bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of Spider Silk Studied with Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Asakura Tetsuo , Naito Akira
Published: July 2024

Spider dragline silks exhibit remarkable mechanical properties, combining both high strength and toughness. These unique characteristics arise from the intricate structure of the silk, which requires atomic‐level information to understand its origins. 13C solid‐state NMR provides this detailed structural insight into spider dragline silk. In this review, 13C CP/MAS, 13C DD/MAS and 13C INEPT NMR spectroscopies are employed to reveal the structure of spider dragline silks together with 13C conformation‐dependent chemical shifts, 2D spin‐diffusion NMR, rotational echo double resonance, dipolar‐assisted rotational resonance, and angle‐dependent NMR. The primary structure of major ampullate of spider dragline silk consists of repeated polyalanine and a glycine‐rich regions. By analyzing the 13C conformation‐dependent chemical shifts and utilizing several solid‐state NMR techniques, it has been proposed that the glycine‐rich region primarily adopts a random coil conformation, including partially β‐sheet and β‐turn structures. This contradicts the previously suggested 31 helix conformation. On the other hand, the polyalanine region exhibits an antiparallel β‐sheet structure with staggered packing arrangements. Additionally, solid‐state NMR has also revealed the structure of fragelliform spider silk. These findings contribute to the understanding of the remarkable properties of spider dragline silks and provide insights into its atomic‐level architecture.
The Nanoarchitectonics of Sustainable Smart Window Design by LCST Modulation of Photoresponsive Molecular π‐Systems
Authors: Patra Dipak , Das Satyajit , Shankar Sreejith , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: July 2024

Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) of macromolecular systems is important in thermoresponsive smart window design. However, controlling the LCST behavior and sustaining the shelf‐life are challenging tasks. Herein, how photochemistry can be tweaked to design sustainable smart windows that allow controlled transmission of solar radiation is described. The cyanostilbene substituted naphthalenes 1(Z) and 2(Z), show Z/E‐photoisomerization and subsequent Mallory cyclization resulting in significant modulation in clouding temperatures (Tcloud). At 1 mM concentration, the Tcloud of 1(Z), and 1(E) are 33 ± 0.1 and 28 ± 0.13 °C, respectively whereas 2(Z) and 2(E) exhibit Tcloud around 37 ± 0.1 and 30 ± 0.1 °C, respectively. The high thermal barrier for the E/Z back isomerization of 1(E) and 2(E) and removal of oxygen from the reaction medium allow control of the photoprocesses, thereby facilitating the construction of sustainable smart windows that respond to the surrounding temperature. A 30 × 30 cm2 window prototype containing an aqueous solution of 1(Z) (1 mM) exhibits a fully transmissive state at 25 °C and a nearly zero‐transmissive state at 33 °C for 10,000 cycles of operation.
Application of Additive Manufacturing in the Development of Polymeric Bioresorbable Cardiovascular Stents: A Review
Authors: Yasmin Farhana , Vafadar Ana , Tolouei‐Rad Majid
Published: July 2024

Polymeric vascular bioresorbable stents (BRSs) have been widely used for the treatment of coronary artery diseases. While additive manufacturing (AM) is changing the landscape of the healthcare sector by enabling the realization of patient‐specific stents with highly complex structures. There are, however, challenges associated with the use of polymeric BRS, particularly in‐stent restenosis (ISR), related to its poor mechanical properties. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent advancements in the development of polymeric BRSs designed to meet both mechanical and biological requirements. First, biopolymers as well as shape memory polymers (SMPs) that are suitable for BRSs are highlighted and briefly described. Second, different types of designing structures of vascular stents in addition to introducing effective mechanical metamaterials, e.g., negative Poisson ratio (NPR) structures are addressed. Subsequently, AM methods currently being used to fabricate polymeric BRSs, are discussed and compared with conventional fabrication methods. Lastly, future directions for research are proposed in relation to existing challenges to the realization of a new generation of AM BRSs. Overall, this paper serves as a benchmark for future cardiovascular applications, especially in order to obtain clinically viable polymeric vascular stents by selecting suitable polymers, designs, and AM technologies.
Realizing the High Efficiency of Type‐II Superlattice Infrared Sensors Integrated Wire‐Grid Polarizer via Femtosecond Laser Polishing
Authors: Kim Hyesu , Jeon Jiyeon , Jo Junhee , Chun Byong Sun , Lee Sang Jun , Chang Won Seok
Published: July 2024

A comprehensive strategy to enhance the polarization performance of mid‐wave infrared photodetectors (PDs) is developed and implemented by integrating wire‐grid polarizers (WGPs) using nanoimprint lithography and femtosecond laser (FSL) polishing. This combined approach offers significant advantages, including large‐area fabrication capabilities, practical device integration, and improved polarization characteristics. By addressing optical losses, the primary factor contributing to polarization degradation through the thermal effects of FSL polishing, substantial improvements are achieved in surface roughness and grain boundary reduction on the WGP, resulting in remarkable performance enhancements. As a result, the extinction ratio of the integrated WGP InAs/GaSb type‐II superlattice PD achieves an impressive value of up to 1044. This approach holds promising potential for advancing polarization‐based imaging and measurement systems to new heights.
Immobilized NRG1 Accelerates Neural Crest like Cell Differentiation Toward Functional Schwann Cells Through Sustained Erk1/2 Activation and YAP/TAZ Nuclear Translocation
Authors: Tseropoulos Georgios , Mehrotra Pihu , Podder Ashis Kumer , Wilson Emma , Zhang Yali , Wang Jianmin , Koontz Alison , Gao Nan Papili , Gunawan Rudiyanto , Liu Song , Feltri Laura M. , Bronner Marianne E. , Andreadis Stelios T.
Published: July 2024

Neural Crest cells (NC) are a multipotent cell population that give rise to a multitude of cell types including Schwann cells (SC) in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Immature SC interact with neuronal axons via the neuregulin 1 (NRG1) ligand present on the neuronal surface and ultimately form the myelin sheath. Multiple attempts to derive functional SC from pluripotent stem cells have met challenges with respect to expression of mature markers and axonal sorting. Here, they hypothesized that sustained signaling from immobilized NRG1 (iNRG1) might enhance the differentiation of NC derived from glabrous neonatal epidermis towards a SC phenotype. Using this strategy, NC derived SC expressed mature markers to similar levels as compared to explanted rat sciatic SC. Signaling studies revealed that sustained NRG1 signaling led to yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP) activation and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, NC derived SC on iNRG1 exhibited mature SC function as they aligned with rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons in an in vitro coculture model; and most notably, aligned on neuronal axons upon implantation in a chick embryo model in vivo. Taken together their work demonstrated the importance of signaling dynamics in SC differentiation, aiming towards development of drug testing platforms for de‐myelinating disorders.
Genome‐Wide CRISPRi Screening of Key Genes for Recombinant Protein Expression in Bacillus Subtilis
Authors: Zhu Xuyang , Luo Hui , Yu Xinrui , Lv Huihui , Su Lingqia , Zhang Kang , Wu Jing
Published: July 2024

Bacillus subtilis is an industrially important microorganism that is often used as a microbial cell factory for the production of recombinant proteins due to its food safety, rapid growth, and powerful secretory capacity. However, the lack of data on functional genes related to recombinant protein production has hindered the further development of B. subtilis cell factories. Here, a strategy combining genome‐wide CRISPRi screening and targeted CRISPRa activation to enhance recombinant protein expression is proposed. First, a CRISPRi library covering a total of 4225 coding genes (99.7%) in the B. subtilis genome and built the corresponding high‐throughput screening methods is constructed. Twelve key genes for recombinant protein expression are identified, including targets without relevant functional annotations. Meanwhile, the transcription of recombinant protein genes by CRISPRa is up‐regulated. These screened or selected genes can be easily applied to metabolic engineering by constructing sgRNA arrays. The relationship between differential pathways and recombinant protein expression in engineered strains by transcriptome analysis is also revealed. High‐density fermentation and generalisability validation results prove the reliability of the strategy. This method can be extended to other industrial hosts to support functional gene annotation and the design of novel cell factories.
Emerging biotechnologies for screening electromechanical signals of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tang Si , Sun Lingyu , Shi Huiyao , Wang Kaixuan , Shi Jialin , Su Chanmin , Zhao Yuanjin , Liu Lianqing
Published: July 2024

Cardiac diseases threaten human health and burden the global healthcare system. Cardiomyocytes (CMs) are considered the ideal model for studying the signal transduction and regulation of cardiac systems. Based on the principle of the rhythmical beating process (excitation‒contraction coupling mechanism of CMs), investigating the mechanical and electrophysiological signals offered new hope for cardiac disease detection, prevention, and treatment. Considerable technological success has been achieved in electromechanical signal recording. However, most drug assessment platforms attach importance to high‐throughput and dynamic monitoring of mechanical or electrical signals while overlooking the measuring principles and physiological significance of the signal. In this review, the development of biosensing platforms for CMs, sensing principles, key measured parameters, measurement accuracy, and limitations are discussed. Additionally, various approaches for the stimulation and measurement of CMs in vitro are discussed to further elucidate the response of these cells to external stimuli. Furthermore, disease modeling and drug screening are used as examples to intuitively demonstrate the contribution of in vitro CM measurement platforms to the biomedical field, thereby further illustrating the challenges and prospects of these sensing platforms.
Cerebrovascular reactivity MRI as a biomarker for cerebral small vessel disease–related cognitive decline: Multi‐site validation in the MarkVCID Consortium
Authors: Liu Peiying , Lin Zixuan , Hazel Kaisha , Pottanat George , Xu Cuimei , Jiang Dengrong , Pillai Jay J. , Lucke Emma , Bauer Christopher E. , Gold Brian T. , Greenberg Steven M. , Helmer Karl G. , Jann Kay , Jicha Gregory , Kramer Joel , Maillard Pauline , Mulavelil Rachel M. , Rodriguez Pavel , Satizabal Claudia L. , Schwab Kristin , Seshadri Sudha , Singh Herpreet , Velarde Dediós Ángel G. , Wang Danny J. J. , Kalyani Rita R. , Moghekar Abhay , Rosenberg Paul B. , Yasar Sevil , Albert Marilyn , Lu Hanzhang
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) represent a major factor in cognitive decline in older adults. The present study examined the relationship between cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive function in a multi‐site study, using a predefined hypothesis.

METHODS

We conducted the study in a total of three analysis sites and 263 subjects. Each site performed an identical CVR MRI procedure using 5% carbon dioxide inhalation. A global cognitive measure of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and an executive function measure of item response theory (IRT) score were used as outcomes.

RESULTS

CVR and MoCA were positively associated, and this relationship was reproduced at all analysis sites. CVR was found to be positively associated with executive function.

DISCUSSION

The predefined hypothesis on the association between CVR and a global cognitive score was validated in three independent analysis sites, providing support for CVR as a biomarker in VCID.

Highlights

This study measured a novel functional index of small arteries referred to as cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR).

CVR was positively associated with global cognition in older adults.

This finding was observed in three independent cohorts at three sites.

Our statistical analysis plan was predefined before beginning data collection.
Association of Mismatch Profiles and Clinical Outcome from Endovascular Therapy in Large Infarct: A Post‐Hoc Analysis of the ANGEL‐ASPECT Trial
Authors: Huo Xiaochuan , Nguyen Thanh N , Sun Dapeng , Raynald  , Pan Yuesong , Ma Gaoting , Tong Xu , Wang Mengxing , Ma Ning , Gao Feng , Mo Dapeng , Abdalkader Mohamad , Masoud Hesham E. , Nogueira Raul G. , Miao Zhongrong ,   for the ANGEL‐ASPECT study group
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We investigated whether patients with large infarct and the presence or absence of perfusion mismatch are associated with endovascular treatment benefit.

Methods

This is a post‐hoc analysis of the Endovascular Therapy in Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion with a Large Infarct (ANGEL‐ASPECT) randomized trial, which enrolled patients within 24 hours of onset with ASPECTS 3 to 5 or ASPECTS 0 to 2 with an infarct core 70 to 100 ml. Mismatch ratio was defined as time‐to‐maximum (Tmax) >6 s cerebral volume/ischemic core volume, and mismatch volume was defined as Tmax >6 s volume minus ischemic core volume. We divided patients into mismatch ratio ≥1.2 and mismatch volume ≥10 ml, and mismatch ratio ≥1.8 and mismatch volume ≥15 ml groups. The primary outcome was the 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score ordinal distribution. Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90‐day mortality.

Results

There were 425 patients included. In both the mismatch ratio ≥1.2 and mismatch volume ≥10 ml (mismatch+, n = 395; mismatch−, n = 31) and mismatch ratio ≥1.8 and mismatch volume ≥15 ml groups (mismatch+, n = 346; mismatch−, n = 80), better 90‐day modified Rankin Scale outcomes were found in the endovascular treatment group compared with the MM group (4 [2–5] vs 4 [3–5], common odds ratio [cOR], 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–2.7, p = 0.001; 4 [2–5] vs 4 [3–5], cOR, 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8, p = 0.001, respectively), but not in patients without mismatch ratio ≥1.2 and mismatch volume ≥10 ml (5 [3–6] vs 5 [4–6], cOR, 1.2, 95% CI 0.3–4.1, p = 0.83), and mismatch ratio ≥1.8 and mismatch volume ≥15 ml (4 [3–6] vs 5 [3–6], cOR, 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–2.7, p = 0.60). However, no interaction effect was found in both subgroups (p interaction >0.10).

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment was more efficacious than MM in patients with mismatch profiles, but no treatment effect or interaction was noted in the no mismatch profile patients. However, the small sample size of patients with no mismatch may have underpowered our analysis. A pooled analysis of large core trials stratified by mismatch is warranted. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:729–738
Outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated in the lenvatinib and immunotherapy era (2018–2021) compared to the sorafenib era (2008–2018)
Authors: Lim Chloe A. , Amaro Carla P. , Ding Philip Q. , Cheung Winson Y. , Tam Vincent C.
Published: July 2024

Background

Lenvatinib (LEN) and atezolizumab + bevacizumab (A + B) have drastically changed the treatment paradigm for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Before these landmark trials, sorafenib (SOR) served as the standard first‐line treatment for a decade. Our study aimed to assess the outcomes of HCC patients treated during the SOR era (2008–2018) in contrast to those in the post‐SOR era (2018–2021), of which the predominant first‐line treatments were LEN or A + B.

Methods

Inclusion criteria of the study were all HCC patients in the Canadian province of Alberta who started first‐line systemic therapy at cancer centers between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2021. Survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS), along with clinician‐assessed response rate (RR), were subject to retrospective analysis.

Results

Of 372 total patients, 230 received treatment in the SOR era and 142 in the post‐SOR era. The demographic and clinical characteristics for the SOR era and post‐SOR era groups are as follows, respectively: the median age was 63 and 64 years, 80% and 81% were male, and 24% and 11% were of East Asian ethnicity. Before receiving systemic treatment, 40% and 33% received TACE, 7% and 9% received TARE, and 3% and 14% received SBRT in the two eras, respectively. In the post‐SOR era, patients received A + B (23%), LEN (51%), and SOR (23%) as first‐line treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement in RR (15% vs. 26%; p = 0.02), median PFS (3.8 months vs. 7.9 months; p < 0.0001), and median OS (9.8 months vs. 17.0 months; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this retrospective multicenter real‐world study, HCC patients treated in the post‐SOR era, where LEN and A + B were commonly used first‐line treatments, exhibited superior OS, PFS, and RR compared to patients treated in the SOR era. The findings of this study affirm the tangible progress achieved in the real world in enhancing outcomes for HCC patients through advancements in treatments over the past 15 years.
Golgi protein ACBD3 downregulation sensitizes cells to ferroptosis
Authors: Qian Ying , Ma Shanchuan , Qiu Rong , Sun Zhiyang , Liu Wei , Wu Fan , Lam Sin Man , Xia Zhengguo , Wang Kezhen , Fang Linshen , Shui Guanghou , Cao Xinwang
Published: July 2024

Ferroptosis, a form of cell death driven by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation, is emerging as a promising target in cancer therapy. It is regulated by a network of molecules and pathways that modulate lipid metabolism, iron homeostasis and redox balance, and related processes. However, there are still numerous regulatory molecules intricately involved in ferroptosis that remain to be identified. Here, we indicated that suppression of Golgi protein acyl‐coenzyme A binding domain A containing 3 (ACBD3) increased the sensitivity of Henrieta Lacks and PANC1 cells to ferroptosis. ACBD3 knockdown increases labile iron levels by promoting ferritinophagy. This increase in free iron, coupled with reduced levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 due to ACBD3 knockdown, leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides. Moreover, ACBD3 knockdown also results in elevated levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid‐containing glycerophospholipids through mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, inhibition of ferrtinophagy in ACBD3 downregulated cells by knocking down the nuclear receptor co‐activator 4 or Bafilomycin A1 treatment impeded ferroptosis. Collectively, our findings highlight the pivotal role of ACBD3 in governing cellular resistance to ferroptosis and suggest that pharmacological manipulation of ACBD3 levels is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Mesoionic Janus‐Type Dicarbene: Complexes, Adducts, and Catalytic Studies
Authors: Leung Jia Nuo , Huynh Han Vinh
Published: July 2024

The preparations of homo‐ and hetero‐bimetallic complexes as well as thiourea and selenourea derivatives of a mesoionic Janus‐type N‐heterocyclic dicarbene (diNHC) are reported. Analogues of its monocationic intermediate NHC have also been obtained for comparison. Using the main group adducts, the π‐acceptor properties of both NHCs were determined using low temperature 77Se NMR spectroscopy completing their stereoelectronic profiling. Moreover, catalytic investigations reveal that the mesoionic dipalladium Janus‐diNHC complex can be used in the sequential C2‐ and C5‐arylation of 1‐methylpyrrole for the preparation of non‐symmetrical 2,5‐diarylpyrroles.
Collaborative entrepreneurship and social innovation performance: Effects of institutional support and social legitimacy
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: July 2024

To date, our understanding of how collaborative entrepreneurship influences social innovation performance is limited. In this article, we developed and tested a model that examines the effect of collaborative entrepreneurship on social innovation performance and introduced two boundary conditions of this relationship. Time‐lag data collected from 261 entrepreneurial firms in Vietnam yielded the following results. First, collaborative entrepreneurship positively influences social innovation. Second, institutional support boosts the effect of collaborative entrepreneurship on social innovation performance. Finally, the effect of collaborative entrepreneurship on social innovation performance is contingent on social legitimacy such that at high levels of social legitimacy, the effect of collaborative entrepreneurship on social innovation performance is amplified. These findings contribute to the collaborative entrepreneurship and social innovation literature and offer implications for practice.
A Highly Efficient Electrosynthesis of Formaldehyde Using a TEMPO‐Based Polymer Electrocatalyst
Authors: Broersen P. J. L. , Koning J. J. N. , Rothenberg G. , Garcia A. C.
Published: July 2024

In the chemical industry, formaldehyde is an important bulk chemical. The traditional synthesis of formaldehyde involves an energy intensive oxidation of methanol over a metal oxide catalyst. The selective electrochemical oxidation of methanol is challenging. Herein, we report a catalytic system with an immobilized TEMPO electrode that selectively oxidizes methanol to formaldehyde with high turnover numbers. Upon the addition of various organic and inorganic bases, the activity of the catalyst could be tuned. The highest Faradaic efficiency that was achieved was 97.5 %, the highest turnover number was 17100. Additionally, we found that the rate determining step changed from the step in which the carbonyl specie is created from the methanol‐TEMPO adduct to the oxidative regeneration of the TEMPO+ species. Finally, we showed that the system could be applied to the oxidation of other aliphatic alcohols.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound improves myocardial ischaemia‒reperfusion injury via migrasome‐mediated mitocytosis
Authors: Sun Ping , Li Yifei , Yu Weidong , Chen Jianfeng , Wan Pingping , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Maomao , Wang Chao , Fu Shuai , Mang Ge , Choi Stephen , Du Zhuo , Tang Caiying , Li Song , Shi Guoxia , Tian Jiawei , Dai Jiannan , Leng Xiaoping
Published: July 2024

During myocardial ischaemia‒reperfusion injury (MIRI), the accumulation of damaged mitochondria could pose serious threats to the heart. The migrasomes, newly discovered mitocytosis‐mediating organelles, selectively remove damaged mitochondria to provide mitochondrial quality control. Here, we utilised low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on MIRI mice model and demonstrated that LIPUS reduced the infarcted area and improved cardiac dysfunction. Additionally, we found that LIPUS alleviated MIRI‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. We provided new evidence that LIPUS mechanical stimulation facilitated damaged mitochondrial excretion via migrasome‐dependent mitocytosis. Inhibition the formation of migrasomes abolished the protective effect of LIPUS on MIRI. Mechanistically, LIPUS induced the formation of migrasomes by evoking the RhoA/Myosin II/F‐actin pathway. Meanwhile, F‐actin activated YAP nuclear translocation to transcriptionally activate the mitochondrial motor protein KIF5B and Drp1, which are indispensable for LIPUS‐induced mitocytosis. These results revealed that LIPUS activates mitocytosis, a migrasome‐dependent mitochondrial quality control mechanism, to protect against MIRI, underlining LIPUS as a safe and potentially non‐invasive treatment for MIRI.
Higher thermal plasticity in flowering phenology increases flowering output
Authors: Kotilainen Aino , Mattila Anniina L. K. , Møller Charlotte , Koivusaari Susanna , Hyvärinen Marko‐Tapio , Hällfors Maria H.
Published: July 2024

Ongoing climate change poses an increasing threat to biodiversity. To avoid decline or extinction, species need to either adjust or adapt to new environmental conditions or track their climatic niches across space. In sessile organisms such as plants, phenotypic plasticity can help maintain fitness in variable and even novel environmental conditions and is therefore likely to play an important role in allowing them to survive climate change, particularly in the short term. Understanding a species' response to rising temperature is crucial for planning well‐targeted and cost‐effective conservation measures. We sampled seeds of three Hypericum species (H. maculatum, H. montanum, and H. perforatum), from a total of 23 populations originating from different parts of their native distribution areas in Europe. We grew them under four different temperature regimes in a greenhouse to simulate current and predicted future climatic conditions in the distribution areas. We measured flowering start, flower count, and subsequent seed weight, allowing us to study variations in the thermal plasticity of flowering phenology and its relation to fitness. Our results show that individuals flowered earlier with increasing temperature, while the degree of phenological plasticity varied among species. More specifically, the plasticity of H. maculatum varied depending on population origin, with individuals from the leading range edge being less plastic. Importantly, we show a positive relationship between higher plasticity and increased flower production, indicating adaptive phenological plasticity. The observed connection between plasticity and fitness supports the idea that plasticity may be adaptive. This study underlines the need for information on plasticity for predicting species' potential to thrive under global change and the need for studies on whether higher phenotypic plasticity is currently being selected as natural populations experience a rapidly changing climate.
One‐Pot Synthesis of a Tetrasaccharide Repeating Unit of O‐Antigen from Escherichia Coli O33
Authors: Sun Ao , Zheng Jiayi , Li Zipeng , Zhao Wenjian , Zhang Xiao , Yao Wang , Li Zhongjun
Published: July 2024

A tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O‐antigen from Escherichia coli O33 has been synthesized for the first time using a chemoselective [1+1+2] one‐pot glycan assembly strategy. The phosphoglycerol moiety was installed by using the phosphoramidite method with benzylidene‐protected glycerol 2‐phosphoramidite as the reagent. Overall, the target tetrasaccharide was synthesized from monosaccharide building blocks in 12 linear steps, resulting in a satisfactory yield of 28 %.
Fault detection and classification in overhead transmission lines through comprehensive feature extraction using temporal convolution neural network
Authors: Tunio Nadeem Ahmed , Hashmani Ashfaque Ahmed , Khokhar Suhail , Tunio Mohsin Ali , Faheem Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Faults in transmission lines cause instability of power system and result in degrading end users sophisticated equipment. Therefore, in case of fault and for the quick restoration of problematic phases, reliable and accurate fault detection and classification techniques are required to categorize the faults in a minimum time. In this work, 500 kV transmission line (Jamshoro‐New Karachi), Sindh, Pakistan has been modeled in MATLAB. The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) has been used to extract features from the transient current signal for different faults in 500 kV transmission line under various parameters such as fault location, fault inception angle, ground resistance and fault resistance and time series data has been obtained for fault classification. Moreover, the temporal convolutional neural network (TCN) is used for fault classification in 500 kV transmission network due to its robust framework. From simulation results, it is found that faults in 500 kV transmission line are classified with 99.9% accuracy. Furthermore, the simulation results of the TCN model compared to bidirectional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and it has been found that TCN model is capable of classifying faults in 500 kV transmission line with high accuracy due to its ability to handle long receptive field size, less memory requirement and parallel processing due to dilated causal convolutions. Through this work, the meantime to repair of 500 kV transmission line can be reduced.
Oil and gas development influences potential for dust emission from the Upper Colorado River Basin, USA
Authors: Tyree Gayle L. , Chappell Adrian , Villarreal Miguel L. , Dhital Saroj , Duniway Michael C. , Edwards Brandon L. , Faist Akasha M. , Nauman Travis W. , Webb Nicholas P.
Published: July 2024

Wind erosion and dust emission from drylands have large consequences for ecosystem function and human health. Wind erosion is naturally reduced by soil crusting and sheltering by non‐erodible roughness elements such as plants. Land uses that reduce surface roughness and disturb the soil surface can dramatically increase dust emission. Extraction of oil and gas is a common and growing land use in the western United States (US) that removes vegetation and other roughness elements for construction of well pads and unpaved access roads, resulting in thousands of small (1–4 ha), discrete patches of unprotected soil. Here, we use a satellite albedo‐based model to assess the effect of oil/gas activity on surface roughness in the Uinta‐Piceance Basin, an area of the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) with dense oil and natural gas development and modelled how the change in surface roughness could impact aeolian sediment flux and dust emission. We also investigated how regional drought influences the response of surface roughness to well pads and access roads. Oil/gas activity reduced surface roughness and increased modelled aeolian sediment flux at the landscape scale across much of the study region, resulting in a modest increase of 10 139 kg of dust per year, which is small relative to dust loads from a single regional dust event observed in the region, but downwind impact could be significant. The magnitude of surface roughness reductions by oil/gas activity was generally consistent among land cover types. However, in parts of the basin that had high cover of annual forbs and grasses, oil/gas activity was associated with larger surface roughness and smaller potential dust emission. Drought decreased surface roughness across disturbed and undisturbed sites, but there was no interactive effect of oil/gas activity and drought on surface roughness. These results suggest that oil/gas activity may increase sediment fluxes and likely contributes to dust emission from landscapes in the UCRB. Understanding how drought and land use change contribute to dust emissions will benefit mitigation of undesirable impacts of wind erosion and dust transport.
Well‐defined nanostructures of high entropy alloys for electrocatalysis
Authors: Chen Jie , Ren Liping , Chen Xin , Wang Qi , Chen Chunying , Fan Jinpeng , Wang Shuai , Binas Vasileios , Shen Shaohua
Published: July 2024

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention for electrocatalytic energy conversion by virtue of their promisingly high efficiency, stability, and low cost. Recently, encouraging progress has been made in tuning the structure and composition of HEAs used in electrolyzers and fuel cells. However, the understanding on the synthetic methods and the structure‐property‐performance relationship of well‐defined HEAs nanostructures is still inadequate. To gain insight into the future research directions on HEAs for electrocatalysis, in this paper, the synthetic methods commonly used to obtain well‐defined HEAs nanostructures (0D nanoparticles, 1D nanowires, 2D nanosheets/nanoplates, 3D nanoporous structures, and other three‐dimensional morphologies) are first summarized. Then, the authors discuss the application of well‐defined HEAs nanostructures in several typical electrocatalytic reactions, including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, alcohol oxidation reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, and formic acid oxidation reaction. Finally, a practical perspective on the future research directions on well‐defined HEAs nanostructured electrocatalysts is provided.
Enhancing the nutritional value and antioxidant properties of foxtail millet by solid‐state fermentation with edible fungi
Authors: Lin Tong , Li Zhanyong , Fan Gongjian , Xie Chunyan
Published: July 2024

Foxtail millet is typically dehulled before consumption or processing. However, foxtail millet bran also contains abundant phenolic compounds and other nutrients. Edible fungi have rich extracellular enzyme systems; are environmentally friendly and safe for consumption; and have been shown to effectively degrade lignin and cellulose. This study aimed to screen edible fungi that can effectively ferment undehusked foxtail millet, improving its nutritional value and antioxidant properties through solid‐state fermentation (SSF). The results demonstrated that fermentation utilizing Pleurotus geesteranus exhibited significant improvements in both the phenolic compound content and antioxidant properties of foxtail millet, with the optimal fermentation period determined to be 30 days. The physical and functional properties of fermented undehusked foxtail millet (FFM) flour were effectively improved, increasing crude protein, vitamin C, and crude polysaccharide contents by 11.46%, 27.78%, and 54.17%, respectively. In vitro scavenging activities of FFM were 73.19%, 93.86%, and 63.75% for 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS·+), and superoxide anion radicals (O2−), respectively. The total antioxidant capability (T‐AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of FFM were 1.01 mM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g and 89.05 U/g, respectively. Additionally, T‐AOC, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities increased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in the heart, liver, and kidneys of mice treated with FFM flour, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity. Therefore, fermentation with edible fungi is suitable for improving the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of foxtail millet.
Meteorological data from Badwater, Death Valley National Park 1998 to 2019
Authors: McKay Christopher P.
Published: July 2024

We installed a meteorological recording system at Badwater (elev. −75 m), the lowest point in Death Valley, California and recorded data over the period 1998–2019. A second station (the Outhouse Station) was established nearby from 2014 to 2019. Here, we report on and publicly archive the data from these two stations. Of interest was the comparison between two air temperature measurements at the Badwater Station, the first with an aspirated platinum resistance temperature device and the second with a thermistor probe in a passive sun shield. During the hottest periods of the summer when temperatures were typically between 30°C at night and 50°C daily peak, the passively shielded sensor indicated up to 0.5°C warmer than the aspirated temperature sensor due to radiative effects. The data suggest a correction for radiative heating of (T–35)/30, for T > 35°C, where, T, is the uncorrected temperature reading of a passively shielded sensor subtracted after any calibration at lower temperatures. Our station was the first precision temperature measurements at Badwater. A longer record exists for the reporting station near the visitor's centre at the Furnace Creek. The summer temperature maxima at the Badwater site correlate well with the values the same day from the Furnace Creek site. The daily maximum temperatures in winter at the Badwater site appear to be about 1°C lower than at the Furnace Creek site. The largest differences are in the minimum temperatures for which the Badwater site averages about 2–3°C warmer than the Furnace Creek site.
Colorimetric sensing of lead ion using gold nanorod with enhanced sensitivity via catalytic etching
Authors: Wang Suyan , Sun Jingbo , Cao Jiafeng , Lu Kun , Xu Dong
Published: July 2024

Lead, a prevalent heavy metal, poses significant risks to human health through various exposure pathways. Herein, we propose an extremely sensitive assay toward lead ion (Pb2+) using gold nanorods (GNRs) as probes based on its catalytic activity on etching gold in the presence of 2‐mercaptoethanol and sodium thiosulfate. In the presence of Pb2+, etching predominantly occurs at the two ends of GNRs, leading to the reduction of aspect ratio and the corresponding blueshift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). With increasing Pb2+ concentration over the range of 0–50 μM, the color of GNR solution lightens, ultimately becoming colorless. The wavelength shift (Δλ) of LSPR is highly dependent on Pb2+ concentration, with a linear regression equation of Δλ = 10.05ln[Pb2+] + 9.59 and an R2 = 0.995. The assay demonstrates high selectivity for Pb2+ over other potentially interfering ions such as Cu2+ because of its special catalytic activity in the etching of GNRs and the complexing ability of 2‐mercaptoethanol and sodium thiosulfate. Validation of the assay was accomplished by analyzing several forest‐derived food samples, affirming the accuracy in real‐world scenarios. The assay we developed holds promise for many applications in environmental protection and food safety.
A staging table of Balkan crested newt embryonic development to serve as a baseline in evolutionary developmental studies
Authors: Vučić Tijana , Drobnjaković Marija , Ajduković Maja , Bugarčić Marko , Wielstra Ben , Ivanović Ana , Cvijanović Milena
Published: July 2024

There is an increased interest in the evolution and development of newts from the genus Triturus because: (1) morphological differentiation among the nine constituent species largely corresponds to different ecological preferences, (2) hybridization between different species pairs has various evolutionary outcomes in terms of life history traits and morphology, and (3) the genus expresses a balanced lethal system that causes arrested growth and death of half of the embryos. These features provide natural experimental settings for molecular, morphological, and life‐history studies. Therefore, we produce a staging table for the Balkan crested newt (T. ivanbureschi). We provide detailed descriptions of 34 embryonic stages based on easily observable and interpretable external morphological characters, to ensure reproducibility. Compared with previous staging tables for Triturus, we include a vastly increased sample size and provide high‐resolution photographs in lateral, ventral, and dorsal view, complemented by videos of specific developmental periods, and accompanied by detailed explanations on how to delineate the specific stages. Our staging table will serve as a baseline in comparative studies on Triturus newts: an emerging model system in evolutionary and developmental studies.
船舶を活用した災害医療〜乗船における課題と今後の展望〜(Challenges and prospects for ship–based medical services in disaster: in relation to boarding ships)
Authors: 航 野口 , 飛鳥 土谷 , 弘道 青木 , 誠司 守田 , 儀英 中川 , 吉彦 山田
Published: July 2024

【目的】阪神・淡路大震災以降の大規模災害の経験から，国は「災害時等における船舶を活用した医療提供体制の整備の推進に関する法律」を整備し，医療支援に船舶を活用する方針を示した。一方，災害時には大型船舶が港へ着岸できない可能性が高いため，乗船の課題がある。そこで，実証訓練「被災者を陸から小型船舶を使用して沖合に停泊する大型船舶へ移乗させる」を行い，船から船へ「海上」で安全に移乗できる被災者要件や船舶課題を抽出し，災害時の船舶活用を検討した。【対象】模擬被災者計38名（軽症・中等症患者，避難者）に対して，小型船舶が停泊可能な桟橋前の海岸で，乗船前トリアージを行った。続いて海上で小型船舶から大型海洋調査研修船へ移乗する訓練を行った。【結果】歩行可能である患者や要配慮者が選定されれば，小型船舶から大型船舶へ海上乗船できることが判明した。天候による船舶間距離や波高変化が接舷と移乗タイミングに大きく影響した。関係者アンケートでは，乗船トリアージと船舶間の移乗における安全性確保の重要性が指摘された。【結語】災害時に小型船舶から大型船舶へ移乗する場合を想定し，船舶の安全設備の充実，乗船可能な患者や要配慮者要件の整理，事前訓練による安全性の確認と関係者の連携を行うことで，船舶活用の機会が広がることが期待される。
Effects of antiarrhythmic drug responsiveness and diagnosis‐to‐ablation time on outcomes after catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kim Hong‐Ju , Kim Daehoon , Kim Kipoong , Choi Sung Hwa , Kim Moon‐Hyun , Park Je‐Wook , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Uhm Jae‐Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon‐Hyoung , Pak Hui‐Nam
Published: July 2024

Background

The impact of delaying atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) for antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) management on the disease course remains unclear. This study investigated AFCA rhythm outcomes based on the diagnosis‐to‐ablation time (DAT) and AAD responsiveness in participants with persistent AF (PeAF).

Methods

We included data from 1038 AAD‐resistant PeAF participants, all of whom had a clear time point for AF diagnosis, especially PeAF at diagnosis time, and had undergone an AFCA for the first time. Participants who experienced recurrences of paroxysmal type on AAD therapy were analyzed as a cohort of AAD‐partial responders; those maintaining PeAF on AAD were AAD‐non‐responders. We determined the DAT cutoff for best discriminating long‐term rhythm outcomes using a maximum log‐likelihood estimation method based on the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

Of the participants (79.8% male; median age 61), 806 (77.6%) were AAD‐non‐responders. AAD‐non‐responders had a higher body mass index and a larger left atrial diameter than AAD‐partial‐responders. They also had a higher incidence of AF recurrence after AFCA (adjusted hazard ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.33–2.30; log‐rank p < .001) compared to AAD‐partial‐responders. The maximum log‐likelihood estimation showed bimodal cutoffs at 22 and 40 months. The optimal DAT cutoff rhythm outcome was 22 months, which discriminated better in the AAD‐partial‐responders than in the AAD‐non‐responders.

Conclusions

Both DAT and AAD responsiveness influenced AFCA rhythm outcomes. Delaying AFCA to a DAT of longer than 22 months was inadvisable, particularly in the participants in whom PeAF was changed to paroxysmal AF during AAD therapy.
Evaluation of bone integrity around the acetabular cup using noninvasive laser resonance frequency analysis
Authors: Hatakeyama Takuto , Nakashima Daisuke , Mikami Katsuhiro , Oya Akihito , Fujie Atsuhiro , Sujino Asahi , Nakamura Masaya , Nagura Takeo
Published: July 2024

Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is valuable for assessing implant status. In a previous investigation, acetabular cup fixation was assessed using laser RFA and the pull‐down force was predicted in an in vitro setting. While the pull‐down force alone is sufficient for initial fixation evaluation, it is desirable to evaluate the bone strength of the foundation for subsequent fixation. Diminished bone quality causes micromotion, migration, and protracted osseointegration, consequently elevating susceptibility to periprosthetic fractures and failure of ingrained trabecular bone. Limited research exists on the evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) around the cup using RFA. For in vivo application of laser RFA, we implemented the sweep pulse excitation method and engineered an innovative laser RFA device having low laser energy and small dimensions. We focused on a specific frequency range (2500–4500 Hz), where the peak frequency was presumed to be influenced by foundational density. Quantitative computed tomography with a phantom was employed to assess periprosthetic BMD. Correlation between the resonance frequency within the designated range and the density around the cup was evaluated both in the laboratory and in vivo using the novel laser RFA device. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed robust correlations in both experiments (laboratory study: R = 0.728, p < 0.001; in vivo study: R = 0.619, p < 0.001). Our laser RFA system can assess the quality of bone surrounding the cup. Laser RFA holds promise in predicting the risk of loosening and might aid in the decision‐making process for additional fixation through screw insertion.
Late Pleistocene to Holocene vegetation changes in southeastern Patagonia (49° S): landscape changes related to disturbances
Authors: Merino‐Campos Víctor , Sottile Gonzalo David , de Porras María Eugenia , Tonello Marcela Sandra
Published: July 2024

Southeastern Patagonia's (49° S) post‐glacial history inferred from high Andean lake sediments provides new insights regarding Late Pleistocene and Holocene vegetation dynamics at the eastern margin of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. The fossil records of pollen, charcoal and geochemical data from tephra layers from Laguna Chiquita and Laguna Gemelas Este were analysed to reveal past landscape dynamics related to vegetation changes, fire and volcanic events from ca. 15 200 cal a
bp to the present. Nothofagus forest expanded over shrubland communities sometime between 15 200 and 4600 cal a
bp, along with at least three disturbance sources related to the volcanic eruptions of Lautaro, Aguilera and Hudson, important local fire episodes, and neoglacial advances. Major charcoal deposition reveals moderate fire activity during the Late Pleistocene related to an open landscape characterised by a grass/shrub steppe. Local glacier advances may have affected the Laguna Gemelas Este sedimentation. Tephra deposition events do not correlate to vegetation changes inferred from the Laguna Gemelas Este and Laguna Chiquita pollen records. Late Holocene eastern Andean forest changes and fire activity at 49° S match other southern palaeoenvironmental records (50–52° S) suggesting that changes in the Southern Westerly Wind latitudinal position and intensity drove major palaeovegetation and fire dynamics before the European settlement. In the last centuries, fire and vegetation changes have been closely related to an increase in local ignition sources and the introduction of alien species.
Similar QALY gain in primary and revision knee arthroplasty: A cost analysis and Markov model
Authors: Möller Soeren , Gautschi Nora , Möller Klaus , Hamilton David F. , Giesinger Karlmeinrad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the cost‐effectiveness of revision total knee arthroplasty compared to primary total knee arthroplasty in terms of cost‐per‐quality‐adjusted life year (QALY).

Methods

Data were retrieved for all primary and revision total knee replacement (TKA) procedures performed at a tertiary Swiss hospital between 2006 and 2019. A Markov model was created to evaluate revision risk and we calculated lifetime QALY gain and lifetime procedure costs through individual EuroQol 5 dimension (EQ‐5D) scores, hospital costs, national life expectancy tables and standard discounting processes. Cost‐per‐QALY gain was calculated for primary and revision procedures.

Results

EQ‐5D data were available for 1343 primary and 103 revision procedures. Significant QALY gains were seen following surgery in all cases. Similar, but significantly more QALYs were gained following primary TKA (PTKA) (5.67 ± 3.98) than following revision TKA (RTKA) (4.67 ± 4.20). Cost‐per‐QALY was €4686 for PTKA and €10,364 for RTKA. The highest average cost‐per‐QALY was seen in two‐stage RTKA (€12,292), followed by one‐stage RTKA (€8982).

Conclusion

RTKA results in a similar QALY gain as PTKA. The costs of achieving health gain are two to three times higher in RTKA, but both procedures are highly cost‐effective.

Level of Evidence

Economic level II.