bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimer Stabilization by SpyTag/SpyCatcher Coupling of the Reductase Domains of a Chimeric P450 BM3 Monooxygenase from Bacillus spp. Improves its Stability, Activity, and Purification
Authors: Essert Arabella , Castiglione Kathrin
Published: November 2023

The vast majority of known enzymes exist as oligomers, which often gives them high catalytic performance but at the same time imposes constraints on structural conformations and environmental conditions. An example of an enzyme with a complex architecture is the P450 BM3 monooxygenase CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium. Only active as a dimer, it is highly sensitive to dilution or common immobilization techniques. In this study, we engineered a thermostable P450BM3 chimera consisting of the heme domain of a CYP102A1 variant and the reductase domain of the homologous CYP102A3. The dimerization of the hybrid was even weaker compared to the corresponding CYP102A1 variant. To create a stable dimer, we covalently coupled the C‐termini of two monomers of the chimera via SpyTag003/SpyCatcher003 interaction. As a result, purification, thermostability, pH stability, and catalytic activity were improved. Via a bioorthogonal two‐step affinity purification, we obtained high purity (94 %) of the dimer‐stabilized variant being robust against heme depletion. Long‐term stability was increased with a half‐life of over 2 months at 20 °C and 80–90 % residual activity after 2 months at 5 °C. Most catalytic features were retained with even an enhancement of the overall activity by ~2‐fold compared to the P450BM3 chimera without SpyTag003/SpyCatcher003.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs)‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions of Aldehydes and Organic Halides
Authors: Gao Fan , Zhang Zengyu , Yan Xiaoyu
Published: November 2023

This concept aims to summarize the direct coupling of aldehydes and organic halides (including activated and unactivated organic halides) catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). The key factor of this transformation is the formation of Breslow intermediates, which are either nucleophilic or reductive. Additionally, the activation of inert C−H bond also was reviewed in this performance via the processes of single electron transfer (SET) and subsequent intramolecular 1,n‐ hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) or intermolecular HAT. Finally, the key differences and reactivity of various Breslow intermediates, generated from different NHCs, have been discussed to give a deeper understanding of the ongoing popularity of NHC‐organocatalysis.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Silylated Vinylboronates by a Boron‐Wittig Reaction and Their Application to Tetrasubstituted Olefins
Authors: Hazra Subrata , Panda Santanu
Published: November 2023

The highly stereoselective synthesis of a series of tetrasubstituted mono‐ as well as disilylated vinylboronates is reported by using the boron‐Wittig approach. The condensation between acylsilanes and gem‐diborylalkanes gave the desired tetrasubstituted olefins in good to excellent yield and high stereoselectivity. Also, a series of trisubstituted silylated vinyl MIDA‐boronates was synthesized by using the boron‐Wittig reaction followed by a transesterification reaction. This methodology allows direct incorporation of B(pin) and TMS groups in the anti‐position of the olefin in a highly stereoselective manner. Further, sequential Suzuki coupling reaction with the silylated vinyl boronic esters generated all‐carbon tetrasubstituted alkenes, which have been applied in the total synthesis of the anticancer drug Tamoxifen and aggregation‐induced luminogen agent TPE‐TF17.
Umweltverfahrenstechnik
Authors: Haseneder Roland
Published: November 2023

No abstract.
Increasing diversity among Lens species for improving biological nitrogen fixation in lentil
Authors: Vargas Ana , Gorim Linda Y. , Bett Kirstin E.
Published: November 2023

Exotic germplasm is a key resource for reintroducing genetic variability into cultivars. We evaluated 36 accessions from cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and six related wild species inoculated with a commercial strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae under greenhouse conditions. The objective was to explore Lens species and/or accessions that can contribute higher biological nitrogen fixation ability to the lentil crop. A split plot design was used with either Rhizobium inoculation, added nitrogen (+N), or neither as the main plots, and accessions in subplots randomized in blocks. Two repeats of the experiment were evaluated at flowering for N fixation and nodulation characters, and two subsequent experiments, with a subset of 14 accessions, were evaluated at maturity for seed production, seed quality, and harvest index. Differences in phenotypic expression corresponded to specific accessions but not to any particular Lens species. CDC Greenstar had the highest N fixation among lentil cultivars and also had superior yield results compared to the added N treatment. When inoculated, wild accessions, including IG 72643 (Lens orientalis), displayed unique and multiple desirable characteristics compared to cultivars, including indeterminate nodulation, higher N translocation, stable yield compared to added N treatment, and exceptionally high protein concentration in seeds.
Development and validation of diagnostic markers for the reduced height gene Rht8 in wheat
Authors: Xu Yuzhou , Amand Paul St. , Chai Lingling , Li Yaoguang , Ni Zhongfu , Carver Brett , Bai Guihua
Published: November 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is necessary for global food and nutrition security. Reducing plant height is an effective strategy to increase lodging resistance, harvest index, and eventually wheat yield. Rht8 is a gibberellic acid–sensitive reduced height (Rht) gene and has been cloned. Rht8 encodes a ribonuclease H‐like (RNHL) superfamily protein that reduces plant height without reduction in coleoptile length. High‐throughput diagnostic markers are not available for precise selection of RNHL in wheat breeding. In this study, we found that different cultivars may carry 1–3 copies of RNHLs on chromosome 2D, and only 2D carries the semi‐dwarf allele of RNHL although the wild‐type RNHL allele is detected in several other chromosomes. We developed two kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers, Rht8‐KASP‐V2 and Rht8‐KASP‐V3, based on the causal variation in RNHL. The two markers co‐segregated with plant height in a recombinant inbred population and were validated in a panel of hard winter wheat breeding lines from the 2022 Regional Germplasm Observation Nursery and Regional Performance Nursery. Rht8 has not been extensively deployed in US hard winter wheat and development of the diagnostic KASP markers will facilitate Rht8 transfer to US wheat cultivars.
Endoscopic ligation technique for refractory gastrotracheal fistula
Authors: Shiwaku Hironari , Shiwaku Akio , Okada Hiroki , Kusaba Hiroshi , Maki Kenji , Shimaoka Hideki , Yamauchi Kosuke , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Yamada Teppei , Yoshimura Fumihiro , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: November 2023

Endoscopic therapy has recently undergone remarkable progress, including the use of suturing procedures within the gastrointestinal tract using flexible endoscopes. However, existing suturing techniques primarily involve closure using instruments or continuous sutures using an endoscopic needle holder, leaving a gap in nodal suturing methods with extracorporeal ligation. This paper introduces a novel approach, the endoscopic ligation technique, wherein a flexible endoscope is utilized for nodal suturing through extracorporeal ligation.
Structural and Electronic Diversity as a Function of Metal Ions and Co‐ligands in Deprotonated Epindolidione Bridged Diruthenium and Diosmium Set‐up
Authors: Kumari Maya , Kumar Bera Sudip , Priego José Luis , Jiménez‐Aparicio Reyes , Kumar Lahiri Goutam
Published: November 2023

The article dealt with the structurally validated L2− (H2L=epindolidione=5,11‐dihydroquinolino[3,2‐b]quinoline‐6,12‐dione, a heteroatom‐modified tetracene and a structural isomer of indigo dye) bridged {(acac)2RuIII}2(μ‐L2−) 1/2 (S=1, acac=acetylacetonate) and [{(bpy)2OsII}2(μ‐L2−)](ClO4)2 [3](ClO4)2/[(pap)2OsII}2(μ‐L2−)](ClO4)2 [4](ClO4)2 (S=0, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, pap=2‐phenylazopyridine). 1/2 and [3](ClO4)2/[4](ClO4)2 with a metal‐metal separation of ≈7 Å stabilized selectively in meso(ΔΛ)/rac(ΔΔ/ΛΛ) and meso diastereomeric forms, respectively, in spite of calculated minor difference in energy between the diastereomers in each case. Though 2, [3](ClO4)2/[4](ClO4)2) exhibited intermolecular π–π interactions, no such non‐covalent interaction was perceived in 1. RuIIIRuIII derived 1/2 (S=1, 2.63/2.57 μB at 300 K) attributed to non‐interacting two Ru(III) (S=1/2) spins with an intermolecular through space weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction below 12 K and its variable temperature 1H NMR revealed Fermi and pseudo‐contact shifts. Multiple redox steps of the complexes varied as a function of metal ion (Ru versus Os), its oxidation state (III versus II) and ancillary ligand (acac versus bpy versus pap). A collective consideration of DFT calculated MOs and Mulliken spin densities suggested delicate electronic forms along the redox chain due to the participation of bridge largely in the oxidation processes as a consequence of its redox non‐innocent feature. Reductions were however mostly centered around the metal (RuIII to RuII) and ancillary ligands (bpy/pap) in 1/2 and 32+/42+, respectively. 1n/2n, [3]2+/[4]2+ displayed mixed metal/ligand based weak low‐energy (800‐1400 nm) transitions in addition to intense visible bands as corroborated by TD‐DFT calculations.
Modeling and analysis of PCM‐encapsulated solar thermal energy storage system for space heating
Authors: Soni Neelesh , Reddy V. Mahendra , Reddy K. Srinivas
Published: November 2023

In this study, a phase change material (PCM)‐encapsulated packed‐bed thermal energy storage (PB‐TES) system is intended for Day‐round space heating in the winter. Solar concentric collectors act for day‐time heating and TES charging, while the stored energy can be used at night and intermediate time for space heating. A region‐wise techno‐economic analysis of PCM candidates is made to compare the costs and sizes of solar collectors and PB‐TES. A spherical capsule filled with sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) is numerically investigated during the PCM charging at constant thermal input. After complete liquefication, the charging time for NaNO2 and NaNO3 capsules is 3280 and 4300 s, respectively, holding the maximum stored energy of 733.4 KJ/kg at 285°C and 687.27 kJ/kg at 310.12°C, respectively. In addition, the stored exergy is obtained 238.78 and 234.74 kJ/kg for NaNO2 and NaNO3, respectively; however, the average exergetic effectiveness for NaNO2 and NaNO3 are 0.54 and 0.46. Despite the lower energy storage capacity (kJ/kg) of NaNO3, the PB‐TES volume is less with NaNO3 than with NaNO2 due to higher density. However, the average cost ($/tonne) of NaNO3 PCM is 50% higher than NaNO2. Subsequently, the thermal efficiency of the proposed system is estimated at 27.68% and 26.94% during day and night‐time operations.
It's not special treatment… That's part of the Treaty of Waitangi! Organisational barriers to enhancing the Aged Residential Care environment for older Māori and Whānau in New Zealand
Authors: Keelan Karen , Pitama Suzanne , Wilkinson Tim , Lacey Cameron
Published: November 2023

Background

New Zealand's older Indigenous Māori people experience poorer health and reduced access to healthcare than their older non‐Māori counterparts. Organisational factors (such as leadership or workforce) may influence the attitudes and perceptions of older Māori and their family (whānau) to use aged residential care services. Currently, there is a paucity of research surrounding the organisational barriers that impact the experiences of older Māori people who seek care in aged residential care (ARC) services.

Methods

This study used a Kaupapa Māori qualitative research approach that legitimises Māori knowledge and critiques structures that subjugate Māori autonomy and control over their wellbeing. Interviews regarding their experiences of care were carried out with older Māori (n = 30) and whānau (family) members (n = 18) who had used, or declined to use an aged residential care facility. Narrative data were analysed inductively for themes that illustrated organisational barriers.

Results

The key organisational theme was ‘Culturally safe care', within which there were three barriers: ‘Acceptability and Adequacy of Facility’, ‘Interface Between Aged Residential Care and Whānau Models of Care’, and ‘Workforce’. Collectively, these barriers emphasise the importance of an organisational approach to improving the quality of care delivered to older Māori and whānau in ARC.

Conclusion

Fostering a collective culture of equity within ARC provider services and equipping healthcare leaders and staff with the skills and knowledge to deliver culturally safe care is critical to addressing organisational barriers to ARC.
Work ability and anthropometric indices correlate with cardiovascular risk factors in public sector employees: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Arthur Angela , Mensah‐Asamoah Anthony , Brown Eleazer Kofi Mensah , Ocansey Anita Kabuki , Deku Prince De‐Gaulle , Moses Monday Omoniyi
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Understanding the correlation of work ability (WA) and anthropometric indices with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors among public sector employees (PSE) is vital for policy direction. This study examined the correlation between work ability, anthropometric indices, and cardiovascular risk factors among PSEs.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study had 254 (mean age = 37.18 ± 10.34) PSE. A self‐reported WA index was used to measure WA. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and visceral fat were measured. Lifestyle CVDs risk history was also obtained.

Results

3.9% had moderate, 51.2% good, and 44.9% excellent WA. 37.4% overweight, 20.1% obese, 19.7% hypertension history, 67.7% no physical activity history. WA correlates with increased systolic BP, BMI, WC, WHR, weight to height ratio, and visceral fat significantly. Age 24−29 (aOR = 26.38), 30‐39 (aOR = 7.52), and 40‐49 (aOR = 4.94) independently predict excellent WA. Overweight (aOR = 0.44) independently predict decreased excellent WA.

Conclusion

Participants were hypertension‐prone, had increased WC, WHR, physically inactive, overweight, and obese. WA and anthropometric indices of the participants predict CVDs risks. Workplace health care strategy should be put in place to control BP, BMI, WC, WHR, weight to height ratio, and visceral fat as CVDs risk factors.
The relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with self‐care of pregnant women: The mediating role of social support—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bahrami‐Samani Sanaz , Omidvar Shabnam , Mohsenzadeh‐Ledari Farideh , Azizi Alireza , Ashrafpour Mohadeseh , Kordbagheri Mohammadreza
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Pregnancy is a stressful experience, which can affect different aspects of a woman's life. Yet, women with a supportive network of friends and family may experience lower stress and improved self‐care behavior. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with the self‐care of pregnant women, as well as the mediating role of social support.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022 in Babol, Iran. A total of 157 pregnant women participated in the study. The participants completed five questionnaires, including a demographic and obstetric questionnaire, a Self‐care questionnaire, Perceived Social support (PSS), Perceived Stress Inventory (PSI), and Pregnancy Specific Distress. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis relationships among the variables.

Results

We found that Perceived stress (β = −0.221, p = 0.012β) and pregnancy distress (β = −0.203, p = 0.002β) had a negative and significant effect on the self‐care of pregnant women. Also, perceived stress (β = −0.429, p < 0.001β) and pregnancy distress (β = −0.381, p < 0.001β) had a negative and significant effect on the social support of pregnant women. The results exhibited a significant specific indirect effect between pregnancy distress, perceived stress, and pregnancy self‐care, with social support as the mediator: standardized indirect effect = −0.068, −0.076, respectively.

Conclusion

According to the findings, social support plays a direct and mediating role in improving self‐care behaviors among pregnant women. Therefore, providing strategies and measures to improve perceived social support by maternal health professionals may be expected to reduce the impact of stress on pregnant women's self‐care. The implementation of policies and social interventions to improve the social support of pregnant women can be one of the applications of the findings.
An appraisal of the local‐scale spatio‐temporal variations of drought based on the integrated GRACE/GRACE‐FO observations and fine‐resolution FLDAS model
Authors: Khorrami Behnam , Ali Shoaib , Gündüz Orhan
Published: November 2023

The gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) observations have so far been utilized to detect and trace the variations of hydrological extremes worldwide. However, applying the coarse resolution GRACE estimates for local‐scale analysis remains a big challenge. In this study, a new version of the fine resolution (1 km) Famine early warning systems network Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS) model data was integrated into a machine learning model along with the GRACE data to evaluate the subbasin‐scale variations of water storage, and drought. With a correlation of and a root mean square error (RMSE) of of its results, the downscaling model turned out to be very successful in modelling the finer resolution variations of TWSA. The water storage deficit (WSD) and Water Storage Deficit Index (WSDI) were used to determine the episodes and severity of drought events. Accordingly, two severe droughts (January 2008 to March 2009 and September 2019 to December 2020) were discerned in the Kizilirmak Basin (KB) located in Central Türkiye. The characterization of droughts was evaluated based on WSDI, scPDSI, and model‐based drought indices of the soil moisture storage percentile (SMSP) and groundwater storage percentile (GWSP). The results indicated discrepancies in the drought classes based on different indices. However, the WSDI turned out to be more correlated with GWSP, suggesting its high ability to monitor groundwater droughts as well.
Pesticides in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area: Plausible risks to fish populations
Authors: Hook Sharon E. , Smith Rachael A. , Waltham Nathan , Warne Michael St.J.
Published: November 2023

Waterways that drain the Great Barrier Reef catchment area (GBRCA) transport pollutants to marine habitats, provide a critical corridor between freshwater and marine habitats for migratory fish species, and are of high socioecological value. Some of these waterways contain concentrations of pesticide active ingredients (PAIs) that exceed Australian ecotoxicity threshold values (ETVs) for ecosystem protection. In this article, we use a “pathway to harm” model with five key criteria to assess whether the available information supports the hypothesis that PAIs are or could have harmful effects on fish and arthropod populations. Strong evidence of the first three criteria and circumstantial weaker evidence of the fourth and fifth criteria are presented. Specifically, we demonstrate that exceedances of Australian and New Zealand ETVs for ecosystem protection are widespread in the GBRCA, that the PAI contaminated water occurs (spatially and temporally) in important habitats for fisheries, and that there are clear direct and indirect mechanisms by which PAIs could cause harmful effects. The evidence of individuals and populations of fish and arthropods being adversely affected species is more circumstantial but consistent with PAIs causing harmful effects in the freshwater ecosystems of Great Barrier Reef waterways. We advocate strengthening the links between PAI concentrations and fish health because of the cultural values placed on the freshwater ecosystems by relevant stakeholders and Traditional Owners, with the aim that stronger links between elevated PAI concentrations and changes in recreationally and culturally important fish species will inspire improvements in water quality. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1256–1279. © 2023 Commonwealth of Australia and The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

A “pathway to harm” model is used to demonstrate that pesticide active ingredients could be harming fish and arthropod populations. Pesticides frequently occur in fish habitats at concentrations that exceed guideline values. There are known toxicological mechanisms for these pesticides to exert adverse outcomes, and some evidence that fish health in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area could be affected. We advocate strengthening the links between PAI concentrations and fish health because of the cultural value placed on the freshwater ecosystems.
Crypto custodians in financial distress
Authors: Skauradszun Dominik , Kuempel Jeremias
Published: November 2023

The business model of crypto custodians is relatively new. If these companies fall into financial distress, the question arises as to which legal framework is applicable to them. Since jurisdictions such as the US, the Swiss, the German, and recently also the European Union place crypto custodians under financial supervision, it seems reasonable to assume that the numerous European legal acts for these firms and the recovery and resolution of credit institutions, investment firms and other firms may be relevant (SRMR, BRRD, MiFID II, CRR, MiCAR etc). On the other hand, crypto custodians could be coherently located in the system of European insolvency law. However, the EIR Recast contains an exclusion for certain companies in the financial sector. Having now seen major crypto custodians in financial distress, legal scholars must answer the question of whether one of the legal frameworks is applicable to crypto custodians or whether the European legislature must extend the scope of one of the regimes to include crypto custodians. The study will show that the business model of pure crypto custodians holding crypto currencies in custody is not covered by major European regulations and directives concerning the financial sector but can be covered by the EIR Recast through a narrow interpretation of its scope exclusion. Taking the European legislator's perspective, the paper demonstrates that neither the CRR, SRMR, nor BRRD will lead to coherent results with respect to crypto custodians in financial distress but instead, though unintentional, the application of the EIR Recast. Concerning crypto custodians, the EIR Recast, therefore, seems to be the more suitable regime.
Intelligent internet of things induced preschool education assistance system
Authors: Zhao Hong
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of AI technology, how to construct smart learning environment has become a hot topic in education. However, most of existing studies focus on the higher education. It is still an open issue to establish smart learning environment in kindergartens for preschool education. In order to solve this issue, this paper designs an intelligent classroom education perception system to assist preschool education. The system end‐edge‐cloud collaboration structure. The end node captures videos of children in the classroom and send the collected videos to edge node. The edge node contains a NVIDIA® Jetson™ TX2 in which an AI module is deployed. The AI module adopts end‐to‐end architecture, which contains four parts: human detector, symmetric spatial transformation network module, non‐maximum suppression module, and a spatial temporal graph convolutional network module. Compared with previous works, the proposed scheme considers both spatial information and temporal information of skeletal key points. The experimental results show that the proposed smart preschool education assistance system can help teachers to recognize most of common preschool children activities during classroom.
SME tax avoidance in the presence of informal competition from shadow economy
Authors: Farooq Omar , Elbannan Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Using the data for Indian SMEs, this paper examines in an emerging market setting whether firms with exposure to informal competition are more likely to avoid taxes. We use a sample of 9281 Indian firms that responded to the World Bank Enterprise Survey and find empirical evidence that supports this conjecture. We find that firms headquartered in states/provinces with better business environment and firms with more competitive position in the market are less likely to avoid taxes in response to informal competition. This paper also shows that firms that avoid taxes are more likely to invest in innovation and have more efficient operations than the firm that does not avoid taxes.
Production of hydrochar from corn silk by hydrothermal carbonization technique and its modification for more effective removal of Cr(VI)
Authors: Ekinci Selma
Published: November 2023

The objective of this project was to develop a new bioproduct that will utilize agricultural waste and modify the product to increase its present adsorption capacity. After the hydrothermal carbonization of corn silk, a novel hydrochar was generated and treated using sulfuric acid to boost its adsorption capacity. FT‐IR, SEM–EDX, TGA, and BET surface analysis studies were used to analyze the structure of the produced biosorbents. According to the EDX analysis results, there are C, H, and N elements in the hydrochar structure, and the treated hydrochar contains S in addition to these elements. While the presence of several functional groups was indicated by FT‐IR data, post‐adsorption EDX analysis proved that Cr ions were adhering to hydrochar. The proper parameters for the adsorption processes for both biosorbents were established. By analyzing the outcomes of kinetics tests at various concentrations and isotherm experiments, the adsorption procedure was identified. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model was shown to be consistent with the kinetic pathways of adsorptions. Although the results of the isotherm experiments also suited the Langmuir isotherm, the Freundlich isotherm had higher R2 values and was more consistent with the results. The outcomes demonstrated that sulfuric acid‐modified hydrochar offered greater Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. qm values defining the maximum adsorption capacities of HC and THC at a temperature of 333 K were estimated to be 263.16 and 294.12 mg g−1, in that order. Based on the qm values, the adsorption capabilities of HC and THC were compared with those of a few other adsorbents. THC (29.11 m2 g−1) had a 29% larger surface area than HC (22.57 m2 g−1), according to the surface area of BET test results.
Ionic liquid modification reshapes the substrate pockets of lipase to boost its stability and activity in vitamin E succinate synthesis
Authors: Ma Guangzheng , Zhang Zihan , Chen Mei , Zhang Yifei , Nian Binbin , Hu Yi
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The relative low stability, reusability and activity of enzymes made the industrial production of vitamin E succinate (VES) can only be performed with complex processes and high cost using chemical methods. To address these issues, in the present study, an ionic liquids (ILs) modification strategy was developed to improve the activity and stability of lipases in VES synthesis.

RESULTS

The results showed that the [1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazole] [N‐acetyl‐l‐proline] ILs modified Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) has the highest modification degree (48.28%), activity (774 U g−1), thermostability and solvent tolerance in three selected modifiers. Additionally, after reaction condition optimization, the highest yield of VES can be improved to 95.18% at 45 °C for 15 h, which was significantly improved compared to some previous studies.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, a high‐efficiency VES synthesis strategy was successfully developed via modification of lipase. Moreover, the mechanism by which ILs modification can enhance the activity and stability of lipase was investigated via both experimental and computational‐aided methods. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that ILs modification changed the geometry of Phe344 from flat to upright, which significantly reshaped and enhanced the size of substrate binding pocket of CRL. It is also agreement with our circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy results, which suggested that the modification changed the secondary structure of CRL to a certain extent. The larger pocket also endowed the suitable binding pose of succinate, which made the hydrogen bonds between succinate and active site Ser209 become stronger, and thus improving the yield of VES. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimization of cold plasma combined treatment process and its effect on the quality of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) during refrigerated storage
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Sang Xiaohan , Cai Zhicheng , Zeng Lixian , Deng Wentao , Zhang Jianhao , Jiang Zhumao , Wang Jiamei
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Cold plasma exhibits broad applicability in the realm of fish sterilization and preservation. The combination process of plasma‐activated water and dielectric barrier discharge (PAW‐DBD) was optimized, and its disinfection effects on bass fillets were studied.

RESULTS

The best conditions for disinfection of PAW‐DBD were as follows. Bass fillets were soaked in PAW for 150 s, and then treated by DBD system at 160 kV for 180 s. The total viable count (TVC) reduced by 1.68 log CFU g−1. On the 15th day of refrigerated storage, TVC of PAW‐DBD group was 7.01 log CFU g−1, while the PAW and DBD group exhibited a TVC of 7.02 and 7.01 log CFU g−1 on day 12; the TVC of the control group was 7.13 log CFU g−1 on day 6. The sensory score, water‐holding capacity, and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values of the PAW‐DBD group were significantly higher than those of PAW and DBD group (P < 0.05), whereas the TVC, Pseudomonas spp. count, and pH of the group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) during refrigerated storage.

CONCLUSION

PAW‐DBD treatment can enhance the disinfection effect, maintain good quality, and extend the storage period of bass fillets. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Single Component Polymers, Polymer Blends, and Polymer Composites for Interventional Endovascular Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Karadeli Hasan Hüseyin , Kuram Emel
Published: November 2023

Intracranial aneurysm is the abnormal focal dilation in brain arteries. When untreated, it can enlarge to rupture points and account for subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. Intracranial aneurysms can be treated by blocking the flow of blood to the aneurysm sac with clipping of the aneurysm neck or endovascular embolization with embolics to promote the formation of the thrombus. Coils or an embolic device are inserted endovascularly into the aneurysm via a micro‐catheter to fill the aneurysm. Many embolization materials have been developed. An embolization coil made of soft and thin platinum wire called the “Guglielmi detachable coil” (GDC) enables safer treatment for brain aneurysms. However, patients may experience aneurysm recurrence because of incomplete coil filling or compaction over time. Unsatisfactory recanalization rates and incomplete occlusion are the drawbacks of endovascular embolization. So, the fabrication of new medical devices with less invasive surgical techniques is mandatory to enhance the long‐term therapeutic performance of existing endovascular procedures. For this aim, the current article reviews polymeric materials including blends and composites employed for embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Polymeric materials used in embolic agents, their advantages and challenges, results of the strategies used to overcome treatment, and results of clinical experiences are summarized and discussed.
Goat Milk Improves Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Mice and Protects Pancreatic β‐Cell Functions
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Zhang Zhifei , Niu Huiming , Tian Xinmiao , Tian Huibin , Yao Weiwei , He Huanshan , Shi Huaiping , Li Cong , Luo Jun
Published: November 2023

Scope

Consuming goat milk is known to benefit high‐fat diet‐fed and streptozocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study is conducted to investigate the metabolic effects of a goat milk diet (a form of goat milk powder) on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic conditions in a mouse model of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by STZ.

Methods and results

T2DM mice are fed with a goat‐milk‐based diet containing 10.3% w/w goat milk powder for 10 weeks for investigating the in vivo effects; a β‐cell line MIN6 cells are used to test the in vitro effects of digested goat milk (DGM). Goat milk diet improves the deleterious effects of STZ on fasting glucose levels and glucose tolerance, accelerates pancreatic structure recovery, and alters blood metabolites in mice. Based on the significant differences observed in metabolites, the key pathways, metabolite regulatory enzymes, metabolite molecular modules, and biochemical reactions are identified as critical integrated pathways. DGM promotes the cell activity, glucose transportation, and AKT activation in cultured STZ‐treated MIN6 cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Goat milk diet improves glucose homeostasis and pancreatic conditions of T2DM mice, in association with improved blood metabolite profiles and activation of pancreatic AKT pathway.
MPMICE: A hybrid MPM‐CFD model for simulating coupled problems in porous media. Application to earthquake‐induced submarine landslides
Authors: Tran Quoc Anh , Grimstad Gustav , Ghoreishian Amiri Seyed Ali
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we describe a soil‐fluid‐structure interaction model that combines soil mechanics (saturated sediments), fluid mechanics (seawater or air), and solid mechanics (structures). The formulation combines the Material Point Method, which models large deformation of the porous media and the structure, with the Implicit Continuous‐fluid Eulerian, which models complex fluid flows. We validate the model and simulate the whole process of earthquake‐induced submarine landslides. We show that this model captures complex interactions between saturated sediment, seawater, and structure, so we can use the model to estimate the impact of potential submarine landslides on offshore structures.
Distributed optimization of high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with disturbance under switching topologies
Authors: Zhu Wenbo , Wang Qingling
Published: November 2023

This article investigates distributed optimization of high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) with disturbance under switching topologies. First, we propose a class of new distributed control algorithms for high‐order MASs under switching topologies, such that all agents asymptotically reach consensus at the unique minimizer of the sum of cost functions. Then, by constructing disturbance observer, the proposed algorithms are extended to address distributed optimization problems for high‐order nonlinear MASs with disturbance under switching topologies. In particular, both of new presented methods do not require optimal reference signal generator, which can save the computational resources of systems. In final, simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical results.
Analysis of fabrics obtained during the archeological excavation sites in Israel
Authors: Kumar Awanish , Lamberti Yifat , Lewis Rafael Y. , Marco Eyal , Domb Abraham J.
Published: November 2023

The aim of this work is to determine the type of material in the given unknown fabric which was excavated from the various archeological sites in Israel using advanced material technology. The four fabrics that were obtained appeared as fragmentary and very degraded textiles. Therefore, we established the treatment method for these fabrics that would be most suitable to deal with the analysis and identification of the material they are made. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), energy dispersive x‐ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis were used to confirm the material in the fabric samples. Upon detailed analysis it was concluded that all the fabrics are composed either of the synthetic materials such as nylon 6, polyester, and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The developed method and analysis present herein has the advantages of being rapid and effective for identification of the fabrics and can be applied to varieties of archeological fabrics.
A unified approach for evaluating mechanical compression tests for polymer bead foams
Authors: Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Meuchelböck Johannes , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: November 2023

In the realm of material characterization, the mechanical properties of polymer foams play a pivotal role in shaping their applicability across diverse industries. In this pursuit, we present a novel approach to standardize and automate the assessment of key mechanical parameters for Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foams using a self‐developed Python script, made freely available for the scientific community. We precisely determine the compression modulus, plateau onset, and onset of densification strain for EPP foams across various densities. The script's effectiveness is demonstrated through comparisons with manual evaluations and established standards, highlighting its superiority, consistency, and suitability for a wide range of materials and conditions. Moreover, the script enables the analysis of energy absorption, shedding light on the intricate relationship between density and energy dissipation. Finally, our approach was extended to other foams to provide insight on their mechanical properties. The automated methodology ensures accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency, thereby advancing the understanding of foam materials and facilitating informed design decisions. This research contributes to laying a foundation for the standardized assessment of foam mechanical properties, which could potentially facilitate their effective use in other applications.
Comparable performance of antigen‐detecting rapid test by healthcare worker‐collected and self‐collected swabs for SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kurniawan Samuel Johnson , Kaisar Maria Mardalena Martini , Kristin Helen , Ali Soegianto
Published: November 2023

Usage of self‐screening tests has become increasingly relevant in public health perspective for early detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the transitioning era of the COVID‐19 pandemic into an endemic. This study was designed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of self‐conducted and health professional‐conducted SARS‐CoV‐2 rapid antigen tests (Ag‐RDTs) and whether the sample was taken from anterior nasal or nasal mid‐turbinate. Eligible comparative Ag‐RDTs accuracy studies were retrieved from electronic databases systematically, in accordance with PRISMA. Selected studies were assessed for risk of bias using QUADAS‐2 and QUADAS‐C. In total, we selected five out of 1952 studies retrieved using the keywords. The overall sensitivity for the self‐collected nasal swab method and healthcare worker‐collected nasopharyngeal swab method was 79% (95% CI 68–87; I2 = 62%) and 83% (95% CI 75–89; I2 = 32%), respectively, which was not statistically different (p = 0.499). Nasal mid‐turbinate swabs have a significantly higher sensitivity compared to anterior nasal swabs (p < 0.01). Both sampling methods represent high and comparable specificity values of 98% (95% CI 97–99; I2 = 0%) and 99% (95% CI 98–99; I2 = 0%). Positive predictive value (range 90%–99%) and negative predictive value (range 87%–98%) were equivalent for both methods. Our findings indicated the accuracy of self‐collected Ag‐RDT on nasal swabs was comparable to those performed by healthcare worker‐collected on nasopharyngeal swabs. Self‐collected Ag‐RDT could be considered as a transmission prevention method in the transition of COVID‐19 pandemic.
Skin Diseases in a Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Setting in Trinidad and Tobago, with an Evaluation of Service Provision
Authors: Hallai Nirmala , Macias Vivien , Iswaravaka Sudhir , Ramroop Shivaughn , Ramjit Sarah , Laloo Priya
Published: November 2023

Skin diseases in Trinidad and Tobago, demonstating differences in Hospital vs Primary Care Dermatology Clinics, paediatric age groups and use of laboratory services. This figure illustrates, (a) combined percentage in range of skin diseases from all sites, n = 1309. Other diseases included CTD (connective tissue disease), papular urticaria, prurigo, rosacea and pityriasis rosea. (b) Paediatric dermatology conditions seen in one PCHF (primary care health facility) versus hospital clinics. (c) Comparison of waiting times, source of referrals and use of pathology in all PCHF versus hospital clinics.
Comparison of the Electrocatalytic Performances of Fe‐Doped NiCo‐Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) and a NiCo‐LDH/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Poormirzaei Vida , Rezvani Zolfaghar
Published: November 2023

Because of its important role in water splitting, electrocatalysts of water oxidation reaction (oxygen evolution reaction; OER) attracted much attention. Recently, many catalysts based on Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) have been introduced for this purpose. As a result, one of the main topics of the present study on renewable energies is the development of efficient and economical catalysts for OER reactions. So, in this paper, NiCo‐layered double hydroxide (with [Ni2+]/[Co3+]=3 : 1 molar ratio), NiCoFe‐LDH (with [Ni2+]/[Co3++Fe3+]=3 : 1 molar ratio, and different percentages of iron doping (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75), and NiCo‐LDH/Fe3O4 nanocomposite were synthesized by the coprecipitation method at pH=10. The prepared materials were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, and TGA. The morphological aspects of samples were investigated by FESEM and TEM techniques. Pore size distribution, surface area, and total pore volume of materials were determined by using BET surface analysis. Finally, the performance of the synthesized samples was investigated as an electrocatalyst for the water oxidation reaction.
Establishing an Ion‐Sieving Separator by Depositing Oxygen‐Deficient SiOx Layer for Stabilized Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Kehua , Tao Xiao , Feng Pan , Xu Hui , Zhu Xiao , Zhang Xiyu , Chen Jian
Published: November 2023

Stable plating/stripping of Zn metal anode remains a great challenge owing to uncontrollable dendrite growth and side reactions. Ion‐sieving separators is a unique and promising solution, that possess Zn2+ permeability and promote Zn2+ transport, can effectively alleviate the abovementioned problems. Ion‐sieving on glass fiber separator by deposition of oxygen‐deficient SiOx layer via active screen plasma technology is achieved. While having chemical composition similar to the glass fiber, the SiOx nanoparticles contain oxygen‐rich vacancies that promoted dissociation of the adsorbed water and generation of the hydroxyl groups. The negatively‐charged hydroxylated SiOx layer can repel SO42− and attract Zn2+, which can alleviate the side reactions. The strong interplay between hydroxyl groups and Zn2+ can boost Zn affinity and yield fast Zn2+ transport. Consequently, the SiOx‐deposited GF separator enabled dendrite‐free Zn deposition morphology, which displays lower overpotential of 18 mV and longer cycling life over 2000 h for Zn symmetric cell. Such a separator can also be easily scaled up to prepare the high‐performance large‐area (4 × 6 cm2) pouch Zn‐based devices, showing remarkable flexibility and practicality.
Unique Perovskitizer N─Pb Bond Switching Induced Polar Photovoltaic Effect in Trilayered Hybrid Perovskite
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Zhu Tingting , Zhu Zeng‐kui , Wu Jianbo , Geng Yaru , Luo Junhua
Published: November 2023

Polar photovoltaic effect (PPE) has attracted great attention in regulating desired optoelectronic properties, which can be driven by order–disorder and displacive phase transitions. Bond‐switching is also a feasible method to induce PPE, but such investigation is very rare. Lead‐halide hybrid perovskite (LHHP) is an outstanding photodetection material; lead atoms possess rich coordination modes to provide possibilities to construct switchable bonds. Here, a unique perovskitizer N─Pb bond‐switching is disclosed to induce polar photovoltage in the emerging LHHP, PA2MHy2Pb3Br10 (1, PA = n‐propylamine, MHy = methylhydrazine). Interestingly, the perovskitizer MHy+ provides 2s2 lone pair while the Pb atom affords empty d orbitals, which coordinate with each other to generate a flexible N─Pb bond. Further, the introduction of N─Pb bonds results in a high distortion of the PbBr6 octahedron to form local polarity and further orientation to induce spontaneous polarization. More importantly, such a flexible N─Pb bond switching mechanism drives a notable PPE and controllable polarized photo‐response, a polarization ratio up to 9.7 at the polar phase in striking contrast with the non‐polar phase (1.03). The work provides the first demonstration of bond‐switching to induce polar phase transition and polar photovoltage in the photoconductive hybrid perovskites for photoelectric applications.
Microsphere‐Enabled Modular Formation of Miniaturized In Vitro Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zhang Li , O'Dell Robert , Yin Zhuozhuo , Yu Dou , Chen Hexin , Liu JinPing , Wang Hongjun
Published: November 2023

In search of effective therapeutics for breast cancers, establishing physiologically relevant in vitro models is of great benefit to facilitate the clinical translation. Despite extensive progresses, it remains to develop the tumor models maximally recapturing the key pathophysiological attributes of their native counterparts. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop a microsphere‐enabled modular approach toward the formation of in vitro breast tumor models with the capability of incorporating various selected cells while retaining spatial organization. Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microspheres (150‐200 mm) with tailorable pore size and surface topography are fabricated and used as carriers to respectively lade with breast tumor‐associated cells. Culture of cell‐laden microspheres assembled within a customized microfluidic chamber allowed to form 3D tumor models with spatially controlled cell distribution. The introduction of endothelial cell‐laden microspheres into cancer‐cell laden microspheres at different ratios would induce angiogenesis within the culture to yield vascularized tumor. Evaluation of anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin and Cediranib on the tumor models do demonstrate corresponding physiological responses. Clearly, with the ability to modulate microsphere morphology, cell composition and spatial distribution, microsphere‐enabled 3D tumor tissue formation offers a high flexibility to satisfy the needs for pathophysiological study, anticancer drug screening or design of personalized treatment.