bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving object classification with biomimetic sonar
Authors: Kuc Roman
Published: July 2002

This paper presents improvements to a previously described biomimetic system to make it more robust in terms of localizing objects and increasing the types of objects that can be classified. Time-of-flight determination employs a large threshold and searches the echo envelope backward in time to find a smaller threshold crossing point, rather than using a single small threshold. This change eliminates small nuisance echoes, which can cause instabilities in object positioning. Second, the echo envelope is also searched forward in time to find the threshold crossing point, thus defining a window containing significant echo data. This changes the analysis from a fixed-duration data window to one that is variable and allows echo duration to be an object feature. Third, separate feature vectors were extracted from right and left receivers rather than employing a concatenated feature vector. The new system can then classify objects that are not isolated. The major significance of these changes is that it allows a greater variety of objects to be classified without degrading the performance of the original system. Experimental results compare original and new methods. Since biological sonars encounter similar problems, it is possible that they exploit principles similar to those described in this paper.
Use of dual waves for the elimination of reverberations in drill strings
Authors: Poletto Flavio
Published: July 2002

Drill-string waves can be used to transmit acoustic and seismic information from the bottom hole to the surface. Because the drill string is a heterogeneous assembly, the investigated signal is disturbed by reverberations. Removal of the reverberations generated in the drill string is obtained by measuring acceleration and strain, which have opposite reflection coefficients and are used as dual waves. Addition of the dual waves makes it possible to remove part of the drill-string reflections and improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
Biomimetic sonar recognizes objects using binaural information
Authors: Kuc Roman
Published: July 2002

An active sonar using Polaroid electrostatic transducers positioned at the end of a robot arm is described that adaptively changes its location and configuration in response to the echoes it observes in order to recognize an object. The sonar mimics biological echo-location systems, such as those employed by bats and dolphins, in that there is a center transmitter flanked by two adjustable receivers, the sonar has rotational and translational mobility, and the echo processing contains elements that have been observed in the mammalian auditory system. Using information in the echoes, the sonar translates in a horizontal plane and rotates in pitch and yaw to position an object at a standard location within the beam patterns. The transmitter points at the object to maximize the incident acoustic intensity and the receivers rotate to maximize the echo amplitude and the bandwidth, and to minimize the echo-producing region. This procedure results in a unique echo vector associated with each object at a given object pose. Recognition is accomplished by extracting 32 values from the binaural echo patterns and searching a data base that is constructed during a learning phase. The system operation is illustrated by having it recognize rubber O-rings of different sizes and by differentiating the head and tail sides of a coin.
Smart acoustically active surfaces
Authors: Shields F. Douglas , Lafleur L. Dwynn
Published: July 2002

The use of such materials as PVDF and piezorubber in making smart acoustically active surfaces is discussed and demonstrated. By using one layer as a sensor and applying the signal detected in this layer through an amplifier and filter to a second driving layer it is possible to control either the reflection or transmission of plane waves striking the surface normally. By using two driving layers, both transmission and reflection can be simultaneously controlled. When transmissions are eliminated the control of reflection is independent of changes in backing impedance. By adding a second sensing layer along with two driving layers, reflections and radiation from a vibrating surface can be eliminated simultaneously. Stability problems involved in using pressure and/or velocity sensors in various control algorithms are discussed.
Focusing of therapeutic ultrasound through a human skull: A numerical study
Authors: Sun Jie , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: July 2002

A numerical model was developed which can use digitized layer interfaces to calculate ultrasound wave absorption, diffraction, reflection, and refraction. This model was used to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound therapy and surgery through a human skull. A digitized human skull profile was obtained from magnetic resonance (MR) images and used to calculate the ultrasound field in the brain of a volunteer from a spherically curved phased array. With no phase correction, the focus of the array was shifted and defocused. The phased array technique was used to correct focal shift, reduce side lobes, and enhance focal amplitude. The optimum source element width was estimated for each frequency to obtain a near optimium focus, and an appropriate frequency range for transskull ultrasound therapy and surgery was determined. Acoustic pressure amplitude on the skull surfaces was examined, and it was shown that the skull heating problem could be overcome. Despite high attenuation, complex interface shape, and nonuniform thickness of a human skull, a sharply focused transskull ultrasound field can be generated for noninvasive ultrasound therapy and surgery in the brain.
Broadband performance of an active headrest
Authors: Rafaely B. , Elliott S. J. , Garcia-Bonito J.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a study of the attenuation of broadband random acoustic disturbances, when using a feedback active headrest system, as originially suggested by Olson and May. Previous studies showed that a practical active headrest can be designed for tonal disturbances using feedforward controllers. However, many applications, such as jet aircraft and cars, require feedback systems to control random disturbances over a wide frequency bandwidth. In this work, robust feedback controllers are designed to control broadband random disturbances in the low-frequency range based on measured data from a laboratory headrest system. The results show that a practically useful performance can be achieved, but only if the controller is designed to minimize the pressure at a “virtual microphone” close to the listener’s ears, and that the performance is maintained reasonably well with movements of the listener’s head. The paper emphasizes the importance of both the acoustics and the control in the design of broadband active headrest systems.
An acoustic study of soils that model seabed sediments containing gas bubbles
Authors: Gardner T. N.
Published: July 2002

The acoustic response of gassy seabed sediment is unique. It is a dispersive and extraordinarily attenuative natural material at frequencies which cause gas bubble resonance. It conceals the structure of the seabed from seismic profiling and it dampens acoustic signals that, for example, trigger acoustic mines. In the past, theoretical studies have formulated the probable cause of this response and crude experimental work has partially corroborated theory. This study measures compressional wave velocity and attenuation in a laboratory soil simulating natural gassy soil, and it investigates the structural properties that cause the unique acoustic response. It was confirmed that below the frequencies which cause resonance the soil behaves as a compressible material (containing gas), and above as a relatively incompressible material (containing no gas). Over the frequency range producing bubble resonance it is suggested that the soil should be modeled as a biphasic material of gas and a relatively incompressible saturated soil matrix (particles and fluid). Velocities for gassy soil were found to be as low as 220 m/s at frequencies below resonance and 1500 m/s above resonance; attenuations were found to be as high as 60 dB/cm for moderately gassy soil and as low as 1 dB/cm for soil with almost no gas.
Flow Instability in Polymer Melt Extrusion
Authors: Rothenberger R. , McCoy D. H. , Denn M. M.
Published: July 2002

Fully developed steady flow of a highly elastic liquid such as a molten polymer is not possible at low Reynolds number above a critical value of the elastic shear strain (wall shear stress/modulus). The limiting value is 2.6 in a cylindrical die and 0.7 in a slit die. The result is obtained using the linear theory of hydrodynamic stability and assuming that the fluid rheological properties are adequately described by the convected Maxwell model. Agreement with reported melt flow instabilities in extrusion is encouraging.
Comparison of sphere-size distributions obtained from rheology and transmission electron microscopy in PMMA/PS blends
Authors: Friedrich Chr. , Gleinser W. , Korat E. , Maier D. , Weese J.
Published: July 2002

Often, blends of two immisible polymers have a morphology with one component building a matrix in which spherical inclusions of the other component are embedded. The rheological response of such blends contains an elastic contribution which can be attributed to the form relaxation of the inclusions. This process has a characteristic relaxation time which is proportional to the radius of the inclusions divided by the interfacial tension between the blends’ components. Thus a distribution of radii leads to a distribution of relaxation times. It is shown that rheological data together with an emulsion model can be used to determine the volume weighted sphere-size distribution up to a scaling depending on the interfacial tension. The procedure is applied to data of four PMMA/PS blends and the results are compared with the corresponding distributions obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). If the concentration of the spherical inclusions is small, both results are in excellent agreement. For larger concentrations, deviations between the results from rheology and TEM are observed.
Rabies
Authors: Jin Jill
Published: January 2023

This JAMA Patient Page describes rabies and its symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention measures.
Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Model for Detection and Classification of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Li Zhe , Jiang Yuming , Li Bailiang , Han Zhen , Shen Jeanne , Xia Yong , Li Ruijiang
Published: January 2023

Importance

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are associated with a favorable prognosis and improved response to cancer immunotherapy. The current approach for evaluation of TLSs is limited by interobserver variability and high complexity and cost of specialized imaging techniques.

Objective

To develop a machine learning model for automated and quantitative evaluation of TLSs based on routine histopathology images.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this multicenter, international diagnostic/prognostic study, an interpretable machine learning model was developed and validated for automated detection, enumeration, and classification of TLSs in hematoxylin-eosin–stained images. A quantitative scoring system for TLSs was proposed, and its association with survival was investigated in patients with 1 of 6 types of gastrointestinal cancers. Data analysis was performed between June 2021 and March 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The diagnostic accuracy for classification of TLSs into 3 maturation states and the association of TLS score with survival were investigated.

Results

A total of 1924 patients with gastrointestinal cancer from 7 independent cohorts (median [IQR] age ranging from 57 [49-64] years to 68 [58-77] years; proportion by sex ranging from 214 of 409 patients who were male [52.3%] to 134 of 155 patients who were male [86.5%]). The machine learning model achieved high accuracies for detecting and classifying TLSs into 3 states (TLS1: 97.7%; 95% CI, 96.4%-99.0%; TLS2: 96.3%; 95% CI, 94.6%-98.0%; TLS3: 95.7%; 95% CI, 93.9%-97.5%). TLSs were detected in 62 of 155 esophageal cancers (40.0%) and up to 267 of 353 gastric cancers (75.6%). Across 6 cancer types, patients were stratified into 3 risk groups (higher and lower TLS score and no TLS) and survival outcomes compared between groups: higher vs lower TLS score (hazard ratio [HR]; 0.27; 95% CI, 0.18-0.41; P < .001) and lower TLS score vs no TLSs (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56-0.76; P < .001). TLS score remained an independent prognostic factor associated with survival after adjusting for clinicopathologic variables and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (eg, for colon cancer: HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.47; P = .003).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, an interpretable machine learning model was developed that may allow automated and accurate detection of TLSs on routine tissue slide. This model is complementary to the cancer staging system for risk stratification in gastrointestinal cancers.
On Nanomachines and Their Future Perspectives in Biomedicine
Authors: Ramos Docampo Miguel A.
Published: January 2023

Nano/micromotors are a class of active matter that can self‐propel converting different types of input energy into kinetic energy. The huge efforts that are made in this field over the last years result in remarkable advances. Specifically, a high number of publications have dealt with biomedical applications that these motors may offer. From the first attempts in 2D cell cultures, the research has evolved to tissue and in vivo experimentation, where motors show promising results. In this Perspective, an overview over the evolution of motors with focus on bio‐relevant environments is provided. Then, a discussion on the advances and challenges is presented, and eventually some remarks and perspectives of the field are outlined.
Thermodynamic 2D Silicene for Sequential and Multistage Bone Regeneration
Authors: Ni Ni , Ge Min , Huang Rui , Zhang Dandan , Lin Han , Ju Yahan , Tang Zhimin , Gao Huiqin , Zhou Huifang , Chen Yu , Gu Ping
Published: January 2023

Bone healing is a multistage process involving the recruitment of cells, revascularization, and osteogenic differentiation, all of which are modulated in the temporal sequence to maximize cascade bone regeneration. However, insufficient osteoblast cells, poor blood supply, and limited bone induction at the site of critical‐sized bone defect broadly impede bone repair. 2D SiO2‐silicene@2,2′‐,azobis(2‐[2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl] propane) (SNSs@AIPH) with inherent thermodynamic property and osteoinductive activity is therefore designed and engineered for sequentially efficient bone repair. By means of controllable NIR‐II irradiation, the integrated SNSs@AIPH stimulates the generation of appropriate intracellular reactive oxygen species, which accelerates early bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation and angiogenesis remarkably. Importantly, as silicon‐based 2D nanoparticles, the engineered SNSs@AIPH with high biocompatibility features distinct bioactivity to significantly promote BMSCs osteogenesis differentiation by activating TGFβ and BMP pathways. In a rat cranial defect model, SNSs@AIPH‐NIR‐II leads to a comparable increase of BMSCs proliferation and local vascularization at an early stage, followed by significant osteogenic differentiation, synergically resulting in a highly effective bone repair. Collectively, the fascinating characteristics and exceptional bone repair efficiency of NIR‐II‐mediated SNSs@AIPH allow it to be a promising bionic‐oriented strategy for bone regeneration, broadening a new perspective in the application of cell‐instructive biomaterials in bone tissue engineering.
Origin of the Anomalous Electrical Transport Behavior in Fe‐Intercalated Weyl Semimetal Td‐MoTe2
Authors: Wang Tianyang , Luo Xuan , Gao Jingjing , Jiang Zhongzhu , Wang Wei , Yang Xingcai , Zhou Nan , Zhu Xiaoguang , Zhang Lei , Lu Wenjian , Song Wenhai , Lv Hongyan , Sun Yuping
Published: January 2023

Weyl semimetal Td‐MoTe2 has recently attracted much attention due to its intriguing electronic properties and potential applications in spintronics. Here, Fe‐intercalated Td‐FexMoTe2 single crystals (0 < x < 0.15 ) are grown successfully. The electrical and thermoelectric transport results consistently demonstrate that the phase transition temperature TS is gradually suppressed with increasing x. Theoretical calculation suggests that the increased energy of the Td phase, enhanced transition barrier, and more occupied bands in 1T′ phase is responsible for the suppression in TS. In addition, a ρα–lnT behavior induced by Kondo effect is observed with x ≥ 0.08, due to the coupling between conduction carriers and the local magnetic moments of intercalated Fe atoms. For Td‐Fe0.15MoTe2, a spin‐glass transition occurs at ≈10 K. The calculated band structure of Td‐Fe0.25MoTe2 shows that two flat bands exist near the Fermi level, which are mainly contributed by the dyz and orbitals of the Fe atoms. Finally, the electronic phase diagram of Td‐FexMoTe2 is established for the first time. This work provides a new route to control the structural instability and explore exotic electronic states for transition‐metal dichalcogenides.
Metal–Organic Frameworks for Water Harvesting and Concurrent Carbon Capture: A Review for Hygroscopic Materials
Authors: Lin Hengyu , Yang Yihao , Hsu Yu‐Chuan , Zhang Jiaqi , Welton Claire , Afolabi Ibukun , Loo Marshal , Zhou Hong‐Cai
Published: January 2023

As water scarcity becomes a pending global issue, hygroscopic materials prove a significant solution. Thus, there is a good cause following the structure–performance relationship to review the recent development of hygroscopic materials and provide inspirational insight into creative materials. Herein, traditional hygroscopic materials, crystalline frameworks, polymers, and composite materials are reviewed. The similarity in working conditions of water harvesting and carbon capture makes simultaneously addressing water shortages and reduction of greenhouse effects possible. Concurrent water harvesting and carbon capture is likely to become a future challenge. Therefore, an emphasis is laid on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for their excellent performance in water and CO2 adsorption, and representative role of micro‐ and mesoporous materials. Herein, the water adsorption mechanisms of MOFs are summarized, followed by a review of MOF's water stability, with a highlight on the emerging machine learning (ML) technique to predict MOF water stability and water uptake. Recent advances in the mechanistic elaboration of moisture's effects on CO2 adsorption are reviewed. This review summarizes recent advances in water–harvesting porous materials with special attention on MOFs and expects to direct researchers’ attention into the topic of concurrent water harvesting and carbon capture as a future challenge.
Compressible Polymer Composites with Enhanced Dielectric Temperature Stability
Authors: Tang Tongxiang , Yang Wenfeng , Shen Zhonghui , Wang Jian , Guo Mengfan , Xiao Yao , Ren Weibin , Ma Jing , Yu Rong , Nan Ce‐Wen , Shen Yang
Published: January 2023

High‐dielectric‐constant polymer composites have broad application prospects in flexible electronics and electrostatic energy storage capacitors. Substantial enhancement in dielectric constants (εr) of polymer composites so far can only be obtained at a high loading of nanofillers, resulting in high dielectric loss and high elastic modulus of polymer composites. Addressing the polarization shielding and the consequent polarization discontinuity at polymer/filler interfaces has been a long‐standing challenge to achieve flexible polymer composite with high εr. Herein, a polymer composite with interconnected BaTiO3 (BT) ceramic scaffold is proposed and demonstrated, which exhibits a high εr of ≈210 at a low BT volume fraction of ≈18 vol%, approaching the upper limit predicted by the parallel model. By incorporating relaxor Ba(ZrxTi1−x)O3 phase in BT scaffold, dielectric temperature stability is further achieved with Δεr below ±10% within a broad temperature range (25–140 °C). Moreover, the dielectric performances remain stable under a compressive strain of up to 80%. This work provides a facile approach to construct large‐scale polymer composites with robust dielectric performance against changes in thermal and mechanical conditions, which are promising for high‐temperature applications in flexible electronics.
Unlock Restricted Capacity via OCe Hybridization for LiOxygen Batteries
Authors: Sun Zhuang , Zhao Xiaohui , Qiu Wujie , Sun Bin , Bai Fan , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2023

The aprotic Li‐O2 battery (LOB) has the highest theoretical energy density of any rechargeable batteries. However, such system is largely restricted by the electrochemically formed lithium peroxide (Li2O2) on the cathode surface, leading ultimately to low actual capacities and early cell death. In contrast to the surface‐mediated growth of thin film with a thickness <50 nm, a non‐crystalline Li2O2 film with a thickness of >400 nm can be formed via an optimal OCe hybridized electronic structure. Specially, oxygen can react with dissolved cerium cations in the electrolyte via a cerium‐oxygen reaction to form a high‐energy faceted cerium oxide catalyst, which not only generates a great number of non‐saturable active sites, but also erects electron transport bridges between the lattice O and adjacent Ce atoms. Such CeO orbital hybridization also forms a direct charge transfer channel from Ce‐4f of CeO2 to ‐π* of Li2O2, eventually leading to submicron‐thick Li2O2 shells via a subsequent lithium‐oxygen reaction. Relying on the above merits, this work unlocks the rechargeable capacities of LOB from restricted 1000 to unprecedented 10 000 mAh g−1 with good cyclabilities and reduced charge–discharge overpotentials.
Intrinsically Cross‐Linked ECM‐Like Multilayers for BMP‐2 Delivery Promote Osteogenic Differentiation of Cells
Authors: Anouz Reema , Selekere Tamaradobra , Hautmann Adrian , Husteden Catharina , Menzel Matthias , Woelk Christian , Schmelzer Christian E. H. , Groth Thomas
Published: January 2023

Surface coatings prepared by layer‐by‐layer technique permit loading of growth factors (GFs) and their spatially controlled release. Here, native chondroitin sulfate (nCS), oxidized CS (oCS100), or mixture of both (oCS50) are combined with collagen I (Col I) to fabricate polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) that exhibit structural, mechanical, and biochemical cues like the natural extracellular‐matrix. The use of oCS enables intrinsic cross‐linking of PEM that offers higher stability, stiffness, and better control of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) release compared to nCS. oCS100 PEMs have enhanced stiffness, promote Col I fibrillization, and present BMP‐2 in a matrix‐bound manner. oCS50 PEMs show intermediate effects on osteogenesis, soft surface, high water content but also moderately slow BMP‐2 release profile. C2C12 myoblasts used for osteogenesis studies show that oCS PEMs are more stable and superior to nCS PEMs in supporting cell adhesion and spreading as well as in presenting BMP‐2 to the cells. oCS PEMs are triggering more osteogenesis as proved by the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immune and histochemical staining. These findings show that intrinsic cross‐linking in oCS/Col I multilayers provides a successful tool to control GFs delivery and subsequent cell differentiation which opens new opportunities in regenerative therapies of bone and other tissues.
Enhanced Cancer Imaging and Chemo‐Photothermal Combination Therapy by Cancer‐Targeting Bismuth‐Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Bao Qing , Zhang Ying , Liu Xiangyu , Yang Tao , Yue Hui , Yang Mingying , Mao Chuanbin
Published: January 2023

Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, the clear and accurate tumor imaging and image‐guided multimodal synergistic therapy are highly in demand. Here, bismuth (Bi)‐based mesoporous‐silica‐coated nanoparticles (BMSNs) are successfully fabricated with the silica shell thickness being lower than the Bi nanoparticle diameter. Then, an MCF‐7 breast cancer‐targeting peptide (termed AR) is modified onto the surface of BMSNs. The obtained nanoparticles (BMSN‐AR) show a significantly higher loading of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). The resultant BMSN‐AR‐DOX can agglomerate in the tumor site, enabling enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging of the whole tumor. Under 808 nm near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the BMSN‐AR‐DOX also effectively converts light energy into thermal energy to achieve synergistic chemo‐photothermal therapy in vivo. The chemo‐photothermal combination therapy is found to be more effective than chemotherapy or photothermal therapy alone. This work demonstrates that tumor‐homing peptides can guide nanoparticles to tumors and allow the nanoparticles to enhance cancer imaging and photothermal/chemo combination therapy.
Piezoelectric‐Effect Enhanced Perovskite Plasmonic Nanolasers
Authors: Li Meili , Lu Junfeng , Wan Peng , Jiang Mingming , Lin Feng , Wu Xianxin , Liu Xinfeng , Pan Caofeng
Published: January 2023

Herein, the piezoelectric effect of CsPbBr3 perovskite is utilized for the first time to enhance the nanolasers performance based on the flexible poly(ethylenenaphthalate) PEN/single‐crystal‐Au/MgF2/CsPbBr3 (ScAu/M/CPB) structure. The dynamic‐modulated plasmonic lasing mode blueshift is achieved by the piezoelectric polarization effect (PPE)‐induced effective refractive index (neff) change by varying the applied strain (ε). In particular, taking advantage of the increased cavity mode frequency, the lasing threshold (Pth) reduces from 4.5 µJ cm−2 (ε = 0) to 1.5 µJ cm−2 (ε = −1.02%). The ε‐dependent carrier dynamics results reveal the nature of ultralow Pth being PPE‐induced spontaneous emission (SE) decay rate enhancement, leading to the reduction in radiation loss of the plasmonic cavity. The corresponding enhancement mechanism is put forward to elucidate the principle of piezoelectric‐induced dynamic modulation nanolasers characteristic. This work demonstrates that coupling of piezoelectric effect and plasmonics is an effective route to enhance the performance of plasmonic nanolasers.
A computationally‐cost effective model for fluid flow in redox flow batteries
Authors: Asadipour Erfan , Ramani Vijay K.
Published: January 2023

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) hold great potential for large‐scale, extended‐duration stationary energy storage. Here, a novel computationally cost‐effective hydraulic‐electrical analogous model (HEAM) for fluid flow in RFBs is developed. The HEAM demonstrated that lowering the electrode compression and enhancing the channel area lowers the pump power loss independent of the flow fields and electrodes. Additionally, the HEAM helped elucidate the deficiencies of flow distribution in interdigitated flow fields (IFFs) and suggested designing wider manifolds and/or shorter channels improve the flow distribution. Moreover, the HEAM suggested shallower and/or wider channels, and more permeable electrodes enhance the flow penetration rate above the channels. Finally, the HEAM showed that the average penetration depth in the electrode above the ribs (hpen) was the critical parameter in the fluid‐flow modeling of IFFs and was inversely proportional to the permeability. Hence, there is a trade‐off between the pump power loss and hpen when configuring electrode permeability.
Polypropylene/talc/graphene nanoplates (GNP) hybrid composites: Effect of GNP content on the thermal, rheological, mechanical, and electrical properties
Authors: Sarturato Ana Carolina Prataviera , Dos Anjos Erick Gabriel Ribeiro , Marini Juliano , Morgado Guilherme Ferreira De Melo , Baldan Maurício Ribeiro , Passador Fabio Roberto
Published: January 2023

Polypropylene (PP)/talc composites are used extensively in the automotive, aeronautical, and consumer goods industries; however, the increasing demand for more efficient, safe, and less environmentally impact materials makes it necessary to include new reinforcements. In this way, the use of graphene nanoplates (GNP) is a good alternative because this carbon‐based material allows the achievement of new multifunctional nanocomposites with improved properties and process optimization. In this work, PP/talc (80/20) composites were prepared with the addition of 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt% of GNP using the extrusion process and injection molding. Morphological, thermal, rheological, mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic characterizations were performed. The addition of GNPs led to a linear reduction in the melt flow index (MFI) of the samples. A rheological percolation was observed in the sample with the addition of 7 wt% of GNP. The addition of 5 and 7 wt% of GNP led to significant increases in elastic modulus and Shore D hardness. The electrical and electromagnetic evaluation showed that the increase of GNP in the compositions contributed to improvements in electrical conductivity and permittivity, resulting in a proportional increment in the total attenuation component (SET).
rno‐miR‐90 promotes chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting SPARC‐related modular calcium binding 2
Authors: Ouyang Xiyan , Wang Shuxian , Xie Jinqi , Kong Jiechen , Chunmei Ma , Pan Hao , Cao Jiahui , Chen Dongfeng , Liu Aijun
Published: January 2023

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have the ability to differentiate into chondrocytes. In the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes, micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) play an important role. rno‐miR‐90 is a new miRNA discovered by our research team, and its role in chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether rno‐miR‐90 could promote chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs by regulating secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine‐related modular calcium binding 2 (Smoc2). First, BMSCs chondroblast differentiation was successfully induced in vitro by classical induction method of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β3. On this basis, we transfected rno‐miR‐90 mimic and inhibitor, and confirmed that rno‐miR‐90 mimic could promote the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes by real‐time reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blotting. In addition, we demonstrated that Smoc2 was a target gene of rno‐miR‐90 by dual‐luciferase reporter assay, and confirmed that rno‐miR‐90 mimic could inhibit the expression of Smoc2 by RT‐qPCR and western blotting. In order to further prove the targeting relationship between rno‐miR‐90 and Smoc2, we constructed three interfering fragments of Smoc2, and proved that silencing Smoc2 could promote the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes at the transcriptional and protein levels. Finally, we constructed a carrier scaffold for ectopic chondrogenic differentiation in vivo, and confirmed that rno‐miR‐90 mimic and siSmoc2 could promote chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs by Alcian blue staining and immunohistochemistry. In summary, our results suggested that rno‐miR‐90 could promote chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs by down‐regulating the expression of Smoc2. rno‐miR‐90 mimic and Smoc2 may be therapeutic targets of osteoarthritis.
Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative Effects and Docking Studies of Methoxy Group Enriched Coumarin‐Chalcone Hybrids
Authors: Badreddin Musatat Ahmad , Kılıçcıoğlu İlker , Kurman Yener , Dülger Görkem , Alpay Merve , Yağcı Ravza , Atahan Alparslan , Durmuş Sefa
Published: January 2023

Methoxy group enriched eight coumarin‐chalcone hybrid derivatives were synthesized. Antimicrobial/ antiproliferative activities were tested against eight human pathogenic microorganisms and four cancer cell lines (AGS, HepG2, MCF‐7 and PC‐3), respectively. Antimicrobial results showed that most of the compounds were almost more active than used standard antibiotics. Cytotoxicity results showed that 2,3,4‐trimethoxyphenyl and thiophene containing structures have promising antiproliferative effects against AGS gastric cell lines with ∼5 μg/ml IC50 values. At the same time, 2,4‐dimethoxyphenyl bearing derivative exhibited the lowest IC50 values against HepG2 (∼10 μg/ml) and PC‐3 (∼5 μg/ml) cell lines. Particularly, the cell viabilities of MCF‐7 cell lines were remarkably inhibited by all the compounds with lower IC50 values. Therefore, molecular docking studies between hybrid ligands and quinone reductase‐2 enzyme (regulates in MCF‐7 cancer cells) were performed. The results demonstrated that all the derivatives can smoothly interact with interested enzyme in agreement with the experimental results. Finally, ADME parameters were studied to reveal drug‐likeness potentials of the coumarin‐chalcone hybrids.
Common variable immunodeficiency with granulomatous‐lymphocytic interstitial lung disease treated with monoclonal antibodies against COVID‐19: A case report
Authors: Lechner Christian , Zöggeler Thomas , Bellmann Romuald , Brunner Jürgen , Zlamy Manuela , Schirmer Michael
Published: January 2023

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent primary immunodeficiency. We present a 22‐year‐old Caucasian woman with CVID and granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease who contracted COVID‐19 and was successfully treated with sotrovimab and molnupiravir. This treatment may have contributed to the relatively mild disease course of COVID‐19 in our patient.
Modeling and Validation Studies on Solidification of Sodium Nitrate and LiCl‐KCl
Authors: Sujish Divakaran , Joseph Joby , Mythili Manoharan , Muralidharan B. , Ponraju D.
Published: January 2023

Ternary alloy fuel will be used as driver fuel for future fast reactors. Reprocessing of this spent alloy fuels will be carried out by pyrochemical reprocessing which is based on molten salt electrorefining at high temperature. During electrorefining, fission products get accumulated in the electrolyte along with some actinides in the form of their chlorides. The presence of fission products in the salt will add to the radioactivity levels and hence have to be stripped off. Melt crystallization is pursued to remove fission products from contaminated salt and to reuse the purified salt for electrorefining. Numerical modeling and experimental studies on tracking the phases during solidification of molten sodium nitrate salt were carried out. The numerical predictions closely matched with the experimental results. A resistance measurement technique was developed to accurately track the solidification interface so as to validate the numerical predictions.
Possible role of the collagen type I alpha 1–platelet‐derived growth factor beta chain fusion gene in the development of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with fibrosarcomatous transformation
Authors: Katsumata Fuminori , Kamiya Koji , Miyauchi Hitomi , Okada Hirofumi , Sato Atsuko , Maekawa Takeo , Komine Mayumi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: January 2023

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with fibrosarcomatous transformation (DFSP‐FS) is a rare variant, with higher rates of recurrence and metastasis than DFSP. Detection of the collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)–platelet‐derived growth factor beta chain (PDGFB) fusion gene is useful for the diagnosis of DFSP. In this letter, we report a case of DFSP‐FS, focusing on the expression of the COL1A1‐PDGFB fusion gene in the lesions. Increased expression of the COL1A1‐PDGFB fusion gene may be associated with fibrosarcomatous changes during the pathogenesis of DFSP.
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane‐based functional coatings: A review
Authors: Zhang Kaka , Huang Shuaishuai , Zhang Qi , Zhu He , Zhu Shiping
Published: January 2023

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐based coatings have attracted significant attention from academia and industry over the past decades. The three‐dimensional nano‐sized cage with alternating SiO bonds forms the inorganic core of POSS molecules, while organic functional groups are covalently attached to the Si vertices. With this unique structure, they can be integrated with polymers via different approaches, including physical blending, covalent grafting, and chemical cross‐linking. And the inorganic/organic hybrid nature of POSS offers the coating materials with desirable mechanical, anti‐wetting, anti‐corrosive, icephobic, and fire‐retardant properties. This review focuses on the state‐of‐the‐art developments of POSS‐based functional coatings, while their challenges and future research directions are also discussed.
Acetylation of fission yeast tropomyosin does not promote differential association with cognate formins
Authors: Tang Qing , Pollard Luther W. , Homa Kaitlin E. , Kovar David R. , Trybus Kathleen M.
Published: January 2023

It was proposed from cellular studies that S. pombe tropomyosin Cdc8 (Tpm) segregates into two populations due to the presence or absence of an amino‐terminal acetylation that specifies which formin‐mediated F‐actin networks it binds, but with no supporting biochemistry. To address this mechanism in vitro, we developed methods for S. pombe actin expression in Sf9 cells. We then employed 3‐color TIRF microscopy using all recombinant S. pombe proteins to probe in vitro multicomponent mechanisms involving actin, acetylated and unacetylated Tpm, formins, and myosins. Acetyl‐Tpm exhibits tight binding to actin in contrast to weaker binding by unacetylated Tpm. In disagreement with the differential recruitment model, Tpm showed no preferential binding to filaments assembled by the FH1–FH2‐domains of two S. pombe formins, nor did Tpm binding have any bias towards the growing formin‐bound actin filament barbed end. Although our in vitro findings do not support a direct formin–tropomyosin interaction, it is possible that formins bias differential tropomyosin isoform recruitment through undiscovered mechanisms. Importantly, despite a 12% sequence divergence between skeletal and S. pombe actin, S. pombe myosins Myo2 and Myo51 exhibited similar motile behavior with these two actins, validating key prior findings with these myosins that used skeletal actin.
Android malware detection based on sensitive features combination
Authors: Yao Xuanxia , Li Yang , Shi Zhiguo , Liu Kaijun , Du XiaoJiang
Published: January 2023

With the development of mobile communication, Android software has increased sharply. Meanwhile, more and more malware emerges. Identifying malware in time is very important. Currently, most malware identifying methods are static, and the detection accuracy mainly depends on the classification feature and the algorithm. In order to improve the detection accuracy, reducing the dimension and difficulty of feature extraction, we propose a lightweight Android malware detection method based on sensitive features combination. After fully analyzing the static features in Android software, we improve the extraction methods of various features, define four sensitive features, and then form a sensitive features combination to more accurately reflect the characteristics of Android software with fewer features. Finally, four different machine learning classification algorithms were used to evaluate the classification effect of the sensitive features combination. The experiments show that the sensitive features combination has a good classification effect. When combined with the random forest classification algorithm, the accuracy is the highest, which could reach 97.6%.
Trace metal uptake in forage systems receiving long‐term applications of alum‐treated or untreated poultry litter
Authors: Ashworth Amanda J. , Moore Philip A.
Published: January 2023

Treating poultry litter with alum (Al2[SO4]3·14H2O) is a commonly used best management strategy for reducing ammonia (NH3) volatilization and phosphorus (P) runoff and leaching. However, little is known about how this amendment affects trace metal availability and uptake by forages, as well as potential issues with phytotoxicity, toxicity to grazing animals, and overall yield. The objective of this study was to determine longitudinal effects of alum‐treated poultry litter, untreated litter, ammonium nitrate, and an unfertilized control on trace metal (As, Cu, Se, and Zn) and S concentrations and uptake by tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), yield, as well as availability in soil over 20 years. Greater (p < 0.05) Mehlich‐3 extractable soil As and subsequent forage As uptake occurred with alum beyond the 6.72 Mg ha−1 rate; however, forage As concentrations were not affected by alum. Forage yields were greater with alum‐treated and untreated litters than with ammonium nitrate applied at the same N rate. Treating litter with alum generally did not improve tall fescue yields, except at the lowest litter rate (2.24 Mg ha−1). Alum treatment of poultry litter has been shown to be a cost‐effective best management practice that reduces ammonia volatilization, which improves air quality and poultry production, while reducing P and heavy metal runoff and ultimately improving water quality. Given that trace metal and S concentrations in forages were all in the normal ranges, treating poultry litter with alum does not pose issues with respect to metal phytotoxicity and/or toxicity to grazing animals.
The critical role of cardiolipin in metazoan differentiation, development, and maturation
Authors: Olivar‐Villanueva Melissa , Ren Mindong , Schlame Michael , Phoon Colin K. L.
Published: January 2023

Cardiolipins are phospholipids that are central to proper mitochondrial functioning. Because mitochondria play crucial roles in differentiation, development, and maturation, we would also expect cardiolipin to play major roles in these processes. Indeed, cardiolipin has been implicated in the mechanism of three human diseases that affect young infants, implying developmental abnormalities. In this review, we will: (1) Review the biology of cardiolipin; (2) Outline the evidence for essential roles of cardiolipin during organismal development, including embryogenesis and cell maturation in vertebrate organisms; (3) Place the role(s) of cardiolipin during embryogenesis within the larger context of the roles of mitochondria in development; and (4) Suggest avenues for future research.
Can the Research Team‐Participant Relationship Ground Ancillary‐Care Obligations?
Authors: Richardson Henry S.
Published: January 2023

Discussion of medical researcher teams' ancillary‐care obligations has long been dominated by partial‐entrustment theory, developed in 2004 by the author of this article, in collaboration with Leah Belsky. Critics of the limited scope of the special ancillary‐care obligations defended by that theory, however, argue that a better theory would take fuller account of the relationship that develops between individual research participants and members of the research team. Nate W. Olson and Thaddeus Metz have each put forward well worked‐out versions of such a relationship‐based account of ancillary‐care obligations. This article critically evaluates these accounts, concluding that while each of them is vulnerable to various criticisms, each also crucially facilitates understanding of this relationship: Olson brings out well how research participants can find that role not just beneficial but also deeply meaningful, and Metz, drawing on African ethical traditions, emphasizes that when things go well, participants are involved as partners in the research effort. Yet the article closes by arguing that the partial‐entrustment theory, surprisingly, can take on board each of these lessons. As so enhanced, it may actually be the best available relationship‐based theory of this subject.
No evidence that modification of soil microbiota by woody invader facilitates subsequent invasion by herbaceous species
Authors: Li Yan , Xu Xingliang
Published: January 2023

Many terrestrial ecosystems are co‐invaded by multiple exotic species. The “invasional meltdown” hypothesis predicts that an initial invasive species will facilitate secondary invasions. In the plant kingdom, the potential underlying mechanisms of this hypothesis may be that modification of the soil properties by the initial invaders benefits for the subsequent exotic species invasion. In this study, we analyzed the composition of soil microbial communities and soil chemical properties from sites invaded by woody Rhus typhina, as well as uninvaded sites, to assess the impact of R. typhina invasion. Furthermore, we conducted a greenhouse experiment with multiple native–invasive pairs of herbaceous species to test whether R. typhina invasion facilitates subsequent exotic herb invasion. Our results showed that R. typhina invasion significantly altered the composition of soil fungal communities, especially pathogenic, endophytic, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. However, this change in microbial composition led to neither direction nor magnitude changes in negative plant–soil feedback effects on both native and invasive species. This indicates that initial R. typhina invasion does not facilitate subsequent herb invasion, which does not support the “invasional meltdown” hypothesis. Additionally, R. typhina invasion significantly decreased soil total nitrogen and organic carbon contents, which may explain the significantly lower biomass of herbaceous roots grown in invaded soils compared with uninvaded soils. Alternately, although invasive herb growth was significantly more inhibited by soil microbiota compared with native herb growth, such inhibition cannot completely eliminate the risk of exotic herb invasion because of their innate growth advantages. Therefore, microbial biocontrol agents for plant invasion management should be combined with another approach to suppress the innate growth advantages of exotic species.
A utilization distribution for the global population of Cape Vultures (Gypscoprotheres) to guide wind energy development
Authors: Cervantes Francisco , Murgatroyd Megan , Allan David G. , Farwig Nina , Kemp Ryno , Krüger Sonja , Maude Glyn , Mendelsohn John , Rösner Sascha , Schabo Dana G. , Tate Gareth , Wolter Kerri , Amar Arjun
Published: January 2023

The rapid development of wind energy in southern Africa represents an additional threat to the already fragile populations of African vultures. The distribution of the vulnerable Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres overlaps considerably with wind energy development areas in South Africa, creating conflicts that can hinder both vulture conservation and sustainable energy development. To help address this conflict and aid in the safe placement of wind energy facilities, we map the utilization distribution (UD) of this species across its distributional range. Using tracking data from 68 Cape Vultures collected over the last 20 years, we develop a spatially explicit habitat use model to estimate the expected UDs around known colonies. Scaling the UDs by the number of vultures expected to use each of the colonies, we estimate the Cape Vulture population utilization distribution (PUD) and determine its exposure to wind farm impacts. To complement our results, we model the probability of a vulture flying within the rotor sweep area of a wind turbine throughout the species range and use this to identify areas that are particularly prone to collisions. Overall, our estimated PUD correlates well with reporting rates of the species from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project, currently used to assess potential overlap between Cape Vultures and wind energy developments, but it adds important benefits, such as providing a spatial gradient of activity estimates over the entire species range. We illustrate the application of our maps by analyzing the exposure of Cape Vultures in the Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs) in South Africa. This application is a scalable procedure that can be applied at different planning phases, from strategic, nationwide planning to project‐level assessments.