bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of oil palm fiber and surface treatments on the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and water absorption properties of wheat gluten composites
Authors: Sakulkhaemaruethai Chuntip , Pankaew Piyapong , Chaochanchaikul Kantima
Published: August 2023

This work aims to enhance the mechanical properties and water resistance of wheat gluten (WG)‐based bioplastic with the addition of oil palm fiber (OPF) and surface treatments. Due to the porous surface of OPF, alkali treatment enhanced its surface area and roughness. Alkali pretreatment effect on silane efficiency was investigated using different surface treatment methods: alkali treatment, silane treatment, and silane treatment with alkali pretreatment. Neat WG and WG/OPF composites were prepared by compounding with an internal mixer and forming them with a compression molding machine. Tensile and impact testing, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to assess the effects of OPF content and surface treatment methods. The results suggested that the tensile modulus and strength, impact strength, and glass transition temperature of WG composites tended to increase with increasing OPF content, whereas the decomposition temperature slightly changed. OPF improved the brittle and water resistance being disadvantages of WG. The most efficient surface treatment methods are 5 wt% silane treatment and 3 wt% silane with alkali pretreatment. This indicated that the increases in surface roughness and area of OPF after alkali pretreatment enhanced the silane efficiency and reduced the dosage of silane used.
Antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and dosing in critically ill adults receiving prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy: A systematic review
Authors: Grewal Arvind , Thabet Pierre , Dubinsky Samuel , Purkayastha Debanjali , Wong Kristy , Marko Ryan , Hiremath Swapnil , Hutton Brian , Kanji Salmaan
Published: August 2023

Prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT) is gaining popularity as a renal replacement modality in intensive care units, but there is a relative lack of guidance regarding antimicrobial clearance and dosing when compared with other modalities. The objectives of this systematic review were to: (1) identify and describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of relevant antimicrobials used in critically ill adults receiving PIRRT, (2) evaluate the quality of evidence supporting these data, and (3) propose dosing recommendations based on the synthesis of these data. A search strategy for multiple databases was designed and executed to identify relevant published evidence describing the PK of antimicrobials used in critically ill adults receiving PIRRT. Quality assessment, evaluation of reporting, and relevant data extraction were conducted in duplicate. Synthesis of PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) outcomes, dosing recommendations from study authors, and physicochemical properties of included antibiotics were assessed by investigators in addition to the quality of evidence to develop dosing recommendations. Thirty‐nine studies enrolling 452 patients met criteria for inclusion and provided PK and/or PD data for 20 antimicrobials in critically ill adults receiving PIRRT. Nineteen studies describe both PK and PD outcomes. Vancomycin (12 studies, 171 patients), meropenem (7 studies, 84 patients), and piperacillin/tazobactam (5 studies, 56 patients) were the most frequent antimicrobials encountered. The quality of evidence was deemed strong for 7/20 antimicrobials, and strong dosing recommendations were determined for 9/20 antimicrobials. This systematic review updates and addresses issues of quality in previous systematic reviews on this topic. Despite an overall low quality of evidence, strong recommendations were able to be made for almost half of the identified antimicrobials. Knowledge gaps persist for many antimicrobials, and higher quality studies (i.e., population PK studies with assessment of PD target attainment) are needed to address these gaps.
Baricitinib versus tocilizumab in critically ill COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Conroy Grace M. , Bauer Seth R. , Pallotta Andrea M. , Duggal Abhijit , Wang Lu , Sacha Gretchen L.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The immunomodulators tocilizumab and baricitinib improve outcomes in severely ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19); however, comparative analyses of clinical outcomes related to these agents are lacking. A tocilizumab national shortage shifted treatment to baricitinib in critically ill patients, allowing for an outcome comparison in a similar population. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID‐19 patients who received tocilizumab and those who received baricitinib.

Design

Retrospective, observational cohort study using generalized estimating equation models, accounting for clustering by hospital and known confounders, to estimate the proportional odds of the ordinal World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale (WHO‐CPS) score at day 14, the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included WHO‐CPS score at day 7.

Setting

Multiple hospitals within the Cleveland Clinic Health System.

Patients

Adult patients admitted for COVID‐19 between January 2021 and November 2021.

Interventions

Receipt of tocilizumab, before its shortage, or baricitinib, during shortage.

Measurements and Main Results

In total, 507 patients were included; 217 received tocilizumab and 290 received baricitinib. Over 96% of patients required ICU admission and 98% received concomitant dexamethasone. Tocilizumab recipients had higher (worse) baseline WHO‐CPS scores. After adjustment, tocilizumab use was associated with higher odds of a worse day 14 WHO‐CPS score compared with baricitinib (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–2.48]). Similarly, after adjustment, tocilizumab use was associated with higher odds of a worse day 7 WHO‐CPS score (adjusted OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.22–2.24]).

Conclusions

Baricitinib use was associated with better WHO‐CPS scores at day 14 and day 7 compared with tocilizumab in a cohort of critically ill patients with COVID‐19. The odds of having a one unit increase in WHO‐CPS score at day 14 was 71% higher with tocilizumab than baricitinib. No difference in mortality or adverse effects was noted.
The impact of job stress on burnout in Chinese teachers: The mediating roles of social support and psychological empowerment
Authors: Song Yining , Zhao Weiguo , Wang Xinning , Li Jiazheng
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to explore the mediation mechanism of how sources of job stress impact teacher burnout. The participants were 502 Chinese teachers (Mage = 35.51, SDage = 9.56) in primary and secondary schools. The data were collected utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Occupational Stress Scale, Social Support Scale, and Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire. A structural equation model (SEM) was conducted to analyze whether social support and psychological empowerment mediate the relationship between job stress and teacher burnout. The results showed that the dimensions of job burnout were affected by different sources of job stress. Importantly, social support and psychological empowerment mediated the relationship between job stress and burnout. This study identified the important factors of job stress that affect teachers' burnout and provided a foundation for developing interventions for teachers experiencing burnout from the perspective of social support and psychological empowerment.
Cross‐cultural examination of school educators' beliefs about principles of positive behavior support
Authors: Fan Chung‐Hau , Tsai Chia‐Lin , Juang Ya‐Ting , Wang Hui‐Ting , Chang Yu‐Lin
Published: August 2023

This study conducted a psychometric examination into the application of positive behavior support (PBS) principles, focusing on how its trajectory differs between Taiwan and the United States. Eighteen items from the Beliefs about Behavior Survey were adapted to gauge educators' perception of implementing PBS strategies within different cultural contexts. The sample comprised 643 educators, split between northern Taiwan (N = 267) and a mid‐mountain region in the United States (N = 376). Results from the confirmatory factor analysis suggest that the previously identified four‐factor model determined using a US sample presents a satisfactory fit with the Taiwanese data set. Furthermore, reliability estimates vouch for the internal consistency of the model. Interestingly, it was observed that general education teachers reported the least supportive beliefs across all four factors, relative to their colleagues. In a direct comparison with the US sample, the Taiwanese respondents scored significantly lower on two out of the four PBS belief factors. This trend could be attributed to a relative scarcity of exposure to, and training in, PBS principles in Taiwan, particularly beyond tertiary remedial services. The revised survey questionnaire presents a useful tool for informing the design of professional development initiatives and system‐wide changes in Taiwanese schools. The study concludes with a discussion on the impact of differing cultural contexts and the potential directions for future research.
A longitudinal study of the mediating role of resilience in the impact of trait mindfulness on anxiety and aggression in Chinese college students with left‐behind experiences
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhang Chunyang , Zhou Yuyang , Xu Wei
Published: August 2023

The present study investigated how trait mindfulness is related to anxiety and aggression by considering the mediating role of resilience with the longitudinal data among Chinese college students with left‐behind experience. A total of 391 Chinese college students with left‐behind experiences completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale, the Chinese college students’ version of the Buss‐Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales at two‐time points. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, and the results indicated that resilience (T1) mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness (T1) and anxiety (T2) (indirect effect = −0.053, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.119, −0.005]) as well as aggression (T2) (indirect effect = −0.070, 95% CI = [−0.127, −0.029]). Therefore, trait mindfulness had direct and indirect negative associations with anxiety and aggression, and resilience mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and both anxiety and aggression. The findings of the study provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of trait mindfulness and resilience in improving mental health outcomes and suggest clinical potential in the improvement of mental health among college students with left‐behind experiences.
Ready but irresponsible? Analysis of the Government Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index
Authors: Nzobonimpa Stany , Savard Jean‐François
Published: August 2023

Many are the promises of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms. Governments around the world are increasingly investing in AI and multiple voices have touted this seemingly unmatched revolution. Better performance, cost reduction, efficient management, crime prediction, and prevention are but a few of the pledges of the AI era. While such promises are recognized, research shows that AI benefits could be overstated. Issues of equity, ethics, justice, and fairness have raised concerns and have been seen as potentially threatening democratic principles. As countries get ready to tap into the AI power, researchers are asking whether preparedness is followed by responsibility checks. In this article, we use the Oxford Insights AI Readiness Index to explore why innovation and readiness in artificial intelligence are not always accompanied by accountability, even for some of the most advanced democracies around the world. Using the Fuzzy‐Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) approach, we show that advancement in AI is not enough: privacy, transparency, inclusion, and accountability principles are key to ensuring governments tackle the AI challenge responsibly.
Group transfer polymerization in bulk methacrylates
Authors: Pieringer Florian , Catel Yohann , Liska Robert , Moszner Norbert , Knaack Patrick
Published: August 2023

Group transfer polymerization (GTP) is a polymerization method developed to obtain targeted (meth)acrylic polymers in solution at ambient temperatures. In this work, it is employed with methacrylic monomers to obtain low Ð polymers in bulk. In this regard, different initiator systems that exhibit different mechanisms are compared concerning the molecular weight, the polydispersity and double bond conversion of the resulting bulk polymers. The respective systems were chosen carefully to give a broad overview of earlier developed initiator‐catalyst combinations 1‐methoxy‐1‐(trimethylsiloxy)‐2‐methylprop‐1‐ene (MTS) & tetrabutylammonium cyanide (TBACN) and more recently investigated initiating systems MTS & trityl tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (TTPB) or dimethyl phenyl silane (DMPS) & tris(pentafluorophenyl)borate (BCF). The described initiating systems are applied as a two‐component (2K) system to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the respective initiator and catalyst in the bulk monomer. In addition to the 2K experiments, photochemical initiation is also applied to bulk formulations. Therefore, a photoacid generator (PAG) and MTS is used to trigger the polymerization reaction by irradiation with UV light. A highly controlled photopolymerization method in bulk was developed that way achieving a low polydispersity polymer with high double bond conversion.
A robust and efficiently reprocessable poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomers enhanced by self‐catalysis Zn(II)‐ligand bonds and silyl ethers
Authors: Wu Yingdong , Bai Lu , Zheng Junping
Published: August 2023

In recent years, as an emerging dynamic bonding, silyl ether linkages have been concerned and applied. However, the reprocessability of vitrimers based on it is far from satisfactory because of the inactive dynamic exchange reaction. At the same time, the mechanical properties of polysiloxane elastomers are poor because of the high flexibility of polysiloxane molecular chains and weak intermolecular forces. Herein, we have successfully synthesized a PDMS elastomer incorporating Zn(II)‐amine coordination bonds as sacrificial units, which are crosslinked through dynamic silyl ether linkages. Importantly, the presence of Zn ions promotes the exchange between the silyl ether linkages and hydroxyl groups. The elastomers exhibited excellent mechanical properties (35 times improvement in toughness) and outstanding reprocessability. The mechanical property recovery of the PDMS elastomers reached approximately 90% after four reprocessing cycles. Meanwhile, small‐molecule simulation experiments were conducted to verify the significant catalytic effect of Zn (II) ions as Lewis acid catalysts on the exchange reaction of silyl ether linkages and hydroxyl groups. In a word, this work provides a facile strategy to simultaneously enhance the mechanical properties and reprocessing performance of silyl ether‐linked polysiloxane elastomers.
Fear of cancer recurrence and mental health: A comprehensive meta‐analysis
Authors: Podina Ioana R. , Todea Diana , Fodor Liviu‐Andrei
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in cancer survivors. Additionally, potential effect modifiers of this link were investigated.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PsychInfo, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until June 2022. Studies reporting the association between FCR and mental health indices in adolescent and young adult survivors (15–39 years) and adult survivors (>18 years) were included. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

A total of 72 primary studies with 31,740 participants were identified, with the majority having a low risk of bias. The results revealed a significant association between FCR and depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. This association was observed whether FCR was examined in relation to each factor individually or collectively. The effect sizes fell within the medium range. Notably, the relationship between FCR and mental health strengthened over the years of publication. Additionally, lengthier FCR assessment instruments yielded larger effect sizes compared to shorter and single‐item instruments, underscoring the significance of instrument selection.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis provides further evidence that FCR is linked to a range of common mental health problems. The medium effect sizes observed indicate the need to consider FCR when evaluating the mental health of cancer survivors, and vice versa. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the FCR‐mental health link.
Editor's Note
Authors: Mick Connie Snyder
Published: August 2023

This note from the editor provides a brief summary of the articles contained in this issue and invites readers to respond and submit their own articles.
Gender dynamics and poverty decomposition in rural Nigeria
Authors: Obayelu Oluwakemi Adeola , Oyewunmi Oyetola Folake , Sowunmi Fatai Abiola
Published: August 2023

Poverty in sub‐Saharan Africa is largely a rural phenomenon that is associated with an inequitable distribution of resources among gender groups. This study therefore assessed poverty decomposition in rural Nigeria along gender lines. Data for the study came from the General Household Survey panel data for 2010/2011 (wave 1) and 2015/2016 (wave 3) and were analyzed with Foster Greer and Thorbecke poverty classes and the Shapley decomposition method. Total poverty change and poverty elasticity were −0.0690 and 0.1394, respectively, in women‐led households, −0.0973 and 0.1825 in men‐led households, and −0.1152 and 0.2906 in gender‐balanced households. Between‐group (0.9773) elasticity was higher than the within‐group (0.1853) component for the poverty headcount, while within‐group elasticity was higher than the between‐group component for poverty depth and severity. Thus, an effective poverty reduction strategy in Nigeria should be gender‐inclusive.
Structural and functional characterization of Aedes aegypti pupal cuticle protein that controls dengue virus infection
Authors: Huang Qingqing , Gavor Edem , Tulsian Nikhil Kumar , Fan Jingsong , Lin Qingsong , Mok Yu Keung , Kini R. Manjunatha , Sivaraman J.
Published: August 2023

The pupal cuticle protein from Aedes aegypti (AaPC) inhibits dengue virus (DENV) infection; however, the underlying mechanism of this inhibition remains unknown. Here, we report that AaPC is an intrinsically disordered protein and interacts with domain I/II of the DENV envelope protein via residues Asp59, Asp61, Glu71, Asp73, Ser75, and Asp80. AaPC can directly bind to and cause the aggregation of DENV, which in turn blocks virus infection during the virus‐cell fusion stage. AaPC may also influence viral recognition and attachment by interacting with human immune receptors DC‐SIGN and CD4. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of AaPC in mitigating viral infection and suggest that AaPC is a potential target for developing inhibitors or antibodies to control dengue virus infection.
AQcalc: A web server that identifies weak molecular interactions in protein structures
Authors: Afshinpour Maral , Smith Logan A. , Chakravarty Suvobrata
Published: August 2023

Weak molecular interactions play an important role in protein structure and function. Computational tools that identify weak molecular interactions are, therefore, valuable for the study of proteins. Here, we present AQcalc, a web server (https://aqcalcbiocomputing.com/) that can be used to identify anion–quadrupole (AQ) interactions, which are weak interactions involving aromatic residue (Trp, Tyr, and Phe) ring edges and anions (Asp, Glu, and phosphate ion) both within proteins and at their interfaces (protein–protein, protein‐nucleic acids, and protein–lipid bilayer). AQcalc identifies AQ interactions as well as clusters involving AQ, cation–π, and salt bridges, among others. Utilizing AQcalc we analyzed weak interactions in protein models, even in the absence of experimental structures, to understand the contributions of weak interactions to deleterious structural changes, including those associated with oncogenic and germline disease variants. We identified several deleterious variants with disrupted AQ interactions (comparable in frequency to cation–π disruptions). Amyloid fibrils utilize AQ to bury anions at frequencies that far exceed those observed for globular proteins. AQ interactions were detected three and five times more frequently than the hydrogen‐bonded AQ (HBAQ) in fibril structures and protein–lipid bilayer interfaces, respectively. By contrast, AQ and HBAQ interactions were detected with similar frequencies in globular proteins. Collectively, these findings suggest AQcalc will be effective in facilitating fine structural analysis. As other web utilities designed to identify protein residue interaction networks do not report AQ interactions, wide use of AQcalc will enrich our understanding of residue interaction networks and facilitate hypothesis testing by identifying and experimentally characterizing these comparably weak but important interactions.
Mechanistic study of dual‐function inhibitors targeting topoisomerase II and Rad51‐mediated DNA repair pathway against castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Chiang Yi‐Chang , Leu Wohn‐Jenn , Chen Yi‐Chin , Ye Pei‐Chen , Hsu Yu‐Tung , Hsiao Yu‐Chi , Hsu Jui‐Ling , Chan She‐Hung , Hsu Lih‐Ching , Huang Hsu‐Shan , Guh Jih‐Hwa
Published: August 2023

Background

Castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is refractory to hormone treatment and the therapeutic options are continuously advancing. This study aims to discover the anti‐CRPC effects and underlying mechanisms of small‐molecule compounds targeting topoisomerase (TOP) II and cellular components of DNA damage repair.

Methods

Cell proliferation was determined in CRPC PC‐3 and DU‐145 cells using anchorage‐dependent colony formation, sulforhodamine B assay and flow cytometric analysis of CFSE staining. Flow cytometric analyses of propidium iodide staining and JC‐1 staining were used to examine the population of cell‐cycle phases and mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. Nuclear extraction was performed to detect the nuclear localization of cellular components in DNA repair pathways. Protein expressions were determined using Western blot analysis.

Results

A series of azathioxanthone‐based derivatives were synthesized and examined for bioactivities in which WC‐A13, WC‐A14, WC‐A15, and WC‐A16 displayed potent anti‐CRPC activities in both PC‐3 and DU‐145 cell models. These WC‐A compounds selectively downregulated both TOP IIα and TOP IIβ but not TOP I protein expression. WC‐A13, WC‐A14, and WC‐A15 were more potent than WC‐A16 on TOP II inhibition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and induction of caspase cascades indicating the key role of amine‐containing side chain of the compounds in determining anti‐CRPC activities. Furthermore, WC‐A compounds induced an increase of γH2AX and activated ATR‐Chk1 and ATM‐Chk2 signaling pathways. P21 protein expression was also upregulated by WC‐A compounds in which WC‐A16 showed the least activity. Notably, WC‐A compounds exhibited different regulation on Rad51, a major protein in homologous recombination of DNA in double‐stranded break repair. WC‐A13, WC‐A14, and WC‐A15 inhibited, whereas WC‐A16 induced, the nuclear translocation of Rad51.

Conclusion

The data suggest that WC‐A compounds exhibit anti‐CRPC effects through the inhibition of TOP II activities, leading to mitochondrial stress‐involved caspase activation and apoptosis. Moreover, WC‐A13, WC‐A14, and WC‐A15 but not WC‐A16 display inhibitory activities of Rad51‐mediated DNA repair pathway which may increase apoptotic effect of CRPC cells.
Evolution of ACCase‐inhibitor resistance in Chloris virgata is conferred by a Trp2027Cys mutation in the herbicide target site
Authors: Ferreira Luiz Augusto Inojosa , de Oliveira Rubem Silvério , Constantin Jamil , Brunharo Caio
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Chloris virgata is a troublesome weed in tropical regions. With the evolution of glyphosate resistance in key grass species, acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors have become a commonly used tool in soybean production areas in Brazil. We assessed if suspected resistant populations exhibited cross resistance to the different classes of ACCase inhibitors and investigated the resistance mechanisms in C. virgata.

RESULTS

Dose–response experiments revealed resistance to haloxyfop‐methyl and pinoxaden, with 432‐ and 3‐fold resistance, respectively, compared to susceptible populations. Due to the lack of genetic resources for C. virgata, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the genome using short‐read Illumina technology. The k‐mer analysis estimated a genome size of approximately 336 Mbp, with BUSCO completeness of 97%, and over 36 000 gene models were annotated. We examined if ACCase copy number variation and increased gene expression were involved in the resistance phenotype and found no difference when compared to a susceptible population. A mutation was detected in ACCase that encodes for amino acid position 2027, resulting in a tryptophan‐to‐cysteine (Trp2027Cys) substitution. We found the resistant population absorbed 11.4% less herbicide and retained 21% more herbicide on the treated leaf compared to the susceptible population. We developed a genotyping assay targeting the resistance‐endowing Trp2027Cys substitution for quick resistance diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

A Trp2027Cys amino acid substitution in ACCase confers resistance to haloxyfop and pinoxaden in C. virgata. We provide important insights into the evolutionary history of C. virgata and a draft genome as a useful resource to further our understanding of the biology in the genus Chloris. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A pH‐responsive MOF‐functionalized hollow mesoporous silica controlled herbicide delivery system exhibits enhanced activity against ACCase‐herbicide‐resistant weeds
Authors: Deng Xi‐le , Li Jia‐qing , Yi Ji‐ming , Lian Ren‐jie , Zhang Zhao‐yang , Li Jian‐hong , He Shun , Bai Lian‐yang
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Weeds grow aggressively in agricultural fields, leading to reduced crop yields and an inability to meet the growing demand for food. Herbicides are currently the most effective method for weed control. However, the overuse of herbicides has resulted in the evolution of resistance mutants and has caused environmental pollution. Therefore, new technologies are urgently required to address this global challenge.

RESULTS

We report a copper‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate metal organic framework (Cu‐BDC MOF)‐functionalized carboxyl hollow mesoporous silica (HMS‐COOH) delivery system for the pH‐controlled release of the acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicide quizalofop‐p‐ethyl (QE). The delivery system (QE@HMS@Cu‐BDC) enabled the efficient control of barnyard grasses that are susceptible and resistant to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides, which showed 93.33% and 88.33% FW control efficacy at 67.5 g ha−1, respectively. With the lowest pH value (3), QE and copper ion were released slowly to total 70.30% and 78.55% levels (respectively) from QE@HMS@Cu‐BDC after 89 h. QE@HMS@Cu‐BDC showed better absorption, conduction, transportation and ACCase activity inhibition performance than that of QE emulsifiable concentrate (EC) in both susceptible and ACCase‐herbicide resistant barnyard grasses. In addition, with the safener effect of carrier HMS@Cu‐BDC and the aid of the safener fenchlorazole‐ethyl (FE), the application of QE@HMS@Cu‐BDC was shown to mitigate the damage caused by QE to rice plants.

CONCLUSION

This work found that the new material HMS‐COOH@Cu‐BDC can be used to mitigate herbicide‐induced oxidative stress and improve rice plant safety. Futhermore, the QE@HMS‐COOH@Cu‐BDC constructed in this research might be used as an efficient nanopesticide formulation for weed controls in paddy rice fields. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Achyrocline satureioides as an adjuvant therapy for the management of mild viral respiratory infections in the context of COVID‐19: Preliminary results of a randomized, placebo‐controlled, and open‐label clinical trial
Authors: Bastos Catherina Isdra Moszkowicz , Dani Caroline , Cechinel Laura Reck , da Silva Neves Arthur Hipolito , Rasia Fabiana Briato , Bianchi Sara Elis , da Silveira Loss Eloisa , Lamers Marcelo Lazzaron , Meirelles Gabriela , Bassani Valquiria Linck , Siqueira Ionara Rodrigues
Published: August 2023

We evaluated the impact of an Achyrocline satureioides inflorescence infusion on the clinical outcomes of viral respiratory infections, including those caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, in a monocentric, randomized, open‐label, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Patients with symptoms of viral respiratory infection, including suspected cases of COVID‐19, were included and assigned to receive either A. satureioides (n = 57) or Malus domestica (n = 67) infusions twice a day for 14 days. All participants were included before the RT‐PCR results, performed using a nasopharyngeal swab. The patients were further divided into subgroups according to real‐time polymerase chain reaction results: SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive and SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative subgroups for statistical analyses. We assessed clinical outcomes, such as the latency to resolution of cough, dyspnea, fever, sore throat, chest pain, smell and taste dysfunctions, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite; hospitalization; and mortality with questionnaires and medical records. The subjects that received early A. satureioides infusion showed a significant reduction in the average number of days with respiratory and neurological symptoms compared with the control group (M. domestica infusion). We conclude that A. satureioides is a safe agent and, in combination with standard care, improves viral respiratory infection symptoms, especially those related to COVID‐19.
QSPR analysis through graph models for predicting ADMET properties of antifungal drugs to treat fungal diseases
Authors: Parveen S. Thilsath , Balamurugan B. J.
Published: August 2023

The chemical structure of a drug is considered as a chemical graph where the vertex set is the set of atoms and the edge set is the set of bonds between the atoms. Fungi‐related diseases are becoming a more serious medical problem as a result of changes in the worldwide environment. In this article, the QSPR analysis is performed to predict the ADMET properties of the drugs used to treat fungal infections such as mucormycosis, blastomycosis, invasive candidiasis, talaromycosis, cryptococcus, neoformans, and so forth. The antifungal drugs posaconazole, isavuconazole, and amphotericin B and its analogs are considered to carry out the QSPR analysis. The domination numbers of these drugs are determined to correlate with their ADMET properties through cubic regression and the analysis suggests a high association between the domination numbers of drugs and their ADMET properties. The ADMET properties of the analog structures of the drug amphotericin B are also predicted in this QSPR analysis.
Theoretical insight on Cm(III) and Eu(III) competing with Am(III) for binding to N‐donor extractants with different dentate numbers
Authors: Wu Shouqiang , Zhang Yiying , Li An Yong
Published: August 2023

The separation of actinides (An) from lanthanides (Ln) is crucial for nuclear resource recovery and reducing long‐term radiotoxicity. While numerous N‐donor ligands have been examined for the extraction separation of An and Ln, few studies have investigated the effect of the number of ligand dentate on bonding and extraction separation. To address this issue, we designed six pyridine‐based ligands with different numbers of coordination dentate. We employed density functional methods to investigate their bonding properties with Am(III), Cm(III), and Eu(III), as well as the thermodynamic differences in extracting and separating these metal ions. The NBO and QTAIM analyses indicate that the metal–ligand bonds are predominantly ionic. However, the Am‐N bond exhibits higher covalency compared to the Cm‐N and Eu‐N bonds, and it is also stronger than the latter two. This difference in bonding can be attributed to the greater involvement of the 5f orbitals of Am in coordination with the ligands, in contrast to the involvement of the Cm 5f and Eu 4f orbitals. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that the coordination ability of the ligands with metals does increase with the number of coordination teeth. However, the extraction separation effect of the ligand for Am/Cm and Am/Eu does not show a strong correlation with the number of coordination dentate. We hope that this study can offer valuable theoretical support for the design of ligands aimed at the separation of actinide(III) and lanthanide(III) ions.
An enhanced PI controller based on adaptive iterative learning control
Authors: Liang Huiping , Yang Chunhua , Lv Mingjie , Sun Bei , Li Yonggang
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a PI‐type adaptive iterative learning control (PI‐AILC) method for nonlinear processes, which targets enhancing system tracking capabilities by adapting setpoints of the PI controller. First, the proposed method employs compact form dynamic linearization technology to obtain a local linear representation of unknown nonlinear systems. Subsequently, the iterative learning controller gain is adaptively updated using the local linear expression to ensure the optimality of the setpoints. Finally, a pre‐learning mechanism for offline data is introduced to augment the efficiency of the iterative mechanism further. The proof of strict convergence for PI‐AILC is established. Experimental results substantiate the efficacy of PI‐AILC.
Facile synthesis of chromeno fused imidazolidinone derivatives via copper‐catalyzed tandem O‐arylation/oxidative acylation protocol
Authors: Chauhan Prakashsingh M. , Morja Mayur I. , Makwana Bhavik S. , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: August 2023

An efficient copper‐catalyzed tandem reaction of 1,3‐dibenzylimidazolidine‐2,4‐diones with ortho halo‐benzaldehyde compounds toward chromeno fused imidazolidinone has been developed. This protocol proceeds via one‐pot sequential intramolecular O‐arylation (C−O bond formation) and oxidative acylation (C−C bond formation). The synthetic method has the advantages of easily available starting materials, good functional tolerance, and wide substrate scope, which make this protocol more sustainable and practical. Experimental outcomes demonstrate that radical pathway might be involved in these transformations.
CNTs/Graphene Oxide‐Nickel Phosphate Nanocomposite‐Based Electrochemical Sensor for Detecting H2O2 in Human Serum
Authors: El‐Gohary Asmaa R. M. , Galal Ahmed , Atta Nada F.
Published: August 2023

Monitoring H2O2 levels in human serum is vital as it is a biomarker for oxidative stress‐induced diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, an efficient electrochemical sensor is developed for detecting H2O2 in real human serum samples. The sensor is fabricated by modifying the GC surface with two consecutive thin layers namely carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene oxide‐nickel phosphate composite (GRO‐NIPO). Under optimized conditions, the H2O2 sensor in human serum shows excellent catalytic effect in the concentration range (7 nM to 600 μM) with low detection limit 0.55 nM in the low range (7 nM to 1 μM). The combined effect of the catalytic activity of GRO‐NIPO nanocomposite and the large conductive surface area of CNTs improve the sensor's performance. The negative reduction potential of H2O2 at −570 mV improves the anti‐interference ability of the H2O2 sensor toward common interfering species in biological fluids. The layered modified electrode offers good sensitivity and low detection limit for H2O2 compared to other modified electrodes and some methods cited in the literature. Besides, the H2O2 sensor exhibits stable response over four weeks, excellent selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, and steadiness. The reliability test of the sensor in serum sample shows good recovery of H2O2.
Charge Distribution across Capped and Uncapped Infinite‐Layer Neodymium Nickelate Thin Films
Authors: Raji Aravind , Krieger Guillaume , Viart Nathalie , Preziosi Daniele , Rueff Jean‐Pascal , Gloter Alexandre
Published: August 2023

Charge ordering (CO) phenomena have been widely debated in strongly‐correlated electron systems mainly regarding their role in high‐temperature superconductivity. Here, the structural and charge distribution in NdNiO2 thin films prepared with and without capping layers, and characterized by the absence and presence of CO are elucidated. The microstructural and spectroscopic analysis is done by scanning transmission electron microscopy‐electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM‐EELS) and hard X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES). Capped samples show Ni1+, with an out‐of‐plane (o‐o‐p) lattice parameter of around 3.30 Å indicating good stabilization of the infinite‐layer structure. Bulk‐sensitive HAXPES on Ni‐2p shows weak satellite features indicating large charge‐transfer energy. The uncapped samples evidence an increase of the o‐o‐p parameter up to 3.65 Å on the thin film top with a valence toward Ni2+ in this region. Here, 4D‐STEM demonstrates (303)‐oriented stripes which emerge from partially occupied apical oxygen. Those stripes form quasi‐2D coherent domains viewed as rods in the reciprocal space with Δqz ≈ 0.24 reciprocal lattice units (r.l.u.) extension located at Q = () and () r.l.u. The stripes associated with oxygen re‐intercalation concomitant with hole doping suggest a possible link to the previously reported CO in infinite‐layer nickelate thin films.
Unintended effects of broadband grants on bank branches
Authors: Kim Minhae
Published: August 2023

The Community Connect Grant (CCG) Program was created in 2002 to provide financial assistance for the provision of broadband service in rural areas. Although it aimed to strengthen the rural economy, it is possible that an increase in internet usage due to the program could have induced bank branch closures, which could have had unintended effects on the economy. This paper discusses the mechanism by which the program affects bank branches and estimates the magnitude of its effects using an event study model and find that receiving benefits from this program decreases the number of bank branches.
Effect of High Mass Ratio of CaO to Al2O3 on Properties of Slag Containing 10% SiO2
Authors: Mo Rongzhen , Li Zhengtao , He Wenyuan , Ren Ying , Zhang Lifeng
Published: August 2023

In this study, the viscometer is used to evaluate the viscosity of slag containing 10% SiO2 with varying CaO/Al2O3 ratios. When CaO/Al2O3 ratio increases in the 3.00–4.00 range, the viscosity exhibits a non‐monotonic behavior characterized by an initial decrease followed by an increase, with a minimum value of 0.046 Pa·s observed at 1673 K. The slag with a CaO/Al2O3 ratio above 3.00 has relatively low and stable viscosity within the range of 1373–1673 K, which is beneficial for slab quality of high‐aluminum steel. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy are used to better understand the viscosity evolution of slag containing 10% SiO2. A higher CaO/Al2O3 ratio depolymerizes network structures due to the breaking effect of free oxygen O2−. Upon surpassing a CaO/Al2O3 ratio of 3.50, the transformation of the crystallization phase occurs from CaO·SiO2 to 2CaO·SiO2. Additionally, a higher CaO/Al2O3 ratio promotes the precipitation of the 11CaO·7Al2O3·CaF2 crystal in the slag.
Der Weg zum Bauen 4.0 in der Produktion und Bauausführung von Infrastrukturprojekten
Authors: Hüttig Lukas , Kropp Alexander , Hevelke Oliver
Published: August 2023

Die Baubranche stieht sich mit tiefgreifenden Veränderungen konfrontiert. Neben der Umsetzung der wohl wichtigsten Anforderung – einer nachhaltigeren Baukultur – müssen u. a. der zunehmende Fachkräftemangel und der steigende Bedarf an Infrastrukturbaumaßnahmen bewältigt werden. Die Lösung dieser Herausforderungen wird der Branche mit den bisher über Jahrzehnte praktizierten Verfahren und Prozessen nicht gelingen. Umso wichtiger ist es, den Weg für die Einführung von Bauen 4.0 zu ebnen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird erläutert, was sich hinter dem Begriff Bauen 4.0 verbirgt und welche Rahmenbedingungen die Umsetzung aktuell erschweren. Darauf aufbauend werden mit dem Schwerpunkt der für ausführende Bauunternehmen wichtigen Produktions‐ und Bauphase von Infrastrukturprojekten Empfehlungen, Maßnahmen und erste Ansätze zur Umsetzung präsentiert.
Deduction of the bond law from test on short RC tie in service conditions
Authors: Debernardi Pier Giorgio , Taliano Maurizio
Published: August 2023

Bond between ordinary steel bars and concrete plays a fundamental role in the behavior of the reinforced concrete. It is associated to the slip between steel and surrounding concrete and determines the variation in the steel and concrete stresses of cracked RC members. The need to formulate simple constitutive bond laws has led the international standards, such as fib Model Code 2010, to adopt an average bond stress versus slip relationship obtained from an extensive experimental campaign based on pull‐out tests. However, in pull‐out tests bond is substantially influenced by the state of stress, deformation and cracking of the concrete. Moreover, in‐service conditions of RC members, in order to study the cracking behavior or the tension stiffening, an ascending distribution of the bond stress is usually considered as it corresponds to an ascending distribution of the slip from the zero slip section to the cracked section and in the literature the bond law is applied as it is. In particular, at the cracked section, the bond stress is maximum. But, this distribution of the bond stress is not confirmed by the experimental results available in the literature concerning the behavior of an RC tie with a length equal to the crack spacing, where close to the cracked sections a descending distribution of the bond stress is observed while the distribution of the slip remains ascending, with null bond stress at the cracked section. The modeling proposed here does not claim to be exhaustive due to the limited albeit accurate experimental data. However, it does indicate the opportunity to abandon bond laws based on experimental works that do not represent the real situation or are far from it.
Influence of invasive bigheaded carps on abundance of Gizzard Shad in the Tennessee River
Authors: VanderBloemen Spencer , Miranda Leandro E. , Sass Greg G. , Colvin Michael , Faucheux Nicky
Published: August 2023

Objective

The Tennessee River basin and its cascade of reservoirs are home to some of the most diverse freshwater fish assemblages in the world. This unique system is threatened by the ongoing invasion of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis, hereafter referred to together as “bigheaded carps.” Bigheaded carps may directly compete for food resources with native clupeid species such as Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, and this potential interaction could have damaging ecological and economic consequences. High relative abundances of Gizzard Shad are crucial to the Tennessee River food web and associated fisheries because of their role as a forage base for piscivorous species.

Methods

We analyzed a collection of annual gillnetting and electrofishing data spanning from 1990 to 2017 to test whether Gizzard Shad relative abundances have changed in Tennessee River reservoirs since the arrival of bigheaded carps.

Result

Our analyses indicated that Gizzard Shad abundances have been declining but were already declining prior to the arrival of bigheaded carps in the Tennessee River.

Conclusion

At this stage in the invasion, we could not attribute a cause-and-effect relationship to the inverse correlation between Gizzard Shad and bigheaded carps, but we advise continued monitoring of indicators of harmful interactions.
Negotiating Polycentric Power Dynamics in China through Digital Multimodal Composing
Authors: Zuo Yanhong , He Fangzhi
Published: August 2023

Digital multimodal composing (DMC) has been receiving increasing attention in the research on English as an additional language (EAL) instruction in higher education. While this approach responds to students' changing writing practices in the digital world, it can create tension with mandated curricula and high‐stakes testing regimes that prioritize print‐based essay writing as in China. However, little research has explored the possibility of negotiating the tension and bridging DMC and print‐based writing through instructional design. This article reports an instrumental case study that investigates a university instructor's pedagogical approach of using DMC in an academic literacy classroom in China. Through qualitative inductive analysis and multimodal analysis, this study identifies five centers of polycentric power relations and explores how and why the instructor designed, implemented, and evaluated the DMC project to leverage students' digital literacy interests, meet the goals of the national English curriculum, and prepare students for the standardized tests. We argue that she served as a digital literacy broker who not only harnessed students' passion for digital communication but also fulfilled the requirements of different centers.
Limocitrin increases cytotoxicity of KHYG‐1 cells against K562 cells by modulating MAPK pathway
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Lin Jen‐Tsun , Chuang Yi‐Ching , Lin Chia‐Chieh , Lo Yu‐Sheng , Ho Hsin‐Yu , Chen Mu‐Kuan
Published: August 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are gaining popularity in the field of cancer immunotherapy. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of a natural flavonol compound limocitrin in increasing cytotoxicity of a permanent NK leukemia cell line KHYG‐1 against an aggressive leukemia cell line K562. The findings revealed that limocitrin increased the expressions of cytolytic molecules perforin, granzymes A and B, and granulysin in KHYG‐1 cells by inducing phosphorylation of transcription factor CREB, leading to increased lysis of K562 cells. Mechanistically, limocitrin was found to increase the expressions of t‐Bid, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved PARP to induce K562 cell apoptosis. Moreover, limocitrin reduced the expressions of SET and Ape1 to inhibit DNA repair mechanism, leading to caspase‐independent K562 cell death. At the molecular level, limocitrin was found to increase the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK to increase granzyme B expression in KHYG‐1 cells. Taken together, the study indicates that limocitrin increases cytotoxicity of NK cells against a range of cancer cells.