bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Come together over me: Cells that form the dermatocranium and chondrocranium in mice
Authors: Pitirri M. Kathleen , Richtsmeier Joan T. , Kawasaki Mizuho , Coupe Abigail P. , Perrine Susan Motch , Kawasaki Kazuhiko
Published: July 2023

Most bone develops either by intramembranous ossification where bone forms within a soft connective tissue, or by endochondral ossification by way of a cartilage anlagen or model. Bones of the skull can form endochondrally or intramembranously or represent a combination of the two types of ossification. Contrary to the classical definition of intramembranous ossification, we have previously described a tight temporo‐spatial relationship between cranial cartilages and dermal bone formation and proposed a mechanistic relationship between chondrocranial cartilage and dermal bone. Here, we further investigate this relationship through an analysis of how cells organize to form cranial cartilages and dermal bone. Using Wnt1‐Cre2 and Mesp1‐Cre transgenic mice, we determine the derivation of cells that comprise cranial cartilages from either cranial neural crest (CNC) or paraxial mesoderm (PM). We confirm a previously determined CNC‐PM boundary that runs through the hypophyseal fenestra in the cartilaginous braincase floor and identify four additional CNC‐PM boundaries in the chondrocranial lateral wall, including a boundary that runs along the basal and apical ends of the hypochiasmatic cartilage. Based on the knowledge that as osteoblasts differentiate from CNC‐ and PM‐derived mesenchyme, the differentiating cells express the transcription factor genes RUNX2 and osterix (OSX), we created a new transgenic mouse line called R2Tom. R2Tom mice carry a tdTomato reporter gene joined with an evolutionarily well‐conserved enhancer sequence of RUNX2. R2Tom mice crossed with Osx‐GFP mice yield R2Tom;Osx‐GFP double transgenic mice in which various stages of osteoblasts and their precursors are detected with different fluorescent reporters. We use the R2Tom;Osx‐GFP mice, new data on the cell derivation of cranial cartilages, histology, immunohistochemistry, and detailed morphological observations combined with data from other investigators to summarize the differentiation of cranial mesenchyme as it forms condensations that become chondrocranial cartilages and associated dermal bones of the lateral cranial wall. These data advance our previous findings of a tendency of cranial cartilage and dermal bone development to vary jointly in a coordinated manner, promoting a role for cranial cartilages in intramembranous bone formation.
Pseudo‐mutual gazing enhances interbrain synchrony during remote joint attention tasking
Authors: Chuang Chun‐Hsiang , Hsu Hao‐Che
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Mutual gaze enables people to share attention and increase engagement during social interactions through intentional and implicit messages. Although previous studies have explored gaze behaviors and neural mechanisms underlying in‐person eye contact, the growing prevalence of remote communication has raised questions about how to establish mutual gaze remotely and how the brains of interacting individuals synchronize.

Methods

To address these questions, we conducted a study using eye trackers to create a pseudo‐mutual gaze channel that mirrors the gazes of each interacting dyad on their respective remote screens. To demonstrate fluctuations in coupling across brains, we incorporated electroencephalographic hyperscanning techniques to simultaneously record the brain activity of interacting dyads engaged in a joint attention task in player‐observer, collaborative, and competitive modes.

Results

Our results indicated that mutual gaze could improve the efficiency of joint attention activities among remote partners. Moreover, by employing the phase locking value, we could estimate interbrain synchrony (IBS) and observe low‐frequency couplings in the frontal and temporal regions that varied based on the interaction mode. While dyadic gender composition significantly affected gaze patterns, it did not impact the IBS.

Conclusion

These results provide insight into the neurological mechanisms underlying remote interaction through the pseudo‐mutual gaze channel and have significant implications for developing effective online communication environments.
Body composition is associated with disease aetiology and prognosis in patients undergoing resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lurje Isabella , Uluk Deniz , Pavicevic Sandra , Phan Minh Duc , Eurich Dennis , Fehrenbach Uli , Geisel Dominik , Auer Timo Alexander , Pelzer Uwe , Modest Dominik Paul , Raschzok Nathanael , Sauer Igor Maximilian , Schöning Wenzel , Tacke Frank , Pratschke Johann , Lurje Georg
Published: July 2023

Background

Body composition alterations are frequent in patients with cancer or chronic liver disease, but their prognostic value remains unclear in many cancer entities.

Objective

We investigated the impact of disease aetiology and body composition after surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), a rare and understudied cancer entity in European and North American cohorts.

Methods

Computer tomography‐based assessment of body composition at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was performed in 173 patients undergoing curative‐intent liver resection for iCCA at the Department of Surgery, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Muscle mass and ‐composition as well as subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue quantity were determined semi‐automatically. (Secondary) sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, myosteatosis, visceral and subcutaneous obesity were correlated to clinicopathological data.

Results

Sarcopenia was associated with post‐operative morbidity (intraoperative transfusions [p = 0.027], Clavien–Dindo ≥ IIIb complications [p = 0.030], post‐operative comprehensive complication index, CCI [p < 0.001]). Inferior overall survival was noted in patients with myosteatosis (33 vs. 23 months, p = 0.020).

Fifty‐eight patients (34%) had metabolic (dysfunction)‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and had a significantly higher incidence of sarcopenic (p = 0.006), visceral (p < 0.001) and subcutaneous obesity (p < 0.001). Patients with MAFLD had longer time‐to‐recurrence (median: 38 vs. 12 months, p = 0.025, log‐rank test). Multivariable cox regression analysis confirmed only clinical, and not body, composition parameters (age > 65, fresh frozen plasma transfusions) as independently prognostic for overall survival.

Conclusion

This study evidenced a high prevalence of MAFLD in iCCA, suggesting its potential contribution to disease aetiology. Alterations of muscle mass and adipose tissue were more frequent in patients with MAFLD.
A call for approaches to absenteeism in post‐pandemic education
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: July 2023

In this month's CABL, an article by Lewis‐de Los Angeles et al. (see page 1) addresses the increase in school refusal or avoidance over the last few years. This is undoubtedly a significant issue, and in addition to this month's article, we also discussed absenteeism more generally in a commentary last winter (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cbl.30684).
Stochastic Nucleation for Feedback‐Controlled Cooling Crystallization without Seeding
Authors: Sugita Kazuta , Unno Joi , Hirasawa Izumi
Published: July 2023

The dispersion of batch time, i.e., the time for finalizing batch crystallization satisfying batch end conditions, in internally seeded cooling crystallization with direct nucleation control (DNC) was estimated by computer simulation. The batch time is considered to disperse at such crystallization due to stochastic nucleation. In this study, first, a population balance equation was digitized for numerical calculation, and the simulation was developed in MATLAB. Then, repetitive simulations of internally seeded cooling crystallization considering stochastic nucleation with DNC were performed. Finally, the batch time of each simulation was arranged. As a result, it was found that there is little batch time dispersion in crystallization controlled by DNC and without adding seed.
Spontaneous Decoration of Ultrasmall Pt Nanoparticles on Size‐Separated MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Lobo Kenneth , Gangaiah Vijaya Kumar , Alex Chandraraj , John Neena S. , Ramakrishna Matte H. S. S.
Published: July 2023

Liquid exfoliation can be considered as a viable approach for the scalable production of 2D materials due to its various benefits, although the polydispersity in the obtained nanosheet size hinders their straightforward incorporation. Size‐separation can help alleviate these concerns, however a correlation between nanosheet size and property needs to be established to bring about size‐specific applicability. Herein, size‐selected aqueous nanosheet dispersions have been obtained via centrifugation‐based protocols, and their chemical activity in the spontaneous reduction of chloroplatinic acid is investigated. Growth of ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles was achieved on nanosheet surfaces without a need for reducing agents, and stark differences in the nanoparticle coverage were observed as a function of nanosheet size. Defects in the nanosheets were probed via Raman spectroscopy, and correlated to the observed size‐activity. Additionally, the effect of reaction temperature during synthesis was investigated. The electrochemical activity of the ultrasmall Pt nanoparticle decorated MoS2 nanosheets was evaluated for the hydrogen evolution reaction, and enhancement in performance was observed with nanosheet size, and nanoparticle decoration density. These findings shine light on the significance of nanosheet size in controlling spontaneous reduction reactions, and provide a deeper insight to intrinsic properties of liquid exfoliated nanosheets.
Alkyl Chains Modulated Magnetization Dynamics of Mononuclear Trigonal Prismatic CoII Complexes
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Han Zongsu , Gou Xiaoshuang , Shi Wei , Zhang Yi‐Quan , Cheng Peng
Published: July 2023

Four benzeneboron‐capped mononuclear CoII complexes with different alkyl substitutions on the fourth position of phenylboronic acid were obtained. The CoII ions are all wrapped by the pocket‐like ligands and located in trigonal prismatic coordination geometries. Alternating‐current magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that they show different magnetization dynamics, such as distinct relaxation rates at the same temperature, the faster QTM rates for the ethyl and propyl substituted complexes, as well as different relaxation processes. Magneto‐structural correlation study reveals that the various deviations of coordination geometry of CoII ion, diverse crystal packings and possible different vibration modes of substituents caused by modifying alkyl chains are the key factors affecting the magnetization dynamics. This work demonstrates that the alkyl chains even locating far away from the metal center can have a large impact on the magnetic behavior of the CoII complex with a very rigid coordination geometry, offering a new perspective towards transition metal based single‐molecule magnets.
Emissive Click Cages
Authors: Maji Suman , Samanta Jayanta , Samanta Krishanu , Natarajan Ramalingam
Published: July 2023

This study reports the synthesis of cofacial organic cage molecules containing aggregation‐induced emissive (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens) through four‐fold Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) “click” reactions. The shorter AIEgen, tetraphenylethylene (TPE), afforded two orientational isomers (TPE‐CC‐1A and TPE‐CC‐1B). The longer AIEgen, tetrabiphenylethylene (TBPE), afforded a single isomer (TBPE‐CC‐2). The click reaction employed is irreversible, yet it yielded remarkable four‐fold click products above 40 %. The phenyl rings around the ethylene core generate propeller‐shaped chirality owing to their orientation, which influences the chirality of the resulting cages. The shorter cages are a mixture of PP/MM isomers, while the longer ones are a mixture of PM/MP isomers, as evidenced by their x‐ray structures. The newly synthesized cage molecules are emissive even in dilute solutions (THF) and exhibit enhanced AIE upon the addition of water. The aggregated cage molecules in aqueous solution exhibit turn‐off emission sensing of nitroaromatic explosives, with selectivity to picric acid in the 25–38 nanomolar detection range.
Non‐Covalent Supramolecular 1D Alternating Copolymer in Crystal toward 2D Anisotropic Photon Transport
Authors: Nakabayashi Mahiro , Matsuo Takumi , Hayashi Shotaro
Published: July 2023

To realize organic integrated optoelectronic circuits, there is a need for anisotropic optical waveguides at the micro/nanoscale. Anisotropic alignment of one‐dimensional‐ordered supramolecular structures composed of light‐emissive π‐conjugated molecules in a crystal may meet the requirements of such waveguides. Here, a bipyridyl‐appended acrylonitrile‐based π‐conjugated molecule was designed, which produced a one‐dimensional supramolecular polymer constructed through non‐covalent bonding between a lone pair in bipyridyl and a σ‐hole in 1,4‐diiodo‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzene. The one‐dimensional copolymer of bipyridyl and 1,4‐diiodo‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzene is aligned horizontally with the two‐dimensional crystal surface because of the angle‐controlled supramolecular synthons. As a result of control over the non‐covalent bonding direction, anisotropic photoluminescence and photon transport (optical waveguiding) characteristics are realized by orienting the transition dipole moment horizontally with respect to the two‐dimensional surface. Compared with the loss coefficient αL=52 dB cm−1 for the long‐axis direction of the two‐dimensional platelet cocrystal, a very large difference of αS=2111 dB cm−1 is present in the crystal short‐axis direction. The anisotropic waveguiding ability, αL/αS, is estimated to be 41, which is more than an order of magnitude greater than previously reported two‐dimensional platelet crystal waveguides. This supramolecular synthon provides an approach to designing anisotropic photon transporters and highly regulated optical logic circuits.
Isonitrile‐Proline ‐ A Versatile Handle for the Chemoselective Derivatization of Collagen Peptides
Authors: Antoniazzi Giuseppe , Schäfer Rebecca J. B. , Biedermann Maurice , Rüttimann Eric , Wennemers Helma
Published: July 2023

Functional groups that allow for chemoselective and bioorthogonal derivatization are valuable tools for the labelling of peptides and proteins. The isonitrile is such a group but synthetic methods for its incorporation into peptides by solid‐phase peptide synthesis are not known. Here, we introduce (4S)‐ and (4R)‐isonitrileproline (Inp) as building blocks for solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Conformational studies of (4S)‐ and (4R)‐Inp and thermal stability analysis of Inp‐containing collagen triple helices revealed that the isonitrile group exerts a stereoelectronic gauche effect. We showcase the value of Inp for bioorthogonal labelling by derivatization of Inp‐containing collagen model peptides (CMPs). Dual labelling with a pair of bioorthogonal reactions of a CMP containing Inp and azidoproline residues further highlights the versatility of the new isonitrile‐containing amino acids.
Tailoring the Surface of Aluminum‐Enriched Diatom Biosilica
Authors: Köhler Lydia , Kaskel Stefan , Brunner Eike
Published: July 2023

Aluminosilicates are widely used as sorbent materials, ion exchangers, and catalysts. While they are often synthesized by hydrothermal methods, microorganisms may open “green” synthesis ways. Diatoms can incorporate aluminum into their micro‐ and nanostructured silica‐based cell walls. Thus, diatoms create intricately structured aluminosilicate materials. The present study investigates not only possible morphological changes during the in vivo Al‐enrichment of the diatom species Thalassiosira pseudonana, but also the increase of the specific surface area of Al‐enriched biosilica in vitro by etching with alkaline solutions.
Synergetic and anomalous effect of CNTs in the sulphide‐based binary composite for an extraordinary and asymmetric supercapacitor device
Authors: Rehman Asad Ur , Afzal Amir Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Ali Muhammad , Mohammad Wabaidur Saikh , Al‐Ammar Essam A. , Imran Muhammad , Mumtaz Sohail , Ha Choi Eun , Muzaffar Nimra
Published: July 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attained great interest from researchers due to their excellent electrical conductivity, vast surface area, and good chemical stability. In this work, the sulphide‐based composite Ag2S@ZnS was synthesized using the hydrothermal method and was doped with CNTs in various weight percentage ratios. The structural and morphological characteristics of the samples were evaluated by employing X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), X‐ray photo spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) were also executed for their electrochemical characterization. The performance of the Ag2S@ZnS electrode was enhanced after the doping of CNTs because of their synergistic effect. An extraordinary specific capacity (Qs) of 946.5 Cg−1 (262.91 mAh g−1) was exhibited by Ag2S@ZnS with 50% CNTs doping (Ag2S@ZnS/CNT‐50%), which is significantly greater than the reference samples. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor was designed and assessed for its electrochemical properties. The specific capacity of the asymmetric supercapacitor reached 148.62 Cg−1 (41.28 mAh g−1). The device showed improved stability and retained the 87% initial capacity after 5000 cycles. The energy and power densities were found to be 33.02 Wh kg−1 at 639.98 W kg−1, respectively, with a high value of coulombic efficiency of 92%. The device succeeded in acquiring a higher power density of 3200 W kg−1 for an energy density of 4 Wh kg−1. These astonishing results provide opportunities to design high‐performance electrode materials for extraordinary energy storage devices.
A novel PID type iterative learning controller optimized by two‐dimensional infinite horizon linear quadratic iterative learning control for batch processes
Authors: Li Haisheng , Bai Jianjun , Zou Hongbo , Wu Feng
Published: July 2023

Although a proportional integral derivative type iterative learning control (PIDILC) scheme can achieve good performance, its application is limited by open‐loop structure, parameter tuning, and initial state. In this paper, a novel PIDILC optimized by two‐dimensional infinite horizon linear quadratic regulator (PIDILC‐2D‐IHLQR) is proposed. First, by synthesizing the advantage of the conventional PIDILC method and proportional integral derivative (PID) strategy, a novel closed‐loop PIDILC scheme is obtained. Then, a novel two‐dimensional infinite horizon linear quadratic regulator (2D‐IHLQR) is developed to optimize the parameters of the PIDILC strategy. The limitations of parameter tuning and initial state are solved by this PIDILC‐2D‐IHLQR method. Therefore, the proposed method not only solves the aforementioned limitations but also inherits the advantages of PIDILC algorithm, PID method, and the novel 2D‐IHLQR scheme. Moreover, a stability condition is given based on Lyapunov theory and it can help judge whether the selection of control parameters meets the stability condition. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by the case study on an injection modelling process.
Research Progress on Spider‐Inspired Tough Fibers†
Authors: Liu Shiyong , Cui Zhanpeng , Liu Zunfeng , Zhao Weiqiang , Zhou Xiang
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Spider silk has attracted increasing attention due to its fascinating combination of ultra‐high tenacity high strength, and excellent elasticity. Based on the fundamental biological studies on spider silk, significant research efforts have been devoted to biotechnology and chemical synthesis to mimic or even exceed the properties of natural spider silk fibers. Moreover, the natural spider silk fiber has been simulated with the burgeoning development of numerous spinning technologies, including wet spinning, dry spinning, electrostatic spinning, and microfluidic spinning, which continuously help to optimize the properties of synthetic spider silk. The unique characteristics of natural spider silk include high refraction transmission, heat resistance, antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility, and super shrinking. Biconical recreation of spider silk with special features and extraordinary capabilities demonstrates potential applications in biomedicine, smart wearables, artificial muscles and sensors, aerospace and other domains.
Lower jaw‐to‐forepaw rapid and delayed reorganization in the rat forepaw barrel subfield in primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Pellicer‐Morata Violeta , Wang Lie , Curry Amy de Jongh , Tsao Jack W. , Waters Robert S.
Published: July 2023

We used the forepaw barrel subfield (FBS), that normally receives input from the forepaw skin surface, in rat primary somatosensory cortex as a model system to study rapid and delayed lower jaw‐to‐forepaw cortical reorganization. Single and multi‐unit recording from FBS neurons was used to examine the FBS for the presence of “new” lower jaw input following deafferentations that include forelimb amputation, brachial plexus nerve cut, and brachial plexus anesthesia. The major findings are as follows: (1) immediately following forelimb deafferentations, new input from the lower jaw becomes expressed in the anterior FBS; (2) 7–27 weeks after forelimb amputation, new input from the lower jaw is expressed in both anterior and posterior FBS; (3) evoked response latencies recorded in the deafferented FBS following electrical stimulation of the lower jaw skin surface are significantly longer in both rapid and delayed deafferents compared to control latencies for input from the forepaw to reach the FBS or for input from lower jaw to reach the LJBSF; (4) the longer latencies suggest that an additional relay site is imposed along the somatosensory pathway for lower jaw input to access the deafferented FBS. We conclude that different sources of input and different mechanisms underlie rapid and delayed reorganization in the FBS and suggest that these findings are relevant, as an initial step, for developing a rodent animal model to investigate phantom limb phenomena.
Effects of tumour heterogeneous properties on modelling the transport of radiative particles
Authors: Juma Victor Ogesa , Sainz‐DeMena Diego , Sánchez María Teresa , García‐Aznar José Manuel
Published: July 2023

Dose calculation plays a critical role in radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning, and there is a growing need to develop accurate dose deposition models that incorporate heterogeneous tumour properties. Deterministic models have demonstrated their capability in this regard, making them the focus of recent treatment planning studies as they serve as a basis for simplified models in RT treatment planning. In this study, we present a simplified deterministic model for photon transport based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) as a proof‐of‐concept to illustrate the impact of heterogeneous tumour properties on RT treatment planning. We employ the finite element method (FEM) to simulate the photon flux and dose deposition in real cases of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and neuroblastoma (NB) tumours. Importantly, in light of the availability of pipelines capable of extracting tumour properties from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, we highlight the significance of such data. Specifically, we utilise cellularity data extracted from DIPG and NB MRI images to demonstrate the importance of heterogeneity in dose calculation. Our model simplifies the process of simulating a RT treatment system and can serve as a useful starting point for further research. To simulate a full RT treatment system, one would need a comprehensive model that couples the transport of electrons and photons.
Dual Role of Silicon‐based Matrices in Electron Exchange Matrices for Waste Treatment
Authors: Cohen Noy , Shamir Dror , Kornweitz Haya , Albo Yael , Burg Ariela
Published: July 2023

Para chloro aniline (PCA) is a common toxic pollutant found in pharmaceutical wastewater. Our study suggests a novel PCA treatment method based on a heterogeneous advanced oxidation process (AOP) that proceeds in an electron exchange matrix (EEM) prepared by the incorporation of redox‐active specie in silica matrices using the sol‐gel synthesis route. The results, which are supported by DFT calculations, show that the silicon skeleton of the EEM has two important roles, both as a porous matrix that hosts the redox species and as an oxidant species involved in the AOP. The calculations indicate that the formation of a radical on the nitrogen is favored. The suggested mechanism could shed light on the AOP, which proceeds in a heterogenous system, and on its application inside the understudied EEMs that, until now, have been a virtual black box.

A better understanding of the mechanism could lead to improved control over the heterogeneous processes that can play a critical role in industries with the need to treat small amounts of toxic compounds at low concentrations, such as in the pharmaceutical industry.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C–H Olefination for Nucleic Acid Production
Authors: Xie Ruoqian , Han Yunxi , Luo Wenhao , Zhao Qin , Li Yangyan , Chen Gang
Published: July 2023

The palladium‐catalyzed direct C–H olefination of unprotected uridine, 2′‐deoxyuridine, uridine monophosphate, and uridine analogues are described here. This protocol provides an efficient, atom‐economical, and environmentally friendly method for the introduction of an alkenyl group at the C5 position of the uracil without pre‐functionalization. A series of C5‐alkenylated uridine analogues, including some biologically significant compounds and potential pharmaceutical candidates, were synthesized with exposed hydroxyl groups on the ribose. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: The reaction of uridine, 2′‐deoxyuridine, and sofosbuvir for the C–H olefination with methyl acrylate

Basic Protocol 2: The reaction of uridine and 2′‐deoxyuridine for the C–H olefination with styrene
Genetic improvement of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield in the Northern Great Plains of North America, 1959–2021
Authors: Boehm Jeffrey D. , Masterson Steve , Palmer Nathan , Cai Xiwen , Miguez Fernando
Published: July 2023

Plant breeding progress is often based on assessments of genetic gain, a measure of year‐on‐year improvement of newly developed varieties for important traits of interest. Herein, we present data from the USDA‐coordinated hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Northern Regional Performance Nursery (NRPN) collected from 1959 to 2021 for grain yield, grain volume weight, days‐to‐heading, and plant height and use it to estimate absolute and relative rates of genetic gain (loss) of the control cultivar "Kharkof" for winter wheats adapted to the Northern Great Plains of North America. Regression analyses revealed significant relative grain yield increases of 0.67% Kharkof year−1 or 39.2 kg ha−1 year−1 for the NRPN over the 63‐year period. From 2008 to 2021, however, negative linear relationships were observed for relative grain yield for all NRPN entries and the five highest yielding NRPN lines each year, with genetic grain yield losses estimated at −0.95 and −0.79% Kharkof year−1, respectively. Surprisingly, genetic progress for grain yield in the NRPN was limited to just 8.9 kg ha−1 year−1 over the past 13 years. Moreover, linear‐plateau models significantly (p < 0.0001) fit all relative and absolute yield datasets from 1959 to 2021, with yield plateaus beginning by 2008 for all groups. These results support that winter wheats adapted to the Northern Great Plains have reached an upper yield plateau and could be nearing a yield potential ceiling due to global warming or other combined abiotic and biotic environmental stressors that are straining the biophysical limits of the crop.
Emotion regulation and reactivity are associated with cortical thickness in early to mid‐childhood
Authors: Ewell Arcadia , Allard Tamara , Botdorf Morgan , Ji Angela , Riggins Tracy
Published: July 2023

This study explored the neural correlates of emotion regulation and emotional reactivity in early to mid‐childhood. A sample of 96 children (70% White, mid‐to‐high socioeconomic status) aged 3–8 years provided structural neuroimaging data and caregivers reported on emotion regulation and emotional reactivity. The amygdala, insula, inferior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and medial orbitofrontal cortex were explored as a priori regions of interest (ROIs). ROI analyses revealed that emotion regulation was positively associated with cortical thickness in the insula, whereas emotional reactivity was negatively associated with cortical thickness in the inferior frontal gyrus. Exploratory whole‐brain analyses suggested positive associations between emotion regulation and both left superior temporal thickness and right inferior temporal thickness, as well as negative associations between emotional reactivity and left superior temporal thickness. There were no significant associations between emotional regulation or reactivity and amygdala volume or cortical surface area. These findings support the notion that surface area and cortical thickness are distinct measures of brain maturation. In sum, these findings suggest that children may rely on a wider set of neural regions for emotion regulation and reactivity than adults, which is consistent with theories of interactive specialization across the life span.
Synthesis of Berkeleylactone A by Ring‐Closing Alkyne Metathesis
Authors: Schmidt Frank , Viswanathan Ammanath Aparna , Götz Friedrich , Maier Martin E.
Published: July 2023

A new route to the macrolactone antibiotic berkeleylactone A was developed. As a key step, a ring‐closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM) of an ester substrate featuring 1‐propynyl termini was used. The carboxylic part of the substrate was easily assembled using alkyne chemistry, like carboxylation of a diyne followed by isomerization of the ynoate section to a dienoate and dihydroxylation of the 4,5‐double bond. The synthesis of the alcohol part of the ester started with opening of (R)‐propylene oxide with an acetylide and was followed by two triple bond migrations. After successful RCAM which formed the C8−C9 bond, the triple bond was selectively hydrogenated to the corresponding alkene before the 4,5‐diol was oxidized to the 5‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo derivative. At this stage, the thioether was formed and the 8,9‐double bond reduced. We also prepared the 8,9‐didehydro analog of berkeleylactone A. However, it turned out that its antimicrobial activity was slightly reduced.
Organophotocatalyzed Synthesis of Vinyl‐SCF3 and Benzoyl‐SCF3 Using a New N‐(SCF3)(CF3)‐Shelf‐Stable Reagent
Authors: Yang Yi , Tang Renhe , Abid Seifallah , Khrouz Lhoussain , Vantourout Julien C. , Tlili Anis
Published: July 2023

We report the photocatalyzed C−SCF3 bond formation using a new shelf‐stable PhPh‐N‐(SCF3)(CF3) reagent I in combination with 4CzIPN as organophotocatalyst under blue LED irradiation. While the synthesis of vinyl‐SCF3 is performed in the presence of bromide salts as an activator of reagent I, the synthesis of trifluoromethylthioesters was undertaken using aldehydes as starting material in the presence of a hydrogen atom transfer catalyst (HAT). Preliminary mechanistic investigations including EPR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry analysis shed the light on the reaction mechanisms.
Understanding the benefits and challenges of creating customized flex‐path degrees
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2023

CHICAGO — Creating customized degrees is a way to serve the needs of your local marketplace, both by providing skilled workers and by offering adult learners a chance to pursue something directly in line with their own career goals and interests. But scaling these programs — making it possible to have a wide range of options for your students without competing internally with your own programs — can prove to be a challenge.
Five questions with Tracy Jackson of Duquesne University
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: July 2023

On occasion, our marketing column will profile a communications professional via a “Five questions with” feature to give you an inside look at what's happening in departments like yours. This month, we introduce you to Tracy Jackson, executive director of marketing at Duquesne University. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne, a Catholic University, is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the country. (Spiritans are part of a Roman Catholic group founded in France in 1703 called the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.)
Burst of hopping trafficking correlated reversible dynamic interactions between lipid droplets and mitochondria under starvation
Authors: Ye Zhongju , Hu Chengyuan , Wang Junli , Liu Hua , Li Luping , Yuan Jie , Ha Ji Won , Li Zhaohui , Xiao Lehui
Published: July 2023

Dynamic membrane contacts between lipid droplets (LDs) and mitochondria play key roles in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Understanding the dynamics of LDs under energy stimulation is thereby crucial to disclosing the metabolic mechanism. Here, the reversible interactions between LDs and mitochondria are tracked in real‐time using a robust LDs‐specific fluorescent probe (LDs‐Tags). Through tracking the dynamics of LDs at the single‐particle level, spatiotemporal heterogeneity is revealed. LDs in starved cells communicate and integrate their activities (i.e., lipid exchange) through a membrane contact site‐mediated mechanism. Thus the diffusion is intermittently alternated between active and confined states. Statistical analysis shows that the translocation of LDs in response to starvation stress is non‐Gaussian, and obeys nonergodic‐like behavior. These results provide deep understanding of the anomalous diffusion of LDs in living cells, and also afford guidance for rationally designing efficient transporter.
Global knowledge gaps of herptile responses to land transformation
Authors: Nori Javier , Cordier Javier Maximiliano , Osorio‐Olvera Luis , Hortal Joaquín
Published: July 2023

Understanding how species respond to land transformation is an essential step toward the development of effective conservation policies. This is especially urgent in deforestation hotspots, and for those groups particularly sensitive to changes in land cover. However, the scarcity of data on population trends is among the most pervasive shortfalls in biodiversity knowledge, hampering the design of effective conservation. This deficiency is commonly addressed by comparing population sizes between natural and transformed land‐cover types. Here we mapped the global knowledge (and knowledge gaps) about changes in the abundance of amphibian and reptile populations in natural and transformed land cover, with an emphasis on deforestation hotspots. Notably, our results show that there is scant information even about this proxy of population trends. On average, data are absent for 75% of amphibians and 83% of reptiles within each grid cell worldwide. Moreover, such information is extremely rare for deforestation fronts, and that which does exist comes from populations external to these areas. Strategic investment to fill these data gaps, especially in deforestation hotspots, is a crucial step to guide conservation policy making.
Webs of science: mentor networks influence women's integration into STEM fields
Authors: Hernandez Paul R , Patterson Megan S , Nyanamba Juliet M , Adams Amanda S , Barnes Rebecca T , Bloodhart Brittany , Burt Melissa , Clinton Sandra M , Pollack Ilana B , Fischer Emily V
Published: July 2023

Mentorship can be part of the solution to developing a more diverse global scientific workforce, but robust longitudinal evidence is limited. Developmental mentor network theory can advance our understanding of the impact of a wide range of mentors across social contexts by distinguishing between the content of mentorship support (eg career support) and the structural characteristics of an individual's mentor network (eg density of connections among mentors). We tested the influence of mentor network characteristics on longitudinal social integration into the Earth and environmental sciences, as indicated by science identity development (a key indicator of social integration) and graduate‐school applications in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)‐related fields of study, based on a sample of 233 undergraduate women at nine universities in the US. Our findings indicated that belonging to close‐knit, larger, and skill‐focused mentorship networks creates a “sticky web” of social connections, providing information and resources that increase retention of college women in the Earth and environmental sciences.
High‐accuracy machine learning techniques for functional connectome fingerprinting and cognitive state decoding
Authors: Hannum Andrew , Lopez Mario A. , Blanco Saúl A. , Betzel Richard F.
Published: July 2023

The human brain is a complex network comprised of functionally and anatomically interconnected brain regions. A growing number of studies have suggested that empirical estimates of brain networks may be useful for discovery of biomarkers of disease and cognitive state. A prerequisite for realizing this aim, however, is that brain networks also serve as reliable markers of an individual. Here, using Human Connectome Project data, we build upon recent studies examining brain‐based fingerprints of individual subjects and cognitive states based on cognitively demanding tasks that assess, for example, working memory, theory of mind, and motor function. Our approach achieves accuracy of up to 99% for both identification of the subject of an fMRI scan, and for classification of the cognitive state of a previously unseen subject in a scan. More broadly, we explore the accuracy and reliability of five different machine learning techniques on subject fingerprinting and cognitive state decoding objectives, using functional connectivity data from fMRI scans of a high number of subjects (865) across a number of cognitive states (8). These results represent an advance on existing techniques for functional connectivity‐based brain fingerprinting and state decoding. Additionally, 16 different functional connectome (FC) matrix construction pipelines are compared in order to characterize the effects of different aspects of the production of FCs on the accuracy of subject and task classification, and to identify possible confounds.
Determinants of pre‐eclampsia among pregnant women attending antenatal care and delivery services at Bahir Dar public hospitals, northwest Ethiopia: A case‐control study
Authors: Tesfa Endalamaw , Munshea Abaineh , Nibret Endalkachew , Gizaw Solomon Tebeje
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy‐related syndrome that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The current study was designed to evaluate the determinants of PE in pregnant women following antenatal and delivery services.

Methods

An institution‐based case‐control study was performed in governmental hospitals of Bahir Dar city. The data were collected using an interview‐administered questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were utilized for the analysis of variables. A p < 0.05 was used to declare the level of significance.

Results

In this study, the mean ages (in years) of cases and controls were 28.20 ± 5.66 and 27.52 ± 4.70, respectively. Factors such as: being primiparous (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.19 at 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71, 5.97), family history of hypertension (HTN) (AOR: 4.14 at 95% CI: 1.71, 10.05), previous history of PE (AOR: 7.97 at 95% CI: 2.42, 26.63), number of antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR: 5.43 at 95% CI: 2.86, 10.33), not taking iron and folic acid supplement (AOR: 4.46 at 95% CI: 1.59, 12.48), body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 (AOR: 3.47 at 95% CI: 1.78, 6.77), not consuming vegetables (AOR: 1.99 at 95% CI: 1.07, 3.69) and not consuming egg, milk and milk products (AOR: 3.00 at 95% CI: 1.47, 6.11) were the determinants of PE.

Conclusion

In this study, different determinants of PE were identified. Hence, special attention should be given for primiparous women, women having previous history of PE and family history of HTN. Moreover, nutritional counseling should be given for pregnant women during ANC visits. Besides, higher officials should design an appropriate strategy to increase the number of mothers to complete their ANC visits and to take iron and folic acid supplements. Furthermore, to verify the determinants of PE, community‐based cohort studies are warranted.
Anti‐tumor and cardiotoxic effects of microtubule polymerization inhibitors: The mechanisms and management strategies
Authors: Tochinai Ryota , Nagashima Yoshiyasu , Sekizawa Shin‐ichi , Kuwahara Masayoshi
Published: July 2023

Microtubule polymerization inhibitors (MPIs) have long been used as anticancer agents because they inhibit mitosis. Microtubules are thought to play an important role in the migration of tumor cells and the formation of tumor blood vessels, and new MPIs are being developed. Many clinical trials of novel MPIs have been conducted in humans, while some clinical studies in dogs have also been reported. More attempts to apply MPIs not only in humans but also in the veterinary field are expected to be made in the future. Meanwhile, MPIs have a risk of cardiotoxicity. In this paper, we review findings on the pharmacological effects and cardiotoxicity of MPIs, as well as the mechanisms of their cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity of MPIs involves not only the direct effects of MPIs on cardiomyocytes but also their effects on vascular function. For example, hypertension induced by impaired vascular function also contributes to the exacerbation of myocardial damage, and blood pressure control may be useful in reducing cardiotoxicity. By combined administration of MPIs and other anticancer agents, MPI efficacy may be enhanced, thereby potentially allowing to keep MPI dosage low. Measurement of myocardial injury markers in blood and echocardiography may be useful for monitoring cardiotoxicity. In particular, two‐dimensional speckle tracking may have high sensitivity for the early detection of MPI‐induced cardiac dysfunction. The exploration of the potential of new MPIs while understanding their toxicity and how to deal with them will lead to the further development of cancer chemotherapy.
More frequent naps are associated with lower cognitive development in a cohort of 8–38‐month‐old children, during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gliga Teodora , Hendry Alexandra , Kong Shannon P. , Ewing Ben , Davies Catherine , McGillion Michelle , Gonzalez‐Gomez Nayeli
Published: July 2023

Background

How often a child naps, during infancy, is believed to reflect both intrinsic factors, that is, the need of an immature brain to consolidate information soon after it is acquired, and environmental factors. Difficulty accounting for important environmental factors that interfere with a child's sleep needs (e.g., attending daycare) has clouded our ability to understand the role of intrinsic drivers of napping frequency.

Methods

Here we investigate sleep patterns in association with two measures of cognitive ability, vocabulary size, measured with the Oxford‐Communicative Development Inventory (N = 298) and cognitive executive functions (EF), measured with the Early EF Questionnaire (N = 463), in a cohort of 8–38‐month‐olds. Importantly, because of the social distancing measures imposed during the Covid‐19 Spring 2020 lockdown, in the UK, measures of sleep were taken when children did not access daycare settings.

Results

We find that children with more frequent but shorter naps than expected for their age had lower concurrent receptive vocabularies, lower cognitive EF and a slower increase in expressive vocabulary from spring to winter 2020, when age, sex, and SES were accounted for. The negative association between vocabulary and frequency of naps became stronger with age.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the structure of daytime sleep is an indicator of cognitive development and highlight the importance of considering environmental perturbations and age when investigating developmental correlates of sleep.
Record of a juvenile of Ahytherium aureum from the Late Pleistocene of the Brazilian Intertropical Region: radiocarbon dating, isotopic palaeoecology and evidence of predation by a Felidae
Authors: Costa João Paulo da , de Araújo‐Júnior Hermínio Ismael , Barbosa Fernando Henrique de Souza , Dantas Mário André Trindade
Published: July 2023

Teeth and bone remains belonging to the juvenile Megalonychidae family were found in Engrunado cave (Nova Redenção, Bahia, Brazil). We propose an index between the mesiodistal/vestibulo‐lingual measurements of caniniforms and molariforms (Imd/vl) to differentiate isolated teeth of Ahytherium aureum and Australonyx aquae, and based on this index, we suggest that the fossil material belonged to A. aureum. The diaphysis of the right humerus of A. aureum presents biogenic marks assigned to the ichnospecies Nihilichnus nihilicus, suggesting dietary interactions and potential predation by a large felid. Radiocarbon dating and carbon and oxygen isotopic analyses suggest that this individual lived in the region between 36 181 and 41 094 Cal yr 
bp, feeding on C3 plant resources (fruit and leaves) in a low‐density forest. The revision of radiocarbon dating and carbon and oxygen isotopes for some species found in the Engrunado cave and in the nearby Marota cave enables a climate reconstruction and indicates the maintenance of a forested environment in the region between 15 and 40 kyr.
Modeling‐based performance assessment of an indigenous macro‐catchment water harvesting technique (Marab) in the Jordanian Badia
Authors: Renzi Niccolò , Villani Lorenzo , Haddad Mira , Strohmeier Stefan , el Din Muhi , Al Widyan Jaafar , Bresci Elena , Castelli Giulio
Published: July 2023

Water resources management is fundamental for rural communities in drylands, where water harvesting technologies (WHT) can be used for intercepting surface runoff and storing water in soils. The so‐called “Marab” WHT was initially developed by Middle Eastern agro‐pastoralists that reside or commute in semi‐arid and arid rangelands. The Marab WHT is a macro‐catchment measure consisting of earth dams and stone spillways along the contours of a lowland depression or floodplain. Dependent on the local context (i.e., climate, soil, management, etc.), the established Marabs show highly variable effectiveness and little scientific evidence is supporting the scaling out of the technology. This study aims at filling the knowledge gap on the Marab performance in different environments by simulating its hydro‐agrological effects for different soils and climatic conditions using the AquaCrop model. A case study performed for a Jordanian Marab over three seasons (2019–2022) confirms its huge improvement potential for barley production. Through Marab‐based farming, barley production reached 8.37 t ha−1on average, versus highly variable 0.34 t ha−1without the WHT. The simulation‐based assessment of soil textures identified that silty soils have the largest potential for producing up to 9.25 t ha−1barley, compared to 6.60 t ha−1produced in clay soils. Assessing different climate scenarios, a slight increase in daily average temperatures (+0.5°C) led to a considerable production decline of 4%–8%, while a significant reduction of precipitation (−20%) decreased biomass production by a similar rate (4%–10%). This underlines the robustness of the “Marab” WHT to rainfall amount variation. However, simulations also highlight the sensitivity of timing and frequency of flood events: removing the last and the first flood event reduced biomass production by approximately 50% and 80%, respectively, while the barley fails to develop if both events were suppressed.