bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Nitrates, Sulphates and Phosphates Levels in Soil from Selected Farmlands in Kaiama and Imiringi in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Orodu Victor Enearepuadoh , Benson Oguarabau
Published: August 2023

The levels of sulphate, nitrate, and phosphate in soil samples taken from farmlands in Kaiama and Imiringi communities in Bayelsa State Nigeria, have been determined. Soil samples were taken from various depths using hand auger and analyzed for the above mentioned plant nutrients content. For the month of September, both Kaiama and Imiringi control sites had values for nitrate and phosphate greater than those in the farmlands at all depths. In contrast, the values of sulphate in the farmlands were greater than those in the control. In October, the values for sulphate and phosphate were greater in the control in all cases while nitrates were greater in the farmlands. Comparatively, the November results had all values greater in the control soil than in the farmlands in Imiringi while Kaiama showed higher values for only phosphate and sulphate in the control but lower values for nitrates in the control than in the farmlands, at all depths. When soil depths are compared, values of phosphate and sulphate increased with increasing depth in the control and the farmlands in both communities. Conversely, the opposite trend was observed for nitrates during the study period. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the means of nitrate, sulphate, and phosphate levels between the control and farmland at all depths and months except the nitrate level in November at 10 cm, which showed no significant difference (p = 0.28) in the means between the control and farmland.
Portrayal of Women as Physicians in Movies, 1990-2020
Authors: Odei Bismarck C. , Herrera Sofia , Huang Christina , Griffith Kent A. , Bae Junu , Lastra Alejandra Zaleta , Jagsi Reshma
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study quantifies the portrayal of women as physicians in US movies over the past 3 decades.
Coordinated Biophysical Stimulation of MSCs via Electromagnetized Au‐Nanofiber Matrix Regulates Cytoskeletal‐to‐Nuclear Mechanoresponses and Lineage Specification
Authors: Singh Rajendra K. , Kurian Amal George , Sagar Varsha , Park Ilyong , Park Jeong‐Hui , Lee Hwalim , Lee Jung‐Hwan , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: August 2023

Biophysical stimulation regulates stem cell functions, including proliferation and differentiation. Matrix nanotopography and external forces, such as electromagnetic fields (EMF), can enhance this stimulation. Here, it is demonstrated that biophysical multiple cues coordinated from electromagnetized Au‐nanoparticles‐decorated polymer nanofiber under EMF significantly regulate the adhesion, alignment, proliferation, and lineage commitment of hMSCs. Without EMF, matrix cues of electrical conductivity and nanodotted fibrous topography accelerate the anchorage and spreading of hMSCs. Of note, EMF synergizes with the matrix cues to enhance cellular behaviors, resulting in elongated and aligned cells along the field direction. Microtubules are highly polymerized, acetylated, and aligned, playing an active role in these events. Actin filaments also develop in parallel with the microtubules, facilitating actin‐microtubule crosstalks. These phenomena lead to changes in the nuclear mechanics of hMSCs, including elongated nuclear shape and decondensed chromatins with histone acetylation. The EMF+matrix‐stimulated hMSCs express genes related to microtubule organization and euchromatin, as revealed by RNA sequencing, and show chromatin accessibility with enrichment of genes related to mechanotransduction and lineage specification, as analyzed by ATAC sequencing. The EMF+matrix biophysical stimulation further increases the capacity for lineage specification (predominantly towards osteogenic, myogenic, and tenogenic), offering a promising bioengineering platform for stem cell engineering and therapies.
Recent Progress in Advanced Tactile Sensing Technologies for Soft Grippers
Authors: Qu Juntian , Mao Baijin , Li Zhenkun , Xu Yining , Zhou Kunyu , Cao Xiangyu , Fan Qigao , Xu Minyi , Liang Bin , Liu Houde , Wang Xueqian , Wang Xiaohao
Published: August 2023

Tactile sensing technology is crucial for soft grippers. Soft grippers equipped with intelligent tactile sensing systems based on various sensors can interact safely with the unstructured environments and obtain precise properties of objects (e.g., size and shape). It is essential to develop state‐of‐the‐art sensing technologies for soft grippers to handle different grasping tasks. In this review, the development of tactile sensing techniques for robotic hands is first introduced. Then, the principles and structures of different types of sensors normally adopted in soft grippers, including capacitive tactile sensors, piezoresistive tactile sensors, piezoelectric tactile sensors, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, vision‐based tactile sensors, triboelectric tactile sensors, and other advanced sensors developed recently are briefly presented. Furthermore, sensing modalities and methodologies for soft grippers are also described in aspects of force measurement, perception of object properties, slip detection, and fusion of perception. The application scenarios of soft grippers are also summarized based on these advanced sensing technologies. Finally, the challenges of tactile sensing technologies for soft grippers that need to be tackled are discussed and perspectives in addressing these challenges are pointed out.
Construction of High Accuracy Machine Learning Interatomic Potential for Surface/Interface of Nanomaterials—A Review
Authors: Wan Kaiwei , He Jianxin , Shi Xinghua
Published: August 2023

The inherent discontinuity and unique dimensional attributes of nanomaterial surfaces and interfaces bestow them with various exceptional properties. These properties, however, also introduce difficulties for both experimental and computational studies. The advent of machine learning interatomic potential (MLIP) addresses some of the limitations associated with empirical force fields, presenting a valuable avenue for accurate simulations of these surfaces/interfaces of nanomaterials. Central to this approach is the idea of capturing the relationship between system configuration and potential energy, leveraging the proficiency of machine learning (ML) to precisely approximate high‐dimensional functions. This review offers an in‐depth examination of MLIP principles and their execution and elaborates on their applications in the realm of nanomaterial surface and interface systems. The prevailing challenges faced by this potent methodology are also discussed.
TCAF2 in Pericytes Promotes Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis via Inhibiting Cold‐Sensing TRPM8 Channel
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Qi Qi , Li Yong , Miao Qun , Yin Wenqian , Pan Jinghua , Zhao Zhan , Chen Xiaoying , Yang Fan , Zhou Xiaofeng , Huang Maohua , Wang Chenran , Deng Lijuan , Huang Dandan , Qi Ming , Fan Shuran , Zhang Yiran , Qiu Shenghui , Deng Weiqing , Liu Tongzheng , Chen Minfeng , Ye Wencai , Zhang Dongmei
Published: August 2023

Hematogenous metastasis is the main approach for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). However, as the gatekeepers in the tumor vessels, the role of TPCs in hematogenous metastasis remains largely unknown, which may be attributed to the lack of specific biomarkers for TPC isolation. Here, microdissection combined with a pericyte medium‐based approach is developed to obtain TPCs from CRC patients. Proteomic analysis reveals that TRP channel‐associated factor 2 (TCAF2), a partner protein of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8), is overexpressed in TPCs from patients with CRCLM. TCAF2 in TPCs is correlated with liver metastasis, short overall survival, and disease‐free survival in CRC patients. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments validate that TCAF2 in TPCs promotes tumor cell motility, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and CRCLM, which is attenuated in pericyte‐conditional Tcaf2‐knockout mice. Mechanistically, TCAF2 inhibits the expression and activity of TRPM8, leading to Wnt5a secretion in TPCs, which facilitates EMT via the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway in tumor cells. Menthol, a TRPM8 agonist, significantly suppresses Wnt5a secretion in TPCs and CRCLM. This study reveals the previously unidentified pro‐metastatic effects of TPCs from the perspective of cold‐sensory receptors, providing a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRCLM.
Nearly Panoramic Neuromorphic Vision with Transparent Photosynapses
Authors: Dong Xuemei , Chen Chen , Pan Keyuan , Li Yinxiang , Zhang Zicheng , He Zixi , Liu Bin , Zhou Zhe , Wu Yueyue , Zhang Dengfeng , Sun Hongchao , Qian Xinkai , Xu Min , Huang Wei , Liu Juqing
Published: August 2023

Neuromorphic vision based on photonic synapses has the ability to mimic sensitivity, adaptivity, and sophistication of bio‐visual systems. Significant advances in artificial photosynapses are achieved recently. However, conventional photosyanptic devices normally employ opaque metal conductors and vertical device configuration, performing a limited hemispherical field of view. Here, a transparent planar photonic synapse (TPPS) is presented that offers dual‐side photosensitive capability for nearly panoramic neuromorphic vision. The TPPS consisting of all two dimensional (2D) carbon‐based derivatives exhibits ultra‐broadband photodetecting (365–970 nm) and ≈360° omnidirectional viewing angle. With its intrinsic persistent photoconductivity effect, the detector possesses bio‐synaptic behaviors such as short/long‐term memory, experience learning, light adaptation, and a 171% pair‐pulse‐facilitation index, enabling the synapse array to achieve image recognition enhancement (92%) and moving object detection.
Contextualizing black emerging adults' perceptions of neighborhood quality
Authors: Fike Kayla J. , Mattis Jacqueline S.
Published: August 2023

The ways in which Black emerging adults perceive and evaluate their neighborhoods may be impacted by a host of social and political factors that interplay with their social identities, the social identities of other urban residents, and their time in the area. Early literature on Black emerging adults' perceived neighborhood quality (PNQ) tended to make comparisons to White people and to focus disproportionately on the perceptions of low‐income Black people residing in predominately racial/ethnic minority and underresourced communities. Subsequent work on subjective neighborhood assessment has considered specific features of neighborhoods, such as safety or disorder, but a general sense of the quality of one's neighborhood features is still underexplored. The current study adapts Connerly and Marans' (1985) PNQ model to explore the relations between social identities and locations, neighborhood sociostructural features, time in the area, and PNQ among Black urban‐residing emerging adults. Block‐wise regression results suggest that education and partner status were associated with PNQ. Perceptions of the percentage of Black neighbors and Census Bureau proportions of residents in the zip code who are poor were also associated with PNQ. Length of residence in the neighborhood was marginally associated with PNQ while length of residence in the city/town was not significantly associated with PNQ. For young Black women, combined household income was marginally associated with PNQ, but neighborhood sociostructural features were the strongest contributors to PNQ. In contrast, education was the only significant contributor to PNQ for young Black men. We discuss the ways that the social positions of young Black residents and their neighbors may impact their experiences and evaluations of urban areas.
A Readily Available Red‐Emitting Methylthio‐Substituted Salicylaldehyde Azine with AIE Feature for Ratiometric Detection of HClO
Authors: Zhao Jingjun , Zhai Penglei , Gu Biao , Tang Siping
Published: August 2023

Developing a simple, selective, and rapid reliable method to monitor hypochlorous acid (HClO) in vivo is very meaningful due to its important physiological and pathological functions. In this research, a novel AIE based fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of HClO was fabricated by a simple one‐step synthesis, in which the methyl sulfide group and salicylaldehyde azine serve as the recognition unit and fluorophore, respectively. This probe was visible‐light‐excitable, and showed a palpable aggregation‐induced emission into the red region with high stability to Cu2+ and pH. Oxidation of the methyl sulfide group can be achieved rapidly and specifically by HClO in physiological condition, which enables it to display a rapid, ratiometric fluorescent response to HClO with high selectivity over other biologically pertinent species. By exploiting the probe‐based tool, we successfully validated its practical utility in selectively recognizing HClO in living cells via ratiometric fluorescence signals, thereby providing a potential method for investigating the relevant functions of HClO in biosystems.
Strengthening cellulose acetate via solution‐reprocessible dynamic interaction with poly(4‐pinacolatoborylstyrene) cross‐linkers
Authors: Wen Peng , Wang Hao , Xu Mengli , Zhang Lu , Zheng Han , Xie Jiao , Chen Mao
Published: August 2023

Cellulose acetate (CA) is an important group of polymeric materials that have found broad applications. However, the narrow range of processing temperature causes difficulties to improve the mechanical properties of CA. In this work, poly(4‐pinacolatoborylstyrene) (PB) was synthesized and employed as a macromolecular cross‐linker for CA. Due to the dynamic coordination interaction between the boron center and hydroxyl groups on PB and CA, respectively, CA samples could be easily handled via the solution processing method. The addition of macromolecular PB additives (2.5 wt%) have successfully enhanced the mechanical properties, rheological properties of CA without losing the transparent appearance. Furthermore, the obtained CA materials could be recycled via solution reprocessing without apparent decrease of the mechanical properties.
Boundary layer profile of decaying and non‐decaying tropical storms near landfall
Authors: Tsui Enoch Yan Lok , Chan Pak Wai , Toumi Ralf
Published: August 2023

The vertical profile of the wind structure of translating tropical cyclones, including the associated azimuthal asymmetry, has been the subject of existing theoretical and observational studies using dropsondes. Most of these studies are based on data collected from relatively strong cyclones over the Atlantic. Here we explore the tropical cyclone boundary layer wind profile of mainly relatively weak landfalling cyclones near Hong Kong. We find that decaying tropical storms have a much larger mid‐ to low‐level inflow angle than those that are intensifying or in steady‐state. The inflow angles of intensifying, steady‐state and decaying tropical storms converge towards the top of the boundary layer. The wind speed reduces through the boundary layer in a similar way in all three cases. The combination of these factors means that decaying tropical storms have stronger inflow than intensifying and steady‐state ones. We attribute these local effects to remote enhanced surface friction over land when the storms are weakening.
Investigating the quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder scale using Rasch methodology
Authors: Chezan Laura C. , Liu Jin , Gao Ruiqin , Drasgow Erik
Published: August 2023

Our purpose in this study was to provide additional psychometric evidence of the Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (QOLASD‐C) scale. We used Rasch modeling to investigate the QOLASD‐C functioning, the characteristics of the items comprising the scale, and the item functioning across subgroups of children with ASD based on gender and race/ethnicity. Results showed that QOLASD‐C was unidimensional, met the local independence assumption, and measured quality of life (QOL). The items showed excellent fit to the model and good discriminating ability between low and high QOL. Most items showed a moderate difficulty level. No differential item functioning was observed based on children's gender and race/ethnicity. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Experimental and theoretical estimation of the Hansen solubility parameters of paramylon esters based on the degrees of substitution and chain lengths of their acyl groups
Authors: Ata Seisuke , Shibakami Motonari
Published: August 2023

Paramylon is a natural hydrophilic polysaccharide produced in the pyrenoids of euglenoids, and esterification may render paramylon hydrophobic. Esterification imparts not only thermoplasticity, but also potential compatibilities with other polymer resins and fillers. However, the dependence of the compatibility on the structure of the polymer ester has not yet been systematically studied. To estimate the affinities between paramylon esters and hydrophobic organic solvents/resins, the dependences of their Hansen solubility parameters, which are association indices, on the degrees of substitution and chain lengths of the ester groups were investigated. Experimental and theoretical investigations were conducted using the dissolution and Fedors methods, respectively. Esterification decreased the solubility parameter from 49 (paramylon) to approximately 18 MPa1/2 (paramylon esters), indicating that the potential affinities of paramylon esters for hydrophobic organic solvents/polymers increased. A multiple regression analysis was also performed to investigate the effects of acyl chain length and degree of substitution with acyl groups on the solubility parameter. The solubility parameters of the paramylon derivatives were continuously variable from hydrophilic to ‐phobic. Hence, esterification with various acyl groups may control the hydrophobicities of paramylon esters, enhancing their miscibilities with various hydrophobic organic solvents and resins.
Stability‐indicating method development and validation for quantitative estimation of organic impurities of the antidiabetic drug glipizide in drug substance and pharmaceutical dosage form using HPLC
Authors: Nagulancha Bhujanga Rao , Vandavasi Koteswara Rao
Published: August 2023

Glipizide is an antidiabetic drug used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A simple, reliable and robust reverse‐phase liquid chromatographic method (RP‐HPLC) was developed and validated as per International Conference on Harmonization Q2(R1) for estimating the impurities of glipizide in pharmaceutical formulations. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a Phenomenex Luna C18 (2), 250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm with a binary solvent delivery system [MP‐A, a homogenous mixture of water and acetonitrile in a ratio of 90:10 (v/v) and 1 ml of orthophosphoric acid; and MP‐B, a homogenous mixture of water and acetonitrile in a ratio of 10:90 (v/v) and 1 ml of orthophosphoric acid] with a detection wavelength of 225 nm, a column temperature of 30°C, a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min, and an injection volume of 20 μl. All process, degradant and unknown impurities were separated well with a resolution >2.2 and were estimated accurately without any interference. The recovered values and regression values were 98.7–100.5% and R2 > 0.9999, respectively. The recovery and linearity studies covered the quantitation limit to 150% of the specification limit. The stability‐indicating properties of the developed RP‐HPLC method was assessed from the forced degradation studies. The developed method was successfully applied for real‐time sample analysis of the glipizide dosage form.
Angiography with cone‐beam CT versus contrast‐enhanced MRI for living donor transplant imaging: Is MRI enough?
Authors: Ali Hamza , Weinstein Jeffrey , Sarwar Ammar , Evenson Amy , Raven Kristin , Curry Michael P. , Ahmed Muneeb
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to compare the subjective and objective quality and confidence between conventional angiography with cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the preoperative evaluation of potential donors for living donor liver transplant. Seventeen patients undergoing preoperative donor evaluation for living donor liver transplantation that underwent angiography with CBCT and contrast‐enhanced MRI for evaluation of hepatic vascular anatomy were included in the study. Four attending radiologists interpreted anonymized, randomized angiography with CBCT images and MRIs, rating the diagnostic quality and confidence of their interpretation (on a 3‐point scale) for each element, as well as clinically relevant measurements. Overall, the readers rated the quality of angiography with CBCT to be higher than that of MRI (median [interquartile range] = 3 (2, 3) vs. 2 (1–3), p < 0.001) across all patients. Readers of angiography with CBCT had more confidence in their interpretations as an average of all elements evaluated than the MRI readers (3 (3) vs. 3 (2, 3), p < 0.001). When the same reader interpreted both MRI and CBCT, the right hepatic artery diameter (3.8 mm ± 0.72 mm vs. 4.5 mm ± 1.2 mm, p < 0.005) and proper hepatic artery diameter (4.43 mm ± 0.98 mm vs. 5.4 mm ± 1.05 mm, p < 0.003) were significantly different between MRI and CBCT. There was poor interrater reliability for determining segment IV arterial supply for both modalities (κ < 0.2). Angiography with CBCT provides higher subjective diagnostic quality and greater radiologist confidence than MRI. The difference in measurements between CBCT and MRI when the same reader reads both studies suggests CBCT adds additional information over MRI evaluation alone.
Tandem Conversion of Fructose to Bio‐diketones Using a Multifunctional Pd‐POPs‐CF3SO3H Catalyst
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Jiang Miao , Sun Zhao , Qian Leilei , Ji Guangjun , Ma Lei , Li Cunyao , Du Hong , Yan Li , Ding Yunjie
Published: August 2023

Tandem conversion of biomass to value‐added fine chemicals is a significant challenge. For instance, the production of fine chemicals from fructose involves conversion to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), followed by another reaction and purification. Dual catalyst systems have been used in nearly every study on the tandem conversion of fructose to bio‐diketones. Therefore, a sole multifunctional heterogeneous catalyst was developed in this study for the tandem conversion of fructose to bio‐diketones, which has not been reported previously. Instrument corrosion and the separation or purification of 5‐HMF were avoided using the multifunctional heterogeneous catalyst, which contained integrated active sites of acid, metal, and anions. The multifunctional CF3SO3H‐functionalized porous‐organic‐polymers(POPs)‐supported Pd catalyst (Pd‐POPs‐CF3SO3H) was prepared using a series of modifications. A bio‐diketone yield of 51.0 % was achieved using Pd‐POPs‐CF3SO3H in the tandem conversion of fructose with an excellent TOF of 88.3 h−1 which is much more efficient than catalyst reported in literatures. Pd‐POPs‐CF3SO3H could be reused at least three times with stable performance. Control experiments and characterization results proved that the high specific surface area, hierarchical pore structure, abundance of CF3SO3−1 anions, and proximity of Pd moieties and acid sites (“The closer the better” principle) led to the decent performance for bio‐diketone.
Synergistic Effect Enhancing Baeyer‐Villiger Oxidation Performance of Resin‐Derived‐Carbon Supported FeCe Bimetallic Catalyst
Authors: Liu Mengyang , Gu Bin , Li Jingmei , Wei Huangzhao , Xue Weiyang , Jiang Yukun , Sun Chenglin
Published: August 2023

Upgrading cyclohexanone to ϵ‐caprolactone (ϵ‐CL) is of great importance to the synthesis of high value‐added downstream chemicals and the reduction of foam plastic. The catalytic synthesis of ϵ‐CL from cyclohexanone through O2/aldehyde method is an environmentally benign one‐pot tandem reaction without using peroxy acid, balancing the requirements of safety and efficiency. However, due to lack of elaborate design and collaboration of multiple active sites for catalysts, the catalytic efficiency of O2/aldehyde method still remains to be improved. Herein, a pitaya‐like catalyst (CeFe@RDC‐3) with Ce and Fe highly dispersed on resin‐derived‐carbon is synthesized through high temperature self‐assembly. On this bimetallic catalyst, high yield (97 %) of ϵ‐CL is achieved through aerobic oxidation of cyclohexanone with only 1.5 equivalent benzaldehyde. Moreover, considerable yields of ϵ‐CL, 88.3 % and 74.7 %, respectively, are also obtained over CeFe@RDC‐3 with green solvent (EtOAc) or even without solvent. No loss of activity is observed after five successive cycles, demonstrating high stability of CeFe@RDC‐3. The mechanism study reveals that the high performance of CeFe@RDC‐3 is ascribed to the Ce−Fe bimetallic synergy, uniform metal dispersion, abundant active oxygen and stabilizing effect of resin‐derived‐carbon to free radicals. This work provides prospect for a green, safe and low‐cost strategy for Baeyer‐Villiger process.
Slow Magnetization Relaxation in a Family of Triangular {CoIII2LnIII} Clusters: The Effect of Diamagnetic CoIII Ions on the LnIII Magnetic Dynamics
Authors: Armenis Alexandros S. , Vipanchi Vikram , Pantelis Konstantinos N. , Cunha‐Silva Luís , Vignesh Kuduva R. , Alexandropoulos Dimitris I. , Stamatatos Theocharis C.
Published: August 2023

The first use of the Schiff base chelate N‐naphthalidene‐o‐aminophenol (naphH2) in Co/Ln chemistry has afforded a family of isostructural [CoIII2LnIII(OMe)2(naph)2(O2CMe)3(MeOH)2] (Ln=Tb, Dy and Er) complexes, revealing a rare {CoIII2Ln(μ3‐OMe)}8+ triangular core composed of two diamagnetic CoIII ions and a 4f‐ion with slightly distorted square antiprismatic geometry. Alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility studies revealed that {Co2Dy}, and its magnetic diluted analogue {Co2Dy0.05Y0.95}, behave as mononuclear single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) with similar energy barriers for the magnetization reversal, Ueff, of ~85‐90 K. SMM properties were also detected for {Co2Er}, with the compound exhibiting a Ueff of 18.7 K under an applied magnetic field of 800 Oe. To interpret the experimental magnetic results, ab initio CASSCF/RASSI‐SO and DFT calculations were performed as a means of exploring the single‐ion characteristics of LnIII ions and comprehend the role of the diamagnetic CoIII ions in the magnetization relaxation of the three heterometallic compounds.
Solid‐State [4+4] Cycloaddition and Cycloreversion with Use of Unpaired Hydrogen‐Bond Donors to Achieve Solvatomorphism and Stabilization
Authors: George Gary C. , Hutchins Kristin M.
Published: August 2023

The crystal structure of a commercially available anthracene derivative, anthracene‐9‐thiocarboxamide, is reported here for the first time. The compound undergoes a [4+4] cycloaddition in the solid state to afford facile synthesis of the cycloadduct (CA). The cycloaddition is also reversible in the solid state using heat or mechanical force. Due to the presence of unpaired, strong hydrogen‐bond donor atoms on the CA, significant solvatomorphism is achieved, and components of the solvatomorphs self‐assemble into four different classes of supramolecular structures. The CA readily crystallizes with a variety of structurally‐diverse solvents including those containing oxygen‐, nitrogen‐, or pi‐acceptors. Some of the solvents the CA crystallized with include thiophene, benzene, and the three xylene isomers; thus, the CA was employed in industrially‐relevant solvent separation. However, in competition studies, the CA did not exhibit selectivity. Lastly, it is demonstrated that the CA crystallizes with vinyl‐containing monomers and is currently the only compound that crystallizes with both widely used monomers 4‐vinylpyridine and styrene. Solid‐state complexation of the CA with the monomers affords over a 50 °C increase in the monomer's thermal stabilities. The strategy of designing molecules with unused donors can be applied to achieve separations or volatile liquid stabilization.
Dysregulation of mTOR by tau in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bloom George S. , Norambuena Andrés
Published: August 2023

Tau was discovered in the mid 1970's as a microtubule‐associated protein that stimulates tubulin polymerization, and subsequently was shown to be expressed primarily in neurons, where it is most concentrated in axons. Interest in tau rose by the late 1980's, when it was shown to be the principal subunit of the neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) that accumulate in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, and achieved new heights by the late 1990's, when numerous tau mutations were found to be highly penetrant for AD‐related disorders that also are associated with NFTs and came to be known as non‐Alzheimer's tauopathies. The role of tau in neurodegeneration is far more complex than whatever effects on neurons may be caused by NFTs, however, and here we review our work on dysregulation of mTOR by tau in AD. mTOR is a protein kinase and master regulator of myriad aspects of cellular behavior. We have defined a complex signaling network whereby aberrant tau phosphorylation provoked by amyloid‐β oligomers (AβOs), the building blocks of the amyloid plaques that form in AD brain, cause post‐mitotic neurons to re‐enter the cell cycle, but to die eventually instead of dividing, which may account for most neuron death in AD. Remarkably, we found that this same neuronal signaling network also poisons a fundamental cell biological process that we discovered, nutrient‐induced mitochondrial activation, or NiMA. Tau‐dependent cell cycle re‐entry and NiMA inhibition occur in cultured neurons within a few hours of exposure to AβOs, and thus may represent seminal processes in AD pathogenesis.
Cooperative Sensitization Upconversion in Ytterbium(III)‐Based Eosin Lake Pigments
Authors: Cevallos‐Toledo Rita B. , Bellezza Delia , Ferrera‐González Juan , Giussani Angelo , Ortí Enrique , González‐Béjar María , Pérez‐Prieto Julia
Published: August 2023

Materials based on organic chromophores and lanthanides able to transform low‐energy photons, specifically near‐infrared (NIR) photons, into higher energy photons to eventually lead to long‐lived sensitized emission of the dye are highly desirable. Cooperative sensitization (CS) upconversion has only been accomplished for lanthanide‐based clusters. We used here the eosin Y (EOS) dianion and Yb3+ (EOS‐Yb), and demonstrate the efficient CS emission of the dye after NIR excitation. Remarkably, the EOS dianion emission exhibits a nearly linear dependence on the EOS‐Yb concentration and a quadratic dependence on the laser power density. The emission is non‐sensitive to oxygen and its lifetime lasts about 1.76 μs and 12 μs in DMSO and DMSO‐d6, respectively. Moreover, the effect of temperature (293–363 K range) on the EOS‐Yb 1H NMR spectroscopic shifts demonstrates the reversible dynamic nature of the material.
Compare_Genomes: A Comparative Genomics Workflow to Streamline the Analysis of Evolutionary Divergence Across Eukaryotic Genomes
Authors: Paril Jefferson , Zare Tannaz , Fournier‐Level Alexandre
Published: August 2023

The dawn of cost‐effective genome assembly is enabling deep comparative genomics to address fundamental evolutionary questions by comparing the genomes of multiple species. However, comparative genomics analyses frequently deploy multiple, often purpose‐built frameworks, limiting their transferability and replicability. Here, we present compare_genomes, a transferable and extensible comparative genomics workflow package we developed that streamlines the identification of orthologous families within and across eukaryotic genomes and tests for the presence of several mechanisms of evolution (gene family expansion or contraction and substitution rates within protein‐coding sequences). The workflow is available for Linux, written as a Nextflow workflow that calls established genomics and phylogenetics tools to streamline the analysis and visualization of eukaryotic genome divergence. This workflow is freely available at https://github.com/jeffersonfparil/compare_genomes, distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3 (GPLv3). © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Comparative genomics with Nextflow and Conda
Amyloid beta plaque accumulation with longitudinal [18F]AZD4694 PET
Authors: Therriault Joseph , Lussier Firoza Z. , Tissot Cécile , Chamoun Mira , Stevenson Jenna , Rahmouni Nesrine , Pallen Vanessa , Bezgin Gleb , Servaes Stijn , Kunach Peter , Wang Yi‐Ting , Fernandez‐Arias Jaime , Vermeiren Marie , Pascoal Tharick A. , Massarweh Gassan , Vitali Paolo , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Saha‐Chaudhuri Paramita , Gauthie Serge , Rosa‐Neto Pedro
Published: August 2023

Introduction

[18F]AZD4694 is an amyloid beta (Aβ) imaging agent used in several observational studies and clinical trials. However, no studies have yet published data on longitudinal Aβ accumulation measured with [18F]AZD4694.

Methods

We assessed 146 individuals who were evaluated with [18F]AZD4694 at baseline and 2‐year follow‐up. We calculated annual rates of [18F]AZD4694 change for clinically defined and biomarker‐defined groups

Results

Cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults displayed subtle [18F]AZD4694 standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) accumulation over the follow‐up period. In contrast, Aβ positive CU older adults displayed higher annual [18F]AZD4694 SUVR increases. [18F]AZD4694 SUVR accumulation in Aβ positive mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia was modest across the neocortex

Discussion

Larger increases in [18F]AZD4694 SUVR were observed in CU individuals who had abnormal amyloid positron emission tomography levels at baseline. [18F]AZD4694 can be used to monitor Aβ levels in therapeutic trials as well as clinical settings, particularly prior to initiating anti‐amyloid therapies.
Cytopathological differential diagnosis of malignant tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Ruotolo Riccardo , Maffei Elisabetta , Sabbatino Francesco , Serio Bianca , Zeppa Pio , Caputo Alessandro
Published: August 2023

Leptomeningeal metastasis is the spread of cancer to the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space and represents a dreadful complication of cancer. The most commonly responsible neoplasms are high‐grade lymphomas, leukemias, and some solid tumors, chiefly breast and lung cancer as well as melanoma. Herein we report our ten‐year retrospective experience on 715 cases of cerebrospinal fluid cytology, 21 (2.9%) of which were positive for leptomeningeal metastasis. Sample collection and processing, clinical history, interdisciplinary dialog, and ancillary techniques such as immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry are all fundamental in reaching the correct diagnosis and thus optimally caring for patients with leptomeningeal metastasis.
Prognostic value of three iron deficiency definitions in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Papadopoulou Charikleia , Reinhold Johannes , Grüner‐Hegge Nicolai , Kydd Anna , Bhagra Sai , Parameshwar K. Jayan , Lewis Clive , Martinez Luis , Pettit Stephen J.
Published: August 2023

Aims

There is uncertainty about the definition of iron deficiency (ID) and the association between ID and prognosis in patients with advanced heart failure. We evaluated three definitions of ID in patients referred for heart transplantation.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients assessed for heart transplantation at a single UK centre between January 2010 and May 2022 were included. ID was defined as (1) serum ferritin concentration of <100 ng/ml, or 100–299 ng/ml with transferrin saturation <20% (guideline definition), (2) serum iron concentration ≤13 μmol/L, or (3) transferrin saturation <20%. The primary outcome measure was a composite of all‐cause mortality, urgent heart transplantation or need for mechanical circulatory support. Overall, 801 patients were included, and the prevalence of ID was 39–55% depending on the definition used. ID, defined by either serum iron or transferrin saturation, was an independent predictor of the primary outcome measure (hazard ratio [HR] 1.532, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.264–1.944, and HR 1.595, 95% CI 1.323–2.033, respectively), but the same association was not seen with the guideline definition of ID (HR 1.085, 95% CI 0.8827–1.333). These findings were robust in multivariable Cox regression analysis. ID, by all definitions, was associated with lower 6‐min walk distance, lower peak oxygen consumption, higher intra‐cardiac filling pressures and lower cardiac output.

Conclusions

Iron deficiency, when defined by serum iron concentration or transferrin saturation, was associated with increased frequency of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure. The same association was not seen with guideline definition of ID.
Ecotoxicity of Lead to a Phytoplankton Community: Effects of pH and Phosphorus Addition and Implications for Risk Assessment
Authors: Nys Charlotte , De Schamphelaere Karel A. C.
Published: August 2023

Ecological risk assessment and water quality criteria for lead (Pb) are increasingly making use of bioavailability-based approaches to account for the impact of toxicity-modifying factors, such as pH and dissolved organic carbon. For phytoplankton, which are among the most Pb-sensitive freshwater species, a Pb bioavailability model has previously been developed based on standard single-species exposures at a high phosphorus (P) concentration and pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It is well known that P can affect metal toxicity to phytoplankton and that the pH of many surface waters can be above 8.0. We aimed to test whether the single-species bioavailability model for Pb could predict the influence of pH on Pb toxicity to a phytoplankton community at both low and high P supply. A 10-species phytoplankton community was exposed to Pb for 28 days at two different pH levels (7.2 and 8.4) and two different P supply levels (low and high, i.e., total P input 10 and 100 µg/L, respectively) in a full factorial 2 × 2 test design. We found that the effects of total Pb on three community-level endpoints (biodiversity, community functioning, and community structure) were highly dependent on both pH and P supply. Consistent lowest-observed-effect concentrations (LOECs) ranged between 21 and >196 µg total Pb/L and between 10 and >69 µg filtered Pb/L. Long-term LOECs were generally higher, that is, 69 µg total Pb/L (42 µg filtered Pb/L) or greater, across all endpoints and conditions, indicating recovery near the end of the exposure period, and suggesting the occurrence of acclimation to Pb and/or functional redundancy. The highest toxicity of Pb for all endpoints was observed in the pH 7.2 × low P treatment, whereas the pH 8.4 × low P and pH 8.4 × high P treatment were the least sensitive treatments. At the pH 7.2 × high P treatment, the algal community showed an intermediate Pb sensitivity. The effect of pH on the toxicity of filtered Pb could not be precisely quantified because for many endpoints no effect was observed at the highest Pb concentration tested. However, the long-term LOECs (filtered Pb) at low P supply suggest a decrease in Pb toxicity of at least 1.6-fold from pH 7.2 to 8.4, whereas the single-species algal bioavailability model predicted a 2.5-fold increase. This finding suggests that bioavailability effects of pH on Pb toxicity cannot be extrapolated as such from the single species to the community level. Overall, our data indicate that, although the single-species algal Pb bioavailability model may not capture pH effects on Pb ecotoxicity in multispecies systems, the bioavailability-based hazardous concentration for 5% of the species was protective of long-term Pb effects on the structure, function, and diversity of a phytoplankton community in a relevant range of pH and P conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2684–2700. © 2023 SETAC
Socioeconomic disparities in treatment and survival in patients with hypopharyngeal malignancy
Authors: Agarwal Pratima , Bloom Jacob , Zhou Yinfeng , Zhao Runqi , Huang Simu , Yajima Masanao , Devaiah Anand K.
Published: August 2023

Background

This retrospective study utilizes The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to investigate socioeconomic factors leading to treatment disparities in hypopharyngeal malignancy.

Methods

Treatment was compared to National Cancer Care Network guidelines. Novel analyses, including logistic modeling, allowed survival analysis and identification of socioeconomic variables not previously considered in staging and management guidelines.

Results

Black and older patients, and residence in low‐income areas predict lower likelihood of standard therapy (p < 0.05). Early‐stage disease and standard therapy correlate with improved survival (p < 0.001). Medicaid, advanced age, advanced disease, and treatment outside of consensus guidelines correlated with lower survival (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

There are clear socioeconomic factors impacting treatment and survival in hypopharyngeal malignancies. Standard therapy affords superior survival rate. Black, low socioeconomic status, and older patients are less likely to receive standard therapy. Education and language isolation do not predict treatment or survival. Understanding these discrepancies is paramount to palliating disparities in healthcare.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of novel Schiff bases containing pentafluorophenyl hydrazine
Authors: Hamurcu Fatma
Published: August 2023

In the present study, new Schiff bases derived from pentafluorophenyl‐hydrazine (L1, L2, L3, L4) were synthesized and their structures were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), 13C NMR, 19F NMR, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis methods. Then, the anticancer activities of the obtained compounds were investigated using three human cancer cell lines (A2780, over; Caco‐2, colon; and HT‐29 colon carcinoma cell lines). According to the obtained cytotoxicity results, compound number L4 was found to have the highest anticancer activity in A2780 (over) and Caco‐2 (colon) cell lines. Furthermore, in silico, ADMET properties, where studies play an important role in the development and prediction of drug compounds, were calculated using web‐based platforms. In addition, molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the binding interactions between the synthesized pentafluorophenyl‐hydrazone compounds and the MDM2 protein (4JSC). Both in vitro and in silico results showed that the synthesized compounds could act as potent anticancer agents.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency reinforces formaldehyde‐potentiated pro‐inflammatory responses and glycolysis in macrophages
Authors: Ma Huijuan , Lou Kaiyan , Shu Qi , Song Xiaodong , Xu Huan
Published: August 2023

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency caused by   genetic variant is present in more than 560 million people of East Asian descent, which can be identified by apparent facial flushing from acetaldehyde accumulation after consuming alcohol. Recent findings indicated that ALDH2 also played a critical role in detoxification of formaldehyde (FA). Our previous studies showed that FA could enhance macrophagic inflammatory responses through the induction of HIF‐1α‐dependent glycolysis. In the present study, pro‐inflammatory responses and glycolysis promoted by 0.5 mg/m3 FA were found in mice with Aldh2 gene knockout, which was confirmed in the primary macrophages isolated from Aldh2 gene knockout mice treated with 50 μM FA. FA at 50 and 100 μM also induced stronger dose‐dependent increases of pro‐inflammatory responses and glycolysis in RAW264.7 murine macrophages with knock‐down of ALDH2, and the enhanced effects induced by 50 μM FA was alleviated by inhibition of HIF‐1α in RAW264.7 macrophages with ALDH2 knock‐down. Collectively, these results clearly demonstrated that ALDH2 deficiency reinforced pro‐inflammatory responses and glycolysis in macrophages potentiated by environmentally relevant concentration of FA, which may increase the susceptibility to inflammation and immunotoxicity induced by environmental FA exposure.
The pre‐ and postembryonic development of Artemia franciscana (Anostraca: Artemiidae)
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Subramani , Shadrin Nickolai , Munuswamy Natesan
Published: August 2023

Artemia franciscana is a universal live feed in aquaculture, and it has been reported as an invasive species in many Asian hypersaline ecosystems. The present observations illustrated the pre‐ and postembryonic development stages of the A. franciscana population confined to the Indian saltern of Kelambakkam. We observed their growth patterns during various hydration periods with specific time intervals. Results showed differences in the development stages with respect to unique identity. Interestingly, a period of hydration showed notable cellular movement toward clockwise positions in the hydrating cysts. After 10 h of hydration, blastocoel appeared, accelerating the dynamic route of nuclei movement. At the end of the invagination, the embryo burst out of the cyst, and a sequence of emerging stages was noted. With reference to light microscopic observations, a series of developmental stages were observed, and each instar was documented by developing limb buds of nauplii. Excitingly, the 10th and 11th instar stages reveal sexual differentiation between male and female individuals. Thus, the laboratory culture study clearly documented the different developmental stages with their specific characteristic features. However, further molecular study would provide a cellular basis for understanding the early development of A. franciscana.
Marshbird response to herbicide control of cattail in northwestern Minnesota
Authors: Hill Nina M. , Johnson Douglas H. , Cooper Thomas R. , Archer Althea A. , Andersen David E.
Published: August 2023

Wetlands provide essential habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. In the once wetland‐rich Prairie Pothole Region and adjacent areas of central North America, many wetlands have been converted to agricultural production. Many remaining wetlands experience ecological change via the invasion and spread of non‐native plant species, such as non‐native narrowleaf (Typha angustifolia) and hybrid cattail (Typha x glauca), which spread aggressively and displace native vegetation, especially in large, impounded wetlands. Management of wetlands in these landscapes often includes broad‐scale herbicide application intended to break up mats of cattail and restore areas to more wildlife‐friendly conditions. Although restoration of wildlife habitat is a common goal of such management, marshbird response to invasive cattail control is poorly understood. To evaluate the effects of cattail management on wetland wildlife, we conducted standardized call‐broadcast surveys for 5 species of marshbirds at 9 study sites that included survey locations associated with areas treated with herbicide and paired areas not treated with herbicide in wetland impoundments in northwestern Minnesota, USA, using a before‐after, control‐impact study design. We surveyed American bitterns (Botaurus lentiginosus), least bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis), pied‐billed grebes (Podilymbus podiceps), soras (Porzana carolina), and Virginia rails (Rallus limicola) during the breeding season prior to herbicide application (late summer and early autumn of 2015) and during the 3 breeding seasons after herbicide application (2016–2018). We modeled species counts using a generalized linear mixed model with year‐by‐treatment interactions as fixed effects and site as a random effect. Before herbicide application, expected mean counts did not differ between treatment and control survey locations. Three years post‐treatment, we detected significant increases in expected mean counts at treatment compared to control survey locations for soras (t193 = −3.373, P = 0.020) and Virginia rails (t193 = −3.167, P = 0.037), and point estimates for all species except least bittern were higher at treatment survey locations. Overall, our results suggest that these marshbird species responded positively to herbicide control of invasive cattail and that breeding marshbirds in these and similar wetland systems may experience positive population response over a period of at least 3 years following treatment.