bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polycyclic Heteroaromatic π‐Linkers Provide Dithienylethene Switches with Favorable Thermal and Photochemical Properties for Solar‐Energy Storage
Authors: S Thillaiarasi , Perumalla D. Sravanakumar , Oruganti Baswanth , Durbeej Bo
Published: February 2024

Dithienylethene photoswitches with an aromatic π‐linker as the bridge between the two thiophene units are attractive starting materials for developing molecular solar thermal energy (MOST) storage systems, partly because the aromaticity of their ring‐open forms is a favorable feature with regard to the energy‐storage densities of their ring‐closed forms produced by photoinduced electrocyclization (photocyclization) reactions. At the same time, this typically leads to small barriers for their thermal cycloreversion reactions, which are not desirable in this context. Here, we use computational methods to show that this problem can be circumvented with polycyclic heteroaromatic π‐linkers. Specifically, through the tuning of the aromatic character of the individual rings of such a π‐linker (like indole or isoindole), it is shown to be possible to strike a delicate balance between the seemingly contrasting requirements of simultaneously achieving both a high energy‐storage density and a large cycloreversion barrier. Furthermore, this design is also found to provide for a quick and efficient photocyclization reaction, owing to the onset of excited‐state antiaromaticity in the π‐linker upon light absorption of the ring‐open form. Altogether, dithienylethenes with polycyclic heteroaromatic π‐linkers appear to have both thermal and photochemical properties suitable for further development into future MOST systems.
Gypsum lakes, sandflats and soils revealed from the Triassic Red Peak Formation of the Chugwater Group, north‐central Wyoming
Authors: Bradford Maya Yamei , Benison Kathleen C.
Published: February 2024

Bedded gypsum is relatively common in bedded evaporites associated with red bed siliciclastics of Permo‐Triassic Pangea. However, little attention has been paid to the textures of ancient gypsum, which can be used to refine interpretations of depositional environment and diagenetic history. This project describes the textures of bedded gypsum from an outcrop of the Triassic Red Peak Formation (Chugwater Group) near Greybull, Wyoming. Fieldwork, petrography and X‐ray diffraction reveal three distinct lithologies of bedded gypsum: bottom‐growth gypsum, laminated gypsum and clastic gypsum. Bottom‐growth gypsum precipitated at the bottom of shallow saline surface water bodies. Laminated gypsum probably formed in shallow saline lakes and mudflats. Clastic gypsum units are composed of aeolian‐reworked bottom‐growth gypsum crystals deposited in sandflats. Red siliciclastic mudstones are characterised by their massive nature and abundant blocky peds. Detailed study of this outcrop of the Red Peak Formation shows that it formed in shallow saline lakes and associated mudflats, sandflats and desert soils.
Resource instability undermines predictable plasticity‐mediated morphological responses to diet in a postglacial fish
Authors: Koene J. Peter , Adams Colin E.
Published: February 2024

Phenotypic plasticity has been presented as a potential rapid‐response mechanism with which organisms may confront swift environmental change and increasing instability. Among the many difficulties potentially facing freshwater fishes in recently glaciated ecosystems is that of invertebrate prey communities becoming significantly altered in species composition and relative abundance. To test how the rapidity of diet resource change may affect phenotypic responses during development, we subjected juvenile brown trout to pelagic‐type or littoral‐type diets that alternated either daily, sub‐seasonally, or not at all over a single growth season. The proportional intake of each diet was traced with stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen and modelled with morphometric data on head and jaw shape. While those trout exposed to a single diet type developed predictable morphologies associated with pelagic or littoral foragers, those raised on alternating diets expressed more unpredictable morphologies. With extreme (daily) or even sub‐seasonal (monthly) resource instability, the association of diet type with the phenotype was overwhelmed, calling into question the efficacy of plasticity as a means of adaptation to environments with rapidly fluctuating prey resources.
Contextualizing and generalizing drivers and barriers of urban living labs for climate resilience
Authors: Quadros Aniche Laura , Edelenbos Jurian , Gianoli Alberto , Caruso Rochelle , DeLosRíos‐White Marta Irene , Pyl Wissink‐Nercua Charmae , Undabeitia Asier , Enseñado Elena Marie , Gharbia Salem
Published: February 2024

Urban Living Labs are open innovation ecosystems that integrate research and innovation activities within urban communities. However, while solutions co‐created and tested in the Urban Living Labs must be contextualized and tailored to each city's uniqueness, broader impact requires generalization and systematic replication across geographical, institutional, and sectoral boundaries. This article examines nine Living Labs in European coastal cities, identifying several barriers and drivers for mainstreaming and upscaling solutions to increase climate resilience through the Living Lab Integrative Process. Our analysis focuses on three main categories. First, social and cultural aspects highlighted include stakeholder engagement and awareness, communication, and dissemination. Second, we assess institutional and political aspects, such as silos, bureaucracy, and resources. Last, we investigate technical factors as knowledge and experience, technical and internal capacity, data availability and accessibility, climate‐related policies and actions, and long‐term perspective. The results suggest that while some barriers and drivers are common across the cases, providing generalizable patterns, there are also specific differences requiring tailored solutions at the local scale. Nonetheless, the diversity in drivers indicates the potential for sharing knowledge across cases to translate, embed, and scale solutions, enhancing the transition toward climate resilience. Learning and innovation in real‐life contexts are fundamental in the Living Lab approach, and our findings demonstrate that cross‐case learning can enhance an iterative process of contextualizing and generalizing innovative climate solutions.
Regulation of autoimmune‐mediated neuroinflammation by endothelial cells
Authors: Kallal Neil , Hugues Stephanie , Garnier Laure
Published: February 2024

The CNS has traditionally been considered an immune‐privileged organ, but recent studies have identified a plethora of immune cells in the choroid plexus, meninges, perivascular spaces, and cribriform plate. Although those immune cells are crucial for the maintenance of CNS homeostasis and for neural protection against infections, they can lead to neuroinflammation in some circumstances. The blood and the lymphatic vasculatures exhibit distinct structural and molecular features depending on their location in the CNS, greatly influencing the compartmentalization and the nature of CNS immune responses. In this review, we discuss how endothelial cells regulate the migration and the functions of T cells in the CNS both at steady‐state and in murine models of neuroinflammation, with a special focus on the anatomical, cellular, and molecular mechanisms implicated in EAE.
Surprising Impact of Donor Charge on the Water Exchange Rates of Gd(III) AAZTA Derivatives
Authors: Tei Lorenzo , Leone Loredana , Lalli Daniela , Botta Mauro , Platas‐Iglesias Carlos
Published: February 2024

We report the synthesis of three new heptadentate ligands derived from H4AAZTA (6‐amino‐6‐methylperhydro‐1,4‐diazepinetetraacetic acid) that contain a dimethyl‐amide group (AAZTA‐MA)3−, two dimethyl‐amide groups (AAZTA‐BMA)2− or two acetylglycine groups (AAZTA(Gly)2)4−. The corresponding Gd(III) complexes were investigated using 1H NMR relaxometry and 17O NMR chemical shifts and transverse relaxation rates. A computational DFT study was also performed to aid the analysis of the NMR data. The Gd(III) complexes contain two water molecules coordinated to the metal ion. In contrast to the prevailing trend, the amide derivatives discussed in this context exhibit comparatively rapid water exchange rates that do not align with the changes in the overall electric charge of the complexes: kex298=14.4×106 s−1, 14.5×106 s−1 and 9.56×106 s−1 for [Gd(AAZTA‐MA)(H2O)2], [Gd(AAZTA‐BMA)(H2O)2]+ and [Gd(AAZTA(Gly)2(H2O)2]−, respectively. The analysis of the data and the computational work suggest that the relatively fast water exchange rates could be linked to the occurrence of associatively activated mechanisms, which is somewhat unexpected for nine‐coordinated complexes.
Environmentally friendly voltammetric determination of melatonin in river water: Development and validation studies
Authors: Gabriela Pianaro Valenga Marcia , Gustavo Barankievicz Martins Luiz , Valle de Almeida Sthéfane , Lurdes Felsner Maria , Galli Andressa
Published: February 2024

Melatonin (MEL) is a hormone that can discharge into aquatic bodies and act as an endocrine disruptor; thus, its determination is important. In this study, a boron‐doped diamond electrode was used to develop an electroanalytical method based on square‐wave voltammetry to determine trace concentrations of MEL in river water. The electroanalytical method was developed and optimized in 0.1 mol L−1 sodium phosphate (pH=4.0) with parameters f=10 s−1, a=50 mV, and ΔES=2 mV. The validation study was carried out in the working range of 1.2–10.8 μmol L−1 using the parameters and statistical tools recommended by the validation guidelines of regulatory agencies. The matrix effect was significant; therefore, an analytical curve was directly constructed in the sample matrix by standard addition method. Results of linear regression indicated that the standard addition curve data presented a good adjust to linear model and have therefore a good linearity. Low limits of detection (0.29 μmol L−1) and quantification (0.86 μmol L−1) were observed. The estimates for precision (RSD (%)<15 %) and accuracy (mean recovery>99.5 %) were suitable according to the limits established in the literature; thus, the method was precise and accurate for the adopted working range. The study findings indicate that square‐wave voltammetry combined with a boron‐doped diamond electrode can be used for reliable and consistent determination of trace concentrations of MEL in river water. Furthermore, it presents interesting features such as lower environmental impact, speed, and low cost.
Porous membranes integrated into electrochemical systems for bioanalysis
Authors: Ino Kosuke , Utagawa Yoshinobu , Hiramoto Kaoru , Abe Hiroya , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: February 2024

Porous membranes have emerged as promising platforms for bioanalysis because of their unique properties including high surface area, selective permeability, and compatibility with electrochemical techniques. This minireview presents an overview of the development and applications of porous membrane‐based electrochemical systems for bioanalysis. First, we discuss the existing fabrication methods for porous membranes. Next, we summarize electrochemical detection strategies for bioanalysis using porous membranes. Electrochemical biosensors and cell chips fabricated from porous membranes are discussed as well. Furthermore, porous micro‐/nanoneedle devices for bioapplications are described. Finally, the utilization of scanning electrochemical microscopy for cell analysis on porous membranes and electrochemiluminescence sensors is demonstrated. Future perspectives of the described membrane detection strategies and devices are outlined in each section. This work can help enhance the performance of porous membrane‐based electrochemical systems and expand the range of their potential applications.
Detection of seizures with ictal tachycardia, using heart rate variability and patient adaptive logistic regression machine learning methods: A hospital‐based validation study
Authors: Jeppesen Jesper , Lin Katia , Melo Hiago Murilo , Pavei Jonatas , Marques Jefferson Luiz Brum , Beniczky Sándor , Walz Roger
Published: February 2024

Objective

Automated seizure detection of focal epileptic seizures is needed for objective seizure quantification to optimize the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Heart rate variability (HRV)‐based seizure detection using patient‐adaptive threshold with logistic regression machine learning (LRML) methods has presented promising performance in a study with a Danish patient cohort. The objective of this study was to assess the generalizability of the novel LRML seizure detection algorithm by validating it in a dataset recorded from long‐term video‐EEG monitoring (LTM) in a Brazilian patient cohort.

Methods

Ictal and inter‐ictal ECG‐data epochs recorded during LTM were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty‐four patients had 107 seizures (79 focal, 28 generalized tonic–clonic [GTC] including focal‐to‐bilateral‐tonic–clonic seizures) eligible for analysis, with a total of 185.5 h recording. Because HRV‐based seizure detection is only suitable in patients with marked ictal autonomic change, patients with >50 beats/min change in heart rate during seizures were selected as responders. The patient‐adaptive LRML seizure detection algorithm was applied to all elected ECG data, and results were computed separately for responders and non‐responders.

Results

The patient‐adaptive LRML seizure detection algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 84.8% (95% CI: 75.6–93.9) with a false alarm rate of .25/24 h in the responder group (22 patients, 59 seizures). Twenty‐five of the 26 GTC seizures were detected (96.2%), and 25 of the 33 focal seizures without bilateral convulsions were detected (75.8%).

Significance

The study confirms in a new, independent external dataset the good performance of seizure detection from a previous study and suggests that the method is generalizable. This method seems useful for detecting both generalized and focal epileptic seizures. The algorithm can be embedded in a wearable seizure detection system to alert patients and caregivers of seizures and generate objective seizure counts helping to optimize the treatment of the patients.
Reconceptualizing evaluation and assessment from a culturally responsive standpoint – An Irish perspective
Authors: O'Hara Joe , McNamara Gerry , Brown Martin , O'Brien Shivaun , Burns Denise , Gardezi Sarah
Published: February 2024

This article explores the impact that Professor Stafford Hood had on the development of culturally responsive evaluation and assessment (CRE/A) in Ireland. Starting with a brief outline of the demographic and cultural changes that have happened in Ireland since the mid‐1990s, the article discusses the initial encounters with Professor Hood and his introduction of the theories, practice and praxis of CRE/A to a group of Irish scholars. This engagement was formalized by the establishment of the CREA‐Dublin, hosted in Dublin City University. The article examines how CREA‐Dublin has used the culturally responsive lens to critique evaluation, assessment, and quality assurance practices within Ireland and across the European Union (EU). Outlining the impact of several major EU funded projects as well as locally initiated research, the article concludes by highlighting the centrality of Professor Hood as a scholar and an individual to the transformation of research and practice in the fields of evaluation and assessment on the island of Ireland and beyond.
Climate change and livestock production in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Effects and transmission channels
Authors: Ateba Boyomo Henri Aurélien , Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel , Awah Manga Lucien Armel
Published: February 2024

This article assesses the effect of climate change on livestock production in Sub‐Saharan Africa, for a sample of 45 countries over the period 2000–2021. Using a two‐factor fixed effects panel data model, our results obtained by the two‐way fixed effects estimator show that (i) climate change negatively influences livestock production through high temperatures, while abundant rainfall is beneficial. (ii) Through transmission channels, we find that maize price volatility exacerbates the negative effect of rising temperatures on livestock production, while it reduces the beneficial effect of abundant rainfall. Furthermore, we find that water availability mitigates the adverse effect of rising temperatures on livestock, while enhancing the beneficial effect of rainfall on livestock. Finally, we concede that conflicts reduce the beneficial effect of rainfall on livestock production. To increase livestock production in Sub‐Saharan Africa, we recommend: the practice of pastoralism, based on the production of plants and fodder adapted to climate change, the improvement of animal nutrition, and the inclusion of breeders in the decision‐making process in the cattle industry.
The relationship between fermented and nonfermented dairy products consumption and hypertension among premature coronary artery disease patients: Iran premature coronary artery disease study
Authors: Ansari Shakila , Mohammadifard Noushin , Hajihashemi Parisa , Haghighatdoost Fahimeh , Zarepur Ehsan , Mahmoudi Shirin , Nouri Fatemeh , Nouhi Fereydoon , Kazemi Tooba , Salehi Nahid , Solati Kamal , Ghaffari Samad , Gholipour Mahboobeh , Dehghani Mostafa , Cheraghi Mostafa , Heybar Habib , Alikhasi Hassan , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: February 2024

Dairy products may affect hypertension (HTN) risk. The aim of this study was to examine the association between fermented and nonfermented dairy foods and HTN in a sample of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) subjects. This cross‐sectional study was performed on 1854 PCAD patients. A 110‐item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intakes. HTN was considered if systolic blood pressure was 140 mmHg and higher and/or diastolic blood pressure was 90 mmHg and higher. The odds ratio of HTN across the quartiles of different types of dairy products was evaluated by binary logistic regression. The mean (SD) of dairy products consumption was 339.8 (223.5) g/day, of which 285.4 g/day was fermented dairy products. In the crude model, participants in the fourth quartile of fermented dairy products had lesser risk of HTN compared to the bottom quartile (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.96; p for trend = .058). However, after considering the possible confounders, the significance disappeared. Subjects in the top quartile of high‐fat fermented dairy products had 34% lower risk for HTN compared to the bottom quartile (95% CI: 0.49, 0.88; p for trend < .001). Adjustment for potential risk factors weakened the association but remained significant (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.01; p for trend = .001). Nonsignificant relation was detected between low‐fat fermented, low‐fat nonfermented, and high‐fat nonfermented dairy products and HTN. Moderate consumption of high‐fat fermented dairy products, in a population with low consumption of dairy foods, might relate to reduced likelihood of HTN.
Design and Synthesis of Dialkylarylphosphine Urea Ligands and their Application in Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Aguirre Lupita S. , Litwiller Levi T. , Lugo Alexis N. , Thomas Andy A.
Published: February 2024

We describe herein the design and synthesis of a new class of dialkylarylphosphine ligands incorporating a Lewis‐basic urea subunit. The ligand synthesis consisted of six linear steps and was enabled by the discovery of a new N‐to‐N alkyl migration reaction. This new series of dialkylarylphosphine urea ligands were applied in common palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions for the formation of carbon‐carbon and carbon‐nitrogen bonds in moderate to high yields.
Governance, debt service, information technology and access to electricity in Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , le Roux Sara
Published: February 2024

The study investigates the role of governance (i.e., ‘voice and accountability,’ political stability/no violence, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, corruption‐control and the rule of law) in the incidence of short‐term debt services on infrastructure development in the perspective of telecommunication infrastructure and access to electricity. The focus of the study is on 52 African countries for the period 2002–2021. The generalised method of moments is employed as estimation strategy and the following findings are established. Debt service has a negative unconditional effect on access to electricity and telecommunication infrastructure. Governance dynamics moderate the negative effect of debt service on infrastructure dynamics. Effective moderation is from regulatory quality and corruption‐control for access to electricity and from government effectiveness, regulatory quality, corruption‐control and rule of law, for telecommunication infrastructure. Policy implications are discussed.
Proof of concept testing of a positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro sensitization testing of medical devices
Authors: Okamoto Yusuke , Fukui Chie , Kobayashi Toshio , Morioka Hisako , Mizumachi Hideyuki , Inomata Yoriko , Kaneki Atsushi , Okada Masayuki , Haishima Yuji , Yamamoto Eiichi , Nomura Yusuke
Published: February 2024

In vivo skin sensitization tests are required to evaluate the biological safety of medical devices in contact with living organisms to provide safe medical care to patients. Negative and positive reference materials have been developed for biological tests of cytotoxicity, implantation, hemolysis, and in vitro skin irritation. However, skin sensitization tests are lacking. In this study, polyurethane sheets containing 1 wt/wt % 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB‐PU) were developed and evaluated as a positive reference material for skin sensitization tests. DNCB‐PU sheet extracts prepared with sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses for in vivo sensitization potential in the guinea pig maximization test and the local lymph node assay. Furthermore, DNCB‐PU sheet extracts prepared with water and acetonitrile, 10% fetal bovine serum‐containing medium, or sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses as alternatives to animal testing based on the amino acid derivative reactivity assay, human cell line activation test, and epidermal sensitization assay, respectively. These data suggest that the DNCB‐PU sheet is an effective extractable positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro skin sensitization testing in medical devices. The formulation of this reference material will lead to the development of safer medical devices that contribute to patient safety.
Synthesis and functionalization of carbon nanostructures in a single‐step CVD process through the implementation of a recycled precursor
Authors: Arroyo‐Arroyo Cintya , Granados‐Martínez Francisco Gabriel , Domratcheva‐Lvova Lada , Hernandez‐Cristóbal Orlando , Flores‐Ramírez Nelly , Vásquez‐García Salomón Ramiro
Published: February 2024

Background

Recycled materials are a major research topics of the new era to relieve pressure on raw material extraction from our planet and reduce its pollution levels. This has helped us to reinvent our relationship with nature, and to commit ourselves to a sustainable economic and social reconstruction. An excellent option to add value to waste while protecting the environment is the synthesis of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) using a recycled material as a precursor. In this research, the synthesis and functionalization of CNSss in a single‐step chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process was carried out using a recycled precursor. The methanol fraction is waste from the distillation process in the production of alcoholic beverages. The synthesis temperatures were 750, 800 and 850 °C.

Results

As a result, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoribbons and carbon nanobeads with diameters <100 nm and widths <500 nm were obtained. The crystal size of CNSs decreased with increasing synthesis temperature, from 20 to 12 nm. RAMAN spectra revealed the high degree of graphitization and the presence of different types of nanostructures. Carbonyl (CO) and hydroxide (‐OH) stretching of the carboxylic acid were present in all samples.

Conclusion

The results obtained shown that the CNSs synthetized are functionalized in a single‐step CVD process using the methanolic fraction as a precursor. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Assessment of Acute Kidney Injury using MRI
Authors: Selby Nicholas M. , Francis Susan T.
Published: February 2024

There has been growing interest in using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to describe and understand the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). The ability to assess kidney blood flow, perfusion, oxygenation, and changes in tissue microstructure at repeated timepoints is hugely appealing, as this offers new possibilities to describe nature and severity of AKI, track the time‐course to recovery or progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and may ultimately provide a method to noninvasively assess response to new therapies. This could have significant clinical implications considering that AKI is common (affecting more than 13 million people globally every year), harmful (associated with short and long‐term morbidity and mortality), and currently lacks specific treatments. However, this is also a challenging area to study. After the kidney has been affected by an initial insult that leads to AKI, complex coexisting processes ensue, which may recover or can progress to CKD. There are various preclinical models of AKI (from which most of our current understanding derives), and these differ from each other but more importantly from clinical AKI. These aspects are fundamental to interpreting the results of the different AKI studies in which renal MRI has been used, which encompass different settings of AKI and a variety of MRI measures acquired at different timepoints. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description and interpretation of current studies (both preclinical and clinical) in which MRI has been used to assess AKI, and discuss future directions in the field.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Research on habitat quality in arid urban agglomerations: Influencing mechanisms and multi‐scenario simulations
Authors: Han Chuqiao , Zheng Jianghua , Han Wanqiang , Lu Binbin , Yu Wenjie , Wang Zhe , Yang Juan , Wu Jiale
Published: February 2024

In the context of climate change and rapid urbanization, there have been unparalleled changes in land use and land cover (LULC), resulting in substantial impacts on the surrounding habitat quality (HQ), particularly in ecologically vulnerable arid regions. However, previous studies on the influencing mechanisms of HQ in arid urban agglomerations and future multi‐scenario simulations remain limited. To fill this knowledge gap, this study aimed to reveal the influencing mechanisms in HQ changes and to develop a multi‐scenario HQ assessment framework within arid urban agglomerations. We assessed the spatiotemporal variations in HQ using the InVEST model and three periods of LULC data for the urban agglomeration on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UANSTM), and the partial least squares structural equation model was introduced to explore the interactions between natural and non‐natural factors and their impacts on HQ. Additionally, we coupled multi‐objective programming and PLUS models to predict the LULC under different optimization scenarios (natural development scenario (NDS), ecological protection scenario (EPS), ecological–economic coordinated scenario, and economic development scenario) for the UANSTM in 2030, and to assess HQ. Results show that (1) the HQ index of the UANSTM was 0.507, 0.520, and 0.495 in 2000, 2010, and 2020 respectively, with a spatial distribution pattern of high values in the west, low values in the east, and high in the central and low in the north and south; (2) geomorphic, climatic, and LULC factors have direct positive effects on HQ, while socio‐economic factors have a direct negative effect on HQ. In addition, geomorphic, socio‐economic, and climatic factors also influence HQ through potential indirect paths. Climatic and LULC factors enhance the positive effect of geomorphic on HQ while counteracting the direct negative effect of socio‐economic factors on HQ. Climatic factors have the largest negative effect on HQ through their influence on LULC; (3) according to the four scenarios in 2030, the highest HQ index (increased by 0.13%) was found under the EPS, which also aligns more closely with SDGs. Conversely, NDS showed the lowest HQ index (declined by 2.59%). The research results could provide a scientific basis for promoting sustainable land management and ecological conservation for the UANSTM.
Effects of grazing in different intensities and 10‐year grazing exclusion on soil bacterial community composition and interaction complexity in alpine grasslands of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Qi Xiangning , Chen Xianke , Zhou Xiaorong , Qian Zhi , Zhou Hanchang , Zhuang Guoqiang , Ma Anzhou
Published: February 2024

To decrease the detrimental consequences of overgrazing on the sustainability of grassland ecosystems, many countries have developed policies on grazing exclusions. However, compared with grazing, how grazing exclusion modifies soil bacterial community and the associated environmental drivers is inadequately understood. Here, we studied the effects of grazing in different intensities (no grazing, light, moderate, and heavy grazing) and 10 years' grazing exclusion on soil bacteria community and associated environmental factors in the grassland of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The results showed significant changes in soil bacterial composition among all the treatments. After 10 years' grazing exclusion, the composition of the bacterial community rather than bacterial diversity was significantly different from that in grassland without grazing treatment. Under grazing exclusion, bacterial community composition was regulated by the total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. Grazing treatments decreased the complexity of the bacterial co‐occurrence network, but 10 years' grazing exclusion increased the complexity. This study found that grazing in different intensities substantially affected bacterial community structure and diversity, but 10 years' grazing exclusion hardly alleviated the historical grazing effects on the bacterial community structure. The findings of the study extended the understanding of how bacterial communities in grasslands respond to grazing in different intensities and grazing exclusion, providing a crucial scientific foundation for evaluating sustainable grazing management.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cassava Gum Hydrogel Associated with Chlorhexidine and Evaluation of Release and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Lima Idglan Sá de , Silva Albert Santos , Nascimento Ariane Maria Silva Santos , de Oliveira Luís Humberto , Morais Alan Ícaro Sousa , Barreto Humberto Medeiros , Peña‐Garcia Ramón , Cuevas Maria Del Mar Orta , Argôlo Neto Napoleão Martins , Osajima Josy Anteveli , Muniz Edvani Curti , da Silva‐Filho Edson Cavalcanti
Published: February 2024

Hydrogels from natural sources are attracting increasing interest due to their ability to protect biologically active molecules. Starch extracted from cassava tubers is a promising material for synthesizing these hydrogels. Copolymerization of cassava gum and incorporation of chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX) into the hydrogels is confirmed by changes in the crystallographic profile, as observed through X‐ray diffraction, and a shift in the 1000 cm−1 band in the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum. The differential scanning calorimetry reveals changes in the decomposition temperature of the synthesized hydrogels related to CLX volatility. Micrographs illustrate the material's porosity. Release tests indicate a constant linear release over 72 h, while antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans is satisfactory, with 100% effectiveness from 0.5% CLX and the formation of inhibition halos. Toxicity and biocompatibility studies show no cytotoxicity. The continuous release of chlorhexidine is promising for components of biomedical implants and applications as it can ensure antimicrobial action according to specific therapeutic needs.
The z‐Average of Cross‐Linked Polymers
Authors: Bachmann Rolf
Published: February 2024

Stockmayer's formula for the weight average of cross‐linked primary chains is extended to the z‐average degree of polymerization . This average is a function of the weight‐ and z‐average degree of polymerization λw and λz of the primary chain distribution and the branching density α: . Higher averages of branched polymers from monomers of type and with functionalities f ⩾ 2 are discussed.
Stromal interaction molecule 1/microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3B complex induces metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting autophagy
Authors: Wang Jingchun , Xie Qichao , Wu Lei , Zhou Yu , Xu Yanquan , Chen Yu , Zhang Jiangang , Ren Ran , Yang Shiming , Li Yongsheng , Zhao Huakan
Published: February 2024

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and autophagy plays a crucial role in this process by orchestrating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a central regulator of store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) in nonexcitable cells, is involved in the development and spread of HCC. However, the impact of STIM1 on autophagy regulation during HCC metastasis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that STIM1 is temporally regulated during autophagy‐induced EMT in HCC cells, and knocking out (KO) STIM1 significantly reduces both autophagy and EMT. Interestingly, STIM1 enhances autophagy through both SOCE‐dependent and independent pathways. Mechanistically, STIM1 directly interacts with microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3B (LC3B) to form a complex via the sterile‐α motif (SAM) domain, which promotes autophagosome formation. Furthermore, deletion of the SAM domain of STIM1 abolishes its binding with LC3B, leading to a decrease in autophagy and EMT in HCC cells. These findings unveil a novel mechanism by which the STIM1/LC3B complex mediates autophagy and EMT in HCC cells, highlighting a potential target for preventing HCC metastasis.
Glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase 3‐mediated lipid droplets accumulation confers chemoresistance of colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Ying , Xu Caihua , Yang Xianfeng , Liu Xiaofei , Guo Zijian , Lin Xinyu , Li Lihua , Huang Zhaohui
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. It is well known that lipid metabolism reprogramming contributes to the tumor progression. However, the lipid metabolic alterations and potential remodeling mechanism underlying the chemoresistance of CRC remain largely unclear. In this study, we compared the gene expression profiles of chemoresistant versus control CRC cells from the GEO database and identified a key factor, Glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase 3 (GPAT3), that promotes lipid droplet (LD) production and confers chemoresistance of CRC. With applying of HPLC–MS and molecular dynamics simulation, we also demonstrated that the activity of lysophosphatidic acid synthesis by GPAT3 was dependent on its acetylation at K316 site. In particular, GPAT3‐mediated LD accumulation inhibited immunogenic cell death of tumor, and thus facilitated CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion and malignant progression in mouse xenografts and hepatic‐metastasis tumors in CRC patients. High GPAT3 expression turned CRC cells into nonimmunogenic cells after (Oxaliplatin) Oxa treatment, which was supported by a decrease in cytotoxic IFN‐γ release and CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion. In conclusion, these findings revealed the role of GPAT3‐associated LD accumulation, which conferred a malignant phenotype (chemoresistance) and regulated the tumor microenvironment of CRC. These results suggest that GPAT3 is a potential target to enhance CRC chemosensitivity and develop novel therapeutic interventions.
Fight or flee, a vital choice for Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Zeng Ji , Fang Shuying , Guo Jinquan , Dong Min , Tian Guo‐Bao , Tao Liang
Published: February 2024

Clostridioides difficile is a leading cause of healthcare‐associated infections, causing billions of economic losses every year. Its symptoms range from mild diarrhea to life‐threatening damage to the colon. Transmission and recurrence of C. difficile infection (CDI) are mediated by the metabolically dormant spores, while the virulence of C. difficile is mainly due to the two large clostridial toxins, TcdA and TcdB. Producing toxins or forming spores are two different strategies for C. difficile to cope with harsh environmental conditions. It is of great significance to understand the molecular mechanisms for C. difficile to skew to either of the cellular processes. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the regulation and connections between toxin production and sporulation in C. difficile and further discuss the potential solutions for yet‐to‐be‐answered questions.
Electrochemical detection of miRNA using commercial and hand‐made screen‐printed electrodes: liquid biopsy for cancer management as case of study
Authors: Raucci Ada , Cimmino Wanda , Romanò Sabrina , Singh Sima , Normanno Nicola , Polo Federico , Cinti Stefano
Published: February 2024

The growth of liquid biopsy, i. e., the possibility of obtaining health information by analysing circulating species (nucleic acids, cells, proteins, and vesicles) in peripheric biofluids, is pushing the field of sensors and biosensors beyond the limit to provide decentralised solutions for nonspecialists. In particular, among all the circulating species that can be adopted in managing cancer evolution, both for diagnostic and prognostic applications, microRNAs have been highly studied and detected. The development of electrochemical devices is particularly relevant for liquid biopsy purposes, and the screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) represent one of the building blocks for producing novel portable devices. In this work, we have taken miR‐2115‐3p as model target (it is related to lung cancer), and we have developed a biosensor by exploiting the use of a complementary DNA probe modified with methylene blue as redox mediator. In particular, the chosen sensing architecture was applied to serum measurements of the selected miRNA, obtaining a detection limit within the low nanomolar range; in addition, various platforms were interrogated, namely commercial and hand‐made SPEs, with the aim of providing the reader with some insights about the optimal platform to be used by considering both the cost and the analytical performance.
A comprehensive strategy for quality evaluation of Changan powder by fingerprinting combined with rapid qualitative and quantitative multi‐ingredients profiling
Authors: Wang Zheyong , Zhang Yumeng , Fu Zixuan , Jin Tong , Zhao Chunjie , Zhao Min
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Changan powder (CAP) is mainly used to treat various intestinal diseases. Few studies on CAP have been reported; therefore, it is necessary to clarify the material basis of CAP to lay the foundation for further elucidating its functional mechanism and support the rational use of drugs.

Objectives

In the present study, we aimed to propose a methodology for the quality control of CAP based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of its components.

Methods

An ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (UPLC‐FT‐ICR‐MS) method was developed to identify chemical components in CAP. In addition, fingerprints of 10 different batches of CAP were established, and quantitative analysis based on UPLC was performed to analyze the quality of CAP.

Results

A total of 58 compounds were preliminarily characterized. The similarity of 10 batches of CAP was greater than 0.995, and 23 common peaks were calibrated. Investigation of the quantitative analytical methodology showed that the four components had good linear relationships within their respective concentration ranges (r2 ≥ 0.9992), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of precision and stability was less than 2%. The RSD of sample recovery ranged from 0.78% to 1.52%.

Conclusion

The established method can quickly and effectively identify the chemical components of CAP and accurately quantify the known components in CAP. The established fingerprinting and content determination method is stable, reliable, and easy to operate and can be applied in quality control and in vivo research on CAP.
Thermal decomposition kinetics and compatibility of NH3OHN5
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhu Chenguang , Hu Bingcheng , Zhang Chong
Published: February 2024

Hydroxylammonium cyclo‐pentazolate (NH3OHN5), as one of the poly‐nitrogen compounds, has a broad prospect in the field of energetic materials, due to its high specific impulse, high detonation velocity, and the pollution‐free products. In this paper, the thermal decomposition behavior of NH3OHN5 was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using four heating rates (2, 5, 8, 10 °C min−1). The apparent activation energy (EK,O=114.31 kJ mol−1), the pre‐exponential factor (AK=4.78×1011 s−1) and the critical temperature of the thermal explosion (Tb=108.08 °C) of NH3OHN5 were calculated by Kissinger and Ozawa method under non‐isothermal heating conditions. The compatibility of NH3OHN5 with 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX), 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaza‐isowurtzitane (CL‐20), ammonium perchlorate (AP), and hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) were tested and judged based on a standard agreement (STANAG‐4147). The DSC results showed that NH3OHN5/HMX, NH3OHN5/RDX, NH3OHN5/CL‐20, NH3OHN5/AP and NH3OHN5/HTPB had good compatibility.
Metal Organic Vapor‐Phase Epitaxy Growth of Multilayer Stacked InAsSb/InAsP Superlattices on GaAs and InAs Substrate
Authors: Hombu Koki , Hikita Kenshiro , Fujisawa Takeshi , Maeda Koji , Arai Masakazu
Published: February 2024

Midinfrared photonic devices are used as lasers and photodetectors in optical gas sensors and fiber‐optic communications. Herein, the pair number dependence and strain compensation dependence of the InAsSb/InAsP superlattice structure to increase luminescence intensity and reduce crystal defects is investigated. InAs substrates are used to demonstrate various effects of strain compensation, including its role in increasing luminescence intensity and improving the surface flatness. Furthermore, the photoluminescence spectra of a grown superlattice between the InAs substrate and GaAs substrate with two‐temperature‐step growth are shown.
Continuous Variable Quantum Teleportation in a Dissipative Environment: Comparison of Non‐Gaussian Operations Before and After Noisy Channel
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Sharma Mohak , Arora Shikhar
Published: February 2024

This article explores the relative advantages in continuous‐variable quantum teleportation when non‐Gaussian operations, namely, photon subtraction, addition, and catalysis, are performed before and after interaction with a noisy channel. The resource state for teleporting unknown coherent and squeezed vacuum states is generated using two distinct strategies: i) Implementation of non‐Gaussian operations on two mode squeezed vacuum (TMSV) state before interaction with a noisy channel, ii) Implementation of non‐Gaussian operations after interaction of TMSV state with a noisy channel. The results show that non‐Gaussian operations can enhance teleportation fidelity in a dissipative environment. However, the most advantageous non‐Gaussian operation and appropriate strategy depend on the state and channel parameters. The results suggest that employing such strategies can be advantageous in other non‐Gaussian continuous variable quantum information (QIP) processing tasks in a dissipative environment.
Gravimetric Preparation of Toluene CGMs in Nitrogen Gas: Verification and Stability Assessment
Authors: Garg Gazal , Kumari Poonam , Soni Daya
Published: February 2024

This research paper presents the preparation, verification and stability evaluation of a toluene calibration gas mixtures (CGMs) in nitrogen gas via gravimetric method. These toluene gas mixtures are prepared gravimetrically i. e., by wt. mixing of high‐purity gases according to the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 6142, and are validated as per ISO 6143. Toluene gas mixtures within the range of 5 to 20 μmol/mol are prepared and traceability with SI, ‘International system of units’, amount of substance, the ′mole′, through mass‐based measurements is achieved. The verification of prepared CGMs was carried out using a GC‐FID (gas chromatography with flame ionization detector) technique, and the outcomes demonstrated a consistent linear correlation between instrumental response and gravimetric amount fraction for all gas mixtures, which confirmed the accuracy and reliability of CGMs. The gravimetric uncertainty of the prepared gas mixtures, as projected in terms of amount fractions, is below 1 % relative, while the analytical uncertainty is in the range of 2–3 % relative at a confidence level of k=1. The stability study investigation over a period of one year demonstrated that the mole fraction of toluene remained consistent throughout the entire duration, which indicated the long‐term stability of the CGMs.
3D Printed Gallium Battery with Outstanding Energy Storage: Toward Fully Printed Battery‐on‐the‐Board Soft Electronics
Authors: Freitas Marta Calisto , Sanati Afsaneh L. , Lopes Pedro Alhais , Silva André F. , Tavakoli Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

The last decade observed rapid progress in soft electronics. Yet, the ultimate desired goal for many research fields is to fabricate fully integrated soft‐matter electronics with sensors, interconnects, and batteries, at the ease of pushing a print button. In this work, an important step is taken toward this by demonstrating an ultra‐stretchable thin‐film Silver‐Gallium (Ag‐Ga) battery with an unprecedented combination of areal capacity and mechanical strain tolerance. The Biphasic Gallium‐Carbon anode electrode demonstrates a record‐breaking areal capacity of 78.7 mAh cm−2, and an exceptional stretchability of 170%, showing clear progress over state‐of‐the‐art. The exceptional theoretical capacity of gallium, along with its natural liquid phase self‐healing, and its dendrite‐free operation permits excellent electromechanical cycling. All composites of the battery including liquid‐metal‐based current collectors, and electrodes are sinter‐free and digitally printable at room temperature, enabling the use of a wide range of substrates, including heat‐sensitive polymer films. Consequently, it is demonstrated for the first time multi‐layer, and multi‐material digital printing of complex battery‐on‐the‐board stretchable devices that integrate printed sensor, multiple cells of printed battery, highly conductive interconnects, and silicone chips, and demonstrate a tailor‐made patch for body‐worn electrophysiological monitoring.