bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mice lacking triglyceride synthesis enzymes in adipose tissue are resistant to diet-induced obesity
Authors: Chitraju Chandramohan , Fischer Alexander W. , Ambaw Yohannes A. , Wang Kun , Yuan Bo , Hui Sheng , Walther Tobias C. , Farese Robert V.
Published: May 2023

Triglycerides (TG) in adipocytes provide the major stores of metabolic energy in the body. Optimal amounts of TG stores are desirable as insufficient capacity to store TG, as in lipodystrophy, or exceeding the capacity for storage, as in obesity, results in metabolic disease. We hypothesized that mice lacking TG storage in adipocytes would result in excess TG storage in cell types other than adipocytes and severe lipotoxicity accompanied by metabolic disease. To test this hypothesis, we selectively deleted both TG-synthesis enzymes, DGAT1 and DGAT2, in adipocytes (ADGAT DKO mice). As expected with depleted energy stores, ADGAT DKO mice did not tolerate fasting well and, with prolonged fasting, entered torpor. However, ADGAT DKO mice were unexpectedly otherwise metabolically healthy and did not accumulate TGs ectopically or develop associated metabolic perturbations, even when fed a high-fat diet. The favorable metabolic phenotype resulted from activation of energy expenditure, in part via BAT activation and beiging of white adipose tissue. Thus, the ADGAT DKO mice provide a fascinating new model to study the coupling of metabolic energy storage to energy expenditure.
Current environmental status of the oyster farms on Lake Kamo in Japan; viral control of the harmful bloom of Heterocapsa circularisquama
Authors: Nakayama Natsuko , Kitatsuji Saho , Hamaguchi Masami
Published: May 2023

Lake Kamo is an enclosed, low-inflow estuary connected to the open sea that is famous for oyster farming in Japan. In the fall of 2009, this lake experienced its first bloom of the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama, which selectively kills bivalve mollusks. This species has been detected exclusively in southwestern Japan. The completely unexpected outbreak of H. circularisquama in the northern region is believed to have been caused by the contamination of purchased seedlings with this species. The water quality and nutrient data collected by our group from July through October over the past 10 years revealed that the environment of Lake Kamo has not changed significantly. However, in the open water around Sado Island, where Lake Kamo is located, the water temperature has increased by 1.80 °C in the last 100 years, which is equivalent to 2–3-fold the world average. This has resulted in a rise in the sea level, which is expected to further deteriorate the water exchange between Lake Kamo and the open sea and low dissolved oxygen in the bottom layer of the Lake and the associated dissolution of nutrients from the bottom sediment. Therefore, seawater exchange has become insufficient and the lake has become nutrient rich, making it prone to the establishment of microorganisms, such as H. circularisquama, once they have been introduced. We developed a method to mitigate the damage caused by the bloom by spraying sediments containing the H. circularisquama RNA virus (HcRNAV), which infects H. circularisquama. After ∼10 years of performing various verification tests, including field trials, this method was used at the Lake in 2019. During the 2019 H. circularisquama growth season, a small amount of sediment containing HcRNAV was sprayed on the lake three times, which resulted in a decrease in H. circularisquama and an increase in HcRNAV, indicating that this method is effective in diminishing the bloom.
Kekveus brevisulcatus sp. nov., a new featherwing beetle from mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)
Authors: Li Yan-Da , Yamamoto Shûhei , Newton Alfred F. , Cai Chen-Yang
Published: May 2023

Ptiliidae (featherwing beetles) is a group of minute staphylinoid beetles with a scarce fossil record. Here a second member of the Mesozoic genus Kekveus Yamamoto et al. is reported from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, with detailed morphology obtained through confocal microscopy. Kekveus brevisulcatus Li, Yamamoto, Newton & Cai sp. nov. shares with K. jason Yamamoto et al. the unpaired medial pronotal fovea and narrowly separated transverse metacoxae, but can be separated from the latter based on its less elongate body, shorter pronotal foveae, and much weaker transverse depression on the head. Our phylogenetic analyses support the discheramocephalin affinity of Kekveus, although its relationship with other members of Discheramocephalini cannot be confidently resolved.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes protect podocytes from HBx-induced ferroptosis
Authors: Yang Xiaoqian , Yu Yani , Li Baoshuang , Chen Yueqi , Feng Moxuan , Hu Yongzheng , Jiang Wei
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) is a common secondary kidney disease in China, the pathogenesis of which is not completely clear, and there is still a lack of effective treatment.

Methods

The mechanism of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was investigated by using HBx-transfected human renal podocytes. Cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay. Iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were detected by using commercial kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of ferroptosis related molecules was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The effect of miR-223-3p transferred by BMSC-derived exosomes on HBx-overexpressing podocytes was proved by using miR-223-3p inhibitor.

Results

The cell viability of podocytes reduced at 72 h or 96 h after the transfection of lentivirus overexpressing HBx protein (p < 0.05). Ferroptosis-related proteins, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) were down-regulated upon HBx overexpression, while acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was up-regulated (p < 0.05). Intracellular levels of iron, MDA, and ROS were also enhanced (p < 0.05). BMSC-derived exosomes protected against ferroptosis induced by HBx overexpression in podocytes. miR-223-3p was enriched in BMSC-derived exosomes. Application of miR-223-3p inhibitor reversed the protective effect of BMSC-derived exosomes on HBx-induced ferroptosis in podocytes.

Conclusion

BMSC-derived exosomes inhibit HBx-induced podocyte ferroptosis by transferring miR-223-3p.
Boas práticas de gestão de projetos públicos: a projetização de uma unidade administrativa de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior
Authors: Leal Leonardo Carréra Campos , Ceolin Alessandra Carla , Correia Neto Jorge da Silva
Published: May 2023

A administração pública vem passando por mudanças para viabilizar serviços públicos com maior qualidade para a sociedade. Nesse contexto, a inserção da gestão de projetos em âmbito público é fundamental para garantir maior eficácia e eficiência à gestão pública. O objetivo desta pesquisa, baseado em levantamento bibliográfico e estudo de caso, é identificar na literatura o que são consideradas boas práticas, melhores práticas ou fatores críticos de sucesso no que se refere à gestão de projetos públicos. Além disso, o estudo também se dispõe a analisar atividades realizadas por uma unidade administrativa de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior (IFES) para identificar quais dessas atividades podem ser entendidas como um projeto e assim sugerir, considerando o que foi observado na literatura, o que poderia ser implementado para melhorar o desempenho dessa unidade administrativa. A análise dos resultados revelou que as boas práticas identificadas na literatura poderiam ser aplicadas na unidade administrativa estudada para diminuir os gargalos identificados. Há evidente relação entre as dificuldades relatadas pelos servidores da IFES e as boas práticas elencadas na literatura. Assim, a implementação de tais práticas poderia resultar em maior eficácia e eficiência para a administração pública. Destaca-se entre os gargalos a falta de padronização, a falta de acompanhamento da execução e a dificuldade de comunicação. Já, entre as boas práticas, salienta-se o apoio da alta gestão; acompanhar, monitorar e controlar a execução do projeto; promover comunicação eficaz e eficiente; incentivar a inovação. Novas oportunidades de pesquisa são sugeridas.
Uncovering Administration Challenges Faced by Female Social Sciences Heads of Department in Selected Secondary Schools of Lusaka Urban District in Zambia
Authors: Moomba Ireen , Mulubale Sanny , Mundando Janet , Munkoyo Delina Nanjekana , Kaumba Chivunda
Published: May 2023

Managing a school department should be tilted towards achieving set goals and creating value for the education system. There seems to be poor performance in social sciences departments that are headed by females in secondary schools. This inefficiency at departmental levels has negative impact on the overall performance of schools. Therefore, the aim of this study is to unearth issues related to management of social sciences departments by female heads in some secondary schools in Zambia. The study followed a descriptive research design to generate evidence on experiences of female headed social sciences departments in some secondary schools. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews from a total sample of 25 participants. The data was analysed using a thematic approach with elements of comparative analysis especially across the gender spectrum. The findings show that subject loads, constrained resources especially teaching aids, managing high numbers of staff in the departments as well as teacher absenteeism were main challenges faced. It was also found that the high rate of permission, to be out of school, seeking behaviours to stay away from work by some teachers compromised teaching thereby testing the leadership of these female heads. Additionally, the limited office space or lack of adequate infrastructure for operations such lesson plan preparations hampered effective management of social science department. Therefore, the study concluded that challenges experienced by female social sciences heads of department are both structural and material. It is recommended here that the Ministry of Education should increase funding in social sciences departments as they represent the largest in schools. Also, the school administrators to be organizing and offering periodic training to the Heads of departments in various subject areas on their roles so as to get acquitted with new changes in the school system.
Biosecurity in Fish Farming: Implementation of the HACCP System at the Djissoumakö Fish Farming Centre - Urban Commune of Siguiri, Guinea
Authors: Thea Berthin , Kaba Odia Mamady , Camara Aboubacar Mabinty , Soromou Lanan Wassy , Merzouki Mohamed , Tolno Sâa André , Haba Lucie , Magassouba Lancine , Bangoura Facinet
Published: May 2023

This study was carried out from 10 January to 20 February 2022 in the urban and peri-urban area of Siguiri and aimed to learn about the application of biosecurity measures in some fish farms in Siguiri. To this end, 6 fish farms were surveyed on the basis of a targeted sampling based on the criteria of accessibility, cooperation of fish farmers and the functional state of these farms, and 20 biosecurity variables were taken in to account.

Of all the fish farms surveyed, only one (1) farm applied biosecurity measures, i.e. 15%, and the other five (5) saidtheyhad no knowledge of biosecurity, i.e. 85%. 

In conclusion, the knowledge and application of biosecurity measures could undoubtedly help prevent diseases in fish farms, event houghthey are rare, and improve the productivity of fish farmers.
Effect of Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum)
Authors: Maheshwari Boppani , Mehera Biswarup , Kumar Prateek , Mondal Sovan
Published: May 2023

The field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2022, at crop research farm of Department of Agronomy at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj in North Eastern plains of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The soil of the experiment plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.82%), available N (291.24 kg/ha), available P (32.85 kg/ha) and available K (264.78 kg/ha). The treatments included three sources (Zinc), (Boron), (Iron) levels and one control plot, respectively. Randomized block design comprising of 9 treatments with different combination of zinc, boron along with iron which are replicated thrice and T9 is control. The experimental results revealed that application of Zinc 100 ppm + Boron 100 ppm + iron 100 ppm recorded maximum plant height (114.80 cm), Plant dry weight (16.29 g/plant), number of capsules per plant (43.77), Seeds/capsules (69.73), Seed yield (1.10 t/ha), Stover yield (2.45 t/ha).
Effect of Different Concentrations of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA), Seaweed Extract and Phloroglucinol on Air Layering in Kinnow
Authors: Naveen Kamatala , Bahadur Vijay , Joseph Annjoe V. , Achanta Manoj
Published: May 2023

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the best treatment combination among IBA, Seaweed Extract and Phloroglucinol concentration for assesing the success rate, survival percentage of Kinnow. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Design having 12 treatments and replicated 3 times. The T7 IBA@2000ppm+Phloroglucinol@5000ppm recorded highest values in terms of success in rooting percentage (73.67), number of days taken for initial root formation (28.44), root length of layers (7.30cm),  number of roots per layering (20.44), root thickness (3.70mm), number of new sprouts per layer (6.56-1MAP, 8.89-2MAP, 8.56-3MAP & 8.00-4MAP), number of new leaves per layer (6.67-1MAP, 10.56-2MAP, 7.09-3MAP & 12.78-4MAP), length of new shoots (4.26cm-1MAP, 5.23cm-2MAP, 7.09cm-3MAP & 9.94cm-4MAP) and survival percentage of rooted polybag transplanted air layers (68.66%) respectively in Kinnow, whereas minimum values were recorded in T6 (IBA@3000ppm + SWE@5000ppm).
Trends in the Prevalence of Functional Limitations Among US Cancer Survivors, 1999-2018
Authors: Patel Vishal R. , Hussaini S. M. Qasim , Blaes Anne H. , Morgans Alicia K. , Haynes Alex B. , Adamson Adewole S. , Gupta Arjun
Published: May 2023

This cross-sectional study examines trends in the prevalence of functional limitation in cancer survivors using data from the National Health Interview Survey.
Chronic Purulent Conjunctivitis Associated With Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fowler Teresa E. , Bloomquist Ryan F. , Sakhalkar Monali V. , Bloomquist Doan Tam
Published: May 2023

This case report describes a patient with a chronic urinary tract infection whose long-term treatment for right eye redness, discharge, pain, and decreased vision ultimately led to hospitalization and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Diacylglycerol kinase ζ interacts with sphingomyelin synthase 1 and sphingomyelin synthase‐related protein via different regions
Authors: Furuta Masataka , Murakami Chiaki , Numagami Yuki , Suzuki Rika , Sakane Fumio
Published: May 2023

We previously reported that diacylglycerol (DG) kinase (DGK) δ interacts with DG‐generating sphingomyelin synthase (SMS)‐related protein (SMSr), but not SMS1 or SMS2, via their sterile α motif domains (SAMDs). However, it remains unclear whether other DGK isozymes interact with SMSs. Here, we found that DGKζ, which does not contain SAMD, interacts with SMSr and SMS1, but not SMS2. Deletion mutant analyses demonstrated that SAMD in the N‐terminal cytosolic region of SMSr binds to the N‐terminal half catalytic domain of DGKζ. However, the C‐terminal cytosolic region of SMS1 interacts with the catalytic domain of DGKζ. Taken together, these results indicate that DGKζ associates with SMSr and SMS1 in different manners and suggest that they compose new DG signaling pathways.
Exceptional Spin‐to‐Charge Conversion in Selective Band Topology of Bi/Bi1‐xSbx with Spintronic Singularity
Authors: Rho Seungwon , Park Hanbum , Park Jeehong , Jeong Kwangsik , Kim Hyeongmun , Hong Seok‐Bo , Kim Jonghoon , Lim Hyeon Wook , Yi Yeonjin , Kang Chul , Cho Mann‐Ho
Published: May 2023

In this study, spin‐to‐charge conversion (SCC) of various topological materials with ferromagnet is investigated using spintronic terahertz (THz) emission spectroscopy. Compared with other topological materials, significantly large THz emission is observed for topologically nontrivial phases of Bi1‐xSbx (x > 0.2) that predominantly originates from the topological surface state. When Bi is superposed above a certain stoichiometry of Bi1‐xSbx, it plays a crucial role in generating a highly spin‐split state and enhancing the spin‐mixing conductance, resulting in colossal THz emission. This proves that improving the SCC efficiency through interface engineering is a useful strategy to design a powerful spintronic device. Collectively, this study proposes a methodology for systematically analyzing SCC efficiency or spin Hall angle using THz emission spectroscopy and offers an efficient structure for future spintronic devices.
Weak Solvation Effect Enhancing Capacity and Rate Performance of Vanadium‐Based Calcium Ion Batteries: A Strategy Guided by Donor Number
Authors: Zeng Fanbin , Li Senlin , Hu Sanlue , Qiu Minling , Zhang Guobin , Li Meilin , Chang Caiyun , Wang Hongliang , Xu Minwei , Zheng Lirong , Tang Yongbing , Han Cuiping , Cheng Hui‐Ming
Published: May 2023

Calcium ion batteries (CIBs) are considered as an important candidate for post‐lithium energy storage devices due to their abundance of resources and low cost. However, CIBs still suffer from slow kinetics due to the large solvation structure and high desolvation energy of Ca2+ ions. Here, a solvation regulation strategy based on donor number (DN) is reported to achieve easy‐desolvation and rapid storage of Ca2+ in sodium vanadate (Na2V6O16·2H2O, NVO). Specially, the solvent with a low DN, represented by propylene carbonate (PC), forms the first solvation shell of calcium ions with weak binding energy and small shell structure, which facilitates the migration of Ca2+ in the electrolyte. More importantly, the low DN solvent is preferentially desolvated at the cathode/electrolyte interface, promoting the insertion of Ca2+ into the NVO electrode. Mechanism studies further confirm the highly reversible uptake/release of Ca2+ in the NVO cathode, along with the VO distance change in the coordination structure. Therefore, the NVO cathode achieves high capacity (376 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1) and high‐rate performance (151 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1). The weak solvation effect strategy further improves the electrochemical performance and provides great importance for the design of the long‐term development of CIBs.
Atomistic Insights into the Origin of High‐Performance Thermoelectric Response in Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Shi Wen , Yao Mingjia , Wu Xiaomei , Zhou Tingxia , Yong Xue , Deng Tianqi , Ma Huili , Xi Jinyang
Published: May 2023

Due to their tantalizing prospect of heat‐electricity interconversion, hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites have sparked considerable research interests recently. Nevertheless, understanding their complex interplay between the macroscopic properties, nonintuitive transport processes, and basic chemical structures still remains far from completion, although it plays a fundamental role in systematic materials development. On the basis of multiscale first‐principles calculations, this understanding is herein advanced by establishing a comprehensive picture consisting of atomic and charge dynamics. It is unveiled that the ultralow room‐temperature lattice thermal conductivity (≈0.20 W m−1 K−1) of hybrid perovskites is critical to their decent thermoelectric figure of merit (≈0.34), and such phonon‐glass behavior stems from not only the inherent softness but also the strong anharmonicity. It is identified that the 3D electrostatic interaction and hydrogen‐bonded networks between the PbI3− cage and embedded cations result in the strongly coupled motions of inorganic framework and cation, giving rise to their high degree of anharmonicity. Furthermore, such coupled motions bring about low‐frequency optical vibrational modes, which leads to the dominant role of electron scattering with optical phonons in charge transport. It is expected that these new atomistic‐level insights offer a standing point where the performance of thermoelectric perovskites can be further enhanced.
Characterizing atrazine, mesosulfuron‐methyl, and topramezone bioavailability in North Carolina soils using greenhouse bioassays
Authors: Ramanathan Shwetha S. , Gannon Travis W. , Locke Anna M. , Everman Wesley J.
Published: May 2023

Herbicide carryover injury to rotational crops can vary in severity depending on the influence of soil properties on herbicide bioavailability. Greenhouse bioassays were conducted with soybean, radish, and canola to evaluate differences in the bioavailability of three herbicides with carryover risk, atrazine, mesosulfuron‐methyl, and topramezone. Bioassays were conducted in three varying regional soil types with nine herbicide treatment rates including a control. Plant visual injury was evaluated weekly, and aboveground dry biomass was weighed after harvest of soybean 28 days after emergence (DAE) and radish and canola 21 DAE. A log‐logistic dose–response regression model was used to quantify herbicide‐effective concentrations for 30% (EC30), 50% (EC50), and 80% (EC80) visual injury and aboveground dry biomass reduction in each soil type. Relative herbicide‐soil bioavailability was determined through comparisons of herbicide‐effective concentrations among soil types. Pearson correlation revealed that atrazine, mesosulfuron‐methyl, and topramezone EC30 for all species were positively correlated to soil organic matter (OM) content (r = 0.56, 0.48, and 0.40, respectively) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) (r = 0.43, 0.41, and 0.45). Topramezone EC80 for soybean and radish was positively correlated to soil clay content (r = 0.51) and silt content (r = 0.51) and negatively correlated to sand content (r = −0.51) and pH (r = −0.52). Decreased atrazine, mesosulfuron‐methyl, and topramezone bioavailability in soil with high OM and CEC, decreased topramezone bioavailability in coarse‐textured soil and at high soil pH, and differential herbicide sensitivity of crop species can inform grower decisions on herbicide selections and rotational crop plans.
SOX2 pathogenic variants with normal eyes: Expanding the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Okoye Onochie , Capasso Jenina , Kopinsky Sarina M. , Amlie‐Wolf Louise , Levin Alex V. , Schneider Adele
Published: May 2023

SOX2 pathogenic variants, though rare, constitute the most commonly known genetic cause of clinical anophthalmia and microphthalmia. However, patients without major ocular malformation, but with multi‐system developmental disorders, have been reported, suggesting that the range of clinical phenotypes is broader than previously appreciated. We detail two patients with bilateral structurally normal eyes along with 11 other previously published patients. Our findings suggest that there is no obvious phenotypic or genotypic pattern that may help set apart patients with normal eyes. Our patients provide further evidence for broadening the phenotypic spectrum of SOX2 mutations and re‐appraising the designation of SOX2 disorder as an anophthalmia/microphthalmia syndrome. We emphasize the importance of considering SOX2 pathogenic variants in the differential diagnoses of individuals with normal eyes, who may have varying combinations of features such as developmental delay, urogenital abnormalities, gastro‐intestinal anomalies, pituitary dysfunction, midline structural anomalies, and complex movement disorders, seizures or other neurological issues.
Cyclization of an Achiral Flipping Panel to Homochiral Tubes Exhibiting Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Lin Mengdi , Bian Lifang , Chen Qing , Xu Houyang , Liu Zhichang , Zhu Kelong
Published: May 2023

Macrocyclization of the bendable 2,7‐dimethoxythianthrene with methylene linkages afforded a pair of homochiral macrocycles featuring a hex‐nut‐like geometry. Their structures were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Their stable planar chirality facilitates efficient resolution of the pair of enantiomers which could be readily derivatized. Installing phenylethynyl groups on their rims leads to luminescent tubular macrocycles exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence with a large dissymmetry value |glum| of 5×10−3. Supramolecular binding of electron‐deficient guests by the tube results in fluorescence quenching, which proved its potential for the future development of switchable chiroptical systems.
Oxidative Coupling Approach to Sarpagine Alkaloids: Total Synthesis of (−)‐Trinervine, Vellosimine, (+)‐Normacusine B, and (−)‐Alstomutinine C
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zhang Lei , Qi Xiangbing
Published: May 2023

Sarpagine alkaloids are bioactive indole natural products that contain a highly rigid indole‐fused 1‐azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, more than 100 members of which have been identified. Herein, a detailed examination of the intramolecular oxidative coupling between a ketone and a Weinreb amide for assembling the complex 1‐azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane core structure of sarpagine family alkaloids is described. Precise late‐stage manipulations of the ketone and Weinreb amide enable the divergent syntheses of (−)‐trinervine, (+)‐vellosimine, (+)‐normacusine B, and (−)‐alstomutinine C. Other notable transformations of the synthesis featured an aza‐Achmatowicz/indole cyclization cascade to generate the azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane structure, a regioselective elimination reaction to form the ethylidene motif embedded in the (+)‐vellosimine and (+)‐normacusine B structures, and a diastereoselective indole oxidative rearrangement to form the spirooxindole structure in (−)‐alstomutinine C.
Synthesis Strategies towards Tagged Homogeneous Catalysts To Improve Their Separation
Authors: Diekamp Justus , Seidensticker Thomas
Published: May 2023

The recycling of homogeneous catalysts while keeping them in the homogeneous matrix is an ongoing challenge many reactions face if they are to find industrial applications. While a plethora of different synthetic approaches towards better, recyclable homogeneous catalysts exist, the literature shows a gap when one searches for a concise overview of the different catalyst modifications. This Review is designed to close that gap by summarising the existing synthesis pathways towards polar, non‐polar, fluorous, and molecular‐weight‐enlarged catalysts and by examining their respective synthesis routes with a focus on modular and late‐stage approaches. Furthermore, we map out the potential for a generally applicable tag library that allows straightforward catalyst modifications to tune them for each desired recycling strategy.
Palladium(II) complexes bearing mesoionic carbene/phosphine donor ligands: Catalytic applications in various C–C coupling reactions and redox activities
Authors: Saha Tarak Nath , Naskar Rajat , Kundu Koushani , Yadav Naveen , Maity Ramananda
Published: May 2023

N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes comprise mesoionic carbenes (MICs) have emerged as a huge asset in the field of organometallic chemistry and particularly their applications in homogeneous catalysis. However, such complexes containing mixed chiral–MIC and phosphine donor ligands are rare and relatively less explored. In this manuscript, three new palladium(II) complexes with mixed MIC/Py/PPh3/PCy3 donor set ligands possessing chirality at MIC center are presented. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectrometry analysis have been used to characterize these complexes. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was also used to establish the structure of PdII complex possessing mixed MIC/PPh3 ligands. The new palladium(II) complexes with a combination of MIC and PR3 (R = Ph and Cy) ligands have been found as effective precatalysts and provided excellent yields in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling, Sonogashira coupling, and copper‐free α‐arylation reactions. It is observed that the PdII complexes with MIC/PR3 donor set of ligands show superior activity compared with the complexes with mixed MIC/Py set of ligands in α‐arylation of amide and Sonogashira coupling reactions. The catalytic outcomes have also been supported with preliminary electrochemical measurements.
Fabrication and characterization of Trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites with thermo‐ and electro‐active shape memory effects
Authors: Zhao Yongqing , Liu Dekang , Huang Pengke , Zheng Hao , Su Yaozhuo , Zhang Lihua , Zheng Wenge , Xu Linqiong
Published: May 2023

Trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene/single wall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites (TPI/SWCNT) nanocomposites with thermo‐ and electro‐active shape memory performance were prepared via solution blending and vulcanization. Herein, the mechanical, thermo‐mechanical, electric conductivity properties, thermo‐ and electro‐active shape memory properties of pure TPI and TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites were investigated. It was demonstrated that the addition of SWCNT into the TPI matrix can improve its crystallinity, crystallization temperature and storage modulus characteristics, and form a two‐crystal melting peak. Compared with the pure TPI, the TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites need more time to recover to their initial shape under thermo stimulus, and the recovery ratio of TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites with 2.5 wt% SWCNT was about 92%. Moreover, pure TPI and TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites with SWCNT content of up to 2.0 wt% under 30 V could not recover under electro stimulus, but the TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites with 2.5 wt% SWCNT displayed electro‐active shape recovery property with a recovery ratio of 87.5%, because a certain amount of SWCNT can provide joule heat to melt the crystals completely and unfreeze cross‐linking network of TPI.
Rehearsal‐based digital serious boardgame versus a game‐free e‐learning tool for anatomical education: Quasi‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tan Jun Wen , Chong Darren Kai Siang , Ng Kian Bee , Car Lorainne Tudor , Mogali Sreenivasulu Reddy
Published: May 2023

Serious games may resolve problems relating to low motivation in complex medical topics such as anatomy. However, they remain relatively novel introductions to the science of learning, and further research is required to ascertain their benefits. This study describes the overall development and testing of a digital serious boardgame designed to facilitate the rehearsal of musculoskeletal anatomy based on self‐determination theory with considerations for the psychological state of Flow. It was hypothesized that students assigned to the intervention game condition would attain higher Flow scores, a measure of engagement and intrinsic motivation, than students assigned to the game‐free control, and that the intervention condition would report either superior or non‐superior, but not inferior, scores on a surprise recall test. A total of 36 second‐year undergraduate medical students participated in the quasi‐randomized controlled trial, where the intervention groups went first and randomly drew questions that were mirrored into the control groups. All students were administered an identical 10‐question baseline assessment before their interventions, the Short Flow Scale immediately after, and a surprise test four‐to‐six weeks later. Independent samples t‐tests indicated that students of both conditions were of similar baseline knowledge (t = 0.7, p = 0.47), significantly higher Flow scores in the game condition (t = 2.99, p = 0.01), and no significant differences between surprise test scores (t = −0.3, p = 0.75). The game appears to be an appropriate game‐based tool for student rehearsal of anatomical education, stemming from a strong theoretical base that facilitates high engagement and intrinsic motivation.
18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐2‐d‐glucose PET‐CT (FDG PET‐CT) in staging of high‐risk renal and urothelial bladder cancers (COPPER‐T) trial protocol
Authors: Jena Rahul , Bhargava Priyank , Tripathi Shashank , Taywade Sameer , Yadav Taruna , Sandhu Arjun Singh , Singh Mahendra , Navriya Shiv Charan , Bhirud Deepak Prakash , Aggarwal Amit , Choudhary Gautam Ram
Published: May 2023

Background and Study Design

Role of 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐2‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (FDG PET‐CT) in evaluation of renal cell cancers (RCC) and urinary bladder cancers is not standardized, and the COPPER‐T trial, which is a single centre prospective randomized study, was designed to compare it with conventional imaging for staging of clinically localized high risk RCC and urinary bladder carcinoma (Stage T2 and above).

Patients and Methods

There will be two subgroups of patients: RCC and urinary bladder carcinoma. In each of these, the patients will be randomized to either Arm A or Arm B. In each of the arms, each patient will be subjected to diagnostic imaging by FDG PET‐CT. The CT scan will be a contrast‐enhanced scan like that in conventional staging. A radiologist and nuclear medicine specialist will report the scan independently. The radiologist will not have access to the PET scan sequences and will only review the contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images. In Arm A, the report of the conventional imaging modality, that is, CECT and bone scan if done, will be reviewed first by the clinician, and based on this report, a management plan will be made. Then, the PET‐CT report will be reviewed, and change in the management plan will be noted. New findings or equivocal findings if any in the PET‐CT report would be noted. In Arm B, the report of the PET‐CT report will be reviewed first by the clinicians, and a management plan will be made. Then, the CECT and/or bone scan reports will be reviewed, and any change in the management plan will be noted.

Outcome and Significance

Final analysis of the data after completion of the trial will help in clarifying the role of FDG PET‐CT in high risk RCC and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, its diagnostic accuracy compared with conventional imaging and the impact of using it on patient management.
Untersuchungen zum CO2‐Speicherpotenzial von rezyklierten Gesteinskörnungen und Zementproben unter Zwangskarbonatisierung
Authors: Pfleger Marc‐Patrick , Radl Elisabeth , Vill Markus
Published: May 2023

Die Herstellung von Beton und insbesondere der darin als Bindemittel enthaltene Zement verursachen einen hohen Anteil der menschlich erzeugten klimawirksamen Emissionen. Studien zeigen, dass die Herstellung von Zement rund 8 % der weltweiten CO2‐Emissionen verursacht, was den akuten Handlungs‐ bzw. Forschungsbedarf unterstreicht. Aufgrund des derzeitigen Gebäude‐ und Infrastrukturbestands und dessen zunehmender Altersstruktur bzw. notwendiger Ersatzbaumaßnahmen nimmt die Menge an verfügbaren Abbruchmaterialien ständig zu. In vielen Fällen besteht dieses Material aus hochwertigem Altbeton, der als rezyklierte Gesteinskörnung im Produktionsprozess wiederverwendet werden kann, um primäre Rohstoffquellen zu schonen. Der größte Teil dieses Betonbruchs ist nicht karbonisiert. Das in dem vorliegenden Beitrag beschriebene Verfahren zur forcierten Karbonatisierung von Betonabbruchmaterial bildet eine Grundlage für die Anwendung in Recyclingbetonen und zielt auf den reduzierten Einsatz von Primärrohstoffen ab. Zudem wurde das Verfahren zur Untersuchung der CO2‐Absorbtionsfähigkeit entwickelt. Durch die Beimischung als Gesteinskörnung im Zuge der Frischbetonproduktion ist der Karbonatisierungsgrad für die Stahlkorrosion oder damit verbundene Probleme irrelevant. Die Versuche zeigen, dass die mit der Produktion von Beton verbundenen CO2‐Emissionen dadurch deutlich reduziert werden können und bereits nach 24 h über 1,3 % der Ausgangsmasse an CO2 gespeichert wurde.
MASON: Betonerhärtung in Schwerelosigkeit – Simulationen mit dem Klinostaten
Authors: Müller Julian , Welsch Torsten , Tell Karsten , Rattenbacher Bernd , Sperl Matthias
Published: May 2023

Im Rahmen des Projekts MASON (Material Science on Solidification of Concrete) wird der Einfluss der Erdgravitation auf die Erhärtung von Beton untersucht. Ziel dabei ist es, einerseits Rückschlüsse auf die Eignung von Beton für die Verwendung auf extraterrestrischen Himmelskörpern zu ziehen und andererseits mögliche Erkenntnisse hinsichtlich eines ressourcenschonenderen Einsatzes auf der Erde zu gewinnen. Hierzu wurden vom deutschen ESA‐Astronauten Matthias Maurer im Rahmen der Mission „Cosmic Kiss“ auf der Internationalen Raumstation (ISS) 64 Betonproben in Schwerelosigkeit hergestellt. Diese werden verglichen sowohl mit konventionell unter terrestrischer Schwerkraft (1g) ausgehärten Proben als auch mit Probekörpern, die während der Erstarrungszeit in einem Klinostaten rotiert wurden. Durch die Klinostatrotation wird die Schwerelosigkeit simuliert und mögliche Auftriebs‐ oder Sedimentationsvorgänge im Frischbeton werden minimiert. Das Funktionsprinzip, ein Ansatz, die zutreffende Rotationsgeschwindigkeit abzuschätzen, sowie Ergebnisse einer Studie mit verschiedenen Mischungen und unterschiedlichen Rotationsgeschwindigkeiten werden nachfolgend vorgestellt.
Can you remember silence? Epigenetic memory and reversibility as a site of intervention
Authors: Lloyd Stephanie , Lutz Pierre‐Eric , Bonventre Chani
Published: May 2023

Just over 20 years ago, molecular biologists Leonie Ringrose and Renato Paro published an article with a provocative title, “Remembering Silence”, in BioEssays. The article focused on how epigenetic elements could return to their silent state, operationally defined as their epigenetic status before their modulation by experimental or environmental factors. Though Ringrose and Paro's article was on fruit flies and factors affecting embryological growth, the article asked a question of considerable importance to rapidly expanding research in neuroepigenetics on the correlation between trauma and neuropsychiatric risk: If you experience a traumatic event and, as a result, acquire an epigenetic trait that is considered pathological, can you free yourself of that trait? Ultimately, we are interested in how a return to silence is envisioned in neuroepigenetics research, how interventions purported to bring about that silence might function, and what this might mean for people who live in the aftermath of trauma.
Easily recyclable lithium‐ion batteries: Recycling‐oriented cathode design using highly soluble LiFeMnPO4 with a water‐soluble binder
Authors: Du Hao , Kang Yuqiong , Li Chenglei , Zhao Yun , Wozny John , Li Tao , Tian Yao , Lu Jian , Wang Li , Kang Feiyu , Tavajohi Naser , Li Baohua
Published: May 2023

Recycling lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is fundamental for resource recovery, reducing energy consumption, decreasing emissions, and minimizing environmental risks. The inherited properties of materials and design are not commonly attributed to the complexity of recycling LIBs and their effects on the recycling process. The state‐of‐the‐art battery recycling methodology consequently suffers from poor recycling efficiency and high consumption from issues with the cathode and the binder material. As a feasibility study, high‐energy‐density cathode material LiFeMnPO4 with a water‐soluble polyacrylic acid (PAA) binder is extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid at room temperature under oxidant‐free conditions. The cathode is wholly leached with high purity and is suitable for reuse. The cathode is easily separated from its constituent materials and reduces material and energy consumption during recycling by 20% and 7%, respectively. This strategy is utilized to fabricate recyclable‐oriented LiFeMnPO4/graphite LIBs with a PAA binder and carbon paper current collector. Finally, the limitation of the solubility of the binder is discussed in terms of recycling. This research hopefully provides guidance for recycling‐oriented design for the circular economy of the LIB industry.
Predicting the survival of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms using deep learning: A study based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database
Authors: Jiang Chen , Wang Kan , Yan Lizhao , Yao Hailing , Shi Huiying , Lin Rong
Published: May 2023

Background

The study aims to evaluate the performance of three advanced machine learning algorithms and a traditional Cox proportional hazard (CoxPH) model in predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs).

Method

The clinicopathological dataset obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was randomly assigned to the training set and testing set at a ratio of 7:3. The concordance index (C‐index) and integrated Brier score (IBS) were used to compare the predictive performance of the models. The accuracy of the model in predicting the 5‐year and 10‐year survival rates was compared using the receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve analysis (DCA) and calibration curve.

Results

This study included 3239 patients with PNENs in total. The DeepSurv model had the highest C‐index of 0.7882 in the testing set and training set and the lowest IBS of 0.1278 in the testing set compared with the CoxPH, neural multitask logistic and random survival forest models (C‐index = 0.7501, 0.7616, and 0.7612, respectively; IBS = 0.1397, 0.1418, and 0.1432, respectively). Moreover, the DeepSurv model had the highest accuracy in predicting 5‐ and 10‐year OS rates (area under the curve: 0.87 and 0.90). DCA showed that the DeepSurv model had high potential for clinical decisions in 5‐ and 10‐year OS models. Finally, we developed an online application based on the DeepSurv model for clinical use (https://whuh‐ml‐neuroendocrinetumor‐app‐predict‐oyw5km.streamlit.app/).

Conclusions

All four models analyzed above can predict the prognosis of PNENs well, among which the DeepSurv model has the best prediction performance.
Multi‐omic analysis in normal colon organoids highlightsMSH4as a novel marker of defective mismatch repair in Lynch syndrome and microsatellite instability
Authors: Devall Matthew , Ali Mourad W. , Eaton Stephen , Weisenberger Daniel J. , Reilley Matthew J. , Powell Steven M. , Li Li , Casey Graham
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary condition that increases the risk of colorectal (CRC) and extracolonic cancers that exhibit microsatellite instability (MSI‐H). MSI‐H is driven by defective mismatch repair (dMMR), and approximately 15% of nonhereditary CRCs also exhibit MSI‐H. Here, we aimed to better define mechanisms underlying tumor initiation in LS and MSI‐H cancers through multi‐omic analyses of LS normal colon organoids and MSI‐H tumors.

Methods

Right (n = 35) and left (n = 23) colon organoids generated from normal colon biopsies at routine colonoscopy of LS and healthy individuals were subjected to Illumina EPIC array. Differentially methylated region (DMR) analysis was performed by DMRcate. RNA‐sequencing (n = 16) and bisulfite‐sequencing (n = 15) were performed on a subset of right colon organoids. CRISPR‐cas9‐mediated editing of MMR genes in colon organoids of healthy individuals was followed by quantitative PCR ofMSH4. The relationship betweenMSH4expression and tumor mutational burden was further explored in three independent tumor data sets.

Results

We identified a hypermethylated region ofMSH4in both the right and left colon organoids of LS versus healthy controls, which we validated using bisulfite‐sequencing. DMR analysis in three gastrointestinal and one endometrial data set revealed that this region was also hypermethylated in MSI‐H versus microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors.MSH4expression was increased in colon organoids of LS versus healthy subjects and in publicly available MSI‐H versus MSS tumors across four RNA‐seq and four microarray data sets. CRISPR‐cas9 editing ofMLH1andMSH2, but notMSH6, in normal colon organoids significantly increasedMSH4expression.MSH4expression was significantly associated with tumor mutational burden in three publicly available data sets.

Conclusions

Our findings implicate DNA methylation and gene expression differences ofMSH4as a marker of dMMR and as a potential novel biomarker of LS. Our study of LS colon organoids supports the hypothesis that dMMR exists in the colons of LS subjects prior to CRC.
Movies on the couch: The MOVIE model of film therapy
Authors: Hamilton Jenny
Published: May 2023

Film therapy, the therapeutic use of movies in psychological therapies, is a growing area of interest to therapists and researchers. This paper discusses the benefits of film therapy and presents a method, the MOVIE model of film therapy, a widely applicable, trauma‐informed framework for individual or group therapy, counsellor education and self‐help. Film or cinema therapy is a highly accessible and relatable method for many diverse groups. The benefits identified include emotional processing, greater ease of dialogue, increased empathy, interpersonal learning, new perspectives and learning skills. Following the model's reflective steps, clients mindfully observe and voice their emotional and psychological responses to movie‐watching; identify how the imagery, characters, themes and story symbolise personal experience; and consider any new possibilities that emerged for their own lives. The model is informed by a practice‐focussed review of literature and draws on methods from mindfulness and experiential and narrative therapies. The steps are widely applicable in a range of settings and can be adapted across counselling modalities. Further research to consider the outcomes of using the model, alongside qualitative research on clients' experiences of working this way with film, is recommended.
How to arrange assortments available in green alternatives: Displaying products by green attributes
Authors: Yao Feisi
Published: May 2023

Previous research has investigated how product display affects consumer choices. However, less is known about the effect of product display on green consumption when products are displayed by green attributes. Through three studies with 610, 661, and 208 valid participants, respectively, the present research demonstrates that displaying products by green attributes render green products more recognizable to the consumer, thereby inducing green choices from among the consideration sets. The positive effect is enhanced by providing green category labels on products. However, the positive effect of product display by green attributes weakens in the case of consumers with high brand familiarity. The findings contribute theoretically and practically to the research on promoting green choice through environmental cues such as product display.
5‐Alpha reductase deficiency; an important cause of 46, XY DSD: Report of three cases within a family
Authors: Noroozi Asl Samaneh , Ibrahimi Reza , Bagheri Sepideh , Lotfi Mojtaba
Published: May 2023

Key clinical message

5‐Alpha reductase deficiency is an important cause of 46, XY disorder of sex development. Timely diagnosis and proper management by a multidisciplinary team can lead to a favorable outcome. Sex assignment should be deferred until puberty because spontaneous virilization occurs and the patient can engage in the decision‐making process.

5‐Alpha reductase deficiency is a genetic disorder causing 46, XY disorder of sex development (DSD). Typical clinical feature is a male with ambiguous genitalia or undervirilization at birth. Here we report three cases of this disorder within a family.
Case report: Transient symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in a 2‐year‐old boy
Authors: Gangi Devon N. , Aishworiya Ramkumar , Hill Monique Moore , Nguyen Dan Thu , Ni Rachel , Parikh Chandni , Solis Erika , Ozonoff Sally
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Though early ASD diagnosis is highly stable, this case report describes a rare situation in which symptoms resolved without intervention over a 4 month period. We do not recommend delaying diagnosis in symptomatic children who meet criteria but when major behavioral changes are reported after diagnosis, reevaluation may be beneficial.