is acting like a hydride which is strongly attracted by the positively charged surrounding lithium centres. The ppH structure is stabilized by strong electrostatic attraction as well as extensive multicentre bonding. Aromaticity has no role to play here. The cluster is dynamically stable and is expected to be detected in gas phase.
Prolinyl Phosphoramidates of Nucleotides with Increased Reactivity
Authors: Humboldt Adrian , Rami Fabian , Topp Franka M. , Arnold Dejana , Göhringer Daniela , Pallan Pradeep S. , Egli Martin , Richert Clemens
Published: February 2024

Nucleoside monophosphates (NMPs) are the subunits of RNA. They are incorporated into growing complementary strands when sequences are copied in enzyme‐free reactions using organic leaving groups at the phosphates. Amino acids are rarely considered as leaving groups, but proline can act as a leaving group when N‐linked to NMPs, so that prolinyl NMPs hydrolyze in aqueous buffer at 37 °C, with half‐life times as short as 2.4 h, and they act as monomers in enzyme‐free primer extension. Still, their level of reactivity is insufficient for practical purposes, requiring months for some extensions. Herein we report the synthesis of eight substituted prolinyl AMPs together with seven related compounds and the results of a study of their reactivity. A δ‐carboxy prolinyl NMP was found to be converted with a half‐life time of just 11 min in magnesium‐free buffer, and a δ‐isopropyl prolinyl NMP was shown to react sevenfold faster than its prolinyl counterpart in enzyme‐free genetic copying of RNA. Our results indicate that both anchimeric and steric effects can be employed to increase the reactivity of aminoacidyl nucleotides, i.e. compounds that combine two fundamental classes of biomolecules in one functional entity.
Photocatalytic Upgrading of Polylactic Acid Waste into Alanine under Mild Conditions
Authors: Liu Chu‐Xuan , Liu Kesheng , Xu Yanjun , Wang Zhuan , Weng Yuxiang , Liu Fulai , Chen Yong
Published: February 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) has attracted increasing interest as a sustainable plastic because it can be degraded into CO2 and H2O in nature. However, this process is sluggish, and even worse, it is a CO2‐emitting and carbon resource waste process. Therefore, it is highly urgent to develop a novel strategy for recycling post‐consumer PLA to achieve a circular plastic economy. Herein, we report a one‐pot photoreforming route for the efficient and selective amination of PLA waste into value‐added alanine using CoP/CdS catalysts under mild conditions. Results show the alanine production rate can reach up to 2.4 mmol gcat−1 h−1, with a high selectivity (>75 %) and excellent stability. Time‐resolved transient absorption spectra (TAS) reveal that CoP can rapidly extract photogenerated electrons from CdS to accelerate proton reduction, favoring hole‐dominated PLA oxidation to coproduce alanine. This study offers an appealing way for upcycling PLA waste and creates new opportunities for green synthesis of amino acids.
A Halogen‐Bond‐Driven Artificial Chloride‐Selective Channel Constructed from 5‐Iodoisophthalamide‐based Molecules
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Sarkar Susmita , Chattopadhayay Sandip , Mondal Jagannath , Talukdar Pinaki
Published: February 2024

Despite considerable emphasis on advancing artificial ion channels, progress is constrained by the limited availability of small molecules with the necessary attributes of self‐assembly and ion selectivity. In this study, a library of small molecules based on 5‐haloisophthalamide and a non‐halogenated isophthalamide were examined for their ion transport properties across the lipid bilayer membranes, and the finding demonstrates that the di‐hexyl‐substituted 5‐iodoisophthalamide derivative exhibits the highest level of activity. Furthermore, it was established that the highest active compound facilitates the selective chloride transport that occurs via an antiport‐mediated mechanism. The crystal structure of the compound unveils a distinctive self‐assembly of molecules, forming a zig‐zag channel pore that is well‐suited for the permeation of anions. Planar bilayer conductance measurements proved the formation of chloride selective channels. A molecular dynamics simulation study, relying on the self‐assembled component derived from the crystal structure, affirmed the paramount significance of intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the formation of supramolecular barrel‐rosette structures that span the bilayer. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the transport of chloride across the lipid bilayer membrane is facilitated by the synergistic effects of halogen bonding and hydrogen bonding within the channel.
Orthogonal Postsynthetic Copolymerization of Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks into a PolyHOF Membrane
Authors: Liu Xiao , Ye Yingxiang , He Xu , Niu Qingyu , Chen Banglin , Li Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) have shown promise in various fields; however, the construction of HOF/polymer hybrid membranes that can maintain both structural and functional integrity remains challenging. In this study, we here fabricated a new HOF (HOF‐50) with reserved polymerizable allyl group via charge‐assisted H‐bonds between the carboxylate anion and amidinium, and subsequently copolymerized the HOF with monomers to construct a covalently bonded HOF/polymer hybrid (polyHOF) membrane. The resulting polyHOF membrane not only exhibits customizable mechanical properties and extreme stability, but also shows an exceptional ratiometric luminescent temperature‐sensing function with very high sensitivity and visibility even when the lanthanide content is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the reported mixed‐lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and lanthanide‐doped covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This orthogonal postsynthesis copolymerization strategy may provide a general approach for preparing covalently connected HOF/polymer hybrid membranes for diverse applications.
Performance estimation of switched linear systems via n×(n+2) generalized coordinate transformations
Authors: Lin Meili , Han Junfeng , Xu Yong
Published: February 2024

For a continuous‐time switched linear system, the spectral abscissa, that is, the maximum Lyapunov exponent, essentially characterizes the worst‐case asymptotic divergence or convergence rate under arbitrary switching. In this study, based on the
generalized coordinate transformation method, a computational algorithm is proposed to get the performance estimation of the switched linear system under arbitrary switching by estimating the spectral abscissa of the system. Simulation examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, which gives a better estimation of the spectral abscissa than the existing results.
Carbonbeton‐Sandwichelemente unter Anpralllast – numerische und experimentelle Untersuchung
Authors: Schubert Thomas , Scholer Jonathan , Kahnt Alexander , Braml Thomas , Marx Steffen , Beckmann Birgit
Published: February 2024

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird untersucht, inwieweit Carbonbeton‐Sandwichelemente als Fertigteilwände zum Gebäudeschutz beitragen können. Der Kompositwerkstoff Carbonbeton ermöglicht aufgrund der korrosionsbeständigen Bewehrung dünnwandige Konstruktionen. Die Sandwichplatte besteht aus zwei 3 cm dünnen Carbonbetonschichten, zwischen denen 8 cm Mineralfaserwolle als Dämmschicht angebracht ist. Durch den geschichteten Aufbau können Fertigteile hergestellt werden, die die Anforderungen an Tragfähigkeit und Bauphysik erfüllen und als Wandelemente in Gebäudehüllen eingesetzt werden. Im Beitrag wird untersucht, inwieweit ein solches Sandwichwandelement einen baulichen Schutz gegen Anpralllasten darstellen kann, wie sie beispielsweise durch Unwettersituationen infolge geänderter klimatischer Bedingungen oder auch durch anthropogene Ursachen auftreten können. Hierfür werden Impaktversuche in der Fallanlage der TU Dresden durchgeführt. Im druckluftbeschleunigten Modus der Fallanlage wird untersucht, welche Schädigung eine Impaktmasse von 8,4 kg mit Auftreffgeschwindigkeit von 35 m/s in der Carbonbeton‐Sandwichplatte hervorruft. In der experimentellen Untersuchung werden die fotogrammetrisch ermittelten Beschleunigungen sowie Durchbiegungen aufgezeichnet. Darüber hinaus werden das Durchstanzversagen und die Perforation der Carbonbeton‐Sandwichplatte in numerischen Simulationen untersucht und die Ergebnisse mit den experimentell ermittelten Daten verglichen.
Construction and optimization of ecological network based on morphological spatial pattern analysis and minimum cumulative resistance models in Haihe River basin
Authors: Li Fawen , Zhao Yuyao , Zhao Yong
Published: February 2024

In recent years, landscape fragmentation has become increasingly serious due to the impact of human activities. The ecological network can ensure the ecological function of the region through linearly connecting ecological corridors and effectively solving the problem of landscape fragmentation that occurs in the evolution of landscape patterns. Based on MSPA and MCR models, the article analyses the distribution and changes of landscape types in the Haihe River basin and constructs an ecological network in the study area by combining the local ecological characteristics of the basin. The network structure is optimized in the end by selecting three large stepping stones, constructing 69 internal ecological stepping stones, identifying 212 fracture points, and adding seven ecological corridors to build a point–line surface network structure with an internal and external double‐loop structure. The connectivity of the network structure is evaluated by using complex network method. It is calculated that the network connectivity performance is improved by 13.95% after optimization, which means the species exchange in the study area is closer.
Actinin‐4 controls survival signaling in B cells by limiting the lateral mobility of B‐cell antigen receptors
Authors: Alsouri Saed , Ambrose Ashley , Mougios Nikolaos , Paglilla Nadia , Mayr Florian , Choi Kate , Loeber Jens , Chapuy Björn , Haeupl Björn , Opazo Felipe , Oellerich Thomas , Gold Michael , Engelke Michael
Published: February 2024

The structure and dynamics of F‐actin networks in the cortical area of B cells control the signal efficiency of B‐cell antigen receptors (BCRs). Although antigen‐induced signaling has been studied extensively, the role of cortical F‐actin in antigen‐independent tonic BCR signaling is less well understood. Because these signals are essential for the survival of B cells and are consequently exploited by several B‐cell lymphomas, we assessed how the cortical F‐actin structure influences tonic BCR signal transduction. We employed genetic variants of a primary cell‐like B‐cell line that can be rendered quiescent to show that cross‐linking of actin filaments by α‐actinin‐4 (ACTN4), but not ACTN1, is required to preserve the dense architecture of F‐actin in the cortical area of B cells. The reduced cortical F‐actin density in the absence of ACTN4 resulted in increased lateral BCR diffusion. Surprisingly, this was associated with reduced tonic activation of BCR‐proximal effector proteins, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, and pro‐survival pathways. Accordingly, ACTN4‐deficient B‐cell lines and primary human B cells exhibit augmented apoptosis. Hence, our findings reveal that cortical F‐actin architecture regulates antigen‐independent tonic BCR survival signals in human B cells.
Mood and fluency: The case of pronunciation ease, liking and trust
Authors: Löffler Charlotte S. , Naber Dörte , Weiger Naomi , Zürn Michael K. , Silva Rita R. , Ingendahl Moritz , Topolinski Sascha
Published: February 2024

We explored the impact of mood on the judgemental consequences of word pronounceability in six Experiments (1 preregistered, total N = 1183). Positive and negative mood was induced via video clips (all but Experiment 4) and subliminal affective primes (Experiment 4). Additionally, participants were presented with easy‐ and difficult‐to‐pronounce letter strings. These were framed as target words to be judged for liking (Experiments 1–2), as names of eBay sellers to be judged for trustworthiness (Experiments 3–5), or as either seller names or passwords to provoke opposing interpretations of pronunciation fluency (Experiment 6). While pronounceability showed a robust effect across experiments, mood did not modulate the judgemental use of (Experiments 1–4), the correction for (Experiment 5) and the interpretation (Experiment 6) of word pronounceability. In conclusion, the judgemental effects of pronounceability persist despite the presence of more objective and task‐pertinent cues, resist judgemental correction and remain unaffected by affective states.
Effect of smoking on methylation and semen parameters
Authors: Naeimi Nasim , Mohseni Kouchesfehani Homa , Heidari Zahra , Mahmoudzadeh‐Sagheb Hamidreza
Published: February 2024

One type of epigenetic modification is genomic DNA methylation, which is induced by smoking, and both are associated with male infertility. In this study, the relationship between smoking and CHD5 gene methylation and semen parameters in infertile men was determined. After the MS‐PCR of blood in 224 samples, 103 infertile patients (62 smokers and 41 non‐smokers) and 121 fertile men, methylation level changes between groups and the effect of methylation and smoking on infertility and semen parameters in infertile men were determined. The results showed that there is a significant difference in the methylation status (MM, MU, UU) of the CHD5 gene between the patient and the control group, and this correlation also exists for the semen parameters (p < .001). The average semen parameters in smokers decreased significantly compared to non‐smokers and sperm concentration was (32.21 ± 5.27 vs. 55.27 ± 3.38), respectively. MM methylation status was higher in smokers (22.5%) compared to non‐smokers (14.6%). Smoking components affect the methylation pattern of CHD5 gene, and smokers had higher methylation levels and lower semen parameters than non‐smokers, which can be biomarkers for evaluating semen quality and infertility risk factors. Understanding the epigenetic effects of smoking on male infertility can be very useful for predicting negative consequences of smoking and providing therapeutic solutions.
Selenization of NiCo2S4 Spinel Structure to Reduce the Charge Transfer Resistance for Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Liu Jingdong , Wang Guorong , Jin Zhiliang
Published: February 2024

Due to the semiconductor properties and the weak charge transfer ability, the further application of spinellide material will be hindered in energy storage. Herein, the NiCo2S4 prepared by the two‐step method is modified adopting Se powder with different mass ratios under aqueous solvothermal conditions. Thanks to the selenide formed on the surface, the Se‐NiCo2S4‐10 sample exhibits a specific capacitance of 713 F g−1 at the current density of 1.0 A g−1, which is 2.6 times higher than that of pure NiCo2S4. Commercially, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitors Se‐NiCo2S4‐10//AC present an energy density of 25.13 Wh kg−1 under the power density of 753.9 W kg−1. This work shows that surface selenization has the effect of reducing charge transfer on spinel‐like nanomaterials, which provides a modified idea for the application of spinel materials in supercapacitor electrodes.
Automated grain sizing from uncrewed aerial vehicles imagery of a gravel‐bed river: Benchmarking of three object‐based methods
Authors: Miazza Raphaël , Pascal Ivan , Ancey Christophe
Published: February 2024

Measuring grain sizes in gravel‐bed rivers is crucial when studying river dynamics and sediment transport. Automated methodologies have been developed in recent years for detecting individual grains and measuring their size on digital imagery. These object‐based methodologies have mainly been applied to handheld imagery. Low‐cost and high‐resolution orthoimages covering long river reaches are nowadays accessible with the improvements in uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) and structure‐from‐motion (SfM) photogrammetry. Applying object‐based grain‐sizing methodologies to such orthoimages may provide wide‐scale information about the grain size spatial distribution along streambeds. We examined how accurate three object‐based models (BASEGRAIN, PebbleCountsAuto and GALET) were, by comparing their outcomes to in‐field manual measurements of grain sizes and manual grain labelling. We found that BASEGRAIN and PebbleCountsAuto underestimated grain sizes on average, whereas GALET generally overestimated grain size percentiles. Grain size measurements obtained by manually labelling grain features were consistent with in‐field measurements.
Impact of brain parcellation on prediction performance in models of cognition and demographics
Authors: Litwińczuk Marta Czime , Muhlert Nils , Trujillo‐Barreto Nelson , Woollams Anna
Published: February 2024

Brain connectivity analysis begins with the selection of a parcellation scheme that will define brain regions as nodes of a network whose connections will be studied. Brain connectivity has already been used in predictive modelling of cognition, but it remains unclear if the resolution of the parcellation used can systematically impact the predictive model performance. In this work, structural, functional and combined connectivity were each defined with five different parcellation schemes. The resolution and modality of the parcellation schemes were varied. Each connectivity defined with each parcellation was used to predict individual differences in age, education, sex, executive function, self‐regulation, language, encoding and sequence processing. It was found that low‐resolution functional parcellation consistently performed above chance at producing generalisable models of both demographics and cognition. However, no single parcellation scheme showed a superior predictive performance across all cognitive domains and demographics. In addition, although parcellation schemes impacted the graph theory measures of each connectivity type (structural, functional and combined), these differences did not account for the out‐of‐sample predictive performance of the models. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that while high‐resolution parcellations may be beneficial for modelling specific individual differences, partial voluming of signals produced by the higher resolution of the parcellation likely disrupts model generalisability.
A prediction model for response to immune checkpoint inhibition in advanced melanoma
Authors: van Duin Isabella A. J. , Verheijden Rik J. , van Diest Paul J. , Blokx Willeke A. M. , El‐Sharouni Mary‐Ann , Verhoeff Joost J. C. , Leiner Tim , van den Eertwegh Alfonsus J. M. , de Groot Jan Willem B. , van Not Olivier J. , Aarts Maureen J. B. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W. P. J. , Blank Christian U. , Haanen John B. A. G. , Hospers Geke A. P. , Piersma Djura , van Rijn Rozemarijn S. , van der Veldt Astrid A. M. , Vreugdenhil Gerard , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , Stevense‐den Boer Marion A. M. , Boers‐Sonderen Marye J. , Kapiteijn Ellen , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , Elias Sjoerd G.
Published: February 2024

Predicting who will benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in patients with advanced melanoma is challenging. We developed a multivariable prediction model for response to ICI, using routinely available clinical data including primary melanoma characteristics. We used a population‐based cohort of 3525 patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma treated with anti‐PD‐1‐based therapy. Our prediction model for predicting response within 6 months after ICI initiation was internally validated with bootstrap resampling. Performance evaluation included calibration, discrimination and internal–external cross‐validation. Included patients received anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy (n = 2366) or ipilimumab plus nivolumab (n = 1159) in any treatment line. The model included serum lactate dehydrogenase, World Health Organization performance score, type and line of ICI, disease stage and time to first distant recurrence—all at start of ICI—, and location and type of primary melanoma, the presence of satellites and/or in‐transit metastases at primary diagnosis and sex. The over‐optimism adjusted area under the receiver operating characteristic was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.64–0.66). The range of predicted response probabilities was 7%–81%. Based on these probabilities, patients were categorized into quartiles. Compared to the lowest response quartile, patients in the highest quartile had a significantly longer median progression‐free survival (20.0 vs 2.8 months; P < .001) and median overall survival (62.0 vs 8.0 months; P < .001). Our prediction model, based on routinely available clinical variables and primary melanoma characteristics, predicts response to ICI in patients with advanced melanoma and discriminates well between treated patients with a very good and very poor prognosis.
The relationship between active/passive smoking and spontaneous preterm birth: Data from a multicenter study
Authors: Cavichiolli F. S. , Borovac‐Pinheiro A. , Lajos G. J. , Becker Mario , Passini R. ,   Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth Study Group
Published: February 2024

Background

Prematurity is considered to be the leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age, with one child dying every 2 s. Smoking is known to be one of the factors associated with prematurity, with both immediate and late consequences. However, it is difficult to obtain concrete data on the relationship between smoking and spontaneous preterm birth.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of active and passive smoking on spontaneous preterm birth.

Methods

This was a multicenter, cross‐sectional complementary study that included data on preterm births in 20 maternity hospitals in Brazil between 2011 and 2012. The relationship between smoking category (people who smoke [PWS]; people who smoke indirectly [PWSI]; and people who do not smoke [PWDNS]) and sociodemographic characteristics, birth, and neonatal data was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using frequencies, percentages, the χ2 test, and stepwise comparisons, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

The original study included 5295 pregnant participants and their preterm infants. There were 1491 spontaneous preterm births (SPBs); 1191 preterm rupture of membranes; 1468 therapeutic preterm births; and 1146 term births. The proportion of women who were PWS during pregnancy was 13.5%, and 31.6% were PWSI. Pregnant individuals who smoked and who smoked indirectly had a higher incidence of SPBs (61.2%) compared with PWDNS (48.4%; P < 0.0001); however, multivariate analysis did not confirm causality.

Conclusions

This study did not confirm that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of SPB. PWSI also did not have an increased incidence of spontaneous preterm birth or adverse neonatal outcomes.
Estimation of loss in arable land and irrigation requirements using high‐resolution imagery and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Farooq Majid , Mushtaq Fayma , Yousuf Ubaid
Published: February 2024

Water resources planning and management are critical in intricate basins such as the Indus Basin, shared by India and Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) for food security, conserving the environment, sustainable economic development and supporting livelihoods. The present study assesses arable land loss within the Padshahi and Sindh Extension (SE) canal catchments over 54 years, utilizing high‐resolution satellite imagery and Google Earth Engine's normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derivations for strategizing irrigation efficiency, minimizing water loss and ensuring sustainable utilization of limited water resources under the IWT. Results revealed that irrigated land has decreased from 5127 ha (1966) to 3501 ha (2020) in both canals. The Padshahi canal sees substantial loss (1278 ha), primarily due to the highest transitions from agricultural land/crop land (−69%) to built‐up areas. The SE canal, experiencing shifts to horticulture and plantation, records relatively fewer changes in built‐up areas (348 ha). The monthly variation in the NDVI clearly depicted the high demand for irrigation to cater to agricultural lands with the onset of the sowing season for paddy in the Padshahi (1900 ha) and SE (2600 ha) canals in May.
Enzyme‐functionalized hydrogel film for extracorporeal uric acid reduction
Authors: Pantakitcharoenkul Jaturavit , Touma Jad , Jovanovic Goran , Coblyn Matthew
Published: February 2024

Enzyme replacement therapy for hyperuricemia treatment has been proven effective for critical state hyperuricemia patients. Still, direct administration of recombinant uricase can induce several fatal side effects. To circumvent this drawback, hydrogel protein carriers can be used in platforms for extracorporeal treatment such as microscale‐based devices. In this work, calcium alginate and poly‐(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel films were studied for their urate oxidase immobilization and uric acid reduction, which could be implemented in microscale‐based extracorporeal devices. A mathematical model was developed in conjunction with uric acid reduction experiments to evaluate the influence of mass transfer and reaction parameters in the Michaelis–Menten kinetic expression. Alginate hydrogels prepared with crosslinker 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N‐(hydroxysuccinimide) offered superior diffusivity of uric acid in the gel matrix at the maximum value of 1.98 × 10−11 m2/s compared with alginate prepared solely from ionic crosslinking with  5.31 × 10−12 m2/s at the same alginate concentration. The maximum value of νmax was experimentally determined at 7.78 × 10−5 mol/(m3s). A 3% sodium alginate hydrogel with crosslinkers yielded the highest reduction of uric acid at 92.70%. The mathematical model demonstrated an excellent prediction of uric acid conversion suggesting potential use of the model for formulation and maximizing the therapeutic performance of functionalized hydrogels.