bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical, emission, and excitation dynamics of Eu3+‐doped bismuth‐based phosphate glass for visible display laser applications
Authors: Babu P. Reddi , Gelija Devarajulu , Pasupuleti Kedhareswara Sairam , Kumar B. Kiran , Sushma N. John , Kim Moon‐Deock , Raju B. Deva Prasad
Published: December 2022

Eu3+‐doped‐bismuth‐based phosphate glasses with chemical equation (60 − x)P2O5–20Bi2O3−10Na2CO3–10SrF2–xEu2O3 (PBNSEu), (where x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 mol%) were fabricated using the melt‐quenching method. Obtain X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were used to characterize the structure of the prepared PBNSEu glass. The J–O (Judd–Ofelt) intensity parameters (Ω2, Ω4) were estimated using photoluminescence emission spectra. When excited with a xenon lamp at λexc = 394 nm, the most intense red‐emission transition occurred at ~612 nm (5D0→7F2). J–O intensity parameters were used to calculate radiative properties, whereas the radiative branching ratio (βR), radiative transition probability (AR), radiative lifetime (τR), and total radiative transition rate (Aτ) were calculated for the transitions 5D0→7FJ (where J = 0–4) and were obtained in the emission spectra for europium ion‐doped in the current glass. Using the CIE1931 chromaticity coordinates axes, the colours of various concentrations of Eu3+ ion‐doped PBNS glass were evaluated using the emission spectra. Temperature‐dependent luminescence spectra were recorded for the optimized PBNSEu20 glass to calculate the activation energy. These results strongly suggested red components in w‐LEDs and visible display laser applications.
Stapled NRPS enhances the production of valinomycin in Escherichia coli
Authors: Huang Shuhui , Ba Fang , Liu Wan‐Qiu , Li Jian
Published: December 2022

Nonribosomal peptides (NRPs) are a large family of secondary metabolites with notable bioactivities, which distribute widely in natural resources across microbes and plants. To obtain these molecules, heterologous production of NRPs in robust surrogate hosts like Escherichia coli represent a feasible approach. However, reconstitution of the full biosynthetic pathway in a host often leads to low productivity, which is at least in part due to the low efficiency of enzyme interaction in vivo except for the well‐known reasons of metabolic burden (e.g., expression of large NRP synthetases—NRPSs with molecular weights of >100 kDa) and cellular toxicity on host cells. To enhance the catalytic efficiency of large NRPSs in vivo, here we propose to staple NRPS enzymes by using short peptide/protein pairs (e.g., SpyTag/SpyCatcher) for enhanced NRP production. We achieve this goal by introducing a stapled NRPS system for the biosynthesis of the antibiotic NRP valinomycin in E. coli. The results indicate that stapled valinomycin synthetase (Vlm1 and Vlm2) enables higher product accumulation than those two free enzymes (e.g., the maximum improvement is nearly fourfold). After further optimization by strain and bioprocess engineering, the final valinomycin titer maximally reaches about 2800 µg/L, which is 73 times higher than the initial titer of 38 µg/L. We expect that stapling NRPS enzymes will be a promising catalytic strategy for high‐level biosynthesis of NRP natural products.
Exploring facilitators and barriers to long‐term behavior change following health–wellness coaching for stroke prevention: A qualitative study conducted in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Holder Caroline , Krishnamurthi Rita , Theadom Alice
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Health–wellness coaching (HWC) has grown in popularity as a means of empowering individuals to take responsibility for their health behavior and make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of stroke. Understanding the facilitators and barriers to long‐term behavior change is key if preventive strategies such as HWC are to be robust and effective. This study aimed to explore the experiences of people at risk of stroke after receiving HWC for stroke prevention, specifically the facilitators and barriers to long‐term behavior change from the perspective of study participants.

Methods

All participants received HWC as part of a randomized controlled trial 3 years earlier. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with eight participants from the trial sample. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key concepts and themes.

Results

Three overarching themes were identified: “Awakening of the mind” captured the importance of seeing the bigger picture, recognizing the impact of potential disease and using skills and tools to support decision‐making. “It's not just about health behavior” conveyed the importance of being respectfully responsive to individual need and addressing emotional well‐being alongside physical health. “Social connectedness” encapsulated the significance of community engagement, accountability, and paying it forward.

Conclusions

Enhancing awareness of personal risk and the impact of potential disease are facilitators of long‐term behavior change and should be incorporated into coaching conversations. This supports the process of “waking up” to health needs and the possibility of change, which are important precursors to long‐term change. Health coaching should be responsive to individual need, with emotional well‐being, happiness, and life satisfaction being addressed alongside physical health. The opportunity to develop skills to support decision‐making and self‐management should be included in coaching initiatives, to enhance self‐efficacy and help facilitate long‐term behavior change.
Nutrition claims influence expectations about food attributes, attenuate activity in reward‐associated brain regions during tasting, but do not impact pleasantness
Authors: Rramani Qëndresa , Barakat Youssef , Jacob George , Ohla Kathrin , Lim Shirley Xue Li , Schicker Doris , Freiherr Jessica , Saruco Elodie , Pleger Burkhard , Weber Bernd , Schultz Johannes
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Nutrition claims are one of the most common tools used to improve food decisions. Previous research has shown that nutrition claims impact expectations; however, their effects on perceived pleasantness, valuation, and their neural correlates are not well understood. These claims may have both intended and unintended effects on food perception and valuation, which may compromise their effect on food decisions.

Methods

We investigated the effects of nutrition claims on expectations, perceptions, and valuation of milk‐mix drinks in a behavioral (n = 110) and an fMRI (n = 39) study. In the behavioral study, we assessed the effects of a “fat‐reduced” and a “protein‐rich” nutrition claim on expected and perceived food attributes of otherwise equal food products. In the fMRI study, we investigated the effect of a “protein‐rich” claim on taste pleasantness perception and valuation, and on their neural correlates during tasting and swallowing.

Results

We found that both nutrition claims increased expected and perceived healthiness and decreased expected but not perceived taste pleasantness. The “protein‐rich” claim increased expected but not perceived satiating quality ratings, while the “fat‐reduced” claim decreased both expected and perceived satiating quality ratings. In the absence vs. presence of the “protein‐rich” claim, we observed an increased activity in a cluster extending to the left nucleus accumbens during tasting and an increased functional connectivity between this cluster and a cluster in right middle frontal gyrus during swallowing.

Conclusion

Altogether, we found that nutrition claims impacted expectations and attenuated reward‐related responses during tasting but did not negatively affect perceived pleasantness. Our findings support highlighting the presence of nutrients with positive associations and exposure to foods with nutrition claims to increase their acceptance. Our study offers insights that may be valuable in designing and optimizing the use of nutrition claims.
Circular business models and the environment: Maturity levels of the circular economy and innovation in greener craft breweries
Authors: Julkovski Dulcimar José , Sehnem Simone , Ramos Maria da Conceição Pereira , Jabbour Charbel Jose Chiappetta
Published: December 2022

This article aims to highlight the level of maturity of the circular economy according to the ReSOLVE framework, the level of maturity of technical and biological cycles, and the level of maturity of sustaining and disruptive innovation in Brazilian and Portuguese craft brewing companies. Through a multiple case study in the craft brewery sector in the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil) and in the city of Porto (Portugal), a qualitative study was developed by means of a documentary analysis of secondary data, technical visits, and application of on‐site interviews with 11 Brazilian and 11 Portuguese companies. The results indicate that (I) Brazilian and Portuguese companies are at different maturity levels concerning the circular economy, according to the ReSOLVE framework; (II) the maturity levels of the technical and biological cycles can be identified in the recycling practices of both cases, with the 11 Portuguese companies operating at the optimized level while the Brazilian companies are moving toward optimization; and (III) regarding innovation maturity levels, sustaining innovation is incorporated and optimized in these 22 companies. Concerning disruptive innovations, the results show that Brazilian and Portuguese companies are at different stages. This study contributes to theory by linking circular economy constructs and innovation and introducing gastronomy as a new link between these constructs. For practitioners, it highlights the stages of maturity and practical actions that can guide the improvement of maturity levels. In terms of limitations, we cite the geography and population of the countries and states addressed, the pandemic, differing production volume between companies, and the scope of the businesses. We suggest that future studies replicate or expand the sample to other geographic regions, as well as apply the framework to other business segments.
Selecting technologies to engage in sustainability transitions—A multi‐stakeholder perspective
Authors: Block Carolin , Rennings Michael , Bröring Stefanie
Published: December 2022

Given the need for systemic changes to reach a sustainability transition from a fossil‐based toward a bio‐based economy, it is crucial to align different actors' expectations along the value chain when developing and commercializing sustainability‐oriented technologies (SOTs). To analyze what different actors along the value chain look for when selecting SOTs, this study draws upon a group concept mapping approach based on a group discussion and a subsequent sorting and rating process of selection criteria. Applied to the case of the bio‐based economy, this study seeks to aggregate the perceptions of four different stakeholder groups along the value chain, that is, (1) agricultural and feedstock, (2) (bio)chemical, (3) consumer industries, and (4) consultancies and networks. We derive 11 different categories subsuming 59 criteria that have been perceived as relevant when selecting SOTs. Results show that selection criteria related to the future competitiveness, the public acceptance, and the sustainability aspects of the technology are perceived as highly relevant for most actors when selecting SOTs. Further, we summarize the 11 categories into four dimensions involving (1) market environment and viability, (2) corporate strategy and technology integration, (3) capabilities and knowledge exchange, and (4) institutional and regulatory frames related criteria. We contribute to sustainability transition literature by providing, first, a conceptual framework for relevant selection criteria of SOTs from a value chain spanning perspective; and second, areas of coherence versus noncoherence in technology evaluation across different value chain actors allowing targeted support initiatives to facilitate the technology transfer in the context of sustainability transitions.
How do supply chain managers perceive the relationship between resilience and sustainability practices? An exploratory study
Authors: Cotta Diogo , Klink Lester , Alten Thorsten , Al Madhoon Belal
Published: December 2022

Even though resilience and sustainability are the two overarching strategic goals of contemporary supply chain management, very few studies have investigated the relationship between resilience and sustainability practices. To increase our theoretical understanding of this important relationship, this paper examines the extent to which supply chain managers perceive tensions and complementarities between both sets of practices. Using a paradox theory lens, the paper conducted in‐depth interviews with 31 supply chain managers in Western Europe and the Middle East that reveal a complex and multifaceted relationship. Namely, our findings indicate that some supply chain managers perceive the relationship as conflictive, others as synergistic, whereas a third group sees them as fundamentally orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, our findings uncover specific perceived complementarities and tension areas. Taken together, in responding to calls for research on the topic, our findings contribute to the advancement of theory regarding supply chain resilience and supply chain sustainability practices and address the need to shed more light on the tensions faced by supply chain managers when implementing distinct sets of supply chain practices.
Introducing Nanozymes: New Horizons in Periodontal and Dental Implant Care
Authors: Zhu Bijun , Li Linfeng , Wang Bao , Miao Leiying , Zhang Jinli , Wu Jiangjiexing
Published: December 2022

The prevalence of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases has been increasing worldwide and has gained a lot of attention. As multifunctional nanomaterials with enzyme‐like activity, nanozymes have earned a place in the biomedical field. In periodontics and implantology, nanozymes have contributed greatly to research on maintaining periodontal health and improving implant success rates. To highlight this progress, we review nanozymes for antimicrobial therapy, anti‐inflammatory therapy, tissue regeneration promotion, and synergistic effects in periodontal and peri‐implant diseases. The future prospects of nanozymes in periodontology and implantology are also discussed along with challenges.
Successful management of delayed presentation of massive paracetamol overdose in a resource‐limited setting: A case report from Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane Pratik , Pokhrel Kailash Mani , Bhandari Bijay , Agrawal Anushka , Ghimire Bhumika , Shilpakar Olita
Published: December 2022

We present a case of self‐poisoning with a massive dose of paracetamol by a young Nepalese female patient who presented late to our emergency department. This report highlights the successful management of the patient with the extended use of N‐acetylcysteine over 4 days and continuous supportive therapy as required. The case is an example of the management of delayed presentation of a massive paracetamol poisoning in a resource‐limited setting, where intensive care units and hemodialysis facilities are not easily available. However, when available, massive poisoning should always be managed in continuous monitoring units under the expertise of a toxicologist.
Synthesis of Ketonylated Carbocycles via Excited‐State Copper‐Catalyzed Radical Carbo‐Aroylation of Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Sarkar Satavisha , Banerjee Arghya , Ngai Ming‐Yu
Published: December 2022

Carbocycles are core skeletons in natural and synthetic organic compounds possessing a wide diversity of important biological activities. Herein, we report the development of an excited‐state copper‐catalyzed radical carbo‐aroylation of unactivated alkenes to synthesize ketonylated tetralins, di‐ and tetrahydrophenanthrenes, and cyclopentane derivatives. The reaction is operationally simple and features mild reaction conditions that tolerate a broad range of functional groups. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest a reaction pathway beginning with photoexcitation of Cu catalyst and followed by a single electron transfer (SET), radical aroylation of unactivated alkenes, radical cyclization, and re‐aromatization, affording the desired ketonylated carbocycles.
Ethanol Electrooxidation on Nickel Foam Arrayed with Templated PdSn; From Catalyst Fabrication to Electrooxidation Dominance Route
Authors: Kamyabi Mohammad Ali , Jadali Salma , Alizadeh Taher
Published: December 2022

In the present work, the performance of templated Pd‐based catalysts (TPL.Pd1Snx/NF) with different atomic ratio on the alkaline electrooxidation of ethanol was investigated. The superb mass activity (3246.6 mA mg−1Pdcompared with 289.9 mA mg−1Ptfor state of the art commercial Pt/C) as well as preferable long time stability, anti‐poisoning property, and conductivity of the optimum structure (TPL.Pd1Sn20/NF) towards electrooxidation of ethanol were proved by electrochemical experiments. The comparative study of electrocatalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde on the surface of TPL.Pd1Sn20/NF and TPL.Pd/NF exhibited that the presence of tin in the structure of TPL.Pd1Sn20/NF not only substantially promoted C1 pathway but also appreciably prevented the aldol condensation and deactivation during the electrooxidation of ethanol.
Temperature‐Assisted Generation of Arylmethyl Radicals from Bis(arylmethyl)tin Dichlorides: Efficient Reagents for − Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Dhanwant Kisturi , Saini Aarti , Chivers Tristram , Thirumoorthi Ramalingam
Published: December 2022

The oxidative‐addition reaction between an arylmethyl chloride (RCH2Cl; R=1‐C10H7, 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, 4‐MeC6H4, 3‐MeC6H4, C6H5, 4‐ClC6H4) and tin powder in boiling toluene produces bis(arylmethyl)tin dichlorides, [(RCH2)2SnCl2] in good yields. At 160 °C in mesitylene bis(1‐naphthylmethyl)tin dichloride undergoes Sn−C homolytic cleavage to generate two 1‐naphthylmethyl radicals (1‐C10H7CH2⋅) which were trapped by TEMPO (C9H8NO⋅). Subsequently, the radicals (RCH2⋅) produced in this manner were utilized for efficient substitution reactions with electron‐rich arenes (R′H; R′=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, 1,2,4,5‐Me4C6H, 1,2,3,4,5‐Me5C6) to obtain a variety of unsymmetrical diarylmethanes (RR′CH2). The addition of one equivalent of iodine (I2) to the reaction mixture resulted in a significant increase in the yields of coupled products.
Hierarchically Organized Cocrystal of Tetra‐Anionic Porphyrin and Di‐Cationic Viologen: Ion Conformations, Supramolecule Interactions, and Porphyrin Arrays
Authors: Zeng Dong , Hu Hui‐Fen , Ming Jiang‐Bo , Wang Wei
Published: December 2022

Ionic co‐assembly of tetra‐anionic porphyrins has been extensively researched in the construction of hierarchically organized architectures with potential application value in organic semiconductors, sunlight catalysts and supramolecular chirality systems. However, such architectures are difficult to grow to a size suitable for single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD); the lack of single‐crystal structures of these architectures leads to challenges in gaining deeper comprehension about that. This study reports a hierarchically organized cocrystal of meso‐tetra(4‐sulfonato‐phenyl)‐porphyrin (TSPP4−) and N, N′‐diethyl‐viologen (DEV2+), wherein wave‐like and saddle‐like TSPP4− ions co‐aggregate at a stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 2 to form unique porphyrin arrays; the spectrum characteristics and calculated coulombic exciton coupling energy show that these porphyrin arrays are J‐aggregates. We prove that the distortion of porphyrin ring of TSPP4− strongly correlates with the deflection of its phenyl groups. The crystal comprises six different ionic conformations, and the multiplicity of ionic conformation leads to intricate supramolecular interactions.
DBU‐Mediated Isomerization/6‐π Electro‐Cyclization/Oxidation Cascade of Sulfonyl‐Substituted Allenyl Ketones for the Construction of Hetero‐1,3,5‐Trisubstituted Benzene**
Authors: Wang Lihong , Ma Ruiyang , Xia Jiuli , Liu Ximin , Sun Jiaqiong , Zheng Guangfan , Zhang Qian
Published: December 2022

1,3,5‐tri‐substituted benzene rings emerged with unique properties has widespread applications in materials, boosting the rapid development of their synthesis. Despite the significance, the direct construction of hetero‐1,3,5‐trisubstituted benzene core was far less‐developed. Herein, we realized a DBU‐mediated isomerization/6‐π electro‐cyclization/oxidative aromatization cascade of sulfonyl‐substituted allenyl ketones under an air atmosphere (DBU=1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene). This versatile protocol featured metal‐free conditions, easy operation, and broad functional group tolerance provides a new avenue for the construction of hetero‐1,3,5‐tri‐substituted benzene.
Associations of siesta and total sleep duration with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases in middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Lin Ling , Huang Jingyi , Liu Zixuan , Chen Pengfei , Huang Canyan
Published: December 2022

Background

Whether the ratio of siesta duration in the total sleep duration was associated with the occurrence of hypertension or cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was unclear.

Hypothesis

To explore the associations of siesta, and siesta ratio with hypertension or CVDs in middle‐aged and older adults.

Methods

This cohort study collected the data of 9247 middle‐aged and older adults. The associations of siesta, and siesta ratio with hypertension were analyzed in 7619 participants while the associations of siesta, and siesta ratio with CVDs were analyzed in 8685 participants via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Total sleep duration < 6 h (odd ratio [OR] = 1.168, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.023−1.335) and siesta ratios ≥ 0.4 (OR = 1.712, 95% CI: 1.129–2.594) were associated with increased risk of hypertension in middle‐aged and older adults. Siesta ratio ≥ 0.4 was linked with higher risk of hypertension in males aged ≥ 60 years and total sleep duration < 6 h was correlated with elevated risk of hypertension in males < 60 years. The risk of CVDs was elevated in people with siesta duration < 0.5 h (OR = 2.053, 95% CI: 1.323−3.185). In females ≥60 years, the sleep duration at night < 6 h was associated with increased risk of CVDs. In females < 60 years, increased risk was observed in those with siesta duration < 0.5 h and sleep duration at night < 6 h.

Conclusion

Short sleep duration or high siesta ratio were associated with higher risk of hypertension. Short siesta duration, sleep duration at night or total sleep duration were correlated with an elevated risk of CVDs.
Mixed‐integer quadratic programming approach for noninvasive estimation of respiratory effort profile during pressure support ventilation
Authors: Victor Marcus H. , Maximo Marcos R. O. A. , Matsumoto Monica M. S. , Pereira Sérgio M. , Tucci Mauro R.
Published: December 2022

Information about respiratory mechanics such as resistance, elastance, and muscular pressure is important to mitigate ventilator‐induced lung injury. Particularly during pressure support ventilation, the available options to quantify breathing effort and calculate respiratory system mechanics are often invasive or complex. We herein propose a robust and flexible estimation of respiratory effort better than current methods. We developed a method for non‐invasively estimating breathing effort using only flow and pressure signals. Mixed‐integer quadratic programming (MIQP) was employed, and the binary variables were the switching moments of the respiratory effort waveform. Mathematical constraints, based on ventilation physiology, were set for some variables to restrict feasible solutions. Simulated and patient data were used to verify our method, and the results were compared to an established estimation methodology. Our algorithm successfully estimated the respiratory effort, resistance, and elastance of the respiratory system, resulting in more robust performance and faster solver times than a previously proposed algorithm that used quadratic programming (QP) techniques. In a numerical simulation benchmark, the worst‐case errors for resistance and elastance were 25% and 23% for QP versus <0.1% and <0.1% for MIQP, whose solver times were 4.7 s and 0.5 s, respectively. This approach can estimate several breathing effort profiles and identify the respiratory system's mechanical properties in invasively ventilated critically ill patients.
Hydrothermally Developed ZnC2O4.2H2O Nanocrystals as Efficient Copper‐free Catalyst for the Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles in Water
Authors: Gogoi Priyanka , Bhattacharyya Bishal , Chakravorty Vishal , Garg Anirban , Hazarika Priyanuj Krishnann , Deori Kalyanjyoti , Sarma Diganta
Published: December 2022

In this work, we report the synthesis of nanostructured ZnC2O4.2H2O with irregular sheet‐like morphology using a simple hydrothermal procedure. The as‐synthesized ZnC2O4.2H2O nanocrystal (ZnC2O4 NC) is very stable and therefore, explored for the first time as highly efficient recyclable catalyst for the azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) reaction. Our catalytic protocol is highly efficient and amenable to a variety of aromatic/aliphatic azide and alkyne substrates under mild reaction condition to afford regioselective 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles with good to excellent yields. Also, for the one pot synthesis of desired products, the developed method is exceedingly sustainable where azides are formed in‐situ from their respective precursors. Our catalytic results outperformed most of the reported state‐of‐the‐art works involving copper free nanoparticulate and zinc‐based catalysts. All the original features of the recovered catalyst remained intact after 5th catalytic cycle which clearly suggests the efficiency of the Zn‐based stable nanostructured material as alternative copper free catalysts for AAC reactions. The developed methodology could be extended for gram‐scale synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles.
Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea in post‐treatment cancer patients
Authors: Subramanian Harini , Fuchsova Veronika , Elder Elisabeth , Brand Alison , Howle Julie , DeFazio Anna , Mann Graham J. , Amis Terence , Kairaitis Kristina
Published: December 2022

Background and aims

For cancer patients, comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses additional risk to their surgical/anaesthetic outcomes, quality of life, and survival. However, OSA screening is not well‐established in oncology settings. We tested two screening tools (STOP‐Bang questionnaire [SBQ] and the at‐home monitoring device, ApneaLink™Air), for predicting polysomnography (PSG) confirmed OSA in post‐treatment cancer patients.

Methods

Breast (n = 56), endometrial (n = 37) and melanoma patients (n = 50) were recruited from follow‐up clinics at Westmead Hospital (Sydney, Australia). All underwent overnight PSG, 137 completed SBQ, and 99 completed ApneaLink™Air. Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for PSG‐determined moderate‐to‐severe OSA and severe OSA, were calculated using an SBQ threshold ≥3 au and ApneaLink™Air apnoea‐hypopnea index thresholds of ≥10, ≥15 and ≥30 events/h.

Results

Both SBQ and ApneaLink™Air had high NPVs (92.7% and 85.2%–95.6% respectively) for severe OSA, but NPVs were lower for moderate‐to‐severe OSA (69.1% and 59.1%–75.5%, respectively). PPV for both tools were relatively low (all <73%). Combining both tools did not improve screening performance.

Conclusions

These screening tools may help identify cancer patients without severe OSA, but both are limited in identifying those with moderate‐to‐severe or severe OSA. PSG remains optimal for adequately identifying and managing comorbid OSA in cancer patients.
A hybrid machine learning technique for early prediction of lung nodules from medical images using a learning‐based neural network classifier
Authors: Syed Musthafa A. , Sankar K. , Benil T. , Rao Yamarthi Narasimha
Published: December 2022

Lung cancer is one of the major causes of death in the world, according to radiologists. However, a constant flow of medical images to hospitals is forcing radiologists to focus on accurate early prediction of nodules. Recently, several image‐processing techniques have cooperated for the early prediction of lung nodules. However, it's hard to detect strong nodes because of lung node diversity and environmental complexity. This study presents a hybrid machine learning technique for predicting an early prognosis of lung nodules from clinical images using a learning‐based neural network classifier. First, we introduce an improved snake swarm optimization with a bat model (ISSO‐B) for lung nodule segmentation using statistical information. Second, we demonstrate a chaotic atom search optimization (CASO) algorithm to select the optimal best features among multiple features, which minimize the dimensionality problem. Third, we develop a hybrid learning‐based deep neural network classifier (L‐DNN) for nodule prediction and classification. Finally, we evaluate our proposed technique with different public datasets LIDC‐IDRI and FAH‐GMU. Then, performance can be compared with the latest technology in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC).
Brassica carinata nutrient accumulation and partitioning across maturity types and latitude
Authors: Bashyal Mahesh , Mulvaney Michael J. , Crozier Carl R. , Iboyi Joseph E. , Perondi Daniel , Post Angela , Iskandar Keola , Leon Ramon G. , Landry Gabriel M. , Wilson Chris , Boote Kenneth J. , Devkota Pratap
Published: December 2022

As a recently introduced crop in the United States, there are limited data regarding temporal nutrient accumulation and partitioning dynamics of Brassica carinata (carinata). A four site‐year study was conducted in Jay, FL and Salisbury, NC during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons. Three carinata genotypes (DH‐157.715, M‐01, and Avanza 641) proposed by the industry to represent early‐, mid‐, and full‐season genotypes, respectively, were sampled at multiple growth stages and partitioned into leaves, stems, reproductive parts (flowers plus pods), and seed to determine biomass and nutrient accumulation across three genotypes in Florida and one full season genotype in North Carolina. Averaged over two site‐years and genotypes in Florida, accumulation (per ha) of 169 kg N, 22 kg P, 160 kg K, 58 kg S, 475 g Zn, and 218 g B was required to produce 1635 and 10,872 kg ha−1 of seed yield and biomass, respectively. Nutrients with high harvest index values included P (60%), N (55%), S (32%), and Mg (29%). Averaged over two site‐years in North Carolina, accumulation (per ha) of 178 kg N, 26 kg P, 87 kg K, 24 kg S, 416 g Zn, and 127 g B produced 2428 and 9102 kg ha−1 of seed yield and biomass, respectively. Nutrients with greatest harvest index values were P (57%), N (50%), S (32%), and Mg (26%). Internal efficiency of N, P, and K, measured as slopes of seed yield regressions over nutrient uptake across all genotypes and locations were 16, 83, and 8 kg seed yield per kg N, P, and K uptake, respectively. These results describe temporal nutrient accumulation and partitioning in carinata and are critical to refine nutrient management strategies and guide fertilizer application decisions.
A Dual Fluorescence Assay Enables High‐Throughput Screening for Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Hydrolases
Authors: Liu Kun , Xu Ziping , Zhao Zhiyi , Chen Yuexing , Chai Yating , Ma Li , Li Shengying
Published: December 2022

The drastically increasing consumption of petroleum‐derived plastics hasserious environmental impacts and raises public concerns. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is amongst the most extensively produced synthetic polymers. Enzymatic hydrolysis of PET recently emerged as an enticing path for plastic degradation and recycling. In‐lab directed evolution has revealed the great potential of PET hydrolases (PETases). However, the time‐consuming and laborious PETase assays hinder the identification of effective variants in large mutant libraries. Herein, we devise and validate a dual fluorescence‐based high‐throughput screening (HTS) assay for a representative IsPETase. The two‐round HTS of a pilot library consisting of 2850 IsPETase variants yields six mutant IsPETases with 1.3–4.9 folds improved activities. Compared to the currently used structure‐ or computational redesign‐based PETase engineering, this HTS approach provides a new strategy for discovery of new beneficial mutation patterns of PETases.
Two‐port network compact representation of resonator arrays for wireless power transfer with variable receiver position
Authors: Sandrolini Leonardo , Simonazzi Mattia , Barmada Sami , Fontana Nunzia
Published: December 2022

This paper presents an equivalent circuit characterization of an array of resonators for wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. These apparatuses are composed of magnetically coupled resonant coils acting as a transmitter which feeds a receiver coil that can be placed over them at any position, allowing the tolerance of the system to the receiver misalignment to be dramatically enhanced. This advantage makes resonator arrays a suitable solution for both low‐ and high‐power applications. The latter usually involve battery charging, with the resonator array acting as a transformer stage, ensuring galvanic isolation. An equivalent two‐port network can be defined for any receiver position, allowing the array to be treated as a traditional transformer. Thereby, the simulation of the system can be simplified, as it is required in the design steps of a converter and control strategy. Analytical expressions of the two‐port network parameters are proposed for arrays of any size and length. The formulas have been numerically and experimentally validated.
Remaining forests on the Central Highlands of Madagascar—Endemic and endangered aquatic beetle fauna uncovered
Authors: Ranarilalatiana Tolotra , Razafindraleva Herisolo Andrianiaina , Granath Gustaf , Bukontaite Malm Rasa , Rakotonirina Jean Claude , Razafindranaivo Victor , Ravaomanarivo Lala Harivelo Raveloson , Johansson Frank , Bergsten Johannes
Published: December 2022

Madagascar is known for its high endemism and as many as 90% of this unique diversity are forest‐dwellers. Unfortunately, the forest cover of Madagascar is decreasing at an alarming rate. This decrease can also affect aquatic insects, but our knowledge on aquatic insect diversity and distribution on Madagascar are limited. Although the eastern rainforests are considered the most diverse, the Central Highlands of Madagascar also harbors unique microendemic fauna but has been less studied. Here, we analyze the aquatic Adephaga beetle fauna of three remaining protected forests of the Central Highlands. Diversity, abundance, and uniqueness are compared between and within natural forests and surrounding grasslands. At least 15 undescribed species were found, highlighting the Central Highlands as an important area for endemism. The natural forests and the surrounding grasslands differed significantly in species assemblages. Interestingly, the three remaining forests differed in their assemblages with the geographically more distant Manjakatompo Ankaratra having the most unique fauna but also the highest altitude span. By contrast, the species composition was similar between the peripheral zones of each of the three remaining forests. The similarity of the fauna in the peripheral open habitats illustrates how some local forest endemics are replaced with widespread generalists in degraded habitats. Our study shows that the remaining forests of the Central Highlands of Madagascar are important refuges of unique fauna at high risk of extinction.
Guidelines for DC preparation and flow cytometry analysis of mouse nonlymphoid tissues
Authors: Probst Hans Christian , Stoitzner Patrizia , Amon Lukas , Backer Ronald A. , Brand Anna , Chen Jianzhou , Clausen Björn E. , Dieckmann Sophie , Dudziak Diana , Heger Lukas , Hodapp Katrin , Hornsteiner Florian , Hovav Avi‐Hai , Jacobi Lukas , Ji Xingqi , Kamenjarin Nadine , Lahl Katharina , Lahmar Imran , Lakus Jelena , Lehmann Christian H. K. , Ortner Daniela , Picard Marion , Roberti Maria Paula , Rossnagel Lukas , Saba Yasmin , Schalla Carmen , Schlitzer Andreas , Schraml Barbara U. , Schütze Kristian , Seichter Anna , Seré Kristin , Seretis Athanasios , Sopper Sieghart , Strandt Helen , Sykora Martina M. , Theobald Hannah , Tripp Christoph H. , Zitvogel Laurence
Published: December 2022

This article is part of the Dendritic Cell Guidelines article series, which provides a collection of state‐of‐the‐art protocols for the preparation, phenotype analysis by flow cytometry, generation, fluorescence microscopy and functional characterization of mouse and human dendritic cells (DC) from lymphoid organs and various nonlymphoid tissues.

DC are sentinels of the immune system present in almost every mammalian organ. Since they represent a rare cell population, DC need to be extracted from organs with protocols that are specifically developed for each tissue. This article provides detailed protocols for the preparation of single‐cell suspensions from various mouse nonlymphoid tissues, including skin, intestine, lung, kidney, mammary glands, oral mucosa and transplantable tumors. Furthermore, our guidelines include comprehensive protocols for multiplex flow cytometry analysis of DC subsets and feature top tricks for their proper discrimination from other myeloid cells. With this collection, we provide guidelines for in‐depth analysis of DC subsets that will advance our understanding of their respective roles in healthy and diseased tissues.

While all protocols were written by experienced scientists who routinely use them in their work, this article was also peer‐reviewed by leading experts and approved by all coauthors, making it an essential resource for basic and clinical DC immunologists.
Threats of Pollutants Derived from Electronic Waste to Marine Bivalves: The Case of the Rare-Earth Element Yttrium
Authors: Andrade Madalena , Soares Amadeu M. V. M. , Solé Montserrat , Pereira Eduarda , Freitas Rosa
Published: December 2022

The production of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. This may eventually lead to its accumulation in aquatic environments, mainly because of the presence of nonbiodegradable components. The rare-earth element yttrium (Y) is particularly relevant because it is present in a wide variety of electro-based equipment. Within this context, the present study investigated the biological consequences of anthropogenic Y exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to Y (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/L) for 28 days, and their bioaccumulation and biomarkers related to metabolism, oxidative stress defenses, cellular damage, and neurotoxicity were evaluated. The results revealed that tissue Y content increased at increasing exposure concentrations (though the bioconcentration factor decreased). At the lowest Y dosage (5 µg/L), mussels lowered their electron transport system (ETS) activity, consumed more energy reserves (glycogen), and activated superoxide dismutase activity, thus preventing cellular damage. At the highest Y dosage (40 μg/L), mussels reduced their biotransformation activities with no signs of cellular damage, which may be associated with the low toxicity of Y and the lower/maintenance of ETS activity. Although only minor effects were observed, the present findings raise an environmental concern for aquatic systems where anthropogenic Y concentrations are generally low but still may compromise organisms' biochemical performance. Particularly relevant are the alterations in energy metabolism and detoxification processes for their longer-term impacts on growth and reproduction but also as defense mechanisms against other stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:166–177. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Biomarkers altered with different yttrium concentrations. ETS = electron transport system; GLY = glycogen; SOD = superoxide dismutase; GR = glutathione reductase; GSTs = glutathione S-transferases; CbEs = carboxylesterases; LPO = lipid peroxidation.
Mixture Toxicity of Three Unconventional Gas Fracking Chemicals, Barium, O-Cresol, and Sodium Chloride, to the Freshwater Shrimp Paratya australiensis
Authors: Willems Daniel J. , Kumar Anupama , Nugegoda Dayanthi
Published: December 2022

The 96-h acute toxicity of barium (Ba2+), o-cresol, and sodium chloride (NaCl) to Paratya australiensis was assessed in single, binary, and ternary combinations in addition to three biochemical assays: glutathione S-transferase, acetylcholinesterase, and sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase. The 96-h lethal concentrations that expressed 50% mortality (LC50) in the single-toxicant exposures were Ba2+ = 23.4 mg/L, o-cresol = 12.2 mg/L, and NaCl = 4198 mg/L. Mortality from o-cresol exposure occurred between 11 and 22 mg/L, whereas Ba2+ was more gradual across 10–105 mg/L, and most of the NaCl mortality occurred between 2050 and 4100 mg/L. Toxic units were used to assess the binary and ternary interactions of the toxicants. A more than additive effect was observed for most combinations in the binary chemical exposures, with the ternary combinations yielding highly synergistic interactions. Greater synergism was observed with the 96-h LC50 of o-cresol in combination with the three concentrations of NaCl (1025, 2050, and 3075 mg/L) compared with Ba2+, with toxic units of 0.38, 0.48, and 0.10 (o-cresol) and 0.71, 0.67, and 0.50 (Ba2+). No notable enzyme activity trends were observed in the enzyme biomarker responses from both individual and mixture exposures. Although acute single-species toxicity tests tend to underestimate the effects of Ba2+, o-cresol, and NaCl on populations, communities, and ecosystems in seminatural (e.g., mesocosms) and natural systems, there are currently no published acute toxicity data available for P. australiensis and the three toxicants used in the present study. The present study shows that chemicals with different toxicity mechanisms can potentially lead to more synergistic responses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:481–494. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Immunofluorescence Visualization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Mixtures in the Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Prossner Kristen M. , Small Hamish J. , Carnegie Ryan B. , Unger Michael A.
Published: December 2022

Bivalve mollusks including oysters have low metabolic potential and are therefore susceptible to accumulating high levels of lipophilic organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Human exposure to PAHs via consumption of this important commercial shellfish can be a serious public health concern in areas where high PAH contamination exists. Previous PAH immunohistochemical studies have been limited to laboratory-based exposures focusing on one or a few individual PAH compounds. To date, such studies have yet to explore PAH accumulation in oysters, known to have some of the highest levels of PAHs across different food products. Using a monoclonal antibody selective for a range of three- to five-ring PAHs, we present a method to detect and localize complex mixtures of PAHs in oyster tissues via fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Observed immunofluorescence intensity followed a similar trend as measured levels of PAHs in oyster interstitial fluid from PAH-contaminated sites and oysters exposed to the water accommodated fraction of crude oil. This method will be valuable in understanding internal partitioning mechanisms of PAH-exposed oysters and will have important applications in studies on PAH distribution in the tissues of additional organisms for environmental, medical, or veterinary purposes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:475–480. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Crop improvements for future‐proofing European food systems: A focus‐group‐driven analysis of agricultural production stakeholder priorities and viewpoints
Authors: Stetkiewicz Stacia , Menary Jonathan , Nair Abhishek , Rufino Mariana C. , Fischer Arnout R.H. , Cornelissen Marc , Duchesne Remi , Guichaoua Adrien , Jorasch Petra , Lemarié Stephane , Nanda Amrit K. , Wilhelm Ralf , Davies Jessica A.C.
Published: December 2022

Crop breeding is one of the main tools which can assist in future‐proofing food systems for more sustainable outcomes. In order to ensure priorities are aligned with the needs and wants of food system actors, it is essential to engage with key stakeholders to understand preferences on plant breeding solutions. This study presents results from a series of online focus groups conducted with agricultural production related stakeholders (i.e. farmers and farmer representatives, policymakers and NGOs) regarding the potential for crop improvement to future‐proof European food systems. Stakeholders shared concern around climate change and environmental impacts (particularly drought and heat stress), and general agreement about the need to develop resilient crops which combine multiple positive attributes, while reducing trade‐offs and negative externalities. Stakeholders also prioritized plant breeding solutions for areas where they felt they had little agency, and existing alternative solutions, such as improving input use efficiency, or altering diets to be considered where these are available. This highlights the need for the crop breeding community to focus its attentions on the ‘most hard to fix’ issues, where in‐field measures are currently not offering viable solutions, to maximize acceptance and adoption by agricultural production stakeholders. It also highlights that consideration of trade‐offs, within plant and within a broader agri‐food context, must be integrated into crop breeding research and development, with trade‐off analysis an explicit component of breeding research. Understanding broader agri‐food system knock‐on effects of plant innovation is a non‐trivial challenge requiring interdisciplinary research and close partnerships with food system stakeholders.
Provenance shift during Early‐Middle Triassic and its response to the palaeogeographic and tectonic evolution of the southwestern South China Block
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Wang Qingfei , Santosh M. , Qiao Long , Wang Tingyi , Wang Yanning , Zhang Qizuan
Published: December 2022

To constrain the relationship between the plate boundary dynamics and the basin sedimentation in the southwestern South China Block (SCB), we undertook detrital zircon U–Pb–Hf isotope compositions of the Lower‐Middle Triassic turbidite system in the Youjiang Basin and biotite 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology of the adjacent Lingshan granite. The detrital zircons from Lower Triassic clastic rocks are dominated by age peaks at ~450 Ma and ~1,000 Ma and minor peaks at ~250–260 Ma with negative εHf(t) values (−6.4 to −10.1). In contrast, the Middle Triassic group contains more volcanic fragments and displays a different age peak at ~240–287 Ma with εHf(t) between −11.9 and 13.2 in addition to the former two peaks. These results suggest a potential provenance associated with juvenile and volcanic components in the adjacent region during the Middle Triassic. A summary of the Triassic tectonothermal history suggests that the eastern Youjiang Basin and Yunkai Terrane were uplifted throughout the Triassic, while the northeastern Indochina Block on the west of the SCB was uplifted mainly during the Middle Triassic. Combined with the palaeocurrent reconstruction, we infer that the turbidite system was filled primarily from east to west during the Early Triassic, mainly controlled by the Palaeo‐Pacific plate subduction. Subsequently, the Middle Triassic turbidite system involved juvenile and volcanic components from the eastern SCB and northeastern Indochina Block in addition to the Early Triassic provenance, as a result of dual impact from the Palaeo‐Pacific plate subduction and Indochina Block collision.