bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NIR‐II absorbing organic nanoagents for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy
Authors: Shao Wei , Zhao Fulai , Xue Jinhong , Huang Lingling
Published: January 2023

Near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing materials hold great potential in biomedical applications, such as fluorescence imaging (FLI), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT). Generally, these materials can be classified into two main categories based on their absorbing wavelengths: the first NIR (NIR‐I) (~650–950 nm) absorbing materials and the second NIR (NIR‐II) (~1000–1700 nm) absorbing materials. Due to the reduced absorption and scattering of NIR‐II light in tissue compared to NIR‐I light, NIR‐II absorbing materials enable imaging and therapy with improved contrast and deepened penetration, which is in favor of practical applications. Various inorganic materials have been developed for NIR‐II phototheranostics in recent years. However, the non‐biodegradability and potential toxicity of these materials hinder their further clinical translation. Biocompatible organic materials with potential biodegradability as well as tailored optical property are thus more desired. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of NIR‐II absorbing organic nanoagents (ONAs) based on small molecules (SMs) and conjugated polymers (CPs) for PAI and PTT and show our perspectives on future challenges and development of these materials.
Metabolic study of new psychoactive substance methoxpropamine in mice by UHPLC‐QTOF‐HRMS
Authors: Massano Marta , Gerace Enrico , Borsari Martina , Marti Matteo , Tirri Micaela , Ververi Christina , Alladio Eugenio , Vincenti Marco , Salomone Alberto
Published: January 2023

Methoxpropamine (MXPr) is an arylcyclohexylamine dissociative drug structurally similar to 3‐methoxyeticyclidine, ketamine, and deschloroketamine, recently appeared in the European illegal market, and was classified within the new psychoactive substances (NPS). Our study investigated the metabolism of MXPr to elucidate the distribution of the parent drug and its metabolites in body fluids and fur of 16 mice. After the intraperitoneal administration of MXPr (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg), urine samples from eight male and eight female mice were collected every hour for six consecutive hours and then at 12‐ to 24‐h intervals. Additionally, plasma samples were collected 24 h after MXPr (1 and 3 mg/kg) administration. Urine and plasma were diluted 1:3 with acetonitrile/methanol (95:5) and directly injected into the UHPLC‐QTOF‐HRMS system. The phase‐I and phase‐II metabolites were preliminarily identified by means of the fragmentation patterns and the exact masses of both their precursor and fragment ions. Lastly, the mice fur was analyzed following an extraction procedure specific for the keratin matrix. Desmethyl‐MXPr‐glucoronide was identified in urine as the main metabolite, detected up to 24 h after administration. The presence of norMXPr in urine, plasma, and fur was also relevant, following a N‐dealkylation process of the parent drug. Other metabolites that were identified in fur and plasma included desmethyl‐MXPr and dihydro‐MXPr. Knowledge of the MXPr metabolites evolution is likely to support their introduction as target compounds in NPS toxicological screening analysis on real samples, both to confirm intake and extend the detection window of the dissociative drug MXPr in the biological matrices.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) reveals potential for interoceanic fish invasions across the Panama Canal
Authors: Schreiber Lennart , Castellanos‐Galindo Gustavo A. , Robertson D. Ross , Torchin Mark , Chavarria Karina , Laakmann Silke , Saltonstall Kristin
Published: January 2023

Interoceanic canals can facilitate biological invasions as they connect the world's oceans and remove dispersal barriers between bioregions. As a consequence, multiple opportunities for biotic exchange arise and the resulting establishment of migrant species often causes adverse ecological and economic impacts. The Panama Canal is a key region for biotic exchange as it connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in Central America. In this study, we used two complementary methods (environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and gillnetting) to survey fish communities in this unique waterway. Using COI (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) metabarcoding, we detected a total of 142 fish species, including evidence for the presence of sixteen Atlantic and eight Pacific marine fish in different freshwater sections of the Canal. Of these, nine are potentially new records. Molecular data did not capture all species caught with gillnets, but generally provided a more complete image of the known fish fauna as more small‐bodied fish species were detected. Diversity indices based on eDNA surveys revealed significant differences across different sections of the Canal reflecting in part the prevailing environmental conditions. The observed increase in the presence of marine fish species in the Canal indicates a growing potential for interoceanic fish invasions. The potential ecological and evolutionary consequences of this increase in marine fishes are not only restricted to the fish fauna in the Canal as they could also impact adjacent ecosystems in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Mimicking orchids lure bees from afar with exaggerated ultraviolet signals
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Daniela , Lunau Klaus , Guzzetti Lorenzo , Cozzolino Salvatore , Dyer Adrian G. , Tommasi Nicola , Biella Paolo , Galimberti Andrea , Labra Massimo , Bruni Ilaria , Pattarini Giorgio , Brundrett Mark , Gagliano Monica
Published: January 2023

Flowers have many traits to appeal to pollinators, including ultraviolet (UV) absorbing markings, which are well‐known for attracting bees at close proximity (e.g., <1 m). While striking UV signals have been thought to attract pollinators also from far away, if these signals impact the plant pollinia removal over distance remains unknown. Here, we report the case of the Australian orchid Diuris brumalis, a nonrewarding species, pollinated by bees via mimicry of the rewarding pea plant Daviesia decurrens. When distant from the pea plant, Diuris was hypothesized to enhance pollinator attraction by exaggeratedly mimicking the floral ultraviolet (UV) reflecting patterns of its model. By experimentally modulating floral UV reflectance with a UV screening solution, we quantified the orchid pollinia removal at a variable distance from the model pea plants. We demonstrate that the deceptive orchid Diuris attracts bee pollinators by emphasizing the visual stimuli, which mimic the floral UV signaling of the rewarding model Daviesia. Moreover, the exaggerated UV reflectance of Diuris flowers impacted pollinators' visitation at an optimal distance from Da. decurrens, and the effect decreased when orchids were too close or too far away from the model. Our findings support the hypothesis that salient UV flower signaling plays a functional role in visual floral mimicry, likely exploiting perceptual gaps in bee neural coding, and mediates the plant pollinia removal at much greater spatial scales than previously expected. The ruse works most effectively at an optimal distance of several meters revealing the importance of salient visual stimuli when mimicry is imperfect.
Interfacial structure and strength of Al‐25Si‐4Mg‐1Cu joint brazed with Zn interlayer
Authors: Ma Qiang , Chen Yongwei , Li Shengguo , Xu Guo , Wang Fengjiang , He Peng , Zhang Shuye
Published: January 2023

A high‐quality joint of the parent metal Al‐25Si‐4Mg‐1Cu alloy (AlSi alloy) was brazed to itself using Zn layer as a filler material. The typical microstructure of AlSi/Zn/AlSi joint was Al‐Zn solid solution, primary Si phase and α‐Al phase. When brazing temperature was increased from 400 to 405°C, Zn began to melt and reacted with Al diffused from base material, then Si phase formed. While the increase in brazing temperature to 415°C caused the gradual buring of Zn from Al‐Zn solid solution, and α‐Al remained. Furthermore, the shear strength of the joint increased because of α‐Al phase and Si phase formation. In addition, with brazing time extending from 8 to 12 min, the amount of Al‐Zn solid solution decreased, while the amount of Si phase and α‐Al phase increased, thus the shear strength of the joint was improved. While the increase in holding time extending to 14 min caused many micro‐voids formed, and the shear strength of the joint was reduced. Finally, the shear strength of the joint brazed at 415°C for 12 min reached 65.6 MPa.
Geophysical–geotechnical methodology for assessing the spatial distribution of glacio‐lacustrine sediments: The case history of Lake Seracchi
Authors: Vergnano Andrea , Oggeri Claudio , Godio Alberto
Published: January 2023

Proglacial lakes are distinctive features of deglaciated landscapes and often act as sediment sinks, collecting solid material from subglacial erosion or washout of deglaciated areas. The solid transport flow, strongly linked to the glaciers and periglacial landforms, may rise due to the rapid changes driven by climate warming, causing deep transformations in the basin hydrology, and even the appearance or disappearance of lakes at a decadal timescale.

The goal of this study was to present a geophysical–geotechnical approach that integrates several techniques, to quantify the sediment distribution in a proglacial lake. A geophysical survey is performed with ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) installed on a boat, whereas a time‐domain reflectometer (TDR) measures the electrical conductivity and permittivity of the lakebed sediments. Unperturbed samples are collected and analyzed to measure the main geotechnical properties of the sediment: grain‐size distribution, plastic limit, and liquid limit. Such properties support the interpretation of the GPR data and the detection of spatial variations of the sediment facies.

To validate the proposed methodology, field tests were carried out at Lake Seracchi, the largest lake of the Rutor glacier, Italian Alps. It formed around 1880 because of the recent glacier shrinkage, as chronicled by valuable historical documents. Its greyish waters carry a significant amount of suspended sediment recognized as glacial flour, which gradually accumulates on the bottom of the lake.

The obtained bathymetry and sediment thickness maps of Lake Seracchi show the strength of the approach: from only a few manual samples, it is possible to extrapolate the geotechnical properties of interest, such as friction angle or hydraulic conductivity, to wider areas, surveyed by the geophysical techniques. This is achieved by investigating the spatial distribution of key geophysical properties linked to the geotechnical properties of interest.
Evaluation of Complex Mixture Toxicity in the Milwaukee Estuary (WI, USA) Using Whole-Mixture and Component-Based Evaluation Methods
Authors: Maloney Erin M. , Villeneuve Daniel L. , Jensen Kathleen M. , Blackwell Brett R. , Kahl Michael D. , Poole Shane T. , Vitense Kelsey , Feifarek David J. , Patlewicz Grace , Dean Kendra , Tilton Charlene , Randolph Eric C. , Cavallin Jenna E. , LaLone Carlie A. , Blatz Donovan , Schaupp Christopher M. , Ankley Gerald T.
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic activities introduce complex mixtures into aquatic environments, necessitating mixture toxicity evaluation during risk assessment. There are many alternative approaches that can be used to complement traditional techniques for mixture assessment. Our study aimed to demonstrate how these approaches could be employed for mixture evaluation in a target watershed. Evaluations were carried out over 2 years (2017–2018) across 8–11 study sites in the Milwaukee Estuary (WI, USA). Whole mixtures were evaluated on a site-specific basis by deploying caged fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) alongside composite samplers for 96 h and characterizing chemical composition, in vitro bioactivity of collected water samples, and in vivo effects in whole organisms. Chemicals were grouped based on structure/mode of action, bioactivity, and pharmacological activity. Priority chemicals and mixtures were identified based on their relative contributions to estimated mixture pressure (based on cumulative toxic units) and via predictive assessments (random forest regression). Whole mixture assessments identified target sites for further evaluation including two sites targeted for industrial/urban chemical mixture effects assessment; three target sites for pharmaceutical mixture effects assessment; three target sites for further mixture characterization; and three low-priority sites. Analyses identified 14 mixtures and 16 chemicals that significantly contributed to cumulative effects, representing high or medium priority targets for further ecotoxicological evaluation, monitoring, or regulatory assessment. Overall, our study represents an important complement to single-chemical prioritizations, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the cumulative effects of mixtures detected in a target watershed. Furthermore, it demonstrates how different tools and techniques can be used to identify diverse facets of mixture risk and highlights strategies that can be considered in future complex mixture assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1229–1256. © 2023 SETAC
Ecotoxicological Studies Indicate That Sublethal and Lethal Processes Limit Insect-Mediated Contaminant Flux
Authors: Olson Connor I. , Beaubien Gale B. , Otter Ryan R. , Walters David M. , Mills Marc A.
Published: January 2023

Merolimnic insects can accumulate and transport considerable amounts of aquatic contaminants to terrestrial systems. The rate of contaminant biotransport, termed insect-mediated contaminant flux (IMCF), depends on emergent insect biomass and contaminant accumulation, both functions of environmental concentration. We developed a mathematical model of IMCF and apply it to three ecotoxicological studies obtained through the US Environmental Protection Agency's ECOTOX database to determine at which concentration maximum IMCF occurs. Model results demonstrate that the maximum IMCF depends on competing rates of biomass loss and contaminant accumulation and does not necessarily occur at the highest insect or environmental contaminant concentration. In addition, modeling results suggest that sublethal contaminant effects (e.g., decreased growth) on insect biomass can be an important and potentially underappreciated control on IMCF. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1982–1992. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Impact of human telomerase reverse transcriptase peptide vaccine combined with androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy in de novo metastatic prostate cancer: Long‐term clinical monitoring
Authors: Lilleby Wolfgang , Seierstad Therese , Inderberg Else Marit , Hole Knut Håkon
Published: January 2023

Prostate cancer is considered as poorly immunogenic. In a phase I/II study on de novo metastatic prostate cancer we found that a human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) vaccine induced an early immune response in most of the patients. Here we present the results from the long‐term monitoring of the immune responses and clinical outcomes. Twenty‐two men with ISUP 4 to 5 and lymph node and/or bone metastases were treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), radiotherapy and the hTERT vaccine UV1 between January 2013 and July 2014. Immune response was monitored before, during and after vaccination and continued every 6 months until PSA progression. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline, and after 6 months, 1 and 2 years, and at progression. The clinical outcome was time to progression, overall survival and prostate cancer‐specific survival. The median follow‐up was 62 months (range: 19‐101). At the last observation, nine of the 22 patients were still alive. Six have no progression, two have castration‐resistant disease treated with second‐line ADT and one has castration‐refractory disease. Median time to PSA progression was 21 months, median overall survival was 62 months and median prostate cancer‐specific survival was 84 months. Lack of immune response was an independent marker of prostate cancer death. The long‐term monitoring showed that some patients had unanticipated subsequent high immune responses without developing recurrence. This association indicates that there might be a clinical benefit of hTERT vaccination in a subgroup of men with primary metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer treated with ADT and radiotherapy.
Varying reinforcer dimensions during differential reinforcement without extinction: A translational model
Authors: Iannaccone Julia A. , Jessel Joshua
Published: January 2023

Procedural arrangements of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction often involve presenting the same reinforcers for problem behavior and appropriate behavior, which is typically ineffective at reducing problem behavior and increasing an alternative response. However, manipulating reinforcement dimensions such that the contingencies favor the alternative response may improve treatment outcomes when using differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction by increasing appropriate behavior and reducing problem behavior. We conducted this translational study with 32 college students completing a button‐pressing task on a computer program in which they could engage in analogs to problem behavior and appropriate behavior. The effects of manipulating magnitude, immediacy, quality, and a combination of all three dimensions for the alternative response were evaluated. Overall, all dimension manipulations reduced the analog to problem behavior, with the largest reductions observed during the quality probe and the probe with all dimensions combined. These results support the notion that differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction can be an effective form of treatment.
Ultrasound findings and prognosis of shoulder pain: A role for Doppler signal?
Authors: Janeiro João , Barreira Sofia , Martins Patrícia , Sarmento Marco , Campos Jorge , Fonseca João Eurico
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To find ultrasound prognostic factors for shoulder pain.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective study, comparing the evolution of ultrasound findings with clinical outcomes, in patients with shoulder pain. Data were collected in two appointments, from February 2018 to March 2021. Two‐tailed non‐parametric statistics were used, and p values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results

A total of 79 participants were included in this study (median age 59 years, range 24–70, 61 women). A positive Doppler signal on tendons (p = 0.002) and absent tendon heterogeneity (p = 0.01) were associated with the patient's self‐reported improvement. Tendon calcifications with poorly defined contours (p = 0.03) and sparse distribution (p = 0.001) were associated with VAS improvement. A reduction in the number of calcifications (p = 0.004), in the supraspinatus tendon thickness (p = 0.01), in subacromial effusions (p = 0.03), and in color Doppler grade (p = 0.02), between initial and follow‐up exams, was found in patients with an improved DASH outcome.

Conclusion

A positive Doppler signal on shoulder tendons can be a marker for a better prognosis in shoulder pain. Poorly defined and sparsely distributed calcifications can also indicate a better course of the disease.
Elevated levels of anthropogenic antibiotic resistance gene marker, sul1, linked with extreme fecal contamination and poor water quality in wastewater‐receiving ponds
Authors: Gunjyal Neelam , Singh Gargi , Ojha Chandra Shekhar Prasad
Published: January 2023

In several low‐ and middle‐income countries, such as India, the rapid construction of toilets to combat open defecation has not been matched with adequate wastewater treatment, resulting in extreme fecal contamination of the receiving environments. The sewage‐receiving surface water bodies, typically close to the residences, are a potential hotspot for disease transmission and antibiotic resistance. Water, soil, and sediment samples from seven wastewater‐receiving ponds (WRPs) were analyzed for water quality, chlorophyll‐a, fecal contamination (yccT for Escherichia coli), 16S rRNA gene copies, and anthropogenic antibiotic resistance gene markers—sul1 and intI1. These WRPs were contrasted with two ponds that did not directly receive sewage. The water quality in the WRPs was comparable to raw sewage (BOD: 210–380 mg/L; COD: 350–630 mg/L; total‐N: 100–190 mg/L; and total‐P: 6–21 mg/L), and the relative levels of the DNA marker of E. coli were very high (yccT: 0.1% to ∼100% of total bacterial count) indicating extreme fecal contamination. The relative levels of sul1 and intI1 were 1–3 orders of magnitude higher in WRPs (sul1: 0.32%–10% of total bacterial count; and intI1: 0.2%–5% of total bacterial count) compared to the ponds that did not receive sewage directly. The relative levels of sul1 correlated with the DNA marker for the fecal indicator, E. coli (p‐value < 0.05; r = 0.50; Spearman's rank correlation), and poor water quality.
Moisture sorption isotherms characteristics for shelf‐life prediction of peanuts (Arachis Hypogaea L.)
Authors: Kaur Gurjeet , Sidhu Gagandeep Kaur , Kaur Preetinder
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The spring grown peanut varieties J87 and TG37A are prone to quality deterioration as a result of high temperature and relative humidity during harvesting. Thus, the sorption isotherms of peanut varieties were evaluated at 25, 35 and 45 °C and the water activity (aw) range of 0.110–0.975 aiming to predict the suitable storage conditions, packaging material and shelf‐life.

RESULTS

The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) increased with increased aw and isotherms of type II were observed. The monolayer moisture content varied between 3.135% and 4.235% for J87 and between 3.906% and 5.640% for TG37A variety. The experimental data were fitted to seven mathematical models. The variations in correlation coefficients were in the range 0.879–0.992 and in root mean square were in the range 0.055–1.988. On the basis of statistical parameters, Guggenheim Anderson de Boer and Double Log Polynomial were considered to be best fitted models. At aw of 0.6, critical moisture content (CMC) was 7.59%, 7.060% and 5.89% for J87 and 9.06%, 8.904% and 7.80% for TG37A at 25, 35 and 45 °C, respectively. The shelf‐life prediction model provided that the aluminum packages had the maximum predicted shelf‐life of around 1779 days for TG37A and 1077 days for J87 variety at 25 °C with an initial moisture content of 5.91% and 4.81%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The EMC and CMC evaluated from sorption study provided the basis for determination of package properties and shelf life. Aluminum packages had the minimum water vapor transmission rate and permeability. Hence, peanuts packaged in these bags and stored at 25 °C and 75% relative humidity had the potential to attain the maximum storage life. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of tea catechins on gut microbiota in high fat diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Ding Huafang , Yan Chi , He Zouyan , Zhu Hanyue , Ma Ka Ying
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Tea catechins have been shown to have beneficial effects on the alleviation of obesity, the prevention of diabetes, and the amelioration of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present work is to explore the underlying mechanisms linking the intestinal microbiota and anti‐obesity benefits of green tea, oolong tea, and black tea catechins in C57BL/6J mice fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD).

RESULTS

The results indicated that, after the dietary intake of three tea catechins, obesity and low‐grade inflammation were significantly alleviated. Hepatic steatosis was prevented, and this was accompanied by the upregulation of the mRNA and protein expressions of hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα). Metagenomic analysis of fecal samples suggested that the three tea catechins similarly changed the microbiota in terms of overall structure, composition, and protein functions by regulating the metabolites, facilitating the generation of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and repressing lipopolysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

The anti‐obese properties of three tea catechins were partially mediated by their positive effect on gut microbiota, hepatic steatosis alleviation, and anti‐inflammatory activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nano‐biochar: Properties and prospects for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Shafiq Fahad , Anwar Sumera , Firdaus‐e‐Bareen  , Zhang Lixin , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Biochar is an extremely valuable carbon black material used since the Pre‐Columbian Era in Latin America and is known for its properties to promote soil fertility and sustain crop production. Modern civilization has followed the footsteps of ancient civilizations and has prepared nano‐sized biochar (nano‐BC). The synthesis of nano‐BC can be achieved using different feedstock materials via pyrolysis, yielding bulk‐BCs which are mechanical transformed into the nano‐BCs, the final value‐added product. This review provides insights into structural, functional, and elemental properties concerning synthesis, surface properties including functional groups, and carbon stability. Moreover, the prospects of improving soil physicochemical properties including CEC, nutrient availability, soil water retention, and buffering capacity are discussed with agricultural implications. Mechanistic insights have been provided regarding how nano‐BC can improve soil health and could promote plant growth and physio‐biochemical properties, which further pave the way for its application to improve plant resilience to abiotic stress factors. Last, limited studies have been conducted that elucidate potential negative effects including contaminant mobilization and residual effects and these are also critically discussed. Above all, nano‐BC could be used as a beneficial soil amendment to boost crop production and enhance soil fertilities.
Iranian nursing applicants' perception of the nursing profession: A qualitative study
Authors: Zamanzadeh Vahid , Ghahramanian Akram , Valizadeh Leila , Bagheriyeh Farzaneh
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study was conducted to describe the perceptions of nursing applicants about their chosen profession and to explore the factors which influenced their understanding.

Design

A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis design.

Methods

Participants were 19 nursing applicants enrolling in nursing schools in three provinces of western Iran. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews. The content analysis of the interviews was done according to the steps proposed by Zhang and Wildemuth.

Results

The mean age of participants was 20 years (SD = 2.5), and 11 of them (57.9%) were females. Participants understood the nature of nursing work to encompass only a limited level of independence; they viewed it as a feminine profession, and as a job with spiritual rewards. The perceived content of nursing work included providing help and patient care in the hospital with a focus on performing procedural tasks. Applicants' perceptions of nurses' characteristics included strong physical endurance, communication skills, emotional strength and low intellectual skills. The professional status of nursing was perceived simultaneously as having high job security but limited potential for career advancement and professional growth. The factors reported to influence applicants' perceptions were related to the media, academic–career counsellors, personal factors, and family and friends.
Effect of yhfS gene on Bt LLP29 antioxidant and UV ray resistance
Authors: Liu Xihua , Zhang Yile , Du Xi , Luo Xingyu , Tan Weilong , Guan Xiong , Zhang Lingling
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widely used microbial insecticide. However, its persistence is limited because of ultraviolet (UV) rays or other environmental factors. The yhfS gene, which encodes acetyl‐CoA acyltransferase, plays an important role in lipid transport and metabolism in many organisms. To explore whether it is related to the stress resistance of Bt LLP29, the yhfS gene knockout strain LLP29 Δ‐yhfS and the complementary strain LLP29 R‐yhfS were generated successfully by homologous recombination technology, and the related phenotypic changes were compared in this study.

RESULTS

Gene yhfS was found to be functional in response to UV radiation in Bt by comparing the survival rates of Bt LLP29 harboring yhfS or not under UV light. Enzyme activity assays of key enzymes showed the the Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway was enhanced yet the tricarboxylic acid cycle as well as butanoate synthesis were repressed when the gene was deleted. At the same time, the amino acid content was decreased, but reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content were increased. Most noteworthy, antioxidase (such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) activities and contents of some potent antioxidants (such as pyruvate, carotenoids and NADPH) were lower in LLP29 Δ‐yhfS than in LLP29.

CONCLUSION

These tests revealed that the loss of the yhfS gene led to metabolic disorders and reduction of the antioxidant ability of Bt. Higher ROS level and lower anti‐oxidative capacity might be responsible for the reduced UV resistance when the gene was deleted. These results not only greatly enrich understanding of the mechanism of Bt UV resistance, but also provide an important theoretical basis for Bt application. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The weak ligand field in lanthanoid(III) hydrogensulfate‐sulfates
Authors: Hein Sebastian , Jähnig Maximilian , Kannengießer Nils , Pape Jonathan , Laporte Tobias , Schnakenburg Gregor , Kremer Reinhard K. , Urland Werner , Glaum Robert
Published: January 2023

The hydrogensulfate‐sulfates Ln(HSO4)(SO4) (Ln: Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been crystallized from sulfuric acid and their thermal decomposition behavior has been studied. The crystal structures for all members of the series were refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data (for all: Tb(HSO4)(SO4) structure type, P21, Z=2, a≈6.66 Å, b≈6.63 Å, c≈6.82 Å, β≈104.6°). Optical spectra (Sm–Dy) and magnetic susceptibilities (Eu–Dy) have been measured. For comparison the octahydrates Ln2(SO4)3 ⋅ 8 H2O (Sm, Eu) and the anhydrous sulfates Ln2(SO4)3 (Sm, Eu) have also been characterized by optical spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Ligand field analyses (angular overlap model) based on these data suggest for the square‐antiprismatic [LnIIIO8] chromophores in the hydrogensulfate‐sulfates a rather weak ligand field, which is comparable only to that in ultraphosphates LnP5O14 and in contrast to the much stronger field observed for most other lanthanoid(III) oxo‐compounds studied so far.
Die Entwicklung der psychischen Gesundheit bei hochaltrigen Individuen während der COVID-19-Pandemie und die Rolle sozialer Unterstützung
Authors: Gerhards Sina K. , Pabst Alexander , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Luppa Melanie
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Die Bevölkerungsgruppe der Hochaltrigen gehört zu den Hochrisikogruppen in Bezug auf einen schweren Erkrankungsverlauf und erhöhte Mortalität bei Ansteckung mit dem Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (engl.: Severe Acute Raspiratory Syndrom Coronavirus 2). Sie ist durch die COVID-19-Pandemie selbst, aber auch durch Maßnahmen des Gesundheitsschutzes möglicherweise einem höheren Risiko für psychische Belastung ausgesetzt. Es soll untersucht werden, wie sich Symptomatiken von Depressivität, Ängstlichkeit und Somatisierung im Verlauf der Pandemie verändern und welche Rolle die soziale Unterstützung dabei spielt.

Methoden

Mittels zweier schriftlicher Befragungen von n = 156 Hochaltrigen in den Zeiträumen Mai bis Juni 2020 sowie März bis Mai 2021 wurden neben soziodemografischen Daten Faktoren der psychischen Belastung (Depressivität, Ängstlichkeit, Somatisierung) sowie die wahrgenommene soziale Unterstützung erfasst. Das mittlere Alter der Befragten betrug 87,20 Jahre (SD = 4,65; Altersspanne = 77,68–96,75 Jahre; 2020) bzw. 88,03 Jahre (SD = 4,63; Altersspanne = 78,52–97,62; 2021). Die Daten wurden mittels Wilcoxon-t-Tests und generalisierter linearer Regressionsmodelle analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Es lässt sich eine signifikante Zunahme der Ausprägung psychischer Belastung hinsichtlich Depressivität, Ängstlichkeit und Somatisierung erkennen. Höhere Werte der psychischen Belastung im Jahr 2020 sind mit einer höheren psychischen Belastung im Jahr 2021 assoziiert. Eine stärkere wahrgenommene soziale Unterstützung im Jahr 2020 ist mit geringerer Depressivität ein Jahr später assoziiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei hochaltrigen Menschen ist im Verlauf der COVID-19-Pandemie bis Mai 2021 eine Zunahme der psychischen Belastung zu verzeichnen. Sie sollten durch präventive Angebote unterstützt werden, um einer weiteren Zunahme der Symptomatik vorzubeugen. Der Ausbau von sozialer Unterstützung könnte v. a. bei der Prävention depressiver Symptomatik sinnvoll sein.
Geometric-kinematic model for reinforced concrete core drilling
Authors: Marra Lucas , Fabbro Stefan , Kuffa Michal , Wegener Konrad
Published: January 2023

Since diamond-impregnated tools have a big share on tools for construction, the development of more efficient ones is necessary in the near future. The drilling speed performance is one of the concerns during the development of new diamond-impregnated segments in concrete core drilling. However, observations only based on experiments can be very costly, considering a quite demanding amount of material and workforce. One of the solutions to overcome these issues is the development of a geometric-kinematic model (containing a kinematic process model, material model, and drilling force model) to simulate the tangential and normal forces of diamond-impregnated segments in core drilling process. Such model is regularly used in the literature for the simulation of a bonded-abrasives process. The main purpose of the geometric-kinematic model is to generate simulations for the concrete core drilling for the tool performance estimation. This allows an evaluation of the geometric characteristics’ (diamond morphology, orientation, size, and positioning) impact of diamond-impregnated segments and of drilling parameters on the drilling force. The geometric-kinematic model will use detailed segment descriptions with stochastic and deterministic variables. The drilling simulation delivers a consistent drilling forces prediction in Utliberg concrete and ASTM A615 steel at the frequently used core drilling feed window. Besides, the model shows the competence to evaluate the impact of a diamond layer characteristics (diamond size and number of rows), allowing the comparison of distinct diamond arrangements designs between each other.
Infectious complications during monoclonal antibodies treatments and cell therapies in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Quattrone Martina , Di Pilla Alessia , Pagano Livio , Fianchi Luana
Published: January 2023

Infections represent one of the most frequent complications during the treatment of patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): of these, almost half develop an infectious event in the majority of cases in induction. The new monoclonal and bispecific antibodies and CAR-T, besides offering new perspectives in the overall survival and disease-free survival of patients, may also transform the epidemiology of infections in ALL by improving the toxicity of treatments. In this review, we examined studies published in the literature over the past 12 years and described the infectious complications of therapy with Blinatumomab, Inotuzumab, Rituximab and CAR-T in adult and pediatric patients with ALL. Infections are less frequent than in traditional chemotherapy treatment with vincristine, corticosteroids and anthracyclines, which has been the backbone of therapy for patients with ALL for years. On the other hand, the infection scenario in the CAR-T setting is quite peculiar: In these patients, infections are more frequent in the first month after infusion and are predominantly bacterial. As the time moves away from day zero, viral infections become more frequent, occurring mainly in patients who have had prolonged cytopenia and major cytokine release syndrome.
The case for Instant Runoff Voting
Authors: Richie Rob , Seitz-Brown Jeremy , Kaufman Lucy
Published: January 2023

Instant runoff voting (IRV) is an electoral system that produces better elections and more representative outcomes in races with three or more candidates. Used by over 50 American jurisdictions, IRV addresses the challenges of plurality voting in crowded candidate fields. It upholds majority rule, promotes voter engagement, discourages personal attacks, and minimizes strategic voting. IRV is preferable to runoff systems and other proposed single-winner methods. In comparison to runoffs, IRV produces higher, more equitable turnout and reduces costs and demands on voters. In contrast to methods based on rating candidates, voters in IRV elections have incentives to indicate their honest preferences. IRV demonstrates greater political viability and more intuitively fair outcomes than Condorcet methods. For legislative elections, IRV complements the single transferable vote, which is the best way to address the U.S.’s governance and polarization crises, end gerrymandering, and secure fairer representation for all.
Is substrate choice an overlooked variable in ecotoxicology experiments?
Authors: Sinclair Georgia M. , Di Giannantonio Michela , Jones Oliver A. H. , Long Sara M.
Published: January 2023

It is crucial to understand the effects caused by experimental parameters such as temperature, light, and food type on lab and field-based ecotoxicology experiments, as these variables, and combinations thereof, can affect results. The type of substrate used in exposure experiments, however, is generally assumed to have no effect. This may not always be correct. The metabolic changes in the freshwater crustacean, Austrochiltonia subtenuis exposed to copper, using three common substrates, gauze; toilet paper; and cellulose were investigated. Substrate alone did not affect survival, but each substrate elicited a different metabolic response and adult and juvenile amphipods had different substrate preferences. Several classes of metabolites were shown to change in response to different substrates and toxicant. These included disaccharides, monosaccharides, fatty acids, and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. The results illustrate that metabolomic responses can differ in response to experimental factors that were previously thought not to be significant. In fact, our data indicate that substrate should be viewed as an experimental factor as important to control for as more well-known confounders such as temperature or food, thus challenging the current paradigm. Assuming substrate type has no effect on the experiment could potentially lead to errors in contaminant toxicity assessments. We propose that ideal good practise would be that all experimental factors should be evaluated for their potential influence on metabolomic profiles prior to contaminant response experiments being undertaken.
Flexible multibody formulation using finite elements with 3 DoF per node with application in railway dynamics
Authors: Pagaimo João , Millan Pedro , Ambrósio Jorge
Published: January 2023

Flexible multibody formulations allow the dynamic analysis of mechanisms with slender or thin-walled structures that deform during their operation. However, the majority of the existing flexible multibody methodologies are formulated assuming finite element models featuring 6 nodal degrees of freedom, specifically 3 translations and 3 rotations. This work initially revises the existing flexible multibody methodology in which the modeling of the flexibility is independent of the modeling of the baseline multibody system while ensuring the coupling between the rigid and flexible components. The flexible multibody methodology includes the use of suitable reference conditions, the component mode synthesis, and the virtual bodies methodology. Commonly, solid elements found in finite element software exclusively have three nodal translation degrees of freedom, featuring no explicit angular degrees of freedom. In this work, we propose the enhancement of the existing formulation for a rigid-flexible joint to support the use of virtual bodies rigidly connected to the nodes of solid elements. The computational implementation of the methodology is demonstrated using a benchmark case. The methodology developed in this work is further applied to study the dynamics of a locomotive with a flexible bogie frame. Although not influencing the overall vehicle dynamics, the bogie flexible multibody model allows the evaluation of the PSD of the accelerations in different points of the bogie that are sensitive to structural defects. The comparison of the response of healthy and damaged bogie frames supports the development of tools to monitor the condition of bogie frames during the operation. This development will be explored in forthcoming works, thus expanding the use of flexible multibody methodologies to new applications.
Categorial modal realism
Authors: Brunet Tyler D. P.
Published: January 2023

The current conception of the plurality of worlds is founded on a set theoretic understanding of possibilia. This paper provides an alternative category theoretic conception and argues that it is at least as serviceable for our understanding of possibilia. In addition to or instead of the notion of possibilia conceived as possible objects or possible individuals, this alternative to set theoretic modal realism requires the notion of possible morphisms, conceived as possible changes, processes or transformations. To support this alternative conception of the plurality of worlds, I provide two examples where a category theoretic account can do work traditionally done by the set theoretic account: one on modal logic and another on paradoxes of size. I argue that the categorial account works at least as well as the set theoretic account, and moreover suggest that it has something to add in each case: it makes apparent avenues of inquiry that were obscured, if not invisible, on the set theoretic account. I conclude with a plea for epistemological humility about our acceptance of either a category-like or set-like realist ontology of modality.
The 30-year impact of post-windthrow management on the forest regeneration process in northern Japan
Authors: Li Jing , Morimoto Junko , Hotta Wataru , Suzuki Satoshi N. , Owari Toshiaki , Toyoshima Motoko , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: January 2023

The frequency and intensity of typhoons are expected to increase over time due to climate change. These changes may expose forests to more windthrow in the future, and increasing the resilience of hemiboreal forests through forest management after windthrow is important. Here, we quantified forest structure recovery using aerial photos and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data after catastrophic windthrow events. Our aims are to test the following three hypotheses: (1) forest structure will not recover within 30 years after windthrow, (2) forest recovery will be affected not only by salvaging but also pre-windthrow attributes and geographical features, and (3) various post-windthrow management including salvaging will drastically alter tree species composition and delay forest recovery. Our results revealed that hypothesis (1) and (2) were supported and (3) was partially supported. The ordination results suggested that more than 30 years were needed to recover canopy tree height after windthrow in hemiboreal forests in Hokkaido, Japan. Salvage logging did not delay natural succession, but it significantly decreased the cover ratio of conifer species sites (0.107 ± 0.023) compared with natural succession sites (0.310 ± 0.091). The higher the elevation, the steeper the site, and the higher the average canopy height before windthrow, the slower the recovery of forest stands after windthrow and salvaging. Scarification and planting after salvage logging significantly increased the number of canopy trees, but those sites differed completely in species composition from the old growth forests. Our study thus determined that the choice and intensity of post-disturbance management in hemiboreal forests should be carefully considered based on the management purpose and local characteristics.
Inappropriate Hospital Admission According to Patient Intrinsic Risk Factors: an Epidemiological Approach
Authors: San Jose-Saras D. , Vicente-Guijarro J. , Sousa P. , Moreno-Nunez P. , Espejo-Mambié M. , Aranaz-Andres J. M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Inappropriate hospital admissions compromise the efficiency of the health care system. This work analyzes, for the first time, the prevalence of inappropriate admission and its association with clinical and epidemiological patient characteristics.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence, associated risk factors, and economic impact of inappropriate hospital admissions.

Design and Participants

This was a cross-sectional observational study of all hospitalized patients in a high complexity hospital of over 901 beds capacity in Spain. The prevalence of inappropriate admission and its causes, the association of inappropriateness with patients’ intrinsic risk factors (IRFs), and associated financial costs were analyzed with theAppropriateness Evaluation Protocolin a multivariate model.

Main Measures and Key Results

A total of 593 patients were analyzed, and a prevalence of inappropriate admissions of 11.9% (95% CI: 9.5 to 14.9) was found. The highest number of IRFs for developing health care-related complications was associated with inappropriateness, which was more common among patients with 1 IRF (OR [95% CI]: 9.68 [3.6 to 26.2.] versus absence of IRFs) and among those with surgical admissions (OR [95% CI]: 1.89 [1.1 to 3.3] versus medical admissions). The prognosis of terminal disease reduced the risk (OR [95% CI]: 0.28 [0.1 to 0.9] versus a prognosis of full recovery based on baseline condition). Inappropriate admissions were responsible for 559 days of avoidable hospitalization, equivalent to €17,604.6 daily and €139,076.4 in total, mostly attributable to inappropriate emergency admissions (€96,805.3).

Conclusions

The prevalence of inappropriate admissions is similar to the incidence found in previous studies and is a useful indicator in monitoring this kind of overuse. Patients with a moderate number of comorbidities were subject to a higher level of inappropriateness. Inappropriate admission had a substantial and avoidable financial impact.
Can Deliberative Participatory Fora Cure Representation Gaps in France and Germany?
Authors: Blome Agnes , Hartlapp Miriam
Published: January 2023

The French and the German national parliaments are dominated by highly educated, older, and mostly male politicians. There are growing calls for a more balanced political representation of different social groups. This paper seeks to inform this debate by conceptualizing and measuring representation gaps for women, people of immigrant origin, the working class, and younger age groups in France and Germany and by assessing the potential of deliberative participatory fora to ameliorate underrepresentation. Based on theories of deliberative and participatory democracy, it suggests three criteria these fora must fulfill to potentially balance underrepresentation (descriptive representation in composition, deliberative quality, and coupling to politics) and explores them empirically in four recent cases of deliberative participatory fora: the Grand Débat National and the Convention Citoyenne pour le Climat in France and the Bürgerrat Deutschlands Rolle in der Welt and the Bürgerrat Klima in Germany. We show that significant representation gaps exist for all groups studied. They have been narrowing for women and people of immigrant origin and remain most pronounced for class. Regarding institutional features, our cases fare relatively well in terms of balanced composition and deliberative quality, but the potential to balance representation gaps is seriously limited by a lack of coupling to the political system.