bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astragali Radix–Codonopsis Radix–Jujubae Fructus water extracts ameliorate exercise‐induced fatigue in mice via modulating gut microbiota and its metabolites
Authors: He Pan , Chen Lei , Qin Xuemei , Du Guanhua , Li Zhenyu
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUD

Astragali Radix (AR) and Codonopsis Radix (CR) are widely used as the tonic herbal medicine with efficacy of tonifying qi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which showed significant antifatigue activities. In this study, AR and CR were combined, with Jujubae Fructus (JF) further added to improve the taste, to afford the ACJ extracts in the ratio of 2:1:2.

RESULTS

The results showed that ACJ water extract exhibited antifatigue effect by the weight‐loaded exhaustive swimming test in mice. The untargeted fecal metabolomic approach and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that ACJ could improve exercise performance by regulating changes of gut metabolites and microbiota to alleviate fatigue. Four pathways were determined as the key pathways relating with its antifatigue effect, which included sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis and d‐arginine and d‐ornithine metabolism. Correlation analysis showed the complex association among bacteria, metabolites and phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study revealed new perspectives to study the antifatigue mechanism of ACJ extracts from the gut microbiota, which provided the basis for further functional food development. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal intrusions: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: van Bentum Jaël S. , Sijbrandij Marit , Saueressig Fenna , Huibers Marcus J.H.
Published: March 2022

Childhood maltreatment may play an important role in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior. Recently, research has begun evaluating the association between childhood maltreatment and involuntary and distressing intrusions about one's own suicide, also called suicidal intrusions. This cross‐sectional, multicenter study aimed to investigate the association between childhood maltreatment and the severity of suicidal intrusions using online questionnaires. Participants were suicidal outpatients currently receiving treatment at a Dutch mental health institution (N = 149). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form and Suicidal Intrusions Attributes Scale were administered online. A simple linear regression was performed followed by a multiple linear regression with backward selection to separate the predictors of childhood maltreatment subscales. Next, significant predictor variables were used to perform an additional regression analysis with gender, age, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, and depressive symptoms as potential covariates. The results showed that childhood maltreatment was significantly associated with suicidal intrusion scores, B = .22, t(147) = 2.010, p = .046. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the only specific form of childhood maltreatment associated with suicidal intrusions was sexual abuse; the association remained after controlling for age, gender, PTSD diagnosis and depressive symptoms, F(5, 143) = 11.15, p < .001. In summary, the present study confirms the link between childhood maltreatment, particularly childhood sexual abuse, and suicidal intrusions. This finding implies that in the treatment of suicidal intrusions and suicidality, childhood sexual abuse should be identified and targeted with evidence‐based treatments for PTSD.
Behavioral states in space and time: understanding landscape use by an invasive mammal
Authors: Gray Steven M. , Humphreys John M. , Montgomery Robert A. , Etter Dwayne R. , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Kramer Daniel B. , Roloff Gary J.
Published: March 2022

Animal movement models can be used to understand species behavior and assist with implementation of management activities. We explored behavioral states of an invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa) population that recently colonized central Michigan, USA, 2014–2018. To quantify environmental factors related to wild pig movement ecology and spatio‐temporal landscape use, we predicted wild pig behavioral states relative to land cover type, landscape structure (i.e., edge and patch cohesion), and weather conditions. We used global positioning system (GPS)‐collars and monitored 8 wild pigs from 2014–2018. We fit local convex hulls and calculated movement metrics revealing 3 wild pig behavioral states (resting, exploratory, and relocating) and constructed a 3‐level model to predict behavioral state probabilities relative to biotic and abiotic conditions. Probabilities of exploratory and resting behaviors were higher nearer to riparian and open herbaceous cover types (oftentimes emergent marsh), indicating that these cover types provided security cover during activity and bedding. Hard mast cover types had a strong positive association with relocating behaviors. More cohesive patches of agriculture and shrub cover types were associated with higher probabilities of exploratory behaviors, while resting was more likely in continuous patches of agriculture (mostly mid‐summer corn). The probability of exploratory behaviors increased exponentially with warming ambient temperature. Our results may be used by managers to develop control strategies conducive to landscape and environmental conditions where the likelihood of encountering wild pigs is highest or targeting wild pigs when in a behavioral state most vulnerable to a particular removal technique.
Advanced Material‐Oriented Biomass Precise Reconstruction: A Review on Porous Carbon with Inherited Natural Structure and Created Artificial Structure by Post‐Treatment
Authors: Jiang Guancong , Liu Li , Xiong Jingjing , Luo Yiming , Cai Liangcheng , Qian Yu , Wang Hao , Mu Liwen , Feng Xin , Lu Xiaohua , Zhu Jiahua
Published: March 2022

Manufacturing of porous carbon with biomass resources is intensively investigated in recent decades. The diversity of biomass species and great variety of processing methods enable the structural richness of porous carbon as well as their wide applications. This review specifically focuses on the structure of biomass‐derived porous carbon either inherited from natural biomass or created by post‐treatment. The intrinsic structure of plant biomass is briefly introduced and the utilization of the unique structures at different length‐scales is discussed. In term of post‐treatment, the structural features of activated carbon by traditional physical and chemical activation are summarized and compared in a wide spectrum of biomass species, statistical analysis is performed to evaluate the effectiveness of different activation methods in creating specific pore structures. The similar pore structure of biomass‐derived carbon and coal‐derived carbon suggests a promising replacement with more sustainable biomass resources in producing porous carbon. In summary, using biomass as porous carbon precursor endows the flexibility of using its naturally patterned microstructure and the tunability of controlled pore‐creation by post‐treatment.
Bio Epoxy Coatings: An Emergent Green Anticorrosive Coating for the Future
Authors: Sreehari Harikumar , Sethulekshmi Anandhavally Sabarisadhanam , Saritha Appukuttan
Published: March 2022

Corrosion of metals is a serious threat to the world economy in this current era. Coating is one of the best solutions for avoiding this long‐standing problem and thus coating technology is gaining much importance nowadays. Epoxy is an excellent coating material for corrosion prevention in metals. Due to the increasing environmental issues and price of petroleum‐based products, researchers are forced to find a suitable alternative to existing epoxy based anticorrosive coatings. The petrochemical sources of epoxies can be replaced by bio oils like vegetable or animal oils thereby resulting in the production of bio epoxy resins. The bio epoxy monomers are biodegradable, cost effective, less toxic, and easily processable than synthetic monomers. The resulting bio epoxy coatings can be effectively employed to protect the metal surfaces from corrosion enabling the development of efficient anticorrosion coatings. This review deals with the fabrication of bio epoxy coatings and analysis of bio epoxy coatings, such as anticorrosion, chemical resistance, surface morphology, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and wettability. Moreover, this review focuses on the applications of bio epoxy coatings.
Effective mRNA Protection by Poly(l‐ornithine) Synergizes with Endosomal Escape Functionality of a Charge‐Conversion Polymer toward Maximizing mRNA Introduction Efficiency
Authors: Dirisala Anjaneyulu , Uchida Satoshi , Li Junjie , Van Guyse Joachim F. R. , Hayashi Kotaro , Vummaleti Sai V. C. , Kaur Sarandeep , Mochida Yuki , Fukushima Shigeto , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: March 2022

For efficient delivery of messenger (m)RNA, delivery carriers need two major functions: protecting mRNA from nucleases and translocating mRNA from endolysosomes to the cytoplasm. Herein, these two complementary functionalities are integrated into a single polyplex by fine‐tuning the catiomer chemical structure and incorporating the endosomal escape modality. The effect of the methylene spacer length on the catiomer side chain is evaluated by comparing poly(l‐lysine) (PLL) with a tetramethylene spacer and poly(L‐ornithine) (PLO) with a trimethylene spacer. Noteworthily, the nuclease stability of the mRNA/catiomer polyplexes is largely affected by the difference in one methylene group, with PLO/mRNA polyplex showing enhanced stability compared to PLL/mRNA polyplex. To introduce the endosomal escape function, the PLO/mRNA polyplex is wrapped with a charge‐conversion polymer (CCP), which is negatively charged at extracellular pH but turns positive at endosomal acidic pH to disrupt the endosomal membrane. Compared to the parent PLO/mRNA polyplex, CCP facilitated the endosomal escape of the polyplex in cultured cells to improve the protein expression efficiency from mRNA by approximately 80‐fold. Collectively, this system synergizes the protective effect of PLO against nucleases and the endosomal escape capability of CCP in mRNA delivery.
Dopaminergic Correlates of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Parkinsonian Disorders
Authors: Nakano Yoshikazu , Hirano Shigeki , Kojima Kazuho , Li Honglinag , Sakurai Toru , Suzuki Masahide , Tai Hong , Furukawa Shogo , Sugiyama Atsuhiko , Yamanaka Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Iimori Takashi , Yokota Hajime , Mukai Hiroki , Horikoshi Takuro , Uno Takashi , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: March 2022

Background

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and dopamine transporter (DAT) images are clinically used for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the correlation of CBF with striatal DAT in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) and evaluate the diagnostic power of DAT‐correlated CBF in PD through machine learning with each imaging modality alone or in combination.

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with PD and 71 with APS (24 with multiple system atrophy, 21 with progressive supranuclear palsy, and 26 with corticobasal syndrome) underwent 123I‐IMP and 123I‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission computed tomography. Multiple regression analyses for CBF and striatal DAT binding were conducted on each group. PD probability was predicted by machine learning and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

The PD group showed more affected striatal DAT binding positively correlated with the ipsilateral prefrontal perfusion and negatively with the bilateral cerebellar perfusion. In corticobasal syndrome, striatal DAT binding positively correlated with the ipsilateral prefrontal perfusion and negatively with the contralateral precentral perfusion. In Richardson's syndrome, striatal DAT binding positively correlated with perfusion in the ipsilateral precentral cortex and basal ganglia. Machine learning showed that the combination of CBF and DAT was better for delineating PD from APS (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.87) than either CBF (0.67) or DAT (0.50) alone.

Conclusions

In PD and four‐repeat tauopathy, prefrontal perfusion was related to ipsilateral nigrostriatal dopaminergic function. This dual‐tracer frontostriatal relationship may be effectively used as a diagnostic tool for delineating PD from APS. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Potential of Probiotics as an Adjunct for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Cang Weihe , Wu Junrui , Ding Ruixue , Wang Weiming , Li Na , Shi Haisu , Shi Lin , Lee Yuankun , Wu Rina
Published: March 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is an enfeebling disease with a lifetime incidence of 20%. While accumulating studies implicate a correlation between the disease and gut microbiota, data show that not every patient responded to probiotic treatments. To comprehensively assess the potential role of probiotics in MDD, this study first summarizes the current pathological hypothesis of the disease from a life‐stage perspective, focuses on the potential role of “depression gut microbiota.” Currently available managements are then briefly summarized and novel bio‐materials having potential therapeutic effects on MDD are also evaluated. To harness the positive effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, clinical evidence and their applications on MDD patients are listed. Factors that may counteract the pre/probiotic applications, such as diet, physiology, gender difference, and use of antibiotics and antidepressants are also discussed. The endocannabinoid (eCBs) system may be promising targets for probiotic therapy. More evidence is needed to demonstrate the hierarchical factors in the complex network driving the disease, and probiotic can be one promising adjunct for patients with MDD.
Development of a novel task‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging phantom based on a bubble‐compression approach
Authors: Yamashiro Akihiro , Saito Takaaki , Miyati Tosiaki
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Phantoms used in previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have drawbacks, such as a complicated circuit and equipment use, a single signal‐change rate, and T2* values that do not correspond to those of living human brains. We aimed to develop a phantom for use in task‐based fMRI studies (gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging; GRE‐EPI) with bioequivalent T1 and T2* values, using an innovative method to control the rate of signal change.

Methods

A gel phantom with T1 and T2* values equivalent to that of the living brain gray matter was fixed in a 150 mm diameter container, with five holes, each of which could hold a 30‐ml syringe. The gel phantom contained microscopic air bubbles; this made it possible to control the percent signal change by injector‐induced water pressure changes. Using this phantom, we investigated the percent signal change, derived an equation that can approximately reproduce an arbitrary percent signal change, compared different gel phantom samples, investigated the change in relaxation time and bubble size during signal change, and assessed the change in values in each sample over time.

Results

The relaxation time of the gel phantom was similar to the literature values for gray matter. The percent signal change achieved was approximately 0%–13.51% and was dependent on the water pressure change. The derived equation was y = 0.000008x3 − 0.000771x2 + 0.034222x − 0.026054, with y being the percent signal change and x being the pressure in kPa; the reproducibility was high. No significant difference was detected among samples of gray matter gel phantoms (P > 0.05). The change in the rate of signal change with the change in water pressure was due to the change in T2* value with the change in bubble size. With pressure increasing from 0 to 151.7 kPa, the T2* value increased from 52 ms to 85 ms. The newly developed gel phantom was stable for 60 days, but its bubble size changed after 21 days.

Conclusion

We developed a novel phantom for use in fMRI, which could reproduce minute signal changes similar to the blood–oxygen‐level‐dependent effect and with bioequivalent T1 and T2* values, and used an innovative method to control the percent signal change by compressing the air contained in the phantom for validation of fMRI using GRE‐EPI. This phantom reproduced the percent signal change due to changes in T2* values, which is very similar to scanning a human body. This phantom is expected to be a powerful tool for advancing the study of task‐based fMRI.
Using natural capital and ecosystem services to facilitate participatory environmental decision making: Results from a systematic map
Authors: Hinson Caitlin , O’Keeffe Jimmy , Mijic Ana , Bryden John , Van Grootveld Jessica , Collins Alexandra M.
Published: March 2022

The rights all people have for involvement in environmental decision making has long been established yet collaborative resource management has had mixed success. Natural capital; the renewable and non‐renewable natural assets that benefit societies, and the flow of ecosystem services these assets provide, are increasingly promoted as approaches that ensure consideration of the environment in decision making.

Natural capital and ecosystem services concepts can facilitate participation in decision making by explicitly describing the role of the environment in sustaining society. Increased promotion of these approaches requires consideration on how best to involve stakeholders, those involved and affected by a decision, in the process.

We conducted a systematic search to identify where stakeholders have participated in natural capital, ecosystem services and nature’s contributions to people decision making, creating a systematic map of 56 case studies. While many papers discussing stakeholders and these concepts were found, few actively engaged stakeholders in a decision‐making process that used the concepts and therefore were included in the map. Where stakeholders were involved, engagement methods included focus group discussion, stakeholder negotiation and scenario development, as well as ecosystem service ranking and mapping.

Ranking for prioritisation of ecosystem services was common, with a bias towards using services with a direct tangible economic benefit; food production and tourism, are both prominent examples. A limited number of case studies performed robust participatory methods evaluations, offering little indication of how best to use natural capital or ecosystem services in participatory approaches.

Therefore, the work highlights need for greater evaluation of participatory processes involving natural capital to ensure stakeholder engagement is efficient, productive and useful to all involved.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Morphology and crystallization kinetics of G‐resins and isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Sukhonthamethirat Natchamon , Vao‐soongnern Visit , Okamoto Shigeru , Sakurai Shinichi
Published: March 2022

Isothermal crystallization and morphology of G‐resin (GPP) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) samples were investigated and compared using synchrotron small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering/diffraction (SAXS/WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Two GPP resins (MT12‐s and MT18‐s) are iPP containing a small amount of 1‐butene. All polymers have similar MW and PDI, denoted by V30G, MT12‐s, and MT18‐s with 1‐butene = 0.00, 6.43, and 5.20 wt%, respectively. DSC isothermal crystallization at 130°C showed that the crystallinity of G resins were lower, but the crystallization rate of G resins was faster in the order as MT18‐s ≥ MT12‐s > V30G. Simultaneous synchrotron SAXS/WAXD was employed to determine polymer morphology crystallized from the melt. The electron density correlation function was calculated to estimate the lamellar thickness. The long periods (D) are around 19.0, 25.8, and 25.8 nm for V30G, MT12‐s, and MT18‐s, respectively. The GPP samples have a larger amorphous portion and a higher crystalline thickness (L) but a lower L/D ratio than IPP. The degree of crystallinity by WAXD is also smaller for GPP, that is, MT18‐s (31%) ≈ MT12‐s (31%) < V30G (>50%). In addition to the monoclinic α forms for all the PP samples, the orthorhombic γ forms were found only for MT12‐s and MT18‐s. The crystallization of G‐resins should be nucleated from the transparent filler and are not fully an intrinsic property of the copolymer chains.
Platform regulation from the bottom up: Judicial redress in the United States and China
Authors: Dorwart Hunter
Published: March 2022

In recent years both the United States and China have introduced data protection and cybersecurity frameworks to address the social, economic, and political challenges posed by the platform economy. While much of the discourse has focused on the implementation of these frameworks through top‐down, centrally administered institutions, little discussion has turned to the role of platform regulation from the bottom up—that is, the ability of individuals to affect corporate behavior through the courts as litigants. This paper attempts to address that gap by offering a comparative analysis of the role of data protection litigation in both the United States and China as one institutional mechanism through which governments may pursue their larger regulatory goals. Privacy and data protection laws in both countries grant individuals enforceable rights against other private and public actors. While litigants in the United States and China face barriers to affect corporate behavior, they do so for notable dissimilar reasons due to the unique and historical differences of the legal systems in both countries. Despite these differences, courts in both the United States and China will play an increasingly important role in platform regulation
Revealing the Influence of the Shape, Size, and Aspect Ratio of ZnO Nanoparticles on Antibacterial and Mechanical Performance of Cellulose Fibers Based Paper
Authors: Onyszko Magdalena , Zywicka Anna , Wenelska Karolina , Mijowska Ewa
Published: March 2022

The discovery and characterization of nanoparticles represent a multidisciplinary issue. Their properties and applications within many fields depend on their size, shape, aspect ratio, and so on. No single methodology can currently analyze all characteristics and reveal their influence on the specific performance. Here, antibacterial and mechanical properties are investigated of three different ZnO nanoparticles (cubes, rods, and pellets) incorporated in the cellulose matrix in order to examine the correlation between the physical and chemical characteristics and antibacterial/mechanical activities. Therefore, various particles of ZnO with different sizes, shapes, and aspect ratios are synthesized via simple precipitation method in an aqueous solution and evaluated as an antimicrobial agent against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative model bacteria alongside the commercial ZnO powder. The bactericidal activity is evaluated as prepared cellulose/ZnO nanocomposites in the form of paper sheets. Additionally, the tests of mechanical properties of the fabricated paper sheets are carried out according to ISO 5270 standard. Microscopic and spectroscopic methods are utilized to investigate the psychic‐chemical properties of the products. This study highlights that there is a strong impact of the shape, size, and aspect ratio of ZnO particles on the antibacterial efficacy and mechanical response of the fabricated cellulose‐based paper.
Correcting for interference effects in the photoluminescence of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films
Authors: Wolter Max Hilaire , Bissig Benjamin , Reinhard Patrick , Buecheler Stephan , Jackson Philip , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: March 2022

Photoluminescence (PL) measurements are performed on high‐quality Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin films with the intention of investigating their electronic structure. Due to the nature of the CIGS absorbers, notably their smooth surface and a graded band gap, the measured PL spectra are distorted by interference effects, limiting thus the information that one can gain. Here we show that, by varying the entrance angle of the laser light and the detection angle of the emitted PL, we are able to correct for interference effects. As a result, we receive interference‐free PL spectra that enable us to determine quantities such as band gap energies and quasi‐Fermi level splittings (QFLS). Furthermore, we show that it is possible to measure the QFLS even without correcting for interference effects and we compare the QFLS to the open circuit voltage for a particular sample.
Leonurine inhibits the TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF‐κB pathways via Nrf2 activation to alleviate carrageenan‐induced pleurisy in mice
Authors: Yan Kun , Hu Jianqiang , Hou Tianhua , Ci Xinxin , Peng Liping
Published: March 2022

Oxidative stress and inflammation play important roles in pleurisy. Leonurine (Leo) has been confirmed to exert antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects in many preclinical experiments, but these effects have not been studied in pleurisy. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Leo in a carrageenan (CAR)‐induced pleurisy model. In this study, we found that the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease of glutathione (GSH) induced by CAR could be reversed by the treatment of Leo. Leo effectively reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and the percentages of mature macrophages and increased the levels of antiinflammatory cytokines (IL‐10). Furthermore, Western blotting revealed that Leo significantly activated the Nrf2 pathway to restrain the thioredoxin‐interacting protein/NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (TXNIP/NLRP3) and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) pathways. However, the protective effect of Leo was significantly weakened in Nrf2‐deficient mice. These results indicate that Leo confers potent protection against CAR‐induced pleurisy by inhibiting the TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF‐κB pathways dependent on Nrf2, which may serve as a promising agent for attenuating pleurisy.
Ensembled sparse‐input hierarchical networks for high‐dimensional datasets
Authors: Feng Jean , Simon Noah
Published: March 2022

In high‐dimensional datasets where the number of covariates far exceeds the number of observations, the most popular prediction methods make strong modeling assumptions. Unfortunately, these methods struggle to scale up in model complexity as the number of observations grows. To this end, we consider using neural networks because they span a wide range of model capacities, from sparse linear models to deep neural networks. Because neural networks are notoriously tedious to tune and train, our aim is to develop a convenient procedure that employs a minimal number of hyperparameters. Our method, Ensemble by Averaging Sparse‐Input hiERarchical networks (EASIER‐net), employs only two L1‐penalty parameters, one that controls the input sparsity and another for the number of hidden layers and nodes. EASIER‐net selects the true support with high probability when there is sufficient evidence; otherwise, it performs variable selection with uncertainty quantification, where strongly correlated covariates are selected at similar rates. On a large collection of gene expression datasets, EASIER‐net achieved higher classification accuracy and selected fewer genes than existing methods. We found that EASIER‐net adaptively selected the model complexity: it fit deep networks when there was sufficient information to learn nonlinearities and interactions and fit sparse logistic models for smaller datasets with less information.
Evaluation of N‐binding through N1, N2 or N3 of 4‐R‐1,2,3‐Triazolate to [CuCO]+ Complexes
Authors: Franco Maurício P. , Carvalho Beatriz B. , Ribeiro Marcos A. , Spada Rene F. K.
Published: March 2022

We computationally investigated eight 4‐R‐1,2,3‐triazolates and their three possible N‐binding modes. Optimization of the pre‐ligands to verify NPA charges were done with M06‐2X/def2‐TZVPP. The complexes with [CuCO]+ were optimized with M06 L/def2‐TZVPP and the electronic energies were improved with DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ. Our calculations with pre‐ligands indicated the NPA charge of N2 as less negative than N1 and N3 by at least ∼0.100 e. Taking into account the complexes energies and vibrations, coordination via N2 is the most stable among all three nitrogens in gas‐phase by at least, 8 kJ/mol and the vibrational analysis of the
indicates linkage isomer N2 as the best electron density donor among the three linkage isomers. The results exhibit a fine‐tuning of ligand donation properties that can be achieved by selecting different R groups in 4‐R‐1,2,3‐triazoles.
The Synergy of La2O3 Nanoparticles and Graphene for Advanced Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Li Yiding , Sun Kai , Cheng Pu , Li Jianjun , Liu Dequan , He Deyan
Published: March 2022

As a promising alternative for next‐generation energy storge devices, lithium‐sulfur batteries suffer from polysulfide shuttle and the inherent slow kinetics under long‐ term operating and high mass loading which mainly cause by the absence of available immobilizer and conversion mediators. Herein, La2O3 nanoparticles anchored on graphene composite is designed and demonstrates a high‐performance sulfur immobilizer and conversion promoter. Benefiting from the composite, the corresponding Li−S batteries display good cycling stability (capacity fading rate 0.051 % per cycle after 500 cycles), high initial specific capacity (1423.7 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), and excellent cycling performance at high sulfur loading (5.03 mg cm−2). The results of experiments and density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations revealed that the La2O3 nanoparticles is a desirable separator modification material that can effectively tuning the absorption and conversion interactions with polysulfides through S−La and Li−O chemical bonds.
Negligible Substituent Effect as Key to Synthetic Versatility: a Computational‐Experimental Study of Vinyl Ethers Addition to Nitrile Oxides
Authors: Kutskaya Anastasia M. , Serkov Semyon A. , Voronin Vladimir V. , Ledovskaya Maria S. , Polynski Mikhail V.
Published: March 2022

A tangible substituent effect may be perceived as a good feature in developing an organic reaction. This work demonstrates that, on the contrary, a zero‐slope Hammet plot should be sought. The synthesis of isoxazoles by consecutive cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to vinyl ethers and alcohols elimination was studied computationally and experimentally. We performed a Hammett studyin silicoto demonstrate a negligible substituent effect (i. e., broad substrate scope) in the addition of benzyl vinyl ether to nitrile oxides. The modeling was performed at the ωB97X‐V/def2‐TZVP//PBE0‐D4/def2‐TZVP+SMD(benzene) level of theory within the RIJCOSX approximation. The experimental evaluation validated the computational model. A versatile methodology for synthesizing substituted isoxazolines and isoxazoles was proposed as the main result. We present this work as a successful example of how quantum chemical modeling can re‐boost the classic Hammett approach to the optimization and design of organic synthetic methodologies. We anticipate further Hammett studiesin silico, considering the current trend for data‐driven chemical research.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Ag‐TiO2‐rGO Nanocomposites for Visible‐Light Photodegradation
Authors: Wo Zihao , Ma Hua , Shi Chaofan , Su Yier , Zhang Xiwen
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we report a one‐pot hydrothermal method for fabricating Ag‐TiO2‐rGO nanocomposites using P25 (commercial TiO2), graphene oxide (GO), AgNO3 as raw materials, and vitamin C (VC) as the reducing agent. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐vis DRS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are utilized to characterize the phase composition, surface morphology, optical properties and chemical bonding states of the resulting nanocomposites. The nanocomposites display a porous structure, and chemical bonds such as C−O−Ti bonds are formed between TiO2 and rGO. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanocomposites is evaluated using methylene blue (MB), and the GO loading content is optimized to implement the highest adsorption and photodegradation performances. Three possible excitation modes of photogenerated carriers are proposed, and possible photocatalytic mechanism of the nanocomposites under visible light is presented.
Stabilizing Ultrasmall Ceria‐Cluster Nanozyme for Antibacterial and Antibiofouling Applications
Authors: Luo Qiang , Li Yunhong , Huo Xiaobing , Li Jinyang , Li Linqian , Wang Wei , Li Yilan , Chen Shipeng , Song Yinqiao , Wang Ning
Published: March 2022

The generation of undesired biofouling in medical and engineering applications results in a reduction in function and durability. Copying functionalities of natural enzymes to combat biofouling by artificial nanomaterials is highly attractive but still challenged by the inferior catalytic activity and specificity principally because of low densities of active sites. Here, an innovate strategy is demonstrated to stabilize high‐density ultrasmall ceria clusters on zirconia for biofouling prevention. Benefiting from the unique structure, CeO2@ZrO2 nanozyme can significantly enhance the haloperoxidase‐mimicking activity in catalyzing the oxidation of bromide with H2O2 into biocidal hypobromous acid as a result of abundant defects and surface strong acidity sites, inducing impressive antibacterial and antibiofouling capacity compared with that of pristine CeO2. This work is expected to open a new avenue for the rational design of cluster catalysts for various targeting catalytic applications.
From data flows to privacy‐benefit trade‐offs: A user‐centric semantic model
Authors: Lu Yang , Li Shujun
Published: March 2022

In today's highly connected cyber‐physical world, people are constantly disclosing personal and sensitive data to different organizations and other people through the use of online and physical services. This is because sharing personal information can bring various benefits for themselves and others. However, data disclosure activities can lead to unexpected privacy issues, and there is a general lack of tools that help to improve users' awareness of the subtle privacy‐benefit trade‐offs and to make more informed decisions on their data disclosure activities in wider contexts. To fill this gap, this paper presents a novel user‐centric, data‐flow graph based semantic model, which can show how a given user's personal and sensitive data have been disclosed to different entities and what benefits the user gained through such data disclosures. The model allows automatic analysis of privacy‐benefit trade‐offs around a target user's data sharing activities, therefore it can support development of user‐centric software tools for people to better manage their data disclosure activities to achieve a better balance between privacy and benefits in the cyber‐physical world.
Effect of acid‐activation on CaO existential state and reactive properties of hot‐splashed steel slag in cement‐based materials
Authors: Zhou Yangmei , Ji Yongsheng , Zhang Zhongzhe , Ma Zhanguo , Gao Furong , Xue Qi , Xu Zhishan
Published: March 2022

The over‐burnt free‐CaO(f‐CaO) existential state in hot‐splashed steel slag is understood by observing the microstructure of steel slag section and analyzing the minerals in the steel slag (SS). In the investigation, a new method of using hydrochloric acid as the solvent to modify the steel slag powder (SSP) is put forward. The effects of hydrochloric acid pretreatment on the surface morphology of SS and the hydration activity and soundness of SSP blended cement are investigated. Furthermore, the failure mechanism of steel slag cement‐based materials and the hydration mechanism of acid‐activated steel slag (ASS) are discussed in detail. The research indicated that the optimum dosage of modified SSP is 20 wt%. At this dosage, the 7‐ and 28‐day compressive strength of paste is nearly increased 15% compared with the untreated steel slag cement‐based mortar specimens. Moreover, the acid activated SS‐blended cement pastes show much better soundness performances after autoclaved curing tests when compared with corresponding pastes with SS without treatment. It provides a promising approach for efficient and safe utilization of SS as supplementary cementitious material.
Pacific Lamprey Translocations to the Snake River Boost Abundance of All Life Stages
Authors: Hess Jon E. , Delomas Thomas A. , Jackson Aaron D. , Kosinski Michael J. , Moser Mary L. , Porter Laurie L. , Silver Greg , Sween Tod , Weitkamp Laurie A. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: March 2022

The Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus is an anadromous fish that has severely declined in the Snake River basin. In 2007, the Nez Perce Tribe initiated translocation of adults to this region from the main‐stem Columbia River and has continued the translocations to this day. These actions are aimed at restoring larval abundance along with holistic habitat improvements. We performed parentage and sibship analyses with 260 single‐nucleotide polymorphism loci to monitor productivity of translocated lamprey over a decade (2007–2018). These results provide the first direct evidence that translocations boosted larval abundance, increased juvenile production in the interior Columbia River (~3% in 2017 and 2018), and demonstrated successful migration to the Pacific Ocean. Per capita juvenile production from Snake River adult lamprey translocations out‐performed that of their volitionally migrating counterparts in the interior Columbia River, demonstrating that translocating adults to suitable habitats increased overall productivity. We projected that the translocations may eventually return enough adult offspring to the Columbia River to replace the annual take of adults for translocations, despite many adults likely returning to other basins. These translocations are also restoring Pacific Lamprey to historical areas where they had been nearly extirpated, which has impactful benefits both culturally and ecologically. Further, this study provided an unprecedented volume of data that has redefined key biological attributes, including timing of life stage transformation (average of 6.7‐year‐old juveniles), larval growth rates (~22 mm/year for the first 4 years), ocean duration (average of 5.1 years), dispersal (~3% of Snake River‐origin adults that return to the Columbia River will divert to the Willamette River), and life span (median age of postspawn adults was 12.9 years). We even quantified a new biological phenomenon of delayed spawning, which occurs at low rates (~9%) in nature. These data provide an opportunity to monitor ongoing translocation efforts and inform adaptive management to aid species recovery.
2‐undecanone protects against fine particles‐induced heart inflammation via modulating Nrf2/HO‐1 and NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Jiao Yuhang , Wang Shaopeng , Jiang Liping , Sun Xiance , Li Jing , Liu Xiaofang , Yao Xiaofeng , Zhang Cong , Wang Ningning , Deng Haoyuan , Yang Guang
Published: March 2022

Exposure to air pollution has been closely associated with some cardiovascular disease. One of the mechanisms of PM2.5‐mediated heart injury may be to promote inflammation. We aim to investigate whether the main extract of Houttuynia cordata, 2‐undecanone, can prevent the inflammation caused by PM2.5, and to reveal the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that PM2.5 increased the expression of certain inflammatory cytokines, and caused oxidative damage in BALB/c mice and H9C2 cells. Supplementation with 2‐undecanone attenuated this PM2.5‐induced inflammatory injury and oxidative damage. Further, we elucidated that the protective effect of 2‐undecanone may be associated with NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathways. The NF‐κB pathway was distinctly activated after treated by PM2.5, which can be blocked by 2‐undecanone, accompanied by increasing Nrf2 and HO‐1 levels. To figure out the relationship between NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathways, we knocked down Nrf2 gene. NF‐κB pathway proteins and downstream inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased after treatment with PM2.5, while 2‐undecanone could decrease expression of these proteins. In conclusion, it is possible that 2‐undecanone can induce the expression of the antioxidant enzyme HO‐1 by activating Nrf2, thereby reducing NF‐κB pathway and inflammatory damage of mouse myocardium caused by PM2.5 exposure.
Barriers to seeking care for memory problems: A vignette study
Authors: Jacobson Mireille , Joe Elizabeth , Zissimopoulos Julie
Published: March 2022

Introduction: This study compares how older adults judge the need for follow‐up care for memory‐related problems when they are responding about themselves versus someone of the same age.

Methods: Adults ages 65 and over in the Understanding America Study, a nationally representative internet panel, were invited to participate in a short survey with three vignettes describing memory‐related problems associated with normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and mild dementia. Respondents were randomly assigned to vignettes about themselves or about an individual of the same age and asked whether the problems warranted follow‐up discussion with a health‐care provider. Unadjusted and covariate‐adjusted differences in the percent of affirmative responses to follow‐up discussion and an index, ranging from 0 to 3, that summed affirmative responses, were compared across respondents randomly assigned to self‐ versus other‐framed vignettes.

Results: One thousand six hundred twenty‐eight panel members (81.6%) completed the survey (mean age, 72.3 [range, 65–102], 801 female [49.2%] and 827 male [50.8%]) with 796 (48.9%) randomly assigned to vignettes about themselves and 832 (51.1%) to vignettes about individuals of the same age. Percent affirming need for follow‐up ranged from 66.9% to 90.5% and was systematically lower for those randomized to vignettes about themselves. The differences ranged from –10.8 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], –13.6 to –7.9 percentage points) for the most severe to –13.9 percentage points (95% CI, ‐18.1 to –9.7 percentage points) for the mildest memory‐related problem vignettes. The summary index was –0.444 points (95% CI, 0.563 to –0.326) or 0.491 of a standard deviation (95% CI, 0.622σ to ‐0.362σ) lower for scenarios about participants themselves relative to others.

Discussion: Seniors were more likely to recognize and recommend follow‐up for memory‐related problems affecting someone else than the same problems affecting themselves, suggesting symptom education alone may not improve rates of cognitive assessment for detection of impairment and dementia.
VALZ‐Pilot: High‐dose valacyclovir treatment in patients with early‐stage Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Weidung Bodil , Hemmingsson Eva‐Stina , Olsson Jan , Sundström Torbjörn , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Ingelsson Martin , Elgh Fredrik , Lövheim Hugo
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) may be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. The antiviral valacyclovir inhibits HSV replication.

Methods

This phase‐II pilot trial involved valacyclovir administration (thrice daily, 500 mg week 1, 1000 mg weeks 2–4) to persons aged ≥ 65 years with early‐stage AD, anti‐HSV immunoglobulin G, and apolipoprotein E ε4. Intervention safety, tolerability, feasibility, and effects on Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐two of 33 subjects completed the trial on full dosage. Eighteen percent experienced likely intervention‐related mild, temporary adverse events. CSF acyclovir concentrations were mean 5.29 ± 2.31 μmol/L. CSF total tau and neurofilament light concentrations were unchanged; MMSE score and CSF soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 concentrations increased (P = .02 and .03).

Discussion

Four weeks of high‐dose valacyclovir treatment was safe, tolerable, and feasible in early‐stage AD. Our findings may guide future trial design.
T2 Protect AD: Achieving a rapid recruitment timeline in a multisite clinical trial for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Shadyab Aladdin H. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Matthews Genevieve , Bennett Daniel , Shadyab Alexandre A. , Tan Donna , Thomas Ronald G. , Mason Jennifer , Lopez Alex , Askew Brianna , Donahue Lia , Kaplita Stephen , Qureshi Irfan A. , Huisa Branko , Feldman Howard H. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study T2 Protect AD Study Group
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The reporting of approaches facilitating the most efficient and timely recruitment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients into pharmacologic trials is fundamental to much‐needed therapeutic progress.

Methods

T2 Protect AD (T2), a phase 2 randomized placebo‐controlled trial of troriluzole in mild to moderate AD, used multiple recruitment strategies.

Results

T2 exceeded its recruitment target, enrolling 350 participants between July 2018 and December 2019 (randomization rate: 0.87 randomizations/site/month, or 3‐fold greater than recent trials of mild to moderate AD). The vast majority (98%) of participants were enrolled during a 10‐month window of intense promotion in news media, TV and radio advertisements, and social media. The distribution of primary recruitment sources included: existing patient lists at participating sites (72.3%), news media (12.3%), physician referral (6.0%), word of mouth (3.1%), and paid advertising (2.9%).

Discussion

The rapid recruitment of participants with mild to moderate AD was achieved through a range of approaches with varying success.
Urethral stenting in a dog due to compression and invasion by a liposarcoma
Authors: Brückner Michael
Published: March 2022

An approximately 10‐year‐old, mixed breed, entire male dog was referred for acute onset of urethral obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable, complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis and urine analysis were all unremarkable. A retrograde urethrogram demonstrated narrowing of the urethral lumen caudal to the ischiadic arc. Urethral stenting with a self‐expanding nitinol stent was performed and the patient was without symptoms over a 6‐month period. After that time, ingrowth of tissue into the stent lumen could be seen via a new retrograde urethrogram; therefore, a covered stent was placed into the previously placed uncovered stent. Clinical signs resolved immediately. Another contrast study 4 months later demonstrated almost complete obstruction at the distal end of the stent. Scrotal ablation with perineal urethrostomy was performed and tissue samples submitted for histopathology. Liposarcoma was diagnosed. The patient was urinating without problems, but suddenly died at home 1 week after the last surgery.