bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole‐Cell MALDI‐ToF MS Coupled with Untargeted Metabolomics Facilitates Investigations of Microbial Chemical Interactions
Authors: Aiosa Nicole , Sinha Anupama , Albataineh Hanan , Phillips Ashlee M. , Mageeney Catherine M. , Wilde Delaney S. , Williams Kelly P. , Collette Nicole M. , Branda Steven S. , Garg Neha
Published: February 2023

The emergence of drug‐resistant pathogens necessitates the development of new countermeasures. In this regard, the introduction of probiotics to directly attack or competitively exclude pathogens presents a useful strategy. Application of this approach requires an understanding of how a probiotic and its target pathogen interact. A key means of probiotic‐pathogen interaction involves the production of small molecules called natural products (NPs). Here, we report the use of whole‐cell matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐ToF) mass spectrometry to characterize NP production by candidate probiotics (mouse airway microbiome isolates) when co‐cultured with the respiratory pathogen Burkholderia. We found that a Bacillus velezensis strain inhibits growth of and elicits NP production by Burkholderia thailandensis. Dereplication of known NPs detected in the metabolome of this B. velezensis strain suggests that a previously unannotated bioactive compound is involved. Thus, we present the use of whole‐cell MALDI as a broadly applicable method for screening the NP composition of microbial co‐cultures; this can be combined with other ‐omics methods to characterize probiotic‐pathogen and other microbe‐microbe interactions.
C‐kit‐negative transmural gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the stomach: A rare case of upper GI bleeding in Ghana
Authors: Mensah Samuel , Kyei Ishmael , Kokuro Collins , Afriyie Collins , Nortey Michael , Agyei Ernest
Published: February 2023

Upper GI bleeding from GIST is rare in Africa. The C‐kit‐negative variant is uncommon worldwide. We report a case of a 42‐year‐old woman managed for upper GI bleeding secondary to stomach GIST, negative for CD117 but positive for DOG 1 and CD 34. The 1‐year postsurgery review is uneventful.
Chemical Speciation by Quick‐XAS and Raman Spectroscopy: Validation of Two Cells for in situ Time‐Resolved Monitoring of the Impregnation and Drying of CoMoP/Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Barata Beatriz , Legens Christèle , Devers Elodie , Delpoux Olivier , Barthe Laurent , Roudenko Olga , Briois Valérie
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to describe and validate two cells designed to monitor, by in situ quick‐EXAFS, the transformation of Mo based oxidic species occurring during maturation and drying preparation steps of a single hydrodesulfurization catalyst. These transformations occur firstly upon impregnation/maturation, due to the contact of the acidic impregnation solution with the basic alumina support, and furthermore upon drying. The Mo K edge in situ quick‐EXAFS monitoring of these two elementary preparation steps is hereby reported for the first time, providing quantitative results of the Mo‐speciation. Ex situ Raman spectroscopy is used effectively as a complement. It considers an impregnation solution with a Mo concentration of 0.75 M and molar ratios of P/Mo 0.56 and Co/Mo 0.4. A two‐step drying mechanism is proposed to explain the evolution of the Mo‐speciation during in situ drying where Strandberg's, Anderson's and Dawson's HPAs are transformed into lacunary Keggin's HPA, octa‐ and monomolybdates.
TiO2/CeO2 Frame with Enriched Oxygen Vacancies and Hetero‐Interfaces for Efficient Electrochemical N2 Reduction
Authors: Yan Baolin , Hu Shen , Bu Chunyan , Peng Yi'an , Han Huaize , Xu Xinghang , Liu Yihan , Yu Jianxiang , Dai Yuhua
Published: February 2023

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions offers an environmentally benign and sustainable alternative for NH3 synthesis. Exploring highly active and robust NRR electrocatalysts is one of the prerequisites for developing sustainable N2/NH3 cycle systems. In this work, a surface chemistry rich TiO2/CeO2 frame is developed for electrochemical NRR, which is composed of ultrathin TiO2 nanosheets supported with CeO2 nanoparticles. Its unique porous framework as well as formed plentiful oxygen vacancies (OVs) and hetero‐interfaces collectively facilitate the adsorption/activation of N2 and transfer of electrons and protons. The catalyst can attain a high NH3 yield rate of 8.8 μg h−1 mg−1cat. and a Faradaic efficiency of 6.8 % at −0.25 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, comparable with other reported Ti‐based and OVs‐contained catalysts. Moreover, the TiO2/CeO2 can maintain high durability over repeated 20 cycles. Therefore, this work heralds a new paradigm of fabricating framework‐structured catalyst with enriched hetero‐interfaces and defects toward effective and sustainable NH3 synthesis.
A unified polymer reaction engineering methodology for catalytic olefin polymerization: From reaction conditions and catalyst reaction performance to molecular and rheological properties for forward, reverse engineering and deconvolution applications
Authors: Touloupidis Vasileios
Published: February 2023

This work presents a unified polymer reaction engineering methodology for the catalytic olefin polymerization process. The proposed modelling approach offers a modelling pathway from the polymerization recipe to production rate and polymer microstructure, and finally to rheological properties. Furthermore, this work introduces for the first time the constraint of the actual reaction performance of the polymerization catalyst in the inverse rheology and microstructural deconvolution problem, limiting the solution only to the most realistic potential molecular weight distributions (MWDs) that a specific catalyst can produce. This approach can be applied for both single‐ and multi‐site catalysts, providing not a potential MWD but the unique one that the selected catalyst can offer under given polymerization conditions. Depending on the available catalyst reaction performance insight, the constraint can vary and include from the number of active sites in use to the exact kinetic parameters of each site type. The potential of the proposed methodology is highlighted within a series of indicative examples, including forward, reverse engineering and deconvolution applications.
Thresholding DNA Nanomachine as a Highly Cooperative and Efficient Enzyme‐Like System for Controlled RNA Cleavage
Authors: Patra Christina , ElDeeb Ahmed A.
Published: February 2023

Therapeutic nucleic acid agents (TNA) can be activated by a marker RNA sequence followed by initiation of targeted RNA cleavage. This property can be used in conditional cell suppression, e. g., cancer marker‐dependent cell death. However, healthy cells often express lower levels of cancer markers, thus jeopardizing TNA activation exclusively in cancer cells. Earlier, we developed a conditionally activated split deoxyribozyme construct (DNA thresholder or DTh) that can be activated by high but not by low concentrations of cancer markers. It's activity, however, was suppressed by very high marker concentrations. Herein, we combine the DTh functional units in a single DNA association (Thresholding DNA nanomachine or Th‐DNM). Th‐DNM maintains a high level of RNA cleavage activity in the presence of marker concentrations above the threshold level. Th‐DNM differentiated fully complementary miR17 markers sequence from double base mismatched miR‐20. Th‐DNM can become a building block of DNA nanorobots for cancer treatment.
Constructing Potential Energy Surface with Correlated Theory for Dipeptides Using Molecular Tailoring Approach
Authors: Khire Subodh S. , Gattadahalli Nandini , Gurav Nalini D. , Kumar Anmol , Gadre Shridhar R.
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate a cost‐effective alternative employing the fragment‐based molecular tailoring approach (MTA) for building the potential energy surface (PES) for two dipeptides viz. alanine‐alanine and alanine‐proline employing correlated theory, with augmented Dunning basis sets. About 1369 geometries are generated for each test dipeptide by systematically varying the dihedral angles
and
. These conformational geometries are partially optimized by relaxing all the other Z‐matrix parameters, fixing the values of
and
. The MP2 level PES is constructed from the MTA‐energies of chemically intact geometries using minimal hardware. The fidelity of MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level PES is brought out by comparing it with its full calculation counterpart. Further, we bring out the power of the method by reporting the MTA‐based CCSD/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level PES for these two dipeptides containing 498 and 562 basis functions respectively.
Organic Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Aluminum‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Zhen , Du Xianfeng , Ma Mingbo , Wang Shixin , Xie Yuehong , Meng Yi , You Wenzhi , Xiong Lilong
Published: February 2023

Organic electrode materials (OEMs) have shown enormous potential in ion batteries because of their varied structural components and adaptable construction. As a brand‐new energy‐storage device, rechargeable aluminum‐ion batteries (RAIBs) have also received a lot of attention due to their high safety and low cost. OEMs are expected to stand out among many traditional RAIB cathode materials. However, how to improve the electrochemical performance of OEMs in RAIBs on a laboratory scale is still challenging. This work reviews and discusses the uses of conductive polymers, carbonyl compounds, imine polymers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organic frameworks, and other organic materials as the cathodes of RAIBs, as well as energy‐storage mechanisms and research progress. It is hoped that this Review can provide the design guidelines for organic cathode materials with high capacity and great stability used in aluminum‐organic batteries and develop more efficient organic energy storage cathodes.
New geographic record in eastern Amazon Forest and potential distribution ofAmphidecta calliomma(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Paracampo Amanda , Maia Ulysses Madureira , Gomes Vitor Hugo Freitas , de Sousa Miranda Leonardo , Giannini Tereza Cristina
Published: February 2023

Amphidecta calliommais a butterfly species that occurs in Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, and Brazil (in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, and Pará). Here, we present a new occurrence ofA. calliommain the Carajás National Forest (Pará, eastern Amazon), expanding the known distribution of the species. We also provide species distribution model comparing the contribution of the new occurrence to species area of occurrence projections, supporting future field research. The projections reveal an expansion of area of occurrence forA. calliommalocated mainly in the southeast portion of Amazon Forest. Despite its wide distribution, the small number of records ofA. calliommamay indicate that the species has a low detectability in surveys. This study provides support for new surveys and reduces the knowledge gap aboutA. calliomma, thus supporting its conservation.
Novel Metal Complexes Unit of Phenanthroline Derivative for Being Used as Auxiliary Electron Acceptor in Dye Sensitizer Molecules
Authors: Liu Huimin , Wang Kaixuan , Ma Yinfeng , Tian Yong , Zhang Houpeng , Wang Yu , Zhong Chaofan
Published: February 2023

Donor‐acceptor‐π bridge‐acceptor (D−A−π−A) motif dyes are promising dye sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, to strengthen with‐drawing electron force of the auxiliary electron acceptors(A) in D−A−π−A motif dye sensitizers, the metal complexes unit is be used as auxiliary electron acceptor(A) instead of organic electron‐withdrawing monomer. The four polymeric metal complexes were designed, synthesized, and characterized, which used metal complexes of phenanthroline derivatives as auxiliary acceptors (A), benzodithiophene‐dithiophene derivatives (BDTT) as donors (D), and 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives as π‐bridges and acceptors of the dye sensitizers, and have been used for dye sensitizers. Under AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm−2), the photovoltaic test results indicated that the short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of the DSSCs based four polymeric metal complexes are 11.26, 13.68, 14.42 and 15.57 mA cm−2and power conversion efficiency (PCE) are 5.96 %, 7.83 %, 8.07 %, 9.28 % respectively. BothJscandPCEvalue of the four polymeric metal complexes increased in order. This may be due to the fact that larger radius of metal ion under the same change number can enhance the coordination bond and cause stronger electron‐withdrawing ability of auxiliary acceptor and stronger charge‐transfer ability between the donor and the acceptor, which results in higherJscand higherPCEof the polymeric complex dye sensitizer.
Catalyst‐Free, Heating‐Induced Desulfurization Annulation of CF3‐Imidoyl Sulfoxonium Ylides with Isothiocyanates for the Synthesis of 2‐Trifluoromethyl‐4‐aminoquinolines
Authors: Wei Guangming , Sun Yue , Zheng Dongling , Qiu Shiqi , Chen Zhengkai , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2023

A heating‐induced desulfurization annulation of readily available CF3‐imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides and isothiocyanates for the construction of 2‐trifluoromethylquinolines has been achieved. The developed transformation was performed under metal‐ and additive‐free conditions, producing a variety of biologically valuable 2‐trifluoromethylquinoline derivatives with high efficiency.
A new biosynthesis of CuCo2S4 nanoparticles as a high‐performance supercapacitor electrode and excellent non‐enzymatic hydrazine sensor
Authors: Hammami Mariem , Khadhraoui Hanen , Othmani Abdelhak , Zouaoui Mouldi
Published: February 2023

In this work, we report the biosynthesis of CuCo2S4 nanoparticles (Bio‐NPs) via hydrothermal method. The synthetized Bio‐NPs‐CuCo2S4 was studied as an active material of working electrode for electrochemical supercapacitor and non‐enzymatic hydrazine sensor. The Bio.NPs‐CuCo2S4/ITO electrode has a specific capacitance of 264 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. Meanwhile, the electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performances, such as an energy density of 33 Wh/Kg and a power density of 900 W/Kg. The Bio.NPs‐CuCo2S4/ITO electrode for non‐enzymatic hydrazine sensor exhibits a very high sensitivity of 2400 μA.mM−1.cm−2, a wide linear range from 0.001 to 1.400 mM and shows an excellent selectivity.
Using digital technologies to facilitate social inclusion during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Experiences of co‐resident and non‐co‐resident family carers of people with dementia from DETERMIND‐C19
Authors: Hicks Ben , Gridley Kate , Dixon Josie , Baxter Kate , Birks Yvonne , Colclough Carmen , Karim Anomita , Perach Rotem , Moseley Elen , Russell Alice , Sondh Harsharon K. , Storey Bryony , Tipping Eva , Ardle Riona Mc , Donaghy Paul , Dangoor Margaret , Miles Eleanor , Robinson Louise , Rusted Jennifer , Waine Harriet , Wheatley Katherine , Banerjee Sube ,   DETERMIND team
Published: February 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic triggered rapid and unprecedented changes in the use of digital technologies to support people's social inclusion. We examined whether and how co‐resident and non‐co‐resident family carers of people with dementia engaged with digital technologies during this period.

Methods

Throughout November 2020‐February 2021, we interviewed 42 family carers of people with dementia from our DETERMIND‐C19 cohort. Preliminary analysis was conducted through Framework analysis, followed by an inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Digital technologies served as a Facilitator for social inclusion by enabling carers to counter the effects of the differing restrictions imposed on them so they could remain socially connected and form a sense of solidarity, access resources and information, engage in social and cultural activities and provide support and independence in their caring role. However, these experiences were not universal as carers discussed some Challenges for tech inclusion, which included preferences for face‐to‐face contact, lack of technological literacy and issues associated with the accessibility of the technology.

Conclusion

Many of the carers engaged with Information and Communication Technologies, and to a lesser extent Assistive Technologies, during the pandemic. Whilst carers experienced different challenges due to where they lived, broadly the use of these devices helped them realise important facets of social inclusion as well as facilitated the support they provided to the person with dementia. However, to reduce the ‘digital divide’ and support the social inclusion of all dementia carers, our findings suggest it is essential that services are attuned to their preferences, needs and technological abilities.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes complications and its association with diet knowledge and skills and self‐care barriers in Tabriz, Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jalilian Habib , Javanshir Elnaz , Torkzadeh Leila , Fehresti Saeedeh , Mir Nazanin , Heidari‐Jamebozorgi Majid , Heydari Somayeh
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Diabetes can lead to multiple complications that can reduce the quality of life, impose additional costs on the healthcare systems and ultimately lead to premature death. Proper self‐care in diabetic patients can impede or delay the onset of diabetes complications. This study aimed to investigate diabetes complications and their association with diet knowledge, skills, and self‐care barriers.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. A total of 1139 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) referring to health centers in Tabriz, Iran, were included from January to July 2019. Data were collected using two questionnaires: (1) a sociodemographic questionnaire and (2) a Personal Diabetes Questionnaire (PDQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. χ2 test was used to examine the association between the socioeconomic and disease‐related variables and the prevalence of diabetes complications. T‐test was used to examine the association between diet knowledge and skills, self‐care barriers, and the incidence of diabetes complications.

Results

In this study, 76.1% of patients had at least one complication, and 30.2% had a history of hospitalization due to diabetes complications during the past year. Approximately 49% and 43% were diagnosed with high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia, respectively. Cardiovascular disease was the most common diabetes complication (15.9%) and the cause of hospitalization (11.01%) in patients with diabetes. Barriers to diet adherence, blood glucose monitoring, and exercise were significantly associated with self‐reported diabetes complications (p < 0.001). Our results showed no significant association between the number of complications and diet knowledge and skills (p = 0.44).

Conclusion

This study indicated that the prevalence of diabetes complications was higher among patients with more barriers to self‐care. In light of these findings, taking appropriate measures to reduce barriers to self‐care can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications.
Endogenous market choice, listing regulations, and IPO spread: Evidence from the London Stock Exchange
Authors: Hoque Hafiz , Doukas John
Published: February 2023

This study examines the endogenous market choice and its impact on underwriter spread if Alternative Investment Market (AIM) IPOs that meet Main Market (MM) listing requirements had issued equity in the MM during the 1995–2021 period. We find that the spread is 1.33% higher in the AIM than the MM for IPO listings that meet the MM listing requirements. This finding suggests that AIM companies, meeting the MM listing requirements, could have saved more than £100 million by going public through the MM than the AIM market. We also find that this spread differential is attributed to the issuing firms' market self‐selection. We demonstrate that listing requirements in the MM have an impact on the gross spread. The Propensity score matching results show that AIM firms that meet the MM market listing requirements pay a 0.921% higher spread which is significant at a 1% level compared to the MM market IPOs.
Yield prediction and water‐nitrogen management of Chinese jujube based on machine learning
Authors: Tao Wanghai , Zeng Senlin , Su Lijun , Sun Yan , Shao Fanfan , Wang Quanjiu
Published: February 2023

Jujubes are a crucial characteristic industry in China. Predicting jujube production in various regions of China is significant to developing the jujube industry. This study aims to predict jujube yields across China by machine learning and optimize water‐nitrogen applications to achieve the highest yields. We utilized four machine learning methods (i.e., linear regression, support vector machine, ensemble learning and Gaussian process regression) to create predictive models based on the jujube production, irrigation, fertilization and planting density data sets. The results showed that the Gaussian process regression model best predicted jujube yield by comparing the predicted and measured data. The ensemble learning and Gaussian process regression model best optimized the optimal water and nitrogen application range. On the whole, the Gaussian process regression model is more suitable for yield prediction and water‐nitrogen management. The water‐nitrogen coupling function based on the Gaussian process regression model for predicting jujube yield in Xinjiang, Gansu and Shaanxi was developed to make suitable irrigation and fertilizer regimes. This study can provide a theoretical basis for predicting jujube production and water‐nitrogen management in China.
Incremental Effect of Mitral Regurgitation on Left Atrial Dysfunction and Atrioventricular Interaction in Hypertensive Patients by MRI
Authors: Tang Si‐Shi , Shi Rui , Yang Zhi‐Gang , Wang Jin , Min Chen‐Yan , Yan Wei‐Feng , Zhang Yi , Li Yuan
Published: February 2023

Background

Mitral regurgitation may occur when hypertension causes left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) remodeling. However, its role in LA function in hypertensive patients remains unclear.

Purpose

To explore how mitral regurgitation affects LA function in hypertension and to investigate atrioventricular interaction in hypertensive patients with mitral regurgitation.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 193 hypertensive cases and 64 controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/balanced steady‐state free precession.

Assessment

LA volume (LAV), LA strain (reservoir, conduit, and active), LA ejection fraction, and LV strain (global peak longitudinal [GLS], circumferential [GCS], and radial strain [GRS]) were evaluated and compared among groups. Regurgitant fraction (RF) was evaluated in regurgitation patients and used to subdivide patients into mild (RF: 0%–30%), moderate (RF: 30%–50%), and severe (RF: >50%) regurgitation categories.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance, Spearman and Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), and multivariable linear regression analysis. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Hypertensive patients without mitral regurgitation showed significantly impaired LA reservoir and conduit functions and significantly decreased LV GLS but preserved pump function and LAV compared to controls (P = 0.193–1.0). Hypertensive cases with mild regurgitation (N = 22) had significantly enlarged LAV and further reduced LA reservoir function, while the group with moderate regurgitation (N = 20) showed significantly reduced LA pump function, further impaired conduit function, and significantly reduced LV strain. The severe regurgitation (N = 13) group demonstrated significantly more severely impaired LA and LV functions and LAV enlargement. Multivariable linear regression showed that regurgitation degree, GRS, GCS, and GLS were independently correlated with the LA reservoir, conduit, and active strain in hypertensive patients with mitral regurgitation.

Data Conclusion

Mitral regurgitation may exacerbate LA and LV impairment in hypertension. Regurgitation degree, LV GRS, GCS, and GLS were independent determinants of the LA strain in hypertensive patients with mitral regurgitation, which demonstrated atrioventricular interaction.

Evidence Level

4.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Factors affecting prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and development and validation of predictive nomograms
Authors: Guo Yifei , Guo Yue , Zhang Yongmei , Li Fahong , Yu Jie , Zhang Yao , Shen Zhongliang , Mao Richeng , Zhu Haoxiang , Zhang Jiming
Published: February 2023

Prolonged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has received much attention since it is associated with mortality and is hypothesized as the cause of long COVID‐19 and the emergence of a new variant of concerns. However, a prediction model for the accurate prediction of prolonged infection is still lacking. A total of 2938 confirmed patients with COVID‐19 diagnosed by positive reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction tests were recruited retrospectively. This study cohort was divided into a training set (70% of study patients; n = 2058) and a validation set (30% of study patients; n = 880). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify predictors for prolonged infection. Model 1 included only preadmission variables, whereas Model 2 also included after‐admission variables. Nomograms based on variables of Model 1 and Model 2 were built for clinical use. The efficiency of nomograms was evaluated by using the area under the curve, calibration curves, and concordance indexes (C‐index). Independent predictors of prolonged infection included in Model 1 were: age ≥75 years, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, partially or fully vaccinated, and booster. Additional independent predictors in Model 2 were: treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir more than 5 days after diagnosis and glucocorticoid. The inclusion of after‐admission variables in the model slightly improved the discriminatory power (C‐index in the training cohort: 0.721 for Model 1 and 0.737 for Model 2; in the validation cohort: 0.699 for Model 1 and 0.719 for Model 2). In our study, we developed and validated predictive models based on readily available variables of preadmission and after‐admission for predicting prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of patients with COVID‐19.
Volatile compounds for biotechnological applications produced during competitive interactions between yeasts and fungi
Authors: Ribeiro Luciana Silva , de Souza Mariana Lino , Lira Jean Marcel Sousa , Schwan Rosane Freitas , Batista Luís Roberto , Silva Cristina Ferreira
Published: February 2023

Fungi, yeasts and bacteria produce volatile compounds during their metabolism. In this study, the volatile compounds produced by yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and fungal strains (Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus ochraceus) during competitive interactions were investigated by solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fifty‐six volatile compounds were identified representing alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, aromatic compounds, acids, furans, phenols, and nitrogen compounds, being the largest amount in the class of esters and alcohols. Eight compounds were identified only in interactive culture conditions such as 2‐amino‐1‐propanol, isopropylamine, dimethylamine, pentyl propanoate, ethyl‐2‐aminopropanoate, acetone, oxalic acid, and β‐elemene and five of these were produced in cocultures including A. carbonarius. These will be developed for future biotechnological applications such as in the pharmaceutical and biological industry to produce drugs. Antimicrobial and antifungal activities; Solvent and herbicide; flavoring ingredient; solvent, plastic synthesis, nail polish remover and thinner, pesticide and herbicide; important in the complexation of minerals in the soil; and plant‐environment interactions, defending predators, pathogens, and competitors.
Raman on ramen: Nutritional analysis and brand identification
Authors: Rodriguez Axell , Serada Valeryia , Stover Patrick , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: February 2023

Precise and nondestructive assessment of food quality and its nutritional composition can be used to personalize nutrition, which, in turn, will improve well‐being and help to prevent chronic diseases for millions of people around the world. Currently used methods for elucidation of nutritional composition of food are destructive, time, and labor consuming. In this study, we investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy (RS), an emerging analytical technique, in a noninvasive, nondestructive, and a chemical‐free analysis of the nutritional composition of ramen, one of the most popular foods in the world. We found that RS could be used to quantify the amount of carbohydrates, gluten, and lipids in ramen. In coupled to chemometrics, RS enables ~100% accurate differentiation between gluten‐rich and gluten‐free ramen. Furthermore, using RS, one can identify the brand and the country of origin of ramen. These findings suggest that Raman‐based sensors can be used in daily life for quality control of consumed food in both restaurants and grocery stores.
Prognostic value of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index and systemic immuno‐inflammatory index in Chinese breast cancer patients: A clinical retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Lin , Liu Jiajia , Wang Dan
Published: February 2023

Background

It has been shown that peripheral blood inflammatory factor ratios correlate with the prognosis of various malignancies. Although indicative of prognosis in some tumors, its value for prognosis in breast cancer patients is unclear.

Methods

The clinical data of breast cancer patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the Second Hospital of Jilin University from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) optimal cutoff values of the subjects' operating characteristic curves divided the patients into a low PNI group (≤51.05) and a high PNI group (>51.05). Correlations between breast cancer and PNI clinicopathological variables were determined by the χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Kaplan–Meier plots and log‐rank tests were used to assess clinical outcomes in terms of disease‐free survival (DFS). The prognostic value of PNI was analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models.

Results

The best cutoff value for predicting DFS by pretreatment PNI was 51.05 and the Youden index when was 0.416, with a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 70.2%. Univariate analysis showed that PNI ≤ 51.05, human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER‐2) positivity, and the number of lymph node metastases >4 were risk factors affecting DFS in invasive breast cancer (p < 0.05). Cox multifactor analysis showed that PNI and lymph node status were the most important factors affecting the prognosis of invasive breast cancer. Neutrophils‐to‐lymphocytes ratio and platelets‐to‐lymphocytes ratio were not significantly correlated with patient prognosis (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative peripheral blood PNI in patients with invasive breast cancer are independent risk factors affecting patients' prognosis, they are positively correlated with prognosis and can be used as indicators to assess prognosis. PNI, HER‐2, and lymph node status had the best predictive efficacy with the area under the curve = 0.816 (95% confidence interval: 0.680–0.951, p < 0.001).
Differentiation of Bolus Texture During Deglutition via High‐Density Surface Electromyography: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ornelas Gladys , Bueno Garcia Hassler , Bracken David J. , Linnemeyer‐Risser Kristen , Coleman Todd P. , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Swallowing is a complex neuromuscular task. There is limited spatiotemporal data on normative surface electromyographic signal during swallow, particularly across standard textures. We hypothesize the pattern of electromyographic signal of the anterior neck varies cranio‐caudally, that laterality can be evaluated, and categorization of bolus texture can be differentiated by high‐density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) through signal analysis.

Methods

An HDsEMG grid of 20 electrodes captured electromyographic activity in eight healthy adult subjects across 240 total swallows. Participants swallowed five standard textures: saliva, thin liquid, puree, mixed consistency, and dry solid. Data were bandpass filtered, underwent functional alignment of signal, and then placed into binary classifier receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Muscular activity was visualized by creating two‐dimensional EMG heat maps.

Results

Signal analysis results demonstrated a positive correlation between signal amplitude and bolus texture. Greater differences of amplitude in the cranial most region of the array when compared to the caudal most region were noted in all subjects. Lateral comparison of the array revealed symmetric power levels across all subjects and textures. ROC curves demonstrated the ability to correctly classify textures within subjects in 6 of 10 texture comparisons.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests that utilizing HDsEMG during deglutition can noninvasively differentiate swallows of varying texture noninvasively. This may prove useful in future diagnostic and behavioral swallow applications.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2695–2703, 2023
Who is better for single and double coupon promotion? Comparison from dual‐channel and two‐period
Authors: Tian Yingdong , Yang Wensheng , Wen Kun , Zhang Dawei
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the e‐commerce platform decides whether to distribute electronic coupons during the promotional period: Single coupon (SC) and double coupon (DC) are available. We analyze the difference in promotional strengths and profit levels between the two coupon scenarios. With the retailer in the SC scenario promoting more when the platform commission rate is increased. In the DC scenario, the larger the gains of the manufacturer and the platform during the promotional period, and the profit trends of the dual‐channel in the original price period remain the same. The platform can only enjoy significant benefits when the platform fee is higher.
Spline function generating Gabor systems on the half real line
Authors: Yang Ming , Li Yun‐Zhang
Published: February 2023

Recently, Gabor analysis on locally compact abelian (LCA) groups has interested some mathematicians. The half real line
is an LCA group under multiplication and the usual topology. This paper addresses spline Gabor frames for
, where
is the corresponding Haar measure. We introduce the concept of spline functions on
by
‐convolution and estimate their Gabor frame sets, that is, lattice sets such that spline generating Gabor systems are frames for
. For an arbitrary spline Gabor frame with special lattices, we present its one dual Gabor frame window, which has the same smoothness as the initial window function. For a class of special spline Gabor Bessel sequences, we prove that they can be extended to a tight Gabor frame by adding a new window function, which has compact support and same smoothness as the initial windows. And we also demonstrate that two spline Gabor Bessel sequences can always be extended to a pair of dual Gabor frames with the adding window functions being compactly supported and having the same smoothness as the initial windows.
Crystal structure of the catalytic ATP‐binding domain of the PhoR sensor histidine kinase
Authors: Jia Ruiliang , Zhao Yimeng , Hattori Motoyuki
Published: February 2023

The two‐component regulatory system (TCS) is a major regulatory system in bacteria that occurs in response to environmental changes and involves the sensor histidine kinase (HK) protein and response regulator (RR) protein. Among the TCSs, PhoR/PhoB is crucial for bacteria to adapt to changes in environmental phosphate concentrations. In addition, recent studies have shown that PhoR binding to the MgtC virulence factor activates phosphate transport for normal pathogenesis. In this work, we determined the crystal structure of the catalytic ATP binding domain of the PhoR sensor histidine kinase from Vibrio cholera, compared the structure with the known HK protein structures and discussed the potential binding interface with MgtC.
Selenizing Possibilities of Cu2HgSnS4—i.e., Cu2HgSn(SexS1−x)4 Compound Semiconductor: Potential Candidate for Solar Photovoltaics and Photodetectors
Authors: Kukreti Sumit , Ramawat Surbhi , Dixit Ambesh
Published: February 2023

Herein, the authors report the optoelectronic and mechanical properties of Cu2HgSn(SexS1−x)4 alloy (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) using density‐functional calculations. The alloy exhibits a range of bandgap 1.33–0.81 eV with small bowing 0.395, preserving direct nature at Γ point for any value of x. Hubbard parameter of ≈0.52 Ry is considered viewing the strongly correlated Cu‐3d and Hg‐4d orbitals, together with modified Becke–Johnson potential with spin–orbit coupling, to ensure accurate eigenvalues. When analyzing the charge density with a Bader charge analysis, decreasing ionic character with increasing Se concentrations is observed. The noticed elastic constant also satisfies the Born–Huang criteria and exhibits the ductile nature of Cu2HgSn(SexS1−x)4 system, making it a good candidate for flexible devices. The partial density of states highlights the dominance of Cu‐d states in the valence band edge, while the conduction band edge majorly emerges with Se states. In addition, the absorption coefficient is also found at ≈104 cm−1, and a rising degree of polarization is seen when approaching x = 1. This study provides the potential of Cu2HgSn(SexS1−x)4 alloy system for a photo‐absorber layer in graded and tandem thin‐film solar cells together with low‐bandgap Cu2HgSnSe4 as a suitable material for an infrared detector and thermoelectric applications.
Mineral characteristics of volcanic ash‐derived soils affecting boron adsorption
Authors: Terraza Pira Maria Fernanda , Sumner Malcolm E. , Plante Alain , Thompson Aaron
Published: February 2023

Volcanic ash‐derived soils are naturally deficient in the essential micronutrient B, but they also have maximum adsorption capacities (bB) that are as much as 40 times greater than in nonvolcanic soils, further exacerbating B availability. Because short‐range‐order (SRO) aluminosilicates (allophane and imogolite) and iron (Fe) oxyhydroxides are the main clay‐sized minerals in these soils, we hypothesized that their relative abundances would explain variations in boron sorption capacity (bB). We characterized 23 volcanic ash‐derived soils (Andisols and non‐Andisols) from the Pacific coastal plain of Guatemala by X‐ray diffraction, oxalate and pyrophosphate extractions, and thermal analysis, with four selected soils further examined by Mössbauer spectroscopy (MBS). Only soils with andic character (high SRO Si–Al content) contained considerable amounts of imogolite, with allophane in the clay fraction. Overall, soil SRO Al–Si phases were strongly correlated with clay B adsorption capacity (R = 0.65, p < 0.001) and clay specific surface area (R = 0.88, p < 0.001) suggesting that SRO Al–Si phases are the dominate influence on B behavior in these soils. Fe mineral composition was dominated (39%–71% of total Fe) by SRO Fe(III) oxyhydroxides (nanogoethite and ferrihydrite) of various crystallinities. In low allophane soils, SRO Fe phase abundance correlated with bB as did the abundance of low crystallinity kaolinite phases, suggesting these phases are important when SRO Si–Al content is low. Any efforts to predict B behavior or plan soil fertility treatments in volcanic‐influenced soils needs to consider the impact of SRO phases.
Emerging Trends in 2D TMDs Photodetectors and Piezo‐Phototronic Devices
Authors: Aftab Sikandar , Hegazy Hosameldin Helmy
Published: February 2023

The piezo‐phototronic effect shows promise with regards to improving the performance of 2D semiconductor‐based flexible optoelectronics, which will potentially open up new opportunities in the electronics field. Mechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) influence the piezo‐phototronic effect on a transparent, ultrasensitive, and flexible van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure, which allows the use of intrinsic semiconductors, such as 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD). The latest and most promising 2D TMD‐based photodetectors and piezo‐phototronic devices are discussed in this review article. As a result, it is possible to make flexible piezo‐phototronic photodetectors, self‐powered sensors, and higher strain tolerance wearable and implantable electronics for health monitoring and generation of piezoelectricity using just a single semiconductor or vdW heterostructures of various nanomaterials. A comparison is also made between the functionality and distinctive properties of 2D flexible electronic devices with a range of applications made from 2D TMDs materials. The current state of the research about 2D TMDs can be applied in a variety of ways in order to aid in the development of new types of nanoscale optoelectronic devices. Last, it summarizes the problems that are currently being faced, along with potential solutions and future prospects.
Plasma‐Enabled Graphene Quantum Dot Hydrogels as Smart Anticancer Drug Nanocarriers
Authors: Kurniawan Darwin , Mathew Jacob , Rahardja Michael Ryan , Pham Hoang‐Phuc , Wong Pei‐Chun , Rao Neralla Vijayakameswara , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Chiang Wei‐Hung
Published: February 2023

One of the major challenges on the way to low‐cost, simple, and effective cancer treatments is the lack of smart anticancer drug delivery materials with the requisite of site‐specific and microenvironment‐responsive properties. This work reports the development of plasma‐engineered smart drug nanocarriers (SDNCs) containing chitosan and nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) for drug delivery in a pH‐responsive manner. Through a customized microplasma processing, a highly cross‐linked SDNC with only 4.5% of NGQD ratio can exhibit enhanced toughness up to threefold higher than the control chitosan group, avoiding the commonly used high temperatures and toxic chemical cross‐linking agents. The SDNCs demonstrate improved loading capability for doxorubicin (DOX) via π–π interactions and stable solid‐state photoluminescence to monitor the DOX loading and release through the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. Moreover, the DOX loaded SDNC exhibits anticancer effects against cancer cells during cytotoxicity tests at minimum concentration. Cellular uptake studies confirm that the DOX loaded SDNC can be successfully internalized into the nucleus after 12 h incubation period. This work provides new insights into the development of smart, environmental‐friendly, and biocompatible nanographene hydrogels for the next‐generation biomedical applications.
Peptide‐PAINT Using a Transfected‐Docker Enables Live‐ and Fixed‐Cell Super‐Resolution Imaging
Authors: Maity Barun Kumar , Nall Duncan , Lee Yongjae , Selvin Paul R.
Published: February 2023

Point accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography (PAINT) is a single‐molecule technique for super‐resolution microscopy, which uses exchangeable single stranded DNA oligos or peptide‐pairs to create blinking phenomenon and achieves ≈5–25 nanometer resolution. Here, it is shown that by transfecting the protein‐of‐interest with a docker‐coil, rather than by adding the docker externally—as is the norm when using DNA tethers or antibodies as dockers—similar localization can be achieved, ≈10 nm. However, using a transfected docker has several experimental advances and simplifications. Most importantly, it allows Peptide‐PAINT to be applied to transfected live cells for imaging surface proteins in mammalian cells and neurons under physiological conditions. The enhanced resolution of Peptide‐PAINT is also shown for organelles in fixed cells to unravel structural details including ≈40‐nm and ≈60‐nm axial repeats in vimentin filaments in the cytoplasm, and fiber shapes of sub‐100‐nm histone‐rich regions in the nucleus.
Asymmetric Fluorofunctionalizations with Carboxylate‐Based Phase‐Transfer Catalysts
Authors: Egami Hiromichi , Hamashima Yoshitaka
Published: February 2023

Fluorine is an attractive element in the field of pharmaceutical and agrochemical chemistry due to its unique properties. Considering the chiral environment in nature, where enantiomers often show different biological activities, the introduction of fluorine atom(s) into organic molecules to make chiral fluorinated compounds is an important subject. Herein, we describe the story of the development of our chiral carboxylate‐based phase‐transfer catalysts and their applications for asymmetric fluorocyclizations of alkenes bearing a carboxylic acid, an amide, and an oxime as an internal nucleophile with a dicationic fluorinating reagent, Selectfluor. We also describe dearomative fluorinations of indole derivatives, 2‐naphthols, and resorcinols.
Suspected ischaemic myelopathy following lumbosacral epidural steroid injection in a dog
Authors: Teoh Sichia , Doyle Claire , Pearson Tim
Published: February 2023

An 11‐year‐old, female, spayed crossbreed with an 18‐month history of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis presented for routine epidural steroid injection 4 months after previous injection. Following epidural steroid injection, the dog developed severe left hindlimb paresis with reduced to absent sciatic reflexes, delayed conscious proprioception in the limb, absence of anal tone and lower motor neuron urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which demonstrated findings consistent with an ischaemic myelopathy. The dog's left hindlimb paresis improved on cage rest; however, urinary incontinence remained. The dog was subsequently euthanased due to quality‐of‐life concerns. This is the first published report of suspected ischaemic myelopathy developing in a dog after epidural steroid injection.
Monitoring hospital effluents through physico‐chemical characterization and genotoxic testing
Authors: Mathur Priyanka , Rani Kusum , Bhatnagar Pradeep
Published: February 2023

Inefficient monitoring of the water resource recovery facility at various health care establishments may lead to detrimental effects on human population, especially when such water get mixed with potable municipal water supply. To ensure the efficiency and proper functioning of the water resource recovery facility and quality of water, before it being disposed of, the present study was conducted with the assessment of physico‐chemical parameters of water and its genotoxic and cytogenetic effects in mice. The sample water was given ad libitum to animals for three different time durations, that is, 7, 15, and 30 days. Bone marrow chromosomal aberration and bone marrow micronucleus (MN) assay were performed to get the extent of genotoxicity and cytogenicity. The results showed presence of chromosomal aberrations like fragments breaks and ring formation in different groups. Besides this, a significant (p < 0.05*, p < 0.01**, p < 0.001***) decrease in the mitotic index was noted in the group which was given 100% concentrated sample water for 30 days. A significant (p < 0.05*, p < 0.01**, p < 0.001***) increase in MN induction and decreased ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes were observed in groups which were given samples at 10% and 100% concentrations for longer durations. The findings suggest that even the recovered sample water reflects a positive in vivo genotoxic potential when given for a longer duration of 30 days, indicating some lacuna in the treatment process.