bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two species of Dolichomitus Smith, 1877 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) parasitizing borers of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. and a key to species known from China
Authors: Sheng Mao-Ling , Lü Jun , Liao Cheng-Jia , Li Tao , Sun Shu-Ping
Published: September 2022

Two species of Dolichomitus Smith, 1877 emerged from the trunks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. in Kuandian and Benxi Manzu Autonomous Counties, Liaoning, in the Palaearctic part of China. One new species, D. juglanse Sheng #38; Li sp. nov., reared from Menesia flavotecta Heyden, 1886 and Mesosa myops (Dalman, 1817) (Cerambycidae), is described and illustrated. A key to the species of Dolichomitus known from China is provided.
Organic Rankine Cycle/Thermal Tower: Lower Cruise Ship Reverse Osmosis Costs
Authors: Leonhardt Eric , Jeter Don
Published: September 2022

A novel combination of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and a hydration-dehydration Thermal Tower (TT) provides a potential source of pressurized water for a reverse osmosis (RO), desalination plant for a cruise ship. An analysis of the combined ORC-TT has been applied to a Wärtsilä 12V46F 14.4 MW diesel to provide an additional 560 kW shaft power and a source of evaporated seawater of 0.824 cubic meters per hour (0.229 kg/s). The water is available at 7 bar pressure at the bottom of a 70m Thermal Tower. The system features two separate ORC bottoming cycle turbines. The system uses a thermal heat exchange fluid to remove heat from the charge air cooler for the compressed air engine inlet, as well as the engine cooling liquid. Another exhaust-to-liquid cooler is used to remove energy from the exhaust downstream of the turbocharger. The heated fluid then passes through a high temperature ORC unit and a low temperature ORC unit. The high temperature ORC can generate up to 409 kW and the low temperature unit 155 kW. The remaining energy in the heat transfer fluid is used via a 70-meter hydration – dehydration Thermal Tower to heat seawater to evaporate water. The combined system offers additional shaft power while providing a source of desalinated water to reduce the load on reverse osmosis water purification systems.
Omeka S Repository for Place- and Land-Based Teaching and Learning
Authors: Ingram-Monteiro Neah , McKernan Ro
Published: September 2022

Our small community college library developed a learning object repository to support a cross-institutional, land-based, multidisciplinary academic initiative using the open-source platform Omeka S. Drawing on critical, feminist, and open practices, we document the relational labor, dialogue, and tensions involved with this open education project. This case study shares our experience with tools and processes that may be helpful for other small-scale open education initiatives, including user-centered iterative design, copyright education, metadata design, and user-interface development in Omeka S.
Om dannelse, uddannelse og profession
Authors: Fink Hans
Published: September 2022

Ordet ’dannelse’ forekommer ikke i de officielle formålsparagraffer for professionshøjskoler og universiteter; men ordet anvendes flittigt i uddannelsesteoretiske og uddannelsespolitiske diskussioner også om de videregående uddannelser. Begrebet bruges om noget værdifuldt, som de studerende gerne skulle få ud af deres uddannelse ud over snævert faglige kvalifikationer, men som stramme rammebetingelser eller andre uheldige omstændigheder kan stille sig i vejen for opnåelsen af. Begrebet er svært at komme uden om, fordi vi ikke kan undvære mere almene mål for vores uddannelser, men det er også svært at komme til rette med, fordi det angår noget, som modsætter sig mere håndfaste fortolkninger og indbyder til ideologisk overbelastning i enten konservativ eller progressiv retning. Det kan bruges til at pege både på det vigtige, som man ikke længere lærer, og på fortsat frigørelse fra undertrykkende normer. Jeg har ikke overblik over den enorme pædagogiske litteratur, der foreligger om emnet, men vil begynde med (1) at fremhæve nogle træk fra begrebshistorien for derefter (2) at sige noget om, hvordan jeg ser begrebets betydning i dag, hvor alle uddannelser bliver underlagt mere og mere fintmaskede eksterne krav, og hvor de akademiske uddannelser professionsrettes mere og mere, samtidigt med at professionsuddannelserne akademiseres mere og mere.
Distance estimation from monocular cues in an ethological visuomotor task
Authors: Parker Philip RL , Abe Elliott TT , Beatie Natalie T , Leonard Emmalyn SP , Martins Dylan M , Sharp Shelby L , Wyrick David G , Mazzucato Luca , Niell Cristopher M
Published: September 2022

In natural contexts, sensory processing and motor output are closely coupled, which is reflected in the fact that many brain areas contain both sensory and movement signals. However, standard reductionist paradigms decouple sensory decisions from their natural motor consequences, and head-fixation prevents the natural sensory consequences of self-motion. In particular, movement through the environment provides a number of depth cues beyond stereo vision that are poorly understood. To study the integration of visual processing and motor output in a naturalistic task, we investigated distance estimation in freely moving mice. We found that mice use vision to accurately jump across a variable gap, thus directly coupling a visual computation to its corresponding ethological motor output. Monocular eyelid suture did not affect gap jumping success, thus mice can use cues that do not depend on binocular disparity and stereo vision. Under monocular conditions, mice altered their head positioning and performed more vertical head movements, consistent with a shift from using stereopsis to other monocular cues, such as motion or position parallax. Finally, optogenetic suppression of primary visual cortex impaired task performance under both binocular and monocular conditions when optical fiber placement was localized to binocular or monocular zone V1, respectively. Together, these results show that mice can use monocular cues, relying on visual cortex, to accurately judge distance. Furthermore, this behavioral paradigm provides a foundation for studying how neural circuits convert sensory information into ethological motor output.
Frequency-specific neural signatures of perceptual content and perceptual stability
Authors: Hardstone Richard , Flounders Matthew W , Zhu Michael , He Biyu J
Published: September 2022

In the natural environment, we often form stable perceptual experiences from ambiguous and fleeting sensory inputs. Which neural activity underlies the content of perception and which neural activity supports perceptual stability remains an open question. We used a bistable perception paradigm involving ambiguous images to behaviorally dissociate perceptual content from perceptual stability, and magnetoencephalography to measure whole-brain neural dynamics in humans. Combining multivariate decoding and neural state-space analyses, we found frequency-band-specific neural signatures that underlie the content of perception and promote perceptual stability, respectively. Across different types of images, non-oscillatory neural activity in the slow cortical potential (<5 Hz) range supported the content of perception. Perceptual stability was additionally influenced by the amplitude of alpha and beta oscillations. In addition, neural activity underlying perceptual memory, which supports perceptual stability when sensory input is temporally removed from view, also encodes elapsed time. Together, these results reveal distinct neural mechanisms that support the content versus stability of visual perception.
Context dependent prediction in DNA sequence using neural networks
Authors: Grønbæk Christian , Liang Yuhu , Elliott Desmond , Krogh Anders
Published: September 2022

One way to better understand the structure in DNA is by learning to predict the sequence. Here, we trained a model to predict the missing base at any given position, given its left and right flanking contexts. Our best-performing model was a neural network that obtained an accuracy close to 54% on the human genome, which is 2% points better than modelling the data using a Markov model. In likelihood-ratio tests, the neural network performed significantly better than any of the alternative models by a large margin. We report on where the accuracy was obtained, first observing that the performance appeared to be uniform over the chromosomes. The models performed best in repetitive sequences, as expected, although their performance far from random in the more difficult coding sections, the proportions being ~70:40%. We further explored the sources of the accuracy, Fourier transforming the predictions revealed weak but clear periodic signals. In the human genome the characteristic periods hinted at connections to nucleosome positioning. We found similar periodic signals in GC/AT content in the human genome, which to the best of our knowledge have not been reported before. On other large genomes similarly high accuracy was found, while lower predictive accuracy was observed on smaller genomes. Only in the mouse genome did we see periodic signals in the same range as in the human genome, though weaker and of a different type. This indicates that the sources of these signals are other or more than nucleosome arrangement. Interestingly, applying a model trained on the mouse genome to the human genome resulted in a performance far below that of the human model, except in the difficult coding regions. Despite the clear outcomes of the likelihood-ratio tests, there is currently a limited superiority of the neural network methods over the Markov model. We expect, however, that there is great potential for better modelling DNA using different neural network architectures.
Bioinformatics prediction and experimental verification of key biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease based on transcriptome sequencing in mice
Authors: Zhao Jing , He Kaiying , Du Hongxuan , Wei Guohua , Wen Yuejia , Wang Jiaqi , Zhou Xiaochun , Wang Jianqin
Published: September 2022

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The main objective of this study is to find the potential biomarkers for DKD.

Materials and Methods

Two datasets (GSE86300 and GSE184836) retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used, combined with our RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) results of DKD mice (C57 BLKS-32w db/db) and non-diabetic (db/m) mice for further analysis. After processing the expression matrix of the three sets of data using R software “Limma”, differential expression analysis was performed. The significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (—logFC— > 1, p-value < 0.05) were visualized by heatmaps and volcano plots respectively. Next, the co-expression genes expressed in the three groups of DEGs were obtained by constructing a Venn diagram. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were further analyzed the related functions and enrichment pathways of these co-expression genes. Then, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression levels of co-expression genes in the kidney of DKD and control mice. Finally, protein-protein interaction network (PPI), GO, KEGG analysis and Pearson correlation test were performed on the experimentally validated genes, in order to clarify the possible mechanism of them in DKD.

Results

Our RNA-seq results identified a total of 125 DEGs, including 59 up-regulated and 66 down-regulated DEGs. At the same time, 183 up-regulated and 153 down-regulated DEGs were obtained in GEO database GSE86300, and 76 up-regulated and 117 down-regulated DEGs were obtained in GSE184836. Venn diagram showed that 13 co-expression DEGs among the three groups of DEGs. GO analysis showed that biological processes (BP) were mainly enriched inresponse to stilbenoid, response to fatty acid, response to nutrient, positive regulation of macrophage derived foam cell differentiation, triglyceride metabolic process. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the three major enriched pathways were cholesterol metabolism, drug metabolism–cytochrome P450, PPAR signaling pathway. After qRT-PCR validation, we obtained 11 genes that were significant differentially expressed in the kidney tissues of DKD mice compared with control mice. (The mRNA expression levels of Aacs, Cpe, Cd36, Slc22a7, Slc1a4, Lpl, Cyp7b1, Akr1c14 and Apoh were declined, whereas Abcc4 and Gsta2 were elevated).

Conclusion

Our study, based on RNA-seq results, GEO databases and qRT-PCR, identified 11 significant dysregulated DEGs, which play an important role in lipid metabolism and the PPAR signaling pathway, which provide novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of DKD.
Sexual dimorphism in the walrus mandible: comparative description and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Boisville Mathieu , Chatar Narimane , Lambert Olivier , Dewaele Leonard
Published: September 2022

The modern walrus Odobenus rosmarus is characterized by marked sexual dimorphism, related to its polygynous behavior and the aggressive competition between males during the breeding season. Previous studies treated skeletal sexual dimorphism in walruses either qualitatively or with basic quantitative measurements. The present study combines a detailed qualitative comparison of male and female walrus mandibles with quantitative two-dimensional geometric morphometrics analysis (principal component analysis, Procrustes ANOVA and a linear discriminant analysis). In addition to identifying previously recognized sexually dimorphic features (e.g., convexity of the anterior margin of the mandible in adult males), our study finds new morphological differences between males and females, such as a relative dorsal expansion of the anterior part of the mandible and an accentuated concavity between the dorsal margin and the coronoid process in adult males. Both our qualitative comparisons and quantitative analyses demonstrate that sexual dimorphism as expressed in the mandible of extant walruses is statistically significant and that (variation in) mandibular morphology can be used as tool to attribute sex with a good degree of accuracy to isolated mandibles or skeletons lacking the cranium. Sexual dimorphism in walruses is directly related to their sexual behavior, characterized as aggressive in males and linked to a polygynous reproduction system. Indeed, the difference in size of the tusks between males and females but also the use of these during intraspecific fights, can reasonably account for this great mandibular morphological disparity between adult males and females, but also among different ontogenetic stages. Finally, the results obtained in the present study may serve as a starting point for assessing sexual dimorphism more in-depth and studying inter- and intraspecific variation in the mandibles of fossil walruses by identifying quantified size and shape mandibular features.
Full-length transcriptome revealed the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in developing seeds of Plukenetia volubilis
Authors: Fu Yijun , Huo Kaisen , Pei Xingjie , Liang Chongjun , Meng Xinya , Song Xiqiang , Wang Jia , Niu Jun
Published: September 2022

Background

Plukenetia volubilis is cultivated as a valuable oilseed crop, and its mature seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs), which are widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) transcriptome studies in P. volubilis indicated that some candidate genes were involved in oil biosynthesis. The NGS were inaccuracies in assembly of some candidate genes, leading to unknown errors in date analyses. However, single molecular real-time (SMRT) sequencing can overcome these assembled errors. Unfortunately, this technique has not been reported in P. volubilis.

Methods

The total oil content of P. volubilis seed (PVS) was determined using Soxhlet extraction system. The FA composition were analyzed by gas chromatography. Combining PacBio SMRT and Illumina technologies, the transcriptome analysis of developing PVS was performed. Functional annotation and differential expression were performed by BLAST software (version 2.2.26) and RSEM software (version 1.2.31), respectively. The lncRNA-targeted transcripts were predicted in developing PVS using LncTar tool.

Results

By Soxhlet extraction system, the oil content of superior plant-type (SPT) was 13.47% higher than that of inferior plant-type (IPT) at mature PVS. The most abundant FAs were C18:2 and C18:3, among which C18:3 content of SPT was 1.11-fold higher than that of IPT. Combined with PacBio and Illumina platform, 68,971 non-redundant genes were obtained, among which 7,823 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 7,798 lncRNA-targeted genes were predicted. In developing seed, the expressions of 57 TFs showed a significantly positive correlation with oil contents, including WRI1-like1, LEC1-like1, and MYB44-like. Comparative analysis of expression profiles between SPT and IPT implied that orthologs of FAD3, PDCT, PDAT, and DAGT2 were possibly important for the accumulation of polyunsaturated FAs. Together, these results provide a reference for oil biosynthesis of P. volubilis and genetic improvement of oil plants.
Chris-Jerry Distribution and Its Applications
Authors: Onyekwere Chrisogonus K. , Obulezi Okechukwu J.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a new one-parameter distribution named Chris-Jerry is suggested from two component mixture of Exponential (\(\theta\)) distribution and Gamma(3; \(\theta\)) distribution with mixing proportion \(p=\frac{\theta}{\theta + 2}\) having a flexibility advantage in modeling lifetime data. The statistical properties are discussed and the maximum likelihood estimation procedure is used to obtain the parameter estimate. The Convolution of the product of Pareto random variable with the proposed Chris-Jerry distributed random variable is explored with its marginal density derived. To illustrate the usefulness, three sets of lifetime data are employed and LL, AIC, BIC and K-S statistics are obtained for Exponential, Ishita, Akash, Rama, Pranav, Rani, Lindley, Sujatha, Aradhana, Shanker and XGamma and the Chris-Jerry distributions.
The Future of Diagnostic Excellence
Authors: Fineberg Harvey V. , Song Susan , Wang Tommy
Published: September 2022

This Viewpoint concludes the series on diagnostic excellence and explores the future of diagnostics that emphasize prediction of future health state rather than identification of current disease.
Molten Salts Assisted Interfacial Engineering for Efficient and Low‐Cost Full‐Inorganic Antimony Sulfide Solar Cells
Authors: Mao Yu , Hu Yi‐Hua , Hu Xiao‐Yang , Yao Li‐Quan , Li Hu , Lin Li‐Mei , Tang Peng , Li Hui , Chen Shuiyuan , Li Jian‐Min , Chen Gui‐Lin
Published: September 2022

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is emerging as a promising light harvesting material owing to its brilliant photoelectric property. However, the performance of Sb2S3‐based solar cells is partly limited by serious back contact interface recombination and hole transportation resistance. High‐efficiency Sb2S3 devices typically use Spiro‐OMeTAD and/or Au as back contact materials, but their stability and cost are a concern. In this sense, a surface modification scheme by lithium‐doping is first introduced for Sb2S3 via a facile molten salt method. The ions in the molten state have high mobility and activity, enabling doping reactions to complete within a short time. The lithium‐doped Sb2S3 thin film has a smooth and well‐bonded surface, preferred (hk1) orientations, and an upshifted valence band maximum (VBM), which favors the hole extraction. Finally, a device using carbon as an electrode, which is more than a dozen times cheaper than gold, raises the short‐circuit current density (JSC) from 12.35 to 14.40 mA cm−2, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 4.47% to 6.16%. This is among the highest PCE reported for full‐inorganic Sb2S3 solar cells, which demonstrates a facile interface modification technique via molten alkali salt to improve the performance of Sb2S3 solar cells.
A Chlorotoxin‐Directed Diselenide‐Bridged Tumor‐Homing Persistent Luminescence Nanoprobes Mediating Inhibition of Oxidative Phosphorylation for Long‐Term Near‐Infrared Imaging and Therapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Kong Jianglong , Sun Yuting , Ge Xiaohan , Mao Meiru , Yu Hongrui , Wang Yi
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevailing malignant primary brain tumor, and the precise diagnosis of GBM has always been a challenge. Gboxin is a recently developed drug efficiently inhibiting the oxidative phosphorylation in GBM cells, and both the chlorotoxin (CLTX) and GBM cell membrane coating are capable of GBM targeting and tumor homing. Herein, the near‐infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence (PL) nanoparticle, CUDZG, with a dual function of imaging and therapy is developed based on ZnGa2O4:Cr3+,Sn4+. CUDZG exhibits superior rechargeable NIR PL for at least 48 h with excellent tissue penetration in vivo, which enables the longstanding autofluorescence‐free imaging of the orthotopic GBM. The tumor growth of both the orthotropic and subcutaneous GBM‐bearing mice are significantly suppressed by CUDZG. This is the first‐time report of 1) the integration of CLTX and cell membrane coating for drug delivery, 2) diselenide‐based trigger release for anti‐GBM therapy, and 3) the systemic delivery of Gboxin. This study also offers an example of the highly promising blood‐brain penetrable drug carriers for precise diagnosis and therapy of central nervous system diseases.
Multi‐Jet Fusion 3D Voxel Printing of Conductive Elastomers
Authors: Chen Jiayao , Zhao Lihua , Zhou Kun
Published: September 2022

3D voxel printing enables the fabrication of parts with site‐specific materials and properties at voxel‐scale resolution, while the current research mainly focuses on the variations in mechanical properties and colors. In this work, the design and fabrication of voxelated conductive elastomers using Multi Jet Fusion 3D voxel printing actualized by a newly developed multifunctional agent (MA) are investigated. The MA, mainly consisting of carbon nanotubes and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate, serves as an infrared‐absorbing colorant, a reinforcement, and a conductive filler simultaneously. By controlling the drop‐on‐demand dispensing of the agents on thermoplastic polyurethane powder, the electrical conductivity across a single printed part can be tailored over a wide range from 10−10 to 10−1 S cm−1 at a voxel resolution of ≈100 µm. Assembly‐free strain sensors comprising conductive sensing layers and insulating frames are fabricated to demonstrate the capability of the technique in manufacturing all‐printed wearable devices.
Biomimetic Dendrite‐Free Multivalent Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhijia , Yang Xu , Li Peng , Wang Yao , Zhao Xin , Safaei Javad , Tian Hao , Zhou Dong , Li Baohua , Kang Feiyu , Wang Guoxiu
Published: September 2022

Rechargeable multivalent metal (e.g., zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al)) batteries are ideal choices for large‐scale energy storage owing to their intrinsic low cost and safety. However, the poor compatibility between metallic anodes and electrolytes strongly hampers their practical applications. Herein, it is demonstrated that confining multivalent metals in a biomimetic scaffold (Bio‐scaffold) can achieve highly efficient multivalent metal plating/stripping. This Bio‐scaffold is well‐tailored through the synergy of a parallel‐aligned array of fractal copper branches and a CaTiO3 (CTO)‐based coating layer. By virtue of this design strategy, the as‐developed Bio‐scaffold‐based Zn‐ and Al‐metal anodes exhibited dendrite‐free morphologies with high reversibility and long lifespan, as well as excellent performance for Zn and Al full batteries. Theoretical modeling and experimental investigations reveal that the fractal copper array not only facilitates multivalent ion diffusion and electrolyte wetting but also effectively reduces the local current densities during cycling; Meanwhile, the CTO‐based coating layer effectively blocks interfacial side reactions and enables a homogeneous ionic flux. This work opens a new avenue for developing multivalent metal batteries.
Fluorescent labeling of dicysteine‐tagged peptide for monitoring and optimization of protein bio‐production in bacteria
Authors: Zheng Shiyue , Shao Wenming , Lu Sheng , Chen Yahui , Cui Lupeng , Jiang Long , Gu Hao , Wang Yuanbo , Peng Junqian , Wang Yuying , Yan Xin , Wang Fang , Wu Bin , Chen Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2022

A rapid and convenient strategy to monitor the productivity of biomanufacturing is essential for the research in optimizing relevant bioprocesses. In this work, we have developed a fluorescein‐derived probe (FL‐DT) that reacts rapidly with thiol groups via 1,4‐Michael addition reaction of the sulfhydryl to unsaturated ketone and releases fluorescence. FL‐DT specifically forms fluorescent adduct with two adjacent thiols in a protein of interest (POI), making the probe a reliable tool for protein quantification. The production of xylanase fused with a short di‐Cys tag was then successfully monitored and quantified with FL‐DT in Escherichia coli system under different protein expression conditions, providing useful information for optimizing the bioprocess. Our work provides a convenient and efficient strategy for POI labeling and monitoring bioproduction.
Trust in COVID‐19 public health information
Authors: Verma Nitin , Fleischmann Kenneth R. , Zhou Le , Xie Bo , Lee Min Kyung , Rich Kate , Shiroma Kristina , Jia Chenyan , Zimmerman Tara
Published: September 2022

Understanding the factors that influence trust in public health information is critical for designing successful public health campaigns during pandemics such as COVID‐19. We present findings from a cross‐sectional survey of 454 US adults—243 older (65+) and 211 younger (18–64) adults—who responded to questionnaires on human values, trust in COVID‐19 information sources, attention to information quality, self‐efficacy, and factual knowledge about COVID‐19. Path analysis showed that trust in direct personal contacts (B = 0.071, p = .04) and attention to information quality (B = 0.251, p < .001) were positively related to self‐efficacy for coping with COVID‐19. The human value of self‐transcendence, which emphasizes valuing others as equals and being concerned with their welfare, had significant positive indirect effects on self‐efficacy in coping with COVID‐19 (mediated by attention to information quality; effect = 0.049, 95% CI 0.001–0.104) and factual knowledge about COVID‐19 (also mediated by attention to information quality; effect = 0.037, 95% CI 0.003–0.089). Our path model offers guidance for fine‐tuning strategies for effective public health messaging and serves as a basis for further research to better understand the societal impact of COVID‐19 and other public health crises.
Reactivity of TiS2 Anode towards Electrolytes in Aqueous Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Leiting , Hou Xu , Edström Kristina , Berg Erik J.
Published: September 2022

Aqueous rechargeable batteries are appealing alternatives for large‐scale energy storage. Reversible cycling of high‐energy aqueous batteries has been showcased using highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes, which lead to a significantly suppressed water activity and formation of a stable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, the high salt concentration inevitably raises the cost and compromises the environmental sustainability. Herein, we use layered TiS2 as a model anode to explore the feasibility of cycling aqueous cells in dilute electrolytes. By coupling three‐electrode cycling data with online electrochemical mass spectrometry measurements, we depict the potential‐dependent gas evolution from the cell in the absence of a stable SEI. We offer a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of the complex interfacial chemistry in dilute electrolytes, taking into account material reactivity and interfacial compatibility. Design strategies and research directions of layered‐type electrodes for sustainable aqueous batteries with dilute electrolytes are recommended, based on the scientific discovery presented in this work.
Interactions of microorganisms within a urinary catheter polymicrobial biofilm model
Authors: Allkja Jontana , Goeres Darla M. , Azevedo Andreia S. , Azevedo Nuno F.
Published: September 2022

Biofilms are often polymicrobial in nature, which can impact their behavior and overall structure, often resulting in an increase in biomass and enhanced antimicrobial resistance. Using plate counts and locked nucleic acid/2′‐O‐methyl‐RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (LNA/2′OMe‐FISH), we studied the interactions of four species commonly associated with catheter‐associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI): Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Proteus mirabilis. Eleven combinations of biofilms were grown on silicone coupons placed in 24‐well plates for 24 h, 37°C, in artificial urine medium (AUM). Results showed that P. mirabilis was the dominant species and was able to inhibit both E. coli and C. albicans growth. In the absence of P. mirabilis, an antagonistic relationship between E. coli and C. albicans was observed, with the former being dominant. E. faecalis growth was not affected in any combination, showing a more mutualistic relationship with the other species. Imaging results correlated with the plate count data and provided visual verification of species undetected using the viable plate count. Moreover, the three bacterial species showed overall good repeatability SD (Sr) values (0.1–0.54) in all combinations tested, whereas C. albicans had higher repeatability Sr values (0.36–1.18). The study showed the complexity of early‐stage interactions in polymicrobial biofilms. These interactions could serve as a starting point when considering targets for preventing or treating CAUTI biofilms containing these species.
Designing plasmonically integrated nanoreactors for efficient catalysis
Authors: Acharya Anubhab , Lee In Su
Published: September 2022

Plasmonically coupled nanoreactors capable of harnessing light energy and efficiently transforming it to perform chemical reactions are in significant demand in the field of catalysis. The development of unique solution‐phase synthesis techniques for engineering intricate nanoarchitectures by introducing multiple functionalities can dramatically improve the efficacy of these nanostructures. In this context, the precise modulation of the nanostructural features and the integration of other components with the plasmonic nanoparticles within an isolated nanoconfined reaction environment is the current state of the art for their synthesis. This account highlights our achievements in designing different synthesis strategies and elucidating the mechanistic pathways involved in the development of plasmonically integrated nanoreactors. The range of applications of these plasmonic nanoreactors, which employ plasmon‐induced energy for catalytic transformations, is also discussed.
Health‐related quality of life in patients with multiple system atrophy using the EQ‐5D‐5L
Authors: Xiao Yi , Zhang Lingyu , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Yang Tianmi , Shang Huifang
Published: September 2022

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease. We aimed to investigate the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and the determinants of HRQoL in patients with MSA.

Methods

The five‐level EuroQol five‐dimensional questionnaire (EQ‐5D‐5L) was used to evaluate patients’ HRQoL. The results of HRQoL were indicated by the EQ‐5D‐5L index values and visual analog scale (EQ VAS) scores. Specific scales were used to measure disease severity, cognition, frontal lobe function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disorders. The beta mixture model and the linear regression model were used to explore the determinants of HRQoL in patients with MSA.

Results

A total of 205 patients with cerebellar variants (MSA‐C; 53.9%) and 175 patients with parkinsonian variants (MSA‐P; 46.1%) were included in this cross‐sectional study. The mean values of the EQ‐5D‐5L index values and EQ VAS scores were .558 and 59.5, respectively. Problem with mobility was the problem reported by the highest proportion of patients (92.1%), followed by problems with usual activities (88.7%), self‐care (81.3%), anxiety/depression (72.1%), and pain/discomfort (53.9%). The determinants of the lower EQ‐5D‐5L index values in patients with MSA were greater disease severity, fatigue, Parkinson's disease‐related sleep problems (PD‐SP), depressive mood, and anxious mood. Greater disease severity, fatigue, and depressive mood were associated with lower EQ VAS scores.

Conclusion

The problem reported most frequently by Chinese individuals with MSA was mobility. In addition to the greater disease severity of MSA, fatigue, PD‐SP, depression, and anxiety were determinants of poor HRQoL.
Fluorescent Talarolactones from Talaromyces sp.
Authors: Yuan Wei‐Hua , Zheng Li‐Feng , Zhuang Li‐Yuan , Zhao Yan‐Xia , Wu Qian‐Yu , Li Qian , Zhou Sheng‐Liang , Tang Jian , Li Hong‐Lei , Zhang Chun‐Li , Wang Yue , Ma Jing
Published: September 2022

(+)‐Talarolactone C (1), Talarolactone A (2), Talarolactone B (3, sulfoxide derivative), and Talarolactone D (4, sulfone derivative) were isolated from Talaromyces sp. which was cultured in rice medium with sodium butyrate. The structures of talarolactone analogs above were characterized by a combination of spectroscopic, X‐ray crystallographic, and computational methods. These talarolactones and Talarolactone A sodium (5) with the same carbon skeleton showed different fluorescence characteristics.
Heavy metal content prediction based on Random Forest and Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Chen Ying , Liu Zhengying , Xu Chongxuan , Zhao Xueliang , Pang Lili , Li Kang , Shi Yanxin
Published: September 2022

X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is exceedingly suitable for detecting heavy metal contents in soil. In order to do that, an accurate prediction model based on XRF analysis is necessary. But in practice, the XRF spectral data is susceptible to moisture content in soil, which may lead to inaccurate prediction results. Accordingly, a new prediction model based on Random Forest Regression (RFR) and improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) was proposed, which takes the variation of moisture content into consideration. At first, the XRF spectral data were obtained by experiment. Owing to the advantages of training speed and prediction ability, the RFR was employed to predict the heavy metal contents. In order to further improve the performance of RFR, the SSA was selected and improved with theory of good‐point set, which can determine optimum hyper‐parameters of RFR conveniently. It can be found by comparison that the proposed model outperforms other commonly used models.
Use of lipid‐lowering therapies in patients with chronic kidney disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: 2‐year results from Getting to an imprOved Understanding of Low‐Density lipoprotein cholesterol and dyslipidemia management (GOULD)
Authors: Shaik Aleesha , Kosiborod Mikhail , de Lemos James A. , Gao Qi , Mues Katherine E. , Alam Shushama , Bhatt Deepak L. , Cannon Christopher P. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Rosenson Robert S. ,   The GOULD Investigators
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Per the 2018 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology cholesterol guidelines, high‐risk ASCVD patients with CKD and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels  70 mg/dL should take a high‐intensity statin with ezetimibe and/or a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i).

Objective/Methods

We examined the changes in use of lipid lowering therapies (LLT) over two years in 3304 patients with ASCVD and CKD in the Getting to an imprOved Understanding of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Dyslipidemia Management (GOULD) observational cohort study.

Results

Of those with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, 21.6% (171/791) had intensification of LLT while 10.4% (82/791) had de‐escalation of LLT. Notably, 61.6% (487/791) had no change in LLT regimen over 2 years. Statin use was 83.2% (785/944) at baseline and 80.1% (634/791) at 2 years. Statin/ezetimibe use increased from 2.9% (27/944) to 4.9% (39/791). Statin discontinuation at 2 years was greater with lower eGFR levels across all cohorts.

Conclusion

Despite the recommendations of multiscociety guidelines, statin use, while high, is not ubiquitous and rates of high‐intensity statin and ezetimibe use remain low in patients with CKD. There remains a significant opportunity to optimize LLT and achieve atheroprotective cholesterol levels in the CKD population.
Evaluating the performance of free space optical communication (FSOC) system under tropical weather conditions in India
Authors: Singh Harjeevan , Mittal Nitin , Singh Harbinder
Published: September 2022

The main aim of this study is to examine the performance of the free space optical communication (FSOC) system under the impact of rainfall in various regions of India. The meteorological data of rain intensities, during the years 2014–2017, were outsourced from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for potential regions in India, comprising the coastal and inland locations for calculating the specific rain attenuation coefficient. Furthermore, we have proposed a 16‐channel FSOC system based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), employing coherent detection and digital signal processing (DSP) for investigating the system performance for rainy weather conditions in India. For average rain intensities, the attenuation coefficient for the inland region of Hyderabad is 1.91 dB/km, which is the minimum among all locations considered in this work. Consequently, the proposed system design is capable of supporting an FSOC link of 5 km, for delivering a bit error rate (BER) of the order of 10−6 in the case of Hyderabad. On the flip side, the average rainfall intensities are maximum for the coastal region of Mumbai, and the specific attenuation coefficient is maximum with a value of 4.08 dB/km. Due to this, the maximum possible FSOC range for Mumbai gets restricted to 3.5 km only, ensuring BER of the order of 10−6. Likewise, the proposed FSOC system has performed superior for inland regions of India in comparison with coastal areas of India under the worst rainfall scenario as well.
Predator movements in relation to habitat features reveal vulnerability of duck nests to predation
Authors: Peterson Sarah H. , Ackerman Joshua T. , Keating Meghan P. , Schacter Carley R. , Hartman C. Alex , Casazza Michael L. , Herzog Mark P.
Published: September 2022

Nest predation is the main cause of nest failure for ducks. Understanding how habitat features influence predator movements may facilitate management of upland and wetland breeding habitats that reduces predator encounter rates with duck nests and increases nest survival rates. For 1618 duck nests, nest survival increased with distance to phragmites (Phragmites australis), shrubs, telephone poles, human structures, and canals, but not for four other habitat features. Using GPS collars, we tracked 25 raccoons (Procyon lotor) and 16 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) over 4 years during waterfowl breeding and found marked differences in how these predators were located relative to specific habitat features; moreover, the probability of duck nests being encountered by predators differed by species. Specifically, proximity to canals, wetlands, trees, levees/roads, human structures, shrubs, and telephone poles increased the likelihood of a nest being encountered by collared raccoons. For collared skunks, nests were more likely to be encountered if they were closer to canals, trees, and shrubs, and farther from wetlands and human structures. Most predator encounters with duck nests were attributable to a few individuals; 29.2% of raccoons and 38.5% of skunks were responsible for 95.6% of total nest encounters. During the central span of duck nesting (April 17–June 14: 58 nights), these seven raccoons and five skunks encountered >1 nest on 50.8 ± 29.2% (mean ± SD) and 41.5 ± 28.3% of nights, respectively, and of those nights individual raccoons and skunks averaged 2.60 ± 1.28 and 2.50 ± 1.09 nest encounters/night, respectively. For collared predators that encountered >1 nest, a higher proportion of nests encountered by skunks had evidence of predation (51.9 ± 26.6%) compared to nests encountered by raccoons (22.3 ± 17.1%). Because duck eggs were most likely consumed as raccoons and skunks opportunistically discovered nests, managing the habitat features those predators most strongly associated with could potentially reduce rates of egg predation.
Heterobridged Hexa‐ and Octanuclear Ruthenium‐Thiolate/Halide Wheels: Synthesis, X‐ray Crystal Structure, and Spectroscopic Characterization
Authors: Xu Guang‐Tao , Huang Jie‐Sheng , Chan Sharon Lai‐Fung , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: September 2022

Molecular wheels composed of edge‐shared metal‐ligand coordination octahedra usually feature metal ions that are linked by bridging ligands possessing the same type of donor atoms. Herein we describe heterobridged wheels {Run(μ‐SR)n(μ‐X)n}(CO)2n (R=Trip; n=6, X=Cl, Br; n=8, X=I), which were formed in the reactions between Ru3(CO)12, 2,4,6‐triisopropylbenzenethiol (HSTrip) and HX (X=Cl, Br) or I2. These hexa‐ and octanuclear heterobridged wheels featuring thiolate/halide mixed bridging ligands have all been characterized by X‐ray crystallography as well as spectroscopic means including NMR, IR and ESI‐MS.
Mediation analysis of multiple mediators with incomplete omics data
Authors: Kidd John , Raulerson Chelsea K. , Mohlke Karen L. , Lin Dan‐Yu
Published: September 2022

There is an increasing interest in using multiple types of omics features (e.g., DNA sequences, RNA expressions, methylation, protein expressions, and metabolic profiles) to study how the relationships between phenotypes and genotypes may be mediated by other omics markers. Genotypes and phenotypes are typically available for all subjects in genetic studies, but typically, some omics data will be missing for some subjects, due to limitations such as cost and sample quality. In this article, we propose a powerful approach for mediation analysis that accommodates missing data among multiple mediators and allows for various interaction effects. We formulate the relationships among genetic variants, other omics measurements, and phenotypes through linear regression models. We derive the joint likelihood for models with two mediators, accounting for arbitrary patterns of missing values. Utilizing computationally efficient and stable algorithms, we conduct maximum likelihood estimation. Our methods produce unbiased and statistically efficient estimators. We demonstrate the usefulness of our methods through simulation studies and an application to the Metabolic Syndrome in Men study.
Factors influencing correlations between CPT and DPH
Authors: Henzinger Christoph , Krösbacher Clemens , Vogt Stefan
Published: September 2022

Despite the widespread availability and superior information provided by the cone penetration test (CPT), dynamic probes like the DPH (dynamic probe heavy) remain an important soil investigation method under certain circumstances. In order to make use of the results of the DPH in the context of the vast body of interpretation and design methods developed for CPT tests, the drop count N10 of the DPH is correlated to the tip resistance qc of the CPT. There are numerous correlations between both values available in the standards and in the literature. However, any soil‐related differences, limitations, and factors influencing those correlations are not necessarily obvious. The present paper presents a simple framework for the illustration of influencing factors and the interpretation of correlations between DPH and CPT. The proposed framework is based on the information provided in EN ISO 22476‐1 and published scientific literature. Linear correlation factors based on the proposed framework are derived. These factors are then compared with our own field data and information from the literature.
Diagnostic and prognostic performance of urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin in patients with cirrhosis and acute kidney injury
Authors: Gambino Carmine , Piano Salvatore , Stenico Matteo , Tonon Marta , Brocca Alessandra , Calvino Valeria , Incicco Simone , Zeni Nicola , Gagliardi Roberta , Cosma Chiara , Zaninotto Martina , Burra Patrizia , Cillo Umberto , Basso Daniela , Angeli Paolo
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) commonly occurs in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (uNGAL) could help discriminate between different etiologies of AKI. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of uNGAL in (1) the differential diagnosis of AKI, (2) predicting the response to terlipressin and albumin in patients with hepatorenal syndrome‐AKI (HRS‐AKI), and (3) predicting in‐hospital mortality in patients with AKI.

Approach and Results:

One hundred sixty‐two consecutive patients with cirrhosis and AKI were included from 2015 to 2020 and followed until transplant, death, or 90 days. Standard urinary markers and uNGAL were measured. Data on treatment, type, and resolution of AKI were collected. Thirty‐five patients (21.6%) had prerenal AKI, 64 (39.5%) HRS‐AKI, 27 (16.7%) acute tubular necrosis‐AKI (ATN‐AKI), and 36 (22.2%) a mixed form of AKI. Mean values of uNGAL were significantly higher in ATN‐AKI than in other types of AKI (1162 ng/ml [95% CI 423–2105 ng/ml] vs. 109 ng/ml [95% CI 52–192 ng/ml]; p < 0.001). uNGAL showed a high discrimination ability in predicting ATN‐AKI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.854; 95% CI 0.767–0.941; p < 0.001). The best‐performing threshold was found to be 220 ng/ml (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 78%). The same threshold was independently associated with a higher risk of nonresponse (adjusted OR [aOR], 6.17; 95% CI 1.41–27.03; p = 0.016). In multivariable analysis (adjusted for age, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease, acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, leukocytes, and type of AKI), uNGAL was an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI 1.26–2.38; p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

uNGAL is an adequate biomarker for making a differential diagnosis of AKI in cirrhosis and predicting the response to terlipressin and albumin in patients with HRS‐AKI. In addition, it is an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality.