bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a semi‐anthropomorphic photoacoustic calcaneus phantom based on nano computed tomography and stereolithography 3D printing
Authors: Xu Zhanpeng , Locke Conor S. , Morris Richard , Jamison DeAndre , Kozloff Kenneth M. , Wang Xueding
Published: October 2023

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat with significant physical, psychosocial, and financial consequences. The calcaneus bone has been used as a measurement site for risk prediction of osteoporosis by noninvasive quantitative ultrasound (QUS). By adding optical contrast to QUS, our previous studies indicate that a combination of photoacoustic (PA) and QUS, that is, PAQUS, provides a novel opportunity to assess the health of human calcaneus. Calibration of the PAQUS system is crucial to realize quantitative and repeatable measurements of the calcaneus. Therefore, a phantom which simulates the optical, ultrasound, and architectural properties of the human calcaneus, for PAQUS system calibration, is required. Additionally, a controllable phantom offers researchers a versatile framework for developing versatile structures, allowing more controlled assessment of how varying bone structures cause defined alterations in PA and QUS signals. In this work, we present the first semi‐anthropomorphic calcaneus phantom for PAQUS. The phantom was developed based on nano computed‐tomography (nano‐CT) and stereolithography 3D printing, aiming to maximize accuracy in the approximation of both trabecular and cortical bone microstructures. Compared with the original digital input calcaneus model from a human cadaveric donor, the printed model achieved accuracies of 71.15% in total structure and 87.21% in bone volume fraction. Inorganic materials including synthetic blood, mineral oil, intralipid, and agar gel were used to model the substitutes of bone marrow and soft tissue, filling and covering the calcaneus phantom. The ultrasound and optical properties of this phantom were measured, and the results were consistent with those measured by a commercialized device and from previous in vivo studies. In addition, a short‐term stability test was conducted for this phantom, demonstrating that the optical and ultrasound properties of the phantom were stable without significant variation over 1 month. This semi‐anthropomorphic calcaneus phantom shows structural, ultrasound, and optical properties similar to those from a human calcaneus in vivo and, thereby, can serve as an effective source for equipment calibration and the comprehensive study of human patients.
Association of life's essential 8 and risk of fragility fractures: A large cohort study
Authors: Hou Xiaoli , Zhang Nan , Chen Shuohua , Guo Lu , Yu Yaohui , Wei Zhihao , Liu Jiayin , Wu Shouling , Tian Faming
Published: October 2023

Cardiovascular health (CVH) score is not only associated with cardiovascular diseases, but also some disorders in other systems. This study aims to investigate the association between CVH score and the risk of fragility fractures. The analysis enrolled 89,464 participants at baseline in Kailuan study initiated in 2006–2007. All participants were then followed up every 2 years and the incidence of fragility fractures was recorded annually. A total CVH score was classified as low (0–49 points), moderate (50–79 points), and ideal (80–100 points). The primary outcome was incident fragility fractures before December 31, 2021. Kaplan–Meier was used to estimate cumulative incidence. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models and time‐dependent Cox hazards regression models were used to estimate fragility fracture hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). After 13.98 ± 2.84 years of follow‐up, a total of 1534 cases of fragility fractures were identified, with an incidence density of 1.23 per 1000 person‐years. Compared with the low CVH group, the risk of fragility fractures was significantly lower in moderate (aHR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.92) and ideal CVH groups (aHR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.51–0.83), particularly in the age <60 group (aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.88; aHR= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.41–0.73, respectively). Time‐dependent Cox hazards regression models, sensitivity analysis, and death competition model confirmed the reliability of these findings. The ideal CVH score is associated with a decreased risk of fragility fractures. With the increase of CVH score, the risk of fragility fracture decreases.
Reduction in postnatal weight‐bearing does not alter the trajectory of murine meniscus growth and maturation
Authors: Fogarty Natalie L. , Johnson Talayah , Kwok Bryan , Lin Alisia , Tsinman Tonia K. , Jiang Xi , Koyama Eiki , Han Lin , Baxter Josh R. , Mauck Robert L. , Dyment Nathaniel A.
Published: October 2023

The early postnatal period represents a critical window for the maturation and development of orthopedic tissues, including those within the knee joint. To understand how mechanical loading impacts the maturational trajectory of the meniscus and other tissues of the hindlimb, perturbation of postnatal weight bearing was achieved through surgical resection of the sciatic nerve in neonatal mice at 1 or 14 days old. Sciatic nerve resection (SNR) produced significant and persistent disruptions in gait, leading to reduced tibial length and reductions in Achilles tendon mechanical properties. However, SNR resulted in minimal disruptions in morphometric parameters of the menisci and other structures in the knee joint, with no detectable differences in Col1a1‐YFP or Col2a1‐CFP expressing cells within the menisci. Furthermore, micromechanical properties of the meniscus and cartilage (as assessed by atomic force microscopy‐based nanoindentation testing) were not different between experimental groups. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, reduced hindlimb weight bearing via neonatal SNR did not significantly impact the growth and development of the knee meniscus. This unexpected finding demonstrates that the input mechanical threshold required to sustain meniscus development may be lower than previously hypothesized, though future studies incorporating skeletal kinematic models coupled with force plate measurements will be required to calculate the loads passing through the affected hindlimb and precisely define these thresholds. Collectively, these results provide insight into the mechanobiological responses of the meniscus to alterations in load, and contribute to our understanding of the factors that influence normal postnatal development.
Effect of climate change on fillet quality and shelf‐life of Oncorhynchus mykiss under controlled conditions
Authors: Alak Gonca , Kara Ayşe , Akköse Ahmet , Gelen Sevda Urçar , Tanas Şeyda Tacer , Uçar Arzu , Parlak Veysel , Atamanalp Muhammed
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Temperature, which affects numerous physiological processes, has been described as the ‘main ecological factor’ for fish. The aim of this modeling study is to explore the impact of climate‐induced temperature changes on fish fillet quality and shelf life.

RESULTS

Temperature stress in rainbow trout affected ash and moisture, and inhibited myofibril fragmentation in the fillets. However, with the increase in temperature, there was a decrease in the total amount of saturated fatty acids (∑SFA) and there were significant increases in the total amount of omega 3 (∑n3) and 22:6n‐3 (DHA). It was determined that temperature increase had a negative effect on color, texture, water‐holding capacity, water activity, pH, lactic acid, and glycogen levels in fillets, and it had a positive effect by delaying microbial spoilage, especially in cold storage.

CONCLUSION

This study suggest that the effects of climate change on product quality and shelf life in fish requires further research. It highlights knowledge gaps to guide future research in this emerging field. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Separation, identification, and structural characterization of sucrose ester isomers from tobacco
Authors: Zhu Junchen , Yuan Kailong , Xie Yue , Liu Huabing , Jin Huiqing , Sun Cuirong , Feng Hongru , Li Qi , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: October 2023

Sucrose esters (SEs) are crucial tobacco smoke flavor precursors and play a significant role in tobacco's functionality. Due to their structural complexity, the separation and analysis of SEs in tobacco remain a major challenge, and massive structures of SEs have not yet been fully identified. In this study, the fractions enriched in SEs were obtained from oriental and flue‐cured tobacco through a series of pretreatments, and two types of SEs (Types I and II) were distinguished by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MSn) analysis, with Type II SEs newly characterized in tobacco. Five groups of main SEs were further purified using preparative high‐performance LC (HPLC) coupled to an evaporative light scattering detector, and their structures were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry techniques including 1H, 13C, correlation spectroscopy, heteronuclear single quantum correlation, and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation. By combining LC‐MSn and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, the structures of eight SE isomers were finally proposed, of which four were newly identified. These findings further enhance the understanding of the structural diversity of SEs in tobacco, serving as a valuable reference for future research on the elucidation, synthesis, and metabolism of SEs.
Comparison of Tympanostomy Tubes Under Local Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia for Children
Authors: Fournier Isabelle , Caron Camille , McMurtry C. Meghan , Lapointe Annie , Giguere Chantal , Doré‐Bergeron Marie‐Joëlle , Bergeron Mathieu
Published: October 2023

Objective

Tympanostomy tube insertion (TTI) is typically accomplished under general anesthesia (GA) in the operating room. We aimed to compare pain between GA and local anesthesia (LA) in surgically naïve children undergoing TTI. Secondary objectives examined patient's quality of life (QoL) and parent's satisfaction.

Study Design

Prospective single‐center study.

Setting

Tertiary pediatric academic center.

Methods

Consecutive children who underwent TTI under GA were compared to patients under LA. Pain standardized observational pain scales (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale [FLACC], Children's hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale [CHEOPS]) were completed pre‐procedure, during the first tympanostomy and second tympanostomy, and post‐procedure, as well as 1 week postoperatively. General health‐related QoL (PedsQL) and QoL specific to otitis media (OM‐6) were measured before insertion and 1 month postoperatively. Parental satisfaction was also evaluated using a qualitative scale.

Results

LA group had statistically significant higher pain levels at the beginning (7.3 vs. 0), during the first tympanostomy (7.8 vs. 0), during the second tympanostomy (7.7 vs. 0), and at end of the procedure (6.9 vs. 0) with the FLACC scale (all p < 0.01). Results were similar with the CHEOPS scale. No pain was noted 1 week after surgery in either group. Both groups had similar improvement in their QoL (p > 0.05). Minor complication occurred at a similar rate (p > 0.05). Parents were equally satisfied with their choice of anesthesia in both groups when initially questioned after the procedure (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Children experienced significantly less pain under GA than LA. If LA is to be used, pain and distress‐reducing strategies are critical. Shared decision‐making with families is essential.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2422–2429, 2024
Land use evaluation considering soil properties and agricultural infrastructure in black soil region
Authors: Ren Shuyi , Song Changqing , Ye Sijing , Cheng Feng , Akhmadov Vakhit , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: October 2023

Systematic assessment of arable land use is a fundamental prerequisite to explore its sustainable development path. Agricultural infrastructure integrated with the tillage conditions and soil properties was used to evaluate the state of regional arable land use and its potential for sustainable productivity. We propose a combined weighting method integrating Delphi and entropy weights to consider both decision objectives and indicator attributes. The proposed approach takes into account both expertise and data feature, making the evaluating results more rational and applicable. The impacts of large‐scale land use change and regional urban distribution on soil properties and agricultural infrastructure were also explored to develop more rational and differentiated conservation strategies. Our evaluation showed that 44% and 48% of the soil properties of arable land in Heilongjiang Province, China, are in the excellent or good grades, respectively, meaning that no or only minor remediation measures are needed to achieve optimum conditions. Agricultural infrastructure deserves more attention from the management than soil properties, as only 16% and 24% of area have the same excellent and good grades. The results of the evaluation with a combination of subjective and objective weights are closer to a normal distribution curve than if only expert weights are used, which confirms our hypothesis that the new weighting method is more reasonable. The newly proposed weighted design method and index provide a better understanding of the sustainable productivity of agricultural areas and have a promising application in large‐scale black soil areas worldwide. The future rough growth strategy for resources will result in degradation and posed risks to regional ecological conservation. At the provincial level (up to 130 km), agricultural infrastructure declines and then rises as fields move away from cities, with the inflection point at 55 km. State‐owned farms are mainly responsible for this inflection point, which shift the agents of arable land from small farmers to large capital, with remote arable land receiving more investment. The impact mechanisms of urbanization should be deeper explored to address the challenges for arable land conservation.
Combination of organic amendments as a soil recovering strategy at a desertification hotspot in the Brazilian semiarid
Authors: de Souza Henrique Antunes , Guedes Fernando Lisboa , Pompeu Roberto Cláudio Fernandes Franco , Oda‐Souza Melissa , Clark Marcus Vinicius Guimarães , de Andrade Hosana Aguiar Freitas , Primo Anaclaudia Alves , Sagrilo Edvaldo
Published: October 2023

The use of manure, organic mulch, and legume‐based fertilizers can increase soil fertility in semiarid regions. However, the effects of such practices on soils prone to desertification are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate soil fertility and herbaceous stratum yield on soils amended with different organic inputs in the desertification hotspot of Irauçuba, Ceará state, Brazil. The experiments were performed in two areas with different soils (Planosol and Cambisol), in randomized blocks with a 2 × 2 × 3 + 1 factorial design. The factors consisted of (i) mulch (presence or absence of Copernicia prunifera [carnauba palm] straw), (ii) manure (sheep or cattle), and (iii) legume‐based fertilizer (Mimosa tenuiflora [jurema], Mimosa caesalpiniifolia [sabiá], and Leucaena leucocephala [leucena]), in addition to an untreated control, with three replicates. Soil chemical attributes and herbaceous stratum yield were assessed in the two areas. Positive effects of the combined use of carnauba palm straw, manures, and legume‐based fertilizers on soil fertility were more evident for Planosol than for Cambisol. The combination of sheep manure with sabiá‐based fertilizer in Planosol, and cattle manure and leucena‐based fertilizer in Cambisol increased herbaceous stratum yield. Herbaceous stratum yield in Planosol is more responsive to the input of great amounts of soil nutrients (especially P) and it increases soil organic matter levels, while in Cambisol, herbaceous stratum yield is more associated with the ability of inputs to make nutrients readily available. The use of organic amendments can reverse, in the short‐term, degradation and desertification processes of soils in the Brazilian semiarid region.
Green Polymer Poly‐l‐proline Efficiently Inhibits Formation of Gas Hydrates in Oil–Water System
Authors: Qi Huiping , Liu Yanzhen , Shen Shi , Zhao Jiafei
Published: October 2023

Green polymer poly‐l‐proline, as a new type of biodegradable polymer material, has a wide application prospect in the field of environmental protection. Recent studies have shown that poly‐l‐proline can also act as a green inhibitor that is highly effective in inhibiting the production of gas hydrates in oil–water systems. As a natural polymer material, poly‐l‐proline has good biocompatibility and biodegradability and will not cause pollution to the environment. It is found that adding an appropriate amount of poly‐l‐proline to the oil–water system can significantly inhibit the formation of gas hydrates. This is because poly‐l‐proline can reduce the concentration of dissolved gases in water by adsorbing and dispersing ions and molecules in water, thereby reducing the chance of gas forming hydrates with water. In addition, poly‐l‐proline can also prevent gas molecules from entering water molecules to form hydrates by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules. This study provides a green, environmentally friendly and efficient solution for controlling the formation of gas hydrates in oil–water mixtures. In the future, the application prospects of poly‐l‐proline in oil–water separation, marine engineering, natural gas exploitation, and other fields will be broader.
Anorexia nervosa seen from a fathers' perspectives: A thematic analysis
Authors: Bratt Neuberg Elisabeth , Andersson Gerhard
Published: October 2023

Few studies have explored the views of fathers in relation to daughters diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of this study was to investigate this aspect. This study was part of a larger study. Fourteen fathers (age 46–68 years) of 14 daughters (age 19–29 years) diagnosed with AN were interviewed between 1996 and 2002. The interview consisted of 15 open‐ended questions exploring the views of fathers in relation to their daughters later diagnosed with AN. Following transcription, thematic analysis was used to identify main themes and subthemes based on the data. We identified three themes: “Family dynamic,” “Proximity and distance to the daughter,” and “Commitment and knowledge seeker,” and 10 subthemes. The fathers were involved during the upbringing and the relation to the daughter was important. Different studies show the importance of the paternal role for the daughter's healthy development, and for AN. Not sharing equally, the responsibility of early childcaring, could foster the experience of inadequacy regarding the paternal role in the future. In our study, the fathers considered the mothers to be the experts during the daughters' adolescence. This attitude could have hindered them from understanding their daughters pathological eating problems. This and other studies indicate the importance of viewing the fathers as a resource when planning treatment approaches.
Selective Fluorescent Sensing for Iron in Aqueous Solution by A Novel Functionalized Pillar[5]arene
Authors: Zhang Yahan , Chen Longming , Du Xinbei , Yu Xiang , Zhang Han , Meng Zhao , Zheng Zhibing , Chen Junyi , Meng Qingbin
Published: October 2023

Iron ion is one of the most physiologically important elements in metabolic processes, indispensable for all living systems. Since its excess can lead to severe diseases, new approaches for its monitoring in water samples are urgently needed to meet requirements. Here, we firstly report a novel and universal route for the synthesis of a series of pillar[n]arene derivates containing one benzoquinone unit by photocatalysis. With this in hand, an anthracene – appended water – soluble pillar[5]arene (H) with excellent fluorescence sensing potency was prepared. H enabled the ultrasensitive detection of iron ions in aqueous solution with limits of detection of 10−8 M. Over a wide range of metal ions, H exhibited specific selectivity toward Fe3+. More importantly, H could still properly operate in a simulated sewage sample, coexisting with multiple interference ions.
Bamboo fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites fabricated by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM): Effect of molding sequence and fiber content
Authors: Shi Jiangjing , Wu Yingji , Zhang Min , Zhang Jian , Zhang Wenfu , Chen Hong , Peng Yucheng , Shi Sheldon Q. , Xia Changlei
Published: October 2023

Fabricating bamboo fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (BFREs) using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process has many advantages, such as low cost, high product quality, controllability, and broad applicability. However, the immature fabrication process seriously affects product performance and hinders the full exploitation of the advantages of the VARTM process. The effects on the physical‐mechanical and thermal properties of BFREs by molding sequence and fiber content were investigated in this study. The molding sequence of fiber compression followed by resin injection was beneficial to ensure hermeticity, thus reducing the voids in the BFREs. The mechanical properties of BFREs gradually increased with increasing fiber content. With 50 wt% fiber content, the bending strength and modulus, shear strength, and impact toughness of BFREs reached 71.27 MPa, 6.78 GPa, 11.68 MPa, and 5.45 kJ/m2, respectively. Although the thermal stability of the BFREs was slightly lower than that of pure epoxy, the bamboo fibers' high rigidity evidentially increased the epoxy's dynamic mechanical properties. The life cycle assessment indicated that the BFREs effectively reduced the environmental impacts and production energy consumption compared to the glass fiber correspondent. The VARTM‐fabricated BFREs have great potential for construction, transportation, household items, packaging, sports equipment, and leisure goods applications.

Highlights

Fiber compression followed by resin injection could ensure great hermeticity.

Micro‐CT accurately measured the void characteristics of the composites.

Voids had detrimental effects on the properties of the composites.

Dense bamboo fiber preforms enhanced the mechanical properties of epoxy.

Bamboo fibers reinforcing epoxy reduced the impact on the environment.
Preparation and properties of rice husk ash silica filled natural rubber
Authors: Zhang Guojie , Wang Ge , Jiang Yang , Wang Shifeng , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2023

Rice husk ash silica obtained from the chemical purification of rice husk ash is a bio‐based silica. As a sustainable raw material, the bio‐based silica has attracted much attention in recent years. It can be used to replace traditional carbon black and silica in tire rubbers. Our experimental results show that the bio‐based silica can bring similar mechanical properties and higher wet grip to natural rubber in comparison with traditional silica. The wet mixing method is successfully used to disperse the bio‐based silica in natural rubber latex, obtaining a bio‐based silica/natural rubber composite with higher abrasion resistance and lower rolling resistance than the composite prepared by traditional dry mixing. The mechanical properties of bio‐based silica/natural rubber composites depend on the silica loading and mixing methods. Mixing natural rubber and bio‐based silica through wet‐mixing method is a green and sustainable approach to the tread rubbers with excellent mechanical properties, low rolling resistance, high abrasion resistance, and wet grip.
Bearing performance and damage characteristics of rein‐infused thermoplastic 3D woven composites bolted joints
Authors: Shah S. Z. H. , Megat‐Yusoff P. S. M. , Sharif Tahir , Sajid Z. , Hussnain S. M. , Choudhry R. S.
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the single‐bolt single‐shear (SBSS) and double‐bolt single‐shear (DBSS) lap joint performance of resin‐infused thermoplastic 3D fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) in on‐axis ( and ) and off‐axis () configurations. The bearing performance and failure mechanisms are compared with thermoset 3D‐FRC. The resin‐infused thermoplastic 3D‐FRC bolted joint shows improved bearing performance in terms of higher ultimate bearing strength, stiffness loss strength, and reduced damage severity than its thermoset counterpart. Additionally, this paper presents a detailed study on the intermediate and final failure mechanisms, obtained from scanning electron microscopy of the interrupted and ultimate bearing tests, to understand damage progression in SBSS and BDSS lap joints at the submicron level. The major damage characteristics of a thermoplastic 3D‐FRC bolted joint include plastic deformation and plastic kinking at the hole front tip, which improve the bearing capacity and reduce stress concentration, damage severity, and its deleterious effects.

Highlights

Single‐bolt and double‐bolt joint performances of 3D woven composites

Failure investigation of different joint configurations and fiber orientations

Effect of matrix toughness on the bearing performance of 3D woven composites

Progressive damage development and failure modes of 3D woven composite joints.
Impact damage assessment in laminated composites using acoustic emission and finite element methods
Authors: Saeedifar Milad
Published: October 2023

This study aims to quantify impact damage in laminated composites using acoustic emission (AE) and to verify the AE results with finite element (FE) method. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite specimens were subjected to quasi‐static out‐of‐plane indentation loading. A procedure, including feature extraction, feature selection, data dimensionality reduction, and data clustering using an evolutionary algorithm, that is, differential evolution (DE) optimization algorithm, was proposed to identify and quantify different damage mechanisms using AE. The AE results showed that the dominant damages were matrix cracking and delamination. For the quantitative evaluation of the AE results, the indentation test was simulated using the FE method. A FE model based on cohesive zone modeling and continuum damage mechanics was implemented to predict interlaminar and intralaminar damages. The quantity of the damaged elements associated with the matrix cracking and delamination was consistent with the AE results. This study showed the applicability of the AE for impact damage identification and quantification in composite structures.

Highlights

Indentation damage in CFRP is experimentally quantified using the AE method.

The DE algorithm is used to cluster the AE data.

CZM and CDM are used to numerically model the damage.

The AE clustering results are compared with the numerical results.
Examining individual and contextual factors that contribute to early childhood teachers' well‐being
Authors: Stone Katie J. , Rancher Caitlin , Davies Faraday , Schnake Kerrie , Moreland Angela D.
Published: October 2023

Promoting teachers' well‐being through interventions within childcare environments has been associated with children's social‐emotional development, teacher behaviors, and job‐related factors. The current study aimed to examine whether individual and contextual factors differentially impacted well‐being outcomes among teachers who participated in a well‐being program. Participants included 505 teachers who were enrolled in the program and completed pre‐ and post‐intervention questionnaires on well‐being outcomes (i.e., health motivation, physical activity, job stress, and resilience). Multilevel modeling estimated whether organizational, individual, and intervention‐related characteristics were associated with program outcomes. Exploratory analyses examined the interactive effect of Teacher race and teacher–coach racial match over time. Results from the three‐level model showed a significant change in study outcomes over time. Additionally, teacher race was associated with health motivation and resilience, such that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) teachers reported greater improvements over time, compared to White teachers. Exploratory analyses showed a significant three‐way interaction, which indicated that White teachers who were paired with a Black coach were associated with improvements in health motivation over time. Importantly, baseline differences in health motivation and resilience among BIPOC and White teachers may explain the variance in the significant effects. Findings from the present study have important implications for practitioners disseminating teacher well‐being interventions in schools.
Myb‐like transcription factors have epistatic effects on circadian clock function but additive effects on plant growth
Authors: Hughes Cassandra L. , Harmer Stacey L.
Published: October 2023

The functions of closely related Myb‐like repressor and Myb‐like activator proteins within the plant circadian oscillator have been well‐studied as separate groups, but the genetic interactions between them are less clear. We hypothesized that these repressors and activators would interact additively to regulate both circadian and growth phenotypes. We used CRISPR‐Cas9 to generate new mutant alleles and performed physiological and molecular characterization of plant mutants for five of these core Myb‐like clock factors compared with a repressor mutant and an activator mutant. We first examined circadian clock function in plants likely null for both the repressor proteins, CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), and the activator proteins, REVEILLE 4 (RVE4), REVEILLE (RVE6), and REVEILLE (RVE8). The rve468 triple mutant has a long period and flowers late, while cca1 lhy rve468 quintuple mutants, similarly to cca1 lhy mutants, have poor circadian rhythms and flower early. This suggests that CCA1 and LHY are epistatic to RVE4, RVE6, and RVE8 for circadian clock and flowering time function. We next examined hypocotyl elongation and rosette leaf size in these mutants. The cca1 lhy rve468 mutants have growth phenotypes intermediate between cca1 lhy and rve468 mutants, suggesting that CCA1, LHY, RVE4, RVE6, and RVE8 interact additively to regulate growth. Together, our data suggest that these five Myb‐like factors interact differently in regulation of the circadian clock versus growth. More generally, the near‐norm al seedling phenotypes observed in the largely arrhythmic quintuple mutant demonstrate that circadian‐regulated output processes, like control of hypocotyl elongation, do not always depend upon rhythmic oscillator function.
Toughening of polypropylene by elastomer‐coated brominated polystyrene
Authors: Noh Kwanghae , Aplin Jeffrey T. , McCarney Jonathan , Mathur Rajeev S. , Stanley Carley S. , Sue Hung‐Jue
Published: October 2023

Brominated polystyrene (BPS) is an effective additive for improving fire retardancy of polymers. However, BPS reduces impact strength due to its brittleness and poor compatibility with most polymer matrices. The present study aims at using BPS both as a flame retardant and as a toughening agent to improve polymer properties. Specifically, styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) elastomer was chosen as a compatibilizer to control dispersion and particle size of BPS in polypropylene (PP). By choosing appropriate type and amount of SEBS and proper processing parameters, it is found that both impact fracture toughness and fire retardancy of PP can be greatly enhanced. The impact fracture mechanisms responsible for the observed toughening effect is investigated. The usefulness of the above study for the preparation of multifunctional fire‐retardant particles for enhancing polymer properties is also discussed.
Effect of nivasorexant (ACT‐539313), a selective orexin‐1‐receptor antagonist, on multiple cytochrome P450 probe substrates in vitro and in vivo using a cocktail approach in healthy subjects
Authors: Berger Benjamin , Kaufmann Priska , Berse Matthias , Treiber Alexander , Grignaschi Nathalie , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: October 2023

Nivasorexant, a selective orexin‐1‐receptor antagonist, has recently been assessed in the treatment of humans with binge‐eating disorder. Herein, the inhibitory potential of nivasorexant on cytochromes P450 (CYPs) 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 was evaluated. Human liver microsomes/recombinant CYP enzymes were evaluated in vitro. In vivo, a single‐center, open‐label, fixed‐sequence study was performed in healthy adults to explore the effect of 100 mg nivasorexant administered twice daily (b.i.d.) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of flurbiprofen (50 mg, CYP2C9), omeprazole (20 mg, CYP2C19), midazolam (2 mg, CYP3A4) making use of a cocktail approach. Plasma PK sampling was performed over 24 h on Day 1 (Cocktail alone), 8 (Cocktail + nivasorexant), and 15 (Cocktail + nivasorexant at steady state). Genotyping of subjects' CYPs was performed while safety and tolerability were also assessed. In vitro, nivasorexant inhibited CYP2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 in competitive inhibition assays with IC50 values of 8.6, 1.6, and 19–44 μM, respectively, while showing a significant time‐dependent CYP2C19 inhibition. In 22 subjects, exposure to flurbiprofen, omeprazole, and midazolam was generally higher during concomitant single‐ (i.e., area under the plasma concentration–time curve [AUC] ratio increased by 1.04‐, 2.05‐, and 1.56‐fold, respectively) and repeated‐dose (i.e., AUC ratio increased by 1.47‐, 6.84‐, and 3.71‐fold, respectively) nivasorexant administration compared with the cocktail substrates administered alone. The most frequently reported adverse event was somnolence. According to regulatory guidance, nivasorexant is classified as a moderate CYP2C19 and weak CYP3A4 inhibitor after 1 day and as a weak CYP2C9, strong CYP2C19, and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor after 8 days of 100 mg b.i.d. administration. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05254548.
Dosing recommendation of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir using an integrated population pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Chan Phylinda L. S. , Singh Ravi Shankar P. , Cox Donna S. , Shi Haihong , Damle Bharat , Nicholas Timothy
Published: October 2023

Protease inhibitor nirmatrelvir coadministered with ritonavir as a pharmacokinetic enhancer (PAXLOVID™; Pfizer Inc) became the first orally bioavailable antiviral agent granted Emergency Use Authorization in the United States in patients ≥12 years old with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This population pharmacokinetic analysis used pooled plasma nirmatrelvir concentrations from eight completed phase I and II/III studies to characterize nirmatrelvir pharmacokinetics when coadministered with ritonavir in adults with/without COVID‐19. Influence of covariates (e.g., formulation, dose, COVID‐19) was examined using a stepwise forward selection (α = 0.05) and backward elimination (α = 0.001) approach. Simulations with 5000 subjects for each age and weight group and renal function category were performed to support dosing recommendations of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for adults with COVID‐19 and guide dose adjustments for specific patient populations (e.g., renal insufficiency, pediatrics). The final model was a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption, including allometric scaling of body weight and dose‐dependent absorption (power function on relative bioavailability). Nirmatrelvir clearance (CL) increased proportionally to body surface area–normalized creatinine CL (nCLCR) up to 70 ml/min/1.73 m2 and was independent of nCLCR above the breakpoint. Significant covariates included carbamazepine or itraconazole coadministration as markers for drug interactions, COVID‐19 on CL, formulation on relative bioavailability, and age on central volume of distribution. Simulation results support current dosing recommendations of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir 300/100 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) in adults with normal renal function or mild impairment and pediatrics (12 to <18 years) weighing ≥40 kg and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir 150/100 mg b.i.d. in adults with moderate renal impairment.
Ambient Pressure Influence on the Electrical Resistance of Tracks Fabricated by Picosecond Laser Pulses on the Surface of AlN Ceramic
Authors: Nedyalkov Nikolay , Dikovska Anna , Dilova Tina , Atanasova Genoveva
Published: October 2023

Herein, results are presented on the air pressure influence on the resistance of surface structures formed by picosecond processing of aluminum nitride ceramic. It is found that scanning the ceramic surface by laser radiation at the wavelengths of 1064 and 355 nm emitted by a neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser system can produce conductive lines. The resistance value is measured of structures fabricated under different processing conditions related to varying the laser fluence, pulse overlapping, and wavelength at different ambient air pressures from 10−4 Torr to atmospheric pressure. Based on the obtained dependences, the processing parameter windows are defined, allowing formation of a conductive material. It is demonstrated that changing the experimental conditions may change the resistance value by several orders of magnitude. The ambient pressure also affects the morphology of the ablated zones, with different structures being observed, including formation of ripples. The analyses performed of the processed surface indicate that conductivity arises from the presence of aluminum following a thermally induced ceramic decomposition. The influence of the gas flow during the laser processing on the resistance and the possibility of laser scribing of the ceramic are also experimentally estimated.
Driving mode analysis—How uncertain functional inputs propagate to an output
Authors: Vander Wiel Scott A. , Grosskopf Michael J. , Michaud Isaac J. , Neudecker Denise
Published: October 2023

Driving mode analysis elucidates how correlated features of uncertain functional inputs jointly propagate to produce uncertainty in the output of a computation. Uncertain input functions are decomposed into three terms: the mean functions, a zero‐mean driving mode, and zero‐mean residual. The random driving mode varies along a single direction, having fixed functional shape and random scale. It is uncorrelated with the residual, and under linear error propagation, it produces an output variance equal to that of the full input uncertainty. Finally, the driving mode best represents how input uncertainties propagate to the output because it minimizes expected squared Mahalanobis distance amongst competitors. These characteristics recommend interpretation of the driving mode as the single‐degree‐of‐freedom component of input uncertainty that drives output uncertainty. We derive the functional driving mode, show its superiority to other seemingly sensible definitions, and demonstrate the utility of driving mode analysis in an application. The application is the simulation of neutron transport in criticality experiments. The uncertain input functions are nuclear data that describe how Pu reacts to bombardment by neutrons. Visualization of the driving mode helps scientists understand what aspects of correlated functional uncertainty have effects that either reinforce or cancel one another in propagating to the output of the simulation.
Toward sustainable development: Developing a decision‐making framework for cross‐sectoral engagement in green procurement
Authors: Tuffour Priscilla , Chen Guangyu , Opoku‐Mensah Evans , Darko Peter Adjei , Adu Agyapong Richard
Published: October 2023

Green procurement plays a crucial role in mitigating emissions, promoting sustainable practices, and achieving the objectives of keeping global warming below the 2°C threshold. However, the implementation of green procurement faces significant challenges. Despite the recognized importance of sectoral collaboration, cross‐sectoral engagement (CSE) has not yet been widely acknowledged as an essential principle in green procurement implementation. This study aims to address these implementation challenges by developing a comprehensive decision‐making framework for CSE in public–private partnership projects, with a focus on advancing sustainable development goals. The research identifies and prioritizes barriers to CSE from multiple theoretical perspectives, employing an integrated approach that combines the Method Based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) and the Combinative Distance‐Based Assessment (CODAS) method. The results reveal three primary factors hindering cross‐sectoral engagement: conflicting stakeholder interests and priorities, power imbalances, and communication gaps and language barriers. To promote effective collaboration, policymakers are urged to invest in capacity building initiatives that enhance stakeholders' understanding of green procurement principles and encourage their active participation in achieving sustainable development objectives. Theoretically, this study has, for the first time, developed a CSE framework that can be used to promote green practice implementation, integrate four theories to holistically access barriers to cross‐sectoral collaboration, and show the integration of the MEREC CODAS MCDM technique.
Hybrid evaluation approach for the overall impression development through the sustainability concepts and strategy of competition
Authors: Huang Yung‐Chuan , Liu Chih‐Hsing
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the concepts of value cocreations may relate to airlines' overall impressions by using a mediation‐moderation examination. This study theorized the integrated concepts of first‐order and second‐order analysis of competition strategy and various means of innovation linkage. The proposed model also structured the moderating roles of empowering leadership in linking the process of innovation development. Multisource data were collected from 465 employees who work in airline firms. The results showed that decision participation, sustainability knowledge and innovation mediate the relationship between value cocreation and overall impression. Furthermore, the moderating role of empowering leadership strengthens the different relationships of innovation development. Managerial and theoretical implications are also proposed for future theoretical developments and empirical improvements.
Distinctive Features of 3‐Acetyl‐ and 3‐Benzoyl‐Isocoumarins’ Interaction with Active Primary Amines
Authors: Konovalenko Artem S. , Shablykin Oleh V. , Shablykina Olga V. , Moskvina Viktoriia S. , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Kozytskiy Andrii V. , Brovarets Volodymyr S.
Published: October 2023

Isoquinolones and isoquinolines are crucial natural and synthetic heterocyclic compounds exhibiting a range of biological activities. A less explored strategy for the recyclization of isocoumarins to isoquinolones involves the transformation of 1H‐isochromen‐1‐ones with a carbonyl group at position 3 using primary amines. This study presents a straightforward one‐pot protocol for the recyclization of 3‐acetyl‐ and 3‐benzoylisocoumarins into their corresponding isoquinolone derivatives using structurally diverse primary amines. This provides versatile and scalable routes for accessing a variety of 2‐R‐isoquinolin‐1(2H)‐ones. Interestingly, the acyl group also reacted with the hydroxyl group of 2‐aminoethanol, leading to the simultaneous formation of 3,4‐dihydro[1,4]oxazino[4,3‐b]isoquinolin‐6(1H)‐ones alongside lactone recyclization. Moreover, the recyclization process was accompanied by more complex alternative cyclizations, including an oxidative‐reductive stage. For instance, the recyclization of isocoumarins with benzylamine resulted in the formation of isochromeno[3,4‐c]pyrroles, whereas with glycine derivatives, 1,2‐dihydro‐6H‐pyrazino[1,2‐b]isoquinolin‐3,6(4H)‐diones were obtained.
Ultrasonication Assisted Urea Treated Biochar: An Eco‐Friendly Adsorbent for CO2 Capture
Authors: Kaya Gulcihan Guzel
Published: October 2023

Cheap, efficient and eco‐friendly adsorbents have received great attention for CO2 capture. Nowadays, biochars are promising CO2 adsorbents with the advantages of their low‐cost, tunable porous structural characteristics, facile surface treatment and easy regeneration. In this work, biochar synthesized from wheat straw, an agricultural waste, by pyrolysis was used as a CO2 adsorbent. CO2 capture studies were conducted by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) at 25 °C under 100 mL min−1 CO2 for 2 h. The CO2 adsorption capacity of the biochar was determined as 23.33 mg g−1. To enhance CO2 adsorption capacity, ultrasonication and urea treatment were applied to the biochar. With the combination of these treatment methods, CO2 adsorption capacity of the biochar increased to 73.56 mg g−1 due to an increase in its micro‐pore volume and presence of functional amine groups. Possible CO2 capture mechanisms were stated as pore filling with CO2 molecules, van der Waals forces, weak hydrogen bond, and Lewis acid‐base interactions in addition to reactions of amine groups with CO2 molecules. After five CO2 adsorption‐desorption cycles, ultrasonication assisted urea treated biochar was still used with over 90 % performance. The results show that the low‐cost and eco‐friendly physicochemical treated biochar is a favorable adsorbent for CO2 capture.
Proposal of the Possible Surfactant Role in the Mass Transfer Process of Naproxen Recovered from Aqueous Solutions Using Emulsion Liquid Membranes
Authors: Rivera‐Contreras Diana , Orlando Flores‐Rizo Juan , del Pilar Gonzalez‐Muñoz Maria , Avila‐Rodriguez Mario , Falcon‐Millan Guadalupe , Dario Rivera‐Rangel Ruben , Alejandra Razo‐Lazcano Teresa
Published: October 2023

Emulsion Liquid Membranes (ELMs) are known as a useful and versatile technique with widespread uses, including organic substances recovery. The surfactant main role in these systems is to stabilize them; however, the surfactant can maybe participate in mass transfer mechanisms when ELMs are used in separation processes. In this text, a methodology to recover naproxen from aqueous solutions by ELMs was developed. This aims to propose a way by which surfactant molecules interact with all the chemical species of both the drug and carrier in the medium, and to observe how these chemical interactions can affect or benefit the extraction and stripping processes. The results shown that ELMs prepared with and without carrier+5 % w/V of surfactant, presented extraction percentages of 99 % and 69 % and recovery percentages of 43 % and 33 %, respectively. Besides, it was found that the surfactant molecule can form a very stable hydration bilayer where the drug stays trapped inside causing a recovery decrease.
Phosphinite‐Ligand‐Assisted Chromium Pre‐catalysts and their Ethylene Oligomerization Properties
Authors: Jaseer E. A. , Garcia Nestor , Barman Samir , Elanany Mohamed , Khawaji Motaz , Alasiri Hassan , Maity Niladri
Published: October 2023

Phosphinite based ligands with or without a secondary nitrogen binding site have been evaluated for the first time towards chromium catalyzed ethylene oligomerization using modified aluminoxane (MMAO‐12) as an activator. Through systematic optimization of the reaction parameters specifically the reaction temperature, olefin selectivity up to 92 wt % could be achieved. In particular, at higher temperature (~75 °C), the rate of β‐hydrogen elimination leading to the formation of olefinic products, is relatively more favorable over the rate of propagation which produces polyethylene. Overall, the present study reveals that the phosphinite type ligands could promote ethylene oligomerization, although nonselective way to yield olefin products with carbon number ranging from C6−C14 while yielding highest productivity up to 12517 g/gCr.h.