bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Protocol for In vitro Regeneration and Acclimatization of Banana (Musa spp.) cv. Grand Naine
Authors: Medhane H. B. , Bhadange R. S. , Surbhaiyya S. D. , Pachpor N. S. , Nandre R. S.
Published: June 2023

Aim: The study was undertaken with a view to standardize a protocol for in vitro regeneration of Banana cv. Grand naine using shoot tip of sucker as an explant

Methodology: In present study, explants sterilized with different sterilizing agents such as Tween-20 (1%), Bavistin (0.5-1%), Streptomycin sulphate (250 mg/L), Ascorbic acid (150 mg/L) + Citric acid (100 mg/L), HgCl2 (0.1%) and 70% ethanol.Sterilized explants  were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth hormones for shoot initiation BAP alone (1.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 mg/L) and  BAP (3.0 mg/L) in combination with  IAA and IBA (2.0 mg/L), elongation BAP (3.0 mg/L) and NAA (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/L) and rooting IAA (1.0, 1.5 mg/L) and IBA (1.0, 1.5 mg/L). Primary and secondaryhardening was done in potting mixture containing autoclaved black soil: vermicompost: cocopeat (1:1:1) and garden black soil, cocopeat and red soil (1:1:1) respectively.

Results: In present investigation 1% Bavistin (fungicide) showed maximum respond to prevent fungal contamination. Highest shoot initiation (100%) was observed on a MS medium fortified with BAP (1.5 mg/L). Maximum shoot length (10.7 cm) was recorded on a MS medium supplemented with BAP (3.0 mg/L) + NAA (2.0 mg/L) + Activated charcoal. Maximum root initiation was observed on half strength MS medium supplemented with IAA (1.5 mg/L). In vitro regenerated plantlets hardened on the mixture of autoclaved black soil: vermicompost: cocopeat (1:1:1). After 14 weeks In vitro plantlets transferred in green house for acclimatization where, 80% survival rate was recorded.

Conclusion: Regeneration protocol was successfully standardized. Therefore, itcan be used for large scale propagation of healthy, disease and virus free planting material and In vitro propagation helps to meet higher demand of healthy planting material within shorter period.
Six-Month Follow-up of a Trial of Spinal Cord Burst Stimulation vs Placebo Stimulation and Disability in Patients With Chronic Radicular Pain After Lumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Hara Sozaburo , Andresen Hege , Solheim Ole , Carlsen Sven M. , Jakola Asgeir S. , Salvesen Øyvind O. , Gulati Sasha
Published: June 2023

This follow-up study examines back pain–related disability at 6 months following a randomized trial of spinal cord burst stimulation for chronic radicular pain after lumbar spine surgery.
Fluid Therapy for Critically Ill Adults With Sepsis
Authors: Zampieri Fernando G. , Bagshaw Sean M. , Semler Matthew W.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Approximately 20% to 30% of patients admitted to an intensive care unit have sepsis. While fluid therapy typically begins in the emergency department, intravenous fluids in the intensive care unit are an essential component of therapy for sepsis.

Observations

For patients with sepsis, intravenous fluid can increase cardiac output and blood pressure, maintain or increase intravascular fluid volume, and deliver medications. Fluid therapy can be conceptualized as 4 overlapping phases from early illness through resolution of sepsis: resuscitation (rapid fluid administered to restore perfusion); optimization (the risks and benefits of additional fluids to treat shock and ensure organ perfusion are evaluated); stabilization (fluid therapy is used only when there is a signal of fluid responsiveness); and evacuation (excess fluid accumulated during treatment of critical illness is eliminated). Among 3723 patients with sepsis who received 1 to 2 L of fluid, 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reported that goal-directed therapy administering fluid boluses to attain a central venous pressure of 8 to 12 mm Hg, vasopressors to attain a mean arterial blood pressure of 65 to 90 mm Hg, and red blood cell transfusions or inotropes to attain a central venous oxygen saturation of at least 70% did not decrease mortality compared with unstructured clinical care (24.9% vs 25.4%; P = .68). Among 1563 patients with sepsis and hypotension who received 1 L of fluid, an RCT reported that favoring vasopressor treatment did not improve mortality compared with further fluid administration (14.0% vs 14.9%; P = .61). Another RCT reported that among 1554 patients in the intensive care unit with septic shock treated with at least 1 L of fluid compared with more liberal fluid administration, restricting fluid administration in the absence of severe hypoperfusion did not reduce mortality (42.3% vs 42.1%; P = .96). An RCT of 1000 patients with acute respiratory distress during the evacuation phase reported that limiting fluid administration and administering diuretics improved the number of days alive without mechanical ventilation compared with fluid treatment to attain higher intracardiac pressure (14.6 vs 12.1 days; P < .001), and it reported that hydroxyethyl starch significantly increased the incidence of kidney replacement therapy compared with saline (7.0% vs 5.8%; P = .04), Ringer lactate, or Ringer acetate.

Conclusions and Relevance

Fluids are an important component of treating patients who are critically ill with sepsis. Although optimal fluid management in patients with sepsis remains uncertain, clinicians should consider the risks and benefits of fluid administration in each phase of critical illness, avoid use of hydroxyethyl starch, and facilitate fluid removal for patients recovering from acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Factors Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection at a German Medical Congress During the Omicron Wave
Authors: Abdin Alaa Din , Gärtner Barbara C. , Munteanu Cristian , Weinstein Isabel , Mele Birgit , Gass Philip , Seitz Berthold
Published: June 2023

This cross-sectional study assesses factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection rates at the 122nd Annual Congress of the German Society of Ophthalmology in 2022, which was held in-person for the first time in 3 years, during the Omicron wave.
AAAI 2023 Spring Symposium on HRI in Academia and Industry: Bridging the Gap
Authors: Mead Ross , Park Hae Won
Published: June 2023

On March 27–29, 2023, the AAAI symposium on “HRI in Academia and Industry: Bridging the Gap” was held in a hybrid format, with both in‐person and remote participants, gathering Human‐Robot Interaction (HRI) researchers and practitioners from academia, industry, and national research laboratories to find common ground, understand the different constraints at play, and determine how to work together. The use of robots that operate in spaces in which humans are physically co‐present is growing at a dramatic rate. We are seeing more and more robots in our warehouses, on our streets, and even in our homes. All of these robots will interact with humans in some way, whether intentionally or unintentionally. To be successful, their interactions with humans will have to be carefully designed. For more than a decade, the field of HRI has been growing at the intersection of robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) , human‐computer interaction (HCI), psychology, and other fields; however, until quite recently, it has been a largely academic area, with university researchers proposing, implementing, and reporting on experiments at a limited scale. With the current increase of commercially‐available robots, HRI is starting to make its way into the robotics industry in a meaningful way. This symposium brought together HRI researchers and practitioners from academia, industry, and national research laboratories to find common ground, understand the different constraints at play, and determine how to effectively work together.
Platelet‐Membrane‐Coated Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Neuroprotection by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Repairing Damaged Vessels in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Xu Canxin , Pan Yuanbo , Zhang Hongchi , Sun Yuhao , Cao Yi , Qi Pengfei , Li Mingli , Akakuru Ozioma Udochukwu , He Lulu , Xiao Chen , Sun Bomin , Bian Liuguan , Li Juan , Wu Aiguo
Published: June 2023

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by primary and second brain injury can induce neuron death and inhibit neurological functional recovery after ICH. Therefore, exploring an effective way to noninvasively target hemorrhage sites to scavenge ROS is urgently needed. Inspired by the biological function of platelets to target injury vessel and repair injury blood vessels, platelet‐membrane‐modified polydopamine (Menp@PLT) nanoparticles are developed with targeting to hemorrhage sites of ICH. Results demonstrate that Menp@PLT nanoparticles can effectively achieve targeting to the location of intracranial hematoma. Furthermore, Menp@PLT with excellent anti‐ROS properties can scavenge ROS and improve neuroinflammation microenvironment of ICH. In addition, Menp@PLT may play a role in decreasing hemorrhage volume by repairing injury blood vessels. Combining platelet membrane and anti‐ROS nanoparticles for targeting brain hemorrhage sites provide a promising strategy for efficiently treating ICH.
All‐in‐One Heptamethine Cyanine Amphiphiles for Dual Imaging‐Guided Chemo‐Photodynamic‐Photothermal Therapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Jing , Zhu Lijun , Jiang Mou , Ke Changsheng , Long Hanxiong , Lin Ruoyun , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin , Jiang Zhong‐Xing , Chen Shizhen
Published: June 2023

Developing a theranostic system that integrates multimodal imaging, synergistic therapeutic, and formulation entities is a promising strategy for efficient cancer treatment. However, the complexity and safety concerns of multiple functional entities hinder their clinical translation. Herein, versatile “all‐in‐one” heptamethine cyanine amphiphiles (PEG‐Cy‐Fs) with multiple favorable capabilities, including fluorine‐19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI), near‐infrared fluorescence imaging (NIR FLI), photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), polyethylene glycolation (PEGylation) and high biocompatibility, are developed for the convenient construction of theranostic platforms. Amphiphiles PEG‐Cy‐Fs are synthesized on a multi‐hundred‐milligram scale with high efficacy, which self‐assembled with a chemotherapy drug tamoxifen (TAM) into monodisperse and stable nanoparticles (SoFoTm/PEG‐Cy‐F18) with “turned on” FLI, sensitive 19F MRI, mitochondria‐targeting ability, high PDT and PTT efficacy, and PEGylation‐optimized pharmacokinetics. The selective accumulation of SoFoTm/PEG‐Cy‐F18 in xenograft MCF‐7 tumor with a long retention time (>10 days) enabled 19F MRI‐NIR FLI‐guided chemo–photodynamic–photothermal therapy (chemo‐PDT‐PTT) of breast cancer with high therapeutical index in mice. The “all‐in‐one” heptamethine cyanine amphiphile may facilitate the convenient and standardized preparation of high‐performance theranostics systems for clinical translation.
Microscale Imaging of Thermal Conductivity Suppression at Grain Boundaries
Authors: Isotta Eleonora , Jiang Shizhou , Moller Gregory , Zevalkink Alexandra , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Balogun Oluwaseyi
Published: June 2023

Grain‐boundary engineering is an effective strategy to tune the thermal conductivity of materials, leading to improved performance in thermoelectric, thermal‐barrier coatings, and thermal management applications. Despite the central importance to thermal transport, a clear understanding of how grain boundaries modulate the microscale heat flow is missing, owing to the scarcity of local investigations. Here, thermal imaging of individual grain boundaries is demonstrated in thermoelectric SnTe via spatially resolved frequency‐domain thermoreflectance. Measurements with microscale resolution reveal local suppressions in thermal conductivity at grain boundaries. Also, the grain‐boundary thermal resistance – extracted by employing a Gibbs excess approach – is found to be correlated with the grain‐boundary misorientation angle. Extracting thermal properties, including thermal boundary resistances, from microscale imaging can provide comprehensive understanding of how microstructure affects heat transport, crucially impacting the materials design of high‐performance thermal‐management and energy‐conversion devices.
Top‐Down Fabrication of Atomic Patterns in Twisted Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Dyck Ondrej , Yeom Sinchul , Lupini Andrew R. , Swett Jacob L. , Hensley Dale , Yoon Mina , Jesse Stephen
Published: June 2023

Atomic‐scale engineering typically involves bottom‐up approaches, leveraging parameters such as temperature, partial pressures, and chemical affinity to promote spontaneous arrangement of atoms. These parameters are applied globally, resulting in atomic‐scale features scattered probabilistically throughout the material. In a top‐down approach, different regions of the material are exposed to different parameters, resulting in structural changes varying on the scale of the resolution. In this work, the application of global and local parameters is combined in an aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to demonstrate atomic‐scale precision patterning of atoms in twisted bilayer graphene. The focused electron beam is used to define attachment points for foreign atoms through the controlled ejection of carbon atoms from the graphene lattice. The sample environment is staged with nearby source materials such that the sample temperature can induce migration of the source atoms across the sample surface. Under these conditions, the electron‐beam (top‐down) enables carbon atoms in the graphene to be replaced spontaneously by diffusing adatoms (bottom‐up). Using image‐based feedback control, arbitrary patterns of atoms and atom clusters are attached to the twisted bilayer graphene with limited human interaction. The role of substrate temperature on adatom and vacancy diffusion is explored by first‐principles simulations.
Flagella of Tumor‐Targeting Bacteria Trigger Local Hemorrhage to Reprogram Tumor‐Associated Macrophages for Improved Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Xu Haiheng , Xiong Shuqin , Chen Yiyun , Ye Qingsong , Guan Nan , Hu Yiqiao , Wu Jinhui
Published: June 2023

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit an immunosuppressive M2 phenotype and lead to failure of antitumor therapy. Infiltrated erythrocytes during hemorrhage are recognized as a promising strategy for polarizing TAMs. However, novel materials that precisely induce tumor hemorrhage without affecting normal coagulation still face challenges. Here, tumor‐targeting bacteria (flhDC VNP) are genetically constructed to realize precise tumor hemorrhage. FlhDC VNP colonizes the tumor and overexpresses flagella during proliferation. The flagella promote the expression of tumor necrosis factor α, which induces local tumor hemorrhage. Infiltrated erythrocytes during the hemorrhage temporarily polarize macrophages to the M1 subtype. In the presence of artesunate, this short‐lived polarization is transformed into a sustained polarization because artesunate and heme form a complex that continuously produces reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the flagella of active tumor‐targeting bacteria may open up new strategies for reprogramming TAMs and improving antitumor therapy.
Pd2MnGa Metamagnetic Shape Memory Alloy with Small Energy Loss
Authors: Ito Tatsuya , Xu Xiao , Miyake Atsushi , Kinoshita Yuto , Nagasako Makoto , Takahashi Kohki , Omori Toshihiro , Tokunaga Masashi , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: June 2023

Metamagnetic shape memory alloys (MMSMAs) are attractive functional materials owing to their unique properties such as magnetostrain, magnetoresistance, and the magnetocaloric effect caused by magnetic‐field‐induced transitions. However, the energy loss during the martensitic transformation, that is, the dissipation energy, Edis, is sometimes large for these alloys, which limits their applications. In this paper, a new Pd2MnGa Heusler‐type MMSMA with an extremely small Edis and hysteresis is reported. The microstructures, crystal structures, magnetic properties, martensitic transformations, and magnetic‐field‐induced strain of aged Pd2MnGa alloys are investigated. A martensitic transformation from L21 to 10M structures is seen at 127.4 K with a small thermal hysteresis of 1.3 K. The reverse martensitic transformation is induced by applying a magnetic field with a small Edis (= 0.3 J mol−1 only) and a small magnetic‐field hysteresis (= 7 kOe) at 120 K. The low values of Edis and the hysteresis may be attributed to good lattice compatibility in the martensitic transformation. A large magnetic‐field‐induced strain of 0.26% is recorded, indicating the proposed MMSMA's potential as an actuator. The Pd2MnGa alloy with low values of Edis and hysteresis may enable new possibilities for high‐efficiency MMSMAs.
A Soft Reconfigurable Circulator Enabled by Magnetic Liquid Metal Droplet for Multifunctional Control of Soft Robots
Authors: Xu Yi , Zhu Jiaqi , Chen Han , Yong Haochen , Wu Zhigang
Published: June 2023

Integrated control circuits with multiple computation functions are essential for soft robots to achieve diverse complex real tasks. However, designing compliant yet simple circuits to embed multiple computation functions in soft electronic systems above the centimeter scale is still a tough challenge. Herein, utilizing smooth cyclic motions of magnetic liquid metal droplets (MLMD) in specially designed and surface‐modified circulating channels, a soft reconfigurable circulator (SRC) consisting of three simple and reconfigurable basic modules is described. Through these modules, MLMD can utilize their conductivity and extreme deformation capabilities to transfer their simple cyclic motions as input signals to programmable electrical output signals carrying computing information. The obtained SRCs make it possible for soft robots to perform complex computing tasks, such as logic, programming, and self‐adaptive control (a combination of programming and feedback control). Following, a digital logic‐based grasping function diagnosis, a locomotion reprogrammable soft car, and a self‐adaptive control‐based soft sorting gripper are demonstrated to verify SRCs’ capabilities. The unique attributes of MLMD allow complex computations based on simple configurations and inputs, which provide new ways to enhance soft robots' computing capabilities.
Preparation and characterization of CNTs/CaCu3Ti4O12/silicone rubber composites with improved dielectric and mechanical properties
Authors: Zeng Yu , Tang Lu , Li Guijin
Published: June 2023

The dielectric performance of Silicone rubber (SR) composites can be significantly enhanced by carbon nanotubes. However, carbon nanotubes are easy to agglomerate in the polymer matrix. Adding low‐dimensional materials of different dimensions may be a solution. In this article, one‐dimensional multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and zero‐dimensional copper calcium titanate (CaCu3Ti4O12, CCTO) ceramic fillers were simultaneously added to prepare silicone dielectric elastomer composites. SEM results showed that the CNTs were distributed uniformly in the SR matrix due to the addition of CCTO. When 2 wt% CNTs and 10 wt% CCTO were added, the dielectric constant of the composite increased from 2.79 (pure silicone rubber) to 5.72, with a low loss tangent of 0.0012. Due to the uniform dispersion of CNTs with the addition of CCTO particles, dielectric performance of the composites were enhanced. The tensile stress was 986 kPa, the elongation at break was 333%, while the elastic modulus was not more than 613 kPa (2 wt% CNTs and 5 wt% CCTO in the SR composite). In addition, the composites had a wide temperature range up to 400°C. Therefore, the prepared CNTs/CCTO/SR composites have good dielectric and mechanical properties, and good thermal stability. It has a good reference value for this kind of composites as dielectric elastomer materials.
A third‐party platoon coordination service: Pricing under government subsidies
Authors: Bai Ting , Johansson Alexander , Li Shaoyuan , Johansson Karl Henrik , Mårtensson Jonas
Published: June 2023

This paper models a platooning system consisting of trucks and a third‐party service provider (TPSP), which performs platoon coordination, distributes the platooning profit in platoons, and charges trucks in exchange for the services. Government subsidies used to incentivize platooning are also considered. We propose a pricing rule for the TPSP, which keeps part of the platooning profit including the subsidy each time a platoon is formed. In addition, a platoon coordination solution based on the distributed model predictive control (MPC) is proposed, in which the pricing rule under government subsidies is integrated. We perform a realistic simulation over the Swedish road network to evaluate the impact of the pricing rule and subsidies on the achieved profits and fuel savings. Our results show that subsidies are an effective mean to boost fuel savings from platooning. Moreover, the simulation study indicates that high pricing corresponds to a low platooning rate of the system, as trucks' incentives for platooning decrease.
Neutron star properties in the (axial)vector meson extended linear sigma model
Authors: Takátsy János , Kovács Péter , Wolf György , Schaffner‐Bielich Jürgen
Published: June 2023

The equation of state provided by effective models of strongly interacting matter should comply with the restrictions imposed by current astrophysical observations on compact stars. We explore the possibility, that there is quark matter in the center of neutron stars. For the equation of state of the neutron star matter, we use a relativistic mean field model for the hadronic one and the (axial‐)vector meson extended linear sigma model for the quark phase. We assume that the transition is a cross‐over between these phases. We connect the two branches in this cross‐over regime continuously by a polynomial. This equation of state should comply with the restrictions imposed by current astrophysical observations on compact stars. Our model has four free parameters that should be fitted to experimental data. By using a Bayesian analysis, we found that our model could explain all the experimental constraints; furthermore, we have obtained the most probable parameter set for our model.
Synthesis of Bioactive Hydroxytyrosol Esters via Multienzyme Cascade on Electroactive Melanin Lignin Nanoparticles: A One‐Pot Approach without Extra Reducing Agents
Authors: Piccinino Davide , Ubertini Valentina , Capecchi Eliana , Tomaino Elisabetta , Gigli Valeria , Saladino Raffaele
Published: June 2023

A one‐pot strategy for the synthesis of bioactive hydroxytyrosol esters from tyrosol and lipophilic carboxylic acids has been developedviamultienzyme cascade immobilized on electroactive melanin lignin nanoparticles. The novel catalyst involved the co‐immobilization of lipase and tyrosinase on the polyphenolic support and was operative in the presence of sustainable 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran as organic reaction solvent. The system did not require the use of extra reducing agents for the selective synthesis of catechols. Optoelectronic and electrochemical studies suggested the role played by melanin lignin nanoparticles in the regeneration of the active site of tyrosinase from unproductivemet‐form to reversibledeoxy/oxy‐form. This effect improved the overall activity of tyrosinase in the multienzyme cascade favouring the reduction of undesired quinones to corresponding catechols.
Lignin Recovery Using Alkaline Pretreatment of Walnut Shells
Authors: Deniz Irem
Published: June 2023

The effects of alkaline pretreatment of walnut shells (WS) utilizing NaOH, Ca(OH)2, or KOH were studied. The highest lignin recovery was obtained from WS pretreated with NaOH‐glycerol. The optimum lignin recovery after pretreatment could be achieved when the NaOH/solid value was 20:1 (mL g−1). CaCl2 loading could enhance lignin flocculation, which improved the lignin recovery. Also, the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis was determined when xylanase and cellulase were added to the pretreated residue. WS pretreated in NaOH‐water and NaOH‐glycerol solutions were found to result in the highest xylose and glucose concentrations. This study indicates the broad application prospects of alkaline pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass in agriculture and industry.
Enhanced Photodegradation of Tetracycline under UV‐Visible Light with a Bi2O3/TiO2 Composite
Authors: Nong Linh Xuan , Nguyen Vinh Huu , Lee Taeyoon , Bach Long Giang , Nguyen Trinh Duy
Published: June 2023

Bi2O3/TiO2 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by the solvothermal method. Characterization using X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy showed excellent photodegradation of tetracycline under UV‐visible light, compared to Bi2O3 or TiO2. This was due to reduced electron‐hole recombination in the Bi2O3/TiO2 composite, as confirmed by photoluminescence characterization. The fabrication of semiconductor composites holds great promise for enhancing the photocatalytic performance, and Bi2O3/TiO2 is a prime example with exciting prospects for practical applications in photocatalysis.
Isolated and solvated chiroptical behavior in conformationally flexible butanamines
Authors: Lemler Paul M. , Craft Clayton L. , Pollok Corina H. , Regan Thomas P. , Vaccaro Patrick H.
Published: June 2023

The nonresonant optical activity of two highly flexible aliphatic amines, (2R)‐3‐methyl‐2‐butanamine (R‐MBA) and (2R)‐(3,3)‐dimethyl‐2‐butanamine (R‐DMBA), has been probed under isolated and solvated conditions to examine the roles of conformational isomerism and to explore the influence of extrinsic perturbations. The optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) measured in six solvents presented uniformly negative rotatory powers over the 320–590 nm region, with the long‐wavelength magnitude of chiroptical response growing nearly monotonically as the dielectric constant of the surroundings diminished. The intrinsic specific optical rotation,
(in deg dm−1 [g/mL]−1), extracted for ambient vapor‐phase samples of R‐MBA [−11.031(98) and −2.29 (11)] and R‐DMBA [−9.434 (72) and −1.350 (48)] at 355 and 633 nm were best reproduced by counterintuitive solvents of high polarity (yet low polarizability) like acetonitrile and methanol. Attempts to interpret observed spectral signatures quantitatively relied on the linear‐response frameworks of density‐functional theory (B3LYP, cam‐B3LYP, and dispersion‐corrected analogs) and coupled‐cluster theory (CCSD), with variants of the polarizable continuum model (PCM) deployed to account for the effects of implicit solvation. Building on the identification of several low‐lying equilibrium geometries (nine for R‐MBA and three for R‐DMBA), ensemble‐averaged ORD profiles were calculated at T = 300 K by means of the independent‐conformer ansatz, which enabled response properties predicted for the optimized structure of each isomer to be combined through Boltzmann‐weighted population fractions derived from corresponding relative internal‐energy or free‐energy values, the latter of which stemmed from composite CBS‐APNO and G4 analyses. Although reasonable accord between theory and experiment was realized for the isolated (vapor‐phase) species, the solution‐phase results were less satisfactory and tended to degrade progressively as the solvent polarity increased. These trends were attributed to solvent‐mediated changes in structural parameters and energy metrics for the transition states that separate and putatively isolate the equilibrium conformations supported by the ground electronic potential‐energy surface, with the resulting displacement of barrier locations and/or decrease of barrier heights compromising the underlying premise of the independent‐conformer ansatz.
N‐doped Mesoporous Carbon Loaded Co Nanoparticles as Highly Effective Non‐noble Metal Electrocatalysts Towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Hua Yani , Yin Xiong , Liu Jiamei , Gao Zhan
Published: June 2023

Developing non‐noble metal electrocatalysts with low cost and advanced catalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for the large‐scale commercial application of fuel cells. In this work, an N‐doped mesoporous carbon supported Co nanoparticle (Co/NC) has been innovatively designed by a facile pyrolysis method with a nitrogen‐containing organic ligand as nitrogen and carbon sources by forming a complex with Co2+ to prevent the aggregation of Co nanoparticles during the carbonization process. The Co/NC exhibits excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity, including a positive redox peak potential (0.78 V), onset potential (0.90 V), and half‐wave potential (0.78 V) with electron transfer number approximately of 4.02. Co/NC performs long‐term stability and has a stronger tolerance to methanol than 20% Pt/C. Furthermore, the calculated Bader charges and the charge density differences clearly demonstrate the strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI) for Co/NC catalyst, which induces the change of electron structure on the Co/NC surface and is conducive to enhancing its catalytic performance. The outstanding ORR activity of Co/NC is ascribed to its unique property of prompt electron transfer, large specific surface area, and synergistic effect between Co nanoparticles and NC substrates.
Production of Humanized Mice through Stem Cell Transfer
Authors: Phelps Cameron , Huey Devra D. , Niewiesk Stefan
Published: June 2023

The development of “humanized” mice has become a prominent tool for translational animal studies of human diseases. Immunodeficient mice can be humanized by injections of human umbilical cord stem cells. The engraftment of these cells and their development into human lymphocytes has been made possible by the development of novel severely immunodeficient mouse strains. Proven protocols for the generation and analysis of humanized mice in the NSG mouse background are presented here. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Human umbilical stem cell engraftment of neonatal immunodeficient mice

Basic Protocol 2: Human umbilical stem cell engraftment of 4‐week‐old immunodeficient mice

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of human umbilical stem cells

Support Protocol 2: Submandibular blood collection from humanized mice and analysis of peripheral blood via flow cytometry
Digital transformation, financing constraints, and corporate environmental, social, and governance performance
Authors: Yang Yang , Han Jinmian
Published: June 2023

Digital transformation is globally pervasive, and exploring how it can shape enterprises' sustainable development is significant. Using the panel data of 710 listed corporates in China from 2011 to 2020, this paper empirically investigates the impact of digital transformation on corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance with the fixed effect model and the SYS‐GMM method. The results indicate that digital transformation significantly improves corporate ESG performance, especially environmental and social performance. A looser financing constraint (FC) environment will make the improvements in ESG performance from digital transformation more visible. Among corporates with low FCs, private corporates, and non‐technical corporates, digital transformation has a more noticeable effect on improving ESG performance by easing FCs. Our research presents implications for policymakers and business decision‐makers to achieve alignment between corporate digitalization and sustainability.
Why do some glucose‐lowering agents improve non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease whereas others do not? A narrative review in search of a unifying hypothesis
Authors: Ciccarelli Gea , Di Giuseppe Gianfranco , Cinti Francesca , Moffa Simona , Mezza Teresa , Giaccari Andrea
Published: June 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are metabolic disorders connected by common pathophysiological mechanisms. Since insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic alterations are common to both conditions, almost all glucose‐lowering agents which improve IR have also been studied in patients with NAFLD. Some have shown great efficacy, others none. Thus, the mechanisms behind the efficacy of these drugs in improving hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and eventually fibrosis remain controversial. Glycaemic control improves T2D, but probably has limited effects on NAFLD, as all glucose‐lowering agents ameliorate glucose control but only a few improve NAFLD features. In contrast, drugs that either improve adipose tissue function, reduce lipid ingestion, or increase lipid oxidation are particularly effective in NAFLD. We therefore hypothesise that improved free fatty acid metabolism may be the unifying mechanism behind the efficacy of some glucose‐lowering agents on NAFLD and may represent the key to NAFLD treatment.
Mitochondrial genome comparison reveals the evolution of cnidarians
Authors: Feng Hui , Lv Sitong , Li Rong , Shi Jing , Wang Jianxing , Cao Pinglin
Published: June 2023

Cnidarians are the most primitive metazoans, but their evolutionary relationships are poorly understood, although recent studies present several phylogenetic hypotheses. Here, we collected 266 complete cnidarian mitochondrial genomes and re‐evaluated the phylogenetic relationships between the major lineages. We described the gene rearrangement patterns of Cnidaria. Anthozoans had significantly greater mitochondrial genome size and lower A + T content than medusozoans. Most of the protein‐coding genes in anthozoans such asCOX 13,ATP6, andCYTBdisplayed a faster rate of evolution based on selection analysis. There were 19 distinct patterns of mitochondrial gene order, including 16 unique gene orders in anthozoans and 3 mtDNA gene orders pattern in medusozoans, were identified among cnidarians. The gene order arrangement suggested that a linearized mtDNA structure may be more conducive to Medusozoan mtDNA stability. Based on phylogenetic analyses, the monophyly of the Anthozoa was strongly supported compared to previous mitochondrial genome‐based analyses rather than octocorals forming a sister group relationship with medusozoans. In addition, Staurozoa were more closely related to Anthozoa than to Medusozoa. In conclusion, these results largely support the traditional phylogenetic view of the relationships of cnidarians and provide new insights into the evolutionary processes for studying the most ancient animal radiations.
Legacy effects of intensified drought on the soil microbiome in a mesic grassland
Authors: Vilonen Leena L. , Hoosein Shabana , Smith Melinda D. , Trivedi Pankaj
Published: June 2023

The soil microbiome response to global change drivers remains largely unclassified, with current studies showing contrasting results to several global change drivers. One such driver, drought, is increasing in severity and frequency due to climate change. Further, legacy effects, or long‐lasting impacts after drought has subsided, could have lasting impacts on the soil microbiome with important consequences for ecosystem functioning. Thus, our study aimed to understand how the soil microbiome responds after a severe, prolonged drought and whether legacy effects persist post‐drought. We measured soil microbial community response in a mesic grassland for two years after a four‐year experimental drought in a native tallgrass prairie. The experimental drought was imposed either (1) chronically by reducing each growing season rainfall event by 66% or (2) intensely by completely eliminating growing season rainfall until an ~45% reduction in mean annual rainfall (climatic average) was achieved. The bacterial community showed no legacies in the first season post‐drought in response to either chronic or intense drought but showed an increased abundance of Verrucomicrobia and decreased richness in both treatments in the second growing season after the drought treatments ended. In the first and second post‐drought growing seasons, we found small differences in beta diversity between the control and intense drought treatment for fungal communities but not for the chronic drought treatment. Further, we found that the two main phyla of fungi, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, showed reduced relative abundance post‐drought in the intense drought treatment. Overall, few legacies in soil microbial communities persisted after a four‐year experimentally induced drought. However, our results show that the nature of the drought—chronic versus intense—can differentially impact fungal versus bacterial short‐term legacies. These results suggest that the soil microbiome is for the most part drought resistant (responds little during drought) and/or resilient (quickly recovers post‐drought, since a study at the same site found that drought impacted the bacterial community) in this mesic grassland.
Development of a short‐term solar irradiance forecasting using satellite image in combination with numerical weather prediction model
Authors: Hashimoto Atsushi , Yoshimoto Katsuhisa
Published: June 2023

A short‐term solar irradiance forecasting method has been developed to provide highly accurate prediction, using satellite image prediction model in combination with numerical weather prediction model. This method was applied and evaluated using the solar irradiance observational site at the CRIEPI Akagi Testing Center (Gunma Prefecture, Japan). Based on historical forecasting and observation datasets at JMA observation sites in the computational domain, the best blending ratio between the satellite image prediction model and the numerical weather prediction model was selected and used. The developed method has shown high accuracy. Compared to satellite image forecasting, accuracy results averaged between three and 6 h of lead‐time showed improvements in the RMSE by 44% for the before‐sunrise case, 20% for the after‐sunrise case, and 8% for the noon to sunset case.
Eating‐induced seizures: A semiological sign of the right temporal pole
Authors: Tena‐Cucala Raquel , Sala‐Padró Jacint , Jaraba Sònia , Hernández Guillermo , Fernández‐Coello Alejandro , Rosselló Aleix , Camins Àngels , Naval‐Baudin Pablo , Fernández‐Viñas Montserrat , Rodríguez‐Bel Laura , Reynes Gabriel , Falip Mercè
Published: June 2023

Objective

Eating‐induced seizures (EIS) are a rare form of reflex seizures. The objective of this study was to report a series of cases of EIS involving patients admitted to our epilepsy unit, and to analyze the clinical characteristics, etiology, and treatment response of this type of infrequent seizure.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients diagnosed with epilepsy with eating‐induced seizures between 2008 and 2020.

Results

We included eight patients (six women) with mean age 54.75 years (range: 40–79), and mean age at epilepsy onset 30.75 years (range: 9–58 years). EIS were triggered during a meal in 5/8 (at dinner 1/8, at breakfast in 1/8, and without time preference in 3/8), by a certain flavor in 1/8, by eating different textures or drinking soft drinks in 1/8, and by slicing food in 1/8. All patients suffered nonreflex seizures and 3/8 other types of reflex seizures. In 6/8 of patients, EIS originated in the right hemisphere. In 5/8, the EIS progressed to impaired awareness with oromandibular automatisms. In 6/8, the epilepsy was drug‐resistant. Temporopolar encephalocele was the most frequent etiology, in 4/8. Three of the eight underwent surgical treatment, with Engel IA 1 year in 3/3. Three of the eight were treated with vagal stimulation therapy, with McHugh A 1 year in 2/3.

Significance

In our series, eating‐induced seizures were observed in patients with focal epilepsy. It was frequently drug‐resistant and started predominantly in the right hemisphere, due to temporal pole involvement in half of the patients.
Identification of two terpenoids that accumulate in Chinese water chestnut in response to fresh‐cut processing
Authors: Nie Hui , Luo Yanghe , Huang Shuangquan , Mo Yuwei , Huang Zhenli , Liao Yuemei , Jiang Lirui , Cai Wen , Song Mubo
Published: June 2023

As a form of vegetable in China, freshly cut corms of Chinese water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) are well received by consumers. Few studies have investigated the metabolites present in fresh‐cut E. dulcis, particularly during the storage stage. Two compounds, triterpenoids and apocarotenoids, were identified in fresh‐cut E. dulcis during the late storage period using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The content of these two compounds gradually increased in the surface tissue of fresh‐cut E. dulcis during storage. Moreover, the transcript levels of 10 genes involved in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and five genes involved in carotenoid precursor biosynthesis were evaluated via quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Expression of the rate‐limiting enzyme‐coding genes CwDXS and CwHMGS was significantly induced by wounding. CwMYC and CwbHLH18, which belong to bHLH transcription factors (TFs) IIIe and VIa subgroup, were isolated from E. dulcis corm. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CwMYC and CwbHLH18 grouped with other terpenoid‐regulated bHLHs, and their transcript levels were strongly induced after fresh‐cut processing. These results suggested that the biosynthesis of terpenoids and apocarotenoids in fresh‐cut E. dulcis strongly depended on the transcriptional regulation of structural genes involved in the methylerythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) and mevalonate (MVA) pathways. However, the complex secondary metabolism of fresh‐cut E. dulcis during late storage requires further investigation.
Maasai mother's knowledge on complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children aged 6–24 months in Monduli District, Arusha, Tanzania: A case study of Naitolia village
Authors: Binamungu Jovin , Kimera Sharadhuli I. , Mkojera Beatha
Published: June 2023

Despite Tanzania's achievement in reducing childhood problems, undernutrition is still a problem. Little is known about how mothers' knowledge on complementary feeding practice affects their children nutritional status. Therefore, the study determined how nutritional status of Maasai children aged 6–24 months is related to their mothers or caregivers' knowledge on complementary feeding. A semistructured questionnaire was used in analytical cross‐sectional study including 286 Maasai mothers and their 6–24‐month‐old children. A convenient and snowball sampling were employed in choosing households and mothers. Using SPSS version 20 and ENA for SMART software, demographic variables, mother's complementary feeding knowledge and practices, and anthropometric data were examined. Respondents were mostly young female aged 29 ± 9.5 years, married (89.2%), housewives (88.8%), with no formal education (39.1%). Maasai mothers (51.1%) introduced complementary foods at 4 months. Of all children, 75.2% did not attain minimum acceptable diet, whereas 66.1% and 57.3% did not meet minimum number of meals per day and recommended variety of foods, respectively. Based on complementary feeding practices, underweight was associated with timely introduction of complementary foods (p = .000), minimum dietary diversity (p = .001), and minimum acceptable diet (p = .001). Stunting was associated with minimum acceptable diet (p = .0027). Regarding mother's knowledge, underweight was associated with breastfeeding duration (p = .000) and meals adequacy (p = .014). Wasting was associated with breastfeeding duration (p = .027). Maasai mothers' weaning practices were unsatisfactory and children's nutritional status was poor. Children's nutritional status was significantly associated with mother's understanding on complementary feeding, which was only somewhat adequate.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial evaluating the safety of excessive administration of kaempferol aglycone
Authors: Akiyama Minoru , Mizokami Tsubasa , Ito Hikaru , Ikeda Yasutaka
Published: June 2023

Kaempferol (KMP) is an important flavonoid in many fruits and vegetables. Preclinical studies on KMP have reported its pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, myocardial protective, and neuroprotective effects. Additionally, some epidemiological studies have revealed a negative association between the consumption of KMP‐containing foods and the risk of developing several disorders, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, although a large body of literature has demonstrated the benefits of KMP supplementation, there are no reports of clinical trials evaluating the safety of KMP aglycone administration or KMP aglycone‐rich food consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of a high dose of KMP aglycone by administrating KMP aglycone‐containing supplements to healthy adults. This study had a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design and a 4‐week duration. Participants were randomly allocated to the KMP (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) group. For 4 weeks, the KMP group received a capsule containing 50‐mg KMP daily, a dose approximately five times higher than the estimated human dietary intake. The placebo group received a capsule containing cornstarch‐based powder daily. The general toxicity parameters were evaluated by examining the characteristics of the participants, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, general urinalysis, qualitative urine tests, and adverse events. No clinical changes were observed in anthropometric and blood pressure measurements or blood and urine parameters in the KMP group compared to those in the placebo group. Furthermore, no adverse events owing to KMP aglycone administration occurred. The study results revealed that the consumption of 50‐mg KMP aglycone daily for 4 weeks is safe in healthy adults.
Numerische Untersuchungen zur Standsicherheit in der tiefen Gleitfuge
Authors: Fellin Wolfgang , Daxer Hans‐Peter , Tschuchnigg Franz
Published: June 2023

In diesem Beitrag wird für die Standsicherheit in der tiefen Gleitfuge einer einfach verankerten Baugrubenwand ein Vergleich mit drei Methoden an einem Beispiel durchgeführt: 1) Herkömmliche Methoden der Statik (mit verschiedenen Definitionen für die Sicherheit), 2) Finite‐Elemente‐Methode mit Reduktion der Scherfestigkeit, 3) statisches und kinematisches Kollapstheorem in Finiter‐Elemente‐Implementierung. Die beiden untersuchten Finite‐Elemente‐Methoden liefern für das gewählte Beispiel eines einfach verankerten Baugrubenverbaus ähnliche globale Sicherheitsfaktoren wie die Methoden der Statik bei einer Sicherheitsdefinition nach Nachweisverfahren 2. Mit der Sicherheitsdefinition nach Kranz folgen deutlich höhere Sicherheiten. Mit beiden Finite‐Elemente‐Methoden können Ausnutzungsgrade im Sinne des Eurocodes ermittelt werden, die in dem gezeigten Beispiel ähnlich, aber leicht konservativer sind als die mittels eines Nachweisverfahrens 2 ermittelten Ausnutzungsgrade. Die gezeigten Untersuchungen sind ein weiteres Indiz dafür, dass moderne numerische Methoden gut in der Bemessung eingesetzt werden können.