bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in Surgery—Opportunities and Risks
Authors: Colborn Kathryn , Brat Gabriel , Callcut Rachael
Published: December 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the opportunities and risks of using 3 main areas of artificial intelligence in surgery: computer vision, digital transformation at the point of care, and electronic health records data.
Radiosurgical treatment of solitary brain metastases using virtual cones with a standard multileaf collimator
Authors: Lobb Eric
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The virtual cone has been previously introduced as a novel technique for generating small, spherical dose distributions using a high‐definition multileaf collimator (MLC) for functional radiosurgery applications. There has been no reported investigation into adapting this technique to a standard MLC for the treatment of solitary intracranial metastases as an alternative to physical stereotactic cones. This study characterizes the virtual cone technique adapted to a standard 5 mm leaf‐width MLC (VCSD).

Methods

VCSD dose distributions using MLC leaf gaps of 2–5 mm were generated and isodose sphericity metrics, peak dose gradients, optimal normalization ranges, and achievable field widths were compared to those of 5.0–12.5 mm diameter physical cones. Target sizes feasible to treat were identified and planned for comparison against established techniques using Paddick conformity index (PCI) and dose volume metrics. End‐to‐end validation of the VCSD technique was performed.

Results

VCSD and physical cones sphericity metrics agree within 3.5% and VCSD plans achieved a dose gradient of 21.3% mm−1, comparable to 10.0‐12.5 mm diameter physical cones. Normalization within the 50%–77% range preserves the optimal dose gradient within 2%⋅mm−1 and enables the treatment of 5–11 mm diameter planning target volumes (PTVs). Mean PCI for virtual and physical cones was 0.957 and 0.949, which compared favorably against conformal arc and VMAT (0.899 and 0.926). VCSD outperformed conformal arc and VMAT for all dose volume metrics, and the mean 50% dose volume differed from physical cones by < 0.5cc for PTVs as small as 5 mm. Validation measurements showed 100% of points passing a 2% / 0.5 mm gamma test for all plans.

Conclusions

The VCSD technique efficiently generates spherical dose distributions for the treatment of small brain metastases. Characteristics of the VCSD dose distributions are sufficiently comparable to those of physical cones to support VCSD as an alternative for the treatment of spherical PTVs as small as 5 mm in diameter.
Ultra‐Stable, Highly Proton Conductive, and Self‐Healing Proton Exchange Membranes Based On Molecule Intercalation Technique and Noncovalent Assembly Nanostructure
Authors: Zhu Liyu , Li Yucheng , Ye Peng , Zhao Jingyang , Liu Jing , Lei Jiandu , Wang Luying , Xue Ruisheng
Published: December 2022

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) that can heal mechanical damage to restore original functions are imperative for fabricating reliable and durable proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Here, an ultra‐stable, highly proton conductive self‐healing PEM via hydrogen‐bonding complexation between Nafion and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) followed by incorporation of sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) intercalation‐modified graphene oxide (GO) and post‐modification with 4‐formylbenzoic acid (FBA) is presented. Notably, the introduction of GO complexes and post‐modification of FBA molecules effectively improves the stability of composite membranes and also participate in the establishment of proton‐conducting nanochannels. Compared with recast Nafion, the FBA‐Nafion/PVA@SLS/GO composite membranes exhibit enhanced mechanical properties (36.2 MPa at 104.8% strain) and higher proton conductivity (0.219 S cm−1 at 80 °C‐100% RH and 23.861 mS cm−1 at 80 °C‐33% RH, respectively). More importantly, the incorporated PVA gives the FBA‐Nafion/PVA@SLS/GO composite membranes superior self‐healing capabilities that can heal mechanical damage of several tens of micrometers in size and restore their original proton conductivity under the operating conditions of the PEMFCs. This study opens an avenue toward the development of reliable and durable PEM for PEMFCs.
Nanofluid Electrolyte with Fumed Al2O3 Additive Strengthening Zincophilic and Stable Surface of Zinc Anode toward Flexible Zinc–Nickel Batteries
Authors: Luan Jingyi , Yuan Hongyan , Wang Haozhi , Zhao Naiqin , Zhong Cheng , Lu Jun
Published: December 2022

Flexible zinc–nickel batteries (FZNBs) have been considered as a promising power supply for wearable electronics due to the intrinsic safety, high operating voltage and superior rate performance. However, the serious self‐corrosion of zinc and the redistribution of dissolved [Zn(OH)4]2− on the electrode surface limit the electrochemical performance of FZNBs. Herein, the nanofluid electrolyte with fumed Al2O3 additive is introduced into FZNBs and a protective layer is formed due to the adsorption of Al2O3 on the electrodeposited zinc anode. The protective layer strengthens the zincophilicity of the anode and homogenizes the deposition of [Zn(OH)4]2−, avoiding the dendrite formation and the shape change of electrode. Meanwhile, by suppressing the [Zn(OH)4]2− diffusion from the anode surface to the bulk electrolyte, the interface stabilization is effectively promoted, thereby improving zinc utilization rate and inhibiting the corrosion. Hence, the FZNBs assembled with Al2O3‐nanofluid electrolyte and electrodeposited zinc anode demonstrates superior energy density of 210 Wh L−1 with a stable cycling of 575 h. Furthermore, FZNBs modified with Al2O3‐nanofluid electrolyte have a promising future in the field of wearable and portable electronics.
Relationship between body mass index and physical fitness index in Chinese college students: Results from a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Li Sujun , Cao Hongmin , Liu He , Hu Yanyan , Liu Jingzhi
Published: December 2022

Background

To explore the cross‐sectional relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness index (PFI) of Chinese college students.

Methods

In total, 30 497 (male 16 197, 55.5%) Chinese college students aged 19–22 were tested for height, weight and five physical fitness indicators (50‐m sprint, sit and reach, standing long jump, 1000/800‐m run, pull‐up/bent‐leg sit‐up). Stratified according to age and gender, according to BMI percentile, divided into BMI < 10th Percentile (A), 10th ≤ BMI < 25th Percentile (B), 25th ≤ BMI < 75th Percentile (C), 75th ≤ BMI < 90th Percentile (D), BMI ≥ 90th Percentile (E), a total of 5 groups, and the PFI composed of 5 indicators of physical fitness was calculated according to age and gender. The comparison of PFI between different BMI groups was carried out using the effect size, and the non‐linear relationship between BMI‐Z and PFI was analyzed.

Results

The relationship between BMI‐Z and PFI of male and female college students in China showed an inverted “U”‐shaped curve. With comparable BMI, PFI change was greater in males than in females.

Conclusion

The relationship between BMI and PFI of Chinese college students is nonlinear. The physical fitness level of college students who are underweight or overweight and those with obesity is lower than that of normal‐weight students.
Maternal and offspring behavior in free‐ranging Japanese and moor macaques: A comparative approach
Authors: Castellano‐Navarro Alba , Beltrán Francés Víctor , Albiach‐Serrano Anna , MacIntosh Andrew J. J. , Illa Maulany Risma , Ngakan Putu O. , Liebal Katja , Amici Federica
Published: December 2022

Female primates represent the most important social partner for their developing offspring. However, mothers may strongly differ in the way they relate to their offspring (e.g., in terms of two different dimensions: protectiveness and rejection). In this study, we aimed to assess how dominance style predicts (i) changes in maternal behavior through offspring development, and (ii) the link between maternal behavior and offspring behavior. We conducted behavioral observations on 34 free‐ranging immatures of two species of macaques with different dominance styles: less tolerant Japanese macaques (JM; Macaca fuscata) and more tolerant moor macaques (MM; Macaca maura). Our results showed that maternal behavior differed between JM and MM: maternal proximity and grooming decreased through offspring development more quickly in MM than in JM, whereas maternal rejection and aggression, which were generally more frequent in JM, decreased with offspring age similarly in both species. In contrast, maternal restraint of offspring decreased similarly with offspring age in both species. Furthermore, dominance style was differentially associated with the link between maternal and offspring behavior: in MM only, maternal grooming predicted an increase of the probability that offspring interacted with partners other than their mothers and engaged in solitary play, whereas maternal rejection predicted a decrease in the occurrence of solitary play. Overall, these results suggest interspecific variation in maternal behavior during offspring's first years of life, and point to the possibility that these differences may have an important role in shaping their behavioral development.
Climate change, the environment, and rhinologic disease
Authors: Kim Jean , Waugh Darryn W , Zaitchik Benjamin F , Luong Amber , Bergmark Regan , Lam Kent , Roland Lauren , Levy Joshua , Lee Jivianne T , Cho Do‐Yeon , Ramanathan Murugappan , Baroody Fuad , Takashima Mas , O'Brien Daniel , Lin Sandra Y , Joe Stephanie , Chaaban Mohamad R , Butrymowicz Anna , Smith Stephanie , Mullings Warren
Published: December 2022

Background

The escalating negative impact of climate change on our environment has the potential to result in significant morbidity of rhinologic diseases.

Methods

Evidence based review of examples of rhinologic diseases including allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis was performed.

Results

The lower socioeconomic population, including historically oppressed groups, will be disproportionately affected.

Conclusions

We need a systematic approach to improve healthcare database infrastructure and funding to promote diverse scientific collaboration to address these healthcare needs.
Neutralizing peripheral circulating IL1β slows the progression of ALS in a lentivirus‐infected OPTNE478G mouse model
Authors: Hu Wen‐Bao , Wang Xin , Pang Zhi‐Lin , Duan Ran , Hong Chun‐Gu , Liu Zheng‐Zhao
Published: December 2022

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is irreversible and fatal within 3–5 years, with limited options for treatment. It is imperative to develop a symptom‐based treatment that may increase the survival of ALS patients and improve their quality of life. Inflammation status, especially elevated interleukin 1β (IL1β), has been reported to play a critical role in ALS progression. Our study determined that neutralizing circulating IL1β slows down the progression of ALS in an ALS mouse model.

Methods

The ALS mouse model was developed by microinjection of lentivirus‐carrying OPTNE478G (optineurin, a mutation from ALS patients) into the intra‐motor cortex of mice. Peripheral circulating IL1β was neutralized by injecting anti‐IL1β antibody into the tail vein. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were carried out to determine the protein and gene expression levels of IL1β. TUNEL assay was used to assess the neural cell death. Immunofluorescent staining of MAP2 and CASP3 was accomplished to evaluate neuronal cell apoptosis. Glial fibrillary acidic protein staining was performed to analyze the number of astrocytes. Rotarod test, grip strength test, balance beam test, and footprint test were conducted to assess the locomotive function after anti‐IL1β treatment.

Results

The model revealed that neuroinflammation contributes to ALS progression. ALS mice exhibited elevated neuroinflammation and IL1β secretion. After anti‐IL1β treatment, ALS mice revealed decreased neural cell death and astrogliosis and gained improved muscle strength and motor ability.

Conclusions

Blocking IL1β is a promising strategy to slow down the progression of ALS.
A Visible Light Driven Nickel Carbonylation Catalyst: The Synthesis of Acid Chlorides from Alkyl Halides
Authors: El Chami Kristian , Liu Yi , Belahouane Mohammed A. , Ma Yiyang , Lagueux‐Tremblay Pierre‐Louis , Arndtsen Bruce A.
Published: December 2022

We describe here the development of a visible light driven nickel carbonylation catalyst. The combination of the large bite‐angle Xantphos ligand with nickel(0) generates a catalyst capable of activating alkyl halides toward carbonylation at ambient temperature in the presence of blue light irradiation, and the reductive elimination of high energy acid chloride products. Unlike classical carbonylations, where the coordination of carbon monoxide inhibits the reactivity of earth abundant nickel catalysts, a CO‐associated nickel is found to be the active catalyst in the reaction. Coupling the build‐up of acid chlorides with nucleophile addition can be used to access various amides, esters and thioesters, including those of sterically encumbered substrates or with metal‐reactive functionalities.
Tunable Multivalent Platform for Immune Recruitment to Lower Antigen Expressing Cancers
Authors: Lake Benjamin P. M. , Wylie Ryan G. , Bařinka Cyril , Rullo Anthony F.
Published: December 2022

Chemical immunotherapeutic strategies including Antibody Recruiting Molecules (ARMs ‐ bivalent small molecules containing an antibody‐binding domain (ABD) and a target‐binding domain (TBD)) direct immune‐mediated clearance of diseased cells. Anti‐cancer ARM function relies on high tumor antigen valency, limiting function against lower antigen expressing tumors. To address this limitation, we report a tunable multivalent immune recruitment (MIR) platform to amplify/stabilize antibody recruitment to cells with lower antigen valencies. An initial set of polymeric ARMs (pARMs) were synthesized and screened to evaluate ABD/TBD copy number, ratio, and steric occlusion on specific immune induction. Most pARMs demonstrated simultaneous high avidity binding to anti‐dinitrophenyl antibodies and prostate‐specific membrane antigens on prostate cancer. Optimized pARMs mediated enhanced anti‐cancer immune function against lower antigen expressing target cells compared to an analogous ARM.
Bonding and Reactivity in Terminal versus Bridging Arenide Complexes of Thorium Acting as ThII Synthons
Authors: Hsueh Fang‐Che , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Kooij Bastiaan , Scopelliti Rosario , Severin Kay , Maron Laurent , Zivkovic Ivica , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: December 2022

Thorium redox chemistry is extremely scarce due to the high stability of ThIV. Here we report two unique examples of thorium arenide complexes prepared by reduction of a ThIV‐siloxide complex in presence of naphthalene, the mononuclear arenide complex [K(OSi(OtBu)3)3Th(η6‐C10H8)] (1) and the inverse‐sandwich complex [K(OSi(OtBu)3)3Th]2(μ‐η6,η6‐C10H8)] (2). The electrons stored in these complexes allow the reduction of a broad range of substrates (N2O, AdN3, CO2, HBBN). Higher reactivity was found for the complex 1 which reacts with the diazoolefin IDipp=CN2 to yield the unexpected ThIV amidoalkynyl complex 5 via a terminal N‐heterocyclic vinylidene intermediate. This work showed that arenides can act as convenient redox‐active ligands for implementing thorium‐ligand cooperative multielectron transfer and that the reactivity can be tuned by the arenide binding mode.
Elastic Organic Crystals as Bioinspired Hair‐Like Sensors
Authors: Yousuf Soha , Mahmoud Halabi Jad , Tahir Ibrahim , Ahmed Ejaz , Rezgui Rachid , Li Liang , Laws Praveen , Daqaq Mohammed , Naumov Panče
Published: December 2022

One of the typical haptic elements are natural hairy structures that animals and plants rely on for feedback. Although these hair sensors are an admirable inspiration, the development of active flow sensing components having low elastic moduli and high aspect ratios remains a challenge. Here, we report a new sensing approach based on a flexible, thin and optically transmissive organic crystal of high aspect ratio, which is stamped with fluorescent dye for tracking. When subjected to gas flow and exposed to laser, the crystal bends due to exerted pressure and acts as an optical flow (hair) sensor with low detection limit (≈1.578 m s−1) and fast response time (≈2.70 s). The air‐flow‐induced crystal deformation and flow dynamics response are modelled by finite element analysis. Due to having a simple design and being lightweight and mechanically robust this prototypical crystal hair‐like sensor opens prospects for a new class of sensing devices ranging from wearable electronics to aeronautics.
Copper‐Catalyzed C(sp3)‐Amination of Ketone‐Derived Dihydroquinazolinones by Aromatization‐Driven C−C Bond Scission
Authors: Lv Xin‐Yang , Abrams Roman , Martin Ruben
Published: December 2022

Herein, we describe the development of a copper‐catalyzed C(sp3)‐amination of proaromatic dihydroquinazolinones derived from ketones. The reaction is enabled by the intermediacy of open‐shell species arising from homolytic C−C bond‐cleavage driven by aromatization. The protocol is characterized by its operational simplicity and generality, including chemical diversification of advanced intermediates.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry Imaging Enables High Definition for Mapping Lipids in Tissues
Authors: Guo Xiangyu , Cao Wenbo , Fan Xiaomin , Guo Zhiying , Zhang Donghui , Zhang Haoyue , Ma Xiaoxiao , Dong Jiahong , Wang Yunfang , Zhang Wenpeng , Ouyang Zheng
Published: December 2022

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of lipids in biological tissues is useful for correlating molecular distribution with pathological results, which could provide useful information for both biological research and disease diagnosis. It is well understood that the lipidome could not be clearly deciphered without tandem mass spectrometry analysis, but this is challenging to achieve in MSI due to the limitation in sample amount at each image spot. Here we develop a multiplexed MS2 imaging (MS2I) method that can provide MS2 images for 10 lipid species or more for each sampling spot, providing spatial structural lipidomic information. Coupling with on‐tissue photochemical derivatization, imaging of 20 phospholipid C=C location isomers is also realized, showing enhanced molecular images with high definition in structure for mouse brain and human liver cancer tissue sections. Spatially mapped t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding has also been adopted to visualize the tumor margin with enhancement by structural lipidomic information.
Uncovering Aging Chemistry of Perovskite Precursor Solutions and Anti‐aging Mechanism of Additives
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Xing Zhi , Fan Baojin , Ni Zhigang , Wang Fuyi , Hu Xiaotian , Chen Yiwang
Published: December 2022

The aging of precursor solutions is the major stumbling block for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, for the first time we used the state‐of‐the‐art in situ liquid time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to molecularly explore the perovskite precursor solution chemistry. We identified that the methylammonium and formamidinium cations and the I− anion are the motivators of the aging chemistry. Further, we introduced two kinds of Lewis bases, triethyl phosphate (TP) and ethyl ethanesulfonate (EE), as new additives in the solution and unraveled that both of them can protect the reactive cations from aging through weak interactions. Significantly, TP is superior to EE in enhancing long‐term solution stability as it can well‐maintain the internal interaction structures within the solution phase. The PSC derived from a fresh TP‐doped solution delivered a high power conversion efficiency of 23.06 %, 92.23 % of which remained in that from a 21‐day‐old solution.
Stereochemical Editing
Authors: Tan Guangying , Glorius Frank
Published: December 2022

Stereochemical editing has recently risen to prominence, allowing the direct editing of organic molecules with stereocenter(s) to adjust their relative stereochemistry at a late‐stage. Several seminal light‐driven stereochemical editing reactions such as deracemization and epimerization have been successively developed. Recently, Wendlandt and co‐workers reported a versatile photochemical epimerization of unactivated tertiary stereogenic centers to rapidly prepare the stereoisomers that were previously challenging to access.
π‐Extended Pyrrole‐Fused Heteropine: Synthesis, Properties, and Application in Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Wang Weifan , Hanindita Fiona , Tanaka Yusei , Ochiai Kotaro , Sato Hiroyasu , Li Yongxin , Yasuda Takuma , Ito Shingo
Published: December 2022

Sulfur‐embedded polycyclic aromatic compounds have been used as building blocks for numerous organic semiconductors over the past few decades. While the success is based on thiophene‐containing compounds, aromatic compounds that contain thiepine, a sulfur‐containing seven‐membered‐ring arene, has been less well investigated. Here we report the synthesis and properties of π‐extended pyrrole‐fused heteropine compounds such as thiepine and oxepine. A π‐extended pyrrole‐fused thiepine exhibited a “pitched π‐stacking” structure in the crystal, and exhibited a high charge carrier mobility of up to 1.0 cm2 V−1 s−1in single‐crystal field‐effect transistors.
ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy for Early Detection of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Richardson Zack , Kincses Adele , Ekinci Elif , Perez‐Guaita David , Jandeleit‐Dahm Karin , Wood Bayden R.
Published: December 2022

Current screening methods for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), characterized by albumin excretion in urine, are expensive or only identify patients in late disease stages. Hence, there is need for a cost‐effective, quick, and portable screening tool which identifies patients at DKD onset. Here we report that ultracentrifugation coupled with infrared spectroscopy and machine learning can identify and quantify low level microalbuminuria in urine samples from a cohort of diabetic patients (n=155) and controls (n=22). Independent testing of the methods indicated that classification analysis discriminated between normo‐ and micro/macroalbuminuric samples with sensitivity of >91 % and specificity of >99 %. Regression methods quantified albumin concentration in the samples with error values of 17 and 44 mg/L for normo‐ and microalbuminuric patients. Using only 700 μL of sample, this approach identifies patients at an earlier stage of disease than a urinary dipstick, whilst also yielding results cheaper and faster than the albumin to creatinine ratio.
Synthesis, spectroscopic, in vitro, in vivo biological evaluation, and in silico docking analysis of new meloxicam metal complexes
Authors: Samra Malka M. , Basra Muhammad Asim Raza
Published: December 2022

In the present study, two new meloxicam complexes with Mg(II) and Sr(II) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods, that is, UV–vis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, powder XRD, SEM–EDX, and TG analysis. The biological evaluation was done by in vitro antioxidant, BSA‐binding, DNA cleavage activities, and in vivo anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic methods. Furthermore, in silico docking was done with Keap1 receptor to visualize the anti‐inflammatory effect of complexes. The spectral characterization suggested that meloxicam coordinated with the metal ions by oxygen and nitrogen of amide group and thiazolyl ring (Oamide and Nthiazolyl), respectively. The SEM pictures depicted dissimilar morphologies, and the powder XRD patterns showed different crystallinities of complexes than meloxicam. TG analysis exhibited high thermal stabilities of complexes and Coats–Redfern method was employed to calculate the important thermodynamic parameters. The complexes showed effective biological activities and enhanced safety index (LD50 = 1000 mg kg−1). The Mg(II) complex revealed greatest inhibitory effects in carrageenan‐induced paw inflammation (92.85%) and in acetic acid‐induced writhing (71.05%). Furthermore, the complexes showed higher potential to bind with BSA and cleave the DNA as compared with the meloxicam. Moreover, molecular docking against Keap1 showed that Mg(II) complex inhibited Keap1 with highest docking score (6166 kcal mol−1), docking area (804.40) and ACE (−417.49 kJ mol−1) which explained its higher anti‐inflammatory effect. Mg(II) complex of meloxicam might be considered as a candidate anti‐inflammatory drug; however, more research is required to investigate their other biological potential.
The small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus) as a vector of the rice stripe virus
Authors: Kil Eui‐Joon , Kim Donghun
Published: December 2022

The small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus, is a destructive pest insect found in rice fields. L. striatellus not only directly feeds on the phloem sap of rice but also transmits various viruses, such as rice stripe virus (RSV) and rice black‐streaked dwarf virus, resulting in serious loss of rice production. RSV is a rice‐infecting virus that is found mainly in Korea, China, and Japan. To develop novel strategies to control L. striatellus and L. striatellus‐transmitted viruses, various studies have been conducted, based on vector biology, interactions between vectors and pathogens, and omics, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. In this review, we discuss the roles of saliva proteins during phloem sap‐sucking and virus transmission, the diversity and role of the microbial community in L. striatellus, the profile and molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance, classification of L. striatellus‐transmitted RSV, its host range and symptoms, its genome composition and roles of virus‐derived proteins, its distribution, interactions with L. striatellus, and resistance and control, to suggest future directions for integrated pest management to control L. striatellus and L. striatellus‐transmitted viruses.
Current understandings of olfactory molecular events in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Long
Published: December 2022

The Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a serious corn pest with widespread distribution in East Asia. Its olfactory mechanism is a focus of scientific study, aiming to find good ways to control this pest. Molecular events are considered to be important in olfactory mechanism. Current understandings of olfactory molecular events in O. furnacalis, mainly involving sex pheromones and olfactory proteins, were summarized to provide a reference for further studies. O. furnacalis sex pheromone contains two components E‐12‐tetradecenyl acetate and Z‐12‐tetradecenyl acetate, which may be recognized and bound by the pheromone binding proteins OfurPBP3 and OfurPBP2, and then transported to the odorant receptors (ORs) OfurOR4 and OfurOR6 to activate them. The ORs OfurOR8, OfurOR7 and OfurOR5b mainly respond to the sex pheromone components of other Ostrinia species, E‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate, Z‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate and Z‐9‐tetradecenyl acetate. The OR OfurOR27 responds strongly to plant odorants nonanal, octanal and 1‐octanol. Much work remains to be done to fully understand odorants with olfactory activity to O. furnacalis and the functions of its olfactory proteins. These studies will help to reveal olfactory mechanism in O. furnacalis, with the aim of regulating its behaviors to control this pest.
Enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and density functional theory studies of new thiosemicarbazones incorporating the 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxy benzaldehyde motif
Authors: Demir Yeliz , Türkeş Cüneyt , Çavuş Muhammet S. , Erdoğan Musa , Muğlu Halit , Yakan Hasan , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: December 2022

New Schiff base‐bearing thiosemicarbazones (1–13) were obtained from 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxy benzaldehyde and various isocyanates. The structures of the synthesized molecules were elucidated in detail. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to determine the spectroscopic properties of the compounds. Moreover, the enzyme inhibition activities of these compounds were investigated. They showed highly potent inhibition effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) (KI values are in the range of 51.11 ± 6.01 to 278.10 ± 40.55 nM, 60.32 ± 9.78 to 300.00 ± 77.41 nM, and 64.21 ± 9.99 to 307.70 ± 61.35 nM for AChE, hCA I, and hCA II, respectively). In addition, molecular docking studies were performed, confirmed by binding affinities studies of the most potent derivatives.
Enzymatic production of wax esters by esterification using lipase immobilized via physical adsorption on functionalized rice husk silica as biocatalyst
Authors: Machado Natália B. , Sabi Guilherme J. , Hirata Daniela B. , Mendes Adriano A.
Published: December 2022

The present study consists of developing an enzymatic process for the production of wax esters (lauryl stearate and cetyl stearate) by esterification in a heptane medium. Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) immobilized via interfacial activation on silica particles from rice husks functionalized with triethoxy(octyl)silane (TLL–Octyl–SiO2) was used as biocatalyst. Maximum immobilized protein loading of around 22 mg g−1 (that corresponds to an immobilization yield of ≈55%) of support was observed using an initial protein loading of 40 mg g−1 of Octyl–SiO2. Its hydrolytic activity (olive oil emulsion hydrolysis) was of 620 U g−1 of biocatalyst. The effect of certain factors on the cetyl estearate production was evaluated using a central composite rotatable design (CCDR). Under optimal conditions (64°C, 21% of mass of biocatalyst per volume of reaction mixture, 170 rpm, and stoichiometric acid:alcohol molar ratio 1 mol L−1 of each reactant), maximum acid conversion percentage of 91% was observed after 60 min of reaction. Lauryl stearate was also produced under such conditions, and an acid conversion of 93% after 60 min of reaction was also achieved. Free lipase exhibited acid conversion of only 15%–20% for both reaction mixtures. After nine successive esterification batches, TLL–Octyl–SiO2 retained 85%–90% of its original activity. These results show the promising use of the prepared biocatalyst in wax esters production due to its high catalytic activity and reusability.
Insights in Utilizing NiCo2O4/Co3O4 Nanowires as Anode Material in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tomar Anubha , Adhitama Egy , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias , Rai Alok Kumar
Published: December 2022

In this study, a facile and cost‐effective hydrothermal approach is employed to synthesize a mesoporous NiCo2O4/Co3O4 nanocomposite with nanowire morphology by using polyvinyl pyrrolidone as structure‐directing agent. The obtained NiCo2O4/Co3O4 nanocomposite shows better electrochemical performance than pure NiCo2O4 due to mainly two reasons: i) a strong synergistic effect between NiCo2O4 and Co3O4, which enhances the Li+ diffusion rate as well as lower the charge‐transfer resistance, and ii) the involvement of Co3O4 to contribute to the total capacity due to its high electrochemical activity. However, the performance of a NiCo2O4/Co3O4 nanocomposite electrode starts degrading after 400 cycles while pure NiCo2O4 maintains steady performance. Since the NiCo2O4/Co3O4 nanocomposite sample shows high porosity, it is believed that the obtained nanowire morphology cannot tolerate volume variations, which are generally triggered off during repeated Li+ (de‐)insertion at long‐term cycling. Therefore, the obtained results bring new insights in terms that there is a sweet spot between Li+ diffusion and high porosity in utilizing Co3O4 within a nanocomposite. This study is of guidance to shed the light on the research of ternary transition metal oxide nanocomposite materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Socioeconomic disparities in sleep duration are associated with cortical thickness in children
Authors: Hansen Melissa , Simon Katrina R. , Strack Jordan , He Xiaofu , Noble Kimberly G. , Merz Emily C.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Disrupted sleep has been consistently linked with lower academic achievement and worse mental health in children. Less is understood about sleep as a potential factor underlying socioeconomic differences in brain morphometry in children. The goals of this study were to investigate the associations among socioeconomic factors, sleep duration, and brain morphometry in children, and to examine the roles of the sleep environment and family routines in these associations.

Methods

Participants were 5‐ to 9‐year‐old children from socioeconomically diverse families (N = 94; 61% female). Parents reported on children's weekday and weekend sleep durations, sleep environment, and family routines. High‐resolution, T1‐weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were acquired. Analyses focused on cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and amygdala and hippocampal volume.

Results

Results indicated that lower family income‐to‐needs ratio and parental education were significantly associated with shorter weekday sleep duration in children. Shorter weekday sleep duration was significantly associated with reduced thickness in the left middle temporal, right postcentral, and right superior frontal cortices and smaller basolateral but not centromedial amygdala volume. Family routines significantly mediated the associations of family income‐to‐needs ratio and parental education with weekday sleep duration in children.

Conclusion

These results contribute to our understanding of sleep factors as proximal mechanisms through which socioeconomic context may alter neural development during childhood.
Blood supply to the superficial fascia of the abdomen: An anatomical study
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Petrelli Lucia , Fede Caterina , Guidolin Diego , Tiengo Cesare , De Caro Raffaele , Stecco Carla
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to examine data demonstrating that Scarpa's fascia, a superficial fascia of the anterior abdominal wall, is a vascularized tissue. Specimens of the fascia of seven volunteers undergoing abdominoplasty surgical procedures at the Plastic Surgery Unit of the University of Padova Medical Center were collected. Fractal analysis and quantitative assessment of the vascular network of the fascia was carried out, exploiting the presence of blood in the vessels. Each sample was divided and processed for histological/immunohistochemical analysis (into 5 micron‐paraffin embedded sections and cryo‐sectioned free‐floating samples) as well as for electron microscopy study. A rich vascular pattern forming a fine, dense meshwork with an area percentage of 6.20% ± 2.10% von Willebrand factor stained vessels was noted in all the specimens of the fascia examined; the area percentage of the αSMA‐stained vessels was 2.93% ± 1.80%. The diameters of the vessels fell between the 13 and 65 μm range; the network was composed of arteries, veins, capillaries and lymphatic segments. Topological results showed that the vascular network within Scarpa's fascia is well branched (segments: 6615 ± 3070 and 8.40 ± 3.40 per mm2; crossing points: 3092 ± 1490 and 3.40 ± 1.90 per mm2). Fractal analysis (fractal dimension = 1.063 ± 0.10; lacunarity = 0.60 ± 0.10) revealed that this particular vascular network has an optimal spatial distribution and homogeneity occupying the entire space of the superficial fascia. These findings could undoubtedly be useful to plastic surgeons as well as to pain management specialists.
The TSPCAN project: A qualitative evaluation with undergraduate students trained in child abuse prevention in Turkey
Authors: Dolunayğ‐Cuğ Fevziye , Yılmaz‐Akdoğan Gökçe , Derman Orhan , Şahin Özge , Dağlı Şahin Figen , Paslı Figen , Güngör Emre , Gökler Bahar
Published: December 2022

Organising primary prevention programs for child abuse and neglect is among the key responsibilities of the Turkish Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (TSPCAN). TSPCAN conducted a project which provided university students who in the future may encounter individuals with child abuse experiences with guidance with regards to a child abuse prevention program. The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the influences of TSPCAN's project on young professionals who were the facilitators of this program as undergraduate students in medical, health and social science degrees. Twenty participants were recruited through a purposeful and convenient sampling method. The data were first collected with a structured questionnaire. Then, two focus groups were conducted with nine (45%) of these participants. Thematic analysis was utilised for both data collection waves. Findings were organised under three themes: (i) aims for participation in the project; (ii) acquired awareness in the project; and (iii) contributions of the project in their professional lives. Findings highlight the importance of including university students in child abuse prevention programs to provide the knowledge and awareness they need as future professionals.
Factors limiting the application of consumer neuroscience: A systematic review
Authors: Kansra Pooja , Oberoi Sumit , Gupta Shankar Lal , Singh Nripendra
Published: December 2022

Neuromarketing is perceived as burgeoning innovation in marketing research which facilitates understanding consumer behaviour and decision‐making. Given this potential, still, most enterprises resist implementing neuromarketing techniques. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants that limits the application of neuromarketing. An extensive literature review was performed on databases such as Emerald, Jstor, Sage, Scopus and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria are grounded upon the ‘Population Intervention Comparison Outcome Study’ procedure and articles restricted to the English language, published between 2007 and July 2022 and indexed under peer‐reviewed journals. A total of 36 research articles are included and not even a single study was obtained from Mediterranean & Middle East. Sixteen key determinants were acknowledged under the subcategory of psychological and operational variables as presented in the conceptual framework. These identified variables trigger psychological and operation constraints in decision making, thereby limiting the application of neuromarketing decisions. This study directs the need for a general level of cognizance and acknowledgment about neuromarketing, further developing the innovation culture in business corporates and affiliate marketing research needs to neuromarketing techniques.
MicroRNA miR‐125b can suppress ovarian granulosa cell functions: Interrelationships with FSH
Authors: Fabová Zuzana , Loncová Barbora , Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the involvement of miR‐125b and its interrelationship with follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) in the control of basic ovarian granulosa cell functions. The effect of miR‐125b mimics on basic functions of porcine ovarian granulosa cells cultured with and without FSH, and the effect of FSH on the expression of endogenous miR‐125b was examined. Expression levels of miR‐125b, viability, proliferation (accumulation of PCNA and cyclin B1), apoptosis (accumulation of bax and caspase 3), the accumulation of FSH receptors (FSHR), steroid hormones, insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), oxytocin, and prostaglandin E2 release were analysed by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Trypan blue exclusion test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and ELISA. Transfection of cells with miR‐125b mimics inhibited cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, the occurrence of FSHR, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and oxytocin release but stimulated prostaglandin E2 output. FSH promoted cell viability, proliferation, steroid hormones, IGF‐I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin E2 output and reduced the expression of miR‐125b and apoptosis. Furthermore, miR‐125b mimics supported the effect of FSH on the release of estradiol, IGF‐I, and prostaglandin E2, and inverted FSH influence on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, progesterone, and testosterone output. FSH supported both inhibitory and stimulatory action of miR‐125b on ovarian cell functions. Present observations indicate that: miR‐125b can be involved in the control of basic ovarian functions and that miR‐125b and FSH are antagonists in their actions on ovarian cell functions. The ability of FSH to reduce miR‐125b expression and the ability of miR‐125b mimics to decrease the occurrence of FSHR and to modify FSH effects indicate the existence of the self‐inhibiting FSH‐miR‐125b axis and that miR‐125b can mediate the actions of FSH on ovarian cells.
Lead poisoning with unusual manifestations in an opium‐addicted man
Authors: Abedi Samakoosh Mohammad , Sharifpour Ali , Soleymani Mostafa , Zakariaei Zakaria
Published: December 2022

One of the contributing causes of hypertension or exacerbation of ischemic heart disease (IHD) has been suggested to be environmental pollution and occupational exposure to particular metals, such as lead. Here, we describe a 43‐year‐old man with a history of oral opium with symptoms of IHD due to chest pain.
Conversion of Levulinic Acid over Ru/SrZrO3 and Ru/BaZrO3 Supported Basic Catalysts
Authors: Leal Villarroel Edgardo , Seguel Juan , Rodríguez Pedro , Blanco Elodie , Escalona Néstor , Pecchi Gina , Sepúlveda Catherine
Published: December 2022

The catalytic performance of Ru impregnated perovskites‐based catalysts (Ru/SrZrO3 and Ru/BaZrO3) in the conversion of levulinic acid (LA) into higher valuable chemicals was carried out at different reaction temperatures. The Ru/SrZrO3 and Ru/BaZrO3 catalysts, with a loading of 2.0 Ru atoms nm−2, were prepared by incipient impregnation, and characterized by different techniques. The characterization results indicate presence of dispersed Ru catalysts, with a crystalline structure, with absence of carbonate species for Ru/SrZrO3 and larger carbonates as segregated phase and with stronger basic sites for Ru/BaZrO3. At higher reaction temperatures (200 °C – 250 °C), the higher strength of the basic sites of Ru/BaZrO3 had a direct influence on the levulinic acid (LA) conversion reaction. Differences in the apparent activation energy (Eap) values follow the same trend. The catalysts produce a 100 % of selectivity towards GVL. The formation of GVL was proposed to proceed via the intermediacy of 4‐hydroxypentanoic acid due to the presence of basic surface sites.
A carbon mixed selenium sulfide separator coating for lithium‐sulfur battery life enhancement
Authors: Jiang Wen , Dong Lingling , Liu Shuanghui , Zhang Weimin , Ai Bing , Pan Kefeng , Zhang Lipeng
Published: December 2022

Lithium‐sulfur batteries are one of the most promising energy storage devices in the future due to their high specific capacity and abundant natural reserves. However, the shuttle effect of soluble intermediate polysulfide products can lead to rapid decay of battery capacity, short cycle life and serious self‐discharge effect, which hinders the development of lithium‐sulfur batteries. Here, we coated the separator with a mixed SeS2/KB coating, which can effectively stop the polysulfide shuttle and improve the performance of lithium‐sulfur batteries through the physical barrier of KB and the strong adsorption of SeS2 in synergy with each other. Theoretical calculations and experiments show that SeS2 has a strong adsorption effect on polysulfides. The lithium‐sulfur battery equipped with SeS2/KB separator has excellent electrochemical performance, maintaining a capacity of 482 mAh gS −1after 1000 cycles at 1 C current density, with a decay rate of only 0.047 % per cycle.
Material Changes in Electrocatalysis: An In Situ/Operando Focus on the Dynamics of Cobalt‐Based Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Kreider Melissa E. , Burke Stevens Michaela
Published: December 2022

The shift towards cheaper, non‐platinum group metal electrocatalyst materials for clean energy technologies is coupled with challenges in maintaining long‐term performance. For practical purposes, electrocatalytic stability typically focuses on catalyst electrochemical performance over time. However, a deeper understanding of catalyst material property changes during operation is needed to enable material‐specific design strategies for long‐term stabilization. In the last several decades, improvements in material characterization techniques have made it possible to probe the composition, structure, and degradation products of catalysts in situ/operando. Herein we review the current understanding of in situ/operando material stability of Co‐based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution (OER) and reduction reactions (ORR) in acidic and alkaline environments. We focus on in situ/operando materials characterization of three categories of Co‐based OER/ORR catalysts: oxides and (oxy)hydroxides, mixed‐metal catalysts, and non‐oxide materials. This review aims to compile and compare the results from multiple studies and techniques to provide insight into the role that the starting material, pH, and applied potential have on the active surface and stability of Co‐based materials. We conclude by highlighting directions that have been underexplored with opportunities for continued research including improving in situ/operando characterization, methods to probe long‐term material changes, and the development of operando studies on full‐scale devices. Using Co‐based materials as a case study, this review shows the vital role that in situ/operando characterization must play in the future of improving electrocatalyst stability.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Dual‐Doped Oxygen‐Deficient TiO2/C Composites for Superior Sodium Storage Properties
Authors: Liu Weifang , Ouyang Baixue , Liu Xichang , Zhang Mengjie , Pan Mengwei , Li Puliang , Li Huacheng , Liu Kaiyu
Published: December 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as promising replacements to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for large‐scale energy storage applications. For anode materials, titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a typical insertion‐type anode material have been extensively investigated as a safety, stable, cheap and environmental‐friendly anode materials for SIBs. Constructing suitable TiO2 crystal structure is a common modification strategy for improving the diffusion kinetics of sodium ion within TiO2 and its intrinsic electronic conductivity. Herein, a multi‐atomic doped oxygen‐deficient TiO2/C composites (N, S‐NTC) was successfully synthesized with excellent electrochemical performance. Synergistic effect of N, S and Ni elements on the structure, morphology and electrochemical performance was investigated. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that the Ni, N, S doping can introduce oxygen deficiency, narrow the bandgap of TiO2 and facilitating Na+ diffusion, further providing higher electronic/ionic conductivities and faster electron transport channel. As a consequence, the anode materials delivered ultrahigh rate performance and cycling performance of a high reversible capacity of 128.6 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 3000th cycles.