bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural and anthropogenic factors influence flowering synchrony and reproduction of a dominant plant in an inter‐Andean scrub
Authors: Vélez‐Mora Diego P. , Trigueros‐Alatorre Karla , Duncan David H. , Quintana‐Ascencio Pedro F.
Published: October 2024

Premise

Agriculture expansion, livestock, and global change have transformed biological communities and altered, through aerosols and direct deposition, N:P balance in soils of inter‐Andean valleys, potentially affecting flowering phenology of many species and thereby flowering synchrony and plant reproduction.

Methods

We evaluated the influence of variation in temperature and moisture along the local elevational gradient and treatments with the addition of N and P and grazing on flowering synchrony and reproduction of Croton, a dominant shrub of the inter‐Andean dry scrub. Along the elevational gradient (300 m difference between the lowest and highest site), we set up plots with and without grazing nested with four nutrient treatments: control and addition of N or P alone or combined N + P. We recorded the number of female and male flowers in bloom monthly from September 2017 to August 2019 to calculate flowering synchrony. We assessed fruiting, seed mass, and pre‐dispersal seed predation.

Results

Higher growing‐season soil temperatures, which were negatively associated with local elevation and higher nitrogen availability promoted flowering synchrony of Croton, particularly among larger plants. Greater flowering synchrony, high soil temperatures, and addition of N + P resulted in production of more fruits of Croton, but also intensified pre‐dispersal seed predation.

Conclusions

Temperature, availability of moisture throughout the elevational gradient, and nutrient manipulation affected flowering synchrony, which subsequently affected production of fruits in Croton. These results emphasize the critical role of current anthropogenic changes in climate and nutrient availability on flowering synchrony and reproduction of Croton, a dominant plant of the inter‐Andean scrub.
Facile fabrication of luminescent ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers based on novel alkyl‐substituted 1,8‐naphthalimide fluorescent dyes
Authors: Wu Leixin , Ye Jing , Wu Jiahui , Nie Wo , Song Xiyu , Hu Liu
Published: October 2024

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber, with excellent light resistance, and chemical resistance, is one of the most important high‐performance fibers. However, the high hydrophobicity and crystallinity make it difficult to color, restricting the development of colored fluorescent UHMWPE protection materials. In this study, three hydrophobic fluorescent dyes (NC4, NC8, NC16) for fluorescent dyeing of UHMWPE were developed by introducing alkyl substituents of different lengths (butyl, octyl, and hexadecyl) and polar cyano groups onto 4‐NH‐1,8‐naphthalimide fluorescent chromophore. The relationship between the structures and the application performance was studied, and theoretical calculations were combined to explore the influence of the substituents on the spatial and electronic effects of fluorescent dyes. With the extension of the alkyl chain, the dye‐uptake rate and building‐up property was enhanced, and the equilibrium dye‐uptake rates for NC4, NC8, and NC16 were 18.21%, 93.22%, and 62.96%, respectively. NC8, which was proven to have high hydrophobicity and maximum dipole moment, exhibited the highest dye‐uptake rate. The dyed UHMWPE fabrics exhibited strong yellow‐green fluorescence. This study provides a facile strategy for constructing luminescent UHMWPE protection materials.
Effects of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and its aging behaviors on interfacial strength of PI/PEEK composite film
Authors: Wang Jing , Yang Shuang , Xiao Cunyong , Yu Zhengying , Ren Rong , Xiong Xuhai
Published: October 2024

Since the properties of surface roughness with time and the wettability pattern of polymer surfaces transformed by plasma remain unclear. In order to understand the mechanism of aging effect on film properties, this paper analyzes the aging of plasma‐treated PI films. The optimal treatment conditions were first explored by adjusting the plasma treatment power. Based on the effect of plasma treatment power on the surface physicochemical properties and mechanical properties of PI films. It was found that the content of oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface of the film was highest at a plasma treatment power of 800 W, and the surface energy reached a maximum value of 67.71 mJ/m2. As the treatment power increases, the surface etching of the PI film increases significantly, as does the roughness. However, if the power is too high, it can cause excessive etching, resulting in peeling of the film surface. In addition, the mechanical properties of the films decreased with increasing plasma treatment power. Based on the effect of plasma treatment power on the surface physicochemical and mechanical properties of PI films, the best overall modification effect of PI films was determined when the treatment power was 800 W and the speed was 6 mm/s. And at 800 W, the peel strength of the PI/PEEK composite film reached a maximum value of 9.55 N/cm, which was 77.84% higher than that of the untreated composite film. However, plasma‐treated PI films can experience surface remodeling after being exposed to air for a period of time. In this paper, the wettability as well as the mechanical properties of the films are analyzed for different aging times. The results showed that after 30 days of plasma treatment, the O/C and N/C contents on the surface of the PI film decreased, and the wettability performance decreased by 19.45% compared with that of the recently treated film.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Heterocyclic Derivatives of 2,4‐Thiazolidine Dione as Anti‐Cancer Agents
Authors: Vunnam Kiran Kumar , Katari Naresh Kumar , Jeedimalla Nagalakshmi , Gundla Rambabu , Raghupathi Jayaprakash Kanijam
Published: October 2024

This study explores the development of novel 2,4‐thiazolidinedione derivatives as potential anticancer agents. We report the synthesis of 15 novel analogs utilizing a strategic approach focused on intermediate diversification. Key intermediates, (Z)‐5‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐ylmethylene)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione 5a and (Z)‐5‐(benzo[1,3]dioxol‐5‐ylmethylene)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione 5b, were synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation and acetal formation reactions, respectively. Subsequent N‐alkylation reactions provided a platform for introducing diverse functionalities and exploring structure–activity relationships to optimize the medicinal chemistry profile of these novel compounds. The synthesized compounds were tested against various human cancer cell lines, including for breast (MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐453), lung (A549), and prostate (PC‐3) cancers, using an MTT assay. Compounds 8c and 10g emerged as particularly promising, exhibiting activity against all tested cell lines with IC50 values between 3.41 ± 0.51 and 40 μM. These compounds also induced apoptosis, suggesting that they inhibit cell proliferation through this cell death pathway. Moreover, relative molecular docking studies provided evidence that compound 8c likely functions by intercalating with DNA.
An Aphid Pest Superclone Benefits From a Facultative Bacterial Endosymbiont in a Host‐Dependent Manner, Leading to Reproductive and Proteomic Changes
Authors: Mahieu Leandro , González‐González Angélica , Rubio‐Meléndez María Eugenia , Moya‐Hernández Mario , Francis Frederic , Ramírez Claudio C.
Published: October 2024

The English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, is a significant agricultural pest affecting wheat, barley, and oats. In Chile, the most prevalent and persistent clone (superclone) of S. avenae harbors the facultative endosymbiont bacterium Regiella insecticola. To determine the role of this bacterium in the reproductive success of this superclone, the presence of R. insecticola was manipulated to assess its impact on (1) the reproductive performance of this clone on two host plant species (wheat and barley), (2) the production of winged morphs, (3) changes in the insects' proteomic profiles, and (4) the root/shoot ratio of plant. It was found that the reproductive performance of this S. avenae superclone varied across host plants, depending on the presence of the facultative bacterial endosymbiont. Aphids infected with R. insecticola showed higher reproductive success on wheat, while the opposite effect was observed on barley. Aphid biomass was greater when infected with R. insecticola, particularly on barley. Additionally, aphids harboring R. insecticola exhibited a higher proportion of winged individuals on both host plants. Protein regulation in aphids on wheat was lower compared to those on barley. A higher root/shoot biomass ratio was observed in wheat plants compared to barley when infested by R. insecticola‐infected aphid. Thus, R. insecticola significantly influences the reproductive performance and proteomic profile of a S. avenae superclone, with these effects shaped by the host plant. This suggests that the interaction between the host plant and the facultative endosymbiont contributes to the ecological success of this superclone.
Covalent Organic Framework Derived Oxygen/Sulfur‐Doped Porous Carbon for Robust High‐Capacitance Symmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhao Jifan , Xing Yuzhu , Dong Yan , Wang Zhong , Hasebe Yasushi , Baughman Ray H.
Published: October 2024

Heteroatom‐doped porous carbons (HPCs) have been considered promising electrode materials for supercapacitors due to their improvement of energy density by providing extra pseudocapacity. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are obtaining great importance in energy storage because of their designable structure and versatile functionality. Herein, we designed and fabricated oxygen and sulfur dual‐doped covalent organic framework (COF) derived HPCs with very high heteroatoms content (up to 25.76 atom%) via a facile coupling reaction. The optimized HPCs exhibit a porous structure with high specific surface area (up to 2835 m2 g−1) along with a high specific capacitance (430 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), excellent capacitance retention (96.9 %), and high coulombic efficiency (98.5 %) after 10000 cycles at 5 A g−1. As electrodes for aqueous symmetric supercapacitors, the HPCs exhibits a high energy density of 60 Wh kg−1 at a 250 W kg−1 power density, excellent cycling stability of capacity retention (82.2 %) and a high coulombic efficiency (92.3 %) after 10000 cycles at 10 A g−1, indicating attractive application potential in chemical energy storage. This work establishes a promising strategy for preparation of high heteroatom content HPCs using COFs and demonstrates great potential for energy storage/conversion devices.
Step‐by‐Step Towards Biological Homochirality – from Prebiotic Randomness To Perfect Asymmetry
Authors: Mejdrová Ivana , Węgrzyn Ewa , Carell Thomas
Published: October 2024

The history of life's formation and the origin of its stereochemistry are nearly as multifaceted as the life itself. In this review, we focus on analyzing the step‐by‐step path leading to what we can define as “life” in parallel to what we know about the emergence of enantiomeric imbalance and subsequent transition to full homochirality. We start at the level of assembly of the building blocks of life from inorganic molecules and build up to the polymerization and formation of nucleic acids and peptides. We report and analyze different theories at various stages of this development and try to elucidate the most plausible theory.
A Convenient Approach for the Synthesis of Multidentate N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand Precursors
Authors: Kumar Meher Naresh , Kashyap Anubhab , Geetharani K.
Published: October 2024

Multidentate bis‐NHCs ligands with various spacers are expected to combine the advantages of coordination chemistry and catalysis. These offer opportunities to construct various organometallic frameworks involving transition metals and main group elements. Therefore, developing a general procedure for synthesizing a variety of carbene salt precursors using a convenient technique is key in this context. The extended protocol of a solvent‐free approach for synthesizing various bridged bis‐imidazolium carbene salts, including tris and tetrakis‐imidazolium precursors, is reported here. This method can be performed in the laboratory, leading to high yields (80–95 %) and isolated as analytically pure, multigram, bench‐stable compounds.
Quantifying free tropospheric moisture sources over the western tropical Atlantic with numerical water tracers and isotopes
Authors: Botsyun Svetlana , Aemisegger Franziska , Villiger Leonie , Kirchner Ingo , Pfahl Stephan
Published: October 2024

Tropical free‐tropospheric humidity plays a crucial role for the Earth's radiative balance and climate sensitivity. In addition to atmospheric humidity, stable water isotopes can provide important information about the hydrological cycle. We use the isotope‐ and water tagging‐enabled version of the COSMOiso model to determine isotopic fingerprints of diagnosed moisture pathways over the western tropical Atlantic (WTA). A convection‐permitting, high‐resolution (5 km) nudged simulation is performed for January–February 2020. During this period, the target region is characterized by alternating large‐scale circulation regimes with different humidity and isotope signatures. Moist conditions in the middle troposphere (300–650 hPa) are associated with moisture transport from the south, east, southeast, as well as evaporation from the North Atlantic, while dry conditions correspond to extratropical transport from the north and west. To predict the contribution of different moisture sources, we used a statistical model based on the local specific humidity and temperature as predictors and obtained an R‐squared (R2) of 0.52. Adding water isotopes improved the prediction (R2 = 0.73), showing that isotopes provide unique information on moisture sources and transport patterns beyond conventional local observations.
Die Architektur der großen Elektrifizierung
Authors: Adam Steffen
Published: October 2024

Sinnbild der großen Elektrifizierung der Berliner S‐Bahn, die vor 100 Jahren am 8. August 1924 ihren ersten Betrieb aufnahm, sind für den Fahrgast die Bahnhöfe, für Architekten und Eisenbahningenieure auch die modernen Umspann‐, Gleichrichter‐ und Stellwerke von Richard Brademann (1884–1965). Brademann schuf geradezu ikonische Bauten für die S‐Bahn mit Ilse‐Klinker, die bis heute als vorbildlich und zukunftsweisend gelten. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Architektur im Lichte der technischen Entwicklungen und Historie der Elektrifizierung.
The ageing virus hypothesis: Epigenetic ageing beyond the Tree of Life
Authors: Bapteste Éric
Published: October 2024

A recent thought‐provoking theory argues that complex organisms using epigenetic information for their normal development and functioning must irreversibly age as a result of epigenetic signal loss. Importantly, the scope of this theory could be considerably expanded, with scientific benefits, by analyzing epigenetic ageing beyond the borders of the Tree of Life. Viruses that use epigenetic signals for their normal functioning may also age, that is, present an increasing risk of failing to complete their individual life cycle and to disappear with time. As viruses are ancient, abundant, and infect a considerable diversity of hosts, the ageing virus hypothesis, if verified, would have important consequences for many fields of the Life sciences. Uncovering ageing viruses would integrate the most abundant and biologically central entities on Earth into theories of ageing, enhance virology, gerontology, evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, genomics, and possibly medicine through the development of new therapies manipulating viral ageing.
PCR‐ and wash‐free detection of serum miRNA via signaling probe hybridization
Authors: Uno Haruka , Takeuchi Hiyori , Abe Ishin , Yoshino Tomoko , Taguchi Tomoyuki , Hirakawa Yuko , Matsunaga Tadashi , Tanaka Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2024

Detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the serum is an effective liquid biopsy technique for cancer diagnosis. However, conventional diagnostic methods are time‐consuming and complex. Therefore, in this study, we established a signaling probe‐based DNA microarray system for miRNA detection. PCR, fluorescence labeling, and washing are not necessary for signaling probes. Four probes were designed using different miRNAs as diagnostic cancer markers. The developed system is useful for various miRNAs, regardless of their target lengths (18–26‐mer) and GC content (36%–89%). Here, all the assays were performed within 40 min. Overall, our signaling probe‐based DNA hybridization system facilitates the simple and rapid detection of serum miRNAs without the need for gene amplification, fluorescence labeling and washing.
Biosynthesis of pterostilbene in Escherichia coli from resveratrol on macroporous adsorption resin using a two‐step substrate addition strategy
Authors: Yingling Bao , Xueqin Wu , Xiaolong Chen
Published: October 2024

Pterostilbene (PST), a 3’,5’‐O‐methylated derivative of resveratrol (RSV), is a potent natural antioxidant produced by some plants in trace amounts as defense compound. It exhibits various health‐promoting activities, such as anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects. Large‐scale biosynthesis of PST is crucial due to the challenges associated with extracting it from plants. This study aims to develop an efficient method for PST production using an engineered Escherichia coli strain by feeding RSV as a precursor. We introduced a two‐step substrate addition strategy combined with immobilized RSV (IMRSV) on macroporous adsorption resin (MAR) to enhance PST production. Five MARs were selected for RSV immobilization, and the substrate addition strategy and fermentation parameters for PST synthesis were optimized. A maximum PST concentration of 403 ± 9 mg/L was achieved, representing a 239% increase over the control, which in a one‐step addition of free RSV. The PST titer reached 395 ± 24 mg/L in a 3‐L bioreactor. In conclusion, the combination of a two‐step substrate addition system and IMRSV is a promising approach for the economical and industrial‐scale production of PST.
Learning to lead from America's greatest and silent generations
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: October 2024

My Aunt Lavonne died two months ago. She was the last of 10 siblings: Jessie, Peyton, Wilson, Johnny, Andy, Oleta, Billie Doris, Ruby Nell, Ollie Vee, and Lavonne. She was the last to be born, and the last to die. An entire generation of a family is gone. My aunt's death brought back so many memories of my mother, and all my aunts and uncles. It's a sad and reflective time for our family.
Did court dismiss fraternity members’ legal action?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2024

The Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Office at the University of California Riverside received a report expressing concern for the health of a pledge in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. SCAIP began an investigation into the fraternity's pledge process.
Hydrosilylation of Alkynes Catalyzed by an Iron(II) PCP Pincer Alkyl Complex
Authors: Schratzberger Heiko , Kirchner Karl
Published: October 2024

Vinylsilanes are very useful building blocks in organic synthesis and have widespread applications in life sciences and materials chemistry. Here we describe the potential of complex cis‐[Fe(PCP‐iPr)(CH2CH2CH3)(CO)2] as an effective catalyst for the hydrosilylation of both terminal and internal alkynes with SiPhH3 to give vinylsilanes. The reactions were typically performed with a catalyst loading of 1 mol% for 24 h at 70 °C. The catalytic reaction is initiated by migratory insertion of a CO ligand into the Fe─alkyl bond to yield an acyl intermediate, which reacts with silanes to form the 16e− Fe(II) silyl catalyst [Fe(PCP‐iPr)(SiPhH2)(CO)]. In the case of aliphatic terminal alkynes good regioselectivity (anti‐Markovnikov addition) toward the thermodynamically more stable β‐(E)‐vinylsilanes in ratios of up to 10:90 was achieved, while for aromatic alkynes the selectivities were poor with ratios of β‐(Z)‐ to β‐(E)‐vinylsilanes of about 40:60. With internal unsymmetrical alkynes, the two possible regioisomers of the syn‐addition of SiPhH3 were obtained in different ratios with no clear trend toward one regioisomer. Internal symmetrical alkynes yielded exclusively the respective syn‐products in high yields. Mechanistic investigations including deuterium labelling studies were undertaken to provide a reasonable reaction mechanism.
Red Mud as a Potential Catalyst for Petrochemicals Production From Oxygenated Aromatic Plastic Wastes via Fast Pyrolysis
Authors: Pal Subhan Kumar , Prabhudesai Vallabh S. , Mohanty Kaustubha , Vinu Ravikrishnan
Published: October 2024

The increased rate of postuse accumulation of the heteroatom‐containing plastic wastes, like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC) and polyurethane (PU), in the environment propels the research for effective and sustainable valorization. In this study, PET from bottle waste, PC from compact discs, and PU from waste wind turbine blade were characterized and employed for fast pyrolysis experiments. Importantly, red mud (RM), a mixed oxide rich in Fe, Al, Si, Na, and Ca, was used as a catalyst for fast pyrolysis. The effects of temperature and feed/catalyst ratio on product yields were studied to elucidate the product formation mechanism. Benzoic acid and its derivatives, bisphenol‐A and oxygenated aromatics, and 4,4′‐methylenebisbenzamine were the major products obtained from the noncatalytic fast pyrolysis of PET, PC, and PU, respectively. The use of RM improved the yield of aromatic hydrocarbons from PET to 27.8 wt% at 550 °C, phenolics from PC to 46.6 wt% at 550  °C, and 4,4′‐methylenebisbenzamine to 34.9 wt% at 650 °C. The catalytic activity of RM is ascribed to the presence of active basic sites. The present study paves the path for the catalytic upcycling of challenging plastic wastes using industrial waste, like RM, as a sustainable catalyst from a circular economy viewpoint.
Model Catalytic Studies on the Thermal Dehydrogenation of the Benzaldehyde/Cyclohexylmethanol LOHC System on Pt(111)
Authors: Schwaab Valentin , Hemauer Felix , Steffen Julien , Waleska‐Wellnhofer Natalie J. , Marie Freiberger Eva , Steinmetz Marius , Görling Andreas , Wasserscheid Peter , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Papp Christian
Published: October 2024

We investigated the dehydrogenation reaction and the thermal robustness of the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) couple benzaldehyde/cyclohexylmethanol on a Pt(111) model catalyst in situ in synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy‐ and complementary temperature‐programmed desorption experiments. The system stores hydrogen in a cyclohexyl group and a primary alcohol functionality and achieves an attractive hydrogen storage capacity of 7.0 mass %. We observed a stepwise dehydrogenation mechanism, characterized by a low temperature dehydrogenation of the alcohol group at 235 K. However, stability limitations challenge the system's application as reversible hydrogen storage solution, as the resultant aldehyde was found to decompose during the dehydrogenation of its cyclohexyl group (between 250 and 350 K). A comparison of cyclohexylmethanol with the structurally related secondary alcohol (1‐cyclohexylethanol; 6.3 mass % hydrogen) revealed a parallel stepwise dehydrogenation pattern for both compounds, but a technically relevant superior thermal robustness of the latter, demonstrating the influence of the alcohol‐group's substitution degree on the dehydrogenation characteristics of alcohol‐functionalized LOHCs. Density functional theory calculations are in agreement with the experimentally observed stability trend.
Formal Transformation of Benzylic Carboxylic Acids to Phenols
Authors: Lou Chenhao , Huang Qiuwei , Lv Leiyang , Li Zhiping
Published: October 2024

Phenols play a crucial role as core structural motifs in natural products and also serve as fundamental building blocks in synthetic chemistry. Apart from the known protocols for the conversion of aryl precursors to phenols (i. e., decarboxylative oxygenation), we report here the efficient synthesis of phenols from the stable and readily available benzylic carboxylic acids under mild reaction conditions. The photocatalytic conversion of carboxylic acids to peroxides is a crucial step in this strategy, allowing the subsequent C−O bond formation via Hock rearrangement.
Comparison of Positioning Error Prediction Results of Industrial Robots Based on Three Different Types of Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: October 2024

With the increasing development of industry, the market demand for manufacturing has shifted to large‐scale customized production. This poses new challenges to the production flexibility of industrial robots. The offline programming method can perfectly meet this challenge. But its disadvantage is that it relies heavily on the absolute positioning accuracy of industrial robots. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies using neural networks (NN) to predict the positioning errors of industrial robots to improve their absolute positioning accuracy. However, most of these studies only focus on the application of NNs, and do not compare the prediction results and performance of different kinds of NNs. This paper selects three typical network models: backpropagation neural network (BPNN), particle swarm algorithm optimization BPNN (PSO‐BPNN), and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Through in‐depth experiments and analysis of these networks, the purpose is to reveal their respective prediction effects and characteristics and to summarize their advantages and disadvantages. Experimental results show that BPNN performs poorly in predicting positioning errors. As an optimization method, the particle swarm algorithm can effectively improve the prediction performance of BPNN. In contrast, the RBFNN performs well, which makes it very suitable for predicting the positioning error of industrial robots.
An Ultra‐Short‐Term Wind Power Prediction Method Based on Spatiotemporal Characteristics Fusion
Authors: Pi Yuzhen , Yuan Quande , Zhang Zhenming , Wen Jingya , Kou Lei
Published: October 2024

Aiming at the problem that the existing ultra‐short‐term wind power prediction methods lack consideration of the spatial correlation characteristics of wind farms, resulting in insufficient prediction accuracy, an ultra‐short‐term wind power prediction method based on spatiotemporal characteristics fusion is proposed in this article. First, the fluctuation difference of the time window of wind power is input into the K‐means clustering algorithm to cluster wind farms into several clusters based on power fluctuation similarity. Then, the principal component analysis algorithm is used to reduce the dimensionality of numerical weather prediction data combinations in different regions to reduce the impact of redundant information on modeling accuracy. Finally, a convolutional long‐short‐term memory neural network is designed to extract spatiotemporal features of wind power data and output prediction results. The experimental verification on 18 wind farms in a province in China shows that the proposed wind power prediction method has an average root mean square error of only 0.1257 and has certain applicability.
Association of Periodontal Condition With Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Results of a 15‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Myllymäki Ville , Ylöstalo Pekka , Suominen Anna Liisa , Knuuttila Matti , Rajala Ulla , Keinänen‐Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Anttila Sirpa , Saxlin Tuomas
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether periodontal condition is associated with the development of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Material and Methods

This study was based on a subpopulation of a cohort of persons born in 1935 and living in Oulu, Finland, on October 1, 1990. The participants were normoglycemic (no previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus and a 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] blood glucose < 7.8 mmol/L) in the baseline examinations (1990–1992) and had fasting blood glucose < 7.0 mmol/L in the follow‐up examinations (2007–2008) (n = 225). The outcome was IGT on follow‐up, measured by a blood glucose level of ≥ 7.8 mmol/L after OGTT. The exposure was the periodontal condition at baseline categorized into four groups: 0, 1–6, ≥ 7 sites with deepened (≥ 4 mm) periodontal pockets, and edentulousness.

Results

A total of 23% of the participants developed IGT. The adjusted incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dentate participants with 1–6 sites and ≥ 7 sites with deepened periodontal pockets, and edentate participants (reference category dentate participants without deepened periodontal pockets) were 1.5 (95% CI, 0.6–4.0), 1.8 (95% CI, 0.7–4.4), and 1.6 (95% CI, 0.6–4.0), respectively.

Conclusions

Poor periodontal condition may predispose individuals to IGT; however, further studies on this matter are warranted.
Periodontal Evaluation for a New Alkasite Restorative Material in Noncarious Cervical Lesions: A Randomized‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mustafa Khattab , Alfakhry Ghaith , Milly Hussam
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the periodontal condition adjacent to Cention N (CN) restorations applied for noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) compared with resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (RM‐GIC) restorations in terms of plaque accumulation, attachment loss, and gingival inflammation.

Materials and Methods

This is a double‐blind split‐mouth three‐armed randomized‐controlled clinical trial. The study arms are RM‐GIC (FUJI II LC), CN + adhesive system, and CN + retentive groove. The study included 25 restorations per arm. Follow‐ups were performed at 1 week, 3, 6, and 9 months after the application of the restorations. The periodontal condition was evaluated using the plaque index (PI), the bleeding on probing index (BOP), and the probing depth (PD). Appropriate tests were used to perform statistical analyses (α = 0.05).

Results

There was no significant difference between Cention N and RM‐GIC regarding the studied variables. However, after the application of the restorations, it was noted that the PI and the PD mean values increased. The average increase after 9 months was 0.06 and 0.34 for PI and PD, respectively, with that of PD being significant. It was also noted that the percentage of positive BOP sites increased at the 1‐week follow‐up for all study groups and afterward dropped to near preintervention values at the 3‐month and later follow‐ups.

Conclusions

The two ion‐releasing materials Cention N and RM‐GIC have a comparable and clinically acceptable effect on the gingival tissue when restoring NCCLs. The combined effect of the gingival retraction cord and the rubber dam clamp on the periodontal tissues might be more important to consider, especially in relation to the probing depth. Future long‐term studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Cention N on the subgingival biofilm in comparison with nonion‐releasing restorative materials, and subsequently, its effect on gingival inflammation.

Clinical Trial Registration

This clinical trial was registered in clinicaltrial.gov clinical registry under protocol #NCT05593159.
Anomalous Catalytic Performance on Non‐Active‐Site Carbon Substrate
Authors: Sun Wenxing , Hu Yao , Gong Jiaxuan , Zhang Li , Li Zhi , Fu Qiang , Lan Haihui , Wang Donghui , Yan Mo , Xia Huicong , Du Mingliang
Published: October 2024

Carbon‐based nanomaterials are gaining attention in electrocatalysis. This study investigates the inherent nitrate reduction activity (NO3RR) of commercial carbon paper as a substrate. Results showed that carbon paper, without additional catalysts, achieved approximately 80.42 % ammonia (NH3) Faradaic efficiency (FE) at −2.1 V vs. Hg/HgO in alkaline conditions, 83.51 % NH3 FE at −1.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl in neutral conditions, and 14.53 % NH3 FE at −1.9 V vs. MSE in acidic conditions. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed energy barriers of 2.66 eV, 0.95 eV, and 1.37 eV, respectively. Molecular physisorption on the carbon paper surface generates an induced electric field, promoting charge transfer between the carbon paper and the adsorbed molecules, thus enhancing the activity of the carbon paper. These findings highlight the importance of considering the intrinsic catalytic properties of carbon substrates in catalyst design and evaluation, as overlooking these properties can lead to inaccurate performance assessments. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to optimize catalytic systems.
New Insights Into the Population Structure of Hector's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) Revealed Using Environmental DNA
Authors: Bennington S. M. , Bourke S. D. , Wilkinson S. P. , Englebert N. , Bond D. M. , Jeunen G.‐J. , Dawson S. , Slooten E. , Dillingham P. W. , Rayment W. J. , Alexander A.
Published: October 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is frequently used for detecting species and describing biodiversity through metabarcoding techniques. More recently, there has been emerging evidence that eDNA can be used to investigate intraspecific variability, providing novel pathways to explore population genetics questions. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between true intraspecific variation and PCR/sequence error, and the presence of DNA from multiple individuals makes using traditional frequency‐based approaches challenging. Here, we explore how eDNA can be used to investigate population structure of Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), an endemic, endangered, and culturally important (taonga) species. In doing so, we present a simple and effective method to filter out noise due to PCR/sequence error and show how treating haplotype detections equally can provide similar results to frequency‐based approaches from traditional sampling methods. Over the 2022/23 Austral summer, we collected 85 water samples close to Hector's dolphins, and three negative controls, across three areas on the east coast of Aotearoa New Zealand's South Island: Banks Peninsula (n = 41), Timaru (n = 33), and Dunedin (n = 14). We targeted a 348 bp region of the cetacean D‐loop in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and obtained positive detections in 68 (77%) water samples, confidently identifying seven haplotypes across the study area. The occurrence of specific haplotypes and the overall frequencies in Banks Peninsula and Timaru matched well with previous tissue‐based studies and were similar to other East Coast South Island (ECSI) subpopulations. In Dunedin, however, our results indicate a closer relationship to South Coast populations, suggesting that the membership within the ECSI population be reconsidered, which has implications for how this subpopulation is managed. We show that eDNA sampling can be used to elucidate matrilineal population structure for Hector's dolphin and provide a simple method that could be applied to other eDNA‐based studies of any taxa.
Regioselective Intermolecular Hydroamidation of β‐CF3‐1,3‐Enynamides: An Approach to Tri‐Substituted γ‐CF3‐Allenamides
Authors: Cao Yuxuan , Yu Zongxiang , Chen Yizhen , Liu Lu , Xiao Yuanjing
Published: October 2024

A simple base mediated, highly regioselective 1,4‐hydroamidation of β‐CF3‐1,3‐enynamides with secondary amides for synthesis of tri‐substituted γ‐CF3‐allenamides compounds was developed. N‐alkyl sulfonamides are generally good candidates for the present transformation. γ‐CF3‐allenamides could be employed for synthesis of potential value‐added compounds such as fluorinated halogenated pyrrole, tetrahydroquinoline and 2‐CF3‐putrescine derivatives.
Cu‐Catalyzed Coupling of Sulfonyl Chlorides with Alkenes: Synthesis of Dienyl Sulfones and β‐Chlorosulfones
Authors: Choudhary Priyanka , Ranjan Ravikant S. , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: October 2024

This work reports a Cu‐catalyzed coupling technique for synthesizing (E)‐dienyl sulfones and β‐chlorosulfones from 1‐arylbutadienes and styrenes, respectively. By employing easily available and inexpensive reagents, this method enables the synthesis of a diverse array of dienyl sulfones and β‐chlorosulfones with excellent functional group tolerance under base‐ and oxidant‐free conditions. It also proves versatile for the late‐stage functionalization of drug molecules and the scale‐up reactions. The method showcases notable selectivity, gentle reaction conditions, and compatibility with various functional groups as demonstrated through 66 examples with excellent display of regioselectivity.
Factorial design methodology for synthesizing zeolites: A critical review
Authors: García‐Estrada R. , Hernández‐Palomares A. , Reyes‐Vidal Yolanda , Robles Irma , Espejel‐Ayala F.
Published: October 2024

This review shows an outlook about several works which have used the factorial design methodology for synthesizing zeolites and mesoporous materials, included the use of wastes as sources of silicon and aluminum. In the bibliography several interesting works were identified with a complete development of the factorial design methodology. However, there are other works that showed a limited statistical analysis of the results. In spite of these issues, their contribution in the advance of synthesis of zeolites is important. Moreover, different ways to measure the crystallinity were detected being the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) the most used technique. This work also gives a proposal of the complete factorial design methodology as a guide in future works for synthesizing zeolites or zeo‐types materials. This work presents a detailed review of the methodology of designing experiments for the synthesis of zeolite or zeo‐type materials, where it has been shown and analyzed the type of design used, because the choice of a design involves a large number of experiments or few experiments thus facilitating the production of zeolite, in addition to the factors that influence the synthesis give information of the type to obtained zeolites, also includes a guide for applying this methodology. Experiment design methodology can help to produce high quality zeolites from virgin raw material or waste that impact the economy of the zeolite industry.
Mechanism and application of drill pipe bending induced borehole collapse in soft coal seam drilling
Authors: Yonglong Wang , Zaijiang Yu , Jiakuan Guo , Kang Du , Denghui Ma , Aoqi Zhao
Published: October 2024

Gas extraction drilling is a necessary measure for managing gas hazards. For soft coal seams where gas extraction drilling holes are prone to collapse, it is believed that drill rod disturbance is the main cause of hole collapse. This study proposes a research approach to reduce wall stress by optimizing the drill rod structure. Through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and industrial tests, a stress model for the drill rod inside the hole was established, and a wall stress equation was derived. The effects of various parameters on wall stress were analyzed. The study suggests optimizing the drill rod structure to reduce the disturbance‐induced wall stress. SolidWorks was used for drilling stress simulation, and a four‐winged concave groove drill rod was developed. After strength verification, comparative industrial tests were conducted. The research results show that as the line density increases, the wall stress of the drilling hole increases. As the length of the suspended section increases, the wall stress initially decreases and then increases. With increasing drilling thrust, wall stress increases linearly, and the growth rate is greater with a larger diameter difference between the drill hole and the drill rod. Numerical simulation results indicate that the critical point maximum stress at the hole entrance, the critical point maximum stress at the hole bottom, and the average stress at the bottom section of the four‐winged concave groove drill rod with a concavity of 5 are significantly reduced compared to those of circular and grooved drill rods. Industrial test results show that using the four‐winged concave groove drill rod significantly reduces the extent of hole collapse. This study provides a reference for addressing the issue of hole collapse in gas extraction drilling for soft coal seams.
Comparison of Essential Oils of Schinus molle L. Leaves Growing in Different Regions of Algeria in Terms of Their Chemical Compositions and Various Biological Activities
Authors: Kouachi Amina , Madani Zohra , MeltemTaş‐Küçükaydın  , Eroğlu Büşra , Korkmaz Cansu , Belhouala Khadidja , Küçükaydın Selçuk , Aouiche Adel , Ceylan Özgür , Duru Mehmet Emin , Benarba Bachir
Published: October 2024

This preliminary study investigated the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils derived from Schinus molle L. leaves obtained from three specific regions in Algeria: Algiers (SMA), Djelfa (SMD), and Mascara (SMM). Gas chromatography (GC) and Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses confirmed the presence of 52 compounds (100.0%) in SMA essential oil, 50 compounds (100.0%) in SMD, and 72 compounds (100.0%) in SMM essential oils. The main components of SMA oil were camphene (31.82%), limonene (14.71%), and p‐cymene (9.25%). In SMD and SMM oils, α‐phellandrene (14.25% and 12.70%), limonene (13.02% and 11.90%), and germacrene D (10.62% and 10.15%) were the major components, respectively. The antioxidant characteristics were evaluated using five methods: β‐carotene‐linoleic acid, DPPH, ABTS+, CUPRAC, and Metal chelating assays. The results revealed a moderate to low anti‐oxidant effect, with SMA essential oils exhibiting the highest activity. A moderate inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, urease, and tyrosinase was observed, indicating anti‐enzymatic activity. Nevertheless, all samples had higher IC50 values for both antioxidant and anti‐enzymatic activities than 200 μg/mL. It was determined that regional differences in the locations where S. molle grows showed both qualitative and quantitative differences in essential oil components. This difference was also detected in the biological activities of the essential oils. The anti‐inflammatory capacities of the three samples were assessed using Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilisation and egg albumin denaturation techniques. The results showed effective anti‐inflammatory activity in all three samples. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using a range of tests, such as anti‐quorum sensing, violacein inhibition, anti‐swimming, and anti‐swarming assays, demonstrating moderate activity. No toxic effects were observed at the tested dosages when assessing cytotoxicity against a healthy cell line (CCD18‐Co). This thorough examination provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and bioactive properties of essential oils derived from S. molle. These findings indicate the possible use of these essential oils in the food, medicinal, and cosmetic industries.
Molecular Profiling of Low‐Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms (LAMN)
Authors: Doll Julia , Maurus Katja , Köhler Franziska , Matthes Niels , Lock Johan F. , Germer Christoph‐Thomas , Rosenwald Andreas , Wiegering Armin
Published: October 2024

Low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasia (LAMN) represents a relatively rare tumor of the appendix typically diagnosed incidentally through appendectomy for acute appendicitis. In cases where perforation occurs, mucinous content may disseminate into the abdominal cavity, leading to the development of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular characteristics associated with various stages of LAMN and PMP. DNA was extracted from LAMN, primary PMPs, recurrent PMPs, and adenocarcinomas originating from LAMN. The subsequent analysis involved the examination of mutational hotspot regions within 50 cancer‐related genes, covering over 2800 COSMIC mutations, utilizing amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Our findings revealed activating somatic mutations within the MAPK‐signaling pathway across all tumors examined. Specifically, 98.1% of cases showed mutations in KRAS, while one tumor harbored a BRAF mutation. Additionally, GNAS mutations were identified in 55.8% of tumors, with no significant difference observed between LAMN and PMP. While LAMN rarely displayed additional mutations, 42% of primary PMPs and 60% of recurrent PMPs showed additional mutations. Notably, both adenocarcinomas originating from LAMN showed mutations within TP53. Furthermore, 7.7% (4/52) of cases exhibited a potentially targetable KRAS G12C mutation. In four patients, NGS analysis was performed on both primary PMP and recurrent PMP/adenocarcinoma samples. While mutations in KRAS and GNAS were detected in almost all samples, 50% of recurrent cases displayed an additional SMAD4 mutation, suggesting a notable alteration during disease progression. Our findings indicate two key points: First, mutations within the MAPK pathway, particularly in KRAS, are evident across all tumors, along with a high frequency of GNAS mutations. Second, progression toward PMP or adenocarcinoma is associated with an accumulation of additional mutations within common oncogenic pathways.
Front Cover
Authors: Shah Jatin P. , Levyn Helena , Valero Cristina , Adilbay Dauren , Eagan Alana , Zheng Junting , Gonen Mithat , Cohen Marc , Patel Snehal , Ganly Ian , Pai Prathamesh , Castelnuovo Paolo , Gao Fang Ju , Piazza Cesare , Nicolai Piero , Panizza Ben , Bowman James , Barnett Catherine , Kowalski Luiz P. , Toledo Ronaldo , Fliss Dan M. , DeAlmeida John , Witterick Ian , Herman Philippe , Fontanella Walter , Aniceto Gregorio Sanchez , Hosal Sefik , Ozer Serdar , Iyer Subramania , Harvey Richard , Leemans C. Rene , Hendrickx Jan‐Jaap , Figari Marcelo , Boccalatte Luis , Nibu Ken Ichi , Clarke Peter , Rennie Catherine , Ming Zhu Yi , Cernea Claudio , Goncalves Sergio , Schlosser Rodney , Dias Fernando , Sargi Zoukaa , Ahmed Shahzada , Golusinski Wojciech , Kim Se Heon , Su Shirley Y. , Raza Shaan M. , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab
Published: October 2024

Front Cover: The cover image is based on the article Skull base surgery for malignant tumors: The 2nd international collaborative study (1995–2015) by Jatin P. Shah MD et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.27746.

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Neuropsychiatric symptoms following the consumption of Lanmaoa asiatica, a poisonous mushroom native to Yunnan
Authors: Dai Ruanxian , Duan Zhantao , Yang Jing , Ning Deyuan , Liu Yu , Gong Bing , Meng Qiang
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To describe and analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Lanmaoa asiatica poisoning cases.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of Lanmaoa asiatica poisoning cases admitted to the emergency department of the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2023 to December 2023.

Results

A total of 81 patients were admitted, with ages ranging from 14 to 84 years and a median age of 42.5 ± 14.6, predominantly female (72.8%). The peak poisoning cases were observed in July (n = 55, 67.9%). The commonest clinical presentation was the mixed neuropsychiatric and gastroenteritic type (64.2%), while 24.7% of patients presented with neuropsychiatric symptoms only and 11.1% of patients presented with pure gastroenteritic symptoms. The most common first symptom was visual hallucination (n = 56, 69.1%), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea (n = 44, 54.3%) and vomiting (n = 36, 44.4%). Around 69.4% of patients had delayed onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms of 12–24 h after mushroom intake and 78.7% of patients had onset of gastroenteritic symptoms within 6 h after ingestion. Laboratory tests showed normal blood routine, liver function, kidney function, cardiac enzymes, and coagulation function. The median length of stay was 3 days, and no fatalities were reported.

Conclusions

Lanmaoa asiatica poisoning peaked in July. The commonest clinical presentation was the mixed neuropsychiatric and gastroenteritic type. The most common first symptom was visual hallucination. The incubation period for gastrointestinal symptoms was shorter than neuropsychiatric symptoms. Short hospitalization and absence of organ function damage was observed in Lanmaoa asiatica poisoning.