bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactivities and Action Mechanisms of Ellipticine Derivatives Reported Prior to 2023
Authors: Hou Wen , Xu Xin‐Liang , Huang Le‐Jun , Zhang Zhen‐Yu , Zhou Zhi‐Nuo , Wang Jin‐Yang , Ouyang Xi , Xin Su‐Ya , Zhang Zi‐Yun , Xiong Yi , Huang Hao , Lan Jin‐Xia
Published: March 2024

Currently, natural products are one of the priceless options for finding novel chemical pharmaceutical entities. Ellipticine is a naturally occurring alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Ochrosia elliptica Labill. Ellipticine and its derivatives are characterized by multiple biological activities. The purpose of this review was to provide a critical and systematic assessment of ellipticine and its derivatives as bioactive molecules over the last 60 years. Publications focused mainly on the total synthesis of alkaloids of this type without any evaluation of bioactivity have been excluded. We have reviewed papers dealing with the synthesis, bioactivity evaluation and mechanism of action of ellipticine and its derivatives. It was found that ellipticine and its derivatives showed cytotoxicity, antimicrobial ability, and anti‐inflammatory activity, among which cytotoxicity toward cancer cell lines was the most investigated aspect. The inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II was the most relevant mechanism for cytotoxicity. The PI3K/AKT pathway, p53 pathway, and MAPK pathway were also closely related to the antiproliferative ability of these compounds. In addition, the structure‐activity relationship was deduced, and future prospects were outlined. We are confident that these findings will lay a scientific foundation for ellipticine‐based drug development, especially for anticancer agents.
Aloe juvenna Brandham & S.Carter as α‐Amylase Inhibitor and Hypoglycaemic Agent with Anti‐inflammatory Properties for Diabetes Management
Authors: El‐Mouty Raslan Mona Abd , Kassem Iman AbdelKhalek AbdelKhalek , Ghaly Neveen Sabry , El‐Manawaty May Aly , Melek Farouk Rasmy , Nabil Marian
Published: March 2024

Despite Aloe’s traditional use, Aloe juvenna Brandham & S.Carter is poorly characterized. Other Aloes are known for their antidiabetic activity. This study describes the antidiabetic potentials and phytoconstituents of the A. juvenna leaves methanolic extract (AJME). Twenty‐six phytoconstituents of AJME were described using HPLC/MS‐MS. Lupeol and vitexin were isolated using column chromatography. The antidiabetic activity of AJME was investigated using an in vivo high‐fat diet/streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model and in vitro α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activity assays. AJME demonstrated its α‐amylase inhibitory activity (IC50=313±39.9 ppm) with no effect on α‐glucosidase. In vivo, AJME dose‐dependently improved hyperglycaemia in a high‐fat diet/streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model. Notably, the higher dose (1600 mg/kg) of AJME significantly downregulated serum interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 genes, suggesting its anti‐inflammatory effect. These findings indicate AJME′s potential as a significant antidiabetic agent through its α‐amylase inhibition, hypoglycaemic, and anti‐inflammatory properties.
CO2 Hydrogenation to Hydrocarbons over Fe‐Based Catalysts: Status and Recent Developments
Authors: Krausser Laura , Yang Qingxin , Kondratenko Evgenii V.
Published: March 2024

To control anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide, it is necessary not only to align the chemical industry and energy sector with renewable resources but also to implement large‐scale utilization of CO2 as a feedstock. The Fe‐catalyzed CO2‐modified Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis (CO2‐FTS) is one of the most promising options for efficient CO2 utilization, as it can be used to synthesize desired higher hydrocarbons (C2+), including lower olefins (C2=‐C4=), the main building blocks of the chemical industry, and long‐chain hydrocarbons (C5+), which can be used as fuels. To optimize catalyst and process design for the purpose of developing an economically viable industrial process, the reaction mechanism and the factors controlling product selectivity need to be fully understood. This article discusses the current state‐of‐the‐art in catalyst design and approaches for making effective progress in addressing these challenges.
Ligand Centered Reactivity of a Transition Metal Bound Geometrically Constrained Phosphine
Authors: King Aaron J. , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: March 2024

The electronic properties, coordination chemistry and reactivity of metal complexes of a planar (C2v symmetric) acridane‐derived geometrically constrained phosphine, P(NNN), are described. On complexation to metal centers, the phosphine was found to adopt a distorted trigonal pyramidal structure with a high barrier to pyramidal inversion (22.3 kcal/mol at 298 K for Au[P(NNN)]Cl). Spectroscopic data and theoretical calculations carried out at the density functional level of theory indicate that P(NNN) is a moderate σ‐donor, with significant π‐acceptor properties. Despite the distortion undergone by the phosphorus atom on coordination to metal centers, the P(NNN) ligand retains its ability to react with small molecule substrates with polar E−H bonds (MeOH, NH2Ph, NH3). It does so in a concerted fashion across one of the P−N bonds, and reversibly in the case of amine substrates. This cooperative bond activation chemistry may ultimately prove beneficial in catalysis.
Redox‐Neutral Multicatalytic Cerium Photoredox‐Enabled Cleavage of O−H Bearing Substrates
Authors: Morris Avery O. , Barriault Louis
Published: March 2024

The need for synthetic methodologies capable of rapidly altering molecular structure are in high demand. Most existing methods to modify scaffolds rely on net exothermicity to drive the desired transformation. We sought to develop a general strategy for the cleavage of C−C bonds β to hydroxyl groups independent of inherent substrate strain. To this end we have applied a multicatalytic cerium photoredox‐based system capable of activating O−H bonds in lactols to deliver formate esters. The same system is also capable of effecting hydrodecarboxylation and hydrodecarbonylation reactions. Initial mechanistic probes demonstrate atomic chlorine (Cl⋅) is generated under the reaction conditions, but substrate activation through cerium‐alkoxides or ‐carboxylates cannot be ruled out.
Modelling and dynamic simulation to produce fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic substrates through dilute acid hydrolysis
Authors: Velázquez‐Herrera Luis Antonio , Cobos‐Murcia José Ángel , Bolaños‐Reynoso Eusebio , López‐Zamora Leticia
Published: March 2024

This research paper presents a comprehensive investigation aimed at enhancing the 2G bioethanol production process through the implementation of a dynamic process simulator. The simulator, developed using the Julia programming language, enables the prediction of acid hydrolysis behaviour by manipulating critical variables, including liquid–solid ratio (LSR), acid concentration (CA), and processing time (t). Through meticulous simulations and subsequent experimental validation, optimal operating conditions were revealed, with an H2SO4 concentration of 2% v/v, a LSR of 4% v/w, and 60‐min processing time at 121.1°C. This configuration led to remarkable outcomes, including a xylose concentration of 47.45 g L−1 and an 87.4% hemicellulose removal percentage. Moreover, the simulator unveiled the adverse influence of low LSR values on xylose production and the generation of degradation products. The recalibration of kinetic parameters, guided by experimental data, further fine‐tuned the simulator's predictive accuracy. Overall, this study underscores the potential of the simulator in optimizing various raw materials and presents a promising avenue for advancing 2G bioethanol industry practices.
Neighbor cleaning learning based cost‐sensitive ensemble learning approach for software defect prediction
Authors: Li Li , Su Renjia , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2024

The class imbalance problem in software defect prediction datasets leads to prediction results that are biased toward the majority class, and the class overlap problem leads to fuzzy boundaries for classification decisions, both of which affect the model's prediction performance on the dataset. A neighbor cleaning learning (NCL) is an effective technique for defect prediction. To solve the class overlap problem and class imbalance problem, the NCL‐based cost‐sensitive ensemble learning approach for software defect prediction (NCL_CSEL) model is proposed. First, the bootstrap resampled data are trained using the base classifier. Subsequently, multiple classifiers are integrated by a static ensemble to obtain the final classification results. As the base classifier, the Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) classifier combining NCL and cost‐sensitive learning is proposed, and the class overlap problem and class imbalance problem are solved by balancing the proportion of overlap sample removal in NCL and the size of the cost factor in cost‐sensitive learning. Specifically, the NCL algorithm is used to initialize the sample weights, while the cost‐sensitive method is employed to update the sample weights. Experiments based on the NASA dataset and AEEEM dataset show that the defect prediction model can improve the bal value by approximately 7% and the AUC value by 9.5% when the NCL algorithm is added. NCL_CSEL can effectively solve the class imbalance problem and significantly improve the prediction performance compared with existing methods for solving the class imbalance problem.
HR‐DO: High reliable–delay optimized controller placement in software‐defined networking
Authors: Thalapala Vidya Sagar , Raguraman Preeth , Guravaiah Koppala
Published: March 2024

Currently, networking technologies are pivoting towards software‐defined networking (SDN) due to its easy management and centralized control system. The SDN network metrics, such as latency, scalability, robustness, and reliability largely depends on controller placement in the network domain. In view of betterment and best progression of network quality, the above mentioned network metrics need to be laid more emphases by considering controller placement. To achieve better network quality, an HR‐DO (high reliable–delay optimized controller placement) is proposed. Fuzzy C‐means, a meta‐heuristic optimization algorithm, is used to optimize the number of controllers required in the network due to its effectiveness in cluster selection. It also eases the network latency. In addition, a minimal cut set‐based Boolean logic approach and natural connectivity metric are used to improve the reliability and robustness of SDN with minimum worst‐case latency. To check the performance, the proposed HR‐DO is implemented on a topology‐zoo network data set (OS3E and Chinanet). For comparison purposes, OCPA and K‐means algorithms are taken into the account of latency, reliability, and robustness as parameters. The performance of the HR‐DO approach outperforms over K‐means and OCPA with respect to latency, reliability, and robustness.
A case of lung FNA with atypical squamous cells
Authors: Helland Timothy Leif , Torous Vanda F.
Published: March 2024

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is a commonly employed method for initial diagnosis and work‐up of pulmonary nodules. Utilization of rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) has the added benefit of allowing for triaging of material as appropriate for ancillary studies including microbiology testing. While many pulmonary lesions are easily categorized by cytologic evaluation, more difficult cases exist. In particular, pulmonary lesions demonstrating atypical squamoid cells can cause diagnostic challenge given the morphologic overlap between benign and malignant pulmonary lesions showing atypical squamoid cells. We herein review these common and uncommon squamoid lesions, which may enter within the differential when encountering atypical squamoid cells in pulmonary FNA specimens with emphasis on morphologic pitfalls and approaches to appropriate categorization.
Integration of an Electrode‐Sheet‐Based Traceability System into the Manufacturing Process of Lithium‐Ion Battery Cells
Authors: Sommer Alessandro , Bazlen Steffen , Tran Hai‐Yen , Leeb Matthias , Wachter Jannis , Braunwarth Wolfgang , Daub Rüdiger
Published: March 2024

The production of lithium‐ion batteries consists of a long and complex process chain. The individual process steps influence each other, resulting in unknown cause‐and‐effect interactions. As a result, production fluctuations cause variations in the final battery cell properties, which, coupled with high material costs, lead to costly scrap. Sensor and machine data provide important information during production about the manufacturing and condition of intermediate products. However, a challenge exists, in that these valuable production data cannot be precisely assigned to the corresponding intermediate products, and consequently, the cause of the production fluctuation cannot be explained. In this article, a method for tracking and tracing single‐electrode sections from coating to formation is described. Using the example of areal mass loading, it shows that all production data for the electrode production can be assigned automatically to the individual electrode sheets. In addition, all production data for cell assembly and cell finalization can be assigned to each cell stack and thus to the electrodes used. The monitored electrode areal mass loading of individual electrode sheets enables the identification of deviating electrode sections and a cell‐specific calculation of the final capacity from manufactured battery cells.
One‐pot synthesis of phenylacetaldehyde from styrene via metal oxide catalysed oxidation in presence of cumene hydroperoxide
Authors: Das Sudip
Published: March 2024

Phenylacetaldehyde (PhA) is an aromatic aldehyde which has a hyacinth‐like floral, sweet and green‐leafy odour. PhA is used as a perfumery chemical and a rate‐controlling additive in cosmeceutical and polymer industries, respectively. The conventional process of PhA manufacturing in industries involve hazardous and costly feedstock and often lead to generation of substantial amount of waste. Moreover, usage of stoichiometric reagents often makes the processes economically impractical. This article illustrates the possibility of production of PhA from low‐cost feedstock styrene through a single‐step, one‐pot method wherein various metal oxides have been utilized as catalysts for styrene oxidation under the influence of cumene hydroperoxide (CHP). Ag2O is found to be the highest PhA‐yielding catalyst and a promising candidate for scaling up for its considerably good reusability up to 6 consecutive uses. A maximum of ~45% PhA selectivity has been observed at ~60% styrene conversion. Interestingly, this process does not require any alkaline/acid wash and hence does not produce any organic/inorganic liquid effluent stream. Furthermore, all the major byproducts found, that is styrene oxide, benzaldehyde and acetophenone, are themselves considered as valorized styrene derivatives. Overall, the metal oxide catalysed styrene oxidation has potential to take over the conventional industrial process(es) for sustainable selective production of PhA Along with a plausible mechanism of styrene oxidation over Ag2O, a conceptualized reaction–separation framework has been reported for intensified production of PhA from CHP‐based styrene oxidation.
Chemogenetic activation of astrocytic Gi signaling promotes spinogenesis and motor functional recovery after stroke
Authors: Wu Chaoran , Li Yu , He Xinran , Sun Hao , Zhang Shiwen , Hou Fengsheng , Hu Mengqiu , Lan Aili , Zhang Hao , Qi Long , Zhang Huibin , Liao Hong
Published: March 2024

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. The rewiring of surviving neurons is the fundamental process for functional recovery. Accumulating evidence implicates astrocytes in synapses and neural circuits formation, but few studies have further studied how to enhance the effects of astrocytes on synapse and circuits after stroke and its impacts on post‐stroke functional recovery. In this study, we made use of chemogenetics to specifically activate astrocytic Gi signaling in the peri‐infarcted sensorimotor cortex at different time epochs in a mouse model of photothrombotic stroke. We found that early activation of astrocytic hM4Di after stroke by CNO modulates astrocyte activity and upregulates synaptogenic molecules including thrombospondin‐1 (TSP1) as revealed by bulk RNA‐sequencing, but no significant improvement was observed in dendritic spine density and behavioral performance in grid walking test. Interestingly, when the manipulation was initiated at the subacute phase of stroke, the recovery of spine density and motor function could be effectively promoted, accompanied by increased TSP1 expression. Our data highlight the important role of astrocytes in synapse remodeling during the repair phase of stroke and suggest astrocytic Gi signaling activation as a potential strategy for synapse regeneration, circuit rewiring, and functional recovery.
Isotopic offsets in throughfall and stemflow may have small effects on estimates of winter precipitation fractions
Authors: Floriancic Marius G. , Kirchner James W.
Published: March 2024

Forest canopies alter the amount and isotopic composition of precipitation reaching the forest floor. Thus retention, evaporation and transport processes in forest canopies, and their effects on water isotopes, are key to understanding forest water cycling. Using a two‐year isotope dataset from a mixed beech/spruce forest in Zurich, Switzerland, we assessed the isotopic offsets between precipitation, throughfall and stemflow. We also analysed how these offsets affect estimates of the fraction of soil water that is derived from winter precipitation. Throughfall was typically enriched in heavy isotopes compared to precipitation, but isotopically lighter than stemflow, with average δ2H of −64.3 ‰, −59.9 ‰ and − 56.3 ‰ in precipitation, throughfall and stemflow, respectively. The differences between beech and spruce were rather small compared to the seasonal differences in precipitation isotopes. Isotopic offsets between precipitation and throughfall/stemflow were smaller during the spring and summer months (March through August) than during fall and winter (September through February). Bulk and mobile soil waters at 10 and 40 cm showed smaller seasonal variations than those in precipitation, throughfall and stemflow, and were isotopically lighter than recent precipitation, with the largest offsets occurring during the summer months (June through August) for bulk soil waters. Thus, bulk soil waters at both depths contain a mixture of precipitation from previous events and seasons, with over‐representation of isotopically lighter winter precipitation. Mobile soil waters were more similar to recent precipitation than bulk soil waters were. Throughfall isotopes were slightly heavier than precipitation isotopes, resulting in different sinusoidal fits for seasonal isotopic cycles in precipitation and throughfall. These differences lead to small underestimates in the fraction of soil water originating from winter precipitation, when open‐field precipitation rather than throughfall is used as the input data. Together our results highlight the importance of isotope measurements in throughfall and stemflow for the assessment of precipitation seasonality and water cycling across forested landscapes.
Tree species composition affects litter eco‐hydrological function in Pinus massoniana conifer‐broadleaf mixed forest stands in southwest China
Authors: Tang Xue‐Ya , Xu Ming , Wang Xiao‐Ding , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2024

Although changes in tree species composition profoundly affect the structure, function, and processes of mixed forest ecosystems, there is limited knowledge on the effects of these changes on the hydrological functions of the litter layer in Pinus massoniana conifer‐broadleaf mixed forests in subtropical mountains. Here, we investigated three typical P. massoniana forest stands in southwest China: P. massoniana‐Liquidambar formosana conifer‐deciduous broadleaf mixed forest (Pm + Lf), P. massoniana‐Castanopsis eyrei conifer‐evergreen broadleaf mixed forest (Pm + Ce), and P. massoniana plantation (Pm), and conducted field investigations (litter composition and mass) and indoor immersion experiments to analyse the litter water‐holding capacity (LWHC) of forest stands in their natural state and with artificial ratios combining mixed (needle‐leaf and broad‐leaf) litters. The total litter mass did not significantly differ among the three forest stands (p > 0.05), but significant differences were observed in the needle‐leaf (0.67–2.92 t hm−2), broad‐leaf (0.32–1.89 t hm−2) and bark (0.11–0.34 t hm−2) masses in the undecomposed layer. The LWHC of different stand types was in the order of Pm + Lf > Pm + Ce > Pm. The maximum water‐holding capacity of different artificial ratios of mixed litters was positively proportional to the broad‐leaf mass and inversely proportional to the needle‐leaf mass, and the P. massoniana‐L. formosana mixed litter had a higher maximum water‐holding capacity than the P. massoniana‐C. eyrei mixed litter. The LWHC of mixed forests is mainly influenced by stand structure (tree composition) and litter characteristics, and is positively correlated with leaf area, thickness, dry matter content, and surface roughness. This study revealed that the LWHC can be significantly affected by different P. massoniana stands in subtropical mountains. This study will aid the sustainable and ecological management of forest in subtropical mountains, and P. massoniana plantations should be gradually converted into mixed conifer‐broadleaf forests with greater LWHC and buffering capacity.
Numerical assessment of hydro‐morphodynamics affected by altered upstream discharge in the Dujiangyan reach of the Min River, China
Authors: Wang Xie‐Kang , Cheng Kai , Luo Ming , Xu Ze‐Xing , Yan Xu‐Feng
Published: March 2024

The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, a globally well‐known hydraulic engineering project, is significant for the Chengdu Plain. In recent years, due to water supply scarcity in the Chengdu Plain and increasing flood disasters in the Min River, the Moertan Reservoir was constructed to alleviate these pressures. The construction resulted in a mid‐reach embankment along the Min River that forced channel narrowing and triggered changes in channel morphology, flow and bedload transport. This study utilised field measurements coupled with physical and numerical models to simulate the resulting characteristics of flow, bedload transport and topographic change for different flood frequencies in the Dujiangyan reach following emplacement of the Moertan Reservoir. The results indicated that following extensive hydraulic regulation, the flow‐bedload transport characteristics and morphodynamics exhibited similar behaviours across different flood frequencies. The presence of a mid‐channel gravel‐cobble shoal (GCS) divided the flow into multiple branches, with the right branch systematically dominating flow and bedload transport across all flood frequencies. Further downstream, the Fish Mouth Levee effectively diverted nearly equal amounts of flow through the Inner and Outer rivers. In contrast, approximately 20% and 80% of the bedload was transported through the Inner and Outer rivers, respectively. The findings were beneficial in providing a reference for the flood season management of the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project and the maintenance of associated hydraulic engineering projects.
D‐Unet: A symmetric architecture of convolutional neural network with two auxiliary outputs for dementia recognition
Authors: Li Siying , Xia Pan , Zou Yonggang , Du Lidong , Li Zhenfeng , Wang Peng , Chen Xianxiang , Chen Yundai , Shi Yajun , Fang Zhen
Published: March 2024

Dementia‐associated disorders cause damage to the brains of patients and bring huge burdens to individuals and families. Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring is friendly to patients on account of low cost, non‐invasion, and objective. Event‐related potential (ERP) is a component of EEG that has huge potential to evaluate the cognitive function of the brain. In this study, we recorded the ERP from patients with dementia and healthy people, then proposed an ERP‐based deep learning method to realize dementia recognition via the model Dementia‐Unet (D‐Unet). To improve the performance of the model, on the base of the decoder and the primary classifier, we added new structures including a symmetric decoder and two auxiliary outputs. One of the auxiliary outputs was input reconstruction, and the other one was aimed at working like the primary classifier with the same task. The results of the experiment of four‐fold cross‐validation demonstrated the two auxiliary outputs improved the performance of the model effectively. When compared with some other machine learning methods and deep learning methods, our model obtained the best performance with an accuracy of 0.815, a precision of 0.829, a recall of 0.797, and an f1‐score of 0.812. Besides, we put up a complex training strategy with all outputs involved, but a simple testing strategy with only a primary classifier working to keep high performance but cut down the complexity burden during testing.
An adaptive weight search method based on the Grey wolf optimizer algorithm for skin lesion ensemble classification
Authors: Liu Luzhou , Zhang Xiaoxia , Xu Zhinan
Published: March 2024

Skin cancer is a common type of malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to patients' lives and health, especially melanoma. It may spread to other body parts, resulting in serious complications and death. In the medical field, accurate identification of skin lesion images is crucial for diagnosing different diseases. However, due to the similarity between different skin lesions, it brings some challenges to medical diagnosis. In this paper, a novel Ensemble Learning Model (EL‐DLOA) based on deep learning and optimization algorithms is proposed, which uses four different deep neural network architectures to generate confidence levels for classes, and optimization algorithms are used to integrate these confidence levels to make the final predictions. To ensure the model's accuracy and reliability, it is first trained using three different learning rates to find the best classification performance of the model. Then, a new search method based on the grey wolf optimization algorithm is proposed to enhance the grey wolf search efficiency. The method improves the search mechanism by changing the grey wolf's individual position through random perturbation or adaptive mutation, which solves the problem that the grey wolf algorithm is easy to fall into local optimum. Finally, four different ensemble strategies are used to reduce individual model bias in the classification process. The proposed model is trained and evaluated using the publicly available dataset HAM10000. The experimental results show that the improved grey wolf optimization algorithm effectively avoids the premature convergence problem and improves the search combination efficiency. Furthermore, in the ensemble methods, the adaptive weight average ensemble strategy effectively improves the classification performance, yielding accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores of 0.888, 0.837, 0.897, and 0.862, respectively. These metrics show varying degrees of improvement over the best performing single model. In general, the results indicate that the proposed method achieves high accuracy and practicality in skin lesion classification. Our model shows excellent performance in comparison with other existing models, which makes it significant for research and application in dermatology diagnosis.
Zinc‐doped hydroxyapatite as a pH responsive drug delivery system for anticancer drug 6‐mercaptopurine
Authors: Jakubowski Marcel , Majchrzycki Łukasz , Zarkov Aleksej , Voelkel Adam , Sandomierski Mariusz
Published: March 2024

6‐Mercaptopurine (6MP) is commonly used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia as an important agent in maintenance therapy. Despite its therapeutic benefits, 6MP has some limitations during therapy. Taking into account the disadvantages during 6MP therapy, there is a great need to create an appropriate delivery system for this drug. 6MP contains in its structure nitrogen and sulfur atoms capable of forming coordination compounds with metal ions, for example zinc. Therefore, in this work, we prepared biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HAp) doped with zinc ions, and used it as a carrier for 6MP. Doped HAp has not been used as a carrier for this drug before. The work proved that the prepared carrier‐drug system has a particle size of about 130 nm, which indicates its potential for intravenous delivery. In addition, in an acidic environment (imitating cancer cells), the carrier agglomerates allow targeted release of the drug. The drug is evenly distributed, which indicates that the doses released from it will always be comparable. The release of the drug in a neutral environment is long‐lasting in controlled doses, whereas in an acidic environment it is immediate. The obtained results indicate the high potential of the material in both slow‐release and cancer‐targeted release of 6MP.
Geographic variation in incubation temperatures promoting viable offspring production in broadly co‐distributed turtles
Authors: Cordero Gerardo A. , Balk Michelle L. , Pérez‐González César E. , Solberg Lisa M. , Doody Jeremiah Sean , Plummer Michael V. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: March 2024

Organisms whose early life stages are environmentally sensitive produce offspring within a relatively narrow range of suitable abiotic conditions. In reptiles, development rate and survival are often maximized if incubation temperatures remain under 31°C, though this upper bound may vary within and among species. We addressed this expectation by comparing responses to egg incubation at 30°C versus 33°C in congeneric turtle species pairs with broad syntopic geographic distributions. In the two softshell turtles (Apalone spp.), the greatest changes in development rate and phenotypic variance were observed in the northernmost population, which had a low survival rate (40%) at 33°C. The presumably suboptimal temperature (33°C) for northern populations otherwise yielded 76%–93% survival rates and fast swimming speeds in more southern populations. Still, in one species, northern hatchlings incubated at 33°C matched the elevated speeds of their southern counterparts, revealing a countergradient response. In northern populations of the two map turtles (Graptemys spp.), survival was also reduced (28%–60%) at 33°C and the development rate (relative to 30°C) increased by up to 75%. Our experiments on divergent taxa with similar nesting ecologies substantiate that the optimal thermal range for offspring production is variable. These findings encourage further work on how population‐ and species‐level differences relate to local adaptation in widely distributed oviparous species.
Use of virtual reality in patient education program to reduce anxiety in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siripongsaporn Surachet , Yongsiriwit Karn , Tantitanawat Kittithat , Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim

Virtual reality (VR) provides an immersive image‐viewing experience that has recently been expanding its use in clinical medicine. We aimed to examine a patient education program by VR to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial and consecutively enrolled patients who had an indication for unsedated EGD with topical anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to use Oculus GO with three‐dimensionally specific software content (a stand‐alone VR headset) for patient education or standard patient education using oral information (the control group) before EGD. The primary outcome was the variation in anxiety scores before and after patient education programs.

Results

A total of 107 patients underwent EGD and received a VR (n = 58) and control (n = 49) patient education program. The mean anxiety score before starting the patient education program was 41.4 9.6 in the VR group and 41.9 7.7 in the control group. The mean anxiety score after the patient education program was 37.1 10.8 in the VR group and 38.9 8.07 in the control group (P‐value = 0.354). The anxiety score in the VR group decreased more than in the control group but was not significant. The recall questionnaire scores were higher in the VR group (4.70.4) than the control group (3.91, P‐value 0.001).

Conclusion

A virtual reality‐assisted patient education program before EGD did not significantly reduce anxiety but may provide more memory and understanding about the procedure to patients who underwent unsedated EGD.
Long‐term variability and trends of meteorological droughts in Ukraine
Authors: Semenova Inna , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this research is to identify changes in the spatiotemporal distribution and severity of meteorological droughts in Ukraine between 1946 and 2020. In order to determine the role of precipitation and atmospheric evaporative demand on drought severity, two drought indices were applied for comparative analysis: the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized evaporation precipitation index (SPEI). Both indices were calculated on 3‐ and 12‐month timescales. The gridded dataset of monthly air temperature and atmospheric precipitation for Ukraine with high spatial resolution (0.1° × 0.1°), developed in the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, was used. Results of time series analysis of drought indices showed at least 20 episodes, in which more than 25% of the territory of Ukraine was affected by drought of varying intensity. Trends show an increase in drought severity determined mostly by a strong observed increase in the atmospheric evaporative demand. Tendencies towards an increase in the duration and intensity of droughts were observed mainly in the southwestern, central and northern regions of Ukraine. The main cause of the increase was droughts in spring and summer. The temporal analysis of the spatial distribution of areas affected by drought during the identified main drought episodes showed different patterns in drought propagation across the territory of Ukraine.
Transcriptomic characterization of the response to a microalgae extract in Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Arvanitidou Christina , Ramos‐González Marcos , Romero‐Losada Ana B. , García‐Gómez M. Elena , García‐González Mercedes , Romero‐Campero Francisco J.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The steady world population growth and the current climate emergency crisis demand the development of sustainable methods to increase crop performance and resilience to the abiotic and biotic stresses produced by global warming. Microalgal extracts are being established as sustainable sources to produce compounds that improve agricultural yield, concurrently contributing during their production process to atmospheric CO2 abatement through the photosynthetic activity of microalgae.

RESULTS

In the present study, we characterize the transcriptomic response in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the plant of horticultural interest Solanum lycopersicum to the foliar application of a microalgae‐based commercial preparation LRM™ (AlgaEnergy, Madrid, Spain). The foliar spray of LRM™ has a substantial effect over both transcriptomes potentially mediated by various compounds within LRM™, including its phytohormone content, activating systemic acquired resistance, possibly mediated by salicylic acid biosynthetic processes, and drought/heat acclimatization, induced by stomatal control and wax accumulation during cuticle development. Specifically, the agronomic improvements observed in treated S. lycopersicum (tomato) plants include an increase in the number of fruits, an acceleration in flowering time and the provision of higher drought resistance. The effect of LRM™ foliar spray in juvenile and adult plants was similar, producing a fast response detectable 2 h from its application that was also maintained 24 h later.

CONCLUSION

The present study improves our knowledge on the transcriptomic effect of a novel microalgal extract on crops and provides the first step towards a full understanding of the yield and resistance improvement of crops. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Totally geodesic Lagrangian submanifolds of the pseudo‐nearly Kähler SL(2,R)×SL(2,R)$\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb {R})\times \mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb {R})$
Authors: Anarella Mateo , Van der Veken J.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study Lagrangian submanifolds of the pseudo‐nearly Kähler . First, we show that they split into four different classes depending on their behavior with respect to a certain almost product structure on the ambient space. Then, we give a complete classification of totally geodesic Lagrangian submanifolds of this space.
Norm retrieval algorithms: A new frame theory approach
Authors: Arabyani‐Neyshaburi Fahimeh , Arefijamaal Ali Akbar , Farshchian Ramin , Kamyabi‐Gol Rajab Ali
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we introduce a new approach based on the excess components of a frame for recognizing norm retrieval frames (NRFs) in finite‐dimensional Hilbert spaces. This method leads to a complete characterization of NRFs in and and then to 1‐excess NRFs in . This approach is not only more effective in higher dimensions for detecting NRF than the previous approaches but is also applicable to constructing NRF from a given Riesz basis. In addition, we establish a relationship between the norm retrievability of a frame and its duals. We also show that, unlike the phase retrieval property, the set of all norm retrievable dual frames is generally not dense in the set of all dual frames. Then, we present numerical results to illustrate the potentiality of the NRF approach in signal recovery with respect to the classical framework in frame theory, and finally, we raise some perspectives and problems concerning NRF.
Time‐optimal feedback control of nonlocal Hilfer fractional state‐dependent delay inclusion with Clarke's subdifferential
Authors: Tripathi Vidushi , Das Sanjukta
Published: March 2024

In this article, we discuss the optimal feedback control of nonlocal Hilfer fractional state‐dependent delay inclusion of order
with Clarke's subdifferential. Firstly, we establish the existence of mild solutions for this class of equations by employing the Krasnoselskii's fixed‐point theorem, without using Lipschitz conditions. Subsequently, we develop set of sufficient assumptions, utilizing Cesari property and Filippov theorem, to ensure the existence of feasible pairs for the feedback control systems. Eventually, using the Mazur theorem and Fatou's lemma, we derive the optimal state–control pair. The study also introduces and explores the problem of time‐optimal feedback control. In conclusion, an application is provided to enhance the theoretical findings.
Bioinspired strategy for the fabrication of fast‐curing, tough, and high‐strength phenolic resins
Authors: Li Jiongjiong , Zhu Ying , Zhang Fudong , Lyu Yan , Li Xiaona , Li Kuang , Tian Dan , Cai Liping , Li Jianzhang
Published: March 2024

Phenolic resins (PRs) find extensive use in adhesives and constructions, but they suffer from low curing rate and high brittleness. Herein, we drew inspiration from the lobster sclerotization process and proposed a simple approach to fabricate PRs by integrating pyrogallol‐functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (PG@GnPs), amine‐terminated hyperbranched phosphonitrilic chloride trimer (HPNC), and phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin. The resulting PRs exhibited significant improvements in comprehensive performance. The onset curing temperature decreased from 115.6 to 101.7°C, while the adhesion work increased by 126.5% and the toughness increased by 494%. Additionally, the wet bonding strength increased by 68.7% and the flexural strength increased by 208%. The accelerated curing rate was attributable to the oxidative crosslinking between catechol moieties in pyrogallol and amino groups in HPNC under alkaline conditions, as well as the high reactivity between pyrogallol or amino groups and PF chains. The outstanding mechanical properties were resulted from the synergistic enhancement effects of PG@GnPs and HPNC, which effectively transferred and absorbed energy upon loading. Overall, this work presented an attractive design strategy for developing high‐performance and multifunctional polymer composites.

Highlights

A bioinspired strategy was proposed for preparing advanced phenolic resins.

PG@GnPs were produced via a green and low‐cost ball milling method.

Adhesion work and toughness increased by 126.5% and 494%, respectively.

Bonding and flexural strength have improved by 68.7% and 208%, respectively.

Significantly accelerated curing rate was achieved.
Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of graft fibrosis after liver transplantation
Authors: Zhao Youwei , Wang Lijun , Xie Man , Rao Wei
Published: March 2024

Liver transplantation (LT) is considered one of the best treatments for patients with end‐stage liver diseases. However, some patients with no significant clinical manifestations or abnormal laboratory tests still experience graft fibrosis during postoperative follow‐up, which is often recognized by graft histopathology. Graft fibrosis can lead to graft dysfunction, thereby reducing the survival time of the recipient and even requiring re‐transplantation. Currently, noninvasive methods are widely applied in the assessment of hepatic and allograft fibrosis. Although both noninvasive diagnostic models based on laboratory examination indicators and elastography technology that can quantify liver stiffness have some value in the evaluation of fibrosis, the diagnostic accuracy and characteristics of these various methods vary and cannot replace liver biopsy completely. In recent years, some liver‐protective drugs and proprietary Chinese traditional medicines have been proven to delay or reverse chronic liver fibrosis. Nevertheless, their efficacy and safety for LT recipients need to be further verified. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of graft fibrosis after LT to provide a reference for improving the overall survival rate of LT recipients.
Anti-Inflammatory Control of Human Skin Keratinocytes by Targeting Nuclear Transport Checkpoint
Authors: Liu Yan , Qiao Huan , Zienkiewicz Jozef , Hawiger Jacek
Published: March 2024

Background

In the two common inflammatory skin diseases, Atopic Dermatitis (AD) and Psoriasis (Ps), keratinocytes (KCs) respond to immune insults through activation of proinflammatory transcription factors (TFs) and their translocation to the cell’s nucleus. Therein, the TFs induce expression of genes encoding mediators of skin inflammation. The Nuclear Transport Checkpoint Inhibitors (NTCIs) were developed to regulate nuclear translocation of activated TFs, the essential step of inflammatory response. This new class of cell-penetrating peptide therapeutics controls inflammation caused by allergic, autoimmune, metabolic, and microbial insults. In preclinical model of AD, the treatment with NTCI, cSN50.1 peptide, suppressed the expression of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP), the key gene in the development of allergic inflammation, among the 15 genes silenced by the NTCI. Here, we report the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of NTCI in human skin-derived KCs.

Objectives

We aimed to determine whether the NTCI treatment can protect human KCs from harmful inflammatory insults.

Methods

Human primary KCs were pretreated with NTCI and challenged with the mix of cytokines Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin (IL)-17A, or with Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (PMA), and analysed for nuclear content of TFs and the expression of genes encoding mediators of inflammation.

Results

The nuclear import of TFs, Nuclear Factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) and Signal Transduction and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), was inhibited in cells treated with NTCI. The expression of TSLP, along with genes encoding the core mediators of inflammation (TNF, IL1B, and IL6) was suppressed by NTCI. Noteworthy, NTCI silenced genes encoding Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF2), and chemokine IL-8 (CXCL8), responsible for skin infiltration by the eosinophils and other myelomonocytic cells.

Conclusion

The control of inflammatory response in human KCs by NTCI is attributed to the inhibition of nuclear import of proinflammatory TFs. The protection of human KCs by NTCI, adds new perspectives to the completed Phase two clinical trial of the NTCI (AMTX-100 CF) for AD (NCT04313400).
Cryptography algorithms for improving the security of cloud‐based internet of things
Authors: Qasem Mohammed Ali , Thabit Fursan , Can Ozgu , Naji Ebrahim , Alkhzaimi Hoda A. , Patil Pritam Rajendra , Thorat S. B.
Published: March 2024

In today's fast‐paced society, the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing businesses by bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms. This transformative technology enables rapid changes in the way people conduct business. Its fundamental aim is to connect everything in our world—objects, individuals, locations, and processes—under a unified infrastructure, providing valuable information and control over the state of our environment. The IoT represents a novel approach to developing diverse and distributed systems, which have now evolved into a pervasive computing cloud infrastructure. However, due to limitations in computing power and storage resources dedicated to handling the vast amounts of IoT data, a cloud‐based architecture is often employed in the IoT realm. Unfortunately, this shift has introduced a range of complex security and trust concerns within the cloud‐based IoT environment. As the demand for widespread deployment of cloud‐based IoT continues to soar, significant security‐related threats have emerged, prompting numerous researchers to develop cryptographic algorithms aimed at enhancing the security of both the Cloud and IoT. This paper provides an overview of cloud‐based IoT technology and seeks to fulfill the primary objective of conducting a survey on encryption algorithms in the context of the cloud and IoT. The research delves into the strategies, challenges, and variations associated with encryption in cloud and IoT systems. Additionally, this work includes a comparative analysis of the computational complexity of these techniques.
What matters to graduate students? Experiences at a statistical consulting center from pre‐ to post‐COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Huebner Marianne , Pierce Steven J. , Dennhardt Andrew J. , Akaeze Hope , Jess Nicole , Ma Wenjuan
Published: March 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to unprecedented changes in all levels of society, including the statistical consulting field. This paper focuses on the experiences of graduate student consultants and clients at our statistical consulting center (SCC) that operates all year independent of semesters. During the lockdown period, work continued without interruption and was conducted remotely, but there was a temporary reduction in utilization. Advice on statistical methods, help with data analysis and educational offerings are the main appeals to utilize SCC services. We describe our mentoring approach for graduate student research assistants (RAs) and how pandemic changes affected RAs and clients. Based on experiences during the pandemic, we offer practical suggestions for SCCs' approaches to research support, work characteristics and collaborations to improve the experiences of graduate students, both as consultants and clients. Most collaboration meetings are now virtual by request from clients. Telecommuting supports flexible personal schedules and needs. Online educational offerings provide easier access for participants and more opportunities for a wider range of topics and presenters. However, mentoring sessions for RAs are best conducted in‐person, and every effort should be made to encourage in‐person interactions and collaborations between staff members to advance the effectiveness of post‐pandemic SCCs.