bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Warning Systems in the Southern African Development Community: A Necessity
Authors: Maripe Kgosietsile , Rankopo Morena J. , Mwansa Lengwe-Katembula , Coetzee Christo , Khoza Sizwile , Nemakonde Livhuwani David , Shoroma Bradley Lesego , Wentink Gideon , Nyirenda Maynard , Chikuse Stephen , Kamanga Tchaka , Niekerk Dewald Van
Published: January 2023

The purpose was to ascertain whether the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states have functional, people-centered early warning systems as part of their disaster risk management programs. The study adopted a mixed-method approach involving a review of relevant documentation, a self-administered questionnaire, and in-depth face-to-face interviews with senior managers and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) practitioners. Random and convenience sampling methods were used to select five Member States for data collection: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, and Seychelles. A total of 50 respondents participated in the study. Thematic analysis was employed to capture critical perspectives. The findings show that all Member States have some early warning systems dominated more by meteorological weather agencies. However, very few Member States have attempted to develop an early warning system with all the requisite details for effective disaster risk reduction. There is an immediate need for all Member States to develop not only the framework for but also multi-hazard and people-centered early warning system(s) in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the Africa Plan of Action.
Effect of Pre-sowing Treatment to Break the Seed Dormancy and Seed Germination of Melia composita under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Jangra Monika , Kumari Bimlendra , Ahlawat Karan Singh , Khaiper Mamta , Verma Preety , Nanda Karishma , Verma Ankita , Urvashi . , Yadav Nisha
Published: January 2023

Melia composita (Burma dek) is one of the multipurpose fast growing tree species applicable for the agri-silviculture system. In northern India, due to its fast growing and short rotation nature it has developed one of chosen tree species by the farmers under agroforestry. Melia composita occurs mostly in tropical moist and dry deciduous forest of Himalayas. The seed have Hard endocarp and therefore quite difficult to germinate. There are different types of seed dormancy and it helps in find out the better pre-sowing treatment to assure early and uniform germination of seeds. This leads to minimize the cost of large scale seedlings production. The present study was conducted at Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University during 2019 to evaluate the “Effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination of Melia composita”. Five pre-sowing treatments viz., normal water soaking (24, 48 and 72hr), conc. H2SO4 (5, 10 and 15 min.), cow dung slurry (5, 10 and 15 days), boiling water (5, 10 and 15 min.), mechanical scarification + GA3 (100 ppm) (8, 16 and 24hr). In laboratory conditions, maximum germination (64.67 %) and seed viability (74.67%) were recorded in concentrated H2SO4 treatment at 15 minute, whereas maximum root length (7.54 cm), shoot length (16.72 cm), root: shoot ratio and seedling dry weight (0.65g) were recorded in mechanical scarification + GA3 (100 ppm) at 24 hr.
Effect of NPK Application at Two Levels on Yield and Yield Component of Rainfed Shallow Lowland Rice
Authors: Singh Mahendra , Rajpoot S. K. S. , Parkash N. , Singh R. A. , Upadhayay A. L.
Published: January 2023

A Field experiment was carried out at Crop Research Station, (ANDUAT), Ghaghraghat, Bahraich to evaluate the effect of two levels of fertilizers (F1: 60-30-20 & F2: 120-60-40 NPK kg/ha) on grain yield of Seven Advance Varietal Trial-2 rice cultures (IET 29026, IET 27538, IET 29031, IET 29032, IET 26744, IET 28281 and IET 27547) under rainfed shallow land in split plot design with three replications. Soil of the experimental field was sandy loam with pH 7.2, organic carbon 0.40%, Nitrogen 200 kg/ha, P2O5 24 kg/ha and K2O 234 kg/ha. Results revealed that application of higher level of fertilizers significantly increased the grain yield of rice cultures. IET 26744 recorded maximum grain yield (5.25 t/ha) followed by IET 29032 (5.20 t/ha) at higher dose of fertilizers and per cent increase over lower dose were 55.78 and 67.20, respectively. At 50% recommended dose of fertilizers variety Swarna-Sub 1 yielded maximum grain (3.54 t/ha) followed by IET 26744 (3.37 t/ha). All cultivars yielded higher at 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers.
Effect of Seed Priming and Coating through Micronutrient Application on Growth and Seed Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Moharana A. , Mohanty S. , Lenka D. , Nayak R. K. , Jena S. N. , Satapathy M. , Jyothi G. B. N.
Published: January 2023

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major oilseed crop which ranks 3rd among the oilseed crops of the world. It is one of the chief vegetable oil sources in the world. The kernel of groundnut contains 46-52 per cent oil, 18 per cent carbohydrates and 25-30 per cent crude protein. Micronutrients are vital for plant growth and human health. Soil and foliar applications are the most prevalent methods of micronutrient addition. However, the cost involved and difficulty in obtaining high quality micronutrient fertilizers are major concerns with these in developing countries. Micronutrient seed treatments, which include seed priming and seed coating, are an attractive and easy alternative. So, the aim was to provide micronutrient fortified seed to the farmers for better yield advantage. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at the experimental farm, OUAT, Bhubaneswar to study the effect of seed priming and coating through micronutrient application on growth and seed yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with 21 different treatment combinations, laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Parameters measured were plant height, number of branches per plant, number of nodules per plant, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and seed yield. The experimental findings revealed that the treatment (T17) seed priming with 0.5 g/l borax solution + 0.5 g/l sodium molybdate solution performed significantly (0.05 or 5% level) higher than other treatment i.e., plant height of 11.61 cm, 29.73 cm and 39.91 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, numbers of branches per plant, i.e., 5.84, 7.41 and 9.10, number of nodules per plant 44.66, 57.76, and 29.88 at 45 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest time, least number of days to reach 50% flowering (25.57 days), least number of days to reach maturity i.e., 111.45 days and higher seed yield per hectare, i.e., 1565.70 kg ha-1. Molybdenum treatments recorded higher plant growth parameters as compared to boron application, whereas, boron application comparatively recorded higher yield attributing parameters and seed yield over molybdenum application. In general, seed priming treatments either with borax or sodium molybdate proved to be more effective than the seed coating treatments.
Present Implication of Debt and Debt Service in Nigeria
Authors: Ekperiware Moses C. , Adewusi Adeyinka , Oyetade John A. , Ogullah Stephen Brass , Mayor Andrew
Published: January 2023

Indebtedness in a poor country like Nigeria has recently drawn researchers’ attention since after the 2006 debt relief. With the current exchange rate, debt servicing is almost the generated revenue in Nigeria. This has the implication of crowding out fiscal projects for development. This is the crux of this study. The study used secondary data, from CBN financial report from 1985-2021. Using Vector Error Correction (VECM) Estimates, the study established a long-run relationship among the variables. Further findings revealed that Foreign Debt (FDBT) has significant and negative effect (-0.02p-0.015) on Nigerian economic growth. However, against our apriori expectation, debt servicing had a positive impact on NGDP. The government should acquire external debt largely for productive economic reasons to the extent that the debt should be repaid from such productive adventure. This would increase the productivity of the nation.
Evaluating the Behaviors in the Educators School in Terms of Kohlberg's Moral Environment Development Theory
Authors: Göksoy Süleyman
Published: January 2023

In the study, it was aimed to understand the foundations of the moral reasons (moral judgments) of educators (school administrators, teachers and other educators) attitudes and behaviors in educational environments. The research was conducted in line with the qualitative research approach. Phenomenology design was used in the study. In order to understand the reasons underlying the moral thoughts / judgments of the educators, it was tried to obtain data by asking semi-structured interview questions. According to the educators who participated in the research, it is important for educators that the correct behavior in school environments is not to comply with rules supported by punishment and punishment, that it is not to take actions that meet their own interests and needs, that there are no behaviors that please others, that are not appreciated by others, laws and rules should not be accepted without question, that what is mutual interest is not self-centered, that they can criticize social rules by considering them relative, that concepts such as human rights and freedom have an important place in my system of values, that the right behavior is a behavior that is in accordance with the principles that have been examined and accepted by the society by considering human rights and the benefit of society. It is appropriate behavior (which includes universal justice, human rights, equality and respect for human beings).
Computer-Assisted Design of Hydroxamic Acid Derivatives Inhibitors of M1 Metallo Aminopeptidase of Plasmodium falciparum with Favorable Pharmacokinetic Profile
Authors: Adama Niaré , N’Guessan Hermann , Dali Brice , Megnassan Eugene
Published: January 2023

We virtually design here new subnanomolar range antimalarial, inhibitors of plasmodium falciparum M1 Aminopeptidase (PfA-M1), by means of structure-based molecular design. We developed the complexation QSAR models from Hydroxamic Acid derivatives (AHO). A linear correlation was established between the computed Gibbs free energies of binding (GFE: ∆∆Gcom) and observed enzyme inhibition constants (Kiexp) for each training set pKiexp = −0.063×∆∆Gcom+ 8.003, R2 = 0.92. The predictive power of the QSAR model was validated with 3D-QSAR pharmacophore generation (PH4): pKiexp = 1.0289×pKipred − 0.155, R2 = 0.90. We then conducted a study on catalytic residues to exploit the different interactions (enzyme: inhibitor). Structural information from the models guided us in designing of a virtual combinatorial library (VCL) of more than 44 thousands AHOs. The PH4 screening retained 51 new and potent AHOs with predicted inhibitory potencies pKipre up to 13 times lower than that of AHO1 (pKiexp = 700 nM). Combining molecular modeling and PH4 in silico screening of the VCL resulted in the proposed novel potent antimalarial agent candidates with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.
A Critical Appraisal of Studies on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of HyFlex EDM Nickel-titanium Instrument
Authors: Saeed Amal B. , Alshehri Rahaf A. , Almaassri Arwa W. , Ahmed Alaa M. , Nathar Hadeel A. , Barnawi Mada A. , Zakzouk Jehan A. , Alrohaibani Aman M. , Almajaishi Sarah A.
Published: January 2023

Aims: To summarize the currently available evidence to point out the diﬀerent outcomes of static versus dynamic tests and to assess whether cyclic fatigue tests provide useful data and information for clinical practice.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Place and Duration of Study: From May 2015 to July 2021, a total of 21 studies on HyFlex EDM cyclic fatigue have been published in the Journal of Endodontics and the International Endodontic Jour- nal and Odontology, and the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice and Journal of Den- tal Sciences restorative dentistry and endodontic and MDPI.

Methodology: Different studies comparing between Hyﬂex EDM and other rotary files as in: wave one gold, reciproc blue.

Results: REC showed that HYFLEX EDM has the highest cyclic fa- tigue resistance and conforming that sterilization has no inﬂuence in cyclic fatigue resistance.

Conclusion: Non-invasive independent predictors for screening esophageal varices may decrease medical as well as financial burden, hence improving the management of cirrhotic patients. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.
Self‐triggered adaptive prescribed‐time tracking control for stochastic nonlinear systems
Authors: Zhu Yuting , Pan Yingnan , Lu Qing , Li Xiaomeng
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes a self‐triggered (ST) adaptive prescribed‐time tracking control method for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems. Different from the existing results, an improved ST mechanism is proposed by adding a judgment condition to reduce the negative effect of excessive design interval on system performance. Based on the one‐to‐one mapping and backstepping technique, an adaptive prescribed‐time tracking control method is proposed, which can make the error converge to the predefined precision set within the predetermined time. Simultaneously, applying the Lyapunov stability method, the boundedness of all signals in the closed‐loop system can be ensured. Finally, a detailed simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Ultrasensitive and Ultraprecise Pressure Sensors for Soft Systems
Authors: Shi Lan , Li Zhuo , Chen Min , Zhu Tianyu , Wu Limin
Published: January 2023

Highly sensitive soft pressure sensors have attracted tremendous attention in recent years due to their great promise in robotics, healthcare, smart wearables, etc. Although high sensitivities can be realized by existing sensing mechanisms, they usually cause large random errors owing to inhomogeneous sensing layers, thus considerably reducing the sensing precision for practical applications. Herein, a pure‐polymer and field emission bilayer structure (PFEBS)‐based transduction mechanism is presented to successfully design an ultrasensitive and ultraprecise soft pressure sensor for the first time. This unique structure enables numerous tunneling electrons generated by field emission to be transmitted through the homogeneous sensing layer, which undergoes uniform deformation under subtle pressures, simultaneously achieving a sensing precision with variation <1.62% and a sensitivity of 372.2 kPa−1. This study offers a new design strategy to develop next‐generation high‐performance flexible pressure sensors for soft systems.
Rapid Identification and Monitoring of Multiple Bacterial Infections Using Printed Nanoarrays
Authors: Zhang Zeying , Sun Yali , Yang Yaqi , Yang Xu , Wang Huadong , Yun Yang , Pan Xiangyu , Lian Zewei , Kuzmin Artem , Ponkratova Ekaterina , Mikhailova Julia , Xie Zian , Chen Xiaoran , Pan Qi , Chen Bingda , Xie Hongfei , Wu Tingqing , Chen Sisi , Chi Jimei , Liu Fangyi , Zuev Dmitry , Su Meng , Song Yanlin
Published: January 2023

Fast and accurate detection of microbial cells in clinical samples is highly valuable but remains a challenge. Here, a simple, culture‐free diagnostic system is developed for direct detection of pathogenic bacteria in water, urine, and serum samples using an optical colorimetric biosensor. It consists of printed nanoarrays chemically conjugated with specific antibodies that exhibits distinct color changes after capturing target pathogens. By utilizing the internal capillarity inside an evaporating droplet, target preconcentration is achieved within a few minutes to enable rapid identification and more efficient detection of bacterial pathogens. More importantly, the scattering signals of bacteria are significantly amplified by the nanoarrays due to strong near‐field localization, which supports a visualizable analysis of the growth, reproduction, and cell activity of bacteria at the single‐cell level. Finally, in addition to high selectivity, this nanoarray‐based biosensor is also capable of accurate quantification and continuous monitoring of bacterial load on food over a broad linear range, with a detection limit of 10 CFU mL−1. This work provides an accessible and user‐friendly tool for point‐of‐care testing of pathogens in many clinical and environmental applications, and possibly enables a breakthrough in early prevention and treatment.
Narrow‐Band Blue‐Emitting Indium Phosphide Quantum Dots Induced by Highly Active Zn Precursor
Authors: Zhou Xiaopeng , Ren Jiejun , Cao Wenlei , Meijerink Andries , Wang Yuhua
Published: January 2023

Colloidal indium phosphide quantum dots (In(Zn)P/ZnS QDs) show potential for application in the field of light emitting diodes (LED) and Mini/Micro‐LEDs displays due to their tunable emission and low toxicity. However, the performance of blue‐emitting indium phosphide QDs is still lagging behind that of red and green. Herein, a facile method to overcome this difficulty is proposed. The highly active Zn(ClO4)2 precursor is injected into the reaction mixture during the nucleation process to enhance zinc incorporation, which generates the In(Zn)P alloy QDs with enlarged bandgap. At the same time, the increase of zinc content can inhibit excessive growth of In(Zn)P QDs, and significantly improve its size distribution. The monodisperse In(Zn)P/ZnS QDs exhibit excellent blue emission (466 nm) and have the narrowest full width at half maxima (41 nm) of blue emission In(Zn)P QDs ever reported. This work provides a feasible and effective strategy for obtaining narrow‐band blue‐emitting In(Zn)P/ZnS QDs.
An AIE‐active probe for efficient detection and high‐throughput identification of outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Wang Fei , Ho Po‐Yu , Kam Chuen , Yang Quanzhi , Liu Jinzhao , Wang Weiping , Zhao Engui , Chen Sijie
Published: January 2023

Rapid detection and quantification of outer membrane vesicle (OMV) are of both scientific value and clinical implications. However, limited tools are available for investigations of OMVs. Herein, we report a novel fluorescent probe with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics, namely, OEO‐TPE‐MEM (OTM), for OMV detection. OTM emits faintly in an aqueous medium, but its fluorescence could be effectively turned on upon interacting with bacteria bodies and OMVs produced by Gram‐negative bacteria. Notably, OTM could provide quantitative information on bacterial membrane remodeling and OMV secretion and be applied to high‐throughput screening of OMV‐inducing agents. This study presents a powerful AIE probe for imaging and quantitative analysis of bacteria envelop and derived OMVs, which might be applied for evaluating research and clinical antimicrobial materials in future studies.
Tuning product selectivity ofCO2hydrogenation byOHgroups on Pt/γ‐AlOOHand Pt/γ‐Al2O3catalysts
Authors: Liu Peng , Zou Xuhui , Meng Xin‐Yu , Peng Chong , Li Xi , Wang Yangang , Zhao Fengyong , Pan Yun‐Xiang
Published: January 2023

Herein, we explore how OH groups on Pt/γ‐AlOOH and Pt/γ‐Al2O3catalysts affect CO2hydrogenation with H2at temperatures from 250°C to 400°C. OH groups are abundant on γ‐AlOOH, but rare at Pt‐(γ‐AlOOH) interface which is the most favorable site for CO2conversion on Pt/γ‐AlOOH. This makes CO2hydrogenation on Pt/γ‐AlOOH form CO weakly bonding to γ‐AlOOH, which prefers to desorption from Pt/γ‐AlOOH rather than further conversion, thus enhancing CO production on Pt/γ‐AlOOH. Different from Pt/γ‐AlOOH, OH groups are abundant at Pt‐(γ‐Al2O3) interface which is the most favorable site for CO2conversion on Pt/γ‐Al2O3. This promotes CO2hydrogenation on Pt/γ‐Al2O3to form CO strongly bonding to Pt, which prefers to further hydrogenation to CH4, and thereby increases CH4selectivity on Pt/γ‐Al2O3. Therefore, the OH groups at metal‐support interface are crucial factor influencing product distribution, and must be considered seriously when fabricating catalysts.
Enhanced one‐step purification of C2H4 from C2H2/C2H4/C2H6 mixtures by fluorinated Zr‐MOF
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Miao Jiafeng , Wang Hao , Gai Yanli , Li Jing
Published: January 2023

The extraction of C2H4 from C2H6/C2H4/C2H2 mixtures is of great significance in the chemical industry for C2H4 production but the process remains challenging due to the similarity of these C2 hydrocarbon species in their molecular size and physical properties. Here, we report the fluorination of a stable Zr‐MOF, UiO‐66, to fine‐tune the pore dimensions and pore functionality. In particular, UiO‐66‐CF3 shows notably preferential adsorption of C2H6 and C2H2 over C2H4, with C2H2/C2H4 and C2H6/C2H4 selectivities of 1.4 and 1.9, respectively. Theoretical calculations provide insight into the binding sites of UiO‐66‐CF3 for C2 hydrocarbon adsorption. Breakthrough experiments further confirmed the capability of the material for purification of C2H4 from C2H2/C2H4/C2H6 ternary mixtures, evidenced by the high purity C2H4 (99.9%+) obtained directly from outlet gas.
Mixed matrix metal–organic framework membranes for efficient CO2/N2 separation under humid conditions
Authors: Geng Chenxu , Sun Yuxiu , Zhang Zhengqing , Qiao Zhihua , Zhong Chongli
Published: January 2023

Mixed matrix metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes show excellent application prospects in gas separation. However, their stability in various practical application scenarios is poor, especially under humid conditions. Herein, we encapsulated a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) into the cavity of MOFs, which effectively mitigated the competition between H2O and CO2 in humid gas mixtures, leading to stable and high‐performance gas separation. For this reason, the resulting membranes using polymer of intrinsic miroporosity‐1 (PIM‐1) as a polymer matrix show good CO2/N2 separation performance and long‐term test stability under humid environment. In particular, the 20 wt% IL‐UiO/PIM‐1 shows a high permeability of 13,778 Barrer and competitive CO2/N2 separation factor of ~35.2, transcending the latest upper bound. Besides, the according membrane module exhibits slightly decreased CO2 permeability and selectivity, promoting the application of self‐supporting membranes. This work provides a reliable strategy for the rational design of MOF‐based hybrid membranes under extreme conditions.
MULT: New height references and their efficiency in multi‐ethnic populations
Authors: de Oliveira Mariane Helen , Araújo Joana , Ramos Elisabete , Conde Wolney Lisboa
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To develop new height references (MULT) based on longitudinal data of multi‐ethnic populations and to compare them to the height references from the Dutch Growth Study, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Methods

The MUL height references were developed through the LMS method and the Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape. They were constructed based on 2611 subjects (15 292 measurements) from the advantaged quintile of the Young Lives (Younger Cohort), Millennium Cohort Study, Adolescent Nutritional Assessment Longitudinal Study, and Epidemiological Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto studies. The M, S curves were described to compare the growth trajectory of the MULT, DUTCH, CDC and WHO height references. For the population comparative analysis, we used the total sample of the studies (91 063 observations, 17 641 subjects). The Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Cohen's kappa coefficient (K) were used to verify the agreement between MULT, WHO and CDC height references.

Results

The MULT height references showed taller boys for the periods of 61–174 months and 196–240 months and taller girls for 61–147 and 181–240 months, when compared to CDC and WHO height references. There was an almost perfect agreement between WHO and MULT height references (CCC >0.99) for the subjects aged 2 to 5 years.

Conclusions

MULT height references presented a taller population and a high agreement with WHO growth charts, especially for children under 5 years, indicating that it could be useful to assess nutritional status of multi‐ethnic populations.
Arylethanolamines in Ritter reaction: Synthesis of 2,4‐Diarylimidazole Core
Authors: Smorodina Anastasia A. , Buev Evgeny M. , Moshkin Vladimir S. , Sosnovskikh Vyacheslav Y.
Published: January 2023

A three‐step synthesis of imidazole core from arylethanolamines was achieved. A key to this sequence is a Ritter reaction of arylethanolamines promoted by perchloric acid, allowing the formation of 2‐methylamino‐1‐(acylamino)‐1‐arylethanes in 33–82% yields. The latter were subjected to thermal cyclization into 4‐arylimidazolines by simple heating in n‐butanol in 51–95% yields or to one‐pot cyclization‐oxidation sequence to produce 2,4‐diarylimidazoles in 73–93% yields. The efficiency of this approach was demonstrated on a straightforward one‐pot synthesis of 2,4‐diarylimidazoles from readily available starting materials: aromatic aldehydes, sarcosine, paraformaldehyde and benzonitriles, in 42–49% total yields.
Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on the mortality of patients who received emergency transportation: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nakao Shota , Masui Jun , Katayama Yusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: January 2023

Aim

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has a widespread impact on emergency medical care systems. However, its effects on the mortality of emergency transportation patients are unclear. This population‐based, cross‐sectional study investigated how COVID‐19 impacted the mortality and outcomes of emergency transportation patients.

Methods

We compared mortality in the emergency department and at day 21 after an emergency visit for patients transported by ambulance to medical facilities in the Osaka Prefecture, Japan, between January 29 and December 31, 2020 (first pandemic year) and between January 29 and December 31, 2019 (immediate pre‐pandemic year; 804,718 patients in total), using multivariable analysis to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

During the first pandemic year, 50,446 fewer patients received emergency transportation compared with the immediate prepandemic year. Emergency department deaths increased by 603 during the first pandemic year (4,922 versus 4,319 deaths) and 640 within 21 days (14,569 versus 13,929 deaths). Multivariable analysis revealed an association between the first pandemic year and increased mortality rates among patients given emergency transportation compared with the immediate prepandemic year (odds ratio for emergency department deaths 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.26–1.38; odds ratio for deaths within 21 days 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.14–1.20).

Conclusions

The study results indicate that the spread of COVID‐19 impacted the mortality of patients who received emergency transportation. Further studies are expected to clarify the impact of COVID‐19 on emergency medical care systems.
Excited State Absorption Upconversion Induced by Structural Defects for Photocatalysis with a Breakthrough Efficiency
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Liu Qian , Li Xiaolei , Li Hui , Shen Zhurui , Ji Huiming , Ma Tianyi
Published: January 2023

The nitrogen‐deficient graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has been prepared, a new excited state absorption (ESA) up‐conversion mode is discovered, which is directly induced by structural defects, showing distinct chemical characteristics from those based on lanthanide ions and triplet states chromophores. The abundant N2C vacancies in g‐C3N4 nanosheets work as the crucial intermediate excitation states, which lead to g‐C3N4 upconverted emitting at the wavelength of 436 nm excited by the light with the wavelength of 800 nm. This process is proven to proceed via a two‐photon involved ESA mode with a breakthrough quantum efficiency of 0.64 %. Further, we combine N2C vacancies enriched g‐C3N4 with In2S3 and CdS, and successfully achieved an infrared light driven photocatalytic reactions. These findings offered a new family of up‐conversion materials; more semiconductors with various structural defects are potential complementary members.
The Chemistry of the Cyaphide Ion
Authors: Görlich Tim , Coburger Peter , Yang Eric S. , Goicoechea Jose M. , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Müller Christian
Published: January 2023

We review the known chemistry of the cyaphide ion, (C≡P)−. This remarkable diatomic anion has been the subject of study since the late nineteenth century, however its isolation and characterization eluded chemists for almost a hundred years. In this mini‐review, we explore the pioneering synthetic experiments that first allowed for its isolation, as well as more recent developments demonstrating that cyaphide transfer is viable in well‐established salt‐metathesis protocols. The physical properties of the cyaphide ion are also explored in depth, allowing us to compare and contrast the chemistry of this ion with that of its lighter congener cyanide (an archetypal strong field ligand and important organic functional group). Recent studies show that the cyaphide ion has the potential to be used as a versatile chemical regent for the synthesis of novel molecules and materials, hinting at many interesting future avenues of investigation.
Exited State Absorption Upconversion Induced by Structural Defects for Photocatalysis with a Breakthrough Efficiency
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Liu Qian , Li Xiaolei , Li Hui , Shen Zhurui , Ji Huiming , Ma Tianyi
Published: January 2023

The nitrogen‐deficient graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has been prepared, a new excited state absorption (ESA) up‐conversion mode is discovered, which is directly induced by structural defects, showing distinct chemical characteristics from those based on lanthanide ions and triplet states chromophores. The abundant N2C vacancies in g‐C3N4 nanosheets work as the crucial intermediate excitation states, which lead to g‐C3N4 upconverted emitting at the wavelength of 436 nm excited by the light with the wavelength of 800 nm. This process is proven to proceed via a two‐photon involved ESA mode with a breakthrough quantum efficiency of 0.64 %. Further, we combine N2C vacancies enriched g‐C3N4 with In2S3 and CdS, and successfully achieved an infrared light driven photocatalytic reactions. These findings offered a new family of up‐conversion materials; more semiconductors with various structural defects are potential complementary members.
Cerebellar gamma‐aminobutyric acid: Investigation of group effects in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Pang Elizabeth W. , Hammill Chris , Taylor Margot J. , Near Jamie , Schachar Russell , Crosbie Jennifer , Arnold Paul D. , Anagnostou Evdokia , Lerch Jason P.
Published: January 2023

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are thought to arise in part from the disruption in the excitatory/inhibitory balance of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in the brain. Recent evidence has shown the involvement of the cerebellum in cognition and affect regulation, and cerebellar atypical function or damage is reported frequently in NDDs. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies have reported decreases in GABA in cortical brain areas in the NDDs, however, GABA levels in the cerebellum have not been examined. To determine possible group effects, we used a MEGA‐PRESS acquisition to investigate GABA+ levels in a cerebellar voxel in 343 individuals (aged 2.5–22 years) with ASD, ADHD, OCD and controls. Using a mixed effects model, we found no significant differences between groups in GABA+ concentration. Our findings suggest that cerebellar GABA+ levels do not differentiate NDD groups.
Trichoderma asperellum as a novel source to prepare chitooligosaccharides by enzymatic hydrolysis and its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Wang Siqiang , Zhang Jinyu , Cui Yidan , Li Tengda , Pan Lichao , Li Kun , Wang Liuya , Zhu Zhenyuan
Published: January 2023

Chitooligosaccharides (COS), an important biological functional component, are mainly extracted from marine products, but its raw materials are currently facing challenges such as marine resources pollution and demineralization. This study aimed to explore Trichoderma asperellum as a novel source to prepare COS. The COS were prepared by the enzymatic degradation of chitosan from T. asperellum, and single factor experiment and orthogonal designs were used to optimize the enzymatic conditions for the preparation of COS. The composition of COS was performed by thin‐layer chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The results showed that the degree of deacetylation of T. asperellum chitosan was 87.59%, and its enzymatic hydrolysis yield was 89.37 % under optimized extraction conditions. Moreover, the composition of COS in T. asperellum included chitotriose, chitopentaose, and chitohexaose. Compared with shrimp shells, COS prepared from T. asperellum showed stronger antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella bacilli.
Zirconia nanocomposites and their applications as transparent advanced optical materials with high refractive index
Authors: Lee Deunchan , Cho Hanjun , Yoon Ilsun
Published: January 2023

Polymer nanocomposites, prepared by incorporating functional nanoparticles (NPs) into a polymer matrix, have advantages of utilizing functionalities of polymers and NPs. Among them, transparent high‐refractive‐index polymer nanocomposites (THPNs), prepared by incorporating highly refractive NPs into polymer matrices, are advantageous for effectively manipulating light. This review focuses on the introduction of fabrication of THPN prepared by incorporating inorganic‐oxide NPs, especially zirconia (ZrO2), and its characteristics as an optical material. ZrO2 NPs have a high refractive index and high transmittance in visible light regions with high and narrow optical bandgap energy. Since ZrO2 NPs are harmless to humans and physically and chemically stable, they are suitable for applications of advanced optical materials for display and energy devices. Various fabrication methods of THPN with ZrO2 NPs and surface modifications of ZrO2 NPs to prevent agglomeration are introduced. Principles and specific applications, which THPN could work with and for, are introduced as well.
In vivo overexpression of synaptogyrin‐3 promotes striatal synaptic dopamine uptake in LRRK2R1441G mutant mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ho Philip Wing‐Lok , Li Lingfei , Liu Hui‐Fang , Choi Zoe Yuen‐Kiu , Chang Eunice Eun Seo , Pang Shirley Yin‐Yu , Malki Yasine , Leung Chi‐Ting , Kung Michelle Hiu‐Wai , Ramsden David Boyer , Ho Shu‐Leong
Published: January 2023

Background

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutation is a common genetic risk factor of Parkinson's disease (PD). Presynaptic dysfunction is an early pathogenic event associated with dopamine (DA) dysregulation in striatum of the brain. DA uptake activity of DA uptake transporter (DAT) affects synaptic plasticity and motor and non‐motor behavior. Synaptogyrin‐3 (SYNGR3) is part of the synaptogyrin family, especially abundant in brain. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated interaction between SYNGR3 and DAT. Reduced SYNGR3 expression was observed in human PD brains with unclear reasons.

Methods

Here, we further explored whether inducing SYNGR3 expression can influence (i) cellular DA uptake using differentiated human SH‐SY5Y neuronal cells, (ii) striatal synaptosomal DA uptake in a mutant LRRK2R1441G knockin mouse model of PD, and (iii) innate rodent behavior using the marble burying test.

Results

Young LRRK2 mutant mice exhibited significantly lower SYNGR3 levels in striatum compared to age‐matched wild‐type (WT) controls, resembling level in aged WT mice. SYNGR3 is spatially co‐localized with DAT at striatal presynaptic terminals, visualized by immuno‐gold transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Their protein–protein interaction was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation. Transient overexpression of SYNGR3 in differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells increased cellular DA uptake activity without affecting total DAT levels. Inducing SYNGR3 overexpression by adeno‐associated virus‐7 (AAV7) injection in vivo into striatum increased ex vivo synaptosomal DA uptake in LRRK2 mutant mice and improved their innate marble burying behavior.

Conclusion

Brain SYNGR3 expression may be an important determinant to striatal DA homeostasis and synaptic function. Our preliminary behavioral test showed improved innate behavior after SYNGR3 overexpression in LRRK2 mutant mice, advocating further studies to determine the influence of SYNGR3 in the pathophysiology of DA neurons in PD.
Take steps to prevent game‐day confrontations
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: January 2023

There are lessons to be learned from the widespread media coverage of assaults that have occurred after an individual play or competition had ended. The incidents involved athletes physically confronting members of the opposing team, or obnoxious spectators who charged the field or who retaliated by charging the stands. While the circumstances have varied, the outcomes of these types of confrontations serve as an increasingly significant reminder from a liability perspective.
Missing Pieces in Structure Puzzles: How Hyperpolarized NMR Spectroscopy Can Complement Structural Biology and Biochemistry
Authors: Negroni Mattia , Kurzbach Dennis
Published: January 2023

Structure determination lies at the heart of many biochemical research programs. However, the “giants”: X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and nuclear magnetic resonance, among others, leave quite a few dark spots on the structural pictures drawn of proteins, nucleic acids, membranes, and other biomacromolecules. For example, structural models under physiological conditions or of short‐lived intermediates often remain out of reach of the established experimental methods. This account frames the possibility of including hyperpolarized, that is, dramatically signal‐enhanced NMR in existing workflows to fill these spots with detailed depictions. We highlight how integrating methods based on dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization can provide valuable complementary information about formerly inaccessible conformational spaces for many systems. A particular focus will be on hyperpolarized buffers to facilitate the NMR structure determination of challenging systems.
The role of tribbles homolog 2 in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation
Authors: Takaguri Akira , Ishizaka Rena , Maki Shota , Satoh Kumi
Published: January 2023

Tribbles homolog 2 (TRIB2) functions as an adapter protein that regulates signal transductions involved in a variety of cellular functions, including tumorigenesis. However, the role of TRIB2 in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the underlying expression mechanisms remain unclear. The present study investigated the role of TRIB2 in VSMC proliferation and revealed that TRIB2 expression increases following vascular injury and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB‐stimulated VSMCs. We found that pretreatment with diphenyleneiodonium (a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor), U0126 (an inhibitor of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 [MEK1]), or siRNA targeting the gene encoding early growth response 1 (EGR‐1) significantly inhibits PDGF‐BB‐induced TRIB2 expression in VSMCs. Furthermore, TRIB2 knockdown significantly inhibits PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation of VSMCs but does not affect the phosphorylation of AKT. However, phosphorylation of ERK1 and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antibody are significantly suppressed in VSMCs by PDGF‐BB stimulation. Thus, PDGF‐BB‐induced TRIB2 expression is mediated by ROS/ERK/EGR‐1 pathways and plays a critical role in VSMC proliferation via modulation of ERK activity. We propose TRIB2 as a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of neointima formation and vascular disease.
Ultrasound‐guided distal transradial access for cardiac catheterization: Technical notes for the interventionalist
Authors: Zuin Marco , Turchetta Stefano , Drudi Alessandro , Gasparetto Marco , Rubin Lorenzo , Rigatelli Gianluca
Published: January 2023

Over the latest years, the use of distal radial access (dTRA), also called “snuffbox,” has become more and more popular for cardiac catheterization. Indeed, dTRA has several advantages compared to the traditional proximal radial approach, such as a lower risk of hand ischemia, radial artery occlusion (RAO) and faster post‐procedural hemostasis. However, due to the presence of different muscular‐skeletal structures, as well as to the small diameter of the distal radial artery (dRA), an ultrasound‐guided cannulation would be preferred since a blind puncture increases the risk of tendon damage and/or the irritation of the underlying periosteum. The present article is aimed to provide the key tips for performing US‐guided access using the dRA in patients undergoing percutaneous cardiac procedures.
Challenges and Strategies of Anion Exchange Membranes in Hydrogen‐electricity Energy Conversion Devices
Authors: Li Jinsheng , Liu Changpeng , Ge Junjie , Xing Wei , Zhu Jianbing
Published: January 2023

Alkaline hydrogen‐electricity energy conversion technologies, involving anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) and anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) are more appealing than the acidic counterparts due to the elimination of precious metal catalysts. However, the physicochemical properties of anion exchange membrane (AEMs), i.e., ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, stability, etc., are inferior to that of proton exchange membranes (PEMs), thus hindering these alkaline technologies from practical employment. To promote their development, we summarize the main challenges and the corresponding strategies of AEMs for the application of AEMFCs and AEMWEs in this review. The hydroxide transportation mechanism, ion exchange capacity, hydration and microscopic morphology that are relevant to the ionic conductivity are discussed firstly. Following the ionic conductivity, another obstacle, stability of AEMs is comprehensively described in terms of alkaline stability, mechanical stability and electrochemical stability. Upon integrating into the devices, water management, carbonation effect and membrane‐electrode interface that are critical to the cell performance are highlighted as well. This review is anticipated to provide insights into the AEM design for hydrogen‐electric energy conversion devices, thus accelerating the widespread commercialization of these promising technologies.
Bimetallic Synergies Help the Application of Sodium Vanadyl Phosphate in Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Wensheng , Wang Xinhai , Lu Shengshang , Gao Yue , Gao Tinghong , Guo Tong , Xie Quan , Ruan Yunjun
Published: January 2023

Aqueous sodium‐ion batteries (ASIB) offer many potential applications in large‐scale power grids since they are inexpensive, safe, and environmentally friendly. Sodium superionic conductors (NASICON), especially carbon‐coated Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP), have attracted much attention due to the full use of their high ion migration speed. However, the poor cycle lifespan and capacity retention of NVP hinder its application in ASIB. Herein, a novel bimetal‐doped Na3V1.3Fe0.5W0.2(PO4)3 (NV1.3Fe0.5W0.2P) cathode is designed and synthesized to achieve outstanding cycling stability (95 % of initial capacity at 50th cycle). The electrochemical behavior and charge storage mechanism of NV1.3Fe0.5W0.2P are systematically investigated by various in situ and ex situ characterizations. The Fe and W codoping could stabilize the NASICON framework to suppress the proton attack on the Na site in the aqueous electrolyte, thus resulting in excellent cycling stability. DFT calculations show that bimetallic doping increases the structural stability of NVP. Moreover, an ASIB fabricated using a NV1.3Fe0.5W0.2P cathode and a NaTi2(PO4)3 anode delivers 64 mAh g−1 at room temperature, 95 % capacity retention after 50 cycles (1 A g−1).
A new optimized least‐square sparse channel estimation scheme for underwater acoustic communication
Authors: Kumar Anand
Published: January 2023

In underwater acoustic (UWA) communication, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technology that is highly essential to get channel state information meant for channel estimation (CE). Nevertheless, higher complexity, slower convergence, and poor performance, which degrade the performance estimation, are the limitations of the traditional CE methodologies. Thus, by amalgamating the least square (LS)‐CE algorithm along with polynomial interpolated black widow optimization (PI‐BWO) model, an optimized least square sparse (OLSS) CE algorithm has been proposed to intend for a UWA‐OFDM communication system. Formerly, by utilizing the 2's complement shift left turbo encoding (2CSL‐TE) methodology, the input signal is encoded. After that, the modulated encoded signal is provided for inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) operations; subsequently, they are transferred over the UWA channel toward the receiver OFDM. By employing the OLSS methodology, the received OFDM signal's interference‐free region is utilized for sparse CE at the receiver. Regarding symbol error rate (SER), bit error rate (BER), mean square error (MSE), and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), the proposed model's experiential outcome is evaluated and analogized with the other prevailing methodologies. When analogized with the conventional models, the proposed estimation methodologies achieved better performance.
Prenatal substance exposure, early‐life adversity, and parenting: Associations with adolescent stress response
Authors: Eiden Rina D. , Ettekal Idean , Zhao Junru , Kelm Madison R. , Nickerson Amanda B. , Ostrov Jamie M. , Schuetze Pamela , Godleski Stephanie
Published: January 2023

We tested a conceptual model examining associations between prenatal substance exposure and adolescent cortisol reactivity profiles in response to an acute social evaluative stressor. We included cortisol reactivity in infancy, and direct and interactive effects of early‐life adversity and parenting behaviors (sensitivity, harshness) from infancy to early school age on adolescent cortisol reactivity profiles in model testing. Participants were 216 families (51% female children; 116 cocaine‐exposed) recruited at birth, oversampled for prenatal substance exposure, and assessed from infancy to early adolescence (EA). Majority of participants self‐identified as Black (72% mothers, 57.2% adolescents), and caregivers were primarily from low‐income families (76%), were single (86%), and had high school or below education (70%) at recruitment. Latent profile analyses identified three cortisol reactivity patterns including elevated (20.4%), moderate (63.1%), and blunted (16.5%) reactivity groups. Prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with higher likelihood of membership in the elevated reactivity compared to the moderate reactivity group. Higher caregiver sensitivity in early life was associated with lower likelihood of membership in the elevated reactivity group. Prenatal cocaine exposure was associated with higher maternal harshness. Interaction effects among early‐life adversity and parenting indicated that caregiver sensitivity buffered, and harshness exacerbated, the likelihood that high early adversity would be associated with the elevated and blunted reactivity groups. Results highlight the potential importance of prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposure for cortisol reactivity and the role of parenting as exacerbating or buffering the impact of early‐life adversity on adolescent stress response.