bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cost‐effective enzyme kinetics and inhibition model for biochemistry education and research
Authors: VanDee Lauren , Teague Alyssa , East Taylor , Jacinto Kim Rhona , Carter Macie , Totty Jacey , Adams Paul D. , Muhoza Djamali
Published: June 2024

Enzyme kinetics and inhibition studies are crucial in biochemistry education and research. Conventional methods often require expensive equipment and reagents, potentially limiting their accessibility in limited resource settings. Our approach sought to develop a cost‐effective experimental design for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibition. Lactase was chosen as a protein model and its activity was investigated by measuring glucose production from lactose hydrolysis. In the study, commercially available lactase pills were used as an enzyme source, while milk was used as a substrate. Instead of scientific equipment, glucometers were used to measure lactase activity. Enzyme kinetics were evaluated using Michaelis–Menten and Lineweaver–Burk plots. In the study, the effects of temperature, pH, and inhibitors were also investigated. The results of our study aligned with established enzyme kinetics theories and previous studies. Lactase showed temperature and pH‐dependent activity, with decreased activity observed at both low and high extremes. Results also showed that galactose acts as a competitive inhibitor of lactase. The approach presented here offers a cost‐effective procedure for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibition. It can act as a valuable tool for educational purposes and for preliminary research in settings with limited resources.
Determinants of the intention to purchase sustainable beer: Do gender and type of sustainable solution matter?
Authors: Dangelico Rosa Maria , Fraccascia Luca , Strazzullo Serena
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to shed light on the determinants of sustainable products' purchase intention, with a focus on sustainable beer. Specifically, three determinants related to the theory of planned behavior (i.e., perceived consumer effectiveness, social influence, and environmental concern) and two determinants related to the perceived value (i.e., green perceived utility and perceived quality) have been investigated. Five categories of environmentally sustainable beer have been considered: three referred to the types of ingredients (organic, local, and Italian) and two to the type of packaging (recycled and biodegradable). Furthermore, the effect of gender has been investigated for all the five above‐mentioned sustainable solutions. A survey has been conducted on 790 Italian consumers and structural equation modeling (SEM) has been employed for hypothesis testing. Results show that perceived quality, green perceived utility, and environmental concern influence the purchase intention of sustainable beer, regardless of the specific type of sustainable solution. Further, results highlight that gender does moderate the relationship between perceived quality and purchase intention only for two types of sustainable solutions (local ingredients and recycled packaging). Several implications for scholars, companies, and policymakers are drawn from this study.
Future Roadmaps for the Treatment of Guinea Worm Disease: Progress in Synthetic and Green Approaches
Authors: Mohapatra Debasish , Donela V. V. Mounika , Kumari Yogita , Singh Iqubal
Published: June 2024

For decades, guinea worm disease, caused by the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis, has been a major public health concern, impacting vulnerable populations in Africa and Asia. This review gives an in‐depth examination of the various therapeutic approaches used to combat guinea worm disease. This study seeks to provide a current and evidence‐based summary of available treatment techniques by conducting an exhaustive examination of peer‐reviewed literature, medical databases, and official health organisation publications. The current review intends to contribute to the knowledge base and influence plans for guinea worm disease control and eradication by critically evaluating the success and obstacles associated with various treatment approaches through standard heterocyclic medications, herbal sources, phytochemicals, and nanomedicines. The importance of integrating community engagement and collaboration among national and international stakeholders is emphasised to foster sustainable solutions and ensure a collective effort towards a guinea worm‐free world.
Mechanistic Insight into Alkali‐Metal‐Mediation of Styrene Transfer Hydrogenation: A DFT Study
Authors: Byrne Keelan M. , Robertson Stuart D. , Mulvey Robert E. , Krämer Tobias
Published: June 2024

A computational mechanistic study was performed to investigate the transfer hydrogenation of styrene catalysed by a potassium tris‐hexamethyldisilazide magnesiate in the presence of 1,4‐cyclohexadiene. Exploiting cooperative effects between Mg and K centres present in this tris(amide) complex results in the selective formation of the desired product ethylbenzene. The calculations demonstrate the synergy of the metal centres within the bimetallic complex, since neither the monometallic potassium amide K(HMDS) nor the magnesium amide Mg(HMDS)2 on their own can efficiently execute this transformation under the experimental conditions. Several distinct mechanistic pathways have been explored, leading to the identification of the most plausible sequence in which both metal centres act in a synchronised manner.
Iodonium and Telluronium Triflates Serving as Noncovalent Organocatalysts Provide Catalytic Effect in the Schiff Condensation Due to Different Reasons
Authors: Putnin Ivan O. , Sysoeva Alexandra A. , Il'in Mikhail V. , Bolotin Dmitrii S.
Published: June 2024

Sulfonium, selenonium, telluronium triflates, as well as chloronium, bromonium, and iodonium triflates have been examined in the model Schiff condensation as chalcogen‐ and halogen bond donating organocatalysts, respectively. The kinetic data indicated that the catalytic effect of the telluronium salt is provided via the decrease of enthalpy of activation of the reaction, whereas the catalytic effect of the iodonium salt – unexpectedly – is caused by the decrease of the value of the entropy of activation. In addition, it was experimentally shown that the catalytic activity of sulfonium and selenonium salts is significantly lower than that of chloronium and bromonium salts, but the latter pair of species is significantly less stable under the reaction conditions than the former pair.
Harnessing Lignocellulosic Waste‐Derived Carbon Materials for Green Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Ramírez Álvaro , Muñoz‐Morales Martín , López‐Fernández Ester , Llanos Javier
Published: June 2024

Phytoremediation and constructed wetlands are widely employed processes for the decontamination of soils and waters. These sustainable, effective, and cost‐efficient technologies rely solely on the use of plants. However, the application of these processes results in the accumulation of lignocellulosic residues, like it occurs with natural wetlands, which present a significant challenge due to the potential entry into the food chain of the adsorbed pollutants or the risk of initiating uncontrolled fires due to the accumulation of dead biomass. Nevertheless, rather than being perceived as a drawback, this can be seen as a potential source of materials. Carbonaceous materials are gaining increasing significance in the field of electrochemistry, normally improving their features through some type of thermal treatment. In this study, different types of thermal treatments applied to lignocellulosic wastes are reviewed pointing out pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Additionally, four environmental and energy electrochemical applications where this type of waste has been used as precursors of electrode materials are briefly examined: energy storage (supercapacitors, Li−Na‐ion batteries), hydrogen production (H2), microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Recent research findings, as discussed throughout this review, suggest a promising future for the utilization of lignocellulosic waste in electrochemical applications.
Poly(PROXYL−Methacrylate) Polymer for High Redox Potential Organic Electrodes
Authors: Lingua Gabriele , Pastor‐Muñoz Laura , Sánchez‐Díez Eduardo , Mantione Daniele , Casado Nerea
Published: June 2024

Radical polymers are actively being investigated in different applications such as batteries. In order to store higher energy, radical polymers with high redox potential are searched. This work describes the synthesis of 2,2,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolin−N−oxyl methacrylate monomer (PROXYL−methacrylate) and its polymerization to get a PolyPROXYL−methacrylate (PPMA) by free radical polymerization. The structures of the monomer and the percentage of redox active groups of the polymer were determined by mean of NMR and UV‐Vis spectroscopy, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry of the novel redox polymer revealed a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 3.7 V vs Li+/Li stable at different scan rates, which was ascribed to the efficient swelling and insoluble properties of PPMA. The polyPROXYL−methacrylate polymer exhibits higher nominal redox potential than the reference radical polymer polyTEMPO−methacrylate (PTMA). Li−metal lab‐scale cells fabricated with the PPMA cathode active material performed at different C‐rates (up to 50 C) with reversible charge/discharge and a specific capacity output of 80 mAh g−1 at 1 C, along with 96 % capacity retention after more than 100 cycles. Finally, the comparison between PPMA and PTMA redox polymers evidenced the superior performances of the PROXYL with respect to TEMPO in terms of energy density and half‐wave potential.
The Unimolecular Decomposition Mechanism of Trimethyl Phosphate
Authors: Kanayama Keisuke , Nakamura Hisashi , Maruta Kaoru , Bodi Andras , Hemberger Patrick
Published: June 2024

Trimethyl phosphate (TMP), an organophosphorus compound (OPC), is a promising fire‐retardant candidate for lithium‐ion battery (LIB) electrolytes to mitigate fire spread. This study aims to understand the mechanism of TMP unimolecular thermal decomposition to support the integration of a TMP chemical kinetic model into a LIB electrolyte surrogate model. Reactive intermediates and products of TMP thermal decomposition were experimentally detected using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation and double imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence (i2PEPICO) spectroscopy. Phosphorus‐containing intermediates such as PO, HPO and HPO2 were identified. Sampling effects could successfully be obviated thanks to photoion imaging, which also showed evidence for isomerization reactions upon wall collisions in the ionization chamber. Quantum chemical calculations performed for the unimolecular decomposition of TMP revealed for the first time that isomerization channels via hydrogen and methyl transfer (barrier heights of 65.9 and 72.6 kcal/mol, respectively) are the lowest‐energy primary steps of TMP decomposition followed by CH3OH/CH3/CH2O or dimethyl ether (DME) production, respectively. We found an analogous DME production channel in the unimolecular decomposition of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), another important OPC fire‐retardant additive with a similar molecular structure to TMP, which are not included in currently available chemical kinetic models.
The Interplay between the Temperature and Pressure on the Reaction Pathways of the Prenol Oxidation by Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: Nascimento Joel Leitão , Junior Adalberto S. L. , Alves Tiago Vinicius
Published: June 2024

Despite prenol emerging as a next‐generation biofuel, some questions about its mechanism still need to be adequately proposed to rationalize its consumption and evaluate its efficiency in spark‐ignition (SI) engines. Here, we present new insights into the reaction mechanism of prenol (3‐methyl‐2‐buten‐1‐ol) with OH radicals as a function of temperature and pressure. We have determined that the different temperature and pressure conditions control the preferred products. At combustion temperatures and low pressures, OH‐addition adducts are suppressed, increasing the formation of α and δ allylic radicals responsible for the auto‐ignition.
Exploring the relationship between corporate ESG performance and corporate violation: Based on the fraud triangle theory
Authors: Wang Junjie , Chen Yan , Wang Sanfa
Published: June 2024

Enterprises should strive for sustainable development since it is a vital component of the economy. Sustainable development serves as a safeguard against elements that might negatively impact the future development of their companies. This article aims to explore the influence of corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on corporate violation using Chinese A‐share listed firms as a sample. We discover that corporate ESG performance considerably discourages corporate violation behavior, reducing the risk of corporate violations. Based on the fraud triangle theory, we also show that corporate ESG performance reduces the opportunity of corporate violations by improving information transparency, reduces the pressure of corporate violations by alleviating financing constraints, and reduces the rationalization of corporate violations by increasing media attention. By examining particular corporate violations, we document that corporate ESG performance is more effective for disclosure violations and general violations in corporate governance. Further analysis shows that corporate ESG performance has a considerable impact on companies in nonstate‐owned and small‐company subsamples. These results add to the literature and provide theoretical insights for governors, regulators, company executives, auditors, and other stakeholders.
Cytological diagnosis of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma with a unique pattern of D2‐40 immunoexpression
Authors: Emechebe Dokpe Y. , Dodd Leslie , Villalobos Alexander , Zhu Lee‐Ching
Published: June 2024

Fine needle aspiration procedure is routinely used for cytological diagnosis of nodal or extra nodal lesions. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm arising from follicular dendritic cells of lymphoid follicles at nodal and extranodal sites. Multimodal therapies have emerged for FDCS, necessitating its accurate pathologic diagnosis with additional ancillary testing for directing clinical management. By immunohistochemical analysis, FDCS is positive for the complement receptors CD21, CD23, and CD35. In addition, D2‐40 is reported to be highly sensitive for FDCS with a strong membranous pattern of expression. In this study, we present the cytological diagnosis of a case of FDCS in retroperitoneal lymph nodes with an emphasis on a unique staining pattern of D2‐40 which showed a strong nuclear pattern in tumor cells comparable to the membranous pattern of D2‐40 on the control tissue and other surgical cases of FDCS in our comparative study.
Sedimentology and palaeoenvironmental analysis of a karstic shallow carbonate lake (Early‐Middle Miocene, Sinj Basin, Croatia)
Authors: Vranjković Alan , Gierlowski‐Kordesch Elizabeth , de Leeuw Arjan , Mandic Oleg , Aljinović Dunja , Dragičević Ivan , Harzhauser Mathias , Kuiper Klaudia , Brčić Vlatko , Pavelić Davor
Published: June 2024

In the Early to Middle Miocene, the post‐orogenic intramontane lacustrine Sinj Basin that belonged to the Dinarides Lake System evolved in the area of the External Dinarides. A composite 770 m thick stratigraphic column was measured spanning the basin's stratigraphy. Eight facies were differentiated. Four facies are almost entirely composed of freshwater carbonate deposits. Carbonate facies are divided into calcareous mudstone, charophytic micritic limestone, calcisiltite and coquina facies. They are interpreted to belong to a prograding carbonate bench on a gently inclined lake margin. In addition, tuff/clays, carbonate conglomerate, carbonate breccia and coal were differentiated. The tuff/clays are the result of remote volcanic eruptions, while the coarse‐grained sediments belong to subaqueous shallow stream channels or were deposited by gravity flows. The coal at the top of the measured succession, mostly of allochthonous origin, was deposited as a fen forest peat, representing the final stage of the lake. The formation of the Sinj Basin might have been triggered by dissolution of Permo‐Triassic evaporites, within the mostly carbonate basement but also by breakdown and collapse of Mesozoic and Palaeogene carbonate rocks and coalescence of contiguous sinkholes. The non‐tectonic interpretation of the basin genesis is a novel hypothesis explaining the origin of one of the Dinarides intramontane basins and is in contrast to previous considerations that evolution of the Sinj Basin was controlled by strike‐slip or extensional tectonics.
Response of stomatal density and size in Betula ermanii to contrasting climate conditions: The contributions of genetic and environmental factors
Authors: Cai Yihan , Aihara Takaki , Araki Kyoko , Sarmah Ragini , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Hirota Mitsuru
Published: June 2024

As plant distribution and performance are determined by both environmental and genetic factors, clarifying the contribution of these two factors is a key for understanding plant adaptation and predicting their distribution under ongoing global warming. Betula ermanii is an ideal species for such research because of its wide distribution across diverse environments. Stomatal density and size are crucial traits that plants undergo changes in to adapt to different environments as these traits directly influence plant photosynthesis and transpiration. In this study, we conducted a multi‐location common garden experiment using B. ermanii to (1) clarify the contribution of both environmental and genetic factors to the variation in stomatal density and size of B. ermanii, (2) demonstrate the differences in the plasticity of stomatal density and size among B. ermanii populations, and (3) understand how stomatal density and size of B. ermanii would respond to increased temperature and changing precipitation patterns. Genetic factors played a more significant role in stomatal size than environmental factors, suggesting that B. ermanii struggles to adjust its stomatal size in response to a changing environment. Our results also revealed a positive correlation between stomatal size plasticity and original habitat suitability, indicating that in B. ermanii populations in harsh environments exhibit lower adaptability to environmental shifts. Although stomatal density and size of B. ermanii showed the significant responses to increased temperature and shifting precipitation patterns, the response ranges of stomatal density and size to the environmental factors varied among populations. Our findings highlighted the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in determining the intraspecific variation in stomatal density and size in B. ermanii. This indicated that certain populations of B. ermanii exhibit limited stomatal plasticity and adaptability, which could directly affect photosynthesis and transpiration, suggesting potential population‐specific fitness implications for B. ermanii under future climate change.
The spatial distribution of tree–tree interaction effects on soil microbial biomass and respiration
Authors: Christel Henriette , Bruelheide Helge , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico , Hähn Georg J. A. , Beugnon Rémy
Published: June 2024

The capacity of forests to sequester carbon in both above‐ and belowground compartments is a crucial tool to mitigate rising atmospheric carbon concentrations. Belowground carbon storage in forests is strongly linked to soil microbial communities that are the key drivers of soil heterotrophic respiration, organic matter decomposition and thus nutrient cycling. However, the relationships between tree diversity and soil microbial properties such as biomass and respiration remain unclear with inconsistent findings among studies. It is unknown so far how the spatial configuration and soil depth affect the relationship between tree richness and microbial properties. Here, we studied the spatial distribution of soil microbial properties in the context of a tree diversity experiment by measuring soil microbial biomass and respiration in subtropical forests (BEF‐China experiment). We sampled soil cores at two depths at five locations along a spatial transect between the trees in mono‐ and hetero‐specific tree pairs of the native deciduous species Liquidambar formosana and Sapindus saponaria. Our analyses showed decreasing soil microbial biomass and respiration with increasing soil depth and distance from the tree in mono‐specific tree pairs. We calculated belowground overyielding of soil microbial biomass and respiration – which is higher microbial biomass or respiration than expected from the monocultures – and analysed the distribution patterns along the transect. We found no general overyielding across all sampling positions and depths. Yet, we encountered a spatial pattern of microbial overyielding with a significant microbial overyielding close to L. formosana trees and microbial underyielding close to S. saponaria trees. We found similar spatial patterns across microbial properties and depths that only differed in the strength of their effects. Our results highlight the importance of small‐scale variations of tree–tree interaction effects on soil microbial communities and functions and are calling for better integration of within‐plot variability to understand biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships.
Systematic evaluation of the influence of Taq enzyme choice and amplification conditions on targeted environmental DNA assay performance and detection in field samples
Authors: Acharya‐Patel Neha , Groenwold Emma T. , Allison Michael J. , Helbing Caren C.
Published: June 2024

Targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) studies mainly rely on quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to amplify extremely low concentrations of DNA present in environmental samples. Understanding factors that influence targeted eDNA assay performance and detection in field samples, such as Taq DNA polymerase enzyme type and thermocycle protocol, is critical for the interpretation of qPCR results. We completed a systematic performance evaluation of five distinct targeted eDNA assays (eANFI6, eFISH1, eANBO5, eGLIN1, and eLICA3 targeting sablefish, general fish, Boreal toad, wood turtle, and the American bullfrog) by subjecting the same samples to analysis by five different Taq enzyme reagent mixes (Immolase, Environmental Master Mix (EMM), Amplitaq, QIAcuity, and QuantiNova) and the commonly used 2‐step (95°C, 60°C) and 3‐step (95°C, 64°C, 72°C) thermocycle protocols. We evaluated assay performance using a standardized dilution series of synthetic dsDNA target sequences and calculated limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) and 95% confidence intervals for each combination of Taq enzyme and thermocycle protocol. All assays performed within acceptable performance criteria as defined by the Canadian national standard for targeted eDNA assays. Based on data generated by synthetic dsDNA fragments, the eDNA assays performed comparably regardless of the enzyme reagent mix and protocol used, except for eANFI6 and eGLIN1 using EMM and the 3‐step protocol, where no amplification was observed. On freshwater field samples, EMM and Immolase performed best. On marine field samples, Immolase, EMM, Qiacuity, and QuantiNova performed equally well, although EMM failed to amplify some samples. The work reveals that an enzyme reaction mix or thermocycle protocol can affect the result of an eDNA assay, but the appropriate choice also depends on the nature of the field sample. It is therefore imperative that these are considered when selecting appropriate reaction conditions and that they are clearly reported.
C−H Bond Activation Facilitated by Nickel(II) Complexes Having Mighty Claws
Authors: Rajeev Anjana , Thomas Arnold Tharun , Das Athulya , Sankaralingam Muniyandi
Published: June 2024

Streamline synthesis of cyclic alcohols has been an enduring goal in synthetic chemistry. In this regard, a series of aminoquinoline‐based pincer ligands (L1(H)=2‐(dimethylamino)‐N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)acetamide, L2(H)=2‐(diethylamino)‐N‐(quinoline‐8‐yl)acetamide, L3(H)=2‐(dipropylamino)‐N‐(quinoline‐8‐yl)acetamide and L4(H)=2‐(dibutylamino)‐N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)acetamide)) and corresponding nickel(II) complexes of the type [Ni(L)Cl] (1–4) were synthesized and characterized using modern analytical techniques. Further, the catalytic activity of 1–4 was investigated for the oxidation of cyclohexane in the presence of different oxidants. All the catalysts showed substantial activity in the presence of m‐CPBA as the oxidant in DCM‐CH3CN (v/v, 3 : 1) solvent mixture at 60 ° C to yield cyclohexanol as the major product and cyclohexanone and caprolactone as the minor products. Under the optimised reaction conditions, catalytic activity was in the order 1 (936)>2 (892)>3 (835)>4 (785), which can be rationalized by the steric‐electronic properties of the respective ligands. Notably, with catalyst 1, we could achieve the highest TON (936) reported so far for cyclohexane oxidation using nickel(II) complexes having square planar geometry. The best catalyst, 1 was further used for the oxidation of other cycloalkanes and showed appreciable activity. The formation of chlorinated products in the reaction and product distribution pattern revealed that the oxidation is mediated majorly by 3‐chlorobenzoyloxy radical.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Antifungal Agent Voriconazole via Asymmetric Epoxidation of Tetrasubstituted (Z)‐Alkene
Authors: Peng Jiale , Li Ran , Li Zhuo , Tang Yu , Yang Jin‐Song , Xue Fei , Qin Yong
Published: June 2024

A concise asymmetric synthesis of triazole antifungal agent voriconazole is described. Salient features of this synthesis include a LiOH‐controlled highly stereospecific formation of (Z)‐enol triflate from 2‐difluorobenzene acetoacetate to access the crucial tetrasubstituted (Z)‐allylic alcohol, and a highly enantioselective VO(OiPr)3/BHA ligand‐catalyzed epoxidation to construct the critical contiguous carbon stereocenters in a single step.
Minimal influence of the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptives on performance in female rugby league athletes
Authors: Smith Ella S. , Weakley Jonathon , McKay Alannah K. A. , McCormick Rachel , Tee Nicolin , Kuikman Megan A. , Harris Rachel , Minahan Clare , Buxton Simon , Skinner Jessica , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Elliott‐Sale Kirsty J. , Stellingwerff Trent , Burke Louise M.
Published: June 2024

We examined performance across one menstrual cycle (MC) and 3 weeks of hormonal contraceptives (HC) use to identify whether known fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone/progestin are associated with functional performance changes. National Rugby League Indigenous Women's Academy athletes [n = 11 naturally menstruating (NM), n = 13 using HC] completed performance tests [countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), isometric mid‐thigh pull, 20 m sprint, power pass and Stroop test] during three phases of a MC or three weeks of HC usage, confirmed through ovulation tests alongside serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations. MC phase or HC use did not influence jump height, peak force, sprint time, distance thrown or Stroop effect. However, there were small variations in kinetic and kinematic CMJ/SJ outputs. NM athletes produced greater mean concentric power in MC phase four than one [+0.41 W·kg−1 (+16.8%), p = 0.021] during the CMJ, alongside greater impulse at 50 ms at phase one than four [+1.7 N·s (+4.7%), p = 0.031] during the SJ, without differences between tests for HC users. Among NM athletes, estradiol negatively correlated with mean velocity and power (r = −0.44 to −0.50, p < 0.047), progesterone positively correlated with contraction time (r = 0.45, p = 0.045), and both negatively correlated with the rate of force development and impulse (r = −0.45 to −0.64, p < 0.043) during the SJ. During the CMJ, estradiol positively correlated to 200 ms impulse (r = 0.45, p = 0.049) and progesterone to mean power (r = 0.51, p = 0.021). Evidence of changes in testing performance across a MC, or during active HC use, is insufficient to justify “phase‐based testing”; however, kinetic or kinematic outputs may be altered in NM athletes.
Sb‐Se‐based electrical switching device with fast transition speed and minimized performance degradation due to stable mid‐gap states
Authors: Mai Xianliang , Xu Qundao , Yang Zhe , Wang Huan , Liu Yongpeng , Shen Yinghua , Hu Hengyi , Xu Meng , Wang Zhongrui , Tong Hao , Wang Chengliang , Miao Xiangshui , Xu Ming
Published: June 2024

Chalcogenide glass has a unique volatile transition between high‐ and low‐resistance states under an electric field, a phenomenon termed ovonic threshold switching (OTS). This characteristic is extensively utilized in various electronic memory and computational devices, particularly as selectors for cross‐point memory architectures. Despite its advantages, the material is susceptible to glass relaxation, which can result in substantial drifts in threshold voltage and a decline in off‐current performance over successive operational cycles or long storage time. In this study, we introduce an OTS device made from stoichiometric Sb2Se3 glass, which retains an octahedral local structure within its amorphous matrix. This innovative material exhibits outstanding OTS capabilities, maintaining minimal degradation despite undergoing over 107 operating cycles. Via comprehensive first‐principles calculations, our findings indicate that the mid‐gap states in amorphous Sb2Se3 predominantly stem from the atomic chains characterized by heteropolar Sb‐Se bonds. These bonds exhibit remarkable stability, showing minimal alteration over time, thereby contributing to the overall durability and consistent performance of the material. Our findings not only shed light on the complex physical origins that govern the OTS behavior but also lay the groundwork for creating or optimizing innovative electrical switching materials.
Printable supercapacitors and their printing technologies: A review
Authors: Goswami Y. C. , Begzaad Sangar
Published: June 2024

The review on printable supercapacitors (SCs) and their printing technologies delves into the realm of energy storage devices, focusing on the advancements in SC technology and the role of printing techniques in their fabrication. The abstract highlights the key advantages of SCs over traditional batteries and the latest developments in materials and fabrication methods. Highlighting materials like graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes showcases their role in printable inks for SCs. Additive manufacturing techniques like inkjet printing enable precise electrode deposition, leading to high‐performance SCs with enhanced energy storage capabilities. The integration of printable SCs in portable electronics, wearable devices, and soft robotics demonstrates their versatility and impact across industries. Future research directions aim to optimize material formulations, enhance printing processes, and explore novel applications in emerging fields like IoT devices and smart textiles. Through a comprehensive analysis of research articles and studies, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of printable SCs to revolutionize the energy storage landscape.
Responses of soil microbiome to nitrogen input on eroded slope farmland in Southwest China
Authors: Zhao Guiru , An Tongxin , Fan Zhiwei , Wu Kaixian , Lv Kai , Zhou Feng , Wu Bozhi , Fullen Michael A.
Published: June 2024

Maintaining soil productivity and sustainability remains a challenge in the face of a changing global agricultural framework, which includes the primary threat of soil degradation in many regions. Although soil erosion contributes to land degradation, how reductions in fertiliser nitrogen (N) affect erosion and soil microbial communities in sloped farmland remains unclear. In this study, effects of reductions in fertiliser N from 300 kg ha−1 (N1) to 225 kg ha−1 (N2), 150 kg ha−1 (N3), and 75 kg ha−1 (N4) on runoff, sediment yield and microbial community structure were evaluated in 12 maize farmlands with a 10° slope in Southwest China. Soil chemical properties were analyzed, and bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS1 were sequenced from extracted DNA. Runoff and sediment yield in maize were significantly lower in N1 and N2 than in N3 and N4 (p < 0.05). The microbial diversity was higher in N1 and N2 than in N3 and N4. The severe erosion associated with reductions in N input resulted in significant decreases in abundances of the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, and Nitrospirae and fungal phyla Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Olpidiomycota. By contrast, abundances of the phyla Acidobacteria (bacteria) and Ascomycota and Glomeromycota (fungi) increased significantly with severe erosion. Distance‐based redundancy analysis indicated that cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and nitrate strongly influenced structure of bacterial and fungal communities. Reductions >25% in N fertiliser (N3 and N4) did not meet crop N requirements, and because of the reduction in surface coverage, soil erosion was exacerbated, and soil fertility and diversity and complexity of microbial communities decreased. The results elucidated effects of N input on soil erosion and soil microbiomes in a sloped agroecosystem with the aim to rehabilitate or restore degraded land and increase sustainable agriculture development.
Quantitative analyses of major enzyme activities in postharvest fruit
Authors: Li Shucheng , Zheng Yi , Li Meiling , Zeng Lingzhen , Sang Yueying , Liu Qingqing , Zhang Huili , Lin Hetong , Fan Zhongqi
Published: June 2024

The quantitative determination of major enzyme activities in postharvest fruit is a necessary biochemical experiment to investigate the physiological and metabolic mechanisms of fruit ripeness, senescence, and stress responses. However, it is necessary to choose appropriate methods to stably extract and determine target analytes from complex plant matrices due to the dynamic changes in enzyme activities of postharvest fruit during storage. Here, we outline sensitive and accurate methods for measuring fruit enzyme activities associated with key physiological processes including respiration, reactive oxygen species scavenging, membrane lipid degradation, energy synthesis, cell walls degradation, and disease resistance. This manuscript aims to provide guidance for future research in postharvest biology.
Functional dissociation of the language network and other cognition in early childhood
Authors: Hiersche K. J. , Schettini E. , Li J. , Saygin Z. M.
Published: June 2024

Is language distinct from other cognition during development? Does neural machinery for language emerge from general‐purpose neural mechanisms, becoming tuned for language after years of experience and maturation? Answering these questions will shed light on the origins of domain‐specificity in the brain. We address these questions using precision fMRI, scanning young children (35 months to 9 years of age) on an auditory language localizer, spatial working memory localizer (engaging the domain‐general multiple demand [MD] network), and a resting‐state scan. We create subject‐specific functional regions of interest for each network and examine their selectivity, specificity, and functional connectivity. We find young children show domain‐specific, left‐lateralized language activation, and that the language network is not responsive to domain‐general cognitive load. Additionally, the cortically adjacent MD network is selective to cognitive load, but not to language. These networks show higher within versus between‐network functional connectivity. This connectivity is stable across ages (examined cross‐sectionally and longitudinally), whereas language responses increase with age and across time within subject, reflecting a domain‐specific developmental change. Overall, we provide evidence for a double dissociation of the language and MD network throughout development, in both their function and connectivity. These findings suggest that domain‐specificity, even for uniquely human cognition like language, develops early and distinctly from mechanisms that presumably support other human cognition.
The effects of an unconditional cash transfer on parents' mental health in the United States
Authors: Pignatti Clemente , Parolin Zachary
Published: June 2024

The provision of unconditional cash transfers may be one effective policy strategy for improving mental health, but causal evidence on their efficacy is rare in high‐income countries. This study investigates the mental health consequences of the 2021 child tax credit (CTC) expansion, which temporarily provided unconditional and monthly cash support to most families with children in the United States. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we exploit differences in CTC benefit levels for households with younger versus older children. More generous CTC transfers are associated with a decrease in the number of bad mental health days reported by the parents. The effect materializes after the third monthly payment and disappears when the benefits are withdrawn. The CTC's improvement of mental health is larger for more credit‐constrained individuals, including low‐income households, women, and younger respondents.
Feasibility of the enhanced neuromuscular blockade recovery protocol with selective use of sugammadex in thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring
Authors: Yang Shuwen , Sun Zhirong , Zhou Changming , Wei Wenjun , Qu Ning , Shi Rongliang , Ma Ben , Xu Weibo , Ji Qinhai , Zhang Jun , Wang Yu
Published: June 2024

Background

To investigate feasibility of utilizing enhanced neuromuscular blocking agents with selective recovery protocol during thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM).

Methods

Two‐hundred and ninety patients were randomized into two groups: group A 0.3 mg/kg rocuronium and group B 0.6 mg/kg. Sugammadex 2 mg/kg was injected if needed followed initial vagal stimulation (V0). Electromyography signals from vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves before and after resection were recorded as V1, V2, R1, and R2.

Results

In group B, 30 patients (20.7%) had V0 signals <100 μV, compared to 9 (6.2%) in group A. After sugammadex administration, 144 patients (99.3%) in both groups achieved positive V1 signals. Group B demonstrated a shorter surgical time from rocuronium injection to V2 stimulation compared to group A, accompanied by a significantly lower incidence of intraoperative body movement (0 vs. 16 patients).

Conclusions

0.6 mg/kg rocuronium with selective use 2 mg/kg sugammadex for IONM in thyroid surgery can meet both anesthesia and surgery demands.
A pretreatment multiparametric MRI‐based radiomics‐clinical machine learning model for predicting radiation‐induced temporal lobe injury in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Li , Qiu Ting , Zhou Jiawei , Zhu Yinsu , Sun Baozhou , Yang Guanyu , Huang Shengfu , Wu Lirong , He Xia
Published: June 2024

Background

To establish and validate a machine learning model using pretreatment multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging‐based radiomics data with clinical data to predict radiation‐induced temporal lobe injury (RTLI) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods

Data from 230 patients with NPC who received IMRT (130 with RTLI and 130 without) were randomly divided into the training (n = 161) and validation cohort (n = 69) with a ratio of 7:3. Radiomics features were extracted from pretreatment apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), and CE‐T1‐weighted imaging (CE‐T1WI). T‐test, spearman rank correlation, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were employed to identify significant radiomics features. Clinical features were selected with univariate and multivariate analyses. Radiomics and clinical models were constructed using multiple machine learning classifiers, and a clinical‐radiomics nomogram that combined clinical with radiomics features was developed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were drawn to compare and verify the predictive performances of the clinical model, radiomics model, and clinical‐radiomics nomogram.

Results

A total of 5064 radiomics features were extracted, from which 52 radiomics features were selected to construct the radiomics signature. The AUC of the radiomics signature based on multiparametric MRI was 0.980 in the training cohort and 0.969 in the validation cohort, outperforming the radiomics signature only based on T2WI and CE‐T1WI (p < 0.05), which highlighted the significance of the DWI sequence in the prediction of temporal lobe injury. The area under the curve (AUC) of the clinical model was 0.895 in the training cohort and 0.905 in the validation cohort. The nomogram, which integrated radiomics and clinical features, demonstrated an impressive AUC value of 0.984 in the validation set; however, no statistically significant difference was observed compared to the radiomics model. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis of the nomogram demonstrated excellent predictive performance and clinical feasibility.

Conclusions

The clinical‐radiomics nomogram, integrating clinical features with radiomics features derived from pretreatment multiparametric MRI, exhibits compelling predictive performance for RTLI in patients diagnosed with NPC.
Test‐set results can predict participants' development in breast‐screen cancer detection: An observational cohort study
Authors: Qenam Basel A. , Li Tong , Alshabibi Abdulaziz , Frazer Helen , Ekpo Ernest , Brennan Patrick
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Test‐sets are standardized assessments used to evaluate reader performance in breast screening. Understanding how test‐set results affect real‐world performance can help refine their use as a quality improvement tool. The aim of this study is to explore if mammographic test‐set results could identify breast‐screening readers who improved their cancer detection in association with test‐set training.

Methods

Test‐set results of 41 participants were linked to their annual cancer detection rate change in two periods oriented around their first test‐set participation year. Correlation tests and a multiple linear regression model investigated the relationship between each metric in the test‐set results and the change in detection rates. Additionally, participants were divided based on their improvement status between the two periods, and Mann–Whitney U test was used to determine if the subgroups differed in their test‐set metrics.

Results

Test‐set records indicated multiple significant correlations with the change in breast cancer detection rate: a moderate positive correlation with sensitivity (0.688, p < 0.001), a moderate negative correlation with specificity (−0.528, p < 0.001), and a low to moderate positive correlation with lesion sensitivity (0.469, p = 0.002), and the number of years screen‐reading mammograms (0.365, p = 0.02). In addition, the overall regression was statistically significant (F (2,38) = 18.456 p < 0.001), with an R² of 0.493 (adjusted R² = 0.466) based on sensitivity (F = 27.132, p < 0.001) and specificity (F = 9.78, p = 0.003). Subgrouping the cohort based on the change in cancer detection indicated that the improved group is significantly higher in sensitivity (p < 0.001) and lesion sensitivity (p = 0.02) but lower in specificity (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Sensitivity and specificity are the strongest test‐set performance measures to predict the change in breast cancer detection in real‐world breast screening settings following test‐set participation.
Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS coinfection in patients attending Directly Observed Treatment Short‐course (DOTS) centers in Anambra State, Nigeria: A retrospective study
Authors: Okeke Monique , Eze Peter M. , Chukwudebelu Adaeze E. , Nwankwo Chidiebere J. , Eze Nchekwube K. , Okafor Uchenna U. , Abonyi Isaiah C. , Okereke Eric E. , Obasi Kalu O. , Ede Okorie A. , Ejikeugwu Chika P. , Ilo Cajetan I. , Okafor Jerome O.
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim(S)

This study retrospectively assessed the prevalence of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS coinfection among patients that attended the Directly Observed Treatment Short‐course (DOTS) centers in Anambra State, Southeast, Nigeria, between 2013 and 2017.

Methods

The study adopted a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological survey design. A total of 1443 case files of patients aged 15−60 who were treated in DOTS centers selected from Anambra State's 21 Local Government Areas between 2013 and 2017 were investigated. The uniform data form, a standardized instrument used in Anambra State's health facilities for data collection, was used to collect data from case files of all those identified as coinfected with TB and HIV/AIDS.

Results

The mean prevalence rate of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection in the state during the 5‐year period (2013–2017) was 20.00%. The highest annual prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection was recorded in 2014 (23.84%). The state's prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection increased dramatically from 13.17% in 2013 to 23.84% in 2014, followed by a slight downward trend to 22.80% in 2015, 20.17% in 2016, and 20.03% in 2017. In terms of gender, age, marital status, and occupation, females (59.5%), those aged 15 to 25 years (30.7%), married people (43.90%), and traders/business owners (50.7%), respectively, had the highest rates of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS coinfection during the study period.

Conclusion

The findings of this study show that young people, females, married people, and traders/business owners appear to be the most vulnerable groups affected by TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection, accounting for the majority of the disease burden in the state. To address the high prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection in the Anambra State, novel intervention and control programs should be developed and implemented, and existing intervention frameworks should be strengthened.
Effectiveness of stormwater control measures in protecting stream channel stability
Authors: Khan Sami Towsif , Wynn‐Thompson Theresa , Sample David , Al‐Smadi Mohammad , Behrouz Mina Shahed , Miller Andrew J.
Published: June 2024

While research on the hydrologic impact of different types of stormwater control measures (SCMs) is extensive, little research exists linking urbanization, widespread implementation of SCMs and channel stability in headwater streams. This study evaluated whether the unified stormwater sizing criteria (USSC) regulations in the state of Maryland, USA, which require the use of both end‐of‐pipe and distributed, small‐scale SCMs, protect channel stability. To achieve this goal, a coupled hierarchical modelling approach utilizing the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and the Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System 6.3 (HEC‐RAS) was developed to predict changes in streamflow and sediment transport dynamics in a first‐order gravel‐bed, riffle‐pool channel. Storm event discretization revealed that 88% of observed storm events during the 16 years (2004–2020) had durations less than 18 h and that the greatest peak flows resulted from storm events with durations less than 24 h. HEC‐RAS simulation results also showed that both channel degradation and aggradation, as high as 1.2 m, will likely occur due to regulations which require the use of 24 h duration design storms with a target stormwater detention time rather than bed material sediment transport limits. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between SCM practises, flow regimes and sediment transport dynamics in heavily urbanized watersheds. It is recommended that SCMs be designed using a continuous simulation model with at least 10 years of continuous rainfall data. Furthermore, to protect channel stability, the SCM design goal should focus on maintaining pre‐development sediment transport regimes across a range of flows.