bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐Fueled Nonequilibrium and Adaptable Hydrogels for Highly Tunable Autonomous Self‐Oscillating Functions
Authors: Yang Xuehan , Shi Wencheng , Chen Zhe , Du Mengqi , Xiao Shiyan , Qu Shaoxing , Li Chuang
Published: March 2023

Nonequilibrium oscillation fueled by dissipating chemical energy is ubiquitous in living systems for realizing a broad range of complex functions. The design of synthetic materials that can mimic their biological counterparts in the production of dissipative structures and autonomous oscillations is of great interest but remains challenging. Here, a series of environmentally adaptable hydrogels functionalized with photoswitchable spiropyran derivatives that display a tunable equilibrium‐shifting capability, thus endowing those hydrogels with a high degree of freedom and flexibility is reported. Such nonequilibrium hydrogels are able to responsively adapt their shapes under constant light illumination due to asymmetric deswelling, which in turn generates self‐shadowing and consequently creates autonomous self‐oscillating behaviors through a negative feedback process. Diverse oscillation modes including bending, twisting, and snap‐through buckling with tunable frequency and amplitude are widely observed in three different molecular systems. Density functional theory calculations and finite element simulations further demonstrated the robustness of such a photoadaptable self‐oscillation mechanism. This study provides a useful molecular design strategy for construction of highly adaptable hydrogels with potential applications in self‐sustained soft robots and autonomous devices.
In Operando Optical Tracking of Oxygen Vacancy Migration and Phase Change in few Nanometers Ferroelectric HZO Memories
Authors: Jan Atif , Rembert Thomas , Taper Sunil , Symonowicz Joanna , Strkalj Nives , Moon Taehwan , Lee Yun Seong , Bae Hagyoul , Lee Hyun Jae , Choe Duk‐Hyun , Heo Jinseong , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith , Monserrat Bartomeu , Di Martino Giuliana
Published: March 2023

Ferroelectric materials offer a low‐energy, high‐speed alternative to conventional logic and memory circuitry. Hafnia‐based films have achieved single‐digit nm ferroelectricity, enabling further device miniaturization. However, they can exhibit nonideal behavior, specifically wake‐up and fatigue effects, leading to unpredictable performance variation over consecutive electronic switching cycles, preventing large‐scale commercialization. The origins are still under debate. Using plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopy, a non‐destructive technique sensitive to <1% oxygen vacancy variation, phase changes, and single switching cycle resolution, the first real‐time in operando nanoscale direct tracking of oxygen vacancy migration in 5 nm hafnium zirconium oxide during a pre‐wake‐up stage is provided. It is shown that the pre‐wake‐up leads to a structural phase change from monoclinic to orthorhombic phase, which further determines the device wake‐up. Further migration of oxygen ions in the phase changed material is then observed, producing device fatigue. These results provide a comprehensive explanation for the wake‐up and fatigue with Raman, photoluminescence and darkfield spectroscopy, combined with density functional theory and finite‐difference time‐domain simulations.
Room‐Temperature Exceptional‐Point‐Driven Polariton Lasing from Perovskite Metasurface
Authors: Masharin M.A. , Samusev A.K. , Bogdanov A.A. , Iorsh I.V. , Demir H.V. , Makarov S.V.
Published: March 2023

Excitons in lead bromide perovskites exhibit high binding energy and high oscillator strength, allowing for a strong light‐matter coupling regime in the perovskite‐based cavities localizing photons at the nanoscale. This opens up the way for the realization of exciton‐polariton Bose–Einstein condensation and polariton lasing at room temperature – the inversion‐free low‐threshold stimulated emission. However, polariton lasing in perovskite planar photon cavities without Bragg mirrors has not yet been observed and proved experimentally. In this study, perovskite metasurface is employed, fabricated with nanoimprint lithography, supporting so‐called exceptional points to demonstrate the room‐temperature polariton lasing. The exceptional points in exciton‐polariton dispersion of the metasurface appear upon optically pumping in the nonlinear regime in the spectral vicinity of a symmetry‐protected bound state in the continuum providing high mode confinement with the enhanced local density of states beneficial for polariton condensation. The observed lasing emission possesses high directivity with a divergence angle of 1° over one axis. The employed nanoimprinting approach for solution‐processable large‐scale polariton lasers is compatible with various planar photonic platforms suitable for on‐chip integration.
Enzymatic Self‐Assembly of Adamantane‐Peptide Conjugate for Combating Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Zhan Wenjun , Gao Ge , Liu Zhiyu , Liu Xiaoyang , Xu Lingling , Wang Manli , Xu Hai‐Dong , Tang Runqun , Cao Jingyuan , Sun Xianbao , Liang Gaolin
Published: March 2023

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) remains a leading cause of bacterial infections. However, eradication of S. aureus infections with common antibiotics is increasingly difficult due to outbreaks of drug resistance. Therefore, new antibiotic classes and antibacterial strategies are urgently in demand. Herein, it is shown that an adamantane‐peptide conjugate, upon dephosphorylation by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) constitutively expressed on S. aureus, generates fibrous assemblies in situ to combat S. aureus infection. By attaching adamantane to a phosphorylated tetrapeptide Nap‐Phe‐Phe‐Lys‐Tyr(H2PO3)‐OH, the rationally designed adamantane‐peptide conjugate Nap‐Phe‐Phe‐Lys(Ada)‐Tyr(H2PO3)‐OH (Nap‐FYp‐Ada) is obtained. Upon bacterial ALP activation, Nap‐FYp‐Ada is dephosphorylated and self‐assembles into nanofibers on the surface of S. aureus. As revealed by cell assays, the assemblies of adamantane‐peptide conjugates interact with cell lipid membrane and thereby disrupt membrane integrity to kill S. aureus. Animal experiments further demonstrate the excellent potential of Nap‐FYp‐Ada in the treatment of S. aureus infection in vivo. This work provides an alternative approach to design antimicrobial agents.
Gadolinium (III)‐Chelated Deformable Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles as Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Teng Shiyong , Li Jinming , Qiao Xuezhi , Zhao Weidong , Xue Zhengjie , Shi Xudong , Wang Yuguang , Yang Wensheng , Wang Tie
Published: March 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, such as Magnevist (Gd‐DTPA), are routinely used for detecting tumors at an early stage. However, the rapid clearance by the kidney of Gd‐DTPA leads to short blood circulation time, which limits further improvement of the contrast between tumorous and normal tissue. Inspired by the deformability of red blood cells, which improves their blood circulation, this work fabricates a novel MRI contrast agent by incorporating Gd‐DTPA into deformable mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (D‐MON). In vivo distribution shows that the novel contrast agent is able to depress rapid clearance by the liver and spleen, and the mean residence time is 20 h longer than Gd‐DTPA. Tumor MRI studies demonstrated that the D‐MON‐based contrast agent is highly enriched in the tumor tissue and achieves prolonged high‐contrast imaging. D‐MON significantly improves the performance of clinical contrast agent Gd‐DTPA, exhibiting good potential in clinical applications.
Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for Detecting Analytes in Biofluids
Authors: Lee Jimin , Kim Myung Chul , Soltis Ira , Lee Sung Hoon , Yeo Woon‐Hong
Published: March 2023

More than half of all Americans suffer from chronic diseases, the leading causes of death and disability. However, prompt treatment of chronic diseases can lead to better patient outcomes and a reduced burden on the healthcare system. This highlights the urgent need for electrochemical (EC) sensors that provide non‐invasive, real‐time monitoring of disease‐indicating biomarkers. Due to their high sensitivity, high selectivity, and cost‐effectiveness, EC biosensors have recently shown tremendous promise for individualized health monitoring. This review explains the working principles of EC biosensors. It summarizes the recent advances and improvements of EC biosensors for detecting biomarkers in different biofluids, including tears, saliva, breath, urine, and sweat. Through a comprehensive overview of EC biosensor technologies, this article is expected to aid the development of flexible and wearable EC biosensing systems that have the potential to provide continuous, long‐term health monitoring for both clinical and at‐home use.
Can a sustainability facts label reduce the halo surrounding organic labels?
Authors: Neuhofer Zachary T. , Lusk Jayson L. , Villas‐Boas Sofia
Published: March 2023

Consumers often form beliefs about credence attributes unsupported by the best available evidence. In particular, prior research has revealed many consumers have overly‐optimistic beliefs about the environmental and nutritional impacts of organic food. We propose and study the effects of a sustainability facts label (SFL), which displays quantitative environmental information related to global warming potential, land use, and energy use per serving size of the product. The SFL is akin to a nutrition facts label (NFL), which we also study. We surveyed a nationally representative sample of milk consumers in the United States (USA) to measure their choices and beliefs about organic vs. conventional milk under one of three different label information treatments; the NFL only, the SFL only, and both labels relative to a control without any nutrition or sustainability information. Unexpectedly, our results show that the SFL increased the likelihood of organic purchases. Facts panels altered beliefs; The participants exposed to the SFL increased their perception that organic performs better on environmental metrics, despite the fact the information contained in the label provided a nuanced picture with organic better in some dimensions and worse in others. Consistent with the information provided, consumers exposed to the NFL decreased their perception that organic had fewer calories and more protein than conventional milk. Prior beliefs about organic were found to be important determinants of choice and information acquisition.
High response rates and transition to transplant after novel targeted and cellular therapies in adults with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia with Philadelphia‐like fusions
Authors: Aldoss Ibrahim , Afkhami Michelle , Yang Dongyun , Gu Zhaohui , Mokhtari Sally , Shahani Shilpa , Pourhassan Hoda , Agrawal Vaibhav , Koller Paul , Arslan Shukaib , Tomasian Vanina , Al Malki Monzr M. , Artz Andrew , Salhotra Amandeep , Ali Haris , Aribi Ahmed , Sandhu Karamjeet S. , Ball Brian , Otoukesh Salman , Amanam Idoroenyi , Becker Pamela S. , Stewart Forrest M. , Curtin Peter , Smith Eileen , Telatar Milhan , Stein Anthony S. , Marcucci Guido , Forman Stephen J. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Pullarkat Vinod
Published: March 2023

Philadelphia (Ph)‐like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with a poor response to standard chemotherapy. However, outcomes with novel antibody and cellular therapies in relapsed/refractory (r/r) Ph‐like ALL are largely unknown. We conducted a single‐center retrospective analysis of adult patients (n = 96) with r/r B‐ALL and fusions associated with Ph‐like who received novel salvage therapies. Patients were treated with 149 individual novel regimens (blinatumomab = 83, inotuzumab ozogamicin [InO] = 36, and CD19CAR T cells = 30). The median age at first novel salvage therapy was 36 years (range; 18–71). Ph‐like fusions were IGH::CRLF2 (n = 48), P2RY8::CRLF2 (n = 26), JAK2 (n = 9), ABL‐class (n = 8), EPOR::IGH (n = 4) and ETV6::NTRK2 (n = 1). CD19CAR T cells were administered later in the course of therapy compared to blinatumomab and InO (p < .001) and more frequently in recipients who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) (p = .002). Blinatumomab was administered at an older age compared to InO and CAR T‐cells (p = .004). The complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) rates were 63%, 72%, and 90% following blinatumomab, InO and CD19CAR, respectively, among which 50%, 50%, and 44% of responders underwent consolidation with alloHCT, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the type of novel therapy (p = .044) and pretreatment marrow blasts (p = .006) predicted the CR/CRi rate, while the Ph‐like fusion subtype (p = .016), pretreatment marrow blasts (p = .022) and post‐response consolidation with alloHCT (p < .001) influenced event‐free survival. In conclusion, novel therapies are effective in inducing high remission rates in patients with r/r Ph‐like ALL and successfully transitioning the responders to alloHCT.
Multitargeted Platinum(IV) Anticancer Complexes Bearing Pyridinyl Ligands as Axial Leaving Groups
Authors: Zhou Qiyuan , Chen Shu , Xu Zoufeng , Liu Gongyuan , Zhang Shuyuan , Wang Zhigang , Tse Man‐Kit , Yiu Shek‐Man , Zhu Guangyu
Published: March 2023

Although multitargeted PtIV anticancer prodrugs have shown significant activities in reducing drug resistance, the types of bioactive ligands and drugs that can be conjugated to the Pt center remain limited to O‐donors. Herein, we report the synthesis of PtIV complexes bearing axial pyridines via ligand exchange reactions. Unexpectedly, the axial pyridines are quickly released after reduction, indicating their potential to be utilized as axial leaving groups. We further expand our synthetic approach to obtaining two multitargeted PtIV prodrugs containing bioactive pyridinyl ligands: a PARP inhibitor and an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor; these conjugates exhibit great potential for overcoming drug resistance, and the latter conjugate inhibits the growth of Pt‐resistant tumor in vivo. This research adds to the array of synthetic methods for accessing PtIV prodrugs and significantly increases the types of bioactive axial ligands that can be conjugated to a PtIV center.
Muscle architecture of the hindlimb of Tyto furcata (Aves Strigiformes): Highlights in owl morphology
Authors: Tudisca Alejandro M. , Mosto Clelia , Picasso Mariana B. J.
Published: March 2023

The American barn owl is a nocturnal bird of prey in which hind limb movements are a key factor in obtaining food; however, the architectural properties of its hind limb muscles have not been studied. This study sought to identify functional trends in the Tyto furcata hindlimb muscles by studying muscular architecture. The architectural parameters of the selected hip, knee, ankle, and digit muscles were studied in three specimens of the Tyto furcata and joint muscular proportions with an additional dataset were calculated. Previously published information on Asio otus was used for comparison. The flexor muscles of the digits had the highest muscle mass. Regarding architectural parameters, the main flexor of the digits (flexor digitorum longus) and the muscles that extend the knee and ankle joints (femorotibialis and gastrocnemius) showed a high physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) and short fibers, allowing powerful digit flexion and knee and ankle extension. These mentioned features are in accordance with hunting behavior, in which prey capture is not only closely linked to the flexion of the digits but also to the movements of the ankle. During hunting, the distal hind limb is flexed and then fully extended at the moment of contact with the prey, whereas the digits are close to grasping the prey. The hip muscles showed a predominance of extensors over flexors, which were more massive, with parallel fibers and without tendons or short fibers. These features lead to a higher capacity to generate velocity to the detriment of forces, as indicated by the high values of the architectural index, their relatively low PCSA, and short or intermediate fiber length, which enhance the control of the joint positions and muscle length. Compared to Asio otus, Tyto furcata showed longer fibers; however, the relationship between fiber length and PCSA was similar for both species.
A statistical study on promoting effects of tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal on the South China Sea summer monsoon onset
Authors: Fan Xiaoting , Li Ying
Published: March 2023

The onset date of the South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon (SCSSM) and the generation time of the first tropical cyclone (TC) over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) during late April and early June were significantly correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.58 during 1979–2020. The composite analysis found that under the impact of BoB TCs, an enhanced southwesterly low‐level flow transported abundant moisture from the BoB to the northern SCS. Besides, the diabatic heating related to TC convection stimulated an anticyclonic anomaly in the upper troposphere over the southern Tibetan Plateau, which was conducive to the enhancement and expansion of the South Asian high (SAH) over the Indo‐China Peninsula. The stronger easterly outflows from the eastern periphery of the SAH overlapped with low‐level water vapor convergence over the northern SCS, enhancing the development of monsoon convection. Thus, more condensation heating warmed the tropospheric atmosphere and reversed the meridional temperature gradient over the SCS, implying the SCSSM onset.
Study of the microstructure of brain white matter in medial temporal lobe epilepsy based on diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Liu Zhaoxi , Dou Wanchen , Wei Juan , Lv Yuelei , Hou Bo , You Hui , Feng Feng
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To compare the white matter (WM) asymmetry in left and right medial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) with and without hippocampal sclerosis (HS+, HS–) and assess the correlation of preoperative asymmetry and the dynamics of WM fibers with surgical outcomes.

Materials and methods

Preoperative MRI scans were collected from 58 mTLE patients (40 HS+, 18 HS–); 15 (11 HS+, 4 HS–) then underwent postoperative MRI scans. DTI parameters, including the fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusion coefficient (MD), axial diffusion coefficient (AD), and radial diffusion coefficient (RD), were extracted from 20 paired WM tracts by PANDA based on the JHU WM tractography atlas. The bilateral cerebral parameters and the pre‐ to postoperative changes in the DTI parameters of specific fiber tracts were compared. The asymmetry indexes (AIs) of paired fibers were also analyzed.

Results

There were fewer asymmetrical WM fibers in HS– patients than in HS+ patients. The pattern of WM asymmetry differed between left and right mTLE patients. Differences in the FA AI of the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) were found in left HS+ patients with different surgical outcomes. All mTLE patients exhibited decreases in FA and increases in MD and RD in specific ipsilateral WM fibers. In International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) grade 1 patients, the MD values in the ipsilateral CGH increased over time, whereas the RD values in the ipsilateral ILF and the AD values in the ipsilateral ILF and UNC decreased. In ILAE grade 2–5 patients, the FA values in the ipsilateral cingulate gyrus part of the cingulum (CGC) increased over time.

Conclusion

The WM tract asymmetry was more extensive in HS+ patients than in HS– patients. The preoperative WM fiber AIs in left HS+ patients may be useful for surgical prognosis. Additionally, pre‐ to postoperative changes in WM fibers may help predict surgical outcomes.
The senile plaque: Morphological differences in APP knock‐in mice brains by fixatives
Authors: Yoshimura Rikuya , Miyasaka Tomohiro , Funamoto Satoru , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Ikegawa Masaya , Kakuda Nobuto
Published: March 2023

The morphology of senile plaques depends on the APP knock‐in mice brain fixative. Solid forms of senile plaques were detected in APP knock‐in mice after formic acid treatment with Davidson's and Bouin's fluid fixative as the brain of AD patients. Aβ42 was deposited as cored plaques and Aβ38 accumulated around Aβ42.
Mental health symptoms among those affected by Huntington's disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gunn Sarah , Dale Maria , Ovaska‐Stafford Noora , Maltby John
Published: March 2023

Background

Although cognitive and motor symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD) are associated with disease progression, the underlying causes of psychological symptoms are not as clearly understood. Recent evidence suggests that some mental health difficulties experienced by people with HD are shared by noncarriers within HD families. Accordingly, there is a need to evaluate potential systemic contributors to HD mental distress, to support meaningful interventions for psychological symptoms in people with HD and affected families.

Method

We used short‐form Problem Behaviors Assessment mental health symptom data from the international Enroll‐HD data set to characterize mental health symptoms across eight HD groups: Stages 1–5, premanifest and genotype‐negative individuals, and family controls (n = 8567) using chi‐square analysis with post hoc comparisons.

Results

We identified that people with later‐stage HD (Stages 2–5) had significantly higher apathy, obsessive–compulsiveness, and (from Stage 3) disorientation than the remaining groups at a medium effect size, and that these findings largely held across three measure administrations over time.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the critical symptoms in manifest HD from Stage 2 onward, but also demonstrate that crucial symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and irritability are present across HD‐affected groups (including noncarriers of the gene expansion). The outcomes highlight a need for specific clinical management of later‐stage HD psychological symptoms, and for systemic support across affected families.
Association between telomere length and hepatocellular carcinoma risk: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Chenglei , Wu Xi , Chen Siyu , Xiang Bangde
Published: March 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer threatening the public health globally. Although HCC has been associated with the telomere length (TL), the causal relationship between them is not well understood. Therefore, we attempted to explore the linear causal relationship between TL and HCC through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis among Asian and European populations.

Methods

The summary statistics of TL‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in the Asian population (N = 23,096). The data of TL‐associated SNPs in the European population (N = 472,174) and the GWAS summary statistics of HCC in the Asian population (1866 cases, 195,745 controls) as well as the European population (168 cases, 372,016 controls) were downloaded from the public GWAS database. Two‐sample MR was performed using inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median estimate, MR–Egger regression, weighted‐mode estimate, and simple‐mode estimate methods. Sensitivity analysis was performed to text the primary results' robustness.

Results

Nine SNPs associated with TL in Asian populations and 98 SNPs in European populations were selected as instrumental variables. No linear causal relationship between heritable TL and the HCC risk was recorded in the Asian (IVW analysis odds ratio [OR] = 1.023, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.745, 1.405, p = 0.887) and European populations (IVW analysis OR = 0.487, 95% CI 0.180, 1.320, p = 0.157). Other methods also achieved similar outcomes. Sensitivity analysis was performed and revealed no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusions

No linear causal association was recorded between heritable TL and HCC in Asian and European populations.
Planning for return to work during the first year after breast cancer metastasis: A Swedish cohort study
Authors: Johnsson Aina , Kiani Narsis A. , Gernaat Sofie A. M. , Wilking Ulla , Shabo Ivan , Hedayati Elham
Published: March 2023

Background

Planning for return to work (RTW) is relevant among sub‐groups of metastatic breast cancer (mBC) survivors. RTW and protective factors for RTW in patients with mBC were determined.

Methods

Patients with mBC, ages 18–63 years, were identified in Swedish registers, and data were collected starting 1 year before their mBC diagnosis. The prevalence of working net days (WNDs) (>90 and >180) during the year after mBC diagnosis (y1) was determined. Factors associated with RTW were assessed using regression analysis. The impact of contemporary oncological treatment of mBC on RTW and 5‐year mBC‐specific survival was compared between those diagnosed in 1997–2002 and 2003–2011.

Results

Of 490 patients, 239 (48.8%) and 189 (36.8%) had >90 and >180 WNDs, respectively, during y1. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of WNDs >90 or >180 during y1 were significantly higher for patients with age ≤50 years (AOR180 = 1.54), synchronous metastasis (AOR90 = 1.68, AOR180 = 1.67), metastasis within 24 months (AOR180 = 1.51), soft tissue, visceral, brain as first metastatic site (AOR90 = 1.47) and sickness absence <90 net days in the year before mBC diagnosis, suggesting limited comorbidities (AOR90 = 1.28, AOR180 = 2.00), respectively. Mean (standard deviation) WNDs were 134.9 (140.1) and 161.3 (152.4) for patients diagnosed with mBC in 1997–2002 and 2003–2011, respectively (p = 0.046). Median (standard error) mBC‐specific survivals were 41.0 (2.5) and 62.0 (9.6) months for patients diagnosed with mBC in 1997–2002 and 2003–2011, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

RTW of more than 180 WNDs was associated with younger age, early development of metastases and limited comorbidities during the year before the diagnosis of mBC. Patients diagnosed with mBC in 2003 or later had more WNDs and better survival than those diagnosed earlier.
Sulfotransferase 1C2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by enhancing glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Jiang Liya , Xu Fang , Li Chenglong , Liu Ting , Zhao Qianwei , Liu Yixian , Zhao Ying , Li Yamei , Zhang Zhendong , Tang Xiaolei , Zhang Jintao
Published: March 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is aggressive liver cancer. Despite advanced imaging and other diagnostic measures, HCC in a significant portion of patients had reached the advanced stage at the first diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for advanced HCC. As a result, HCC is still a leading cause of cancer death, and there is a pressing need for new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

We investigated sulfotransferase 1C2 (SUTL1C2), which we recently showed was overexpressed in human HCC cancerous tissues. Specifically, we analyzed the effects of SULT1C2 knockdown on the growth, survival, migration, and invasiveness of two HCC cell lines, i.e., HepG2 and Huh7 cells. We also studied the transcriptomes and metabolomes in the two HCC cell lines before and after SULT1C2 knockdown. Based on the transcriptome and metabolome data, we further investigated the SULT1C2 knockdown‐mediated shared changes, i.e., glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism, in the two HCC cell lines. Finally, we performed rescue experiments to determine whether the inhibitory effects of SULT1C2 knockdown could be rescued via overexpression.

Results

We showed that SULT1C2 overexpression promoted the growth, survival, migration, and invasiveness of HCC cells. In addition, SULT1C2 knockdown resulted in a wide range of gene expression and metabolome changes in HCC cells. Moreover, analysis of shared alterations showed that SULT1C2 knockdown significantly suppressed glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism, which could be rescued via SULT1C2 overexpression.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that SULT1C2 is a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for human HCC.
Obesity in children and adolescents: Overview of the diagnosis and management
Authors: Tung Joanna Y. L. , Poon Grace W. K. , Du Juan , Wong Kenneth K. Y.
Published: March 2023

Childhood obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges globally. It is associated with various adverse health consequences throughout life. Prevention and early intervention represent the most reasonable and cost‐effective approaches. Considerable progress has been achieved in the management of obesity in children and adolescents; yet, implementation in the real world remains a challenge. This article aimed to present an overview of the diagnosis and management of obesity in children and adolescents.
Trend analysis of noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors in Afghanistan
Authors: Neyazi Narges , Mosadeghrad Ali Mohammad , Tajvar Maryam , Safi Najibullah
Published: March 2023

Background

Afghanistan is suffering from 40‐year chronic conflicts, displacement, and demolition of its infrastructure. Afghanistan mortality survey 2010 shows nearly 46% of all deaths in the country were attributed to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In this study, we aimed to understand the differences in mortality and premature death due to NCDs by sex and the trend for the next 8 years.

Methods

We applied trend analysis using the secondary data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Global Burden of Diseases 2019. The information on NCD mortality, NCD deaths attributed to its risk factors, NCD percent of total years lived with disability (YLDs) attribution to each risk factor extracted from this database from 2008 to 2019. We investigated the trend from 2008 to 2019 for the mentioned factors and then forecast their trends until 2030.

Results

Our study shows that Afghanistan has had an increasing death number due to NCDs from 2008 to 2019 (50% for both sexes) and this will reach nearly 54% by 2030. Currently, half of NCDs deaths are premature in Afghanistan. The mortality rate and prevalence of risk factors are higher among women. More than 70% of YLDs will be due to NCDs in Afghanistan till 2030. Five risk factors including high systolic blood pressure (28.3%), high body mass index (23.4%), high blood glucose (20.6%), high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (16.3%), and smoking (12.3%) will have the highest contribution to NCDs death in 2030, respectively.

Conclusions

In general, our study indicates that without any specific intervention to address NCDs in Afghanistan, not only the Sustainable Development Goal target for NCDs will not be met, but an increase in almost all risk factors prevalence, as well as NCD mortality, will be seen in Afghanistan.
Catalytic Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition of N‐Metalated Azomethine Ylides
Authors: Kumar Sundaravel Vivek , Guiry Patrick J.
Published: March 2023

Asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reactions are fascinating and powerful methods for the synthesis of enantioenriched pyrrolidines up to four stereocentres. Pyrrolidines are important compounds for both biology and organocatalytic applications. This review summarizes the most recent advances in the enantioselective synthesis of pyrrolidines by [3+2] cycloadditions of azomethine ylides using metal catalysis. It has been organized by the type of metal catalysis used and further arranged by the complexity nature of dipolarophile. The presentation of each reaction type highlights their advantages and limitations.
Tunable Macrocyclic Polyparaphenylene Nanolassos via Copper‐Free Click Chemistry
Authors: Schaub Tobias A. , Zieleniewska Anna , Kaur Ramandeep , Minameyer Martin , Yang Wudi , Schüßlbauer Christoph M. , Zhang Lina , Freiberger Markus , Zakharov Lev N. , Drewello Thomas , Dral Pavlo O. , Guldi Dirk M. , Jasti Ramesh
Published: March 2023

Deriving diverse compound libraries from a single substrate in high yields remains to be a challenge in cycloparaphenylene chemistry. In here, a strategy for the late‐stage functionalization of shape‐persistent alkyne‐containing cycloparaphenylene has been explored using readily available azides. The copper‐free [3+2]azide‐alkyne cycloaddition provided high yields (>90 %) in a single reaction step. Systematic variation of the azides from electron‐rich to ‐deficient shines light on how peripheral substitution influences the characteristics of the resulting adducts. We find that among the most affected properties are the molecular shape, the oxidation potential, excited state features, and affinities towards different fullerenes. Joint experimental and theoretical results are presented including calculations with the state‐of‐the‐art, artificial intelligence‐enhanced quantum mechanical method 1 (AIQM1).
Recent advances in room temperature phosphorescence of chiral organic materials
Authors: Patil Yuvraj , Demangeat Catherine , Favereau Ludovic
Published: March 2023

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in purely organic materials is an uncommon phenomenon of emission, which can be characterized by a long persistent luminescence after removal of the excitation source. In the recent years, RTP organic materials have received a considerable attention due to their high application potential in various advancing technologies, ranging from optoelectronic to biomedical applications. In parallel, many progresses have been achieved on the rationalization of this process and led to the emergence of innovative strategies aiming to achieve highest performances both in terms of phosphorescence efficiency and lifetime. While the topic is still on an ascendant development, the generation of circularly polarized phosphorescent (CPP) emission from purely organic molecules is by far much less explored and remains an impressive challenge. Still, the perspective of CPP materials appears as an interesting opportunity to answer several comprehensives issues existing in the field. In this article, we define, in a straightforward way, basic principles and key notions for the generation of RTP and CP luminescence (CPL) guiding the design toward CPP materials. After this brief insight, recent advances in the field of chiral organic RTP materials are discussed with an emphasis on their CP‐RTP properties. Based on this development, the conclusion drawn allows establishing the next challenges and future opportunities standing in the field.
Optimizing Agronomy for High‐Yielding Flax in Western Canada
Authors: Benaragama Dilshan I. , Johnson Eric N. , Gulden Robert H. , Willenborg Christian J.
Published: March 2023

Flax is an important oilseed crop of temperate regions, and Canada been the world’s top exporter of the crop since 1994. Increasing crop yields either through breeding or better agronomy can substantially benefit the flax industry in Canada. A multi‐location study was carried out in western Canada to determine the optimum combination of several agronomic practices to obtain high and stable flax yields. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Dynamic simulation of the grassland connectivity and the effects of landscape pattern in China's Poyang Lake from the integrated perspective of habitat and biology
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Chen Wenbo , He Lei , Huang Fangfang , Li Haifeng
Published: March 2023

Analysing the dynamics of landscape connectivity is of great significance for biodiversity conservation, but the scientific expression of ecological processes and the depth of coupling landscape pattern and ecological process requires to be strengthened. Taking the grassland of Poyang Lake as a case, based on the integrated perspective of habitat and biology, and comprehensively considering the ecological process of water level change and species dispersal, this study firstly analysed the changes of functional connectivity of grassland with different water levels and dispersal distances by using the graph‐based connectivity indices. Then, landscape pattern indices were applied to analyse the dynamics of landscape pattern of grassland and further study the effects of landscape pattern on landscape functional connectivity. The results showed as follows: (1) From the perspective of habitat, the functional connectivity of grassland has progressively decreased with the increase of water level. From the perspective of ecology, the species dispersal distance had an absolutely positive impact on landscape functional connectivity. With the increase of dispersal distance, the functional connectivity of grassland increased significantly. (2) The dynamics of landscape pattern of grassland showed that with the increase of water level, the patch area shrank, the patch shape tended to be simple, the patch density decreased and the patch fragmentation aggravated. (3) The correlation results between landscape pattern and functional connectivity indicated that flux index (F) had a significant positive relationship with patch density (PD), edge density (ED), probability of connectivity (PC) had a strong significant positive relationship with largest patch index (LPI), COHESION and number of components (NC) had a negative relationship with LPI, ED, COHESION. This study provides theoretical guidance for the protection and management of grassland in Poyang Lake.
Flexible piezoelectric sensor for pregnant recognition based on the pulse‐taking procedure in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Song Xian , Li Bo , Wang Pengyu , Zhou Yizhao , Wang Jian , Wang Yaqun , Fang Chengbing , Jin Meiyuan
Published: March 2023

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an experienced‐based discipline and plays an important role in the current medical system. Digitalizing key features is the best way to con‐duct an in‐depth analysis of TCM. However, due to its complex generation mechanism, the crucial pulse‐taking procedure is hard to be digitalized and analyzed. This article fabricated a flexible piezoelectric sensor to gather data for the pulse‐taking procedure. The sensitivity of the proposed flexible sensor reached 0.34 V/kPa, so we adopted peripheral circuits to make its output signals stay in a reasonable range (± 0.5 V) for convenient data collection. We used the sensor to recognize whether a woman is pregnant since it has solid golden standards. The pulse signal was fused via mapping the signal spectrogram into a 3‐dimension tensor. The fused matrix was then processed by GoogleNet and reached a 90.48% correction rate. This result shows that the pulse condition has statistical differences, which solidified the objectivity of pulse diagnosis and escalated the TCM's digitalization level.
Intermittency at Earth’s bow shock: Measures of turbulence in quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular shocks
Authors: Plank James , Gingell Imogen
Published: March 2023

Turbulent plasmas such as the solar wind and magnetosheath exhibit an
energy cascade which is present across a broad range of scales, from the
stirring scale at which energy is injected, down to the smallest scales
where energy is dissipated through processes such as reconnection and
wave-particle interactions. Recent observations of Earth’s bow shock
reveal a disordered or turbulent transition region which exhibits
features of turbulent dissipation, such as reconnecting current sheets.
We have used observations from Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) over four
separate bow shock crossings of varying θ to
characterise turbulence in the shock transition region and how it
evolves towards the magnetosheath. We observe the magnetic spectrum
evolving by fitting power laws over many short intervals and find that
the power-law index in the shock transition region is separable from
that of the upstream and downstream plasma, for both quasi-perpendicular
and quasi-parallel shocks. Across the shock, we see a change in the
breakpoint location between inertial and ion power-law slopes. We also
observe the evolution of scale-independent kurtosis of magnetic
fluctuations across the shock, finding a reduction of high kurtosis
intervals downstream of the shock, which is more apparent in the
quasi-perpendicular case. Finally, we adapt a method for calculating
correlation length to include a high-pass filter, allowing estimates for
changes in correlation length across Earth’s bow shock. In a
quasi-perpendicular shock, we find the correlation length to be
significantly smaller in the magnetosheath than in the solar wind,
however the opposite can occur for quasi-parallel shocks.
Synergistic effect of protease and cranberry powder to enhance the quality characteristics of fried beef meatballs
Authors: Liang Xinyue , Zhou Na , Irfan Muhammad , Gerard Mugabe , Wang Yonghua , Wang Fanghua
Published: March 2023

Tenderness and color affect meat quality. Our previous results indicated that cranberry powder can partially replace NaNO2 in fried beef meatballs processing without compromising on its quality, especially the color. In this research, the effect of different protease enzymes combined with 10 g/kg cranberry powder for improving the quality, characteristics of fried beef meatballs were investigated. Addition of protease together with cranberry powder, the tenderness, a* value, and sensory score of fried beef meatballs were improved as a whole compared with sole 10 g/kg cranberry powder addition, indicating that protease had a beneficial effect on improving the quality of fried beef meatballs. Among the different proteases screened, the fried beef meatballs prepared with 80 U/g bromelain had a relatively higher a* value (13.06) and tenderness (12.61), and the overall acceptability (6) was the highest. Meanwhile, this combination exhibited lower shear stress and cooking loss, with higher water‐holding capacity and protein content. The effects of marination time on the physicochemical properties of fried beef meatballs were also investigated. Marinating for 8 h displayed the best effect with the highest a* value, the lowest shear force. The current study provides a potential solution for the quality improvement of fried beef meatballs.
Invasive Spartina alterniflora marshes in China: a blue carbon sink at the expense of other ecosystem services
Authors: Qi Xiangzhen , Chmura Gail L
Published: March 2023

Coastal (marine) wetlands are recognized as one of the world's most efficient sinks for organic carbon (“blue carbon”), and credits for their restoration and conservation can be obtained from carbon markets. We reviewed 50 studies to compare the climate mitigation potential of the invasive cordgrass Spartina alterniflora to that of native vegetation in marshes along the coast of China. The importance of S alterniflora marshes as a carbon sink varied geographically; however, at all sites soils associated with S alterniflora emitted substantially more methane than soils populated with native plants. Because the species was deliberately introduced, the carbon stored in S alterniflora marshes could qualify for inclusion within China's national inventory of greenhouse‐gas emissions. However, in locations where it significantly increases carbon stocks, its dominance results in the loss of other ecosystem services. Therefore, if included in a national inventory, S alterniflora marshes could conflict with China's action plan for meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Citizen science to address the global issue of bird–window collisions
Authors: Loss Scott R , Li Binbin V , Horn Lisa C , Mesure Michael R , Zhu Lei , Brys Timothy G , Dokter Adriaan M , Elmore Jared A , Gibbons Richard E , Homayoun Tania Z , Horton Kyle G , Inglet Patsy , Jones Benjamin J , Keys Taylor , Lao Sirena , Loss Sara S , Parkins Kaitlyn L , Prestridge Heather L , Riggs Georgia J , Riding Corey S , Sweezey Katherine RI , Vallery Anna C , Van Doren Benjamin M , Wang Julia , Zuzula Caley , Farnsworth Andrew
Published: March 2023

Bird–window collisions (BWCs) are a major threat to avian populations, annually causing up to one billion bird deaths in the US alone and untold numbers of fatalities worldwide. Until recently, there has been limited institutional and governmental recognition of this issue and few coordinated, national‐level efforts to address it. To fill this need, citizen‐science campaigns have stepped in to generate scientific information about BWCs, raise public awareness, and advocate for policy and actions to reduce collisions. We review the BWC issue and showcase how citizen‐science programs in multiple countries have achieved these outcomes. Additional citizen‐driven successes in addressing BWCs are possible if key constraints are overcome, including funding limitations and challenges of proactively engaging stakeholders who can reduce BWCs at scale. Addressing this global conservation issue will also require building upon the recent increase in attention to BWCs by government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, commercial entities, and professional scientists.
Promoted Ru/Al2O3 catalysts with improved low‐temperature activity for CO2 methanation reaction
Authors: Chen Rong , Shen Liang , Zhang Wenhao , Han Yi‐Fan , Yang Zixu , Zhu Minghui
Published: March 2023

Catalytic thermal hydrogenation of CO2 to CH4 is one of the promising decarbonization technologies, and Ru is considered to be the most active metal for low‐temperature CO2 methanation. In this work, a series of metal‐promoted Ru‐based catalysts were prepared by the impregnation–precipitation method. The catalyst composition, reduction temperature, reaction gas concentration, and reaction conditions were optimized. The reaction mechanism was investigated through CO‐DRIFTS experiments. It was found that the addition of Pt could promote the adsorption of CO on the surface of ruthenium‐based catalysts, which was beneficial to the methanation reaction. In addition, in situ DRIFTS experiments observed surface species of catalysts during the reaction, and it was concluded that bicarbonate was the intermediate species of the reaction. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper trade risk in China: A multidimensional dynamic evaluation
Authors: Wang Taixin , Wang Minxi , Kang Xinyu , Chen Lu , Li Xin
Published: March 2023

Copper is the primary material of the national manufacturing industry, widely used to construct the national economy. As one of the critical minerals, trade security of copper resources is related to the stable development of the domestic industry. The dynamic evaluation of China's copper trade and identification of the principal risk points is helpful to promote the sustainable development of resources. In this paper, the environmental impact of trade is included in the research category, and the paper conducts a dynamic assessment of China's copper trade risks from 2001 to 2020 of multiple dimensions through the improved DEA‐like model, identifies the main risk points in different periods, and predicts future trade risks. The results show that China's copper resource trade risk has continued to rise since 2001, and its characteristics have gradually changed. The main risk points of trade have experienced the market equilibrium stage, reserve resources stage, and import dependency stage. A high degree of external dependence and environmental pollution intensification has become the key factors influencing the trade risk at the present stage. Copper resources risk will rise slowly in the future and reach a high‐risk state. Trade risks will decline slightly after 2025, but it is still in a dangerous condition. Relevant policies need to be issued to alleviate the trade risk. Combined with the evaluation results, this paper puts forward multidimensional risk management suggestions to ensure the security of copper resources, and improve the flexibility of the resource industry chain. The article provides direction for resource security and sustainable development in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.