bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-application of proline or calcium and humic acid enhances productivity of salt stressed pomegranate by improving nutritional status and osmoregulation mechanisms
Authors: Rashedy Ahmed AbdelHady , Abd-ElNafea Medhat Hamid , Khedr Emad Hamdy
Published: August 2022

Maximizing food production through integrated management of vegetative and root growth is a major challenge to food security and sustainability in the face of population growth, salinity stress conditions and climatic changes specially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application with proline (Pro) at 5 mM, calcium (Ca) at 1.5% or control supplemented with soil application of humic acid (Hc) at 0, 15 g/tree on the nutrition status, osmoregulatory mechanisms and productivity of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate trees growing under salt stress conditions. Soil and foliar treatments were applied three times: at flowering stage (April), 2 months after fruit set (June) and at fruit maturity (August). Individual application of either Hc or Pro or Ca alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress. Moreover, supplemented soil application of Hc with Pro or Ca as foliar application increased significantly leaf Pro, total carbohydrates, N, P, Ca and K contents, as well as K/Na and Ca/Na ratio. While it significantly decreased leaf Na and Cl concentration. Furthermore, supplemented application of Hc resulted in the highest decrease in leaf Na and Cl concentrations by 94.59%, 44.79% when combined with Pro and by 51.35%, 31.28%, when combined with Ca. In addition, Hc treatment led to the highest mean fruit yield by 139.56% and 90.73%, respectively as mean of both seasons for Pro and Ca treatments, respectively. The results suggest that, exogenous Pro and Ca supplemented with Hc can mitigate salt stress in ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate through enhancing osmoprotectants accumulaton.
Improved correspondence of fMRI visual field localizer data after cortex-based macroanatomical alignment
Authors: Qubad Mishal , Barnes-Scheufler Catherine V. , Schaum Michael , Raspor Eva , Rösler Lara , Peters Benjamin , Schiweck Carmen , Goebel Rainer , Reif Andreas , Bittner Robert A.
Published: August 2022

Studying the visual system with fMRI often requires using localizer paradigms to define regions of interest (ROIs). However, the considerable interindividual variability of the cerebral cortex represents a crucial confound for group-level analyses. Cortex-based alignment (CBA) techniques reliably reduce interindividual macroanatomical variability. Yet, their utility has not been assessed for visual field localizer paradigms, which map specific parts of the visual field within retinotopically organized visual areas. We evaluated CBA for an attention-enhanced visual field localizer, mapping homologous parts of each visual quadrant in 50 participants. We compared CBA with volume-based alignment and a surface-based analysis, which did not include macroanatomical alignment. CBA led to the strongest increase in the probability of activation overlap (up to 86%). At the group level, CBA led to the most consistent increase in ROI size while preserving vertical ROI symmetry. Overall, our results indicate that in addition to the increased signal-to-noise ratio of a surface-based analysis, macroanatomical alignment considerably improves statistical power. These findings confirm and extend the utility of CBA for the study of the visual system in the context of group analyses. CBA should be particularly relevant when studying neuropsychiatric disorders with abnormally increased interindividual macroanatomical variability.
Four-copy number alteration (CNA)-related lncRNA prognostic signature for liver cancer
Authors: Cheng Zhenyun , Guo Yan , Sun Jingjing , Zheng Lei
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to identify CNA-related lncRNAs that can better evaluate the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Prognostic molecular subtypes were identified, followed by tumor mutation and differential expression analyses. Genomic copy number anomalies and their association with lncRNAs were also evaluated. A risk model was built based on lncRNAs, as well as a nomogram, and the differences in the tumor immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity between the High_ and Low_risk groups were compared. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify modules with significant enrichment in prognostic-related lncRNAs. In total, two subtypes were identified,TP53andCTNNB1were common high-frequency mutated genes in the two subtypes. A total of 8,372 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 798 DElncRNAs were identified between cluster1 and cluster2. In addition, a four-lncRNA signature was constructed, and statistically significant differences between the Low_ and High_risk groups were found in terms of CD8 T cells, resting memory CD4 T cells, etc. Enrichment analysis showed that prognostic-related lncRNAs were involved in the cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, etc. A prognostic prediction signature, based on four-CNA-related lncRNAs, could contribute to a more accurate prognosis of patients with liver cancer.
Solubility of gaseous hydrocarbons in ionic liquids using equations of state and machine learning approaches
Authors: Nakhaei-Kohani Reza , Atashrouz Saeid , Hadavimoghaddam Fahimeh , Bostani Ali , Hemmati-Sarapardeh Abdolhossein , Mohaddespour Ahmad
Published: August 2022

Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as suitable options for gas storage applications over the past decade. Consequently, accurate prediction of gas solubility in ILs is crucial for their application in the industry. In this study, four intelligent techniques including Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), Deep Belief Network (DBN), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), and Boosting-Support Vector Regression (Boost-SVR) have been proposed to estimate the solubility of some gaseous hydrocarbons in ILs based on two distinct methods. In the first method, the thermodynamic properties of hydrocarbons and ILs were used as input parameters, while in the second method, the chemical structure of ILs and hydrocarbons along with temperature and pressure were used. The results show that in the first method, the DBN model with root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.0054 and 0.9961, respectively, and in the second method, the DBN model with RMSE and R2 values of 0.0065 and 0.9943, respectively, have the most accurate predictions. To evaluate the performance of intelligent models, the obtained results were compared with previous studies and equations of the state including Peng–Robinson (PR), Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK), Redlich–Kwong (RK), and Zudkevitch–Joffe (ZJ). Findings show that intelligent models have high accuracy compared to equations of state. Finally, the investigation of the effect of different factors such as alkyl chain length, type of anion and cation, pressure, temperature, and type of hydrocarbon on the solubility of gaseous hydrocarbons in ILs shows that pressure and temperature have a direct and inverse effect on increasing the solubility of gaseous hydrocarbons in ILs, respectively. Also, the evaluation of the effect of hydrocarbon type shows that increasing the molecular weight of hydrocarbons increases the solubility of gaseous hydrocarbons in ILs.
Dynamic stability of salt stable cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid protein dimers and pentamers of dimers
Authors: Szoverfi Janos , Fejer Szilard N.
Published: August 2022

Intermediates of the self-assembly process of the salt stable cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (ss-CCMV) capsid can be modelled atomistically on realistic computational timescales either by studying oligomers in equilibrium or by focusing on their dissociation instead of their association. Our previous studies showed that among the three possible dimer interfaces in the icosahedral capsid, two are thermodynamically relevant for capsid formation. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the relative structural stabilities of the three different ss-CCMV dimers and to find and understand the conditions that lead to their dissociation. Long timescale molecular dynamics simulations at 300 K of the various dimers and of the pentamer of dimers underscore the importance of large contact surfaces on stabilizing the capsid subunits within an oligomer. Simulations in implicit solvent show that at higher temperature (350 K), the N-terminal tails of the protein units act as tethers, delaying dissociation for all but the most stable interface. The pentamer of dimers is also found to be stable on long timescales at 300 K, with an inherent flexibility of the outer protein chains.
Recognition memory, primacy vs. recency effects, and time perception in the online version of the fear of scream paradigm
Authors: Zlomuzica Armin , Kullmann Fine , Hesse Julia , Plank Laurin , Dere Ekrem
Published: August 2022

Anxiety disorders are characterized by cognitive dysfunctions which contribute to the patient’s profound disabilities. The threat of shock paradigm represents a validated psychopathological model of anxiety to measure the impact of anxiety on cognitive processes. We have developed an online version of the threat of scream paradigm (ToSP) to investigate the impact of experimental anxiety on recognition memory. Two animated passive walkthrough videos (either under threat of scream or safety conditions) were shown to healthy participants. Recognition memory, primacy vs. recency effects, and subjective estimations of the length of encoding sessions were assessed. Subjective anxiety, stress, and emotional arousal ratings indicated that experimental anxiety could successfully be induced (Safe-Threat) or reversed (Threat-Safe) between the two passive walkthrough sessions. Participants exposed to distress screams showed impaired retrieval of complex information that has been presented in an animated environment. In the threat condition, participants failed to recognize details related to the persons encountered, their spatial locations, as well as information about the temporal order and sequence of encounters. Participant groups, which received a threat announcement prior to the first walkthrough session (Threat-Threat vs. Safety-Safety and Threat-Safety vs. Safety-Threat) showed poorer recognition memory as compared to the groups that received a safety announcement (P = 0.0468 and P = 0.0426, respectively; Mann–Whitney U test, Cohen’s d = 0.5071; effect size r = 0.2458). In conclusion, experimental anxiety induced by the online version of the ToSP leads to compromised recognition memory for complex multi-dimensional information. Our results indicate that cognitive functions of vulnerable populations (with limited mobility) can be evaluated online by means of the ToSP.
Influence of silicon morphology on direct current plasma electrolytic oxidation process in AlSi10Mg alloy produced with laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Pezzato L. , Gennari C. , Franceschi M. , Brunelli K.
Published: August 2022

In this work, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process was applied on AlSi10Mg samples, produced with laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), in the as printed condition and after different heat treatments, and, for comparison, on as-cast samples of AlSi10Mg. PEO process was performed in direct-current mode using high current densities and short time in a basic silicate electrolyte. For the first time, the effects of silicon morphology in L-PBF AlSi10Mg samples, in as printed condition and after different heat treatments, on the obtained PEO coating were investigated in terms of microstructure and corrosion properties. The microstructure of the substrate was characterized with optical and electron microscopy observations (optical microscopy OM, scanning electron microscopy SEM, and transmission electron microscopy TEM) and with X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis showed that heat treatments of annealing and solution treating modified the morphology and distribution of silicon in the samples obtained through L-PBF. The PEO coated samples were characterized with SEM, both on the surface and in the cross-section, and compositional analysis were performed with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and elemental mapping. The coatings were also analyzed with XRD and the corrosion properties evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Also microhardness tests were performed on the substrates and on the coatings. The microstructure of the coatings was strongly influenced by the silicon distribution. In particular, a non-uniform distribution of silicon and the presence of iron-rich intermetallic (obtained in the as-cast and solution treated samples) induced the formation of more porous and thinner coatings in comparison with the ones obtained in the as printed and annealed samples. The not-uniform silicon distribution produced a not-homogenous distribution of silicon into the coatings. The particular cellular structure of the as printed sample induced the formation of a coating with a higher amorphous fraction, in comparison with the ones produced on the other samples. The higher thickness and lower porosity of the coatings obtained on the annealed and as printed samples resulted in an increase of the corrosion resistance.
A randomized trial testing the effectiveness of virtual reality as a tool for pro-environmental dietary change
Authors: Plechatá Adéla , Morton Thomas , Perez-Cueto Federico J. A. , Makransky Guido
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the impact of an efficacy-focused virtual reality (VR) intervention designed according to instructional design principles on eating behavior. In the preregistered intervention study, psychology students were randomly assigned to nine seminar blocks. Employing parallel design, they were allocated to either a VR intervention to experience the environmental impact of food behavior (1) and alter the future by revising food choices (2) or to a passive control condition. The data from 123 participants (78% female, mean age 25.03, SD = 6.4) were analyzed to investigate the effect of the VR intervention on dietary footprint measured from 1 week before to 1 week after the intervention. The VR intervention decreased individual dietary footprints (d = 0.4) significantly more than the control condition. Similarly, the VR condition increased response efficacy and knowledge to a larger extent compared to the control. For knowledge, the effect persisted for 1 week. The VR intervention had no impact on intentions, self-efficacy, or psychological distance. Additional manipulation of normative feedback enhanced self-efficacy; however, manipulation of geographical framing did not influence psychological distance. This research received no financial support from any funding agency and was registered on 15/09/2021 at Open Science Foundation with the number https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2AXF3.
AT2 activation does not influence brain damage in the early phase after experimental traumatic brain injury in male mice
Authors: Timaru-Kast Ralph , Garcia Bardon Andreas , Luh Clara , Coronel-Castello Shila P. , Songarj Phuriphong , Griemert Eva-Verena , Krämer Tobias J. , Sebastiani Anne , Steckelings Ulrike Muscha , Thal Serge C.
Published: August 2022

Antagonism of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) improves neurological function and reduces brain damage after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), which may be partly a result of enhanced indirect angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) stimulation. AT2 stimulation was demonstrated to be neuroprotective via anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and neuroregenerative mechanisms in experimental cerebral pathology models. We recently demonstrated an upregulation of AT2 after TBI suggesting a protective mechanism. The present study investigated the effect of post-traumatic (5 days after TBI) AT2 activation via high and low doses of a selective AT2 agonist, compound 21 (C21), compared to vehicle-treated controls. No differences in the extent of the TBI-induced lesions were found between both doses of C21 and the controls. We then tested AT2-knockdown animals for secondary brain damage after experimental TBI. Lesion volume and neurological outcomes in AT2-deficient mice were similar to those in wild-type control mice at both 24 h and 5 days post-trauma. Thus, in contrast to AT1 antagonism, AT2 modulation does not influence the initial pathophysiological mechanisms of TBI in the first 5 days after the insult, indicating that AT2 plays only a minor role in the early phase following trauma-induced brain damage.
Re-introduction of an extinct population of Pulsatilla patens using different propagation techniques
Authors: Żabicka Justyna , Żabicki Piotr , Słomka Aneta , Sliwinska Elwira , Jędrzejczyk-Korycińska Monika , Nowak Teresa , Migdałek Grzegorz , Kwiatkowska Monika , Kuta Elżbieta
Published: August 2022

The study focuses on the propagation of a rare and endangered plant species (Pulsatilla patens) to re-introduce an extinct population from calamine area in Southern Poland. The plants were propagated from seeds, rhizome cuttings, or regenerated in vitro from shoot tips, hypocotyls with roots or cotyledons of seedlings on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.25 or 0.50 mg L−1 BAP (Benzylaminopurine) via direct and indirect organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis (SE). The most efficient micropropagation method was with shoot tips as an explant on MS + 0.25 mg L−1 BAP where 97% of the explants produced multiple shoots, mass SE was observed after transfer on ½ MS with 2% saccharose; 267 (35%) shoots rooted on ½ MS + 2% saccharose were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions. Flow cytometry revealed genome size stability of propagated plantlets. Low genetic differentiation between micropropagated plantlets and initial material was indicated by ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. Totally, 132 vigorous plantlets obtained on various pathways were introduced to the field plots in 2020; 30.33% survived the winter, and several reached the generative stage and flowered in the spring 2021. In next season (March/April 2022) the number of introduced plants decreased to 25% while the number of flowering and fruiting shoots in different clumps increased in some plots. This is the first report of successful re-introduction of the endangered P. patens based on micropropagation, rhizome cuttings, and seed germination.
Capacity and kinetics of light-induced cytochrome oxidation in intact cells of photosynthetic bacteria
Authors: Kis Mariann , Smart James L. , Maróti Péter
Published: August 2022

Light-induced oxidation of the reaction center dimer and periplasmic cytochromes was detected by fast kinetic difference absorption changes in intact cells of wild type and cytochrome mutants (cycA, cytC4 and pufC) of Rubrivivaxgelatinosus and Rhodobactersphaeroides. Constant illumination from a laser diode or trains of saturating flashes enabled the kinetic separation of acceptor and donor redox processes, and the electron contribution from the cyt bc1 complex via periplasmic cytochromes. Under continuous excitation, concentrations of oxidized cytochromes increased in three phases where light intensity, electron transfer rate and the number of reduced cytochromes were the rate liming steps, respectively. By choosing suitable flash timing, gradual steps of cytochrome oxidation in whole cells were observed; each successive flash resulted in a smaller, damped oxidation. We attribute this damping to lowered availability of reduced cytochromes resulting from both exchange (unbinding/binding) of the cytochromes and electron transfer at the reaction center interface since a similar effect is observed upon deletion of genes encoding periplasmic cytochromes. In addition, we present a simple model to calculate the damping effect; application of this method may contribute to understanding the function of the diverse range of c-type cytochromes in the electron transport chains of anaerobic phototrophic bacteria.
Single irrigation at the four-leaf stage in the spring optimizes winter wheat water consumption characteristics and water use efficiency
Authors: Bao Xiaoyuan , Liu Xuejing , Hou Xiaoyang , Yin Baozhong , Duan Weiwei , Wang Yandong , Ren Jianhong , Gu Limin , Zhen Wenchao
Published: August 2022

Water scarcity is a key constraint to crop production in North China Plain (NCP), which produces the majority of the country’s winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
The objective of this three-year field study was to see whether and when irrigation one-time in spring improved grain productivity and water use efficiency. Four sets of irrigation were established at the 3-leaf visible stage (L3) and the L4, L5, and L6 stages. When irrigation time was postponed, the spike number, 1000-grain weight, and water consumption increased progressively, whereas grain yield, grain number, dry matter, harvest, and WUE grew, then dropped, and peaked at L4. The increased grain number can be attributed to the L4's higher daily water consumption and water consumption percentage throughout the jointing-anthesis stages compared to the L3, L5, and L6. The cumulative (37 days), whereas it was longer in L3, L5, and L6(40, 42, and 43 days, respectively). Furthermore, flag leaf senescence was postponed in L4 with a higher post-anthesis leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, higher superoxide dismutase activity, and lower malondialdehyde concentration. As a result, single irrigation at the 4-leaf visible stage optimized water deficit and consumption before and after anthesis, resulting in higher yield and WUE in the NCP.
Seasonal dynamics in picocyanobacterial abundance and clade composition at coastal and offshore stations in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Zufia Javier Alegria , Legrand Catherine , Farnelid Hanna
Published: August 2022

Picocyanobacteria (< 2 µm in diameter) are significant contributors to total phytoplankton biomass. Due to the high diversity within this group, their seasonal dynamics and relationship with environmental parameters, especially in brackish waters, are largely unknown. In this study, the abundance and community composition of phycoerythrin rich picocyanobacteria (PE-SYN) and phycocyanin rich picocyanobacteria (PC-SYN) were monitored at a coastal (K-station) and at an offshore station (LMO; ~ 10 km from land) in the Baltic Sea over three years (2018–2020). Cell abundances of picocyanobacteria correlated positively to temperature and negatively to nitrate (NO3) concentration. While PE-SYN abundance correlated to the presence of nitrogen fixers, PC-SYN abundance was linked to stratification/shallow waters. The picocyanobacterial targeted amplicon sequencing revealed an unprecedented diversity of 2169 picocyanobacterial amplicons sequence variants (ASVs). A unique assemblage of distinct picocyanobacterial clades across seasons was identified. Clade A/B dominated the picocyanobacterial community, except during summer when low NO3,high phosphate (PO4) concentrations and warm temperatures promoted S5.2 dominance. This study, providing multiyear data, links picocyanobacterial populations to environmental parameters. The difference in the response of the two functional groups and clades underscore the need for further high-resolution studies to understand their role in the ecosystem.
Optimized design and key performance factors of a gas circulation filtration system in a metal 3D printer
Authors: Guoqing Zhang , Junxin Li , Xiaoyu Zhou , Yongsheng Zhou , Anmin Wang
Published: August 2022

To further improve the quality of parts in metal 3D printers, it is necessary to optimize the structure and study the performance of their gas circulation filtration systems. First, we used the parametric modeling method to complete the formed cavity modeling. We then optimized the design of the air inlet structure of the formed cavity using the moldflow simulation method, and finally, we evaluated the optimized design results through assembly experiments and measurements of the molded parts’ components. The combination of parametric modeling and moldflow simulation methods produced a high modeling efficiency and had a good effect on the optimized design of the gas circulation filtration systems. After optimizing the design, the turbulence intensities and distribution areas of the formed cavities were reduced. During the 3D printing of the curved guide plate, the plane of the guide plate holder was inclined 55° relative to the machining datum plane, which improved the form quality. The 3D printed curved guide plate closely matched the inlet end of the printer’s air duct, and the upper guide plate was fixed at a suitable position using screws. The niobium contents of the parts formed by the guide plate in Design 2 were low, which lays a foundation for the 3D printing of high-performance metal parts.
Personality and socio-demographic variables in teacher burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Răducu Camelia-Mădălina , Stănculescu Elena
Published: August 2022

Although it is well-known that teaching is one of the most stressful jobs, teacher burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been thoroughly investigated. The main aims of this study were to identify distinct teacher burnout profiles and examine their association with HEXACO personality factors and sociodemographic variables. Data were collected from 522 teachers (77% women; Mage = 37.45 years,SD = 9.28) in November 2021. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five latent profiles:“No burnout risk”(41.3%),“Low burnout risk”(21.9%),“Cynics”(7.7%),“Exhausted and cynics”(16.1%), and“High burnout risk”(13%). Our results showed a significant correlation between all six HEXACO personality traits and teacher burnout based on the variable-centered method, but the LPA highlighted that only the emotionality trait was antecedent of profile membership. In terms of sociodemographic variables, gender and rural/urban teaching environment did not have significant impact on teacher burnout profiles, but professional experience did. This study is the first to explore teacher burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to dispositional traits based on the HEXACO model using a person-centered approach. Our results can inform specialists about the role of emotionality in the occurrence of teacher burnout and the greater vulnerability of experienced teachers in the context of remote learning. Tailored programs of intervention are necessary.
Uterine factors modify the association between embryo transfer depth and clinical pregnancy
Authors: Sun Xiaohua , Cai Jiali , Liu Lanlan , Chen Haixiao , Jiang Xiaoming , Ren Jianzhi
Published: August 2022

The embryo transfer depth may affect the chance of pregnancy. However, embryo dislodging caused by uterine contraction may occur after the transfer. The aim of the retrospective study was to investigate whether the factors associated with uterine contractilities, such as endometrial thickness and progesterone elevation, affect the association between transfer depth and implantation. A total of 7849 fresh transfer cycles on conventional stimulation in a single in vitro fertilization (IVF) center during the period 2013–2015 was reviewed. Patients were categorized according to quartiles of embryo transfer depth (≤ 9 mm, n = 1735, 9.1–11 mm, n = 2557, 11.1–14 mm, n = 1933, ≥ 1.4 mm, n = 1624, respectively). Adjusted for confounding factors, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval, CI) for clinical pregnancy was 0.90 (0.79–1.02), 0.86 (0.74–0.99), and 0.70 (0.60–0.82) respectively in quartiles 2 through 4, comparing with quartile 1. However, the aORs were significantly increased when the endometrial thickness was < 8 mm. In comparison with that in the cycles with a normal endometrial thickness (8–11 mm), the aORs comparing quartiles 2 through 4 with quartile 1 in the cycles with an endometrial thickness < 8 mm increased from 0.78 (95% CI 0.65–0.93), 0.79 (95% CI 0.65–0.97), and 0.64 (95% CI 0.51–0.81) to 1.73 (95% CI 1.21–2.47), 1.04 (95% CI 0.69–1.56), and 1.45 (95% CI 0.91–2.31), respectively. In the cycles with elevated progesterone and blastocyst stage transfer, the aORs comparing quartiles 4 with quartile 1 decreased from 0.73 (95% CI 0.62–0.87) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.63–0.87) to 0.58 (95% CI 0.40–0.84) and 0.42 (95% CI 0.25–0.73) than those in the cycles without. However, only blastocyst transfer showed a significant interaction with transfer depth (p = 0.043). Our data suggested that endometrial thickness and blastocyst transfer significantly affect the association between embryo transfer depth and clinical pregnancy.
Geochemical Negative Emission Technologies
Authors: Hawrot Olivia , Campbell James , Buckingham Frances , Renforth Phil
Published: August 2022

Weathering of alkaline rocks is a geochemical process which is fundamental to the Earth's natural carbon cycle. It is responsible for removing CO2 from the atmosphere over geological time periods by transforming it into bicarbonate ions or solid carbonate minerals. Geochemical negative emission technologies (geochemical NETs) seek to harness and accelerate this process. The alkaline materials involved in geochemical NETs (e.g., basic or ultrabasic rocks or alkaline wastes/by-products from some industrial activities) are generally abundant, and, whilst the kinetics of the reaction are relatively slow, it is thermodynamically favourable. Furthermore, storage of CO2 as solid carbonate minerals or dissolved bicarbonate is permanent in human relevant timescales. The challenge is implementing technically feasible processes or technologies that sufficiently accelerate rock weathering in a way that is environmentally responsible and socially acceptable. In this chapter, we broadly define the concept and evolution of geochemical negative emission technologies, and the associated environmental benefits and risks.
Political and Socio-economic Challenges of Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies
Authors: Clulow Zeynep , Reiner David M.
Published: August 2022

While large-scale deployment of greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technologies is widely regarded as a prerequisite for meeting ambitious climate targets, upscaling efforts are obstructed by several socio-economic and political challenges. To a large extent, these issues are specific to each GGR approach, with the more mature options such as afforestation/reforestation (AR) and soil carbon sequestration (SCS) facing challenges relating to local socio-economic effects, resource scarcities and accounting issues and the more nascent options such as direct air capture (DAC), enhanced weathering (EW) and ocean fertilisation (OF) also impeded by technological problems and concerns over sustainability. Stakeholder engagement is not uniform across the different GGR options and perspectives vary widely across national governments, private interests, NGOs and publics. While land-based options are an obvious focus for agriculture, energy, utilities, transport and aviation have tended to concentrate on CCS-based options for reducing sectoral emissions as well as land-based options for delivering offsets. Ultimately, the ability to upscale GGR depends on the emergence of an effective governance system that can coordinate the interests of the diverse stakeholders involved, which rests on the ability to reach an agreement on a number of important sociocultural and political questions that are raised by the regulation of GGR.
Ferroelectricity in a hydrogen-bonded alternating donor–acceptor supramolecular copolymer
Authors: Barman Shubhankar , Bandyopadhyay Supriya , Ghosh Anupam , Das Surajit , Mondal Tathagata , Datta Ayan , Ghosh Suhrit , Datta Anuja
Published: August 2022

Stable macro- and microscopic ferroelectricity with saturation polarization ∼3.2 μC cm−2 and Curie point ∼304 K is observed in H-bonded alternating supramolecular copolymer of amide-functionalized pyrene donor and naphthalene-diimide acceptor.
The importance of crystal size for breathing kinetics in MIL-53(Al)
Authors: Bon Volodymyr , Busov Nikita , Senkovska Irena , Bönisch Nadine , Abylgazina Leila , Khadiev Azat , Novikov Dmitri , Kaskel Stefan
Published: August 2022

The crystal size plays a decisive role in the kinetics of guest-induced breathing of MIL-53(Al), showing orders of magnitude rate difference.
Donor free stibenium cation as an efficient cyanosilylation catalyst
Authors: Sen Nilanjana , Gothe Prachi , Sarkar Pallavi , Das Shubhajit , Tothadi Srinu , Pati Swapan K. , Khan Shabana
Published: August 2022

We report the synthesis of donor-free stibenium cations and their subsequent use as efficient catalysts in the cyanosilylation of carbonyl compounds.
AIE-active iridium(iii) complex integrated with upconversion nanoparticles for NIR-irradiated photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Han Jiahong , Chang Yulei , Wang Weijin , Wang Runlin , Wang Ziwei , Li Guangzhe , Zhu Dongxia , Bryce Martin R.
Published: August 2022

The integration of an aggregation induced emission (AIE)-active Ir(iii) complex and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) has achieved a NIR-irradiated photosensitizer (PS), UCNPs@Ir-2-N, for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications.
Construction of nine-membered N,N,O-heterocycles via Pd-catalyzed [6+3] dipolar cycloaddition
Authors: Xie Hongling , Yang Zhenkun , Tang Luning , Han Zhengyu , Sun Jianwei , Huang Hai
Published: August 2022

A new approach for the synthesis of 9-membered N,N,O-heterocycles by Pd-catalyzed [6+3] dipolar cycloaddition of N-iminoisoquinolinium ylides and 2-vinyl oxetanes has been developed.
Chemical activation of commodity plastics for patterned electroless deposition of robust metallic films
Authors: Wagner Jessica R. , Fletcher Jared , Morin Stephen A.
Published: August 2022

A metal-chelating polymer (PEI) was used to modify the surface of commodity plastics, yielding a generalizable procedure for producing strongly adhered metallic traces using electroless deposition.
Proton transfer mediated recognition of amines by ionizable macrocyclic receptors
Authors: Gattuso Giuseppe , Crisafulli Daniele , Milone Marco , Mancuso Francesca , Pisagatti Ilenia , Notti Anna , Parisi Melchiorre F.
Published: August 2022

Host-to-guest proton transfer triggers the recognition between ionizable macrocyclic receptors and amines, providing overall-neutral, internally ion-paired alkylammonium complexes with ionized macrocycles as counterions.
Novel scandium-MOF nanocrystals as peroxidase-mimicking nanozymes for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid in human serum
Authors: Su Yiqian , Wu Hongjiao , Chen Jiaqi , Li Huiqin , Lin Pengcheng , Xiao Wei , Cao Donglin
Published: August 2022

Novel scandium-MOF nanocrystals as peroxidase-mimicking nanozymes for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid in human serum.
Valence and coordination form transition of tungsten ions in molten alkali chlorides
Authors: Feng Ming , Xi Xiao-li , Zhang Li-wen , Nie Zuo-ren
Published: August 2022

Low-valence tungsten was dissolved from WC with the increase in alkali ion radius. Coordination forms and molecular diffusion affected reduction processes.
The N,N,N-trimethylammonium moiety as tetrel bond donor site: crystallographic and computational studies
Authors: Daolio Andrea , Wieduwilt Erna K. , Pizzi Andrea , Genoni Alessandro , Resnati Giuseppe , Terraneo Giancarlo
Published: August 2022

The N+–CH3 unit can function as a tetrel bond donor site both with charged and neutral electron density donor units.
The hitchhiker's guide to dynamic ion–solvent clustering: applications in differential ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Ieritano Christian , Hopkins W. Scott
Published: August 2022

This article provides atomistic insight into the dynamic microsolvation processes occurring in differential mobility spectrometry (DMS), which can be used to (1) reproduce an ion's DMS behaviour, and (2) predict an ion's condensed-phase properties.
Classifying deep eutectic solvents for polymer solvation via intramolecular dimer formation
Authors: Juneja Shreya , Pandey Siddharth
Published: August 2022

We report polymer solvation via dimer formation in ground-state choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents as ‘bad’ solvents versus an unfolded polymer in liquid PDMS2000 as a ‘good’ solvent.
A multifunctional chemical linker in a buried interface for stable and efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Geng Quanming , Xu Zong , Song Wenwu , Hu Yanqiang , Sun Guangping , Wang Jin , Wang Minmin , Sun Tongming , Tang Yanfeng , Zhang Shufang
Published: August 2022

A variable structure broad-spectrum UV absorber is employed as a multifunctional chemical linker for a buried interface to improve the photovoltaic performance of planar perovskite solar cells.
A biomimetic all-inorganic photocatalyst for the artificial photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Teranishi Miwako , Naya Shin-ichi , Yan Yaozong , Soejima Tetsuro , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Tada Hiroaki
Published: August 2022

A photocatalyst with the unit consisting of a single Au particle and an interconnected cluster of SnO2 nanocrystals with the surface modified with SbCl3 stably produces H2O2 with an external quantum yield of 1.1% at λex = 420 nm.
Construction of a transition-metal-free mesoporous organic phenanthroline-based polymeric catalyst for boosting direct activation of aromatic C–H bonds
Authors: Liang Sanqi , Shi Shunli , Ding Shunmin , Xiao Weiming , Wang Herong , Wang Shuhua , Zeng Rong , Chen Chao , Song Weiguo
Published: August 2022

A novel transition-metal-free mesoporous organic phenanthroline-based polymer for boosting direct activation of aromatic C–H bonds.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/bacterial cellulose composites for iodine loading and their antibacterial performance
Authors: Du Liping , Zhang Tianzi , Li Pingmengxia , Chen Wei , Wu Chunsheng
Published: August 2022

Antibacterial composites (BC/ZIF-8-iodine) were prepared by loading iodine into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) modified BC (BC/ZIF-8) and exhibited strong antibacterial activity.
The interpretation and prediction of lanthanide single-ion magnets fromab initioelectronic structure calculation: the capability and limit
Authors: Wu Xiangxiang , Li Jin-Feng , Yin Bing
Published: August 2022

A perspective on the limit and capability of theab initioelectronic structure study of lanthanide single-ion magnets is provided in this work. Both the qualitative and quantitative results that can be given byab initiocalculation are summarized.
4-Aryldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]arsoles: effects of the As-substituent on the structure, photophysical properties, and stability
Authors: Takahara Chisa , Iwasaki Suzuka , Kihara Hyota , Miyake Yusuke , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: August 2022

A synthetic route to diversify the substituent on the arsenic atom of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]arsole has been developed. The As-substituent affected the structural relaxation and stability in the photo-excited state.
Self-supported CoMoO4/NiFe-LDH core–shell nanorods grown on nickel foam for enhanced electrocatalysis of oxygen evolution
Authors: Tian Haoze , Zhang Ke , Feng Xiaoan , Chen Jinxi , Lou Yongbing
Published: August 2022

Developing high-performance catalysts is an effective strategy for speeding up the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and increasing production efficiency.
The electrostatic confinement of aquated monocationic Gd(iii) complex-molecules within the inner core of porous silica nanoparticles creates a highly efficient T1 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mallik Riya , Khannam Mahmuda , Saha Muktashree , Marandi Shivani , Kumar Sachin , Mukherjee Chandan
Published: August 2022

The electrostatic entrapment of tris(aquated)Gd(iii)-complexes within the inner core of porous silica nanospheres materialized a kinetically inert, biocompatible T1-weighted MRI contrast agent with r1 = 86.41 mM−1 s−1 at pH 7.4, 37 °C, 1.41 T.
Synthesis and characterisation of group 8 tris(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-p-anisolylmethane complexes
Authors: Francis Samuel , Rice Craig R. , Scattergood Paul A. , Elliott Paul I. P.
Published: August 2022

Tris(triazolyl)methanes are a largely unexplored class of scorpionate ligand. Homoleptic group 8 complexes are presented with electrochemical and photophysical data.
Self-assembled Mg(OH)2 gels driving to MgO nanoribbons
Authors: Tabuti Thiago Galeote , Brazuna Lorena Portela , Antoneli Rafael Gagliardi , do Valle Ricardo Eduardo , Bacani Rebeca , Tada Dayane Batista , Triboni Eduardo Rezende
Published: August 2022

Templated-MgO nanoribbons are able to curl up into nanometric spheres under ultrasound irradiation.
Surface characteristics of adsorbents based on aluminum oxide by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and pH-measurement
Authors: Meshcheryakov Eugene P. , Sandu Mariya P. , Kurzina Irina A.
Published: August 2022

Alumina samples, containing potassium and sodium cations, have been studied by the pH-measurement and XPS methods.
Biosynthesized metal oxide nanoparticles for sustainable agriculture: next-generation nanotechnology for crop production, protection and management
Authors: Maity Dipak , Gupta Urvashi , Saha Sumit
Published: August 2022

Biosynthesized MONPs promote plant growthviaimproved photosynthesis, antioxidant defense activation and gene upregulation. Hence they can be used as nanofertilizers and further can be applied as nanopesticides/antimicrobial agents/nanobiosensors.
Transition metal-free, base mediated one-pot approach for the construction of the benzo[b][1,4,5]oxathiazepine 1-oxide core
Authors: Banerjee Arpita , Panda Gautam
Published: August 2022

Protocol for synthesising selected separable diastereomers of benzo[b][1,4,5]oxathiazepine 1-oxides via intermolecular epoxide ring opening by o-halogenated NH-sulfoximine followed by cyclisation and configurations were assigned by 2D NMR and X-ray crystallography.
Oxidative functionalization of alkylidenecyclopropanes and alkylidenecyclobutanes: a versatile platform to access nitrated cyclopropanes and cyclobutanes
Authors: Zeng Yao-Fu , Wu Jin-Bo , Chen Jin-Tao , Guo Yu , Wang Zhen
Published: August 2022

β-Nitro alcohol, α-nitro ketone and nitro nitratosation compounds were synthesizedviaradical nitration of alkylidenecyclopropanes and alkylidenecyclobutanes with Fe(NO3)3·9H2O or AgNO2.
3D printing of soft fluidic actuators with graded porosity
Authors: Willemstein Nick , van der Kooij Herman , Sadeghi Ali
Published: August 2022

The InFoam method combines liquid rope coiling and regular plotting to fabricate structures softer than their original material and with graded porosity. This combination can be used to realize soft robotics structures such as soft fluidic actuators.
Deciphering the origin of the melting profile of unilamellar phosphatidylcholine liposomes by measuring the turbidity of its suspensions
Authors: Maleš Petra , Pem Barbara , Petrov Dražen , Jurašin Darija Domazet , Bakarić Danijela
Published: August 2022

Temperature-dependent UV/Vis spectra unravel a discriminating factor in melting profiles of uni- and multilamellar DPPC + 5% DPPG liposomes.
Persistence length of α-helical poly-l-lysine
Authors: Wilcox Kathryn G. , Dingle Marlee E. , Saha Ankit , Hore Michael J. A. , Morozova Svetlana
Published: August 2022

The α-helix has a significant role in protein function and structure because of its rigidity.
Ultrafine platinum-iridium distorted nanowires as robust catalysts toward bifunctional hydrogen catalysis
Authors: Wang Mingmin , Wang Mengjun , Zhan Changhong , Geng Hongbo , Li Yunhua , Huang Xiaoqing , Bu Lingzheng
Published: August 2022

The selective introduction of Ir changes the electronic structure and optimizes the balanced adsorption of H and OH, making the ultrafine Pt2Ir distorted nanowire one of the best HER/HOR catalysts reported to date.
Insights into mechanisms of graft-versus-host disease through humanised mouse models
Authors: Elhage Amal , Sligar Chloe , Cuthbertson Peter , Watson Debbie , Sluyter Ronald
Published: August 2022

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication that occurs following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the treatment of haematological cancers and other blood-related disorders. GVHD is an inflammatory disorder, where the transplanted donor immune cells can mediate an immune response against the recipient and attack host tissues. Despite over 60 years of research, broad-range immune suppression is still used to prevent or treat GVHD, leading to an increased risk of cancer relapse and infection. Therefore, further insights into the disease mechanisms and development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers are key to improving outcomes and reducing GVHD development following allogeneic HSCT. An important preclinical tool to examine the pathophysiology of GVHD and to understand the key mechanisms that lead to GVHD development are preclinical humanised mouse models. Such models of GVHD are now well-established and can provide valuable insights into disease development. This review will focus on models where human peripheral blood mononuclear cells are injected into immune-deficient non-obese diabetic (NOD)-scid-interleukin-2(IL-2)Rγ mutant (NOD-scid-IL2Rγnull) mice. Humanised mouse models of GVHD can mimic the clinical setting for GVHD development, with disease progression and tissues impacted like that observed in humans. This review will highlight key findings from preclinical humanised mouse models regarding the role of donor human immune cells, the function of cytokines and cell signalling molecules and their impact on specific target tissues and GVHD development. Further, specific therapeutic strategies tested in these preclinical models reveal key molecular pathways important in reducing the burden of GVHD following allogeneic HSCT.
Identification of key predictors of hospital mortality in critically ill patients with embolic stroke using machine learning
Authors: Liu Wei , Ma Wei , Bai Na , Li Chunyan , Liu Kuangpin , Yang Jinwei , Zhang Sijia , Zhu Kewei , Zhou Qiang , Liu Hua , Guo Jianhui , Li Liyan
Published: August 2022

Embolic stroke (ES) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Its mortality predictors remain unclear. The present study aimed to use machine learning (ML) to identify the key predictors of mortality for ES patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data were extracted from two large ICU databases: Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV for training and internal validation, and eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) for external validation. We developed predictive models of ES mortality based on 15 ML algorithms. We relied on the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to address class imbalance. Our main performance metric was area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). We adopted recursive feature elimination (RFE) for feature selection. We assessed model performance using three disease-severity scoring systems as benchmarks. Of the 1566 and 207 ES patients enrolled in the two databases, there were 173 (15.70%), 73 (15.57%), and 36 (17.39%) hospital mortality in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort, respectively. The random forest (RF) model had the largest AUROC (0.806) in the internal validation phase and was chosen as the best model. The AUROC of the RF compact (RF-COM) model containing the top six features identified by RFE was 0.795. In the external validation phase, the AUROC of the RF model was 0.838, and the RF-COM model was 0.830, outperforming other models. Our findings suggest that the RF model was the best model and the top six predictors of ES hospital mortality were Glasgow Coma Scale, white blood cell, blood urea nitrogen, bicarbonate, age, and mechanical ventilation.