bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulating Charge Separation of Oxygen‐Doped Boron Nitride with Isolated Co Atoms for Enhancing CO2‐to‐CO Photoreduction
Authors: Liang Jianli , Zhang Huabin , Song Qianqian , Liu Zheyang , Xia Jing , Yan Binhang , Meng Xiangmin , Jiang Zhifeng , Lou Xiong Wen (David) , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: November 2023

To alleviate the greenhouse effect and address the related energy crisis, solar‐driven reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to value‐added products is considered as a sustainable strategy. However, the insufficient separation and rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers during photocatalysis greatly limit their reduction efficiency and practical application potential. Here, isolated Cobalt (Co) atoms are successfully decorated into oxygen‐doped boron nitride (BN) via an in situ pyrolysis method, achieving greatly improved catalytic activity and selectivity to the carbon monoxide (CO) product. X‐ray absorption fine spectroscopy demonstrates that the isolated Co atoms are stabilized by the O and N atoms with an unsaturated CoO2N1 configuration. Further experimental investigation and theoretical simulations confirm that the decorated Co atoms not only work as the real active center during the CO2 reduction process, but also perform as the electron pump to promote the electron/hole separation and transfer, resulting in greatly accelerated reaction kinetics and improved activity. In addition, the CoO2N1 coordination geometry is favorable to the conversion from *CO2 to *COOH, which shall be considered as a selectivity‐determining step for the evolution of the CO products. The surface modulation strategy at the atomic level opens a new avenue for regulating the reaction kinetics for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Self‐Rectifying Memristors for Three‐Dimensional In‐Memory Computing
Authors: Ren Sheng‐Guang , Dong A‐Wei , Yang Ling , Xue Yi‐Bai , Li Jian‐Cong , Yu Yin‐Jie , Zhou Hou‐Ji , Zuo Wen‐Bin , Li Yi , Cheng Wei‐Ming , Miao Xiang‐Shui
Published: November 2023

Costly data movement in terms of time and energy in traditional von Neumann systems is exacerbated by emerging information technologies related to artificial intelligence. In‐memory computing (IMC) architecture aims to address this problem. Although the IMC hardware prototype represented by a memristor is developed rapidly and performs well, the sneak path issue is a critical and unavoidable challenge prevalent in large‐scale and high‐density crossbar arrays, particularly in three‐dimensional (3D) integration. As a perfect solution to the sneak‐path issue, a self‐rectifying memristor (SRM) is proposed for 3D integration because of its superior integration density. To date, SRMs have performed well in terms of power consumption (aJ level) and scalability (>102 Mbit). Moreover, SRM‐configured 3D integration is considered an ideal hardware platform for 3D IMC. This review focuses on the progress in SRMs and their applications in 3D memory, IMC, neuromorphic computing, and hardware security. The advantages, disadvantages, and optimization strategies of SRMs in diverse application scenarios are illustrated. Challenges posed by physical mechanisms, fabrication processes, and peripheral circuits, as well as potential solutions at the device and system levels, are also discussed.
Highly Stable Layered Coordination Polymer Electrocatalyst toward Efficient CO2‐to‐CH4 Conversion
Authors: Chen Xiao , Jia Shuaiqiang , Chen Chunjun , Jiao Jiapeng , Zhai Jianxin , Deng Ting , Xue Cheng , Cheng Hailian , Dong Mengke , Xia Wei , Zeng Jianrong , Xing Xueqing , Wu Haihong , He Mingyuan , Han Buxing
Published: November 2023

Cu2+‐based materials, a class of promising catalysts for the electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) to value‐added chemicals, usually undergo inevitable and uncontrollable reorganization processes during the reaction, resulting in catalyst deactivation or the new active sites formation and bringing great challenges to exploring their structure–performance relationships. Herein, a facile strategy is reported for constructing Cu2+ and 3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) coordination to stabilize Cu2+ ions to prepare a novel layered coordination polymer (CuPEDOT). CuPEDOT enables selective reduction of CO2 to CH4 with 62.7% Faradaic efficiency at the current density of 354 mA cm−2 in a flow cell, and the catalyst is stable for at least 15 h. In situ spectroscopic characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that CuPEDOT catalyst can maintain the Cu2+‐EDOT coordination structurally stable in CO2RR and significantly promote the further hydrogenation of *CO intermediates, favoring the formation of CH4 instead of dimerization to C2 products. The strong coordination between EDOT and Cu2+ prevents the reduction of Cu2+ ions during CO2RR. The finding of this work provides a new perspective on designing molecularly stable, highly active catalysts for CO2RR.
Spatiotemporal Immunomodulation and Biphasic Osteo‐Vascular Aligned Electrospun Membrane for Diabetic Periosteum Regeneration
Authors: Qiao Yusen , Yu Lei , Yang Peng , Chen Miao , Sun Haifu , Wang Lingjie , Wu Bangzhao , Oh Chun‐do , Yang Huilin , Bai Jiaxiang , Geng Dechun
Published: November 2023

Under diabetic conditions, blood glucose fluctuations and exacerbated immunopathological inflammatory environments pose significant challenges to periosteal regenerative repair strategies. Responsive immune regulation in damaged tissues is critical for the immune microenvironment, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis stabilization. Considering the high‐glucose microenvironment of such acute injury sites, a functional glucose‐responsive immunomodulation‐assisted periosteal regeneration composite material—PLA（Polylactic Acid）/COLI(Collagen I）/Lipo(Liposome）‐APY29 (PCLA)—is constructed. Aside from stimulating osteogenic differentiation, owing to the presence of surface self‐assembled type I collagen in the scaffolds, PCLA can directly respond to focal area high‐glucose microenvironments. The PCLA scaffolds trigger the release of APY29‐loaded liposomes, shifting the macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines, improving the bone immune microenvironment, and promoting osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis. Bioinformatics analyses show that PCLA enhances bone repair by inhibiting the inflammatory signal pathway regulating the polarization direction and promoting osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression. In the calvarial periosteal defect model of diabetic rats, PCLA scaffolds induce M2 macrophage polarization and improve the inflammatory microenvironment, significantly accelerating periosteal repair. Overall, the PCLA scaffold material regulates immunity in fluctuating high‐glucose inflammatory microenvironments, achieves relatively stable and favorable osteogenic microenvironments, and facilitates the effective design of functionalized biomaterials for bone regeneration therapy in patients with diabetes.
Growth analysis of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars from six classification groups
Authors: Folck Amanda J. , Bigelow Cale A. , Jiang Yiwei , Patton Aaron J.
Published: November 2023

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars are diverse in their phenotype with a common classification system used to describe their growth habit but it is unclear why their growth differs. Growth analysis measurements have been used to explain growth rate differences among grass species and cultivars. The objective of this experiment was to study the growth of six commercially available Kentucky bluegrass cultivars from different growth habit classifications using classical growth analysis. Kentucky bluegrass seed was germinated and transplanted into cone‐tainers and transferred to a growth chamber maintained at 25/15°C (day/night) and a 12‐h photoperiod. Thirty plants per cultivar were used with six whole plants of each cultivar harvested 8 weeks after transplanting and once per week for the next 4 weeks for a total of five harvests. Barvette HGT produced the largest plants, and Moonlight SLT produced the smallest plants by the end of the experiment, although the relative growth rate and absolute growth rate did not vary between the cultivars. Results from the growth analysis revealed that Moonlight SLT had the highest leaf area ratio (89.4 cm2 g−1), specific leaf area (200.1 cm2 g−1), and rhizome weight ratio (0.101 g g−1), but the lowest stem weight ratio (0.120 g g−1) and root weight ratio (0.338 g g−1). Final plant weights and leaf area measurements were closely aligned with Kentucky bluegrass classification information. Unfortunately, classical growth analysis provided little insight into why some cultivars possess more aggressive growth characteristics or compact growth habits.
How mutual aid proliferation developed solidarity and sense of collective responsibility in the early months of COVID‐19
Authors: Bender Kimberly , Saavedra Kate , Milligan Tara , Littman Danielle Maude , Becker‐Hafnor Trish , Dunbar Annie Zean , Boyett Madi , Holloway Brendon , Morris Karaya
Published: November 2023

Although mutual aid organizing is a social movement practice long sustained by queer/trans people, immigrants, people of color, and disability communities, among other communities pushed to the margins of society, with the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and subsequent government failures in addressing unmet needs, mutual aid proliferated into new (and more socially privileged) communities in the United States and across the world. Amidst this landscape of extraordinary and unique crises, our study sought to understand the benefits experienced by those engaged in mutual aid in the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the state of Colorado, United States. Our team conducted semistructured individual interviews with 25 individuals participating in mutual aid through groups organized on social media or through intentional communities. We found that participants, who engaged in mutual aid in the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, built empathy, a sense of nonjudgement, and critical consciousness as they created common ground as humans. Participants also found mutual aid engagement to provide nourishing support, to hold pain among more people, and, simply to “feel good.” We discuss the potential implications of these benefits for sustaining mutual aid movements through the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States and beyond.
Cat eye syndrome: Clinical, cytogenetics and familial findings in a large cohort of 43 patients highlighting the importance of congenital heart disease and inherited cases
Authors: Jedraszak Guillaume , Jobic Florence , Receveur Aline , Bilan Frédéric , Gilbert‐Dussardier Brigitte , Tiffany Busa , Missirian Chantal , Willems Marjolaine , Odent Sylvie , Lucas Josette , Dubourg Christele , Schaefer Elise , Scheidecker Sophie , Lespinasse James , Goldenberg Alice , Guerrot Anne‐Marie , Joly‐Helas Géraldine , Chambon Pascal , Le Caignec Cédric , David Albert , Coutton Charles , Satre Véronique , Vieville Gaëlle , Amblard Florence , Harbuz Radu , Sanlaville Damien , Till Marianne , Vincent‐Delorme Catherine , Colson Cindy , Andrieux Joris , Naudion Sophie , Toutain Jérome , Rooryck Caroline , de Fréminville Bénédicte , Prieur Fabienne , Daire Valérie Cormier , Amram Daniel , Kleinfinger Pascale , Raabe‐Meyer Gisela , Courage Carolina , Lemke Johannes , Stefanou Eunice G. , Loretta Thomaidis , Emmanouil Manolakos , Tzeli Sophia Kitsiou , Sodowska Henryka , Anderson Jasen , Nandini Adayapalam , Copin Henri , Garçon Loïc , Liehr Thomas , Morin Gilles
Published: November 2023

Cat Eye Syndrome (CES) is a rare genetic disease caused by the presence of a small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from chromosome 22, which results in a partial tetrasomy of 22p‐22q11.21. CES is classically defined by association of iris coloboma, anal atresia, and preauricular tags or pits, with high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. We conducted an international retrospective study of patients carrying genomic gain in the 22q11.21 chromosomal region upstream from LCR22‐A identified using FISH, MLPA, and/or array‐CGH. We report a cohort of 43 CES cases. We highlight that the clinical triad represents no more than 50% of cases. However, only 16% of CES patients presented with the three signs of the triad and 9% not present any of these three signs. We also highlight the importance of other impairments: cardiac anomalies are one of the major signs of CES (51% of cases), and high frequency of intellectual disability (47%). Ocular motility defects (45%), abdominal malformations (44%), ophthalmologic malformations (35%), and genitourinary tract defects (32%) are other frequent clinical features. We observed that sSMC is the most frequent chromosomal anomaly (91%) and we highlight the high prevalence of mosaic cases (40%) and the unexpectedly high prevalence of parental transmission of sSMC (23%). Most often, the transmitting parent has mild or absent features and carries the mosaic marker at a very low rate (<10%). These data allow us to better delineate the clinical phenotype associated with CES, which must be taken into account in the cytogenetic testing for this syndrome. These findings draw attention to the need for genetic counseling and the risk of recurrence.
A novel variant in CYFIP2 in a girl with severe disabilities and bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria
Authors: Salokivi Tommi , Parkkola Riitta , Rajendran Yasmin , Bharadwaj Thashi , Acharya Anushree , Leal Suzanne M. , Järvelä Irma , Arvio Maria , Schrauwen Isabelle
Published: November 2023

Bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (BPP) is a structural malformation of the cerebral cortex that can be caused by several genetic abnormalities. The most common clinical manifestations of BPP include intellectual disability and epilepsy. Cytoplasmic FMRP‐interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2) is a protein that interacts with the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). CYFIP2 variants can cause various brain structural abnormalities with the most common clinical manifestations of intellectual disability, epileptic encephalopathy and dysmorphic features. We present a girl with multiple disabilities and BPP caused by a heterozygous, novel, likely pathogenic variant (c.1651G>C: p.(Val551Leu) in the CYFIP2 gene. Our case report broadens the spectrum of genetic diversity associated with BPP by incorporating CYFIP2.
Diffractive Beam‐Shaping Element for Generating Multiple Structured Beams with Distinct Spatial Structures
Authors: Ebrahimi Haleh , Sabatyan Arash
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a novel approach for generating structured light using a diffractive beam‐shaping element that can generate multiple beams with distinct spatial structures in the focal plane. The element is constructed by restructuring a spiral zone plate with fork gratings, providing a tunable and controllable means for generating structured light. The element can create linear and 2D arrays of various structured beams, including vortices with adjustable charge and vorticity, petallike beams, and ring‐lattice structures. To control the generation of these beams, it introduces several parameters of the fork gratings, enabling tailoring of the beam properties to specific applications. The proposed approach involves significant mathematical analysis, including the derivation of complex equations and expressions to understand the behavior of the proposed element and its impact on the generated beams. It conducts simulations and experiments to validate the mathematical analysis and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Microsecond Timescale Conformational Dynamics of a Small‐Molecule Ligand within the Active Site of a Protein
Authors: Kotschy Julia , Söldner Benedikt , Singh Himanshu , Vasa Suresh K. , Linser Rasmus
Published: November 2023

The possible internal dynamics of non‐isotope‐labeled small‐molecule ligands inside a target protein is inherently difficult to capture. Whereas high crystallographic temperature factors can denote either static disorder or motion, even moieties with very low B‐factors can be subject to vivid motion between symmetry‐related sites. Here we report the experimental identification of internal μs timescale dynamics of a high‐affinity, natural‐abundance ligand tightly bound to the enzyme human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) even within a crystalline lattice. The rotamer jumps of the ligand's benzene group manifest themselves both, in solution and fast magic‐angle spinning solid‐state NMR 1H R1ρ relaxation dispersion, for which we obtain further mechanistic insights from molecular‐dynamics (MD) simulations. The experimental confirmation of rotameric jumps in bound ligands within proteins in solution or the crystalline state may improve understanding of host‐guest interactions in biology and supra‐molecular chemistry and may facilitate medicinal chemistry for future drug campaigns.
A semi‐supervised JITL paradigm based on manifold regularization for online soft sensor development
Authors: Zhou Junxi , Li Xu , Shao Weiming , Zhao Dongya
Published: November 2023

Just‐in‐time learning (JITL) is often used for soft measurements of nonlinear time‐varying processes due to its desirable properties. Nevertheless, most existing JITL methods utilize only limited labeled data, ignoring abundant information of plentiful unlabeled data, which prevents the JITL‐based soft sensors from achieving the best performance. To address this issue, this paper proposes a semi‐supervised JITL paradigm based on manifold regularization, denoted as MRSsJITL. The MRSsJITL could effectively use the information of unlabeled data to make up for the deficiency of supervised JITL. Then, a weighted spatial‐temporal similarity metric is developed to calculate the relevance between samples more accurately. The performance of the MRSsJITL is assessed using both numerical example and actual industrial process. The results demonstrate that, compared with the conventional JITL approaches, the MRSsJITL can efficiently improve the predictive accuracy.
Fe3O4‐nanoparticle‐functionalized 3D‐printed injectable microgel
Authors: Wei Xinlin , Zheng Taijing , Zhu Shunyao , Liao Xueyuan , Zhou Nazi , Wang Yu , Xu Yue , Xiong Meimei , Liu Rui , Mao Jian , Tao Jie
Published: November 2023

Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles have attached attention in bone tissue engineering because of their superior magnetism and great biocompatibility. However, some disadvantages such as the potential risk of agglomeration impair their applications. Here, we proposed a hybrid magnetic nanocomposite microgel by the integration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and digital lighting processing (DLP) three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology. The 3D‐printed microgels could be precisely customized by printing the mixture of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) solution and polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles, in which polydopamine decoration improved the hydrophilicity and distribution of the incorporated Fe3O4. The degradable microgels could be injected through a 22‐G needle while retaining their original shape after injection. Interestingly, the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into GelMA solution displayed improved printing accuracy. Moreover, these magnetic microgels were biocompatible in vitro and in vivo. After induction within osteogenic medium, addition of nanoparticles upregulated the osteogenic gene expression of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In a word, this work provides a magnetic microplatform, which shows great potential in bone tissue engineering.
The effects of morin and methotrexate on pentose phosphate pathway enzymes and GR/GST/TrxR enzyme activities: An in vivo and in silico study
Authors: Caglayan Cuneyt , Temel Yusuf , Türkeş Cüneyt , Ayna Adnan , Ece Abdulilah , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: November 2023

In this study, the mechanisms by which the enzymes glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) are inhibited by methotrexate (MTX) were investigated, as well as whether the antioxidant morin can mitigate or prevent these adverse effects in vivo and in silico. For 10 days, rats received oral doses of morin (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight). On the fifth day, a single intraperitoneal injection of MTX (20 mg/kg body weight) was administered to generate toxicity. Decreased activities of G6PD, 6PGD, GR, GST, and TrxR were associated with MTX‐related toxicity while morin treatment increased the activity of the enzymes. The docking analysis indicated that H‐bonds, pi–pi stacking, and pi–cation interactions were the dominant interactions in these enzyme‐binding pockets. Furthermore, the docked poses of morin and MTX against GST were subjected to molecular dynamic simulations for 200 ns, to assess the stability of both complexes and also to predict key amino acid residues in the binding pockets throughout the simulation. The results of this study suggest that morin may be a viable means of alleviating the enzyme activities of important regulatory enzymes against MTX‐induced toxicity.
Dehydroacetic acid a privileged medicinal scaffold: A concise review
Authors: Grover Anshul , Kumar Aman , Tittal Ram Kumar , Lal Kashmiri
Published: November 2023

From the last decade, research on dehydroacetic acid (DHA) and its derivatives has increased immensely due to its significant role in various fields, including medicine, cosmetics, food industry, and so on. In the medicinal area, DHA plays an essential role in developing novel action‐based drugs, which are helpful for treating various diseases. Besides its plethora of biological applications, its chelating ability offers the easiest synthetic route for synthesizing more active metal complexes. DHA derivatives along with their metal complexes show a number of biological activities and also exhibit various interactions with multiple biological targets. This article summarizes recent medicinal applications (2000‐onwards) of DHA‐based compounds and their analogs, along with their structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis. Their interactions with different target enzymes are also discussed. This information derived from SAR analysis would be helpful for medicinal chemists working on the development of drugs based on heterocyclic frameworks, particularly those based on the DHA scaffold.
Development of emotion comprehension in children with autism spectrum disorder and Williams syndrome
Authors: Ikeda Ayaka , Hakuno Yoko , Asada Kosuke , Ikeda Takahiro , Yamagata Takanori , Hirai Masahiro
Published: November 2023

Although research has shed light on the development of emotion comprehension in typically developing children, little is known about emotion comprehension in children who are developing atypically. Thus, this study examined the developmental trajectory of emotion understanding in non‐clinical (NC) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Williams syndrome (WS) using a Test of Emotion Comprehension. In the test, we measured children's understanding of (I) recognition of emotions based on facial expressions, (II) external causes of emotions, (III) desire‐based emotions, (IV) belief‐based emotions, (V) the influence of a reminder on a present emotional state, (VI) regulating an experienced emotion, (VII) hiding an emotional state, (VIII) mixed emotions, and (IX) moral emotions. A Bayesian modeling approach was applied to compare the developmental trajectories of emotion understanding across the syndrome groups. The results revealed that NC children and children with WS followed significantly different developmental trajectories in specific aspects of emotion understanding, while children with ASD followed a very similar path to NC children. Children with ASD and NC children gradually developed an understanding of each component of emotion comprehension as they matured. However, the understanding of some components, such as desire‐based emotions, hiding an emotional state, and moral emotions, in children with WS was affected by their Autism Spectrum Quotient scores. This is one of the first cross‐syndrome studies to assess the development of emotion comprehension in children with ASD and WS, providing important insights for understanding the nature of disability and advancing the development of intervention programs.
In‐situ Polymerized Single Lithium‐ion Conducting Binder as an Integrated Strategy for High Voltage LNMO Electrodes
Authors: Olmedo‐González Jorge , Guzmán‐González Gregorio , Manzo‐Robledo Arturo , Ramírez‐Rosales Daniel , Arellano‐Ahumada Stephany N. , Vera‐Ramírez Marco A. , González Ignacio , de Guadalupe González‐Huerta Rosa , Ramos‐Sanchez Guadalupe
Published: November 2023

High voltage spinel LiNi0.5 Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is a promising material for next generation lithium‐Ion batteries. However, its reactivity near 5 V possess stability and cycling challenges. In this study, a novel integrated approach is employed using a single lithium‐ion conducting polymer binder (SLICPB) to prevent interactions with reactive anions and create a protective layer against electrolyte decomposition. The proposed SLICPB in‐situ polymerization in the LNMO electrodes simplifies the preparation process, reducing costs. SLICPB properties effectively decrease polarization by concentration. For instance, at a discharge capacity of 68 mAh g−1, the voltage hysteresis difference is 0.31 V, enabling higher capacity at 1 C (a 38 % increase) compared to traditional binder electrodes. Notably, this integrated strategy completely replaces the traditional binder without any need for additives, thus avoiding any extra weight in the electrode preparation. Furthermore, SLICPB properties successfully decreasereactivity and diminish the leaching of Mn2+, as evaluated through differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and electron paramagnetic resonance, respectively.
Performance evaluation of portable time synchronization method using eBPF
Authors: Kobori Kazuto , Lee Chunghan , Hirotsu Toshio
Published: November 2023

The Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is a widely used protocol for high‐precision time synchronization, but it requires hardware or driver support for network interface card. Therefore, we propose a portable time synchronization method that is independent of them. Our method uses eBPF to synchronize time by recording timestamps of PTP packets in the kernel. eBPF is provided by the kernel and is backward‐compatible, making it independent of hardware or other software. To demonstrate the portability and high‐precision time synchronization capabilities of our method, we compared the time synchronization precision in physical environment and virtual machine. We also modified server settings that could affect time synchronization precision, and clarified the effects of these changes. The experiments showed that our method can achieve the similar level of time synchronization precision as conventional methods while remaining portable and independent of other components.
Multifunctional Block Copolymers, Acting as Recycling Aids, by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Szewczyk‐Łagodzińska Matylda , Oleksiuk Dawid , Kowalczyk Sebastian , Czajka Anna , Dużyńska Anna , Łapińska Anna , Ryszkowska Joanna , Dziewit Piotr , Janiszewski Jacek , Plichta Andrzej
Published: November 2023

Block copolymers utilizing oligomeric poly(pentylene‐co‐hexylene carbonate)diol modified with 2,4‐diisocyanatotoluene and further with 2‐bromo‐N‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐2‐methylpropanamide were synthesized and utilized as Activators ReGenerated by Electron Transfer Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization macroinitiators to obtain a first generation of multifunctional recycling additives with poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate) side chains, which could act as chain extenders. Then, chosen additive was reacted with a radical scavenger, 3,5‐ditertbutyl‐4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), to obtain a second generation of reactive additives. Those copolymers had different numbers of epoxy groups per polymer chain, and different number of epoxides opened with DHBA, hence showed a range of properties, and were utilized as reactive modifiers for polylactide (PLA) extrusion melting. The first‐generation modifiers caused an increase in PLA's blends relative melt viscosity, stabilized material properties, and enhanced impact strength, while the second‐generation modifiers with more than 8 % of epoxide ring opened showed worse properties. However, they managed to suppress the UV degradation of PLA blend plates.
Bop1 is required to establish precursor domains of craniofacial tissues
Authors: Keer Stephanie , Neilson Karen M. , Cousin Helene , Majumdar Himani D. , Alfandari Dominique , Klein Steven L. , Moody Sally A.
Published: November 2023

Bop1 can promote cell proliferation and is a component of the Pes1‐Bop1‐WDR12 (PeBoW) complex that regulates ribosomal RNA processing and biogenesis. In embryos, however, bop1 mRNA is highly enriched in the neural plate, cranial neural crest and placodes, and potentially may interact with Six1, which also is expressed in these tissues. Recent work demonstrated that during development, Bop1 is required for establishing the size of the tadpole brain, retina and cranial cartilages, as well as controlling neural tissue gene expression levels. Herein, we extend this work by assessing the effects of Bop1 knockdown at neural plate and larval stages. Loss of Bop1 expanded neural plate gene expression domains (sox2, sox11, irx1) and reduced neural crest (foxd3, sox9), placode (six1, sox11, irx1, sox9) and epidermal (dlx5) expression domains. At larval stages, Bop1 knockdown reduced the expression of several otic vesicle genes (six1, pax2, irx1, sox9, dlx5, otx2, tbx1) and branchial arch genes that are required for chondrogenesis (sox9, tbx1, dlx5). The latter was not the result of impaired neural crest migration. Together these observations indicate that Bop1 is a multifunctional protein that in addition to its well‐known role in ribosomal biogenesis functions during early development to establish the craniofacial precursor domains.
Endemic fish calling: Acoustics and reproductive behaviour of the Neretva dwarf goby Orsinigobius croaticus
Authors: Horvatić Sven , Parmentier Eric , Malavasi Stefano , Amorim Maria P. Clara , Fonseca Paulo J. , Zanella Davor
Published: November 2023

The Neretva dwarf goby Orsinigobius croaticus (Gobiiformes, Gobionellidae) is an endemic fish native to the freshwaters of the Adriatic Basin in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. Due to its limited distribution range, specific karst habitat and endangered status, laboratory studies on reproductive biology are scarce but crucial. Herein, we investigated the sound production and acoustic behaviour of the endangered O. croaticus during reproductive intersexual laboratory encounters, utilising an interdisciplinary approach. We also performed dissections and micro‐computed tomography (μCT) scanning of the pectoral girdle to explore its potential involvement in sound production. Finally, comparative acoustic analysis was conducted on sounds produced by previously recorded soniferous sand gobies to investigate whether acoustic features are species‐specific. The endemic O. croaticus is a soniferous species. Males of this species emit pulsatile sounds composed of a variable number of short (~15 ms) consecutive pulses when interacting with females, usually during the pre‐spawning phase in the nest, but also during courtship outside the nest. Pulsatile sounds were low‐frequency and short pulse trains (~140 Hz, <1000 ms). Male visual behaviour rate was higher when co‐occurring with sounds and females entered the male's nest significantly more frequently when sounds were present. Characteristic body movements accompanied male sound production, such as head thrust and fin spreading. Furthermore, μCT scans and dissections suggest that O. croaticus shares certain anatomical similarities of the pectoral girdle (i.e. osseous elements and arrangement of levator pectoralis muscles) to previously studied sand gobies that could be involved in sound production. Multivariate comparisons, using sounds produced by eight soniferous European sand gobies, effectively distinguished soniferous (and sympatric) species based on their acoustic properties. However, the discrimination success decreased when temperature‐dependent features (sound duration and pulse repetition rate) were excluded from the analysis. Therefore, we suggest both spectral and temporal features are important for the acoustic differentiation of sand gobies.
Forest and snow rather than food or foe limit the distribution of a generalist mesocarnivore in winter
Authors: Butler Andrew R. , Evans Bryn E. , Mortelliti Alessio , Moll Remington J.
Published: November 2023

Investigating species responses to trophic interactions and abiotic factors is crucial to better understanding their ecology and creating effective management strategies. In carnivore communities, smaller species are often regulated by larger ones via top‐down interference competition. Smaller subordinate carnivores can also be regulated by bottom‐up and abiotic factors, such as the availability of important prey, habitat features, and climatic conditions. However, substantial ambiguity remains regarding the relative roles these complex factors play in shaping subordinate carnivore populations, especially during winter. To investigate this issue, we conducted a large‐scale camera‐trapping study (n = 197 sites distributed across a ~60,000 km2 landscape) using a balanced study design that sampled a gradient of forest disturbance and climatic conditions. We used dynamic occupancy modeling to examine the influences of top‐down (interference competition), bottom‐up (prey and habitat), and abiotic (climate) factors on a widespread, generalist subordinate carnivore, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), in Maine, USA. Across three winters, we collected 107 red fox and 185 coyote (Canis latrans) daily detections, and 3875 snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) detections. We found evidence for the top‐down effects of coyotes on red fox detection probability and site colonization. However, contrary to theoretical expectations, the association between coyotes and red foxes was positive rather than negative. Snowshoe hares had a positive association with local extinction by red foxes, which also contrasts with prevailing theory given that snowshoe hares are an important winter prey of red foxes in this ecosystem. The intensity of forest disturbance and the proportion of conifer forest had negative effects on red fox occurrence and detection probability, while snow depth had a strong negative effect on site colonization. Together, these results suggest red foxes are limited more by abiotic and bottom‐up factors related to habitat than by the top‐down interference competition or primary prey availability in winter. Our study supports recent findings that bottom‐up factors may shape carnivore distributions during less productive times of year. Our work also highlights how caution is needed when extrapolating previous results from summer studies to winter, as the role of top‐down and bottom‐up factors may change seasonally.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Bromination of α‐Diazo Compounds with Bromoform
Authors: Zhang Xin , Lin Junyue , Liu Miao‐Chang , Zhou Yun‐Bing , Wu Hua‐Yue
Published: November 2023

An efficient visible‐light‐driven strategy for bromination of α‐diazo compounds is achieved for the construction of α‐bromoesters with bromoform. It is noteworthy that the reaction occurs under sole light irradiation without a photocatalyst or an additive. Several synthetic transformations and gram‐scale reactions demonstrate the synthetic potential of this photochemical reaction.
Forecasting tourist flows in the COVID‐19 era using nonparametric mixed‐frequency VARs
Authors: You Wanhai , Huang Yuming , Lee Chien‐Chiang
Published: November 2023

It is widely recognized that the tourism industry is susceptible to crisis or natural disaster. Although some literature has studied the consequences of the crisis and disaster, there remains a lack of study on the effect of COVID‐19. Against this background, this paper investigates the tourist flow forecasting by adopting an advanced nonparametric mixed‐frequency vector autoregressions model using Bayesian additive regression trees. This is particularly suitable for forecasting the presence of extreme observations, for example, the COVID‐19 pandemic. We investigate tourism demand forecasting using a large number of predictors, including industrial production index, CPI, exchange rate, economic policy uncertainty, Google trends index, and COVID‐19 infection rate. The data used for this study relate to tourist flows in Chinese Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Empirical study demonstrates that this novel model significantly outperforms the traditional mixed‐frequency vector autoregressions model to quarterly tourist flow forecasting. Therefore, this model can significantly enhance tourism forecast accuracy in the face of extreme events. This study contributes to the literature on tourism forecasting and provides policymakers with policy implications.
Changing Generations: A Story for Developing Reading Skills
Authors: Ahrens Susan
Published: November 2023

Fredricka L. Stoller and Nina Rosen. White Plains, NY: Longman, 2000
Application of the cell‐based RT‐qPCR assay (C‐QPA) for potency detection of the novel trivalent rotavirus vaccine in China
Authors: Wang Yunjin , Liu YueYue , Bao Hong , Chen Yueru , Kou Guiying , Wang Mingqiang , Fu Shengfang , Huo Wen , Guan Wenzhu , Cheng Yahui , Zhou Xu , Li Xiongxiong
Published: November 2023

Background

Because of the deficiencies of traditional methods in multivalent rotavirus vaccine potency detection, a cell‐based quantitative RT‐qPCR assay (C‐QPA) was established and validated for specificity, precision, and accuracy.

Methods

In order to further validate the robustness of this method in actual titer detection, the linear range and the practical application under different conditions were tested using monovalent and trivalent rotavirus samples and standards.

Results

Results showed that the linear range was 2.0–6.5, 3.9–8.3, and 3.5–8.1 UI (unit of infectivity) for G2, G3, and G4, respectively. Besides, unknown sample with high titer exceeding the linear range can be calculated by dilution. The UIs of serotypes G2, G3, and G4 in monovalent and trivalent rotavirus samples showed a relative deviation ≤4.10%, and the monovalent samples of the same serotype with or without protective agents showed a relative deviation ≤4.28%; the coefficient of variation (CV) of at least 176 tests (548 individual runs) of 3 in vitro‐transcribed RNA standards with certain concentrations was not higher than 6.50%; the results of the trivalent samples tested by more than 149 times in 5 years (467 individual runs) showed the CVs lower than 12.66%; 15 samples detected by one laboratory showed a CV lower than 9.83%, while other three samples tested by two independent laboratories showed a CV lower than 6.90%.

Conclusion

In summary, the C‐QPA has good linearity, durability, repeatability, and reproducibility in practical application and has been proved by the authority to be widely used in the production, quality control and release of the recently licensed trivalent vaccine in China.
Henri de Lacaze‐Duthiers and the ascidian hypothesis
Authors: Jessus Catherine , Laudet Vincent
Published: November 2023

In 1830, Cuvier and Geoffroy Saint‐Hilaire confronted each other in a famous debate on the unity of the animal kingdom, which permeated the zoology of the 19th century. From that time, a growing number of naturalists attempted to understand the large‐scale relationships among animals. And among all the questions, that of the origin of vertebrates was one of the most controversial. Analytical methods based on comparative anatomy, embryology and paleontology were developed to identify convincing homologies that would reveal a logical sequence of events for the evolution of an invertebrate into the first vertebrate. Within this context, several theories have clashed on the question of the identity of the ancestor of vertebrates. Among the proposals, a group of rather discrete organisms, the ascidians, played a central role. Because he had discovered an ascidian with a particularly atypical larval development, theMolgula, Henri de Lacaze‐Duthiers, a rigorous and meticulous naturalist, became involved in the ascidian hypothesis. While the visionary mind of Lacaze‐Duthiers led him to establish a particularly innovative methodology and the first marine biology station in Europe, at Roscoff, the tailless tadpole of theMolgulaprevented him from recognizing the ancestor of vertebrates. This old 19th century story echoes the ever‐present questions driving the field of Eco‐Evo‐Devo.
Glucose metabolism‐based signature predicts prognosis and immunotherapy strategies for colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bai Zilong , Yan Chunyu , Nie Yuanhua , Zeng Qingnuo , Xu Longwen , Wang Shilong , Chang Dongmin
Published: November 2023

Background

The global prevalence and metastasis rates of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) are high, and therapeutic success is limited. Although previous research has primarily explored changes in gene phenotypes, the incidence rate of COAD remains unchanged. Metabolic reprogramming is a crucial aspect of cancer research and therapy. The present study aims to develop cluster and polygenic risk prediction models for COAD based on glucose metabolism pathways to assess the survival status of patients and potentially identify novel immunotherapy strategies and related therapeutic targets.

Methods

COAD‐specific data (including clinicopathological information and gene expression profiles) were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE33113 and GSE39582). Gene sets related to glucose metabolism were obtained from the MSigDB database. The Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) method was utilized to calculate pathway scores for glucose metabolism. The hclust function in R, part of the Pheatmap package, was used to establish a clustering system. The mutation characteristics of identified clusters were assessed via MOVICS software, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered using limma software. Signature analysis was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. Survival curves, survival receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate Cox regression were analyzed to assess the efficacy and accuracy of the signature for prognostic prediction. The pRRophetic program was employed to predict drug sensitivity, with data sourced from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database.

Results

Four COAD subgroups (i.e., C1, C2, C3 and C4) were identified based on glucose metabolism, with the C4 group having higher survival rates. These four clusters were bifurcated into a new Clust2 system (C1 + C2 + C3 and C4). In total, 2175 DEGs were obtained (C1 + C2 + C3 vs. C4), from which 139 prognosis‐related genes were identified. ROC curves predicting 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival based on a signature containing nine genes showed an area under the curve greater than 0.7. Meanwhile, the study also found this feature to be an important predictor of prognosis in COAD and accordingly assessed the risk score, with higher risk scores being associated with a worse prognosis. The high‐risk and low‐risk groups responded differently to immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents, and there were differences in functional enrichment pathways.

Conclusions

This unique signature based on glucose metabolism may potentially provide a basis for predicting patient prognosis, biological characteristics and more effective immunotherapy strategies for COAD.
Prediction of 5‐year survival in soft tissue leiomyosarcoma using a machine learning model algorithm
Authors: Kamalapathy Pramod N. , Gonzalez Marcos R. , de Groot Tom M. , Ramkumar Dipak , Raskin Kevin A. , Ashkani‐Esfahani Soheil , Lozano‐Calderón Santiago A.
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is associated with one of the poorest overall survivals among soft tissue sarcomas. We sought to develop and externally validate a model for 5‐year survival prediction in patients with appendicular or truncal LMS using machine learning algorithms.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used for development and internal validation of the models; external validation was assessed using our institutional database. Five machine learning algorithms were developed and then tested on our institutional database. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Brier score were used to assess model performance.

Results

A total of 2209 patients from the SEER database and 81 patients from our tertiary institution were included. All models had excellent calibration with AUC 0.84−0.85 and Brier score 0.15−0.16. After assessing the performance indicators according to the TRIPOD model, we found that the Elastic‐Net Penalized Logistic Regression outperformed other models. The AUCs of the institutional data were 0.83 (imputed) and 0.85 (complete‐case analysis) with a Brier score of 0.16.

Conclusion

Our study successfully developed five machine learning algorithms to assess 5‐year survival in patients with LMS. The Elastic‐Net Penalized Logistic Regression retained performance upon external validation with an AUC of 0.85 and Brier score of 0.15.
Statistical investigations into automated spray‐applied stripe coats to complex geometries of floating offshore wind foundations
Authors: Kelm Daniel , Marquardt Tom , Momber Andreas , Sellmeyer Steffen , Irmer Michael
Published: November 2023

The automation of coating processes allows consistent, economical, and ecological applications. In this study, the effects of various surface geometries—steel plates, plates with weld seams, plates with bolts, and plates with welded fillets—on the uniformity of dry film thickness (DFT) after robotic stripe coating applications with an electrostatic spray device are investigated and analyzed with statistical methods. Robot traverse rate, pump pressure, and voltage. Based on analysis of variance studies, the robot traverse rate was identified to be the most influential factor. For plates with weld seams, an optimization study was conducted, resulting in a multiresponse prediction model. The model achieved a DFT within the target range across all measuring points within a 95% confidence interval. At an optimized factor combination (117 mm/s, 0.3 MPa, 61.4 kV), the DFT values ranged between 100 and 142 µm. The findings of this study provide fundamentals for achieving uniform coating distributions on complex geometries and for optimizing process parameters.
Dynamic modeling and analysis of acute and chronic hepatitis B epidemic with saturation incidence
Authors: Xue Tingting , Fan Xiaolin , Xu Yan
Published: November 2023

The new stochastic and deterministic hepatitis B epidemic models are established. The models consist of four types: susceptible individuals, acutely infected hepatitis B individuals, chronically infected hepatitis B individuals and recovered individuals. This study focuses on the transmission dynamics of acute and chronic hepatitis B epidemics problems and the development of optimal control strategies to control the transmission of hepatitis B in the population. To this end, we first calculate the equilibrium point and basic reproduction number of the deterministic hepatitis B model to study the stability of the above model at the equilibrium point. Secondly, we give the basic reproduction number of the stochastic model of hepatitis B virus. A suitable Lyapunov function is constructed, and the solvability of the stochastic model is confirmed using the Itô formula. By using a series of stochastic inequalities and strong number theorems, the extinction and stationary distribution of hepatitis B in this stochastic model are obtained. Finally, the optimal control theory is used to develop an optimal control strategy for eliminating hepatitis B virus transmission. The Runge–Kutta method is used to simulate the above models to verify the rationality of our main theoretical results.