bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving latency for interactive, thin-stream applications over reliable transport
Authors: Petlund Andreas
Published: November 2010

A large number of network services use IP and reliable transport protocols. For applications with constant pressure of data, loss is handled satisfactorily, even if the application is latency sensitive. For applications with data streams consisting of intermittently sent small packets, however, users experience extreme latencies more frequently. Due to the fact that such thin-stream applications are commonly interactive and time-dependent, increased delay may severely reduce the experienced quality of the service. When TCP is used for thin-stream applications, events of highly increased latency are common, caused by the way retransmissions are handled. Other transport protocols that are deployed in the Internet, like SCTP, model their congestion control and reliability on TCP, as do many frameworks that provide reliability on top of unreliable transport. We have tested several application-and transport layer solutions, and based on our findings, we propose sender-side enhancements that reduce the application-layer latency in a manner that is compatible with unmodified receivers running commodity opeating systems like Linux, *BSD, Mac OSX and Windows. We have implemented the mechanisms as modifications to the Linux kernel, both for TCP and SCTP. The mechanisms are dynamically triggered so that they are only active when the kernel identifies the stream as thin. To evaluate the performance of our modifications, we have conducted a wide range of experiments using replayed thin-stream traces captured from real applications as well as artificially generated thin-stream data patterns. From the experiments, effects on latency, redundancy and fairness were evaluated. The analysis of the performed experiments shows great improvements in latency for thin streams when applying the modifications. Surveys where users evaluate their experience of several applications' quality using the modified transport mechanisms confirmed the improvements seen in the statistical analysis. The positive effects of our modifications were shown to be possible without notable effects on fairness for competing streams. We therefore conclude that it is advisable to handle thin streams separately, using our modifications, when transmitting over reliable protocols to reduce retransmission latency.
MultiMedia C# support of QoS-aware and adaptive programming by extending a general purpose programming language
Authors: Lampl Oliver
Published: November 2010

This thesis investigates how adaptive QoS-aware multimedia applications are developed and the required support from the programming language and the compiler as well as the run-time system.
Genetic Engineering of Escherichia coli for Biofuel Production
Authors: Liu Tiangang , Khosla Chaitan
Published: November 2010

In order to mitigate climate change without adversely affecting global energy supply, there is growing interest in the possibility of producing transportation fuels from renewable sources via microbial fermentation. Central to this challenge is the design of biocatalysts that can efficiently convert cheap lignocellulosic raw materials into liquid fuels. Owing to the wealth of genetic and metabolic knowledge associated with Escherichia coli, this bacterium is the most convenient starting point for engineering microbial catalysts for biofuel production. Here, we review the range of liquid fuels that can be produced in E. coli and discuss the underlying biochemistry that enables these metabolic products. The fundamental and technological challenges encountered in the development of efficient fermentation processes for biofuel production are highlighted. The example of biodiesel is a particularly illustrative case study and is therefore discussed in detail.
Ditylenchus halictus n. sp. (Nematoda: Anguinidae), an associate of the sweat bee, Halictus sexcinctus (Halictidae), from Germany
Authors: Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Erteld Christian , Kanzaki Natsumi , Ye Weimin , Zeng Yongsan , Center Barbara J.
Published: November 2010

Ditylenchus halictus n. sp. was collected as dauer juveniles from the genital
region of adult males and females of the soil-dwelling sweat bee, Halictus
sexcinctus (Halictidae), in Brandenburg, Germany, and cultured on the
fungus, Monilinia fructicola. It is the first species of Ditylenchus to be
reported in an active phoretic association with insects and is described and
illustrated herein. Dissections revealed that 25% of female bees carried the
dauer juveniles of D. halictus n. sp. internally in the Dufour's gland
and/or seminal receptacle and/or genital region (range 1-193 dauer juveniles
per bee), and 38% of males were infested in the genital capsule, copulation
apparatus, and/or distal testes with 1-64 dauer juveniles. Morphologically,
D. halictus n. sp. has six lines in the lateral field and appears closest to
D. myceliophagus but can be differentiated based upon a combination of
morphological characters, the mode of reproduction and molecular sequence
data. Molecular analysis of the near full length SSU rDNA, D2/D3 expansion
segments of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA, and internal transcribed spacers
(ITS-1 and 2) and 5.8S rDNA support that this nematode species is
unique.
Diversity and distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes in Chile
Authors: Edgington Steve , Buddie Alan G. , Moore Dave , France Andrés , Merino Loreto , Tymo Lukasz M. , Hunt David J.
Published: November 2010

A systematic programme of surveys for entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) was
done in Chile between 2006 and 2008. The survey spanned the principal
ecosystems of mainland Chile as well as a number of islands, and covered a
wide range of habitats including the Atacama Desert, Andean Altiplano,
temperate rainforests and subpolar territory. Nearly 1400 soil samples were
collected, of which 7% were positive for EPN. Of 101 EPN isolates obtained,
94 were Steinernema spp. and seven were Heterorhabditis sp. Of the 94
Steinernema isolates, 39 were identified as Steinernema feltiae, the
remainder being distributed between two new species, S. unicornum (52
records) and S. australe (three records). The Heterorhabditis isolates, all
designated as Heterorhabditis sp.1, are referred to herein as H. cf.
safricana. Steinernema feltiae and S. unicornum were collected predominately
in the south of Chile and were obtained from a range of habitats, including
forests, open grassland, montane soils and coastal zones; neither species
was recovered from the far north of the country (viz., desert soils in the
Norte Grande region). Steinernema australe was found in only three soil
samples, all from humid, cool, coastal localities in the south.
Heterorhabditis cf. safricana was recovered from the northern regions, with
most isolates found in or on the periphery of the Atacama Desert; they were
not recovered from cooler, more humid regions of southern Chile. Molecular
information indicated there were two subgroups of both S. unicornum and S.
feltiae, with a geographical, intraspecific split of subgroups between the
most southerly and the more central survey zones. All isolates were
collected by ex situ baiting with waxmoth larvae and the natural hosts are
unknown.
How Graduate-Level Preparation Influences the Effectiveness of School Leaders: A Comparison of the Outcomes of Exemplary and Conventional Leadership Preparation Programs for Principals
Authors: Orr Margaret Terry , Orphanos Stelios
Published: November 2010

Purpose: This study attempted to determine the influence of exemplary leadership preparation on what principals learn about leadership, their use of effective leadership practices, and how their practices influence school improvement and the school’s learning climate. The authors also investigated how the frequency of effective leadership practices related to the strength of district support and the extent of school problems and student poverty. Finally, the authors examined the contribution of exemplary leadership preparation to variations in school improvement progress and school effectiveness climate. Research Design: The study, using survey research conducted in 2005, compared 65 principals who had graduated from one of four selected exemplary leadership preparation programs to a national sample of 111 principals. The authors used structural equation modeling to find the best fit. Findings: Participation in an exemplary leadership preparation program was significantly associated with learning about effective leadership and engaging in these practices, particularly where stronger preparation program and internship quality existed. Frequent use of effective leadership practices was positively associated with school improvement progress and school effectiveness climate. Taken together, exemplary leadership preparation had a positive but mediated influence on variations in school improvement progress and school effectiveness climate; the relationship was even stronger when focusing on preparation program and internship quality measures. Conclusions: Faculty investments in preparation program and internship quality will positively contribute to the leadership knowledge of graduates and their leadership practices and school improvement progress. These results yield significant implications for policy makers, universities, and other providers of leadership preparation.
Medication safety in residential aged-care facilities: a perspective
Authors: Wilson Nicholas M. , March Lyn M. , Sambrook Philip N. , Hilmer Sarah N.
Published: November 2010

Medication safety must be tailored to the distinctive issues in residential aged-care facilities (RACFs). The health and functional characteristics of their residents are different to those of hospital inpatients and community-dwelling older adults, and there are unique staffing and management issues. Understanding the aetiology and epidemiology of drug-related problems is vital in developing methods to improve patient safety. In this perspective review, we discuss tools that are used to quantify exposure to ‘high-risk’ medications and their evaluation in residential aged-care settings. Drug withdrawal interventions are described as a potential way to reduce adverse drug events in RACFs. Multidisciplinary professional interventions, education programs and improved communication between health professionals have been shown to improve medication safety in RACFs. Technological advances and other administrative strategies may also improve resident safety. This perspective addresses issues in medication safety facing RACFs and methods to improve the safety of medicines for their residents.
Sec16A defines the site for vesicle budding from the endoplasmic reticulum on exit from mitosis
Authors: Hughes Helen , Stephens David J.
Published: November 2010

Mitotic inhibition of COPII-dependent export of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum results in disassembly of the Golgi complex. This ensures ordered inheritance of organelles by the two daughter cells. Reassembly of the Golgi is intimately linked to the re-initiation of ER export on exit from mitosis. Here, we show that unlike all other COPII components, which are cytosolic during metaphase, Sec16A remains associated with ER exit sites throughout mitosis, and thereby could provide a template for the rapid assembly of functional export domains in anaphase. Full assembly of COPII at exit sites precedes reassembly of the Golgi in telophase.
Cortical and Thalamic Innervation of Direct and Indirect Pathway Medium-Sized Spiny Neurons in Mouse Striatum
Authors: Doig Natalie M. , Moss Jonathan , Bolam J. Paul
Published: November 2010

The striatum receives major excitatory inputs from the cortex and thalamus that predominantly target the spines of medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs). We aimed to determine whether there is any selectivity of these two excitatory afferents in their innervation of direct and indirect pathway MSNs. To address this, we used bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice, in which enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reports the presence of D1or D2dopamine receptor subtypes, markers of direct and indirect pathway MSNs, respectively. Excitatory afferents were identified by the selective expression of vesicular glutamate transporter type 1 (VGluT1) by corticostriatal afferents and vesicular glutamate transporter type 2 (VGluT2) by thalamostriatal afferents. A quantitative electron microscopic analysis was performed on striatal tissue from D1and D2mice that was double immunolabeled to reveal the EGFP and VGluT1 or VGluT2. We found that the proportion of synapses formed by terminals derived from the cortex and thalamus was similar for both direct and indirect pathway MSNs. Furthermore, qualitative analysis revealed that individual cortical or thalamic terminals form synapses with both direct and indirect pathway MSNs. Similarly, we observed a convergence of cortical and thalamic inputs onto individual MSNs of both direct and indirect pathway: individual EGFP-positive structures received input from both VGluT2-positive and VGluT2-negative terminals. These findings demonstrate that direct and indirect pathway MSNs are similarly innervated by cortical and thalamic afferents; both projections are thus likely to be critical in the control of MSNs and hence play fundamental roles in the expression of basal ganglia function.
Paleoecology of commensal epizoans foulingFlexicalymene(Trilobita) from the Upper Ordovician, Cincinnati Arch region, USA
Authors: Key Marcus M. , Schumacher Gregory A. , Babcock Loren E. , Frey Robert C. , Heimbrock William P. , Felton Stephen H. , Cooper Dan L. , Gibson Walter B. , Scheid Debbie G. , Schumacher Sylvester A.
Published: November 2010

Commensal epizoozoans and episkeletozoans are rarely preserved attached to the external exoskeleton of the Late Ordovician trilobiteFlexicalymene.Of nearly 15,000Flexicalymenespecimens examined, 0.1% show epizoozoans or episkeletozoans. Factors limitingFlexicalymenefouling include a shallow burrowing life style, frequent molting of the host, larval preference for other substrates, observational bias caused by overlooking small fouling organisms, and the loss of the non-calcified, outermost cuticle prior to fossilization or as the trilobite weathers from the encasing sediment. Trepostome bryozoans, articulate and inarticulate brachiopods, cornulitids, and a tube-dwelling/boring nonbiomineralized organism represent the preserved members of the Late Ordovician marine hard substrate community foulingFlexicalymene.This assemblage of organisms is less diverse than the hard substrate community fouling Late Ordovician sessile epibenthic organisms. Fouling is not restricted to only largeFlexicalymenespecimens as observed in previous studies but occurs in medium to large individuals interpreted as early to late holaspid specimens.

Epizoozoans fouling the carcasses or molt ensembles of 16Flexicalymenespecimens provide insight into the life habits of the host and these fouling organisms. Trepostome bryozoans, articulate and inarticulate brachiopods, and cornulitids preferentially attached to elevated portions of the dorsal exoskeleton, and preferentially aligned in either the direct line or lee side of currents generated byFlexicalymenewalking on the sea floor or swimming through the water column.
Latest early to early Middle Devonian trilobites from theErbenochileBed, Jbel Issoumour, Southeastern Morocco
Authors: Chatterton Brian D. E. , Gibb Stacey
Published: November 2010

A bed on Jbel Issoumour, near Alnif in southeastern Morocco, contains numerous complete trilobites. The bed is located stratigraphically at the base of the El Otfal Formation, immediately above a cliff-forming resistant unit known to local trilobite miners as the ‘grand calcaire’, and is latest Emsian or early Eifelian in age. The fauna exhibits an alpha trilobite diversity of at least eight species, includingErbenochile issoumourensisn. sp.,Acanthopyge (Lobopyge) bassein. sp., andWalliserops lindoein. sp. The absence of lateral palpebral extensions inE. issoumourensisbut their presence in the type species ofErbenochile, E. erbeni, when considered with other differences in the exceptionally large eyes of both species, supports the hypothesis that these palpebral structures functioned as eyeshades inE. erbenibut not inE. issoumourensis. Walliserops lindoeihas a short, stout haft at the base of the trident anterior cephalic projection, which is the most characteristic feature ofWalliserops.This projection inWalliseropsprimarily functioned as a deterrent to predators.
Alphacrinusnew genus and origin of the disparid clade
Authors: Guensburg Thomas E.
Published: November 2010

Alphacrinus mansfieldinew genus and species from the Middle Tremadoc Series (Early Ibexian), near the base of the Ordovician, is the oldest known disparid crinoid. A new family, Alphacrinidae, receives this monospecific genus.Alphacrinus'scharacter mosaic includes primitive traits unknown among other disparids, auguring for disparid origin from a more complexly plated, less standardized antecedent, and echoing the evolutionary progression documented for camerates and cladids. Disparids are diagnosed as those crinoids expressing an arm-like branch from the C ray. Morphologic progression indicates this distinctive trait evolved by modification of CD interray plates, not as an outgrowth from the C ray.
Inversion tectonics at the northern margin of the Paris basin (northern France): new evidence from seismic profiles and boreholes interpolation in the Artois area
Authors: Minguely Bruno , Averbuch Olivier , Patin Marie , Rolin David , Hanot Franck , Bergerat Francoise
Published: November 2010

A synthesis of existing borehole data and seismic profiles has been conducted in the Artois area (northern France), along the northern border of the Paris basin, in order to explore the possible control exerted at depth by the Upper Carboniferous Variscan thrust front on the distribution of Late Paleozoic-Mesozoic depositional centers and their subsequent uplift in Tertiary times. Such control was demonstrated recently in the Weald-Boulonnais basin (Eastern Channel area) that forms the western prolongation of the area under study but was so far poorly constrained in the Artois area. Presented data provide evidence for the topography of the Artois hills and the altitude of sedimentary layers to be controlled by the activity of a network of relaying WNW-ESE striking faults inducing the systematic uplift of the southern fault blocks. Those steeply S-dipping faults branch downward onto the ramp of the Variscan thrusts forming listric faults that locally limit to the north buried half-graben structures, filled with fan-shaped fluviatile Stephanian-Permian deposits. Such clear syn-rift geometry shows that the ramp of the main Variscan frontal thrust (the Midi thrust) has been reactivated as a normal fault in Stephanian-Permian times thus forming a very demonstrative example of a negative inversion process. The reverse offset of the transgressive Middle Cretaceous-Lower Eocene layers covering unconformably the Paleozoic substratum argue for a Tertiary (Middle Eocene-Late Oligocene?) contractional reactivation of the fault network thereby documenting a repeated inversion process along the Artois Variscan thrust front. The Variscan frontal thrust zone is thus shown here to represent a prominent crustal-scale mechanical discontinuity that localized deformation in the Artois-Boulonnais area since Upper Paleozoic times.
Des pompes et des hommes
Authors: Gangneron Fabrice , Becerra Sylvia , Hamath Dia Amadou
Published: November 2010

Depuis les années 1990, la commune sahélienne de Hombori s’est vue dotée de pompes à motricité humaine destinées aux usages domestiques. Simples d’usage et peu coûteuses leur gestion semble adaptée à des populations pauvres. Pourtant la nécessité de recourir au marché pour le changement de pièces détachées constitue une situation inédite là où l’eau est d’ordinaire gratuite. En fait, les bailleurs imposent leurs cadres : des « comités de gestion » qui se chargent d’organiser les paiements des usagers ; mais certains comités restent totalement inactifs tandis que d’autres réinventent des formes de gestions originales ou l’accès à l’eau pour tous ne constitue pas l’unique enjeu. Cet article montre ainsi que le dessein qui vise à séparer la gestion des pompes des autres aspects économiques et sociaux n’est pas opérationnel. Enfin, les processus qui conduisent à l’installation des pompes montrent que les engagements politiques qui consistent à susciter la participation des populations ne résistent que rarement à l’épreuve des faits.
Solar irradiance at the Earth's surface: long-term behavior observed at the South Pole
Authors: Frederick J. E. , Hodge A. L.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. This research examines a 17-year database of UV-A (320–400 nm) and visible (400–600 nm) solar irradiance obtained by a scanning spectroradiometer located at the South Pole. The goal is to define the variability in solar irradiance reaching the polar surface, with emphasis on the influence of cloudiness and on identifying systematic trends and possible links to the solar cycle. To eliminate changes associated with the varying solar elevation, the analysis focuses on data averaged over 30–35 day periods centered on each year's austral summer solstice. The long-term average effect of South Polar clouds is a small attenuation, with the mean measured irradiances being about 5–6% less than the clear-sky values, although at any specific time clouds may reduce or enhance the signal that reaches the sensor. The instantaneous fractional attenuation or enhancement is wavelength dependent, where the percent deviation from the clear-sky irradiance at 400–600 nm is typically 2.5 times that at 320–340 nm. When averaged over the period near each year's summer solstice, significant correlations appear between irradiances at all wavelengths and the solar cycle as measured by the 10.7 cm solar radio flux. An approximate 1.8 ± 1.0% decrease in ground-level irradiance occurs from solar maximum to solar minimum for the wavelength band 320–400 nm. The corresponding decrease for 400–600 nm is 2.4 ± 1.9%. The best-estimate declines appear too large to originate in the sun. If the correlations have a geophysical origin, they suggest a small variation in atmospheric attenuation with the solar cycle over the period of observation, with the greatest attenuation occurring at solar minimum.
Early ship-based upper-air data and comparison with the Twentieth Century Reanalysis
Authors: Brönnimann S. , Compo G. P. , Spadin R. , Allan R. , Adam W.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Extension of 3-D atmospheric data products back into the past is desirable for a wide range of applications. Historical upper-air data are important in this endeavour, particularly in the maritime regions of the tropics and the southern hemisphere, where observations are extremely sparse. Here we present newly digitized and re-evaluated early ship-based upper-air data from two cruises: (1) kite and registering balloon profiles from onboard the ship SMS Planet on a cruise from Europe around South Africa and across the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific in 1906/1907, and (2) ship-based radiosonde data from onboard the MS Schwabenland on a cruise from Europe across the Atlantic to Antarctica and back in 1938/1939. We describe the data and provide estimations of the errors. We compare the data with a recent reanalysis (the Twentieth Century Reanalysis Project, 20CR, Compo et al., 2010) that provides global 3-D data back to the 19th century based on an assimilation of surface pressure data only (plus monthly mean sea-surface temperatures). In cruise (1), the agreement is generally good, but large temperature differences appear during a period with a strong inversion. In cruise (2), after a correction to a subset of data, a good agreement between observations and 20CR is found for geopotential height (GPH) and temperature except for a likely cold bias of 20CR at the tropopause level. Results are considerably worse for relative humidity, which was reportedly inaccurately measured. Note that comparing 20CR, which has limited skill in the tropical regions, with measurements form ships in remote regions made under sometimes difficult conditions can be considered a worst case assessment. In view of that fact, the anomaly correlations for temperature of 0.3–0.6 in the lower troposphere in cruise (1) and of 0.5–0.7 for tropospheric temperature and GPH in cruise (2) are considered as promising results. Moreover, they are consistent with the error estimations. However, more work is needed for further improving data products in remote regions.
Estimate soil moisture using trapezoidal relationship between remotely sensed land surface temperature and vegetation index
Authors: Wang W. , Huang D. , Wang X.-G. , Liu Y.-R. , Zhou F.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The trapezoidal relationship between surface temperature (Ts) and vegetation index (VI) was used to estimate soil moisture in the present study. An iterative algorithm is proposed to estimate the vertices of the Ts~VI trapezoid theoretically for each grid, and then WDI is calculated for each grid using MODIS remotely sensed measurements of surface temperature and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). The capability of using WDI based on Ts~VI trapezoid to estimate soil moisture is evaluated using soil moisture observations and antecedent precipitation in the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW) in Arizona, USA. The result shows that, Ts~VI trapezoid based WDI can well capture temporal variation in surface soil moisture, but the capability of detecting spatial variation is poor for such a semi-arid region as WGEW.
A Novel Digitalization Approach for Smart Materials – Ontology‐Based Access to Data and Models
Authors: Maas Jürgen , Leemhuis Mena , Mertens Jana , Schmidtke Hedda , Courant Robert , Dahlmann Martin , Stark Sebastian , Böhm Andrea , Pagel Kenny , Hinze Maximilian , Pinkal Daniel , Wegener Michael , Wagner Martin Franz‐Xaver , Sattel Thomas , Neubert Holger , Özçep Özgür
Published: May 2024

Smart materials react to physical fields (e.g., electric, magnetic, and thermal fields) and can be used as sensors, actuators, and generators due to their bidirectional behavior. Easy and multiscale access to material data and models enables efficient research and development with regard to the selection of appropriate materials and their optimization towards specific applications. However, different working principles, measurement and analysis methods, as well as data storage approaches lead to heterogeneous and partly inconsistent datasets. The ontology‐based data access (OBDA) is a suitable method to access such heterogeneous datasets easily and quickly, while material models can transform material data across certain scales for different applications. In order to connect both capabilities, an extended approach enabling an ontology‐based data and model access (OBDMA) is presented, also supporting findable, accessible, interoperable, and re‐usable (FAIR). The OBDMA system comprises four main levels, the query, the ontology, the mapping, and the database. Storing knowledge at these different levels increases the interchangeability and enables variable datasets, which is essential, especially for dynamic research fields such as smart materials. In this article, the principles and advantages of the OBDMA approach are demonstrated for different subclasses of smart materials, but can be transferred to other materials, too.
Tunable and Reversible Adhesive of Liquid Metal Ferrofluid Pillars for Magnetically Actuated Noncontact Transfer Printing
Authors: Jiang Jing , Li Chenglong , Chen Chenhong , Shi Chuanqian , Song Jizhou
Published: May 2024

Transfer printing techniques based on tunable and reversible adhesives enable the heterogeneous integration of materials in desired layouts and are essential for developing both existing and envisioned electronic systems. Here, a novel tunable and reversible adhesive of liquid metal ferrofluid pillars for developing an efficient magnetically actuated noncontact transfer printing is reported. The liquid metal ferrofluid pillars offer the appealing advantages of gentle contact force by minimizing the preload effect and exceptional shape adaptability by maximizing the interfacial contact area due to their inherent fluidity, thus enabling a reliable damage‐free pickup. Moreover, the liquid metal ferrofluid pillars harness the rapid stiffness increase and shape change with the magnetic field, generating an instantaneous ejection force to achieve a receiver‐independent noncontact printing. Demonstrations of the adhesive of liquid metal ferrofluid pillars in transfer printing of diverse objects with different shapes, materials and dimensions onto various substrates illustrate its great potential in deterministic assembly.
Nonpersistent Nanoarchitectures Enhance Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in an Immunocompetent Orthotopic Model of HPV+ Head/Neck Carcinoma
Authors: Gonnelli Alessandra , Gerbé de Thoré Marine , Ermini Maria Laura , Frusca Valentina , Zamborlin Agata , Signolle Nicolas , Bawa Olivia , Clémenson Céline , Meziani Lydia , Bergeron Paul , El‐Azrak Ismail , Sarogni Patrizia , Mugnaioli Enrico , Giannini Noemi , Drava Giuliana , Deutsch Eric , Paiar Fabiola , Mondini Michele , Voliani Valerio
Published: May 2024

Cisplatin chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the established standard of care for managing locally advanced human papillomavirus‐positive head/neck carcinoma. The typically young patients may suffer serious and long‐time side effects caused by the treatment, such as dysphagia, and hearing loss. Thus, ensuring a satisfactory post‐treatment quality of life is paramount. One potential replacing approach to the classical CRT involves the combination of standard‐dose radiotherapy and radiosensitizers such as noble metal nanoparticles (NPs). However, several concerns about size, shape, and biocompatibility limit the translation of metal nanomaterials to the clinical practice. Here, it is demonstrated that a new model of nonpersistent gold nanoarchitectures containing cisplatin (NAs‐Cluster‐CisPt) generates, in combination with radiotherapy, a significant in vivo tumor‐reducing effect compared to the standard CRT, achieving a complete tumor clearance in 25% of the immunocompetent models that persist for 60 days. These findings, together with the negligible amount of metals recognized in the excretory organs, highlight that the concurrent administration of NAs‐Cluster‐CisPt and radiotherapy has the potential to overcome some clinical limitations associated to NP‐based approaches while enhancing the treatment outcome with respect to standard CRT. Overall, despite further mechanistic investigations being essential, these data support the exploiting of nonpersistent metal‐nanomaterial‐mediated approaches for oral cancer management.
Revealing the Nature of Binary‐Phase on Structural Stability of Sodium Layered Oxide Cathodes
Authors: Liu Renbin , Huang Weiyuan , Liu Jie , Li Yuhao , Wang Jing , Liu Qingshan , Ma Lu , Kwon Gihan , Ehrlich Steven N. , Wu Yangyang , Liu Tongchao , Amine Khalil , Li Hongsen
Published: May 2024

The emergence of layered sodium transition metal oxides featuring a multiphase structure presents a promising approach for cathode materials in sodium‐ion batteries, showcasing notably improved energy storage capacity. However, the advancement of cathodes with multiphase structures faces obstacles due to the limited understanding of the integrated structural effects. Herein, the integrated structural effects by an in‐depth structure‐chemistry analysis in the developed layered cathode system NaxCu0.1Co0.1Ni0.25Mn0.4Ti0.15O2 with purposely designed P2/O3 phase integration, are comprehended. The results affirm that integrated phase ratio plays a pivotal role in electrochemical/structural stability, particularly at high voltage and with the incorporation of anionic redox. In contrast to previous reports advocating solely for the enhanced electrochemical performance in biphasic structures, it is demonstrated that an inappropriate composite structure is more destructive than a single‐phase design. The in situ X‐ray diffraction results, coupled with density functional theory computations further confirm that the biphasic structure with P2:O3 = 4:6 shows suppressed irreversible phase transition at high desodiated states and thus exhibits optimized electrochemical performance. These fundamental discoveries provide clues to the design of high‐performance layered oxide cathodes for next‐generation SIBs.
Thermal Annealing Impact on the Sensitivity of Piezomagnetic Surface Acoustic Waveguide to Applied Magnetic Field
Authors: Marbouh Othmane , Mazzamurro Aurélien , Matar Olivier Bou , Maurice Vincent , Boutghatin Mohamed , Dusch Yannick , Addad Ahmed , Viard Romain , Pernod Phillipe , Sbiaa Rachid , Tounzi Abdelmounaim , Benabou Abdelkader , Tiercelin Nicolas , Talbi Abdelkrim
Published: May 2024

Magnetostrictive thin films, exhibit significant utility as functionalization materials for Surface acoustic wave sensors designed for magnetic field measurements. This research investigates the influence of annealing under vacuum and magnetic field at various temperatures on the magnetic properties of the FeCo/TbCo2 thin film and therefore on the sensitivity of shear and Rayleigh acoustic waveguides functionalized with these magnetic layers. The observed effects include a reduction in magnetic anisotropy field and an increase in magnetostriction. XPS and TEM coupled with EDS microanalysis provide insights into the variations in the properties of the nanostructured magnetic film. To safeguard the magnetic film, a thin layer of SiO2 is deposited on top, serving as a protective shield. The inclusion of this layer amplifies sensitivity to applied magnetic fields for modes with shear polarization while reducing sensitivity for Rayleigh mode. In ST‐cut Quartz, the shear waves become waveguided upon the incorporation of magnetic thin films, with further enhancement achieved by introducing a SiO2 layer. Rayleigh waves are evanescent modes, the penetration depth is in the order of wavelength, and the addition of SiO2 decrease the wave confinement and therefore the sensitivity. The findings are supported by a theoretical model and experimentally validated results.
C(sp3)−H Functionalization Using Chlorine Radicals
Authors: Sadeghi Masoud
Published: May 2024

Converting any desired C−H bond to the intended C−Z bond in a given organic molecule could be the final peak of the C−H functionalization methodology. Among the three types of C−H bonds, the functionalization of the ubiquitous C(sp3)−H bond has gained particular attention, especially in the last two decades. There are different ways to transform C(sp3)−H bonds into desired C−Z bonds. The use of chlorine radicals is one of these methods with a promising future. The literature review shows that different sources have been used for chlorine, including chloride ions (HCl or chloride salts), coordinated chlorides (transition metal complexes), and organic chlorides (organochlorine compounds). However, HCl and FeCl3 have gained the most attention among these sources. There are three major ways to convert chlorine from these sources to chlorine radicals: 1) oxidation of hydrogen chloride or chloride salts, 2) photolysis of metal chloride, and 3) transition metal insertion into C−Cl bonds. This review summarizes published research papers on the use of chlorine radicals for C(sp3)−H bonds functionalization. Therefore, chlorination reactions of C(sp3)−H bonds and reactions in which chlorine radicals do not play a direct role in C(sp3)−H bond cleavage are not within the scope of this review.
A General Strategy for Food Traceability and Authentication Based on Assembly‐Tunable Fluorescence Sensor Arrays
Authors: Cheng He , Liu Tianyue , Tian Jingsheng , An Ruixuan , Shen Yao , Liu Mingxi , Yao Zhiyi
Published: May 2024

Food traceability and authentication systems play an important role in ensuring food quality and safety. Current techniques mainly rely on direct measurement by instrumental analysis, which is usually designed for one or a group of specific foods, not available for various food categories. To develop a general strategy for food identification and discrimination, a novel method based on fluorescence sensor arrays is proposed, composed of supramolecular assemblies regulated by non‐covalent interactions as an information conversion system. The stimuli‐responsiveness and tunability of supramolecular assemblies provided an excellent platform for interacting with various molecules in different foods. In this work, five sensor arrays constructed by supramolecular assemblies composed of pyrene derivatives and perylene derivatives are designed and prepared. Assembly behavior and sensing mechanisms are investigated systematically by spectroscopy techniques. The traceability and authentication effects on several kinds of food from different origins or grades are evaluated and verified by linear discriminant analysis (LDA). It is confirmed that the cross‐reactive signals from different sensor units encompassing all molecular interactions can generate a unique fingerprint pattern for each food and can be used for traceability and authentication toward universal food categories with 100% accuracy.
Potassium and harvest time interaction effect on alfalfa production and profitability
Authors: Baidoo Michael M. , Islam M. Anowarul
Published: May 2024

Researchers have extensively studied and documented the effects of potassium (K) fertility on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Yet, additional research is needed to determine how interactions of K, cultivar, and harvest management influence the K needs of alfalfa. To explore these interactions, we conducted 5 years of field research at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Lingle, WY. Treatments were (a) four K rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) applied before planting in the fall of 2016 and after the final harvest in the fall of 2017–2020, (b) two cultivars (Hi‐Gest 360 and AFX 457), and (c) two harvest times (early harvest, late bud to early [10%] bloom, and late harvest, 7 days after early harvest), arranged in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial under random complete blocks with four replications. At 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and early harvest, a consistently significant (p < 0.05) higher yield response was observed. The same response was seen at 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and late harvest. This occurred at a site with moderate‐to‐high soil K levels throughout the study period. There was a linear (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.66) and quadratic (p = 0.006, R2 = 0.61) response of forage accumulation to K rate at early and late harvest, respectively. Similar trends were also seen for stem count, relative water content, root uptake of K, and tissue K. Time of harvest showed immense potential for optimizing K's effect for a consistent high‐yield response. However, fertilizing alfalfa with 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 gave the most profitable production under both harvest times. If K fertilizer prices drop over time, high profits could be attained with higher K fertilization rates. After 3 years of production, average forage accumulation increased under an early harvest system and decreased under a late harvest system. Growers in Wyoming and similar regions are encouraged to consider fertilizing alfalfa with moderate K rates (∼112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) on soils testing moderate‐to‐high in soil test K, implement a late harvest system for the first 3 years after planting, and transition to an early harvest system after the initial 3 years to maximize alfalfa profits.
Linker aggregation engineering of TADF materials to tune carrier balance for highly efficient organic LEDs with long operational lifetime
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Xia Rongrong , Wang Ke , Wu Youjun , Zang Panpan , Gan Xuemin , Liao Zhangcheng , Wei Bin , Wu Peng , Bräse Stefan , Wang Zixing
Published: May 2024

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules are regarded as promising materials for realizing high‐performance organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The connecting groups between donor (D) and acceptor (A) units in D–A type TADF molecules could affect the charge transfer and luminescence performance of TADF materials in aggregated states. In this work, we design and synthesize four TADF molecules using planar and twisted linkers to connect the aza‐azulene donor (D) and triazine acceptor (A). Compared with planar linkers, the twisted ones (Az‐NP‐T and Az‐NN‐T) can enhance A–A aggregation interaction between adjacent molecules to balance hole and electron density. As a result, highly efficient and stable deep‐red top‐emission OLEDs with a high electroluminescence efficiency of 57.3% and an impressive long operational lifetime (LT95 ∼ 30,000 h, initial luminance of 1000  cd  m−2) are obtained. This study provides a new strategy for designing more efficient and stable electroluminescent devices through linker aggregation engineering in donor–acceptor molecules.
Variations in water economy traits in two Sphagnum species across their distribution boundaries
Authors: Campbell Charles , Granath Gustaf , Rydin Håkan
Published: May 2024

Premise

We assessed changes in traits associated with water economy across climatic gradients in the ecologically similar peat mosses Sphagnum cuspidatum and Sphagnum lindbergii. These species have parapatric distributions in Europe and have similar niches in bogs. Sphagnum species of bogs are closely related, with a large degree of microhabitat niche overlap between many species that can be functionally very similar. Despite this, ecologically similar species do have different distributional ranges along climatic gradients that partly overlap. These gradients may favor particular Sphagnum traits, especially in relation to water economy, which can be hypothesized to drive species divergence by character displacement.

Methods

We investigated traits relevant for water economy of two parapatric bryophytes (Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. lindbergii) across the border of their distributional limits. We included both shoot traits and canopy traits, i.e., collective traits of the moss surface, quantified by photogrammetry.

Results

The two species are ecologically similar and occur at similar positions along the hydrological gradient in bogs. The biggest differences between the species were expressed in the variations of their canopy surfaces, particularly surface roughness and in the responses of important traits such as capitulum mass to climate. We did not find support for character displacement, because traits were not more dissimilar in sympatric than in allopatric populations.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that parapatry within Sphagnum can be understood from just a few climatic variables and that climatic factors are stronger drivers than competition behind trait variation within these species of Sphagnum.
Long‐term clinical observation of patients with heterozygous KIF1A variants
Authors: Kawashima Aritomo , Kodama Kaori , Okubo Yukimune , Endo Wakaba , Inui Takehiko , Ikeda Miki , Katata Yu , Togashi Noriko , Ohba Chihiro , Imagawa Eri , Iwama Kazuhiro , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Kitami Masahiro , Aihara Yu , Takayama Jun , Tamiya Gen , Kikuchi Atsuo , Kure Shigeo , Saitsu Hirotomo , Matsumoto Naomichi , Haginoya Kazuhiro
Published: May 2024

KIF1A‐related disorders (KRDs) encompass recessive and dominant variants with wide clinical variability. Recent genetic investigations have expanded the clinical phenotypes of heterozygous KIF1A variants. However, there have been a few long‐term observational studies of patients with heterozygous KIF1A variants. A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients diagnosed with spastic paraplegia at Miyagi Children's Hospital from 2016 to 2020 identified six patients with heterozygous KIF1A variants. To understand the long‐term changes in clinical symptoms, we examined these patients in terms of their characteristics, clinical symptoms, results of electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies, and genetic testing. The median follow‐up period was 30 years (4–44 years). This long‐term observational study showed that early developmental delay and equinus gait, or unsteady gait, are the first signs of disease onset, appearing with the commencement of independent walking. In addition, later age‐related progression was observed in spastic paraplegia, and the appearance of axonal neuropathy and reduced visual acuity were characteristic features of the late disease phenotype. Brain imaging showed age‐related progression of cerebellar atrophy and the appearance of hyperintensity of optic radiation on T2WI and FLAIR imaging. Long‐term follow‐up revealed a pattern of steady progression and a variety of clinical symptoms, including spastic paraplegia, peripheral neuropathy, reduced visual acuity, and some degree of cerebellar ataxia. Clinical variability between patients was observed to some extent, and therefore, further studies are required to determine the phenotype–genotype correlation.
Asymmetric 1,n‐Remote Aminoacetoxylation of Unactivated Internal Alkenes Enabled by Palladium Catalysis
Authors: Yang Xintuo , Chen Pinhong , Liu Guosheng
Published: May 2024

A palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric 1,n‐remote aminoacetoxylation of cis‐alkenes has been developed using PhI(OAc)2 as an oxidant, providing the acetoxylated lactams with excellent enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions. The sterically hindered pyridine‐oxazoline (Pyox) L3 with a tert‐butyl group in oxazoline ring and propyl group in C6 position of pyridinyl is vital for the reaction, where the former is good for asymmetric aminopalladation step and the latter for the chain walking process. The enantioenriched lactam products were proven to be good building blocks for the synthesis of azabicycles.
Bleomycin‐dependent DNA damage, erythrocyte hemolysis, antitumor MTT assay, and antimicrobial activity studies for Cd (II), Mn (II), Zn (II), Cr (III), and Fe (III) complexes of a multidentate carbohydrazone ligand
Authors: Abou El‐Reash Yasmeen G. , Al‐Farraj Eida S. , Adam Fatima A. , El‐Moneim A. A. , Abu El‐Reash Gaber M.
Published: May 2024

Cd (II), Mn (II), Zn (II), Cr (III), and Fe (III) complexes of a carbohydrazone ligand H4EBC, prepared by the reaction of ethyl acetate and carbohydrazide, have been prepared and fully characterized. The ligand H4EBC acted as a bidentate carbohydrazone with Cd (II) and coordinated through the nitrogen of both (‐NH) and (C=N)azomethine groups, while with Mn (II) and Zn (II), it acted as a neutral NN bidentate ligand. In complexes with Fe (III) and Cr (III), H4EBC acts a bi‐negative tetra‐dentate, coordinating through the oxygen atoms of both enolized (C=O)ester groups and the nitrogen of both (C=N)azomethine groups. To illustrate the proposed geometries and chemical reactivity of the compounds, we employed DFT calculations. Additionally, thermal studies provided insights into the stability of the isolated compounds. Interestingly, the prepared complexes demonstrated emission broad bands at various wavelengths, indicating ligand to metal charge transfer. Based on the inhibition of DNA destruction, the complexes can be ranked in the following order: [Cd(H4EBC)Cl2].2H2O] (1) > H4EBC > [Mn(H4EBC)Cl2)].(H2O)2] (2) > [Zn(H4EBC)Cl2].2H2O] (3) > [Fe(H2EBC)Cl(H2O)].H2O (5) > [Cr(H2EBC)Cl (H2O)].H2O (4). Regarding erythrocyte hemolysis, the order of effectiveness can be arranged as follows: (2) > (1) > H4EBC > (5) > (3) > (4). We further investigated the compounds for their potential in antitumor activity against two cell lines and antimicrobial behavior.