bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Nanoarchitectures: CuO:Er2O3 Synergy for Enhanced Performance in Energy Storage and Generation Applications
Authors: Azhar Sundus , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Abrahams Isaac , Ingsel Tenzin , Gupta Ram K. , Al‐Ammar Essam A. , Ashraf Ghulam Abbas , Gul Mahwash Mahar
Published: October 2024

In this study, we have synthesized facile Cu‐based CuO:Er2O3 nanoelectrode material for energy storage and generation. CuO:Er2O3 nanomaterial was synthesized employing phyto‐extract of Amaranthus viridis L. (AVL) as stabilizing and reducing agents. Spherical‐shaped CuO:Er2O3 nanomaterial was initially employed to study supercapacitor behavior. The specific capacitance of 82.25 F/g was found at 0.5 A/g by galvanostatic charge–discharge, whereas the value of 319 F/g was achieved at 2 mV/s by cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. Furthermore, CuO:Er2O3 electrode was investigated for water splitting energy generation potential and revealed an overpotential value of 323 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), an overpotential value of 370 mV was found. The electrochemical impedance analysis revealed the faster flow of electrons and ions, suggesting great conductivity and lower resistance of the fabricated electrode. Thus, current electrochemical results are proposing CuO:Er2O3 as an competent electrode for overall energy‐generating as well as storage applications.
Dicarbatriphyrin(2.1.1) and its Carbacalix[1]Phyrin Analogue: Structure‐Property Relationships and Application as a Fe(III) Chemosensor
Authors: Kayal Adrija , Ranjan Pradhan Sourav , Kumar Prasad Chetan , Das Mainak , Srinivasan A.
Published: October 2024

The investigation of unsaturated or π‐conjugated hydrocarbons, particularly within the macrocyclic framework, has garnered significant interest due to their fundamental properties and practical applications. This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a novel stable dicarbatriphyrin(2.1.1) which was constructed by amending the [14]triphyrin(2.1.1) framework by, replacing two pyrrole rings with meta‐connected phenyl rings and introducing an o‐benzene bridge at the C2 position. The structural modification resulted in a saddle‐shaped macrocyclic core with negative Gaussian curvature, as confirmed by crystal structure analysis. This unique molecular topology offers acumens into the structure‐property relationships in the curved locally π‐conjugated contracted porphyrinoids. The macrocycle exhibits fluorescent emission in solution, which is selectively quenched by Fe(III) ions, highlighting its potential as a chemosensor for Fe(III) cations. Additionally, the formation of carbacalix[1]phyrin(2.1.1), a phlorin analogue of dicarbatriphyrin(2.1.1), which exhibits a chair conformation in contrast to the saddle‐shaped structure of its oxidized counterpart. Remarkably, the emergence of a mono‐pyrrolic calixbenziphyrin marks an unprecedented advancement in the field of calixphyrin chemistry. Moreover, theoretical studies provide strong support for the experimental findings, reinforcing the conclusions drawn from the structural and functional analyses.
Organic All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Battery Using Polymer/Covalent Organic Framework Electrolyte
Authors: Canals Jef , Irié‐Bi Boris , Dolhem Franck , Becuwe Matthieu , Gautron Eric , Seznec Vincent , Dedryvère Rémi
Published: October 2024

In this work, we have designed an all‐organic and all‐solid‐state lithium metal battery based on 7,7,8,8‐tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane (TCNQ) as the organic electroactive material and a COF (Covalent Organic Framework)/PEO (PolyEthylene Oxide) composite as solid electrolyte. The use of a solid electrolyte allows fixing the solubility problem of organic electroactive materials in classical liquid electrolytes. This is the first time an all‐solid‐state organic battery based on TCNQ versus lithium metal is reported, since no liquid additive was included in the formulation of the electrolyte. We obtained a reversible capacity of 88 mAh g−1 at the second discharge, and still 58 mAh g−1 at the tenth discharge. The redox processes were investigated by X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). We could evidence the involvement of the two lithiation steps of TCNQ (LiTCNQ and Li2TCNQ) in the reversible capacity. Optimization of the electrode manufacturing and formulation, and replacing the salt (LiI) by alternative ones opens the door to future improvements in the electrochemical performances. This study demonstrates the interest of COF‐type organic structures in the formulation of organic solid electrolytes.
Chemical Variability of the Leaf Essential Oil of Two Subspecies of Juniperus oxycedrus L. From Northwestern Algeria
Authors: Malti Charaf Eddine Watheq , Bekhechi Chahrazed , Salhi Khadidja , Babali Brahim , Casanova Joseph , Paoli Mathieu , Tomi Félix
Published: October 2024

Thirty‐seven essential oil samples have been isolated from leaves of individual plants of Juniperus oxycedrus (subspecies oxycedrus and macrocarpa) growing wild in Tlemcen and Aïn Témouchent provinces (Northwestern Algeria). Analysis of eight selected oil samples by GC(RI), GC/MS and 13C NMR, allowed the identification of 88 components that accounted for 84.4–99.5 % of the whole compositions. The 37 compositions were subjected to statistical analysis which suggested the existence of groups and sub‐groups I, IIA and IIB. Group I, the most important group with 24 oil samples out of 37, differed from sub‐groups IIA and IIB, essentially by the high content of α‐pinene (mean value, 69.2 %; SD 6.24). Sub‐groups IIA and IIB were differentiated by their content of α‐pinene (Mean values, 49.7 % and 27.3 %, respectively) as well as δ‐3‐carene (10.3 %, sub‐group IIA), sabinene and (Z)‐6‐pentadecen‐2‐one (8.7 % and 4.9 %, respectively, sub‐group IIB).
GC‐MS Profiling, Pharmacological Predictions, Molecular Docking, and ADME Studies of Different Parts of Thymus Linearis against Multiple Target Proteins in Wound Healing
Authors: Saleem Sumaira , Mushtaq Aamir , Muhammad Gulzar , Wajid Muhammad , Siddique Farhan , Alshabrmi Fahad M. , Aba Alkhayl Faris F. , Alatawi Eid A.
Published: October 2024

Thymus linearis from the Himalayan woodlands of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, is a phytomedicine that has not been well‐studied. Traditionally, it is recognized for its potential in treating conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, weight loss, and discomfort. The study investigates the wound‐healing properties of methanolic extracts from the plant's stems, leaves, and roots. GC‐MS disclosed cadaverine, dihydroxy‐3,3‐dimethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐N‐isopropylbutyramide, phthalic acid‐di(2‐propylpentyl)ester, and benzo[h]quinolone‐2,4‐dimethyl in stem along with betamethasone valerate, 17‐pentatriacontene, 1,1‐cyclobutanedicarboxmide, heptadecane‐9‐hexyl, cyclohexanol‐2‐methylene‐3(1‐methylethenyl) and pentacyclo[12.3.0.0(1,13).0(2,10).0(5,9)]hepatodecane‐6‐ol‐15‐one in leaf extracts and 2‐myristynonyl pantetheine, 7,8‐epoxylanostan‐11‐ol‐3‐acetoxy, heneicosane (1‐(1‐ethyl propyl)), 2‐piperidinone‐N‐[4‐bromobutyl] and 1‐monolinoleoylglycerol trimethyl silyl ether in the root extract. The antioxidant activity was assessed using several assays including DPPH, bound iron %, ABTS, total flavonoid content, and total phenolic content. The methanolic stem extract (MSE) showed the highest antioxidant capacity compared to the leaf and root extracts. The stem extract demonstrated the highest wound‐healing potential, followed by leaves and roots in albino mice. The findings were supported by computational analysis, which revealed that the binding interactions of phytochemicals from stem have more affinity than leaf and root with specific receptor sites. The in‐silico analysis ascertains that dihydroxy‐3,3‐dimethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐N‐isopropylbutyramide from MSE is the most effective wound‐healing agent. Moreover, ADME predictions demonstrated the drug‐like properties of the hit compounds.
Porous and B‐site Substituted Y2[Mn0.2Ru0.8]2O7 Pyrochlore for Boosting Acidic Water Oxidation Activity and Stability
Authors: Tian Zhan , Yang Xin , Jia Hongrui , Liu Huan , Li Guoqiang
Published: October 2024

Boosting the reaction stability without sacrificing the activity and cost is extremely important but full of challenges for the RuO2‐based oxygen evolution catalysts. Herein, porous and B‐site substituted Y2[Mn0.2Ru0.8]2O7 (p‐Y2[Mn0.2Ru0.8]2O7) pyrochlore toward oxygen evolution reaction is innovatively synthesized. The formed meso‐/macroporous structure can increase the specific surface area and corresponding active sites, meanwhile, Mn‐substitution can modulate the electronic structure, stabilize the morphology, and reduce the dosage of Ru species. Interestingly, the p‐Y2[Mn0.2Ru0.8]2O7 performs 50 h stable operation, significantly outperforming the commercial RuO2(CM) counterpart with less than 2 h life. Furthermore, the required overpotential to achieve 10 mA cm−2 is only 266 mV, accompanied with favorable reaction kinetics and catalyst utilization.
Next‐Gen Crop Monitoring: MTEG‐RTU Algorithm and UAV Synergy for Precise Disease Diagnosis
Authors: S Hemalatha , Jayachandran Jai Jaganath Babu
Published: October 2024

The rapidly changing climatic scenarios are highly favorable for the rising diseases that lead to increasing threats to food production and supply. Various scholars and scientists make long steps to hasten the process of making innovations in farming for managing these issues. In this context, UAV is applied for the purpose of managing and monitoring plant health. The abiotic stresses available in plant diagnosis through traditional strategies are highly labor‐intensive and unfit for large‐scale deployment. Conversely, UAVs designed with mobile sensors, multispectral, radar, and so on make them flexible, affordable, and more effective. Thus, this study proposes a novel meta ensemble transfer extreme gradient‐based random tactical unit (MTEG‐RTU) algorithm for diagnosing crop illnesses precisely. The proposed MTEG‐RTU methodology entails three methods such as transfer learning, adaptive boost, and meta‐ensemble, and the hyper parameters are tuned using random tactical unit algorithm. Healthier and disordered crop images gained from the crop disease dataset comprise 8000 images and are preprocessed. The more optimal features from the preprocessed images are learned through the ResNet method, and these features enter into the classification phase. Random tactical unit algorithm enhanced the performance by optimizing the hyperparameters of MTEG classifier. The experimental results conducted based on the various assessment components and validation dataset indicate that the developed method outperformed the other chosen models, achieving precision, recall, and accuracy of 98.5%, 97.9%, and 98.6%, respectively. The other achievements made by the model are offering technical guidance for conducting the precise diagnosis and treatment of plant pathologies with less time of 9 s.
Biocompatible Flash Chemiluminescent Assay Enabled by Sterically Hindered Spiro‐Strained‐Oxetanyl‐1,2‐Dioxetane
Authors: Shelef Omri , Krinsky Anne , Jospe‐Kaufman Moriah , Babjaková Zuzana , Fridman Micha , Satchi‐Fainaro Ronit , Spitz Urs , Shabat Doron
Published: October 2024

Chemiluminescence is the emission of light that occurs as a result of a chemical reaction. Depending on the rate of chemiexcitation, light emission can occur as a long‐lasting, low‐intensity, glow‐type reaction or a rapid, highly intense flash‐type reaction. Assays using a flash‐type mode of action provide enhanced detection sensitivity compared to those using a glow‐type mode. Recently, our group discovered that applying spiro‐strain to 1,2‐dioxetanes significantly increases their chemiexcitation rate, thereby transforming glow‐type chemiluminescence into flash‐type chemiluminescence. However, further examination of the structure‐activity relationships revealed that the spiro‐strain severely compromises the chemical stability of the 1,2‐dioxetanes. We hypothesized that a combination of spiro‐strain, steric hindrance, and an electron‐withdrawing effect, will result in a chemically stable spiro‐strained dioxetane with an accelerated chemiexcitation rate. Indeed, spiro‐fused tetramethyl‐oxetanyl exhibited a 128‐fold faster chemiexcitation rate compared to adamantyl while maintaining similar chemical stability, with a half‐life of over 400 hours in PBS 7.4 buffer at room temperature. Turn‐on probes composed of tetramethyl‐oxetanyl spiro‐dioxetane exhibited significantly improved chemical stability in bacterial and mammalian cell media compared to previously developed dioxetane probes fused to a cyclobutyl unit. The superior chemical stability enables a tetramethyl‐oxetanyl dioxetane probe to detect β‐Galactosidase (β‐gal) activity with enhanced sensitivity in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial assays and leucine aminopeptidase activity in tumoral cell lines. Overall, the development of the tetramethyl‐oxetanyl dioxetane luminophore enables us to enhance the detection sensitivity of chemiluminescent probes while maintaining high chemical stability. The results obtained in this study should assist in designing improved chemiluminescent probes and underscore the significance of strain‐release techniques in enhancing the detection sensitivity of chemiluminescence assays.
Electronic Structure Modulating of W18O49 Nanospheres by Niobium Doping for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Guo Hui , Pan Lu , Gao Mengyou , Kong Linghui , Zhang Jingpeng , Khan Aslam , Siddiqui Nasir A. , Lin Jianjian
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen, known for its high energy density and environmental benefits, serves as a prime substitute for fossil fuels. Nonetheless, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), essential in electrolysis, encounters challenges with slow kinetics and significant overpotential, which elevate costs and reduce efficiency. Thus, developing efficient electrocatalysts to reduce HER overpotential is vital to enhance hydrogen production efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Adjusting the electronic structure of transition metal oxides via elemental doping is a potent strategy to improve the effectiveness of electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. In this work, we synthesized a set of niobium‐doped tungsten oxides (Nbx‐W18O49) under anoxic conditions using a straightforward “one‐pot” solvothermal approach. After doping Nb, the oxygen vacancy content inside W18O49 was increased, which induced a synergistic effect with the active sites of tungsten. In acidic environments, the hydrogen evolution activity of the Nb0.6‐W18O49 electrocatalyst is second only by 20 wt % Pt/C. It attains a current density of −10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 102 mV. By comparison with W18O49, Nb0.4‐W18O49 and Nb0.5‐W18O49, Nb0.6‐W18O49 demonstrates a reduced charge transfer resistance, which significantly enhances its conductivity and the speed of electron movement across interfaces. Coupled with this feature are notably faster HER kinetics. Additionally, it exhibits excellent stability, meaning it maintains its performance and structural integrity over prolonged periods and under various operational conditions. This article provides a new perspective for discovering inexpensive and efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst materials.
Bottlebrush Random Copolymers at Oil‐Oil Interfaces
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Wen Yunhui , Luo Yuzheng , Li Shuailong , Luo Jiaqiu , Shi Shaowei
Published: October 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Oil‐in‐oil nonaqueous emulsions are of great interest for developing emulsion‐templated polymers and encapsulation systems that are incompatible with water‐sensitive substances. Tailor‐made amphiphilic block copolymers are by far the most efficient stabilizers for oil‐in‐oil emulsions while less attention is given to copolymers with more complex architectures. Here, we report the stabilization of DMSO‐silicone oil interface by bottlebrush random copolymers (BRCPs) containing norbornene backbones with densely grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) side chains. The assembly kinetics of BRCPs at the DMSO‐silicone oil interface can be divided into three processes, including diffusion, reconfiguration and reorganization, and can be varied by tuning the degree of polymerization of the backbone (NB). Due to the high efficiency of BRCPs in reducing the interfacial tension, when using BRCPs as stabilizers, stable silicone oil‐in‐DMSO traditional emulsions and high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) can be successfully obtained, while no stable emulsions can be achieved with linear PMMA‐b‐PS serving as the stabilizer. This study, for the first time, underscores the great potential of amphiphilic bottlebrush copolymers in preparing oil‐in‐oil emulsions. Given the advances in polymerization strategy, a broad variety of amphiphilic bottlebrush copolymers are expected to be synthesized and applied in the stabilization of nonaqueous biphasic systems.
Catalyst‐Free, Radical Tri‐ and Difluoromethylation of Isocyanides and N‐Arylacrylamides Using Rotating Magnetic Field and Metal Rods
Authors: Han Xuliang , Liu Haodong , Feng Xiaomei , Jia Fuchao , Zhao Zengdian , Li Xinjin
Published: October 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The pursuit of sustainable and environmentally benign synthetic methods continues to challenge organic chemists. Herein, we introduce a magnetoredox system for tri‐ and difluoromethylation of isocyanides and N‐arylacrylamides using a rotating magnetic field and steel rods. This magnetoredox approach enables facile synthesis of functionalized phenanthridines and oxindoles without the need for catalysts and additives under mild conditions. Such a system potentially represents an attractive strategy for selective formation of bonds through multifaceted regulation of magnetic intensity, rotating frequency, and rod size.
Improved survival and decreased cancer deaths in young adults with cancer after passage of the Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Expansion
Authors: Roth Michael , Andersen Clark R. , Berkman Amy , Siegel Stuart , Cuglievan Branko , Livingston J. Andrew , Hildebrandt Michelle , Estrada Jaime , Bleyer Archie
Published: October 2024

Background

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed Americans aged 19–25 years to remain on their parents' health insurance plans until age 26 years (the Dependent Care Expansion [DCE]). Have those with cancer diagnoses benefited?

Methods

The ACE DCE 7‐year age range of 19–25 years was compared for changes in cancer survival and mortality before and after enactment of the ACA with groups that were younger and older (in 7‐year age spans: ages 12–18 and 26–32 years, respectively). Cancer death data for the entire United States were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and relative survival data of patients who were diagnosed with cancer were obtained from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results regions representing 42%–44% of the country.

Results

Joinpoint analysis identified the DCE‐eligible cohort as the only age group of the three groups evaluated that have had improvements in both cancer survival and death rate trends after ACA implementation and that 2010, the year the ACA was passed, was the inflection year for both survival and deaths. By 6 years, the relative survival after cancer diagnosis was 2.6 and 3.9 times greater in the DCE‐eligible age group than in the younger and older control groups, respectively (both p < .001), and the cancer death rate in the DCE‐eligible age group improved 2.1 and 1.5 times greater than in the younger and older control age groups, respectively (both p < .01).

Conclusions

During the first decade of the ACA, eligible young adults with cancer have had significantly improved survival and mortality. Additional policies expanding insurance coverage and enabling earlier cancer diagnosis among young adults are needed.

Plain Language Summary

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Dependent Care Expansion (DCE) that began in the United States in 2011 allowed young adults aged 19–25 years to remain on their parents' health insurance plans until age 26 years.

The survival rate at 6 years in young adult patients diagnosed with cancer was 2.6 to 3.9 times greater in the DCE‐eligible age group compared with the younger and older age groups, and the rate of deaths from cancer improved 1.5 to 2.1 times more.

During the first decade of the ACA, young adults with cancer who were in the eligible group had significantly longer survival and reduced deaths from cancer.

Additional policies that expand insurance coverage and allow the diagnosis of cancer sooner are needed in young adults.
Integral formulation of Klein–Gordon singular waveguides
Authors: Bal Guillaume , Hoskins Jeremy , Quinn Solomon , Rachh Manas
Published: October 2024

We consider the analysis of singular waveguides separating insulating phases in two‐space dimensions. The insulating domains are modeled by a massive Schrödinger equation and the singular waveguide by appropriate jump conditions along the one‐dimensional interface separating the insulators. We present an integral formulation of the problem and analyze its mathematical properties. We also implement a fast multipole and sweeping‐accelerated iterative algorithm for solving the integral equations, and demonstrate numerically the fast convergence of this method. Several numerical examples of solutions and scattering effects illustrate our theory.
High‐Throughput Assessment of Metabolism‐Mediated Neurotoxicity by Co‐Culture of Neurospheres and Liver Spheroids
Authors: Joshi Pranav , Kang Soo‐Yeon , Acharya Prabha , Vanga Manav Goud , Lee Moo‐Yeal
Published: October 2024

The liver's role in the biotransformation of chemicals is critical for both augmented toxicity and detoxification. However, there has been a significant lack of effort to integrate biotransformation into in vitro neurotoxicity testing. Traditional in vitro neurotoxicity testing systems are unable to assess the qualitative and quantitative differences between parent chemicals and their metabolites as they would occur in the human body. As a result, traditional in vitro toxicity screening systems cannot incorporate hepatic biotransformation to predict the neurotoxic potential of chemical metabolites. To bridge this gap, a high‐throughput, metabolism‐mediated neurotoxicity testing system has been developed, which combines metabolically competent HepaRG cell spheroids with a three‐dimensional (3D) culture of ReNcell VM human neural progenitor cell line. The article outlines protocols for generating HepaRG cell spheroids using an ultralow attachment (ULA) 384‐well plate and for cultivating ReNcell VM in 3D on a 384‐pillar plate with sidewalls and slits (384PillarPlate). Metabolically sensitive test compounds are introduced into the ULA 384‐well plate containing HepaRG spheroids and then tested with 3D‐cultured ReNcell VM on the 384PillarPlate. This configuration permits the in situ generation of metabolites by HepaRG cells and their subsequent testing on neurospheres. By analyzing cell viability data, researchers can determine the IC50 values for each compound, thus evaluating metabolism‐mediated neurotoxicity. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: HepaRG spheroid culture in an ultralow attachment (ULA) 384‐well plate and the assessment of drug‐metabolizing enzyme (DME) activities

Basic Protocol 2: 3D neural stem cell (NSC) culture on a 384PillarPlate and compound treatment for the assessment of metabolism‐mediated neurotoxicity

Basic Protocol 3: Image acquisition, processing, and data analysis
Detection of Neutralizing Antibodies in Serum Samples Using a SARS‐CoV‐2 Pseudotyped Virus Assay
Authors: Ferrero Sol , Batto María Victoria , Gatto Matías Iván , Dimase Federico , Helguera Gustavo
Published: October 2024

Conventional live virus research on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19), requires Biosafety Level 3 (BSL‐3) facilities. SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudotyped viruses have emerged as valuable tools in virology, mimicking the entry process of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus into human cells by expressing its spike glycoprotein in a surrogate system using recombinant plasmids. One significant application of this tool is in functional assays for the evaluation of neutralizing antibodies. Pseudotyped viruses have the advantage of being competent for only a single cycle of infection, providing better safety and versatility and allowing them to be studied in BSL‐2 laboratories. Here, we describe three protocols for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies through a pseudotyped virus assay. First, SARS‐CoV‐2 S pseudotyped viruses (PV SARS‐CoV‐2 S) are produced using a Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) three‐plasmid system. The plasmids are designed to express the GagPol packing proteins, enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a readout system, and the SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein modified to remove the endoplasmic reticulum retention domain and to improve infection. Next, the internalization of PV SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK‐293T) cells overexpressing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (HEK‐293T‐ACE2) is confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and quantified using flow cytometry. Finally, PV SARS‐CoV‐2 S is used to screen neutralizing antibodies in serum samples from convalescent COVID‐19 patients; it can also be used for studying the cell entry mechanisms of different SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, evaluating antiviral agents, and designing vaccines. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Generation of PV SARS‐CoV‐2 S pseudotyped virus

Basic Protocol 2: Assay of PV SARS‐CoV‐2 S internalization in target cells.

Basic Protocol 3: Detection of neutralizing antibodies in serum samples.
High‐Quality Genomic DNA Extraction Protocol for Bacillus and Clostridium Species
Authors: Mekonnen Yohannes Beyene , Aspholm Marina Elisabeth , Zegeye Ephrem Debebe
Published: October 2024

High‐quality DNA with sufficient yield is the goal of DNA extraction protocols. We present an optimized, cost‐effective method for extracting next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐quality genomic DNA from Bacillus and Clostridium species using the chloroform‐isoamyl approach. The protocol involves two main procedures: cultivation of the bacteria under appropriate conditions, followed by DNA extraction through cell lysis, phase separation, DNA precipitation, and cleanup. This method has been successfully applied to several hundred strains of Bacillus and Clostridium species in our laboratory, including B. cereus, B. licheniformis, C. sporogenes, and C. tyrobutyricum, demonstrating its efficacy and reliability for producing high‐quality DNA that meets NGS quality control standards. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Culturing Bacillus and Clostridium species

Basic Protocol 2: DNA extraction © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Corporate sustainability strategy deployment: A case study on the implementation of corporate sustainability using hoshin kanri
Authors: Roche Katharina E. , Baumgartner Rupert J.
Published: October 2024

Companies face difficulties when attempting to implement corporate sustainability (CS), especially linking operational activities to their overall sustainability strategy remains a main challenge. The present study applies a single‐case study approach to contribute to literature on CS implementation and to provide a framework for the deployment of CS strategies. The company under study is a medium‐sized company that has set sustainability targets using a typical management system for strategy deployment, namely hoshin kanri. The data collected is derived from company documents, observations, and 12 semi‐structured interviews with department managers and employees, and qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis. The results illustrate that clear definition of sustainability, measurability of sustainability targets, employee involvement, and motivation, and prioritization of long‐term sustainability objectives are necessary prerequisites for successful CS strategy deployment. Challenges relate to lack of time capacity (workload), specific industry‐context, and the difficulty of social impact assessment. Finally, a framework for CS implementation is proposed which incorporates stakeholder, systems, and dynamic capabilities perspectives. This research contributes to the literature linking CS strategy to practice, illustrating the related prerequisites and challenges in implementation, and provides a practical approach towards the deployment of CS strategies.
Impact of Ball Milling on the Microstructure of Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Zaker Ali , Auclair Karine
Published: October 2024

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a semi‐crystalline polymer that finds broad use. Consequently, it contributes to the accumulation of plastics in the environment, warranting PET recycling technologies. Ball milling is a commonly used technique for the micronization of plastics before transformation. It has also recently been reported as an efficient mixing strategy for the enzymatic hydrolysis of plastics in moist‐solid mixtures. However, the effect of milling on the microstructure of PET has not been systematically investigated. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to characterize the changes to the PET microstructure caused by various ball milling conditions. PET of different forms was examined, including pre‐ and post‐consumer PET, as well as textiles. The material was treated to a range of milling frequencies and duration, before analysis of particle size, crystallinity by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X‐ray diffraction, and morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Interestingly, our results suggest the convergence of crystallinity to ~30 % within 15 minutes of milling at 30 Hz. These results are consistent with an equilibrium between amorphous and crystalline regions of the polymer being established during ball milling. The combined data constitutes a reference guide for PET milling and recycling research.
Novel Roles of Catalysts in Producing High‐Purity High‐Pressure Hydrogen from Sodium Borohydride
Authors: Theda Felicia Alvita , Lee Kimoon , Kim Chan , Lee Yu‐Jin , Kim Keunsoo , Sohn Hyuntae , Nam Suk Woo , Kim Yongmin , Jeong Hyangsoo
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen has received enormous attention as a clean fuel with its high specific energy (HHV=142 MJ kg−1). To apply hydrogen as a practically available energy vector, the direct production of high‐pressure hydrogen with high purity is pivotal as it allows for circumventing the mechanical compression process. Recently, the concept of utilizing sodium borohydride (SBH) dehydrogenation as a chemical compressor that can generate high‐pressure hydrogen gas was demonstrated by adopting formic acid as an acid catalyst. However, the presence of impurities (e.g., CO, CO2) in the final gas product requires an alternative method to enhance the use of SBH as a chemical compressor. Here, we highlighted the feasibility of producing high‐purity, high‐pressure hydrogen gas from the SBH dehydrogenation with and without Co‐based catalysts. The scrutiny behind the thermodynamics and kinetics of the SBH dehydrogenation was conducted under the elevated pressure condition. As a result, the dual roles of the catalysts as proton collectors and heat sources were revealed, both of which are essential for improving hydrogen production efficiency. We hope that our research stimulates subsequent research that pave the way to exploit hydrogen as an energy vector and achieve a more sustainable future society.
Sedimentary factors controlling the organic matter enrichment in oil shale, Seyitömer Lacustrine Basin, Western Anatolia: New implications from organic and inorganic geochemistry
Authors: Kara Gülbay Reyhan , Özyurt Merve , Korkmaz Sadettin
Published: October 2024

Western Anatolia, an important segment of the Alp‐Himalayan Belt, hosts numerous Neogene lacustrine basins with potential oil shale reserves surpassing 1.6 billion tonnes. Among these basins, the Seyitömer Basin (Kütahya) stands out, containing oil shales that are intercalated with claystone, marl, limestone and coal layers. This study presents a comprehensive dataset of organic and inorganic chemistry to gain insight into the palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental factors that control the enrichment of organic matter. The studied samples exhibit high total organic carbon contents, averaging 12.85% (ranging from 2.22 to 36.21%), high hydrogen indices (486–812 mgHC/g rock) and low oxygen indices (33–70 mgCO2/g total organic carbon), indicating their substantial hydrocarbon‐source potential. These characteristics indicate predominantly ‘excellent’ to occasionally ‘very good’ source rock qualities and very high oil potential. Their pyrolysis, gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometer parameters indicate an immature‐early mature characteristic for Seyitömer oil shale samples. They comprise dominantly Type‐I kerogen with minor Type‐II kerogen and lacustrine algal organic matter. Their sedimentological characteristics, along with various geochemical values, such as total organic carbon versus S, B versus Ga and dibenzothiophene/phenanthrene, reveal a moderately deep fresh/brackish to saline lacustrine environment. The Ga/Rb, K/Al and Sr/Cu ratios suggest dominantly humid and warm climate conditions, occasionally interrupted by periods of less humidity. The prevalence of warm and humid climate conditions leads to intense chemical weathering processes, supported by high Chemical Index of Alteration and low Rb/Sr ratios in the associated oil shale samples. Intense chemical weathering and high runoff resulted in dissolved nutrient enrichment, promoting ecological dynamics favourable to increased productivity. Their low Pr/Ph and Mo/total organic carbon ratios, high Ni/Co ratio and, relatively low MoEF/UEF ratio, along with well‐developed lamination of the oil shales, indicate the presence of anoxic conditions in the bottom water. These anoxic conditions would have facilitated the preservation potential of organic matter in the samples. Thus, the palaeoclimate conditions integrated with sedimentary factors have an important role in the ecological dynamic and physical–chemical environmental conditions, ultimately contributing to the organic matter enrichment of the studied samples. This work provides a case study to better understand the sedimentary factors controlling organic matter enrichment in the lacustrine basins of the Alp‐orogenic belt.
Seasonal and anthropogenic effects on niche overlap and habitat selection by sympatric bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus) and wolves (Canis lupus) in a human‐dominated landscape
Authors: Parracciani Cecilia , Maiorano Luigi , Ciucci Paolo
Published: October 2024

Interspecific interactions among species of the same guild play a critical role in shaping their realized niches, and their understanding may disclose mechanisms of coexistence. Investigating interactions among apex predators is of ecological and management interest, especially in human‐dominated landscapes where type and intensity of their interspecific competition may be affected by human interference. During 2005–2010, we investigated, by means of GPS‐telemetry, interactions between brown bears (n = 19) and wolves (n = 7) in a long‐established national park in the central Apennines, Italy, where bears and wolves have always coexisted close to humans. Based on a K‐select analysis and a randomization approach, we assessed the extent of overlap between the species' niches on a seasonal basis. Bears and wolves clearly segregated in fall but not during summer when overlap between their realized niches suggests a convergent adaptation to a seasonal peak of anthropogenic pressure. However, using multi‐species resource selection functions (RSFs) at the home range level (i.e., third‐order selection), we revealed that habitat selection by bears and wolves was reciprocally affected also when their niches overlapped, possibly disclosing mechanisms of fine‐scale resource partitioning. In early summer, bears selected areas with a high probability of resource selection by wolves, but in late summer avoided areas positively selected by wolves. On the contrary, wolves avoided areas where the probability of resource selection by bears was high, both in late summer and fall. These results indicate that bears and wolves do interact in our study area and, although the actual behavioral mechanisms are unknown, they reciprocally and asymmetrically affect their realized niche and habitat selection patterns. Further research is needed to better understand how anthropogenic factors impact intraguild interactions and what are the effects at the population and community levels.
It's about (taking up) space: Discreteness of individuals and the strength of spatial coexistence mechanisms
Authors: Ellner Stephen P. , Snyder Robin E. , Adler Peter B. , Hernández Christina M. , Hooker Giles
Published: October 2024

One strand of modern coexistence theory (MCT) partitions invader growth rates (IGR) to quantify how different mechanisms contribute to species coexistence, highlighting fluctuation‐dependent mechanisms. A general conclusion from the classical analytic MCT theory is that coexistence mechanisms relying on temporal variation (such as the temporal storage effect) are generally less effective at promoting coexistence than mechanisms relying on spatial or spatiotemporal variation (primarily growth‐density covariance). However, the analytic theory assumes continuous population density, and IGRs are calculated for infinitesimally rare invaders that have infinite time to find their preferred habitat and regrow, without ever experiencing intraspecific competition. Here we ask if the disparity between spatial and temporal mechanisms persists when individuals are, instead, discrete and occupy finite amounts of space. We present a simulation‐based approach to quantifying IGRs in this situation, building on our previous approach for spatially non‐varying habitats. As expected, we found that spatial mechanisms are weakened; unexpectedly, the contribution to IGR from growth‐density covariance could even become negative, opposing coexistence. We also found shifts in which demographic parameters had the largest effect on the strength of spatial coexistence mechanisms. Our substantive conclusions are statements about one model, across parameter ranges that we subjectively considered realistic. Using the methods developed here, effects of individual discreteness should be explored theoretically across a broader range of conditions, and in models parameterized from empirical data on real communities.
Phenology mediates direct and indirect interactions among co‐occurring invasive plant species
Authors: Reeb Rachel A. , Kuebbing Sara E.
Published: October 2024

Why nonnative invasive plant species commonly co‐occur, despite their competitive superiority and propensity to displace native species, remains a paradox in invasion biology. Negative interactions among competitively dominant invaders are potentially alleviated by two understudied mechanisms: seasonal priority effects, where phenological separation weakens the effect of competition on species with early phenology; and indirect facilitation, where competition between two species is mitigated by a third species. Although phenological separation has been speculated as a mechanism for explaining co‐occurrence patterns of invasive plants, it has never been directly tested. In a greenhouse experiment, we tested the effect of phenological separation on direct and indirect interactions between three co‐occurring invasive plant species found in the riparian forests of North America. These species have distinct natural phenological separation with reproduction in early spring (Ficaria verna), mid‐spring (Alliaria petiolata), and late summer (Microstegium vimineum). When phenology was experimentally synchronized, direct pairwise interactions among invasive species were overwhelmingly negative, asymmetric, and unlikely to promote co‐occurrence. However, increasing phenological separation generated seasonal priority effects, which weakened the effect of competition on species with early phenology. Furthermore, the addition of a third species generated indirect facilitative effects, which balanced competitive outcomes among the two weakest competitors. Based on these findings, we conclude that phenological separation modulates the strength of both seasonal priority effects and indirect facilitation within species interaction networks and may promote the co‐occurrence of three common invasive species within this study system. We articulate how future studies can test the external validity of these findings in more complex environmental conditions and with a larger range of invasive plants.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Risk Factors in a Multi‐Ethnic National Case–Control Study
Authors: Daly Barbara M. , Wu Zhenqiang , Chepulis Lynne , Scragg Robert K. R.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) continues to increase particularly for non‐European women. This study aimed to identify and quantify risk factors for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in New Zealand to identify women at higher risk.

Methods

A national dataset of 601,166 eligible women who had ≥ 1 birth in New Zealand between January 2001 and December 2010 identified 11,459 women with gestational diabetes of whom 11,447 were randomly matched with 57,235 control women for age and year of delivery.

Results

Adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) showed higher odds of gestational diabetes for Asian (3.60, 3.39–3.82), Pacific (2.76, 2.57–2.96) and Māori (1.23, 1.15–1.31) women compared with European/Other women. Women most economically disadvantaged (1.44, 1.34–1.56), not registered with a lead maternity carer (1.16, 1.04–1.30) and those identified as smokers (1.20, 1.11–1.31) were more likely than control women to develop gestational diabetes. In contrast, women residing in rural (0.83, 0.77–0.88) and remote areas (0.68, 0.60–0.77) were less likely to develop gestational diabetes compared with women living in urban areas, and similarly for non‐New Zealand resident women (0.78, 0.72–0.85) compared with resident women.

Conclusions

Women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes were more likely to be non‐European, economically disadvantaged, residing in urban areas, unregistered with a lead maternity carer and more likely to smoke. In addition to universal screening for pre‐existing diabetes, all women at risk of gestational diabetes should be identified and supported to undertake to a 75 g glucose challenge test between 24 and 28 weeks.
Exploring the multifaceted therapeutic potentials of Brassaiopsis palmata (leaves) through in‐vitro and in‐vivo approaches
Authors: Islam Mohidul , Fahad Fowzul Islam , Karim Ahasanul , Sultana Arifa , Kamal A. T. M. Mostafa , Rana Md. Sohel , Islam Mohammad Nazmul
Published: October 2024

Brassaiopsis palmata, an androgynous tree from Araliaceae family, has been widely found in the Asian subcontinent, and reported to have potentiality against skin infection, and many therapeutic properties still unidentified. Here, our current investigation aims to discover the innovative pharmacological potentials of the methanol extract of B. palmata leaves (MEBPL) through in‐vivo and in‐vitro approaches. Several secondary metabolites were revealed throughout the qualitative phytochemical screening of the plant extracts. MEBPL exhibited strong radical scavenging properties (IC50 178.13 µg/mL) through the 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and through the quantitative (phenolic and flavonoid) assays with a moderate (LD50 153.14 µg/mL) toxic effect. In anti‐inflammatory screening, MEBPL showed significant dose dependent inhibitory activity; and the peak inhibition were found 78.01 ± 1.22% and 82.46 ± 1.52% at 1000 µg/mL concentration on hypotonic‐induce RBC hemolysis & protein denaturation test respectively. Moreover, the plant extracts manifested moderate percentage of clot lysis (28.24 ± 2.50%) on the investigation of thrombolytic assay. The anti‐nociceptive activity of MEBPL was analyzed through acetic acid and formalin induce pain tests. Both 200 and 400 mg/kg dose of MEBPL exerted significant (p ˂ 0.001) dose depending depletion of acetic acid induced writhing and formalin stimulated licking test which indicated strong analgesic properties of plant extracts. In addition, the outcomes of anti‐depressant evaluation suggested that treatment with both 200 and 400 mg/kg doses showed potential dose depending activity on both FST and TST model. Furthermore, the plant extracts manifested dose dependent reduction of anxiety like behaviors in the rodent model. Particularly, mice administrated with 400 mg/kg dose of MEBPL significantly (p ˂ 0.05) enhanced the percentage of entries and time spent in the open arm in EPM, and also showed the highest amount of head dipping tendency in HBT. In contrast, the outcomes of this research suggest that B. palmata could be another source of antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory, thrombolytic, anti‐nociceptive, anti‐depressant, and anxiolytic agents. Further research on the mechanisms underlying bioactivities is required.
The effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on the ‘forgotten’ right ventricle
Authors: Qu Liangzhen , Duan Xueting , Chen Han
Published: October 2024

With the progress in diagnosis, treatment and imaging techniques, there is a growing recognition that impaired right ventricular (RV) function profoundly affects the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF), irrespective of their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In addition, right HF (RHF) is a common complication associated with various diseases, including congenital heart disease, myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and it can manifest at any time after left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition by gliflozins has emerged as a cornerstone medicine for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and HF, with an increasing focus on its potential to enhance RV function. In this review, we aim to present an updated perspective on the pleiotropic effects of gliflozins on the right ventricle and offer insights into the underlying mechanisms. We can ascertain their advantageous impact on the right ventricle by discussing the evidence obtained in animal models and monumental clinical trials. In light of the pathophysiological changes in RHF, we attempt to elucidate crucial mechanisms regarding their beneficial effects, including alleviation of RV overload, reduction of hyperinsulinaemia and inflammatory responses, regulation of nutrient signalling pathways and cellular energy metabolism, inhibition of oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis, and maintenance of ion balance. Finally, this drug class's potential application and benefits in various clinical settings are described, along with a prospective outlook on future clinical practice and research directions.