bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Shell and Kernel Modifications of Atomically Precise Pd/Ag Superatomic Nanoclusters
Authors: Ni Yu‐Rong , Pillay Michael N. , Chiu Tzu‐Hao , Wu Ying‐Yann , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Liu C. W.
Published: March 2023

The first 8‐electron Pd/Ag superatomic alloys with an interstitial hydride [PdHAg19(dtp)12] (dtp=S2P(OiPr)2−) 1 and [PdHAg20(dtp)12]+ 2 are reported. The targeted addition of a single Ag atom to 1 is achieved by the reaction of one equivalent of trifluoroacetic acid, resulting in the formation of 2 in 55 % yield. Further modification of the shell results in the formation of [PdAg21(dtp)12]+ 3 via an internal redox reaction, with the system retaining an 8‐electron superatomic configuration. The interstitial hydride in 1 and 2 contributes its 1s1 electron to the superatomic electron count and occupies a PdAg3 tetrahedron. The distributions of isomers corresponding to different dispositions of the outer capping Ag atoms are investigated by multinuclear VT NMR spectroscopy. The emissive state of 3 has a lifetime of 200 μs (λex=448; λem=842), while 1 and 2 are non‐emissive. The catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol is demonstrated with 1–3 at room temperature.
Epoxidharzfarbe aus Gartenpflanzen
Authors: Hartmann A. Kaja
Published: March 2023

Epoxidharz ist vielseitig einsetzbar – man kann Oberflächen veredeln und Langzeitpräparate erstellen. Zum Färben greift man auf industriell hergestellte Farben zurück. Alternativ lassen sich Farben aus heimischen Gartenpflanzen gewinnen.
Artificial polydopamine interface for high‐performance ambient particulate matter removal at large velocity
Authors: Tian Enze , Liu Jun , Gao Yilun , Mo Jinhan , Zhang Shaolin , Bai Xuedong , Liu Kehai , Xu Guiyin , Liu Kaihui
Published: March 2023

Ambient particulate matter (PM) has been identified as the fourth‐ranking risk factor for mortality globally, and efficient ventilation filtration technologies are urgently needed. In most previous trials, however, high filtration efficiency was achieved either at a low face air velocity or at a large pressure drop cost. Here, nine coarse filters with in situ polydopamine (PDA) coatings were reported, which significantly improved the efficiency‐pressure drop‐energy consumption performance. By optimizing the filter substrate and synergistically modulating the electric fields, the artificial PDA coarse filter showed a high filtration efficiency of 96.9% for 0.3–0.5 μm particles, and a low pressure drop of 9.2 Pa at 1 m/s air velocity. At an extremely large air velocity of 4 m/s, the filtration efficiency remained as high as 94.3% for 1–3 μm particles. This work offers the engineering application opportunity for high‐air‐velocity filtration, paving the way to a safe, healthy, and energy‐saving environment.
The synergy of dis‐/ordering ensures the superior comprehensive performance of P2‐type Na‐based layered oxide cathodes
Authors: Gan Lu , Yuan Xin‐Guang , Han Jia‐Jun , Li Jiaxin , Zheng Lituo , Yao Hu‐Rong
Published: March 2023

Two kinds of crystal orderings in layered oxides typically exhibit opposite influences on performances: Na+/vacancy ordering in alkali metal layers with an unfavorable effect on electrochemical performance and the cation ordering in transition metal layers with a positive effect on air stability. However, because the two kinds of orderings are associated with each other and often occur at the same time, it is difficult to achieve an excellent comprehensive performance. Herein, we propose a strategy of introducing a new cation ordering to construct the coexistence of Na+ disordering and transition metal ordering. An absolute solid‐solution reaction mechanism is realized in the Na+ disordered system, resulting in a superior cycling stability of 90.4% retention after 150 cycles and a rate performance of 82.7 mAh g−1 capacity at 10C, much higher than the original 81.3% and 66.4 mAh g−1. Simultaneously, the cation ordering strengthens the interlayer interaction and inhibits the insertion of water molecules from the air, ensuring stable lattice stability and thermostability after air exposure. The synergy of dis‐/ordering configuration provides new insights to design high‐performance layered oxide cathode materials for secondary‐ion batteries.
Electrode/electrolyte interfacial engineering for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries
Authors: Tang Yongwei , Li Jin‐Hong , Xu Chen‐Liang , Liu Mengting , Xiao Bing , Wang Peng‐Fei
Published: March 2023

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) hold great promise for large‐scale energy storage applications due to their low cost, intrinsic safety, and high theoretical capacity. However, the delivery of stable electrode–electrolyte interface becomes the main challenge for developing high‐performance AZIBs with long cycle life and high capacity. On the cathode side, the dissolution of active materials, formation of byproducts, and unsatisfactory interfacial compatibility frequently occur. Meanwhile, the Zn metal anodes usually suffer from inevitable Zn dendrites and parasitic reactions. Both the electrode–electrolyte interface issues for the cathodes and anodes will finally result in poor electrochemistry reversibility and fast capacity decay. With this perspective, this review focuses on the key scientific issues occurred at the electrode interfaces, and also proposes corresponding interfacial optimization strategies, including surface modification and electrolyte optimization, aiming at providing guidelines for the design of high‐performance AZIBs based on the understanding of interface improvement and practical application considerations.
Is DFT Accurate Enough to Calculate Regioselectivity? The Case of 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azide to Alkynes and Alkenes
Authors: Molteni Giorgio , Ponti Alessandro
Published: March 2023

The importance of regioselectivity in 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions (DCs) makes it surprising that no benchmarking study on this problem has appeared. We investigated whether DFT calculations are an accurate tool to predict the regioselectivity of uncatalyzed thermal azide 1,3‐DCs. We considered the reaction between HN3 and 12 dipolarophiles, comprising ethynes HC≡C−R and ethenes H2C=CH−R (R=F, OH, NH2, Me, CN, CHO), which cover a broad range of electron demand and conjugation ability.

We established benchmark data by the W3X protocol [complete‐basis‐set‐extrapolated CCSD(T)‐F12 energy with T‐(T) and (Q) corrections and MP2‐calculated core/valence and relativistic effects] and showed that core/valence effects and high‐order excitations are important for accurate regioselectivity.

Regioselectivities calculated using an extensive set of density functional approximations (DFAs) were compared with benchmark data. Range‐separated and meta‐GGA hybrids gave the best results. Good treatment of self‐interaction and electron exchange are the key features for accurate regioselectivity. Dispersion correction slightly improves agreement with W3X results. The best DFAs provide the isomeric TS energy difference with an expected error ≈0.7 mh and errors ≈2 mh can occur. The isomer yield provided by the best DFA has an expected error of ±5 %, though errors up to 20 % are not rare. At present, an accuracy of 1–2 % is unfeasible but it seems that we are not far from achieving this goal.
Heatwave restructures marine intertidal communities across a stress gradient
Authors: Whalen Matthew A. , Starko Samuel , Lindstrom Sandra C. , Martone Patrick T.
Published: March 2023

Significant questions remain about how ecosystems that are structured by abiotic stress will be affected by climate change. Warmer temperatures are hypothesized to shift species along abiotic gradients such that distributions track changing environments where physical conditions allow. However, community‐scale impacts of extreme warming in heterogeneous landscapes are likely to be more complex. We investigated the impacts of a multiyear marine heatwave on intertidal community dynamics and zonation on a wave‐swept rocky coastline along the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Leveraging an 8‐year time series with high seaweed taxonomic resolution (116 taxa) that was established 3 years prior to the heatwave, we document major shifts in zonation and abundance of populations that led to substantial reorganization at the community level. The heatwave was associated with shifts in primary production away from upper elevations through declines in seaweed cover and partial replacement by invertebrates. At low elevations, seaweed cover remained stable or recovered rapidly following decline, being balanced by increases in some species and decreases in others. These results illustrate that, rather than shifting community zonation uniformly along abiotic stress gradients, intense and lasting warming events may restructure patterns of ecological dominance and reduce total habitability of ecosystems, especially at extreme ends of pre‐existing abiotic gradients.
Long‐term outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Predictors of cardiac and non‐cardiac mortality
Authors: Shahim Angiza , Hourqueig Marion , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi , Oger Emmanuel , Venkateshvaran Ashwin , Benson Lina , Daubert Jean‐Claude , Linde Cecilia , Donal Erwan , Hage Camilla
Published: March 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) and non‐CV events, but long‐term risk is poorly studied. We assessed incidence and predictors of the long‐term CV and non‐CV events.

Methods and results

Patients presenting with acute HF, EF ≥ 45%, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide > 300 ng/L were enrolled in the Karolinska‐Rennes study in 2007–11 and were reassessed after 4–8 weeks in a stable state. Long‐term follow‐up was conducted in 2018. The Fine–Gray sub‐distribution hazard regression was used to detect predictors of CV and non‐CV deaths, investigated separately from baseline acute presentation (demographic data only) and from the 4–8 week outpatient visit (including echocardiographic data). Of 539 patients enrolled [median age 78 (interquartile range: 72–84) years; 52% female], 397 patients were available for the long‐term follow‐up. Over a median follow‐up time from acute presentation of 5.4 (2.1–7.9) years, 269 (68%) patients died, 128 (47%) from CV and 120 (45%) from non‐CV causes. Incidence rates per 1000 patient‐years were 62 [95% confidence interval (CI) 52–74] for CV and 58 (95% CI 48–69) for non‐CV death. Higher age and coronary artery disease (CAD) were independent predictors of CV death, and anaemia, stroke, kidney disease, and lower body mass index (BMI) and sodium concentrations of non‐CV death. From the stable 4–8 week visit, anaemia, CAD, and tricuspid regurgitation (>3.1 m/s) were independent predictors of CV death, and higher age of non‐CV death.

Conclusions

In patients with acute decompensated HFpEF, over 5 years of follow‐up, nearly two‐thirds of patients died, half from CV and the other half from non‐CV causes. CAD and tricuspid regurgitation were associated with CV death. Stroke, kidney disease, lower BMI, and lower sodium were associated with non‐CV death. Anaemia and higher age were associated with both outcomes. [Correction added on 24 March 2023, after first online publication: In the first sentence of the Conclusions, ‘two‐thirds’ has been inserted before ‘of patients died...’ in this version.]
HeartMate 3 biventricular support exceeding 4.5 years
Authors: Gasparovic Hrvoje , Milicic Davor , Krželj Kristina , Paar Maja Hrabak , Kopjar Tomislav , Jakus Nina , Planinc Ivo , Cikes Maja
Published: March 2023

A 47‐year old male with ischaemic cardiomyopathy was referred to us for durable left ventricular assist device placement. He was found to have prohibitively elevated pulmonary vascular resistance for heart transplantation. He underwent HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device implantation, with additional temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) placement. Following a 2‐week period of unweanable temporary right ventricular support, the patient was switched to durable biventricular support with two Heartmate 3 pumps. The patient was placed on a transplant waiting list but was not offered a heart for over 4 years. While on Heartmate 3 biventricular support (BiVAD), he returned to full activity and enjoyed an excellent quality of life. He underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy 7 months after the BIVAD implant. After 52 months of uneventful BiVAD support, he presented with a combination of adverse events that occurred over a short period. These included subarachnoidal haemorrhage and a new motor deficit, followed by RVAD infection and RVAD low‐flow alarms. After over 4 years of unimpeded RVAD flows, new imaging revealed an outflow graft twist with subsequent flow reduction. The patient underwent heart transplantation after a total of 1655 days of Heartmate 3 BiVAD support and continues to do well on latest follow‐up.
KI‐Mediated Chlorine Gas‐Free Synthesis of 3,3‐Dichloro‐2‐oxindole Derivatives
Authors: Li Xuejian , Wang Bangzhong , Li Dong , Zhao Jinfeng , Qu Jingping , Zhou Yuhan
Published: March 2023

An efficient and environmentally friendly methodology for 3,3‐dichlorination and 2‐oxidation of indole derivatives is described. Using KI as promotor, MCl (M=K, Na) as chlorine source, and oxone as oxidant, the reaction proceeds smoothly affording various functionalized 3,3‐dichloro‐2‐oxindoles in moderate to excellent yields. This strategy can also be extended to 3‐substituted indoles. With a broad substrate scope, it is a practical approach to 3,3‐disubstituted‐2‐oxindoles.
White Light/NIS‐Promoted Aminoselenylation of Alkenes by Using N‐Tosylhydrazones
Authors: Chen Xianlie , Zhao Ping , Zeng Qingle
Published: March 2023

A white light/iodosuccinimide (NIS)‐promoted three component reaction of alkenes, N‐sulfonylhydrazones, and diorganyl diselenides for synthesis of organylselenylethyl sulfonylhydrazones under air is disclosed. This intermolecular aminoselenylation of alkenes using N‐tosylhydrazones as nitrogen source was performed under mild conditions and well tolerated for common groups. In addition, heteroaryl and aliphatic diselenides also gave the target compounds. Gram‐scale reaction also carried out smoothly. This protocol has a wide range of substrates and affords moderate to high yields and excellent regioselectivities. The photoactive intermediates from the interaction between NIS and diphenyl diselenide was detected by UV‐visible absorption spectra, which matches the wavelength of the applied white LED. A reasonable mechanism was proposed based on UV‐visible light experiments and control experiments.
Facile One‐Step Oxidation of N‐Boc‐Protected Diarylhydrazines to Diaryldiazenes with (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene under Mild Conditions
Authors: Orvoš Jakub , Pančík Filip , Fischer Róbert
Published: March 2023

A study on the oxidation of N‐Boc‐ and N,N'‐bis‐Boc‐protected 1,2‐diarylhydrazines with (diacetoxyiodo)benzene is reported. The reactions proceed quickly in acetic acid at slightly elevated temperatures, giving diaryldiazenes in good to excellent yields. Electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups are well tolerated. This synthetic protocol also applies to synthesising (aryldiazenyl)pyridines and unsymmetrical 1,3,5‐tris(arylazo)benzenes.
A dielectrophoresis‐based platform of cancerous cell capture using aptamer‐functionalized gold nanoparticles in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Vu‐Dinh Hien , Quang Loc Do , Lin Yi‐Ru , Jen Chun‐Ping
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a microfluidic chip for the manipulation and capture of cancer cells was introduced, in which the combination of dielectrophoresis (DEP) and a binding method based on chemical interactions by using cell‐specific aptamers was performed to enhance the capture strength and specificity. The device has been simply constructed from a straight‐channel PDMS placed on a glass substrate that has patterned electrode structures and a self‐assembled monolayer of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The target cells were transported to the manipulation area by flow and attracted down to the region between the electrodes under the influence of positive DEP force. This approach facilitated subsequent selective capture by the modified aptamers on the AuNPs. The distribution of the electric field in the channel has also been simulated to clarify the DEP operation. As a result, the device has been shown to effectively capture target lung cancer cells with a concentration as low as cells/mL. The capture specificity in a sample of mixed cells is up to 80.4%. This technique has the potential to be applied to detection methods for many types of cancer.
Synergistic Photothermal Effect of the Wood‐SnS‐AgNPs for Efficient Solar‐Driven Steam Generation
Authors: Li Lianjie , Zeng Ke , He Zhen , Xue Jianqiang , Liu Xuan , Liu Anmin , Gao Liguo , Ma Tingli
Published: March 2023

The solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system has attracted much attention in recent years because it avoids dissipating a large amount of energy into the bulk water. As one of the photothermal materials in solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system, wood has been widely applied due to its excellent properties, such as lower density, open micropores, capillary‐induced hydrophilic nature, and low thermal conductivity. However, the complex processing technology and relatively low efficiency of wood‐based photothermal materials limit their application. Herein, to solve these problems, solvothermal and immersion treatment methods by depositing tin sulfide and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been demonstrated. The solar absorption rate of wood‐SnS‐AgNPs is higher than 98% in a wide wavelength range (200–2,500 nm). Results demonstrate that an evaporation rate of 1.53 kg m−2 h−1 and evaporation efficiency (90.12%) are achieved under 1‐sun illumination (100 mW cm−2). The harsh environmental test indicates that the solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system based on wood‐SnS‐AgNPs has excellent structural stability and purification ability of seawater.
Knowledge and misconceptions about epilepsy among people with epilepsy and their caregivers attending mental health clinics: A qualitative study in Taenia solium endemic pig‐keeping communities in Tanzania
Authors: Makasi Charles E , Kilale Andrew M , Ngowi Bernard J , Lema Yakobo , Katiti Victor , Mahande Michael J , Msoka Elizabeth F. , Stelzle Dominik , Winkler Andrea S , Mmbaga Blandina T.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Taenia solium (T. solium) neurocysticercosis (NCC) affects the central nervous system and is associated with 30% of acquired epilepsy in some endemic areas. Epilepsy is a stigmatizing disease in many societies and people with epilepsy (PWE) and their families experience discrimination. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of epilepsy among PWE and their caregivers attending mental health clinics.

Methods

In T. solium endemic areas of Tanzania, PWE and their caregivers attending mental health clinics were identified and their informed consent was sought prior to study participation. In‐depth interviews were conducted in Swahili language and analyzed thematically. The coding was undertaken by two independent researchers using NVivo (Version 12, QSR International).

Results

Thirty‐eight participants were interviewed. Three themes were identified during the analysis, namely, knowledge about epilepsy; perception of epilepsy; and experience with epilepsy among PWE and their caregivers. Participants commonly defined epilepsy as a “falling disease,” perceived to be caused by witchcraft, and were unaware of the association between T. solium and epilepsy. Stigmatization of epilepsy was reported as a problem. Reported treatment patterns after the initial onset of epilepsy varied widely; however, patients usually began treatment with traditional healing methods, and only later opted for biomedical treatment. Patients had generally poor adherence to antiseizure medication, which could be caused by inadequate knowledge or irregular supply.

Significance

Level of knowledge about epilepsy was low, and NCC was not mentioned as a cause of epilepsy among participants. Epilepsy was generally perceived to be the result of witchcraft, evil spirits, or curses. Health education is needed, including an explanation of the model of T. solium transmission and the insistence on hygiene measures. This could reduce the number of new infections with T. solium, improve access to prompt biomedical treatment, and improve the lives of PWE.
Base‐isolation design of shear wall structures using physics‐rule‐co‐guided self‐supervised generative adversarial networks
Authors: Liao Wenjie , Wang Xinyu , Fei Yifan , Huang Yuli , Xie Linlin , Lu Xinzheng
Published: March 2023

Seismic isolation can significantly improve the seismic resilience of buildings, resulting in a growing demand for seismic isolation designs. Meanwhile, the deep generative network‐based intelligent design can significantly increase scheme design efficiency. However, the performance of existing intelligent scheme designs is constrained by data quality and quantity. The limited availability of isolation design data hinders the development of intelligent seismic isolation design. Therefore, there is an emerging demand to establish an intelligent scheme design method that is free from data constraints and that can learn the physical mechanism and design rules. Consequently, this study proposes a physics‐rule‐co‐guided self‐supervised generative adversarial network (GAN) that can generate the layout and parameters of seismic isolation bearings by inputting the layout drawings of the shear wall structures. The critical physics‐rule‐co‐guided network model consists of a physics estimator, rule evaluator, discriminator, and design generator. The physics estimator is a deep neural network‐based surrogate model for predicting the mechanical response of an isolated structure, whereas the rule evaluator is a tensor operation‐based loss calculator that considers design rules. Furthermore, the proposed GAN model masters the schematic design ability of the seismic isolation of shear wall structures through multiphase hybrid learning of the pseudo‐labels, physical mechanism, and isolation design rules, obviating the need for ground‐truth data. Case studies also prove the rationality of the method, where the design results can effectively meet the code requirements and reduce the seismic response of the structure.
Hydro‐geomorphological and sedimentological processes along the major fluvial‐lacustrine delta of the Paraná River (Argentina): Their role in floodplain construction
Authors: Dominguez Ruben Lucas Gerardo , Szupiany Ricardo Nicolas , Ramonell Carlos , Ru Micaela , Garcia Marcelo Horacio
Published: March 2023

River‐dominated sea deltas have been thoroughly studied by different authors. In these environments the interrelationships of the hydro‐sedimentological variables between river, tides, and waves, among others, are the main factors controlling the delta formation. However, few studies have focused on the deltaic processes in river–lagoon environments and even fewer in large river floodplains (defined here as a fluvial‐lacustrine delta, FLD) and their role in floodplain construction.

This study provides a comprehensive and novel analysis approach combining satellite imagery treatment and aerial photographs with detailed field measurements of sediment samplers, cores, and acoustic techniques applied to quantify flow and discharge distribution along main, secondary, floodplain channels, and lagoon systems under different hydro‐sedimentological conditions. All data allow a full description of deltaic processes and the main variables that control the evolution of the major FLD located along the Middle Paraná River floodplain (Argentina). These results show: (i) pre‐existing local geology elements affect the deltaic processes; (ii) the hydro‐sedimentological behaviour of the main channel and its connection with the floodplain channels and independent basin systems affects the delta evolution; (iii) the dynamics (temporally and spatially) of sediment transport input and the interaction with lagoons produce different delta front bars planform and composition; (iv) periods of mean and high water levels play a key role in delta evolution; and (v) the rapid vegetation growth above the formed bars favours the sedimentation of fine material, producing permanent changes and leading to floodplain construction. Particularly, our findings suggest a complex interrelationship between the different factors in this particular environment, such as hydrology, local geology, main/secondary and floodplain channels, sediment supply, sediment transport modes, vegetation, and free surface slopes. All these factors act together in a complex manner, providing unique features to the FLD system that could help us better understand the floodplains construction in large river systems worldwide.
Airfoil inverse design based on laminar compressible adjoint lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Jalali Khouzani H. , Kamali‐Moghadam R.
Published: March 2023

A new optimization techniques based on the adjoint lattice Boltzmann method is derived for airfoil inverse design in laminar compressible flows. In this study, the developed adjoint lattice Boltzmann scheme based on the circular function (CF) is extended for airfoil inverse design problems in laminar incompressible and compressible flows. New mathematical derivation based on compressible lattice Boltzmann equations (LBE) is developed which can find target shape of an airfoil with available desired pressure distribution. The adjoint lattice Boltzmann method is extended for both the incompressible and compressible flows by selecting the circular function idea for calculating the equilibrium distribution functions. So, the adjoint equation is also expanded based on CF idea for calculation of objective function gradient vector. The steepest decent technique is utilized as gradient optimizer. Also, a novel solution is presented to remove singularity problem of the adjoint boundary condition. In order to validate the developed optimization algorithm, results are presented for both incompressible and compressible inverse problem in steady and unsteady flow and accurate results are obtained.
Overinvestment in Grid Modernization Is a Real Possibility
Authors: Costello Kenneth W.
Published: March 2023

Sixty percent of the U.S. distribution grid, which carries electricity to homes and businesses at the local level, have exceeded their 50‐year life expectancy. The Brattle Group estimates that $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion will be spent by 2030 to modernize the grid just to maintain reliability—a huge amount that elevates the importance of state public utility commissions (PUCs) conducting careful cost‐benefit review.
Do green finance, low‐carbon energy transition, and economic growth help in environmental investment?: Empirical evidence from emerging economies in Asia
Authors: Belgacem Samira Ben , Adam Nawal Abdalla , Khatoon Ghousia , Pawar Puja Sunil
Published: March 2023

Environmentally friendly initiatives and green financing are needed to reduce pollution and transition to a low‐carbon energy system. This research was conducted to assess the efficacy of green bond financing for scaling up environmentally responsible investment in preparation for the low‐carbon energy transition in emerging Asian economies. The generalized method of moment's methodology is used to examine the impact of green finance, CO2 emission, and economic growth on the environmental investment of emerging nations over the period 2000–2021. The result showed that all these factors contribute significantly to environmental investment. In addition, the results showed that the burdens of global warming are achievable to alleviate through green bonds for the optimum transition to low‐carbon energy. Moreover, these economies have enacted measures to assist them in becoming green and encourage green initiatives, which function harmoniously with each other and have decreased carbon emissions, leading to the possible adaptation of green environmental investment sources. Hence, it is recommended that these economies boost their green financing activities, low‐carbon emissions, and economic development so that eco‐innovation and ecological investment can be made properly.
Accumulation of network redundancy marks the early stage of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ghanbari Maryam , Li Guoshi , Hsu Li‐Ming , Yap Pew‐Thian
Published: March 2023

Brain wiring redundancy counteracts aging‐related cognitive decline by reserving additional communication channels as a neuroprotective mechanism. Such a mechanism plays a potentially important role in maintaining cognitive function during the early stages of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterized by severe cognitive decline and involves a long prodromal stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Since MCI subjects are at high risk of converting to AD, identifying MCI individuals is essential for early intervention. To delineate the redundancy profile during AD progression and enable better MCI diagnosis, we define a metric that reflects redundant disjoint connections between brain regions and extract redundancy features in three high‐order brain networks—medial frontal, frontoparietal, and default mode networks—based on dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) captured by resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). We show that redundancy increases significantly from normal control (NC) to MCI individuals and decreases slightly from MCI to AD individuals. We further demonstrate that statistical features of redundancy are highly discriminative and yield state‐of‐the‐art accuracy of up to 96.8 ± 1.0% in support vector machine (SVM) classification between NC and MCI individuals. This study provides evidence supporting the notion that redundancy serves as a crucial neuroprotective mechanism in MCI.
High spatial overlap but diverging age‐related trajectories of cortical magnetic resonance imaging markers aiming to represent intracortical myelin and microstructure
Authors: Parent Olivier , Olafson Emily , Bussy Aurélie , Tullo Stephanie , Blostein Nadia , Dai Alyssa , Salaciak Alyssa , Bedford Saashi A. , Farzin Sarah , Béland Marie‐Lise , Valiquette Vanessa , Tardif Christine L. , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Chakravarty M. Mallar
Published: March 2023

Statistical effects of cortical metrics derived from standard T1‐ and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as gray–white matter contrast (GWC), boundary sharpness coefficient (BSC), T1‐weighted/T2‐weighted ratio (T1w/T2w), and cortical thickness (CT), are often interpreted as representing or being influenced by intracortical myelin content with little empirical evidence to justify these interpretations. We first examined spatial correspondence with more biologically specific microstructural measures, and second compared between‐marker age‐related trends with the underlying hypothesis that different measures primarily driven by similar changes in myelo‐ and microstructural underpinnings should be highly related. Cortical MRI markers were derived from MRI images of 127 healthy subjects, aged 18–81, using cortical surfaces that were generated with the CIVET 2.1.0 pipeline. Their gross spatial distributions were compared with gene expression‐derived cell‐type densities, histology‐derived cytoarchitecture, and quantitative R1 maps acquired on a subset of participants. We then compared between‐marker age‐related trends in their shape, direction, and spatial distribution of the linear age effect. The gross anatomical distributions of cortical MRI markers were, in general, more related to myelin and glial cells than neuronal indicators. Comparing MRI markers, our results revealed generally high overlap in spatial distribution (i.e., group means), but mostly divergent age trajectories in the shape, direction, and spatial distribution of the linear age effect. We conclude that the microstructural properties at the source of spatial distributions of MRI cortical markers can be different from microstructural changes that affect these markers in aging.
Optic radiations representing different eccentricities age differently
Authors: Kruper John , Benson Noah C. , Caffarra Sendy , Owen Julia , Wu Yue , Lee Aaron Y. , Lee Cecilia S. , Yeatman Jason D. , Rokem Ariel ,   UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium
Published: March 2023

The neural pathways that carry information from the foveal, macular, and peripheral visual fields have distinct biological properties. The optic radiations (OR) carry foveal and peripheral information from the thalamus to the primary visual cortex (V1) through adjacent but separate pathways in the white matter. Here, we perform white matter tractometry using pyAFQ on a large sample of diffusion MRI (dMRI) data from subjects with healthy vision in the U.K. Biobank dataset (UKBB; N = 5382; age 45–81). We use pyAFQ to characterize white matter tissue properties in parts of the OR that transmit information about the foveal, macular, and peripheral visual fields, and to characterize the changes in these tissue properties with age. We find that (1) independent of age there is higher fractional anisotropy, lower mean diffusivity, and higher mean kurtosis in the foveal and macular OR than in peripheral OR, consistent with denser, more organized nerve fiber populations in foveal/parafoveal pathways, and (2) age is associated with increased diffusivity and decreased anisotropy and kurtosis, consistent with decreased density and tissue organization with aging. However, anisotropy in foveal OR decreases faster with age than in peripheral OR, while diffusivity increases faster in peripheral OR, suggesting foveal/peri‐foveal OR and peripheral OR differ in how they age.
Does paid sick leave encourage staying at home? Evidence from the United States during a pandemic
Authors: Andersen Martin , Maclean Johanna Catherine , Pesko Michael F. , Simon Kosali
Published: March 2023

We study the impact of a temporary U.S. paid sick leave mandate that became effective April 1st, 2020 on self‐quarantining, proxied by physical mobility behaviors gleaned from cellular devices. We study this policy using generalized difference‐in‐differences methods, leveraging pre‐policy county‐level heterogeneity in the share of workers likely eligible for paid sick leave benefits. We find that the policy leads to increased self‐quarantining as proxied by staying home. We also find that COVID‐19 confirmed cases decline post‐policy.
Self‐reported behaviour change among multiple sclerosis community members and interested laypeople 6 months following participation in a free online course about multiple sclerosis
Authors: Claflin Suzi B. , Campbell Julie , van der Mei Ingrid , Mainsbridge Casey , Taylor Bruce V.
Published: March 2023

Issue addressed

Evaluated the impact of the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) massive open online course, which was intended to increase understanding and awareness about MS, on self‐reported health behaviour change 6 months after course completion.

Methods

Observational cohort study evaluating precourse(baseline) and postcourse (immediately postcourse and six‐month follow‐up) survey data. The main study outcomes were self‐reported health behaviour change; change type; and measurable improvement. We also collected participant characteristic data (eg, age, physical activity). We compared participants who reported health behaviour change at follow‐up to those who did not and compared those who improved to those who did not using χ2 and t tests. Participant characteristics, change types and change improvement were described descriptively. Consistency between changes reported immediately postcourse and at the 6‐month follow‐up was assessed using χ2 tests and textual analysis.

Results

N = 303 course completers were included in this study. The study cohort included MS community members (eg, people with MS, healthcare providers) and nonmembers. N = 127 (41.9%) reported behaviour change in ≥1 area at follow‐up. Of these, 90 (70.9%) reported a measured change, and of these, 57 (63.3%) showed improvement. The most reported change types were knowledge, exercise/physical activity and diet. N = 81 (63.8% of those reporting a change) reported a change in both immediately and 6 months after course completion, with 72.0% of those that described both changes giving similar responses each time.

Conclusion

Understanding MS encourages health behaviour change among course completers up to 6 months after course completion.

So what?

An online education intervention can effectively encourage health behaviour change over a 6‐month follow‐up period, suggesting a transition from acute change to maintenance. The primary mechanisms underpinning this effect are information provision, including both scientific evidence and lived experience, and goal‐setting activities and discussions.
Strong 3‐Flow Conjecture for projective planar graphs
Authors: de Jong Jamie V. , Richter R. Bruce
Published: March 2023

In 1972, Tutte posed the 3‐Flow Conjecture: that all 4‐edge‐connected graphs have a nowhere‐zero 3‐flow. This was extended by Jaeger et al. to allow vertices to have a prescribed, possibly nonzero difference (modulo 3) between the inflow and outflow. They conjectured that all 5‐edge‐connected graphs with a prescription function have a nowhere‐zero 3‐flow meeting that prescription. Kochol showed that replacing 4‐edge‐connected with 5‐edge‐connected would suffice to prove the 3‐Flow Conjecture and Lovász et al. showed that both conjectures hold if the edge connectivity condition is relaxed to 6‐edge‐connected. Both problems are still open for 5‐edge‐connected graphs. The 3‐Flow Conjecture was known to hold for planar graphs, as it is the dual of Grötzsch's Colouring Theorem. Steinberg and Younger provided the first direct proof using flows for planar graphs, as well as a proof for projective planar graphs. Richter et al. provided the first direct proof using flows of the Strong 3‐Flow Conjecture for planar graphs. We prove the Strong 3‐Flow Conjecture for projective planar graphs.
FBXO11 amplifies type I interferon signaling to exert antiviral effects by facilitating the assemble of TRAF3–TBK1–IRF3 complex
Authors: Gao Long , Gao Yufeng , Han Kexing , Wang Zining , Meng Fang , Liu Jiaying , Zhao Xin , Shao Yun , Shen Jiapei , Sun Weijie , Liu Yanyan , Xu Honghai , Du Xiaohong , Li Jiabin , Qin Frank Xiao‐Feng
Published: March 2023

As the key component of host innate antiviral immunity, type I interferons (IFN‐Is) exert multiple antiviral effects by inducing hundreds of IFN‐stimulated genes. However, the precise mechanism involved in host sensing of IFN‐I signaling priming is particularly complex and remains incompletely resolved. This research identified F‐box protein 11 (FBXO11), a component of the E3‐ubiquitin ligase SKP/Cullin/F‐box complex, acted as an important regulator of IFN‐I signaling priming and antiviral process against several RNA/DNA viruses. FBXO11 functioned as an essential enhancer of IFN‐I signaling by promoting the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3. Mechanistically, FBXO11 facilitated the assembly of TRAF3–TBK1–IRF3 complex by mediating the K63 ubiquitination of TRAF3 in a NEDD8‐dependent manner to amplify the activation of IFN‐I signaling. Consistently, the NEDD8‐activating enzyme inhibitor MLN4921 could act as a blocker for FBXO11–TRAF3–IFN‐I axis of signaling. More significantly, examination of clinical samples of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and public transcriptome database of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2‐, HBV‐, and hepatitis C virus‐infected human samples revealed that FBXO11 expression was positively correlated with the stage of disease course. Taken together, these findings suggest that FBXO11 is an amplifier of antiviral immune responses and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for a number of different viral diseases.
Isolation, purification, and mass spectrometry identification of the enzyme involved in citrus flavor (+)‐valencene biotransformation to (+)‐nootkatone by Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Li Xiao , Ren Jing‐Nan , Fan Gang , Zhang Lu‐Lu , Pan Si‐Yi
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

(+)‐Nootkatone is a highly valuable sesquiterpene compound that can be used as an aromatic in the food industry because of its grapefruit flavor and low sensory threshold. The unconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has many unique physical and chemical properties, metabolic characteristics, and genetic structure, which has aroused the interest of researchers. Previous research showed that Y. lipolytica possesses the ability to transform the sesquiterpene (+)‐valencene to (+)‐nootkatone. The aim of this study was to isolate, purify, and identify the enzyme involved in the (+)‐valencene bioconversion to (+)‐nootkatone by Y. lipolytica.

RESULTS

In this study, ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion‐exchange chromatography, and gel‐filtration chromatography were used to separate and purify the enzyme involved in the (+)‐valencene bioconversion by Y. lipolytica. The protein was identified as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) (gene0658) using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The ALDH had the highest activity when the pH value was 6.0 and the temperature was 30 °C. The activity of ALDH was significantly stimulated by ferrous ions and inhibited by barium, calcium, and magnesium ions.

CONCLUSION

This is the first time that ALDH was found to participate in (+)‐valencene biotransformation by Y. lipolytica. It may be involved in regulating the microbial transformation of (+)‐valencene to (+)‐nootkatone through redox characteristics. This study provides a theoretical basis and reference for the biological synthesis of citrus flavor (+)‐nootkatone. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Early Pregnancy Fetal Facial Ultrasound Standard Plane‐Assisted Recognition Algorithm
Authors: Xue Hao , Yu Weifeng , Liu Zhonghua , Liu Peizhong
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Ultrasound screening during early pregnancy is vital in preventing congenital disabilities. For example, nuchal translucency (NT) thickening is associated with fetal chromosomal abnormalities, particularly trisomy 21 and fetal heart malformations. Obtaining accurate ultrasound standard planes of a fetal face during early pregnancy is the key to subsequent biometry and disease diagnosis. Therefore, we propose a lightweight target detection network for early pregnancy fetal facial ultrasound standard plane recognition and quality assessment.

Methods

First, a clinical control protocol was developed by ultrasound experts. Second, we constructed a YOLOv4 target detection algorithm based on the backbone network as GhostNet and added attention mechanisms CBAM and CA to the backbone and neck structure. Finally, key anatomical structures in the image were automatically scored according to a clinical control protocol to determine whether they were standard planes.

Results

We reviewed other detection techniques and found that the proposed method performed well. The average recognition accuracy for six structures was 94.16%, the detection speed was 51 FPS, and the model size was 43.2 MB, and a reduction of 83% compared with the original YOLOv4 model was obtained. The precision for the standard median sagittal plane was 97.20%, and the accuracy for the standard retro‐nasal triangle view was 99.07%.

Conclusions

The proposed method can better identify standard or non‐standard planes from ultrasound image data, providing a theoretical basis for automatic acquisition of standard planes in the prenatal diagnosis of early pregnancy fetuses.
Sonochemical Degradation of Gelatin Methacryloyl to Control Viscoelasticity for Inkjet Bioprinting
Authors: Lee Yunji , Park Ju An , Tuladhar Tri , Jung Sungjune
Published: March 2023

Inkjet printing enables the mimicry of the microenvironment of natural complex tissues by patterning cells and hydrogels at a high resolution. However, the polymer content of an inkjet‐printable bioink is limited as it leads to strong viscoelasticity in the inkjet nozzle. Here it is demonstrated that sonochemical treatment controls the viscoelasticity of a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) based bioink by shortening the length of polymer chains without causing chemical destruction of the methacryloyl groups. The rheological properties of treated GelMA inks are evaluated by a piezo‐axial vibrator over a wide range of frequencies between 10 and 10 000 Hz. This approach enables to effectively increase the maximum printable polymer concentration from 3% to 10%. Then it is studied how the sonochemical treatment effectively controls the microstructure and mechanical properties of GelMA hydrogel constructs after crosslinking while maintaining its fluid properties within the printable range. The control of mechanical properties of GelMA hydrogels can lead fibroblasts more spreading on the hydrogels. A 3D cell‐laden multilayered hydrogel constructs containing layers with different physical properties is fabrictated by using high‐resolution inkjet printing. The sonochemical treatment delivers a new path to inkjet bioprinting to build microarchitectures with various physical properties by expanding the range of applicable bioinks.
A parasitic nematode induces dysbiosis in susceptible but not resistant gastropod hosts
Authors: Sheehy Laura , MacDonald‐Howard Kerry , Williams Chris D. , Weedall Gareth D. , Jones Hayley , Rae Robbie
Published: March 2023

Animals’ gut microbiomes affect a wide array of biological processes including immunity and protection from pathogens. However, how the microbiome changes due to infection by parasites is still largely unknown, as is how the microbiome changes in hosts that differ in their susceptibility to parasites. To investigate this, we exposed two slug species of differing susceptibility to the parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (Deroceras reticulatum is highly susceptible and Ambigolimax valentianus resistant to the nematode) and profiled the gut microbiota after 7 and 14 days. Before infection, both slug species’ microbiota was dominated by similar bacterial genera: Pseudomonas (by far the most abundant), Sphingobacterium, Pedobacter, Chryseobacterium, and Flavobacterium. In the resistant host A. valentianus, there was no significant change in the bacterial genera after infection, but in D. reticulatum, the bacterial profile changed, with a decrease in the abundance of Pseudomonadaceae and an increase in the abundance of Flavobacteriaceae and Sphingobacteriaceae after 7 days postinfection. This suggests nematode infection causes dysbiosis in hosts that are susceptible to infection, but the microbiome of resistant species remains unaltered. In summary, the regulation of the immune system is tightly linked with host survival, and nematode infection can alter the microbiome structure.
Ratio product model: A rank‐preserving normalization‐agnostic multi‐criteria decision‐making method
Authors: Mohammadi Majid , Rezaei Jafar
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a new multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) method, namely the ratio product model (RPM). We first overview two popular aggregating models: the weighted sum model (WSM) and the weighted product model (WPM). Then, we argue that the two models suffer from some fundamental issues mainly due to ignoring the ratio nature of the alternatives' scores with respect to the criteria and the importance weights of the criteria. Building on the notion of compositional data analysis, the developed RPM regards performance scores and criteria weights as compositions, which solves the issues around the WSM and WPM. Using several examples, we show that the WSM and WPM could lead to erroneous conclusions, whereas the RPM could lead to fully reliable conclusions. Since many MCDM methods rely on some aggregation approaches, the proposed method is a significant contribution to the field and puts forward the correct way to analyze decision problems while respecting the nature and constraints of the input data.