bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Workshop With Ryszard Cieslak
Authors: Ronen Dan
Published: April 2006

Apocalypsis Cum Figuris marked the last theatrical performance of the Polish Theatre Lab. Although this spectacle is still performed periodically by the group, its members are primarily concerned with different projects. Initially these projects were termed “paratheatre.” The name was transformed gradually and moved outside the realm of legitimate theatre. Grotowski started to use the term Active Culture. Very recently, a new term emerged out of this innovative group of artists: Theatre of Roots (or Roots of Theatre). What exactly this new term brings with it is still to be discovered.

The following is a description of a Theatre of Roots workshop led by Ryszard Cieslak of the Polish Theatre Lab and co-led by myself. It was a ten-day workshop that included twenty participants (an even number of men and women) and took place in and around Penn State University.
High‐Throughput Fabrication of Phosphor‐In‐Silica Glass via Injection Molding
Authors: Mohamed Moushira. A. , Ali Mohamed. A. , Shaorun Guo , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: February 2024

Phosphor‐in‐silica glass (PiSG) composite is an excellent candidate for highly stable and efficient color converter in high power white light emitting diodes (wLEDs). However, the high‐throughput fabrication of PiSG with different shapes is still challenging for current techniques. Here this study reports the manufacture of transparent PiSG based on YAG:Ce (Y3Al5O12:Ce3+) using injection molding (IM) technique. In this approach, different shapes of centimeter‐sized YAG:Ce‐PiSG pieces are fabricated by using IM of a YAG:Ce/amorphous silica nanoparticles/thermoplastic polymer composite at low temperatures (@ 150 °C) which afterward are debound (@ 600 °C) and densified (@ 1150 °C). Interestingly, the molding time to produce YAG:Ce/silica/polymer green parts is 5 s per piece, implying the capability for high‐throughput production of YAG:Ce‐PiSG. Furthermore, the as‐fabricated YAG:Ce‐PiSG exhibits high luminescence efficiency (>91%) and high chemical/thermal stabilities. Accordingly, high power wLEDs (10 W) are fabricated using the YAG:Ce‐PiSG which demonstrates high luminous efficiency of 144 lm W−1 at 50 mA, closing to that of the wLEDs fabricated by expensive YAG:Ce ceramic plate (i.e., 149 lm W−1 @ 50 mA). The work provides a facile and universal approach for industry‐scale production of PiSG that can be promising for various photonic applications.
Evaluating surgical expertise with AI‐based automated instrument recognition for robotic distal gastrectomy
Authors: Strong James S. , Furube Tasuku , Takeuchi Masashi , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Maeda Yusuke , Matsuda Satoru , Fukuda Kazumasa , Nakamura Rieko , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Complexities of robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) give reason to assess physician's surgical skill. Varying levels in surgical skill affect patient outcomes. We aim to investigate how a novel artificial intelligence (AI) model can be used to evaluate surgical skill in RDG by recognizing surgical instruments.

Methods

Fifty‐five consecutive robotic surgical videos of RDG for gastric cancer were analyzed. We used Deeplab, a multi‐stage temporal convolutional network, and it trained on 1234 manually annotated images. The model was then tested on 149 annotated images for accuracy. Deep learning metrics such as Intersection over Union (IoU) and accuracy were assessed, and the comparison between experienced and non‐experienced surgeons based on usage of instruments during infrapyloric lymph node dissection was performed.

Results

We annotated 540 Cadiere forceps, 898 Fenestrated bipolars, 359 Suction tubes, 307 Maryland bipolars, 688 Harmonic scalpels, 400 Staplers, and 59 Large clips. The average IoU and accuracy were 0.82 ± 0.12 and 87.2 ± 11.9% respectively. Moreover, the percentage of each instrument's usage to overall infrapyloric lymphadenectomy duration predicted by AI were compared. The use of Stapler and Large clip were significantly shorter in the experienced group compared to the non‐experienced group.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report that surgical skill can be successfully and accurately determined by an AI model for RDG. Our AI gives us a way to recognize and automatically generate instance segmentation of the surgical instruments present in this procedure. Use of this technology allows unbiased, more accessible RDG surgical skill.
A Domino Protocol toward High‐performance Unsymmetrical Dibenzo[d,d′]thieno[2,3‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophenes Semiconductors
Authors: Li Jiahui , Wang Pu , Dong Jiaxuan , Xie Ziyi , Tan Xiangyu , Zhou Lu , Ai Liankun , Li Baolin , Wang Yang , Dong Huanli
Published: February 2024

Unsymmetric organic semiconductors have many advantages such as good solubility, rich intermolecular interactions for potential various optoelectronic applications. However, their synthesis is more challenging due to intricate structures thus normally suffering tedious synthesis. Herein, we report a trisulfur radical anion (S3⋅−) triggered domino thienannulation strategy for the synthesis of dibenzo[d,d′]thieno[2,3‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophenes (DBTDTs) using readily available 1‐halo‐2‐ethynylbenzenes as starting materials. This domino protocol features no metal catalyst and the formation of six C−S and one C−C bonds in a one‐pot reaction. Mechanistic study revealed a unique domino radical anion pathway. Single crystal structure analysis of unsymmetric DBTDT shows that its unique unsymmetric structure endows rich and multiple weak S⋅⋅⋅S interactions between molecules, which enables the large intermolecular transfer integrals of 86 meV and efficient charge transport performance with a carrier mobility of 1.52 cm2 V−1 s−1. This study provides a facile and highly efficient synthetic strategy for more high‐performance unsymmetric organic semiconductors.
Triisocyanate Derived Interlayer and High‐Melting‐Point Doping Promoter Boost Operational Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Tianyu , Zhang Yuyan , Ren Ming , Mu Yanfei , Zhang Jidong , Yuan Yi , Zhang Min , Wang Peng
Published: February 2024

Formamidinium lead triiodide serves as the optimal light‐absorbing layer in single‐junction perovskite solar cells. However, achieving operational stability of high‐efficiency n‐i‐p type devices at elevated temperatures remains challenging. In this work, we implemented effective surface modifications on microcrystalline perovskite films. This involved the nucleophilic addition of formamidinium cations and coordination of residual PbI2 with triphenylmethane triisocyanate as well as subsequent polymerization. The in situ growth of a cross‐linking network chemically anchored on the perovskite film in this approach effectively reduced trap densities, favorably altered surface work function, suppressing interface charge recombination and thus enhancing cell efficiency. Coupled with a high‐melting‐point air‐doping promoter, we fabricated n‐i‐p type perovskite solar cells surpassing 25 % efficiency, demonstrating excellent operational stability at 65 °C.
The Rhodium Analogue of Coenzyme B12 as an Anti‐Photoregulatory Ligand Inhibiting Bacterial CarH Photoreceptors
Authors: Pérez‐Castaño Ricardo , Aranda Juan , Widner Florian J. , Kieninger Christoph , Deery Evelyne , Warren Martin J. , Orozco Modesto , Elías‐Arnanz Montserrat , Padmanabhan S. , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: February 2024

Coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl; 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐adenosylcobalamin), the quintessential biological organometallic radical catalyst, has a formerly unanticipated, yet extensive, role in photoregulation in bacteria. The light‐responsive cobalt‐corrin AdoCbl performs this nonenzymatic role by facilitating the assembly of CarH photoreceptors into DNA‐binding tetramers in the dark, suppressing gene expression. Conversely, exposure to light triggers the decomposition of this AdoCbl‐bound complex by a still elusive photochemical mechanism, activating gene expression. Here, we have examined AdoRhbl, the non‐natural rhodium analogue of AdoCbl, as a photostable isostructural surrogate for AdoCbl. We show that AdoRhbl closely emulates AdoCbl in its uptake by bacterial cells and structural functionality as a regulatory ligand for CarH tetramerization, DNA binding, and repressor activity. Remarkably, we find AdoRhbl is photostable even when bound “base‐off/His‐on” to CarH in vitro and in vivo. Thus, AdoRhbl, an antivitamin B12, also represents an unprecedented anti‐photoregulatory ligand, opening a pathway to precisely target biomimetic inhibition of AdoCbl‐based photoregulation, with new possibilities for selective antibacterial applications. Computational biomolecular analysis of AdoRhbl binding to CarH yields detailed structural insights into this complex, which suggest that the adenosyl group of photoexcited AdoCbl bound to CarH may specifically undergo a concerted non‐radical syn‐1,2‐elimination mechanism, an aspect not previously considered for this photoreceptor.
Hydrogen‐Induced Formation of Surface Acid Sites on Pt/Al(PO3)3 Enables Remarkably Efficient Hydrogenolysis of C−O Bonds in Alcohols and Ethers
Authors: Oshida Kento , Yuan Kang , Yamazaki Yukari , Tsukimura Rio , Nishio Hidenori , Nomoto Katsutoshi , Miura Hiroki , Shishido Tetsuya , Jin Xiongjie , Nozaki Kyoko
Published: February 2024

The hydrogenolysis of oxygenates such as alcohols and ethers is central to the biomass valorization and also a valuable transformation in organic synthesis. However, a mild and efficient catalyst system for the hydrogenolysis of a large variety of alcohols and ethers with various functional groups is still underdeveloped. Here, we report an aluminum metaphosphate‐supported Pt nanoparticles (Pt/Al(PO3)3) for the hydrogenolysis of a wide variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl and benzylic alcohols, and dialkyl, aryl alkyl, and diaryl ethers, including biomass‐derived furanic compounds, under mild conditions (0.1–1 atm of H2, as low as 70 °C). Mechanistic studies suggested that H2 induces formation of the surface Brønsted acid sites via its cleavage by supported Pt nanoparticles. Accordingly, the high efficiency and the wide applicability of the catalyst system are attributed to the activation and cleavage of C−O bonds by the hydrogen‐induced Brønsted acid sites with the assistance of Lewis acidic Al sites on the catalyst surface. The high efficiency of the catalyst implies its potential application in energy‐efficient biomass valorization or fine chemical synthesis.
N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors: Structure, function, and role in organophosphorus compound poisoning
Authors: Kolić Dora , Kovarik Zrinka
Published: February 2024

Acute organophosphorus compound (OP) poisoning induces symptoms of the cholinergic crises with the occurrence of severe epileptic seizures. Seizures are induced by hyperstimulation of the cholinergic system, but are enhanced by hyperactivation of the glutamatergic system. Overstimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors by the elevated acetylcholine causes glutamatergic hyperexcitation and an increased influx of Ca2+ into neurons through a type of ionotropic glutamate receptors, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDAR). These excitotoxic signaling processes generate reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and activation of the neuroinflammatory response, which can lead to recurrent epileptic seizures, neuronal cell death, and long‐term neurological damage. In this review, we illustrate the NMDAR structure, complexity of subunit composition, and the various receptor properties that change accordingly. Although NMDARs are in normal physiological conditions important for controlling synaptic plasticity and mediating learning and memory functions, we elaborate the detrimental role NMDARs play in neurotoxicity of OPs and focus on the central role NMDAR inhibition plays in suppressing neurotoxicity and modulating the inflammatory response. The limited efficacy of current medical therapies for OP poisoning concerning the development of pharmacoresistance and mitigating proinflammatory response highlights the importance of NMDAR inhibitors in preventing neurotoxic processes and points to new avenues for exploring therapeutics for OP poisoning.
Development of an integrated and project‐based laboratory course in upper‐level biochemistry and molecular biology
Authors: Liu Yange , Tu Shuo , Hu Xiaojuan , Xiong Xiangyang , Pan Zezheng , Liu Zhuoqi , Zhu Weifeng , Luo Daya , Cui Xiangpei , Huang Chunhong , Xie Caifeng
Published: February 2024

An integrated and projected‐based laboratory course was described, integrating interconnected knowledge points and biochemistry and molecular biology techniques on a research project‐based system. The program, which served as an essential extension of theoretical courses to practice, was conducted with a sophomore of basic medical science who had completed the course in medical biochemistry and molecular biology. This course engaged students in learning “genetic manipulation” and “recombinant DNA technology” to understand the target gene's role in disease mechanics, thus altering evaluation and treatment for clinical disease. Students could master applied and advanced techniques, such as cell culture, transfection, inducing exogenous fusion protein expression, purifying protein and its concentration assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western bot analysis. This laboratory exercise links laboratory practices with the methods of current basic research. Students need to complete the experimental design report and laboratory report, which could be advantageous for improving their ability to write lab summaries and scientific papers in the future. The reliability and validity analyses were conducted on the questionnaire, and we examined students' satisfaction with the course and their gains from the course. The student feedback was generally positive, indicating that the exercise helped consolidate theoretical knowledge, increase scientific research enthusiasm, and provide a powerful tool to be a better person and make informed decisions.
Modulating the acetylation of α‐tubulin by LncRNAs and microRNAs helps in the progression of cancer
Authors: Kar Sneha , Mukherjee Rimi , Guha Subhabrata , Talukdar Debojit , Das Gaurav , Murmu Nabendu
Published: February 2024

Malignant tumor cells go through morphological and gene expression alterations, including rearrangement of cytoskeleton proteins that promote invasion and metastasis. Microtubules form a major cytoskeleton component that plays a significant role in regulating multiple cellular activities and function depending on the presence of posttranslational modification (PTM). Acetylation is a type of PTM that generally occurs in the lysine 40 region of α‐tubulin and is known to be critically associated with cancer metastasis. Current evidence demonstrates that noncoding RNAs, such as long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (or miRNA), which are correlated with gene regulation modulate the expression of acetylated tubulin in the development and metastasis of cancer. This review provides an overview about the role of lncRNA and miRNA in regulation of tubulin acetylation in various types of cancer.
Amine‐Carbamate Self‐Immolative Spacers Counterintuitively Release 3° Alcohol at Much Faster Rates than 1° Alcohol Payloads
Authors: Mason Mattia , Bisbal Lopez Lydia , Bashiri Fazel , Herrero Aurélie , Baron Aurélien , Bucci Raffaella , Pignataro Luca , Gennari Cesare , Dal Corso Alberto
Published: February 2024

Self‐immolative (SI) spacers are degradable chemical connectors widely used in prodrugs and drug conjugates to release pharmaceutical ingredients in response to specific stimuli. Amine‐carbamate SI spacers are particularly versatile, as they have been used to release different hydroxy cargos, ranging from 2° and 3° alcohols to phenols and oximes. In this work, we describe the ability of three amine‐carbamate SI spacers to release three structurally similar imidazoquinoline payloads, bearing either a 1°, a 2° or a 3° alcohol as the leaving group. While the spacers showed comparable efficacy at releasing the 2° and 3° alcohols, the liberation of the 1° alcohol was much slower, unveiling a counterintuitive trend in nucleophilic acyl substitutions. The release of the 1° alcohol payload was only possible using a SI spacer bearing a pyrrolidine ring and a tertiary amine handle, which opens the way to future applications in drug delivery systems.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Binuclear Copper(I) Alkynyl Complexes with Cuprophilic Interactions
Authors: Zhang Xi , Song Jia‐Xi , Chang Xiaoyong , Li Kai , Chen Yong
Published: February 2024

Copper(I)‐based thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have been conceived to be promising candidates for display and lighting applications because of their multifarious structures and strong photoluminescence. Herein a string of binuclear Cu(I) complexes bearing pronounced cuprophilic interactions have been designed and synthesized. [Cu2(dppb)2(μ2‐η1‐C≡C−Ph)2] (1 a) and [Cu2(dppb)2(μ2‐η1‐C≡C−PPXZ)2] (1 b) display photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 67 % in doped films and solid states via TADF and exhibit reversible bicolor luminescence switching upon mechanical stimuli. Computational studies manifest that the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer predominant transitions ensure a small energy splitting (ΔEST) between the lowest singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) excited states and cuprophilic interactions promote the spin‐orbit coupling (SOC), favoring the reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process. This study provides a new strategy for the construction of stimuli‐responsive metal‐based TADF materials.
Highly efficient supported bimetallic Au‐Pd catalysts for oxidative esterification of methacrolein to methyl methacrylate
Authors: Yang Yubo , Zheng Yanxia , Cai Lu , Li Yuchao , Xu Rui , Zuo Cuncun , Huang Haofei , Wang Ming , Dai Ruihui , Zhang Liping , Zhao Yansong
Published: February 2024

Au‐Pd alloy particles supported on TiO2 were synthesized by the sol‐immobilized method and their confirmation was achieved through transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) mapping. The samples were subjected to oxidative esterification of methacrolein with methanol to methyl methacrylate (MMA). Notably, a remarkable enhancement of catalytic performance was found in the presence of Pd. Among the samples tested, the sample Au0.25Pd0.75/TiO2 exhibited the highest catalytic performance. The interaction between Au and Pd demonstrated a synergistic effect, with Pd contributing to the stability of Au nanoparticles and strengthening the production of active oxygen species, which facilitated the efficient removal of hydrogen from intermediate hemiacetal. Furthermore, a probable reaction mechanism was proposed to explain these observations.
CFD study on flow characteristics of sieve tray columns with circular downcomers
Authors: Su Huihui , Wang Enlu , Xu Yifei
Published: February 2024

To investigate the flow characteristics of sieve tray columns with circular downcomers, the Euler–Euler gas–liquid two‐phase flow model is used to simulate a three‐dimensional sieve tray column. Each phase is regarded as an interpenetrating continuum with independent transport equations. The velocity distribution, clear liquid height, and foam layer height are predicted by the model. The correlation is established for predicting the clear liquid height on the sieve tray. The results show the following: (1) The sensitivity of the clear liquid height to the gas phase load is greater than that of the liquid phase load. (2) When the gas–liquid distribution is stable, the flow on the round sieve tray column presents a piston flow pattern. (3) The average liquid holdup of the circular downcomer of the three heights all showed a slow decrease at first, and then an inflection point appeared near the height of 0.02 m, after which the liquid holdup dropped sharply. (4) The established correlation has good predictive performance for calculating the clear liquid height in the column, and the relative error between the calculated value and the actual value is less than 10%.
Nitrile Furanics via Copper‐Catalyzed Dehydration of Aldoximes and Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Annatelli Mattia , Sadraoui Chaimaa , Trapasso Giacomo , Aricò Fabio
Published: February 2024

In this work two synthetic approaches to introduce nitrile moieties into bio‐based derived furanic compounds were investigated, i. e., dehydration of aldoximes and Knoevenagel condensation. Both methodologies have been first tested and optimized on furfural and thus exploited on 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) and 5,5’‐oxy(bismethylene)‐2‐furaldehyde (OBMF). The syntheses of furfural, HMF and OBMF aldoximes were efficiently conducted (also in large scale) under mild reaction conditions and short reaction time. The subsequent dehydration to nitrile furanic compounds was carried out in the presence of catalytic amount of copper acetate monohydrate. Furthermore, Knoevenagel condensations were performed on furfural, HMF and OBMF with different Activated Methylene Group compounds, using for the first‐time dimethyl carbonate as the reaction media. Most of the resulting products were isolated as pure via simple liquid‐liquid extraction in good to excellent yields. Future applications of these compounds might include aldoxime reduction into amine furanics ‐ herein also preliminary investigated ‐ and hydrolysis of the nitrile derivatives in the related carboxylic acid (or ester) furanics. All these products are interesting monomers for the preparation of bio‐based polymers.
Derivation of transcriptomics-based points of departure for 20 Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances using a larval fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) reduced transcriptome assay
Authors: Villeneuve Daniel L , Bush Kendra , Hazemi Monique , Hoang John X , Le Michelle , Blackwell Brett R , Stacy Emma , Flynn Kevin M
Published: February 2024

Traditional toxicity testing has been unable to keep pace with the introduction of new chemicals into commerce. Consequently, there are limited or no toxicity data for many chemicals to which fish and wildlife may be exposed. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emblematic of this issue in that ecological hazards of most PFAS remain uncharacterized. The present study employed a high-throughput assay to identify the concentration at which 20 PFAS, with diverse properties, elicited a concerted gene expression response (termed a transcriptomics-based point of departure [tPOD]) in larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas; 5–6 days postfertilization) exposed for 24 h. Based on a reduced transcriptome approach that measured whole-body expression of 1832 genes, the median tPOD for the 20 PFAS tested was 10 µM. Longer-chain carboxylic acids (12–13 C–F); an eight-C–F dialcohol, N-alkyl sulfonamide; and telomer sulfonic acid were among the most potent PFAS, eliciting gene expression responses at concentrations <1 µM. With a few exceptions, larval fathead minnow tPODs were concordant with those based on whole-transcriptome response in human cell lines. However, larval fathead minnow tPODs were often greater than those for Daphnia magna exposed to the same PFAS. The tPODs overlapped concentrations at which other sublethal effects have been reported in fish (available for 10 PFAS). Nonetheless, fathead minnow tPODs were orders of magnitude higher than aqueous PFAS concentrations detected in tributaries of the North American Great Lakes, suggesting a substantial margin of safety. Overall, results broadly support the use of a fathead minnow larval transcriptomics assay to derive screening-level potency estimates for use in ecological risk-based prioritization.
In Silico Acute Aquatic Hazard Assessment and Prioritization Using a Grouped Target Site Model: A Case Study of Organic Substances Reported in Permian Basin Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
Authors: Boone Kathleen S. , Di Toro Dominic M. , Davis Craig W. , Parkerton Thomas F. , Redman Aaron
Published: February 2024

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is commonly used to enhance onshore recovery of oil and gas during production. This process involves the use of a variety of chemicals to support the physical extraction of oil and gas, maintain appropriate conditions downhole (e.g., redox conditions, pH), and limit microbial growth. The diversity of chemicals used in HF presents a significant challenge for risk assessment. The objective of the present study is to establish a transparent, reproducible procedure for estimating 5th percentile acute aquatic hazard concentrations (e.g., acute hazard concentration 5th percentiles [HC5s]) for these substances and validating against existing toxicity data. A simplified, grouped target site model (gTSM) was developed using a database (n = 1696) of diverse compounds with known mode of action (MoA) information. Statistical significance testing was employed to reduce model complexity by combining 11 discrete MoAs into three general hazard groups. The new model was trained and validated using an 80:20 allocation of the experimental database. The gTSM predicts toxicity using a combination of target site water partition coefficients and hazard group-based critical target site concentrations. Model performance was comparable to the original TSM using 40% fewer parameters. Model predictions were judged to be sufficiently reliable and the gTSM was further used to prioritize a subset of reported Permian Basin HF substances for risk evaluation. The gTSM was applied to predict hazard groups, species acute toxicity, and acute HC5s for 186 organic compounds (neutral and ionic). Toxicity predictions and acute HC5 estimates were validated against measured acute toxicity data compiled for HF substances. This case study supports the gTSM as an efficient, cost-effective computational tool for rapid aquatic hazard assessment of diverse organic chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1161–1172. © 2024 ExxonMobil Petroleum and Chemical BV. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
A Multicompartment Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Semi-remote Boreal Lakes
Authors: McIlwraith Hayley K. , Dias Minoli , Orihel Diane M. , Rennie Michael D. , Harrison Anna L. , Hoffman Matthew J. , Provencher Jennifer F. , Rochman Chelsea M.
Published: February 2024

Microplastic contamination is ubiquitous across the globe, even in remote locations. Still, the sources and pathways of microplastics to such locations are largely unknown. To investigate microplastic contamination in a semi-remote location, we measured microplastic concentrations in nine oligotrophic lakes within and around the International Institute for Sustainable Development—Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Our first objective was to establish ambient concentrations of microplastics in bottom sediments, surface water, and atmospheric deposition in semi-remote boreal lakes. Across all lakes, mean shallow and deep sediment microplastic concentrations, near-surface water microplastic concentrations from in situ filtering, and dry atmospheric microplastic deposition rates were 551 ± 354 particles kg−1, 177 ± 103 particles kg−1, 0.2 ± 0.3 particles L−1, and 0.4 ± 0.2 particles m−2 day−1, respectively. Our second objective was to investigate whether microplastic contamination of these lakes is driven by point sources including local runoff and direct anthropogenic inputs or nonpoint sources such as atmospheric deposition. Lakes were selected based on three levels of anthropogenic activity—low, medium, and high—though activity levels were minimal across all study lakes compared with highly populated areas. Whereas a positive correlation would indicate that point sources were a likely pathway, we observed no relationship between the level of anthropogenic activity and microplastic contamination of surface water. Moreover, the composition of microplastics in surface water and atmospheric deposition were similar, comprising mostly polyester and acrylic fibers. Together, these results suggest that atmospheric deposition may be the main pathway of microplastics to these remote boreal lakes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:999–1011. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Marine Microbiota Responses to Shipping Scrubber Effluent Assessed at Community Structure and Function Endpoints
Authors: Genitsaris Savvas , Stefanidou Natassa , Hatzinikolaou Dimitris , Kourkoutmani Polyxeni , Michaloudi Evangelia , Voutsa Dimitra , Gros Meritxell , García-Gómez Elisa , Petrović Mira , Ntziachristos Leonidas , Moustaka-Gouni Maria
Published: February 2024

The use of novel high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies to examine the responses of natural multidomain microbial communities to scrubber effluent discharges to the marine environment is still limited. Thus, we applied metabarcoding sequencing targeting the planktonic unicellular eukaryotic and prokaryotic fraction (phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, and protozooplankton) in mesocosm experiments with natural microbial communities from a polluted and an unpolluted site. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis revealed changes in the taxonomic and functional dominance of multidomain marine microbial communities after scrubber effluent additions. The results indicated a clear shift in the microbial communities after such additions, which favored bacterial taxa with known oil and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) biodegradation capacities. These bacteria exhibited high connectedness with planktonic unicellular eukaryotes employing variable trophic strategies, suggesting that environmentally relevant bacteria can influence eukaryotic community structure. Furthermore, Clusters of Orthologous Genes associated with pathways of PAHs and monocyclic hydrocarbon degradation increased in numbers at treatments with high scrubber effluent additions acutely. These genes are known to express enzymes acting at various substrates including PAHs. These indications, in combination with the abrupt decrease in the most abundant PAHs in the scrubber effluent below the limit of detection—much faster than their known half-lives—could point toward a bacterioplankton-initiated rapid ultimate biodegradation of the most abundant toxic contaminants of the scrubber effluent. The implementation of HTS could be a valuable tool to develop multilevel biodiversity indicators of the scrubber effluent impacts on the marine environment, which could lead to improved impact assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1012–1029. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Examining gender differences in the use of multidimensional forced‐choice measures of personality in terms of test‐taker reactions and test fairness
Authors: Zhou Steven , Lee Philseok , Fyffe Shea
Published: February 2024

Human resource (HR) practices have been focused on using assessments that are robust to faking and response biases associated with Likert‐type scales. As an alternative, multidimensional forced‐choice (MFC) measures have recently shown advances in reducing faking and response biases while retaining similar levels of validity to Likert‐type measures. Although research evidence supports the effectiveness of MFC measures, fairness issues resulting from gender biases in the use of MFC measures have not yet been investigated in the literature. Given the importance of gender equity in HR development, it is vital that new assessments improve upon known gender biases in the historical use of Likert‐type measures and do not lead to gender discrimination in HR practices. In this vein, our investigation focuses specifically on potential gender biases in the use of MFC measures for HR development. Specifically, our study examines differential test‐taker reactions and differential prediction of self‐assessed leadership ability between genders when using the MFC personality measure. In an experimental study with college students, we found no evidence of gender differences in test‐taker reactions to MFC measures. In a second cross‐sectional study with full‐time employees, we found evidence of intercept differences, such that females were frequently underpredicted when using MFC personality measures to predict self‐assessed leadership ability. Moreover, the pattern of differential prediction using MFC measures was similar to that of Likert‐type measures. Implications for MFC personality measures in applied practice are discussed.
Ultrasound: A new strategy for artificial synapses modulation
Authors: Yuan Junru , Li Yi , Wang Meng , Huang Xiaodi , Zhang Tao , Xue Kan‐Hao , Yuan Junhui , Ou‐Yang Jun , Yang Xiaofei , Miao Xiangshui , Zhu Benpeng
Published: February 2024

Due to its non‐invasive nature, ultrasound has been widely used for neuromodulation in biological systems, where its application influences the synaptic weights and the process of neurotransmitter delivery. However, such modulation has not been emulated in physical devices. Memristors are ideal electrical components for artificial synapses, but up till now they are hardly reported to respond to ultrasound signals. Here we design and fabricate a HfOx‐based memristor on 64°Y‐X LiNbO3 single crystal substrate, and successfully realize artificial synapses modulation by shear‐horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH‐SAW). It is a prominent short‐term resistance modulation, where ultrasound has been shown to cause resistance drop for various resistance states, which could fully recover after the ultrasound is shut off. The physical mechanism illustrates that ultrasound induced polarization potential in the HfOx dielectric layer acts on the Schottky barrier, leading to the resistance drop. The emulation of neuron firing frequency modulation through ultrasound signals is demonstrated. Moreover, the joint application of ultrasound and electric voltage yields fruitful functionalities, such as the enhancement of resistance window and synaptic plasticity through ultrasound application. All these promising results provide a new strategy for artificial synapses modulation, and also further advance neuromorphic devices toward system applications.

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Acceptable range of forearm deformity derived from relation to three‐dimensional analysis and clinical impairments
Authors: Shiode Ryoya , Miyamura Satoshi , Kazui Arisa , Iwahashi Toru , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Okada Seiji , Murase Tsuyoshi , Oka Kunihiro
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate deformity patterns that cause clinical impairments and determine the acceptable range of deformity in the treatment of forearm diaphyseal fractures. A three‐dimensional (3D) deformity analysis based on computed bone models was performed on 39 patients with malunited diaphyseal both‐bone forearm fractures to investigate the 3D deformity patterns of the radius and ulna at the fracture location and the relationship between 3D deformity and clinical impairments. Clinical impairments were evaluated using forearm motion deficit. Cutoff values of forearm deformities were calculated by performing receiver operating characteristic analysis using the deformity angle and the limited forearm rotation range of motion (less than 50° of pronation or supination) resulting in activities of daily living (ADL) impairment as variables. The extension, varus, and pronation deformities most commonly occurred in the radius, whereas the extension deformity was commonly observed in the ulna. A positive correlation was observed between pronation deficit and extension deformity of the radius (R = 0.41) and between supination deficit and pronation deformity of the ulna (R = 0.44). In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between pronation deficit and pronation deformity of the radius (R = −0.44) and between pronation deficit and pronation deformity of the ulna (R = −0.51). To minimize ADL impairment, radial extension deformity should be <18.4°, radial rotation deformity <12.8°, and ulnar rotation deformity <16.6°. The deformities in the sagittal and axial planes of the radius and in the axial plane of the ulna were responsible for the limited forearm rotation.
Creatine supplementation for optimization of physical function in the patient at risk of functional disability: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Davies Thomas W. , Watson Naomi , Pilkington James J. , McClelland Thomas J. , Azzopardi Giada , Pearse Rupert M. , Prowle John , Puthucheary Zudin
Published: February 2024

Background

The efficacy of creatine replacement through supplementation for the optimization of physical function in the population at risk of functional disability is unclear.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception to November 2022. Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing creatine supplementation with placebos in older adults and adults with chronic disease. The primary outcome was physical function measured by the sit‐to‐stand test after pooling data using random‐effects modeling. We also performed a Bayesian meta‐analysis to describe the treatment effect in probability terms. Secondary outcomes included other measures of physical function, muscle function, and body composition. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool.

Results

We identified 33 RCTs, comprising 1076 participants. From six trials reporting the primary outcome, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–1.00; I2 = 62%; P = 0.04); using weakly informative priors, the posterior probability that creatine supplementation improves physical function was 66.7%. Upper‐body muscle strength (SMD: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06–0.44; I2 = 0%; P = 0.01), handgrip strength (SMD 0.23; 95% CI: 0.01–0.45; I2 = 0%; P = 0.04), and lean tissue mass (MD 1.08 kg; 95% CI: 0.77–1.38; I2 = 26%; P < 0.01) improved with creatine supplementation. The quality of evidence for all outcomes was low or very low because of a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

Creatine supplementation improves sit‐to‐stand performance, muscle function, and lean tissue mass. It is crucial to conduct high‐quality prospective RCTs to confirm these hypotheses (PROSPERO number, CRD42023354929).
Untargeted metabolomics‐based identification of bioactive compounds from Mangifera indica L. seed extracts in drug discovery through molecular docking and assessment of their anticancer potential
Authors: Kaneria Mital , Rakholiya Kalpna , Bavaliya Kaushal R , Pandya Mohit H , Sipai Tahir N , Vadher Sharmishtha A , Patel Margi , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Solanki Raghu , Patel Sunita , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Patel Ashish
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Mangifera indica L. (mango), a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds, has potential to be used in disease‐preventing and health‐promoting products. The present investigation reveals and uncovers bioactive metabolites with remarkable therapeutic efficiency from mango (family: Anacardiaceae) seeds.

RESULTS

Biological activity was determined by antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer assays, and metabolite profiling was performed on gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC‐QTOF‐MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) platforms. Validation of active metabolites was carried out by in silico molecular docking (Molinspiration Cheminformatics Server and PASS). Extracted and identified metabolites were screened; 54 compounds associated with various groups were selected for the in silico interaction study.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular docking revealed lead molecules with a potential binding energy score, efficacy and stable modulation with a selected protein domain. Investigation, directed by in vitro and in silico analysis, confirms mango seeds as an excellent source of potential metabolites as a therapeutic agent. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Free flap reconstruction at a rural‐based tertiary medical college hospital: Barriers and outcomes
Authors: Hongaiah Deepak , Kattepur Abhay K. , George Eldo V. , Mahadev M. Abhishek , Kenkere Deepika , Dasappa Aswathappa
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

In a rural‐based setting, providing optimal treatment is often difficult owing to the limited resources and financial constraints being rampant in cancer care delivery. Oncological resections often result in large, complex defects requiring free flap reconstruction to achieve cosmetic and/or functional goals. This article focuses on our experience of starting and promoting microvascular reconstruction in a rural tertiary medical college hospital.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for oncological indications was included. Standard oncological principles were followed for cancer extirpation. Free flap reconstruction was done using loupes of 4× magnification. Flap‐related outcomes and barriers in doing free flap reconstruction were analysed.

Results

A total of 56 patients were included. The most common free flap undertaken was free anterolateral thigh flap in 21 (37.5%) patients. The mean duration of reconstruction was 438 min. Re‐exploration was undertaken in 17 patients (30.4%). Nonsalvageable flap loss was 19.64%. Adjuvant treatment was administered in all patients as per oncological indications, albeit with some delay in 12.5%. Barriers to reconstruction were noted in the pre‐, intra‐ and postoperative periods.

Conclusion

Reconstruction with free flaps is feasible in a resource‐constrained setup with careful planning and a multidisciplinary team approach to overcome the barriers.
Microporous titanium and hydroxyapatite improve fixation of the tibial wall in unicompartmental knee replacement
Authors: Rahman Azmi , Omoregie Gabrielle , Mellon Stephen , Murray David W.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Cementless Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (OUKR) is associated with less pain than cemented OUKR 5 years postoperatively. This may be due to improved fixation at the tibial wall, which transmits tension and reduces stress in the bone below the tibial component. This study compares tibial wall fixation with three different types of fixation: cemented, cementless with hydroxyapatite (HA) and cementless with a microporous titanium coat and HA (HA + MPC).

Methods

Three consecutive cohorts were identified (n = 221 cemented in 2005–2007, n = 118 HA in 2014–2015, n = 125 HA + MPC in 2016–2017). Analysis was performed on anterior–posterior radiographs aligned on the tibial component taken 1–2 years postoperatively. Aligned radiographs are needed to see narrow radiolucencies adjacent to the wall. Alignment was assessed with rotation ratio (RR = wall width/internal wall height). Perfect RR is 0.3, and a maximum threshold of 0.5 was used. Quality of fixation to the wall was assessed with fixation ratio (FR = bone wall contact height/total wall height). Notable radiographic features at the tibial wall were also recorded.

Results

A total of 33 knees with cement, 37 knees with cementless with HA and 57 knees cementless with HA + MPC had adequately aligned radiographs. Fixation was significantly better with HA compared with cement (55% vs. 25%, p = 0.0016). The microporous coat further improved fixation (81% vs. 55%, p < 0.0001). FR > 80% was achieved in 3% of the cemented implants, 32% of HA and 68% of HA + MPC. In cementless cohorts, features suggestive of a layer of bone that had delaminated from the wall were seen in 8 (22%) HA and 3 (5%) HA + MPC knees.

Conclusion

Radiographic tibial wall fixation in OUKR is poor with cement. It improves with an HA coating and improves further with an intermediary MPC. Improved tibial wall fixation may explain the lower levels of pain observed with cementless rather than cemented fixation described in the literature, but further clinical correlation is needed.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
A FE2 shell model with periodic boundary conditions for thin and thick shells
Authors: Gruttmann Friedrich , Wagner Werner
Published: February 2024

In this article a FE2 shell model for thin and thick shells within a first order homogenization scheme is presented. A variational formulation for the two‐scale boundary value problem and the associated finite element formulation is developed. Constraints with 5 or 9 Lagrange parameters are derived which eliminate both rigid body movements and dependencies of the shear stiffness on the size of the representative volume elements (RVEs). At the bottom and top surface of the RVEs which extend through the total thickness of the shell stress boundary conditions are present. The periodic boundary conditions at the lateral surfaces are applied in such a way that particular membrane, bending and shear modes are not restrained. This is shown by means of a homogeneous RVE. The first of all linear formulation is extended to finite strain problems introducing transformation relations for the stress resultants and the material matrix. The transformations are performed at the Gauss points on macro level. Several boundary value problems including large deformations, stability and inelasticity are computed and compared with 3D reference solutions.
Green and Facile Synthesis of Zn3V2O8−Ag@C Composite as an Efficient Electrode for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Mane Seema A. , Bhoj Pooja K. , Moholkar Annasaheb V. , Ghule Anil V.
Published: February 2024

The present study demonstrates the synthesis of ternary composites of zinc vanadate (Zn3V2O8) with silver (Ag) and carbon matrix originated from the Bengal gram bean extract (BGBE) using a facile, economic, and environmentally sustainable rotational chemical bath deposition (R−CBD) method. From the electrochemical studies, it is found that the Zn3V2O8−Ag@C demonstrated improved electrochemical performance with the specific capacitance (Csp) of 380.1 F g−1, energy density (ED) of 52.7 Wh kg−1, with power density (PD) of 882.3 W kg−1 at 3 mA cm−2 current density and good capacitive retention of 89.8 % over 3000 charge–discharge (GCD) cycles, which is remarkably higher than the other electrode materials (Zn3V2O8, Zn3V2O8−Ag, Zn3V2O8@C). The combined merits of conductive silver (Ag) nanoparticle and carbonaceous material from BGBE assist in enhancing the overall electrochemical performance of Zn3V2O8−Ag@C. The Zn3V2O8−Ag@C nanocomposite was used as electrode material for the fabrication of a flexible symmetric solid–state supercapacitor device (SSC). The SSC device delivered a Csp of 69.17 F g−1 with an energy density (ED) of 13.8 Wh kg−1 at a 2 mA cm−2 current density. Moreover, the SSC shows a 90 % capacitive retention over the continuous GCD cycles.