bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concepts of Ethylene Carbonylation with Hydrogen Gas and In‐Situ Generated Hydrogen
Authors: Zhang Yinpan , Guo Qiang , Wang Feng
Published: April 2024

The carbonylation reaction of olefins is one of the significant pathways for the synthesis of oxygen‐containing compounds such as aldehydes, esters, and amides. The ethylene carbonylation reactions have drawn much interest since they produce important chemicals such as propionaldehyde and methyl propionate, which are crucial intermediates for the synthesis of polymers. Moreover, ethylene carbonylation, coupled with C−C bond formation, shows great promise for the synthesis of 3‐pentanone. However, due to the presence of various competing reactions, balancing the activity and selectivity of ethylene carbonylation reactions has remained a challenge. This concept article aims at describing the recent advances in the ethylene carbonylation with different hydrogen sources.
Vegetation and animal production in pastures sprayed for western ragweed control
Authors: Harmoney Keith , Jaeger John , Hadle Jacob
Published: April 2024

Western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya DC) is one of the most common perennial, native forbs of western US rangelands. Cattle consume small quantities of western ragweed in their diets when present in the forage sward, and forage nutritive value tends to be greater than the associated grass component in those swards. Yet, many producers view western ragweed as an undesirable forb in rangelands. We conducted a study over two years to compare vegetative and stocker animal productivity in pastures that were either sprayed with dicamba at 6 oz/acre (0.19 lb a.i./acre) for western ragweed control or were left unsprayed. Pastures started the study with high western ragweed densities (>9 western ragweed plants/ft2) before pasture treatment, and spraying with dicamba significantly reduced western ragweed density and yield compared to unsprayed pastures (0.2 vs. 3.5 ragweed plants/ft2, and 0 vs. 206 lb/acre, respectively). Grass production and total vegetation production were similar between treatments. Crude protein and total digestible nutrients of western ragweed was greater than grass at all mid‐season and end of season sampling dates both years. Stocker animal gain was not different between pastures sprayed for ragweed control and pastures left unsprayed in either year, nor when averaged over the two years (189 vs. 188 lb/head, sprayed vs. unsprayed, respectively). Beef production per acre was also similar. The spray treatment was an added expense that did not result in greater total forage, grass, or animal production. With natural fluctuations in western ragweed population densities due to weather patterns, producers will likely experience little benefit from spraying for western ragweed alone in pasture.
Directed Evolution and Immobilization of Lactobacillus brevis Alcohol Dehydrogenase for Chemo‐Enzymatic Synthesis of Rivastigmine
Authors: Su Guorong , Ran Lu , Liu Chang , Qin Zhaoyang , Teng Huailong , Wu Shuke
Published: April 2024

Rivastigmine is one of the several pharmaceuticals widely prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. However, its practical synthesis still faces many issues, such as the involvement of toxic metals and harsh reaction conditions. Herein, we report a chemo‐enzymatic synthesis of Rivastigmine. The key chiral intermediate was synthesized by an engineered alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus brevis (LbADH). A semi‐rational approach was employed to improve its catalytic activity and thermal stability. Several LbADH variants were obtained with a remarkable increase in activity and melting temperature. Exploration of the substrate scope of these variants demonstrated improved activities toward various ketones, especially acetophenone analogs. To further recycle and reuse the biocatalyst, one LbADH variant and glucose dehydrogenase were co‐immobilized on nanoparticles. By integrating enzymatic and chemical steps, Rivastigmine was successfully synthesized with an overall yield of 66 %. This study offers an efficient chemo‐enzymatic route for Rivastigmine and provides several efficient LbADH variants with a broad range of potential applications.
Iridium Pyridylpyrrolides Hyperpolarised by Para‐Hydrogen
Authors: Majchrzak Rebecca M. , Norcott Philip L.
Published: April 2024

Chemical activation of the nuclear singlet state of dihydrogen, para‐hydrogen, can dramatically increase the sensitivity of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging. Here, we show that the highly reversible activation of para‐hydrogen by an iridium pyridylpyrrolide complex is capable of producing this hyperpolarisation effect. Bound alkene ligands exhibit signal enhancement without reduction to alkanes, which is in contrast to the most widely used hyperpolarisation catalysts. The complex is recoverable due to the highly reversible binding and release of H2, and result in enhanced hydride signals in a wide range of coordinating and non‐coordinating deuterated solvents. Synthetic modification of the ligand substituents and the addition of co‐ligands show a strong dependence of chemical structure on reactivity, which reveals an untapped potential to exploit pyridylpyrrolides as ligands in the development of tunable para‐hydrogen induced hyperpolarisation catalysts or molecular probes.
Heptagonal Molecular Tiling via Self‐Assembly of Heptagonal Phenylene‐Ethynylene Macrocycle at the Liquid–Solid Interface
Authors: Honda Kento , Tahara Kazukuni
Published: April 2024

The molecular‐level scrutinization of on‐surface tiling garners considerable interest among scientists. Herein, we demonstrate molecular‐level heptagonal tiling using the self‐assembly of a heptagonal meta‐phenylene‐ethynylene macrocycle featuring 14 long alkoxy substituents at the liquid–graphite interface using scanning tunneling microscopy. This heptagonal macrocycle produces an antiparallel pattern at the 1‐phenyloctane–graphite interface through van der Waals interactions between the alkoxy chains. This pattern resembles the densely packed pattern of heptagonal tiles, albeit with variations in the orientations and spacing of heptagonal cores owing to intermolecular interactions between the alkoxy chains. Conversely, at the 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene–graphite interface, the heptagonal molecule forms an oblique pattern composed of four independent molecular orientations. This phenomenon arises from core distortion induced by the coadsorption of the solvent molecules within the intrinsic macrocyclic pores. This study elucidates the design strategy – specifically, the choice of heptagonal molecular building block – for heptagonal tiling and fills a crucial gap in the field of two‐dimensional crystal engineering.
Flow coupling analysis and evaluation of different working conditions for crude oil storage tanks under dynamic heating
Authors: Li Yang , Liang Zhuo , Chen Hongwei , Xiong Yue , Xu Chi , Su Haoyu
Published: April 2024

During periods of sharp demand increase, there is a need for significant expansion in the fundamental requirements for crude oil storage. As demand rapidly escalates, the prerequisites for crude oil storage necessitate substantial expansion. To scientifically and effectively reduce energy waste associated with heating oil, it is essential to study the heating methods and efficiency of crude oil storage tanks. Considering environmental temperature, solar radiation, and the physical properties of the oil, we have proposed a new heating model to elucidate the dynamic heating process of large floating roof storage tanks equipped with coils. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software was used to analyze the impact of the dynamic heating model on the temperature and velocity fields within the floating roof tank, taking into account different initial oil temperatures, oil levels, wind speeds, and types of crude oil during the winter heating process. Additionally, the research suggests the optimal maintenance heating temperature and duration for crude oil storage tanks during the winter season, introducing heating efficiency and inhomogeneity of temperature field as two evaluation metrics to compare the advantages of the dynamic heating method over traditional heating methods. This study provides fresh insights into the coil heating domain in crude oil storage tanks.
The future is transient: Barriers and opportunities for improved UK water resource climate change assessments using the enhanced Future Flows and Groundwater (eFLaG) climate service products
Authors: Durant Mason , Hall Eleanor , Morris Anna , Walburn Grace , Wilcox Amy , Counsell Chris
Published: April 2024

UK water resources face a number of challenges when planning for an uncertain future. Climate change impacts and what future droughts might look like can be a significant contributor to this uncertainty. Recent and potential future developments (e.g. ever‐finer resolutions) in climate modelling offer the potential for running bias‐corrected transient future scenarios through hydrological, hydrogeological and water supply models, providing users with droughts of differing severity, frequency, spatial extent and duration to those experienced historically, incorporating changes over time and an understanding of climate model uncertainty. The recent enhanced Future Flows and Groundwater (eFLaG) project sought to demonstrate a climate service using these transient scenarios, with the aim of enhancing the resilience of the water industry to drought events and complementing existing approaches. The project demonstrated the use of this transient climate change information within a water resource setting, using a variety of hydrological and water resource models to help illuminate potential gaps and issues with such an approach. If we are to realise the potential of transient scenarios, a number of barriers – both scientific and organisational – need to be overcome. We present a road map for the future based on outcomes from the eFLaG project, as well as ways the eFLaG projections could be used to improve system resilience in the present.
Embryonal sarcoma of the liver in pediatric and young adult patients: A report from Children’s Oncology Group study ARST0332
Authors: Spunt Sheri L. , Xue Wei , Gao Zhengya , Hayes Dixon Andrea , Million Lynn , Polites Stephanie F. , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Kao Simon C. , McCarville M. Beth , Parham David M. , Barkauskas Donald A. , Cai Zhongjie , Cost Carrye , Mascarenhas Leo , Weiss Aaron R.
Published: April 2024

Background

Embryonal sarcoma of the liver (ESL) is a rare mesenchymal tumor most common in childhood; the optimal treatment approach is uncertain. The clinical features and outcomes of patients with ESL enrolled in a Children’s Oncology Group (COG) clinical trial that evaluated a risk‐based strategy for treating soft tissue sarcomas in patients aged <30 years were evaluated.

Methods

This subset analysis included patients with ESL enrolled in COG study ARST0332. Central review of records, pathology, and imaging confirmed the diagnosis, presenting features, and surgery extent and complications. All patients received dose‐intensive ifosfamide/doxorubicin chemotherapy, with cycle timing dependent on surgery and radiotherapy. Tumor resection occurred before study entry or after four cycles of chemotherapy; radiotherapy for residual tumor was optional.

Results

Thirty‐nine eligible/evaluable patients with ESL were analyzed. All tumors were >10 cm in diameter; four were metastatic. Tumor resection was performed upfront in 23 and delayed in 16. Positive surgical margins (n = 6) and intraoperative tumor rupture (n = 6) occurred only in upfront resections. Eight patients received radiotherapy. Estimated 5‐year event‐free and overall survival were 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65%–93%) and 95% (95% CI, 87%–100%), respectively. Positive margins increased the local recurrence risk. One of 13 patients with documented hemorrhagic ascites and/or tumor rupture developed extrahepatic intra‐abdominal tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

The treatment strategy used in ARST0332 achieved favorable outcomes for patients with ESL despite a substantial proportion having high‐risk disease features. Deferring tumor resection until after neoadjuvant chemotherapy may decrease the risk of intraoperative tumor rupture and improve the likelihood of adequate surgical margins.
Fast gathering despite a linear number of weakly Byzantine agents†
Authors: Hirose Jion , Nakamura Junya , Ooshita Fukuhito , Inoue Michiko
Published: April 2024

In this work, we study the gathering problem to make multiple agents, who are initially scattered in arbitrary networks, meet at the same node. The network has agents with unique identifiers (IDs), and of them are weakly Byzantine agents that behave arbitrarily, except for falsifying their identifiers. These agents behave in synchronous rounds, and they may start an algorithm at different rounds. Each agent cannot leave information at a node. We propose herein a deterministic algorithm that efficiently achieves gathering with a simultaneous termination having a small number of non‐Byzantine agents. The proposed algorithm concretely works in rounds if the agents know the upper bound on the number of nodes, and at least non‐Byzantine agents exist, where is the length of the largest ID among agents, and is the number of rounds required to explore any network composed of nodes. The literature presents two efficient gathering algorithms with a simultaneous termination. The first algorithm assumes that agents know the number of nodes and achieves the gathering in rounds in the presence of any number of Byzantine agents, where is the length of the largest ID among non‐Byzantine agents. The second algorithm assumes both that agents know and that at least non‐Byzantine agents exist, and it achieves the gathering in rounds. The proposed algorithm is faster than the first existing algorithm and requires fewer non‐Byzantine agents than the second existing algorithm if is given to agents. We propose herein a new technique to simulate a Byzantine consensus algorithm for synchronous message‐passing systems on agent systems to reduce the number of agents.
Multistep Biooxidation of 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid with H2O2 by Unspecific Peroxygenases
Authors: Swoboda Alexander , Zwölfer Silvie , Duhović Zerina , Bürgler Moritz , Ebner Katharina , Glieder Anton , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) is a key platform chemical derived from renewable biomass sources, holding great potential as starting material for the synthesis of valuable compounds, thereby replacing petrochemical‐derived counterparts. Among these valorised compounds, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has emerged as a versatile building block. Here we demonstrate the biocatalytic synthesis of FDCA from HMF via a one‐pot three‐step oxidative cascade performed via two operative steps under mild reaction conditions employing two unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) using hydrogen peroxide as the only oxidant. The challenge of HMF oxidation by UPOs is the chemoselectivity of the first step, as one of the two possible oxidation products is only a poor substrate for further oxidation. The unspecific peroxygenase from Marasmius oreades (MorUPO) was found to oxidize 100 mM of HMF to 5‐formyl‐2‐furoic acid (FFCA) with 95 % chemoselectivity. In the sequential one‐pot cascade employing MorUPO (TON up to 13535) and the UPO from Agrocybe aegerita (AaeUPO, TON up to 7079), 100 mM of HMF were oxidized to FDCA reaching up to 99 % conversion and yielding 861 mg isolated pure crystalline FDCA, presenting the first example of a gram scale biocatalytic synthesis of FDCA involving UPOs.
Junctional adhesion molecule‐A deficient mice are protected from severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Berve Kristina , Michel Julia , Tietz Silvia , Blatti Claudia , Ivan Daniela , Enzmann Gaby , Lyck Ruth , Deutsch Urban , Locatelli Giuseppe , Engelhardt Britta
Published: April 2024

In multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), early pathological features include immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption. We investigated the role of junctional adhesion molecule‐A (JAM‐A), a tight junction protein, in active EAE (aEAE) pathogenesis. Our study confirms JAM‐A expression at the blood–brain barrier and its luminal redistribution during aEAE. JAM‐A deficient (JAM‐A−/−) C57BL/6J mice exhibited milder aEAE, unrelated to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐specific CD4+ T‐cell priming. While JAM‐A absence influenced macrophage behavior on primary mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (pMBMECs) under flow in vitro, it did not impact T‐cell extravasation across primary mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells. At aEAE onset, we observed reduced lymphocyte and CCR2+ macrophage infiltration into the spinal cord of JAM‐A−/− mice compared to control littermates. This correlated with increased CD3+ T‐cell accumulation in spinal cord perivascular spaces and brain leptomeninges, suggesting JAM‐A absence leads to T‐cell trapping in central nervous system border compartments. In summary, JAM‐A plays a role in immune cell infiltration and clinical disease progression in aEAE.
Strain Relaxation Characterization on Lithium‐ion Batteries at Different States of Charge and Charging Rates
Authors: Song Jifeng , Ren Tao , Li Yuanlong , Wang Juntao , Yang Zhengye , Ali Kashif
Published: April 2024

The strain on the cell casing can serve as an indicator of the internal state of the cell. Monitoring strain during the charging and discharging processes aids in determining optimal charging and discharging operations, thereby maximizing the lifespan and performance of the battery. Herein, strain dynamic curves are obtained for lithium‐ion batteries at low, medium, and high charge and discharge rates by affixing strain gauges to individual cells. The investigation delves into parameters such as strain relaxation time, maximum strain, and residual strain at various charge rates and states of charge. The experimental findings reveal distinctive patterns, indicating that the strain curve during high‐rate charging resembles a second‐order function, exhibiting more pronounced fluctuations as the rate increases. This stands in stark contrast to the strain exponential decay observed during conventional medium and low‐rate charging. Notably, the strain residual resulting from high‐rate charging proves to be several times higher than that observed in low‐rate charging, hinting at potential differences in the dynamic distribution of lithium ions within batteries during high‐rate versus medium‐low‐rate charging modes.
Multitarget direction of arrival trajectory estimation using BiLSTM and sequential allocation
Authors: Banadkoki Sahar Barzegari , Ferdosizadeh Naeiny Mahmoud
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is multiple source direction of arrival (DoA) trajectory estimation using bidirectional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM) artificial neural network and sequential direction assignment. Conventional DoA tracking algorithms suffer from the necessity of accurate prior information and complex modeling. But in this article, the DoA trajectory estimation has been transformed into a mapping problem between a sequence of sample correlation matrices and a limited number of sampled directions from the corresponding trajectories. For this aim, several challenges must be resolved. One of these challenges is to define a hypothesis space of nonlinear and distinct trajectories, provided that they include most of the possible movement scenarios in the desired angular range. The second one is the lack of uniqueness between the sample correlation matrices and different permutations of DoAs. The last one is the assignment of the estimated DoAs to the corresponding trajectories. This article proposes polynomials for the path modeling of the moving sources. Then, directions and slopes of the paths at certain times are defined as the outputs of two separate BiLSTM networks. Finally, the directions and slopes of the paths are used for the sequential assignment of DoAs to the different trajectories. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method not only estimates the DoA trajectories of moving sources accurately, but also it significantly performs better than compressed sensing‐based and subspace‐based methods.
Hyperspectral imaging combined with GA‐SVM for maize variety identification
Authors: Zhang Fu , Wang Mengyao , Zhang Fangyuan , Xiong Ying , Wang Xinyue , Ali Shaukat , Zhang Yakun , Fu Sanling
Published: April 2024

The demand for identification of maize varieties has increased dramatically due to the phenomenon of mixed seeds and inferior varieties pretending to be high‐quality varieties continuing to occur. It is urgent to solve the problem of efficient and accurate identification of maize varieties. A hyperspectral image acquisition system was used to acquire images of maize seeds. Regions of interest (ROI) with an embryo size of 10 × 10 pixel were extracted, and the average spectral information in the range of 949.43–1709.49 nm was intercepted for the subsequent study in order to eliminate random noise at both ends. Savitzky–Golay (SG) smoothing algorithm and multiple scattering correction (MSC) were used to pretreat the full‐band spectrum. The feature wavelengths were screened by successive projection algorithms (SPA), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) single screening, and two combinations of CARS‐SPA and CARS + SPA, respectively. Support vector machines (SVMs) and models optimized based on genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) were established by using full bands (FB) and feature bands as the model input. The results showed that the MSC‐(CARS‐SPA)‐GA‐SVM model had the best performance with 93.00% of the test set accuracy, 8 feature variables, and a running time of 24.45 s. MSC pretreatment can effectively eliminate the scattering effect of spectral data, and the feature wavelengths extracted by CARS‐SPA can represent all wavelength information. The study proved that hyperspectral imaging combined with GA‐SVM can realize the identification of maize varieties, which provided a theoretical basis for maize variety classification and authenticity identification.
Synthesis of N‐Substituted Pyrrole‐2,5‐dicarboxylic Acids from Pyrroles
Authors: Jeshua Friedrichs Jan‐Simon , Schmermund Luca , Urmann Corinna , Sieber Volker
Published: April 2024

Pyrrole‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid (PDCA) is a heterocyclic aromatic dicarboxylic acid that may emerge as a new monomer for polyester production. Compared to its structurally related and bio‐based furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) that is already used for the production of polyethylene furanoate (PEF), PDCA shows excellent potential as its nitrogen can be targeted for further derivatization, thus enabling tuning of the properties of a PDCA containing polymer. In light of this, we recognized the need to explore efficient synthetic approaches for producing PDCAs in high yields. Here, we report a five‐step synthesis route for N‐substituted PDCAs starting from pyrrole, with total yields up to 42 %. The synthetic approach allowed the introduction of several different functional moieties to the pyrrole nitrogen, such as aliphatic saturated and unsaturated side‐chains, as well as benzylic groups.
Evaluating the effects of soil grain roughness and rill cross‐section shape on flow resistance
Authors: Di Stefano Costanza , Nicosia Alessio , Pampalone Vincenzo , Palmeri Vincenzo , Ferro Vito
Published: April 2024

The knowledge of the hydraulic characteristics of rill flows is needed to improve the understanding and the accurate modelling of upland erosion processes. Flume investigations are developed to schematize conditions useful to analyze the influence of a unique variable significant for modelling rill hydraulics, while field investigations are used to simulate morphological and hydraulic conditions of natural cases. The main aim of this investigation is to compare flow resistance measurements carried out using a rectangular rill channel (flume data) and manually generated and naturally shaped rills (plot data) for the same soils and hydraulic conditions. The two data sets allowed for establishing how the soil grain roughness and rill cross‐section shape affect flow resistance using a theoretical equation deduced by applying dimensional analysis and self‐similarity theory. The analysis developed for a fixed‐bed channel with a rectangular cross‐section demonstrated that the influence of different soil roughness on the Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor is approximately equal to ±1%, while for a rill with an irregular cross‐section the same effect is almost equal to ±2%. Therefore, for an open‐channel flow on a fixed bed, the effect of the grain size roughness on the friction factor is limited. For each examined soil, the investigation also demonstrated that the rill cross‐section shape leads to a variability of the friction factor from −20% to +30%. This result highlights that, for a fixed‐bed channel, the effect of the cross‐section shape on the Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor is much greater than that due to the soil grain size roughness. The main implication of this work is that the results deduced by laboratory measurements with regular cross‐sections, thus neglecting a complex geometry, can be affected by relevant discrepancies from those obtained by the field measurements, which better simulate natural conditions.
Assessing impacts of alternative land use strategies on water partitioning, storage and ages in drought‐sensitive lowland catchments using tracer‐aided ecohydrological modelling
Authors: Luo Shuxin , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Smith Aaron , Soulsby Chris
Published: April 2024

Continuing negative rainfall anomalies, coupled with climate change projections of increased drought severity and frequency, drive an urgent need to increase resilience and integration in land and water management strategies in many regions of the world. However, complex interactions between land cover change, ecohydrological partitioning and water availability are difficult to quantify, especially at different temporal and spatial scales. In conjunction with local stakeholders, we developed plausible, alternative land use scenarios (including forest diversification and agroforestry schemes) based on the existing four primary land use types (i.e., conifer and broadleaved forests, arable agriculture, and pasture) in a 66 km2 drought‐sensitive catchment in northern Germany. We used modelling to evaluate spatial and temporal changes in water flux partitioning, storage and ages. The spatially‐distributed, tracer‐aided ecohydrological model, EcH2O‐iso, calibrated using hydrometric, ecohydrological and isotopic data at daily time steps from 2007 to 2019 was used in this assessment. The results showed that replacing conifer forests with uneven‐aged mixed forests with younger broad‐leaved trees had the greatest potential for reducing total evapotranspiration and increasing groundwater recharge. For coniferous forests, a 50% increase in the proportion of broad‐leaved trees was projected to result in an 11% increase in groundwater recharge across the catchment. The mixed‐forest management alternatives also reduced groundwater turnover times, which would support more rapid recovery of soil moisture and groundwater stores following droughts. This study demonstrates that such an ecohydrological modelling approach has the potential to contribute useful science‐based evidence for policy makers allowing quantitative assessment of potential land use effects on water availability and effective communication with stakeholders.
CAR‐T‐cell products in solid tumors: Progress, challenges, and strategies
Authors: Qian Kewen , Li Guangyao , Zhang Shuyi , Fu Wenyan , Li Tian , Zhao Jian , Lei Changhai , Wang Yuqing , Hu Shi
Published: April 2024

T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with specificity toward tumor cells have led to promising outcomes in patients with hematological malignancies. Nevertheless, the application of CAR‐T cell therapy in solid tumors encounters several obstacles. These include tumor heterogeneity and immune escape, T cell exhaustion and restricted infiltration into the tumors that affect the therapeutic efficacy of CAR‐T cells, as well as “on‐target, off‐tumor” toxicities that can lead to severe and even fatal adverse events. In recent years, clinical trials and new approaches of CAR‐T cell therapy for solid tumors have made certain progress. Here, we update the outcomes of related clinical trials and summarize engineered strategies aiming to improve the efficacy and therapeutic safety of CAR‐T cells based on experimental and clinical studies.
A comparative study of CARE 2D and N2V 2D for tissue‐specific denoising in second harmonic generation imaging
Authors: Aghigh Arash , Jargot Gaëtan , Zaouter Charlotte , Preston Samuel E. J. , Mohammadi Melika Saadat , Ibrahim Heide , Del Rincón Sonia V. , Patten Kessen , Légaré François
Published: April 2024

This study explored the application of deep learning in second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, a rapidly growing area. This study focuses on the impact of glycerol concentration on image noise in SHG microscopy and compares two image restoration techniques: Noise‐to‐Void 2D (N2V 2D, no reference image restoration) and content‐aware image restoration (CARE 2D, full reference image restoration). We demonstrated that N2V 2D effectively restored the images affected by high glycerol concentrations. To reduce sample exposure and damage, this study further addresses low‐power SHG imaging by reducing the laser power by 70% using deep learning techniques. CARE 2D excels in preserving detailed structures, whereas N2V 2D maintains natural muscle structure. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of these models in specific SHG microscopy applications, offering valuable insights and potential advancements in the field .
Synovial fluid research based on SERS and SERRS for enhanced detection of biomarkers in staged osteoarthritis
Authors: Wu Jinjin , Dong Jiachun , Bao Yilin , Shang Linwei , Wu Qingxia , Yang Zichun , Wang Huijie , Yin Jianhua
Published: April 2024

Surface‐enhanced (resonance) Raman scattering (SER(R)S) can extremely enhance Raman intensity of samples, which is helpful for detecting synovial fluid (SF) that does not show Raman activity under normal conditions. In this study, SER(R)S spectra of SF from three different osteoarthritis (OA) stages were collected and analyzed for OA progress, finding that the content of collagen increased throughout the disease, while non‐collagen proteins and polysaccharides decreased sharply at advanced OA stage accompanied by the increase of phospholipid. The spectral features and differences were enhanced by salting‐out and centrifugation. Much more information on biomolecules at different OA stages was disclosed by using SERRS for the first time, these main trace components (β‐carotene, collagen, hyaluronic acid, nucleotide, and phospholipid) can be used as potential biomarkers. It indicates that SERRS has a more comprehensive ability to assist SERS in seeking micro(trace) biomolecules as biomarkers and facilitating accurate and efficient diagnosis and mechanism research of OA.
HIV knowledge and access to testing for people with and without disabilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries: evidence from 37 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys
Authors: Rotenberg Sara , Chen Shanquan , Hanass‐Hancock Jill , Davey Calum , Banks Lena Morgon , Kuper Hannah
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Disability and HIV are intricately linked, as people with disabilities are at higher risk of contracting HIV, and living with HIV can lead to impairments and disability. Despite this well‐established relationship, there remains limited internationally comparable evidence on HIV knowledge and access to testing for people with disabilities.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from 37 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Surveys were from six UNICEF regions, including East Asia and Pacific (n = 6), East and Central Asia (n = 7), Latin America and the Caribbean (n = 6), Middle East and North Africa (n = 4), South Asia (n = 2) and sub‐Saharan Africa (n = 12). A total of 513,252 people were eligible for inclusion, including 24,695 (4.8%) people with disabilities. We examined risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals for key indicators on HIV knowledge and access to testing for people with disabilities by sex and country. We also conducted a meta‐analysis to get a pooled estimate for each sex and indicator.

Results

Men and women with disabilities were less likely to have comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention (aRR: 0.74 [0.67, 0.81] and 0.75 [0.69, 0.83], respectively) and to know of a place to be tested for HIV (aRR: 0.95 [0.92, 0.99] and 0.94 [0.92, 0.97], respectively) compared to men and women without disabilities. Women with disabilities were also less likely to know how to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission (aRR: 0.87 [0.81, 0.93]) and ever have been tested for HIV (aRR: 0.90 [0.85, 0.94]).

Conclusions

Men and women with disabilities have lower overall HIV knowledge and in particular women with disabilities also indicate lower testing rates. Governments must include people with disabilities in HIV programmes by improving disability‐inclusion and accessibility to HIV‐related information, education and healthcare services.
Channel engineering for optimizing the electro‐thermal characteristics in p‐type GAA nanosheet transistors
Authors: Khaliq Afshan , Ali Munir , Mateen Muhammad , Huang Shihua
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we report simulation results for capacitance–voltage characteristics and temperature distribution in the cross‐section of p‐type gate‐all‐around nanosheet channel using an in‐house developed numerical simulator. The effects of material, channel width, and crystallographic orientation on electrical and thermal properties of p‐type nanosheet transistor are comprehensively investigated. The effect of channel engineering is analyzed, by evaluating density‐of‐states, hole density, current densities as well as distributions of temperature in the channel cross‐section. Finally, the thermal reliability of the device is addressed in terms of thermal resistance. The density‐of‐states and the hole density distribution at the oxide/channel interface can well explain the effective intrinsic capacitance obtained from the simulation. The better uniformity of the hole density distribution across the cross‐section of (110)/[001] channel, shows good promise for less performance fluctuation in terms of the thermal reliability issue.
Impact of FADS genotype on polyunsaturated fatty acid content in human milk extracellular vesicles: A genetic association study
Authors: Miklavcic John J. , Paterson Natalie , Hahn‐Holbrook Jennifer , Glynn Laura
Published: April 2024

Background

Extracellular vesicles in human milk are critical in supporting newborn growth and development. Bioavailability of dietary extracellular vesicles may depend on the composition of membrane lipids. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fatty acid desaturase gene cluster impact the content of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human milk phospholipids. This study investigated the relation between variation in FADS1 and FADS2 with the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in extracellular vesicles from human milk.

Methods

Milk was obtained from a cohort of mothers (N = 70) at 2–4 weeks of lactation. SNPs in the FADS gene locus were determined using pyrosequencing for rs174546 in FADS1 and rs174575 in FADS2. Quantitative lipidomic analysis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in human milk and extracellular vesicles from human milk was completed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

The rs174546 and rs174575 genotypes were independent predictors of the arachidonic acid content in extracellular vesicles. The rs174546 genotype also predicted eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in extracellular vesicles. The reduced content of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in extracellular vesicles in human milk may be due to lower fatty acid desaturase activity in mothers who are carriers of the A allele in rs174546 or the G allele in rs174575.

Conclusion

The polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of milk extracellular vesicles is predicted by the FADS genotype. These findings yield novel insights regarding extracellular vesicle content and composition that can inform the design of future research to explore how lipid metabolites impact the bioavailability of human milk extracellular vesicles.
Assessing and mapping cropland abandonment risk in China
Authors: Zeng Jie , Luo Ting , Chen Wanxu , Gu Tianci
Published: April 2024

Cropland abandonment (CA) in China worsens the human‐land conflict and endangers national food sustainability. Scientifically assessing cropland abandonment risk (CAR) can provide valuable information for early warning and prevention of CA. Despite the extensive literature on the identification, determinants, and consequences of CA, the research on CAR still needs to be improved, especially on a grid scale. Therefore, this study constructed an evaluation indicators system regarding farming conditions, socio‐economic, and patch characteristics and used optimal parametric geographical detector and structural equation modeling to assess the CAR in China from 2010 to 2020. The results show China's CAR decreased from west to east. Very high and high CAR areas were in plateaus and mountains in western China. Medium CAR areas were mainly in central and southeastern China. Very low and low CAR areas were mainly in the Sichuan Basin and eastern plains. In 2010, the high and medium CARs accounted for a larger share of the area, 24.814% and 24.759%, respectively. The area share of very low, low, and very high CAR was 19.294%, 19.501%, and 11.633%, respectively. By 2020, both low and very high CARs increased, while the opposite was true for other grades of CAR. Very high CAR increased most evidently in the Loess Plateau. Although high CAR decreased, 43,327 km2 of medium CAR was converted to high CAR. CAR's centers of gravity in China were located at the junction of the Loess Plateau and the Huang‐Huai‐Hai Plain and have shifted to the northwest by 5445.34 m. The findings will assist stakeholders in developing targeted cropland protection strategies to prevent CA and efficiently allocate resources for agricultural production.
Influence of groundwater table depth on the evolution of saline‐alkali land in a coastal area
Authors: Gao Hui , Fu Tonggang , Wang Feng , Zhang Mei , Qi Fei , Liu Jintong
Published: April 2024

The groundwater table depth, which is typically shallow in coastal areas, is one of the decisive conditions impacting soil salinization. The influence mechanism of shaollow groundwater table depth change on the evolution of saline‐alkali land is still unclear.  In this study, Huanghua City, a coastal city of the Bohai Sea in China, was selected as the research area, and four wells with groundwater table depths ranging from shallow to deep were studied. The groundwater table depth was divided into three levels based on the average groundwater table depth over 30 years, namely shallow, medium, and deep. We analyzed the influence of changes in groundwater table depth in each well on the evolution of saline‐alkali land within a radius of 2 km. The results showed that changes in groundwater table depth did not cause conversion between saline‐alkali land grades in shallow areas, whereas, in medium‐depth areas, changes in groundwater table depth caused conversion among saline‐alkali land grades. In deep areas, changes in groundwater table depth did not affect the conversion of moderate/heavy saline‐alkali land to non‐mild saline‐alkali land. The lower limit and upper limit of the groundwater table depth response threshold of saline‐alkali land were found to be 1.35 and 3.58 m, respectively, in this coastal area. When the groundwater table depth of saline‐alkali land remains lower than 1.35 m for a long period, it will become heavily salinized, one appropriate treatment measure in this instance is to plant saline‐alkali tolerant plants beacause improving saline‐alkali land by reducing the groundwater table depth is a challenge. When the groundwater table depth of saline‐alkali land remains greater than 3.58 m for a long period, changes in groundwater table depth will not influence the gradual reduction of salinization, the saline‐alkali land should be properly irrigated and drained to avoid secondary salinization caused by the groundwater level rising to the upper limit of the response threshold. When the water depth in saline‐alkali land remains between 1.35 and 3.58 m for a long time, the degree of salinization will change with the change in water depth, the underground water depth can be reduced under a subsurface drainage system in order to treat the saline‐alkali land. The research results can provide a scientific basis for improvement of saline‐alkali land.
Plankton blooms over the annual cycle shape trophic interactions under climate change
Authors: Jan Kinlan M. G. , Serandour Baptiste , Walve Jakob , Winder Monika
Published: April 2024

Understanding species phenology and temporal co‐occurrence across trophic levels is essential to assess anthropogenic impacts on ecological interactions. We analyzed 15 yr of monitoring data to identify trends and drivers of timing and magnitude of bloom‐forming phytoplankton and diverse zooplankton taxa in the central Baltic Sea. We show that the timings of phytoplankton blooms advance, whereas crustacean zooplankton seasonal timings remain constant. This increasing offset with the spring bloom is linked to the decline of Pseudocalanus, a key copepod sustaining pelagic fish production. The majority of copepod and cladoceran taxa, however, are co‐occurring with summer blooms. We also find new developing fall blooms, fueling secondary production later in the season. Our study highlights that response to climate change differs within and between functional groups, stressing the importance of investigating plankton phenologies over the entire annual cycle in pelagic systems.
Semi‐Interpenetrated Polymer Networks Based on PHEMA and Modified Chitosan as a Potential Bactericide Hydrogel for Wound‐Healing
Authors: Ayón Mirian A. González , Hoppenstedt Alejandro Mena , López Arturo Zizumbo , Sarabia Johanna Bernaldez , Claverie Angel Licea , Urías María Alejandra González
Published: April 2024

A series of crosslinked hydrogel are developed to evaluate their applicability as efficient carriers for sustained release of ciprofloxacin (CFX) with bactericidal activity. The hydrogels are prepared from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and carboxymethyl‐chitosan (CMCS) using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker to yield a semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (semi‐IPNs) by a photoinitiated chemical method. Molecular weight and concentration of CMCS in the network are varied to optimize its properties as a wound dressing. PHEMA‐CMCS semi‐IPNs (HC‐IPNs) are characterized by their swelling ratio (Q), glass transition temperature (Tg), Young's moduli by mechanical compression submerged in water at different pHs at 37 °C, CFX delivery mimicking skin conditions, cell viability, biodegradability study and by their antibacterial activity. Results show that addition of CMCS results in pH sensitive behavior. HC‐IPNs show thermal reinforcement, and they are softer materials as compared to plain PHEMA hydrogels when submerged in water. The in vitro release of CFX suggests that the HC‐IPNs release the drug continuously up to 50 h. Unloaded HC‐IPNs show inhibition effects against Escherichia coli strain and show bacteriostatic effects against Staphylococcus aureus strain. Results suggest that HC‐IPNs probably be a potential candidate that can be applied as wound dressing for topical CFX controlled delivery.
Pricing strategies considering online reviews in a dual‐channel supply chain
Authors: Zhao Huan‐huan , Xu Jing‐yu
Published: April 2024

Accompanied by the surge in online consumption, increasing online reviews exert more and more significant effects on pricing decisions, as well as the restructuring and profit redistribution of supply chains. To analyze the impact of online reviews, we develop a two‐stage model of the retailer's rebate strategy, examine how the retailer's rebate affects online reviews, the consumer's perceived utility, and the retailer's profits, and discuss the optional pricing strategies.
Dietary Supplementation with Nervonic Acid Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Modulating of Gut Microbiota Composition‐Fecal Metabolites Interaction
Authors: Zhou Hui , Chen Ziyi , Li Jingbin , Wang Rongjin , Bu Hongshi , Ruan Chengjiang
Published: April 2024

Scope

Cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury stands as a prominent global contributor to disability and mortality. Nervonic acid (NA), a bioactive elongated monounsaturated fatty acid, holds pivotal significance in human physiological well‐being. This research aims to explore the prophylactic effects and fundamental mechanisms of NA in a rat model of cerebral IR injury.

Methods and results

Through the induction of middle cerebral artery occlusion, this study establishes a rat model of cerebral IR injury and comprehensively assesses the pharmacodynamic impacts of NA pretreatment. This evaluation involves behavioral analyses, histopathological examinations, and quantification of serum markers. Detailed mechanisms of nervonic acid's prophylactic effects are revealed through fecal metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing analyses. Our findings robustly support nervonic acid's capacity to ameliorate neurological impairments in rats afflicted with cerebral IR injury. Beyond its neurological benefits, NA demonstrates its potential by rectifying metabolic perturbations across diverse pathways, particularly those pertinent to unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Additionally, NA emerges as a modulator of gut microbiota composition, notably by selectively enhancing vital genera likeLactobacillus.

Conclusion

These comprehensive findings highlight the potential of incorporating NA as a functional component in dietary interventions aimed at targeting cerebral IR injury.
Maternal Brown Rice Diet during Pregnancy Promotes Adipose Tissue Browning in Offspring via Reprogramming PKA Signaling and DNA Methylation
Authors: Xue Lamei , Sun Juan , Sun Yujie , Wang Yu , Zhang Kuiliang , Fan Mingcong , Qian Haifeng , Li Yan , Wang Li
Published: April 2024

Scope

Brown rice, the most consumed food worldwide, has been shown to possess beneficial effects on the prevention of metabolic diseases. However, the way in which maternal brown rice diet improves metabolism in offspring and the regulatory mechanisms remains unclear. The study explores the epigenetic regulation of offspring energy metabolic homeostasis by maternal brown rice diet during pregnancy.

Methods and results

Female mice are fed brown rice during pregnancy, and then body phenotypes, the histopathological analysis, and adipose tissues biochemistry assay of offspring mice are detected. It is found that maternal brown rice diet significantly reduces body weight and fat mass, increases energy expenditure and heat production in offspring. Maternal brown rice diet increases uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) protein level and upregulates the mRNA expression of thermogenic genes in adipose tissues. Mechanistically, protein kinase A (PKA) signaling is likely responsible in the induced thermogenic program in offspring adipocytes, and the progeny adipocytes browning program is altered due to decreased level of DNA methyltransferase 1 protein and hypomethylation of the transcriptional coregulator positive regulatory domain containing 16 (PRDM16).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that maternal brown rice during pregnancy improves offspring mice metabolic homeostasis via promoting adipose browning, and its mechanisms may be mediated by DNA methylation reprogramming.