bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐performance diffusion model for inverse design of high Tc superconductors with effective doping and accurate stoichiometry
Authors: Zhong Chengquan , Zhang Jingzi , Wang Yuelin , Long Yanwu , Zhu Pengzhou , Liu Jiakai , Hu Kailong , Chen Junjie , Lin Xi
Published: January 2024

The pursuit of designing superconductors with high Tc has been a long‐standing endeavor. However, the widespread incorporation of doping in high Tc superconductors significantly impacts electronic structure, intricately influencing Tc. The complex interplay between the structural composition and material performance presents a formidable challenge in superconductor design. Based on a novel generative model, diffusion model, and doping adaptive representation: three‐channel matrix, we have designed a high Tc superconductors inverse design model called Supercon‐Diffusion. It has achieved remarkable success in accurately generating chemical formulas for doped high Tc superconductors. Supercon‐Diffusion is capable of generating superconductors that exhibit high Tc and excels at identifying the optimal doping ratios that yield the peak Tc. The doping effectiveness (55%) and electrical neutrality (55%) of the generated doped superconductors exceed those of traditional GAN models by more than tenfold. Density of state calculations on the structures further confirm the validity of the generated superconductors. Additionally, we have proposed 200 potential high Tc superconductors that have not been documented yet. This groundbreaking contribution effectively reduces the search space for high Tc superconductors. Moreover, it successfully establishes a bridge between the interrelated aspects of composition, structure, and property in superconductors, providing a novel solution for designing other doped materials.

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Informing adolescent substance misuse prevention: A parent focus group perspective
Authors: Hausheer Robin , Norris Kathleen
Published: January 2024

Substance misuse during adolescence is an issue, and engaging parents in prevention efforts has significant positive impacts; yet barriers to engagement exist. The purpose of this qualitative parent focus group study was to understand the perspectives of participants (n = 5) about information and delivery platforms that will promote, engage, and support parents in prevention efforts. Thematic analyses identified five key themes from the semistructured interview: (1) educational support, (2) community support, (3) venues and platforms, (4) influences of other countries, and (5) potential barriers. Implications for clinical mental health and school counselors, and future research are discussed.
Nrf2 activation by hydroxytyrosol and dimethyl fumarate ameliorates skin tissue repair in high‐fat diet‐fed mice by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and normalizing inflammatory response and oxidative damage
Authors: de Carvalho Faria Regina Viana , Duarte Matheus Silva , de Souza Nogueira Jeane , Gregório Bianca Martins , Romana‐Souza Bruna
Published: January 2024

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) or dimethyl fumarate (DMF), activators of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), may reduce obesity in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed animals; nevertheless, the role of these activators on skin tissue repair of HFD‐fed animals was not reported. This study investigated whether HT or DMF could improve skin wound healing of HFD‐fed obese animals. Mice were fed with an HFD, treated with HT or DMF, and full‐thickness skin wounds were created. Macrophages isolated from control and obese animals were treated in vitro with HT. DMF, but not HT, reduced the body weight of HFD‐fed mice. Collagen deposition and wound closure were improved by HT or DMF in HFD‐fed animals. HT or DMF increased anti‐inflammatory macrophage phenotype and protein Nrf2 levels in wounds of HFD‐fed mice. Lipid peroxidation and protein tumor necrosis factor‐α levels were reduced by HT or DMF in wounds of HFD‐fed animals. In in vitro, HT stimulated Nrf2 activation in mouse macrophages isolated from obese animals. In conclusion, HT or DMF improves skin wound healing of HFD‐fed mice by reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory response. HT or DMF may be used as a therapeutic strategy to improve the skin healing process in individuals with obesity.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of palladium electrocatalysts supported on corncob biochar for ethanol oxidation reaction in alkaline medium
Authors: Alfonso Arwil Nathaniel R. , Villanueva Matthew L. , Laxamana Justienne Rei P. , Necesito Hannah Grace G. , Tongol Bernard John V.
Published: January 2024

In this study, palladium particles supported on carbon black (Vulcan XC‐72) (Pd/C) and corncob biochar (Pd/CB800, Pd/CB900, and Pd/CB1000) were successfully synthesized using borohydride reduction. The biochar support was obtained from corncob waste via pyrolysis from 800 to 1000°C. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x‐ray (SEM–EDX) revealed successful deposition of Pd metal particles on the carbon support materials. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline structures of Pd, and the crystallite size was found to be smallest in Pd/CB900. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pd electrocatalyst composites towards ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in an alkaline medium was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). CV analysis has shown that Pd/CB900 gave the least positive onset potential (Eonset = −0.587 ± 0.0065 V), highest electrochemically active surface area (EASA = 31.51 ± 2.24 m2·g−1), and highest anodic peak current density (If = 20.77 mA·cm−2) compared with Pd/CB800, Pd/CB1000, and Pd/C. Furthermore, the Tafel plot and chronoamperometry have shown that Pd/CB900 exhibited faster kinetics (Tafel slope = 297.6 ± 4.62 mV·dec−1) and durability (% current retention = 50.64 ± 2.99%) than Pd/C towards EOR in an alkaline medium. This study highlights the simple and straightforward synthesis of the anode electrocatalyst material for direct ethanol fuel cell application.
Sailing league problems
Authors: Schüler Robert , Schürmann Achill
Published: January 2024

We describe a class of combinatorial design problems which typically occur in professional sailing league competitions. We discuss connections to resolvable block designs and equitable coverings and to scheduling problems in operations research. We in particular give suitable boolean quadratic and integer linear optimization problem formulations, as well as further heuristics and restrictions, that can be used to solve sailing league problems in practice. We apply those techniques to three case studies obtained from real sailing leagues and compare the results with previously used tournament plans.
The odd couple: Caffeine and microplastics. Morphological and physiological changes in Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Impellitteri Federica , Briglia Marilena , Porcino Caterina , Stoliar Oksana , Yunko Katerina , Germanà Antonino , Piccione Giuseppe , Faggio Caterina , Guerrera Maria Cristina
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the presence of pharmaceuticals and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns about their environmental impact. This study explores the combined effects of caffeine, a common pharmaceutical pollutant, and MPs on the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Caffeine, at concentrations of 20.0 μg L−1, and MPs (1 mg L−1, 35–50 μm size range), was used to mimic real‐world exposure scenarios. Two hundred M. galloprovincialis specimens were divided into four groups: caffeine, MPs, Mix (caffeine + MPs), and Control. After a two‐week acclimation period, the mollusks were subjected to these pollutants in oxygen‐aerated aquariums under controlled conditions for 14 days. Histopathological assessments were performed to evaluate gill morphology. Cellular volume regulation and digestive gland cell viability were also analyzed. Exposure to caffeine and MPs induced significant morphological changes in M. galloprovincialis gills, including cilia loss, ciliary disk damage, and cellular alterations. The chitinous rod supporting filaments also suffered damage, potentially due to MP interactions, leading to hemocyte infiltration and filament integrity compromise. Hemocytic aggregation suggested an inflammatory response to caffeine. In addition, viability assessments of digestive gland cells revealed potential damage to cell membranes and function, with impaired cell volume regulation, particularly in the Mix group, raising concerns about nutrient metabolism disruption and organ function compromise. These findings underscore the vulnerability of M. galloprovincialis to environmental pollutants and emphasize the need for monitoring and mitigation efforts.

Research Highlights

The synergy of caffeine and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems warrants investigation.

MPs and caffeine could affect gill morphology of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Caffeine‐exposed cells had lower viability than the control group in the NR retention test.

MPs and mix‐exposed cells struggled to recover their volume.
Extracellular vesicles from periodontal pathogens regulate hepatic steatosis via Toll‐like receptor 2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1
Authors: Kim Hyun Young , Lim Younggap , Jang Ji Sun , Ko Yeon Kyeong , Choi Youngnim , Kim Hong‐Hee , Choi Bong‐Kyu
Published: January 2024

Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by lipid accumulation in the liver. In this study, we showed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the periodontal pathogens Filifactor alocis and Porphyromonas gingivalis induced steatosis by inducing PAI‐1 in the liver and serum of mice fed a low‐fat diet. PAI‐1 induction was not observed in TLR2−/− mice. When tested using HEK‐Blue hTLR2 cells, human TLR2 reporter cells, the TLR2‐activating ability of serum from NAFLD patients (n = 100) was significantly higher than that of serum from healthy subjects (n = 100). Correlation analysis confirmed that PAI‐1 levels were positively correlated with the TLR2‐activating ability of serum from NAFLD patients and healthy subjects. Amphiphilic molecules in EVs were involved in PAI‐1 induction. Our data demonstrate that the TLR2/PAI‐1 axis is important for hepatic steatosis by EVs of periodontal pathogens.
Exploration of support for Black, Indigenous, and people of color students in genetic counseling programs
Authors: Jagannathan Dhriti , MacFarlane Ian M. , Zierhut Heather
Published: January 2024

Students in higher education who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) experience racism, discrimination, and microaggressions through tokenization, hypervisibility, invisibility, and marginalization. The experiences of BIPOC genetic counseling students with curriculum, clinical training, and sense of belonging also differ. Therefore, there is a large need for understanding how support is defined by BIPOC genetic counseling students, and then how to integrate specific aspects of training into a practical framework for programs to address racism and the resulting emotional implications. This study aimed to define current practices of support and identify gaps in genetic counseling programs as described by BIPOC students. BIPOC genetic counseling students (N = 40) were recruited through Listserv, social media, and Slack channels to complete an online survey eliciting demographic data, perspectives on support, and available support resources. The online survey consisted of 22 open‐ and closed‐ended questions. Data were collected over a 5‐week period. Open‐ended responses were coded by thematic analysis and audited. The top three supports were as follows: (1) presence of other BIPOC students; (2) presence of BIPOC faculty; and (3) financial funding. Participants' individual definitions of support indicated that each student defined support in a unique way. Most participants defined understanding and empathy stemming from peers, supervisors, and faculty within the program setting as important aspects of overall support. The majority of participants felt somewhat or strongly supported in areas of training. The area with the least support was within rotation/fieldwork experiences. Programs should consider social‐ and program‐level support combined with emotional support. Individualized support for every student is needed while avoiding assumptions about their identity and support needs. Training programs may consider a balance of efforts to prioritize recruiting more BIPOC faculty and students and providing the outlined support and funding resources for their students.
Picture this: Evaluating the efficacy of genetic counseling visual aids
Authors: Pederson Viviane , Rietzler Jennifer , Freeman Abigail , Petty Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2024

Visual aids have been validated as effective tools for educating patients in a variety of medical settings. However, research exploring the efficacy and potential benefit of genetic counseling visual aids is lacking. To begin to address this gap, this study assessed participant knowledge of genetic counseling concepts after viewing either visual or non‐visual educational content. Participants were recruited from the general population using the crowdsourcing platform Mechanical Turk. Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests were carried out to evaluate differences in knowledge survey scores between the visual and non‐visual groups, and Poisson regression models were fitted to evaluate these differences across a variety of demographic backgrounds. The visual group had equal or higher scores than the non‐visual group across all analyses. The difference in group scores was statistically significant for autosomal recessive inheritance knowledge scores (p < 0.05). In addition, this difference was approaching significance for higher‐level knowledge scores (p = 0.05) and total knowledge scores in individuals who have not completed post‐secondary education (p = 0.05). These results indicate that visual aids improve knowledge of specific genetic counseling concepts such as inheritance patterns; the education of which is often integral to genetic counseling. These results also indicate that visual aids may facilitate a deeper understanding of genetic counseling concepts and may be particularly valuable for individuals with lower educational backgrounds. Together, the results of this study support the inclusion of visual aids in genetic counseling education to help improve patient understanding and the accessibility of genetic healthcare information.
Additional findings on S‐parameter bounds valid for unconditionally stable N‐ports
Authors: Colangeli Sergio , Serino Antonio , Ciccognani Walter , Longhi Patrick E. , Limiti Ernesto
Published: January 2024

In a recent paper, it has been shown that, if an N‐port network fulfills the condition of (geometrical) unconditional stability at a given frequency, then its scattering parameters will also necessarily satisfy N easily computable bounds, one per port. In order to complete that picture, this contribution investigates whether a tighter bound can be obtained by combining the bounds into just one. The answer is in general negative, except that the 3‐port case does indeed exhibit a peculiar behavior: this can be exploited to reduce the upper bound when the diagonal elements of the scattering matrix are limited in magnitude up to some , and in particular for (simultaneous conjugate match).
Examining the influence of entrepreneurial skills, human capital, and home country institutions on firm internationalization
Authors: Ndofirepi Takawira Munyaradzi
Published: January 2024

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the factors that influence firm internationalization is crucial for businesses and policymakers alike. This study examines the complex interplay between entrepreneurial skills, human capital, institutional environments and firm internationalization. Specifically, it investigates the mediating role of home country institutional environments in the relationship between entrepreneurial skills, human capital and firm internationalization. Based on a theoretical framework that integrates resource‐based and institutional theories, this study employs a quantitative research design, using cross‐sectional international data from the Global Entrepreneurship Development Institute (GEDI) and Global Competitiveness Index 2018 reports for 137 countries. The findings of this reveal compelling insights into the factors driving firm internationalization. Both direct and indirect effects of entrepreneurial skills and human capital on firm internationalization emerge as positive and statistically significant. Moreover, the study underscores the nuanced influence of institutional environments, indicating their partial mediation of the relationship between entrepreneurial skills, human capital and firm internationalization. This sheds light on the pivotal role of the dynamic interplay between resources and institutional frameworks in shaping firms’ strategic decisions to venture into foreign markets. The implications of these results extend beyond academia, with actionable insights for both businesses and policymakers alike. This study not only contributes to our theoretical understanding of internationalization processes but also provides practical guidance for firms seeking to navigate and optimize their global expansion strategies.
Essential oil from Citrus depressa peel exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive effects
Authors: Weng Yu‐Xiang , Wang Hsiao‐Chi , Chu Yung‐Lin , Wu Yun‐Zhen , Liao Jie‐An , Su Zheng‐Yuan
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Many diseases may be caused by pathogens and oxidative stress resulting from carcinogens. Earlier studies have highlighted the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of plant essential oils (EO). It is crucial to effectively utilize agricultural waste to achieve a sustainable agricultural economy and protect the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of EO extracted from the discarded peels of Citrus depressa Hayata (CD) and Citrus microcarpa Bunge (CM), synonyms of Citrus deliciosa Ten and Citrus japonica Thunb, respectively.

RESULTS

Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the main compounds in CD‐EO were (R)‐(+)‐limonene (38.97%), γ‐terpinene (24.39%) and linalool (6.22%), whereas, in CM‐EO, the main compounds were (R)‐(+)‐limonene (48.00%), β‐pinene (13.60%) and γ‐terpinene (12.07%). CD‐EO exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of common microorganisms, including Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. However, CM‐EO showed only inhibitory effects on E. coli. Furthermore, CD‐EO exhibited superior antioxidant potential, as demonstrated by its ability to eliminate 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate free radicals. Furthermore, CD‐EO at a concentration of 100 μg mL−1 significantly inhibited 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced cancer transformation in mouse epidermal JB6 P+ cells (P < 0.05), possibly by up‐regulating protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes, such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, heme oxygenase‐1 and UGT1A.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that CD‐EO exhibits inhibitory effects on pathogenic microorganisms, possesses antioxidant properties and has cancer chemopreventive potential. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hyperspectral imaging for monitoring of free flaps of the oral cavity: A feasibility study
Authors: Felicio‐Briegel Axelle , Linek Matthäus , Sroka Ronald , Rühm Adrian , Freymüller Christian , Stocker Magdalena , Baumeister Philipp , Reichel Christoph , Volgger Veronika
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) provides spectral information about hemoglobin, water and oxygen supply and has thus great potential in perfusion monitoring. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of HSI in the postoperative monitoring of intraoral free flaps.

Methods

The 14 patients receiving reconstructive head and neck surgery with a radial forearm free flap were included. HSI was performed intraoperatively (t0), on Day 1 (t1), 2 (t2), 3–6 (t3), 7–9 (t4), 10–11 (t5) and 12–15 (t6) postoperatively. Flap tissue perfusion was assessed on defined regions of interest by calculating the perfusion indices Tissue Hemoglobin Index (THI), hemoglobin oxygenation (StO2), Near Infrared Perfusion Index (NIR Perfusion Index) and Tissue Water Index (TWI).

Results

Image quality varied depending on location of the flap and time of measurement. StO2 was >50 intraoperatively and >40 on t1 for all patients. A significant difference was found solely for TWI between t0 and t2 and t0 and t4. No flap loss occurred.

Conclusions

The use of HSI in the monitoring of intraoral flaps is feasible and might become a valuable addition to the current clinical examination of free flaps.
Unsupervised deep learning with convolutional neural networks for static parallel transmit design: A retrospective study
Authors: Kilic Toygan , Liebig Patrick , Demirel Omer Burak , Herrler Jürgen , Nagel Armin M. , Ugurbil Kamil , Akçakaya Mehmet
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To mitigate inhomogeneity at 7T for multi‐channel transmit arrays using unsupervised deep learning with convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Methods

Deep learning parallel transmit (pTx) pulse design has received attention, but such methods have relied on supervised training and did not use CNNs for multi‐channel maps. In this work, we introduce an alternative approach that facilitates the use of CNNs with multi‐channel maps while performing unsupervised training. The multi‐channel maps are concatenated along the spatial dimension to enable shift‐equivariant processing amenable to CNNs. Training is performed in an unsupervised manner using a physics‐driven loss function that minimizes the discrepancy of the Bloch simulation with the target magnetization, which eliminates the calculation of reference transmit RF weights. The training database comprises 3824 2D sagittal, multi‐channel maps of the healthy human brain from 143 subjects. data were acquired at 7T using an 8Tx/32Rx head coil. The proposed method is compared to the unregularized magnitude least‐squares (MLS) solution for the target magnetization in static pTx design.

Results

The proposed method outperformed the unregularized MLS solution for RMS error and coefficient‐of‐variation and had comparable energy consumption. Additionally, the proposed method did not show local phase singularities leading to distinct holes in the resulting magnetization unlike the unregularized MLS solution.

Conclusion

Proposed unsupervised deep learning with CNNs performs better than unregularized MLS in static pTx for speed and robustness.
Modern Trends in Otologic Surgery and Implications for Residency Training
Authors: Adams Jason K. , Marinelli John P. , De Jong Russell , Spear Samuel A. , Erbele Isaac D.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Placing a middle ear prosthesis is considered a key competency for the general otolaryngologist, but surgeons struggle to obtain and maintain this skill. The current study aims to characterize pre‐coronavirus disease 2019 trends in stapedectomy and ossiculoplasty.

Study Design

Database review.

Setting

Tricare beneficiaries are treated at civilian and military facilities.

Methods

The Department of Defense beneficiary population of more than nine million persons per year was reviewed for patients undergoing either stapedectomy or ossiculoplasty between 2010 and 2019, identified by the current procedural terminology code.

Results

A total of 3052 stapedectomies and 7197 ossiculoplasties were performed. Over the 10‐year study period, stapedectomy decreased by 23%, with an average annual rate of −2.7% per year (Pearson r = −.91, P = .0003). Ossiculoplasties declined by 18%, an average annual rate of −1.9% (r = −.8, P = .006). In combination, cases declined by 20%, an average annual rate of −2.2% (r = −.87, P = .001).

Conclusion

While declines in stapedectomy surgery have been well reported, here we show steady declines in ossiculoplasty as well. If these trends continue, more cochlear implantations may be performed annually than stapedectomy and ossiculoplasty combined, with cochlear implantation likely to overtake ossicular chain surgery in the near future. These changes in surgical volume have a direct implication on resident education and general otolaryngology expectations after graduation. Strong consideration should be made to replace “Stapedectomy/Ossiculoplasty” as resident key indicator with “Cochlear Implantation,” a more professionally meaningful skill.
Robust underwater superoleophobic coatings based on zwitterionic P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA)/SiO2 with anti‐adhesive behavior
Authors: Yuan Yinghui , Dong Guangli , Liu Yinglin , Tian Lili , He Bingyu , Zhou Enliang , Hao Hong
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the surface modification of substrates using a poly(N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)‐N‐[2′‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl]‐ammonium chloride‐co‐3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate) P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA) and ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). By covalently bonding the Si‐OH pendant of the copolymer with hydroxyl residues on the material's surface, a stable polymer coating is formed. The properties of P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA) coatings were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and contact angle (CA) meter. The addition of TEOS allows for the regulation of surface roughness. With the increase of TEOS content, the contact angle of underwater oil first increased and then decreased. The water contact angles were 8°, the underwater superoleophobic contact angle reached 168°, and the number of adherent platelets and Escherichia coli were significantly reduced to 7.5% and 5% on the surface of the coating, respectively. After undergoing simultaneous hydrolysis, the superoleophobic contact angle of P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA)/SiO2 coating further increased to 174°. These interesting and robust properties make them promising candidates for biomedical applications.

Highlights

The underwater superoleophobic coating (contact angles of 174°).

The P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA)/SiO2 coating with excellent resistance to oil adhesion.

Solve the hydroxyl residue problem.

The coating resistance to E. coli and platelet adhesion.
Self‐assembly and degradation of photolabile diblock bottlebrushes
Authors: Liu Cheyenne H. , Dugas Logan D. , Dishner Isaiah T. , Chidanguro Tamuka , Simon Yoan C.
Published: January 2024

Aqueous self‐assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers form diverse nanostructured morphologies depending on block volume fraction and solvophilicity. Stimuli‐responsive motifs have been combined with self‐assembled micelles to afford spatiotemporal, on‐demand encapsulation and payload release. However, the role of modular polymer architecture (i.e., bottlebrushes) in stimuli‐responsive aqueous self‐assembly is not fully understood. The synthesis, aqueous self‐assembly, and photoirradiation of photolabile, amphiphilic bottlebrush block copolymers is presented herein. Specifically, the efficient photoscission of o‐nitrobenzene motifs at the junction of a poly(norbornene o‐nitrobenzene polystyrene)‐block‐poly(norbornene polyethylene glycol) diblock bottlebrush side chain and backbone cleaved away hydrophobic polystyrene side chains and artificially increased the volume fraction of poly(ethylene glycol) (fPEG). In doing so, self‐assembled micelles readily degrade to micelle‐to‐micelle and micelle‐to‐aggregate structures after photoirradiation. Finally, this bottlebrush micelle system is used to demonstrate the efficient encapsulation and stimuli‐responsive release of Nile Red that is monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The contribution of this work expands the utility of amphiphilic bottlebrush systems as highly efficient and responsive, hierarchically assembled nanomaterials.
Lens epithelial cell response to polymer stiffness and polymer chemistry
Authors: Hamedi Hamid , Green Spencer W. , Puri Raima , Luo Richard , Lee Michael , Liu Jian , Cho Hanna , Hansford Derek J. , Chandler Heather L. , Swindle‐Reilly Katelyn E.
Published: January 2024

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication of cataract surgery, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the standard of care for cataract patients. Induction of postoperative epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in residual lens epithelial cells (LEC) is the main mechanism by which PCO forms. Previous studies have shown that IOLs made with different materials have varying incidence of PCO. The aim of this paper was to study the interactions between human (h)LEC and polymer substrates. Polymers and copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 3‐methacryloxypropyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (TRIS) were synthesized and evaluated due to the clinical use of these materials as ocular biomaterials and implants. The chemical properties of the polymer surfaces were evaluated by contact angle, and polymer stiffness and roughness were measured using atomic force microscopy. In vitro studies showed the effect of polymer mechanical properties on the behavior of hLECs. Stiffer polymers increased α‐smooth muscle actin expression and induced cell elongation. Hydrophobic and rough polymer surfaces increased cell attachment. These results demonstrate that attachment of hLECs on different surfaces is affected by surface properties in vitro, and evaluating these properties may be useful for investigating prevention of PCO.
Sast1‐mediated manifold effects inhibit Plutella xylostella fertility
Authors: Cao Min‐Hui , Zou Ming‐Min , Liu Li‐Li , Dong Shi‐Jie , Huang Meng‐Qi , Zheng Jun‐Hao , Li Ruo‐Nan , Cui Jin‐Dong , Peng Lu
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) is a destructive pest of cruciferous crops due to its strong reproductive capacity and extensive resistance to pesticides. Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are the main effective factors that determine the reproductive physiology and behaviour of both sexes. Although an increasing number of SFPs have been identified, the effects of astacins in SFPs on agricultural pests have not yet been reported. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms by which Sast1 (seminal astacin 1) regulates the fertility of Plutella xylostella (L.).

RESULTS

PxSast1 was specifically expressed in the testis and accesssory gland. CRISPR/Cas9‐induced PxSast1 knockout successfully constructed two homozygous mutant strains. Sast1 impaired the fertility of P. xylostella by separately regulating the reproductive capacity of males and females. Loss of PxSast1, on the one hand, significantly decreased the ability of males to mate and fertilize, mainly manifested as shortened mating duration, reduced mating competitiveness and decreased eupyrene sperm production; on the other hand, it significantly inhibited the expression of chorion genes in females, resulting in oogenesis deficits. Simultaneously, for mated females, the differentially expressed genes in signalling pathways related to oogenesis and chorion formation were significantly enriched after PxSast1 knockout.

CONCLUSION

These analyses of the functions of PxSast1 as the regulator of spermatogenesis and oogenesis establish its importance in the fertility process of P. xylostella, as well as its potential as a promising target for genetic regulation‐based pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
RNAi silencing CHS1 gene shortens the mortality time of Plutella xylostella feeding Bt‐transgenic Brassica napus
Authors: Deng Purong , Peng Yujia , Sheng Zhilu , Li Wencui , Liu Yongbo
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Insect‐resistance genetically modified (GM) plants derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been cultivated to control pests, but continuous cultivation of Bt‐transgenic plants at large‐scale regions leads to the resistance evolution of target insects to transgenic plants. RNA interference (RNAi) technology is considered an effective strategy in delaying the resistance evolution of target insects.

RESULTS

We here developed a single transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) line with hairpin RNA of the chitin‐synthase 1 gene (CHS1) of Plutella xylostella (hpPxCHS1) and a pyramid transgenic B. napus line harboring hpPxCHS1 and Bt gene (Cry1Ac). Escherichia coli HT115 delivered hpPxCHS1 showed negative effects on the growth of P. xylostella. The single transgenic and pyramid transgenic B. napus significantly reduced the larval weight and length of P. xylostella and increased its lethality rate, with down‐regulation expression of the PxCHS1 gene in insects.

CONCLUSION

Compared to Bt‐transgenic B. napus, pyramid‐transgenic B. napus shorted the mortality time of P. xylostella, indicating that RNAi technology synergistic with Bt protein improves the effectiveness of controlling target insects. Our results proved that RNAi can delay the resistance evolution of target insects to Bt‐transgenic plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Density functional study on highly energetic organic azides with empirical formula Cn(N3)m
Authors: Mahajan Tnu , Bhargava Gaurav , Sharma Hitesh
Published: January 2024

The structural, electronic, and thermodynamical properties of Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azides have been investigated using Density Functional Calculations. The ground state structures of organic azides were compared with CnHm (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) cumulenes which shows their higher relative stability. The stability and reactivity of organic azides were analyzed by calculating the HOMO‐LUMO gap, binding energies, and harmonic frequencies of the azides. The binding energy and formation energy of Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azides suggest their energetic stability. The structural analysis of the azide group in Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azide shows a tendency to stabilize at a maximum separation between functional azide groups. Ionization potential, electron affinities, and global hardness have been computed for Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azides and the odd–even alternation rule was observed. The molecular dynamic simulation performed at 300 K for 1 fs confirms organic azide's structural stability at room temperature, except for C4(N3)4, and the members of their family can be synthesized.
A composite fractional order active disturbance rejection control method for a class of uncertain systems with multiple disturbances
Authors: Zheng Weijia , Chen YangQuan , Wang Xiaohong , Guo Fang , Chen Yong
Published: January 2024

The existing active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) method may not provide sufficient disturbance rejection to multiple mismatched disturbances for the fractional order systems. In this paper, a composite disturbance rejection approach is developed for a class of fractional order uncertain systems, by synthesizing the fractional order ADRC (FOADRC) approach and a disturbance observer (DO)‐based compensation scheme. Taking advantage of more disturbance information and a filter structure, an improved DO is developed to achieve precise estimation of disturbances in the presence of sensor noises. In addition, a state transformation is developed to convert the system into a simple integral chain model with only matched disturbances. Then a composite control law is designed to compensate the disturbances and provide satisfying dynamic performance. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by a numerical simulation and an actual servo control simulation, as well as the comparison with two kinds of the existing ADRC methods and the commonly used integral sliding mode control (I‐SMC) method.
Statistical performance review on diagnosis of leukemia, glaucoma and diabetes mellitus using AI
Authors: Perumalraja Rengaraju , Felcia Logan's Deshna B. , Swetha N.
Published: January 2024

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry tremendously increases the patient outcomes by reshaping the way we diagnose, treat and monitor patients. AI‐based innovation in healthcare include exploration of drugs, personalized medicine, clinical diagnosis investigations, robotic‐assisted surgery, verified prescriptions, pregnancy care for women, radiology, and reviewed patient information analytics. However, prediction of AI‐based solutions are depends mainly on the implementation of statistical algorithms and input data set. In this article, statistical performance review on various algorithms, Accuracy, Precision, Recall and F1‐Score used to predict the diagnosis of leukemia, glaucoma, and diabetes mellitus is presented. Review on statistical algorithms' performance, used for individual disease diagnosis gives a complete picture of various research efforts during the last two decades. At the end of statistical review on each disease diagnosis, we have discussed our inferences that will give future directions for the new researchers on selection of AI statistical algorithm as well as the input data set.
Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Probiotics toward Oxidative Stress Using a Microfluidic‐Based Platform
Authors: Nguyen Ann V. , Yaghoobi Mohammad , Zhang Shiying , Li Peilong , Li Qike , Dogan Belgin , Ahnrud Gianna P. , Flock Genevieve , Marek Patrick , Simpson Kenneth W. , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: January 2024

Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) can be used to make bacteria less susceptible to oxidative stress. An alternative to large batch scale ALE cultures is to use microfluidic platforms, which are often more economical and more efficient. Microfluidic ALE platforms have shown promise, but many have suffered from subpar cell passaging mechanisms and poor spatial definition. A new approach is presented using a microfluidic Evolution on a Chip (EVoc) design which progressively drives microbial cells from areas of lower H2O2 concentration to areas of higher concentration. Prolonged exposure, up to 72 h, revealed the survival of adaptive strains of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, a beneficial probiotic often included in food products. After performing ALE on this microfluidic platform, the bacteria persisted under high H2O2 concentrations in repeated trials. After two progressive exposures, the ability of L. rhamnosus to grow in the presence of H2O2 increased from 1 mm H2O2 after a lag time of 31 h to 1 mm after 21 h, 2 mm after 28 h, and 3 mm after 42 h. The adaptive strains have different morphology, and gene expression compared to wild type, and genome sequencing revealed a potentially meaningful single nucleotide mutation in the protein omega‐amidase.
Flexible organic integrated circuits free of parasitic capacitance fabricated through a simple dual self‐alignment method
Authors: Jiang Baichuan , Han Xiao , Che Yu , Li Wenbin , Zheng Hongxian , Li Jun , Ou Cailing , Dou Nannan , Han Zixiao , Ji Tingyu , Liu Chuanhui , Zhao Zhiyuan , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2024

In integrated circuits (ICs), the parasitic capacitance is one of the crucial factors that degrade the circuit dynamic performance; for instance, it reduces the operating frequency of the circuit. Eliminating the parasitic capacitance in organic transistors is notoriously challenging due to the inherent tradeoff between manufacturing costs and interlayer alignment accuracy. Here, we overcome such a limitation using a cost‐effective method for fabricating organic thin‐film transistors and rectifying diodes without redundant electrode overlaps. This is achieved by placing all electrodes horizontally and introducing sub‐100 nm gaps for separation. A representative small‐scale IC consisting of five‐stage ring oscillators based on the obtained nonparasitic transistors and diodes is fabricated on flexible substrates, which performs reliably at a low driving voltage of 1 V. Notably, the oscillator exhibits signal propagation delays of 5.8 μs per stage at a supply voltage of 20 V when utilizing pentacene as the active layer. Since parasitic capacitance has been a common challenge for all types of thin‐film transistors, our approach may pave the way toward the realization of flexible and large‐area ICs based on other emerging and highly performing semiconductors.
Achieving Orthogonal Upconversion Luminescence of a Single Lanthanide Ion in Crystals for Optical Encryption
Authors: An Ran , Du Pengye , Liang Yuan , Liu Shuyu , Wei Yi , Lei Pengpeng , Zhang Hongjie
Published: January 2024

Optical encryption shows great potential in meeting the growing demand for advanced anti‐counterfeiting in the information age. The development of upconversion luminescence (UCL) materials capable of emitting different colors of light in response to different external stimuli holds great promise in this field. However, the effective realization of multicolor UCL materials usually requires complex structural designs. In this work, orthogonal UCL is achieved in crystals with a simple structure simply by introducing modulator Tm3+ ions to control the photon transition processes between different energy levels of activator Er3+ ions. The obtained crystals emit red and green UCL when excited by 980 nm and 808 nm lasers, respectively. The orthogonal excitation‐emission properties of crystals are shown to be very suitable for high‐level optical encryption, which is important for information security and anti‐counterfeiting. This work provides an effective strategy for obtaining orthogonal UCL in simple structural materials, which will encourage researchers to further explore novel orthogonal UCL materials and their applications, and has important implications for the development of the frontier photonic upconversion fields.
An efficient molten‐salt electro‐deoxidation strategy enabling fast‐kinetics and long‐life aluminum–selenium batteries
Authors: Tu Jiguo , Huang Zheng , Chang Cheng , Lei Haiping , Wang Shuai , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: January 2024

Aluminum–selenium (Al–Se) batteries have been considered as one of the most promising energy storage systems owing to their high capacity, energy density, and cost effectiveness, but Se falls challenges in addressing the shuttle effect of soluble intermediate product and sluggish reaction kinetics in the solid–solid conversion process during cycling. Herein, we propose an unprecedented design concept for fabricating uniform Se/C hollow microspheres with controllable morphologies through low‐temperature electro‐deoxidation in neutral NaCl–AlCl3 molten salt system. Such Se/C hollow microspheres are demonstrated to hold a favorable hollow structure for hosting Se, which can not only suppress the dissolution of soluble intermediate products into the electrolyte, thereby maintaining the structural integrity and maximizing Se utilization of the active material, but also promote the electrical/ionic conductivity, thus facilitating the rapid reaction kinetics during cycling. Accordingly, the as‐prepared Se/C hollow microspheres exhibit a high reversible capacity of 720.1 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1. Even at the high current density of 1000 mA g−1, Se/C delivers a high discharge capacity of 564.0 mAh g−1, long‐term stability over 1100 cycles and high Coulombic efficiency of 98.6%. This present work provides valuable insights into short‐process recovery of advanced Se‐containing materials and value‐added utilization for energy storage.
Ferroptosis heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment revealed a genetic blueprint of breast cancer
Authors: Qiu Ziran , Deng Chongwen , Zhou Fuyin , Chen Yuan , Chen XinLiang , Liu Xinyu , Ye Chunhua , Jin Na
Published: January 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences disease progression through immune infiltration, while ferroptosis, a recently discovered cell death mechanism, plays a crucial role in tumor suppression. However, its role in breast cancer is not clear. In this study, we analyzed bulk RNA and single‐cell RNA sequencing data from 1217 samples, including 1104 breast cancer patients and 113 controls, to identify ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) and construct a prognostic model. Using univariate cox regression, LASSO regression, and multivariate cox regression analysis, we discovered 21 FRGs and 3 TME‐related immune cell types with prognostic value. Dimensionality reduction clustering and visualization were performed using the UMAP method, while the immune infiltration process was calculated with the TIP online tool. We employed GSEA enrichment analysis, WGCNA clustering analysis, and correlation analysis to examine functional differences, and the mutation analysis of the best and worst prognosis groups was conducted using the maftools package. Our findings revealed that knocking down the expression of the hub gene SLC39A7 significantly impacted cancer cell apoptosis and combining ferroptosis and TME scores yielded high prognostic power. Epithelial cells and B cells exhibited higher ferroptosis scores, which were independently associated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response and ICB gene expression. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of the relationship between ferroptosis and ICB response in breast cancer. In conclusion, we developed a prognostic model based on ferroptosis and infiltrated immune cells that effectively stratified breast cancer patients and demonstrated the role of SLC39A7 in breast cancer pathogenesis through the regulation of apoptosis.
Protective effect of tretinoin on cervical cancer growth and proliferation through downregulation of pFAK2 expression
Authors: Gong Hui , Zhao Lina , Liu Juntao
Published: January 2024

Background

Cervical cancer, a life‐threatening disease, is the seventh most commonly detected cancer among women throughout the world. The present study investigated the effect of tretinoin on cervical cancer growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo in the mice model.

Materials and Methods

Cell Counting Kit‐8, clonogenic survival, and transwell chamber assays were used for determination cells proliferation, colony formation, and invasiveness. Western blotting assay was used for assessment of protein expression whereas AutoDock Vina and Discovery studio software for in silico studies.

Results

Tretinoin treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced the proliferation of HT‐3 and Caski cells in concentration‐based manner. Incubation with tretinoin caused a significant decrease in clonogenic survival of HT‐3 and Caski cells compared with the control cultures. The invasive potential of HT‐3 cells was decreased to 18%, whereas that of Caski cells to 21% on treatment with 8 μM concentration of tretinoin. In HT‐3 cells, tretinoin treatment led to a prominent reduction in p‐focal adhesion kinase (FAK), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2, and MMP‐9 expression in HT‐3 cells. Treatment of the cervical cancer mice model with tretinoin led to a prominent decrease in tumor growth. The metastasis of tumor in model cervical cancer mice group was effectively inhibited in spleen, intestines, and peritoneal cavity. In silico studies showed that tretinoin interacts with alanine, proline, isoleucine, and glycine amino acid residues of FAK protein to block its activation. The 2‐dimensional diagram of interaction of tretinoin with FAK protein revealed that tretinoin binds to alanine and glycine amino acids through conventional hydrogen bonding.

Conclusion

In summary, tretinoin suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, and invasiveness of cervical cancer cells in vitro. It decreased the expression of activated focal adhesion kinase, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 in HT‐3 cells in dose‐dependent manner. In silico studies showed that tretinoin interacts with alanine and glycine amino acids through conventional hydrogen bonding. In vivo data demonstrated that treatment of the cervical cancer mice model with tretinoin led to a prominent decrease in tumor growth. Therefore, tretinoin can be developed as an effective therapeutic agent for cervical cancer treatment.
Collaborations will impact future international recruitment and enrollment
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: January 2024

Most colleges and universities, seeking to recruit international students, use individual international recruiters as well as agents to enroll students worldwide.