bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating equal-loudness contours in animals
Authors: Dent Micheal L. , Brittan-Powell Elizabeth F. , Dooling Robert J. , Lohr Bernard , Pater Larry L.
Published: July 2002

In humans, loudness does not increase with intensity in the same way across frequencies. In animals, it is somewhat more difficult to determine the relative loudness of suprathreshold sounds, so comparable equal-loudness contours have not been obtained. This kind of information is important, however, for understanding how changes in frequency affect loudness in natural environments and for specifying which environmental noises are potentially hazardous. Here, we review two types of data from a number of animal species: reaction time data from psychophysical experiments, and amplitude-intensity functions from evoked potential experiments, in an attempt to estimate equal-loudness contours. Both types of data, from a number of species, can provide estimates like equal-loudness contours obtained in humans. At low SPLs, equal-latency contours closely parallel threshold curves, while at high SPLs the contours become shallower. A similar trend is seen in generating constant amplitude evoked-response contours across frequency. These results should be useful in considering aspects of acoustic communication in birds such as sound transmission, the design of vocal signals, and the frequency-specific sound-attenuating properties of the environment. [Work supported by NIH DC00198 and NRSA DC00046, and SERDP.]
Measurements of velocity profile development in the spinning flows of liquid crystalline polymer solutions
Authors: Mori N. , Hamaguchi Y. , Nakamura K.
Published: July 2002

The development of velocity profile inside a filament was studied for spinning flows of LCPs using a hydrogen-bubble method. Both isotropic (33 wt%) and liquid crystalline (50 wt%) aqueous solutions of hydroxypropylcellulose were used as the test fluids. The velocity profile for the 33 wt% solution varies from a convex profile to a uniform one similar to that for Newtonian fluids. For the 50 wt% solution, however, an anomalous profile of the velocity, that is a concave profile, is found beyond a distance of one radius of the nozzle downstream from the exit. Since this concave profile persists far downstream from the nozzle exit, it may affect the molecular orientation distribution inside a fiber.
XRD investigation of Si–SiC composites with fine SiC microstructure
Authors: Wilhelm Matthias , Kubel Frank , Wruss Werner
Published: July 2002

Si–SiC composite (reaction bonded SiC) with a submicron SiC microstructure (starting SiC particle size: 0.22 μm) was examined by XRD analysis to determine the amount and phase composition of the secondary SiC formed by the reaction between silicon and carbon during the sintering process. It was found that the secondary SiC has grown onto the original hexagonal α-SiC grains as well as into the porosity of the green body. An increase of 3C–SiC was found within the microstructure after infiltration (from 2.6 wt. % before infiltration to 8.8 wt. % after infiltration) whereas the 4H-ploytype content was reduced. This behavior may be explained by the very small original SiC grains which acted as seeds for disoriented SiC growth and were assumed to force the nonepitaxically deposition of secondary SiC. Solid state and fast transportation processes caused the observed transformation of the SiC. Examinations of the silicon source (infiltrant) after the infiltration procedure showed that most of the carbon was converted to SiC with cubic modification (3C stacking sequence)
Food Insecurity Among Individuals With Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Across Race and Ethnicity in 1999-2018
Authors: Brandt Eric J. , Chang Tammy , Leung Cindy , Ayanian John Z. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K.
Published: September 2022

Importance

Food insecurity is a risk factor for poor cardiovascular outcomes that occur disproportionately among individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds who have cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cardiometabolic risk factors.

Objective

To assess long-term prevalence of food insecurity among those with CVD or cardiometabolic risk factors in the United States.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This serial cross-sectional study includes data for noninstitutionalized US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2018).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Food insecurity was assessed using the US Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey Module. We estimated prevalence of food insecurity among adults with prior CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure) and cardiometabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia) across racial and ethnic groups and prevalence of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation among those reporting food insecurity.

Results

In the analytic sample of 57 517 adults, 6770 individuals (11.8%) reported food insecurity, which was more prevalent among Hispanic (1938 [24.0%]) and non-Hispanic Black (1202 [18.2%]) than non-Hispanic Asian (100 [8.0%]) and non-Hispanic White adults (3221 [8.5%]). Among 57 517 adults, 4527 (7.9%) had any CVD, 2933 (5.1%) coronary artery disease, 1536 (2.7%) stroke, 1363 (2.4%) heart failure, 28 528 (49.6%) hypertension, 17 979 (33.2%) obesity, 6418 (11.2%) diabetes, and 19 178 (30.8%) dyslipidemia. All CVD and cardiometabolic diseases except coronary artery disease were more prevalent among those with food insecurity. Food insecurity increased over time and was more frequent for patients with CVD but not for cardiometabolic risk factors. From 2011 to 2018, non-Hispanic Black adults with CVD had a decrease in food insecurity prevalence (36.6%; 95% CI, 23.9%-49.4%, to 25.4%; 95% CI, 21.4%-29.3%; P = .04 for trend), whereas adults of other races and ethnicities or data based on cardiometabolic risk factors had no significant change. For individuals who had food insecurity, SNAP participation was higher among those with CVD vs without CVD (54.2%; 95% CI, 46.6%-61.8%, vs 44.3%; 95% CI, 40.5%-48.1%; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

The prevalence of food insecurity among patients with CVD increased over time. Although members of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic groups had the highest food insecurity, non-Hispanic Black individuals with CVD were the only group to have a significant decrease in food insecurity since 2011. Increased recognition of food insecurity and resources for treating it are needed to address the negative consequences of food insecurity on CVD outcomes.
Netherton Syndrome
Authors: Drivenes Jakob Lillemoen , Bygum Anette
Published: September 2022

This case report describes dry skin with marked redness of the face and hands as well as trichorrhexis invaginata.
Contrasting Case-Control and Normative Reference Approaches to Capture Clinically Relevant Structural Brain Abnormalities in Patients With First-Episode Psychosis Who Are Antipsychotic Naive
Authors: Remiszewski Natalie , Bryant James Edward , Rutherford Saige E. , Marquand Andre F. , Nelson Eric , Askar Ibrahim , Lahti Adrienne Carol , Kraguljac Nina Vanessa
Published: September 2022

Importance

To make progress toward precision psychiatry, it is crucial to move beyond case-control studies and instead capture individual variations and interpret them in the context of a normal range of biological systems.

Objective

To evaluate whether baseline deviations from a normative reference range in subcortical volumes are better predictors of antipsychotic treatment response than raw volumes in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) who were naive to antipsychotic medication.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prospective longitudinal study, patients with first-episode psychosis who were referred from different clinical settings (emergency department, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham were included. A total of 286 patients were screened, 114 consented, 104 enrolled in the treatment trial, and 85 completed the trial. Patients were observed for 16 weeks. Controls were matched by age and sex. Data were collected between June 2016 and July 2021, and data were analyzed from August 2021 to June 2022.

Interventions

Risperidone on a flexible dosing scheme for 16 weeks. There was an option to switch to aripiprazole for excessive adverse effects.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome of this study was to evaluate, in patients with FEP who were naive to antipsychotic medication, the association of baseline raw volumes and volume deviations in subcortical brain regions with response to antipsychotic medication. Raw brain volumes or volume deviation changes after treatment were not examined.

Results

Of 190 included participants, 111 (58.4%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 23.7 (5.5) years. Volumes and deviations were quantified in 98 patients with FEP, and data from 92 controls were used as comparison for case-control contrasts and reference curve calibration. In case-control contrasts, patients with FEP had lower raw thalamus (P = .002; F = 9.63; df = 1), hippocampus (P = .009; F = 17.23; df = 1), amygdala (P = .01; F = 6.55; df = 1), ventral diencephalon (P = .03; F = 4.84; df = 1), and brainstem volumes (P = .004; F = 8.39; df = 1). Of 98 patients, 36 patients with FEP (36%) displayed extreme deviations. Associations with treatment response significantly differed between raw volume and deviation measures in the caudate (z = −2.17; P = .03) and putamen (z = −2.15; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

These data suggest that normative modeling allows capture of interindividual heterogeneity of regional brain volumes in patients with FEP and characterize structural pathology in a clinically relevant fashion. This holds promise for progress in precision medicine in psychiatry, where group-level studies have failed to derive reliable maps of structural pathology.
Using Behavioral Economics to Decrease Operating Room Costs and Promote Better Surgeon Accountability
Authors: Patel Om U. , Yang Lydia C. , Fazendin Jessica
Published: September 2022

This Viewpoint discusses different health care systems that reduced costs in operating rooms and proposes how other health care systems can make significant improvements nationally.
Iron‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling
Authors: Jia Fan , Li Zhiping
Published: September 2022

The sustainable construction of carbon–carbon bonds or carbon–heteroatom bonds is critical for future green chemical synthesis. Cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reactions have thus been widely developed as one of the most sustainable and efficient synthetic strategies for such a philosophy. A number of obvious merits of iron catalysts make this reaction model more potential for industrial production and manufacturing applications. Iron‐catalyzed CDC reactions have emerged as a greener strategy for the direct formation of CC and C–heteroatom bonds from easily available compounds. The use of simple, low toxicity, and cheap iron‐based catalysts meets the criteria for the basis of chemical synthesis compared to those high price, toxic, and precious metal catalysts. In this article, we present the development of iron‐catalyzed CDC reactions by some selected results.
Ni‐Catalyzed C(sp
3
)H Bond Functionalization: Arylation and Aminoxylation
Authors: Sivakumar Ganesan , Subaramanian Murugan , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: September 2022

Catalytic functionalization of challenging C(sp
3
)H bonds is a readily growing field in chemical synthesis. Significant progress in this field is primarily based on precious transition metal (4d or 5d) catalysts. Recently, the design and development of a new catalytic system based on less‐toxic and inexpensive 3d‐transition metals is emerging as an environmentally benign and sustainable alternative. Especially nickel catalysts have shown tremendous activity in the field of CH bond functionalization. In this article, we briefly describe the recent advances and prospects in the Ni‐catalyzed direct arylation and selective aminoxylation reactions via the C(sp
3
)H bond‐functionalization strategy.
(Hetero)Aryl CH Amination via Organic Electrochemistry
Authors: Shah Jagrut A. , Ngai Ming‐Yu
Published: September 2022

Aromatic amines are essential compounds found in various natural products, drugs, and materials. Their widespread presence has motivated scientists worldwide to explore new avenues for the development of aromatic CN bond formation methodologies. Since the turn of the century, there has been a growing impetus to develop sustainable molecular syntheses. Having been recognized as an effective tool to control the redox events and flow of electrons between reactive species, organic electrocatalysis has been revived after being somewhat dormant for decades in industry and academia. This article provides an overview of electrocatalyzed aromatic CN bond formation reactions, which involve dehydrogenative coupling between aromatic CH bonds and amines through electrocatalysis. We present mechanistic insights and the scope of the methodology in terms of various substrates. We also have provided an outlook for future synthetic applications and different technologies that can merge with electrosynthesis.
Rare‐Earth Metal‐Catalyzed CH Functionalization
Authors: Pan Ying‐Ming , Ye Bo‐Chao , Tang Hai‐Tao
Published: September 2022

CH bond activation has always been attractive research in that it brings the most rapid and atom‐economic transformation approach to synthesize and further utilize the existing chemicals. As what has been published, due to its special and unique structural and electronic properties, rare‐earth metal complexes have been used as the efficient catalyst for CH functionalization in organic synthesis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. This article describes a few examples of the high‐efficiency rare‐earth metal catalysts and the CH functionalization by rare‐earth metal catalysis in organic synthesis.
Free‐Blockage Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Cerium Oxide as ROS‐Responsive and ROS‐Scavenging Nanomedicine
Authors: Purikova Olha , Tkachenko Ihor , Šmíd Břetislav , Veltruská Kateřina , Dinhová Thu Ngan , Vorokhta Maryna , Kopecký Vladimír , Hanyková Lenka , Ju Xiaohui
Published: September 2022

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive “nanogate” as drug delivery platforms are extensively investigated for biomedical applications. However, the physical blockages used to control the cargo release are often limited by their poor sealing ability and low biocompatibility. Herein, a design of free‐blockage MSNs with methylthiopropyl units is proposed as the ROS‐responsive switch. Four synthetic routes are compared with different precursors through either co‐condensation or grafting methods to achieve the methylthio‐functionalized MSNs. The quantity, localization, and chemical structure of the functional units, as well as the mesoporous structure of the silica can be tuned by optimizing the synthetic pathways to obtain desired final products. The ROS‐responsive methylthiopropyl groups can be oxidized to sulfoxides in response to the presence of H2O2, leading to the hydrophobic/hydrophilic conversion of the MSNs. As a proof‐of‐concept design, ultrasmall cerium oxide nanoparticles are encapsulated into the functionalized MSNs and released out within 10 min scavenging more than 80% of the H2O2 in an ROS‐rich environment. This study provides a novel design of a free‐blockage ROS‐controlled release system loaded with ROS‐scavenging nanoparticles for the future application of targeted drug delivery systems combined with antioxidant therapy.
Multifunctional Alendronate‐PEI Carbon Dots for the Treatment of Bone‐Destructive Diseases via Bidirectional Regulation of Osteoblast‐Osteoclast Function
Authors: Zhang Kai , Da Junlong , Wang Jianqun , Liu Lixue , Liu Xinpeng , Yuan Haoze , Jiang Lili , Geng Yawei , Liu Xiaoyao , Jiang Zhuling , Jin Han , Li Ying , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2022

Bone damage results from the imbalance of bone homeostasis maintained by osteoblast‐regulated bone formation and osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. Conventional drug therapy and gene therapy may not optimally regulate the bone remodeling process due to the unitary pharmacological mechanism of drug and the safety and targeting of gene vectors. In the present study, multifunctional fluorescent alendronate‐polyethyleneimine carbon dots (Alen‐PEI CDs) are innovatively synthesized, which have excellent biocompatibility, selective bone targeting, gene carrying capacity, and anti‐bone absorption effect. As gene vectors, bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) gene‐loaded Alen‐PEI CDs greatly enhance osteoblast differentiation and bone regeneration. Notably, Alen‐PEI CDs are found to directly inhibit the formation and function of osteoclasts, effectively attenuating the LPS‐induced skull osteolysis in mice. Furthermore, their cumulative toxicity is lower than that of Alen, indicating their potential as an anti‐bone resorptive nanodrug. These results show that the bone‐targeting Alen‐PEI CDs significantly reverse the imbalance of bone homeostasis through a dual‐directional mechanism—directly suppressing bone resorption and indirectly inducing bone formation by transfection of osteogenic therapeutic genes. Overall, the study expands the application for carbon dots in biomedicine, providing new insights for the further development of novel selectively targeted multifunctional nanodrugs for the treatment of bone‐destructive diseases.
Highly efficient asymmetric (diphenylphosphino)benzene‐based chromium catalysts for selective ethylene trimerization
Authors: Ma Jing , Fan Haonan , Hao Biaobiao , Jiang Tao
Published: September 2022

The corresponding Cr(III) catalysts (1–6) based on asymmetric (diphenylphosphino)benzene‐type L1–L6 ligands have been explored for ethylene selective trimerization. It is observed that the structure of the complexes has an obvious influence on their catalytic performance for ethylene selective oligomerization. All the 1–6 precatalysts may offer selective ethylene trimerization systems, and their catalytic performance is greatly influenced by the reaction conditions. The precatalyst 2, bearing diisopropylphosphanyl substituent, may exhibit the remarkably high catalytic activity of 9.83 × 107 g/(molCr·h) with 90.4% C6 selectivity under suitable conditions. Single crystal X‐ray analysis showed that the alkyl/alkylaminophosphanyl of the ligands may efficaciously tune the catalyst structure and thus influence the oligomerization activity and product selectivity.
Unstated impacts of the green energy industry on the habitat of a coastal delphinid: Turbid‐turbulent wakes induced by offshore wind turbine foundations
Authors: Huang Shiang‐Lin
Published: September 2022

Offshore wind farms (OWFs) are a green energy solution to reducing CO2 emissions, but often encroach on major habitats of coastal delphinids. Clustered OWF construction in shallow waters may have cumulative negative impacts on coastal delphinids and marine ecosystems. Although the impacts of piling noise have been discussed extensively, the potential impacts of oceanographic alterations induced by wind turbine foundations are rarely discussed.

Two OWFs were constructed near the core habitat of a critically endangered subspecies of humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis taiwanensis) in the eastern Taiwan Strait. Turbid‐turbulent wakes induced by wind turbine foundations were inspected using Landsat images. Sighting rates of the humpback dolphin that were obtained from boat‐based line‐transect surveys near the northern OWF (OWFn) since the late 2000s were examined.

Indicators of surface turbidity were used to highlight turbid‐turbulent wakes extending in the direction of the main current. Sighting rates of the humpback dolphins near the OWFn have been declining since the 2000s, but decreased significantly after the OWFn was constructed and began operating.

The long‐term decline in sighting rates implies an alarming decline in the population size of humpback dolphins. Decreased sighting rates after the OWFn installation indicate the reduced utilization of a once‐important habitat. Offshore wind farm construction may influence prey abundance and composition and cause acute stress from piling noise; operational noise may mask the chorus of prey fish and turbid‐turbulent wakes may disturb the benthic ecosystem.

Site selection committees for future OWFs should avoid the habitats of coastal delphinids and areas subject to strong ocean currents. Ecological impact assessments for OWF projects should examine the impacts of turbulent wakes on benthic ecosystems and of acoustic disturbance on marine mammals. Long‐term environmental monitoring programmes are recommended, which can be funded by wind energy companies as a compensatory measure.
An interrupted time series approach to assess Marine Protected Area impacts on recreational fishing licence sales
Authors: Fox Haley K. , Molina Allen C. , Swearingen Thomas C.
Published: September 2022

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly used as a management and conservation strategy. However, the effects of MPA implementation (i.e. restrictions on extractive use) on recreational fishers' spatial behaviour are often not considered. Spatial shifts in fishing pressure and which port fishers choose to fish from can have ecological and economic impacts. Therefore, it is critical that MPA impacts on recreational fishers are adequately investigated and weighed against potential conservation benefits from MPA designation.

The State of Oregon, USA, has a system of five no‐take marine reserves (MRs) with adjacent limited‐take MPAs. This study used an interrupted time series approach to investigate how fishing licence sales were impacted by MR implementation.

This study found that recreational fishers near only one MR were potentially adversely impacted by MR implementation. The proportion of coastal licence sales near Redfish Rocks MR displayed an immediate sustained 47.1% proportional decrease following reserve implementation. Conversely, there was a 0.5% proportional increase in monthly demand for licence sales near Otter Rock and Cascade Head MRs.

This study suggests that most MRs in Oregon were designated in a manner that limited significant adverse impacts to some ocean users, a specified MR objective. The process of MR planning in Oregon, which involved considerable public input, could be used as an example for MR designation in other similar settings. However, when a potential MR site and adjacent town's conditions match those at Redfish Rocks MR, there may be adverse socio‐economic impacts that should be weighed against potential ecological benefits.

This study also demonstrates the application of an interrupted time series approach. When sufficient data are available, this is a robust approach that addresses numerous shortfalls of traditional MPA impact evaluations.
Behavior analysis in college classrooms: A scoping review
Authors: Curiel Emily S. L. , Kranak Michael P. , Fielding Cheryl , Curiel Hugo , Miller Megan M.
Published: September 2022

We conducted a scoping review of interventions that have been implemented classroom‐wide in college classroom settings. We searched nine behavior‐analytic journals from 2000 through 2020. We identified 59 studies that met our inclusion criteria and organized them into 13 categories: acceptance and commitment therapy (n = 1), equivalence‐based instruction (n = 1), SAFMEDS (n = 4), guided notes (n = 4), response cards (n = 5), group contingencies (n = 5), interteaching (n = 6), programmed instruction, PSI, computer‐aided (CA)PSI (n = 7), contingency arrangements (n = 15), feedback (n = 4), online delivery techniques (n = 4), game study sessions (n = 2), and peer‐generated examples (n = 1). The interventions have been used with undergraduate and graduate students across various course topics and modalities. Most interventions produced positive results, commonly assessed via quiz and exam scores. This review presents the scope of interventions, their characteristics, and recommendations for future research.
Activity of a hypochlorous acid‐producing electrochemical bandage as assessed with a porcine explant biofilm model
Authors: Tibbits Gretchen , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Gelston Suzanne , Flurin Laure , Raval Yash S. , Greenwood‐Quaintance Kerryl E. , Patel Robin , Beyenal Haluk
Published: September 2022

The activity of a hypochlorous acid‐producing electrochemical bandage (e‐bandage) in preventing methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (MRSA) infection and removing biofilms formed by MRSA was assessed using a porcine explant biofilm model. e‐Bandages inhibited S. aureus infection (p = 0.029) after 12 h (h) of exposure and reduced 3‐day biofilm viable cell counts after 6, 12, and 24 h exposures (p = 0.029). Needle‐type microelectrodes were used to assess HOCl concentrations in explant tissue as a result of e‐bandage treatment; toxicity associated with e‐bandage treatment was evaluated. HOCl concentrations in infected and uninfected explant tissue varied between 30 and 80 µM, decreasing with increasing distance from the e‐bandage. Eukaryotic cell viability was reduced by an average of 71% and 65% in fresh and day 3‐old explants, respectively, when compared to explants exposed to nonpolarized e‐bandages. HOCl e‐bandages are a promising technology that can be further developed as an antibiotic‐free treatment for wound biofilm infections.
Temporal evaluation of efficacy and quality of tissue repair upon laser‐activated sealing
Authors: Ghosh Deepanjan , Salinas Christopher M. , Pallod Shubham , Roberts Jordan , Makin Inder Raj S. , Yaron Jordan R. , Witte Russell S. , Rege Kaushal
Published: September 2022

Injuries caused by surgical incisions or traumatic lacerations compromise the structural and functional integrity of skin. Immediate approximation and robust repair of skin are critical to minimize occurrences of dehiscence and infection that can lead to impaired healing and further complication. Light‐activated skin sealing has emerged as an alternative to sutures, staples, and superficial adhesives, which do not integrate with tissues and are prone to scarring and infection. Here, we evaluate both shorter‐ and longer‐term efficacy of tissue repair response following laser‐activated sealing of full‐thickness skin incisions in immunocompetent mice and compare them to the efficacy seen with sutures. Laser‐activated sealants (LASEs) in which, indocyanine green was embedded within silk fibroin films, were used to form viscous pastes and applied over wound edges. A hand‐held, near‐infrared laser was applied over the incision, and conversion of the light energy to heat by the LASE facilitated rapid photothermal sealing of the wound in approximately 1 min. Tissue repair with LASEs was evaluated using functional recovery (transepidermal water loss), biomechanical recovery (tensile strength), tissue visualization (ultrasound [US] and photoacoustic imaging [PAI]), and histology, and compared with that seen in sutures. Our studies indicate that LASEs promoted earlier recovery of barrier and mechanical function of healed skin compared to suture‐closed incisions. Visualization of sealed skin using US and PAI indicated integration of the LASE with the tissue. Histological analyses of LASE‐sealed skin sections showed reduced neutrophil and increased proresolution macrophages on Days 2 and 7 postclosure of incisions, without an increase in scarring or fibrosis. Together, our studies show that simple fabrication and application methods combined with rapid sealing of wound edges with improved histological outcomes make LASE a promising alternative for management of incisional wounds and lacerations.
Effect of phytase corn addition on ethanol yield and distillers' dried grains with soluble profile in corn dry‐grind process
Authors: Singh Ramkrishna , Lessard Philip , Michael Raab R. , Singh Vijay
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives

Phytase as a feed additive improves the bioavailable phosphorus content of the poultry diet, thereby decreasing dependence on externally added phosphorus. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding phytase corn on ethanol yield and distillers' dried grains with soluble (DDGS) composition during a corn dry‐grind process.

Findings

Phytase corn at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% w/w of fermentable corn was added during the dry‐grind process. Upon fermentation, the ethanol yield was observed to be in the range of 17.9%–18.9% v/v compared to control (17.7% v/v), representing an 1%–6.5% increase in ethanol yield. Relative to the corn that was introduced at the beginning of the fermentation, the DDGS obtained from the control corn or phytase corn addition all showed a threefold increase in oil, protein, and neutral detergent fiber content. However, the phytic acid content of the DDGS was reduced from 0.45% w/w (control) to 0.13% w/w (phytase treatments).

Conclusion

Adding phytase corn in a dry‐grind process improves the ethanol yield and reduces phytate‐bound phosphorus content.

Significance and Novelty

Phytase corn addition will improve the ethanol yield, DDGS nutritional quality in a corn dry‐grind process, and reduce dependence on phosphorus supplementation.
Denoising stacked autoencoders‐based near‐infrared quality monitoring method via robust samples evaluation
Authors: Lv Jiapeng , Chen Zihao , Luan Xiaoli , Liu Fei
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a denoising stacked autoencoders‐based near‐infrared spectroscopy on‐line quality monitoring model via robust sample evaluation. The previous related work tends to focus on the near infrared spectrum data from the high dimension, multicollinearity, and information redundancy, and so on, but pays less attention to its inherent nonlinearity and sensitivity caused by internal and external factors (i.e., particle size, colour, moisture, uniformity, temperature, and so on). First, this paper aims to achieve feature extraction in nonlinearity with a denoising stack autoencoder, overcoming the impact of over‐sensitivity described as given distributed noise. Second, we propose a robust sample evaluation method derived from the robust statistics to tell and eliminate the individual samples contrary to the potentially statistical rules learned by the established model from the population samples and retrain the model with a more robust training set. The near‐infrared spectrum data derived from the distillation process of 2, 6 xylenol are used as a case in this paper to verify the validity and accuracy of the monitoring model proposed above.
Recent Advances in Solution‐processed Inorganic Thermoelectric Thin Films
Authors: Hwae Heo Seung , Shin Hosun , Sung Son Jae
Published: September 2022

Recent advancements in microscale electronics and wearable devices have led to the concept of energy autonomy, which requires self‐powered energy sources that can be integrated into systems. Thermoelectric generators have received significant attention as direct energy conversion systems between heat and electrical energy. However, typical bulk‐scale inorganic thermoelectric materials have limited utility in these systems, and the traditional fabrication methods of generators pose difficulty in their miniaturization. Thin‐film thermoelectric materials can address these issues owing to their easy integration into microscale systems. Moreover, solution processing can provide a cost‐effective and scalable production approach for inorganic thin films. In this paper, we review the recent progress in solution‐processed inorganic thermoelectric thin films, including the synthesis of ink solutions, fabrication of thin films, and thermoelectric performance of materials and devices.
A Novel Electron Donor‐Acceptor Carbazole‐Zn(II)Phthalocyanine – Perfluorinated Subphthalocyanine Conjugate: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoinduced Electron‐Transfer
Authors: Platzer Benedikt , Ghazal Basma , Mariñas Víctor , Labella Jorge , Martínez‐Díaz M. Victoria , Maksheed Saad , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: September 2022

Porphyrinoids are considered perfect candidates for the preparation of model electron donor‐acceptor (D‐A) systems as they enable fast and efficient photoinduced electron transfer. Herein, we report on the synthesis and photophysical characterization of a ZnPc−SubPc conjugate covalently connected through a short‐range alkyne spacer. We designed and prepared the conjugate, which comprise, on the one hand, a perfluorinated SubPc with strong electron acceptor character and, on the other, a Pc peripherally functionalized with carbazoles with strong electron donor character. Photoinduced electron transfer events are in‐depth analyzed by several techniques, including steady‐state absorption, time‐resolved emission and transient absorption measurements on different time scales. Our studies confirm a full charge separation occurring from a photoexcited charge transfer state.
DNA damage in human oral cells induced by use of e‐cigarettes
Authors: Guo Jiehong , Hecht Stephen S.
Published: September 2022

The use of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) has increased rapidly in the United States, especially among high school students. e‐Cigarettes contain some recognized carcinogens and may induce DNA damage in oral cells. The aim of this review is to summarize studies reporting DNA adducts or other types of DNA damage in oral cells in vitro or in vivo upon exposure to e‐cigarette vapor and to evaluate the possible connections between e‐cigarette exposure and oral cancer. Three databases including PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE and gray literature were searched for articles published up to April 24, 2022. After screening 321 articles, we extracted 27 for further investigation. Based on the inclusion criteria, 22 articles were eligible for this review. The in vitro studies demonstrate that e‐cigarette liquid or vapor can induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, DNA double‐stranded breaks, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in different types of oral cells. The clinical studies showed that e‐cigarette users have significantly higher levels of N′‐nitrosonornicotine, acrolein DNA adducts, metanuclear anomalies, gene regulation, and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme expression and significantly lower levels of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites than non‐users. Comparison of micronuclei levels between e‐cigarette users and non‐users gave inconsistent results. e‐Cigarettes are implicated in DNA damage to oral cells, but publications to date present limited evidence. Future studies with larger sample sizes are required to investigate the long‐term consequences of e‐cigarette use.
Mapping institutional change: Analysing strategies for institutional design in collective infrastructure renewal
Authors: Neef Robin , Busscher Tim , Verweij Stefan , Arts Jos
Published: September 2022

Actors' toolset to affect institutional change bydoinginstitutional design is limited because criteria for effective institutional design are often too general and abstract. This paper aims to identify institutional design strategies and explore how they influence institutional change. The theoretical framework builds on Ostrom's Institutional Analysis and Development framework to map institutional change, and it identifies six institutional design strategies: framing, puzzling, powering, network composition, network outcomes, and network interaction. A comparative case study on Dutch infrastructure renewal opportunities – one case's institutional design interventions attained collective renewal, the other did not – maps institutional change in decision‐making rounds through institutional directions. Key findings include that institutional change of position, boundary, choice, and information rules first is conducive to collective action. Moreover, mimicry of especially choice rules is pivotal. Furthermore, institutional design strategies have a configurational nature: microlevel strategies have mesolevel consequences, and some configurations instigate change, whereas others cause dynamic inertia.
El Niño, La Niña, and forecastability of the realized variance of agricultural commodity prices: Evidence from a machine learning approach
Authors: Bonato Matteo , Çepni Oğuzhan , Gupta Rangan , Pierdzioch Christian
Published: September 2022

We examine the predictive value of El Niño and La Niña weather episodes for the subsequent realized variance of 16 agricultural commodity prices. To this end, we use high‐frequency data covering the period from 2009 to 2020 to estimate the realized variance along realized skewness, realized kurtosis, realized jumps, and realized upside and downside tail risks as control variables. Accounting for the impact of the control variables as well as spillover effects from the realized variances of the other agricultural commodities in our sample, we estimate an extended heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) model by means of random forests to capture in a purely data‐driven way potentially nonlinear links between El Niño and La Niña and the subsequent realized variance. We document such nonlinear links, and that El Niño and La Niña increase forecast accuracy, especially at longer forecast horizons, for several of the agricultural commodities that we study in this research.
A university‐led initiative to expand pharmacy residency program development statewide
Authors: Taylor Stacy , Hudspeth Brooke
Published: September 2022

Given trends in pharmacy practice advancement, additional residency training positions are needed to meet future workforce development goals. Although there has been aggressive growth in the number of pharmacy residency training programs over the past decade, a shortage in the number of available residency positions persists. As such, residency expansion initiatives across the profession are ongoing. To describe a university‐led initiative to expand pharmacy residency program development statewide, programmatic outcomes associated with implementation, and key elements of success. Health systems interested in residency program development were invited to participate in a university‐led initiative that included an online residency resource repository, preceptor interest inventory, monthly video calls, collaboratively established goals and deadlines, and preceptor development. Health system participation rates, utilization of resources, and programmatic outcomes such as number of new residency programs and positions were tracked over time. Over a 3‐year period, six health systems participated in the initiative, yielding four new postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) programs and eight new PGY1 positions. Five of six health systems utilized the online resources and participated in the monthly video calls. Four of the six health systems accessed the preceptor development materials. A University‐led initiative is an effective method for developing new residency training programs. Widescale efforts to implement models such as this one, could prove beneficial in addressing the nationwide shortage of residency programs.
Functional morphology of cirri in the barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus (crustacea: Balanidae)
Authors: Hindenberg Lena M. , Gorb Stanislav N. , Büsse Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Barnacles rely heavily on their mobile cirri for food capture because of the sessile lifestyle. These filamentous food capturing devices are extended into the water current and perform undulating movements. Cuticular structures with corresponding musculature work together, to allow these highly repetitive movements. This paper studies the interplay between structure and function of the cirri using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microcomputed tomography (µCT) and high‐speed video recordings (HSV) in Amphibalanus improvisus. Barnacles use the external cuticle structures (denticles and setae) for efficient grooming, food capturing, and providing support for the muscular system responsible for movement control. Entanglement of the cirri during extension is probably avoided through an interlocking of the serrate setae on cirri IV–VI, creating a “zipper‐like” effect, which was recorded here using the HSV. We analyzed the muscular arrangement using µCT and found a new flexor muscle in both the endo‐ and exopod of cirrus II. Supported by the intrinsic cirral muscles, the new flexor muscles may provide variable movements of the anterior cirri (cirri I–III), which is important for further food handling. Our results provide a foundation for further comparative studies of the feeding apparatus of barnacles and for possible implications in the area of bio‐inspired robotics.
Study on the processing chemistry of Fructus Psoraleae by a combination of untargeted and targeted metabolomics
Authors: Mu Liyan , Dai Hui , Fei Chenghao , Li Wenjing , Xue Qianqian , Xu Yan , Li Lin , Li Weidong , Yin Wu , Yin Fangzhou
Published: September 2022

Fructus Psoralea is widely used to treat osteoporosis and skin inflammatory diseases. Because of the side effects on the liver, renal and cardiovascular systems, it is processed to salt‐processed Fructus Psoraleae to meet the requirements of clinical use. However, the mechanisms involved in the transformation of the chemical components are unclear. In this study, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the chemical profiles of this herbal medicine and the chemical transformation mechanism involved during the salt processing was studied. A total of 83 compounds were identified. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis were used to observe the distribution trend of all samples and visualize the difference. Raw and processed Fructus Psoraleae were clearly clustered into two groups. Furthermore, 17 marker compounds were identified as primary contributors to their differences based on t‐test analysis (p < 0.01) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis (variable importance for the projection > 1). Finally, ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the quality of Fructus Psoraleae by simultaneous analysis of 13 components highly related to efficacy. There were variations in the contents of 13 chemicals of Fructus Psoraleae and salt‐processed products. The results of untargeted and targeted metabolomics revealed that salt processing affected the chemical composition of Fructus Psoraleae.
Two heterozygous mutations in the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent serine protein kinase gene (CASK) in cases with developmental disorders
Authors: Yang Kunfang , Lin Longlong , Yuan Fang , Li Xiaoguang , Liu Zhiping , Lan Xiaoping , Wang Yilin , Ren Yun , Li Jiaoyan , Chen Yucai
Published: September 2022

Background

The calcium/calmodulin‐dependent serine protein kinase gene (CASK) is an essential gene in mammals, critical for neurodevelopment. The purpose of this study is to expand the understanding of the diagnosis of CASK‐linked disorders.

Materials/Methods

From clinical and genetic mutational analyses, relevant data in 2 Han Chinese patients were collected and analyzed. Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) was performed to investigate the CASK expression levels in the patients. The X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns of the patients and their nuclear families were tested by quantitation of methylation of the polymorphic human androgen receptor (HUMARA) locus.

Results

Two Han Chinese patients both presented with intellectual disability (ID), microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH). Two de novo mutations of c.82C>T (p.Arg28*) and c.846C>G (p.Tyr282*) in CASK have been investigated and predicted to be deleterious, which have produced truncated proteins. The functional protein association network of STRING (http://string‐db.org) generated three‐dimensional (3D) atomic models based on protein sequences in CASK and two Arg28 and Tyr282 residues were marked. RT‐qPCR showed lower copy numbers of CASK expression in the patients than in their parents, as well as the sex‐ and age‐ matched control groups. Patient 1 showed a skewed XCI pattern, while no related changes noted in patient 2.

Conclusions

Patients carrying different nonsense variants may have different degrees of different clinical phenotypes. This study expands the spectrum of genotype and phenotype correlations of CASK‐linked disorders in the Han Chinese ethnicity and provides new insights into the molecular mechanism.
Fabrication and post‐processing of PI/PVDF‐HFP/PI electrospun sandwich separators for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Parsaei Solmaz , Zebarjad Seyed Mojtaba , Moghim Mohammad Hadi
Published: September 2022

PI/PVDF‐HFP/PI sandwich separators were prepared by electrospinning, and subsequent pressing and heat treatment were used to improve their properties. Morphology, porosity, air permeability, contact angle, and other specifications of the separators were evaluated. The results showed that heat treatment changed separator porosity and permeability. The pressed and heat‐treated PI/PVDF‐HFP/PI separators showed suitable air permeability (313.49 s) and higher porosity (71.57%) compared to commercial PP separators. Subsequent heat treatment improved tensile strength from 3.48 to 19.09 MPa. The use of polyimide as the sandwich in PI/PVDF‐HFP/PI sandwich separator causes improved flame retardant properties and minimizes thermal shrinkage (2%). On the other hand, the use of PVDF‐HFP as an intermediate layer with a melting temperature of 148–155°C makes for a safe condition to shut down ta lithium‐ion battery and prevents an explosion. Finally, a coin cell assembled with a pressed and heat‐treated PI/PVDF‐HFP/PI separator showed a discharge capacity of 176 mAh/g at the rate of 0.1C and had higher capacity at the rates above 2C in comparison to the commercial separator (PP).
Quantitative proteomic analyses reveal the impact of nitrogen starvation on the proteome of the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Lupette Josselin , Tardif Marianne , Brugière Sabine , Couté Yohann , Salvaing Juliette , Maréchal Eric
Published: September 2022

Diatoms are one of the largest groups in phytoplankton biodiversity. Understanding their response to nitrogen variations, present from micromolar to near‐zero levels in oceans and fresh waters, is essential to comprehend their ecological success. Nitrogen starvation is used in biotechnological processes, to trigger the remodeling of carbon metabolism in the direction of fatty acids and triacylglycerol synthesis. We evaluated whole proteome changes in Phaeodactylum tricornutum after 7 days of cultivation with 5.5‐mM nitrate (+N) or without any nitrogen source (−N). On a total of 3768 proteins detected in biological replicates, our analysis pointed to 384 differentially abundant proteins (DAP). Analysis of proteins of lower abundance in −N revealed an arrest of amino acid and protein syntheses, a remodeling of nitrogen metabolism, and a decrease of the proteasome abundance suggesting a decline in unselective whole‐proteome decay. Analysis of proteins of higher abundance revealed the setting up of a general nitrogen scavenging system dependent on deaminases. The increase of a plastid palmitoyl‐ACP desaturase appeared as a hallmark of carbon metabolism rewiring in the direction of fatty acid and triacylglycerol synthesis. This dataset is also valuable to select gene candidates for improved biotechnological properties.