bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Devil Facial Tumor Disease, A Potential Model of the Cancer Stem-Cell Process?
Authors: Ujvari Beata , Piddington Laura , Pearse Anne-Maree , Peck Sarah , Harmsen Colette , Taylor Robyn , Pyecroft Stephen , Kowarsky Mark , Madsen Thomas , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Kat
Published: August 2023

Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) is a naturally occurring contagious cancer which is transmitted as a clonal cell line between devils. The malignant cell line evolved from a Schwann cell or precursor prior to 1996 and since then has undergone continuous division without exhausting its replicative potential, suggesting a profound capacity for self renewal. It is therefore important to elucidate whether DFTD may have a stem cell origin. Deciphering the pathways regulating DFT cell proliferation and survival could lead to increased understanding of this transimissible cancer and to the development of successful therapies to halt the disease. We investigated whether DFT cells have originated from transformed stem cells by measuring the expression levels of thirteen genes characteristic to embryonic stem and/or pluripotent germ cells.

No differences in gene expression were observed between DFT cells and peripheral nerve controls, and therefore our results provide additional support for Schwann cell or peripheral nerve origin of DFTD. Although our dataset is preliminary, it does not suggest that DFTs have cancer stem cells (CSCs) origin. We provide details of further experiments needed to ultimately confirm the role of cancer stem cells in DFTD progression.
Retrospective study on the correlation between serum MIF level and the condition and prognosis of patients with traumatic head injury
Authors: Liu Zhentong , Liu Chengwu , Ma Kegao
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and the condition and prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

A retrospective study design was used, and the clinical data of 131 TBI patients from February 2019 to January 2022 were analyzed. Patients were divided into mild (13–15 points), moderate (9–12 points), or severe (3–8 points) groups according to their Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score after admission. The serum levels of BDNF, MIF, and MBP in the three groups were compared, and their correlation with the severity of TBI was analyzed. Patients were then separated into a good prognosis group (4–5 points) and a poor prognosis group (≤3 points) based on their Glasgow Prognostic Score (GOS) after 6 months of follow-up. The predictive power of serum indexes and combined detection on prognosis was analyzed.

Results

Patients were classified into a mild group (n = 63), moderate group (n = 47), and severe group (n = 21) based on their GCS, with a significant difference noted in serum levels of MIF, MBP, and BDNF among patients with different degrees of severity (all P < 0.001). The MIF, MBP, and BDNF levels were lower in the mild group compared to the moderate (all P < 0.001) and severe group (all P < 0.001). Additionally, the MIF and BDNF levels in the moderate group were lower compared to the severe group (P = 0.011, P = 0.002). Patients with mild severity had lower serum MIF, MBP, and BDNF levels than those with other degrees, and these indexes were positively correlated with the severity of TBI (all P < 0.001, r = 0.62, r = 0.48, r = 0.58). Based on the GOS, patients were divided into a good prognosis group (n = 107) and a poor prognosis group (n = 24), with the levels of MIF, MBP, and BDNF in the good prognosis group being significantly lower than those in the poor prognosis group (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P = 0.003). The area under the curve (AUC) of MIF was higher than that of MBP and BDNF in predicting the prognosis of TBI patients; however, the statistical differences were not significant (MIF vs. MBP, P = 0.239; MIF vs. BDNF, P = 0.211; BDNF vs. MBP, P = 0.899). The center line has a large displacement, CT annular cisterna compression, increased white blood cell count, MBP and BDNF were risk factors for prognosis in TBI patients (P = 0.005, P = 0.001, P = 0.005, P = 0.033, P = 0.044).

Conclusion

The serum levels of MIF, MBP, and BDNF in TBI patients were positively correlated with the severity of the disease, and MBP, BDNF levels had predictive value in determining patient prognosis.
Trend Analysis and Prediction of Cropped Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Fuad Md. Akter Faruk , Rahman Md. Hasan Sofiur , Johara Fatema Tuz , Jui Kaniz Fatima , Flora Umme Munmun Ashrafi
Published: August 2023

This systematic review is an effort to examine the trajectory of cropped area in Bangladesh using secondary data. This qualitative and descriptive analysis was conducted using numerous government's Statistical Yearbooks. The study revealed that single cropped area was shrinking, whereas multiple cropped area was flourishing. The expansion of areas was observed in both cereals and vegetables. Another significant finding was that a sharp growth was seen in both the net and gross cropped area. The cropping intensity was also gradually rising, which would allow practicing modern technologies to utilize existing and accredited areas. Further studies are required to understand the accredited farm areas in terms of policy-related factors. The study's results offer valuable insights for decision-makers in Bangladesh to preserve and utilize the farmland resources sustainably.
Development and Optimization of Operational Parameters for Tractor-Operated Boom Sprayer for Field Crops
Authors: Manojkumara  , Srinivasarao Arudra , Kiran B. Raj , Krupavathi K. , Kumar A. Ashok , Reddy K. V. S. Rami
Published: August 2023

Spraying is a crucial practice in agriculture, especially for the application of chemical pesticides that play a vital role in protecting crops. However, there has been a worrisome rise in the annual consumption of pesticides, leading to significant concerns. The excessive use of these pesticides has resulted in substantial wastage, which is a cause for alarm. To address these issues and enhance the efficiency of pesticide application, a tractor-operated boom sprayer was developed to ensure effective spraying. The study focused on evaluating and optimizing three operational factors: spacing between nozzles (30, 40, 50 cm), spray boom height (80, 90, 100 cm), and pressure (17.5, 21.0, 24.5 kg.cm-2). A factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) approach was employed, 81 experiments were conducted and data were analyzed statistically by using the SPSS software package to investigate the effect of operational parameters on the performance of the sprayer. The results revealed that the operational parameters were significantly influencing the swath width and percent of overlap during spraying. The optimum combination of operational parameters was obtained using the R-software, the optimum combination for obtaining maximum swath width and minimum overlap is spacing between nozzles at 50 cm, spray boom height at 90 cm, and operating pressure at 24.5 kg.cm-2. The swath width and overlap at optimum combination were 7.77m and 43.12%, respectively. Implementing this optimal combination significantly improved the performance of the spraying activity, ensuring better coverage.
Use of CRISPR/CAS9 System in Engineering Plant Resistant to Gemini Virus, an Emerging Threat
Authors: Abid Pakeeza , Malook Muhammad Babar , Khan Sidra Adil , Riaz Muhammad , Ali Hassan Rehman , Kareem Kashif
Published: August 2023

Gemini viruses account for destructive scourge wastes that endanger nourishment safety. The genomic sequence of Gemini virus comprises of a round or disk shaped, unique or isolated stranded or grounded DNA crumb, which set off a duplex DNA replica center in the parenchyma cell core and translate almost seven to four universal polypeptide Weed attribute manipulate needs effectual pick out genetic editing machinery. Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats accompanying (CAS) type II organization cast off select genomic changing implementation beyond the organisms that have nucleus in their cell containing plants that cause resistance of these devastating Gemi virus. We know the evolution (TRV) tobacco rattle virus, which is, mediated during the genomic changing or during editing in tobacco plant family not long ago. We know that tobacco rattle virus also affects the new and newly growing plantlets that have possess a very small size genomic size that help in multiplication and binary fusion and also in cloning and agricultural agro infections that cause the plants to diseases. closer, constant action and distinctiveness of the tobacco rattle virus, which is mediated CRISPR Cas9 system for targeted modification of the tobacco rattle family plant Nicotiana benthamiana genome. Informational and experimental report perseverance TRV-moderate Cas-9 task for about 30 days agroinefection. In addition, our results show or demonstrate that TRV make up genomic sequence changing illustrated no in-exact work generable in exact arguing the exactness of the organization for vascular plantlets genomic sequencing scheme. Are hold of at once, the particular statics authorize reasonableness arousing chances of utilized the viral particle as a make peace CRISPER/Cas9 for chosen manipulate of the plant genomic sequence.
Effect of Organic Manures and Nano Zinc on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Bhardwaj Aprajeeta , Mehera Biswarup , Kumar Prateek
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 at CRF (Crop Research Farm), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (UP). To study the “Effect of organic manures and Nano zinc on growth and yield of baby corn”. The soil of the experimental field is sandy loam in texture. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of three levels of Nano zinc (0.5 ml/l, 1 ml/l, 1.5 ml/l) and three levels of organic manures whose effect is observed in baby corn. The results revealed that the treatment with application of poultry manure 3.3 t/h + Nano zinc 1.5ml/l recorded higher plant height (191 cm), plant dry weight (99.60 g), number of cobs (3.73), cob length 21.95 cm, cob weight with husk 10.88 g, cob yield without husk 6.38 t/h, green fodder yield 36.10 t/h and harvest index (39.03%). The economics viz., maximum gross returns (1,81,170.00 INR/ha), net returns (1,20,155.00 INR/ha) and B:C (1.97) was also recorded in treatment 9 with application of poultry manure 3.3t/h + Nano zinc 1.5 ml/l.
A Critique of the Triangle Method and a Version Suitable for Estimating Soil Moisture from Satellite Imagery
Authors: Carlson Toby N.
Published: August 2023

A simple version of the triangle model is proposed, that of a right triangle, which allows one to estimate from remote thermal/optical measurements the evapotranspiration fraction and surface soil moisture availability without reference to external variables even in the absence of a full range of vegetation cover and soil dryness. To date however, the triangle method has yet to be applied widely in the field, partly because of the triangle’s limitations and partly due to its complexity whereby prospective users would be unequipped or unwilling to handle its technical aspects, including its mathematical requirements. After a brief description of the triangle geometry, the paper deals with current misconceptions in the use of the triangle/trapezoid method, including the way in which plants deal with water stress. The last part poses a scenario showing how the right triangle model could be applied easily and routinely at field level by the non-specialist.
Backmatter (Author Guideline, Copyright Transfer Agreement for Publishing Form)
Authors: Istadi Istadi
Published: August 2023

Backmatter (Author Guideline, Copyright Transfer Agreement for Publishing Form)
Sepsis Prediction Model for Determining Sepsis vs SIRS, qSOFA, and SOFA
Authors: Schertz Adam R. , Lenoir Kristin M. , Bertoni Alain G. , Levine Beverly J. , Mongraw-Chaffin Morgana , Thomas Karl W.
Published: August 2023

Importance

The Sepsis Prediction Model (SPM) is a proprietary decision support tool created by Epic Systems; it generates a predicting sepsis score (PSS). The model has not undergone validation against existing sepsis prediction tools, such as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), or quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Asessement (qSOFA).

Objective

To assess the validity and timeliness of the SPM compared with SIRS, qSOFA, and SOFA.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included all adults admitted to 5 acute care hospitals in a single US health system between June 5, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Data analysis was conducted from March 2021 to February 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A sepsis event was defined as receipt of 4 or more days of antimicrobials, blood cultures collected within ±48 hours of initial antimicrobial, and at least 1 organ dysfunction as defined by the organ dysfunction criteria optimized for the electronic health record (eSOFA). Time zero was defined as 15 minutes prior to qualifying antimicrobial or blood culture order.

Results

Of 60 507 total admissions, 1663 (2.7%) met sepsis criteria, with 1324 electronic health record–confirmed sepsis (699 [52.8%] male patients; 298 [22.5%] Black patients; 46 [3.5%] Hispanic/Latinx patients; 945 [71.4%] White patients), 339 COVID-19 sepsis (183 [54.0%] male patients; 98 [28.9%] Black patients; 36 [10.6%] Hispanic/Latinx patients; and 189 [55.8%] White patients), and 58 844 (97.3%; 26 632 [45.2%] male patients; 12 698 [21.6%] Black patients; 3367 [5.7%] Hispanic/Latinx patients; 40 491 White patients) did not meet sepsis criteria. The median (IQR) age was 63 (51 to 73) years for electronic health record–confirmed sepsis, 69 (60 to 77) years for COVID-19 sepsis, and 60 (42 to 72) years for nonsepsis admissions. Within the vendor recommended threshold PSS range of 5 to 8, PSS of 8 or greater had the highest balanced accuracy for classifying a sepsis admission at 0.79 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.80). Change in SOFA score of 2 or more had the highest sensitivity, at 0.97 (95% CI, 0.97 to 0.98). At a PSS of 8 or greater, median (IQR) time to score positivity from time zero was 68.00 (6.75 to 605.75) minutes. For SIRS, qSOFA, and SOFA, median (IQR) time to score positivity was 7.00 (−105.00 to 08.00) minutes, 74.00 (−22.25 to 599.25) minutes, and 28.00 (−108.50 to 134.00) minutes, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of hospital admissions, balanced accuracy of the SPM outperformed other models at higher threshold PSS; however, application of the SPM in a clinical setting was limited by poor timeliness as a sepsis screening tool as compared to SIRS and SOFA.
Machine Learning‐Directed Fast and High‐Throughput Acquisition of High‐Efficiency Microwave Absorbents From Infinite Design Space
Authors: Che Renchao , Wu Zhengchen , Quan Bin , Zhang Ruixuan , Zhang Huiran , Zhang Jincang , Lu Wencong
Published: August 2023

Intrinsic composition properties and extrinsic micro‐/nano‐structural effects constitute the infinite design space of microwave absorption (MA) materials wherein the high‐efficiency performance is expected to advance stealth and anti‐interference technologies. However, restricted to the black box of physical mechanisms, discovering those materials too often relies on the traditional trial‐and‐error methods, falling into the time‐consuming loop between material modification and performance measurement. Herein, an unprecedented machine learning‐based forecasting system (MLFS) is constructed to directly predict the process conditions of carbonyl iron/ferrosoferric oxide hybrids with enhanced MA performance. The high‐throughput screening and inverse projection based on pattern recognition recommend a series of excellent MA materials with the highest performance correlation coefficient up to 0.9844. After manual selection from this set, the enhancement of maximum absorption efficiency and bandwidth of the optimal hybrid reach 207% and 360% in comparison with the original database. The standardized MLFS procedure immensely shortens the research cycle to a few weeks compared to several months of the manual orthogonal experiment. This is believed to be an expressway for accelerating the discovery of high‐performance MA materials and their industrialization.
Integrated High Barrier and Efficient Moisture‐Wicking Multilayer Textile for Medical and Health Protection
Authors: Meng Na , Zhang Yufei , Lin Yanyan , Zhao Cengceng , Li Zhaoling , Wang Xianfeng , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: August 2023

Developing textiles with rapid moisture‐wicking capability is a potential and effective solution to the poor comfort of medical and health‐protective clothing. However, designing protective clothing that combines safety and comfort remains a crucial and formidable task. Herein, a moisture‐wicking protective fibrous membrane (MWPFM) with a dual‐gradient structure manufactured by electrospinning and electrostatic spraying techniques is proposed. Interestingly, the protective layer with a small pore structure and an extremely hydrophobic effect can block water, blood, and ethanol. Additionally, the textile is designed in a multilayer configuration with a wetting gradient and pore structure gradient, ensuring comfort. The MWPFM exhibits excellent protective properties (ethanol contact angle of 115°, hydrostatic pressure of 14.8 kPa) and comfort (breathability of 46.8 mm s−1, water vapor transmission rate of 5.9 kg m−2 d−1). In addition, compared with the commercially available high‐density polyethylene protective membrane, MWPFM displays a distinct comfort advantage. This work provides a fresh avenue to improve the thermal‐moisture comfort of medical and health‐protective clothing.
Introducing MR‐TADF Emitters into Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells for Narrowband and Efficient Emission
Authors: Tang Shi , dos Santos John Marques , Ràfols‐Ribé Joan , Wang Jia , Zysman‐Colman Eli , Edman Ludvig
Published: August 2023

Organic semiconductors that emit by the process of multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) can deliver narrowband and efficient electroluminescence while being processable from solvents and metal‐free. This renders them attractive for use as the emitter in sustainable light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), but so far reports of narrowband and efficient MR‐TADF emission from LEC devices are absent. Here, this issue is addressed through careful and systematic material selection and device development. Specifically, the authors show that the detrimental aggregation tendency of an archetypal rigid and planar carbazole‐based MR‐TADF emitter can be inhibited by its dispersion into a compatible carbazole‐based blend host and an ionic‐liquid electrolyte, and it is further demonstrated that the tuning of this active material results in a desired balanced p‐ and n‐type electrochemical doping, a high solid‐state photoluminescence quantum yield of 91%, and singlet and triplet trapping on the MR‐TADF guest emitter. The introduction of this designed metal‐free active MR‐TADF material into a LEC, employing air‐stabile electrodes, results in bright blue electroluminescence of 500 cd m−2, which is delivered at a high external quantum efficiency of 3.8% and shows a narrow emission profile with a full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum of 31 nm.
Further characterization of CEP85L‐associated lissencephaly type 10: Report of a three‐generation family and review of the literature
Authors: Leduc‐Pessah Heather , White‐Brown Alexandre , Miller Elka , McMillan Hugh J. , Boycott Kym M.
Published: August 2023

Lissencephaly type 10 is a recently reported condition characterized by posterior predominant abnormalities in gyration with associated seizures, developmental delays or intellectual disability. We report a boy who presented at 5 years of age with epilepsy and developmental delays. His family history was notable for epilepsy in two prior generations associated with variable developmental and cognitive impact. Exome sequencing identified a novel missense variant in CEP85L [NM_001042475.2; c.196A>G, p.(Thr66Ala)] which segregated in four affected family members across three generations. Brain imaging of the proband demonstrated a posterior lissencephaly pattern with pachygyria, while other affected family members demonstrated a similar subcortical band heterotopia. This report expands the phenotypic spectrum of this rare disorder by describing a novel variant in CEP85L in a family with variable clinical and neuroimaging findings.
Dynamic changes of nasal tight junctions in patients with convalescent COVID‐19 with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Liu Yating , Wang Zaichuan , Zhao Limin , Wang Xue , Li Xinyi , Qu Zhennan , Zeng Yuan , Liu Yingyue , Hao Liusiqi , Yang Mengzhe , Zhang Yuling , Zhang Shujian , Wang Qiqi , Li Yan , Lan Feng , Zhang Luo
Published: August 2023

Key Points

Nasal tight junction module score correlates negatively to allergy module score in COVID‐19.

Omicron variant may slow‐down tight junction restoration in patients with AR.
Engineered Biocatalytic Synthesis of β‐N‐Substituted‐α‐Amino Acids
Authors: Villalona Jairo , Higgins Peyton M. , Buller Andrew R.
Published: August 2023

Non‐canonical amino acids (ncAAs) are useful synthons for the development of new medicines, materials, and probes for bioactivity. Recently, enzyme engineering has been leveraged to produce a suite of highly active enzymes for the synthesis of β‐substituted amino acids. However, there are few examples of biocatalytic N‐substitution reactions to make α,β‐diamino acids. In this study, we used directed evolution to engineer the β‐subunit of tryptophan synthase, TrpB, for improved activity with diverse amine nucleophiles. Mechanistic analysis shows that high yields are hindered by product re‐entry into the catalytic cycle and subsequent decomposition. Additional equivalents of l‐serine can inhibit product reentry through kinetic competition, facilitating preparative scale synthesis. We show β‐substitution with a dozen aryl amine nucleophiles, including demonstration on a gram scale. These transformations yield an underexplored class of amino acids that can serve as unique building blocks for chemical biology and medicinal chemistry.
Guidelines in Practice: Processing Flexible Endoscopes
Authors: Speth Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Flexible endoscopes allow surgeons and proceduralists to view patients’ internal organs through small incisions or natural orifices. These devices may be difficult to clean and dry adequately, and the formation of biofilm can further complicate effective cleaning. The updated AORN “Guideline for processing flexible endoscopes” provides perioperative personnel with evidence‐based best practice recommendations on a variety of concepts associated with this topic. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for point‐of‐use treatment, transport, cleaning (including verification and drying), and storage of flexible endoscopes. It also includes a scenario that illustrates the importance of adequately drying and storing flexible endoscopes. When processing flexible endoscopes, personnel should adhere to the endoscope and processing equipment manufacturers’ instructions for use. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and implement recommendations in practice settings where flexible endoscopes are used.
Insight into the interaction of pluronic F‐127 functionalized boron nitride nanosheets with piezoelectric poly(l‐lactic acid) nanofiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Sekkarapatti Ramasamy Madeshwaran , Krishnamoorthi Kaliannagounder Vignesh , Ramasamy Shanmugam , Kumar Vineet , Park Sung Jea , Park Sang Shin , Park Chan Hee , Han Sung Soo , Kim Cheol Sang , Kim Byungki
Published: August 2023

Owing to their superior mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and piezoelectric behavior, boron nitride (BN) nanostructures have received significant attention in the biomedical field, including filler in biopolymer composites, drug delivery, and cell stimulation. Nevertheless, the functionalization of BN is essential to overcome their strong agglomeration tendency in solvents and enhance their dispersibility and interfacial interaction with polymer matrix. Herein, we report an efficient dual functionalization approach for BN nanosheets (BNNS) using oleylamine (OLA) and pluronic F127 (PLU). First, BNNS has functionalized with OLA via Lewis acid–base interactions between the amino groups of OLA and the boron atoms of BNNS and then followed by PLU via noncovalent interactions. The composites of PLU‐functionalized boron nitride nanosheets (PLUBN) were reinforced into poly(l‐lactic acid) nanofiber (PLF) matrix, and subsequent changes in physiochemical, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties were reported in a concentration‐dependent manner. In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate the significant interaction between PLUBN and PLF. Further, in vitro studies with the preosteoblast (MC3T3‐T1) cells evidenced decent biocompatibility and proliferation with enhanced osteogenic differentiation potentials for the composite scaffolds. Thus, in the future, the reported effective strategy could be employed for preparing BNNS‐based piezoelectric biopolymer composites for tissue engineering applications.
The curse of the thinking woman: Encoded misogyny in the brilliant female detective
Authors: Tutter Adele
Published: August 2023

The enormously popular contemporary genre of televised police procedurals that feature a brilliant female detective reflects and reifies enduring misogynistic beliefs and attitudes that pervade the cultural fantasies and social mores of our time. In her current form, the prototypical female protagonist of these series adheres to a rigid, stereotypical formulation that limits her capacity for mature, healthy object relations. In particular, her singular devotion to her work badly compromises her maternal function: thus, she is either barren or a bad mother, as well as a bad partner, sister, or daughter. Moreover, her professional excellence is itself pathologized, as the very qualities that make her extraordinary are typically attributable to the quintessential misogynistic trope of mental illness or emotional instability. The Greek myth of the birth of Athena explicates the threat embodied by the brilliant female detective, who, as a revival of the infantile fantasy of the all‐powerful, all‐knowing mother, infringes on the generative capacity of the mind: territory that men have since antiquity claimed in order to guard against envy of female procreative power. In return, she must be divested of her uniquely female powers, “the curse of the thinking woman.”
Design of Glycopolymers for Controlling the Interactions with Lectins
Authors: Nagao Masanori , Matsumoto Hikaru , Miura Yoshiko
Published: August 2023

Carbohydrates are involved in life activities through the interactions with their corresponding proteins (lectins). Pathogen infection and the regulation of cell activity are controlled by the binding between lectins and glycoconjugates on cell surfaces. A deeper understanding of the interactions of glycoconjugates has led to the development of therapeutic and preventive methods for infectious diseases. Glycopolymer is one of the classes of the materials present multiple carbohydrates. The properties of glycopolymers can be tuned through the molecular design of the polymer structures. This review focuses on research over the past decade on the design of glycopolymers with the aim of developing inhibitors against pathogens and manipulator of cellular functions.
Navigating educational success: Modes of expectation among care‐experienced young people
Authors: Mølholt Anne‐Kirstine , Bengtsson Tea Torbenfeldt , Frederiksen Morten
Published: August 2023

This paper explores modes of expectation among care‐experienced young people when navigating educational success. Luhmann's theoretical framework is used to conceptualise experiences of educational success and the role of uncertainty. We identify three modes of expectation: trust, risk and danger. To illustrate these modes, we draw on selected examples from an interview study with 28 care‐experienced young people focusing on their experiences of support and aftercare while transitioning out of care. The trust mode of expectation is based in a confidence that the future entails a positive outcome—in the case of this study, regarding educational success. This expectation is characterised by the young person's feelings of belonging, underpinned by a safety net of unconditionally supportive caregivers. The risk mode of expectation is characterised by the young person's feeling of being overwhelmed and burdened by the complexity of the educational system in combination with unknown future circumstances when leaving care. The battle against child welfare services to keep supportive measures increases levels of uncertainty. The danger mode of expectation emerges when educational success is disrupted by the interference of child welfare services. The system is seen as unpredictable and powerful, making the young person withdraw from formal support. We conclude that educational success for care‐experienced young people is closely linked to their mode of expectation with regard to managing the uncertainty of the future and that their mode is highly dependent on their social, institutional and biographical contexts.
The Deposition of Isolated Fe(3+) Species in Mesoporous Silicon for Oxidation of Cyclohexane
Authors: Zhai Liming , Zhang Bin , Li Haitao , Jiang Min , Yang Xinchun , Li Zhuo , Zhao Shichao , Qin Yong
Published: August 2023

The balance of activity and selectivity in liquid alkane oxidation is challenging for the design of supported Fe catalysts. When Fe species leach to the solvent, uncontrolled free radical chain reactions happen. Herein, isolated Fe(3+) species were constructed by forming a strong Fe−O−Si bond for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone by H2O2. Compared to the supported FeOx clusters, the strong Fe−O−Si bond between isolated Fe(3+) species and SiO2 prevents the leaching of Fe in strong oxidation (H2O2) reaction conditions and dominates the non‐free radical mechanism. The turnover frequency over 10FeOx/SBA‐15 reached 15.2 h−1, higher than for reported Fe‐based catalysts. High selectivity of cyclohexanone is maintained at different conversions. Moreover, the (SiO)xFe3+(OH)3‐x−OOH active species were detected by Raman and FTIR and are generated from the oxidation of isolated Fe species. The strong Fe−O−Si bond and non‐free‐radical mechanism by (SiO)xFe3+(OH)3‐x−OOH active species induce high activity and selectivity for the oxidation of many other alkanes.
Retracted: Aggregation‐Induced Emission‐Active Donor‐Substituted Aroyl‐S,N‐Ketene Acetals via Nucleophilic Amine Base Attack
Authors: Biesen Lukas , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: August 2023

Donor‐substituted aroyl‐S,N‐ketene acetals can be rapidly obtained by nucleophilic attack of triethylamine at the acid chloride with concomitant decarbonylation followed by addition‐elimination reaction of in situ generated enamines. These potent chromophores exhibit intensive solid‐state emission and pronounced AIE (aggregation‐induced emission) characteristics with high quantum yields. By changing the base to diisopropylethylamine, enlarged aroyl‐S,N‐ketene acetal bi‐ and trichromophores are easily accessible.
Chemiluminescence‐Based Assay to Monitor Early Oxidative Bursts in Soybean (Glycine max) Lateral Roots
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Muthusaravanan , Goel Sakshi , Ratnaparkhi Nikhil , Chandrasekar Balakumaran
Published: August 2023

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst assay is a valuable tool for studying pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) in plants. During PTI, the interaction between pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) and pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) leads to the rapid production of ROS in the apoplastic space. The resultant ROS can be measured using a chemiluminescent approach that involves the usage of horseradish peroxidase and luminol. Although several methods and protocols are available to detect early ROS bursts in leaf tissues, no dedicated method is available for root tissues. Here, we have established a reliable method to measure the PAMP‐triggered ROS burst response in soybean lateral roots. In plants, lateral roots are the potential entry and colonization sites for pathogens in the rhizosphere. We have used important PAMPs such as chitohexaose, flagellin 22 peptide fragment, and laminarin to validate our method. In addition, we provide a detailed methodology for the isolation and application of fungal cell wall components to monitor the oxidative burst in soybean lateral roots. Furthermore, we provide methodology for performing ROS burst assays in soybean leaf discs with laminarin and fungal cell walls. This approach could also be applied to leaf and root tissues of other plant species to study the PTI response upon elicitor treatment. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst assay in soybean lateral root tissues

Alternate Protocol: ROS burst assay in soybean leaf discs

Support Protocol: Isolating fungal cell wall fractions
Potential use of wild Onobrychis species for climate change mitigation and adaptation
Authors: Sakhraoui Anis , Ltaeif Hela B. , Sakhraoui Asma , Rouz Slim , Castillo Jesús M.
Published: August 2023

Climate change is threatening environmental and nutritional security. In this scenario, forage crops and their wild relatives may contribute to maintain ecosystem services and minimize the effects of global warming. We reviewed the literature regarding the ecological, agronomic, and nutraceutical values of wild Onobrychis Miller species (sainfoins, Family Fabaceae). We also discussed their application prospects and the existing problems hampering their widespread domestication. Wild species of the genus Onobrychis have some interesting agronomic and ecological features such as perenniality, deep root system, and high‐stress tolerance, which make them suitable for future cultivation under climate change. Wild Onobrychis species are multipurpose species, which can be utilized for fodder and honey production under harsh environmental conditions. In addition, wild Onobrychis species water, ethanol, and methanol extracts exhibit antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, anti‐stressor, and many other pharmacological effects. Wild Onobrychis species have not been the subject of detailed studies. Compared with the cultivated forage legumes, wild Onobrychis species are still underexploited despite their potential to alleviate forage and food insecurity, either by domestication or by providing novel alleles for breeding purposes of the cultivated species Onobrychis viciifolia. Our review aims to increase scientific awareness toward exploring the potential uses of wild Onobrychis species to tackle current climate change.
A single‐source nine‐level boost inverter with new optimal switching scheme for EV applications
Authors: Aditya Kancharapu , Suresh Yellasiri , Shiva Naik Banavath , Nageswar Rao B , Panda A K
Published: August 2023

The importance of two‐level inverters is well known in EV applications; it contains significant unwanted harmonics in generated voltage. One of the most efficient way to increase power quality is to replace a two‐level inverter with a multilevel inverter (MLI). The MLI's essence considerably reduces total harmonic distortion. Eventually, the size of the filter requirement also will minimize. Because of the increased device count and capacitor voltage balance issues, these converters have a slew of reliability concerns. To mitigate these drawbacks, a novel switched‐capacitor based nine‐level inverter (SC‐NLI) structure with a new optimal control switching technique for electric vehicle (EV) applications is proposed in this paper. The proposed SC‐NLI structure comprises 10 switches, one diode, and two capacitors. The proposed structure's circuit description, modes of operation, proper component selection, and a new optimal switching scheme are presented. A discussion about the comparative analysis of suggested topology with currently developed MLI structures is presented. In addition, to the simulation results, experimental tests are conducted under various load conditions to evaluate the proposed SC‐NLI structure.
Directional and stabilizing selection shaped morphological, reproductive, and physiological traits of the invader Solidago canadensis
Authors: Du Leshan , Oduor Ayub M. O. , Zuo Wei , Liu Haiyan , Li Jun‐Min
Published: August 2023

Trait evolution in invasive plant species is important because it can impact demographic parameters key to invasion success. Invasive plant species often show phenotypic clines along geographic and climatic gradients. However, the relative contributions of natural selection and neutral evolutionary processes to phenotypic trait variation among populations of invasive plants remain unclear. A common method to assess whether a trait has been shaped by natural selection or neutral evolutionary processes is to compare the geographical pattern for the trait of interest to the divergence in neutral genetic loci (i.e., QST–FST comparisons). Subsequently, a redundancy analysis (RDA) can facilitate identification of putative agents of natural selection on the trait. Here, we employed both a QST–FST comparisons approach and RDA to infer whether natural selection shaped traits of invasive populations of Solidago canadensis in China and identify the potential environmental drivers of natural selection. We addressed two questions: (1) Did natural selection drive phenotypic trait variation among S. canadensis populations? (2) Did climatic, latitudinal, longitudinal, and altitudinal gradients drive patterns of genetic variation among S. canadensis populations? We found significant directional selection for several morphological and reproductive traits (i.e., QST > FST) and stabilizing selection for physiological traits (i.e., QST < FST). The RDA showed that stem biomass of S. canadensis was strongly positively correlated with longitude, while leaf width ratio and specific leaf area were significantly positively correlated with the mean diurnal range. Stem biomass had a strong negative correlation with annual precipitation. Moreover, height of S. canadensis individuals was strongly positively correlated with altitude and precipitation of the wettest quarter. A longitudinal shift in precipitation seasonality likely selected for larger stem biomass in S. canadensis. Overall, these results suggest that longitudinal and altitudinal clines in climate exerted strong selection pressures that shaped the phenotypic traits of S. canadensis.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Interrupted Click Reaction: Synthesis of 1,4,5‐Trisubstituted 5‐Chloro‐1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Wu Qiming , Song Wangze
Published: August 2023

5‐Halo‐1,2,3‐triazoles are important scaffolds in organic chemistry, but current click reactions cannot produce 1,4,5‐trisubstituted 5‐chloro‐1,2,3‐triazoles in a simple way. Herein, we disclosed a Cu(I)‐catalyzed interrupted click reaction, using N‐chlorophthalimide as an electrophilic chlorine source, enabling the facile synthesis of 1,4,5‐trisubstituted 5‐chloro‐1,2,3‐triazoles in one step from readily available terminal alkynes and azides. Complete control of regioselectivities with a broad substrate scope was accomplished by this approach. Furthermore, a novel epoxidation was developed using 5‐chloro‐triazole as substrate, which could be further applied in various organic transformations.
Water storage of a typical tree species in the Caatinga biome (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.)
Authors: Costa Juliana Alcântara , Vellame Lucas Melo , Costa Carlos Alexandre Gomes , Navarro‐Hevia Joaquín , de Lacerda Claudivan Feitosa , de Figueiredo José Vidal , de Araújo José Carlos
Published: August 2023

Our understanding of the movement and storage of water in typical Caatinga plants is still limited and often disregarded in water balance calculations. This is why the objective of this work was to evaluate the water storage dynamic in typical trees of the Caatinga biome during the dry, rainy and transition period by gauging the water content levels that cause the onset of leaf emergence. In a preserved Caatinga forest, soil and stem water content of six trees of the representative species catingueira (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.) were monitored with low‐cost capacitive sensors. Leaf moisture, leaf area index, leaf and stem water volume, and sap flow density were measured. The emergence of leaves occurred with a stem moisture of 0.32 m3 m−3, and the leaf area index was maximum with a stem moisture of 0.34 m3 m−3. Catingueira plants are able to absorb water below the soil water potential commonly determined as the permanent wilting point (−1.5 MPa). The volume of water stored in the plants represents 108% of the average volume stored in the Boqueirão reservoir during the study period.
The role of open government data and information and communication technology in meeting the employment‐related information needs of unemployed South African youth
Authors: Masavah Vincent Mwendwa , van der Merwe Ronell , van Biljon Judy
Published: August 2023

Open government data (OGD) and information and communication technologies (ICT) are potential enablers in meeting information needs related to finding employment opportunities, but there is little evidence‐based theorization to guide this enablement and avoid the barriers that hinder its use. The potential economic contribution of OGD has been researched in depth, but the potential of OGD for human development, specifically in developing countries, has not been theorized substantially. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate “how the role of ICT and OGD in meeting the employment‐related information needs of unemployed South African youth can be understood better by the application of the Choice Framework”. The Choice Framework is Kleine's analytical tool for investigating ICTs for development toward a contextualized understanding of the relationships among the framework's elements, namely structure, agency, the dimension of choice and development outcomes. The research design was a single, exploratory case study; the data was collected in Alexandra Township of the Gauteng Province in South Africa using semi‐structured interviews. Data was collected from 34 participants (between the ages of 18 and 35) who were looking for employment. The data was analyzed thematically and then unpacked in terms of the constructors of the Choice Framework. The findings show that most participants had access to ICT but limited awareness of OGD, and several challenges in using OGD for finding employment‐related information were identified. The findings provide a theory‐based contextual understanding of the research space, including the challenges and recommendations for overcoming said challenges of finding information on employment opportunities.
Therapeutic targeting of nuclear export and import receptors in cancer and their potential in combination chemotherapy
Authors: Newell Stella , van der Watt Pauline J. , Leaner Virna D.
Published: August 2023

Systemic modalities are crucial in the management of disseminated malignancies and liquid tumours. However, patient responses and tolerability to treatment are generally poor and those that enter remission often return with refractory disease. Combination therapies provide a methodology to overcome chemoresistance mechanisms and address dose‐limiting toxicities. A deeper understanding of tumorigenic processes at the molecular level has brought a targeted therapy approach to the forefront of cancer research, and novel cancer biomarkers are being identified at a rapid rate, with some showing potential therapeutic benefits. The Karyopherin superfamily of proteins is soluble receptors that mediate nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of proteins and RNAs, and recently, nuclear transport receptors have been recognized as novel anticancer targets. Inhibitors against nuclear export have been approved for clinical use against certain cancer types, whereas inhibitors against nuclear import are in preclinical stages of investigation. Mechanistically, targeting nucleocytoplasmic shuttling has shown to abrogate oncogenic signalling and restore tumour suppressor functions through nuclear sequestration of relevant proteins and mRNAs. Hence, nuclear transport inhibitors display broad spectrum anticancer activity and harbour potential to engage in synergistic interactions with a wide array of cytotoxic agents and other targeted agents. This review is focussed on the most researched nuclear transport receptors in the context of cancer, XPO1 and KPNB1, and highlights how inhibitors targeting these receptors can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of standard of care therapies and novel targeted agents in a combination therapy approach. Furthermore, an updated review on the therapeutic targeting of lesser characterized karyopherin proteins is provided and resistance to clinically approved nuclear export inhibitors is discussed.
Design and development of a patient‐specific temporomandibular joint implant: Probing the influence of bone condition on biomechanical response
Authors: Banerjee Anik , Basu Bikramjit , Saha Subrata , Chowdhury Amit Roy
Published: August 2023

Total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement is widely recognized as an effective treatment for TMJ disorders. The long‐term stability of TMJ implants depends on two important factors which are design concepts for fixation to anatomical locations in the mandible and bone conditions. Other factors include stress distribution, microstrain in the peri‐implant, bone attributes like bone conditions leading to the clinical complications and failures. This study addresses these limitations by examining the influence of patient‐specific design concepts and bone conditions on TMJ implant performance. Clinical evidences support the importance of implant design on healing ability. Previous studies have focused on achieving precise implant fit based on geometric considerations, however those published studies did not explore the impact of such. Against this perspective, the present study reports the extensive finite element analysis (FEA) results, while analyzing the impact of a newly designed patient‐specific TMJ implant to address clinical complications associated with various bone conditions, particularly osteoporotic bone. In validating the FEA results, the performance of additively manufactured patient‐specific TMJ implants was compared with designs resembling two commonly used clinically approved implant designs. By addressing the limitations of previous research and emphasizing the importance of bone conditions, the study provides valuable guidelines for the development of next‐generation TMJ implants. These findings contribute to enhanced clinical outcomes and long‐term success in the treatment of TMJ disorders.