bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Factors and Synovial Cell Types and States
Authors: Weisenfeld Dana , Zhang Fan , Donlin Laura , Jonsson Anna Helena , Apruzzese William , Campbell Debbie ,   Accelerating Medicines Partnership Program: RA/SLE Network, Rao Deepak A. , Wei Kevin , Holers V. Michael , Gravallese Ellen , Moreland Larry , Goodman Susan , Brenner Michael , Raychaudhuri Soumya , Filer Andrew , Anolik Jennifer , Bykerk Vivian , Liao Katherine P.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Recent studies have uncovered diverse cell types and states in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium; however, limited data exist correlating these findings with patient‐level clinical information. Using the largest cohort to date with clinical and multicell data, we determined associations between RA clinical factors with cell types and states in the RA synovium.

Methods

The Accelerated Medicines Partnership Rheumatoid Arthritis study recruited patients with active RA who were not receiving disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or who had an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. RA clinical factors were systematically collected. Biopsies were performed on an inflamed joint, and tissue were disaggregated and processed with a cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes sequencing pipeline from which the following cell type percentages and cell type abundance phenotypes (CTAPs) were derived: endothelial, fibroblast, and myeloid (EFM); fibroblasts; myeloid; T and B cells; T cells and fibroblasts (TF); and T and myeloid cells. Correlations were measured between RA clinical factors, cell type percentage, and CTAPs.

Results

We studied 72 patients (mean age 57 years, 75% women, 83% seropositive, mean RA duration 6.6 years, mean Disease Activity Score‐28 C‐reactive Protein 3 [DAS28‐CRP3] score 4.8). Higher DAS28‐CRP3 correlated with a higher T cell percentage (P < 0.01). Those receiving MTX and not a biologic DMARD (bDMARD) had a higher percentage of B cells versus those receiving no DMARDs (P < 0.01). Most of those receiving bDMARDs were categorized as EFM (57%), whereas none were TF. No significant difference was observed across CTAPs for age, sex, RA disease duration, or DAS28‐CRP3.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive screen of clinical factors, we observed differential associations between DMARDs and cell phenotypes, suggesting that RA therapies, more than other clinical factors, may impact cell type/state in the synovium and ultimately influence response to subsequent therapies.
Decreased functional concordance in male children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lu Huibin , Wang Sha , Xue Zaifa , Liu Jing , Niu Xiaoxia , Gao Le , Guo Xiaonan
Published: October 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early‐onset neurodevelopmental condition with altered function of the brain. At present, a variety of functional metrics from neuroimaging techniques have been used to explore ASD neurological mechanisms. However, the concordance of these functional metrics in ASD is still unclear. This study used resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, which were obtained from the open‐access Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange database, including 105 children with ASD and 102 demographically matched typically developing (TD) children. Both voxel‐wise and volume‐wise functional concordance were calculated by combining the dynamic amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations, dynamic regional homogeneity, and dynamic global signal correlation. Furthermore, a two‐sample t‐test was performed to compare the functional concordance between ASD and TD groups. Finally, the relationship between voxel‐wise functional concordance and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule subscores was analyzed using the multivariate support vector regression in the ASD group. Compared with the TD group, we found that ASD showed decreased voxel‐wise functional concordance in the left superior temporal pole (STGp), right amygdala, and left opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFGoper). Moreover, decreased functional concordance was associated with restricted and repetitive behaviors in ASD. Our results found altered brain function in the left STGp, right amygdala, and left IFGoper in ASD by functional concordance, indicating that functional concordance may provide new insights into the neurological mechanisms of ASD.
EMEMI: An interference‐free mini‐incubator with integrated electric and magnetic field exposure for real‐time microscopic imaging of field effects
Authors: Alizadeh Farhad , Saviz Mehrdad , Khoraminia Farbod , Talebipour Ali , Imani Rana , Shabani Iman
Published: October 2023

Uninterrupted microscopic observation and real‐time imaging of cell behavior during exposure to the stimulus, for example, electric and/or magnetic fields, especially for periods of several days, has been a challenge in experimental bioelectromagnetics due to a lack of proper gas/temperature conditions outside the incubator. Conventional mini‐incubators might suffer from stray fields produced by heating elements. We report an in vitro electric and magnetic fields (EMF) exposure system embedded inside a novel under‐the‐microscope mini‐CO2‐incubator with a unique design to avoid electromagnetic interference from the heating and circulation functions while ensuring the requisite temperature. A unique, reconfigurable array of electrodes and/or coils excited by calculated current distributions among array elements is designed to provide excellent field uniformity and controllable linear or circular polarization (even at very low frequencies) of the EMF within the cell culture. Using standard biochemical assays, long‐term cell viability has been verified and compared with a conventional incubator. Cell orientation/migration in three‐dimensional culture made of collagen‐hydrogels has been successfully observed in vitro, in long‐term, and in real‐time under the influence of DC electric fields with the device.
Recent advancements in bionanomaterial applications of peptide nucleic acid assemblies
Authors: Sarkar Srijani
Published: October 2023

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a unique combination of peptides and nucleic acids. PNA can exhibit hydrogen bonding interactions with complementary nucleobases like DNA/RNA. Also, its polyamide backbone allows easy incorporation of biomolecules like peptides and proteins to build hybrid molecular constructs. Because of chimeric structural properties, PNA has lots of potential to build diverse nanostructures. However, progress in the PNA material field is still immature compared with its massive applications in antisense oligonucleotide research. Examples of well‐defined molecular assemblies have been reported with PNA amphiphiles, self‐assembling guanine‐PNA monomers/dimers, and PNA‐decorated nucleic acids/ polymers/ peptides. All these works indicate the great potential of PNA to be used as bionanomaterials. The review summarizes the recent reports on PNA‐based nanostructures and their versatile applications. Additionally, this review shares a perspective to promote a better understanding of controlling molecular assembly by the systematic structural modifications of PNA monomers.
A cord of four strands: Perspective of pre‐medical and medical students on combined teaching modalities in undergraduate biochemistry
Authors: Andrews Simeon , Paul Pradipta , Chaari Ali
Published: October 2023

Despite being a traditional coursework for pre‐medical and medical students around the globe, biochemistry education suffers from a lack of positive appreciation due to the nature of the subject combined with deficiency of teaching modalities. A first semester biochemistry course was designed to include four different teaching modalities: lectures, recitations, case studies, and student presentations. A multi‐item, anonymous, and voluntary questionnaire was distributed to students who had just completed the course and to those who had taken it the previous year. The questionnaire asked students to evaluate the course and how the different modalities affected their learning. These questionnaires took place in a two‐year period between 2020 and 2021. Eighty‐six (46%) of 186 total students responded. The vast majority of respondents agreed with the use of multimodal teaching techniques with respect to its impact on overall preparedness for future coursework, understanding, and enjoyability. Lectures and recitations were found to be the most useful in information retention and learning, although the same were found to be less enjoyable than other modalities. Although case studies and presentations were found to be enjoyable, most students ranked them low in terms of information retention and were the most voted to be removed from the course. There was general agreement between premedical and medical students' perception on the usefulness of the multimodal teaching techniques with respect to medical biochemistry modules and standardized exams. The agreement between cohorts suggests the premedical students accurately evaluated the usefulness of the course for the following year and validates the usefulness of the premedical student surveys. Use of multiple modalities in biochemistry education can be of substantial benefit in engaging and preparing students for further education.
Corporate entrepreneurial leadership, resources, capabilities, and sustainable performance
Authors: Chaudhuri Ranjan , Chatterjee Sheshadri , Kamble Sachin , Gupta Shivam , Ndubisi Nelson Oly , Belhadi Amine
Published: October 2023

Corporate entrepreneurial leadership (CEL) plays a critical role in promoting innovative behavior that disrupts existing practices in organizations, to say the least, encouraging new policy initiatives that could affect the business and social performance of the organizations under their sustainable development goals (SDGs). CEL can help achieve SDGs by redesigning different contextual factors to help promote various policy initiatives. In this vein, this study identifies the factors which could improve the business and social performance of the organizations helping to achieve SDGs through an amalgam of theoretical lenses, particularly the dynamic capability view. Based on extant literature, we developed, validated, and applied a theoretical model using the partial least square structural equation modeling technique on data collected from 327 respondents from different organizations. The study found that CEL capability significantly and positively impacts the various organizational entities and resources, which in turn affects the business and social performance of the organizations. Theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are also discussed.
UPLC‐MS‐Based Metabolomics Profiling and Chemometric Analysis for Hypericum sinaicum Boiss and the Endophytic Aspergillus foetidus in Comparison to Hypericum perforatum L.
Authors: Sheashea Mohamed , El‐Hawary Seham , Ahmed Fatma A. , Salem Mohamed A. , Ezzat Marwa I.
Published: October 2023

One of the endangered plant species in Saint Catherine protectorate is Hypericum sinaicum Boiss which is endemic to Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The fungus‐host relationship can assist in the investigation of bioactive compounds produced by H. sinaicum paving the way for economic and medicinal implications. Therefore, a comprehensive metabolic approach via MS and chemical analysis was used to track and compare metabolites from H. sinaicum and Aspergillus foetidus var. pallidus, the endophytic fungus, with Hypericum perforatum. Metabolomics analysis revealed the presence of 25 metabolites distributed among samples and the discovery of new chemotaxonomic compounds, i. e., phloroglucinols and xanthones, allowing the discrimination between species. A. foetidus extract is considered a reliable source of furohyperforin and naphthodianthrone derivatives. In conclusion, using A. foetidus as an in vitro technique for producing potential phytoconstituents was cost effective, having easier optimization conditions and faster growth with fewer contamination rates than other in vitro methods.
The role of efferocytosis and transplant rejection: Strategies in promoting transplantation tolerance using apoptotic cell therapy and/or synthetic particles
Authors: Vafadar Asma , Vosough Parisa , Jahromi Hossein Kargar , Tajbakhsh Amir , Savardshtaki Amir , Butler Alexandra E. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2023

Recently, efforts have been made to recognize the precise reason(s) for transplant failure and the process of rejection utilizing the molecular signature. Most transplant recipients do not appreciate the unknown length of survival of allogeneic grafts with the existing standard of care. Two noteworthy immunological pathways occur during allogeneic transplant rejection. A nonspecific innate immune response predominates in the early stages of the immune reaction, and allogeneic antigens initiate a donor‐specific adaptive reaction. Though the adaptive response is the major cause of allograft rejection, earlier pro‐inflammatory responses that are part of the innate immune response are also regarded as significant in graft loss. The onset of the innate and adaptive immune response causes chronic and acute transplant rejection. Currently employed immunosuppressive medications have shown little or no influence on chronic rejection and, as a result, on overall long‐term transplant survival. Furthermore, long‐term pharmaceutical immunosuppression is associated with side effects, toxicity, and an increased risk of developing diseases, both infectious and metabolic. As a result, there is a need for the development of innovative donor‐specific immunosuppressive medications to regulate the allorecognition pathways that induce graft loss and to reduce the side effects of immunosuppression. Efferocytosis is an immunomodulatory mechanism with fast and efficient clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs). As such, AC therapy strategies have been suggested to limit transplant‐related sequelae. Efferocytosis‐based medicines/treatments can also decrease the use of immunosuppressive drugs and have no detrimental side effects. Thus, this review aims to investigate the impact of efferocytosis on transplant rejection/tolerance and identify approaches using AC clearance to increase transplant viability.
Curcumin promotes apoptosis of human melanoma cells by caspase 3
Authors: Manica Daiane , Silva Gilnei Bruno da , Silva Alana Patrícia da , Marafon Filomena , Maciel Sarah Franco Vieira de Oliveira , Bagatini Margarete Dulce , Moreno Marcelo
Published: October 2023

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a malignant neoplasm with a high metastatic rate that shows poor response to systemic treatments in patients with advanced stages. Recently, studies have highlighted the antineoplastic potential of natural compounds, such as polyphenols, in the adjuvant therapy context to treat CM. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of curcumin (0.1–100 µM) on the metastatic CM cell line SK‐MEL‐28. The cells were treated for 6 and 24 h with different concentrations of curcumin. Cell viability was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and fluorescence microscopy. The apoptotic‐inducing potential was detected by annexin V flow cytometry. The wound healing assay was used to verify cell migration after the curcumin exposition. The redox profile was evaluated by levels of the pro‐oxidant markers reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nitric oxide (NOx) and antioxidants of total thiols (PSH) and nonprotein thiols. The gene expression and enzymatic activity of caspase 3 were evaluated by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a sensitive fluorescence assay, respectively. Curcumin significantly decreased the cell viability of SK‐MEL‐28 cells at both exposure times. It also induced apoptosis at the highest concentration tested (p < .0001). SK‐MEL‐28 cell migration was inhibited by curcumin after treatment with 10 µM (p < .0001) and 100 µM (p < .0001) for 6 and 24 h (p = .0006 and p < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, curcumin significantly increased levels of ROS and NOx. Finally, curcumin was capable of increasing the gene expression at 10 µM (p = .0344) and 100 µM (p = .0067) and enzymatic activity at 10 µM (p = .0086) and 100 µM (p < .0001) of caspase 3 after 24 h. For the first time, we elucidated in our study that curcumin increases ROS levels, promoting oxidative stress that activates the caspase pathway and culminates in SK‐MEL‐28 metastatic CM cell death.
Auranofin sensitizes breast cancer cells to paclitaxel chemotherapy by disturbing the cellular redox system
Authors: Natarajan Deepika , Prasad N. Rajendra , Sudharsan M. , Bharathiraja Pradhapsingh , Lakra Deepa Swati
Published: October 2023

The intrinsic redox status of cancer cells limits the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Auranofin, a Food and Drug Administration‐approved gold‐containing compound, documented with effective pharmacokinetics and safety profiles in humans, has recently been repurposed for anticancer activity. This study examined the paclitaxel‐sensitizing effect of auranofin by targeting redox balance in the MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines. Auranofin treatment depletes the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and alters the redox ratio in the breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, it has been noticed that auranofin augmented paclitaxel‐mediated cytotoxicity in a concentration‐dependent manner in both MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cell lines. Moreover, auranofin increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (observed using 2, 7‐diacetyl dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining) and subsequently altered the mitochondrial membrane potential (rhodamine‐123 staining) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Further, the expression of apoptotic marker p21 was found to be higher in auranofin plus paclitaxel‐treated breast cancer cells compared to paclitaxel‐alone treatment. Thus, the present results illustrate the chemosensitizing property of auranofin in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines via oxidative metabolism. Therefore, auranofin could be considered a chemosensitizing agent during cancer chemotherapy.
Grain factors in food and feed that influence digestion and gut fermentation outcomes
Authors: Gidley Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Grains are typically the main component in both human diets and animal feed. The factors in grains that influence digestion and fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract are incompletely understood, limiting both product innovation and rational selection of grains for desired nutritional outcomes. This review summarizes the current understanding of the multiple mechanisms operating within the digestive tract of humans and monogastric production animals, with a focus on the effects of grains.

Findings

Molecular composition and residual cellular structures in grain‐based food and feed each have impacts on digestion and fermentation processes. There is a complex interplay between enzyme digestion rates, fermentation rates, and digesta transit processes in the gastrointestinal tract based on the material properties of grain foods/feeds and hormonal signals triggered by nutrient and fermentation product uptake. Opportunities for modulation of nutritional value in grain food and feed can be identified based on particle size, local molecular density, and hydration properties.

Conclusions

Many advances in understanding the factors in grains that influence enzyme digestion and gut microbial fermentation have been made recently. Current nutritional labeling based on molecular composition and not digestion or fermentation properties ignores the important role that residual grain cellular structure plays in both human and animal nutrition.

Significance and Novelty

By comparing the effects of grain‐based foods and feeds on gastrointestinal digestion, fermentation, and digesta transit, opportunities and challenges for addressing nutritional targets for human health and monogastric animal production through grain innovation are discussed.
An Unusual Macrocyclic Hexamer of an Iso‐Tellurazole N‐Oxide Featuring CTe…O Chalcogen Bonds is Formed by κ6‐O Complexation to Fe(II) and Ni(II)
Authors: Wang Jin , Ho Peter C. , Craig Matthew G. J. , Cevallos Alberto , Britten James F. , Vargas‐Baca Ignacio
Published: October 2023

Studies of the supramolecular chemistry of iso‐tellurazole N‐oxides have been confined to non‐polar media until now. To overcome that limitation, an iso‐tellurazole N‐oxide was derivatized with a primary alcohol group; the compound is soluble in polar solvents and stable in acidic to neutral aqueous media. Nickel (II) and iron (II) form macrocyclic complexes with six molecules of that iso‐tellurazole N‐oxide in a hitherto not‐observed macrocyclic arrangement defined by CTe⋅⋅⋅O chalcogen bonds and κ6‐O bound to the metal ion. This behaviour is in sharp contrast with the κn‐Te (n=1,2,4) complexes formed by soft metal ions.
Warum Kunststoffmedienleitungen nachhaltiger sind
Authors: Ardjomandi Cyrus
Published: October 2023

Die Batterieproduktion wird eine enorme Nachfrage an Kühl‐ und Heißwasseranwendungen mit sich bringen wird. Cyrus Ardjomandi, Business Development Manager mit Schwerpunkt Batterie Applikationen bei GF Piping Systems, legt im Interview dar, welche Energie und CO2‐Einsparpotenziale sich aus dem Einsatz von Kunststoffen in Medienleitungen sowie innovativen Verbindungs‐ und Automatisierungstechnologien in der Batterieproduktion ergeben.
Neue Denkansätze für mehr Energieeffizienz
Authors: Riegel Knut
Published: October 2023

Energieeffizienz, insbesondere resultierend aus der Vermeidung von Emissionen, bietet eines der größten Potenziale für Unternehmen, den steigenden Energiekosten zu begegnen. Die emissionskontrollierte Technologie (ECAT) für Stellantriebe, bietet zusätzlich zu allen vorhandenen Vorteilen eigenmediumgeführter Antriebstechnik signifikante Lösungen zur Vermeidung von Emissionen.
Sulfoglycolipids and Related Analogues of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Chemical Synthesis and Immunological Studies
Authors: Chiu Cheng‐Hsin , Tan Janet Jia‐Yin , Mondal Soumik , Lin Chun‐Hung , Mong Kwok‐Kong Tony
Published: October 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes tuberculosis as one major threat to human health, which has been deteriorated owing to the emerging multidrug resistance. Mtb contains a complex lipophilic cell wall structure that is important for bacterial persistence. Among the lipid components, sulfoglycolipids (SGLs), known to induce immune cell responses, are composed of a trehalose core attached with a conserved sulfate group and 1–4 fatty acyl chains in an asymmetric pattern. At least one of these acyl chains is polymethylated with 3–12 methyl branches. Although Mtb SGL can be isolated from bacterial culture, resulting SGL is still a homologous mixture, impeding accurate research studies. This up‐to‐date review covers the chemical synthesis and immunological studies of Mtb SGLs and structural analogues, with an emphasis on the development of new glycosylation methods and the asymmetric synthesis of polymethylated scaffolds. Both are critical to advance further research on biological functions of these complicated SGLs.
Effect of preoperative programmed death‐1 or programmed death ligand‐1 immune check point inhibition on complications after surgery for primary head and neck cancer
Authors: Philips Ramez , Alnemri Angela , Amin Dev , Patel Jena , Topf Michael C. , Johnson Jennifer M. , BarAd Voichita , Axelrod Rita , Argiris Athanassios , Fundakowski Christopher , Luginbuhl Adam J. , Cognetti David M. , Curry Joseph M.
Published: October 2023

Background

There is sparse literature on the effect of preoperative immunotherapy on complications after surgery for primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The objectives are to compare complication rates in patients receiving surgery with and without neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (nICI) for primary HNSCC and to evaluate factors associated with increased odds of surgical complications.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent ablation and free flap reconstruction or transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for primary HNSCC between 2017–2021 was conducted. Complications were compared between patients who underwent surgery with or without nICI before and after propensity score matching. Regression analysis to estimate odds ratios was performed.

Results

A total of 463 patients met inclusion criteria. Free flap reconstruction constituted 28.9% of patients and TORS constituted 71.1% of patients. nICI was administered in 83 of 463 (17.9%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical, medical, or overall complications between patients receiving surgery with or without nICI. In the unmatched cohort, multivariable model identified non‐White race, former/current smoking history, free flap surgery, and perineural invasion as factors significantly associated with increased complications. In the matched cohort, multivariable model identified advanced age and free flap surgery as factors significantly associated with increased complications.

Plain Language Summary

It is safe to give immunotherapy before major surgery in patients who have head and neck cancer.

Advanced age, non‐White race, current/former smoking, free flap surgery, and perineural invasion may be associated with increased the odds of surgical complications.
Sine‐kernel determinant on two large intervals
Authors: Fahs Benjamin , Krasovsky Igor
Published: October 2023

We consider the probability of two large gaps (intervals without eigenvalues) in the bulk scaling limit of the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble of random matrices. We determine the multiplicative constant in the asymptotics. We also provide the full explicit asymptotics (up to decreasing terms) for the transition between one and two large gaps.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Spike‐Shaped Zirconia Nanoparticles by Simple Co‐Precipitation Method for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Abhisek Kumar , Vhatkar Shashikant Shivaji , Mathew Helen Treasa , Oraon Ramesh
Published: October 2023

Present work reports on the synthesis of spike‐shaped Zirconia nanoparticles (S‐Zr NPs) by a simple co‐precipitation method for supercapacitors. Physico‐chemical properties viz. structural and morphological features of as‐synthesized S‐Zr NPs are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet‐Visible (UV–Vis), photoluminescence (PL), Raman,X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Field emmision scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. As‐synthesized S‐Zr NPs have an average length and diameter of below 250 and 50 nm, respectively. Rietveld analysis is also performed that reveals the presence of the monoclinic phase as the major phase (99.67%) along with the tetragonal phase. Electrochemical performance is measured by cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge profile, and impedance spectroscopy. S‐Zr NPs exhibit the maximum specific capacitance of 108.88 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in 1 M aq. KCl solution.
Comparative study of morphological, anatomical, cell wall compositional, and leaf elemental features of traffic‐tolerant versus traffic‐sensitive tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Authors: Donelan Thomas , Thoms Adam , Arora Rajeev , Tekeste Mehari Z. , Jjagwe Pius
Published: October 2023

Turfgrass traffic tolerance is essential for athletic field aesthetics and performance. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Scherb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus [Schreb.] Dumort., nom. cons.) is utilized on athletic fields due to its high tolerance to traffic stress. However, the physiochemical characteristics and mechanisms associated with traffic tolerance are not understood. Therefore, identifying traffic‐tolerant characteristics would be beneficial for selecting future turfgrass varieties. The objective of this study was to identify morphological, mechanical, and anatomical characteristics of traffic‐tolerant and traffic‐sensitive tall fescue varieties. Simulated traffic was applied to the 2018 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program tall fescue trial at the Iowa State Horticulture Research Station. A modified Baldree traffic simulator applied 24 simulated traffic events yearly during August and September 2019–2021. The four most traffic‐tolerant/traffic‐sensitive varieties, each, were selected based on the average final percent green cover after simulated traffic. Evaluations included leaf width and thickness, leaf angle, plant density, intercellular void space, and maximum and final resistive force of three‐point bending testing. Additionally, cell wall constituents, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, and concentration of three elements (nitrogen [N], calcium [Ca], potassium [K]) were quantified in the leaf. Compared to traffic‐sensitive varieties, the traffic‐tolerant group (SE5302, SE5STAR, BGR‐TF3, and PST‐5DART) exhibited wider leaves (3.53 vs. 2.73 mm), lower plant density (23.4 vs. 38.6 plants 7 cm−2), larger intercellular void space (29,532 vs. 10,051 μm2), greater maximum resistive force (0.607 vs. 0.350 N), and greater final displacement force (0.531 vs. 0.288 N). The identification of these characteristics could be used as selection criteria for traffic‐tolerant varieties of tall fescue in future.
Dosage response to reduced height‐1 (Rht‐1) loss‐of‐function mutations and characterization of slender phenotype in hexaploid wheat
Authors: Ugrin Josey M. , Hogg Andrew C. , Tracy Emma M. , Tillett Brandon J. , Cook Jason P. , Martin John M. , Giroux Michael J.
Published: October 2023

The reduced height (Rht‐1) genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are integral in controlling plant height. Previous studies in other plant species have demonstrated that loss‐of‐function mutations in their orthologous Rht‐1 genes results in plants with a slender phenotype illustrated by increased plant heights, sterility, and a constitutive gibberellic acid (GA3) response; however, this phenotype has not been described in wheat. In this study, nonsense alleles occurring in the GRAS domain of Rht‐A1, B1, and D1 were combined to create single, double, and triple Rht‐1 mutants. Homozygous lines possessing none, one, two, or three Rht‐1 stop mutations were grown in replicated field trials in three environments to assess agronomic traits. Germination tests to measure GA3 responsiveness and gene expression analysis via RNA‐seq were also performed. Rht‐1 triple mutants exhibited a slender phenotype characterized by rapid growth, elongated coleoptiles and internodes, elongated spikes, decreased tiller and spikelet number, and sterile heads. The presence of a single functional Rht‐1 gene resulted in a normal phenotype. Differences in plant height among the Rht‐1 double mutants, Rht‐1 single mutants, and Rht‐1 all wild‐type dosages trended toward increased plant height with increased Rht‐1 stop mutation dosage. Differences in Rht‐1 homeolog gene expression did not equate to differences in plant height between the different Rht‐1 stop mutations.
Coopetition relations, suppliers' effectuation, and manufacturers' green management: Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Liang , Liu Heng , Liu Sheng
Published: October 2023

The coopetition perspective proposes that a firm's value creation relies on its ability to manage both cooperation and competition in supply chains. Recent theorizing in green supply chain management suggests that critical sustainability management practices may be affected by the coopetition relations between manufacturers and suppliers. We extend to study the coopetition perspective by verifying whether coopetition relations between manufacturers and suppliers, such as coopetition, cognitive, and affective conflict caused by competition, and the combination between cooperation and cognitive/affective conflict, impact a firm's ability and motivation to implement green management (GM). Furthermore, the coopetition perspective suggests that the effects of coopetition relations between two parties are enhanced when the coopetition relations match the salient partner's characteristics, a phenomenon regarded as coopetition fit. As a test of this idea, we prove how the role of coopetition relations is differently influenced by one such partner's characteristics, that is, the supplier's decision‐making logic. Our findings indicate that coopetition relations between manufacturers and suppliers have different effects on manufacturing firms' GM. We also have evidence that these relationships are moderated by effectuation.
Assembling of a Water‐Soluble N^C^N‐Coordinated Pt(II) Complex Aggregate Assisted by Carbon Dioxide in Basic Aqueous Solution
Authors: Mita Hiroyuki , Hattori Shingo , Sasaki Toshiyuki , Takamizawa Satoshi , Shinozaki Kazuteru
Published: October 2023

We report an unprecedented result of self‐aggregation of [Pt(L1)Cl] (HL1=1,3‐di(5‐carboxy‐2‐pyridyl)benzene) triggered by CO2 in basic aqueous solution. The color of basic aqueous solution containing [Pt(L1)Cl] changes from yellow to blue‐green during the aggregation resulted from a reaction with CO2 in air. Upon CO2 gas bubbling, strong and broad absorption bands of aggregate assigned to the metal‐metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer transition appeared at 701 and 1152 nm. Recrystallization of [Pt(L1)Cl] from Na2CO3 aqueous solution afforded polymorphic crystals of red and blue‐green forms. A single X‐ray crystallography revealed that the red form of crystal consists of a Pt−Pt stacked dimer bridged by CO32− ion and one of the carboxy groups of L1 is deprotonated. An elemental analysis provided evidence that the blue‐green crystal is constructed by linear array consisting of the [Pt(L2)(CO3)]3− (HL2=1,3‐di(5‐carboxylate‐2‐pyridyl)benzene) units. The formation process of blue‐green aggregate in aqueous solution was monitored through a transient absorption spectrum, and the absorption of aggregates involved in the spectral change were examined by a global analysis. A singular value decomposition and kinetic analysis provide that there are four species resulted from the self‐assembling reaction in the solution and the maximal degree of aggregation is at least 32‐mer.
Copulatory mechanics of ghost spiders reveals a new self‐bracing mechanism in entelegyne spiders
Authors: Poy Dante , Piacentini Luis N. , Lin Shou‐Wang , Martínez Leonel A. , Ramírez Martín J. , Michalik Peter
Published: October 2023

Spiders evolved a distinctive sperm transfer system, with the male copulatory organs located on the tarsus of the pedipalps. In entelegyne spiders, these organs are usually very complex and consist of various sclerites that not only allow the transfer of the sperm themselves but also provide a mechanical interlock between the male and female genitalia. This interlocking can also involve elements that are not part of the copulatory organ such as the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA)—a characteristic of the most diverse group of spiders (RTA clade). The RTA is frequently used for primary locking i.e., the first mechanical engagement between male and female genitalia. Despite its functional importance, some diverse spider lineages have lost the RTA, but evolved an apophysis on the femur instead. It can be hypothesized that this femoral apophysis is a functional surrogate of the RTA during primary locking or possibly serves another function, such as self‐bracing, which involves mechanical interaction between male genital structures themselves to stabilize the inserted pedipalp. We tested these hypotheses using ghost spiders of the genus Josa (Anyphaenidae). Our micro‐computed tomography data of cryofixed mating pairs show that the primary locking occurs through elements of the copulatory organ itself and that the femoral apophysis does not contact the female genitalia, but hooks to a projection of the copulatory bulb, representing a newly documented self‐bracing mechanism for entelegyne spiders. Additionally, we show that the femoral self‐bracing apophysis is rather uniform within the genus Josa. This is in contrast to the male genital structures that interact with the female, indicating that the male genital structures of Josa are subject to different selective regimes.
Development and user evaluation for a robust character input support system for natural images of electricity reading slips
Authors: Igarashi Toshiharu , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Nihei Misato
Published: October 2023

Text input, which is essential for a variety of applications, is one of the most difficult operations for older people. So, we propose a prototype to automatically detect and input text from a natural image taken from a user's smartphone. For the evaluation of the system, 232 photo data taken by the actual people were prepared. When all data was processed on the server, the average processing time was less than 10 seconds, and the overall recognition rate was over 94%. For user study, 20 healthy older people aged 65 years or older were collected. And, after conducting a simulation with the conventional typing system, the prototype in this proposal was asked to be used. The time required to complete each work was recorded, and the usability was evaluated using System Usability Scale (SUS).

As a result, both the healthy older group and the MCI older group tended to shorten the task execution times and increase their SUS scores by using our application, compared to the conventional method. Also, comparing the SUS score with other Web applications, it is considered that usability is high as a prototype.
An Efficient Chemoenzymatic Route to Biologically Active Pyridinic Amines
Authors: Liz Ramón , Mejuto Martín , Rebolledo Francisca
Published: October 2023

Starting from the easily prepared 1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐ or 1‐(4‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)ethan‐1‐ones bearer of different substituents (cyclohexyl, phenyl, pyridin‐2‐yl) in the position 2, the corresponding primary pyridinic ethanamines have been synthesized in very high enantiomeric excesses (ee≥97 %). The strategy involves a highly enantioselective ketoreductase (KRED) catalyzed reduction, mesylation of the resulting optically active alcohol followed by nucleophilic substitution with azide anion and, finally, reduction of the azide function. Some of these pyridinic amines obtained in such manner are precursors of biologically active compounds such as Ontazolast.
Iron‐Catalyzed, Light‐Driven Decarboxylative Oxygenation
Authors: Innocent Milan , Lalande Gabin , Cam François , Aubineau Thomas , Guérinot Amandine
Published: October 2023

An iron‐catalyzed, visible light‐driven, dioxygen mediated decarboxylative oxygenation of carboxylic acids is disclosed. The catalytic system based on naturally existing Mohr salt and simple di(2‐picolyl)amine ligand is readily available and inexpensive. The applicability of the method was demonstrated through the efficient and selective synthesis of a range of ketones, aldehydes and amides including drug derivatives. Based on experimental investigations, a hypothetical mechanism was proposed.
CNN‐SCNet: A CNN net‐based deep learning framework for infant cry detection in household setting
Authors: Jahangir Raiyan
Published: October 2023

Infants are vulnerable to several health problems and cannot express their needs clearly. Whenever they are in a state of urgency and require immediate attention, they cry, which is a form of communication for them. Therefore, the parents of the infants always need to be alert and keep continuous supervision of their infants. However, parents cannot monitor their infants all the time. An infant monitoring system could be a possible solution to monitor the infants, determine when the infants are crying, and notify the parents immediately. Although many such systems are available, most cannot detect infant cries. Some systems have infant cry detection mechanisms, but those mechanisms are not very accurate in detecting infant cries because the mechanisms either include obsolete approaches or machine learning (ML) models that cannot identify infant cries from noisy household settings. To address this limitation, in this research, different conventional and hybrid ML models were developed and analyzed in detail to find out the best model for detecting infant cries in a household setting. A stacked classifier is proposed using different state‐of‐the‐art technologies, outperforming all other developed models. The proposed CNN‐SCNet's (CNN‐Stacked Classifier Network) precision, recall, and f1‐score were found to be 98.72%, 98.05%, and 98.39%, respectively. Infant monitoring systems can use this classifier to detect infant cries in noisy household settings.
Recent developments in porous metal chalcogenides for environmental remediation and sustainable energy
Authors: Ha Thanh Duy Cam , Lee Heehyeon , Vamvasakis Ioannis , Armatas Gerasimos S. , Oh Youngtak , Kim Myung‐Gil
Published: October 2023

Porous metal chalcogenides have emerged as promising materials for environmental remediation and sustainable energy generation. Their tunable optical band gap (from infrared to the visible range), highly polarizable surface, chemical activity, and adjustable structure make them attractive for various applications. This review summarizes the recent developments concerning the synthesis and characterization of multifunctional porous chalcogenide materials. It explores their remarkable potential in addressing environmental and energy challenges. Moreover, we discuss the several factors that affect the performance of porous metal chalcogenides, such as their microstructure, morphology, and chemical composition, to gain deeper insights into these materials. Finally, we highlight some of the key challenges and future research directions in the development of porous metal chalcogenides as effective and efficient materials for environmental remediation and sustainable energy generation.

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Vortex‐induced vibration effects in underwater acoustic wireless sensor networks
Authors: Reddy Tippireddy Srinivasa , Arya Rajeev
Published: October 2023

A randomly fluctuated vortex‐induced vibration (VIV) affects the localization of moving targets in an underwater acoustic wireless sensor network (UAWSN) to cause an offset time and time synchronization error which disturbs the localization of the non‐cooperative moving target. Definition 1, Theorem 1 has been introduced in the present work to describe the genesis and consequences of the VIV effect in UAWSN. An elliptic localization introduces the direct and indirect path measurements of the moving target. The standard Crammer Rao lower bound parameter quantifies the VIV effect. The compensation of vortex‐induced vibrations (CVV) algorithm is proposed to quantify the degradation of localization performance and to estimate the position of the moving target. The theoretical measurements of position error, velocity error with respect to the variation of noise, number of receiver sensors, and probability of line of sight errors are compared to the standard methods. The proposed CVV algorithm improves the localization performance by 32.24% and reduces 34.36% of position errors, and 37.46% of velocity errors up to 600 m. It can be useful for the sub‐aquatic internet of underwater things.
Decreased beta‐band activity in left supramarginal gyrus reflects cognitive decline: Evidence from a large clinical dataset in patients with dementia
Authors: Hoshi Hideyuki , Kobayashi Momoko , Hirata Yoko , Fukasawa Keisuke , Ichikawa Sayuri , Shigihara Yoshihito
Published: October 2023

Cognitive impairment is a major concern in clinical medicine. It is usually evaluated with neuropsychological assessments, which have inherent limitations. To compensate for them, magnetoencephalography has already come into clinical use to evaluate the level of cognitive impairment. It evaluates global changes in the frequency of resting‐state brain activity, which are associated with cognitive status. However, it remains unclear what neural mechanism causes the frequency changes. To understand this, it is important to identify cortical regions that mainly contribute to these changes. We retrospectively analysed the clinical records from 310 individuals with cognitive impairment who visited the outpatient department at our hospital. The analysis included resting‐state magnetoencephalography, neuropsychological assessment, and clinical diagnosis data. Regional oscillatory intensities were estimated from the magnetoencephalography data, which were statistically analysed, along with neuropsychological assessment scores, and the severity of cognitive impairment associated with clinical diagnosis. The regional oscillatory intensity covering a wide range of regions and frequencies was significantly associated with neuropsychological assessment scores and differed between healthy individuals and patients with cognitive impairment. However, these associations and differences in all conditions were overlapped by a single change in beta frequency in the left supramarginal gyrus. High frequency oscillatory intensity in the left supramarginal gyrus is associated with cognitive impairment levels among patients who were concerned about dementia. It provides new insights into cognitive status measurements using magnetoencephalography, which is expected to develop as an objective index to be used alongside traditional neuropsychological assessments.
Predicting the need for prophylactic gastrostomy in major head and neck cancer surgery: The PEG score
Authors: Sampieri Claudio , Costantino Andrea , Giordano Giorgio Gregory , Dalè Michael , Marchi Filippo , Iandelli Andrea , Filauro Marta , Parrinello Giampiero , Pace Gian Marco , Festa Bianca Maria , Spriano Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando , Peretti Giorgio
Published: October 2023

Background

To elaborate a preoperative score to predict the necessity of enteral nutrition at 28 days postoperatively in patients undergoing head and neck surgery.

Methods

A total of 424 patients with oral cavity, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal carcinoma were retrospectively enrolled and analyzed to identify preoperative predictors of prolonged postsurgical enteral feeding which were used to create a prediction model with an easy‐to‐use nomogram.

Results

Five preoperative variables (body mass index, previous radiotherapy, preoperative dysphagia, type of surgery, flap reconstruction) were found to be independent predictive factors and were used to create a prediction model named PEG score together with the related nomogram. Accuracy, F1, and the area under the curve (AUC) were 0.74, 0.83, and 0.74. Different decision thresholds can be used to vary the sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

The PEG score showed high prediction performances for modeling the need for enteral nutrition at 28 days postoperatively. Prospective studies are needed to define a personalized nutrition protocol.