bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative heat and gas exchange measurements in the Heidelberg Aeolotron, a large annular wind-wave tank
Authors: Nagel L. , Krall K. E. , Jähne B.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. A comparative study of simultaneous heat and gas exchange measurements was performed in the large annular Heidelberg Air–Sea Interaction Facility, the Aeolotron, under homogeneous water surface conditions. The use of two gas tracers, N2O and C2HF5, resulted not only in gas transfer velocities, but also in the measurement of the Schmidt number exponent n with a precision of ±0.025. The original controlled flux, or active thermographic, technique proposed by Jähne et al. (1989) was applied by heating a large patch at the water surface to measure heat transfer velocities. Heating a large patch, the active thermography technique is laterally homogeneous, and problems of lateral transport effects are avoided. Using the measured Schmidt number exponents, the ratio of the scaled heat transfer velocities to the measured gas transfer velocities is 1.046 ± 0.040, a good agreement within the limits of experimental uncertainties. This indicates the possibility to scale heat transfer velocities measured by active thermography to gas transfer velocities, provided that the Schmidt number exponent is known and that the heated patch is large enough to reach the thermal equilibrium.
Tissue factor pathways linking obesity and inflammation
Authors: Samad F. , Ruf W.
Published: January 2015

Obesity is a major cause for a spectrum of metabolic syndrome-related diseases that include insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and steatosis of the liver. Inflammation elicited by macrophages and other immune cells contributes to the metabolic abnormalities in obesity. In addition, coagulation activation following tissue factor (TF) upregulation in adipose tissue is frequently found in obese patients and particularly associated with diabetic complications. Genetic and pharmacological evidence indicates that TF makes significant contributions to the development of the metabolic syndrome by signaling through G protein-coupled protease activated receptors (PARs). Adipocyte TF-PAR2 signaling contributes to diet-induced obesity by decreasing metabolism and energy expenditure, whereas hematopoietic TF-PAR2 signaling is a major cause for adipose tissue inflammation, hepatic steatosis and inflammation, as well as insulin resistance. In the liver of mice on a high fat diet, PAR2 signaling increases transcripts of key regulators of gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis and inflammatory cytokines. Increased markers of hepatic gluconeogenesis correlate with decreased activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a known regulator of these pathways and a target for PAR2 signaling. Clinical markers of a TF-induced prothrombotic state may thus indicate a risk in obese patient for developing complications of the metabolic syndrome.
Calibrating a New Membrane Plant Clears Hurdles
Authors: Koch John E. , Meyer Carey , Cook Todd
Published: January 2015

A coastal municipal water utility replaced its obsolete pressure sand filtration water treatment plant with a new state‐of‐the‐art submerged membrane plant and expected a clear path ahead for safe water. But operators soon had to reduce disinfection by‐product formation, remove manganese fouling, decrease total organic carbon, and more.
What Surprising Tasks Can GIS Leverage in Water Utility Operations?
Authors: McKeon Ryan
Published: January 2015

It's estimated that about 80 percent of all asset information is geographically referenced, so a geographic information system (GIS) allows utility operators and managers to determine where their assets are located as well as analyze information about those assets. As a result, a GIS can reveal important information that leads to better decision making.
Nehirowisiw Kiskeritamowina
Authors: Éthier Benoit
Published: January 2015

Le savoir réfère à un ensemble d’éléments que la personne intègre pour interpréter le monde et pour agir au sein de celui-ci (Barth 1995, 2002). Chaque système de savoirs est basé sur des valeurs et des règles de conduite qui sont au fondement d’un complexe culturel particulier. En prenant appui sur ses recherches auprès des Nehirowisiwok de Manawan, l’auteur s’intéresse à certaines des valeurs et règles de conduite qui font partie d’un « savoir commun », d’un savoir culturel cohésif et structurant. En s’attardant aux relations de réciprocité, aux formes d’autorité socialement reconnues, aux processus d’acquisition, d’utilisation et de transmission des savoirs, il tente d’expliciter ici certains fondements sur lesquels repose en partie la socialité nehirowisiw contemporaine et il démontre que ces processus présentent à la fois des aspects d’ordre pratique, éthique et politique.
Atikamekw Kinokewin, « la mémoire vivante »
Authors: Poirier Sylvie
Published: January 2015

À l’instar d’autres peuples autochtones dans le monde, les Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok sont particulièrement préoccupés par la perte de leurs savoirs et conscients des obstacles et des défis qu’implique leur transmission dans le contexte actuel. Face à ces préoccupations, et depuis au moins une vingtaine d’années, la Nation atikamekw a mis en oeuvre différentes initiatives afin de documenter et de valoriser les savoirs locaux, et de favoriser leur transmission. C’est dans cette mouvance que s’inscrit le projet Atikamekw Kinokewin qui a vu le jour en 2006, sur la base d’une collaboration entre experts autochtones et chercheurs universitaires. Le bilan présenté ici se situe à deux niveaux concomitants, soit une réflexion sur l’expérience de recherche participative en soi, et la présentation du déroulement, des activités et des résultats du projet Atikamekw Kinokewin. Dans l’optique d’une décolonisation de la recherche, l’article fait aussi état de certains des défis, notamment d’ordre éthique et méthodologique, inhérents à une telle démarche participative avec des communautés autochtones.
Inégalités entre les ménages dirigés par les hommes et ceux dirigés par les femmes à Ouagadougou : entre déterminisme et spécificités
Authors: Wayack Pambè Madeleine , Moussa Soufianou
Published: January 2015

Dans cette étude, nous examinons le lien entre le sexe du chef de ménage et la relation à la pauvreté du ménage à Ouagadougou. L’analyse en composantes principales et latwo step cluster analysisont été appliquées aux données du Recensement général de la population et de l’habitat du Burkina Faso de 2006. Elles ont permis de comparer les caractéristiques socioéconomiques du groupe des hommes et du groupe des femmes chefs d’un ménage et de distinguer différents sous-groupes les composant. Les résultats indiquent que les femmes jeunes, actives et célibataires ou mariées affichent la plus grande proximité avec le niveau de vie « élevé ». Le groupe des femmes âgées, inactives et principalement veuves présente les conditions de vie les plus médiocres. Les ménages dirigés par un homme tendent eux à se situer plus au milieu, dans la classe moyenne. La situation des femmes chefs de ménage à Ouagadougou se révèle être à l’intersection de la classe sociale et du cycle de vie.
Responsibility and Intervening Acts: What “Maybin” an Overbroad Approach to Causation
Authors: Skolnik Terry
Published: January 2015

Oftentimes, a criminal action resulting in the victim’s death is clearly attributable to the accused. In many cases, we can easily say that the accused “caused” the victim’s death. Causation, however, becomes particularly complicated when some type of intervening act occurs between the accused’s initial conduct and the victim’s death, creating speculation about whether it is fair to morally blame the accused for the ensuing result. The Supreme Court of Canada’s relatively recent decision R v Maybin marks a significant attempt to clarify notions related to causation in the criminal law. Although the Court refused to alter conventional principles related to the law of causation, or create a new test to verify when it has been established, it provided two analytical tools which can be used in order to see when it is fair to morally blame the accused for the victim’s death despite an intervening act’s occurrence. As will be seen, although these analytical tools of “reasonable foreseeability” and “independent acts” serve to simplify the law of causation, there are important problems with how each tool has been conceptualized. This article highlights these important shortfalls, and ultimately, questions to what extent these developments in the law of causation affect current conceptions of mens rea.
Vozes do Vale: usos do podcast por jovens do Vale do Jequitinhonha
Authors: Vianna Graziela Valadares Gomes de Mello
Published: January 2015

O objetivo do presente artigo é fazer uma reflexão sobre os usos dos podcasts desenvolvidos no âmbito do projeto Vozes do Vale por jovens que vivem em contextos de vulnerabilidade social e pessoal. O projeto Vozes do Vale visa estimular o protagonismo juvenil oferecendo oficinas de produção de podcasts a jovens de uma das regiões mais carentes do Brasil: o Vale do Jequitinhonha. A fim de contextualizar essa reflexão, traça‐se um breve panorama de contraditórias representações da região. Em seguida, explicita‐se o que se entende aqui por protagonismo juvenil. Busca‐se também compreender possibilidades de usos do dispositivo podcast e a metodologia do projeto Vozesdo Vale. Finalmente, faz‐se uma observação dos podcasts produzidos pelos jovens, publicados na rede e posteriormente transmitidos pelo rádio. Nessa observação, são considerados os conteúdos e a sua conformação, além do alcance dos podcasts em termos quantitativos a partir dos dados disponíveis nos sites que os abrigam.
Minimizing negative outcomes associated with potentially harmful lithium levels by means of pharmacist-led educational interventions in an inpatient psychiatric facility
Authors: Tillery Erika E.
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Studies examining educational interventions led by pharmacists to minimize negative outcomes associated with elevated and potentially harmful lithium levels in inpatient psychiatric facilities are lacking. Other studies indicate a need for improvement of therapeutic drug monitoring for lithium. The aim of this article is to identify potential improvements in negative outcomes associated with harmful lithium blood levels after educational interventions are delivered by a clinical pharmacist to providers of an inpatient psychiatric facility.

Methods: Medication reports were queried from the pharmacy database to identify all patients who were taking lithium within 1 year. Laboratory results, physician progress notes, nursing progress notes, and treatment plans were studied to detect any adverse events associated with lithium levels. Educational interventions created by pharmacy services were tailored toward medical staff and delivered over a 3 month period. Learning was assessed at pre-educational and posteducational interventions.

Results: One hundred fifteen patients received lithium between March 2012 and March 2013. The most-frequent adverse effects reported associated with lithium included tremor, dizziness, slurred speech, and lethargy. Two patients were sent to the local emergency department for lithium toxicity and required dialysis. Fifty-two patients received lithium after educational interventions, and no adverse events were reported. A lithium drug-monitoring spreadsheet was created for pharmacy use, and drug-monitoring guidelines were revised and disseminated throughout the facility.

Discussion: A reduction in negative outcomes associated with lithium was noted after educational interventions to medical staff occurred. The impact of pharmacist-led educational interventions demonstrated a high potential for success.
Medication reconciliation improvement in a private psychiatric inpatient hospital
Authors: Boswell Jason C. , Lee Jeff , Burghart Steven M. , Scholtes Karin , Miller Lindsey N.
Published: January 2015

Introduction: How to improve medication reconciliation has been an ongoing discussion in hospitals across the nation. This study was designed to identify areas for potential improvement in the medication reconciliation process for an 80-bed, inpatient psychiatric hospital. A previous evaluation conducted at the site indicated that 45% of medication reconciliations were correct. Subsequently, a new process was developed to improve this area of patient care. This process included an update to existing medication-reconciliation forms, staff education, and the standardization of all protocols involved. The investigators examined the updated process to identify gaps in patient care during the admission medication-reconciliation process.

Methods: The primary outcome of the study was an assessment of the accuracy of the updated medication-reconciliation protocols. Data, including medication, dosage, route, and frequency, were collected from randomly selected patients (13 years and older) admitted during the 2-month study period. These data were collected at least 24 hours after admission. Patients were interviewed and their home pharmacy was contacted to determine whether the information collected during the initial medication-reconciliation process was correct.

Results: The investigator identified 44 patients during the collection period and compared the results to the previous study, before the enhancements in the medication-reconciliation process. The accuracy of medication reconciliation in this analysis was 80%, compared with 45% from the previous study (P = 0.0011).

Discussion: Personnel training and protocol updates led to a statistically significant increase in the accuracy of the hospitals medication-reconciliation process. Ongoing staff education and assessment of the improved protocol may further increase accuracy in the medication-reconciliation process at this hospital.
What Is Dengue?
Authors: Zhou Shiwei , Malani Preeti
Published: August 2024

This JAMA Patient Page describes the viral infection dengue and its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures.
Antithrombin III Levels and Outcomes Among Patients With Trauma
Authors: Farrell David H. , McConnell Keeley M. , Zilberman-Rudenko Jevgenia , Behrens Brandon , Mcloud Scott , Cook Mackenzie R. , Martin David , Yonge John D. , Underwood Samantha J. , Lape Diane E. , Goodman Andrew , Schreiber Martin A.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Patients with trauma exhibit a complex balance of coagulopathy manifested by both bleeding and thrombosis. Antithrombin III is a plasma protein that functions as an important regulator of coagulation. Previous studies have found a high incidence of antithrombin III deficiency among patients with trauma.

Objective

To assess whether changes in antithrombin III activity are associated with thrombohemorrhagic complications among patients with trauma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted from December 2, 2015, to March 24, 2017, at a level I trauma center. A total of 292 patients with trauma were followed up from their arrival through 6 days from admission. Data, including quantification of antithrombin III activity, were collected for these patients. Thromboprophylaxis strategy; hemorrhage, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism screenings; and follow-up evaluations were conducted per institutional protocols. Data analyses were performed from September 28, 2023, to June 4, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary study outcome measurements were associations between antithrombin III levels and outcomes among patients with trauma, including ventilator-free days, hospital-free days, intensive care unit (ICU)–free days, hemorrhage, venous thromboembolic events, and mortality.

Results

The 292 patients had a mean (SD) age of 54.4 (19.0) years and included 211 men (72.2%). Patients with an antithrombin III deficiency had fewer mean (SD) ventilator-free days (27.8 [5.1] vs 29.6 [1.4]; P = .0003), hospital-free days (20.3 [8.2] vs 24.0 [5.7]; P = 1.37 × 10−6), and ICU-free days (25.7 [4.9] vs 27.7 [2.3]; P = 9.38 × 10−6) compared with patients without a deficiency. Antithrombin III deficiency was also associated with greater rates of progressive intracranial hemorrhage (21.1% [28 of 133] vs 6.3% [10 of 159]; P = .0003) and thrombocytopenia (24.8% [33 of 133] vs 5.0% [8 of 159]; P = 1.94 × 10−6). Although antithrombin III deficiency was not significantly associated with DVT, patients who developed a DVT had a more precipitous decrease in antithrombin III levels that were significantly lower than patients who did not develop a DVT.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with trauma, antithrombin III deficiency was associated with greater injury severity, increased hemorrhage, and increased mortality, as well as fewer ventilator-free, hospital-free, and ICU-free days. Although this was an associative study, these data suggest that antithrombin III levels may be useful in the risk assessment of patients with trauma.
Ultra-Widefield Imaging of Bilateral Streaky Multifocal Choroiditis in a 12-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Ying-Ying , Zhang Mei-Xia
Published: August 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of streaky multifocal choroiditis in a boy who presented with distorted vision in his left eye for 3 years.
Fisher's automatic advantage of self‐fertilization does not apply in cleistogamous species
Authors: Cheptou Pierre‐Olivier
Published: August 2024

Premise

In hermaphroditic plants, the evolution of self‐fertilization is driven by two major forces; the cost of outcrossing or Fisher's automatic advantage of selfing and inbreeding depression. Seminal theoretical works have established that an inbreeding depression threshold of 0.5 governs the evolution. Below that threshold, selfing evolves, above that, outcrossing evolves. Does this threshold apply to cleistogamous plants?

Methods

I developed a model using a Lloydian approach to analyze the evolution of cleistogamy.

Results

I showed that the inbreeding depression threshold does not apply in cleistogamous species, and that because cleistogamous (closed) flowers do not export pollen, Fisher's advantage of selfing is totally cancelled.

Conclusions

In line with model predictions, I discuss the fact that cleistogamous species often exhibit low inbreeding depression in empirical studies.
Catalytic Activity of an Asymmetric Uranyl‐Salophen on 2,4‐Dichlorophenol, 2,4,6‐Trichlorophenol, and Pentachlorophenol
Authors: Lan Wenbo , Guo Wenlu , Wang Xiaofeng , Nie Changming
Published: August 2024

This study employs density functional theory to investigate whether asymmetric uranyl‐Salophen catalyzes the activation of 2,4‐dichlorophenol, 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol. Changes in various important parameters such as bond lengths, Wiberg bond indices, infrared vibrational absorption spectra, natural charge distributions, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra, and 13C NMR chemical shifts of the aromatic rings of chlorophenols before and after forming complexes with asymmetric uranyl‐Salophen are analyzed. This means that asymmetric uranyl‐Salophen indeed activates 2,4‐dichlorophenol, 2,4, 6‐trichlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol, significantly lengthening the aromatic ring bonds of the three chlorophenols and increasing the electrophilicity of the carbon atoms in the aromatic ring. This suggests that the conjugated system of the aromatic ring is also partially disrupted, indicating that these three chlorophenols are indeed catalytically activated. Furthermore, this implies that this asymmetric uranyl‐Salophen may be used to degrade chlorophenols in water.
Mn‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Coupling Reactions of Carboxylic Acids, Diazo Compounds, and Tertiary Amines for the Synthesis of β‐Amino Esters
Authors: Chen Rongxiang , Li Xingshuo , Chen Lanying , Wang Kai‐Kai , Miao Changqing
Published: August 2024

A simple and efficient three‐component coupling reaction of carboxylic acids, diazo compounds, and tertiary amines catalyzed by manganese has been described. This reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions to afford various β‐amino esters in moderate to good yields by using O2 as the terminal oxidant. In this process, Mn‐based carbene radical, single‐electron transfer, and nucleophilic attack were fused into a reaction system.
Emission‐based sensing of cobalt (II) and vitamin B12 via a bis‐indole derivative
Authors: Mumcu Taskin , Oncuoglu Serkan , Hizliates Cevher Gundogdu , Ertekin Kadriye
Published: August 2024

In this study, a bis‐indole compound was synthesized, characterized by 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and mass spectroscopic measurements and used as a selective and efficient probe for the spectrofluorimetric analysis of Co (II). The cobalt‐induced quenching in the emission maximum at 567 nm was considered as the analytical signal in calibration studies. When encapsulated in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix, the bis‐indole compound exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.60 × 10–11 M for Co (II). Vitamin B12, which contains a cobalt ion in the center of a corrin ring in its structure, was also successfully quantified using the same probe. The bis‐indole compound showed a linear response based on quenching for increasing concentrations of vitamin B12, partially mimicking the contracted tetrapyrrole ring found naturally in the center of vitamin B12. The LOD for vitamin B12 was found to be 76 nm. Promising photophysical properties of the proposed probe, including high molar extinction coefficient, considerable quantum yield (0.46 and 0.64 in tetrahydrofuran and PMMA, respectively), high Stoke's shift and satisfactory photostability, make it a good choice for fluorescence‐based Co (II) determination. The ML3‐type stoichiometry of the complex between the dye and cobalt was elucidated both by Job's method and by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS).
Fluorescent probe based on GO/g‐C3N4‐PEG@Cu NPs/MIP for the detection of dopamine in banana
Authors: Wang Yaru , Pang Chaohai , Ma Xionghui , Wang Mingyue , Wu Xiaopeng , Liu Sixin , Li Shuhuai
Published: August 2024

Graphene oxide (GO) and copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were incorporated to modulate and enhance the fluorescence properties of pegylated graphite phase carbon nitride (g‐C3N4‐PEG). Combined with the specific recognition capability of a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP), a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent molecular imprinted probe for dopamine detection was developed. The fluorescent g‐C3N4‐PEG was synthesized from melamine and modified with GO and Cu NPs to obtain GO/g‐C3N4‐PEG@Cu NPs. Subsequently, MIP was prepared on the surface of GO/g‐C3N4‐PEG@Cu NPs using dopamine as the template molecule. Upon elution of the template molecule, a dopamine‐specific GO/g‐C3N4‐PEG@Cu NPs/MIP fluorescence probe was obtained. The fluorescence intensity of the probe was quenched through the adsorption of different concentrations of dopamine by the MIP, thus establishing a novel method for the detection of dopamine. The linear range of dopamine detection was from 5 × 10−11 to 6 × 10−8 mol L−1, with a detection limit of 2.32 × 10−11 mol L−1. The sensor was utilised for the detection of dopamine in bananas, achieving a spiked recovery rate between 90.3% and 101.3%. These results demonstrate that the fluorescence molecular imprinted sensor developed in this study offers a highly sensitive approach for dopamine detection in bananas.
Meaningfulness, satisfaction and frustration: The importance of emotions for sustainability change agency
Authors: Onkila Tiina , Reynolds Noelia‐Sarah , Mäkelä Marileena , Koistinen Katariina , Teerikangas Satu , Sarja Milla , Valkjärvi Mira
Published: August 2024

Changes in business strategies are necessary to increase sustainability within business organisations, and change agents are key to bringing about and shaping change. Sustainability change agency involves constant reflection on change agents' roles in complex contexts, a process that arouses emotions for those agents. In this study, we assume a contextual view of change to understand how sustainability change agency develops during change processes and the role of emotions in agency behind strategic changes, such as the implementation of a circular economy. The study is based on interviews with 51 circular economy professionals in Finnish business organisations. By analysing key events and emotions in sustainability change agent (SCA) work, the study contributes to the existing research by showing that initiating and managing sustainability strategies consists of multiple unplanned and unexpected emotional events and experiences. These events and experiences shape SCA's ability and motivation to act for change, leading to continual individual‐level reflection by SCAs, manifesting as ideological, reassuring and fragmenting processes within the larger change process. Such reflection maintains, paralyses, enforces or reshapes their agency, depending on the context.
Leadership transition lessons by Peloton
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: August 2024

I have been working at my current institution, on and off, for more than 25 years but consistently so for the past 15 years. Including some interim leaders, I am on my fifth President, seventh Provost, and 10th Chief Information Officer. I have had more than a dozen bosses myself while serving in a handful of different roles. That's a lot of change, a ton of personality, and, depending on how you look at it, a tremendous opportunity for my work life to be ripe with inconsistency and lack of continuity around leadership, organizational initiatives, and strategic planning.
The Influence of Planting Sites on the Chemical Compositions of Chrysanthemum morifolium Flowers (Chuju) as Revealed by Py‐GC/MS Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Wang Xuhui , He Zhen , Zhang Weiwei , Liu Xiaoran , Yu Shijun , Qian Zongyao
Published: August 2024

Chuju, a cultivar of Chrysanthemum morifolium, has been traditionally cultivated for over 2000 years in China for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. To date, investigations into the chemical composition of this plant have indicated that it contains compounds with extensive biological activities, although detailed information on the chemical composition of Chuju remains scarce. In the present study, the chemical compositions of Chuju flowers were investigated across five sites in the core Chuju planting area in Anhui province, China. Analytical pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) was used to explore variations in flower chemical fingerprints from different Chuju planting sites. The study identified approximately 200 components in Chuju flowers and stems, including high levels of fatty acids, lipids, polysaccharides and terpenoids. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that 16 chemical compounds were influential determinants of the chemical fingerprint and could be used to distinguish two clusters in the five core planting areas. The established Py‐GC/MS analytical workflow could provide a basis for determining the chemical fingerprints of Chuju and help elucidate that products contain a reproducible content of bioactive compounds and overall quality for potential development of health and medicinal purposes.
Eugenia Pohliana Leaves Essential Oil Inhibits Fungal Virulence and Restores Antibiotic Efficacy in Multidrug‐Resistant Bacterial Strains
Authors: da Costa Silva José Thyálisson , Almeida Menezes Saulo , Pereira da Cruz Rafael , Cortez Sombra Vandesmet Lilian , Tereza dos Santos Correia Maria , da Silva Márcia Vanusa , Luiz Silva Pereira Raimundo , Figueirêdo dos Santos Marcos Aurélio , Rodrigues Costa Adrielle , da Silva Viviane Bezerra , Gregorio de Oliveira Maraiza , Walber Gonçalves Castro José , Augusta de Sousa Fernandes Priscilla , da Silva Júnior Evandro G. , Douglas Melo Coutinho Henrique , Mariana Gonçalves Lima Clara , Flaviana Bezerra Morais‐Braga Maria , Weverton Almeida‐Bezerra José
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate the essential oil from leaves of Eugenia pohliana (EOEP) in regard to its chemical composition, antimicrobial and drug‐enhancing activity, as well as the reduction of fungal virulence capacity. Chemical characterization using GC‐MS showed as major components the sesquiterpenes δ‐cadinene, Epi‐α‐Muurolol, and bicyclogermacrene. The results of antibacterial tests indicated that Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive to EOEP, that also enhanced the efficacy of gentamicin, erythromycin, and norfloxacin. EOEP exhibited antifungal properties against Candida albicans, in addition to potentiating the effectiveness of fluconazole against Candida tropicalis. It showed anti‐virulence effects in all fungal strains. These findings underscore E. pohliana as a potential candidate for the prospection of novel therapeutic agents to treat infectious diseases caused by resistant microbes.
Exploring Cheura [Diploknema Butyracea (Roxb.) H. J. Lam]: Unveiling its Ethnomedicinal Heritage, Phytochemical Composition, Pharmacological Properties, and Innovative Applications
Authors: Anand Abhishek , Maheshwari Drishti , Singh Jangwan Nitish , Kumar Anoop , Kumar Jain Gaurav , Tewari Devesh
Published: August 2024

Diploknema butyracea (Roxb) H.J Lam, also referred as “Kalpavriksha”, is commonly known as Gophal, Cheura, or Indian butter tree. It is a deciduous tree with straight trunks of 15–20 m in height and white‐yellow‐coloured fragile flowers with fragrance, found at altitudes of 300–1500 m in the sub‐Himalayan region of India, China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Diploknema have 11 taxa and 8 species, out of which 3 species are found in Uttarakhand hills, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. The tree holds significant economic importance, serving various purposes within ethnic communities. Its high lipid content makes it valuable for food, medicine, construction, and the production of various value‐added products. The ethno‐pharmacological applications encompass treating rheumatism, burns, asthma, and various skin conditions. The plant's different components—bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruits—contain a diverse array of phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and palmitic acid, along with essential nutrients like sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and various sugars which shows diverse pharmacological and therapeutic activities. Beyond traditional uses, Diploknema is important for diverse industrial application in pharmaceuticals, confectionery, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Present paper is an attempt to understand comprehensive details on different aspects of this plant to explore new avenues for various value‐added products.
Using a customized telescoped stent complex in the percutaneous treatment of a residual superior sinus venosus defect
Authors: Mejia Ernesto , Leahy Ryan A. , Zablah Jenny E. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: August 2024

The management of superior sinus venosus defects (SVD) via transcatheter covered stent (CS) placement is becoming an acceptable alternative to open heart surgery. Though the medium‐term success of this procedure has been described, residual shunting from damage to the covering of the implanted stents, use of stents which are too short and unanticipated shortening of stents may result in immediate or short‐term procedural failure. In such cases, placement of a second CS may be required to address a residual defect. Preprocedural prediction of the length of stent required for residual leak treatment may not be as accurate as predicting the required stent length in a native defect, meaning that compassionate use applications to facilitate acquiring non‐standard stent and balloon combinations may not be practical. We present a successful case of residual SVD closure using a novel sutured telescoping stent technique. Further collaboration with industry should encourage regulatory approval of longer CS, to mitigate the need for potentially unpredictable modifications such as this.
Assessing the influence of extrusion processing on functional properties and phytochemical profiles in diverse rice bran varieties
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Singh Narpinder
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess the functional and phytochemical characteristics, as well as the antioxidant properties, of bran from five distinct rice varieties. Additionally, it evaluated the impact of extrusion cooking on the composition and quantity of individual phytochemicals in both free and bound states in the bran of these varieties.

Findings

The functional properties and phytochemical profiles of raw and extruded rice bran from different rice varieties differed significantly. The extrusion process significantly influenced the color, protein solubility, foaming properties, polyphenolics, and amino acid composition of rice bran. Total phenolics ranged from 3.18 to 4.80 mg GAE/g, increased by 12.6%–17% postextrusion. Similarly, total flavonoid content ranged from 15.22 to 17.37 mg RTE/100 g, with a 30%–33% increase after extrusion cooking. Throughout the extrusion process, a rise in the concentration of free phenolics accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of bound phenolics was observed.

Conclusion

The study revealed the impact of extrusion cooking on the distribution of total phytochemicals, particularly phenolics and flavonoids, and the levels of antioxidant activity in free and bound phenolics, as well as amino acid composition and functional properties. The extrusion cooking increased levels of free phenolics and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl activity, while bound forms decreased. Extrusion cooking variably impacted the functionality and phytochemical content of bran from different rice varieties, thus influencing their likely applications.

Significance and Novelty

This study established the foundation for producing food products using extruded rice bran, offering health benefits and meeting the growing demand in the functional food sector.
A Survey of Reaction Energetics for Diverse Small Molecule Activation: Where Do Molecular Electrocatalysts Go From Here?
Authors: Sonea Ana , Warren Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2024

The invention of technologies that can activate, transform, and upgrade small molecules is a significant challenge. The starting point for many such technologies is molecular catalysts. Their well‐defined active sites, multitude of tools to characterize their reactions, and their synthetic flexibility makes such molecules logical starting points. However, it is increasingly clear that challenges exist in the applications of molecular catalysts at the scales needed to address modern chemical and energy demands. In this review, we discuss selected classes of molecular electrocatalysts and highlight their development and key features. Of special interest are proton‐coupled transformations of H2, O2, N2, CO2, and related small molecules. We also frame important thermodynamic features for different catalysts using new approaches and ask forward looking questions about their applications in practical systems.
Soybean response to nitrogen fertilizer in different soils
Authors: Vonk Joshua , Nafziger Emerson , Preza Fontes Giovani
Published: August 2024

Although yield responses of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] to nitrogen (N) fertilizer are rare, occasional yield increases, especially in high‐yielding soybeans, have encouraged some producers to apply N. We conducted nine field experiments between 2014 and 2017 over a range of soil types and environments to evaluate soybean yield response to N (as urea) applied at planting, R1, R3, R5, and at all four timings. Our results showed that a single N application at R1 did not increase soybean yield in any location, while applying N at R3 or R5 increased grain yield in only one of nine locations. At a location with irrigated loam soils, N at planting increased grain yield by 22.4 bu ac−1 (35%) in 2015 and 19.7 bu ac−1 (38%) in 2016 but did not affect yield in 2017. Applying N four times did not increase yield more than the application at planting at this location in 2015 and 2016, but it increased yield in 2017. Four applications of N increased yield in three of the other six locations by an average of 5.0 bu ac−1 (6%). Applying N four times or at R5 increased soil inorganic N at R6 at five of nine locations but did not consistently increase yield. Grain yield was positively correlated to Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) taken at stage R6 at seven of the nine locations. Except for the yield increases from planting‐time N at two locations, yield responses were insufficient to cover the cost of fertilizer N. While in‐season application of fertilizer N to soybeans in productive Corn Belt soils in the United States is unlikely to be consistently profitable, N at planting that stimulates early growth and N uptake, especially in lighter‐textured soils, may sometimes increase yield substantially.
A critical review of membranes made of nanofibres polymeric materials for application of treating oily wastewater
Authors: Diwan Thamer , Al‐Furaiji Mustafa H. , Abudi Zaidun N. , Awad Mohammed , Alsalhy Qusay F.
Published: August 2024

Oily wastewater poses a significant threat to human health and the environment, especially when it contains emulsified oil. Traditional treatment methods often fail to address this type of wastewater effectively. Therefore, developing advanced treatment methods to make such water suitable for various applications has become a pressing issue. The electrospinning technology has emerged as the most effective method due to its high separation efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the methodologies employed in nanofibres production across diverse techniques, along with concise insights. It also offers a survey of various methods for fabricating polymer membranes via the electrospinning technique, shedding light on the parameters affecting the electrospinning process. Furthermore, this review elucidates the fundamental concepts of membrane fouling, clarifying the mechanisms and factors contributing to fouling. We addressed advantages and disadvantages of methods used to create polymeric nanofibre membranes via the electrospinning technique. The needleless electrospinning technique eliminates the need for a nozzle to jet the nanofibres, preventing clogging. This method results in higher nanofibres production rates compared to the needle electrospinning technique. However, it does require a more complex setup. On the other hand, the needle electrospinning technique is often successfully employed in laboratory‐scale settings due to its more straightforward setup. However, it necessitates using a cleaning device for each needle, which can become impractical for nanofibre production. The main challenges facing electrospun nanofibrous membranes were also presented. The development of eco‐friendly nanofibers is outlined in the future perspective of this review.
The use of artificial intelligence in liquid crystal applications: A review
Authors: Chattha Sarah , Chan Philip K. , Upreti Simant R.
Published: August 2024

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly influenced scientific discovery and analysis, including liquid crystals. This paper reviews the use of AI in predicting the properties of liquid crystals and improving their sensing applications. Typically, liquid crystals are utilized as sensors in biomedical detection and diagnostics, and in the detection of heavy metal ions and gases. Traditional methods of analysis used in these applications are often subjective, expensive, and time‐consuming. To surmount these challenges, AI methods such as convolutional neural networks (CNN) and support vector machines (SVM) have been recently utilized to predict liquid crystal properties and improve the resulting performance of the sensing applications. Large amounts of data are, however, required to fully realize the potential of AI methods, which would also need adequate ethical oversight. In addition to experiments, modelling approaches utilizing first principles as well as AI may be employed to supplement and furnish the data. In summary, the review indicates that AI methods hold great promise in the further development of the liquid crystal technology.
Highly and Deep Red‐Luminescent Bisphenylamine‐Appended Benzocarcogendiazole Fluorophores
Authors: Shimada Keisuke , Matsuo Takumi , Hayashi Shotaro
Published: August 2024

Benzocarcogendiazole units have been frequently utilized for optoelectronics such as organic solar cells because of their robustness, rigidity, and band‐gap tunability based on their strong electron‐withdrawing properties. Focusing on the luminescent characteristics, these molecules have been utilized to demonstrate highly sensitive chromisms because of the potential of charge transfer. Here, we demonstrate deep red‐emissions in bis(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)amine‐appended benzocarcogendiazole‐based donor‐acceptor‐donor (D−A‐D) fluorophores, namely 1 and 2. Because benzocarcogendiazole and bis(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)amine serve as strong electron acceptor and donor, respectively, strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) enables long wavelength of photoluminescence (PL) even in the small molecular weight. Although photoluminescence (PL) in long wavelength tends to exhibit quite low absolute PL quantum efficiency (ΦPL), the values of solutions 1 and 2 are quite high (up to 50 %). According to X‐ray crystallographic characterizations and DFT calculations, these high ΦPL values are attributable to the segregated π‐planes of benzocarcogendiazole units, which is induced by the bulky substituents of bis(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)amines.
On the supramolecular interactions into a pH‐ and Metal‐Actuated Molecular Shuttle: some insights from QTAIM modeling
Authors: Zazza Costantino , Sanna Nico , Borocci Stefano , Grandinetti Felice
Published: August 2024

Supramolecular contacts responsible for chemical interaction of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) macrocycle on a Tolyl‐Viologen‐Phenylene‐Imidazole (T‐VPI) molecular thread, at acid pH (T‐VPI‐H+) or after Ag+ cation addition (T‐VPI‐Ag+), are analytically addressed in a computational framework combining Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) with Density Functional Theory (DFT). In this respect, the crystallographic structure (CCDC number 2217466) is taken as reference condition for addressing the nature of the chemical interactions driving the shuttling of the CB[7] between T and P stations recently observed in dilute water solutions. Beside the host(CB[7]) vs guest(T‐VPI‐H+ or T‐VPI‐Ag+) complexation, the coordination sphere of the Ag+ cation is also investigated by means of local electronic energy density ‐ H(r) ‐ descriptors. The derived non‐covalent interaction patterns are found to support diagnostic 1H NMR signals used for detecting the mutual position of the CB[7] along the axle. This work highlights the potentialities of a QTAIM based approach in the characterization of supramolecular and metal‐complexation effects in molecular aggregates such as not‐interlocked synthetic molecular shuttles.
Catalyzing the Enantioselective Tail‐to‐Head Terpene Cyclization Inside Optically Active Hexameric Resorcin[4]arene Capsules: A Surprising Odd‐Even Effect of the Catalyst
Authors: Persiani Giacomo , Sokolova Daria , Ivanov Roman , Merget Severin , Maintok Tobias , Häussinger Daniel , Tiefenbacher Konrad
Published: August 2024

Terpenes, created in Nature via tail‐to‐head terpene (THT) cyclizations, have long fascinated chemists due to their complex structures and biological activities. Recreating such THT cyclizations in the laboratory using man‐made catalysts has been challenging. Especially difficult is performing the reaction in an enantioselective fashion, as the substrate is flexible and does not contain much functionality to form strong interactions with the chiral catalyst. This study explores the enantioselective THT cyclization inside hexameric capsules self‐assembled from optically active resorcin[4]arene derivatives. An unexpected odd‐even effect, where the enantioselectivity of the reaction depended on the length of the alkyl chain attached to the resorcin[4]arene capsule was uncovered. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an odd‐even effect in the catalyst itself, and also the first instance in which this effect is related to the enantioselectivity of the reaction.
Differential role of NMDA receptors in hippocampal‐dependent spatial memory and plasticity in juvenile male and female rats
Authors: Narattil Nisha Rajan , Maroun Mouna
Published: August 2024

Early life, or juvenility, stands out as the most pivotal phase in neurodevelopment due to its profound impact over the long‐term cognition. During this period, significant changes are made in the brain's connections both within and between different areas, particularly in tandem with the development of more intricate behaviors. The hippocampus is among the brain regions that undergo significant postnatal remodeling, including dendritic arborization, synaptogenesis, the formation of complex spines and neuron proliferation. Given the crucial role of the hippocampus in spatial memory processing, it has been observed that spatial memory abilities continue to develop as the hippocampus matures, particularly before puberty. The N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptor channel is crucial for the induction of activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity and spatial memory formation in both rodents and humans. Although extensive evidence shows the role of NMDA receptors (NMDAr) in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity, the studies addressing the role of NMDAr in spatial memory of juveniles are sparse and mostly limited to adult males. In the present study, we, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of systemic NMDAr blockade by the MK‐801 on spatial memory (novel object location memory, OLM) and hippocampal plasticity in the form of long‐term potentiation (LTP) of both male and female juvenile rats. Our results show the sex‐dimorphic role of NMDAr in spatial memory and plasticity during juvenility, as systemic NMDAr blockade impairs the OLM and LTP in juvenile males without an effect on juvenile females. Taken together, our results demonstrate that spatial memory and hippocampal plasticity are NMDAr‐dependent in juvenile males and NMDAr‐independent in juvenile females. These sex‐specific differences in the mechanisms of spatial memory and plasticity may imply gender‐specific treatment for spatial memory disorders even in children.
When do generics lead to social essentialism: Developmental evidence from Iran
Authors: Shahbazi Ghazaleh , Samani Hossein , Mandalaywala Tara M. , Borhani Khatereh , Davoodi Telli
Published: August 2024

Generic descriptions (e.g., ‘girls are emotional’) are argued to play a major role in the development of essentialist reasoning about social categories. Although generics are prevalent across languages, studies exploring if and how generic language leads to essentialism have almost exclusively been conducted in English‐speaking communities and among Western samples. This is a significant limitation as scholars posit that generic language is a universal cue that signals which categories are culturally relevant. However, without research asking whether generics have similar consequences across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts, it is impossible to make a claim of universality. Here, we will fill this gap, by replicating and extending a previous U.S.‐based study assessing the effects of generic language in a sample of Persian‐speaking 6 to 9‐year‐old children (N = 160) and adults (N = 160) in Iran. Participants will hear generic (‘Foolies’) or specific (‘This Foolie’) statements (between subjects) that ascribe biological or cultural features to the novel social category of Foolies. We will measure the degree to which exposure to these statements leads to kindhood reasoning (i.e., offering formal explanations for category features) and essentialist reasoning in terms of inheritability. Identifying similar patterns in the Iranian sample as in prior US‐based work will support the hypothesis that generic language signals category importance and licences kindhood but does not contribute directly to reasoning about social categories as biologically inheritable. This work contributes to diversifying the field and critically informs theories of social essentialism.