bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zn promoted GaZrOx Ternary Solid Solution Oxide Combined with SAPO‐34 Effectively Converts CO2 to Light Olefins with Low CO Selectivity
Authors: Liu Shike , Yang Kun , Ren Qixia , Liu Fei , Yao Mengqin , Ma Jun , Geng Shuo , Cao Jianxin
Published: May 2024

We proposed a new strategy for CO2 hydrogenation to prepare light olefins by introducing Zn into GaZrOx to construct ZnGaZrOx ternary oxides, which was combined with SAPO‐34 to prepare a high–performance ZnGaZrOx/SAPO‐34 tandem catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins. By optimizing the Zn doping content, the ratio and mode of the two–phase composite, and the process conditions, the 3.5 %ZnGaZrOx/SAPO‐34 tandem catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance and good high–temperature inhibition of the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The catalyst achieved 26.6 % CO2 conversion, 82.1 % C2=−C4= selectivity and 11.8 % light olefins yield. The ZnGaZrOx formed by introducing an appropriate amount of Zn into GaZrOx significantly enhanced the spillover H2 effect and also induced the generation of abundant oxygen vacancies to effectively promote the activation of CO2. Importantly, the RWGS reaction was also significantly suppressed at high temperatures, with the CO selectivity being only 46.1 % at 390 °C.
Semi‐continuous non‐sterile production of medium chain‐length polyhydroxyalkanoates from fatty acids
Authors: Blunt Warren , Lagassé Alain , Harvey Jacob , Sparling Richard , Gapes Daniel , Levin David , Cicek Nazim
Published: May 2024

Medium chain‐length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl‐PHAs) are efficiently synthesized from fatty acids. It was hypothesized that under non‐axenic conditions, the anti‐microbial properties of fatty acids would reduce growth of microbial competitors and allow Pseudomonas putida LS46 to dominate the population resulting in non‐sterile mcl‐PHA production. Non‐sterile batch and fed‐batch cultures produced similar final mcl‐PHA content, monomer composition, and productivity during 24–27 h cultivations when compared to sterile control cultures for initial octanoic acid concentrations ranging from 5 to 40 mM at an initial pH of 6.5. In the absence of a P. putida inoculum, growth was eventually observed in non‐sterile medium after a lag period of up to 120 h, the length of which was dependent on the octanoic acid concentration. The efficacy of prolonged non‐sterile cultivation was tested using a sequential batch reactor (SBR). After 28 days (672 h), 1.62 g L−1 of total biomass was observed, of which the mcl‐PHA content was 47%. This resulted in a PHA titer of 0.77 g L−1, and a volumetric PHA productivity of 32 mg L−1 h−1. The polymer composition remained stable throughout at 87.0 ± 2.7% C8 monomers, and short‐chain length (scl‐) monomers were not detected. This study is the first of its kind to report that purely mcl‐PHAs were produced after prolonged periods in a non‐sterile environment and demonstrate that medium chain‐length fatty acids exert a strong selective pressure toward organisms that synthesize mcl‐PHA. This suggests an opportunity for mcl‐PHA production in open continuous cultivation, which could reduce both fixed and operating costs.
Stable, while Still Active? A DFT Study of Cu, Ag, and Au Single Atoms at the C3N4/TiO2 Interface
Authors: Di Liberto Giovanni , Tosoni Sergio
Published: May 2024

Hybrid DFT calculations are employed to compare the adsorption and stabilization of Cu, Ag, and Au atoms on graphitic C3N4 and on the heterojunction formed by g‐ C3N4 and TiO2. While Cu and Ag can be strongly chemisorbed in form of cations on g‐ C3N4, Au is only weakly physisorbed. On g‐ C3N4/TiO2, all coinage metal adatoms can be strongly chemisorbed, but, while Cu and Ag forms cations, Au form an Au− species. Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics simulations confirm that the metal adatoms on g‐C3N4 are highly mobile at room temperature, while they remain confined in the interfacial spacing between C3N4 and TiO2 on the heterojunction, being both stably bound and reachable for the reactants in a catalytic cycle. Doping g‐ C3N4/TiO2 with metal single atoms permits thus to generate catalytic systems with tunable charge and chemical properties and improved stability with respect to bare C3N4. Moreover, the changes in the electronic structure of g‐ C3N4/TiO2 induced by the presence of the metal single atoms are beneficial also for photocatalytic applications.
Does digitalisation enable small and medium‐sized enterprises to become more sustainable?
Authors: Trueba‐Castañeda Laura , Somohano‐Rodríguez Francisco M. , Torre‐Olmo Begoña
Published: May 2024

Environmental sustainability is currently of paramount importance worldwide. In this context, digitalisation has emerged as a transformative force in the business world, and small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) need to adapt to sustainability and digitalisation without neglecting performance. The objective of the study is to establish the connection between the positive financial outcomes resulting from digital capabilities and the ability of SMEs to become environmentally sustainable. Additionally, a theoretical framework has been developed to explain the results from the analysis of a reflexive structural equation model using data collected from 975 Spanish SMEs. The results indicate that investing in digitalisation allows companies to become more environmentally responsible and achieve qualitative growth in terms of reputation. Furthermore, digitalisation promotes quantitative growth through improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced product quality and increased customer satisfaction. Lastly, the study model demonstrates that profitable companies are more likely to be sustainable.
Eugenol Hydrodeoxygenation Over Mixed Mo−W Carbides
Authors: Akmach Dahi , Tran Chi‐Cong , Stevanovic Tatjana , El Kadib Abdelkrim , Kaliaguine Serge
Published: May 2024

The modification of molybdenum carbide catalysts by another transition metal has raised an increasing research interest due to the significant improvement of catalyst activity in hydrodeoxygenation of lignin derivatives. At par with the commonly used Co and Ni that add a strong hydrogenation functionality, it was found that the addition of the more oxophilic W restricts ring hydrogenation while allowing the deoxygenation of oxygenated compounds and thus yielding higher selectivity toward the formation of non‐oxygenated aromatic compounds. The coexistence of Mo2C with W2C along with metallic W altered the electronic properties of Mo2C which resulted in an increase of catalyst active site density and facilitated further total eugenol deoxygenation. Propyl‐benzene selectivity of up to 83 % was reached at close to 100 % eugenol conversion. These findings will allow a better overview of the effect of different metal phases of mixed carbides on the catalyst performance and raise the prospect of optimizing catalyst design for a hydrodeoxygenation processing of lignin depolymerization products.
An inverted U‐shaped merged stubs hexa‐band 4‐element MIMO antenna for advanced wireless applications
Authors: Addepalli Tathababu , Vidyavathi Thota , Chakradhar Karnam Serkadu , Babu Kommanaboyina Vasu , Nella Anveshkumar , Chebrolu Manohar Kumar
Published: May 2024

A four‐element hexa‐band inverted U‐shaped merged stubs miniaturized Multiple‐Input Multiple‐Output (MIMO) radiator, operating in 2.10–2.17 GHz for 3G (2.17 GHz) band, 2.52–2.60 GHz for 4G (2.5 GHz) band, 3.31–3.46 GHz for 5G (3.4 GHz [n77 and n78]) bands, 3.66–3.72 GHz for 5G (3.7 GHz [n77 and n78]) bands, 4.53–4.62 GHz for 5G (4.5 GHz [n79]) band, and 5.15–6.02 GHz for 5.5 GHz WLAN bands, is developed. The radiator and ground planes comprise of multiple inverted U‐shaped stubs and slots to form the proposed configuration having overall compact dimensions of 62 × 62 × 1.6 mm3. The peak gain and radiation efficiency of the antenna are found to be 1.31 dBi and 77.48% at 2.17 GHz, 0.98 dBi and 63.3% at 2.55 GHz, 2.9 dBi and 71.13% at 3.38GHz, 1.6 dBi and 66.68% at 3.68 GHz, 2.58 dBi and 77% at 4.57 GHz, and 3.27 dBi and 68.68% at 5.52GHz. The arrangement of four antenna elements is orthogonal (rotationally symmetric) to minimize the mutual coupling, and hence, a minimum isolation of more than 15 dB is noted between all the antenna ports. Furthermore, Envelope Correlation‐Coefficient (ECC) in desired bands is lower than 0.012. Channel Capacity‐Loss (CCL) and Diversity‐Gain (DG) are also good with 0.015 bits/s/Hz and 9.96 dB, respectively. The fabricated structure measurement results agree well with simulation outcomes. These facts result that the proposed MIMO structure is a promising module for the usage in WLAN, 4G, and 5G band applications.
Recent Developments in the Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Azide Alkyne Cycloaddition (RuAAC) Reaction
Authors: Ferrara Flavia , Beke‐Somfai Tamás , Kann Nina
Published: May 2024

The ruthenium‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (RuAAC) gives access to 1,5‐disubstitued triazoles in a single atom‐economical step and offers advantages compared to its copper‐catalyzed counterpart in that both terminal and internal alkynes can be employed. This review summarizes recent findings in this field during the last eight years, covering mechanistic investigations, synthetic developments, as well as applications in medicinal chemistry, polymer synthesis and physical organic chemistry.
Real‐world use of the updated refractory epilepsy screening tool for Lennox–Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Wolf Steven M. , Boyce Danielle , Peña Patricia , Piña‐Garza Jesus Eric , Roland Jessica J. , Thomas Bethany , Zogejani Donika , McGoldrick Patricia E.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the Refractory Epilepsy Screening Tool for Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome (REST‐LGS) for real‐world identification of LGS in adults and to develop a scoring system for the tool.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of adults with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) and intellectual development disorder (IDD) was conducted by 2 primary care providers blinded to diagnosis. The REST‐LGS was designed via the Modified Delphi Consensus and was previously validated. This tool consists of 8 criteria (4 major, 4 minor) considered indicative of LGS. To account for missing data in the earlier validation study and to evaluate applicability in a real‐world setting, the REST‐LGS was refined to include a scoring system in which major criteria were more heavily weighted than minor criteria, producing categories of “likely” (>11 points), “possible” (8–11 points), and “unlikely” (<8 points) LGS. Statistical analyses were descriptive.

Results

Of the 100 patients included in the analysis, data for slow spike–waves in electroencephalography and seizure onset age – both major REST‐LGS criteria – were missing for 46% and 42% of patients, respectively. The majority of patients met 4 of the 8 REST‐LGS criteria (cognitive impairment since childhood, 71%; persistent seizures despite a trial of ≥2 antiseizure medications, 65%; seizure onset before the age of 12 years, 57%; ≥2 seizure types, 56%). All 4 major criteria were met in 22 patients (22%). The percentages of patients considered “likely,” “possible,” or “unlikely” to have LGS were 26%, 30%, and 44%, respectively. Of the 74 patients without a previous LGS diagnosis, 42 (57%) were identified as “possible” or “likely” to have LGS using REST‐LGS.

Significance

In this analysis, the validated REST‐LGS was evaluated in a real‐world setting. The majority of previously undiagnosed patients were identified via REST‐LGS as “possible” or “likely” to have LGS. Extensive missing data highlights challenges of LGS diagnosis in adults.

Plain Language Summary

There is a need to identify adult patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) so they can receive appropriate treatment. The Refractory Epilepsy Screening Tool for LGS (REST‐LGS) questionnaire was designed by experts to identify whether patients with seizures that are not controlled by medications may have LGS. In this study, 2 physicians completed the REST‐LGS using charts for 100 patients who experience seizures not controlled by medications. Of the patients who were previously diagnosed as not having LGS, the majority were “likely” or “possible” to have LGS based on the REST‐LGS; therefore, the REST‐LGS can identify patients for further evaluation.
Mapping surface sediment characteristics in enclosed shallow‐marine environments using spatially balanced designs and the random forest algorithm
Authors: Dalby Oliver , Kennedy David M. , McCarroll Robert J. , Young Mary , Ierodiaconou Daniel
Published: May 2024

Mapping the sedimentary character of the seafloor in large water‐filled basins is fundamental for understanding landform dynamics to inform research, management, intervention and conservation actions. Seabed mapping methods have undergone considerable development in the last two decades, including the uptake of machine learning approaches for sediment size prediction and classification. However, predictions of surficial sediment characteristics are often hindered by the availability of ground truthing data, their arrangement in space and the modelling approach chosen. Spatially informed sampling designs provide an opportunity to significantly improve the accuracy and uncertainty of predicted sediment distributions. In this study, we apply a machine learning algorithm to predict sediment distributions across Port Phillip Bay, a large (1930 km2) structurally controlled estuary on the southeast coast of Victoria, Australia. Surface sediment samples (n = 252) were collected using a spatially balanced design, ensuring that sampling effort was spread evenly within the embayment with increased sampling intensity placed in more heterogeneous areas. Surficial textural metrics were modelled using the random forest algorithm with bathymetric and hydrodynamic predictor variables. Models highlighted trends in sediment grain size, sorting and composition consistent with predicted wave‐ and current‐induced sediment mobilisation. Model predictions were accurate (normalised‐root mean squared error [NRMSE]: 0.14–0.16); however, standard error was not homogeneous across the study area. Uncertainty maps highlighted areas where additional sampling effort may be needed, including areas where transitional bathymetry impacted surficial sediment character and areas of anthropogenic modifications to the seabed. This study shows the benefits of undertaking spatially informed sample design, block cross‐validation during model fitting and quantifying spatial uncertainty in predictive maps to accurately quantify the fundamental boundary conditions of sediment size. The results of this study are intended to inform local coastal management, including beach renourishment activities. However, approaches outlined are applicable to any study where the seafloor grain size is a fundamental variable in understanding landscape change.
Glutathione-Mediated Metal Tolerance in an Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis)
Authors: Webb Rebecca J. , Cuff Christopher , Berger Lee
Published: May 2024

The spread of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes the disease chytridiomycosis, has resulted in amphibian declines and extinctions worldwide. Some susceptible amphibian species can persist in contaminated habitats, prompting the hypothesis that B. dendrobatidis might be sensitive to heavy metals. We tested a panel of 12 metals to rank their toxicity to B. dendrobatidis zoospores and zoosporangia during a 6-h exposure. To better understand the mechanism for metal detoxification, we also evaluated whether glutathione is required for metal tolerance by depleting cellular glutathione before metal exposure. In addition, we investigated whether prior exposure to low metal concentrations impacted tolerance of subsequent exposure, as well as identifying metal combinations that may act synergistically. Silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) were particularly toxic to B. dendrobatidis, with zoospore minimum lethal concentration values of 0.01 mM (Ag), 0.025 mM (Cd), and 0.5 mM (Cu). These three metals along with zinc (Zn) were also inhibitory to zoosporangia, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 0.005 mM (Ag), 0.04 mM (Cd), 0.075 mM (Cu), and 0.04 mM (Zn). The fungicidal effects of several metals was reduced when assays were conducted in nutrient medium compared with synthetic pond water, highlighting the need for careful in vitro assay design and interpretation. Glutathione depletion strongly influenced tolerance of Cd and Ag (85% and 75% less growth, respectively) and moderately influenced tolerance of Cu, Zn, and lead (37%, 18%, and 14% less growth, respectively), indicating the importance of glutathione for metal detoxification. In general, the minimum metal concentrations that inhibited growth of B. dendrobatidis far exceeded values detected in contaminated amphibian habitats in Australia, suggesting that metal contamination alone may not have a strong protective effect against chytridiomycosis. We discuss future research directions to futher understand the potential for dissolved metals to create chytrid refuges. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1583–1591. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Takeover in Europe: Target characteristics and acquisition likelihood
Authors: Meghouar Hicham
Published: May 2024

This article analyzes characteristics of takeover targets in the European market—relatively less studied compared with US and UK markets—to develop a takeover prediction model. Our sample includes 320 European companies with 140 targets and 180 non‐targets over the period 1994–2007, covering two M&A waves. In this study, we test the discriminating power of many relevant variables including new one that could have a discriminating power in potentially determining (value creation). Our results show that European targets are characterized by a growth‐resource imbalance, are less rich in FCF, have growth opportunities, have a higher level of transaction volume of shares prior to the bid, achieve lower economic performance, and destroy value. Furthermore, we develop several predictive models using targets' financial data from 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years before takeover, along with the 3‐year average. The correct classification power in the original sample is 70% (in‐sample). As for predictive ability, the correct classification power in a control sample is 79.4% (out‐of‐sample). We also noted that predictive models using data from 1 or 2 years before the bid appear to display more significant predictive ability.
EEG functional connectivity as a Riemannian mediator: An application to malnutrition and cognition
Authors: Lopez Naranjo Carlos , Razzaq Fuleah Abdul , Li Min , Wang Ying , Bosch‐Bayard Jorge F. , Lindquist Martin A. , Gonzalez Mitjans Anisleidy , Garcia Ronaldo , Rabinowitz Arielle G. , Anderson Simon G. , Chiarenza Giuseppe A. , Calzada‐Reyes Ana , Virues‐Alba Trinidad , Galler Janina R. , Minati Ludovico , Bringas Vega Maria L. , Valdes‐Sosa Pedro A.
Published: May 2024

Mediation analysis assesses whether an exposure directly produces changes in cognitive behavior or is influenced by intermediate “mediators”. Electroencephalographic (EEG) spectral measurements have been previously used as effective mediators representing diverse aspects of brain function. However, it has been necessary to collapse EEG measures onto a single scalar using standard mediation methods. In this article, we overcome this limitation and examine EEG frequency‐resolved functional connectivity measures as a mediator using the full EEG cross‐spectral tensor (CST). Since CST samples do not exist in Euclidean space but in the Riemannian manifold of positive‐definite tensors, we transform the problem, allowing for the use of classic multivariate statistics. Toward this end, we map the data from the original manifold space to the Euclidean tangent space, eliminating redundant information to conform to a “compressed CST.” The resulting object is a matrix with rows corresponding to frequencies and columns to cross spectra between channels. We have developed a novel matrix mediation approach that leverages a nuclear norm regularization to determine the matrix‐valued regression parameters. Furthermore, we introduced a global test for the overall CST mediation and a test to determine specific channels and frequencies driving the mediation. We validated the method through simulations and applied it to our well‐studied 50+‐year Barbados Nutrition Study dataset by comparing EEGs collected in school‐age children (5–11 years) who were malnourished in the first year of life with those of healthy classmate controls. We hypothesized that the CST mediates the effect of malnutrition on cognitive performance. We can now explicitly pinpoint the frequencies (delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands) and regions (frontal, central, and occipital) in which functional connectivity was altered in previously malnourished children, an improvement to prior studies. Understanding the specific networks impacted by a history of postnatal malnutrition could pave the way for developing more targeted and personalized therapeutic interventions. Our methods offer a versatile framework applicable to mediation studies encompassing matrix and Hermitian 3D tensor mediators alongside scalar exposures and outcomes, facilitating comprehensive analyses across diverse research domains.
Post‐task responses following working memory and movement are driven by transient spectral bursts with similar characteristics
Authors: Coleman Sebastian C. , Seedat Zelekha A. , Pakenham Daisie O. , Quinn Andrew J. , Brookes Matthew J. , Woolrich Mark W. , Mullinger Karen J.
Published: May 2024

The post‐movement beta rebound has been studied extensively using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and is reliably modulated by various task parameters as well as illness. Our recent study showed that rebounds, which we generalise as “post‐task responses” (PTRs), are a ubiquitous phenomenon in the brain, occurring across the cortex in theta, alpha, and beta bands. Currently, it is unknown whether PTRs following working memory are driven by transient bursts, which are moments of short‐lived high amplitude activity, similar to those that drive the post‐movement beta rebound. Here, we use three‐state univariate hidden Markov models (HMMs), which can identify bursts without a priori knowledge of frequency content or response timings, to compare bursts that drive PTRs in working memory and visuomotor MEG datasets. Our results show that PTRs across working memory and visuomotor tasks are driven by pan‐spectral transient bursts. These bursts have very similar spectral content variation over the cortex, correlating strongly between the two tasks in the alpha (R2 = .89) and beta (R2 = .53) bands. Bursts also have similar variation in duration over the cortex (e.g., long duration bursts occur in the motor cortex for both tasks), strongly correlating over cortical regions between tasks (R2 = .56), with a mean over all regions of around 300 ms in both datasets. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of HMMs to isolate signals of interest in MEG data, such that the HMM probability timecourse correlates more strongly with reaction times than frequency filtered power envelopes from the same brain regions. Overall, we show that induced PTRs across different tasks are driven by bursts with similar characteristics, which can be identified using HMMs. Given the similarity between bursts across tasks, we suggest that PTRs across the cortex may be driven by a common underlying neural phenomenon.
Immediate dental rehabilitation in fibula free flaps for malignancy: Is it feasible?
Authors: Jelmini Jonathan , Williams Fayette C. , Winstead Michael , Hammer Daniel A. , Kim Roderick Y.
Published: May 2024

Background

Fibula free flap reconstruction has revolutionized maxillofacial reconstruction. While immediate dental rehabilitation with dental implants and teeth has shown benefits, it remains uncommon, especially for patients with malignancy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study at a single institution explored immediate dental rehabilitation in fibula flaps for patients with malignant disease. Thirteen patients with malignancies that underwent immediate fibula free flap reconstruction with dental implants and dental prosthesis were included with a minimum of 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

Forty eight implants replaced 90 teeth in 13 patients. All implants were integrated at 3 months, with an overall success rate of 87.5%. Two patients experienced delayed (>3 months postoperatively) implant loss due to osteoradionecrosis and infection. Peri‐mucositis occurred in three patients which resolved with treatment. Skin paddles were used in 11 patients and radiation therapy was not delayed for any patient.

Conclusion

With proper patient selection, diagnosis of malignancy and the need for osteocutaneous flap reconstruction does not exclude the ability to place immediate implants and deliver an immediate dental prosthesis in head and neck reconstruction.
A Highly Efficient Click Linker for Enrichment of Alkyne‐Tagged Proteins in Living Cells
Authors: Qin Guoting , Duong Shara , Fu Yunxin , Cai Chengzhi
Published: May 2024

Alkyne tags have been widely used for the enrichment of labeled proteins to enable their profiling at a proteome‐wide scale by mass spectrometry. The key component in the enrichment process is an azido‐terminated cleavable linker for capturing the labeled proteins/peptides via click reaction. Herein, we report a new efficient click linker (APA biotin) featuring an acid‐cleavable acetal linkage end‐caped with a highly reactive picolyl azido head and a biotin handle for anchoring onto streptavidin‐coated supports. Using an amine‐reactive probe to profile the proteome structural changes in living S. cerevisiae cells within 5 minutes of heat shock, we demonstrated that the linker allowed identification of >9400 labeled sites, among which 457–1656 with significantly altered reactivity upon heat shock. This study represented the first chemical labeling mass spectrometry (CL–MS)‐based profiling of proteome structural changes in living cells in response to external stimuli. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD051279.
Single‐element amorphous metals
Authors: Han Xiao , Wu Geng , He Dong Sheng , Hong Xun
Published: May 2024

To unveil the nature of amorphous states, single‐element amorphous metals have been the perfect research subject due to the simplest composition. However, the extreme crystal nucleation and growth rate in single‐element metal make the synthesis of single‐element amorphous metals seemingly impossible in the past. Fortunately, benefited by several delicate synthetic strategies developed recently, the single‐element amorphous metals have been successfully demonstrated. This review aims to provide a systematic overview of the synthesis of single‐element amorphous metals covering the challenges in physics and recent achievements. In addition, current understanding of the atomic and electronic structures of single‐element amorphous metal has also been included. Finally, the challenges that worth further investigation are discussed. By identifying the potential avenues for further exploration, this review aims to contribute valuable insights that will propel the cognition of single‐element amorphous metals.
A dual‐range Janus‐structure pressure sensor with broad detection range and high resolution combining triboelectricity and piezoelectricity
Authors: Zhao Shilong , Chen Chaojie , Wang Zhiyuan , Pan Caofeng , Yang Cheng
Published: May 2024

Enabling pressure sensors with high resolution and a broad detection range is of paramount importance yet challenging due to the limitations of each known sensing method. Overlying different sensing mechanisms to achieve complementary functions is a promising approach, but it often leads to increased device thickness, crosstalk signals and complex signal channel management. Herein, we present a dual‐functional conformable pressure sensor that adopts a Janus thin film layout, enabling simultaneous piezoelectric and triboelectric signal detection capabilities between just one electrode pair, showing a most compact device configuration. Notably, despite its thin thickness (~80 μm for a packaged device), it exhibits a broad‐range detection capability with high signal resolution and fast response time, demonstrating a distinct signal‐relay characteristic corresponding to piezoelectricity and triboelectricity. Despite the slimness and simple structure, it shows an impressive signal resolution of 0.93 V·kPa−1 in the range of 0.1–140 kPa and 0.05 V·kPa−1 in the range of 140–380 kPa. Moreover, the device fabrication can be combined with the kirigami method to improve fitting to joint surfaces. This work introduces an innovative paradigm for designing advanced pressure sensing mechanisms, enabling a single device that can meet diverse application scenarios through its simplicity, slim layout, conformable, and self‐powered characteristics to adapt to multiple scenarios.

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Propagation process‐based agricultural drought typology and its copula‐based risk
Authors: Li Liang , Liu Jiangzhou , Peng Qing , Wang Xiaowen , Xu Jiatun , Cai Huanjie
Published: May 2024

Determining the risks associated with different drought event types can be beneficial for related scientific research and management strategies. In this study, we proposed an agricultural drought event pair and typology based on the governing drought propagation processes in the Yellow River basin at the catchment scale. In total, seven agricultural drought event pairs were distinguished, namely single meteorological drought event pair (MDonly), single soil moisture drought event pair (SDonly), single agricultural drought event pair (ADonly), soil moisture and meteorological drought event pair (SDMD), agricultural and meteorological drought event pair (ADMD), agricultural and soil moisture drought event pair (ADSD) and agricultural, soil moisture and meteorological drought event pair (ASMD). The SDMD and ADMD events had the highest copula‐based risk probabilities with the shortest joint return periods. Six agricultural drought types were distinguished in this study, namely classical rainfall deficit, rain‐to‐snow‐season, wet‐to‐dry‐season, cold snow season, warm snow season and composite drought events. The classical rainfall deficit, wet‐to‐dry season and composite drought events were the major agricultural drought types in the Yellow River basin. The agricultural drought typology results of the present study provide a comprehensive understanding of drought propagation and improvement of drought forecasting and management.
Impact of protein conformations on binding free energy calculations in the beta‐secretase 1 system
Authors: Baumann Hannah M. , Mobley David L.
Published: May 2024

In binding free energy calculations, simulations must sample all relevant conformations of the system in order to obtain unbiased results. For instance, different ligands can bind to different metastable states of a protein, and if these protein conformational changes are not sampled in relative binding free energy calculations, the contribution of these states to binding is not accounted for and thus calculated binding free energies are inaccurate. In this work, we investigate the impact of different beta‐sectretase 1 (BACE1) protein conformations obtained from x‐ray crystallography on the binding of BACE1 inhibitors. We highlight how these conformational changes are not adequately sampled in typical molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we show that insufficient sampling of relevant conformations induces substantial error in relative binding free energy calculations, as judged by a variation in calculated relative binding free energies up to 2 kcal/mol depending on the starting protein conformation. These results emphasize the importance of protein conformational sampling and pose this BACE1 system as a challenge case for further method development in the area of enhanced protein conformational sampling, either in combination with binding calculations or as an endpoint correction.
Integrated multi‐omics approach reveals the role of striated muscle preferentially expressed protein kinase in skeletal muscle including its relationship with myospryn complex
Authors: Li Qifei , Lin Jasmine , Luo Shiyu , Schmitz‐Abe Klaus , Agrawal Rohan , Meng Melissa , Moghadaszadeh Behzad , Beggs Alan H. , Liu Xiaoli , Perrella Mark A. , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: May 2024

Background

Autosomal‐recessive mutations in SPEG (striated muscle preferentially expressed protein kinase) have been linked to centronuclear myopathy with or without dilated cardiomyopathy (CNM5). Loss of SPEG is associated with defective triad formation, abnormal excitation–contraction coupling, calcium mishandling and disruption of the focal adhesion complex in skeletal muscles. To elucidate the underlying molecular pathways, we have utilized multi‐omics tools and analysis to obtain a comprehensive view of the complex biological processes and molecular functions.

Methods

Skeletal muscles from 2‐month‐old SPEG‐deficient (Speg‐CKO) and wild‐type (WT) mice were used for RNA sequencing (n = 4 per genotype) to profile transcriptomics and mass spectrometry (n = 4 for WT; n = 3 for Speg‐CKO mice) to profile proteomics and phosphoproteomics. In addition, interactomics was performed using the SPEG antibody on pooled muscle lysates (quadriceps, gastrocnemius and triceps) from WT and Speg‐CKO mice. Based on the multi‐omics results, we performed quantitative real‐time PCR, co‐immunoprecipitation and immunoblot to verify the findings.

Results

We identified that SPEG interacts with myospryn complex proteins CMYA5, FSD2 and RyR1, which are critical for triad formation, and that SPEG deficiency results in myospryn complex abnormalities (protein levels decreased to 22 ± 3% for CMYA5 [P < 0.05] and 18 ± 3% for FSD2 [P < 0.01]). Furthermore, SPEG phosphorylates RyR1 at S2902 (phosphorylation level decreased to 55 ± 15% at S2902 in Speg‐CKO mice; P < 0.05), and its loss affects JPH2 phosphorylation at multiple sites (increased phosphorylation at T161 [1.90 ± 0.24‐fold], S162 [1.61 ± 0.37‐fold] and S165 [1.66 ± 0.13‐fold]; decreased phosphorylation at S228 and S231 [39 ± 6%], S234 [50 ± 12%], S593 [48 ± 3%] and S613 [66 ± 10%]; P < 0.05 for S162 and P < 0.01 for other sites). On analysing the transcriptome, the most dysregulated pathways affected by SPEG deficiency included extracellular matrix–receptor interaction (P < 1e−15) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signalling (P < 9e−14).

Conclusions

We have elucidated the critical role of SPEG in the triad as it works closely with myospryn complex proteins (CMYA5, FSD2 and RyR1), it regulates phosphorylation levels of various residues in JPH2 and S2902 in RyR1, and its deficiency is associated with dysregulation of several pathways. The study identifies unique SPEG‐interacting proteins and their phosphorylation functions and emphasizes the importance of using a multi‐omics approach to comprehensively evaluate the molecular function of proteins involved in various genetic disorders.
Modeling of a linear ion trap with driving rectangular waveforms
Authors: Ivanov A. I. , Sysoev A. A. , Konenkov A. N. , Konenkov N. V.
Published: May 2024

We consider the operation of a digital linear ion trap with resonant radial ejection. A sequence of rectangular voltage pulses with a dipole resonance signal is applied to the trap electrodes. The periodic waveform is piecewise constant, has zero mean, and is determined by an asymmetry parameter : one value is taken on interval and another on , where is the RF period. Ion mass scanning is performed by varying the asymmetry parameter and amplitude of the negative pulse part with time. The ion oscillation frequencies and acceptance of the linear trap are calculated. The dependence of the ion mass to charge ratio on the parameter is . The maximum value is about  kDa for typical parameters of the linear trap: frequency 0.5 MHz, rod radius 4 mm, and negative pulse amplitude 1 kV. The dipolar excitation frequency is 0.125 MHz at which the LIT acceptance is maximal.
Dual coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy across the vibrational spectrum enabled by single pump optically synchronised oscillators and spectral focusing
Authors: Gudavičius Dominykas , Kontenis Lukas , Langbein Wolfgang
Published: May 2024

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy probing two independently selectable vibrational frequencies across the vibrational spectrum is demonstrated. A one‐box femtosecond laser source provides three synchronised 100–200 fs pulses of 77 MHz repetition rate, one at a fixed wavelength of 1025 nm from an Yb oscillator and two independently tuneable ones, over 680–960 nm and 960–1300 nm, respectively, from two optically synchronised parametric oscillators. Combined with spectral focusing, the source allows addressing the fingerprint, cell silent and C–H stretch vibrational regions simultaneously, avoiding the motion artefacts seen in sequential imaging. We demonstrate the microscopy method on water/heavy water/oil emulsions, plastic beads and deuterated lipids inside cells.
Combining endpoint and change data did not affect the summary standardised mean difference in pairwise and network meta‐analyses: An empirical study in depression
Authors: Ostinelli Edoardo G. , Efthimiou Orestis , Luo Yan , Miguel Clara , Karyotaki Eirini , Cuijpers Pim , Furukawa Toshi A. , Salanti Georgia , Cipriani Andrea
Published: May 2024

When studies use different scales to measure continuous outcomes, standardised mean differences (SMD) are required to meta‐analyse the data. However, outcomes are often reported as endpoint or change from baseline scores. Combining corresponding SMDs can be problematic and available guidance advises against this practice. We aimed to examine the impact of combining the two types of SMD in meta‐analyses of depression severity. We used individual participant data on pharmacological interventions (89 studies, 27,409 participants) and internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT; 61 studies, 13,687 participants) for depression to compare endpoint and change from baseline SMDs at the study level. Next, we performed pairwise (PWMA) and network meta‐analyses (NMA) using endpoint SMDs, change from baseline SMDs, or a mixture of the two. Study‐specific SMDs calculated from endpoint and change from baseline data were largely similar, although for iCBT interventions 25% of the studies at 3 months were associated with important differences between study‐specific SMDs (median 0.01, IQR −0.10, 0.13) especially in smaller trials with baseline imbalances. However, when pooled, the differences between endpoint and change SMDs were negligible. Pooling only the more favourable of the two SMDs did not materially affect meta‐analyses, resulting in differences of pooled SMDs up to 0.05 and 0.13 in the pharmacological and iCBT datasets, respectively. Our findings have implications for meta‐analyses in depression, where we showed that the choice between endpoint and change scores for estimating SMDs had immaterial impact on summary meta‐analytic estimates. Future studies should replicate and extend our analyses to fields other than depression.
Application of deep eutectic solvents on extraction of flavonoids
Authors: Hao Ying , Pei Fengxia , Huang Jingjing , Li Guizhen , Zhong Chenglin
Published: May 2024

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), as a new type of eco‐friendly solvent, have attracted increasing attention on the extraction and separation of flavonoid compounds from various samples, owing to their excellent properties such as biodegradability and ease of handling with very low toxicity. This article provides a status review of the applications of DESs in the extraction of flavonoids, including the introduction of flavonoid compounds, the properties and superiority of DESs, and extraction methods (ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, heating reflux extraction, matrix solid‐phase dispersion, and solid‐phase extraction). Finally, prospects and challenges in the application of DESs on extraction and separation are extensively elucidated and critically reviewed.
Retention mechanisms of amitriptyline and its impurities on amide, amino, diol, and silica columns in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography
Authors: Knežević Ratković Darija , Kukobat Radovan , Kasagić‐Vujanović Irena
Published: May 2024

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) has been widely applied to challenging analysis in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, bridging the gap between normal‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). This paper comprehensively explores the retention mechanisms of amitriptyline and its impurities A, B, C, D, F, and G on amide, amino, diol, and silica columns. Dual HILIC/RP‐HPLC retention mechanisms were developed, and transitional points between HILIC and RP‐HPLC mechanisms were calculated on amide, diol, and silica columns. Adsorption and partition contributions to overall retention mechanisms were evaluated using Python software in HILIC and RP‐HPLC regions. The cation exchange mechanism dominates overall retention for ionized analytes in the silica column (R2 > 0.995), whereas the retention of ionized analytes increases with pH. Impacts of acetonitrile content, buffer ionic strength, and pH, along with their interactions on the retention of ionized analytes in the silica column, were determined using the chemometric approach. Acetonitrile content showed the most significant impact on the retention mechanisms. These findings highlight that a detailed investigation into retention mechanisms provides notable insights into factors influencing analyte retention and separation, promising valuable guidance for future analysis.
The utilization of open‐source microcontroller boards and single‐board computers in liquid chromatography
Authors: Piccolo Christopher , Foster Samuel W. , Parker Deklin , Seltzer Catherine , Grinias James P.
Published: May 2024

Electronic system control of analytical instrumentation remains a critical aspect of modern measurement science. Within the field of liquid chromatography (LC), this is especially relevant for automation, module operation, detection, data acquisition, and data analysis. Increasingly, home‐built analytical tools used for liquid‐phase separations rely upon open‐source microcontrollers and single‐board computers to aid in simplifying these operations. In this review, we detail literature reported within the past 5 years in which these types of devices were used to advance various aspects of the LC research field, including sample preparation, instrument control, and data collection.
Cutaneous manifestations of anti‐synthetase syndrome: Case series and literature review
Authors: Chan Airiss R. , Osman Mohamed , Yacyshyn Elaine , Gniadecki Robert
Published: May 2024

Background

Anti‐synthetase syndrome (ASyS) is a rare inflammatory myopathy associated with anti‐aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetase antibodies, and is characterized by a triad of interstitial lung disease, arthritis, and myopathy. ASyS has been considered to represent a subtype of dermatomyositis (DM), however it is not clear whether cutaneous findings overlap in both diseases.

Objectives

We aimed to characterize mucocutaneous features which should raise suspicion of ASyS and prompt early diagnostic testing.

Methods

We reviewed 28 cases of ASyS in our institution, and retrieved data from 43 articles reporting clinical features of ASyS in the literature.

Results

Dermatologic manifestations of ASyS can be categorized as: specific cutaneous signs strongly associated with ASyS (‘Mechanic's hands’, ‘Hiker's feet’); mucocutaneous signs overlapping with other collagenoses; nailfold changes (resembling those of DM and systemic sclerosis); and mucocutaneous signs of undetermined significance. Only 20% had pathognomonic DM signs.

Conclusions

Dermatologic manifestations of ASyS are heterogeneous and do not always reproduce the pattern seen in DM. Presence of palmar hyperkeratosis (‘Mechanic's hands’), cuticular overgrowth, skin ulcerations and nailfold capillary changes should prompt further diagnostic workup of ASyS. Limitations of our study include inconsistent reporting of dermatologic findings within our series between virtual and in‐person visits. Not all patients were seen in dermatology consultation.
The impact of ethical leadership on KM practices and performance
Authors: Durst Susanne , Foli Samuel , Temel Serdal
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in leadership research emphasise the influential role of ethical leadership in shaping positive employee behaviour. However, there remains unclear the precise impact of ethical leadership on organisational performance and its interaction with knowledge creation and knowledge networks. Drawing on both the knowledge‐based view and the ethical leadership literature, this study asserts a positive influence of ethical leadership on both organisational performance and knowledge creation. Furthermore, we propose that knowledge creation positively impacts knowledge networks, which, in turn, exert a positive influence on organisational performance. To validate these propositions, we employ structural equation modelling on a dataset comprising 205 Turkish firms. Our study contributes to the (ethical) leadership literature as one of the initial attempts to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and organisational performance while considering the roles of knowledge creation and knowledge networks.
Microbial Composition of the Laryngotracheal Region: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sragi Zara , Vasan Vikram , Laitman Benjamin M. , Rivera‐Rivera Gabriel , Powers Ann , Dickstein Daniel R. , Kirke Diana N. , Courey Mark S.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Microbiome research has predominantly focused on the oral cavity and oropharynx's role in disease, while the upper airway, specifically the larynx and trachea, has been relatively overlooked. Examining the microbial communities in these regions can shed light on how dysbiosis influences diseases and their management. This review evaluates laryngotracheal microbial compositions in both healthy and diseased patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review in EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central databases, yielding 1383 studies in the initial search. Inclusion criteria involved participants aged over 18 years and the use of next‐generation 16s ribosomal sequencing methods.

Results

We included 10 studies—seven focused on larynx sequencing and four on trachea sequencing (one investigated both sites). In a healthy larynx, diverse species such as Streptococcus, Cloacibacterium, Prevotella, and Helicobacter were found. Benign laryngeal diseases exhibited reduced microbial diversity, mainly dominated by Streptococcus. Subglottic stenosis patients showed diminished diversity in both idiopathic and iatrogenic scars. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma displayed increased diversity, primarily featuring Fusobacterium. Among non‐respiratory‐compromised surgery patients, the tracheal microbiome was more diverse in diabetics and those later developing lower respiratory infections. Pneumonia patients exhibited an abundance of Prevotella and Streptococcus, linked to an increased 28‐day survival rate, while Streptococcus and Haemophilus abundance correlated with successful extubation.

Conclusions

The laryngotracheal region hosts a unique microbial community influenced by both benign and malignant conditions. Many lesions remain unexplored, underscoring the need for future studies encompassing diverse laryngotracheal conditions. Clinical trials assessing microbiome modifications may unveil novel therapeutic avenues.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4167–4175, 2024