bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical note on probabilistic assessment of one-step-ahead rainfall variation by Split Markov Process
Authors: Maity R. , Prasad D.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. In this paper, Split Markov Process (SMP) is developed to assess one-step-ahead variation of daily rainfall at a rain gauge station. SMP is an advancement of general Markov Process (MP) and specially developed for probabilistic assessment of change in daily rainfall magnitude. The approach is based on a first-order Markov chain to simulate daily rainfall variation at a point through state/sub-state Transitional Probability Matrix (TPM). The state/sub-state TPM is based on the historical transitions from a particular state to a particular sub-state, which is the basic difference between SMP and general MP. In MP, the transition from a particular state to another state is investigated. However, in SMP, the daily rainfall magnitude is categorized into different states and change in magnitude from one temporal step to another is categorized into different sub-states for the probabilistic assessment of rainfall variation. The cumulative state/sub-state TPM is represented in a contour plot at different probability levels. The developed cumulative state/sub-state TPM is used to assess the possible range of rainfall in next time step, in a probabilistic sense. Application of SMP is investigated for daily rainfall at Khandwa station in the Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Eighty years of daily monsoon rainfall is used to develop the state/sub-state TPM and twenty years data is used to investigate its performance. It is observed that the predicted range of daily rainfall captures the actual observed rainfall with few exceptions. Overall, the assessed range, particularly the upper limit, provides a quantification possible extreme value in the next time step, which is very useful information to tackle the extreme events, such flooding, water logging etc.
Variability and changes of Arctic sea ice thickness distribution under different AO/DA states
Authors: Oikkonen A. , Haapala J.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Changes of the mean sea ice thickness and concentration in the Arctic are well known. However, comparable little is known about the ice thickness distribution and the composition of ice pack in quantity. In this paper we determine the ice thickness distributions, mean and modal thicknesses, and their regional and seasonal variability in the Arctic under different large scale atmospheric circulation modes. We compare characteristics of the Arctic ice pack during the periods 1975–1987 and 1988–2000, which have a different distribution in the AO/DA space. The study is based on submarine measurements of sea ice draft. The prevalent feature is that the peak of sea ice thickness distributions has generally taken a narrower form and shifted toward thinner ice. Also, both mean and modal ice thickness have generally decreased. These noticeable changes result from a loss of thick, mostly deformed, ice. In the spring the loss of the volume of ice thicker than 5 m exceeds 35% in all regions except the Nansen Basin, and the reduction is as much as over 45% at the North Pole and in the Eastern Arctic. In the autumn the volume of thick, mostly deformed ice has decreased by more than 40% in the Canada Basin only, but the reduction is more than 30% also in the Beaufort Sea and in the Chukchi Sea. In the Beaufort Sea region the decrease of the modal draft has been so strong that the peak has shifted from multiyear ice to first-year type ice. Also, the regional and seasonal variability of the sea ice thickness has decreased, since the thinning has been the most pronounced in the regions with the thickest pack ice (the Western Arctic), and during the spring (0.6–0.8 m per decade).
Late-onset Candida Keratitis after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty: Clinical and Confocal Microscopic Report
Authors: Ortiz-Gomariz Amanda , Higueras-Esteban Alejandro , Gutiérrez-Ortega Ángel Ramón , González-Méijome José M. , Arance-Gil Angeles , Villa-Collar César
Published: January 2011

Purpose

TO report clinical and confocal microscopy features of late-onset Candida albicans keratitis after Descemet stripping automated keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods

We performed clinical and confocal scan on a patient who underwent DSAEK and phacoemulsification for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and cataract.

Results

A 76-year-old woman who underwent uneventful DSAEK and phacoemulsification presented with white to cream deposits 3 months after DSAEK. Confocal microscopy showed a hyperintense deposit at the lenticule and interface. Confocal scan also disclosed intense haze and inflammation at the interface and clusters of hyperreflective round structures resembling epithelial cells within the interface area. No signs of hyphae-like structures were seen. Late-onset symptoms misled us into a bacterial chronic endophthalmitis diagnosis, and the patient was started on topical and systemic antibiotics. Despite intense antibiotic therapy, the patient developed severe endophthalmitis, so we performed anterior vitrectomy and the donor lenticule was removed. Microbiology results from the removed lenticule showed infection by C albicans. Antifungal therapy with systemic and topical voriconazole controlled the infection.

Conclusions

Candida interface keratitis is possible after DSAEK. The posterior location of infected tissue poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In our case, the late onset of the symptoms and not performing corneoscleral rim cultures delayed correct diagnosis. This is the first reported case of post-DSAEK Candida keratitis with confocal microscopy images. A hyperintense granular deposit was seen at the lenticule and interface with confocal microscopy. We also observed intense haze, granular round structures resembling epithelial cells, and hyperreflective needle-shaped material at the interface. No hyphae-like structures were seen with confocal imaging.
Chronic Chagas Disease in the US
Authors: Clark Eva H. , Bern Caryn
Published: May 2024

This JAMA Insights provides recommendations for Chagas disease screening, diagnosis, and management in the US
Coxsackievirus A6–Induced Atypical Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Authors: Wang Wei-Yao , Chiu Szu-Hao
Published: May 2024

This case report describes nonblanching, confluent, purpuric macules and patches on the palmoplantar and dorsal finger surfaces and red to grayish papulovesicles on the dorsal hands and feet, limbs, trunk, and face.
Antihypertensive Medications and Eczematous Dermatitis in Older Adults
Authors: Ye Morgan , Chan Leslie N. , Douglas Ian , Margolis David J. , Langan Sinéad M. , Abuabara Katrina
Published: May 2024

Importance

Rates of physician-diagnosed eczema have been increasing among older adults, but little is known regarding the pathophysiologic processes and best treatments in this subgroup. Preliminary data suggest that medications—antihypertensive medications in particular—may contribute to eczematous dermatitis; however, there are limited population-based data on the proportion of eczematous dermatitis diagnoses among older adults that may be attributed to antihypertensive drugs.

Objectives

To determine whether antihypertensive drug use is associated with eczematous dermatitis in older adults.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This was a longitudinal cohort study of a population-based sample of individuals 60 years and older without a diagnosis of eczematous dermatitis at baseline. It was conducted at primary care practices participating in The Health Improvement Network in the United Kingdom from January 1, 1994, to January 1, 2015. Data analyses were performed from January 6, 2020, to February 6, 2024.

Exposure

Exposure date by first prescription for an antihypertensive drug within each drug class.

Main outcome measures

Newly active eczematous dermatitis was based on the first date for 1 of the 5 most common eczema codes used in a previously validated algorithm.

Results

Among the total study sample of 1 561 358 older adults (mean [SD] age, 67 [9] years; 54% female), the overall prevalence of eczematous dermatitis was 6.7% during a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 6 (3-11) years. Eczematous dermatitis incidence was higher among participants receiving antihypertensive drugs than those who did not (12 vs 9 of 1000 person-years of follow-up). Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models found that participants who received any antihypertensive drugs had a 29% increased hazard rate of any eczematous dermatitis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.26-1.31). When assessing each antihypertensive drug class individually, the largest effect size was observed for diuretic drugs (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.19-1.24) and calcium channel blockers (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.14-1.18), and the smallest effect sizes were for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04) and β-blockers (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that antihypertensive drugs were associated with a small increased rate of eczematous dermatitis, with effect sizes largest for calcium channel blockers and diuretic drugs, and smallest for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and β-blockers. Although additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the association, these data could be helpful to clinicians to guide management when a patient presents with eczematous dermatitis in older age.
Parental E-Cigarette Use and Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Youn Gun Min , Sarin Kavita Y. , Chiou Albert S. , Chen Jennifer K. , Honari Golara
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study uses data from the 2014-2018 National Health Interview Survey to assess whether there is an association between parental e-cigarette use and atopic dermatitis in children.
Learning Curve for Robotic-Assisted Cholecystectomy
Authors: Sheetz Kyle H. , Thumma Jyothi R. , Kalata Stanley , Norton Edward C. , Dimick Justin B.
Published: May 2024

This cohort study evaluates the learning curve for robotic-assisted cholecystectomy among US surgeons from 2010 through 2019.
Cognitive Euroscience in Croatia: Price estimations in the new and old currency in the face of inflation
Authors: Beg Mia Šetić , Domijan Dražen
Published: May 2024

Do customers convert values to a familiar currency (rescaling hypothesis) or do they learn item‐price pairs (relearning hypothesis) when they estimate the prices of consumer goods and services in a currency they are unfamiliar with? We addressed this question by replicating the study conducted in Portugal and Austria in 2001 and 2002, around the time when these countries switched to the euro (Marques & Dehaene, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 2004, 10, 148–155). The study was made in Croatia where university students (N = 181) were asked to estimate the typical price of a set of 60 items from November 2022 to June 2023, around the time at which changeover to the euro took place. The results support the rescaling hypothesis by showing concurrent improvements in the precision of price estimates for frequently and rarely bought items. The reliance on rescaling is probably caused by a high inflation that accompanied a changeover to the euro in Croatia.
Molecular Design and Organic Photovoltaic Applications of Carboxylate‐Functionalized P‐type Polymers
Authors: Du Mengzhen , Li Xianda , Mu Chenyu , Zhou Bingjie , Cong Peiqing , Liu Hongxing , Tang Ailing , Liu Yingliang , Zhou Erjun
Published: May 2024

The significant progress of p‐type and n‐type active layer materials in the past several years has pushed the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) toward 19%. Due to the relatively low synthesis cost and simple synthesis method of carboxylate‐containing building blocks, including thiophene, thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene, thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene, furan, pyrazine, benzodithiophene, benzothiazole, quinoxaline, etc., are widely used to construct p‐type photovoltaic polymers. These resulting carboxylate‐bearing polymers present downward energy levels, high absorption coefficient, narrow bandgap, high hole mobility, and strong aggregation behavior, which have dabbled in the fabrication of mechanically stretchable, semitransparent, indoor, and tandem OSCs, etc., and produce excellent photovoltaic performance. The low‐cost carboxylate‐containing copolymers exhibit a satisfying PCE approaching 17%, and the random terpolymer systems achieve a high PCE over 19%. This review focuses on the progress of carboxylate‐containing photovoltaic polymers, summarizes the molecular characteristics, discusses their structure‐performance relationship, and offers a summary and outlook on the challenges for future molecular development.
Multifunctional Conductive Hydrogel Interface for Bioelectronic Recording and Stimulation
Authors: Tang Hao , Li Yuanfang , Liao Shufei , Liu Houfang , Qiao Yancong , Zhou Jianhua
Published: May 2024

The past few decades have witnessed the rapid advancement and broad applications of flexible bioelectronics, in wearable and implantable electronics, brain–computer interfaces, neural science and technology, clinical diagnosis, treatment, etc. It is noteworthy that soft and elastic conductive hydrogels, owing to their multiple similarities with biological tissues in terms of mechanics, electronics, water‐rich, and biological functions, have successfully bridged the gap between rigid electronics and soft biology. Multifunctional hydrogel bioelectronics, emerging as a new generation of promising material candidates, have authentically established highly compatible and reliable, high‐quality bioelectronic interfaces, particularly in bioelectronic recording and stimulation. This review summarizes the material basis and design principles involved in constructing hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces, and systematically discusses the fundamental mechanism and unique advantages in bioelectrical interfacing with the biological surface. Furthermore, an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art manufacturing strategies for hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces with enhanced biocompatibility and integration with the biological system is presented. This review finally exemplifies the unprecedented advancement and impetus toward bioelectronic recording and stimulation, especially in implantable and integrated hydrogel bioelectronic systems, and concludes with a perspective expectation for hydrogel bioelectronics in clinical and biomedical applications.
Advances in Flexible Magnetosensitive Materials and Devices for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Yang Huali , Li Shengbin , Wu Yuanzhao , Bao Xilai , Xiang Ziyin , Xie Yali , Pan Lili , Chen Jinxia , Liu Yiwei , Li Run‐Wei
Published: May 2024

Emerging fields, such as wearable electronics, digital healthcare, the Internet of Things, and humanoid robots, highlight the need for flexible devices capable of recording signals on curved surfaces and soft objects. In particular, flexible magnetosensitive devices garner significant attention owing to their ability to combine the advantages of flexible electronics and magnetoelectronic devices, such as reshaping capability, conformability, contactless sensing, and navigation capability. Several key challenges must be addressed to develop well‐functional flexible magnetic devices. These include determining how to make magnetic materials flexible and even elastic, understanding how the physical properties of magnetic films change under external strain and stress, and designing and constructing flexible magnetosensitive devices. In recent years, significant progress is made in addressing these challenges. This study aims to provide a timely and comprehensive overview of the most recent developments in flexible magnetosensitive devices. This includes discussions on the fabrications and mechanical regulations of flexible magnetic materials, the principles and performances of flexible magnetic sensors, and their applications for wearable electronics. In addition, future development trends and challenges in this field are discussed.
Antiferroelectric Ceramics for Energy‐Efficient Capacitors by Theory‐Guided Discovery
Authors: Gaur Anand P. S. , Choudhary Renu , Liu Binzhi , Mudryk Yaroslav , Johnson Duane D. , Cui Jun , Tan Xiaoli
Published: May 2024

Antiferroelectric ceramics, via the electric‐field‐induced antiferroelectric (AFE)–ferroelectric (FE) phase transitions, show great promise for high‐energy‐density capacitors. Yet, currently, only 70–80% energy release is found during a charge–discharge cycle. Here, for PbZrO3‐based oxides, geometric nonlinear theory of martensitic phase transitions is applied (first used to guide supercompatible shape‐memory alloys) to predict the reversibility of the AFE–FE transition by using density‐functional theory to assess AFE/FE interfacial lattice‐mismatch strain that assures ultralow electric hysteresis and extended fatigue lifetime. A good correlation of mismatch strain with electric hysteresis, hence, with energy efficiency of AFE capacitors is observed. Guided by theory, high‐throughput material search is conducted and AFE compositions with a near‐perfect charge–discharge energy efficiency (98.2%), i.e., near‐zero hysteresis are discovered. And the fatigue life of the capacitor reaches 79.5 million charge–discharge cycles, a factor of 80 enhancement over AFE ceramics with large electric hysteresis.
Metal Nanoparticle‐Catalyzed Alkyne Cyclization for the Synthesis of Heterocycles
Authors: Tang Xiao , Jiang Yukang , Song Liangliang , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: May 2024

Heterocycles are important compounds existed in diverse advanced chemicals, functional materials, bioactive molecules and natural products. Different strategies through transition metal‐catalyzed alkyne cyclization have been developed to synthesize various heterocycles. The merger of alkyne cyclization and metal nanoparticle catalysis has emerged as an important approach to diverse heterocycles. By using different kinds of metal nanoparticle catalysts, such as gold, silver, copper and palladium nanoparticles, a number of heterocycles are prepared with high yield and selectivity in a green, sustainable and highly efficient manner. This review summarizes and discusses recent achievements in metal nanoparticle‐catalyzed alkyne cyclization for the synthesis of heterocycles.
Rare Earth Nanoprobes for Targeted Delineation of Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Enhancement of Radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Ming Zi‐He , Zhang Yong‐Qu , Song Liang , Chen Min , Lin Lin‐Ling , He Yue‐Yang , Liu Wan‐Ling , Zhu Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Yun , Zhang Guo‐Jun
Published: May 2024

Radiotherapy demonstrates a synergistic effect with immunotherapy by inducing a transformation of “immune cold” tumors into “immune hot” tumors in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Nevertheless, the effectiveness of immunotherapy is constrained by low expression of tumor‐exposed antigens, inadequate inflammation, and insufficient tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TILs). To address this predicament, novel lutecium‐based rare earth nanoparticles (RENPs) are synthesized with the aim of amplifying radiation effect and tumor immune response. The nanoprobe is characterized by neodymium‐based down‐conversion fluorescence, demonstrating robust photostability, biocompatibility, and targetability. The conjugation of RENPs with a CXCR4 targeted drug enables precise delineation of breast tumors using a near‐infrared imaging system and improves radiation efficacy via lutetium‐based radio‐sensitizer in vivo. Furthermore, the study shows a notable enhancement of immune response through the induction of immunogenic cell death and recruitment of TILs, resulting in the inhibition of tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo models following the administration of nanoparticles. Hence, the novel multifunctional nanoprobes incorporating various lanthanide elements offer the potential for imaging‐guided tumor delineation, radio‐sensitization, and immune activation post‐radiation, thus presenting an efficient radio‐immunotherapeutic approach for TNBC.
Carbon Binder Domain Inhomogeneity in Silicon‐Monoxide/Graphite Composite Anode by 2D Multiphysics Modeling
Authors: Gao Xiang , Xu Jun
Published: May 2024

The Carbon‐binder domain (CBD) plays a pivotal role in the performance of lithium‐ion battery electrodes. The heterogeneous distribution of CBD across the electrode has garnered significant attention. However, a thorough understanding of how this CBD inhomogeneity affects anode performance remains a crucial pursuit, especially when considering the inherent material variations present in the SiO/Graphite (SiO/Gr) composite anode. In this study, an electro‐chemo‐mechanical model is established that provides a detailed geometric description of the particles. This model allows to quantitatively uncover the effects of CBD inhomogeneity on the fundamental behaviors of the SiO/Gr composite anode. The findings indicate that reducing the proportion of CBD in the upper domain (near the anode surface) compared to the lower domain (near the current collector) positively influences electrochemical performance, particularly in terms of capacity and Li plating. However, such an arrangement introduces potential risks of mechanical failures, and it is recommended to incorporate a higher proportion of CBD alongside the SiO particles. Finally, an anode design with a lower CBD proportion in the upper domain exhibits superior rate performance. This study represents a pioneering modeling exploration of CBD inhomogeneity, offering a promising multiphysics model with significant potential for informing advanced battery design considerations.
Gold Nanoparticles with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Triphenylamine Surface Ligands: Stable and Electrochromically Active Hybrid Materials for Optoelectronics
Authors: Sun Ningwei , Singh Shivam , Zhang Haoran , Hermes Ilka , Zhou Ziwei , Schlicke Hendrik , Vaynzof Yana , Lissel Franziska , Fery Andreas
Published: May 2024

Organic‐hybrid particle‐based materials are increasingly important in (opto)electronics, sensing, and catalysis due to their printability and stretchability as well as their potential for unique synergistic functional effects. However, these functional properties are often limited due to poor electronic coupling between the organic shell and the nanoparticle. N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) belong to the most promising anchors to achieve electronic delocalization across the interface, as they form robust and highly conductive bonds with metals and offer a plethora of functionalization possibilities. Despite the outstanding potential of the conductive NHC‐metal bond, synthetic challenges have so far limited its application to the improvement of colloidal stabilities, disregarding the potential of the conductive anchor. Here, NHC anchors are used to modify redox‐active gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with conjugated triphenylamines (TPA). The resulting AuNPs exhibit excellent thermal and redox stability benefiting from the robust NHC‐gold bond. As electrochromic materials, the hybrid materials show pronounced color changes from red to dark green, a highly stable cycling stability (1000 cycles), and a fast response speed (5.6 s/2.1 s). Furthermore, TPA‐NHC@AuNP exhibits an ionization potential of 5.3 eV and a distinct out‐of‐plane conductivity, making them a promising candidate for application as hole transport layers in optoelectronic devices.
A Naturally Active Spy Transposon Discovered from the Insect Genome of Colletes gigas as a Promising Novel Gene Transfer Tool
Authors: Diaby Mohamed , Wu Han , Gao Bo , Shi Shasha , Wang Bingqing , Wang Saisai , Wang Yali , Wu Zherui , Chen Cai , Wang Xiaoyan , Song Chengyi
Published: May 2024

Novel active DNA transposons, such as Spy transposons from the PHIS superfamily, are identified through bioinformatics in this study. The native transposases cgSpy and cvSpy displayed transposition activities of approximately 85% and 35% compared to the hyperactive piggyBac transposase (hyPB). The cgSpy transposon showed unique characteristics, including a lack of overproduction inhibition and reduced efficiency for insertion sizes between 3.1 to 8.5 kb. Integration preferences of cgSpy are found in genes and regulatory regions, making it suitable for genetic manipulation. Evaluation in T‐cell engineering demonstrated that cgSpy‐mediated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification is comparable to the PB system, indicating its potential utility in cell therapy. This study unveils the promising application of the active native transposase, Spy, from Colletes gigas, as a valuable tool for genetic engineering, particularly in T‐cell manipulation.
Enhanced Efficiency and Stability of Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells Via Molecular Modification with Piperazinium Salt
Authors: Luo Yi , Zhu Jingwei , Yin Xinxing , Jiao Wenbo , Gao Zhiyu , Xu Yuliang , Wang Changlei , Wang Yang , Lai Huagui , Huang Hao , Luo Jincheng , Wang Juncheng , You Jiayu , Zhang Zhihao , Hao Xia , Zeng Guanggen , Ren Shengqiang , Li Zaifang , Fu Fan , Li Minghui , Xiao Chuanxiao , Chen Cong , Zhao Dewei
Published: May 2024

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cell (PSC) plays a pivotal role as the top subcell in all‐perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs), facilitating the absorption of high‐energy photons and affording a large open‐circuit voltage (VOC). Nonetheless, the stability and efficiency of WBG PSCs are constrained by light‐induced halide segregation and non‐radiative recombination losses. In this study, this work presents an approach of utilizing 2‐methylpiperazinium bromide (2‐MePBr) via interfacial engineering to realize high‐efficiency WBG (1.77 eV) PSCs. The C─NH─C functional group in 2‐MePBr, serving as an electron donor, can interact with under‐coordinated lead defects at the perovskite surface. Consequently, the treatment with 2‐MePBr mitigates interfacial non‐radiative recombination, enhances charge transport, inhibits ion migration, and thus delivers an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.30% with a VOC of 1.29 V, and a fill factor of 83.08%. Notably, the WBG PSCs manifest enhanced stability, preserving 80% of the initial PCE after 337 h of continuous operation under 1 sun illumination at the maximum power point. Furthermore, the all‐perovskite TSCs based on this WBG subcell achieve a PCE of 27.47%, showing its promising application in perovskite‐based tandem solar cells.
Whither Goeth agricultural economics?
Authors: Mittelhammer Ron C. , Goodwin Barry K. , McCluskey Jill J. , Zilberman David
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we discuss the reasons why agricultural and applied economics and similar departments are often stand‐alone academic units. The factors that affect and shape the relationship of agricultural and applied economics faculty and departments with those from general economics departments are discussed. We present case studies of three universities having different relationships with general economics faculty at their respective universities: a merged unit, an unmerged unit, and a never‐merged unit. We conclude with rationale for the existence and future trajectory of agricultural economics and related academic units at Land Grant Universities.
Evaluation of the nitrogen uptake efficacy of daikon radish under greenhouse conditions on sandy soils
Authors: Brewer Miurel , Kadyampakeni Davie M. , Kanissery Ramdas , Kwakye Samuel
Published: May 2024

Cover crops can be a great addition to agricultural systems to improve soil health and nutrient cycling. One of the many qualities that cover crops possess is recovering residual nutrients. This study was established to estimate daikon radish (Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus) nitrogen (N) uptake, partitioning, and accumulation in a short time in Florida conditions. In greenhouse conditions, two Florida sandy soils were planted with daikon radish with three N rates (0, 50, and 101 kg N ha−1 as urea) following a randomized complete block with four replications. The treatments were organized in a two‐by‐three full factorial arrangement with the three N fertilizer rates. Biomass accumulation, N uptake, and partitioning into shoots and roots were estimated, and residual soil N was calculated. Increasing the amount of N applied to daikon radish plants did not increase biomass production or N accumulation in the shoots and roots of the plants. Daikon radish plants grown without N fertilization were able to produce a similar amount of biomass as those with N applications in their early growth stage. This suggests that daikon radish has the potential to adapt to the sandy soils of Florida and could efficiently utilize the residual soil N. This study shows the potential use of daikon radish as a cover crop in the row middles of citrus groves. The findings suggest that daikon radish plants could thrive in these unfertilized areas and offer promising benefits to the citrus orchards in terms of providing ground cover and additional advantages.
Comparative histological analysis of spleens in pediatric patients with hemolytic anemias: Insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of spleen destruction in sickle cell anemia
Authors: Brousse Valentine , El Hoss Sara , Isnard Pierre , Laurance Sandrine , Lambert Camille , Ali Liza , Bonnard Arnaud , Capito Carmen , Sarnacki Sabine , Berrebi D. , Koehl Berengère , Benkerrou Malika , Missud Florence , Holvoet Laurent , Ithier Ghislaine , de Montalembert Mariane , Allali Slimane , Tshilolo Leon , Diebold Jacques , Molina Thierry Jo
Published: May 2024

While sickle cell anemia (SCA) and hereditary spherocytosis (HS) share common features of increased spleen erythrophagocytosis due to increased red blood cell (RBC) turnover, SCA is specifically characterized by susceptibility to infections. In this study, histological lesions in the spleens of pediatric patients with SCA were analyzed, in close correlation with past clinical history and comparatively to HS, healthy and transfused β‐thalassemia patients (TDT). An evaluation of red pulp elementary lesions (red pulp fibrosis, iron deposition, number of Gandy–Gamna, and RBC trapping) combined into a severity score was established, as well as B‐cell follicles analysis. Quantification on digitalized slides of iron deposition, RBC trapping, and red pulp fibrosis was additionally performed. Spleens from 22 children with SCA, eight with HS, eight with TDT, and three healthy controls (HC) were analyzed. Median age at splenectomy was not different between SCA and HS patients, 6.05 years (range: 4.5–16.0) versus 4.75 (range: 2.2–9.5). Marked heterogeneity was found in SCA spleens in contrast to other conditions. Contrary to previous reports, B‐cell follicles were generally preserved in SCA. While RBC trapping was significantly increased in both SCA and HS (compared to TDT and HC), quantitative fibrosis and overall red pulp severity score were significantly increased in SCA spleens compared to other conditions. Moreover, there was an inverse correlation between quantitative fibrosis and number of B‐cell follicles, linking these two compartments as well as spleen fibrosis to infectious susceptibility in SCA, potentially through impaired red pulp macrophage scavenging and B‐cell subpopulations defects.
Visible‐Light Mediated C‐3 Amination of Quinoxalin‐ 2(1H)‐ones via Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complexation
Authors: More Devidas A. , Gayathri P. R. , Thete Kishor R. , Muthukrishnan M.
Published: May 2024

The formation of carbon‐nitrogen bonds holds paramount importance in the realm of synthetic organic chemistry, finding extensive applications in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and organic materials. Herein, we describe a novel EDA complex mediated, metal‐ and photocatalyst‐free, visible‐light‐initiated direct C‐3 amination of biologically important, quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one moiety. The key to the success lies in the formation of a photoactivated electron donor‐acceptor complex between quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one and amine, which undergo subsequent electron transfer reaction to effect the desired transformation. A diverse array of 3‐aminoquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones were prepared employing this process and the yields are up to 87%. This work represents a significant advancement toward a more environmentally friendly and efficient approach, characterized by mild reaction conditions and a high atom economy.
A novel technique for the measurement of cervical length in non‐pregnant women
Authors: Vinnikov Yana , Barzilay Eran , Barel Oshri , Levy Gil
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cervical elongation is considered a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse treatment failure in uterine preservation surgery. Consensus has not been reached regarding what is considered a normal cervical length, or how to measure it. Our primary aim was to test a new technique for measuring cervical length.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled women undergoing hysterectomy, with or without pelvic organ prolapse (for all indications except cervical tumours/history of cervical operations). Their cervical lengths were measured both by ultrasound and anatomical measurement. The external length of the cervix was measured using Doppler location of the uterine artery near the cervical‐uterine junction as the proximal point and compared to the ultrasound measurement of the cervical canal. The uterine specimen was used to record anatomical cervical measurements as well as uterine corpus length. Baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index and pelvic organ prolapse quantification were also collected.

Results

Twenty women were eligible for evaluation. We found the average anatomical cervical canal length was (ccAN) 33.95 mm (range ±  9.23) and by external measurement (ceAN) 36.80 mm (range ± 7.54). We found a significant, high‐powered correlation between our ultrasound and anatomical measurements in both techniques, as well as between the two ultrasound techniques. We also found a negative correlation between cervical length and women's age (rp = −0.443, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length using the location of the uterine artery was found to have a strong correlation to the anatomical cervical length and can be used for the measurement of normal cervical length.
Hyperpolarization of 15N‐Pyridinium by Using Parahydrogen Enables Access to Reactive Oxygen Sensors and Pilot In Vivo Studies
Authors: Mei Ruhuai , Fries Lisa M. , Hune Theresa L. K. , Santi Maria Daniela , Rodriguez Gonzalo Gabriel , Sternkopf Sonja , Glöggler Stefan
Published: May 2024

Magnetic resonance with hyperpolarized contrast agents is one of the most powerful and noninvasive imaging platforms capable for investigating in vivo metabolism. While most of the utilized hyperpolarized agents are based on 13C nuclei, a milestone advance in this area is the emergence of 15N hyperpolarized contrast agents. Currently, the reported 15N hyperpolarized agents mainly utilize the dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d‐DNP) protocol. The parahydrogen enhanced 15N probes have proven to be elusive and have been tested almost exclusively in organic solvents. Herein, we designed a reaction based reactive oxygen sensor 15N‐boronobenzyl‐2‐styrylpyridinium (15N‐BBSP) which can be hyperpolarized with para‐hydrogen. Reactive oxygen species plays a vital role as one of the essential intracellular signalling molecules. Disturbance of the H2O2 level usually represents a hallmark of pathophysiological conditions. This H2O2 probe exhibited rapid responsiveness toward H2O2 and offered spectrally resolvable chemical shifts. We also provide strategies to bring the newly developed probe from the organic reaction solution into a biocompatible injection buffer and demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo 15N signal detection. The present work manifests its great potential not only for reaction based reactive sensing probes but also promises to serve as a platform to develop other contrast agents.
Catalytic (4+2) Annulation via Regio‐ and Enantioselective Interception of in‐situ Generated Alkylgold Intermediate
Authors: Bao Ming , Zhou Yi , Yuan Haoxuan , Dong Guizhi , Li Chao , Xie Xiongda , Chen Kewei , Hong Kemiao , Yu Zhi‐Xiang , Xu Xinfang
Published: May 2024

A regio‐ and stereoselective stepwise (4+2) annulation of N‐propargylamides and α,β‐unsaturated imines/ketones has been accomplished with synergetic catalysis by a combination of a gold‐complex and a chiral quinine‐derived squaramide (QN‐SQA), leading to highly functionalized chiral tetrahydropyridines/dihydropyrans in good to high yields with generally excellent enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations indicate that the in situ formed alkylgold species is the key intermediate in this transformation, and the amide group served as a traceless directing group in this highly selective transformation. This method complements the enantioselective (4+2) annulation of allene reagents, providing the formal internal C−C π‐bond cycloaddition products, which is challenging and remains elusive.
A NIR‐Light‐Activated and Lysosomal‐Targeted Pt(II) Metallacycle for Highly Potent Evoking of Immunogenic Cell Death that Potentiates Cancer Immunotherapy of Deep‐Seated Tumors
Authors: Li Chonglu , Tu Le , Xu Yuling , Li Meiqin , Du Jiaxing , Stang Peter J. , Sun Yan , Sun Yao
Published: May 2024

Though platinum (Pt)‐based complexes have been recently exploited as immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers for activating immunotherapy, the effective activation of sufficient immune responses with minimal side effects in deep‐seated tumors remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we propose the first example of a near‐infrared (NIR) light‐activated and lysosomal targeted Pt(II) metallacycle (1) as a supramolecular ICD inducer. 1 synergistically potentiates immunomodulatory response in deep‐seated tumors via multiple‐regulated approaches, involving NIR light excitation, boosted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, good selectivity between normal and tumor cells, and enhanced tumor penetration/retention capabilities. Specifically, 1 has excellent depth‐activated ROS production (~7 mm), accompanied by strong anti‐diffusion and anti‐ROS quenching ability. In vitro experiments demonstrate that 1 exhibits significant cellular uptake and ROS generation in tumor cells as well as respective multicellular tumor spheroids. Based on these advantages, 1 induces a more efficient ICD in an ultralow dose (i.e., 5 μM) compared with the clinical ICD inducer‐oxaliplatin (300 μM). In vivo, vaccination experiments further demonstrate that 1 serves as a potent ICD inducer through eliciting CD8+/CD4+ T cell response and Foxp3+ T cell depletion with negligible adverse effects. This study pioneers a promising avenue for safe and effective metal‐based ICD agents in immunotherapy.
Redox Synergy: Enhancing Gas Sensing Stability in 2D Conjugated Metal–Organic Frameworks via Balancing Metal Node and Ligand Reactivity
Authors: Yan Xiaoli , Chen Jie , Su Xi , Zhang Jingwen , Wang Chuanzhe , Zhang Hanwen , Liu Yi , Wang Lei , Xu Gang , Chen Long
Published: May 2024

Two‐dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) have emerged as promising candidates in gas sensing, owing to their tunable porous structure and conductivity. Nevertheless, the reported gas sensing mechanisms heavily relied on electron transfer between metal nodes and gas molecules. Normally, the strong interaction between the metal sites and target gas molecule would result poor recovery and thus bad recycling property. Herein, we propose a redox synergy strategy to overcome this issue by balancing the reactivity of metal sites and ligands. A 2D c‐MOF, Zn3(HHTQ)2, was prepared for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensing, which was constructed from active ligands (hexahydroxyltricycloquinazoline, HHTQ) and inactive transition‐metal ions (Zn2+). Substantial characterizations and theoretical calculations demonstrated that by utilizing only the redox interactions between ligands and NO2, not only high sensitivity and selectivity, but also excellent cycling stability in NO2 sensing could be achieved. In contrast, control experiments employing isostructural 2D c‐MOFs with Cu/Ni metal nodes exhibited irreversible NO2 sensing. Our current work provides a new design strategy for gas sensing materials, emphasizing harnessing the redox activity of only ligands to enhance the stability of MOF sensing materials.
Selective adsorption and separation of salicylic acid and 4‐hydroxyisophthalic acid from industry‐grade 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid on UiO‐66
Authors: Yuan Kai , Sun Ye , Peng Yangfeng , Wei Yongming , Wu Yanyang , He Quan
Published: May 2024

In this study, UiO‐66 was employed for the first time as an adsorbent to separate phenolic acid analogues, specifically 4‐hydroxyisophthalic acid and salicylic acid, from impurities. Synthesized in‐house, UiO‐66 was shown to exhibit high selectivity towards 4‐HIPA/4‐HBA and SA/4‐HBA when a molar equivalent of acetic acid modulator to terephthalic acid was set at 44. The adsorption capacities for 4‐HBA, 4‐HIPA, and SA were determined to be 56.34, 55.02, and 60.34 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that after six regeneration cycles, the adsorption capacity for 4‐HBA remained nearly unchanged, whereas those for 4‐HIPA and SA decreased by 5.6% and 2.6%, respectively. FTIR and XPS analyses revealed that all three compounds were adsorbed at the same dominant Zr cluster site on UiO‐66, primarily through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. Dynamic adsorption experiments revealed that 4‐HBA was the first to elute, maintaining the residual contents of 4‐HIPA and SA below 0.1 wt%. Compared to traditional separation techniques, this paper provided a simple and effective method to purify industrial grade 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid.
Photoacoustic Imaging Using Polysaccharide‐Porphyrin Complexes by Photoirradiation at Long Wavelengths
Authors: Fujita Seiya , Omokawa Riku , Yamana Keita , Kawasaki Riku , Miura Risako , Kondo Teruyuki , Ikeda Atsushi
Published: May 2024

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a novel biological imaging technique with superior depth resolution compared to fluorescence imaging. The efficacy of PA imaging depends on contrast agents that possess considerable absorbance at longer wavelengths, coupled with high permeability in biological tissue and minimal fluorescence, achieved through mitigating aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) that attenuates PA intensity. Despite the successful transfer of porphyrin 2 featuring amino moieties from polysaccharides to liposomes, most of 2 incorporated within λ‐carrageenan (CGN‐2 complex) remained in CGN under acidic lysosomal conditions (pH 5.0). Consequently, the CGN‐2 complex exhibited a strong PA signal under 680 nm photoirradiation in Colon26 cells owing to the ACQ of 2. Moreover, the PA intensity of the CGN‐2 complex was further enhanced under 780 nm photoirradiation owing to the increased absorbance at 780 nm facilitated by the redshift of the Q‐band at pH 5.0.
Microwave synthesized novel biomass carbon dots applied in the fluorescent detection of crystal violet
Authors: Yin Yu , Wu Xiwen , Huang Chongyang , Dong Yaolin , Liu Jinquan , Tan Yan , Liang Hao , Yang Shengyuan
Published: May 2024

To establish a new method for detecting crystal violet (CV), a harmful dye, herein, a genre of novel biomass carbon dots (CDs) was synthesized via a microwave method and employed as a fluorescent probe, in which water spinach and polyethylene glycol (PEG) performed as raw materials. Based on the inner filter effect (IFE) between the luminescent CDs and CV, the blue emission of this probe at 430 nm could be quenched by CV. Hence, a new strategy was proposed to selectively determine CV in aquaculture ambient. Moreover, under the optimal experiment conditions, this method showed a good linearity between the concentration of CV (c) and fluorescence quenching rate (ΔF/F0) in the concentration range of 4–200 μmol/L with the corresponding correlation coefficient (r) and the detection limit of 0.997 and 710 nmol/L, respectively. With advantages of environmental protectivity, sensitivity, affordability, and user‐friendliness, the facilely fabricated CDs could be successfully applied in detecting CV in aquaculture samples, providing a technical foundation for monitoring the pollution of CV and ensuring the quality and safety of aquatic products.
Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory potential of the Acacia cyclops trunk bark: in vitro combined with in silico approach
Authors: Kaplan Muammer , Beyaoui Ahlem , Jlizi Salma , Goren Ahmet Ceyhan , Jalouli Maroua , Harrath Abdel Halim , Ben Jannet Hichem
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical profile of Acacia cyclops trunk bark ethyl acetate extract using LC–tandem mass spectrometry for the first time, along with evaluating its antioxidant and anti‐tyrosinase properties. Consequently, we determined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract under investigation and identified and quantified 19 compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. In addition to assessing their antioxidant potential against DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis‐[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic] acid) assays, in vitro and in silico studies were conducted to evaluate the tyrosinase inhibitory properties of the A. cyclops extract. The ethyl acetate trunk bark extract exhibited a substantial total phenolic content and demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in terms of free radical scavenging, as well as notable tyrosinase inhibitory action (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 14.08 ± 1.10 μg/mL). The substantial anti‐tyrosinase activity of the examined extract was revealed through molecular docking analysis and druglikeness prediction of the main selected compounds. The findings suggest that A. cyclops extract holds promise as a potential treatment for skin hyperpigmentation disorders.
Carbonylation Reactions Using Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Jurado Lole , Posada‐Pérez Sergio , Axet M. Rosa
Published: May 2024

The development of highly efficient and selective catalysts for carbonylation reactions represents a significant challenge in catalysis. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have postulated as promising candidates able to combine the strengths of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. In this paper, we review recent advances in tailoring solid supports for SACs to enhance their catalytic performance in carbonylation reactions. We first discuss the effect of supports on the hydroformylation reaction catalysed by SACs, followed by recent advances for methanol, ethanol, and dimethyl ether carbonylation reactions, focusing on the design of halide‐free catalysts with improved activity and stability. Finally, oxidative carbonylation is discussed. Overall, this review highlights the importance of tailoring solid supports for SACs to achieve highly active and selective catalysts in carbonylation reactions, paving the way for future developments in sustainable catalysis.
Can Aromaticity Be Evaluated Using Atomic Partitions Based on the Hilbert‐Space?
Authors: Grèbol‐Tomàs Joan , Matito Eduard , Salvador Pedro
Published: May 2024

Aromaticity is a fundamental concept in chemistry that explains the stability and reactivity of many compounds by identifying atoms within a molecule that form an aromatic ring. Reliable aromaticity indices focus on electron delocalization and depend on atomic partitions, which give rise to the concept of an atom‐in‐the‐molecule (AIM). Real‐space atomic partitions present two important drawbacks: a high computational cost and numerical errors, limiting some aromaticity measures to medium‐sized molecules with rings up to 12 atoms. This restriction hinders the study of large conjugated systems like porphyrins and nanorings. On the other hand, traditional Hilbert‐space schemes are free of the latter limitations but can be unreliable for the large basis sets required in modern computational chemistry. This paper explores AIMs based on three robust Hilbert‐space partitions – meta‐Löwdin, Natural Atomic Orbitals (NAO), and Intrinsic Atomic Orbitals (IAO) – which combine the advantages of real‐space partitions without their disadvantages. These partitions can effectively replace real‐space AIMs for evaluating the aromatic character. For the first time, we report multicenter index (MCI) and Iring values for large rings and introduce ESIpy, an open‐source Python code for aromaticity analysis in large conjugated rings.