bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-leukemic effect of menthol, a peppermint compound, on induction of apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Naksawat Mashima , Norkaew Chosita , Charoensedtasin Kantorn , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Tanyong Dalina
Published: March 2023

Background

Menthol, a natural compound in peppermint leaves, has several biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer properties. This study revealed the anti-leukemic effects and its underlying mechanisms of the menthol related apoptosis signaling pathway and autophagy in both NB4 and Molt-4 leukemic cell lines.

Methods

Both leukemic cells were treated with menthol in various concentration. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, whereas apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI and anti-LC3/FITC antibodies staining, respectively. Apoptotic and autophagic related gene and protein expression were detected using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Moreover, STITCH database was used to predicts the interaction between menthol and proposed proteins.

Results

Menthol significantly decreased cell viability in NB4 and Molt-4 cell lines in dose dependent manner. In combination of menthol and daunorubicin, synergistic cytotoxic effects were observed in leukemic cells. However, there was a minimal effect found on normal, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, menthol significantly induced apoptosis induction via upregulation of caspase-3, BAX, p53 and downregulation of MDM2 mRNA expression. Autophagy was also induced by menthol through upregulating ATG3 and downregulating mTOR mRNA expression. For protein expression, menthol significantly increased caspase-3 whereas decreased mTOR in both leukemic cells. Conclusions. These results suggest that menthol exhibits cytotoxic activities by inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and autophagy through activating the caspase cascade, altering BAX and p53/MDM2, and regulating autophagy via the ATG3/mTOR signaling pathway.
Green Synthesis of Lead Oxide Nanoparticles, Characterization and Adsorption Study for Removal of Malachite Green Dye
Authors: Elamin Nuha Y. , Eltom Egbal , Ramadan Rasha
Published: March 2023

In this study lead oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using ecofriendly and non-toxic Morus rubra extract. The obtained lead oxide nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, BET and FTIR techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that synthesized PbO nanoparticles had crystallite structure of high purity. SEM survey shows that the obtained nanoparticles having in general uniform particle distribution and the particle sizes vary within the range of 22.4 to 29.2nm. As established by EDX to confirm the presence of lead and oxygen, the weight percentage of the latter was (71.5 % Pb and   28.5% O), respectively. FT-IR spectra exhibit a sharp peak at 439.38 and 595.46 cm−1 attributed to PbO vibration, confirming the formation of PbO nanoparticles. The effectiveness of PbO nanostructures for removing indigo carmine (MG) dye from an aqueous solution is demonstrated in this article. , the MG dye uptake and adsorption processes were investigated using a PbO sorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity and contact time were optimized which corresponding to 41.3 mg. g-1 and 60min respectively.
Investigation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil from Auto-mobile Mechanic Workshops within Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin L.G.A Akwa Ibom State Nigeria
Authors: Ikpe E. E. , Ubong U. U. , Uwanta E. , Oku U. U , Akpan E. O.
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and total hydrocarbon content (THC) in soil samples from auto-mobile mechanic workshop in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin. Soil samples were collected in triplicate at different points within the vicinity of auto-mobile mechanic workshop at Ikot Akpaden represented as site A and control samples were obtained within the frontage of Chemistry Department, AKSU represented as site C. Soxhlet extraction and shaking methods were used  for the extraction of the total petroleum hydrocarbons and total hydrocarbon content respectively. Each of the sample extracts were purified using column chromatography to remove moisture, polar hydrocarbons, colour interferences and any impurities before GC analysis. Total petroleum hydrocarbons and THC were analyzed using Gas Chromatography (GC-FID) and UV-VISIBLE spectrophotometer respectively. The results obtained from TPH analysis indicates that; 15,223.4 mg/kg was recorded from the auto-mobile mechanic workshop and 808.507 mg/kg was recorded from the control samples. The results from the two stations were higher than the department of petroleum resources (DPR) permissible limit of 50 mg/Kg for soils. There was significant difference in the concentration of total hydrocarbon content, the result obtained showed that, the three sampling point at the mechanic workshop has THC level in the order; A1>A3>A2. The concentration of THC obtained in the three points were greater than the 0.6 mg/Kg limit of total hydrocarbons content allowed by the DPR. The study revealed that the soils were polluted as a result of indiscriminate disposal of waste petroleum products (used engine oil, petrol, diesel and other lubricants) directly on the soil, as well as dumping and burning of waste at the auto-mobile mechanic workshops. Hence, there is need for a holistic and sustainable monitoring and remediation of the environment for a cleaner and healthier environment.
Organic Amendments Addition on Altering the Sorption, Vertical Movement and Leaching Behavior of Herbicides in Soil
Authors: Janaki P.
Published: March 2023

Herbicides are applied indiscriminately to achieve maximum weed control in agricultural production which might contaminate the food chain through the bio-augmentation of residue concentration in soil. One of the management suggested to overcome the herbicides contamination is treating with various organic amendments.  Hence the laboratory column leaching and sorption experiments were conducted in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore to investigate the leaching behavior of herbicides viz., pendimethalin, atrazine and imazethapyr in soil as influenced by various organic amendments applied @ 5t/ha viz., FYM, vermicompost, composted coir pith, maize crop residue and biochar. Leaching experiment was conducted using PVC columns of 45 cm length and the sorption study was conducted using different concentrations of chosen herbicides as per OECD guidelines. Results showed that leaching and movement behavior of the studied herbicides in soil was modified by the applied organic amendments particularly the biochar and maize crop residue. Biochar treated soil retained 29.76, 40.20, and 38.07 percent of the applied pendimethalin, atrazine and imazethapyr respectively in surface 0-15 cm depth and reduced its movement to lower depths and to leachates. Herbicides adsorption was higher with biochar and is indicated by the Koc values of 225, 184 and 22 mg/L for pendimethalin, atrazine and imazethapyr respectively and was followed by the maize crop residue. It is concluded that the application of biochar @ 5t/ha as organic amendment is efficient in decreasing the herbicides movement viz., pendimethalin, atrazine and imazethapyr and modifying their sorption and leaching potential to groundwater.
Universal Adult Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination as the Path to Elimination
Authors: So Samuel , Terrault Norah , Conners Erin E.
Published: March 2023

This Viewpoint describes new recommendations from the CDC regarding universal screening of adults for hepatitis B virus infection.
Employer-Based Health Insurance and Employee Compensation
Authors: Schulman Kevin , Narayan Aditya
Published: March 2023

This Viewpoint expounds on how the cost of health insurance is consuming an ever-greater share of total compensation for employers and employees, stagnating real incomes and calling into question its real value.
Nanoscale Oxide Formation at α‐Al2O3–Nb Interfaces
Authors: Eusterholz Michael K. , Boll Torben , Ott Vincent , Stüber Michael , Lu Yemao , Gebauer Julian , Ulrich Sven , Kauffmann Alexander , Heilmaier Martin
Published: March 2023

Parts for metallurgical applications made from refractory metal–ceramic composites offer improved thermal shock resistance due to their capability for resistive heating compared to ones made solely from ceramics such as Al2O3. The combination of Al2O3 and Nb is intriguing as both show similar thermal expansion behavior over a wide temperature range. The high affinity of Nb for O to form nonprotective oxides, however, hampers its use in oxidative environments. Formation of such phases at the ceramic–metal interface can have detrimental effects on the cohesion of the composites. For this work, nanocrystalline Nb films are deposited on sapphire substrates by magnetron sputtering to study diffusion of O and high‐temperature phase formation at a refractory metal–ceramic interface during heat treatment under Ar at 1600 °C. A combined approach of atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy for compositional and crystallographic analyses reveals that at triple junctions of the sapphire–Nb interface with Nb grain boundaries, heterogeneous nucleation of nanoscale NbO2 occurs, which further reacts with Al2O3 to form AlNbO4, while the Nb film itself remains metallic. Fast O transport through grain boundaries leads to internal oxidation at the interface, whereas regions further away from Nb grain boundaries remain unchanged.
Design and Fabrication of a Hierarchical Structured Pressure Sensor Based on BaTiO3/PVDF Nanofibers via Near‐Field Electrospinning
Authors: Kong Haoyu , Jin Yuan , Li Guangyong , Zhang Minghua , Du Jianke
Published: March 2023

Herein, a simple and low‐cost fabrication method for flexible piezoelectric pressure sensors with hierarchical structures over large areas is presented. First, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and barium titanate (BaTiO3, BTO) composite membranes are fabricated through near‐field electrospinning, and the hierarchical structured membrane (HSM) is obtained by spreading the flat membrane on the designed mold and drying. Then, the effect of encapsulation schemes on the piezoelectric properties of the sensor is investigated by combining different membranes with different PDMS substrates. The output voltage under periodic loads shows that the encapsulation scheme of “the hierarchical structured membrane with a hierarchical structured substrate” (HHS) can provide the highest peak voltage attributed to its largest contact area, which increases the active area (deformation area) for piezoelectricity generation. Also, the HHS with a bulge of 2 mm can produce a maximum output voltage of 2.32 V under a periodic load of 2 N, 2.5 Hz. Finally, the HHS pressure sensors are used for monitoring human motions, including joint bending, walking, and jumping, and the results show that the presented hierarchically microstructured flexible piezoelectric pressure sensor has great potential for applications of for human‐activity monitoring and wearable bioelectronic devices.
Radar Infrared‐Compatible Camouflage Performance of High‐Entropy Alloy Coating Enhanced by Double‐Layer Hexagonal Metasurface
Authors: Duan Yuping , Chen Wei , Pang Huifang , Sun Xingyang , Wang Meng , Gong Jian , Wang Jiangang
Published: March 2023

Recently, high‐entropy alloy (HEA) microwave‐absorbing materials have attracted extensive attention. Herein, a double‐layer structure consists of a low‐infrared emission metasurface and a FeCoNiMn0.5Si0.5Al0.5 HEA coating with enhanced microwave absorption performance is designed. The upper metasurface consisting of periodic hexagonal aluminum structural unit has excellent low‐infrared emission properties, while enabling selective transmission and absorption enhancement of radar waves. The emissivity of the low‐infrared emitting layer is lower than 0.2, and the metastructure on its surface affects more on the high‐frequency absorption performance. The bottom layer made of HEA coating with 1 mm hexagonal etching structure has an effective absorption bandwidth of 2.8 GHz, and its reflection loss (RL) can reach −42 dB. There is a certain fit relationship between the unit size of the periodic structure and the absorption performance of the underlying coating. For the coatings with high‐frequency RL peaks, a larger unit size of the periodic structure will lead to an obvious improvement on the absorption performance. A broad application prospect for multiband compatibility stealth is provided.
Recent Advances of Material‐Decorated Photosynthetic Microorganisms and Their Aspects in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Songhan , Yang Hanyu , Ho Ming Yao , Xing Bengang
Published: March 2023

Photosynthetic microorganisms, especially microalgae and cyanobacteria, have been well‐developed as attractive biomaterials with their eigen oxygen production capability, high‐value metabolites, and diverse biofunctionalities. Moreover, recent advances in nanotechnology and materials sciences also witnessed promising prospects by integrating unique properties of distinctive functional materials with photosynthetic microorganisms to construct material‐decorated photosynthetic microorganisms (MPMs) that can foster diversified biomedical functions. These integrated MPM hybrids can serve as smart cargoes for targeting therapeutic delivery, mainly due to their modifiable surface morphology, actuated propulsion, good biocompatibility, and spacious encapsulating effect. Moreover, attributing to the intrinsic oxygenation and autofluorescence, the MPMs can also act as the oxygen supplier to conduct various oxygen‐related modulation and image‐guided therapies. This review systematically outlines the recent advances of MPMs as unique platforms to achieve their targeted drug delivery. In addition, promising applications of these micro‐sized biohybrids for in situ oxygen modulation and oxygen‐related therapeutic manipulation are also summarized. Some relevant applications regarding their synergistic theranostics and the feasibility as the macro‐sized scaffold for tissue engineering and wound healing are also carefully covered. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of these multifunctional material‐microbe hybridized conjugations are also discussed.
Electrospinning‐Driven Binary Oxide Nanofiber Networks with Tunable Amorphous Microstructure for Booming Transistors and Circuits Operation
Authors: He Bo , He Gang , Hu Qingqing , Jiang Shanshan , Gao Qian , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo
Published: March 2023

Although In2O3 nanofibers (NFs) are regarded as one of the active channel materials for next‐generation, low‐cost thin‐film transistors (TFTs), these NFs‐based devices still suffer from the degraded carrier mobility and operational instability, limiting the ability of such devices to replace current polycrystalline silicon technologies. Here, it is shown that nanofiber channel transistors with high electron mobility and operational stability can be achieved by selectively doping Zn element into electrospun In2O3 NFs. By precisely manipulating the doping level during NFs fabrication, their crystallinity, surface morphology, and corresponding device performance can be regulated reliably for enhanced transistor performances. It has been detected that InZnO/SiO2 TFTs with an optimized Zn doping concentration of 50% have demonstrated the high field‐effect mobility (µFE) of 6.38 cm2 V−1 s−1, the larger ION/IOFF of 4.12 × 107 and operation in the energy‐efficient enhancement‐mode. Low frequency noise (LFN) measurements have displayed that the scattering and defects inside the NFs are effectively suppressed by the particular microstructure. When integrating ALD‐derived Al2O3 films as the gate dielectric into TFTs devices, their electron mobility and ION/IOFF can be further improved to 37.82 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 2.92 × 108, respectively. To demonstrate the potential toward more complex logic applications, a low voltage resistor‐loaded unipolar inverter is built by using InZnO/Al2O3 TFT, exhibiting a high gain of 20.95 and full swing characteristics. These optimized parameters have demonstrated the significant advance of this electrospinning technique toward practical applications for high performance and large‐scale electronics.
A cryptic pathogenic NDUFV1 variant identified by RNA‐seq in a patient with normal complex I activity in muscle and transient magnetic resonance imaging changes
Authors: Kiss Sharmila , Christodoulou John , Thorburn David R. , Freeman Jeremy L. , Kornberg Andrew J. , Mandelstam Simone , Compton Alison G. , Cummings Beryl , Pais Lynn , Yaplito‐Lee Joy , White Susan M.
Published: March 2023

Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders (MRC) are amongst the most common group of inborn errors of metabolism. MRC, of which complex I deficiency accounts for approximately a quarter, are very diverse, causing a wide range of clinical problems and can be difficult to diagnose. We report an illustrative MRC case whose diagnosis was elusive. Clinical signs included failure to thrive caused by recurrent vomiting, hypotonia and progressive loss of motor milestones. Initial brain imaging suggested Leigh syndrome but without expected diffusion restriction. Muscle respiratory chain enzymology was unremarkable. Whole‐genome sequencing identified a maternally inherited NDUFV1 missense variant [NM_007103.4 (NDUFV1):c.1157G > A; p.(Arg386His)] and a paternally inherited synonymous variant [NM_007103.4 (NDUFV1):c.1080G > A; (p.Ser360=)]. RNA sequencing demonstrated aberrant splicing. This case emphasizes the diagnostic odyssey of a patient in whom a confirmed diagnosis was elusive because of atypical features and normal muscle respiratory chain enzyme (RCE) activities, along with a synonymous variant, which are often filtered out from genomic analyses. It also illustrates the following points: (1) complete resolution of magnetic resonance imaging changes may be part of the picture in mitochondrial disease; (2) analysis for synonymous variants is important for undiagnosed patients; and (3) RNA‐seq is a powerful tool to demonstrate pathogenicity of putative splicing variants.
COL1A1 and COL1A2 variants in Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome phenotypes and COL1‐related overlap disorder
Authors: Venable Elise , Knight Dacre R. T. , Thoreson Emily K. , Baudhuin Linnea M.
Published: March 2023

Pathogenic variants in COL1A1 and COL1A2 are involved in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and, rarely, Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (EDS) subtypes and OI‐EDS overlap syndromes (OIEDS1 and OIEDS2, respectively). Here we describe a cohort of 34 individuals with likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants in COL1A1 and COL1A2, 15 of whom have potential OIEDS1 (n = 5) or OIEDS2 (n = 10). A predominant OI phenotype and COL1A1 frameshift variants are present in 4/5 cases with potential OIEDS1. On the other hand, 9/10 potential OIEDS2 cases have a predominant EDS phenotype, including four with an initial diagnosis of hypermobile EDS (hEDS). An additional case with a predominant EDS phenotype had a COL1A1 arginine‐to‐cysteine variant that was originally misclassified as a variant of uncertain significance despite this type of variant being associated with classical EDS with vascular fragility. Vascular/arterial fragility was observed in 4/15 individuals (including one individual with an original diagnosis of hEDS), which underscores the unique clinical surveillance and management needs in these patients. In comparison to previously described OIEDS1/2, we observed differentiating features that should be considered to refine currently proposed criteria for genetic testing in OIEDS, which will be beneficial for diagnosis and management. Additionally, these results highlight the importance of gene‐specific knowledge for informed variant classification and point to a potential genetic resolution (COL1A2) for some cases of clinically diagnosed hEDS.
Variation in human functional eccrine gland density and its implications for the evolution of human sweating
Authors: Best Andrew W. , Lieberman Daniel E. , Gerson Alexander R. , Holt Brigitte M. , Kamilar Jason M.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We aim to test three questions regarding human eccrine sweat gland density, which is highly derived yet poorly understood. First, is variation in functional eccrine gland density (“FED”) explained by childhood climate, suggesting phenotypic plasticity? Second, is variation in FED explained by genetic similarity (a proxy for “geographic ancestry”), implying divergent evolutionary pathways in this trait of ancestral populations? Third, what is the relationship between FED and sweat production?

Materials and Methods

To test questions one and two, we measured FED in 68 volunteers aged 18–39 with varied childhood climate regimes and geographic ancestries. To test question three, we compared sweat production to FED in our n = 68 sample. In addition, we examined the relationship between FED and whole‐body sweat loss during cycling in warm conditions using a sample of eight heat‐acclimated endurance athletes.

Results

Interindividual variation in six‐site FED was more than twofold, ranging from 60.9 to 132.7 glands/cm2. Variation in FED was best explained by body surface area and limb circumferences (negative associations) and poorly explained by childhood climatic conditions and genetic similarity. Pilocarpine‐induced sweat production was unrelated to FED while whole‐body sweat loss during cycling was significantly, though modestly, associated with FED.

Discussion

We hypothesize that gland‐level phenotypic plasticity, rather than changes in eccrine gland density, was sufficient to permit thermal adaptation to novel environments as humans colonized the globe. Future research should measure effects of FED in dehydrated states and the relationship between FED and salt loss, and control for effects of microclimate to rule out phenotypic plasticity effects.
Genetic propensity for cerebral amyloidosis and risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease within a cognitive reserve framework
Authors: Mourtzi Niki , Charisis Sokratis , Tsapanou Angeliki , Ntanasi Eva , Hatzimanolis Alexandros , Ramirez Alfredo , Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Grenier‐Boley Benjamin , Lambert Jean‐Charles , Yannakoulia Mary , Kosmidis Mary , Dardiotis Efthimios , Hadjigeorgiou Georgiios , Sakka Paraskevi , Georgakis Marios , Yaakov Stern , Scarmeas Nikolaos
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION

We constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) for β‐amyloid (PRSAβ42) to proxy AD pathology and investigated its association with incident Alzheimer's disease (AD)/amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and the influence of cognitive reserve (CR), proxied by educational years, on the relationship between PRSAβ42 and AD/aMCI risk.

METHODS

A total of 618 cognitive‐normal participants were followed‐up for 2.92 years. The association of PRSAβ42 and CR with AD/aMCI incidence was examined with COX models. Then we examined the additive interaction between PRSAβ42 and CR and the CR effect across participants with different PRSAβ42 levels.

RESULTS

Higher PRSAβ42 and CR were associated with a 33.9% higher risk and 8.3% less risk for AD/aMCI, respectively. An additive interaction between PRSAβ42 and CR was observed. High CR was associated with 62.6% less risk of AD/aMCI incidence only in the high‐PRSAβ42 group.

DISCUSSION

A super‐additive effect of PRSAβ42 and CR on AD/aMCI risk was observed. CR influence was evident in participants with high PRSAβ42.
Vacuum Rabi Splitting and Kerr Effect of a Hybrid Spin–Magnon–Photon System
Authors: Liao Qinghong , Qiu Haiyan , Zou Chen , Song Menglin
Published: March 2023

The vacuum Rabi splitting and Kerr effect are investigated theoretically in a hybrid spin–magnon–photon system, where the nitrogen‐vacancy center in diamond driven by two light fields is coupled to a spherical micromagnet embedded in a superconducting coplanar waveguide resonator. The results indicate that the phenomenon of the Mollow triplet and vacuum Rabi splitting can appear by controlling the spin–magnon coupling and magnon–photon coupling. It is shown that the probe absorption spectrum can be adjusted effectively via the pump frequency detuning. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the optical Kerr effect can be tuned by changing the Rabi frequency. This work may provide a possibility for the applications in quantum information processing and quantum sensing of magnetic signal.
Measurement‐Based Hyperentanglement Distillation for Lossy and Distortion Photon State
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Zheng , Yu Chang‐Qi , Yuan Rui‐Yang , Du Fang‐Fang , Ren Bao‐Cang
Published: March 2023

The information content of a photon system can be extended by hyperentanglement, but the quality of hyperentanglement will be decreased by the complicated transmission loss and channel noise in quantum information processing. Here, an efficient measurement‐based hyperentanglement distillation protocol (MB‐HDP) is presented for depressing the effects of complicated transmission loss and channel noise on hyperentanglement. In the MB‐HDP, the nonlocal lossy and distortion photon states are coupled to local hyperentangled Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) states using parity measurement and qubit amplification device, and the decoherence caused by bit‐flip (phase‐flip) error, diverse transmission coefficients and transmission loss can be depressed by the successful measurement results, which can increase the quality of nonlocal hyperentangled photon state. This MB‐HDP broadens the application scope of hyperentanglement distillation to nonlocal lossy and distortion photon state with a lower degree of entanglement. In addition, the MB‐HDP can further improve the quality of nonlocal hyperentangled photon state by coupling multiple copies of lossy and distortion hyperentangled photon state with local hyperentangled GHZ states. This work demonstrates the ability of measurement‐based method for ensuring the quality of nonlocal hyperentanglement, which can improve the integrity and capacity of long‐distance quantum information processing.
Phytonutrient content and oil quality of selected edible oils upon twelve months storage
Authors: Teh Soek Sin , Lau Harrison Lik Nang
Published: March 2023

Edible oils contain naturally occurring phytonutrients and therefore exhibit numerous beneficial health effects. However, the phytonutrients tend to degrade in different extent with storage duration and temperature. In this study, the impact of storage conditions on the stability of phytonutrients, including vitamin E, carotenoid, phytosterols and squalene, and oil quality, including free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), and oxidative stability index (OSI) of red palm‐pressed mesocarp olein, palm olein, extra virgin olive oil, and sunflower oil were investigated. The oils were stored in three conditions, 23°C (with light and without light) and 35°C (without light). Results showed that the retention percentages of phytonutrients where in the range of 0%–100% for vitamin E, 51.24%–83.63% for carotenoid, 83.40%–100% for phytosterols and 27.94%–100% for squalene. Pearson correlation analysis between phytonutrients and oil quality of oils in different storage conditions showed that correlation coefficient values (r) were in the range of −1 to 0 for FFA, −1 to 0.22 for PV, −1 to 0.33 for AV, and −0.23 to 1 for OSI, implying that correlations between both variables are not in same direction. Degradation studies of phytonutrients using zero‐order kinetic model where optimum‐case conditions exhibited highest half‐life (t1/2) among the three conditions. In conclusion, storage conditions and synergistic effect affected the phytonutrients stability in the oils and oil quality in different extent. In general, storage at ambient temperature and dark condition contributed to the best phytonutrients retention and oil quality.
Concise Synthesis of Molecular Hyperboloids by Oligomeric Macrocyclization of Octagonal Molecules
Authors: Ikemoto Koki , Nagata Daiya , Matsuno Taisuke , Isobe Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Molecular hyperboloids were designed and synthesized. The synthesis was achieved by development of oligomeric macrocyclization of an octagonal molecule with a saddle shape. The saddle‐shaped molecule, that is, [8]cyclo‐meta‐phenylene ([8]CMP), was decorated with two linkers for the oligomeric macrocyclization and was synthetically assembled by Ni‐mediated Yamamoto coupling. Three congeners of the molecular hyperboloids (2mer‐4mer) were obtained, and 2mer and 3mer were subjected to X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Crystal structures revealed nanometer‐sized hyperboloidal structures with 96π and 144π electrons, which also possessed nanopores on the curved molecular structures. Structures of [8]CMP cores of the molecular hyperboloids were compared with those of saddle‐shaped phenine [8]circulene with a negative Gauss curvature to confirm their structural resemblance, which suggests further explorations of expanded networks of molecular hyperboloids.
Anticancer Screening of Ru(II) Photoredox Catalysts at Single Cancer Cell Level
Authors: Fan Zhongxian , Xie Jiaen , Kushwaha Rajesh , Liang Shaoxia , Li Wenqing , Mandal Arif Ali , Wei Li , Banerjee Samya , Huang Huaiyi
Published: March 2023

The rapid efflux of Pt‐based chemotherapeutics by cancer cells is one of the major causes of drug resistance in clinically available drugs. Therefore, both the high cellular uptake as well as adequate retention efficiency of an anticancer agent are important factors to overcome drug resistance. Unfortunately, rapid and efficient quantification of metallic drug concentration in individual cancer cells still remains a tricky problem. Herein, with the help of newly developed single cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SC‐ICP‐MS), we have found that the well‐known Ru(II)‐based complex, Ru3, displayed remarkable intracellular uptake and retention efficiency in every single cancer cell with high photocatalytic therapeutic activity to overcome cisplatin resistance. Moreover, Ru3 has shown sensational photocatalytic anticancer properties with excellent in‐vitro and in‐vivo biocompatibility under light exposure.
Fully distributed optimization of second‐order systems with disturbances based on event‐triggered control
Authors: Xu Mengyang , Li Mingxing , Hao Fei
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the distributed optimization problem of second‐order multiagent systems containing external disturbances. To reject the external disturbances and lead agents' states to converge to the optimal consensus point, an adaptive event‐triggered controller is proposed based on the internal model principle. With the adaptive mechanism, both the controller and the event‐triggering condition do not contain the parameters related to global information, such as the maximum Lipschitz constant and the minimum strongly convex constant of local cost functions, and hence the event‐triggered controller is fully distributed. By utilizing the event‐triggered scheme, the consumption of communication among neighbors and the computing resources are saved. Furthermore, with the Lyapunov analysis framework, the optimal consensus can be proved to achieve and Zeno behavior is excluded from the event‐triggering condition. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed protocol is verified by numerical simulations.
The Biggest Opportunity for Boards: Say Goodbye to Traditional DEI Strategies
Authors: Brown Coco
Published: March 2023

Coco Brown is founder and CEO of Athena Alliance. In this article, she explores how traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are not helping to create genuinely diverse boards.
Role of the amygdala‐medial orbitofrontal relationship in odor recognition in the elderly
Authors: Sakikawa Kei , Masaoka Yuri , Honma Motoyasu , Yoshikawa Akira , Yoshida Masaki , Kamimura Sawa , Ida Masahiro , Kobayashi Hitome , Izumizaki Masahiko
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In patients with mild cognitive impairment, pathological changes begin in the amygdala (AMG) and hippocampus (HI), especially in the parahippocampal gyrus and entorhinal cortex (ENT). These areas play an important role in olfactory detection and recognition. It is important to understand how subtle signs of olfactory disability relate to the functions of the above‐mentioned regions, as well as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). In this study, we evaluated brain activation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), performed during the presentation of olfactory stimuli (classified as “normal odors” not inducing memory retrieval), and investigated the relationships of the blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal with olfactory detection and recognition abilities in healthy elderly subjects.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy elderly subjects underwent fMRI during olfaction, and raw mean BOLD signals were extracted from regions of interest, including bilateral regions (AMG, HI, parahippocampus, and ENT) and orbitofrontal subregions (frontal inferior OFC, frontal medial OFC, frontal middle OFC, and frontal superior OFC). Multiple regression and path analyses were conducted to understand the roles of these areas in olfactory detection and recognition.

Results

Activation of the left AMG had the greatest impact on olfactory detection and recognition, while the ENT, parahippocampus, and HI acted as a support system for AMG activation. Less activation of the right frontal medial OFC was associated with good olfactory recognition. These findings improve our understanding of the roles of limbic and prefrontal regions in olfactory awareness and identification in elderly individuals.

Conclusion

Functional decline of the ENT and parahippocampus crucially impacts olfactory recognition. However, AMG function may compensate for deficits through connections with frontal regions.
Subpoenas and the new registrar, Part 2
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: March 2023

In last month's column, I began describing my somewhat harrowing experience of when I received my first FERPA subpoena in 1976. I admitted I didn't know what to do. But I learned quickly with the help of an attorney who was an instructor at my university. Essentially, the subpoena demanded I provide a student's academic record within a week of receiving the subpoena.
Did court dismiss professor's claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2023

A University of California, San Diego professor inadvertently sent an email containing pornographic images to an undergraduate student. He allegedly intended to send the email to another person. The student was reportedly distressed at receiving the email. She experienced anxiety, which required medical treatment. She had also planned to take a summer course with the professor but decided not to after receiving the email.
Not just apologizing: The impact of complaint handling on sustained participation behavior in live‐streaming shopping
Authors: Zhang Wenkun , Wang Yanan
Published: March 2023

In a live‐streaming shopping community, the quality of complaint handling may significantly influence relationship recovery between the consumer and retailer (or streamer) following service failures. Despite the significant progress made in previous works, there are still research gaps in the study of customer complaint handling and customers' post‐behavior. Therefore, this study introduced the important variable “swift‐guanxi” (SG) to explore the relationship between complaint handling and the sustained participation of customers. Data were collected through both online and offline methods. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the relevant hypotheses. The results from assessing these data indicate that the factors of conversational human voice (CHV), reply length (RL) and perceived justice (PJ) all exert a significant influence on SG, which in turn affects the sustained participation behavior (SPB) of customers. In addition, complaint publicization (CP) has a negative impact on this behavior.
Rationalizing the Optimization of Detergents for Membrane Protein Purification
Authors: Urner Leonhard H. , Junge Florian , Fiorentino Francesco , El‐Baba Tarick J. , Shutin Denis , Nölte Gideon , Haag Rainer , Robinson Carol V.
Published: March 2023

Membrane protein purification by means of detergents is key to isolating membrane‐bound therapeutic targets. The role of the detergent structure in this process, however, is not well understood. Detergents are optimized empirically, leading to failed preparations, and thereby raising costs. Here we evaluate the utility of the hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB) concept, which was introduced by Griffin in 1949, for guiding the optimization of the hydrophobic tail in first‐generation, dendritic oligoglycerol detergents ([G1] OGDs). Our findings deliver qualitative HLB guidelines for rationalizing the optimization of detergents. Moreover, [G1] OGDs exhibit strongly delipidating properties, regardless of the structure of the hydrophobic tail, which delivers a methodological enabling step for investigating binding strengths of endogenous lipids and their role for membrane protein oligomerization. Our findings will facilitate the analysis of challenging drug targets in the future.
Structural Requirements of a Glycolipid MPIase for Membrane Protein Integration
Authors: Fujikawa Kohki , Han Youjung , Osawa Tsukiho , Mori Shoko , Nomura Kaoru , Muramoto Maki , Nishiyama Ken‐ichi , Shimamoto Keiko
Published: March 2023

MPIase is a glycolipid involved in membrane protein integration in the inner membrane of Escherichia coli. To overcome the trace amounts and heterogeneity of natural MPIase, we systematically synthesized MPIase analogs. Structure‐activity relationship studies revealed the contribution of distinctive functional groups and the effect of the MPIase glycan length on membrane protein integration activity. In addition, both the synergistic effects of these analogs with the membrane chaperone/insertase YidC, and the chaperone‐like activity of the phosphorylated glycan were observed. These results verified the translocon‐independent membrane integration mechanism in the inner membrane of E. coli, in which MPIase captures the highly hydrophobic nascent proteins via its characteristic functional groups, prevents protein aggregation, attracts the proteins to the membrane surface, and delivers them to YidC in order to regenerate its own integration activity.
Liquid‐Liquid Extraction of Caproic and Caprylic Acid: Solvent Properties and pH
Authors: Yuan Bomin , Braune Maria , Gröngröft Arne
Published: March 2023

Caproic acid (C6) and caprylic acid (C8) can be produced during anaerobic fermentation via chain elongation processes. This study focused on the selective recovery of C6 and C8 from a fermentation broth with liquid‐liquid extraction. Eight solvents, including alcohols, esters, an organophosphorus compound, and an amine, were evaluated based on their extraction efficiency and selectivity for C6 and C8. The highest extraction efficiency of C6 (46 %) and C8 (93 %) at pH 6.0 was achieved by 1‐octanol. Oleyl alcohol, 1‐decanol, and 1‐octanol had the highest selectivity for C6 and C8.
Association between lipoprotein(a) and peripheral arterial disease in coronary artery bypass grafting patients
Authors: Yi Cheng , Junyi Gao , Fengju Liu , Qing Zhao , Jie Chen
Published: March 2023

Objective

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects a large population and is associated with various adverse clinical outcomes. Lipoprotein(a) has proatherogenic properties and is associated with PAD incidence and severity. The aim of this study is to explore the association between LP(a) and PAD in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.

Methods

A total of 1001 patients were included and divided into two groups: low Lp(a) group [LP(a) < 30 mg/dL] and high Lp(a) group [LP(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL]. A comparison of PAD incidence diagnosed by ultrasound was made between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the risk factors for PAD. During the analysis, the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and gender on LP(a) serum level was taken into consideration.

Results

DM history (odds ratio [OR], 2.330, p = .000 for males; OR, 2.499, p = .002 for females) and age (OR, 1.101, p = .000 for males; OR, 1.071, p = .001 for females) were risk factors for PAD. LP(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL was a risk factor for PAD only in female patients (OR, 2.589, p = .003), while smoking history was a risk factor only in male patients (OR, 1.928, p = .000). LP(a) level was not associated with PAD severity in DM patients of both gender. As for female patients without DM, PAD was more severe in the high LP(a) group.

Conclusions

In CABG patients, DM history and age were risk factors for PAD. But a high level of LP(a) was a significant risk factor only in female patients. In addition, we are the first to propose a gender deviation in the correlation between LP(a) serum level and severity of PAD diagnosed by ultrasound.
Double Hook Perylene Diimide as a New Receptor for PAHs: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Rodríguez‐Uribe Nadia Alejandra , Contreras‐Martínez Rodrigo , Jaime‐Adán Everardo , García‐Betancourt María Luisa , Bernal‐Uruchurtu Margarita I. , Godoy‐Alcántar Carolina
Published: March 2023

In a one‐step reaction, we prepared a dibenzylamine perylene diimide derivative (PDI). Its double hook structure allows for self‐association with a constant of Kd ∼108 M−1 determined by fluorescence. We confirmed its ability to bind PAHs using UV/Vis, fluorescence, and 1H NMR titrations in CHCl3. The complex formation signature in UV/vis is a new band at 567 nm. The calculated binding constants (Ka∼104 M−1) follow the trend pyrene>perylene>phenanthrene>naphthalene>anthracene. Theoretical modeling of these systems using DFT ωB97X‐D/6‐311G(d,p) proved helpful in rationalizing the complex formation and the observed association trend. The distinctive signal in UV/vis is due to a charge transfer in the complex from orbitals in the guest to the host. SAPT(DFT) confirmed that the driving forces in the complex formation are exchange and dispersion (π–π interactions). Still, the recognition ability depends on the electrostatic component of the interaction, a minor fraction.
Effects of Various Valence Ions on an Aqueous Rechargeable Zn//Polyaniline‐coated ZnMn2O4 Battery
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Yu Xia , Lv Rongguan , Han Mei , Chang Yingna , Zhao Zhiyuan , Sun Yuzhen , Hoang Tuan K. A. , Xing Rong
Published: March 2023

Zinc corrosion and dendrite formation are the main issues which impede the performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) after certain times. In this work, we systematically investigated the effects of three different valence ions (e. g., Na+, Mg2+, Al3+) as electrolyte additives on the suppression of zinc corrosion and the inhibition of dendrite growth. By combining experiments and theoretical calculations, it has been found that the existence of Na+ ions effectively suppressing the zinc dendrite growth because Na+ possessess high adsorption energy approximately −0.39 eV. Moreover, Na+ ions could lengthen the zinc dendrite formation duration up to 500 h. On the other hand, the PANI/ZMO cathode materials showed the small band gap approximately 0.097 eV, signifying that the PANI/ZMO possessed the semiconductor characteristics. Furthermore, an assembled Zn//PANI/ZMO/GNP full battery using Na+ ions as electrolyte additive displayed capacity retention of 90.2 % after 500 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, whereas the capacity retention of the control battery using pure ZnSO4 electrolyte was only 58.2 %. This work could provide a reference for the selection of electrolyte additives in future batteries.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pleuromutilin derivatives containing 1,2,4‐triazole linker
Authors: Zhou Zi‐Dan , Hu Yu‐Han , Wang Qi , Xu Heng , Xi Gao‐Lei , Liu Yan , Gu Liang , Jin Zhen , Tang You‐Zhi
Published: March 2023

A series of thioether pleuromutilin derivatives containing 1,2,4‐triazole on the side chain of C14 were designed and synthesized. The in vitro antibacterial activities experiments of the synthesized derivatives showed that compounds 72 and 73 displayed superior in vitro antibacterial effect against MRSA minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC = 0.0625 μg/mL) than tiamulin (MIC = 0.5 μg/mL). The results of time‐kill study and postantibiotic effect study indicated that compound 72 could inhibit the growth of MRSA quickly (−2.16 log10 CFU/mL) and showed certain postantibiotic effect (PAE) time (exposure to 2 × MIC and 4 × MIC for 2 h, the PAE was 1.30 and 1.35 h) against MRSA. Furthermore, the binding mode between compound 72 and 50S ribosome of MRSA was explored by molecular docking and five hydrogen bonds were formed between compound 72 and 50S ribosome.
Observation of a rapid lake‐drainage event in the Arctic: Set‐up and trigger mechanisms, outburst flood behaviour, and broader fluvial impacts
Authors: Arp Christopher D. , Drew Katie A. , Bondurant Allen C.
Published: March 2023

Lakes set in arctic permafrost landscapes can be susceptible to rapid drainage and downstream flood generation. Of many thousands of lakes in northern Alaska, hundreds have been identified as having high drainage potential directly to river systems and 18 such drainage events have been documented since 1955. In 2018 we began monitoring a large lake with high drainage potential as part of a long‐term hydrological observation network designed to evaluate impacts of land use and climate change. In early June 2022, surface water was observed flowing over a 30‐m wide bluff, with active headward erosion of ice‐rich permafrost soils apparent by late June. This overflow point breached rapidly in early July, draining almost the entire lake within 12 h and generating a 191 m3/s flood to a downstream creek. Water level and turbidity sensors and time‐lapse cameras captured this rapid lake‐drainage event at high resolution. A wind‐driven surface seiche and warming waters following ice‐out helped trigger the initial thermomechanical breach. We estimate at least 600 MT of lake sediment was eroded, mobilized, and transported downstream. A flood wave peaking at 42 m3/s arrived 14 h after the initial breach at a river gauge 9‐km downstream. Comparing this event with three other quantified arctic lake‐drainage floods suggests that lake surface area coupled with drainage gradient height can predict outburst flood magnitude. Using this relationship we estimated future flood hazards from the 146 lakes in the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska (ACP) with high drainage potential, of which 20% are expected to generate outburst floods exceeding 100 m3/s to downstream rivers. This fortunate and detailed drainage‐event observation adds to a growing body of research on the impact of lakes on arctic hydrology, hazard forecasting in a region with an increasing human footprint, and broader processes of landscape evolution in arctic lowlands.