bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation of Tolerance to Isothiazolinones Among Daphnia pulex Clones
Authors: Wagner-Deyriès Margot , Varignier Léa , Revel Marion , Delhaye Thomas , Rondeau David , Coutellec Marie-Agnès , McCairns R. J. Scott
Published: January 2023

Isothiazolinones are a family of broad-spectrum biocides widely used in industry and consumer products. Chloro- and methyl-isothiazolinones (CMIT and MIT) are documented as strong irritants, yet they are still used in a wide variety of applications, including cosmetics, cleansers, hygienic products, and various industrial applications. The subsequent substantial release of these molecules from urban sources into freshwater environments, and their potential impacts on aquatic species, have nevertheless received little attention so far, with few studies reporting on the toxicity of either CMIT or MIT to nontarget organisms. The present study addresses this current knowledge gap by evaluating the acute toxicity to Daphnia pulex (Cladocera) of CMIT/MIT (3:1) and MIT, the two formulations most commonly used by manufacturers. In addition, genetic diversity is known to be a major component of variability in phenotypic responses, although it is largely overlooked in typical toxicity tests. Thus the potential range of responses inherent to genetic diversity is rarely considered. Therefore, to account for intraspecific variations in sensitivity, our design involved eight clonal lines of D. pulex stemming from distinct natural populations or commercial strains. Clones exhibited strong variation in their responses, with median lethal concentration (LC50) values ranging from 0.10 to 1.84 mg/L for the mixture CMIT/MIT, and from 0.68 to 2.84 mg/L for MIT alone. These intraspecific ranges of LC50 values challenge the use of single clones of daphnids in standard ecotoxicological tests and the predictions based on their results. The present study brings new evidence that assessing ecological risk of chemicals while ignoring genotype diversity is neither ecologically relevant, nor a representative evaluation of the diversity of potential adverse outcomes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:805–814. © 2023 SETAC
Exposure sources and pathways of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment, with emphasis on potential effects in humans: A systematic review
Authors: Yang Ting , Wang Jiao
Published: January 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that are ubiquitous in the environment, and may be a potential threat to human health. This review describes the MP exposure sources and pathways through drinking water, food intake, and air inhalation. The unregulated discharge of MPs in water sources and the absence of required MP filter technology in water treatment plants are important routes of MP exposure through drinking water. The presence of MPs in food may lead to the accumulation of MPs in the body. Exposure to MPs can occur through airborne fallout and dust inhalation in both indoor and outdoor environments. This review summarizes the MP exposure sources and possible pathways in the human body, and illustrates that the intake of drinking water, food consumption, and air inhalation should be assessed in during routine activities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1422–1432. © 2023 SETAC
Mapping the Response of Human Osteocytes in Native Matrix to Mechanical Loading Using RNA Sequencing
Authors: Zhang Chen , van Essen Huib W. , Sie Daoud , Micha Dimitra , Pals Gerard , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke , Bravenboer Nathalie
Published: January 2023

Osteocytes sense mechanical loads and transduce mechanical signals into a chemical response. They are the most abundant bone cells deeply embedded in mineralized bone matrix, which affects their regulatory activity in the mechanical adaptation of bone. The specific location in the calcified bone matrix hinders studies on osteocytes in the in vivo setting. Recently, we developed a three‐dimensional mechanical loading model of human osteocytes in their native matrix, allowing to study osteocyte mechanoresponsive target gene expression in vitro. Here we aimed to identify differentially expressed genes by mapping the response of human primary osteocytes in their native matrix to mechanical loading using RNA sequencing. Human fibular bone was retrieved from 10 donors (age: 32–82 years, 5 female, 5 male). Cortical bone explants (8.0 × 3.0 × 1.5 mm; length × width × height) were either not loaded or mechanically loaded by 2000 or 8000 μɛ for 5 minutes, followed by 0, 6, or 24 hours post‐culture without loading. High‐quality RNA was isolated, and differential gene expression analysis performed by R2 platform. Real‐time PCR was used to confirm differentially expressed genes. Twenty‐eight genes were differentially expressed between unloaded and loaded (2000 or 8000 μɛ) bone at 6 hours post‐culture, and 19 genes at 24 hours post‐culture. Eleven of these genes were related to bone metabolism, ie, EGR1, FAF1, H3F3B, PAN2, RNF213, SAMD4A, and TBC1D24 at 6 hours post‐culture, and EGFEM1P, HOXD4, SNORD91B, and SNX9 at 24 hours post‐culture. Mechanical loading significantly decreased RNF213 gene expression, which was confirmed by real‐time PCR. In conclusion, mechanically loaded osteocytes differentially expressed 47 genes, of which 11 genes were related to bone metabolism. RNF213 might play a role in mechanical adaptation of bone by regulating angiogenesis, which is a prerequisite for successful bone formation. The functional aspects of the differentially expressed genes in bone mechanical adaptation requires future investigation. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Plasma inflammation‐related biomarkers are associated with intrinsic capacity in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Lu Wan‐Hsuan , Gonzalez‐Bautista Emmanuel , Guyonnet Sophie , Lucas Alexandre , Parini Angelo , Walston Jeremy D. , Vellas Bruno , de Souto Barreto Philipe ,   for the MAPT/DSA Group
Published: January 2023

Background

How inflammation relates to intrinsic capacity (IC), the composite of physical and mental capacities, remains undefined. Our study aimed to investigate the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between plasma inflammation‐related biomarkers and IC in older adults.

Methods

This secondary analysis of the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT) included 1238 community‐dwelling older individuals with IC assessments from 12 to 60 months. Plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor receptor‐1 (TNFR‐1), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) were measured at 12 months. IC was operationalized as a score ranging from 0 to 100, derived from four domains: cognition, Mini‐Mental State Examination; locomotion, Short Physical Performance Battery; psychological, Geriatric Depression Scale; and vitality, handgrip strength. A five‐domain IC score (plus sensory) was investigated in a subsample (n = 535) with a 1‐year follow‐up as an exploratory outcome.

Results

The mean age of the 1238 participants was 76.2 years (SD = 4.3); 63.7% were female. Their initial four‐domain IC scores averaged 78.9 points (SD = 9.3), with a yearly decline of 1.17 points (95% CI = −1.30 to −1.05; P < 0.001). We observed significant associations of lower baseline IC with higher CRP, IL‐6, TNFR‐1 and GDF‐15, after controlling age, sex, MAPT group allocation and educational level [CRP: adjusted β (95% CI) = −1.56 (−2.64 to −0.48); P = 0.005; IL‐6: adjusted β = −3.16 (−4.82 to −1.50); P < 0.001; TNFR‐1: adjusted β = −6.86 (−10.25 to −3.47); P < 0.001; GDF‐15: adjusted β = −7.07 (−10.02 to −4.12); P < 0.001]. Higher TNFR‐1, MCP‐1 and GDF‐15 were associated with faster decline in four‐domain IC over 4 years [TNFR‐1: adjusted β (95% CI) = −1.28 (−2.29 to −0.27); P = 0.013; MCP‐1: adjusted β = −1.33 (−2.24 to −0.42); P = 0.004; GDF‐15: adjusted β = −1.42 (−2.26 to −0.58); P = 0.001]. None of the biomarkers was significantly associated with the five‐domain IC decline.

Conclusions

Inflammation was associated with lower IC in older adults. Among all plasma biomarkers, TNFR‐1 and GDF‐15 were consistently associated with IC at the cross‐sectional and longitudinal levels.
The interpretation of discrepancies between peer victimization experiences reported by different informants in capturing victimization‐related genetic liability. A commentary on Armitage et al. (2022)
Authors: Lella Annalisa , Antonucci Linda A. , Pergola Giulio
Published: January 2023

A recent work published in this journal by Armitage et al. reported that wellbeing‐related genetic scores (PGS) are associated with self‐informed peer victimization questionnaires. In contrast, peer‐ and teacher‐informed measures would capture intelligence and educational attainment PGS better. However, we argue that this dichotomy does not find comprehensive support in the literature; instead, informants other than self and especially peers may provide reports from angles particularly relevant to mental health. For example, peer reports may more objectively capture adverse social reactions evoked by genetic factors (i.e., evocative gene‐environment correlations). Thus, we recommend caution in generalizing the conclusion that self‐reports capture the association between genetic contribution to mental health and peer victimization better than other‐informant measures, as different gene‐environment mechanisms may be at play.
Design, synthesis, and biological activity of heterocyclic methyl esters
Authors: Yuan Qinglong , Zhang Yongchao , Du Shaoqing , Fu Wen , Xu Zhiping , Cheng Jiagao , Li Zhong , Shao Xusheng
Published: January 2023

Diverse molecular fragments have generally facilitated the development of drug discovery. Heterocyclic moieties could be found in most active ingredients, especially in chemical pesticides. Based on our previously reported 3,3,3‐Benzyl trifluoropropionate compounds which are of excellent insecticidal and fungicidal activity, we designed and synthesized 13 Heterocyclic Methyl Ester (HME) compounds, HME01‐HME13, comprising heterocyclic parts. Four insect species and four plant pathogens were employed in biological activities. The bioactivity assay results showed that compound HME12 exhibited certain insecticidal activity and fungicidal activity. The structure–activity relationship was preliminarily evaluated and further analyzed by density functional theory. The results might be meaningful for directing the development of such esters. Moreover, compound HME12 could be continuously studied as a precursor.
Review of the Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Communications' ‘Toolkits for Equity’
Authors: White Danica , Lund Brady , Agbaji Daniel , Maurya Sanjay , Banerjee‐McFarland Shabnam
Published: January 2023

Key points

These toolkits are found to have great value for initiating discussions about diversity and antiracism in scholarly publishing and within research units.

Scholarly publishers and researchers, including within universities and other research organizations, are encouraged to utilize these toolkits in their practice.
High‐resolution measurements of the epipelagic and mesopelagic ocean by a profiling vehicle equipped with environmental sensors and a broadband echosounder
Authors: Grassian Benjamin , Roman Christopher , Warren Joseph D. , Casagrande Dave
Published: January 2023

Collecting detailed surveys of the environmental and biological distributions in the epipelagic and mesopelagic ocean is important for understanding the basic processes that govern these expansive habitats and influence the earth system at large. Common ocean sampling platforms (e.g., net systems, moored, and shipboard sensors), are often unable to resolve marine biota at scales comparable to the variability associated with their own behavior or that of their physical environment. Newer approaches using mobile robotic systems carrying multiple environmental sensors have enabled detailed interrogation of the fine and sub‐mesoscale distribution of animals and have provided more context for the water column structure. We integrated a dual‐frequency broadband split‐beam echosounder (Simrad EK80 with 70 and 200 kHz transducers) into the Wire Flyer profiling vehicle to achieve concurrent hydrographic and acoustic sections in the midwater environment (0–1000 m) at novel scales. The Wire Flyer provides high‐resolution repeat profiling (0–2.5 m s−1 up and down velocity) within specified water column depth bands typically spanning 300–400 m. This system can provide acoustic backscatter data at depths unavailable to shipboard surveys due to attenuation limits and can be operated in tandem with conventional shipboard echosounders to provide overlapping acoustic coverage with concurrent hydrographic sections. The side‐looking transducer orientation, as opposed to the traditional vertically oriented arrangement on ships, samples orthogonal to the vehicle's profiling survey path and provides a direct measurement of animal distributions in the horizontal. The processed data have demonstrated the system's capacity to track migrating layers and resolve coherent biological patches and single targets in the horizontal, rising seafloor gas plumes, and scattering layer distributions tightly coupled to measured sub‐mesoscale features such as strong vertical oxygen gradients.
Ambitious state mental health plan in New York would boost CCBHCs' presence
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2023

New York state's mental health advocacy community is expressing cautious optimism over a comprehensive mental health reform plan announced this month in Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State address. Advocates will be closely watching for the specific budget proposals that will follow, mindful of financial shortcomings that they say have impeded the mental health field's progress.
Two regularity criteria of solutions to the liquid crystal flows
Authors: Li Qiang , Yuan Baoquan
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we derive two regularity criteria of solutions to the nematic liquid crystal flows. More precisely, we prove that the local smooth solution
is regular if and only if one of the following two conditions is satisfied: (i)
and (ii)
.
Why cutting respiratory CO2 loss from crops is possible, practicable, and prudential
Authors: Joshi Jaya , Amthor Jeffrey S. , McCarty Donald R. , Messina Carlos D. , Wilson Mark A. , Millar A. Harvey , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: January 2023

Plants release back to the atmosphere about half of the CO2 they capture by photosynthesis. Decreasing the rate of crop respiration could therefore potentially increase yields, store more carbon in the soil and draw down atmospheric CO2. However, decreasing respiration rate has had very little research effort compared to increasing photosynthesis, the historically dominant metabolic paradigm for crop improvement. Conceptual and technical advances, particularly in protein turnover and directed enzyme evolution, have now opened ways to trim the large fraction of respiration that fuels proteome maintenance by lowering the breakdown and resynthesis rates of enzymes and other proteins. In addition to being theoretically possible and practicable, exploring the reduction of respiration is prudential, given that it (i) has barely yet been tried and (ii) could help meet the challenges of sustaining crop productivity and managing atmospheric carbon.
Sub‐second photon dose prediction via transformer neural networks
Authors: Pastor‐Serrano Oscar , Dong Peng , Huang Charles , Xing Lei , Perkó Zoltán
Published: January 2023

Background

Fast dose calculation is critical for online and real‐time adaptive therapy workflows. While modern physics‐based dose algorithms must compromise accuracy to achieve low computation times, deep learning models can potentially perform dose prediction tasks with both high fidelity and speed.

Purpose

We present a deep learning algorithm that, exploiting synergies between transformer and convolutional layers, accurately predicts broad photon beam dose distributions in few milliseconds.

Methods

The proposed improved Dose Transformer Algorithm (iDoTA) maps arbitrary patient geometries and beam information (in the form of a 3D projected shape resulting from a simple ray tracing calculation) to their corresponding 3D dose distribution. Treating the 3D CT input and dose output volumes as a sequence of 2D slices along the direction of the photon beam, iDoTA solves the dose prediction task as sequence modeling. The proposed model combines a Transformer backbone routing long‐range information between all elements in the sequence, with a series of 3D convolutions extracting local features of the data. We train iDoTA on a dataset of 1700 beam dose distributions, using 11 clinical volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans (from prostate, lung, and head and neck cancer patients with 194–354 beams per plan) to assess its accuracy and speed.

Results

iDoTA predicts individual photon beams in ≈50 ms with a high gamma pass rate of (2 mm, 2%). Furthermore, estimating full VMAT dose distributions in 6–12 s, iDoTA achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance with a (2 mm, 2%) pass rate and an average relative dose error of 0.75 ± 0.36%.

Conclusions

Offering the millisecond speed prediction per beam angle needed in online and real‐time adaptive treatments, iDoTA represents a new state of the art in data‐driven photon dose calculation. The proposed model can massively speed‐up current photon workflows, reducing calculation times from few minutes to just a few seconds.
“Chief engagement officers?” A comparative study between U.S. corporate and nonprofit executive Leaders' social media communication strategies
Authors: Yue Cen April , Men Linjuan Rita , Hart Erin Birx
Published: January 2023

Organizational leaders are increasingly expected to be visible and communicative on social media with organizations' public. Drawing theory and literature from dialogic communication and leadership communication, this study analyzed and compared how corporate and nonprofit executive leaders capitalized on various dialogic principles and social presence strategies for engagement purposes. We content‐analyzed Twitter posts from leaders in corporate and nonprofit sectors. Findings revealed notable differences in how corporate and nonprofit executives communicated with publics on Twitter. While leaders from both sectors posted information valuable to their stakeholders and used affective strategies to project a personable image and nurture relationships, nonprofit leaders focused on social influence, whereas corporate executives emphasized information dissemination. This study also showed mixed findings regarding the relationships between leaders' communication strategies and publics' social media engagement.
Effects of treatment contents on changes in resilience among workers with mood or anxiety disorders: A 3‐month longitudinal study
Authors: Sato Kei , Gotoh Leo , Matsushita Michihiko , Tokunaga Yuichiro , Ishitake Tatsuya
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence changes in resilience among workers with mental health disorders, leading to effective treatment and support.

Methods

Among the new patients at an institution, 81 who were working and had the ICD‐10 diagnoses F3 and F4 were included. Resilience was measured at the initial visit and 3 months later using the S‐H resilience test. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted using the change in resilience between the two measurements as the objective variable, and treatment and attendance at work as explanatory variables.

Results

There were no significant differences in resilience abilities between pre‐ and postmeasurement for the subjects as a whole. However, tests for the subgroups of diagnostic category, attendance at work, and treatment showed that resilience improved significantly in the mood disorder group, the leaving employment group, and the group receiving additional treatment. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that treatment type (with or without additional treatment) had an effect on the degree of change in resilience, and among these “inpatient treatment” and “re‐work program” were suggested to have an effect.

Conclusion

The resilience of workers with mental health disorders was found to improve even after only 3 months of treatment, depending on the content of the treatment. We believe the significance of this study is the quantitative indication of the transition of resilience, which has not been made concrete until now.
Androgen deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer is not associated with COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Davidsson Sabina , Messing Eriksson Anna , Udumyan Ruzan , Swanholm Per , Lewin Lundh Maria , Widing Carolina , Lindlöf Christina , Fridfeldt Jonna , Andersson Sven‐Olof , Fall Katja
Published: January 2023

Background

Androgens may play a role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and host responses as the virus is dependent on the androgen‐regulated protein transmembrane serine protease 2 for cell entry. Studies have indicated that prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are at reduced risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and serious complications compared with patients without ADT, but data are inconsistent.

Methods

A total of 655 prostate cancer patients who were under surveillance at two urology departments in Sweden on April 1, 2020 were included in the study as well as 240 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). At follow‐up early in 2021, the participants completed a questionnaire containing information about symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Blood samples were also collected for the assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies (SARS‐CoV‐2 Total; Siemens). We used multivariable logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between ADT and the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Results

The cumulative incidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositivity was 13.4% among patients receiving ADT and 10.4% among patients without ADT. After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed no differences in symptoms or risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection between patients with and without ADT (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.52–1.85). Higher body mass index, Type 1 diabetes, and prostate cancer severity, defined by high Gleason score (8–10; OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.04–4.09) or elevated levels of prostate‐specific antigen (>20 µg/l; OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.13–4.07) were associated with increased risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Overall, the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was not higher among men with prostate cancer than among men with BPH.

Conclusions

Our results do not support the hypothesis that ADT use in prostate cancer patients reduces the risk or symptom severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or that prostate cancer patients are at increased risk of COVID‐19 compared with men without prostate cancer.
Dust drift during mechanical and pneumatic wheat sowing and insights into the physicochemical characteristics of the abraded dust
Authors: Godaert Reinout , Zwertvaegher Ingrid , Hornetz Simon , Verboven Pieter , Nuyttens David
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

During sowing, plant protection products (PPP)‐laden dust particles can be abraded from coated seeds and emitted into the atmosphere. Drift of these particles is a very complex phenomenon and depends on many factors, including the physicochemical characteristics of the dust. Currently, the available data needed to obtain a better understanding of the phenomenon and to build a risk assessment tool remain very limited. In this study, new data on dust drift and on the physochemical characteristics of dust abraded from wheat seeds generated using a pneumatic and a mechanical seeder were obtained. These data will serve as input to optimize a much‐needed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model.

RESULTS

The dust generated by the pneumatic seeder contained a greater volume of smaller particles (<150 μm) than the mechanical seeder dust, which contained a greater volume of larger particles (>1000 μm) than pneumatic seeder dust. Compared to the pneumatic seeder, the mechanical seeder showed lower drift values. With both seeders, the drift depositions decreased with increasing distance from the sowing area but no clear relationship between dust drift and wind speed could be found.

CONCLUSION

The gathered physicochemical and drift data for wheat seed drilling extend the current dust drift database, and help to better understand the complex dust drift phenomenon. These data will serve as input to refine and validate a CFD dust drift model. Such a model will allow a better and quicker assessment of different scenarios (e.g. varying wind speeds and direction, treatment, drilling technique) at a lower cost than conducting more field trials. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The novel siRNA inclisiran and population health management
Authors: Walker Lauren E
Published: January 2023

Inclisiran (Leqvio) is a first‐in‐class cholesterol‐lowering small interfering RNA (siRNA) that works through gene silencing. Even though it has been approved by NICE and a population health agreement is in place, uptake in general practice has been slow. This article examines the barriers to uptake and how these could be addressed.
Assessing the impact of a NWP warm‐start system on model spin‐up over tropical Africa
Authors: Warner James L. , Petch Jon , Short Chris J. , Bain Caroline
Published: January 2023

Convection‐permitting (CP) models have provided a step change in the ability to forecast impactful convective storms, which pose risks such as flash flooding and lightning. Despite CP models being routinely run over tropical Africa, they typically lack data assimilation and are initialised directly from a global analysis. The CP model therefore takes time to generate convective structures and consequently precipitation, rendering the early part of the forecast unusable. A ‘warm‐starting’ method developed within the Met Office Unified Model is tested over a large tropical Africa domain, leading to substantial improvements in rainfall predictions during both the spin‐up period but also later in the forecast. The spin‐up period is found to vary considerably, both geographically and with model initialisation time, due to the differing states of the atmosphere through the day. We quantify this impact through a spin‐up diagnostic, which shows that over central Africa the spin‐up period can be as large as 24 hr. In these regions, the warm starting substantially reduces spin‐up time. Additionally, the large tropical Africa domain allows us to examine the impact of the prevailing meteorology on both the spin‐up period and the warm‐start method. We find large‐scale positive vorticity filaments over West Africa, likely tied to African Easterly Waves, increase rainfall rates across all models. The substantial reduction in the spin‐up of rainfall and increased skill at longer lead times in the warm‐start demonstrate the importance of representing convective features in the analysis for a CP model. This is especially important in large tropical domains where the initial conditions are likely to have a lasting impact on the forecast. Improvements in model performance across the forecast will enhance the ability of forecasters to provide advice on high‐impact weather events, supporting increased resilience against weather extremes in Africa.
A distributed extremum seeking based resource allocation algorithm over switching networks
Authors: Cai Xin , Nan Xinyuan , Gao Binpeng
Published: January 2023

In this article, a distributed resource allocation problem for second‐order multi‐agent systems over undirected switching topologies is investigated. For the distributed resource allocation problem, most of the existing algorithms depend on the gradient of cost function with specific expression, which may be unknown to agents. To deal with unknown cost functions, the extremum seeking control is introduced in the designed distributed resource allocation algorithm to estimate the gradient of the cost function only by the value of the cost. Besides, an estimator is proposed to estimate the optimal Lagrange multiplier associated with the equality constraint. The communication graph is supposed to be switched among a set of undirected subgraphs, which may be connected or unconnected. For undirected and connected switching graphs, the average dwell‐time constraint is used to describe the switching frequency. For the undirected graphs, containing connected and unconnected ones, both the average dwell‐time and the time‐ratio constraints are used to model the switching signal. For the two cases, the semi‐globally practically asymptotical stability of the designed algorithm is established. The obtained results are verified by an example.
Synthesis, Physicochemical Studies and Powder X‐Ray Diffraction Analyses for New Niclosamide Metal Complexes with Significant Bioactive Behavior
Authors: Elkamhawy Ismael M. , Ali Alaa E. , Elasala Gehan S. , Sharaf Mohamed H. , Mahrous Yasser Sh.
Published: January 2023

This work underlines some important features for the research on metal complexes of Niclosamide as antioxidants and antimicrobial evaluation of some of these compounds as possible therapeutic agents. Niclosamide metal complexes show a significant leap in the study of antibiotic resistance bacteria includingMethicillin Resistant S.aureus(MRSA). The synthesized metal complexes of niclosamide in our current innovation are highly effective at eliminating this destructive sort of bacteria. Niclosamide metal complexes were synthesized then characterized by elemental analysis, Infra‐Red, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility, Mass spectra and ESR spectra of Cu (II) complex to know their geometries and mode of bonding, with stoichiometry, 1 : 1 (M : L). All the Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) metal ions complexes were proposed to be with distorted octahedral geometry. Powder X‐Ray Diffraction technique is being utilized to further investigation of synthesized Niclosamide metal complexes. Expo2014 software was also employed to solve the structure of these novel complexes which proven the distortion of crystal structure. The TGA and DTA curves were employed to derive the kinetic thermodynamic parameters. The thermal decomposition of the complexes ended with the formation of divalent metal oxide, MO or trivalent, M2O3as a final product except in case of Hg complex. The results of the antimicrobial activity of tested new metal complexes compounds exhibited potent antibacterial and antifungal activities in comparison to the Niclosamide ligand as reference. Quantum chemical parameters were estimated and provided noticeable values which completely matched with antimicrobial results that [Mn(NIC)(Cl2)(H2O)2] ⋅ 0.4H2O has higher biological activity than ligand and other novel complexes. low concentration value of MIC results by 125 μg/ml for both niclosamide (NIC) complexes [Ni(NIC)(Cl2)(H2O)2] and [Cu(NIC)(Cl2)(H2O)2] ⋅ 2.5H2O withMethicillin Resistant S.aureus(MRSA) genus maybe a valuable data used to produce novel therapeutic agent. Depending on their structure and on the source of the oxidative stress, metal complexes of Niclosamide might act as antioxidants or pro‐oxidants.
Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Pictet‐Spengler Reactions
Authors: Biswas Anup
Published: January 2023

The Pictet‐Spengler reaction is a century old technique for the construction of aza‐cycles, which has been extensively researched through organocatalytic methods over the past two decades. The asymmetric variant of this reaction has gained considerable attention because the enantioenriched poly heterocycles accessed through the process are prevalent in natural products and bioactive moleculesPrime focus of this review is the systematic and chronological assembly of enantioselective P−S reaction catalyzed by different types of organocatalysts. Mechanistic approaches to rationalize the asymmetric induction on the products are an additional flavor of the article. Importance of this conventional reaction has been justified by the synthesis of different biologically and naturally relevant compounds which have been highlighted in this review as well.
Ecofriendly Approach for the Large‐Scale Synthesis of 4‐Unsubstituted Coumarin‐3‐carboxylic Acids from o‐Hydroxy‐araldehydes with Meldrum's Acid in the Water‐SDS Micellar System
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Paul Bhaswati , Natarajan Ramalingam , Hossain Jewel , Majumdar Swapan
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces a base and catalyst‐free “on water” protocol for the “Green” access to a series of privileged, potential biologically active important synthetic targets coumarin‐3‐carboxylic acids of diverse structures bearing electron withdrawing/donating groups, hydrophobic long chain alkyl groups in aromatic ring. The target compounds were synthesized by reacting substituted o‐hydroxy‐aryldehydes with Meldrum's acid in the water – SDS micellar system. Water‐SDS is a proven, yet powerful surfactant system to provide hydrophobic cavities in water as a reactor for the organic reactants. It is believed that the condensation occurs inside the hydrophobic cavity which helps the completion of the reaction. Multi‐gram scale reaction was also performed to demonstrate the scalability and practical applicability of the developed methodology. Moreover, the reusability of the post‐reaction waste shows that the waste can be reused in consecutive cycles without compromising the yield. The structure of one of the synthesized compounds was further confirmed by single‐crystal XRD studies. This developed protocol promises advantages like energy efficiency, operational simplicity, easy workup, chromatography‐free purification, recyclability of post‐reaction waste, scalable method and provides excellent yields of the targeted coumarin ‐3‐carboxylic acids.
Non‐Enzymatic Liquid Crystal‐Based Detection of Copper Ions in Water
Authors: Majeed Nasir , ul Amin Noor , Masood Siddiqi Humaira
Published: January 2023

The fabrication of liquid crystal (LC) based sensor with amphiphilic ligands give label free and real time detection of heavy metals in water. In this study, Dodecyloxyurea (DDOU) is synthesized and doped with 4‐cyano‐4'‐pentyl biphenyl (5CB) to form LC sensor for detection of Cu2+ ions in water. The non‐polar tail of DDOU align the liquid crystal molecules homeotropically and polar urea head forms stable complex with Cu2+ ions at aqueous interface. The complexation between oxyurea and Cu2+ ion triggers the orientation transitions of LC molecules to give dark to bright optical signal. The sensor is selective towards Cu2+ ions and did not respond to common metal interferences in water like Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Na+, Co2+ and Ca2+. The sensor has limit of detection for Cu2+ ions is 10 μM in tap water.
Mass wolf cull in Sweden sparks debate
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: January 2023

Georgina Mills reports on a controversial cull of wolves in Sweden, which has been criticised by environmental groups in the country.
A review on multimodal zero‐shot learning
Authors: Cao Weipeng , Wu Yuhao , Sun Yixuan , Zhang Haigang , Ren Jin , Gu Dujuan , Wang Xingkai
Published: January 2023

Multimodal learning provides a path to fully utilize all types of information related to the modeling target to provide the model with a global vision. Zero‐shot learning (ZSL) is a general solution for incorporating prior knowledge into data‐driven models and achieving accurate class identification. The combination of the two, known as multimodal ZSL (MZSL), can fully exploit the advantages of both technologies and is expected to produce models with greater generalization ability. However, the MZSL algorithms and applications have not yet been thoroughly investigated and summarized. This study fills this gap by providing an objective overview of MZSL's definition, typical algorithms, representative applications, and critical issues. This article will not only provide researchers in this field with a comprehensive perspective, but it will also highlight several promising research directions.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Multimedia

Technologies > Classification

Technologies > Machine Learning
Uncertainty Principle for Hermite Functions and Null-Controllability with Sensor Sets of Decaying Density
Authors: Dicke Alexander , Seelmann Albrecht , Veselić Ivan
Published: January 2023

We establish a family of uncertainty principles for finite linear combinations of Hermite functions. More precisely, we give a geometric criterion on a subset $$S\subset \mathbb {R}^d$$

S
⊂

R

d

ensuring that the $$L^2$$

L
2

-seminorm associated to S is equivalent to the full $$L^2$$

L
2

-norm on $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

when restricted to the space of Hermite functions up to a given degree. We give precise estimates how the equivalence constant depends on this degree and on geometric parameters of S. From these estimates we deduce that the parabolic equation whose generator is the harmonic oscillator is null-controllable from S. In all our results, the set S may have sub-exponentially decaying density and, in particular, finite volume. We also show that bounded sets are not efficient in this context.
On Harmonic Hilbert Spaces on Compact Abelian Groups
Authors: Das Suddhasattwa , Giannakis Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

Harmonic Hilbert spaces on locally compact abelian groups are reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHSs) of continuous functions constructed by Fourier transform of weighted$$L^2$$L2spaces on the dual group. It is known that for suitably chosen subadditive weights, every such space is a Banach algebra with respect to pointwise multiplication of functions. In this paper, we study RKHSs associated with subconvolutive functions on the dual group. Sufficient conditions are established for these spaces to be symmetric Banach$$^*$$∗-algebras with respect to pointwise multiplication and complex conjugation of functions (here referred to as RKHAs). In addition, we study aspects of the spectra and state spaces of RKHAs. Sufficient conditions are established for an RKHA on a compact abelian groupGto have the same spectrum as the$$C^*$$C∗-algebra of continuous functions onG. We also consider one-parameter families of RKHSs associated with semigroups of self-adjoint Markov operators on$$L^2(G)$$L2(G), and show that in this setting subconvolutivity is a necessary and sufficient condition for these spaces to have RKHA structure. Finally, we establish embedding relationships between RKHAs and a class of Fourier–Wermer algebras that includes spaces of dominating mixed smoothness used in high-dimensional function approximation.
Identification and transfer of a new Pm21 haplotype with high genetic diversity and a special molecular resistance mechanism
Authors: Huang Zhenpu , Liu Jiaqian , Lu Xiangqian , Guo Yifei , Li Yueying , Liu Yangqi , Zhang Ruiqi , Xing Liping , Cao Aizhong
Published: January 2023

Key message

A new functional Pm21 haplotype, Pm21(8#), was cloned from the new wheat-H. villosa translocation line T6VS(8#)·6DL, which confers the same strong resistance to powdery mildew through a different resistance mechanism.

Broad-spectrum disease resistance genes are desirable in crop breeding for conferring stable, durable resistance in field production. Pm21(4#) is a gene introduced from wild Haynaldia villosa into wheat that confers broad-spectrum resistance to wheat powdery mildew and has been widely used in wheat production for approximately 30 years. The discovery and transfer of new functional haplotypes of Pm21 into wheat will expand its genetic diversity in production and avoid the breakdown of resistance conferred by a single gene on a large scale. Pm21(4#) previously found from T6VS(4#)·6AL has been cloned. In this study, a new wheat-H. villosa translocation, T6VS(8#)·6DL, was identified. A new functional Pm21 haplotype, designated Pm21(8#), was cloned and characterized. The genomic structures and the splicing patterns of Pm21(4#) and Pm21(8#) were different, and widespread sequence diversity was observed in the gene coding region and the promoter region. In the field, Pm21(8#) conferred resistance to Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), similar to Pm21(4#), indicating that Pm21(8#) was also a resistance gene. However, Bgt development during the infection stage was obviously different between Pm21(4#)- and Pm21(8#)-containing materials under the microscopic observation. Pm21(4#) inhibited the formation of haustoria and the development of hyphae in the initial infection stage, while Pm21(8#) limited the growth of hyphae and inhibited the formation of conidiophores in the late infection stage. Therefore, Pm21(8#) is a new functional Pm21 haplotype that provides a new gene resource for wheat breeding.
Olfactory navigation in arthropods
Authors: Steele Theresa J. , Lanz Aaron J. , Nagel Katherine I.
Published: January 2023

Using odors to find food and mates is one of the most ancient and highly conserved behaviors. Arthropods from flies to moths to crabs use broadly similar strategies to navigate toward odor sources—such as integrating flow information with odor information, comparing odor concentration across sensors, and integrating odor information over time. Because arthropods share many homologous brain structures—antennal lobes for processing olfactory information, mechanosensors for processing flow, mushroom bodies (or hemi-ellipsoid bodies) for associative learning, and central complexes for navigation, it is likely that these closely related behaviors are mediated by conserved neural circuits. However, differences in the types of odors they seek, the physics of odor dispersal, and the physics of locomotion in water, air, and on substrates mean that these circuits must have adapted to generate a wide diversity of odor-seeking behaviors. In this review, we discuss common strategies and specializations observed in olfactory navigation behavior across arthropods, and review our current knowledge about the neural circuits subserving this behavior. We propose that a comparative study of arthropod nervous systems may provide insight into how a set of basic circuit structures has diversified to generate behavior adapted to different environments.
Hearing rehabilitation and microbial shift after middle ear surgery with Vibrant Soundbridge in patients with chronic otitis media
Authors: Bruchhage Karl-Ludwig , Lupatsii Mariia , Möllenkolk Friederike , Leffers David , Kurabi Arwa , Jürgens Tim , Graspeuntner Simon , Hollfelder Daniela , Leichtle Anke
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Patients with otitis media (OM) encounter significant functional hearing impairment with conductive, or a combined hearing loss and long-term sequelae involving impaired speech/language development in children, reduced academic achievement and irreversible disorders of middle and inner ear requiring a long time therapy and/or multiple surgeries. In its persistent chronic form, Otitis media (COM) can often only be treated by undergoing ear surgery for hearing restoration. The persistent inflammatory reaction plays a major role, often caused by multi-resistant pathogens in the ear. Herein, we present outcomes of patients implanted with currently the only FDA approved active Middle Ear Implant Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB), suffering from persistent COM.

Methods

The study enrolled 42 patients, treated by performing middle ear (ME) surgery to different extents and implanted with the VSB to various structures in the ME. Included were 17 children and 25 adults that had recurrent and/or persisting OM and significant hearing loss. Preoperative and postoperative patients' audiometric data were evaluated and the benefit with VSB assessed using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory for adults and pediatric cohorts. The microbial spectrum of pathogens was assessed before and after surgery, exploring the colonization of the otopathogens, as well as the intestinal microbiome from individually burdened patients.

Results

The mean functional gain is 29.7 dB HL (range from 10 to 56.2 dB HL) with a significant improvement in speech intelligibility in quiet. Following VSB implantation, no significant differences in coupling were observed at low complication rates. Postoperatively patients showed significantly increased benefit with VSB compared to the untreated situation, including less otorrhea, pain, medical visits, and medication intake, with no recurrent OM and significant bacterial shift in otopathogens. The analysis of the intestinal microbiome displayed a high abundance of bacterial strains that might be linked to chronic and persistent inflammation.

Conclusions

Functional ear surgery including rehabilitation with a VSB in patients suffering from COM present to be safe and effective. The successful acceptance accompanied by the improved audiological performance resulted in significant benefit with VSB, with a shift in the ear pathogens and altered microbiome and thus is a great opportunity to be treated.
Correlation between the ablation ratio and posterior corneal stability after small incision lenticule extraction for high myopia
Authors: Yang Liyuan , Liu Shengtao , Zhou Xingtao , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate changes in posterior corneal elevation and their correlations with the ablation ratio 3 years after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for high myopia.

Methods

Eighty eyes underwent SMILE were enrolled in this study. Eyes were classified into two groups based on the ablation ratio (AR, lenticule thickness from SMILE machine/thinnest corneal thickness): group A (< 25%, 40 eyes) and group B (≥ 25%, 40 eyes). Pentacam was used to measure the posterior corneal elevation at the central point, thinnest point, and posterior maximum elevation (PME) and the mean posterior elevation in the central 2-mm area (MPE-2 mm), 4-mm area, and 6-mm area at the 3-year follow-up.

Results

More than 85% of the eyes had an AR of less than 27%, and no cases of iatrogenic keratectasia developed. In both groups, for central region, posterior elevation decreased implying backward displacement; for peripheral region, it increased indicating forward trend. There was no significant difference in changes in all determined parameters between the two groups (P ≥ 0.07). Moreover, no significant correlation was noted between AR and posterior elevation changes. In group A, decreasing changes in PME (r =  − 0.42, P = 0.01) and MPE-2 mm (r = 0.40, P = 0.01) demonstrated negative correlations with residual bed thickness.

Conclusion

Region-dependent changes were demonstrated in the eyes that underwent SMILE. The central area showed a subtly declining posterior elevation, and the peripheral area showed a slightly increasing elevation. The limited ablation ratio had no impact on the changes in posterior corneal elevation.