bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐conservation and conservation for different formulations of moist potential vorticity
Authors: Kooloth Parvathi , Smith Leslie M. , Stechmann Samuel N.
Published: April 2024

Potential vorticity (PV) is one of the most important quantities in atmospheric science. In the absence of dissipative processes, the PV of each fluid parcel is known to be conserved, for a dry atmosphere. However, a parcel's PV is not conserved if clouds or phase changes of water occur. Recently, PV conservation laws were derived for a cloudy atmosphere, where each parcel's PV is not conserved but parcel‐integrated PV is conserved, for integrals over certain volumes that move with the flow. Hence a variety of different statements are now possible for moist PV conservation and non‐conservation, and in comparison to the case of a dry atmosphere, the situation for moist PV is more complex. Here, in light of this complexity, several different definitions of moist PV are compared for a cloudy atmosphere. Numerical simulations are shown for a rising thermal, both before and after the formation of a cloud. These simulations include the first computational illustration of the parcel‐integrated, moist PV conservation laws. The comparisons, both theoretical and numerical, serve to clarify and highlight the different statements of conservation and non‐conservation that arise for different definitions of moist PV.
SP1/CTR1‐mediated oxidative stress‐induced cuproptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Chen Xuanzuo , Li Kanglu , Xiao Yan , Wu Wei , Lin Hui , Qing Xiangcheng , Tian Shuo , Liu Sheng , Feng Shiqing , Wang Baichuan , Shao Zengwu , Peng Yizhong
Published: April 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an age‐related disease and is responsible for low back pain. Oxidative stress‐induced cell death plays a fundamental role in IDD pathogenesis. Cuproptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death dependent on copper availability. Whether cuproptosis is involved in IDD progression remains unknown. Herein, we established in vitro and in vivo models to investigate cuproptosis in IDD and the mechanisms by which oxidative stress interacts with copper sensitivity in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). We found that ferredoxin‐1 (FDX1) content increased in both rat and human degenerated discs. Sublethal oxidative stress on NPCs led to increased FDX1 expression, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle‐related proteins lipoylation and aggregation, and cell death in the presence of Cu2+ at physiological concentrations, while FDX1 knockdown inhibited cell death. Since copper homeostasis is involved in copper‐induced cytotoxicity, we investigated the role of copper transport‐related proteins, including importer (CTR1) and efflux pumps (ATPase transporter, ATP7A, and ATP7B). CTR1 and ATP7A content increased under oxidative stress, and blocking CTR1 reduced oxidative stress/copper‐induced TCA‐related protein aggregation and cell death. Moreover, oxidative stress promoted the expression of specific protein 1 (SP1) and SP1‐mediated CTR1 transcription. SP1 inhibition decreased cell death rates, preserved disc hydration, and alleviated tissue degeneration. This suggests that oxidative stress upregulates FDX1 expression and copper flux through promoting SP1‐mediated CTR1 transcription, leading to increased TCA cycle‐related protein aggregation and cuproptosis. This study highlights the importance of cuproptosis in IDD progression and provides a promising therapeutic target for IDD treatment.
Current progress and future prospects for understanding genetic diversity of seed plants in China
Authors: Xiong Yingjie , Zhao Yujie , He Yuanyu , Zhao Lina , Hu Haihua , Barrett Russell L. , Chen Zhiduan , Lu Limin
Published: April 2024

Genetic diversity represents the fundamental basis of biological variation within species, and is therefore the ultimate representation of biodiversity. Despite that all forms of diversity being defined by genomic differences, genetic diversity has received relatively less attention compared with species and ecosystem diversity. Here, we review recent literature and conclude that progress in understanding genetic diversity of seed plants is strongly associated with advances in sequencing technology. We here present case studies to illustrate the application of genetic diversity for tracing crop domestication and delimiting species boundaries. Understanding genetic diversity is particularly critical for the field of conservation biology, and there is a clear shift to population‐level genetic studies to understand rare species. We then document additional factors that potentially influence genetic diversity, including climate change, habitat fragmentation, and species invasion. Finally, we identify current research limitations and propose directions for future studies. We highlight the need to develop broad‐scale genetic diversity knowledge, combined with other aspects of diversity to improve biodiversity conservation outcomes. We conclude that populating global databases with genomic‐scale sequence data for all species is an urgent and achievable goal now.
Online monitoring of the respiration activity in 96‐deep‐well microtiter plate Chinese hamster ovary cultures streamlines kill curve experiments
Authors: Neuss Anne , von Vegesack Nele , Liepelt Raoul , Büchs Jochen , Barsett Magnus Jørgen
Published: April 2024

Cell line generation of mammalian cells is a time‐consuming and labor‐intensive process, especially because of challenges in clone selection after transfection. Antibiotics are common selection agents for mammalian cells due to their simplicity of use. However, the optimal antibiotic concentration must be determined with a kill curve experiment before clone selection starts. The traditional kill curve experiments are resource‐intensive and time‐consuming due to necessary sampling and offline analysis effort. This study, thus, explores the potential of online monitoring the oxygen transfer rate (OTR), as a non‐invasive and efficient alternative for kill curve experiments. The OTR is monitored using the Transfer‐rate Online Measurement (TOM) system and the micro(μ)‐scale Transfer‐rate Online Measurement (μTOM) device, which was used for mammalian cells first. It could be shown that the OTR curves for both devices align perfectly, affirming consistent cultivation conditions. The μTOM device proves effective in performing kill curve experiments in 96‐deep‐well plates without the need for sampling and offline analysis. The streamlined approach reduces medium consumption by 95%, offering a cost‐effective and time‐efficient solution for kill curve experiments. The study validates the generalizability of the method by applying it to two different CHO cell lines (CHO‐K1 and sciCHO) with two antibiotics (puromycin and hygromycin B) each. In conclusion, the broad application of OTR online monitoring for CHO cell cultures in 96‐deep‐well plates is highlighted. The μTOM device proves as a valuable tool for high‐throughput experiments, paving the way for diverse applications, such as media and clone screening, cytotoxicity tests, and scale‐up experiments.
Sulfated Polysaccharides with Anticoagulant Potential: A Review Focusing on Structure‐Activity Relationship and Action Mechanism
Authors: Chen Qianfeng , Zhang Mengjiao , Liu Yue , Liu Wei , Peng Cheng , Zheng Lixue
Published: April 2024

Thromboembolism is the culprit of cardiovascular diseases, leading to the highest global mortality rate. Anticoagulation emerges as the primary approach for managing thrombotic conditions. Notably, sulfated polysaccharides exhibit favorable anticoagulant efficacy with reduced side effects. This review focuses on the structure‐anticoagulant activity relationship of sulfated polysaccharides and the underlying action mechanisms. It is concluded that chlorosulfonicacid‐pyridine method serves as the preferred technique to synthesize sulfated polysaccharides. The anticoagulant activity of sulfated polysaccharides is linked to the substitution site of sulfate groups, degree of substitution, molecular weight, main side chain structure, and glycosidic bond conformation. Moreover, sulfated polysaccharides exert anticoagulant activity via various pathways, including the inhibition of blood coagulation factors, activation of antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II, antiplatelet aggregation, and promotion of the fibrinolytic system.
Molecular Dyad vs Multi‐Component Approach‐Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Combining Oligothiophene Photosensitizers with [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Mimics
Authors: Kasahara Chizuru , Rediger Katharina , Micheel Mathias , Liebing Phil , Gräfe Stefanie , Kupfer Stephan , Wächtler Maria , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

A molecular dyad (PS‐CAT) consisting of a metal‐free photosensitiser (PS) and a [FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐inspired [Fe2S2] cluster (CAT) has been synthesized for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. The electrochemical properties of PS‐CAT in the absence and presence of acid were investigated by CV and IR‐SEC. The ground state and excited state photophysical properties of PS and PS‐CAT, and the non‐chemically connected reference system [PS, CAT] were investigated to elucidate the effect of a covalent linkage between PS and CAT on the electronic communication and hence on the catalytic performance. The photo‐relaxation pathway of PS‐CAT was revealed computationally by scalar‐relativistic time‐dependent density functional theory simulations. These studies are complemented by comparative analyses of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution between PS‐CAT and [PS, CAT] under visible light irradiation.
Improving Oxidative Catalytic Efficiency for Fuels Desulfurization Using Hybrid Materials Based in MOF‐808@SBA‐15
Authors: Fernandes Simone C. , Leo Pedro , Santos‐Vieira Isabel , de Castro Baltazar , Cunha‐Silva Luís , Balula Salete S.
Published: April 2024

This work unveils a route for a new generation of heterogeneous polyoxometalate (POMs) based catalysts associated to the preparation of hybrid materials as a triad of POMs, mesoporous silica (SBA‐15) and microporous MOF structures (MOF‐808). The prepared catalyst, PMo12@MOF‐808@SBA‐15, with the main active center the phosphomolybdic acid (PMo12), was successfully applied for the desulfurization of a multicomponent fuel. Its oxidative catalytic performance showed to be considerable superior to the isolated POM@MOF and able to be recycled for more catalytic cycles without active loss. The higher catalytic performance seems to be directly related with the preparation of a more amorphous MOF structure within the channels of SBA‐15, in the presence of active POM guests.
Theoretical Calculation Assisted by Machine Learning Accelerate Optimal Electrocatalyst Finding for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Yuefei , Liu Xuefei , Wang Wentao
Published: April 2024

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a promising strategy to solve and mitigate the coming energy shortage and global environmental pollution. Searching for efficient electrocatalysts for HER remains challenging through traditional trial‐and‐error methods from numerous potential material candidates. Theoretical high throughput calculation assisted by machine learning is a possible method to screen excellent HER electrocatalysts effectively. This will pave the way for high‐efficiency and low‐price electrocatalyst findings. In this review, we comprehensively introduce the machine learning workflow and standard models for hydrogen reduction reactions. This mainly illustrates how machine learning is used in catalyst filtration and descriptor exploration. Subsequently, several applications, including surface electrocatalysts, two‐dimensional (2D) electrocatalysts, and single/dual atom electrocatalysts using machine learning in electrocatalytic HER, are highlighted and introduced. Finally, the corresponding challenge and perspective for machine learning in electrocatalytic hydrogen reduction reactions are concluded. We hope this critical review can provide a comprehensive understanding of machine learning for HER catalyst design and guide the future theoretical and experimental investigation of HER catalyst findings.
“How much is your outfit?” – An interactive exhibition on the subject of sustainable textiles for chemistry education and beyond
Authors: Hager Sascha , Amel Henning , Beeken Marco
Published: April 2024

Hinsichtlich konkreter ökologischer, ökonomischer und sozialer Folgen der Textilwirtschaft bedarf es Bildung(‐smaßnahmen) im Bereich nachhaltiger Textilien. Für diesen Themenkomplex wurde mit dem TextilLab eine interaktive Ausstellung (nicht nur) für den Chemieunterricht konzipiert. An der Schnittstelle zwischen naturwissenschaftlicher und gesellschaftlicher Bildung wurde ein außerschulischer Lernort gestaltet, an dem Schüler:innen in einem Stationenlernen die Wertschöpfungskette von Textilien und Kleidung nachvollziehen können. Dabei wurden neben Experimenten interaktive Elemente in die einzelnen Stationen eingebettet, um ein individuelles Lernen zu ermöglichen und die Zugänglichkeit der Inhalte zu steigern. Ausgehend von der zentralen Bedeutung der Textil‐ und Modeindustrie für Ökologie, Ökonomie und Gesellschaft können und sollen interaktive Ausstellungen wie das TextilLab gesamtgesellschaftliches und generationenübergreifendes Interesse wecken und zur Auseinandersetzung mit nachhaltigen Textilien anregen.
Network‐based identification of key proteins and repositioning of drugs for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Adeyemo Oluwatosin Maryam , Ashimiyu‐Abdusalam Zainab , Adewunmi Mary , Ayano Temitope Ayanfunke , Sohaib Muhammad , Abdel‐Salam Reem
Published: April 2024

Background

NSCLC is a lethal cancer that is highly prevalent and accounts for 85% of cases of lung cancer. Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, frequently exhibit limited efficacy and notable adverse reactions. Therefore, a drug repurposing method is proposed for effective NSCLC treatment.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate candidate drugs that are effective for NSCLC at the clinical level using a systems biology and network analysis approach.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes in transcriptomics data were identified using the systems biology and network analysis approaches. A network of gene co‐expression was developed with the aim of detecting two modules of gene co‐expression. Following that, the Drug–Gene Interaction Database was used to find possible drugs that target important genes within two gene co‐expression modules linked to non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The use of Cytoscape facilitated the creation of a drug–gene interaction network. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis was done to validate candidate drugs.

Results

Unlike previous research on repositioning drugs for NSCLC, which uses a gene co‐expression network, this project is the first to research both gene co‐expression and co‐occurrence networks. And the co‐occurrence network also accounts for differentially expressed genes in cancer cells and their adjacent normal cells. For effective management of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), drugs that show higher gene regulation and gene affinity within the drug–gene interaction network are thought to be important. According to the discourse, NSCLC genes have a lot of control over medicines like vincristine, fluorouracil, methotrexate, clotrimazole, etoposide, tamoxifen, sorafenib, doxorubicin, and pazopanib.

Conclusion

Hence, there is a possibility of repurposing these drugs for the treatment of non‐small‐cell lung cancer.
Haploidentical and matched unrelated donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation offer similar survival outcomes for acute leukemia
Authors: Wang Yin‐Che , Lai Cheng‐Lun , Chen Tsung‐Chih , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Teng Chieh‐Lin Jerry
Published: April 2024

Background

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo‐HSCT) has emerged as an effective approach for acute leukemia, primarily due to the inherent difficulty in finding human leukocyte antigen‐matched unrelated donors (MUD). Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether haplo‐HSCT and MUD‐HSCT can provide comparable outcomes in patients with acute leukemia.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the overall survival (OS) and leukemia‐free survival (LFS) outcomes between the MUD‐HSCT and haplo‐HSCT groups.

Methods and results

This retrospective analysis encompassed adult patients with acute leukemia undergoing the initial allo‐HSCT. Among these 85 patients, we stratified 33 patients into the MUD‐HSCT group and 52 to the haplo‐HSCT group. The primary outcomes were OS and LFS. The median OS was not reached in the haplo‐HSCT group, while it reached 29.8 months in patients undergoing MUD‐HSCT (p = .211). Likewise, the median LFS periods were 52.6 months in the haplo‐HSCT group and 12.7 months in the MUD‐HSCT group (p = .212). Importantly, neither the OS nor LFS showed substantial differences between the MUD‐HSCT and haplo‐HSCT groups. Furthermore, univariate analyses revealed that haplo‐HSCT did not demonstrate a significantly higher risk of worse LFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–1.25; p = .216) or OS (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.36–1.26; p = .214) than MUD‐HSCT. Notably, a high European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation risk score (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10–1.87; p = .007) and non‐complete remission (HR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.17–5.23; p = .017) were significantly correlated with worse OS.

Conclusion

Haplo‐HSCT may serve as an alternative to MUD‐HSCT for the treatment of acute leukemia, offering similar survival outcomes.
The influence of rurality on melanoma diagnosis in Indiana: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xue Gloria R. , Clark Marie , Morr Claudia , Slaven James E. , Que Syril Keena T.
Published: April 2024

Background

Research from across the United States has shown that rurality is associated with worse melanoma outcomes. In Indiana, nearly a quarter of all residents live in rural counties and an estimated 2180 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2023.

Aims

This study examines how geographical location affects the stage of melanoma diagnosis in Indiana, aiming to identify and address rural health disparities to ultimately ensure equitable care.

Methods and Results

Demographics and disease characteristics of patients diagnosed with melanoma at Indiana University Health from January 2017 to September 2022 were compared using Students t‐tests, Wilcoxon tests, chi‐squared or Fisher's exact tests. Patients from rural areas presented with more pathological stage T3 melanomas (15.0% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001) in contrast to their urban counterparts. Additionally, rural patients presented with fewer clinical stage I melanomas (80.8% vs. 89.3%) and more clinical stage II melanomas (19.2% vs. 8.1%), compared to urban patients, with no stage III (p = 0.028). Concerningly, a significantly higher percentage of the rural group (40.7%) had a personal history of BCC compared to the urban group (22.6%) (p = 0.005) and fewer rural patients (78.0%) compared to urban patients (89.4%) received surgical treatment (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Patients from rural counties in Indiana have higher pathological and clinical stage melanoma at diagnosis compared to patients from urban counties. Additionally fewer rural patients receive surgical treatment and may be at higher risk of developing subsequent melanomas.
Reaction Mechanism Catalyzed by the Dissimilatory Sulfite Reductase – The Role of the Siroheme‐[4FeS4] Cofactor
Authors: Wójcik‐Augustyn Anna , Johansson A. Johannes , Borowski Tomasz
Published: April 2024

The present work is another part of our investigation on the pathway of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and covers a theoretical study on the reaction catalyzed by dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dSIR). dSIR is the terminal enzyme involved in this metabolic pathway, which uses the siroheme‐[4Fe4S] cofactor for six‐electron reduction of sulfite to sulfide. In this study we use a large cluster model containing siroheme‐[4Fe4S] cofactor and protein residues involved in the direct interactions with the substrate, to get insight into the most feasible reaction mechanism and to understand the role of each considered active site component. In combination with earlier studies reported in the literature, our results lead to several interesting insights. One of the most important conclusions is that the reaction mechanism consists of three steps of two‐electron reduction of sulfur and the probable role of the siroheme‐[4Fe4S] cofactor is to ensure the delivery of packages of two electrons to the reactant.
Physical Exercise Transforms the Topography and Increases the Invulnerability of the Symptom Network of Depression–Anxiety in the Elderly
Authors: Zhang Weixia , Zhang Kechuang , Yang Mengbi , Si Shubin
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

Depression and anxiety often co‐occur and have worse impacts on the elderly when experienced simultaneously. Although physical exercise may alleviate depression and anxiety, how it affects the specific symptoms is not fully understood.

Methods

A total of 8884 participants was selected from the 2018 CLHLS database. The 10‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD‐10) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale–7 (GAD‐7) were used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Participants were divided into the exercise and the nonexercise groups using propensity score matching to minimize the influence of confounding variables. Depression–anxiety symptom networks were constructed, and network indexes were computed for each group, based on various packages of R. By computing network connectivity, invulnerability simulation was used to investigate the role of physical exercise in network robustness.

Results

Both groups had D3 (sad mood), A4 (trouble relaxing) and A2 (uncontrollably worry) as central symptoms. In the exercise group, A1 (nervousness), A3 (too much worry) and D1 (bothered by little things) were the strongest bridge nodes. In the nonexercise group, A1 (nervousness), D1 (bothered by little things) and A4 (trouble relaxing) played this role. Participation in physical exercise decreased the centrality of D9 (cannot get doing) but increased the centrality of A3 (too much worry). Furthermore, the exercise group had higher network invulnerability than the nonexercise group under random attack conditions.

Conclusions

Physical exercise affected core symptoms of depression–anxiety and the interactions of symptoms. Targeting central or bridge nodes may be an effective intervention for alleviating the comorbidity. Increased network invulnerability manifested the positive effects of physical exercise.
Dual‐input step‐up switched‐capacitor multilevel inverter with reduced voltage stress on devices
Authors: Ghelichi Armin , Varesi Kazem , Zeinaly Amirhossein , Prabhakar Mahalingam
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a single‐phase dual‐input step‐up switched‐capacitor multilevel inverter that employs three capacitors, 15 switches, and two diodes to provide 13 voltage levels and triple‐voltage boosting factor in its symmetric form and 37 levels with voltage boosting factor of 3.6 in its asymmetric version. This high boosting factor is accomplished without utilizing any transformer. For each output voltage level, there exists flow paths for both the positive and negative load current directions, which makes the proposed inverter capable of supplying any load type with variety of power factors (zero to unity). The voltage balancing of the capacitors takes place naturally, which tackles the need to auxiliary charge‐balancing circuits or control mechanisms. The proposed inverter can generate negative levels without the end‐side H‐bridge. Moreover, the voltage stress on the semiconductor devices is less than the peak output voltage. The increased number of levels and sinusoidal‐like waveform of the output voltage waveform enhances the quality and lowers the harmonic content of the load voltage and current waveforms, even for resistive loads. As the result, the load‐side filter can be downsized or removed. This paper employs the fundamental frequency method (FFM) as the switching technique, which is simple to implement and also operates the switches at low frequencies, leading to lower switching losses. The ascendancy of proposed inverter over similar counterparts has been investigated through comprehensive comparative analysis. Moreover, the correct performance of the proposed inverter at different modulation indices, and load types as well as during dynamic load changes has been verified by simulation and experimental analysis.
Alternative routine for reporting chiral amphetamine test results in assessment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication: experiences from 2013 to 2023
Authors: Helander Anders , Andersson Annika , Villén Tomas
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated an alternative routine for reporting urinary chiral amphetamine results in assessment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment with amphetamine medications and for detecting side‐use of illicit racemic amphetamine. Currently in Sweden, only enantiopure d‐amphetamine‐based ADHD medications (lisdexamphetamine dimesylate and dexamphetamine sulfate) are approved. It is therefore unsuitable to express the chiral result as the l/d‐ratio, as before, because l‐amphetamine should not be present provided treatment compliance. A new routine for LC‐MS/MS chiral amphetamine testing was therefore introduced in 2020, whereby the relative proportion (%) of l‐amphetamine and the total amphetamine and creatinine concentrations are reported. Evaluation of the new routine on 24,354 results from 2013 to 2023 revealed that it was useful to distinguish ADHD medication adherence from illicit drug use as the source for a positive test. The l‐amphetamine proportion also reflected the enantiomeric content of the medications used. Overall, most results confirmed adherence to ADHD medication, as the l‐amphetamine percentage was <1% in 76% of samples (2023) which is the recommended cutoff with enantiopure d‐amphetamine medications. However, in all years, illicit drug use was indicated (>40% l‐amphetamine) in 8.3%–14.5% of cases. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the clinical value and utility of a new routine for reporting urinary chiral amphetamine results to differentiate adherence to ADHD medication from illicit drug use. Unlike the l/d‐amphetamine ratio, it considers differences in total amphetamine concentration and urine dilution, factors that can affect the interpretation.
Urbanization exacerbates climate sensitivity of eastern United States broadleaf trees
Authors: Warner Kayla , Sonti Nancy Falxa , Cook Elizabeth M. , Hallett Richard A. , Hutyra Lucy R. , Reinmann Andrew B.
Published: April 2024

Tree growth is a key mechanism driving carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems. Environmental conditions are important regulators of tree growth that can vary considerably between nearby urban and rural forests. For example, trees growing in cities often experience hotter and drier conditions than their rural counterparts while also being exposed to higher levels of light, pollution, and nutrient inputs. However, the extent to which these intrinsic differences in the growing conditions of trees in urban versus rural forests influence tree growth response to climate is not well known. In this study, we tested for differences in the climate sensitivity of tree growth between urban and rural forests along a latitudinal transect in the eastern United States that included Boston, Massachusetts, New York City, New York, and Baltimore, Maryland. Using dendrochronology analyses of tree cores from 55 white oak trees (Quercus alba), 55 red maple trees (Acer rubrum), and 41 red oak trees (Quercus rubra) we investigated the impacts of heat stress and water stress on the radial growth of individual trees. Across our three‐city study, we found that tree growth was more closely correlated with climate stress in the cooler climate cities of Boston and New York than in Baltimore. Furthermore, heat stress was a significant hindrance to tree growth in higher latitudes while the impacts of water stress appeared to be more evenly distributed across latitudes. We also found that the growth of oak trees, but not red maple trees, in the urban sites of Boston and New York City was more adversely impacted by heat stress than their rural counterparts, but we did not see these urban–rural differences in Maryland. Trees provide a wide range of important ecosystem services and increasing tree canopy cover was typically an important component of urban sustainability strategies. In light of our findings that urbanization can influence how tree growth responds to a warming climate, we suggest that municipalities consider these interactions when developing their tree‐planting palettes and when estimating the capacity of urban forests to contribute to broader sustainability goals in the future.
Discovery of vitexin as a novel α‐glucosidase inhibitors in mulberry (Morus alba L.) by untargeted metabolomics combined with molecular docking: A comprehensive study from mechanism to synergy effects
Authors: Wang Zichun , Zhang Lu , Wang Meng , Ding Zhenjiang , Ren Difeng , Duan Shenglin
Published: April 2024

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf can effectively inhibit the digestion of starchy foods, and α‐glucosidase (AG) is its main target. This study employed an untargeted metabolomics approach combined with molecular docking to identify AG inhibitors. Subsequently, inhibition kinetics, fluorescence spectroscopy, and interaction force analysis were utilized to investigate the inhibitory mechanism. Results indicated that vitexin exhibited significant reversible inhibition of AG through competitive inhibition, with an IC50 value of 105.50 ± 1.30 μg/mL. Molecular docking revealed hydrogen bonding as the main interaction force between vitexin and AG, and quenching mechanism analysis showed that they underwent static quenching driven by entropy. The results of the combined experiment showed that 1‐deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a known bioactive component in mulberry, has a synergistic effect of inhibiting AG activity with vitexin. This study elucidates the potential mechanism of vitexin in inhibiting AG activity and provides theoretical evidence for utilizing vitexin‐DNJ complexes as functional components of AG inhibitors.
Design of a Copper(II) Complex with Tetradentate Bis‐Benzotriazole‐Appended Bipyridine Ligand and its Catalytic Application in A3 Coupling Reaction
Authors: Pandey Sharmila , Ray Saswati , Mandal Tanmoy
Published: April 2024

In this report, a Cu(II) complex Cu‐L4 containing a new tetradentate benzotriazole‐appended bipyridine ligand was synthesized and characterized fully via spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques. The crystal structure of the complex revealed that the ligand is bound to copper in a tetradentate fashion in a plane and the axial positions are occupied by an anion and a solvent molecule, resulting in a distorted octahedral geometry of the complex in solid‐state. This air‐stable complex was utilized as homogeneous precatalyst for the synthesis of several propargylamine derivatives by 3‐component A3 coupling reactions of aldehydes, amines, and alkynes under aerial atmosphere.
Acute physiological responses of blood flow restriction between high‐intensity interval repetitions in trained cyclists
Authors: Pugh Charles F. , Paton Carl D. , Ferguson Richard A. , Driller Matthew W. , Martyn Beaven C.
Published: April 2024

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is increasingly being used to enhance aerobic performance in endurance athletes. This study examined physiological responses to BFR applied in recovery phases within a high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) session in trained cyclists. Eleven competitive road cyclists (mean ± SD, age: 28 ± 7 years, body mass: 69 ± 6 kg, peak oxygen uptake: 65 ± 9 mL · kg−1 · min−1) completed two randomised crossover conditions: HIIT with (BFR) and without (CON) BFR applied during recovery phases. HIIT consisted of six 30‐s cycling bouts at an intensity equivalent to 85% of maximal 30‐s power (523 ± 93 W), interspersed with 4.5‐min recovery. BFR (200 mmHg, 12 cm cuff width) was applied for 2‐min in the early recovery phase between each interval. Pulmonary gas exchange (V̇O2, V̇CO2, and V̇E), tissue oxygen saturation index (TSI), heart rate (HR), and serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration (VEGF) were measured. Compared to CON, BFR increased V̇CO2 and V̇E during work bouts (both p < 0.05, dz < 0.5), but there was no effect on V̇O2, TSI, or HR (p > 0.05). In early recovery, BFR decreased TSI, V̇O2, V̇CO2, and V̇E (all p < 0.05, dz > 0.8) versus CON, with no change in HR (p > 0.05). In late recovery, when BFR was released, V̇O2, V̇CO2, V̇E, and HR increased, but TSI decreased versus CON (all p < 0.05, dz > 0.8). There was a greater increase in VEGF at 3‐h post‐exercise in BFR compared to CON (p < 0.05, dz > 0.8). Incorporating BFR into HIIT recovery phases altered physiological responses compared to exercise alone.
Lithological controls on the timing of strath terrace staircase formation in a collisional mountain belt
Authors: Zondervan Jesse R. , Stokes Martin , Boulton Sarah J. , Telfer Matt W. , Mather Anne E. , Belfoul Mhamed A.
Published: April 2024

In mountain belts, strath terrace staircases serve as markers for deriving river incision rates and erosional patterns. Distinguishing between terrace patterns influenced by external perturbations like changes in climate and tectonics and those driven by internal dynamics including feedbacks between topography, erosion and sediment transport remains challenging. We demonstrate that in a collisional mountain belt, lithology can act as a first‐order control on the spatial and temporal scales of strath terrace formation. Here, we investigate the role of lithology in modulating internal dynamics and the formation of strath terraces in the Mgoun River catchment of the High Atlas in Morocco, a region characterised by constant low‐rate rock uplift, a cyclical cool‐warm/arid‐humid Quaternary climate history and contrasting bedrock lithologies. By collecting (1) modern river and terrace clast data, (2) bedrock strath and strath‐top sediment elevations of four terrace levels, (3) terrace sedimentology and (4) integration with published terrace chronology, we found a dominance of local sediment input from hillslopes, mostly from recycled bedrock conglomerates. Additionally, we found valley width, controlled by the stratigraphic and structural configuration of lithological erodibility, significantly impacts sediment connectivity. The isolation between valleys with varying widths results in varied timescales of river channel response to hillslope coupling, with hillslope‐derived stochastic sediment gravity flows preserved in fluvial terraces in some river reaches and not in others. Furthermore, asynchronous terrace formation and abandonment ages result from the low longitudinal river connectivity between multiple valleys formed in erodible rock separated by gorges in high‐strength rock. These gorges limit knickpoint migration rates, inhibiting the ability of terraces formed in one valley to spread through the catchment. These findings can inform future research distinguishing between autogenic and external signals in erosional landscapes and help carefully derive river incision rates and climate insights from terraces.
Starch digestibility: How single, double, and multiple physicochemical modifications change nutritional attributes of starch?
Authors: Rostamabadi Hadis , Demirkesen Ilkem , Mert Behic , Barua Sreejani , Colussi Rosana , Frasson Sabrina Feksa , Wang Yong , Falsafi Seid Reza
Published: April 2024

The ever‐increasing ranges of starch applications have been restricted by some of its inherent adverse characteristics like retrogradability, gel opacity, low resistibility to variations of pH, and elevated shear/temperatures. Starch modification through various physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods has been proposed as the most mature platform to tackle such drawbacks. Along with their outstanding potential in enhancing the starch's technofunctional characteristics, physicochemical modifications could remarkably customize starch nutritional/digestibility attributes. For instance, physical modifications could remarkably change starch digestibility by manipulating the granular architecture while chemical approaches change it by altering the chemical structure of starch molecules, making them unrecognizable to digestive enzymes. Such alterations could even be more challenging upon applying a combination of starch modifications. The changes in starch digestibility through its modification via single, double, and multiple modifications have been overviewed in this review.
Dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota and metabolism caused by acute patulin exposure in mice
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guo Zimeng , Che Jiayin , Yan Min , Liang Jingyimei , Wang Furong , Hu Jinhong , Song Wei , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli
Published: April 2024

Patulin (PAT) is a common mycotoxin in moldy fruits that causes gastrointestinal injury if accidentally ingested. Some studies have reported the symptoms of intestinal injury caused by PAT. However, the effects of PAT on the gut microbiota and gut metabolism remain to be investigated, which is important for clarifying the toxicological mechanisms. Thus, C57/BL6J mice were gavaged once with 0, 1, 4, and 16 mg/kg body weight PAT, and the small intestinal and colonic contents were collected. The 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted and untargeted metabolomics were applied to assess the alterations in microbiota and metabolism, respectively. The results showed that Mycoplasma, Dubosiella, and Enterorhabdus were jointly affected by acute PAT exposure in the small intestinal and colonic contents. Some inflammation‐related bacteria, such as Mycoplasma in the small intestine and Mycoplasma, Alistipes, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and Candidatus_saccharimona in the colon, increased with increasing doses of PAT. In metabolic results, amino acids decreased and bile acids elevated in both intestinal contents; lipids increased in the small intestinal contents but decreased in the colonic contents. PAT mainly affected host amino acid and lipid metabolism; it also downregulated microbial tryptophan metabolism and short‐chain fatty acid levels (mainly in the colon), which could be explained by the decrease of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus. These influences in microbial abundances and metabolic levels persisted after PAT and its products were cleared. These results fill a gap in the effects of PAT on the gut microbiota and provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the toxic mechanism of mycotoxins.
A descriptive review on exploiting the therapeutic significance of essential oils as a potential nutraceutical and food preservative
Authors: Jan Bisma , Choudhary Bharti , Malik Zoya , Dar Mohammad Imran
Published: April 2024

For centuries, essential oils (EOs) have held a significant place in traditional medicinal practices worldwide and are commonly known for their aroma and taste. Among the 3000 recognized types, only 300 have commercial use in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. These potent natural extracts, derived from aromatic plants and herbs, have garnered attention not only in ancient healing traditions but also within modern health‐care systems. Their rich history is marked by a diverse array of therapeutic properties that have made them indispensable tools for promoting health and well‐being. Additionally, the utilization of EOs as food preservatives is an innovative and natural approach in extending the shelf life of various food products. In addition, EOs are beneficial in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Because of their outstanding biological activities and health benefits, research on EOs has exploded in recent years. In present work, an intensive review was done on published data on therapeutic potential of some major EOs and their utilization as a preservative in food industries. Meanwhile, an investigation of the methods specifically used for the separation of EOs and regulatory considerations are also reported. The article concludes with comments on future trends.
Graduate program collaborations to identify and cultivate graduate enrollment best practices
Authors: Ford Channing R. , Ingalsbe Kathryn , Hanvey Ashlee
Published: April 2024

Determining best practices for graduate enrollment requires continuous dedication by graduate enrollment personnel to identify innovative and relevant recruitment strategies to attract potential graduate applicants. The dynamic landscape of higher education creates further complexity as these best practices must also align with institutional expectations and the expectations of those overseeing graduate academic programs. To establish a robust enrollment strategy, it is crucial for graduate program officers and graduate enrollment personnel to establish a collaborative relationship that supports timely and ongoing dialogues to attract and retain quality admissions candidates. This manuscript explores how graduate enrollment personnel at a mid‐size regional institution collaborate with graduate program officers to achieve the enrollment goals of the institution and to support continued program growth.

Practical Takeaways

Establishing collaborative relationships between graduate program officers and graduate enrollment personnel are essential to support program growth and the continuous evaluation of admissions criteria to promote holistic admissions.

Recognizing the diverse expectations of applicants and establishing a graduate enrollment framework that allows for individual program needs creates a supportive environment that encourages program growth.

The elimination of extraneous admissions requirements can support program growth without negatively impacting the quality of applicants.

Supporting graduate program officers throughout the graduate enrollment process is imperative to foster positive experiences for applicants throughout and following the admissions cycle.
“Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of perinatal grief scale in Urdu: Addressing a gap in the research of perinatal loss in Pakistan–Cross‐sectional validation study”
Authors: Nisa Maryam , Laila Seema , Muzzamil Muhammad , Ghafoor Anum , Zakir Najma , Zulfiqar Tehzeeb , Malik Abid , Malikzai Abdullah
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Perinatal grief have a significant influence on maternal mental health, hence appropriate tools for assessment are necessary. In this study, we translated and validated the Perinatal Grief Scale in Urdu (PGS‐Urdu) for use in Pakistan, therefore filling the gap in validated tools.

Methods

Data was collected from 165 women using consecutive sampling. Initially, “forward/backward” translation was used. For validity, content validity index and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used respectively, and “Cronbach's‐Alpha” for reliability. In the validity stage, items 8, 11, 23, and 32 of the original scale were eliminated based on feedback from the target groups and the expert panel. For data‐analysis, SPSS 26 and Amos 26 were used.

Results

In analyzing the “Confirmatory factor analysis”, the “all‐fitness indicators” validated the three‐factor structure of 29‐item main scale. Cronbach alpha value was 0.83 for the entire scale The CFA results showed that all fitness indicators, with the exception of four, had loadings greater than 0.20, supporting the main scale's three‐factor structure. With a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.83 for overall reliability, and varied from 0.81 to 0.87 for the PGS‐U variables. the PGS‐U exhibits an acceptable level of internal consistency.

Conclusion

The PGS‐U identifies women in perinatal grief for medical and social care. This research supports using the Urdu perinatal grief scale in obstetrics and bereavement counseling to reduce maternal mental health issues.
Placenta accreta outcomes and risk factors in a referral hospital in north of Iran: A case control study
Authors: Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Milani Forozan , Fallah Arzpeyma Sima , Fakour Fereshteh , Jafarzadeh Zahra , Haghparast Zahra , Sedighinejad Abbas , Attari Seyedeh Maryam
Published: April 2024

Background

Placenta accreta syndrome (PAS) may led to heavy blood loss and maternal death. Here we analyzed the main risk factors of PAS+ pregnancies and its complications in a referral hospital in the north of Iran.

Methods

In a case control study, all pregnant women with PAS referred to our department during 2016 till 2021 were enrolled and divided in two groups case (PAS+) and control (PAS−) based on preoperative imaging, intraoperative findings, and pathological reports. The sociodemographic features and neonatal‐maternal outcomes also were recorded.

Results

The most frequent reason for cesarean (C/S) was repeated C/S (62.9%, 56/89). A significant difference showed up in the time lag between previous C/S and the present delivery (p < 0.001) which shows that when the time distance is longer, the risk of PAS rises (OR: 1.01 [95% CI: 1.003−1.017]). Also, a positive history of prior abortion and elective type of previous C/S were related to PAS+ pregnancies. Our other finding showed that PAS+ pregnancies will end in lower gestational age and have a longer duration of operation and hospitalization, heavy blood transfusion, and hysterectomy. Also, PAS+ pregnancies were not related to poor neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

It seems that, in addition to repeated C/S as a strong risk factor, previous abortion is a forgotten key which leads to incomplete evacuation or damage the endometrial‐myometrial layers.
Evaluating the performance of selected military hospitals in Tehran in response to Covid‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sharififar Simintaj , Moradi Maryam
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) led the need to admit a large number of infected people to hospitals in a short period of time, turning them into one of the most important responsive organizations. This study aims to evaluate the performance of selected military hospitals because they carried out a military operation in Tehran in response to the recent pandemic.

Methods

This is a descriptive‐analytical study. The statistical population of this study consisted of military hospitals responding to Covid‐19 pandemic in Tehran. A checklist to evaluate the performance of hospitals in response to Covid‐19 pandemic (six areas, 23 sub‐areas and 152 items) was used as a data collection tool in this study. This tool had six domains, including risk management and planning, coordination and communication, infection prevention and control, diagnosis and treatment, education and training, and resource management.

Results

The overall performance of selected hospitals was 63%, which indicated a good performance. The domain of coordination and communication obtained the lowest score.

Conclusion

The investigated hospitals had good performance because they had a desirable access to resources. Periodic self‐assessment and accreditation is recommended to improve the performance of these hospitals.