bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-Derived Pest Control: Molecular, Ecological & Technological Perspectives
Authors: M Sathyananth , C Jenifer , Raj T. Leon Stephan
Published: December 2024

Aims: To explore and synthesize current knowledge on botanical pest management, emphasizing plant-pest interactions from evolutionary, molecular, and ecological perspectives. This study evaluates plant-based compounds and biotechnological approaches as sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
Study Design: A comprehensive review of scientific literature on botanical pest management, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches.
Methodology: The study reviews data on plant chemical defenses, molecular interactions, and biotechnological innovations for sustainable pest control. It analyzes plant-derived compounds' capacity to disrupt pest physiology with minimal ecological impact. Insights from genomics, molecular biology, and ecology are integrated to propose a sustainable pest management framework.
Results: Botanical pesticides demonstrated effectiveness in targeting pest physiological pathways while reducing ecological disturbances. Molecular studies revealed significant interactions between plant-derived compounds and pest systems, supported by advanced biotechnological methods. Genomic and ecological research underscored a balanced approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental harm.
Conclusion: Botanical pest management is a promising, sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. It addresses current agricultural challenges while fostering long-term ecological sustainability. The findings highlight the potential of plant-based strategies to advance precise, eco-friendly pest control methods aligned with global sustainability goals. Further research is essential to validate and expand these solutions across diverse agricultural systems.
Fundamental Properties of Generalized n-th Roots of Real Numbers
Authors: Wolfinger Bernd E.
Published: December 2024

In this paper we generalize our recent results related to the question “For which x \(\in\) R and n \(\in\) N, n \(\ge\) 2, \(\sqrt[n]{x}\) \(\in\) Q holds?”. We now address the more general question “For which x \(\in\) R and r \(\in\) Q, xr \(\in\) Q holds?”. We choose a step-wise approach to answer this generalized question starting with x representing an irrational number, followed by x representing a negative real number. Finally, we comprehensively answer the question for x representing a natural number, which also directly leads to solutions covering the practically relevant case of x representing a positive rational number. One important goal of our research has been to improve the understanding of the properties of irrational numbers as well as simplifying existing solutions for n-th root problems.
To demonstrate the potential usage of our results related to fundamental properties of n-th roots of real numbers, by way of example, we indicate how our results allow us to obtain elegant solutions for several rather challenging tasks related to irrational \(\sqrt[n]{x}\).
Geographical Variation in Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani Isolates from Soybean Plants in Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Sahu Suresh Kumar , Sunderrao Raut Ravindra , Sahu Rahul , Tandon Ashwarya L
Published: December 2024

Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is a soil-borne pathogen causing diseases such as aerial blight in soybean, it has been recognized as a serious problem in soybean-growing areas resulting in considerable yield losses. The present investigation was conducted to assess the pathogenicity of R. solani isolates collected from naturally infected soybean plants across various geographical locations in Chhattisgarh. A total of ten isolates were obtained and identified based on morphological characteristics. Pathogenicity tests were conducted under controlled conditions using soybean seedlings as hosts. The isolates showed various levels of virulence, ranging from mild to highly aggressive. Pathogenicity tests were tested by the detached leaf method and soil inoculation technique. In the detached leaf method, the symptom appearance was early noticed in RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-5 and RS-10 at 72 hours while delay symptom appeared in RS-4 and RS-9 at 120 hours. In soil inoculation technique, the germination percent and percent mortality were observed and the maximum mortality percent was observed in RS-1 (88.83%) with germination percent (53.33%) whereas minimum in RS-4 (57.50%) with germination percent (80.00%). The fungus spreads close to plant canopy through its mycelia that grow aggressively. Based on pathogenicity test, the fungus caused both leaves to blight by detached leaf assay and soil inoculation method. These results suggest that R. solani could be a destructive pathogen being yield losses, so it must be controlled seriously. These findings underline the need for targeted management strategies to control R. solani in soybean fields, particularly in areas with higher pathogen virulence.
Absolute Stability
Authors: Carrasco Joaquin , Heath William P.
Published: November 2021

Absolute stability is one of the cornerstones of control theory. It was defined by Lurye and Postnikov in 1944 and has attracted much attention since then. Absolute stability concerns the stability of the feedback interconnection between a linear system and a nonlinear and/or uncertain object that belongs to a class of systems and is classically a memoryless nonlinearity defined by its input–output map. This feedback setup is known as the Lurye system. There has been particular focus on the case when the nonlinearity is slope restricted, that is, the maximum incremental gain of the nonlinearity is bounded. Furthermore, absolute stability is linked to the development of several underpinning results in control theory, for example, the Passivity Theorem, the Small Gain Theorem, dissipativity theory, integral quadratic constraint (IQC) theorems, and the Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov (KYP) Lemma. In this article, we cover the fundamental milestones in the development of the field, especially frequency‐domain techniques, from classical results such as the Circle Criterion up to the most recent developments with O'Shea–Zames–Falb multipliers.
Microstructure and Performance of Graphite/Copper Joints by Brazing with Different Interfacial Structures
Authors: Wei Yanni , Niu Rui , Guo Hanlin , Luo Yongguang , Zou Juntao
Published: November 2021

Graphite/copper joints are prepared by brazing with Cu‐50TiH2 filler. The influence of the interfacial structure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of graphite/copper joints is investigated. Straight and zigzag interfacial configurations are designed. The microstructure and compositions on the brazing interface are observed and analyzed, and the shear strength of the joints is evaluated. The interfacial morphologies show a good metallurgical combination with no apparent defects. The interfacial transition layer mainly consists of a Cu‐based solid solution, Ti‐Cu intermetallic compound, and small amounts of TiC near the graphite substrate. The widths of the transition layer are ≈25–50 and 490 μm, respectively, for straight and zigzag interfacial configurations. There is a high hardness region that corresponds to the transition layer close to the graphite matrix. The shear strength of the joint with a zigzag structure interface can reach 17.9 MPa, which increases by 2.75 times compared to that of the straight interface. The zigzag structure between the graphite and the transition layer effectively improves the joint strength due to the increases in the bonding area and deflection of the fracture path.
Heterogeneous Single Atom Environmental Catalysis: Fundamentals, Applications, and Opportunities
Authors: Cui Tingting , Li Luxuan , Ye Chenliang , Li Xingyun , Liu Chengxiang , Zhu Shanhui , Chen Wei , Wang Dingsheng
Published: November 2021

The development of efficient catalysts is pivotal for pollution abatement to guarantee a sustainable and green industrial production. Supported single atom catalysts (SACs) with the advantages of maximum atom utilization, unique electronic structure, and distinguished metal support interaction have recently become a hotspot in the catalysis community, and bring new opportunities for environmental catalysis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest progress on the environmental SACs from both the fundamental and practical points of view. It starts with highlighting the state‐of‐the‐art synthesis strategies of great values for the practical use to construct challenging SACs. The applications of SACs in the environmental remediation processes are critically summarized, including CO oxidation, NOx decomposition, volatile organic compounds incineration, CO2 conversion, and water purification. Meanwhile, the topic also sketches out the recent progress for the non‐mercury catalyzed acetylene hydrochlorination reaction to address the environmental‐benign synthesis. Emphasis is placed on the elucidation of the structure–activity relationships and the underlying catalytic mechanisms to shed light on the guidelines for catalyst optimization and upgradation. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives for this flourishing field are also discussed.
Organic Electrolytes for pH‐Neutral Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Chen Qianru , Lv Yangguang , Yuan Zhizhang , Li Xianfeng , Yu Guihua , Yang Zhengjin , Xu Tongwen
Published: November 2021

Due to decoupled energy and power, the aqueous organic redox flow battery (AORFB) represents a promising energy storage technology that stores energy in redox‐active organic compounds dissolved in aqueous electrolytes. The organic compounds are composed of earth‐abundant elements and are therefore potentially cost‐effective. Their structures are diverse and highly tunable, rendering it possible to regulate the redox potential, water solubility, and cycling lifespan. Therefore, the adoption of redox‐active organics greatly expands the space for enabling exceeding performance merits compared to their inorganic counterparts. Herein, this work reviews the molecular design and engineering scheme of organic electrolytes, focusing exclusively on pH‐neutral AORFB that uses non‐corrosive and nonflammable pH‐neutral aqueous electrolytes with inexpensive inorganic salts as supporting electrolytes and features high safety, low corrosivity, low cost, and environmental benignity. Some comments on the present challenges and prospects of this ascendant domain are also presented.
Localized Electron Density Redistribution in Fluorophosphate Cathode: Dangling Anion Regulation and Enhanced Na‐Ion Diffusivity for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jinjin , Kang Jinzhao , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Liang Qinghua , Zhao Xiangyuan , Wang Xiaomei , Guo Ruisheng , Yu Hong , Du Cheng‐Feng , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: November 2021

Polyanionic transition metal polyphosphate (TMPO)‐type Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPO2F) is promising as cathode for large‐scale sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) on account of its considerable capacity and highly stable structure. However, the redox of transition metal and phase transitions along with the (de)intercalation of Na+ lead to its slow kinetics and inferior rate performance. Herein, chlorine (Cl) is applied as a heteropical dopant to obtain Cl‐doped NVPO2F (NVPO2−xClxF) cathode material for SIBs. Density functional theory investigation reveals that Cl doping tunes the localized electronic density and structure in NVPO2F lattice, causing the electron redistribution on vanadium center and dangling anions. Hence, the NVPO2−xClxF cathode exhibits a revised redox behavior of vanadium for Na+ extraction/insertion, increases Na+ diffusion rate, as well as lowers charge transfer resistance. A Na+ storage mechanism of reversible transformations between three phases and V4+/V5+ redox couple for NVPO2−xClxF cathode is verified. The NVPO2−xClxF cathode reveals a high rate capacity of ≈63 mAh g−1 at 30C and great cycle stability over 1000 cycles at 10C. More importantly, outstanding rate property (314 Wh kg−1 at 5850 W kg−1) and cycling capability are obtained for the NVPO2−xClxF//3DC@Se full cell. This study demonstrates a brand‐new strategy to prepare advanced cathode materials for superior SIBs.
A Multifunctional Biomimetic Flexible Sensor Based Novel Artificial Tactile Neuron with Perceptual Memory
Authors: Xia Qing , Qin Yuxiang , Zheng Anbo , Qiu Peilun , Zhang Xueshuo
Published: November 2021

The bio‐inspired sensory memory device functions as a multifunctional artificial perceptual learning system that can effectively analyze and retain multiple sensory signals. In this work, the multiscale hierarchical surface of reed leaves is templated to prepare CNTs/PDMS films, and a new type of electronic skin (E‐skin) is constructed. Due to its unique multi‐scale sensing layer surface, E‐skin exhibits a wide pressure detection range and ultrahigh sensitivity (235.95 kPa−1) and linearity (0.99 under 1.95–12.4 kPa). The memristor serving as artificial synapse is formed with HfO2 film as resistive switch layer, which has remarkable uniformity, large memory window of 102 and excellent plasticity. After integration of E‐skin with artificial synapse, the artificial synapse could be activated by the electrical information from the E‐skin to generate excitatory postsynaptic currents and the pressure information could be well retained by the memristor element. An artificial tactile perceptual neuron system with excellent retention performance, good stability and accurately recognition memory is realized, and meanwhile, the accurate decoding of Morse code by recognizing external pressure is realized. The present work transduces the concept of carbon‐based biology into a silicon‐based electronic device, which is of great significance to the development of hardware architecture in artificial intelligence.
Electrochemical Deposited Calcium Phosphate Nanomaterials with Micro‐Nano Interface for Capture and Non‐Invasive Release of Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Kelin , Zhang Qilin , Yu Mingxia , Wang Zixiang , Song Qingyuan , Zhu Cuiwen , Wu Xianjia , He Rongxiang , Zhao Xingzhong
Published: November 2021

A low cost and easily fabricated 3D micro‐nano biocompatible calcium phosphate (CaP) microstructure platform is developed to efficiently capture and non‐destructively release cancer cells. The thickness of CaP is ≈3 µm after 2.5 min deposition and increased to ≈12 µm after 10 min deposition. The void size between CaP nanosheets is increased when the electro deposition time is increased. This micro‐nano bio‐interface is suitable for cancer cell capturing and culturing. More than 90% for the EpCAM positive cells are captured on the CaP substrates where the specific anti‐EpCAM antibody is modified. On the other hand, the CaP substrates are easily degraded in citric acid (pH 6.0). In this method, 80% of the captured cancer cells can be rapidly released in 2.5 min on the 3 µm thick CaP substrates. The released cancer cells can be well cultured and can keep their viability. This platform is successfully used to capture the CTCs from patients’ peripheral blood with different kinds of cancer. This platform can be applied in the controllable single CTC capture and release analysis, including downstream RT‐PCR, gene sequence, and single cell based tumor sphere culture in the future.
Discovery of Herbacetin as a Novel SGK1 Inhibitor to Alleviate Myocardial Hypertrophy
Authors: Zhang Shujing , Wang Yingchao , Yu Min , Shang Ye , Chang Yanxu , Zhao Hong , Kang Yu , Zhao Lu , Xu Lei , Zhao Xiaoping , Difrancesco Dario , Baruscotti Mirko , Wang Yi
Published: November 2021

Cardiac hypertrophy is a pivotal pathophysiological step of various cardiovascular diseases, which eventually leads to heart failure and death. Extracts of Rhodiola species (Ext.R), a class of commonly used medicinal herbs in Europe and East Asia, can attenuate cardiac hypertrophy both in vitro and in vivo. Serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) is identified as a potential target of Ext. R. By mass spectrometry‐based kinase inhibitory assay, herbacetin (HBT) from Ext.R is identified as a novel SGK1 inhibitor with IC50 of 752 nmol. Thermal shift assay, KINOMEscan in vitro assay combined with molecular docking proves a direct binding between HBT and SGK1. Site‐specific mutation of Asp177 in SGK1 completely ablates the inhibitory activity of HBT. The presence of OH groups at the C‐3, C‐8, C‐4’ positions of flavonoids is suggested to be favorable for the inhibition of SGK1 activity. Finally, HBT significantly suppresses cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and calcium accumulation. HBT decreases phosphorylation of SGK1 and regulates its downstream forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway. Taken together, the findings suggest that a panel of flavonoids structurally related to HBT may be novel leads for developing new therapeutics against cardiac hypertrophy.
Modulation of Gut Barrier Functions in Ulcerative Colitis by Hyaluronic Acid System
Authors: Kotla Niranjan G. , Isa Isma Liza Mohd , Rasala Swetha , Demir Secil , Singh Rajbir , Baby Becca V. , Swamy Samantha K. , Dockery Peter , Jala Venkatakrishna R. , Rochev Yury , Pandit Abhay
Published: November 2021

The active stages of intestinal inflammation and the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis are associated with superficial mucosal damage and intermittent wounding that leads to epithelial barrier defects and increased permeability. The standard therapeutic interventions for colitis have focused mainly on maintaining the remission levels of the disease. Nonetheless, such treatment strategies (using anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory agents) do not address colitis' root cause, especially the mucosal damage and dysregulated intestinal barrier functions. Restoration of barrier functionality by mucosal healing or physical barrier protecting strategies shall be considered as an initial event in the disease suppression and progression. Herein, a biphasic hyaluronan (HA) enema suspension, naïve‐HA systems that protect the dysregulated gut epithelium by decreasing the inflammation, permeability, and helping in maintaining the epithelial barrier integrity in the dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis mice model is reported. Furthermore, HA‐based system modulates intestinal epithelial junctional proteins and regulatory signaling pathways, resulting in attenuation of inflammation and mucosal protection. The results suggest that HA‐based system can be delivered as an enema to act as a barrier protecting system for managing distal colonic inflammatory diseases, including colitis.
Structures of Class I and Class II Transcription Complexes Reveal the Molecular Basis of RamA‐Dependent Transcription Activation
Authors: Hao Min , Ye Fuzhou , Jovanovic Milija , Kotta‐Loizou Ioly , Xu Qingqing , Qin Xiaohua , Buck Martin , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Minggui
Published: November 2021

Transcription activator RamA is linked to multidrug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae through controlling genes that encode efflux pumps (acrA) and porin‐regulating antisense RNA (micF). In bacteria, σ70, together with activators, controls the majority of genes by recruiting RNA polymerase (RNAP) to the promoter regions. RNAP and σ70 form a holoenzyme that recognizes ‐35 and ‐10 promoter DNA consensus sites. Many activators bind upstream from the holoenzyme and can be broadly divided into two classes. RamA acts as a class I activator on acrA and class II activator on micF, respectively. The authors present biochemical and structural data on RamA in complex with RNAP‐σ70 at the two promoters and the data reveal the molecular basis for how RamA assembles and interacts with core RNAP and activates transcription that contributes to antibiotic resistance. Further, comparing with CAP/TAP complexes reveals common and activator‐specific features in activator binding and uncovers distinct roles of the two C‐terminal domains of RNAP α subunit.
Liquid‐Assisted Single‐Layer Janus Membrane for Efficient Unidirectional Liquid Penetration
Authors: Zhao Zhihong , Ning Yuzhen , Ben Shuang , Zhang Xudong , Li Qiang , Yu Cunming , Jin Xu , Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2021

Unidirectional liquid penetration plays an important role in many fields, such as microfluidic devices, biological medical, liquid printing, and oil/water separation. Although there are some progresses in the liquid unidirectional penetration using a variety of Janus membranes with anisotropic wettability, it still remains a great difficulty for single‐layer Janus membranes with straight pore to balance spontaneous liquid penetration in positive direction and superior liquid resistance in the reverse direction. Herein, a liquid‐assisted strategy for single‐layer Janus membrane is developed, which can efficiently decrease the critical breakthrough pressure from superhydrophobic side to hydrophilic side and show little influence on that in the reverse direction. Consequently, unidirectional water penetration with high hydraulic pressure difference can be achieved. The Laplace pressure change along the thickness of the single‐layer Janus membranes is further discussed, and the mechanism by which the auxiliary liquid decreases the critical breakthrough pressure is revealed. Furthermore, this Janus membrane with unidirectional water penetration “diode” performance can be used to prevent liquid backflow in intravenous transfusion. It is believed that this work can open an avenue for people to design single‐layer Janus membrane with high pressure difference and find wide applications in unidirectional liquid transport.
Smart Flow Electrosynthesis and Application of Organodisulfides in Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Chen Qiliang , Guo Wei , Fu Yongzhu
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical techniques have been recognized as an environmentally friendly and sustainable synthetic way to form organodisulfides. However, searching for optimum conditions which suffers from time/material‐consuming caused by the uncertainty of reactant consumption has hindered its rapid and large‐scale development. Inspired by advanced nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs) technology, it is proposed a smart flow electrosynthesis (SFE) method of organodisulfides that the voltage curve of NARFBs can be utilized as a precise indicator to reflect the desired information about reactants and distinguish the end point of reaction automatically. This electrochemical method also exhibits certain universality and scalability. Additionally, organodisulfides generated in electrolytes can be used as active species for NARFBs without further purification, and their electrochemical properties are easily adjusted by changing raw materials, which effectively alleviate the waste in complex synthesis steps for optimizing and designing active materials separately. An organodisulfide dervied from isopropyl alcohol and carbon disulfide shows excellent cycling life (1000 cycles) with low capacity fade rate (0.024% per cycle). Taking advantages of the inherent NARFBs, this work not only proves a SFE strategy, but also supplies a green and low‐cost molecular engineering scheme for designing electroactive materials for energy storage.
How Does the Creep Stress Regulate Void Formation at the Lithium‐Solid Electrolyte Interface during Stripping?
Authors: Yan Hanghang , Tantratian Karnpiwat , Ellwood Kevin , Harrison Elisa T. , Nichols Mark , Cui Xiangyang , Chen Lei
Published: November 2021

Interfacial instability from void formation at the solid–solid interface is one of the crucial challenges in solid‐state batteries. However, the fundamental mechanism as to how stress is generated in lithium and thus impacts void formation has not been established. A general creep/contact electro‐chemo‐mechanical model is herein developed to reveal the mechanisms of void formation at the Li/solid electrolyte (SE) interface during stripping. Li stress calculation is achieved by presuming that the strain‐rate‐dependent creep deformation of Li metal acts like that of an incompressible viscous fluid flow. The results demonstrate that the dominant mechanism that impedes void formation is the creep‐induced flux enhancement of vacancies, which are transported into Li metal for a non‐ideal Li/SE interface with pre‐existing interfacial defects. This contrasts with previous simulations on an ideal flat Li/SE interface in which the vacancy diffusion away from the interface is shown to govern whether voids are formed.
Use of the Diet History Questionnaire III to determine the impact of dysosmia on dietary quality
Authors: Allensworth Jordan J. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Smith Timothy L. , Mace Jess C. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Dysosmia could alter dietary quality through mechanisms including changes in appetite, food choice, and subsequent nutritional intake. However, there are few studies that directly assess olfactory performance and dietary quality. In this pilot study, we aimed to measure dietary quality in patients with dysosmia compared with controls with normosmia.

Methods

Community‐dwelling adults prospectively underwent olfactory testing using the Sniffin' Sticks test from which composite threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) scores were used to identify patients with dysosmia (TDI <31) and controls with normosmia (TDI ≥31). Participants completed the Diet History Questionnaire III (DHQ III), a standardized and validated tool for nutritional assessment developed by the National Institutes of Health. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was calculated to determine compliance with the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled, including 29 patients with dysosmia and 31 controls with normosmia with no difference in age or sex among groups. A significant correlation between TDI score and HEI component score was seen for protein (r = 0.256; p = 0.048), dairy (r = 0.285; p = 0.027), and saturated fat (r = −0.262; p = 0.043) scores. Compared with controls with normosmia, patients with dysosmia were found to have less total protein and total dairy intake, as well as less total saturated fat intake.

Conclusions

This study found significantly altered nutritional quality in patients with reduced olfactory function, including decreased intake of protein, dairy, and saturated fats. These findings are relevant given the high prevalence of dysosmia in the aging population and previous studies showing associations with mortality.
Social media policies, promotional support can impact student‐athletes’ NIL rights
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: November 2021

Collegiate institutions are confronting the new world of name, image, and likeness issues on a daily basis. Although states with applicable laws provide helpful guidance, many institutions are located in states without any form of regulation, largely leaving these schools to address NIL rights and any related issues on their own.
Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: November 2021

I received a text recently from a former colleague. She said, “I need a pep talk. My imposter syndrome is flaring up.” Dictionary.com defines imposter syndrome as “anxiety or self‐doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one's competence and active role in achieving success.” People with imposter syndrome are afraid of being “found out” as a fraud. It's common in a variety of professions — and a 2020 study by KPMG found approximately 75% of female executives have experienced it during their career.
Consider ethics of wearable technology and NIL
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2021

Wearable technology has been in the college sports world for years now. It's often come down to which schools can afford to provide wearable technology, giving those schools a competitive edge and increased ability to help train student‐athletes better, smarter, and more safely.
The Catalytic Mechanism of Pdx2 Glutaminase Driven by a Cys‐His‐Glu Triad: A Computational Study
Authors: Pina André F. , Sousa Sérgio F. , Cerqueira Nuno M. F. S. A.
Published: November 2021

The catalytic mechanism of Pdx2 was studied with atomic detail employing the computational ONIOM hybrid QM/MM methodology. Pdx2 employs a Cys‐His‐Glu catalytic triad to deaminate glutamine to glutamate and ammonia – the source of the nitrogen of pyridoxal 5’‐phosphate (PLP). This enzyme is, therefore, a rate‐limiting step in the PLP biosynthetic pathway of Malaria and Tuberculosis pathogens that rely on this mechanism to obtain PLP. For this reason, Pdx2 is considered a novel and promising drug target to treat these diseases. The results obtained show that the catalytic mechanism of Pdx2 occurs in six steps that can be divided into four stages: (i) activation of Cys87, (ii) deamination of glutamine with the formation of the glutamyl‐thioester intermediate, (iii) hydrolysis of the formed intermediate, and (iv) enzymatic turnover. The kinetic data available in the literature (19.1–19.5 kcal mol−1) agree very well with the calculated free energy barrier of the hydrolytic step (18.2 kcal.mol−11), which is the rate‐limiting step of the catalytic process when substrate is readily available in the active site. This catalytic mechanism differs from other known amidases in three main points: i) it requires the activation of the nucleophile Cys87 to a thiolate; ii) the hydrolysis occurs in a single step and therefore does not require the formation of a second tetrahedral reaction intermediate, as it is proposed, and iii) Glu198 does not have a direct role in the catalytic process. Together, these results can be used for the synthesis of new transition state analogue inhibitors capable of inhibiting Pdx2 and impair diseases like Malaria and Tuberculosis.
Impact of physiologically diffuse versus focal pattern of coronary disease on quantitative flow reserve diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Scarsini Roberto , Fezzi Simone , Pesarini Gabriele , Del Sole Paolo Alberto , Venturi Gabriele , Mammone Concetta , Marcoli Michele , Gambaro Alessia , Tavella Domenico , Pighi Michele , Ribichini Flavio
Published: November 2021

Background

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave‐free ratio (iFR) disagree in about 20% of intermediate coronary lesions. As the physiological pattern of coronary artery disease has a significant influence on FFR‐iFR discordance, we sought to assess it may impact on the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative flow reserve (QFR).

Methods

One hundred and ninety‐four patients with 224 intermediate coronary lesions were investigated with iFR, FFR, and QFR. The physiological pattern of disease was assessed with iFR Scout pullback and QFR virtual pullback in all the cases.

Results

A predominantly physiologically focal pattern was observed in 81 (36.2%) lesions, whereas a predominantly physiologically diffuse was observed in 143 (63.8%) cases. QFR demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.581, p < 0.001) and a substantial agreement with iFR, both in diffuse (AUC = 0.798) and in focal (AUC = 0.812) pattern of disease. Discordance between QFR and iFR was observed in 51 (22.8%) lesions, consisting of iFR+/QFR− (64.7%) and iFR−/QFR+ (35.3%). Notably, the physiological pattern of disease was the only variable significantly associated with iFR/QFR discordance. QFR virtual pullback demonstrated an excellent agreement (83.9%) with iFR Scout pullback in classifying the physiological pattern of disease.

Conclusions

QFR has a good diagnostic accuracy in assessing myocardial ischemia independently of the pattern of coronary disease. However, the physiological pattern of disease has an influence on the QFR/iFR discordance, which occurs in ~20% of the cases. The QFR virtual pullback correctly defined the physiological pattern of disease in the majority of the cases using the iFR pullback as reference.
Presacral dermoid cyst in a young female patient: A case report
Authors: Poudel Diptee , Shrestha Bibek Man , Kandel Bishnu Prasad , Shrestha Suraj , Kansal Ankush , Joshi Lakhey Paleswan
Published: November 2021

Presacral dermoid cysts are rare, benign tumors of developmental origin that primarily affect women. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for these cysts, even if asymptomatic, with the laparoscopic approach being safer and more efficient.
Emergency seeding of cool‐season annuals into perennial grass after fall drought
Authors: Xiong Yedan V. , Nave Renata L. G. , Griffith Andrew P. , Quinby Marcia P. , Bates Gary E. , Corbin Michael D.
Published: November 2021

Spring establishment of cool‐season annual grasses into poorly producing orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L) (OG) swards may improve forage production and nutritive value in the southeastern United States following a fall drought. A randomized complete block experiment was conducted where annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) (AR) or forage oat (Avena sativa L.) (FO) was interseeded into an existing OG stand over three seeding dates with (+) or without (–) a burndown herbicide (BD) treatment and compared with an OG monoculture (control). In 2017, after a warm and wet winter, the OG monoculture (control) was able to produce sufficient forage mass (FM) without significant reduction in nutritive value as compared with OG interseeded with AR or FO. In 2018, OG had approximately 2,600 lb acre–1 less FM than in 2017, suggesting that recurrent fall drought with unfavorable winter conditions resulted in long‐term damage to the perennial sward. Meanwhile, treatments without BD did not show higher FM in the beginning of the season. Burndown treatment in general increased FM and nutritive value. An economic analysis of the study also revealed results suggesting that interseeding AR and FO in the spring is not economically viable, as it may cost up to 10 times as much as the control.
Coupling of photoactive transition metal complexes to a functional polymer matrix**
Authors: Putra Miftahussurur Hamidi , Seidenath Sebastian , Kupfer Stephan , Gräfe Stefanie , Groß Axel
Published: November 2021

Conductive polymers represent a promising alternative to semiconducting oxide electrodes typically used in dye‐sensitized cathodes as they more easily allow a tuning of the physicochemical properties. This can then also be very beneficial for using them in light‐driven catalysis. In this computational study, we address the coupling of Ru‐based photosensitizers to a polymer matrix by combining two different first‐principles electronic structure approaches. We use a periodic density functional theory code to properly account for the delocalized nature of the electronic states in the polymer. These ground state investigations are complemented by time‐dependent density functional theory simulations to assess the Franck‐Condon photophysics of the present photoactive hybrid material based on a molecular model system. Our results are consistent with recent experimental observations and allow to elucidate the light‐driven redox chemical processes – eventually leading to charge separation – in the present functional hybrid systems with potential application as photocathode materials.
Perfluoroaryl and Perfluoroheteroaryl Reagents as Emerging New Tools for Peptide Synthesis, Modification and Bioconjugation
Authors: Brittain William D. G. , Coxon Christopher R.
Published: November 2021

Peptides and proteins are becoming increasingly valuable as medicines, diagnostic agents and as tools for biomedical sciences. Much of this has been underpinned by the emergence of new methods for the manipulation and augmentation of native biomolecules. Perfluoroaromatic reagents are perhaps one of the most diverse and exciting tools with which to modify peptides and proteins, due principally to their nucleophilic substitution chemistry, high electron deficiency and the ability for their reactivity to be tuned towards specific nucleophiles. As discussed in this minireview, in recent years, perfluoroaromatic reagents have found applications as protecting groups or activating groups in peptide synthesis and as orthogonal handles for peptide modification. Furthermore, they have applications in chemoselective ‘tagging’, stapling and bioconjugation of peptides and proteins, as well as tuning of ‘drug‐like’ properties. This review will also explore possible future applications of these reagents in biological chemistry.
Molecular Scissors for Tailor‐Made Modification of Siloxane Scaffolds
Authors: Götz Tobias , Falk Alexander , Bauer Jonathan O.
Published: November 2021

The controlled design of functional oligosiloxanes is an important topic in current research. A consecutive Si−O−Si bond cleavage/formation using siloxanes that are substituted with 1,2‐diaminobenzene derivatives acting as molecular scissors is presented. The method allows to cut at certain positions of a siloxane scaffold forming a cyclic diaminosilane or ‐siloxane intermediate and then to introduce new functional siloxy units. The procedure could be extended to a direct one‐step cleavage of chlorooligosiloxanes. Both siloxane formation and cleavage proceed with good to excellent yields, high regioselectivity, and great variability of the siloxy units. Control of the selectivity is achieved by the choice of the amino substituent. Insight into the mechanism was provided by low temperature NMR studies and the isolation of a lithiated intermediate.
An NHC‐Stabilized H2GeBH2 Precursor for the Preparation of Cationic Group 13/14/15 Hydride Chains
Authors: Ackermann Matthias T. , Seidl Michael , Wen Fuwei , Ferguson Michael J. , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Rivard Eric , Scheer Manfred
Published: November 2021

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity studies of the NHC‐stabilized complex IDipp ⋅ GeH2BH2OTf (1) (IDipp=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene) are reported. Nucleophilic substitution of the triflate (OTf) group in 1 by phosphine or arsine donors provides access to the cationic group 13/14/15 chains [IDipp ⋅ GeH2BH2ERR1R2]+ (2 E=P; R, R1=H; R2=tBu; 3 E=P; R=H; R1, R2=Ph; 4 a E=P; R, R1, R2=Ph; 4 b E=As; R, R1, R2=Ph). These novel cationic chains were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Moreover, the formation of the parent complexes [IDipp ⋅ GeH2BH2PH3][OTf] (5) and [IDipp ⋅ GeH3][OTf] (6) were achieved by reaction of 1 with PH3. Accompanying DFT computations give insight into the stability of the formed chains with respect to their decomposition.
Updated protocol: Effects of second responder programs on repeat incidents of family abuse: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Davis Robert C. , Petersen Kevin , Weisburd David , Taylor Bruce
Published: November 2021

The US Department of Justice has extensively funded second responder programs. In England and Wales, funding of follow‐up with victims is largely funded by local Police and Crime Commissioners. While these programs rapidly gained popularity in the United States and are gaining popularity in other countries as well, the evidence regarding their effectiveness is mixed. Although some research has indicated that second responder programs can prevent repeat victimization, several experimental studies have suggested that these programs may actually increase the odds of abuse recurring. The purpose of the review is to compile and synthesize published and unpublished empirical studies of the effects of second responder programs on repeat incidents of family violence, including those studies completed after the original review. The Global Police Database (http://www.gpd.uq.edu.au/) provides a resource unavailable at the time of the initial review that will ensure that a comprehensive set of qualifying studies is identified. In the updated review, we will address the following questions: 1. What impact do second responder programs have on the number of subsequent calls to the police? 2. What impact do second responder programs have on abuse as measured on victim surveys? 3. Does the impact of second responder programs differ between experimental and quasi‐experimental studies or studies that employ different methods of drawing samples? Building on the original review, we also aim to expand our examination of effect size heterogeneity given sufficient data to do so. For instance, given the proposition that there may be only a small window of opportunity to intervene into the lives of family violence victims after an incident, the amount of time that elapses between a family violence call and the second response may be an important moderator of programmatic effects. Additional factors that could impact the effect of the intervention include the length of the follow‐up data collection period, the type of family violence complaint (e.g., intimate partner violence vs. elder abuse), and the sociodemographic characteristics of the victim and the offender (see generally Sherman, 2018). Ultimately, this review seeks not only to update the results of the prior review with additional research, but also to explore the mechanisms behind the observed effects in a way that provides utility for future policy creation.
Multidimensional impact of the geriatric assessment in the cancer care of older adults
Authors: Subbiah Ishwaria M. , Tejero Isabel , Alibhai Shabbir M. H.
Published: November 2021

Frailty is common in older adults with cancer. This editorial explores the significance of frailty to patient‐clinician communication in an article by Gilmore et al.
De novo developed microsatellite markers in gill parasites of the genus Dactylogyrus (Monogenea): Revealing the phylogeographic pattern of population structure in the generalist parasite Dactylogyrus vistulae
Authors: Benovics Michal , Gettová Lenka , Šimková Andrea
Published: November 2021

Approaches using microsatellite markers are considered the gold standard for modern population genetic studies. However, although they have found application in research into various platyhelminth taxa, they remained substantially underutilized in the study of monogeneans. In the present study, a newly developed set of 24 microsatellite markers was used to investigate the genetic diversity of the generalist monogenean species Dactylogyrus vistulae. The analyzed parasite specimens were collected from 13 cyprinoid species from 11 sites in the Apennine and Balkan peninsulas. A total of 159 specimens were genotyped at each of the loci and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 16, with a mean number of 6.958 alleles per locus. Exceptionally high genetic diversity was observed among D. vistulae individuals in the southern Balkans (mean NA per locus = 3.917), suggesting that generalist D. vistulae expanded from the south to the north in the Balkans and later into central Europe. The initial clustering analysis divided all investigated specimens into three major clusters; however, the results of the subsequent analyses revealed the existence of various subpopulations, suggesting that the population structure of D. vistulae is associated with the diversification of their cyprinoid hosts. In addition, the partition of the parasite population was observed in regions of the sympatric occurrence of two host species, indicating that these hosts may represent a barrier for gene flow, even for generalist parasite species.
Spatial and temporal refugia for an insect population declining due to climate change
Authors: Karban Richard , Huntzinger Mikaela
Published: November 2021

Insect declines have been reported worldwide, although the particular causes of the declines may be complex and are poorly understood. Meadow spittlebugs were one of the most abundant insects in the coastal prairie along the California coast 40 yr ago but have largely disappeared. Evidence links this decline to changing climatic conditions, which have reduced survival of eggs and neonates. We identified several refugia where meadow spittlebug populations have persisted amidst unfavorable conditions. Protection from desiccating winds was the common attribute of these refugia. Following a wet year, adult meadow spittlebugs were able to disperse from one refuge that we studied to recolonize coastal prairie habitats, although populations declined over the next two drier years. Because of their previous high abundance, loss of meadow spittlebugs is likely to affect the functioning of this widespread habitat, including energy transfer, their host plants, and their predators. In addition, meadow spittlebugs are unusual in having been the subject of extensive physiological and long‐term ecological data, so they can serve as a bellwether species, indicating the effects of climate change.
Comparing the effectiveness of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice on hyperlipidaemia: A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xu Guiqin , Lin Mingxin , Dai Xueli , Hu Jingqing
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.

Methods

Relevant literature published until 13 August 2021, was retrieved from six electronic databases. Randomized clinical trials of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice in patients with hyperlipidaemia were included in the review. Network meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 13.1 software. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve probability values were used to rank the treatments.

Results

This study included 47 trials involving 4824 subjects. In terms of reduced total cholesterol levels, Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 84.5%) had the highest probability of being the most effective formulation, with Simvastatin (66.4%) and Zhibitai (65.4%) ranked second and third, respectively. Xuezhikang also had the highest probability of reducing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to the greatest extent (SUCRA: 82.6%) with Simvastatin (SUCRA: 74.9%) and Zhibituo (SUCRA: 52.8%) being the second and third choices, respectively. For reduced triglyceride levels, Zhibituo (SUCRA: 80.2%) exhibited the highest probability of being the most effective, with Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 63.4%) and Simvastatin (SUCRA: 57.6%) in second and third places, respectively. Finally, in terms of improving high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, Zhibituo (SUCRA: 90.1%) had the highest probability of being the most effective, with Simvastatin (SUCRA: 82.1%) and Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 51.1%) ranked second and third, respectively.

Conclusions

Xuezhikang was found to have the highest probability of being the most effective formulation for reducing total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while Zhibituo had the highest probability of being the most effective for controlling triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The studies included in the review exhibited certain limitations and, therefore, more rigorously designed studies should be performed.

Trial registration: INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202130017.
Genomic markers on synthetic genomes
Authors: Zhao Hao‐Qian , Wei Wen‐Qing , Zhao Chao , Xie Ze‐Xiong
Published: November 2021

Genome synthesis endows scientists the ability of de novo creating genomes absent in nature, by thorough redesigning DNA sequences and introducing numerous custom features. However, the genome synthesis is a labor‐ and time‐consuming work, and thus it is a challenge to verify and quantify the synthetic genome rapidly and precisely. Thus, specific DNA sequences different from native genomic sequences are designed into synthetic genomes during synthesis, namely genomic markers. Genomic markers can be easily detected by PCR reaction, whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) and a variety of methods to identify the synthetic genome from native one. Here, we review types and applications of genomic markers utilized in synthetic genomes, with the hope of providing a guidance for future works.