bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of clinical and variant spectrum of EEF2‐related neurodevelopmental disorder: Report of two additional cases
Authors: Guo Rose , Rippert Alyssa L. , Cook Edward B. , Alves Cesar Augusto P. , Bird Lynne M. , Izumi Kosuke
Published: May 2023

Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (eEF2), encoded by the gene EEF2, is an essential factor involved in the elongation phase of protein translation. A specific heterozygous missense variant (p.P596H) in EEF2 was originally identified in association with autosomal dominant adult‐onset spinocerebellar ataxia‐26 (SCA26). More recently, additional heterozygous missense variants in this gene have been described to cause a novel, childhood‐onset neurodevelopmental disorder with benign external hydrocephalus. Herein, we report two unrelated individuals with a similar gene‐disease correlation to support this latter observation. Patient 1 is a 7‐year‐old male with a previously reported, de novo missense variant (p.V28M) who has motor and speech delay, autism spectrum disorder, failure to thrive with relative macrocephaly, unilateral microphthalmia with coloboma and eczema. Patient 2 is a 4‐year‐old female with a novel de novo nonsense variant (p.Q145X) with motor and speech delay, hypotonia, macrocephaly with benign ventricular enlargement, and keratosis pilaris. These additional cases help to further expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of this newly described EEF2‐related neurodevelopmental syndrome.
How do experts in psychiatric genetics view the clinical utility of polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia?
Authors: Moorthy Tiahna , Nguyen Huyen , Chen Ying , Austin Jehannine , Smoller Jordan W. , Hercher Laura , Sabatello Maya
Published: May 2023

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are promising for identifying common variant‐related inheritance for psychiatric conditions but their integration into clinical practice depends on their clinical utility and psychiatrists' understanding of PRS. Our online survey explored these issues with 276 professionals working in psychiatric genetics (RR: 19%). Overall, participants demonstrated knowledge of how to interpret PRS results. Their performance on knowledge‐based questions was positively correlated with participants' self‐reported familiarity with PRS (r = 0.21, p = 0.0006) although differences were not statistically significant (Wald Chi‐square = 3.29, df = 1, p = 0.07). However, only 48.9% of all participants answered all knowledge questions correctly. Many participants (56.5%), especially researchers (42%), indicated having at least occasional conversations about the role of genetics in psychiatric conditions with patients and/or family members. Most participants (62.7%) indicated that PRS are not yet sufficiently robust for assessment of susceptibility to schizophrenia; most significant obstacles were low predictive power and lack of population diversity in available PRS (selected, respectively, by 53.6% and 29.3% of participants). Nevertheless, 89.8% of participants were optimistic about the use of PRS in the next 10 years, suggesting a belief that current shortcomings could be addressed. Our findings inform about the perceptions of psychiatric professionals regarding PRS and the application of PRS in psychiatry.
Realization of Z2 Topological Metal in Single‐Crystalline Nickel Deficient NiV2Se4
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sitaram , Matteppanavar Shidaling , Schönleber Andreas , Patra Bikash , Singh Birender , Thamizhavel Arumugam , Singh Bahadur , Ramakrishnan Srinivasan , van Smaalen Sander
Published: May 2023

Temperature‐dependent electronic and magnetic properties are reported for nickel‐deficient NiV2Se4. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction shows it to crystallize in the monoclinic Cr3S4 structure type with space group and vacancies on the Ni site, resulting in the composition Ni0.85V2Se4 in agreement with our electron‐probe microanalysis. Structural distortions are not observed down to 1.5 K. Nevertheless, the electrical resistivity shows metallic behavior with a broad anomaly around 150–200 K that is also observed in the heat capacity data. This anomaly indicates a change of state of the material below 150 K. It is believed that this anomaly could be due to spin fluctuations or charge‐density‐wave fluctuations, where the lack of long‐range order is caused by vacancies at the Ni site of Ni0.85V2Se4. The non‐linear temperature dependence of the resistivity as well as an enhanced value of the Sommerfeld coefficient mJ mol−1 K−2 suggest strong electron–electron correlations in this material. First‐principles calculations performed for NiV2Se4, which are also applicable to Ni0.85V2Se4, classify this material as a topological metal with and coexisting electron and hole pockets at the Fermi level. The phonon spectrum lacks any soft phonon mode, consistent with the absence of periodic lattice distortion in the present experiments.
Construction of Boron‐ and Nitrogen‐Enriched Nanoporous π‐Conjugated Networks Towards Enhanced Hydrogen Activation
Authors: Li Meijia , Qiu Liqi , Popovs Ilja , Yang Weiwei , Ivanov Alexander S. , Kobayashi Takeshi , Thapaliya Bishnu P. , Moitra Debabrata , Yu Xinbin , Wu Zili , Yang Zhenzhen , Dai Sheng
Published: May 2023

Boron‐enriched scaffolds have demonstrated unique features and promising performance in the field of catalysis towards the activation of small gas molecules. However, there is still a lack of facile approaches capable of achieving high B doping and abundant porous channels in the targeted catalysts. Herein, construction of boron‐ and nitrogen‐enriched nanoporous π‐conjugated networks (BN‐NCNs) was achieved via a facile ionothermal polymerization procedure with hexaazatriphenylenehexacarbonitrile [HAT(CN)6] sodium borohydride as the starting materials. The as‐produced BN‐NCN scaffolds were featured by high heteroatoms doping (B up to 23 wt. % and N: up to 17 wt. %) and permanent porosity (surface area up to 759 m2 g−1 mainly contributed by micropores). With the unsaturated bonded B species acting as the active Lewis acid sites and defected N species acting as the active Lewis base sites, those BN‐NCNs delivered attractive catalytic performance towards H2 activation/dissociation in both gaseous and liquid phase, acting as efficient metal‐free heterogeneous frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) catalysts in hydrogenation procedures.
Unlocking the Interfacial Adsorption‐Intercalation Pseudocapacitive Storage Limit to Enabling All‐Climate, High Energy/Power Density and Durable Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Ming , Wang Yanyi , Ma Dingtao , Zhu Jianhui , Mi Hongwei , Zhang Zuotai , Wu Buke , Zeng Lin , Chen Minfeng , Chen Jizhang , Zhang Peixin
Published: May 2023

Sluggish storage kinetics and insufficient performance are the major challenges that restrict the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) applied for zinc ion storage, especially at the extreme temperature conditions. Herein, a multiscale interface structure‐integrated modulation concept was presented, to unlock the omnidirectional storage kinetics‐enhanced porous VSe2−x⋅n H2O host. Theory research indicated that the co‐modulation of H2O intercalation and selenium vacancy enables enhancing the interfacial zinc ion capture ability and decreasing the zinc ion diffusion barrier. Moreover, an interfacial adsorption‐intercalation pseudocapacitive storage mechanism was uncovered. Such cathode displayed remarkable storage performance at the wide temperature range (−40–60 °C) in aqueous and solid electrolytes. In particular, it can retain a high specific capacity of 173 mAh g−1 after 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1, as well as a high energy density of 290 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 15.8 kW kg−1 at room temperature. Unexpectedly, a remarkably energy density of 465 Wh kg−1 and power density of 21.26 kW kg−1 at 60 °C also can be achieved, as well as 258 Wh kg−1 and 10.8 kW kg−1 at −20 °C. This work realizes a conceptual breakthrough for extending the interfacial storage limit of layered TMDs to construct all‐climate high‐performance Zn‐ion batteries.
When Weak Is Strong: A Plea for Low‐Affinity Binders for Optical Microscopy
Authors: Albertazzi Lorenzo , Heilemann Mike
Published: May 2023

The exploitation of low‐affinity molecular interactions in protein labeling is an emerging topic in optical microscopy. Such non‐covalent and low‐affinity interactions can be realized with various concepts from chemistry and for different molecule classes, and lead to a constant renewal of fluorescence signals at target sites. Further benefits are a versatile use across microscopy methods, in 3D, live and many‐target applications. In recent years, several classes of low‐affinity labels were developed and a variety of powerful applications demonstrated. Still, this research field is underdeveloped, while the potential is huge.
α‐Cyano Triaryl[3]radialene: Unsymmetrical Stereo‐configuration, Clustering‐enhanced Excimer Emission, and Radical‐involved Multimodal Information Switching
Authors: Xu Gaoqiang , Liu Haohao , Zhou Zhibiao , Lai Weiming , Li Bo , Zhou Yizhao , Hu Rong , Yao Wenhuan , Yang Kun , Xie Sheng , Zeng Zebing
Published: May 2023

[3]Radialene has a peculiar topology and cross‐conjugation system, representing a unique molecular scaffold in organic materials. Herein, we report a special class of stereoisomeric α‐cyano triaryl[3]radialenes (CTRs) that show concentration‐caused quenching in solution but emit red‐shifted and enhanced luminescence in the crystalline state. Clustering of multiple cyano groups and their through‐space interactions with the [3]radialene ring significantly extend π‐electron communication meanwhile rigidifying the propeller conformation multivalently, thus playing a key role behind the state‐dependent luminescence. These radialenes with a substantial electron affinity undergo a reversible electron transfer transition to anionic radicals with good stability, showing switching of photoabsorption, photoluminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) signal. We also established proof‐of‐concept applications of CTRs for multimodal information encryption and chemical sensing.
Effect of genipin crosslinking on the property of chitosan‐soy protein isolate film
Authors: Zeng Jun , Gao Youcheng , Zhu Siming , He Hongyuan , Yu Ming
Published: May 2023

Genipin (GP) as a natural crosslinker has gained much attention in the food industry on account of its high biocompatibility and safety. In this paper, chitosan (CS)‐soy protein isolate (SPI) crosslinked films were prepared using GP as a crosslinking agent. Crosslinking reaction with high contents of GP (0.03%, 0.05%) changed the rheological property of the film matrixes. The crosslinking degree was positively correlated with the content of GP, which was from 21.08 ± 3.95% of CS‐SPI‐1 to 39.66 ± 1.62% of CS‐SPI‐5. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra confirmed the crosslinking reaction. The X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicated that the crosslinking reaction decreased the crystallinity degree and enhanced the surface roughness of CS‐SPI film, respectively. The crosslinking reaction did not significantly affect the thickness, moisture content and water solubility of CS‐SPI film. Crosslinked films presented better light barrier capacity. The tensile strength (TS) of CS‐SPI‐1 was increased by 50%, however, further increasing the contents of GP (0.03%, 0.05%) reduced the TS of the crosslinked films. With the increasing incorporation with GP, the EAB was significantly decreased, while the modulus increased from 95.76 ± 25.78 to 508.78 ± 77.95 MPa. The crosslinking reaction improved the rigidity of CS‐SPI film. Low crosslinking degree could improve thermal stability of CS‐SPI, while higher GP addition (0.03%, 0.05%) decreased the thermal stability and prolonged the degradation time of the film in soil. The results indicated that low crosslinking reaction could improve the property of CS‐SPI film, enhancing its potential application in food packaging.
Effects of poly(butanediol adipate ester) based polyurethane prepolymer content on structure and properties of PLA–diatomaceous earth composites
Authors: Koranteng Ernest , Jiang Sike , Xiao Fang , Weng Fangqing , Wu Qiangxian
Published: May 2023

Developing green composites has received intense attention among the scientific community because of their ability to help alleviate the global environmental pollution challenges. This current work focused on preparing a bio‐based composite material with desirable performance using renewable materials like diatomaceous earth, and polylactic acid (PLA) with poly(butanediol adipate ester) prepolymer (PBAPU) as a compatibilizer. The composites were prepared by reactive mixing using an intensive mixer. Subsequently, the effects of the PBAPU content on the structure and properties of the composites were studied. From the test results, it was revealed that increasing the PBAPU content resulted in an increasing trend in the properties of the composites. For instance, the thermal stability of the composites was improved as the PBAPU content was increased, and the best thermal stability was obtained when 20 wt% PBAPU was added. In addition, the mechanical properties test results showed that the elongation at break and impact strength of the composites increased with increasing PBAPU content. On the contrary, the tensile strength of the composites decreased with increasing PBAPU content. The scanning electron microscope images showed that the compatibility between the PLA matrix and PBAPU in the composites was improved significantly. Based on the analysis of the test results for the material's structure, morphology, thermal stability, fluidity, and other properties, it can be concluded that a bio‐based composite material with desirable performance was successfully prepared.
Structure and catalytic performance relationship of ionic liquids as recyclable alcoholysis catalysts for green preparation of ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , Li Xiaopei , Ren Juntao , Li He , Zhang Yongjie , Hu Yanming , Zhou Guangyuan
Published: May 2023

Alcoholysis is an important reaction for the current industrial production of ethylene‐vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers. Herein, two series of ionic liquids (ILs), acidic and basic ones, were used as eco‐friendly catalysts for alcoholysis of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. The effects of the reaction parameters (catalyst loading,n(CH3OH)/n(Ac) and reaction time), EVA composition, and nitrogen flow on the alcoholysis were systematically investigated. A nearly 100% of alcoholysis degree was achieved using acidic ILs ([BHSO3MIm][HSO4]) under the optimum conditions (3.0 mol% catalyst loading relative to the VA units in EVA,n(CH3OH)/n(Ac) = 30, 70°C, 6 h). Moreover, [BHSO3MIm][HSO4] could be reused at least five times without the decrease of catalytic activity, showing excellent recyclability. The interactions between IL and the substrate methanol and the model compound ethyl acetate were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, and on the basis of these results, the plausible mechanisms of acidic and basic ILs catalyzed alcoholysis of EVA were proposed.
Effect of roll temperature on the structure and properties of oriented polypropylene cast film and stretched microporous membrane
Authors: Chen Dahua , Chen Xiande , Yin Liangdong , Xie Jiayi , Xu Ruijie , Lei Caihong
Published: May 2023

The effect of roll temperature from 60 to 120°C on the crystalline structure and properties of oriented polypropylene (PP) cast films and the stretched microporous membrane was studied. It was found that the long period, the thickness of the crystalline and amorphous phase increase with the increasing roll temperature. And the regularity of the lamellar structure also improves with the increasing roll temperature. In comparison, the lamellae lateral dimension is nearly unchanged at 50 nm. The orientation of the lamellar structure slightly decreases from 0.81 to 0.76 with increasing roll temperature. The increase of the long period and the improvement of the regularity of the lamellar structure lead to the increase of the elastic recovery value of PP cast film. The corresponding microporous membrane also shows a smaller thickness of lamellar clusters, larger pores, better air permeability and better thermal shrinkage resistance. The higher roll temperature is beneficial to the perfection of the lamellar structure, obtaining the higher‐performance microporous membrane.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Solvent‐free Organic Liquid Hybrids for Tunable Emission Applications
Authors: Nidhankar Aakash D. , Goudappagouda  , Kothavade Premkumar , Dongre Sangram D. , Dnyaneshwar Veer Sairam , Ranjan Dash Soumya , Rajeev Kavya , Unni K. N. Narayanan , Shanmuganathan Kadhiravan , Santhosh Babu Sukumaran
Published: May 2023

The synthetic feasibility and excellent luminescence features of organic molecules attracted much attention and were eventually found useful in lighting applications. In this context, a solvent‐free organic liquid having attractive thermally activated delayed fluorescence features in bulk along with high processability has prime importance. Herein, we report a series of naphthalene monoimide‐based solvent‐free organic liquids exhibiting cyan to red thermally activated delayed fluorescence with luminescence quantum yields up to 80% and lifetimes between 10 to 45 μs. An effective approach explored energy transfer between liquid donors with various emitters exhibiting tunable emission colors, including white. The high processability of liquid emitters improved the compatibility with polylactic acid and was used for developing multicolor emissive objects using 3D printing. Our demonstration of the thermally activated delayed fluorescence liquid will be much appreciated as a processable alternate emissive material suitable for large‐area lighting, display, and related applications.
Intergenerational transmission of educational disadvantage: Education progression of children of care leavers compared to a general population sample
Authors: Parsons Sam , Fitzsimons Emla , Schoon Ingrid
Published: May 2023

There is persistent evidence showing that care leavers tend to have lower educational outcomes compared to their peers. There is, however, less knowledge of whether this educational disadvantage transfers to the second generation. This study adopts a developmental contextual life‐course approach to examine: (a) the extent of educational inequality of children of care leavers from school entry to public examinations at age 16; (b) the relative role of different psychosocial family resources as predictors of educational attainment; and (c) the role of early school readiness assessments as predictors of later educational attainment. Drawing on data collected from families living in England at the first sweep of the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) (n = 11,514), the findings suggest intergenerational transmission of educational disadvantage among children of care leavers (n = 287), which is manifest in a direct assessment of school readiness (age 3), at the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (age 5) and in General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) attainment (age 16). However, once inequalities in family socio‐economic background or area deprivation and housing are controlled for, children of care leavers perform comparably in their educational progression to those whose mothers had no experience of being in care (n = 11,227). Moreover, the findings highlight the significance of early school readiness assessments in predicting later educational attainment for the whole sample. Findings are discussed regarding their implications for policy, in particular the need to address educational inequality for children in care, area allocation and housing that is offered to care leavers, and the general importance of early interventions.
A note of feature screening via a rank‐based coefficient of correlation
Authors: Chen Li‐Pang
Published: May 2023

Feature screening is a useful and popular tool to detect informative predictors for ultrahigh‐dimensional data before developing statistical analysis or constructing statistical models. While a large body of feature screening procedures has been developed, most methods are restricted to examine either continuous or discrete responses. Moreover, even though many model‐free feature screening methods have been proposed, additional assumptions are imposed in those methods to ensure their theoretical results. To address those difficulties and provide simple implementation, in this paper we extend the rank‐based coefficient of correlation to develop a feature screening procedure. We show that this new screening criterion is able to deal with continuous and binary responses. Theoretically, the sure screening property is established to justify the proposed method. Simulation studies demonstrate that the predictors with nonlinear and oscillatory trajectories are successfully retained regardless of the distribution of the response. Finally, the proposed method is implemented to analyze two microarray datasets.
A gene expression control technology for cell‐free systems and synthetic cells via targeted gene silencing and transfection
Authors: Sato Wakana , Rasmussen Melanie , Gaut Nathaniel , Devarajan Mahima , Stokes Kaitlin , Deich Christopher , Engelhart Aaron E. , Adamala Katarzyna P.
Published: May 2023

Synthetic cells, expressing proteins using cell‐free transcription‐translation (TXTL), is a technology utilized for a variety of applications, such as investigating natural gene pathways, metabolic engineering, drug development or bioinformatics. For all these purposes, the ability to precisely control gene expression is essential. Various strategies to control gene expression in TXTL have been developed; however, further advancements on gene‐specific and straightforward regulation methods are still needed. Here, we present a method of control of gene expression in TXTL using a “silencing oligo”: a short oligonucleotide, designed with a particular secondary structure, that binds to the target messenger RNA. We demonstrated that silencing oligo inhibits protein expression in TXTL in a sequence‐dependent manner. We showed that silencing oligo activity is associated with RNase H activity in bacterial TXTL. To complete the gene expression control toolbox for synthetic cells, we also engineered a first transfection system. We demonstrated the transfection of various payloads, enabling the introduction of RNA and DNA of different lengths to synthetic cell liposomes. Finally, we combined the silencing oligo and the transfection technologies, demonstrating control of gene expression by transfecting silencing oligo into synthetic minimal cells.
Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of selected noncommunicable diseases among the general population of Cyprus: A large population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kyprianidou Maria , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Makris Konstantinos C. , Kambanaros Maria , Christophi Costas A. , Giannakou Konstantinos
Published: May 2023

Background

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NCDs among the population of Cyprus and to identify the distribution of the socioeconomic and demographic determinants among individuals with the most frequent NCDs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using stratified sampling. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and the presence of NCDs were collected through a standardized questionnaire. The diseases were classified using the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10).

Results

In total, 1140 individuals participated in the study, among whom 590 (51.7%) had at least one chronic disease. The most prevalent NCDs were hyperlipidemia (17.4%), hypertension (12.9%), and thyroid diseases (8.4%). We identified more males than females with hyperlipidemia aged 25–44 years old and >65 years old (p = 0.024), more males compared to females with hypertension (p = 0.001) and more females compared to males with thyroid diseases (p < 0.001). Individuals with hypertension and hyperlipidemia were more likely to be married, to have completed a higher education, and to have a high annual income.

Discussion

In Cyprus, the majority of the general population had at least one NCD. Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and thyroid disease are relatively common, even at younger ages, highlighting the need for the development of public health programs aimed at addressing and preventing NCDs.
Muscle‐Like Supramolecular Polymers with Dual Motion Patterns
Authors: Li Qingyun , Hu Ziqing , Ji Xiaofan
Published: May 2023

Benefiting from the features like polymeric linear structures, stimuli‐responsiveness and dynamic adaptiveness, supramolecular polymers (SPs) are favored as exploiting muscle‐like materials, allowing for imitating the muscle functions. However, a substantial part of these materials barely owned an unitary motion orientation while it was obviously known that muscle movements involved distinct orientations. Herein,M1holding the structure of 44‐membered macrocycle with two aldehyde groups was designed, meanwhile,M2comprising of secondary ammonium ions, 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl groups as well as the alkyl chains was fabricated, for which it could be assembled withM1to generate SPs based on host–guest interactions from a large macrocycle and two secondary ammonium ions. SPs underwent vertical compression upon the addition of N2H4owing to the forming dynamic covalent bonds, notably, mechanically interlocked structures were also generated. Afterwards, the vertically compressed SPs experienced horizontal shrinkage when tetrabutylammonium chloride was contributed due to the destruction of host–guest interactions.
Photocatalytic degradation of N‐nitrosodiethylamine from carbon capture plants using tungsten trioxide‐based catalysts: Parametric and optimization study
Authors: Boakye Obed Yeboah , Ibrahim Hussameldin
Published: May 2023

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of tungsten trioxide‐based catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in wastewater. Tungsten trioxide (WO3) was synthesized using the thermal treatment method (TTM) and hard template replication method (HTRM) and impregnated with lanthanum (La), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and silver (Ag) to enhance its light absorption ability. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using various techniques, including UV‐Vis spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett–Joyner surface area and porosity, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The experimental design approach used a response surface methodology (RSM) with a face‐centered central composite design (FCCCD) technique. Catalyst loading (%), pH of solution, and catalyst concentration (g/L) were chosen as design factors, with the response variable being NDEA degradation efficiency (%). The obtained data were analyzed, and a quadratic model was chosen as the best fit with statistically significant model terms as observed from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). 3D interaction plots were generated to explain the effect of the various interaction terms of the quadratic model. The results showed that the pH of the solution was the major factor affecting NDEA degradation efficiency. The mean degradation efficiency of NDEA was 93.03% for Fe/WO3, 88.90% for Ag/WO3, 86.48% for La/WO3, and 84.03% for Cr/WO3. These findings demonstrate the potential of tungsten trioxide‐based catalysts impregnated with various metals for the effective treatment of NDEA in wastewater through heterogeneous photocatalysis.
Hollow structures Prussian blue, its analogs, and their derivatives: Synthesis and electrochemical energy‐related applications
Authors: Wei Ying , Zheng Mingbo , Zhu Wei , Pang Huan
Published: May 2023

Electrochemistry is an effective way to obtain clean energy and alleviate energy crisis. Compared with solid structures, hollow structures show a larger specific surface area and expose more active sites. Therefore, when applied to the field of electrochemistry, hollow structures can usually show more excellent performance. Because of their unique compositions, Prussian blue and its analogs (PB/PBAs) usually contain two or more kinds of metallic elements, and the synergistic effect between the different metallic elements provides more possibilities for their application in the field of electrochemistry. After easy treatment of PB/PBAs, derived materials, such as transition‐metal oxide, transition‐metal phosphide, transition‐metal sulfide, and so forth can be obtained. Due to the particularity of PBA composition, these derived materials are usually bimetallic or polymetallic. These derivatives not only inherit the structural advantages of PB/PBAs, but also usually solve the problem of poor conductivity of PB/PBAs. Therefore, derived materials can show more excellent electrochemical performance. In recent years, the preparation and electrochemical application of hollow PB/PBAs and their derivatives have attracted more and more attentions. In this article, the synthesis strategies of hollow PB/PBAs and their derived materials are systematically summarized. The applications of related materials in the field of electrochemistry are introduced in detail. And the prospects and challenges are further analyzed.
AAEE‐Net: Attention‐guided aggregation and error‐aware enhancement network for accurate and efficient stereo matching
Authors: Liu Yujun , Zhang Xiangchen , Su Jinhe , Cai Guorong
Published: May 2023

Stereo matching is a fundamental and long‐standing task in computer vision. Although learning‐based stereo matching algorithms have made remarkable progress, two major challenges still persist. Firstly, existing cost aggregation methods that use stacked three‐dimensional convolutions are complex, leading to heavy computation and memory costs. Secondly these methods continue to struggle with establishing reliable matches in weakly matchable such as that edges and thin structures. To overcome these limitations, we propose an accurate and efficient network called Attention‐guided Aggregation and Error‐aware Enhancement Network (AAEE‐Net). Our approach involves designing an Attention‐guided Aggregation Mechanism (AAM) based on simple image features. This mechanism uses attention weights generated from image features to guide cost aggregation with a more efficient and effective strategy. Additionally, we propose an Error‐aware Enhancement Module (EEM) that refines the raw disparity by combining high‐frequency information from the original image and warp error between the left and right views. EEM enables the network to learn error correction capabilities that produce excellent subtle details and sharp edges. The experimental results on the SceneFlow and KITTI benchmark datasets demonstrate that AAEE‐Net achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance with low inference time. The qualitative results show that AAEE‐Net significantly improves predictions, especially for thin structures.
Hydrodynamics and Transport Mechanism of Microfluidic Mixing in Precipitation of Nanodrugs: A Review
Authors: Behera Rashmita , Patel Sanjaykumar R. , Parikh Jigisha K.
Published: May 2023

Poor aqueous solubility drugs are a concern of pharmaceutical industries due to low dissolution rates and low bioavailability. Various approaches and techniques address these issues by customizing drug micro–nanonization, as investigated by many researchers. Establishing a compelling synthesis of tailored nanoparticles with highly variable qualities intended for therapeutic applications needs the flexibility to vary particle size, content, crystallinity, and shape. Such an approach necessitates getting to the desired yield and developing a synthetic process that is durable, reproducible, and scalable. However, precipitation techniques to produce nanoparticles are more convenient than other approaches. Liquid antisolvent precipitation is one of the robust crystal manipulation approaches extensively used for producing nanoparticles, where mixing sets the basis to create supersaturation followed by corresponding quality precipitation. Various process intensification equipments are in use for adequate mixing‐based precipitation. Nowadays, microfluidic precipitation system is gaining interest in the production of nanodrugs. Further, the use of ultrasound in a microfluidic system improves the mixing quality by cavitation phenomena. This review focuses on the transport phenomena and hydrodynamics involved in mixing to enhance the mass transfer during antisolvent precipitation of synthesized nanodrugs in the microfluidic system.
Feasibility and acceptability of remote smartphone cognitive testing in frontotemporal dementia research
Authors: Taylor Jack Carson , Heuer Hilary W. , Clark Annie L. , Wise Amy B. , Manoochehri Masood , Forsberg Leah , Mester Carly , Rao Meghana , Brushaber Daniell , Kramer Joel , Welch Ariane E. , Kornak John , Kremers Walter , Appleby Brian , Dickerson Bradford C. , Domoto‐Reilly Kimiko , Fields Julie A. , Ghoshal Nupur , Graff‐Radford Neill , Grossman Murray , Hall Matthew GH , Huey Edward D. , Irwin David , Lapid Maria I. , Litvan Irene , Mackenzie Ian R. , Masdeu Joseph C. , Mendez Mario F. , Nevler Naomi , Onyike Chiadi U. , Pascual Belen , Pressman Peter , Rankin Katherine P. , Ratnasiri Buddhika , Rojas Julio C. , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Wong Bonnie , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa , Boeve Bradley F. , Rosen Howard J. , Boxer Adam L. , Staffaroni Adam M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Remote smartphone assessments of cognition, speech/language, and motor functioning in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) could enable decentralized clinical trials and improve access to research. We studied the feasibility and acceptability of remote smartphone data collection in FTD research using the ALLFTD Mobile App (ALLFTD‐mApp).

Methods

A diagnostically mixed sample of 214 participants with FTD or from familial FTD kindreds (asymptomatic: CDR®+NACC‐FTLD = 0 [N = 101]; prodromal: 0.5 [N = 49]; symptomatic ≥1 [N = 51]; not measured [N = 13]) were asked to complete ALLFTD‐mApp tests on their smartphone three times within 12 days. They completed smartphone familiarity and participation experience surveys.

Results

It was feasible for participants to complete the ALLFTD‐mApp on their own smartphones. Participants reported high smartphone familiarity, completed ∼ 70% of tasks, and considered the time commitment acceptable (98% of respondents). Greater disease severity was associated with poorer performance across several tests.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the ALLFTD‐mApp study protocol is feasible and acceptable for remote FTD research.

HIGHLIGHTS

The ALLFTD Mobile App is a smartphone‐based platform for remote, self‐administered data collection.

The ALLFTD Mobile App consists of a comprehensive battery of surveys and tests of executive functioning, memory, speech and language, and motor abilities.

Remote digital data collection using the ALLFTD Mobile App was feasible in a multicenter research consortium that studies FTD. Data was collected in healthy controls and participants with a range of diagnoses, particularly FTD spectrum disorders.

Remote digital data collection was well accepted by participants with a variety of diagnoses.
Diverse migratory portfolios drive inter‐annual switching behavior of elk across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Zuckerman Gabriel R. , Barker Kristin J. , Gigliotti Laura C. , Cole Eric K. , Gude Justin A. , Hurley Mark A. , Kauffman Matthew J. , Lutz Daryl , MacNulty Daniel R. , Maichak Eric J. , McWhirter Doug , Mong Tony W. , Proffitt Kelly , Scurlock Brandon M. , Stahler Daniel R. , Wise Ben , Middleton Arthur D.
Published: May 2023

A growing body of evidence shows that some ungulates alternate between migratory and nonmigratory behaviors over time. Yet it remains unclear whether such short‐term behavioral changes can help explain reported declines in ungulate migration worldwide, as opposed to long‐term demographic changes. Furthermore, advances in tracking technology reveal that a simple distinction between migration and nonmigration may not sufficiently describe all individual behaviors. To better understand the dynamics and drivers of ungulate switching behavior, we investigated 14 years of movement data from 361 elk in 20 herds across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). First, we categorized yearly individual behaviors using a clustering algorithm that identified similar migratory tactics across a continuum of behaviors. Then, we tested seven hypotheses to explain why some ungulates switch behaviors, and we evaluated how behavioral changes affected the proportions of different behaviors across the system. We identified four distinct behavioral tactics: residents (4.8% of elk‐years), short‐distance migrants (53.7%), elevational migrants (21.9%) and long‐distance migrants (19.6%). Of the 20 herds, 18 were partially migratory, and 5 had all four movement tactics present. We observed switches between migratory tactics in all sets of consecutive years during our study period, with an average of 22.5% of individual elk changing movement tactics from one year to the next. Elk in herds with higher movement tactic diversity were significantly more likely to switch tactics and often responded more effectively to adverse environmental conditions, compared to those in herds with low movement tactic diversity. During our study period, switching increased the prevalence of both short‐ and long‐distance migrants, decreased the prevalence of elevational migrants, and had no effect on the prevalence of residents. Our findings suggest that rather than contributing to the declining migratory behavior found in the GYE, switching behavior may enable greater resiliency to continuously changing environmental and anthropogenic conditions.
Inflation Reduction Act Incentivizes Utilities to Use Digital Tools for Participation in Energy Efficiency Programs
Authors: Ramirez Alyssa , Oloriz Margaret , Simović Uroš
Published: May 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law on August 16, 2022, authorizes $500 billion in new spending and tax breaks for the clean energy and healthcare industries. Clean energy funding, totaling approximately $370 billion, is allocated to help achieve the Biden Administration's near‐term goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030. The clean energy funding focuses on deploying readily available technologies that developers, companies, and consumers can adopt immediately to help achieve these goals. Investment tax credits and production tax credits exist across the energy efficiency value chain to maximize impact. On the energy production side, the IRA extends existing tax credits and introduces new credits for renewable energy production. Tax credits for consumers and businesses are intended to increase efficiency of energy use and as a result decrease carbon emissions.
Low‐Carbon Emission Initiative by Indian Railways—A Case Study
Authors: Marik Gopal , Dutta Arindam
Published: May 2023

Indian Railways (IR), the fourth largest railway network in the world, has the vision to become a green transporter by reducing its carbon footprint. The energy consumption of IR in 2020 was approximately 18,410 million units for traction and 2,338 million units for non‐traction load. IR has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint and fuel costs and India is committed to becoming a “net‐zero” carbon emission country by 2030. Some of its key initiatives toward decarbonization are 100 percent electrification of the railways broad gauge network, reductions in energy consumption, and meeting energy demand through renewable energy. IR currently has 220 MW of renewable energy capacity, with nearly 3,450 MW of renewable energy capacity in the development pipeline. It is also anticipated that with the use of renewable energy in the transportation sector, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could be reduced by approximately 40 percent. Asia's largest railway network with 115,000 track kilometers, 8,500 stations, and operating approximately 12,000 trains every day, IR is considered one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels in India—consuming approximately 2.7 billion liters of diesel annually.
Cast‐in‐place deep foundations in Myanmar
Authors: Aye Zaw Zaw , Boonyarak Thayanan , Aung Aye Yadana , Htet Aung
Published: May 2023

This article is a summary of the available research works of cast‐in‐place deep‐seated bored piles in Myanmar. Instrumented static pile load test results are analyzed, discussed, and updated. The information contained in the article is mainly from the construction projects of private sectors constructed in Yangon and extended study of previous work on current practices of deep foundations and deep excavation Works in Myanmar.
Preferences of patients, clinicians, and healthy controls for the management of a Bethesda III thyroid nodule
Authors: van Kinschot Caroline M. J. , Soekhai Vikas R. , de Bekker‐Grob Esther W. , Visser W. Edward , Peeters Robin P. , van Noord Charlotte , van Ginhoven Tessa M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Active surveillance is propagated as an alternative for hemithyroidectomy in the management of Bethesda III thyroid nodules.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey questioned respondents on their willingness to accept risks related to active surveillance and hemithyroidectomy.

Results

In case of active surveillance, respondents (129 patients, 46 clinicians, and 66 healthy controls) were willing to accept a risk of 10%–15% for thyroid cancer and 15% for needing more extensive surgery in the future. Respondents were willing to accept a risk of 22.5%–30% for hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy. Patients and controls were willing to accept a higher risk on permanent voice changes compared with clinicians (10% vs. 3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Real‐life risks associated which active surveillance and hemithyroidectomy for Bethesda III nodules are equivalent or less than the risks people are willing to accept. Clinicians accepted less risk for permanent voice changes.
Effectiveness of a food literacy and positive feeding practices program for parents of 0 to 5 years olds in Western Australia
Authors: Tartaglia Jennifer , Jancey Jonine , Scott Jane Anne , Dhaliwal Satvinder S. , Begley Andrea
Published: May 2023

Issue Addressed

Lifelong eating behaviours are established in childhood. Improving parents' food literacy skills is essential, as parents play a fundamental role in establishing their children's healthy eating behaviours and preferences for nutritious food. This paper describes the development and evaluation of an innovative program that combines food literacy with positive parent feeding practices, targeting parents in disadvantaged areas of Western Australia.

Methods

The Food Sensations® for Parents five‐week program was delivered to participants from community‐based parenting organisations during 2020 and 2021. Formative research and a pre‐post evaluation design were adopted.

Results

Pre‐ and post‐evaluation data were collected from 224 participants (96% female). There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean score for 13 food literacy behaviours, 10 positive parenting feeding practices and a mean increase in parents' daily vegetable intake of 1/3 serve. Participants reported significantly greater net improvements in food literacy behaviours than feeding practices, the largest being the Use a nutrition information panel to make food choices (33.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses found English as a first language, being older than 35, and from a higher Socio‐Economic Index for Areas resulted in a higher likelihood of positive changes in behaviours and practices.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the program is effective in improving the frequency of use of food literacy behaviours, positive parenting feeding practices and increasing vegetable consumption.

So What?

Analysing improvements in food literacy behaviours and feeding practices provides clarity on what change can be expected with a five‐week parent program.
Comparing clinical presentation, viremia, and immunological factors at various severity presentations in hospitalized children affected by COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jamalidoust Marzieh , Hamzavi Seyedeh Sedigheh , Shorafa Eslam , Namayandeh Mandana , Batool Laiba , Abootalebi Seyedeh Narges
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Although SARS‐CoV‐2 infection usually leads to mild COVID‐19 in children, sometimes it causes serious complications, especially in those with underlying diseases. Several factors have been identified in determining disease severity in adults, and limited studies have been conducted in children. The prognostic implications of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNaemia as an important factor in determining disease severity in children are not well understood.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to prospectively assess the relationship between disease severity and immunological factors and viremia in 47 COVID‐19 hospitalized children. In this research, 76.5% of children experienced mild and moderate COVID‐19, while 23.5% experienced severe and critical forms of the disease.

Results

The presence of underlying diseases in different groups of pediatric patients differed significantly from each other. On the other hand, clinical symptoms such as vomiting and chest pain as well as laboratory parameters including erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly different in different groups of patients. Viremia was seen in only two children, and this had no significant relationship with the severity of COVID‐19.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data confirmed that COVID‐19 severity differed in SARS‐CoV‐2 infected children. Some clinical presentation and lab data parameters were different in various presentation of patients. Viremia was not associated with severity in our study.
Knockdown of circMFN2 inhibits cell progression and glycolysis by miR‐198/CUL4B pathway in ovarian cancer
Authors: Song Rui , Chai Ting , Liu Junqi , Chu Alan , Sun Chen , Liu Zongwen
Published: May 2023

Circular RNA (circRNA) regulates malignant tumors, including ovarian cancer (OC). The present research study aimed to reveal the biological mechanism of circRNA mitofusin 2 (circMFN2) in OC. Cell biological behaviors were investigated using clonogenicity assay, EdU assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis were implemented to detect the levels of circMFN2, miR‐198, Cullin 4B (CUL4B), and apoptosis‐related proteins. Glycolysis was assessed by glucose assay kit, lactate assay kit, and ATP level detection kit. The relationships among miR‐198, circMFN2, and CUL4B were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. The xenograft mice model was used to analyze tumor growth in vivo. The expression of circMFN2 and CUL4B was increased, while miR‐330‐5p was decreased in OC tissues or cells. The absence of CircMFN2 hindered cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis and promoted apoptosis in OC cells. We found that circMFN2 promoted CUL4B expression via sponging miR‐198. MiR‐198 depletion reversed circMFN2 knockdown‐induced effects in OC cells. Furthermore, CUL4B overexpression overturned the inhibitory effect of miR‐198 in OC cells. And the absence of circMFN2 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CircMFN2 repressed OC progression by regulating the miR‐198/CUL4B axis.