bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Exogenous Melatonin in Enhancing Shelf Life of Traditional Banana Varieties
Authors: Anchana K. , Kavitha C. , Shanmugasundaram K. A. , Djanaguiraman M. , Johnson I.
Published: August 2023

Aims: An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of various concentrations of melatonin on post harvest weight loss and shelf life of three traditional banana varieties viz. Ney Poovan, Nendran and Red Banana.

Study Design: Completely Randomized Design.

Place and Duration of Study: Post Graduate laboratory, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2022.

Methodology: Banana hands were dipped in 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mM melatonin for 15 minutes and were stored at ambient temperature. The hands dipped in water were treated as control. Observations on physiological weight loss and shelf life were recorded till the fruits remained marketable.

Results: The results depicted that fruits immersed in 1.0 and 1.5 mM melatonin for 15 minutes recorded lower weight loss (31.56, 30.55 and 24.90%) on 11th, 11th and 12th day of storage and longer shelf life by 3, 2.67 and 2.67 days in Ney Poovan, Nendran and Red Banana respectively.

Conclusion: The effects of melatonin were due to its efficiency in reducing transpiration and respiration and thereby lowering weight loss. The lowered metabolic activity not only mitigated weight loss but also maintained firmness and turgidity of the fruits and thereby prolonging the storability. It was evident from the results that melatonin treatment could be a good practice for extending postharvest life of banana by reducing the physiological loss in weight simultaneously maintaining the appearance.
Statistical Model for Annual Trends and Magnitude of Climatic Variability across Locations from the Malwa Plateau Agroclimatic Zone of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Ranjeet  , Sharma S. K. , Jain Sushma , Khapediya H. L.
Published: August 2023

Global climate change has affected the local weather patterns in different regions, especially in India. To manage the water resources effectively, it is important to quantify the local changes in the climatic variables. One of the key variables is precipitation, which is often used as an indicator of climate change. This study aims to examine the temporal variability of rainfall in the Malwa Agroclimatic Zone from 1991 to 2020 (30 years) and to assess its impact on the hydrological status of the districts in this zone. The Mann-Kendall and Sen's tests are used to detect the trend and magnitude of change in the annual precipitation time series. The autocorrelation effects are removed before applying the Mann-Kendall test. The results show that on an annual basis, Indore (Z 1.21 & Q 7.86), Mandsaur (Z 0.82 & Q 3.697), Neemuch (Z 1.03 & Q 3.488), Rajgarh (Z 0.93 & Q 0.5658), Ratalm (Z 0.64 & Q 3.525), Shajapur (Z = 0.57 & Q 3.164) and Ujjain (Z 0.11 & Q 0.692) have an increasing but not statistically significant trend in rainfall, while Dewas (Z -0.07 and Q -0.189) has a decreasing but not statistically significant trend in rainfall. The annual and monthly maximum temperature decreased in the Indore district, while the minimum temperature showed an increasing and decreasing trend. Dewas district also had a decreasing maximum temperature and an increasing minimum temperature. Ujjain district had a decreasing trend for maximum temperature and a significant annual increasing trend for minimum temperature. Shajapur district had a significant annual decreasing trend for maximum temperature and a significant annual and monthly (January and September) increasing trend for minimum temperature. Neemuch district had a significant annual increasing trend for both maximum and minimum temperature, as well as a significant monthly (January) increasing trend for minimum temperature. Ratlam district had a significant annual and monthly (January and September) increasing trend for minimum temperature. Mandsaur and Rajgarh districts had non-significant increasing trends for both maximum and minimum temperature, except for significant monthly (January and September) increasing trends.
Flood Inundation Mapping Using Sentinel 1A Satelite Data in Major Blocks of Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sneka K. , Pazhanivelan S. , Ragunath K. P. , Raju M. , Suganthi A. , Satheesh S.
Published: August 2023

A research study was carried out for mapping flood affected areas from Sentinel 1A satellite data in the major blocks of Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu. A very high-resolution Sentinel 1A satellite data was acquired and processed with GIS tools. Ground truth gathered during the survey were utilized to identify the dB values for flood affected areas, which were then used to classify the flood pixels in the study regions. The flood affected areas of Mayiladuthurai district was found to be 18002 ha during the year 2022. Accuracy assessment and cross validation was done using confusion matrix with the ground truth points collected. The classification resulted with an overall accuracy of 86.2 % area with a Kappa score of 0.72.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Yield Contributing Characters on Seed Yield in Green Gram (Vigna radiate L.)
Authors: Navya Challa , Lal Gabriyal M. , Thomas Neha
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in 21 green gram genotypes for 13 quantitative traits at field experimentation center, during kharif 2022 in Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design in three replications. Analysis of variance indicated high significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits. Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is one of the important pulse crops because of its short growth duration, adaptation to low water requirement and soil fertility. Variability is a greater need for initiating a breeding program for yield and yield contributing traits. High seed yield per plant was recorded by SM-2029, SPM-2040, PHULEMOONG-95418, CO-8, CO-7. All the traits showed significant variation among the lines. High Genotypic Coefficient of Variance and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variance was recorded for Number of pods per plant, Number of clusters per plant, Number of primary branches and Plant height where Genotypic Coefficient of Variance exhibited at moderate level and Number of pods per plant exhibited highest percentage of broad sense heritability and also high in genetic advance followed by Plant height and Number of primary branches and Number of clusters per plant. The studies on Genotypic Coefficient of Variance   and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variance indicated that the presence of high amount of variation and role of the environment on the expression of these traits. Seed index positively correlated to seed yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Seed index, Biological Yield and Number of Primary branches exhibited high positive direct effect to seed yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic path coefficient analysis. Correlation coefficients in most cases were higher than their phenotypic correlation coefficients indicating the association was largely due to genetic reason. At both genotypic and phenotypic levels, significant positive correlations were observed for Seed Index, Days to maturity, Days to 50% pod setting, Plant height, Number of pods per plant and Number of clusters per plant.
Effect of Improved Hive Cover Designs on Internal Microclimate and Colony Establishment of West African Honeybees (Apis mellifera adansonii L.) in Awka, Nigeria
Authors: Ononye B. U. , Akunne C. E. , Ogbuefi E. O. , Okeke T. E. , Okafor K. P. , Azaka E. I. , Obiyo G. E. , Aniefuna C. O. , Akwuaka P. C. , Chidi C. A.
Published: August 2023

Hive cover designs majorly affects the microclimate and colony establishment of African honeybee colonies in Nigeria. It became pertinent therefore to assess the effect of modified hive cover designs on the internal microclimate and colony establishment of West African honeybee (Apis mellifera adansonii L.) Colonies in Awka, Nigeria. Four insulating materials were used to construct the covers of twelve modified frame bar hives and designated: Control (plywood); T1 (warped boards); T2 (PVC) and T3 (foam). Each hive treatment was replicated three times. Data on ambient and hive microclimate as well as the colonization of honeybees’ colonies were observed and reported. The results indicated that the control had the highest temperature (31.86 ºC) while T1 (30.40ºC) had the least. The hive temperature was higher in March, 2023 (32.72°C) while August (29.87°C) had the least. The highest relative humidity (73.18%) was recorded in T1 while the control had the least (64.38%). The hive temperature and relative humidity was significantly affected by hive cover designs and different months of the study period (P<0.05). The highest colonization by African honeybees was observed in the control (100%) but none occurred in T2 (0.00%). Colonization of the Control hives occurred in July, October, and November, 2022 while that of T1 and T3 occurred in December, 2022. Colony establishment of African honeybees was not significantly affected by hive cover designs (p=0.26) and different months of the study period (p=0.24). It was concluded that beekeepers should adopt the insulation of hiver covers with plywood wood since it had 100% colonization of West African honeybees’.
Some Fixed Point Results on Boyd-Wong Type Generalized (\(\alpha\), \(\psi\), F)-Geraghty Contraction Mappings in Partial Metric Spaces with Application
Authors: Tiwari Heeramani , Padmavati
Published: August 2023

Aims/ objectives: In this paper, we initiate Boyd-Wong type generalized (\(\alpha\), \(\psi\), F)-Geraghty contraction mappings in the setting of partial metric spaces and investigate the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for the newly constructed contraction mappings. Our results are supported by an example. As an application of these well-established findings, we show that a class of nonlinear integral equations has a solution.
Coronary Venous Pressure and Microvascular Hemodynamics in Patients With Microvascular Angina
Authors: Ullrich Helen , Hammer Philipp , Olschewski Maximilian , Münzel Thomas , Escaned Javier , Gori Tommaso
Published: August 2023

Importance

The role of the coronary venous circulation in regulating myocardial perfusion and its potential in treating microvascular angina is unexplored.

Objective

To evaluate whether an increase in coronary venous pressure modifies microvascular resistance in patients with microvascular angina.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a blinded, sham-controlled, crossover, randomized clinical trial that enrolled participants between November 2021 and January 2023. Participants for this physiology end point study were recruited from the Cardiology Center of the University of Medicine in Mainz, Germany. Patients with moderate/severe angina pectoris (Canadian Cardiovascular Society class 2-4) due to microvascular dysfunction (as defined by the thermodilution-based index of microvascular resistance >25 mm Hg × s). Exclusion criteria were epicardial coronary disease, second- and third-degree atrioventricular block, severe valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary or kidney disease.

Intervention

Inflation of an undersized balloon placed in the cardiac coronary sinus (CS), hereafter referred to as balloon and the deflated balloon in the right atrium, referred to as sham. Measurements were performed at rest and during maximal coronary hyperemia. Both patients and final assessors were blinded to the randomization sequence.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hemodynamic parameters, including aortic (Pa) and distal (Pd) coronary pressure, coronary sinus pressure (Pcs), right atrial pressure (Pra), and the mean transit time (inverse of blood flow [Tmn]), were measured.

Results

A total of 20 patients (median [IQR] age, 69 [64-75] years; 11 female [55.0%]) were included in the study. Two patients (10%) had diabetes, 6 (30%) had hypercholesterolemia, 15 (75%) had hypertension, and 3 (15%) were active smokers. The inflation of the CS balloon caused a significant increase in CS pressure at rest and during hyperemia (300% and 317% increase, respectively, compared with sham, both P < .001), a decrease in hyperemic distal coronary pressure (median [IQR], sham: 92 [80-100] mm Hg; balloon: 79 [75-93] mm Hg; P = .01) and mean transit time (sham: 0.39 [0.23-0.62] s; balloon: 0.26 [0.17-0.46] s; P = .008). As a result, CS occlusion led to a decrease in both resting coronary resistance (median [IQR], sham: 59 [37-87] mm Hg × s; balloon: 42 [31-67] mm Hg × s; P = .005) and the primary end point hyperemic coronary resistance (mean [IQR], sham: 31 [23-53] mm Hg × s; balloon: 14 [8-26] mm Hg × s; P < .001).

Conclusion and Relevance

Increased coronary venous pressure led to a reduction of microvascular resistances in patients with microvascular angina, a mechanism with potential implications for the therapy of this complex disease.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05034224
Overall Survival After Mohs Surgery for Early-Stage Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cheraghlou Shayan , Doudican Nicole A. , Criscito Maressa C. , Stevenson Mary L. , Carucci John A.
Published: August 2023

Importance

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignant neoplasm with increasing incidence and high mortality. Although it is accepted that the optimal treatment for localized tumors is surgical, the data surrounding the optimal surgical approach are mixed, and current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines state that Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and wide local excision (WLE) can both be used. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines do not advocate a preference for MMS or WLE and suggest that they can be used interchangeably.

Objective

To evaluate the association of surgical approach with overall survival after excision of localized T1/T2 MCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used the National Cancer Database to assess adults with T1/T2 MCC who were diagnosed between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2018, with pathologically confirmed, negative regional lymph nodes and treated with surgery. The National Cancer Database includes all reportable cases from Commission on Cancer–accredited facilities. Data analysis was performed from October 2022 to May 2023.

Exposure

Surgical approach.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Overall survival.

Results

A total of 2313 patients (mean [SD] age, 71 [10.6] years; 1340 [57.9%] male) were included in the study. Excision with MMS had the best unadjusted survival, with mean (SE) survival rates of 87.4% (3.4%) at 3 years, 84.5% (3.9%) at 5 years, and 81.8% (4.6%) at 10 years vs 86.1% (0.9%) at 3 years, 76.9% (1.2%) at 5 years, and 60.9% (2.0%) at 10 years for patients treated with WLE. Patients treated with narrow-margin excision had similar survival as those treated with WLE, with mean (SE) survival rates of 84.8% (1.4%) at 3 years, 78.3% (1.7%) at 5 years, and 60.8% (3.6%) at 10 years. On multivariable survival analysis, excision with MMS was associated with significantly improved survival compared with WLE (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.97; P = .04). High-volume MCC centers were significantly more likely to use MMS over WLE compared with other centers (odds ratio, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.63-2.44; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the use of MMS (compared with WLE) was associated with significantly improved survival for patients with localized MCC with pathologically confirmed negative lymph nodes treated with surgery. These data suggest that Mohs surgery may provide a more effective treatment for MCC primary tumors than conventional WLE, although the lack of randomization and potential for selection bias in this study highlight the need for future prospective work evaluating this issue.
National Estimates of Gender-Affirming Surgery in the US
Authors: Wright Jason D. , Chen Ling , Suzuki Yukio , Matsuo Koji , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: August 2023

Importance

While changes in federal and state laws mandating coverage of gender-affirming surgery (GAS) may have led to an increase in the number of annual cases, comprehensive data describing trends in both inpatient and outpatient procedures are limited.

Objective

To examine trends in inpatient and outpatient GAS procedures in the US and to explore the temporal trends in the types of GAS performed across age groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study includes data from 2016 to 2020 in the Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample and the National Inpatient Sample. Patients with diagnosis codes for gender identity disorder, transsexualism, or a personal history of sex reassignment were identified, and the performance of GAS, including breast and chest procedures, genital reconstructive procedures, and other facial and cosmetic surgical procedures, were identified.

Main Outcome Measures

Weighted estimates of the annual number of inpatient and outpatient procedures performed and the distribution of each class of procedure overall and by age were analyzed.

Results

A total of 48 019 patients who underwent GAS were identified, including 25 099 (52.3%) who were aged 19 to 30 years. The most common procedures were breast and chest procedures, which occurred in 27 187 patients (56.6%), followed by genital reconstruction (16 872 [35.1%]) and other facial and cosmetic procedures (6669 [13.9%]). The absolute number of GAS procedures rose from 4552 in 2016 to a peak of 13 011 in 2019 and then declined slightly to 12 818 in 2020. Overall, 25 099 patients (52.3%) were aged 19 to 30 years, 10 476 (21.8%) were aged 31 to 40, and 3678 (7.7%) were aged12 to 18 years. When stratified by the type of procedure performed, breast and chest procedures made up a greater percentage of the surgical interventions in younger patients, while genital surgical procedures were greater in older patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

Performance of GAS has increased substantially in the US. Breast and chest surgery was the most common group of procedures performed. The number of genital surgical procedures performed increased with increasing age.
Development of a Machine Learning–Based Prescriptive Tool to Address Racial Disparities in Access to Care After Penetrating Trauma
Authors: Gebran Anthony , Thakur Sumiran S. , Maurer Lydia R. , Bandi Hari , Sinyard Robert , Dorken-Gallastegi Ander , Bokenkamp Mary , El Moheb Mohamad , Naar Leon , Vapsi Annita , Daye Dania , Velmahos George C. , Bertsimas Dimitris , Kaafarani Haytham M. A.
Published: August 2023

Importance

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical medicine risks perpetuating existing bias in care, such as disparities in access to postinjury rehabilitation services.

Objective

To leverage a novel, interpretable AI-based technology to uncover racial disparities in access to postinjury rehabilitation care and create an AI-based prescriptive tool to address these disparities.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the 2010-2016 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database for Black and White patients with a penetrating mechanism of injury. An interpretable AI methodology called optimal classification trees (OCTs) was applied in an 80:20 derivation/validation split to predict discharge disposition (home vs postacute care [PAC]). The interpretable nature of OCTs allowed for examination of the AI logic to identify racial disparities. A prescriptive mixed-integer optimization model using age, injury, and gender data was allowed to “fairness-flip” the recommended discharge destination for a subset of patients while minimizing the ratio of imbalance between Black and White patients. Three OCTs were developed to predict discharge disposition: the first 2 trees used unadjusted data (one without and one with the race variable), and the third tree used fairness-adjusted data.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Disparities and the discriminative performance (C statistic) were compared among fairness-adjusted and unadjusted OCTs.

Results

A total of 52 468 patients were included; the median (IQR) age was 29 (22-40) years, 46 189 patients (88.0%) were male, 31 470 (60.0%) were Black, and 20 998 (40.0%) were White. A total of 3800 Black patients (12.1%) were discharged to PAC, compared with 4504 White patients (21.5%; P < .001). Examining the AI logic uncovered significant disparities in PAC discharge destination access, with race playing the second most important role. The prescriptive fairness adjustment recommended flipping the discharge destination of 4.5% of the patients, with the performance of the adjusted model increasing from a C statistic of 0.79 to 0.87. After fairness adjustment, disparities disappeared, and a similar percentage of Black and White patients (15.8% vs 15.8%; P = .87) had a recommended discharge to PAC.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, we developed an accurate, machine learning–based, fairness-adjusted model that can identify barriers to discharge to postacute care. Instead of accidentally encoding bias, interpretable AI methodologies are powerful tools to diagnose and remedy system-related bias in care, such as disparities in access to postinjury rehabilitation care.
Nature's Blueprint in Bioinspired Materials for Robotics
Authors: Roh Yeonwook , Lee Youngseok , Lim Daseul , Gong Dohyeon , Hwang Suhyeon , Kang Minji , Kim Dohyung , Cho Junggwang , Kwon Gibeom , Kang Daeshik , Han Seungyong , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: August 2023

Soft robotics, an emerging field that focuses on the development of robots utilizing soft, flexible, and deformable materials, is revolutionizing traditional robotics (reliant on rigid materials and motors) and broadening its range of applications and potential uses. In addition, by emulating the structure, function, and characteristics of biological systems, bioinspired materials are facilitating significant progress in a diverse array of soft robotic applications. This review offers an overview of bioinspired materials employed in soft robotics, exploring their potential applications, challenges, and future research directions. For an intuitive understanding, soft robots based on the primary abilities required and the habitats (terrestrial, aquatic, aerial) of the animals and plants they mimic are categorized. Furthermore, real‐world applications of developed soft robots in everyday human life are presented. The novel category classification and comprehensive analysis presented in this review provide insights into the development of soft robotic systems with the potential to transform various industries and enhance quality of life.
Near‐Atomic‐Scale Perspective on the Oxidation of Ti3C2Tx MXenes: Insights from Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Krämer Mathias , Favelukis Bar , El‐Zoka Ayman A. , Sokol Maxim , Rosen Brian A. , Eliaz Noam , Kim Se‐Ho , Gault Baptiste
Published: August 2023

MXenes are a family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides with remarkable properties, bearing great potential for energy storage and catalysis applications. However, their oxidation behavior is not yet fully understood, and there are still open questions regarding the spatial distribution and precise quantification of surface terminations, intercalated ions, and possible uncontrolled impurities incorporated during synthesis and processing. Here, atom probe tomography (APT) analysis of as‐synthesized Ti3C2Tx MXenes reveals the presence of alkali (Li, Na) and halogen (Cl, F) elements as well as unetched Al. Following oxidation of the colloidal solution of MXenes, it is observed that the alkalis are enriched in TiO2 nanowires. Although these elements are tolerated through the incorporation by wet chemical synthesis, they are often overlooked when the activity of these materials is considered, particularly during catalytic testing. This work demonstrates how the capability of APT to image these elements in 3D at the near‐atomic scale can help to better understand the activity and degradation of MXenes, in order to guide their synthesis for superior functional properties.
2D Conjugated Metal–Organic Frameworks Embedded with Iodine for High‐Performance Ammonium‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Gao Mingming , Wang Zhiyong , Liu Zaichun , Huang Ying , Wang Faxing , Wang Mingchao , Yang Sheng , Li Junke , Liu Jinxin , Qi Haoyuan , Zhang Panpan , Lu Xing , Feng Xinliang
Published: August 2023

Ammonium ions (NH4+) are emerging non‐metallic charge carriers for advanced electrochemical energy storage devices, due to their low cost, elemental abundance, and environmental benignity. However, finding suitable electrode materials to achieve rapid diffusion kinetics for NH4+ storage remains a great challenge. Herein, a 2D conjugated metal–organic framework (2D c‐MOF) for immobilizing iodine, as a high‐performance cathode material for NH4+ hybrid supercapacitors, is reported. Cu‐HHB (HHB = hexahydroxybenzene) MOF embedded with iodine (Cu‐HHB/I2) features excellent electrical conductivity, highly porous structure, and rich accessible active sites of copper‐bis(dihydroxy) (Cu─O4) and iodide species, resulting in a remarkable areal capacitance of 111.7 mF cm−2 at 0.4 mA cm−2. Experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that the Cu─O4 species in Cu‐HHB play a critical role in binding polyiodide and suppressing its dissolution, as well as contributing to a large pseudocapacitance with adsorbed iodide. In combination with a porous MXene anode, the full NH4+ hybrid supercapacitors deliver an excellent energy density of 31.5 mWh cm−2 and long‐term cycling stability with 89.5% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles, superior to those of the state‐of‐the‐art NH4+ hybrid supercapacitors. This study sheds light on the material design for NH4+ storage, enabling the development of novel high‐performance energy storage devices.
Anode‐Less All‐Solid‐State Batteries Operating at Room Temperature and Low Pressure
Authors: Oh Jihoon , Choi Seung Ho , Kim Ji Young , Lee Jieun , Lee Taegeun , Lee Nohjoon , Lee Taeyong , Sohn Yeeun , Chung Woo Jun , Bae Ki Yoon , Son Samick , Choi Jang Wook
Published: August 2023

Anode‐less all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are being targeted for next‐generation electric mobility owing to their superior energy density and safety as well as the affordability of their materials. However, because of the anode‐less configuration, it is nontrivial to simultaneously operate the cell at room temperature and low pressure as a result of the sluggish reaction kinetics of lithium (de)plating and the formation of interfacial voids. This study overcomes these intrinsic challenges of anode‐less ASSBs by introducing a dual thin film consisting of a magnesium upper layer with a Ti3C2Tx MXene buffer layer underneath. The Mg layer enables reversible Li plating and stripping at room temperature by reacting with Li via a (de)alloying reaction with a low reaction barrier. The MXene buffer layer maintains the electrolyte‐electrode interface by inhibiting the formation of voids even at low pressure of 2 MPa owing to the high ductility of MXene. This study highlights the importance of a combined chemical and mechanical approach when designing anode‐less electrodes for practical adaptation for anode‐less ASSBs.
Carbonate Hydrogenated to Formate in the Aqueous Phase over Nickel/TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Li Aowen , Tang Haoyi , Xu Yao , Qin Xuetao , Jiang Zheng , Yu Qiaolin , Zhou Wu , Chen Liwei , Wang Meng , Liu Xi , Ma Ding
Published: August 2023

Carbonate hydrogenation to formate is a promising route to convert captured carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals, thus reducing carbon emissions and creating a revenue return. Developing inexpensive catalysts with high activity, selectivity, and stability remains challenging. We report a supported non‐noble metal catalyst, Ni/TiO2, with great selectivity over 96 % and excellent stability in catalyzing the conversion of carbonate into formate in aqueous solution. Ni0 and Ni2+ species are both observed in Ni/TiO2 catalysts, and the synergistic effect of these two Ni components leads to high activity and high selectivity of carbonate hydrogenation to formate.
Annulation‐Induced Hidden Reactivity of the 1,2,4‐Triazole Backbone
Authors: Karak Pirudhan , Sreelakshmi P. A. , Chakraborty Barsha , Pal Manisha , Khatua Bitasik , Lal Koner Apurba , Choudhury Joyanta
Published: August 2023

Triazoles are an important class of compounds with widespread applications. Functionalization of the triazole backbone is thus of significant interest. In comparison to 1,2,3‐triazoles, C−H activation‐functionalization of the congeners 1,2,4‐triazoles is surprisingly underdeveloped. Indeed, no such C−H activation‐functionalization has been reported for 4‐substituted 1,2,4‐triazole cores. Furthermore, although denitrogenative ring‐opening of 1,2,3‐triazoles is well‐explored, 1,2,4‐triazole/triazolium substrates have not been known to exhibit N−N bond‐cleaving ring‐opening reactivity so far. In this work, we unveiled an unusual hidden reactivity of the 1,2,4‐triazole backbone involving the elusive N−N bond‐cleaving ring‐opening reaction. This new reactivity was induced by a Satoh‐Miura‐type C−H activation‐annulation at the 1,2,4‐triazole motif appended with a pyridine directing group. This unique reaction allowed ready access to a novel class of unsymmetrically substituted 2,2′‐dipyridylamines, with one pyridine ring fully‐substituted with alkyl groups. The unsymmetrical 2,2′‐dipyridylamines were utilized to access unsymmetrical boron‐aza‐dipyridylmethene fluorescent dyes. Empowered with desirable optical/physical properties such as large Stokes shifts and suitable hydrophobicity arising from optimal alkyl chain length at the fully‐substituted pyridine‐ring, these dyes were used for intracellular lipid droplet‐selective imaging studies, which provided useful information toward designing suitable lipid droplet‐selective imaging probes for biomedical applications.
The Future of (Radio)‐Labeled Compounds in Research and Development within the Life Science Industry
Authors: Derdau Volker , Elmore Charles S. , Hartung Thomas , McKillican Bruce , Mejuch Tom , Rosenbaum Claudia , Wiebe Christine
Published: August 2023

In this review the applications of isotopically labeled compounds are discussed and put into the context of their future impact in the life sciences. Especially discussing their use in the pharma and crop science industries to follow their fate in the environment, in vivo or in complex matrices to understand the potential harm of new chemical structures and to increase the safety of human society.
Experimental and computational studies of two binuclear Co(II) and Ni(II) bis(salamo)‐like complexes
Authors: Yan Yuan‐Ji , La Ya‐Ting , Du Ming‐Xia , Xu Li , Dong Wen‐Kui
Published: August 2023

Acetate‐bridged binuclear Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, [Co2(L)(μ‐OAc)(EtOH)] (1) and [Ni2(L)(μ‐OAc)(EtOH)] (2) were synthesized via the reaction of a new bis(salamo)‐like ligand with two different metal(II) acetates. X‐ray single crystal diffraction analyses showed that two metal(II) ions (Co or Ni) occupy two sets of N2O2 cavities, respectively. The acetate group bridges the two metals, and the ethanol oxygen atom participates in the coordination. Furthermore, UV–vis titration experiments clearly indicated that the complexation between H3L and M(II) ions leads to the 1:2 complexes [(L)M2]+ through a highly synergistic process. Bond valence sum (BVS) calculations exhibited that the Co(II) and Ni(II) ions are divalent. Secondly, the ligand H3L highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) gap analysis and surface electrostatic potential were theoretically analyzed by theoretical calculation (density functional theory), and the reactivity of M(II) ions and the ligand in the complex formation process was demonstrated. Finally, the microscopic properties of the complexes were deeply understood through the calculation of the weak intramolecular interactions and the unstressed regions outside the complexes.
Glycerol dehydration catalyzed by solid acid in nonthermal plasma and simulation analysis of plasma electric field
Authors: Liu Lu , Ye Xiaofei Philip , Datta Ashim
Published: August 2023

Nonthermal plasma (NTP), for the first time, was integrated in glycerol dehydration reaction catalyzed by silicotungstic acid supported on mesoporous silica with argon as the carrier and discharge gas. A range of reaction temperatures (220–320°C) and NTP discharge field strengths (2.06–6.87 kV/cm) were studied for the individual and interactive effects regarding the glycerol conversion and product selectivity. Results showed that the presence of NTP always improved the glycerol conversion, and NTP increased acrolein selectivity if properly conditioned. An optimal condition of 275°C and 4.58 kV/cm NTP field strength achieved a glycerol conversion of 94.4 mol%, acrolein selectivity of 88.0 mol%, with an acrolein yield of 83.1 mol%, representing a 10% improvement in acrolein production over that conducted at the same temperature but without NTP. Results of this study will also have significant implication for other heterogeneously catalyzed dehydration reactions. Simulation of the high‐voltage electric field distribution as function of NTP electrical conductivity and relative permittivity of catalyst materials also offers insight for the future design of reactors and catalysts.
Synthesis of a network‐structured polymer with low viscosity effect and its use as filtrate reducer for water‐based drilling fluids
Authors: Lin Zhengwen , Li Fang , Liu Xinyu , Su Junlin
Published: August 2023

With the development of deep formations, high temperature and high salinity seriously affect the rheology and filtration performance of water‐based drilling fluids. Therefore, in this study, a network‐structured polymer (DSD‐β‐CD) with low viscosity effect was synthesized using β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as the backbone and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (SSS), and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) as monomers. The polymer was analyzed by transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis. The filtrate reducer in this study showed excellent temperature and salt resistance, the filtration loss of the water‐based drilling fluid containing 3.5% DSD‐β‐CD and 18% NaCl was 5.1 mL after hot rolling at 220°C for 16 h. Additionally, its viscosity was 0.2 mPa s higher than that of the water‐based drilling fluid with 18% NaCl, showing an excellent low viscosity effect. The filtration loss reduction mechanism of DSD‐β‐CD was investigated by viscosity analysis, mud cake analysis, particle size distribution, hydration swelling of bentonite, and Zeta potential. The results showed that DSD‐β‐CD could be adsorbed on the surface of bentonite particles through hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds, which increased the dispersion of bentonite particle and the compactness of the mud cake, thus reducing the filtration loss.
Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibodies With Multiple Specificities Ameliorate Collagen Antibody–Induced Arthritis in a Time‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Gomez Alejandro M. , Brewer R. Camille , Moon Jae‐Seung , Acharya Suman , Kongpachith Sarah , Wang Qian , Jahanbani Shaghayegh , Wong Heidi H. , Lanz Tobias V. , Love Zelda Z. , Min‐Oo Gundula , Niedziela‐Majka Anita , Robinson William H.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have long been regarded as pathogenic. Despite substantial in vitro evidence supporting this claim, reports investigating the proinflammatory effects of ACPAs in animal models of arthritis are rare and include mixed results. Here, we sequenced the plasmablast antibody repertoire of a patient with RA and functionally characterized the encoded ACPAs.

Methods

We expressed ACPAs from the antibody repertoire of a patient with RA and characterized their autoantigen specificities on antigen arrays and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Binding affinities were estimated by bio‐layer interferometry. Select ACPAs (n = 9) were tested in the collagen antibody–induced arthritis (CAIA) mouse model to evaluate their effects on joint inflammation.

Results

Recombinant ACPAs bound preferentially and with high affinity (nanomolar range) to citrullinated (cit) autoantigens (primarily histones and fibrinogen) and to auto‐cit peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). ACPAs were grouped for in vivo testing based on their predominant cit‐antigen specificities. Unexpectedly, injections of recombinant ACPAs significantly reduced paw thickness and arthritis severity in CAIA mice as compared with isotype‐matched control antibodies (P ≤ 0.001). Bone erosion, synovitis, and cartilage damage were also significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.01). This amelioration of CAIA was observed for all the ACPAs tested and was independent of cit‐PAD4 and cit‐fibrinogen specificities. Furthermore, disease amelioration was more prominent when ACPAs were injected at earlier stages of CAIA than at later phases of the model.

Conclusion

Recombinant patient‐derived ACPAs ameliorated CAIA. Their antiinflammatory effects were more preventive than therapeutic. This study highlights a potential protective role for ACPAs in arthritis.

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Elevation of IL‐17 Cytokines Distinguishes Kawasaki Disease From Other Pediatric Inflammatory Disorders
Authors: Brodeur Kailey E. , Liu Meng , Ibanez Daniel , de Groot Mareike J. , Chen Liang , Du Yan , Seyal Eman , Laza‐Briviesca Raquel , Baker Annette , Chang Joyce C. , Chang Margaret H. , Day‐Lewis Megan , Dedeoglu Fatma , Dionne Audrey , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Friedman Kevin G. , Halyabar Olha , Lo Mindy S. , Meidan Esra , Sundel Robert P. , Henderson Lauren A. , Nigrovic Peter A. , Newburger Jane W. , Son Mary Beth , Lee Pui Y.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of young children that can lead to development of coronary artery aneurysms. We aimed to identify diagnostic markers to distinguish KD from other pediatric inflammatory diseases.

Methods

We used the proximity extension assay to profile proinflammatory mediators in plasma samples from healthy pediatric controls (n = 30), febrile controls (n = 26), and patients with KD (n = 23), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C; n = 25), macrophage activation syndrome (n = 13), systemic and nonsystemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 14 and n = 10, respectively), and juvenile dermatomyositis (n = 9). We validated the key findings using serum samples from additional patients with KD (n = 37) and febrile controls (n = 28).

Results

High‐fidelity proteomic profiling revealed distinct patterns of cytokine and chemokine expression across pediatric inflammatory diseases. Although KD and MIS‐C exhibited many similarities, KD differed from MIS‐C and other febrile diseases in that most patients exhibited elevation in one or more members of the interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) cytokine family, IL‐17A, IL‐17C, and IL‐17F. IL‐17A was particularly sensitive and specific, discriminating KD from febrile controls with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.89–1.00) in the derivation set and 0.91 (0.85–0.98) in the validation set. Elevation of all three IL‐17‐family cytokines was observed in over 50% of KD patients, including 19 of 20 with coronary artery aneurysms, but was rare in all other comparator groups.

Conclusion

Elevation of IL‐17 family cytokines is a hallmark of KD and may help distinguish KD from its clinical mimics.

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Alloying and Nanotechnology for Sn‐based Anode Materials: Paving the Way to the Future of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ding Shukai , Zhang Le , Su Qingmei , Du Gaohui
Published: August 2023

The development of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density is of utmost importance to meet the growing demand for 3 C devices and electric automobiles worldwide. Over the past three decades, there has been significant interest in Sn‐based anode materials for LIBs, owing to their high specific capacity and low charge/discharge plateau. Two primary strategies, namely alloying and nanotechnology, have been extensively investigated to enhance the electrochemical performance of Sn‐based anodes. However, the complete understanding and recognition of the full potential of these strategies, both in the past and future, remains incomplete. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the development of Sn‐based anodes prepared using the aforementioned strategies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the practical potential of Sn‐based anodes and the associated preparation technologies for large‐scale production. Establishing a strong connection between these technologies and high‐performance Sn‐based composites is crucial, and this objective will be achieved through an extensive comparison and detailed introduction of relevant concepts. By addressing these aspects, this review will contribute to the advancement of Sn‐based anodes research and its application in high‐performance LIBs, ultimately driving progress in the field of energy storage.
Information search processing affects social decisions
Authors: Wei Zi‐Han , Liang Yan , Liang Ci‐Juan , Liu Hong‐Zhi
Published: August 2023

Social decisions often require individuals to balance conflicts between their own selfish interests and the need for equality. The way information about available options is presented can have an impact on how people process information and make social decisions. In this study, we examined the effect of information presentation on social decisions in a mini‐dictator game, where participants must make binary choices about how to allocate money between themselves and another participant. We conducted two tasks with different presentation styles: the attribute‐based task, where attributes such as own payoffs or others' payoffs were displayed sequentially, and the alternative‐based task, where alternatives were displayed sequentially. We found that participants in the attribute‐based task made more selfish choices and were less sensitive to equality than those in the alternative‐based task. The direction of information search and the complexity level of information processing played a mediating role in the effect of task on social decisions. Our findings highlight the relationship between information search and social decisions, shedding light on the mechanisms and processes that underlie social decision‐making.
Bioengineered chimeric tRNA/pre‐miRNAs as prodrugs in cancer therapy
Authors: Rafieenia Fatemeh , Ebrahimi Seyed Omar , Emadi Ensieh sadat , Taheri Forough , Reiisi Somayeh
Published: August 2023

Today, biologic prodrugs have led to targeting specific tumor markers and have increased specificity and selectivity in cancer therapy. Various studies have shown the role of ncRNAs in cancer pathology and tumorigenesis and have suggested that ncRNAs, especially miRNAs, are valuable molecules in understanding cancer biology and therapeutic processes. Most miRNAs‐based research and treatment are limited to chemically synthesized miRNAs. Synthetic alterations in these miRNA mimics may affect their folding, safety profile, and even biological activity. However, despite synthetic miRNA mimics produced by automated systems, various carriers could be used to achieve efficient production of bioengineered miRNAs through economical microbial fermentation. These bioengineered miRNAs as biological prodrugs could provide a new approach for safe therapeutic methods and drug production. In this regard, bioengineered chimeric miRNAs could be selectively processed to mature miRNAs in different types of cancer cells by targeting the desired gene and regulating cancer progression. In this article, we aim to review bioengineered miRNAs and their use in cancer therapy, as well as offering advances in this area, including the use of chimeric tRNA/pre‐miRNAs.
Staying in my lane: An exploration of counsellors' and psychotherapists' understanding and use of nutrition in the therapy room
Authors: Leonard Jayne
Published: August 2023

Introduction and Aims

A significant body of research has found a positive association between a healthy diet and good mental health, and between an unhealthy diet and poorer mental health. Despite this, nutritional education and methods of intervention remain largely absent from psychotherapy training and practice, and mental health professionals worldwide report poor nutritional literacy. This study aims to explore how therapists understand and view diet and nutrition in the context of mental health, and whether, and how, they use this knowledge with clients.

Methodology and Methods

This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach when collecting and analysing the data. Participants were from throughout Ireland, with recruitment taking place via an email call for participants. A brief pre‐interview conversation ensured respondents fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Six integrative/pluralistic psychotherapists were interviewed about their views and understanding of nutrition in relation to mental health and psychotherapy, as well as about their training, supervision and their use of diet‐related interventions with clients.

Findings

Four master themes were identified: “therapist experiences and beliefs,” which relates to how participants experienced and viewed nutrition on personal and professional levels; “meanings associated with food and nutrition” by therapists, and their perception of the meanings their clients placed upon food; “boundaries and barriers” that therapists experienced or perceived when it came to discussing nutrition with clients; and “the silence around nutrition in psychotherapy,” in terms of its absence from training, supervision and peer discussions.

Discussion and Conclusions

The study highlights the importance and meaning that individuals place on nutrition for mental well‐being, while also highlighting its absence from training programmes, supervision sessions and discussions with peers and within the wider profession. The study further indicates potential boundary issues and ethical concerns as a result of the disparity between training/supervision and client needs/therapist practice.
Artificial intelligence consumer behavior: A hybrid review and research agenda
Authors: Jain Varsha , Wadhwani Ketan , Eastman Jacqueline K.
Published: August 2023

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and its applications has drastically transformed consumer behavior (CB). As consumers interact with these applications on multiple platforms and touchpoints, it becomes crucial to understand how these interactions affect consumer behavior and its components, including personality, attitude, engagement, decision‐making, and trust. The research on the relationship between artificial intelligence and consumer behavior (hereafter referred to as AI CB) revolves around these topics and has grown exponentially in recent years. A rigorous review is required to provide directions for future studies by comprehending the extensive literature, understanding research gaps, and identifying the future directions for scholarly work. This article aims to address this research gap by analyzing 107 AI CB articles using the bibliometric and framework‐based methodology to provide insights into publication trends, dominant theories, methods, antecedents, decisions, and outcomes in the AI CB literature. Most importantly, the review identifies clusters of research fronts and provides a thematic framework for current research. These clusters or themes relate to AI interaction with consumer behavior dimensions, including consumer acceptance and trust, consumer interaction and engagement, attitude and personality, decision‐making, and adoption. This thematic framework and TCM‐ADO analysis offer future research directions to advance theory development and have implications for industry and society.