bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid‐Phase Preparation of Low‐Tortuosity Composite Cathode for High Active Material Content All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Li Cheng , Lin Ying , Liu Jun , Ren Fucheng , Wu Yuqi , Lv Zhongwei , Peng Jinxue , Zheng Xuefan , Gong Zhengliang , Yang Yong
Published: May 2024

The all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) stand as a promising candidate for the next generation of high‐energy‐density batteries with superior safety. Nevertheless, achieving high energy density in ASSLBs necessitates the simultaneous realization of high active material content and loading, posing a significant challenge in ensuring effective Li‐ion conduction within the cathode. Notably, the inhomogeneous distribution of cathode particles causes high porosity and tortuosity within the composite cathodes, thereby adversely impacting the electrochemical performance of the battery. Herein, an in situ liquid‐phase method for the fabrication of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2(NCM811) composite cathode is proposed. This strategy ensures the generation of uniformly distributed and densely packed composite cathode, establishing a well‐networked conduction path that ensures exceptional electronic and ionic conductivity. ASSLBs utilizing LP‐cathode exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance. It delivers a high capacity of 233.3 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C with superior rate capability and remarkable long‐term cycling stability. Moreover, ASSLBs manifest exceptional electrochemical performance, even at a high cathode active material content of 80%. This underscores the efficacy of the liquid‐phase method in constructing low‐tortuosity electrodes and accelerating charge transport kinetics, thereby enhancing the overall performance of ASSLBs. This approach holds promise for addressing the challenges associated with achieving high energy density and facilitating the development of ASSLBs.
Association of plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders with cognition and cognitive decline: The MYHAT population‐based study
Authors: Zhang Yingjin , Ferreira Pamela C. L. , Jacobsen Erin , Bellaver Bruna , Pascoal Tharick A. , Snitz Beth E. , Chang Chung‐Chou H. , Villemagne Victor L. , Ganguli Mary , Karikari Thomas K.
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION

Plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias predict global cognitive performance and decline over time; it remains unclear how they associate with changes in different dementia syndromes affecting distinct cognitive domains.

METHODS

In a prospective study with repeated assessments of a randomly selected population‐based cohort (n = 787, median age 73), we evaluated performance and decline in different cognitive domains over up to 8 years in relation to plasma concentrations of amyloid beta 42/40 (Aβ42/40) ratio, phosphorylated tau181 (p‐tau181), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

RESULTS

Cross‐sectionally, memory showed the strongest associations with p‐tau181, and attention, executive, and visuospatial functions with NfL. Longitudinally, memory decline was distinguishable with all biomarker profiles dichotomized according to data‐driven cutoffs, most efficiently with Aβ42/40. GFAP and Aβ42/40 were the best discriminators of decline patterns in language and visuospatial functions, respectively.

DISCUSSION

These relatively non‐invasive tests may be beneficial for clinical screening after replication in other populations and validation through neuroimaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Highlights

We performed a prospective study with up to 8 years of repeated domain‐specific cognitive assessments and baseline plasma Alzheimer's disease and related dementias biomarker measurements in a randomly selected population‐based cohort.

We considered distinct growth curves of trajectories of different cognitive domains and survival bias induced by missing data by adding quadratic time and applying joint modeling technique.

Cross‐sectionally, memory showed the strongest associations with plasma phosphorylated tau181, while attention, executive, and visuospatial functions were most strongly associated with neurofilament light chain.

Longitudinally, memory and visuospatial declines were most efficiently distinguished by dichotomized amyloid beta 42/40 profile among all plasma biomarkers, while language was by dichotomized glial fibrillary acidic protein.

These relatively non‐invasive tests may be beneficial for clinical screening; however, they will need replication in other populations and validation through neuroimaging and/or cerebrospinal fluid assessments.
Dysregulation of Gut Microbiota‐Derived Neuromodulatory Amino Acid Metabolism in Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Associated Neurocognitive Disorder: An Integrative Metagenomic and Metabolomic Analysis
Authors: Chen Xue , Wei Jiaqi , Li Zhen , Zhang Yang , Zhang Xin , Zhang Ling , Wang Xia , Zhang Yulin , Zhang Tong
Published: May 2024

Objective

Although accumulating evidence implicating altered gut microbiota in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and neurodegenerative disorders; however, the association between dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and metabolites in the pathogenesis of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remains unclear.

Methods

Fecal and plasma samples were obtained from 3 cohorts (HAND, HIV–non‐HAND, and healthy controls), metagenomic analysis and metabolomic profiling were performed to investigate alterations in the gut microbial composition and circulating metabolites in HAND.

Results

The gut microbiota of people living with HIV (PLWH) had an increased relative abundance of Prevotella and a decreased relative abundance of Bacteroides. In contrast, Prevotella and Megamonas were substantially decreased, and Bacteroides and Phocaeicola were increased in HAND patients. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics identified several neurotransmitters and certain amino acids associated with neuromodulation, and the differential metabolic pathways of amino acids associated with neurocognition were depleted in HAND patients. Notably, most neuromodulatory metabolites are associated with an altered abundance of specific gut bacteria.

Interpretation

Our findings provide new insights into the intricate interplay between the gut and microbiome‐brain axis in the pathogenesis of HAND, highlighting the potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target the gut microbiota. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:306–320
Bioorthogonal Delivery of Carbon Disulfide in Living Cells
Authors: Zhao Ruohan , Chen Yinghan , Liang Yong
Published: May 2024

Carbon disulfide (CS2) is an environmental contaminant, which is deadly hazardous to the workers under chronic or acute exposure. However, the toxicity mechanisms of CS2 are still unclear due to the scarcity of biocompatible donors, which can release CS2 in cells. Here we developed the first bioorthogonal CS2 delivery system based on the “click‐and‐release” reactions between mesoionic 1,3‐thiazolium‐5‐thiolates (TATs) and strained cyclooctyne exo‐BCN‐OH. We successfully realized intracellular CS2 release and investigated the causes of CS2‐induced hepatotoxicity, including oxidative stress, proteotoxic stress and copper‐dependent cell death. It is found that CS2 can be copper vehicles bypassing copper transporters after reacting with nucleophiles in cytoplasm, and extra copper supplementation will exacerbate the loss of homeostasis of cells and ultimately cell death. These findings inspired us to explore the anticancer activity of CS2 in combination with copper by introducing a copper chelating group in our CS2 delivery system.
Enantio‐ and Z‐Selective δ‐Hydroarylation of Aryl‐Substituted 1,3‐Dienes via Rh‐Catalyzed Conjugate Addition
Authors: Kozhummal Hima , Das Sandip Kumar , Cooze Christopher J. C. , Lundgren Rylan J.
Published: May 2024

Metal‐catalyzed enantioselective conjugate arylations of electron‐poor alkenes are highly selective processes for C(sp2)−C(sp3) bond formation. δ‐Selective hydroarylations of electron‐poor 1,3‐dienes are less well developed and reactions that deliver high enantioselectivity while giving single alkene isomer products are elusive. Here we report the Rh‐catalyzed δ‐arylation of aryl‐substituted 1,3‐dienes that gives nearly exclusive Z‐1,4‐addition products (generally with >95 : 5 positional and geometrical selectivity). This remote functionalization provides access to chiral diarylated alkenes from readily available precursors poised for further functionalization, including in the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Mechanistic studies suggest that protonolysis of a Rh‐allyl intermediate generated by diene insertion into a Rh‐aryl is the turnover limiting step and occurs by an inner‐sphere proton transfer pathway.
Bridging gaps in image meme research: A multidisciplinary paradigm for scaling up qualitative analyses
Authors: Mascarenhas Mridula , Friedman Daniel Ari , Cordes Richard J
Published: May 2024

This paper outlines a multidisciplinary framework (Digital Rhetorical Ecosystem or DRE3) for scaling up qualitative analyses of image memes. First, we make a case for applying rhetorical theory to examine image memes as quasi‐arguments that promote claims on a variety of political and social issues. Next, we argue for integrating rhetorical analysis of image memes into an ecological framework to trace interaction and evolution of memetic claims as they coalesce into evidence ecosystems that inform public narratives. Finally, we apply a computational framework to address the particular problem of claim identification in memes at large scales. Our integrated framework answers the recent call in information studies to highlight the social, political, and cultural attributes of information phenomena, and bridges the divide between small‐scale qualitative analyses and large‐scale computational analyses of image memes. We present this theoretical framework to guide the development of research questions, processes, and computational architecture to study the widespread and powerful influence of image memes in shaping consequential public beliefs and sentiments.
Combination of omics, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and experimental validation to elucidate the hepatoprotective effects, mechanisms, and active compounds of Shandougen
Authors: Zhang Shuai‐nan , Liu Qi , Li Xu‐zhao
Published: May 2024

Omics, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and experimental validation were used to elucidate the hepatoprotective effects, mechanisms, and active compounds of Shandougen (SDG) based on the biolabel‐led research pattern. Integrated omics were used to explore the biolabels of SDG intervention in liver tissue. Subsequently, bioinformatics and molecular docking were applied to topologically analyze its therapeutic effects, mechanisms, and active compounds based on biolabels. Finally, an animal model was used to verify the biolabel analysis results. Omics, bioinformatics, and molecular docking revealed that SDG may exert therapeutic effects on liver diseases in the multicompound and multitarget synergistic modes, especially liver cirrhosis. In the validation experiment, SDG and its active compounds (betulinic acid and gallic acid) significantly improved the liver histopathological damage in the CCl4‐induced liver cirrhosis model. Meanwhile, they also produced significant inhibitory effects on the focal adhesion pathway (integrin alpha‐1, myosin regulatory light chain 2, laminin subunit gamma‐1, etc.) and alleviated the associated pathological processes: focal adhesion (focal adhesion kinase 1)–extracellular matrix (collagen alpha‐1(IV) chain, collagen alpha‐1(VI) chain, and collagen alpha‐2(VI) chain) dysfunction, carcinogenesis (alpha‐fetoprotein, NH3, and acetylcholinesterase), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin‐1 [IL‐1], IL‐6, and IL‐10), and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, malonaldehyde, and superoxide dismutase). This study provides new evidence and insights for the hepatoprotective effects, mechanisms, and active compounds of SDG.
Juvenile pemphigus vulgaris: Literature review and a rare case report
Authors: Sriram Shyamkumar , Hasan Shamimul , Mansoori Shahnaz , Saeed Shazina , Banerjee Abhishek , Ramalingam Karthikeyan
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disorder characterized by the loss of intraepithelial adhesion affecting the skin and mucous membranes, predominantly affects females in their fifth and sixth decades of life. Due to its rare occurrence in children and adolescents, there is often a delay in diagnosis and treatment in this age group. PV should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral ulcerative and vesiculobullous lesions in both children and adolescents.
Alkylation of Phenol with Methanol over ZSM‐5 Zeolite
Authors: Liu Naiwang , Mao Junyu , Wu Yixuan , Meng Xuan , Shi Li
Published: May 2024

The catalytic performance of different molecular sieves in the alkylation of phenol with methanol to produce p‐cresol was evaluated, and the acidity and structure of the catalysts were characterized using
N2 adsorption–desorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. It was shown that the catalytic activity of molecular sieves was closely related to their acidic site number, specific surface area, and pore structure. Since Zeolite ZSM‐5 (Zeolites Socony Mobil No. 5) has a relatively small amount of strong acid as well as a small pore size, it is favorable for the diffusion of p‐cresol out of the pores. Therefore, focusing on ZSM‐5, the effects of operating conditions such as weight hourly space velocity (WHSV), phenol/methanol (P/M) ratio, and reaction temperature on the catalytic performance were investigated. The results showed that increasing the WHSV, P/M ratio, and reaction temperature improved the selectivity to cresol. In addition, X‐ray diffraction and Thermal Gravity/Differential Thermal Gravity characterization methods were also carried out for ZSM‐5, and it was found that the deactivation of ZSM‐5 was due to coke deposition and pore blockage on the active site and that the selectivity to cresol could be restored by regenerating the catalyst and covering the strong acid site, which resulted in the reduction of the strong acid site to increase the selectivity of the product.
Influence of O−H⋅⋅⋅Pt interactions on photoluminescent response in the (Et4N)2{[Pt(bph)(CN)2][phenylene‐1,4‐diresorcinol]} framework
Authors: Glosz Dorota , Jędrzejowska Katarzyna , Niedzielski Grzegorz , Kobylarczyk Jedrzej , Zakrzewski Jakub J. , Hooper James G. M. , Gryl Marlena , Koshevoy Igor O. , Podgajny Robert
Published: May 2024

Tunable photoluminescence (PL) is one of the hot topics in current materials science, and research performed on the molecular phases is at the forefront of this field. We present the new (Et4N)2[PtII(bph)(CN)2]⋅rez3⋅1/3H2O (Pt2rez3) (bph=biphenyl‐2,2’‐diyl; rez3=3,3”,5,5”‐tetrahydroxy‐1,1’:4’,1”‐terphenyl, phenylene‐1,4‐diresorcinol coformer, a linear quaternary hydrogen bond donor) co‐crystal salt based on the recently appointed promising [PtII(bph)(CN)2]2– luminophore. Within the extended hydrogen‐bonded subnetwork [PtII(bph)(CN)2]2– complexes and rez3 coformer molecules form two types of contacts: the rez3O−H⋅⋅⋅Ncomplex ones in the equatorial plane of the complex and non‐typical rez3O−H⋅⋅⋅Pt ones along its axial direction. The combined structural, PL, and DFT approach identified the rez3O−H⋅⋅⋅Pt synthons to be crucial in promoting the noticeable uniform redshift of bph ligand centered (LC) emission compared to the LC emission of the (Et4N)2[PtII(bph)(CN)2]⋅H2O (Pt2) precursor, owing to the direct interference of the phenol group with the PtII‐bph orbital system via altering the CT processes within. The high‐resolution emission spectra for Pt2 and Pt2rez3 were successfully reproduced at 77 K by using the Franck‐Cordon expressions. The possibility to tune PL properties along the plausible continuum of rez3O−H⋅⋅⋅Pt synthons is indicated, considering various scenarios of molecular occupation of the space above and below the complex plane.
Evolving concepts in meningioma management in the era of genomics
Authors: Hsieh Annie L. , Bi Wenya Linda , Ramesh Vijaya , Brastianos Priscilla K. , Plotkin Scott R.
Published: May 2024

Meningioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor. Surgical resection followed by surveillance is the first‐line treatment for the majority of symptomatic meningiomas; however, recent advances in molecular sequencing, DNA methylation, proteomics, and single‐cell sequencing provide insights into further characterizing this heterogeneous group of tumors with a wide range of prognoses. A subset of these tumors are highly aggressive and cause severe morbidity and mortality. Therefore, identifying those individuals with a poor prognosis and intervening are critical. This review aims to help readers interpret the molecular profiling of meningiomas to identify patients with worse prognoses and guide the management and strategy for surveillance.
Nano‐engineering in zinc‐based catalysts for CO2 electroreduction: Advances and challenges
Authors: Wang Junjie , Zhu Zhaozhao , Lin Yingxi , Li Zhao , Tang Wu , Wang John , Chen Jun Song , Wu Rui
Published: May 2024

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2RR), an emerging sustainable energy technology to convert atmospheric CO2 into value‐added chemicals, has received extensive attention. However, the high thermodynamic stability of CO2 and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction lead to poor catalytic performances, hardly meeting industrial application demands. Due to abundant reserves and favorable CO selectivity, zinc (Zn)‐based catalysts have been considered one of the most prospective catalysts for CO2‐to‐CO conversion. A series of advanced zinc‐based electrocatalysts, including Zn nanosheets, Zn single atoms, defective ZnO, and metallic Zn alloys, have been widely reported for CO2RR. Despite significant progress, a comprehensive and fundamental summary is still lacking. Herein, this review provides a thorough discussion of effective modulation strategies such as morphology design, doping, defect, heterointerface, alloying, facet, and single‐atom, emphasizing how these methods can influence the electronic structure and adsorption properties of intermediates, as well as the catalytic activity of Zn‐based materials. Moreover, the challenges and opportunities of Zn‐based catalysts for CO2RR are also discussed. This review is expected to promote the broader application of efficient Zn‐based catalysts in electrocatalytic CO2RR, thus contributing to a future of sustainable energy.
The Peptide Bond: Resonance Increases Bond Order and Complicates Fragmentation
Authors: Fedorov Dmitri G.
Published: May 2024

The enhancement of the peptide bond order by a resonance in the lone pair of N and the π‐bond of CO is analyzed. A decomposition of the bond order in terms of localized molecular orbitals is developed and applied to the peptide bond. A combination of two rotations of hybrid orbitals is proposed to improve the boundary treatment in the fragment molecular orbital method. The developed approach is applied to peptide bonds, and it is found crucial to retain the π orbital in the variational space of both fragments across the boundary. The interaction energies between conventional amino acid residues in Trp‐cage (1L2Y) are discussed.
GlycoID Proximity Labeling to Identify O‐GlcNAcylated Protein Interactomes in Live Cells
Authors: Nelson Zachary M. , Kadiri Oseni , Fehl Charlie
Published: May 2024

Cells continuously remodel their intracellular proteins with the monosaccharide O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) to regulate metabolism, signaling, and stress. This protocol describes the use of GlycoID tools to capture O‐GlcNAc dynamics in live cells. GlycoID constructs contain an O‐GlcNAc binding domain linked to a proximity labeling domain and a subcellular localization sequence. When expressed in mammalian cells, GlycoID tracks changes in O‐GlcNAc‐modified proteins and their interactomes in response to chemical induction with biotin over time. Pairing the subcellular localization of GlycoID with the chemical induction of activity enables spatiotemporal studies of O‐GlcNAc biology during cellular events such as insulin signaling. However, optimizing intracellular labeling experiments requires attention to several variables. Here, we describe two protocols to adapt GlycoID methods to a cell line and biological process of interest. Next, we describe how to conduct a semiquantitative proteomic analysis of O‐GlcNAcylated proteins and their interactomes using insulin versus glucagon signaling as a sample application. This articles aims to establish baseline GlycoID protocols for new users and set the stage for widespread use over diverse cellular applications for the functional study of O‐GlcNAc glycobiology. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Expression of targeted GlycoID constructs to verify subcellular location and labeling activity in mammalian cells

Basic Protocol 2: GlycoID labeling in live HeLa cells for O‐GlcNAc proteomic comparisons
Efficient Glucose Isomerization to Fructose using Photoregenerable MgSnO3 Catalyst with Cooperative Acid‐Base Sites
Authors: Wang Peixin , Xue Wenhua , Ye Jian , Zhang Ruilong , Kumar Reeti , Cai Wenfei , Zhao Jun
Published: May 2024

The isomerization of glucose to fructose plays a crucial role in the food industry and the production of biomass‐derived chemicals in biorefineries. However, the catalyst used in this reaction suffers from low selectivity and catalyst deactivation due to carbon or by‐product deposition. In this study, MgSnO3 catalyst, synthesized via a facile two‐step process involving hydrothermal treatment and calcination, was used for glucose isomerization to fructose. The catalyst demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance, achieving a fructose equilibrium yield of 29.8 % with a selectivity exceeding 90 % under mild conditions owing to its acid‐base interaction. Notably, spent catalysts can be regenerated by photoirradiation to remove surface carbon, thereby avoiding the changes in properties and subsequent loss of activity associated with conventional calcination regeneration method. This novel approach eliminates the energy consumption and potential structural aggregation associated with traditional calcination regeneration methods. The acid‐base active sites of the catalyst, along with their corresponding catalytic reaction mechanism and photoregeneration mechanism were investigated. This study presents a demonstration of the comprehensive utilization of catalytic material properties, i. e., acid‐base and photocatalytic functionalities, for the development of a green and sustainable biomass thermochemical conversion system.
Cerium‐Doped Nickel Sulfide Nanospheres as Efficient Catalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Dongxv , Guo Hui , Wang Hong , Pan Lu , Lin Jianjian
Published: May 2024

The development of non‐precious metal electrocatalysts with excellent activity and durability for electrochemical water splitting has always been a goal. Transition metal sulfides are attractive electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this article, we designed and constructed efficient catalysts with multiple synergistic interactions and synthesized Ce‐NiS2@NF nanosphere using a solvothermal method. Ce‐NiS2@NF exhibits excellent HER performance, OER performance, and overall water splitting capability in alkaline electrolytes, demonstrating good stability. The addition of Ce influences the activity of the catalysts, attributed to the synergistic interactions creating more active sites and higher intrinsic activity through the introduction of Ce heteroatoms. Additionally, the self‐supported conductive substrate promotes electron transfer, enhancing the intrinsic activity and active site density of the catalyst. This study provides an in‐depth investigation into structural design and performance enhancement, offering ideas for designing efficient catalysts for overall water electrolysis. This work provides an in‐depth study in terms of structural design performance enhancement and provides ideas for designing efficient alkaline bifunctional catalysts. Valuable insights have been provided in elucidating the intrinsic mechanism of the catalytic activity of cerium‐doped nickel sulfide nanospheres, thus providing new guidance in the field of energy conversion technology.
Reclaiming accountability through collaborative curriculum enquiry: New directions in teacher evaluation
Authors: Hulme Moira , Comber Abigail , Jones Eli , Grant Julian , Baumber John
Published: May 2024

Teacher evaluation and teachers' professional learning are too often confined to separate areas of research and professional practice. Rather than approach evaluation and enquiry as distinct or irreconcilable, this paper applies the ideas of Stenhouse to explore new possibilities for the reappropriation of mandated appraisal in ways that support teachers' professional growth. Illustrative case studies of laboratory schools in the United States and England are used to examine the interaction of local and lateral forms of professional accountability with external and hierarchical regulatory frameworks. The article reports the design and enactment of change in two schools (a US kindergarten through twelfth grade school and a UK high school) connected through the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS) that purposively redesigned appraisal over a three‐year period to build capacity for collaborative curriculum enquiry. Attention is afforded to the space for manoeuvre between advisory and mandatory guidance, and the challenges to relational trust and collective responsibility posed by performance‐based accountability systems. The findings provide new insights into how teacher‐led collaborative enquiry (curricular co‐design) can address the unintended consequences of test‐based accountability and rubrics‐based observation as principal drivers of educational improvement.
Mitigation of atmospheric losses using dual‐polarized 16‐QAM MIMO technique in free‐space optical system in various weather conditions
Authors: M Vinoth Kumar , Singh Rupali , Karuppiah Marimuthu
Published: May 2024

The technique to overcome the challenge while implementing the fiber optical link is investigated using an alternative optical link called a free‐space optical (FSO) link with advanced modulation and signal processing techniques. A dual‐polarized 16‐quadrature amplitude‐modulated signal is transmitted over single and multi‐FSO channels under various atmospheric attenuation conditions. High bandwidth and data rates (up to 10 Gbps), unlicensed spectrum (above 300 GHz), and simplicity of deployment are significant benefits of the FSO system. However, the weather conditions of haze, rain, and fog cause signal attenuation when the optical carrier wave is transmitted over free space, and atmospheric turbulence is a challenge to FSO implementation, which degrades the transmission performance of optical signals for long‐distance communication. For 120 Gbps data transmission, the performance of a multi‐input and multi‐output (MIMO) FSO system is evaluated by observing the bit error rate (BER) and received signal constellation diagram. Optical signal‐to‐noise ratio (OSNR) parameters were iterated to determine the optimal value for back‐to‐back, single‐input, single‐output (SISO), and MIMO systems. Moreover, we examined the proposed system's output with recent articles, including MIMO, multiplexing, and various modulation techniques. The comparison of results shows that the suggested MIMO‐FSO model has enhanced the performance with the lower BER as less than 3.8 × 10−3 (log of BER is −2.42) forward error correction (FEC) limit for 18.7 km link range in clear air with 0.54 dB/km attenuation, 4.8, 4.5, 1.35, and 0.57 km under haze, light fog, medium, and heavy fog with 4.6, 6.9, 28.9, and 75 dB/km attenuations.
Long‐term frequent fire and cattle grazing alter dry forest understory vegetation
Authors: Kerns Becky K. , Day Michelle A.
Published: May 2024

Understanding fire and large herbivore interactions in interior western forests is critical, owing to the extensive and widespread co‐occurrence of these two disturbance types and multiple present and future implications for forest resilience, conservation and restoration. However, manipulative studies focused on interactions and outcomes associated with these two disturbances are rare in forested rangelands. We investigated understory vegetation response to 5‐year spring and fall prescribed fire and domestic cattle grazing exclusion in ponderosa pine stands and reported long‐term responses, almost two decades after the first entry fires. In fall burn areas open to cattle grazing, total understory cover prior to utilization was about 12% lower compared with fall burn areas where cattle were experimentally excluded. This response was not strongly driven by a particular palatable or unpalatable plant functional group. Fire and grazing are likely interacting in a numerically mediated process, as we found little evidence to support a functionally moderated pathway. Post‐fire green‐up may equalize forage to a certain extent and concentrate herbivores in the smaller burned areas within pastures, constraining a positive understory response to burning. Fall fire and grazing also increased annual forbs and resprouting shrubs. The effects of spring burning were relatively minor, and we found no interaction with grazing. The nonnative annual grass Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) remains a problematic invader linked to fall burning but not grazing in stands that had higher propagule pressure when the experiment was initiated. At these sites, exotic grass was a major component of the vegetation by 2015, and invasion was also increasing in spring burn and unburned areas. Information from our study suggests that frequent fall fires and cattle grazing combined may reduce understory resilience in similar dry ponderosa pine forests. Consideration of longer fire return intervals, resting areas after fire, virtual fencing, or burning entire pastures may help to mitigate the effects noted in this study.
Rodents mediate the relationship between seed rain, seed bank, and plant community with increased grazing disturbance
Authors: Guo Zengpeng , Zhao Yunpeng , Zhang Panhong , Zhang Hui , Baskin Carol C. , Zhang Tianwu , Chen Yaya , Hu Guorui , Yang Xiangrong , Mao He , Zhang Zhenkuan , Ma Miaojun
Published: May 2024

Seed rain and the soil seed bank represent the dispersal of seeds in space and time, respectively, and can be important sources of recruitment of new individuals during plant community regeneration. However, the temporal dynamics of seed rain and the mechanisms by which the seed rain and soil seed bank may play a role in plant community regeneration with increased grazing disturbance remain unclear. Seed rain, soil seed bank, aboveground vegetation, and rodent density were sampled along a grazing gradient in an alpine marsh on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. We described the temporal dynamics of seed dispersal using Bayesian generalized mixed models, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling and the structural equation model were used to examine the effects of grazing disturbance on the relative role of seed rain and soil seed bank on aboveground plant community regeneration. The temporal dynamics of seed rain changed from a unimodal to a bimodal pattern with increased grazing disturbance. Both species diversity and seed density of the seed rain and seed bank increased significantly with increased grazing disturbance. Increased grazing disturbance indirectly increased the similarity of composition between seed rain, seed bank, and aboveground plant community by directly increasing species diversity and abundance of aboveground plant community. However, increased grazing disturbance also indirectly decreased the similarity of seed rain, soil seed bank, and aboveground plant community by directly increasing rodent density. The similarity between seed rain and aboveground plant community was greater than that of the soil seed bank and aboveground plant community with increased grazing disturbance. Grazing disturbance spreads the risk of seed germination and seedling establishment by changing the temporal dynamics of seed dispersal. Plants (positive) and rodents (negative) mediated the role of seed rain and soil seed bank in plant community regeneration. The role of seed rain in plant community regeneration is higher than the seed bank in disturbed alpine marshes. Our findings increase our understanding of the regeneration process of the plant community, and they provide valuable information for the conservation and restoration of alpine marsh ecosystems.
A potential role of heat‐moisture couplings in the range expansion of Striga asiatica
Authors: Bürger Marco , Chory Joanne
Published: May 2024

Parasitic weeds in the genera Orobanche, Phelipanche (broomrapes) and Striga (witchweeds) have a devastating impact on food security across much of Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean Basin. Yet, how climatic factors might affect the range expansion of these weeds in the context of global environmental change remains unexplored. We examined satellite‐based environmental variables such as surface temperature, root zone soil moisture, and elevation, in relation to parasitic weed distribution and environmental conditions over time, in combination with observational data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Our analysis reveals contrasting environmental and altitude preferences in the genera Striga and Orobanche. Asiatic witchweed (Striga asiatica), which infests corn, rice, sorghum, and sugar cane crops, appears to be expanding its range in high elevation habitats. It also shows a significant association with heat‐moisture coupling events, the frequency of which is rising in such environments. These results point to geographical shifts in distribution and abundance in parasitic weeds due to climate change.
Three sympatric host nestlings eavesdrop on cuckoo nestling distress calls
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Zhou Qindong , Zuo Taijun , Wang Longwu , Ma Laikun , Hou Jianhua
Published: May 2024

In predator–prey interactions, the prey faces extreme challenges from predation, which drives the evolution of defense or anti‐predator mechanisms. Compared with adult birds, nestlings are more vulnerable but not helpless. However, data on whether nestlings eavesdrop on the danger signals transmitted by other prey nestlings and the mechanisms of eavesdropping remain limited. In brood parasitism, common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) nestlings, raised by host adults who are not closely related, offer an instructive system for studying the transmission and recognition of danger signals among nestlings of different species that share special relationships. We played back the distress calls of common cuckoo nestlings to nestlings of three sympatric host species (the oriental reed warbler Acrocephalus orientalis, which is a primary host of the common cuckoo, the reed parrotbill Paradoxornis heudei, an occasional host, and the vinous‐throated parrotbill Sinosuthora webbiana, which is not parasitized in the study area) to investigate whether the host nestlings reduced their begging behavior. We also quantified the degree of inhibition toward begging behavior for these nestlings. The results revealed that, in response to the distress calls, the three sympatric host species markedly suppressed their begging behavior. This response can likely be attributed to the innate response of host nestlings caused by the general characteristics of distress calls, rather than the acoustic similarity and phylogenetic relationship between host nestlings and cuckoo nestlings. Furthermore, we observed that upon hearing the distress calls of cuckoo nestlings, the oriental reed warbler nestlings exhibited the greatest reduction in the total number of calls compared to the other two host species, potentially owing to stronger predation and parasitic pressures. This study suggests that host nestlings can detect danger signals emitted by parasitic nestlings; however, further investigation is needed to determine whether they can respond to distress calls from unfamiliar nestlings in different regions.
CD4+CD57+ senescent T cells as promoters of systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis and the therapeutic potential of senolytic BCL‐2 inhibitor
Authors: Jiang Jiao , Yang Ming , Zhu Huan , Long Di , He Zhenghao , Liu Juan , He Liting , Tan Yixin , Akbar Arne N. , Reddy Venkat , Zhao Ming , Long Hai , Wu Haijing , Lu Qianjin
Published: May 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by persistent activation of immune cells and overproduction of autoantibodies. The accumulation of senescent T and B cells has been observed in SLE and other immune‐mediated diseases. However, the exact mechanistic pathways contributing to this process in SLE remain incompletely understood. In this study, we found that in SLE patients: (1) the frequency of CD4+CD57+ senescent T cells was significantly elevated and positively correlated with disease activity; (2) the expression levels of B‐lymphoma‐2 (BCL‐2) family and interferon‐induced genes (ISGs) were significantly upregulated; and (3) in vitro, the cytokine IL‐15 stimulation increased the frequency of senescent CD4+ T cells and upregulated the expression of BCL‐2 family and ISGs. Further, treatment with ABT‐263 (a senolytic BCL‐2 inhibitor) in MRL/lpr mice resulted in decreased: (1) frequency of CD4+CD44hiCD62L−PD‐1+CD153+ senescent CD4+ T cells; (2) frequency of CD19+CD11c+T‐bet+ age‐related B cells; (3) level of serum antinuclear antibody; (4) proteinuria; (5) frequency of Tfh cells; and (6) renal histopathological abnormalities. Collectively, these results indicated a dominant role for CD4+CD57+ senescent CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of SLE and senolytic BCL‐2 inhibitor ABT‐263 may be the potential treatment in ameliorating lupus phenotypes.
Bis(ferrocenyl)stannylene
Authors: Iijima Keisuke , Sugamata Koh , Majhi Paresh Kumar , Sasamori Takahiro
Published: May 2024

A bis(ferrocenyl)stannylene, whose ferrocenyl ligands contain sterically demanding substituents, Fc*2Sn (1; Fc*=2,5‐bis(3,5‐di‐t‐butylphenyl)‐1‐ferrocenyl), has been synthesized as a monomeric diorganostannylene. Stannylene 1 undergoes a ligand‐redistribution reaction with SnCl2 to give the corresponding chloro(ferrocenyl)stannylene, Fc*(Cl)Sn:.
Credibility, readability and content analysis of treatment recommendations for adolescents with nonspecific back pain published on consumer websites
Authors: Hauber S. D. , Robinson K. , Fechner R. , Pate J. W. , O'Sullivan K.
Published: May 2024

Background

Parents may seek out health information online when their adolescent has nonspecific back pain to better understand treatment options. Such information directed towards consumers has not been previously analysed.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional content analysis was performed to describe the treatments recommended on consumer websites for nonspecific back pain in adolescents. The credibility and readability of the websites were also assessed. Systematic Google searches were completed in five countries, and relevant content from eligible web pages was analysed. An a priori codebook with 34 treatment‐related codes was developed. Nine additional codes were inductively created during analysis. Credibility was assessed using the JAMA benchmark. Readability was assessed via the Flesch Kincaid Grade Level.

Results

Of 245 web pages, 48 were deemed eligible and analysed. Of 43 treatment codes, 37 were present in at least one web page. The five most frequently identified codes were See the doctor/get a diagnosis (found on 85% of web pages), Ergonomics/posture/biomechanics (52%), Reassurance (48%), Physiotherapy (48%) and Non‐prescription pharmaceuticals/supplements (46%). Only 21% of the web pages met all four JAMA benchmark criteria, and 15% cited at least one recent or high‐quality source. The median Flesch Kincaid Grade Level score was 9.0 (range 3.5–12.9).

Conclusions

Parents of adolescents with nonspecific back pain may find that treatment recommendations published online are numerous and varied, with visits to the doctor encouraged. The credibility scores of these web pages are generally low, while the median reading level may be too high for the general population.

Significance Statement

This analysis reveals that public‐facing websites with recommendations for treating adolescent nonspecific back pain do not cite the most recent, high‐quality research. Although web pages correctly encourage physical activity and exercise over surgery and prescription medications, they do not reflect the psychologically informed or interdisciplinary care emphasized in recently published treatment recommendations. Clinicians must be aware that caregivers of their adolescent patients with nonspecific back pain may be exposed to online messages that encourage them to keep seeking a diagnosis.
A Data Augmentation Method for Lithium‐Ion Battery Capacity Estimation Based on Wassertein Time Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Soo Yin‐Yi , Wang Yujie , Xiang Haoxiang , Chen Zonghai
Published: May 2024

Accurate capacity estimation of lithium‐ion battery packs plays an important role in determining the battery performance degradation. However, performing comprehensive experiments for the whole battery pack to collect sufficient data is expensive and tedious. To eliminate the need for repetitive experiments this article proposes a pack battery capacity estimation model based on the incremental capacity analysis method and virtual battery generation. The proposed method achieved precise capacity estimation for pack batteries even when data availability is limited. A modified wassertein time generative adversarial network‐based approach for virtual battery generation is proposed and evaluated. A total of 12 virtual batteries are generated and trained with long short‐term memory. The proposed method is compared with alternative approaches, including those that do not employ data augmentation, as well as the original generative adversarial network (TimeGAN). The proposed method achieves better accuracy for each battery 1# and 2#, for mean squared error (MSE) reduced by 40% and 59%, mean absolute error reduced by 61% and 82%, and root mean squared error by 38% and 58%. The experimental results show the better the performance of generated virtual batteries added into the model training process, the greater the improvement for the model.
Use of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed mucilage powder as a stabilizer in the preparation of salep beverage
Authors: Altaş Alev , Gursoy Oguz , Güler Dal Hande Özge , Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Salep, a traditional Turkish beverage, derives its name from its primary component: salep powder (SP), which is sourced from the tubers of certain orchid species. This study investigated various physicochemical attributes (including dry matter, protein content, pH, titration acidity, water activity, color, serum separation, and zeta potential), as well as rheological and sensory characteristics of salep beverages. These drinks were prepared by substituting SP with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed mucilage powder (MP) with different ratios (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). The substitution of SP with MP did not influence the dry matter and protein contents or the pH and acidity values of the drinks significantly (p > .05). The inclusion of MP in the formulation of salep drinks resulted in a decrease in lightness (L*) and a* color values while increasing the b* color values. However, consumer perception, as indicated by color difference values (∆E*), showed no distinguishable difference between drinks containing MP and control drinks. Furthermore, higher ratios of MP led to increased apparent viscosity values in the drinks and effectively prevented or significantly reduced serum separation observed in control drinks (p < .05). Remarkably, sensory evaluations revealed that substituting up to 30% of SP with MP did not negatively impact the overall sensory properties of the drinks (p > .05), suggesting that MP could be recommended as a feasible alternative. This substitution has the potential to contribute to the conservation of orchid plants, the primary source of salep, while also offering cost‐saving benefits in the production of salep drinks.
Pediatric colonic adenocarcinoma: A deceptive case of gastroenteritis and constipation
Authors: Hachem Jack J. , Javadi Sara , McKee Milissa , Noel James , Noel Robert A.
Published: May 2024

Adenocarcinoma of the colon is a rare diagnosis in pediatric patients. We present a previously healthy 15‐year‐old female who began experiencing escalating colicky abdominal pain and associated vomiting over 2 weeks in the setting of presumed acute gastroenteritis. A computed tomography scan revealed an obstruction in her descending colon. A multidisciplinary decision was made to perform a colonoscopy upon which a large, circumferential, friable lesion was discovered 40 cm from the anus. A colon decompression catheter was successfully inserted following controlled radial expansion (CRE) Balloon dilation to 13.5 mm beyond the mass, resulting in a significant discharge of fluid and gas. The patient underwent hemicolectomy with mass resection and colostomy. Biopsies confirmed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with “napkin‐ring” morphology and positive lymph node metastasis with extranodal extension.
Preoperative glycaemic control, number of pain locations, structural knee damage, self‐reported central sensitisation, satisfaction and personal control are predictive of 1‐year postoperative pain, and change in pain from pre‐ to 1‐year posttotal knee arthroplasty
Authors: Vervullens Sophie , Meert Lotte , Smeets Rob J. E. M. , Verbrugghe Jonas , Baert Isabel , Rahusen Frank Th. G. , Heusdens Christiaan H. W. , Verdonk Peter , Meeus Mira
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify preoperative predictors for 1‐year posttotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) pain and pre‐ to post‐TKA pain difference in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients.

Methods

From March 2018 to July 2023, this prospective longitudinal cohort study enrolled KOA patients awaiting TKA from four hospitals in Belgium and the Netherlands. Different biopsychosocial predictors were assessed preoperatively by questionnaires and physical examinations (input variables). The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale pain was used to measure pain intensity. The absolute KOOS subscale pain score 1‐year post‐TKA and the difference score (ΔKOOS = 1‐year postoperative − preoperative) were used as primary outcome measures (output variables). Two multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐three participants were included after multiple imputation. Worse absolute KOOS subscale pain scores 1‐year post‐TKA and negative or closer to zero ΔKOOS subscale pain scores were predicted by self‐reported central sensitisation, lower KOA grade and preoperative satisfaction, and higher glycated haemoglobin, number of pain locations and personal control (adjusted R2 = 0.25). Additional predictors of negative or closer to zero ΔKOOS subscale pain scores were being self‐employed, higher preoperative pain and function (adjusted R2 = 0.37).

Conclusion

This study reports different biopsychosocial predictors for both outcomes that have filtered out other potential predictors and provide value for future studies on developing risk assessment tools for the prediction of chronic TKA pain.

Protocol Registration

The protocol is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05380648) on 13 May 2022.

Level of Evidence

Level II.