bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Universal Molten Salt Method for Direct Upcycling of Spent Ni‐rich Cathode towards Single‐crystalline Li‐rich Cathode
Authors: Qin Zuoyu , Zhang Ying , Luo Wuqing , Zhang Tao , Wang Tao , Ni Lianshan , Wang Haoji , Zhang Ning , Liu Xiaohe , Zhou Jiang , Chen Gen
Published: April 2023

With ever‐increasing pursuit for high‐value output in recycling spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), traditional recycling methods of cathodes tend to be obsolete because of the complicated procedures. Herein, we first upcycle spent polycrystal LiNi0.88Co0.095Al0.025O2 (S‐NCA) to high value‐added single‐crystalline and Li‐rich cathode materials through a simple but feasible LiOH‐Na2SO4 eutectic molten salt strategy. The in situ X‐ray diffraction technique and a series of paratactic experiments record the evolution process of upcycling and prove that excessive Li occupies the transition metal (TM) layers. Beneficial from the single‐crystalline and Li‐rich nature, the regenerated NCA (R‐NCA) exhibits remarkably enhanced electrochemical performances in terms of long‐term cyclability, high‐rate performance and low polarization. This approach can also be successfully extended to other cathode materials e.g., LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM) and mixed spent NCAs with varied degree of Li loss.
Light‐Responsive Elastin‐Like Peptide‐Based Targeted Nanoparticles for Enhanced Spheroid Penetration
Authors: Le Duc H. T. , Ibrahimova Vusala , van den Wildenberg Sebastian A. H. , Wu Hanglong , Fonseca Alba , Torres Tomas , Garanger Elisabeth , Leenders William P. J. , Brock Roland , Lecommandoux Sébastien , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: April 2023

We describe here a near infrared light‐responsive elastin‐like peptide (ELP)‐based targeted nanoparticle (NP) that can rapidly switch its size from 120 to 25 nm upon photo‐irradiation. Interestingly, the targeting function, which is crucial for effective cargo delivery, is preserved after transformation. The NPs are assembled from (targeted) diblock ELP micelles encapsulating photosensitizer TT1‐monoblock ELP conjugates. Methionine residues in this monoblock are photo‐oxidized by singlet oxygen generated from TT1, turning the ELPs hydrophilic and thus trigger NP dissociation. Phenylalanine residues from the diblocks then interact with TT1 via π‐π stacking, inducing the re‐formation of smaller NPs. Due to their small size and targeting function, the NPs penetrate deeper in spheroids and kill cancer cells more efficiently compared to the larger ones. This work could contribute to the design of “smart” nanomedicines with deeper penetration capacity for effective anticancer therapies.
Quantifying the Contribution of Hot Electrons in Photothermal Catalysis: A Case Study of Ammonia Synthesis over Carbon‐supported Ru Catalyst
Authors: Bian Xuanang , Zhao Yunxuan , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Miao Yingxuan , Zhou Chao , Wu Li‐Zhu , Zhang Tierui
Published: April 2023

Photothermal catalysis is one of the most promising green catalytic technologies, while distinguishing the effects of hot electrons and local heating remains challenging. Herein, we reported that the actual reaction temperature of photothermal ammonia synthesis over carbon‐supported Ru catalyst can be measured based on Le Chatelier′s principle, enabling the hot‐electron contribution to be quantified. By excluding local heating effects, we established that the activation energy via photothermal catalysis was much lower than that of thermocatalysis (54.9 vs. 126.0 kJ mol−1), stemming from hot‐electron injection lowering the energy barriers for both N2 dissociation and intermediates hydrogenation. Furthermore, hot‐electron injection acted to suppress carbon support methanation, giving the catalyst outstanding operational stability over 1000 h. This work provides new insights into the hot‐electron effects in ammonia synthesis, guiding the design of high‐performance photothermal catalysts.
Bioinspired Single‐Atom Sites Enable Efficient Oxygen Activation for Switching Anodic/Cathodic Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Xu Weiqing , Wu Yu , Wang Xiaosi , Qin Ying , Wang Hengjia , Luo Zhen , Wen Jing , Hu Liuyong , Gu Wenling , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: April 2023

Exploring advanced co‐reaction accelerators with superior oxygen reduction activity that generate rich reactive oxygen species (ROS) has attracted great attention in boosting luminol‐O2 electrochemiluminescence (ECL). However, tuning accelerators for efficient and selective catalytic O2 activation to switch anodic/cathodic ECL is very challenging. Herein, we report that enzyme‐inspired Fe‐based single‐atom catalysts with axial N/C coordination structures (FeN5, FeN4© SACs) can generate specific ROS for cathodic/anodic ECL conversion. Mechanistic studies reveal that FeN5 sites prefer to produce highly active hydroxyl radicals and afford direct cathodic luminescence by promoting the cleavage of O−O bonds through N‐induced electron redistribution. In contrast, FeN4© sites tend to produce superoxide radicals, resulting in inefficient anodic ECL. Benefiting from the enhanced cathodic ECL, FeN5 SAC‐based immunosensor was constructed for the sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers.
Engineering the Substrate Specificity of a P450 Dimerase Enables the Collective Biosynthesis of Heterodimeric Tryptophan‐Containing Diketopiperazines
Authors: Sun Chenghai , Ma Bao‐Di , Li Guangjun , Tian Wenya , Yang Lu , Peng Haidong , Lin Zhi , Deng Zixin , Kong Xu‐Dong , Qu Xudong
Published: April 2023

Heterodimeric tryptophan‐containing diketopiperazines (HTDKPs) are an important class of bioactive secondary metabolites. Biosynthesis offers a practical opportunity to access their bioactive structural diversity, however, it is restricted by the limited substrate scopes of the HTDKPs‐forming P450 dimerases. Herein, by genome mining and investigation of the sequence‐product relationships, we unveiled three important residues (F387, F388 and E73) in these P450s that are pivotal for selecting different diketopiperazine (DKP) substrates in the upper binding pocket. Engineering these residues in NasF5053 significantly expanded its substrate specificity and enabled the collective biosynthesis, including 12 self‐dimerized and at least 81 cross‐dimerized HTDKPs. Structural and molecular dynamics analysis of F387G and E73S revealed that they control the substrate specificity via reducing steric hindrance and regulating substrate tunnels, respectively.
Idiom conjugation and trauma: Fear of breakdown in Francis Ford Coppola's the Conversation and Apocalypse Now
Authors: Marra Frank
Published: April 2023

This paper explores connections between Francis Ford Coppola's biography and recurrent themes in the choice and assemblage of The Conversation and Apocalypse Now. Framed broadly by the psychobiography tradition, the paper deploys key concepts from the independent school (Bollas, Winnicott and Phillips), coupled with textual analysis so as to expand the meaning‐making opportunities available to the two films and Coppola's psychobiography. With such partnering, the paper explores Coppola's autobiographical renderings as a projective feature in the assemblage and production of the films, with dedicated attention to evolving under‐standings of agony and horror as a unified affective state.
Small Molecular Fluorescent Probes: Application Progress of Specific Bacteria Detection and Antibacterial Phototherapy
Authors: Kong Yangzhi , Jiang Qunying , Zhang Fan , Yang Yang
Published: April 2023

Bacterial infection is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is easy to cause large‐scale diseases. It is an urgent need to develop effective methods for the specific detection and treatment of bacterial infections. Recently, small molecular fluorescent probes, bridging the capability of imaging detection and sterilization, have attracted increasing attention. Fluorescence imaging assays have the benefit of being simple, specific, and fast, which is very advantageous in both in vitro and in vivo bacterial detection. Molecularly fluorophores for theranostics provide advantages of non‐invasion, high specificity, and fewer side effects. In this review, we summarize the recent advances and design strategies of small molecular fluorescent probes for both targeted detection and treatment of bacteria. We hope that this review will provide guidance for the development of more effective fluorescent dyes in the future as well as encourage preclinical and clinical studies of phototherapy‐mediated antimicrobial therapy.
Chemical and Biological Strategies for Profiling Protein‐Protein Interactions in Living Cells
Authors: Wang You‐Yu , Li Wenyi , Ye Bang‐Ce , Bi Xiao‐Bao
Published: April 2023

Protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) play critical roles in almost all cellular signal transduction events. Characterization of PPIs without interfering with the functions of intact cells is very important for basic biology study and drug developments. However, the ability to profile PPIs especially those weak/transient interactions in their native states remains quite challenging. To this end, many endeavors are being made in developing new methods with high efficiency and strong operability. By coupling with advanced fluorescent microscopy and mass spectroscopy techniques, these strategies not only allow us to visualize the subcellular locations and monitor the functions of protein of interest (POI) in real time, but also enable the profiling and identification of potential unknown interacting partners in high‐throughput manner, which greatly facilitates the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying numerous pathophysiological processes. In this review, we will summarize the typical methods for PPIs identification in living cells and their principles, advantages and limitations will also be discussed in detail.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Tertiary Cyclopropyl Carbagermatranes with Acyl Chlorides
Authors: Yang Shuo , Chen Guang , Xu Qing‐Hao , Xiao Bin
Published: April 2023

A simple method for the synthesis of cyclopropane compounds via cross‐coupling reaction between tertiary cyclopropyl carbagermatranes and acyl chlorides was reported. Derivatives of acryloyl chloride and aliphatic acyl chloride also performed to be suitable substrates. This process can be used to introduce a wide range of functionalized cyclopropane groups and acyl groups directly.
Distributed event‐triggered generalized Nash equilibrium seeking in multi‐coalition noncooperative games with coupling constraints
Authors: Li Yamei , Zhu Yanan , Li Tao , Zheng Bochao
Published: April 2023

This paper is concerned with a multi‐coalition noncooperative game with coupling equality constraints. Each coalition is a player consisted of multiple agents in noncooperative games and desire to minimize its own objective function based on local information. Each agent as actual decision maker in the same coalition is to optimize the objective function of the coalition cooperately. To seek a generalized Nash equilibrium (GNE) of the multi‐coalition game, a distributed continuous‐time algorithm is developed. Moreover, to further reduce the communication among agents and coalitions, an event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) is introduced for the multi‐coalition game. By using ETM, a novel distributed GNE seeking algorithm is proposed, where agents and coalitions are allowed to exchange estimation information with neighbors only when the triggering condition is satisfied. Remarkably, the proposed event‐triggered scheme introduces internal variables to regulate its threshold dynamically, which excludes Zeno behavior. By Lyapunov analysis, it is proved that the coalitions' decision variables converge to a GNE in both algorithms. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is validated by numerical simulations.
Regulation of HSF1 transcriptional complexes under proteotoxic stress
Authors: Fujimoto Mitsuaki , Takii Ryosuke , Nakai Akira
Published: April 2023

Environmental, physiological, and pathological stimuli induce the misfolding of proteins, which results in the formation of aggregates and amyloid fibrils. To cope with proteotoxic stress, cells are equipped with adaptive mechanisms that are accompanied by changes in gene expression. The evolutionarily conserved mechanism called the heat shock response is characterized by the induction of a set of heat shock proteins (HSPs), and is mainly regulated by heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) in mammals. We herein introduce the mechanisms by which HSF1 tightly controls the transcription of HSP genes via the regulation of pre‐initiation complex recruitment in their promoters under proteotoxic stress. These mechanisms involve the stress‐induced regulation of HSF1‐transcription complex formation with a number of coactivators, changes in chromatin states, and the formation of phase‐separated condensates through post‐translational modifications.
Correlation between ankle‐brachial index and subtle cognitive decline
Authors: Guo Hui‐Feng , Wu Yi , Fu Guo‐Xiang , Li Jie , Zhu Jie‐Hua
Published: April 2023

Background

Subtle cognitive decline (SCD) is considered the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is of great clinical significance for the prevention and treatment of AD. The ankle‐brachial index (ABI) has been reported to be associated with cognitive impairment; however, there are few studies on the relationship between ABI and SCD.

Methods

From August 2019 to April 2021, subjects were recruited to participate in a cognitive function test at the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Based on the test results, 217 patients with SCD were selected as the experimental group and 259 patients with normal cognitive function were selected as the control group. The data of the two groups were compared, and the correlation between the ABI and cognitive decline was analyzed.

Results

There were significant differences in age, sex, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, triglycerides, serum creatinine, and ABI (p < .05)between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, hypertension, diabetes, and ABI influenced cognitive decline(p < .05). After correcting for other factors, ABI was independently related to cognitive decline. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that a low ABI (<0.9) had a significant effect on memory and visual space of the cognitive domain (p < . 05).

Conclusions

ABI is significantly associated with SCD and may be a critical tool to predict early cognitive decline.
Tutorials in anatomy education of medical students during the COVID‐19 pandemic – An evaluation of its effectiveness
Authors: N. Boulos Atef
Published: April 2023

Anatomy has traditionally been taught through prosected specimens and the use of models and other techniques. During the COVID‐19 period, this was replaced by tutorials, where students came to college to continue taking practical sessions. The study comprised four components. The first component consisted of demographic data. The second component consisted of questions concerning students' satisfaction with the tutorials. The third component included questions for Year 2 medical students only because they had tried both the new and old systems. The fourth component included the results for the Year 2 medical students. The study included 102 medical students. The number of tutorials each week and the duration of each tutorial were considered successful, since 47 (46.1%) and 44 (43.1%) students approved, respectively. The students were comfortable with understanding the information from PowerPoint presentations; 41 (40.2%) agreed with this statement. Moreover, 44 students (43.1%) agreed about the ability to recall material after the tutorial and the interaction it allowed them with the doctors. Overall, all the questions proved that the tutorials were of great value to the students during the COVID‐19 period. Although COVID‐19 limited anatomy teaching, tutorials were seen as a light at the end of the tunnel pending the end of the COVID‐19 period.
Template‐ and Surfactant‐Free Room Temperature Synthesis of Pt/C and Pt−Rh/C Nanowires/Nanoparticles for Ethanol Electro‐Oxidation
Authors: Neto Edmundo S. Valério , Almeida Caio V. S. , Huang Haoliang , Russell Andrea E. , Eguiluz Katlin I. B. , Salazar‐Banda Giancarlo R.
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of Pt−Rh alloy nanowires (NWs) using straightforward methodologies remains a challenge. Here, carbon‐supported Pt and Pt−Rh nanowire catalysts were synthesised by chemical reduction at room temperature, without using surfactants or templates. The method of synthesis used yielded Pt/C NWs and a mixture of nanowires with some nanoparticles for the Pt−Rh/C catalysts (characterised using XRD, TEM, EDX, XPS, and XAS). The nanoparticles form due to differences in the surface energy and atomic radius between Pt and Rh. The binary NWs are found to be more active towards ethanol oxidation than the commercial Pt/C reference catalyst. Additionally, the Pt−Rh/C NW catalyst displays a specific activity 2.5‐fold higher than the Pt/C NWs and Pt/C reference catalysts after 15 min of chronoamperometric tests (at 0.5 VvsRHE). Thus, the synthesised carbon‐supported Pt NWs and Pt−Rh nanowires‐nanoparticles are promising alternatives for direct ethanol fuel cell anodes.
Droplet splitting in multi‐furcating microchannel: A three‐dimensional numerical simulation study
Authors: Biswas Saikat , Pattader Partho S. G. , Mandal Tapas K.
Published: April 2023

This work investigates the splitting of a droplet in a multi‐furcating microfluidic channel for a two‐phase system employing 3D simulation. The simulations were performed using an explicit volume of fluid (VOF) method and have been validated using experimental data taken from the literature. The width ratio of the branch channel to the main channel is set to 0.25 for five branches of the multi‐furcating microchannel, as it is the width ratio at which multiple splitting takes place. Simulations have been carried out at different oil velocities (Vo) ranging from 0.12 to 0.22 m/s and at different water velocities (Vw) ranging from 0.002 to 0.10 m/s. Oil fraction data in the main channel has been recorded and compared with the homogenous model. The average difference between the homogeneous model and the 3D simulations is 22.68%. Analysis of dimensionless droplet length in ±0°, ± 40°, and 90° branch channels has been done. α (length of the droplet in branch channel/width of the main channel) increases up to a flow rate ratio of 0.38, and then decreases, whereas β (length of the droplet in the main channel/width of the main channel) increases with an increase in flow rate ratio. A flow pattern map has been developed to identify the various droplet breakup regimes at the junction. Frequency (counts per unit time) of droplet generation increases with capillary number for all the branch channels except for the 0° branch channel, where the regime is that the droplet passes through three branch channels. The volume distribution ratio (λ) decreases at first, then increases with an increase in capillary number for 0°:90° and 40°:90° angle branch channels for the regime where the droplet passes through five branch channels. For the regime where the droplet passes through three branch channels, the trend is likely linear with λ = 0.3 ± 0.04. The dimensionless mother droplet length increases with an increase in capillary number for Vo = 0.13 and 0.16 m/s, but for Vo = 0.19 and 0.22 m/s, the dimensionless mother droplet length becomes constant after capillary number = 0.26 and 0.30 respectively. The droplet breakup time (t) for regime (a), where the droplet passes through three branch channels, is 0.002 s; for regime (b), where the droplet passes through five branch channels, it is 0.001 s; and for regime (c), where multi‐furcation and coalescence of the droplet occurs, it is 0.0005 s. Multiple splitting is a topic covered in this paper that can be applied to upcoming microfluidic platform‐based devices.
Critical Perspective on the Industry‐centred Engineering of Single‐Crystalline Ni‐rich Cathodes
Authors: Venkatachalam Praneash , Karra Chanakya , Duru Kamala Kumari , Maram Pardha Saradhi , Sambasivam Sangaraju , Liu Hua Kun , Kalluri Sujith
Published: April 2023

Ever growth in the energy demand has catapulted us to explore various energies. Henceforth, to meet these ends, among the different cathode active materials, nickel (Ni) rich polycrystalline (PC) cathode materials have been known to serve the purpose aptly. Yet, these PC Ni‐rich cathode materials have yielded inferior performances with an increase in voltage and temperature. The absence of grain boundaries in the intrinsic structure, high mechanical strength, high thermal stability, and controllable crystal faucet have made SC cathodes a better prospect. Yet, there are challenges to overcome in the SC cathodes, like larger crystals hindering the Li+ transport, which leads to disappointing electrochemical performance. Through this perspective article, we wish to elucidate the crucial factors that facilitate the growth of SC‐NCM cathode, viable dopants, and coating materials that could enhance the performance, future scope, and scalability of SC‐NCM at the Industrial level.
Functional Separator Decorated with Polydopamine and Halloysite Nanotubes to Boost Li+ Transfer in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Kim Yong Min , Park Sang Jae , Thao Le Thi , Yoo Jeong Hyeon , Sim Yoon Bo , Lee Hami , Mun Junyoung , Kim Ki Jae
Published: April 2023

Commercialization of lithium‐metal batteries is impeded by Li dendrites. Realizing a high Li+ transference number is an effective strategy to suppress the formation of Li dendrites by alleviating the Li+ concentration gradient at the Li metal surface. Accordingly, various materials that facilitate Li+ transfer have been investigated in separator engineering. Herein, we designed a functional separator incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as a functional material and polydopamine (PDA) as a polymeric binder. PDA plays a significant role in improving electrolyte affinity as it renders the overall backbone of PE hydrophilic. Moreover, the PDA/HNTs/PE separator shows a high Li+ transference number (0.603) owing to the interactions of HNTs: 1) the electrostatic attraction between the negatively‐charged silicon layer and Li+, and 2) dipole‐dipole interactions between HNTs and electrolyte solvent molecules, which reduce the degree of Li+ solvation. Consequently, dendrite‐free Li deposition was observed with the PDA/HNTs/PE separator, improving the electrochemical performance of Li/Li symmetric cells and Li/LiFePO4 full cells.
Photofabrication of Chiral Plasmonic Nanostructure Arrays
Authors: Homma Toru , Sawada Naoki , Ishida Takuya , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: April 2023

Chiral plasmonic nanostructures can be potentially applied to chiroptical materials and devices, as well as sensors for chiral molecules. When those are applied to metasurfaces or metamaterials, those would be appropriately oriented and aligned. We therefore prepared arrays of chiral plasmonic nanostructures on the basis of bottom‐up, self‐assembling methods. A triangular Au nanoplate array as an achiral precursor was prepared on a TiO2‐coated substrate by nanosphere lithography. The array was irradiated with right‐ or left‐circularly polarized light (CPL) in a solution containing Pb2+ for site‐selective deposition of PbO2 in a chiral geometry by plasmon‐induced charge separation. The well‐aligned Au−PbO2 nanostructure array thus obtained exhibits circular dichroism, and the handedness of the array can be inverted by changing the rotation direction of the irradiated CPL.
Prostate malignant tumor and benign prostatic hyperplasia microenvironments in black African men: Limited infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, NK‐cells, and high frequency of CD73+ stromal cells
Authors: Mougola Bissiengou Pélagie , Montcho Comlan Jérôme Gaston , Atsame Ebang Gabrielle , Sylla Niang Maguette , Djoba Siawaya Joel Fleury
Published: April 2023

Background

Anti‐cancerous immunology has yet to be investigated in the African black population, despite being the dawn of precision medicine.

Aim

Here we investigated the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in black Africans.

Methods

Through immunohistochemistry analysis of prostate cancer and BPH patients' biopsies, we investigated the expression and distribution of CD73, CCD8 T‐lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. In addition, we looked at tumor‐infiltrating features CD8 T‐lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

Results

We show for the first time in black Africans a high expression of CD73 in epithelial‐stromal cells and virtually no infiltration of CD8 T lymphocytes and natural killer cells in the tumoral area. In addition, CD73 was seven (7) times more likely to be expressed in prostate cancer stromal tissues than in benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues (odds ratio = 7.2; χ2 = 21; p < .0001). In addition, PSA concentration was significantly higher in prostate cancer patients than in BPH patients (p < .001). Also, the PSA‐based ROC. analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.87 (p < .0001).

Conclusion

CD73 expression is more likely expressed in prostate cancer stromal tissues than in benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. The features of prostate cancer in Black Africans suggest CD73 expression as a possible target for immunotherapy in this population.
Triglyceride–glucose index, Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers, and dementia in older adults: The MIND‐China study
Authors: Tian Na , Fa Wenxin , Dong Yi , Liu Rui , Liu Cuicui , Liu Keke , Mao Ming , Zhu Min , Liang Xiaoyan , Wang Nan , Ma Yixun , Ngandu Tiia , Launer Lenore J. , Wang Yongxiang , Hou Tingting , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Population‐based studies have rarely explored the associations of the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, with dementia and plasma biomarkers for amyloid beta (Aβ) and neurodegeneration.

Methods

This population‐based study included 5199 participants (age ≥ 65 years); of these, plasma Aβ, total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured in 1287 persons. Dementia and subtypes were diagnosed following the international criteria. TyG index was calculated as ln(fasting triglyceride(mg/dL) × fasting glucose[mg/dL]/2). Data were analyzed using logistic and general linear regression models.

Results

Dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were diagnosed in 301, 195, and 95 individuals, respectively. A high TyG index was significantly associated with increased likelihoods of dementia and AD; the significant association with dementia remained among participants without cardiovascular disease or diabetes. In the biomarker subsample, a high TyG index was correlated with elevated plasma Aβ, but not with total tau or NfL.

Discussion

High TyG index is associated with dementia, possibly via Aβ pathology.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 5‐substituted/unsubstituted triazolothiadiazines as tubulin depolymerizing and vascular disrupting agents with promising antitumor activity
Authors: Huo Xian‐Sen , Tang‐Yang Ji , Zeng Wen‐Bin , Jian Xie‐Er , Ma Xuan‐Xuan , Yue‐Yang Peng , Wen‐Wei You , Zhao Pei‐Liang
Published: April 2023

A novel series of 5‐substituted/unsubstituted [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4] thiadiazine compounds has been achieved successfully through chemoselective reduction of the C = N bond, based on our prior work. Initial biological evaluation illustrated that the most active derivative 7j exhibited significant cell growth inhibitory activity toward MCF‐7, A549, HCT116, and A2780 with the IC50 values of 0.75, 0.94, 2.90, and 4.15 μM, respectively. Most importantly, all the representative analogs did not demonstrate obvious cytotoxic activity against the non‐tumoural cell line HEK‐293 (IC50 > 100 μM). The mechanism study revealed that 7j caused the G2/M phase arrest, induced cell apoptosis in HeLa cells in a concentration‐dependent manner, and also showed potent tubulin polymerization inhibitory effect. Meanwhile, 7j exerted significant antivascular activity in the wound‐healing and tube formation assays. These observations indicate that 5‐unsubstituted 6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazine scaffold might be considered as a potential lead for antitubulin inhibitors to develop highly efficient anticancer agents with potent selectivity over normal human cells.
Crop‐pollinating Diptera have diverse diets and habitat needs in both larval and adult stages
Authors: Davis Abby E. , Bickel Daniel J. , Saunders Manu E. , Rader Romina
Published: April 2023

Insects are important pollinators of global food crops and wild plants. The adult and larval diet and habitat needs are well known for many bee taxa, but poorly understood for other pollinating taxa. Non‐bee pollinators often feed on different substrates in their larval and adult life stages, and this diet and habitat diversity has important implications for their conservation and management. We reviewed the global literature on crop pollinating Diptera (the true flies) to identify both larval and adult fly diet and habitat needs. We then assembled the published larval and adult diets and habitat needs of beneficial fly pollinators found globally into a freely accessible database. Of the 405 fly species known to visit global food crops, we found relevant published evidence regarding larval and adult diet and habitat information for 254 species, which inhabited all eight global biogeographic regions. We found the larvae of these species lived in 35 different natural habitats and belong to 10 different feeding guilds. Additionally, differences between adult Diptera sexes also impacted diet needs; females from 14 species across five families fed on protein sources other than pollen to start the reproductive process of oogenesis (egg development) while males of the same species fed exclusively on pollen and nectar. While all adult species fed at least partially on floral nectar and/or pollen, only five species were recorded feeding on pollen and no fly larvae fed on nectar. Of the 242 species of larvae with established diet information, 33% were predators (n = 79) and 30% were detritivores (n = 73). Detritivores were the most generalist taxa and utilized 17 different habitats and 12 different feeding substrates. Of all fly taxa, only 2% belonged to the same feeding guild in both active life stages. Our results show that many floral management schemes may be insufficient to support pollinating Diptera. Pollinator conservation strategies in agroecosystems should consider other non‐floral resources, such as wet organic materials and dung, as habitats for beneficial fly larvae.
Passive monitoring of avian habitat on working lands
Authors: Dixon Adam Patrick , Baker Matthew E. , Ellis Erle C.
Published: April 2023

Intensive agricultural landscapes pose a challenge to wildlife managers, policymakers, and landowners hoping to increase the diversity of desired wildlife species, such as grassland birds, which require urgent conservation action. In intensive agricultural landscapes, like those of the Midwestern United States, most land area is privately owned and operated and managed primarily for production. Thus, conducting ecological research in intensive agricultural landscapes requires collaborative approaches aimed at farm owners and operators. Recent advances in acoustic data collection and high‐resolution habitat mapping, including low‐cost acoustic recorders and satellite remote sensing, may be well positioned to address this challenge by enabling expanded assessments and monitoring of wildlife populations and habitats across regions. This study examined fine‐grained habitat characteristics and their relationship with avian biodiversity in intensive agricultural landscapes at 44 agricultural sites across the state of Iowa. Passive acoustic monitoring and manual identification of bird species allowed for measurement of vocalizing bird richness. High‐resolution mapping of noncrop vegetation provided detailed information on small noncrop vegetation habitat complexes within row‐crop agriculture. Measures of image texture provided characterizations of compositional heterogeneity within noncrop vegetation. General linear Poisson modeling demonstrated robust associations between noncrop vegetation and vocalizing bird richness, yet variation in grassland bird richness was not well predicted by noncrop vegetation. Noncrop vegetation texture demonstrated potential as a predictor of vocalizing bird richness, though not better than or when combined with noncrop vegetated area, indicating it may not be an independent measure of habitat quality. Passive acoustic monitoring resulted in useful data at 44 out of 60 originally selected sites, with some lost to failed recorders and/or collaboration issues. Challenges remain in detecting habitat characteristics that promote grassland birds in row crop landscapes. Working toward probabilistic research design across privately owned working landscapes and incorporating more detailed management practice information would improve the transferability of this approach to farmland management and policy.
A pilot randomized trial of self‐compassion writing for young adult women engaged in emotional eating in the context of appearance‐related cyberbullying
Authors: Wang Wenying , Ding Xinfang
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of a 10‐min self‐compassion writing in alleviating body dissatisfaction, self‐objectification, and emotional eating in young adult women engaged in emotional eating in the context of appearance‐related cyberbullying.

Method

A total of 175 Chinese young adult women (Mage = 20.90, SD = 1.65) were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: self‐compassion, distraction, or control group. At baseline, participants completed assessments of trait and state body dissatisfaction, trait self‐objectification, trait self‐compassion, emotional eating, and positive and negative affect. Then they needed to recall an appearance‐related cyberbullying victimization experience, after which state body dissatisfaction, state self‐objectification, and positive and negative affect were measured. After the intervention, participants completed measures of state body dissatisfaction, state self‐objectification, positive and negative affect, state self‐compassion, and a food‐choosing task. At 1‐month follow‐up, participants completed measures of trait body dissatisfaction, trait self‐objectification, trait self‐compassion, and emotional eating.

Results

At post‐intervention, state body dissatisfaction and negative affect were significantly lower, and positive affect was significantly higher in both the self‐compassion and distraction groups compared to control. State self‐objectification was significantly lower in the self‐compassion group than in the other two groups. At 1‐month follow‐up, the self‐compassion group showed significantly lower levels of body dissatisfaction than the control group.

Discussion

The findings provide initial evidence for the potential of self‐compassion writing in reducing state self‐objectification and state body dissatisfaction in the context of appearance‐related cyberbullying.

Public Significance

Appearance‐related cyberbullying, a common phenomenon in social networking sites, has been documented to associate with appearance‐related concerns and disordered eating in young adult women. However, effective interventions that can reduce these negative associations are scarce. This study preliminarily found that a brief self‐compassion writing could be a potential intervention for reducing state self‐objectification and state body dissatisfaction in young adult women who had suffered appearance‐related cyberbullying.
Time to benefit of heart rate reduction with ivabradine in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Böhm Michael , Abdin Amr , Slawik Jonathan , Mahfoud Felix , Borer Jeffrey , Ford Ian , Swedberg Karl , Tavazzi Luigi , Batailler Cécile , Komajda Michel
Published: April 2023

Aims

In the SHIFT (Systolic Heart failure treatment with the If inhibitor ivabradine Trial, ISRCTN70429960) study, ivabradine reduced cardiovascular death or heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in sinus rhythm and with a heart rate (HR) ≥70 bpm. In this study, we sought to determine the clinical significance of the time durations of HR reduction and the significant treatment effect on outcomes among patients with HFrEF.

Methods and results

The time to statistically significant reduction of the primary outcome (HF hospitalization and cardiovascular death) and its components, all‐cause death, and HF death, were assessed in a post‐hoc analysis of the SHIFT trial in the overall population (HR ≥70 bpm) and at HR ≥75 bpm, representing the approved label in many countries. Compared to placebo, the primary outcome and HF hospitalizations were significantly reduced at 102 days, while there was no effect on cardiovascular death, all‐cause death, and HF death at HR ≥70 bpm. In the population with a baseline HR ≥75 bpm, a reduction of the primary outcome occurred after 67 days, HF hospitalization after 78 days, cardiovascular death after 169 days, death from HF after 157 days and all‐cause death after 169 days.

Conclusion

Treatment with ivabradine should not be deferred in patients in sinus rhythm with a HR of ≥70 bpm to reduce the primary outcome and HF hospitalizations, in particular in patients with HR ≥75 bpm. At HR ≥75 bpm, the time to risk reduction was shorter for reduction of hospitalization and mortality outcomes in patients with HFrEF after initiation of guideline‐directed medication, including beta‐blockers at maximally tolerated doses.
An efficient 3D localization algorithm for compensating stratification effect in underwater acoustic sensor network
Authors: Yadav Nishi , Khilar Pabitra Mohan
Published: April 2023

Communication and networking plays a crucial role in data transmission in UASN. The sensor nodes in UASN are intermittently deployed randomly in the three‐dimension scenario. As a consequence, the three‐dimension based localization algorithm is the need for an hour. To fulfill the objective, we have proposed a localization algorithm I‐LASP (Improvement of localization algorithm for compensating stratification effect based on extended improved particle swarm optimization technique) in three‐dimensional UASN, based on compensation of stratification effect for the improvement of the performance parameters such as localization accuracy, ranging accuracy, convergence rate and execution time. To compute the accurate position of target nodes, EIPSO (Extended improved PSO) technique is applied, and the degree of coplanarity is checked before the calculation of distance among nodes in order to get the accurate location of target nodes. The Centroid method is used to initialize the position of sensor nodes, and the ray theory method is used to compensate the stratification effect on the layered ocean water. The proposed algorithm is compared to the existing LASP, Std PSO, and GNA‐ESSP (Gauss‐newton algorithm‐extended sound speed profile) localization algorithm. The proposed algorithm provides 34.50%, 38.87%, and 42.66% of high accuracy in terms of localization with low density of target sensor nodes and 37.96%, 29.58%, and 50.77% high accuracy in terms of localization with a high density of target sensor nodes respectively. The proposed algorithm is compared with LASP, GNA‐ESSP, and TDOA to obtain 66.84%, 71.14%, and 86.13% of high accuracy in terms of ranging with low density of target sensor nodes and 42.34%, 89.00%, and 95.08% high accuracy in terms of ranging with a high density of target sensor nodes respectively. Experimental results represents that the proposed algorithm obtains better performance in terms of localization accuracy, ranging accuracy, root mean square error, normalized localization error, execution time and convergence rate.
An improved method for feeding ash model compounds to a bubbling fluidized bed – CLC experiments with ilmenite, methane, and K2CO3
Authors: Störner Felicia , Knutsson Pavleta , Leion Henrik , Mattisson Tobias , Rydén Magnus
Published: April 2023

Biomass conversion with carbon capture and storage (Bio‐Energy CCS; BECCS) is one of the options considered for mitigating climate change. In this paper, the carbon capture technology chemical‐looping combustion (CLC) is examined in which the CO2 is produced in a stream separate from the combustion air. A central research topic for CLC is oxygen carriers; solid metal oxides that provide oxygen for the conversion process. Biomass and waste‐derived fuels contain reactive ash compounds, such as potassium, and interactions between the oxygen carrier and the ash species are critical for the lifetime and performance of the oxygen carrier. This work develops and demonstrates an improved method for studying the interactions between ash species and oxygen carriers. The method uses a lab‐scale reactor operating under fluidized conditions, simulating CLC batch‐wise by switching between feed gas. The novelty of the setup is the integrated system for feeding solid particles of ash model compounds, enabling the simulation of ash species accumulating in the bed. Ilmenite is a benchmark oxygen carrier for solid fuel conversion and was used in this study to evaluate the method using K2CO3 as a model ash compound. Experiments were done at 850 and 950°C. Methane conversion in CLC cycles and fluidization was evaluated with gas analysis and pressure drop measurements. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of bed particles were done after the experiments to establish changes in the morphology and composition of the ilmenite. The method for feeding the ash model compound was concluded to be satisfactory. At 950°C, K accumulated in the particles forming K‐titanates and agglomeration was enhanced with K2CO3 addition. The agglomeration mechanism was solid‐state sintering between the Fe‐oxides forming on the particle surfaces. The bed defluidized at 950°C, but no such effect was seen at 850°C. The method is suitable for studying the Fe‐Ti‐K system with ilmenite and potassium without the influence of other ash species. © 2023 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Dignity and the Founding Myth of Bioethics
Authors: Reis‐Dennis Samuel
Published: April 2023

In this article, I reject the “principlism” of Tom Beauchamp and James Childress and argue that respect for autonomy is, and ought to be, the fundamental value of bioethics. To do so, I offer a reconstruction of what I call the field's “founding myth,” a genealogy that affords primacy to the right to be respected as a human being with dignity. Next, I examine the relationship between this basic right and a derivative right of autonomy. I suggest that principlism has promulgated an uncharitable understanding of respect for autonomy, one that ensures that the principle cannot occupy the central position I claim for it. Finally, I sketch a more plausible understanding of respect for autonomy and explore its implications.
Computation of the distribution of model accuracy statistics in machine learning: Comparison between analytically derived distributions and simulation‐based methods
Authors: Huang Alexander A. , Huang Samuel Y.
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

All fields have seen an increase in machine‐learning techniques. To accurately evaluate the efficacy of novel modeling methods, it is necessary to conduct a critical evaluation of the utilized model metrics, such as sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC). For commonly used model metrics, we proposed the use of analytically derived distributions (ADDs) and compared it with simulation‐based approaches.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the England National Health Services Heart Disease Prediction Cohort. Four machine learning models (XGBoost, Random Forest, Artificial Neural Network, and Adaptive Boost) were used. The distribution of the model metrics and covariate gain statistics were empirically derived using boot‐strap simulation (N = 10,000). The ADDs were created from analytic formulas from the covariates to describe the distribution of the model metrics and compared with those of bootstrap simulation.

Results

XGBoost had the most optimal model having the highest AUROC and the highest aggregate score considering six other model metrics. Based on the Anderson–Darling test, the distribution of the model metrics created from bootstrap did not significantly deviate from a normal distribution. The variance created from the ADD led to smaller SDs than those derived from bootstrap simulation, whereas the rest of the distribution remained not statistically significantly different.

Conclusions

ADD allows for cross study comparison of model metrics, which is usually done with bootstrapping that rely on simulations, which cannot be replicated by the reader.
Using university–school partnerships to facilitate preservice teachers' reading and responding to student writing
Authors: Bass Erika L.
Published: April 2023

Preparing future teachers to read and respond to student writing is an important part of learning to teach writing. However, preservice teachers (PSTs) often do not have authentic opportunities to read and respond to student writing in methods courses. To create and provide more opportunities for reading and responding to student writing, I partnered with a local high school teacher and her student writers. In this article, I share why it is important for PSTs to have opportunities to read and respond to student writing, a university–school partnership designed to foster these opportunities, and observations from year one of implementation of the partnership. I end the article with important considerations for creating a partnership to foster opportunities to read and respond to student writing.
Evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum TuM2‐PK, NSE, and ProGRP in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Qian , Wang Yuchao , Xu Chunhua
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum tumor M2‐pyruvate kinase (TuM2‐PK), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and progastrin‐releasing peptide (ProGRP) levels in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Methods

The levels of serum TuM2‐PK, NSE, and ProGRP in 102 patients with SCLC, 60 patients with benign lung disease (BLD), and 90 healthy controls were detected.

Results

The serum TuM2‐PK, NSE, and ProGRP levels in the SCLC group were higher than those in BLD group (p < 0.05) and healthy control group (p < 0.05). The sensitivity of TuM2‐PK, NSE, and ProGRP detection in SCLC was 82.35%, 60.78%, and 77.45% respectively, and specificity was 91.11%, 81.11%, and 86.67%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of SCLC resulting from TuM2‐PK was significantly better than that of NSE and ProGRP. The application of TuM2‐PK combined with NSE and ProGRP improved the diagnostic yield of SCLC patients and had better diagnostic value than TuM2‐PK alone. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that an elevated TuM2‐PK level was an independent prognostic factor for shorter survival in SCLC.

Conclusions

These results suggest that TuM2‐PK levels in the serum could be an effective biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of SCLC.