bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for estimating the bulk density and particle density of granite residual soil based on the construction of pedotransfer functions
Authors: Wang Jianyu , Lin Zhe , He Ling , Wei Jiangxing , Deng Yusong , Duan Xiaoqian
Published: July 2024

Particle density (ρs) and bulk density (ρb) are key factors in the calculation of total soil porosity. However, direct measurements of ρs and ρb are labour‐intensive, time‐consuming, and sometimes impractical. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) provide alternative methods for indirect estimation of ρs and ρb. In this paper, the accuracy of typical 12 ρs and 9 ρb PTFs was evaluated using easily measurable soil properties (sand, silt, clay, and soil organic matter (SOM) content) from granitic residual soils collected from six study areas in subtropical China, and the accuracy of PTFs constructed based on multiple linear stepwise regression (MSR) and machine‐learned algorithms (backpropagation neural network, k‐nearest neighbour algorithms, random forests, support vector machines, and gradient boosted decision trees) was compared to determine the accuracy of PTFs. The results show that typical PTFs have poor accuracy (R2adjusted < 0.020) and are not applicable to the indirect estimation of ρs and ρb in granitic residual soils. The PTFs constructed by machine learning algorithms all performed better than MSR, with the highest estimation accuracy of the PTFs constructed by the random forest algorithm, with R2adjusted values of 0.923 and 0.933 for the ρs and ρb PTFs, respectively, and root‐mean‐square error of 0.020 g·cm−3 and 0.023 g·cm−3, respectively. Compared with MSR, the random forest algorithm has greater accuracy and eliminates the restriction of PTFs on predictors, which provides support for understanding the changing rules of ρs and ρb in granite residual soils in subtropical regions, evaluating soil quality and improving soil structure.
Genetic dissection of minerals and phytate content in pearl millet germplasm panel using genome‐wide association study
Authors: Singh Satbeer , Manwaring Hanna Rose , Naveen Aavula , Hegarty Matthew , Yadav Rattan S.
Published: July 2024

Billions of people around the world suffer from malnutrition, leading to severe adverse health effects. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a multifaceted versatile crop with excellent nutritional profile which can help to combat nutritional disorders and climate change. In this study, we evaluated the global pearl millet germplasm panel known as PMiGAP for natural variation and genetic maker trait associations for important minerals, that is, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium along with phytate. The genotypes IP‐15947, IP‐5121, IP‐4020, IP‐12768, IP‐5695, IP‐8786 and IP‐11310 were found to be superior for majority of minerals examined but had lower phytate‐to‐zinc ratio. Phytate/mineral molar ratios are typically used to predict the bioavailability of iron and calcium contents in grains, and surprisingly none of the PMiGAP genotypes showed such ratios below threshold indicating PMiGAP entries studied in this study seriously suffer from bioavailability issues of these minerals. On the other hand, 73 genotypes had lower zinc/phytate ratio than the threshold in the germplasm panel. Iron and zinc content had significant positive association among them but phytate content in general was not significantly correlated with minerals except for magnesium and potassium. A genome‐wide association study using 456 K SNPs identified 74 significant marker–trait associations and 59 candidate genes around 50 Kb distance near the significant SNPs. Ten significant SNPs were found within the candidate genes. The associated markers and the candidate genes provide new insights into the genetic architecture of the mineral traits studied and will facilitate marker‐assisted selection to accelerate breeding of such minerals in future varieties to combat rising malnutrition problem via diet.
A Perennial Green Revolution to address 21st‐century food insecurity and malnutrition
Authors: Paul Jacob D. , Lutsiv Tymofiy , Thompson Henry J.
Published: July 2024

Farming practices of the past century have dramatically increased annual crop yields to unprecedented levels but have consequentially created increasing ecological and public health concerns, posing a long‐term threat to global food security. Soil tillage and chemical inputs perpetuate soil erosion, biodiversity loss, wetlands eutrophication, carbon emissions, and other farming stressors. Concomitantly, accompanying poor dietary patterns and malnutrition increase the risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, which account for greater than 70% of global mortality per annum. Altogether, such annual monocropping systems exacerbate food insecurity, necessitating action across the fields of public health, agriculture, nutrition, medicine, and environmental ecology, that is, a transdisciplinary approach. Herein, we argue that the perennialization of crops creates an opportunity to address the challenges of environmental sustainability and nutritional adequacy economically. Unlike annuals, perennial crops have deeper roots for increased drought tolerance and reduced needs for fertilization and irrigation. Adopting perenniality can result in greater drought tolerance and improved soil health while reducing erosion, farming labor, and seed purchasing. Furthermore, perennializing novel staple crops may offer a superior and diverse dietary profile of phytochemicals, fiber, and macronutrients compared to conventional annuals. Instead of traditional perennial tree crops, we focus on intermediate wheatgrass Kernza® (Thinopyrum intermedium) and sunflowers (Helianthus tuberosus, H. maximiliani, and Silphium integrifolium) as exemplars of perennial staple food crops for grain and oil, respectively, at different stages of perennial crop commercialization. Ultimately, we discuss how integrating perenniality has the potential to revolutionize global agriculture and address food security concerns for the remainder of the 21st century.
Anti‐dyslipidemic effects of Pueraria lobata root and Glycine max (L.) Merrill extracts fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in ovariectomized mice
Authors: Jang Hyo‐Min , Ha Jimyeong , Choi Insuk
Published: July 2024

Pueraria lobata root and Glycine max (L.) Merrill are rich in phytoestrogens. However, these bioactive ingredients have limited bioavailability due to their high molecular weight. In this study, we extracted two natural products and fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum before mixing the fermented extracts (FPE‐FGE). To understand whether FPE‐FGE could alleviate menopause with dyslipidemia, we examined their effects on ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced dyslipidemia in mice. Oral administration of the FPE‐FGE (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) did not affect safety‐related biomarkers, such as uterus index (%), vagina index (%), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Furthermore, FPE‐FGE (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) increased the levels of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and expression of uterus estrogen receptor β (ERβ); there was little effect on the expression of uterus estrogen receptor α (ERα), and reduced the levels of gonadotropins, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). However, only the FPE‐FGE (3:7) reduced the levels of blood lipids, including total cholesterol (TC) and LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C). Accordingly, FPE‐FGE (3:7) upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and protein kinase G (PKG). In conclusion, FPE‐FGE (3:7) attenuated the menopausal dyslipidemia by upregulating eNOS‐NO‐cGMP signaling pathway.
Southernmost limit of felsic magmatism along North Almora Thrust in the Himalayan domain
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Joshi Anand , Singhal Saurabh , Pandey Mohit , Kushwaha Aman
Published: July 2024

We present significant findings of the Kausani Granite Gneiss within the Inner Lesser Himalayan Sedimentary Zone (iLHSZ) just north of the North Almora Thrust (NAT). The Kausani Granite Gneiss body lies within the quartzite of the Someshwar Formation and has a tectonized contact and a discordant relationship on the north side. Detailed seismic profiling across the body also confirms a similar result. Cathodoluminescence images of zircon from the Kausani body show no inheritance of older cores. The U–Pb ages from the zircon populations separated from the Kausani body give a crystallization age of 1866 ± 3 Ma. Along with the Upalda granite gneiss and Toneta granite gneiss near the Alakhnanda Thrust in the Garhwal Himalaya and the Dungeshwari granite gneiss near the Dailekh Thrust in Nepal, the Kausani Granite Gneiss north of NAT Kumaun Himalaya forms a major terrain boundary. These gneissic bodies mark the southernmost extent of felsic magmatism at NAT, rather than the Main Central Thrust. An about 1.8 billion years‐old magmatic event in the LHSZ suggests that it is a currently active continental margin inside the ‘Greater India’ region, now situated in the Himalayan domain. However, the Pb‐loss modelling of the U–Pb zircon data reveals thermal events during the Himalayan Orogeny (~45 Ma).
Fault‐tolerant quantum chemical calculations with improved machine‐learning models
Authors: Yuan Kai , Zhou Shuai , Li Ning , Li Tianyan , Ding Bowen , Guo Danhuai , Ma Yingjin
Published: July 2024

Easy and effective usage of computational resources is crucial for scientific calculations. Following our recent work of machine‐learning (ML) assisted scheduling optimization [J. Comput. Chem.2023, 44, 1174], we further propose (1) the improved ML models for the better predictions of computational loads, and as such, more elaborate load‐balancing calculations can be expected; (2) the idea of coded computation, that is, the integration of gradient coding, in order to introduce fault tolerance during the distributed calculations; and (3) their applications together with re‐normalized exciton model with time‐dependent density functional theory (REM‐TDDFT) for calculating the excited states. Illustrated benchmark calculations include P38 protein, and solvent model with one or several excitable centers. The results show that the improved ML‐assisted coded calculations can further improve the load‐balancing and cluster utilization, owing primarily profit in fault tolerance that aims at the automated quantum chemical calculations for both ground and excited states.
Facile Design of Continuous Periodic Countercurrent, dual‐flow, and capture SMB adsorptive processes
Authors: Carta Giorgio
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Chromatographic capture is a critical step in the manufacture of protein‐based therapeutics and often dominates the overall downstream processing cost. Multicolumn systems as well as systems where the load flow rate varies over time can be employed to improve productivity and reduce the consumption of buffers and other process chemicals by enhancing utilization of the binding capacity. This work addresses the design of such systems under mass transfer control conditions using a mechanistic model.

RESULTS

Generalized, dimensionless charts and interpolating functions developed based on a mechanistic model are provided to predict the operating conditions and performance attributes of periodic countercurrent, dual‐flow, and Capture SMB systems for continuous capture with adsorption columns. The underlying model is based on the Langmuir isotherm and on the assumption that mass transfer is controlling. The results cover the ranges typically encountered in the capture of biopharmaceuticals with selective adsorbent particles and can be conveniently used for practical estimations without having to resort to the numerical solution of the model equations. Illustrative examples are provided and compare favorably with previously published results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this work provide the means to rapidly design periodic countercurrent, dual‐flow capture systems, and capture SMB units and to assess their relative advantages under varying operating conditions circumventing the need to perform computationally intensive simulations. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Recent advances in measuring the effects of diet on gastrointestinal physiology: Sniffing luminal gases and fecal volatile organic compounds
Authors: Thwaites Phoebe A , Slater Rachael , Probert Christopher , Gibson Peter R
Published: July 2024

Despite the huge pool of ideas on how diet can be manipulated to ameliorate or prevent illnesses, our understanding of how specific changes in diet influence the gastrointestinal tract is limited. This review aims to describe two innovative investigative techniques that are helping lift the veil of mystery about the workings of the gut. First, the gas‐sensing capsule is a telemetric swallowable device that provides unique information on gastric physiology, small intestinal microbial activity, and fermentative patterns in the colon. Its ability to accurately measure regional and whole‐gut transit times in ambulant humans has been confirmed. Luminal concentrations of hydrogen and carbon dioxide are measured by sampling through the gastrointestinal tract, and such application has enabled mapping of the relative amounts of fermentation of carbohydrates in proximal‐versus‐distal colon after manipulation of the types and amounts of dietary fiber. Second, changes in the smell of feces, via analysis of volatile organic compounds, occur in response to the diet, and by the presence and therapy of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Such information is likely to aid our understanding of what dietary change can do to the colonic luminal microenvironment, and may value‐add to diagnosis and therapeutic design. In conclusion, such methodologies enable a more complete physiological profile of the gastrointestinal tract to be created. Systematic description in various cohorts and effects of dietary interventions, particularly when co‐ordinated with the analysis of microbiome, are needed.
Urinary NGAL in gastrointestinal diseases can be used as an indicator of early infection in addition to acute kidney injury marker
Authors: Kojima Yuichi , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Mito Masaki , Watanabe Yusuke , Kawata Yuzo , Tominaga Kentaro , Terai Shuji
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is characterized by increased expression before the rise in serum creatinine and has been used as a biomarker for the early prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, there have been no comprehensive analyses of its significance in gastrointestinal diseases. This study aimed to analyze the usefulness of measuring urinary NGAL levels in patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

Methods

This study included 171 patients with a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases. Urinary NGAL levels were measured in all patients within 24 h of admission and 72 h later.

Results

Urinary NGAL levels were higher in patients with acute pancreatitis and acute cholangitis/cholecystitis than in those with other diseases. Although lower than in these diseases, urinary NGAL tends to be higher in inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as in acute and chronic liver diseases, and is higher in liver cirrhosis as the Child–Pugh grade increases. Furthermore, we found that the group with higher urinary NGAL levels, which continued to increase over time, had worse hospital stays and prognosis.

Conclusion

Urinary NGAL could be used as an indicator of infectious diseases rather than an indicator of AKI in inflammatory bowel diseases and cirrhosis, and could predict the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
DNA damage response and inflammatory response: Two traffic lights for HPVs on the road to transformation
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Niu Mengda , Luo Ying , Pan Min , Hong Shiyuan
Published: July 2024

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are non‐enveloped double‐stranded DNA viruses. When HPV infection persists, infected tissues can develop many HPV‐related diseases such as cervical cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To establish their persistent infection, HPVs have evolved mechanisms to manipulate the host cellular processes such as DNA damage response (DDR), which includes homologous recombination, nonhomologous end joining, and microhomology‐mediated end joining. Additionally, HPVs utilize host inflammatory processes to facilitate their life cycles. Here, we bridge the concepts of DDR and inflammatory response, and discuss how HPV proteins orchestrate a sophisticated manipulation of DDR and inflammation to promote their viral replication, ultimately fostering the progression of infected cells towards oncogenic transformation to malignancy.
Influence of the transverse tarsal arch on radiological components of progressive collapsing foot deformity
Authors: Krüger Lara , Hedar Ali , Simon Alexander , Spethmann Tanja , Heinemann Axel , Viezens Lennart , Lenz Amy L. , Amling Michael , Beil Frank Timo , Hahn Michael , Rolvien Tim
Published: July 2024

The importance of the transverse tarsal arch (TTA) has recently been extensively reevaluated and has even been considered to play a greater role in foot stability than the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). However, the relevance of this observation in the context of common clinical foot disorders, such as progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), has not yet been fully clarified. In this biomechanical study, we examined ten pairs of human cadaveric feet by serial weight‐bearing cone‐beam computed tomography under controlled loading using a custom‐designed testing machine. The MLA and TTA were transected separately, alternating the order in two study groups. A semiautomated three‐dimensional evaluation of their influence on three components of PCFD, namely collapse of the longitudinal arch (sagittal Meary's angle), hindfoot alignment (sagittal talocalcaneal angle), and forefoot abduction (axial Meary's angle), was performed. Both arches had a relevant effect on collapse of the longitudinal arch, however the effect of transecting the MLA was stronger compared to the TTA (sagittal Meary's angle, 7.4° (95%CI 3.8° to 11.0°) vs. 3.2° (95%CI 0.5° to 5.9°); p = 0.021). Both arches had an equally pronounced effect on forefoot abduction (axial Meary's angle, 4.6° (95%CI 2.0° to 7.1°) vs. 3.0° (95%CI 0.6° to 5.3°); p = 0.239). Neither arch showed a consistent effect on hindfoot alignment. In conclusion, weakness of the TTA has a decisive influence on radiological components of PCFD, but not greater than that of the MLA. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding and further development of treatment concepts for flatfoot disorders.
Exploring the potential of transitioning Malawians from corn to quinoa‐based thick porridge (nsima): insights from sensory and emotions profiles
Authors: Gama Aggrey Pemba , Maliro Moses , Matumba Limbikani
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Considering the nutritional value and adaptability of quinoa, integrating it into African diets could enhance food and nutrition security, contingent on the acceptability of quinoa‐based foods. This study therefore determined consumer acceptability of six stiff porridge (nsima) samples, their sensory profiles, and their emotion profiles. The samples comprised controls made from whole corn flour, dehulled corn flour, and soaked, dehulled corn flour and from 1:1 blends of quinoa and each corn flour type.

RESULTS

Despite quinoa being unfamiliar, none of the stiff porridge samples prepared using 1:1 blend of quinoa and corn flour was disliked (liking score of ≤4 on a 9‐point hedonic scale). Sensory properties and emotions both had significant (P < 0.05) effects on consumer acceptability. When samples were perceived to be bitter, sticky, and thick, there was an overall mean reduction in liking of 2.3, 1.0, and 0.3, respectively. With regard to emotions, the highest positive mean impact of 1.6 was associated with feeling satisfied followed by being happy and nostalgic (1.4). The sensory and emotion profiles of nsima prepared using whole corn flour were like those of quinoa‐based nsima samples. However, profiles of nsima samples from dehulled corn, and soaked dehulled corn flour, respectively, were considered ideal.

CONCLUSION

Quinoa‐based nsima can be adopted easily by the current consumers of whole corn flour nsima in Malawi and possibly in other African countries with similar dietary inclinations. However, there is a need to find effective and feasible methods of removing saponin from quinoa to maximize acceptability of the resulting quinoa‐based nsima. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
UV‐A treatment of phenolic extracts impacts colour, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity
Authors: Ebrahimi Peyman , Hoxha Luziana , Mihaylova Dasha , Nicoletto Marino , Lante Anna
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The unintended co‐extraction of chlorophylls during the recovery of polyphenols from plant sources yields green‐coloured phenolic extracts with limited use in colour‐sensitive foods. This study aimed at decolourizing the ethanolic extracts of sugar beet leaves using a UV‐A treatment (390 nm).

RESULTS

Exposure of the phenolic extracts to 30 UV‐A LEDs at 8.64 J m−2 radiation dose decreased the total chlorophyll content by 69.23% and reduced the greenness parameter (−a*) significantly (P < 0.05) from 27.33 ± 0.32 to 8.64 ± 0.16. Additionally, UV‐A treatment increased the content of most individual phenolic compounds (e.g. gallic acid, ferulic acid, etc.) significantly, resulting in an increase in the overall phenolic content in the extracts from 900.56 ± 14.11 μg g−1 fresh weight (FW) to a maximum of 975.09 ± 9.62 μg g−1 FW at 0.67 J m−2. However, rutin content had a significant decrease at the highest radiation dose (8.64 J m−2). The soluble sugar content (i.e. glucose and fructose) increased simultaneously with phenolic compounds after the UV‐A treatment. Although the UV treatment reduced the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, it had no significant effect on the ferrous chelating activity and the extract's ability to delay lipid oxidation in corn oil. The antioxidant activity index of the treated extract was comparable to that of butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic antioxidant.

CONCLUSION

Key findings of this study include successful decolourization of the extract, decomposition of bound polyphenols to their free form, and maintaining the antioxidant activity of the extract in the oil system after UV‐A exposure. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The Influence of Impedance on the Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Dueñas Juan Pablo , Buitrago‐Gómez Nathalia , Arias‐Botero José Hugo , Randolph Gregory , Russell Marika , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr , Valcavi Roberto , Duque Carlos Simón , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses the heat generated by a high‐frequency alternating electric current, and according to Ohm's and Joule's law, the delivered current is inversely proportional to the circuit impedance. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether tissue impedance during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules is related to the degree of volume reduction.

Methods

This observational study included consecutive patients treated with RFA for benign thyroid nodules from February 2020 to August 2023. Technical effectiveness was defined as a volume reduction percentage (VRP) >75% at 6 months after the treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the potential role of clinical factors and changes in tissue impedance on technique effectiveness.

Results

Totally 72 patients were included with 73 benign thyroid nodules. Maximal impedance peaks reached <18 times, and mean procedural impedance ≤300 Ω were significantly associated with a volume decrease of >75% at bivariate analysis. These cutoff points were exploratory, as no existing literature suggests these variables are related to the degree of volume reduction. After adjusting for age, volume, and composition, significant associations were found for mean electrical impedance in the multivariate analysis (OR = 4.86 [confidence interval [CI] 1.29–18.26], p = 0.019). The energy adjusted by volume (delivered energy) was not associated with a VRP >75% (p = 0.7746).

Conclusions

This study suggests that a mean procedural impedance </= 300 Ω is related to the effectiveness of RFA as measured by VRP. Additional prospective and randomized studies are needed to compare electrical parameters with VRP.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:5231–5238, 2024
Evaluation of Gelatin‐Based Poly(Ester Urethane Urea) Electrospun Fibers Using Human Mesenchymal and Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Vieira Tânia , Silva Jorge Carvalho , Kubinova Sarka , Borges João P. , Henriques Célia
Published: July 2024

Previously, a new biodegradable poly(ester urethane urea) was synthesized based on polycaprolactone‐diol and fish gelatin (PU‐Gel). In this work, the potential of this new material for neural tissue engineering is evaluated. Membranes with randomly oriented fibers and with aligned fibers are produced using electrospinning and characterized regarding their mechanical behavior under both dry and wet conditions. Wet samples exhibit a lower Young's modulus than dry ones and aligned membranes are stiffer and more brittle than those randomly oriented. Cyclic tensile tests are conducted and high values for recovery ratio and resilience are obtained. Both membranes exhibited a hydrophobic surface, measured by the water contact angle (WCA). Human mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord tissue (UC‐MSCs) and human neural stem cells (NSCs) are seeded on both types of membranes, which support their adhesion and proliferation. Cells stained for the cytoskeleton and nucleus in membranes with aligned fibers display an elongated morphology following the alignment direction. As the culture time increased, higher cell viability is obtained on randomfibers for UC‐MSCs while no differences are observed for NSCs. The membranes support neuronal differentiation of NSCs, as evidenced by markers for a neuronal filament protein (NF70) and for a microtubule‐associated protein (MAP2).
Mechanically Stable and Biocompatible Polymer Brush Coated Dental Materials with Lubricious and Antifouling Properties
Authors: Mu Rong , Yang Ling , Wang Xinyue , Yang Binrui , Li Jia , Wang Aijun , Zhang Guorui , Sun Chufeng , Wu Yang , Yu Bo , Li Bin
Published: July 2024

Surface modification plays a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of implanted interventional medical devices, offering added advantages to patients, particularly in terms of lubrication and prevention of undesired adsorption of biomolecules and microorganisms, such as proteins and bacteria, on the material surfaces. Utilizing polymer brushes for surface modification is currently a promising approach to maintaining the inherent properties of materials while introducing new functionalities to surfaces. Here, surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) technology to effectively graft anionic, cationic, and neutral polymer brushes from a mixed silane initiating layer is employed. The presence of a polymer brush layer significantly enhances the lubrication performance of the substrates and ensures a consistently low coefficient of friction over thousands of friction cycles in aqueous environments. The antimicrobial efficacy of polymer brushes is evaluated against gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is observed that polym er brushes grafted to diverse substrate surfaces displays notable antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting bacterial attachment. Furthermore, the polymer brush layer shows favorable biocompatibility and anti‐inflammatory characteristics, which shows potential applications in dental materials, and other fields such as catheters and food packaging.
The Synthesis and Assembly of Mikto 8‐Shaped Cyclic Diblock Polymers
Authors: Wang Jinghang , Zhao Yu , Liu Hewen
Published: July 2024

Self‐assembly behaviors of special topological polymers such as 8‐figure shaped cyclic polymer are interesting, but are rarely reported so far due to the limited availability. In this work, mikto 8‐figure shaped cyclic copolymers are synthesized with cinnamic acid dimer junctions, in which both rings possess diblock PSx‐b‐PEGy structures. Their self‐assembly in water is investigated in comparison with their corresponding linear precursors. According to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation, both of the mikto 8‐figure shaped cyclic polymers and their corresponding linear precursors can form vesicles. But those formed from the former have very smooth surfaces, while those from the linear precursors have rugous surfaces. TEM observation shows that the linear precursors form loose vesicles. The size of micelles formed from 8‐shaped cyclic copolymers is much smaller than that formed from the linear precursors. The topological structure exerts a significant influence on the solution aggregation behavior and provides broad ideas for the construction of precision solution aggregates.
Self‐Crosslinking AuNPs Composite Hydrogel Bolus for Radiophotothermal Therapy
Authors: Shi Xudong , Lei Lei , Xia Yuzheng , Chen Xiaonong , Shi Shuxian
Published: July 2024

Radiophotothermal therapy is a promising treatment for superficial tumors. Traditional radiotherapy requires tissue boluses on the patient's skin to increase therapeutic effectiveness due to the dose‐buildup effect of high‐energy radiation. However, combining radiotherapy with photothermal therapy leads to uncertainties as the low‐penetration near‐infrared light dose is reduced after penetrating the bolus. To enhance precision and effectiveness, this study introduces a novel bolus made of AuNPs@poly(AM‐THMA‐DMAEMA) composite hydrogel. This hydrogel is prepared through a one‐pot method involving the reduction of trihydrate chloroauric acid (HAuCl4·3H2O) and copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) and N‐[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide (THMA) in a redox system with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and potassium persulfate (KPS). The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) improve the mechanical strength (tensile strength of 320.84 kPa, elongation at break of 830%) and antibacterial properties (>99% against Staphylococcus aureus). The local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of AuNPs enables the hydrogel to absorb near‐infrared light for precise monitoring of the infrared radiation dose. The hydrogel's biocompatibility is enhanced by the absence of additional crosslinking agents, and its excellent surface adhesion strength is due to numerous hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. This study offers new possibilities for nanoparticle composite hydrogels as tissue boluses, achieving high precision and efficiency in radiophotothermal therapy.
Iridium(III)‐Incorporating Self‐Healing Polysiloxanes as Materials for Light‐Emitting Oxygen Sensors
Authors: Parshina Elizaveta K. , Deriabin Konstantin V. , Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Novikov Alexander S. , Kocheva Anastasia N. , Golovenko Ekaterina A. , Islamova Regina M.
Published: July 2024

Polymer‐metal complexes (PMCs) based on poly(2,2′‐bipyridine‐4,4′‐dicarboxamide‐co‐polydimethylsiloxanes) with cyclometalated di(2‐phenylpyridinato‐C2,N')iridium(III) fragments and cross‐linked by Zn2+ (Zn[Ir]‐BipyPDMSs) or Ir3+ (Ir[Ir]‐BipyPDMSs) represent flexible, stretchable, phosphorescent, and self‐healing molecular oxygen sensors. PMCs provide strong phosphorescence at λem = 595–605 nm. Zn[Ir]‐BipyPDMS with PDMS chain length of Mn = 5000 has the highest quantum yield of 9.3% and is a molecular oxygen sensor at different O2 concentrations (0–100 vol%) compared to Ir[Ir]‐BipyPDMSs. A Stern−Volmer constant is determined for Zn[Ir]‐BipyPDMS as KSV = 0.014%−1, which is similar to the reported oxygen‐sensitive iridium(III) complexes. All synthesized PMCs exhibit high elongation at break (up to 1100%) and self‐healing efficiency (up to 99%).
Temporal and spatial patterns in population demography of Tilefish in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Helmueller Greta J. , Stallings Christopher D. , Murawski Steven A. , Lombardi‐Carlson Linda A.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objectives of this study were to compare population dynamics of Tilefish Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps before and after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the north‐central Gulf of Mexico (GoM) as well as inside and outside the spill area in the western and southwestern GoM (off Mexico).

Methods

Due to the availability of prespill samples of Tilefish, we were able to evaluate growth, mortality, and condition factors during two time periods (2000–2009 versus 2011–2017). Samples were derived from commercial landings and research vessel surveys using demersal longline fishing gear.

Result

Although some von Bertalanffy growth parameters differed for fish caught before and after the spill within the spill area, confidence limits for predicted growth curves overlapped for ages >10, while predicted growth for ages <10 declined somewhat after the spill. Tilefish grew faster off Mexico than in the northern GoM. Total instantaneous mortality rates (Z), estimated from aggregate multi‐year catch curves, were highest off Mexico (0.39 ± 0.05 SE), lowest in the western GoM outside the spill area (0.21 ± 0.03), and similar before and after the DWH spill within the spill zone (0.32 ± 0.02).

Conclusion

Although Z on the stock within the spill area apparently did not change, differences in fishing mortality may have compensated for changes in natural mortality. Because 90% of the fish that were aged after the spill were alive prior to the spill, their accumulated growth history may have masked postspill growth changes. As we are now 14+ years past the 2010 spill, comparisons of population dynamics from samples collected now and in the future may provide a clearer picture of the strength of incoming year‐classes and the long‐term implications of the spill on Tilefish populations.
Self‐directed productivity investment on the job
Authors: Marino Anthony M.
Published: July 2024

This paper considers a hidden action agency model in which an agent can be incentivized to simultaneously work and exert effort to invest in human capital or process innovation so as to increase productivity in a future period. We characterize the conditions under which the principal would and would not want to incentivize such multitasking and the conditions under which the agent would want to participate. The firm's support for investment is contingent on the agent's outside market option not being too high, and sufficient conditions for a separate contingent payment for productivity increase are presented.
The new scarlet letter: Global challenges of motherhood in public administration programs and how we could solve them
Authors: Young Sarah L. , Grayer Misty J. , Wiley Kimberly K.
Published: July 2024

Motherhood in academia remains vastly underrepresented in both developed and developing countries. Key career opportunities for women often coincide with childbearing and child‐rearing years, limiting their consideration for these positions. This underrepresentation diminishes academic mothers' ability to contribute meaningfully to public administration (PA) and development issues that deeply impact them. Using comparative administrative law, we develop a typology of environments academic mothers navigate, reflecting national and cultural differences. We investigate the historical, cultural, and structural factors perpetuating this inequity, highlighting biases and discrimination faced by academic mothers. Entrenched institutional structures and complacent cultural norms exacerbate their systemic oppression. Normalizing motherhood in academia, from graduate students to university presidents, requires new laws, policies, programs, and expectations that create strong legal protections and favorable institutional policies. We conclude with universal recommendations to transform academia into a more inclusive space for mothers, focusing on PA to address this pervasive issue.
Red/green cyanobacteriochromes acquire isomerization from phycocyanobilin to phycoviolobilin
Authors: Hoshino Hiroki , Miyake Keita , Fushimi Keiji , Narikawa Rei
Published: July 2024

Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are unique cyanobacteria‐specific photoreceptors that share a distant relation with phytochromes. Most CBCRs contain conserved cysteine residues known as canonical Cys, while some CBCRs have additional cysteine residues called second Cys within the DXCF motif, leading to their classification as DXCF CBCRs. They typically undergo a process where they incorporate phycocyanobilin (PCB) and subsequently isomerize it to phycoviolobilin (PVB). Conversely, CBCRs with conserved Trp residues and without the second Cys are called extended red/green (XRG) CBCRs. Typical XRG CBCRs bind PCB without undergoing PCB‐to‐PVB isomerization, displaying red/green reversible photoconversion, and there are also atypical CBCRs that exhibit diverse photoconversions. We discovered novel XRG CBCRs with Cys residue instead of the conserved Trp residue. These novel XRG CBCRs exhibited the ability to isomerize PCB to PVB, displaying green/teal reversible photoconversion. Through sequence‐ and structure‐based comparisons coupled with mutagenesis experiments, we identified three amino acid residues, including the Cys residue, crucial for facilitating PCB‐to‐PVB isomerization. This research expands our understanding of the diversity of XRG CBCRs, highlighting the remarkable molecular plasticity of CBCRs.
miRNA, phytometabolites and disease: Connecting the dots
Authors: Ramprosand Srutee , Govinden‐Soulange Joyce , Ranghoo‐Sanmukhiya Vijayanti Mala , Sanan‐Mishra Neeti
Published: July 2024

miRNAs are tiny noncoding ribonucleotides that function as critical regulators of gene‐expression in eukaryotes. A single miRNA may be involved in the regulation of several target mRNAs forming complex cellular networks to regulate diverse aspects of development in an organism. The deregulation of miRNAs has been associated with several human diseases. Therefore, miRNA‐based therapeutics is gaining interest in the pharmaceutical industry as the next‐generation drugs for the cure of many diseases. Medicinal plants have also been used for the treatment of several human diseases and their curative potential is attributed to their reserve in bioactive metabolites. A role for miRNAs as regulators of the phytometabolic pathways in plants has emerged in the recent past. Experimental studies have also indicated the potential of plant encoded secondary phytometabolites to act as cross‐regulators of mammalian miRNAs and transcripts to regulate human diseases (like cancer). The evidence for this cross‐kingdom gene regulation through miRNA has gathered considerable enthusiasm in the scientific field, even though there are on‐going debates regarding the reproducibility and the effectiveness of these findings. In this review, we provide information to connect the medicinal and gene regulatory properties of secondary phytometabolites, their regulation by miRNAs in plants and their effects on human miRNAs for regulating downstream metabolic or pathological processes. While further extensive research initiatives and good clinical evidence are required to prove or disapprove these findings, understanding of these regulations will have important implications in the potential use of synthetic or artificial miRNAs as effective alternatives for providing health benefits.
Heed guidance for preparing to comply with latest Title IX regulations
Authors: Bowers Blaze
Published: July 2024

The Aug. 1, 2024 implementation date for the revised Title IX regulations is right around the corner. Since the rule's April 19 release, we’ve seen experts, media outlets, and others providing resources that are helpful, voluminous, or even confusing.
Design, Synthesis and Activity Against Drug‐Resistant Bacteria Evaluation of 1H‐Pyrazole‐[3,4‐b] Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Cao Yaquan , Zhai Hongjin , Ampomah‐Wireko Maxwell , Ma LiYing
Published: July 2024

The urgent need for novel antibiotics with potent activity against drug‐resistant bacteria is paramount in light of the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a series of newly designed and synthesized 1H pyrazole‐[3,4‐b]pyridine derivatives against various Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains. Among these derivatives, compound 15 q exhibits comparable antibacterial activity to the established medication Linezolid, demonstrating a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 2 μg/mL against both the clinically resistant strain S. aureus M20 and the Gram‐positive bacterium S. aureus ATCC25923. Molecular docking analysis reveals that compound 15 q can interact with nucleotide residue G2505, providing initial insights into its underlying molecular mechanism responsible for its antibacterial activity. Therefore, compound 15 q holds great promise as a lead compound for potential therapeutic interventions against bacterial infections.
MXene‐Deposited Melamine Foam‐Based Iontronic Pressure Sensors for Wearable Electronics and Smart Numpads
Authors: Cetin Oyku , Cicek Melih Ogeday , Cugunlular Murathan , Bolukbasi Tufan , Khan Yaqoob , Unalan Husnu Emrah
Published: July 2024

Iontronic pressure sensors hold significant potential to emerge as vital components in the field of flexible and wearable electronics, addressing a variety of applications spanning wearable technology, health monitoring systems, and human‐machine interactions. This study introduces a novel iontronic pressure sensor structure based on a seamlessly deposited Ti3C2Tx MXene layer onto highly porous melamine foam as parallel plate electrodes and an ionically conductive electrolyte of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide/thermoplastic polyurethane coupled with carbon cloth as current collecting layers for improved sensitivity and high mechanical stability of more than 7000 cycles. MXene‐deposited melamine foam‐based iontronic pressure sensors (MIPS) showed a high sensitivity of 5.067 kPa−1 in the range of 45–60 kPa and a fast response/recovery time of 28/18 ms, respectively. The high sensitivity, high mechanical stability, and fast response/recovery time of the designed sensor make them highly promising candidates for real‐time body motion monitoring. Moreover, sensors are employed as a smart numpad for integration into advanced ATM security systems utilizing machine learning algorithms. This research marks a significant advance in iontronic pressure sensor technology, offering promising avenues for application in wearable electronics and security systems.
Dual Modification Strategy for Enhanced Cycling and Rate Performance of Ni‐Rich Cathode Materials in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wu Tao , Jian Jiyuan , Lin Shuang , Sun Dandan , Fu Gang , Xu Yan , Liu Ziwei , Li Sai , Huo Hua , Ma Yulin , Yin Geping , Zuo Pengjian , Cheng Xinqun , Du Chunyu
Published: July 2024

A great challenge in the commercialization process of layered Ni‐rich cathode material LiNixCoyMn1‐x‐yO2 (NCM, x ≥ 80%) for lithium‐ion batteries is the surface instability, which is exacerbated by the increase in nickel content. The high surface alkalinity and unavoidable cathode/electrolyte interface side reactions result in significant decrease for the capacity of NCM material. Surface coating and doping are common and effective ways to improve the electrochemical performance of Ni‐rich cathode material. In this study, an in situ reaction is induced on the surface of secondary particles of NCM material to construct a stable lithium sulfate coating, while achieving sulfur doping in the near surface region. The synergistic modification of lithium sulfate coating and lattice sulfur doping significantly reduced the content of harmful residual lithium compounds (RLCs) on the surface of NCM material, suppressed the side reactions between the cathode material surface and electrolyte and the degradation of surface structure of the NCM material, effectively improved the rate capability and cycling stability of the NCM material.
Multifunctional Triamcinolone Acetonide Microneedle Patches for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
Authors: Song Liwan , Fan Lu , Zhang Qingfei , Huang Shanshan , Kong Bin , Xiao Jian , Xu Ye
Published: July 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic and inflammatory skin disease, has brought huge physiological and psychological burdens to patients, which causes wide concerns in society. Herein, a multifunctional microneedle (MN) patch is proposed integrated with a desirable moisturizer and intelligent drug delivery capacity for AD treatment. Such MN patch consists of hyaluronic acid (HA) backing and near‐infrared (NIR) responsive tips containing black phosphorous quantum dots (BPQDs), low‐melting agarose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Among them, the soluble HA serves as a long‐term moisturizer for relieving dryness symptoms of AD. By introducing the NIR excitable and photothermal responsive BPQDs into agarose, the state of the composite material can be adjusted intelligently via NIR, thus achieving controllable release of the encapsulated TA in tips. Besides, PVP with enough mechanical strength can help MNs successfully penetrate the thickened skin of AD patients. Based on these advantages, it is demonstrated that the multifunctional MN patch reveals a satisfactory therapeutic effect in the AD model of Balb/c mice. These results indicate the potential values of the proposed MN patch in the treatment of AD skin diseases and other related biomedical fields.
Effect of the interlayer distribution of ZnO decorated with Ag nanoparticles on the antimicrobial activity of multilayer poly(methyl methacrylate) films
Authors: Waldo‐Mendoza Miguel Ángel , Rivera‐García Nancy Araceli , Robles‐Martínez Marissa , Mayorga‐Colunga Perla Cristina , Martínez‐Montejano Roberto Carlos , Pérez Elías
Published: July 2024

Incorporating nanoparticles into polymer matrices for enhanced antimicrobial properties is particularly interesting. This study examines how the interlayer distribution of zinc oxide (ZnO) decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films impacts their antimicrobial activity. Various PMMA multilayer films were prepared, with the antimicrobial additive intentionally placed in the outer, core, bottom, or throughout all layers. Their efficacy was tested against gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Results indicate that E. coli was the strain with the highest sensitivity to the system because it is a gram (−) bacterium, which could generate a lower resistance to AgNPs. On the other hand, S. aureus, being gram (+), presents a thicker lipid membrane, and peptidoglycan wall, which makes it difficult for AgNPs to enter. Films with uniform distribution throughout thickness exhibited the most sustained antimicrobial activity due to high antimicrobial concentration. This study demonstrated that the distribution of the AgNPs/ZnO system in different layers of a PMMA film influences its antimicrobial capacity. Finally, a mechanism for migrating silver ions released from the AgNPs/ZnO system in PMMA films is proposed, highlighting their interactions with bacterial cells and the subsequent antimicrobial effects.

Highlights

Interlayer distribution influences antimicrobial activity.

Outer placement leads to rapid silver ion release.

Core distribution controls antimicrobial kinetics.

Uniform distribution ensures sustained activity.