bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocatalytic Oxidative Amination of para‐Substituted Phenols
Authors: Guo Yiming , Ashley Ben , Marić Ivana , Saifuddin Mohammad , Dunleavy Tomás , Onet Andrei , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: April 2024

Biocatalytic preparation of chiral amines is a large and burgeoning field in organic chemistry. Many enzymes and routes have been published, including transaminases, imine reductases, reductive aminases, amine dehydrogenases and others. However, all these routes rely on some sacrificial substrate, in the form of either amine donor or cofactor regeneration substrate. Herein, we report the direct oxidative amination of p‐substituted phenols catalyzed by an evolved flavoprotein oxidase, with the consumption of only substrate and O2, and release of H2O2. The substrate scope of the reaction is studied, and is tolerant of a diverse panel including ammonia, primary and secondary amines, and amino acids. The reaction is later employed at preparative scale to generate aminated products in 50–80 % yield. This report establishes flavoprotein oxidase as a new and economical member of the chemist's toolkit for biocatalytic generation of chiral amines, acting as oxidative aminase.
Stereochemical Tailoring of Nickel‐based Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Papadakis Michael , Mehrez Jana , Wehrung Iris , Delmotte Léa , Giorgi Michel , Hardré Renaud , Orio Maylis
Published: April 2024

The search for alternative non‐noble transition metal catalysts able to evolve hydrogen has been the focus of intense research. Molecular complexes bearing redox‐active ligands have been reported as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This study showcases a new family of nickel‐thiosemicarbazone complexes displaying significant activity for HER in DMF solvent using trifluoracetic acid as proton source. Following previous works in our group, the ligand was stereochemically tailored, placing methoxy groups at different locations and considering various combinations of positions. Three complexes within the series were shown to outperform the parent catalyst bearing the methoxy group in para position. Overall, the nickel catalyst having the chemical substituent in meta position displays the best catalytic performances while having the lowest overpotential. These results support that ligand stereochemical tailoring in metal complexes improves electrocatalytic HER and suggest that ligand tuning is a promising direction to enhance catalyst performances.
Electrocatalytic Properties of Electrochemically‐Polymerized Metal‐Phenolic Networks
Authors: Zaragoza Nadia , Widder Sage , Huynh Heidi , Zamani Marjon , Furst Ariel L.
Published: April 2024

Metal‐phenolic networks (MPNs) are a promising platform for developing new heterogeneous catalytic materials for water splitting technologies. This study systematically investigates the relationship between MPN composition and catalytic properties via electropolymerization of copper and cobalt combined with lignin, tannic acid, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid polyphenols. We find that the choice of metal, size of polyphenol, and polymerization method have the greatest impact on the propensity of MPNs for catalyzing hydrogen evolution. For example, gallic acid‐based MPNs result in smoother surfaces with ~2 nm roughness, resulting in low surface area and lower average current densities compared to all other polyphenols tested. Cobalt‐based MPNs show higher current densities compared to copper, yet higher onset potentials. The results provide a map of design choices that can be used to increase the catalytic performance of new materials used in water electrolysis.
Thermal Equilibrium Between Quinoid/Biradical Forms Enhancing Electrochemical Amphotericity
Authors: Ishigaki Yusuke , Mizuno Shin‐ichi , Sugawara Kazuma , Hashimoto Takumi , Suzuki Shuichi , Suzuki Takanori
Published: April 2024

Upon dibenzo annulation on Thiele's hydrocarbon (tetraphenyl‐p‐quinodimethane), the quinoid form and the biradical form adopt quite different geometries, and thus are no longer resonance structures. When these two forms can interconvert rapidly due to the small energy barrier (ΔG≠), the equilibrated mixture contains both forms in a ratio that is determined by the energy difference (ΔGo) between the two forms. For a series of tetrakis[5‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐thienyl]‐substituted derivatives, the more stable quinoid form and the metastable biradical form coexist in solution as an equilibrated mixture due to small ΔG≠ (<15 kcal mol−1) and ΔGo (1–4 kcal mol−1), in which the proportion of the two forms can be regulated by temperature. Since the biradical form can undergo easy two‐electron (2e) oxidation to the corresponding dications as well as easy 2e‐reduction to the dianions, it exhibits very high electrochemical amphotericity. This character with a record‐small span for not only the first oxidation and reduction potentials but also the second those, [E1sum≈E2sum=E2ox−E2red=ca. 1.4 V], is attained through thermally enhanced conversion to the biradical form from the corresponding quinoid form, the latter of which is less amphoteric due to higher Eox and lower Ered values.
A simple methodology for in situ study of microplastics’ aggregation
Authors: Bonyadinejad Gholamreza , Salehi Maryam
Published: April 2024

Due to the critical impacts of microplastic (MP) aggregation on their fate, mobility, and bioavailability, this study developed a simple approach to examine their aggregation under varying water chemistry and MPs’ surface aging conditions. An accelerated photodegradation experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. The water chemistry conditions varied by altering pH, using natural organic matter (NOM), and conducting experiments in ultrapure water and synthetic stormwater. The surface chemistry analysis of photodegraded MPs revealed the formation of carbonyl and vinyl functional groups. Zeta potential measurements revealed a more negative surface charge for photodegraded MPs compared to new MPs. The aggregation kinetics of MPs were studied by comparing the number of MP clusters formed over time after intense dispersion in water. The results showed that the presence of NOMs reduces the aggregation tendency of new low‐density polyethylene MPs due to enhanced steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion. However, variations of pH and utilizing synthetic stormwater versus ultrapure water did not alter the aggregation kinetics of new MPs. The aggregation behavior of photodegraded MPs was significantly different from new MPs. A greater tendency for aggregation of photodegraded MPs was found in the stormwater compared to the ultrapure water. This study contributes to a better understanding of the transport and fate of MPs within the aqueous environment and their subsequent environmental risks.
Short‐term predictions of PM10 and NO2 concentrations in urban environments based on ARIMA search grid modeling
Authors: Houria Bouzghiba , Abderrahmane Mendyl , Kenza Khomsi , Gábor Géczi
Published: April 2024

Air pollution poses a persistent challenge for urban management departments and policymakers due to its significant health and economic impacts. Various cities worldwide have implemented diverse strategies and initiatives to enhance air quality monitoring and modeling standards. However, the outcomes of these efforts often manifest over the long term, leading to a preference for short‐term statistical methods. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) search grid modeling approach has gained widespread use for forecasting air quality. This paper presents a comprehensive time series analysis conducted to predict air quality in urban areas of Budapest, Hungary, with a focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10), using air quality data spanning from 2018 to 2022 for four monitoring categories: Urban traffic, industrial background, urban background, and suburban background. The study employs the ARIMA search grid method to forecast concentrations of these pollutants at multiple air quality monitoring stations based on Akaike information criteria (AIC) and the Bayesian information criteria (BIC) criteria along with the results of augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test. The results demonstrate varying levels of forecast accuracy across different stations, indicating the model's effectiveness in short‐term predicting of air quality. These findings are essential for assessing the reliability of air quality forecasts in Budapest and can inform decisions regarding air quality management and the development of strategies to address air pollution and particulate matter concerns in the region.
IMMUNOREACT 7: Regular aspirin use is associated with immune surveillance activation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Simoni Ottavia De , Scarpa Melania , Castagliuolo Ignazio , Stepanyan Astghik , Angriman Imerio , Kotsafti Andromachi , Nacci Camilla , Scognamiglio Federico , Negro Silvia , D’Angelo Antonella , Chiminazzo Valentina , Businello Gianluca , Ruffolo Cesare , Salmaso Roberta , Franzato Boris , Gruppo Mario , Pilati Pierluigi , Scapinello Antonio , Pozza Anna , Stecca Tommaso , Massani Marco , Cataldo Ivana , Brignola Stefano , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Ceccon Carlotta , Guzzardo Vincenza , Vignotto Chiara , Facci Luca , Maretto Isacco , Agostini Marco , Marchegiani Francesco , Becherucci Giulia , Zizzo Maurizio , Bordignon Giovanni , Merenda Roberto , Pirozzolo Giovanni , Recordare Alfonso , Pozza Giulia , Godina Mario , Mondi Isabella , Verdi Daunia , Lio Corrado Da , Laurino Licia , Saadeh Luca , Rivella Giorgio , Guerriero Silvio , Romiti Chiara , Portale Giuseppe , Cipollari Chiara , Spolverato Ylenia Camilla , Noaro Giulia , Cola Roberto , Candioli Salvatore , Gavagna Laura , Ricagna Fabio , Ortenzi Monica , Guerrieri Mario , Tagliente Giovanni , Tomassi Monica , Tedeschi Umberto , Salmaso Beatrice , Buzzi Gianluca , Parini Dario , Prando Daniela , Zuin Matteo , Bergamo Francesca , Zagonel Vittorina , Porzionato Andrea , Cavallin Francesco , Camillo Barbara Di , Cristoforo Loretta Di , Bao Quoc Riccardo , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Bardini Romeo , Spolverato Gaya , Fassan Matteo , Scarpa Marco ,   IMMUNOREACT Study Group
Published: April 2024

Background

Long‐term daily use of aspirin reduces incidence and mortality due to colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to analyze the effect of aspirin on the tumor microenvironment, systemic immunity, and on the healthy mucosa surrounding cancer.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of CRC operated on from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed (METACCRE cohort). Expression of mRNA of immune surveillance‐related genes (PD‐L1, CD80, CD86, HLA I, and HLA II) in CRC primary cells treated with aspirin were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus–deposited public database (GSE76583). The experiment was replicated in cell lines. The mucosal immune microenvironment of a subgroup of patients participating in the IMMUNOREACT1 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04915326) project was analyzed with immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

In the METACCRE Cohort, 12% of 238 patients analyzed were aspirin users. Nodal metastasis was significantly less frequent (p = .008) and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte infiltration was higher (p = .02) among aspirin users. In the CRC primary cells and selected cell lines, CD80 mRNA expression was increased following aspirin treatment (p = .001). In the healthy mucosa surrounding rectal cancer, the ratio of CD8/CD3 and epithelial cells expressing CD80 was higher in aspirin users (p = .027 and p = .034, respectively).

Conclusions

These data suggested that regular aspirin use may have an active role in enhancing immunosurveillance against CRC.
One‐pot Formulation of Cationic Oligochitosan Coated Nanoparticles via Photo‐ Polymerization Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Oumerri Jihad , Qayouh Hicham , Arteni Ana Andreea , Six Jean‐Luc , Lahcini Mohammed , Ferji Khalid
Published: April 2024

During last few decades, oligochitosan (OCS)‐coated nanoparticles have received great interest for nanomedicine, food and environment applications. However, their current formulation techniques are time‐consuming with multi‐synthesis/purification steps and sometimes require the use of organic solvents, crosslinkers and surfactants. Herein, we report a facile and rapid one‐pot synthesis of OCS‐based nanoparticles using photo‐initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (Photo‐RAFT PISA) under UV‐irradiation at room temperature. To achieve this, OCS was first functionalized by a chain transfer agent (CTA) resulting in a macromolecular chain transfer agent (OCS‐CTA), which will act as a reactive electrostatic/steric stabilizer. Owing to its UV‐sensitivity, OCS‐CTA was then used as photo‐iniferter to initiate the polymerization of 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) in aqueous acidic buffer, resulting in OCS‐g‐PHPMA amphiphilic grafted copolymers which self‐assemble into nano‐objects. Transmission electron microscopy and light scattering analysis reveal formation of spherical nanostructures.
Spark Discharge Aerosol‐Generated Copper‐Based Nanoparticles: Structural & Optical Properties; Application on the Antiviral (SARS‐CoV‐2) and Antibacterial Improvement of Face Masks
Authors: Giannakopoulos Konstantinos , Lasithiotakis Michael , Karakasis Charalampos , Gini Maria , Gardelis Spyros , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Mouti Nafsika , Xesfyngi Yvonni , Manolis Georgios K. , Georgoutsou‐Spyridonos Maria , Dimitriou Marios , Eleftheriadis Kostas
Published: April 2024

Nanoparticle formation by Spark Discharge Aerosol Generation offers low‐cost fabrication of nanoparticles, without the use of chemicals or vacuum. It produces aerosol particles of a few nanometers in size with high purity. In this work, copper‐based ‐CuO (tenorite) and Cu‐ nanoparticles are produced, characterized and used to modify face mask air filters, achieving the introduction of antibacterial and antiviral properties. A range of characterization techniques have been employed, down to the atomic level. The majority of the particles are CuO (of a few nanometers in size that agglomerate to form aggregates), the remainder being a small number of larger Cu particles. The particles were deposited on various substrates, mainly fiber filters in order to study them and use them as biocidal agents. On face masks, their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E.coli) results in a 100 % decrease in bacteria cell viability. Their antiviral activity on face masks results in a 90 % reduction of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) viability, 15 minutes post the application of the virus stock solution. This highlights the effectiveness of this approach, its simplicity, its low cost and its excellent environmental credentials.
The Three Rs of Fear Messaging in a Global Pandemic: Recommendations, Ramifications and Remediation
Authors: Dodsworth Laura , Ahearne Gemma , Dingwall Robert , Easthope Lucy , Riordan Michael , Townsend Ellen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

We consider the UK Independent Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours' (SPI‐B) support for fear messaging during the global COVID‐19 pandemic, evaluate the consequences and make recommendations for the future.

Analysis

Using evidence from published documents, we show that SPI‐B supported the use of fear messaging during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This is inconsistent with the extant psychological literature and contrary to the disaster planning literature. The recommendations regarding fear messaging may have had harmful ramifications and impacts, especially for young people.

Conclusion

We recommend that a wider multidisciplinary expertise is employed to deal effectively, ethically and holistically with future crises. Plans for future pandemics must include meaningful engagement with the public, particularly children and young people.
Insights into the Mechanical Characterization of Mouse Brain Tissue Using Microindentation Testing
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , van den Hurk Eva A. N. , Weickenmeier Johannes
Published: April 2024

Indentation testing is the most common approach to quantify mechanical brain tissue properties. Despite a myriad of studies conducted already, reported stiffness values vary extensively and continue to be subject of study. Moreover, the growing interest in the relationship between the brain's spatially heterogeneous microstructure and local tissue stiffness warrants the development of standardized measurement protocols to enable comparability between studies and assess repeatability of reported data. Here, we present three individual protocols that outline (1) sample preparation of a 1000‐µm thick coronal slice, (2) a comprehensive list of experimental parameters associated with the FemtoTools FT‐MTA03 Micromechanical Testing System for spherical indentation, and (3) two different approaches to derive the elastic modulus from raw force‐displacement data. Lastly, we demonstrate that our protocols deliver a robust experimental framework that enables us to determine the spatially heterogeneous microstructural properties of (mouse) brain tissue. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Mouse brain sample preparation

Basic Protocol 2: Indentation testing of mouse brain tissue using the FemtoTools FT‐MTA03 Micromechanical Testing and Assembly System

Basic Protocol 3: Tissue stiffness identification from force‐displacement data
Optimized Workflow for Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics With Limited Tissue Samples
Authors: Hu Minghan , Wang Yan
Published: April 2024

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics play crucial roles in elucidating the dynamics of post‐transcriptional processes. While experimental methods and workflows have been established in this field, a persistent challenge arises when dealing with small samples containing a limited amount of protein. This limitation can significantly impact the recovery of peptides and phosphopeptides. In response to this challenge, we have developed a comprehensive experimental workflow tailored specifically for small‐scale samples, with a special emphasis on neuronal tissues like the trigeminal ganglion. Our proposed workflow consists of seven steps aimed at optimizing the preparation of limited tissue samples for both proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses. One noteworthy innovation in our approach involves the utilization of a dual enrichment strategy for phosphopeptides. Initially, we employ Fe‐NTA Magnetic beads, renowned for their specificity and effectiveness in capturing phosphopeptides. Subsequently, we complement this approach with the TiO2‐based method, which offers a broader spectrum of phosphopeptide recovery. This innovative workflow not only overcomes the challenges posed by limited sample sizes but also establishes a new benchmark for precision and efficiency in proteomic investigations. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Protein extraction and digestion

Basic Protocol 2: TMT labeling and peptide cleanup

Basic Protocol 3: IMAC Fe‐NTA magnetic beads phosphopeptide enrichment

Basic Protocol 4: TiO2 enrichment

Basic Protocol 5: Fe‐NTA phosphopeptide Enrichment

Basic Protocol 6: High pH peptide fractionation

Basic protocol 7: LC‐MS/MS analysis and database search
Overexpression of the late embryonic genesis abundant protein MGL3 improves the drought tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Chen Nannan , Gao Bai , Miao Ming , Zhao Yang , Liu Siyan , Guan Shuyan , Ma Yiyong
Published: April 2024

With the increasing severity of climate change, drought has become a global issue that seriously restricts the development and production of crops. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major food crops in the world. Therefore, the demand for drought‐tolerant maize varieties has been rapidly increasing in the market. Recent studies have found that late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are involved in plant responses to various osmotic stresses such as drought and salt stress. Thus, we hypothesized that LEA genes may provide similar stress tolerance abilities in maize. We isolated ZmMGL3 of the LEA gene family and developed transgenic maize plants overexpressing ZmMGL3 using Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Then, we conducted physiological and biochemical evaluations of the transgenic maize plants exposed to drought stress. Under drought stress (10% polyethylene glycol 6000), the transgenic maize plants showed improved germination rate, seed vigor, radicle length, root length at the seedling stage, and wilting degree after drought and rewatering compared to the wild‐type plants. The transgenic plants also accumulated more catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide radicals compared to the wild‐type plants. These results indicate that ZmMGL3 enhances drought resistance in maize plants by reducing the content of reactive oxygen species in the leaves and can be used as a candidate gene for the development of drought‐tolerant maize varieties.
Complete Degradation of Polyolefin Plastic Wastes to High‐Value Products
Authors: Chen Shaoqin , Hu Yun Hang
Published: April 2024

Plastic wastes continuously accumulate, causing critical environmental issues. It is urgent to develop efficient strategies to convert them to valuable products. Very recently, two novel approaches for plastic recycling were reported by Huber et al. (Science, 2023, 381, 660–666) and Liu et al. (Science, 2023, 381, 666–671), where polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics were converted into potentially valuable products, such as alcohols, aldehydes, surfactants, and detergents. The two processes achieved complete degradation, high selectivity of target products, as well as high values of products, showing economic feasibility for industrial scale‐up. These breakthroughs for plastic recycling are highlighted in this article.
ACOD1, rather than itaconate, facilitates p62‐mediated activation of Nrf2 in microglia post spinal cord contusion
Authors: Qian Zhanyang , Xia Mingjie , Zhao Tianyu , Li You , Li Guangshen , Zhang Yanan , Li Haijun , Yang Lei
Published: April 2024

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI)‐induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are crucial events causing neurological dysfunction. Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1) and its metabolite itaconate (Ita) inhibit inflammation and OS by promoting alkylation of Keap1 to induce Nrf2 expression; however, it is unclear whether there is another pathway regulating their effects in inflammation‐activated microglia after SCI.

Methods

Adult male C57BL/6 ACOD1−/− mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates were subjected to a moderate thoracic spinal cord contusion. The degree of neuroinflammation and OS in the injured spinal cord were assessed using qPCR, western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and trans‐well assay. We then employed immunoprecipitation‐western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐PCR, dual‐luciferase assay, and immunofluorescence‐confocal imaging to examine the molecular mechanisms of ACOD1. Finally, the locomotor function was evaluated with the Basso Mouse Scale and footprint assay.

Results

Both in vitro and in vivo, microglia with transcriptional blockage of ACOD1 exhibited more severe levels of neuroinflammation and OS, in which the expression of p62/Keap1/Nrf2 was down‐regulated. Furthermore, silencing ACOD1 exacerbated neurological dysfunction in SCI mice. Administration of exogenous Ita or 4‐octyl itaconate reduced p62 phosphorylation. Besides, ACOD1 was capable of interacting with phosphorylated p62 to enhance Nrf2 activation, which in turn further promoted transcription of ACOD1.

Conclusions

Here, we identified an unreported ACOD1‐p62‐Nrf2‐ACOD1 feedback loop exerting anti‐inflammatory and anti‐OS in inflammatory microglia, and demonstrated the neuroprotective role of ACOD1 after SCI, which was different from that of endogenous and exogenous Ita. The present study extends the functions of ACOD1 and uncovers marked property differences between endogenous and exogenous Ita.

Key points

ACOD1 attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress after spinal cord injury.

ACOD1, not itaconate, interacted with p‐p62 to facilitate Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation.

Nrf2 was capable of promoting ACOD1 transcription in microglia.
A lasso and random forest model using flow cytometry data identifies primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Ya‐Zhe , Chang Yan , Yuan Xiao‐Ying , Shi Wei‐Hua , Shi Hong‐Xia , Shen Jian‐Zhen , Liu Yan‐Rong
Published: April 2024

Thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), primary myelofibrosis (PMF), prefibrotic/early (pre‐PMF), and overt fibrotic PMF (overt PMF) are classical Philadelphia‐Negative (Ph‐negative) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Differentiating between these types based on morphology and molecular markers is challenging. This study aims to clarify the application of flow cytometry in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of classical MPNs. This study retrospectively analyzed the immunophenotypes, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings of 211 Ph‐negative MPN patients, including ET, PV, pre‐PMF, overt PMF, and 47 controls. Compared to ET and PV, PMF differed in white blood cells, hemoglobin, blast cells in the peripheral blood, abnormal karyotype, and WT1 gene expression. PMF also differed from controls in CD34+ cells, granulocyte phenotype, monocyte phenotype, percentage of plasma cells, and dendritic cells. Notably, the PMF group had a significantly lower plasma cell percentage compared with other groups. A lasso and random forest model select five variables (CD34+CD19+cells and CD34+CD38− cells on CD34+cells, CD13dim+CD11b− cells in granulocytes, CD38str+CD19+/−plasma, and CD123+HLA‐DR−basophils), which identify PMF with a sensitivity and specificity of 90%. Simultaneously, a classification and regression tree model was constructed using the percentage of CD34+CD38− on CD34+ cells and platelet counts to distinguish between ET and pre‐PMF, with accuracies of 94.3% and 83.9%, respectively. Flow immunophenotyping aids in diagnosing PMF and differentiating between ET and PV. It also helps distinguish pre‐PMF from ET and guides treatment decisions.
A novel DbneAlexnet with Gazelle Hunting Optimization Algorithm enabled wild animal detection in WMSN data communication in IoT environment
Authors: Rajaretnam Subraja , Yesodharan Varthamanan
Published: April 2024

The main goal of this strategy is to detect the occurrence of wild animals in farmsteads and human habitats using an improved deep learning in order to avoid loss of life and damage to agricultural crops. This paper formulates a technique for recognizing wild animals in an Internet of Things (IoT) environment utilizing deep batch normalized exponential linear unit AlexNet (DbneAlexnet) and the Gazelle Hunting Optimization Algorithm (GHOA). The IoT‐Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSN) network is first simulated, with the IoT nodes capturing the images needed for wild animal identification. The suggested GHOA is used for routing, which sends the captured images to the base station (BS). The input wild animal image is transmitted to image preprocessing at the BS, where it is processed using the Weiner filter (WF) to remove undesirable noise from the image. The denoised output is sent into salient map extraction, which extracts salient map to determine the regions that are conspicuous or noticeable at every place in the field of vision and guides the selection of attended location. Finally, the saliency map is forwarded to DbneAlexnet for detecting the wild animals, where the DbneAlexnet is trained using proposed GHOA. The suggested GHOA algorithm is created by combining the Gazelle Optimization Algorithm (GOA) and the deer hunting optimization algorithm (DHOA). Furthermore, detection is appraised by precision, recall, and f1‐score, which provide values of 90.2%, 89.1%, and 89.6%, respectively.
Analysis and emulation of proposed testbed for OFDMA 4G and 5G cellular networks
Authors: Chennamsetty Sneha , Boddu Subbarao
Published: April 2024

In order to investigate and analyze the behavior of 4G and 5G OFDMA cellular networks in real time, it is essential to have a real‐time testbed to emulate these cellular networks. We developed the experimental testbed in this work and proposed a real‐time approach to emulating these networks. We take real‐time measurements in indoor and outdoor environments. From the results, we say the proposed testbed can be used to identify the activity of spectrum occupancy of 4G and 5G cellular systems within a specified time, and one can also test their algorithm, protocols, and solutions using our developed testbed.
A tale of two end members: Tidal deposits in a semi‐arid, low subsidence, open coastal setting versus a high runoff, high subsidence, restricted environment
Authors: Wroblewski Anton F.‐J. , Steel Ronald J. , Morris Emma A. , Schueth Jon
Published: April 2024

Jurassic and Palaeocene tidal deposits of the epeiric Western Interior Sea in Wyoming, USA, differ significantly due to their contrasting climates and tectonic, geographic and depositional settings. Tidally generated, cross‐bedded sandstone bodies contained by incisions are common to both settings and can potentially be uncritically attributed to marine flooding of fluvial systems. Key differences in lithology, ichnology and relationships with surrounding sediment reveal fundamentally different depositional settings, however. The Jurassic system occupied a low accommodation, semi‐arid environment, with geographically open shorelines as relative sea‐level fell, creating an unconformable contact with the underlying, storm wave‐dominated shelf and shoreface deposits. Siliciclastic, intertidal flats formed adjacent to coastal aeolian and fluvial environments during brief turnarounds from the degradational (forced regressive) to aggradational and retrogradational (transgressive) system tract. Basinward of these environments, metre to decimetre‐scale cross‐bedded, bioclastic, subtidal compound dunes and tidal inlet complexes accumulated in areas of minimal clastic flux and within incisions created by submarine tidal currents. By contrast, the Palaeocene tidal systems formed in a high accommodation, subtropical setting, as rising sea levels forced the fluvial to marine transition zone landward and flooded coastal swamps, forming geographically irregular, back‐barrier complexes and tidally influenced fluvial systems. High volumes of siliciclastics, terrigenous organic material and freshwater were delivered by the rivers and created physicochemical stress on the marine embayments. Sandy tidal flat deposits accumulated in lagoons and interdistributary bays, but unlike the Jurassic examples, they do not mark a turnaround from the falling stage to the transgressive system tract. The potential preservation window for tidalites is significantly greater vertically in the aggradational to retrogradational setting than in the degradational system due to greater accommodation. The preservation window is vertically smaller, but areally greater in the Jurassic, forced regressive system because of basinward enhancement of tidal currents driven by complex palaeobathymetry caused by tectonic activity of local pre‐Laramide uplifts.
Enigmatic Nodal and Lefty gene repertoire discrepancy: Latent evolutionary history revealed by vertebrate‐wide phylogeny
Authors: Kuraku Shigehiro
Published: April 2024

Homology in vertebrate body plans is traditionally ascribed to the high‐level conservation of regulatory components within the genetic programs governing them, particularly during the “phylotypic stage.” However, advancements in embryology and molecular phylogeny have unveiled the dynamic nature of gene repertoires responsible for early development. Notably, the Nodal and Lefty genes, members of the transforming growth factor‐beta superfamily producing intercellular signaling molecules and crucial for left–right (L‐R) symmetry breaking, exhibit distinctive features within their gene repertoires. These features encompass among‐species gene repertoire variations resulting from gene gain and loss, as well as gene conversion. Despite their significance, these features have been largely unexplored in a phylogenetic context, but accumulating genome‐wide sequence information is allowing the scrutiny of these features. It has exposed hidden paralogy between Nodal1 and Nodal2 genes resulting from differential gene loss in amniotes. In parallel, the tandem cluster of Lefty1 and Lefty2 genes, which was thought to be confined to mammals, is observed in sharks and rays, with an unexpected phylogenetic pattern. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the origins of these vertebrate gene repertoires and proposes a revised nomenclature based on the elucidated history of vertebrate genome evolution.
Misapplied management makes matters worse: Spatially explicit control leverages biotic interactions to slow invasion
Authors: Howerton Emily , Langkilde Tracy , Shea Katriona
Published: April 2024

A wide range of approaches has been used to manage the spread of invasive species, yet invaders continue to be a challenge to control. In some cases, management actions have no effect or may even inadvertently benefit the targeted invader. Here, we use the mid‐20th century management of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, in the US as a motivating case study to explore the conditions under which such wasted management effort may occur. Introduced in approximately 1940, the fire ant spread widely through the southeast US and became a problematic pest. Historically, fire ants were managed with broad‐spectrum pesticides; unfortunately, these efforts were largely unsuccessful. One hypothesis suggests that, by also killing native ants, mass pesticide application reduced competitive burdens thereby enabling fire ants to invade more quickly than they would in the absence of management. We use a mechanistic competition model to demonstrate the landscape‐level effects of such management. We explicitly model the extent and location of pesticide applications, showing that the same pesticide application can have a positive, neutral, or negative effect on the progress of an invasion, depending on where it is applied on the landscape with respect to the invasion front. When designing management, the target species is often considered alone; however, this work suggests that leveraging existing biotic interactions, specifically competition with native species, can increase the efficacy of management. Our model not only highlights the potential unintended consequences of ignoring biotic interactions, but also provides a framework for developing spatially explicit management strategies that take advantage of these biotic interactions to work smarter, not harder.
Identifying potential cases of eating disorders in an acute medical hospital
Authors: Cheung Vivien Hui In , Christie Lauren J. , Maister Terri , Higgins Devlin , Williams David , Woods Nikki , Armstrong Melissa , Hart Susan
Published: April 2024

Objective

To identify patients presenting to an acute medical hospital with common signs and symptoms that occur in people with eating disorders (EDs), and determine by retrospective file audit if these are diagnosed cases of an ED.

Method

The investigators screened electronic medical records of people 16 years and older for common signs and symptoms of an ED such as hypokalemia, in patients presenting to an acute hospital in Sydney, Australia from 2018 to 2020. Cases where the clinical finding was unexplained had their file audited. Cases with a known ED diagnosis or coded with an ED were also retrieved to audit.

Results

Investigators identified 192 definite ED cases with a total of 598 episodes of care from 2018 to 2020 presenting to the hospital. Eighty‐three cases were identified as possible EDs due to unexplained clinical signs consistent with an ED, but were not confirmed cases due to lack of clinical history in the file. Only 19.1% of presentations were diagnostically coded with an ED in the electronic medical record.

Discussion

Our study revealed a large number of definite ED cases presenting to an acute medical hospital via the emergency department, who were not recognized as having an ED. Greater awareness of clinical signs and symptoms of an ED, such as unexplained low body mass index and hypokalemia, is necessary among acute care clinicians. Correctly identifying EDs in those seeking somatic care should be a public health priority, to facilitate timely and equitable access to diagnostic assessment and evidence based treatment.

Public significance

People with eating disorders (EDs) present to acute care settings and have a relatively high utilization of generalist health services with nonspecific problems such as abdominal pain. An enhanced understanding of healthcare utilization by people with EDs, who may not disclose their symptoms, is crucial for improving access to treatment.
New insights into morphological adaptation in common mole‐rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) along an aridity gradient
Authors: Merchant Hana N. , Portugal Steven J. , Bennett Nigel C. , Janse van Vuuren Andries K. , Faulkes Chris G. , Bowen James , Hart Daniel W.
Published: April 2024

Morphological adaptation is the change in the form of an organism that benefits the individual in its current habitat. Mole‐rats (family Bathyergidae), despite being subterranean, are impacted by both local and broad‐scale environmental conditions that occur above ground. Common mole‐rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) present an ideal mammalian model system for the study of morphological variation in response to ecology, as this species is found along an aridity gradient and thus can be sampled from geographically non‐overlapping populations of the same species along an environmental longitudinal cline. Using the mass of five internal organs, ten skeletal measurements and 3D morphometric analyses of skulls, we assessed the morphology of wild non‐breeding individuals from five common mole‐rat populations in South Africa. We found that the body mass and mean relative mass of the spleen and kidneys in arid populations was larger, and individuals from arid regions possessed shorter legs and larger inter‐shoulder widths compared to individuals from mesic regions. Additionally, arid populations demonstrated greater skull depth, and shape change of features such as angular processes of the lower jaw than mesic individuals, indicating that these distinct geographic populations show differences corresponding to the aridity gradient, potentially in response to environmental factors such as the variation in food sources found between different habitats, in addition to different soil compositions found in the different regions. Arid populations potentially require a stronger jaw and neck musculature associated with mastication to chew xeric‐adapted plants and to dig through hard soil types, whereas mesic populations excavate through soft, looser soil and may make use of their front limbs to aid the movement of soils when digging. Aridity influences the morphology of this species and could indicate the impact of environmental changes on speciation and mammalian skull morphology.
Synthetic and Structural Peculiarities of Neutral and Cationic Molybdenum Imido and Tungsten Oxo Alkylidene Complexes Bearing Weakly Coordinating N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Buchmeiser Michael R. , Wang Dongren , Schowner Roman , Stöhr Laura , Ziegler Felix , Sen Suman , Frey Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

The syntheses of the neutral molybdenum imido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of the general formula [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(NHC)XY] (Ar=2‐tBu‐C6H4, 2‐CF3‐C6H4, 2,6‐Me2‐C6H3, 2,6‐Cl2‐C6H3, adamantyl; X, Y=OTf, OC(CF3)3, OCH(CF3)2, OC6F5, SC6F5, 2,5‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)phen‐1‐yl) bearing electron‐withdrawing NHCs (1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dichloroimidazol‐2‐ylidene (IMeCl2), 1,3,4‐triphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene (TPT)) are reported. Complementary, the corresponding cationic molybdenum imido alkylidene NHC complexes of the general formula [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2R)(NHC)X+][B(ArF)4−/Al(OC(CF3)3)4−] (R=Me, Ph; B(ArF)4−=tetrakis (3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate) have been prepared. Aiming at tungsten oxo complexes, reaction of [W(O)Cl2(CHCMe2Ph)(PMe2Ph)2] with [1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dichloroimidazol‐2‐ylidene⋅AgI] (IMeCl2⋅AgI) followed by the addition of lithium terphenoxide yields [W(O)(CHCMe2Ph)(IMeCl2)(DPPO)2]. For comparison, [W(O)Cl(CHCMe2Ph)(IMes)(OSi(OtBu)3)] was prepared via reaction of [W(O)Cl2(CHCMe2Ph)(PMe2Ph)(IMes)] with KOSi(OtBu)3. [W(O)(CHCMe2Ph)(IMeCl2)(DPPO)(Et2O)+][B(ArF)4−] (DPPO=2,6‐diphenylphenoxide) became accessible via reaction of [W(O)(DPPO)2(CHCMe2Ph)(IMeCl2)] with anilinium B(ArF)4−. The structural peculiarities of selected complexes are reported. Benchmark ring‐closing metathesis and homometathesis reactions revealed that the neutral complexes bearing weakly coordinating NHCs such as IMeCl2 and TPT possessed only moderate activity, which could, however, be improved by preparing the corresponding cationic metal alkylidene complexes.
Novel food processing technologies for retaining nutrition of horticultural food products
Authors: Toy Joanne Yi Hui , Chin Fion Wei Lin , Zhang Linzixuan , Jing Linzhi , Yang Xin , Huang Dejian
Published: April 2024

With growing health awareness among consumers, the food industry faces the challenge of developing processing methods that ensure not only safety but also preservation of essential nutrients and attractive appearances. Due to intense competition in response to the rising market demand, innovative food processing technologies have been developed, particularly for horticultural food products. In this review, we present an overview of four recently established processing technologies, including high‐pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and ohmic heating. The pros and cons of each method are discussed in the context of detailed examples, connecting their design principles to real‐life applications. Collectively, these novel food processing technologies highlight the potential of improving food quality, reliability, and functionality in an era of the modern food industry.
Healthy eating index 2015 might be associated with migraine headaches: Results from a Case–Control study
Authors: Fotros Danial , Noormohammadi Morvarid , Togha Mansoureh , Ghorbani Zeinab , Hekmatdoost Azita , Rafiee Pegah , Torkan Zahra , Shirani Pedram , Ansari Hossein , Karami Ahmadreza , Khorsha Faezeh , Razeghi Jahromi Soodeh
Published: April 2024

Migraine headaches are the most prevalent disabling primary headaches, affecting individuals at an active age. Dietary interventions are considered low‐cost and practical approaches to migraine prophylaxis. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the association between adherence to the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI‐2015) and migraine headaches. The present case–control study was conducted on 476 newly diagnosed adults with migraine headaches, based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHDIII criteria(, and 512 healthy controls. Participants' dietary intakes were collected using a validated, 168‐item semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The association between HEI‐2015 and migraine headaches was assessed using logistic regression models. Although the trend was not statistically significant, being in the 4th quantile of the HEI‐2015 was associated with about 50% lower odds of migraine headaches in both primary (adjusted for age and gender) (odds ratios (OR): 0.51, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.33, 0.78) and fully adjusted models (additionally adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and total calories) (adjusted OR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.32, 0.77). Intriguingly, the odds of migraine headaches were significantly higher in those in the last quantile of “Total Fruits,” which is equal to more than 237 g per 1000 kcal (aOR: 2.96, 95%CI: 1.99, 4.41) and “Whole Fruits,” which is equal to more than 233 g per 1000 kcal (aOR: 2.90, 95%CI: 1.94, 4.31). Similarly, higher intakes of “Dairy,” which is equal to more than 138 g per 1000 kcal (aOR: 2.66, 95%CI: 1.71, 4.14), and “Total Protein Foods,” which is equal to more than 259 g per 1000 kcal (aOR: 2.41, 95%CI: 1.58, 3.70), were associated with higher odds of migraine headaches. The current study revealed an indirect association between HEI‐2015 and its components, including “Greens and Beans,” “Whole Grains,” “Refined Grains,” and “Added Sugars” and lower odds of migraine headaches.
Development and characterization of active packaging system based on zein nanofibers mat incorporated with geraniol‐loaded nanoliposomes
Authors: Gholizadeh Sara , Almasi Hadi , Amjadi Sajed , Moradi Mehran , Ghadiri Alamdari Nima , Salmasi Sorour , Divsalar Elahe
Published: April 2024

In recent years, development of biopolymeric nanofibers as an active biodegradable packaging system has attracted specific attention. The objective of this research was to develop zein‐based electrospun nanofibers (NFs) incorporated with geraniol‐loaded nanoliposomes (G‐loaded NLPs). Geraniol was encapsulated into NLPs with an efficiency of 79.23%. The particle size and zeta potential of G‐loaded NLPs were 121.50 nm and −38.30 mV, respectively. The successful loading of geraniol in the NLPs was approved by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The liposomal vesicles showed spherical shapes. G‐loaded NLPs were added in the zein‐based electrospun NFs at three different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1%w/v). All NFs samples exhibited fibrillar structure. The increase of NLPs concentration enhanced the thermal stability of the NFs. However, the crystalline structure of zein NFs did not change by the addition of G‐loaded NLPs. The highest surface hydrophobicity was related to the NFs containing 1% G‐loaded NLPs. The mechanical parameters of NFs depend on the concentration of NLPs. The NFs incorporated with G‐loaded NLPs showed inhibition activity against four foodborne pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium) with an inhibition zone of 4.5–22 mm. Moreover, the α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of NFs samples was located at the range of 20%–48%. These findings represent the Efficiency of the G‐loaded NLPs for use as bioactive compound in the zein‐based NFs as an active packaging material.
Sex classification from functional brain connectivity: Generalization to multiple datasets
Authors: Wiersch Lisa , Friedrich Patrick , Hamdan Sami , Komeyer Vera , Hoffstaedter Felix , Patil Kaustubh R. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Weis Susanne
Published: April 2024

Machine learning (ML) approaches are increasingly being applied to neuroimaging data. Studies in neuroscience typically have to rely on a limited set of training data which may impair the generalizability of ML models. However, it is still unclear which kind of training sample is best suited to optimize generalization performance. In the present study, we systematically investigated the generalization performance of sex classification models trained on the parcelwise connectivity profile of either single samples or compound samples of two different sizes. Generalization performance was quantified in terms of mean across‐sample classification accuracy and spatial consistency of accurately classifying parcels. Our results indicate that the generalization performance of parcelwise classifiers (pwCs) trained on single dataset samples is dependent on the specific test samples. Certain datasets seem to “match” in the sense that classifiers trained on a sample from one dataset achieved a high accuracy when tested on the respected other one and vice versa. The pwCs trained on the compound samples demonstrated overall highest generalization performance for all test samples, including one derived from a dataset not included in building the training samples. Thus, our results indicate that both a large sample size and a heterogeneous data composition of a training sample have a central role in achieving generalizable results.