bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to historical changes in vegetation cover and its future projections in the Yellow River basin, China
Authors: Yang Jintao , Yang Kai , Zhang Feiming , Wang Chenghai
Published: August 2023

The fragile ecology of the Yellow River basin (YRB) is vulnerable to global warming and human activities. As the second largest river in China, the YRB covers the subhumid, semi‐arid, arid and alpine climate zones, with considerably spatial differences in vegetation cover (VC), thus demonstrating substantial variations in response to climate change. In this study, characteristics of VC variations in different climate zones of the YRB during 1982–2019 were analysed, impacts of climate change and human activities on VC variations were identified, and possible VC variations in the future were projected under different climate scenarios. Results show that NDVI in the YRB significantly increased at a rate of 2.3 × 10−3 year−1 from 1982 to 2019, especially in the middle reaches of the YRB. Temperature is the main driver of VC variations in the source region of the YRB (alpine zone), wherein the warming trend contributes to the greening. The internal variability of VC is also influenced by temperature, with a marginal effect of precipitation minus evaporation (P − E). In the middle and lower reaches of the YRB consisting of arid, semi‐arid, and subhumid zones, VC benefited only from the warming trend and had a less relationship with the internal variability of temperature, whereas the internal variability of VC was influenced by P − E and had a weaker relationship with the P − E trend. Contributions of climate change to VC variations in the source region and middle and lower reaches of the YRB are approximately 62%, 42%, and 27%, respectively. Human activities considerably impact the ecological environment but mostly play a positive role. In the future, VC will increase in the YRB, especially under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario, and VC reveals the most prominent changes in the lower reaches. This study suggests that climate change might be favourable to VC in YRB, and emphasizes that human activities should adapt to climate change in an orderly manner.
A digital business transformation maturity model for micro enterprises in developing countries
Authors: Sukrat Supattana , Leeraphong Atchara
Published: August 2023

To survive and thrive in highly competitive environments, micro‐enterprises, like all businesses, need to adapt to changing market conditions. In today's digital age, digital transformation can help micro‐enterprises improve their efficiency, customer experience, and decision‐making to remain competitive and meet consumer demands. Therefore, this study seeks to establish a micro enterprise‐specific digital transformation maturity model based on prior literature and interviews with 12 micro enterprise business owners. The resulting model has four dimensions: strategy, process, technology, and people. Each dimension consists of four maturity levels comprised of significant, specific characteristics. Five specialists from diverse fields reviewed and modified the proposed model. For model evaluation, we performed data analytics using the K‐means clustering algorithm on online questionnaire data. The final maturity model fits well with the needs of the micro‐enterprises under investigation and can be used as a guide by other micro and small businesses in developing countries.
Disentangling the relationships between talent management, organizational commitment and turnover intention: Evidence from higher educational institutions in India
Authors: Antony Dayana Amala Jothi , Arulandu Savarimuthu , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: August 2023

While a substantial body of research demonstrated that talent management practices and organizational commitment are linked to turnover decisions, little is known about the mechanism unfolding this process. This research aims to unravel the relationship between various dimensions of talent management and organizational commitment and turnover intention. First, a moderated moderated‐mediation is conceptualized, and relationships are studied by collecting data from 435 faculty members from higher educational institutions (HEIs) in southern India. Then, after checking the psychometric properties of the survey instrument by structural equation modeling (SEM), the data were analyzed using Hayes's PROCESS macros. The findings indicate that (i) talent recruitment strategies positively predict organizational commitment and talent engagement, (ii) talent engagement is positively related to organizational commitment, and (iii) talent engagement mediates the relationship between talent recruitment strategies and organizational commitment. Further, the results documented that talent acquisition (first moderator) and talent development (second moderator) influence the relationship between talent recruitment strategies and talent engagement. Additionally, the results support talent retention in strengthening the relationship between talent engagement and organizational commitment. The previously established negative relationship between organizational commitment and turnover intention has been fortified in this study. To the best of our knowledge, the three‐way interaction between talent recruitment strategies, talent acquisition, and talent development is investigated for the first time, representing a pivotal contribution to the bourgeoning literature on talent management. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy investigation of PO43− to Ag/Al2O3 nanopatterned substrates binding and its dynamics for sensitive detection of phosphate in water
Authors: Hemzal Dusan , Prášek Jan , Hrdý Radim , Drbohlavová Jana , Kopp Radovan
Published: August 2023

We provide fast and sensitive detection of phosphate dissolved in water using Raman spectroscopy. To this end, phosphate‐scavenging planar core/shell surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) probes consisting of Al2O3‐capped Ag nanopatterned sapphire substrate were prepared and optimized. Thanks to scavenging, the probes provide enhancement sufficient to readily detect phosphate at levels occurring in water sources. In particular, the SERS probes were successfully tested for selective detection of all phosphate ions and down to 1 
M phosphate concentration (30 
g/L of phosphorus in the solution). The novelty of our contribution lies in real‐time SERS monitoring of the phosphate Raman markers, which allowed to study the dynamics of phosphate interaction with the nano‐structured surface of the probes. Under natural conditions (neutral to basic environment), the phosphates adsorb on the probes in form of PO
in two steps.
Risk of Aspiration Increased by Post‐swallow Residue in Infant Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
Authors: Chang Julia , Okland Tyler , Johnson April , Speiser Noah , Seetharaman Aditya , Sidell Douglas
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the risk of aspiration associated with post‐swallow residue subsites in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in bottle‐fed infants <1 year of age.

Methods

This is a retrospective matched‐pairs cohort study at an academic tertiary children's hospital. FEES and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) trials performed within the same infant <5 days apart were paired by matching bolus consistency and bottle flow rate. Positive aspiration was defined by the “or rule” in which aspiration is positive when either FEES or VFSS within a matched pair is positive.

Results

Eighty‐seven FEES‐VFSS matched pairs from 29 patients (16 males; mean [SD] age, 2.9 [2.8] months) were included. The rate of positive aspiration, as defined by the “or rule”, was 59% (51/87). In FEES, post‐swallow pyriform sinus residue was present in 16% (14/87) and anterior commissure residue 27% (31/87). Risk of positive aspiration was increased by pyriform sinus residue (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–19.3,p < 0.01) and anterior commissure residue in FEES (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–6.1,p = 0.03). In the neonate subgroup, <1 month of age, multivariate‐adjusted analysis showed that anterior commissure residue had better diagnostic accuracy for aspiration than in older infants (overall 70% vs. 42%,p < 0.01; sensitivity 60% vs. 10%,p < 0.01), whereas pyriform sinus residue had worse accuracy (overall 41% vs. 70%,p = 0.02; sensitivity 13% vs. 43%,p = 0.02).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that pyriform sinus and anterior commissure residue during infant FEES were associated with fivefold and twofold increased risk of aspiration, respectively.

Level of Evidence

3. Using a retrospective matched‐pairs cohort, this study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of post‐swallow residue in FEES for predicting aspiration.Laryngoscope, 134:1431–1436, 2024
Stabilization for weakly coupled string–riser system with partial frictional damping
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Liu Lujuan
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we consider the stabilization of a 1‐D coupled string–riser system with partial frictional damping. The frictional damping is only distributed in the part of the string's or riser's domain, and its dissipative effect is transmitted to the other equation through the coupling. Firstly, we prove the existence and uniqueness result for solution of coupled system. Next, using a semigroup approach combined with the multipliers technique, we obtain that the two coupled systems are not exponentially stable, provide precise polynomial decay rates for their energy functionals, respectively, regardless of whether the friction damping only acts on the string equation or the riser equation, and give the optimality of polynomial decay rates. Finally, we compare the case of friction damping acting on string and riser equations simultaneously with the previous two cases. The results show that the case of friction damping acting on string and riser equations simultaneously is exponential stable, while the case of friction damping only acting on string or riser equations is polynomial stable and the decay result of friction damping only acts on the string equation is better than that only acts on the riser equation.
A low‐power voltage‐controlled oscillator with phase noise suppressing techniques
Authors: Hsieh Jian‐Yu , Shao Yi‐Kai
Published: August 2023

A 0.5‐V low‐power VCO by using TSMC 0.18‐μm CMOS process has been proposed. For achieving low phase noise and low power consumption, several techniques have been utilized. The forward body biasing technique can lower the supply voltage and power consumption. The noise filtering, feedback capacitors, and switched biasing technique can reduce the phase noise and power consumption. The PMOS transistors, which has lower flicker noise than the NMOS transistors, are used for further lowering the phase noise. The body‐controlled cross‐coupled pair is proposed for choosing the oscillation frequencies without using additional varactors, which lower the oscillation signal loss and phase noise. The measured results show the phase noise at 1 MHz offset frequency from the carrier signal is −118.6 dBc/Hz with 1/f3 corner frequency of 230 kHz while the control voltage is 0 V. The frequency tuning range is from 2.4 to 2.46 GHz under power consumption from 0.5 to 0.8 mW. The figure of merit at 1 MHz offset frequency from the carrier signal is −189 dBc/Hz.
Towards a consensus for nurse education of methotrexate for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: A scoping review
Authors: Marques Andréa , Matos Cristiano , Nikiphorou Elena , Livermore Polly , Ferreira Ricardo J. O.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Patient education (PE) is a key role of nurses, which includes providing information, training, and support about methotrexate (MTX), an anchor drug in rheumatology. However, there is a wide variation in the access to rheumatology nurse consultations in Europe, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the delivery, context and timing of PE in these cases. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research on nurse education of MTX for children/youth and adults with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs).

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley's framework. A search on PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and Cochrane Database, and CINAHL, from inception until March 2022 was conducted. Articles on PE with a focus on MTX exclusively were included. Published and unpublished studies, from any world region, conducted with a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed‐methods design and focused on defined research questions, were eligible for inclusion. Broad inclusion criteria were used if a research paper on PE focused on MTX for people with RMDs (PE or patient engagement, self‐management, medication knowledge, or health literacy in patients). The reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses ‐ Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) checklist. Two independent reviewers performed standardized data extraction and synthesis.

Results

From 292 references identified, the total number of studies which met the inclusion criteria was relatively small (n = 14). The results identified that knowledge of MTX improves when education by nurses is provided.

Conclusion

This scoping review showed that there is no universal worldwide strategy for MTX education of children/youths and adults with RMDs. However, PE regarding MTX can be delivered in different forms, resulting in better satisfaction and adherence. More randomized controlled trials with powered samples are required.
Temporally complex inflammatory networks in an animal model reveal signatures for interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome phenotype
Authors: Shah Ashti M. , Vodovotz Yoram , Yoshimura Naoki , Chermansky Christopher J. , Fitzgerald Jocelyn , Tyagi Pradeep
Published: August 2023

Introduction and Objective

Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) presents with symptoms of debilitating bladder pain and is typically a diagnosis of exclusion. The cystoscopic detection of Hunner's lesions increases the likelihood of detecting tissue inflammation on bladder biopsy and increases the odds of therapeutic success with anti‐inflammatory drugs. However, the identification of this subgroup remains challenging with the current lack of surrogate biomarkers of IC/BPS. On the path towards identifying biomarkers of IC/BPS, we modeled the dynamic evolution of inflammation in an experimental IC/BPS rodent model using computational biological network analysis of inflammatory mediators (cytokines and chemokines) released into urine. The use of biological network analysis allows us to identify urinary proteins that could be drivers of inflammation and could therefore serve as therapeutic targets for the treatment of IC/BPS.

Methods

Rats subjected to cyclophosphamide (CYP) injection (150 mg/kg) were used as an experimental model for acute IC/BPS (n = 8). Urine from each void was collected from the rats over a 12‐h period and was assayed for 13 inflammatory mediators using Luminex™. Time‐interval principal component analysis (TI‐PCA) and dynamic network analysis (DyNA), two biological network algorithms, were used to identify biomarkers of inflammation characteristic of IC/BPS over time.

Results

Compared to vehicle‐treated rats, nearly all inflammatory mediators were elevated significantly (p < 0.05) in the urine of CYP treated rats. TI‐PCA highlighted that GRO‐KC, IL‐5, IL‐18, and MCP‐1 account for the greatest variance in the inflammatory response. At early time points, DyNA indicated a positive correlation between IL‐4 and IL‐1β and between TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Analysis of TI‐PCA and DyNA at later time points showed the emergence of IL‐5, IL‐6, and IFNγ as additional key mediators of inflammation. Furthermore, DyNA network complexity rose and fell before peaking at 9.5 h following CYP treatment. This pattern of inflammation may mimic the fluctuating severity of inflammation associated with IC/BPS flares.

Conclusions

Computational analysis of inflammation networks in experimental IC/BPS analysis expands on the previously accepted inflammatory signatures of IC by adding IL‐5, IL‐18, and MCP‐1 to the prior studies implicating IL‐6 and GRO as IC/BPS biomarkers. This analysis supports a complex evolution of inflammatory networks suggestive of the rise and fall of inflammation characteristic of IC/BPS flares.
Metabolic remission precedes possible weight regain after gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Rogova Oksana , Herzog Katharina , Al‐Majdoub Mahmoud , Miskelly Michael , Lindqvist Andreas , Bennet Louise , Hedenbro Jan L. , Wierup Nils , Spégel Peter
Published: August 2023

Objective

Some patients regain weight to a variable extent from 1 year after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), though rarely reaching preoperative values. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether, when, and to what extent metabolic remission occurs.

Methods

Fasting metabolite and lipid profiles were determined in blood plasma collected from a nonrandomized intervention study involving 148 patients before RYGB and at 2, 12, and 60 months post RYGB. Both short‐term and long‐term alterations in metabolism were assessed. Anthropometric and clinical variables were assessed at all study visits.

Results

This study found that the vast majority of changes in metabolite levels occurred during the first 2 months post RYGB. Notably, thereafter the metabolome started to return toward the presurgical state. Consequently, a close‐to‐presurgical metabolome was observed at the time when patients reached their lowest weight and glucose level. Lipids with longer acyl chains and a higher degree of unsaturation were altered more dramatically compared with shorter and more saturated lipids, suggesting a systematic and reversible lipid remodeling.

Conclusions

Remission of the metabolic state was observed prior to notable weight regain. Further and more long‐term studies are required to assess whether the extent of metabolic remission predicts future weight regain and glycemic deterioration.
Adoption and potential of agri‐environmental schemes in Europe: Cross‐regional evidence from interviews with farmers
Authors: Bartkowski Bartosz , Beckmann Michael , Bednář Marek , Biffi Sofia , Domingo‐Marimon Cristina , Mesaroš Minučer , Schüßler Charlotte , Šarapatka Bořivoj , Tarčak Sonja , Václavík Tomáš , Ziv Guy , Wittstock Felix
Published: August 2023

In Europe and elsewhere, agri‐environmental schemes (AES) are designed to reduce agriculture's impacts on the environment. Designing effective schemes requires an understanding of the reasons that drive farmers' decisions whether to adopt AES.

Currently, most insights come from individual case studies or structured surveys based on predefined questions. There is a paucity of studies that do not rely on rigid preconceptions about relevant behavioural factors while also offering a geographically and socio‐culturally broad perspective that can address the cultural and institutional context‐specificity of behavioural studies. Also, most studies focus on the adoption decision, while implementation decisions and their consequences for the ecological effectiveness of AES remain understudied.

In this article, we present the results from semi‐structured farmer interviews conducted in five agricultural landscapes across Europe. The results are used to uncover reasons for AES adoption as well as the implications of AES implementation decisions for their ecological effectiveness.

The main reason for AES adoption that was common across case study regions is the interplay of opportunity costs and payment levels, which has negative implications for the ecological effectiveness of AES as farmers prioritized marginal land or adopted non‐additional AES. Among reasons that vary across regions, tenure relations and the role of ecological reasoning stand out.

We find that AES are unlikely to trigger broader shifts towards sustainable management but there is some potential for improvement, mainly by increasing the flexibility, spatial targeting and ecological ambition of the schemes.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Development of sustainable cellulose‐based composite of polypropylene reinforced by recycled microfibrillar poly (ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Khamseh Mahdi , Maroufkhani Mahshid , Moghanlou Sajjad , Lotfi Alireza , Pourabbas Behzad , Razavi Aghjeh Mir Karim
Published: August 2023

Sustainable composites based on blends from polypropylene (PP) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) and wood flour (WF) were prepared under industry‐relevant conditions by melt extrusion, followed by continuous drawing through spinnerets. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) was employed to improve the compatibility between matrix and WF. The effects of incorporation of WF and RPET microstructure on the morphological features, rheological measurements, and mechanical properties were investigated. The drawing process converted elliptical RPET phase into highly oriented microfibrillar structure, as characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highly oriented blend (HOB) represented nonterminal behavior due to the presence of physical networks and enhanced surface area of microfibers for chemical interactions. The tensile strength of neat PP increased by the addition of WF and the existence of microfibrillar RPET phase, whereas the microstructure of RPET had more pronounce effect. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of PP reinforced by WF and oriented RPET improved by 65% and 92%, respectively, demonstrating the high potential of this environmental‐friendly reinforcement method to intensify the mechanical properties of PP.
Free vibration of co‐curing damping sandwich composites with different lay‐up angles
Authors: Zheng Changsheng , Zhou Yunfa , Su Jianmin , Sun Pingping , Wang Yanqin
Published: August 2023

In this article, the dynamic characteristics of Co‐curing Damping Sandwich Composites with Different Lay‐up Angles (CDSCDLA) are studied by means of modal analysis and numerical simulation to optimize the structure of co‐curing composites. The vibration equilibrium equation of CDSCDLA is derived according to first order shear deformation theory and Hamilton equation. The dynamic model of the structure is established by finite element simulation to verify the accuracy of the theoretical calculation. The influence of different lay‐up angle and the damping film thickness on the free vibration of CDSCDLA is explored under the condition of constant skin thickness. The theoretical derivation and finite element simulation results reveals that the overall dynamic characteristic of damping sandwich composite with a lay‐up angle of 45° is optimal when the damping film thickness is constant. In particular, when the thickness of the damping film is 0.1 mm, the first‐order mode damping and mode frequency of composite plate with a lay‐up angle of 45° reach the maximum value of 0.1495 and 747.9 Hz, respectively. The first order damping loss factor of the CDSCDLA with different layup angles is maximum when the damping film thickness is 0.3 mm. However, blindly increasing the damping layer thickness can not always improve the damping performance of the composite structure, but will greatly reduce the stiffness of the composite. The work provides a reference for dynamic performance optimization and structural design of sandwich plate with high strength and large damping loss factor.

Highlights

Free vibration of sandwich composites with lay‐up angles is investigated.

The dynamic analytical model of the structure is established.

The validity of the derived theory is verified by numerical simulation.
Essential plant nutrients impair post‐germination development of Striga in sorghum
Authors: Mwangangi Immaculate M. , Büchi Lucie , Runo Steven , Rodenburg Jonne
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Infestation by the parasitic weed Striga is a major cause of cereal crop production losses on smallholder farms in Africa. Essential plant nutrients play an important indirect role in parasite seed germination, the first prerequisite for successful parasitism. Here, we demonstrate that increasing the nutrient availability for the host plant can also impede Striga development beyond its germination, independent of the resistance levels of the sorghum host. This insight provides additional support for crop protection recommendations to Striga‐affected farmers. Growing a resistant crop variety combined with adequate levels of fertilisers should be the backbone of defence against this parasitic weed.

Striga hermonthica is a widespread parasitic weed in sub‐Saharan Africa and an important biotic constraint to sorghum production. Resistant varieties and fertilisers are crucial components of integrated Striga management. N and P fertilisers reduce the production of host‐plant strigolactones, known as Striga germination stimulants, and thereby reduce infection. Whether essential plant nutrients affect the parasite–host interaction beyond Striga germination is unknown.

We conducted mini‐rhizotron assays to investigate the effects of macronutrient and micronutrient availability on post‐germination Striga development. Four sorghum genotypes (Framida, IS10978, N13, IS9830) covering the complete array of known mechanisms of post‐attachment resistance were compared with susceptible genotype Ochuti. Plants were infected with pre‐germinated Striga seeds and subjected to four nutrient treatment levels: (1) 25% of the optimal concentration of Long Ashton solution for cereals; (2) 25% macronutrient and optimal micronutrient concentration; (3) optimal macronutrient and 25% micronutrient concentration; and (4) optimal macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations.

Compared with the 25% base nutrient level, treatments supplemented with macronutrients reduced the number of viable vascular connections established by pre‐germinated Striga seedlings as well as the total parasite biomass on the sorghum root system. Macronutrient treatment effects were observed across sorghum genotypes, independent of the presence and type of post‐attachment resistance, but appeared to specifically improve mechanical resistance, hypersensitive and incompatibility responses before Striga reaches the host‐root xylem.

This study demonstrates, for the first time, that nutrient availability drives Striga parasitism beyond the germination stages. Increased availability of nutrients, in particular macronutrients, enhances host‐plant resistance in post‐attachment stages, reinforcing the importance of current fertiliser recommendations.
Towards increased shading capacity: A combined phenotypic and genetic analysis of rice shoot architecture
Authors: Huber Martina , Julkowska Magdalena M. , Snoek L. Basten , van Veen Hans , Toulotte Justine , Kumar Virender , Kajala Kaisa , Sasidharan Rashmi , Pierik Ronald
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Rice farming is transitioning from transplanting rice seedlings towards the less labour‐intensive and less water‐demanding method of directly seeding rice. This, however, is accompanied by increased weed proliferation. To tackle this issue, this study seeks to identify how the crop itself can better suppress weeds, with a focus on light competition via shading. Using a rice diversity panel, traits were identified that contribute to enhanced shading capacity, and these traits were encapsulated into a single shading capacity metric. This was followed by the identification of the genetic loci underpinning variation in the core traits. The identified haplotypes can be used in breeding programmes to improve weed suppression by rice, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture.

In modern rice farming, one of the major constraints is weed proliferation and the entailed ecological impact of herbicide application. This requires increased weed competitiveness in current rice varieties, achieved via enhanced shade casting to limit the growth of shade‐sensitive weeds.

To identify traits that increase rice shading capacity, we exhaustively phenotyped a rice diversity panel of 344 varieties at an early vegetative stage. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) revealed genetic loci underlying variation in canopy architecture traits linked with shading capacity.

The screen shows considerable natural variation in shoot architecture for 13 examined traits, of which shading potential is mostly determined by projected shoot area, number of leaves, culm height and canopy solidity. The shading rank, a metric based on these core traits, identifies varieties with the highest shading potential. Five genetic loci were found to be associated with canopy architecture, shading potential and early vigour.

Identification of traits contributing to shading capacity and underlying allelic variation will serve future genomic‐assisted breeding programmes. Implementing the presented genetic resources for increased shading and weed competitiveness in rice breeding will make its farming less dependent on herbicides and contribute towards more environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Atomic Precise Gold Nanoclusters: Toward the Customize Synthesis, Precision Medicine
Authors: Liu Haile , Wang Lihui , Xue Zhonghua , Zhang Xiao‐Dong
Published: August 2023

With the advantages of controllable atomic composition, unique molecular‐like properties, and excellent biocompatibility, atomic precision Au cluster is an ideal candidate for developing materials with customized biological functions to meet the needs of precision medicine. To achieve the rational design of functional materials through structural regulation at the atomic level, it is important to clarify the relationship between the structure and properties of Au clusters. With the development of synthesis methodology, a variety of structural regulation methods of Au clusters have been developed, providing new opportunities for structure–activity relationship establishment and precision medicine application. This review introduces the synthesis and structure regulation methods of atomic precision Au clusters, and the effects of structural regulation on the physicochemical properties are further described. At the same time, the applications of Au clusters in precision medicine, including the detection of biomolecules, functional imaging, and disease therapy are discussed, as well as the recent studies around their biosafety. At last, it also briefly summarizes the current problems and development directions. The present work provides potential theoretical guidance for the rational design of Au clusters with customized biological functions and is of great significance for broadening their applications in the field of precision medicine.
Empowering canonical biochemicals with cross‐linked novelty: Recursions in applications of protein cross‐links
Authors: Bora Jinam Ravindra , Mahalakshmi Radhakrishnan
Published: August 2023

Diversity in the biochemical workhorses of the cell—that is, proteins—is achieved by the innumerable permutations offered primarily by the 20 canonical L‐amino acids prevalent in all biological systems. Yet, proteins are known to additionally undergo unusual modifications for specialized functions. Of the various post‐translational modifications known to occur in proteins, the recently identified non‐disulfide cross‐links are unique, residue‐specific covalent modifications that confer additional structural stability and unique functional characteristics to these biomolecules. We review an exclusive class of amino acid cross‐links encompassing aromatic and sulfur‐containing side chains, which not only confer superior biochemical characteristics to the protein but also possess additional spectroscopic features that can be exploited as novel chromophores. Studies of their in vivo reaction mechanism have facilitated their specialized in vitro applications in hydrogels and protein anchoring in monolayer chips. Furthering the discovery of unique canonical cross‐links through new chemical, structural, and bioinformatics tools will catalyze the development of protein‐specific hyperstable nanostructures, superfoods, and biotherapeutics.
Development and application of a PBPK modeling strategy to support antimalarial drug development
Authors: Abla Nada , Howgate Eleanor , Rowland‐Yeo Karen , Dickins Maurice , Bergagnini‐Kolev Mackenzie C. , Chen Kuan‐Fu , McFeely Savannah , Bonner Jennifer J. , Santos Laura G. A. , Gobeau Nathalie , Burt Howard , Barter Zoe , Jones Hannah M. , Wesche David , Charman Susan A. , Möhrle Jörg J. , Burrows Jeremy N. , Almond Lisa M.
Published: August 2023

As part of a collaboration between Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Certara UK and Monash University, physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were developed for 20 antimalarials, using data obtained from standardized in vitro assays and clinical studies within the literature. The models have been applied within antimalarial drug development at MMV for more than 5 years. During this time, a strategy for their impactful use has evolved. All models are described in the supplementary material and are available to researchers. Case studies are also presented, demonstrating real‐world development and clinical applications, including the assessment of the drug–drug interaction liability between combination partners or with co‐administered drugs. This work emphasizes the benefit of PBPK modeling for antimalarial drug development and decision making, and presents a strategy to integrate it into the research and development process. It also provides a repository of shared information to benefit the global health research community.
Comparing an imageless hand‐held robotic‐assisted system versus conventional technique for component positioning and early clinical outcomes in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hasegawa Masahiro , Hattori Yoshio , Naito Yohei , Tone Shine , Sudo Akihiro
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to examine the component positioning and early clinical outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using an imageless hand‐held robotic‐assisted system compared with those without robotics.

Methods

Component positioning, hip‐knee‐ankle angle (HKA), and clinical outcome 1‐year postoperatively were compared between 40 patients who underwent TKA with Navio (robot group) and 40 control patients who underwent TKA with a jig‐based technique (manual group). The clinical outcomes evaluated were range of motion and the 2011 Knee Society Score.

Results

Implantation errors in the coronal and sagittal alignments were significantly fewer in the robotic group than in the manual group. All knees in the robotic group achieved component positions within 3°. However, the HKA and clinical outcomes did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

Although the accuracy of implantation in the robotic group was superior to that in the manual group, the clinical outcomes were similar.
Dynamic event‐triggered control for delayed switched neural networks: A merging signal scheme
Authors: Wang Ping , Wang Zhen , Huang Xia , Shen Hao
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the asynchronous control of delayed switched neural networks via a dynamic event‐triggering mechanism (DETM) and a merging signal scheme. Firstly, an improved DETM is proposed through adding an exponential decaying term into the triggering condition, which is proved to have a larger lower bound by comparison with the static event‐triggering mechanism (SETM) and the existing DETM. Next, a merging signal is constructed by introducing a time‐varying delay to combine the system switching signal with the controller switching signal, which is convenient to deal with the synchronous and asynchronous switching in a unified framework. Then, the closed‐loop system which integrates the proposed DETM with the merging signal is formulated. Moreover, by constructing multiple time‐dependent Lyapunov functionals, sufficient conditions which ensure the asymptotical stability of the resulting closed‐loop system are derived, and a design algorithm for the feedback controller is designed consequently. Finally, the validity and superiority of the proposed results are demonstrated by numerical examples.
Bio‐fabricated ZnO Nanoparticles for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and in vitro Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Sarangi Biswaprakash , Gourav Behuria Himadri , Behera Tankadhar , Kumar Prusty Sunil , Prabha Mishra Sneha , Behera Nabakrushna
Published: August 2023

Novel bio‐fabricated ZnO nanoparticles were made from the solution of zinc nitrate in the presence of bio‐components of Jasminum grandiflorum L. The bio‐fabricated ZnO nanoparticles, represented as Jg‐ZnO NPs, were suitably characterized by several state‐of‐the‐art tools. The UV‐Vis absorption band at λmax=370 nm and the characteristic XRD peaks at appropriate positions suggest the formation of ZnO NPs. The XRD pattern revealed the formation of highly crystalline, hexagonal phase and impurity free Jg‐ZnO NPs. The presence of biomolecules on the surface of ZnO NPs was confirmed by FTIR spectral analysis. These NPs have hexagonal structures and flake‐like morphology as revealed by their TEM and SEM analysis, respectively. Further, the Jg‐ZnO NPs exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity against the MB dye under sunlight with a dye degradation efficiency of 99.8 %. Besides, the Jg‐ZnO NPs were also remarkably effective in inhibiting the growth of gram‐positive (S. aureus) as well as gram‐negative (P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae) pathogenic bacteria.
Seven Nuclei Cluster of Copper: Synthesis, Structure and Assembly
Authors: Wang Lin , Tang Xiongkai , Huo Rong , Xu Xiaoxuan , Xu Zhen , Li Simin , Jia Yanyuan , He Jinlu , Shen Hui
Published: August 2023

The determination of molecular and assembly structure of small clusters is a key step toward understanding the complicated nanostructures or even bulk materials. We report herein the synthesis, molecular structure, and assembly structure of novel copper clusters with seven nuclei. The clusters, with the total molecular formula of [Cu7Cl6(PPh3)7]+, has been obtained by (PPh3)2CuBH4‐mediated reduction of CuCl2 in one pot. Molecular structure of the clusters has been determined by X‐ray single crystal analysis, revealing a Cu7Cl6 metal core protected by phosphine ligands. Interestingly, the clusters are assembled as dimers in the unit cell, in which the cluster interacts with each other via π⋅⋅π interaction from the phenyl groups of the phosphine ligands. This work not only provides an atomically precise copper cluster that may find applications in future, but also reveals the assembly structure of the cluster at the atomic level thus shedding light on the structural dedication of larger nanostructures.
Preparation and characterization of polymeric Schiff's base for carbon dioxide adsorption
Authors: Siai Amira , Policicchio Alfonso , Alzahrani Abdullah Y. A. , Ahmed Zakarya , Charradi Khaled , Keshk Sherif M. A. S. , Chtourou Radhouane
Published: August 2023

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere poses significant challenges for its capture. Carbon dioxide emissions contribute substantially to the greenhouse effect, leading to detrimental effects on ecosystems and drastic climate change. In this study, we synthesized two polymeric Schiff's bases, by condensing partially oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OPVA) with 1,2‐ethylene diamine and 1,6‐hexamethylene diamine. The formed Schiff's bases are abbreviated OPVA‐ED and OPVA‐HMD, respectively. OPVA was initially prepared through oxidation of polyvinyl alcohol using potassium permanganate. We investigated the potential of these Schiff's bases for CO2 adsorption. Structural elucidation of the Schiff's bases was conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and gas adsorption experiments were employed to determine their physical properties. The capture and release of CO2 were evaluated at a temperature of 25 °C using these Schiff's bases as adsorbents. The findings indicate that OPVA‐ED exhibits superior CO2 adsorption capacity compared to OPVA‐HMD, with adsorption capacities of 0.22 mmol/g and 0.18 mmol/g at 15 bars for OPVA‐ED and OPVA‐HMD, respectively.
Catalytic Conversion of Lignin Model Compound and Kraft Lignin over Reduced Ru/C Catalyst
Authors: Pham Xuan‐Tien , Pham Thong Le Minh , Cao Xuan Thang , Vu Khanh B. , Tran Vy Anh , Garbarino Gabriella , Phung Thanh Khoa
Published: August 2023

Catalytic conversion of lignin into valuable liquid products has been a promising approach. Herein, we reported the catalytic conversion of the lignin model compound and Kraft lignin over reduced Ru/C catalyst with different industrial organic solvents using a high‐pressure/ high‐temperature reactor in a nitrogen atmosphere. The results showed reduced Ru/C catalyst is stable for two runs and active for the conversion of the lignin model compound (2‐phenoxy‐1‐phenyl ethanol) with a breaking of the C−O ether bond at high temperature. In the case of Kraft lignin, 2‐butanol and ethanol were potential solvents for the lignin conversion. The Ru/C catalyst enhanced the conversion of lignin, and the highest Kraft lignin conversion (~68 %) was obtained by using ethanol solvent at 220 °C for 1 h reaction. The product distribution with most small phenolic compounds demonstrated the potential of Kraft lignin conversion over the Ru/C catalyst.
Synthesis of Two Types of 1,3‐Diarylpropane Derivatives by Cobalt‐Catalyzed Cycloaddition of 1,6‐Diynes
Authors: Ishida Kento , Mizusawa Shu , Nakamura Koji , Ogiwara Yohei , Sakai Norio
Published: August 2023

The development of the synthesis of 1,3‐diarylpropanes is important because some of them have been reported to have biological activities. We report herein the synthesis of two types of 1,3‐diarylpropane derivatives by using cobalt‐catalyzed cycloaddition of 1,6‐diynes. CoCl(PPh3)3‐catalyzed cyclotrimerization of 1,6‐diynes afforded a series of 1,3‐diarylpropane derivatives. Furthermore, double [4+2]‐cycloaddition between 1,6‐diynes and 1,3‐dienes proceeded in the presence of CoBr2−DPPE−Zn−ZnBr2, and the successive oxidation by 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) afforded another type of 1,3‐diarylpropane derivatives.
YF3 with Nanostructure: A Rare Earth Metal Fluoride Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiao Ai‐Jun , Duan You‐Kang , Li Zhi‐Wei , Zhang Shi‐Chun , Su Tong , Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Fu Zhen‐Hai
Published: August 2023

The emergence of Li‐ion batteries provides a new path and scheme for carbon neutrality and carbon peak. The performance of lithium‐ion batteries is mainly determined by the electrode material. Among them, transition metal compounds have been widely studied in the anode and cathode materials of lithium‐ion batteries. Here, pure rare earth metal fluoride YF3 was synthesized by solvothermal method and subsequent calcination. The specific capacity of YF3 as a Li‐ion battery anode can increase from 29.3 mAh g−1 to 148.5 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 0.1 A g−1, with a growth rate of up to 407 %. XPS and XRD tests confirmed that the lithium storage process was a typical conversion reaction. The successful application of YF3 in Li‐ion batteries provides a wider range for the selection of Li‐ion electrode materials and also provides a new idea for the exploration of new materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Transformation of 2D Flakes to 3D Hollow Bowls: Matthew Effect Enables Defects to Prevail in Electromagnetic Wave Absorption of Hollow rGO Bowls
Authors: Zhao Biao , Li Ruosong , Men Qiaoqiao , Yan Zhikai , Lv Hualiang , Wu Le , Che Renchao
Published: August 2023

High‐efficiency electromagnetic (EM) wave (EMW)‐absorbing materials have attracted extensive scientific and technical interest. Although identifying the dominant EM loss mechanism in dielectric‐loss materials is indispensable, it is challenging due to a complex synergism between dipole/interfacial polarization and conduction loss. Modulation of defects and microstructures can be a possible approach to determine the dominant EM loss mechanism and realize high‐efficiency absorption. Herein, 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes are integrated into a 3D hollow bowl‐like structure, which increases defect sites (i.e., oxygen vacancy and lattice defect) and reduces the stacked thickness of rGO. Despite their lower stacked thicknesses, the hollow rGO bowls with more defects exhibit lower conductivities but higher permittivities. Accompanied by the transformation from 2D flakes to 3D hollow bowls, the dominant EM loss mechanism of rGO transforms from conduction loss to defect‐induced polarization. Furthermore, the defect engineering and structural design endow rGO with well‐matched impedance and strong EMW‐absorbing capacity. A minimum reflection loss of −41.6 dB (1.3 mm) and an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.8 GHz (1.5 mm) is achieved at a filler loading of 5 wt%. This study will provide meaningful insights into the development of materials with superior EMW‐absorbing performances via defect engineering and structural design.
Utilizing Topological Insulator Two‐Dimensional Bismuth for Ultrasensitive Acoustic Detection
Authors: Xiao Qi , Ma Bo , Wang Shu‐Yan , Li Xiang‐Yang , Yan Feng , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hao‐Li
Published: August 2023

Topological insulators (TIs) are characterized by a full insulating gap in the bulk and gapless edge or surface states, which have attracted tremendous attention. 2D Bi (110), as a typical TI, is of particular interest due to its low symmetry structure and topologically protected and spin‐momentum‐locked Dirac surface states. However, the material's potential applications are hindered by difficulties in fabrication, due to its strong semi‐metallic bonding and poor stability. In this study, a novel electrochemical intercalation method for the fabrication of ultrathin Bi (110) nanosheets with the highest yield ever reported is presented. These nanosheets are stabilized through cathodic exfoliation in a reductive environment and further modification with polymer ionic liquids. The versatility of these nanosheets is demonstrated by fabricating flexible acoustic sensors with ultrahigh sensitivity. These sensors can even detect sounds as quiet as 45 dB. Furthermore, these sensors are utilized for acoustic‐to‐electric energy conversion and information transfer. This work offers a promising approach for scalable fabrication and preservation of ultrathin 2D TI Bi (110) nanosheets and paves the way for their integration into smart devices.
Construction of cardiac fibrosis for biomedical research
Authors: Shang Yixuan , Liu Rui , Gan Jingjing , Yang Yuzhi , Sun Lingyun
Published: August 2023

Cardiac remodeling is critical for effective tissue recuperation, nevertheless, excessive formation and deposition of extracellular matrix components can result in the onset of cardiac fibrosis. Despite the emergence of novel therapies, there are still no lifelong therapeutic solutions for this issue. Understanding the detrimental cardiac remodeling may aid in the development of innovative treatment strategies to prevent or reverse fibrotic alterations in the heart. Further combining the latest understanding of disease pathogenesis with cardiac tissue engineering has provided the conversion of basic laboratory studies into the therapy of cardiac fibrosis patients as an increasingly viable prospect. This review presents the current main mechanisms and the potential tissue engineering of cardiac fibrosis. Approaches using biomedical materials‐based cardiac constructions are reviewed to consider key issues for simulating in vitro cardiac fibrosis, outlining a future perspective for preclinical applications.