bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Synthesis of Thioglycosylated Monolignol Dual Probes for Bioimaging of Lignin Biosynthesis
Authors: Simon Clémence , Zhu Mingxiang , Lion Cédric , Spriet Corentin , Hemry Maxence , Neutelings Godfrey , Messaoudi Samir , Biot Christophe
Published: December 2024

Lignin biosynthesis is a critical process that underpins plant structural integrity and defenses. Central to this pathway are monolignol glucosides (MLGs), whose role as intermediates remains debated. To elucidate MLGs’ involvement, we developed thioglycosylated monolignol probes compatible with click chemistry for in situ visualization of lignin biosynthesis. Using a highly selective Buchwald–Hartwig–Migita cross‐coupling approach, these probes incorporate glycosyl thiols into MLGs, creating stable thioacetal bonds to enhance both metabolic stability and tracking precision. The unique chemistry of these probes allows for incorporation within the lignification pathway, enabling specific visualization of MLG involvement in lignin formation. The probes are compatible with bioorthogonal chemistry labeling and confocal microscopy, allowing detailed tracking of MLG transport, storage, and incorporation into cell walls. Our findings provide new insights into lignification dynamics, underscoring the metabolic roles of MLGs and demonstrating their potential as metabolic intermediates in lignin polymerization. This approach offers a novel chemical biology toolset to dissect plant cell wall biosynthesis and will help elucidatethe molecular roles of MLGs in the context of plant biochemistry and resilience.
Mandatory disclosure of standardized sustainability metrics: The case of the EU Taxonomy Regulation
Authors: Nipper Marvin , Ostermaier Andreas , Theis Jochen
Published: November 2024

The European Union's Taxonomy Regulation establishes standardized sustainability metrics and makes disclosure mandatory for many companies, aiming to channel investment into sustainable business. These metrics compete with voluntary third‐party sustainability ratings in influencing investors. Using an online vignette study, we examine how green revenue, as an exemplary standardized metric, interacts with a traditional third‐party rating to influence investors. We find that green revenue influences investors, but sustainability ratings have an incremental effect, both if green revenue is low and if it is high. Hence, sustainability ratings remain relevant for companies and investors. Our findings contribute to the literature on real effects of reporting regulation and have important implications for mangers and regulators.
Rigid Plastic‐Free Fibreboards Made from “Hairy” Cellulose Fibres and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch
Authors: Smaradhana Dharu Feby , Freire Ordóñez Diego , Lee Koon‐Yang
Published: December 2024

Empty fruit bunch (EFB), an abundant lignocellulosic residue from the palm oil milling process, is typically discarded on open land or used as mulch. In this work, a simple method that mimics a papermaking process, was developed to upcycle EFB into higher value fibreboard without the need for any polymeric binders. The cellulose network from pulp fibres was utilised to hold the otherwise loose EFB fibres together to produce a rigid EFB fibreboard. Mechanical refinement was performed using a re‐circulating colloid mill to improve the binding performance of the cellulose fibres . EFB fibreboard containing 30 wt.% of 30 min refined “hairy” cellulose fibres possessed a flexural modulus of ~2.9 GPa and strength of ~22 MPa, comparable to commercial particleboard (PB) and medium density fibreboard (MDF). A lifecycle analysis (LCA) model using ReCiPe 2016 method and Ecoinvent database was used to compare the environmental impact of the EFB fibreboard and MDF production. The results show that the EFB fibreboard possessed a lower environmental impact on global warming potential and the various end‐point impact categories compared to MDF. This work unveils new opportunities to convert palm oil waste into all‐lignocellulosic fibreboard, moving away from traditional practices which align with the concept of a circular bioeconomy.
Improving the Biopharmaceutical Properties of Cannabinoids in Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapy With Nanotechnology: A Drug Delivery Perspective
Authors: Walker Stephanie B. , Duarte Jonatas L. , Di Filippo Leonardo D. , Chorilli Marlus
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent primary brain tumor in adults and is known for its rapid proliferation and infiltrative nature. Current therapeutic strategies include surgical resection followed by radio‐ and chemotherapy. Still, they are hindered by GBM biological characteristics and physical‐chemical properties of chemotherapeutic drugs, leading to limited efficacy and poor prognosis. Cannabinoids have emerged as potential anti‐GBM agents, exhibiting antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and antiproliferative effects. However, their hydrophobicity and poor oral bioavailability pose significant challenges for clinical applications. This study evaluates the potential of nanocarriers in enhancing the solubility and targeted delivery of cannabinoids for GBM therapy. The innovative combination of nanotechnology with cannabinoid‐based treatment offers a promising strategy to improve therapeutic outcomes. We addressed the application of nanocarriers to deliver cannabinoids, which can enhance passage across the blood‐brain barrier and enable targeted therapy. Studies demonstrate the potential of nanocarriers in improving solubility, stability, and controlled release of cannabinoids, highlighting the advancements in nanocarrier design for optimized delivery to glioma cells. Cannabinoids can exert their antitumor effect, including the induction of apoptosis through the ceramide and p8‐regulated pathways and the modulation of immune responses. The evidence found in this study supports the potential of cannabinoid‐based nanotechnologies in GBM therapeutic regimens as a strategy to enhance its efficacy and patient outcomes.
Empirical Approaches to the Classification of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Authors: Richson Brianne N. , Schaefer Lauren M. , Becker Kendra R. , Murray Matthew F. , Romano Kelly A. , Anderson Lisa M. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new formal diagnosis for which empirical classification research (defined here as studies using latent class/latent profile analysis‐type methods) is still emerging. Such research focused on ARFID is an important gap to fill given questions about (1) the boundaries between ARFID and phenotypically similar presentations (e.g., eating disorders [EDs] such as anorexia nervosa [AN], and pediatric feeding disorder [PFD]), and (2) within‐ARFID heterogeneity. These questions have practical implications, including diagnostic reliability and treatment selection.

Method

This forum synthesizes the limited empirical classification literature seeking to quantitatively distinguish ARFID from non‐ARFID EDs or from PFD, and/or characterize within‐ARFID heterogeneity.

Results

To our knowledge, only five studies in clinical samples have used empirical classification methods to delineate ARFID from non‐ARFID EDs and/or characterize within‐ARFID heterogeneity; no studies have used such methods to delineate ARFID from PFD. Existing studies are mixed in determining how well ARFID can be distinguished from other EDs (particularly AN), but converge in identifying several potential ARFID subclasses (i.e., sensory sensitivity, low appetite, feared eating‐related consequences, and subclass representing a combination of these) with some overlapping features.

Discussion

The existing ARFID empirical classification literature should guide future ARFID classification research priorities (e.g., incorporating mechanistic variables as classification indicators, incorporating longitudinal variables as classification validators) to inform differences between ARFID and other disorders and between ARFID presentations. Dimensional approaches to conceptualizing, studying, and modeling psychopathology (namely, the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology [HiTOP] and the Research Domain Criteria [RDoC]) may offer useful insights.
Assessing the Co‐Occurrence of European Pine Marten (Martes martes) With Humans and Domestic Cats on a Mediterranean Island
Authors: Manzo Emiliano , Iannarilli Fabiola , Dell'Agnello Filippo , Bartolommei Paola , Bonacchi Andrea , Gasperini Stefania , Cozzolino Roberto
Published: November 2024

Anthropogenic activities often lead to changes in the distribution and behavior of wild species. The mere presence of humans and free‐roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) can affect wildlife communities; however, responses to these disturbances might not be ubiquitous and may vary with local conditions. We investigated European pine marten's (Martes martes) distribution on Elba Island, Italy, where the species is the only wild carnivore. In this system, pine martens act as the top predator, and human presence is mostly driven by seasonal tourism. We evaluated (1) pine marten's occurrence in relation to vegetation type and elevation and the potential effects of proximity to settlements, (2) whether pine marten's distribution was associated with the co‐occurrence of humans and domestic cats, and, if so, (3) whether these co‐occurrence patterns were associated with proximity to anthropogenic infrastructures. Additionally, we explored similarities in activity patterns between pine marten and the other two species. We collected camera‐trap data at 77 locations throughout Elba Island in February–July 2020. Using single‐season multistate occupancy models, we found evidence that pine martens' occupancy was generally high across all vegetation types and elevation, and proximity to settlements was only weakly associated with the species occurrence. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence of an association between pine martens' distribution and the presence of either humans or free‐roaming domestic cats on Elba Island. Opposing activity patterns might have facilitated pine martens' co‐existence with humans, with pine martens being active at ground level almost exclusively during nighttime. On the contrary, cats and pine martens showed similar activity patterns, and further studies are needed to define the co‐existence mechanisms. These findings have important management implications and suggest that response to direct and indirect anthropogenic pressures can be highly context‐dependent and mediated by the availability of resources and competition mechanisms.
From seedlings to adults: Linking survival and leaf functional traits over ontogeny
Authors: Umaña María Natalia , Needham Jessica , Fortunel Claire
Published: December 2024

As long‐lived tropical trees grow into the multi‐layered canopy and face different environmental conditions, the relationships between leaf traits and whole‐plant survival can vary over ontogeny. We tested the strength and direction of the relationships between leaf traits and long‐term survival data across life stages for woody species from a subtropical forest in Puerto Rico. Trait–survival relationships were largely consistent across ontogeny with conservative traits leading to higher survival rates. The stage‐specific relationship R2 increased by up to one order of magnitude compared to studies not considering ontogenetic trait variations. Stage‐specific traits were significant predictors of their corresponding stage‐specific survival: Seedlings traits were better predictors of seedling survival than adult traits, and adult traits were better predictors of maximum adult survival than seedling traits. Our results suggest that stage‐specific leaf traits reflect different strategies over ontogeny and can substantially improve predictability of survival models in tropical forests.
Modeling Disease Dynamics From Spatially Explicit Capture‐Recapture Data
Authors: Ketwaroo Fabian R. , Matechou Eleni , Silk Matthew , Delahay Richard
Published: December 2024

One of the main aims of wildlife disease ecology is to identify how disease dynamics vary in space and time and as a function of population density. However, monitoring spatiotemporal and density‐dependent disease dynamics in the wild is challenging because the observation process is error‐prone, which means that individuals, their disease status, and their spatial locations are unobservable, or only imperfectly observed. In this paper, we develop a novel spatially‐explicit capture‐recapture (SCR) model motivated by an SCR data set on European badgers (Meles meles), naturally infected with bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis, TB). Our model accounts for the observation process of individuals as a function of their latent activity centers, and for their imperfectly observed disease status and its effect on demographic rates and behavior. This framework has the advantage of simultaneously modeling population demographics and disease dynamics within a spatial context. It can therefore generate estimates of critical parameters such as population size; local and global density by disease status and hence spatially‐explicit disease prevalence; disease transmission probabilities as functions of local or global population density; and demographic rates as functions of disease status. Our findings suggest that infected badgers have lower survival probability but larger home range areas than uninfected badgers, and that the data do not provide strong evidence that density has a non‐zero effect on disease transmission. We also present a simulation study, considering different scenarios of disease transmission within the population, and our findings highlight the importance of accounting for spatial variation in disease transmission and individual disease status when these affect demographic rates. Collectively these results show our new model enables a better understanding of how wildlife disease dynamics are linked to population demographics within a spatiotemporal context.
Adolescent Girls With Anorexia Nervosa Clinical Profiles in Relation to Their Social Networks Use
Authors: Sauve Anouk , Silva Catarina , Costa Doriane , Da Fonseca David , Givaudan Marion , Charvin Isabelle , Bat‐Pitault Flora
Published: November 2024

Background

In recent years, social networks (SNs) have increasingly become a core activity adolescent's daily life. Their impact on mental health is an actual worldwide concern. This massive usage of social network has been suggested to increase the risk of depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as alterations in sleep quality and quantity. In particular, it has been suggested that it could increase concerns about body image and thereby encourage eating disorders. Aiming at further investigating these relations, this study examined, for the first time, the links between the clinical profile of adolescents with anorexia nervosa and SNs use patterns.

Methods

The sample included 131 adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa who completed an online survey assessing their SNs practices in terms of duration, intensity and function of SNs use, misuse and addictive tendencies, as well as the number of online peers. Clinical characteristics such as eating behaviours, body image perception, depression, anxiety and sleep quality were also assessed.

Results

showed that adolescents with anorexia nervosa spend more than 3 h per day on SNs. Those spending 5 h per day or more preferred a passive use, with limited connection with peers and greater clinical difficulties. In addition, high problematic use of SNs significantly aggravated eating behaviour, dysmorphophobia, depressive symptoms and sleep impairment. The activities performed on SNs were not significantly associated with variations in clinical characteristics.

Conclusion

Presents findings suggests that a profile of social networking marked by a problematic, prolonged and passive use, is associated with more severe symptomatology in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. These first data could inspire professionals to encourage a SNs use favouring care and recovery, thereby supporting adolescents with an eating disorder but also their relatives.
The prognostic value of tumor microenvironment in endometrioid type endometrial cancer: Effect of CD44 on oncologic outcome
Authors: Basarir Zehra Ozturk , Caydere Muzaffer , Karabulut Sefika , Kotanoglu Mustafa Sirri , Arslanca Tufan , Uçar Yeşim Özkaya , Üstün Yusuf
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the expression of CD44, CD47, interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in immunohistochemically stained (IHS) samples from endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) and to examine their correlation with clinicopathologic parameters.

Methods

IHS was used to assess CD44, CD47, IL‐1, and TNF‐α expression in 53 EEC samples. Immunostaining was scored as negative (−), slightly positive (+), moderately positive (++), or strongly/diffuse positive (+++). The prognostic value of these markers was analyzed in relation to clinicopathologic features, including survival.

Results

In endometrial cancer tissues, positivity rates were CD44 (81%), CD47 (81%), TNF‐α (40.5%), and IL‐1 (42.9%). Strong and diffuse CD44 staining was associated with improved survival and linked to endocervical invasion and stage. Patients with slightly positive CD47 had significantly higher rates of pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node metastases. Strong TNF‐α staining correlated with grade 3 EEC, while slightly positive IL‐1 staining was associated with increased endocervical invasion. No significant correlation was found between CD47, IL‐1, and TNF‐α expression and survival.

Conclusion

CD44 and CD47 were positive in most EEC specimens. CD44 expression was the only marker significantly correlated with overall survival and recurrence. TNF‐α showed a positive correlation with high‐grade tumors, and IL‐1 staining was inversely associated with endocervical invasion. These findings suggest that CD44 is a prognostic marker for survival, while TNF‐α and IL‐1 may have indirect prognostic roles in EEC.
“Reading each conversation as a book”: Community cultural wealth and relational youth literacies
Authors: Edber Hannah , Panther Leah , Crenshaw Andrea , Van Donkelaar Rachael , Curtis Tenesha
Published: November 2024

Adolescent youth participating in a summer writing workshop drew from funds of community wealth to answer youth‐generated inquiry questions about history, political participation, and equity. By turning to community members as expert sources of knowledge, students deepened their inquiry, their connections to the local community, and their identities as writers. Learning from these youth writers, there are recommendations for how classroom teachers can engage youth in inquiry projects that draw from sources of community cultural wealth.
Analysis of Upstream, Downstream, and Common Firm Shocks Using a Large Factor‐Augmented Vector Autoregressive Approach
Authors: Grant Everett , Yung Julieta
Published: November 2024

We evaluate the roles of upstream (supplier‐to‐user), downstream (user‐to‐supplier), and common factor shock transmission across firms by deriving interfirm networks and common factors from US equities over 1989–2017. We overcome the econometric challenges of estimating the large factor‐augmented vector autoregressive (FAVAR) system by developing two alternative approaches: one prioritizing computational efficiency and the other providing the full posterior distribution of all model parameters and factors. We find that (i) common factors drive an increasing variance share of returns, (ii) supplier shocks are more evident in equity price movements than downstream exposures, and (iii) removing the impact of common factors is increasingly important for revealing interfirm connections.
Building bridges to engineering interest: Connections between student perceptions of instructor actions and interest in engineering classes
Authors: Miesner Ella , Schallert Diane L.
Published: November 2024

Background

Development of subject‐matter interest can motivate long‐term learning. Prior research indicates that what instructors do in learning environments and how students feel about their relationship to instructors influence students' learning via the motivational mechanism of interest. This study's research into instructor actions in online learning contexts and in student perceptions of relatedness and interest was inspired by the 21st century transition to online instruction accelerated by COVID‐19.

Purpose/Hypothesis(es)

This study sought to determine links between student‐perceived teaching presence and immediacy behaviors, perceptions of relatedness to the instructor, and course subject interest. We hypothesized that student interest develops from instructor actions mediated by perceptions of relatedness to the instructor.

Design/Method

Multiple methods were used to investigate associations between instructor actions in college‐level engineering courses taught synchronously online and students' perceptions of relatedness to instructor and interest. Qualitative interviews with engineering instructors corroborated use of teaching presence and immediacy behaviors as constructs to describe online instructional actions. Quantitative surveys were administered to undergraduate students (n = 141) enrolled in synchronous, online engineering classes. Qualitative interviews with 10 students supplemented survey findings.

Results

Path modeling and regression models of results indicated that students' perceptions of teaching presence online, but not immediacy behaviors, were predictive of relatedness to instructor and situational interest in course content. Qualitative data corroborated the survey findings by giving voice to students' lived experience.

Conclusions

Synthesis of results suggests strategies that could develop teaching presence and enhance student perceptions of relatedness to instructors online, ultimately enhancing interest in engineering.
Investigating pre‐registration podiatry students approaches to identifying dermatology conditions in different skin tones: A mixed methods protocol
Authors: Otter Simon , Whitham Deborah , Melotto Gianluca , Mann Lauren , Agyare Yaa , Gozo‐Reyes Joanne , Funnell Faye , Sykes Alex , Dale Penny
Published: November 2024

Background

Health inequalities are a well‐known and widespread phenomenon throughout health care settings. In particular, people of color experience higher rates of delayed and/or misdiagnosis contributing to poorer outcomes and an increased mortality risk. Research suggests that health care professionals find it more difficult to correctly diagnose dermatological conditions in the non‐White patient demographic. Although podiatrists routinely examine and assess skin lesions, there is a paucity of research exploring their accuracy or confidence in recognizing skin pathologies. This study aims to investigate podiatry student's ability, confidence, approaches, and perceptions in diagnosing dermatology pathologies in different skin tones.

A mixed methods exploratory sequential design is proposed. In stage one, podiatry students from different higher education institutions will be invited to complete a pictorial survey. We have designed a survey comprising six validated images of inflammatory skin pathology (either eczema or psoriasis) in three different skin tone categories, standardized using the Fitzpatrick scale. Data from the survey in stage one will then be utilized to inform the next stage of the research. In stage two, respondents who completed the initial survey will be invited to participate in focus groups to explore their perceptions surrounding diagnostic approaches, confidence, and perceptions of skin conditions in different skin tone. A process of thematic analysis will be employed to identify emergent themes from these data.

Methods

A mixed methods exploratory sequential design is proposed. In stage one, podiatry students from different higher education institutions will be invited to complete a pictorial survey. We have designed a survey comprising six validated images of inflammatory skin pathology (either eczema or psoriasis) in three different skin tone categories, standardized using the Fitzpatrick scale. Data from the survey in stage one will then be utilized to inform the next stage of the research. In stage two, respondents who completed the initial survey will be invited to participate in focus groups to explore their perceptions surrounding diagnostic approaches, confidence, and perceptions of skin conditions in different skin tone. A process of thematic analysis will be employed to identify emergent themes from these data.
Safety and performance of the HYBRIDknife flex in a porcine model of esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection: A pilot study
Authors: Khor Christopher J L , Ichimasa Katsuro , Tsao Stephen K K , Biber Ulrich , Saito Yutaka
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is considered the best modality for achieving en bloc resection of larger neoplastic mucosal lesions in the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Multiple devices are available for ESD, and refinements continue to be made to develop devices that improve the safety and efficiency of performing ESD. Submucosal injection with viscous fluids like glycerol, which prolong submucosal expansion, could facilitate the procedure. We aimed to evaluate the safety and performance of the new Erbe HYBRIDknife® flex, which combines electrosurgical dissection with waterjet‐assisted injection in a slim and flexible form factor.

Methods

In a prospective animal study with six pigs, four endoscopists, each with 10–20 years of experience in ESD, performed 28 esophageal ESDs. One half was performed with physiological saline injectate, the other half with fructose‐added glycerol. Various performance aspects were evaluated on a five‐point scale [5 = best], including dissection properties, handling, and usability.

Results

No perforations or major bleeding occurred. All resections were performed en bloc, with one technical failure (3.6%, 1 of 28). Performance scores were similar for saline and glycerol (4.5 ± 0.31 vs. 4.5 ± 0.32, P = 0.36), as was dissection speed (13 ± 6.2 mm2/min vs. 15 ± 6.1 mm2/min, P = 0.22).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that esophageal ESD can be performed safely and rapidly using HYBRIDknife flex, with excellent performance evaluation by the endoscopists. Combining this device with glycerol or saline is precise and effective for ESD, although experience could compensate for the theoretical disadvantage of using normal saline.
Anapole Plasmonic Meta‐Atoms for Nearly Transparent Metamaterials
Authors: Hassan Emadeldeen , Evlyukhin Andrey B. , Calà Lesina Antonio
Published: November 2024

Anapole states are fascinating for providing the seemingly contradictory properties of near‐field enhancement and negligible scattering. These states are desirable to reduce the cross‐coupling between meta‐atoms in metamaterials. In dielectrics, anapoles are obtainable in simple but relatively large nanostructures. In metals, they are reported in composite designs that may not be appropriate as metamaterials' building blocks. Here, whether the anapole effect is obtainable in single and compact plasmonic nanostructures is investigated. Planar designs of plasmonic meta‐atoms are presented and the anapole formation is explained using various multipole decomposition techniques. Due to the small nanostructure sizes compared to the wavelength, the toroidal dipole is small and does not play a principal role in the anapole formation. Therefore, the anapole can be qualitatively explained via destructive interference between quasi‐static electric dipoles associated with complementary subvolumes of the nanostructure. The anapole meta‐atom concept is tested by numerically demonstrating nearly transparent metasurfaces and metamaterials with high densities of near‐field hot‐spots. Moreover, strategies are discussed to tune the anapole state via polarization rotation, modification of the hosting domain, or re‐design of the meta‐atoms. Anapole plasmonic meta‐atoms can enable metamaterials with combined local field concentration and controllable transparency for applications in nonlinear and tunable nanophotonics.
Xanthate Disulfide‐Mediated RAFT Polymerization Toward Oxygen Tolerance
Authors: Huang Fubang , Wang Fei , Han Shuang , Zhang Weidong
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the fully oxygen‐tolerant reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been emerging as a versatile and powerful tool for preparing well‐defined polymers. In this contribution, the symmetrical diethyl xanthogen disulfide (XD) is successfully used as an initiator, chain transfer agent, and termination (iniferter) agent to directly regulate the open‐to‐air RAFT polymerization. The high end‐group fidelity of polymer demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra indicates that sulfur‐centered xanthate radical can initiate and regulate RAFT polymerization of methacrylate (MA) under open conditions. It is believed that sulfur‐centered xanthate radical initiation strategy provides a powerful and minimalist tool for fully oxygen‐tolerant RDRPs.
KCNMA1‐Related Episodes of Behavioral Arrest and Loss of Postural Reflexes: A Critical Reappraisal
Authors: Roze Emmanuel , Silveira‐Moriyama Laura , Leu‐Semenescu Smaranda , Villeneuve Nathalie , Lecardonnel Bérénice , François‐Heude Marie‐Céline , Meyer Pierre , de Gusmao Claudio M. , Roubertie Agathe
Published: December 2024

Background

KCNMA1‐linked channelopathy is characterized by neurodevelopmental disorder, epileptic seizures and non‐epileptic paroxysmal episodes.

Objectives

To describe the phenotype of paroxysmal non‐epileptic episodes related to KCNMA1 pathogenic variants.

Methods

Videos of paroxysmal episodes were reviewed according to a standardized protocol by a group of movement disorders experts.

Results

Fourteen videos were reviewed (6 previously published patients and a new patient). The typical pattern of an episode was (i) facial changes including dyskinetic movements of tongue and jaws (ii) behavioral arrest (iii) loss of postural reflexes that could be associated with focal body stiffness, eventually leading to fall (iv) rapid recovery without post‐ictal drowsiness. Attacks were brief, with a high daily frequency, occasionally triggered by emotion, and dramatically improved by psychostimulant therapy in three patients.

Conclusions

KCNMA1‐related attacks are clearly distinguishable from paroxysmal dyskinesia, cataplexy or episodic ataxia indicating a unique phenomenological entity whose recognition will enhance accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Mans‐2024: Das Mitteldeutsche Anorganiker‐Nachwuchssymposium
Authors: Kowalke Janine , Kretschmer Robert
Published: December 2024

Am 6. September 2024 fand das 21. Mitteldeutsche Anorganiker‐Nachwuchssymposium (MANS) an der TU Chemnitz statt. Zum vierten Mal ist Chemnitz Standort der Tagung. Insgesamt hielten 18 Doktorand:innen und Postdocs Vorträge, unter anderem zu anorganischer Molekülchemie und Materialchemie.
Nachhaltigkeit in der Chemie
Authors: Mielck Maren
Published: December 2024

Auf dem Weg zu einer zukunftsfähigen Strategie – ein Bericht aus der Nachhaltigkeitsstrategiekommission der GDCh.
Vorstandssitzung
Authors: Kinzel Tom
Published: December 2024

Am 13. September 2024 traf sich der GDCh‐Vorstand in Potsdam zu seiner zweiten Sitzung des Jahres.
Conservation data infrastructures: From carbon accounting to multiple biodiversity and social measures
Authors: Urzedo Danilo , Dumbrell Nikki P. , Robinson Catherine J.
Published: November 2024

Environmental big data and analytical models are increasingly informing conservation efforts to address global climate and biodiversity crises. Yet, the growing reliance on data‐driven approaches raises concerns regarding biases, uncertainties, and injustices in environmental decision‐making processes.

This article presents ‘conservation data infrastructures’ as socio‐technical processes of conceiving, producing, and distributing conservation data that affect multifaceted decisions and practices.

Drawing on major carbon conservation programs in Australia and Brazil, we assess how data‐driven investment planning and project assessments set what is valued, how it is measured, and whose interests are accounted for.

Both case studies reveal how technological innovations expand carbon accounting methods by integrating ecological and social data with advanced analytical models to encompass a wide range of place‐based impacts. However, data‐driven solutions alone may not lead to transformative changes that fully address existing disparities in environmental priorities and benefit distribution across scales.

We conclude that the proposed notion of data infrastructures not only reveals socio‐technical limitations but also elevates multiple perspectives and local realities to reimagine and rework conservation measures.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Multi‐sensor and multi‐temporal high‐throughput phenotyping for monitoring and early detection of water‐limiting stress in soybean
Authors: Jones Sarah E. , Ayanlade Timilehin T. , Fallen Benjamin , Jubery Talukder Z. , Singh Arti , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Sarkar Soumik , Singh Asheesh K.
Published: November 2024

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) production is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses, exacerbated by extreme weather events. Water limiting stress, that is, drought, emerges as a significant risk for soybean production, underscoring the need for advancements in stress monitoring for crop breeding and production. This project combined multi‐modal information to identify the most effective and efficient automated methods to study drought response. We investigated a set of diverse soybean accessions using multiple sensors in a time series high‐throughput phenotyping manner to: (1) develop a pipeline for rapid classification of soybean drought stress symptoms, and (2) investigate methods for early detection of drought stress. We utilized high‐throughput time‐series phenotyping using unmanned aerial vehicles and sensors in conjunction with machine learning analytics, which offered a swift and efficient means of phenotyping. The visible bands were most effective in classifying the severity of canopy wilting stress after symptom emergence. Non‐visual bands in the near‐infrared region and short‐wave infrared region contribute to the differentiation of susceptible and tolerant soybean accessions prior to visual symptom development. We report pre‐visual detection of soybean wilting using a combination of different vegetation indices and spectral bands, especially in the red‐edge. These results can contribute to early stress detection methodologies and rapid classification of drought responses for breeding and production applications.
Rural‐Urban Differences in the Determinants of Subjective Well‐Being Among X/Twitter Users in the United States
Authors: Jiang Wenting , Zhang Mengxi , Wu Connor Y. H. , Dong Weichuan
Published: December 2024

Twitter Sentiment Geographical Index (TSGI) has been proposed to complement traditional surveys to measure subjective well‐being (SWB) at the US county level. Our study aims to investigate determinants of TSGI‐measured SWB in rural and urban US counties. Using the Classification and Regression Tree, we identified phenotypes or county‐level characteristics associated with high SWB. Counties with newer homes were the top characteristic of high SWB in both urban and rural areas. Counties of the identical phenotypes tend to concentrate geographically, with the most favorable phenotypes clustered in the South. Random Forest analysis identified additional characteristics of high SWB, including higher population density in rural areas and lower real estate tax ratio in urban areas. Our results yield a comprehensive understanding of determinants of SWB at the local level, guiding evidence‐based policy decisions and community initiatives to improve well‐being in target populations.
Retaining Permanent and Temporary Immigrants in Rural Australia: Place‐Based and Individual Determinants
Authors: Argent Neil , Bernard Aude , Laukova Dagmara , Wilson Tom , Zajac Tomasz , Kimpton Anthony
Published: December 2024

In many low‐fertility countries, immigration is increasingly seen a solution to the twin problem of rural depopulation and skill shortages. In Australia, this takes the form of regional visa schemes that require both skilled and humanitarian migrants to reside initially in nonmetropolitan regions for a minimum of 2 years. In the absence of nationally representative longitudinal data, the efficacy of this policy is yet to be assessed. Applying survival analysis to novel administrative data from the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA), this paper establishes the level and determinants of rural retention among immigrants who arrived between January and August 2011 on eight different visas and compares these to the Australian population to the end of 2019. Our results suggest that regional visa schemes are effective in attracting permanent skilled migrants but not in retaining them, even when controlling for socio‐demographic characteristics. Migrants on regional skilled visa and temporary skilled workers display a 40% 9‐year retention rate compared with over 50% for Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent family, skilled and humanitarian migrants and 30% for students. In contrast, the low retention of temporary skilled migrants is largely the product of their younger and more educated profile. We identify a negative selection process by which immigrants with less‐education, lower incomes, or less English proficiency—including humanitarian migrants—are more likely to stay in nonmetropolitan regions. This outcome signifies a process of socio‐spatial polarisation and a segmented labour market. At a regional‐level, we find that regions with a diverse occupational mix and co‐ethnic networks are more likely to retain immigrants whereas those with high housing costs are significantly less likely. These results provide policy levers to boost rural retention.
The Ru/CeO2‐NaOH‐NaI Solvent‐free Catalytic System for the Hydroesterification of C2H4, CO, and C2H5OH
Authors: Jin Huaihu , Cao Qi , Wu Dongfang
Published: December 2024

Ethyl propionate can be produced from CO, C2H4, and CH3CH2OH as raw materials by ethylene hydroesterification in one step. In this paper, a solvent‐free composite catalytic system (Ru/CeO2‐NaI‐NaOH) is developed to catalyze the hydroesterification of C2H4, CO, and C2H5OH. The formation and inhibition mechanisms of 3‐pentanone and acetal are studied, and the pathway for the generation of ethyl propionate has also been analyzed. The factors that influence the performance of catalytic system were researched, such as catalyst reduction temperature, the addition of Ru/CeO2, reaction temperature, reaction time, the partial pressure of CO, and so forth. In Ru/CeO2‐NaOH‐NaI heterogeneous catalytic system, at the experiment conditions of 3 MPa and 180 °C, the C2H4 conversion and the ethyl propionate selectivity are 66.7% and 92.0%, respectively after 4 h reaction. This work presents a strategy for the production of propionate by ethylene hydroesterification, catalyzed by a heterogeneous catalytic system.
Composite Shell Microcapsules With Room Temperature Phase‐Change Properties and High Thermal Storage Density
Authors: Chen Minrui , Wang Xin , Luan Huaiyang , Liu Zhiqin , Huo Xianliang
Published: December 2024

Inorganic hydrated salts, noted for their high thermal storage density, excellent thermal conductivity, and non‐toxicity, are suitable candidate material for thermal management, particularly in enhancing human living environments when their phase transition points are near room temperature. Herein, we present an efficient and environmentally friendly microencapsulation method for inorganic hydrated salt through organic phase separation method. Eutectic hydrated salt (EHS) consisted of sodium carbonate decahydrate (SCD) and disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate (DHPD) was prepared as the core material while the mixture of ethyl cellulose (EC) and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) as composite shell materials. Various characterization techniques were used to evaluate the micromorphology, chemical structure, thermal properties and thermal stability of the microcapsules. The resulting microcapsules exhibited a phase change temperature of 22.6 °C with a remarkable enthalpy of 131.4 J/g. Particularly, the enthalpy remained at 117.7 J/g even after 50 thermal cycles, indicating stable cycling thermal reliability. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the EHS was effectively encapsulated within the composite shell, and the microcapsules had a quasi‐spherical shape and core‐shell structure. More importantly, this method of microencapsulation could potentially be extended to other liquid hydrated salts at room temperature, offering a versatile approach for future applications.
Preparing Sustainable Membranes Made From Zeolite–Smectite for Treating Textile Wastewater and Pulp Industry Wastewater
Authors: Khmiri Yassine , Attia Afef , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Ghernaout Djamel , Charcosset Catherine , Dammak Lasâad , Amar Raja Ben
Published: December 2024

Low‐cost separation techniques are crucial for treating wastewater. Developing inexpensive membranes made from natural materials has become a popular research area in recent years. Tubular membranes were produced by adding 10% organic additives to a mixture of 80% zeolite and 10% smectite. New composite ceramic membranes from zeolite and smectite were prepared using the extrusion method to create a plastic paste and characterized using XRD, SEM, EPMA, and FTIR. The impact of sintering temperature (Tsint, 850–950 °C) on membrane properties, such as microstructure, mechanical strength (MS), water permeability, and filtration performance, was investigated. The MS and shrinkage rate increased with Tsint. At 950 °C, the resulting composite membrane exhibited a high MS of over 65 MPa, a relatively low porosity of 30%, appropriate for membrane filtration, and a water permeability of 65 L·h⁻¹·m⁻2·bar⁻¹. When applied to remove pollutants from wastewater, this membrane demonstrated a high color retention of 98.4% from an aqueous Evans blue‐colored solution (Effluent 1). For extensive application to wastewater treatment, this membrane showed a high‐efficiency level for treating real effluent produced by the pulp industry, removing 62.4% of chemical oxygen demand, 36% of hardness, and 82% of color. Finally, an ultrasonic cleaning procedure allowed the restoration of 70% of the initial permeability after four cycles for both effluents. Thanks to the exciting properties offered by these membranes and their competitive cost of less than $ 20·m−2, these membranes are appropriate for treating industrial wastewater.
Atomic Force Microscopy: Mechanosensor and Mechanotransducer for Probing Biological System from Molecules to Tissues
Authors: Shen Yi , Czajkowsky Daniel M. , Li Bin , Hu Jun , Shao Zhifeng , Sun Jielin
Published: November 2024

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique with widespread applications in various scientific fields, including biology. It operates by precisely detecting the interaction between a sharp tip and a sample surface, providing high‐resolution topographical information and mechanical properties at a nanoscale. Through the years, a deeper understanding of this tip‐sample interaction and the mechanisms by which it can be more precisely regulated have invariably led to improvements in AFM imaging. Additionally, AFM can serve not only as a sensor but also as a tool for actively manipulating the mechanical properties of biological systems. By applying controlled forces to the sample surface, AFM allows for a deeper understanding of mechanotransduction pathways, the intricate signaling cascades that convert physical cues into biochemical responses. This review, is an extensive overview of the current status of AFM working either as a mechanosensor or a mechanotransducer to probe biological systems across diverse scales, from individual molecules to entire tissues is presented. Challenges are discussed and potential future research directions are elaborated.
Modulating the Ruthenium‐Cobalt Active Pair with Moderate Spacing for Enhanced Acidic Water Oxidation
Authors: Chen Xiaoxia , Liu Meihuan , Ni Chudi , Chen Yiwen , Liu Tianwen , Li Shiyu , Su Hui
Published: December 2024

Ruthenium (Ru)‐based catalysts have emerged as promising alternatives to Iridium (Ir) catalysts in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cells due to their lower price and excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. However, their stability is compromised by generation of unstable high‐valence Ru sites and oxygen vacancy in a lattice oxygen‐mediated (LOM) pathway. Here, a low‐load Ru site on a Barium (Ba)‐doped Co3O4 (RuBaxCo3–xO4) catalyst is developed with abundant Ruthenium─Cobalt (Ru─Co) pairs for enhanced acidic OER activity. The incorporation of Ba can efficiently modulate the lattice of Co3O4, creating Ru─Co active pairs with optimized spacing through compression stress. In situ characterizations exhibit contractive Ru─Co pairs that promote the rapid and direct coupling of *O─O* radicals, bypassing the sluggish *OOH species and avoiding the oxygen vacancies, which can trigger the oxide path mechanism (OPM) for an efficient and stable OER process. As a result, the designed catalyst delivers a low overpotential of 219 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and also demonstrates excellent stability, maintaining performance over 50 h of continuous operation at a larger current density of 50 mA cm−2. These findings highlight the potential of the RuBaxCo3‐xO4 catalysts for durable and efficient OER applications.
Recent Progress in SnTe: An Eco‐Friendly and High‐Performance Chalcogenide Thermoelectric Material
Authors: Kihoi Samuel Kimani , Yang Tae‐Youl , Lee Ho Seong
Published: November 2024

Recent advances in high‐performance thermoelectric materials have sparked significant interest, particularly in SnTe, a mid‐temperature group‐IV chalcogenide that is both eco‐friendly and cost‐effective. However, compared to other group‐IV chalcogenides, there remains a substantial scope for enhancing the thermoelectric performance of SnTe. In the past four years (since 2020), numerous compelling reports have proposed novel strategies to narrow this gap and boost the performance of SnTe‐based materials, thereby building upon previous advancements. These recent advancements are comprehensively summarized in this timely review. This review reports three essential facets critical to the advancement of high‐performance SnTe materials: electrical properties, thermal properties, and the overly overlooked mechanical properties. First, a brief theoretical exposition is presented, subsequently detailing empirically verified techniques for achieving superior SnTe‐based materials. The intrinsic prevalence of tin vacancies (VSn) in SnTe classifies it as a p‐type thermoelectric material. Here, it is unveiled for the first time, recent significant breakthroughs in the development of n‐type SnTe. This advancement enables the development of an all‐SnTe‐based thermoelectric device. Additional attention is devoted to emerging trends that further amplify the performance of SnTe. With persistent efforts, achieving a ZT greater than 2 in SnTe‐based materials is inevitable.