bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A protocol for combined treatment of cancer of the oral cavity and tongue
Authors: Yarington C. Thomas
Published: October 2006

A protocol for combined treatment of carcinoma of the oral cavity and tongue as practiced at the Mason Clinic for the past five years is presented. This protocol combines surgery with postoperative radiation therapy, and the initial results are presented. Comparison of the results at this institution at the one, three, and five year level for tongue, oral, and pharyngeal cancer compared to other peer group reporting rates, as surveyed by the Commission on Cancer Audit of the American College of Surgeons, indicates that our results compare favorably to those of other institutions. Apparent increase in local control, a probable increased cure rate, together with marked decrease in hospital time and multiplestaged procedures are noted. Disseminated distal metastasis has not been a major problem and is discussed.
Cephalic phycomycosis: A report of eight cases
Authors: Maniglia Anthony J. , Mintz Daniel H. , Novak Steve
Published: October 2006

Phycomycosis is the preferred terminology to define a fungal disease which may be devastating and fatal. It is caused by a nonseptate hyphae, class phycomycetes and genus (Rhizopus, Mucor, Absidia). Phycomycosis in man is usually associated with debilitating diseases such as: diabetes mellitus, leukemia and immunosuppressive conditions. The cephalic phycomycosis has two forms: 1. rhinoorbital cerebral which may be fatal, and 2. rhino‐parnnasal sinuses form which usually has a benign clinical course.

From 1943 to 1967, only 45 cases of the cephalic form were described with a mortality rate of 50%. Since then several series have been added to the literature with improved survival, probably due to the addition of amphotericin B to the therapy. Even with modern therapy, the mortality rate is still about 30%. Modern technology C.T. scan is very helpful to establish orbital and intracranial extension. When intracranial involvement is present, the prognosis is dismal. Our series of 8 patients is reported.
Pain Processing Is Faster than Tactile Processing in the Human Brain
Authors: Ploner Markus , Gross Joachim , Timmermann Lars , Schnitzler Alfons
Published: October 2006

Pain signals threat and drives the individual into a behavioral response that significantly depends on a short stimulus-response latency. Paradoxically, the peripheral and spinal conduction velocities of pain are much slower than of tactile information. However, cerebral processing times and reaction times of touch and pain have not yet been fully assessed. Here we show that reaction times to selective nociceptive cutaneous laser stimuli are substantially faster than expected from the peripheral conduction velocities. Furthermore, by using magnetoencephalography, we found that latencies between earliest stimulus-evoked cortical responses and reaction times are ∼60 ms shorter for nociceptive than for tactile stimuli. These findings reveal that cerebral processing of pain is substantially faster than processing of tactile information and relatively compensates for the slow peripheral and spinal conduction velocities of pain. Our observation shows how the cerebral organization of pain processing enhances motor responses to potentially harmful stimuli and thereby subserves the particular behavioral demands of pain.
Scaling Heaven's Gate: Individualism and Salvation in a New Religious Movement
Authors: Zeller Benjamin Ethan
Published: October 2006

Abstract: This article considers the new religious movement popularly known as Heaven's Gate within the context of American religious history, focusing on its soteriology (scheme of salvation) and the place of the individual within it. I argue that this contextualization reveals a movement that held unusual yet clearly identifiable religious beliefs reflecting popular religious subcultures and possessing clear historical antecedents. Specifically, within Heaven's Gate's soteriology one finds a synthesis of elements drawn from New Age thinking, Christian beliefs, and popular attitudes, and built upon assumptions of individualism and personal autonomy that pervade American religion. Rather than being an aberration of American religious history, Heaven's Gate was quintessentially American, albeit outside the religious mainstream.
Time-dependent serviceability of corrosion-affected concrete structures
Authors: Li C. Q. , Melchers R. E.
Published: October 2006

Practical experience and experimental observations suggest that corrosion-affected concrete structures deteriorate at different rates as measured by strength and serviceability, with the latter deteriorating faster. Corrosion-induced problems related to structural serviceability also incur substantial costs in their reinstatement. It is therefore imperative to have a thorough assessment for the serviceability of these structures and to predict accurately the time for the reinstatement. Th current paper presents an application of time-dependent reliability methods to serviceability assessment of corrosion-affected concrete structures. Two approaches are employed to quantify the probability of serviceability failure owing to corrosion-induced concrete cracking and to determine the time for the structure to be unserviceable and hence requiring reinstatement. It is found that Monte Carlo simulation can be used to estimate the probability of serviceability failure with reasonable accuracy. It is also found that corrosion-induced concrete cracking can be modelled as a stochastic process. The application presented herein can serve as a guide for structural engineers and asset managers in making decisions with regard to the serviceability of corrosion-affected concrete structures. Timely intervention has the potential to prolong the service life of the structures.
Load-bearing capacity of mortar joints between precast elements
Authors: Barboza A. d S. R. , El Debs M. K.
Published: October 2006

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the load-bearing capacity of mortar joints used in precast concrete structures. The following variables were used in this research: (a) the type of fill-up material: grout, ‘dry packed’ mortar and without filled-up material; (b) the mortar layer thickness: 15, 22·5 and 30 mm; (c) the ratio of the mortar compressive strength (fm) to compressive precast concrete strength (fc): fm < fc, fm = fc, and fm > fc; (d) the concrete compressive strength: normal (35 MPa) and high (60 MPa); and (e) the employment of additional reinforcement in the connection adjacent area. Some of main conclusions are: (a) the most suitable mortar layer thickness is 22·5 mm, which means about 13% of joint width; (b) using mortar with more compressive strength for filling up the connection fm > fc, the mortar joint is not the weak point of the system, but the splitting stress becomes more intense in precast elements; (c) the additional reinforcement at the precast segment end increases the system’s ductility as well as restricting the rupture area; however it does not increase the load-bearing capacity of the system.
Tests of concrete flanged beams reinforced with CFRP bars
Authors: Ashour A. F. , Family M.
Published: October 2006

Tests results of three flanged and two rectangular cross-section concrete beams reinforced with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars are reported. In addition, a companion concrete flanged beam reinforced with steel bars is tested for comparison purposes. The amount of CFRP reinforcement used and flange thickness were the main parameters investigated in the test specimens. One CFRP reinforced concrete rectangular beam exhibited concrete crushing failure mode, whereas the other four CFRP reinforced concrete beams failed owing to tensile rupture of CFRP bars. The ACI 440 design guide for FRP reinforced concrete members underestimated the moment capacity of beams failed owing to CFRP tensile rupture and reasonably predicted deflections of the beams tested. A simplified theoretical analysis for estimating the moment capacity of concrete flanged beams reinforced with FRP bars was developed. The experimental moment capacity of the CFRP reinforced concrete beams tested compared favourably with that predicted by the theoretical analysis developed.
Physician Perspectives on Private Equity Investment in Health Care
Authors: Zhu Jane M. , Zeveney Andrew , Read Susan , Crowley Ryan
Published: March 2024

This survey study examines physician views toward private equity investment in health care.
Mortality for Time-Sensitive Conditions at Urban vs Rural Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jiang H. Joanna , Henke Rachel M. , Fingar Kathryn R. , Liang Lan , Agniel Denis
Published: March 2024

Importance

COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions to the health care system may have resulted in increased mortality for patients with time-sensitive conditions.

Objective

To examine whether in-hospital mortality in hospitalizations not related to COVID-19 (non–COVID-19 stays) for time-sensitive conditions changed during the pandemic and how it varied by hospital urban vs rural location.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was an interrupted time-series analysis to assess in-hospital mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 8, 2020, to December 31, 2021) compared with the prepandemic period (January 1, 2017, to March 7, 2020) overall, by month, and by community COVID-19 transmission level for adult discharges from 3813 US hospitals in the State Inpatient Databases for the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.

Exposure

The COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality among non–COVID-19 stays for 6 time-sensitive medical conditions: acute myocardial infarction, hip fracture, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, pneumonia, sepsis, and stroke. Entropy weights were used to align patient characteristics in the 2 time periods by age, sex, and comorbidities.

Results

There were 18 601 925 hospitalizations; 50.3% of patients were male, 38.5% were aged 18 to 64 years, 45.0% were aged 65 to 84 years, and 16.4% were 85 years or older for the selected time-sensitive medical conditions from 2017 through 2021. The odds of in-hospital mortality for sepsis increased 27% from the prepandemic to the pandemic periods at urban hospitals (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% CI, 1.25-1.29) and 35% at rural hospitals (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.30-1.40). In-hospital mortality for pneumonia had similar increases at urban (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.42-1.54) and rural (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.36-1.57) hospitals. Increases in mortality for these 2 conditions showed a dose-response association with the community COVID-19 level (low vs high COVID-19 burden) for both rural (sepsis: 22% vs 54%; pneumonia: 30% vs 66%) and urban (sepsis: 16% vs 28%; pneumonia: 34% vs 61%) hospitals. The odds of mortality for acute myocardial infarction increased 9% (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12) at urban hospitals and was responsive to the community COVID-19 level. There were significant increases in mortality for hip fracture at rural hospitals (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.53) and for gastrointestinal hemorrhage at urban hospitals (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.21). No significant change was found in mortality for stroke overall.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, in-hospital mortality for time-sensitive conditions increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobilizing strategies tailored to the different needs of urban and rural hospitals may help reduce the likelihood of excess deaths during future public health crises.
Transcriptome‐wide gene expression outlier analysis pinpoints therapeutic vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mariella Elisa , Grasso Gaia , Miotto Martina , Buzo Kristi , Reilly Nicole Megan , Andrei Pietro , Vitiello Pietro Paolo , Crisafulli Giovanni , Arena Sabrina , Rospo Giuseppe , Corti Giorgio , Lorenzato Annalisa , Cancelliere Carlotta , Barault Ludovic , Gionfriddo Giulia , Linnebacher Michael , Russo Mariangela , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Bardelli Alberto
Published: March 2024

Multiple strategies are continuously being explored to expand the drug target repertoire in solid tumors. We devised a novel computational workflow for transcriptome‐wide gene expression outlier analysis that allows the systematic identification of both overexpression and underexpression events in cancer cells. Here, it was applied to expression values obtained through RNA sequencing in 226 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines that were also characterized by whole‐exome sequencing and microarray‐based DNA methylation profiling. We found cell models displaying an abnormally high or low expression level for 3533 and 965 genes, respectively. Gene expression abnormalities that have been previously associated with clinically relevant features of CRC cell lines were confirmed. Moreover, by integrating multi‐omics data, we identified both genetic and epigenetic alternations underlying outlier expression values. Importantly, our atlas of CRC gene expression outliers can guide the discovery of novel drug targets and biomarkers. As a proof of concept, we found that CRC cell lines lacking expression of the MTAP gene are sensitive to treatment with a PRMT5‐MTA inhibitor (MRTX1719). Finally, other tumor types may also benefit from this approach.
New approach to heart failure: Integrated traditional Chinese with Western medicine
Authors: Wang Qiao , Cao Hongshuai , Li Peizhao , Li Chunyan , Shi Zaixiang , Ren Jingyi
Published: March 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a major global healthcare problem leading to substantial deterioration of prognosis. The current clinical guidelines in HF have begun to emphasize the importance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM has been utilized in clinical practice for over 2000 years and is capable of treating a variety of HF pathogenic issues. This review summarizes the classification, pathophysiology, and treatment of HF from three perspectives: Western medicine, TCM, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (ITCWM). Emphasizing the most recent evidence, this review consolidates knowledge on ITCWM treatments for HF pertaining to different TCM syndromes, including TCM decoctions, oral patent Chinese medicine, TCM injections, as well as therapies like acupuncture and moxibustion. Additionally, this review explores TCM approaches to HF prevention, such as tai chi, Baduanjin exercise, and Sanfu acupoint herbal patching. The findings of this study suggest that ITCWM holds promise for the treatment and rehabilitation of HF. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
2020 feels slow, long, and far away: Time distortion due to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Castellà Judit , Ueno Taiji , Allen Richard J.
Published: March 2024

The COVID pandemic has been an unforeseen situation in which uncertainty, social distance, loss of stability, and significant changes have proven to have detrimental effects on people's well‐being and on mental health. The aim of the present study is to determine changes in subjective time speed, duration, and time distance, and to consider the factors that may have contributed to this subjective distortion. A questionnaire was designed to explore time perception along with autobiographical recollection, mental and physical activity, and mood before, during, and after the pandemic. Analysis revealed that the pandemic period differed from before and after on every scale; subjects reported relatively lower values on autobiographical memory for the pandemic period; felt this time period to be further away, slower, and longer; were less active; and had a more negative mood. A structural equation model revealed that mood was the main predictor of subjective time distortion.
Topologically Optimized Graded Foams
Authors: Iaccarino Paolo , Maresca Elvira , Morganti Simone , Auricchio Ferdinando , Di Maio Ernesto
Published: March 2024

The adoption of Nature‐inspired strategies to improve materials has fostered the introduction of cavities. But how to mass‐produce structures in which a complex architecture of cavities is point‐to‐point fine‐tuned to the local and global application requirements? To this aim, the use of a procedure based on topology optimization and gas foaming is herein reported. As an example case, a polymeric foamed beam whose density map is optimized in 3D for three‐point bending is designed and produced by gas foaming a purpose‐designed preform. The preform is produced with polypropylene and by a high pressure autoclave with CO2 as blowing agent. Optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as X‐ray microscopy are used to analyze the 3D optimized foamed structures and show the effectiveness of the foaming design protocol in producing the finite element method‐optimized structures. A remarkable twofold increase in the stiffness of the optimized structures is measured with respect to that of the uniformly foamed counterpart with equal overall mass. With the use of a single recyclable material in a single processing step, this method allows one to conceive the mass production of optimized, therefore more sustainable, plastic parts.
The Nonlinear Mechanical Constitutive Model and Deep Learning Method to Inverse Design Dual‐Feature‐Integrated Lattice Metamaterial
Authors: Deng Yun , Huang Zhixin , Li Ying
Published: March 2024

The bio‐inspired lattice structure of a regularly fibrous organization is a kind of structural material with practical value in flexible bio‐integrated electronics. The recently proposed dual‐feature‐integrated lattice structure can accurately customize the nonlinear mechanical curve of biological issues. However, it is still lacking the constitutive models to inverse design the desirable mechanical properties. Herein, a nonlinear mechanical constitutive model for the dual‐feature‐integrated metamaterial is established by introducing the equilibrium equation and deformation coordination conditions. The experimental and numerical results show that the proposed constitutive model can predict accurately the stress–strain curves of dual‐feature‐integrated lattice structure. In addition, the machine learning‐whale optimization algorithm method is used to inverse design the dual‐feature‐integrated lattice structure, which can quickly find the target mechanical responses (chicken skin and human skin) in a board design space. The dual‐feature‐integrated mechanical metamaterial has a higher structural design option in comparison to the pure horseshoe and chiral metamaterial. The finding of this work contributes to the designs of lattice structures with flexibility and stretchable electronics.
Synergistic Osteogenic and Antiapoptotic Framework Nucleic Acid Complexes Prevent Diabetic Osteoporosis
Authors: Bai Long , Feng Maogeng , Zhang Qiuwen , Cai Zhengwen , Li Qiumei , Li Yong , Ma Chuan , Xiao Jingang , Lin Yunfeng
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by elevated blood glucose and advanced glycation end product (AGEs) levels. Increased AGEs in bone tissue inhibit osteogenic differentiation by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), leading to bone loss and osteoporosis in diabetic patients. Enhancing the osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs in the presence of abundant AGEs can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis in DM patients. The flavonoid, Quercetin, has anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor properties; however, it is insoluble in water and thus not easily absorbed by the body. Nanodrug delivery systems such as tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) exhibit excellent biocompatibility, efficient cell uptake, and drug piggybacking. In the present study, tFNAs with quercetin is complexed to form a novel nanodrug (tFNAs/Que) that combined the features of both components. tFNAs/Que promote osteogenic differentiation by BMSCs in an in vitro AGEs‐rich environment, maintain bone mass, and prevent diabetic osteoporosis in DM mice in vivo. The mechanism of tFNAs/Que against AGEs may be related to the JNK signaling pathway. In conclusion, it is shown that tFNAs/Que has a dual regulatory role by promoting osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting apoptosis. Such a feature is promising for the prevention and treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.
Reconfigurable Sensing‐Memory‐Processing and Logical Integration Within 2D Ferroelectric Optoelectronic Transistor for CMOS‐Compatible Bionic Vision
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhou Ting , Cui Yi , Xu Minyi , Zhang Miao , Tang Kai , Chen Xinrui , Tian Haoxiang , Yin Chujun , Huang Jianwen , Yan Chaoyi , Wang Xianfu
Published: March 2024

Neuromorphic ferroelectric transistors integrating sensing and memory capabilities for photoelectric stimuli have provided a remarkable platform for multifunctional bionic vision. However, most hardware demonstrations utilizing ferroelectric transistors cannot implement multiple bio‐visual functions simultaneously under a small operating voltage with scalable material systems, which reduces the compatibility with complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology and blocks further bio‐visual applications. Herein, an optoelectronic transistor gated is constructed with ferroelectric LiNbO3, which exhibits sensing‐memory‐processing functions and logic integration simultaneously under a low operating voltage (≈1.5 V). Benefiting from the programmable photoinduction and strong ferroelectric polarization, the reliable and highly controllable synaptic characteristics and the bio‐visual selective learning behavior are successfully demonstrated. A high recognition accuracy (≈94.5%) in simulations is also achieved due to the unique linear synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, based on dual‐wavelength modulation, the full‐optical logics “AND” and “OR” are established within the same device. This work provides novel opportunities for the complex multifunctional bionic vision and toward large‐scale integration compatible with silicon‐based CMOS processes.
Patterning of Hybrid Metal Halide Perovskite via Printed Molecular Templates
Authors: Kessel Amit , Moon Josh , Benitez‐Rodriguez Juan F , Deng Hao , Mao Wenxin , Alan Tuncay , Bach Udo , Jasieniak Jacek
Published: March 2024

Patterning metal halide perovskite thin films is a necessary pathway to expand their optoelectronic applications. However, developing a suitable patterning technique is challenging as conventional lithographic processes are either detrimental to the perovskite layer or lack compatibility with scalable fabrication processes used in the manufacturing of printed electronics. In this work, a complete bottom‐up patterning method is proposed based on de‐wetting from a hydrophobic molecular template, which constrains the perovskite ink to directly crystallize in selected hydrophilic regions. Octadecylphosphonic acid molecules are used as the hydrophobic template and are effectively transferred onto metal‐oxide substrates via micro‐contact printing. This allows for a low‐cost, rapid, and scalable micron‐scale patterning of perovskite thin films. Facile control over light transmittance is demonstrated by adjusting the amount of exposed area and the corresponding spectral shape changes shift the film's appearance toward being color‐neutral. Finally, the method's scalability and versatility are shown by fabricating 25 cm2 patterned films over rigid and flexible substrates.
High‐Efficiency Flexible Cs2AgBiBr6‐Based Visible Photodetector with Transferable TiO2 Nanorod Electron‐Transport Layer
Authors: Jeong Seongmin , Ha Juyun , Li Xin , Jung Uijin , Kim Sangmin , Park Jinsub
Published: March 2024

In this work, a flexible perovskite photodetector is demonstrated with a transferable TiO2 nanorod (NR) as an electron transport layer (ETL). The TiO2 NRs are grown by the hydrothermal method on Ni metal buffer layer/Si (100) substrates. During the growth process of TiO2 NRs in solution, the Ni sacrificial buffer layer is removed by hydrochloric acid in the initial stage. The resulting suspended seed layer can then sustain the growth of TiO2 NRs in both the top and bottom directions. The successfully grown TiO2 NRs are now transferred onto an ITO‐coated PET substrate as an ETL for the flexible Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite photodetectors. The fabricated photodetector operates under a wavelength of 405 nm, and at an external bias voltage of −0.3 V, it exhibits an outstanding performance with an on/off ratio of 1.23 × 104, photoresponsivity (R) of 0.666 A W−1, and a detectivity (D*) of 9.29 × 1012 Jones. In terms of flexibility, the optoelectronic performance of each device is well kept within 5% after 300 bending test cycles with a radius of 1 cm. The suggested transferable TiO2 NRs can improve the efficiency of flexible optoelectronic devices that require synergistic electron transfer effects by using heterostructures with TiO2 nanostructures.
Mobility and Fate of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil Environment
Authors: Duan Jingtao , Biswal Basanta Kumar , Balasubramanian Rajasekhar
Published: March 2024

Soil pollution, caused by potentially toxic elements (PTEs), is a significant problem worldwide. This study has investigated the key factors that control the mobility and fate of six PTEs (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni) which are frequently detected in contaminated soils. The findings of this study demonstrate that smaller particles present in soil show stronger adsorption capacity compared to larger particles because of the higher specific surface area. Moreover, soil with higher organic matter content (e.g., humic acid) exhibits stronger adsorption capacity due to the presence of abundant functional groups namely hydroxyl (─OH) and carboxyl (─COOH). Notably, these functional groups possess high affinity for Pb adsorption, followed by Cd > Cu > Cr > Zn > Ni. The adsorption of most of the PTEs by soil with and without humic acid is better described by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Overall, the experimental results illustrate that soil with high contents of humic acid can restrict the mobility of PTEs. This mechanistic evaluation predicts how soils with different organic matter contents respond to PTEs pollution. This study outcome will be helpful in developing sustainable remediation strategies to tackle pollution caused by PTEs in the soil environment.
Fluorescent Solvatochromic Probes for Long‐Term Imaging of Lipid Order in Living Cells
Authors: Tanaka Takuya , Matsumoto Atsushi , Klymchenko Andery S. , Tsurumaki Eiji , Ikenouchi Junichi , Konishi Gen‐ichi
Published: March 2024

High‐resolution spatio‐temporal monitoring of the cell membrane lipid order provides visual insights into the complex and sophisticated systems that control cellular physiological functions. Solvatochromic fluorescent probes are highly promising noninvasive visualization tools for identifying the ordering of the microenvironment of plasma membrane microdomains. However, conventional probes, although capable of structural analysis, lack the necessary long‐term photostability required for live imaging at the cellular level. Here, an ultra‐high‐light‐resistant solvatochromic fluorescence probe, 2‐N,N‐diethylamino‐7‐(4‐methoxycarbonylphenyl)‐9,9‐dimethylfluorene (FπCM) is reported, which enables live lipid order imaging of cell division. This probe and its derivatives exhibit sufficient fluorescence wavelengths, brightness, polarity responsiveness, low phototoxicity, and remarkable photostability under physiological conditions compared to conventional solvatochromic probes. Therefore, these probes have the potential to overcome the limitations of fluorescence microscopy, particularly those associated with photobleaching. FπCM probes can serve as valuable tools for elucidating mechanisms of cellular processes at the bio‐membrane level.
Design and Synthesis of Transferrable Macro‐Sized Continuous Free‐Standing Metal‐Organic Framework Films for Biosensor Device
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Ke Xinyi , Huang Jiayuan , Zhang Ziyu , Wu Yue , Huang Gaoshan , Tan Ji , Liu Xuanyong , Mei Yongfeng , Chu Junhao
Published: March 2024

Metal organic framework (MOF) films have attracted abundant attention due to their unique characters compared with MOF particles. But the high‐temperature reaction and solvent corrosion limit the preparation of MOF films on fragile substrates, hindering further applications. Fabricating macro‐sized continuous free‐standing MOF films and transferring them onto fragile substrates are a promising alternative but still challenging. Here, a universal strategy to prepare transferrable macro‐sized continuous free‐standing MOF films with the assistance of oxide nanomembranes prepared by atomic layer deposition and studied the growth mechanism is developed. The oxide nanomembranes serve not only as reactant, but also as interfacial layer to maintain the integrality of the free‐standing structure as the stacked MOF particles are supported by the oxide nanomembrane. The centimeter‐scale free‐standing MOF films can be transferred onto fragile substrates, and all in one device for glucose sensing is assembled. Due to the strong adsorption toward glucose molecules, the obtained devices exhibit outstanding performance in terms of high sensitivity, low limit of detection, and long durability. This work opens a new window toward the preparation of MOF films and MOF film‐based biosensor chip for advantageous applications in post‐Moore law period.
Optimizing nitrogen application rates for winter canola in Mississippi
Authors: Gajula Praveen , Singh Gurbir , Kaur Gurpreet , Dhillon Jagmandeep
Published: March 2024

The production of canola (Brassica napus L.) in the United States is low, whereas the demand is high. Most US canola research is centered in the Midwest, with minimal to no research in Southern states including Mississippi. Therefore, a study was conducted in Mississippi to assess the feasibility of canola as a double crop with soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation and determine its optimum nitrogen (N) requirement. After canola was harvested, soybean was planted within the same experimental plots. In total, six N treatments (0 [control], 34, 67, 101, 135, and 168 kg N ha−1) were applied to canola and replicated four times across all site‐years in a randomized complete block design. The application of N increased seed yield, aboveground biomass, and N content compared to the control in canola. Across all site‐years, the highest seed yield was 1726 kg ha−1 at 168 kg N ha−1. Moreover, N uptake, plant height, and test weight were highest at 135 kg N ha−1, which were 76%, 21%, and 44% greater than control, respectively. Oil content and seed weight were inversely related to N rates indicating dilution with increased N. Overall, 141 kg N ha−1 was found to be the agronomic optimum nitrogen rate, and no further supplementation was deemed necessary to maximize canola yield in Mississippi. Additionally, the following soybean crop benefitted from the N applied to canola and produced greater yields. This study establishes that canola has the potential for double cropping without adversely affecting subsequent soybean yield, provided optimum N rates are applied.
Novel drag and Nusselt number models based on direct numerical simulations of a bidisperse gas–solid system
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Shuai , Jin Tai , Luo Kun , Fan Jianren
Published: March 2024

Flow and heat transfer in a bidisperse gas–solid system with freely moving spheres  are simulated by particle‐resolved direct numerical simulation (PR‐DNS). Gas–solid coupling is enforced by the direct‐forcing immersed boundary method. Compard with the DNS database, it is found that the existing polydisperse drag correction model developed from static systems combined with various monodisperse drag models underestimates the drag force on dynamic arrays of particles. The existing Nusselt number correction model developed from static systems combined with various monodisperse models overestimates the Nusselt number of dynamic arrays of particles. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the effects of the granular temperature on the drag force and Nusselt number are negligible. Novel polydisperse drag and Nusselt number models are derived based on the database. The advantages of the derived polydisperse drag and Nusselt number models are demonstrated and confirmed by comparing the results of the computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method using various drag and Nusselt number models with experimental or additional PR‐DNS data.
Kinetics and mechanistic insights into selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol over Ni–Ga intermetallics
Authors: Sun Weixiao , Ge Xiaohu , Du Wei , Zeng Jianrong , Ma Jianbo , Chen Wenyao , Qian Gang , Cao Yueqiang , Duan Xuezhi , Zhou Xinggui , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2024

Furfural was mainly used to produce furfuryl alcohol, which is a monomer of furan resins with a global market of ~$0.3 billion/year. Industrial production of furfuryl alcohol is via selective hydrogenation over toxic copper chromate under harsh conditions. Therefore, the search for active and non‐toxic alternatives is highly desired. Here, kinetics studies revealed an inhibitive effect caused by strong furfural adsorption on Ni‐based catalysts, resulting in sites blocking and undesired ring hydrogenation. Such an inhibitive effect can be alleviated over Ni‐Ga intermetallic surfaces by tuning the Ni coordination number, from which the Ni1Ga1 showed markedly enhanced furfuryl alcohol yield (~99%) at milder conditions comparing to the referred Ni catalyst. It is found that isolated Ni sites by Ga on the Ni1Ga1 enabled a tilted adsorption configuration through the carbonyl of furfural. In contrast, the stronger flat‐lying adsorption of furfural was favored on the contiguous Ni sites of the referred catalyst.
Neopolyploidy‐induced changes in giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) alter herbivore preference and performance and plant population performance
Authors: Assour Hannah R. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn , Turcotte Martin M.
Published: March 2024

Premise

Polyploidy is a widespread mutational process in angiosperms that may alter population performance of not only plants but also their interacting species. Yet, knowledge of whether polyploidy affects plant–herbivore dynamics is scarce. Here, we tested whether aphid herbivores exhibit preference for diploid or neopolyploid plants, whether polyploidy impacts plant and herbivore performance, and whether these interactions depend on the plant genetic background.

Methods

Using independently synthesized neotetraploid strains paired with their diploid progenitors of greater duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza), we evaluated the effect of neopolyploidy on duckweed's interaction with the water‐lily aphid (Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae). Using paired‐choice experiments, we evaluated feeding preference of the herbivore. We then evaluated the consequences of polyploidy on aphid and plant performance by measuring population growth over multiple generations.

Results

Aphids preferred neopolyploids when plants were provided at equal abundances but not at equal surface areas, suggesting the role of plant population surface area in driving this preference. Additionally, neopolyploidy increased aphid population performance, but this result was dependent on the plant's genetic lineage. Lastly, the impact of herbivory on neopolyploid vs. diploid duckweed varied greatly with genetic lineage, where neopolyploids appeared to be variably tolerant compared to diploids, sometimes mirroring the effect on herbivore performance.

Conclusions

By experimentally testing the impacts of polyploidy on trophic species interactions, we showed that polyploidization can impact the preference and performance of herbivores on their plant hosts. These results have significant implications for the establishment and persistence of plants and herbivores in the face of plant polyploidy.
Comparison of waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio as predictors of clustering of cardiovascular risk factors among middle‐aged people in rural Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
Authors: Shrestha Rachana Manandhar , Pham Thuy Thi Phuong , Yamamoto Shohei , Nguyen Chau Que , Fukunaga Ami , Danh Phan Cong , Hachiya Masahiko , Le Huy Xuan , Do Hung Thai , Mizoue Tetsuya , Inoue Yosuke
Published: March 2024

Objective

Given the population‐level variation in stature, a universal cut‐off for waist circumference (WC) may not be appropriate for some populations. We compared the performance of WC and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) to detect the clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in rural Vietnam.

Methods

We obtained data from a baseline survey of the Khanh Hoa Cardiovascular Study comprising 2942 middle‐aged residents (40–60 years). We used areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) to compare the performance of WC and WHtR in predicting CVD risk clustering (≥2 of the following risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and elevated C‐reactive protein).

Results

The optimal cut‐off values for WC were 81.8 and 80.7 cm for men and women, respectively. Regarding the clustering of CVD risk factors, the AUROC (95% CI) of WC and WHtR were 0.707 (0.676 to 0.739) and 0.719 (0.689 to 0.749) in men, and 0.682 (0.654 to 0.709) and 0.690 (0.663 to 0.717) in women, respectively. Compared with WC, WHtR had a better NRI (0.229; 0.102–0.344) and IDI (0.012; 0.004–0.020) in men and a better NRI (0.154; 0.050–0.257) in women.

Conclusions

The optimal WC cut‐off for Vietnamese men was approximately 10 cm below the recommended Asian cut‐off. WHtR might perform slightly better in predicting the clustering of CVD risk factors among the rural population in Vietnam.
Losing lemurs: Declining populations and land cover changes over space and time
Authors: Narváez‐Torres Pamela R. , Guthrie Nicola K. , Brichieri‐Colombi Typhenn A. , Razafindravelo Cressant P. , Jacobson Zachary S. , Tera Fredo , Rafidimanana Daniel V. , Rahasivelo Zé‐Elinah , Petersen Melody A. , Ramangason Hasinala , Randall Lea , McPherson Jana M. , Frasier Cynthia L. , Moehrenschlager Axel , Holmes Sheila M. , Louis Edward E. , Johnson Steig E.
Published: March 2024

Forest loss and degradation due to land cover changes imperil biodiversity worldwide. Subtropical and tropical ecosystems experience high deforestation rates, negatively affecting species like primates. Madagascar's endemic lemurs face exceptionally high risks of population declines and extirpation. We examined how short‐term land cover changes within a fragmented landscape in southeastern Madagascar impacted the density of lemur species. Using line transects, we assessed density changes in nine lemur species across five forest fragments. Diurnal surveys were conducted monthly from 2015 to 2019 on 35 transects (total effort = 1268 km). Additionally, 21 transects were surveyed nocturnally in 2015 and 2016 (total effort = 107.5 km). To quantify forest cover changes, we generated land use/land cover (LULC) maps from Sentinel‐2 imagery using supervised classification for each year. For the LULC maps, we overlayed species‐specific buffers around all transects and calculated the proportion of land cover classes within them. We observed declines in the annual densities of four diurnal and cathemeral lemur species between 2015 and 2019, with species‐specific declines of up to 80% (Varecia variegata). While the density of two nocturnal species decreased, one increased fivefold (Cheirogaleus major) between 2015 and 2016. By 2019, Grassland was the dominant land type (50%), while Paddy Fields had the smallest coverage (1.03%). Mature Agricultural Land increased the most (63.37%), while New Agricultural Land decreased the most (–66.36%). Unexpectedly, we did not find evidence that higher forest cover supported a higher lemur population density within sampled areas, but we found support for the negative impact of degraded land cover types on three lemur species. Our study underscores the urgent need to address land‐use changes and their repercussions for primate populations in tropical ecosystems. The diverse responses of lemur species to modified habitats highlight the complexity of these impacts and emphasize the importance of targeted conservation efforts.
Lifetime Stressful Events Associated with Alzheimer's Pathologies, Neuroinflammation and Brain Structure in a Risk Enriched Cohort
Authors: Palpatzis Eleni , Akinci Muge , Aguilar‐Dominguez Pablo , Garcia‐Prat Marina , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Carboni Margherita , Kollmorgen Gwendlyn , Wild Norbert , Fauria Karine , Falcon Carles , Gispert Juan Domingo , Suárez‐Calvet Marc , Grau‐Rivera Oriol , Sánchez‐Benavides Gonzalo , Arenaza‐Urquijo Eider M. ,   for the ALFA study
Published: March 2024

Objective

Along with the known effects of stress on brain structure and inflammatory processes, increasing evidence suggest a role of chronic stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the association of accumulated stressful life events (SLEs) with AD pathologies, neuroinflammation, and gray matter (GM) volume among cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals at heightened risk of AD.

Methods

This cross‐sectional cohort study included 1,290 CU participants (aged 48–77) from the ALFA cohort with SLE, lumbar puncture (n = 393), and/or structural magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1,234) assessments. Using multiple regression analyses, we examined the associations of total SLEs with cerebrospinal fluid (1) phosphorylated (p)‐tau181 and Aβ1–42/1–40 ratio, (2) interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and (3) GM volumes voxel‐wise. Further, we performed stratified and interaction analyses with sex, history of psychiatric disease, and evaluated SLEs during specific life periods.

Results

Within the whole sample, only childhood and midlife SLEs, but not total SLEs, were associated with AD pathophysiology and neuroinflammation. Among those with a history of psychiatric disease SLEs were associated with higher p‐tau181 and IL‐6. Participants with history of psychiatric disease and men, showed lower Aβ1–42/1–40 with higher SLEs. Participants with history of psychiatric disease and women showed reduced GM volumes in somatic regions and prefrontal and limbic regions, respectively.

Interpretation

We did not find evidence supporting the association of total SLEs with AD, neuroinflammation, and atrophy pathways. Instead, the associations appear to be contingent on events occurring during early and midlife, sex and history of psychiatric disease. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:1058–1068
Accelerated Dynamic Reconstruction in Metal–Organic Frameworks with Ligand Defects for Selective Electrooxidation of Amines to Azos Coupling with Hydrogen Production
Authors: Sun Lingzhi , Pan Xun , Xie Ya‐nan , Zheng Jingui , Xu Shaohan , Li Lina , Zhao Guohua
Published: March 2024

Electrosynthesis coupled hydrogen production (ESHP) mostly involves catalyst reconstruction in aqueous phase, but accurately identifying and controlling the process is still a challenge. Herein, we modulated the electronic structure and exposed unsaturated sites of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) via ligand defect to promote the reconstruction of catalyst for azo electrosynthesis (ESA) coupled with hydrogen production overall reaction. The monolayer Ni‐MOFs achieved 89.8 % Faraday efficiency and 90.8 % selectivity for the electrooxidation of 1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐amine (Pyr−NH2) to azo, and an 18.5‐fold increase in H2 production compared to overall water splitting. Operando X‐ray absorption fine spectroscopy (XAFS) and various in situ spectroscopy confirm that the ligand defect promotes the potential dependent dynamic reconstruction of Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH, and the reabsorption of ligand significantly lowers the energy barrier of rate‐determining step (*Pyr−NH to *Pyr−N). This work provides theoretical guidance for modulation of electrocatalyst reconstruction to achieve highly selective ESHP.
Engineering NH2‐Cu‐NH2 Triple‐atom Sites in Defective MOFs for Selective Overall Photoreduction of CO2 into CH3COCH3
Authors: Zhang Mengrui , Zhang Dan , Jing Xu , Xu Baijie , Duan Chunying
Published: March 2024

Selective photoreduction of CO2 to multicarbon products, is an important but challenging task, due to high CO2 activation barriers and insufficient catalytic sites for C−C coupling. Herein, a defect engineering strategy for incorporating copper sites into the connected nodes of defective metal–organic framework UiO‐66‐NH2 for selective overall photo‐reduction of CO2 into acetone. The Cu2+ site in well‐modified CuN2O2 units served as a trapping site to capture electrons via efficient electron‐hole separation, forming the active Cu+ site for CO2 reduction. Two NH2 groups in CuN2O2 unit adsorb CO2 and cooperated with copper ion to functionalize as a triple atom catalytic site, each interacting with one CO2 molecule to strengthen the binding of *CO intermediate to the catalytic site. The deoxygenated *CO attached to the Cu site interacted with *CH3 fixed at one amino group to form the key intermediate CO*‐CH3, which interacted with the third reduction intermediate on another amino group to produce acetone. Our photocatalyst realizes efficient overall CO2 reduction to C3 product acetone CH3COCH3 with an evolution rate of 70.9 μmol gcat−1 h−1 and a selectivity up to 97 % without any adducts, offering a promising avenue for designing triple‐atomic sites to producing C3 product from photosynthesis with water.
Cyclopropenimine‐Mediated CO2 Activation for the Synthesis of Polyurethanes and Small‐Molecule Carbonates and Carbamates
Authors: Wu Dino , Martin Robert T. , Piña Jeanette , Kwon Junho , Crockett Michael P. , Thomas Andy A. , Gutierrez Osvaldo , Park Nathaniel H. , Hedrick James L. , Campos Luis M.
Published: March 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an abundant C1 feedstock with tremendous potential to produce versatile building blocks in synthetic applications. Given the adverse impact of CO2 on the atmosphere, it is of paramount importance to devise strategies for upcycling it into useful materials, such as polymers and fine chemicals. To activate such stable molecule, superbases offer viable modes of binding to CO2. In this study, a superbase cyclopropenimine derivative was found to exhibit exceptional proficiency in activating CO2 and mediating its polymerization at ambient temperature and pressure for the synthesis of polyurethanes. The versatility of this reaction can be extended to monofunctional amines and alcohols, yielding a variety of functional carbonates and carbamates.
A Versatile Thioesterase Involved in Dimerization during Cinnamoyl Lipid Biosynthesis
Authors: Deng Zirong , Liu Chunni , Wang Fang , Song Ni , Liu Jing , Li Huayue , Liu Siyu , Li Tong , Liu Zengzhi , Xiao Fei , Li Wenli
Published: March 2024

The cinnamoyl lipid compound youssoufene A1 (1), featuring a unique dearomatic carbon‐bridged dimeric skeleton, exhibits increased inhibition against multidrug resistant Enterococcus faecalis as compared to monomeric youssoufenes. However, the formation process of this intriguing dearomatization/dimerization remains unknown. In this study, an unusual “gene‐within‐gene” thioesterase (TE) gene ysfF was functionally characterized. The gene was found to naturally encodes two proteins, an entire YsfF with α/β‐hydrolase and 4‐hydroxybenzoyl‐CoA thioesterase (4‐HBT)‐like enzyme domains, and a nested YsfFHBT (4‐HBT‐like enzyme). Using an intracellular tagged carrier‐protein tracking (ITCT) strategy, in vitro reconstitution and in vivo experiments, we found that: i) both domains of YsfF displayed thioesterase activities; ii) YsfF/YsfFHBT could accomplish the 6π‐electrocyclic ring closure for benzene ring formation; and iii) YsfF and cyclase YsfX together were responsible for the ACP‐tethered dearomatization/dimerization process, possibly through an unprecedented Michael‐type addition reaction. Moreover, site‐directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that N301, E483 and H566 of YsfF are critical residues for both the 6π‐electrocyclization and dimerization processes. This study enhances our understanding of the multifunctionality of the TE protein family.