bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of color on scratch and mar visibility of polymers
Authors: De Noni Lorenzo , Marjuban Shaik Merkatur Hakim , Andena Luca , Noh Kwanghae , Li Yuntao , Vollenberg Peter , Sue Hung‐Jue
Published: February 2023

Polymer scratch mechanics has been widely studied. However, the physics behind scratch visibility is still not well understood. Scratch deformation mechanisms certainly affect visibility but also other material properties, such as roughness, color, or gloss. This work relates to methods to quantitatively evaluate the effect of sample color on polymer scratch and mar induced visibility, aiming at linking scratch behavior with the underlying physics. A custom‐built black box was utilized for the analysis of samples possessing different colors and surface finishing. Automatic image analysis was performed through a commercial software to quantify the onset of visibility in terms of a critical load above which the scratch becomes visible. Trained surveyors visually quantified said critical load. White color was shown to delay the onset of visibility by reducing the contrast between the damaged and undamaged area. For instance, the critical load for the onset of visibility for a white polycarbonate copolymer was nearly twice the value reported for its black variant. Consistent results were obtained for all tested samples. Similar findings were reported for the mar phenomenon, highlighting how white color can also mask a different type of damage. The usefulness of the present work and some future perspectives are discussed.
Effect of Light and Electrostatic Gate at Oxide Interface LaFeO3–SrTiO3 at Room Temperature
Authors: Kaur Ripudaman , Kumari Anamika , Satapathy Bibek Ranjan , Gupta Anshu , Kumar Sanjeev , Chakraverty Suvankar
Published: February 2023

Electrostatic gating and light illumination are two widely used stimuli for semiconductor devices. Two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at oxide heterostructures has shown potential in optoelectronics due to its high optical response and gate tuning property. The appearance of high photoconductivity and persistent photoconductivity at the oxide heterostructure of two insulators LaFeO3 and SrTiO3 is shown here. The photoconductivity has been further tuned using positive and negative back gating. A large change in conductivity has been achieved under the simultaneous application of light and electrostatic gating. A few measurement protocols that manifest possible applications of this interface as memory and switching devices are implemented.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzamide‐chalcone hybrids as potential c‐Met kinase and COX‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Bhojwani Heena , Begwani Khushboo , Bhor Vikrant , Bedi Parul , Balasinor Nafisa , Raut Sanketa , Joshi Urmila
Published: February 2023

c‐Met kinase and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) enzymes are two significant targets in tumor progression. Chalcone and benzamide moieties were combined using molecular hybridization to assess their potential as c‐Met kinase and COX‐2 inhibitors. 4‐Methylbenzamide and 4‐chlorobenzamide chalcone analogs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for antiproliferative activity on Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7), HT‐29, MDA‐MB‐231, COLO‐205, and A549 cell lines by sulforhodamine‐B stain (SRB) assay. Following the SRB assay, compounds were evaluated for their c‐Met kinase and COX‐2 inhibitory potential. All compounds inhibited COX‐2 with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) <10 µM. Compounds 7h, 7i, 7j, 8f, and 8j inhibited c‐Met with IC50 <10 µM. Compound 7h was evaluated for its long‐term antiproliferative and anti‐migratory effects by colony formation and wound healing assay. It exerted these effects in a concentration‐dependent manner. Compounds 7j and 8j were further evaluated for in vitro antiangiogenic effects. Compound 7j exhibited moderate antiangiogenic effect while compound 8j exhibited strong effect. Compounds 7h, 7i, 7j, 8f, and 8j were evaluated for the serum protein binding, using the in vitro bovine serum albumin binding assay. The results indicated that the tested compounds bind to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and can be further explored by other studies.
Metabolomics strategy of Pikang oral liquid in the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Wang Huiyun , Xie Baogang , Lan Lan , Wang Jun , Zhou Qingde , Du Xiaoyue , Jin Nan , Jiang Pan , Wang Wei , Xu Xinchang
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Pikang oral liquid (PK) on psoriasis and analyze its possible mechanism from the perspective of metabolism. A psoriasis‐form mouse model established using imiquimod (IMQ) was used to evaluate the anti‐psoriatic effects of PK. The serum samples were analyzed by high‐resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)‐based metabonomics. Nine amino acids were further quantitatively analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF MS). This study suggested that PK treatment markedly attenuated IMQ‐induced psoriasis in a dose‐dependent manner. 1H NMR‐based multivariate trajectory analysis revealed that PK had a certain regression effect on eight differential metabolites. The quantitative results showed that PK could significantly regulate the serum levels of alanine, histidine and arginine to healthy control levels. The anti‐psoriasis mechanism of PK may be associated with the restoration of the disturbance in the amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and lipid metabolism and so on. Quantitative results further confirmed that amino acid metabolism play an key role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Our investigation provided a holistic view of PK for intervention psoriasis and provided the scientific information in vivo about a clinical value of PK for psoriasis.
Prevalence and clinical predictors of spasticity after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Liao Ling‐Yi , Xu Pei‐Dong , Fang Xiang‐Qin , Wang Qing‐Hua , Tao Yong , Cheng Huan , Gao Chang‐Yue
Published: February 2023

Background

Spasticity is a common complication of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, no consensus exists on the relation between spasticity and initial clinical findings after ICH.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled adult patients with a history of ICH between January 2012 and October 2020. The modified Ashworth scale was used to assess spasticity. A trained image analyst traced all ICH lesions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between ICH lesion sites and spasticity.

Results

We finally analyzed 304 patients (mean age 54.86 ± 12.93 years; 72.04% men). The incidence of spasticity in patients with ICH was 30.92%. Higher National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores were associated with an increased predicted probability for spasticity (odds ratio, OR = 1.153 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.093–1.216], p < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower age, higher NIHSS scores, and drinking were associated with an increased risk of moderate‐to‐severe spasticity (OR = 0.965 [95% CI 0.939–0.992], p = .013; OR = 1.068 [95% CI 1.008–1.130], p = .025; OR = 4.809 [95% CI 1.671–13.840], p = .004, respectively). However, smoking and ICH in the thalamus were associated with a reduced risk of moderate‐to‐severe spasticity (OR = 0.200 [95% CI 0.071–0.563], p = .002; OR = 0.405 [95% CI 0.140–1.174], p = .046, respectively) compared with ICH in the basal ganglia.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that ICH lesion locations are at least partly associated with post‐stroke spasticity rather than the latter simply being a physiological reaction to ICH itself. The predictors for spasticity after ICH were age, NIHSS scores, past medical history, and ICH lesion sites.
Wound dressing based on PVA nanofiber containing silk fibroin modified with GO/ZnO nanoparticles for superficial wound healing: In vitro and in vivo evaluations
Authors: Kavousi Heidari Maryam , Pourmadadi Mehrab , Yazdian Fatemeh , Rashedi Hamid , Ebrahimi Sayed Ali Seyyed , Bagher Zohreh , Navaei‐Nigjeh Mona , Haghirosadat Bibi Fatemeh
Published: February 2023

Silk fibroin (SF), extracted from Bombyx mori, has unique physicochemical properties to achieve an efficient wound dressing. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/ZnO NPs/silk fibroin nanocomposite was made, and an innovative nanofiber of SF/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/RGO/ZnO NPs was ready with the electrospinning technique and successfully characterized. The results of MIC and OD analyses were used to investigate the synthesized materials' antibacterial effects and displayed that the synthesized materials could inhibit growth against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. However, both in vitro cytotoxicity (MTT) and scratch wound studies have shown that RGO/ZnO NPs and SF/PVA/RGO/ZnO NPs are not only non‐toxic to NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, but also can cause cell viability, cell proliferation, and cell migration. Furthermore, improving the synthesized nanofiber's structural properties in the presence of RGO and ZnO NPs has been confirmed by performing tensile strength, contact angle, and biodegradation analyses. Also, in a cell attachment analysis, fibroblast cells had migrated and expanded well in the nanofibrous structures. Moreover, in vivo assay, SF/PVA/RGO/ZnO NPs nanofiber treated rats and has been shown significant healing activity and tissue regeneration compared with other treated groups. Therefore, this study suggests that SF/PVA/RGO/ZnO NPs nanofiber is a hopeful wound dressing for preventing bacteria growth and improving superficial wound repair.
An Investigation into Chestnut Honeys from Artvin Province in Turkiye: Their Physicochemical Properties, Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Saral Özlem
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities of eight chestnut honey samples collected from Artvin province in Turkiye. The honey samples’ phenolic profiles were analyzed using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). All honeys were monofloral, and the quantities of chestnut sativa pollen ranged from 56 % to 80 %. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) values were assessed. The pH and moisture values of the honeys ranged between 4.60 and 5.40 and between 17.60 % and 19.00 %, respectively. Electrical conductivity (EC) and Hunter color L values ranged between 0.56 and 1.12 mS/cm and between 43.16 and 67.60, respectively. Proline values ranged from 876 to 1246 mg/kg. The diastase activities of all honeys were high, ranging between 18.28 and 26.30 DU. The mean of total phenolic, total flavonoid and total antioxidant (FRAP) levels in the samples were 72.79±0.03 mg GAE/100 g, 2.25±00.03mg QE/100 g, and 312.67±2.85 μmol FeSO4/100 g, respectively. Almost all of the 19 phenolic standards studied were detected in the samples, with catechin, chrysin, caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and gallic acid being determined as major components. In conclusion, the honeys from the Artvin region were high‐quality chestnut honeys, with high polyphenolic contents and diversity and high apitherapeutic potentials.
Kinetic Protection of a Water‐Soluble Olefin Metathesis Catalyst for Potential Use under Biological Conditions
Authors: James Catriona C. , Laan Petrus C. M. , de Bruin Bas , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: February 2023

Olefin metathesis catalysts like AquaMet are vulnerable to different decomposition pathways under biologically relevant conditions. Currently, stabilizing strategies are focused on approaches with limited relevance for application under biologically relevant conditions. Initial attempts to stabilise AquaMet by encapsulation within a supramolecular metallocage showed that the nitrate counterions of the cage improve the activity of the catalyst. We show that the chloride ligands of AquaMet can be replaced with nitrates by simple anion‐exchange. Catalytic studies into metathesis of a diallyl substrate showed that the presence of nitrate generates higher yields of the ring‐closed product compared to AquaMet alone, under aqueous and biological conditions. Kinetic studies support that the nitrate‐containing catalyst both initiates faster and performs catalysis at a much faster rate than AquaMet, while the rate of catalyst deactivation was similar. This new strategy of kinetic protection of a transition metal catalyst may have future applications for other catalytic reactions applied in vivo.
Construction of Y‐Doped BiVO4 Photocatalysts for Efficient Two‐Electron O2 Reduction to H2O2
Authors: Dai Dujuan , Bao Xiaolei , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Zeyan , Zheng Zhaoke , Liu Yuanyuan , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Wang Peng
Published: February 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production on BiVO4 photocatalysts using water and oxygen as raw materials is a green and sustainable process. However, the photocatalytic efficiency of pristine BiVO4 is limited by severe charge recombination. In this work, rare earth element Yttrium (Y) doped BiVO4 photocatalysts were fabricated by the hydrothermal method. In the photocatalytic H2O2 production experiment, the optimized Y‐doped BiVO4 photocatalyst produced 114 μmol g−1 h−1 of H2O2 under simulated sunlight (AM1.5) irradiation, which is four times higher than production activity of pure BiVO4 (26 μmol g−1 h−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculation revealed that Y doping can enhance oxygen adsorption on the BiVO4 photocatalyst surface. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the doping process induces the in situ formation of monoclinic/tetragonal BiVO4 heterojunction, which further promotes the photogenerated carriers separation efficiency.
Tailoring Galactose Oxidase for Self‐Powered Benzyl Alcohol Sensing
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Liu Weisong , Chang Lijing , Kang Zepeng , Yang Yanqin , Zhang Lingling
Published: February 2023

Benzyl alcohol (BnOH) is a widely‐used preservative in a variety of cosmetics, but the excess addition (≥1.0 %) may cause strong symptoms such as nausea, gastrointestinal irritation, convulsion, even death, making it crucial to monitor and control the addition quantity. Herein, we have developed a test‐strip‐like BnOH detection method via tailoring a galactose oxidase (GOase) towards BnOH oxidation and preparing a self‐powered electrochromic strip for BnOH concentration visualization. A double‐substituted GOase variant (Y329S/R330F), on the basis of the reported GOase M1, has been obtained by semi‐rational design with a 24.6‐fold improved activity towards BnOH compared to GOase M1. The GOase Y329S/R330F electrode has a response to BnOH with a linear range of 0.04 to 3.25 mM (R2=0.9985), a sensitivity of 122.78 μA mM−1 cm−2, and a detection limit of 0.03 mM (S/N=3). Coupling an electrochromic Prussian blue (PB) cathode helps the successful sensing visualization without any further power supply. The present sensing is more convenient and user‐friendly than the generally used gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and brings a more accessible solution to the field of quality controlling.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Stable Arylfluorene‐Based Radical‐Type Mechanophores
Authors: Sugita Hajime , Lu Yi , Aoki Daisuke , Otsuka Hideyuki , Mikami Koichiro
Published: February 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Hideyuki Otsuka at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Koichiro Mikami at the Sagami Chemical Research Institute. The image depicts theoretical and experimental investigations of stable arylfluorene‐based radical‐type mechanophores. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202203249.
Photocatalytic Synthesis of Acetals and Ketals from Aldehydes and Silylenolethers without the Use of Acids
Authors: Steuernagel Desirée , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: February 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue are Desirée Steuernagel and Hans‐Achim Wagenknecht at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The image depicts a traffic roundabout, which symbolizes the photocatalytic cycle for the conversion of aldehydes and silylenolethers as starting materials into their acetals. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202203767.
Azatriseptanes: Strained Framework Analogs of [7,7,7]Circulenes
Authors: Zhang Kai , Hope Philip A. , El Bitar Nehme Mélissa , Linden Anthony , Spingler Bernhard , Rickhaus Michel
Published: February 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Michel Rickhaus at the University of Zurich. The image depicts the “unearthing” of the highly contorted azatriseptane, a carbon framework consisting of three fused seven‐membered rings surrounding a central nitrogen. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202203954.
Preparation of molecularly imprinted silica particles with amino functionality for chiral separation of (±)‐naproxen
Authors: Bukhari Abeer Abdulaziz H.
Published: February 2023

Herein is the synthesis and effective use of an S‐naproxen (S‐NP) enantioselective adsorbent material with amino functionality for the enantioseparation of a (±)‐NP racemic mixture. To begin, the S‐NP enantiomer of (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane was used to create an amide derivative (S‐NP–Si–NH2). In order to incorporate the S‐NP enantiomeric species into the cross‐linked material, the developed S‐NP–Si–NH2 derivative was combined with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and subjected base‐catalyzed sol–gel condensation polymerization procedure. The S‐NP is released from the cross‐linked matrix by alkaline hydrolysis and subsequent acidification, creating an enantioselective gap filled with cationic ions that are compatible with the S‐NP during recombination. With the use of elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, it was verified that the performed chemical processes on the monomeric precursor and the resulting S‐NP molecularly imprinted material (S‐NP–Sil) were successful. Furthermore, the morphology alterations were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy images of the sorbent surface. The produced adsorbent particles were also used in the chiral separation of a (±)‐NP racemic combination utilizing a column approach, with encouraging separation results shown in both the first loading run (59% ee of R‐NP) and the second elution run (85% ee of S‐NP).
Reading Time and DNA Sequence Preference of TET3 CXXC Domain Revealed by Single‐Molecule Profiling†
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Cao Zhiqiang , Ma Kangkang , Lu Man , Wang Meijie , Gao Han , Gong Deshun , Liang Lin , Yu Zhongbo
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Recognition of CpG dinucleotide DNA in epigenetic information flow plays a pivotal role for cellular differentiation and development. The TET3 CXXC domain binds to CpG DNA, serving a basic epigenetic information reading mechanism. During the selective recognition of a CpG motif by a CXXC domain from crowded binding sites in a gene sequence, the protein‐DNA interactions are beyond CpG dinucleotide. However, the selective binding dynamics of CpG within a long DNA context by epigenetic enzymes have been rarely exploited, which is hard for ensemble methods to probe. Here, we used single‐molecule magnetic tweezers to quantitatively examine the dynamics of TET3's CXXC domain on a Hoxa9 promoter DNA. Our single‐molecule binding profile revealed that CXXC‐DNA interactions involve both CpG motifs and their flanking sequences. The residence time of TET3 CXXC differs by about 1000 times in five distinguished CpG clusters in the context of a CpG island. Moreover, we performed multi‐state hidden Markov modeling analysis on the zipping/unzipping dynamics of a CpG hairpin, discovering TET3 CXXC's preference on CpG motifs regarding the –2 to +2 flanking bases. Our results shed light on the selective binding dynamics of a CXXC on a gene sequence, facilitating studies on epigenetic information reading mechanisms.
Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Derivatives as AMPK Activators: Synthesis, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Renal Fibroblasts
Authors: Wu Siming , Xiao Zhihong , Wei Junling , Zhang Lei , Cao Yuanyuan , Chen. Zhuo , Li Qianbin , Hu Gaoyun
Published: February 2023

Adenosine 5′‐monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) has emerged as a promising target for the discovery of drugs to treat diabetic nephropathy (DN). Herein, a series of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines were designed and synthesized. Among them, the active compound (EC50=11.0 nM) showed good enzyme activation and molecular docking results showed hydrogen bonding interactions with the key amino acids Asn111 and Lys29 in the active site. Meanwhile, further cellular level experiments revealed that it could reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in NRK‐49F cells induced by high glucose, and Western Blot experiments also demonstrate that it can increase the levels of p‐AMPK and p‐ACC and decrease the levels of TGF‐β1. The results of this study extend the structural types of AMPK activators and provide novel lead compounds for the subsequent development.
Design of OSMI‐4 Analogs Using Scaffold Hopping: Investigating the Importance of the Uridine Mimic in the Binding of OGT Inhibitors
Authors: Balsollier Cyril , Tomašič Tihomir , Yasini Daniel , Bijkerk Simon , Anderluh Marko , Pieters Roland J.
Published: February 2023

β‐N‐Acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) inhibition is considered an important topic in medicinal chemistry. The involvement of O‐GlcNAcylation in several important biological pathways is pointing to OGT as a potential therapeutic target. The field of OGT inhibitors drastically changed after the discovery of the 7‐quinolone‐4‐carboxamide scaffold and its optimization to the first nanomolar OGT inhibitor: OSMI‐4. While OSMI‐4 is still the most potent inhibitor reported to date, its physicochemical properties are limiting its use as a potential drug candidate as well as a biological tool. In this study, we have introduced a simple modification (elongation) of the peptide part of OSMI‐4 that limits the unwanted cyclisation during OSMI‐4 synthesis while retaining OGT inhibitory potency. Secondly, we have kept this modified peptide unchanged while incorporating new sulfonamide UDP mimics to try to improve binding of newly designed OGT inhibitors in the UDP‐binding site. With the use of computational methods, a small library of OSMI‐4 derivatives was designed, prepared and evaluated that provided information about the OGT binding pocket and its specificity toward quinolone‐4‐carboxamides.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation for General Synthesis of Aurones Using CO2
Authors: Huang Zijun , Li Yudong , Zhou Jiaxing , Zhang Yi , Wu Jiacheng , Wu Yongkai , Zhang Fan , Fang Zhengjun , Li Yuehui
Published: February 2023

The carbonylation of alkynes using CO2 to generate aurones is to date unknown. In this study, a palladium‐catalyzed carbonylation of terminal aromatic alkynes and the waste hydrosilane, poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS), is carried out with 2‐iodophenol using CO2 to produce aurones. A variety of terminal alkynes and substituted 2‐iodophenols are transformed into aurones in good yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that silyl formate, generated from CO2 and PMHS, plays a crucial role in the carbonylation reaction.
Third‐order quadrature sinusoidal oscillators with fully uncoupled tuning laws using only two CFOAs and grounded capacitors
Authors: Bhaskar Data Ram , Raj Ajishek , Senani Raj
Published: February 2023

Recently, three current feedback operational amplifiers (CFOA)‐based third‐order quadrature sinusoidal oscillators (TOQSO) have been presented whose condition of oscillation (CO) and frequency of oscillation (FO) can be regulated independently. In this communication, we present two new TOQSO circuits, which require only two CFOAs and yet achieve as significant features as the quoted circuits, namely, the availability of fully uncoupled control of CO and FO, availability of both outputs from ideally zero output impedance nodes (which is beneficial for easy cascadability in VM operations) and employment of all (three) grounded capacitors as preferred for IC implementation. The verification of the workability of proposed circuits has been carried out experimentally using commercially available off‐the‐shelf ICs AD844‐type CFOAs, and some experimental results have been appended.
THADA‐IGF2BP3 fusions detected in fine‐needle aspiration specimens of thyroid nodules: An institutional experience
Authors: Gubbiotti Maria A. , Andrianus Stefen , Baloch Zubair
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Though the clinical significance of THADA‐IGF2BP3 fusions detected in thyroid nodules preoperatively is still under investigation, the limited literature suggests these lesions are clinically low‐risk.

Methods

The pathology archives were searched from 2018 to 2022 for all thyroid nodules with a THADA‐IGF2BP3 fusion detected via ThyroSeqV3® analysis. Patient demographics and tumor characteristics were collected. Statistical analyses were performed and p < .05 was considered statistically significant. This study was approved by the institutional review board.

Results

The case cohort included 34 thyroid nodules with THADA‐IGF2BP3 fusions from 32 patients (average age—56.1 years, range: 30–86, male to female ratio—10:22). The average nodule size was 3.2 cm (range: 1.3–7.3 cm). At the time of biopsy, 21 cases were diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance, 12 as follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm and 1 as suspicious for malignancy. Surgical resection was performed in 29 patients (13 partial and 16 total thyroidectomies) to give a total of 31 nodules. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in 19/31 (61%) cases. No cases showed extrathyroidal extension or lymphovascular invasion. The remaining cases were considered either a low‐risk neoplasm or benign. Four cases of NIFTP on final surgical pathology harbored concurrent incidental papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. One patient had the THADA‐IGF2BP3 fusion detected in bilateral nodules.

Conclusions

THADA‐IGF2BP3 fusions can occur in malignant, low‐risk and benign thyroid neoplasms, where malignant neoplasms show lack of aggressive features. Therefore, such entities can be classified as clinically low risk.
Climate‐related range shifts in Arctic‐breeding shorebirds
Authors: Anderson Christine M. , Fahrig Lenore , Rausch Jennie , Martin Jean‐Louis , Daufresne Tanguy , Smith Paul A.
Published: February 2023

Aim

To test whether the occupancy of shorebirds has changed in the eastern Canadian Arctic, and whether these changes could indicate that shorebird distributions are shifting in response to long‐term climate change.

Location

Foxe Basin and Rasmussen Lowlands, Nunavut, Canada.

Methods

We used a unique set of observations, made 25 years apart, using general linear models to test if there was a relationship between changes in shorebird species' occupancy and their species temperature Index, a simple version of a species climate envelope.

Results

Changes in occupancy and density varied widely across species, with some increasing and some decreasing. This is despite that overall population trends are known to be negative for all of these species based on surveys during migration. The changes in occupancy that we observed were positively related to the species temperature index, such that the warmer‐breeding species appear to be moving into these regions, while colder‐breeding species appear to be shifting out of the regions, likely northward.

Main Conclusions

Our results suggest that we should be concerned about declining breeding habitat availability for bird species whose current breeding ranges are centered on higher and colder latitudes.
Analysis of quantum confinement in nanosheet FETs by using a quantum drift diffusion model
Authors: Matsuda Masashi , Hiroki Akira
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we have analyzed quantum confinement effects in nanosheet MOSFETs by using a quantum drift‐diffusion (QDD) model. The QDD model is a device simulator which allows to simulate quantum confinement effects in the inversion layer for advanced MOSFETs. The quantum confinement effects in nanosheets have been analyzed by comparing the simulation results by QDD and drift‐diffusion (DD) model. The drain current ratio of DD to QDD is 250.1% at VG = 0.5 V and 180.1% at VG = 0 V. While the maximum electron density of DD exists at the interface between the insulator and the silicon sheet, that of QDD goes to near the center of the silicon sheet. The electron areal density ratio of DD to QDD is 118.3% in the direction of the 10 nm width of the silicon sheet and 176.9% in the direction of the 4 nm width.
Support for the fasting endurance hypothesis of partial migration in a nearshore seabird
Authors: Wilkinson Bradley P. , Jodice Patrick G. R.
Published: February 2023

Partial migration occurs when only a fraction of a population migrates instead of all individuals. Considered an evolutionary precursor to full migration, understanding why some individuals choose to undertake migration while others do not may serve to inform general migratory theory. While several hypotheses currently exist for explaining the maintenance of partial migration, empirical support for many is limited. To address this gap, we analyzed GPS data acquired from brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis; n = 74), a partially migratory seabird, nesting on six colonies in the South Atlantic Bight over the course of four autumn migrations. We estimated that approximately 74% of pelicans nesting within the study area may be migratory on an annual basis, with the remainder staying within the surrounding marine ecoregion year‐round. Mean date of migration initiation was 9 November, although movements occurred from September to December. Results from Cox's proportional hazards modeling indicated significant positive and negative effects of sea surface temperatures and body condition on migration rate, respectively. We suggest that the ontogenetic migration of the primary forage species of brown pelicans from estuarine to pelagic environments causes a seasonal reduction in prey and that pelicans in poor body condition are unable to meet the energetic demands potentially associated with this decrease in prey availability (i.e., the fasting endurance hypothesis of partial migration). Although we did not find evidence for a density‐dependent migratory response, the effects of intraspecific competition on migration in pelicans also appear to warrant consideration.
Effects of tissue decomposition on stable isotope ratios and implications for use of stranded animals in research
Authors: Cloyed Carl S. , Johnson Che'Isha , DaCosta Kayla P. , Clance Lauren R. , Russell Mackenzie L. , Díaz Clark Cristina , Hieb Elizabeth E. , Carmichael Ruth H.
Published: February 2023

Stable isotope analysis (SIA) provides ecological data that can be safely and efficiently collected on endangered, threatened, and cryptic species. Marine mammals are an ecologically important group for which economical and logistical constraints can make data collection challenging. Stranded marine mammals are often used in research, but the causes of strandings and subsequent tissue decomposition could affect SIA. We conducted a three‐part study to test the validity of using δ13C and δ15N values from tissues of stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) for ecological studies. First, we quantified isotopic overlap using ellipses based on 95% of the data to compare isotope values in skin between stranded and live‐captured animals. Second, we compared stable isotope values from liver, skin, and muscle of animals that had stranded and were sampled at different decomposition stages. Third, we experimentally exposed each tissue to environmental conditions and sampled tissues as they decomposed. For both dolphins and manatees, isotopic ellipses from skin of stranded carcasses were similar to live‐captured individuals. Among individuals recovered at different decomposition stages, more advanced decomposition affected δ13C values in dolphin liver and skin but not in manatee tissues and had no effect on δ15N values in any tissue for either species. In the experimental manipulation, decomposition resulted in depleted δ13C values, enriched δ15N values, and increased C:N in liver for both species. Skin and muscle from stranded dolphins and manatees are representative of their corresponding live populations and can be used for SIA with appropriate caution. To facilitate the use of tissues from stranded animals, tissues should be dried or frozen for storage as soon as possible after sampling. We recommend liver from stranded animals only be used for SIA when researchers need tissues with short turnover times and can access fresh samples. Without consideration of decomposition effects on isotope values, ecologists may make inaccurate inferences about habitat use, diet, and community structure. Careful use of SIA on tissues from stranded animals can help researchers provide better quality information for managers and policy makers.
Just street trees? Street trees increase local biodiversity and biomass in higher income, denser neighborhoods
Authors: Anderson Elsa C. , Locke Dexter H. , Pickett Steward T. A. , LaDeau Shannon L.
Published: February 2023

Tree canopy cover is a critical component of the urban environment that supports ecosystem services at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Increasing tree canopy across a matrix of public and private land is challenging. As such, municipalities often plant trees along streets in public rights‐of‐way where there are fewer barriers to establishment, and composition and biomass of street trees are inextricably linked to human decisions, management, and care. In this study, we investigated the contributions of street trees to the broader urban forest, inclusive of tree canopy distributed across both public and private parcels in Baltimore, MD, USA. We assess how species composition, biodiversity, and biomass of street trees specifically augment the urban forest at local and citywide scales. Furthermore, we evaluate how street tree contributions to the urban forest vary with social and demographic characteristics of local residential communities. Our analyses demonstrate that street trees significantly enhanced citywide metrics of the urban forests' richness and tree biomass, adding an average six unique species per site. However, street tree contributions did not ameliorate low tree canopy locations, and more street tree biomass was generally aligned with higher urban forest cover. Furthermore, species richness, abundance, and biomass added by street trees were all positively related to local household income and population density. Our results corroborate previous findings that wealthier urban neighborhoods often have greater tree abundance and canopy cover and, additionally, suggest that investment in municipally managed street trees may be reinforcing inequities in distribution and function of the urban forest. This suggests a need for greater attention to where and why street tree plantings occur, what species are selected, and how planted tree survival is maintained by and for residents in different neighborhoods.
A direct comparison of ecological theories for predicting the relationship between plant traits and growth
Authors: Goud Ellie M. , Agrawal Anurag A. , Sparks Jed P.
Published: February 2023

Despite long‐standing theory for classifying plant ecological strategies, limited data directly link organismal traits to whole‐plant growth rates (GRs). We compared trait‐growth relationships based on three prominent theories: growth analysis, Grime's competitive–stress tolerant–ruderal (CSR) triangle, and the leaf economics spectrum (LES). Under these schemes, growth is hypothesized to be predicted by traits related to relative biomass investment, leaf structure, or gas exchange, respectively. We also considered traits not included in these theories but that might provide potential alternative best predictors of growth. In phylogenetic analyses of 30 diverse milkweeds (Asclepiasspp.) and 21 morphological and physiological traits, GR (total biomass produced per day) varied 50‐fold and was best predicted by biomass allocation to leaves (as predicted by growth analysis) and the CSR traits of leaf size and leaf dry matter content. Total leaf area (LA) and plant height were also excellent predictors of whole‐plant GRs. Despite two LES traits correlating with growth (mass‐based leaf nitrogen and area‐based leaf phosphorus contents), these were in the opposite direction of that predicted by LES, such that higher N and P contents corresponded to slower growth. The remaining LES traits (e.g., leaf gas exchange) were not predictive of plant GRs. Overall, differences in GR were driven more by whole‐plant characteristics such as biomass fractions and total LA than individual leaf‐level traits such as photosynthetic rate or specific leaf area. Our results are most consistent with classical growth analysis—combining leaf traits with whole‐plant allocation to best predict growth. However, given that destructive biomass measures are often not feasible, applying easy‐to‐measure leaf traits associated with the CSR classification appear more predictive of whole‐plant growth than LES traits. Testing the generality of this result across additional taxa would further improve our ability to predict whole‐plant growth from functional traits across scales.
Simplifying carb counting: A randomized controlled study – Feasibility and efficacy of an individualized, simple, patient‐centred carb counting tool
Authors: Witkow Shulamit , Liberty Idit F. , Goloub Irina , Kaminsky Malka , Otto Olga , Rabia YonesAbu , Boehm Ilana Harman , Golan Rachel
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to introduce and test a simple, individualized carbohydrate counting tool designed for persons with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in order to determine whether the tool improved A1C levels for participants with age, education or language barriers.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, 85 participants were offered six diabetes instructional sessions free of charge over a six‐month period. Forty‐one received guidance using the regular carbohydrate counting (RCC) method. Forty‐four received guidance using an individualized ‘Simple Carb Counting’ (SCC), involving two customized tables prepared for participants.

Results

The simple, individualized SCC tool for carbohydrate counting was non‐inferior to the standard method of RCC. The SCC tool was more effective among participants aged 40 and older, while no differences were found when comparing participants by education level. Irrespective of intervention group, all participants improved their A1C level (9.9% = 13.2 mmol/L vs 8.6% = 11.1 mmol/L, p = .001). A greater improvement in A1C level was seen in newly diagnosed participants (−6.1 vs −0.7, p = .005, −3.4 vs 0.9, p = .032) in both the RCC and SCC groups. All participants expressed improved emotional level per their PAID5 questionnaires (Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale‐PAID), (10.6 (±5.7) vs 9.5 (±5.7), p = .023), with women reporting greater improvement than men.

Conclusions

SCC is a simple, individualized, feasible, low‐tech tool for carbohydrate counting, which promotes and enables accurate insulin dosing in people with T1DM. It was found more effective among participants aged 40 and older. Additional studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Structural Reassignment of Two Polyenol Natural Products
Authors: Kutateladze Andrei G. , Bates Roderick W. , Elyashberg Mikhail , Williams Craig M.
Published: February 2023

Unusual polyenols that defied chemical principles were reassigned as the nucleosides, adenosine and uridine, using a combination of chemical intuition underpinned by Computer Assisted Structure Elucidation (CASE) and DFT methods.
Accessing Deep Traps Distribution in FeS2‐Doped Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Sharma Punit , Rana Aniket , T. Abhijith , Suthar Rakesh , Karak Supravat
Published: February 2023

Although doping has the potential to improve the performance of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVc), doping effects on charge transport, recombination, and energetic disorder are still obscure. Doping has two opposing effects: on the one hand, dopant ions create more trap centers, while free dopant‐induced charges fill deep states, potentially providing better performance. The optimum amount of dopants can considerably improve the performance of OPVc. Herein, the energetic distribution of trap states in P3HT: PC71BM‐based OPVc doped with iron pyrite nanocubes (NCs) is reported. Using the reverse bias transient photocurrent (TPC) measurement, the energetic trap distributions with different doping conditions are studied. The photovoltaic characteristics and TPC phenomena of the OPVc greatly improve through doping. Variations in trap distributions with doping levels are analyzed to interpret the obtained trap density of states profiles. The light‐dependent current–voltage characteristics help to identify the presence of a less trap‐assisted recombination process in the optimum device. This study highlights the mechanism for performance improvement in devices with optimal doping of iron pyrite NCs.
Regional‐scale seismic fragility, loss, and resilience assessment using physics‐based simulated ground motions: An application to Istanbul
Authors: Zhang Wenyang , Chen Peng‐Yu , Crempien Jorge G. F. , Kurtulus Asli , Arduino Pedro , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: February 2023

Using results from 57 large‐scale physics‐based fault‐rupture and wave propagation simulations, this research aims to evaluate the seismic risk, loss, and resilience of more than 16,000 reinforced concrete buildings in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul, Turkey. For each building and under each earthquake scenario, the spatially varying site‐specific simulated ground motions were used for performing three‐dimensional nonlinear time‐history analyses. The resulting structural responses—such as peak story drift ratios (PSDR) and peak floor accelerations (PFAs)—were utilized to conduct three region‐scale tasks: (i) building‐ and site‐specific seismic fragility analysis for both structural and nonstructural components of each building; (ii) intensity‐based seismic loss assessment using the FEMA P58 methodology and Monte Carlo simulations; and (iii) resilience evaluation based on the expected time of recovery predicted through FEMA P58. Moreover, both inertial and kinematic soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects were considered using a substructuring method for all three tasks. Site‐specific soil properties were utilized to compute the coefficients of soil springs and dashpots, as well as the foundation input motions. The SSI effects were investigated by comparing the fragility, loss, and resilience indices obtained with and without considering SSI.
Bayesian bilinear neural network for predicting the mid‐price dynamics in limit‐order book markets
Authors: Magris Martin , Shabani Mostafa , Iosifidis Alexandros
Published: February 2023

The prediction of financial markets is a challenging yet important task. In modern electronically driven markets, traditional time‐series econometric methods often appear incapable of capturing the true complexity of the multilevel interactions driving the price dynamics. While recent research has established the effectiveness of traditional machine learning (ML) models in financial applications, their intrinsic inability to deal with uncertainties, which is a great concern in econometrics research and real business applications, constitutes a major drawback. Bayesian methods naturally appear as a suitable remedy conveying the predictive ability of ML methods with the probabilistically oriented practice of econometric research. By adopting a state‐of‐the‐art second‐order optimization algorithm, we train a Bayesian bilinear neural network with temporal attention, suitable for the challenging time‐series task of predicting mid‐price movements in ultra‐high‐frequency limit‐order book markets. We thoroughly compare our Bayesian model with traditional ML alternatives by addressing the use of predictive distributions to analyze errors and uncertainties associated with the estimated parameters and model forecasts. Our results underline the feasibility of the Bayesian deep‐learning approach and its predictive and decisional advantages in complex econometric tasks, prompting future research in this direction.
Potential of Bifidobacteriumlactis IDCC 4301 isolated from breast milk‐fed infant feces as a probiotic and functional ingredient
Authors: Ban O‐Hyun , Bang Won Yeong , Jeon Hyeon Ji , Jung Young Hoon , Yang Jungwoo , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: February 2023

Probiotics provide important health benefits to the host by improving intestinal microbial balance and have been widely consumed as dietary supplements. In this study, we investigated whether Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301 (BL), isolated from feces of breast milk‐fed infants, is safe to consume. Based on the guidelines established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), safety tests such as antibiotic susceptibility, hemolysis, toxic compound formation (i.e., biogenic amine and d‐lactate), single‐dose acute oral toxicity, and extracellular enzymatic activities were performed. In addition, toxigenic genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements were investigated by analyzing the genome sequence of BL. BL was susceptible to eight antibiotics except for vancomycin and the absence of transferable resistance in the genome of this strain implied that vancomycin resistance is likely to be intrinsic. With regard to phenotypic characteristics, there was no concern of toxicity of this strain. Furthermore, BL utilized various carbohydrates and their conjugates through the activity of various endogenous carbohydrate‐utilizing enzymes. Interestingly, the supernatant of the BL showed strong antipathogenic activity against various infectious pathogens. Therefore, we suggest that BL should be a safe probiotic and can be used as a functional ingredient in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Effect of the germination period on functional properties of finger millet flour and sensorial quality of porridge
Authors: Yenasew Aserse , Urga Kelebessa
Published: February 2023

Finger millet is a stable and nutritious cereal crop, mostly grown in the semiarid tropics of the world. Processing is important for improving the nutritional value of finger millets. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of the germination period on the functional properties of flours and the sensorial quality of finger millet porridge. Four finger millet varieties were collected, cleaned, and soaked for 24 h, then germinated at room temperature (20–25°C) for 24, 48, and 72 h. The germinated samples were oven‐dried at 60°C for 6 h and milled into flour at the size of 1 mm using a cyclomiller. Unsoaked and ungerminated finger millet grains are also milled into flour and used as control. Porridge was prepared with a flour‐to‐water ratio of 1:12 (weight/volume), and sensory analysis was done by semitrained panelists. Germination enhanced the water absorption capacity, solubility, and oil absorption capacity of flour samples significantly (p < .05). However, it significantly reduced (p < .05) the bulk density and swelling power of flour samples. As the germination period increased from 0 to 72 h, the viscosity of the porridge decreased significantly (p < .05). At 24 h after germination, the sensory analysis revealed no significant difference in color, taste, aroma, mouth feel, or overall acceptability samples when compared to the ungerminated sample. Germination improved the functional properties of finger millet flours as well as the sensory aspects of porridge. Hence, 24‐h germinated finger millet flour is best in all aspects compared to ungerminated, 48‐ and 72‐h germinated flours to prepare porridge. The 24‐h germinated finger millet‐based porridge is recommended for infants, pregnant mothers, and breastfeeding mothers.