bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Fungal Species and Aflatoxin Detection from Grinded Cereals Sold in Dutsin-Ma Metropolis
Authors: Saleh Khalifa Jamil , Samuel Z. Theophilus , Salim Ahmad Bello
Published: March 2023

Aflatoxins are the most common and potent mycotoxins produced mainly, by Aspergillus species, often found contaminating cereals. This study was aimed at isolating fungal species and detecting aflatoxins from grinded cereals sold in Dutsin-ma metropolis of Katsina State, Nigeria. Forty (40) cereal samples (Maize, Millet, Sorghum and Wheat), 10 of each were collected randomly from 3 different locations in Dutsin-ma metropolis. Standard microbiological procedures were used to isolate and identify fungal species on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and fungal ATLAS [1,2] respectively. The predominant fungi isolated were species of Aspergillus, Mucor and Fusarium. Aspergillus niger had the highest incidence of 32.1%, Aspergillus flavus had 20.2%, followed by Mucor spp. with 13.1%, Aspergillus fumigatus with 11.9%, Aspergillus parasiticus had 8.3%, then Aspergillus lentulus and Fusarium oxysporum had 7.14% each. Presence of Aflatoxins were tested (out of the four aflatoxin types) in the samples using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (H.P.L.C) (UV-VIS detector) by comparing the retention time of standards to the time on the peaks obtained from the samples during the HPLC analysis. Aflatoxins were detected in all three samples that were tested with the maize sample having the highest % height of B1 (48.10%), Millet had the highest % height of G1 (29.88%). G2 was not detected on the millet samples. All the other 2 samples had all three aflatoxins detected. Percentage height of aflatoxin peaks ranged from 16.60% – 48.10. This study revealed high contamination of grinded cereals by species of Aspergillus, Mucor and Fusarium. Aflatoxins B1, G1 and G2 were also detected, which makes their consumption a public health risk. Proper pre-harvest and post-harvest management of cereals coupled with proper cooking of cereal products before eating are recommended so as to reduce contamination and prevent possible intake of these toxins.
Evaluation of Plasmapheresis vs Immunoglobulin as First Treatment After Ineffective Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy for Patients With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Miyamoto Yuki , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Kumazawa Ryosuke , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo , Ohta Bon
Published: March 2023

Importance

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions, and patients with SJS/TEN frequently require intensive care. However, there is limited evidence on the clinical outcomes of immunomodulating therapy, including plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in patients with SJS/TEN.

Objective

To compare clinical outcomes of patients with SJS/TEN who were treated with plasmapheresis first vs IVIG first after ineffective systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from a national administrative claims database in Japan that included more than 1200 hospitals and was conducted from July 2010 to March 2019. Inpatients with SJS/TEN who received plasmapheresis and/or IVIG therapy after initiation of at least 1000 mg/d of methylprednisolone equivalent systemic corticosteroid therapy within 3 days of hospitalization were included. Data were analyzed from October 2020 to May 2021.

Exposures

Patients who received IVIG or plasmapheresis therapy within 5 days after initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy were included in the IVIG- and plasmapheresis-first groups, respectively.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and medical costs.

Results

Of 1215 patients with SJS/TEN who had received at least 1000 mg/d of methylprednisolone equivalent within 3 days of hospitalization, 53 and 213 patients (mean [SD] age, 56.7 [20.2] years; 152 [57.1%] women) were included in the plasmapheresis- and IVIG-first groups, respectively. Propensity-score overlap weighting showed no significant difference in inpatient mortality rates between the plasmapheresis- and IVIG-first groups (18.3% vs 19.5%; odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.38–2.23; P = .86). Compared with the IVIG-first group, the plasmapheresis-first group had a longer hospital stay (45.3 vs 32.8 days; difference, 12.5 days; 95% CI, 0.4–24.5 d; P = .04) and higher medical costs (US $34 262 vs $23 054; difference, US $11 207; 95% CI, $2789–$19 626; P = .009).

Conclusions and Relevance

This nationwide retrospective cohort study found no significant benefit to administering plasmapheresis therapy first instead of IVIG first after ineffective systemic corticosteroid treatment in patients with SJS/TEN. However, medical costs and length of hospital stay were greater for the plasmapheresis-first group.
Analyzing Child Firearm Assault Injuries by Race and Ethnicity During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 4 Major US Cities
Authors: Jay Jonathan , Martin Rachel , Patel Manish , Xie Kristal , Shareef Faizah , Simes Jessica T.
Published: March 2023

This cross-sectional study examines changes in rates and disparities of fatal and nonfatal firearm assaults among children in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timing of Antidepressant Discontinuation During Pregnancy and Postpartum Psychiatric Outcomes in Denmark and Norway
Authors: Trinh Nhung T. H. , Munk-Olsen Trine , Wray Naomi R. , Bergink Veerle , Nordeng Hedvig M. E. , Lupattelli Angela , Liu Xiaoqin
Published: March 2023

Importance

Approximately one-half of women treated for affective disorders discontinue antidepressant use during pregnancy, yet this discontinuation could lead to relapse post partum.

Objective

To investigate the associations between longitudinal antidepressant fill trajectories during pregnancy and postpartum psychiatric outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used nationwide registers in Denmark and Norway. The sample included 41 475 live-born singleton pregnancies in Denmark (1997-2016) and 16 459 in Norway (2009-2018) for women who filled at least 1 antidepressant prescription within 6 months before pregnancy.

Exposures

Antidepressant prescription fills were obtained from the prescription registers. Antidepressant treatment during pregnancy was modeled using the k-means longitudinal method.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Initiation of psycholeptics, psychiatric emergencies, or records of self-harm within 1 year post partum. Between April 1 and October 30, 2022, hazard ratios (HRs) for each psychiatric outcome were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to control for confounding. Country-specific HRs were pooled using random-effects meta-analytic models.

Results

Among 57 934 pregnancies (mean [SD] maternal age, 30.7 [5.3] years in Denmark and 29.9 [5.5] years in Norway), 4 antidepressant fill trajectories were identified: early discontinuers (31.3% and 30.4% of the included pregnancies in Denmark and Norway, respectively), late discontinuers (previously stable users) (21.5% and 27.8%), late discontinuers (short-term users) (15.9% and 18.4%), and continuers (31.3% and 23.4%). Early discontinuers and late discontinuers (short-term users) had a lower probability of initiating psycholeptics and having postpartum psychiatric emergencies vs continuers. A moderately increased probability of initiation of psycholeptics was found among late discontinuers (previously stable users) vs continuers (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24). This increase in late discontinuers (previously stable users) was more pronounced among women with previous affective disorders (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.12-1.46). No association between antidepressant fill trajectories and postpartum self-harm risk was found.

Conclusions and Relevance

Based on pooled data from Denmark and Norway, a moderately elevated probability of initiation of psycholeptics in late discontinuers (previously stable users) vs continuers was found. These findings suggest that women with severe mental illness who are currently on stable treatment may benefit from continuing antidepressant treatment and personalized treatment counseling during pregnancy.
Studying Healthy Psychosislike Experiences to Improve Illness Prediction
Authors: Corlett Philip R. , Bansal Sonia , Gold James M.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Distinguishing delusions and hallucinations from unusual beliefs and experiences has proven challenging.

Observations

The advent of neural network and generative modeling approaches to big data offers a challenge and an opportunity; healthy individuals with unusual beliefs and experiences who are not ill may raise false alarms and serve as adversarial examples to such networks.

Conclusions and Relevance

Explicitly training predictive models with adversarial examples should provide clearer focus on the features most relevant to casehood, which will empower clinical research and ultimately diagnosis and treatment.
Reinforcement learning control with function approximation via multivariate simplex splines
Authors: Feng Yiting , Zhou Ye , Ho Hann Woei , Mat Isa Nor Ashidi
Published: March 2023

In the field of optimal control for continuous nonlinear systems, function approximation methods are often employed to overcome the curse of dimensionality. Compared to other global function approximators like neural networks, multivariate splines can be easily evaluated and adapted on a local basis with linearity in the parameters. In this work, a multivariate spline based reinforcement learning (RL) strategy is proposed for solving the continuous‐time nonlinear control problem. Based on the classic value iteration method, multivariate splines are integrated into RL algorithms to approximate continuous value functions and policy functions from discrete action and value samples. Hence, the determined splines with updated coefficients can be utilized in continuous control of nonlinear systems. In the simulation experiment, the performance of the spline‐based RL control is evaluated in controlling an under‐actuated inverted pendulum. The proposed method is compared with the value iteration based discrete control strategy and the neural network based continuous control strategy. The simulation results indicate that the proposed method based on multivariate splines has better control performance with less state oscillations, energy consumption and convergence time in comparison with discrete value iteration and neural network based RL, and the adoption of simplex splines improves the function approximation efficiency with less computation time than neural network optimization.
Multicomponent Approaches Involving Carbon Disulfide
Authors: Morja Mayur I. , Viradiya Riddhi H. , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: March 2023

In present scenario, innovative carbon disulfide‐involving multicomponent protocols are extremely advantageous for practical and efficient construction of acyclic as well as heterocyclic building blocks. Carbon disulfide is well recognized synthetic component and has achieved the desirability of scientific community for the preparation of a variety of highly functionalized organic scaffolds. Carbon disulfide involving MCRs mostly advantage from other features such as bond‐forming efficiency, resource effectiveness, the use of easily obtainable starting compounds, and atom‐economy, which make these protocols useful environmentally benign alternatives, in care with the greener way in which organic chemistry is going on. In this review article, we have discussed the noteworthy topical advances in the promising region of carbon disulfide‐involving multicomponent reactions. It highlight the prospects and confronts, emphasizing the diverse approaches established previously.
Einzelkettennanopartikel mit Reaktivität im sichtbaren Lichtspektrum
Authors: Mundsinger Kai , Tuten Bryan T. , Wang Lily , Neubauer Kira , Kropf Christian , O'Mara Megan L. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: March 2023

Wir stellen ein Einzelkettennanopartikel (SCNP)‐System vor, welches bei identischer Konzentration die Photooxidation unpolarer Alkene bis zu dreimal effizienter katalysieren kann als ein äquivalenter niedermolekularer Photosensibilisator. Konkret haben wir SCNPs basierend auf Poly(ethylenglykol)methylethermethacrylat und Glycidylmethacrylat entwickelt, welches wir über multifunktionelle Thiol‐Epoxid‐Verknüpfungen in Kombination mit der Funktionalisierung mit Bengalrosa (RB) in einer Eintopfreaktion falten. Die SCNPs weisen sowohl eine hydrophile Hülle als auch hydrophobe photokatalytische Regionen auf. Die Photooxidation des innenliegenden Alkens der Ölsäure verläuft unter Einstrahlung von grünem Licht. Kovalent an die SCNPs gebundenes RB ist dreimal sensitiver gegenüber unpolaren Alkene als freies RB in Lösung. Dies ist unserer Hypothese nach auf die räumliche Nähe der photosensibilisierenden Gruppen zum Substrat in der hydrophoben Region zurückzuführen. Unser Ansatz zeigt, dass SCNP‐basierte Katalysatoren eine verbesserte Photokatalyse durch Einschränkungseffekte (confinement effects) in einer homogenen Reaktionsumgebung ermöglichen können.
Polarization‐Dependent Sum‐Frequency‐Generation Spectroscopy for In Situ Tracking of Nanoparticle Morphology
Authors: Pramhaas Verena , Unterhalt Holger , Freund Hans‐Joachim , Rupprechter Günther
Published: March 2023

The surface structure of oxide‐supported metal nanoparticles can be determined via characteristic vibrations of adsorbed probe molecules such as CO. Usually, spectroscopic studies focus on peak position and intensity, which are related to binding geometries and number of adsorption sites, respectively. Employing two differently prepared model catalysts, it is demonstrated that polarization‐dependent sum‐frequency‐generation (SFG) spectroscopy reveals the average surface structure and shape of the nanoparticles. SFG results for different particle sizes and morphologies are compared to direct real‐space structure analysis by TEM and STM. The described feature of SFG could be used to monitor particle restructuring in situ and may be a valuable tool for operando catalysis.
Molecular Engineering on Solvation Structure of Carbonate Electrolyte toward Durable Sodium Metal Battery at −40 °C
Authors: Zhong Shien , Yu Yongshi , Yang Yi , Yao Yu , Wang Lifeng , He Shengnan , Yang Yaxiong , Liu Lin , Sun Wenping , Feng Yuezhan , Pan Hongge , Rui Xianhong , Yu Yan
Published: March 2023

Carbonate electrolytes have excellent chemical stability and high salt solubility, which are ideally practical choice for achieving high‐energy‐density sodium (Na) metal battery at room temperature. However, their application at ultra‐low temperature (−40 °C) is adversely affected by the instability of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed by electrolyte decomposition and the difficulty of desolvation. Here, we designed a novel low‐temperature carbonate electrolyte by molecular engineering on solvation structure. The calculations and experimental results demonstrate that ethylene sulfate (ES) reduces the sodium ion desolvation energy and promotes the forming of more inorganic substances on the Na surface, which promote ion migration and inhibit dendrite growth. At −40 °C, the Na||Na symmetric battery exhibits a stable cycle of 1500 hours, and the Na||Na3V2(PO4)3(NVP) battery achieves 88.2 % capacity retention after 200 cycles.
Cooperative Proton and Li‐ion Conduction in a 2D‐Layered MOF via Mechanical Insertion of Lithium Halides
Authors: Sarango‐Ramírez Marvin K. , Donoshita Masaki , Yoshida Yukihiro , Lim Dae‐Woon , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Ionic conduction in highly designable and porous metal–organic frameworks has been explored through the introduction of various ionic species (H+, OH−, Li+, etc.) using post‐synthetic modification such as acid, salt, or ionic liquid incorporation. Here, we report on high ionic conductivity (σ>10−2 S cm−1) in a two‐dimensionally (2D)‐layered Ti‐dobdc (Ti2(Hdobdc)2(H2dobdc), H4dobdc: 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalic acid) via LiX (X=Cl, Br, I) intercalation using mechanical mixing. The anionic species in lithium halide strongly affect the ionic conductivity and durability of conductivity. Solid‐state pulsed‐field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG NMR ) verified the high mobility of H+ and Li+ ions in the temperature range of 300–400 K. In particular, the insertion of Li salts improved the H+ mobility above 373 K owing to strong binding with H2O. Furthermore, the continuous increase in Li+ mobility with temperature contributed to the retention of the overall high ionic conductivity at high temperatures.
Synthesis of polyfunctional amines as curing agents and its effect on mechanical property of epoxy polymers
Authors: Yu Seoyoon , Kim Hye Jin , Jeon Sugyeong , Lim Choong‐Sun , Seo Bongkuk
Published: March 2023

A curing agent is required to cure an epoxy resin, but a few curing agents also improve the mechanical properties of the resin. In addition, it is rare to find hardeners containing multiple amines, which can be used to form high crosslink densities. In this study, two different curing agents with six amine functional groups each were synthesized via a two‐step reaction. In the first step, isophorone diamine (IPDI) was reacted with two equivalents of pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA). The resulting IPDI‐PETA2 was reacted with ethylene diamine and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone to form two amine curers with six amines each—IPDI‐PETA2‐ED (ED) and IPDI‐PETA2‐DDS (DDS). Both amines were added in varying amounts to an epoxy composition consisting of dicyandiamide and 2‐methylimidazole to improve the mechanical properties compared with a reference epoxy composition. Mechanical studies showed that an epoxy composition containing 5% IPDI‐PETA2‐DDS improved the flexural strength by 34% and impact strength by 36.7%. Furthermore, adding 5% IPDI‐PETA2‐ED to the epoxy composition increased the flexural strength by 39.7%, to 197 MPa and the impact strength by 38.8% to 68 J/m. These results highlight the potential of curing agents containing multiple amines for improving the mechanical properties of epoxy resins.
Effects of graphene network formation and its correlation with microstructure and mechanical properties in dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM composites reinforced with few‐layer graphene
Authors: Haghnegahdar Masoud
Published: March 2023

In this study, the effects of graphene network formation on stress–strain behavior and different mechanical properties in PP/EPDM nanocomposites were investigated. TEM observation clarified that up to the optimum content of nanoparticles, the efficient networks of graphene formed which heightened the nanocomposites tolerance against different mechanical loads. The efficiency of graphene networks in arresting crack along with the mechanisms through which they dissipate energy were extensively examined. SEM observations from the fracture surface of impact test indicated that as a result of these networks, the cracks perpendicular to the load directions were formed which efficiently assisted the nanocomposite in dissipating energy and/or hindering further development of cracks and the premature failure in PP/EPDM samples. The stress–strain behavior of resultant nanocomposites was also studied by Arruda–Boyce hyperelastic model which can predict the behavior of nanocomposites with a high degree of accuracy that is rooted in the increased interaction between graphene and polymer matrix by graphene network formation. Exceeding the optimum content, the agglomerations form and results in deviation of experimental results with the model predictions. The findings of this model also substantiated the efficiency of graphene networks in developing a load‐resistant the microstructure of PP/EPDM nanocomposites.
How Triceratops got its face: An update on the functional evolution of the ceratopsian head
Authors: Nabavizadeh Ali
Published: March 2023

Ceratopsian dinosaurs arguably show some of the most extravagant external cranial morphology across all Dinosauria. For over a century, ceratopsian dinosaurs have inspired a multitude of cranial functional studies as more discoveries continued to depict a larger picture of the enormous diversity of these animals. The iconic horns and bony frills in many ceratopsians portray a plethora of shapes, sizes, and arrangements across taxa, and their overall feeding apparatus show the development of unique specializations previously unseen in large herbivores. Here, I give a brief updated review of the many functional studies investigating different aspects of the ceratopsian head. The functional role of the horns and bony frills is explored, with an overview of studies investigating their potential for weaponization or defense in either intraspecific or anti‐predatory combat, among other things. A review of studies pertaining to the ceratopsian feeding apparatus is also presented here, with analyses of studies exploring their beak and snout morphology, dentition and tooth wear, cranial musculature with associated skull anatomy, and feeding biomechanics.
Computational Strategies for Entropy Modeling in Chemical Processes
Authors: Shin Wook , Yang Zhongyue J.
Published: March 2023

Computational simulations of entropy are important in understanding the thermodynamic forces that drive chemical reactions on a molecular scale. In recent years, various algorithms have been developed and applied in conjunction with molecular modeling techniques to evaluate the change of entropy in solvation, hydrophobic interactions, and chemical reactions. The aim of this review is to highlight four specific computational entropy calculation methods: normal mode analysis, free volume theory, two‐phase thermodynamics, and configurational entropy modeling. The technical aspects, applications, and limitations of each method will be discussed in detail.
Selected ssDNA aptamers–graphene oxide‐based fluorescent biosensor to detect sulfameter in milk
Authors: He Yanping , Zhang Jingrui , Tian Ruifen , Lu Yuying , Pan Ling , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: March 2023

The abuse of sulfameter (SME) in animal husbandry can cause drug resistance and toxic or allergic reactions in humans. Therefore, it is very important to establish a simple, inexpensive, and efficient method for detecting SME in food. In this work, we propose a single fluorescent aptamer/graphene oxide (GO)‐based biosensor to detect SME residues in milk. Aptamers that specifically bind to SME were screened using capture‐SELEX and a ssDNA library immobilized on magnetic beads. The 68 active candidate aptamers were chemically synthesized for specificity and affinity characterization. Among the aptamers, the aptamer sulf‐1 revealed the highest affinity (Kd = 77 ± 15 nM) to SME and was selected to construct a GO‐based fluorescent biosensor for real milk sample detection. Under optimal conditions, the single fluorescent aptasensor had a wide linear range (R2 was 0.997) from 7 to 336 ng/ml and a low detection limit of 3.35 ng/ml that was calculated with a 3SD/slope. The single fluorescent method was also validated using SME‐fortified milk samples, showing average recoveries ranging from 99.01% to 104.60% with a relative standard deviation of less than 3.88%. These results demonstrate that this novel aptamer sensor provides an opportunity for sensitive, convenient, and accurate detection of SME residues in milk.
Correlation between ARID1B gene mutation (p.A460, p.V215G) and prognosis of high‐risk refractory neuroblastoma
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chen Moyi , Huang Dongsheng , Gu Huali , Yi You , Meng Xue
Published: March 2023

In a few reports, ARID1B/A mutation was found in neuroblastoma. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, clinical efficacy, and prognosis of three children with high‐risk refractory neuroblastoma (NB) with somatic ARID1B gene mutation. The whole exon sequencing results showed that there were involved in transcription, DNA synthesis, and repair of ARID1B gene mutations. All mutation sites were located in the promoter region of the exon: ARID1B (p.A460) mutation was found in cases 1 and 2, and ARID1B (p.V215G) mutation was found in cases 1 and 3. The nucleic acid site of ARID1B (p.A460) mutation was c.1379 (exon1) C > G, and the nucleic acid site of ARID1B (p.V215G) mutation was c.644 (exon1) T > G. The meningeal metastasis in case 1 turned negative after 4 cycles of intrathecal injection combined with chemotherapy. However, the child died of agranulocytosis combined with sepsis during the 5th cycle of chemotherapy. Case 2 achieved complete remission (CR). Case 3 achieved CR after chemotherapy, surgery, metaiodobenzylguanidine, and 3F‐8 (Naxitamab) immunotherapy after the initial diagnosis. The mediastinum and lymph node metastasis occurred during the 6‐month observation period after stopping treatment. He achieved very good partial remission after individualized chemotherapy and surgical treatment. ARID1B is a component protein of the SWI/SNF chromatin‐remodeling complex that participates in the occurrence of a variety of tumors by regulating DNA repair and synthesis. ARID1B nucleic acid mutation (p.A460, p.V215G) in the promoter region of three children may contribute to the poor prognosis of NB children.
Gender differences in percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusions from the ERCTO study
Authors: Avran Alexandre , Zuffi Andrea , Gobbi Cecilia , Gasperetti Alessio , Schiavone Marco , Werner Gerald S. , Kambis Mashayekhi , Boudou Nicolas , Galassi Alfredo R. , Sianos George , Idali Moussa , Garbo Roberto , Gagnor Andrea , Gasparini Gabriele , Bufe Alexander , Bryniarski Leszek , Kalnins Artis , Weilenmann Daniel , Wojcik Jaroslaw , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Bozinovic Nenad Z. , Carlino Mauro , Furkalo Sergey , Hildick‐Smith David , Drogoul Laurent , Lemoine Julien , Serra Antonio , Carugo Stefano , Ungi Imre , Dens Joseph , Reifart Nicolaus , Cosma Joseph , Mallia Vincenzo , Vadalà Giuseppe , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Di Mario Carlo
Published: March 2023

Background

Gender‐specific data addressing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) in female patients are scarce and based on small sample size studies.

Aims

We aimed to analyze gender‐differences regarding in‐hospital clinical outcomes after CTO‐PCI.

Methods

Data from 35,449 patients enrolled in the prospective European Registry of CTOs were analyzed. The primary outcome was the comparison of procedural success rate in the two cohorts (women vs. men), defined as a final residual stenosis less than 20%, with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade flow = 3. In‐hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and procedural complications were deemed secondary outcomes.

Results

Women represented 15.2% of the entire study population. They were older and more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and renal failure, with an overall lower J‐CTO score. Women showed a higher procedural success rate (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.115, confidence interval [CI]: 1.011–1.230, p = 0.030). Apart from previous myocardial infarction and surgical revascularization, no other significant gender differences were found among predictors of procedural success. Antegrade approach with true‐to‐true lumen techniques was more commonly used than retrograde approach in females. No gender differences were found regarding in‐hospital MACCEs (0.9% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.766), although a higher rate of procedural complications was observed in women, such as coronary perforation (3.7% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001) and vascular complications (1.0% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Women are understudied in contemporary CTO‐PCI practice. Female sex is associated with higher procedural success after CTO‐PCI, yet no sex differences were found in terms of in‐hospital MACCEs. Female sex was associated with a higher rate of procedural complications.
Ventricular septal rupture after acute myocardial infarction in a patient with venous thromboembolism complicated by thrombocytopenia: A case report
Authors: Zhu Yuansong , Luo Suxin , Zeng Chun , Huang Bi
Published: March 2023

A woman that suffered burns previously presented with leg swelling and was diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. Heparin was given until she suddenly developed myocardial infarction. Ventricular septal rupture was detected and managed by transcatheter closure. She developed massive bleeding and extensive thrombosis that made treatment paradoxical and eventually died.
Development of a soil moisture sensor‐based irrigation scheduling program for the midsouthern United States
Authors: Bryant Corey J. , Spencer G. Dave , Gholson Drew M. , Plumblee Michael T. , Dodds Darrin M. , Oakley Graham R. , Reynolds D. Zach , Krutz L. Jason
Published: March 2023

There is limited adoption of irrigation scheduling tools that could improve application timing and water use efficiency in row‐crop production systems common to the mid‐southern United States. The objectives of this manuscript are to describe a sensor‐based irrigation scheduling method and review its effects on water applied and crop productivity. The effects of scheduling irrigation based on the recommended construction, deployment, and utilization of the WATERMARK 200SS granular matrix (WATERMARK) sensor on water applied, crop productivity, and crop water use efficiency were reviewed for corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)], peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) produced in the Prairie region of Arkansas and the Delta regions of Arkansas and Mississippi. For corn and soybean, on‐farm research indicates the recommended irrigation threshold of −85 to −100 cbar reduces total water applied up to 40% while maintaining or improving yield up to 3%, net returns up to $39 acre−1, and irrigation water use efficiency up to 51% for soil textures ranging from very fine sandy loam to clay. Similarly, for peanut and cotton, results indicate the irrigation threshold that minimizes water use while maximizing yield and net returns is −50 cbar and −100 cbar, respectively. The recommended method for scheduling irrigations with a WATERMARK 200SS soil moisture sensor promotes the efficient use of water in row‐crop production systems common to the mid‐southern USA.
Quest of Quadruple Bonding Between Two Main‐Group Atoms in AeB− and AeC (Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba) and the Role of d Orbitals of Heavier Alkaline‐Earth Atoms in Covalent Interactions
Authors: Liu Yu‐qian , Wang Meng‐hui , Yan Bing , Li Lu , Pan Sudip , Cui Zhong‐hua , Frenking Gernot
Published: March 2023

Quantum chemical calculations using ab initio methods at the MRCI+Q(6,8)/def2‐QZVPP and CCSD(T)/def2‐QZVPP levels as well as density functional theory are reported for the diatomic molecules AeB− and isoelectronic AeC (Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba). The boride anions AeB− have an electronic triplet (3Σ−) ground state. The quintet (5Σ−) state is 5.8–12.3 kcal/mol higher in energy and the singlet (1Δ) state is 13.1–15.3 kcal/mol above the triplet. The isoelectronic AeC molecules are also predicted to have a low‐lying triplet (3Σ−) state but the quintet (5Σ−) state is only 2.2 kcal/mol (SrC) and 2.9 kcal/mol (CaC) above the triplet state. The triplet (3Σ−) and quintet (5Σ−) states of BaC are nearly isoenergetic. All systems have rather strong bonds. The calculated bond dissociation energies of the triplet (3Σ−) state are between De=38.3–41.7 kcal/mol for AeB− and De=49.4–57.5 kcal/mol for AeC. The barium species have always the strongest bonds whereas the calcium and strontium compounds have similar BDEs. The bonding analysis indicates that there is little charge migration in AeB− in the direction Ae→B− where the alkaline earth atoms carry positive charges between 0.09 e–0.22 e. The positive charges at the Ae atoms are much larger in AeC where the charge migration Ae→C is between 0.90 e–0.91 e. A detailed analysis of the interatomic interactions with the EDA‐NOCV method shows that all diatomic species AeB− and AeC are built from dative interactions between Ae (1S, ns2) and B− or C (3P, 2 s22pπ12pπ′1). The eventually formed bonds in AeC are better described in terms of interactions between the ions Ae+ (2S, ns1)+C− (4S, 2 s22pπ12pπ′12pσ1). Inspection of the orbital interactions suggests that the alkaline earth atoms Ca, Sr, Ba use mainly their (n‐1)d AOs besides the (n)s AOs for the covalent bonds. This creates a second energetically low‐lying σ‐bonding MO in the molecules, which feature valence orbitals with the order ϕ1 (σ‐bonding)<ϕ2 (σ‐bonding)<ϕ3 (degenerate π‐bonding). All four occupied valence MOs of AeB− and AeC are bonding orbitals. Since the degenerate π orbitals ϕ3 are only singly occupied, the formal bond order is three.
Customizing the comonomer incorporation distribution in Ziegler–Natta‐based LLDPE: Harnessing the influences of the titanation temperature during catalyst synthesis and of polymerization process parameters
Authors: Göpperl Lukas , Pernusch Daniel Christian , Schwarz Julia Felicitas , Paulik Christian
Published: March 2023

The microstructure of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) is strongly influenced by short‐chain branches (SCBs) incorporated into the polymer backbone. Varying the number, distribution, and length of SCBs allows the properties of the resulting polymer to be tailored to meet specific requirements. Using Ziegler–Natta (ZN) catalysts for synthesis has disadvantages in terms of the comonomer incorporation distribution (CID) compared to, for instance, metallocene and post–metallocene catalysts. Nevertheless, ZN catalysts continue to be widely used, as many of the new generations of catalysts are more difficult to handle and cannot match the cheap cost of ZN catalysts. To improve this aspect of ZN catalysts, we investigated the influence of catalyst titanation temperature and polymerization process parameters on the CID. Our results show that it is possible to manipulate the process parameters of the present ZN catalyst system to yield a desired comonomer amount and CID in the polymer. Varying the titanation temperature clearly influenced the titanium content of the catalyst. Molecular‐weight distribution analysis and deconvolution results indicate that changes in the amounts of comonomer incorporated and in the CID are directly related to the catalyst's active site that produces the lowest‐molecular‐weight fraction.
An AND‐Gate DNA Nanodevice for Dual Protein‐Mediated, Tumor‐Specific Imaging
Authors: Fan Zetan , Yu Fangzhi , Yu Mingming , Li Lele
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Sensitive and specific imaging of tumor‐associated biomarkers offers an effective way for cancer diagnosis. However, most of the reported imaging probes are limited to the targeting of a single biomarker, which may impair imaging precision. Here, we report an aptamer‐based, AND‐gate DNA nanodevice that relies on the sequential processing of two tumor‐associated proteins to produce a specific fluorescent signal for precise tumor imaging. The DNA nanodevice integrates an AS1411 aptamer to bind cell surface nucleolin for tumor targeting and a DNA sensor to respond to intracellular apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 for activatable imaging. We evaluated the performance of the system in both living cells and a tumor‐bearing mouse model, and demonstrated its capability in tumor cell‐specific imaging. We anticipate that this strategy will accelerate the design of multivariate protein‐stimulated probes for tumor diagnosis.
Incorporation of Trifluoromethyltriazoline in the Side Chain of 4‐Aminoquinolines: Synthesis and Evaluation as Antiplasmodial Agents
Authors: Yadav Kanchan , Sharma Anamika , Shaham Salique Hassan , Chandrasekharan Sanoop P , Kumar Sandeep , Dhami Anamika , Nasreen Hisana , Mohanan Kishor , Tripathi Renu
Published: March 2023

Reported herein is the identification of a novel class of 4‐aminoquinoline‐trifluormethyltriazoline compounds as possible antiplasmodial agents. The compounds were accessed through a silver‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of trifluorodiazoethane with in situ generated Schiff base from corresponding quinolinylamine and aldehydes. While attempting to incorporate a sulfonyl moiety, the triazoline formed underwent spontaneous oxidative aromatization to afford triazole derivatives. All synthesized compounds were tested for their antimalarial potential in vitro and in vivo. Out of 32 compounds, four showed the most promising antimalarial activity with IC50 values ranging from 4 to 20 nM against Pf3D7 (chloroquine‐sensitive) and from 120 to 450 nM against PfK1 (chloroquine‐resistant) strains. One of these compounds was also found to be effective in animal studies; it showed a 99.9 % decrease in parasitic load on day 7 post‐infection along with a 40 % cure rate and longest host life span.
CCITL: A cloud‐based smart traffic management protocol using intelligent traffic light system in VANETs
Authors: Gaouar Nihal , Lehsaini Mohamed , Nebbou Tawfiq
Published: March 2023

Road congestion and traffic jams are serious problems for drivers, causing them more delay in reaching their destinations. Motivated by these considerations, this article proposes an intelligent scheduling algorithm based on vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) and Cloud computing to schedule traffic lights to smooth road traffic and reduce waiting time on the road, called CCITL (cloud computing based intelligent traffic light protocol). In CCITL, we involve cloud computing by using conventional and vehicular clouds to have a global view of the road network and take advantage of the cloud computing capabilities to calculate the most appropriate traffic signal formulas and combinations with their phase durations in a dynamic way. This allows to ensure the fluidity of the traffic and the arrival at the destination in a short time while minimizing the waiting time on the different segments of the road network. Our proposed protocol has been developed and evaluated over OMNET++ simulator with the simulator of urban mobility (SUMO). The simulation results showed that CCITL greatly contributed to the alleviation of traffic congestion as well as to the reduction of the dwell time of vehicles in the different segments, thus reducing delays and waiting in intersections.
Fast Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis, Calcination and Functionalization of a Silica Mesoporous Nanomaterial: UVM‐7
Authors: Díaz de Greñu Borja , Muñoz‐Pina Sara , de los Reyes Ruth , Benitez Miriam , El Haskouri Jamal , Amorós Pedro , Ros‐Lis Jose V.
Published: March 2023

We report here, for the first time, the use of a solid state microwave source for the synthesis, calcination and functionalization of a UVM‐7 based hybrid mesoporous silica material. The synthesis of the UVM‐7 material is obtained in 2 min at low power (50 W) by the combination of a microwave irradiation and the atrane route. Moreover, it has been successfully calcined and functionalized in just 13 and 4 min respectively with microwave assisted procedures. A total synthesis comprising each individually optimized step, can be executed in only 4 h including work‐up, by contrast to a typical synthesis that comprises several days. Savings higher than one order or magnitude are obtained in time and energy. Our example is a proof of concept of the potential use of solid state microwave generators for the ultrafast on‐command preparation of hybrid nanomaterials due to their accurate control and accelerating properties.
Association of cardiovascular risk factors and blood biomarkers with cognition: The HABS‐HD study
Authors: Jiang Xiaqing , O'Bryant Sid E. , Johnson Leigh A. , Rissman Robert A. , Yaffe Kristine ,   The Health and Aging Brain Study (HABS‐HD) Study Team
Published: March 2023

Introduction

To determine if cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) burden is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers and whether they synergistically associate with cognition.

Methods

We cross‐sectionally studied 1521 non‐demented Mexican American (52%) and non‐Hispanic White individuals aged ≥50 years. A composite score was calculated by averaging the z‐scores of five cognitive tests. Plasma β‐amyloid (Aβ) 42/40, total tau (t‐tau), and neurofilament light (NfL) were assayed using Simoa. CVRF burden was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS).

Results

Compared to low FRS (< 10% risk), high FRS (≥ 20% risk) was independently associated with increased t‐tau and NfL. High FRS was significantly associated with higher NfL only among Mexican American individuals. Intermediate or high FRS (vs. low FRS) were independently associated with lower cognition, and the association remained significant after adjusting for plasma biomarkers. Hypertension synergistically interacted with t‐tau and NfL (p < 0.05).

Discussion

CVRFs play critical roles, both through independent and neurodegenerative pathways, on cognition.
Multiple domestication events explain the origin of Gossypium hirsutum landraces in Mexico
Authors: Vega Melania , Quintero‐Corrales Christian , Mastretta‐Yanes Alicia , Casas Alejandro , López‐Hilario Victorina , Wegier Ana
Published: March 2023

Several Mesoamerican crops constitute wild‐to‐domesticated complexes generated by multiple initial domestication events, and continuous gene flow among crop populations and between these populations and their wild relatives. It has been suggested that the domestication of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) started in the northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula, from where it spread to other regions inside and outside of Mexico. We tested this hypothesis by assembling chloroplast genomes of 23 wild, landraces, and breeding lines (transgene‐introgressed and conventional). The phylogenetic analysis showed that the evolutionary history of cotton in Mexico involves multiple events of introgression and genetic divergence. From this, we conclude that Mexican landraces arose from multiple wild populations. Our results also revealed that their structural and functional chloroplast organizations had been preserved. However, genetic diversity decreases as a consequence of domestication, mainly in transgene‐introgressed (TI) individuals (π = 0.00020, 0.00001, 0.00016, 0, and 0, of wild, TI‐wild, landraces, TI‐landraces, and breeding lines, respectively). We identified homologous regions that differentiate wild from domesticated plants and indicate a relationship among the samples. A decrease in genetic diversity associated with transgene introgression in cotton was identified for the first time, and our outcomes are therefore relevant to both biosecurity and agrobiodiversity conservation.
Mitochondrial genomic characterization of two endemic Chinese freshwater crabs of the genus Sinopotamon (Brachyura: Potamidae) and implications for biogeography analysis of Potamidae
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Li Qinghua , Cheng Ruli , Luo Yang , Zhang Yufeng , Zuo Qing
Published: March 2023

As an endemic freshwater crab group in China, the phylogenetic relationships within Sinopotamon are still controversial because of the limited taxon samples. In this study, the complete mitogenomes of Sinopotamon chishuiense with 17,311 bp and the nearly complete mitogenomes of S. wushanense with 16,785 bp were firstly sequenced and analyzed. Compared with other reported mitogenomes of Potamidae, some novel patterns of gene rearrangement were detected in these two Sinopotamon mitogenomes, which could be illuminated by the mechanisms of tandem duplication‐random loss, recombination, and translocation. Phylogenetic analyses showed the nonmonophyly of the Sinopotamon and a sister group relationship with Tenuilapotamon. These crabs from the eastern and southern of the Yangtze River basin were more closely related while other crabs form the plateau areas formed a separate clade. Divergence time indicated that the Sinopotamon and its sister group Tenuilapotamon diverged from other potamiscine freshwater crabs approximately 42.65 Mya, which belongs to the recent main uplifts period of the Tibetan Plateau in the Late Miocene. Combined with the similar evolutionary rates and relatively stable habitat altitude of these Sinopotamon species, these results implied that the ecological environment may be relatively stable during the speciation. Overall, our study yielded worthy perceptions for the evolutionary and taxonomic relationship of Sinopotamon and will help to better clarify the gene rearrangement events of the invertebrate mitogenome and lay the foundation for further phylogenetic study of Sinopotamon. Overall, our study yielded valuable insights into the evolutionary history and taxonomic relationship of Sinopotamon and these results will help to better explain the gene rearrangement events of the invertebrate mitogenome and lay the foundation for further phylogenetic study of Sinopotamon.
Two dominant forms of multisite similarity decline – Their origins and interpretation
Authors: Deane David C. , Hui Cang , McGeoch Melodie
Published: March 2023

The number of species shared by two or more sites is a fundamental measure of spatial variation in species composition. As more sites are included in the comparison of species composition, the average number of species shared across them declines, with a rate increasingly dependent on only the most widespread species. In over 80% of empirical communities, models of decline in shared species across multiple sites (multisite similarity decline) follow one of two distinct forms. An exponential form is assumed to reflect stochastic assembly and a power law form niche‐based sorting, yet these explanations are largely untested, and little is known of how the two forms arise in nature. Using simulations, we first show that the distribution of the most widespread species largely differentiates the two forms, with the power law increasingly favored where such species occupy more than ~75% of sites. We reasoned the less cosmopolitan distribution of widespread species within exponential communities would manifest as differences in community biodiversity properties, specifically more aggregated within‐species distributions, less even relative abundance distributions, and weaker between‐species spatial associations. We tested and largely confirmed these relationships using 80 empirical datasets, suggesting that the form of multisite similarity decline offers a basis to predict how landscape‐scale loss or gain of widespread species is reflected in different local‐scale community structures. Such understanding could, for example, be used to predict changes in local‐scale competitive interactions following shifts in widespread species' distributions. We propose multiple explanations for the origin of exponential decline, including high among‐site abiotic variation, sampling of highly specialized (narrow niche width) taxa, and strong dispersal limitation. We recommend these are evaluated as alternative hypotheses to stochastic assembly.