bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tail approach synthesis of triazolylthiazolotriazole bearing benzenesulfonamides as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors capable of inducing apoptosis
Authors: Vats Lalit , Siwach Kiran , Angeli Andrea , Bikal Prerna , Bhardwaj Jitender Kumar , Supuran Claudiu T. , Sharma Pawan K.
Published: November 2022

Inhibition of human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoform IX with concurrent induction of apoptosis is a promising approach for targeting cancer in humans. Prompted by the scope, novel benzenesulfonamides containing the 1,2,3‐triazolylthiazolotriazole tail were synthesized and screened as inhibitors of hCA isoforms I, II, IV, and IX. The tumor‐associated isoform hCA IX was strongly inhibited by the sulfonamides reported here with KI values ranging from 45 nM to 1.882 μM. Overall, nine compounds showed hCA IX inhibition with KI < 250 nM. The glaucoma‐associated isoform hCA II was moderately inhibited while the cytosolic isoform hCA I and membrane‐bound isoform hCA IV were weakly inhibited by the synthesized sulfonamides. Compound 6Ac (KI = 3.6 nM) was found to be an almost three times more potent inhibitor of hCA II as compared to the standard drug acetazolamide (KI = 12.1 nM). The selective hCA IX inhibitors were further studied for their apoptotic efficacy in goat ovarian cells and showed better results as compared to the control. A comparative study of previously synthesized compounds and molecular docking study of representative compounds revealed some important generalizations that could prove beneficial in further investigations of isoform‐selective hCA inhibitors.
Health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and academic engagement in youth with autism spectrum disorder: A latent class analysis
Authors: Garcia Jeanette M. , Hahs‐Vaughn Debbie , Shurack Riley
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify behavioral and health‐related profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), based on the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health. A sample of 894 children with ASD (weighted sample N = 768,181) were included in the analysis. All data were parent‐reported and included measures on current diagnosis of ASD, general child health, weight status, physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), sleep duration, academic engagement, and social engagement. Latent class analysis, estimated with Mplus v. 8.4, was used to identify latent profiles of children with ASD. A three‐profile solution was the best fitting model, per model fit criteria. Children in profile 1 had overall more positive attributes (better health and weight, PA, more engaged in school, little difficulty in making friends, and modest ST) relative to children in either profiles 2 or 3. Children in profile 2 had distinctly increased ST and more difficulty in making friends when compared with children in either other profile. A greater proportion of children in profiles 2 and 3 were receiving behavioral treatment compared to profile 1; however, no differences were observed among profiles according to ASD severity, medication status, or additional health conditions. Studies should examine causal mechanisms among health behaviors, academic achievement, and social engagement in youth with ASD.
Die gewebte Membran des Al Bayt Stadions
Authors: Stockhusen Knut , Paech Christoph
Published: November 2022

In der zeitgenössischen Architektur bieten textile Membranen vielfältige Anwendungsmöglichkeiten. Üblicherweise bestehen solche Membranen aus einem regulären Gewebe, das beidseitig mit einer Deckschicht versehen ist, um es vor Umwelteinflüssen zu schützen. Meist verliert die Membran dabei ihr textiles Aussehen und büßt hinsichtlich ihrer Haptik ein. Aber genau diese Sicht‐ und Fühlbarkeit der Textur kombiniert mit einem traditionellen, identitätsstiftenden Farbmuster war ein zentraler Entwurfsparameter für die 71.000 m2 große Untermembran im Al Bayt Stadion. Um dem entwurfsprägenden Leitgedanken gerecht zu werden, wurde eine neuartige Membran entwickelt, für die einzelne PVC‐beschichtete Polyesterfäden in unterschiedlichen Farben verwoben werden. Durch die Verwendung eines Jacquard‐Webstuhls ist es möglich, das Gewebe mit unterschiedlichen Mustern zu versehen. Die mechanischen Materialeigenschaften der Membran variieren dabei nicht nur in Kett‐ und Schussrichtung, sondern auch innerhalb einer Richtung mit dem entsprechenden eingewebten Muster.
Das modulare Stadion 974: Planung für Rückbau und Wiederverwendung
Authors: Stockhusen Knut , Paech Christoph
Published: November 2022

Das Stadion 974 in Doha ist ein modulares Bauwerk, das vollständig rückgebaut und wiederverwendet werden kann. Wie die Waren eines Lagers sind 974 reguläre Schiffscontainer in eine Stahlkonstruktion eingeschoben, die einem großen Hochregallager gleicht. Die Container beinhalten alle Funktionen einer modernen Arena – von Haustechnikzentrale über Sanitäreinrichtungen bis hin zu Aufenthaltsräumen, Logen und Kiosken. Auch die Stahlkonstruktion ist mit reversiblen Verbindungen, standardisierten Elementen und transportfähigen Bauteilen vollständig modular und wiederverwendbar konzipiert. Als mögliche Optionen zur Wiederverwendung wurden in der Planung neben der Nutzung des ganzen Stadions auch weitere Konfigurationen berücksichtigt. So können einzelne Teile der Konstruktion als freistehende Tribünen oder runde Arenen wiederverwendet werden. Ermöglicht wird dies durch die standardisierten Elemente und Verbindungen sowie die globale modulare Geometrie, bei der verschiedene Anordnungen bereits berücksichtigt wurden. Mit dem Stadion 974 im Bezirk Ras Abu Aboud der katarischen Hauptstadt Doha wird das Konzept eines vollständig demontierbaren, transportierfähigen und wiederverwendbaren Stadions nun erstmals realisiert.
DigEST: Digital plug‐n‐probe disease Endotyping Sensor Technology
Authors: Ganguly Antra , Ebrahimzadeh Tahmineh , Komarovsky Jessica , Zimmern Philippe E. , De Nisco Nicole J. , Prasad Shalini
Published: November 2022

In this work, we propose a novel diagnostic workflow—DigEST—that will enable stratification of disease states based on severity using multiplexed point of care (POC) biosensors. This work can boost the performance of current POC tests by enabling clear, digestible, and actionable diagnoses to the end user. The scheme can be applied to any disease model, which requires time‐critical disease stratification for personalized treatment. Here, urinary tract infection is explored as the proof‐of‐concept disease model and a four‐class classification of disease severity is discussed. Our method is superior to traditional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as it is faster and can work with multiple disease biomarkers and categorize diseases by endotypes (or disease subtype) and severity. To map the nonlinear nature of biochemical pathways of complex diseases, the method utilizes an established supervised machine learning model for digital classification. This scheme can potentially boost the diagnostic power of current electrochemical biosensors for better precision therapy and improved patient outcomes.
A recurrent neural networks based framework for at‐risk learners' early prediction and MOOC tutor's decision support
Authors: Mourdi Youssef , Sadgal Mohammed , Elalaoui Elabdallaoui Hasna , El Kabtane Hamada , Allioui Hanane
Published: November 2022

Since their beginning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) have known great success and have managed to establish themselves with significant enrollment rates. However, this success was quickly disrupted by the drop‐out phenomenon observed in the majority of MOOCs, which reaches 90% in some courses. Studying and understanding this phenomenon, and consequently determining the relevance of the efforts made to develop MOOCs, has led several researchers to propose predictive models of learners at risk of dropping out. On one hand, these models have been made relying on machine learning and the massive data generated by learners' navigation. On the other hand, these models only provide weekly predictions and do not give clear visibility about the overall course progress. We present in this paper a framework based on the recurrent neural networks' strengths which uses generator and predictor modules. Our framework allows not only the prediction of dropouts but also the generation of each learners' behaviors during the whole course since its first week. Besides, an OLAP analytical module proved great support for MOOC moderators to report on the learners' behavior at‐risk to target their interventions and guide their support.
Self‐Assembling Peptide‐Based Functional Biomaterials
Authors: Huo Yehong , Hu Jian , Yin Yuanyuan , Liu Peng , Cai Kaiyong , Ji Wei
Published: November 2022

Peptides can self‐assemble into various hierarchical nanostructures through noncovalent interactions and form functional materials exhibiting excellent chemical and physical properties, which have broad applications in bio‐/nanotechnology. The self‐assembly mechanism, self‐assembly morphology of peptide supramolecular architecture and their various applications, have been widely explored which have the merit of biocompatibility, easy preparation, and controllable functionality. Herein, we introduce the latest research progress of self‐assembling peptide‐based nanomaterials and review their applications in biomedicine and optoelectronics, including tissue engineering, anticancer therapy, biomimetic catalysis, energy harvesting. We believe that this review will inspire the rational design and development of novel peptide‐based functional bio‐inspired materials in the future.
The unheard victims: Challenges of identifying experiences of trauma among children with ASD
Authors: Bernadoni Amy
Published: November 2022

Trigger warning: Sexual assault. Several years ago, I was providing individual psychotherapy to a kind, intelligent woman in her 40's who was in the process of obtaining an advanced scientific degree in a very competitive university program. She received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as an adult and was seeking psychotherapy to improve her social skills in hopes of better maintaining personal relationships in both her personal and professional life. Approximately 3 months into therapy, we were exploring common challenges she faces in maintaining positive relationships with fellow graduate students and work colleagues. She casually described an event from a few years ago, during which she was forced to engage in non‐consensual sex with a male colleague in her workplace bathroom. While she seemed distressed in telling her story, she did not appear to understand the gravity of what she was describing. “I didn't like it,” she stated. “That was a bad day at work.” When asked why she didn't mention this in therapy before (she denied any “traumatic or stressful life experiences” during her intake appointment), she stated, “I've never told anyone. Was I supposed to? I don't really know what's ‘normal’, especially with the opposite sex. It made me uncomfortable, but lots of things make me uncomfortable that everyone just tells me to get over. Did I do something wrong?”
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2022

Gene editing to reverse effects of binge drinking in adolescence

Prenatal cannabis exposure effects on teens
AAP calls for ‘harm reduction’ approach to firearm injuries and deaths in children and adolescents
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2022

A policy statement released in early October by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called on parents, clinicians, communities, and policymakers to adjust to an era of gun proliferation in the United States, with tragic consequences. In this handout, we focus on what parents and families can do – which includes listening when their pediatricians give advice.
Glucose/Furfural Substrate Mixtures in Non‐Engineered Yeast: Potential for Massive Rerouting of Fermentation to C−C Bond Formation on Furfural
Authors: Sannelli Francesca , Gao Sanni , Jensen Pernille Rose , Meier Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Suitable mixtures of glucose and furfural may provide novel strategies for C−C bond formation on furfural due to the versatility of low‐cost biological catalysts. We use in‐cell NMR with non‐engineered commercial yeast as the catalyst to determine the interplay between furfural and glucose metabolism in non‐engineered yeast. The presence of furfural is shown to modulate kinetic barriers in glucose conversion and to favor the accumulation of acetaldehyde in situ. As a result, glucose carbons are remarkably strongly redirected towards C−C bond formation between furfural and a glucose‐derived C2 unit. In the presence of suitable glucose/furfural substrate mixtures in non‐engineered yeasts, glucose carbons can achieve relative influxes of at least 80 % into the C−C bond formation on furfural, compared to only 20 % into ethanol. Chain‐elongation of furfural by yeast thus seems a viable strategy for the upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass through concurrent conversion of furfural and glucose. The product is related to chemicals that already have found value in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Efficient Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Methyl Heteroarenes with Indoles
Authors: Zhang Lei‐Yang , Wang Nai‐Xing , Yan Zhan , Wu Yue‐Hua , Gao Xue‐Wang , Feng Ke , Lucan Dumitra , Xing Yalan
Published: November 2022

Direct oxidative coupling of inert C(sp3)−H bond has been a great challenge. Herein, an environmentally friendly aerobic oxidative coupling of α‐methyl substituted N‐heteroarenes with indoles is reported. A variety of diheteroaryl ketones were prepared in good yields (up to 72 %). This protocol features simple operation and broad substrates scope (26 examples). Significantly, a plausible mechanism about catalytic cycle was proposed, and two key intermediates were confirmed by high resolution mass spectrometry.
Theoretical Exploration on the Role of Magnetic States to the N2 Fixation behaviors of 2D Transition Metal Tri‐borides (TMB3s)
Authors: Lin Yuxing , Shi Li , Chen Yu , Yao Xiaojing , Meng Lijuan , Han Ying , Zhao Xinli , He Maoshuai , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Xiuyun
Published: November 2022

Fixing nitrogen (N2) by electrosynthesis method has become a promising way to ammonia (NH3) production, nevertheless, developing electrocatalysts combining long‐term stable and low‐cost feathers are still a great challenge to date. Using comprehensive first‐principles calculations, we herein investigate the potential of a new class of two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal tri‐borides (TMB3s) as nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalysts, and explore the effect of magnetic orders on the NRR. Our results show that the TMB3s can sufficiently activate N2 and convert it to NH3. Particularly, TiB3 is identified as a high‐efficiency catalyst for NRR because of its low limiting potential (−0.24 V) and good suppression of the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). For the first time, we present that these TMB3s with various magnetic states exhibit different performances in the adsorption of N2 and NRR intermediates, and minor effect on activation of N2. Besides, VB3, CrB3, MnB3, and FeB3 monolayers possess the superior capacity to suppress surface oxidation via the self‐activating process, which reduces *O/*OH into *H2O under NRR electrochemical conditions, thus favoring the N2 electroreduction. This work paves the way for finding high‐performance NRR catalysts for transition metal borides and pioneering the research of magnetic states effects in NRR.
Fast and Cost‐Efficient 17O‐Isotopic Labeling of Carboxylic Groups in Biomolecules: From Free Amino Acids to Peptide Chains
Authors: Špačková Jessica , Goldberga Ieva , Yadav Rishit , Cazals Guillaume , Lebrun Aurélien , Verdié Pascal , Métro Thomas‐Xavier , Laurencin Danielle
Published: November 2022

17O NMR spectroscopy is a powerful technique, which can provide unique information regarding the structure and reactivity of biomolecules. However, the low natural abundance of 17O (0.04 %) generally requires working with enriched samples, which are not easily accessible. Here, we present simple, fast and cost‐efficient 17O‐enrichment strategies for amino acids and peptides by using mechanochemistry. First, five unprotected amino acids were enriched under ambient conditions, consuming only microliter amounts of costly labeled water, and producing pure molecules with enrichment levels up to ∼40 %, yields ∼60‐85 %, and no loss of optical purity. Subsequently, 17O‐enriched Fmoc/tBu‐protected amino acids were produced on a 1 g/day scale with high enrichment levels. Lastly, a site‐selective 17O‐labeling of carboxylic functions in peptide side‐chains was achieved for RGD and GRGDS peptides, with ∼28 % enrichment level. For all molecules, 17O ssNMR spectra were recorded at 14.1 T in reasonable times, making this an important step forward for future NMR studies of biomolecules.
Dual‐Functional Hosts for Polysulfides Conversion and Lithium Plating/Stripping towards Lithium‐Sulfur Full Cells
Authors: Shen Nan , Sun Hongxu , Li Boya , Xi Baojuan , An Xuguang , Li Jingfa , Xiong Shenglin
Published: November 2022

The practical application of lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries is greatly hindered by the shuttle effect of dissolved polysulfides in the sulfur cathode and the severe dendritic growth in the lithium anode. Adopting one type of effective host with dual‐functions including both inhibiting polysulfide dissolution and regulating Li plating/stripping, is recently an emerging research highlight in Li−S battery. This review focuses on such dual‐functional hosts and systematically summarizes the recent research progress and application scenarios. Firstly, this review briefly describes the stubborn issues in Li−S battery operations and the sophisticated counter measurements over the challenges by dual‐functional behaviors. Then, the latest advances on dual‐functional hosts for both cathode and anode in Li−S full cells are catalogued as species, including metal chalcogenides, metal carbides, metal nitrides, heterostuctures, and the possible mechanisms during the process. Besides, we also outlined the theoretical calculation tools for the dual‐functional host based on the first principles. Finally, several sound perspectives are also rationally proposed for fundamental research and practical development as guidelines.
Palladium(0)‐CatalyzedAnti‐Selective Addition‐Cyclizations of Alkynyl Electrophiles
Authors: Tsukamoto Hirokazu , Ito Kazuya , Ueno Tatsuhiko , Shiraishi Mitsugu , Kondo Yoshinori , Doi Takayuki
Published: November 2022

Palladium(0)/monophosphine complexes catalyzeanti‐selective alkylative, arylative, and alkynylative cyclizations of alkynyl electrophiles with organometallic reagents. The remarkableanti‐selectivity results from novel oxidative addition, that is, the nucleophilic attack of electron‐rich palladium(0) on the electrophile across the alkyne followed by transmetalation and reductive elimination (“anti‐Wacker”‐type cyclization). With regard to 5‐alkynals, triphenylphosphine (PPh3)‐ligated palladium(0) catalyzes the cyclization of terminal alkynes and conjugated alkenyl‐ or alkynyl‐substituted ones to afford 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol and 2‐alkylidene‐cyclopentanol derivatives, respectively. For 6‐alkyl‐ or 6‐aryl‐5‐alkynals, the cyclization does not proceed with the palladium/PPh3catalyst; however, it does proceed with palladium/tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy3), to yield the former products predominantly. Remarkably, the latter catalyst completely switches the regioselectivity in the cyclization of the conjugated diyne‐aldehydes. Notably, palladium/PPh3‐catalyzed cyclizations also proceed with other organometallics or even without them.
Molecular Twisting Affects the Solid‐State Photochemical Reactions of Unsaturated Ketones and the Photomechanical Effects of Molecular Crystals
Authors: Yue Yuan , Shu Yuanhong , Ye Kaiqi , Sun Jingbo , Liu Cheng , Dai Shuting , Jin Liuyang , Ding Chengde , Lu Ran
Published: November 2022

Three groups of chalcone derivatives and their analogues involving halogen atoms (X=F, Cl, Br) have been synthesized. Firstly, the nearly planar acyclic chalcone derivatives were inclined to undergo photo‐induced stereospecific [2+2] cycloaddition, which triggered the crystals to exhibit macroscopic motions of bending or cracking. In particular, the single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation happened upon UV irradiation of the crystals, which was helpful for the understanding photomechanical effects. Cyclic 3,4‐dihydronaphthalene‐based chalcone analogues possess a more twisted conformation, and they tend to undergo trans‐cis isomerization. No photomechanical effect was observed for the crystals of the cyclic chalcone analogues due to the lower isomerization rate. The twist degree of chroman‐based molecules was in between of the first two, [2+2] cycloaddition and trans‐cis isomerization simultaneously took place in crystals. Photo‐induced bending and twisting were observed for the crystals of chroman‐based chalcone analogues. Therefore, the differences in molecular dihedral angles in α,β‐unsaturated ketones were responsible for their photochemical characters and in turn to tune the photomechanical effects. In this work, a bridge between the molecular structures and solid‐state photochemical reactions triggered photomechanical crystals is built.
The Potential Application of Single‐Use Bioreactors in Cultured Meat Production
Authors: Kurt Tutku , Höing Tobias , Oosterhuis Nico
Published: November 2022

Production of cultured meat by proliferation of stem cells is a fast‐growing field drawing significant attention and big investments. Replacement of traditional meat by cell‐based meat can have a huge positive impact on the environmental burden of human meat consumption. Large‐scale production to make cell‐based meat economically feasible and comparable to the cost of conventional meat requires further bioprocess optimization and large investments. Application of single‐use bioreactors at a restricted scale of operation reduces the overall capital expenditures for cultured meat production. The advantages of single‐use bioreactors as experienced in biopharmaceutical applications are applicable to cultured meat production. Here, it is shown that the transfer from traditional cultivation systems to single‐use systems is easily possible. Single‐use bioreactors can contribute to the realization of cultured meat production at “farm level”, thus limiting the investment and technical risks of very large‐scale productions.
An improved dynamic latent variable regression model for fault diagnosis and causal analysis
Authors: Zhang Haitian , Zhu Qinqin
Published: November 2022

The advancement of industrial techniques has imposed a high demand for powerful machine learning algorithms to model the increasingly complicated relations in the data. Among them, dynamic models are widely studied to capture the inevitable temporal relations. However, most existing methods only focus on the dynamics between input and output data, failing to exploit other valuable information in the output. In this article, an improved dynamic latent variable regression (LVR) method is proposed to capture both auto‐correlations and cross‐correlations between input and output with an auto‐regressive exogenous model, which is referred to as dynamic regularized LVR with auto‐regressive exogenous input (DrLVR‐ARX). Further, a DrLVR‐ARX‐based fault detection and diagnosis framework is designed to identify the root causes of a detected fault. The framework systematically integrates reconstruction‐based contribution, time‐domain Granger causality, and conditional spectral Granger causality to determine and locate the assignable causes. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated with two industrial processes.
Experimental performance analysis of cloud resource allocation framework using spider monkey optimization algorithm
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Dubey Kalka , Singh Samayveer , Kumar Samriya Jitendra , Gill Sukhpal Singh
Published: November 2022

The cloud services demand has increased exponentially in the last decade due to its plethora of services. It becomes a significant platform to compute large and diverse applications over the internet. On the contrary, on‐demand resource allocation to a variety of applications becomes a serious issue due to dynamic workload conditions and uncertainty in the cloud environment. Several existing state of art techniques often fails to allocate the optimal resources to forthcoming demands, leading to an imbalance workload over cloud platform, degrading the performance. This article introduces a secure and self‐adaptive resource allocation framework that addressed the mentioned issues and allocates the most suitable resources to users' applications while ensuring the deadline constraints. Further, the proposed framework is integrated with a metaheuristic algorithm named enhanced spider monkey optimization algorithm that is based on the intelligent foraging behavior of spider monkeys. The proposed algorithm finds an optimal resource for the user's application using the fission‐fusion approach and improves multiple influential parameters like time, cost, degree of load balancing, energy consumption, task rejection ratio and so on. The experimental CloudSim based results verified that the proposed framework performs superior to state of art approaches like PSO, GSA, ABC, and IMMLB.
Towards the significance of taxi recommender systems in smart cities
Authors: Katarya Rahul
Published: November 2022

Since their launch in the early 1990's, recommender systems (RSs) have played an essential role in information filtering and providing personalized information to users by utilizing the web, mobile, context, personalized, and practical applications. Many research articles have been published in various application domains such as movies, books, documents, news, images, music, shopping, TV programs, tourism, group, social, taxi, and others. However, from these domains, taxi recommendation is a new and thrust area of research, as publications in this domain are few and recently published. Taxi recommendations are associated with drivers‐passengers with their: behavior, hotspots, trajectory, point of interest, route planning or prediction, taxi finding, anomaly or fraud detection, urban computing, mobility patterns and so forth. Due to this diversity and various agendas in taxi recommendations, more exploration is required, as it is a less mature and growing field than other domains. So we have done a literature review in the taxi domain by classification, incorporating reputed articles published from 2001 to August 2022. We include the reputed papers which highlight, analyze and perform studies only on the taxi domain. This article categorizes and discusses the research and development in taxi recommendations as nature, approaches, algorithms, methods, datasets, models, devices, information, and evaluation techniques. This survey article will actively help the researchers and professionals understand the current situations in taxi RS and resolve future trends, opportunities, and research.
Elevational changes in insect herbivory on woody plants in six mountain ranges of temperate Eurasia: Sources of variation
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , Zverev Vitali , Zvereva Elena L.
Published: November 2022

Current theory predicts that the intensity of biotic interactions, particularly herbivory, decreases with increasing latitude and elevation. However, recent studies have revealed substantial variation in both the latitudinal and elevational patterns of herbivory. This variation is often attributed to differences in study design and the type of data collected by different researchers. Here, we used a similar sampling protocol along elevational gradients in six mountain ranges, located at different latitudes within temperate Eurasia, to uncover the sources of variation in elevational patterns in insect herbivory on woody plant leaves. We discovered a considerable variation in elevational patterns among different mountain ranges; nevertheless, herbivory generally decreased with increasing elevation at both the community‐wide and individual plant species levels. This decrease was mostly due to openly living defoliators, whereas no significant association was detected between herbivory and elevation among insects living within plant tissues (i.e., miners and gallers). The elevational decrease in herbivory was significant for deciduous plants but not for evergreen plants, and for tall plants but not for low‐stature plants. The community‐wide herbivory increased with increases in both specific leaf area and leaf size. The strength of the negative correlation between herbivory and elevation increased from lower to higher latitudes. We conclude that despite the predicted overall decrease with elevation, elevational gradients in herbivory demonstrate considerable variation, and this variation is mostly associated with herbivore feeding habits, some plant traits, and latitude of the mountain range.
On the seismic performance of straight integral abutment bridges: From advanced numerical modelling to a practice‐oriented analysis method
Authors: Marchi Andrea , Gallese Domenico , Gorini Davide Noè , Franchin Paolo , Callisto Luigi
Published: November 2022

The seismic performance of integral abutment bridges (IABs) is affected by the interaction with the surrounding soil, and specifically by the development of interaction forces in the embankment‐abutment and soil‐piles systems. In principle, these effects could be evaluated by means of highly demanding numerical computations that, however, can be carried out only for detailed studies of specific cases. By contrast, a low‐demanding analysis method is needed for a design‐oriented assessment of the longitudinal seismic performance of IABs. To this purpose, the present paper describes a design technique in which the frequency‐ and amplitude‐dependency of the soil‐structure interaction is modelled in a simplified manner. Specifically, the method consists of a time‐domain analysis of a simplified soil‐bridge model, in which soil‐structure interaction is simulated by means of distributed nonlinear springs connecting a free‐field ground response analysis model to the structural system. The results of this simplified method are validated against the results of advanced numerical analyses, considering different seismic scenarios. In its present state of development, the proposed simplified nonlinear model can be used for an efficient evaluation of the longitudinal response of straight IABs and can constitute a starting point for a prospective generalisation to three‐dimensional response.
Integrated Assessment of Chemical and Biological Recovery After Diversion and Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage in a Rocky Mountain Stream
Authors: Kotalik Christopher J. , Meyer Joseph S. , Cadmus Pete , Ranville James F. , Clements William H.
Published: November 2022

Responses of stream ecosystems to gradual reductions in metal loading following remediation or restoration activities have been well documented in the literature. However, much less is known about how these systems respond to the immediate or more rapid elimination of metal inputs. Construction of a water treatment plant on the North Fork of Clear Creek (NFCC; CO, USA), a US Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site, captured, diverted, and treated the two major point-source inputs of acid mine drainage (AMD) and provided an opportunity to investigate immediate improvements in water quality. We conducted a 9-year study that included intensive within- and among-year monitoring of receiving-stream chemistry and benthic communities before and after construction of the treatment plant. Results showed a 64%–86% decrease in metal concentrations within months at the most contaminated sites. Benthic communities responded with increased abundance and diversity, but downstream stations remained impaired relative to reference conditions, with significantly lower taxonomic richness represented by a few dominant taxa (i.e., Baetis sp., Hydropsyche sp., Simulium sp., Orthocladiinae). Elevated metal concentrations from apparent residual sources, and relatively high conductivity from contributing major ions not removed during the treatment process, are likely limiting downstream recovery. Our study demonstrates that direct AMD treatment can rapidly improve water quality and benefit aquatic life, but effectiveness is limited, in part, to the extent that inputs of metals are captured and treated. Consideration should also be given to the effects of elevated major ion concentrations from the treated effluent not removed during the lime treatment process. Continued chemical and biological monitoring will be needed to quantify the NFCC recovery trajectory and to inform future remediation strategies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:512–524. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
The microbial‐killing Ag nanoparticles in food supply chain: How it was applied and what a consumer should know?
Authors: Yeap Swee Pin , Rajendran Salini Devi , Wahab Siti Norida
Published: November 2022

Moving to 133 years of the synthesis of citrate‐stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by M. C. Lea (published in Am. J. Sci, 1889), a myriad of scholarly works and patents were published globally demonstrating the applicability of this microbial‐killing nanoparticles in various industries. One of the favorite applications is on the food supply chain whereby AgNPs serve to improve food safety and quality. In this paper, the adaptation of AgNPs in each phase of a typical food supply chain is disclosed, doubts associated with the potential risks brought by this technology, and what a consumer shall be aware of are highlighted.
Comparison of chemical compositions, antioxidant activities, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities between coffee flowers and leaves as potential novel foods
Authors: Shen Xiaojing , Nie Fanqiu , Fang Haixian , Liu Kunyi , Li Zelin , Li Xingyu , Chen Yumeng , Chen Rui , Zheng Tingting , Fan Jiangping
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to compare chemical compositions, antioxidant activities, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of coffee flowers (ACF) and coffee leaves (ACL) with green coffee beans (ACGB) of Coffea Arabica L. The chemical compositions were determined by employing high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (HPLC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) techniques. Antioxidant effects of the components were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were also evaluated. The coffee sample extracts contained a total of 214 components identified by HPLC‐MS and belonged to 12 classes (such as nucleotides and amino acids and their derivatives, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, benzene, phenylpropanoids, and lipids.), where phenylpropanoids were the dominant component (>30%). The contents of flavonoids, alkaloids, saccharides, and carboxylic acid and its derivatives in ACF and ACL varied significantly (p < .05) compared to similar components in ACGB. Meanwhile, 30 differentially changed chemical compositions (variable importance in projection [VIP] > 1, p < .01 and fold change [FC] > 4, or <0.25), that determine the difference in characteristics, were confirmed in the three coffee samples. Furthermore, among 25 volatile chemical components identified by GC–MS, caffeine, n‐hexadecanoic acid, 2,2′‐methylenebis[6‐(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐4‐methyl‐phenol], and quinic acid were common in these samples with caffeine being the highest in percentage. In addition, ACL showed the significantly highest (p < .05) DPPH radical scavenging capacity with IC50 value of 0.491 ± 0.148 mg/ml, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with inhibition ratio 25.18 ± 2.96%, whereas ACF showed the significantly highest (p < .05) ABTS radical scavenging activity with 36.413 ± 1.523 mmol trolox/g Ex. The results suggested that ACL and ACF had potential values as novel foods in the future.
Retinal regions shape human and murine Müller cell proteome profile and functionality
Authors: Kaplan Lew , Drexler Corinne , Pfaller Anna M. , Brenna Santra , Wunderlich Kirsten A. , Dimitracopoulos Andrea , Merl‐Pham Juliane , Perez Maria‐Theresa , Schlötzer‐Schrehardt Ursula , Enzmann Volker , Samardzija Marijana , Puig Berta , Fuchs Peter , Franze Kristian , Hauck Stefanie M. , Grosche Antje
Published: November 2022

The human macula is a highly specialized retinal region with pit‐like morphology and rich in cones. How Müller cells, the principal glial cell type in the retina, are adapted to this environment is still poorly understood. We compared proteomic data from cone‐ and rod‐rich retinae from human and mice and identified different expression profiles of cone‐ and rod‐associated Müller cells that converged on pathways representing extracellular matrix and cell adhesion. In particular, epiplakin (EPPK1), which is thought to play a role in intermediate filament organization, was highly expressed in macular Müller cells. Furthermore, EPPK1 knockout in a human Müller cell‐derived cell line led to a decrease in traction forces as well as to changes in cell size, shape, and filopodia characteristics. We here identified EPPK1 as a central molecular player in the region‐specific architecture of the human retina, which likely enables specific functions under the immense mechanical loads in vivo.
Endoscopic transoral approach to the lateral poststyloid space
Authors: Li Lifeng , Xu Hongbo , London Nyall R. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Jin Yonggang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: November 2022

The lateral poststyloid space (LPSS) located at the posterolateral aspect of the styloid process. This study aims to explore the anatomical relationships in LPSS via a transoral corridor, providing reference for addressing lesions extending to this region. An endoscopic transoral approach for exposure of the LPSS was performed on 6 cadaveric specimens (12 sides). Related landmarks were explored, and transoral extirpation of tumors extended into LPSS was employed in 12 patients. The deep lobe of the parotid gland, extratemporal facial nerve, and the accompanying artery in the LPSS were sufficiently exposed via the transoral corridor in all 12 cadaveric sides. The transoral corridor provided adequate exposure for tumors extending to the LPSS, and en bloc resection was achieved in these 12 patients. No facial nerve or vascular injury occurred, and no recurrence observed in this cohort with an average follow‐up of 26 months. An endoscopic transoral approach provides a direct access to the LPSS. Appreciation of the anatomical relationships within the LPSS is valuable for employing a transoral extirpation of tumors extending to this specific region.
Time‐varying prognostic value of primary tumor sidedness in metastatic colorectal cancer: A population‐based study and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Kruijssen Dave E. W. , van der Kuil Auke J. S. , Vink Geraldine R. , Punt Cornelis J. A. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Elias Sjoerd G. , Koopman Miriam
Published: November 2022

We studied the prognostic value of primary tumor sidedness in metastatic colorectal cancer over time and across treatment lines. Population data on synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer patients were extracted from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and SEER database. Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane library were searched for prospective studies on metastatic colorectal cancer to conduct a meta‐analysis. Inclusion criteria consisted of metastatic disease, systemic treatment with palliative intent and specification of primary tumor location. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model. For the population‐based data, multivariable Cox models were constructed. The Grambsch‐Therneau test was conducted to evaluate the potential time‐varying nature of sidedness. Meta‐regression incorporating treatment‐line as variable was conducted to test the pre‐specified hypothesis that the prognostic value of sidedness varies over time. Analysis of 12 885 and 16 160 synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer patients registered in the Netherlands Cancer Registry and SEER database, respectively, indicated a time‐varying prognostic value of sidedness (P < .01). Thirty‐one studies were selected for the meta‐analysis (9558 patients for overall survival analysis). Pooled univariable hazard ratioleft‐sided/right‐sided for overall survival was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.65‐0.76) in 1st‐line, 0.76 (0.54‐1.06) in 2nd‐line and 1.01 (0.86‐1.19) in 3rd‐line studies. Hazard ratios were significantly influenced by treatment line (P = .035). The prognostic value of sidedness of the primary tumor in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with palliative systemic therapy decreases over time since diagnosis, suggesting that sidedness may not be a useful stratification factor in late‐line trials. This decrease in prognostic value should be taken into account when providing prognostic information to patients.
Bank market power and performance of financial technology firms
Authors: Andrikopoulos Athanasios , Dassiou Xeni
Published: November 2022

We adopt a novel variation of the traditional structure‐conduct‐performance modelling approach, looking atbetween, rather thanwithin, industries to study the impact of changes in the bank market structure on the corporate performance of financial technology (fintech) firms using firm‐level data. We use two samples, one with 231 fintech firms and one with 231 non‐fintech firms across 24 industrialized countries over the 10‐year period from 2008 to 2017. We find that changes in bank market power have a positive impact on the performance of fintech companies suggesting that such firms complement rather than compete with banks. On the other hand,withinthe non‐fintech sector, we find that changes in bank market power have no impact on non‐fintech firms. Our results are robust to several tests.
Political risk and environmental quality in Brazil: Role of green finance and green innovation
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday
Published: November 2022

The quest for ecological sustainability while reducing the impacts of environmental deterioration has become a worldwide endeavour. Furthermore, it is unclear how developing economies such as Brazil can considerably improve environmental quality (EQ). This paper contributes to the ongoing literature by evaluating the effect of green finance, economic growth, political risk, social globalization and green innovation on environmental quality in Brazil. The study used data spanning between 2000Q1 and 2018Q4. Unlike other investigations, the current study used load capacity factor as a proxy for environmental quality, which considers both demand and supply sides of environmental issues. The current study applied the novel dynamic ARDL to capture the short and long‐run nexus. The bootstrap causality test was also applied to capture causal connection instabilities over time. The results of this study are as follows: (1) a significant and positive association was found between political risk, green finance, green innovation and social globalization environmental quality; (2) a significant and negative interplay was detected between economic growth and environmental quality; (3) The time‐varying causality shows a feedback causality at various periods between political risk, green finance, green innovation, economic growth, social globalization and environmental quality. This study also serves as a reference point for governments and policymakers in terms of investing in eco‐friendly technologies in order to improve environmental quality.
Evaluation and comparison of the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and MRI for the diagnosis of deep rectal endometriosis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alborzi Saeed , Poordast Tahereh , Askary Elham , Javedanmehr Masoomeh , Shahraki Mahboobeh Hamedi , Alborzi Soroosh , Abadi Alimohammad Keshtvarz Hesam
Published: November 2022

Objective

To determine and compare the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the diagnosis of rectal endometriosis.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 555 patients with rectal endometriosis, who had undergone MRI and TVS before laparoscopic operation, were included. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of these two imaging modalities were evaluated and compared based on histopathologic reports and three different kinds of rectal endometriosis surgeries (shaving as a first group and disk and segmental resection methods combined as a second group).

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of ultrasound in the diagnosis of rectal endometriosis were, respectively, 69.55% (65.4%–73.4%), 91.30% (72%–98.9%), 70.4% (66.4%–74.17%), 11.48% (9.77%–13.43%), 99.46% (98%–99.86%), 8.0 (2.12–30.1), and 0.3 (0.28–0.4). These values were 51.37% (47.1%–55.6%), 79.17% (57.8%–92.9%), 52.53% (48.3%–56.6%), 6.64% (5.39%–8.16%), 98.26% (96.26%–99.2%), 2.47 (1.13–5.4), and 0.6 (0.49–077) for MRI. Even though ultrasound had better accuracy for detection of superficial rectal endometriosis (Group 1) (P < 0.001), the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of both imaging modalities in diagnosis of deep rectal lesions (Group 2) were almost identical.

Conclusion

TVS should be considered as a first‐line modality for diagnosis of rectal endometriosis, mainly because of its greater availability, lower cost, and higher accuracy.
Comparison of recurrence rate and risk factors in patients with focal adenomyosis with and without medical treatment after conservative surgery
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Ma Xiangyi , Zhang Minli , Wu Zhangying , Xiang Tao , Wang Shixuan
Published: November 2022

Objective

To compare the recurrence rate and risk factors between conservative surgery followed by medical treatments and conservative surgery‐only in patients with focal adenomyosis.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in a single teaching hospital from May 2011 to October 2016. All eligible patients were identified into three groups: surgery‐only group, surgery combined with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), and a levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) group. The recurrence rate and risk factors were compared among groups using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to determine a cut‐off value for identifying recurrence‐related risk factors.

Results

A total of 249 postoperative patients with adenomyosis were included in the final analysis with a mean of 41 months of follow up. The recurrence rate at the long‐term follow up was significantly lower in intervention groups than in the surgery‐only group (P = 0.011). The Cox proportional hazards and ROC analyses showed that a menstrual cycle longer than 26 days (P = 0.026), diameter of lesions <6 cm (P = 0.030), and combination treatment using GnRHa (P = 0.039) or LNG‐IUS (P = 0.007) were protective against relapse. The risk of recurrence was lower in patients with anterior (P = 0.034) or fundus (P = 0.038) adenomyosis.

Conclusion

Postoperative therapy using GnRHa or LNG‐IUS decreases the long‐term relapse rate in women undergoing conservative surgery.
Group lying with negative externality
Authors: Yao Lan , Zhou Chong
Published: November 2022

We use a modified die‐rolling experiment to study whether negative externality affects a group's decisions about whether to cheat. Our results show that group members are less likely to lie when faced with a passive out‐group player only if two members of the group share an unequal payment for lying. The less‐paid party in the group plays a dominant role in the honest decision by proposing the true number more frequently in arguments for group coordination.