bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EML4‐ALK biology and drug resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer: a new phase of discoveries
Authors: Elshatlawy Mariam , Sampson Josephina , Clarke Katy , Bayliss Richard
Published: May 2023

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) can be driven to oncogenic activity by different types of mutational events such as point‐mutations, for example F1174L in neuroblastoma, and gene fusions, for example with echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 (EML4) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EML4‐ALK variants result from different breakpoints, generating fusions of different sizes and properties. The most common variants (Variant 1 and Variant 3) form cellular compartments with distinct physical properties. The presence of a partial, probably misfolded beta‐propeller domain in variant 1 confers solid‐like properties to the compartments it forms, greater dependence on Hsp90 for protein stability and higher cell sensitivity to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These differences translate to the clinic because variant 3, on average, worsens patient prognosis and increases metastatic risk. Latest generation ALK‐TKIs are beneficial for most patients with EML4‐ALK fusions. However, resistance to ALK inhibitors can occur via point‐mutations within the kinase domain of the EML4‐ALK fusion, for example G1202R, reducing inhibitor effectiveness. Here, we discuss the biology of EML4‐ALK variants, their impact on treatment response, ALK‐TKI drug resistance mechanisms and potential combination therapies.
Multifunctional Materials Strategies for Enhanced Safety of Wireless, Skin‐Interfaced Bioelectronic Devices
Authors: Liu Claire , Kim Jin‐Tae , Yang Da Som , Cho Donghwi , Yoo Seonggwang , Madhvapathy Surabhi R. , Jeong Hyoyoung , Yang Tianyu , Luan Haiwen , Avila Raudel , Park Jihun , Wu Yunyun , Bryant Kennedy , Cho Min , Lee JiYong , Kwak Jay Young , Ryu WonHyoung , Huang Yonggang , Nuzzo Ralph G. , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2023

Many recently developed classes of wireless, skin‐interfaced bioelectronic devices rely on conventional thermoset silicone elastomer materials, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), as soft encapsulating structures around collections of electronic components, radio frequency antennas and, commonly, rechargeable batteries. In optimized layouts and device designs, these materials provide attractive features, most prominently in their gentle, noninvasive interfaces to the skin even at regions of high curvature and large natural deformations. Past studies, however, overlook opportunities for developing variants of these materials for multimodal means to enhance the safety of the devices against failure modes that range from mechanical damage to thermal runaway. This study presents a self‐healing PDMS dynamic covalent matrix embedded with chemistries that provide thermochromism, mechanochromism, strain‐adaptive stiffening, and thermal insulation, as a collection of attributes relevant to safety. Demonstrations of this materials system and associated encapsulation strategy involve a wireless, skin‐interfaced device that captures mechanoacoustic signatures of health status. The concepts introduced here can apply immediately to many other related bioelectronic devices.
Zn2SiO4 Bioceramic Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Yanxin , Li Xin , Zhang Zhaowenbin , Li Huili , Chen Dongmin , Jiao Yiren , Fan Chen , Zeng Zhen , Chang Jiang , Xu Yuhong , Peng Baowei , Yang Chen , Que Yumei
Published: May 2023

In the pursuit of therapeutic strategies for myocardial infarction (MI), a pivotal objective lies in the concurrent restoration of blood perfusion and reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, achieving these dual goals simultaneously presents a considerable challenge. In this study, a Zn2SiO4 bioceramic capable of concurrently sustaining the release of bioactive SiO32− and Zn2+ ions, which exhibit a synergistic impact on endothelial cell angiogenesis promotion, cardiomyocyte apoptosis inhibition, and myocardial mitochondrial protection against oxygen‐free radical (reactive oxygen species) induced injury is developed. Furthermore, in vivo outcomes from a murine MI model demonstrate that either systemic administration via tail vein injection of Zn2SiO4 extract or local application through intramyocardial injection of a Zn2SiO4 composite hydrogel promotes cardiac function and reduces cardiac fibrosis, thus aiding myocardial repair. This research is the first to elucidate the advantageous effects of dual bioactive ions in myocardial protection and may offer a novel therapeutic avenue for ischemic heart disease based on meticulously engineered bioceramics.
Templated 2D Polymer Heterojunctions for Improved Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Aitchison Catherine M. , Gonzalez‐Carrero Soranyel , Yao Shilin , Benkert Max , Ding Zhiyuan , Young Neil P. , Willner Benjamin , Moruzzi Floriana , Lin Yuanbao , Tian Junfu , Nellist Peter D. , Durrant James R. , McCulloch Iain
Published: May 2023

2D polymers have emerged as one of the most promising classes of organic photocatalysts for solar fuel production due to their tunability, charge‐transport properties, and robustness. They are however difficult to process and so there are limited studies into the formation of heterojunction materials incorporating these components. In this work, a novel templating approach is used to combine an imine‐based donor polymer and an acceptor polymer formed through Knoevenagel condensation. Heterojunction formation is shown to be highly dependent on the topological match of the donor and acceptor polymers with the most active templated material found to be between three and nine times more active for photocatalysis than its constituent components. Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that this improvement is due to faster charge separation and more efficient charge extraction in the templated heterojunction. The templated material shows a very high hydrogen evolution rate of >20 mmol h−1 m−2 with an ascorbic acid hole scavenger but also produces hydrogen in the presence of only water and a cobalt‐based redox mediator. This suggests the improved charge‐separation interface and reduced trapping accessed through this approach could be suitable for Z‐scheme formation.
Greatly Enhanced Resonant Exciton‐Trion Conversion in Electrically Modulated Atomically Thin WS2 at Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Zeng , Sebek Matej , Liang Xinan , Elbanna Ahmed , Nemati Arash , Zhang Nan , Goh Choon Hwa Ken , Jiang Mengting , Pan Jisheng , Shen Zexiang , Su Xiaodi , Thanh Nguyen Thi Kim , Sun Handong , Teng Jinghua
Published: May 2023

Excitonic resonance in atomically thin semiconductors offers a favorite platform to study 2D nanophotonics in both classical and quantum regimes and promises potentials for highly tunable and ultra‐compact optical devices. The understanding of charge density dependent exciton‐trion conversion is the key for revealing the underlaying physics of optical tunability. Nevertheless, the insufficient and inefficient light‐matter interactions hinder the observation of trionic phenomenon and the development of excitonic devices for dynamic power‐efficient electro‐optical applications. Here, by engaging an optical cavity with atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), greatly enhanced exciton‐trion conversion is demonstrated at room temperature (RT) and achieve electrical modulation of reflectivity of ≈40% at exciton and 7% at trion state, which correspondingly enables a broadband large phase tuning in monolayer tungsten disulfide. Besides the absorptive conversion, ≈100% photoluminescence conversion from excitons to trions is observed at RT, illustrating a clear physical mechanism of an efficient exciton‐trion conversion for extraordinary optical performance. The results indicate that both excitons and trions can play significant roles in electrical modulation of the optical parameters of TMDCs at RT. The work shows the real possibility for realizing electrical tunable and multi‐functional ultra‐thin optical devices using 2D materials.
Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Enhancement of Nonlinear Responses from Intersubband Transitions in the Mid‐Infrared
Authors: Barbet Geoffrey , Qiang Bo , Jin Yuhao , Wu Tingting , Genevet Patrice , Wang Qijie , Luo Yu
Published: May 2023

Many applications of photonics require efficient nonlinear optical interactions with low power and small footprints. However, the current needs for long interaction lengths and strong laser sources of nonlinear optical devices make them unsuitable for nanophotonic integrated optics. New materials and devices with stronger nonlinear properties have been developed using various approaches in the past few years. One of the largest nonlinear optical responses reported to date has been realized with engineered intersubband transitions in n‐doped multiple quantum wells (MQWs) semiconductors. Here, this work proposes to improve further the nonlinear properties of a MQW heterostructure by tailoring its permittivity to reach near‐zero values. Materials with vanishing permittivity, called epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) materials, have exotic nonlinear features which can be explored to achieve this goal. To prove this point, this work makes use of In0.53Ga0.47As/Al0.48In0.52As, designs an ultrathin multilayer structure, and couples the designed structure with metasurfaces. Unprecedented nonlinear efficiency within subwavelength propagation lengths is obtained. Such structure with strong second harmonic generation (SHG) enables efficient frequency conversion, while the tunability offered by the metasurface provides new degrees of freedom to control the amplitude, phase, and polarization of the nonlinear light.
Lithium‐Ion Batteries Participating in Frequency Regulation through Low‐Destructive Bidirectional Pulsed Current Operation
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Ru , Qin Yu‐Di , Shen Xin , Yan Chong , Diao Rui , Zhu Heng‐Zhi , Tang Cheng , Ouyang Minggao , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2023

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have enormous potential to participate in the frequency regulation (FR) of future high‐penetration renewable energy grids. This study reports the development of non‐destructive LIBs that supply FR service through controllable input–output power. The low‐destructive operation does not impair the cells and even provides a fast solid inter‐electrolyte phase for the LIB to ensure rapid diffusion of Li+ and suppress Li deposition. Cracks of the cathode and Li deposition on the anode appear to varying degrees when different destructive operations are adopted. The extraordinary capability of such non‐destructive operations for LIBs is demonstrated in historical dynamic signals from the regulation market of Pennsylvania‐New Jersey‐Maryland, where the matching degree achieved 86.7% of annual FR demand. This study guides the design criteria of low‐destructive operations of LIBs for future grid and contributes to the energy greening and electrification through a vehicle‐to‐grid solution.
Liquid–Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerator Arrays Based on Dynamic Electric‐Double‐Layer for Harvesting Water Wave Energy
Authors: Liang Xi , Liu Shijie , Lin Shiquan , Yang Hongbo , Jiang Tao , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2023

In the new energy era, ocean wave energy is recognized as one of the most important clean and renewable energy sources. As an advanced energy technology, developing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to harvest ocean wave energy has become a promising research direction. However, for most of the current fully enclosed TENGs or liquid–solid TENGs, the industrialization is limited. In this work, a TENG with a new working scheme is proposed for water wave energy harvesting. Through designing the opposite dynamic electric‐double‐layers, the efficient conversion of water kinetic energy into electrical energy is achieved. Moreover, the TENG structure is extended to an array. Under irregular water waves, the TENG array exhibits desired output performance, with the stable output current of 60.0 µA, output voltage of 60.0 V, and average power density of 5.38 W m−3. Finally, the TENG array is demonstrated to successfully power signal spotlights, the digital thermometer and the water quality detector. This study not only broadens the research ideas for TENGs, but also provides a new mechanism for the ocean wave energy exploitation, which is of great significance to the industrialization of TENGs and blue energy.
Comparing water quality valuation across probability and non‐probability samples
Authors: Sandstrom‐Mistry Kaitlynn , Lupi Frank , Kim Hyunjung , Herriges Joseph A.
Published: May 2023

We compare water quality valuation results from a probability sample and two opt‐in non‐probability samples, MTurk and Qualtrics. The samples differ in some key demographics, but measured attitudes are strikingly similar. For valuation models, most parameters were significantly different across samples, yet many of the marginal willingness to pay were similar across samples. Notably, for non‐marginal changes there were some differences by samples: MTurk values were always significantly greater than the probability sample, as were Qualtrics values for changes up to about a 20% improvement. Overall, the evidence is mixed, with some key differences but many similarities across samples.
Synthesis of Thienyl Polycyclic Fused Indoles Based on the Indium Catalyzed Prins/Friedel‐Crafts Tandem Reaction
Authors: Huang Zhi‐Bang , Zhao Ming‐Hao , Liu Xu , Wang Lijia
Published: May 2023

An indium catalyzed Prins/Friedel‐Crafts tandem cyclization reaction has been developed. This reaction provides an efficient and practical method to construct a variety of polycyclic indole frameworks with high diastereoselectivity and good functional group tolerance (30 examples, up to 98% yield with >95 : 5 dr). The resulting products are easily accessible for further chemical transformations.
Catalytic Asymmetric Syntheses of 2,5‐Diketopiperazine (DKP) Frameworks
Authors: Yang Ju‐Song , Zhang Fu‐Min , Ma Ai‐Jun , Peng Jin‐Bao , Zhang Kun , Zhang Xiao‐Ming , Tu Yong‐Qiang
Published: May 2023

This mini‐review summarizes catalytic asymmetric synthetic methodologies for preparing 2,5‐diketopiperazine (DKP) frameworks since 1990, with two types of synthetic precursor, namely linear materials and cyclic pre‐chiral substrates, discussed. This review provides guidance for the further design and development of novel catalytic asymmetric methods for preparing functionalized DKP‐containing molecules.
Defect rate prediction and failure‐cause diagnosis in a mass‐production process for precision electric components
Authors: Kaneko Hiromasa
Published: May 2023

Many defects occur during the mass production of precision electrical components. To control and manage them, process variables (PVs), such as the temperature, pressure, flow rate, and liquid level, are measured and time‐series data analyzed. However, identification of point of defects is difficult as any operation can cause defects and multiple equipment units are used in parallel for some operations. This study considers the combination of unfavourable conditions between operations to predict the defect rate (DR) of products. A dataset measured in an actual mass‐production process for precision electrical components is analysed to predict the DR of the products. Data analysis is performed on a dataset generated from an actual mass‐production process for precision electrical components, and machine learning models. are constructed using ensemble learning methods, such as random forests, the gradient boosting decision tree, XGBoost, and LightGBM. Conventional univariate analyses only show a maximum correlation coefficient of 0.17 with a DR and process variables (PVs). In this study, we improved the correlation coefficient to 0.73 using a multivariate analysis, including the data of PVs that are not considered important in the process, and appropriately transformed PVs based on the domain knowledge of the process. Furthermore, PVs that were closely related to the DR could be diagnosed based on the feature importance of the constructed machine‐learning models. This study confirms the importance of using domain knowledge to improve the prediction ability of machine learning models and the interpretation of constructed models.
Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic polyurethane: Effect of different sponge densities, magnesium stearate loadings, harsh environmental conditions
Authors: Parsaie Aliasghar , Riazi Masoud , Abadshapoori Abdolreza Kazemi , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Mohammad , Tamsilian Yousef
Published: May 2023

Referring to catastrophic damages of oil and organic pollution leakage to the aquatic environment, providing a high efficiency technique for the oil–water separation becomes a hot research topic during the recent decade. This study focused on effects of the sponge density and magnesium stearate loadings on the separation performance of superhydrophobic magnesium stearate coated‐polyurethane. The sponges with three densities of 8, 13, and 18 kg m−3 were coated with different magnesium stearate loadings of 5 and 10 wt% by dip‐coating method. A set of various analyzes, including field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), contact angle, absorption rate and capacity, continuous oil–water separation, were conducted in neutral, acidic, and basic conditions. FESEM results demonstrated the sponges became increasingly rough after coating with magnesium stearate. The wettability measurements revealed the sponge density had no significant impacts on the water contact angle, all samples presenting around 175° ± 2° and oil absorption rate less than 1 s. Finally, the absorption capacity of the unmodified and modified sponges for treating various oils and solvents demonstrated that the coated spongy could absorb a wide range of oils and organic solvents with capacity range of 15–75 times their weight, depending on the different densities and loadings.
Chytridiomycosis in Sri Lanka: Predicting the future of a global amphibian hotspot
Authors: de Mel Ruvinda K. , Dayananda H. G. Salindra K. , Wijayasekara G. A. Sanoj , Ranasinghe Tharindu , Sumanapala Amila P. , Cabral de Mel Surendranie Judith , Narayan Edward , Gabadage Dinesh E. , Ukuwela Kanishka D. B.
Published: May 2023

Chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), constitutes a major threat to many amphibian species worldwide. Predicting the species and regions of highest geographical risk is critical for the early detection and mitigation of chytrid emergence.

In this study, using a niche modelling approach, the most conducive habitat for Bd within Sri Lanka (a high‐risk zone) was modelled. The distribution of 69 amphibian species was then modelled and their overlap with the high‐risk zone (areaBd) was calculated.

Using areaBd and a biotic index (BI), created using ecological traits of each species, a risk index (RI) was calculated. Using this RI, a high‐risk species index (HRSI) was developed to identify the species most at risk.

The results indicate that the high elevations of Sri Lanka (>600 m a.s.l.) are highly conducive for Bd. The HRSI includes 35 species, with Minervarya greenii being the species most at risk. All species in the HRSI are globally Critically Endangered (n = 14) or Endangered (n = 21).

We propose active conservation measures such as the routine monitoring of HRSI species and other proactive measures to identify and prevent the spread of Bd. We believe our findings would promote the establishment of pre‐emptive mitigation measures both within Sri Lanka and elsewhere, to counter the threat of chytridiomycosis and to conserve amphibian species.
Multiscale feature analysis of forecast errors of 500 hPa geopotential height for the CMA‐GFS model
Authors: Sun Siyuan , Li Li , Zhao Bin , Ma Yiyi , Hu Jianglin
Published: May 2023

Using ERA5 reanalysis data from March 2021 to February 2022 and the China Meteorological Administration Global Forecasting System (CMA‐GFS) operational forecast dataset of 500 hPa geopotential height in the Northern Hemisphere in the same period, the multiscale features of forecast errors are analyzed. The results indicate that the anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC) of 500 hPa geopotential height and its multiscale components in the Northern Hemisphere keep decreasing with the extension of forecast lead time, and there are no seasonal differences in the evolution of the ACC. The effective forecast skills by season for the CMA‐GFS model are above 6 days at multiscale, with the highest skills in winter and the planetary‐scale components. In space, significant seasonal differences are observed in the locations of the extreme values of multiscale forecast errors for 500 hPa geopotential height, and the spatial distribution of forecast errors reflects the inadequate prediction of the intensity of large‐scale trough and ridge systems at middle and high latitudes and the phase‐shift prediction of small troughs and ridges at middle latitudes. Generally, the forecast errors of the original field and planetary‐scale component show wavelike or banded distribution, and the synoptic‐scale forecast errors are always distributed in latitudinal wavelike patterns alternating between positive and negative, without significant differences in the distribution of land, sea, and terrain. The first empirical orthogonal function modes of multiscale forecast errors almost retain their respective feature. In temporal, the spring, summer, and autumn time series all have quasi‐biweekly positive and negative phase transitions within the monthly scale, and the significant phase transition in winter only occurs around January 1st. These results deepen the understanding of the distribution and possible causes of forecast errors of the CMA‐GFS model and provide ideas for the improvement and revision of the model.
Electro‐optical performance of the large visible adaptive optics sensor module
Authors: Hopgood Joshua
Published: May 2023

In order to achieve the best possible atmospheric corrections using its deformable mirrors, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and its instruments will depend on several different wavefront sensor cameras as part of its adaptive optics systems. LISA, one of three wavefront sensor cameras that have been developed in‐house at ESO, will utilize a custom‐designed, large‐format CMOS detector developed by ESO and Teledyne‐e2v: the Large Visible adaptive optics Sensor Module, LVSM, an pixel sensor capable of operation at speeds in excess of 700 frames per second. We present the results of the electro‐optical characterization of this detector.
Highly Microporous Carbon from Enteromorpha for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐chalcogen (S, SeS2) Batteries
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Zhang Yan , Xu Zhao , Han Xuguang , Gou Wenshan , Sun Yifei , Ming Li Chang
Published: May 2023

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐chalcogen batteries have become a rising star in the energy storage systems due to the high abundance, low cost and high theoretical specific capacity of the chalcogen cathodes (S, Se). However, there are still some challenges in its practical application, such as low utilization of active substances due to the poor conductivity of chalcogen and sizable volume changes during charging/discharging. In this work, for the first time, nitrogen‐doped highly microporous biomass‐derived carbon (HMCs‐3) was synthesized as a sulfur‐loaded cathode for aqueous zinc‐chalcogen batteries. A high specific surface area (3349.4 m2 g−1) and a wealthy micropore of HMCs‐3 provide enough space to load the active substances and allow electrolytes to access reaction sites while well alleviating the volume changes of sulfur during the cycling process. As a cathode for aqueous zinc‐chalcogen batteries, HMCs‐3@S delivers a high reversible discharge capacity (591 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), an excellent rate capability (477 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1) and good cycling stability (559 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 1 A g−1). The excellent performance of this biomass‐derived carbon holds great promise for practical applications in aqueous zinc‐chalcogen batteries.
The identification of a robust leucine dehydrogenase from a directed soil metagenome for efficient synthesis of L‐2‐aminobutyric acid
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhong Xuezhao , Luo Zi , Meng Xiangqi , Li Rui , Zhong Wa , Yang Lin , Wang Hualei , Wei Dongzhi
Published: May 2023

L‐2‐aminobutyric acid (L‐2‐ABA) is a chiral precursor for the synthesis of anti‐epileptic drug levetiracetam and anti‐tuberculosis drug ethambutol. Asymmetric synthesis of L‐2‐ABA by leucine dehydrogenases has been widely developed. However, the limitations of natural enzymes, such as poor stability, low catalytic efficiency, and inhibition of high‐concentration substrates, limit large‐scale applications. Herein, by directed screening of a metagenomic library from unnatural amino acid‐enriched environments, a robust leucine dehydrogenase,TvLeuDH, was identified, which exhibited high substrate tolerance and excellent enzymatic activity towards 2‐oxobutyric acid. In addition,TvLeuDH has strong affinity for NADH. Subsequently, a three‐enzyme co‐expression system containing L‐threonine deaminase,TvLeuDH, and glucose dehydrogenase was established. By optimizing reaction conditions, 1.5 M L‐threonine could be converted to L‐2‐ABA with a 99% molar conversion rate and a space‐time yield of 51.5 g·L−1·h−1. In this process, no external coenzyme was added. The robustness ofTvLeuDH allowed the reaction to be performed without the addition of extra salt as the buffer, demonstrating the simplest reaction system currently reported. These unique properties for the efficient and environmentally friendly production of chiral amino acids makeTvLeuDH a particularly promising candidate for industrial applications, which reveals the great potential of directed metagenomics for industrial biotechnology.
Visual alertness and brain diffusion tensor imaging at term age predict neurocognitive development at preschool age in extremely preterm‐born children
Authors: Aho Leena , Sairanen Viljami , Lönnberg Piia , Wolford Elina , Lano Aulikki , Metsäranta Marjo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Cognitive development is characterized by the structural and functional maturation of the brain. Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) provides methods of investigating the brain structure and connectivity and their correlations with the neurocognitive outcome. Our aim was to examine the relationship between early visual abilities, brain white matter structures, and the later neurocognitive outcome.

Methods

This study included 20 infants who were born before 28 gestational weeks and followed until the age of 6.5 years. At term age, visual alertness was evaluated and dMRI was used to investigate the brain white matter structure using fractional anisotropy (FA) in tract‐based spatial statistics analysis. The JHU DTI white matter atlas was used to locate the findings. The neuropsychological assessment was used to assess neurocognitive performance at 6.5 years.

Results

Optimal visual alertness at term age was significantly associated with better visuospatial processing (p < .05), sensorimotor functioning (p < .05), and social perception (p < .05) at 6.5 years of age. Optimal visual alertness related to higher FA values, and further, the FA values positively correlated with the neurocognitive outcome. The tract‐based spatial differences in FA values were detected between children with optimal and nonoptimal visual alertness according to performance at 6.5 years.

Conclusion

We provide neurobiological evidence for the global and tract‐based spatial differences in the white matter maturation between extremely preterm children with optimal and nonoptimal visual alertness at term age and a link between white matter maturation, visual alertness and the neurocognitive outcome at 6.5 years proposing that early visual function is a building block for the later neurocognitive development.
Maternal nicotine intoxication before pregnancy induces depressive‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors as well as cognitive deficits in male offspring and correlates with neurobiological changes
Authors: Deng Linglong , Wang Qing , Lou Ying
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Maternal nicotine use has been suggested to affect the behavior of children and is linked to changes in neurological systems; however, the specific mechanism is yet to be understood.

Methods

Mice were used to establish a maternal nicotine intoxication model. At postnatal day 60 (adolescent stage), male offspring were tested for behavioral tasks including sucrose preference, open field, elevated plus maze, light/dark box, object recognition, Morris water maze (MWM), and forced swimming. Enzyme‐linked immunoassays were used to measure plasma concentrations of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and corticosterone. Serotonin transporter (Sert), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), cAMP response element binding protein (Creb), and phosphorylated (p)Creb mRNA levels were measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Male offspring of nicotine‐intoxicated dams had significantly reduced sucrose preference, mobility time in the forced swimming test, and locomotor and exploratory activities. Offspring in the maternal nicotine intoxication group showed increased signs of depressive‐ and anxiety‐like behavior. Recognition memory in the MWM was compromised in these animals. The hippocampal and prefrontal cortical regions showed significant changes in Bdnf, pCreb, and Sert gene expression, whereas CREB mRNA levels were unaffected. Moreover, compared to the controls, neurogenesis and neuronal viability were also reduced in these animals.

Conclusion

Prenatal nicotine exposure might affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and reduce neurogenesis, potentially leading to depressive‐like behaviors and cognitive deficiencies in male offspring.
Decellularized squid mantle scaffolds as tissue‐engineered corneal stroma for promoting corneal regeneration
Authors: Kang Honghua , Han Yi , Jin Mengyi , Zheng Lan , Liu Zhen , Xue Yuhua , Liu Zuguo , Li Cheng
Published: May 2023

Corneal blindness is a worldwide major cause of vision loss, and corneal transplantation remains to be the most effective way to restore the vision. However, often there is a shortage of the donor corneas for transplantation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a novel tissue‐engineered corneal substitute. The present study envisaged the development of a novel and efficient method to prepare the corneal stromal equivalent from the marine biomaterials‐squid. A chemical method was employed to decellularize the squid mantle scaffold to create a cell‐free tissue substitute using 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution. Subsequently, a novel clearing method, namely clear, unobstructed brain imaging cocktails (CUBIC) method was used to transparent it. Decellularized squid mantle scaffold (DSMS) has high decellularization efficiency, is rich in essential amino acids, and maintains the regular fiber alignment. In vitro experiments showed that the soaking solution of DSMS was non‐toxic to human corneal epithelium cells. DSMS exhibited a good biocompatibility in the rat muscle by undergoing a complete degradation, and promoted the growth of the muscle. In addition, the DSMS showed a good compatibility with the corneal stroma in the rabbit inter‐corneal implantation model, and promoted the regeneration of the corneal stroma without any evident rejection. Our results indicate that the squid mantle can be a potential new type of tissue‐engineered corneal stroma material with a promising clinical application.
An overview of pim kinase as a target in multiple myeloma
Authors: Liu Zhaoyun , Zhang Yunhe , Guo Yixuan , Wang Hao , Fu Rong
Published: May 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second common hematologic malignancy manifesting as a clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. In recent years, high expression and activity of pim kinase have been found to be associated with both the progression and prognosis of a significant proportion of malignant diseases. Therefore, pim kinase has become a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of MM and some pim kinase inhibitors have demonstrated good efficacy in clinical trials. Based on nearly the entire literature searched from PubMed in the field of pim kinase in MM, the paper concluded how pim kinase got involved in the proliferation of myeloma cells, the progression of bone disease infiltration, and even in the regulation of the immune microenvironment. Next as a very promising drug, the effectiveness of pim kinase inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other drugs in the treatment of MM was also summarized. Our analysis will guide the clinical use of pim kinase inhibitors for managing tumor load and bone disease in MM patients.
New‐onset lung sarcoidosis, an adverse event by COVID‐19 or a sign of convalescence; a case report
Authors: Sadeghi Somayeh , Mobarakeh Shadi Reisizadeh , Momenzadeh Mahnaz , Aria Amir , Heidarpour Mitra , Ahmadi Somayeh Haji , Naderi Zohreh
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease able to affect any organ within the body. Sarcoidosis may be the body's secondary response to COVID‐19 infection and a sign of rehabilitation. Early response to the treatments reinforces this hypothesis. The majority of sarcoidosis patients require immunosuppressive therapies, including corticosteroids.

Most studies so far have focused on the management of COVID‐19 in patients suffering from sarcoidosis. Nevertheless, the current report aims to present a COVID‐19‐induced sarcoidosis case. Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease with granulomas. Still, its etiology is unknown. It often affects the lungs and lymph nodes. A previously healthy 47‐year‐old female was referred with the following chief complaints: atypical chest pain, dry cough, and dyspnea on exertion within a month after COVID‐19 infection. Accordingly, a chest computed tomography revealed multiple conglomerated lymphadenopathies in the thoracic inlet, mediastinum, and hila. A core‐needle biopsy from the nodes revealed non‐necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, sarcoidal type. The sarcoidosis diagnosis was proposed and confirmed by a negative purified protein derivative (PPD) test. Accordingly, prednisolone was prescribed. All symptoms were relieved. A control lung HRCT was taken 6 months later, showing the lesions had disappeared. In conclusion, sarcoidosis may be the body's secondary response to COVID‐19 infection and a sign of disease convalescence.
Lévy flight and disrupt operator‐based elephant herding optimization for global optimization problems and feature selection to classify medical data
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Singh Birmohan , Kaur Manpreet
Published: May 2023

Metaheuristic techniques have gained the attention of many researchers in the last few years. These techniques are used to solve real‐world optimization problems as well as for feature selection. This work proposes a lévy flight and disrupt operator‐based elephant herding optimization algorithm (LDEHO). In the proposed algorithm, opposition based‐learning is utilized to commence with better initial positions. Lévy flight and matriarch mean are introduced to update the positions of clan individuals. In addition, the disruption phenomenon is introduced to generate new individuals for replacing the worst clan individuals. Further, an elitism scheme is introduced to preserve the best search agents in consecutive iterations. The performance of the proposed LDEHO algorithm is validated on 97 benchmark functions. A comparative analysis of the proposed LDEHO algorithm with fourteen state‐of‐the‐art algorithms has been made. Results show the high potential of the LDEHO algorithm in solving the benchmark functions. Further, Friedman's mean rank test and multiple comparison tests are applied to demonstrate the statistically significant difference between the algorithms. Moreover, a binary version of the proposed LDEHO algorithm is introduced for feature selection to classify the medical datasets. The performance of the binary LDEHO is validated on 15 medical datasets and compared with six state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. Results show the supremacy of the binary LDEHO for feature selection to classify the medical data. Friedman's test proves that the proposed binary LDEHO algorithm is statistically different and better than other algorithms.
A Hybrid S‐Scheme WS2/BiOI Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Bavani Thirugnanam , Preeyanghaa Mani , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Madhavan Jagannathan , Balaji Dhandapani
Published: May 2023

There is a growing demand for efficient methods to decrease hazardous organic contaminants in wastewater. Herein, a novel S‐scheme WS2/BiOI heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared by a one‐pot solvothermal process. The structural morphology, crystal structure and optical absorption studies were studied. The sugar‐like nanocrystals of WS2 are deposited on 3D‐BiOI marigold flowers, providing high surface area with increased visible light absorption. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized materials was studied by visible light degradation of Rhodamine‐B (RhB). The optimized 20 wt.% WS2 in the composite photocatalyst (band gap 2.25 eV) exhibited a 98.9 % photocatalytic degradation activity with a rate constant of 0.0940 min−1 with performance retained after 3 consecutive recycling runs. Photoelectrochemical studies revealed excellent stability, increased separation and migration ability of charge carriers with lower charge resistance in the optimized WS2/BiOI photocatalyst.
A unified modeling approach for characterization of fractional‐order memory elements
Authors: Oluwatosin Oresanya Babajide , Si Gangquan , Xu Xiang , Gong Jiahui , Guo Zhang
Published: May 2023

A generalized mathematical model for current‐controlled fractional‐order memory elements is introduced in this work. The model characterizes constant‐phase elements (CPEs) when its nonlinearity parameter is zero (
); otherwise (
), it characterizes three main types of fractional‐order memory elements (memristor, meminductor, and memcapacitor). Time‐domain analyses of the voltage and energy relations of the model are derived and verified via numerical and circuit simulations. Some new deductions on the effects of the respective fractional‐order values are recorded: Each fractional‐order element transposes into their corresponding resistive or memristive properties as their fractional‐order values are varied; the meminductor's voltage response have undesired initial trails due to the fractional differentiator; the hysteresis loop of the meminductor is only pinched when its fractional‐order values are unequal. A new CPE emulator circuit is designed, and a generalized memelement emulator is also designed and verified in PSpice circuit simulator: Circuit simulation results confirm the numerical analysis in all cases.
Otterly delicious: Spatiotemporal variation in the diet of a recovering population of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) revealed throughDNAmetabarcoding and morphological analysis of prey remains
Authors: Drake Lorna E. , Cuff Jordan P. , Bedmar Sergio , McDonald Robbie , Symondson William O. C. , Chadwick Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2023

Eurasian otters are apex predators of freshwater ecosystems and a recovering species across much of their European range; investigating the dietary variation of this predator over time and space, therefore, provides opportunities to identify changes in freshwater trophic interactions and factors influencing the conservation of otter populations. Here we sampled feces from 300 dead otters across England and Wales between 2007 and 2016, conducting both morphological analyses of prey remains and dietary DNA metabarcoding. Comparison of these methods showed that greater taxonomic resolution and breadth could be achieved using DNA metabarcoding but combining data from both methodologies gave the most comprehensive dietary description. All otter demographics exploited a broad range of taxa and variation likely reflected changes in prey distributions and availability across the landscape. This study provides novel insights into the trophic generalism and adaptability of otters across Britain, which is likely to have aided their recent population recovery, and may increase their resilience to future environmental changes.
Comparing study features is easy but identifying next steps is hard: Evaluating critical thinking through the Biology Lab Inventory of Critical Thinking in Ecology
Authors: Heim Ashley B. , Esparza David , Holmes N. G. , Smith Michelle K.
Published: May 2023

Critical thinking, which can be defined as the evidence‐based ways in which people decide what to trust and what to do, is an important competency included in many undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. To help instructors effectively measure critical thinking, we developed the Biology Lab Inventory of Critical Thinking in Ecology (Eco‐BLIC), a freely available, closed‐response assessment of undergraduate students' critical thinking in ecology. The Eco‐BLIC includes ecology‐based experimental scenarios followed by questions that measure how students decide on what to trust and what to do next. Here, we present the development of the Eco‐BLIC using tests of validity and reliability. Using student responses to questions and think‐aloud interviews, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the Eco‐BLIC at measuring students' critical thinking skills. We find that while students generally think like experts while evaluating what to trust, students' responses are less expert‐like when deciding on what to do next.
Pain tolerance after stroke: The Tromsø study
Authors: Melum Tonje Anita , Årnes Anders P. , Stigum Hein , Stubhaug Audun , Steingrímsdóttir Ólöf Anna , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Nielsen Christopher S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Stroke lesions might alter pain processing and modulation by affecting the widely distributed network of brain regions involved. We aimed to compare pain tolerance in stroke survivors and stroke‐free persons in the general population, with and without chronic pain.

Methods

We included all participants of the sixth and seventh wave of the population‐based Tromsø Study who had been tested with the cold pressor test (hand in cold water bath, 3°C, maximum time 106 s in the sixth wave and 120 s in the seventh) and who had information on previous stroke status and covariates. Data on stroke status were obtained from the Tromsø Study Cardiovascular Disease Register and the Norwegian Stroke Register. Cox regression models were fitted using stroke prior to study attendance as the independent variable, cold pressor endurance time as time variable and hand withdrawal from cold water as event. Statistical adjustments were made for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, body mass index and smoking.

Results

In total 21,837 participants were included, 311 of them with previous stroke. Stroke was associated with decreased cold pain tolerance time, with 28% increased hazard of hand withdrawal (hazard ratio [HR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.50). The effect was similar in participants with (HR 1.28, 95% CI 0.99–1.66) and without chronic pain (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.59).

Conclusions

Stroke survivors, with and without chronic pain, had lower cold pressor pain tolerance, with possible clinical implications for pain in this group.

Significance

We found lower pain tolerance in participants with previous stroke compared to stroke‐free participants of a large, population‐based study. The association was present both in those with and without chronic pain. The results may warrant increased awareness by health professionals towards pain experienced by stroke patients in response to injuries, diseases and procedures.
Energy Management Strategy Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning and Speed Prediction for Power‐Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle with Multidimensional Continuous Control
Authors: Liu Xing , Wang Ying , Zhang Kaibo , Li Wenhe
Published: May 2023

An efficient energy management strategy (EMS) is significant to improve the economy of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Herein, a power‐split HEV model is built and validated against test results, and then the EMS is proposed for this model based on vehicle speed prediction and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms. The rule‐based local controller and global optimal empirical knowledge are introduced to enhance the convergence speed. It is shown in the results that the twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm (TD3) achieves more satisfactory performance on converge speed and energy efficiency. The networks of the DRL algorithm with continuous control update more robustly during iterations, in contrast to the discrete ones. Although the power‐split HEV with lower control dimension can reduce the learning burden for DRL EMS; however, the multidimensional control space shows greater optimization potential. As a result, the equivalent fuel consumption of TD3‐based EMS with multidimensional continuous control differences from the global optimal algorithm only by 4.92%. Herein, it is demonstrated in the results that long short‐term memory recurrent neural network (LSTM RNN) performs better for vehicle speed prediction than classical RNN and BP neural network, and the predictive vehicle speed feature helps improve fuel economy by 0.55%.
Eyelid myoclonia versus eyelid fluttering
Authors: Wüstenhagen Stephan , Juhl Stefan , Beniczky Sándor
Published: May 2023

Content available: Video
Robot‐assisted stereoencephalography vs subdural electrodes in the evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Gorbachuk Mykola , Machetanz Kathrin , Weinbrenner Eliane , Grimm Florian , Wuttke Thomas V. , Wang Sophie , Ethofer Silke , Tatagiba Marcos , Rona Sabine , Honegger Jürgen , Naros Georgios
Published: May 2023

Objective

Invasive video‐electroencephalography (iVEEG) is the gold standard for evaluation of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy before second stage resective surgery (SSRS). Traditionally, the presumed seizure onset zone (SOZ) has been covered with subdural electrodes (SDE), a very invasive procedure prone to complications. Temporal stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) with conventional frame‐based stereotaxy is time‐consuming and impeded by the geometry of the frame. The introduction of robotic assistance promised a simplification of temporal SEEG implantation. However, the efficacy of temporal SEEG in iVEEG remains unclear. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the efficiency and efficacy of SEEG in iVEEG of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 60 consecutive patients with medically intractable epilepsy who underwent iVEEG of a potential temporal SOZ by SDE (n = 40) or SEEG (n = 20). Surgical time efficiency was analyzed by the skin‐to‐skin time (STS) and the total procedure time (TPT) and compared between groups (SDE vs SEEG). Surgical risk was depicted by the 90‐day complication rate. Temporal SOZ were treated by SSRS. Favorable outcome (Engel°1) was assessed after 1 year of follow‐up.

Results

Robot‐assisted SEEG significantly reduced the duration of surgery (STS and TPT) compared to SDE implantations. There was no significant difference in complication rates. Notably, all surgical revisions in this study were attributed to SDE. Unilateral temporal SOZ was detected in 34/60 cases. Of the 34 patients, 30 underwent second stage SSRS. Both SDE and SEEG had a good predictive value for the outcome of temporal SSRS with no significant group difference.

Significance

Robot‐assisted SEEG improves the accessibility of the temporal lobe for iVEEG by increasing surgical time efficiency and by simplifying trajectory selection without losing its predictive value for SSRS.