bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some geometric properties of the Padovan vectors in Euclidean 3-space
Authors:   Bitlis Eren University, Korkmaz Serdar , Kuşak Samancı Hatice ,   Bitlis Eren University
Published: December 2023

Padovan numbers were defined by Stewart (1996) in honor of the modern architect Richard Padovan (1935) and were first discovered in 1924 by Gerard Cordonnier. Padovan numbers are a special status of Tribonacci numbers with initial conditions and general terms. The ratio between Padovan numbers is one of the important algebraic numbers because it produces plastic numbers. Up to now, various studies have been conducted on Padovan numbers and Padovan polynomial sequences. In this study, Padovan vectors are defined for the first time by using the Padovan Binet-like formula and reduction relation. Then, geometric properties of Padovan vectors such as inner product, norm, and vector products are analyzed. In the last part of the study, Padovan vectors were calculated with Binet formulas in the Geogebra program. In addition, the first ten Padovan numbers and Padovan vectors were calculated using the Binet formulas and shown as points and vectors in three-dimensional space. According to the Padovan vectors found, the Padovan curve was drawn in space for the first time by using the curve fitting feature of the Geogebra program. Thus, with our study, a geometric approach to Padovan number sequences was brought for the first time.
Passive exposure to task-relevant stimuli enhances categorization learning
Authors: Schmid Christian , Haziq Muhammad , Baese-Berk Melissa M. , Murray James M. , Jaramillo Santiago
Published: December 2023

Learning to perform a perceptual decision task is generally achieved through sessions of effortful practice with feedback. Here, we investigated how passive exposure to task-relevant stimuli, which is relatively effortless and does not require feedback, influences active learning. First, we trained mice in a sound-categorization task with various schedules combining passive exposure and active training. Mice that received passive exposure exhibited faster learning, regardless of whether this exposure occurred entirely before active training or was interleaved between active sessions. We next trained neural-network models with different architectures and learning rules to perform the task. Networks that use the statistical properties of stimuli to enhance separability of the data via unsupervised learning during passive exposure provided the best account of the behavioral observations. We further found that, during interleaved schedules, there is an increased alignment between weight updates from passive exposure and active training, such that a few interleaved sessions can be as effective as schedules with long periods of passive exposure before active training, consistent with our behavioral observations. These results provide key insights for the design of efficient training schedules that combine active learning and passive exposure in both natural and artificial systems.
EphrinB2 knockdown in cervical spinal cord preserves diaphragm innervation in a mutant SOD1 mouse model of ALS
Authors: Urban Mark W. , Charsar Brittany A. , Heinsinger Nicolette M. , Markandaiah Shashirekha S. , Sprimont Lindsay , Zhou Wei , Brown Eric V. , Henderson Nathan T. , Thomas Samantha J. , Ghosh Biswarup , Cain Rachel E. , Trotti Davide , Pasinelli Piera , Wright Megan C. , Dalva Matthew B. , Lepore Angelo C.
Published: December 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss. Importantly, non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes also play significant roles in disease pathogenesis. However, mechanisms of astrocyte contribution to ALS remain incompletely understood. Astrocyte involvement suggests that transcellular signaling may play a role in disease. We examined contribution of transmembrane signaling molecule ephrinB2 to ALS pathogenesis, in particular its role in driving motor neuron damage by spinal cord astrocytes. In symptomatic SOD1
G93A
mice (a well-established ALS model), ephrinB2 expression was dramatically increased in ventral horn astrocytes. Reducing ephrinB2 in the cervical spinal cord ventral horn via viral-mediated shRNA delivery reduced motor neuron loss and preserved respiratory function by maintaining phrenic motor neuron innervation of diaphragm. EphrinB2 expression was also elevated in human ALS spinal cord. These findings implicate ephrinB2 upregulation as both a transcellular signaling mechanism in mutant SOD1-associated ALS and a promising therapeutic target.
Extramacrochaetae regulates Notch signaling in the Drosophila eye through non-apoptotic caspase activity
Authors: Nair Sudershana , Baker Nicholas E.
Published: December 2023

Many cell fate decisions are determined transcriptionally. Accordingly, some fate specification is prevented by Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins that interfere with certain master regulatory transcription factors. We report that the
Drosophila
Id protein Extra macrochaetae (Emc) also affects developmental decisions by regulating caspase activity. Emc, which prevents proneural bHLH transcription factors from specifying neural cell fate, also prevents homodimerization of another bHLH protein, Daughterless (Da), and thereby maintains expression of the
Death-Associated Inhibitor of Apoptosis
(
diap1
) gene. Multiple effects of
emc
mutations, on cell growth and on eye development, were all caused by reduced Diap1 levels and corresponding activation of caspases. These effects included growth of unspecified imaginal disc cells, acceleration of the morphogenetic furrow, failure of R7 photoreceptor cell specification, and delayed differentiation of non-neuronal cone cells. Within
emc
mutant eye clones, morphogenetic furrow speed was increased by elevated Notch signaling, while decreased Notch signaling inhibited R7 specification and cone cell differentiation. This was all due to caspase-dependent increase in levels of Delta protein, a transmembrane ligand that both trans- activates and cis-inhibits Notch. Thus,
emc
mutations reveal the importance of restraining caspase activity, even in non-apoptotic cells, to prevent abnormal development.
BMP signalling facilitates transit amplification in the developing chick and human cerebellum
Authors: Rook Victoria , Haldipur Parthiv , Millen Kathleen J , Butts Thomas , Wingate Richard J
Published: December 2023

The external granule layer (EGL) is a transient proliferative layer that gives rise to cerebellar granule cell neurons. Extensive EGL proliferation characterises the foliated structure of amniote cerebella, but the factors that regulate EGL formation, amplification within it, and differentiation from it, are incompletely understood. Here, we characterise bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signalling during cerebellar development in chick and human and show that while in chick BMP signalling correlates with external granule layer formation, in humans BMP signalling is maintained throughout the external granule layer after the onset of foliation. We also show via Immunohistochemical labelling of phosphorylated Smad1/5/9 the comparative spatiotemporal activity of BMP signalling in chick and human. Using
in-ovo
electroporation in chick, we demonstrate that BMP signalling is necessary for subpial migration of granule cell precursors and hence the formation of the external granule layer (EGL) prior to transit amplification. However, altering BMP signalling does not block the formation of mature granule neurons but significantly disrupts that pattern of morphological transitions that accompany transit amplification. Our results elucidate two key, temporally distinct roles for BMP signalling
in vivo
in organising first the assembly of the EGL from the rhombic lip and subsequently the tempo of granule neuron production within the EGL.
A high-throughput platform for single-molecule tracking identifies drug interaction and cellular mechanisms
Authors: McSwiggen David T. , Liu Helen , Tan Ruensern , Puig Sebastia Agramunt , Akella Lakshmi B. , Berman Russell , Bretan Mason , Chen Hanzhe , Darzacq Xavier , Ford Kelsey , Godbey Ruth , Gonzalez Eric , Hanuka Adi , Heckert Alec , Ho Jaclyn J. , Johnson Stephanie L. , Kelso Reed , Klammer Aaron , Krishnamurthy Ruchira , Li Jifu , Lin Kevin , Margolin Brian , McNamara Patrick , Meyer Laurence , Pierce Sarah E. , Sule Akshay , Stashko Connor , Tang Yangzhong , Anderson Daniel J. , Beck Hilary P.
Published: December 2023

The regulation of cell physiology depends largely upon interactions of functionally distinct proteins and cellular components. These interactions may be transient or long-lived, but often affect protein motion. Measurement of protein dynamics within a cellular environment, particularly while perturbing protein function with small molecules, may enable dissection of key interactions and facilitate drug discovery; however, current approaches are limited by throughput with respect to data acquisition and analysis. As a result, studies using super-resolution imaging are typically drawing conclusions from tens of cells and a few experimental conditions tested. We addressed these limitations by developing a high-throughput single-molecule tracking (htSMT) platform for pharmacologic dissection of protein dynamics in living cells at an unprecedented scale (capable of imaging > 10
6
cells/day and screening > 10
4
compounds). We applied htSMT to measure the cellular dynamics of fluorescently tagged estrogen receptor (ER) and screened a diverse library to identify small molecules that perturbed ER function in real time. With this one experimental modality, we determined the potency, pathway selectivity, target engagement, and mechanism action for identified hits. Kinetic htSMT experiments were capable of distinguishing between on-target and on-pathway modulators of ER signaling. Integrated pathway analysis recapitulated the network of known ER interaction partners and suggested potentially novel, kinase-mediated regulatory mechanisms. The sensitivity of htSMT revealed a new correlation between ER dynamics and the ability of ER antagonists to suppress cancer cell growth. Therefore, measuring protein motion at scale is a powerful method to investigate dynamic interactions among proteins and may facilitate the identification and characterization of novel therapeutics.
A single pair of pharyngeal neurons functions as a commander to reject high salt in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sang Jiun , Dhakal Subash , Shrestha Bhanu , Nath Dharmendra Kumar , Kim Yunjung , Ganguly Anindya , Montell Craig , Lee Youngseok
Published: December 2023

Salt is a crucial for survival, while excessive NaCl can be detrimental. In the fruit fly,
Drosophila melanogaster
, an internal taste organ, the pharynx, is a critical gatekeeper impacting the decision to accept or reject a food. Currently, our understanding of the mechanism through which pharyngeal gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) sense high salt are rudimentary. Here, we found that a member of the ionotropic receptor family, IR60b, is exclusively expressed in a pair of GRNs activated by high salt. Using a two-way choice assay (DrosoX) to measure ingestion, we demonstrate that IR60b and two coreceptors IR25a and IR76b, are required to prevent high salt consumption. Mutants lacking external taste organs but retaining the pharynx exhibit much higher salt avoidance than flies with all taste organs but missing the three IRs. Our findings highlight the critical role for IRs in a pair of pharyngeal GRNs to control ingestion of high salt.
Complete chloroplast genome of Atractylodes japonica native to the Korean Peninsula and Atractylodes species identification challenges
Authors: Choi Hong-Il , Lee Gileung , Ryu Jaihyunk , Wan Park Jae , Hoon Kim Sang
Published: December 2023

Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex. Kitam. (Asteraceae) is a perennial plant, of which the dried rhizome has been utilized as a traditional herbal medicine in East Asia. Here, we sequenced and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of A. japonica native to Korea. The circular genome was 153,207 bp in length and was composed of a large single-copy region (84,256 bp), a small single-copy region (18,657 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (25,147 bp each). The annotation and manual curation of genes predicted a total of 114 genes, of which 80 were classified as protein-coding genes, 30 were transfer ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes, and 4 were ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis using 13 genomes from 6 Atractylodes species showed intermingled clustering of 9 genomes from 4 species, A. chinensis, A. japonica, A. koreana, and A. lancea, indicating ambiguity in their taxonomic identification.
ДОЛИНА ГЕЙЗЕРОВ НА КАМЧАТКЕ: РЕЛЬЕФООБРАЗОВАНИЕ В УСЛОВИЯХ
ГИДРОТЕРМАЛЬНОГО ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Лебедева Е.В. , Завадская А.В.
Published: December 2023

Памяти геологов Виктора Михайловича Сугробова и Владимира Леонидовича Леонова, чей вклад в изучение Долины гейзеров трудно переоценить.
Assessment of Auditory Brainstem Response in Infants Suffering from Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: ElBaioumy Nesma Ghareeb , ElShehaby Walid Ahmed , ElGharib Amany Mohammed , Morad Lamia , ElToukhy Abeer Abdelrahman
Published: December 2023

Background: Congenital heart defects are the singular most common congenital anomalies and account for a significant fraction of childhood mortality and morbidity. Hearing impairment was the most frequent sensory deficit. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was determined to assess the maturation and function of brainstem, and hence, hearing in infants. Therefore, we used ABR for hearing assessment in infants diagnosed with congenital heart disease.

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 infants, below or above the age of 12 months, both sexes, with CHD. Infants were furtherly divided into two equal groups: Group A with a cyanotic infant, and group B with cyanotic infants. All patients were subjected to Echocardiography.

Results: 20% of our cases to be affected with varying degrees of hearing loss. No significant difference was found between the cyanotic and a cyanotic infant. However, cyanotic infants below 12 months had higher incidence of hearing loss when compared to those above the age of 12 months; whether the cyanotic or the cyanotic peers.

Conclusions: High prevalence of hearing loss amongst patients with CHD warrants the addition of those patients to the high-risk registry for hearing loss, in order that they may benefit from early detection and intervention, and ergo protected against the affection of hearing impairment on their neurodevelopment. Routine follow-ups for patients with cyanotic heart disease from the age of 6 months to assess the effect of chronic hypoxemia on the inner ear and monitor the rate of improvement in ABR results, as to establish an accepted rate of improvement, and an appropriate time of intervention, if needed.
Ethno-Botanical Survey: Exploring Indigenous Remedies for African Animal Trypanosomosis in Nigeria
Authors: Shehu Makoshi Micah , Elisha Ishaku Leo , Adeoye Bisi Olajumoke , Arowolo R. O. A.
Published: December 2023

The Fulani pastoralist of Nigeria and other indigenous livestock farmers have used medicinal plants to treat various animal diseases for centuries, amongst which include the African animal trypanosomosis (AAT). It is a severe debilitating parasitic disease of livestock and some wild animal species. It is caused by pathogenic Trypanosomes and transmitted by Tsetse flies. It causes severe economic losses to livestock farmers in Africa. In this study, an ethno-botanical survey was conducted in the Tsetse-endemic areas of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States of Nigeria to identify medicinal plants used traditionally to treat AAT. During the study, eighty questionnaires were administered to the respondents who were predominantly Fulani pastoralists, and other indigenous livestock farmers. seventy-eight questioners were fully completed and retrieved. The study revealed that that most of the respondents have retained the tradition knowledge system of medicinal plants passed down to them for generations. The study revealed various herbal preparation methods employed by indigenous Nigerian livestock farmers, including decoctions, infusions, and incorporating plant material into feed. Fifteen medicinal plants species belonging to 13 families were identified to be used by Nigerian pastoralist for the treatment AAT. These included Khaya senegalensis (28.2%), Azadirachta indica (25.6%), Boswellia dalziellii (23%), Prosopis africana (23%), Anogeisus leocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides (21.8%), Adansonia digitata and Annona senegalensis (19.2%), Pilostigma thoningii (16.7%), Nauclea latifolia (15.0%).  Balanites aegyptiaca (12.5%). Eucalyptus torelliana (11.5%), Tamarindus indica (10.3%), Ximenia americana (9%) and Guiera senegalensis 7.7%).

Conclusions: The information obtained from this study and the medicinal plants identified can be harnessed for the development of plant-based medicaments for the treatment of AAT.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Climate-Resilient Rice Varieties in Building Adaptive Capacity for Small-Scale Farming Communities in Assam
Authors: Dutta Pompi , Mahanta Nayan Jyoti , Konwar Milon Jyoti , Chetia Sanjay Kumar
Published: December 2023

Rice crop in Assam constitutes a significant portion of the cultivated area, covering around sixty percent of the total area. The state, like many others, confronts the repercussions of climate change, notably evident in recurrent floods that impact agricultural lands. The shifting climate, marked by rising temperatures and increased rainy days, poses threats to crop production. Despite witnessing overall productivity growth, the state grapples with persistent challenges related to flood-induced losses. In response to this, climate-resilient rice varieties were developed to withstand submergence. This study delves into the assessment of the impact of these climate-resilient rice varieties on yield, income, and adoption among farmers. Concentrating on Golaghat and Sivasagar districts, where 106 farmers were interviewed, the research addresses the prevalent challenges in rice cultivation due to changing rainfall patterns. The introduced varieties underwent demonstration in plots, and their effects on yield, income, and adoption were comprehensively evaluated. The study additionally scrutinized the technology and extension gaps in the area, utilizing various indices such as the technology gap, extension gap, technology index, and benefit-cost ratio to measure the efficacy of the introduced varieties. The findings of the study highlight disparities between recommended agricultural practices and the actual methods employed by farmers. Despite these challenges, the introduction of climate-resilient varieties resulted in a noteworthy increase in yield. Economic analysis revealed enhanced profitability from B:C ratio of 0.43 to1.06 and positive changes in economic indicators. The adoption and horizontal spread of these varieties were substantial, with a significant rise from 106 to 378 in the number of adopters and expanded cultivation areas. Overall, the study emphasizes the success of climate-resilient rice varieties in augmenting yield, income, and adoption among farmers. The positive economic changes, coupled with heightened awareness, underscore the importance of promoting such varieties. The study advocates for sustained efforts in disseminating climate-resilient varieties, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing farmers' climate resilience. Addressing the identified discrepancies in agricultural practices emerges as a crucial step toward fostering sustainability and optimizing crop yield in the region.
Characterization of the Hydrological Balance and Assessment of the Recharge of Fractured Aquifers in the Context of Climatic Variability in Siguiri
Authors: Kourouma Moriba , Sidibe Diaka , Kourouma Mory , Keita Daouda , Soro Gbombele , Soro Nagnin
Published: December 2023

Climate change in the Siguiri prefecture is having a considerable impact on the water balance. With the aim of determining the hydrological balance and the quantity infiltrated into the aquifers, groundwater resources can be assessed. To carry out the study, we focused our analyses on climatic parameters (rainfall, temperature), which led to the determination of groundwater recharge in the aquifers. We found an average temperature of 26°C, with a maximum temperature of 39°C in April. The minimum temperature from December to January was 13°C. Rainfall during the dry season (November, December, January, February, March and April) was 54 mm. The average rainfall during the wet season (May, June, July, August, September, October) is 1142 mm. The imbalance in the water balance is explained by the amount of water infiltrated (41 mm or 3% of rainfall). This value, which represents a volume of 717.5 million m3 per year, is deemed sufficient to meet the needs of the population of Siguiri (695,449 inhabitants with a growth rate of 3%). Groundwater resources have been affected by rainfall deficits and variability in groundwater levels over the last forty (40) years (1980-2020) in the various localities in the study area. Precipitation water runs off (90%) more than it infiltrates (3%) into the aquifer horizons of the Siguiri prefecture, making access to drinking water difficult during the dry season for the population of Siguiri.
Integrated Management of Charcoal Rot and Its Influence on Seed Yield and Quality in Soybean
Authors: Patidar Shubham , Yadav Vijay Kumar , Amrate Pawan K. , Lovewanshi Laxman Singh , Karoda Chetan , Kharte Sanjay , Kurmi Swarna
Published: December 2023

Charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) causes high grain yield loss in major soybean-growing nations worldwide. The present study aimed to reveal the effect of stage-wise charcoal rot incidence and their root and stem severity index on the yield criteria of soybean varieties. Additionally, an attempt was made to derive integrated management practices and their influence on seed quality. All the twelve varieties were affected by charcoal rot, and its incidence and root and stem severity index were high in Shivalik (48.5% and 3.7, respectively). In yield estimation, the percentage of yield loss ranged from 8.7% (JS 20-98) to 53.9% (Shivalik). Percent yield loss had a strong significant positive relation with percent incidence (0.912**) and Root and Stem severity index (0.813**) of charcoal rot. Seed treatment of Penflufen 13.28% + Trifloxystrobin 13.28 % FS @ 1ml/kg followed by spraying of tebuconazole 25% EC @ 0.1 % spraying at 45,60,75 days was significantly superior in reducing charcoal rot (19.7%) in comparison to untreated (37.3%). The highest seed germination (80.0 %) and least association with M. phaseolina (13.33%), Aspergillus flavus (3.33%), Fusarium sp., (13.34%) in comparison to control (50, 36.67, 23.33 and 36.67 %, respectively) were also resulted from the seed obtained from above treatment. In bioagent, seed treatment of T. harzianum @ 10 gm/kg followed by foliar spray of tebuconazole 25% EC @ 0.1% at 45,60,75 days was the second-best combination among all treatments in all respects. The effect of these fungicides and bio agents as seed treatment also improved the number of branches, pods, 100 seed weight and yield. Hence, these combinations could be applied to minimize charcoal rot and yield losses in soybean.
Comparative Analysis of Capsicum Cultivation under Different Protected Structures
Authors: Manjunatha M. K.  , Babu B Maheshwara , Ramesh G.  , Reddy G. V. Srinivasa , Kulkarani Prasad S.
Published: December 2023

The present study was carried out to evaluate the capsicum under various protected structures such as Close shade net, Poly house, Sides open shade net, and open fields. The experiment was carried out at the Soil and Water Conservation Engineering research areas at College of Agricultural Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur during 2021-22. The result showed that plant height of capsicum was maximum (65 cm) at 120 DAT under polyhouse and minimum in open field condition (30 cm). The capsicum fruit weight was found to be maximum in Playhouse (60 g) and minimum in open field condition (49.50 g). The capsicum fruit rind thickness was found to be maximum in polyhouse (0.91 cm) and minimum in open field condition was (0.74 cm). The capsicum fruit yield per plant was found to be maximum in Poly house, (2.28 kg) and minimum in Open field condition (0.90 kg). The capsicum fruit yield per ha was (50.66 t ha-1) in the poly house and (20.10 t ha-1) in the open field environment. The volume of water applied through drip irrigation at (80% ET) was maximum in the closed shade net (335.63 mm), followed by the open field (277.20 mm). The maximum WUE was recorded in polyhouse (21.22 kg m-3) followed by side open shade net (9.92 kg m-3), closed shade net (9.66 kg m-3) and open field (7.25 kg m-3).
Esthetic Rehabilitation of Spaced Maxillary Anterior Teeth Using a Fully Digitized 3D Guide Technique: A Case Report
Authors: Thejashree N.  , Vanamala N.  , Prasad B. S. Keshava
Published: December 2023

This case report explores the successful closure of diastema spaces through the integration of digital scanners and the injection moulding technique using a flowable composite material. Digital impressions were obtained using intraoral scanners, providing precise 3D models of the patient's dentition. The digital workflow facilitated meticulous treatment planning and customization of the space closure using computer-aided design (CAD) software. A flowable composite material was selected for its adaptability and aesthetic qualities. The significance of complete digitization in the field of aesthetic dentistry, offering a highly accurate and efficient solution for diastema closure. The integration of digital scanners and injection moulding techniques allows for a minimally invasive, patient-centric approach that preserves natural tooth structure while achieving optimal aesthetic enhancement.
NO Dissociation on Platinum and Platinum-Rhodium Alloy: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Vu Khanh Bao , Phung Khoa Thanh , Thong Le Hoang , Linh Bui Thi , Huyen Nguyen Ngoc
Published: December 2023

In this computational study, the preferential adsorption and co-adsorption sites of various chemical species (N, O, and NO) on the Pt (111) and Rh3Pt (111) surfaces were identified. The preferential adsorption site for NO and co-adsorption sites for N and O on the Pt (111) surface are the hollow (fcc) sites; and these on the Rh3Pt (111) surface are the hollow (fcc1) site and hollow N(hcp2)-O(fcc1) sites, respectively. The activation energies of the NO dissociation reaction on the Pt (111) and Rh3Pt (111) catalytic surfaces are 2.35 and 2.02 eV, respectively. The lower activation energy of the NO decomposition on the Rh3Pt (111) surface is explained by the stronger back-donation from the 4d orbital of the Rh atoms to the 2π* anti-bonding orbital of the NO molecule. The activation energies of the N and O recombination reaction on the Pt (111) and Rh3Pt (111) catalytic surfaces are 1.51 and 2.30 eV, respectively. The study indicates that the Rh3Pt (111) surface not only facilitates the NO decomposition but also better prevents N and O from recombination. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
“Three‐in‐One”: A New Hg‐Based Selenide Hg7P2Se12 Exhibiting Wide Infrared Transparency Range and Strong Nonlinear Optical Effect
Authors: Chu Yu , Wang Hongshan , Chen Quan , Su Xin , Chen Zuxin , Yang Zhihua , Li Junjie , Pan Shilie
Published: December 2023

The exploration of high‐performance mid‐ and far‐infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals is an urgent need. Herein, a new Hg‐based selenide Hg7P2Se12 (HPSe) is designed and synthesized by a rigid and flexible units coupled strategy. It is interesting that in the compound, three types of NLO‐active units, including linear [HgSe2], triangular [HgSe3], and tetrahedral (MSe4) (M = Hg/P) groups, simultaneously exist. It shows a wide transparency range (0.84–22.8 µm), large SHG response (1 × AGS), high laser‐induced damage threshold (≈2 × AGS), and a large birefringence (0.102 @ 2090 nm). Moreover, the compound melts congruently along with good crystal growth habits, and single crystals with a maximum size of ≈7 × 5 × 2 mm3 are obtained. Theoretical analyses confirm that the large NLO response originates from the synergistic effects of Hg–Se units, (PSe4) and nonbonding electrons. The results indicate that HPSe is a promising mid‐ and far‐IR NLO material, and inspire a path to finding new classes of IR NLO materials that are different from traditional chalcopyrite materials by grouping the linear, planar, and tetrahedral units.
Ultra‐Sensitive and Unlabeled SERS Nanosheets for Specific Identification of Glucose in Body Fluids
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Yuting , Lv Xiaoming , Jiang Shen , Jiang Shuang , Sun Zhongqi , Zhang Mingxu , Li Yang
Published: December 2023

The detection of biomolecules utilizing surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is highly trending in research, but the unlabeled and sensitive detection of saccharides in body fluids is challenging. Here, a novel SERS substrate (AgNS600) is fabricated by physical scratching of smooth silver sheets, which successfully achieves enhanced SERS fingerprinting by capturing glucose molecules through nanoscale grooves on the surface of the substrate to form multi‐dimensional “hot spot” regions. The platform proves to be rapid, reliable, and reproducible, with a lower detection limit of 0.5 amol L−1 in deionized water. Further detection of multiple monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and mix samples, which are distinguished with machine learning and heat map, demonstrates the versatility and specificity of the platform. Importantly, real samples are explored and the results show that the platform is able to detect and recognize SERS signals of glucose in the blood, urine, tears, and perspiration, and non‐destructive predict diabetes by analyzing the signal intensity of different characteristic peaks. In this work, it is the first non‐chemical, unlabeled determination of glucose with high sensitivity via SERS, which provides a potential strategy for advancing the clinical development of SERS technology and the early diagnosis of glucose metabolic diseases.
Impaired Neurovascular Coupling and Increased Functional Connectivity in the Frontal Cortex Predict Age‐Related Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Mukli Peter , Pinto Camila B. , Owens Cameron D. , Csipo Tamas , Lipecz Agnes , Szarvas Zsofia , Peterfi Anna , Langley Ana Clara da Costa Pinaffi , Hoffmeister Jordan , Racz Frigyes Samuel , Perry Jonathan W. , Tarantini Stefano , Nyúl‐Tóth Ádám , Sorond Farzaneh A. , Yang Yuan , James Judith A. , Kirkpatrick Angelia C. , Prodan Calin I. , Toth Peter , Galindo Juliette , Gardner Andrew W. , Sonntag William E. , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan , Yabluchanskiy Andriy
Published: December 2023

Impaired cerebrovascular function contributes to the genesis of age‐related cognitive decline. In this study, the hypothesis is tested that impairments in neurovascular coupling (NVC) responses and brain network function predict cognitive dysfunction in older adults. Cerebromicrovascular and working memory function of healthy young (n = 21, 33.2±7.0 years) and aged (n = 30, 75.9±6.9 years) participants are assessed. To determine NVC responses and functional connectivity (FC) during a working memory (n‐back) paradigm, oxy‐ and deoxyhemoglobin concentration changes from the frontal cortex using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy are recorded. NVC responses are significantly impaired during the 2‐back task in aged participants, while the frontal networks are characterized by higher local and global connection strength, and dynamic FC (p < 0.05). Both impaired NVC and increased FC correlate with age‐related decline in accuracy during the 2‐back task. These findings suggest that task‐related brain states in older adults require stronger functional connections to compensate for the attenuated NVC responses associated with working memory load.
Toward Low‐Temperature Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Strategy, Progress, and Prospect in Vanadium‐Based Cathodes
Authors: Jia Lujie , Hu Hongfei , Cheng Xiaomin , Dong Hao , Li Huihua , Zhang Yongzheng , Zhang Huang , Zhao Xinyu , Li Canhuang , Zhang Jing , Lin Hongzhen , Wang Jian
Published: December 2023

Low‐temperature vanadium‐based zinc ion batteries (LT‐VZIBs) have attracted much attention in recent years due to their excellent theoretical specific capacities, low cost, and electrochemical structural stability. However, low working temperature surrounding often results in retarded ion transport not only in the frozen aqueous electrolyte, but also at/across the cathode/electrolyte interface and inside cathode interior, significantly limiting the performance of LT‐VZIBs for practical applications. In this review, a variety of strategies to solve these issues, mainly including cathode interface/bulk structure engineering and electrolyte optimizations, are categorially discussed and systematically summarized from the design principles to in‐depth characterizations and mechanisms. In the end, several issues about future research directions and advancements in characterization tools are prospected, aiming to facilitate the scientific and commercial development of LT‐VZIBs.
Nourishing the farms, nourishing the plates: Association of climate‐smart agricultural practices with household dietary diversity and food security in smallholders
Authors: Santalucia Simone , Sibhatu Kibrom T.
Published: December 2023

Climate‐smart agricultural (CSA) practices are increasingly being promoted as nature‐based solutions to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farm households amid a sharp increase in climate‐change anomalies. However, the extent to which CSA practices contribute to smallholder food security and dietary diversity remains unclear. In this study, we use panel and nationally representative data from Tanzania to examine the association between two climate‐smart agricultural practices, namely, improved maize varieties and maize‐legume intercropping, and food security in smallholder farm households. We use maize yield per acre, adult‐equivalent food expenditure, and household dietary diversity scores to measure household food security, representing three of the four food security pillars: availability, access, and utilization. We also examine the complementarity and potential advantages of combining improved maize seeds with fertilizers. Using standard panel data estimation approaches, we find a positive association between the adoption of improved maize varieties and maize‐legume intercropping and an increase in food production measured through higher crop productivity. However, we do not find a corresponding improvement in household dietary diversity or increased food expenditure, despite the higher crop production. Several factors might explain this outcome, including the challenges faced by farmers in accessing markets to sell surplus produce, the influence of established dietary habits, gender issues, and other local factors that promote the consumption of cereal‐based foods such as maize. Our findings suggest that CSA practices may help improve food production and availability, but more effort is needed to translate increased food production into improved dietary diversity and better food security among smallholder farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa. [EconLit Citations: C23, D12, D13, D24, Q12, Q16, Q18, Q54].
An analysis of educational mismatch on wages in the agroindustrial sector
Authors: Lasso‐Dela‐Vega Elena , Campos‐Soria Juan A. , García‐Pozo Alejandro
Published: December 2023

The food industry is one of the most important industries in developed economies. The progressive professionalization of its workforce and the persistent demand for low‐skilled employment in this sector may be leading to educational mismatch with its concomitant effects on wages and productivity. Yet the economic literature has not addressed wage structures, gender differences, and the composition of the labor force together in this food industry. We analyzed the effects of educational mismatch on wages in the Spanish food industry from a gender perspective. To this end, we used data from the 2018 Wage Structure Survey collected by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. We applied the overeducated, required educated, undereducated specification to these data. The main results show that educational mismatch leads to gender wage differentials in this sector. The analysis also shows that the Spanish food industry places more value on men with adequate education and women with some level of overeducation. The results on occupational segregation show that the food industry penalizes access to female‐dominated occupations, and that this wage disadvantage is greater for female workers. We also observed wage differences in the remuneration of certain personal and professional factors that could be worsening the gender differentials in the Spanish food industry [EconLit Citations: I26, J16, J21, J24, J31].
Reaction Kinetics using a Chemputable Framework for Data Collection and Analysis
Authors: Matysiak Bartosz M. , Thomas Dean , Cronin Leroy
Published: December 2023

Automated chemistry platforms have been widely explored, but many focus on fixed tasks for chemical synthesis or analysis. However, a typical synthetic chemistry workflow utilizes both, such as kinetic measurements for reaction development and optimization. Due to their repetitive and time‐consuming nature, kinetic measurements are often omitted, which limits the mechanistic investigation of reactions. Herein, we present a “Chemputer” platform with on‐line analytics (UV/Vis, NMR) which automates routine kinetic measurements. The system's capabilities are showcased by exploring an inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder using initial rate measurements, a metal complexation using variable time normalization analysis (VTNA), and formation of a series of tosylamide derivatives using Hammett analysis. Over 60 individual experiments are presented which required minimal intervention, highlighting the significant time savings of automation. Owing to the modular design of the platform, which facilitates rapid integration of commercial analytical tools, our approach is widely accessible and adjustable to the reaction under investigation. The platform is operated using the chemical programming language, XDL, hence experimental procedures and results are stored in a precise, computer‐readable format. We propose that widespread adoption of this reporting protocol in the chemical community could build a database of validated kinetic data beneficial for Machine Learning.
Rational Design of L‐RNA Aptamer‐Peptide Conjugate for Efficient Cell Uptake and G‐quadruplex‐Mediated Gene Control
Authors: Zhang Kun , Nie Qichang , Chi‐Kong Lau Terrence , Kit Kwok Chun
Published: December 2023

RNA G‐quadruplexes (D‐rG4s) are prevalent in the transcriptome and play crucial regulatory roles in various biological processes. Recently, L‐RNA aptamers have been reported to recognize functional rG4s with a strong binding affinity and specificity. However, owing to the poor cell penetration capacity of L‐RNA aptamers, their biological applications are currently limited. Herein, we rationally design an L‐RNA aptamer‐peptide conjugate, Tamra_Ahx_R8_L‐Apt.4‐1c, which can efficiently translocate into the cytosol and target the rG4 of interest. Notably, we demonstrate diverse regulatory roles of Tamra_Ahx_R8_L‐Apt.4‐1c on rG4 motif present in different regions of mRNAs and further expand the application in different cell lines. Our novel and biocompatible conjugate enhances the cellular uptake of the L‐RNA aptamer, and our robust strategy enables non‐canonical RNA structures to be targeted by L‐RNA aptamers for gene control in cells.
Oxygen‐Tolerant Near‐Infrared Organic Long‐Persistent Luminescent Copolymers**
Authors: Lin Zesen , Li Maosheng , Yoshioka Rengo , Oyama Ryoko , Kabe Ryota
Published: December 2023

Organic materials exhibiting long‐lasting emission in the near infrared are expected to have applications in bio‐imaging and other areas. Although room temperature phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence display long‐lived emission of approximately one minute, organic long‐persistent luminescence (OLPL) systems with a similar emission mechanism to inorganic persistent emitters can emit for several hours at room temperature. In particular OLPL with a hole‐diffusion mechanism can function even in the presence of oxygen. However, ionic materials lack long‐term stability in neutral organic host owing to aggregation and phase separation. In this study, we synthesized polymers with stable near‐infrared persistent luminescence at room temperature via the copolymerization of electron donors and acceptors. The copolymers exhibit long‐persistent luminescence (LPL) at temperatures below the glass transition temperature and can be excited by approximately the entire range of visible light. LPL properties and spectra can be controlled by the dopant.
Copper/Ruthenium Relay Catalysis for Stereodivergent Access to δ‐Hydroxy α‐Amino Acids and Small Peptides
Authors: Fu Cong , He Ling , Chang Xin , Cheng Xiang , Wang Zuo‐Fei , Zhang Zongpeng , Larionov Vladimir A. , Dong Xiu‐Qin , Wang Chun‐Jiang
Published: December 2023

An atom‐ and step‐economical and redox‐neutral cascade reaction enabled by asymmetric bimetallic relay catalysis by merging a ruthenium‐catalyzed asymmetric borrowing‐hydrogen reaction with copper‐catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition has been realized. A variety of highly functionalized 2‐amino‐5‐hydroxyvaleric acid esters or peptides bearing 1,4‐non‐adjacent stereogenic centers have been prepared in high yields with excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. Judicious selection and rational modification of the Ru catalysts with careful tuning of the reaction conditions played a pivotal role in stereoselectivity control as well as attenuating undesired α‐epimerization, thus enabling a full complement of all four stereoisomers that were otherwise inaccessible in previous work. Concise asymmetric stereodivergent synthesis of the key intermediates for biologically important chiral molecules further showcases the synthetic utility of this methodology.
Accelerated Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction and Water Oxidation under Spatial Synergy
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Wanyi , Deng Chaoyuan , Sheng Hua , Zhao Jincai
Published: December 2023

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and H2O into fuels and oxygen is a highly promising solution for carbon‐neutral recycling. Traditionally, researchers have studied CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation separately, overlooking potential synergistic interplay between these processes. This study introduces an innovative approach, spatial synergy, which encourages synergistic progress by bringing the two half‐reactions into atomic proximity. To facilitate this, we developed a defective ZnIn2S4‐supported single‐atom Cu catalyst (Cu−SA/D−ZIS), which demonstrates remarkable catalytic performance with CO2 reduction rates of 112.5 μmol g−1 h−1 and water oxidation rates of 52.3 μmol g−1 h−1, exhibiting a six‐fold enhancement over D−ZIS. The structural characterization results indicated that the trapping effect of vacancy associates on single‐atom copper led to the formation of an unsaturated coordination structure, Cu‐S3, consequently giving rise to the CuZn′VS⋅⋅VZn“ defect complexes. FT‐IR studies coupled with theoretical calculations reveal the spatially synergistic CO2 reduction and water oxidation on CuZn′VS⋅⋅VZn”, where the breakage of O−H in water oxidation is synchronized with the formation of *COOH, significantly lowering the energy barrier. Notably, this study introduces and, for the first time, substantiates the spatial synergy effect in CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation through a combination of experimental and theoretical analyses, providing a fresh insight in optimizing photocatalytic system.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF)‐active Coinage‐metal Sulfide Clusters for High‐resolution X‐ray Imaging
Authors: Wang Wen‐Fei , Xie Mei‐Juan , Wang Peng‐Kun , Lu Jian , Li Bao‐Yi , Wang Ming‐Sheng , Wang Shuai‐Hua , Zheng Fa‐Kun , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: December 2023

The study of facile‐synthesis and low‐cost X‐ray scintillators with high light yield, low detection limit and high X‐ray imaging resolution plays a vital role in medical and industrial imaging fields. However, the optimal balance between X‐ray absorption, decay lifetime and excitonic utilization efficiency of scintillators to achieve high‐resolution imaging is extremely difficult due to the inherent contradiction. Here two thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)‐actived coinage‐metal clusters M6S6L6 (M=Ag or Cu) were synthesized by simple solvothermal reaction, where the cooperation of heavy atom‐rich character and TADF mechanism supports strong X‐ray absorption and rapid luminescent collection of excitons. Excitingly, Ag6S6L6 (SC‐Ag) displays a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 91.6 % and scintillating light yield of 17420 photons MeV−1, as well as a low detection limit of 208.65 nGy s−1 that is 26 times lower than the medical standard (5.5 μGy s−1). More importantly, a high X‐ray imaging resolution of 16 lp/mm based on SC‐Ag screen is demonstrated. Besides, rigid core skeleton reinforced by metallophilicity endows clusters M6S6L6 strong resistance to humidity and radiation. This work provides a new view for the design of efficient scintillators and opens the research door for silver clusters in scintillation application.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Noncanonical α‐Amino Acids Containing γ‐Tertiary Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Chenghua , Tan Jiamu , He Yifan , Zhuo Dan , Zhang Jingxuan , Luo Zhenzhen , Li Qiaoqiao , Yao Jiaying , Ke Changqiang , Tang Chunping , Ye Yang , He Shijun , Sheng Xiang , Liao Cangsong
Published: December 2023

Noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) containing tertiary alcohols are valuable as precursors of natural products and active pharmaceutical ingredients. However, the assembly of such ncAA scaffolds from simple material by C−C bond formation remains a challenging task due to the presence of multiple stereocenters and large steric hindrance. In this study, we present a novel solution to this problem through highly selective enzymatic decarboxylative aldol addition. This method allows for the streamlined assembly of multifunctionalized ncAAs with γ‐tertiary alcohols from readily available materials, such as L‐aspartatic acid and isatins, vicinal diones and keto esters. The modularity of electrophiles furnished four classes of ncAAs with decent efficiency as well as excellent site and stereocontrol. Computational modeling was employed to gain detailed insight into the catalytic mechanism and to provide a rationale for the observed selectivities. The method offers a single‐step approach to producing multifunctionalized ncAAs, which can be directly utilized in peptide synthesis and bioactivity assessment.