bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of chromosomal abnormalities in the postnatal cohort: A single‐center study on 14,242 patients
Authors: Akalin Hilal , Sahin Izem Olcay , Paskal Seyma Aktas , Tan Busra , Yalcinkaya Ezgi , Demir Mikail , Yakubi Mustafa , Caliskan Busra Ozguc , Ekinci Ozlem Gokce , Ercan Mehmet , Kucuk Tugce Yasar , Gokgoz Gizem , Kiraz Aslihan , Per Huseyin , Ozgun Mahmut Tuncay , Baydilli Numan , Ozkul Yusuf , Dundar Munis
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Chromosomal analysis is a laboratory technique used to examine the chromosomes of an individual, offering insights into chromosome numbers, structures, and arrangements to diagnose and comprehend genetic diseases. This retrospective study provides a comprehensive understanding of the distribution by indications in a large cohort of 14,242 patients and the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in different clinical populations.

Method

The study examined various indications for karyotype evaluation, with recurrent pregnancy loss being the most common indication, followed by intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies, and developmental delay.

Results

The overall chromosomal abnormality rate was found to be 5.4%, with numerical abnormalities accounting for the majority of cases (61.7%). Trisomies, particularly trisomy 21, were the most frequent numerical abnormalities. In terms of structural abnormalities, inversions and translocations were the most commonly identified. The rates of chromosomal anomalies varied in specific indications such as amenorrhea, disorders of sex development, and Turner syndrome. The study also highlighted significant differences between males and females in the presence of chromosomal abnormalities across certain indications. Males exhibited a higher incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in cases of Down syndrome and infertility, whereas females showed higher abnormalities in terms of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Conclusion

While this study provides valuable insights into the frequency and distribution of chromosomal abnormalities, it has limitations, including its retrospective design and reliance on data from a single medical genetics department. Nevertheless, the findings emphasize the importance of karyotype analysis in diagnosing chromosomal disorders and providing appropriate management, while also pointing to potential gender‐related variations in chromosomal abnormalities that warrant further investigation.
Extracellular vesicles derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma induce the emergence of mature regulatory dendritic cells using a galectin‐9 dependent mechanism
Authors: Lefebvre Anthony , Trioën Camille , Renaud Sarah , Laine William , Hennart Benjamin , Bouchez Clément , Leroux Bertrand , Allorge Delphine , Kluza Jérôme , Werkmeister Elisabeth , Grolez Guillaume Paul , Delhem Nadira , Moralès Olivier
Published: December 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma‐derived small extracellular vesicles (NPCSEVs) have an immunosuppressive impact on the tumour microenvironment. In this study, we investigated their influence on the generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells and the potential involvement of the galectin‐9 (Gal9) they carry in this process. We analysed the phenotype and immunosuppressive properties of NPCSEVs and explored the ability of DCs exposed to NPCSEVs (NPCSEV‐DCs) to regulate T cell proliferation. To assess their impact at the pathophysiological level, we performed real‐time fluorescent chemoattraction assays. Finally, we analysed phenotype and immunosuppressive functions of NPCSEV‐DCs using a proprietary anti‐Gal9 neutralising antibody to assess the role of Gal9 in this effect. We described that NPCSEV‐DCs were able to inhibit T cell proliferation despite their mature phenotype. These mature regulatory DCs (mregDCs) have a specific oxidative metabolism and secrete high levels of IL‐4. Chemoattraction assays revealed that NPCSEVs could preferentially recruit NPCSEV‐DCs. Finally, and very interestingly, the reduction of the immunosuppressive function of NPCSEV‐DCs using an anti‐Gal9 antibody clearly suggested an important role for vesicular Gal9 in the induction of mregDCs. These results revealed for the first time that NPCSEVs promote the emergence of mregDCs using a galectin‐9 dependent mechanism and open new perspectives for antitumour immunotherapy targeting NPCSEVs.
Evolution of filiform polyposis from classical pseudopolyposis in a pediatric ulcerative colitis patient
Authors: Liaw Victor , Park Jason , Barth Bradley , Santolaya Jacobo
Published: December 2023

Filiform polyposis (FP) is a morphologic variant of pseudopolyposis associated with inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, namely, inflammatory bowel disease. Pediatric cases are uncommon in the literature. Here, we present a pediatric patient with FP arising from ulcerative colitis (UC). He initially presented at 7 years of age for an acute UC flare and was found to have classical pseudopolyposis. A follow‐up colonoscopy at age 9 showed the evolution of classical pseudopolyposis to FP. The patient clinically improved with sulfasalazine monotherapy and remained in remission based on consistent pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index scores of zero and normal‐range inflammatory markers. Repeat surveillance colonoscopy at age 14 showed persistent and diffuse FP in the background of healthy colonic mucosa. This case documents the development of FP from classical pseudopolyps in the setting of an asymptomatic patient in clinical remission.
Bioactive compound composition and cellular antioxidant activity of fig (Ficus carica L.)
Authors: Yang Qiuxia , Guo Yushan , Zhu Hong , Jiang Yueming , Yang Bao
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit is consumed worldwide as a functional food. It contains phytochemicals that have been related to health benefits. However, the characteristic chemicals remain unclear. In this work, phytochemicals were prepared from figus by ultrasound‐assisted extraction under optimized conditions. The chemical composition of fig fruit and leaves was characterized by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS).

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty‐seven compounds were identified, including 58 flavonoids, 29 coumarins, 19 acids, 15 terpenoids, 11 alkaloids, and 25 other compounds. The mass spectrum (MS) fragmentation pathways of representative chemicals were elucidated. Flavonoid glycosides and prenylated flavonoids were mainly present in fig fruit, whereas coumarins were abundant in leaves. Both fig fruit and leaf extracts showed good cellular antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

The full phytochemical profile of fig was revealed by UPLC‐MS/MS. Prenylated flavonoids and prenylated coumarins were the characteristic phytochemicals. These data provided useful information for the extensive utilization of fig fruit in functional food. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Designing Ratiometric Mechanoluminescence via Threshold Manipulation in Sandwich Structures
Authors: Yang Xiuxia , Cheng Yao , Liu Zhichao , Zhang Jian , Xu Ju , Lin Hang , Wang Yuansheng
Published: December 2023

The rapid development of mechanoluminescence (ML)‐based stress‐sensing has drawn wide concern for real‐time stress‐visualized detection. While the traditional ML‐intensity‐dependent stress‐sensing is challenged in terms of reliability and stress‐sensing visualization, ratiometric ML featured with stress‐dependent ML color variation provides an alternative solution. Herein, a strategy based on the manipulation of initial ML threshold of the individual phosphor via the flexible sandwich structure to realize ratiometric ML has been proposed. The two independent ML materials with different stress‐sensitivity can be incorporated into a sandwich structure to construct ratiometric ML, where the stress‐dependent ML color variation can be feasibly modified by means of judicious adjustment of sandwich structure. This strategy offers a versatile and convenient design solution for ratiometric ML aiming at stress‐visualized quantitative analysis.
Stabilization of genetic regulatory networks with time‐varying delays via event‐triggered impulsive control
Authors: Xue Yuanyuan , Zhang Yu , Li Jie
Published: December 2023

This paper considers the exponential stabilization of genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) with time‐varying delays by means of event‐triggered impulsive control (ETIC). Firstly, an ETIC strategy is designed, and impulse instants are determined by the state of the system. Then, some sufficient conditions for exponential stability of the GRNs with time‐varying delays under the proposed ETIC are established by Lyapunov functions together with Razumikhin technique. Also, it's shown that Zeno behavior can be eliminated in the designed strategy. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented results.
The effect of frequency (64–498 MHz) on specific absorption rate adjacent to metallic orthopedic screws in MRI: A numerical simulation study
Authors: Jacobs Paul , Fagan Andrew J.
Published: December 2023

Background

The imaging of patients with implanted electrically‐conductive devices via magnetic resonance imaging at ultra‐high fields is hampered by uncertainties relating to the potential for inducing tissue heating adjacent to the implant due to coupling of energy from the incident electromagnetic field into the implant. Existing data in the peer‐reviewed literature of comparisons across field strengths of tissue heating and its surrogate, the specific absorption rate (SAR), is scarce and contradictory, leading to further doubts pertaining to the safety of imaging patients with such devices.

Purpose

The radiofrequency‐induced SAR adjacent to orthopedic screws of varying length and at frequencies of 64 to 498 MHz was investigated via full‐wave electromagnetic simulations, to provide an accurate comparison of SAR across MRI field strengths.

Methods

Dipole antennas were used for RF transmission to achieve a uniform electric field tangential to the screws located 120 mm above the antenna midpoints, embedded in a bone‐mimicking material. The input power to the antennas was constrained to achieve the following targets without the screw present: (i) E = 100 V/m, (ii) B1+ = 2 μT, and (iii) global‐average‐SAR = 3.2 W/kg. Simulations were performed with a spatial resolution of 0.2 mm in the volume surrounding the screws, resulting in 76–137 MCells, noting the maximum 1 g‐averaged SAR value in each case. Simulations were repeated at 128 and 297 MHz for screws embedded in muscle tissue.

Results

The peak SAR, occurring at the resonant screw length, substantially increased as the frequency decreased when the input power to the dipole antenna was constrained to achieve constant electric field in background tissue at the screws’ locations. A similar pattern was observed when constraining input power to achieve constant B1+ and global‐average‐SAR. The dielectric properties of the tissue in which the screws were embedded dominated the SAR comparisons between 297 and 128 MHz.

Conclusions

The study design allowed for a direct comparison to be performed of SAR across frequencies and implant lengths without the confounding effect of variable incident electric field. Lower frequencies produced substantially larger SAR values for implants approaching the resonant length for the worst‐case uniform incident electric field along the screws’ length. The data may inform risk‐benefit assessments for imaging patients with orthopedic implants at the new clinical field strength of 7 Tesla.
Polarization transfer methods for quantitative analysis of flowing mixtures with benchtop 13C NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Phuong Johnnie , Romero Zeno , Hasse Hans , Münnemann Kerstin
Published: December 2023

Benchtop NMR spectroscopy is attractive for process monitoring; however, there are still drawbacks that often hamper its use, namely, the comparatively low spectral resolution in 1H NMR, as well as the low signal intensities and problems with the premagnetization of flowing samples in 13C NMR. We show here that all these problems can be overcome by using 1H‐13C polarization transfer methods. Two ternary test mixtures (one with overlapping peaks in the 1H NMR spectrum and one with well‐separated peaks, which was used as a reference) were studied with a 1 T benchtop NMR spectrometer using the polarization transfer sequence PENDANT (polarization enhancement that is nurtured during attached nucleus testing). The mixtures were analyzed quantitatively in stationary as well as in flow experiments by PENDANT enhanced 13C NMR experiments, and the results were compared with those from the gravimetric sample preparation and from standard 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, as a proxy for a process monitoring application, continuous dilution experiments were carried out, and the composition of the mixture was monitored in a flow setup by 13C NMR benchtop spectroscopy with PENDANT. The results demonstrate the high potential of polarization transfer methods for applications in quantitative process analysis with benchtop NMR instruments, in particular with flowing samples.
Predicting 51V nuclear magnetic resonance observables in molecular crystals
Authors: Hartman Joshua D. , Capistran Daniel
Published: December 2023

Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) calculations are widely used to characterize vanadium centers in biological and pharmaceutically relevant compounds. Several techniques have been recently developed to improve the accuracy of predicted NMR parameters obtained from DFT. Fragment‐based and planewave‐corrected methods employing hybrid density functionals are particularly effective tools for solid‐state applications. A recent benchmark study involving molecular crystal compounds found that fragment‐based NMR calculations using hybrid density functionals improve the accuracy of predicted 51V chemical shieldings by 20% relative to traditional planewave methods. This work extends the previous study, including a careful analysis of 51V chemical shift anisotropy, electric field gradient calculations, and a more extensive test set. The accuracy of planewave‐corrected techniques and recently developed fragment‐based methods using electrostatic embedding based on the polarized continuum model (PCM) are found to be highly competitive with previous methods. Planewave‐corrected methods achieve a 34% improvement in the errors of predicted 51V chemical shieldings relative to planewave. Additionally, planewave‐corrected and fragment‐based calculations were performed using PCM embedding, improving the accuracy of predicted 51V chemical shielding (CS) tensor principal values by 30% and
values by 15% relative to traditional planewave methods. The performance of these methods is further examined using a redox‐active oxovandium complex and a common 51V NMR reference compound.
A reliable external calibration method for reaction monitoring with benchtop NMR
Authors: Maschmeyer Tristan , Conklin Breanna , Malig Thomas C. , Russell David J. , Kurita Kenji L. , Hein Jason E. , Napolitano José G.
Published: December 2023

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique with the ability to acquire both quantitative and structurally insightful data for multiple components in a test sample. This makes NMR spectroscopy a desirable tool to understand, monitor, and optimize chemical transformations. While quantitative NMR (qNMR) approaches relying on internal standards are well‐established, using an absolute external calibration scheme is beneficial for reaction monitoring as resonance overlap complications from an added reference material to the sample can be avoided. Particularly, this type of qNMR technique is of interest with benchtop NMR spectrometers as the likelihood of resonance overlap is only enhanced with the lower magnetic field strengths of the used permanent magnets. The included study describes a simple yet robust methodology to determine concentration conversion factors for NMR systems using single‐ and multi‐analyte linear regression models. This approach is leveraged to investigate a pharmaceutically relevant amide coupling batch reaction. An on‐line stopped‐flow (i.e., interrupted‐flow or paused‐flow) benchtop NMR system was used to monitor both the 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) promoted acid activation and the amide coupling. The results highlight how quantitative measurements in benchtop NMR systems can provide valuable information and enable analysts to make decisions in real time.
Validation of single reference variable flip angle (SR‐VFA) dynamic T1 mapping with T2* correction using a novel rotating phantom
Authors: Malmberg Michael A. , Odéen Henrik , Hofstetter Lorne W. , Hadley J. Rock , Parker Dennis L.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To validate single reference variable flip angle (SR‐VFA) dynamic T1 mapping with and without T2* correction against inversion recovery (IR) T1 measurements.

Methods

A custom cylindrical phantom with three concentric compartments was filled with variably doped agar to produce a smooth spatial gradient of the T1 relaxation rate as a function of angle across each compartment. IR T1, VFA T1, and B1+ measurements were made on the phantom before rotation, and multi‐echo stack‐of‐radial dynamic images were acquired during rotation via an MRI‐compatible motor. B1+‐corrected SR‐VFA and SR‐VFA‐T2* T1 maps were computed from the sliding window reconstructed images and compared against rotationally registered IR and VFA T1 maps to determine the percentage error.

Results

Both VFA and SR‐VFA‐T2* T1 maps fell within 10% of IR T1 measurements for a low rotational speed, with a mean accuracy of 2.3% ± 2.6% and 2.8% ± 2.6%, respectively. Increasing rotational speed was found to decrease the accuracy due to increasing temporal smoothing over ranges where the T1 change had a nonconstant slope. SR‐VFA T1 mapping was found to have similar accuracy as the SR‐VFA‐T2* and VFA methods at low TEs (˜<2 ms), whereas accuracy degraded strongly with later TEs. T2* correction of the SR‐VFA T1 maps was found to consistently improve accuracy and precision, especially at later TEs.

Conclusion

SR‐VFA‐T2* dynamic T1 mapping was found to be accurate against reference IR T1 measurements within 10% in an agar phantom. Further validation is needed in mixed fat–water phantoms and in vivo.
Hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate MRSI to detect metabolic changes in liver in a methionine and choline‐deficient diet rat model of fatty liver disease
Authors: Piraquive Agudelo Joao , Kim Yaewon , Agarwal Shubhangi , Sriram Renuka , Bok Robert , Kurhanewicz John , Mattis Aras N. , Maher Jacquelyn J. , von Morze Cornelius , Ohliger Michael A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an important cause of chronic liver disease. There are limited methods for monitoring metabolic changes during progression to steatohepatitis. Hyperpolarized 13C MRSI (HP 13C MRSI) was used to measure metabolic changes in a rodent model of fatty liver disease.

Methods

Fifteen Wistar rats were placed on a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet for 1–18 weeks. HP 13C MRSI, T2‐weighted imaging, and fat‐fraction measurements were obtained at 3 T. Serum aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, and triglycerides were measured. Animals were sacrificed for histology and measurement of tissue lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity.

Results

Animals lost significant weight (13.6% ± 2.34%), an expected characteristic of the MCD diet. Steatosis, inflammation, and mild fibrosis were observed. Liver fat fraction was 31.7% ± 4.5% after 4 weeks and 22.2% ± 4.3% after 9 weeks. Lactate‐to‐pyruvate and alanine‐to‐pyruvate ratios decreased significantly over the study course; were negatively correlated with aspartate aminotransaminase and alanine aminotransaminase (r = −[0.39–0.61]); and were positively correlated with triglycerides (r = 0.59–0.60). Despite observed decreases in hyperpolarized lactate signal, LDH activity increased by a factor of 3 in MCD diet–fed animals. Observed decreases in lactate and alanine hyperpolarized signals on the MCD diet stand in contrast to other studies of liver injury, where lactate and alanine increased. Observed hyperpolarized metabolite changes were not explained by alterations in LDH activity, suggesting that changes may reflect co‐factor depletion known to occur as a result of oxidative stress in the MCD diet.

Conclusion

HP 13C MRSI can noninvasively measure metabolic changes in the MCD model of chronic liver disease.
Unraveling Reactivity Pathways: Dihydrogen Activation and Hydrogenation of Multiple Bonds by Pyramidalized Boron‐Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Mondal Himangshu , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: December 2023

The activation of H2 by pyramidalized boron‐based frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs) (B/E‐FLP systems where “E” refers to N, P, As, Sb, and Bi) have been explored using density functional theory (DFT) based computational study. The activation pathway for the entire process is accurately characterized through the utilization of the activation strain model (ASM) of reactivity, shedding light on the underlying physical factors governing the process. The study also explores the hydrogenation process of multiple bonds with the help of B/N‐FLP. The research findings demonstrate that the liberation of activated dihydrogen occurs in a synchronized, albeit noticeably asynchronous, fashion. The transformation is extensively elucidated using the activation strain model and the energy decomposition analysis. This approach suggests a co‐operative double hydrogen‐transfer mechanism, where the B−H hydride triggers a nucleophilic attack on the carbon atom of the multiple bonds, succeeded by the migration of the protic N−H.
Experimental and numerical studies on the mechanical characteristics of Timoho fiber epoxy composites with nanofiller addition
Authors: Hminghlui Lal , Ashok Kumaresan Gladys , Raju Munisamy , Praveen Kumar Alagesan , Damodaran Ajith
Published: December 2023

This study is focused on the investigation of the mechanical characteristics of Timoho fiber (TF) epoxy composites with graphene as the filler material, both experimentally and numerically, for high‐velocity impacts. The composites were prepared by the compression molding process with varying wt.% of graphene. An experimental approach was undertaken to study the behavior of the composites under different wt.% of graphene. To validate the results obtained in the experimental approach, numerical studies were conducted. It was observed that there was an enhancement in the mechanical properties with the addition of graphene. For tensile strength, there was an increase of 33.17% when comparing the controlled sample (0% graphene) and the sample with 2% graphene content. Subsequently, there was an increase of 36.48%, 58.02%, and 29.79% when comparing the controlled samples and samples with 2% graphene, respectively, for flexural, impact, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). However, it was observed that after the addition of 2 wt.% of graphene, the mechanical strength decreased due to the agglomeration of graphene inside the composite, which was confirmed using the SEM analysis. For the numerical study, ANSYS workbench was employed, and simulation was conducted using finite element analysis (FEA) for the tensile and flexural test. The numerical findings were found to be reasonably close to the experimental values, with variations ranging from a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 15%. In the design of experiments, Taguchi's approach was used to determine the effect of a variety of parameters on the tensile behavior of the TF epoxy composites.

Highlights

2 wt.% of graphene was observed to be the optimum concentration of graphene.

The decline in mechanical properties was observed at 3 and 4 wt.% of graphene.

Agglomeration of graphene filler in the composite was confirmed using SEM.

ANOVA showed that wt.% of graphene made the top contribution to tensile strength.

The nanographene‐incorporated TF composites can be used for lightweight applications.
Fire incongruities can explain widespread landscape degradation in Madagascar's forests and grasslands
Authors: Joseph Grant S. , Seymour Colleen L. , Rakotoarivelo Andrinajoro R.
Published: December 2023

Societal Impact Statement

The relationship between rainfall, fire and habitat can display incongruencies. The 2021 Malagasy Grassy Biomes Workshop identified understanding fire regimes as a knowledge gap. This study pinpoints regions where anthropogenic fire has the potential to transform or has transformed habitat to treeless‐grassland, by identifying landscape‐scale, island‐wide fire anomalies across half of Madagascar. Its eastern forests burn like savannas, and central‐western grasslands burn frequently and intensely despite receiving rainfall usually associated with forest and fire‐absence. Recognising the incongruity and better understanding its drivers can mitigate against landscape‐scale degradation, improving ecological function, and human well‐being.

Data show that since 1953, human‐lit fires on Madagascar have transformed clear‐cut forest to treeless‐grasslands. To address the extent of Malagasy treeless‐grasslands at human settlement, the 2021 Malagasy Grassy Biomes Workshop identified the role of fire as a critical knowledge‐gap for understanding ecological function. The relationship between mean annual precipitation (MAP), fire and habitat is well established across mesic systems. Anthropogenically transformed habitats often deviate from expected ecological patterns, so we tested for landscape‐scale, island‐wide MAP‐related fire and habitat anomalies.

We collated Malagasy fire, habitat and MAP datasets, identifying location and scale of incongruities relative to global fire‐habitat‐MAP expectations. Next, we tested for mismatches in fire regimes (frequency, timing, extent and intensity of fires) between Malagasy and equivalent global biomes, using global, comprehensive landscape‐scale fire regime data.

Across half of Madagascar, fire frequency and habitat are decoupled from MAP, and fire regimes across Malagasy ecoregions differ significantly from those in shared biomes elsewhere in the world. Landscape‐scale incongruities span Malagasy eastern forests (which burn like savanna systems) and central‐western treeless‐grasslands, which burn frequently and intensely despite receiving MAP typical of forest presence and fire‐absence, globally.

Fire‐MAP incongruities identify potentially transformed areas, or those undergoing transformation by fire, and establish a platform for investigating the nuanced social, political and ecological dynamics that may contribute to and perpetuate these anomalies. Incongruities also highlight the anthropogenic landscape degradation associated with fire anomalies. Addressing these impacts can facilitate restoration of ecological function, productivity and food security, benefiting biodiversity and humans at multiple scales.
CRISPR‐based platforms for the specific and dual detection of defoliating/nondefoliating strains of Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Chen Qi , Wu Jin , Tang Chen , Wang Yonglin
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Verticillium dahliae is a soil‐borne pathogenic fungus that causes Verticillium wilt disease on more than 400 plant species worldwide. Because of its broad host range and its ability to survive long term in the soil, there are few effective control measures for V. dahliae once it has become established. Accurate, sensitive, and rapid detection of V. dahliae is crucial for limiting pathogen entry into new regional environments and early management of Verticillium wilt.

RESULTS

In this study, we developed a method to detect V. dahliae based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR/Cas technology and used fluorescence and lateral flow test strips to monitor the outcomes. Through the establishment and optimization of RPA–CRISPR/Cas13a detection, the sensitivity of the fluorescence method was 1 am for genomic DNA (gDNA) within 20 min, whereas the sensitivity of the lateral flow strip method was 100 am for gDNA in 30 min. The field applicability of RPA–CRISPR/Cas13a was also validated by the detection of V. dahliae on smoke trees (Cotinus coggygria) in Xiangshan Park, Beijing, China. Finally, diplex detection for defoliating and nondefoliating pathotypes of V. dahliae was established by combining CRISPR–Cas12a/Cas13a with specific target genes.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, this study achieved rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of V. dahliae and the differentiation of defoliating and nondefoliating pathotypes and provides potential for field‐deployable diagnostic tools for rapid and ultrasensitive detection. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sequential expression of small heat shock proteins contributing to the cold response of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Pei Tingwei , Zhang Meng , Nwanade Chuks F , Meng Hao , Bai Ruwei , Wang Zihao , Wang Ruotong , Zhang Tianai , Liu Jingze , Yu Zhijun
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Haemaphysalis longicornis is an important livestock pest and a serious threat to public health. Cold is a common form of stress affecting its survival and distribution. However, H. longicornis exhibits different physiological responses to cold stress. In this study, we systematically explored the regulation and functions of small heat shock proteins (sHsps) in H. longicornis during cold stress.

RESULTS

Seven sHsp genes (HlsHsp14.9, HlsHsp19.9, HlsHsp20.3, HlsHsp21.4, HlsHsp23.7, HlsHsp24.0, and HlsHsp26.1) with open reading frame lengths ranging from 408 bp (HlsHsp14.9) to 673 bp (HlsHsp26.1) were cloned from H. longicornis, and featured the typical α‐crystallin domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity with the sHsps of arachnid species. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the regulation of sHsp genes depended on the severity and duration of cold treatment. Moreover, the relative expression of each gene was largely dependent on the treatment period (P < 0.01; 3, 6, and 9 days of treatment at 8, 4, 0, and −4 °C). Among all genes, HlsHsp14.9, HlsHsp19.9, HlsHsp20.3, and HlsHsp24.0 were most sensitive to rapid cold treatment. After RNA interference, the mortality of H. longicornis was significantly increased at −14 °C (P < 0.05), suggesting that the expression of sHsp genes is closely related to cold tolerance in H. longicornis.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that sHsps play an important role in the cold stress response of H. longicornis, which may enhance our understanding of the cold adaptation mechanisms in ticks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Modeling Study of Electron Transport in GaN/AlGaN Superlattices Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Bai Mengxun , Rorison Judy M.
Published: December 2023

Electron transport in superlattices (SLs) is analyzed using a single‐particle Monte Carlo (MC) method. This study includes the band structure of GaN, AlN, and their alloys, utilizing a single‐electron MC approach and a three‐band model. It explores how intervalley (IV) and electron–polar longitudinal optical phonon (PLOP) scatterings influence electron velocity. A single non‐parabolic band approximation is effectively used in SL modeling, as the miniband's energy width limits electron kinetic energy, reducing IV scattering. The energy band structure of the SL is calculated using the Schrödinger equation and a Poisson solver, incorporating a single‐band model to determine the Fermi energy and characteristics of the SL miniband. Miniband dispersion is evaluated using an effective mass approximation at low energies and a non‐parabolicity factor at higher energies. The MC method is then applied to study electron transport within the miniband, revealing that for SLs with low Al content and short periods, electron behavior resembles that in bulk GaN. It is observed that negative differential mobility can occur, attributed to electron–PLOP scattering and non‐parabolicity. This approach offers a quick and effective way to research high‐field electron transport in n‐doped SLs, aiding in device design.
Probability of sequelae following Campylobacter spp. infections: Update of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Schorling Elisabeth , Knorr Sebastian , Lick Sonja , Steinberg Pablo , Brüggemann Dagmar Adeline
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Reactive arthritis (REA) and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) are postinfectious complications of Campylobacter enteritis (CE); associations with inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are also discussed. The objective of this study was to summarize existing evidence on the probability of sequelae following confirmed CE.

Methods

All studies included in previous reviews and meta‐analyses on this topic were retrieved and assessed for eligibility; a systematic literature search was conducted to collect more recent reports. For each sequela, random effects meta‐analyses were performed; the risk of bias and the quality of evidence were evaluated.

Results

In total, 50 reports of observational studies were included; between 110,765 and 175,839 CE cases were considered for each sequela. The pooled proportion of CE cases that developed a sequela was 1.72% (95% CI 0.81–3.61; prediction interval [PI]: 0.03–47.65) for REA, 0.07% (0.03–0.16; PI: 0.003–1.59) for GBS, 0.22% (0.06–0.73; PI: 0.002–20.69) for Crohn's disease (CD), 0.35% (0.11–1.15; PI: 0.003–28.16) for ulcerative colitis (UC), and 4.48% (1.92–10.08; PI: 0.09–70.62) for IBS. The high between‐study heterogeneity could partially be explained by study size and design, the method of assessing sequelae, and the period between CE and sequelae onset. The quality of evidence was rated as moderate for GBS and UC, and low for REA, CD, and IBS.

Conclusion

Updated estimates of the probability to develop sequelae after CE are provided, for CD and UC for the first time. However, uncertainty regarding the true probabilities remains, which is reflected in the broad PIs.
Cold‐air pool development in a small Alpine valley
Authors: Rauchöcker Andreas , Rudolph Alexander , Stiperski Ivana , Lehner Manuela
Published: December 2023

A field campaign in a valley near Seefeld, Austria, well known for the frequent occurrence of cold‐air pools, was conducted to identify the processes leading to the formation and erosion of the cold‐air pool. Here, we focus on a case study in January 2020 that featured cold‐air pool formation interrupted by a wind disturbance. Simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting model were performed at a horizontal grid spacing of 40 m and compared with measurement results. The model was able to reproduce the intense cooling in the beginning of the night and the cold‐air pool erosion in the middle of the night caused by the wind disturbance, but stronger winds than observed prevented the cold‐air pool from fully re‐establishing in the model after the disturbance. The dominant cooling processes were long‐wave radiative heat loss and turbulent exchange, both of which are parametrized and cool the air locally. Advection was the most important warming contribution during the cold‐air pool disturbances, especially its cross‐valley and vertical components. Owing to numerical constraints and the shallow nature of the cold‐air pool, its extent was limited to the lowest model level. Further improvements to the cold‐air pool's representation in the model would require a finer grid resolution.
Ghost Imaging Through a Supersonic Wind‐Induced Environment Under Weak Illumination
Authors: Huang Xianwei , Tan Wei , Jiang Teng , Nan Suqin , Bai Yanfeng , Fu Xiquan
Published: December 2023

In airborne imaging, wind‐induced random environment severely disturbs the imaging quality. Ghost imaging (GI) shows its potential application in airborne imaging due to the natural ability of anti‐interference and imaging at low light levels, however, the influence of wind‐induced random environment on GI is non‐negligible under low‐light detection. In this paper, GI through a wind‐induced random environment under low‐light detection is experimentally and numerically investigated. The experiment is performed with a wind tunnel, and the imaging quality decreases with wind velocity and detection signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The simulation model of GI under low‐light detection through this kind of environment is proposed, and simulation results match well with experiments. With the theoretical model, imaging results for the binary and grayscale object under supersonic wind region are discussed in detail, and the critical wind velocity under the influences of boundary‐layer thickness and object size are obtained. These results can find potential applications in optical imaging and can be used to estimate the effect of airflow on the imaging performance.
A case of idiopathic multicentric Castleman's disease with secondary autoimmune neutropenia
Authors: Morimoto Toshiki , Kawaguchi Takako , Yamasaki Kei , Shingu Tatsuya , Ikegami Hiroaki , Dosaka Hiroki , Murata Yuichi , Kawabata Yoshinori , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: December 2023

A 73‐year‐old Japanese woman with productive cough and dyspnoea on exertion was admitted, and she showed neutropenia and pulmonary reticular opacities and axial and mediastinal lymphadenopathies on chest computed tomography. The clinical findings and surgical lung and lymph node biopsies were diagnostic for idiopathic multicentric Castleman's disease (iMCD) complicated by secondary autoimmune neutropenia (AIN). iMCD is often complicated with hematologic disorders, however, iMCD complicated with AIN has not been reported; therefore, if iMCD is accompanied by neutropenia, the anti‐neutrophil antibodies should be measured.
Backstepping model‐free adaptive control for a class of second‐order nonlinear systems
Authors: Zhu Ze , Zhu Zhanxia
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a backstepping model‐free adaptive control (BS‐MFAC) algorithm for the trajectory tracking control problem of a class of second‐order nonlinear systems. Firstly, the model‐free adaptive control (MFAC) is employed to track the virtual desired velocity. Then, based on the measured state data at the current moment, a virtual desired velocity is designed, combining MFAC with backstepping control in a clever manner. By designing a discrete form of Lyapunov function, it is proven that the system velocity error under this algorithm converges asymptotically and stably. Furthermore, a nonhomogeneous difference equation solution related to the system position is obtained through calculations. The analysis of the solution indicates that the system position output error will slide into a neighborhood around zero. This algorithm possesses advantages such as simple structure, model independence, and strong robustness. Additionally, a planar two‐link space robot arm model is constructed using the Mbdyn platform, a multibody dynamics simulation software. Trajectory tracking control of joint angles is achieved under the proposed control algorithm in this paper. The simulation outcomes unequivocally establish the efficacy of the algorithm, which adeptly exploits the pseudo partial derivatives (PPD) estimation for second‐order nonlinear systems in MFAC. The algorithm yields expedited and superior trajectory tracking control of said systems.
Segmentation and tracking of vegetable plants by exploiting vegetable shape feature for precision spray of agricultural robots
Authors: Hu Nan , Su Daobilige , Wang Shuo , Wang Xuechang , Zhong Huiyu , Wang Zimeng , Qiao Yongliang , Tan Yu
Published: December 2023

For robotic precision spray application in vegetable farms, simultaneous accurate instance segmentation and robust tracking of plants are of great importance and a prerequisite for the following spray action. With onboard cameras, agricultural robots can apply Multiple Object Tracking and Segmentation (MOTS) methods, for instance, segmentation and tracking of plants. By assigning a unique identification for each vegetable, it ensures the robot to spray each vegetable exactly once, while traversing along the farm rows. Conventional MOTS methods, which are mostly designed for tracking pedestrians or vehicles, usually extract their color and texture features for associating different targets in consecutive images. However, vegetable plants of the same species normally show similar color and texture, which leads to degraded performance when conventional MOTS methods are used. To solve the challenging problem of associating vegetables with similar color and texture in consecutive images, in this paper, a novel MOTS method that exploits contour and blob features is proposed, for instance, segmentation and tracking of multiple vegetable plants. The method takes advantage of the fact that different plants normally possess different shape contours and blob properties. With images captured on top of them, these features of the same plant show little difference in consecutively captured images. Comprehensive experiments including ablation studies are conducted, which prove its superior performance over two state‐of‐the‐art MOTS methods. Compared with the conventional MOTS methods, the proposed method is able to re‐identify objects which have gone out of the camera field of view and re‐appear again using the proposed data association strategy, which is important to ensure each vegetable be sprayed only once when the robot travels back and forth. Although the method is tested on lettuce farm, it can be applied to other similar vegetables, such as broccoli and canola. Both the code and the dataset of this paper are publicly released for the benefit of the community: https://github.com/NanH5837/LettuceMOTS.
Spatial variation characteristics and influencing factors of CO2 partial pressure in the middle reaches of the Yellow River during summer
Authors: Dang XiaoGe , Feng MinQuan , Jing HaiXiao , Wang YiBo , Dong Cheng
Published: December 2023

The partial pressure of CO2 in rivers regulates the intensity and direction of carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange at the water–air interface. Environmental, nutrient factors, and their stoichiometric ratios within the watershed may affect the level of carbon dioxide partial pressure in rivers. However, the relationship between pCO2 responses to the environment, nutrient factors, and their stoichiometric ratios at a large watershed scale was not well understood. In this study, water samples from 20 locations in the mainstream and 16 tributaries of the middle reaches of the Yellow River were collected to study the spatial characteristics of pCO2 and its influencing factors. pCO2 vales showed spatial heterogeneity ranging from 45.57 to 3631.48 μatm, and an average of 1341.87 μatm. Relative to the atmospheric equilibrium value (415 μatm), 90% of the samples were supersaturated. During the study period, higher pCO2 appeared in the Wanjiazhai Reservoir at the northernmost part of the mainstream in the middle reaches, and in the tributaries of the Fen, Wei, and Beiluo Rivers. Overall, the transition from carbon sink to carbon source was experienced in the middle reaches of the Yellow River from north to south. River pCO2 exhibited a significant correlation with phosphorus concentrations and their associated stoichiometric ratio, suggesting that microbial metabolism drove CO2 saturation in rivers. In addition, different land use proportions contributed significantly to changes in river pCO2.
Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetics of Acebutolol and Metoprolol on Magnetic Nanocomposite Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)
Authors: Waleng Ngwako Joseas , Selahle Shirley Kholofelo , Jakavula Silindokuhle , Nqombolo Azile , Mpupa Anele , Zhang Yongjun , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo
Published: December 2023

Contamination of water bodies by emerging pollutants such as β‐blockers has been a global concern over the past few years. This is due to the bioaccumulative character of β‐blockers in the aquatic systems, and their excessive usage might cause adverse effects on both humans and aquatic biota. A reusable and recyclable magnetic chromium‐based MIL‐101 (Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)) nanocomposite was used as an adsorbent for the removal of the selected β‐blockers (acebutolol and metoprolol) from wastewater. The nanocomposite‘s structural, magnetic and surface properties were confirmed using various characterisation techniques. The equilibrium data indicated that the maximum adsorption capacities of Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr) for acebutolol and metoprolol were 30.9 mg g−1 and 28.3 mg g−1, respectively. The isotherm and kinetic experimental data best fitted Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics models. Obtained free energies using the Dubinin‐Radushkevich model were above 8 kJ mol−1, demonstrating that the interaction mechanism between β‐blockers and the Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr) nanocomposite was chemisorption. The prepared nanocomposite was then used to remove β‐blockers from real samples, and maximum removal efficiencies (94.1–97.1 %) were obtained in the presence of co‐existing species. The Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr) hybrid showed great potential for efficient and facile removal of β‐blockers from river water, effluent and influent wastewater samples.
In Silico Antiviral Drug Repurposing Against COVID‐19 Infection: Targeting the Main Protease and Human ACE2 Receptor
Authors: Rupavarshini Manoharan , Karthikeyan Subramani
Published: December 2023

Coronavirus Disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS‐CoV‐2. The virus exerts its pathogenic activity and infects new cells by utilizing the spike protein (S1) of the coronavirus and the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor protein found in host cells, thereby transferring the genetic material. The SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease, essential for viral replication, presents a promising therapeutic target due to its structural and sequence similarity with other beta coronaviruses, facilitating drug development from existing lead compounds. With this context, we have considered SARS‐CoV‐2 Main protease and spike protein combined with ACE2 receptor as the target protein for inhibiting the replication. In this study, we employed High‐Throughput Virtual Screening (HTVS) to screen antiviral compounds from the drug bank. Based on the docking score, two compounds were screened with respect to the selected target proteins. Subsequently, Molecular docking investigations were conducted for compound A and compound B concerning the main protease and ACE2 receptor, which yields favorable docking scores of −8.212 kcal/mol and −9.373 kcal/mol, respectively. Further molecular dynamics, DFT studies and ADMET parameters were carried out to understand the stability, reactivity, and toxicity profile of the screened compounds.
Distinguishing High from Low Concentrations of RNA Cancer Marker: Five‐Input DNAzyme Thresholding Gate
Authors: Nour Moustapha A. Y. , Kulikova Alexandra V. , Wanjohi Joseph , El‐Deeb Ahmed A.
Published: December 2023

RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes are promising agents for gene therapy that can overcome the low selectivity of other therapeutic nucleic acid agents, including CRISPR/Cas9, antisense oligonucleotides, and RNA interference agents, in protein‐independent RNA cleavage. To achieve this, DNAzyme gene therapy agents should accurately distinguish cancer from healthy cells. Often, cancer RNA markers are expressed in healthy tissue at lower concentrations. Previously, we developed a DNAzyme thresholding gate (DTh), which must bind to three cancer marker molecules prior to cleaving the RNA target. This article presents the next step in the development of DTh by converting a signal from five microRNA inputs into an output cleavage of the RNA model using an advanced system of molecular logic. We demonstrate that it is possible to broaden the available threshold range by increasing the number of marker recognition modules. The threshold gates can be easily adjusted to cleave a broad range of RNA targets. This approach can be used in cancer diagnostics as well as the computational component of DNA nanorobots, autonomous DNA devices for anti‐cancer gene therapy.