bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐Galactocation to Sialic Acid on Tumor Cells with A Penta‐Functional Dendritic Probe for Enhanced Immune‐Killing
Authors: Yang Yuhui , Li Yiran , Wang Caixia , Wang Yuru , Ren Yi , Wu Jie , Ju Huangxian , Chen Yunlong
Published: March 2024

Glycans on tumor cell surface have significant impacts in the immune‐killing process. Here an ultra‐galactocation to sialic acid (Sia) strategy is designed to hugely introduce galactose (Gal) to Sia and on tumor cells in vivo by using a penta‐functional dendritic probe (Den@5F), which efficiently enhances the immune‐killing of tumor cells. The Den@5F contains five different kinds of functional groups, including Gal, Cy5, amino, phenylboronic acid (PBA) and 4‐(4‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐methoxy‐5‐nitrophenoxy) butanoate (mNB), which can be conveniently prepared through a two‐step reaction. After injecting into the tumor‐bearing mouse, Den@5F can efficiently block Sia through the specific recognition between PBA and Sia on tumor cells and hugely introduce Gal through the subsequent photo‐crosslinking between mNB and amino groups to multiply conjugate excessive Den@5Fs. The comprehensively blocked Sia can prevent the immune escape, and the hugely introduced Gal can promote the immune stimulation of the immune cells, which lead to an efficient enhancement of the immune‐killing. The proposed strategy provides a significant and promising tool to promote the clinical immunotherapy of tumor.
Bis(benzoselenadiazol)ethane: A π‐Extended Acceptor‐Dimeric Unit for Ambipolar Polymer Transistors with Hole and Electron Mobilities Exceeding 10 cm2 V−1 s−1
Authors: Liu Di , Zhao Yinghan , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang , Liu Yunqi , Wang Yang
Published: March 2024

The lack of ambipolar polymers with balanced hole (μh) and electron mobilities (μe) >10 cm2 V−1 s−1 is the main bottleneck for developing organic integrated circuits. Herein, we show the design and synthesis of a π‐extended selenium‐containing acceptor‐dimeric unit, namely benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazol‐4‐yl)ethane (BBSeE), to address this dilemma. In comparison to its sulfur‐counterpart, BBSeE demonstrates enlarged co‐planarity, selective noncovalent interactions, polarized Se−N bond, and higher electron affinity. The successful stannylation of BBSeE offers a great opportunity to access acceptor‐acceptor copolymer pN‐BBSeE, which shows a narrower band gap, lower‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level (−4.05 eV), and a higher degree of backbone planarity. Consequently, the pN‐BBSeE‐based organic transistors display an ideally balanced ambipolar transporting property with μh and μe of 10.65 and 10.72 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the simultaneous μh/μe values >10.0 cm2 V−1 s−1 are the best performances ever reported for ambipolar polymers. In addition, pN‐BBSeE shows an excellent shelf‐storage stability, retaining over 85 % of the initial mobility values after two months storage. Our study demonstrates the π‐extended acceptor‐dimeric BBSeE is a promising acceptor building block for constructing high‐performance ambipolar polymers applied in next‐generation organic integrated circuit.
Modulation by Co (II) Ion of Optical Activities of L/D‐glutathione (GSH)‐modified Chiral Copper Nanoclusters for Sensitive Adenosine Triphosphate Detection
Authors: Ding Qi , Yang Weimin , Xing Xinhe , Lin Hengwei , Xu Chuanlai , Xu Liguang , Li Si
Published: March 2024

Chiral nanoscale enantiomers exhibit different biological effects in living systems. However, their chirality effect on the detection sensitivity for chiral biological targets still needs to be explored. Here, we discovered that Co2+ can modulate the luminescence performance of L/D‐glutathione (GSH)‐modified copper nanoclusters (L/D−Cu NCs) and induce strong chiroptical activities as the asymmetric factor was enhanced 223‐fold with their distribution regulating from the ultraviolet to visible region. One Co2+ coordinated with two GSH molecules that modified on the surface of Cu NCs in the way of CoN2O2. On this basis, dual‐modal chiral and luminescent signals of Co2+ coordinated L/D−Cu NCs (L/D−Co−Cu NCs) were used to detect the chiral adenosine triphosphate (ATP) based on the competitive interaction between surficial GSH and ATP molecules with Co2+. The limits of detection of ATP obtained with fluorescence and circular dichroism intensity were 9.15 μM and 15.75 nM for L−Co−Cu NCs, and 5.35 μM and 4.69 nM for D−Co−Cu NCs. This demonstrated that selecting suitable chiral configurations of nanoprobes effectively enhances detection sensitivity. This study presents not only a novel method to modulate and enhance the chiroptical activity of nanomaterials but also a unique perspective of chirality effects on the detection performances for bio‐targets.
Modelling spatial distributions of biogenic habitat‐forming taxa to inform marine spatial planning
Authors: Bennion Matthew , Brough Tom , Leunissen Eva , Morrison Mark , Hillman Jenny R. , Rowden Ashley A. , Gordon Dennis P. , Kelly Michelle , Nelson Wendy , Tracey Dianne M. , Macpherson Diana , Neill Kate , Lohrer Andrew M. , Lundquist Carolyn J.
Published: March 2024

Biogenic habitats are foundational habitats for species assemblages and drive a range of ecosystem functions. The Hauraki Gulf/Tiikapa Moana is the most intensively used coastal area in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and decades of commercial fishing, sedimentation and industrialization have degraded biogenic habitats in the Gulf. In response, the marine spatial plan ‘Sea Change’ includes proposals to create new and extend existing marine protected areas (MPAs) and restrict the area open to mobile bottom‐impact fishing methods to conserve and help the recovery of biogenic habitats.

To assess the benefits of different spatial planning scenarios for biogenic habitats, information on their spatial distribution is needed, but data limitations are a significant challenge. Here, an approach is detailed that maximized the information extracted from limited species occurrence data, by incorporating expert knowledge to develop and evaluate models of biogenic habitat‐forming taxa.

Ensemble habitat suitability models (using boosted regression tree and random forest models) were created for 20 biogenic habitat groups. Using withheld data for validation, area under curve (AUC) scores ranged from 0.58 to 0.95 and true skill statistics (TSS) ranged from 0.37 to 0.84, though three models were further evaluated as insufficient representations of known ecological habitats by expert assessors.

Models produced here provide substantially increased information to inform progress on implementation of the Sea Change plan. Two stakeholder processes have been held, resulting in the development of spatial plans for bottom trawl mitigation that are currently under public consultation. Systematic surveys that gather abundance and high‐resolution environmental data should be a priority to improve the utility of predictive models and inform future management processes in the Hauraki Gulf, and funding has been allocated to support additional data collection to determine the effectiveness of spatial management measures in the Hauraki Gulf.
Design and synthesis of highly selective Janus kinase 3 covalent inhibitors for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yao Hualiang , Zhang Jie , Zheng Qisheng , Zeng Xianxia , Huang Huaizheng , Ling Zhen , Tang Minghai , Chen Zhiquan , Wang Wenchu , He Linhong
Published: March 2024

Selective inhibition of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) is a promising strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Based on the discovery of a hydrophobic pocket unutilized between the lead compound RB1 and the JAK3 protein, a series of covalent JAK3 inhibitors were prepared by introducing various aromatic fragments to RB1. Among them, J1b (JAK3 IC50 = 7.2 nM, other JAKs IC50 > 1000 nM) stood out because of its low toxicity (MTD > 2 g/kg) and superior anti‐inflammatory activity in Institute of Cancer Research mice. Moreover, the acceptable bioavailability (F% = 31.69%) ensured that J1b displayed excellent immune regulation in collagen‐induced arthritis mice, whose joints in the high‐dose group were almost recovered to a normal state. Given its clear kinase selectivity (Bmx IC50 = 539.9 nM, other Cys909 kinases IC50 > 1000 nM), J1b was nominated as a highly selective JAK3 covalent inhibitor, which could be used to safely treat arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Entropy Stabilized Medium High Entropy Alloy Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Alvi Sajid , Black Ashley P. , Jozami Ignacio , Escudero Carlos , Akhtar Farid , Johansson Patrik
Published: March 2024

One often proposed route to improved energy density for lithium‐ion batteries is to use alloy anodes, such as silicon, able to store large amounts of lithium. Mechanical instability caused by the large expansion and contraction associated with (de)lithiation, and hence bad cyclability, has, however, so far hindered progress. As proof‐of‐concept of a remedy, we here present BiSbSe1.5Te1.5, a medium high‐entropy alloy with improved cycling stability for conversion‐alloying (de)lithiation reactions. We attain five to twenty times more stable cycles than previously reported for comparable metal‐Se and ‐Te‐based anodes, with a very good reversible capacity (464 mAh g−1) for up to 110 cycles‐ and this without using any carbonaceous materials to create a composite. Altogether, this highlights how alloy engineering and increased entropy materials can stabilize conversion‐alloying electrodes.
Limb–body wall complex: Literature review and case report
Authors: Cortés‐Enríquez Omar Daniel , Tapia‐Fonseca Claudia Vanessa , Torres‐Fuentes María Angelina , Torres‐Riojas Paola Berenice , Raya‐Garza Laura Patricia
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Body wall anomalies comprise a wide range of malformations. Limb–Body wall complex (LBWC) represents the most severe presentation of this group, with life threatening malformations in practically all the cases, including craniofacial, body wall defects, and limb anomalies. There is no consensus about its etiology and folding and gastrulation defects have been involved. Also, impaired angiogenesis has been proposed as a causative process.

Case Report

We present the case of a masculine stillborn, product of the first pregnancy in a 15‐year‐old, apparently healthy mother. He was delivered at 31 weeks of gestation due to an early rupture of membranes. He presented with multiple malformations including a wide body wall defect with multiple organ herniation and meromelia of the lower right limb.

Discussion and Conclusions

LBWC represents a severe and invariably fatal pathology. There are no described risk factors, nevertheless, this case presented in a teenage mother, a well‐described risk factor for other body wall anomalies. Its diagnosis allows us to discriminate between other pathologies that require prenatal or postnatal specialized treatment.
The role of ncRNAs‐mediated pyroptosis in diabetes and its vascular complications
Authors: Feng Xinyao , Yang Xiaoxu , Zhong Yancheng , Cheng Xihua
Published: March 2024

Over the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes has increased significantly worldwide, leading to an increase in vascular complications of diabetes (VCD), such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long Noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a key role in cellular processes, including the pathophysiology of diabetes and VCD via pyroptosis. ncRNAs (e.g., miR‐17, lnc‐MEG3, and lnc‐KCNQ1OT1) can regulate pyroptosis in pancreatic β cells. Some ncRNAs are involved in VCD progression. For example, miR‐21, lnc‐KCNQ1OT1, lnc‐GAS5, and lnc‐MALAT1 were reported in DN and DCM, and lnc‐MIAT was identified in DCM and DR. Herein, this review aimed to summarize recent research findings related to ncRNAs‐mediated pyroptosis at the onset and progression of diabetes and VCD.
A Dual‐Gene Reporter‐Amplifier Architecture for Enhancing the Sensitivity of Molecular MRI by Water Exchange
Authors: Huang Yimeng , Chen Xinyue , Zhu Ziyue , Mukherjee Arnab
Published: March 2024

The development of genetic reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for investigating biological functions in vivo. However, current MRI reporters have low sensitivity, making it challenging to create significant contrast against the tissue background, especially when only a small fraction of cells express the reporter. To overcome this limitation, we developed an approach for amplifying the sensitivity of molecular MRI by combining a chemogenetic contrast mechanism with a biophysical approach to increase water diffusion through the co‐expression of a dual‐gene construct comprising an organic anion transporting polypeptide, Oatp1b3, and a water channel, Aqp1. We first show that the expression of Aqp1 amplifies MRI contrast in cultured cells engineered to express Oatp1b3. We demonstrate that the contrast amplification is caused by Aqp1‐driven increase in water exchange, which provides the gadolinium ions internalized by Oatp1b3‐expressing cells with access to a larger water pool compared with exchange‐limited conditions. We further show that our methodology allows cells to be detected using approximately 10‐fold lower concentrations of gadolinium than that in the Aqp1‐free scenario. Finally, we show that our approach enables the imaging of mixed‐cell cultures containing a low fraction of Oatp1b3‐labeled cells that are undetectable on the basis of Oatp1b3 expression alone.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with dengue fever induced intrauterine death: A case report
Authors: Biswas Himel Kumar , Ibu Khadija Tanbil Ishaque , Biswas Rama , Ahmed Md Nasir Uddin
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

In recent years dengue fever has become a major health concern specifically due to its diverse presentation and adverse outcome. Progression from mild febrile illness to a severe systemic illness may occur in dengue fever including neurological disorder. Here, we report an unusual and rare case of a 20‐year‐old mother who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) following dengue fever induced intrauterine death and septic shock.
Ulcerative sarcoidosis: An atypical cause of leg ulcers
Authors: Miyaue Kazuki , Hoshi Tetsuya , Isono Hiroki
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

We present the case of an 83‐year‐old woman with leg ulcers who was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. This case highlights the importance for clinicians to consider ulcerative sarcoidosis when encountering patients with leg ulcers along with hilar adenopathy, uveitis, elevated serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme, and histopathological findings of epithelioid cell granulomas.
An application of psychology of working theory to chronic health issues: Importance of decent work
Authors: Raque Trisha L. , Wright Orphea D. , Duffy Ryan D.
Published: March 2024

This paper presents psychology of working theory (PWT) as a framework for addressing career concerns faced by those with chronic health issues. PWT is a relevant framework for contextualizing the lived experiences of clients navigating work and chronic illness. Specifically, individuals with chronic health conditions may face additional barriers to their career development and are at risk for higher incidences of workplace discrimination, job stress, and job loss. Core elements of PWT outlined in this paper are applied to a case study of a client with breast cancer. More specifically, the constructs of decent work, critical consciousness, and career adaptability are applied at the level of the individual and systemic interventions. Issues of equity, access, intersectionality, power, and privilege are highlighted as they relate to the context of work. We offer suggestions for advocacy for career counselors working with clients with chronic illness navigating work and careers.
Letztes Bollwerk gegen Viren
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: March 2024

Wie alle Lebewesen sind auch Pflanzen einer ständigen Bedrohung durch Viren ausgesetzt. Bei landwirtschaftlichen Nutzpflanzen können Infektionskrankheiten großen ökonomischen Schaden verursachen. Glücklicherweise sind die Stammzellen in der Sprossspitze, die die Blüte und damit auch die Samen hervorbringen, besonders erfolgreich darin, Viren zu bekämpfen. Damit ermöglichen sie der nächsten Pflanzengeneration einen virenfreien Start. Trotz ihrer Bedeutung wurde der Mechanismus hinter dieser ungewöhnlich erfolgreichen Virenabwehr erst jetzt aufgeklärt.
PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of public‐private partnerships on educational access and quality of primary and secondary schooling in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Ali Sajid , Bhutta Sadia Muzaffar , Ahmad Sohail , Ansari Aisha Naz , Ahmed Afaq , Qadir Yasir
Published: March 2024

This protocol serves as a guiding source for a Campbell registered systematic review aiming to assess the effectiveness of Public‐Private Partnerships (PPPs) in education in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries (LMICs). The primary question for this review is: What is known about the impact of PPPs on improving access (i.e., enrolment, attendance, drop‐out, and completion) and quality (i.e., students’ learning outcomes and teachers’ teaching practices) of primary and secondary schooling in LMICs? Using a predefined search query, we will retrieve studies from various databases including Scopus, Campbell Library, EBSCO Education Research Complete, NBER, Dissertation and Theses Global (ProQuest), along with other sources of grey literature. Covidence will be used for screening and extraction. A bias assessment tool will be used for the included studies. A standardised mean difference (SMD) effect size of Hedges’ g will be calculated for the outcome variables using RevMan.

This review will provide updated evidence about the impact of PPP in school education across LMICs, which will be instrumental for policy and practice level decisions for education improvement.
Pathologic classification of a late‐onset peripheral neuropathy in a spontaneous Labrador retriever dog model
Authors: Anderson Ryan S. , Chu Alexander K. , Rylander Helena , Binversie Emily E. , Duncan Ian D. , Baker Lauren , Salamat Shahriar , Patterson Margaret M. , Gruel Jordan , Kohler Nyah L. , Kearney Hannah K. , Ale Shelby M. , Momen Mehdi M. , Muir Peter , Svaren John P. , Johnson Rebecca , Sample Susannah J.
Published: March 2024

Late‐onset peripheral neuropathy (LPN) is a heritable canine neuropathy commonly found in Labrador retrievers and is characterized by laryngeal paralysis and pelvic limb paresis. Our objective was to establish canine LPN as a model for human hereditary peripheral neuropathy by classifying it as either an axonopathy or myelinopathy and evaluating length‐dependent degeneration. We conducted a motor nerve conduction study of the sciatic and ulnar nerves, electromyography (EMG) of appendicular and epaxial musculature, and histologic analysis of sciatic and recurrent laryngeal nerves in LPN‐affected and control dogs. LPN‐affected dogs exhibited significant decreases in compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, CMAP area, and pelvic limb latencies. However, no differences were found in motor nerve conduction velocity, residual latencies, or CMAP duration. Distal limb musculature showed greater EMG changes in LPN‐affected dogs. Histologically, LPN‐affected dogs exhibited a reduction in the number of large‐diameter axons, especially in distal nerve regions. In conclusion, LPN in Labrador retrievers is a common, spontaneous, length‐dependent peripheral axonopathy that is a novel animal model of age‐related peripheral neuropathy that could be used for fundamental research and clinical trials.
Bigger is not Better for Indolino‐Oxazoline Photochemical Properties
Authors: Ayoub Augustin , Le Bras Laura , Leriche Philippe , Champagne Benoît , Sanguinet Lionel
Published: March 2024

Indolino‐oxazolidine derivatives are a new and pretty confidential family of multimodal molecular switches. Indeed, acid, electrochemical potential, and UV light irradiation can be used to convert these compounds form their colorless closed form to a colorful open form. In this publication, we have investigated the influence of the extension of the π‐conjugated system beared by the indolino moiety on their halo‐, electro‐ and photochromic properties. In this context, we have demonstrated that only their photochemical properties are strongly affected by this structural modification. Moreover, quantum chemistry calculations have allowed to rationalize our experimental observations and, noticeably, evidenced an oxidative quenching process in presence of chlorobenzene, which enhances their photoreactivity.
Cocrystallization for Improving Anticancer Activity of Drugs
Authors: Alvani Amin , Shayanfar Ali
Published: March 2024

Cocrystallization can change the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and improve biological activities. This study focuses on the documented biological activities of APIs in cocrystal form, specifically those with anticancer properties. Additionally, the mechanisms by which these APIs exhibit modified anticancer effects are discussed. Generally, this technique can change anticancer activity through solubilization, enhancing dissolution rate, permeability improvement, stabilization, producing a slow‐release form, and retaining transient in solution and interaction with receptors.
Geochemical and microbiological variability of aerobic and anaerobic sediments along a bifurcated sulphate‐saturated brine spring in western Canada
Authors: Broughton Paul L.
Published: March 2024

A tufa mound developed at La Saline Lake, an oxbow of the Athabasca River in the Athabasca Oil Sands deposit of north‐east Alberta, is characterised by an unusual emplacement of a gypsum caprock. This two‐tiered architecture resulted from the bicarbonate‐saturated groundwater flow along Upper Devonian limestone being redirected deeper and encountering the halite–anhydrite dissolution trend within the underlying Middle Devonian Prairie Evaporite Formation, 175 to 200 m below. Migrations up‐section of sulphate‐saturated brine resulted in the gypsum caprock on the tufa mound and discharge of a sulphate‐saturated brine spring with total dissolved solids of ca 80,000 mg/L. The brine spring is bifurcated with flows to the south‐west and north‐west. Calcite–gypsum thrombolytic bottom sediments along the south‐western branch were covered by a halite deposit and subsequently a gypsum crust with a microbial community dominated by the cyanobacteria Coleofasciculus chthonoplastes. The thrombolite contact zone with the halite–gypsum encrustation has a more diversified community with the cyanobacteria Dactylococcopsis. Cyanobacterial mats that wrap around the bulbous gypsum crust protuberances distributed along the brine pool bottom surfaces have significant eukaryotic diversity, represented by the heterotrophic Ochrophyte Paraphysomonas. In contrast, sediments accumulated along the adjacent spring branch flow to the north‐west were thicker and clogged by abundant decomposed and fermented floral debris, unlike the deposit accumulated along the south‐western branch. This resulted in an oxygen‐depleted anaerobic environment dominated by sulphate‐reducing bacteria resulting in a calcite‐rich and sulphate‐starved anaerobic sediment with ca 20% elemental sulphur and emanation of H2S gas.
Three cases of collared owlet depredation on the green‐backed tit within nest boxes
Authors: Bibi Nehafta , Yuan Qingmiao , Chen Caiping , Chen Shaolian , Duan Yubao , Luo Xu
Published: March 2024

The main cause of the reproductive failure of cavity‐nesting birds is nest predation, even though cavity nests protect from numerous predators. To study the breeding biology of the green‐backed tit (Parus monticolus) and to promote the reproduction of some other avian cavity breeders, we placed 245 nest boxes in the Zixi Mountain, southwest China. We collected breeding data by regularly checking the artificial nest boxes, three cases of green‐backed tits being predated by collared owlet (Glaucidium brodiei) were confirmed by the video recordings. Larger mammals, chipmunks, squirrels, sparrowhawks, jays, and snakes have been identified as common predators of cavity‐nesting birds in high‐latitude regions of the northern hemisphere. Limited research in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Asia, has demonstrated squirrels and snakes as common predators of cavity‐nesting birds. A gap in avian predators to cavity‐nesting birds exists in the current knowledge. Hence the three cases of collared owlet's depredation reveal a new danger to green‐backed tits, broadening our knowledge of the dynamics of cavity‐nesting birds. In all three cases, the artificial box's entrance hole was only 5 × 5 cm in size and has not been expanded or poked. These findings provided evidence that the collared owlet is the predator of nestlings and adult green‐backed tit breeding in artificial boxes, which emphasized a reevaluation of predator–prey interactions. Therefore, for effective breeding of the green‐backed tit, we suggest to choose a hole size of 3 × 3 cm that is appropriate for its body size.
Food resource richness increases seed disperser visitations and seed rain richness
Authors: Holdgrafer James P. , Mason David S. , Coleman Tyler Steven , Lashley Marcus A.
Published: March 2024

Within the context of global change, seed dispersal research often focuses on changes in disperser communities (i.e., seed dispersers, such as birds, in an area) resulting from habitat fragmentation. This approach may not be completely illustrative due to certain seed disperser communities being more robust to fragmentation. Additionally, this top‐down approach overlooks how changing food resources on landscapes impacts resource tracking and, subsequently, seed dispersal. We hypothesized resource tracking may promote diffuse plant–animal dispersal mutualisms if resource richness is positively linked to disperser and seed rain richness. We predicted increasing food resource richness attracts more visits and species of avian dispersers, resulting in higher counts and greater species richness of seeds deposited at sites (i.e., seed rain). We tested this mechanism in two replicated field experiments using a model system with bird feeders positioned above seed traps. In the first experiment, we demonstrated resource presence skews seed rain. In the second experiment, we explored how species richness of food resources (0, 4, 8, or 12 species) affected the species richness and visitation of avian seed dispersers at feeders and in subsequent seed rain. Collectively, we observed a positive relationship between available food resources and seed rain, likely mediated by resource tracking behavior of avian dispersers. Our findings underscore a potential key mechanism that may facilitate ecological diversity, whereby accumulating species richness in the plant community attracts a more diverse seed disperser community and indirectly promotes more species in seed rain. Importantly, the resource tracking mechanism driving this potential positive feedback loop may also result in negative ecosystem effects if global change diminishes resource availability through homogenization processes, such as invasive species colonization. Future research should explore the bottom‐up effects of global change on food resources and seed disperser behavior to complement the literature on changing disperser communities.
Validating hidden Markov models for seabird behavioural inference
Authors: Akeresola Rebecca A. , Butler Adam , Jones Esther L. , King Ruth , Elvira Víctor , Black Julie , Robertson Gail
Published: March 2024

Understanding animal movement and behaviour can aid spatial planning and inform conservation management. However, it is difficult to directly observe behaviours in remote and hostile terrain such as the marine environment. Different underlying states can be identified from telemetry data using hidden Markov models (HMMs). The inferred states are subsequently associated with different behaviours, using ecological knowledge of the species. However, the inferred behaviours are not typically validated due to difficulty obtaining ‘ground truth’ behavioural information. We investigate the accuracy of inferred behaviours by considering a unique data set provided by Joint Nature Conservation Committee. The data consist of simultaneous proxy movement tracks of the boat (defined as visual tracks as birds are followed by eye) and seabird behaviour obtained by observers on the boat. We demonstrate that visual tracking data is suitable for our study. Accuracy of HMMs ranging from 71% to 87% during chick‐rearing and 54% to 70% during incubation was generally insensitive to model choice, even when AIC values varied substantially across different models. Finally, we show that for foraging, a state of primary interest for conservation purposes, identified missed foraging bouts lasted for only a few seconds. We conclude that HMMs fitted to tracking data have the potential to accurately identify important conservation‐relevant behaviours, demonstrated by a comparison in which visual tracking data provide a ‘gold standard’ of manually classified behaviours to validate against. Confidence in using HMMs for behavioural inference should increase as a result of these findings, but future work is needed to assess the generalisability of the results, and we recommend that, wherever feasible, validation data be collected alongside GPS tracking data to validate model performance. This work has important implications for animal conservation, where the size and location of protected areas are often informed by behaviours identified using HMMs fitted to movement data.
Effect of long‐term tafamidis treatment on health‐related quality of life in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Grogan Martha , Davis Margot K. , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Sultan Marla B. , Gundapaneni Balarama , Stedile Angeli Franca , Hanna Mazen
Published: March 2024

Aims

To evaluate the effect of long‐term tafamidis treatment on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) enrolled in the Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR‐ACT) and long‐term extension (LTE) study.

Methods and results

We examined change from baseline in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary (KCCQ‐OS) and clinical summary (KCCQ‐CS) scores in patients who received tafamidis meglumine 80 mg for 30 months in ATTR‐ACT and tafamidis (meglumine 80 mg or bioequivalent free acid 61 mg) for 30 months in the LTE study, and in patients who received placebo for 30 months in ATTR‐ACT and tafamidis for 30 months in the LTE study. In ATTR‐ACT, 176 and 177 patients were randomized to tafamidis 80 mg and placebo, respectively. Patients who continuously received tafamidis had a 6‐ to 7‐point reduction in least squares (LS) mean (standard error) KCCQ‐OS and KCCQ‐CS scores at month 30 (−6.25 [1.53] and −7.48 [1.39]), with little or no further decline over the next 30 months (−5.92 [1.77] and −9.21 [1.88] at month 60). Patients who received placebo in ATTR‐ACT had a 20‐point reduction in LS mean KCCQ‐OS and KCCQ‐CS scores at month 30 (−19.60 [1.94] and −19.90 [2.01]), but the decline slowed after initiating tafamidis (−24.70 [3.04] and −25.30 [3.36] at month 60).

Conclusion

Tafamidis reduced HRQoL decline in patients with ATTR‐CM. Patients continuously treated with tafamidis for 60 months demonstrated stabilized HRQoL. In patients who initially received placebo in ATTR‐ACT, tafamidis reduced the decline in HRQoL during the LTE study.
Continuum of somatosensory profiles in breast cancer survivors with and without pain, compared to healthy controls and patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Haenen Vincent , Dams Lore , Meeus Mira , Devoogdt Nele , Morlion Bart , De Groote Amber , De Groef An
Published: March 2024

Context

The prevalence of persistent pain among breast cancer survivors (BCS) is high, and it is unclear what distinguishes those with persistent pain from those without. Research suggests that differences in somatosensory function evaluated by quantitative sensory testing (QST) may be responsible.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe somatosensory profiles in terms of hyper‐ and hypoesthesia in BCS with and without persistent pain using reference data from healthy controls. Second, QST parameters of BCS with and without pain were compared with those of healthy controls (i.e., a negative control group) and patients with fibromyalgia (i.e., a positive control group).

Methods

Participants (n = 128) were divided into four equal groups: healthy controls, BCS with persistent pain, BCS without persistent pain, and patients with fibromyalgia. Nine QST parameters were evaluated at the trunk and at a remote location. Somatosensory profiles were determined by Z‐score transformation of QST data using normative data from healthy controls.

Results

At the trunk, compared to healthy controls, BCS with persistent pain exhibited sensory aberrations across five out of seven QST parameters: pressure pain threshold, mechanical detection, and thermal thresholds. Pain‐free BCS showed similar sensory aberrations across the four QST parameters compared to healthy controls: mechanical detection and thermal thresholds. Temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusion

BCS with persistent pain exert aberrations in peripheral processing of nociceptive signals, heightened facilitation of nociceptive signals, and higher psychosocial burden when compared to pain‐free BCS, healthy controls, and patients with fibromyalgia.

Significance

This study investigates the somatosensory function of breast cancer survivors with and without persistent pain using quantitative sensory testing and two control group (i.e., patients with fibromyalgia and healthy controls). Our results indicate somatosensory aberrations within the peripheral, but not central pathways in breast cancer survivors with persistent pain. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the somatosensory mechanisms underlying persistent pain, which may inform future interventions to prevent the development of persistent pain, and improve treatment modalities.
Investigation of directional discrimination in the nociceptive system using temperature‐controlled laser stimuli
Authors: Rujoie Ahmad , Andersen Ole Kæseler , Frahm Ken Steffen
Published: March 2024

Background

Cutaneous laser stimulation has commonly been employed to investigate the thermal properties of the nociceptive system. The aim of this study was to investigate how a temperature‐controlled laser system improves the assessment of directional discrimination in the nociceptive system.

Methods

In total, twenty healthy volunteers participated in this study. To determine the directional discrimination threshold (stimulation length 50% correct, expressed in mm), thermal stimuli were delivered using a diode laser and the laser beam was perpendicularly displaced across the skin to give a linear stimulation in four different directions (distal, proximal, lateral and medial) and displacement lengths (3 for lateral‐medial and 5 for distal‐proximal). Two temperature control modes were used in the stimulation system, open‐loop and closed‐loop control. The subjects had to report the perceived stimulus direction, the degree of certainty regarding the perceived direction and the intensity of the perceived stimulus (0–10 numerical rating scale, 3: pain threshold).

Results

During closed‐loop control, the orientation of stimuli was discriminated significantly more accurately than during open‐loop control. During closed‐loop control, the directional discrimination threshold was 31.9 and 26.1 mm for distal‐proximal and lateral‐medial directed stimuli, respectively. A numerical rating scale was significantly higher for the lateral/medial directions. Moreover, the variability of the discrimination threshold is reduced in the closed‐loop control system.

Conclusions

The findings show that discrimination ability is better in the lateral‐medial directions compared to the distal‐proximal directions. This study indicates that using a system enabling closed‐loop temperature control, allows more robust probing of the temporo‐spatial mechanisms in the nociceptive system.

Significance

This study shows that a newly developed temperature‐controlled laser stimulation system enhances the possibilities to investigate the nociceptive temporo‐spatial integration, as shown by a less variable directional discrimination threshold. The results also show that different orthogonal directions are discriminated differently. This new method allows a better investigation of the combined temporal and spatial mechanisms in the nociceptive system.
Research progress of direct contact heat storage based on phase change heat storage
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Wang Chuang , Chen Pengliang , Cheng Xingxing , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: March 2024

Phase change heat storage presents a promising solution to address challenges related to new energy intermittency and waste heat recovery. However, for it to function as an effective energy hub, heat storage becomes crucial. Among the available options, the direct contact heat accumulator stands out due to its simple structure, substantial heat transfer area, and minimal heat transfer resistance, making it a favorable choice for enhancing energy storage rates. Although a great deal of research has been done on phase change materials and heat accumulators over the years, a systematic review of direct‐contact heat accumulators is lacking. This article reviews the related research on direct contact heat storage, aiming to summarize the research work on direct contact phase change heat storage systems. Various phase change materials (PCMs) for direct contact systems are analyzed, and the study of PCM melting crystallization behavior, heat transfer coefficients and system performance in direct contact systems is summarized, as well as the improvement methods for direct contact vessels and PCMs. It provides a useful reference for future research on direct‐contact heat storage systems.
CFD simulation of a solar collector integrated with PCM thermal storage
Authors: Shekata Gadisa Desa , Tibba Getachew Shunki , Baheta Aklilu Tesfamichael
Published: March 2024

Thermal energy storage is indeed a valuable solution for addressing the time lag or mismatch between energy supply and demand. The study aims to computationally model the melting and solidification processes of phase change material (PCM) using ANSYS Fluent that utilizes the finite volume technique. The simulations provide insights into the shapes of the liquid fraction, corresponding times, and temperature distribution of the PCM particles under the given conditions. The study considers factors such as solar radiation, thermal conductivity, density, latent heat, and the melting temperature of the PCM. The study finds that paraffin wax melts more quickly under a higher average maximum solar irradiance of 985 W/m2, while a lower solar radiation of 300 W/m2 has the opposite effect. Enhanced heat transfer resulting from conduction within the molten PCM, especially at a thermal conductivity of k = 0.25 W/m·K, accelerates the melting process. The thermal conductivity of the PCM affects the overall performance of the thermal energy storage system. The study highlights the potential application of thermal storage for drying purposes. Through the controlled release of stored heat energy, thermal storage enables the provision of heat in the absence of sunlight.
Enforcing accurate volume conservation in VOF‐based long‐term simulations of turbulent bubble‐laden flows on coarse grids
Authors: Trautner Elias , Hasslberger Josef , Cifani Paolo , Klein Markus
Published: March 2024

This study proposes two different strategies to enforce accurate volume conservation in volume‐of‐fluid (VOF)‐based simulations of turbulent bubble‐laden flows on coarse grids. It is demonstrated that, without a correction, minimal volume errors on a time‐step level, caused by the under‐resolution of the interface, can accumulate to significant deviations from the intended flow conditions despite the comparably good volume conservation properties of the geometric VOF method. In particular, large volume errors are observed for challenging setups combining coarse grid resolutions and comparably high Reynolds and Eötvös numbers. The problem is reinforced for long‐term simulations in periodic domains, which are often performed to collect flow statistics of bubbly flows. The first proposed volume conservation method simply corrects the volume error of a bubble by uniformly adding or removing the respective amount of gas volume in the interface cells. The second proposed method performs an additional reconstruction and advection step of the VOF field using a non‐divergence‐free velocity field, which can be interpreted as a slight dilatation or contraction of the bubble. A comparison between the global flow statistics as well as the individual bubble dynamics for both volume conservation methods reveals that the results are quasi‐identical for a number of challenging test cases, while the gas volume is accurately conserved. The proposed methods allow to perform numerical simulations of freely deformable bubbles in turbulent flows for setups that have previously been out of reach for this numerical framework.
Forecasting of cryptocurrencies: Mapping trends, influential sources, and research themes
Authors: Pečiulis Tomas , Ahmad Nisar , Menegaki Angeliki N. , Bibi Aqsa
Published: March 2024

This systematic literature review examines cryptocurrency forecasting trends, influential sources, and research themes. Following PRISMA guidelines, 168 articles from Q1 or A‐tier journals in the Scopus database were analyzed using bibliometric techniques. The findings reveal a significant increase in cryptocurrency forecasting research output since 2017, particularly in 2021. “Finance Research Letters” emerges as the most productive journal, whereas “Economics Letters” receives the highest number of citations. Elie Bouri is identified as the most prolific author, and China is the top contributor country. Key research themes include bitcoin, cryptocurrency, volatility, forecasting, machine learning, investments, and blockchain. Future research directions involve utilizing internet search‐based measures, time‐varying mixture models, economic policy uncertainty, expert predictions, machine learning algorithms, and analyzing cryptocurrency risk. This review contributes unique insights into the field's growth, influential sources, and collaborative structures and offers a foundation for advancing methodology and enhancing cryptocurrency forecasting models.
Fatal tumoral hemorrhage from brain metastases of renal cell carcinoma after stereotactic radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor and vascular endothelial growth factor‐targeted therapy combinations
Authors: Iwasa Kaoruko , Nakazawa Shigeaki , Kato Taigo , Hatano Koji , Kawashima Atsunari , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Nonomura Norio
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Brain metastasis in renal cell carcinoma, which is reported in 10% of cases, leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Establishment of appropriate and safe treatment for brain metastasis renal cell carcinoma remains a pressing need.

Case presentation

A 56‐year‐old female patient, presenting with anorexia, headache, and occipital swelling, was subsequently diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma with multiple metastases, including intracranial and epicranial tumors. The patient initially underwent stereotactic radiotherapy for metastatic brain tumors and then received combination therapy with pembrolizumab and lenvatinib. However, after 30 days of treatment, the patient experienced a sudden loss of consciousness due to massive multifocal intracranial hemorrhage, leading to her death the following day.

Conclusion

Although fatal tumoral hemorrhage during combined stereotactic radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor/VEGF‐targeted therapy for patients with brain metastasis renal cell carcinoma is an extremely rare complication, it should always be considered a possibility.
Think Like an Ecosystem: Transitioning Waste Streams to Value Streams
Authors: Lewark Rae , Lyle Allison , Carroll Kristina , Medina Casey
Published: March 2024

To meet the material demands of the future, transitioning waste streams to value streams is a vital step in ecological and economic sustainability. Linear production design disposes of resources before their optimal value have been realized and loses recyclable resources to waste streams. The economic infrastructure of the planet needs to be reimagined to meet human and ecological needs. The development and implementation of circular systems is key to the creation of sustainable global production. Through the analysis of the copper used in medical devices, we illustrate considerations systems engineers can take to close the waste‐resource gap. Developing wasteless design mimics the resiliency seen in ecosystems and accelerates the evolution of the global economy to meet the needs of companies, the environment, and humankind.
Examining patterns suggestive of acquisition during functional analyses: A consecutive controlled series of 116 cases
Authors: Fernandez Nathalie , Frank‐Crawford Michelle A. , Hanlin Courtney , Benson Ryan , Falligant John M. , DeLeon Iser G.
Published: March 2024

The functional analysis approach described by Iwata et al. (1982/1994) has been used widely to determine the variables evoking and maintaining challenging behavior. However, one potential concern with conducting functional analyses is that repeated exposure to contingencies may induce a novel functional relation. To examine the likelihood of these potential iatrogenic effects, we evaluated social test conditions of the functional analysis for 116 participants and searched for patterns of responding indicative of acquisition. Patterns suggestive of acquisition occurred in 13.70% of tangible reinforcement conditions; however, the prevalence was only slightly lower in the attention condition (8.75%). Much lower prevalence was observed for the escape condition (2.13%). When grouped by quotient score, a pattern of acquisition was just as likely to be observed in the attention condition as in the tangible condition. Additionally, patterns indicative of acquisition were no more likely to be observed with participants who emitted automatically reinforced challenging behavior.