bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing operational performance assessment of structures with seismic response modification devices: The role of observability and symmetry analysis under limited sensor deployment
Authors: He Xinhao , Lin Yu , Li Dan , Unjoh Shigeki
Published: September 2024

To manage structural responses under various external forces, the increasing incorporation of seismic isolation and supplementary damping systems in modern civil engineering necessitates post‐installation performance assessments. The challenge of accurately inferring system information from these complex dynamical structures, especially with limited sensor deployment, could be significant. From the perspective of solving inverse problems, this challenge hinges on constructing an input‐output mapping that assures unique solutions, achievable through theoretical observability or symmetry analysis. We introduce a unified algorithm framework designed to accommodate various definitions of Lie derivatives, specifically for observability and symmetry analysis in dynamic systems with affine, non‐affine, and unknown inputs—capabilities not fully achieved in previous studies. We demonstrate its application across typical dynamic scenarios, including both linear and nonlinear examples. We also present a numerical example featuring complex isolation systems with limited sensor layouts, illustrating how uniform convergence can be achieved in estimating all system states when an observable input‐output mapping is utilized. Furthermore, an experimental example employing shaking table tests showcases the potential complications that arise when an unobservable input‐output mapping is used.
Comprehensive case study on the technical feasibility of Green hydrogen production from photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems
Authors: Oliveira Gessica N. S. , Costa Tatiane , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Ilinca Adrian , Marinho Manoel H. N.
Published: September 2024

The growing demand for alternative energy sources to alleviate environmental impacts highlights the need to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This study demonstrated the technical feasibility of using a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for the production of green hydrogen. This research examined electrical and power data from a PV plant in Irecê, Bahia, using open data sources to provide insights into the production of green hydrogen from renewable sources. The system mainly depends on the use of a renewable source, PV solar energy, integrated with batteries, electrolyzers, and hydrogen tanks. Electrolyzer, battery, and hydrogen tank sizing analysis for optimal hydrogen production was effectively conducted using HOMER Energy software. The predicted system topology prioritizes a local DC network, optimizing efficiency for electrolyzers that have inherently low efficiency. The electrolyzer simulation involves initial Python‐based sizing and comprehensive sizing with HOMER Energy software, ensuring accuracy within a 10% discrepancy limit. This highlights the importance of analytical calculations and optimization software for sizing more complex systems.
Baicalin attenuates vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Miao Lingchao , Yang Yifan , Dai Jinming , Bai Mei , Wang Yuehan , Cui Haiying , Lin Lin , Alharbi Metab , Cheang Wai San
Published: September 2024

Baicalin is a natural flavonoid shown to attenuate inflammation, tumor, and cardiovascular diseases. However, its effect on endothelial function in diabetes remains unclear and was investigated in current study. A high‐fat diet (60% kcal fat diet) was used to feed male C57BL/6 mice for 14 weeks to build a diet‐induced obese (DIO) diabetic mouse model. Baicalin (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was applied to DIO mice by oral gavage in the last 4 weeks. Separated mouse aortic rings were induced by high glucose and primary rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were stimulated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and cotreated with or without varying doses of baicalin and 5′AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor Compound C. Forty‐eight‐hour exposure to high glucose impaired acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxations in mouse aortas and produced excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Similar phenomenon was observed in aortas from DIO mice. Baicalin treatment could alleviate these damage through preventing expression and translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65 pathway, accomplished with decreased expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1) and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) as well as proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6). These improvements were AMPK‐dependent as Compound C abolished the effects. Similar beneficial effects of baicalin and inhibitory effects of Compound C were observed in AGEs (200 µg/mL, 24 h)‐induced RAECs. To conclude, baicalin protects against vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetes through suppression on inflammation and oxidative stress via activating AMPK.
The Value of Information is Context Dependent: A Demonstration of Decision Tools to Address Multispecies River Temperature Management Under Uncertainty
Authors: Healy Brian D. , Runge Michael C. , Beakes Michael , Phillis Corey C. , Jensen Alexander J. , Israel Joshua A.
Published: September 2024

Trade-offs among objectives in natural resource management can be exacerbated in altered ecosystems and when there is uncertainty in predicted management outcomes. Multi-criteria decision analysis and value of information (VOI) are underutilized decision tools that can assist fisheries managers in handling trade-offs and evaluating the importance of uncertainty. We demonstrate the use of these tools using a case study in the Sacramento River, California, USA, where two imperiled species with different temperature requirements, winter-run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Green Sturgeon Acipenser medirostris, spawn and rear in the artificially cold Shasta Dam tailwater. A temperature-control device installed on Shasta Dam maintains cool water for Chinook Salmon; however, uncertainties exist related to the effects of temperatures on the spawning and rearing of both species. We consider four alternative hypotheses in models of early life-stage dynamics to evaluate the effects of alternative temperature management strategies on Chinook Salmon and Green Sturgeon management objectives. We used VOI to quantify the increase in management performance that can be expected by resolving hypothesis-based uncertainties as a function of the weight assigned to species-specific objectives. We found the decision was hindered by uncertainty; the best performing alternative depends on which hypothesis is true, with warmer or cooler alternative management strategies recommended when weights favor Green Sturgeon or Chinook Salmon objectives, respectively. The value of reducing uncertainty was highest when Green Sturgeon was slightly favored, highlighting the interaction between scientific uncertainty and decision makers' values. Our demonstration features multi-criteria decision analysis and VOI as transparent, deliberative tools that can assist fisheries managers in confronting value conflicts, prioritizing resolution of uncertainty, and optimally managing aquatic ecosystems.
Impact of isolated fetal congenital heart disease on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes
Authors: Kittiratanapinan Yossawadee , Anuwutnavin Sanitra , Kanjanauthai Supaluck , Wutthigate Punnanee , Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn , Chawanpaiboon Saifon
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the obstetric complications associated with isolated fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) by comparing pregnancies with and without this condition.

Methods

In this retrospective matched comparative study at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, we included 233 postnatally confirmed fetal CHD cases and 466 unaffected fetuses. Controls were selected at a 2:1 ratio, ensuring that they matched the cases in terms of maternal age, parity, and history of preterm deliveries.

Results

Fetal CHD was significantly associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm labor (30% vs 9.7%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–4.36; P = 0.003), delivery before 34 gestational weeks (11.6% vs 0.6%; aOR 12.33; 95% CI: 3.32–45.78; P < 0.001), and pre‐eclampsia (11.6% vs 2.8%; aOR 2.19; 95% CI: 1.01–4.76; P = 0.047). Newborns with CHD were significantly more likely to be small for gestational age (10.7% vs 5.2%; aOR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.11–3.94; P = 0.022). Intriguingly, a prenatal diagnosis of CHD was associated with a reduced risk of preterm delivery in affected pregnancies (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Pregnancies affected by isolated fetal CHD demonstrated a higher propensity for several adverse outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of prenatal CHD detection and tailored perinatal care to potentially improve both pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health.
LINGPASS: An approach for multilingual passphrase generation by integrating English and Tamil
Authors: Balayogi G. , Kuppusamy K. S.
Published: September 2024

In today's world of ever‐increasing cyber threats, safeguarding digital accounts is paramount. Traditional passwords are often vulnerable to brute force attacks and can be easily guessed, leading to a shift towards passphrases. However, using monolingual passphrases can pose several challenges, such as lack of diversity, predictability, memorability, and accessibility. To address this issue, this paper presents a model called LINGPASS, short for Language INtegrated Graph‐based PASSphrase, which generates multilingual passphrases by combining English and Tamil languages. The proposed approach is implemented as a web application for user convenience, and the entropy of the passphrase is evaluated using Shannon entropy. The LINGPASS model generates higher entropy passphrases than existing multilingual passphrase generators, increasing the security of digital accounts. By integrating two languages, LINGPASS increases the entropy of the passphrase by approximately 72%, making it less vulnerable to dictionary attacks. Additionally, the copy/paste functionality reduces typing errors, making it more user‐friendly.
Broad‐spectrum coronavirus neutralization induced by hetero RBD‐Fc protein vaccine
Authors: Zhao Chaoyue , Cai Guonan , Jiang Shuai , Wang Xun , Li Chen , Liu Xinyu , Qiao Rui , Zhao Xiaoyu , Cui Yuchen , Chen Yanjia , Li Jiayan , Liu Changyi , Yu Jizhen , Gong Jiami , Wang Pengfei
Published: September 2024

In the landscape of infectious diseases, human coronaviruses such as SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2 pose significant threats, characterized by severe respiratory illnesses and notable resistance to conventional treatments due to their rapid evolution and the emergence of diverse variants, particularly within SARS‐CoV‐2. This study investigated the development of broad‐spectrum coronavirus vaccines using heterodimeric RBD‐Fc proteins engineered through the “Knob‐into‐Hole“ technique. We constructed various recombinant proteins incorporating the receptor‐binding domains (RBDs) of different coronaviruses. Heterodimers combining RBDs from SARS‐CoV‐2 with those of SARS‐CoV or MERS‐CoV elicited superior neutralizing responses compared to homodimeric proteins in murine models. Additionally, heterotetrameric proteins, specifically D614G_Delta/BA.1_XBB.1.5‐RBD and MERS_D614G/BA.1_XBB.1.5‐RBD, elicited remarkable breadth and potency in neutralizing all known SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, SARS‐CoV, related sarbecoviruses like GD‐Pangolin and WIV1, and even MERS‐CoV pseudoviruses. Furthermore, these heterotetrameric proteins also demonstrated enhanced cellular immune responses. These findings underscore the potential of recombinant hetero proteins as a universal vaccine strategy against current and future coronavirus threats.
Assessing the effectiveness of prosocial activism within sponsored influencer posts on product promotion
Authors: Gao Liyu , Marder Ben , Lacka Ewelina , Colliander Jonas
Published: September 2024

Mandatory sponsorship disclosure has reduced the value of influencer campaigns, as consumers are astutely aware of their promotional nature. At the same time, influencers are mobilizing as activists for prosocial causes. Against this backdrop, we ask: Do activism statements within sponsored influencer posts increase their effectiveness? and if so “why” and “when”? Through one behavioral pilot study and four experiments, we reveal that activism statements in sponsored influencer posts prompt consumers to spend more time browsing the promoted product website and increase their purchase intentions. These effects are explained by a reduction in the activation of persuasion knowledge (i.e., reduced perceived selling intent). We further show that the positive effect of combining activism with product promotion is attenuated by the consumer's high level of cynicism. Moreover, influencer‐cause congruence boosts the positive effects of sponsored activism posts; however, incongruence causes these posts to backfire by raising perceived manipulative and selling intent. By intersecting two common phenomena in influencer posts (sponsorship disclosure and prosocial activism), we extend knowledge of the antecedents of sponsored influencer posts’ success and offer strategies for marketers to harness them.
Combined treatment with Aronia berry extract and oligomeric proanthocyanidins exhibit a synergistic anticancer efficacy through LMNB1‐AKT signaling pathways in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Yuan , Xu Caiming , Weng Wenhao , Goel Ajay
Published: September 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent and highly recurrent malignancies worldwide and currently ranks as the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. The high degree of morbidity and mortality associated with CRC is primarily attributed to the limited effectiveness of current therapeutic approaches and the emergence of chemoresistance to standard treatment modalities. Recent research indicates that several natural products, including Aronia berry extracts (ABE) and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), might offer a safe, cost‐effective, and multitargeted adjunctive role to cancer treatment. Herein, we hypothesized a combined treatment with ABE and OPCs could synergistically modulate multiple oncogenic pathways in CRC, thereby enhancing their anticancer activity. We initially conducted a series of in vitro experiments to assess the synergistic anticancer effects of ABE and OPCs on CRC cell lines. We demonstrate that these two compounds exhibited a superior synergistic anticancer potential versus individual treatments in enhancing the ability to inhibit cell viability, suppress colony formation, and induce apoptosis (p < 0.05). Consistent with our in vitro findings, we validated this combinatorial anticancer effect in tumor‐derived 3D organoids (PDOs; p < 0.01). Using genome‐wide transcriptomic profiling, we identified that a specific gene, LMNB1, associated with the cell apoptosis pathway, was found to play a crucial role in exhibiting anticancer effects with these two products. Furthermore, the combined treatment of ABE and OPCs significantly impacted the expression of key proteins involved in apoptosis, including suppressed expression levels of LMNB1 in CRC cell lines (p < 0.05), which resulted in inhibiting downstream AKT phosphorylation. In conclusion, our study provides novel evidence of the synergistic anticancer effects of ABE and OPCs in CRC cells, partially mediated through the regulation of apoptosis and the oncogene LMNB1 within the AKT signaling pathway. These findings have the potential to better appreciate the anticancer potential of natural products in CRC and help improve treatment outcomes in this malignancy.
NeuroBooster Array: A Genome‐Wide Genotyping Platform to Study Neurological Disorders Across Diverse Populations
Authors: Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Faghri Faraz , Majounie Elisa , Koretsky Mathew J. , Kim Jeffrey , Levine Kristin S. , Leonard Hampton , Makarious Mary B. , Iwaki Hirotaka , Crea Peter Wild , Hernandez Dena G. , Arepalli Sampath , Billingsley Kimberley , Lohmann Katja , Klein Christine , Lubbe Steven J. , Jabbari Edwin , Saffie‐Awad Paula , Narendra Derek , Reyes‐Palomares Armando , Quinn John P. , Schulte Claudia , Morris Huw R. , Traynor Bryan J. , Scholz Sonja W. , Houlden Henry , Hardy John , Dumanis Sonya , Riley Ekemini , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Singleton Andrew , Nalls Mike , Jeff Janina , Vitale Dan ,   the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2) and the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD)
Published: September 2024

Background

Commercial genome‐wide genotyping arrays have historically neglected coverage of genetic variation across populations.

Objective

We aimed to create a multi‐ancestry genome‐wide array that would include a wide range of neuro‐specific genetic content to facilitate genetic research in neurological disorders across multiple ancestral groups, fostering diversity and inclusivity in research studies.

Methods

We developed the Illumina NeuroBooster Array (NBA), a custom high‐throughput and cost‐effective platform on a backbone of 1,914,934 variants from the Infinium Global Diversity Array and added custom content comprising 95,273 variants associated with more than 70 neurological conditions or traits, and we further tested its performance on more than 2000 patient samples. This novel platform includes approximately 10,000 tagging variants to facilitate imputation and analyses of neurodegenerative disease–related genome‐wide association study loci across diverse populations.

Results

In this article, we describe NBA's potential as an efficient means for researchers to assess known and novel disease genetic associations in a multi‐ancestry framework. The NBA can identify rare genetic variants and accurately impute more than 15 million common variants across populations. Apart from enabling sample prioritization for further whole‐genome sequencing studies, we envisage that NBA will play a pivotal role in recruitment for interventional studies in the precision medicine space.

Conclusions

From a broader perspective, the NBA serves as a promising means to foster collaborative research endeavors in the field of neurological disorders worldwide. Ultimately, this carefully designed tool is poised to make a substantial contribution to uncovering the genetic etiology underlying these debilitating conditions. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Artificial intelligence in orthopaedic education: A comparative analysis of ChatGPT and Bing AI's Orthopaedic In‐Training Examination performance
Authors: Chen Clark J. , Bilolikar Vivek K. , VanNest Duncan , Raphael James , Shaffer Gene
Published: September 2024

Background

This study evaluated the performance of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models on the Orthopaedic In‐Training Examination (OITE), an annual exam administered to U.S. orthopaedic residency programs.

Methods

ChatGPT 3.5 and Bing AI GPT 4.0 were evaluated on standardised sets of multiple‐choice questions drawn from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons OITE online question bank spanning 5 years (2018–2022). A total of 1165 questions were posed to each AI system. The performance of both systems was standardised using the latest versions of ChatGPT 3.5 and Bing AI GPT 4.0. Historical data of resident scores taken from the annual OITE technical reports was used as a comparison.

Results

Across the five datasets, ChatGPT 3.5 scored an average of 55.0% on the OITE questions. Bing AI GPT 4.0 scored higher with an average of 80.0%. In comparison, the average performance of orthopaedic residents in national accredited programs was 62.1%. Bing AI GPT 4.0 outperformed ChatGPT 3.5 and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education examinees, and analysis of variance analysis demonstrated p < 0.001 among groups. The best performance was by Bing AI GPT 4.0 on OITE 2020.

Conclusion

Generative AI can provide a logical context across answer responses through its in‐depth information searches and citation of resources. This combination presents a convincing argument for the possible uses of AI in medical education as an interactive learning aid.
ID Asks/Chen Yanshun
Authors: Peruvemba Sri
Published: September 2024

Chairman of BOE
Automotive and Digital Signage Displays: Demanding Applications in the Limelight
Authors: Blankenbach Karlheinz
Published: September 2024

Improvements and innovations take the wheel at Display Week 2024.
Business Conference Summarizes State of the Industry
Authors: Raikes Bob
Published: September 2024

While some markets struggle with performance, others demonstrate great promise for the path ahead.
Teaching foundational skills using strategic incremental rehearsal: Investigating effectiveness across varying school agents
Authors: Novelli Christina , Ardoin Scott P.
Published: September 2024

Strategic incremental rehearsal (SIR) is an efficacious flashcard intervention shown to improve foundational skill acquisition. However, there is limited research examining the feasibility and effectiveness of SIR when used by school‐based implementers. We present two studies to address this limitation. Study 1 examined the effects of SIR implemented by teachers on the acquisition of grapheme‐phoneme correspondences with three at‐risk kindergarteners. Study 2 examined the effects of SIR implemented by a same‐age peer on the acquisition and fluency of addition math facts with 3 second‐grade students receiving special education services. Overall, both studies point to the effectiveness of using SIR with students requiring intensive intervention in an focused, short timeframe. The effectiveness of SIR is particularly salient given that teachers and peers were able to implement SIR with high treatment integrity and effectively improve outcomes for students with and at risk for disabilities.
Matrix stiffness regulates the protein profile of extracellular vesicles of pancreatic cancer cell lines
Authors: Ferrara Benedetta , Bourgoin‐Voillard Sandrine , Habert Damien , Vallée Benoit , Nicolas‐Boluda Alba , Simanic Isidora , Seve Michel , Vingert Benoit , Gazeau Florence , Castellano Flavia , Cohen José , Courty José , Cascone Ilaria
Published: September 2024

The fibrotic stroma characterizing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) derives from a progressive tissue rigidification, which induces epithelial mesenchymal transition and metastatic dissemination. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of matrix stiffness on PDAC progression by analyzing the proteome of PDAC‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). PDAC cell lines (mPDAC and KPC) were grown on synthetic supports with a stiffness close to non‐tumor (NT) or tumor tissue (T), and the protein expression levels in cell‐derived EVs were analyzed by a quantitative MSE label‐free mass spectrometry approach. Our analysis figured out 15 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in mPDAC‐EVs and 20 DEPs in KPC‐EVs in response to matrix rigidification. Up‐regulated proteins participate to the processes of metabolism, matrix remodeling, and immune response, altogether hallmarks of PDAC progression. A multimodal network analysis revealed that the majority of DEPs are strongly related to pancreatic cancer. Interestingly, among DEPs, 11 related genes (ACTB/ANXA7/C3/IGSF8/LAMC1/LGALS3/PCD6IP/SFN/TPM3/VARS/YWHAZ) for mPDAC‐EVs and 9 (ACTB/ALDH2/GAPDH/HNRNPA2B/ITGA2/NEXN/PKM/RPN1/S100A6) for KPC‐EVs were significantly overexpressed in tumor tissues according to gene expression profiling interaction analysis (GEPIA). Concerning the potential clinical relevance of these data, the cluster of ACTB, ITGA2, GAPDH and PKM genes displayed an adverse effect (p < 0.05) on the overall survival of PDAC patients.
Assessment of lower respiratory tract microbiota associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in children
Authors: Yang Xuemei , Jiao Weiwei , Zeng Xi , Yu Jie , Xiao Jing , Jiang Tingting , Tang He , Bi Jing , Chen Yiyi , Li Xiaoxue , Chen Wanning , Chen Yu , Shen Adong , Sun Lin
Published: September 2024

Background

The respiratory microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of tuberculosis (TB). While existing research has underscored imbalances in the respiratory microbiota of adult patients with TB, information regarding the lower respiratory tract (LRT) microbiota in pediatric patients with TB remains scarce.

Methods

We employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to investigate the LRT microbial communities of 85 children of different ages with active TB of different severities, 33 children with infectious diseases other than TB, and 48 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy children.

Results

A marked imbalance in the respiratory microbiota was observed in children with TB, highlighted by reduced alpha diversity and a distinct microbial community structure. Comparative analysis indicated that patients with severe TB exhibited lower Neisseria levels than those with non‐severe TB (1.01% vs. 3.93%, respectively; p = .02). Streptococcus and Gemella levels were lower in bacteriologically confirmed TB cases compared with clinically diagnosed cases, and higher in healthy children younger than 10 years old than in the older group. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated significant associations between the microbiota of the LRT and cytokine concentrations in the sputum of children with TB (e.g., an inverse correlation between Veillonella and interleukin‐17A).

Conclusions

TB induced significant dysbiosis in the LRT microbiota of children that was associated with disease severity and the immunological response in the respiratory tract. Our findings may offer a deeper understanding of the role of the respiratory microbiome in TB pathogenesis and progression.
Integrating novel interventional techniques into pediatric pulmonology training
Authors: Schramm Dirk
Published: September 2024

Objective

To review the evolution of pediatric pulmonology interventions and propose strategies for advancing training in the field.

Methods

I examined the historical development of pediatric pulmonology interventions and current training practices, including hands‐on courses and fellowship programs. I reviewed a survey of US pediatric pulmonology centers to assess variability in procedural expertise.

Results

Historically, foreign body removal dominated pediatric pulmonology interventions. Advancements in technology have expanded the field to include techniques such as endobronchial and transbronchial biopsies, airway lumen restoration, and cryotherapy, enabling more accurate tissue sampling with larger specimens while maintaining safety. Hands‐on courses, offered globally and at major conferences, provide opportunities for skill development, self‐assessment, and networking. However, limited availability leads to high demand and long waiting lists. A survey of US pediatric pulmonology centers revealed significant variability in procedural expertise, highlighting the need for uniform training across institutions.

Conclusions

To better integrate interventional techniques, I propose that pediatric pulmonology training could benefit from a structured, tiered approach: (1) expanding hands‐on workshops and incorporating them into fellowship programs, (2) facilitating collaborations between centers of excellence to allow trainees to rotate through institutions with advanced expertise, and (3) developing an additional year of training for an "Advanced Pediatric Pulmonologist" certification. This approach aims to ensure proficiency in the latest interventional techniques, standardize care, and foster advancements across the field.
GGAssembler: Precise and economical design and synthesis of combinatorial mutation libraries
Authors: Hoch Shlomo Yakir , Netzer Ravit , Weinstein Jonathan Yaacov , Krauss Lucas , Hakeny Karen , Fleishman Sarel Jacob
Published: September 2024

Golden Gate assembly (GGA) can seamlessly generate full‐length genes from DNA fragments. In principle, GGA could be used to design combinatorial mutation libraries for protein engineering, but creating accurate, complex, and cost‐effective libraries has been challenging. We present GGAssembler, a graph‐theoretical method for economical design of DNA fragments that assemble a combinatorial library that encodes any desired diversity. We used GGAssembler for one‐pot in vitro assembly of camelid antibody libraries comprising >105 variants with DNA costs <0.007$ per variant and dropping significantly with increased library complexity. >93% of the desired variants were present in the assembly product and >99% were represented within the expected order of magnitude as verified by deep sequencing. The GGAssembler workflow is, therefore, an accurate approach for generating complex variant libraries that may drastically reduce costs and accelerate discovery and optimization of antibodies, enzymes and other proteins. The workflow is accessible through a Google Colab notebook at https://github.com/Fleishman-Lab/GGAssembler.
Fröhlich Scattering Effects on Electron Mobility in β‐Ga2O3 Power Devices under High Temperature
Authors: Hong Yuehua , Zheng Xuefeng , Zhang Hao , He Yunlong , Zhu Tian , Zhang Weidong , Zhang Jianfu , Ma Xiaohua , Hao Yue
Published: September 2024

The impact of Fröhlich scattering on β‐Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) electron mobility, particularly at high temperatures, is investigated. This scattering is crucial due to electron–polar optical phonon interactions. Temperature‐dependent I–V characteristics of a β‐Ga2O3 SBD from 300 to 473 K showed significant current reduction due to electron–polar optical phonon scattering, supported by correlation with mobility profiles. Additionally, in situ temperature‐dependent XPS analysis revealed a notable positive shift in core‐level binding energy, attributed to heightened electron–phonon interactions. This study provides crucial insights into carrier transport mechanisms, essential for power device design and operation.
Synthesis, Photophysical, Antimicrobial Activity and In‐silico Study of Homoleptic Dithiocarbamate Complexes [MII{k2S^S‐S2CN(R)CH2C6H4OH}2] (R=2‐picolyl, 3‐picolyl; M=NiII, CuII, ZnII)
Authors: Parmar Heena A. , Makwana Bhaveshkumar B. , Singh Vinay K.
Published: September 2024

An array of mononuclear dithiocarbamate complexes [MII{k2S^S‐S2CN(R)CH2C6H4OH}2] (R=2‐picolyl, M=NiII 1, CuII 2, ZnII 3, R=3‐picolyl, M=NiII 4, CuII 5, ZnII 6); incorporating heterocyclic backbone were synthesised from (2‐hydroxybenzyl)(2‐picolyl)amine (HL1) and (2‐hydroxybenzyl)(3‐picolyl)amine (HL2) precursors. The formulation of these complexes was examined using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques (1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, UV‐visible, Fluorescence, TGA/DTA) and further corroborated by DFT level calculation. Notably, precursors HL1 and HL2 exhibits maximum emission in the visible nm region (ca 502 and 408 nm) upon excitation of ultraviolet radiation at ~280 nm with concomitant Stokes shift ca 220 and 128 nm, respectively. The emission properties of these evidently suppressed after complexation with metal ions. Stability of 1–6 were determined by thermogravimetric analysis. The magnetic moment along with UV‐visible of 1–6 suggests square‐planar environment around NiII and CuII and tetrahedral environment around ZnII in 1–6 which is in accord with their optimized geometries. Compounds were screened for in‐ vitro antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, C. albicans, A. niger, A. clavatus by broth dilution method. Molecular docking study was performed to rationalize the results.
N,S‐Doped Ordered Mesoporous Carbon: An Effective Catalyst for the Formylation of Anilines and Stabilization of Pd Nanoparticles to Catalyze the Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Eftekhari‐Sis Bagher , Jalalat Maryam , Vahdati‐Khajeh Saleh , Samadi Maryam , Alavinia Maryam , Zirak Maryam
Published: September 2024

N,S‐Doped highly ordered mesoporous carbon (N,S‐doped OMC) material was constructed by the nanocasting methodology using egg yolk with a high content of amino acids as a carbon precursor and SBA‐15 as a hard template, followed by carbonization at 500 °C under an N2 atmosphere, and then aqueous alkaline‐induced removal of the silica moiety of the SBA‐15 template. Prepared N,S‐doped OMC material efficiently catalyzed the formylation of various substituted anilines using DMF as a formylating agent in water, to afford N‐formylaniline derivatives in high to excellent yields. Also, as‐prepared N,S‐doped OMC was used to immobilize and stabilize the Pd nanoparticles in order to synthesize Pd@OMC material, which was used as an efficient catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitroaromatic compounds to the corresponding aniline derivatives. Nitroaromatic compounds are considered to be highly toxic water contaminant compounds, and their removal from wastewater by the hydrogenation is an interesting method. Furthermore, Pd@OMC catalyzed one‐pot tandem hydrogenation of nitrobenzene/formylation reactions was investigated, which gave corresponding N‐formyl aniline in high yield. Synthesized OMC and Pd@OMC were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis.
Induced Ferroptosis Pathway by Regulating Cellular Lipid Peroxidation With Peroxynitrite Generator for Reversing “Cold” Tumors
Authors: Li Ruipeng , Yuan Haitao , Zhang Chuangxin , Han Dong , Wang Yunxia , Feng Liheng
Published: September 2024

Overcoming the resistance of tumor cells to apoptosis and immunosuppression is an important challenge to improve tumor immunotherapy. Non‐apoptotic death mode of ferroptosis has been regarded as a new strategy to enhance tumor immunotherapy against drug‐resistant cancers. The lethal accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPO) determines the progress of ferroptosis. The high susceptibleness of ferroptosis provides an opportunity for combating triple‐negative breast cancer. Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) produced by nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is more lethal than ROS for tumor cells. Herein, an RNS‐mediated immunotherapy strategy for inducing ferroptosis pathway is proposed by improving LPO accumulation, and constructed a multifunctional liposome (Lipo‐MT‐SNAP) comprised of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) generator, tumor targeted group, inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and basic units (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol). The significant enhancement of LPO resulted from the intense oxidative damage of ONOO− impaired synthesis of GPX4 by depleting glutathione, which further amplified ferroptosis and triggered immunogenic cell death. In vivo, RNS‐mediated photoimmunotherapy can promote polarization of M2 to M1 macrophages and dendritic cells maturation, further infiltrate T cells, regulate the secretion of inflammatory factors, and reprogram the tumor microenvironment. The powerful RNS‐mediated ferroptosis induces strong immunogenicity and effectively inhibit tumor proliferation.
Electron‐Spin Regulation Driving Heterointerface Electron Distribution and Phase Transition toward Ultrafast and Durable Sodium Storage
Authors: Li Yuhang , Li Wenying , Zhang Meng , Zhuang Yanhui , Li Huaidong , Pan Zhigang , Min Huihua , Chen Tsung‐Yi , Chen Han‐Yi , Yang Hao , Wang Jin
Published: September 2024

Phase engineering is an effective strategy for modulating the electronic structure and electron transfer mobility of cobalt selenide (CoSe2) with remarkable sodium storage. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to improve fast‐charging and cycling performance. Herein, a heterointerface coupling induces phase transformation from cubic CoSe2 to orthorhombic CoSe2 accompanied by the formation of MoSe2 to construct a CoSe2/MoSe2 heterostructure decorated with N‐doped carbon layer on a 3D graphene foam (CoSe2/MoSe2@NC/GF). The incorporated Mo cations in the bridged o‐CoSe2/MoSe2 not only act an electron donor to regulate charge‐spin configurations with more active electronic states but also trigger the upshift of d/p band centers and a decreased ∆d‐p band center gap, which greatly enhances ion adsorption capability and lowers the ion diffusion barrier. As expected, the CoSe2/MoSe2@NC/GF anode demonstrates a high‐rate capability of 447 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 and an excellent cyclability of 298 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 over 1000 cycles. The work deepens the understanding of the elaborate construction of heterostructured electrodes for high‐performance SIBs.
Harvesting Green Hydrogen from the Deep Blue: Seawater‐Compatible SnSe‐P Decorated Graphene‐CNTs Based Electrocatalyst Under Universal pH
Authors: Pahuja Mansi , Dastider Saptarshi Ghosh , Jyoti  , Alam Kehkashan , Rani Seema , Das Subhabrata , Urkude Rajashri , Afshan Mohd , Rani Daya , Chaudhary Nikita , Siddiqui Shumile Ahmed , Riyajuddin SK , Ghosh Rishita , Mondal Krishnakanta , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: September 2024

Fabrication of cost‐effective and robust metal‐based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) across the entire pH range has garnered significant attention in harvesting renewable energy. Herein, the fabrication of 3D high‐surface Ni Foam‐Graphene‐Carbon Nanotubes (NGC) decorated with phosphorous‐inserted tin selenide (SnSe‐P) showcases unprecedented HER activity with minimal overpotentials across all pH ranges (52 mV in acidic, 93 mV in basic, and 198 mV in neutral conditions@10 mA cm−2) and stability at 1 A cm−2 for 72 h. The as‐designed catalyst shows a low overpotential of 122 mV@10 mA cm−2 in alkaline seawater, achieved through controlled electronic distribution on Sn site after incorporation of P in NGC‐SnSe‐P. A stable cell voltage of 1.56 V@10 mA cm⁻2 is achieved for prolonged time in 1 m KOH toward overall water electrolysis. Experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the insertion of P in layered SnSe enables s orbitals of H* and p orbitals of Sn to interact, favoring the adsorption of the H* intermediate. A renewable approach is adopted by using silicon solar cells (η = 10.66%) to power up the electrolyzer, yielding a solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of 7.70% in 1 m KOH and 5.65% in alkaline seawater, aiming toward green hydrogen production.
A Multifunctional Nanocomplex as miRNA/Antibiotic Co‐Delivery System Based on Tetrahedral Framework DNA: Application to Infected Wound Healing
Authors: Lyu Xiaoying , Wu Haoyan , Chen Ye , Sun Yue , Cai Xiaoxiao , Li Songhang , Lin Yunfeng
Published: September 2024

Infected wounds are a complex disease involving bacterial infections and dysregulated inflammation. However, current research has mostly focused on bacterial inhibition rather than on inflammation. Thus, combined therapeutic strategies with anti‐bacterial and anti‐inflammation efficacies are urgently needed. Antibiotics are the main treatment strategy for infections. However, the excessive use of antibiotics throughout the body can cause serious side effects. In addition, miRNA‐based therapeutics are superior for the treatment of wounds, but their rapid degradation and poor cellular uptake limit their clinical application. Tetrahedral framework DNA (tFNA) is an ideal drug delivery system owing to its excellent stability and remarkable transport ability. Herein, a novel multi‐functional miRNA and antibiotic co‐delivery system based on tFNA is presented for the first time, called B/L. B/L has heightened resistance to serum and excellent codelivery ability. After transdermal administration, B/L can specifically target TNF receptor‐associated factor 6(TRAF6) and IL‐1receptor‐associated kinase 1(IRAK1), thereby regulating nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐𝜿B) and thus effectively reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of infected wounds. This novel multi‐functional co‐delivery system provides a versatile, simple, biocompatible, and powerful platform for the personalized and combined treatment of multiple diseases.
Application of Sodium‐Rich Multifunctional Hard Carbon Synthesized via Multi‐Alloy Grafting Strategy for Presodiation in High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Teng Jinhan , Dai Binghan , Zhang Kaibo , Li Enmin , Lu Tianming , Huang Junjie , Deng Weifeng , Li Hao , Tang Xin , Li Jing
Published: September 2024

In sodium‐ion pouch batteries based on hard carbon, an additional source of active sodium significantly enhances the battery's initial coulombic efficiency and compensates for the loss of active sodium ions during cycling. This study investigates the interaction between metallic sodium with carbon materials and develops a composite powder material of sodium‐rich lithium‐aluminum using a multi‐alloy grafting strategy, to replenish the initial loss of active sodium in the hard carbon materials. To enhance the stability and utilization of this highly active sodium source, a novel slurry system based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a binder and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a solvent is introduced. Furthermore, this study designs a hard carbon composite electrode structure with a stable layer and sacrificial layer (NPH), which not only accommodates current battery processing environments but also demonstrates excellent potential in practical applications. Ultimately, the soft‐packed sodium‐ion battery consists of NPH electrodes with composite sodium ferric pyrophosphate (NFPP) and demonstrates excellent initial coulombic efficiency (91%) and ultra‐high energy density (205 Wh kg−1). These results indicate significant technological and application implications for future energy storage.
Associations between physical diseases and subsequent mental disorders: a longitudinal study in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Momen Natalie C. , Østergaard Søren Dinesen , Heide‐Jorgensen Uffe , Sørensen Henrik Toft , McGrath John J. , Plana‐Ripoll Oleguer
Published: September 2024

People with physical diseases are reported to be at elevated risk of subsequent mental disorders. However, previous studies have considered only a few pairs of conditions, or have reported only relative risks. This study aimed to systematically explore the associations between physical diseases and subsequent mental disorders. It examined a population‐based cohort of 7,673,978 people living in Denmark between 2000 and 2021, and followed them for a total of 119.3 million person‐years. The study assessed nine broad categories of physical diseases (cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, musculoskeletal, hematological and neurological diseases, and cancers), encompassing 31 specific diseases, and the subsequent risk of mental disorder diagnoses, encompassing the ten ICD‐10 groupings (organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders; mental disorders due to psychoactive substance use; schizophrenia and related disorders; mood disorders; neurotic, stress‐related and somatoform disorders; eating disorders; personality disorders; intellectual disabilities; pervasive developmental disorders; and behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence). Using Poisson regression, the overall and time‐dependent incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for pairs of physical diseases and mental disorders were calculated, adjusting for age, sex and calendar time. Absolute risks were estimated with the Aalen‐Johansen estimator. In total, 646,171 people (8.4%) were identified as having any mental disorder during follow‐up. All physical diseases except cancers were associated with an elevated risk of any mental disorder. For the nine broad pairs of physical diseases and mental disorders, the median point estimate of IRR was 1.51 (range: 0.99‐1.84; interquartile range: 1.29‐1.59). The IRRs ranged from 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98‐1.01) after cancers to 1.84 (95% CI: 1.83‐1.85) after musculoskeletal diseases. Risks varied over time after the diagnosis of physical diseases. The cumulative mental disorder incidence within 15 years after diagnosis of a physical disease varied from 3.73% (95% CI: 3.67‐3.80) for cancers to 10.19% (95% CI: 10.13‐10.25) for respiratory diseases. These data document that most physical diseases are associated with an elevated risk of subsequent mental disorders. Clinicians treating physical diseases should constantly be alert to the possible development of secondary mental disorders.
Verbesserte radiologische Darstellung kongenitaler Auralatresien mittels „flat-panel volume CT“
Authors: Müller-Graff Franz-Tassilo , von Düring Jan , Voelker Johannes , Al-Tinawi Fadi , Hagen Rudolf , Neun Tilmann , Hackenberg Stephan , Rak Kristen
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Eine präzise präoperative radiologische Evaluation von Auralatresien ist für die Operationsplanung von größter Bedeutung. Bisher wurde hierfür die Multislice-Computertomographie (MSCT) verwendet, die jedoch kleine Strukturen wie den Stapes nur unzureichend dargestellen kann. Die „flat-panel volume CT“ (fpVCT) mit ihren sekundären Rekonstruktionen (fpVCTSECO) bietet eine hochauflösende Darstellung des Mittelohrs. Eine neue otochirurgische Planungssoftware ermöglicht überdies die detaillierte 3‑D-Rekonstruktion der Mittelohranatomie.

Ziel der Arbeit

Evaluierung des Einsatzes von fpVCTSECO in Kombination mit einer otochirurgischen Planungssoftware zur genaueren Diagnose und Behandlung kongenitaler Auralatresien.

Material und Methoden

Sieben Patienten mit kongenitaler Auralatresie erhielten präoperativ ein MSCT (600 µm Schichtdicke) und ein korrespondierendes fpVCT (466 µm Schichtdicke). Zusätzlich wurden fpVCTSECO (99 µm Schichtdicke) rekonstruiert. Die Jahrsdoerfer- und Siegert-Grading-Scores wurden bestimmt und ihre Anwendbarkeit in den oben genannten bildgebenden Modalitäten bewertet. Zusätzlich wurde der Malleus-incus-Komplex im 3‑D-Rendering analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Bildgebung mit fpVCTSECO ermöglichte eine zuverlässige Darstellung der Anomalien, insbesondere der Gehörknöchelchenkette. Es wurde ein signifikanter Unterschied im Siegert-Grading-Score festgestellt. Zusätzlich konnte der Malleus-Incus-Komplex in 3‑D besser dargestellt werden.

Diskussion

Die Einführung neuer bildgebender Verfahren und chirurgischer Planungstechniken in das diagnostische Konzept der Auralatresie erleichtert die Identifizierung der fehlgebildeten Anatomie und ermöglicht eine systematische Analyse. Diese Kombination kann auch dazu beitragen, die Pathologie genauer zu klassifizieren und damit die Sicherheit und den Erfolg des chirurgischen Eingriffs zu erhöhen.
Decompositions of Hyperbolic Kac–Moody Algebras with Respect to Imaginary Root Groups
Authors: Feingold Alex J. , Kleinschmidt Axel , Nicolai Hermann
Published: September 2024

We propose a novel way to define imaginary root subgroups associated with (timelike) imaginary roots of hyperbolic Kac–Moody algebras. Using in an essential way the theory of unitary irreducible representation of covers of the group SO(2, 1), these imaginary root subgroups act on the complex Kac–Moody algebra viewed as a Hilbert space. We illustrate our new view on Kac–Moody groups by considering the example of a rank-two hyperbolic algebra that is related to the Fibonacci numbers. We also point out some open issues and new avenues for further research, and briefly discuss the potential relevance of the present results for physics and current attempts at unification.