bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailored biodegradable films via extrusion blow molding using PBS, PBAT, and TPS
Authors: de Beluci Natália de Camargo Lima , dos Santos Juliana , de Carvalho Fabíola Azanha , Yamashita Fabio
Published: November 2023

Research to replace synthetic polymers with biodegradable polymers is on the rise because common plastics have generated serious ecosystem problems. Films with thermoplastic starch (TPS), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate‐co‐butylene terephthalate (PBAT), and citric acid (CA) were produced by blown extrusion. They were characterized by blow‐up ratio (BUR), water vapor permeability (WVP), soluble ratio (SR), water sorption isotherm, and thermogravimetric (TG) techniques. Films were uniform and showed BUR > 205%. The different proportions of PBS and PBAT significantly influenced the WVP of the films. All samples had WVP with an order of magnitude similar to other blends with high starch content (10−6 g m−1 day−1 Pa−1). CA efficiently decreased the WVP of the PBS/PBAT/TPS formulations (15/15/70% and 20/10/70% by mass) by 25.2% and 24.7% compared to the acid‐free formulations. There was no significant difference in SR (19.0%–20.1%). These materials were sensitive to moisture since the equilibrium moisture content increased pronouncedly from water activity of 0.5. Films showed good thermal stability, with a maximum decomposition temperature close to pure polyesters. CA did not increase the thermal stability of blends, probably because of the low content used (0.1%). Given the outcomes of this study, these films could be deemed appropriate for applications in food packaging.
A crosslinked waterborne poly(urethane‐urea) oligomer enables mechanically strong waterborne polyacrylate–poly(urethane‐urea) hybrid films with superior film‐forming ability
Authors: Fan Xiangqian , Zhai Xianming , Liu Lei , Zhang Jing , Li Lin , Wang Jiarong
Published: November 2023

In this article, a crosslinked waterborne poly(urethane‐urea) (WPUU) is synthesized based on the terminal aromatic amine polyether (DP‐1000) and aliphatic isophorone diisocyanate. Then WPUU is compound with acrylate monomer by emulsion polymerization to produce waterborne polyacrylate–poly(urethane‐urea) (WPUUA) hybrid emulsions. Compared with waterborne polyacrylate (WPA) film, the film‐forming ability of WPUUA film is improved and the surface roughness Ra and Rq of WPUUA film decreases from 47.5 and 36.4 nm to 35.2 and 18.8 nm, respectively. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of WPUUA films are significantly improved compared to WPA film. In addition, the performances of WPUUA hybrid films can be modified according to requirements by adjusting the molar ratio between DP‐1000 and polyisocyanate. As a result, these WPUUA hybrid emulsions have great application potential in waterborne coatings and other fields.
CCD imagers for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite from benchtop to space environment
Authors: Suntharalingam Vyshnavi , Prigozhin Ilya , Warner Keith , Young Douglas , Woods Deborah , Berthiaume Gregory
Published: November 2023

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology‐led NASA Explorer‐class mission planned to spend 2 years discovering transiting exoplanets by an all‐sky survey. The observatory contains four wide field‐of‐view camera systems for a total of 16.8 Megapixel, low‐noise, low‐power CCD detectors. Now over 5 years beyond its launch date and 10 years after the CCD design tape out, we report on our approach for managing camera system development, with particular emphasis on the design, fabrication, and testing of the silicon detectors, developed on 200‐mm high‐resistivity wafer substrates. Finally, we present implications of the CCD manufacture observed in the on‐orbit performance.
Toleranzfreie Montage modularer Betontragwerke
Authors: Stindt Jan , Frey Alex Maximilian , Forman Patrick , Lanza Gisela , Mark Peter
Published: November 2023

Modulare Tragwerke erfordern maßhaltige Bauteile, da große prozess‐ oder materialbedingte Maßabweichungen bei einzelnen Modulen die Montage zur Gesamtstruktur verhindern. Im Beitrag wird dazu eine Methode zur optimalen Platzierung auf Basis von Metaheuristiken vorgestellt. Sie hilft kostenintensive Nacharbeitungen zu vermeiden. Das Konzept wird auf Wabenstrukturen angewendet, in denen die einzelnen Module durch Permutation getauscht werden. Mit dem sog. Tabu Search und dem Simulated Annealing werden methodisch zwei Lösungsverfahren verwendet. Dazu werden die maximalen Knotenabweichungen der assemblierten Module mit einer direkten Kinematik ermittelt und mit dem zulässigen Nennlochspiel von Schraubenverbindungen verglichen, um die Montierbarkeit der Module zu beurteilen. Berücksichtigt werden zum einen Toleranzen aus dem Schwinden des Betons und zum anderen solche aus den Produktionsschritten der Fertigung. Im Vergleich zu einer zufälligen Anordnung der Module gelingt die Reduzierung maximaler Knotenabweichungen von 9 mm auf das normierte Nennlochspiel von 3 mm mithilfe der Metaheuristiken. Wabenstrukturen mit einer Breite von ca. 7 m und einer Höhe bis 45 m, die besonders sensitiv hinsichtlich der Montierbarkeit sind, benötigen damit keine Nacharbeit mehr. Dabei erweist sich der Tabu Search mit sechsmal weniger Rechenzeit und bis zu 24 % geringeren zu kompensierenden Abweichungen als der deutlich effizientere Lösungsalgorithmus. Ein Beispiel zeigt die praktische Anwendung.
Further evaluation of a hands‐on‐shoulder plus praise procedure to reduce toe walking
Authors: Wilder David A. , Sheppard Christina , Izquierdo Franchesca , Flynn Kira
Published: November 2023

Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) refers to ambulation with a toe‐to‐toe gait in the absence of a known cause. Although it is exhibited by typically developing children, it is more common among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Persistent ITW can cause several long‐term medical problems, including ankle deformities and balance and posture abnormalities. In the current study, we first conducted a series of no interaction or alone conditions to verify that ITW exhibited by four children with ASD persisted in the absence of social consequences. We then evaluated a hands‐on‐shoulder plus praise procedure in which gentle pressure is applied to participants' shoulders to prompt their heels to contact the ground, along with praise for appropriate steps in order to reduce ITW. Results suggest that the procedure was effective with all participants, and measures of social validity indicate that caregivers approved of the procedure. We discuss the results in terms of the putative mechanisms responsible for the effects of the procedure as well as the conditions under which the procedure might be used.
SARC‐F as a screening tool to detect computed tomography‐based sarcopenia and myosteatosis among older adults with cancer
Authors: Hess Daniel L. , Harmon Christian , Bhatia Smita , Williams Grant R. , Giri Smith
Published: November 2023

Background

The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) recommends SARC‐F as a tool for identifying sarcopenia among older adults. However, the role of SARC‐F among older adults with cancer remains unexplored. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of SARC‐F to identify those with sarcopenia, or low muscle mass (using skeletal muscle index [SMI]), and myosteatosis (using skeletal muscle density [SMD]) from computed tomography (CT) imaging and the association of SARC‐F with all‐cause mortality.

Methods

Older adults (≥60 years) presenting for initial consultation at UAB medical oncology clinic who underwent geriatric assessment were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. We identified study participants who completed SARC‐F screening and had available CT imaging within 60 days of study enrollment. Using single‐slice CT images at the L3 vertebral level, we computed SMI and SMD using published methods. Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were defined using published cutpoints. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of SARC‐F for detecting low muscle mass and low muscle density using published thresholds. Finally, we computed the impact of SARC‐F and CT measures on overall survival using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models, after adjusting for age, sex, cancer type, and cancer stage.

Results

We identified 212 older adults with a median age of 68.8 years; with 60.8% males, 76.6% whites, and pancreatic cancer (21.2%) being the most common malignancy. In the overall cohort, 30.7% had abnormal SARC‐F using published cutpoints. SARC‐F ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 35% and a specificity of 76% to identify low muscle mass. SARC‐F ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 38% and a specificity of 74% to identify low muscle density. Those with SARC‐F ≥ 4 and low SMI/SMD had worse survival compared to those with low SMI/SMD alone. Incorporating SARC‐F improved survival prognostication beyond SMI and SMD (HR = 3.1; p < 0.001; Harrel's C from 0.73 to 0.76).

Conclusions

SARC‐F as a screening tool has limited diagnostic utility for identifying older adults with low muscle mass and/or density. However, SARC‐F retains prognostic value independent of CT‐based muscle measures in predicting mortality among older adults with cancer.
5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine‐mediated DNA hypomethylation with and without concurrent insulin resistance suppresses myotube mitochondrial capacity
Authors: Rivera Caroline N. , Kamer Madison M. , Cook Norah E. , McGovern Macey R. , Watne Rachel M. , Wommack Andrew J. , Vaughan Roger A.
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose and reduced insulin sensitivity in target tissues. Moreover, reduced mitochondrial metabolism and expressional profile of genes governing mitochondrial metabolism (such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha [PGC‐1α]) are also reduced during insulin resistance. Epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation of genes including PGC‐1α may contribute to diminished mitochondrial capacity, while hypomethylation of PGC‐1α (such as that invoked by exercise) has been associated with increased PGC‐1α expression and favorable metabolic outcomes. The purpose of the present report is to characterize the effects of DNA hypomethylation on myotube metabolism and expression of several related metabolic targets. C2C12 myotubes were treated with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza) for either 24 or 72 h both with and without hyperinsulinemic‐induced insulin resistance. Mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism were measured via oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rate, respectively. Metabolic gene and protein expression were assessed via quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Though expression of PGC‐1α and other related targets remained unaltered, insulin resistance and 5‐Aza treatment significantly reduced mitochondrial metabolism. Similarly, peak glycolytic metabolism was diminished by 5‐Aza‐treated cells, while basal glycolytic metabolism was unaltered. 5‐Aza also reduced the expression of branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolic components, however BCAA utilization was enhanced during insulin resistance with 5‐Aza treatment. Together the present work provides proof‐of‐concept evidence of the potential role of DNA methylation in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and the potential interactions with insulin resistance in a model of skeletal muscle.
Bacterial Isothiocyanate Biosynthesis by Rhodanese‐Catalyzed Sulfur Transfer onto Isonitriles
Authors: Mlotek Mandy D. , Dose Benjamin , Hertweck Christian
Published: November 2023

Natural products bearing isothiocyanate (ITC) groups are an important group of specialized metabolites that play various roles in health, nutrition, and ecology. Whereas ITC biosynthesis via glucosinolates in plants has been studied in detail, there is a gap in understanding the bacterial route to specialized metabolites with such reactive heterocumulene groups, as in the antifungal sinapigladioside from Burkholderia gladioli. Here we propose an alternative ITC pathway by enzymatic sulfur transfer onto isonitriles catalyzed by rhodanese‐like enzymes (thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferases). Mining the B. gladioli genome revealed six candidate genes (rhdA–F), which were individually expressed in E. coli. By means of a synthetic probe, the gene products were evaluated for their ability to produce the key ITC intermediate in the sinapigladioside pathway. In vitro biotransformation assays identified RhdE, a prototype single‐domain rhodanese, as the most potent ITC synthase. Interestingly, while RhdE also efficiently transforms cyanide into thiocyanate, it shows high specificity for the natural pathway intermediate, indicating that the sinapigladioside pathway has recruited a ubiquitous detoxification enzyme for the formation of a bioactive specialized metabolite. These findings not only elucidate an elusive step in bacterial ITC biosynthesis but also reveal a new function of rhodanese‐like enzymes in specialized metabolism.
Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory‐Short Version among young people in South Africa and the relationship of high scale scores to reported offending or similar deviant behaviour
Authors: Holtzhausen Leon , Campbell Emma
Published: November 2023

Background

While there is empirical evidence to support associations between psychopathy scale ratings and offending or deviant behaviours, suggested as support for a unified theory of crime, evidence to date has been mainly from countries with high economic ratings and Western philosophies. In countries with a wide range of cultural groups and languages and a complex history of colonisation and apartheid, such scale ratings and correlations may differ.

Aims

To explore the psychometric properties of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory‐Short Version (YPI‐S) and its applicability and relationship to deviant and actual or potential criminal behaviour among young adults in South Africa.

Methods

18‐ to 20‐year‐olds from poor socio‐economic backgrounds were recruited by a fieldworker with an existing relationship with community‐based youth centres. Consenting participants completed the Deviant Behaviour Variety Scale, reflecting criminal or similar behaviours in the 12 months prior to rating and the YPI‐S. Reliability measurements, principal factor analysis, Spearman's Rho correlations, chi square and multiple regression were used to explore performance of the YPI‐S in this sample and relationship of YPI‐S scores to deviancy.

Results

Of the 213 participants recruited, 176 completed all data points and were entered into analyses. The YPI‐S was found to have generally good psychometric properties; however, in factor analysis, while items mapped well into an emotional subscale and quite well into an interpersonal scale, as in the original, behavioural items did not. Emotional, interpersonal and total YPI‐S scores were significantly associated with reported deviant behaviour scores.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest value in using the YPI‐S with young people in South Africa to help identify those vulnerable to committing criminal acts. Among these disadvantaged young people, however, caution should be used in interpreting scores on its behavioural dimension. It is interesting that the emotional dimension, which incorporates perhaps the most personal features such as ‘callous and unemotional traits’ (albeit probably better considered as difficulty in recognising emotions in others), seemed most robust, suggesting that there may be core problems in a pathway to crime—or theory of crime—that transcend culture. This possibility, likely to be remediable through personal interventions, would benefit from further investigation.
Nanomedicine Formulation Using Green Supercritical Processing: Experimental Solubility Measurement and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Arabgol Fatemeh , Amani Mitra , Ardestani Nedasadat Saadati , Sajadian Seyed Ali
Published: November 2023

To develop effective pharmaceutical formulations using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) techniques, it is necessary to obtain the solubility of the medicinal ingredients in scCO2. In the current study, the solubility of Amantadine in scCO2 was evaluated under 28 different operating conditions involving seven pressures and four temperatures. To theoretically study this process, some popular empirical models and two well‐known thermodynamic models (PR‐WS and PC‐SAFT) were examined. The results suggest that the PR‐WS and PC‐SAFT models are the most accurate in establishing a correlation of the solubility of Amantadine in scCO2.
Doubly Bridged Anthracenes: Blue Emitters for OLEDs
Authors: Ludwig Philipp , Mayer Jacob , Ahrens Lukas , Rominger Frank , Ligorio Giovanni , Hermerschmidt Felix , List‐Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: November 2023

The photooxidative stability of a series of doubly bridged anthracenes was evaluated after their preparation via twofold macrocyclization of a bis(resorcinyl)anthracene. Lightfastness correlates with the energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), resulting in superior stability of the tetraesters compared to the tetraethers. The lengths and steric demand of the linker only plays a minor role for the ester‐based compounds, which can be prepared in reasonable yields and thus tested in proof‐of‐concept organic light‐emitting diodes. Double ester‐bridging allows deep blue electro‐luminescence, highlighting the importance of the choice of the functional groups used for macrocyclization.
The unexpected costs of “free” preventive care
Authors: Nelson Bryn , Faquin William
Published: November 2023

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. In this issue, the first of a two‐part series on the struggle to balance preventive care costs and benefits. Federal laws have directed insurers to offer free cancer screening, but loopholes and uneven implementation have left many consumers holding the bag financially.
Ruthenium Complexes with N‐Bound 2‐Pyridonato Ligand as O‐Donors: A New Synthetic Approach and the Effect on Reactivity
Authors: Moždiak Ondřej , Tydlitát Jiří , Růžičková Zdeňka , Dostál Libor , Jambor Roman
Published: November 2023

In this study, Ru complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuX(2‐{(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)N=CH}‐C5H3N‐6‐(O))] (3: X=Cl; 4: X=I) were prepared with N‐bound 2‐pyridonato ligand by thermal base‐free MeX elimination from ionic N,N‐chelated Ru complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuX(κ2‐L1)](X) (1: X=Cl; 2: X=I; L1={2‐[(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)N=CH]‐6‐(OMe)C5H3N}). The Ru complex 3 was used as O‐donor for Lewis (LA) or Brönsted acids. The reactions of 3 with SnCl2, Ph3SnCl, ZnCl2 or HCl provided [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(SnCl3)(2‐{(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)N=CH}‐C5H3N‐6‐(O→SnCl2)] (6), [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl(2‐{(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)N=CH}‐C5H3N‐6‐(O→SnPh3Cl)] (7), and [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl(2‐{(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)N=CH}‐C5H3N‐6‐(O→)]2(μ‐ZnCl2) (8) and [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl(2‐{(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3)N=CH}‐C5H3N‐6‐(OH)}](Cl) (9). The easy conversion of the 2‐pyridonato ligand in 3 to its 2‐hydroxypyridine in 9 evoked testing of 3 and 4 as potential catalysts in base‐free transfer‐hydrogenation of ketones.
The Olympicenyl Radical and Its Derivatives
Authors: Xiang Qin , Ye Lei , Ma Lan , Sun Zhe
Published: November 2023

The olympicenyl radical (OR) has long been a fascinating spin doublet hydrocarbon radical that evoked theoretical and experimental research interests, but the chemistry of olympicenyl was limited by its inherent instability. Recently, this field was revived by the advent of stable, multi‐substituted ORs and the isolation of them in the crystalline phase. In this minireview, we summarize the early studies on the pristine OR, as well as the recent advances on the substituted OR derivatives, heteroatom‐containing OR derivatives, and OR‐based diradicals and polyradicals. The synthetic chemistry, stabilization strategies, self‐association behaviors, reactivities, and applications in the biological field of the abovementioned compounds were discussed.
Damage Control: Managing Canola’s Worst Enemy on the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Ernst Matt
Published: November 2023

Managing flea beetle damage constantly challenges Canada’s canola growers. High populations have many producers speculating whether flea beetles have evolved resistance to common insecticidal seed treatments. Here’s a summary of the situation with insecticides and canola’s worst enemy on Canada’s prairies. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Methods for evaluating effects of transgenes for quantitative traits
Authors: Linares Julien F. , Coles Nathan D. , Mo Hua , Habben Jeffrey E. , Humbert Sabrina , Messina Carlos , Tang Tom , Cooper Mark , Gho Carla , Carrasco Ricardo , Carter Javier , Flounders Jillian Wicher , Brummer E. Charles
Published: November 2023

Transgenes that improve quantitative traits have traditionally been evaluated in one or a few genetic backgrounds across multiple environments. However, testing across multiple genetic backgrounds can be equally important to accurately quantify the value of a transgene for breeding objectives. Creating near‐isogenic lines across a wide germplasm space is costly and time consuming, which renders it impractical during early stages of testing. In this experiment, we evaluate three approaches to sample the genetic space while concurrently testing across environments. We created both transgenic and non‐transgenic doubled haploid maize (Zea mays L.) lines, F2:3 lines, and bulk F3 families to determine if all methods resulted in similar estimation of transgene value and to identify the number of yield trial plots from each method necessary to obtain a stable estimate of the transgene value. With one exception, the three methods consistently estimated a similar effect of the transgene. We suggest that bulked F3 lines topcrossed to a tester inbred is the most effective method to estimate the value of a transgene across both genetic space and environments.
Prussian Blue Analogues as Positive Electrodes for Mg Batteries: Insights into Mg2+ Intercalation
Authors: Trócoli Rafael , Houdeville Raphaëlle , Frontera Carlos , Vincent Smobin , Garcia Lastra Juan Maria , Palacín M. Rosa
Published: November 2023

Potassium manganese hexacianoferrate has been prepared by co‐precipitation from manganese (II) chloride and potassium citrate, with chemical analysis yielding the formula K1.72Mn[Fe(CN)6]0.92□0.08 ⋅ 1.1H2O (KMnHCF). Its X‐ray diffraction pattern is consistent with a monoclinic structure (space group P 21/n, no. 14) with cell parameters a=10.1202(6)Å, b=7.2890(5)Å, c=7.0193(4)Å, and β=89.90(1)°. Its redox behavior has been studied in magnesium containing electrolytes. Both K+ ions deintercalated from the structure upon oxidation and contamination with Na+ ions coming from the separator were found to interfere in the electrochemical response. In the absence of alkaline ions, pre‐oxidized manganese hexacianoferrate showed reversible magnesium intercalation, and the process has been studied by operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. The location of Mg2+ ions in the crystal structure was not possible with the available experimental data. Still, density functional theory simulations indicated that the most favorable position for Mg2+ intercalation is at 32f sites (considering a pseudo cubic F m‐3m phase), which are located between 8c and Mn sites.
Mass cytometry analysis reveals altered immune profiles in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Kott Katharine A , Chan Adam S , Vernon Stephen T , Hansen Thomas , Kim Taiyun , de Dreu Macha , Gunasegaran Bavani , Murphy Andrew J , Patrick Ellis , Psaltis Peter J , Grieve Stuart M , Yang Jean Y , Fazekas de St Groth Barbara , McGuire Helen M , Figtree Gemma A
Published: November 2023

Objective

The importance of inflammation in atherosclerosis is well accepted, but the role of the adaptive immune system is not yet fully understood. To further explore this, we assessed the circulating immune cell profile of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) to identify discriminatory features by mass cytometry.

Methods

Mass cytometry was performed on patient samples from the BioHEART‐CT study, gated to detect 82 distinct cell subsets. CT coronary angiograms were analysed to categorise patients as having CAD (CAD+) or having normal coronary arteries (CAD−).

Results

The discovery cohort included 117 patients (mean age 61 ± 12 years, 49% female); 79 patients (68%) were CAD+. Mass cytometry identified changes in 15 T‐cell subsets, with higher numbers of proliferating, highly differentiated and cytotoxic cells and decreases in naïve T cells. Five T‐regulatory subsets were related to an age and gender‐independent increase in the odds of CAD incidence when expressing CCR2 (OR 1.12), CCR4 (OR 1.08), CD38 and CD45RO (OR 1.13), HLA‐DR (OR 1.06) and Ki67 (OR 1.22). Markers of proliferation and differentiation were also increased within B cells, while plasmacytoid dendritic cells were decreased. This combination of changes was assessed using SVM models in discovery and validation cohorts (area under the curve = 0.74 for both), confirming the robust nature of the immune signature detected.

Conclusion

We identified differences within immune subpopulations of CAD+ patients which are indicative of a systemic immune response to coronary atherosclerosis. This immune signature needs further study via incorporation into risk scoring tools for the precision diagnosis of CAD.
Investigation of the behavior of plasma jet in the presence of water under different grounded conditions
Authors: Zhou Desheng , Liu Qiang , Zhang Haoran , Li Jiaheng , Zhou Liwei , Zhang Tiandong
Published: November 2023

Previous researches have demonstrated that the ground electrode would influence the performance of the plasma jet. In this study, the characteristics of plasma jets underwater for different grounded conditions are investigated. The influence of airflow rate, and electrode length underwater are experimental studies. When the water is grounded, it would provide another charge channel for the discharge, much more ions would be transferred to the water. The length and discharge intensity would be enhanced. Besides, the length of electrode underwater would also influence the performance of the plasma jet. It is found that the shorter the electrode length, the larger the ratio of plasma jet length to electrode length. Furthermore, an electric diagram is promoted to explain the corresponding mechanism, by analyzing the resistance and capacitance under different working conditions, the theoretical explanation under different experimental working conditions is given, and further analysis demonstrated that the accumulation of charges in water during the discharge process would be the main reason to influence the propagation of plasma jet under water.
Detection of extracellular hemoglobin from Arenicola marina in doping control serum samples by means of liquid chromatography and high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Gäde Aileen , Thomas Andreas , Gochard Soizic , Delahaut Philippe , Thevis Mario
Published: November 2023

The manipulation of blood and blood components in sports is prohibited at all times, and besides blood transfusions, also hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) can be employed to artificially improve the oxygen transport capacity of the blood. But while most drug candidates based on stabilized hemoglobin (Hb) were found to be characterized by serious side effects, the natural giant extracellular Hb from the marine invertebrate Arenicola marina (lugworm) could be another candidate for transfusion medicine and cheating athletes, as it was found to be well tolerated in preclinical animal studies. Within this research project, lugworm Hb was implemented into the existing doping control detection method for bovine HBOCs based on ultrafiltration, tryptic digestion, and liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS/MS). For the mass spectrometric identification of lugworm Hb, two precursor–product ion pairs for a total of four tryptic peptides originating from subunits hbA2 (T6), hbB1 (T3 and T6), and the linker chain (T16) were employed. The modified approach was comprehensively characterized and found to allow for the specific and sensitive detection of lugworm Hb down to concentrations of 10 μg/mL from 50 μL of serum/plasma. Therefore, it can serve as confirmation procedure for lugworm Hb following visual or electrophoretic screening. Moreover, a proof‐of‐concept rat administration study was conducted, and the observed detection windows of at least 4 (dose: 200 mg/kg) and 8 h (dose: 600 mg/kg) suggest that the approach can be readily employed to efficiently test in‐competition doping control samples for the presence of the drug candidate.
Influence of social lifestyles on host–microbe symbioses in the bees
Authors: Mee Lauren , Barribeau Seth M.
Published: November 2023

Microbiomes are increasingly recognised as critical for the health of an organism. In eusocial insect societies, frequent social interactions allow for high‐fidelity transmission of microbes across generations, leading to closer host–microbe coevolution. The microbial communities of bees with other social lifestyles are less studied, and few comparisons have been made between taxa that vary in social structure. To address this gap, we leveraged a cloud‐computing resource and publicly available transcriptomic data to conduct a survey of microbial diversity in bee samples from a variety of social lifestyles and taxa. We consistently recover the core microbes of well‐studied corbiculate bees, supporting this method's ability to accurately characterise microbial communities. We find that the bacterial communities of bees are influenced by host location, phylogeny and social lifestyle, although no clear effect was found for fungal or viral microbial communities. Bee genera with more complex societies tend to harbour more diverse microbes, with Wolbachia detected more commonly in solitary tribes. We present a description of the microbiota of Euglossine bees and find that they do not share the “corbiculate core” microbiome. Notably, we find that bacteria with known anti‐pathogenic properties are present across social bee genera, suggesting that symbioses that enhance host immunity are important with higher sociality. Our approach provides an inexpensive means of exploring microbiomes of a given taxa and identifying avenues for further research. These findings contribute to our understanding of the relationships between bees and their associated microbial communities, highlighting the importance of considering microbiome dynamics in investigations of bee health.
Post‐pollination barriers contribute to coexistence of partially pollinator‐sharing Arisaema species (Araceae)
Authors: Zeng Luo , Shu Wei‐Jie , He Hua , Li Tao , Yang Xiao‐Chen , Li Li
Published: November 2023

Reproductive isolation plays an important role in maintaining the species integrity of sympatric close relatives. For sympatric Arisaema species, interspecific gene flow is expected to be effectively prevented by pre‐pollination barriers, particularly strong pollinator isolation mediated by fungus gnats. However, due to the lack of quantitative studies combining multiple pre‐ and post‐pollination barriers, it is not known whether pre‐pollination isolation is complete, and whether post‐pollination barriers also contribute to reproductive isolation among some Arisaema species. In this study, we quantified the individual strengths and absolute contributions of four pre‐ and post‐pollination barriers (phenological isolation, pollinator isolation, hybrid fruit formation, and hybrid seed formation) among three sympatric Arisaema species (A. bockii, A. lobatum, and A. erubescens). Although phenological isolation and pollinator isolation reduced the frequencies of interspecific pollen transfer among these species, the partial overlap of flowering times and pollinator assemblages resulted in incomplete pre‐pollination isolation. Post‐pollination barriers also contributed to reproductive isolation at the hybrid fruit and seed formation stages. We propose that, although pre‐pollination barriers are expected to contribute more to total isolation than post‐pollination barriers in Arisaema, pre‐pollination barriers may not completely prevent interspecific pollen transfer among some Arisaema species. Post‐pollination barriers, which are generally ignored, may also have contributed significantly to reproductive isolation in Arisaema.
Ontogeny of color development in two green–brown polymorphic grasshopper species
Authors: Varma Mahendra , Winter Gabe , Rowland Hannah M. , Schielzeth Holger
Published: November 2023

Many insects, including several orthopterans, undergo dramatic changes in body coloration during ontogeny. This variation is particularly intriguing in gomphocerine grasshoppers, where the green and brown morphs appear to be genetically determined (Schielzeth & Dieker, 2020, BMC Evolutionary Biology, 20, 63; Winter et al., 2021, Heredity, 127, 66). A better understanding of how these color morphs develop during ontogeny can provide valuable insights into the evolution and ecology of such a widespread color polymorphism. Here, we focus on the color development of two green–brown polymorphic species, the club‐legged grasshopper Gomphocerus sibiricus and the steppe grasshopper Chorthippus dorsatus. By following the color development of individuals from hatching to adulthood, we found that color morph differences begin to develop during the second nymphal stage, are clearly defined by the third nymphal stage, and remain stable throughout the life of an individual. Interestingly, we also observed that shed skins of late nymphal stages are identifiable by color morphs based on their yellowish coloration, rather than the green that marks green body parts. Furthermore, by assessing how these colors are perceived by different visual systems, we found that certain potential predators can chromatically discriminate between morphs, while others may not. These results suggest that the putative genes controlling color morph are active during the early stages of ontogeny, and that green color is likely composed of two components, one present in the cuticle and one not. In addition, the effectiveness of camouflage appears to vary depending on the specific predator involved.
High‐Quality van der Waals Epitaxial CsPbBr3 Film Grown on Monolayer Graphene Covered TiO2 for High‐Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Wen Zhaorui , Liang Chao , Li Shengwen , Wang Gang , He Bingchen , Gu Hao , Xie Junpeng , Pan Hui , Su Zhenhuang , Gao Xingyu , Hong Guo , Chen Shi
Published: November 2023

Two‐dimensional materials have been widely used to tune the growth and energy‐level alignment of perovskites. However, their incomplete passivation and chaotic usage amounts are not conducive to the preparation of high‐quality perovskite films. Herein, we succeeded in obtaining higher‐quality CsPbBr3 films by introducing large‐area monolayer graphene as a stable physical overlay on top of TiO2 substrates. Benefiting from the inert and atomic smooth graphene surface, the CsPbBr3 film grown on top by the van der Waal epitaxy has higher crystallinity, improved (100) orientation, and an average domain size of up to 1.22 μm. Meanwhile, a strong downward band bending is observed at the graphene/perovskite interface, improving the electron extraction to the electron transport layers (ETL). As a result, perovskite film grown on graphene has lower photoluminescence (PL) intensity, shorter carrier lifetime, and fewer defects. Finally, a photovoltaic device based on epitaxy CsPbBr3 film is fabricated, exhibiting power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 10.64% and stability over 2000 h in the air.
Perfluoroalkylated Sulfoximines as Analogues of Togni Reagents: The Crucial Role of Fluorine Atoms for the Stability of Hypervalent Iodine Scaffolds
Authors: Duhail Thibaut , Kalim Jorna , Marrot Jérôme , Pégot Bruce , Magnier Emmanuel , Anselmi Elsa
Published: November 2023

Hypervalent iodine compounds are described with perfluoroalkyl chains and S‐perfluoromethyl sulfoximines as ligands of the halogen. The influence of these groups on the stability of the cyclic structure is studied. The crucial role of the trifluoromethyl chain is clearly highlighted as an efficient ligand for the hypervalency. The structure and the reactivity of the new skeletons are discussed in detail.
An asynchronous simulation algorithm for post‐earthquake functional recovery of interdependent infrastructure systems
Authors: You Tian , Wang Wei , Chen Yiyi
Published: November 2023

The seismic resilience assessment of infrastructure systems not only requires evaluation of immediate damages after earthquakes, but also estimate of functional losses during the post‐earthquake recovery process. Infrastructure systems are interdependent during post‐earthquake recovery. To accurately consider this interdependence in resilience assessment, many studies have adopted post‐earthquake recovery simulation methods. In this study, an efficient asynchronous simulation algorithm is proposed, which does not require synchronous checking of the states of infrastructure elements at each time step, but rather asynchronously derives the functional recovery time of each element based on its dependency relationships. This study proves that the time complexity of the proposed asynchronous algorithm is proportional to the scale of the infrastructure system and is independent of the time step size. Furthermore, a case study of post‐earthquake recovery of a portfolio of buildings considering safety cordon areas is used to demonstrate that the asynchronous algorithm can significantly reduce the simulation time of large‐scale infrastructure systems compared to synchronous algorithms.
Assessing potential building damage caused by leakage to urban tunnels
Authors: Langford Jenny , Ritter Stefan , Lysdahl Asgeir Kydland , Ånes Eivind Wiik , Piciullo Luca
Published: November 2023

Building damage is a major risk for urban tunnelling. In areas with soft soil conditions, water ingress to bedrock tunnels can cause significant pore pressure reduction, consolidation settlements and damage to nearby buildings and infrastructure. In Norway, guidelines to determine leakage limits are based on a national database, containing data on water ingress, pore pressure reduction and influence zone. To support future projects, the database has been implemented into an ArcGIS tool and merged with the Ground Impact and Building Vulnerability method to assess potential building damage at early project stages. In this paper, the adopted methodology is presented and its application is shown for a new subway tunnel in Oslo, Norway.
Large highway tunnels under operating metro lines in the soils of Santiago – Design and Control approach
Authors: Toledo Mauricio , Cárcamo Víctor , Silva Diego
Published: November 2023

The Américo Vespucio Oriente II Concession (AVOII), part of the Urban Transport System of the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile, includes the closure of the 65 km Américo Vespucio Ring in highway standard. The project involves the construction of two mostly parallel urban soil tunnels 5.2 km in length and three lanes in each direction and it will run below the existing Américo Vespucio Avenue. At the same time, it goes below the underground Metro Line 4 currently in operation. Skava Consulting SpA was hired by Metro as an expert reviewer of underground and surface works. The objective is to ensure that the existing Metro structures will not be affected by the construction or the operation of AVOII. The work involved highly complex 3D models. In search of a more efficient way to review the design, it was agreed to do finite difference models in the critical areas of the project. A total of 32 proper models were created. All of them proved to be useful in validating and correcting findings or deviations in the original design. Considering the above, and that the project runs at depths of 40 m in average – which for Santiago soil is uncommonly deep – it faces the challenge of an extremely low tolerance for disturbances in the surrounding ground. For this reason, specific subway rail deformation criteria must be fulfilled, and the surface and subsurface deformations must be monitored very frequently during the construction of the tunnel, due to commence in 3Q 2023.
Functional brain connectivity predicts sleep duration in youth and adults
Authors: Mummaneni Anurima , Kardan Omid , Stier Andrew J. , Chamberlain Taylor A. , Chao Alfred F. , Berman Marc G. , Rosenberg Monica D.
Published: November 2023

Sleep is critical to a variety of cognitive functions and insufficient sleep can have negative consequences for mood and behavior across the lifespan. An important open question is how sleep duration is related to functional brain organization which may in turn impact cognition. To characterize the functional brain networks related to sleep across youth and young adulthood, we analyzed data from the publicly available Human Connectome Project (HCP) dataset, which includes n‐back task‐based and resting‐state fMRI data from adults aged 22–35 years (task n = 896; rest n = 898). We applied connectome‐based predictive modeling (CPM) to predict participants' mean sleep duration from their functional connectivity patterns. Models trained and tested using 10‐fold cross‐validation predicted self‐reported average sleep duration for the past month from n‐back task and resting‐state connectivity patterns. We replicated this finding in data from the 2‐year follow‐up study session of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which also includes n‐back task and resting‐state fMRI for adolescents aged 11–12 years (task n = 786; rest n = 1274) as well as Fitbit data reflecting average sleep duration per night over an average duration of 23.97 days. CPMs trained and tested with 10‐fold cross‐validation again predicted sleep duration from n‐back task and resting‐state functional connectivity patterns. Furthermore, demonstrating that predictive models are robust across independent datasets, CPMs trained on rest data from the HCP sample successfully generalized to predict sleep duration in the ABCD Study sample and vice versa. Thus, common resting‐state functional brain connectivity patterns reflect sleep duration in youth and young adults.
Trading HIV for sheep: Risky sexual behavior and the response of female sex workers to Tabaski in Senegal
Authors: Cust Henry , Lépine Aurélia , Treibich Carole , Powell‐Jackson Timothy , Radice Rosalba , Tidiane Ndour Cheikh
Published: November 2023

We use a cohort of female sex workers (FSWs) in Senegal to show how large anticipated economic shocks lead to increased risky sexual behavior. Exploiting the exogenous timing of interviews, we study the effect of Tabaski, the most important Islamic festival celebrated in Senegal, in which most households purchase an expensive animal for sacrifice. Condom use, measured robustly via the list experiment, falls by between 27.3 percentage points (pp) (65.5%) and 43.1 pp (22.7%) in the 9 days before Tabaski, or a maximum of 49.5 pp (76%) in the 7 day period preceding Tabaski. The evidence suggests the economic pressures from Tabaski are key to driving the behavior change observed through the price premium for condomless sex. Those most exposed to the economic pressure from Tabaski were unlikely to be using condoms at all in the week before the festival. Our findings show that Tabaski leads to increased risky behaviors for FSWs, a key population at high risk of HIV infection, for at least 1 week every year and has implications for FSWs in all countries celebrating Tabaski or similar festivals. Because of the scale, frequency, and size of the behavioral response to shocks of this type, policy should be carefully designed to protect vulnerable women against anticipated shocks.
The role of primary health care in improving health status, financial protection and health equity in the context of China's health system reform
Authors: Zhu Dawei , Shi Xuefeng , Chen Siyuan , Ye Xin , Nicholas Stephen , He Ping
Published: November 2023

Background

Stronger primary health care (PHC) is critical to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is scarce evidence on the impact of PHC on health system performance in developing countries. Since 2009, China has implemented an ambitious health system reform, among which PHC has received unprecedented attention. This study investigates the role of PHC resource in improving health status, financial protection and health equity.

Methods

We obtained province‐level and individual‐level data to conduct a longitudinal study across the period of China's health system reform. The dependent variables included health outcomes and financial protection. The independent variables were the number of PHC physicians and share of PHC physicians in all physicians. Mixed‐effect models were used for adjusted associations.

Results

From 2003 to 2017, the number of PHC physicians slightly increased by 31.75 per 100,000 persons and the share of PHC physicians in all physicians increased by 3.62 percentage points. At the province level, greater PHC physician density was positively associated with life expectancy, negatively associated with age‐standardized excess mortality, infectious disease mortality, perinatal mortality low birth weight, as well as the share of health expenses in total consumption expenses. At the individual and household level, greater PHC physician density was positively associated with self‐assessed health, and negatively associated with incidence of catastrophic health expenditures. Compared to other quintiles, the poorest quintile benefited more from PHC physician density.

Conclusions

In China, an increased PHC physician supply was associated with improved health system performance. While China's PHC system has been strengthened in the context of China's health system reforms, further effective incentives should be developed to attract more qualified PHC workers.
Breast cancer knowledge and practice of breast self‐examination among Palestinian female, West Bank: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jobran Afnan W. M. , Banat Mohamad A. , Awad Bashar Yaser , Warasna Haya J. , Taqatqa Yasmeen R. , Jawabreh Mahmoud , Abualrub Yasmeen R. , Brimo Alsaman Muhamad Zakaria , Owais Tarek A. , Salman Saif
Published: November 2023

Background

Worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently discovered tumor in women. Breast self‐examination (BSE) is a helpful screening method that gives women more control over their bodies by educating them about the structures of their breasts and assisting in the early detection of any developing breast abnormalities. The purpose of this research was to assess Palestinian girls' degree of BSE awareness and practice.

Method

A self‐administered questionnaire was used to gauge participants' knowledge about BC and associated topics. Through an online survey, all girls above the age of 20 are encouraged to take part in the study. Female university students at academic levels I, II, III, and IV in Palestine were also invited to participate in the study by way of an online survey.

Results

The study included 467 female participants, with 69% of the individuals being single. The majority of females (68.7%) scored poorly on knowledge of BC disease (possible risk, methods of detection, methods of diagnosis, methods of treatment, signs and symptoms, information about mammography, and other knowledge questions), whereas only 31.7% scored well.

Conclusion

BC, which is thought to be the most common malignant development among them and the second leading cause of cancer mortality, is one of the issues that women in the West Bank face. Screening methods are crucial for the early detection of BC and for lowering disease‐related morbidity and mortality. It has been advised that starting at age 20, every woman should take the BSE.