bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Research Progress of Organic Small‐Molecule Semiconductors with High Electron Mobilities
Authors: Chen Jiadi , Zhang Weifeng , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: December 2022

Organic electronics has made great progress in the past decades, which is inseparable from the innovative development of organic electronic devices and the diversity of organic semiconductor materials. It is worth mentioning that both of these great advances are inextricably linked to the development of organic high‐performance semiconductor materials, especially the representative n‐type organic small‐molecule semiconductor materials with high electron mobilities. The n‐type organic small molecules have the advantages of simple synthesis process, strong intermolecular stacking, tunable molecular structure, and easy to functionalize structures. Furthermore, the n‐type semiconductor is a remarkable and important component for constructing complementary logic circuits and p‐n heterojunction structures. Therefore, n‐type organic semiconductors play an extremely important role in the field of organic electronic materials and are the basis for the industrialization of organic electronic functional devices. This review focuses on the modification strategies of organic small molecules with high electron mobility at molecular level, and discusses in detail the applications of n‐type small‐molecule semiconductor materials with high mobility in organic field‐effect transistors, organic light‐emitting transistors, organic photodetectors, and gas sensors.
Unraveling the Energy Transfer Mechanisms in Bi‐Color and Tri‐Color Quantum Dots: toward Efficient White Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Qin Zhiyuan , Su Qiang , Chen Shuming
Published: December 2022

One of the considerable effects that limit the performance of white quantum dot (QD) light‐emitting diodes (W‐QLEDs) is the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) among different colored QDs. Here, the FRET mechanisms among QDs are unraveled and how FRET affects the performance of W‐QLEDs is disclosed. The results show that although FRET is beneficial for harvesting the energy of nonradiative excitons, it is unhelpful for the improvement of the total emission quantum yield of bi‐color or tri‐color QDs. Due to the existence of FRET, a large proportion of blue QDs should be incorporated to obtain a balanced white emission, which remarkably deteriorates the efficiency of the white emission. With the developed device structure, the FRET among QDs can be suppressed, and thus, the external quantum efficiency (power efficiency) of the W‐QLEDs is improved from 9.31% to 27.03% (12.18–25.52 lm W−1), representing an improvement factor of 2.9 (2.1) compared with that of the conventional W‐QLEDs. The results not only deepen the insight into the FRET mechanisms among QDs but also provide solutions and inspirations for the future development of efficient W‐QLEDs.
A Security Games Inspired Approach for Distributed Control Of Pandemic Spread
Authors: Alexi Ariel , Rosenfeld Ariel , Lazebnik Teddy
Published: December 2022

Pandemics are a source of extensive mortality, economic impairment, and dramatic social fluctuation. Once a pandemic occurs, policymakers are faced with the highly challenging task of controlling it over time and space. In this article, a novel pandemic intervention policy that relies on the strategic deployment of inspection units (IUs) is proposed. These IUs are allocated in the environment, represented as a graph, and sample individuals who pass through the same node. If a sampled individual is identified as infected, she is extracted from the environment until she recovers (or dies). A realistic simulation‐based evaluation of the Influenza A pathogen using both synthetic and real‐world data is provided. The results demonstrate potential significant benefits of the proposed PIP in mitigating a pandemic spread which can complement other standard policies such as social distancing and mask‐wearing.
Improving sugar beet yield, quality, and water use efficiency by nursery and transplanting practice under semi‐arid conditions
Authors: Cheshmi Mostafa , Khajeh‐Hosseini Mohammad , Gheshm Rahmatallah , Asadi Sara
Published: December 2022

Transplanting is a useful technique to produce sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in arid and semi‐arid regions that face water scarcity and salinity. The major challenge in transplanting is to improve the economic benefits that smallholder farmers have in the self‐production of transplants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, quality, and water use efficiency (WUE) of sugar beet in response to transplanting and different options in transplant production process. Two field experiments were conducted at two sites. The first experiment investigated the effects of seedling age at transplanting, volume of the substrate, and transplanting date. The second experiment investigated the effects of substrate media and transplant production conditions on sugar beet yield and quality. In both experiments, transplanting was compared to the direct seeding on the conventional planting date at both sites. The highest white sugar content (12.1% and 13.5%) and white sugar yield (10.2 and 12.1 t ha−1) were obtained from plants transplanted in mid‐May at sites 1 and 2, respectively. Also, root yield, total sugar content, and WUE were higher in transplanting than direct seeding. The 40‐day‐old transplants produced in 22 mL cell volume when transferred to the field in mid‐May had higher WUE than the direct seeding. The transplants produced outside the greenhouse (uncontrolled conditions) had nearly the same yields as those produced inside a greenhouse under controlled conditions. We suggest that using readily available substrates and not requiring greenhouse conditions for transplant production is a cost‐effective way for smallholder farmers to produce their own seedlings.
Cytologically proven leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer patients: Experience in a tertiary referral center
Authors: Kuo Chen‐Ya , Chang Wei‐Yuan , Lin Ming‐Tsan , Shun Chia‐Tung , Tsai Shang‐Jie , Chang Chin‐Hao , Cheng Tsu‐Yao
Published: December 2022

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is a rare but devastating complication of advanced cancer. The reported incidence may be underestimated because of the non‐specific clinical presentation and the suboptimal accuracy of the confirmation tests. Despite advances in multidisciplinary care, the prognosis for patients with LMC remains poor. Gastric cancer (GC) ranking 9th in incidence among all kinds of malignancies in Taiwan. We aimed to review our experience with LMC in GC patients at a tertiary referral center to analyze the clinical features and survival outcomes. All patients with a malignant diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology at the National Taiwan University Hospital were reviewed from January 2002 to December 2018. The survival analysis was calculated by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with survival. We identified 18 patients with a diagnosis of GC‐related LMC. LMC occurred in approximately 0.45% of GC patients during this period. Nine (50%) were male, and the median age was 58.5 years old. The most frequent neurological symptom of these patients was altered mental status (72.2%), followed by headache (44.4%) and nausea/vomiting (44.4%). Intracranial hypertension was noted in 87.5% with the mean opening pressure to be 385.3 mmCSF. Intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy was administered to nine patients, principally with methotrexate alone (55.6%). Fourteen patients received CSF drainage by ventriculo‐peritoneal shunt or external ventricular drainage via Ommaya reservoir for relieving intracranial hypertension. In the univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the poor ECOG performance status (>2), absence of other metastases, and absence of CSF drainage were all prognostic factors of poor survival. In conclusion, LMC was a rare manifestation of GC and was associated with an extremely poor survival when the performance status was poor at presentation. CSF drainage may have some impact on the survival duration in selected cases with LMC.
A Highly Active Palladium System Catalyzed C2‐Arylation of N‐Acyl Pyrroles with Aryl Halides and Their Biological Activity
Authors: Chen Weiqiang , Liu Mei
Published: December 2022

The formation of C−C bonds is a fundamental bond construction in organic synthesis. In this study, a highly active palladium catalytic system has been developed for the C2‐arylation of N‐acyl pyrroles with aryl halides in the help of copper additive and K2CO3. The reactions proceed smoothly under mild conditions and have excellent functional group compatibility. Especially, this protocol provides a straightforward method for the utilization of aryl chlorides in coupling reactions. A variety of valuable arylated N‐acyl pyrroles were synthesized and found to exhibit certain anti‐inflammatory activity.
Particle Spin Described by Quantum Hamilton Equations
Authors: Beyer Michael , Paul Wolfgang
Published: December 2022

The anomalous Zeeman effect made it clear that charged particles like the electron possess a magnetic dipole moment. Classically, this could be understood if the charged particle possesses an eigenrotation, that is, spin. Within Nelson's stochastic mechanics, it was shown that the model of a rotating charged ball is able to reproduce the well‐known spin expectation values. This classically motivated model of intrinsic rotation described in terms of a stochastic process is revisited here within the formalism of stochastic optimal control theory. Quantum Hamilton equations (QHE) for spinning particles are derived, which reduce to their classical counterpart in the zero quantum noise limit. These equations enable the calculation of the common spin expectation values without the use of the wave function. They also offer information on the orientation dynamics of the magnetic moment of charged particles beyond the behavior of the spin averages.
Colloidal Photonic Crystal‐Enhanced Fluorescence of Gold Nanoclusters: A Highly Sensitive Solid‐state Fluorescent Probe for Creatinine
Authors: Thomas Meghana Mary , Babu Aswathy , Chandran Parvathy R , S Silpa T , Pillai Saju
Published: December 2022

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are an intensely pursued class of fluorophores with excellent biocompatibility, high water solubility, and ease of further conjugation. However, their low quantum yield limits their applications, such as ultra‐sensitive chemical or molecular sensing. To address this problem, various strategies have been adopted for augmenting their fluorescence intensity. Herein, we report a facile and scalable approach for the fluorescence enhancement of bovine serum albumin (BSA) capped AuNCs (BSA‐AuNCs) using periodic, close‐packed polystyrene colloidal photonic crystals (CPCs). The slow photon effect at the bandgap edges is utilized for the increased light‐matter interactions and thereby enhancing the fluorescence intensity of the BSA‐AuNCs. Compared to the planar polystyrene control sample, the CPC film yielded a 14‐fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity. Further, we demonstrated the as‐prepared BSA‐AuNCs‐CPC as a solid‐state platform for the highly sensitive and selective fluorescence turn‐off detection of creatinine at nanomolar level.
Synthesis of tetracyclic 4H‐benzo[5,6]chromeno[3,4‐d]oxazoles via palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular direct heteroarylation
Authors: Kumar Sujeet , Kajol Km , Nayak Prakash , Kumar Amit , Ramesh Chintakunta
Published: December 2022

We report a palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular direct heteroarylation of oxazole tethered β‐naphthols to access corresponding tetracyclic 4H‐benzo[5,6]chromeno[3,4‐d]oxazoles. Various functional groups are well tolerated and furnished the desired products in good to excellent yields under the present reaction conditions. The scale‐up reaction and synthetic utility of the resulting molecules have been demonstrated. Moreover, UV/vis absorption and fluorescence emission properties have been evaluated for these polyheterocyclic compounds.
Plasmonic Copper‐activated ZnO Microarrays for Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Thakur Anupma , Maitra Soumyajit , Sinha R. K. , Devi Pooja
Published: December 2022

In the present work, green synthesized plasmonic copper nanostructures derived from carbon quantum dots (PCQDs) activated ZnO microarrays (MAs) based catalyst system is developed and studied for photocatalytic activity and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting. CQDs are synthesized from pharmaceutical waste and used as a reducing agent to synthesize PCQDs of an average size of 10±2 nm. PCQDs decorated ZnO (PCQDs/ZnO) MAs exhibited enhanced photocurrent density of ∼7.1 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE), which is ∼11 fold to ZnO MAs alone (0.65 mA/cm2). The catalyst exhibits an ABPE of 1.07% at 0.7 V (vs. RHE), IPEC of 8.8% for 450 nm, and hydrogen production rate of 435 μmol/h. The enhanced PEC characteristics are assigned to the improved photons collection and better charge transfer for their participation in oxidation/reduction reaction. The same is well supported with DFT studies for the PCQDs/ZnO MAs catalyst for the first time.
Recent progress on photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy
Authors: Kim Heejeong , Yang Mengyao , Kwon Nahyun , Cho Moonyeon , Han Jingjing , Wang Rui , Qi Sujie , Li Haidong , Nguyen Van‐Nghia , Li Xingshu , Cheng Hong‐Bo , Yoon Juyoung
Published: December 2022

Noninvasive treatments for terminal cancer patients constitute a new trend in tumor treatment. Therefore, phototherapy, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), has attracted considerable interest. Light and a photosensitizer (PS) are employed in both treatment methods. For PDT, the PS generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to light, whereas for PTT, the PS generates heat. In this regard, the systematic design of new PSs has become an active area of phototherapy research in an effort to solve the problems associated with conventional PSs. In the past decade, activatable and heavy‐atom‐free PSs have become significant research areas. Therefore, we discuss our recent contributions to the PDT and PTT in this account.
Association between insomnia and frailty in older population: A meta‐analytic evaluation of the observational studies
Authors: Wen Quan , Yan Xue , Ren Zhong , Wang Bo , Liu Yuqiu , Jin Xi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Poor sleep quality has been suggested as a risk factor of frailty. However, previous studies that evaluated the association between insomnia and frailty in older population showed inconsistent results. We performed a meta‐analysis to comprehensively evaluate the association.

Methods

Observational studies related to the aim of the meta‐analysis were identified by search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A random‐effect model incorporating the potential between‐study heterogeneity was used to pool the results.

Results

Twelve studies including 16,895 old people contributed to the meta‐analysis. Pooled results suggested a significant association between insomnia and frailty in the older population (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–2.41, p < .001; I2 = 80%). Subgroup analyses showed consistent association between different symptoms of insomnia and frailty, including difficulty in falling asleep (OR: 1.45), difficulty in maintaining sleep (OR: 1.23), early morning awakening (OR: 1.21), and non‐restorative sleep (OR: 1.84, p for subgroup difference = .15). Results were also consistent for subgroup analyses according to the study country, sample size, cutoffs of age for defining the older population, proportions of men, diagnostic criteria for frailty, adjustment of depression, and scores of study quality (p for subgroup difference all > .05). However, a stronger association was observed for insomnia detected with the Athens Insomnia Scale (OR: 2.92) than that with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (OR: 1.30) or self‐reporting (OR: 1.60, p for subgroup difference = .002).

Conclusion

Insomnia is independently associated with frailty in the older population.
Characterization of human islet function in a convection‐driven intravascular bioartificial pancreas
Authors: Santandreu Ana G. , Taheri‐Tehrani Parsa , Feinberg Benjamin , Torres Alonso , Blaha Charles , Shaheen Rebecca , Moyer Jarrett , Wright Nathan , Szot Gregory L. , Fissell William H. , Vartanian Shant , Posselt Andrew , Roy Shuvo
Published: December 2022

Clinical islet transplantation for treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is limited by the shortage of pancreas donors and need for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. A convection‐driven intravascular bioartificial pancreas (iBAP) based on highly permeable, yet immunologically protective, silicon nanopore membranes (SNM) holds promise to sustain islet function without the need for immunosuppressants. Here, we investigate short‐term functionality of encapsulated human islets in an iBAP prototype. Using the finite element method (FEM), we calculated predicted oxygen profiles within islet scaffolds at normalized perifusion rates of 14–200 nl/min/IEQ. The modeling showed the need for minimum in vitro and in vivo islet perifusion rates of 28 and 100 nl/min/IEQ, respectively to support metabolic insulin production requirements in the iBAP. In vitro glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) profiles revealed a first‐phase response time of <15 min and comparable insulin production rates to standard perifusion systems (~10 pg/min/IEQ) for perifusion rates of 100–200 nl/min/IEQ. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), performed at a perifusion rate of 100–170 nl/min/IEQ in a non‐diabetic pig, demonstrated a clinically relevant C‐peptide production rate (1.0–2.8 pg/min/IEQ) with a response time of <5 min.
Virtual brand experience in digital reality advertising: Conceptualization and measurement
Authors: Lee Heejun , Cho Chang‐Hoan
Published: December 2022

This study explores virtual brand experience (VBE), a new type of brand experience, and develops a corresponding measurement scale. The VBE scale includes five dimensions (social, intellectual, sensory, behavioral, and affective), and is validated by examining the sequential relationships among VBE, brand engagement, and consumer responses to digital reality ads. A path model shows that the social dimension is the most influential factor affecting consumer engagement with brands featured in digital reality ads. The findings indicate that VBE, given its multisensory interactive nature, can be considered equivalent to a direct experience despite it being a mediated one (i.e., indirect experience). This study contributes to the digital marketing literature and highlights the practical benefits of digital reality as a compelling branding tool in digital marketing.
Methodologies based on ASCA to elucidate the influence of a subprocess: Vinification as a case of study
Authors: Schorn‐García Daniel , Giussani Barbara , Busto Olga , Aceña Laura , Mestres Montserrat , Boqué Ricard
Published: December 2022

In food manufacturing and processing, food matrix complexity usually makes it difficult to detect unwanted subprocesses, which can impact the quality of the final product. In the case of wine alcoholic fermentation, the main process is the conversion of sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide, but the presence of some unwanted microorganisms could lead to wine contamination by production of undesired minor compounds. In the study we present, an intentional contamination of the vinification process by the addition of acetic acid bacteria was studied using a portable Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrometer. ANOVA simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) was used to unravel these minor variability sources. However, as the subprocess is two orders of magnitude lower in concentration than the main process, different methodologies were used to enhance the ASCA results, such as to select a specific spectral region related to acetic acid bacteria metabolism, to divide the process in time intervals related to the different phases, or to unfold the data matrix in different ways. In addition, spectral preprocessing was optimized to scale up small peaks related to the subprocess. Our results show that several methodologies to build ASCA models can be applied to emphasize and better characterize bacteria contamination subprocesses.
Bayesian statistics study of a sustainable dissolution of cobalt‐bearing minerals from Cu‐Co ores
Authors: Mbuya Bienvenu , Meta‐Mvita Jonathan , Mulaba‐Bafubiandi Antoine F.
Published: December 2022

The present paper discusses the dissolution of cobalt‐bearing minerals from a copper‐cobalt ore using probabilistic models where a priori and a posteriori knowledge of leaching are used to predict the dissolution of cobalt‐bearing minerals in a sulphuric acid medium in the presence of a reducing agent. Priorly, the dissolution of cobalt‐bearing minerals depends on their mineralogy, leading to the use of FeSO4 as a reducing agent for the trivalent (Co3+) form of cobalt (CoOOH). A posteriori, the dissolution of Co3+ is improved by the presence of ferrous ions, resulting from the dissolution of Fe‐bearing minerals, including Fe from Co(Fe)OOH. The results showed that the predictive‐oriented probabilistic graphic models based on the Bayesian approach, in combination with the design of the experiment data, made it possible to model the leaching of cobalt‐bearing minerals. The results from the design of the experiment using the experimental tree methodology associated with the optimization of the multiple responses in a multiple input for a multiple output set‐up derived the following optimized parameters: 60°C for the temperature (T), 850 rpm for the agitation, 40% for the solid percentage, 1.5 for the pH, and 4 g/L for the concentration of the Fe2+ ion. The cobalt dissolution yield obtained was 89.95%. The analysis of the dependence between the random variables only (P(Fe2+|T), P(pH|T), and P(Fe2+|pH)) and the dependence between the random variables and the responses (P(Co‐yield|pH, Eh)) allowed the construction of two Bayesian networks, respectively, with and without posterior knowledge. For the Bayesian network with posteriori knowledge, the {5–2} structure was found to be the most appropriate arrangement. The model predicted a cobalt yield value, and the experimental value indicated a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.861.
Phase 2 prospective open label study of neoadjuvant nab‐paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab in patients with HER2‐positive primary breast cancer
Authors: Lavasani Sayeh M. , Somlo George , Yost Susan E. , Frankel Paul H. , Ruel Christopher , Cui Yujie , Murga Mireya , Tang Aileen , Martinez Norma , Kruper Laura , Tumyan Lusine , Schmolze Daniel , Yeon Christina , Yuan Yuan , Waisman James R. , Mortimer Joanne
Published: December 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nab‐paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab as neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 HER2+ breast cancer (HER2+ BC) to determine pathologic complete response (pCR), invasive disease‐free survival (iDFS), and overall survival.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with HER2+ BC Stages II–III were to be enrolled from 2013 to 2017. Patients were treated with weekly nab‐paclitaxel (100 mg/m2 intravenously), weekly trastuzumab (4 mg/kg loading dose, then 2 mg/kg), and six cycles of pertuzumab (840 mg loading dose, then 420 mg intravenously day 1 every 21 days).

Results

Median follow‐up was 60 months (95% CI, 32.3–55.6) and pCR was 29/45 (64%). The 5‐year iDFS for patients who achieved pCR (N = 29) was 96.3% (95% CI, 76.5–99.5) and non‐pCR patients (N = 16) was 74.3% (95% CI, 39.1–91.0). The 5‐year overall survival (N = 45) was 94.1% (95% CI, 77.6–98.5). Based on hormonal status, the 5‐year iDFS for HR+ pCR patients (N = 14) was 92.3% (95% CI, 56.6–98.9) and for HR− (N = 15) was 100% (p = .3).

Conclusions

This anthracycline/carboplatin‐free regimen with nab‐paclitaxel achieved a pCR rate of 64% in patients with HER2+ BC. The 5‐year iDFS in patients with and without pCR was 96.3% and 74.3%, respectively. The pCR rate is comparable with docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab therapy in the NAT setting, but with fewer treatment‐associated toxicities. This finding suggests the possibility of safe avoidance of anthracyclines and carboplatin as components of NAT in patients with HER2+ BC.
Dual‐band electrochromic materials for energy‐saving smart windows
Authors: Zhao Siming , Wang Baoshun , Zhu Na , Huang Ya , Wang Fei , Li Run , Zhao Yanlong , Jiang Qinyuan , Wu Xueke , Zhang Rufan
Published: December 2022

Smart windows refer to those which can dynamically modulate the transmitted light by changing their colors. Dual‐band electrochromic materials (ECMs) refer to materials that can change their colors and regulate light transmission in both visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) regions under different voltages. The dual‐band ECMs‐based building windows can thus regulate the indoor temperature to reduce the energy consumption for heating and air‐conditioning systems. Therefore, the wide application of ECMs in building windows will contribute a lot to establishing an energy‐saving society. During the past decades, enormous efforts have been made to improve the performance of dual‐band ECMs. This review presents a summary of the recent progress of dual‐band ECMs, focusing on their modulation mechanism, material design, and performance optimization. Finally, the challenges and outlook of dual‐band ECMs are also discussed.
Equine metabolism of the selective androgen receptor modulator YK‐11 in urine and plasma following oral administration
Authors: Harding Caitlin , Viljanto Marjaana , Habershon‐Butcher Jocelyn , Taylor Polly , Scarth James
Published: December 2022

YK‐11 is a steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator, a compound class prohibited in both equine racing and human sports because of their potentially performance enhancing properties. YK‐11 is easily accessible via internet‐based supplement vendors making this compound a possible candidate for doping; however, its phases I and II metabolism has not yet been reported in the horse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo metabolites of YK‐11 in urine and plasma following oral administration with three daily doses of 50 mg to two Thoroughbred horses. In vitro incubations with equine liver microsomes/S9 were also performed for use as metabolite reference materials; however, this resulted in the formation of 79 metabolites with little overlap with the in vivo metabolism. In plasma, parent YK‐11 and seven phase I metabolites were detected, with five of them also observed in vitro. They were present nonconjugated in plasma, with one metabolite also indicating some glucuronide conjugation. In urine, 11 phase I metabolites were observed, with four of them also observed in vitro and six of them also detected in plasma. Nine metabolites were excreted non‐conjugated in urine, with two of them also indicating some sulfate conjugation. Two minor metabolites were detected solely as sulfate conjugates. The most abundant analytes in urine were a mono‐O‐demethylated breakdown product and di‐O‐demethylated YK‐11. The most abundant analytes in plasma were two isomers of the breakdown product with an additional hydroxylation reaction, which also provided the longest detection time in both matrices.
How do helpers slow senescence in a Tibetan cooperatively breeding bird?
Authors: Fan Haiying , Guo Weibin , Lu Xin
Published: December 2022

Sociality is known to be capable of slowing individual senescence, but it is unclear whether the effect differs for reproduction versus survival in a sex‐specific manner. Here we predict that social benefits are directed toward (1) somatic maintenance in harsh environments where high survival prospects of adults over young intensify the trade‐off between current and future reproduction, and (2) females that invest more in reproduction and have a greater marginal effect if their survival is improved by reducing the cost of reproduction. These two predictions are tested with cooperatively breeding Tibetan ground tits (Pseudopodoces humilis). Across the lifetime, both mothers and fathers with helpers did not differ in brood size at fledging from their counterparts without helpers. The presence of helpers reduced survival senescence of both parents, but mothers benefited more than fathers from receiving help. Consequently, the inherent sex difference in life span and along with lifetime reproductive success, as expressed in breeders of never‐receiving help, became no longer obvious. The model of social modulation for senescence should facilitate the persistence of cooperative breeding in challenging environments.
A CuO/TiO2 Heterojunction Based CO Sensor with High Response and Selectivity
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Huanhuan , Tao Tiyue , Xia Xiaohong , Bao Yuwen , Lourenço Manon , Homewood Kevin , Huang Zhongbing , Gao Yun
Published: December 2022

The use of heterojunctions is a promising solution to the problem of cross‐sensitivity in gas sensors. In this work, a carbon monoxide sensor based on the CuO/TiO2 heterojunction was designed and fabricated. Due to the good adsorption properties of CuO materials to CO, and the heterojunction interface charge transfer, the CuO/TiO2 thin film sensor exhibits high sensitivity to CO at room temperature. The response is as high as 10.8–200 ppm CO, about 10 times its response to H2. Interference from H2 is greatly reduced by optimizing the structure of the CuO/TiO2 heterojunction. This reliable detection of carbon monoxide with excellent discrimination against H2 is of great significance for the development of CO gas sensors.
Moderate soil drying improves physiological performances and kernel yield of maize
Authors: Yuan Limin , Zhou Tianyang , Li Ke , Tian Yinfang , Xu Yunji , Zhang Jianhua , Yang Jianchang
Published: December 2022

Water shortage is a serious problem in crop production, and maize (Zea mays L.) is the largest grain crop worldwide. It would have great significance in increasing kernel yield and water use efficiency to establish a high‐yielding and water‐saving irrigation technology in maize. In this study, two high‐yielding maize varieties were used and two irrigation regimes composed of well‐watered (WW) and moderate soil drying (MD) were conducted. Physiological performances, kernel yield, and water use efficiency were investigated. Compared with WW, the MD increased kernel yield by 4.69–6.40%, reduced irrigation water by 26.5–33.3%, and improved irrigation water use efficiency by 43.1–59.3%. In terms of physiological performances, the MD enhanced the leaf superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased the leaf photosynthetic rate and the contents of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), zeatin (Z) + zeatin riboside (ZR), gibberellin‐3 (GA3), and abscisic acid (ABA) in inferior kernels, promoted the remobilization of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) from stalks and sheaths to kernels, and improved the filling rate and weight of inferior kernels. Correlation analysis showed that IAA, Z + ZR, and ABA contents in kernels were significantly and positively correlated with the kernel filling rate. These results suggest that the moderate soil drying imposed during the whole growth period of maize can achieve the dual goal of increasing food production and saving water by improving physiological performance, especially regulating hormonal levels in the kernel.
Effects of microbial interspecies relationships and physicochemical parameters on volatile flavors in sorghum‐based fermented grains during the fermentation of Shanxi light‐flavored liquor
Authors: Luo Aiguo , Yang Niutian , Yang Jing , Hao Jianwei , Zhao Jia , Shi Shengli , Hu Bianfang
Published: December 2022

In this study, high‐throughput technology was used to reveal the core microbial community in sorghum‐based fermented grains during different fermentation periods and to quantify the impacts of physicochemical parameters and microbial interspecies relationships on the volatile flavors. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction, coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, was used to select 14 major volatile products with relative content greater than 1% in at least one sample, including three alcohols, one acid, eight esters, and two alkanes. The relative content of alkanes was only high on the first day and continued to decrease during the later fermentation stage. As fermentation progressed, the relative content of ethanol, ethyl acetate (aroma), and isoamyl alcohol (pungent, spicy) first increased and then decreased. In addition, the relative content of other ethyl esters continued to increase. In the early stage of fermentation (1–7 days), the temperature, moisture, and alcohol content showed an upward trend, while the content of reducing sugar decreased. As the temperature decreased in the middle and later stages (7–28 days), the physicochemical parameters tended to stabilize. In community composition, the dominant bacterial genera were Lactobacillus, Streptomyces, and Acetobacter, and the fungal genera were mainly Issatchenkia, Torulaspora, and Pichia. Network analysis identified a total of 10 core microbiota as the main contributors of esters and alkane metabolites. Moreover, total acidity and reducing sugar played important roles in promoting the formation of core microbiota and succession of dominant taxa.
Age‐related effects on the anterior and posterior hippocampal volumes in 6–21 year olds: A model selection approach
Authors: Ayoub Lizbeth J. , Zhu Junhao , Lee Steven J. , Mugisha Nancy , Patel Kyle , Duerden Emma G. , Stinson Jennifer , Verriotis Madeleine , Noel Melanie , Kong Dehan , Moayedi Massieh , McAndrews Mary Pat
Published: December 2022

Although recent studies support significant differences in intrinsic structure, function, and connectivity along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus, few studies have investigated the normative development of this dimension. In addition, factors known to influence hippocampal structure, such as sex or puberty, have yet to be characterized when assessing age‐related effects on its subregions. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship of the anterior (antHC) and posterior (postHC) hippocampus volumes with age, and how these are moderated by sex or puberty, in structural magnetic resonance imaging scans from 183 typically developing participants aged 6–21 years. Based on previous literature, we first anticipated that non‐linear models would best represent the relationship between age and the antHC and postHC volumes. We found that age‐related effects are region‐specific, such that the antHC volume remains stable with increasing age, while the postHC shows a cubic function characterized by overall volume increase with age but a slower rate during adolescence. Second, we hypothesized that models, which include biological sex or pubertal status would best describe these relationships. Contrary to expectation, models comprising either biological sex or pubertal status did not significantly improve model performance. Further longitudinal research is needed to evaluate their effects on the antHC and postHC development.
The effects of transcranial laser photobiomodulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of post‐stroke dysfunctions
Authors: Paolillo Fernanda Rossi , Luccas Giovana Anielle Alcalde , Parizotto Nivaldo Antonio , Paolillo Alessandra Rossi , de Castro Neto Jarbas Caiado , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador
Published: December 2022

Post‐stroke sequelae includes loss functions, such as cognitive and sensory‐motor which lead to emotional and social problems, reducing quality of life and well‐being. The main aim of our study was to investigate the effects of transcranial laser photobiomodulation together with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in post‐stroke patients. We performed a clinical trial and an ex vivo study. For the clinical trial, hemiplegic patients were separated into two groups: Treated Group (TG): Hemiplegics treated with transcranial laser (on) associated with NMES (on) and; Placebo Group (PG): Hemiplegics treated with placebo transcranial laser (off) associated with NMES (on). The cluster prototype includes 12 diode laser beams (4 × 660 nm, 4 × 808 nm and 4 × 980 nm) with average power of 720 mW per cluster applied during one minute, leading to 43.2 J energy per cluster. Fifteen regions for all head were irradiated by cluster, leading to 648 J energy per session. The parameters of NMES of the paretic limbs to generate extension wrist and ankle dorsiflexion were symmetrical biphasic rectangular waveforms, 50 Hz frequency, 250 μs pulse duration, and adjustable intensity to maintain the maximum range of motion (amplitude between 0 and 150 mA). Our clinical trial showed improvement of cognitive function, pain relief, greater manual dexterity, enhancement of physical and social–emotional health which lead to better quality of life and well‐being. There was also increased temperature in the treated regions with laser and NMES. For the ex vivo study, the distribution of infrared and red radiation after penetration through the cranium and hemihead of cadavers were showed. Therefore, transcranial laser photobiomodulation associated with NMES can be an important therapeutic resource for rehabilitation after stroke.
Classification of pathogenic bacteria by Raman spectroscopy combined with variational auto‐encoder and deep learning
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Kunxiang , Sun Jide , Shang Lindong , Yang Qingxiang , Chen Xueping , Li Bei
Published: December 2022

Rapid and early identification of pathogens is critical to guide antibiotic therapy. Raman spectroscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic technique provides rapid and accurate detection of pathogens. Raman spectrum of single cells serves as the “fingerprint” of the cell, revealing its metabolic characteristics. Rapid identification of pathogens can be achieved by combining Raman spectroscopy and deep learning. Traditional classification techniques frequently require lots of data for training, which is time costing to collect Raman spectra. For trace samples and strains that are difficult to culture, it is difficult to provide an accurate classification model. In order to reduce the number of samples collected and improve the accuracy of the classification model, a new pathogen detection method integrating Raman spectroscopy, variational auto‐encoder (VAE), and long short‐term memory network (LSTM) is proposed in this paper. We collect the Raman signals of pathogens and input them to VAE for training. VAE will generate a large number of Raman spectral data that cannot be distinguished from the real spectrum, and the signal‐to‐noise ratio is higher than that of the real spectrum. These spectra are input into the LSTM together with the real spectrum for training, and a good classification model is obtained. The results of the experiments reveal that this method not only improves the average accuracy of pathogen classification to 96.9% but also reduces the number of Raman spectra collected from 1000 to 200. With this technology, the number of Raman spectra collected can be greatly reduced, so that strains that are difficult to culture or trace can be rapidly identified.
Overconsumption as a function of how individuals make choices: A paper in honor of Howard Rachlin's contributions to psychology
Authors: Heyman Gene M.
Published: December 2022

Howard Rachlin's widely influential behavioral economic approach to self‐control and related issues provides the model for this submission. The topic is overconsumption. Current human consumption levels are unsustainable. Explanations typically focus on societal factors, such as the seductive power of advertising and/or misguided tax policies. However, the effectiveness of these factors depends on the degree to which individuals are susceptible to the message: “consume more.” Humans are not blank slates. This paper argues that how individuals frame their choices establishes the susceptibility to overconsume. According to economic theory, consumers frame their options as bundles, composed of different combinations of the available items and activities. This leads to maximizing. In experiments, participants tend to frame their options as “either‐or” choices. This leads to the matching law. Mathematical models of concurrent schedule choice procedures show that (1) the matching law implies overconsumption of the most preferred option and (2) that individuals will persist in preferring their favorite option even when doing so reduces overall reward rates. Given that the matching law better describes how individuals choose than does maximizing, the mathematical models of widely used choice procedures help explain why efforts to increase consumption have been more influential than efforts to control consumption.
Plant‐derived extracellular vesicles: Recent advancements and current challenges on their use for biomedical applications
Authors: Lian Meredith Qikai , Chng Wei Heng , Liang Jeremy , Yeo Hui Qing , Lee Choon Keong , Belaid Mona , Tollemeto Matteo , Wacker Matthias Gerhard , Czarny Bertrand , Pastorin Giorgia
Published: December 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a diverse class of lipid bilayer membrane vesicles released by both animal and plant cells. These ubiquitous vesicles are involved in intercellular communication and transport of various biological cargos, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In recent years, interest in plant‐derived EVs has increased tremendously, as they serve as a scalable and sustainable alternative to EVs derived from mammalian sources. In vitro and in vivo findings have demonstrated that these plant‐derived vesicles (PDVs) possess intrinsic therapeutic activities that can potentially treat diseases and improve human health. In addition, PDVs can also act as efficient and biocompatible drug carriers. While preclinical studies have shown promising results, there are still several challenges and knowledge gaps that have to be addressed for the successful translation of PDVs into clinical applications, especially in view of the lack of standardised protocols for material handling and PDV isolation from various plant sources. This review provides the readers with a quick overview of the current understanding and research on PDVs, critically analysing the current challenges and highlighting the immense potential of PDVs as a novel class of therapeutics to treat human diseases. It is expected that this work will guide scientists to address the knowledge gaps currently associated with PDVs and promote new advances in plant‐based therapeutic solutions.
Effect of marine heat waves on carbon metabolism, optical characterization, and bioavailability of dissolved organic carbon in coastal vegetated communities
Authors: Egea Luis G. , Jiménez‐Ramos Rocío , Romera‐Castillo Cristina , Casal‐Porras Isabel , Bonet‐Melià Paula , Yamuza‐Magdaleno Alba , Cerezo‐Sepúlveda Lucía , Pérez‐Lloréns José L. , Brun Fernando G.
Published: December 2022

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) plays an essential role in the global marine carbon cycle, with coastal vegetated communities as important DOC producers. However, the ultimate fate of this DOC remains still largely unknown due to the lack of knowledge about its chemical composition and lability. Furthermore, global change could alter both DOC fluxes and its bioavailability, affecting the carbon sequestration capacity of coastal vegetated communities. This study explores, in two contrasting seasons (winter and summer), the effects of an in situ simulated marine heatwave on carbon metabolism and DOC fluxes produced by seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) and macroalgae (Caulerpa prolifera) communities. In addition, the fluorescent characteristics and biodegradability of the dissolved organic matter released directly by the communities under such conditions are evaluated. Under marine heatwave conditions, a significant increase in net community production (NCP) in C. nodosa and a shift to negative DOC fluxes in C. prolifera were observed. In control treatments, the seagrass‐dominated community produced a substantial amount of labile (between 44% and 58%) and recalcitrant DOC (between 42% and 56%), while C. prolifera community produced mainly recalcitrant DOC (between 64% and 87%). Therefore, this research revealed that temperature is an important factor determining the NCP in benthic communities and the chemical structure and bioavailability of DOC produced by these communities, since both communities tended to produce more humic‐like and less bioavailable DOC with increasing temperature.
Catalyst‐Free Multicomponent Tandem Polymerizations of Aliphatic Amines, Activated Alkyne, and Formaldehyde toward Poly(tetrahydropyrimidine)s
Authors: Wei Bo , Chen Longbin , Hu Rongrong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2022

Poly(tetrahydropyrimidine)s are promising heterocyclic polymers with unique biocompatibility, antibacterial ability, inherent fluorescence property, and so on, whose development is limited by their synthetic approaches. Multicomponent polymerizations (MCPs) are a group of powerful tools for the facile construction of heterocyclic polymers from simple monomers. Herein, a catalyst‐free multicomponent tandem polymerization of aliphatic diamines, activated alkyne, and formaldehyde was developed at 60 °C in methanol in air to construct poly(tetrahydropyrimidine)s with well‐defined structures, high molecular weights (Mw up to 57700 g mol−1), high yields (up to 84%), and satisfactory thermal stability. The MCP was featured with commercially available monomers, high efficiency, catalyst‐free economic and mild condition, which was applicable to aliphatic diamines with complicated chemical reactivity, providing a robust and efficient approach for the synthesis of diversified heterocyclic polymers such as poly(tetrahydropyrimidine)s.
Cohomology of moduli spaces of Del Pezzo surfaces
Authors: Bergvall Olof , Gounelas Frank
Published: December 2022

We compute the rational Betti cohomology groups of the coarse moduli spaces of geometrically marked Del Pezzo surfaces of degree 3 and 4 as representations of the Weyl groups of the corresponding root systems. The proof uses a blend of methods from point counting over finite fields and techniques from arrangement complements.
Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301 Exerts Anti‐Obesity Effects in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice Model by Regulating Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Ban O‐Hyun , Lee Minjee , Bang Won Yeong , Nam Eoun Ho , Jeon Hyeon Ji , Shin Minhye , Yang Jungwoo , Jung Young Hoon
Published: December 2022

Scope

Chronic hypernutrition promotes lipid accumulation in the body and excessive lipid accumulation leads to obesity. An increase in the number and size of adipocytes, a characteristic of obesity is closely associated with adipose dysfunction. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that probiotics may prevent this dysfunction by regulating lipid metabolism. However, the mechanisms of action of probiotics in obesity are not fully understood and their usage for treating obesity remains limited.

Methods and results

Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301 is selected for its anti‐obesity potential after evaluating inhibitory activity of pancreatic lipase and cholesterol reducing activity. Next, this study investigates the roles of B. lactis IDCC 4301 on lipid metabolism in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice. B. lactis IDCC 4301 inhibits cell differentiation and lipid accumulation by suppressing the expression of adipogenic enzymes in 3T3‐L1 cells. Moreover, the administration of B. lactis IDCC 4301 decreases body and adipose tissue weight, improves serum lipid levels, and downregulates adipogenic mRNA expression in HFD‐fed mice. Additionally, metabolomic analysis suggests that 2‐ketobutyrate should be a possible target compound against obesity.

Conclusions

B. lactis IDCC 4301 may be used as an alternative treatment for obesity.