bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Charge Transport in CuBi2O4 Films: The Role of a Protective TiO2 ALD Coating Probed by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Caddeo Francesco , Medicus Sophie , Hedrich Carina , Krüger Marco , Harouna‐Mayer Sani Y. , Blick Robert H. , Zierold Robert , Koziej Dorota
Published: June 2024

The common solution for protecting p‐type semiconductors against photocorrosion in a photo‐electrochemical (PEC) cell is by applying a TiO2 over‐layer via atomic layer deposition (ALD). However, for the case of CuBi2O4 (CBO), this approach leads to a significant decline in electrode performance, despite the small conduction band offset between CBO and TiO2. Here, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under light illumination is used to study how to enhance charge transport in CuBi2O4/TiO2 photocathodes. A 15 nm TiO2 overlayer enables a small charge transfer resistance to the electrolyte while preserving the performance and stability of the CBO film. When increasing the TiO2 thickness from 15 to 20 nm, the photogenerated currents decrease by 74%. The EIS data are fit with an equivalent circuit model that enabled to extract the charge transfer resistances, capacitances, and time constants that influence the PEC performance of the electrode as a function of the TiO2 layer thickness, together with the flat‐band potentials and doping densities of both the CBO and TiO2 layers under light illumination. The decline in performance is attributed to accumulation and recombination of photogenerated carriers at the CBO‐TiO2 interface, due to a band mismatch between the two semiconductors.
Intracellular Trafficking Pathway and ROS Scavenging Activity of Glycol Chitosan‐Coated Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in a Pathological AMD‐Like Model
Authors: Kwon Yong‐Su , Han Zongchao
Published: June 2024

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease that primarily affects the macula. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 65, particularly more common in Caucasians than in other racial groups. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) have emerged as highly promising nanomaterials in the treatment of AMD due to their potent antioxidant properties. In pathological damages of AMD conditions, characterized by oxidative stress resulting from an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), CNPs possess significant promise for attenuating the pathogenic processes and advancing therapeutic interventions. Despite their potential clinical applications, the widespread use of CNPs is greatly hampered by limited water solubility, and concerns have arisen about their potential impact on normal ROS production in mitochondria. Here, the antioxidative activity of glycol chitosan‐coated CNPs (namely, GCCNPs) and their behavior in mouse primary RPE (mRPE) cells are reported through an in vitro trafficking study. This findings demonstrate that GCCNPs effectively neutralize excessive ROS and prefer to exclusively accumulate in cytosol without any uptake in the nucleus and mitochondria of the mRPE cells. Moreover, GCCNPs demonstrated therapeutic effects by reducing the ROS level in a laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) AMD‐like murine model.
Millisecond‐Scale Charge‐Carrier Recombination Dynamics in the CsPbBr3 Perovskite
Authors: Bojtor András , Krisztián Dávid , Korsós Ferenc , Kollarics Sándor , Paráda Gábor , Pinel Thomas , Kollár Márton , Horváth Endre , Mettan Xavier , Shiozawa Hidetsugu , Márkus Bence G. , Forró László , Simon Ferenc
Published: June 2024

Understanding the recombination lifetime of charge carriers () is essential for the diverse applications of photovoltaic materials, such as perovskites. The study on the inorganic perovskite, CsPbBr3, reveals recombination dynamics exceeding 1 ms below 200 K and approaching 100 μs at room temperature. Utilizing time‐resolved microwave‐detected photoconductivity decay in conjunction with injection dependence, it is found that is dominated by impurity charge trapping. The observed injection dependence is well corroborated by modeling of the trap mechanism. The ultralong decay time is also consistent with photoconductivity measurements with a continuous‐wave excitation at powers corresponding to around 1 Sun irradiation. While charge‐carrier trapping may, in theory, impose limitations on the photovoltaic efficiency of single‐cell devices, it can also contribute to increased efficiency in tandem cells and find applications in photodetection, photocatalysis, and quantum information storage.
A Perspective on Ultrasound‐Triggered Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Inorganic Nano/Microparticles
Authors: Han Yijun , Yu Xinyue , Marfavi Zeinab , Chen Yumo , Zhang Linxuan , Chu Jing , Sun Kang , Li Mingda , Tao Ke
Published: June 2024

Ultrasound can activate nano/microparticles to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The advantages of deep penetration and precise spatiotemporal control are demonstrated for multiple applications, such as sonodynamic therapy, chemical industry, and environmental treatment. Meanwhile, a toolbox of inorganic particles is developed to enhance ROS production via cavitation enhancement, sonoluminescence, and piezocatalytic effect. Nonetheless, sophisticated influences of ultrasonic parameters hamper further exploration of novel sonosensitized materials. In this perspective, the influential parameters in different mechanisms are reviewed, emphasizing the relationship between ultrasound frequency and catalytic activity, and outlooks are provided on the study of inorganic sonosensitizers.
Single‐Molecule White Circularly Polarized Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence from Dual‐Emission Enantiomers
Authors: Zhao Pei , Guo Wei‐Chen , Li Meng , Lu Hai‐Yan , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: June 2024

The strategy of integrating conformational isomerization donors and chiral acceptors in a single molecule was proposed to construct white circularly polarized luminescence (WCPL) materials in this work. Consequently, a pair of dual‐emission enantiomers, namely (R/S)‐DO‐PTZ, were designed and synthesized, which displayed white emission with blue and yellow dual‐emission bands in solution and solid films with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.30, 0.33) and (0.33, 0.35), respectively. Meanwhile, (R/S)‐DO‐PTZ exhibited a high PLQY of up to 67 % in doped films and clear mirror‐image WCPL signals with a |glum| value of 3.0×10−3. Moreover, white circularly polarized electroluminescence (WCPEL) based on organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with (R/S)‐DO‐PTZ as emitters were also achieved with CIE coordinates of (0.32, 0.37) and EQEmax of 4.7 %, representing the state‐of‐the‐art level of white OLEDs based on single‐molecule purely organic emitters. By optimizing the device structure, warm WCPEL devices were further obtained with a |gEL| value of 2.8×10−3, CIE coordinates of (0.37, 0.48) and EQEmax of up to 15.6 %. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CP‐WOLEDs based on single‐molecule purely organic emitters.
Fabrication of Azacrown Ether‐Embedded Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Cathode Performance in Aqueous Ni−Zn Batteries
Authors: Chen Qing , Lin Mengdi , Li Xia , Du Zhenglin , Liu Yandie , Tang Yisong , Yan Yong , Zhu Kelong
Published: June 2024

Crown ethers (CEs), known for their exceptional host–guest complexation, offer potential as linkers in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for enhanced performance in catalysis and host–guest binding. However, their highly flexible conformation and low symmetry limit the diversity of CE‐derived COFs. Here, we introduce a novel C3‐symmetrical azacrown ether (ACE) building block, tris(pyrido)[18]crown‐6 (TPy18C6), for COF fabrication (ACE‐COF‐1 and ACE‐COF‐2) via reticular synthesis. This approach enables precise integration of CEs into COFs, enhancing Ni2+ ion immobilization while maintaining crystallinity. The resulting Ni2+‐doped COFs (Ni@ACE‐COF‐1 and Ni@ACE‐COF‐2) exhibit high discharge capacity (up to 1.27 mAh ⋅ cm−2 at 8 mA ⋅ cm−2) and exceptional cycling stability (>1000 cycles) as cathode materials in aqueous alkaline nickel‐zinc batteries. This study serves as an exemplar of the seamless integration of macrocyclic chemistry and reticular chemistry, laying the groundwork for extending the macrocyclic‐synthon driven strategy to a diverse array of COF building blocks, ultimately yielding advanced materials tailored for specific applications.
Fabrication of PZT/PVDF composite film and the influence of homogeneity to dielectric constant
Authors: Ting Yung , Sofi Masroor Ahmad , Joo Mohammad Yaseen , Simanullang Romauli , Lu Ping Che
Published: June 2024

The Lead Zirconate Titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride (PZT/PVDF) piezoelectric composite with various volume fractions of PZT is successfully fabricated by the proposed solution casting and hot press methods. The aim of this study is to determine the quality of the composite material being fabricated by its homogeneity. Homogeneity can be determined by computing the free path space between particles based on the binary image of SEM, using dispersion and distribution quantitative methods, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the particles' scattering conditions. In comparison to several selected models providing adjustable factors that are highly related to the effect of homogeneity of the composite's internal structure, a suitable model is found.
High‐performance graphitic nanoplatelets & high‐density polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Yoon Seo Jeong , Lee Se Jung , Jeon In‐Yup
Published: June 2024

Heptene‐graphitic nanoplatelets (HtGNP) serve as a filler for high density polyethylene (HDPE), generated through a mechanochemical reaction involving graphite and 1‐heptene. Various analyses indicate the efficient exfoliation of graphite into HtGNP, characterized by exceptional traits. Consequently, HtGNP & HDPE_5 nanocomposites, produced via the solution process, exhibit significantly increased tensile strength and Young's modulus, boasting corresponding increases of 27.7% and 13.7% compared to pure HDPE. Thus, owing to their outstanding performance, HtGNP emerges as a promising option in the form of a novel reinforcing additive for various hydrocarbon polymers.
Elucidation of the Reaction Mechanisms in Antifluorite‐Type Li5+xFe1‐xCoxO4 Positive Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Thøgersen Rasmus Vester , Hval Halvor Høen , Fjellvåg Helmer
Published: June 2024

The Li‐rich antifluorite‐type oxides Li5FeO4, Li5.5Fe0.5Co0.5O4 and Li6CoO4 have been investigated as positive electrode materials for Li‐ion batteries in a combined operando XANES and XRD experiment. All materials show a similar two‐step behaviour upon initial charge (termed Stage I and Stage II), and reversibility of subsequent cycling depends upon whether the initial charge cycle is terminated following Stage I or allowed to proceed through Stage II. By tracking the energetic evolution of the XANES pre‐edge feature present in both Fe and Co K‐edge spectra, as well as the evolution of X‐ray diffractograms during charge and discharge, we correlate the changes in chemical coordination and oxidation states in both species and the structural changes to the electrochemical potential profile, and infer the role of anionic redox processes.
Molecular design of controllable recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV) expression systems for enhanced vector production
Authors: Johari Yusuf B. , Pohle Thilo H. , Whitehead Jared , Scarrott Joseph M. , Liu Ping , Mayer Ayda , James David C.
Published: June 2024

Recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) is the leading vector for the delivery of gene therapies. However, low viral genome (VG) titers are common and the proportion of “full” capsids containing the therapeutic gene payload can be highly variable. The coordinated molecular design of plasmids encoding viral components and Helper functions remains a major challenge for rAAV manufacturing. Here we present the design of improved Rep/Cap and Helper plasmids for rAAV2/8 production, (i) a Rep/Cap expression vector harboring independently controllable rep and cap genes and (ii) an improved Helper plasmid harboring E4 gene deletion variants. First, an optimized Rep/Cap vector utilized a truncated p5 promoter, a p5 cis‐regulatory element at the 3′ end in combination with a heterologous promoter to drive Cap expression and an additional copy of the rep52/40 gene to overexpress short Rep proteins. We demonstrate that Rep78 is essential for efficient rAAV2/8 production in HEK293 cells, and a higher ratio of short Rep to long Rep proteins enhances genome packaging. Second, we identified regulators and open reading frames within the Helper plasmid that contribute to increased rAAV2/8 production. While L4‐33k/22k is integral to optimal production, the use of E4orf6–6/7 subset significantly enhanced VG titer. Together, an optimal combination of engineered Rep/Cap and Helper plasmid variants increased VG titer by 3.1‐fold. This study demonstrates that configuring and controlling the expression of the different AAV genetic elements contributes toward high rAAV production and product quality (full/empty capsid ratio).
Episodic memory network characteristics in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment accompanied by executive function impairment
Authors: Wang Chao , Cheng Rukun , Yang Wenhao , Qiu Lin , Liu Haifeng ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the functional connectivity (FC) characteristics of the episodic memory network (EMN) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients with different levels of executive function (EF).

Methods

This study included 76 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database, comprising 23 healthy controls (HCs) and 53 aMCI patients. Based on EF levels, aMCI patients were categorized into aMCI‐highEF and aMCI‐lowEF groups. Cognitive function scores, pathological markers (cerebrospinal fluid β‐amyloid, total tau protein, phosphorylated tau protein, AV45‐PET, and FDG‐PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging were collected and compared among the three groups. Seed‐based FC analysis was used to examine differences in the EMN among the groups, and partial correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between changes in FC and cognitive function scores as well as pathological markers.

Results

Compared to the aMCI‐highEF group, the aMCI‐lowEF group exhibited more severe cognitive impairment, decreased cerebral glucose metabolism, and elevated AV45 levels. Significant FC differences in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) of the EMN were observed among the three groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that the aMCI‐lowEF group had increased FC in the left STG compared to the HCs and aMCI‐highEF groups, with statistically significant differences. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the differences in FC in the left STG of aMCI‐highEF and aMCI‐lowEF groups and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test forgetting scores. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis indicated an area under the curve of 0.741 for distinguishing between aMCI‐highEF and aMCI‐lowEF groups based on FC of left STG, with a sensitivity of 0.808 and a specificity of 0.667.

Conclusion

aMCI‐lowEF exhibits characteristic changes in FC within the EMN, providing theoretical support for the role of EF in mediating EMN alterations and, consequently, impacting episodic memory function.
Resocialization mitigates depressive behaviors induced by social isolation stress in mice: Attenuation of hippocampal neuroinflammation and nitrite level
Authors: Amini‐Khoei Hossein , Tahmasebi‐Dehkordi Hossein , Bijad Elham
Published: June 2024

Background and aim

Social isolation stress (SIS) is a stressor known to trigger depressive behaviors. Psychiatric disorders are associated with neurobiological changes, such as neuroinflammation and an increase in nitric oxide (NO) signaling. Despite the well‐established detrimental effects of SIS and the involvement of neuroinflammation and NO in depression, potential management strategies, especially resocialization, remain insufficiently explored. Our aim was to elucidate the effects of resocialization on depressive behaviors in socially isolated mice, with a focus on the possible involvement of neuroinflammation and nitrite in the hippocampus (HIP).

Methods

We utilized 24 Naval Medical Research Institute male mice, maintained under both social and isolation conditions (SC and IC). After the isolation period, the mice were divided into two groups of eight, including the SIS group and a resocialized group. The SC group was kept without exposure to isolation stress. We conducted the open‐field test, forced swimming test, and splash test to evaluate depressive behaviors. Additionally, nitrite levels, as well as the gene expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the HIP, were measured.

Results

The study found that resocialization significantly reduces depressive behaviors in SIS mice. The results suggest that the antidepressive effects of resocialization may be partially due to the modulation of the neuroinflammatory response and nitrite levels in the HIP. This is supported by the observed decrease in hippocampal gene expression of IL‐1β, TLR4, and TNF, along with a reduction in nitrite levels following resocialization.

Conclusion

These insights could pave the way for new management strategies for depression, emphasizing the potential benefits of social interactions.
New Frontiers in Nonheme Enzymatic Oxyferryl Species
Authors: Paris Jared C. , Hei Cheung Yuk , Zhang Tao , Chang Wei‐chen , Liu Pinghua , Guo Yisong
Published: June 2024

Non‐heme mononuclear iron dependent (NHM−Fe) enzymes exhibit exceedingly diverse catalytic reactivities. Despite their catalytic versatilities, the mononuclear iron centers in these enzymes show a relatively simple architecture, in which an iron atom is ligated with 2–4 amino acid residues, including histidine, aspartic or glutamic acid. In the past two decades, a common high‐valent reactive iron intermediate, the S=2 oxyferryl (Fe(IV)‐oxo or Fe(IV)=O) species, has been repeatedly discovered in NHM−Fe enzymes containing a 2‐His‐Fe or 2‐His‐1‐carboxylate‐Fe center. However, for 3‐His/4‐His‐Fe enzymes, no common reactive intermediate has been identified. Recently, we have spectroscopically characterized the first S=1 Fe(IV) intermediate in a 3‐His‐Fe containing enzyme, OvoA, which catalyzes a novel oxidative carbon‐sulfur bond formation. In this review, we summarize the broad reactivities demonstrated by S=2 Fe(IV)‐oxo intermediates, the discovery of the first S=1 Fe(IV) intermediate in OvoA and the mechanistic implication of such a discovery, and the intrinsic reactivity differences of the S=2 and the S=1 Fe(IV)‐oxo species. Finally, we postulate the possible reasons to utilize an S=1 Fe(IV) species in OvoA and their implications to other 3‐His/4‐His‐Fe enzymes.
Investigation on the Structure and Performance of Supported Ni Nanoparticles for the Hydrogenation of Furfural
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Alijani Shahram , Gallarati Simone , Tessore Francesca , Jose Delgado Juan , Gianolio Diego , Villa Alberto , Arrigo Rosa
Published: June 2024

In this study, nickel (Ni) nanoparticles were successfully synthesised using two methods: the hot‐injection method and a room temperature colloidal synthesis using dioctyl tartrate as a capping agent. Each approach yielded Ni nanoparticles with unique morphological and electronic properties. The distinct characteristics of these Ni nanoparticles make them promising candidates for unravelling structure/activity relationships, a crucial aspect in developing catalysts with enhanced selectivity. Furthermore, Ni nanoparticles synthesized via these methods were supported on both silica and activated charcoal, with variations in Ni loadings. We explored the impact of nanostructural characteristic of the Ni NPs as well as support effects on the selective hydrogenation of furfural. Using temperature programmed reduction, advanced X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and atom‐resolved electron microscopy techniques, we established comprehensive structure‐function relationships. Herein, we demonstrate that using a dioctyl tartrate route, foam‐like Ni nanostructures are obtained, yielding higher selectivity towards selective hydrogenation than commercial Ni/Al2O3 and a suppression of the acid‐base catalysed acetalization and etherification reactions. Furthermore, conversions similar to commercial Ni/Al2O3 are achieved using a lower Ni loading. These insights provide valuable guidance for the design of enhanced materials, contributing to the optimization of catalyst performance in selective hydrogenation processes. This research marks a significant step toward the development of more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes.
Prevalence and coexistence of type 2 inflammatory diseases
Authors: Mora Toni , Sánchez‐Collado Irene , Muñoz‐Cano Rosa , Ribó Paula , Palomo‐Jiménez Paloma I. , Mullol Joaquim , Valero Antonio
Published: June 2024

Background

Type 2 inflammation has been described as a pathophysiological basis common to some diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and asthma (CRSwNP).

Objective

The present study used population‐based prevalence in Catalonia to analyse the coexistence of type 2 inflammatory diseases in patients primarily diagnosed with the above mentioned conditions.

Results

We found a high degree of coexistence of type 2 inflammatory diseases among these patients, with the prevalence being higher in the severe forms, except for AD. For the severe forms of primary diseases, the proportion of patients with coexisting type 2 inflammatory diseases (severe or non‐severe) was 16.2% for AD, 19.8% for asthma, and a striking 62.4% for CRSwNP. This patient population has the highest proportion of coexisting type 2 inflammatory diseases, both severe (48.9%) and non‐severe (13.5%).

Conclusion

Our findings have significant implications for the management of patients with AD, asthma, and CRSwNP.
Impact of Food on the Oral Absorption of N‐Acetyl‐D‐Mannosamine in Healthy Men and Women
Authors: Evans Allan M. , Fornasini Gianfranco , Meola Tahlia R. , Gahl William A. , Huizing Marjan , Polasek Thomas M. , Reuter Stephanie E.
Published: June 2024

N‐Acetyl‐D‐mannosamine (ManNAc) is an endogenous monosaccharide and precursor of N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), a critical sialic acid. ManNAc is currently under clinical development to treat GNE myopathy, a rare muscle‐wasting disease. In this randomized, open‐label, 2‐sequence, crossover study, 16 healthy women and men were administered a single oral dose of ManNAc under fasting and fed conditions. Blood samples were collected for 48 hours after dosing for quantification of plasma ManNAc and Neu5Ac concentrations. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic and deconvolution analyses were performed using baseline‐corrected plasma concentration data. Administration of ManNAc in the fed state resulted in a 1.6‐fold increase in ManNAc exposure, compared to fasting conditions. A concurrent increase in Neu5Ac exposure was observed in the presence of food. Deconvolution analysis indicated that the findings were attributed to prolonged absorption rather than an enhanced rate of absorption. The impact of food on ManNAc pharmacokinetics was greater in women than men (fed/fasted area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity mean ratio: 198% compared to 121%). It is hypothesized that the presence of food slows gastric emptying, allowing a gradual release of ManNAc into the small intestine, translating into improved ManNAc absorption. The results suggest that taking ManNAc with food may enhance its therapeutic activity and/or reduce the daily dosage requirement.
Laser‐Induced Nucleation of Acetaminophen through the Addition of Insoluble Impurities and Acidic Polymers
Authors: Xie Xiongfei , Li Shuai , Liu Yao
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the crystallization of acetaminophen (ACET) in ultrapure water and a 10 wt.% aqueous polyacrylic acid (PAA) solution using non‐photochemical laser‐induced nucleation (NPLIN) for the first time. Using a 532 nm nanosecond laser, two distinct crystal morphologies—rhombic and tetragonal plate‐like—are formed in both solvents after adding impurities. Notably, the PAA solution showed a reduced number of crystals and slower growth rates compared to ultrapure water, suggesting that the acidic polymer modulates crystal growth. Interestingly, crystals are not induced by the laser without impurities. However, impurities like copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) or boron carbide (CB4) enabled successful NPLIN, with CB4 showing higher nucleation efficiency than CuPc. The study also explores how laser power affects nucleation probability and identifies potential laser energy thresholds. Experimental data on ACET crystal sizes over time are fitted to derived equations, which accurately represented trends and predicted results. The nanoparticle heating mechanism and the role of acidic polymers in affecting nucleation probability and growth rate are discussed, along with potential mechanisms for changes in crystal morphology.
Negotiating distinctiveness and building resilience: Arab and Jewish women's acts of micro‐emancipation in the context of Israeli municipal councils
Authors: Syna Helena Desivilya
Published: June 2024

The paper narrows the research gaps on women's performances enacted to ascertain their voice and influence in perplexing environments and how these attempts evolve in the particular social, political fields of local government. It shows how women use negotiation to build resilience, cope with persistent gender inequalities and exert influence in strategic management forums of local governments. The findings are based on content analysis of semistructured interviews with 20 Arab and Jewish women members of municipal councils. Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the interview data: “noisy silences”—subtle counter‐moves, disrupting the field and planting new trees and the mysteries of success. These themes encapsulate marks of micro‐emancipation, illustrating women council members' acts of resistance—transforming the imperfections attributed to them by their male counterparts, into opportunities—, allowing to sound their voices and exert influence at the unhospitable and chilly political field of local governments. Women are capable of adapting their negotiation repertoire to the emerging circumstances. The task of changing the playing field of municipal councils is markedly more arduous for women in Arab towns, nonetheless some of them engage it.
Impacts of genotype, edaphic factors, and plant nutrients on yield and fruit quality for a perennial specialty crop (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.)
Authors: Millar David , Kennedy Casey , Zalapa Juan , Jeranyama Peter , Mupambi Giverson , Wiegman Adrian , Buda Anthony
Published: June 2024

Compared to conventional crops, less is known about how genetic and environmental variability affect the yield and quality of specialty crops like cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). Herein, we performed a multifaceted analysis of six commercial cranberry beds planted to the Stevens cultivar. The six beds included three with above‐average multiyear yields and three that were lower than average. We considered genotype, edaphic factors, and plant nutrient content as driving variables of yield and fruit quality. We found that genetic purity within beds raised the odds of obtaining above‐average yields over an 8‐year period. The highest levels of genetic contamination (38%–75%) were found at the low‐yield beds, where significant differences in yield and fruit quality were observed between genotypes, within beds. Across all beds, focusing only on plots genetically confirmed to be Stevens cultivar, we also found that plot‐scale yield in 2020 was significantly higher for two of three high‐yield beds, suggesting other factors besides genetic contamination influenced differences in bed‐scale yield. A factor analysis of mixed data that jointly included genotype, edaphic variables, and plant tissue nutrient content revealed complex relations among these variables that were tied to grouping plots based on long‐term yield. Findings highlight the need for further research into the complex genetic and environmental factors that control cranberry yield and fruit quality.
Decadal‐scale time series highlight the role of chronic disturbances in driving ecosystem collapse in the Anthropocene
Authors: Edmunds Peter J.
Published: June 2024

Biome degradation characterizes the Anthropocene Epoch, and modern ecology is deeply involved with describing the changes underway. Most research has focused on the role of acute disturbances in causing conspicuous changes in ecosystem structure, which leads to an underappreciation of the chronic effects causing large changes through the cumulative effects of small perturbations over decades. Coral reefs epitomize this trend, because the changes in community structure are profound, yet the data to quantify these effects are usually insufficient to evaluate the relative roles of different disturbance types. Here, four decades of surveys from two coral reefs (9 and 14 m depth) off St. John, US Virgin Islands, are used to quantify the associations of acute and chronic events with the changes in benthic community structure. These reefs profoundly changed over 36 years, with coral death altering species assemblages to depress abundances of the ecologically important coral Orbicella spp. and elevating the coverage of macroalgae and crustose coralline algae/turf/bare space (CTB). Linear mixed models revealed the prominent role of chronic variation in temperature in accounting for changes in coverage of corals, macroalgae, and CTB, with rising temperature associated with increases in coral cover on the deep reef, and declines on the shallow reef. Hurricanes were also associated with declines in coral cover on the shallow reef, and increases on the deep reef. Multivariate analyses revealed strong associations between community structure and temperature, but weaker associations with hurricanes, bleaching, and diseases. These results highlight the overwhelming importance of chronically increasing temperature in altering the benthic community structure of Caribbean reefs.
Cognitive blockchain and its application to optimize performance in blockchain systems
Authors: Ameri Reyhaneh , Meybodi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2024

A distributed ledger called a blockchain is used for logging authenticated cryptographic transactions. The global ledger is updated with transactions using consensus techniques. Consensus algorithms are developed for networks with untrusted nodes to achieve reliability. Academics are paying attention to this technology because it has essential features like decentralization, stability, anonymity, and transparency. Even though the blockchain has some unique features, it has to deal with many challenges and restrictions, such as scalability, security, hidden centrality, and high cost. Artificial intelligence and blockchain are technologies that have been much discussed in the last decade and are developing rapidly. Combining the two to meet the existing challenges can have fascinating results. In this paper, we introduce the novel idea of cognitive blockchain by incorporating intelligent thought into the blockchain. With cognitive capabilities, blockchain technology can perceive the state of the network, analyze the data it has collected, make good decisions, and take appropriate action to improve network performance. We provide an operational framework for cognitive blockchain, which primarily refers to the connections between fundamental cognitive processes, including the perception‐action cycle, data analytics, knowledge discovery, intelligent decision‐making, and service provision. Then, using learning automata, we provide methods for creating cognitive engines for performance optimization by intelligently adjusting the block size, time interval, and validators in blockchain systems with BFT‐based consensus algorithms. Several experiments have been conducted to assess the suggested approaches' effectiveness. The findings demonstrate that the proposed performance optimization approach improves blockchain performance criteria.
Identical code‐data cyclic shift transmission for time‐dispersive channel
Authors: Vasudevan S. , Stuwart S. Lenty
Published: June 2024

Multiple access techniques working on time‐dispersive channels must employ spreading codes with good correlation properties to minimize multipath interference and multiple access interference. Popular spreading codes, such as the Walsh‐Hadamard code (orthogonal) and maximal length sequence (m‐sequence) (semi‐orthogonal), suffer from intersymbol interference (ISI). ISI increases owing to the poor autocorrelation properties of the spreading codes, resulting in a deteriorated bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance. Recently, a cyclic interleaving transmission has been proposed to enhance multipath diversity in the presence of ISI. In this study, an identical code‐data cyclic shift (ICDCS) transmission scheme is introduced to achieve improved multipath diversity in time‐dispersive channels. The proposed ICDCS transmission is designed based on cyclically shifting identical codes and data. The code and data involved in the first set of spreading are cyclically shifted for the next set of spreading, and the two sets are blended to perform cyclic interleaving. The data are despread from each multipath component at the receiver using different codes derived from a single m‐sequence through identical code cyclic shifting (ICCS). Consequently, multipath diversity increases, resulting in a significant reduction in the BER. ICDCS transmission effectively utilizes all multipath components and the codes derived from the ICCS to mitigate ISI. The simulation results confirm that the proposed ICDCS transmission significantly enhances the multipath diversity compared to the conventional cyclic interleaving transmission scheme.
Fast refacing of MR images with a generative neural network lowers re‐identification risk and preserves volumetric consistency
Authors: Molchanova Nataliia , Maréchal Bénédicte , Thiran Jean‐Philippe , Kober Tobias , Huelnhagen Till , Richiardi Jonas ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2024

With the rise of open data, identifiability of individuals based on 3D renderings obtained from routine structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the head has become a growing privacy concern. To protect subject privacy, several algorithms have been developed to de‐identify imaging data using blurring, defacing or refacing. Completely removing facial structures provides the best re‐identification protection but can significantly impact post‐processing steps, like brain morphometry. As an alternative, refacing methods that replace individual facial structures with generic templates have a lower effect on the geometry and intensity distribution of original scans, and are able to provide more consistent post‐processing results by the price of higher re‐identification risk and computational complexity. In the current study, we propose a novel method for anonymized face generation for defaced 3D T1‐weighted scans based on a 3D conditional generative adversarial network. To evaluate the performance of the proposed de‐identification tool, a comparative study was conducted between several existing defacing and refacing tools, with two different segmentation algorithms (FAST and Morphobox). The aim was to evaluate (i) impact on brain morphometry reproducibility, (ii) re‐identification risk, (iii) balance between (i) and (ii), and (iv) the processing time. The proposed method takes 9 s for face generation and is suitable for recovering consistent post‐processing results after defacing.
Confounding association between plasma HDL‐C levels and increased fracture risk: A correspondence
Authors: Abbasi Arooba Noor , Qaiser Syed Faiq , Hoda Fatimah , Memon Aaima , Lakho Arooba
Published: June 2024

Background

This article explores the association between fractures, particularly in the elderly, and elevated plasma high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels. The study challenges the conventional idea of HDL‐C as “good cholesterol” by revealing its potential role as a risk factor for fractures. Factors contributing to fractures in the elderly, such as diminishing bone strength due to aging‐related tissue breakdown, are discussed. Sedentary lifestyles, low bone mineral density (BMD), and habits like smoking and alcohol consumption compound fracture susceptibility.

Materials and Methods

The study delves into mechanisms linking elevated HDL‐C to fractures, using data from the ASPREE‐Fracturesub‐study of the ASPREE trial involving Australian and American participants aged 65 and above.

Results

The study showed that over a 4‐year period, elevated HDL‐C levels in healthy older people were linked to a 14% higher fracture risk. This revelation expands the understanding of fracture risk factors beyond the established norms.

Conclusion

The article emphasizes the need to reconsider HDL‐C's traditional role as an indicator of cardiovascular health, particularly in light of medications like Statins and Anacetrapib that raise HDL‐C levels. It calls for further exploration into the relationship between HDL‐C, fractures at varying sites, and different age groups. Practical implications involve incorporating fracture risk associated with high HDL‐C into clinical considerations, alongside advocating lifestyle changes for optimal HDL‐C levels. In summary, this study prompts a reevaluation of HDL‐C's implications in clinical practice, demanding further investigation into the intricacies of this relationship.
Urethral catheter entrapped in vesicourethral anastomotic sutures after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy successfully removed by transurethral approach
Authors: Yoshihara Kentaro , Tashiro Kojiro , Kimura Shoji , Yasue Keiji , Urabe Fumihiko , Yamada Hiroki , Kimura Takahiro
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Urethral catheter entrapped in vesicourethral anastomotic sutures after radical prostatectomy is a relatively common complication. We herein present a novel and safe technique to remove urethral catheter.

Case presentation

A 64‐year‐old man was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Subsequently he underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. On postoperative Day 7, the patient experienced difficulty in removing the catheter, and entanglement of the suture with the urinary catheter was suspected. After conservative follow‐up, a rigid endoscope was inserted into the urethra beside urethral catheter, identifying suture entanglement with the catheter. Finally, the suture was cut with scissor forceps.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which scissor forceps were used to cut the entangled thread in such a complication. This case highlights a novel but simple method for difficult removal of an entrapped catheter.
Ensemble of Deep CNN Models for Human Skin Disease Classification
Authors: Askale Getnet Tigabie , Assress Demeke Ayele , Salau Ayodeji Olalekan , Yibel Achenef Behulu
Published: June 2024

Skin diseases are among the leading causes of disability worldwide and are a significant cause of morbidity in sub‐Saharan Africa. It can be cured if identified early. Only an expert dermatologist can classify skin disease by examining clinical signs. Sometimes, it can happen that dermatologists do not correctly classify the Skin disease, and therefore prescribe inappropriate drugs to the patient. Various research has been done to automate skin disease classification. Almost all the studies were concentrated on classifying three to four types of skin diseases. Developing a model that can be used in real‐world practical AI applications is important. In this study, we present an ensemble model based on the hard‐voting scheme of three deep CNN architectures: SKDCNET, FVGG16, and InceptionV3 for automatic classification of the top eight skin diseases. The proposed model utilizes three architectural diversities: training from scratch, fine‐tuning, and transfer learning. We used median filter noise removal and data augmentation technique to increase the number of training datasets. The proposed ensemble model produces 98% of accuracy. As an outcome of this study, the proposed model has the potential to be used as a decision support method for dermatologists. It can also contribute to the early identification (treatment) of skin diseases to reduce their further spread.
Surface chemistry of electrode materials toward improving electrolyte‐wettability: A method review
Authors: Zhao Lei , Peng Yuanyou , Dou Peiyao , Li Yuan , He Tianqi , Ran Fen
Published: June 2024

The electrolyte‐wettability at electrode material/electrolyte interface is a critical factor that governs the fundamental mechanisms of electrochemical reaction efficiency and kinetics of electrode materials in practical electrochemical energy storage. Therefore, the design and construction of electrode material surfaces with improved electrolyte‐wettability has been demonstrated to be important to optimize electrochemical energy storage performance of electrode material. Here, we comprehensively summarize advanced strategies and key progresses in surface chemical modification for enhancing electrolyte‐wettability of electrode materials, including polar atom doping by post treatment, introducing functional groups, grafting molecular brushes, and surface coating by in situ reaction. Specifically, the basic principles, characteristics, and challenges of these surface chemical strategies for improving electrolyte‐wettability of electrode materials are discussed in detail. Finally, the potential research directions regarding the surface chemical strategies and advanced characterization techniques for electrolyte‐wettability in the future are provided. This review not only insights into the surface chemical strategies for improving electrolyte‐wettability of electrode materials, but also provides strategic guidance for the electrolyte‐wettability modification and optimization of electrode materials in pursuing high‐performance electrochemical energy storage devices.

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SAnDReS 2.0: Development of machine‐learning models to explore the scoring function space
Authors: de Azevedo Walter Filgueira , Quiroga Rodrigo , Villarreal Marcos Ariel , da Silveira Nelson José Freitas , Bitencourt‐Ferreira Gabriela , da Silva Amauri Duarte , Veit‐Acosta Martina , Oliveira Patricia Rufino , Tutone Marco , Biziukova Nadezhda , Poroikov Vladimir , Tarasova Olga , Baud Stéphaine
Published: June 2024

Classical scoring functions may exhibit low accuracy in determining ligand binding affinity for proteins. The availability of both protein–ligand structures and affinity data make it possible to develop machine‐learning models focused on specific protein systems with superior predictive performance. Here, we report a new methodology named SAnDReS that combines AutoDock Vina 1.2 with 54 regression methods available in Scikit‐Learn to calculate binding affinity based on protein–ligand structures. This approach allows exploration of the scoring function space. SAnDReS generates machine‐learning models based on crystal, docked, and AlphaFold‐generated structures. As a proof of concept, we examine the performance of SAnDReS‐generated models in three case studies. For all three cases, our models outperformed classical scoring functions. Also, SAnDReS‐generated models showed predictive performance close to or better than other machine‐learning models such as KDEEP, CSM‐lig, and ΔVinaRF20. SAnDReS 2.0 is available to download at https://github.com/azevedolab/sandres.
Characterisation of sRNAs enriched in outer membrane vesicles of pathogenic Flavobacterium psychrophilum causing Bacterial Cold Water Disease in rainbow trout
Authors: Chapagain Pratima , Ali Ali , Kidane Destaalem T. , Farone Mary , Salem Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Flavobacterium psychrophilum (Fp) causes Bacterial Cold Water Disease in salmonids. During host‐pathogen interactions, gram‐negative bacteria, such as Fp, release external membrane vesicles (OMVs) harbouring cargos, such as DNA, RNA and virulence factors. This study aimed to characterise the potential role of the OMVs’ small RNAs (sRNAs) in the Fp‐rainbow trout host‐pathogen interactions. sRNAs carried within OMVs were isolated from Fp. RNA‐Seq datasets from whole‐cell Fp and their isolated OMVs indicated substantial enrichment of specific sRNAs in the OMVs compared to the parent cell. Many of the OMV‐packaged sRNAs were located in the pathogenicity islands of Fp. Conservation of sRNAs in 65 strains with variable degrees of virulence was reported. Dual RNA‐Seq of host and pathogen transcriptomes on day 5 post‐infection of Fp ‐resistant and ‐susceptible rainbow trout genetic lines revealed correlated expression of OMV‐packaged sRNAs and their predicted host's immune gene targets. In vitro, treatment of the rainbow trout epithelial cell line RTgill‐W1 with OMVs showed signs of cytotoxicity accompanied by dynamic changes in the expression of host genes when profiled 24 h following treatment. The OMV‐treated cells, similar to the Fp ‐resistant fish, showed downregulated expression of the suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1) gene, suggesting induction of phagosomal maturation. Other signs of modulating the host gene expression following OMV‐treatment include favouring elements from the phagocytic, endocytic and antigen presentation pathways in addition to HSP70, HSP90 and cochaperone proteins, which provide evidence for a potential role of OMVs in boosting the host immune response. In conclusion, the study identified novel microbial targets and inherent characteristics of OMVs that could open up new avenues of treatment and prevention of fish infections.
Radical Black behaviorism to address racial microaggressions among African American clients: The case of Aniyah
Authors: Steele Janeé M.
Published: June 2024

This article describes radical Black behaviorism and how it may be utilized during counseling to address the effects of racial microaggressions among African American clients. A case illustration is provided, and implications for broader societal change are discussed.
Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability Through Rhizomicrobiome: A Review
Authors: Behera Prateek Ranjan , Behera Kishan Kumar , Sethi Gangadhar , Prabina B. Jeberlin , Bai A. Thoyajakshi , Sipra B. S. , Adarsh Varanasi , Das Sasmita , Behera Kanhu Charan , Singh Lakshmi , Mishra Mihir Kumar , Behera Maheswari
Published: June 2024

Sustainable agriculture represents the responsible utilization of natural resources while safeguarding the well‐being of the natural environment. It encompasses the objectives of preserving the environment, fostering economic growth, and promoting socioeconomic equality. To achieve sustainable development for humanity, it is imperative to prioritize sustainable agriculture. One significant approach to achieving this transition is the extensive utilization of microbes, which play a crucial role due to the genetic reliance of plants on the beneficial functions provided by symbiotic microbes. This review focuses on the significance of rhizospheric microbial communities, also known as the rhizomicrobiome (RM). It is a complex community of microorganisms that live in the rhizosphere and influence the plant's growth and health. It provides its host plant with various benefits related to plant growth, including biocontrol, biofertilization, phytostimulation, rhizoremediation, stress resistance, and other advantageous properties. Yet, the mechanisms by which the RM contributes to sustainable agriculture remain largely unknown. Investigating this microbial population presents a significant opportunity to advance toward sustainable agriculture. Hence, this study aims to provide an overview of the diversity and applications of RM in sustainable agriculture practices. Lately, there has been growing momentum in various areas related to rhizobiome research and its application in agriculture. This includes rhizosphere engineering, synthetic microbiome application, agent‐based modeling of the rhizobiome, and metagenomic studies. So, developing bioformulations of these beneficial microorganisms that support plant growth could serve as a promising solution for future strategies aimed at achieving a new green revolution.