bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of phosphorus‐nitrogen hybrid flame retardant and investigation of its efficient flame‐retardant behavior in PA6/PA66
Authors: Wang Wengui , Wang Fan , Li Heng , Liu Yaochi
Published: December 2022

To improve the flame retardancy of PA6/PA66 copolymer, a phosphorus‐nitrogen flame retardant DDP‐M was successfully synthesized via melt condensation reaction between 2‐[(5‐oxo‐6H‐phosphanthridin‐5‐yl)methyl]butanedioic acid (DDP) and melamine (Mel). Its structure, product composition, and thermal stability were characterized by FTIR, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), matrix‐assisted laser desorption and ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results suggested that DDP‐M was a hybrid flame retardant. A series of flame‐retardant PA6/PA66 composites were prepared by melt extrusion. Their thermal stability and flame retardancy were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), TGA, limiting oxygen index (LOI), and vertical burning test (UL‐94). The combustion behavior demonstrated that DDP‐M can effectively improve flame retardancy, achieving 32% of LOI value and UL‐94 V‐0 rating with only 9 wt.% addition. No melt dripping was accomplished by adding 12% DDP‐M. The high dose (15%) harmed the flame‐retardant properties. The results of pyrolysis gaseous productions analysis and residual carbon analysis revealed the flame‐retardant mechanism of DDP‐M was a synergistic effect of melamine inducing gaseous phase flame retardancy and highly condensed P‐N char layers inducing condensed phase flame retardancy. The composites retained good mechanical properties due to the good dispersibility and compatibility between polyamide and DDP‐M.
A novel thiourea based interfacial modifier for silica‐filled natural rubber composites
Authors: Kandil Heba , Abo‐Salem Heba M.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a novel interfacial modifier, namely 2‐hexylthiouronium bromide (HTB), for silica has been synthesized and applied into silica‐filled natural rubber (NR) composites. HTB was synthesized from the reaction of thiourea with hexyl bromide at 65°C. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (1HNMR) were used to characterize the chemical structure of HTB. Different loadings of HTB were used to prepare a series of silica‐filled NR composites with the aim of verifying the optimal loading of HTB. The cure characteristics, swelling, mechanical, aging and morphological properties of the resulting composites were studied and compared with the unmodified silica‐filled NR composite. The thermal stability of the composites were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis. By examining the properties of the composites, it was found that the addition of HTB had a significant effect on the properties of the silica‐filled NR composites, resulting in shorter scorch and cure times, as well as better swelling, mechanical, aging, and thermal properties than those of the unmodified composite. Furthermore, it was found that 2.5 phr loading of HTB was preferable to obtain a composite with superior tensile properties as its composite's tensile strength increased by 104% over the unmodified composite.
Oscillations of fluid tori around neutron stars
Authors: Šrámková Eva , Matuszková Monika , Klimovičová Kateřina , Horák Jiři , Straub Odele , Urbancová Gabriela , Urbanec Martin , Karas Vladimír , Török Gabriel , Lančová Debora
Published: December 2022

We examine the influence of quadrupole moment of a slowly rotating neutron star (NS) on the oscillations of a fluid accretion disk (torus) orbiting a compact object the spacetime around which is described by the Hartle‐Thorne geometry. Explicit formulae for non‐geodesic orbital epicyclic and precession frequencies, as well as their simplified practical versions that allow for an expeditious application of the universal relations determining the NS properties, are obtained and examined. We demonstrate that the difference in the accretion disk precession frequencies for NSs of the same mass and angular momentum, but different oblateness, can reach up to tens of percent. Even higher differences can arise when NSs with the same mass and rotational frequency, but different equations of state (EoS), are considered. In particular, the Lense‐Thirring precession frequency defined in the innermost parts of the accretion region can differ by more than one order of magnitude across NSs with different EoS. Our results have clear implications for models of the LMXBs variability.
The Sensory Observation Autism Rating Scale (SOAR): Developed using the PROMIS® framework
Authors: Unwin Katy L. , Barbaro Josephine , Uljarevic Mirko , Hussain Azul , Chetcuti Madison , Lane Alison. E.
Published: December 2022

Autistic people experience the sensory world differently, impacting behavior. First‐hand accounts and group‐based research have found that sensory differences impact a range of things including family life, anxiety, participation, and daily living. Early sensory differences are widely reported to be associated with a cascade of developmental difference, suggesting that early autism diagnosis and sensory mapping could enable the provision of supports to facilitate flourishing. However, appropriate measurement tools are not available as all rely on proxy report or are observation measures which include limited modalities or domains and require the administration of stimuli. Therefore, following the gold‐standard recommendations for measurement development outlined by the PROMIS® framework, we created the Sensory Observation Autism Rating scale (SOAR). We identified sensory behaviors across all primary domains and modalities through an extensive autism‐sensory literature review and from focus groups with autism stakeholders. The initial item bank was then refined by an expert panel and through video coding five‐minutes of free play from Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule assessments of 105 age‐ and gender‐matched autistic and developmentally delayed children (aged 13–36 months; 38 female). An additional 25% of the sample were double coded to investigate interrater reliability. Observational data and expert review supported the reduction of the item bank to 37 items. We propose that the refined SOAR has excellent face and ecological validity, along with interrater reliability (Intraclass correlation = 0.87–0.99). Following further data collection and refinement, SOAR has promise to fully characterize sensory behaviors in autistic children and indicate useful supports.
The effect of anaerobic digestate tea on the growth of lemon grass (Cymbopogan citratus)
Authors: Rowe Tamaira Shakeina , Weekes Marc‐Ari , Browne De‐Mar , Holder Nikolai
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present the novel use of digestate tea to boost the rates of growth of Cymbopogan citratus, the lemon grass plant. The digestate was sourced from a functioning anaerobic digester at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, and made into a slurry (digestate tea). The slurry was then applied to the plants in varying surface concentrations. The digestate tea had a profound effect on the growth rates of the plants and resulted in an eight times increase in the overall biomass yield at the highest concentration of digestate tea applied (0.21 ± 0.06 kg, 5.5 L m−2), when compared with the control (0.026 ± 0.004 kg, 0 L m−2). This type of fertilization can tremendously boost lemon grass production, and hence, the production of the valuable lemon grass essential oil in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effects of rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, rosmanol, carnosol, and ursolic acid on the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases
Authors: Farhadi Faegheh , Baradaran Rahimi Vafa , Mohamadi Neda , Askari Vahid Reza
Published: December 2022

This review aimed to identify preclinical and clinical studies examining the effects of rosmarinic acid (RA), carnosic acid (CaA), rosmanol (RO), carnosol (CA), and ursolic acid (UA) against allergic and immunologic disorders. Various online databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, Cochrane trials, and Scopus, were searched from inception until October 2022. Due to the suppression of the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway, the main factor in allergic asthma, RA may be a promising candidate for the treatment of asthma. The other ingredients comprising CA and UA reduce the expression of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 and improve airway inflammation. Rosemary's anti‐cancer effect is mediated by several mechanisms, including DNA fragmentation, apoptosis induction, inhibition of astrocyte‐upregulated gene‐1 expression, and obstruction of cell cycle progression in the G1 phase. The compounds, essentially found in Rosemary essential oil, prevent smooth muscle contraction through its calcium antagonistic effects, inhibiting acetylcholine (ACH), histamine, and norepinephrine stimulation. Additionally, CA exhibits a substantially greater interaction with the nicotinic ACH receptor than a family of medications that relax the smooth muscles, making it a potent antispasmodic treatment. The components have demonstrated therapeutic effects on the immune, allergy, and respiratory disorders.
Optimization of CRISPR–Cas system for clinical cancer therapy
Authors: Meng Xiang , Wu Tian‐gang , Lou Qiu‐yue , Niu Kai‐yuan , Jiang Lei , Xiao Qing‐zhong , Xu Tao , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2022

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by alterations in genome and epigenome and is one of the leading causes for death worldwide. The exploration of disease development and therapeutic strategies at the genetic level have become the key to the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. The functional analysis of genes and mutations has been slow and laborious. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative approaches to improve the current status of cancer research. Gene editing technologies provide technical support for efficient gene disruption and modification in vivo and in vitro, in particular the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas systems. Currently, the applications of CRISPR–Cas systems in cancer rely on different Cas effector proteins and the design of guide RNAs. Furthermore, effective vector delivery must be met for the CRISPR–Cas systems to enter human clinical trials. In this review article, we describe the mechanism of the CRISPR–Cas systems and highlight the applications of class II Cas effector proteins. We also propose a synthetic biology approach to modify the CRISPR–Cas systems, and summarize various delivery approaches facilitating the clinical application of the CRISPR–Cas systems. By modifying the CRISPR–Cas system and optimizing its in vivo delivery, promising and effective treatments for cancers using the CRISPR–Cas system are emerging.
Development of chondrocyte‐laden alginate hydrogels with modulated microstructure and properties for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Lertwimol Tareerat , Sonthithai Pacharapan , Hankamolsiri Weerawan , Kaewkong Pakkanun , Uppanan Paweena
Published: December 2022

Alginate hydrogel is an attractive biomaterial for cell microencapsulation. The microarchitecture of hydrogels can regulate cellular functions. This study aims to investigate the applicability of sodium citrate buffer (SCB) as a culture medium supplement for modulating the microstructure of alginate microbeads to provide a favorable microenvironment for chondrogenic induction. The chondrocyte‐laden microbeads, with and without TGF‐β3 incorporation, were produced through an encapsulator. The obtained small‐sized microbeads (~300 μm) were exposed to a treatment medium containing SCB, composed of varied concentrations of sodium citrate (1.10–1.57 mM), sodium chloride (3.00–4.29 mM), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (0.60–0.86 mM) to partially degrade their crosslinked structure for 3 days, followed by culture in a normal medium until day 21. Scanning electron microscope micrographs demonstrated a loose hydrogel network with an enhanced pore size in the SCB‐treated microbeads. Increasing the concentration of SCB in the treatment medium reduced the calcium content of the microbeads via a Na+/Ca2+ exchange process and improved the water absorption of the microbeads, resulting in a higher swelling ratio. All the tested SCB concentrations were non‐cytotoxic. Increases in aggrecan and type II collagen gene expression and their corresponding extracellular matrix accumulation, glycosaminoglycans, and type II collagen were vividly detected in the TGF‐β3‐containing microbeads with increasing SCB concentrations in the treatment medium. Our findings highlighted that the combination of SCB treatment and TGF‐β3 incorporation in the chondrocyte‐laden microbeads is a promising strategy for enhancing cartilage regeneration, which may contribute to a versatile application in cell delivery and tissue engineering.
Language as power in the therapy room: A study of bilingual (Arabic–English) therapists' experiences
Authors: Al‐Mahroos Zahra , Di Braccio Martina
Published: December 2022

The topic of language as power (LaP) in individual therapeutic encounters has thus far been overlooked, and as bilingual therapists have the ability to use more than one language in the therapy room, their experience of LaP is a compelling research area that this paper attempts to explore. This qualitative, inductive, phenomenological study used interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore five bilingual Arabic–English‐speaking therapists' experiences of LaP in the therapeutic encounter. The study identifies two overarching themes: (a) the emergence of identity and power from language and (b) comparisons of power in the English and Arabic languages. Within these themes, the study finds that therapists experience LaP through multiple avenues: self‐disclosure, intersectionality, being transported to different identities and expressions of power and power of expression in Arabic–English. These multiple avenues illustrate the complexity of LaP in the therapeutic encounter. The study sheds light on an underexplored area in psychotherapy, illuminating an important area for psychotherapists and training institutions to consider when working with clients.
A change in frame and countertransference experiences: Transitioning from face‐to‐face to telepsychotherapy
Authors: Braude Georgia , Mohi Simone , Quinlan Elly , Shoullis Anthony , Collison James
Published: December 2022

Unprecedented changes in traditional psychotherapeutic practice arose from the lockdown restrictions associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic. These changes to practice included the imposed change to the therapeutic frame when transitioning clients from face‐to‐face meetings to delivery of psychotherapy sessions via videoconferencing (defined here as telepsychotherapy). The current study conducted qualitative interviews with 16 Australian psychologists who transitioned their existing adult psychotherapy clients from face‐to‐face therapy to telepsychotherapy and explored their novel experiences associated with countertransference reactions during this period. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed several unique findings. The type of countertransference reactions towards existing clients was consistent across both face‐to‐face and online meetings; however, the felt intensity of countertransference reactions was reduced. Psychologists reported an increased hesitance to work with intense emotions during telepsychotherapy sessions and felt increased pressure to work harder during online sessions when compared to face‐to‐face meetings. Exposure to their clients' personal and home environments during telepsychotherapy sessions elicited several novel reactions towards their clients. These findings on countertransference and telepsychotherapy are informative for future practice and training. Awareness of these unique countertransference experiences is recommended prior to engaging in telepsychotherapy or when transitioning clients to this modality.
Antileishmanial Screening, Cytotoxicity, and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils: A Special Focus on Piper callosum Essential Oil
Authors: Garcia Andreza R. , Amaral Ana Claudia F. , Maria Ana Clara B. , Paz Mariana M. , Amorim Mariana M. B. , Chaves Francisco C. M. , Vermelho Alane B. , Nico Dirlei , Rodrigues Igor A.
Published: December 2022

Leishmania amazonensis is the etiological agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis, a disease characterized by the emergence of cutaneous and mucocutaneous ulcerated lesions that can evolve into severe destruction of skin tissue. Treatment of the disease is often accompanied by high toxicity and variable efficacy. Essential oils stand out for having diverse pharmacological properties. Here, we screened a panel of fourteen essential oils for their anti‐L. amazonensis activity, cytotoxicity, and chemical profile. Lippia sidoides (LSEO) and Piper callosum (PCEO) oils displayed the best anti‐promastigote and anti‐amastigote activities with IC50 of 31 and 21 μg/ml, respectively. PCEO was the safest oil with a desirable selectivity index >10. In addition, PCEO showed no cytotoxicity against the VERO line and erythrocytes. PCEO‐treated amastigotes displayed mitochondrial membrane depolarization and high levels of intracellular ROS. Safrole (54.72 %) was the main component of PCEO. The results described here highlight the use of essential oils to combat tegumentary leishmaniasis.
A Keto Reductase Involved in Steroid Degradation in Mycolicibacterium neoaurum
Authors: Jin Ying , Peng Jinjin , Tian Wei , Chang Zunxue
Published: December 2022

Phytosterols can be used by microorganisms as carbon and energy sources and completely degraded into CO2 and H2O. The catabolic pathway of phytosterols was well characterized in many microorganisms. Blocking the steroid core ring degradation by deletions of fadE30 and fadD3 genes, two important steroid intermediates, 3aα‐H‐4α‐(3’‐Propionic acid)‐5α‐hydroxy‐7aβ‐methylhexahydro‐1‐indanone‐δ‐lactone (sitolactone, or HIL) and 3aα‐H‐4α‐(3’‐propionic acid)‐7aβ‐methylhexahydro‐1,5‐indanedione (HIP) can be accumulated. They are currently used to synthesize nor‐steroid drugs with an α‐methyl group or without the methyl group at the C10‐position, such as estrone and norethindrone. In this study, a key gene involved in the bioconversion of HIP to HIL was identified in Mycolicibacterium neoaurum. Through heterologous expression, gene hipR was found to be involved in the reduction of the C5 keto group of HIP to a hydroxy group, leading to spontaneously lactonization into HIL in vitro. Through gene complementation and knockout, HipR functions were verified and two HIP degradation pathways in vivo were elucidated. The finding of this research facilitated the understanding of the metabolic pathway of sterols, and was directly applied to engineering robust production strains by overexpression or knockout of related genes.
dSTORM‐Based Single‐Cell Protein Quantitative Analysis Can Effectively Evaluate the Degradation Ability of PROTACs
Authors: Yang Fuwei , Tan Yuxin , Wu Cheng , Xin Lilan , Huang Zhenli , Zhou Haibing , Zhou Fuling
Published: December 2022

As an emerging therapeutic strategy, proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been proven to be superior to traditional drugs in many aspects. However, due to their unique mechanism of action, existing methods for evaluating the degradation still have many limitations, which seriously restricts the development of PROTACs. In this methodological study, using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM)‐based single‐cell protein quantitative analysis, we systematically investigated the dynamic degradation characteristics of FLT3 protein during PROTACs treatment. We found that the distribution of FLT3 varies between FLT3‐ITD mutation and FLT3‐WT cells. PROTACs had an obvious time‐course effect on protein degradation and present two distinct phases; this provided a basis for deciding when to evaluate protein degradation. High concentrations of PROTACs were more effective than long‐time administration because a higher Dmax was achieved. Two‐color dSTORM‐based colocalization analysis efficiently detected the proportion of ternary complexes, making it very useful in screening PROTACs. Taken together, our findings show that the dSTORM method is an ideal tool for evaluating PROTACs and will accelerate the development of new PROTACs.
Scalable Photovoltaic‐Electrochemical Cells for Hydrogen Production from Water ‐ Recent Advances
Authors: Lee Minoh , Haas Stefan , Smirnov Vladimir , Merdzhanova Tsvetelina , Rau Uwe
Published: December 2022

Hydrogen is regarded as a very important pillar for the future energy supply because it is readily available from water and can be used for environmentally friendly electricity generation. Hydrogen can be produced in various ways. Water splitting powered by renewable resources (e. g., solar, wind, etc.) can be an ideal way of hydrogen generation in the future since this approach can achieve true net‐zero carbon dioxide emissions. This review article is aimed at giving an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art hydrogen generation driven by photovoltaics (PVs) on a relatively large‐scale (with PV area >50 cm2). The basic knowledge/principle of (PV‐driven) water splitting is introduced in the beginning part. Then, different types of PV‐driven water splitting devices and the recent advances in scalable PV‐electrochemical water splitting devices are intensively reviewed in the middle part. Finally, cost predictions and challenges that need to be addressed are presented at the end of this article.
Development of a Tyrosinase Amperometric Biosensor Based on Carbon Nanomaterials for the Detection of Phenolic Pollutants in Diverse Environments
Authors: Liu Yanran , Chen Yafei , Fan Yining , Gao Guanyue , Zhi Jinfang
Published: December 2022

Phenolic compounds are widespread water contaminants with high toxicity and chronic carcinogenicity, whose concentration is restricted by a variety of water quality regulations. In the present study, we developed a tyrosinase biosensor based on a nanocomposite of carbon nanotubes, nanodiamonds, and soluble starch to enhance sensing performance during practical application. Doping nanodiamonds in soluble starch considerably improved the electrode‘s biocompatibility and electroactive sites, while carbon nanotubes improved the loading capacity and electron transfer efficiency of tyrosinase. The as‐prepared biosensor exhibited a broad detection range from 0.01 μM to 50 μM for phenol, which covered the concentration thresholds of the water standard requirement between drinking water to industrial effluents, and the limit of detection (LOD) is down to 2.9 nM. Furthermore, a portable instrument with an integrated probe and self‐calibrated algorithm software was developed to automatically detect and readout the phenol concentration. The as‐prepared instrument demonstrated good agreement to the ISO 4‐Aminoantipyrine spectrometric method in the phenol detection of wastewaters that was collected from a coal factory, chemical and biological manufacturing plants, and biological fermentation factory. The application of this novel biosensor and instrument are paving the way to a wider application of amperometric biosensors for in‐field phenol monitoring.
Chiral recognition of tryptophan enantiomer based on the electrode modified by polyaniline adsorption bovine serum albumin complex
Authors: Yao Wenyan , Li Sha , Xie Licheng , Jiang Yan
Published: December 2022

A chiral sensing platform was constructed via adsorptive functionalization of ammonium persulfate doped polyaniline (APS‐DPANI) with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The novelty of this work is the construction of such chiral interface with adsorption principle. The material has been characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric and water contact angle analyses. It displayed considerable stability in multi‐run cyclic voltammetric scanning. Moreover, the superior conductivity of APS‐DPANI and the decent binding ability of BSA endowed this sensing platform with an excellent recognition effect for tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers in the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) test. The recognition was highly reproducible, and the detection limits for L‐ and D‐isomer were 0.071 and 0.0478 mM, respectively.
Mission alignment with employees and financiers: Probing into the workings of B Corp certification
Authors: Paelman Valerie , Van Cauwenberge Philippe , Vander Bauwhede Heidi
Published: December 2022

Sustainable enterprises are becoming more popular and play an important role in tackling environmental and social challenges. Their hybrid nature, that is, the combination of financial and societal goals, makes them prone to external legitimacy issues and competing internal logics, which results in mission drift. We investigate whether and how B Corp certification helps remedy mission drift by conducting semi‐structured interviews with 16 key employees in 13 Dutch and Belgian certified B Corps from various industries. Our findings show that B Corp certification helps ingrain the mission into human resource management, in both the recruitment and employee engagement processes, which contributes to internal alignment and lowers the risk of mission drift. In addition, certification helps articulate the company's dual nature to finance providers and find financing sources that relate more with the mission.
Usefulness of serum androgen isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to detect testosterone supplementation in women
Authors: Andersson Alexander , Piper Thomas , Ekström Lena , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Thevis Mario
Published: December 2022

The detection of testosterone intake is facilitated by monitoring the urinary steroid profile in the athlete biological passport. This technique can be used with confidence to identify target samples for isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Regrettably, most research has been performed on male subjects resulting in a method that does not account for females' steroid concentration and/or variation. This study evaluates the usefulness of the carbon isotope ratio (CIR) in serum of female subjects. Two steroid sulphates are targeted in serum, androsterone and epiandrosterone. Both exhibit statistically significant depletion of their CIR after 10 weeks of daily (10 mg) transdermal testosterone administration. Of the 21 female subjects, samples from six individuals were identified as adverse analytical findings; additionally, four were found atypical considering the serum CIR. The urinary athlete biological passport was not sufficiently sensitive to identify target serum samples for isotope ratio mass spectroscopy. Of the six with a suspicious passport, only two could be confirmed using the serum CIR of androsterone and epiandrosterone. This study shows that CIR analysis in serum cannot be considered the sole confirmatory solution to detect testosterone doping in women due to low sensitivity. However, this analysis has the potential to be used as a complementary method in certain situations to confirm exogenous testosterone in women.
Social‐ecological cascade effects of land use on vertebrate pest dynamics in arid agricultural communities
Authors: Lewin Amir , Erinjery Joseph J. , Nissim Doron , Iwamura Takuya
Published: December 2022

Extensive land conversion to agriculture in drylands and associated resource use have wide‐ranging impacts on desert ecosystems globally. Incorporating the impacts of human‐social aspects is thus imperative in examining ecological interactions. The provision of agricultural inputs in these resource‐scarce regions supports invasive and pest species, negatively impacting both agricultural productivity and native desert ecosystems. Understanding the spatial dynamics of invasive and pest species requires analyzing both bottom‐up resource availability factors underlying animal distributions and top‐down biological controls. Here, we evaluate the social‐ecological cascading effects of dryland agriculture on vertebrate pest communities in dryland agricultural communities of Israel. Our study region is characterized by 18 agricultural cooperatives with distinct crop regimes due to contrasting social decision‐making and resource allocation schemes (i.e., communal kibbutzim vs. privatized moshavim). Crop choices further affect land management (e.g., enclosed vs. open farm systems) and resource intensity. This system is ideal for studying trophic mechanisms underlying animal assemblages between agricultural regimes. We examine the role of agricultural land‐use practices on pest spatial distributions based on multiyear vertebrate pest observations with agricultural data sets. We use structural equation modeling (SEM) to quantify the relative importance of added agricultural resources underlying bottom‐up and top‐down trophic processes regulating vertebrate pest assemblages. Results reveal that crop choices determine pest distributions through bottom‐up processes directly, while simultaneously driving pest competitive interactions through indirect top‐down cascades impacting pest communities. For example, due to the indirect negative effect of wolves on mesopredators (foxes and jackals) mediated by livestock, the total positive effect of livestock on the abundance of mesopredators is reduced. Our study illustrates the social‐ecological cascading effects of agricultural regimes on pest community assemblages mediated by contrasting agricultural land‐use practices. Considering the expansion of dryland agroecological systems globally, understanding the intricate cascading pathways of predator‐ and prey‐pest communities has important implications for agricultural management, biological invasions in drylands, and fragile desert environments.
Examining changes in binge‐eating disorder network centrality and structure in patients treated with cognitive‐behavioral therapy versus interpersonal psychotherapy
Authors: Forrest Lauren N. , Franko Debra L. , Thompson‐Brenner Heather , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: December 2022

Objective

A sizeable minority of patients with binge‐eating disorder (BED) do not fully respond to evidence‐based treatments. Evidence to guide refinements of treatments is needed. Conceptualizing BED as arising from a network of symptom‐to‐symptom interactions allows for identification of the most strongly connected symptoms, which could inform intervention targets. This study estimated networks of BED features at pretreatment and posttreatment to assess whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) differentially impacted the interrelationships of BED symptoms/features.

Methods

Participants were 392 adults (83% women, 88% white) with BED who received CBT (n = 236) or IPT (n = 156) and assessed at pretreatment and posttreatment. Networks were estimated across timepoints and treatments. Expected influence (EI) was calculated; symptoms with the highest EI have the most strong and frequent associations with other symptoms. We also assessed whether the symptoms with the highest and lowest EI predicted posttreatment remission indicators.

Results

In the CBT and IPT networks, shape concern, weight concern, and eating concern had the highest EI at pretreatment and posttreatment. EI significantly increased from pretreatment to posttreatment for some symptoms in CBT but did not change for any symptoms in IPT. Shape concern significantly and positively predicted BED remission indicators in CBT and IPT.

Conclusions

CBT and IPT similarly impacted interrelations among BED features. Pretreatment EI predicted posttreatment remission indicators, indicating that pretreatment centrality could signal meaningful intervention targets. Clinical implications and avenues for future research are discussed including how personalized network analysis may advance the understanding of the clinical utility of centrality.

Public Significance

Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy for binge‐eating disorder, which are two leading evidence‐based treatments for binge‐eating disorder that are quite different in their models and approaches, similarly impacted interrelations among binge‐eating disorder symptoms. In addition, the most strongly interconnected symptom predicted indicators of remission. Studying the interrelations among symptoms may provide new insight on how treatments impact symptom relationships and inform intervention targets.
Population genetic structure of the globally introduced big‐headed ant in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Kuan‐Ling , Tseng Shu‐Ping , Tatsuta Haruki , Tsuji Kazuki , Tay Jia‐Wei , Singham G. Veera , Yang Chin‐Cheng Scotty , Neoh Kok‐Boon
Published: December 2022

Global commerce and transportation facilitate the spread of invasive species. The African big‐headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), has achieved worldwide distribution through globalization. Since the late 19th century, Taiwan has served as a major seaport because of its strategic location. The population genetic structure of P. megacephala in Taiwan is likely to be shaped by international trade and migration between neighboring islands. In this study, we investigated the population genetics of P. megacephala colonies sampled from four geographical regions in Taiwan and elucidated the population genetic structures of P. megacephala sampled from Taiwan, Okinawa, and Hawaii. We observed a low genetic diversity of P. megacephala across regions in Taiwan. Moreover, we noted low regional genetic differentiation and did not observe isolation by distance, implying that long‐distance jump dispersal might have played a crucial role in the spread of P. megacephala. We sequenced the partial cytochrome oxidase I gene and observed three mitochondrial haplotypes (TW1–TW3). TW1 and TW3 most likely originated from populations within the species' known invasive range, suggesting that secondary introduction is the predominant mode of introduction for this invasive ant. TW2 represents a novel haplotype that was previously unreported in other regions. P. megacephala populations from Taiwan, Okinawa, and Hawaii exhibited remarkable genetic similarity, which may reflect their relative geographic proximity and the historical connectedness of the Asia‐Pacific region.
Geography, taxonomy, and ecological guild: Factors impacting freshwater macroinvertebrate gut microbiomes
Authors: Ayayee Paul A. , Wesner Jeff S. , Ouellette Scot P.
Published: December 2022

Despite their diversity, global distribution, and apparent effects on host biology, the rules of life that govern variation in microbiomes among host species remain unclear, particularly in freshwater organisms. In this study, we sought to assess whether geographic location, taxonomy (order, family, and genus), or functional feeding group (FFG) designations would best explain differences in the gut microbiome composition among macroinvertebrates sampled across 10 National Ecological Observatory Network's (NEON) freshwater stream sites in the United States. Subsequently, we compared the beta diversity of microbiomes among locations, taxonomy (order, family, and genus), and FFGs in a single statistical model to account for variation within the source microbial community and the types of macroinvertebrates sampled across locations. We determined significant differences in community composition among macroinvertebrate orders, families, genera, and FFGs. Differences in microbiome compositions were underscored by different bacterial ASVs that were differentially abundant among variables (four bacterial ASVs across the 10 NEON sites, 43 ASVs among the macroinvertebrate orders, and 18 bacterial ASVs differing among the five FFGs). Analyses of variations in microbiome composition using the Bray–Curtis distance matric revealed FFGs as the dominant source of variation (mean standard deviation of 0.8), followed by stream site (mean standard deviation of 0.5), and finally family and genus (mean standard deviation of 0.3 each). Our findings revealed a principal role for FFG classification in insect gut microbiome beta diversity with additional roles for geographic distribution and taxonomy.
Suppressed Internal Intrinsic Stress Engineering in High‐Performance Ni‐Rich Cathode Via Multilayered In Situ Coating Structure
Authors: Yang Jiachao , Li Yunjiao , Xi Xiaoming , Zheng Junchao , Yu Jian , He Zhenjiang
Published: December 2022

LiNixCoyAlzO2(NCA) cathode materials are drawing widespread attention, but the huge gap between the ideal and present cyclic stability still hinders their further commercial application, especially for the Ni‐rich LiNixCoyAlzO2 (x > 0.8, x + y + z = 1) cathode material, which is owing to the structural degradation and particles' intrinsic fracture. To tackle the problems, Li0.5La2Al0.5O4 in situ coated and Mn compensating doped multilayer LiNi0.82Co0.14Al0.04O2 was prepared. XRD refinement indicates that La–Mn co‐modifying could realize appropriate Li/Ni disorder degree. Calculated results and in situ XRD patterns reveal that the LLAO coating layer could effectively restrain crack in secondary particles benefited from the suppressed internal strain. AFM further improves as NCA‐LM2 has superior mechanical property. The SEM, TEM, XPS tests indicate that the cycled cathode with LLAO–Mn modification displays a more complete morphology and less side reaction with electrolyte. DEMS was used to further investigate cathode–electrolyte interface which was reflected by gas evolution. NCA‐LM2 releases less CO2 than NCA‐P indexing on a more stable surface. The modified material presents outstanding capacity retention of 96.2% after 100 cycles in the voltage range of 3.0–4.4 V at 1C, 13% higher than that of the pristine and 80.8% at 1 C after 300 cycles. This excellent electrochemical performance could be attributed to the fact that the high chemically stable coating layer of Li0.5La2Al0.5O4 (LLAO) could enhance the interface and the Mn doping layer could suppress the influence of the lattice mismatch and distortion. We believe that it can be a useful strategy for the modification of Ni‐rich cathode material and other advanced functional material.
Potassium reduction with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in patients with heart failure
Authors: Tardif Jean‐Claude , Rouleau Jean , Chertow Glenn M. , Al‐Shurbaji Ayman , Lisovskaja Vera , Gustavson Stephanie , Zhao Yanli , Bouabdallaoui Nadia , Desai Akshay S. , Chernyavskiy Alexander , Evsina Maria , Merkely Béla , McMurray John J.V. , Pfeffer Marc A.
Published: December 2022

Aims

Several patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) do not receive renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors at the recommended dose or at all, frequently due to actual or feared hyperkalaemia. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is an orally administered non‐absorbed intestinal potassium binder proven to lower serum potassium concentrations.

Methods and results

PRIORITIZE‐HF was an international, multicentre, parallel‐group, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to evaluate the benefits and risks of using SZC to intensify RAAS inhibitor therapy. Patients with symptomatic HFrEF were eligible and randomly assigned to receive SZC 5 g or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Doses of study medication and RAAS inhibitors were titrated during the treatment period. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients at 12 weeks in the following categories: (i) any RAAS inhibitor at less than target dose, and no MRA; (ii) any RAAS inhibitor at target dose and no MRA; (ii) MRA at less than target dose; and (iv) MRA at target dose. Due to challenges in participant management related to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the study was prematurely terminated with 182 randomized patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of patients by RAAS inhibitor treatment categories at 3 months (P = 0.43). The proportion of patients at target MRA dose was numerically higher in the SZC group (56.4%) compared with the placebo group (47.0%). Overall, SZC was well tolerated.

Conclusions

PRIORITIZE‐HF was terminated prematurely due to COVID‐19 and did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in the intensity of RAAS inhibitor therapies with the potassium‐reducing agent SZC compared with placebo.
Total Synthesis of (E/Z) des‐Hydroxy Triticone A and B
Authors: Chakave Sunil Dattatray , Shete Shrikant , Kandukuri Sandeep Reddy , Montgomery Mark , Manjunath Bhanu N. , Sonawane Ravindra Punjaji
Published: December 2022

The first total synthesis of des‐hydroxy triticone A and B was achieved in 12 steps. The highly chemoselective, base mediated iodolactamization of olefins with N‐OMe amide motif is a key highlight of the synthesis.
A Simple, sensitive, and selective electrochemical aptasensor for cortisol based on rGO‐AuNPs
Authors: da Silva Alexsandra D. , Paschoalino Waldemir J. , Kubota Lauro T.
Published: December 2022

Cortisol is a steroid hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It participates in and controls several processes in the body and is considered an important physiological biomarker. Due to its very low concentrations in body fluids, its detection requires high sensitivity and specificity. Here, we present a simple electrochemical biosensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the immobilization of the cortisol‐specific aptamer (Ap) (MCH‐Ap‐AurGO/GCE). Important analytical parameters for identifying the target analyte were optimized, such as conditions and amount of immobilized Ap, the influence of the concentration and nature of the supporting electrolyte, pH of the medium, and incubation time. The optimized conditions for the aptasensor were: concentration of Ap 1.0 × 10−6 mol L−1, support electrolyte Tris/HCl 50 mmol L−1, MgCl2 10 mmol L−1, and NaCl 10 mmol L−1, at pH 5.0 and incubation time of 15 min. A linear response range was obtained from 1 × 10−18 up to 1 × 10−11 mol L−1 of cortisol with a detection limit (LOD) of 1.0 × 10−18 mol L−1. A curve adjusted for operational purposes in the saliva sample was fitted for the concentration range between 0.5 × 10−14 and 1 × 10−11 mol L−1, with a linear regression equation ΔRtc/Rtc1 = 2.70 + 0.17 × log([Cortisol]). The aptasensor demonstrated a great potential for detecting cortisol in a simple, fast, and highly sensitive way, opening its path for application in real samples, which present levels below the concentration in which cortisol is commonly found in body fluids.
In‐line monitoring of protein concentration with MIR spectroscopy during UFDF
Authors: Milewska Adrianna , Baekelandt Géraldine , Boutaieb Sarra , Mozin Vitalii , Falconbridge Andrew
Published: December 2022

Rapid increase of product titers in upstream processes has presented challenges for downstream processing, where purification costs increase linearly with the increase of the product yield. Hence, innovative solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools, such as spectroscopic techniques, are on the rise due to their capacity to provide real‐time, precise analytics. This ensures consistent product quality and increased process understanding, as well as process control. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIR) has emerged as a highly promising technique within recent years, owing to its ability to monitor several critical process parameters at the same time and unchallenging spectral analysis and data interpretation. For in‐line monitoring, Attenuated Total Reflectance—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) is a method of choice, as it enables reliable measurements in a liquid environment, even though water absorption bands are present in the region of interest. Here, we present MIR spectroscopy as a monitoring tool of critical process parameters in ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UFDF). MIR spectrometer was integrated in the UFDF process in an in‐line fashion through a single‐use flow cell containing a single bounce silicon ATR crystal. The results indicate that the one‐point calibration algorithm applied to the MIR spectra, predicts highly accurate protein concentrations, as compared with validated offline analytical methods.
Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Operando Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy as Useful Probing Techniques
Authors: AlSalka Yamen , Schwabe Sven , Geweke Jan , Ctistis Georgios , Wackerbarth Hainer
Published: December 2022

The urgent need for the clean energy transition of our society is the incentive for the scientific research groups to further advance the development of green hydrogen production. The field of (photo)electrochemical water splitting is currently experiencing a significant expansion of scientific investigations. Despite the technological and material development brought by this technique, the complex reaction mechanisms on the surface of (photo)electrodes during water splitting have led to considerable scientific questions and many contradictions to theoretical expectations. Therefore, a deeper tracking of the surface‐active centers, the experimental reaction mechanisms, and the nature of intermediates requires the use of in situ spectroscopic techniques. In this review, operando Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies in the field of (photo)electrochemical water splitting are presented. In the first section, the environmental challenges and possible solutions are discussed, and then the principle of vibrational spectroscopy and its applications in the field of (photo)catalysis are presented in detail. In the second part, the recent results of operando Raman and FTIR techniques for (photo)electrochemical water splitting, including challenges and reaction mechanisms, are reviewed. To simplify the presentation, the results are subdivided according to the materials used as (photo)electrodes.
Environmentally friendly cathode interlayer modification on edible bio‐acids with enhanced electron extraction and improved power conversion efficiency
Authors: Wen Junjie , Lin Rui , Wu Yibing , Zhang Hong , Zhou Hui , Liu Zheng , Xie Yu , Ye Dapeng , Ouyang Xinhua
Published: December 2022

Realizing environmental compatibility and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) are crucial in the research of organic photovoltaics towards practical application. Applying environmentally friendly bio‐materials into the modification of cathode interlayer (CIL) is a feasible approach to move towards both targets. In this research, three edible bio‐acids, ursolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, are employed to modify the PDIN CIL of the organic solar cells (OSCs) with non‐fullerene acceptors. Among these edible bio‐acid modifiers, ursolic acid shows its excellent performance in improving interfacial contact and suppressing charge recombination. It helps to obtain a good interfacial contact and facilitates the electron extraction. As a result, the photovoltaic performance is significantly improved. The average PCE are increased from 17.58% of the control devices to 18.35% of the PDIN + Ursolic Acid based devices, with a maximum PCE of 18.54%. It is the champion efficiency among the reported applications of bio‐derived materials for the CILs. This study demonstrates the successful application of edible bio‐acid, which offers an effective and green approach for the CIL modification to realize highly efficient OSCs.

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