bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronostratigraphy and tectono‐sedimentary history of the Eastern South Pyrenean foreland basin (Ripoll Syncline, North‐East Spain)
Authors: Juvany Philémon , Garcés Miguel , Lopez‐Blanco Miguel , Martín Closas Carles , Beamud Amorós Elisabet , Tosquella Josep , Bekkevold Susanna Emilia
Published: June 2024

This paper contributes to an understanding of the tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the South Pyrenean foreland system by reviewing the chronostratigraphic framework of the basin infill in its eastern sector. Six sections are analysed and cross‐correlated to build a 6.5 km thick composite magnetostratigraphy that represents the complete record of the Cadí Nappe in the Ripoll Syncline. New and previous magnetostratigraphic sections are integrated with available biostratigraphy to provide a new age calibration of the sedimentary succession of the Cadí Nappe, encompassing from Palaeocene to Middle Lutetian age. The proposed correlation with the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale aims at best reconcile magnetostratigraphic data with the regional biochronology built on the marine Shallow Benthic Zonation (SBZ biozones), the continental mammalian biochronology (MP levels) and the newly collected charophyte data. A subsidence analysis was performed on the calibrated composite succession, resulting in two well‐defined intervals bounded by a hiatus. A Palaeocene to Early Eocene interval with low (11–21 cm/kyr) total subsidence rates, and an Early to Middle Eocene interval, characterised by high (70–75 cm/kyr) total subsidence rates. The detailed trends in both subsidence and sedimentation mark the development and evolution of the foreland depozones, from distal foreland depozones to foredeep and wedge‐top depozones, relative to the emplacement of the Pedraforca Nappe and Cadí Thrust Nappe. The most pronounced sedimentary shift in the Cadí Nappe occurred at 49 Ma, with the rapid drowning of the carbonate platforms and its transition into talus and deep basinal environments. Carbonate platforms collapsed and resedimented on the talus of the elongated trough, newly formed parallel to the orogenic front. This marked the onset of tectonic subsidence triggered by the submarine emplacement of the Lower Pedraforca Nappe. The emersion of the orogenic wedge drove the entry of siliciclastics, lagged by 1 Myr, into the Ripoll Trough. The foredeep filled rapidly (5.5 km thickness in less than 7 Myr) compared to other South Pyrenean regions, favoured by its semi‐enclosed palaeogeography. The emplacement of the Vallfogona Thrust as early as the Middle Lutetian (43 Ma) brought the Cadi Nappe into a wedge‐top setting. However, the Ripoll growth syncline continued acting as a temporary sink for alluvial sedimentation while a foredeep developed further south in the autochthonous Ebro Basin. The flexural response of the Iberian plate to the tectonic thickening of the Axial Zone counterbalanced for a period the local uplift of the Cadi Nappe, providing accommodation space for the top sediments filling the Ripoll Syncline.
Fasting pancreatic polypeptide predicts incident microvascular and macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes: An observational study
Authors: Sam Amir H. , Buckley Adam J. , Lam Brian Y. H. , Bewick Gavin A. , Bech Paul R. , Meeran Karim , Barakat Maha T. , Bloom Stephen R. , Yeo Giles S. H. , Lessan Nader G. , Murphy Kevin G.
Published: June 2024

Aims

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is elevated in people with vascular risk factors such as type 2 diabetes or increased visceral fat. We investigated potential relationships between PP and microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Animal study: Subcutaneous PP infusion for 4 weeks in high fat diet mouse model. Retinal mRNA submitted for Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Human study: fasting PP measured in 1478 participants and vascular complications recorded over median 5.5 (IQR 4.9–5.8) years follow‐up.

Results

Animal study: The retinal transcriptional response to PP was indicative of cellular stress and damage, and this footprint matched responses described in previously published studies of retinal disease. Of mechanistic importance the transcriptional landscape was consistent with upregulation of folliculin, a recently identified susceptibility gene for diabetic retinopathy. Human study: Adjusting for established risk factors, PP was associated with prevalent and incident clinically significant retinopathy (odds ratio (OR) 1.289 (1.107–1.501) p = 0.001; hazard ratio (HR) 1.259 (1.035–1.531) p = 0.0213), albuminuria (OR 1.277 (1.124–1.454), p = 0.0002; HR 1.608 (1.208–2.141) p = 0.0011), and macrovascular disease (OR 1.021 (1.006–1.037) p = 0.0068; HR 1.324 (1.089–1.61), p = 0.0049), in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and progression to diabetes in non‐diabetic individuals (HR 1.402 (1.081–1.818), p = 0.0109).

Conclusions

Elevated fasting PP is independently associated with vascular complications of diabetes and affects retinal pathways potentially influencing retinal neuronal survival. Our results suggest possible new roles for PP‐fold peptides in the pathophysiology of diabetes complications and vascular risk stratification.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Heterobiaryl N‐Cbz‐Protected Diamines via Organocatalytic Arylation of 5‐Aminoisoxazoles
Authors: Li Qian , Xu Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Tao , Wang You‐Qing
Published: June 2024

An enantioselective arylation of isoxazoles with N‐Cbz‐protected azonaphthalenes is disclosed, affording a range of axially chiral arylisoxazoles in good yields and excellent enantiocontrol by utilizing chiral phosphoric acid. Cbz protecting group can be readily removed, resulting in five‐six membered axially chiral heterobiaryl amines bearing free amine maintaining enantiomeric purity.
Prognostic value of preoperative mechanical hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain qualities for postoperative pain after total knee replacement
Authors: Vigotsky Andrew D. , Cong Olivia , Pinto Camila B. , Barroso Joana , Perez Jennifer , Petersen Kristian Kjaer , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Hardt Kevin D. , Manning David , Apkarian A. Vania , Branco Paulo
Published: June 2024

Background

Total knee replacement (TKR) is the gold standard treatment for end‐stage chronic osteoarthritis pain, yet many patients report chronic postoperative pain after TKR. The search for preoperative predictors for chronic postoperative pain following TKR has been studied with inconsistent findings.

Methods

This study investigates the predictive value of quantitative sensory testing (QST) and PainDETECT for postoperative pain 3, 6 and 12 months post‐TKR. We assessed preoperative and postoperative (3 and 6 months) QST measures in 77 patients with knee OA (KOA) and 41 healthy controls, along with neuropathic pain scores in patients (PainDETECT). QST parameters included pressure pain pressure threshold (PPT), pain tolerance threshold (PTT), conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation (TS) using cuff algometry, alongside mechanical hyperalgesia and temporal summation to repeated pinprick stimulation.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, KOA patients at baseline demonstrated hyperalgesia to pinprick stimulation at the medial knee undergoing TKR, and cuff pressure at the calf. Lower cuff algometry PTT and mechanical pinprick hyperalgesia were associated with preoperative KOA pain intensity. Moreover, preoperative pinprick pain hyperalgesia explained 25% of variance in pain intensity 12 months post‐TKR and preoperative neuropathic pain scores also captured 30% and 20% of the variance in postoperative pain at 6 and 12 months respectively. A decrease in mechanical pinprick hyperalgesia from before surgery to 3 months after TKR was associated with lower postoperative pain at the 12 months post‐TKR follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that preoperative pinprick hyperalgesia and neuropathic‐like pain symptoms show predictive value for the development of chronic post‐TKR pain.

Significance Statement

This study's findings hold significant implications for chronic pain management in knee osteoarthritis patients, particularly those undergoing total knee replacement surgery (TKR). Mechanical hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain‐like characteristics predict postoperative pain 1 year after TKR, emphasizing the importance of understanding pain phenotypes in OA for selecting appropriate pain management strategies. The normalization of hyperalgesia after surgery correlates with better long‐term outcomes, further highlighting the therapeutic potential of addressing abnormal pain processing mechanisms pre‐ and post‐TKR.
The effects of simulated monocular and binocular vision impairment on football penalty kick performance
Authors: Leivers Harrison K. , Allen Peter M. , Timmis Matthew A. , Zenk Franzi , Uppal Jaspreet , Runswick Oliver R.
Published: June 2024

Sports performance is relatively robust under high levels of binocular blur. However, the limited research studies investigating monocular impairments has shown it has a larger impact on sport performance. This research study is relevant for classification in sports for athletes with vision impairment (VI), where visual acuity (VA) from the better eye is used during classification. Across two experiments, we aimed to establish the point at which binocular and monocular impairments affected performance in a football penalty kick (PK) through simulating varying severities of degraded VA and contrast sensitivity (CS) in active football players. In experiment one, 25 footballers performed PKs as VA and CS were systematically decreased in both eyes, and in one condition, visual field (VF) was reduced. The most severe VA/CS condition and reduced VF significantly impacted outcome, ball velocity and placement (ball kicked closer to the centre of the goal) (p < 0.05). In experiment two, 29 different footballers performed PKs as VA and CS of only the dominant eye were systematically decreased and in one condition the dominant eye was occluded, and participants viewed their environment through the non‐dominant eye (monocular viewing). No differences were observed when assessing monocular impairments influence on outcome, velocity and ball placement. PKs have a high resilience to VI, but binocular impairment has a more immediate effect, suggesting binocular measures should be used in classification processes in football.
Using the reactive/transport dispersive models to simulate a monolithic anion exchanger: Experimental parameter determination, simultaneous model evaluation, and validation
Authors: Domínguez‐López Luis Gilberto , Mejía‐Manzano Luis Alberto , González‐Valdez José
Published: June 2024

Selecting an adequate model to represent the mass transfer mechanisms occurring in a chromatographic process is generally complicated, which is one of the reasons why monolithic chromatography is scarcely simulated. In this study, the chromatographic separation of model proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA), β‐lactoglobulin‐A, and β‐lactoglobulin‐B on an anion exchange monolith was simulated based on experimental parameter determination, simultaneous model testing, and validation under three statistical criteria: retention time, dispersion accuracies, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Experimental characterization of morphologic, physicochemical, and kinetic parameters was performed through volume balances, pressure drop analysis, breakthrough curve analysis, and batch adsorptions. Free Gibbs energy indicated a spontaneous adsorption process for proteins and counterions. Dimensionless numbers were estimated based on height equivalent to a theoretical plate analysis, finding that pore diffusion controlled β‐lactoglobulin separation, whereas adsorption/desorption kinetics was the dominant mechanism for BSA. The elution profiles were modeled using the transport dispersive model and the reactive dispersive model coupled with steric mass action (SMA) isotherms because these models allowed to consider most of the mass transport mechanisms that have been described. RDM‐SMA presented the most accurate simulations at pH 6.0 and at low (250 mM) and high (400 mM) NaCl concentrations. This simulation will be used as reference to forecast the purification of these proteins from bovine whey waste and to extrapolate this methodology to other monolith‐based separations using these three statistical criteria that have not been used previously for this purpose.
Drinking in despair: Unintended consequences of automation in China
Authors: Lu Wenyi , Fan Siyuan
Published: June 2024

The side effects of technological progress on the economy have been discussed frequently, but little is known regarding its health consequences. By combining the national individual‐level panel data of alcohol drinking with the prefecture‐level robot exposure rate in China, we find that one more robot exposure rate could induce up to 2.2% points increase in the probability of problem drinking. Such a pattern of problem drinking is explained by negative emotions, which can be ascribed to job loss due to substitution, higher income vulnerability, and reduced organization participation. Further, we provide evidence that automation can incur health costs, particularly for easily substituted workers, which would exacerbate health inequality in China. This paper sheds light on the impact of automation and the social incentives of problem drinking, emphasizing the possibly heterogeneous health cost accompanied by the automation process.
Development and external validation of a head and neck cancer risk prediction model
Authors: Smith Craig D. L. , McMahon Alex D. , Lyall Donald M. , Goulart Mariel , Inman Gareth J. , Ross Al , Gormley Mark , Dudding Tom , Macfarlane Gary J. , Robinson Max , Richiardi Lorenzo , Serraino Diego , Polesel Jerry , Canova Cristina , Ahrens Wolfgang , Healy Claire M. , Lagiou Pagona , Holcatova Ivana , Alemany Laia , Znoar Ariana , Waterboer Tim , Brennan Paul , Virani Shama , Conway David I.
Published: June 2024

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence is on the rise, often diagnosed at late stage and associated with poor prognoses. Risk prediction tools have a potential role in prevention and early detection.

Methods

The IARC‐ARCAGE European case–control study was used as the model development dataset. A clinical HNC risk prediction model using behavioral and demographic predictors was developed via multivariable logistic regression analyses. The model was then externally validated in the UK Biobank cohort. Model performance was tested using discrimination and calibration metrics.

Results

1926 HNC cases and 2043 controls were used for the development of the model. The development dataset model including sociodemographic, smoking, and alcohol variables had moderate discrimination, with an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.74–0.77); the calibration slope (0.75) and tests were suggestive of good calibration. 384 616 UK Biobank participants (with 1177 HNC cases) were available for external validation of the model. Upon external validation, the model had an AUC of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.61–0.64).

Conclusion

We developed and externally validated a HNC risk prediction model using the ARCAGE and UK Biobank studies, respectively. This model had moderate performance in the development population and acceptable performance in the validation dataset. Demographics and risk behaviors are strong predictors of HNC, and this model may be a helpful tool in primary dental care settings to promote prevention and determine recall intervals for dental examination. Future addition of HPV serology or genetic factors could further enhance individual risk prediction.
Comparison of efficacy of plasma exchange versus intravenous immunoglobulin as an add‐on therapy in acute attacks of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Siwach Garima , Hans Rekha , Takkar Aastha , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Lamba Divjot Singh , Lal Vivek , Sharma Ratti Ram
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Plasma exchange (PE) is considered a Category II option for the treatment of acute attacks and relapse cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, neurologists are also considering intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) as an add‐on therapy for this disorder.

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of PE in acute attacks of NMOSD when compared with IVIg, in terms of improvement in the Expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and activities of daily living (ADL) scale score and levels of anti‐Aquaporin P4 (AQP4) antibody in seropositive patients.

Methods

We enrolled 43 NMOSD patients in two groups: Group 1 (n = 29) received steroids and PE, and Group 2 (n = 14) received steroids with IVIg. The baseline EDSS and ADL scores were recorded and compared with scores at the end of therapy, 4 weeks, and 3 months after. Also, anti‐AQP4 antibody was measured at baseline and post‐therapy in seropositive patients of both groups.

Results

We observed a significant difference in EDSS (p = 0.00) and ADL score (p = 0.00) at day 10 and 3 months in both groups. However, no significant difference in EDSS, as well as ADL score from baseline (p = 0.83; p = 0.25) to 3 months (p = 0.85; p = 0.19), was observed when delta change of score at 3 months was compared across the two groups (p = 0.39; p = 0.52). We observed improved visual acuity in both groups with mild improvement in findings of magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months. We observed a significant decline in AQP4 antibody concentration (at day 10) in group 1 seropositive patients (p = 0.013) with improved EDSS (p = 0.027) and ADL scores (p = 0.026) of these patients.

Conclusions

PE should be considered as a choice of an add‐on therapy in anti‐AQP4 antibody‐positive NMOSD patients compared with IVIg as it is more effective in reducing antibody concentrations.
Therapeutic plasma exchange combined with ribavirin to rescue critical SFTS patients
Authors: Song Xuezhen , Xu Xiaojun , Ren Xiaoning , Ruan Xiaoxuan , Bo Jinshuang
Published: June 2024

Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Endemic in East Asia, SFTS is characterized by an exceptionally high mortality rate. Presently, there is no established treatment for SFTS, particularly for patients in critical condition. In this study, we collected and analyzed laboratory and clinical data from 92 critically ill patients with SFTS treated at Weihai Municipal Hospital between 2019 and 2022. We hope that our study will provide some hints for the treatment of critically ill patients with SFTS.

Methods

A total of 92 critically ill patients with SFTS were included in this study. Of these patients, 45 received treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and ribavirin (referred to as the TPE group), while the remaining patients received only ribavirin (referred to as the non‐TPE group). Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The results showed significant improvements in multiple laboratory parameters following treatment with TPE and ribavirin, including white blood cell and neutrophil count, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase isoenzyme‐MB, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D‐Dimer, serum sodium and copies of virus genomes. The combination of TPE with ribavirin demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality rates, with a mortality rate of 20.0% in the TPE group compared to 40.4% in the non‐TPE group (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that critically ill patients with SFTS who received TPE and ribavirin experienced improvements in both clinical and laboratory parameters. These results indicate that TPE combined with ribavirin may represent a promising novel therapeutic approach for managing critically ill patients with SFTS. However, comparative studies of large sample size or randomized clinical trials are warranted to confirm the effectiveness of this combination therapy in the treatment of severe SFTS cases.
Mental pathology in the field of personality and psychotic disorders, systematic review of its relationship with the commission of homicide and violent acts
Authors: González Marcos Enrique , Garrido Cano Marta , González‐Bernal Jerónimo J. , Santamaría‐Peláez Mirian , González‐Santos Josefa
Published: June 2024

Mental pathology and violence have been studied by the scientific community, a topic that is sometimes perceived as controversial, partly due to the prevailing stigma around psychiatric disorders. In this project, all those factors concomitant with psychotic pathologies and ‘Cluster B’ antisocial disorders, which could interfere with the commission of violent actions, and their maximum expression, the homicide, are addressed from a comprehensive psychological perspective. To this end, a rigorous methodological selection of 15 high‐impact articles has been carried out, from which the results have been extracted and compared in this systematic review. The findings obtained revolve around the importance of adherence to treatment, the therapeutic alliance, the absence of toxic consumption, and concomitance with other mental pathologies, taking into account the idiosyncratic differences of the subjects, as well as between the pathologies and diagnoses described, always maintaining the comparison between said disorders, and with the population in absence of pathology.
The appendicular skeleton of the enigmatic shark Leptocharias smithii in comparison with other sharks of the order Carcharhiniformes (Elasmobranchii: Leptochariidae)
Authors: Capretz Batista Da Silva João Paulo , Medeiros Jade , Araújo Marcus Vinícius Gonçalves , Lima Danilo Pinto , Mianutti Laura Franco , Mafaldo Henrique , De Lima Arthur , Naylor Gavin J. P.
Published: June 2024

Leptocharias smithii has been poorly explored in anatomical terms. This species bears a mosaic of morphological characters and is considered to represent an intermediate condition between other carcharhiniform clades. In the present paper, the anatomy of the appendicular skeleton of the species is thoroughly investigated and compared with other representatives of the order Carcharhiniformes. Leptocharias bears exclusive characteristics, such as the visible separation of the pro‐ and mesopterygia but it also has an aplesodic pectoral fin, a condition shared with carcharhiniforms placed at the base of the phylogenetic tree and at the same time a chevron‐shaped coracoid bar, a condition characteristic of charcharhiniforms placed at the apex of the phylogenetic tree. Additionally, in an attempt to understand the evolution of its appendicular skeleton and of other carcharhiniforms, 20 characters of the paired fins and girdles are explored and discussed in light of two recent phylogenetic hypotheses. Most of these characters were not previously explored and support not only the monophyly of Carcharhiniformes, such as the mesopterygium overlapping the metapterygium in ventral view, but also the monophyly of the less inclusive clade Hemigaleidae + (Galeocerdonidae + (Carcharhinidae+Sphyrnidae)), such as the morphology and arrangement of the distal radials, which are pointed and spaced.
Funding and resource availability for home parenteral nutrition in Australia: A national cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Wong Darren , Osland Emma , Carey Sharon
Published: June 2024

Background

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life‐saving therapy required for the management of type III intestinal failure, one of the rarest organ failures. It requires a multidisciplinary approach to manage the complexity of the underlying medical, surgical, and nutrition issues, but the current levels of healthcare funding in Australia are unknown. This study aimed to quantify the caseload, staffing, and capacity of existing HPN centers nationally.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey inviting centers known to provide HPN care. The survey was designed to capture metrics related to the national framework for the delivery of HPN. These centered on staffing levels, patient load, capacity to audit key outcomes, and service challenges.

Results

A total of 24 (89%) of 27 invited centers responded to the survey. There were 17 (71%) adult centers and 7 (29%) pediatric centers. Adult centers managed a median of 12 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6–25) patients vs 16 (IQR: 9–17) in pediatric centers. Several centers did not have dedicated funding for core team members. The total funded clinician time each week per patient was 7 min (IQR: 0–12 min) in adult centers and 14 min (IQR: 10–21 min) in pediatric centers. Fewer than half of centers reported having sufficient resources to regularly audit key metrics.

Conclusion

The availability of dedicated expertise to manage the highly complex needs of people living with type III intestinal failure is lacking in Australia. Current funding of HPN services falls well short of being sufficient to meet the requirements outlined in the national quality framework.
The mediating role of sugar and lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation in the association between breakfast skipping and periodontitis: A population‐based study
Authors: Wang Zhikang , Pu Rui , Zhang Jing , Yang Guoli
Published: June 2024

Background

This study investigated the association between breakfast skipping and periodontitis and the mediating role of sugar and lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation in this association using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2018.

Methods

This study included 11,953 participants, representing an estimated 33.9 million people. Complex sample logistic regression was used to assess the independent association between breakfast skipping and periodontitis. Subgroup analysis was conducted with modifiers including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), urban residence, education level, marital status, and diabetes. Structural equation modeling assessed potential mediation by biomarkers related to glucose and lipid metabolism along with systemic inflammation.

Results

The fully adjusted logistic regression model indicated a positive association between breakfast skipping and periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.234 (1.026–1.483), p = 0.025). This association was highlighted in middle‐aged (40–60 years), female, highly educated, married individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m2, and those in urban areas without diabetes. Blood glucose (β ± SE = 0.006 ± 0.002, p = 0.014), triglycerides (β ± SE = 0.004 ± 0.002, p = 0.033), and white blood cell count (β ± SE = 0.011 ± 0.003, p = 0.003) were identified as partial mediators.

Conclusions

A new, independent association between breakfast skipping, and periodontitis has been discovered, which is partially mediated by sugar and lipid metabolism, and systemic inflammation. The findings provide new insights into the benefits of chrononutrition for periodontal health.
The above and the belowground nitrogen allocation strategy of Scirpus mariqueter based on 15N isotope tracing along an elevation gradient and its significance for coastal wetlands restoration
Authors: Gao Xiaofeng , He Ning , Fang Shubo , Zhang Bolun , Wang Maoqiu , He Peimin
Published: June 2024

Background

Ecological restoration of coastal wetlands has become particularly urgent worldwide as wetland areas have declined dramatically over the past two decades.

Aims

To understand the nitrogen allocation strategy of Scirpus mariqueter (S. mariqueter) and provide theory support for future wetland management and restoration.

Methods

The study investigated the response mechanism of S. mariqueter to altitude spatial changes in Nanhui Dongtan from 2017 to 2019 using remote sensing imagery and field surveys. The ecological adaptability of S. mariqueter at different elevations (denoted as A, B, and C for elevations 2.40, 3.15, and 3.49 m, respectively) was analyzed through 15N stable isotope tracing technology. In July and September 2020, 15N‐enriched urea solution was uniformly sprayed onto the leaf surfaces of S. mariqueter at different sites. Plant samples were collected at the end of July and September, and the aboveground, belowground, seed, and rhizome biomass were measured, followed by 15N isotope tests.

Results

(1) From 2017 to 2019, the biomass of S. mariqueter significantly increased in the elevation change of 0.44–0.48 m, with the maximum aboveground biomass increase of 488.70 g dm−2. The density also increased significantly in the elevation change of 0.13–0.43 m, peaking at 674.02 plants m−2; (2) during the growing period, the biomass of A, B, and C increased. The aboveground portion of the 15N allocation rate accounted for 74%–84%. The belowground portion of the 15N allocation rate positively correlated with elevation; (3) during the reproductive period, elevation positively correlated with the 15N distribution rate of seeds and corms, as well as the biomass allocation rate of seeds and aboveground portions. The 15N allocation rate of the corms was higher than that of seeds. Additionally, elevation exhibited a negative correlation with belowground biomass allocation rate. (4) Point A has the highest difference of above and belowground biomass proportion, and 15N isotope allocation. Area of point A is the critical area affecting vegetation expansion and should be paid more attention in the future work of coastal management and restoration.

Conclusion

There is an adaption strategy of S. mariqueter that affects the plant‐soil interaction and the biogeomorphological development process along the elevation gradient.
Investigation into pectin extraction and technological implementations in the food industry
Authors: Cherian Elsa , TS Khadeeja , KN Saheersha , KS Ashitha , Poothicote Nisha G
Published: June 2024

Pectin, a complex polysaccharide found abundantly in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, plays a pivotal role in various food applications owing to its unique gelling, thickening and stabilizing properties. As consumer preferences lean towards natural and sustainable ingredients, the demand for pectin as a food additive has surged. This burgeoning interest has prompted a comprehensive exploration into both the extraction methods of pectin from its natural sources and its diverse technological applications in the food industry. The extraction process involves breaking down the plant cell wall to release the pectin. Traditional methods such as hot acid extraction have been widely used, but advances in technology have spurred the development of novel techniques like enzyme‐assisted extraction and microwave‐assisted extraction. These methods aim not only to enhance the yield and purity of extracted pectin but also to minimize environmental impact and energy consumption. Pectin's versatility has positioned it as a valuable ingredient in the food industry. Its ability to form gels under specific conditions makes it a key component in the production of jams, jellies and fruit preserves. Additionally, pectin acts as a stabilizer in dairy products, prevents syneresis in baked goods and improves the texture of confectionery items. The application of pectin goes beyond its role as a gelling agent; it is also employed in the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, enhancing the functional properties of various food products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Can dual mulching outperform single mulching in arid agriculture—Loess Plateau? A meta‐analysis based on crop yield and water use efficiency
Authors: Li Yan , Fan Chenzhe , Liu Jiaxin , Yuan Weijun , Zhang Kuandi , Li Ziyan
Published: June 2024

Field mulching is an important technique for dryland crop cultivation in the Loess Plateau (LP) of China, which alleviates the local agricultural water shortage. However, under different precipitation and temperature conditions, the effects of mulching on moisture conservation and yield enhancement are not consistent. A meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the variations of mulching across various variables (mulching types, rainfall precipitation and annual average temperature) based on data from 203 peer‐reviewed publications, including 1466 yield and 991 water use efficiency data points. The results indicated that compared with no mulching (CK), plastic mulching (PM), straw mulching (SM), and dual plastic and straw mulching (SPM) significantly increased both yield and water use efficiency (WUE), with SPM demonstrating the most substantial yield improvement. Under conditions of low temperature (<7°C), PM significantly improved both crop yield and WUE. Similarly, when temperatures were below 7°C and rainfall ranged from 400 to 600 mm, SM also significantly enhanced yield and WUE. Compared with PM, SM does not enhance yield and WUE under high‐temperature low‐precipitation (>12°C, ≤400 mm) and low‐temperature high‐precipitation (≤7°C, >600 mm) conditions. SPM outperforms SM and PM in enhancing yield and WUE under diverse hydrothermal conditions. Furthermore, we conducted green development assessment using the DPSIR model, and after 20 years of development, we found that green development potential of SM and SPM is greater than that of PM. Overall, SPM not only enhances crop yield and WUE but also serves as an effective replacement for PM, thereby boosting crop production in dryland agriculture. Its crucial role in advancing regional green development has been validated by scientific research.
Beyond the Charge: Interplay of Nanogels’ Functional Group and Zeta‐Potential for Antifungal Drug Delivery to Human Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus Fumigatus
Authors: Vogel Theresa , Kohlmann Simon , Abboud Zahraa , Thusek Sina , Fella Franziska , Teßmar Joerg , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Miyashita Atsushi , Beilhack Andreas , Groll Jürgen , Yu Yidong , Albrecht Krystyna
Published: June 2024

The ubiquitous mold Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is one of the main fungal pathogens causing invasive infections in immunocompromised humans. Conventional antifungal agents exhibit limited efficacy and often cause severe side effects. Nanoparticle‐based antifungal delivery provides a promising alternative, which can increase local drug concentration; while, mitigating toxicity, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy. Previous research underscores the potential of poly(glycidol)‐based nanogels (NG) with negative surface charge as carriers for delivering antifungals to A. fumigatus hyphae. In this study, NG is tailored with 2‐carboxyethyl acrylate (CEA) or with phosphoric acid 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (PHA). It is discovered that quenching with PHA clearly improves the adhesion of NG to hyphal surface and the internalization of NG into the hyphae under protein‐rich conditions, surpassing the outcomes of non‐quenched and CEA‐quenched NG. This enhancement cannot be solely attributed to an increase in negative surface charge but appears to be contingent on the functional group of the quencher. Further, it is demonstrated that itraconazole‐loaded, PHA‐functionalized nanogels (NGxPHA‐ITZ) show lower MIC in vitro and superior therapeutic effect in vivo against A. fumigatus compared to pure itraconazole. This confirms NGxPHA as a promising antifungal delivery system.
Topological quantum materials for spintronics
Authors: Duan Jinyu , Hu Shuai , Wang Ping , Zhang Delin , Jiang Yong
Published: June 2024

Spintronics is an innovative field that exploits the intrinsic spin property of electrons instead of their charge, holding the promise of revolutionizing conventional electronic devices. Over the past decade, researchers have been actively exploring new materials as potential replacements for traditional spintronic materials. This endeavor is driven by the aspiration to create spintronic devices with ultralow power consumption, ultrahigh storage density, and remarkable stability. In recent years, topological quantum materials (TQMs) have attracted considerable interest due to their unique band structure and exceptional properties. These materials carry the potential to pave the way for breakthroughs in the design of spintronic devices, offering promising solutions to solve challenges currently faced in the field of spintronics. In this review, we first introduce the properties of various TQMs, including band structure and crucial transport properties. Subsequently, we focus on the diverse applications of TQMs in spintronics. Delving further, we discuss the current challenges and the potential directions for advancing and exploring TQMs.
Accelerating Molecular Docking using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Bande Abdulsalam Y. , Baday Sefer
Published: June 2024

Virtual screening (VS) is one of the well‐established approaches in drug discovery which speeds up the search for a bioactive molecule and, reduces costs and efforts associated with experiments. VS helps to narrow down the search space of chemical space and allows selecting fewer and more probable candidate compounds for experimental testing. Docking calculations are one of the commonly used and highly appreciated structure‐based drug discovery methods. Databases for chemical structures of small molecules have been growing rapidly. However, at the moment virtual screening of large libraries via docking is not very common. In this work, we aim to accelerate docking studies by predicting docking scores without explicitly performing docking calculations. We experimented with an attention based long short‐term memory (LSTM) neural network for an efficient prediction of docking scores as well as other machine learning models such as XGBoost. By using docking scores of a small number of ligands we trained our models and predicted docking scores of a few million molecules. Specifically, we tested our approaches on 11 datasets that were produced from in‐house drug discovery studies. On average, by training models using only 7000 molecules we predicted docking scores of approximately 3.8 million molecules with R2 (coefficient of determination) of 0.77 and Spearman rank correlation coefficient of 0.85. We designed the system with ease of use in mind. All the user needs to provide is a csv file containing SMILES and their respective docking scores, the system then outputs a model that the user can use for the prediction of docking score for a new molecule.
Kinematic analysis of kinases and their oncogenic mutations – Kinases and their mutation kinematic analysis
Authors: Chen Xiyu , Leyendecker Sigrid
Published: June 2024

Protein kinases are crucial cellular enzymes that facilitate the transfer of phosphates from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to their substrates, thereby regulating numerous cellular activities. Dysfunctional kinase activity often leads to oncogenic conditions. Chosen by using structural similarity to 5UG9, we selected 79 crystal structures from the PDB and based on the position of the phenylalanine side chain in the DFG motif, we classified these 79 crystal structures into 5 group clusters. Our approach applies our kinematic flexibility analysis (KFA) to explore the flexibility of kinases in various activity states and examine the impact of the activation loop on kinase structure. KFA enables the rapid decomposition of macromolecules into different flexibility regions, allowing comprehensive analysis of conformational structures. The results reveal that the activation loop of kinases acts as a “lock” that stabilizes the active conformation of kinases by rigidifying the adjacent α‐helices. Furthermore, we investigate specific kinase mutations, such as the L858R mutation commonly associated with non‐small cell lung cancer, which induces increased flexibility in active‐state kinases. In addition, through analyzing the hydrogen bond pattern, we examine the substructure of kinases in different states. Notably, active‐state kinases exhibit a higher occurrence of α‐helices compared to inactive‐state kinases. This study contributes to the understanding of biomolecular conformation at a level relevant to drug development.
Association Between the Postprandial Response to an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Anthropometric Changes After an 8‐Week Low‐Calorie Formula Diet – Results From the Lifestyle Intervention (LION) Study
Authors: Reik Anna , Schauberger Gunther , Wiechert Meike , Hauner Hans , Holzapfel Christina
Published: June 2024

Scope

Interindividual variations in postprandial metabolism and weight loss outcomes have been reported. The literature suggests links between postprandial metabolism and weight regulation. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate if postprandial glucose metabolism after a glucose load predicts anthropometric outcomes of a weight loss intervention.

Methods and results

Anthropometric data from adults with obesity (18–65 years, body mass index [BMI] 30.0–39.9 kg m−2) are collected pre‐ and post an 8‐week formula‐based weight loss intervention. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is performed at baseline, from which postprandial parameters are derived from glucose and insulin concentrations. Linear regression models explored associations between these parameters and anthropometric changes (∆) postintervention. A random forest model is applied to identify predictive parameters for anthropometric outcomes after intervention. Postprandial parameters after an OGTT of 158 participants (63.3% women, age 45 ± 12, BMI 34.9 ± 2.9 kg m−2) reveal nonsignificant associations with changes in anthropometric parameters after weight loss (p > 0.05). Baseline fat‐free mass (FFM) and sex are primary predictors for ∆ FFM [kg].

Conclusion

Postprandial glucose metabolism after a glucose load does not predict anthropometric outcomes after short‐term weight loss via a formula‐based low‐calorie diet in adults with obesity.
Development and Fabrication of Microdosimeter Arrays Based on Single‐Crystal Diamond Schottky Diodes
Authors: Verona Claudio , Verona Rinati Gianluca , Schettino Giuseppe , Parisi Gabriele
Published: June 2024

The interest in microdosimetry is growing thanks to the advancement in microdosimetric technologies, improving detector performance and reliability. Herein, the fabrication and characterization of a novel diamond‐based microdosimeter are proposed. The microdosimeter consists of an array of single‐crystal diamond Schottky diodes about 1.5 μm thick connected in parallel. The detector prototypes are characterized using the ion beam‐induced charge technique, employing a 6 MeV carbon ions microbeam. Despite a good overall response, the first prototypes are affected by the “bridge effect”: a charge collection beneath the metallic bridges connecting the sensitive volumes (SVs), which alters the energy deposition spectrum. To mitigate the bridge effect, different technological solutions are explored: the selective growth of intrinsic diamond layers and the use of an insulating material such as photoresist. These second prototypes reveal a good SV spatial definition without any charge collection from the bridges and a good response homogeneity within the SVs ranging between 3% and 5% full‐width‐half‐maximum among the different prototypes. While the cell‐like thickness and lateral dimensions of SVs make the diamond microdosimeter array ideal for radiobiological applications, its array configuration can make it highly versatile to perform under different fluence rate conditions in particle therapy.
Comparative Analysis of Ni/Ag and Ni/Au Contacts on GaN/AlGaN/GaN Platform
Authors: Zhang Yuanlei , Zhang Xuanming , Sun Zhiwei , Wang Weisheng , Ling Maoqing , Kong Zhijie , Liang Ye , Yan Jiudun , Liu Wen
Published: June 2024

Herein, the electrical characteristics and Schottky barrier of Ni/Au and Ni/Ag contacts on the GaN/AlGaN/GaN heterojunction are investigated. Both contacts on the p‐GaN contact layer (Mg: ≈3 × 1019 cm−3) exhibit weak Schottky characteristics. The nonlinear current–voltage (I–V) characteristics are observed, leading to variations in contact resistance (RC) and sheet resistance (Rsh) with changing bias voltage. The Ni/Ag contact achieves a lower Schottky barrier height calculated by using the I–V method. Furthermore, when employing a p++‐GaN layer (Mg: ≈1 × 1020 cm−3) as the contact layer, the Ni/Ag contact forms an Ohmic contact without Schottky characteristics, achieving a satisfactory RC of 30.31 Ω mm. This result demonstrates its viability as a competitive candidate for p‐channel field‐effect transistors’ fabrication.
Micro‐scale, In‐plane Thermal Conductivity of PEDOT:PSS Thin Films Measured by a Suspended Membrane Device
Authors: Jiang Felix , Ning Mengzhe , Ingebrandt Sven , Vu Xuan Thang
Published: June 2024

The in‐plane thermal conductivity of ultra‐thin films is of high interest due to its role in many technological applications, while being very challenging to measure. The challenge lies in creating a heat flow laterally through the thin sample film while eliminating all heat losses to the substrate and the surrounding air. A technique involving two parallel, line‐shaped resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) as a pair of heater and sensor on a nanometer‐thin suspended membrane, which minimizes heat losses to the substrate, has been recently introduced and numerically modeled. Herein, measurements employing two parallel line RTDs on a (164 ± 3) nm thin silicon nitride (SiNx) membrane for characterization of heat flux in electrically conductive polymer films are presented. On top of heater and RTD, silicon dioxide (SiO2) is used as a electrical passivation layer. (118 ± 35) nm poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) thin films are characterized. The methodology to enable these measurements starting from the fabrication of the devices using photolithography and chemical wet etching and the assembly of the high vacuum setup for precise measurements are discussed. Thermal conductivities of 2.9 ± 0.2 W m−1 K−1, 0.6 ± 0.2 W m−1 K−1, and 0.4 ± 0.8 W m−1 K−1 are measured for the SiNx, SiO2 and PEDOT:PSS thin films, respectively. Our findings can facilitate this flexible measurement method to other material systems.
Models and sufficiency interpretation for estimating critical soil test values for the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool
Authors: Slaton N. A. , Pearce A. , Gatiboni L. , Osmond D. , Bolster C. , Miquez F. , Clark J. , Dhillon J. , Farmaha B. , Kaiser D. , Lyons S. , Margenot A. , Moore A. , Ruiz Diaz D. , Sotomayor D. , Spackman J. , Spargo J. , Yost M.
Published: June 2024

Soil test correlation determines whether a soil test can be used to predict the need for fertilization based on the critical soil test value (CSTV). Our objectives were to compare the CSTV estimated from five combinations of correlation models and yield sufficiency interpretations and to select one method for soil test correlation performed with the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST). Four models were fit to three datasets with strong (Mehlich‐1 K), moderate (Mehlich‐3 K), or weak (Olsen P) correlations between soil test P or K and crop relative yield. We tested the arcsine‐log calibration curve (ALCC), exponential (EXP), linear plateau (LP), and quadratic plateau (QP) models. The CSTV was defined as 95% of the maximum predicted yield for the ALCC and EXP methods, the join point for LP, and both the join point and 95% of the maximum for the QP providing five CSTV predictions. The five CSTVs ranged from 46 to 66 mg kg−1 for the Mehlich‐1 K dataset, 115 to 165 mg kg−1 for the Mehlich‐3 K dataset, and 7 to 16 mg kg−1 for the Olsen P dataset. Ten pairwise comparisons showed the estimated CSTV was numerically and sometimes statistically influenced by the model and sufficiency level interpretation. Despite differences among CSTVs, the frequency of significant yield responses above and below the predicted CSTV was generally comparable among the methods, with false‐negative errors occurring at 0%–18% of sites for a given dataset. The QP model with a CSTV at 95% of the predicted maximum was selected as the modeling approach for FRST.