bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Maize Genotypes against Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Incited by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii Exner (Cantharellales: Ceratobasidiaceae) Under Artificial Epiphytotic Conditions, India
Authors: Kumar Parvesh , Mehra Rakesh , Kumari Poonam , Sharma Lochan , Sarita . , Yadav Pankaj
Published: January 2023

Zea mays L. (Poales) is one of the most important cereal crops belongs to Poaceae family with very high potential for yield. Production of maize is hampered by a major constraint and devastating disease banded leaf and sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the maize genotypes under field conditions at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal (India). A set of fifty seven genotypes (hybrids/inbred lines) were screened against banded leaf and sheath blight during kharif 2020 and 2021 under artificial epiphytotic conditions. The severity of banded leaf and sheath blight was recorded following 1-9 scale and genotypes evaluated categorized into four groups viz., resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible based on their disease reaction. Out of fifty seven genotypes screened against BLSB, eight inbred lines viz., HKI 161, HKI-163, HKI-193-2, HKI-288-2, HKI-295, HKI-488, HKI-1344 and HKI 1352 (58-9-2)-2 found resistant and seventeen maize inbred lines were moderately resistant, whereas two hybrids (HQPM-4 and HKI-1040-7 x HKI 659-3) showed resistant reaction and ten maize hybrids were moderately resistant. Thus, these resistant/ moderately resistant maize genotypes can be further use in maize breeding program to develop durable BLSB resistant varieties.
Common Faunal Diversity on Forest Floor and Their Importance in Forest Ecosystem: Bonai Forest Division, Odisha, India
Authors: N. Sanath Kumar , Pradhan Ilarani , Kumar Sanjeet
Published: January 2023

Bonai Forest Division (BFD) is enjoying the tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous, and tropical semi-evergreen forest. Among the biotic and abiotic factors, faunal species that are found on the forest floor are very important. They are important members of the forest food chain, feed upon the dead and decaying matter, and after death, add organic matter to the soil as a source of nutrients for the floral communities but there is a lack in documentation. For a better understanding of the role and functions of these faunal species, there is a need for study and documentation. Keeping the importance of faunal species of forest floor, we made an attempt to document common faunal species of BFD, Odisha during June 2021- August 2022. From the study, authors observed 54 common faunal species found on the forest floor. It was noticed that the forest floor of BFD is dominated by class Insecta, Reptilia, and Arachnida which helps to maintain a well-balanced food chain and allows the floral and faunal diversity to flourish.
Analysis of the Targets and Progress toward Meeting the 2030 Agenda for SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy: Evidence from India
Authors: Katoch Om Raj , Sehgal Shallu , Sharma Romesh , Nawaz Ashraz
Published: January 2023

The success of the SDGs has been a major challenge for governments around the world in recent years. This research focuses specifically on progress toward SDG 7, which aims to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and clean energy. The primary goal of this paper was to assess progress toward SDG 7 objectives in India and Indian states and UTs. Using SDG Index reports for 2018, 2019 and 2020, we assess the progress made in terms of SDG 7. The findings revealed that for SDG 7, the SDG Index Score ranges between 50 and 100 for States and 71 to 100 for UTs. There are fifteen states and five UTs in the class of Achievers (with an Index score of 100) and twelve states and three UTs in the class of Front Runners (with an Index score ranges between 65 and 99). The paper raises various policy issues, including drafting of regulations that benefit the poor and marginalized sections of the society, as well as states and areas that lack access. The importance of formal education, especially for rural women, cannot be overstated, which impacts their decisions about the type of fuel used for cooking. Through strong collaboration between non-state organizations and the government in rural communities within the country, the SDG 7 goals can be achieved through effective planning and delivery of reforms, thereby reducing the harmful effects of the lack of access to clean and affordable energy. It will be crucial in the long run for effective participation of local institutions (PRIs) to carry out reforms in the energy sectors to have adequate budgetary allocations for providing access to affordable energy services.
Diacetyl - A Critical Safety Review of the Science Defining the Environmental Inhalation Hazards Association with Chronic Lung Disease
Authors: Mink Franklin L.
Published: January 2023

In the last two decades scrutiny of several retrospective occupational studies on performed by NIOSH in the early 2000’s on ambient indoor air exposures to the flavoring chemical diacetyl and more complex butter flavoring formulations has led to a reported association between diacetyl and severe irreversible lung disease, primarily bronchiolitis obliterans. A group of laboratory rodent studies, performed primarily by associated researchers, followed in the next two decades with the intent to determine a plausible physiological mechanism for bronchiole scarring applicable to the human respiratory tract. Recently, a renewed interest in diacetyl as a flavoring constituent of vaping liquids and marijuana and inhalation exposures has emerged. This paper reviews the universe of published literature to date in relation to whether diacetyl or butter flavors containing diacetyl causes occupational or environmental lung disease, more specifically BO (i.e., general causation) and whether specific levels of inhaled diacetyl or butter flavors containing diacetyl are associated with chronic lung disease.

The review included numerous journal articles, government reports, etc. Based upon the evidence, while the literature reflects a statistical association between both diacetyl and butter flavoring diacetyl mixtures and lung disease, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that general causation between exposure to diacetyl concentrations measured in the ambient air environments studied to date and chronic lung disease does not exist.
About Nature of Nuclear Forthes
Authors: Vasiliev Boris V.
Published: January 2023

After the discovery of the proton-neutron composition of nuclei, the problem of nuclear forces nature became especially urgent.Nowadays, nuclear forces are explained by the action of a special strong interaction that occurs when nuclear nucleons exchange special particles - gluons.This article proves that the attraction between protons and neutrons can be explained by the well-known quantum mechanical effect, which was first described about a hundred years ago. This is the attraction between two protons that occurs when they are exchanged by electron (in this case relativistic). This makes it possible, abandoning the gluon model, to obtain quantitative estimates of the magnitude of the mass defect of both lightand heavy nuclei.
Comparison of the Financial and Operational Characteristics of For-Profit and Nonprofit Hospitals Receiving Federal Graduate Medical Education Payments, 2011-2020
Authors: Kadakia Kushal T. , Zheng Jie , Bruch Joseph D. , Tsai Thomas C.
Published: January 2023

This study compares graduate medical education (GME) payments between nonprofit and for-profit hospitals between 2011 and 2020 to assess how hospitals value GME.
The Collected Schizophrenias—Narrative Insights Into Schizoaffective Disorder
Authors: Hedlin Margot
Published: January 2023

This Arts and Medicine feature reviews The Collected Schizophrenias, a 2019 essay collection by Esmé Weijun Wang about her experiences living with schizoaffective disorder.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing for the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Hoff Scott , Collop Nancy
Published: January 2023

A 50-year-old patient with epilepsy, hypertension, loud snoring, recent 50-lb weight gain, and abrupt awakenings with a feeling of breathlessness but no headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness presented with concerns. What would you do next?
Estimated Indirect Cost Savings of Using Telehealth Among Nonelderly Patients With Cancer
Authors: Patel Krupal B. , Turner Kea , Alishahi Tabriz Amir , Gonzalez Brian D. , Oswald Laura B. , Nguyen Oliver T. , Hong Young-Rock , Jim Heather S. L. , Nichols Anthony C. , Wang Xuefeng , Robinson Edmondo , Naso Cristina , Spiess Philippe E.
Published: January 2023

Importance

Patients with cancer typically have greater financial hardships and time costs than individuals without cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this, while posing substantial challenges to delivering cancer care and resulting in important changes in care-delivery models, including the rapid adoption of telehealth.

Objective

To estimate patient travel, time, and cost savings associated with telehealth for cancer care delivery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An economic evaluation of cost savings from completed telehealth visits from April 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, in a single-institution National Cancer Institute–Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. All patients aged 18 to 65 years who completed telehealth visits within the designated time frame and had a Florida mailing address documented in their electronic medical record were included in the study cohort. Data were analyzed from April 2020 to June 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was estimated patient cost savings from telehealth, which included 2 components: costs of travel (defined as roundtrip distance saved from car travel) and potential loss of productivity due to the medical visit (defined as loss of income from roundtrip travel plus loss of income from in-person clinic visits). Two different models with a combination of 2 different mileage rates ($0.56 and $0.82 per mile) and census tract–level median hourly wages were used.

Results

The study included 25 496 telehealth visits with 11 688 patients. There were 4525 (3795 patients) new or established visits and 20 971 (10 049 patients) follow-up visits. Median (IQR) age was 55.0 (46.0-61.0) years among the telehealth visits, with 15 663 visits (61.4%) by women and 18 360 visits (72.0%) by non-Hispanic White patients. According to cost models, the estimated mean (SD) total cost savings ranged from $147.4 ($120.1) at $0.56/mile to $186.1 ($156.9) at $0.82/mile. For new or established visits, the mean (SD) total cost savings per visit ranged from $176.6 ($136.3) at $0.56/mile to $222.8 ($177.4) at $0.82/mile, and for follow-up visits, the mean (SD) total cost savings per visit was $141.1 ($115.3) at $0.56/mile to $178.1 ($150.9) at $0.82/mile.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this economic evaluation, telehealth was associated with savings in patients time and travel costs, which may reduce the financial toxicity of cancer care. Expansion of telehealth oncology services may be an effective strategy to reduce the financial burden among patients with cancer.
Reinforcement learning in medical image analysis: Concepts, applications, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Hu Mingzhe , Zhang Jiahan , Matkovic Luke , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

Motivation

Medical image analysis involves a series of tasks used to assist physicians in qualitative and quantitative analyses of lesions or anatomical structures which can significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of medical diagnoses and prognoses. Traditionally, these tedious tasks were finished by experienced physicians or medical physicists and were marred with two major problems, low efficiency and bias.

In the past decade, many machine learning methods have been applied to accelerate and automate the image analysis process. Compared to the enormous deployments of supervised and unsupervised learning models, attempts to use reinforcement learning in medical image analysis are still scarce. We hope that this review article could serve as the stepping stone for related research in the future.

Significance

We found that although reinforcement learning has gradually gained momentum in recent years, many researchers in the medical analysis field still find it hard to understand and deploy in clinical settings. One possible cause is a lack of well‐organized review articles intended for readers without professional computer science backgrounds. Rather than to provide a comprehensive list of all reinforcement learning models applied in medical image analysis, the aim of this review is to help the readers formulate and solve their medical image analysis research through the lens of reinforcement learning.

Approach & Results

We selected published articles from Google Scholar and PubMed. Considering the scarcity of related articles, we also included some outstanding newest preprints. The papers were carefully reviewed and categorized according to the type of image analysis task. In this article, we first reviewed the basic concepts and popular models of reinforcement learning. Then, we explored the applications of reinforcement learning models in medical image analysis. Finally, we concluded the article by discussing the reviewed reinforcement learning approaches’ limitations and possible future improvements.
19.28% Efficiency and Stable Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Introducing an NIR‐Absorbing Guest Acceptor
Authors: Fan Qunping , Ma Ruijie , Bi Zhaozhao , Liao Xunfan , Wu Baohua , Zhang Sen , Su Wenyan , Fang Jin , Zhao Chao , Yan Cenqi , Chen Kai , Li Yuxiang , Gao Chao , Li Gang , Ma Wei
Published: January 2023

Here, a near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing small‐molecule acceptor (SMA) Y‐SeNF with strong intermolecular interaction and crystallinity is developed by combining selenophene‐fused core with naphthalene‐containing end‐group, and then as a custom‐tailor guest acceptor is incorporated into the binary PM6:L8‐BO host system. Y‐SeNF shows a 65 nm red‐shifted absorption compared to L8‐BO. Thanks to the strong crystallinity and intermolecular interaction of Y‐SeNF, the morphology of PM6:L8‐BO:Y‐SeNF can be precisely regulated by introducing Y‐SeNF, achieving improved charge‐transporting and suppressed non‐radiative energy loss. Consequently, ternary polymer solar cells (PSCs) offer an impressive device efficiency of 19.28% with both high photovoltage (0.873 V) and photocurrent (27.88 mA cm−2), which is one of the highest efficiencies in reported single‐junction PSCs. Notably, ternary PSC has excellent stability under maximum‐power‐point tracking for even over 200 h, which is better than its parental binary devices. The study provides a novel strategy to construct NIR‐absorbing SMA for efficient and stable PSCs toward practical applications.
Acidity‐Biodegradable Iridium‐Coordinated Nanosheets for Amplified Ferroptotic Cell Death Through Multiple Regulatory Pathways
Authors: Huang Lili , Nie Tongtong , Jiang Lixian , Chen Ying , Zhou Yixuan , Cai Xiaojun , Zheng Yuanyi , Wang Longchen , Wu Jianrong , Ying Tao
Published: January 2023

Ferroptosis‐based treatment strategies display the potential to suppress some malignant tumors with intrinsic apoptosis resistance. However, current related cancer treatments are still hampered by insufficient intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and Fe2+ contents, posing considerable challenges for their clinical translation. Herein, an intracellular acid‐biodegradable iridium‐coordinated nanosheets (Ir‐Hemin) with sonodynamic therapy (SDT) properties to effectively induce ferroptosis in tumor cells through multiple regulatory pathways are proposed. Under ultrasound (US) irradiation, Ir‐Hemin nanosheets act as nanosonosensitizers to effectively generate ROS, subsequently causing the accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPO) and inducing ferroptotic cell death. Furthermore, these Ir‐Hemin nanosheets decompose quickly to release hemin and Ir(IV), which deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH) to deactivate the enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and initiate the ferroptosis pathway. Specifically, the released hemin enables heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) upregulation for endogenous ferrous ion supplementation, which compensates for the toxicity concerns brought about by the large uptake of exogenous iron. Surprisingly, Ir‐Hemin nanosheets exhibit high tumor accumulation and trigger effective ferroptosis for tumor therapy. These Ir‐Hemin nanosheets display pronounced synergistic anticancer efficacy under US stimulation both in vitro and in vivo, providing a strong rationale for the application of ferroptosis in cancer treatment.
Towards a More Sustainable Photocatalyzed α‐Arylation of Amines: Green Solvents, Catalyst Recycling and Low Loading
Authors: Quintavalla Arianna , Carboni Davide , Sepe Cecilia , Mummolo Liviana , Zaccheroni Nelsi , Lombardo Marco
Published: January 2023

A more sustainable and efficient protocol for the photocatalytic α‐amino arylation promoted byfac‐Ir(ppy)3was developed. Three noteworthy results were achieved: i) the replacement of toxic medium DMA with the greener solvents NBP and NHP, and the concurrent improvement of the process efficiency by lowering both the amine and the base amount; ii) the development of a recycling protocol for both the sustainable solvent NHP and the commercially available costly photocatalystfac‐Ir(ppy)3, achieving environmental and economic benefits. This approach to the photocatalyst recovery avoids very demanding catalyst structural modifications; iii) the protocol in green solvents proved to be scalable up to 10 mmol of limiting reagent, maintaining excellent performance also lowering the photocatalyst loading down to 0.05 mol%. This is the first example of photocatalytic α‐arylation of amines promoted by such a low amount of catalyst. Lastly, the versatility of this approach was demonstrated by extending the use of the green solvent NBP to another photoredox process.

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Modeling salt adsorption in electrical double layer for capacitive deionization
Authors: Lin Yu‐Jeng , Chen Chau‐Chyun
Published: January 2023

This work presents an electrical double layer (EDL) model for capacitive deionization (CDI) by intercorrelating the salt adsorption, the electrode voltage, and the surface charge density. The counterion condensation is considered a crucial contribution to salt adsorption because of the high surface charge density in the charged micropores. The counterions condense when the surface charge density exceeds a critical value, which is predicted by the counterion condensation theory. The EDL model accurately correlates the NaCl salt adsorption and electrode voltage with various surface charge densities and well predicts the salt adsorption in a wide range of external salt concentrations. The EDL model reproduces the non‐monotonic relationship between the salt adsorption and the specific surface area observed in experiments and provides an explanation from the modeling perspective. Exhibiting superior accuracy and predictability for salt adsorption, the EDL model could serve as an enabling tool contributing to the development of CDI processes.
A green/sustainable organocatalytic pathway for the preparation of esterified supercriticalCO2‐dried potato starch products
Authors: Alassmy Yasser A. , Abduljawad Marwan M. , Al‐shamrani Khalid M. , Alnafisah Mohammed S. , El Nokab Mustapha El Hariri , Pour Zahra Asgar , Gomes Diego R. , Yolcu Selin , Sebakhy Khaled O.
Published: January 2023

Production of renewable and modified starch‐based products was achieved using a sustainable catalyst and an environmentally friendly drying process via supercritical CO2. Potato starch was modified via a sustainable and green esterification process with acetic anhydride reagent implementing a novel organocatalytic pathway at different periods of time (0.5, 3 and 7 h) by applying an esterification reaction at 120°C targeting intermediate degrees of substitution (i.e., 0.2 < DS <1.5) finding potential applications as polymer packaging materials. The final modified samples were divided into two fractions, where the first fraction was dried under vacuum at 80° C for 24 h and the second fraction was dried under supercritical CO2at 40° C and 100 bars for 2 h. The final products were analyzed using an array of characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2physisorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Karl Fischer. The chemical structure of both fractions was similar as confirmed by the different characterization techniques. Drying under supercritical CO2preserved some pores in the modified starch materials as opposed to thermal oven drying, as was confirmed by N2physisorption measurements. The degree of substitution (DS) was determined using three different techniques; titration, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and solution state proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and the values were greater than 0.2 and less than 1.5 indicating intermediate degrees of substitution.
Targeting Synovial Lymphatic Function as a Novel Therapeutic Intervention for Age‐Related Osteoarthritis in Mice
Authors: Lin Xi , Bell Richard D. , Catheline Sarah E. , Takano Takahiro , McDavid Andrew , Jonason Jennifer H. , Schwarz Edward M. , Xing Lianping
Published: January 2023

Objective

The synovial lymphatic system (SLS) removes catabolic factors from the joint. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) and its receptor, VEGFR‐3, are crucial for lymphangiogenesis. However, their involvement in age‐related osteoarthritis (OA) is unknown. This study was undertaken to determine whether the SLS and the VEGF‐C/VEGFR‐3 pathway contribute to the development and progression of age‐related OA, using a murine model of naturally occurring joint disease.

Methods

SLS function was assessed in the knees of young (3‐month‐old) and aged (19–24‐month‐old) male and female C57BL/6J mice via a newly established in vivo IVIS‐dextran imaging approach, which, in addition to histology, was used to assess the effects of VEGF‐C treatment on SLS function and OA pathology in aged mice. RNA‐sequencing of synovial tissue was performed to explore molecular mechanisms of the disease in the mouse knee joints.

Results

Results showed that aged mice had impaired SLS function, including decreases in joint clearance (mean T1/2 of signal intensity clearance, 2.8 hours in aged mice versus 0.5 hours in young mice; P < 0.0001), synovial influx (mean ± SD 1.7 ± 0.8% in aged mice versus 4.1 ± 1.9% in young mice; P = 0.0004), and lymph node draining capacity (mean ± SD epifluorescence total radiant intensity ([photons/second]/[μW/cm2]) 1.4 ± 0.8 in aged mice versus 3.7 ± 1.2 in young mice; P < 0.0001). RNA‐sequencing of the synovial tissue showed that Vegf‐c and Vegfr3 signaling genes were decreased in the synovium of aged mice. VEGF‐C treatment resulted in improvements in SLS function in aged mice, including increased percentage of signal intensity joint clearance (mean ± SD 63 ± 9% in VEGF‐C–treated aged mice versus 52 ± 15% in vehicle‐treated aged mice; P = 0.012), increased total articular cartilage cross‐sectional area (mean ± SD 0.38 ± 0.07 mm2 in VEGF‐C–treated aged mice versus 0.26 ± 0.07 mm2 in vehicle‐treated aged mice; P < 0.0001), and decreased percentage of matrix metallopeptidase 13–positive staining area within total synovial area in 22‐month‐old VEGF‐C–treated mice versus 22‐month‐old vehicle‐treated mice (mean ± SD decrease 7 ± 2% versus 4 ± 1%; P = 0.0004).

Conclusion

SLS function is reduced in the knee joints of aged mice due to decreased VEGF‐C/VEGFR‐3 signaling. VEGF‐C treatment attenuates OA joint damage and improves synovial lymphatic drainage in aged mice. The SLS and VEGF‐C/VEGFR‐3 signaling represent novel physiopathologic mechanisms that could potentially be used as therapeutic targets for age‐related OA.
Efficient Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 on g‐C3N4 Monolayer‐supported Metal Trimer Catalysts: A DFT Study
Authors: Ren Yu , Sun Xiaoying , Jing Hongyu , Xie Zean , Zhao Zhen
Published: January 2023

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels is a promising but challenging method to realize the carbon cycle. In this work, a series of transition metal trimer clusters supported on g‐C3N4 catalysts (M3@g‐C3N4, M=Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Ru) for electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) toward C1 and C2 products were systemically studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results show that CO2 could be adsorbed and activated effectively on M3@g‐C3N4 from adsorption configurations and electronic structures analyses. Cu3@g‐C3N4 is a promising electrocatalyst for CH4 production with a limiting potential of −0.42 V. Cr3@g‐C3N4, Fe3@g‐C3N4, and Co3@g‐C3N4 produce a low limiting potential of −0.64 V, −0.45 V, and −0.64 V for C2H4 production, respectively. Hydrogen evolution reaction is refrained on Cu3@g‐C3N4, Cr3@g‐C3N4, and Co3@ g‐C3N4. This work provides useful insights into transition metal trimer cluster catalysts with enhanced activity and selectivity in CO2RR.
Europium doped Sr2YNbO6 double perovskite phosphor for photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties
Authors: Degda Naresh , Patel Nimesh , Verma Vishwnath , Srinivas Mangalampalli , Murthy Kota Venkata Ramana , Haranath Divi
Published: January 2023

A luminescent double perovskite phosphor Sr2YNbO6 doped with Eu3+ crystallized to the monoclinic phase and was synthesized successfully via a conventional high‐temperature combustion method. The formation of the crystal structure, phase purity, and surface morphology were studied using X‐ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy. The characteristic vibrations between the atoms of the functional groups present in phosphor were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis. The luminescence properties of the prepared phosphors were investigated in terms of photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL). PL excitation spectra exhibited charge transfer bands and the characteristic 4f6 transitions of Eu3+. A prominent PL emission was obtained for the phosphor doped with 4 mol% Eu3+ under the 396 nm excitation wavelength. PL emission quenching was observed for the higher doping concentrations due to a multipole–multipole interaction. A highly intense PL emission arose due to the hypersensitive 5D0–7F2 electric dipole transition of Eu3+ that dominated the emission spectra. The thermal stability of the phosphor was examined through temperature‐dependent PL. The TL properties of the Sr2YNbO6 double perovskites irradiated with a 90Sr beta source at different doses were measured. The double perovskite phosphors under study showed a linear dose–response with increasing beta dose, ranging from 1 Gy to 10 Gy. Trapping parameters of the TL glow curves were determined using Chen's peak shape method and computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD). CGCD fitting of the TL glow curves revealed that it was consisted of three major peaks and followed second‐order kinetics. The estimated activation energies were determined using different methods and were comparable and significant.
The importance of pH for the formation of stable and active quercetin–polyamidoamine dendrimer complex
Authors: Kim Hong Taek , Yoo Miri , Yang Eun‐Ju , Song Kyung‐Sik , Park Eun Ji , Na Dong Hee
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pH on the complexation of quercetin and polyamidoamaine (PAMAM) dendrimers, which can exert antioxidant activity in aqueous solution. The therapeutic use of quercetin has been limited due to its low water solubility and bioavailability. In this study, quercetin was complexed with generation 4 PAMAM (G4) in different buffers at pH 4–9, with pH 6 showing the best results in terms of solubility and stability. The solubility of quercetin in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.0 containing 1% G4 was over 1 mg/ml. The antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of water‐soluble G4–quercetin complex (G4‐Q) were comparable to those of free quercetin dissolved in methanol. In conclusion, this study indicates that the complexation of quercetin with PAMAM dendrimers was optimized at pH 6 and the complex exhibits good water solubility, strong antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective activity.
Thalamic pathology in frontotemporal dementia: Predilection for specific nuclei, phenotype‐specific signatures, clinical correlates, and practical relevance
Authors: McKenna Mary Clare , Lope Jasmin , Bede Peter , Tan Ee Ling
Published: January 2023

Background

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) phenotypes are classically associated with distinctive cortical atrophy patterns and regional hypometabolism. However, the spectrum of cognitive and behavioral manifestations in FTD arises from multisynaptic network dysfunction. The thalamus is a key hub of several corticobasal and corticocortical circuits. The main circuits relayed via the thalamic nuclei include the dorsolateral prefrontal circuit, the anterior cingulate circuit, and the orbitofrontal circuit.

Methods

In this paper, we have reviewed evidence for thalamic pathology in FTD based on radiological and postmortem studies. Original research papers were systematically reviewed for preferential involvement of specific thalamic regions, for phenotype‐associated thalamic disease burden patterns, characteristic longitudinal changes, and genotype‐associated thalamic signatures. Moreover, evidence for presymptomatic thalamic pathology was also reviewed. Identified papers were systematically scrutinized for imaging methods, cohort sizes, clinical profiles, clinicoradiological associations, and main anatomical findings. The findings of individual research papers were amalgamated for consensus observations and their study designs further evaluated for stereotyped shortcomings. Based on the limitations of existing studies and conflicting reports in low‐incidence FTD variants, we sought to outline future research directions and pressing research priorities.

Results

FTD is associated with focal thalamic degeneration. Phenotype‐specific thalamic traits mirror established cortical vulnerability patterns. Thalamic nuclei mediating behavioral and language functions are preferentially involved. Given the compelling evidence for considerable thalamic disease burden early in the course of most FTD subtypes, we also reflect on the practical relevance, diagnostic role, prognostic significance, and monitoring potential of thalamic metrics in FTD.

Conclusions

Cardinal manifestations of FTD phenotypes are likely to stem from thalamocortical circuitry dysfunction and are not exclusively driven by focal cortical changes.
Printed electronics part II: the hand‐printed zinc‐manganesedioxide‐cell
Authors: Lüttich Maxim , Banerji Amitabh
Published: January 2023

Die Gedruckte Elektronik ist ein aufstrebender Forschungszweig, der schon in naher Zukunft eine bedeutende Rolle in unserem Alltagsleben einnehmen wird. Gedruckte Batterien sind dünn und flexibel und können nahezu beliebig in mobile Elektronikanwendungen integriert werden. Als Fortsetzung zum Artikel über die gedruckte Elektrolumineszenzfolie präsentieren die Autoren in diesem Beitrag eine dünne und flexible Zink‐Braunstein‐Zelle, die von Schüler:innen mittels eines Handdruckverfahrens gebaut werden kann.
High Proportion of Active Nitrogen‐Doped Hard Carbon Based on Mannich Reaction as Anode Material for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Gang , Kong Qingquan , Yao Weitang , Wang Qingyuan
Published: January 2023

The potential for energy storage in carbonaceous materials is well known. Heteroatom doping – particularly nitrogen doping – can further enhance their electrochemical performance. The type of N configuration determines the reactivity of doped carbon. It remains a challenge, however, to achieve a high ratio of active N (N‐5) in N‐doped carbon. In this study, a high proportion of active nitrogen‐doped hard carbon (PTA‐Lys‐800) is synthesized by the classical Mannich reaction, using tannic acid (TA) and amino acid as precursors. For sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), PTA‐Lys‐800 provides outstanding cycling stability and rate performance (338.8 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 for 100 cycles, a capacity retention of 86 %; 131.1 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1 after 5000 cycles). The excellent performance of PTA‐Lys‐800 is attributed to stable hierarchical pore structure, abundant defects, and a high proportion of N‐5 formed during the carbonization process. Based on a detailed fundamental analysis, the pseudocapacitance mechanism is found to contribute to the higher sodium storage process in PTA‐Lys‐800. The Na‐adsorption mechanism is further explored through ex situ Raman spectroscopy. A new method is presented for designing carbonaceous anode materials with high capacity and long cycle life.
Simple visualization method for the c.577del of erythropoietin variant: CRISPR/dCas9‐based single nucleotide polymorphism diagnosis
Authors: Yi Joon‐Yeop , Kim Minyoung , Jeon Mijin , Min Hophil , Kim Byung‐Gee , Son Junghyun , Sung Changmin
Published: January 2023

One of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human erythropoietin (hEPO), the c.577del variant, can produces 26 amino acids longer than the wild‐type hEPO, posing a risk of misinterpretation in routine doping analysis. To prevent this, the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) included a procedure for reporting the sequencing results regarding the presence or absence of SNPs for suspected cases in the new version of the technical document for recombinant EPO in 2022. However, it is very expensive for anti‐doping laboratories to purchase a gene sequencing analyzer, which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, and only a few companies provide specific gene sequencing services with accredited certification. Therefore, in this study, we developed a simple visualization method for the c.577del of the EPO variant at the gene level. The gene fragment of the EPO gene, including c.577del, was amplified using a fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the PCR products were incubated with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/deadCas9 system using variant‐specific single‐guide RNA (sgRNA). This ribonucleoprotein complex binds specifically to the EPO variant gene fragment, causing a band shift on native‐PAGE. We designed 4 sgRNAs that can bind only to the EPO variant or wild‐type gene. In addition, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay on a gel demonstrated that one of the sgRNAs had a high level of specificity. Consequently, the c.577del variant was selectively detected by visualizing the target fragment of the gene on the gel within 3 h using only 3 μl of the whole blood.
The impact of between‐session habituation, within‐session habituation, and weight gain on response to food exposure for adolescents with eating disorders
Authors: Essayli Jamal H. , Forrest Lauren N. , Zickgraf Hana F. , Stefano Emily C. , Keller Kathleen L. , Lane‐Loney Susan E.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Exposure therapy is a promising treatment for eating disorders (EDs). However, questions remain about the effectiveness of exposure to feared foods during the weight restoration phase of treatment, and the importance of between‐session and within‐session habituation.

Method

We recruited 54 adolescents from a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for EDs which included daily food exposure. Throughout treatment, participants provided subjective units of distress (SUDS) ratings before and after eating a feared food, and completed measures of ED symptomatology.

Results

Multilevel models found that pre‐exposure SUDS decreased over time, providing some evidence that between‐session habituation occurred. In contrast, the difference between pre‐exposure and post‐exposure SUDS did not decrease over time, indicating that within‐session habituation did not occur. Weight gain predicted greater between‐session habituation to feared foods, but did not predict within‐session habituation. Between‐session habituation, but not within‐session habituation, predicted favorable treatment outcomes, including weight gain and improvements on the Children's Eating Attitudes Test and Fear of Food Measure.

Discussion

Partial hospitalization programs that include daily exposure to feared foods may be effective at decreasing anxiety about foods for adolescents with EDs who are experiencing weight restoration. Further research is warranted to replicate our findings challenging the importance of within‐session habituation, and to better understand between‐session habituation and inhibitory learning as mechanisms of change when conducting food exposure for EDs.

Public Significance

This study provides some evidence that PHPs that include food exposure may be useful for adolescents with EDs who are experiencing weight restoration. Between‐session habituation, but not within‐session habituation, predicted favorable treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to determine whether clinicians can disregard within‐session habituation when conducting food exposure for EDs, and understand the importance of between‐session habituation as a potential mechanism of food exposure.
Correlation with a limited set of behavioral niches explains the convergence of somatic morphology in mygalomorph spiders
Authors: Wilson Jeremy D. , Bond Jason E. , Harvey Mark S. , Ramírez Martín J. , Rix Michael G.
Published: January 2023

Understanding the drivers of morphological convergence requires investigation into its relationship with behavior and niche space, and such investigations in turn provide insights into evolutionary dynamics, functional morphology, and life history. Mygalomorph spiders (trapdoor spiders and their kin) have long been associated with high levels of morphological homoplasy, and many convergent features can be intuitively associated with different behavioral niches. Using genus‐level phylogenies based on recent genomic studies and a newly assembled matrix of discrete behavioral and somatic morphological characters, we reconstruct the evolution of burrowing behavior in the Mygalomorphae, compare the influence of behavior and evolutionary history on somatic morphology, and test hypotheses of correlated evolution between specific morphological features and behavior. Our results reveal the simplicity of the mygalomorph adaptive landscape, with opportunistic, web‐building taxa at one end, and burrowing/nesting taxa with structurally modified burrow entrances (e.g., a trapdoor) at the other. Shifts in behavioral niche, in both directions, are common across the evolutionary history of the Mygalomorphae, and several major clades include taxa inhabiting both behavioral extremes. Somatic morphology is heavily influenced by behavior, with taxa inhabiting the same behavioral niche often more similar morphologically than more closely related but behaviorally divergent taxa, and we were able to identify a suite of 11 somatic features that show significant correlation with particular behaviors. We discuss these findings in light of the function of particular morphological features, niche dynamics within the Mygalomorphae, and constraints on the mygalomorph adaptive landscape relative to other spiders.
Integrating carbon stocks and landscape connectivity for nature‐based climate solutions
Authors: O'Brien Paul , Gunn John S. , Clark Alison , Gleeson Jenny , Pither Richard , Bowman Jeff
Published: January 2023

Actions to protect against biodiversity loss and climate change will require a framework that addresses synergies between these interrelated issues. In this study, we present methods for identifying areas important for the implementation of nature‐based climate solutions and biodiversity conservation by intersecting high‐resolution spatial data for carbon storage and landscape connectivity. We explored the spatial congruence of carbon and connectivity in Ontario, Canada and examined effectiveness of current protected areas coverage. We found a weak positive relationship between carbon stocks and landscape connectivity; however, our maps revealed large hotspots, with high values of both indices, throughout the boreal forest and northern peatlands and smaller, isolated hotspots, in the settled landscapes of the south. Location of hotspots varied depending on whether we considered forest or soil carbon. Further, our results show that current protected and conserved areas in Ontario only cover 13% of landscapes with the highest values for both carbon storage and connectivity. Protection or restoration of areas that maximize the co‐benefits of carbon storage and connectivity would make significant contributions toward ambitious national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity.
Phylogeny of Saxifraga section Saxifraga subsection Arachnoideae (Saxifragaceae) and the origin of low elevation shade‐dwelling species
Authors: Gerschwitz‐Eidt Michael A. , Dillenberger Markus S. , Kadereit Joachim W.
Published: January 2023

Saxifraga section Saxifraga subsection Arachnoideae is a lineage of 12 species distributed mainly in the European Alps. It is unusual in terms of ecological diversification by containing both high elevation species from exposed alpine habitats and low elevation species from shady habitats such as overhanging rocks and cave entrances. Our aims are to explore which of these habitat types is ancestral, and to identify the possible drivers of this remarkable ecological diversification. Using a Hybseq DNA‐sequencing approach and a complete species sample we reconstructed and dated the phylogeny of subsection Arachnoideae. Using Landolt indicator values, this phylogenetic tree was used for the reconstruction of the evolution of temperature, light and soil pH requirements in this lineage. Diversification of subsection Arachnoideae started in the late Pliocene and continued through the Pleistocene. Both diversification among and within clades was largely allopatric, and species from shady habitats with low light requirements are distributed in well‐known refugia. We hypothesize that low light requirements evolved when species persisting in cold‐stage refugia were forced into marginal habitats by more competitive warm‐stage vegetation. While we do not claim that such competition resulted in speciation, it very likely resulted in adaptive evolution.
Numerical study of the seismic retrofitting of masonry‐Infilled RC frames with openings using TRM
Authors: A Filippou Christiana , Kyriakides Nicholas C , Chrysostomou Christis Z
Published: January 2023

The seismic retrofitting of existing masonry‐infilled reinforced‐concrete (RC) frame buildings is one major challenge of earthquake risk mitigation. In this paper, the use of promising novel alternative composite material, namely textile reinforced mortar (TRM) for seismic retrofitting masonry‐infilled RC frames with central openings is examined numerically, to the best knowledge of the authors, for the first time ever. This is achieved by performing a parametric study on a validated 2D numerical model of a three‐story masonry‐infilled RC frame with and without TRM considering different size of central openings. This parametric study aims to examine (i) the influence of central openings on the lateral response of masonry‐infilled RC frames subjected to cyclic loading and (ii) the lateral response of the three‐story masonry‐infilled RC frame with central openings retrofitted with TRM under cyclic loading. From the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that TRM contributes to increase the lateral capacity, stiffness, and the dissipated energy of infilled frames with openings and at the same time provides a more ductile behavior by delaying the strength and the stiffness degradation of infilled frames due to openings and further by delaying or even preventing brittle failures that occur on infilled frames due to the presence of the opening. New stiffness reduction factors for infilled frames with openings, and for TRM‐retrofitted infilled frames with openings are also proposed, which can be used with an equivalent compression strut model and with a tension tie‐model as an everyday practice tool for simulating infilled frames with central openings along the diagonal of the infill wall with and without TRM. A numerical sensitivity analysis is also performed aiming to investigate the influence of (i) the TRM reinforcement ratio and (ii) the type of mortar used for binding the textile reinforcement on the lateral response of the three‐story masonry‐infilled RC frame retrofitted with TRM subjected to cyclic loading. This study showed that by increasing the reinforcement ratio, or by using high‐strength mortars for binding the textile reinforcement, the lateral capacity of infilled frames is increased leading to a more ductile behavior, but this increase is not proportional to the increase of the reinforcement ratio or to the increase of the mechanical properties of the mortar.
Progress and opportunities in advancing near-term forecasting of freshwater quality
Authors: Lofton Mary E , Howard Dexter W , Thomas R Quinn , Carey Cayelan C
Published: January 2023

Near-term freshwater forecasts, defined as sub-daily to decadal future
predictions of a freshwater variable with quantified uncertainty, are
urgently needed to improve water quality management as freshwater
ecosystems exhibit greater variability due to global change. Shifting
baselines in freshwater ecosystems due to land use and climate change
prevent managers from relying on historical averages for predicting
future conditions, necessitating near-term forecasts to mitigate
freshwater risks to human health and safety (e.g., flash floods, harmful
algal blooms). To assess the current state of freshwater forecasting and
identify opportunities for future progress, we synthesized freshwater
forecasting papers published in the past five years. We found that
freshwater forecasting is currently dominated by near-term forecasts of
water quantity and that near-term water quality forecasts are fewer in
number and in early stages of development (i.e., non-operational),
despite their potential as important preemptive decision support tools.
We contend that more freshwater quality forecasts are critically needed,
and that near-term water quality forecasting is poised to make
substantial advances based on examples of recent progress in forecasting
methodology, workflows, and end user engagement. For example, current
water quality forecasting systems can predict water temperature,
dissolved oxygen, and algal bloom/toxin events five days ahead with
reasonable accuracy. Continued progress in freshwater quality
forecasting will be greatly accelerated by adapting tools and approaches
from freshwater quantity forecasting (e.g., machine learning modeling
methods). In addition, future development of effective operational
freshwater quality forecasts necessitates substantive engagement of end
users throughout the forecast process, funding, and training
opportunities. Looking ahead, near-term forecasting provides a hopeful
future for freshwater management in the face of increased variability
and risk due to global change, and we encourage the freshwater
scientific community to incorporate forecasting approaches in water
quality research and management.