bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydroxymethyl‐Substituted Tetrathiatriarylmethanol with Variable Reactivity: Selective Access to Three Different Trityl Radicals by Unique Acid‐Mediated Reactions
Authors: Gao Yande , Feng Meirong , Gao Longfei , Leng Yurui , Han Guifang , Song Yuguang , Liu Yangping
Published: February 2024

Tetrathiatriarylmethyl radicals have found wide applications in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and imaging as well as dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Recently, intense effort has been devoted to the derivatization of trityl radicals, but there is still a lack of highly efficient methods for access to these radicals. Herein, we report novel acid‐mediated protocols for straightforward and selective synthesis of the hydroxymethyl, aldehyde and methyl derivatives of trityl radicals from the sole substrate hydroxymethyl‐substituted tetrathiatriarylmethanol. The resulting trityl radicals exhibit various redox properties as shown by their cyclic voltammetric results. Importantly, the use of these protocols enables site‐specific deuteration of the three trityl radicals, which show unique EPR spectral properties. Overall, our study reveals the crucial effect of the acids on the synthesis of these trityl radicals and provides a new approach for selective access to different trityl radicals, thus enriching their synthetic chemistry.
Exogenous strigolactone improves the cadmium accumulation in Solanum nigrum var. humile
Authors: Wang Huaifeng , Xu Yaxin , Yang Mingqi , Jin Xin , Li Xiufen , Dai Zhen , Zhang Dilian , Zhou Kexuan , Lin Lijin , Wang Jin
Published: February 2024

The effects of exogenous strigolactone (using strigolactone analog GR24) on the cadmium (Cd) accumulation in Solanum nigrum var. humile were studied by a pot experiment. The Cd treatment (0.1 mg/L) inhibited the growth of S. nigrum var. humile, indicating that 0.1 mg/L produced the stress to S. nigrum var. humile. Spraying GR24 at 1 μmol/L did not change plant dry biomass, increased the photosynthetic pigment content and catalase activity, and decreased the peroxidase activity under Cd stress. By contrast, spraying GR24 at 2 μmol/L had no significant effects on these parameters. The superoxide dismutase activity was decreased by GR24 at 1 μmol/L, but increased by GR24 at 2 μmol/L. Nevertheless, both GR24 at 1 and 2 μmol/L increased the Cd contents, bioconcentration factors, and Cd extractions in various plant organs. Compared to Cd treatment, GR24 at 1 and 2 μmol/L increased the shoot Cd extraction by 20.0% and 14.5%, respectively. So, application of exogenous strigolactone could improve the phytoremediation capacity of S. nigrum var. humile. Correlation and grey relational analyses showed that the root Cd content, shoot Cd content, and root Cd extraction were the top three parameters closely related to the shoot Cd extraction. These findings suggest that exogenous strigolactone can effectively promote the Cd accumulation in S. nigrum var. humile, presenting a promising solution to enhance its phytoremediation capacity.
Energy requirement in non‐centrifugal sugars production units and its mitigation via steam controlled concentration techniques
Authors: Thulasiraman Venkatesh , Kothakota Anjineyulu , Sajeev Moothandaserry S.
Published: February 2024

Non‐centrifugal sugars (NCS) are traditionally consumed sweeteners which are gaining momentum in the global market due to the presence of nutritional and mineral content. Traditionally NCS is produced by concentrating sugarcane juices in an open pan evaporation process using dried bagasse as a fuel. Field trials at the traditional production site of NCS showed the energy efficiency as low as 8%–10%. Moreover, the effective bagasse consumption as a fuel stands at 7–8 kg/kg NCS production, whereas, as per stoichiometry and theoretical calculations, the actual bagasse consumption required for the production of NCS is a mere 0.65 kg/kg NCS production. Hence, as an alternative to the existing process, the concentration of cane juices by steam‐controlled evaporation has been studied and it has been found that the steam‐controlled evaporation can enhance the energy efficiency to 78%–83% with an effective bagasse consumption of 1.05 ± 0.04 kg/kg NCS production.
Remote sensing assessment of anthropogenic and climate variation effects on river channel morphology and vegetation: Impact of dry periods on a European piedmont river
Authors: Nones Michael , Guerrero Massimo , Schippa Leonardo , Cavalieri Irene
Published: February 2024

Rivers are subject to increasing human pressure, resulting in a loss of their natural characteristics, further enhanced by climate change. The present study focuses on a piedmont reach of the Italian Po River and combines Landsat satellite information with hydrological records to investigate changes in sandbars exposure and riparian vegetation coverage, considering the summer period of 1984–2022. Satellite data were handled via Google Earth Engine, looking at common indexes such as the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index, which was used to identify temporal variations in wetted channel area, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, considered as a proxy of vegetation coverage variations. Changes in the river hydrology were analysed by looking at the annual minimum water levels, the discharge duration curve, the stage–discharge relationship and the yearly annual water volume. Results suggest that a process of oversimplification is affecting this reach of the Po River, showing how climate change can affect piedmont European watercourses. Indeed, after an initial period where bars tended to be barer and somehow stable over time, in the most recent decade a different trend appeared, with vegetation able to colonize the exposed sandbars more. Using the Po River as an exemplary case study, this work suggests that prolonged dry periods, which are more common in recent decades, might impact large and medium rivers located in temperate climates, favouring the development of vegetation on exposed sandbars, eventually resulting in a less dynamic active channel.
Identifying geomorphic domains using hierarchically clustered drainage area‐slope scaling
Authors: Wang Yanzai
Published: February 2024

Area‐slope scaling is an important tool for analysing geomorphic processes. In this study, we used hierarchical clustering to sort the area‐slope scaling data for both the numerical landscape created using the LandLab model and real landscapes. Random forest analysis was used to explore the effect of hierarchical clustering. We aimed to illustrate the heterogeneous features of area‐slope clustering and their influencing factors and to test whether they can be used to distinguish geomorphic domains. Our results showed that hierarchical clustering can easily detect the heterogeneous features of area‐slope scaling constrained by tectonic uplift and fluvial erodibility but not those constrained by the diffusion coefficient. The slope gradients over the inflection/transition zone of the colluvial and fluvial domains play a key role in identifying area‐slope scaling from different geomorphic domains. Case studies show that area‐slope scaling of clusters would be affected by different lithology and distance away from the trunk channel. In the high erosion circumstance, the fluvial process caused by tectonics leads to increasing slope gradients over whole geomorphic domains, as well as to retreating inflection between the colluvial and fluvial process domains. In low erosion circumstances or steady state, the fluvial process caused by nearby rivers cannot effectively change the slope gradients but can retreat the inflection. The real landscapes suggest that basins should be carefully selected for area‐slope scaling analysis to ensure that they are representative of the entire study area. Before geomorphological research, more basins of a specific research region need to be selected to conduct hierarchical clustering to select representative basins. Our study could be helpful in the identification of area‐slope domains, the extraction of geomorphic metrics and geomorphic process research.
Loess susceptibility to erosion: Interaction of cohesion sources, air slaking and confinement
Authors: Vojtíšek Jan , Bruthans Jiří
Published: February 2024

Erosion in loess is a widespread phenomenon, as loess covers about 10% of the Earth's land surface. While erosion of loess soil has been intensively studied, the mechanisms controlling erosion in gullies and pipes in loess are poorly understood. Cohesion plays an important role in erosion in loess. Interactions between erosional processes and stabilizing mechanisms in loess are poorly understood. This study focuses on the interaction between air slaking and stabilization by confinement to improve leaching techniques for identifying cohesion sources in undisturbed loess from four sites in Czechia. The decrease in tensile strength of samples after leaching in distilled water, dithionate, HCl, and hydrogen peroxide was used to selectively remove cohesion sources such as Fe‐Al oxides and hydroxides, carbonates, and organic matter. Experiments showed that confinement and overburden stress are important but neglected stabilizing mechanisms in loess. Leaching of unconfined loess samples gave misleading results because of ubiquitous air slaking. To reliably identify cohesion sources, samples confined in compacted sand were used. Leaching of confined samples showed that Fe‐Al oxides and hydroxides are major sources of cohesion (60–90%), while carbonates and organic matter are of minor importance (0–30%). To avoid misleading results, examination of loess structure after leaching is critical to identify samples with damaged structure due to enhanced air slaking caused by bubbles generated during leaching. Air slaking is a powerful and rapid damage mechanism, but it occurs only in dry or semi‐dry loess near the soil surface. In contrast, chemical weathering is able to remove cohesion sources in deeper parts of the loess profile.
Adolescent to young adult longitudinal development of subcortical volumes in two European sites with four waves
Authors: Backhausen Lea L. , Fröhner Juliane H. , Lemaître Hervé , Artiges Eric , Martinot Marie‐Laure Palillère , Herting Megan M. , Sticca Fabio , Banaschewski Tobias , Barker Gareth J. , Bokde Arun L. W. , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos‐Orfanos Dimitri , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Robinson Lauren , Walter Henrik , Winterer Jeanne , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Martinot Jean‐Luc , Smolka Michael N. , Vetter Nora C. ,   the IMAGEN Consortium
Published: February 2024

Adolescent subcortical structural brain development might underlie psychopathological symptoms, which often emerge in adolescence. At the same time, sex differences exist in psychopathology, which might be mirrored in underlying sex differences in structural development. However, previous studies showed inconsistencies in subcortical trajectories and potential sex differences. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the subcortical structural trajectories and their sex differences across adolescence using for the first time a single cohort design, the same quality control procedure, software, and a general additive mixed modeling approach. We investigated two large European sites from ages 14 to 24 with 503 participants and 1408 total scans from France and Germany as part of the IMAGEN project including four waves of data acquisition. We found significantly larger volumes in males versus females in both sites and across all seven subcortical regions. Sex differences in age‐related trajectories were observed across all regions in both sites. Our findings provide further evidence of sex differences in longitudinal adolescent brain development of subcortical regions and thus might eventually support the relationship of underlying brain development and different adolescent psychopathology in boys and girls.
Risk factors for internalizing symptoms: The influence of empathy, theory of mind, and negative thinking processes
Authors: Konrad Annika C. , Förster Katharina , Stretton Jason , Dalgleish Tim , Böckler‐Raettig Anne , Trautwein Fynn‐Mathis , Singer Tania , Kanske Philipp
Published: February 2024

Internalizing symptoms such as elevated stress and sustained negative affect can be important warning signs for developing mental disorders. A recent theoretical framework suggests a complex interplay of empathy, theory of mind (ToM), and negative thinking processes as a crucial risk combination for internalizing symptoms. To disentangle these relationships, this study utilizes neural, behavioral, and self‐report data to examine how the interplay between empathy, ToM, and negative thinking processes relates to stress and negative affect. We reanalyzed the baseline data of N = 302 healthy participants (57% female, Mage = 40.52, SDage = 9.30) who participated in a large‐scale mental training study, the ReSource project. Empathy and ToM were assessed using a validated fMRI paradigm featuring naturalistic video stimuli and via self‐report. Additional self‐report scales were employed to measure internalizing symptoms (perceived stress, negative affect) and negative thinking processes (rumination and self‐blame). Our results revealed linear associations of self‐reported ToM and empathic distress with stress and negative affect. Also, both lower and higher, compared to average, activation in the anterior insula during empathic processing and in the middle temporal gyrus during ToM performance was significantly associated with internalizing symptoms. These associations were dependent on rumination and self‐blame. Our findings indicate specific risk constellations for internalizing symptoms. Especially people with lower self‐reported ToM and higher empathic distress may be at risk for more internalizing symptoms. Quadratic associations of empathy‐ and ToM‐related brain activation with internalizing symptoms depended on negative thinking processes, suggesting differential effects of cognitive and affective functioning on internalizing symptoms. Using a multi‐method approach, these findings advance current research by shedding light on which complex risk combinations of cognitive and affective functioning are relevant for internalizing symptoms.
The date/delay effect in intertemporal choice: A combined fMRI and eye‐tracking study
Authors: Keidel Kristof , Schröder Rebekka , Trautner Peter , Radbruch Alexander , Murawski Carsten , Ettinger Ulrich
Published: February 2024

Temporal discounting, the tendency to devalue future rewards as a function of delay until receipt, is influenced by time framing. Specifically, discount rates are shallower when the time at which the reward is received is presented as a date (date condition; e.g., June 8, 2023) rather than in delay units (delay condition; e.g., 30 days), which is commonly referred to as the date/delay effect. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms of this effect are not well understood. Here, we examined the date/delay effect by analysing combined fMRI and eye‐tracking data of N = 31 participants completing a temporal discounting task in both a delay and a date condition. The results confirmed the date/delay effect and revealed that the date condition led to higher fixation durations on time attributes and to higher activity in precuneus/PCC and angular gyrus, that is, areas previously associated with episodic thinking. Additionally, participants made more comparative eye movements in the date compared to the delay condition. A lower date/delay effect was associated with higher prefrontal activity in the date > delay contrast, suggesting that higher control or arithmetic operations may reduce the date/delay effect. Our findings are in line with hypotheses positing that the date condition is associated with differential time estimation and the use of more comparative as opposed to integrative choice strategies. Specifically, higher activity in memory‐related brain areas suggests that the date condition leads to higher perceived proximity of delayed rewards, while higher frontal activity (middle/superior frontal gyrus, posterior medial frontal cortex, cingulate) in participants with a lower date/delay effect suggests that the effect is particularly pronounced in participants avoiding complex arithmetic operations in the date condition.
Molecular signatures of attention networks
Authors: Schindler Hanna , Jawinski Philippe , Arnatkevičiūtė Aurina , Markett Sebastian
Published: February 2024

Attention network theory proposes three distinct types of attention—alerting, orienting, and control—that are supported by separate brain networks and modulated by different neurotransmitters, that is, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine. Here, we explore the extent of cortical, genetic, and molecular dissociation of these three attention systems using multimodal neuroimaging. We evaluated the spatial overlap between fMRI activation maps from the attention network test (ANT) and cortex‐wide gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. The goal was to identify genes associated with each of the attention networks in order to determine whether specific groups of genes were co‐expressed with the corresponding attention networks. Furthermore, we analyzed publicly available PET‐maps of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters to investigate their spatial overlap with the attention networks. Our analyses revealed a substantial number of genes (3871 for alerting, 6905 for orienting, 2556 for control) whose cortex‐wide expression co‐varied with the activation maps, prioritizing several molecular functions such as the regulation of protein biosynthesis, phosphorylation, and receptor binding. Contrary to the hypothesized associations, the ANT activation maps neither aligned with the distribution of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine receptor and transporter molecules, nor with transcriptomic profiles that would suggest clearly separable networks. Independence of the attention networks appeared additionally constrained by a high level of spatial dependency between the network maps. Future work may need to reconceptualize the attention networks in terms of their segregation and reevaluate the presumed independence at the neural and neurochemical level.
Working memory signals in early visual cortex are present in weak and strong imagers
Authors: Weber Simon , Christophel Thomas , Görgen Kai , Soch Joram , Haynes John‐Dylan
Published: February 2024

It has been suggested that visual images are memorized across brief periods of time by vividly imagining them as if they were still there. In line with this, the contents of both working memory and visual imagery are known to be encoded already in early visual cortex. If these signals in early visual areas were indeed to reflect a combined imagery and memory code, one would predict them to be weaker for individuals with reduced visual imagery vividness. Here, we systematically investigated this question in two groups of participants. Strong and weak imagers were asked to remember images across brief delay periods. We were able to reliably reconstruct the memorized stimuli from early visual cortex during the delay. Importantly, in contrast to the prediction, the quality of reconstruction was equally accurate for both strong and weak imagers. The decodable information also closely reflected behavioral precision in both groups, suggesting it could contribute to behavioral performance, even in the extreme case of completely aphantasic individuals. Our data thus suggest that working memory signals in early visual cortex can be present even in the (near) absence of phenomenal imagery.
Healthy aging alters the oscillatory dynamics and fronto‐parietal connectivity serving fluid intelligence
Authors: Penhale Samantha H. , Arif Yasra , Schantell Mikki , Johnson Hallie J. , Willett Madelyn P. , Okelberry Hannah J. , Meehan Chloe E. , Heinrichs‐Graham Elizabeth , Wilson Tony W.
Published: February 2024

Fluid intelligence (Gf) involves logical reasoning and novel problem‐solving abilities. Often, abstract reasoning tasks like Raven's progressive matrices are used to assess Gf. Prior work has shown an age‐related decline in fluid intelligence capabilities, and although many studies have sought to identify the underlying mechanisms, our understanding of the critical brain regions and dynamics remains largely incomplete. In this study, we utilized magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate 78 individuals, ages 20–65 years, as they completed an abstract reasoning task. MEG data was co‐registered with structural MRI data, transformed into the time–frequency domain, and the resulting neural oscillations were imaged using a beamformer. We found worsening behavioral performance with age, including prolonged reaction times and reduced accuracy. MEG analyses indicated robust oscillations in the theta, alpha/beta, and gamma range during the task. Whole brain correlation analyses with age revealed relationships in the theta and alpha/beta frequency bands, such that theta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in a right prefrontal region and alpha/beta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in parietal and right motor cortices. Follow‐up connectivity analyses revealed increasing parieto‐frontal connectivity with increasing age in the alpha/beta frequency range. Importantly, our findings are consistent with the parieto‐frontal integration theory of intelligence (P‐FIT). These results further suggest that as people age, there may be alterations in neural responses that are spectrally specific, such that older people exhibit stronger alpha/beta oscillations across the parieto‐frontal network during abstract reasoning tasks.
Distinct engrams control fear and extinction memory
Authors: Luft Jordana Griebler , Popik Bruno , Gonçalves Débora Aguirre , Cruz Fabio Cardoso , de Oliveira Alvares Lucas
Published: February 2024

Memories are stored in engram cells, which are necessary and sufficient for memory recall. Recalling a memory might undergo reconsolidation or extinction. It has been suggested that the original memory engram is reactivated during reconsolidation so that memory can be updated. Conversely, during extinction training, a new memory is formed that suppresses the original engram. Nonetheless, it is unknown whether extinction creates a new engram or modifies the original fear engram. In this study, we utilized the Daun02 procedure, which uses c‐Fos‐lacZ rats to induce apoptosis of strongly activated neurons and examine whether a new memory trace emerges as a result of a short or long reactivation, or if these processes rely on modifications within the original engram located in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and infralimbic (IL) cortex. By eliminating neurons activated during consolidation and reactivation, we observed significant impacts on fear memory, highlighting the importance of the BLA engram in these processes. Although we were unable to show any impact when removing the neurons activated after the test of a previously extinguished memory in the BLA, disrupting the IL extinction engram reactivated the aversive memory that was suppressed by the extinction memory. Thus, we demonstrated that the IL cortex plays a crucial role in the network involved in extinction, and disrupting this specific node alone is sufficient to impair extinction behavior. Additionally, our findings indicate that extinction memories rely on the formation of a new memory, supporting the theory that extinction memories rely on the formation of a new memory, whereas the reconsolidation process reactivates the same original memory trace.
Mediation effects of vegetation, land use and cover change and karst characteristics on hydrologic processes in heterogeneous karst basins
Authors: Wu Panpan , Li Rui , Xiao Linlv , He Maolin , Chen Honglian
Published: February 2024

A thorough understanding of the complex response of hydrologic processes to latent factors is of great significance for regional soil erosion and water resources management. However, what kind of mediation effect exists between hydrologic processes and latent factors is not yet clear, especially in heterogeneous karst regions. In this study, the elasticity coefficient method and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) were used to investigate the mechanism of latent factors on hydrologic processes in karst basins and to explore the mediation effect between latent factors and hydrologic processes. The results show that the runoff of Yeji River Basin decreased during 1997–2004, but increased or stabilized since 2005. On the monthly scale, the runoff in July and December showed an ‘inverted V‐shaped’ change. Both elasticity coefficient method and PLS‐SEM showed that climate change contributed the most to runoff (direct effect accounted for 37.94% ~ 61.41%). In PLS‐SEM, the total effect sizes of latent factors on runoff were as follows: climate change (0.751 ~ 0.963) > vegetation (0.296 ~ 0.740) > karst characteristics factors (KCF) (−0.454 ~ −0.563) > human activities (−0.036 ~ −0.528) > land use and cover change (LUCC) (−0.036 ~ −0.205). In the typical karst basin, two mediation pathways have been determined: human activities‐vegetation/LUCC‐runoff, where vegetation and LUCC had a mediation effect of relationships between human activities and runoff; climate change‐KCF‐runoff, where KCF had a mediation effect of relationships between climate change and runoff. Moreover, PLS‐SEM is a preferred method to decouple the complex responses of hydrologic processes in heterogeneous karst basins to climate change and human activities than the elasticity coefficient method. This study conducted further research and exploration on the mechanism of hydrologic processes in heterogeneous karst basins, and provided valuable theoretical references for grassroots water managers to cope with water resources management under the context of future climate change.
Seasonal drivers and patterns of sediment temperatures in a New England salt marsh
Authors: Guimond Julia A. , Kurylyk Barret L. , Sohn Robert A.
Published: February 2024

Salt marshes are globally important ecosystems and thus their resilience to climate change holds societal importance. To date, studies addressing salt marsh responses to climate change have focused on sea‐level rise and biogeochemical feedbacks with increasing inundation. Less is known about how salt marsh sediment temperatures, which impact physical, biological, and chemical ecosystem processes, will respond to climate change. In this study, we present multi‐depth sediment temperature and porewater level data from low‐, mid‐, and high‐marsh sites at a New England salt marsh for a 1‐year period and investigate how salt marsh sediment temperatures respond to atmospheric and oceanic forcing. We use spectral analyses to identify the frequencies at which sediment temperatures vary and link the temperature variations to specific forcing mechanisms. We find that all sites across the marsh responded to air temperature with roughly equal amplitude whereas the responses to radiative heating and ocean tides varied spatially. The high‐marsh site is more sensitive to radiative heating than the mid‐ and low‐marsh sites. The low‐marsh is affected by tidal processes and inundation whereas the high‐ and mid‐marsh sites are not. In addition, we find that the bulk thermal diffusivity of the saturated sediments decreases with distance from the tidal channel. These factors contribute to considerable temporal and spatial variability in sediment temperatures with elevation, distance from the tidal channel, and time of year (season) being most important.
Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) in inverted perovskite solar cells and their tandem photovoltaics application
Authors: Yi Zijun , Li Xin , Xiong Yuchen , Shen Guibin , Zhang Wenguang , Huang Yihuai , Jiang Qinghui , Ng Xin Ren , Luo Yubo , Zheng Jianghui , Leong Wei Lin , Fu Fan , Bu Tongle , Yang Junyou
Published: February 2024

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) employed in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved groundbreaking progress in device efficiency and stability for both single‐junction and tandem configurations, owing to their distinctive and versatile ability to manipulate chemical and physical interface properties. In this regard, we present a comprehensive review of recent research advancements concerning SAMs in inverted perovskite single‐junction and tandem solar cells, where the prevailing challenges and future development prospects in the applications of SAMs are emphasized. We thoroughly examine the mechanistic roles of diverse SAMs in energy‐level regulation, interface modification, defect passivation, and charge transportation. This is achieved by understanding how interfacial molecular interactions can be finely tuned to mitigate charge recombination losses in inverted PSCs. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to provide valuable insights and references for further investigation and utilization of SAMs in inverted perovskite single‐junction and tandem solar cells.
Optimization of sample size and location for evaluating the hydraulic performance of microirrigation subunits using simulation and genetic algorithms
Authors: Sun Zhanghao , Wang Zhen , Zhang Jina , Li Jiusheng , Li Yanfeng
Published: February 2024

Rapid and accurate field evaluation of hydraulic performance is critical for the operation of a microirrigation system. However, the optimal sample size and the specific locations of the emitters selected in one subunit for field tests have not been determined. A model (Hydraulic Analysis of Pressurized Irrigation System,HAPIS) was constructed for hydraulic analysis of a pressurized irrigation system by coupling MATLAB and EPANET. The random sampling method (RSM) and uniform sampling method (USM) were optimized for emitters selected through simulation, aiming to achieve higher estimation accuracies of the mean emitter discharge rate of the subunit (
and the Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU) while minimizing the number of emitters tested. In addition, a linear sampling method at predetermined emitter locations (LSMPE) was developed to simplify the evaluation process using a genetic algorithm (GA). The results indicate that the appropriate sample size range for RSM was 20–40, in which the maximum percentage difference between
and CU was maintained at ±10%. For the USM, a sample size of approximately 18 can provide relatively accurate estimations of
and CU, while it is recommended that the sampled emitters be distributed over three to five laterals. The optimal sample size of LSMPE could be decreased to approximately 10, and the selected emitters were arranged along the sampling line. The absolute relative estimation error of
and CU could be maintained at <1%.
Towards data privacy in a fog of things
Authors: Pinto George Pacheco , Prazeres Cassio
Published: February 2024

Data from the Internet of Things (IoT) devices enable the design of new business models and services, improving user experience and satisfaction. However, these devices also collect personal data and place them on centralized servers without transparency and user control, enhancing data privacy concerns (such as identification, localization and tracking, profiling, and linkage). We propose the Fog of Things (FoT)‐Personal Data Stores (PDS) paradigm, an extension of the (FoT) paradigm tailored to protect personal data privacy in the IoT, specifically in the FoT. We propose a data decentralization solution through Personal Data Stores, empowering users with control over their data. We present an architectural framework based on this concept and an implementation of a usage scenario.
Low dose cadmium inhibits syndecan‐4 expression in glycocalyx of glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Meng Xianli , Xie Shuhui , Liu Jing , Lv Bingxuan , Huang Xin , Liu Qiang , Wang Xia , Malashicheva Anna , Liu Ju
Published: February 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most polluting heavy metal in the environment. Cd exposure has been elucidated to cause dysfunction of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. C57BL/6J male mice were administered with 2.28 mg/kg cadmium chloride (CdCl2) dissolved in distilled water by oral gavage for 14 days. The expression of SDC4 in the kidney tissues was detected. Human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) were exposed to varying concentrations of CdCl2 for 24 h. The mRNA levels of SDC4, along with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and 9, were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Additionally, the protein expression levels of SDC4, MMP‐2/9, and both total and phosphorylated forms of Smad2/3 (P‐Smad2/3) were detected by western blot. The extravasation rate of fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran through the Transwell was used to evaluate the permeability of HRGECs. SB431542 was used as an inhibitor of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signaling pathway to further investigate the role of TGF‐β. Cd reduced SDC4 expression in both mouse kidney tissues and HRGECs. In addition, Cd exposure increased permeability and upregulated P‐Smad2/3 levels in HRGECs. SB431542 treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, Cd‐induced SDC4 downregulation, and hyperpermeability. MMP‐2/9 levels increased by Cd exposure was also blocked by SB431542, demonstrating the involvement of TGF‐β/Smad pathway in low‐dose Cd‐induced SDC4 reduction in HRGECs. Given that SDC4 is an essential component of glycocalyx, protection or repair of endothelial glycocalyx is a potential strategy for preventing or treating kidney diseases associated with environmental Cd exposure.
The enhanced hepatotoxicity of isobavachalcone in depigmented zebrafish due to calcium signaling dysregulation and lipid metabolism disorder
Authors: Zhang Huiwen , Zhu Chengyue , Zhao Jingcheng , Zheng Ruifang , Xing Jianguo , Li Zhijian , Zhang Yun , Xu Qian
Published: February 2024

Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a flavonoid component derived from Psoraleae Fructus that can increase skin pigmentation and treat vitiligo. However, IBC has been reported to be hepatotoxic. Current studies on IBC hepatotoxicity are mostly on normal organisms but lack studies on hepatotoxicity in patients. This study established the depigmented zebrafish model by using phenylthiourea (PTU) and investigated the difference in hepatotoxicity between normal and depigmented zebrafish caused by IBC and the underlying mechanism. Morphological, histological, and ultrastructural examination and RT–qPCR verification were used to evaluate the effects of IBC on the livers of zebrafish larvae. IBC significantly decreased liver volume, altered lipid metabolism, and induced pathological and ultrastructural changes in the livers of zebrafish with depigmentation compared with normal zebrafish. The RNA‐sequencing and RT–qPCR results showed that the difference in hepatotoxicity between normal and depigmented zebrafish caused by IBC was closely related to the calcium signaling pathway, lipid decomposition and metabolism, and oxidative stress. This work delved into the mechanism of the enhanced IBC‐induced hepatotoxicity in depigmented zebrafish and provided a new insight into the hepatotoxicity of IBC.
Lithium‐loaded GelMA‐Phosphate glass fibre constructs: Implications for astrocyte response
Authors: Keskin‐Erdogan Zalike , Mandakhbayar Nandin , Jin Gang Shi , Li Yu‐Meng , Chau David Y. S. , Day Richard M. , Kim Hae‐Won , Knowles Jonathan C.
Published: February 2024

Combinations of different biomaterials with their own advantages as well as functionalization with other components have long been implemented in tissue engineering to improve the performance of the overall material. Biomaterials, particularly hydrogel platforms, have shown great potential for delivering compounds such as drugs, growth factors, and neurotrophic factors, as well as cells, in neural tissue engineering applications. In central the nervous system, astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation are significant and complex challenges to tackle for neural and functional recovery. GelMA hydrogel‐based tissue constructs have been developed in this study and combined with two different formulations of phosphate glass fibers (PGFs) (with Fe3+ or Ti2+ oxide) to impose physical and mechanical cues for modulating astrocyte cell behavior. This study was also aimed at investigating the effects of lithium‐loaded GelMA‐PGFs hydrogels in alleviating astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation offering novel perspectives for neural tissue engineering applications. The rationale behind introducing lithium is driven by its long‐proven therapeutic benefits in mental disorders, and neuroprotective and pronounced anti‐inflammatory properties. The optimal concentrations of lithium and LPS were determined in vitro on primary rat astrocytes. Furthermore, qPCR was conducted for gene expression analysis of GFAP and IL‐6 markers on primary astrocytes cultured 3D into GelMA and GelMA‐PGFs hydrogels with and without lithium and in vitro stimulated with LPS for astrocyte reactivity. The results suggest that the combination of bioactive phosphate‐based glass fibers and lithium loading into GelMA structures may impact GFAP expression and early IL‐6 expression. Furthermore, GelMA‐PGFs (Fe) constructs have shown improved performance in modulating glial scarring over GFAP regulation.
Development of guar gum reinforced calcium magnesium phosphate‐based bone biocement
Authors: Goenka Vidul , V. K. Anupama Devi , Manikandan Ceera , Jaiswal Amit Kumar
Published: February 2024

This study aims at developing a calcium magnesium phosphate‐based bone biocement that combines a natural polymer and regenerative properties of bone bonding materials. The formulation of this biocement consists of oxidized guar gum, polydopamine, and calcium magnesium phosphate. The oxidized guar gum is easily soluble in water and has a slightly basic pH, unlike unmodified guar gum, thus allowing a homogenous paste to form in the alkaline environment of calcium magnesium phosphate. Three different oxidized degrees of guar gum were made, and the impact on the biocement properties was studied. The modified guar gum‐reinforced biocement (OGG C2) displayed higher mechanical strength and lower degradation rates than OGG B1 and OGG A0. Furthermore, samples with polydopamine exhibited better results, thus, improving the already reinforced biocement. Morphological studies of the biocement displayed a highly porous structure with porosity varying among biocement containing different oxidized guar gum and polydopamine levels.
Evaluation of the Sysmex XQ‐320 three‐part differential haematology analyser and its flagging capabilities
Authors: Coutaz Christine , Mamin Adrien , Mintzas Konstantinos
Published: February 2024

Background

Three‐part differential (3PD) haematology analysers offer a quick, easy‐to‐use and economical way to acquire important information about a patient's physiology. In this study, we evaluated a new 3PD analyser, the Sysmex XQ‐320, investigated its comparability with its predecessor (Sysmex XP‐300) and the five‐part differential analyser Sysmex XN‐9000, and explored its flagging potential.

Methods

Analytical performance studies were conducted for repeatability, within‐laboratory precision, between‐day precision, carry‐over and linearity with fresh blood and QC material. Method comparison was performed in 493 samples comparing XQ‐320 with XP‐300, using the XN‐9000 as the gold standard.

Results

The XQ‐320 excelled manufacturer's specifications in the analytical performance studies, except for MXD in within‐laboratory and between‐day precisions using the QC material level 1. The XQ‐320 showed correlation values greater than 0.94 with XN‐9000 for the majority of the 20 reportable parameters (MXD# 0.891, MXD% 0.898 and MCHC 0.849). Improvements over the XP‐300 were observed in WBC in the leucocytopenic range (bias −0.038 vs. −0.097) and PLT (bias 2.568 vs. −7.877, intercept 3.880 vs. −8.845). Concordance between XQ‐320 and XP‐300 was 91.9% for the WBC histogram abnormal distribution flag and 95.3% for the PLT flag. Patterns of increased neutrophils and decreased mixed cells on the XQ‐320 were observed in samples that raised a flag on XN‐9000.

Conclusion

The XQ‐320 showed excellent analytical performance, and very good to excellent correlation with XN‐9000 with improvements over XP‐300. Flagging combined with parameter patterns identified additional suspected abnormal samples, thus making the XQ‐320 an excellent solution for laboratories utilising 3PD analysers.
Negative self‐perceptions and severity of NSSI: Testing the benefits and barriers model
Authors: Nagy Laura M. , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J.
Published: February 2024

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is theorized to be caused by negative associations with the self, including low self‐esteem, but the mechanisms explaining why low self‐esteem is related to more severe NSSI are unclear. The current study aimed to address this limitation by evaluating a mediation model, proposing that low self‐esteem would relate to more severe NSSI through increasing self‐punishment motivations. Data came from 468 undergraduate students with a history of NSSI who completed an online survey measuring NSSI characteristics and functions, self‐esteem, and self‐punishment motivations for NSSI. Mediation was tested using a structural equation model using bootstrapped 95% percentile‐corrected confidence intervals in which NSSI severity was modeled as a latent variable composed of NSSI frequency, recency, and versatility of methods. The total model was significant and the indirect effect of self‐esteem on NSSI severity through self‐punishment motives was significant. Self‐esteem also retained significant direct effects on NSSI severity, indicating partial mediation. These results provide support for the benefits and barriers model of NSSI, suggesting that negative self‐views increase risk for more severe NSSI through self‐punishment motivations. Clinical interventions that emphasize self‐compassion and focus on modifying self‐punishment motivations may help reduce NSSI behavior.
Constellations of posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: A latent profile analysis approach
Authors: Zerach Gadi
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are possible reactions to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about patterns of both PTSS and PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines constellations of PTSS and PTG among Israeli female combat veterans, as well as military‐related exposure and positive psychological correlates of these constellations.

Methods

A volunteer sample of Israeli women combat veterans (n = 885) responded to self‐report questionnaires in a cross‐sectional design study.

Results

Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify four profiles characterized by unique constellations of PTSS and PTG: moderate PTSS and high PTG (33%), moderate PTSS and moderate PTG (30%), low PTSS and high PTG (30%), and low PTSS and PTG (5.5%). Higher levels of combat experiences were associated with higher odds of inclusion in the moderate PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and moderate PTG profiles. Moreover, compared to the other classes, both low PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and high PTG classes were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life and happiness psychological outcomes.

Conclusion

The study's findings offer an overview of the complex pattern of associations between PTSS, PTG, and associated predictors and outcomes. Clinicians treating female veterans should be aware of the varying reactions to military service challenges, including the presence of moderate to high levels of PTG reactions in addition to PTSS.
Integrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) competency into the dental school curriculum
Authors: Salter Reginald O. , Barham LaToya , Young Daniel L. , McIntosh Crystal , Butler Craig J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Decreasing healthcare disparities in marginalized communities requires healthcare providers who understand and appreciate social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. This includes care and education focused on individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ).

Methods

This study examined dental students’ and residents’ self‐reported clinical preparedness, prejudicial attitudes (implicit and explicit), and knowledge of health disparities that exist in the LGBTQ community using the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT‐DOCSS) prior to and after the presentation of an LGBTQ competency course.

Results

A total of 178 dental students at a private US dental school ranging from D1 to first‐year postdoctoral residency participated in the course and completed both pre‐course survey and post‐course survey. Sixty‐seven percent of the students reported having formal training in LGBTQ competency prior to completing the pre‐training survey. The results of the LGBT‐DOCSS in this population following intervention training revealed an increased feeling of clinical preparedness in treating LGBTQ patients, decreased bias toward LGBTQ, and increased knowledge of health disparities in the LGBTQ community. A more significant percentage of male respondents self‐reported prejudicial beliefs. Knowledge of LGBTQ health issues increased significantly among pre‐clinical students.

Conclusion

Introducing an early intervention LGBTQ competency course in the dental curriculum is an effective method of improving students’ awareness and self‐confidence in working with LGBTQ patients while decreasing biases that may have existed prior to a training course.
RAB31 drives extracellular vesicle fusion and cancer‐associated fibroblast formation leading to oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chan , Yang Yi‐Fang , Li Chien‐Hsiu , Chan Ming‐Hsien , Lu Meng‐Lun , Chen Ming‐Huang , Chen Chi‐Long , Hsiao Michael
Published: February 2024

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumorigenesis and drug resistance. The Rab superfamily of small G‐proteins plays a role in regulating cell cytoskeleton and vesicle transport. However, it is not yet clear how the Rab family contributes to cancer progression by participating in EMT. By analysing various in silico datasets, we identified a statistically significant increase in RAB31 expression in the oxaliplatin‐resistant group compared to that in the parental or other chemotherapy drug groups. Our findings highlight RAB31's powerful effect on colorectal cancer cell lines when compared with other family members. In a study that analysed multiple online meta‐databases, RAB31 RNA levels were continually detected in colorectal tissue arrays. Additionally, RAB31 protein levels were correlated with various clinical parameters in clinical databases and were associated with negative prognoses for patients. RAB31 expression levels in all three probes were calculated using a computer algorithm and were found to be positively correlated with EMT scores. The expression of the epithelial‐type marker CDH1 was suppressed in RAB31 overexpression models, whereas the expression of the mesenchymal‐type markers SNAI1 and SNAI2 increased. Notably, RAB31‐induced EMT and drug resistance are dependent on extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion. Interactome analysis confirmed that RAB31/AGR2 axis‐mediated exocytosis was responsible for maintaining colorectal cell resistance to oxaliplatin. Our study concluded that RAB31 alters the sensitivity of oxaliplatin, a supplementary chemotherapy approach, and is an independent prognostic factor that can be used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.