bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychophysiological correlates in male to female transsexuals studied with a P300 investigation
Authors: PAPAGEORGIOU C. , PAPAGEORGAKI P. , TOLIS G. , RABAVILAS A. D. , CHRISTODOULOU G. N.
Published: April 2003

Background. Transsexualism is thought to be related to cortical processes reflecting a complex mosaic of biological, psychological and social/cultural information. Since the P300 component of event-related potentials is considered as an index of attentional processes, the present study focuses on auditory P300 elicited during a short memory test in male to female (MF) transsexuals, compared with that in healthy controls.

Method. The P300 component was evaluated during the anticipatory period of a short memory test in 13 MF transsexuals who had a gender reassignment operation, at least 3 years previously (mean time 17·6 years, range 3–31 years) and 26 healthy subjects (11 males and 15 females) matched for age and educational level.

Results. MF transsexuals exhibited significant reduction of P300 amplitude in the left frontal and temporoparietal areas in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, the group of transsexuals showed a significant delay of P300 latency in comparison to the controls, at the central frontal region.

Conclusions. These findings point to significant psychophysiological alterations of distributed cortical circuits in MF transsexuals. These alterations may be critically related to the biological substrate of MF transsexualism.
Bushmeat and food security in the Congo Basin: linkages between wildlife and people's future
Authors: Fa John E. , Currie Dominic , Meeuwig Jessica
Published: April 2003

Tropical moist forests in Africa are concentrated in the Congo Basin. A variety of animals in these forests, in particular mammals, are hunted for their meat, termed bushmeat. This paper investigates current and future trends of bushmeat protein, and non-bushmeat protein supply, for inhabitants of the main Congo Basin countries. Since most bushmeat is derived from forest mammals, published extraction (E) and production (P) estimates of mammal populations were used to calculate the per person protein supplied by these. Current bushmeat protein supply may range from 30 g person−1 day−1 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to 180 g person−1 day−1 in Gabon. Future bushmeat protein supplies were predicted for the next 50 years by employing current E:P ratios, and controlling for known deforestation and population growth rates. At current exploitation rates, bushmeat protein supply would drop 81% in all countries in less than 50 years; only three countries would be able to maintain a protein supply above the recommended daily requirement of 52 g person−1 day−1. However, if bushmeat harvests were reduced to a sustainable level, all countries except Gabon would be dramatically affected by the loss of wild protein supply. The dependence on bushmeat protein is emphasized by the fact that four out of the five countries studied do not produce sufficient amounts of non-bushmeat protein to feed their populations. These findings imply that a significant number of forest mammals could become extinct relatively soon, and that protein malnutrition is likely to increase dramatically if food security in the region is not promptly resolved.
Radar observations of the autumn migration of the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and other moths in northern China
Authors: Feng H.-Q. , Wu K.-M. , Cheng D.-F. , Guo Y.-Y.
Published: April 2003

The autumn return migration of the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua Hübner and other insects in northern China was observed with radar and with a simultaneously-operated searchlight trap and ground light-trap at a site in Langfang, near Beijing. The searchlight trap was found to be an efficient tool for trapping migrants and, operated alongside a ground light-trap, could distinguish migrant from locally-flying species. It was confirmed that S. exigua and some other species were high-altitude nocturnal windborne migrants during September and October in northern China. Maximum density of moths typically occurred below 500 m, and strong layering was often observed at about 200 m above ground level in airflows that would carry the moths towards the south. Descent of S. exigua in the vicinity of the radar site in late September was often associated with rain.
A SIMPLE AND ROBUST THINNING ALGORITHM
Authors: LEE C. L. , WANG P. S. P.
Published: April 2003

In this paper a new thinning algorithm is presented. It is simple yet robust, and can maintain the same advantages of other key skeletonization algorithms. In this new algorithm, only a very small set of rules of criteria for deleting pixels is used. It is faster and easier to implement. Its advantages and limitations are discussed and compared with others. Several examples are illustrated.
WEAR PARTICLE TEXTURE CLASSIFICATION USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: LAGHARI M. S. , BOUJARWAH A.
Published: April 2003

Analysis of wear debris carried by a lubricant in an oil-wetted system provides important information about the condition of a machine. This paper describes the analysis of microscopic metal particles generated by wear using computer vision and image processing. The aim is to classify these particles according to their morphology and surface texture and by using the information obtained, to predict wear failure modes in engines and other machinery. This approach obviates the need for specialists and reliance on human visual inspection techniques. The procedure reported in this paper, is used to classify surface features of the wear particles by using artificial neural networks. A visual comparison between cooccurrence matrices representing five different texture classes is described. Based on these comparisons, matrices of reduced sizes are utilized to train a feed-forward neural classifier in order to distinguish between the various texture classes.
AN AUTOMATIC SATELLITE INTERPRETATION OF TROPICAL CYCLONE PATTERNS USING ELASTIC GRAPH DYNAMIC LINK MODEL
Authors: LEE RAYMOND S. T. , LIU JAMES N. K.
Published: April 2003

In the past decades, satellite interpretation was one of the vital methods for the determination of weather patterns all over the world, especially for the identification of severe weather patterns such as tropical cyclones (TC). The method is based on Dvorak Technique8 which provides a means of the identification of the cyclone and its intensity. This is a kind of pattern-matching techniques and is based on some well-known TC templates for reference. Due to the high variation and complexity of cloud activities for the tropical cyclone patterns, meteorological analysts all over the world so far are still relying on subjective human justification for TC identification purposes.

In this paper, an Elastic Graph Dynamic Link Model (EGDLM) is proposed to automate the satellite interpretation process and provides an objective analysis for tropical cyclones. The method integrates Dynamic Link Architecture (DLA) for neural dynamics and Active Contour Model (ACM) for contour extraction of TC patterns. Over 120 satellite pictures provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were used to evaluate the system, and 145 tropical cyclone cases that appeared in the period between 1990 to 1998 were extracted for the study. An overall correct rate for TC classification was found to be above 95%. For hurricanes with distinct "eye" formation, the model reported a deviation within 3 km from the "actual eye" location, which was obtained from the reconnaissance aircraft measurements of minimum surface pressure.
Stereochemically Pure Acridine-modified DNA for Site-selective Activation and Scission of RNA
Authors: Shi Yun , Kuzuya Akinori , Komiyama Makoto
Published: April 2003

Two phosphoramidite monomers bearing acridine, which differ in the configuration at the branching point of the linker, have been synthesized and incorporated in DNA. In site-selective RNA scission by Lu(III), the DNA derived from l-threoninol linker is 2.5 times as effective as that from d-threoninol, confirming the importance of appropriate stereochemistry for efficient RNA activation.
Social Risk, Social Need, and Use of the Emergency Department
Authors: Mayes Katherine Dickerson , Cash Rebecca E. , Schiavoni Katherine H. , Vogeli Christine , Thorndike Anne N. , Camargo Carlos A. , Samuels-Kalow Margaret
Published: January 2024

This cohort study examines the association of social risk and social need with emergency department use by patients within a Medicaid accountable care organization who were screened for adverse social determinants of health in primary care.
Redefining online biology education: a study on interactive branched video utilisation and student learning experiences
Authors: Lacey Melissa M. , Francis Nigel J. , Smith David P.
Published: January 2024

This study evaluated the use of interactive, branched videos compared with traditional passive linear delivery for enhancing student engagement and learning in online courses. Undergraduate biology students were provided with either branched decision‐based or linear videos on cell biology and protein purification as self‐guided or consolidation activities. While the interactive branched videos did not improve learning gains, thematic analysis revealed that students found them more enjoyable and preferable for revision. However, most students felt linear passive videos were more logically structured for core content delivery. In a revised format, with clearer scaffolding, the interactive branched videos were perceived as significantly more engaging and useful when utilised for a problem‐solving activity. Students welcomed the autonomy of directing their learning path but desired support to avoid missing critical information. Overall, thoughtfully designed branched videos can increase student motivation, but their utility depends on context. Our findings indicate the importance of balancing interactivity, clear organisation and purpose when incorporating these innovative formats into online learning. Branched videos show promise for increasing engagement but require intentional instructional design tailored to learning objectives.
VA study boosts standing of residential treatment
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2024

A military veteran population with clinically complex needs appears to benefit considerably from a residential level of care for substance use disorder (SUD), a retrospective analysis has concluded. The study's encouraging findings on symptom relief and reduced risk of death should bolster the argument that residential services must be maintained as part of the continuum of SUD care.
Nitazenes: The latest challenge in the OD crisis
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

What is causing the increase in nitazenes in the illicit drug market? According to a comment published Jan. 12 in The Lancet, contributory factors include.
Hydrophobic Coating Platforms for High‐Efficiency Loading and Direct Transmembrane Delivery of Fat‐Soluble Osteogenic Drug for Enhanced Osseointegration of Titanium Implants
Authors: Chen Yicheng , Ning Xiaona , Jia Xuelian , Xin He , Kong Shaolingzhuo , Wu Ben , Ding Tiexin , Zhu Simin , Ren Xiaomin , Zhang Xiao , Lu Zihan , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Wenhui , Zhang Yu , Kong Liang , Wang Guocheng , Liu Fuwei
Published: January 2024

Compared with water‐soluble osteogenic drugs, fat‐soluble osteogenic drugs exhibit higher bioavailability and drug stability, making them valuable for enhancing the osseointegration of implants. However, existing drug‐loading coatings are primarily designed for water‐soluble drugs, limiting their effectiveness in loading and delivering fat‐soluble osteogenic drugs. This study employed alkali treatment, silanization, and oleic acid acylation to sequentially modify the surface of Ti alloy, aiming to fabricate surfaces capable of efficiently loading and delivering fat‐soluble osteogenic drugs. Results show that the hydrophilicity and loading capacity of fat‐soluble osteogenic drugs strongly depended on the duration of the acylation treatment. Furthermore, the drug release mechanism involved direct diffusion from the coating to the cells in contact, resulting in improved bioavailability, as opposed to diffusion into the surrounding medium and subsequent cellular uptake. In vitro experiments using vitamine D3 (VD3) as a model drug confirmed that the coating effectively promoted bone formation through the highly efficient delivery of VD3. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the VD3‐loaded lipophilic surface significantly enhanced osteogenic capability and improved the osseointegration of titanium implants. This study provides a promising strategy for loading fat‐soluble drugs onto Ti implants and direct experimental evidence demonstrating the significant value of fat‐soluble drugs in promoting implant osseointegration.
Low‐Temperature, Universal Synthetic Route for Mesoporous Metal Oxides by Exploiting Synergistic Effect of Thermal Activation and Plasma
Authors: Kim Keon‐Woo , Seok Hyunho , Son Sihoon , Park Su‐Jeong , Yang Chanwoo , Lee Dongho , Lee Hyo‐Chang , Mun Jihun , Yeom Hee‐Jung , Yoon Min Young , Park Bomi , Kim Se Hyun , Jo Changshin , Moon Hong Chul , Kim Taesung , Kim Jin Kon
Published: January 2024

Mesoporous metal oxides exhibit excellent physicochemical properties and are widely used in various fields, including energy storage/conversion, catalysis, and sensors. Although several soft‐template approaches are reported, high‐temperature calcination for both metal oxide formation and template removal is necessary, which limits direct synthesis on a plastic substrate for flexible devices. Here, a universal synthetic approach that combines thermal activation and oxygen plasma to synthesize diverse mesoporous metal oxides (V2O5, V6O13, TiO2, Nb2O5, WO3, and MoO3) at low temperatures (150–200 °C), which can be applicable to a flexible polymeric substrate is introduced. As a demonstration, a flexible micro‐supercapacitor is fabricated by directly synthesizing mesoporous V2O5 on an indium‐tin oxide‐coated colorless polyimide film. The energy storage performance is well maintained under severe bending conditions.
Advanced Molecular Design for Efficient Multicolor Electrochemiluminescence and Amplified Spontaneous Emission Based on Tetra‐BF2 Complexes
Authors: Cui Luxia , Horioka Ami , Ishimatsu Ryoichi , Mamada Masashi , Adachi Chihaya , Tahara Keishiro , Hoshino Yu , Ono Toshikazu
Published: January 2024

Advanced organoboron dyes, incorporating tetra‐boron difluoride (tetra‐BF2) moieties, are developed, demonstrating efficient electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emissions in the green to orange regions through direct ion annihilation. By introducing diverse alkyl modifications in the molecules, luminescence color tuning is achieved via alterations in conjugation and bending angle. A photoluminescence quantum yield of 100% in dilute solutions is successfully achieved. Notably, the introduction of alkyl groups to the methine side stabilizes the radical ionic state, resulting in a high ECL efficiency of 74% through an efficient radical‐ion annihilation pathway. The key factor is that the energy of the annihilation reaction exceeds the S1 energy required for luminescence. Spin density calculations further elucidate the substituent effects on the radical ions of complexes. Moreover, the lasing properties of these materials in the solution‐processed blend films are investigated, revealing a low amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold (Eth) of 6.40 ± 0.24 µJ cm−2, which is notably lower among organic laser materials. This is attributed to their large Stokes shifts and high quantum yield. The excellent ECL and ASE performances establish these materials as a valuable addition to the existing library of organoboron dyes, offering fresh insights into the development of organic solid‐state lasers.
Enantioselective Acyl‐Transfer/Protonation Reactions with Designed Chiral Thiourea‐Iminophosphorane Catalysts
Authors: Kong Julie , Lacroix Charlie , Bournaud Chloée , Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shū , Vo‐Thanh Giang
Published: January 2024

A designed chiral thiourea‐iminophosphorane catalyst was developed to afford α‐acyloxythioesters through enantioselective acyl‐transfer/protonation of α‐acyloxy‐β‐ketosulfides. The desired reaction proceeded in good yields with high enantioselectivities using a chiral thiourea‐iminophosphorane bearing a pyrrolidine scaffold.
Efficient Recovery of Complete Gut Viral Genomes by Combined Short‐ and Long‐Read Sequencing
Authors: Chen Jingchao , Sun Chuqing , Dong Yanqi , Jin Menglu , Lai Senying , Jia Longhao , Zhao Xueyang , Wang Huarui , Gao Na L. , Bork Peer , Liu Zhi , Chen Wei‐Hua , Zhao Xing‐Ming
Published: January 2024

Current metagenome assembled human gut phage catalogs contained mostly fragmented genomes. Here, comprehensive gut virome detection procedure is developed involving virus‐like particle (VLP) enrichment from ≈500 g feces and combined sequencing of short‐ and long‐read. Applied to 135 samples, a Chinese Gut Virome Catalog (CHGV) is assembled consisting of 21,499 non‐redundant viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) that are significantly longer than those obtained by short‐read sequencing and contained ≈35% (7675) complete genomes, which is ≈nine times more than those in the Gut Virome Database (GVD, ≈4%, 1,443). Interestingly, the majority (≈60%, 13,356) of the CHGV vOTUs are obtained by either long‐read or hybrid assemblies, with little overlap with those assembled from only the short‐read data. With this dataset, vast diversity of the gut virome is elucidated, including the identification of 32% (6,962) novel vOTUs compare to public gut virome databases, dozens of phages that are more prevalent than the crAssphages and/or Gubaphages, and several viral clades that are more diverse than the two. Finally, the functional capacities are also characterized of the CHGV encoded proteins and constructed a viral‐host interaction network to facilitate future research and applications.
Rotary Wind‐driven Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Airflow Temperature Monitoring of Industrial Equipment
Authors: Li Yi , Deng Haocheng , Wu Haoying , Luo Yi , Deng Yeqiang , Yuan Hongye , Cui Zhaolun , Tang Ju , Xiong Jiaqing , Zhang Xiaoxing , Xiao Song
Published: January 2024

Heat dissipation performance is crucial for the operational reliability of industrial equipment, which can be monitored by detecting the wind or airflow temperature of the radiator. The emergence of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provides new routes for wind energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing. Herein, a rotary wind‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (RW‐TENG) with soft‐contact working mode is newly designed to achieve tunable contact areas by utilizing the reliable thermal response of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) to air/wind temperature. The RW‐TENG can generate different triboelectric outputs under air stimulation with different speeds or temperatures, which is demonstrated as a power source for online monitoring sensors, self‐powered wind speed sensing, and airflow temperature monitoring. Specifically, a self‐powered sensor of wind speed is demonstrated with a sensitivity of 0.526 µA m−1 s between 2.2 and 19.6 m s−1, and a self‐powered monitoring device of high airflow temperature, which show relatively short response time (109 s), strong anti‐interference ability and outstanding long‐term durability. This study introduces an innovative route for real‐time detection of airflow temperature in wind‐cooled industrial equipment, showing broad application prospects for information perception and intelligent sensing of the industrial IoTs.
Double Advantages of Nutrients and Biostimulants Derived from Sewage Sludge by Alkaline Thermal Hydrolysis Process for Agricultural Use: Quality Promotion of Soil and Crop
Authors: Hao Jiahou , Li Bingbing , Tan Jiayi , Zhang Yue , Gu Xuejia , Wang Shuo , Deng Yun , Zhang Xiaokai , Li Ji
Published: January 2024

Low‐carbon alkaline thermal hydrolysis of sewage sludge for the production of high‐quality plant‐growth‐promoting nutrients and biostimulants is a growing concern for sludge resource utilization in agriculture. Thus, this study aims to investigate functional characteristics and soil biochemical effects of sewage sludge‐derived nutrients and biostimulants (SS‐NB). The content of heavy metals in SS‐NB decreased by 47.39–100%, and an increase in soil protease, invertase, and soil nutrient utilization rates are observed in SS‐NB groups. SS‐NB substituted for chemical fertilizer increased the diversity and evenness of microbial community and reduced the abundance of the soil‐borne bacterial genus Arthrobacter. The dominant community of SS‐NB100 group is mainly enriched in Microvirga, Ensifer, Novosphingobium, Bosea and Ellin6055, which are principally beneficial symbiotic bacteria of plants and participated in C and N cycles. Moreover, SS‐NB reduced the accumulation of Ktedonobacteria and Nitrosospira, which are involved in the production of CO2 and N2O, and also enhanced the coordination of soil microorganisms with enzyme activities and nutrient utilization rate. In conclusion, the results suggest that SS‐NB exerts a positive effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing soil‐borne diseases, and can further enhance collaboration with soil enzyme activity and soil nutrient utilization by stimulating soil microorganisms.
Capture Fluorocarbon and Chlorofluorocarbon from Air Using DUT‐67 for Safety and Semi‐Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Xiong Xiao‐Hong , Song Liang , Wang Wei , Zheng Hui‐Ting , Zhang Liang , Meng Liu‐Li , Chen Cheng‐Xia , Jiang Ji‐Jun , Wei Zhang‐Wen , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: January 2024

Fluoro‐ and chlorofluorocabons (FC/CFCs) are important refrigerants, solvents, and fluoropolymers in industry while being toxic and carrying high global warming potential. Detection and reclamation of FC/CFCs based on adsorption technology with highly selective adsorbents is important to labor safety and environmental protection. Herein, the study reports an integrated method to combine capture, separation, enrichment, and analysis of representative FC/CFCs (chlorodifluoromethane(R22) and 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R134a)) by using the highly stable and porous Zr‐MOF, DUT‐67. Gas adsorption and breakthrough experiments demonstrate that DUT‐67 has high R22/R134a uptake (124/116 cm3 g−1) and excellent R22/R134a/CO2 separation performance (IAST selectivities of R22/CO2 and R134a/CO2 ranging from 51.4 to 33.3, and 31.1 to 25.8), even in rather low concentration and humid conditions. A semi‐quantitative analysis protocol is set up to analyze the low concentrations of R22/R134a based on the high selective R22/R134a adsorption ability, fast adsorption kinetics, water‐resistant utility, facile regeneration, and excellent recyclability of DUT‐67. In situ single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, theoretical calculations, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra have been employed to understand the adsorption mechanism. This work may provide a potential adsorbent for purge and trap technique under room temperature, thus promoting the application of MOFs for VOCs sampling and quantitative analysis.
Clinical characteristics of new‐onset diabetes after liver transplantation and outcomes
Authors: Shimada Shingo , Miyake Katsunori , Venkat Deepak , Gonzalez Humberto , Moonka Dilip , Yoshida Atsushi , Abouljoud Marwan , Nagai Shunji
Published: January 2024

Background

We aimed to identify the characteristics of new‐onset diabetes after liver transplantation (LT) (NODAT) and investigate its impacts on post‐transplant outcomes.

Methods

Adult LT patients between 2014 and 2020 who used tacrolimus as initial immunosuppression and survived 3 months at least were evaluated. Patients who developed NODAT within 3 months after LT were classified as NODAT group. Also, patients were further classified as history of diabetes before LT (PHDBT) and non‐diabetes (ND) groups. Patient characteristics, post‐LT outcomes, and cardiovascular and/or pulmonary complications were compared.

Results

A total of 83, 225, and 263 patients were classified into NODAT, PHDBT, and ND groups. The proportion of cholestatic liver disease and rejection within 90 days were higher in NODAT group. Mean serum tacrolimus concentration trough level in the first week after LT was 7.12, 6.12, and 6.12 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Duration of corticosteroids was significantly longer in NODAT compared to PHDBD or ND (416, 289, and 228 days, p < 0.001). Three‐year graft and patient survival were significantly worse in NODAT than ND (80.5% vs. 95.0%, p < 0.001: 82.0% vs. 95.4%, p < 0.001) but similar to PHDBT. Adjusted risks of 3‐year graft loss and patient death using Cox regression analysis were significantly higher in NODAT compared to ND (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.41, p = 0.004; aHR 3.61, p = 0.004). Incidence rates of cardiovascular or pulmonary complications after LT in NODAT were significantly higher than ND but similar to PHDBT.

Conclusion

Higher initial tacrolimus concentration and early rejection might be risk factors for NODAT. NODAT was associated with worse post‐transplant outcomes.
Synthesis of Degradable Acetal‐Backboned Polymers via Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydroalkoxylation of Alkoxyallenes
Authors: Lee Hyobeen , Choi Isaac , Kim Cheoljae
Published: January 2024

A degradable acetal‐backboned polymer was developed via palladium‐catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of dialkoxyallenes with diols. Dialkoxyallenes were easily prepared from the corresponding diols through propargylation, followed by isomerization. Polymers were synthesized from the various combinations of diols and dialkoxyallens in the presence of a palladium catalyst to produce the acrolein acetal linkages. While the acetal backbones were completely degraded into the corresponding diols, the recycling of the polymer with 1,4‐benzenedimethanol was also demonstrated. The vinyl moiety in the newly generated acrolein acetals allowed for the thiol‐ene reaction, thereby providing a promising approach for the further applications of the polymer.
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and low tau burden: Characteristics and implications
Authors: Landau Susan M. , Lee JiaQie , Murphy Alice , Ward Tyler J. , Harrison Theresa M. , Baker Suzanne L. , DeCarli Charles , Harvey Danielle , Tosun Duygu , Weiner Michael W. , Koeppe Robert A. , Jagust William J. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION

Abnormal amyloid‐beta (Aβ) and tau deposition define Alzheimer's Disease (AD), but non‐elevated tau is relatively frequent in patients on the AD pathway.

METHODS

We examined characteristics and regional patterns of 397 Aβ+ unimpaired and impaired individuals with low tau (A+T−) in relation to their higher tau counterparts (A+T+).

RESULTS

Seventy‐one percent of Aβ+ unimpaired and 42% of impaired Aβ+ individuals were categorized as A+T− based on global tau. In impaired individuals only, A+T− status was associated with older age, male sex, and greater cardiovascular risk. α‐synuclein was linked to poorer cognition, particularly when tau was low. Tau burden was most frequently elevated in a common set of temporal regions regardless of T+/T− status.

DISCUSSION

Low tau is relatively common in patients on the AD pathway and is linked to comorbidities that contribute to impairment. These findings have implications for the selection of individuals for Aβ‐ and tau‐modifying therapies.
In Vitro Module Editing Of NRPS Enables Production Of Highly Potent Gq‐Signaling Inhibitor FR900359 Derived From Unculturable Plant Symbiont
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Suenaga Hikaru , Amagai Keita , Hashimoto Junko , Kozone Ikuko , Takahashi Shunji , Shin‐ya Kazuo
Published: January 2024

Heterotrimeric G proteins are key mediators in the signaling of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) that are involved in a plethora of important physiological processes and thus major targets of pharmaceutical drugs. The cyclic depsipeptides YM‐254890 and FR900359 are strong and selective inhibitors of the Gq subfamily of G proteins. FR900359 was first reported to be produced by unculturable plant symbiont, however, a culturable FR900359 producer was discovered recently by the standard strategy, screening of the producing strain from the environment. As another strategy, we introduce herein the different way to supply natural compounds of unculturable microorganism origin. We therefore embarked on constructing an artificial biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) for FR900359 with YM‐254890 BGC as a template using “in vitro module editing” technology, first developed for the modification of type‐I PKS BGCs, to edit YM‐254890 BGC. The resulting artificial BGCs coding FR900359 were heterologously expressed in the Pseudomonas putida KT2440 host strain.
Effect of pH on the properties of protonated polyaniline‐based films for pH sensing applications
Authors: Kang Qi , Takehara Hiroaki , Ichiki Takanori
Published: January 2024

The chemical and physical properties of protonated polyaniline (PANI)‐based films, including PANI‐emeraldine salt (ES) and PANI/polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) films, before and after pH treatments are characterized and compared. Protonated PANI‐based films are prepared by spin coating. The effects of pH value and immersion time on the film properties are investigated to gain a better understanding of their performance in pH sensing. The films are characterized based on color, morphology, chemical structure, phase state, and protonation state. Protonated PANI‐based films exhibit a color change from green to dark blue as deprotonation occurs in solutions with higher pH. The highly porous structure of PANI/PVAc films is slightly affected by the pH of the solution. However, the globular structure of the PANI‐ES films forms cracks with increasing immersion time. PANI/PVAc films exhibit better stability in acidic and neutral solutions than in alkaline solutions because of the hydrolysis of PVAc. Compared with the negligible differences in the PANI/PVAc film in buffers with different pH, PANI‐ES exhibits noticeable changes. Therefore, PVAc improves the stability and performance of PANI for pH‐sensing applications.
Identifying important habitat for northern bottlenose and Sowerby's beaked whales in the western North Atlantic
Authors: Feyrer L. J. , Stanistreet J. E. , Gomez C. , Adams M. , Lawson J. W. , Ferguson S. H. , Heaslip S. G. , Lefort K. J. , Davidson E. , Hussey N. E. , Whitehead H. , Moors‐Murphy H.
Published: January 2024

Understanding habitat requirements for species at risk is crucial for effective conservation management, even though the location and extent of vital habitats may be unknown for rare or elusive species.

In the case of marine species, determining important habitat often relies on limited occurrence data or extrapolation from species distribution models (SDMs). SDMs predict habitat by associating species records with environmental variables, assuming a functional ecological relationship.

This study focuses on northern bottlenose whales (NBW; Hyperoodon ampullatus) and Sowerby's beaked whales (SBW; Mesoplodon bidens) in the western North Atlantic. As both NBW and SBW are at risk in Canada, the objective was to identify the extent and function of important habitats to guide conservation efforts.

The analysis mapped all available geographic occurrence data and used passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data to inform the development of ensemble SDMs to predict potential habitat and assess the persistence of realized habitat use.

Important habitats for NBW and SBW were found primarily concentrated along the continental shelf edges, at an average depth of 1200 m ± 460 SD. All habitat areas support foraging and movement and critical life history functions for both species.

The Gully and other submarine canyons off eastern Nova Scotia emerged as important areas for both species, validating the existing Critical Habitat for NBW. However, spatial–temporal patterns diverged on either side of this region. North‐eastern Newfoundland was identified as the next closest area of near‐year‐round presence for NBW, whereas the south‐western Scotian Shelf region, Georges Bank and the Fundian Channel supported persistent foraging by SBW.

By integrating multiple data sources (sightings, acoustic detections and SDMs) and demonstrating the temporal persistence of habitat use by NBW and SBW, this study provides valuable insights for identifying, protecting and managing important habitat for beaked whales.
Assessing the adductor musculature and jaw mechanics of Proterochampsa nodosa (Archosauriformes: Proterochampsidae) through finite element analysis
Authors: de Simão‐Oliveira Daniel , dos Santos Tiago , Pinheiro Felipe Lima , Pretto Flávio Augusto
Published: January 2024

Proterochampsids are a group of South American nonarchosaurian archosauromorphs whose general morphology has been historically likened to that of the extant Crocodylia, which purportedly exhibited similar habits by convergence. Taxa from the genus Proterochampsa, for example, show platyrostral skulls with dorsally faced orbits and external nares and elongated snouts that might indicate a feeding habit similar to that of crocodilians. Nonetheless, some aspects of their craniomandibular anatomy are distinct. Proterochampsa has comparatively larger skull temporal fenestrae, and a unique morphology of the mandibular adductor chamber, with a remarkably large surangular shelf and a fainter retroarticular region in the mandible. In light of this, we conducted biomechanical tests on a 3‐dimensional model of Proterochampsa nodosa including the first Finite Element Analysis for proterochampsians and compared it with models of the extant crocodylians Tomistoma schlegelii and Alligator mississippiensis. Our analyses suggested that, despite the differences in adductor chamber, Proterochampsa was able to perform bite forces comparable to those modeled for Alligator and significantly higher than Tomistoma. However, the morphology of the surangular shelf and the adductor chamber of Proterochampsa renders it more prone to accumulate stresses resulting from muscle contraction, when compared with both analogs. The elongated lower jaw of Proterochampsa, like that of Tomistoma, is more susceptible to bending, when compared with Alligator. As a result, we suggest that Proterochampsa might employ anteriorly directed bites only when handling small and soft‐bodied prey. In addition, Proterochampsa exemplifies the diversity of arrangements that the adductor musculature adopted in different diverging archosauromorph groups.
π‐Conjugated Metal Free Porphyrin as Organic Cathode for Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Chowdhury Shagor , Sabi Noha , Rojano Rafael Córdoba , Le Breton Nolwenn , Boudalis Athanassios K. , Klayatskaya Svetlana , Dsoke Sonia , Ruben Mario
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, Al (dual) batteries are mainly based on graphite cathode materials. Besides this material, the limited life cycle and the rate performance of other possible cathode materials have hampered the development of practical and sustainable rechargeable aluminium batteries (RABs). Herein, we report an organic A4‐metal‐free porphyrin system bearing diphenylamimo‐phenyl functional units as an Al‐storage cathode material, which is capable of delivering a reversible capacity of 83 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 200 cycles and displays a good cycling stability. Achieving such high rate performance opens a pathway to developing practical sustainable cathodes for aluminium batteries.
Aarebrücke, Aarau (CH)
Authors: Santini Gilbert
Published: January 2024

An einem Standort, an welchem seit der Römerzeit Brückenbauwerke stehen, wurde im Jahr 2023 eine neue Brücke über die Aare eingeweiht. Sie verbindet das Nordufer mit der südlich gelegenen Altstadt von Aarau, der Hauptstadt des Kantons Aargau. Die moderne Interpretation traditioneller Ästhetik kombiniert die neue Aarebrücke mit Funktionalität und Effizienz. Mit einer Länge von ca. 119 m, einer Breite von 17,5 m, einer Hauptspannweite von 44 m und zwei Nebenspannweiten von ca. 29 m verfügt sie über zwei Fahrspuren, beidseitige Gehsteige und Radfahrspuren. Die rationale Stahlbetonkonstruktion ist dank ausgedünnter Geometrie und Hohlkörpern sparsam im Materialeinsatz. Die Brücke stellt sich zum Teil auf die beiden im Flussbett befindlichen Senkkästen (Caissons) der alten Brücke mit Baujahr 1949 ab. Das Brückenbauwerk wird an seinen vier Extremitäten im Vorland optisch durch Stützmauern verlängert, deren Längen zwischen 45 m und 89 m variieren. Die Optik der Brücke ist von den massiven Steinbauten in Aarau inspiriert. Die leichte Einfärbung des Betons unterstützt den Dialog mit der Umgebung. Wo der Uferweg von der Brücke überspannt wird, bieten große Öffnungen den Querblick über das Wasser. Auf Seite der Altstadt sind eine urbane Promenade mit Bäumen und am nördlichen Uferbereich grüne Blumenwiesenflächen und natürliche Uferbestockung vorhanden.
Parametric modal regression with error in covariates
Authors: Liu Qingyang , Huang Xianzheng
Published: January 2024

An inference procedure is proposed to provide consistent estimators of parameters in a modal regression model with a covariate prone to measurement error. A score‐based diagnostic tool exploiting parametric bootstrap is developed to assess adequacy of parametric assumptions imposed on the regression model. The proposed estimation method and diagnostic tool are applied to synthetic data generated from simulation experiments and data from real‐world applications to demonstrate their implementation and performance. These empirical examples illustrate the importance of adequately accounting for measurement error in the error‐prone covariate when inferring the association between a response and covariates based on a modal regression model that is especially suitable for skewed and heavy‐tailed response data.
A novel model for predicting prognosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related genes
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Xiang , Liu Zikai , Pan Haihong , Yang Hongxu , Wu Qing , Lv Yan , Shen Tong
Published: January 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic disease of unknown pathogenic origin. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress refers to the process by which cells take measures to ER function when the morphology and function of the reticulum are changed. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ER was involved in the evolution and progression of IPF. In this study, we obtained transcriptome data and relevant clinical information from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and conducted bioinformatics analysis. Among the 544 ER stress‐related genes (ERSRGs), 78 were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were primarily enriched in response to ER stress, protein binding, and protein processing. Two genes (HTRA2 and KTN1) were included for constructing an accurate molecular signature. The overall survival of patients was remarkably worse in the high‐risk group than in the low‐risk group. We further analyzed the difference in immune cells between high‐risk and low‐risk groups. M0 and M2 macrophages were significantly increased in the high‐risk group. Our results suggested that ERSRGs might play a critical role in the development of IPF by regulating the immune microenvironment in the lungs, which provide new insights on predicting the prognosis of patients with IPF.
Mimicking Non‐Canonical Radical Cyclizations in the Synthesis of Dibenzocyclooctadiene Natural Products
Authors: Carroll‐Pöhls Madison , Lumb Jean‐Philip
Published: January 2024

Unique chemical structures that are often characteristic of biologically active natural products are often created by oxidative cyclizations. Many of these reactions are catalysed by ‘non‐canonical’ or ‘thwarted’ iron oxygenases that appear to involve long‐lived radicals. This perspective summarizes our group‘s efforts to mimic these biosynthetic transformations for the synthesis of highly oxidized dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan natural products using redox neutral photocatalysis. We describe the evolution of this research program, which hinges on the use of Okada's redox active ester, and show how multiple factors control the fate of the resulting radicals.
Modeling Planar Electrodes and Zero‐Gap Membrane Electrode Assemblies for CO2 Electrolysis
Authors: Ehlinger Victoria M. , Lee Dong Un , Lin Tiras Y. , Duoss Eric B. , Baker Sarah E. , Jaramillo Thomas F. , Hahn Christopher
Published: January 2024

Multiphysics modeling enables probing of conditions inside a CO2 electrolyzer that are difficult to measure, such as local concentrations and pH, as well as rapid testing of possible design changes. A one‐dimensional model for a zero‐gap membrane electrode assembly (MEA) CO2 electrolyzer was developed with the assumption that catalyst layers interact with the membrane ionomer such that the ionomer affects the underlying kinetics. The kinetics for bicarbonate reacting to form hydrogen are fit using a planar electrode model for silver with an ionomer coating. The MEA model results are validated against experimental studies for current density and product selectivity. Flooding of the cathode is modeled using saturation curves, and results show that blocked pores in the microporous layer play a significant role in limiting the mass transport at high potentials (>2.8 V). Sensitivity studies showed that CO Faradaic efficiency can be increased by decreasing catalyst layer thickness and porosity, and decreasing KHCO3 concentration.
Manganese‐catalyzed Efficient Synthesis of N‐heterocycles and Aminoketones Using Glycerol as a C3 Synthon
Authors: Wei Zeyuan , Ke Zhuofeng , Wang Yujie , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2024

Glycerol is one of the important biomass‐derived feedstocks and the high‐value utilizations of glycerol have attracted much attentions in recent years. Herein, we report a manganese catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling of glycerol with amines for the synthesis of substituted 2‐methylquinoxalines, 2‐ethylbenzimidazoles, and α‐aminoketones without any external oxidant. In these reactions, NHC‐based pincer manganese complex featuring a pyridine backbone displayed high catalytic activity and selectivity, in which hydrogen and water were produced as the only by‐products using glycerol as a C3 synthon.
Stability of the Protactinium(V) Mono‐Oxo Cation Probed by First‐Principle Calculations
Authors: Shaaban Tamara , Réal Florent , Maurice Rémi , Vallet Valérie
Published: January 2024

This study explores the distinctive behavior of protactinium (Z=91) within the actinide series. In contrast to neighboring elements like uranium or plutonium, protactinium in the pentavalent state diverges by not forming the typical dioxo protactinyl moiety PaO2+ in aqueous phase. Instead, it manifests as a monooxo PaO3+ cation or a Pa5+. Employing first‐principle calculations with implicit and explicit solvation, we investigate two stoichiometrically equivalent neutral complexes: PaO(OH)2(X)(H2O) and Pa(OH)4(X), where X represents various monodentate and bidentate ligands. Calculating the Gibbs free energy for the reaction PaO(OH)2(X)(H2O)→Pa(OH)4(X), we find that the PaO(OH)2(X)(H2O) complex is stabilized with Cl−, Br−, I−, NCS−, NO3−, and SO42− ligands, while it is not favored with OH−, F−, and C2O42− ligands. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) methods reveal the Pa mono‐oxo bond as a triple bond, with significant contributions from the 5f and 6d shells. Covalency of the Pa mono‐oxo bond increases with certain ligands, such as Cl−, Br−, I−, NCS−, and NO3−. These findings elucidate protactinium's unique chemical attributes and provide insights into the conditions supporting the stability of relevant complexes.
Switching the on‐surface orientation of oxygen‐functionalized helicene
Authors: Voigt Jan , Hasan Mohammed , Wäckerlin Christian , Karnik Anil V. , Ernst Karl‐Heinz
Published: January 2024

Helicenes represent an important class of chiral organic material with promising optoelectronic properties. Hence, functionalization of surfaces with helicenes is a key step toward new organic materials devices. The deposition of a heterohelicene containing two furano groups and two hydroxyl groups onto copper(111) surface in ultrahigh vacuum leads to different adsorbate modifications. At low coverage and low temperature, the molecules tend to lie on the surface in order to maximize van der Waals contact with the substrate. Thermal treatment leads to deprotonation of the hydroxyl groups and in part into a reorientation from lying into a standing adsorbate mode.
Thermoelectric Properties of an Indandione‐Terminated Quinoidal Compound: Effect of the n‐Type Dopants†
Authors: Liu Yingying , Wang Cheng , Wang Tianzuo , Jiao Fei , Dong Shaoqiang , Deng Yunfeng , Geng Yanhou
Published: January 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The investigation of n‐type doping holds a significant interest for the application of thermoelectrics. Herein, the doping of an indandione‐terminated compound Q‐4F with a singlet open‐shell ground state was studied using two n‐dopants N‐DMBI and LCV. Both of these two dopants can effectively dope Q‐4F due to the large offset between the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) of dopants and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of Q‐4F. N‐DMBI has a higher doping ability than LCV as demonstrated by the UV‐vis‐NIR and EPR measurements. However, in comparison to N‐DMBI doped Q‐4F, LCV doped system exhibits much higher electrical conductivity and power factor due to its unperturbed molecular packing and favorable morphology after doping. The optimal conductivity of LCV doped Q‐4F is 7.16 × 10–2 ± 0.16 S·cm–1 and the highest power factor reaches 12.3 ± 0.85 μW·m–1·K–2. These results demonstrate that the modulation of n‐dopants is a powerful strategy to balance the doping efficiency and microstructure toward a maximum thermoelectric performance.
Designing and Screening of Moisture‐Swing Porous Adsorbents for Rapid CO2 Capture from Air
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Zhen , Liang Chenyang , Wang Weishu , Wang Tao
Published: January 2024

Quaternary amine(QA)‐functionalized adsorbents using moisture swing method are demonstrated to have vast application prospect in capturing CO2 from the ambient air. However, the poor kinetic performance and limited sorbents remain a great challenge. In this work, the porous resins were screened and membrane with controllable porous structure was designed for CO2 air capture, and the effects of the varieties of QA‐based resins and external environmental conditions (humidity and temperature) on CO2 adsorption performance were quantitatively investigated. The results show that the kinetic performance of porous resins are far superior to the existing QA‐based direct air capture(DAC) materials, and the half‐time of D290 type membrane is only 102 s, much less than that of gelatinous resin, which is about 2400 s. The effect of microporous structure on CO2 adsorption rate increases with the increase of humidity, while only slightly effect was found on macroporous adsorbents. The research results can provide basic data for the application of CO2 capture in different occasions.