bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Source ranging with minimal environmental information using the virtual receiver and waveguide invariant concepts
Authors: Thode Aaron
Published: July 2002

A method is presented for determining the range of an unknown broadband acoustic source in a waveguide, using a vertical array and a signal sample from another broadband source at a known location relative to the array. The method requires no knowledge or modeling of the ocean environment for range-independent environments. The strategy employed is to combine waveguide invariant theory [e.g., D’Spain and Kuperman, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 106, 2454–2468 (1999)] with ‘‘virtual receiver’’ concepts [Siderius et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 102, 3439–3449 (1997)] to create a ‘‘virtual aperture.’’ In other words, a vertical array can effectively convert a source at known range R into a continuum of receivers lying between ranges (1±α)R, where α≂0.1. When the intensity field across this virtual aperture is plotted in the range–frequency plane, the slopes of the intensity maxima yield the range to the unknown source from the guide source, and thus the range to the vertical array. The concept is illustrated in both simulation and data collected from a 75–150-Hz bandwidth pseudorandom noise source during the shallow-water experiment SWellEx-3. The virtual aperture can be reformulated for range-dependent environments, provided that adiabatic propagation can be assumed, and the bathymetry surrounding the array is known. [Work also conducted at Marine Physical Lab., Scripps Inst. of Oceanogr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0704.]
History of engineering acoustics
Authors: Ehrlich Stanley L.
Published: July 2002

At the Providence, RI meeting in December 1955 it was proposed to add three new technical committees to the original seven established about a year earlier. Two of the new ones, Audio Engineering and Electroacoustics, and Sonic and Ultrasonic Engineering, are precursors of the present Engineering Acoustics Technical Committee. In 1961, the name of the former committee was shortened to Electroacoustics, and I began to attend their meetings. In 1964, the scope of the committee was broadened, and its present name of Engineering Acoustics adopted. Early repeatable experiments in engineering acoustics have been attributed to Benjamin Franklin, and mostly anecdotal evidence exists before that. Modern developments involve interdisciplinary involvements with all acoustics, and specifically with the discovery of new materials, applications of their properties, and inventions of a wide variety of devices for producing, receiving, and using acoustics. Henry, Joule, Bell, Berliner, Edison, the Curie brothers, DeForest, and Fessenden will be among those noted, with some related recognition of them by the Engineering Acoustics TC.
A relaxed condition for “perfect” cancellation of broadband noise in 3D enclosures
Authors: Yuan Jing
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a relaxed condition for “perfect” cancellation of broadband noise in 3D enclosures. On the basis of a truncated modal model, it can be shown that the primary and secondary paths belong to a same subspace if a certain condition is satisfied. There exists a finite impulse response (FIR) filter transfer function vector for perfect cancellation of the primary paths. The analytical result is verified numerically with an active noise control (ANC) system in a 3D rectangular enclosure. The proposed ANC scheme is shown to fit well into the framework of an existing multichannel least-mean squares (LMS) algorithm for adaptive implementation.
Real-time and off-line comparisons of standard array configurations containing three and four microphones
Authors: Hoffman M. W. , Pinkelman C. , Lu X. F. , Li Z.
Published: July 2002

This paper addresses the benefits and drawbacks of different configurations of three and four microphone adaptive arrays. In particular, broadside and endfire configurations of equally spaced and logarithmically spaced arrays are compared. The assessment uses arrays of simple electret microphones in actual acoustic environments. Fixed and robust adaptive approaches are compared given a single interference. Adaptive endfire configurations appear to provide 2–5 dB better average performance using the same resources (microphones, aperture, and processing complexity) than adaptive broadside implementations. This is true in all cases except for interfering signals close to (<30°) the desired signal look direction (with broadside providing 1–4 dB relative improvement).
Stress Relaxation and Differential Dynamic Modulus of Polyisobutylene in Large Shearing Deformations
Authors: Isono Yoshinobu , Ferry John D.
Published: July 2002

Stress relaxation in shear has been measured at 25°C for a polyisobutylene sample with viscosity average molecular weight 7.7×105, at shear strains γ from 0.2 to 0.5, over a time scale from 102 to 104.5 s. In this range, the relaxation modulus G(γ;t) could be expressed by the product G(0;t)h(γ); at γ=0.5, h=0.76. Simultaneous measurements of the differential storage and loss shear moduli, G′(ω,γ;t) and G″(ω,γ;t) were made throughout the relaxation process by intermittently superposing small oscillating deformations with a maximum additional strain of 0.01, at a frequency of about 0.33 Hz, which falls in the middle of the plateau zone of the polymer. For γ=0.2, G′ and G″ remained unchanged from their values at zero static strain, G′(ω,0) and G″(ω,0) respectively, confirming that the density of entanglements (or topological obstacles, or temporary network junctions), remains constant throughout the relaxation process at small strains. At higher strains, G″ was nearly constant, but G′ was somewhat smaller at the first measurement after imposition of static strain and slowly recovered to its original zero-strain value. The behavior could be qualitatively interpreted by the Doi theory which includes both an equilibration process characterized by a time τe and a disengagement process characterized by a time τd; the decrease in G′ would correspond to loss of entanglements by the contraction of stretched molecules during equilibration and the subsequent increase to reestablishment of new entanglements by reptation during disengagement.
Longitudinal Volume Viscosity of Poly(butylene terephthalate)
Authors: Sanchez-Sancha M. , Aleman J. V.
Published: July 2002

The volume flow of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) of M̄n=19,600, Tm=598 K and Tg=316 K, has been measured in an Instron Capillary Rheometer. The elastic modulus of the longitudinal wave, longitudinal volume viscosity, initial longitudinal volume viscosity, and retardation times are described at temperatures above the melting temperature (493 K), and compression rates of ca. 1 to 200×10−5 s−1. An increase in longitudinal volume viscosity with decreasing volume deformation, increasing compression rate, and increasing temperature has been observed. The volume flow activation energy decreases as the volume deformation increases.
Association of Medicare Beneficiary and Hospital Accountable Care Organization Alignment With Surgical Cost Savings
Authors: Herrel Lindsey A. , Yan Phyllis , Modi Parth , Adler-Milstein Julia , Ryan Andrew M. , Hollingsworth John M.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Although Medicare accountable care organizations (ACOs) account for half of program expenditures, whether ACOs are associated with surgical spending warrants further study.

Objective

To assess whether greater beneficiary-hospital ACO alignment was associated with lower surgical episode costs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 using US Medicare data from a 20% random sample of beneficiaries. Individuals 18 years of age and older and without kidney failure who had a surgical admission between 2008 and 2015 were included. For each study year, distinction was made between beneficiaries assigned to an ACO and those who were not, as well as between admissions to ACO-participating and nonparticipating hospitals.

Exposures

Time-varying binary indicators for beneficiary ACO assignment and hospital ACO participation and an interaction between them.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Ninety-day, price-standardized total episode payments. Multivariable 2-way fixed-effects models were estimated.

Results

During the study period, 2 797 337 surgical admissions (6% of which involved ACO-assigned beneficiaries) occurred at 3427 hospitals (17% ACO participating). Total Medicare payments for 90-day surgical episodes were lowest when ACO-assigned beneficiaries underwent surgery at a hospital participating in the same ACO as the beneficiary ($26 635 [95% CI, $26 426-$26 844]). The highest payments were for unassigned beneficiaries treated at participating hospitals ($27 373 [95% CI, $27 232-$27 514]) or nonparticipating hospitals ($27 303 [95% CI, $27 291-$27 314]). Assigned beneficiaries treated at hospitals participating in a different ACO and assigned beneficiaries treated at nonparticipating hospitals had similar payments (for participating hospitals, $27 003 [95% CI, $26 739-$27 267] and for nonparticipating hospitals, $26 928 [95% CI, $26 796-$27 059]). A notable factor in the observed differences in surgical episode costs was lower spending on postacute care services.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study evaluating hospital and beneficiary ACO alignment and surgical spending, savings were noted for beneficiaries treated at hospitals in the same ACO. Allowing ACOs to encourage or require surgical procedures in their own hospitals could lower Medicare spending on surgery.
Medicaid as a Potential New Third Rail of US Politics
Authors: Levitt Larry
Published: December 2022

This JAMA Forum discusses upcoming debt ceiling debates in the US Congress and potential cuts to entitlement programs within the context of the current wider reach of Medicaid than Medicare, Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, and the possible end to the COVID-19 public health emergency and a recession.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring Conceived via In Vitro Fertilization vs Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Lo Huiwen , Weng Shih-Feng , Tsai Eing-Mei
Published: December 2022

Importance

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the most common type of assisted reproductive technology (ART), might damage the sperm or embryo. The implications of male infertility and ICSI for the neurodevelopmental health of offspring remain unknown.

Objective

To analyze the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring of couples with male or female infertility with or without ICSI use.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted in Taiwan and used information collected from the national population registry data set, national birth data set, and national ART data set for all live singleton births from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2016. The follow-up period started from the date of birth until the diagnosis of a disorder or December 31, 2018, whichever occurred first. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2021, to August 1, 2022.

Exposures

Male or female infertility with or without ICSI.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome was the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental delay in offspring with ART conception. Taiwan’s national population registry data set was used to identify ASD, ADHD, and developmental delay diagnosed in outpatient clinic and hospitalization records.

Results

The study included 1 575 971 singleton births (mean [SD] age, 5.87 [2.60] years; 819 389 boys [52.0%]), of whom 1 568 257 (99.5%) had natural conception, 2111 (0.1%) had ART conception with male infertility, and 5603 (0.4%) had ART conception with female infertility. The risks of ASD (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.61-3.84; P < .001) and developmental delay (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.54-2.39; P < .001) in offspring with ART conception and ICSI use were significantly higher than those in offspring with natural conception. The same results were found in offspring of couples with either male or female infertility and ICSI intervention.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this study suggest that male infertility was not associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. In both male and female infertility groups, ICSI had unfavorable implications for the neurodevelopmental health of offspring in terms of increased risks of ASD and developmental delay.
Survival After Minimally Invasive vs Open Surgery for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Topal Halit , Aerts Raymond , Laenen Annouschka , Collignon André , Jaekers Joris , Geers Joachim , Topal Baki
Published: December 2022

Importance

Only a few high-volume centers have reported on long-term oncologic outcomes after minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (MIPS) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but none of them have shown superior long-term overall survival (OS) compared with open pancreatic surgery (OPS).

Objective

To study long-term survival after MIPS and OPS with curative intent among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This comparative effectiveness study used a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained electronic database of patient data collected between January 2010 and December 2019. Consecutive patients from a high-volume pancreatic cancer referral center were included. Data analysis was conducted from March to October 2022. Median follow-up time was 56.8 months.

Exposures

Patients were matched using propensity score models to study long-term survival.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Variables used for propensity score correction were TNM stage, tumor dimension, lymph node status, type of operation, simultaneous vascular resection, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, sex, age, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Additional corrections were made for year of surgery and type of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

After propensity score matching the sample of 396 patients, there were 198 patients in the MIPS group (89 [44.9%] men; median [range] age, 68 [32-87] years) and 198 in the OPS group (94 [47.5%] men; median [range] age, 67 [39-84] years). Median OS in the MIPS group was 30.7 (95% CI, 26.2-36.8) months compared with 20.3 (95% CI, 17.6-23.5) months after OPS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56-0.87; P = .002). Median disease-free survival (DFS) after MIPS vs OPS was 14.8 (95% CI, 11.8-17.0) months vs 10.7 (95% CI, 9.0-12.1) months (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89; P = .003). Additional corrections for year of surgery and type of adjuvant chemotherapy showed better OS (year of surgery: HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.96; P = .02; adjuvant chemotherapy: HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.90; P = .005) and DFS (year of surgery: HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59-0.99; P = .04; adjuvant chemotherapy: HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.92; P = .009) for patients undergoing minimally invasive vs open surgery.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of 396 patients with borderline resectable and resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, MIPS was associated with better OS and DFS than OPS. Centralization of MIPS should be stimulated, and pancreatic surgeons should be encouraged to pass the learning curve before implementing MIPS for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in daily clinical practice.
Efficacy of l‐Arginine treatment in patients with HTLV‐1‐associated neurological disease
Authors: Nozuma Satoshi , Matsuura Eiji , Tashiro Yuichi , Nagata Ryusei , Ando Masahiro , Hiramatsu Yu , Higuchi Yujiro , Sakiyama Yusuke , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Michizono Kumiko , Higashi Keiko , Matsuzaki Toshio , Kodama Daisuke , Tanaka Masakazu , Yamano Yoshihisa , Moritoyo Takashi , Kubota Ryuji , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

Objective

HTLV‐1 infection causes HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), resulting in loss of motor function. In this Phase 2 trial, we assessed the efficacy and safety of l‐arginine in patients with HAM/TSP.

Methods

This open‐label, single‐arm, Phase 2 study enrolled patients diagnosed with HAM/TSP. Patients received l‐arginine at a dose of 20 g orally for 1 week and were followed‐up for 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in walking speed in the 10‐m walk test (10MWT). The main secondary endpoints were change in Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) time, improvement in inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), safety, and tolerability.

Results

The study enrolled 20 patients (13 [65%] female) with a mean age of 67.8 years (95% CI 62.3 to 73.3). Although the primary endpoint, the changes in 10MWT time between baseline (Day 0) and Day 7, did not reach statistical significance (mean percent change in time −3.5%, 95% CI −10.8% to 3.7%; P = 0.32), a significant improvement was detected between baseline and Day 14 (−9.4%, 95% CI −16.6% to −2.2%; P = 0.01). Significant improvements were also observed in selected secondary endpoints, including in TUGT time (−9.1%, 95% CI −15.5% to −2.7%; P < 0.01), and in neopterin concentration in CSF (−2.1 pmol/mL, 95% CI −3.8 to −0.5; P = 0.01). Adverse events were infrequent, mild, and resolved rapidly.

Interpretation

l‐arginine therapy improved motor function and decreased CSF inflammatory markers. l‐arginine thus represents a promising therapeutic option for patients with HAM/TSP.

Trial Registration Number

UMIN000023854.
Grafting of Lithiophilic and Electron‐Blocking Interlayer for Garnet‐Based Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries via One‐Step Anhydrous Poly‐Phosphoric Acid Post‐Treatment
Authors: Guo Chang , Shen Yu , Mao Peng , Liao Kaiming , Du Mingjie , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: December 2022

Garnet‐based solid‐state Li‐metal batteries (GSSBs) have the merits of high energy density and high safety. However, the realization of a stable and well‐matched Li|garnet interface for GSSBs remains challenging due to electron leakage and lithiophobic Li2CO3 impurity. To address these issues, herein, new surface chemistry is reported that converts the undesired Li2CO3 contaminant into an ultra‐thin lithium polyphosphate (Li‐PPA) layer through anhydrous polyphosphoric acid ‐induced in situ substitution reaction without damaging the water‐sensitive garnet electrolyte. In particular, the Li‐PPA interlayer not only facilitates the homogenous spreading of molten Li but also creates a robust electron‐blocking shield to suppress Li dendrite formation. As a result, the assembled Li symmetric cell exhibits a low interfacial impedance (4 Ω cm2) and high critical current density (1.8 mA cm−2) at 25 °C, which enables the cell to continuously cycle over 2500 h at 0.2 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the GSSBs paired with LiFePO4 deliver a high capacity of 149.3 mAh g−1 at 1 C and maintain 92.3% of the initial capacity after 500 cycles and can be used for solar energy storage, suggesting the feasibility of this interfacial engineering strategy for GSSBs.
Synthesis of N‐Sulfonyl Amidines and 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles through Electrochemical Activation of DMF
Authors: Mahanty Kingshuk , Halder Atreyee , De Sarkar Suman
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical routes for the synthesis of N‐sulfonyl amidines and 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles are reported through the activation of DMF molecule. Successful implementation of electro‐redox on dehydrative coupling and oxidative cyclization reactions eliminates the necessity of stoichiometric chemical oxidants and minimizes the generation of reagent waste. Both protocols exhibited broad functional group tolerance, permitting a widespread substrate scope with 47–94% isolated yield. Several control experiments and cyclic voltammetry studies were performed and mechanistic details of these transformations are thoroughly outlined.

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Convergent Approaches and Biological Activity of C1 and/or C3 Mono or Diamino Derivatives of 1α,25‐Dihydroxy‐19‐nor‐vitamin D3. Key Enzymatic Desymmetrization of A‐Ring Synthon Precursor
Authors: González‐García Tania , Verstuyf Annemieke , Verlinden Lieve , Fernández Susana , Ferrero Miguel
Published: December 2022

Three novel 19‐nor‐1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 derivatives modified at C1 and/or C3 with an amino group were synthesized to study the influence of the substitution of one or both hydroxyl groups of A‐ring by amino groups on the affinity for vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D binding protein (hDBP), and also on the antiproliferative activity. The A‐ring precursors were prepared from cis,cis‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetriol applying a desymmetrization reaction of a prochiral 1,3‐diol catalyzed by Pseudomonas cepacia lipase as a key step. The structural elucidation of diastereoisomers were unambiguously assigned by NMR spectroscopy.

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Disruption of Zinc Homeostasis by a Novel Platinum(IV)‐Terthiophene Complex for Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Su Xuxian , Liu Bin , Wang Wen‐Jin , Peng Kun , Liang Bing‐Bing , Zheng Yue , Cao Qian , Mao Zong‐Wan
Published: December 2022

Zinc homeostatic medicine is of great potential for cancer chemo‐immunotherapy; however, there are few reports on antitumor compounds that can trigger Zn2+‐mediated immune responses. In this work, we developed a novel cyclometalated PtIV‐terthiophene complex,Pt3, that not only induces DNA damage and cellular metabolism dysregulation, but also disrupts zinc homeostasis as indicated by the abnormal transcriptional level of zinc regulatory proteins, excess accumulation of Zn2+in cytoplasm, and down‐regulation of metallothioneins (MTs), which further caused redox imbalance. The simultaneous disruption of zinc and redox homeostasis in response toPt3treatment activated gasdermin‐D mediated pyroptosis accompanied by cytoskeleton remodeling, thus releasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines to promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation and T cell tumor‐infiltration, eventually eliminating both primary and distant tumors in vivo. As far as we know, this is the first metal complex that can regulate zinc homeostasis to activate antitumor immunity.
Design of intelligence‐based optimized adaptive fuzzy PID controllers for a two chamber microbial fuel cell
Authors: Eren Berkay , Demir Mehmet Hakan
Published: December 2022

The output voltage of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) needs to be controlled effectively to improve the operating efficiency of MFC system against the load variations, disturbances, and uncertainties. The output voltage control is purposed to provide the MFC with an appropriate amount of fuel required to maintain the stability of output voltage. In the applications, the MFC output voltage can be requested to track the variable reference voltage or to track the constant output voltage under changing conditions such as load change. For this purpose, two adaptive fuzzy PID (FPID) controllers powered by optimization algorithms were designed in this study to keep the output voltage value of the MFC at the desired values. This study extends the previous works by using optimization algorithms, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms, to adjust fuzzy logic parameters, which are used for tuning Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (PID) controllers. The optimization‐based adaptive FPID controllers play an active role in efficient, fast, and robust tracking of the reference voltage value with its adaptive structure. The designed adaptive control algorithms were tested under different cases, which involve the variation of the reference voltage and load conditions. The results show that both of these controllers can effectively control the output voltage of a MFC by regulating the flow rate of the fuel. In addition, the performances of the designed controller strategies according to the results obtained vary according to the reference signal. While PSO‐based FPID gives more successful results for positive step changes, GWO‐based FPID gives more successful results for negative step changes. These two control strategies show more efficient, robust, successful, and faster performances compared to the traditional PID controller.
Spinosad‐associated modulation of select cytochrome P450s and glutathione S‐transferases in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Bastarache Pierre , Bouafoura Raed , Omakele Enock , Moffat Chandra E. , Vickruck Jess L. , Morin Pier Jr
Published: December 2022

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)) is an insect pest that threatens potato crops. Multiple options exist to limit the impact of this pest even though insecticides remain a primary option for its control. Insecticide resistance has been reported in Colorado potato beetles and a better understanding of the molecular players underlying such process is of utmost importance to optimize the tools used to mitigate the impact of this insect. Resistance against the insecticide spinosad has been reported in this insect and this work thus aims at exploring the expression of targets previously associated with insecticide response in Colorado potato beetles exposed to this compound. Amplification and quantification of transcripts coding for cytochrome P450s and glutathione S‐transferases were conducted via qRT‐PCR in insects treated with varying doses of spinosad and for different time duration. This approach notably revealed differential expression of CYP6a23 and CYP12a5 in insects exposed to low doses of spinosad for 4 h as well as modulation of CYP6a13, CYP6d4, GST, GST1, and GST1‐Like in insects treated with high doses of spinosad for the same duration. RNAi‐based targeting of CYP4g15 and CYP6a23 was associated with marked reduction of transcript expression 7 days following dsRNA injection and reduction of the former had a marked impact on insect viability. In general, results presented here provide novel information regarding the expression of transcripts relevant to spinosad response in Colorado potato beetles and reveal a novel target to consider in the development of RNAi‐based strategies aimed at this potato pest.
Increased resting‐state thalamocortical functional connectivity in children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Baran Bengi , Nguyen Quynh Trang Huong , Mylonas Dimitrios , Santangelo Susan L. , Manoach Dara S.
Published: December 2022

There is converging evidence that abnormal thalamocortical interactions contribute to attention deficits and sensory sensitivities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, previous functional MRI studies of thalamocortical connectivity in ASD have produced inconsistent findings in terms of both the direction (hyper vs. hypoconnectivity) and location of group differences. This may reflect, in part, the confounding effects of head motion during scans. In the present study, we investigated resting‐state thalamocortical functional connectivity in 8–25 year‐olds with ASD and their typically developing (TD) peers. We used pre‐scan training, on‐line motion correction, and rigorous data quality assurance protocols to minimize motion confounds. ASD participants showed increased thalamic connectivity with temporal cortex relative to TD. Both groups showed similar age‐related decreases in thalamic connectivity with occipital cortex, consistent with a process of circuit refinement. Findings of thalamocortical hyperconnectivity in ASD are consistent with other evidence that decreased thalamic inhibition leads to increase and less filtered sensory information reaching the cortex where it disrupts attention and contributes to sensory sensitivity. This literature motivates studies of mechanisms, functional consequences, and treatment of thalamocortical circuit dysfunction in ASD.
αCT1 peptide sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide in a glioblastoma organoid platform
Authors: Che Jingru , DePalma Thomas J. , Sivakumar Hemamylammal , Mezache Louisa S. , Tallman Miranda M. , Venere Monica , Swindle‐Reilly Katelyn , Veeraraghavan Rengasayee , Skardal Aleksander
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer. Even with aggressive treatment, tumor recurrence is almost universal and patient prognosis is poor because many GBM cell subpopulations, especially the mesenchymal and glioma stem cell populations, are resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), the most commonly used chemotherapeutic in GBM. For this reason, there is an urgent need for the development of new therapies that can more effectively treat GBM. Several recent studies have indicated that high expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in GBM is associated with poor patient outcomes. It has been hypothesized that inhibition of the Cx43 hemichannels could prevent TMZ efflux and sensitize otherwise resistance cells to the treatment. In this study, we use a three‐dimensional organoid model of GBM to demonstrate that combinatorial treatment with TMZ and αCT1, a Cx43 mimetic peptide, significantly improves treatment efficacy in certain populations of GBM. Confocal imaging was used to visualize changes in Cx43 expression in response to combinatorial treatment. These results indicate that Cx43 inhibition should be pursued further as an improved treatment for GBM.
In Search of Hosts for Blue OLEDs: Computational Design and Experimental Validation
Authors: Thakur Diksha , Ram Nagar Mangey , Kumar Sunil , Shahnawaz  , Tomar Anju , Karmakar Anirban , Banik Subrata , Jou Jwo‐Huei , Ghosh Subrata
Published: December 2022

Considering the difficulties associated with the conventional ‘trial and error’ method for a complete analysis of a giant molecular space, we took the aid of computational pathway (DFT) in screening a large space search of 780 (12×13×5) molecules to search for a host for the blue emitter. The selection process was completed in three Tiers with the conditions of highest theoretical triplet energy (>2.81 eV), aligned HOMO/LUMO levels w.r.t blue dopant (FIrpic), and position of substituents to meet the optimal requirements as host materials. Tier 1 screened twelve different imidazole heterocycle derivatives as base space groups which resulted in the selection of 4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazole. Tier 2 process converged the search to mCN‐CZ having the highest triplet energy and appropriate HOMO/LUMO level relative to FIrpic and ETL. Further, the carbazole of mCN‐CZ was replaced with different aromatic hydrocarbons to find the other best compound in terms of triplet energy and HOMO/LUMO. Tier 3 resulted in another promising candidate (mCN‐FL) as possible host materials. The band alignment with guest predicted mCN‐FL and mCN‐CZ to have optimal device performances compared to CZ‐CZ and the experimentally observed device performance was in accordance with virtual screening results when TAPC was utilized as the hole transporter. The device results of mCN‐CZ and mCN‐FL were better than the reference host TCTA. The obtained results thus proved that a virtual screening process will be a useful tool for synthetic chemists in designing task‐specific materials.
Fe‐Catalyzed Aliphatic C−H Methylation of Glycine Derivatives and Peptides
Authors: Song Silin , Cheng Xiuliang , Cheng Shiyan , Lin Yu‐Mei , Gong Lei
Published: December 2022

Direct and selective C−H methylation is a powerful tool with which to install methyl groups into organic molecules, and is particularly useful in pharmaceutical chemistry. However, practical methods for such modification of biologically interesting targets have been rarely developed. We here report an iron‐catalyzed C(sp3)−H methylation reaction of glycine derivatives, peptides and drug‐like molecules in an alcohol in the presence of di‐tert‐butyl peroxide. A readily available iron catalyst plays multiple roles in the transformation, which accelerates oxidation of C−N bonds to C=N double bonds, activates imine intermediates as Lewis acids by bidentate chelation, and at the same time facilitates cleavage of the peroxide to generate methyl radicals. A variety of methylated N‐aryl glycine derivatives and peptides were obtained in good yield and with excellent chemo‐ and site‐selectivity. This reaction is scalable, easily managed, and can be completed within 1–2 h. It features an economic, bio‐friendly catalyst, a green solvent and low toxic reagents, and will provide effective access to precise C−H modification of biomolecules and natural products.
l‐Serine is the Direct Precursor for the Pyrazine Ring Construction in the Biosynthesis of 3‐Isobutyl‐2‐Methoxypyrazine in Bell Pepper Fruits (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Zamolo Francesca , Wüst Matthias
Published: December 2022

3‐Isobutyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (IBMP) is an extremely potent odorant and responsible for the specific aroma of many fruits and vegetables. Especially bell pepper contains high levels of IBMP, which is the character impact compound of its typical aroma. However, since the discovery of methoxypyrazines in plants in the 1960s the biosynthesis of their pyrazine ring motif remained so far unknown. Therefore, the biosynthetic pathway to IBMP was investigated by feeding experiments with stable‐isotope labeled precursors. For the first time it could be shown that l‐serine plays a key role in the pyrazine ring construction of 3‐alkyl‐2‐methoxypyrazines (MPs). Based on HS‐SPME‐GCxGC‐TOF‐MS analysis, it is shown that the biosynthetic pathway to IBMP is closely linked to photorespiratory derived l‐serine.
5‐(Trifluorovinyl)dibenzothiophenium Triflate: Introducing the 1,1,2‐Trifluoroethylene Tether in Drug‐Like Structures
Authors: Feng Zeyu , Marset Xavier , Tostado Jaime , Kircher Johannes , She Zhijie , Golz Christopher , Mata Ricardo A. , Simon Martin , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: December 2022

This manuscript reports the synthesis and structure of an unprecedented sulfonium salt, 5‐(trifluorovinyl)dibenzothiophenium triflate, and its use as a versatile reagent for the introduction of the bioisosteric 1,1,2‐trifluoroethylene linker in drug‐like structures. The protocol developed consists of the reaction of this compound with alcohols and phenols to deliver a complete set of 1,2,2‐trifluoro‐2‐(alkoxy‐/aryloxy)ethyl sulfonium salts, which have been purified by column chromatography and fully characterized. Subsequent single electron reduction under mild photochemical conditions efficiently affords the corresponding fluoroalkyl radicals that are trapped either intra‐ or intermolecularly through their reaction with (hetero)arenes. Theoretical calculations are used to evaluate the conformational consequences derived from the presence of the CF2−CHF tether.
Enhanced n‐Type Thermoelectric Performance of Conjugated Polymers Based on an Indandione‐Terminated Quinoidal Unit through Comonomer Optimization
Authors: Du Tian , Liu Yingying , Deng Yunfeng , Geng Yanhou
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Conjugated polymers (CPs) containing quinoidal units are promising in n‐type organic thermoelectric materials because of their deep‐positioned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels and planar conjugated backbones. Herein, three CPs have been synthesized by copolymerizing an indandione‐terminated quinoidal unit with bithiophene derivatives. Owning to the high electron affinity of the indandione‐terminated quinoidal unit, all polymers showed deep LUMO energy levels below –4.10 eV. Incorporating electron‐withdrawing substituents (F or CN) on the bithiophene comonomer can further downshift the LUMO energy levels. As a result, a more efficient n‐doping process can be realized when employing 4‐(2,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐dimethyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ yl)‐N,N‐dimethylbenzenamine (N‐DMBI) as the dopant. Ultimately, the polymer with CN substituents delivered the best thermoelectric performance with a power factor of up to 2.14 μW·m−1·K−2, because it possessed the lowest LUMO energy level among the three CPs. This work highlights that the modulation of LUMO energy level is an effective strategy to optimize the thermoelectric performance of CPs.
Recombineering in Non‐Model Bacteria
Authors: Corts Anna , Thomason Lynn C. , Costantino Nina , Court Donald L.
Published: December 2022

The technology of recombineering, in vivo genetic engineering, was initially developed in Escherichia coli and uses bacteriophage‐encoded homologous recombination proteins to efficiently recombine DNA at short homologies (35 to 50 nt). Because the technology is homology driven, genomic DNA can be modified precisely and independently of restriction site location. Recombineering uses linear DNA substrates that are introduced into the cell by electroporation; these can be PCR products, synthetic double‐strand DNA (dsDNA), or single‐strand DNA (ssDNA). Here we describe the applications, challenges, and factors affecting ssDNA and dsDNA recombineering in a variety of non‐model bacteria, both Gram‐negative and ‐positive, and recent breakthroughs in the field. We list different microbes in which the widely used phage λ Red and Rac RecET recombination systems have been used for in vivo genetic engineering. New homologous ssDNA and dsDNA recombineering systems isolated from non‐model bacteria are also described. The Basic Protocol outlines a method for ssDNA recombineering in the non‐model species of Shewanella. The Alternate Protocol describes the use of CRISPR/Cas as a counter‐selection system in conjunction with recombineering to enhance recovery of recombinants. We provide additional background information, pertinent considerations for experimental design, and parameters critical for success. The design of ssDNA oligonucleotides (oligos) and various internet‐based tools for oligo selection from genome sequences are also described, as is the use of oligo‐mediated recombination. This simple form of genome editing uses only ssDNA oligo(s) and does not require an exogenous recombination system. The information presented here should help researchers identify a recombineering system suitable for their microbe(s) of interest. If no system has been characterized for a specific microbe, researchers can find guidance in developing a recombineering system from scratch. We provide a flowchart of decision‐making paths for strategically applying annealase‐dependent or oligo‐mediated recombination in non‐model and undomesticated bacteria. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol: ssDNA recombineering in Shewanella species

Alternate Protocol: ssDNA recombineering coupled to CRISPR/Cas9 in Shewanella species
From DNA barcodes to ecology: Meta‐analysis of central European beetles reveal link with species ecology but also to data pattern and gaps
Authors: Ottati Sara , Eberle Jonas , Rulik Björn , Köhler Frank , Ahrens Dirk
Published: December 2022

DNA barcoding has been used worldwide to identify biological specimens and to delimit species. It represents a cost‐effective, fast, and efficient way to assess biodiversity with help of the public Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) accounting for more than 236,000 animal species and more than 10 million barcode sequences. Here, we performed a meta‐analysis of available barcode data of central European Coleoptera to detect intraspecific genetic patterns among ecological groups in relation to geographic distance with the aim to investigate a possible link between infraspecific variation and species ecology. We collected information regarding feeding style, body size, as well as habitat and biotope preferences. Mantel tests and two variants of Procrustes analysis, both involving the Principal Coordinates Neighborhood Matrices (PCNM) approach, were applied on genetic and geographic distance matrices. However, significance levels were too low to further use the outcome for further trait investigation: these were in mean for all ecological guilds only 7.5, 9.4, or 15.6% for PCNM + PCA, NMDS + PCA, and Mantel test, respectively, or at best 28% for a single guild. Our study confirmed that certain ecological traits were associated with higher species diversity and foster stronger genetic differentiation. Results suggest that increased numbers of species, sampling localities, and specimens for a chosen area of interest may give new insights to explore barcode data and species ecology for the scope of conservation on a larger scale.
Post‐weaning survival in kangaroos is high and constant until senescence: Implications for population dynamics
Authors: Bergeron Rachel , Pigeon Gabriel , Forsyth David M. , King Wendy J. , Festa‐Bianchet Marco
Published: December 2022

Large herbivores typically have consistently high prime‐aged adult survival and lower, more variable, juvenile, and senescent survival. Many kangaroo populations undergo greater fluctuations in density compared with other large herbivores, but age‐ and sex‐specific survival of kangaroos and their response to environmental variation remain poorly estimated. We used long‐term capture–mark–recapture data on 920 individuals to investigate the survival component of eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) population dynamics. Forage availability and population density were monitored quarterly and included as predictors of survival in Bayesian Cormack–Jolly–Seber models. Annual survival probabilities were estimated for five age classes: 0 years (juveniles), 1–2 years (subadults), 3–6 years (prime‐aged adults), 7–9 years (presenescent adults), and ≥10 years (senescent adults). Survival of juveniles varied widely during our 12‐year study, ranging from 0.07 to 0.90 for females and 0.05–0.92 for males. Subadult survival was 0.80–0.93 for females and 0.75–0.85 for males, while that of prime‐aged adults was ≥0.94 for females and ≥0.83 for males, despite large fluctuations in forage and density. The survival of presenescent adults spanned 0.86–0.93 for females and 0.60–0.86 for males. Senescent survival was variable, at 0.49–0.90 for females and 0.49–0.80 for males. Male survival was significantly lower than female survival in prime‐aged and presenescent adults, but not in other age classes. Although most of the models supported by Watanabe–Akaike Information Criterion selection included at least one environmental covariate, none of these covariates individually had a discernible effect on survival. Temporal variability in overall survival appeared mostly due to changes in the survival of juvenile and senescent kangaroos. Kangaroo survival patterns are similar to those of ungulates, suggesting a strong role of sex–age structure on population dynamics.
Beliefs in inevitable justice curb revenge behaviours: Cultural perspectives on karma
Authors: Goyal Namrata , Miller Joan G.
Published: December 2022

Across cultures, people believe that moral actions have ‘karmic’ consequences. Do cultures share assumptions about how karma operates? Four studies (N = 1114) assessed cultural differences in perceptions of inevitability associated with karmic justice and whether perceiving karma as inevitable curbs antisocial behaviours, such as revenge. Study 1 found that Indians perceived karmic justice as more inevitable than Americans and reported lower revenge. Studies 2–3 manipulated whether participants saw karmic justice as inevitable (vs. probable), finding that both Indians and Americans in the inevitable justice condition reported lower revenge. Study 3 found that perceived punishment certainty for oneself (for enacting revenge) rather than perceived punishment certainty for the offender (for the offence) better explained condition differences in revenge. Study 4 uncovered that reincarnation belief related to, and explained, cultural differences in inevitable karmic justice, which subsequently curbed revenge. Research on karma can uncover a range of cultural differences in psychological functioning.
Solvatochromic coextraction‐based optical carbonate nanosensors
Authors: Tiuftiakov Nikolai Yu. , Robinson Kye J. , Bakker Eric
Published: December 2022

Ionophore‐based carbonate‐selective sensors have become reliable analytical tools due to their high selectivity and versatility of applications. Nonetheless, successful examples of their implementation in nanoscale devices are yet to be found in the literature. Herein we describe the first attempt to develop carbonate sensors with ionophores using ion‐selective nanoemulsions. Classical chromoionophore‐based sensors were shown to perform poorly upon transfer to the nanoscale. We hypothesize that this is caused by the heightened surface activity of the ion‐ionophore complex. This challenge is overcome by the addition of a positively charged solvatochromic dye X3+ to the aqueous phase instead of the sensing particles. The presence of this dye facilitates transfer of carbonate from the particle surface into the sensor bulk, which is followed by an unexpected change of fluorescence with the emergence of a new peak at longer wavelengths, allowing for a ratiometric signal transduction. We have found that this spectral change originates from dye hyper‐polarization by the charged moiety of carbonate complex with the ionophore, in analogy to earlier work with protamine nanosensors. The dye‐coextraction‐based sensing protocol is shown to be reversible and selective with regard to both anionic and cationic interferences present in the sample and forms the foundation for further mechanistic advances for anion sensing with ionophores.
Privacy‐preserving blockchain‐based contract signing with multi‐party supervision
Authors: Zhang Tong , Wang Yujue , Ding Yong , Jiang Xuhang , Liang Hai , Wang Huiyong
Published: December 2022

With the advancement of information technology, electronic contracts are gradually replacing paper contracts. Blockchain can serve as a decentralized trusted third party to help signatories solve the fairness of electronic contract signing. However, most of the existing blockchain‐based contract signing protocols are only applicable to two‐party signing, and lack the supervision of the contract and the protection of its confidentiality under supervision. This article proposes a privacy‐preserving blockchain‐based contract signing system with multi‐party supervision (CSS), in which multiple supervisors are set up to supervise contracts by voting. Before supervision, an identity‐based multi‐receiver re‐encryption algorithm is used to encrypt the contract, which takes less computation and can control the access rights of different supervisors, thus ensuring the privacy of the contract. Security analysis shows that the proposed CSS system enjoys unforgeability, non‐repudiation and fairness of electronic contract signing, and realizes privacy protection and access control under multi‐party supervision. Performance analysis demonstrates the high efficiency of our construction.
A PRECEDE‐PROCEED model‐based educational intervention to promote healthy eating habits in middle school girls
Authors: Arshad Asma , Shaheen Fouzia , Safdar Waseem , Tariq Muhammad R. , Navid Muhammad T. , Qazi Asma S. , Awan Mohammad A. , Sajid Muhammad W. , Garti Humphrey K.
Published: December 2022

The present study was designed to develop Nutrition Education Program (NEP) based on PRECEDE‐PROCEED model (PPM) to address healthy eating behavior among middle school girls aged between 4 and 12 years. For this, middle school girls from grade 1 to 8 (n = 900) were consulted for their eating behaviors, followed by the analysis of their health problems. From 15 different schools of three large cities (Faisalabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) of Pakistan, students were divided into two groups: control group (n = 30) and intervention group (n = 30) from each school. The data were collected through interview‐based questionnaires according to the phases of PRECEDE Model and evaluated based on PROCEED model. Implementation of NEP was carried out through lectures. Lessons were prepared to enhance student's awareness about nutritious food and healthy lifestyle through educational pamphlets and influenced their attitude towards selection of food choices from My‐Plate. Results showed that NEP was quite successful for long‐term results. A significant increase in total caloric intake was observed after 8 weeks of NEP intervention (1694 ± 217 Kcal) as compared to before intervention (1329 ± 318 Kcal). Similarly, carbohydrate, protein, and fat content was also increased in daily diet. Conclusively, NEP based on PPM has great impact on healthy lifestyle of middle school girls. Significant difference was observed in score of health variables before and after NEP intervention.