bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking Personhood and Funerary Customs in the Hohokam Area of Southern Arizona
Authors: Cerezo-Román Jessica I.
Published: April 2015

Changing perspectives on concepts of personhood are explored by deconstructing mortuary customs from 10 Tucson Basin (Arizona) Hohokam archaeological sites dating from the Preclassic (A.D. 700–1150) and Classic (A.D. 1150–145011500) periods. Results indicate that certain aspects of personhood did not change across time and space at these sites. However, by analyzing changes through time in cremation rituals, it was possible to infer that some aspects of personhood did change. In the Preclassic period, after bodies were burned, the remains were distributed as inalienable possessions within social networks. This behavior suggests a relational social construction of self where burning transformed the deceased and the remains were considered part-person and part-object. Later in the Classic period, a higher frequency of cremated remains were not divided but instead transferred as a unit to secondary deposits. Perceptions of personhood during this period appear to have defined self as a complete, bounded unit, even after transformation by fire. This change possibly occurred as a result of a general decrease in remembrance networks. These changes in cremation parallel broader sociopolitical changes where increases in social differentiation and complexity are proposed for the Classic period Hohokam.
New Insights into Hohokam Buff Ware Production and Distribution
Authors: Ownby Mary F. , Heidke James M. , Wallace Henry D.
Published: April 2015

Hohokam buff ware pottery produced in Arizona has been much studied over the last few decades. However, petrographic analysis has been less frequently applied, due in part to mistaken assumptions regarding the raw materials utilized. The current study reexamined the use of petrography for locating the provenance of buff ware pottery from two sites, La Villa in the Phoenix area and Honey Bee Village in the Tucson area. The petrographic results suggest that production occurred in one primary area along the middle Gila River with minor production in a few other locations. The potters in this area supplied both the Tucson and Phoenix basins. Significantly, it was determined that, after the Early Gila Butte phase, potters switched from crushed schist to sand with natural schist. Such a phenomenon is likely related to increased demand developing from a rapidly evolving sociopolitical system and buff ware pottery becoming a socially valued commodity. This study indicates that petrographic analysis focused on relating sand to known sand composition zones, called petrofacies, can be a key tool for identifying production sources for Hohokam buff ware.
Disparities in Exposure to Tobacco on Television or Streaming Platforms
Authors: Onyeaka Henry K. , Chido-Amajuoyi Onyema G. , Sokale Itunu , Ajayi Kobi V. , Evins A Eden , Amonoo Hermioni L. , Shete Sanjay
Published: August 2024

Importance

With the rise in popularity of streaming platforms concerns about exposure to tobacco advertising and promotion have emerged. While tobacco marketing and promotion through traditional television (TV) media channels has been extensively studied, less is known about exposure to tobacco through TV or streaming platforms and its associated factors.

Objective

To examine the prevalence and factors associated with exposure to tobacco products advertised, marketed, or promoted on TV or streaming platforms among US adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), conducted from March 7 to November 8, 2022. The nationally representative survey included noninstitutionalized civilian US adults.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was self-reported exposure to tobacco advertisements, marketing, or promotion on TV or streaming platforms in the past 3 months. Factors associated with exposure were explored using multivariable survey logistic regression.

Results

The study included 5775 participants (3415 females [weighted percentage, 50.5%], 970 Hispanic individuals [weighted percentage, 16.9%], 872 non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals [11.1%], 3144 non-White individuals [61.5%], and 632 individuals who currently smoke [12.0%]). The estimated exposure to tobacco advertisements, marketing, or promotion on television or streaming platforms was 12.4% (95% CI, 10.8%-14.2%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that exposure odds were higher among those who had a level of education of high school or less (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.60; 95% CI, 1.08-2.37), individuals who currently smoke (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.06-3.25), non-Hispanic Black or African American respondents (aOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.40-3.45) and Hispanic respondents (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.04-2.42).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of the prevalence of exposure to tobacco advertisements on TV or streaming platforms among US adults, disparities in exposure by race or ethnicity, education level, and smoking status were identified. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and regulation to address these disparities and reduce the impact of tobacco advertisements on vulnerable populations.
Effects of B2O3 Dopants on the Electrical Properties of Ta‐Doped SnO2 Varistors
Authors: Yang Xiangning , Zhao Hongfeng , Ji Xudong , Kui Miao
Published: August 2024

As a new core component of surge arresters, it is crucial for manganese dioxide varistors to solve the challenges of reducing the leakage current and lowering the residual voltage ratio. In this study, the electrical characteristics of tin dioxide varistors using B2O3 as the acceptor dopant and Ta2O5 as the donor dopant are investigated. Several tin dioxide based varistors doped with different amounts of B2O3 are prepared and characterized by the researchers. X ray diffraction (XRD) is used to analyze the structural features of the samples and to observe the phases involved. It is found that the B2O3 dopant provides oxygen vacancies, reduces the grain size, increases the barrier height, and decreases the residual pressure ratio. The Ta2O5 dopant provides donor defects and free electrons needed to form the barrier. When balancing the concentrations of B2O3 and Ta2O5, the optimum dopant concentrations is found to be 0.1 mol% of B and 0.05 mol% of Ta; these concentrations result in a leakage current of 0.25 μA cm−2, a residual pressure ratio of 1.95, a nonlinear coefficient of 25, and a voltage gradient of 394 V mm−1 for the varistor.
Engineering Peptide‐Oligonucleotide Nano‐Conjugates via Click Reaction as Self‐Delivery System for Gene Therapy of Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Wei , Peng Xiaole , Ge Gaoran , Li Wenhao , Zhu Chen , Chen Xu , Guo Shun , Li Ning , Yang Huilin , Xu Yaozeng , Bai Jiaxiang , Pan Guoqing , Geng Dechun
Published: August 2024

Intracellular oligonucleotide delivery possesses unparalleled potential for precise regulation of pathogenic gene expression and alteration of cell destiny. However, limited by its feeble resistance against humoral environment, hindered intracellular transportation, and lysosomal phagocytosis, oligonucleotide therapy remains a formidable challenge. The discovery of cationic peptides has provided innovative insights for the effective delivery of oligonucleotides, yet the stable, efficient, and convenient assembly of peptides and oligonucleotides remains an elusive goal, referred to as the “Holy Grail” challenge in the field. Addressing this challenge, it has pioneered the development of a straightforward and highly efficient engineering carrier‐free covalent peptide‐oligonucleotide nano‐conjugates (PONs) through a mild click reaction. Notably, this PONs can realize self‐assemble into nanoparticles under amphiphilic electrostatic interactions, which exhibits significant RNase resistance and surprisingly effective intracellular oligonucleotide delivery as well as lysosomal escape. Based on this strategy, a PONs named CPP‐(DOPA)6‐miRNA‐223 is synthesized, which demonstrates rapid and effective cellular uptake, swift lysosomal escape in macrophage, remarkable accumulation in inflammatory regions and excellent therapeutic effect in an inflammatory arthritis model. Therefore, this work may provide a breakthrough for the clinical application of all oligonucleotide delivery therapies and expanding the applications in gene therapy.
In Situ Controllably Self‐Assembled CoFe‐TDPAT Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheet Arrays on Iron Foam as Highly Efficient Bifunctional Catalytic Electrodes for Overall Water Splitting at Large Current Density
Authors: Hu Weiguang , Yan Qing , Wang Xiaoyan , Lu Jianguo , He Qinggang , Zhang Qinghua , Yuan Weiyong
Published: August 2024

For the first time, a Co and Fe bimetallic metal‐organic framework (BMOF) nanosheet array (NSA) employing 5,5′,5′'‐(1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tris(azanediyl)triisophthalic acid (H6TDPAT) as the organic ligand is in situ controllably self‐assembled on iron foam (IF). The obtained IF@CoFe‐TDPAT NSA exhibits an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity much superior to most reported catalysts and even Ru and Ir‐based ones and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity higher than most metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐based catalysts. The excellent bifunctional activities are ascribed to the superhydrophilic (3D) vertically aligned, interconnected NSA of CoFe‐TDPAT MOF with in situ activated coordinatively unsaturated metal sites remarkably enhancing OH− and H2O adsorption, accelerating electron transfer and transport, and facilitating O2/H2 diffusion. When adopted as a bifunctional electrode for overall water splitting, it achieves 300 mA cm−2 at 1.753 V and exhibits negligible current decay after 100 h. This performance is the highest of recently reported noble‐metal‐free water electrolyzers, and even much higher than those using commercial noble metal‐based catalysts. This work offers an economical, facile, and controllable strategy to fabricate low‐cost, highly efficient, and bifunctional BMOF nanostructured array electrodes for large‐current‐density water splitting, and also sheds light on the mechanisms for in situ self‐assembly and outstanding OER and HER performance of 3D free‐standing complex‐organic‐ligand‐based BMOF nanoarchitectures.
Achieving Super‐Metallophobicity on Silicon‐based Ceramics at High Temperature
Authors: Cao Xinpeng , Deng Shuxiang , He Zengyi , Yang Zengchao , Dai Haoyu , Li Jiangtao , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2024

As a critical concept in physical chemistry, superwettability is widely concerned in both fundamental science and practical engineering in past few decades. Despite this, investigation on high temperature superwettability is still a void, which is significant both in scientific and industrial fields. Herein, a ceramic with specific high temperature non‐wetting property, Si2N2O is proposed. Compared with other materials, Si2N2O is elucidated with better practical non‐wetting property against various non‐ferrous metals. Combining with micro‐nanostructures, the metallophobicity is further improved (contact angle >150° and contact angle hysteresis ≈0°). The extraordinary metal repellency is defined as “super‐metallophobicity”, which is proved to be induced by distinctive thermodynamic and dynamic wetting behavior on the rough surface. The research of super‐metallophobicity not only sheds light on superwettability at high temperature, but also offers worthy insights for future potential material design in a wide range of applications, such as metallurgy, 3D printing and semiconductor industry.
Stable CoO2 Nanoscrolls with Outstanding Electrical Properties
Authors: Hettler Simon , Roy Kankona Singha , Arenal Raul , Panchakarla Leela S.
Published: August 2024

Layered CoO2 is of great interest for its promising properties but is meta‐stable in its bulk form. CoO2 is synthesized by converting the quasi‐1D crystal structure of bulk Ca3Co2O6 via a hydrothermal treatment. The resulting nanostructures are predominantly nanoscrolls with very thin walls, which exhibit long‐term stability. A detailed structural investigation reveals that the CoO2 is found to crystallize in monoclinic form, similar to the related CaCoO2‐CoO2 misfit structure. Individual nanoscrolls are characterized electrically and show a p‐type semiconducting nature with a high current‐carrying capacity of 4·105 A cm−2 and an extremely high breakdown voltage of up to 270 kV cm−1. The results demonstrate the possibility to stabilize meta‐stable materials in low‐dimensional forms and a promising application of the nanoscrolls as interconnect in high‐voltage electronic circuitry.
A Robust, Uniform, and Stable Glycerol Liquid Film Substrate for In Situ SERS Quantitative Investigation of Contaminant Distribution on Rough Surfaces
Authors: Peng Dandan , He Xinyue , Hu Zhangmei , de Menezes Jacson Weber , Valsecchi Chiara , Fan Meikun
Published: August 2024

Rapid, in situ, and real‐time molecule mapping on rough surfaces with high accuracy has long been one of the paramount challenges in many fields. Here, an effortless Ag NPs doped glycerol liquid film SERS substrate (g‐LFS) is developed to investigate the distribution of contaminants on different types of rough surfaces. After substrate optimization, the g‐LFS is characterized in terms of uniformity, reproducibility, and stability with time. The substrate showed an excellent signal stability, even after 96.5 h of usage or 19 days of storage, together with great uniformity (7.4% RSD) and reproducibility (7.1% RSD). As a proof of concept, the distribution of Rhodamine 6G(R6G) dye on rough fabric and the R6G migration in different plant types and tissues have been explored. The g‐LFS substrate demonstrated great accuracy, detecting R6G even in deep fabric grooves, recovering 82.4% of the initial concentration. Moreover, the g‐LFS SERS substrate detected significantly different concentrations in root, stem and leave tissues of bean sprouts, as well as between xylem and phloem in vascular plant branches. Overall, the g‐LFS substrate is proven to be well‐suited for in situ detection on rough surfaces with great versatility and robustness, aggregating new opportunities for contaminant investigation on food and plants using SERS.
Amphiphilic Cationic Carbon Dots for Efficient Delivery of Light‐Dependent Herbicide
Authors: Tang Gang , Wang Jialu , Xiao Jianhua , Liu Yulu , Huang Yuqi , Zhou Zhiyuan , Zhang Xiaohong , Hu Gaohua , Yan Weiyao , Cao Yongsong
Published: August 2024

The inefficient delivery of herbicides causes unpleasant side effects on the ecological environment. Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)‐inhibiting herbicides rely on the presence of external light to exert the activities and thus their performance in the field is extremely susceptible to the light environment. Here, taking acifluorfen (ACI) as a model PPO‐inhibiting herbicide to enhance efficacy by boosting the utilization rate of sunlight, amphiphilic cationic CDs (CPC‐CDs) from cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a precursor, is first prepared as a supplementary light source generator, and subsequently co‐assembled with ACI through non‐covalent bond interactions to obtain the stable fluorescent nanoparticles (ACI@CPC‐CDs). ACI@CPC‐CDs with fascinating physicochemical properties can penetrate the leaves of weeds through the stomata and undergo a long‐distance transport in the cell intervals. Under low light intensity, CPC‐CDs can be applied as the internal light source to promote the formation of more singlet oxygen to damage the leaf cell membrane, consequently improving the herbicidal activity of ACI. Moreover, the safety evaluation of ACI@CPC‐CDs demonstrates no risk to non‐target organisms and the environment. Therefore, this work offers a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of light‐dependent PPO‐inhibiting herbicides and opens new insights into the application of CDs in the development of sustainable agriculture.
Spiking Reservoir Computing Based on Stochastic Diffusive Memristors
Authors: Ma Zelin , Ge Jun , Pan Shusheng
Published: August 2024

Reservoir computing (RC), a type of recurrent neural network, is particularly well‐suited for hardware implementation in edge computing. It is shown that RC hardware based on dynamic memristors potentially offers much lower power consumption and reduced computation times than digital electronics. However, challenges such as stochasticity and read noise in these devices can impair its performance. Furthermore, the external analog‐to‐digital (ADC) readout circuits may require substantial area and energy. In this work, it is experimentally demonstrated that a population of stochastic diffusive Ag:SiOx memristors can effectively construct a spiking reservoir computing system. This system demonstrates remarkable resilience to read noise and delivers exceptional performance across a range of computational tasks, achieving a 98% accuracy in waveform classification and a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.154 in time‐series prediction. Further simulations reveal that a certain degree of device stochasticity actually enhances system performance. Without using ADC converters, a hybrid memristor‐CMOS spiking RC system is designed that demonstrates significantly lower power consumption compared to fully digital systems.
Wheat seed delivery pathways and varietal turnover in eastern India
Authors: Khed Vijayalaxmi D. , Jaleta Moti , Krishna Vijesh V.
Published: August 2024

Why do certain new crop varieties fail to gain popularity among farmers despite their proven superiority in scientific field trials and on‐farm demonstrations? Empirical microlevel studies in agricultural economics usually address this question from a household or farmer perspective, neglecting the broader socio‐institutional and economic context against which varietal dissemination takes place. In the present study, we explore the relationship between wheat seed delivery networks and varietal turnover, using data from farmers' fields in eastern India. An extensive survey encompassing 7648 wheat farmers was conducted to capture wheat production practices across 31 districts of Bihar and 9 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Additional qualitative interviews led to the initial impression that farmers' selection of varieties often precedes their choice of seed source, challenging the prevailing assumptions about the causal direction of this relationship. To address the challenge of reverse causality between varietal selection and seed source preference, we employed an instrumental variable regression framework. Although new wheat varieties are available in the market, a substantial majority of farmers opt for old ones. Farmers' decisions regarding the selection of wheat varieties and seed sources are not straightforward, and their preference for wheat varieties significantly impacts their seed source selection, indicating a hitherto unexplored bidirectional relationship. Understanding this complex relationship has significant strategic implications for stakeholders in the seed supply system, offering policy recommendations for enhancing varietal turnover rates and encouraging the widespread adoption of new, improved varieties among smallholders. Such initiatives hold the promise of enhancing system resilience and food security in developing countries. [EconLit Citations: O3, Q1, Q16, Q18].
Disrupted mitochondrial response to nutrients is a presymptomatic event in the cortex of the APPSAA knock‐in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Norambuena Andrés , Sagar Vijay Kumar , Wang Zhuoying , Raut Prakash , Feng Ziang , Wallrabe Horst , Pardo Evelyn , Kim Taylor , Alam Shagufta Rehman , Hu Song , Periasamy Ammasi , Bloom George S.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Reduced brain energy metabolism, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) dysregulation, and extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomer (xcAβO) buildup are some well‐known Alzheimer's disease (AD) features; how they promote neurodegeneration is poorly understood. We previously reported that xcAβOs inhibit nutrient‐induced mitochondrial activity (NiMA) in cultured neurons. We now report NiMA disruption in vivo.

METHODS

Brain energy metabolism and oxygen consumption were recorded in heterozygous amyloid precursor protein knock‐in (APPSAA) mice using two‐photon fluorescence lifetime imaging and multiparametric photoacoustic microscopy.

RESULTS

NiMA is inhibited in APPSAA mice before other defects are detected in these Aβ‐producing animals that do not overexpress APP or contain foreign DNA inserts into genomic DNA. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3β) signals through mTORC1 to regulate NiMA independently of mitochondrial biogenesis. Inhibition of GSK3β with TWS119 stimulates NiMA in cultured human neurons, and mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption in APPSAA mice.

DISCUSSION

NiMA disruption in vivo occurs before plaques, neuroinflammation, and cognitive decline in APPSAA mice, and may represent an early stage in human AD.

Highlights

Amyloid beta blocks communication between lysosomes and mitochondria in vivo.

Nutrient‐induced mitochondrial activity (NiMA) is disrupted long before the appearance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) histopathology in heterozygous amyloid precursor protein knock‐in (APPSAA/+) mice.

NiMA is disrupted long before learning and memory deficits in APPSAA/+ mice.

Pharmacological interventions can rescue AD‐related NiMA disruption in vivo.
Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Unusual (4+3) Annulation of para‐Quinone Methides with Bicyclobutanes: Access to Oxabicyclo[4.1.1]Octanes
Authors: Deswal Shiksha , Guin Avishek , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: August 2024

Over the past few years, there has been a surge of interest in the chemistry of bicyclobutanes (BCBs). Although BCBs have been used to synthesize bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes and bicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes, the synthesis of bicyclo[4.1.1]octanes has remained elusive. Herein, we report the first Lewis acid‐catalyzed unexpected (4+3) annulation of para‐quinonemethides (p‐QMs) with BCBs allowing the synthesis of oxabicyclo[4.1.1]octanes proceeding under mild conditions. With 5 mol % of Bi(OTf)3, the reaction afforded the (4+3) annulated product in high regioselectivity and good functional group compatibility via a simultaneous Lewis acid activation of BCBs and p‐QMs. The reaction is likely initiated by the 1,6‐addition of Lewis acid activated BCBs to p‐QMs followed by the C2‐selective intramolecular addition of the phenol moiety to the generated cyclobutyl cation intermediate. Moreover, detailed mechanistic studies provided insight into the mechanism of the reaction.
Engineering the Substrate Specificity of UDP‐Glycosyltransferases for Synthesizing Triterpenoid Glycosides with a Linear Trisaccharide as Aided by Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction
Authors: Jian Xing , Sun Qiuyan , Xu Wentao , Qu Haobo , Feng Xudong , Li Chun
Published: August 2024

Triterpenoids have wide applications in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. The glycosylation of triterpenoids catalyzed by UDP‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs) is a crucial method for producing valuable derivatives with enhanced functions. However, only a few UDP‐glucosyltransferases have been reported to synthesize the rare triterpenoids with linear‐chain trisaccharide at C3−OH. This study revealed that the UGT91H subfamily primarily contributed to the 2“‐O‐glycosylation of triterpenoids with high regioselectivity, then the substrate scope was further expanded by ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR). With ancestral enzyme UGT91H_A1 as a model, the sequence‐structure‐function relationship was explored. A RTAS loop (R212/T213/A214/S215) was identified to affect the substrate specificity of UGT91H_A1. Transferring this RTAS loop to the corresponding position of UGT91H enzymes successfully expanded their substrate spectra. The functional role of RTAS loop was further elucidated by molecular dynamics simulation and quantum mechanical computation. UGT91H_A1 was applied to the low‐cost synthesis of terpenoid rhamnosides with a linear trisaccharide in combining with a self‐sufficient UDP‐rhamnose regeneration system. Finally, we developed a phylogeny‐based platform to efficiently mining new UGT91Hs from plant genomic data. This study provided robust biocatalysts for synthesizing various triterpenoid glycosides with a linear trisaccharide and demonstrated ASR as an efficient tool in engineering the function of UDP‐glycosyltransferases.
Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Polymerization Activity of Noncyclopentadienyl Constrained Geometry Complex [Me2Si(Ph2C)(tBuN)]ZrCl2(thf)
Authors: Toda Tomoyuki , Miura Itaru , Ohta Shun , Takenaka Katsuhiko
Published: August 2024

Constrained geometry complexes (CGCs) are homogeneous olefin polymerization catalysts that have been improved because of their considerably high activity and their copolymerization abilities for ethylene with α‐olefins. The ancillary ligands in CGCs comprise bridged 6π‐electron moieties (e.g., cyclopentadienyl (Cp) and fluorenyl) and amide donors. In this study, we investigated the effect of changing the 6π‐electron moieties to a diphenylmethyl moiety (Ph2C) on the polymerization activity of [Me2Si(Ph2C)(tBuN)]ZrCl2(thf) (thf = tetrahydrofuran). We synthesized [Me2Si(Ph2C)(tBuN)]ZrCl2(thf) and characterized it via 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Ethylene polymerization at 2 MPa using a catalyst of the [Me2Si(Ph2C)(tBuN)]ZrCl2(thf) and modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) as a cocatalyst yielded a linear polyethylene (PE) with a high melting point (124°C–134°C); moreover, the polymerization activity of the catalyst was found to be up to 445 g (PE) mmol (Zr)−1 h−1. The polymerization of styrene using the zirconium complex and MAOs did not proceed, but the polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene produced a small amount of polybutadiene with ~60% cis‐1,4‐structure. These results indicate that non‐Cp‐type CGCs, which can be defined as metal complexes bearing an ancillary ligand in which non‐Cp moieties (benzyl moiety in this study) and an amido group are bridged by an organic linker, can become a new family of homogeneous olefin polymerization catalysts.
Chitin synthase genes of Aedes albopictus and their effects on development of pupae
Authors: Ruiling Zhang , Sha An , Zhong Zhang
Published: August 2024

The invasive species Aedes albopictus is a major vector of several arboviruses. The global spread of this species seriously threatens human health. Insecticide resistance is an increasing problem worldwide that limits the efficacy of mosquito control. As the major structural component of cuticles, chitin is indispensable to insects. Chitin synthase (CHS) is the enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of chitin at the final step. In this study, two CHS genes of Aedes albopictus (AaCHS1 and AaCHS2) were identified and their basic characteristics were evaluated via bioinformatics analysis. The highest abundance of AaCHS1 transcripts was detected in pupae, whereas that of AaCHS2 transcripts was detected in females; the highest expression levels of AaCHS1 and AaCHS2 were found in the epidermis and the midgut of pupae, respectively. The survival and emergence rates of pupae were significantly reduced after the injection of double‐stranded RNA of AaCHS1 or AaCHS2, indicating that both AaCHS1 and AaCHS2 play crucial roles in the pupal development. In addition, the chitin content of pupae was obviously decreased after the suppression of AaCHS1 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) treatment. This influence of the RNAi treatment was further supported by the reduced chitin thickness and weakened chitin fluorescence signal in the new cuticle. The midgut of pupae presented a reduced intensity of the chitin fluorescence signal along with RNAi treatment specific to AaCHS2 expression. The results of this study indicate that CHS genes may be suitable as molecular targets used for controlling mosquitoes.
Facilitating secretory expression of apple seed β‐glucosidase in Komagataella phaffii for the efficient preparation of salidroside
Authors: Lu Xin‐Yi , Lai Ming‐Yuan , Qin Peng , Zheng Yu‐Cong , Liao Jia‐Yi , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Xu Jian‐He , Yu Hui‐Lei
Published: August 2024

Plant‐derived β‐glucosidases hold promise for glycoside biosynthesis via reverse hydrolysis because of their excellent glucose tolerance and robust stability. However, their poor heterologous expression hinders the development of large‐scale production and applications. In this study, we overexpressed apple seed β‐glucosidase (ASG II) in Komagataella phaffii and enhanced its production from 289 to 4322 U L−1 through expression cassette engineering and protein engineering. Upon scaling up to a 5‐L high cell‐density fermentation, the resultant mutant ASG IIV80A achieved a maximum protein concentration and activity in the secreted supernatant of 2.3 g L−1 and 41.4 kU L−1, respectively. The preparative biosynthesis of salidroside by ASG IIV80A exhibited a high space‐time yield of 33.1 g L−1 d−1, which is so far the highest level by plant‐derived β‐glucosidase. Our work addresses the long‐standing challenge of the heterologous expression of plant‐derived β‐glucosidase in microorganisms and presents new avenues for the efficient production of salidroside and other natural glycosides.
Dynamic quantitative monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid monoamine neurotransmitter markers during the modeling process of chronic stress‐induced depression in monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Li Siyu , Feng Xiaoli
Published: August 2024

Background

Depression is known as the “mental cold” and is also considered a major cause of disability worldwide. It is estimated that over 300 million people worldwide suffer from severe depression, equivalent to 4.4% of the world's population. The monoamine hypothesis of depression predicts the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of depression, but in‐depth research has failed to find convincing evidence.

Method

In this study, we will dynamically and strictly quantitatively monitor the concentration changes of monoamine transmitters in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of macaques, based on our previous work. In the experiment, timed and quantitative collection of CSF samples from macaques was performed and the concentration of monoamine transmitters was determined.

Result

The results showed that after 2 months of chronic stress, the concentrations of high vanillin acid (HVA) and 3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenylacetic acid were significantly higher in the maternal separation (MS) group, whereas there was no significant difference in dopamine and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid.

Conclusion

This study is the first to observe the long‐term dynamic relationship between early adversity, chronic stress, adolescent depression, and CSF monoamine concentrations. The research suggests that MS and chronic stress play an undeniable role in the pathogenesis of depression and that concentrations of HVA and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid are likely to serve as early markers of depressive‐like symptoms in macaques.
Lived experience of driving in individuals with functional neurological disorder
Authors: Lagrand Tjerk J. , van der Hoeven Iris , Vaezipour Atiyeh , Palmer David D. G. , Hill Andrew , Horswill Mark S. , Lehn Alexander C.
Published: August 2024

Background

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common neurological diagnosis that encapsulates a range of incapacitating clinical presentations. These include functional seizures, movement disorders, and sensory disturbances. Safe driving requires both cognitive skills and physical abilities, which may be impacted by FND symptoms. The primary objective of this study was to gain deeper insights into the challenges faced by people with FND when driving.

Methods

A qualitative study and interpretative phenomenological analysis were conducted. Individuals experiencing functional seizures and/or movement disorders completed both questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews about FND symptoms, driving behavior, and crashes.

Results

A total of 26 patients with FND participated in this study. Based on the interviews, four key themes were identified: (1) driving difficulties experienced by individuals with FND; (2) strategies utilized by people with FND to overcome difficulties experienced while driving; (3) barriers preventing driving challenges being addressed in this population; and (4) crashes and perceived dangerous driving events experienced by individuals with FND. All participants reported that driving a car provoked FND symptoms and this affected their driving ability. FND sufferers reported using a number of strategies such as limiting how far they drive and relying on advanced driver assistance system features to help manage their associated symptoms, such as fatigue and/or pain. Several participants reported crashes and perceived dangerous driving events since developing FND.

Conclusion

Individuals experiencing FND often employ self‐regulation techniques, yet the extent to which these methods enhance driving safety remains uncertain. The variable nature of the disorder makes judging an individual's driving risk particularly difficult. The themes emerging from the interviews highlighted the need for further empirical research to inform guidelines and best practice when determining the impact of FND on an individual's driving safety
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Greenwashing, carbon emission, and ESG
Authors: Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Au Yong Hue Hwa , Thomsen Steen , Kyaw Khine
Published: August 2024

Recent decades have seen an increasingly awareness of climate changes, putting a pressure on companies to do more to deal with carbon emission. One of the popular measures used in assessing how well a company commits to sustainable development and reduces carbon emissions is ESG ratings. Given the importance of both ESG ratings and carbon footprints on our society and the target of net zero by 2050, we explore the relation between carbon emission and the Refinitiv ESG scores for the US sample from 2005 to 2018. Our findings indicate that high ESG‐rated or environment‐rated firms do not have lower carbon emissions. It appears that these firms are not incentivized to do more for environment, as they have already been awarded with good publicity for being environmentally friendly. Finally, our findings also support the ‘cheap talk’ concept, greenwashing hypothesis and legitimacy theory. Companies are not genuinely committed to climate action.
Integrating Biocatalysts into Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Disentangling the Roles of Affinity, Molecular Weight, and Size
Authors: Greifenstein Raphael , Röhrs Dhana , Ballweg Tim , Pfeifer Juliana , Gottwald Eric , Takamiya Masanari , Franzreb Matthias , Wöll Christof
Published: August 2024

The integration of biocatalysts within metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) is attracting growing interest due to its potential to both enhance biocatalyst stability and sustain biocatalyst activity in organic solvents. However, the factors that facilitate the post‐synthetic infiltration of such large molecules into MOF pores remain unclear. This systematic study enabled the identification of the influence of biocatalyst molecular size, molecular weight and affinity on the uptake by an archetypal MOF, NU‐1000. We analyzed a range of six biocatalysts with molecular weights from 1.9 kDa to 44.4 kDa, respectively. By employing a combination of fluorescence tagging and 3D‐STED confocal laser scanning microscopy, we distinguished between biocatalysts that were internalized within the MOF pores and those sterically excluded. The catalytic functions of the biocatalysts hosted within the MOF were investigated and found to show strong variations relative to the solvated case, ranging from a two‐fold increase to a strong decrease.
Twist along Central C−C Bonds in a Series of Fully π‐Fused Propellanes
Authors: Kato Kenichi , Tanaka Kensaku , Okada Seina , Kaneda Tomoya , Ohtani Shunsuke , Ogoshi Tomoki
Published: August 2024

Without stereogenic carbon centers, organic molecules can be chiral when they have large energy barriers for conformational inversion. In this work, conformational behaviors are investigated for a series of tricyclic propellane skeletons with increasing 6‐membered‐ring peripheral moieties fused with aromatic rings. According to theoretical calculations, trinaphtho[3.3.3]propellane has three vertical naphthalene rings like triptycene shape without torsion along the central C−C single bond. On the other hand, hexabenzo[4.4.4]propellane shows hexaphenylethane‐like ca. 60° twist along the bond with large activation energy of 64 kcal mol−1 for twist inversion because of the high congestion caused by three 6‐membered‐ring loops. Indeed, the [4.4.4]propellane gives a stable pair of chiroptical enantiomers toward heating at 146 °C. By contrast, a hybrid [4.3.3]propellane exhibits fast interconversion between two twisted conformations even at −80 °C.
VoWiFi cell capacity improvement using A‐MPDU frame aggregation technique for VBR traffic
Authors: Chinmay Ayes , Pati Hemanta Kumar
Published: August 2024

The expanding popularity of Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) necessitates a concerted effort to identify novel ways to increase VoWiFi cell capacity. The primary objective of this study is to increase the capacity of VoWiFi cells by means of frame aggregation of aggregate MAC protocol data unit (A‐MPDU) for variable bit rate (VBR) traffic. Taking into account Arbitration Inter‐frame Spacing (AIFS), Compressed RTP (cRTP) and A‐MPDU frames, we devised a formula to calculate an approximate number of concurrent VoWiFi users that can coexist with no detriment to the quality‐of‐service (QoS) of existing VoWiFi calls over the Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) standards. Here, we used AIFS to determine the channel's health before sending Voice over WiFi data and Short Inter‐frame Spacing (SIFS) to transfer frames such as Request To Send (RTS)/Clear To Send (CTS) and Acknowledgement (ACK). We have used our suggested model to analyse the capacity of VoWiFi cells in IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax/be Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)s with VBR traffic utilising DCF Inter‐frame Spacing (DIFS) and AIFS. For IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax/be, we also determined the most number of MAC protocol data unit (MPDU)s that may be combined into a single A‐MPDU. We have also studied the impact of voice packet retransmission on the cell capacity of a WLAN standard that offers VoWiFi service while taking A‐MPDU method into account. We have compared the results gained using IEEE 802.11be with earlier WLAN standards like IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax considering the constant bit rate (CBR) and VBR traffics.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Umpolung Allylation of Isatin‐Derived Azomethine Imines with Vinylcyclopropanes
Authors: Wang Yue , Wei Xingfu , Qu Jingping , Wang Baomin
Published: August 2024

A Pd‐catalyzed umpolung allylation of isatin‐derived azomethine imines with vinyl cyclopropanes was disclosed. This protocol provides an efficient and atom‐economic approach to access an array of structurally interesting allylic aminooxindole derivatives in good yields and linear‐selectivities (up to 95 % yield). Further product derivatization and asymmetric catalytic studies proved the practicability of reaction and potential application.
Development of a Glassy Carbon Paste Electrode Modified With a Copper Decorated Carbon Nanotubes Composite for Sensitive Vanillin Determination
Authors: Arbneshi Tahir , Kalcher Kurt , Aliu Ariana , Maloku Mirlinda , Holzmann‐Russ Miriam , Jauk Susanne , Samphao Anchalee , Ortner Astrid
Published: August 2024

In this study, a novel electroanalytical platform for the sensitive quantification of vanillin, an essential flavouring substance widely utilized in various industries, is presented. The design of the platform involves the modification of a glassy carbon paste electrode (GCPE) with copper nanoparticles decorated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The developed copper nanoparticlesdecMWCNTs/GCPE modified electrode exhibited a wide linear range (2.5–320 nM) with a detection limit of 0.7 nM. Interference tests confirmed the selectivity of the electrode in determining vanillin in complex matrices. The analysis of commercial samples of vanillin demonstrated its accuracy, yielding 92–103% recovery for vanillin content in commercial products. Furthermore, the electrode′s performance was validated through a comprehensive comparison of the electrochemical method with a well‐established high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The congruence between the electrochemical measurements and the HPLC data highlights its accuracy and shows its potential as a reliable alternative for vanillin quantification. The electrode′s exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy position it as a valuable analytical method in various applications, including food quality assessment and other industries requiring rapid and precise analytical methods.
Comparison of the effect of consuming the prepared cakes with acorn flour and wheat flour following a hypocaloric diet on serum levels of leptin, endothelin, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress parameters in obese and overweight patients with metabolic syndrome: A double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Sadeghi‐Dehsahraei Hamed , Babajafari Siavash , Ashrafi Mahboobeh , Mohammadi‐Sartang Mohsen
Published: August 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is a major consequence of obesity, increases mortality risks. Evidence shows favorable effects of nutritional approaches in the management of MetS. Accordingly, the use of functional foods has increased to enhance weight loss and reduce the risk factors associated with MetS. So, we aimed to investigate the effects of daily consumption of a functional acorn‐based cake in conjunction with energy‐restricted diet on some complications of patients with MetS. The study included 66 participants who were randomly assigned to either (A) a calorie‐restricted diet + functional cake (FC) (n = 33) or (B) a calorie‐restricted diet + a placebo cake (PC) (n = 33). Sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes, and serum biochemical parameters (inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, leptin, and endothelin) were measured before and after 8 weeks of intervention. Sixty‐three participants completed this trial. After adjustment for baseline levels, consumption of FC compared to the PC resulted in a significant decrease in IL‐6 (p = .03) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (p = .04) levels. No differences were observed between groups with regard to serum malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, endothelin, and leptin levels (p > .05). Acorn‐based cake could improve inflammation as an adjunct to an energy‐restricted diet in overweight and obese patients with MetS. However, it is not clear whether acorn‐based cake can be used to prevent or treat MetS because of indecisive findings regarding its ability to manage oxidative stress and serum hormones.
Biomarkers of outcome in patients undergoing CD19 CAR‐T therapy for large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Gong Inna Y. , Tran Daisy , Saibil Samuel , Laister Rob C. , Kuruvilla John
Published: August 2024

CD19‐directed autologous chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T) therapy has transformed the management of relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B cell lymphoma (LBCL). Initially approved in the third line and beyond setting, CAR‐T is now standard of care (SOC) for second‐line treatment in patients with refractory disease or early relapse (progression within 12 months) following primary chemoimmunotherapy. Despite becoming SOC, most patients do not achieve complete response, and long‐term cure is only observed in approximately 40% of patients. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms of treatment failure and to identify patients that are unlikely to benefit from SOC CAR‐T. The field needs robust biomarkers to predict treatment outcome, as better understanding of prognostic factors and mechanisms of resistance can inform on the design of novel treatment approaches for patients predicted to respond poorly to SOC CAR‐T. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of clinical, molecular, imaging, and cellular features that have been shown to influence outcomes of CAR‐T therapy in patients with R/R LBCL.
Aboriginal young people's experiences of type 2 diabetes diagnosis, management and support: A qualitative study in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Authors: Spry Erica , Seear Kimberley , Harkin Ben , O'Donnell Vicki , Maple‐Brown Louise , Atkinson David , Kirkham Renae
Published: August 2024

Issues Addressed

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in remote settings are most‐affected by young onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). It is necessary to understand young people's experiences, including factors impacting on self‐management, to improve models of care.

Methods

A phenomenological methodology underpinned this qualitative study in Western Australia's Kimberley region. Two Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services supported recruitment of seven Aboriginal young people aged 12–24 with T2D, who participated in interviews. A carer and health professional of one young person in each site were also interviewed and relevant medical record data reviewed to assist with triangulation of data. De‐identified transcripts were inductively coded and a coding structure developed with oversight by a Kimberley Aboriginal researcher.

Results

Young people reported varied experiences and emotions relating to a T2D diagnosis. Most recounted this was upsetting and some reported current negative impact on emotional wellbeing. Challenges with understanding and managing diabetes were highlighted, particularly regarding healthy eating, physical activity and medication. Family are a prominent source of self‐management support, with the intergenerational impact of diabetes being evident for each participant. Positive relationships with health professionals, entailing continuity of care, were valued.

Conclusions

There are significant emotional and medical challenges for young people with T2D and their families. Recommendations from this work will contribute to the development of local resources and initiatives to improve diabetes‐related support.

So What?

Alongside broader efforts to support good health at the societal level, enhanced health education and family‐oriented support structures including Aboriginal clinical staff for young people with T2D are needed.