bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic characterization of navigation strategies in an automated variant of the Barnes maze
Authors: Lee Ju-Young , Jung Dahee , Royer Sebastien
Published: August 2023

Animals can use a repertoire of strategies to navigate in an environment, and it remains an intriguing question how these strategies are selected based on the nature and familiarity of environments. To investigate this question, we developed a fully automated variant of the Barnes maze, characterized by 24 vestibules distributed along the periphery of a circular arena, and monitored the trajectories of mice over 15 days as they learned to navigate towards a goal vestibule from a random start vestibule. We show that the patterns of vestibule visits can be reproduced by the combination of three stochastic processes reminiscent of random, serial, and spatial strategies. The processes randomly selected vestibules based on either uniform (random) or biased (serial and spatial) probability distributions. They closely matched experimental data across a range of statistical distributions characterizing the length, distribution, step size, direction, and stereotypy of vestibule sequences, revealing a shift from random to spatial and serial strategies over time, with a strategy switch occurring approximately every six vestibule visits. Our study provides a novel apparatus and analysis toolset for tracking the repertoire of navigation strategies and demonstrates that a set of stochastic processes can largely account for exploration patterns in the Barnes maze.
Stochastic characterization of navigation strategies in an automated variant of the Barnes maze
Authors: Lee Ju-Young , Jung Dahee , Royer Sébastien
Published: August 2023

Animals can use a repertoire of strategies to navigate in an environment, and it remains an intriguing question how these strategies are selected based on the nature and familiarity of environments. To investigate this question, we developed a fully automated variant of the Barnes maze, characterized by 24 vestibules distributed along the periphery of a circular arena, and monitored the trajectories of mice over 15 days as they learned to navigate from a random start vestibule to a goal vestibule. We show that the patterns of vestibule visits can be reproduced by the combination of three stochastic processes reminiscent of random, serial and spatial strategies. The processes randomly selected vestibules based on either uniform (random) or biased (serial and spatial) probability distributions; closely matched experimental data across a range of statistical distributions characterizing the length, distribution, step size, direction, and stereotypy of vestibule sequences; and revealed a shift from random to spatial and serial strategies over time, with a strategy switch occurring approximately every 6 vestibule visits. Our study provides a novel apparatus and analysis toolset for tracking the repertoire of navigation strategies and demonstrates that a set of stochastic processes can largely account for exploration patterns in the Barnes maze.
Persistence of intact HIV-1 proviruses in the brain during suppressive antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Rassadkina Yelizaveta , Gao Ce , Collens Sarah Isabel , Lian Xiaodong , Solomon Isaac H. , Mukerji Shibani , Yu Xu G. , Lichterfeld Mathias
Published: August 2023

HIV-1 reservoir cells that circulate in peripheral blood during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been well characterized, but little is known about the dissemination of HIV-1-infected cells across multiple anatomical tissues, especially the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we performed single-genome, near full-length HIV-1 next-generation sequencing to evaluate the proviral landscape in distinct anatomical compartments, including multiple CNS tissues, from 3 ART-treated participants at autopsy. While lymph nodes and, to a lesser extent, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tissues represented tissue hotspots for the persistence of intact proviruses, we also observed intact proviruses in CNS tissue sections, particularly in the basal ganglia. Multi-compartment dissemination of clonal intact and defective proviral sequences occurred across multiple anatomical tissues, including the CNS, and evidence for the clonal proliferation of HIV-1-infected cells was found in the basal ganglia, in the frontal lobe, in the thalamus and in periventricular white matter. Deep analysis of HIV-1 reservoirs in distinct tissues will be informative for advancing HIV-1 cure strategies.
The novel role of LDHA/LDHB in the prognostic value and tumor-immune infiltration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jie , Wu Fei , Cao Yehua , Xing Yuanxin , Liu Qingyong , Zhao Zuohui
Published: August 2023

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a crucial glycolytic enzyme which mediates the metabolic plasticity of cancer cells, however its clinical significance in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is poorly understood. Herein, we examined the prognostic significance of the two primary components of LDH, i.e., LDHA and LDHB, in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients and further explored their association with immune infiltration in ccRCC. In this study, the expression levels of LDHA and LDHB were examined in ccRCC and adjacent normal tissues by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), UALCAN, and western blotting (WB) analyses, and their prognostic values were estimated in 150 ccRCC and 30 adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. The relationship to immune infiltration of LDHA and LDHB genes was further investigated using tumor immune estimation resource 2 (TIMER2) and Tumor-Immune System Interactions and DrugBank (TISIDB) databases, respectively. Public databases and WB analyses demonstrated higher LDHA and lower LDHB in ccRCC than in non-tumor tissues. IHC analysis revealed that LDHA and LDHB expression profiles were significantly associated with tumor grade, stage, size, and overall survival (OS). Univariate survival analysis displayed that high grade, advanced stage, large tumor, metastasis, high LDHA, and low LDHB expression were significantly associated with a poorer OS, and multivariate analysis revealed tumor stage and LDHB were identified as independent predictors for OS in patients with ccRCC. Further TIMER2 and TISIDB analyses demonstrated that LDHA and LDHB expression was significantly related to multiple immune cells and immune inhibitors in over 500 ccRCC patients. These findings revealed that LDHB was an independent favorable predictor, and LDHA and LDHB correlated with tumor immune infiltrates in ccRCC patients, which indicated LDHA/LDHB could be implicated in the tumorigenesis of ccRCC and might be potential therapeutic targets for patients with ccRCC.
Protist taxonomic and functional diversity in aquatic ecosystems of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Carvalho da Silva Vanessa , Fernandes Noemi
Published: August 2023

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest and its associated ecosystems are highly biodiverse but still understudied, especially with respect to eukaryotic microbes. Protists represent the largest proportion of eukaryotic diversity and play important roles in nutrient cycling and maintenance of the ecosystems in which they occur. However, much of protist diversity remains unknown, particularly in the Neotropics. Understanding the taxonomic and functional diversity of these organisms is urgently needed, not only to fill this gap in our knowledge, but also to enable the development of public policies for biological conservation. This is the first study to investigate the taxonomic and trophic diversity of the major protist groups in freshwater systems and brackish coastal lagoons located in fragments of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest by DNA metabarcoding, using high-throughput sequencing of the gene coding for the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene. We compared α and β diversity for all protist communities and assessed the relative abundance of phototrophic, consumer, and parasitic taxa. We found that the protist communities of coastal lagoons are as diverse as the freshwater systems studied in terms of α diversity, although differed significantly in terms of taxonomic composition. Our results still showed a notable functional homogeneity between the trophic groups in freshwater environments. Beta diversity was higher among freshwater samples, suggesting a greater level of heterogeneity within this group of samples concerning the composition and abundance of OTUs.Ciliophora was the most represented group in freshwater, while Diatomea dominated diversity in coastal lagoons.
Long-term survival, growth, and reproduction of Acropora palmata sexual recruits outplanted onto Mexican Caribbean reefs
Authors: Mendoza Quiroz Sandra , Beltrán-Torres Aurora Urania , Grosso-Becerra Maria Victoria , Muñoz Villareal Daniela , Tecalco Rentería Raúl , Banaszak Anastazia T.
Published: August 2023

Acropora palmata is a foundational yet endangered Caribbean reef-building coral species. The lack of recovery after a disease outbreak and low recruitment has led to widespread use of fragmentation to restore populations. Another option is the production of sexual recruits (settlers) via assisted reproduction to improve the genetic diversity of depleted populations; however, the viability of this approach has not been tested over the long term. In 2011 and 2012, A. palmata larvae were cultured, settled, and the sexual recruits raised in an ex-situ nursery. Survival and growth were monitored over time. In 2014, these two F1 cohorts were moved to an in-situ nursery and after one year, a subset (29 colonies) was outplanted onto Cuevones Reef in the Mexican Caribbean. Growth and survival of these colonies were monitored periodically and compared to colonies that remained in the in-situ nursery. In 2019, samples were collected and analyzed for fertility and fecundity. 53% of the colonies were gravid and fecundity was 5.61 ± 1.91 oocytes and 3.04 ± 0.26 spermaries per polyp. A further 14 colonies from these two cohorts were outplanted in 2020 onto Picudas Reef and monitored during the subsequent spawning seasons. Two years after outplanting onto Picudas Reef, all colonies were alive and spawning of three of these colonies was recorded in 2022 in synchrony with the wild population. Gametes were collected from two colonies and crossed, with 15% fertilization success. Spermatozoa from wild colonies were then added and fertilization success increased to 95%. The resultant larvae followed normal development and symbiont uptake was visible within two weeks. The F2 generation was settled, maintained in an ex-situ nursery, and monitored for survival and growth. Both F1 and F2 generations followed a Type III survival curve with high initial mortality while in the ex-situ nursery and low later-stage mortality. The growth rates of these colonies increased three-fold after outplanting when compared to their growth rates in the ex-situ and in-situ nurseries. All colonies survived while in the in-situ nursery and for an additional nine years after outplanting onto Cuevones Reef. Overall, our results show that colonies produced by assisted breeding, once outplanted, may contribute to the genetic diversity and establishment of self-sustaining sexually-reproducing populations, which is an overarching goal of coral restoration programs.
Physical Growth of Low Birth Weight Infants in First Six Months of Life: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Radhakrishnan Sharuka , Srinivasan Sridevi , Naaraayan Sridevi A , Devimeenakshi Krishnaswamy
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is a commonly encountered problem in developing countries. Growth is the single most important predictor of morbidity and mortality in a LBW infant. LBW babies show a pattern of growth, different from normal weighing babies. Aim: To assess the growth pattern of LBW infants in first six months of life. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was done in Department of Paediatrics, of Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Southern India, from September 2019 to August 2020. Total 310 LBW infants, of which 200 were term and rest preterm were included and followed-up at the ages of three and six months. Clinical details including gender, gestational age, order of birth, length of stay in nursery, maternal and neonatal morbidities, type of feeding and intercurrent illness were noted. The weight, length and head circumference of the infants were measured by standard methods and interpreted using appropriate charts. The anthropometric measures were converted into z-score and compared. The outcome variables were statistically analysed using Chi-square test. Results: Out of 310 babies, 172 (55.5%) were girls and 200 (64.5%) were term babies. Six month follow-up rate was 92%. A total of 228 (79%) infants were on exclusive breastfeeding while the remaining 21% were partially breastfed. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of undernutrition, short stature and microcephaly at six months were 54.9% (48.93-60.76), 62.2% (56.34-67.88) and 30.7% (25.47-36.47), respectively. Fall in standard deviation score of length, weight and head circumference was observed which was more pronounced in preterm than in term infants (p<0.05). Conclusion: Growth faltering is commonly encountered in more than half of LBW infants on six months follow-up, with the effect being more pronounced in preterm more than term infants.
A Structural Relationship Model in the 21st Century Teaching and Learning of Filipino Teachers
Authors: Porio Ramilito A. , Limpot Marilou Y.
Published: August 2023

Aims: To determine the best fit model of 21st century teaching and learning of Filipino teachers.

Study Design: Quantitative non-experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among teachers teaching Filipino subject in all public schools in Region 11.

Methodology: The respondents were 400 Filipino teachers from public schools in Region 11, Southern Mindanao, Philippines. The respondents were chosen using stratified random sampling. The data were collected using google forms.

Results: The overall results showed that the information and communication technology (ICT) integration in teachers' teaching, teachers' classroom management strategies, and teachers' professional identity as Filipino teachers have a significant influence on the teaching and learning of 21st century teachers. Among the five models, model 5 best fits the study.

Conclusion: The use of the structural model strengthened this study because the analysis conformed to the sequential process of the specific model. The result showed that the level of integration of ICT in teaching, classroom management strategies, professional identity, and teaching and learning in the 21st century is high, and there is an indication that these variables are agreed upon in all opportunities for Filipino teachers in public secondary schools in Region XI. This is supported by Holistic Theory of Language Teaching of Richards at Rogers. Based on the results of the study, the researcher proposed the recommendation to continue and maintain the appreciation of the four variables of ICT integration in teaching, classroom management strategies, professional identity, and teaching and learning because they both gained the highest descriptive level.
Microbiological Status, Physico-chemistry and Plant Performance in Spent Lubricating Oil (SLO) Polluted Soils Amended with Spiked Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Ntekpe M. E. , Ekpo M. A. , Ndubuisi-Nnaji U. U. , Mbong E. O. , Udoidiong D. C.
Published: August 2023

Soil contaminations by spent lubricating oil (SLO) have been reported to be threatening as it can negatively impact soil macro/micro-flora, destroy the food chains, disrupt biogeochemical cycling of elements, thus reducing soil fertility/productivity, with attendant economic implications. This study evaluated the changes in microbial population and performance of plant in SLO polluted soils amended with different organic fertilizers. The fertilizers were produced from organic waste materials using aerobic composting technique; pollution was simulated in potted soils; soil toxicity were determined using Zea mays L. as test crop; microbial counts and physicochemical properties of the test soils were determined using standard microbiological and chemical protocols respectively. Apart from significant (P˂0.05) decrease in population of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and total fungal counts (TFC) (2.6×108 to 6.1×107 cfu/g and 2.3×105 to 1.7×105 cfu/g respectively), and increase in populations of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF) (7.3×103 to 4.6×104 cfu/g and 8.0×103 to 1.7×104 cfu/g respectively) following contamination of soil with SLO at pollution level., results also revealed increase (improvements) in counts of all microbial groups at the end of remediation treatments. Mean microbial count in soils amended with different levels of fertilizer treatments (5%, 10%, and 15%) reflected a dose-dependent increase as follows: Ft2 ˃ Ft0 ˃ Ft4 for the 5% (3.7×108 cfu/g), 10% (9.2×107 cfu/g) and 15% (6.9×107 cfu/g) respectively. At 5% application, post remediation pH increased following the order: Ft0 ˃ Ft2 ˃ Ft4 (6.00, 5.34, and 4.90 respectively). The test crop, Zea mays L. recorded 100% and 62.5% germination in amended and unamended soils respectively. Leave length and chlorophyll index of Z. mays L. grown on remediated soils ranged between 35.10±0.40 – 52.85±0.05 (at 5% treatments); 32.60±0.10 – 56.55±0.35 (at 10% treatments); and 35.35±0.15 – 42.45±0.25 (at 15% treatments), compared with 30.30±0.80 – 50.55±0.75 (for PS) and 18.05±0.85 – 25.50±0.70 (for unamended CS). All test crops yielded except those grown on unamended soils. Conclusively, application of organic fertilizers to SLO polluted soils increased population of different groups of soil microbes, leading to increased breakdown of the pollutant and reduced soil toxicity.
Development of a Problem-Based Learning Model Integrated with 21st Century Skills
Authors: Syamsinar  , Rahman Abdul , Dassa Awi
Published: August 2023

This research aims to develop the PBL-4C Learning Model to promote mathematical problem-solving skills among students and to create a valid, practical, and effective PBL-4C learning model. It falls under the category of research and development (R&D). The model development process follows the Plomp development model, which comprises four phases: (1) initial investigation phase, involving student needs analysis, task analysis, concept analysis, and learning objective formulation; (2) design phase, encompassing the design of the PBL-4C learning model, including model syntax, social principles, reaction principles, instructional impact, facilitation, and support system; (3) implementation phase, which involves the complete construction of the PBL-4C model based on the previous design phase; and (4) testing, evaluation, and revision phase, which includes validation and pilot testing. The validation results of various validity instruments include the average score of the PBL-4C learning model book (3.67), student’s book (3.98), student’s worksheets (4.35), lesson plans (4.48), learning outcome tests (3.71), students’ response questionnaires on the implementation of the PBL-4C learning model (4.12), students’ response questionnaires on the student’s worksheets (3.73), students’ response questionnaires on the student’s book (3.75), teacher’s response questionnaires (3.65), students’ activity observation sheets (3.75), and learning implementation observation sheets (3.40). Each of these validity instruments falls under the highly valid category, indicating that the PBL-4C learning model book and its supporting instruments meet the validity criteria. The PBL-4C model product is effectively implemented in teaching mathematics, specifically the topic of systems of linear equations with two variables. The effectiveness of the PBL-4C learning model is evaluated based on data analysis of its effectiveness components: (a) the average percentage of student activities during the implementation of the PBL-4C model in pilot test I is 63.25%, which falls under the "good" category, and the average percentage of student activities in pilot test II is 79%, falling under the "good" category; (b) the average percentage of student responses in pilot test I is 76% with positive responses, and in pilot test II, it is 82% with positive responses; (c) the learning outcome test results indicate that in pilot test I, 80% of students achieved mastery, while in pilot test II, 92% of students achieved mastery, thus meeting the criteria for classical mastery.
Synthesis of Cu2-x Ni0.05 S (x=0.05,0.25,0.30) Compounds and Study of Single Crystals
Authors: Hashimov Kh. Kh.
Published: August 2023

In the article, considering the research studies of many scientists and also on the basis of practical applications, the distribution diagram of copper and sulfur atoms in the phase lattice of the  crystal, the structure transformation diagram, the elemental lattice hexagonal  and  crystallographic data were examined and important results were obtained. Analysis of the studies performed shows that some conflicting results in roentgenographic studies on these compounds are related to obtaining these samples by different methods.

Our goal is to obtain single crystals of the compounds Cu2-xNi0.05S (x=0.05,0.25,0.30) and draw the lauegrams and debayograms of those crystals. Then the results were analyzed.

During the research, it was found that it is possible to buy single crystals of  compounds based on the analysis of existing methods and selection of the optimal method. As a result of the research, the suitable lauegrams of the single crystals obtained by the Bridgman method and the microstructures of the samples were determined and the possibilities of application were determined.
Standardization of Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima) Pickle
Authors: Verma Akhil , Singh Devi , Bala K. Lakshmi
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was carried out with title “Standardization of wood apple (Limonia acidissima) Pickle” at Post Harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the year 2022. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Under this experiment, overall 8 treatment was taken T0 (Wood apple (control), T1 (Wood apple + Ginger + Jaggery), T2 (Wood apple + Ginger + White Vinegar), T3 (Wood apple + Ginger + Jamun vinegar), T4 (Wood apple + Ginger + Sugar cane vinegar), T5 (Wood apple + Ginger + green chilly), T6 (Wood apple + Ginger + Honey), T7 (Wood apple + Ginger + Lemon) and 3 replications in physio-chemical analysis & organoleptic properties test and cost of formulation of wood apple pickle. The pickle samples were stored at ambient temperature (28 ± 5 °C) for 60 days. On the basis of results obtained during the present investigation T5 (Wood apple + Ginger + green chilly) was found superior in terms of wood apple pickle on physio-chemical properties and quality for pH and organoleptic test viz. Color and Appearance, texture, taste followed by T2 (Wood apple + Ginger + White Vinegar) that was found to be superior in terms of wood apple picke on physio-chemical properties and quality for T.S.S. and organoleptic test viz. overall acceptability. Score of Colour and Appearance, Aroma, Taste, Texture, Overall acceptability of wood apple picke was found to be better at cold temperature than at room temperature. The maximum Benefit cost ratio (1.36) was found for T5 (Wood apple + Ginger + green chilly).
Using Green Target Costing and Reverse Engineering Techniques to Reduce Costs
Authors: Al chlaihawi Dr. Mohammed Oleiwi
Published: August 2023

The research aims to clarify the knowledge foundations of the green target cost technologies and reverse engineering and to clarify their role in reducing costs. It also aims to use the two technologies in the research sample company and to indicate their role in reducing costs. The deductive approach was used in the theoretical side of the research and the inductive approach in the practical side, and the researcher reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which are: The green target costing technique is a useful tool to help determine the allowable cost of the product because customers are often unwilling to bear additional purchase costs for products and in light of The conclusions that have been reached, the researcher presented a set of recommendations, the most important of which are: The economic unit, the research sample, must seek to know the details and components of competing products in order to be able to develop its products in line with the capabilities of the competing product.
Trends in Vascular Access Among Patients Initiating Hemodialysis in the US
Authors: Allon Michael , Zhang Yi , Thamer Mae , Crews Deidra C. , Lee Timmy
Published: August 2023

This cohort study uses the US Renal Data System database to analyze trends in vascular access among more than 600 000 patients who initiated hemodialysis from 2015 to 2020.
Receiver operating characteristic curves in the crime linkage context: Benefits, limitations, and recommendations
Authors: Ewanation Logan , Bennell Craig , Tonkin Matthew , Santtila Pekka
Published: August 2023

Deciding whether two crimes have been committed by the same offender or different offenders is an important investigative task. Crime linkage researchers commonly use receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to assess the accuracy of linkage decisions. Accuracy metrics derived from ROC analysis—such as the area under the curve (AUC)—offer certain advantages, but also have limitations. This paper describes the benefits that crime linkage researchers attribute to the AUC. We also discuss several limitations in crime linkage papers that rely on the AUC. We end by presenting suggestions for researchers who use ROC analysis to report on crime linkage. These suggestions aim to enhance the information presented to readers, derive more meaningful conclusions from analyses, and propose more informed recommendations for practitioners involved in crime linkage tasks. Our reflections may also benefit researchers from other areas of psychology who use ROC analysis in a wide range of prediction tasks.
Aqueous Calcium Phosphate Cement Inks for 3D Printing
Authors: Weichhold Jan , Pfeiffle Maximilian , Kade Juliane C. , Hurle Katrin , Gbureck Uwe
Published: August 2023

Mimicking the native properties and architecture of natural bone is a remaining challenge within the field of regenerative medicine. Due to the chemical similarity of calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) to bone mineral, these cements are well studied as potential bone replacement material. Nevertheless, the processing and handling of CPCs into prefabricated pastes with adequate properties for 3D printing has drawbacks due to slow reaction times, limited design freedom, as well as fabrication issues such as filter pressing during ejection through thin nozzles. Herein, an aqueous cement paste containing α‐tricalcium phosphate powder is proposed, which is stabilized by sodium pyrophosphate (Na4P2O7·10H2O) as additive. Since high powder loadings within pastes can result in filter pressing during extrusion, various concentrations and molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (HyAc) are added to the cement paste, resulting in reduced filter pressing during 3D extrusion‐based printing. These cement pastes are investigated regarding their setting reaction after activation with orthophosphate solution by isothermal calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction, as well as their hardening performance using Imeter measurements, while the processability is assessed by extrusion through 1.2 and 0.8 mm cannulas. The 3D‐printed structures with appropriate HyAc molecular weight and concentration demonstrate suitable mechanical properties and resolution for clinical application.
Double‐Tuned RuCo Dual Metal Single Atoms and Nanoalloy with Synchronously Expedited Volmer/Tafel Kinetics for Effective and Ultrastable Ampere‐Level Current Density Hydrogen Production
Authors: Wang Xingkun , Yao Hanxu , Zhang Canhui , Li Cheng , Tong Kecheng , Gu Meng , Cao Zhengwen , Huang Minghua , Jiang Heqing
Published: August 2023

Alkaline water electrolysis system is of general interest but is impeded by the unsatisfactory hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance under ampere‐level current density. Herein, the synchronous modification of complicated Volmer/Tafel kinetics is effectuated for attaining ampere‐level current density hydrogen production via engineering double‐tuned RuCo nanoalloy and dual metal single atoms on hierarchical N‐doped mesoporous carbon (RuCo@RuSACoSA‐NMC). The electronic structure of Ru sites in dual metal single atoms can be synergistically tailored by adjacent Co atomic sites and nanoalloy, which makes it achieve faster Volmer kinetics with rapid water adsorption/dissociation and transfer rates toward adsorbed hydroxyl. While double‐tuned Ru sites in nanoalloy by adjacent alloyed Co sites and dual metal single atoms undertake optimized Tafel kinetics with boosted transfer rates toward adsorbed hydrogen. Accordingly, RuCo@RuSACoSA‐NMC exhibits ultralow HER overpotential of 255 mV at 1 A cm−2 with robust stability over 24 days, ultrahigh mass activity of 37.2 A mgRu−1, and turnover frequency of 19.5 s−1. More importantly, RuCo@RuSACoSA‐NMC can make water electrolysis system possess low power consumption of 5.34 kWh per Nm3H2 and estimated costs of 1.197 $ per kgH2. The concept emphasized in this study provides guidance for rational design of cost‐effective catalysts with ampere‐level current density hydrogen production.
Growth Factor Immobilization to Synthetic Hydrogels: Bioactive bFGF‐Functionalized Polyisocyanide Hydrogels
Authors: van Velthoven Melissa J. J. , Gudde Aksel N. , Arendsen Evert , Roovers Jan‐Paul , Guler Zeliha , Oosterwijk Egbert , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: August 2023

With its involvement in cell proliferation, migration and differentiation basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has great potential for tissue engineering purposes. So far, however, clinical translation of soluble bFGF‐based therapies is unsuccessful, because the required effective doses are often supraphysiological, which may cause adverse effects. An effective solution is growth factor immobilization, whereby bFGF retains its bioactivity at increased efficacy. Studied carriers include films, solid scaffolds, and particles, as well as natural and synthetic hydrogels. However, these synthetic hydrogels poorly resemble the characteristics of the native extracellular matrix (ECM). In this work, bFGF is covalently conjugated to the synthetic, but highly biocompatible, polyisocyanide‐based hydrogel (PIC‐bFGF), which closely mimics the architecture and mechanical properties of the ECM. The growth factor conjugation protocol is straightforward and readily extrapolated to other growth factors or proteins. The PIC‐bFGF hydrogel shows a prolonged bioactivity up to 4 weeks although no clear effects on the ECM metabolism are observed. Beyond the future potential of the PIC‐bFGF hydrogel toward various tissue engineering applications, this work underlines that simple biological conjugation procedures are a powerful strategy to induce additional bioactivity in 3D synthetic cell culture matrices.
Threshold Modulative Artificial GABAergic Nociceptor
Authors: Kim Geunyoung , Lee Younghyun , Jeon Jae Bum , Cheong Woon Hyung , Park Woojoon , Song Hanchan , Kim Kyung Min
Published: August 2023

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a crucial inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. It modifies the signal threshold of the nociceptor, allowing it to react to external stimuli in various circumstances. Thus, GABAergic behaviors are critical characteristics of adaptive behavior in life. Here, a threshold‐modulative artificial GABAergic nociceptor is reported for the first time at a Pt/Ti/Nb2O5−x/Al2O3−y/Pt/Ti (top to bottom) of the double charge trapping structure. The Al2O3−y layer contains deep defect states that function similarly to the GABA neurotransmitter in modulating the signal threshold. Meanwhile, the Nb2O5−x layer traps volatile charges and produces nociceptive behaviors. The combined dynamics of the two layers readily offer threshold‐modulative GABAergic nociceptive behaviors. Based on these GABAergic behaviors, a method of implementing hot‐ and cold‐sensitive thermoreceptors is demonstrated and shows its potential applications in advanced sensory devices.
Engineered Bio‐Heterojunction Confers Extra‐ and Intracellular Bacterial Ferroptosis and Hunger‐Triggered Cell Protection for Diabetic Wound Repair
Authors: Dai Wenyu , Shu Rui , Yang Fan , Li Bin , Johnson Hannah M. , Yu Sheng , Yang Hang , Chan Yau Kei , Yang Weizhong , Bai Ding , Deng Yi
Published: August 2023

Nanomaterial‐mediated ferroptosis has garnered considerable interest in the antibacterial field, as it invokes the disequilibrium of ion homeostasis and boosts lipid peroxidation in extra‐ and intracellular bacteria. However, current ferroptosis‐associated antibacterial strategies indiscriminately pose damage to healthy cells, ultimately compromising their biocompatibility. To address this daunting issue, this work has designed a precise ferroptosis bio‐heterojunction (F‐bio‐HJ) consisting of Fe2O3, Ti3C2‐MXene, and glucose oxidase (GOx) to induce extra‐intracellular bacteria‐targeted ferroptosis for infected diabetic cutaneous regeneration. Fe2O3/Ti3C2‐MXene@GOx (FMG) catalytically generates a considerable amount of ROS which assaults the membrane of extracellular bacteria, facilitating the permeation of synchronously generated Fe2+/Fe3+ into bacteria under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, causing planktonic bacterial death via ferroptosis, Fe2+ overload, and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, FMG facilitates intracellular bacterial ferroptosis by transporting Fe2+ into intracellular bacteria via inward ferroportin (FPN). With GOx consuming glucose, FMG creates hunger protection which helps macrophages escape cell ferroptosis by activating the adenosine 5’‐monophosphate (AMP) activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. In vivo results authenticate that FMG boosts diabetic infectious cutaneous regeneration without triggering ferroptosis in normal cells. As envisaged, the proposed tactic provides a promising approach to combat intractable infections by precisely terminating extra‐intracellular infection via steerable ferroptosis, thereby markedly elevating the biocompatibility of therapeutic ferroptosis‐mediated strategies.
Multivariate assessments of activity‐related skeletal changes: Interpreting Bell Beaker specialized male archery and social organization in Central Europe
Authors: Ryan‐Despraz J. , Villotte S. , Desideri J. , Besse M.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The Bell Beaker period witnessed the rise of individual inhumations with “wealthy” burial contexts containing archery‐related grave goods, leading archaeologists to label the individuals in these tombs as “archers.” This study looks to (1) compare the skeletons from male “archer” burials with those from male “non‐archer” burials—those not having archery‐related grave goods—in order to assess a possible link between burial context and physical activity, and (2) apply a biomechanics profile to evaluate whether the individuals associated with these “archer” burials practiced specialized archer activity.

Materials and Methods

The corpus (males only) included 46 “archers” and 40 “non‐archers” from Bell Beaker individual inhumations. Osteological data included measurements, scores of entheseal changes, and a diagnosis of certain pathologies. Data analyses involved visual observations, hypothesis tests, dimension reduction, and MANOVA, with approaches aimed at exploring the treatment of data missingness.

Results

Measurement data revealed no differences between the two groups. Evaluations of entheseal changes found that “non‐archers” had consistently more instances of bone surface modifications than “archers.” Individual assessments of specialized archer occupation identified 11 possible specialized archers.

Discussion

These findings indicate a possible labor differentiation represented through the presence of a probably prestigious “archer” burial context. This suggests a link between grave good presence and labor, but not between a Bell Beaker archery occupation and an “archer” burial context. Data analyses support the application of biomechanics to osteological analyses in order to assess specialized activity on the skeleton.
Semiconducting Polymers Based on Simple Electron‐Deficient Cyanated trans‐1,3‐Butadienes for Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Chen Zhicai , Wang Junwei , Young Jeong Sang , Yang Kun , Feng Kui , Yang Jie , Liu Bin , Woo Han Young , Guo Xugang
Published: August 2023

Developing high‐performance but low‐cost n‐type polymers remains a significant challenge in the commercialization of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). To achieve this objective, it is essential to design the key electron‐deficient units with simple structures and facile preparation processes, which can facilitate the production of low‐cost n‐type polymers. Herein, by sequentially introducing fluorine and cyano functionalities onto trans‐1,3‐butadiene, we developed a series of structurally simple but highly electron‐deficient building blocks, namely 1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNDE), 3‐fluoro‐1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNFDE), and 2,3‐difluoro‐1,4‐dicyano‐butadiene (CNDFDE), featuring a highly coplanar backbone and deep‐positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels (−3.03–4.33 eV), which render them highly attractive for developing n‐type semiconducting polymers. Notably, all these electron‐deficient units can be easily accessed by a two‐step high‐yield synthetic procedure from low‐cost raw materials, thus rendering them highly promising candidates for commercial applications. Upon polymerization with diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), three copolymers were developed that demonstrated unipolar n‐type transport characteristics in OFETs with the highest electron mobility of >1 cm2 V−1 s−1. Hence, CNDE, CNFDE, and CNDFDE represent a class of novel, simple, and efficient electron‐deficient units for constructing low‐cost n‐type polymers, thereby providing valuable insight for OFET applications.
Input‐based event‐triggered control of a discrete‐time singularly perturbed system under a resource constrained environment
Authors: Sahu Poonam , Bhandari Manisha , Fulwani Deepak
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes an input‐based event‐triggered mechanism for a network‐controlled discrete‐time singularly perturbed system, where the latest measurements are transmitted when a predefined condition is satisfied on the input. The significant contribution of the proposed work is the separation of control updates for slow and fast dynamics such that the proposed event‐triggered mechanism updates and broadcasts the current measurements of slow and fast dynamics in their respective time scales and reduces the usage of network resources. Further, the proposed input‐based event‐triggered mechanism avoids redundant updates of the control input and reduces actuation and resource utilization in some instances. Furthermore, the ultimate boundedness of the system states is established. The simulation uses a quarter‐car suspension system to demonstrate the proposed theory.
Linkage of whole genome sequencing and administrative health data in autism: A proof of concept study
Authors: Baribeau Danielle A. , Arneja Jasleen , Wang Xuesong , Howe Jennifer , McLaughlin John R. , Tu Karen , Guan Jun , Iaboni Alana , Kelley Elizabeth , Ayub Muhammad , Nicolson Robert , Georgiades Stelios , Scherer Stephen W. , Bronskill Susan E. , Anagnostou Evdokia , Brooks Jennifer D.
Published: August 2023

Whether genetic testing in autism can help understand longitudinal health outcomes and health service needs is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether carrying an autism‐associated rare genetic variant is associated with differences in health system utilization by autistic children and youth. This retrospective cohort study examined 415 autistic children/youth who underwent genome sequencing and data collection through a translational neuroscience program (Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network). Participant data were linked to provincial health administrative databases to identify historical health service utilization, health care costs, and complex chronic medical conditions during a 3‐year period. Health administrative data were compared between participants with and without a rare genetic variant in at least 1 of 74 genes associated with autism. Participants with a rare variant impacting an autism‐associated gene (n = 83, 20%) were less likely to have received psychiatric care (at least one psychiatrist visit: 19.3% vs. 34.3%, p = 0.01; outpatient mental health visit: 66% vs. 77%, p = 0.04). Health care costs were similar between groups (median: $5589 vs. $4938, p = 0.4) and genetic status was not associated with odds of being a high‐cost participant (top 20%) in this cohort. There were no differences in the proportion with complex chronic medical conditions between those with and without an autism‐associated genetic variant. Our study highlights the feasibility and potential value of genomic and health system data linkage to understand health service needs, disparities, and health trajectories in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Self‐micellizing solid dispersion of tacrolimus: Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characterization
Authors: Makino Keisuke , Tsukada Ryota , Kambayashi Atsushi , Yamada Kohei , Sato Hideyuki , Onoue Satomi
Published: August 2023

The present study was undertaken to develop a self‐micellizing solid dispersion (SMSD) of tacrolimus (TAC) to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of TAC. An SMSD formulation of TAC (SMSD/TAC) and amorphous solid dispersion formulation of TAC (ASD/TAC) were prepared with Soluplus®, an amphiphilic copolymer, and hydroxypropyl cellulose, respectively. Physicochemical properties were characterized in terms of morphology, crystallinity, storage stability, interaction of TAC with Soluplus®, and micelle‐forming potency; pharmacokinetic behavior was also evaluated in rats. Tacrolimus in both formulations was in an amorphous state. After storage at 40°C/75% relativity humidity for 4 weeks, there were no significant changes in the crystallinity of TAC between nonaged and aged SMSD/TAC, whereas slight recrystallization was observed in aged ASD/TAC. The results of circular dichroism (CD) and infrared spectroscopic analyses were indicative of the potent drug–polymer interaction in SMSD/TAC, possibly leading to the prevention of recrystallization. Compared with other TAC samples, SMSD/TAC exhibited significant improvement in the dissolution behavior of TAC through the immediate formation of fine micelles. After the oral administration of TAC samples (10 mg TAC/kg) to rats, there was marked enhancement in systemic exposure to TAC with both formulations; in particular, SMSD/TAC achieved an increase in bioavailability ca. 20‐fold higher than crystalline TAC. The SMSD approach might provide an effective dosage form for TAC with enhanced physicochemical stability and oral absorption.
Intracellular accumulation of c‐di‐GMP and its regulation on self‐flocculation of the bacterial cells of Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: Li Kai , Xia Juan , Liu Chen‐Guang , Zhao Xin‐Qing , Bai Feng‐Wu
Published: August 2023

Zymomonas mobilis is an emerging chassis for being engineered to produce bulk products due to its unique glycolysis through the Entner–Doudoroff pathway with less ATP produced for lower biomass accumulation and higher product yield. When self‐flocculated, the bacterial cells are more productive, since they can self‐immobilize within bioreactors for high density, and are more tolerant to stresses for higher product titers, but this morphology needs to be controlled properly to avoid internal mass transfer limitation associated with their strong self‐flocculation. Herewith we explored the regulation of cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP) on self‐flocculation of the bacterial cells through activating cellulose biosynthesis. While ZMO1365 and ZMO0919 with GGDEF domains for diguanylate cyclase activity catalyze c‐di‐GMP biosynthesis, ZMO1487 with an EAL domain for phosphodiesterase activity catalyzes c‐di‐GMP degradation, but ZMO1055 and ZMO0401 contain the dual domains with phosphodiesterase activity predominated. Since c‐di‐GMP is synthesized from GTP, the intracellular accumulation of this signal molecule through deactivating phosphodiesterase activity is preferred for activating cellulose biosynthesis to flocculate the bacterial cells, because such a strategy exerts less perturbance on intracellular processes regulated by GTP. These discoveries are significant for not only engineering unicellular Z. mobilis strains with the self‐flocculating morphology to boost production but also understanding mechanism underlying c‐di‐GMP biosynthesis and degradation in the bacterium.
Synthesis and adsorption properties of H4Ti5O12@CNT ion sieves
Authors: Gao Yuyu , Chen Jin , Chu Suihong , Yang Bo , Zheng Lu , Liu Min
Published: August 2023

In this study, H4Ti5O12@CNT ion sieves with an encapsulated structure were fabricated by combining pretreated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a template and carbon source, C16H36O4Ti as a titanium source, and CH3COOLi as a lithium source. By characterizing and analyzing the pretreated and untreated CNTs, numerous COOH and OH functional groups were introduced into the pretreated CNTs, which improved their dispersion in aqueous solutions and ethanol and facilitated the adsorption of lithium ions. The ion sieves prepared with the precursor roasted at 700 °C showed the best adsorption performance. Moreover, the structural integrity of the ion sieves was not affected by acid washing. For the first adsorption cycle, the ion sieves had a lithium‐ion saturated adsorption capacity of 32.32 mg/g. After five adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity only decreased by 5.1% to 30.68 mg/g, which shows that they had good cycling stability.
Influence of financial resources on sustainability performance of SMEs in emerging economy: The role of managerial and firm level attributes
Authors: Khattak Muhammad Sualeh , Wu Qiang , Ahmad Maqsood
Published: August 2023

This research investigates whether managerial level attributes (age, education, and experience) and firm level attributes (size and age) influence the role of financial resources (FR) on sustainability performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. To test the model, the analyses were performed through SmartPLS based on 611 Pakistani SMEs. The results of the structural equation modeling indicate that the positive relationship between FR and sustainability performance is significantly strengthened by managerial attributes (manager experience and education) and firm level attributes (firm size). However, manager age and firm age do not moderate the nexus between FR and sustainability performance. This research recommends SMEs to focus on experienced and educated managers as compared to older ones to utilize their FR efficiently in sustainable activities. This research enriches the resource base view and upper echelon literature through empirical evidence. Further implications for policymakers and businesses are discussed.