bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Double Desymmetrization via Vinylogous Michael Addition of Prochiral α,α‐Dicyanoalkenes to Cyclopentendiones
Authors: Choudhary Kavita , Joshi Harshit , Rohilla Shweta , Singh Vinod K.
Published: February 2024

An asymmetric double desymmetrization methodology has been developed for synthesizing densely functionalized chiral cyclopentylcyclohexane scaffolds. We have constructed four chiral centers, including an all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter in a single C−C bond formation event. The methodology has high functional‐group tolerance and delivers a broad range of enantioenriched products. This vinylogous Michael addition reaction of prochiral α,α‐dicyanocyclohexane to 2,2‐disubstituted cyclopentene‐1,3‐dione is catalyzed by a chiral Ag‐(R)‐DTBM‐SEGPHOS catalyst.
Encouraging Solution to the Problem of Synthesizing Protein α‐Thioester
Authors: Liu Xinliang , Gao Zijun , Zhao Jie , Ye Farong , Huang Ping , Wang Ping
Published: February 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Expressed protein ligation (EPL) provides a powerful tool to access large‐size proteins with precise structures. Existing methods for constructing the critical protein thioester for EPL have predominantly relied on the recombinant intein fusion expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Despite its powerful applications, the expression of thioester derived from eukaryotic protein in E. coli inherently suffers from its limited solubility, the inactivity of intein, premature hydrolysis and low yields. To overcome these obstacles, we present herein the facile one‐flask synthesis of inaccessible protein α‐thioester via a SUMO‐protein‐intein (SPI) sandwich model. The utility of SUMO enhances the protein fusion yield and solubility, prevents premature hydrolysis and simplifies the purification process. The inaccessible protein thioester with internal Cys residues can be readily produced and is compatible with the EPL‐desulfurization protocol used to prepare complex proteins, which is otherwise difficult to obtain using traditional methods. Its utility has been highlighted through the synthesis of human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF).
C—F Bond Insertion into Indoles with CHBr2F: An Efficient Method to Synthesize Fluorinated Quinolines and Quinolones
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Lei , Wang Hongye , Yan Zixi , Lyu Bin , Lyu Weiping , Jiang Changwei , Lu Dehua , Li Jiaxing , Jiao Ning , Song Song
Published: February 2024

Comprehensive Summary

A mild and practical method for synthesizing fluorinated quinoline derivatives, which have a wide range of applications in pharmaceuticals, materials, and organic synthesis, was described through C—F bond insertion into indoles using CHBr2F. The simple conditions, readily availability of CHBr2F, as well as the versatility of the transformations make this strategy very powerful in synthesizing 3‐fluoroquinoline and 3‐fluoroquinolone. The mechanistic studies reveal that bromofluorocarbene generated in‐situ under basic condition was the key intermediate.
Effect of linear anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) dosage on nitrogen removal performance of an anammox reactor
Authors: Verma Shelly , Haq Ehkamul , Daverey Achlesh
Published: February 2024

The impact of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, as model linear anionic surfactant) dosage on overall nitrogen removal performance of anammox reactor alongside its microbial population and sludge properties was investigated. In this study (day 136), an anmmox sequencing batch biofilm reactor was subjected to gradual dosage of SDS from 0 to 20 mg L−1. Intriguingly, results revealed that SDS at ≥7.5 mg L−1 prompted sludge disintegration, evidenced by increased protein and polysaccharide content in the effluent. Nevertheless, reactor's average total nitrogen removal efficiency slightly improved from 83.12% (0 mg L−1) to 86.3% (20 mg L−1). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that SDS dosing significantly suppressed the unwanted and unavoidable nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOBs) in the reactor as the abundance of genus Nitrospira declined from 40.68% (day 1) to 19.15% (day 136). The abundance of anammox genus Candidatus Kuenenia significantly improved from 1.86% (day 1) to 40.02% (day 136) as a result of NOB suppression. This study revealed that low concentration of surfactants in wastewater does not affect the anammox bacteria in a biofilm reactor. Furthermore, adding low concentrations of SDS (≥7.5 to 20 mg L−1) to wastewater may effectively suppress notorious NOBs in biofilm‐based anammox systems.
Reverse Mapping of Coarse Grained Polyglutamine Conformations from PRIME20 Sampling
Authors: Kunze Thomas , Dreßler Christian , Lauer Christian , Paul Wolfgang , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: February 2024

An inverse coarse‐graining protocol is presented for generating and validating atomistic structures of large (bio‐) molecules from conformations obtained via a coarse‐grained sampling method. Specifically, the protocol is implemented and tested based on the (coarse‐grained) PRIME20 protein model (P20/SAMC), and the resulting all‐atom conformations are simulated using conventional biomolecular force fields. The phase space sampling at the coarse‐grained level is performed with a stochastical approximation Monte Carlo approach. The method is applied to a series of polypeptides, specifically dimers of polyglutamine with varying chain length in aqueous solution. The majority (>70 %) of the conformations obtained from the coarse‐grained peptide model can successfully be mapped back to atomistic structures that remain conformationally stable during 10 ns of molecular dynamics simulations. This work can be seen as the first step towards the overarching goal of improving our understanding of protein aggregation phenomena through simulation methods.
Understanding the Mechanism of Urea Oxidation from First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Tatarchuk Stephen W. , Choueiri Rachelle M. , MacKay Alexander J. , Johnston Shayne J. , Cooper William M. , Snyder Kayla S. , Medvedev Jury J. , Klinkova Anna , Chen Leanne D.
Published: February 2024

Developing electrocatalysts for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) works toward sustainably treating urea‐enriched water. Without a clear understanding of how UOR products form, advancing catalyst performance is currently hindered. This work examines the thermodynamics of UOR pathways to produce N2, NO2−, and NO3− on a (0001) β‐Ni(OH)2 surface using density functional theory with the computational hydrogen electrode model. Our calculations show support for two major experimental observations: (1) N2 favours an intramolecular mechanism, and (2) NO2−/NO3− are formed in a 1 : 1 ratio with OCN−. In addition, we found that selectivity between N2 and NO2−/NO3− on our model surface appears to be controlled by two key factors, the atom that binds the surface intermediates to the surface and how they are deprotonated. These UOR pathways were also examined with a Cu dopant, revealing that an experimentally observed increased N2 selectivity may originate from increasing the limiting potential required to form NO2−. This work builds towards developing a more complete atomic understanding of UOR at the surface of NiOxHy electrocatalysts.
Hydrogen Bonding and Molecular Geometry in Isolated Hydrates of 2‐Ethylthiazole Characterised by Microwave Spectroscopy
Authors: Cummings Charlotte N. , Walker Nicholas R.
Published: February 2024

Broadband microwave spectra of the isolated 2‐ethylthiazole molecule, and complexes of 2‐ethylthiazole⋅⋅⋅H2O and 2‐ethylthiazole⋅⋅⋅(H2O)2 have been recorded by probing a gaseous sample containing low concentrations of 2‐ethylthiazole and water within a carrier gas undergoing supersonic expansion. The identified conformer of the isolated 2‐ethylthiazole molecule and the 2‐ethylthiazole sub‐unit within each of 2‐ethylthiazole⋅⋅⋅H2O and 2‐ethylthiazole⋅⋅⋅(H2O)2 have C1 symmetry. The angle that defines rotation of the ethyl group relative to the plane of the thiazole ring, ∠(S‐C2‐C6‐C7), is −98.6(10)° within the isolated 2‐ethylthiazole molecule. Analysis of molecular geometries and non‐covalent interactions reveals each hydrate complex contains a non‐linear primary, N⋅⋅⋅Hb‐O, hydrogen bond between an O−H of H2O and the nitrogen atom while the O atom of the water molecule(s) interacts weakly with the ethyl group. The ∠(Hb⋅⋅⋅N‐C2) parameter, which defines the position of the H2O molecule relative to the thiazole ring, is found to be significantly greater for 2‐ethylthiazole⋅⋅⋅H2O than for thiazole⋅⋅⋅H2O. The distance between the O atoms is determined to be 2.894(21) Å within the dihydrate complex which is shorter than observed within the isolated water dimer. The primary hydrogen bond within 2‐ethylthiazole⋅⋅⋅(H2O)2 is shorter and stronger than that in 2‐ethylthiazole⋅⋅⋅H2O as a result of cooperative hydrogen bonding effects.
Tuning Fluorescence and Singlet Oxygen Quantum Yields of Subporphyrazines by Axial Functionalization
Authors: Ben Ahmed Sophia , Pérez de Bustos Gema , Pina João , Torres Tomás , Rodríguez‐Morgade M. Salomé
Published: February 2024

The axial functionalization of Subporphyrazines (SubPzs) with unreported alkoxy groups, carboxy and carboperoxy rests, as well as sulfanyl, aryl and amino groups, forming B−O, B−S, B−C, and B−N bonds, respectively, has been investigated. The studied oxygen nucleophiles include aromatic and sterically demanding aliphatic alcohols, along with carboxylic acids and peracids. In general, direct substitution of the chloro‐SubPz by oxygen nucleophiles of diverse nature proceeds smoothly, with yields of the isolated alkoxy and carboxy‐substituted SubPzs ranging from 49 to 100 %. Conversely, direct substitution with sulphur, carbon and nitrogen nucleophiles do not afford the corresponding substituted SubPzs. In these cases, a stepwise procedure involving an axial triflate‐SubPz intermediate was employed, affording only the phenyl‐SubPz in 8 % yield. The major compound under these conditions was the unreported SubPz μ‐oxo dimer, presumably arising from substitution of the triflate‐SubPz by the in situ generated hydroxy‐SubPz. This result indicates a quite low reactivity of the TfO‐SubPz intermediate with carbon, sulphur and nitrogen nucleophiles. All SubPzs prepared in this work exhibited fluorescence at 510–515 nm with quantum yields ranging from 0.1 to 0.24. Additionally, all SubPzs generated singlet oxygen, with ΦΔ values ranging from 0.15 to 0.57, which show no apparent correlation with the axial substituents.
The effect of aging on hardness of heat cured denture base resin modified with recycled acrylic resin
Authors: AL‐Jmmal Amrah Y. , Mohammed Nada Z. , AL‐kateb Hala M.
Published: February 2024

Background

The second rule of the 4Rs concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover) was applied in this study using recycled acrylic resin to improve the hardness and study the effect of aging on the hardness of heat cured denture base resins.

Method

Forty heat‐cured acrylic resin samples were prepared and divided into control and modified groups. The hardness was tested using a type D durometer hardness tester for evaluating the effect of the thermal aging process on the hardness in the control and modified groups. The samples were either subjected to thermal aging (the specimens thermo‐cycled 10 cycles per day between 55°C and 5°C with a 30‐s dwell time) or were not.

Results

The mean difference in hardness between specimens with and without aging in the modified group increased with increasing concentrations of incorporated recycled acrylic resin. Independent samples t test revealed that the hardness values of modified groups with aging were significantly higher than in those without aging (p ≤ 0.05). ANOVA revealed that the modified group revealed a significant increase in hardness than that of the control group (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Recycling and reuse of acrylic resins improved the hardness of denture base resins. The aging period significantly affected the hardness values of the control and modified groups.
Changes in oral home care and smoking habits during COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Atieh Momen A. , Aldhanhani Afrah , Shah Maanas , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Alsabeeha Nabeel H. M.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused disruption in the health behavior in many aspects of life. While hand hygiene was promoted as one of the precautionary measures to mitigate and contain COVID‐19, oral health and smoking might have received less attention in the media campaigns. The aim of this study was to examine health behavioral changes in terms of oral home care habits, smoking, and perception of dental care during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Material and Methods

An online survey was designed to assess oral home care, smoking habits, and attitude toward dental services of participants aged 18 years and older. The data were collected between September and November 2021. The strength of association between changes in oral home care habits, smoking, and attitude toward invasive/long dental procedures and each variable was measured by χ2 analysis. Estimates of relative risk were also calculated for all variables. Predictors of avoiding dental procedures were estimated by a binary logistic regression.

Results

A total of 532 participants, based in the United Arab Emirates, took part in this online survey with a response rate of 88.7%. The age of the participants ranged between 18 and 67 with mean age of 34.9 ± 9.0 years. The majority of the participants have adopted changes in their routine oral home care habits, with 82.1% of them changing the toothbrush more frequently. Participants who changed their oral home care habits were more likely to have received sufficient information on the importance of maintaining oral health. Likewise, the changes in smoking habits were significantly associated with receiving information on the relationship between smoking and the severity of the COVID‐19 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings showed that positive behavior toward oral home care and smoking was noticed during the pandemic particularly when public receives sufficient and up‐to‐date information.
Factors influencing intraoperative and postoperative complication occurrence: A series of 1135 periodontal and implant‐related surgeries
Authors: Blyleven Gary M. , Johnson Thomas M. , Inouye Kimberly Ann , Stancoven Brian W. , Lincicum Adam R.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In periodontology, it is widely recognized that evidence characterizing the incidence and effect of treatment complications is lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of operator‐, procedure‐, patient‐, and site‐associated factors on intraoperative and postoperative complication occurrence.

Material and Methods

A single investigator reviewed records of patients treated by eight periodontics residents from July 2018 through June 2022. For each procedure, the investigator recorded each intraoperative and postoperative complication or indicated that no complication had occurred. These outcomes were analyzed against a panel of explanatory covariates. In addition, the severity of each postoperative complication was assessed using a standardized grading system.

Results

A total of 1135 procedures were included in the analysis. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were identified in 2.8% and 15.2% of procedures, respectively. The most common intraoperative complications were Schneiderian membrane perforation (1.3%) and gingival flap perforation/tear (1%), and the most common postoperative complications were dentin hypersensitivity (2.6%), excessive pain (2.5%), and infection (2.2%). Subepithelial connective tissue graft (odds ratio [OR]: 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6, 6.1; p < .001), guided bone regeneration (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4, 6.5; p = .004), and guided bone regeneration with implant placement (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3, 7.6; p = .011) were associated with higher odds of postoperative complication, whereas lateral sinus elevation (OR: 102.5, 95% CI: 12.3, 852.9; p < .001), transalveolar sinus elevation (OR: 22.4, 95% CI: 2.2, 224.5; p = .008), open flap debridement (OR: 36.4, 95% CI: 3.0, 440.7; p = .005), and surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (OR: 20.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 358.4; p = .039) were associated with higher odds of intraoperative complication occurrence.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous reports, procedure type appears to be the predominant factor driving complication occurrence. As analyses of treatment complications increase, individualized risk‐benefit assessments will become progressively meaningful for patients.
Genotype × environment interactions of organic winter naked barley for agronomic, disease, and grain quality traits
Authors: Kunze Karl H. , Meints Brigid , Massman Chris , Gutiérrez Lucia , Hayes Patrick M. , Smith Kevin P. , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: February 2024

The modeling of genotype × environment interactions (GEI) is important to understand how new crops perform in different environments and management systems. Naked barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a type of barley where the hull threshes freely from the grain and can be used for multiple end uses, including food, malt, and animal feed. We examined the performance of a winter naked barley trial grown in organic conditions across three regions and 3 years in northern latitude regions of the United States. We recorded yield, test weight, heading date, plant height, threshability, winter survival, barley stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei Westend), barley scald (Rhynchosporium commune Zaffarano, McDonald and Linde sp. nov), and spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus, anamorph Bipolaris sorokiniana (S. Ito & Kurib.). Barley stripe rust, plant height, heading date, preharvest sprouting, and threshability had high heritability and low GEI. Grain yield, test weight, scald, and winter survival had high GEI and were analyzed using the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, genotype plus GEI biplot (GGE), and Finlay–Wilkinson (FW) stability analysis. The environmental patterns explained by the AMMI and GGE models indicated that selection for high GEI traits should occur within target environments and across multiple years within the target environments. Environmental groups were separated by Oregon as the first group and Wisconsin and New York as the second group.
Hydrogen Production through Distinctive C−C Cleavage during Acetic Acid Reforming at Low Temperature
Authors: Shen Yangbin , Yang Zeling , Tang Xuemei , Zhang Jiaming , Lv Guojun
Published: February 2024

Acetic acid reforming is a green method for sustainable hydrogen production owing to its renewable source from biomass conversion. However, conventional acetic acid reforming would produce various byproducts, including CO, CH4 and so on. Here, we develop a distinctive method for selective hydrogen production from C−C directional cleavage during acetic acid reforming. Completely different from conventional acetic acid reforming process, acetic acid would react with water over organoruthenium catalyst during its C−C cleavage at low temperature, then produce methanol and formic acid (CH3COOH+H2O→CH3OH+HCOOH). Lastly, methanol and formic acid could further decompose into hydrogen and carbon dioxide over organoruthenium selectively. As a result, there is little CO and CH4 produced in the first step of C−C bond cleavage during acetic acid reforming at 100 °C. Hydrogen production rate is up to 26.8 molH2/(h−1*mol−1Ru) at 150 °C through a tandem catalysis. A mechanism for C−C cleavage of acetic acid is proposed based on intermediate product analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Firstly, the C−C single bond was transformed into C=C double bond by dropping one H atom to organoruthenium. Then the coming H2O molecule reacted with the C=C bond by an addition reaction, forming methanol and formic acid. This research not only proposes distinctive reaction pathway for hydrogen production from acetic acid reforming, but also provides some inspiration for selective C−C bond cleavage during ethanol reforming.
Plasmon‐Switched Kinetics for Formic Acid Dehydrogenation: Selective Adsorption Driven by Local Field and Hot Carriers
Authors: Zhu Jiannan , Dai Jiawei , Xu You , Liu Xiaoling , Chen Rong , Wang Zhengyun , Liu Hongfang , Li Guangfang
Published: February 2024

Understanding illumination‐mediated kinetics is essential for catalyst design in plasmon catalysis. Here we prepare Pd‐based plasmonic catalysts with tunable electronic structures to reveal the underlying illumination‐enhanced kinetic mechanisms for formic acid (HCOOH) dehydrogenation. We demonstrate a kinetic switch from a competitive Langmuir‐Hinshelwood adsorption mode in dark to a non‐competitive type under irradiation triggered by local field and hot carriers. Specifically, the electromagnetic field induces a spatial‐temporal separation of dehydrogenation‐favorable configurations of reactant molecule HCOOH and HCOO− due to their natural different polarities. Meanwhile, the generated energetic carriers can serve as active sites for selective molecular adsorption. The hot electrons act as adsorption sites for HCOOH, while holes prefer to adsorb HCOO−. Such unique non‐competitive adsorption kinetics induced by plasmon effects serves as another typical characteristic of plasmonic catalysis that remarkably differs from thermocatalysis. This work unravels unique adsorption transformations and a kinetic switching driven by plasmon nonthermal effects.
Flexible and Ultra Low Weight Energy Harvesters Based on 2D Phosphorene or Black phosphorus (BP): Current and Futuristic Prospects
Authors: Kumar Avneesh , Kim Joo Hyun , Chang Dong Wook
Published: February 2024

Phosphorene, or two‐dimensional (2D) black phosphorus, has recently emerged as a competitor of graphene as it offers several advantages, including a tunable band gap, higher on/off current ratio, piezoelectric nature, and biocompatibility. Researchers have succeeded in obtaining several forms of phosphorene, such as nanosheets, nanorods, nanoribbons, and quantum dots, with satisfactory yields. Nanostructures with various controlled properties have been fabricated in multiple devices for energy production. These phosphorene‐based devices are lightweight, flexible, and efficient, demonstrating great potential for energy‐harvesting applications in sensors and nanogenerators. While ongoing exploration and advancements continue for these lightweight energy harvesters, it is essential to review the current progress in order to develop a future roadmap for the potential use of these phosphorene‐based energy harvesters in space programs. They could be employed in applications such as wearable devices for astronauts, where ultralow weight is a vital component of any integrated device. This review also anticipates the growing significance of phosphorene in various emerging applications such as robots, information storage devices, and artificial intelligence.
Advanced Microwave Strategies Facilitate Structural Engineering for Efficient Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Qingxiang , Fang Guangyu , Wu Zhiao , Guo Jiayue , You Yongfei , Jin Huanyu , Wan Jun
Published: February 2024

In the dynamic realm of energy conversion, the demand for efficient electrocatalysis has surged due to the urgent need to seamlessly integrate renewable energy. Traditional electrocatalyst preparation faces challenges like poor controllability, elevated costs, and stringent operational conditions. The introduction of microwave strategies represents a transformative shift, offering rapid response, high‐temperature energy, and superior controllability. Notably, non‐liquid‐phase advanced microwave technology holds promise for introducing novel models and discoveries compared to traditional liquid‐phase microwave methods. This review examines the nuanced applications of microwave technology in electrocatalyst structural engineering, emphasizing its pivotal role in the energy paradigm and addressing challenges in conventional methods. The ensuing discussion explores the profound impact of advanced microwave strategies on electrocatalyst structural engineering, highlighting discernible advantages in optimizing performance. Various applications of advanced microwave techniques in electrocatalysis are comprehensively discussed, providing a forward‐looking perspective on their untapped potential to propel transformative strides in renewable energy research. It provides a forward‐looking perspective, delving into the untapped potential of microwaves to propel transformative strides in renewable energy research.
Hybrid equalization scheme for a lithium‐ion battery pack based on a three‐winding transformer
Authors: Li Bin , Wang Xiaoshuai , Zou Xinlin , Zheng Zheng , Li Shaoling
Published: February 2024

In order to solve the problem of inconsistency between cells in lithium‐ion battery packs, a hybrid equalization topology based on a three‐winding transformer and a group adaptive interleaved control strategy are proposed. The scheme not only has two equalization types, pack to cell (P2C) and cell to pack (C2P), but also adaptively adjusts the equalization type according to the state of the battery pack, so that the equalization circuit always works in the best state and realizes the fast equalization of the battery pack. Through the analysis of speed, efficiency, and cost, it is concluded that the scheme has the characteristics of fast balancing speed, high balancing efficiency, and low cost. Then the experimental analysis was carried out under three working conditions of charging, shelving, and discharging to verify the feasibility of the novel scheme in practical applications.
Whole transcriptome profiling of placental pathobiology in SARS‐CoV‐2 pregnancies identifies placental dysfunction signatures
Authors: Stylianou Nataly , Sebina Ismail , Matigian Nicholas , Monkman James , Doehler Hadeel , Röhl Joan , Allenby Mark , Nam Andy , Pan Liuliu , Rockstroh Anja , Sadeghirad Habib , Chung Kimberly , Sobanski Thais , O'Byrne Ken , Almeida Ana Clara Simoes Florido , Rebutini Patricia Zadorosnei , Machado‐Souza Cleber , Stonoga Emanuele Therezinha Schueda , Warkiani Majid E , Salomon Carlos , Short Kirsty , McClements Lana , de Noronha Lucia , Huang Ruby , Belz Gabrielle T , Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes Fernando , Clifton Vicki , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus infection in pregnancy is associated with higher incidence of placental dysfunction, referred to by a few studies as a ‘preeclampsia‐like syndrome’. However, the mechanisms underpinning SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced placental malfunction are still unclear. Here, we investigated whether the transcriptional architecture of the placenta is altered in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

We utilised whole‐transcriptome, digital spatial profiling, to examine gene expression patterns in placental tissues from participants who contracted SARS‐CoV‐2 in the third trimester of their pregnancy (n = 7) and those collected prior to the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic (n = 9).

Results

Through comprehensive spatial transcriptomic analyses of the trophoblast and villous core stromal cell subpopulations in the placenta, we identified SARS‐CoV‐2 to promote signatures associated with hypoxia and placental dysfunction. Notably, genes associated with vasodilation (NOS3), oxidative stress (GDF15, CRH) and preeclampsia (FLT1, EGFR, KISS1, PAPPA2) were enriched with SARS‐CoV‐2. Pathways related to increased nutrient uptake, vascular tension, hypertension and inflammation were also enriched in SARS‐CoV‐2 samples compared to uninfected controls.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the utility of spatially resolved transcriptomic analysis in defining the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 in pregnancy, particularly its role in placental dysfunction. Furthermore, this study highlights the significance of digital spatial profiling in mapping the intricate crosstalk between trophoblasts and villous core stromal cells, thus shedding light on pathways associated with placental dysfunction in pregnancies with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Impact of the electrode structure on post‐cathode plasma in the grid electrode DC glow discharge
Authors: Ma Yiqun , Lyu Xingbao , Yuan Chengxun , Avtaeva Svetlana , Kudryavtsev Anatoly , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: February 2024

The discharge properties of post‐cathode plasma generated by grid electrode discharge were investigated. Post‐cathode plasma is the plasma, generated in an open discharge, at the other side of the cathode that is different from the electrode gap. Based on the unique electron transport, discharge chamber parameters were adjusted to compare their impact on the electron density of the post‐cathode plasma. The peak of the electron flow in the grid cathode hole and the peak of the post‐cathode plasma thickness appear in the same diameter of the grid electrode holes, which shows the crucial influence of the electron transport within the grid cathode on the post‐cathode plasma. The study also investigated the combined effects of cathode thickness and gas pressure on post‐cathode plasma thickness. The findings suggest that the primary factor influencing post‐cathode plasma thickness is the electron transport within the grid cathode.
Ergodic rate analysis and power allocation schemes for a novel active simultaneous transmission and reflection reconfigurable intelligent surface‐aided wireless network
Authors: Maheswara Rao Ukyam Uma , Kumar Gurrala Kiran
Published: February 2024

In this work, we propose the ergodic rate analysis and power allocation schemes for a novel active simultaneous transmits and reflects reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR‐RIS) aided downlink wireless network. Here, the system model comprises of a single antenna source node (S) that uses the ES protocol to broadcast information to two users (T user and R user) via active STAR‐RIS. Each active STAR‐RIS element can function simultaneously in transmission and reflection modes owing to this ES protocol. We first derive the closed‐form analytical expressions for the system's ergodic rate. An optimization problem is formulated with a total power constraint to enhance the ergodic rate of the proposed system. A computationally inexpensive particle swarm optimization‐based power allocation (PSO‐PA) scheme and the Lagrange multiplier method (LMM) are adopted to solve the described optimization problem and to find the optimized power allocation factors for the source node and the active STAR‐RIS that can enhance the ergodic rate. Additionally, a comparison of the suggested PSO‐PA scheme, the LMM approach, and the equal power allocation (EPA) scheme is shown in terms of ergodic rate. Our results unveil that the proposed active STAR‐RIS system outperforms the passive STAR‐RIS and conventional RIS (transmitting/reflecting) aided systems. Further, the ergodic rate can be significantly improved with the proposed PSO‐PA and LMM schemes over the EPA scheme.
Preliminary validation of the Virtual Kitchen Challenge as an objective and sensitive measure of everyday function associated with cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Holmqvist Sophia L. , Jobson Katie , Desalme Dennis , Simone Stephanie M. , Tassoni Molly , McKniff Moira , Yamaguchi Takehiko , Olson Ingrid , Martin Nadine , Giovannetti Tania
Published: February 2024

Preliminary validity of a computer‐based test of everyday function (Virtual Kitchen Challenge [VKC]) was examined against brain‐imaging markers of cerebrovascular disease and in contrast to conventional neuropsychological and self‐report measures. Twenty community‐dwelling older adults (n = 6 mild cognitive impairment) performed simulated breakfast and lunch tasks using a computer touchscreen (VKC). Automated measures (completion time, proportion time off screen, etc.) were computed during training and test conditions. White matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes from brain magnetic resonance imaging and conventional measures of cognition and function also were obtained. VKC completion time and proportion time off screen improved significantly from training to test and were significantly associated with WMH volume (r > 0.573). VKC measures and WMH were not significantly correlated with conventional cognitive or self‐report measures. The VKC holds promise as a valid measure of subtle functional difficulties in older adults that is sensitive to change and cerebrovascular pathology, highlighting its potential for clinical trials.

Highlights

Virtual Kitchen Challenge (VKC) scores showed significant improvement from training to test conditions.

VKC scores (completion time and proportion of time off screen) were associated with a neuroimaging biomarker of brain health (white matter hyperintensities).
COVID and cytopathology training: Impact and innovations
Authors: Das Kasturi
Published: February 2024

Graduate medical education and training in Cytopathology faced numerous unexpected challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic of 2020. It was caused by the SARS‐Co‐V2 coronavirus and transmitted by breathing droplets or aerosol particles containing the virus and less commonly by contact with infected surfaces and fomites. To mitigate the rapid spread of disease non‐essential services were closed, surgical procedures were prioritized, and “social distancing” was implemented. These measures led to a marked decline in the volume of specimens, number of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and rapid on‐site evaluation procedures performed. The trainees in Pathology were required to stay at home either entirely or partly during the early period of the pandemic. This led to re‐designing of the cytopathology training program nationwide. Many innovative methods and protocols were put in place to overcome the challenges faced and adjustments made in creating the virtual training program in Cytopathology. On May 5th, 2023, the WHO declared that COVID‐19 was no longer a global emergency. Regulations were lifted and healthcare services returned to pre‐pandemic era. Graduate medical education and training returned to normal however many changes were incorporated into the training program moving forward. Herein the impacts and innovations that COVID‐19 had on Cytopathology training are described.
Emotion coaching skills as an augmentation to family‐based therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A pilot effectiveness study with families with high expressed emotion
Authors: Aarnio‐Peterson Claire M. , Le Grange Daniel , Mara Constance A. , Modi Avani C. , Offenbacker North Emily , Zegarac Miriam , Stevens Kimberly , Matthews Abigail , Mitan Laurie , Shaffer Anne
Published: February 2024

Objective

To examine the feasibility and acceptability of augmenting family‐based treatment (FBT) for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) or atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) with a parent emotion coaching intervention (EC) focused on reducing parent expressed emotion.

Method

In this pilot effectiveness trial, families of adolescents with AN/AAN exhibiting high expressed emotion received standard FBT with either (1) EC group or (2) support group (an attention control condition focused on psychoeducation).

Results

Forty‐one adolescents with AN or AAN were recruited (88% female, Mage = 14.9 ± 1.6 years, 95% White: Non‐Hispanic, 1% White: Hispanic, 1% Bi‐racial: Asian). Most study adolescents were diagnosed with AN (59%) while 41% were diagnosed with AAN. Participating parents were predominantly mothers (95%). Recruitment and retention rates were moderately high (76% and 71%, respectively). High acceptability and feasibility ratings were obtained from parents and interventionists with 100% reporting the EC intervention was “beneficial”–“very beneficial.” The FBT + EC group demonstrated higher parental warmth scores at post‐treatment compared to the control group (standardized effect size difference, d = 1.58), which was maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. Finally, at post‐treatment, the FBT + EC group demonstrated higher rates of full remission from AN/AAN (40%) compared to FBT + support (27%), and were nine times more likely to be weight restored by 3‐month follow‐up.

Discussion

Augmenting FBT with emotion coaching for parents with high expressed emotion is acceptable, feasible, and demonstrates preliminary effectiveness.

Public Significance

Family based treatment for AN/AAN is the recommended treatment for youth but families with high criticism/low warmth are less likely to respond to this treatment. Adding a parent emotion coaching group (EC) where parents learn to talk to their adolescents about tough emotions is feasible and well‐liked by families.
Persistent convex ST‐segment elevation in a patient with a history of prior intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Jiang Jian , Jin Chengjiang , Yu Shuo , Cheng Yunxian , Wu Yinggang , Ma Hong
Published: February 2024

Management of patients with acute chest pain poses a significant challenge in identifying those requiring urgent coronary reperfusion. Electrocardiogram (ECG) constitutes the cornerstone in making prompt clinical decisions by identifying ST‐segment elevation, commonly associated with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. It is important to note that ST‐segment elevation can also be a manifestation of various cardiac and non‐cardiac conditions, from acute myocarditis, early repolarization syndrome, acute pericarditis, and left bundle branch block to unknown origins. The similarity of ECG changes among these conditions complicates clinical differential diagnosis, necessitating a detailed medical history and thorough examinations. Here, we presented a case of a 52‐year‐old female with chest pain and unidentified convex ST‐segment elevation. Considering the negative emergent coronary angiography results, normal echocardiography, and long‐lasting ST‐segment elevation for the following 1 year, the final diagnosis was non‐myocardial infarction, probably related to a prior cerebral haemorrhage.
Diagnostic procedure for localized constrictive pericarditis leading to bilateral pleural effusion: two case reports
Authors: Liu Shaowei , Li Zhi , Li Naijian , Wei Weifeng , Liang Xinyin , Wang Jinlin
Published: February 2024

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare disease. Localized constrictive pericarditis leading to bilateral pleural effusion is more difficult to recognize, and the diagnostic procedure can be ambiguous. Here, we report two patients diagnosed with localized constrictive pericarditis who presented with bilateral pleural effusion. A thorough work‐up showed that the pleural effusion was nonspecific, as was the pathology of the pleura. One patient had a history of pericardial effusion 2 years ago, and the other had undergone surgery for an anterior mediastinum teratoma. Pericardial scarring was found on their chest CT scans. The patients underwent pericardiectomy, and localized pericardial thickening was excised. The bilateral pleural effusion was effectively cured, and the patients showed satisfactory recovery on follow‐up. Physicians should be aware of localized pericarditis leading to bilateral pleural effusion, and pericardiectomy is an effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
Familial effects account for association between chronic pain and past month smoking
Authors: Rader L. , Reineberg A. E. , Petre B. , Wager T. D. , Friedman N. P.
Published: February 2024

Background

Smoking is associated with chronic pain, but it is not established whether smoking causes pain or if the link is due to familial effects. One proposed mechanism is that smoking strengthens maladaptive cortico‐striatal connectivity, which contributes to pain chronification. We leveraged a twin design to assess direct effects of smoking on pain controlling for familial confounds, and whether cortico‐striatal connectivity mediates this association.

Methods

In a population‐based sample of 692 twins (age = 28.83 years), we assessed past‐month smoking frequency (n = 132 used in the past month), presence and severity of a current pain episode (n = 179 yes), and resting‐state functional connectivity of the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex (NAc‐mPFC).

Results

Smoking was significantly associated with pain, but the association was not significantly mediated by NAc‐mPFC connectivity. In a co‐twin control model, smoking predicted which families had more pain but could not distinguish pain between family members. Pain risk was 43% due to additive genetic (A) and 57% due to non‐shared environmental (E) influences. Past‐month smoking frequency was 71% genetic and 29% non‐shared environmental. Smoking and pain significantly correlated phenotypically (r = 0.21, p = 0.001) and genetically (rg = 0.51, p < 0.001), but not environmentally (re = −0.18, p = 0.339).

Conclusions

Pain and smoking are associated; however, the association appears to reflect shared familial risk factors, such as genetic risk, rather than being causal in nature. The connectivity strength of the reward pathway was not related to concurrent pain and smoking in this sample.

Significance

Smoking does not appear to directly cause chronic pain; rather, there may be shared biopsychosocial risk factors, including genetic influences, that explain their association. These findings can be integrated into future research to identify shared biological pathways of both chronic pain and smoking behaviours as a way to conceptualize pain chronification.
Modulation of pain perception through transcranial alternating current stimulation and its nonlinear relationship with the simulated electric field magnitude
Authors: Ikarashi H. , Otsuru N. , Gomez‐Tames J. , Hirata A. , Nagasaka K. , Miyaguchi S. , Sakurai N. , Ohno K. , Kodama N. , Onishi H.
Published: February 2024

Background

Oscillatory activities observed in multiple regions are closely associated with the experience of pain. Specifically, oscillatory activities within the theta‐ and beta‐frequency bands, observed in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), have been implicated in pain perception among healthy individuals and those with chronic pain. However, their physiological significance remains unclear.

Methods

We explored the modulation of pain perception in healthy individuals by theta‐ and beta‐band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over the left DLPFC and examined the relationship between the modulation effect and magnitude of the electric field elicited by tACS in the left DLPFC using computational simulation.

Results

Our findings revealed that both theta‐ and beta‐tACS increased the heat pain threshold during and after stimulation. Notably, the simulated electric field magnitude in the left DLPFC exhibited an inverted U‐shaped relationship with the pain modulation effect for theta‐tACS.

Conclusions

Our study findings suggested that there would be an optimal electric field strength to produce a high analgesic effect for theta‐tACS.

Significance

The application of theta‐ and beta‐tACS interventions targeting the left DLPFC might facilitate the treatment of chronic pain. Furthermore, the attainment of effective pain modulation via theta‐tACS over the DLPFC warrants the use of optimal stimulus intensity.
Sleep duration and screen time in children and adolescents: Simultaneous moderation role in the relationship between waist circumference and cardiometabolic risk according to physical activity
Authors: Sehn Ana Paula , Brand Caroline , Tornquist Luciana , Tornquist Debora , Silveira João Francisco de Castro , Gaya Anelise Reis , Cristi‐Montero Carlos , Burns Ryan Donald , Renner Jane Dagmar Pollo , Reuter Cézane Priscila
Published: February 2024

To evaluate the simultaneous moderating role of sleep duration and screen time in the relationship between waist circumference (WC) and clustered cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) according to children and adolescents' physical activity. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 3072 children and adolescents (aged 6–17 years, 57.5% girls). Physical activity, sleep duration, and screen time were assessed through a self‐report questionnaire. The cMetS was determined by averaging the z‐scores of risk factors and dividing it by four. Moderation analyses were tested through multiple linear regression models. Among physically active individuals, sleep duration (p = 0.85) and screen time (p = 0.96) had no influence on the relationship between WC and cMetS. However, a positive interaction between WC x screen time and cMetS (p = 0.04) was observed for physically inactive participants. Concerning sleep duration, there was no interaction with WC. Participants who spent 60 min of screen time presented lower cMetS, even presenting high WC, compared to the higher tertiles of screen time (180 and 360 min). However, although the interaction between sleep duration and WC was not significant, it was observed that the lowest tertile of sleep duration (482 min) combined with 60 min of screen time presented lower cMetS even with the presence of high WC. Our findings encourage compliance with physical activity guidelines associated with the adoption of adequate screen time to minimize the influence of waist circumference on cMetS.
Application of butyrylcholinesterase‐based biosensor for simultaneous determination of different toxicants using inhibition and reactivation steps
Authors: Soldatkin O. O. , Pyeshkova V. M. , Kucherenko I. S. , Velychko T. P. , Bakhmat V. A. , Arkhypova V. M. , Soldatkin. A. P. , Dzyadevych S. V.
Published: February 2024

Fast and simple detection of toxic compounds in aqueous solutions is important for agriculture and pollution monitoring. Enzyme‐based electrochemical biosensors are a promising platform for this task, but they usually lack the ability to distinguish between toxicants if more than one toxicant is present in the sample. Herein, we propose a new method of detection of various toxic compounds in complex multi‐component water samples using an electrochemical biosensor and additional stages of enzyme reactivation. The biosensor is based on butyrylcholinesterase immobilized on the surface of conductometric transducers using glutaraldehyde cross‐linking. It was shown that the biosensor is sensitive to organophosphorus pesticides, heavy metals ions, glycoalkaloids, but has a limited sensitivity to mycotoxins and surfactants. We propose a procedure for the analysis of complex samples with several reactivation stages to be able to determine which category of toxicants is present. Glycoalkaloids are reversible inhibitors and biosensor's activity is restored by washing in working buffer; heavy metal ions and pesticides are irreversible inhibitors and biosensor's activity is restored by incubation in EDTA and PAM‐2 solutions, correspondingly. This biosensor can be used for the detection of separate toxicants or for analysis of their mixtures in aqueous samples. It can be also used for the evaluation of total toxicity of the samples and applied for water quality monitoring.
Defining artificial intelligence as a policy problem: A discourse network analysis from Germany
Authors: Lemke Nicole , Trein Philipp , Varone Frédéric
Published: February 2024

Scholars agree that digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) pose a political challenge. In this article, we study empirically how different actors in the German political system define AI as a policy problem. We use an original data set of 6421 statements by representatives of political parties, interest groups, scientific experts, and public officials in parliamentary debates, government consultations, and quality newspapers. Through Discourse Network Analysis and quantitative text analyses we show that most actors define AI as technology (innovation) policy and link it to government operations, international cooperation, and macroeconomics. Although they are present, consumer protection, labor, and education seem to be less important policy issues concerning AI. The results imply that the capacity of the national government to reduce problem definition uncertainty and to steer the political agenda is difficult and that most actors focus on technological innovation rather than civil rights‐related aspects.