bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mesenchymal Glandular Inductors on the Growth and Cytodifferentiation of Neonatal Mouse Seminal Vesicle Epithelium
Authors: TSUJI MOTOMU , SHIMA HIROKI , BOUTIN EUGENIE , YOUNG PETER , CUNHA GERALD R
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: To investigate the developmental properties of glandular mesenchymal inductors along the cranial‐caudal extent of the developing male urogenital tract, neonatal mouse seminal vesicle epithelium (SVE) was combined with mesenchyme of the seminal vesicle (SVM), urogenital sinus (UGM), bulbourethral gland (BUG‐ M), or bladder (BLM) and grafted under the renal capsule of adult syngeneic or athymic male mice. Both SVM + SVE and UGM + SVE tissue recombinants expressed SV histogenesis and SV secretory proteins. BUG‐M + SVE recombinants exhibited extensive growth as evidenced by a 36‐fold increase in wet weight and a 27‐fold increase in DNA content; however, the glandular structures that were induced in the SVE lacked the convoluted mucosa typical of SV. Furthermore, neither SV nor prostatic secretory proteins were detected in these recombinants. SVE grown in association with BLM failed to develop altogether. Thus, the ability to promote SV histo‐genesis and function is distinctly different in mesenchyme of cranial (SVM and UGM) versus caudal (BUG‐M) regions. This implies the existence of a glandular inductive field in the developing male urogenital tract within which inductive activity varies regionally.
Scrotal and Oral Temperatures are not Related to Semen Quality or Serum Gonadotropin Levels in Spinal Cord‐Injured Men
Authors: BRACKETT NANCY L. , LYNNE CHARLES M. , BLOCH WILLIAM E. , PADRON OSVALDO F.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Scrotal temperature, oral temperature, and the difference between oral and scrotal temperature were measured in spinal cord‐injured subjects (SCI) and non‐injured subjects as controls. We statistically correlated these measures to semen quality and serum gonadotropin levels in both groups. No difference was found between SCI and control subjects on any temperature measurement. Mean sperm motility, mean sperm morphology, and mean serum gonadotropin levels were significantly lower in SCI compared to control subjects, but these measures were not correlated to scrotal temperature, oral temperature, or the difference between oral and scrotal temperature in SCI or control subjects. These data indicate that: 1) there is not a generalized scrotal thermoregulatory dysfunction in SCI men; 2) scrotal temperature does not appear to contribute to poor semen quality in SCI men; and 3) elevated gonadotropin levels are not related to elevated scrotal temperatures in SCI men, as has been reported in non‐injured, infertile men.
Correlation Between the Rate of Lipid Peroxidation and Cellular Maturity as Measured by Creatine Kinase Activity in Human Spermatozoa
Authors: HUSZAR GABOR , VIGUE LYNNE
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: We have demonstrated previously that creatine kinase (CK) activity is a measure of cellular maturity and fertilizing potential in human spermatozoa. In the present work we have examined whether there is a relationship between sperm CK activity and the rate of lipid peroxidation (LP) as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Both MDA production and CK activity were higher in oligospermic than in normospermic specimens (P < 0.001, N = 41 and 101, respectively), and there was a close correlation (R = 0.43, P < 0.001) between these two biochemical parameters. As demonstrated previously with the CK measurements, there was a heterogeneity among the groups: About 40% of the oligospermic men had MDA and CK activity values similar to that of the normospermic group, and 12% of the normospermic men had MDA and CK activity values similar to that of the oligospermic group. We have also examined in three experimental paradigms the question of sperm‐to‐sperm propagation of increased LP and the possible increase in LP following centrifugation as used in sperm preparation for assisted reproduction: The MDA differences among Percoll sperm fractions originating within the same specimens, the lack of change in MDA production after co‐centrifugation and co‐incubation of samples with high and low sperm LP rates, and the repeated centrifugation of the same specimens without an increase in MDA production all indicated the lack of sperm‐to‐sperm propagation of LP or increase in LP due to mechanical stress. However, the iron content of Ham's F‐10 medium or iron added to human tubal fluid medium has significantly increased the rate of LP in various sperm samples. Exposure to iron during sperm preparation procedures in assisted reproduction is likely to affect sperm integrity and fertilizing potential. We can con‐clude that there are highly significant differences in the rate of LP among men and among sperm within the same specimen. We suggest, based on the relationship between LP and CK activity, that the increased rate of LP along with the increased CK content are due to incomplete cytoplasmic extrusion during terminal spermatogenesis. The retained excess cytoplasm in immature sperm fuels LP. Thus, the increased rate of spontaneous LP is an “inborn” rather than an “acquired” property of spermatozoa.
Penalized sieve estimation of zero‐inefficiency stochastic frontiers
Authors: Cai Jun , Horrace William C. , Parmeter Christopher F.
Published: October 2023

Stochastic frontier models for cross‐sectional data typically assume that the one‐sided distribution of firm‐level inefficiency is continuous. However, it may be reasonable to hypothesize that inefficiency is continuous except for a discrete mass at zero capturing fully efficient firms (zero‐inefficiency). We propose a sieve‐type density estimator for such a mixture distribution in a nonparametric stochastic frontier setting under a unimodality‐at‐zero assumption. Consistency, rates of convergence and asymptotic normality of the estimators are established, as well as a test of the zero‐inefficiency hypothesis. Simulations and two applications are provided to demonstrate the practicality of the method.
Protection of schisantherin A against dictamnine‐induced hepatotoxicity: Pharmacokinetic insights
Authors: Chang Xiaojin , Li Guangyao , Yang Bufan , Lin Dongju
Published: October 2023

Dictamnine (DIC), as the most abundant furoquinoline alkaloid ingredient of the herbal medicine Cortex Dictamni (CD), can induce severe liver injury. A previous study found that DIC‐induced liver injury was initiated by cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A)‐mediated metabolic activation and subsequent formation of adducts with cellular proteins. Schisantherin A (SchA) is the major lignan component of the herbal medicine Schisandra chinensis (SC). SC is frequently combined with CD used in numerous Chinese medicinal formulas for the treatment of eczema and urticaria. Furthermore, SC could protect against CD‐induced hepatotoxicity. The objective of the study was to investigate the protective effect of SchA on DIC‐induced hepatotoxicity based on pharmacokinetic interactions. The studies found that SchA exerted a protective effect on DIC‐induced hepatotoxicity in a dose‐dependent manner. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that pretreatment with SchA enhanced the area under concentration‐time curve (AUC) and maximal concentration (Cmax) values of DIC in the serum and liver tissue of mice, indicating that SchA could augment the accumulation of DIC in the circulation. In vitro metabolism assays with mouse liver microsomes (MLMs) showed that SchA reduced the production of DIC–glutathione (GSH) conjugate. In addition, SchA significantly reduced the excretion of DIC–GSH conjugate in the urine of mice and relieved hepatic GSH depletion induced by DIC. These results suggested that SchA could inhibit the metabolic activation of DIC in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our findings showed that the observed pharmacokinetic interactions might be attributable to the inhibition of the metabolism of DIC by SchA, which might be responsible for the protection of SchA against DIC‐induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the development of a standardized combination of DIC and SchA may protect patients from DIC‐induced liver injury.
The role of tocilizumab in the treatment of post‐transfusion hyperhaemolysis
Authors: Desai Naeem , Peters Jayne , Davies Elizabeth , Sharif Joseph
Published: October 2023

Hyperhaemolysis syndrome (HHS) is a serious complication of transfusion mostly reported in patients with sickle cell disease. HHS is characterised by the destruction of both donor and autologous red blood cells. Tocilizumab is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody that inhibits the binding of interleukin‐6 and has been used in the treatment of severe/critical coronavirus disease 2019 infection but also some cases of HHS. We describe two further cases of HHS successfully treated with tocilizumab and propose a decision aid for when to consider this treatment.
Characterization of the marine‐air intrusion Marinada in the eastern Ebro sub‐basin
Authors: Jiménez Maria A. , Grau Antoni , Martínez‐Villagrasa Daniel , Cuxart Joan
Published: October 2023

The eastern Ebro basin is composed of an extensive irrigated plain, surrounded by rainfed slopes and wooden mountain ranges and open to the west to the agricultural western Ebro basin. The sea breeze generated at the coast is able to surmount the Catalan prelitoral range through its lowest heights, reaching the basin by its easternmost part. It is a well‐known feature in the region, called Marinada. A network of Automatic Weather Stations is used here to analyse a period of 19 years (2003–2021). A filtering procedure is developed which selects the events when the Marinada is present, based on detecting clear sky, weak wind conditions and the wind direction from the coast in the afternoon. The analysis of these days show that the Marinada propagates along the basin in the afternoon meanwhile observations of the specific humidity show a sudden increase as the temperature cools down, resulting on a cold and humid advection. It is also found that the timing of the arrival of the Marinada depends on the mesoscale/synoptical circulations already present in the region (westerlies or a thermal low).
Characteristics of distal femoral articular cartilage in 6 weeks posttraumatic osteoarthritis by a subcritical impact
Authors: Mantebea Hannah , Singh Amanveer , Badar Farid , Abdelmessih Gabrielle , Sebastian Talia Marie , Baker Kevin , Newton Michael , Xia Yang
Published: October 2023

Traumatized knee greatly contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in young adults. To intervene effectively before the onset of severe structural disruption, detection of the disease at the early onset is crucial. In this study, we put together the findings for the detection of OA from the femoral knee joint cartilage of the rabbit at 6 weeks posttrauma. Articular cartilage samples are taken from the impacted and nonimpacted joints at 0 week (serving as the control group) and at 6 weeks posttrauma by minimal force. The samples were imaged using microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (µMRI) at 11.7 µm/pixel and polarized light microscopy (PLM) at 1 µm/pixel. In addition, an inductively coupled plasma ‐ optical emission spectrometry analysis was performed using the adjacent cartilage samples. The outcomes of this study demonstrate an increase in T2 values in 6 weeks samples compared to the 0 week samples by µMRI technique, indicating a general increase of tissue hydration within cartilage. PLM detects a decrease in the average thickness of the superficial zones in the posttraumatic osteoarthritis samples, significant in the impacted femurs. There was an average increasing trend of maximum retardation in the tide mark in comparison to the reported calcium concentration (mg/L) in impacted samples suggesting a possible rise in mineralization in the 6 weeks samples. Qualitatively, physical observation of the joint after 6 weeks showed signs of reddening in the anterior femur suggesting the disease process is a localized phenomenon. Through microscopic imaging, we are able to detect these changes at 6 weeks posttrauma qualitatively and quantitatively.
East African highland cooking banana: towards an efficient selection of hybrids with user‐preferred food quality traits
Authors: Nowakunda Kephas , Khakasa Elizabeth , Ceballos Hernan , Kenneth Akankwasa , Tumuhimbise Robooni , Bugaud Christophe , Asasira Moreen , Uwimana Brigitte , Bouniol Alexandre , Nuwamanya Ephraim , Forsythe Lora , Marimo Pricilla , Dufour Dominique , Tushemereirwe Wilberforce
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Determinants of culinary qualities of East African highland cooking bananas (EAHCB) are not well known. This constrains the inclusion of user‐preferred traits in breeding. The present study aimed to quantify key indicators of user‐preferred characteristics to enable selection of acceptable hybrids.

RESULTS

Qualitative characteristics that drive preference were big bunches (15–34 kg), long straight/slightly curved fingers (12–23 cm), yellowness and soft texture. Descriptive sensory analysis of the intensity of colour and texture the 23 genotypes revealed that landraces Kibuzi, Mbwazirume, Nakitembe and Mpologoma had higher intensity of yellowness and lower intensity of hardness (softer) and a low score (≤ 1.0) of astringency taste. A preference test showed that they had higher acceptability scores. Biochemical, instrumental and sensory data revealed correlations between sensory firmness and instrumental hardness (r = 0.5), sensory firmness and amylopectin (r = −0.54), suggesting that qualitative descriptions can be predicted by instrumental and biochemical indicators. Significant (P < 0.05) variations in amylose and total starch content were observed in different varieties. Moderate correlations between instrumental hardness and firmness in mouth (r = 0.55), cohesiveness and firmness in the mouth (r = 0.57), and adhesiveness and firmness in the mouth (r = 0.64) were observed. Surprisingly, carotenoids content was not correlated with yellowness in cooked matooke. However, positive correlations were observed between chroma (b*) parameters of raw matooke and sensorial assessed color on cooked samples.

CONCLUSION

Qualitative characteristis; the bunch, pulp colour and texture; that drive users‐preference in the EAHCB were quantified, paving way for breeders to use them to select genotypes with these attributes early in the breeding process. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The role of KDM4A‐mediated histone methylation on temozolomide resistance in glioma cells through the HUWE1/ROCK2 axis
Authors: Li Xi‐Xi , Xu Jia‐Kun , Su Wei‐Jie , Wu Hong‐Lin , Zhao Kun , Zhang Chang‐Ming , Chen Xiang‐Kun , Yang Li‐Xuan
Published: October 2023

Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance presents a significant challenge in the treatment of gliomas. Although lysine demethylase 4A (KDM4A) has been implicated in various cancer‐related processes, its role in TMZ resistance remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the contribution of KDM4A to TMZ resistance in glioma cells and its potential implications for glioma prognosis. We assessed the expression of KDM4A in glioma cells (T98G and U251MG) using qRT‐PCR and Western blot assays. To explore the role of KDM4A in TMZ resistance, we transfected siRNA targeting KDM4A into drug‐resistant glioma cells. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK‐8 assay and the TMZ IC50 value was determined. ChIP assays were conducted to investigate KDM4A, H3K9me3, and H3K36me3 enrichment on the promoters of ROCK2 and HUWE1. Co‐immunoprecipitation confirmed the interaction between HUWE1 and ROCK2, and we examined the levels of ROCK2 ubiquitination following MG132 treatment. Notably, T98G cells exhibited greater resistance to TMZ than U251MG cells, and KDM4A displayed high expression in T98G cells. Inhibiting KDM4A resulted in decreased cell viability and a reduction in the TMZ IC50 value. Mechanistically, KDM4A promoted ROCK2 transcription by modulating H3K9me3 levels. Moreover, disruption of the interaction between HUWE1 and ROCK2 led to reduced ROCK2 ubiquitination. Inhibition of HUWE1 or overexpression of ROCK2 counteracted the sensitization effect of si‐KDM4A on TMZ responsiveness in T98G cells. Our findings highlight KDM4A's role in enhancing TMZ resistance in glioma cells by modulating ROCK2 and HUWE1 transcription and expression through H3K9me3 and H3K36me3 removal.
Interannual variability of ground surface thermal regimes in Livingston and Deception islands, Antarctica (2007–2021)
Authors: de Pablo M. A. , Ramos M. , Vieira G. , Molina A. , Ramos R. , Maior C. N. , Prieto M. , Ruiz‐Fernández J.
Published: October 2023

The absence of vegetation in most ice‐free areas of Antarctica makes the soil surface very sensitive to atmosphere dynamics, especially in the western sector of the Antarctic Peninsula, an area within the limits of the permafrost zone. To evaluate the possible effects of regional warming on frozen soils, we conducted an analysis of ground surface temperatures (GSTs) from 2007 to 2021 from different monitoring sites in Livingston and Deception islands (South Shetlands archipelago, Antarctica). The analysis of the interannual evolution of the GST and their daily regimes and the freezing and thawing indexes reveals that climate change is showing impacts on seasonal and perennially frozen soils. Freezing Degree Days (FDD) have decreased while Thawing Degree Day (TDD) have increased during the study period, resulting in a balance that is already positive at the sites at lower elevations. Daily freeze–thaw cycles have been rare and absent since 2014. Meanwhile, the most common thermal regimes are purely frozen – F1 (daily temperatures < = −0.5°C), isothermal – IS (ranging between −0.5°C to +0.5°C), and purely thawed – T1 (> = +0.5°C). A decrease in F1 days has been observed, while the IS and T1 days increased by about 60 days between 2007 and 2021. The annual number of days with snow cover increased between 2009 and 2014 and decreased since then. The GST and the daily thermal regimes evolution point to general heating, which may be indicative of the degradation of the frozen soils in the study area.
Variation of the Omo Delta between 1990 and 2018: What remote sensing data reveal and models explain
Authors: Kangi Gladys , Dondeyne Stefaan , Kleinschroth Fritz , Van Orshoven Jos
Published: October 2023

Deltas, being areas where river sediments accumulate, are sensitive to changes in climate and anthropogenic processes that affect sediment generation. The Omo Delta, on the Ethiopia–Kenya border, is constantly changing due to fluctuating lake levels, a variable climate, and rapidly changing land use. Due to field data scarcity and the region's limited accessibility, we relied on remote sensing (RS) data to investigate delta extent between 1990 and 2018 and attempted to disentangle the effect of climatic from anthropogenic variables. We obtained a time series of delta extent from Landsat imagery using Random Forest (RF) classification. Using parametric and non‐parametric regression techniques, we regressed the delta extent on Lake Turkana levels, Omo River discharges, Omo‐Gibe Basin rainfall, tree cover loss, and irrigation extent. The RF algorithm distinguished water from land with high (>90%) accuracies and revealed Omo Delta extent fluctuations ranging from 949 km2 in 1993 to 651 km2 in 2000. Lake water level, which depends on the rainfall over the Omo‐Turkana Basin, emerged as the best predictor of delta extent. However, the annual rainfall over the Omo‐Gibe Basin showed no correlation with delta extent. The regression models further show a connection between delta extent, irrigation extent, and tree cover loss. We conclude that rainfall indirectly influences delta extent across the Omo‐Turkana Basin. Regression models indicate additional cumulative effects of human activity in the Omo‐Gibe Basin but fall short in explaining delta dynamics.
An Empirical Comparison of Commonly Used Universal Rating Scales for Dystonia
Authors: Boz Deniz , Kilic‐Berkmen Gamze , Perlmutter Joel S. , Norris Scott A. , Wright Laura J. , Klein Christine , Bäumer Tobias , Löns Sebastian , Feuerstein Jeanne S. , Mahajan Abhimanyu , Wagle‐Shukla Aparna , Malaty Irene , LeDoux Mark S. , Ondo William , Pantelyat Alexander , Frank Samuel , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel , Jinnah H.A.
Published: October 2023

Background

There are several widely used clinical rating scales for documenting the severity and distribution of various types of dystonia.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of the most commonly used scales in a large group of adults with the most common types of isolated dystonia.

Methods

Global Dystonia Rating Scale (GDRS) and the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFM) scores were obtained for 3067 participants. Most had focal or segmental dystonia, with smaller numbers of multifocal or generalized dystonia. These scales were also compared for 209 adults with cervical dystonia that had Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) scores and 210 adults with blepharospasm that had Blepharospasm Severity Scale (BSRS) scores.

Results

There were strong correlations between the GDRS and BFM total scores (r = 0.79) and moderate correlations for their sub scores (r > 0.5). Scores for both scales showed positive skew, with an overabundance of low scores. BFM sub‐scores were not normally distributed, due to artifacts caused by the provoking factor. Relevant sub‐scores of the GDRS and BFM also showed moderate correlations with the TWSTRS (r > 0.5) for cervical dystonia and the BSRS (r > 0.5) for blepharospasm.

Conclusions

The BFM is more widely used than the GDRS, but these results suggest the GDRS may be preferable for focal and segmental dystonias. The overabundance of very low scores for both scales highlights challenges associated with discriminating very mild dystonia from other abnormal movements or variants of normal behavior.
The Optimal Targeting for Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy Differs between Dystonic and Essential Tremor: A 12‐Month Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Golfrè Andreasi Nico , Braccia Arianna , Levi Vincenzo , Rinaldo Sara , Ghielmetti Francesco , Cilia Roberto , Romito Luigi Michele , Bonvegna Salvatore , Elia Antonio Emanuele , Devigili Grazia , Telese Roberta , Colucci Fabiana , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Messina Giuseppe , Corradi Marta , Stanziano Mario , Caldiera Valentina , Prioni Sara , Amami Paolo , Fusar Poli Marco , Piacentini Sylvie Hélène Marie Jeanne , Grisoli Marina , Ciceri Elisa Francesca Maria , DiMeco Francesco , Eleopra Roberto
Published: October 2023

Background

Magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy is increasingly used to treat drug‐resistant essential tremor (ET). Data on MRgFUS thalamotomy in dystonic tremor (DT) are anecdotal.

Objectives

To investigate efficacy, safety, and differences in target coordinates of MRgFUS thalamotomy in DT versus ET.

Methods

Ten patients with DT and 35 with ET who consecutively underwent MRgFUS thalamotomy were followed for 12 months. Although in both groups the initial surgical planning coordinates corresponded to the ventralis intermediate (Vim), the final target could be modified intraoperatively based on clinical response.

Results

Tremor significantly improved in both groups. The thalamic lesion was significantly more anterior in DT than ET. Considering both ET and DT groups, the more anterior the lesion, the lower the odds ratio for adverse events.

Conclusions

MRgFUS thalamotomy is safe and effective in DT and ET. Compared to classical Vim coordinates used for ET, more anterior targeting should be considered for DT.
Predicting the duration of action of β2‐adrenergic receptor agonists: Ligand and structure‐based approaches
Authors: Chiesa Luca , Sick Emilie , Kellenberger Esther
Published: October 2023

Agonists of the β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) are an important class of medications used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. They can be classified as short acting (SABA) or long acting (LABA), with each class playing a different role in patient management. In this work we explored both ligand‐based and structure‐based high‐throughput approaches to classify β2‐agonists based on their duration of action. A completely in‐silico prediction pipeline using an AlphaFold generated structure was used for structure‐based modelling. Our analysis identified the ligands’ 3D structure and lipophilicity as the most relevant features for the prediction of the duration of action. Interaction‐based methods were also able to select ligands with the desired duration of action, incorporating the bias directly in the structure‐based drug discovery pipeline without the need for further processing.
Provocative changes in nerve conductions: Fact or fiction?
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: October 2023

At times electrodiagnostic medical consultants (EMCs) are asked to perform studies in both a neutral position, and then again after the patient is in a provocative position that exacerbates symptoms, to assess for measurable electrophysiologic changes. While this approach might seem initially appealing, particularly when standard studies are not effective at diagnosis, empiric studies in several conditions have been unimpressive. Studies in median neuropathy at the wrist, thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome, and radial tunnel syndrome have failed to demonstrate reproducible changes in nerve conduction studies in positions that exacerbate symptoms. Furthermore, there is lack of a plausible pathophysiologic mechanism for producing both measurable and rapidly reversible electrophysiologic changes after just a few minutes, or less, of compression. Axon loss and demyelination would not be rapidly reversible, and positional changes of 2 min or less (the durations generally studied) would be insufficient to produce measurable nerve ischemia. Last, we have gained a greater appreciation for how much nerves move within limbs with changes in joint position; this movement can lead to misleading changes in nerve conduction studies. It is thus appropriate to conclude that testing nerve conduction in provocative or symptomatic positions adds no value to electrodiagnostic testing.
Incorporation of view sharing and KWIC filtering into GRASP‐Pro improves spatial resolution of single‐shot, multi‐TI, late gadolinium enhancement MRI
Authors: Zhao Mingyue , Shen Daming , Fan Lexiaozi , Hong Kyungpyo , Feng Li , Benefield Brandon C. , Allen Bradley D. , Lee Daniel C. , Kim Daniel
Published: October 2023

While single‐shot late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is useful for imaging patients with arrhythmia and/or dyspnea, it produces low spatial resolution. One approach to improve spatial resolution is to accelerate data acquisition using compressed sensing (CS). Our previous work described a single‐shot, multi‐inversion time (TI) LGE pulse sequence using radial k‐space sampling and CS, but over‐regularization resulted in significant image blurring that muted the benefits of data acceleration. The purpose of the present study was to improve the spatial resolution of the single‐shot, multi‐TI LGE pulse sequence by incorporating view sharing (VS) and k‐space weighted contrast (KWIC) filtering into a GRASP‐Pro reconstruction. In 24 patients (mean age = 61 ± 16 years; 9/15 females/males), we compared the performance of our improved multi‐TI LGE and standard multi‐TI LGE, where clinical standard LGE was used as a reference. Two clinical raters independently graded multi‐TI images and clinical LGE images visually on a five‐point Likert scale (1, nondiagnostic; 3, clinically acceptable; 5, best) for three categories: the conspicuity of myocardium or scar, artifact, and noise. The summed visual score (SVS) was defined as the sum of the three scores. Myocardial scar volume was quantified using the full‐width at half‐maximum method. The SVS was not significantly different between clinical breath‐holding LGE (median 13.5, IQR 1.3) and multi‐TI LGE (median 12.5, IQR 1.6) (P = 0.068). The myocardial scar volumes measured from clinical standard LGE and multi‐TI LGE were strongly correlated (coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.99) and in good agreement (mean difference = 0.11%, lower limit of the agreement = −2.13%, upper limit of the agreement = 2.34%). The inter‐rater agreement in myocardial scar volume quantification was strong (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.79). The incorporation of VS and KWIC into GRASP‐Pro improved spatial resolution. Our improved 25‐fold accelerated, single‐shot LGE sequence produces clinically acceptable image quality, multi‐TI reconstruction, and accurate myocardial scar volume quantification.
Molecular Engineering of Photosensitizers for Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Recent Developments and Perspectives
Authors: Yadagiri Bommaramoni , Kumar Kaliamurthy Ashok , Yoo Kicheon , Cheol Kang Hyeong , Ryu Junyeong , Kwaku Asiam Francis , Lee Jae‐Joon
Published: October 2023

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a feasible alternative to traditional silicon‐based solar cells because of their low cost, eco‐friendliness, flexibility, and acceptable device efficiency. In recent years, solid‐state DSSCs (ss‐DSSCs) have garnered much interest as they can overcome the leakage and evaporation issues of liquid electrolyte systems. However, the poor morphology of solid electrolytes and their interface with photoanodes can minimize the device performance. The photosensitizer/dye is a critical component of ss‐DSSCs and plays a vital role in the device‘s overall performance. In this review, we summarize recent developments and performance of photosensitizers, including mono‐ and co‐sensitization of ruthenium, porphyrin, and metal‐free organic dyes under 1 sun and ambient/artificial light conditions. We also discuss the various requirements that efficient photosensitizers should satisfy and provide an overview of their historical development over the years.
Rheological percolation, gel‐like behavior and electrical conductivity of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes filled ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer/acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Salavati Masoud
Published: October 2023

Reasonable studies on the composite systems containing conductive nanoparticles are very important to manufacture the materials with physico‐mechanical tailor‐made properties. In this work, rheological percolation, gel‐like behavior and electrical properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate/acrylonitrile‐butadiene copolymer blends containing 0–7 wt% MWCNTs were studied. The Winter‐Chambon criterion validity was evaluated for physical gelation of the system. The rheological and electrical percolation threshold, gel point (Pg), relaxation exponent (n), gel strength (Sg), and the fractal dimension (df) at the gel point were calculated. The formation of physical gel and rheological percolation threshold were both found to occur at 1 wt% MWCNTs concentration. Based on the df value determined, it was revealed that the system behaved similar to the one in which the excluded volume interactions were nearly screened. It was also found that the storage modulus (G′) near the Pg followed a power‐law scaling relationship in the form where is the distance from Pg. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites increased with the increase in MWCNTs loading after the nanofillers content surpassed a certain value. A schematic model was proposed to demonstrate the variation of electrical conduction with the increase in MWCNTs concentration. The excluded volume and hard‐core models were also employed to estimate the average aspect ratio of the nanofillers embedded in the system.

Highlights

Morphology and gel‐like behavior of EVA/NBR/MWCNTs system were studied

Winter‐Chambon criterion was found to be valid for the gelation of the system

Rheological percolation and gel point were occurred at the same MWCNTs loading

It was found excluded volume interactions were nearly screened at gel point

A schematic model for microstructure development was suggested for the system
Comprehensive analysis of 3D printed PA6.6 and fiber‐reinforced variants: Revealing mechanical properties and adhesive wear behavior
Authors: Yilmaz Sinan
Published: October 2023

While 3‐dimensional (3D) printing technology is advancing rapidly, commonly used filament materials are struggling to meet growing expectations. Polyamide (PA) is a material with high potential to replace commonly used low‐performance filament materials, thanks to its cost‐effectiveness and optimal material properties compared to advanced engineering materials. To explore this potential, the thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties (at different temperatures), as well as the wear characteristics, of PA, short carbon fiber reinforced‐PA (SCFR‐PA), and short glass fiber reinforced‐PA (SGFR‐PA) filaments were comparatively examined in this study. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMA), uniaxial tensile tests, and Shore D hardness tests were conducted on the 3D printed specimens. The yield strength decreased by 48% and 73%, respectively, for neat PA as compared to room temperature when tested at 40 °C and 60 °C, while for SCFR‐PA, it decreased by 40% and 60%, and for SGFR‐PA, it decreased by 33% and 48%, respectively. The findings obtained from wear tests conducted on both bottom and top surfaces have demonstrated that glass reinforcement yields better results than carbon reinforcement. The experimental findings have been compared with SEM images, revealing their consistency.

Highlights

This study focuses on the performance evaluation of 3D printed PA and its composites.

The mechanical properties of the materials at different temperatures were compared.

Adhesive wear behavior is not directly related to fiber type, wear surface or hardness.

Morphological analysis was conducted to elucidate the influence of fiber type on mechanical properties and wear behavior.
Research on the dentification of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium using catalysed hairpin assembly technology
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Jun , Fan Xin‐Yuan , Li Ying , Zhou Xin‐Chen , Zhang Zhuo , Dong Shu‐Han , Shen Ming‐Mei , Liu Mo‐Yi , Wang Ming‐Hui , Wang He‐Lin , Xia Wei , Liu Li‐Mei
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium are traditional Chinese herb medicines and similar in morphology and some chemical components but differ in drug properties, so they cannot be mixed. However, the processed products of them are often sold in the form of slices, powder, and capsules, which are difficult to identify by traditional morphological methods. Furthermore, an accurate evaluation of P. ginseng, P. quinquefolium and the processed products have not been conducted.

Objective

This study aimed to establish a catalysed hairpin assembly (CHA) identification method for authenticating products made from P. ginseng and P. quinquefolium based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences.

Method

By analysing the differences of SNP in internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) in P. ginseng and P. quinquefolium to design CHA‐specific hairpins. Establish a sensitive and efficient CHA method that can identify P. ginseng and P. quinquefolium, use the sequencing technology to verify the accuracy of this method in identifying Panax products, and compare this method with high‐resolution melting (HRM).

Results

The reaction conditions of CHA were as follows: the ratio of forward and reverse primers, 20:1; hairpin concentration, 5 ng/μL. Compared with capillary electrophoresis, this method had good specificity and the limit of detection was 0.5 ng/μL. The result of Panax product identification with CHA method were coincidence with that of the sequencing method; the positive rate of CHA reaction was 100%.

Conclusion

This research presents an effective identification method for authenticating P. ginseng and P. quinquefolium products, which is helpful to improve the quality of Panax products.
Diels–Alder cycloadditions of fullerene: Advances in mechanistic theory
Authors: Jiao Hong‐Yan , Li Chun‐Xiang , He Jun‐Ru , Peng Jia‐Li , Jia Pei‐Ke , Xie Bin‐Bin , Cui Cheng‐Xing
Published: October 2023

Fullerene exhibits a wealth of interesting characteristics owing to its unique π‐electron configuration. The structure and properties of fullerene can be manipulated by introducing chemical groups to the carbon–carbon bonds via organic reactions, extending its application field. The Diels–Alder (DA) cycloaddition reaction is commonly used to decorate the carbon cage of fullerene. Furthermore, atoms, ions, clusters, and molecules can be inserted into the hollow carbon cage of a fullerene, thereby changing the electron transfer process within the fullerene cage and thus the reactivity of the as well as the regioselectivity of the DA cycloaddition reaction. Computer‐based theoretical modeling is an essential tool for studying chemistry. Herein, we provide a brief review of theoretical investigations into the cycloaddition mechanism of two most common fullerenes (C60 and C70), especially in terms of the effects of encapsulated chemical species based on the distortion–interaction model. We hope that the current mini review will provide a useful and interesting resource for researchers working on—or simply being interested in—the in silico investigation of fullerenes and their DA‐based modification.
Antagonistic activity of Trichoderma asperellum against Fusarium species, chemical profile and their efficacy for management of Fusarium‐root rot disease in dry bean
Authors: Elshahawy Ibrahim Elsaid , Marrez Diaa Attia
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Diseases caused by Fusarium pathogens lead to significant yield losses on many economically important crops. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antagonistic capability and chemical profile of the bioagent Trichoderma asperellum against several Fusarium strains. The efficacy of this strain in reducing Fusarium‐root rot disease in dry bean was also examined.

RESULTS

The T. asperellum strain was identified based on sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and tef1 gen regions of ribosomal DNA. Dual cultural assay demonstrated their antagonistic activity against the studied Fusarium strains due to the probable combination of competition, mycoparasitism and antibiosis. This strain was positive for cellulase, chitinase and protease activity. The crude extracts of T. asperellum significantly suppressed the growth of the tested Fusarium strains with inhibition zone values ranging from 7.3 to 19.7 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.15 to 1.42 mg mL−1. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of cell free supernatant and mycelial biomass of T. asperellum showed the presence of 27 and 21 compounds, respectively. The main compounds responsible for the bioactivity were butylated hydroxytoluene, hexadecanoic acid, 9‐octadecenoic acid, ergosterol and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester. Trichoderma asperellum significantly increased plant emergence and reduced root rot caused by Fusarium solani in dry bean grown under glasshouse and field trials. Further, plant biomass and dry bean yield were higher in T. asperellum‐treated plants than in control plants.

CONCLUSION

Trichoderma asperellum was highly effective, through various mechanisms, against Fusarium strains especially F. solani which causes root rot in dry bean. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
An Analysis of Thermoelectric Properties of Skutterudites
Authors: Saini Anuradha , Lone Umer Farooq
Published: October 2023

In the past two decades or so, thermoelectricity has made considerable progress with several new materials discovered and significant improvement in the performance of already‐existing materials. Among the different classes of materials, skutterudites have emerged as materials having tremendous potential for mid‐temperature thermoelectric applications such as energy harvesting, waste heat recovery, etc. Herein, the authors discuss the thermoelectric properties and latest research developments that have led to significant improvement in the thermoelectric performance of skutterudites by reducing their otherwise high thermal conductivity to a greater extent. The enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of skutterudites by various techniques such as nanostructuring and filling of voids is also briefly discussed.
Calculation of Graphene Work Function Variations Due to Alkali Metal + Oxygen Adsorption
Authors: Hu Huiqing , Nie Wenhui
Published: October 2023

Graphene has a high work function of 4.6 eV, and it can't be directly used as thermionic emission material. The graphene work function shows a decreasing trend in alkali metal/oxygen (AM/O) coadsorption experiments. Anderson–Newns (AN) model is a classical theoretical model for calculating the work function of adsorption surface. The present study, aiming at AM/O adsorption system, modifies and optimizes the AN model by redefining the calculation method of adsorption bond length λ and establishes the relationship between material work function, thermionic emission performance, and surface coverage. Based on the modified model, the influence of work function decline and thermionic emission performance of cesium/oxygen, potassium/oxygen, and sodium/oxygen graphene adsorption systems is studied. The results show that the work function of graphene affected by the three AM/O adsorbents is basically the same with the increase of coverage, and all of them quickly decrease to the lowest value and then increase slightly. The maximum work function declines are 3.51, 3.30, and 2.83 eV, respectively. At 1000 K, the maximum output current densities are 340, 36, and 0.15 A cm−2, respectively.
Quercetin ameliorates ulcerative colitis by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor to improve intestinal barrier integrity
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Xie Xuting , Li Yanyang , Xie Xueqian , Huang Shaowei , Pan Simin , Zou Yanling , Pan Zengfeng , Wang Qing , Chen Jinyan , Zhou Lian , Luo Xia
Published: October 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis is largely associated with intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. A therapeutic approach to UC involves the repair of damaged intestinal barrier. Our study aimed to investigate whether aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediated the intestinal barrier repair effects of quercetin to ameliorate UC. 3% dextran sulfate sodium was used to induce colitic mice, and quercetin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally for 10 days to assess the therapeutic effects. In vitro, Caco‐2 cells were used to explore the effect of quercetin on tight junction protein expression and AhR activation. The results showed that quercetin alleviated colitic mice by restoring tight junctions (TJs) integrity via an AhR‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). In vitro, quercetin dose‐dependently elevated the expressions of TJs protein ZO‐1 and Claudin1, and activated AhR by enhancing the expression of CYP1A1 and facilitating AhR nuclear translocation in Caco‐2 cells (p < 0.05). While AhR antagonist CH223191 reversed the therapeutic effects of quercetin (p < 0.05) and blocked quercetin‐induced AhR activation and enhancement of TJs protein (p < 0.05). In conclusion, quercetin repaired intestinal barrier dysfunction by activating AhR‐mediated enhancement of TJs to alleviate UC. Our research offered new perspectives on how quercetin enhanced intestinal barrier function.
Adaptive control for a class of high‐order nonlinear parameterized systems with multiple unknown control directions by switching linear controllers
Authors: Hu Yating , Ma Ruicheng , Fu Jun
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the adaptive control is investigated by switching linear controllers for a class of nonlinear parameterized systems with multiple unknown control directions. Parametric uncertainties entering the state equations nonlinearly can be fast time‐varying or jumping at unknown time instants, the bounds of the parametric uncertainties are not required to know a priori and the multiple control directions are unknown. Our proposed adaptive controller is a switching type controller. First, sufficient conditions for designing an adaptive stabilizer are derived. Then, a switching‐type adaptive controller is designed, in which a linear controller with two undetermined design parameters to be tuned is recursively designed by adding a power integrator, and a switching mechanism is proposed to tune these parameters online for compensating the multiple unknown control directions and the unknown bounds of the parametric uncertainties. The undetermined design parameters are based on the upper bound estimation of the unknown parameters existing not only in the nonlinear functions but also in the control directions functions. The proposed adaptive controller globally asymptotically stabilizes the system in the sense that, for any initial conditions, the state converges to the origin while all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Using web GIS to promote stakeholder understanding of scientific results in sustainable urban development: A case study in Bergen, Norway
Authors: Miles Victoria , Esau Igor , Pettersson Lasse
Published: October 2023

This paper highlights the importance of improving stakeholder understanding of environmental factors such as air quality and the urban heat island effect to achieve sustainable development goals. While accurate spatial and temporal environmental data are critical for sustainable solutions, the challenge lies in translating complex environmental information for non‐specialists. To solve this problem, we propose using web GIS storytelling as a powerful tool for communicating and disseminating information about the environment. This paper aims to show example of implementation of a web‐based geographic information system (GIS) on our case study in Bergen, Norway. This platform “Web GIS Bergen, air quality and thermal comfort” was created as an open portal. This document explains the components of the platform, their rationale, and implementation, which includes important steps. They involve the collection of relevant environmental data, including modeling results and remote sensing data. Futhermore, the design and interface of the platform has been carefully considered to provide a user‐friendly experience based on interactive maps and storytelling. Combining data visualization and storytelling, the platform promotes a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental data, including “invisible killers” such as air pollution and the urban heat island effect, which significantly affect sustainable development. The strategic integration of this web‐based GIS platform in Bergen can serve as an attractive model for other urban areas looking for practical tools for sustainable development, engaging stakeholders for a healthier and more sustainable urban future.