bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mulberry leaf and konjac compound powder improves the metabolic capacity of old mice on a high‐protein diet by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota
Authors: Deng Liling , Zhong Geng , Peng Yongbo , Zhu Zhaojing
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The health of elderly individuals is closely linked to their protein intake and the abundance of intestinal microbiota. To investigate the impact of a compound powder made from mulberry leaf and konjac (hereinafter referred to as ‘compound powder’) on regulating the structure of intestinal microbiota in 15‐month‐old BALB/c mice that were fed a high‐beef‐protein diet, 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase reaction, western blot, and other biochemical methods were used to analyze the differences in intestinal microbiota, protein metabolism‐related genes, short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, and serum cytokines.

RESULTS

The results showed that the compound powder increased the content of SCFAs, reduced the inflammatory reaction of the body, adjusted the abundance of intestinal microbiota (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes), and increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B). Moreover, the compound powder could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus and some non‐dominant bacteria that were related to amino acid metabolism and beneficial to human health, such as Eubacterium coprostanoligenes. These beneficial bacteria competitively reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria to protect the intestinal barrier and promote intestinal health, and upregulated the activities of aminopeptidase, proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporter 1, and glutamate dehydrogenase at the transcription and translation levels.

CONCLUSION

The compound powder could balance the abundance of intestinal microbiota, which may improve the metabolic capacity of old mice on a high‐protein diet, and ultimately promoting the well‐being of elderly individuals. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dry direct‐seeded rice has higher energy and carbon production efficiencies without reducing economic benefits
Authors: Jin Zhaoqiang , Mu Yixue , Li Yusheng , Nie Lixiao
Published: May 2023

Background

Water and energy shortages and food security challenges associated with global warming are essential issues affecting human survival and development. Rice is one of the world's top three staple food crops. In the present study, the energy footprint (EF), carbon footprint (CF), energy production efficiency (EPE), carbon production efficiency (CPE), and economic benefit (EB) of dry direct‐seeded rice (DSR), wet direct‐seeded rice (WSR), and transplanted rice (TPR), respectively, were integrated and assessed.

Results

The yield of WSR and TPR was 9.64% and 13.76% higher than that of DSR, respectively. However, DSR has less irrigation and less intensive field tillage; therefore, its energy input, and CF, were 37.47% and 44.29%, and 29.35% and 34.77%, lower than those of WSR and TPR, respectively; the EPE and CPE were obviously improved; and the EB was not lower than that of WSR and TPR. Current rice production relies heavily on non‐renewable energy inputs such as nitrogen fertilizer, diesel, and machinery. Therefore, the key to improving EPE, CPE, and EB in rice production at the same time as reducing CF was to improve water use efficiency and decrease the intensity of paddy tillage.

Conclusion

The DSR has higher social, economic, and ecological benefits and can be the preferred rice planting method for rice production areas. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A review of the occurrence, metabolites and health risks of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Diao Mei‐ning , Zhang Yin‐Feng
Published: May 2023

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is mainly used as a food additive due to its antioxidant properties, which prevent or delay oxidation reactions and extend the storage life of products. The widespread use of BHA has led to its extensive presence in various environmental matrices and human tissues. Food intake is the main route of human exposure to BHA. Under different conditions, BHA can produce different metabolites, with tert‐butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) being one of the major products. Several studies have shown that BHA could cause thyroid system damage, metabolic and growth disorders, neurotoxicity, and carcinogenesis. Mechanisms such as endocrine disruption, genotoxicity, disturbances of energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, signaling pathways, and imbalances in calcium homeostasis appear to be associated with the toxic effects of BHA. Avoiding the toxic effects of BHA to the maximum extent possible is a top priority. Finding safe, non‐toxic and environmentally friendly alternatives to BHA should be the focus of subsequent research. In all, this review summarized the current situation related to BHA and might make recommendations for future research directions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mapping crop damage by wild boars using multi‐scale risk modeling in Northeast China
Authors: Ding Nianfan , Atzeni Luciano , Chen Ying , Lyu Zhuoluo , Shi Kun
Published: May 2023

Balancing development and conservation is one of the major challenges for modern societies. Negative human–wildlife interactions, especially crop raiding by wildlife, greatly undermine this objective. Jilin Province in Northeast China encompasses ecosystems of high biodiversity value but endures serious losses in crop yields due to wild boars (Sus scrofa). Mitigation measures have been hindered by knowledge gaps in wild boar damage patterns. Our objective was to investigate how wild boar damage responded to human‐dominated landscapes, evaluating landscape patterns of damage at multiple ecological scales, thus providing a provincial map of damage risk to assist with damage mitigation. We used 1,144 coordinates of wild boar damage from 2009 to 2013 to train multi‐scale risk models with the maximum entropy algorithm. Damage risk was highest on gentle slopes and in heterogenous landscapes composed of fragmented plantations and cropland, with high edge density among small discontinuous patches, and with dense settlements in countryside areas with sporadic road networks. Scale had a substantial effect on relationships between damage and landscapes. We recommend mitigating the conflict risk by improving the compensation system and reducing the damage frequency through repelling, electric fencing, and dissuasive feeding.
Functional Outcomes in Patients with Human Papillomavirus‐Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Cancer Treated with Trimodality Therapy
Authors: Lu Joseph S. , Cao Austin C. , Shimunov David , Sun Lova , Lukens John N. , Lin Alexander , Cohen Roger B. , Basu Devraj , Cannady Steven B. , Rajasekaran Karthik , Weinstein Gregory S. , Brody Robert M.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To describe swallowing and feeding‐tube outcomes in patients with high‐risk oropharyngeal cancer treated with trimodality therapy (TMT), including transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

A chart review was conducted on patients with HPV+ OPSCC receiving TMT with TORS at an academic medical center from March 2010 to March 2021. Data collected included demographics, treatment, feeding tube placement, functional oral intake scale (FOIS) scores, and swallowing‐language pathology (SLP) evaluations.

Results

A total of 255 patients met selection criteria (mean age 61 years, 88% male). Following intraoperative nasogastric tube (NG) placement, 31% remained NG tube dependent after 3 weeks. A gastrostomy tube was placed in 19% of patients, and at 1 year after end‐of‐treatment (EOT), 3.5% overall remained tube‐dependent. Mean FOIS scores were 6.9 (SD = 0.3) at pre‐operative visit, 2.6 (1.8) at first post‐operative visit, and 5.5 (1.5) after EOT. In the subset of patients with follow‐up longer than 2 years (n = 118), the mean FOIS was 6.1 (SD = 1.3) at most recent visit. Clinical signs of aspiration/penetration were suspected on SLP evaluation in 18% of patients. These patients were subsequently evaluated with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and/or barium swallow study, which confirmed signs of aspiration in 2.7% of patients overall. Delayed NG tube removal after 3 weeks was predictive of (1) gastrostomy tube requirement and (2) clinical signs of aspiration on an SLP visit after EOT.

Conclusions

Favorable functional and feeding‐tube outcomes are demonstrated in patients with HPV‐associated OPSCC undergoing TMT. In this single‐institution study, we found low rates of long‐term feeding tube dependence and high median FOIS following treatment. Review of routine SLP visits provides a detailed and easily accessible means for assessing swallowing function in this cohort.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:3013–3020, 2023
On‐Chip Multidimensional Manipulation of Far‐Field Radiation with Guided Wave‐Driven Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Yuebian , Li Zhancheng , Liu Wenwei , Cheng Hua , Choi Duk‐Yong , Tian Jianguo , Chen Shuqi
Published: May 2023

Miniaturization and integration of multiple optical components in one chip are important trends in the future development of optical chips. Despite various on‐chip multifunctional metasurfaces having been proposed, simultaneously manipulating the polarization and wavefront of far‐field radiation still remains a challenge. Here, a novel approach to simultaneously realize on‐chip polarization and wavefront manipulation of far‐field radiation with guided wave‐driven geometric metasurfaces is theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Various polarized beams with controllable radiation angles can be generated by maneuvering phase gradients and far‐field interferences of meta‐atoms. The phase and amplitude of off‐chip radiation can be tailored all at once by altering the rotation angles and positions of each meta‐atom. As a proof of concept, a guided wave‐driven metalens and four different on‐chip polarization generators are fabricated and characterized. These on‐chip devices work at broadband and can realize mode‐dependent beam deflection. This study provides a practical route toward on‐chip multidimensional control of far‐field radiation, which could support a further step in the development of photonic integrated circuits, wearable near‐eye displays, and optical information processing devices, just to name a few.
Weighted estimates for square functions associated with operators
Authors: Wen Yongming , Shen Qinrui , Sun Junjun
Published: May 2023

Let L be a non‐negative self‐adjoint operator on . Suppose that the kernels of the analytic semigroup satisfy the upper bound related to a critical function ρ but without any assumptions of smooth conditions on spacial variables. In this paper, we consider the weighted inequalities for square functions associated with L, which include the vertical square functions, the conical square functions and the Littlewood–Paley g‐functions. A new bump condition related to the critical function is given for the two‐weighted boundedness of square functions associated with L. Besides, we also prove the weighted inequalities for square functions associated with L on weighted variable Lebesgue spaces with new classes of weights considered in [5]. As applications, our results can be applied to magnetic Schrödinger operator, Laguerre operators.
Effects of charge on protein ion structure: Lessons from cation‐to‐anion, proton‐transfer reactions
Authors: Gozzo Theresa A. , Bush Matthew F.
Published: May 2023

Collision cross‐section values, which can be determined using ion mobility experiments, are sensitive to the structures of protein ions and useful for applications to structural biology and biophysics. Protein ions with different charge states can exhibit very different collision cross‐section values, but a comprehensive understanding of this relationship remains elusive. Here, we review cation‐to‐anion, proton‐transfer reactions (CAPTR), a method for generating a series of charge‐reduced protein cations by reacting quadrupole‐selected cations with even‐electron monoanions. The resulting CAPTR products are analyzed using a combination of ion mobility, mass spectrometry, and collisional activation. We compare CAPTR to other charge‐manipulation strategies and review the results of various CAPTR‐based experiments, exploring their contribution to a deeper understanding of the relationship between protein ion structure and charge state.
Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications
Authors: Zhong Qian , Xiao Xina , Qiu Yijie , Xu Zhiqiang , Chen Chunyu , Chong Baochen , Zhao Xinjun , Hai Shan , Li Shuangqing , An Zhenmei , Dai Lunzhi
Published: May 2023

Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well‐known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short‐chain and long‐chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.
The impact of airline business models on excess capacity
Authors: Karanki Fecri
Published: May 2023

Could airlines manage their excess capacity? This is a timely question, considering the likely growth in demand in the post‐pandemic period. As capacity reflects competitive priorities, business models can account for excess capacity. This study examines the impact of business models on excess capacity. The results show that capacity utilization decreased by 7%, although technical efficiency increased by 6%. As excess capacity differs across business models, airlines adopting the full‐service airline business model have higher capacity utilization than their competitors. This can be explained by the actions taken by full‐service airlines after the 2008 financial crisis.
Extrapolated simultaneous block‐iterative cutter methods and applications
Authors: Buong Nguyen , Anh Nguyen Thi Quynh
Published: May 2023

Our goal of this paper is to solve the problem of common fixed point of a quite large family of demiclosed cutters on Hilbert spaces. We introduce two new extrapolated simultaneous block‐iterative methods. The first method converges weakly to a common fixed point of the family and the second one is a specific combination of the first and the steepest descent method and converges in norm. Its strong convergence is proved without additional conditions on the cutters such as the approximately shrinking property of each cutter and bounded regular assumption on their fixed point sets, assumed recently in the literature. Some particular cases of the last method, applications and computational experiments to a convex optimization over the intersection of level sets are given for illustration and comparison.
Compact LTCC filter with wide stopband for 5G applications
Authors: Hu Shanwen , Hua Ming , Zhou Bo
Published: May 2023

A compact bandpass filter (BPF) is proposed with dual composite right/left‐handed resonators for the fifth‐generation (5G) N79 band applications. With consideration of compact size and filtering performance simultaneously, the vertical and horizontal finger constructed capacitor is improved with respective dimensions for each finger to obtain larger capacitance and better filtering performance. The proposed BPF is built in a four‐layer low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic substrate and possesses a smallest reported size of only (). The measured in‐band insertion loss (IL) is better than and a wide out‐of‐band suppression higher than upto are both achieved. Finally, comparison and discussion are implemented as well.
Design of new wideband waveguide Magic‐T for X‐band applications
Authors: Ameri Edris , Khalaj‐Amirhosseini Mohammad , Sedighy Seyed H. , Azizi Yousef
Published: May 2023

The design and fabrication of low loss and wideband Magic‐T with 10 dB return loss (RL) bandwidth over 40% is proposed for X‐band application, which can be used in monopulse comparator network. The proposed Magic‐T is composed of WR90 waveguides include an exponentially conducting cone, metallic multistep l‐shaped septum, and some other conducting posts. By implementation of these optimized conducting cone, septum, and posts, the 20 dB RL bandwidth over 36% is achieved with very low insertion loss (IL) (<0.15 dB) at each port. Moreover, high isolation (>40 dB) across all port over X‐band is another feature of the proposed Magic‐T. The equal power division (in amplitude and phase) at H‐arm and phase cancellation of input power at E‐arm introduce the proposed Magic‐T as a good candidate for sum/difference comparator network for monopulse application. Validation of the simulation results by experimental ones proves the wideband RL, low IL, and high isolation coefficient of the proposed high‐power Magic‐T as well.
Modelling the density homogenisation of a block and granular bentonite buffer upon non‐isothermal saturation
Authors: Bosch Jose A. , Ferrari Alessio , Leupin Olivier , Laloui Lyesse
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a numerical analysis of the mechanical performance of a bentonite clay buffer for the containment of nuclear waste in the context of deep geological disposal. The design of the buffer is based on the Swiss concept where the waste canisters are emplaced on pedestals of compacted bentonite blocks and the remaining space between the tunnel and the canister is backfilled with grains of highly compacted bentonite. A complete analysis of the long‐term performance of the repository requires a good understanding of the mechanical evolution of the bentonite upon heating from the radioactive waste and hydration from the host rock. Despite its importance, the implications of the initial heterogeneous bentonite layout, characterised by blocks and grains, on the final dry density at the repository scale in the steady state have not been previously studied. The present study aims to shed light into these processes by means of finite element modelling using an advanced constitutive model for the bentonite behaviour that considers several thermo‐hydro‐mechanical couplings. The constitutive model is shown to be able to reproduce several laboratory tests involving saturation of block and pellets at different dry densities. The model predictions, extended up to 100,000 years, indicate that the bentonite blocks and grains tend to homogenise in terms of dry density as the buffer reaches full saturation. Due to the different swelling potential of the block pedestal and the granular backfill, the canister is subjected to movements, although these remain relatively small. The impact of initial segregation of the granular bentonite is also studied and it is seen to not to affect substantially the mechanical evolution of the buffer, although it might reduce canister displacements.
How can nonprofit boards innovate for growth? An integrative‐systematic review
Authors: Richardson Sarah , Kelly Sarah Jane , Gillespie Nicole
Published: May 2023

Despite the nonprofit sector's significance in economic contribution, workforce, and social impact, it faces unique innovation hurdles and is not well positioned for sustainability, growth, and prosperity. However, with only a partial, disconnected view from the extant research, we do not understand the relationship between boards and nonprofit innovation for growth. To address this problem, we conducted a systematic literature review drawing on 27 studies published since 2000 to provide a first‐in‐field and comprehensive integration of disparate, mono‐factorial research. We conceptualize a new, multifactorial model that depicts a blend of board composition, relations and practice factors, and organizational and environmental characteristics that influence nonprofit innovation for growth.
Avid, Averse, Apprehensive, or Apathetic? A typology of collaboration attitudes
Authors: Tran Long
Published: May 2023

As much of nonprofit management research on inter‐organizational collaboration has focused on various macro and meso aspects of collaboration, little is known about micro aspects such as the attitudes of individuals involved in collaboration. To contribute to a more holistic and multidisciplinary understanding of collaboration, this study draws upon social psychological theories about attitude structure and attitudinal ambivalence to explore the variation in attitudes that nonprofit leaders have toward collaboration opportunities. Based on interviews with the leaders of 20 US‐based transnational nonprofits in the field of child welfare, the study qualitatively identifies four major types of attitudes toward collaboration opportunities: Avid, Averse, Apprehensive, and Apathetic. The study then presents several propositions to facilitate a future research program for the integration of attitudes into collaboration research. Practical policy and managerial implications are also discussed.
Implementing an Interprofessional Difficult Airway Response Team to Identify and Manage High‐Risk Airways
Authors: Shukairy Mohammad Kareem , Chadwick Lexia , LaPorte Cinthia M. , Pudwill Josephine , Syslo Jennifer A. , Fitzgerald Julie , Bier‐Laning Carol M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To describe a multidisciplinary approach to and results from the creation of a difficult airway response team (DART) to address the management of inpatient loss of airway events.

Methods

Description of an interprofessional process to establish and sustain a DART program at a tertiary care hospital. An Institutional Review Board‐approved retrospective review of the quantitative results was conducted from November 2019 through March 2021.

Results

After establishing the existing processes for difficult airway management, a focus on “work as imagined” identified 4 pillars to address the goal for the project of bringing the right providers with the right equipment to the right patients at the right time through DART equipment carts, an expanded DART code team, a screening tool to identify patients with at‐risk airways and unique messaging for DART code alerts. “Work as done” was assessed through simulations. Educational efforts included further simulations and group teaching. Sustainability was achieved through ongoing e‐learning and bidirectional feedback. During the period of study, there were 40,752 patients admitted and 28,013 (69%) screens completed. At‐risk airways were identified in 4282 admissions (11%), most commonly due to a history of a difficult airway (19%) and elevated body mass index (16%). The DART responded to 126 codes. There were no airway‐related deaths or serious adverse events.

Discussion

A successful DART program was created, optimized, and sustained using components of interprofessional meetings, simulation, bidirectional feedback, and quantitative analysis.

Implications for Practice

The techniques described can serve to guide groups who identify a quality improvement project that involves interactions between multiple stakeholders.
Impaired neurocognitive functioning 3 months following diagnosis of high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Hardy Kristina K. , Kairalla John A. , Gioia Anthony R. , Weisman Hannah S. , Gurung Meera , Noll Robert B. , Hinds Pamela S. , Hibbitts Emily , Salzer Wanda L. , Burke Michael J. , Winick Naomi J. , Embry Leanne
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer diagnosis. Cognitive late effects develop in 20%–40% of ALL survivors, but the course of declines is unclear. The aim of this paper is to characterize cognitive functioning, and its association with patient‐reported outcomes, early in treatment.

Patients and methods

A total of 483 children with high‐risk ALL, aged 6–12 years at diagnosis, consented to the neurocognitive study embedded in a prospective therapeutic trial, Children's Oncology Group (COG) AALL1131. A computerized neurocognitive battery (Cogstate) was administered 3 months post diagnosis assessing reaction time, visual attention, working memory, visual learning, and executive functioning. Parent‐reported executive functioning and patient‐reported physical symptoms were also collected.

Results

Data from 390 participants (mean age at diagnosis = 9.2 years, 55.4% male) were obtained. Relatively few patients reported pain (16.0%) or nausea (22.6%), but a majority (68.5%) reported feeling at least some fatigue at testing. Mean Cogstate Z‐scores were within normal limits across tasks; however, rates of impairment (Z‐scores ≤ −1.5) for reaction time, working memory, visual learning, and visual attention were all higher than expected compared to the standardization sample. Patients reporting fatigue were significantly more likely to have impaired reaction time and visual attention compared to those reporting no fatigue.

Conclusion

Findings support feasibility of computerized cognitive assessments and suggest higher‐than‐expected rates of impaired cognitive performance early during treatment for pediatric ALL, notably within 3 months of diagnosis, suggesting intervention efforts may be indicated. These results also highlight acute factors that may impact reliability of “baseline” assessments conducted soon after diagnosis.
NMR as a tool for compound identification in mixtures
Authors: Borges Ricardo Moreira , Ferreira Gabriela de Assis , Campos Mariana Martins , Teixeira Andrew Magno , Costa Fernanda das Neves , das Chagas Fernanda Oliveira , Colonna Maxwell
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Natural products and metabolomics are intrinsically linked through efforts to analyze complex mixtures for compound annotation. Although most studies that aim for compound identification in mixtures use MS as the main analysis technique, NMR has complementary advances that are worth exploring for enhanced structural confidence.

Objective

This review aimed to showcase a portfolio of the main tools available for compound identification using NMR.

Materials and Methods

COLMAR, SMART‐NMR, MADByTE, and NMRfilter are presented using examples collected from real samples from the perspective of a natural product chemist. Data are also made available through Zenodo so that readers can test each case presented here.

Conclusion

The acquisition of 1H NMR, HSQC, TOCSY, HSQC‐TOCSY, and HMBC data for all samples and fractions from a natural products study is strongly suggested. The same is valid for MS analysis to create a bridged analysis between both techniques in a complementary manner. The use of NOAH supersequences has also been suggested and demonstrated to save NMR time.
Das singende Rohr
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Verovnik Ivo
Published: May 2023

Obwohl das Didgeridoo eines der konstruktiv einfachsten Instrumente ist, zeigt es dennoch eine sehr variable Klangvielfalt. Der Hauptgrund dafür liegt in einer starken akustischen Kopplung von Instrument und Mundraum. Die Technik der Zirkularatmung erlaubt ein kontinuierliches Spiel.
Eiskalte Schnappschüsse von Biomolekülen
Authors: Ortmann de Percin Northumberland Claire , Sachse Carsten
Published: May 2023

Heute nimmt die Kryo‐Elektronenmikroskopie (Kryo‐EM) eine zentrale Stellung als Werkzeug der Strukturbestimmung von biologischen Makromolekülen ein. Die Funktionsweise dieser Abbildungstechnik basiert auf einem breiten Spektrum von sowohl physikalischen, chemischen als auch biologischen Grundlagen. Entscheidend ist das schnelle Einfrieren, Vitrifizieren, biologischer Proben. In diesem glasartigen Zustand lassen sich Biomoleküle, zum Beispiel Proteine oder RNA, in ihrem nativen, der Lebensfunktion entsprechenden Zustand hochaufgelöst abbilden. Eine Reihe von technologischen Fortschritten im Bereich von Instrumentation und Bildverarbeitung ermöglichten exemplarisch die gezielte Erforschung der strukturellen Grundlagen der SARS‐CoV‐2‐Infektion mit Hilfe der modernen Kryo‐EM.
Physik im Weltall
Authors: Bührke Thomas
Published: May 2023

Der deutschamerikanische Raumfahrtingenieur und Planer bei der NASA, Jesco von Puttkamer, beschrieb vor 50 Jahren die vielfältigen physikalischen Forschungsmöglichkeiten auf einer Raumstation. Dabei unterschätzte er in mancher Hinsicht den störenden Einfluss von Menschen in der Station und die Möglichkeiten autonom fliegender Satelliten.
Stereoselective ring‐opening polymerization ofrac‐lactide catalyzed by phenyl diphosphazene/urea binary catalytic system
Authors: Li Zhedong , Duan Shiwei , Zhao Na , Li Zhibo
Published: May 2023

Polylactide (PLA) is a fully bio‐derived polyester with great biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. Synthesis of stereoregular PLA by highly stereoselective organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic lactide (rac‐LA) at room temperature is challenging despite some important developments in the past few years. In this contribution, two bulky phenyl diphosphazene bases,p‐PDPBandm‐PDPB,were conveniently synthesized by the Staudinger reaction. In combination with different hydrogen‐bond donors such as ureas and squaramides, they could mediate the stereocontrolled ROP ofrac‐LA in THF at room temperature. Semicrystalline PLAs with narrow dispersity and high tacticity (Pmup to 0.84) were successfully synthesized in a well‐controlled manner using phenyl diphosphazene based/urea binary catalytic system. Structural analysis verified the linear structure and high end‐group fidelity of the resulting polymers. Moreover, the minimal transesterification of the polymer backbone proved by the MALDI‐TOF MS analysis indicated the good controllability of the phenyl diphosphazene based binary catalytic system.
One‐Pot Scalable Fabrication of Chitosan‐Capped Antibacterial Sulfur Nanoparticles from Elemental Sulfur
Authors: Wen Tao , Long Jiwen , Lu Guangming , Tan Jisuan , Zhou Li
Published: May 2023

Sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) have shown good potential in numerous fields due to their unique composition and properties. However, the direct utilization of abundant and inexpensive elemental sulfur for the large‐scale fabrication of high‐quality SNPs is still in its infancy. Herein, a simple one‐pot approach for the preparation of SNPs is presented, and gram‐scale SNPs can be readily prepared in one batch in the laboratory. By adding elemental sulfur‐ethylenediamine precursor to the acidic chitosan (CS) solution, chitosan‐capped sulfur nanoparticles (CS‐SNPs) can be formed immediately. Benefiting from the capping of CS, CS‐SNPs simultaneously possess small and uniform size with an average diameter of 19 nm, good aqueous dispersibility and stability, and favorable antioxidant capability against 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) free radicals. Moreover, CS‐SNPs also exhibit fine antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and the minimum and optimal inhibitory concentrations are 256 and 512 µg mL−1, respectively. Considering the easy fabrication process and attractive attributes of CS‐SNPs, this investigation not only offers an effective method for the scalable fabrication of robust SNPs but also provides a feasible way for the value‐added utilization of elemental sulfur.
Transcriptomics reveals apigenin alleviates airway inflammation and epithelial cell apoptosis in allergic asthma via MAPK pathway
Authors: Yu Hang , Huang Xi , Xie Cong , Song Jingrong , Zhou Yaolong , Shi Hanlin , Chen Mengmeng , Wu Yueren , Ruan Zhenhui , Deng Lingling , Deng Xiaohong , Lv Yubao , Luo Qingli , Dong Jingcheng
Published: May 2023

Persistent chronic inflammation of the lungs and airway remodeling are important pathological features that cannot be ignored in patients with chronic asthma. Apigenin (API) is a natural small molecule compound with good anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity that has been widely reported in recent years, but its role in chronic asthma is not well defined. Our study began with oral gavage intervention using API (10, 20 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (DEX, 2 mg/kg) in a BALB/c mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization. Different doses of API intervention effectively reduced airway resistance in the administered group. Additionally, inflammation was downregulated, mucus secretion was reduced, and airway remodeling was inhibited in the API intervention group compared with the model group. Asthma‐related inflammatory cytokines, such as IgE, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐17, were downregulated in alveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, the apoptosis level of the administered group was found to be lower than that of the model group in the Tunel staining experiment. By analyzing transcriptome sequencing results, we found that API may exert anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects by inhibiting the MAPK pathway. Our subsequent results supported this conclusion, showing that the phosphorylation levels of ERKs, JNKs, and p38 MAPKs were inhibited in the administered group relative to the model group. Downstream expression of the apoptosis‐related protein B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) was upregulated, and the expression of Bcl‐2‐associated × protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase‐3 was downregulated. To further investigate the specific mechanism by which API acted, we established an in vitro model with house dust mite (HDM) stimulation, using API (10, 20 μM) for administration intervention. The results showed that API was able to improve cell viability, inhibit ROS production, and reverse HDM‐induced decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis in airway epithelial cells via the MAPK pathway.
Quantum Machine Learning Implementations: Proposals and Experiments
Authors: Lamata Lucas
Published: May 2023

This article gives an overview and a perspective of recent theoretical proposals and their experimental implementations in the field of quantum machine learning. Without an aim to being exhaustive, the article reviews specific high‐impact topics such as quantum reinforcement learning, quantum autoencoders, and quantum memristors, and their experimental realizations in the platforms of quantum photonics and superconducting circuits. The field of quantum machine learning can be among the first quantum technologies producing results that are beneficial for industry and, in turn, to society. Therefore, it is necessary to push forward initial quantum implementations of this technology, in noisy intermediate‐scale quantum computers, aiming for achieving fruitful calculations in machine learning that are better than with any other current or future computing paradigm.
Event‐triggered neural experience replay learning for nonzero‐sum tracking games of unknown continuous‐time nonlinear systems
Authors: Cui Xiaohong , Peng Binbin , Wang Binrui , Wang Lina
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an online event‐triggered integral reinforcement learning is proposed to solve the nonzero‐sum tracking games of the two‐player nonlinear system with unknown dynamics and constrained input. Firstly, an augmented system of the nonzero‐sum game is constructed to describe the tracking problem. Thus, the optimal tracking problem is treated as solving the coupled Hamilton‐Jacobi (HJ) equations of the augmented system. To restrict the number of sampling states, a novel triggering threshold containing the augmented states is designed, and it avoids the existence of Zeno behavior. Secondly, a single‐critic network is utilized to approximate the solution of the coupled HJ equations. The critic network turning law with experience replay technology relaxes the dependence on the persistence of excitation (PE) conditions in traditional integral reinforcement learning (IRL) by using historical data in the stack. Moreover, the augmented system states and the critic NN weight errors are uniformly ultimate boundedness (UUB) by Lyapunov theory. Simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the availability of the proposed algorithm.
Third‐order integral sliding mode control of piezoelectric actuators based on rate‐amplitude‐dependent Prandtl‐Ishlinskii model
Authors: Li Qijie , Li Yanan , Li Jiangang , Huang Youhua
Published: May 2023

Aiming at trajectory tracking control of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs), this article proposes a third‐order integral sliding mode control (3‐ISMC) based on rate‐amplitude‐dependent Prandtl‐Ishlinskii (PI) inverse model feedforward (3‐RAPI) scheme, which can achieve finite time convergence and avoid singular problems, while ensuring the continuity of the control signal. In this control scheme, a rate‐amplitude‐dependent PI (RAPI) model is proposed to describe the hysteresis characteristics of PEA, and the RAPI hysteresis inverse model is used to realize the feedforward control. The simulation results verify the improvement of the modeling accuracy of the RAPI model compared with the traditional PI model. In order to reduce the influence of modeling error and improve the robustness of the system, a 3‐ISMC scheme based on integral non‐singular fast terminal sliding mode surface is proposed. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the tracking performance of 3‐ISMC is improved compared with the existing third‐order integral terminal sliding model control (3‐ITSMC). Finally, the composite control algorithm is realized by combining the RAPI hysteresis inverse model feedforward with the 3‐ISMC algorithm. The experimental results further show that the control algorithm can track the input signal in a wide range of rate and amplitude.
Bimetallic Sulfide MCdS Modified with TiO2 Nanoneedle Cocatalyst for Enhancing Photocatalytic H2‐evolution
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Luo Hao , Zhang Huabing , Li Furong , Jiang Zhiqiang , Zhang Hui
Published: May 2023

Metal ion doping and composite materials preparation are the effective means to improve the activity of CdS photocatalysts. In this work, TiO2/MCdS (M=Zn, Ni) were synthetized by two steps hydrothermal method. The morphology, elemental composition and optical properties of TiO2/MCdS photocatalysts were characterized via XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS and UV‐Vis. Interestingly, TiO2 nanoneedles were able to grow inside ZnCdS particles, which caused a strong interaction between TiO2 and ZnCdS was formed. However, TiO2 nanoneedle and NiCdS were not closely combined. As a result, the TiO2/ZnCdS (581.8 μmol ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1) possessed the optimal H2 production rate and showed a 1.5‐fold improvement compared to TiO2/NiCdS. This improvement of photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the effective separation of photogenerated electron hole pairs and the synergistic catalysis of water decomposition into hydrogen by TiO2 nanneedle‐assisted catalyst. Thus, metal ion doping and TiO2 nanoneedle as co‐catalyst could improve the photocatalytic H2 production activity of CdS more effectively.
Mott‐Schottky Heterostructure Photocatalysis of Ag/h‐BN/Bi2O3 for Water Pollutants Degradation
Authors: Zhou Jianwei , Zhou Chen , Wang Chubei , Zhang Mingliang , Chu Liangliang , Duo Fangfang
Published: May 2023

The Ag/h‐BN/Bi2O3 ternary composite was facilely fabricated via self‐assembly combined with in situ reduction. Characterization results showed that the as‐prepared Ag/h‐BN/Bi2O3 possessed distinct surface plasma resonance (SPR) and Mott‐Schottky heterostructure, resulting in significant enhancement of catalytic activity for RhB removal, the reaction rate constant (2.26×10−2 min−1) is 2.5 times that of h‐BN/Bi2O3 under visible‐light irradiation for 2 hours, which was mainly ascribed to the SPR and Mott‐Schottky heterostructure result in Ag/h‐BN/Bi2O3 enhanced visible‐light harvesting capacity and the effectual spatial separation of photoinduced carriers. The quenching process of reactive species indicated that h+ and ⋅O2− play dominant role in the degradation for pollutants. This work demonstrates that Ag/h‐BN/Bi2O3 is a promising stability photocatalyst for water purification.
Synthesis of 1,2‐Dihydrofuro[3,4‐d]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential VEGFR‐2 Inhibitors, and Proposed Mechanism for the 5,6‐Dihydro‐4H‐furo[3,4‐c]pyrrol‐4‐one
Authors: Yılmaz Ayşen Şuekinci , Kaçan Mesut
Published: May 2023

The fourteen novel 1,2‐dihydrofuro[3,4‐d]pyrimidine compounds were synthesized from 4‐(2‐azido‐2‐oxoethyl)furan‐3‐carbonyl azide, by the two selected Curtius rearrangement, nucleophilic addition, and intramolecular cyclization reactions. Molecular docking studies of these compounds were performed with vascular endothelial growth factors receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) tyrosine kinase (PDB ID:3WZE). Cytotoxicity studies against human prostate cancer cells (DU145), revealed that compound 8 e has cytotoxic potential. Additionally, in‐silico ADME studies appeared that most of the synthesized compounds obeyed Lipinski's rule. Also, the mechanism for 5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐furo[3,4‐c]pyrrol‐4‐one, which occurs in the reaction of isocyanate 2 with thiols, was proposed. The azide group acts as the leaving group in this reaction.
Preparation of Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabric with Ultraviolet Resistance and Photocatalysis Based on CuS/Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Xu Lihui , Li Jun , Pan Hong , Wang Liming , Liu Yadong , Shen Yong
Published: May 2023

In the present study, the superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with ultraviolet (UV) resistance and photocatalytic properties were fabricated by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and CuS/reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The CuS/RGO particles enhanced the surface roughness, and PDMS was used to reduce the surface energy of cotton fabrics and increase the adhesion of CuS/RGO particles to cotton fabrics. The water contact angle (WCA) of coated cotton fabrics could reach ∼158.4°, endowing the fabrics with excellent self‐cleaning and oil‐water separation properties. It is confirmed that cotton fabric can obtain superhydrophobic property by adjusting the concentration of CuS/RGO and PDMS. Thanks to the good photocatalytic activity and excellent ultraviolet absorption capacity of the composite material, the superhydrophobic fabrics possessed outstanding ultraviolet resistance with the maximum UV protection factor (UPF) of 851.2 and photocatalytic performance with the photocatalytic degradation rate of methylene blue 92 %. Furthermore, the prepared cotton fabric retained superhydrophobicity after 90 h UV irradiation or 2000 cycles rubbing. The flexible superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with UV protection had promising application prospects in various fields.
Aggregation Induced Transition by Modulation of Substituent Groups on Rofecoxib Analogues and Multi‐Stimulus Response Properties
Authors: Chen Nannan , Wei Yongbo , Liu Wei , Wu Tong , Zhou Jingming , Ye Yuqiu , Wang Zexin , Ke Yanbing , Jiang Hong , Xie Lijun
Published: May 2023

Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have been widely investigated due to their promising applications in data storage, organic light‐emitting diodes, and deep tissue bioimaging as compared to conventional fluorophores. In this work, we have designed and synthesized two novel rofecoxib analogues functionalized with different terminal groups (−NH2, −Br) on the benzene ring B. Interestingly, the compound 2 a‐3 with −NH2 substituent shows aggregation‐caused quenching effect whereas the compound 1 b‐3 with −Br group displays aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) property which may be caused by the twisted conformation and restricted – stacking of 1 b‐3 according to the X‐ray single crystal diffraction analysis. These opposite results indicated that the terminal groups could have great influence on the photophysical properties of targets. Moreover, the compound 1 b‐3 exhibited multi‐stimuli response luminescence behaviors under various external stimuli including solvatochromism, mechanochromism and acidochromism. Furthermore, lipid droplets imaging investigation proved the compound 1 b‐3 was capable of achieving specific lipid droplets bioimaging. This work not only presents a better understanding of the structure‐fluorescent property relationship based on the scaffold of rofecoxib, but also provides a new avenue for spectral modulation and the development of new MSR materials.
Ultrasound‐Mediated Monodesulfonation of Polyphenol Sulfonate and One‐Pot Generation of Alkyl Aryl Ether under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Ma Jianpeng , Li Yalin , Wu Pengjun , Zhao Jinhua , Zheng Weixin
Published: May 2023

An effective approach for monodesulfonation of polyphenol sulfonate under ultrasonic irradiation was reported. Series of substituted ortho‐, meta‐ or para‐hydroxylphenol sulfonates or 5‐hydroxy‐1,3‐phenylene bis(4‐methylbenzenesulfonate) were obtained specifically in the presence of sodium hydroxide in acetonitrile. With treatment of potassium carbonate in alcohol, alkyloxylphenol sulfonates was provided via one‐pot monodesulfanation followed by alkylation under ultrasonicated solvent‐free conditions. The alcohol had been regarded as green alkylation reagent. The results of the exploration of the scalability of monodesulfonation and one‐pot monodesulfonation‐alkylation of resorcinol bissulfonate indicated that such modes had the potential application value in scale production.
Efficient Removal of Lead(II), Cadmium(II) and Zinc(II) from Aqueous Solutions by Bis[2‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐il)phenyl]disulfide, a Solid Chelating Agent
Authors: Barrón‐Zambrano Jesús Alberto , Ordaz‐Rivera Josué , Carrera‐Figueiras Cristian , Celaya Christian A. , Reina Miguel , Uc‐Cayetano Erbin Guillermo , Pérez‐Padilla Yamile , Estrella‐Gutiérrez M. A. , Esparza‐Ruiz Adriana
Published: May 2023

The bis[2‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)phenyl]disulfide [bis(2phSbz)] was characterized by SEM, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, PXRD, and TGA analysis. It was evaluated as a solid chelating adsorbent to remove lead(II), cadmium(II), and zinc(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Bis(2phSbz) consists of agglomerated, rectangular particles of non‐uniform size, lacking porosity and roughness. Metal ion sorption is pH dependent. The equilibrium data are described by the Langmuir model, while the pseudo‐second‐order model fits metal ions′ adsorption kinetics best. The maximum adsorption capacities for lead(II), cadmium(II), and zinc(II) were 543.82, 482.56, and 306.96 mg/g, respectively. In a competitive test, bis(2phSbz) was found to be able to selectively remove lead(II) from multicomponent solutions. Desorption efficiencies higher than 65 % can be achieved using EDTA 0.1 M as a desorption agent. From a theoretical standpoint, we corroborate the experimental results in terms of some significant quantum mechanics descriptors. Bis(2phSbz) may be a novel and potentially valuable chelating adsorbent for lead(II) removal.
Organocatalytic Regioselective Chloro‐sulfonylation of Mono‐ and 1,2‐Disubstituted Epoxides by Using 4‐Methylpyridine N‐Oxide
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Watanabe Takaaki , Masuda Juo , Nitta Mima , Kitagaki Shinji
Published: May 2023

A highly regioselective organocatalytic chlorosulfonylation reaction for terminal epoxides is developed. The method uses various sulfonyl chloride reagents, such as MsCl or TsCl, and is catalyzed with 4‐methylpyridine N‐oxide. Several sulfonylated halohydrins are obtained with reasonable to high regioselectivity and the reaction is applied to 1,2‐disubstituted epoxides.