bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Thermal Drying Synthesis of Nonthiolated Spherical Nucleic Acids with Stability Rivaling Thiolated DNA
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Zhansen , Li Zihe , Huang Kunlun , Cheng Nan , Liu Juewen
Published: August 2024

Attaching DNA oligonucleotides to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to prepare spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) has offered tremendous insights into surface chemistry with resulting bioconjugates serving as critical reagents in biosensors and nanotechnology. While thiolated DNA is generally required to achieve stable conjugates, we herein communicate that using a thermal drying method, a high DNA density and excellent SNA stability was achieved using nonthiolated DNA, rivaling the performance of thiolated DNA such as surviving 1 M NaCl, 2 month stability in 0.3 M NaCl and working in 50 % serum. A poly‐adenine block with as few as two consecutive terminal adenine bases is sufficient for anchoring on AuNPs. By side‐by‐side comparison with the salt‐aging method, the conjugation mechanism was attributed to competitive adenine adsorption at high temperature along with an extremely high DNA concentration upon drying. Bioanalytical applications of nonthiolated SNAs were validated in both solution and paper‐based sensor platforms, facilitating cost‐effective applications for SNAs.
Komplexer Tanz von Molekülen am Himmel: Choreographie der intermolekularen Struktur und Dynamik im heteroternären Cluster Cyclopenten−CO2−H2O
Authors: Tian Xiao , Lei Juncheng , Gao Tianyue , Zou Siyu , Wang Xiujuan , Li Meiyue , Wang Chenxu , Chen Junhua , Grabow Jens‐Uwe , Jäger Wolfgang , Gou Qian
Published: August 2024

Diese Studie untersucht die treibenden Kräfte hinter der Bildung eines heteroternären Clusters, der aus flüchtigen organischen Verbindungen industrieller Herkunft oder Verbrennungsquellen, insbesondere Cyclopenten, neben Treibhausgasen wie Kohlendioxid und Wasserdampf besteht. Obwohl beim Verständnis binärer Komplexe erhebliche Fortschritte erzielt wurden, sind die strukturellen Feinheiten heteroternärer Cluster weitgehend unerforscht. Unsere Studie charakterisiert den heteroternären Cyclopenten−CO2−H2O‐Cluster mithilfe der Fourier‐Transformations‐Mikrowellenspektroskopie. Im gepulsten Strahl wird ein Isomer beobachtet, in dem sich CO2 und H2O über dem Cyclopentenring ausrichten, wobei Wasser eine interne Rotation um seine C2‐Symmetrieachse vollführt. Theoretische Analysen stützen diese Beobachtungen und identifizieren eine O−H⋅⋅⋅π‐Wasserstoffbrücke und eine sekundäre C⋅⋅⋅O‐Tetrelbindung innerhalb des Clusters. Diese Studie stellt einen entscheidenden Schritt zum Verständnis der molekularen Dynamik und Wechselwirkungen von VOCs, Treibhausgasen und Wasser in der Atmosphäre dar und ebnet den Weg für weitere Untersuchungen ihrer Rollen in der Klimadynamik und Luftqualität.
A Clean One‐Pot Synthesis of Structurally Ordered Linear, Monocyclic, and Bicyclic Oligosiloxanes
Authors: Shinohara Yoshihiro , Hatori Makiko , Yamashita Hiroshi , Igarashi Masayasu , Sato Kazuhiko , Fukaya Norihisa , Shimada Shigeru
Published: August 2024

A highly selective cross‐coupling reaction between Si−OAc (AcO=acetoxy) and Si−OH compounds that generates unsymmetrical and symmetrical oligosiloxanes concurrent with the release of acetic acid has been developed. The high selectivity arises from the reactivity difference that depends on the varying number of acetoxy groups present, thus facilitating a clean one‐pot synthesis of oligosiloxanes. For instance, the reactions of di‐, tri‐, or tetraacetoxysilanes with silanols furnish acetoxy‐containing di‐ and trisiloxanes in high yield. Two equivalents of tetraacetoxysilane can react with various silanediols to form 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexaacetoxytrisiloxanes, which subsequently react with a second molecule of a silanediol to selectively afford 1,1,3,3‐tetraacetoxycyclotetrasiloxanes. The cyclotetrasiloxanes further react with a third molecule of silanediol to provide unprecedented bicyclic pentasiloxanes with acetoxy groups at the bridgehead silicon atoms. Applications of the acetoxy‐containing products as efficient surface‐treatment agents and new building blocks for highly heat‐resistant materials are demonstrated.
Hydrogen Bond‐Associated Photofluorochromism for Time‐Resolved Information Encryption and Anti‐counterfeiting
Authors: Xie Yuqian , Zhao Xiaomei , Wang Hong , Tian Yong , Liu Chunyang , Wu Jingmei , Cui Jiaxi , Zhou Zhihua , Chen Jian , Chen Xudong
Published: August 2024

Time‐resolved photofluorochromism constitutes a powerful approach to enhance information encryption security but remains challenging. Herein, we report a strategy of using hydrogen bonds to regulate the time for initiating photofluorochromism. In our strategy, copolymers containing negative photochromic spiropyran (NSP), naphthalimide, and multiple hydrogen‐bonding (UPy) units are designed, which display photo‐switchable fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process from naphthalimide donor to the NSP acceptor. Interestingly, the FRET is locked via the dynamic hydrogen‐bonding interaction between ring‐opened NSP and UPy moieties, resulting in time‐dependent fluorescence. The change in fluorescence can be finely regulated via UPy fraction in the polymers. Besides the novel time‐dependent fluorescence, the polymers also take advantage of visible‐light triggerable, excellent photostability, photoreversibility, and processability. We demonstrate that these properties enable them many application opportunities such as fluorescent security labels and multilevel information encryption patterns.
Targeting CD13/Aminopeptidase N as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Scleroderma Fibrosis
Authors: Muraoka Sei , Brodie William D. , Mattichak Megan N. , Gurrea‐Rubio Mikel , Ikari Yuzo , Foster Caroline , Amin M. Asif , Khanna Neha , Amin Hafsa , Campbell Phillip L. , Vichaikul Sirapa , Model Ellen N. , Omara Morgan M. , Petrovski Steven , Kozicki Karly , Amarista Camilia , Webber Anna , Ali Mustafa , Palisoc Pamela J. , Hervoso Jonatan , Ruth Jeffrey H. , Tsoi Lam C. , Varga John , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Khanna Dinesh , Fox David A. , Tsou Pei‐Suen
Published: August 2024

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune multisystem disease with poorly understood pathogenesis and ineffective treatment options. Soluble CD13 (sCD13), generated by the cleavage of cell surface CD13 via matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14), signals through the bradykinin receptor B1 (B1R) to elicit pro‐inflammatory, pro‐arthritic, and pro‐angiogenic responses. In this study, we explored the antifibrotic potential of targeting the sCD13‐B1R axis in SSc.

Methods

The expression of CD13, B1R, and MMP14 was examined in SSc skin and explanted dermal fibroblasts. The efficacy of B1R antagonists in the inhibition on fibrosis was determined in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Expression of the genes for CD13, B1R, and MMP14 was elevated in skin biopsies from patients with diffuse cutaneous (dc) SSc. Notably, single‐cell analysis of SSc skin biopsies revealed the highest BDKRB1 expression in COL8A1‐positive myofibroblasts, a population exclusively seen in SSc. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) induced the expression of BDKRB1 and production of sCD13 by dcSSc skin fibroblasts. Treatment of dcSSc fibroblasts with sCD13 promoted fibrotic gene expression, signaling, cell proliferation, migration, and gel contraction. The pro‐fibrotic responses of sCD13 or TGFβ were prevented by a B1R antagonist. Mice lacking Cd13 or Bdkrb1 were resistant to bleomycin‐induced skin fibrosis and inflammation. Pharmacological B1R inhibition had a comparable antifibrotic effect.

Conclusion

These results are the first to demonstrate a key role for sCD13 in SSc skin fibrosis and suggest that targeting the sCD13‐B1R signaling axis is a promising novel therapeutic approach for SSc.

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Genomics of Terpene Biosynthesis in Dictyoceratid Sponges (Porifera) – What Do We (Not) Know?
Authors: Galitz Adrian , Vargas Sergio , Thomas Olivier P. , Reddy Maggie M. , Wörheide Gert , Erpenbeck Dirk
Published: August 2024

Sponges are recognized as promising sources for novel bioactive metabolites. Among them are terpenoid metabolites that constitute key biochemical defense mechanisms in several sponge taxa. Despite their significance, the genetic basis for terpenoid biosynthesis in sponges remains poorly understood. Dictyoceratida comprise demosponges well‐known for their bioactive terpenoids. In this study, we explored the currently available genomic data for insights into the metabolic pathways of dictyoceratid terpenoids. We first identified prenyltransferase (PT) and terpene cyclase (TC) enzymes essential for the terpenoid biosynthetic processes in the terrestrial realm by analyzing available transcriptomic and genomic data of Dictyoceratida sponges and 10 other sponge species. All Dictyoceratida sponges displayed various PTs involved in either sesqui‐ or diterpene, steroid and carotenoid production. Additionally, it was possible to identify a potential candidate for a dictyoceratid sesterterpene PT. However, analogs of common terrestrial TCs were absent, suggesting the existence of a distinct or convergently evolved sponge‐specific TC. Our study aims to contribute to the foundational understanding of terpene biosynthesis in sponges, unveiling the currently evident genetic components for terpenoid production in species not previously studied. Simultaneously, it aims to identify the known and unknown factors, as a starting point for biochemical and genetic investigations in sponge terpenoid production.
The Hydrogen‐Bond Continuum in the Salt/Cocrystal Systems of Quinoline and Chloro‐Nitrobenzoic Acids
Authors: Radek Štoček Jakub , Blahut Jan , Chalupná Simona , Čejka Jan , Štěpánová Sille , Kašička Václav , Hušák Michal , Dračínský Martin
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the hydrogen‐bond geometry in six two‐component solid systems composed of quinoline and chloro‐nitrobenzoic acids. New X‐ray diffraction studies were conducted using both the conventional independent‐atom model and the more recent Hirshfeld atom‐refinement method, with the latter providing precise hydrogen‐atom positions. The systems can be divided into salts (the hydrogen atom transferred to the quinoline nitrogen), cocrystals (the hydrogen atom retained by the acid), and intermediate structures. Solid‐state NMR experiments corroborated the X‐ray diffraction‐derived H−N distances. DFT calculations, using five functionals including hybrid B3LYP and PBE0, showed varying energy profiles for the hydrogen bonds, with notable differences across functionals. These calculations revealed different preferences for salt or cocrystal structures, depending on the functional used. Path‐integral molecular dynamics simulations incorporating nuclear quantum effects demonstrated significant hydrogen‐atom delocalization, forming a hydrogen‐bond continuum, and provided average N−H distances in excellent agreement with experimental results. This comprehensive experimental and theoretical approach highlights the complexity of multicomponent solids. The study emphasizes that the classification into salts or cocrystals is frequently inadequate, as the hydrogen atom is often significantly delocalized in the hydrogen bond. This insight is crucial for understanding and predicting the behavior of such systems in pharmaceutical applications.
MXene ink printing of high‐performance micro‐supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yitong , Wang Yuhua
Published: August 2024

The addition of two‐dimensional MXene materials gives micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) the advantages of higher power density, faster charging and discharging speeds, and longer lifetimes. To date, various fabrication methods and strategies have been used to finely synthesize MXene electrodes. However, different technologies not only affect the electrode structure of MXene but also directly affect the performance of MSCs. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of the design and microfabrication strategies for MXene's fork‐finger microelectrodes. First, we provide a systematic overview of micromachining techniques applied to MXene, including graphic cutting, screen‐printing, 3D printing, inkjet, and stamp methods. In addition, we discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of these machining techniques, summarizing the environment in which the technique is used and the results expected to be achieved. Finally, the challenges as well as the outlook for future applications are summarized to promote the further development of MXene materials in the field of MSCs.
Doping‐Induced Enhancement of Hydrogen Evolution at MoS2 Electrodes
Authors: Hanslin Sander Ø. , Jónsson Hannes , Akola Jaakko
Published: August 2024

Rate theory and DFT calculations of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on MoS2 with Co, Ni and Pt impurities show the significance of dihydrogen (H2*) complex where both hydrogen atoms are interacting with the surface. Stabilization of such a complex affects the competing Volmer–Heyrovsky (direct H2 release) and Volmer‐Tafel (H2* intermediate) pathways. The resulting evolution proceeds with a very small overpotential for all dopants (
=0.1 to 0.2 V) at 25 % edge substitution, significantly reduced from the already low
=0.27 V for the undoped edge. At full edge substitution, Co‐MoS2 remains highly active (
=0.18 V) while Ni‐ and Pt‐MoS2 are deactivated (
=0.4 to 0.5 V) due to unfavorable interaction with H2*. Instead of the single S‐vacancy, the site of intrinsic activity in the basal plane was found to be the undercoordinated central Mo‐atom in threefold S‐vacancy configurations, enabling hydrogen evolution with
=0.52 V via a H2* intermediate. The impurity atoms interact favorably with the intrinsic sulfur vacancies on the basal plane, stabilizing but simultaneously deactivating the triple vacancy configuration. The calculated shifts in overpotential are consistent with reported measurements, and the dependence on doping level may explain variations in experimental observations.
Effect of Aggregated Lysozyme on Fluorescence Properties of Rose Bengal
Authors: Takebe Gen , Okazaki Shigetoshi , Ottevaere Heidi
Published: August 2024

Protein aggregates cause abnormal states and trigger various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. This study examined whether the xanthene dye derivative Rose Bengal could track a series of conformational changes in protein aggregates. Using lysozyme as a model protein, aggregated proteins were prepared by heating under acidic conditions. The absorption spectra, steady‐state fluorescence spectra, fluorescence quantum yield, fluorescence lifetime, and phosphorescence lifetime of a solution containing Rose Bengal in the presence of aggregated lysozyme were measured to identify their spectroscopic characteristics. The absorption spectrum of Rose Bengal changed significantly during the formation of agglomerates in heated lysozyme. Additionally, the fluorescence intensity decreased during the initial stages of the aggregation process with an increase in heating time, followed by an increase in intensity along with a red‐shift of the peak wavelength. The decrease in quantum yield with a fixed fluorescence lifetime supported the formation of a nonfluorescent ground‐state complex between Rose Bengal and the aggregated lysozyme. Based on the characteristic changes in absorption and fluorescence properties observed during the aggregation process, Rose Bengal is considered an excellent indicator for the sensitive discernment of aggregated proteins.
Atg16l2 augments Nlrc4 inflammasome activation by facilitating NAIPs–NLRC4 association
Authors: Wen Zhoujin , Yuan Tianli , Liu Jiamin , Wang Dongyang , Ni Jun , Yan Xuehan , Tang Jian , Tang Jiayin , Wu Xuefeng , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2024

As cytoplasmic protein complexes that are pivotal for innate immunity, inflammasomes act primarily through the detection of pathogen‐ or danger‐associated molecular patterns. Nucleotide oligomerisation domain‐like receptor family and caspase activation recruitment domain‐containing protein 4 (NLRC4) inflammasomes identify and eliminate intracellular pathogens, a process contingent on the ligand‐recognition capabilities of neuronal apoptosis inhibitory proteins (NAIPs). Upon detection of specific molecules indicative of intracellular infection, NAIPs discern distinct pathogenic components and subsequently transmit signals to NLRC4, thus initiating their activation and triggering an inflammatory response. However, the mechanisms underlying NLRC4 inflammasome remain unclear. In this study, we elucidated the critical role of ATG16L2 in activating the NLRC4 inflammasome. ATG16L2‐deficient macrophages exhibited reduced NLRC4 inflammasome activation, characterised by decreased oligomerisation of apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD and attenuated cleavage of Pro‐caspase‐1, Pro‐IL‐1β and gasdermin D. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays revealed an interaction between ATG16L2 and NAIPs. Furthermore, ATG16L2 enhanced the association between NAIPs and NLRC4 by binding to NAIPs. For ATG16L2‐knockout mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium, pathogen clearance and survival rates markedly decreased. Collectively, our findings suggest that ATG16L2 is a significant modulator of the innate immune system, influencing the activity of the NLRC4 inflammasome and the host's defensive response to intracellular pathogens.
Vanadium(V/IV) Oxido Complexes: Potential as Bases in Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Milinkovic Angela , Dupé Antoine , Mösch‐Zanetti Nadia C.
Published: August 2024

Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLP) have found exciting access in catalysis and small molecule activation. Here, we describe the potential of two vanadium(V) oxido complexes with monoanionic bidentate N,O donors, [VOCl(LCF3)2] (1 a), [VOCl(LH)2] (1 b) as bases in FLPs. Upon reaction of 1 a with the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 the FLP [VOCl(LCF3)2]/B(C6F5)3 (1 a/B(C6F5)3) was observed. Addition of Ph3SiH led to the reduction of VV to VIV under formation of the adduct [V{OB(C6F5)3}(LCF3)2] (2 a) while FLP reactivity was not observed. Dissolving 2 a in CH3CN leads to the VIV oxido complex, [VO(LCF3)2] (3 a). In contrast, when 1 b was reacted with B(C6F5)3, a VIV oxido complex [VO(LH)2] (3 b) was obtained. Upon addition of B(C6F5)3 to 3 b no reaction leading to the expected adduct such as 2 a could be observed. Only few crystals deriving from a disproportion reaction could be identified as an adduct dimer [V{OB(C6F5)3}LH(μ‐O)]2. While FLP reactivity could not be found yet with the described systems, the redox labile nature and versatility of the metal complexes are demonstrated.
The responsibility of setting a bad example: Models are blamed for their imitators’ behaviour
Authors: Kardos Peter , Leidner Bernhard , Lickel Brian
Published: August 2024

Imitating each other is a central element of human nature and everyday life. Modelling – setting an example to others – and imitation – when the modelled behaviour is copied – are just as fundamental to learning as to maintaining and transmitting culture. Yet, the moral connotations of modelling and imitation are not well understood. Building on and extending the theoretical framework of vicarious responsibility, we investigate the imitated model's responsibility and the psychological processes underlying blame attribution to the model for their imitators’ behaviour. We argue that people understand that imitating a wrongdoing renders it potentially more consequential and that people account for these additional consequences in their appraisals of the original, modelled wrongdoing. Moreover, we hypothesized that models would be blamed for their imitators’ harmful behaviour to the extent that the observers copied the model's action. Five studies (Ntotal = 945) utilizing various contexts from animal mistreatment to online bullying, three of them preregistered, provide consistent support for our hypotheses and show that models are blamed for their imitators’ behaviour, that is, for setting a bad example for others. Extending present theories of vicarious responsibility, we demonstrate that shared group membership is not always a necessary requirement for vicarious blame attributions.
Explaining a collective false alarm: Context and cognition in the Oxford Street crowd flight incident
Authors: Barr Dermot , Drury John , Bell Linda , Devynck Nils , Gayretli Çağla , Lalli Simran , Linfield Harry
Published: August 2024

Collective false alarms can cause significant disruption, costly emergency response, and distress. Yet an adequate psychological explanation for these incidents is lacking. We interviewed 39 participants and analysed multiple secondary data sources from the 2017 false alarm in Oxford Street, UK, to develop a new explanation of this phenomenon. There was evidence that awareness of recent collectively self‐relevant terrorist attacks lowered the threshold for interpreting ambiguous signals as signs of hostile threat. Interviewees also fled and hid after inferring threats from others’ fear and flight responses. Cooperative behaviour was sporadic and was associated with an emergent sense of groupness that occurred in limited locations. The analysis suggests that crowd behaviour in false alarms has more in common with the meaningful behaviour typically found in real emergencies than with the image of uncontrolled ‘mass panic’ portrayed in news media. These findings have implications for policy in preparing the public for terrorist attacks.
Sudden‐onset projectile rhinorrhea from the right nostril
Authors: Choi Yeon Soo , Lee Yunhyung , Park Marn Joon
Published: August 2024

Background

Paranasal sinus retention cysts are non‐neoplastic psuedocysts that accumulate nasal fluids. Since most of these cysts are incidentally diagnosed and may even diminish spontaneously, no further diagnosis or therapies are needed for most patients. In contrast, when an abrupt, unilateral, watery nasal discharge is noticed, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea should be suspected, which is a true “red flag sign,” since ignored CSF rhinorrhea may be fatal.

Case Report

Herein we report a case of a 42‐year‐old male with an acute, unilateral, profusely projectile serous rhinorrhea without any trauma or sinonasal surgery history. Following an urgent computed tomography, no skull base abnormalities were seen, ruling out the possibility of CSF rhinorrhea. However, a “ruptured” retention cyst in the maxillary sinus was noticed. Thus, it was concluded that the patient’s projectile unilateral serous rhinorrhea was due to a rupturing of the retention cyst in the affected maxillary sinus. The patient remained asymptomatic afterwards, negating the surgical removal or further follow‐up visits.

Conclusion

While the majority of paranasal sinus retention cyst cases are symptomless, spontaneous rupture of these cysts may take place and result in a sudden and vigorous release of nasal secretions, mimicking CSF rhinorrhea, as seen in our case.
Impact of health literacy on pregnancy outcomes in socioeconomically disadvantaged and ethnic minority populations: A scoping review
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Heazell Alexander E. P. , Whittaker Maya , Stacey Tomasina , Watson Kylie
Published: August 2024

Background

Health literacy, influenced by sociodemographic characteristics such as ethnicity, economic means and societal factors, affects the ways in which pregnant women maintain their health; this in turn may increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

To explore what is known about the impact of personal health literacy on prevention of stillbirth and related adverse outcomes in pregnant women of low socioeconomic status or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Search Strategy

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and CENTRAL were searched as well as reference lists of included studies and gray literature.

Selection Criteria

Included studies focused on personal health literacy and stillbirth prevention in women from low socioeconomic or ethnic minority backgrounds in the perinatal period.

Data Collection and Analysis

A meta‐summary approach was adopted for qualitative, observational, descriptive, and audit studies. Findings of intervention studies were extracted, and meta‐analyses were conducted where possible. The primary outcome was stillbirth; maternal mortality and neonatal mortality were secondary outcomes.

Main Results

Forty‐one studies were included from diverse geographical settings. The meta‐summary synthesized five abstracted statements. These recognized lower personal health literacy and greater difficulty interacting with healthcare services in the studied populations, primarily as the result of limited health knowledge, lack of positive perception towards health services, language barriers, illiteracy, and relying on friends or family members for health information. Meta‐analysis of intervention studies revealed no association between current interventions that aimed to increase personal health literacy and the risk of stillbirth (relative risk [RR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.12), neonatal mortality (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.75–1.03), and maternal mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63–1.22).

Conclusions

Various factors suggest lower personal health literacy in women of low socioeconomic status or ethnic minority, which can increase the risk of stillbirth. However, this review identified no significant impact of current health education interventions on the risk of stillbirth, or neonatal or maternal mortality. Although not directly measured, the health education interventions were anticipated to increase personal health literacy. Further research on the topic of this scoping review is warranted, particularly in lower‐resource settings and regarding the potential role of e‐literacy and organizational health literacy to improve pregnancy outcomes. To address deficits in health literacy, efforts must be made to provide pregnant women with health information in novel, accessible ways.
Neue Gattungen nach Früchten und Samen aus dem Cenoman bis Maastricht (Kreide) von Mitteleuropa
Authors: Knobloch Ervin , Mai Dieter‐Hans
Published: August 2024

Aus dem Conoman bis Maastricht (Kreide) von Mitteleuropa werden 40 Gattungen nach Früchten und Samen neu beschrieben. Sie erlauben eine mögliche Zuordnung zu den Familien: Brexiaceae, Celastraceae, Clethraceae, Cyrillaceae, Droseraceae, Ericaceae, Hamomelidaceae, Magnoliaecae, Menispermaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Pentaphylaceae, Sabiaceae, Stemonaceae, Theaceae und Urticaceae oder gehören in heute ausgestorbene oder karpologisch noch nicht untersuchte Familien. Ihre Bedeutung für die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Angiospermen ist sehr groß.
Climax de végétation dans le Bassin Versant de L'oued Sous (Maroc)
Authors: Peltier J. P.
Published: August 2024

L'influence de l'homme sur les peuplements naturels du bassin versant de l'oued Sous ayant été prépondérante, l'évocation de la végétation climaeique appelle à la prudence. La solution proposée consiste a essayer de définir le plésioclimax, en fonction des principaux critères écologiques du moment.
Die Bromeliaceae im Herbarium D. F. L. von Schlechtendals
Authors: Weber Wilhelm
Published: August 2024

Die Bromeliaceae des Herbarium Schlechtendals, deponiert im Herbarium der Martin‐Luther‐Universität. Halle‐Wittenberg (HAL), werden bekanntgegeben, Lectotypen ausgewählt und beschrieben. Tillandsia erubescens Schldl., Till. limbata Schldl., Till. variabilis Schldl. und Till. paucifolia Bak. werden aufgrund der Auffindung der bislang vermiβen Typen revalidisiert und Puya quillotana aus Chile neu beschrieben.
Vessel elements in some members of the Papilionaceae (Tribe Trifolieae)
Authors: Shah G. L. , Rao M. Gopala
Published: August 2024

Vessel elements in fourteen species belonging to four genera of Trifolieae are accounted for their shape, size, intervascular pitting and perforation plates. Inspite of the diversity in shape, angular vessel elements have highest frequency in the internodal region and the conical in root region. Majority of the internodal, nodal and root vessel elements belong to class A (extremely short) in the classification of Radford et al. (1974). The perforation plate is simple, but its number and position are variable. The intervascular pitting is more commonly simple, but seldom reticulate or scalariform with single/double helical thickenings is also encountered. Their distribution is alternate, in vertical rows, scattered groups or irregular. Most of the vessel elements are tailed.
Stomatal ontogeny in vegetative and floral organs of Hippeastrum equestre Herb. (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Karatela Y. Y. , Gill L. S.
Published: August 2024

The stomatal ontogeny of foliar and floral organs in Hippeastrum equestre is reported here for the first time. The stomatal complex at the end of the ontogeny are described as agenous in the leaves, ovary, peduncle and hemiperigenous in perianth. The filaments of the stamens are astomatic. Abnormalities such as contiguous stomata and cytoplasmic strands between guard cells of nearby stomata have been observed.
Revision der mitteleuropäischen tertiären Fagaceen nach blattepidermalen Charakteristiken
Authors: Kvaček Zlatko , Walther Harald
Published: August 2024

Nach blattepidermalen Merkmalen werden rezente Vertreter der Gattungen Castanopsis (D. Don) Spach und Trigonobalanus Forman charakterisiert und in Gruppen unterteilt. Als intermediäre fossile Gattung wird Trigonobalanopsis Kvaček & Walther (T. exacantha (Mai) Kvaček & Walther — Früchte ‐ und T. rhamnoides (Rossmässler) Kvaček & Walther — Blätter —) aus tertiären Fundorten Europas (Obereozän — Obermiozän) beschrieben. Während Trigonobalanopsis ein wichtiges waldbildendes Element der jüngeren Mastixioideenfloren des Miozäns darstellt, kommt sie im Paläogen und in den Mixed Mesophytic Forests des Miozäns lediglich akzessorisch vor.
Orthogonal analysis reveals inconsistencies in cargo loading of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Lowe Neona M. , Mizenko Rachel R. , Nguyen Bryan B. , Chiu Kwan Lun , Arun Vishalakshi , Panitch Alyssa , Carney Randy P.
Published: August 2024

Since extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising drug delivery system, diverse methods have been used to load them with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in preclinical and clinical studies. However, there is yet to be an engineered EV formulation approved for human use, a barrier driven in part by the intrinsic heterogeneity of EVs. API loading is rarely assessed in the context of single vesicle measurements of physicochemical properties but is likely administered in a heterogeneous fashion to the detriment of a consistent product. Here, we applied a suite of single‐particle resolution methods to determine the loading of rhodamine 6G (R6G) surrogate cargo mimicking hydrophilic small molecule drugs across four common API loading methods: sonication, electroporation, freeze‐thaw cycling and passive incubation. Loading efficiencies and alterations in the physical properties of EVs were assessed, as well as co‐localization with common EV‐associated tetraspanins (i.e., CD63, CD81 and CD9) for insight into EV subpopulations. Sonication had the highest loading efficiency, yet significantly decreased particle yield, while electroporation led to the greatest number of loaded API particles, albeit at a lower efficiency. Moreover, results were often inconsistent between repeated runs within a given method, demonstrating the difficulty in developing a rigorous loading method that consistently loaded EVs across their heterogeneous subpopulations. This work highlights the significance of how chosen quantification metrics can impact apparent conclusions and the importance of single‐particle characterization of EV loading.
Zero‐ and few‐shot prompting of generative large language models provides weak assessment of risk of bias in clinical trials
Authors: Šuster Simon , Baldwin Timothy , Verspoor Karin
Published: August 2024

Existing systems for automating the assessment of risk‐of‐bias (RoB) in medical studies are supervised approaches that require substantial training data to work well. However, recent revisions to RoB guidelines have resulted in a scarcity of available training data. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of generative large language models (LLMs) for assessing RoB. Their application requires little or no training data and, if successful, could serve as a valuable tool to assist human experts during the construction of systematic reviews. Following Cochrane's latest guidelines (RoB2) designed for human reviewers, we prepare instructions that are fed as input to LLMs, which then infer the risk associated with a trial publication. We distinguish between two modelling tasks: directly predicting RoB2 from text; and employing decomposition, in which a RoB2 decision is made after the LLM responds to a series of signalling questions. We curate new testing data sets and evaluate the performance of four general‐ and medical‐domain LLMs. The results fall short of expectations, with LLMs seldom surpassing trivial baselines. On the direct RoB2 prediction test set (n = 5993), LLMs perform akin to the baselines (F1: 0.1–0.2). In the decomposition task setup (n = 28,150), similar F1 scores are observed. Our additional comparative evaluation on RoB1 data also reveals results substantially below those of a supervised system. This testifies to the difficulty of solving this task based on (complex) instructions alone. Using LLMs as an assisting technology for assessing RoB2 thus currently seems beyond their reach.
Toward effective KMS measurement: Usage statistics vs. perceived value
Authors: Nakash Maayan
Published: August 2024

This empirical study examines how chief knowledge officers (CKOs) interpret measurements performed in knowledge management systems (KMS) and reflected in business intelligence dashboards. Specifically, it investigates CKOs' perceptions of common KMS indicators and their relationship to knowledge management (KM) success. Adopting a constructivist inductive approach, the study relies on qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and cyber‐ethnography. The findings reveal that usage statistics, like system logins, do not necessarily signify the value of KM initiatives and that organizations avoid linking KMS metrics to business performance. By contributing vital insights to KMS performance literature, we indicate the limitations inherent in current evaluation approaches focused narrowly on usage quantification. Practical implications suggest combining quantitative monitoring of access frequency and patterns with KMS benefits qualitative assessments. Overall, the juxtaposition of usage data against perceived value provides an important perspective on developing more meaningful and effective KMS performance measurements.
Validation of a Low‐Cost Manometer to Assess of Tongue, Lip, Cheek, and Respiratory Strength: A Laboratory‐Based Study
Authors: Curtis James A. , Diaz Crystal , Lee Theresa , Rameau Anaïs
Published: August 2024

Objective(s)

The objective of this study was to characterize the level of agreement between three manometers: (1) Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI)—the reference standard for tongue, lip, and cheek strength assessments; (2) MicroRPM Respiratory Pressure Meter (MicroRPM)—the reference standard for respiratory strength assessments; and (3) Digital Pressure Manometer (DPM)—an alternative, low‐cost pressure testing manometer.

Methods

Manual pressures were simultaneously applied to the IOPI and DPM, and to the MicroRPM and DPM, within a controlled laboratory setting. Agreement in pressure readings were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Lin's concordance correlation, and Bland–Altman Plots. Agreement was interpreted as “poor” if ρc < 0.90, “moderate” if ρc = 0.90 – < 0.95, “substantial” if ρc = 0.95 – < 0.99, and “excellent” if ρc ≥ 0.99.

Results

Differences in pressure readings between the DPM and clinical reference standards were consistently present yet highly predictable. There was a median absolute difference of 2.0–3.9 kPa between the IOPI and DPM, and 4.5–9.8 cm H2O between the MicroRPM and DPM. Lin's concordance revealed “substantial” agreement between the IOPI and DPM (ρc = 0.98) and the MicroRPM and DPM (ρc = 0.99).

Conclusion

The DPM revealed higher pressure readings when compared to the IOPI and MicroRPM. However, differences in pressure readings were relatively small, highly predictable, and yielded substantial overall agreement. These findings suggest the DPM may be a valid, lower‐cost alternative for objective assessments of tongue, lip, cheek, and respiratory muscle strength. Future research should expand on the present findings in clinical patient populations.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2024
High‐Efficiency On‐Chip Quantum Photon Source in Modal Phase‐Matched Lithium Niobate Nanowaveguide
Authors: Fang Xiao‐Xu , Du Hao‐Yang , Zhang Xiuquan , Wang Lei , Chen Feng , Lu He
Published: August 2024

Thin‐film lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) emerges as a promising platform for integrated quantum photon source, enabling scalable on‐chip quantum information processing. The most popular technique to overcome the phase mismatching between interacting waves in waveguide is periodic poling, which is intrinsically sensitive to poling uniformity. Here, an alternative strategy to offset the phase mismatching of spontaneous parametric down‐conversion (SPDC) process, so‐called modal phase matching, in a straight waveguide fabricated on a dual‐layer LNOI is reported. The dual‐layer LNOI consists of two 300 nm lithium niobates with opposite directions, which significantly enhances the spatial overlap between fundamental and high‐order modes and thus enables efficient SPDC. This dual‐layer waveguide generates photon pairs with pair generation rate of 41.77 GHz , which exhibits excellent signal‐to‐noise performance with coincidence‐to‐accidental ratio up to 58298 1297. Moreover, a heralded single‐photon source with second‐order autocorrelation and heralded rate exceeding 100 kHz is observed. The results provide an experiment‐friendly approach for efficient generation of quantum photon sources and benefit the on‐chip quantum information processing based on LNOI.
Mode‐Division‐Multiplexing Transmitter With Anisotropy Lithium‐Niobate‐on‐Insulator Photonic Waveguides
Authors: Zhao Weike , Zhu Mingyu , Yi Xiaolin , Liu Hongxuan , Cao Hengzheng , Wang Siyuan , Yan Hao , Huang Fei , Yu Zejie , Dai Daoxin
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there is a growing interest in lithium‐niobate‐on‐insulator (LNOI) photonics due to its superior material properties, particularly its large electro‐optical (EO) coefficient. As a promising method to improve the communication capacity, mode‐division multiplexing (MDM) has received intensive attention. However, achieving effective mode manipulation is challenging due to the hybridness nature of LNOI photonic waveguides. In this work, an innovative multi‐channel mode‐division‐multiplexing transmitter is proposed that integrates eight EO modulators with an eight‐channel mode multiplexer for the first time. To leverage the EO effect and enable on‐chip mode manipulation, the EO modulators are strategically designed along the y‐propagation direction to access the largest EO coefficient. Conversely, the mode multiplexer is designed along the z‐propagation direction to mitigate mode hybridness. Experimental results demonstrate that the present MDM transmitter exhibits low loss (<2.5 dB) and low crosstalk (−12–−17 dB) across the C‐band. The modulator features a voltage‐length product of 2.7 V·cm and an RF modulation damping of 2.0 dB even at 67 GHz. With the implementation of the proposed MDM transmitter, successful high‐capacity data transmissions of 8 × 60 Gbps On‐Off‐Keying signals and 8 × 50 Gbps four‐level pulse amplitude signals have been achieved with a single wavelength‐carrier.
The CO2 cost pass‐through and market power in emission trading schemes with vertical relations
Authors: Liu Wenya , Zhu Xusen , Chen Zhe
Published: August 2024

Recently, the use of pass‐through as an economic tool has garnered increasing interest. This paper explores the relationship between CO2 cost pass‐through and market power within emission trading schemes characterized by vertical relations. Our study finds that increased competition in the wholesale market can mitigate pass‐through under mild conditions, while countervailing buyer power at the retail level can partially neutralize the effects of CO2 cost pass‐through. Furthermore, our numerical tests reveal pass‐through overshifting, occurring even under non‐convex market demand conditions. Our results generalize and update some known findings in literature (e.g. Wang and Zhou, 2017; Yu et al., 2021; and Chen et al., 2023) and carry some important implications for energy policy, environmental regulation, and welfare analysis.
Canine RNF170 Single Base Deletion in a Naturally Occurring Model for Human Neuroaxonal Dystrophy
Authors: Cook Shawna R. , Schwarz Cleo , Guevar Julien , Assenmacher Charles‐Antoine , Sheehy Maeve , Fanzone Nathan , Church Molly E. , Murgiano Leonardo , Casal Margret L. , Jagannathan Vidhya , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Lowrie Mark , Steffen Frank , Leeb Tosso , Ekenstedt Kari J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) is a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized primarily by the presence of spheroids (swollen axons) throughout the central nervous system. In humans, NAD is heterogeneous, both clinically and genetically. NAD has also been described to naturally occur in large animal models, such as dogs. A newly recognized disorder in Miniature American Shepherd dogs (MAS), consisting of a slowly progressive neurodegenerative syndrome, was diagnosed as NAD via histopathology.

Objectives

To describe the clinical and pathological phenotype together with the identification of the underlying genetic cause.

Methods

Clinical and postmortem evaluations, together with a genome‐wide association study and autozygosity mapping approach, followed by whole‐genome sequencing.

Results

Affected dogs were typically young adults and displayed an abnormal gait characterized by pelvic limb weakness and ataxia. The underlying genetic cause was identified as a 1‐bp (base pair) deletion in RNF170 encoding ring finger protein 170, which perfectly segregates in an autosomal recessive pattern. This deletion is predicted to create a frameshift (XM_038559916.1:c.367delG) and early truncation of the RNF170 protein (XP_038415844.1:(p.Ala123Glnfs*11)). The age of this canine RNF170 variant was estimated at ~30 years, before the reproductive isolation of the MAS breed.

Conclusions

RNF170 variants were previously identified in human patients with autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia‐85 (SPG85); this clinical phenotype shows similarities to the dogs described herein. We therefore propose that this novel MAS NAD could serve as an excellent large animal model for equivalent human diseases, particularly since affected dogs demonstrate a relatively long lifespan, which represents an opportunity for therapeutic trials. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Caretaking, accomplishment and connection to nature: The ‘gardening triad’ and its role in new community gardeners' engagement, and social and emotional well‐being
Authors: Alaimo Katherine , Coringrato Eva , Lacy Kristin , Hébert James R. , Beavers Alyssa W.
Published: August 2024

Understanding how activities in natural settings, such as gardening, improve health and well‐being is important for designing nature‐based health interventions.

Our study focused on a sociodemographic‐diverse group of new gardeners (n = 34) who had participated for one season in the community gardens as part of the Denver Urban Gardens initiative in Denver, CO USA. New gardeners participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews to determine how and why gardening influenced their well‐being. Interview transcripts were analysed iteratively using grounded theory and comparative case study methodologies.

Analysis revealed that new gardeners' previous gardening experience, social support systems and overcoming gardening challenges increased gardening engagement and improved outcomes. Within‐garden outcomes that were nearly universally experienced by new gardeners included food production, physical activity in the garden and a ‘gardening triad’: (1) caretaking, nurturance or love and sense of responsibility for garden plants; (2) feelings of accomplishment, success and pride and (3) connection to nature including appreciation, restoration and wonder.

We found that the elements of the ‘gardening triad’ were meaningful to gardeners and connected to both continued engagement of participants and others in the garden, and social and emotional well‐being outcomes including new and/or strengthened social relationships; purpose and meaning; self‐learning, self‐worth and confidence; joy, immersion, restoration and respite; and management of mental health conditions. Gardening with others, including other gardeners, garden leaders, friends and family, amplified the well‐being effects of the ‘gardening triad.’

Identification of the ‘gardening triad’ expands understanding of the salient health‐promoting characteristics of gardening beyond simple exposure to nature, food production and physical activity. It embeds gardeners in relationship with their gardens as active participants eliciting universal emotional processes which, in turn, manifested as improved social and emotional well‐being. Gardening, as an avenue for improving well‐being, should be supported widely.

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Enhancing barrier properties: Practical analysis of transport of solvents and gases in natural rubber/graphene oxide‐silica core shell Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Paduvilan Jibin Keloth , Velayudhan Prajitha , Kalliyathan Abitha Vayyaprontavida , Sidharthan Sisanth Krishnageham , Meera A. P. , Thomas Sabu
Published: August 2024

This work investigates the comprehensive exploration of transport properties in natural rubber/graphene oxide‐silica hybrid core‐shell (NR/GSC) nanocomposites, focusing on diffusion, sorption behavior, swelling parameters, and gas permeability. The study evaluates the performance of the composite membranes concerning oxygen and nitrogen gas permeability (71.3% and 68.48% reduction, respectively). The experimental results reveal the sorption behavior, swelling parameters, and transport coefficients of NR/GSC composites, providing valuable insights into the material's behavior in different environments. Among various compositions, GSC10 stands out as the optimal composition, exhibiting superior diffusion and gas permeability behavior compared to other compositions. How the filler geometry and concentration are interconnected on the transport properties is carefully dissected, offering a deeper comprehension of the correlation between filler characteristics and composite performance. The study predicts that the Peppas‐Sahlin model and Affine model for mole percentage solvent uptake and molecular mass between successive crosslinks, respectively, best fit experimental values. This work contributes to the growing knowledge in the field of nanocomposites, providing a meticulous perspective on the transport properties of NR/GSC membranes and emphasizing the superior performance of the GSC10 composition.

Highlights

NR/GSC hybrid nanocomposites showed reduced solvent uptake.

A 71.3% reduction in oxygen and 68.48% reduction in nitrogen permeation.

Theoretically modeled using Peppas‐Sahlin, Korsmeyer‐Peppas, Nielsen and s

GSC nanoparticles shows excellent dispersion in NR matrix

Enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental footprint in tire manufacturing technology.