bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, structural characterization, in vitro biological activity, and DFT calculations of Cu(II) complex
Authors: Amri Nasser , Alaghaz Abdel‐Nasser M. A. , Bedowr Noha S. , El‐Bindary Ashraf A.
Published: May 2024

Using a diazonium combination of aniline and 1,3‐diphenylpropane‐1,3‐dione, the Japp‐Klingemann reaction yielded the 1,3‐diphenyl‐2‐(2‐phenylhydrazono)propane‐1,3‐dione ligand (HL). The copper (II) complex has been made using copper (II) acetate salt. The geometry of HL and its Cu (II) chelate were described through CHN analyses, FTIR, UV–Visible, XRD, TGA, and magnetic susceptibility tests. According to the spectral data, the ligand exhibits monobasic bidentate behavior by connecting through the N atom of hydrazone moiety (=N − NH−) by deprotonating beside the oxygen atom of the carbonyl (C=O) group forming octahedral geometry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were done by molecular studio software to examine the optimal geometry of HL and its complexity. MCF‐7 and HepG‐2 cell lines demonstrated anticancer action in response to the HL and its copper (II) complex. Additionally, inhibition zone diameter was used to assess the in vitro antibacterial action of HL and particular complex toward Gram +ve bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐ve bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). Both viscosity and absorption spectra of Calf‐thymus DNA binding experimentations were used to examine the compounds.
Preparation of organosilicon and organofluorine synergistically modified amphiphilic branched polyurethanes and their application in diisocyanate emulsifiers
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Yin Zheng , Zhao Yanru , Li Penghui , Wu Shengli
Published: May 2024

Isocyanate‐based monomers and polymers have found widespread industrial application; however, the realization of green water‐based products via the preparation of stable isocyanate aqueous emulsions remains challenging. Herein, a series of organosilicon and organofluorine synergistically modified amphiphilic branched polyurethanes (HBWPU), synthesized by grafting perfluorohexyl ethanol semi‐terminated isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) onto a hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer, is presented. Subsequently, using a physical mixing method, stable diisocyanate emulsions are fabricated by preparing diisocyanate latex particles with IPDI as the core and hyperbranched water‐based polyurethanes (HBWPU) as the shell. Structural investigations showed that the branching degree and fluorine content of the HBWPU significantly affects the stability of the diisocyanate emulsions. Increasing the degree of branching from 0.34 to 0.86 causes the amount of residual isocyanate (NCO) groups to decrease from 20.1% to 16.7%. In contrast, an increase in the fluorine content from 0% to 17.8% increases the amount of residual NCO groups from 11.5% to 24.6%. Thus, HBWPU can be used as an emulsifier to prepare waterborne diisocyanate cross‐linking agents. Such polyurethane‐coated isocyanate aqueous emulsions can increase the hardness and significantly improve the acetone resistance of hydroxyl polyacrylate resins.
Construction of self‐healing gallium (III)‐cross‐linked konjac glucomannan/polyacrylamide hydrogels for efficiently killing bacteria and accelerating wound healing
Authors: Xu Zhi‐Hao , Sun Ping , Zhang Xue , Zhang Jia‐Yin , Gao Yun‐Fei , Liang Chen , Zhang Qi‐Ming , Gao Wei‐Wei , Xia Ya‐Mu
Published: May 2024

Gallium ions have a special action mechanism that interferes bacterial iron metabolism, thereby possessing great potential for the treatment of bacterial infections. In this work, gallium ions‐cross‐linked konjac glucomannan/polyacrylamide (KGM/PAM/Ga3+) hydrogels are successfully constructed with satisfactory swelling ability, appropriate mechanical properties and adjustable degradation performance. Ga ions as a kind of cross‐linking agent can enhance the stability, and more importantly, improve the bactericidal ability of hydrogel, thus forming novel functional KGM/PAM/Ga3+ hydrogels for treating wounds. After the evaluation of antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, KGM/PAM/Ga3+ hydrogels can effectively inhibit the proliferation of bacteria through the gradual and sustainable release of Ga ions from the hydrogel with negligible cytotoxicity and good blood compatibility. Furthermore, they possess exceptional self‐healing behavior, and can be readily adapted to varying degrees of bending, which matches skin wound dressing application. Finally, the results of wound healing performance and histological evaluation demonstrate that KGM/PAM/Ga3+ hydrogels can efficiently accelerate infected wound healing and facilitate the regeneration of skin tissues.
Photopolymerization and characterization of vinyl imidazole based allyl derivative polymers; Cr3+ and Cd2+ metal adsorption and antibacterial studies
Authors: Saltan Fehmi , Saltan Gözde Murat , İlktaç Raif , Özdokur Kemal Volkan
Published: May 2024

A new type polymeric adsorbent, poly(allylphenol‐co‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐vinyl imidazole) (PAHV), is synthesized in this study. 2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate is used as complementary monomers along with 1‐vinyl imidazole and allylphenol monomers. The photopolymerization method is preferred as a synthesis method and benzophenone is used as the photoinitiator. The effectiveness of the PAHV against bacterial species such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is investigated by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) disk diffusion method. The inhibition areas of PA1H1V3 and PA1H1V1 derivatives against E. coli and S. aureus are measured as 25 mm ± 0.25 mm and 7 mm ± 0.1 mm; 20 mm ± 0.25 mm, and 5 mm ± 0.1 mm, respectively. Sorption efficiencies (%) at pH = 6 (selected optimum pH) for 100 μg/L Cd and Cr of the PA1H1V1, PA1H3V1, and PA1H1V3 derivatives are found to be 69.0 ± 2.7 and 58.3 ± 6.7, 66.8 ± 6.2 and 75.8 ± 5.5, and 97.2 ± 3.7 and 97.7 ± 3.2 (n = 3), respectively. Adsorption studies revealed that the PA1H1V3 polymer can be used as an alternative for the sorption of cadmium and chromium. The pseudo‐second‐order model and Langmuir isotherm model fits for both adsorption processes. The adsorption capacities obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model for chromium and cadmium sorption are 52.63 and 68.49 μg g−1, respectively.
The zona pellucida protein piopio regulates the metamorphosis and reproduction in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ge Runting , Yang Yanhua , Chen Keping , Li Chengjun
Published: May 2024

The zona pellucida domain protein piopio (Pio) was only reported to mediate the adhesion of the apical epithelial surface and the overlying apical extracellular matrix in Drosophila melanogaster, but the developmental roles of Pio were poorly understood in insects. To address this issue, we comprehensively analyzed the function of Pio in Tribolium castaneum. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that pio exhibited one‐to‐one orthologous relationship among insects. T. castaneum pio had a 1236‐bp ORF and contained eight exons. During development pio was abundantly expressed from larva to adult and lowly expressed at the late stage of embryo and adult, while it had more transcripts in the head, epidermis, and gut but fewer in the fat body of late‐stage larvae. Knockdown of pio inhibited the pupation, eclosion, and reproduction of T. castaneum. The expression of vitellogenin 1 (Vg1), Vg2, and Vg receptor (VgR) largely decreased in pio‐silenced female adults. Silencing pio increased the 20‐hydroxyecdysone titer by upregulating phm and spo expression but decreased the juvenile hormone (JH) titer through downregulating JHAMT3 and promoting JHE, JHEH‐r4, and JHDK transcription. These results suggested that Pio might regulate the metamorphosis and reproduction via modulating the ecdysone and JH metabolism in T. castaneum. This study found the novel roles of pio in insect metamorphosis and reproduction, and provided the new insights for analyzing other zona pellucida proteins functions in insects.
The impact of depressive and anxious symptoms on quality of life in adults on the autism spectrum
Authors: Thiel Tobias , Riedelbauch Saskia , Gaigg Sebastian , Roessner Veit , Ring Melanie
Published: May 2024

Quality of life (QoL) is lower in adults on the autism spectrum (AS) compared with typically developing (TD) adults. In this context, recent studies have examined the role of depression and anxiety in reducing QoL in AS adults. The aim of this study was to (1) replicate these findings of lower QoL and (2) assess the negative influence of depressive and anxious symptoms on QoL in an adult AS (N = 86) and TD (N = 87) German sample with a broad age range (18–70 years). For this, we used questionnaires that have been validated for the AS and TD population: the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, the Autism‐Specific QoL items, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We replicated previous findings and extended them to autism‐specific QoL. Our AS sample had lower QoL compared with the TD adults. However, depressive symptoms were the largest contributor to lower QoL in both samples, more so than group membership and anxious symptoms. We conclude that interventions to improve QoL in AS adults should specifically target depressive symptoms and for this, improvements to the diagnostic process and treatment of depression in AS are necessary.
Design of resonance Rayleigh scattering and spectrofluorimetric methods for the determination of the antihistaminic drug, hydroxyzine, based on its interaction with 2,4,5,7‐tetraiodofluorescein: Evaluation of analytical eco‐scale and greenness/whiteness algorithms
Authors: Abdel‐Lateef Mohamed A. , Darwish Ibrahim A. , Gomaa Hassanien , Katamesh Noha S.
Published: May 2024

In this work, two validated approaches were used for estimating hydroxyzine HCl for the first time using resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) and spectrofluorimetric techniques. The suggested approaches relied on forming an association complex between hydroxyzine HCl and 2,4,5,7‐tetraiodofluorescein (erythrosin B) reagent in an acidic media. The quenching in the fluorescence intensity of 2,4,5,7‐tetraiodofluorescein by hydroxyzine at 551.5 nm (excitation = 527.5 nm) was used for determining the studied drug by the spectrofluorimetric technique. The RRS approach is based on amplifying the RRS spectrum at 348 nm upon the interaction of hydroxyzine HCl with 2,4,5,7‐tetraiodofluorescein. The spectrofluorimetric methodology and the RRS methodology produced linear results within ranges of 0.15–1.5 μg ml−1 and 0.1–1.2 μg ml−1, respectively. LOD values for these methods were determined to be 0.047 μg ml−1 and 0.033 μg ml−1, respectively. The content of hydroxyzine HCl in its pharmaceutical tablet was estimated using the developed procedures with acceptable recoveries. Additionally, the application of four greenness and whiteness algorithms shows that they are superior to the previously reported method in terms of sustainability, economics, analytical performance, and practicality.
Mussel‐mimetic polysaccharide‐based injectable hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Fan Yawen , Zheng Lu , Jin Min , Li Xiaoyun , Li Zhong Alan , Wang Xiaoying
Published: May 2024

With high biocompatibility and degradability, polysaccharide‐based hydrogels are favorable healthcare materials. However, in many biomedical applications, these materials are inconvenient to handle with fixed morphology, unable to closely match the wounds, and easy to detach due to insufficient adhesion. Inspired by the superior wet adhesive properties of marine mussels, researchers have used mussel‐inspired chemistry to create mussel‐mimetic injectable polysaccharide‐based hydrogels that are simple to operate, controllable in shape, and highly adhesive, and have significantly extended their applications such as tissue adhesives, delivery vehicles, tissue engineering scaffolds, and wearable sensors. However, there are few comprehensive reviews on polysaccharide‐based hydrogels with both mussel‐mimetic adhesion and injectability, and few critical analyses of these hydrogels' preparation methods and applications. This review fills this gap and systematically summarizes the preparation strategies for novel mussel‐mimetic injectable polysaccharide‐based hydrogels, including modifying polysaccharides with catechol‐ or pyrogallol‐containing small molecules and leveraging different interactions between catechol‐/pyrogallol‐modified polysaccharides and other substances to form crosslinked hydrogels. Furthermore, recent biomedical applications of injectable catechol‐/pyrogallol‐modified polysaccharide‐based hydrogels are discussed, and their future challenges and research trends are proposed.
The evaluation of the training, “the approach to epilepsy and epileptic seizure,” which was given to teachers in Türkiye
Authors: Kartal Mert , Karakaş Neşe , Tuz Pınar , Kapıkıran Gürkan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder among humans after headaches. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50–65 million individuals were diagnosed with epilepsy throughout the world, and around two million new cases of epilepsy are added to this figure every year.

Methods

Designed as descriptive and cross‐sectional research, this study was performed on 132 elementary school teachers. Training on epilepsy and epileptic seizure was given to teachers. The pretest and posttest research data were collected with the face‐to‐face interview method. In this process, the epilepsy knowledge scale was used as well as a survey form that had questions designed to find out about teachers’ personal characteristics. The Statistical Package for Social Science 25.0 was utilized in the statistical analysis of research data. In the research, the statistical significance was identified if the p‐value was below.05 (p < .05).

Results

Of all teachers participating in the study, 59.1% were female, 90.2% were married, and 47.7% witnessed an epilepsy seizure before. The mean of teachers’ pretest epilepsy knowledge scores was 8.43 ± 4.31 points before the training while the mean of their posttest epilepsy knowledge scores was 12.65 ± 2.48 points after the training. The difference between the means of pretest and posttest scores was statistically significant (p = .000). After the training, there was a statistically significant increase in means of scores obtained by teachers from each item of the epilepsy knowledge scale (p < .05).

Conclusions

As there was a statistically significant improvement in levels of teachers’ knowledge about both epilepsy and epileptic seizure after the training, it is recommended that the training about the approach to epilepsy and epileptic seizure be given to all teachers, and additionally, including these topics in the course curricula of universities is recommended.
Hybrid machine learning‐based breast cancer segmentation framework using ultrasound images with optimal weighted features
Authors: Vijayan Sudharsana , Panneerselvam Radhika , Roshini Thundi Valappil
Published: May 2024

One of the most dangerous conditions in clinical practice is breast cancer because it affects the entire life of women in recent days. Nevertheless, the existing techniques for diagnosing breast cancer are complicated, expensive, and inaccurate. Many trans‐disciplinary and computerized systems are recently created to prevent human errors in both quantification and diagnosis. Ultrasonography is a crucial imaging technique for cancer detection. Therefore, it is essential to develop a system that enables the healthcare sector to rapidly and effectively detect breast cancer. Due to its benefits in predicting crucial feature identification from complicated breast cancer datasets, machine learning is widely employed in the categorization of breast cancer patterns. The performance of machine learning models is limited by the absence of a successful feature enhancement strategy. There are a few issues that need to be handled with the traditional breast cancer detection method. Thus, a novel breast cancer detection model is designed based on machine learning approaches and employing ultrasonic images. At first, ultrasound images utilized for the analysis is acquired from the benchmark resources and offered as the input to preprocessing phase. The images are preprocessed by utilizing a filtering and contrast enhancement approach and attained the preprocessed image. Then, the preprocessed images are subjected to the segmentation phase. In this phase, segmentation is performed by employing Fuzzy C‐Means, active counter, and watershed algorithm and also attained the segmented images. Later, the segmented images are provided to the pixel selection phase. Here, the pixels are selected by the developed hybrid model Conglomerated Aphid with Galactic Swarm Optimization (CAGSO) to attain the final segmented pixels. Then, the selected segmented pixel is fed in to feature extraction phase for attaining the shape features and the textual features. Further, the acquired features are offered to the optimal weighted feature selection phase, and also their weights are tuned tune by the developed CAGSO. Finally, the optimal weighted features are offered to the breast cancer detection phase. Finally, the developed breast cancer detection model secured an enhanced performance rate than the classical approaches throughout the experimental analysis.
4‐META/MMA‐TBB resin containing nano hydroxyapatite induces the healing of periodontal tissue repair in perforations at the pulp chamber floor
Authors: Sugii Hideki , Yoshida Shinichiro , Albougha Mhd Safwan , Hamano Sayuri , Hasegawa Daigaku , Itoyama Tomohiro , Obata Junko , Kaneko Hiroshi , Minowa Fumiko , Tomokiyo Atsushi , Maeda Hidefumi
Published: May 2024

We aimed to evaluate the materials based on 4‐methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methyl methacrylate tri‐n‐butylborane (Super‐bond [SB]) and nano hydroxyapatite (naHAp) for the repair of perforation at pulp chamber floor (PPF) in vitro and in vivo models. SB and naHAp were mixed in the mass ratio of 10% or 30% to produce naHAp/SB. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (HPDLSCs) were cultured on resin discs of SB or naHAp/SB to analyze the effects of naHAp/SB on cell adhesion, proliferation, and cementoblastic differentiation. A rat PPF model was treated with SB or naHAp/SB to examine the effects of naHAp/SB on the healing of defected cementum and periodontal ligament (PDL) at the site of PPF. HPDLSCs were spindle‐shaped and adhered to all resin discs. Changing the resin from SB to naHAp/SB did not significantly alter cell proliferation. Both 10% and 30% naHAp/SB were more effective than SB in promoting cementoblastic differentiation of HPDLSCs. In the rat PPF model, 30% naHAp/SB was more effective than SB in promoting the formation Sharpey's fiber‐like structures with expression of the PDL‐related marker and cementum‐like structures with expression of cementum‐related markers. In conclusion, 30% naHAp/SB can be the new restorative material for PPF because it exhibited the abilities of adhering to dentin and healing of defected periodontal tissue.
Kinetic ITC of DNA Aptamers Binding for Small Molecules and Implications for Binding Assays and Biosensors
Authors: Ding Yuzhe , Liu Juewen
Published: May 2024

The determination of kon and koff values through kinetic analysis is crucial for understanding the intricacies of aptamer‐target binding interactions. By employing kinetic ITC, we systematically analyzed a range of ITC data of various aptamers. Upon plotting their kon and koff values as a function of their Kd values, a notable trend emerged. Across a range of Kd values spanning from 28 nM to 864 μM, the kon value decreased from 2×105 M−1 s−1 to 96 M−1 s−1, whereas the koff value increased from 1.03×10−3 s−1 to 0.012 s−1. Thus, both kon and koff contributed to the change of Kd in the same direction, although the range of kon change was larger. Since experiments are often run at close to the Kd value, this concentration effect also played an important role in the observed binding kinetics. The effect of these kinetic parameters on two common sensing mechanisms, including aptamer beacons and strand‐displacement assays, are discussed. This work has provided the kinetic values of small molecule binding aptamers and offered insights into aptamer‐based biosensors.
Metal‐Free Decarboxylative Allylation of Oxime Esters under Light Irradiation
Authors: Geniller Lilian , Ben Kraim Hiba , Clot Eric , Taillefer Marc , Jaroschik Florian , Prieto Alexis
Published: May 2024

Allylation reactions, often used as a key step for constructing complex molecules and drug candidates, typically rely on transition‐metal (TM) catalysts. Even though TM‐free radical allylations have been developed using allyl‐stannanes, ‐sulfides, ‐silanes or ‐sulfones, much less procedures have been reported using simple and commercially available allyl halides, that are used for the preparation of the before‐mentioned allyl derivatives. Here, we present a straightforward photocatalytic protocol for the decarboxylative allylation of oxime esters using allyl bromide derivatives under metal‐free and mild conditions. This methodology yields a diverse variety of functionalized molecules including several pharmaceutically relevant molecules.
Telluronium‐Catalyzed Halogenation Reactions: Chalcogen‐Bond Activation of N‐Halosuccinimides and Catalysis
Authors: Groslambert Loic , Pale Patrick , Mamane Victor
Published: May 2024

The ability of triaryltelluronium salts to interact with N‐halosuccinimides (NXS) through chalcogen bonding (ChB) in the solid state and in solution is demonstrated herein. Cocrystals of the triaryltelluronium bearing two CF3 electron‐withdrawing groups per aryl ring with N‐chloro‐, N‐bromo‐ and N‐iodosuccinimide (respectively NCS, NBS and NIS) were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, evidencing a ChB between tellurium and the carbonyl group of NXS. This ChB was confirmed in solution by NMR spectroscopy, especially by 125Te NMR titration experiment, which allowed the determination of the association constant (Ka) between the telluronium and NBS. The so‐obtained Ka value of 17.3±0.6 M−1 indicated a moderate interaction in solution because of the competitive role of the solvent. The strength of the Te⋅⋅⋅O ChB was however sufficient enough to promote the catalytic halofunctionalization of aromatics and of alkenes such as the intra‐ and intermolecular haloalkoxylation and haloesterification of alkenes.
Conformity or differentiation: How corporate social responsibility affects employee behaviour in China
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Shaoheng , Hu Wenan , Zhang Zhixin
Published: May 2024

In reality, not all enterprises pursue the same or similar corporate social responsibility practices. The effects produced by enterprises fulfilling the identical corporate social responsibility are not always the same. Based on the social identity theory and social exchange theory, this paper discusses the impact of corporate social responsibility on employee behaviour, so as to clarify the deep‐rooted motivations and effects of enterprises' choice of different social responsibility strategies under Chinese unique institutional contexts. By adopting a quantitative approach, this paper finds that corporate social responsibility positively predicts employee behaviour, and that different types of corporate social responsibility have different effects. In addition, this paper finds that employee organisational commitment mediates the relationship between corporate social responsibility and employee behaviour. Consistent corporate social responsibility mainly affects employees' in‐role behaviour primarily through normative commitment, and differentiated corporate social responsibility mainly affects employees' extra‐role behaviour through affective commitment. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Strategic responses to hostile takeover threats: Empirical evidence on enhancing corporate social engagement
Authors: Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Sarajoti Pattarake , Padungsaksawasdi Chaiyuth
Published: May 2024

Understanding the dynamics between external corporate governance mechanisms and social engagement offers insights into how corporate strategies towards social capital are shaped. We explore the impact of hostile takeover threats on corporate social engagement by utilizing a measure of takeover vulnerability. This allows for a detailed examination of how exposure to takeover threats influences firms' engagement in social engagement initiatives. Our analysis reveals a positive and causal relation between the degree of takeover threats and the level of social commitments in firms, suggesting that the presence of hostile takeover threats enhances corporate social responsibility as a means of external governance and reduces agency costs. The findings support the hypothesis that the threat of hostile takeovers prompts firms to invest more in social commitments, potentially as a strategic defense mechanism.
Tailoring the Use of 8‐Hydroxyquinolines for the Facile Separation of Iron, Dysprosium and Neodymium
Authors: Melegari Matteo , Neri Martina , Falco Alex , Tegoni Matteo , Maffini Monica , Fornari Fabio , Mucchino Claudio , Artizzu Flavia , Serpe Angela , Marchiò Luciano
Published: May 2024

Permanent magnets (PMs) containing rare earth elements (REEs) can generate energy in a sustainable manner. With an anticipated tenfold increase in REEs demand by 2050, one of the crucial strategies to meet the demand is developing of efficient recycling methods. NdFeB PMs are the most widely employed, however, the similar chemical properties of Nd (20–30 % wt.) and Dy (0–10 % wt.) make their recycling challenging, but possible using appropriate ligands. In this work, we investigated commercially available 8‐hydroxyquinolines (HQs) as potential Fe/Nd/Dy complexing agents enabling metal separation by selective precipitation playing on specific structure/property (solubility) relationship. Specifically, test ethanolic solutions of nitrate salts, prepared to mimic the main components of a PM leachate, were treated with functionalized HQs. We demonstrated that Fe3+ can be separated as insoluble [Fe(QCl,I)3] from soluble [REE(QCl,I)4]− complexes (QCl,I−: 5‐Cl‐7‐I‐8‐hydoxyquinolinate). Following that, QCl− (5‐Cl‐8‐hydroxyquinolinate) formed insoluble [Nd3(QCl)9] and soluble (Bu4N)[Dy(QCl)4]. The process ultimately gave a solution phase containing Dy with only traces of Nd. In a preliminary attempt to assess the potentiality of a low environmental impact process, REEs were recovered as oxalates, while the ligands as well as Bu4N+ ions, were regenerated and internally reused, thus contributing to the sustainability of a possible metal recovery process.
Gas‐Phase Photocatalytic Coprocessing of CO2 – H2O(v) to Energy Products Promoted by the n,n‐Junction In2O3@g‐C3N4 under VIS‐Light
Authors: Baran Tomasz , Aresta Michele , Comparelli Roberto , Dibenedetto Angela
Published: May 2024

Carbon dioxide capture and utilization is a strategic technology for moving away from fossil‐C. The conversion of CO2 into fuels demands energy and hydrogen that cannot be sourced from fossil‐C. Co‐processing of CO2 and water under solar irradiation will have a key role in the long‐term for carbon‐recycling and energy products production. This article discusses the synthesis, characterization and application of the two‐phase composite photocatalyst, In2O3@g‐C3N4, formed by thermal condensation of melamine in the presence of indium(III)nitrate. The composite exhibits a n,n‐heterojunction between two n‐type semiconductors, g‐C3N4 and In2O3, leading to a more efficient charge separation. The composite has a flat band potential enabling it to effectively catalyze the reduction of CO2 in the gas phase to produce CO, CH4 and CH3OH. While the composite‘s overall photocatalytic efficiency is comparable to that of neat g‐C3N4, its ability to promote multielectron‐transfer and Proton Coupled to Electron Transfer (PCET) suggests that there is a potential for further optimization of its properties. The use of labelled 13CO2 has allowed us to clearly exclude that the reduced species are derived from the photocatalyst decomposition or the degradation of contaminants.
Revisiting Bacille Calmette‐Guérin revaccination strategies: timing of immunization, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infections, strain potency and standardization of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gong Wenping , Du Jingli , Aspatwar Ashok , Zhuang Li , Zhao Yanlin
Published: May 2024

The persistent threat of tuberculosis (TB) on a global scale hasprompted a reevaluation of preventive strategies, with a particular focus onthe Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine's role in revaccination. Theresurgence underscores an urgent need for enhanced measures, prompting acritical examination of BCG revaccination strategies. Drawing from the researchof Paulo Cesar Pereira dos Santos and a synthesis of randomized controlledtrials (RCTs), this review identifies key considerations for refining BCGrevaccination's efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) andTB. The main body of this review integrates four principal domains essentialfor optimizing BCG revaccination: the timing of revaccination, the assessmentof various BCG strains, the evaluation of the vaccine's effectiveness on MTBand non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) strains, and the enhancement of RCTmethodologies. Determining the optimal revaccination timing is paramount forbolstering immunity, especially in regions with high TB prevalence. Theanalysis of different BCG strains provides insights into strain‐specificimmunogenicity, informing vaccine deployment strategies. Additionally,understanding the vaccine's impact on a range of mycobacterial infections iscrucial for its broader application in various microbial contexts. The reviewemphasizes the refinement of RCT designs to ensure robust and consistentoutcomes, facilitating the reproducibility of results in diverse settings. Itproposes a strategy that not only suggests modifications to revaccinationpractices to increase global TB prevention effectiveness but also calls forcontinuous research to improve BCG revaccination methodologies. The paperadvocates for a standardized, evidence‐driven approach to global TB preventionthat takes into account regional epidemiological differences. In conclusion,this review significantly contributes to the discourse on TB prevention,advocating for evidence‐based, standardized approaches that could potentiallytransform the role of BCG revaccination in global TB prevention efforts. Thefindings support current initiatives aimed at developing policies based onsolid evidence, ensuring the scientific integrity and practical relevance ofBCG revaccination strategies.
Development of Fused Recurrent Neural Network‐Gated Recurrent Unit with Improved Sandpiper Optimization‐based Intelligent Node Localization Framework in WSN
Authors: Raghuvanshi Akash , Kumar Awadhesh , Chandra Nilesh
Published: May 2024

Employing mobile nodes or Sensor Nodes (SN) in the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is a critical task within the coverage area. However, these techniques produce huge errors in the evaluated distance between source nodes and unknown nodes, which increases the average NL error of the unknown node. The usage of a Global Positioning System (GPS) for all the SNs needs high cost for implementation in large‐scale WSNs. The designing of NL in WSN with less energy requirements and less cost is very significant. Enhanced NL is performed with deep learning techniques together with the heuristic strategy for performance enhancement. The developed localization model is mainly utilized for providing fast, scalable, and easily implementable results over heterogeneous and homogeneous networks. Moreover, it is applicable for sparse and dense deployment of nodes. Here, a hybridized deep structured approach is employed by integrating the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) for calculating the distance among the source nodes to facilitate determining the optimal location for the unidentified node by analyzing the node information present in the received packets. Here, the optimization of constraints executed in the deep learning techniques with the Modified Exploration‐based Sandpiper Optimization Algorithm (ME‐SOA), and also it is utilized to find the optimal location of unknown nodes based on computed distance from the received packets that minimize the average localization error. The experimental results are validated and show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm with a reduced error rate than other algorithms.
Beth Anish on how Rhode Island's community college is increasing student opportunities with work‐based learning
Authors: May Rachel
Published: May 2024

Ten years after the launch of the Guided Pathways program that offers reforms for community colleges, a new study by Columbia University's Community College Research Center assesses whether or not “guided pathways practices implemented at 62 community and technical colleges in three states—Tennessee, Ohio, and Washington—are associated with improvements in student outcomes during the first year of college.”
Cryptic diversity within two widespread diadromous freshwater fishes (Teleostei: Galaxiidae)
Authors: Jense Charlotte , Adams Mark , Raadik Tarmo A. , Waters Jonathan M. , Morgan David L. , Barmuta Leon A. , Hardie Scott A. , Deagle Bruce E. , Burridge Christopher P.
Published: May 2024

Identification of taxonomically cryptic species is essential for the effective conservation of biodiversity. Freshwater‐limited organisms tend to be genetically isolated by drainage boundaries, and thus may be expected to show substantial cryptic phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity. By comparison, populations of diadromous taxa, that migrate between freshwater and marine environments, are expected to show less genetic differentiation. Here we test for cryptic diversity in Australasian populations (both diadromous and non‐diadromous) of two widespread Southern Hemisphere fish species, Galaxias brevipinnis and Galaxias maculatus. Both mtDNA and nuclear markers reveal putative cryptic species within these taxa. The substantial diversity detected within G. brevipinnis may be explained by its strong climbing ability which allows it to form isolated inland populations. In island populations, G. brevipinnis similarly show deeper genetic divergence than those of G. maculatus, which may be explained by the greater abundance of G. maculatus larvae in the sea allowing more ongoing dispersal. Our study highlights that even widespread, ‘high‐dispersal’ species can harbour substantial cryptic diversity and therefore warrant increased taxonomic and conservation attention.
callsync: An R package for alignment and analysis of multi‐microphone animal recordings
Authors: Smeele Simeon Q. , Tyndel Stephen A. , Klump Barbara C. , Alarcón‐Nieto Gustavo , Aplin Lucy M.
Published: May 2024

To better understand how vocalisations are used during interactions of multiple individuals, studies are increasingly deploying on‐board devices with a microphone on each animal. The resulting recordings are extremely challenging to analyse, since microphone clocks drift non‐linearly and record the vocalisations of non‐focal individuals as well as noise. Here we address this issue with callsync, an R package designed to align recordings, detect and assign vocalisations to the caller, trace the fundamental frequency, filter out noise and perform basic analysis on the resulting clips. We present a case study where the pipeline is used on a dataset of six captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) wearing backpack microphones. Recordings initially had a drift of ~2 min, but were aligned to within ~2 s with our package. Using callsync, we detected and assigned 2101 calls across three multi‐hour recording sessions. Two had loud beep markers in the background designed to help the manual alignment process. One contained no obvious markers, in order to demonstrate that markers were not necessary to obtain optimal alignment. We then used a function that traces the fundamental frequency and applied spectrographic cross correlation to show a possible analytical pipeline where vocal similarity is visually assessed. The callsync package can be used to go from raw recordings to a clean dataset of features. The package is designed to be modular and allows users to replace functions as they wish. We also discuss the challenges that might be faced in each step and how the available literature can provide alternatives for each step.
Exotic plantations differ in “nursing” an understory invader: A probe into invasional meltdown
Authors: Wang Tong , Li Haifang , Yang Xue , Zhang Zeyu , Liu Shengwen , Yang Jinming , Lu Huicui , Li Shimei , Li Mingyan , Guo Xiao , Li Yuwu
Published: May 2024

Forest plantations most likely promote exotic plant invasion. Using an in situ monitoring method, this study investigated the traits correlated with growth and reproduction of an understory invader, Phytolacca americana L., and ecological factors including understory irradiance, soil stoichiometry and microbial patterns associated with these traits in different exotic plantations of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Pinus thunbergii Parl. at Mount Lao, Qingdao, China. We found that the traits of P. americana underneath the R. pseudoacacia stand might be situated at the fast side of the trait economic spectrum. The R. pseudoacacia stand appeared to “nurse” P. americana. Furthermore, we intended to explain the nurse effects of R. pseudoacacia stands by examining their ecological factors. First, the R. pseudoacacia stand created understory light attenuation, which matched the sciophilous feature of P. americana. Second, the soil beneath the R. pseudoacacia stand might benefit P. americana more since the soil has greater resource availability. Third, a higher microbial diversity was found in the soil derived from P. americana underneath the R. pseudoacacia stand. A greater abundance of plant pathogens was detected in the soil derived from P. americana in the R. pseudoacacia stand, while more abundant mycorrhizal fungi were detected in the P. thunbergii stand. We speculate that plant pathogens can defend P. americana from aggression from other understory competitors. The mycorrhizal fungi in the P. thunbergii stand might benefit P. americana while simultaneously benefiting other understory plants. Intensive competition from other plants might interfere with P. americana. The potential relationships between plant performance and ecological factors may explain the invasion mechanism of P. americana. The present study provides a novel insight on the facilitative effects of exotic tree plantation on an exotic herb through the modification of soil biota, with implications for the biocontrol of invasive species and forest management and conservation.
Sex‐specific effects of dietary restriction on physiological variables in Japanese quails
Authors: Reda Gebrehaweria K. , Ndunguru Sawadi F. , Csernus Brigitta , Lugata James K. , Knop Renáta , Szabó Csaba , Czeglédi Levente , Lendvai Ádám Z.
Published: May 2024

Nutritional limitation is a common phenomenon in nature that leads to trade‐offs among processes competing for limited resources. These trade‐offs are mediated by changes in physiological traits such as growth factors and circulating lipids. However, studies addressing the sex‐specific effect of nutritional deficiency on these physiological variables are limited in birds. We used dietary restriction to mimic the depletion of resources to various degrees and investigated sex‐specific effects on circulating levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and triglycerides in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) subjected to ad libitum, 20%, 30% or 40% restriction of their daily requirement, for 2 weeks. We also explored the association of both physiological variables with body mass and egg production. While dietary restriction showed no effects on circulating IGF‐1, this hormone exhibited a marked sexual difference, with females having 64.7% higher IGF‐1 levels than males. Dietary restriction significantly reduced plasma triglyceride levels in both sexes. Females showed more than six‐fold higher triglyceride levels than males. Triglyceride levels were positively associated with body mass in females while showed not association in males. Overall, our findings revealed sex‐specific expression of physiological variables under dietary restriction conditions, which coincide with body size.
Plant species phenology differs between climate and land‐use scenarios and relates to plant functional traits
Authors: Plos Carolin , Hensen Isabell , Korell Lotte , Auge Harald , Römermann Christine
Published: May 2024

Phenological shifts due to changing climate are often highly species and context specific. Land‐use practices such as mowing or grazing directly affect the phenology of grassland species, but it is unclear if plants are similarly affected by climate change in differently managed grassland systems such as meadows and pastures. Functional traits have a high potential to explain phenological shifts and might help to understand species‐specific and land‐use‐specific phenological responses to changes in climate. In the large‐scale field experiment Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF), we monitored the first flowering day, last flowering day, flowering duration, and day of peak flowering, of 17 herbaceous grassland species under ambient and future climate conditions, comparing meadows and pastures. Both climate and land use impacted the flowering phenology of plant species in species‐specific ways. We did not find evidence for interacting effects of climate and land‐use type on plant phenology. However, the data indicate that microclimatic and microsite conditions on meadows and pastures were differently affected by future climate, making differential effects on meadows and pastures likely. Functional traits, including the phenological niche and grassland utilization indicator values, explained species‐specific phenological climate responses. Late flowering species and species with a low mowing tolerance advanced their flowering more strongly under future climate. Long flowering species and species following an acquisitive strategy (high specific leaf area, high mowing tolerance, and high forage value) advanced their flowering end more strongly and thus more strongly shortened their flowering under future climate. We associated these trait–response relationships primarily with a phenological drought escape during summer. Our results provide novel insights on how climate and land use impact the flowering phenology of grassland species and we highlight the role of functional traits in mediating phenological responses to climate.
The intelligent Impella: Future perspectives of artificial intelligence in the setting of Impella support
Authors: Consolo Filippo , D'Andria Ursoleo Jacopo , Pieri Marina , Nardelli Pasquale , Cianfanelli Lorenzo , Pazzanese Vittorio , Ajello Silvia , Scandroglio Anna Mara
Published: May 2024

Aims

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential useful tool to support clinical treatment of heart failure, including the setting of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Modern Impella pumps are equipped with advanced technology (SmartAssist), enabling real‐time acquisition and display of data related to both pump performance and the patient's haemodynamic status. These data emerge as an ‘ideal’ source for data‐driven AI applications to predict the clinical course of an ongoing therapeutic protocol. Yet, no evidence of effective application of AI tools in the setting of Impella support is available. On this background, we aimed at identifying possible future applications of AI‐based tools in the setting of temporary MCS with an Impella device.

Methods

We explored the state of research and development at the intersection of AI and Impella support and derived future potential applications of AI in routine Impella clinical management.

Results

We identified different areas where the future implementation of AI tools may contribute to addressing important clinical challenges in the setting of Impella support, including (i) early identification of the best suited pathway of care according to patients' conditions at presentation and intention to treat, (ii) prediction of therapy outcomes according to different possible therapeutic actions, (iii) optimization of device implantation procedures and evaluation of proper pump position over the whole course of support and (iv) prevention and/or rationale management of haemocompatibility‐related adverse events. For each of those areas, we discuss the potential advantages, challenges and implications of harnessing AI‐driven insights in the setting of MCS with an Impella device.

Conclusions

Temporary MCS with an Impella device has great potential to benefit from the integration of AI‐based tools. Such tools may indeed translate into groundbreaking innovation supporting clinical decision‐making and therapy regulation, in particular in complex scenarios such as the multidevice MCS strategy.
Aragonite and Its Composites: Preparations, Properties and Applications
Authors: Zhong Shuming , Yin Yanzhen , Liang Xingtang , Deng Qin
Published: May 2024

Aragonite, a metastable crystal form of calcium carbonate, exhibits the highest density and hardness among all species. Diversified forms of aragonite composites can be produced through different preparation processes, forming a relatively complete system in various application fields. Their properties and applications are determined by their multiple levels of structures and shapes. However, research information for aragonite‐related fields is currently lacking integration and clarification. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the preparation methods, properties, and potential applications of three main aragonite‐based materials: aragonite particles, nacre‐inspired mineralized aragonite composites (NMACs), and shell‐derived aragonite nanoparticles (SANPs). The formation mechanisms and versatile applications of these materials are thoroughly surveyed based on their initial precursor, reaction conditions, product forms including filler of aragonite whiskers synthesized by carbonation reaction; functional materials of NMACs fabricated by amorphous calcium carbonate‐organic matter (ACC‐OM) mediated process; biomedical materials of SANPs derived from aragonite cockle shells. Overall, this review aims to provide assistance for customized production of aragonite‐based materials as well as new research directions for both pure aragonites and its composites.
Anti‐Breast Cancer Stem Cell Properties of Silver(I)‐Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Complexes
Authors: Singh Karampal , Singh Kuldip , Johnson Alice , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: May 2024

The synthesis and characterisation of a series of silver(I) complexes (1–7) containing non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and triphenylphosphine ligands is reported. The diclofenac‐containing silver(I) complex 1 exhibits micromolar potency towards bulk breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) cultured in monolayers. Notably, the silver(I) complex 1 displays up to 9.4‐fold higher potency towards three‐dimensional mammospheres than cisplatin (a clinically used anticancer metallodrug) and salinomycin (a breast‐CSC active small molecule). Mechanistic studies show that the silver(I) complex 1 readily interacts with thiol‐containing biomolecules in solution and elevates intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in breast CSCs. Interestingly the silver(I) complex 1 does not perturb cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in breast CSCs and its cytotoxicity is unaffected in the presence of prostaglandin E2, implicative of a COX‐2 independent mechanism of action.