bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoration and resilience to sea level rise of a salt marsh affected by dieback events
Authors: Rolando J. L. , Hodges M. , Garcia K. D. , Krueger G. , Williams N. , Carr J. , Robinson J. , George A. , Morris J. , Kostka J. E.
Published: April 2023

The frequency of salt marsh dieback events has increased over the last 25 years with unknown consequences to the resilience of the ecosystem to accelerated sea level rise (SLR). Salt marsh ecosystems impacted by sudden vegetation dieback events were previously thought to recover naturally within a few months to years. In this study, we used a 13‐year collection of remotely sensed imagery to provide evidence that approximately 14% of total marsh area has not revegetated 10 years after a dieback event in Charleston, SC. Dieback onset coincided with a severe drought in 2012, as indicated by the Palmer drought stress index. A second dieback event occurred in 2016 after a historic flood influenced by Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Unvegetated zones reached nearly 30% of the total marsh area in 2017. We used a light detection and ranging‐derived digital elevation model to determine that most affected areas were associated with lower elevation zones in the interior of the marsh. Further, restoration by grass planting was effective, with pilot‐scale restored plots having greater aboveground biomass than reference sites after two years of transplanting. A positive outcome indicated that the stressors that caused the dieback are no longer present. Despite that, many affected areas have not recovered naturally, even though they are located within the typical elevation range of healthy marshes. A mechanistic modeling approach was used to assess the effects of vegetation dieback on salt marsh resilience to SLR. Predictions indicate that a highly productive restored marsh (2000 g m−2 year−1) would persist at a moderate SLR rate of 60 cm in 100 years, whereas a nonrestored mudflat would lose all its elevation capital after 100 years. Thus, rapid restoration of marsh dieback is critical to avoid further degradation. Also, failure to incorporate the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events that trigger irreversible marsh diebacks underestimates salt marsh vulnerability to climate change. Finally, at an elevated SLR rate of 122 cm in 100 years, which is most likely an extreme climate change scenario, even highly productive ecosystems augmented by sediment placement would not keep pace with SLR. Thus, climate change mitigation actions are also urgently needed to preserve present‐day marsh ecosystems.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction phenogroup classification using machine learning
Authors: Kyodo Atsushi , Kanaoka Koshiro , Keshi Ayaka , Nogi Maki , Nogi Kazutaka , Ishihara Satomi , Kamon Daisuke , Hashimoto Yukihiro , Nakada Yasuki , Ueda Tomoya , Seno Ayako , Nishida Taku , Onoue Kenji , Soeda Tsuneari , Kawakami Rika , Watanabe Makoto , Nagai Toshiyuki , Anzai Toshihisa , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: April 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex syndrome with a poor prognosis. Phenotyping is required to identify subtype‐dependent treatment strategies. Phenotypes of Japanese HFpEF patients are not fully elucidated, whose obesity is much less than Western patients. This study aimed to reveal model‐based phenomapping using unsupervised machine learning (ML) for HFpEF in Japanese patients.

Methods and results

We studied 365 patients with HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction >50%) as a derivation cohort from the Nara Registry and Analyses for Heart Failure (NARA‐HF), which registered patients with hospitalization by acute decompensated HF. We used unsupervised ML with a variational Bayesian–Gaussian mixture model (VBGMM) with common clinical variables. We also performed hierarchical clustering on the derivation cohort. We adopted 230 patients in the Japanese Heart Failure Syndrome with Preserved Ejection Fraction Registry as the validation cohort for VBGMM. The primary endpoint was defined as all‐cause death and HF readmission within 5 years. Supervised ML was performed on the composite cohort of derivation and validation. The optimal number of clusters was three because of the probable distribution of VBGMM and the minimum Bayesian information criterion, and we stratified HFpEF into three phenogroups. Phenogroup 1 (n = 125) was older (mean age 78.9 ± 9.1 years) and predominantly male (57.6%), with the worst kidney function (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 28.5 ± 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2) and a high incidence of atherosclerotic factor. Phenogroup 2 (n = 200) had older individuals (mean age 78.8 ± 9.7 years), the lowest body mass index (BMI; 22.78 ± 3.94), and the highest incidence of women (57.5%) and atrial fibrillation (56.5%). Phenogroup 3 (n = 40) was the youngest (mean age 63.5 ± 11.2) and predominantly male (63.5 ± 11.2), with the highest BMI (27.46 ± 5.85) and a high incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. We characterized these three phenogroups as atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, and younger and left ventricular hypertrophy groups, respectively. At the primary endpoint, Phenogroup 1 demonstrated the worst prognosis (Phenogroups 1–3: 72.0% vs. 58.5% vs. 45%, P = 0.0036). We also successfully classified a derivation cohort into three similar phenogroups using VBGMM. Hierarchical and supervised clustering successfully showed the reproducibility of the three phenogroups.

Conclusions

ML could successfully stratify Japanese HFpEF patients into three phenogroups (atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, and younger and left ventricular hypertrophy groups).
Yb(OTf)3 Anchored on Crosslinked Chitosan Microsphere: A Green Heterogenized Catalyst for the Synthesis of Bispiro‐Fused Heterocycles
Authors: Chen Lin , Jiao Wen‐Ya
Published: April 2023

Using renewable biomass chitosan as a raw material, crosslinked chitosan microsphere (CCM) was prepared by inverse suspension, which was then immersed in the ethanol solution of Yb(OTf)3 to fabricate CCM‐supported Yb(OTf)3 (Yb(OTf)3@CCM). The three‐component [3+2] cycloaddition of isatins, tetrahydroisoquinolines and 5‐alkenyl rhodanines was developed with Yb(OTf)3@CCM as a green heterogeneous catalyst, which gave access to a suite of architecturally complex bispiro‐fused heterocycles merging four pharmacophores with moderate to excellent yields (50–96 %) and diastereoselectivities (up to 99 : 1 dr). The reaction mechanism was preliminarily clarified by controlled experiments and dynamic high‐resolution mass spectrometry studies. The synthetic potential of this protocol was proved by a gram‐scale reaction which furnished the product with comparable results (85 % yield and 72 : 28 dr). Moreover, the catalyst could be recovered just through filtering, washing and drying process, and reused five times with the catalytic activity remaining in an acceptable range (from 93 % to 73 % yield).
Visible‐Light Photoredox‐Catalyzed Acyl Lactonization of Alkenes with Acyl Chlorides
Authors: Rao Wei‐Hao , Li Qi , Li Ying‐Ge , Jiang Li‐Li , Yue Ming‐Xiao , Zou Guo‐Dong , Cao Xinhua
Published: April 2023

A photocatalytic acyl lactonization of unsaturated carboxylic acids using simple and inexpensive acyl chlorides has been developed for a modular synthesis of acyl lactones. Significantly, the simple protocol could allow an efficient construction of biologically important phthalide framework. The transformation could be extended to a wide variety of unsaturated carboxylic acids, including substituted 2‐vinyl benzoic acids and different types of alkenoic acids. Moreover, a series of aroyl, heteroaroyl chlorides could serve as coupling partners. Notably, functional groups including MeO, F, Cl and Br could survive. It is believed that acyl radicals generated from acyl chlorides under photoredox catalysis reacted with alkenes via atom‐transfer radical addition (ATRA) and triggered subsequent lactonization in the process. Preliminary mechanistic investigations revealed that the transformation probably proceeded through a free radical pathway.
Exploitation of Dimeric Cyclic Cysteine as Helix Inducer in Ultra‐Short Peptides for Cu(II)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Michael Addition on Chalcones
Authors: Facchetti Giorgio , Vitoria Jaime Gracia , Moraschi Martina , Bucci Raffaella , Abel Anne Catherine , Pieraccini Stefano , Pellegrino Sara , Rimoldi Isabella
Published: April 2023

A dimeric cyclic cysteine analogue, i.e. (1R,1′R,2R,2′R)‐2,2′‐disulfanediylbis (aminocyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic acid), was used as a constrained unnatural amino acid and as a folding inducer in ultra‐short Leu‐Val‐containing peptide. Our results showed that both free dimer amino acid L1 and its peptide derivative L2 are able to chelate Cu(II). The obtained complexes resulted to be catalytically active in Michael addition reaction of nitromethane on different types of chalcones. L1‐Cu(II) was shown more reactive in terms of conversion, while, in neat conditions, L2‐Cu(II) allows to obtain an interesting 60 % e.e. on pyridine chalcone.
Drainage development on the northern Tibetan Plateau controlled by the Altyn Tagh Fault: Insights from analogue modelling
Authors: Yan Bing , Jia Dong , Wang Maomao
Published: April 2023

Along the northern margin bounded by the Altyn Tagh Fault, the Tibetan Plateau has been uplifted relative to the Tarim Basin and horizontally extruded to the east for hundreds of kilometres. The Altyn Tagh Fault separates the western Kunlun Shan and Altyn Shan from the Tibetan Plateau, and these two mountain ranges form a topographic window through which river sources from the northern Tibetan Plateau flow into the Tarim Basin. In this study, we designed a specialized geomorphic sandbox to investigate major factors controlling the drainage development on the northern Tibetan Plateau. The modelling results revealed that the Altyn Tagh Fault and preexisting topography played dominant roles in reorganization and divide migration. This strike‐slip fault together with the topographic window has controlled the formation and frequent reorganization of two disproportional fault‐related drainage basins, with the eastern one much larger than the western one. Large‐scale horizontal slip along the fault has resulted in an asymmetric distribution of the drainage area, which showed eastward deviation relative to the topographic window. The modelling results are supported by the observed fluvial landforms as well as evidence of captured channels in nature. Rightward decreasing of the denudation and headward erosion rates in three‐step patterns in the model showed that the slip direction of the main plateau relative to the position of the topographic window influences the erosional dynamics. We conclude that the tectonic activity along the Altyn Tagh Fault, together with the preexisting topography, controlled the drainage development and dynamics in the northern Tibetan Plateau in the late Cenozoic.
Genetic bases of language control in bilinguals: Evidence from an EEG study
Authors: Liu Dongxue , Xing Zehui , Huang Junjun , Schwieter John W. , Liu Huanhuan
Published: April 2023

Previous studies have debated whether the ability for bilinguals to mentally control their languages is a consequence of their experiences switching between languages or whether it is a specific, yet highly‐adaptive, cognitive ability. The current study investigates how variations in the language‐related gene FOXP2 and executive function‐related genes COMT, BDNF, and Kibra/WWC1 affect bilingual language control during two phases of speech production, namely the language schema phase (i.e., the selection of one language or another) and lexical response phase (i.e., utterance of the target). Chinese–English bilinguals (N = 119) participated in a picture‐naming task involving cued language switches. Statistical analyses showed that both genes significantly influenced language control on neural coding and behavioral performance. Specifically, FOXP2 rs1456031 showed a wide‐ranging effect on language control, including RTs, F(2, 113) = 4.00, FDR p = .036, and neural coding across three‐time phases (N2a: F(2, 113) = 4.96, FDR p = .014; N2b: F(2, 113) = 4.30, FDR p = .028, LPC: F(2, 113) = 2.82, FDR p = .060), while the COMT rs4818 (ts >2.69, FDR ps < .05), BDNF rs6265 (Fs >5.31, FDR ps < .05), and Kibra/WWC1 rs17070145 (ts > −3.29, FDR ps < .05) polymorphisms influenced two‐time phases (N2a and N2b). Time‐resolved correlation analyses revealed that the relationship between neural coding and cognitive performance is modulated by genetic variations in all four genes. In all, these findings suggest that bilingual language control is shaped by an individual's experience switching between languages and their inherent genome.
Interactions between sex and the age at disease onset on cardiometabolic risk factors in a Ghanaian population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Akilla Martin Awe , Banyeh Moses , Awinibuno Ignatius Abowini Nchor
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim

The are sex differences in cardiometabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as the age at disease onset. However, the impact of these risk factors on the age at onset of T2DM is less known in the Ghanaian population. An understanding of the differential impact of cardiometabolic risk factors on the age at onset on T2DM may lead to sex‐specific interventions in preventive and management strategies for T2DM.

Methods

The study was cross‐sectional from January to June 2019 at the Bolgatanga regional hospital. The study involved 163 T2DM patients (Female = 103, Male = 60), aged from 25 to 70 years. The body mass index (BMI) and the waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were measured following standardized anthropometric techniques. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for cardiometabolic risk factors including total cholesterol (TCHOL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Results

While TCHOL was higher in males than females (mean [SD]: F = .78 [1.37], M = 4.27 [1.39]) and LDL higher in females than males (mean [SD]: [F = 4.33 [1.22], M = 3.87 [1.26]), these did not, however, attain conventional statistical significance for TCHOL (t = 1.985, p = 0.05) and LDL (t = 2.001, p = 0.05). There were however, significant interactions between sex and the age at disease onset on TCHOL (t = −2.816, p = 0.006) and LDL (t = −2.874, p = 0.005), which were independent of the BMI, WHR and disease duration. The relationship between the age at disease onset and that of TCHOL and LDL were positive in females but negative in males.

Conclusion

Fasting plasma TCHOL and LDL increases with increasing age at onset of T2DM in females but decreases in males. Strategies for the prevention and management of T2DM should be sex‐specific. Females with T2DM should be given more attention regarding their fasting plasma cholesterol (total) and LDL cholesterol as they are more likely than men to have increased levels of these lipids with increasing age at disease onset.
Green technology for water scarcity: An entrepreneurial business may bring transformation in water management practices
Authors: Siddique Muhammad , Sanjrani Manzoor A. , Rani Keenjhar
Published: April 2023

Despite the contributions of modern business practices to environmentally sustainable transformation, there is not enough information on different types of green technologies and their applications. Therefore, it is essential to identify and classify business models that focus on the management practices of green technology. While the literature on green technology business models has received increasing attention over the last decade, interdisciplinary research into this growing phenomenon is still in its infancy and fragmented. The study focuses on the need for green technology for water management worldwide. Such management practices for green technology represent a research gap in the study area because no one has worked in this field before. There should be research to address people's management practices of green entrepreneurial business. The literature highlights that the issue of water crises may be minimized with the management practices of green entrepreneurial business and by applying global green water treatment techniques. The authors believe that this study would be very beneficial for future research on policymaking based on management practices of green technology that promote environmental sustainability through a green business environment.
Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Combined With Hypertension: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Guan Chengfu , Xu Wenlin , Lv Meina , Wu Tingting , Chen Xia , Zhang Wang , Huang Nianxu , Dai Hengfen , Gu Ping , Huang Xiaohong , Du Xiaoming , Li Ruijuan , Zheng Qiaowei , Lin Xiangsheng , Liu Yuxin , Zhang Min , Liu Xiumei , Zhu Zhu , Zhang Jinhua
Published: April 2023

Whether there are differences in direct oral anticoagulants efficacy and safety in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) combined with hypertension is unclear. We therefore conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study to assess the differences in the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with AF combined with hypertension. This multicenter retrospective cohort study was based on data from 15 centers in China and included 2086 patients with AF. We divided the patients into dabigatran and rivaroxaban groups according to their direct oral anticoagulants. Propensity score matching was used to balance the covariates between the groups. Due to our limited sample size, the number of cases of some clinical events with low incidence was small. During a mean follow‐up period of 10 months, a total of 268 (12.9%) bleeding events occurred, including 27 (1.3%) major bleeding events and 241 (11.6%) minor bleeding events, and 45 (2.2%) thromboembolic events. In patients with AF combined with hypertension, rivaroxaban was associated with a higher major bleeding incidence than dabigatran (odds ratio [OR], 2.89 [95% confidence interval [CI, 1.22‐6.87]; P = .012). In contrast, the risk of thromboembolism and minor bleeding was similar for rivaroxaban (OR, 0.55 [95%CI, 0.29‐1.01]; P = .069) and dabigatran (OR, 0.82 [95%CI, 0.63‐1.08]; P = .150). Based on the results of this study, in patients with AF and hypertension treated with direct oral anticoagulants, the incidence of thromboembolism and minor bleeding was not statistically different between dabigatran and rivaroxaban, but compared with rivaroxaban, dabigatran was associated with a lower risk of major bleeding.
Bioethanol as a potential eco‐friendlier feedstock for catalytic production of fuels and petrochemicals
Authors: Anekwe Ifeanyi Michael Smarte , Isa Yusuf Makarfi , Oboirien Bilainu
Published: April 2023

Bioethanol, synthesized through the valorization of biomass resources, is of great importance to many industries. As bioethanol has become more abundant and its price has decreased, it has become an attractive candidate for application as a base material for the synthesis of a variety of petrochemicals and fuel through catalysis. In this article, a comprehensive review of the catalytic conversion of bioethanol into hydrocarbons, including olefins and gasoline, is presented. In addition, developments and potential research opportunities in the field of bioethanol catalysis are provided to enhance bioethanol conversion. According to the findings of the study, despite significant progress in bioethanol conversion, further research is needed to address several challenges that will enable improved biofuel and chemical production. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
What is the impact of veterans affairs rotations in oral and maxillofacial surgery residency?
Authors: Hershberger Matthew W. , Sierra‐Vasquez Daniel , Ford Brian , Panchal Neeraj
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residencies commonly affiliate with Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) to extend care for veterans. This study quantifies the surgical experience of residents at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz (CMC) VAMC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and determines the number of programs affiliated with VA Medical Centers, to enumerate the educational benefits and improve veteran healthcare.

Methods

The dental project manager logs from 2012 through 2021 of the CMC VAMC operating room were analyzed, and cases were categorized into 12 groups. The implant cases from 2012 through 2021 were quantified. Program affiliations were determined using a VA Office of Academic Affiliation report.

Results

There were 1359 procedures (760 cases) performed. Dentoalveolar (n = 967) was the most common category, and extractions (n = 384) were the most common procedure. The least cases and procedures were performed in 2012 (n = 14; n = 23). The most cases were performed in 2019 (n = 137), and the most procedures were performed in 2019 and 2021 (n = 255). There were 3133 implants placed. There are 40 OMS programs affiliated with VA Medical Centers; more dual degree (n = 24) than single degree (n = 16) programs having an affiliation.

Conclusion

The CMC VAMC offers robust dentoalveolar experience and is increasing in surgical volume, representing the expected needs of an aging veteran population. An increasing budget and millions of eligible veterans indicates VA medical centers nationally will continue to provide valuable surgical experiences.
Downregulation of MUS81 expression inhibits cell migration and maintains EBV latent infection through miR‐BART9‐5p in EBV‐associated gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yan , Shi Duo , Zhang Xing , Wu Shuo , Liu Wen , Luo Bing
Published: April 2023

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC). Methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet‐sensitive gene 81 (MUS81) is the catalytic component of a structure‐specific endonuclease and plays an important role in chromosomal stability. However, the link between EBV infection and MUS81 remains unclear. In the present study, we found that MUS81 expression was much lower in EBV‐associated GC cells than in EBV‐negative GC. MUS81 acts as an oncogene in GC by inducing the cell migration and proliferation. Western blot and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR‐BART9‐5p directly targeted MUS81 and downregulated its expression. Additionally, overexpression of MUS81 in EBV‐positive GC cells inhibited the expression of EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1). EBNA1 is critical for the pathogenesis of EBV‐associated tumors and the maintenance of a stable copy number of the viral genomes. Altogether, these results indicated that the lowering MUS81 expression might be a mechanism by EBV to maintain its latent infection.
Retracted: Combined effects of inflammation and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on the risks of anxiety and depression: A cross‐sectional study based on UK Biobank
Authors: Zhang Na , Qi Xin , Chang Hong , Li Chun'e , Qin Xiaoyue , Wei Wenming , Cai Qingqing , He Dan , Zhao Yijing , Shi Sirong , Chu Xiaoge , Wen Yan , Jia Yumeng , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2023

Infection‐induced perturbation of immune homeostasis could promote psychopathology. Psychiatric sequelae have been observed after previous coronavirus outbreaks. However, limited studies were conducted to explore the potential interaction effects of inflammation and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on the risks of anxiety and depression. In this study, first, polygenic risk scores (PRS) were calculated for eight COVID‐19 clinical phenotypes using individual‐level genotype data from the UK Biobank. Then, linear regression models were developed to assess the effects of COVID‐19 PRS, C‐reactive protein (CRP), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and their interaction effects on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7, 104 783 individuals) score and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9, 104 346 individuals) score. Several suggestive interactions between inflammation factors and COVID‐19 clinical phenotypes were detected for PHQ‐9 score, such as CRP/SII × Hospitalized/Not_Hospitalized in women group and CRP × Hospitalized/Unscreened in age >65 years group. For GAD‐7 score, we also found several suggestive interactions, such as CRP × Positive/Unscreened in the age ≤65 years group. Our results suggest that not only COVID‐19 and inflammation have important effects on anxiety and depression but also the interactions of COVID‐19 and inflammation have serious risks for anxiety and depression.
Breaking rules yet helpful for all: Beneficial effects of pro‐customer rule breaking on employee outcomes
Authors: Kim Su Kyung (Irene) , Zhan Yujie
Published: April 2023

Pro‐customer rule breaking refers to employees' breaking of organizational rules with the primary intention of helping customers or providing better customer service. In spite of its prosocial nature, it is unclear whether and how pro‐customer rule breaking also benefits employees who engage in this behavior. Drawing on self‐determination theory, we examine employees' well‐being and voice at work as outcomes of pro‐customer rule breaking. Across a simulation study and a critical incident‐based survey study, we found that pro‐customer rule breaking was positively related to employee psychological need fulfillment, which, in turn, was associated with lower emotional exhaustion, higher job satisfaction, and increased voice. Furthermore, normative conflict with organizational rule moderated the positive relationship between pro‐customer rule breaking and psychological need fulfillment such that employees with high normative conflict with organizational rule (i.e., employee perception that their existing organizational rule results in inefficiency and that their organization could be much better if it changed its practices) benefited more from their pro‐customer rule breaking. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings and offer directions for future research.
Melatonin‐induced myeloblastosis viral oncogene homologs alleviate fresh‐cut lotus root browning during storage by attenuating flavonoid biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zhang Chen , Xin Ying , Wang Zhiwen , Qin Lili , Cao Longyun , Li Haifeng , Ma Xintian , Yin Jingyu , Zhao Zixue , Liu Pinjie , Tang Jiawei , Dong Chen
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Lotus roots (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) are rich in nutrients and have ornamental and food value. However, browning has caused huge economic losses and security risks during the storage and harvesting of fresh‐cut lotus. This study investigated the role of melatonin in inhibiting lotus browning, and illustrates its molecular mechanism.

RESULTS

The application of melatonin effectively retarded the process of lotus browning, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzyme activity, and inhibited the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD). Melatonin reduced flavonoid content, and decreased enzymatic activity in flavonoid biosynthesis. Transcriptome Sequencing (RNA‐seq) was used to screen the genes regulated by exogenous melatonin when defending against fresh‐cut lotus browning. Gene co‐expression analysis (GCN) indicated that the transcription factors MYB5, MYB6, and MYB308, activated by melatonin, were negatively related to the expression of PPO and the genes related to flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These myeloblastosis viral oncogene homologs (MYBs) were positively related to the expression of genes encoding the enzymes in glutathione metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin retarded lotus browning by transcriptional suppression of key genes associated with flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis through the stimulation of MYB5, MYB6, and MYB308. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid analysis of titer, aggregate, and intact mass of antibody therapeutics using automated multi‐dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with native mass spectroscopy
Authors: Savane Tushar Sharad , Kumar Sunil , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: April 2023

Monoclonal antibodies are tetrameric complex proteins, primarily produced using mammalian cell culture. Attributes such as titer, aggregates, and intact mass analysis are monitored during process development/optimization. In the present study, a novel workflow such that the Protein‐A affinity chromatography is performed in the first dimension for purification and titer estimation, whereas size exclusion chromatography is employed in the second dimension to characterize size variants using native mass spectrometry. The present workflow offers a significant advantage over the traditionally used standalone Protein‐A affinity chromatography followed by size exclusion chromatography analysis in that it can monitor these four attributes in 8 min while requiring a minimal sample size (10–15 μg) and not requiring any manual peak collection. In contrast, the traditional standalone approach requires manual collection of eluted peaks in Protein‐A affinity chromatography followed by buffer exchange to a mass‐compatible buffer, which can take up to 2–3 h with considerable risk of sample loss, degradation, and induced modifications. As the biopharma industry moves to make analytical testing efficient, we believe that the approach proposed here would be of significant interest due to its ability to monitor multiple process and product quality attributes in a single workflow and via rapid analysis.
Facilitating method development for reverse fill/flush flow modulation by using a tuneable auxiliary pressure source instead of a fixed bleed capillary
Authors: Lelevic Aleksandra
Published: April 2023

The conventional reverse fill/flush flow modulation for comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography requires a bleed capillary column to be connected to the outlet of the modulator channel. The purpose of this capillary, which does not contain the stationary phase, is to provide pressure resistance to the modulator channel flow. In this way, the desired modulator volumetric flow can be achieved, and channel over‐filling can be avoided. Normally, the length and the internal diameter of the bleed capillary are chosen so as to obtain the modulator flow that is close to the flow of the first separation column. Thus, for any chosen set of chromatographic conditions, the required dimensions of the bleed capillary can be completely different, making the two‐dimensional gas chromatography method development tedious and generating additional costs in consumables and analyst time. In this work, a tuneable pressure source generating a suitable backpressure was used instead of the fixed bleed capillary which has the advantage of the possibility to freely adapt the pressure resistance and generate the required modulator channel flow for any conditions. This set‐up has been evaluated and compared in terms of the impact on the modulation performance to the set‐up involving a fixed bleed capillary demonstrating comparable performance.
Comparison of bacterial carbon production estimates from dilution and 3H‐leucine methods across a strong gradient in ocean productivity
Authors: Landry Michael R. , Rivera Sara R. , Stukel Michael R. , Selph Karen E.
Published: April 2023

The uptake of 3H‐labeled leucine into proteins, a widely used method for estimating bacterial carbon production (BCP), is suggested to underestimate or overestimate bacterial growth in the open ocean by a factor of 40 uncertainty. Meanwhile, an alternative BCP approach, by the dilution method, has untested concerns about potential overestimation of bacterial growth from dissolved substrates released by filtration. We compared BCPDil and BCPLeu estimates from three cruises across a broad trophic gradient, from offshore oligotrophy to coastal upwelling, in the California Current Ecosystem. Our initial analyses based on midday microscopical estimates of bacterial size and a priori assumptions of conversions relationships revealed a mean two‐fold difference in BCP estimates (BCPDil higher), but no systematic bias between low and high productivity stations. BCPDil and BCPLeu both demonstrated strong relationships with bacteria cell abundance. Reanalysis of results, involving a different cell carbon‐biovolume relationship and informed by forward angle light scatter from flow cytometry as a relative cell size index, demonstrated that BCPDil and BCPLeu are fully compatible, with a 1 : 1 fit for bacteria of 5 fg C cell−1. Based on these results and considering different strengths of the methods, the combined use of 3H‐labeled leucine and dilution techniques provide strong mutually supportive constraints on bacterial biomass and production.
Treatment of burn hypertrophic scar with fractional ablative laser‐assisted drug delivery can decrease levels of hyperpigmentation
Authors: Kurup Sanjana , Travis Taryn E. , Shafy Rahma Abd El , Shupp Jeffrey W. , Carney Bonnie C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Laser treatments have been used to treat a variety of scar symptoms, including the appearance of scars following burn injury. One such symptom is hyperpigmentation. There are several qualitative and quantitative measures of assessing improvement in hyperpigmentation over time. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) are two scales that describe characteristics of scar such as pigmentation level. These scales are limited by their qualitative nature. On the other hand, spectrophotometers provide quantitative measures of pigmentation. Prior studies have reported that laser can change scar pigmentation, but no quantitative values have been reported. The current study examines changes in scar melanin index after CO2 fractional ablative laser scar revision (FLSR) via noninvasive probe measurement in patients of various Fitzpatrick skin types (FST).

Materials and Methods

Patients with scars of various sizes and etiologies were treated with FLSR. A database was constructed including 189 patients undergoing laser treatment. From this pool, individuals were selected based on the criteria that they completed at least two laser sessions and had Melanin index measurements for both of these sessions and the pre‐operative visit. This criteria resulted in 63 patients of various FST in the cohort. Melanin index, POSAS‐Observer (O) and ‐Patient (P) pigmentation and color scores and VSS‐pigmentation scores were examined over time. Demographic information (age of patient at time of first treatment, age of scar at time of first treatment, use of laser‐assisted drug delivery (LADD), gender, FST, and Ethnicity) were collected from the medical record. Patients were grouped as “responder” if their Melanin index indicated decreased levels of hyperpigmentation after FLSR treatment in more than half of their total number of visits and “nonresponder” if it did not.

Results

The majority of patients were responders (41/63). In responder patients, measurements of Melanin index showed significantly improved levels of hyperpigmentation in hypertrophic scars after two FLSR sessions (p < 0.05). Age of patient, gender, FST, age of scar, ethnicity, or type of drug delivered by LADD did not predict responder grouping. POSAS‐O and ‐P pigmentation/color scores showed improved scores after two FLSR sessions within the responder group. POSAS‐P color scores showed improved scores after two and three FLSR sessions in the nonresponder group. VSS pigmentation scores showed improved scores after three FLSR sessions in the responder group only.

Conclusion

Based on Melanin index values, FLSR leads to improvements in hyperpigmentation in certain patients.
Characterization of picosecond laser‐induced optical breakdown using harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Liu Connie , Wu Pei‐Jhe , Chia Shih‐Hsuan , Sun Chi‐Kuang , Liao Yi‐Hua
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives

By creating microinjuries usually confined to the epidermis, a fractional picosecond 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser that delivers an array of highly focused beamlets can be effectively used for facial rejuvenation or resurfacing. However, the mechanism of dermal remodeling underlying this nonablative treatment remains unclear.

Methods

Five participants having skin phototype III−IV were recruited for intervention using a fractional picosecond 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser system equipped with a holographic diffractive beam‐splitting optic. The laser‐induced histopathological changes on human skin were examined in vivo using a harmonic generation microscopy (HGM), visualizing second harmonic generation (SHG), and third harmonic generation (THG) contrasts dichromatically. SHG refers for collagen distribution, while THG represents for epidermal components in the HGM signal.

Results

Histological hematoxylin and eosin staining and in vivo HGM imaging studies revealed the presence of epidermal vacuoles below the stratum granulosum along with keratinocyte degeneration or cytolysis. In addition to the epidermal vacuoles, HGM imaging exclusively demonstrated laser‐induced shock wave propagation arranged as a THG‐bright concentric pattern in the epidermis and loss of SHG signals in the papillary dermis immediately beneath the epidermal vacuoles.

Conclusions

Alongside generating epidermal vacuoles, the fractional picosecond 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser induced collagen changes. These collagen changes may lead to dermal remodeling and neocollagenesis underlying the fractional picosecond laser treatment.
Oscillation and nonoscillation of perturbed nonlinear equations with p‐Laplacian
Authors: Hasil Petr , Veselý Michal
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we analyze oscillatory properties of perturbed half‐linear differential equations (i.e., equations with one‐dimensional p‐Laplacian). The presented research covers the Euler and Riemann–Weber type equations with very general coefficients. We prove an oscillatory result and a nonoscillatory one, which show that the studied equations are conditionally oscillatory (i.e., there exists a certain threshold value that separates oscillatory and nonoscillatory equations). The obtained criteria are easy to use. Since the number of perturbations is arbitrary, we solve the oscillation behavior of the equations in the critical setting when the coefficients give exactly the threshold value. The results are new for linear equations as well.
Isomorphisms of Galois groups of number fields with restricted ramification
Authors: Shimizu Ryoji
Published: April 2023

Let K be a number field and S a set of primes of K. We write for the maximal extension of K unramified outside S and for its Galois group. In this paper, we answer the following question under some assumptions: “For , let be a number field, a (sufficiently large) set of primes of and an isomorphism. Is σ induced by a unique isomorphism between and ?” Here, the main assumption is about the Dirichlet density of .
Context in augmented reality marketing: Does the place of use matter?
Authors: von der Au Simon , Rauschnabel Philipp A. , Felix Reto , Hinsch Chris
Published: April 2023

Augmented reality (AR) integrates virtual content into a consumer's perception of the real world. While academic interest in AR is growing, most prior research has focused on consumer evaluations of AR content and neglected the physical context in which AR content is consumed. Addressing this research gap, two experimental studies showed that context (e.g., experiencing a virtual sofa at home vs. in a university classroom) impacts consumer judgments and evaluations. The results reveal two primary effects of context. First, contexts in which virtual objects meet users' personal and cultural expectations associated with a specific location (e.g., a sofa in a living room) increase plausibility. However, such functionally appropriate contexts (counterintuitively) decrease local presence (i.e., the perception that the virtual product is “here”). Study 2 extends this model by showing that plausibility (a rational and deliberate assessment of AR content) and local presence both impact utilitarian benefits, whereas local presence has a stronger effect on perceived physical tangibility. The findings extend prior theory on the psychological mechanisms impacting judgment and presence in AR, and they provide managers with important insights regarding the influence of context on downstream variables in their AR and metaverse marketing strategies.
Mechanical Property Modification of “Living” Networks via PET‐RAFT Photopolymerization
Authors: Imrie Patrick , Jin Jianyong
Published: April 2023

“Living” polymer networks have the ability to grow in size and mass after initial polymerization through the insertion of new monomers. In this work, a one‐pot method is used to prepare “living” polymer networks and modify their mechanical properties via the photo‐electron/energy transfer reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (PET‐RAFT) photopolymerization method. The “living” networks are made from company‐bought constituents (N,N‐dimethylacrylamide [DMAm] monomer and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate [PEGDA] 700 crosslinker) so that no synthesis is involved. The study uses two different RAFT agents: asymmetric 2‐(n‐butyltrithiocarbonate) propionic acid (BTPA) and symmetric S,S‐dibenzyl trithiocarbonate (DBTTC). The study then modifies these parent networks with three monomers (acrylamide [AAm], DMAm, and methyl acrylate [MA]) by recommencing the PET‐RAFT process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are conducted on the “living” networks to investigate the effects of monomer insertion after photo‐growth. The networks are also subjected to compression testing, where the daughter networks display modified mechanical properties dependent on both the choice of monomer and RAFT agent symmetry.
Molecular Simulation of Conformational and Structural Properties of Random Copolymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Vao‐soongnern Visit
Published: April 2023

Random copolymer nanoparticles are studied by Monte Carlo simulation of coarse‐grained models on the second nearest neighbor diamond (2nnd) lattice. Molecular and surface properties of free‐standing nanoparticle are characterized as a function of co‐monomer fraction. “Polyethylene‐like copolymer” chains are treated by the Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) model of polyethylene (PE). To mimic the characteristics of copolymer chain, non‐bonded interactions with stronger attraction of comonomer units are described by different Lennard‐Jones (LJ) potential parameters. For higher co‐monomer fraction, the bulk densities of nanoparticles are increased and the interfacial profile is sharper. Molecular dimension and shape are changed as a function of co‐monomer composition and mostly in the region close to the surface.
Complex Formation Behavior of Silica Nanoparticles and Xanthan
Authors: Tomofuji Yu , Terao Ken
Published: April 2023

Polyion complex formation between negatively charged polysaccharide, xanthan, and positively charged silica nanoparticles, Ludox CL is investigated in an acetate buffer at pH 5.0. Appreciable precipitate is found in the composition range cx/cSiNP from 0.056 to 0.58, where cx and cSiNP are the mass concentrations of xanthan and silica nanoparticles, respectively. The sign change of the ζ potential for the mixed solutions is observed in the cx/cSiNP range. Significantly high scattering intensity is detected for the mixed solutions in a wider cx/cSiNP range, clearly showing the complex formation. The scattering profile measured by the small‐angle X‐ray scattering reveals that silica nanoparticles are packed loosely in the complex both when xanthan forms double helix and single chain conformations.
Sodium and Lead (II) Extraction and Transport in Polymer Inclusion Membrane Using 2‐Hydroxy‐5‐dodecylbenzaldehyde and 15‐Crown‐ether‐5 as Mobile Carriers
Authors: Bourouai Mohamed Amine , Bouchoucha Afaf , Arous Omar
Published: April 2023

In this study, extraction and elimination of heavy metal ion (Pb2+) in the presence of sodium (Na+) from wastewater using synthesized membranes are investigated. The membranes are elaborated using cellulose triacetate (CTA), 2‐nitrophenyl pentyl ether (NPPE) is used as plasticizer, benzaldehyde‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐dodecyl (HDBA) and 15‐crown‐5 (15‐C‐5) are incorporated into the polymers as a metal ion carrier. Physical characterizations of the elaborated polymeric membranes are carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A study of transport of Pb2+ and Na+ in (CTA + NPPE + HDBA) and (CTA + NPPE + 15‐C‐5) membranes is studied. Transport experiments of Pb2+ and Na+ ions across a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) have shown that (CTA + NPPE + 15‐C‐5) membrane proves a good performance by fixing 87% of sodium compared with (CTA + NPPE + HDBA) membrane (65% of the sodium fixation).
Selective Absorption of Aromatic Compounds by Syndiotactic Polystyrene Aerogels
Authors: Mancuso Antonietta , Sacco Olga , Venditto Vincenzo , Navarra Wanda , Antico Pasqualmorica , Daniel Christophe , Vaiano Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

Experimental measurements are combined with mathematical modeling in order to investigate the selective absorption of aromatic molecules (benzene, phenol, and toluene) from aqueous solutions by syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) monolithic aerogels. The experimental results with aqueous solutions of a single aromatic compound show high absorption efficiency for the non‐polar compounds (toluene: ≈94%; benzene: ≈77%), whereas phenol (polar compound) is poorly absorbed with an efficiency of about 12%. Furthermore, phenol is no way removed from aqueous phase in presence of NaCl while the water salinity do not affect the absorption efficiency toward toluene and benzene in ternary aqueous solution, evidencing also that toluene is preferentially uptaken by aerogels with a superior kinetic and higher diffusivity constant with respect to benzene. The results obtained in this work underline that sPS aerogels can be interesting materials to selectively recover non‐polar compounds from seawater by means of an absorption process.
Effect of NaCl on Water Activity and Hydration Water Dynamics in Proteins by Quasielastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Effect of NaCl on a protein hydration is of interest in interdisciplinary fields such as food science and extreme environment biology. Here, the protein hydration water dynamics with various NaCl concentrations at a constant water activity(Aw) by incoherent quasielastic neutron scattering (iQENS) are examined. Under the same Aw, the water content increases with increasing NaCl concentration. iQENS analysis of these samples shows no significant difference in the dynamics of water molecules despite of the difference of water content. This suggests that the hydration water dynamics should be suppressed in the present of NaCl. Water dynamics is affected by NaCl, but independent of this, there is a universal correlation between Aw values and water molecule dynamics.
Preparation and Fractionation of Poly(ethylene oxide)‐Poly(N‐tert‐butylacrylamide) Alternating Multiblock Copolymers
Authors: Hirano Mizuki , Sanada Yusuke , Katsumoto Yukiteru
Published: April 2023

Preparation and fractionation of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐poly(N‐tert‐butylacrylamide) (PNtBAm) alternating multiblock (AMB) copolymers have been reported. A reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is used for preparing α,ω‐dicarboxy PNtBAm. 1H NMR measurements reveal that the conversion of N‐tert‐butylacrylamide (NtBAm) becomes 78% at 30 min after the initiation, and then reaches plateau with ca. 88% at 60 min. The molecular weight distribution of α,ω‐dicarboxy PNtBAm is 1.1–1.2, indicating that the RAFT polymerization is successfully carried out. α,ω‐Dicarboxy PNtBAms with 10 and 19 of the polymerization degree have been used to prepare PEO‐PNtBAm AMB copolymers after the active esterification. The precipitation fractionation of PEO‐PNtBAm AMB copolymers is performed with an acetone/n‐hexane mixed solvent. The molecular weight of the fractionated samples decreases in the order of precipitation, while the PEO/PNtBAm ratio of the fractionated samples is almost identical. The precipitation fractionation of the PEO‐PNtBAm AMB copolymer can be carried out in the same manner for general homopolymers.