bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vision Testing for Adolescents in the US
Authors: Oke Isdin , Slopen Natalie , Hunter David G. , Wu Ann Chen
Published: October 2023

Importance

Untreated refractive error contributes to the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in visual function of adolescent children in the US.

Objective

To describe patterns in vision testing as a function of age among US adolescents and identify sociodemographic factors associated with vision testing.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (2018-2019), a nationally representative survey of the noninstitutionalized US pediatric population. A total of 24 752 adolescent children (aged 12 to <18 years) were included. Data were analyzed from March 22 to August 11, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the caregiver report of vision testing within the last 12 months. Linear regression was used to describe the patterns in reported vision testing as a function of participant age. Logistic regression was used to describe the association of sociodemographic factors with the report of vision testing in each setting.

Results

Among 24 752 adolescents, the median (IQR) age was 14 (13-16) years; 12 918 (weighted, 51%) were male. Vision testing in any setting within the previous year was reported by caregivers of 18 621 adolescents (weighted, 74%). Vision testing was reported to have occurred at an eye clinic in 13 323 participants (weighted, 51%), at a primary care clinic in 5230 participants (weighted, 22%), at a school in 2594 participants (weighted, 11%), and at a health center in 635 participants (weighted, 4%). The percentage of adolescents reported to have vision tested decreased with age (−1.3% per year; 95% CI, −2.5% to 0% per year) due to a decrease in testing in primary care and school settings. After adjusting for age and sex, there were lower odds of vision testing reported for adolescents who were uninsured vs insured (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.76-0.87), had caregivers with less than vs greater than high school education (AOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.95), and were from a family born outside vs inside the US (AOR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, vision testing in adolescents decreased as a function of age due to fewer reported tests performed in primary care and school-based settings. Relative to children in socioeconomically advantaged families, those from disadvantaged families were less likely to report receiving vision testing in clinical settings. Efforts to expand the role of school-based vision testing for older adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds may enable opportunities to address disparities in untreated refractive error.
Comparative evaluation of a surface‐based respiratory monitoring system against a pressure sensor for 4DCT image reconstruction in phantoms
Authors: Qubala Abdallah , Shafee Jehad , Batista Vania , Liermann Jakob , Winter Marcus , Piro Daniel , Jäkel Oliver
Published: October 2023

Four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), which relies on breathing‐induced motion, requires realistic surrogate information of breathing variations to reconstruct the tumor trajectory and motion variability of normal tissues accurately. Therefore, the SimRT surface‐guided respiratory monitoring system has been installed on a Siemens CT scanner. This work evaluated the temporal and spatial accuracy of SimRT versus our commonly used pressure sensor, AZ‐733 V.

A dynamic thorax phantom was used to reproduce regular and irregular breathing patterns acquired by SimRT and Anzai. Various parameters of the recorded breathing patterns, including mean absolute deviations (MAD), Pearson correlations (PC), and tagging precision, were investigated and compared to ground‐truth. Furthermore, 4DCT reconstructions were analyzed to assess the volume discrepancy, shape deformation and tumor trajectory.

Compared to the ground‐truth, SimRT more precisely reproduced the breathing patterns with a MAD range of 0.37 ± 0.27 and 0.92 ± 1.02 mm versus Anzai with 1.75 ± 1.54 and 5.85 ± 3.61 mm for regular and irregular breathing patterns, respectively. Additionally, SimRT provided a more robust PC of 0.994 ± 0.009 and 0.936 ± 0.062 for all investigated breathing patterns. Further, the peak and valley recognition were found to be more accurate and stable using SimRT. The comparison of tumor trajectories revealed discrepancies up to 7.2 and 2.3 mm for Anzai and SimRT, respectively. Moreover, volume discrepancies up to 1.71 ± 1.62% and 1.24 ± 2.02% were found for both Anzai and SimRT, respectively.

SimRT was validated across various breathing patterns and showed a more precise and stable breathing tracking, (i) independent of the amplitude and period, (ii) and without placing any physical devices on the patient's body. These findings resulted in a more accurate temporal and spatial accuracy, thus leading to a more realistic 4DCT reconstruction and breathing‐adapted treatment planning.
Effect of Immunosuppressive or Immunomodulatory Agents on Severe COVID‐19 Outcomes: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Marozoff Shelby , Tan Jeremiah , Lu Na , Kirmani Ayesha , Loree Jonathan M. , Xie Hui , Lacaille Diane , Kopec Jacek A. , Esdaile John M. , Corradetti Bonnie , Malone Peter , Koehn Cheryl L. , Mennell Philippa , Hoens Alison M. , Aviña‐Zubieta J. Antonio
Published: October 2023

Objective

We estimated the association between immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agent (IIA) exposure and severe COVID‐19 outcomes in a population‐based cohort study.

Methods

Participants were 18 years or older, tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 between February 6, 2020, and August 15, 2021, and were from administrative health data for the entire province of British Columbia, Canada. IIA use within 3 months prior to positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test included conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (antimalarials, methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, individually), immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolate sodium [MMF], cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, individually and collectively), tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) biologics (adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, collectively), non‐TNFi biologics or targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs) (rituximab separately from abatacept, anakinra, secukinumab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib and ustekinumab collectively), and glucocorticoids. Severe COVID‐19 outcomes were hospitalizations for COVID‐19, ICU admissions, and deaths within 60 days of a positive test. Exposure score–overlap weighting was used to balance baseline characteristics of participants with IIA use compared with nonuse of that IIA. Logistic regression measured the association between IIA use and severe COVID‐19 outcomes.

Results

From 147,301 participants, we identified 515 antimalarial, 573 methotrexate, 72 leflunomide, 180 sulfasalazine, 468 immunosuppressant, 378 TNFi biologic, 49 rituximab, 144 other non‐TNFi biologic or tsDMARD, and 1348 glucocorticoid prescriptions. Risk of hospitalizations for COVID‐19 was significantly greater for MMF (odds ratio [95% CI]): 2.82 [1.81‐4.40], all immunosuppressants: 2.08 [1.51‐2.87], and glucocorticoids: 1.63 [1.36‐1.96], relative to nonuse. Similar outcomes were seen for ICU admission and MMF: 2.52 [1.34‐4.74], immunosuppressants: 2.88 [1.73‐4.78], and glucocorticoids: 1.86 [1.37‐2.54]. Only glucocorticoids use was associated with a significant increase in 60‐day mortality: 1.58 [1.21‐2.06]. No other IIAs displayed statistically significant associations with severe COVID‐19 outcomes.

Conclusion

Current use of MMF and glucocorticoids were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID‐19 outcomes compared with nonuse. These results emphasize the variety of circumstances of patients taking IIAs.
A new class of fault recognition method for wind turbine systems based on deep learning
Authors: Wang Junnian , Liu Jun , Tong Pengcheng , Yu Wenxin , Wang Zhenheng
Published: October 2023

Conventional fault recognition algorithms can only recognize the classes of faults that have appeared in wind turbine systems. However, if a new category of faults appears, the traditional algorithm can only misclassify it into the class of pre‐existing faults. In this paper, a new class fault recognition method based on deep learning is proposed. Firstly, the initialized model is built using known fault data, including detectors and classifiers. Secondly, the new class fault data detected by the detectors are put into the cache, and when the cache overflows, the new class faults are augmented with data using generative adversarial networks. Finally, the new class fault data and the generated data are added to the initial training set, and the structure and weights of the initialized model are updated using the new training set. In this way, the purpose of recognizing the new class of faults is achieved. The experimental results show that the proposed detection algorithm can effectively detect new class faults and the model can efficiently solve the problem of the new class of fault recognition after data augmentation.
Prescribed‐time adaptive bipartite time‐varying formation tracking for multiple Lagrangian systems with arbitrary disturbance
Authors: Wang Meixue , Han Tao , Xiao Bo , Yan Huaicheng
Published: October 2023

This article focuses on the problem of bipartite time‐varying formation tracking for multiple Lagrangian systems with prescribed‐time adaptive sliding mode under the signed digraph. First, for each Lagrangian system, the local prescribed‐time disturbance estimator is proposed to estimate arbitrary disturbances in the prescribed time with the condition of bounded disturbances. Then the distributed prescribed‐time observers are designed to observe the position and velocity of the leader, and the consensus problem is transformed into bipartite formation tracking via introducing above observers. Based on designing two types of observers and disturbance estimators, a new prescribed‐time adaptive sliding mode controller is designed to ensure the tracking errors of the sliding mode surface converge to origin in a prescribed time. Ultimately, the feasibility of the provided results is further demonstrated through numerical simulation.
MLC1 Overexpression Inhibits Tumor Progression through PI3K/AKT Signal Pathway in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wu Zonglin , Ni Jinliang , Zhang Houliang , Zhang Yifan , Lv Chengxun , Wang Yidi , Wang Keyi , Peng Bo
Published: October 2023

Prostate cancer (PC) is a prevalent malignancy in males, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Despite MLC1 being established as a key mediator in tumor progression, its role in PC remains unexplored. This study aims to validate MLC1's anti‐tumor effects and uncover potential mechanisms. MLC1's clinical significance is assessed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Genotype‐Tissue Expression databases. MLC1 expression is significantly reduced in PC samples compared with the adjacent normal tissues. MLC1 expression correlates negatively with tumor metastasis and positively with the survival of patients with PC. In vitro, up‐regulating MLC1 effectively inhibits tumor progression by curtailing proliferation, infestation, and migration through the deactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conversely, down‐regulating MLC1 promotes PC progression, a phenomenon alleviated by the PI3K/AKT inhibitor, Gefitinib. Furthermore, the anti‐tumor function of MLC1 is corroborated by a reduction in tumor volume compared with the negative control in vivo. This study confirms the anti‐tumor effects of MLC1 via in vitro and in vivo experiments, demonstrating its potential mechanism of inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Hybrid mRNA Nano Vaccine Potentiates Antigenic Peptide Presentation and Dendritic Cell Maturation for Effective Cancer Vaccine Therapy and Enhances Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Shi Lu , Yang Jingxing , Nie Ying , Huang Yizhou , Gu Hongchen
Published: October 2023

Cancer vaccines combined with immune checkpoint blockades (ICB) represent great potential application, yet the insufficient tumor antigen presentation and immature dendritic cells hinder improved efficacy. Here, a hybrid nano vaccine composed by hyper branched poly(beta‐amino ester), modified iron oxide nano adjuvant and messenger RNA (mRNA) encoded with model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) is presented. The nano vaccine outperforms three commercialized reagents loaded with the same mRNA, including Lipofectamine MessengerMax, jetPRIME, and in vivo‐jetRNA in promoting dendritic cells’ transfection, maturation, and peptide presentation. In an OVA‐expressing murine model, intratumoral administration of the nano vaccine significantly induced macrophages and dendritic cells’ presenting peptides and expressing co‐stimulatory CD86. The nano vaccine also elicited strong antigen‐specific splenocyte response and promoted CD8+ T cell infiltration. In combination with ICB, the nano vaccine aroused robust tumor suppression in murine models with large tumor burdens (initial volume >300 mm3). The hybrid mRNA vaccine represents a versatile and readily transformable platform and augments response to ICB.
Noninvasive Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease with Scintillating Nanotubes
Authors: Senapati Sudipta , Secchi Valeria , Cova Francesca , Richman Michal , Villa Irene , Yehuda Ronen , Shenberger Yulia , Campione Marcello , Rahimipour Shai , Monguzzi Angelo
Published: October 2023

Effective and accessible treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are urgently needed. Soluble Aβ oligomers are identified as neurotoxic species in AD and targeted in antibody‐based drug development to mitigate cognitive decline. However, controversy exists concerning their efficacy and safety. In this study, an alternative strategy is proposed to inhibit the formation of Aβ oligomers by selectively oxidizing specific amino acids in the Aβ sequence, thereby preventing its aggregation. Targeted oxidation is achieved using biocompatible and blood‐brain barrier‐permeable multicomponent nanoscintillators that generate singlet oxygen upon X‐ray interaction. Surface‐modified scintillators interact selectively with Aβ and, upon X‐ray irradiation, inhibit the formation of neurotoxic aggregates both in vitro and in vivo. Feeding transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing human Aβ with the nanoscintillators and subsequent irradiation with soft X‐ray reduces Aβ oligomer levels, extends lifespan, and restores memory and behavioral deficits. These findings support the potential of X‐ray‐based therapy for AD and warrant further development.
Ultrasound‐Driven Non‐Metallic Fenton‐Active Center Construction for Extensive Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wu Jiyue , Meng Yun , Wu Fan , Shi Jieyun , Sun Qingwen , Jiang Xingwu , Liu Yanyan , Zhao Peiran , Wang Qiao , Guo Lehang , Wu Yelin , Zheng Xiangpeng , Bu Wenbo
Published: October 2023

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is an emerging tumor microenvironment‐responsive cancer therapeutic strategy based on Fenton/Fenton‐like reactions. However, the effectiveness of CDT is subject to the slow kinetic rate and non‐homogeneous distribution of H2O2. In this study, a conceptual non‐metallic “Fenton‐active” center construction strategy is proposed to enhance CDT efficiency using Bi0.44Ba0.06Na0.5TiO2.97 (BNBT‐6) nanocrystals. The separated charge carriers under a piezoelectric‐induced electric field synchronize the oxidation of H2O and reduction of H2O2, which consequently increases hydroxyl radical (·OH) yield even under low H2O2 levels. Moreover, acceptor doping induces electron‐rich oxygen vacancies to facilitate the dissociation of H2O2 and H2O and further promote ·OH generation. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that BNBT‐6 induces extensive intracellular oxidative stress and enhances cell‐killing efficiency by activating necroptosis in addition to the conventional apoptotic pathway. This study proposes a novel design approach for nanomaterials used in CDT and presents a new treatment strategy for apoptosis‐resistant tumors.
Low‐Dimensional Phase Distribution of Quasi‐2D Perovskites Induced by Interfacial Effect Enables Efficient Blue Lighting‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xu Linlin , Wu Zhixian , Jiang Chunli , Liu Mengqin , Li Bo , Lin Hechun , Liu Weimin , Peng Hui , Luo Chunhua
Published: October 2023

Although tremendous advances have recently been achieved in perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), development of the blue PeLEDs needed to achieve full‐color displays is far behind the red and green counterparts. Here, a simple and effective interface engineering strategy is reported to achieve efficient blue PeLEDs by modifying poly(3, 4‐ethylene dioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonic (PEDOT:PSS) substrate with an amphiprotic molecule glycine. As a multifunctional additive, glycine can not only modulate the pH of PEDOT:PSS, but also trigger strong interfacial effect. Cooperative coordination and hydrogen bonding interactions between glycine and perovskite at the interface can passivate the interfacial defects and manipulate upper perovskite crystallization. Therefore, high‐quality perovskite films with grade‐distributed phases are obtained, enabling efficient cascade energy transfer and suppression of leakage current. The resulting PeLED exhibits the electroluminescence (EL) peak at 473 nm with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.2%, which is ≈5.5 times that of the unmodified device. Realizing the regulation of low‐dimensional phase distribution of quasi‐2D perovskites through interfacial effect provides a reliable way to fabricate efficient blue PeLEDs.
Exploring an Adequate DFT Functional to Accurately Describe the Singlet Excited State Properties in HLCT Materials: A Benchmark Study
Authors: Jeon Sang Ho , Kang Sunwoo , Kim Taekyung
Published: October 2023

The popularly used global, meta‐GGA, and range‐separated hybrid DFT functionals are examined to compare the predictive qualities of singlet excited state (S1) properties in HLCT materials. Among these hybrid DFT functionals, it is clarified that both M06 and LC‐ω*HPBE functionals show quantitatively and qualitatively excellent predictions of absorption energies, compared to experiments. However, a discrepant behavior in predicting the emission energy is found that LC‐ω*HPBE functional obviously predicts more accurate emission energy than M06 functional. Also, the calculated τs values by means of M06 and LC‐ω∗HPBE functionals show that LC‐ω∗HPBE functional gives quantitatively and qualitatively superior prediction. Consequently, it is suggested that LC‐ω*HPBE functional should be used to conduct the essential photo‐physical properties of HLCT materials in S1 state.
Tuning the Coherent Propagation of Organic Exciton‐Polaritons through the Cavity Q‐factor
Authors: Tichauer Ruth H. , Sokolovskii Ilia , Groenhof Gerrit
Published: October 2023

Transport of excitons in organic materials can be enhanced through polariton formation when the interaction strength between these excitons and the confined light modes of an optical resonator exceeds their decay rates. While the polariton lifetime is determined by the Q(uality)‐factor of the optical resonator, the polariton group velocity is not. Instead, the latter is solely determined by the polariton dispersion. Yet, experiments suggest that the Q‐factor also controls the polariton propagation velocity. To understand this observation, the authors perform molecular dynamics simulations of Rhodamine chromophores strongly coupled to Fabry–Pérot cavities with various Q‐factors. The results suggest that propagation in the aforementioned experiments is initially dominated by ballistic motion of upper polariton states at their group velocities, which leads to a rapid expansion of the wavepacket. Cavity decay in combination with non‐adiabatic population transfer into dark states, rapidly depletes these bright states, causing the wavepacket to contract. However, because population transfer is reversible, propagation continues, but as a diffusion process, at lower velocity. By controlling the lifetime of bright states, the Q‐factor determines the duration of the ballistic phase and the diffusion coefficient in the diffusive regime. Thus, polariton propagation in organic microcavities can be effectively tuned through the Q‐factor.
Bio‐Inspired Fractal Robust Hydrogel Catheter for Intra‐Abdominal Sepsis Management
Authors: Wang Lichun , Li Wenzhao , Li Min , Lai Puxiang , Yang Chunhua , Wang Hui , Ma Bo , Huang Rongkang , Zu Yan
Published: October 2023

To deal with intra‐abdominal sepsis, one of the major global causes of death in hospitalized patients, efficient abscess drainage is crucial. Despite decades of advances, traditional catheters have demonstrated poor drainage and absorption properties due to their simple tubular structures and their dense nonporous surface. Herein, inspired by porous sponges and fractal roots, a multifaceted hydrogel catheter with effective drainage, absorptive, and robust properties, is presented. Its unique fractal structures provide extensive internal branching and a high specific surface area for effective drainage, while the hierarchical porous structures provide a wide range of absorption capabilities. Additionally, its distinctive multi‐interpenetration network maintains robust and appropriate mechanical properties, even after absorption multiple times of liquid and mechanical disturbance, allowing for intact removal from the abdominal cavity without harm to the animal in vivo. Besides, the loaded antimicrobial peptides are capable of being released in situ to inhibit the potential for infections. In vivo experiments have demonstrated that this hydrogel catheter efficiently removes lethal abscesses and improves survival. It is believed that this innovative and practical catheter will create a future precedent for hydrogel drainage devices for more effective management of intra‐abdominal sepsis.
Micromotor‐Enabled Active Hydrogen and Tobramycin Delivery for Synergistic Sepsis Therapy
Authors: Song Yanzhen , Zhang Ruotian , Qin Hanfeng , Xu Wenxin , Sun Jia , Jiang Jiamiao , Ye Yicheng , Gao Junbin , Li Huaan , Huang Weichang , Liu Kun , Hu Yunrui , Peng Fei , Tu Yingfeng
Published: October 2023

Sepsis is a highly heterogeneous syndrome normally characterized by bacterial infection and dysregulated systemic inflammatory response that leads to multiple organ failure and death. Single anti‐inflammation or anti‐infection treatment exhibits limited survival benefit for severe cases. Here a biodegradable tobramycin‐loaded magnesium micromotor (Mg‐Tob motor) is successfully developed as a potential hydrogen generator and active antibiotic deliverer for synergistic therapy of sepsis. The peritoneal fluid of septic mouse provides an applicable space for Mg‐water reaction. Hydrogen generated sustainably and controllably from the motor interface propels the motion to achieve active drug delivery along with attenuating hyperinflammation. The developed Mg‐Tob motor demonstrates efficient protection from anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, it prevents multiple organ failure and significantly improves the survival rate up to 87.5% in a high‐grade sepsis model with no survival, whereas only about half of mice survive with the individual therapies. This micromotor displays the superior therapeutic effect of synergistic hydrogen‐chemical therapy against sepsis, thus holding great promise to be an innovative and translational drug delivery system to treat sepsis or other inflammation‐related diseases in the near future.
Cell Surface Engineering Tools for Programming Living Assemblies
Authors: Almeida‐Pinto José , Lagarto Matilde R. , Lavrador Pedro , Mano João F. , Gaspar Vítor M.
Published: October 2023

Breakthroughs in precision cell surface engineering tools are supporting the rapid development of programmable living assemblies with valuable features for tackling complex biological problems. Herein, the authors overview the most recent technological advances in chemically‐ and biologically‐driven toolboxes for engineering mammalian cell surfaces and triggering their assembly into living architectures. A particular focus is given to surface engineering technologies for enabling biomimetic cell–cell social interactions and multicellular cell‐sorting events. Further advancements in cell surface modification technologies may expand the currently available bioengineering toolset and unlock a new generation of personalized cell therapeutics with clinically relevant biofunctionalities. The combination of state‐of‐the‐art cell surface modifications with advanced biofabrication technologies is envisioned to contribute toward generating living materials with increasing tissue/organ‐mimetic bioactivities and therapeutic potential.
A Roadmap for Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Schmaltz Thomas , Hartmann Felix , Wicke Tim , Weymann Lukas , Neef Christoph , Janek Jürgen
Published: October 2023

Solid‐state batteries are considered as a reasonable further development of lithium‐ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. While expectations are high, there are still open questions concerning the choice of materials, and the resulting concepts for components and full cells. On the basis of an analysis of all materials and concept options, a roadmap for solid‐state batteries is presented, relying on both literature survey and experts' opinions. Diverse cell concepts with different solid electrolytes may be developed up to the commercial level, yet there are still major uncertainties concerning production routes, safety as well as cost. As one of the key developments, it appears that hybrid material and cell concepts may be particularly successful on the way to commercialization.
Soil profile health in the Palouse soil series: Carbon, nitrogen, nutrients, and aggregates
Authors: Naasko Katherine , Pan William , Reganold John , Huggins David , Madsen Isaac , Sullivan Tarah , Wills Skye , Tao Haiying
Published: October 2023

Deep soil health (>30 cm) supports deep roots in dryland wheat cropping systems. However, few studies examine how tillage and climate impact soil health indicators deeper than 30 cm in dryland wheat systems. We evaluated how select soil chemical (i.e., nutrients and pH), biological (i.e., carbon [C] and nitrogen [N] fractions and ratios), and physical (i.e., mean weight diameter [MWD] of soil aggregates) health indicators were impacted by depth, tillage, and climate. We sampled soil profiles of the Palouse soil series from 0‐ to 85 cm in depth at three no‐till (NT) and three conventional till (CT) sites across a mean annual precipitation (MAP) gradient (460–660 mm) in the Palouse River watershed. NT sites, compared to CT sites, had higher total C (TC) and N (TN), permanganate oxidizable C, hot‐water extractable C and N, and cold‐water extractable N (0–5 cm); greater soil moisture (0–29 cm); larger MWD (0–5 cm; 10–85 cm); but lower soil pH (0–10 cm; 59–85 cm); less TC, TN, and NO3−(29–85 cm); less NH4+and mineralizable soil C (MINC) (29–59 cm); and lower autoclaved‐citrate extractable (ACE) protein (0–5 cm; 29–85 cm). Sites with higher MAP had greater soil moisture (0–29 cm), higher MINC (0–85 cm), lower CWC (5–10 cm; 29–59 cm), and lower TC and ACE protein (29–85 cm). The variable effects of tillage and climate on these soil health indicators with soil depth show the importance of evaluating soil health in both surface and subsurface soil depths in dryland wheat cropping systems.
Soybean yield and profitability are affected by the spatial distribution of seeds in rows and seeding rate
Authors: Coelho Antonio Eduardo , Sangoi Luis , Sapucay Moryb Jorge Lima da Costa , Bratti Felipe , Balbinot Junior Alvadi Antonio
Published: October 2023

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield and profitability can be affected by plant‐to‐plant spatial uniformity and sowing rate. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic and economic performance of soybean in relation to the spatial distribution of seeds in rows and seeding rates. A field experiment was conducted during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons in Londrina, Paraná state, Brazil. We evaluated three coefficients of variation of seed distribution in rows (coefficient of variation of seeds distribution (VDS): 0%, 50%, and 100%) and four seeding rates (350,000, 262,500, 175,000, and 87,500 seeds ha−1), which corresponded to 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended seeding rate of the cultivar BRS 1003 IPRO, respectively. Sowing was performed manually to ensure that seed distribution accurately adhered to the experimental setup. Soybean yield components, yield, and profitability were then evaluated. The lower VDS improved the yield by 374 kg ha−1 compared to the higher VDS and increased the profitability by $334.7 ha−1 in 2019–2020. A seeding rate of 262,500 seeds ha−1 yielded the highest grain yield. The highest soybean profitability was achieved at a seeding rate 6.5% lower than that which produced the highest yield. Branching is essential in compensating for lower seeding rates and plants with uneven spatial distributions. The present study shows that equidistant distribution of seeds in rows optimizes grain yield.
Aggregation‐induced suppression of quantum tunneling by manipulating intermolecular arrangements of magnetic dipoles
Authors: Deng Wei , Du Shan‐Nan , Ruan Ze‐Yu , Zhao Xiao‐Jun , Chen Yan‐Cong , Liu Jun‐Liang , Tong Ming‐Liang
Published: October 2023

The relaxation time under zero field reflects the memory retention capabilities of single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) when used as storage devices. Intermolecular magnetic dipole interaction is ubiquitous in aggregates of magnetic molecules and can greatly influence relaxation times. However, such interaction is often considered harmful and challenging to manipulate in molecular solids, especially for high‐performance lanthanide single‐ion magnets (SIMs). By an elaborately designed combination of ion pairing and hydrogen bonding, we have synthesized two pseudo‐D5h SIMs with supramolecular arrangements of magnetic dipoles in staggered and side‐by‐side patterns, the latter of which exhibits a 104‐fold slower zero‐field relaxation time at 2 K. Intriguingly, the side‐by‐side complex exhibits a significantly accelerated magnetic relaxation upon diamagnetic dilution, contrary to the general trend observed in the staggered complex. This strongly reveals the presence of aggregation‐induced suppression of quantum tunneling in a side‐by‐side arrangement, which has not been observed in mononuclear SMMs. By leveraging ion‐pairing aggregation and converting to a side‐by‐side pattern, this study successfully demonstrates an approach to transform a harmful intermolecular dipole interaction into a beneficial one, achieving a τQTM of 980 s ranking among the best‐performance SMMs.
Replicated radiations in the South American marsh pitcher plants (Heliamphora) lead to convergent carnivorous trap morphologies
Authors: Liu Sukuan , Smith Stacey D.
Published: October 2023

Premise

The evolution of carnivorous pitcher traps across multiple angiosperm lineages represents a classic example of morphological convergence. Nevertheless, no comparative study to‐date has examined pitcher evolution from a quantitative morphometric perspective.

Methods

In the present study, we used comparative morphometric approaches to quantify the shape space occupied byHeliamphorapitchers and to trace evolutionary trajectories through this space to examine patterns of divergence and convergence within the genus. We also investigated pitcher development, and, how the packing of pitchers is affected by crowding, a common condition in their natural environments.

Results

Our results showed thatHeliamphorapitchers have diverged along three main axes in morphospace: (1) pitcher curvature; (2) nectar spoon elaboration; and (3) pitcher stoutness. Both curvature and stoutness are correlated with pitcher size, suggesting structural constraints in pitcher morphological evolution. Among the four traits (curvature, spoon elaboration, stoutness, and size), all but curvature lacked phylogenetic signal and showed marked convergence across the phylogeny. We also observed tighter packing of pitchers in crowded conditions, and this effect was most pronounced in curved, slender pitchers.

Conclusions

Overall, our study demonstrates that diversification and convergent evolution of carnivory‐related traits extends to finer evolutionary timescales, reinforcing the notion that ecological specialization may not necessarily be an evolutionary dead end.
Indication of mixed glucose and fatty acid use by inferred brown adipose tissue activity in Samoans
Authors: Niclou Alexandra , Vesi Lupesina , Arorae Maria , Naseri New Caledonia , Savusa Kima Faasalele , Naseri Take , Young Jessica , Rivara Anna C. , Ocobock Cara
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Despite the growing rates of global obesity and the known positive associations between brown adipose tissue (BAT) and cardiovascular health, little is known about the metabolic effects of BAT activity in Samoans, a population at high risk of obesity and type II diabetes. Here we assessed the potential effects of inferred BAT activity on metabolic health markers in Samoan adults exposed to mild cold.

Methods

Using point‐of‐care finger prick technology we measured fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels before and after 30 min of cold exposure among 61 individuals (38 females, 23 males, ages 31–54) from ‘Upolu Island, Samoa. Respiratory quotient was measured by indirect calorimetry to determine substrate metabolism at room temperature and cold exposure.

Results

Fasting glucose levels decreased significantly (p < .001) after cold exposure while neither total cholesterol (p = .88), HDL (p = .312), nor LDL (p = .089) changed. Respiratory quotient decreased significantly (p = .009) between exposures, suggesting an increased preference for lipid metabolism as a response to cold.

Conclusions

The observed effects of inferred BAT activity on biomarkers suggest BAT activity utilizes both glucose and lipid‐derived fatty acids as fuel for thermogenesis. Our work provides evidence for the beneficial metabolic effects of BAT and emphasizes the need for the population‐specific development of metabolic treatments involving BAT to ensure the successful and equitable minimization of extreme consequences of obesity and metabolic health.
Association among 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels, hypertriglyceridemic‐waist phenotype, and cardiometabolic markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus from regions with high solar incidence
Authors: Oliveira Juliana de Souza , Santos Beatriz da Cruz , Santos Ramara Kadija Fonseca , Santos Cynthia Batista , Reis Aline Rocha , Santos Cinthia Fontes da Silva , de Carvalho Gabrielli Barbosa , Brandão‐Lima Paula Nascimento , Rocha Vivianne de Sousa , Pires Liliane Viana
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and hypertriglyceridemic‐waist (HTW) phenotype and cardiometabolic markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) living in regions with high solar incidence (10° south).

Methods

An observational, cross‐sectional study, with 122 individuals with T2DM, of both sexes, aged between 19 and 59 years, residing in Sergipe/Brazil. Measurements included serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL‐c, HDL‐c, triacylglycerols, blood pressure, body mass index, %body fat, and waist circumference. Participants were classified by the presence or absence of the HTW phenotype, according to increased waist circumference and triacylglycerols concentrations. Logistic and linear regression models were applied to verify the association among the concentration of 25(OH)D, HTW phenotype, and lipid profile variables.

Results

Triacylglycerols concentrations (p = .013) and %body fat (p = .011) were higher in women with serum 25(OH)D insufficient/deficient than in those with adequate 25(OH)D levels. Individuals with serum 25(OH)D insufficiency/deficiency were 2.595 times more likely to present the HTW phenotype than those with adequate 25(OH)D levels (p = .021). Additionally, a negative association was observed between the concentration of 25(OH)D and total cholesterol (Beta = −0.204, p = .049).

Conclusion

Insufficiency/deficiency of serum 25(OH)D in individuals with T2DM increases the chances of developing the HTW phenotype.
Growth reference charts for children with hypochondroplasia
Authors: Cheung Moira S. , Cole Tim J. , Arundel Paul , Bridges Nicola , Burren Christine P. , Cole Trevor , Davies Justin Huw , Hagenäs Lars , Högler Wolfgang , Hulse Anthony , Mason Avril , McDonnell Ciara , Merker Andrea , Mohnike Klaus , Sabir Ataf , Skae Mars , Rothenbuhler Anya , Warner Justin , Irving Melita
Published: October 2023

Hypochondroplasia (HCH) is a rare skeletal dysplasia causing mild short stature. There is a paucity of growth reference charts for this population. Anthropometric data were collected to generate height, weight, and head circumference (HC) growth reference charts for children with a diagnosis of HCH. Mixed longitudinal anthropometric data and genetic analysis results were collected from 14 European specialized skeletal dysplasia centers. Growth charts were generated using Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape. Measurements for height (983), weight (896), and HC (389) were collected from 188 (79 female) children with a diagnosis of HCH aged 0–18 years. Of the 84 children who underwent genetic testing, a pathogenic variant in FGFR3 was identified in 92% (77). The data were used to generate growth references for height, weight, and HC, plotted as charts with seven centiles from 2nd to 98th, for ages 0–4 and 0–16 years. HCH‐specific growth charts are important in the clinical care of these children. They help to identify if other comorbidities are present that affect growth and development and serve as an important benchmark for any prospective interventional research studies and trials.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the well‐being of Australian visual artists and arts workers
Authors: Lye Jenny , Hirschberg Joe , McQuilten Grace , Powell Chloë , MacNeill Kate , Badham Marnie
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the Australian visual arts sector. We base our analysis on the responses of over 1500 visual artists and arts workers to a survey conducted by the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), the national peak body for the visual and media arts, craft and design sector in September 2021. NAVA employed this online survey to study the relationship between the pandemic and both the incomes and mental health of artists and arts workers. Using regression analysis, we find that there has been a significant impact for both artists and arts workers, with the severity of the impacts varying by gender, age and the availability of state‐based and Australian Government support programmes. Reduced hours and loss of contracted work and commissions due to the pandemic were both related to declines in income and mental health outcomes for artists and for arts workers. Housing stress was associated with a higher likelihood of a significant or extreme mental health impact for artists and arts workers. In addition, artists' incomes and mental health outcomes were impacted when faced with a reduced ability to sell, although some artists were able to increase their online profiles.
Rapid rewarming rate associated with favorable neurological outcomes in patients with post–cardiac arrest syndrome patients treated with targeted temperature management
Authors: Shin Masaru , Fujita Motoki , Hifumi Toru , Koga Yasutaka , Yagi Takeshi , Nakahara Takashi , Todani Masaki , Kaneda Kotaro , Tsuruta Ryosuke
Published: October 2023

Aim

To determine whether the rewarming rate is associated with neurological outcomes in patients with post–cardiac arrest syndrome treated with targeted temperature management (TTM) at 34°C.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a nationwide cohort study of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in Japan. Adult patients who experienced a return of spontaneous circulation and completed TTM at 34°C between June 2014 and December 2019 were divided equally into three groups (slow, moderate, and rapid) according to their rewarming rates from 34°C to 36°C. The rates of favorable neurological outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category of 1–2 after 30 days) were compared among the groups, and the adjusted odds ratios for a favorable neurological outcome were calculated for the groups.

Results

We analyzed 348, 357, and 358 patients in the slow, moderate, and rapid groups, respectively. The periods of rewarming from 34°C to 36°C were 41.9 ± 10.5, 22.4 ± 1.8, and 12.2 ± 3.6 h, respectively. The number of favorable neurological outcomes after 30 days was 121 (34.8%), 125 (35.0%), and 147 (41.1%), respectively, with no significant differences among the three groups (p = 0.145). Rapid rewarming was independently associated with a favorable neurological outcome compared with slow rewarming (adjusted odds ratio 1.57 [95% confidence interval 1.04–2.37]; p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Rapid rewarming after TTM at 34°C was associated with a more favorable neurological outcome than slow rewarming.
Silver‐Catalyzed Dearomative [2π+2σ] Cycloadditions of Indoles with Bicyclobutanes: Access to Indoline Fused Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes**
Authors: Tang Lei , Xiao Yuanjiu , Wu Feng , Zhou Jin‐Lan , Xu Tong‐Tong , Feng Jian‐Jun
Published: October 2023

Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (BCHs) are becoming ever more important in drug design and development as bridged scaffolds that provide underexplored chemical space, but are difficult to access. Here a silver‐catalyzed dearomative [2π+2σ] cycloaddition strategy for the synthesis of indoline fused BCHs from N‐unprotected indoles and bicyclobutane precursors is described. The strain‐release dearomative cycloaddition operates under mild conditions, tolerating a wide range of functional groups. It is capable of forming BCHs with up to four contiguous quaternary carbon centers, achieving yields of up to 99 %. In addition, a scale‐up experiment and the synthetic transformations of the cycloadducts further highlighted the synthetic utility.
Gold‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Aryl Shift and Double Alkyne Benzannulation
Authors: Sanil Gana , Krzeszewski Maciej , Chaładaj Wojciech , Danikiewicz Witold , Knysh Iryna , Dobrzycki Łukasz , Staszewska‐Krajewska Olga , Cyrański Michał K. , Jacquemin Denis , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: October 2023

The tandem intramolecular hydroarylation of alkynes accompanied by a 1,2‐aryl shift is described. Harnessing the unique electron‐rich character of 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole scaffold, we demonstrate that the hydroarylation of alkynes proceeds at the already occupied positions 2 and 5 leading to a 1,2‐aryl shift. Remarkably, the reaction proceeds only in the presence of cationic gold catalyst, and it leads to heretofore unknown π‐expanded, centrosymmetric pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles. The utility is verified in the preparation of 13 products that bear six conjugated rings. The observed compatibility with various functional groups allows for increased tunability with regard to the photophysical properties as well as providing sites for further functionalization. Computational studies of the reaction mechanism revealed that the formation of the six‐membered rings accompanied with a 1,2‐aryl shift is both kinetically and thermodynamically favourable over plausible formation of products containing 7‐membered rings. Steady‐state UV/Visible spectroscopy reveals that upon photoexcitation, the prepared S‐shaped N‐doped nanographenes undergo mostly radiative relaxation leading to large fluorescence quantum yields. Their optical properties are rationalized through time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. We anticipate that this chemistry will empower the creation of new materials with various functionalities.
Three‐Photon Infrared Stimulation of Endogenous Neuroreceptors in Vivo
Authors: Sortino Rosalba , Cunquero Marina , Castro‐Olvera Gustavo , Gelabert Ricard , Moreno Miquel , Riefolo Fabio , Matera Carlo , Fernàndez‐Castillo Noèlia , Agnetta Luca , Decker Michael , Lluch José M. , Hernando Jordi , Loza‐Alvarez Pablo , Gorostiza Pau
Published: October 2023

To interrogate neural circuits and crack their codes, in vivo brain activity imaging must be combined with spatiotemporally precise stimulation in three dimensions using genetic or pharmacological specificity. This challenge requires deep penetration and focusing as provided by infrared light and multiphoton excitation, and has promoted two‐photon photopharmacology and optogenetics. However, three‐photon brain stimulation in vivo remains to be demonstrated. We report the regulation of neuronal activity in zebrafish larvae by three‐photon excitation of a photoswitchable muscarinic agonist at 50 pM, a billion‐fold lower concentration than used for uncaging, and with mid‐infrared light of 1560 nm, the longest reported photoswitch wavelength. Robust, physiologically relevant photoresponses allow modulating brain activity in wild‐type animals with spatiotemporal and pharmacological precision. Computational calculations predict that azobenzene‐based ligands have high three‐photon absorption cross‐section and can be used directly with pulsed infrared light. The expansion of three‐photon pharmacology will deeply impact basic neurobiology and neuromodulation phototherapies.
Stereoselective Unsymmetrical 1,1‐Diborylation of Alkynes with a Neutral sp2−sp3 Diboron Reagent
Authors: Lou Xiangyu , Lin Jiaxin , Kwok Chun Yin , Lyu Hairong
Published: October 2023

The incorporation of two distinct boryl groups at the same carbon center in organic molecules has attracted growing research interest due to its potential for facilitating controlled, precise synthesis through stepwise dual carbon‐boron bond transformations. Here we report a method to access unsymmetrical 1,1‐diborylalkene (UDBA) stereoselectively via the reaction of readily available alkynes with a neutral sp2−sp3 diboron reagent (NHC)BH2‐Bpin (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene). Attributing to the chemically easily distinguishable nature of the sp2 and sp3 boryl moieties, controllable stepwise derivatization of the resultant UDBAs is realized. This process leads to various multifunctionalized olefins and organoborons, such as acylboranes, which are difficult to prepare by other methods.
Construction of High‐Density Binuclear Site Catalysts from Double Framework Interfaces at the Cooling Stage
Authors: Yang Shuai , Wei Yao , Li Xuewen , Mao Jianing , Mei Bingbao , Xu Qing , Li Xiaopeng , Jiang Zheng
Published: October 2023

Low‐nuclear site catalysts with dual atoms have the potential for applications in energy and catalysis chemistry. Understanding the formation mechanism of dual metal sites is crucial for optimizing local structures and designing desired binuclear sites catalysts. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the formation process of dual atoms through the pyrolysis of the interface of a double framework using Zn atoms in metal–organic frameworks and Co atoms in covalent organic frameworks. We unambiguously revealed that the cooling stage is the key point to form the binuclear sites by employing the in situ synchrotron radiation X‐ray absorption spectrum technique. The binuclear site catalysts show higher activity and selectivity than single dispersed atom catalysts for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction. This work guides us to synthesize and optimize the various binuclear sites for extensive catalytic applications.