bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology for Analyzing and Developing Information Management Infrastructure to Support Telerehabilitation
Authors: Saptono Andi , Schein Richard M. , Parmanto Bambang , Fairman Andrea
Published: May 2010

The proliferation of advanced technologies led researchers within the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Telerehabilitation (RERC-TR) to devise an integrated infrastructure for clinical services using the University of Pittsburgh (PITT) model. This model describes five required characteristics for a telerehabilitation (TR) infrastructure: openness, extensibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and security. The infrastructure is to deliver clinical services over distance to improve access to health services for people living in underserved or remote areas. The methodological approach to design, develop, and employ this infrastructure is explained and detailed for the remote wheelchair prescription project, a research task within the RERC-TR. The availability of this specific clinical service and personnel outside of metropolitan areas is limited due to the lack of specialty expertise and access to resources. The infrastructure is used to deliver expertise in wheeled mobility and seating through teleconsultation to remote clinics, and has been successfully deployed to five rural clinics in Western Pennsylvania. Keywords: Telerehabilitation, Information Management, Infrastructure Development Methodology, Videoconferencing, Online Portal, Database
Telerehabilitation: State-of-the-Art from an Informatics Perspective
Authors: Parmanto Bambang , Saptono Andi
Published: May 2010

Rehabilitation service providers in rural or underserved areas are often challenged in meeting the needs of their complex patients due to limited resources in their geographical area. Recruitment and retention of the rural clinical workforce are beset by the ongoing problems associated with limited continuing education opportunities, professional isolation, and the challenges inherent to coordinating rural community healthcare. People with disabilities who live in rural communities also face challenges accessing healthcare. Traveling long distances to a specialty clinic for necessary expertise is troublesome due to inadequate or unavailable transportation, disability specific limitations, and financial limitations. Distance and lack of access are just two threats to quality of care that now being addressed by the use of videoconferencing, information exchange, and other telecommunication technologies that facilitate telerehabilitation. This white paper illustrates and summarizes clinical and vocational applications of telerehabilitation. We provide definitions related to the fields of telemedicine, telehealth, and telerehabilitation, and consider the impetus for telerehabilitation. We review the telerehabilitation literature for assistive technology applications, pressure ulcer prevention, virtual reality applications, speech-language pathology applications, seating and wheeled mobility applications, vocational rehabilitation applications, and cost-effectiveness. We then discuss external telerehabilitation influencers, such as the positions of professional organizations. Finally, we summarize clinical and policy issues in a limited context appropriate to the scope of this paper. Keywords: Telerehabilitation, Telehealth,Telemedicine, Telepractice
Financial Games in Health Care—Doing Well Without Doing Good
Authors: Cutler David M.
Published: May 2024

This JAMA Forum discusses dimensions of financial manipulation in health care and highlights policies that might address it.
Precision Colorectal Cancer Fecal Immunological Test Screening With Fecal-Hemoglobin-Concentration–Guided Interscreening Intervals
Authors: Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Hsu Chen-Yang , Lin Ting-Yu , Su Chiu-Wen , Chiu Han-Mo , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Chen Sam Li-Sheng
Published: May 2024

Importance

Given a gradient relationship between fecal hemoglobin (f-Hb) concentration and colorectal neoplasia demonstrated previously, using f-Hb–guided interscreening interval has increasingly gained attention in population-based fecal immunological test (FIT), but it is very rare to address how to implement such a precision strategy and whether it can economize the use of FIT and colonoscopy.

Objective

To demonstrate the applicability of personalized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with f-Hb–guided screening intervals to reduce the number of FITs and colonoscopy with as equivalent efficacy as universal biennial screening.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study for developing f-Hb–guided precision interscreening interval was conducted using data on a Taiwanese biennial nationwide FIT screening program that enrolled more than 3 million participants aged 50 to 74 years between 2004 and 2014. The cohort was followed up over time until 2019 to ascertain colorectal neoplasia and causes of death. A comparative study was further designed to compare the use of FIT and colonoscopy between the personalized f-Hb–guided group and the universal biennial screening group given the equivalent efficacy of reducing CRC-related outcomes.

Main Outcomes and Measurements

A spectrum of f-Hb–guided intervals was determined by using the Poisson regression model given the equivalent efficacy of a universal biennial screening. The use of FIT and colonoscopy for the pragmatic f-Hb-guided interval group was measured compared with the universal biennial screening group. Data analysis was performed from September 2022 to October 2023.

Results

Using data from the 3 500 250 participants (mean [SD] age, 57.8 [6.0] years) enrolled in the Taiwanese biennial nationwide FIT screening program, an incremental increase in baseline f-Hb associated with colorectal neoplasia and CRC mortality consistently was observed. Participants with different f-Hb levels were classified into distinct risk categories. Various screening intervals by different f-Hb levels were recommended. Using the proposed f-Hb–guided screening intervals, it was found that the personalized method was imputed to reduce the number of FIT tests and colonoscopies by 49% and 28%, respectively, compared with the universal biennial screening.

Conclusion and Relevance

The gradient relationship between f-Hb and colorectal neoplasia and CRC mortality was used to develop personalized FIT screening with f-Hb–guided screening intervals. Such a precision interscreening interval led to the reduced use of FIT test and colonoscopy without compromising the effectiveness of universal biennial screening.
HELQ deficiency impairs the induction of primordial germ cell‐like cells
Authors: Wan Cong , Huang Yaping , Xue Xingguo , Chang Gang , Wang Mei , Zhao Xiao‐Yang , Luo Fang , Tang Zhi‐Zhong
Published: May 2024

Helicase POLQ‐like (HELQ) is a DNA helicase essential for the maintenance of genome stability. A recent study identified two HELQ missense mutations in some cases of infertile men. However, the functions of HELQ in the process of germline specification are not well known and whether its function is conserved between mouse and human remains unclear. Here, we revealed that Helq knockout (Helq−/−) could significantly reduce the efficiency of mouse primordial germ cell‐like cell (PGCLC) induction. In addition, Helq−/− embryonic bodies exhibited a severe apoptotic phenotype on day 6 of mouse PGCLC induction. p53 inhibitor treatment could partially rescue the generation of mouse PGCLCs from Helq mutant mouse embryonic stem cells. Finally, the genetic ablation of HELQ could also significantly impede the induction of human PGCLCs. Collectively, our study sheds light on the involvement of HELQ in the induction of both mouse and human PGCLCs, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying germline differentiation and the genetic studies of human fertility.
Real‐World Effectiveness of Pegloticase Associated With Use of Concomitant Immunomodulatory Therapy
Authors: Holladay Emily E. , Mudano Amy S. , Xie Fenglong , Zhang Jingyi , Mikuls Ted R. , Saag Ken , Yun Huifeng , LaMoreaux Brian , Francis‐Sedlak Megan , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to ascertain pegloticase persistence and adverse events associated with concomitant immunomodulatory drug treatment in patients with gout.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with gout using the American College of Rheumatology's Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry from January 2016 through June 2020. The first pegloticase infusion defined the index date. Based on concomitant immunomodulatory drug treatment, we identified three exposure groups: (1) immunomodulatory drug initiators (patients initiating an immunomodulatory prescription ±60 days from the index date), (2) prevalent immunomodulatory drug recipients (patients receiving their first immunomodulatory drug prescription >60 days before the index date with at least one prescription within ±60 days of the index date), and (3) immunomodulatory nonrecipients (patients receiving pegloticase without concomitant immunomodulatory drugs). We calculated the proportion of patients who achieved serum urate levels ≤6 mg/dL and who had laboratory abnormalities (white blood cell count <3.4 x 109/L, platelet count <135,000, hematocrit level <30%, alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase level ≥1.5 times the upper limit normal value) within 180 days after the index date. Cox regression analyzed time to pegloticase discontinuation, controlling for potential confounders.

Results

We identified 700 pegloticase recipients (91 immunomodulatory drug initiators, 33 prevalent immunomodulatory drug recipients, and 576 nonrecipients), with a median follow‐up of 14 months. Immunomodulatory drug recipients were less likely to discontinue pegloticase. The adjusted hazard ratios of pegloticase discontinuation associated with concomitant immunomodulatory drug initiation and prevalent treatment were 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.75) and 0.69 (95% CI 0.42–1.16), respectively. Laboratory abnormalities were uncommon (<5%) and were not higher in concomitant immunomodulatory drug treatment.

Conclusion

Consistent with clinical trials, results from this large observational registry suggest that concomitant immunomodulatory drug treatment improves pegloticase persistence.
Amidoximated‐Wood Derived Carbons as Advanced Self‐Standing Electrodes for Supercapacitor and Water Splitting
Authors: Shen Liu‐Liu , Dong Xiangzun , Wang Wei , Yu Hui , Wu Peiran , Wang Jiansong , Xu Yipu , Cui Xuanxuan , Li Xinkun , Zhang Gui‐Rong , Mei Donghai
Published: May 2024

Wood‐derived carbons demonstrate great potential as self‐standing electrodes in energy storage/conversion applications, including supercapacitors and water‐splitting devices. However, the key challenge remains the rational customization of surface functionalities for optimized performance. This study introduces an innovative approach to self‐standing wood‐derived carbons with tailored nitrogen and metal functionalities. In contrast to traditional impregnation techniques, which offer limited precision in surface modification, this approach entails the intentional attachment of amidoxime groups to the wood substrates. These groups serve as nitrogen sources, and create abundant surface anchoring sites for metal ions due to the chelation between the amidoxime groups and metals. The resulting carbons feature uniform and high dispersion of nitrogen and metal functionalities, along with a distinctive hierarchical porosity combining interconnected open channels with abundant mesopores. As a proof‐of‐concept, different metals are incorporated (i.e., Mn, Co, Ni) into the amidoximated‐wood precursors, and the resulting self‐standing carbons showcase excellent performance in both supercapacitors and water‐splitting applications. Leveraging the specific chelating ability of amidoxime groups toward metal ions, this strategy holds great potential as a generic approach to systematically tailoring the surface functionalities of carbon‐based materials for various electrochemical energy storage/conversion processes.
Brain‐Targeted 9‐Phenanthrol‐Loaded Lipid Nanoparticle Prevents Brain Edema after Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting the Trpm4 Channel in Mice
Authors: Liu Kewei , Peng Yuqin , Xu Mingheng , Yuan Kun , Li Yongchuan , Lin Chuman , Zhao Xiaolin , Zhu Juan , Chang Yuan , Lin Zhenzhou , Pan Suyue , Ma Huanrong , Wang Xiaorui , Huang Kaibin
Published: May 2024

Brain edema robustly increases mortality and hinders functional recovery after acute ischemic stroke. However, there are currently no effective therapies available for treating or preventing it. The unchecked opening of the transient receptor potential M4 (TRPM4) channel results in an excessive influx of Na+ and water, which contributes significantly to the formation of brain edema after ischemic stroke. 9‐phenanthrol (9‐Phe), a potent TRPM4 inhibitor, has limited clinical applicability due to its potential cytotoxicity and poor solubility. A brain‐targeting T7 (HAIYPRH)‐modified lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated 9‐Phe (9‐Phe@T7‐LNP) is designed and synthesized to improve the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic properties of 9‐Phe for treating brain edema in vivo. These results demonstrated that 9‐Phe@T7‐LNP can penetrate the intact blood‐brain barrier (BBB) in normal mice and target the brain parenchyma. Moreover, 9‐Phe@T7‐LNP effectively reduced infarct volume and brain edema, prevented neuronal loss and BBB disruption, improved survival, and facilitated neurological function recovery after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Additionally, 9‐Phe@T7‐LNP scavenged oxygen‐free radicals and prevented neuronal apoptosis in cultured neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion. In summary, these findings showed that 9‐Phe@T7‐LNP holds strong potential as a promising targeted therapy for brain edema after stroke, providing superior pharmacological neuroprotection against brain edema.
Dielectric Engineering of Perovskite BaMnO3 for the Rapid Heterogeneous Nucleation of Pt Nanoparticles for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Hughes Lucia , Roy Ahin , Yadav Neelam , Downing Clive , Browne Michelle P. , Vij Jagdish K. , Nicolosi Valeria
Published: May 2024

Microwave heating provides a rapid method for the heterogeneous nucleation of noble metal particles on perovskite support materials for electrocatalytic purposes. To succeed, dielectric tuning of perovskite materials becomes fundamental. Herein, the dielectric engineering of the BaMnO3 perovskite system is carried out through the use of B‐site doping to give BaTi0.5Mn0.5O3. Using a combination of atomic‐scale imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), the preferential filling of the M1 and M3 B‐sites with Mn and Ti ions in the 12R‐rhombohedral perovskite structure is established. While the addition of Ti in the BaMnO3 system has no detrimental effects on the presence of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) active Mn3+ states at the surface, it does alter the dielectric constant and loss tangent, thus facilitating the heterogeneous nucleation of Pt nanoparticles on BaTi0.5Mn0.5O3 via rapid microwave heating. Higher Pt loading regimes are found to increase the size and aggregation of the nucleated particles, thus reducing their ORR activity. Therefore, lower Pt loading not only reduces costs but improves overall activity. This work represents future possibilities for the dielectric engineering of perovskite and similar support materials to aid in the quick and easy formation of stable noble metal‐support catalytic systems.
Enhanced Thin‐Film Encapsulation Through Micron‐Scale Anchors
Authors: Mintz Hemed Nofar , Pham Albert , Zhao Eric T. , Wang Pingyu , Melosh Nicholas A.
Published: May 2024

Implantable medical devices require protective encapsulation to isolate them from the biological environment. Parylene‐C (PaC) is a prevalent encapsulation polymer but is susceptible to cracking, delamination, oxidation, and moisture penetration over time. This study demonstrates that 3D micro‐anchors fabricated by direct laser writing (DLW) greatly enhance PaC lifetime and encapsulation properties. The PaC film is vapor deposited onto these anchor points, followed by ultraviolet radiation (UV)‐curing‐induced shrinkage. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) during accelerated aging tests in reactive solutions (87 °C, 15 mM H2O2) is performed to monitor film degradation over time. Unpatterned PaC films failed before reaching the 3.25 accelerated year benchmark, while 100 µm spaced micro‐anchors extended encapsulation up to 5.5 equivalent years. Subsequent improvements are achieved with a spacing of 50 µm, demonstrating viability up to ≈6 equivalent years. This research demonstrates the benefit of engineering anchor points for preventing delamination of the PaC layer and significantly enhancing encapsulation properties. Printed 3D micro‐anchors are an extremely flexible platform, with many different shapes and sizes possible which can further enhance longevity. The success in increasing coating lifetimes offers a promising direction for improving long‐term implantable medical devices, potentially revolutionizing their longevity and reliability.
Electrically Reconfigurable Phase‐Change Transmissive Metasurface
Authors: Popescu Cosmin Constantin , Aryana Kiumars , Garud Parth , Dao Khoi Phuong , Vitale Steven , Liberman Vladimir , Bae Hyung‐Bin , Lee Tae‐Woo , Kang Myungkoo , Richardson Kathleen A. , Julian Matthew , Ocampo Carlos A. Ríos , Zhang Yifei , Gu Tian , Hu Juejun , Kim Hyun Jung
Published: May 2024

Programmable and reconfigurable optics hold significant potential for transforming a broad spectrum of applications, spanning space explorations to biomedical imaging, gas sensing, and optical cloaking. The ability to adjust the optical properties of components like filters, lenses, and beam steering devices could result in dramatic reductions in size, weight, and power consumption in future optoelectronic devices. Among the potential candidates for reconfigurable optics, chalcogenide‐based phase change materials (PCMs) offer great promise due to their non‐volatile and analogue switching characteristics. Although PCM have found widespread use in electronic data storage, these memory devices are deeply sub‐micron‐sized. To incorporate phase change materials into free‐space optical components, it is essential to scale them up to beyond several hundreds of microns while maintaining reliable switching characteristics. This study demonstrated a non‐mechanical, non‐volatile transmissive filter based on low‐loss PCMs with a 200 × 200 µm2switching area. The device/metafilter can be consistently switched between low‐ and high‐transmission states using electrical pulses with a switching contrast ratio of 5.5 dB. The device was reversibly switched for 1250 cycles before accelerated degradation took place. The work represents an important step toward realizing free‐space reconfigurable optics based on PCMs.
Boosting Upconversion Efficiency in Optically Inert Shelled Structures with Electroactive Membrane through Electron Donation
Authors: Wang Liu‐Chun , Chen Hong‐Kai , Wang Wen‐Jyun , Hsu Fang‐Yi , Huang Hong‐Zhang , Kuo Rui‐Tong , Li Wei‐Peng , Tian Hong‐Kang , Yeh Chen‐Sheng
Published: May 2024

This study innovatively addresses challenges in enhancing upconversion efficiency in lanthanide‐based nanoparticles (UCNPs) by exploiting Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, a microorganism capable of extracellular electron transfer. Electroactive membranes, rich in c‐type cytochromes, are extracted from bacteria and integrated into membrane‐integrated liposomes (MILs), encapsulating core–shelled UCNPs with an optically inactive shell, forming UCNP@MIL constructs. The electroactive membrane, tailored to donate electrons through the inert shell, independently boosts upconversion emission under near‐infrared excitation (980 or 1550 nm), bypassing ligand‐sensitized UCNPs. The optically inactive shell restricts energy migration, emphasizing electroactive membrane electron donation. Density functional theory calculations elucidate efficient electron transfer due to the electroactive membrane hemes' highest occupied molecular orbital being higher than the valence band maximum of the optically inactive shell, crucial for enhancing energy transfer to emitter ions. The introduction of a SiO2 insulator coating diminishes light enhancement, underscoring the importance of unimpeded electron transfer. Luminescence enhancement remains resilient to variations in emitter or sensitizing ions, highlighting the robustness of the electron transfer‐induced phenomenon. However, altering the inert shell material diminishes enhancement, emphasizing the role of electron transfer. This methodology holds significant promise for diverse biological applications. UCNP@MIL offers an advantage in cellular uptake, which proves beneficial for cell imaging.
Capacitorless Two‐Transistor Dynamic Random‐Access Memory Cells Comprising Amorphous Indium–Tin–Gallium–Zinc Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors for the Multiply–Accumulate Operation
Authors: Ryu Seungho , Kang Mingu , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: May 2024

Capacitorless two‐transistor (2T0C) dynamic random‐access memory (DRAM) cells comprising oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) show potential as low‐power and high‐density DRAM cells; however, the multiply–accumulate (MAC) operation using these cells is not yet realized. In this study, 2T0C DRAM cells comprising amorphous indium–tin–gallium–zinc oxide TFTs are fabricated for MAC operations. In a 2T0C DRAM cell, one transistor acts as a write transistor and the other as a read transistor, whose gate capacitance corresponds to the data storage capacitance. The cells have a long retention time of 1000 s, which is 104 times longer than that of conventional DRAM cells, owing to the extremely low leakage current of the TFTs (1.11 × 10−18 A µm−1). These cells satisfy the original condition for synaptic devices, in which a proportional relationship exists between the input and output. The MAC operation is performed using two cells. This study demonstrates the usefulness of oxide TFTs in artificial neural networks.
Thickness‐Dependent Formation Capacity and Mechanism of Planar (β)‐Conformation in Polydiarylfluorenes for Stable Deep‐Blue Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xu Man , Li Hao , Ma Jingyao , Zhang Yunlong , Chen Wenyu , Wang Shengjie , Lin Jinyin , Feng Quanyou , Xie Linghai
Published: May 2024

Conjugated polymers with p‐orbital overlap show intramolecular‐conformation‐dependent photophysical and electrical properties. Compared to the non‐planar segments, the planar conformation segments have a relatively long effective conjugated length and rigid backbone structure, which are beneficial for the enhancement of optoelectronic properties. Herein, the effect of film thickness on the formation capacity of planar (β) conformations in polyfluorene (poly[4‐(octyloxy)‐9,9‐diphenylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl]‐co‐[5‐(octyloxy)‐9,9‐diphenylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl], PODPF) for the fabrication of stable deep‐blue polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) is explored. Thickness‐tunable films with thicknesses ranging from 15 to 270 nm by controlling the concentration of precursor solution are prepared. The main observations are as follows. The PODPF chains in thin films are less likely to adopt the β conformations associated with the loose interchain packing in nano‐aggregates than those in thick films. Red‐shifted and well‐resolved emission spectra are observed for the annealed film with a high thickness, indicating the greater presence of β‐conformation segments. More interestingly, interchain aggregation is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the formation of β conformations. Finally, PLEDs based on β‐conformation segments have outstanding brightness, low turn‐on voltage, and stable deep‐blue electroluminescent behavior, confirming the unique advantage of planar conformation for optoelectronic applications.
Carboxylesterase Activatable Molecular Probe for Personalized Treatment Guidance by Analyte‐Induced Molecular Transformation
Authors: Li Benhao , Liu Hengke , Zhao Mengyao , Zhang Xinming , Huang Peng , Chen Xiaoyuan , Lin Jing
Published: May 2024

Accurate visualization of tumor microenvironment is of great significance for personalized medicine. Here, we develop a near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence/photoacoustic (FL/PA) dual‐mode molecular probe (denoted as NIR−CE) for distinguishing tumors based on carboxylesterase (CE) level by an analyte‐induced molecular transformation (AIMT) strategy. The recognition moiety for CE activity is the acetyl unit of NIR−CE, generating the pre‐product, NIR−CE−OH, which undergoes spontaneous hydrogen atom exchange between the nitrogen atoms in the indole group and the phenol hydroxyl group, eventually transforming into NIR−CE−H. In cellular experiments and in vivo blind studies, the human hepatoma cells and tumors with high level of CE were successfully distinguished by both NIR FL and PA imaging. Our findings provide a new molecular imaging strategy for personalized treatment guidance.
Fabrication of sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin/glabridin inclusion complex for promoting bioactivities
Authors: Wang Wanru , Tang Kewen , Huang Chenggang , Liu An
Published: May 2024

As the main active compound of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., glabridin (GLD) has been shown to have multiple bioactivities, whereas the clinical application of GLD is restricted by its low water solubility. In this study, GLD was encapsulated into a sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBE‐β‐CD)‐based inclusion complex (SBE‐β‐CD/GLD) by the freeze‐drying method. The materials characterization, antibacterial activity, stimulated cellular behavior and in vivo full‐thickness diabetic wound healing ability of the hydrogels were assessed and analyzed. The successful encapsulation of the inclusion complex was confirmed by ultraviolet (UV) visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). SBE‐β‐CD as an excipient significantly enhances the water solubility of GLD, and SBE‐β‐CD/GLD showed excellent biocompatibility on human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and erythrocytes. The SBE‐β‐CD/GLD inclusion complex exerted a pronounced antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro. The SBE‐β‐CD/GLD inclusion complex markedly enhanced the antioxidant activity compared with free GLD. The SBE‐β‐CD/GLD inclusion complex potently accelerates the healing of full‐thickness skin defects by inhibiting inflammation. The outcomes suggest that SBE‐β‐CD could be used as a promising drug delivery system for the clinical application of GLD.
(Ca0.5Mn0.5)2MnTeO6 – An Anomalously Stable High‐Pressure Double Perovskite
Authors: Almadhi Azizah , Ji Kunlang , Injac Sean D. , Ritter Clemens , Attfield J. Paul
Published: May 2024

High pressure high temperature treatments of the composition CaMnMnTeO6 are found to yield only an A2BB’O6‐type double perovskite (Ca0.5Mn0.5)2MnTeO6, rather than a AA'BB’O6 double double perovskite with A‐ and B‐ site cation order as found in analogs CaMnMnReO6 and CaMnMnWO6 with similar cation sizes. Double perovskite (Ca0.5Mn0.5)2MnTeO6 adopts a monoclinic structure in space group P21/n with a framework of highly tilted MnO6 and TeO6 octahedra enclosing disordered Ca2+ and Mn2+ cations. Magnetic measurements show that (Ca0.5Mn0.5)2MnTeO6 is a highly frustrated spin glass with a freezing transition at 5 K, and no long‐range spin order is apparent by neutron diffraction at 1.6 K.
Exploring the Impact of Decoys on Decision‐Making by Young Children
Authors: Parrish Audrey E. , Dawes Jillian , Thompson Hannah L.
Published: May 2024

The asymmetric dominance effect (or decoy effect) is a decision‐making phenomenon that occurs when preference for a target alternative shifts with the addition of a similar, yet inferior alternative dubbed the decoy. Despite the considerable number of studies examining the decoy effect with adult humans and animals, there is comparatively less research on context effects within the developmental domain. In this study, we explored the impact of a decoy on choice behavior by young children (3–9 years old) using a preferential choice task as well as a perceptual discrimination task. Introduction of an inferior decoy impacted choice behavior across 2‐alternative (binary) versus 3‐alternative (trinary) sets, such that inclusion of the dominated decoy in expanded sets decreased selection of the superior target alternative. This pattern of results indicates a reversal of the standard attraction effect, also known as the repulsion effect. We discuss these findings in light of the adult and comparative literatures on decoy effects as well as call for additional developmental studies exploring the impact of inferior alternatives in multialternative decision‐making.
The effect of variable delays to reinforcement on the acquisition of tacts in children with autism
Authors: Yang Ya‐Chien , Wilder David A. , Fernand Jonathan K. , McChristie Ashlyn
Published: May 2024

Basic research suggests that reinforcer immediacy is important; even short delays to reinforcement may impair learning. Further, a previous applied study showed that most participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) acquired tacts more quickly with immediate reinforcement, compared to delays of 6 and 12 s. However, no research has examined variable delays to reinforcement, which may be more common than fixed delays in applied settings. In this study, we examined the effect of variable delays to reinforcement on the acquisition of tacts. Specifically, we evaluated three conditions: a 0 s delay, a 4–8 s delay, and a 10–14 s delay to reinforcement among three children with ASD. The results show that two of the three participants achieved the mastery criterion most quickly in the 0 s delay condition. We discuss the results and implications of this finding.
Efficient production of human interleukin‐3 from Escherichia coli using protein disulfide isomerase b'a' domain
Authors: Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh , Ryu Dayoung , Nguyen Minh Quan , Ta Huynh Kim Khanh , Vu Thi Luong , Choe Han
Published: May 2024

Human interleukin‐3 (IL3) is a multifunctional cytokine essential for both clinical and biomedical research endeavors. However, its production in Escherichia coli has historically been challenging due to its aggregation into inclusion bodies, requiring intricate solubilization and refolding procedures. This study introduces an innovative approach employing two chaperone proteins, maltose binding protein (MBP) and protein disulfide isomerase b'a' domain (PDIb'a'), as N‐terminal fusion tags. Histidine tag (H) was added at the beginning of each chaperone protein gene for easy purification. This fusion of chaperone proteins significantly improved IL3 solubility across various E. coli strains and temperature conditions, eliminating the need for laborious refolding procedures. Following expression optimization, H‐PDIb'a'‐IL3 was purified using two chromatographic methods, and the subsequent removal of the H‐PDIb'a' tag yielded high‐purity IL3. The identity of the purified protein was confirmed through liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Biological activity assays using human erythroleukemia TF‐1 cells revealed a unique two‐step stimulation pattern for both purified IL3 and the H‐PDIb'a'‐IL3 fusion protein, underscoring the protein's functional integrity and revealing novel insights into its cellular interactions. This study advances the understanding of IL3 expression and activity while introducing novel considerations for protein fusion strategies.
Enabling organizations to strategically manage risks in circular supply chains
Authors: Krstić Mladen , Agnusdei Leonardo , Palmi Pamela , Baležentis Tomas
Published: May 2024

Circular supply chains (CSCs) prioritize resource efficiency by reusing, remanufacturing, and recycling materials, offering environmental benefits and competitive advantages. However, they are facing various risks and organizational challenges that hinder their efficiency. To ensure long‐term sustainability, this study identifies the key risks and introduces a prioritization model for risk management in CSC strategies proposing a framework for the risk evaluation based on the set of criteria and prioritization model using a combination of three multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods. The model applies fuzzy Delphi‐based analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method to determine the criteria weights and fuzzy axial distance‐based aggregated measurement (ADAM) method for ranking the alternatives. The findings of this study allow for the identification of the most important risks associated with CSC enabling stakeholders to allocate resources strategically and focus efforts on crucial areas. Results highlight that the most important risks are supply chain complexity, resource availability, and quality and technological challenges. The most important contributions are the identification of the most relevant risks that threaten the resilience and sustainability of CSCs, the establishment of the framework for their evaluation, and the development of a novel hybrid MCDM model for their ranking. These contributions are also the main theoretical implications of the study. On a practical level, it enables organizations to strategically manage risks, standardize risk assessment, and improve their competitive advantage by enhancing resilience, reducing disruptions, and lowering operational costs.
Enhancing self‐regulated learning in engineering education with lightboard videos as a support tool
Authors: Sola‐Guirado Rafael R. , Comino Francisco , Castro‐Triguero Rafael
Published: May 2024

Background

For engineering students, a lack of motivation and continuous study are common issues that lie in low academic performance. Active teaching with audio‐visual systems, on the one hand, and self‐regulated learning methodologies, on the other, have shown to have a high potential in these aspects.

Purpose

Assessing a proposal based on a self‐assessment and integrating it into a traditional teaching process to improve student engagement and performance.

Design/Method

When once explanation of a thematic block was complete, we set a series of exercises encompassing key concepts for students to solve at home within a limited time. Students then had to upload their solutions to an e‐Learning platform and subsequently received dynamic videos, created using a lightboard studio, showing solutions to the exercises to assess their level of learning through self‐evaluation.

Results

The activity was highly valued by the students. They were more motivated in their studies than the control group, which is reflected in increased participation in the course and in the number of students who sat for the exams. However, according to the metrics of the videos and their responses to the questionnaires, students did not fully utilise the available resources. This is likely due to the extrinsic motivation facilitated or failure to treat the self‐assessments as exam simulations. This resulted in academic performance that is very similar to that of the control group.

Conclusions

The results obtained demonstrate the usefulness of the teaching proposal for the purpose of this work, although it requires some improvements.
Allosteric Regulation and Inhibition of Coronavirus 3CLpro Revealed by HDX‐MS
Authors: Song Ning , Zheng Wen , Song Bin , Zheng Jie
Published: May 2024

Coronavirus (CoV) infections have caused contagious and fatal respiratory diseases in humans worldwide. CoV 3‐chymotrypsin‐like proteases (3CLpro or Mpro) play an important role in viral maturation, and maintenance of their dimeric conformation is crucial for viral activity. Therefore, allosterically regulated dimerization of 3CLpro can be employed as a drug development target. Here, we investigated the allosteric regulatory mechanism of 3CLpro dimerization by using hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) technology. We found that the FLAG tag directly coupled to the N‐finger of 3CLpro significantly increased HDX kinetics at the dimer interface, and 3CLpro transformed from a dimer to a monomer. The 3CLpro mutants of SARS‐CoV‐2, which are monomeric, also exhibited increased deuterium exchange. Binding of the allosteric inhibitor Gastrodenol to most betacoronavirus 3CLpros led to increased allosteric deuterium exchange, resulting in the monomeric conformation of the CoV 3CLpro upon binding. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis further indicated the molecular mechanism of action of Gastrodenol on CoV 3CLpro: binding of Gastrodenol to SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro destroyed the hydrogen bond in the dimer interface. These results suggest that Gastrodenol may be a potential broad‐spectrum anti‐betacoronavirus drug.
Development of spray‐dried oat milk powder with improved stability
Authors: Tian Maojun , Wang Aili , Xiao Sha , Yu Wenwen , Tan Chunhua , Zou Liang
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Oat milk is a plant‐based milk alternative and rich in various nutrients, however, the liquid product with a shorter shelf life limits its sales and consumption. This study is designed to develop an oat milk powder (OMP) using spray drying and improve the stability of reconstituted OMP by adding stabilizers.

Findings

Results revealed that the optimal spray drying temperature was 160°C and the feed rate was 14 mL/min. The developed OMP showed higher bulk density compared to commercial soymilk powder. Furthermore, OMP maintained high contents of nutrients, including total phenol, β‐glucan, and various essential amino acids. The addition of stabilizers in OMP significantly decreased the turbidity and increased the pH stability, thermal stability, and freeze‐thaw stability of reconstituted OMP.

Conclusion

The developed OMP product has abundant nutrients as well as stable physiochemical properties. Xanthan gum is the most effective stabilizer in improving the stability of reconstituted OMP across a wide range of pH and temperature.

Significance and Novelty

This study was the first to process oat milk into powder products and compare the effectiveness of different stabilizers in improving its stability. Our results suggest that OMP is a promising plant‐based beverage with stable physiochemical properties.
Anisolymphocytosis: A clue for Richter transformation
Authors: Manabe Masahiro , Inano Naoyuki , Hagiwara Yuuji , Nanno Satoru , Koh Ki‐Ryang
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

When chronic lymphocytic leukemia progressed to Richter syndrome, the coexistence of small and large lymphocytes was observed as a bone marrow finding. We consider this finding to be a clue for the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia to Richter syndrome.
Electro‐Oxidation of Alkenes: A Green Approach Towards Functionalized Oxygenates
Authors: Sun Yuxia , Hu Haiyan , Li Yuehui
Published: May 2024

In chemical industrial process, conversion of alkenes to functional oxygenates plays a key role in bridging between the feedstock and downstream application. Traditionally, the oxidation required highly‐active oxygen sources or molecular oxygen under high temperature and pressure. This poses challenges to the green and safe production of oxygenates. To circumvent the issues of massive consumption of fossil fuel and serious CO2 footprints, approaches of electro‐oxidation are developed under ambient conditions, adopting O2 and H2O as oxygen source. Utilizing electricity from renewable resources and the involved electron transfer, the performance is closely related to the interface characteristics of electrodes and electrolytes. This review presents the progress in catalysts design, electrolytes optimization, cells integration to effectively regulate the microenvironment of the interfaces. Further discussion of the mechanism analysis and potential issues are emphasized, based on the in‐situ characterization techniques, isotopic experiments and quenching tests. We hope this review can provide an outline for green approaches to oxidation of alkenes via electrocatalytic pathways.
High‐Entropy Lanthanide–Organic Framework as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Cycloaddition of CO2 with Epoxides and Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Jin Siyang , Fu Yu , Jie Kecheng , Dai Huan , Luo Yun Jie , Ye Liang , Zhou Chaohui , Xu Wei
Published: May 2024

Multimetallic synergistic effects have the potential to improve CO2 cycloesterification and Knoevenagel reaction processes, outperforming monometallic MOFs. The results demonstrate superior performance in these processes. To investigate this, we created and characterized a selection of single‐component Ln(III)‐MOFs (Ln=Eu, Tb, Gd, Dy, Ho) and high‐entropy lanthanide‐organic framework (HE‐LnMOF) using solvent‐thermal conditions. The experiments revealed that HE‐LnMOF exhibited heightened catalytic efficiency in CO2 cycloesterification and Knoevenagel reactions compared to single‐component Ln(III) MOFs. Moreover, the HE‐LnMOF displayed significant stability, maintaining their structural integrity after five cycles while sustaining elevated conversion and selectivity rates. The feasible mechanisms of catalytic reactions were also discussed. HE‐LnMOF possess multiple unsaturated metal centers, acting as Lewis acid sites, with oxygen atoms connecting the metal, and hydroxyl groups on the ligand serving as base sites. This study introduces a novel method for synthesizing HE‐LnMOF and presents a fresh application of HE‐LnMOF for converting CO2.
Heterocycles–Containing HDAC Inhibitors Active in Cancer: An Overview of the Last Fifteen Years
Authors: Raucci Alessia , Castiello Carola , Mai Antonello , Zwergel Clemens , Valente Sergio
Published: May 2024

Cancer is one of the primary causes of mortality worldwide. Despite nowadays are numerous therapeutic treatments to fight tumor progression, it is still challenging to completely overcome it. It is known that Histone Deacetylases (HDACs), epigenetic enzymes that remove acetyl groups from lysines on histone's tails, are overexpressed in various types of cancer, and their inhibition represents a valid therapeutic strategy. To date, some HDAC inhibitors have achieved FDA approval. Nevertheless, several other potential drug candidates have been developed. This review aims primarily to be comprehensive of the studies done so far regarding HDAC inhibitors bearing heterocyclic rings since their therapeutic potential is well known and has gained increasing interest in recent years. Hence, inserting heterocyclic moieties in the HDAC‐inhibiting scaffold can be a valuable strategy to provide potent and/or selective compounds. Here, in addition to summarizing the properties of novel heterocyclic HDAC inhibiting compounds, we also provide ideas for developing new, more potent, and selective compounds for treating cancer.
Association between physical activity changes and risk of incident ischemic stroke following cancer diagnosis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jung Wonyoung , Cho In Young , Jung Jinhyung , Cho Mi Hee , Koo Hye Yeon , Park Yong‐Moon Mark , Cho Be‐Long , Kwon Hyuktae , Park Jin Ho , Han Kyungdo , Shin Dong Wook
Published: May 2024

Background

Physical inactivity is prevalent after cancer treatment, which could increase ischemic stroke risk in cancer survivors. This study investigated the association between physical activity change from pre‐ to post‐diagnosis and ischemic stroke risk among cancer survivors.

Methods

Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 269,943 cancer survivors (mean [SD] age, 56.3 [12.1] years; 45.7% male) with no history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated based on changes in physical activity from pre‐ to post‐diagnosis. Using the Fine‐Gray model, subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ischemic stroke risk were calculated, considering death as a competing risk.

Results

After cancer diagnosis, 62.0% remained inactive, 10.1% remained active, 16.6% became active, and 11.4% became inactive. During a mean (SD) follow‐up of 4.1 (2.0) years, being active both pre‐ and post‐diagnosis was associated with a 15% decreased risk of ischemic stroke (sHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75–0.96), compared with those who remained inactive. Cancer survivors who became active and inactive post‐diagnosis showed a 16% and 11% lower ischemic stroke risk (sHR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75–0.93; sHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99), respectively, than those who remained inactive. Analysis by the primary cancer site did not substantially differ from the main findings.

Conclusions

Physical activity is associated with reduced ischemic stroke risk among cancer survivors. The potential benefits of physical activity are not limited to individuals who were physically active before cancer diagnosis, thus preventive strategies against ischemic stroke should emphasize physical activity throughout the cancer journey.
Addressing the Reuse of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Li‐Ion Battery Recycling: Insights into Dissolution Mechanism, Metal Recovery, Regeneration and Decomposition
Authors: Svärd Michael , Ma Chunyan , Forsberg Kerstin , Schiavi Pier Giorgio
Published: May 2024

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have garnered attention in Li‐ion battery (LIB) recycling due to their declared eco‐friendly attributes and adjustable metal dissolution selectivity, offering a promising avenue for recycling processes. However, DESs currently lack competitiveness compared to mineral acids, commonly used in industrial‐scale LIB recycling. Current research primarily focuses on optimizing DES formulation and experimental conditions to maximize metal dissolution yields in standalone leaching experiments. While achieving yields comparable to traditional leaching systems is important, extensive DES reuse is vital for overall recycling feasibility. To achieve this, evaluating the metal dissolution mechanism can assist in estimating DES consumption rates and assessing process makeup stream costs. The selection of appropriate metal recovery and DES regeneration strategies is essential to enable subsequent reuse over multiple cycles. Finally, decomposition of DES components should be avoided throughout the designed recycling process, as by‐products can impact leaching efficiency and compromise the safety and environmental friendliness of DES. In this review, these aspects are emphasized with the aim of directing research efforts away from simply pursuing the maximization of metal dissolution efficiency, towards a broader view focusing on the application of DES beyond the laboratory scale.
A low power 10‐bit 1 MS/s cyclic analog to digital converter for complementary metal oxide semiconductors image sensors with comparator‐based switched‐capacitor technique
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Nie Kaiming , Fang Dongxing , Xu Jiangtao
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a power‐optimized column‐parallel cyclic analog to digital converter (ADC) for complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) image sensor readout circuits. The design combines a 2.5‐bit/cycle architecture with a comparator shutdown technique based on the comparator‐based switched‐capacitor (CBSC) circuits, which results in a significant reduction in the operating time of the threshold detection comparator compared with conventional CBSC circuits. This reduction in operating time leads to power savings as the threshold detection comparator can be shut down quickly. The paper also presents a comprehensive analysis of the nonideal factors of CBSC circuits and the coarse and fine conversion allocation scheme. The 10‐bit two‐stage comparator‐based cyclic ADC is designed in a 110 nm 1P4 M CMOS technology. Simulation results show that the effective number of bit (ENOB) is 9.7 bits, with each column consuming 103
W of power. The proposed cyclic ADC has a figure of merit (FOM) of 123 fJ/conv‐step. Compared with conventional structures, the proposed design reduces the power consumption of the ADC by 34.3% while maintaining the same level of performance.