bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanofabrication of hybrid nanomaterials: Macroscopically aligned nanoparticles pattern via directed self‐assembly of block copolymers
Authors: Mendoza Cesar , Nirwan Viraj Pratap , Fahmi Amir
Published: November 2022

Periodic hybrid nanostructured materials based on aligned inorganic nanoparticles within self‐assembled copolymer matrixes aimed to harness the collective properties of generated functional nanomaterials. The nanoparticles are desirable for their useful magnetic, optical, catalytic, and electronic properties owed to the quantum confinement effect. For instance, gold, palladium and platinum as nanoparticles, have shown significant change in the physiochemical properties in comparison to their bulk materials. If the nanoparticles are aligned into well‐defined macroscopic periodic nanostructures in diverse of morphologies, the unique collective properties are significantly enhanced. These unique properties can be transformed to improve the performance of storage media, multi‐contact tracks solar panels and optoelectronic devices. Within this review, the nanofabrication tools will be presented as an alternative route to conventional top‐down methods for the fabrication of periodic nanostructured hybrid materials. A simple approach is reviewed to fabricate periodic nanostructured hybrid systems based on the directed assembly of inorganic nanoparticles into well‐defined periodic three‐dimensional nanostructures provided by the self‐assembling ability of block copolymers. The fabrications of varieties morphologies and the formation mechanism at different dimensions will be discussed as well as the characterization techniques. Finally, several applications of the proposed hybrid nanostructures are highlighted for the next generation of miniaturized devices.
Fluorine‐free, highly transparent, chemically durable and low ice adhesion icephobic coatings from biobased epoxy and polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Wang Xiangzhao , Huang Xiaobin , Hu Wenbin , Ji Zemin , Sheng Haoqiang , Liu Hong
Published: November 2022

Passive icephobic surfaces have been extensively studied by researchers due to their advantages of delaying icing time and reducing ice adhesion strength. However, icephobic materials with petroleum‐based resources and toxic fluorine‐containing chemicals, as one of the excellent icephobic materials, are very unfavorable for resource conservation and environmental protection. In this study, we report fluorine‐free, highly transparent, chemically durable and low ice adhesion icephobic coatings prepared by glycerol triglycidyl ether (GTE) derived from natural glycerin and bis(3‐aminopropyl) terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) via one‐pot method. On the one hand, PDMS with multiple methyl groups and two amine groups acts as a hydrophobic modifier to modulate the surface energy of the coatings, and also acts as a structure modifier to modulate the mechanical properties of the coatings, which allow us to design and synthesis the coating with excellent deicing performance (ice adhesion strength can reach about 16 kPa). On the other hand, GTE with multiple epoxy groups works as cross‐linker to endow the coatings with good cross‐linked networks, so that the coatings showed good durability after being subjected to different temperature treatment and different solution treatments. In additional, the transmittance of the coating is above 91.4%, which is expected to be applied to windows and sensors.
Redox Active cAAC−Fluorene/Indene Systems Displaying Solvatochromism, Green Luminescence and pH Sensing: Functionalization of Fluorenyl/Indenyl Rings with Radical Carbene
Authors: Arumugam Selvakumar , Bhattacharya Madhuri , Gorantla Sai Manoj N. V. T. , Mondal Kartik Chandra
Published: November 2022

Two new series of air stable compounds of cAACX = fluorene/indene (X = Me2, Et2, Cy) [cAAC = cyclic (alkyl) amino carbene] have been isolated and well characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffraction, photoluminescence, cyclic voltammogram (CV) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies. Fluorescence studies reveals green light emission of cAAC bonded fluorene, whereas free fluorene generally displays a violet emission. Interestingly, the sterically crowded cAAC‐fluorene analogue display solvatochromism and CF3CO2H sensing in solution. CV of the these compounds show a quasi‐reversible electron transfer process, indicating the functionalization of fluorene/indene with radical anionic form of carbene, confirmed by CV/EPR measurements. DFT/TDDFT calculations and energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbital for chemical valence (EDA‐NOCV) have been carried out to study different aspects of bonding and electronic transitions. Such a class of redox active and thermally stable organic molecules may be suitable for molecule based spin memory devices in future.
Observer‐based adaptive output‐constrained control design of switched stochastic nonlinear systems with input saturation
Authors: Cao Zhongwen , Zhang Liang , Niu Ben , Zong Guangdeng , Zhao Xudong
Published: November 2022

In this article, the problem of adaptive fuzzy control for output‐constrained switched stochastic nonlinear systems subject to input saturation is addressed. By employing the trigonometric function mapping method, the constrained systems are transformed into unconstrained ones, and the control goals of the original constrained systems are not affected. Meanwhile, an auxiliary system is established to deal with the issue of input saturation, and an observer is constructed to estimate the unmeasured states. Then, the unknown nonlinear functions in the system are approximated by the fuzzy logic systems (FLSs). Based on the backstepping technique and Lyapunov function method, an output feedback control strategy is designed, where the dynamic surface control technique is applied in the backstepping design process to overcome the issue of a large number of online calculations. The designed controller can guarantee that all the signals of the system satisfy bounded conditions, and the output can track given reference signals within a small error range. Finally, a simulation example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
A simplified direct on‐chip forward or reverse immunoassay for evaluating protein–protein interactions in the serum
Authors: Liu Qian , Ye Lei , Li Song‐Guo , Gao Yi , Liu Sheng‐Sheng , Liu Biao , Li Xiao‐Xue , Du Wei‐Dong
Published: November 2022

Background

The identification of protein–protein interactions is a great challenge. In this study, we fabricated a gold surface‐modified biochip with activated sophorolipids (SLs) in combination with 16‐amino‐1‐hexadecanethiol hydrochloride to detect serum proteins.

Main Methods and Major Results

The on‐chip immunoassay reported here included a forward assay, in which a ligand is immobilized on the biochip surface and allowed to interact with its free specific receptor in liquid phase, and a reverse assay, in which a receptor is loaded on the biochip surface and combined with its free specific ligand in solution. The specificity of the molecular interactions on the biochip was evaluated using immunological blocking assays and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA). Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) serum was used to test the potential utilization of the biochip. Reverse receptor CD25‐based interleukin (IL)‐2 and forward ligand IL‐2‐based CD25 assays revealed that the limit of detection of the target proteins was as low as 156 and 78 pg/ml, respectively. Using receptor‐ or ligand‐based platforms, we found that the positive rates of free IL‐2 and soluble CD25 (sCD25) monomers in the sera of HLH patients were 14.3% and 71.4%, respectively. In addition, the biochip showed good compatibility with CLIA for the measurement of sCD25 (r = 0.77, p < 0.01).

Conclusions and Implications

Biochip platforms, such as on‐chip immunoprecipitation (IP), can be used to evaluate the interactions between proteins, ligands, and receptors, or enzymes and substrates in serum.
Estimating recurrences prevented and costs avoided with atezolizumab in early non‐small cell lung cancer in the United States
Authors: Sharma Rishika , Ogale Sarika , Smith Nathaniel J. , Lee Janet Shin
Published: November 2022

Background

Recurrence of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (eNSCLC) is associated with significant mortality and costs. Atezolizumab (ATZ) was recently approved as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum‐based chemotherapy for adults with stage II‐IIIA NSCLC with PD‐L1 expression ≥1% after demonstrating significant improvement in disease‐free survival (DFS) relative to best supportive care (BSC) in the IMpower010 trial (NCT02486718). This study evaluated the population‐level impact of ATZ as adjuvant treatment for eNSCLC in the United States by estimating the number and costs of recurrences avoided.

Methods

A Monte Carlo simulation model estimated the cumulative number of recurrences and deaths prevented, along with direct, indirect, and terminal care costs, by treating eNSCLC patients with ATZ compared to BSC. The model included eligible patients treated in any given year and followed over a 5‐year period. Recurrence and mortality rates and costs were based on the IMpower010 data and supplemented by estimates from published literature.

Results

An estimated 4400 eNSCLC patients in the United States were eligible for adjuvant ATZ in any given year, of whom 2387 would experience recurrence within 5 years with BSC. Following the introduction of ATZ, 1030 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1023, 1036) recurrences and 369 (95% CI: 362, 376) deaths would be avoided with estimated reductions in cumulative recurrence‐related direct, indirect, and terminal care costs of $785 million, $15 million, and $32 million, respectively, over a 5‐year time horizon.

Conclusions

Adjuvant ATZ is estimated to prevent a significant number of recurrences and reduce the economic burden of eNSCLC.
Design, Synthesis and Bio‐Evaluation of Novel Chalcones Bridged with 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole Linkers: ADMET and Docking Analysis
Authors: Gogisetti Gopalarao , Kanna Umamaheswararao , Sharma Vishal , Rao Allaka Tejeswara , Rao Tadiboina Bhaskara
Published: November 2022

In this article, we prepared a novel series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles containing chalcone analogs via replacement of phthalazine which had increased antibacterial activity and the final compounds were confirmed by proton, carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared and mass spectral analysis. Two sets of 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles like 2‐methyl‐5‐substitutedbenzylthio‐1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl‐4‐methylphthalazine‐2‐ones (3a–f), (E)‐substituted phenyl acryloylphenyl‐4‐methyl‐1‐oxophthalazine‐1,3,4‐oxadiazolylthioacetamides (5a–f) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial potency against different Gram‐(+ve), Gram‐(–ve) microorganisms and fungal strains. The synthesized 4‐methyl‐2‐{[5‐({[2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl}sulfanyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl]methyl}phthalazin‐1(2H)‐one (3c), 4‐methyl‐2‐[(5‐{[(4‐nitrophenyl)methyl]sulfanyl}‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)methyl]phthalazin‐1(2H)‐one (3d), N‐(4‐{(2E)‐3‐[2‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]prop‐2‐enoyl}phenyl)‐2‐({5‐[(4‐methyl‐1‐oxophthalazin‐2(1H)‐yl)methyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl}sulfanyl)acetamide (5d), and N‐{4‐[(2E)‐3‐(3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enoyl]phenyl}‐2‐({5‐[(4‐methyl‐1‐oxophthalazin‐2(1H)‐yl)methyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl}sulfanyl)acetamide (5e) displayed improved activity with MICs 1.41, 0.87, 2.16, 0.89 μg/mL as compared to the standard drugs rifamycin, ciprofloxacin, fluconazole (MIC=1.52, 1.94, 3.02 μg/mL). The prepared compounds were also analyzed with better target binding towards bacterial bioavailability, 5e exhibited highest bonds with amino acids ArgA45, LysA20, LysA17, ArgA171, AspA49, IleA14, HisA18 and having docking energy −8.68 Kcal/mol and dissociation constant 432.48 nM, respectively. These compounds were further evaluated for their ADMET and physicochemical properties by using SwissADME.
The strategic uses of collagen in adherent cell cultures
Authors: Chua PinFen , Lim William K.
Published: November 2022

The culture of adherent mammalian cells involves adhesion to the tissue culture vessel. This requires attachment factors from serum and/or a suitable substrate on the vessel surface. Some cells require collagen or other substrates to promote neurite outgrowth, differentiation or growth. However, laboratories often lack guidance on the selection and/or optimisation of collagen. We model such selection/optimisation work in the PC12 neuronal cell line. PC12 (NS‐1 variant) cells require a substrate for adherence. Comparing cell attachment against a series of substrates, we found collagen IV to be optimal. We show by comparison of morphology against a range of concentrations that 10 µg/ml is sufficient for supporting cell attachment, and also differentiation. PC12 cells from Riken Cell Bank do not require a substrate for routine culturing but only for differentiation. As all substrates supported attachment equally well, we used a novel serum‐free approach and identified collagen IV as its preferred substrate. For these cells, Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium but not Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) media supports normal cell attachment. However, coating with collagen IV enabled the cells to grow equally well in RPMI. Hence the strategic use of collagen is essential in laboratories working with anchorage‐dependent cell lines.
Transient global amnesia: Uncommon diagnosis of exclusion
Authors: Sheikh Hassan Mohamed , Osman Sidow Nor , Adam Mohamed Nur
Published: November 2022

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an uncommon clinical syndrome characterized by short‐term memory loss and disorientation that resolves in 24 h. Here, we report a 60‐year‐old male patient who presented with a sudden onset of disorientation and short‐term memory loss and started to ask about his whereabouts and what happened. He had no significant past medical or psychiatric disorder. Likewise, the patient did not have a recent history of head trauma, substance abuse, loss of consciousness, seizure disorder, or migraine. Neurologic examination was normal except for mild disorientation and short‐term memory impairment. He had a score of 18/30 on the mini‐mental state examination. Extensive laboratory investigations did not show any abnormal findings. Brain MRI and EEG were normal. His memory improved and returned to a normal baseline within 24 h from the onset. After the exclusion of potential causes and the patient returned to a normal state of memory, the diagnosis of transient global amnesia was made. At the follow‐up visit, the patient was in a state of normal function without a recurrence of memory impairment. Here, we presented this interesting case of transient global amnesia. TGA is a diagnosis of exclusion and is essential to keep in mind when evaluating a patient with acute onset of short‐term memory impairment, especially when etiological investigations reveal no potential cause.
A rare case ofSRD5A3‐CDGin a patient with ataxia and telangiectasia: A case report
Authors: Nabavizadeh Sayyed Hesamedin , Noeiaghdam Rafat , Johari Leila , Hosseini Seyed Ali , Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Alyasin Soheila Sadat
Published: November 2022

Steroid 5α‐reductase type 3 congenital disorder of glycosylation (SRD5A3‐CDG) is an extremely rare congenital disease. Common manifestations are developmental delay, intellectual disability, ophthalmological abnormalities, cerebellar abnormalities, ataxia, and hypotonia. Here, we discuss a seven‐year‐old boy with SRD5A3‐CDG (homozygous variant c.57G>A [p.Trp19Ter]), featuring the unprecedented finding of telangiectasia.
Software code refactoring based on deep neural network‐based fitness function
Authors: Karakati Chitti Babu , Thirumaaran Sethukarasi
Published: November 2022

Refactoring is extensively recognized for enhancing the internal structure of object‐oriented software while preserving its external behavior. However, determining refactoring opportunities is challenging for designers and researchers alike. In recent years, machine learning algorithms have shown a great possibility of resolving this issue. This study proposes a deep neural network‐based fitness function (DNNFF) to resolve the software refactoring issue. This study suggests an effective learning technique that automatically featured extracted from the trained models and predicted code clones to recommend which category to refactor. The software engineers automatically assess the recommended refactoring solutions using Genetic Algorithms (GA) for minimum iterations. A Deep Neural Networks (DNN) utilizes these training instances to assess the refactoring solutions for the residual iterations. The refactoring process primarily depends on software designers' skills and perceptions. The simulation findings demonstrate that the suggested DNNFF model enhances the code change score of 98.7%, automatic refactoring score of 97.3%, defect correlation ratio of 96.9%, refactoring precision ratio of 95.9%, flaw detection ratio of 94.4%, and reduces the execution time of 10.2% compared to other existing methods.
Evaluation of wheat stem sawfly‐resistant solid stem Qss.msub‐3BL alleles in hard red winter wheat
Authors: Wong Mei Ling , Bruckner Philip L. , Berg Jim E. , Lamb Peggy F. , Hofland Megan L. , Caron Christopher G. , Heo Hwa‐Young , Blake Nancy K. , Weaver David K. , Cook Jason P.
Published: November 2022

Host plant resistance provided by solid stems has been the most effective means for mitigating wheat stem sawfly (WSS) (Cephus cinctus Norton) damage in spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The solid stem trait originates from the spring wheat cultivar “Rescue” and is associated with a quantitative trait locus allele Qss.msub‐3BL.b that explains the majority of the variation for stem solidness. Recently, a new Qss.msub‐3BL solid stem allele, designated Qss.msub‐3BL.c, was identified in the spring wheat cultivar “Conan”. It produces a solid stem phenotype early in plant development but dissipates during plant growth. The Qss.msub‐3BL.c allele provides effective WSS resistance in spring wheat but has not been tested in winter wheat. To examine if the Qss.msub‐3BL.c allele provides adequate WSS resistance in winter wheat, near‐isogenic lines (NILs) were developed using marker‐assisted backcrossing. This enabled comparisons between the hollow stem Qss.msub‐3BL.a, solid stem Qss.msub‐3BL.b and solid stem Qss.msub‐3BL.c alleles for stem solidness, WSS resistance, and agronomic traits in Montana growing environments. Compared to the hollow stem allele, the NILs with the Qss.msub‐3BL.c allele increased stem solidness and reduced WSS stem cutting. However, the Qss.msub‐3BL.c allele resulted in lower solid stem scores and greater WSS stem cutting compared to the Qss.msub‐3BL.b allele. Overall, these findings indicate that the Qss.msub‐3BL.c allele failed to provide sufficient WSS resistance in the winter wheat backgrounds tested in this study.
Genotypic effects on the response of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) to sulfonylurea herbicides
Authors: Lawn Catherine E. , James Andrew T. , Dieters Mark J.
Published: November 2022

Sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides registered for use in other crops in Australia may leave residues in the soil interrupting rotations involving soybean. However, two unlinked genes (ALS1 and ALS2) confer SU tolerance in soybean. Here, we report experiments that explored the effectiveness of these ALS genes in Australian soybean germplasm. The first two experiments assessed the tolerance to halosulfuron‐methyl or metsulfuron‐methyl of lines with either zero ALS gene (ALS1) or both ALS1 and ALS2 in five different Australian genetic backgrounds. The presence of both ALS1 and ALS2 conferred strong SU tolerance at herbicide application rates as high as four times (4×) the recommended field rate, with evidence of interaction with the genetic background; lines carrying only ALS1 also performed well but demonstrated less tolerance. For the third experiment, the five lines homozygous for both ALS genes were intercrossed in a half‐diallel mating design. The resulting F2 population were screened for tolerance to metsulfuron‐methyl herbicide. In all instances, the presence of the two ALS genes provided absolute protection for the growth tip. Analyses of seedling dry weight and purple leaf discoloration demonstrated significant differences among the crosses. For dry weight, high and significant heritability estimates indicated significant additional genetic variation for SU tolerance in five of the 10 F2 crosses (p ≤ 0.05). The results of these three studies confirm that two ALS genes confer tolerance to SU herbicides when crossed into Australian soybean germplasm, but suggest possible epistatic effects within different backgrounds, and the possibility of other (minor) genes conferring additional SU tolerance.
Exercise modalities for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Hou Liangying , Wang Qi , Pan Bei , Li Rui , Li Yanfei , He Juanjuan , Qin Tianzhu , Cao Liujiao , Zhang Na , Cao Changhao , Ge Long , Yang Kehu
Published: November 2022

Aims

We aimed to determine the effects of different exercise modalities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception until July 2020 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on exercise in adults with T2DM. Paired reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta‐Analysis (CINeMA) framework.

Results

A total of 106 RCTs that enroled eight exercise modalities with 7438 patients were included. Six exercise modalities, except unsupervised aerobic/resistance exercise, significantly reduced glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), with mean differences (MDs) ranging from 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34‒1.08) to 0.34 (95% CI: 0.17‒0.52), low to high certainty, in comparison with no exercise. The evidence of low to moderate certainty showed that supervised aerobic/resistance exercise improved glycaemic control, body weight, blood pressure, and blood lipid profiles compared with no exercise. Flexibility exercise may be associated with glycaemic control (HbA1c: MD = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.34‒1.08); fasting plasma glucose (MD = 1.48, 95% CI: 0.78‒2.17), and weight loss (MD = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.85‒2.75) compared with controls, but not blood pressure and lipid profiles. Balance exercise showed the largest benefit in improving total cholesterol (MD = 52.81, 95% CI: 28.47‒77.16) and low certainty. We found no significant differences between exercises and the triacylglycerol (TG) level.

Conclusions

Overall, our network meta‐analyses support the recommendation for exercise in patients with T2DM, especially supervised exercises. Limited evidence supports the benefits of flexibility and balance exercises. The effectiveness of exercise modalities for TG reduction remains unclear.
Mycobial community assemblages in sink drains across a university campus
Authors: Withey Zoe , Awan Alisha , Duguma Naol , Fell Elsie , Martinez Naomi J. , Neary Ed , Goodall Tim , Gweon Hyun S.
Published: November 2022

Multiple fungal species, including potential opportunistic pathogens have been previously identified in water systems. Here, we investigated over 250 restroom sink fungal communities across a university campus and evaluated their diversity and core taxa present. Remarkable similarity in mycobial community composition was observed across buildings with Ascomycota consistently dominating. We found a core mycobiome independent of the building sampled, that included Exophiala species, potential opportunistic pathogenic black yeasts. Other prevalent and dominant taxa included Saccharomyces and Fusarium, common built environment fungi. The frequent presence of Malassezia, a common skin commensal, showed the external influence of human activities as a source of fungi to sinks. The study represents a novel exploration of sink P‐traps mycobial communities from a public area and highlights their importance as reservoirs of possible pathogenic fungi, as well as emphasizing the relevance of further research in this understudied ecosystem within the built environment.
Riparian Spiders: Sentinels of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxin and Dibenzofuran–Contaminated Sediment
Authors: Beaubien Gale B. , White Dalon P. , Walters David M. , Otter Ryan R. , Fritz Ken , Crone Brian , Mills Marc A.
Published: November 2022

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) are persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative. Currently, PCDD/F monitoring programs primarily use fish and birds with potentially large home ranges to monitor temporal trends over broad spatial scales; sentinel organisms that provide targeted sediment contaminant information across small geographic areas have yet to be developed. Riparian orb-weaving spiders, which typically have small home ranges and consume primarily adult aquatic insects, are potential PCDD/F sentinels. Recent studies have demonstrated that spider tissue concentrations indicate the source and magnitude of dioxin-like chlorinated compounds in contaminated sediments, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Our aim in the present study was to assess the utility of riparian spiders as sentinels for PCDD/F-contaminated sediments. We measured PCDD/F (total [Σ] and homologs) in surface sediments and spiders collected from three sites within the St. Louis River basin (Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA). We then compared (1) patterns in ΣPCDD/F concentrations between sediment and spiders, (2) the distribution of homologs within sediments and spiders when pooled across sites, and (3) the relationship between sediment and spider concentrations of PCDD/F homologs across 13 stations sampled across the three sites. The ΣPCDD/F concentrations in sediment (mean ± standard error 286 591 ± 97 614 pg/g) were significantly higher than those in riparian spiders (2463 ± 977 pg/g, p < 0.001), but the relative abundance of homologs in sediment and spiders were not significantly different. Spider homolog concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with sediment concentrations across a gradient of sediment PCDD/F contamination (R2 = 0.47, p < 0.001). Our results indicate that, as has been shown for other legacy organic chemicals like PCBs, riparian spiders are suitable sentinels of PCDD/F in contaminated sediment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:414–420. © 2022 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Abstract

Spider tissues reflect sediment polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran homolog distribution as well as homolog concentrations along a contamination gradient. TCDF = tetrachlorodibenzofuran; PeCDF = pentachlorodibenzofuran; HxCDF = hexachlorodibenzofuran; HpCDF = heptachlorodibenzofuran; OCDF = octachlorodibenzofuran; TCDD = tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; PeCDD = pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; HxCDD = hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; HpCDD = heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; OCDD = octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.
Integration of the CA2 region in the hippocampal network during epileptogenesis
Authors: Kilias Antje , Tulke Susanne , Barheier Nicole , Ruther Patrick , Häussler Ute
Published: November 2022

The CA2 pyramidal cells are mostly resistant to cell death in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) with hippocampal sclerosis, but they are aberrantly integrated into the epileptic hippocampal network via mossy fiber sprouting. Furthermore, they show increased excitability in vitro in hippocampal slices obtained from human MTLE specimens or animal epilepsy models. Although these changes promote CA2 to contribute to epileptic activity (EA) in vivo, the role of CA2 in the epileptic network within and beyond the sclerotic hippocampus is still unclear. We used the intrahippocampal kainate mouse model for MTLE, which recapitulates most features of the human disease including pharmacoresistant epileptic seizures and hippocampal sclerosis, with preservation of dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells and CA2 pyramidal cells. In vivo recordings with electrodes in CA2 and the DG showed that EA occurs at high coincidence between the ipsilateral DG and CA2 and current source density analysis of silicon probe recordings in dorsal ipsilateral CA2 revealed CA2 as a local source of EA. Cell‐specific viral tracing in Amigo2‐icreERT2 mice confirmed the preservation of the axonal projection from ipsilateral CA2 pyramidal cells to contralateral CA2 under epileptic conditions and indeed, EA propagated from ipsi‐ to contralateral CA2 with increasing likelihood with time after KA injection, but always at lower intensity than within the ipsilateral hippocampus. Furthermore, we show that CA2 presents with local theta oscillations and like the DG, shows a pathological reduction of theta frequency already from 2 days after KA onward. The early changes in activity might be facilitated by the loss of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (Gad67) mRNA‐expressing interneurons directly after the initial status epilepticus in ipsi‐ but not contralateral CA2. Together, our data highlight CA2 as an active player in the epileptic network and with its contralateral connections as one possible router of aberrant activity.
Halocyclopropenium‐Halide Halogen‐Bonded Ion Pairs and Their Hydrogen‐Bonded Halide Solvates
Authors: Abdelbassit Mohammed S. , Curnow Owen J. , Waterland Mark R.
Published: November 2022

A series of salts with a diaminohalocyclopropenium cation and halide anion [C3(NiPr2)2X]X (X=Cl ([1]Cl) or Br ([2]Br) were isolated with a variety of solvates and, in one case, as a co‐crystal with hydronium chloride. In particular, the initial synthesis of [1]Cl formed a co‐crystal with hydronium and with CH2Cl2 solvate ([1]2[OH3Cl3] ⋅ CH2Cl2) upon isolation from acetone/CH2Cl2. Recrystallization of this from chloroform gave a dichloroform adduct [1]Cl ⋅ 2CHCl3, whereas treatment with ICl formed an octahalide cluster [1]2I4Cl4. The bromine salt [2]Br ⋅ C2H4Br2 was prepared by treatment of [1]Cl with dibromoethane and was isolated as a solvate. The hydronium cation was found as part of a hydronium trichloride cluster [OH3Cl3]2− and this, along with a partially‐deuterated analogue of [OHD2Cl3]2− and [OD3Cl3]2−, was studied computationally and by mid‐ and far‐infrared spectroscopy. Significant halogen bonds were found between 1+ or 2+ and chloride or bromide, respectively. On the other hand, the distance to the octahalide [I4Cl4]2− is too long for a halogen bond. Hydrogen bonding from the halides to the halomethane solvates is also significantly stronger than to the cation isopropyl groups. The geometries formed at the halide ions with respect to the halogen bond and strong hydrogen bonds are pyramidal with approximately orthogonal angles.
Exploring the role of social media literacy in adolescents' experiences with personalization: A Norwegian qualitative study
Authors: Bell Ashley Rebecca , Tennfjord Merete Kolberg , Tokovska Miroslava , Eg Ragnhild
Published: November 2022

Social media platforms rely on algorithms to filter and select content, thereby personalizing every individual's social media experience. Many use social media without awareness of this personalization and its impact, pointing to a need to both understand and improve literacy among active social media users. This qualitative study addresses adolescents' social media literacy through an investigation of their experiences with personalization on social media, aiming for a nuanced perspective of their outcomes. A thematic analysis of eight focus group interviews with 47 students aged 15–19 years uncovered two main themes: (1) diverse levels of adolescents' awareness and familiarity with personalization and (2) positive, negative, and mixed emotions toward personalization. Theme one uncovered that although the adolescents were largely unfamiliar with the terminology, when prompted, most of them could provide examples of personalization, whereas theme two revealed that adolescents appreciated relevant content and yet were uneasy about certain features.
Dendric nanostructures for SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins detection based on surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Bian Yupei , Li Yang , Liu Kang , He Houshu , Feng Yingmei , Yu Xia
Published: November 2022

Infrared spectroscopy is a non‐destructive and rapid characterization tool that can distinguish different viral proteins by spectral details. However, traditional infrared spectroscopy has insufficient absorption signal intensity contrast when measuring low‐concentration samples. In this work, surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy is proposed by deploying a novel nanostructure array as SEIRA substrates. An array of gold dendric nanostructures are designed and fabricated with a precision resonance control to achieve surface enhancement covering a broadband molecular “finger‐print” region. The spectral positions of the multiple resonances accurately correspond to the characteristic absorption peaks of the SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins. An approach for SARS‐CoV‐2 protein detection based on SEIRA spectroscopy is then proposed. A low concentration detection of 40 μg/ml diluted SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein is experimentally demonstrated and the enhancement factor (EF) achieved is in good agreement with simulation results. The SEIRA methodology based on broadband resonance nanostructure design provides a systematic approach for sensitive, non‐destructive and rapid protein molecular detection, which could be extended to various kind of molecular characterization and biomedical diagnostics.
‘Is the technology essential or emerging?’ Ways to keep radiation therapy curriculum agile amid rapidly advancing technology
Authors: Short Michala , Giles Eileen
Published: November 2022

Advancing technology in radiation therapy can significantly influence clinical practice and improvement of patient outcomes. In the process, innovations in technology require that changes to clinical practice are adopted within education settings. This commentary aims to describe the uptake of new technology and ways that academics provide an up‐to‐date curriculum when today's innovation is tomorrow's contemporary practice.
Longitudinal changes in cell‐mediated immunity after varicella‐zoster virus skin test in the general population; Shozu Herpes Zoster Study: SHEZ study
Authors: Ikeda Daisuke , Imano Hironori , Mori Yasuko , Asada Hideo , Yamanishi Koichi , Okuno Yoshinobu , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: November 2022

Varicella‐zoster virus‐specific cell‐mediated immunity has been associated with the onset and severity of herpes zoster (HZ), and the administration of the HZ vaccine enhanced the immunity. However, limited data is available on the duration of cell‐mediated immunity enhancement by soluble antigen of varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) skin test. A prospective, community‐based cohort study was conducted in Shozu County, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Repeated VZV skin tests containing inactivated VZV antigen and blood tests were performed on 365 subjects aged 60 years and older at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 years later. The differential immunity indices of VZV over time for cell‐mediated and humoral immunity were evaluated. VZV skin test reaction and ELISpot counts increased significantly at 1, 2, and 3 years later compared to the baseline. However, humoral immunity indices did not change materially over time. Soluble antigen by VZV skin test enhanced VZV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity, and it persisted for at least 1 year. In addition, the inoculation with inactivated antigens every year by VZV skin test continued to enhance VZV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity after 2 and 3 years.
Clinical and laboratory features and factors predicting disease severity in pediatric patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Hantaan virus
Authors: Li Ruina , Sun Jingkang , Chen Yuting , Fan Xiude , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhang Xiaoge , Zhang Kun , Han Qunying , Liu Zhengwen
Published: November 2022

The clinical features and factors associated with disease severity in children with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) have not been well characterized. This study analyzed the clinical and laboratory factors associated with disease severity in children with HFRS caused by Hantaan virus. Data in pediatric patients with HFRS were retrospectively collected from Xi'an Children's Hospital over a 9‐year period. Independent factors associated with disease severity were identified. Nomogram predicting disease severity was constructed based on variables filtered by feature selection. In total, 206 children with HFRS were studied. Fever, digestive tract symptoms, headache, backache, bleeding, and renal injury signs were the common symptoms. Elevated white blood cell, reduced platelet, hematuria, proteinuria, coagulation abnormalities, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and procalcitonin (PCT), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and low serum Na+, Cl−, and Ca2+ were the common laboratory findings. In the 206 patients, 21 patients had critical type disease and 4 patients (1.9%) died. Hydrothorax, hypotension and cerebral edema/cerebral herniation at hospital admission were independent clinical characteristics, and neutrophil %, prothrombin activity, PCT, BUN, and Ca2+ at hospital admission were independent laboratory factors associated with critical disease. Feature selection identified BUN, PCT and prothrombin time as independent factors related to critical disease. A nomogram integrating BUN and PCT at admission was constructed and calibration showed high accuracy for the probability prediction of critical disease. In conclusion, this study characterized the clinical and laboratory features and constructed a nomogram predicting disease severity in pediatric HFRS, providing references for disease severity evaluation in managing children HFRS.
CMIP6 projected response of the East Asian winter climate to the sea ice‐free Arctic
Authors: Song Ziyi , Zhou Botao
Published: November 2022

This article evaluated the performance of 19 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models in simulating the Arctic sea ice from the perspective of annual cycle, spatial pattern and temporal variation. Based on the evaluation, five models with better comprehensive performance capacity were optimized as the ensemble to project the response of the East Asian winter climate to the sea ice‐free Arctic occurring under the SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, respectively. The ensemble projections indicate that the sea ice‐free Arctic is followed by a weakening of the East Asian winter monsoon, which is characterized with the shallower East Asian trough and weaker East Asian jet stream. Concurrently, the winter surface net radiation flux is projected to increase in the East Asian‐western North Pacific region. These changes favour large‐scale warming in the East Asian‐western North Pacific region. Moreover, the warming is more pronounced under the sea ice‐free Arctic of SSP2‐4.5 than under that of SSP5‐8.5. The winter precipitation tends to increase along the East Asian coast from South China to the Sea of Okhotsk. Such an increase is closely associated with the enhancement of low‐level moisture. Due to larger enhancement of moisture, there appears greater increase of precipitation in the monsoon region from South China to Japan under the sea ice‐free Arctic of SSP5‐8.5 compare to that under SSP2‐4.5. Substantial changes are also projected for the temperature and precipitation extremes, such as a general increase in warm days and warm nights and an overall intensification of extreme precipitation in the East Asian‐western North Pacific region.
Evaluation of the precipitation of the East Asia regional reanalysis system mainly over mainland China
Authors: Yang Linyun , Liang Xudong , Yin Jinfang , Xie Yanxin , Fan Huiyi
Published: November 2022

In this article, precipitation in a new regional reanalysis dataset, namely, the East Asia regional reanalysis system (EARS‐CMA) with a 12‐km resolution based on the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, ERA‐Interim, ERA5, TRMM 3B42V7, Climate Prediction Center Morphing Technique (CMORPH) and CN05.1, is compared in 2008–2017. The results show that EARS‐CMA can capture the spatial features and temporal variation in precipitation over East Asia well. Focusing on mainland China, CMORPH performs worse in regard to winter precipitation and dryer areas than TRMM against CN05.1. Although ERA5 behaves better with integrated properties compared with ERA‐Interim and EARS‐CMA over East Asia, EARS‐CMA produces more reliable annual, summer and winter mean precipitation pattern than ERA5 over the subregions dominated by large scales in mainland China, including the Tibetan Plateau and northwestern China, similar to its driving fields, ERA‐Interim. In addition, the improvement from ERA‐Interim to EARS‐CMA can be obtained in reasonably reproducing precipitation seasonality in South China, Indo‐China and southern Japan. Thus, the compatibility of EARS is outstanding in maintaining the advantages of its corresponding driving fields, ERA‐Interim, as well as developing finer small scales. Although slightly behind ERA5 in the subregions affected by tropical systems and monsoons, EARS‐CMA is competitive in acting as reference data for daily, seasonal, annual and interannual precipitation estimations over mainland China.
Greenhouse gas emissions from Silphium perfoliatum and silage maize cropping on Stagnosols
Authors: Kemmann Björn , Ruf Thorsten , Well Reinhard , Emmerling Christoph , Fuß Roland
Published: November 2022

Background

The sustainability of bioenergy is strongly affected by direct field‐derived greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and indirect emissions form land‐use change. Marginal land in low mountain ranges is suitable for feedstock production due to small impact on indirect land‐use change. However, these sites are vulnerable to high N2O emissions because of their fine soil texture and hydrology.

Aims

The perennial cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) might outperform silage maize (Zea mays L.) on cold, wet low mountain ranges sites regarding yield and ecosystem services. The aim of this study was to assess whether the cultivation of cup plant also provides GHG mitigation potential compared to the cultivation of maize.

Methods

A t‐year field experiment was conducted in a low mountain range region in western Germany to compare area and yield‐scaled GHG emissions from cup plant and maize fields. GHG emissions were quantified using the closed chamber method.

Results

Cup plant fields emitted an average of 3.6 ± 4.3 kg N2O‐N ha–1 year–1 (–85%) less than maize fields. This corresponded to 74.0 ± 94.1 g CO2‐eq kWh–1 (–78%) less emissions per produced electrical power. However, cup plant had a significantly lower productivity per hectare (–34%) and per unit of applied nitrogen (–32%) than maize.

Conclusion

Cup plant as a feedstock reduces direct field‐derived GHG emissions compared to maize but, due to lower yields cup plant, likely increases emissions associated with land‐use changes. Therefore, the increased sustainability of bioenergy from biogas by replacing maize with cup plant is heavily dependent on the performance of maize at these sites and on the ecosystem services of cup plant in addition to GHG savings.
Potential beverage quality of three wild coffee species (Coffea brevipes, C. congensis and C. stenophylla) and consideration of their agronomic use
Authors: Bertrand Benoît , Davis Aaron P. , Maraval Isabelle , Forestier Nelly , Mieulet Delphine
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Of the 130 known coffee (Coffea) species, very few have been properly evaluated for their beverage quality. The diversity of wild coffee species is considered critical to the long‐term sustainability of the coffee sector, particularly under climate change. The challenge is finding coffee crops that satisfy agronomic criteria, now and under the altered climatic conditions of the future, as well as consumer requirements for flavour. We evaluated the sensory characteristics of three wild coffee species with four independent sensory panels, and the key environmental/agronomic requirements of these wild species based on a literature review.

RESULTS

Coffea congensis and C. stenophylla have a lower unroasted seed weight compared to C. arabica and C. canephora, while C. brevipes has the largest. Sensory analysis showed that the main differences between species was for the fruitiness attribute. Coffea stenophylla was the fruitiest wild species, and was considered an Arabica‐like coffee. The flavour profile range of C. stenophylla covers herb‐like, vegetal, floral and fruit; C. brevipes resembles C. stenophylla in some respects. Opinions concerning C. congensis were contradictory and several judges considered the industry‐standard coffee flavour wheel not suitable for the beverage produced from this species.

CONCLUSION

The three wild species have the required sensory qualities for commercialization. According to published data, C. stenophylla has agronomic potential, especially in warmer climates than Arabica areas. Coffea brevipes and C. congensis have the potential to be easily crossed with C. canephora to form interspecific hybrids capable of adapting to different climatic and agronomic conditions. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Self‐Healing Hydrogels by Metal Complexation of 2,6‐Bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4yl)pyridine Functionalized Tetra‐Arm Star Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Xu Xiaowen , Jerca Valentin Victor , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: November 2022

The fabrication of 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4yl)pyridine (btp) based metallo‐supramolecular gels has been mainly focusing on organogels. Only recently, the synthesis and metallo‐supramolecular hydrogel formation of linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with multiple btp units in the main chain are reported. In this manuscript, metallo‐supramolecular hydrogels that are constructed using tetra‐arm star PEG‐modified with btp end‐groups upon complexation with transition metal ions are reported. This btp‐functionalized star‐PEG precursor is more easily accessible and more defined than the previously reported linear system while also yielding stronger hydrogels. The gelation is selectively induced by Ni2+ ions and strongly depended on the metal‐ligand ratio and polymer concentration. The successful formation of organogels can be induced selectively by Ni2+ or Fe2+ ion complexation in acetonitrile, which leads to the strongest complexes. The inability to form hydrogels with Fe2+ ions is ascribed to the partial oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ ions in an aqueous solution. Furthermore, the optimal conditions for achieving self‐healing capabilities are also determined (i.e., 4 wt% polymer concentration and btp:Ni2+ molar ratio of 2:1) using rheology. The high strain resistance and fast self‐healing characteristics make these specific Ni2+ metallo‐supramolecular hydrogels a promising platform for materials design with potential applications in supramolecular chemistry, coordination chemistry, and catalysis.