bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post Deposition Interfacial Néel Temperature Tuning in Magnetoelectric B:Cr2O3
Authors: Mahmood Ather , Weaver Jamie L. , Shah Syed Qamar Abbas , Echtenkamp Will , Lynn Jeffrey W. , Dowben Peter A. , Binek Christian
Published: October 2023

Boron (B) alloying transforms the magnetoelectric antiferromagnet Cr2O3 into a multifunctional single‐phase material which enables electric field driven π/2 rotation of the Néel vector. Nonvolatile, voltage‐controlled Néel vector rotation is a much‐desired material property in the context of antiferromagnetic spintronics enabling ultralow power, ultrafast, nonvolatile memory, and logic device applications. Néel vector rotation is detected with the help of heavy metal (Pt) Hall‐bars in proximity of pulsed laser deposited B:Cr2O3 films. To facilitate operation of B:Cr2O3‐based devices in CMOS (complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor) environments, the Néel temperature, TN, of the functional film must be tunable to values significantly above room temperature. Cold neutron depth profiling and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy depth profiling reveal thermally activated B‐accumulation at the B:Cr2O3/ vacuum interface in thin films deposited on Al2O3 substrates. The B‐enrichment is attributed to surface segregation. Magnetotransport data confirm B‐accumulation at the interface within a layer of ≈50 nm thick where the device properties reside. Here TN enhances from 334 K prior to annealing, to 477 K after annealing for several hours. Scaling analysis determines TN as a function of the annealing temperature. Stability of post‐annealing device properties is evident from reproducible Néel vector rotation at 370 K performed over the course of weeks.
In Situ Monitoring of the Al(110)‐[EMImCl] : AlCl3 Interface by Reflection Anisotropy Spectroscopy
Authors: Guidat Margot , Rahide Fatemehsadat , Löw Mario , Kim Jongmin , Ehrenberg Helmut , Dsoke Sonia , May Matthias M.
Published: October 2023

Recently, Al‐batteries (AlBs) have become promising candidates for post‐lithium batteries, with [EMImCl] : AlCl3 (1 : 1.5) as the most commonly used electrolyte. However, progress in the development of AlBs is currently hindered by the lack of understanding of its solid‐electrolyte interface. Monitoring the structure of this interface under operational conditions by complementary spectroscopy could help to identify and overcome bottlenecks of the system. Reflection anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS), an optical in situ technique, provides access to physical and chemical properties of electrochemical interfaces on an atomistic level. Herein, we report the first example of RAS as an in situ characterization technique for non‐aqueous battery systems, investigating an Al(110)‐based model system. During chemical pre‐treatment in [EMImCl] : AlCl3, the Al(110) surface passivation film is modified. The oxide film is partially etched while an inhomogeneous passivation layer forms, increasing the surface roughness. Upon electrochemical cycling, applied potential‐dependent oscillations of the anisotropy are observed and demonstrate the applicability of RAS to monitor phenomena such as plating/stripping and surface passivation in real‐time.
Perceptual anchoring effects: Evidence of response bias and a change in estimates sensitivity
Authors: Garcia‐Marques Teresa , Fernandes Alexandre
Published: October 2023

Introduction

People's estimates of perceptual quantities are commonly biased by the contextual presence of other quantities (like numbers). In this study, we address assimilation anchoring effects (approximation of real quantities to contextual quantities) that occur for visually displayed proportions, defining a new methodological setting for the effect.

Method

Similar to classic approaches, we asked participants across several trials whether the display contained a feature in a proportion higher or lower than “a randomly selected value” (relative judgments), and then estimated the feature proportions (absolute judgments). Across all trials, we presented seven anchors ranging from .20 to .80, each with a visually displayed representation of the same seven proportions (49 judgments in total). This allowed for a psychophysical approach to individual estimates and signal detection indexes, providing new insights into how the anchoring effect is generated in this setting.

Results

Our findings suggest that anchoring effects occur both as a bias (changes in response criteria) and as a change in the ability to discriminate stimuli (affecting sensitivity indexes). Moreover, anchors modulate the level of stimuli features for which estimates were more uncertain. Finally, our results indicate that anchor effects occur immediately in the first phase of the two‐phase paradigm, leading to the availability of values for supporting absolute estimates.

Conclusion

By using a psychophysical approach to the anchoring effects, for the first time, we could clarify that this effect is the result of both bias and changes in the ability to discriminate quantity.
Timing of fraise mowing for overseeding establishment of perennial ryegrass
Authors: Carpenter Matthew C. , McCurdy James D. , Miller Gerald L. , Stewart Barry R.
Published: October 2023

Overseeding of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is often performed to provide green cover of dormant warm‐season turfgrass in the winter. Fraise mowing is a cultural practice that can be used to disrupt the soil surface and hasten establishment of overseeded perennial ryegrass. Research was conducted to determine the most effective timing of overseeding for perennial ryegrass establishment in Northeast Mississippi, and to compare fraise mowing with other common cultural practices performed to enhance overseeding establishment. Treatments included fraise mowing at two depths (0.3 or 0.6 inches), scalping to a height of 1 inch, or vertical mowing to a depth of 1 inch at three timings (mid‐September, mid‐October, and end‐October) prior to seeding perennial ryegrass at 435 lb pure live seed acre−1. Plots were evaluated weekly for turfgrass quality, visual perennial ryegrass cover, and total green cover with digital image analysis. Fraise mowing to a depth of 0.6 inches and scalping resulted in quicker perennial ryegrass establishment. Fraise mowing to a depth of 0.3 inches resulted in quicker perennial ryegrass establishment than both the untreated control and vertically mowed treatments. End‐October fraise mowing resulted in the slowest establishment, as growing conditions were not favorable for perennial ryegrass growth. Although the mid‐September and mid‐October treatments provided the most rapid perennial ryegrass establishment, almost all seeding timings were visually similar by March 15th of the following year. Though fraise mowing temporarily causes an undesirable playing surface, more rapid perennial ryegrass establishment is afforded by restricting bermudagrass competition.
High‐Mannose Oligosaccharide Hemimimetics that Recapitulate the Conformation and Binding Mode to Concanavalin A, DC‐SIGN and Langerin
Authors: Herrera‐González Irene , González‐Cuesta Manuel , Thépaut Michel , Laigre Eugénie , Goyard David , Rojo Javier , García Fernández José M. , Fieschi Franck , Renaudet Olivier , Nieto Pedro M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen
Published: October 2023

The “carbohydrate chemical mimicry” exhibited by sp2‐iminosugars has been utilized to develop practical syntheses for analogs of the branched high‐mannose‐type oligosaccharides (HMOs) Man3 and Man5. In these compounds, the terminal nonreducing Man residues have been substituted with 5,6‐oxomethylidenemannonojirimycin (OMJ) motifs. The resulting oligomannoside hemimimetic accurately reproduce the structure, configuration, and conformational behavior of the original mannooligosaccharides, as confirmed by NMR and computational techniques. Binding studies with mannose binding lectins, including concanavalin A, DC‐SIGN, and langerin, by enzyme‐linked lectin assay and surface plasmon resonance revealed significant variations in their ability to accommodate the OMJ unit in the mannose binding site. Intriguingly, OMJMan segments demonstrated “in line” heteromultivalent effects during binding to the three lectins. Similar to the mannobiose (Man2) branches in HMOs, the binding modes involving the external or internal monosaccharide unit at the carbohydrate binding‐domain exist in equilibrium, facilitating sliding and recapture processes. This equilibrium, which influences the multivalent binding of HMOs, can be finely modulated upon incorporation of the OMJ sp2‐iminosugar caps. As a proof of concept, the affinity and selectivity towards DC‐SIGN and langerin were adjustable by presenting the OMJMan epitope in platforms with diverse architectures and valencies.
Numerical study on the influence of centroid‐to‐buoyancy center ratio on the motion stability of supercavitating vehicle
Authors: Wei Ping , Wang Shou Fa , Wang Yi Ming
Published: October 2023

In order to study and solve the influence of the change of the position of the centroid of the supercavitating vehicle on the motion stability, the influence law of the position of the centroid of the supercavitating vehicle on the motion stability is found, and the quantitative criterion that can guide the design of the supercavitating vehicle is summarized. On the basis of theoretical analysis, the dynamic mesh technology combined with the volume of fluid multiphase flow model and the rigid body six degrees of freedom motion calculation model is used to carry out the supercavitating vehicle motion and supercavitating flow field coupling numerical simulation research for supercavitating vehicles with different cavitator shapes. The results show that the position relationship between the centroid position and the buoyancy position has a great influence on the motion stability of the vehicle. When the center of buoyancy is before the center of mass, the vehicle is unstable; when the center of buoyancy is behind the center of mass, the vehicle sails stably, and when the position of buoyancy action coincides with the center of mass, the amplitude of the tail beat of the vehicle is the smallest, and the navigation is the most stable, which is the best position of the centroid. In this article, the concept of centroid‐to‐buoyancy center ratio is proposed. The so‐called centroid‐to‐buoyancy center ratio refers to the ratio of the length from the centroid to the top of the head of the supercavitating vehicle to the length from the center of buoyancy to the top of the head of the vehicle. When the centroid‐to‐buoyancy center ratio fluctuates in the range of [0.8–1], it is an ideal condition for the stable navigation of the vehicle. When the centroid‐to‐buoyancy center ratio is in the range of (0, 0.8), the tail beat frequency is high, which accelerates the kinetic energy consumption and the rapid instability of the vehicle. Therefore, under the same constraint conditions, it is not that the closer the center of mass is, the better the stability of the vehicle motion is. The optimal centroid position is not a certain “point,” but a “periodic fluctuation interval” that changes with the buoyancy center.
Estimation of the Thermophysical Properties of Pentaalkylguanidinium‐Based Magnetic Ionic Liquids with Unusual Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Authors: Dai Xuezhi , Qiang Xiaolian
Published: October 2023

The thermal expansion coefficient (αexp.), the molecular volume (Vm), the entropy of surface formation (Sa), and the Gibbs energy of surface formation (Ea) of four pentaalkylguanidinium‐based MILs [CnTMG][FeCl3Br] (n=2, 4, 6, 8) were calculated based on the density and surface tension data determined from 278.15 to 323.15 K. In terms of classical semiempirical methods, the standard molar entropy (S0), the lattice energy (UPOT), the molar enthalpy of evaporation (
,
(298 K)), and the thermal expansion coefficient (αest.) of the MILs were further estimated. The estimation results indicate that the classical semiempirical methods are suitable for estimating the thermophysical properties of the MILs, except the unusual αexp., which were extremely larger than those of representative non‐magnetic ionic liquids (ILs). We further optimized the estimation methods and discussed the potential reasons for the unusual thermal expansion coefficient of the MILs.
Biochar‐MgO from Soursop Seeds in the Production of Biofuel Additive Intermediates
Authors: Palermo Valeria , Camargo López Jhoan M. , Brijaldo María H. , Acevedo Sergio , Mancipe Sonia , Castillo Juan‐Carlos , Rojas Hugo A. , Passos Fabio B. , Romanelli Gustavo P. , Martínez José J.
Published: October 2023

The conversion of residual biomass from fruit seeds into biochar can be achieved using MgCl2 as an activating agent and calcining at 700 °C. The resulting MgO‐biochars were employed in the aldol condensation reaction between furfural and acetone. This reaction is essential as the first step in the obtention of biofuels derived from biomass. The biochars were characterized through various physicochemical techniques, revealing that the presence of MgO nanoparticles deposited on the carbon surface modifies the structural and acidic‐basic properties of the carbonaceous materials with a graphitic structure. The biochar with a surface content of MgO of 0.34 % w/w enables the achievement of 100 % of selectivity towards 4‐(2‐furanyl)‐3‐buten‐2‐one (I) with quantitative conversions under optimized conditions. This property highlights the potential of using this type of biochar, commonly used for CO2 capture, as a versatile acidic‐basic catalyst, thereby introducing a novel approach to sustainable chemistry.
Does Larger Cavity‐Size Really Help Bigger Anions to Bind? A Scrutiny on Core‐Expanded Calix[4]pyrroles and Their Properties
Authors: Giri Monalisa , Dash Yashaswini , Guchhait Tapas
Published: October 2023

Calix[4]pyrroles are an important class of oligopyrrolic macrocycles and have found applications in many diverse fields including anion recognition. To modulate the properties of the calix[4]pyrrole, several structural modifications are realized. The core‐expansion has attracted extra attention as it provides larger cavity‐size compared to parent calix[4]pyrrole(s). This review highlights the synthetic development of various core‐expanded calix[4]pyrroles and their applications in anion‐binding properties. Emphasis is given to the changes in the binding properties observed with expanded versions of calix[4]pyrrole(s) in both solution and the solid states. The expanded versions of calix[4]pyrrole do not always show higher binding affinities for larger anions as anticipated. Rather, they display reduced affinities with the anions. The truncated form or asymmetric nature of the expanded versions of calix[4]pyrrole does not probably allow to access all the available binding sites for the anions and hence reduced binding affinities are observed. The receptors which contain a greater number of binding sites and are somehow rigid or preorganized apparently show enhanced binding affinities for anions. The relative binding constants for halide series indicate that the enlarged molecules are more beneficial for largest iodide among others. However, most of the receptors show selectivity towards smallest fluoride over other anions studied.
Skin care for scars: Where we have been and what's new
Authors: Sedaghat Emily S. , Gold Michael H.
Published: October 2023

Background

The process of scar formation and wound healing is an important topic as different skin types can heal diversely. Scars of all ranges, from fine line scars that are barely a bother to hypertrophic and keloid scars accompanied by bothersome symptoms, have been trouble to treat with many diverse products and hypotheses historically. The diverse appearance of scars is astounding with colors, shapes, sizes, and symptoms, including pain and pruritis, affecting patients differently.

Methods

This paper will dive into the diverse treatments of scar therapy and different published studies done to prove efficacy, along with different scar subtypes.

Results

Treatments mentioned are topical and consist of silicone‐based products, as well as non‐silicone‐based products, like onion extract, green tea, Aloe vera, hydrocolloid dressings, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin E, vitamin D, moist exposed burn ointment, imiquimod, and mitomycin.

Conclusion

In sum, wound healing is a difficult process and patient outcomes vary depending on skin and scar types, thus scar therapies should continue to be studied before concluding the best skin care for scars.
Assessing trends in population size of three unmarked species: A comparison of a multi‐species N‐mixture model and random encounter models
Authors: Bollen Martijn , Palencia Pablo , Vicente Joaquín , Acevedo Pelayo , Del Río Lucía , Neyens Thomas , Beenaerts Natalie , Casaer Jim
Published: October 2023

Estimation of changes in abundances and densities is essential for the research, management, and conservation of animal populations. Recently, technological advances have facilitated the surveillance of animal populations through the adoption of passive sensors, such as camera traps (CT). Several methods, including the random encounter model (REM), have been developed for estimating densities of unmarked populations but require additional information. Hierarchical abundance models, such as the N‐mixture model (NMM), can estimate abundances without performing additional fieldwork but do not explicitly estimate the area effectively sampled. This obscures the interpretation of its densities and requires its users to focus on relative measures of abundance instead. Hence, the main objective of our study is to evaluate if REM and NMM yield consistent results qualitatively. Therefore, we compare relative trends: (i) between species, (ii) between years and (iii) across years obtained from annual density/abundance estimates of three species (fox, wild boar and red deer) in central Spain monitored by a camera trapping network for five consecutive winter periods. We reveal that NMM and REM provided density estimates in the same order of magnitude for wild boar, but not for foxes and red deer. Assuming a Poisson detection process in the NMM was important to control for inflation of abundance estimates for frequently detected species. Both methods consistently ranked density/abundance across species (between species trend), but did not always agree on relative ranks of yearly estimates within a single population (between years trend), nor on its linear population trends across years (across years trend). Our results suggest that relative trends are generally consistent when the range of variability is large, but can become inconsistent when the range of variability is smaller.
Temporal patterns of fine‐root dynamics have little influence on seasonal soil CO2 efflux in a mixed, mesic forest
Authors: Primka Edward J. , Adams Thomas S. , Buck Alexandra , Forsythe Brandon , Harper Jeremy , Kopp Marissa , Kaye Jason , Eissenstat David M.
Published: October 2023

Among the contributors to soil CO2 efflux, there remains uncertainty about the contribution of root activity to the overall soil efflux. Soil water and temperature frequently have been used to predict a large portion of the variation in soil CO2 efflux. We hypothesized that fine‐root dynamics explain most of the remaining variability in soil CO2 efflux that cannot be explained by soil temperature and water content. We anticipated that seasonal increases in root production, mortality via decomposition, and standing crop would result in corresponding increases in soil CO2 efflux. We tested our hypotheses by collecting and analyzing two years of minirhizotron and soil chamber CO2 flux data from plots distributed throughout the Shale Hills Catchment of the Susquehanna‐Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory in Central Pennsylvania, USA. Here we showed that: (1) seasonal fluctuations in fine‐root dynamics yielded only a very small increase in the predictability of soil CO2 efflux; (2) fine‐root mortality effects on soil CO2 efflux were strongly tied to soil temperature; (3) fluctuations in fine‐root presence or standing mass independent of temperature and moisture had little effect on soil CO2 efflux; and (4) new fine‐root length and root length mortality had limited impacts on soil CO2 efflux rates. We conclude that, at least in temperate forests on rocky soils, characterizing fine‐root dynamics may provide only limited improvement in the estimation of soil CO2 efflux.
Intravital microscopy visualizes innate immune crosstalk and function in tissue microenvironment
Authors: Wang Jin , Dong Dong , Zhao Wenying , Wang Jing
Published: October 2023

Significant advances have been made in the field of intravital microscopy (IVM) on myeloid cells due to the growing number of validated fluorescent probes and reporter mice. IVM provides a visualization platform to directly observe cell behavior and deepen our understanding of cellular dynamics, heterogeneity, plasticity, and cell–cell communication in native tissue environments. This review outlines the current studies on the dynamic interaction and function of innate immune cells with a focus on those that are studied with IVM and covers the advances in data analysis with emerging artificial intelligence‐based algorithms. Finally, the prospects of IVM on innate immune cells are discussed.
Preparation of Mono and Bis‐Hydrazino‐Substituted N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Boranes
Authors: Bellec Romane , Godelier Romain , Joucla Lionel , Renault Anne , Lacôte Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

We report the formation of NHC complexes of mono‐ and bis‐hydrazino boranes with N−N−B and N−N−B−N−N chains via the reaction of NHC‐boranes with electrophilic azo reagents. The influence of steric hindrance on the carbene and on the azo reagent has been shown to be crucial for the reactivity. The hydroboration of dissymmetric azo reagents is regioselective only when the latter is sufficiently electronically twisted. Bis‐hydrazino borane complexes with two different hydrazine arms could be obtained via sequential addition.
Optimization and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides produced by actinomycetes in complex flora cultivated on a ground corn straw medium
Authors: Wu Jinmi , Li Meitong , Yuan Wenjiao , Wang Xun , Xiao Huanhuan , Fei Xuening , Feng Xin , Xie Yuhong
Published: October 2023

In this study, corn straw polysaccharides (CSPs) were successfully isolated from a corn straw medium by cellulose‐degrading actinomyces in complex flora. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the extraction conditions. Under the optimum conditions of fermentation time of 12 days and initial corn straw concentration of 50 g/L, the polysaccharide yield reached 2159.23 mg/L. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the CSP structure. The results showed that the CSPs consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, glucose, mannose, and galactose with a molar ratio of 1.0:13.4:16.8:3.0:2.7:8.4, respectively. In addition, the CSP surface was covered with irregular spherical particles. The antioxidant assays suggested that the CSPs have strong scavenging effects of 87.33% and 69.95% on hydroxyl and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radicals at concentrations of 0.80 and 0.40 mg/mL, respectively. Further, CSP demonstrated its potential for development as a natural antioxidant. This work offered an environmentally microbial process for the extraction of polysaccharide from low‐cost corn straw.
(S)‐roscovitine, a CDK inhibitor, decreases cerebral edema and modulates AQP4 and α1‐syntrophin interaction on a pre‐clinical model of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Moëlo Cloé , Quillévéré Alicia , Le Roy Lucas , Timsit Serge
Published: October 2023

Cerebral edema is one of the deadliest complications of ischemic stroke for which there is currently no pharmaceutical treatment. Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), a water‐channel polarized at the astrocyte endfoot, is known to be highly implicated in cerebral edema. We previously showed in randomized studies that (S)‐roscovitine, a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, reduced cerebral edema 48 h after induction of focal transient ischemia, but its mechanisms of action were unclear. In our recent blind randomized study, we confirmed that (S)‐roscovitine was able to reduce cerebral edema by 65% at 24 h post‐stroke (t test, p = .006). Immunofluorescence analysis of AQP4 distribution in astrocytes revealed that (S)‐roscovitine decreased the non‐perivascular pool of AQP4 by 53% and drastically increased AQP4 clusters in astrocyte perivascular end‐feet (671%, t test p = .005) compared to vehicle. Non‐perivascular and clustered AQP4 compartments were negatively correlated (R = −0.78; p < .0001), suggesting a communicating vessels effect between the two compartments. α1‐syntrophin, AQP4 anchoring protein, was colocalized with AQP4 in astrocyte endfeet, and this colocalization was maintained in ischemic area as observed on confocal microscopy. Moreover, (S)‐roscovitine increased AQP4/α1‐syntrophin interaction (40%, MW p = .0083) as quantified by proximity ligation assay. The quantified interaction was negatively correlated with brain edema in both treated and placebo groups (R = −.57; p = .0074). We showed for the first time, that a kinase inhibitor modulated AQP4/α1‐syntrophin interaction, and was implicated in the reduction of cerebral edema. These findings suggest that (S)‐roscovitine may hold promise as a potential treatment for cerebral edema in ischemic stroke and as modulator of AQP4 function in other neurological diseases.
Artificial intelligence‐powered spatial analysis of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes as a predictive biomarker for axitinib in adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Lim Yoojoo , Ock Chan‐Young , Park Gahee , Park Seonwook , Song Heon , Ma Minuk , Mostafavi Mohammad , Kang Eun Joo , Ahn Myung‐Ju , Lee Keun‐Wook , Kwon Jung Hye , Yang Yaewon , Choi Yoon Hee , Kim Min Kyoung , Ji Jun Ho , Yun Tak , Kim Sung‐Bae , Keam Bhumsuk
Published: October 2023

Background

This study analyzed the predictive value of artificial intelligence (AI)‐powered tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) analysis in recurrent or metastatic (R/M) adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) treated with axitinib.

Methods

Patients from a multicenter, prospective phase II trial evaluating axitinib efficacy in R/M ACC were included in this study. H&E whole‐side images of archival tumor tissues were analyzed by Lunit SCOPE IO, an AI‐powered spatial TIL analyzer.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients were included in the analysis. The best response was stable disease, and the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 11.1 months (95% CI, 9.2–13.7 months). Median TIL densities in the cancer and surrounding stroma were 25.8/mm2 (IQR, 8.3–73.0) and 180.4/mm2 (IQR, 69.6–342.8), respectively. Patients with stromal TIL density >342.5/mm2 exhibited longer PFS (p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Cancer and stromal area TIL infiltration were generally low in R/M ACC. Higher stromal TIL infiltration was associated with a longer PFS with axitinib treatment.
A Different Female Partner Does Not Affect the Success of Second Vasectomy Reversal
Authors: Kim Soo Woong , Ku Ja Hyeon , Park Kwanjin , Son Hwancheol , Paick Jae‐Seung
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to determine whether the pregnancy rate with the same female partner or younger partners was higher compared with different or older partners after undergoing repeated vasectomy reversal. A total of 44 patients were enrolled in the present study. The cause of reversal in patients with the same partner was the desire to have more children in 14 cases, the loss of a child in 7 cases, and the desire for a son in 7 cases. Patients were asked about pregnancy and childbirth during follow‐up visits and by telephone or mail. Following microsurgical vasectomy reversal, patency was observed in 38 men (86.4%). Twenty‐five of the couples (56.8%) achieved pregnancy without any artificial conception technique. We did not observe a significant difference in the pregnancy rate (57.1% vs 56.3%, P = .954) between patients with the same or a different female partner. In the multivariate model used, partner age was the only independent predictor for pregnancy. Patients with a partner less than 35 years old had a 4.1‐fold greater chance (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–16.10; P = .041) of pregnancy than those with a partner 35 years old or older. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for partner age was 73.0% (95% confidence interval 56.8–89.2, P = .011). Our findings suggest that repeat microsurgical vasectomy reversal still remains a reasonable choice for patients with different female partners. However, it should be considered that the likelihood of achieving pregnancy after repeat vasectomy reversal may decrease with advancing age of the female partner.
Lowering the pH leads to the disaggregation of NiO and ZnO nanoparticles and modifies the mutagenic response
Authors: Pescke Ismael Krüger , de Oliveira Rozino Lívia , Zenato Karoline , Cardozo Tatiane , Flores Wladimir Hernandez , Vargas Vera Maria Ferrão
Published: October 2023

In a changing environmental scenario, acid rain can have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems. Acidification is known to produce corrosion in metals, hence increasing their harmful effects on the environment, organisms and human health. The prevalent use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in everyday products raises concerns regarding exposure and nanotoxicity even in these acidified conditions. We thus report on the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of nickel oxide (NiO‐NP) and zinc oxide (ZnO‐NP) NPs when suspended in aqueous media in light of pH variations (7.5 and 5). A modified microsuspension method of the Salmonella/microsome assay was adopted, and strains (TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102) were exposed to NPs (10–1280 μg/plate) with and without a metabolization fraction. The acidic condition favored disaggregation and caused a decrease in NPs size. Mutagenicity was observed in all samples and different strains, with greater DNA base pair substitution damage (TA100 and TA102), but extrinsic conditions (pH) suggest different action mechanisms of NiO‐NP and ZnO‐NP on genetic content. Mutagenic activity was found to increase upon metabolic activation (TA98, TA100, and TA102) demonstrating the bioactivity of NiO‐NP and ZnO‐NP in relation to metabolites generated by the mammalian p450 system in vitro. Modifications in the Salmonella assay methodology increased cell exposure time. The observed responses recommend this modified assay as one of the methodologies of choice for nanoecotoxicological evaluation. These findings emphasize the significance of incorporating the environmental context when evaluating the toxicity of metal‐based NPs.
Supramolecular assemblies of organogelators featuring benzimidazole and long‐chain pyridine dicarboxyamide
Authors: Chen Chan‐Yu , Lee Mandy M. , Tao Yu‐Tai , Sun Shih‐Sheng
Published: October 2023

Two organogelators, CO‐01 and CO‐03, featuring benzimidazole and long‐chain pyridine carboxyamide groups were prepared and their physical properties were fully explored. CO‐01 and CO‐03 are capable of transforming various organic solvents to organogels. The morphologic investigations of these organogels have shown that the supramolecular assemblies, in the forms of fibers and spheres, are readily generated from the aggregates of CO‐01 and CO‐03. The sol–gel interconversion can be readily achieved by tuning the gelator concentration and temperature. By manipulating the redox state of anthraquinone group in CO‐03, the gel–sol transition for the organogels of CO‐03 can be reversibly tuned by either chemical or electrochemical oxidation/reduction reactions. The presence of polarized imidazole and amide N–H groups allows anion‐induced gel collapse. The accompanying colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent responses of gels CO‐01 and CO‐03 to F− and CN− render these organogelators being sensitive and selective anion probes.
Dual incidences and t‐designs in vector spaces
Authors: Tabak Kristijan
Published: October 2023

Let be an ‐dimensional vector space over and is any set of ‐dimensional subspaces of . We construct two incidence structures and using subspaces from . The points are subspaces from . The blocks of are indexed by all hyperplanes of , while the blocks of are indexed by all subspaces of dimension 1. We show that and are dual in the sense that their incidence matrices are dependent, one can be calculated from the other. Additionally, if is a ‐design we prove new matrix equations for incidence matrices of and .
Pathological narcissism and relationship obsessive‐compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms: Exploring the role of vulnerable narcissism
Authors: Melli Gabriele , Caccico Laura , Micheli Elena , Bulli Francesco , Doron Guy
Published: October 2023

Objective

Relationship obsessive‐compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms, which include obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on the suitability of the relationship and/or partner, have been receiving increasing clinical, theoretical, and empirical attention. This clinical variant of OCD is associated with significant functional, personal, and dyadic consequences. ROCD symptoms have also been linked to several cognitive vulnerability factors, such as maladaptive relationship catastrophization. However, little is known about the connection between ROCD symptoms and specific personality traits. In this study, we examine whether vulnerable narcissistic personality traits may constitute a general vulnerability factor for ROCD symptoms. Specifically, we assess whether partner value self‐contingencies moderate the association between vulnerable narcissistic traits and obsessive preoccupation with a romantic partner's perceived flaws.

Method

A total of 310 individuals self‐reporting ROCD symptoms completed questionnaires assessing narcissistic personality traits, ROCD symptoms and cognitions, and partner value self‐contingencies.

Results

Vulnerable narcissistic traits were uniquely associated with ROCD symptoms over and above ROCD‐related cognitions. Self‐worth contingent on the partner's perceived value partially mediated the effect of vulnerable narcissistic traits on ROCD symptoms.

Conclusion

Results supported the role of vulnerable narcissistic traits and domain‐relevant self‐vulnerabilities on obsessive preoccupation with romantic partners' perceived flaws. Further research is needed to explore the susceptibility of vulnerable individuals to the development and maintenance of ROCD symptoms.
Using Xenopus to discover new candidate genes involved in BOR and other congenital hearing loss syndromes
Authors: Neal Scott J. , Rajasekaran Anindita , Jusić Nisveta , Taylor Louis , Read Mai , Alfandari Dominique , Pignoni Francesca , Moody Sally A.
Published: October 2023

Hearing in infants is essential for brain development, acquisition of verbal language skills, and development of social interactions. Therefore, it is important to diagnose hearing loss soon after birth so that interventions can be provided as early as possible. Most newborns in the United States are screened for hearing deficits and commercially available next‐generation sequencing hearing loss panels often can identify the causative gene, which may also identify congenital defects in other organs. One of the most prevalent autosomal dominant congenital hearing loss syndromes is branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome (BOR), which also presents with defects in craniofacial structures and the kidney. Currently, mutations in three genes, SIX1, SIX5, and EYA1, are known to be causative in about half of the BOR patients that have been tested. To uncover new candidate genes that could be added to congenital hearing loss genetic screens, we have combined the power of Drosophila mutants and protein biochemical assays with the embryological advantages of Xenopus, a key aquatic animal model with a high level of genomic similarity to human, to identify potential Six1 transcriptional targets and interacting proteins that play a role during otic development. We review our transcriptomic, yeast 2‐hybrid, and proteomic approaches that have revealed a large number of new candidates. We also discuss how we have begun to identify how Six1 and co‐factors interact to direct developmental events necessary for normal otic development.
MR Uniformity Ratio Estimates to Evaluate Ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony and Prognosis After ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Dong Jian‐Xun , Wei Lai , Jin Li‐Xing , He Jie , Zhao Chen‐Xu , Ding Song , Kong Ling‐Cong , Yang Fan , An Dong‐Ao‐Lei , Wu Chong‐Wen , Chen Bing‐Hua , Wang Hu‐Wen , Yang Yi‐Ning , Ge Heng , Pu Jun
Published: October 2023

Background

The impact of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) on the long‐term prognosis of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unclear.

Hypothesis

MR uniformity ratio estimates (URE) can detect LVMD and assess STEMI prognosis.

Study Type

Retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter registry (EARLY‐MYO trial, NCT 03768453).

Population

Overall, 450 patients (50 females) with first‐time STEMI were analyzed, as well as 40 participants without cardiovascular disease as controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0‐T, balanced steady‐state free precession cine and late gadolinium enhancement imaging.

Assessment

MRI data were acquired within 1 week of symptom onset. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including cardiovascular death, nonfatal re‐infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and stroke, were the primary clinical outcomes. LVMD was represented by circumferential URE (CURE) and radial URE (RURE) calculated using strain measurements. The patients were grouped according to clinical outcomes or URE values. Patients' clinical characteristics and MR indicators were compared.

Statistical Tests

The Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with area under the curve, Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox regression, logistic regression, intraclass correlation coefficient, c‐index, and integrated discrimination improvement were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

CURE and RURE were significantly lower in patients with STEMI than in controls. The median follow‐up was 60.5 months. Patients with both lower CURE and RURE values experienced a significantly higher incidence of MACEs by 3.525‐fold. Both CURE and RURE were independent risk factors for MACEs. The addition of UREs improved diagnostic efficacy and risk stratification based on infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The indicators associated with LVMD included male sex, serum biomarkers (peak creatine phosphokinase and cardiac troponin I), infarct size, and LVEF.

Data Conclusion

CURE and RURE may be useful to evaluate long‐term prognosis after STEMI.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
The CD19+ B cell as a marker for the febrile children infected with influenza A and Omicron variant
Authors: Shi Ting , Xu Lei , Li Xiaohong , Huang Linlin
Published: October 2023

H3N2 and Omicron are common pathogens of respiratory infections in children. This study aimed to explore dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets and the diagnostic value of CD19+ B cell in children infected with influenza A and Omicron. One hundred and sixty‐five in‐patients with H3N2, 175 in‐patients with Omicron variant, and 50 age‐matched healthy children from Children's Hospital of Soochow University were included in this study. The participants underwent 13 respiratory pathogens by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sputum culture, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV‐2) DNA PCR, routine blood, and lymphocyte subset assays within 24 h of admission. The neutrophils, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in the H3N2 and Omicron groups were significantly higher than in the control groups (p < 0.05). However, the lymphocytes and eosinophils in the H3N2 and Omicron groups were lower than the control groups (p < 0.05). The CD3+ T cell, CD3+CD4+ T cell, CD3+CD8+ T cell, CD3−CD19+ B cell, and natural killer cell were lower in the H3N2 and Omicron groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). The CD3−CD19+ cell in the Omicron group was higher than that in the H3N2 group but lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, CD3−CD19+ cell had good diagnostic value for H3N2 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.902, p < 0.05). The children with H3N2 were more likely to have lower lymphocytes than children with Omicron. Additionally, B‐cell count had good diagnostic value for H3N2.
A household survey of intrafamily norovirus transmission
Authors: Juniastuti  , Utsumi Takako , Yamani Laura Navika , Dinana Zayyin , Gunawan Emily , Maharani Aussie Tahta , Fitria Anisa Lailatul , Wahyuni Rury M. , Soetjipto  , Doan Yen Hai , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Ishii Koji , Matsui Chieko , Deng Lin , Abe Takayuki , Katayama Kazuhiko , Lusida Maria Inge , Shoji Ikuo
Published: October 2023

Norovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic gastroenteritis in people of all ages. Humans are the primary source of NoV and household contact is one of the risk factors for NoV transmission. However, the mechanisms underlying person‐to‐person NoV transmission are poorly understood. Here we conducted a survey to profile the frequency and characteristics of intrafamily NoV transmission. Stool samples were collected every week from three households between 2016 and 2020; the total number of samples was 1105. The detection of NoV and the genotyping were performed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction targeting the capsid region and direct sequencing methods. NoV was detected in 3.4% of all samples. Eight NoV genotypes were identified. The most common genotype was GII.17, followed in order by GII.6, GI.6, GII.4, GI.3, and GI.2/GI.8/GI.9. Most NoV‐positive samples were obtained from asymptomatic individuals. The highest number of NoV transmissions was found in household 3 (6 infections), followed by household 2 (2 infections), while household 1 had no NoV transmission, suggesting that asymptomatic NoV carriers play a major role in infection as NoV reservoirs in the households. Further clarification of the mode of infection will contribute to improved understanding and an appropriate prevention.
Effectual study, statistical optimization, and neural network‐based predictive model of pearl millet and amaranth flours formulations for gluten‐free pasta
Authors: Rathore Soumya , Pandey Anand Kumar
Published: October 2023

Background

Pasta is prepared from high‐gluten wheat flour but poses great harm to gluten‐intolerant population or celiac disease patients. Pearl millet flour is the cheapest among gluten‐free flours and has a high nutritive index. Amaranth is a promising source of protein and fiber and is gluten‐free in nature. Several studies have been done for the development of gluten‐free pasta using different flour blends but an optimized formulation with high nutritive value and consumer satisfaction has not yet been identified.

Results

In this study, different blends of pearl millet and amaranth flour were used in ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 for pasta preparation and their analysis based on farinographic parameters, cooking quality, and sensory scores was done. Statistical analysis by analysis of variance followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test was performed to evaluate the optimized formulation. 60:40 blend ratio for pearl millet and amaranth flour displayed comparable farinographic properties and cooking yield to wheat‐based pasta with optimized cooking loss and an overall sensory score of 8.65. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of flours and the cooked and uncooked pasta samples was also performed. Further, a multilayer perceptron neural network was developed to predict the overall quality and grade of pasta. The developed neural network gave high classification accuracy of 90.9% and 100% for training and testing sets, respectively, and can be utilized for pasta quality prediction.

Conclusion

This study provides optimized pearl millet and amaranth flour blend formulation to prepare gluten‐free delicious pasta for celiac disease patients.
Falling water tables reduce peatland semiconductor minerals' capacity for preserving carbon
Authors: Zeng Jia , Cao Qin , Bai Yinping , Chen Huai , Liu Mingxue , He Yi , He Huichao , Hu Wenyuan , Yang Gang
Published: October 2023

Semiconductor minerals in peatland play a significant role in the stability of the soil carbon pool. Nevertheless, the ecosystem‐scale importance of semiconductor minerals distribution and their influence on carbon stability in peatlands is still to be determined. Therefore, this study investigated the spatial distribution of semiconductor minerals and their photoelectrochemical activity (PA) in three peatlands with distinct water tables (Equisetum‐swamp [−2.0 cm], Caltha‐meadow [−8.0 cm], and Carex‐meadow [−13.8 cm]). The results indicate that the peatlands of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau mainly contain hematite (4.64 wt%), brookite (0.71 wt%), baddeleyite (0.23 wt‰), and zincite (0.10 wt‰); hematite content is the main mineral in peatland. And significantly increased with the decrease of the water table; the photoelectrochemical examination showed that the band gap of semiconductor minerals displayed Caltha‐meadow > Equisetum‐swamp > Carex‐meadow, and the carrier concentration displayed Carex‐meadow > Equisetum‐swamp > Caltha‐meadow, and Carex‐meadow exhibits a steady photocurrent density (0.3 μA/cm2) under light. This suggests that peat soils exhibit an improved photoelectric response with water table drawdown, which would promote the potential for soil carbon mineralization; structural equation model analysis showed that hematite had a significant positive effect on soil organic carbon (SOC), while the PA of semiconductor minerals had a significant negative effect on SOC. That is, semiconductor minerals can not only protect SOC by adsorption but also accelerate organic carbon mineralization by photo‐catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the decrease in the water table increases the PA of semiconductor minerals, which will weaken the protective effect of semiconductor minerals on soil carbon through adsorption and other means.
Analysis of factors influencing terrace abandonment based on unmanned aerial photography and farmer surveys: A case study in Jianhe, Guizhou
Authors: Long Mingshun , Zhao Yuluan , Zhou Chunfang , Li Xiubin , Su Lanlan , Zou Yan
Published: October 2023

Studying the abandonment status of mountain terraces and its determinants, as well as exploring opportunities for the sustainable use of mountain terraces, are of great significance for the protection of regional cultivated land resources. The present study analysed eight typical villages in Jianhe County, Guizhou Province, China, as examples. A combination of high‐resolution remote sensing images and farm household survey data were used to explore the abandonment of terraces in mountainous areas. A multi‐level logistic model was constructed to analyse the determinants of terrace abandonment based on three levels: plot, household and village. The results show that serious terrace abandonment occurred in the study area, with 33.78% of all terraces having been abandoned. The plot and household levels were important in influencing terrace abandonment by farmers. At the plot level, terrace abandonment is more likely to occur on small plots found at a long distance from residences with poor irrigation conditions and collapsed ridges. At the household level, households where the head had a relatively high level of education and households with relatively small agricultural labour forces and lower degrees of mechanisation had a higher probability of their terraces being abandoned. At the village level, a relatively high risk of terrace abandonment was found in villages relatively close to an administrative centre, with a low land transfer rate and a low rate of forest coverage. In conclusion, carrying out land consolidation projects and improving agricultural infrastructure in mountainous areas are important means to achieving the sustainable use of terraces.