bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity‐regulated gene expression across cell types of the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Nelson Erik D. , Maynard Kristen R. , Nicholas Kyndall R. , Tran Matthew N. , Divecha Heena R. , Collado‐Torres Leonardo , Hicks Stephanie C. , Martinowich Keri
Published: May 2023

Activity‐regulated gene (ARG) expression patterns in the hippocampus (HPC) regulate synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory, and are linked to both risk and treatment responses for many neuropsychiatric disorders. The HPC contains discrete classes of neurons with specialized functions, but cell type‐specific activity‐regulated transcriptional programs are not well characterized. Here, we used single‐nucleus RNA‐sequencing (snRNA‐seq) in a mouse model of acute electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) to identify cell type‐specific molecular signatures associated with induced activity in HPC neurons. We used unsupervised clustering and a priori marker genes to computationally annotate 15,990 high‐quality HPC neuronal nuclei from N = 4 mice across all major HPC subregions and neuron types. Activity‐induced transcriptomic responses were divergent across neuron populations, with dentate granule cells being particularly responsive to activity. Differential expression analysis identified both upregulated and downregulated cell type‐specific gene sets in neurons following ECS. Within these gene sets, we identified enrichment of pathways associated with varying biological processes such as synapse organization, cellular signaling, and transcriptional regulation. Finally, we used matrix factorization to reveal continuous gene expression patterns differentially associated with cell type, ECS, and biological processes. This work provides a rich resource for interrogating activity‐regulated transcriptional responses in HPC neurons at single‐nuclei resolution in the context of ECS, which can provide biological insight into the roles of defined neuronal subtypes in HPC function.
Rainbow independent sets in certain classes of graphs
Authors: Aharoni Ron , Briggs Joseph , Kim Jinha , Kim Minki
Published: May 2023

Rainbow matchings in graphs and in hypergraphs have been studied extensively, one motivation coming from questions on matchings in 3‐partite hypergraphs, including questions on transversals in Latin squares. Matchings in graphs are independent sets in line graphs, so a natural problem is to extend the study to rainbow independent sets in general graphs. We study problems of the following form: given a class of graphs, how many independent sets of size in a graph belonging to are needed to guarantee the existence of a rainbow set of size ? A particularly interesting case is the class of graphs having a given upper bound on their maximum degree.
Performance improvement, telemedicine, patient engagement, and comparative no‐show rates
Authors: Narwal‐Kasmani Rawan , Vaughan Tamara J. , Ulrich Charla A. , Stausmire Julie M.
Published: May 2023

No‐show patient visits should be considered risk events. No‐shows impact the quality and continuity of patient care. Missed visits increase health care risks by deferred or missed diagnosis and treatment, and increases costs of care. This performance improvement project proactively implemented a telemedicine system of care during a public health emergency (PHE). The goal was to improve health care access and decrease health care disparities despite emergency management changes in organizational staffing and federal stay‐at‐home orders. Telemedicine visits also addressed known causes of historically high in‐person no‐show office rates—lack of transportation, childcare issues, mobility issues, and adverse weather conditions. Despite location in a Hospital Census Tract where 50% of our population is below the Federal Poverty Level, with less access to technology, telemedicine proved to be successful. The Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) guidelines were the planning framework. The Model for Healthcare Improvement including Part 1 (AIM) and Part 2 (Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act) was used to develop interventions, outcomes, and rationale for use. Data was collected from January 2020 thru March 2022, with 22,831 total scheduled visits (15,837 in‐person, 6994 telemedicine). The average monthly no‐show rate for in‐person visits was 35% compared to 9% for telemedicine visits.
Physiological responses to pH in the freshwater microalgaLimnomonas gaiensis
Authors: Tesson Sylvie V. M.
Published: May 2023

The ecological niche of the recently described limnic microalgaLimnomonas gaiensis(Chlamydomonadales) in Northern Europe remains unknown. To decipher the species tolerance capacity to pH, the effects of hydrogen ions on the physiological response ofL. gaiensiswere investigated. Results showed thatL. gaiensiscould tolerate exposure from pH 3 up to pH 11, with an optimal survival at pH 5–8. Its physiological response to pH was strain specific. Globally the southernmost strain was more alkaliphilic, had a slightly rounder shape, a slowest growth rate, and a lowest carrying capacity. Despite strain discrepancies among lakes, Swedish strains exhibited similar growth rates, faster at more acidic conditions. The extreme pH conditions affected its morphological features such as the eye spot and papilla shape, especially at acidic pH, and the cell wall integrity, at more alkaline pH. The wide range tolerance ofL. gaiensisto pH would not be a hindrance to its dispersal in Swedish lakes (pH 4–8). Notably, the storage of high‐energetic reserves over a wide range of pH conditions, as numerous starch grains and oil droplets, makesL. gaiensisa good candidate for bioethanol/fuel industrial production and a key resource to sustain aquatic food chain and microbial loop.
Characterization of structural and functional properties of soy protein isolate and sodium alginate interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Can , Bian Xin , Ren Li‐kun , Ma Chun‐min , Xu Yue , Su Dan , Ai Lian‐zhong , Song Ming‐feng , Zhang Na
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

This study used enzymatic and Ca2+ cross‐linking methods to prepare edible soy protein isolate (SPI) and sodium alginate (SA) interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels to overcome the disadvantages of traditional interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, such as poor performance, high toxicity, and inedibility. The influence of changes in SPI and SA mass ratio on the performance of SPI‐SA IPN hydrogels was investigated.

RESULTS

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure of the hydrogels. Texture profile analysis (TPA), rheological properties, swelling rate, and Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) were used to evaluate physical and chemical properties and safety. The results showed that, compared with SPI hydrogel, IPN hydrogels had better gel properties and structural stability. As the mass ratio of SPI‐SA IPN changed from 1:0.2 to 1:1, the gel network structure of hydrogels also tended to be dense and uniform. The water retention and mechanical properties of these hydrogels, such as storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and gel hardness increased significantly and were greater than those of the SPI hydrogel. Cytotoxicity tests were also performed. The biocompatibility of these hydrogels was good.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proposes a new method to prepare food‐grade IPN hydrogels with mechanical properties of SPI and SA, which may have strong potential for the development of new foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Room temperature rate coefficients for the reaction of chlorine atoms with a series of volatile methylsiloxanes (L2‐L5, D3‐D6)
Authors: Sarachandra Kumar Geetha Anjitha , Mikoviny Tomas , Piel Felix , Wisthaler Armin
Published: May 2023

The kinetics of chlorine (Cl) atom reactions with a series of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMS) including hexamethyldisiloxane (L2), octamethyltrisiloxane (L3), decamethyltetrasiloxane (L4), dodecamethylpentasiloxane (L5), hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) were investigated in relative rate experiments at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The experiments were carried out in a 0.2 m3 PFA Teflon chamber, employing proton‐transfer‐reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PTR‐ToF‐MS) as the chemical‐analytical tool. The following relative and absolute reaction rate coefficients were obtained using isoprene as reference compound (kVMS/kisoprene; kVMS × 1010 cm3 molec−1 s −1): L2 (0.32 ± 0.02; 1.31 ± 0.21), L3 (0.38 ± 0.00; 1.56 ± 0.23), L4 (0.48 ± 0.01; 1.98 ± 0.29), L5 (0.54 ± 0.03; 2.22 ± 0.34), D3 (0.14 ± 0.02; 0.56 ± 0.13), D4 (0.26 ± 0.01; 1.05 ± 0.16), D5 (0.36 ± 0.02; 1.46 ± 0.22), D6 (0.39 ± 0.02; 1.61 ± 0.25). The following relative and absolute reaction rate coefficients were obtained using toluene as reference compound (kVMS/ktoluene; kVMS × 1010 cm3 molec−1 s −1): L2 (1.59 ± 0.18; 0.95 ± 0.14), L3 (2.25 ± 0.14; 1.35 ± 0.16), L4 (2.38 ± 0.01; 1.43 ± 0.14), L5 (3.57 ± 0.11; 2.14 ± 0.22), D3 (0.87 ± 0.01; 0.52 ± 0.05), D4 (1.48 ± 0.12; 0.89 ± 0.11), D5 (2.02 ± 0.15; 1.21 ± 0.15), D6 (2.54 ± 0.11; 1.52 ± 0.17). Our data confirm that reactions with Cl atoms need to be taken into account when assessing the decomposition of VMS in Cl‐rich tropospheric environments.
A multi‐industry and cross‐country comparison of technology contribution to formal and informal knowledge sharing processes for innovativeness
Authors: Kucharska Wioleta , Erickson G. Scott
Published: May 2023

The study explores the impact of organizational information technology (IT) competency on knowledge sharing, both explicit and tacit, in the context of innovativeness of products and processes. Knowledge sharing is then assessed in terms of tacit‐to‐explicit conversion and the impact of both types of knowledge on organizational innovation. Both process (internal) and product/service (external) innovation are included. As an extension, this IT competency to innovation framework is evaluated in context, both by nation (Poland and the United States) and by industry (IT, construction, and healthcare). The results obtained through the structural equation modeling method (sample size 2168 cases in total) exposed that IT competency dimensions matter for formal and informal knowledge‐sharing processes and vary across countries and industries. For instance, in the US IT industry, IT‐infrastructure, IT‐knowledge, and IT‐operations dimensions equally support explicit (formal) and tacit (informal) knowledge sharing. On the contrary, for the same industry in Poland, all dimensions support explicit knowledge sharing but regarding tacit knowledge sharing, only IT‐knowledge supports it. Summing up the general findings, this study exposes that for tacit knowledge sharing, the critical IT‐competency dimension is IT‐knowledge, whereas for explicit‐ IT operations. Next, it clarifies that tacit knowledge sharing supports the explicit, and both are needed to introduce external innovations thanks to their significant impact on internal processes improvement.
The dynamics of deglutition during head rotation using dynamic 320‐row area detector computed tomography
Authors: Kochi Kazutaka , Sei Hirofumi , Tanabe Yuki , Yasuda Kazunori , Kido Teruhito , Yamada Hiroyuki , Taguchi Aki , Hato Naohito
Published: May 2023

Objective

We aimed to elucidate the dynamics of deglutition during head rotation by acquiring 320‐row area detector computed tomography (320‐ADCT) images and analyzing deglutition during head rotation.

Methods

This study included 11 patients experiencing globus pharyngeus. A 320‐ADCT was used to acquire images in two types of viscosity (thin and thick), with the head rotated to the left. We measured the movement time of deglutition‐related organs (soft palate, epiglottis, upper esophageal sphincter [UES], and true vocal cords) and pharyngeal volume (bolus ratio at the start of UES opening [Bolus ratio], pharyngeal volume contraction ratio [PVCR], and pharyngeal volume before swallowing [PVBS]). A two‐way analysis of variance was performed for statistical analysis, and all items were compared for significant differences in terms of head rotation and viscosity. EZR was used for all statistical analyses (p‐value <.05).

Results

Head rotation significantly accelerated the onset of epiglottis inversion and UES opening compared with no head rotation. The duration of epiglottis inversion with the thin viscosity fluid was significantly longer. The bolus ratio increased significantly with thick viscosity. There was no significant difference in viscosity and head rotation in terms of PVCR. PVBS increased significantly with head rotation.

Conclusion

The significantly earlier start of epiglottis inversion and UES opening due to head rotation could be caused by: (1) swallowing center; (2) pharyngeal volume; and (3) pharyngeal contraction force. Thus, we plan to further analyze swallowing with head rotation by combining swallowing CT with manometry and examine its relationship with pharyngeal contraction force.

Level of Evidence

3b
Disulfide Bond Accelerated Transesterification in Poly(β‐hydrazide disulfide esters) toward Fast Network Rearrangements
Authors: Li Guanglong , Soo Han Sen , Huang Jing , Li Ting , Wang Yang , Wang Shibo , Dong Weifu
Published: May 2023

The development of catalyst‐free ester‐based covalent adaptable networks (CANs) provides a new approach to achieve milder reaction conditions to reprocess thermoset resins. Despite recent advances, however, accelerating network rearrangements requires the introduction of hydroxyl groups into the network. In this study, disulfide bonds are introduced into the CANs to add new kinetically facile pathways to accelerate network rearrangement. Kinetic experiments using small molecule models of the CANs show that the presence of the disulfide bonds can accelerate transesterification. These insights are applied to synthesize new kinds of poly(β‐hydrazide disulfide esters) (PSHEs) using thioctic acyl hydrazine (TAH) as a precursor for ring‐opening polymerization with the hydroxyl‐free multifunctional acrylates. The PSHE CANs have lower relaxation times (505–652 s) than the polymer containing only β‐hydrazide esters (2903 s). The ring‐opening polymerization of TAH improves the crosslinking density, heating resistance deformation temperature, and UV shielding performance of the PSHEs. Thus, this work provides a practical strategy to reduce the reprocessing temperatures of CANs.
Structural elucidation of lactone derivatives from Dendrobium pendulum
Authors: Zhang Mao‐Sheng , Jiang Yu , Cheng Lei , Yang Jian‐Wen , Dong Min‐Jian , Sun Cheng‐Xin , Xiao Shi‐Ji
Published: May 2023

Six lactone derivatives, including four α‐pyrones derivatives (1–4), two α‐furanone derivatives (5 and 6), were isolated from the Dendrobium pendulum. Structural elucidation of these undescribed lactone derivatives were accomplished on the basis of detailed nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1–4 were confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) techniques. The cytotoxic effects of isolated compounds on human breast cancer cell MDA‐MB‐231 were evaluated by the MTT assay.
Analytical solution for one‐dimensional steady‐state VOCs diffusion in simplified capillary cover systems
Authors: Yan Huaxiang , Xie Haijian , Rajabi Hamid , Gu Xiting , Chen Yun
Published: May 2023

The analytical solution for a one‐dimensional and steady‐state model is proposed to investigate the diffusion of VOCs within landfill capillary cover systems under unsaturated water flow and stable conditions. Examples of coupled water flow and VOCs diffusion are evaluated by the proposed analytical solution to discuss the effects of the evaporation rate and clay thickness. The proficiency of the unsaturated cover system in minimising VOC emissions was also investigated. It was found that the non‐uniform distribution of water content can cause one order of magnitude reductions in the effective diffusion coefficient of VOCs, resulting in the attenuation of VOCs in the cover system. The concentration profile of VOCs is lower for the case with a larger evaporation rate. Ignoring the non‐uniform distribution of water content induced by water flow would underestimate the surface flux of VOCs by a factor of 1.8. The water content and VOC concentration in the cover system can be effectively diminished with the thickness of the clayey layer increasing. The surface flux of VOCs is considerably decreased with increasing thickness of clayey layer. Increasing the thickness of clayey layer from 0.2 to 1 m leads to a reduction in the surface flux of VOCs by a factor of 2.9. The sensitivity analysis provides further insights into the critical role of water flow in affecting VOC transport through the unsaturated cover system. The outcomes highlight that the impacts of unsaturated water flow within the covering system should be considered for assessment of VOC emissions.
Explicit topology optimization for graded lattice flexoelectric nanostructures via ersatz material model
Authors: Zhang Weisheng , Meng Yao , Yan Xiaoye , Shao Li‐Hua , Yan Dongze , Liu Chang , Youn Sung‐Kie , Guo Xu
Published: May 2023

This work proposes a moving morphable component (MMC)‐based topology optimization approach for designing graded lattice flexoelectric nanostructures, which are generally considered to have better flexoelectric properties. To this end, the infill structure is described with the use of a set of components. A coordinate perturbation is made to the topology description functions of the components to achieve a graded distribution of the flexoelectric materials. Resorting to the explicit parameters of the components, the singular disconnected structure can be naturally controlled with the use of lower/upper bound constraints. To ensure the continuity in the approximation of the PDEs of flexoelectricity, an ersatz material model is developed by combining isogeometric analysis (IGA) with MMC. Since MMC provides definite feature sizes in the optimization result, the complicated infill lattice can be manufactured by additive manufacturing directly. The flexoelectric performances of the design results from the proposed approach are demonstrated through both numerical examples and experimental measurements. It is shown that the obtained novel infill lattice structures have better flexoelectric performance when compared with traditional structural configurations.
How can collaboration deliver? A structurational approach to understanding collaboration process and effectiveness
Authors: Seo Danbi , Bryson John M. , Crosby Barbara C.
Published: May 2023

This study examines how a collaboration's internal and external factors interact over time and how the interactions affect the collaboration's process and effectiveness. Using a process‐oriented case study, we examine how a voluntary collaboration that had made marginal gains over several years demonstrated significant progress during the COVID‐19 pandemic and civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Drawing on strong structuration theory, we explore the collaboration's internal efforts, changes in the broader environment, and the interplay between them. Our findings reveal that collaboration's internal efforts and external environment enable and constrain each other, which shapes the collaboration's process and effectiveness. Based on these findings, we contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the collaboration process and effectiveness by (1) using a strong structurational approach to demonstrate processual mechanics of connecting processes and structures in collaboration, and (2) highlighting the emergent nature of collaboration and the importance of learning and adaptability for an effective and sustainable collaboration.
Hybrid membranes of polyphenylsulfone/functionalized MXene nanosheets for the pervaporation dehydration of acetone and isopropyl alcohol
Authors: Najafipour Mahya , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Saljoughi Ehsan , Kiani Shirin
Published: May 2023

The resistance of pervaporation (PV) dehydration membranes to organic solvents is of great importance. Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is known to resist most organic media; however, its acetone dehydration performance has not been evaluated yet. In the present study, MXene hydrophilic nanosheets with hydroxyl functional groups were synthesized and then incorporated in the PPSU membrane to prepare the PPSU/MXene PV membrane for the first time. The prepared membranes were used in the dehydration of acetone/water and isopropyl alcohol (IPA)/water. By comparing the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra of the pure membrane and the nanocomposite membrane, the incorporation of hydroxyl functional groups into PPSU via MXene loading was confirmed. MXene improved the hydrophilicity and tensile properties of the membrane. The separation factor in acetone dehydration dropped with MXene incorporation up to 1 wt% and then increased with further MXene loading; however, it stayed almost unchanged in IPA dehydration with adding 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt% MXene to the membrane. Incorporating 1 wt% MXene, the pervaporation separation index (PSI) was improved by 5.8 times in acetone dehydration and 9.7 times in IPA dehydration. The PPSU/1 wt% MXene membrane provided a remarkably higher separation factor (261 vs. 136) and PSI (99 vs. 58 kg/m2h) in acetone dehydration than in IPA dehydration; however, total flux was slightly lower in acetone dehydration (0.38 vs. 0.43 kg/m2h). This study implies that PPSU/MXene is a promising membrane material for the PV dehydration of organics.

Highlights

MXene hydrophilic nanosheets were synthesized.

The synthesized MXene was loaded into the polyphenylsulfone membrane.

PPSU/MXene membranes were used in pervaporation dehydration.

MXene improved the hydrophilicity and tensile properties of the membrane.

PPSU/MXene is a promising membrane material for PV dehydration of organics.
Identification and quantification of degradome components in human synovial fluid reveals an increased proteolytic activity in knee osteoarthritis patients vs controls
Authors: Rydén Martin , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Önnerfjord Patrik , Tjörnstrand Jon , Englund Martin , Ali Neserin
Published: May 2023

Synovial fluid (SF) may contain cleavage products of proteolytic activities. Our aim was to characterize the degradome through analysis of proteolytic activity and differential abundance of these components in a peptidomic analysis of SF in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients versus controls (n = 23). SF samples from end‐stage knee osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery and controls, that is, deceased donors without known knee disease were previously run using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). This data was used to perform new database searches generating results for non‐tryptic and semi‐tryptic peptides for studies of degradomics in OA. We used linear mixed models to estimate differences in peptide‐level expression between the two groups. Known proteolytic events (from the MEROPS peptidase database) were mapped to the dataset, allowing the identification of potential proteases and which substrates they cleave. We also developed a peptide‐centric R tool, proteasy, which facilitates analyses that involve retrieval and mapping of proteolytic events. We identified 429 differentially abundant peptides. We found that the increased abundance of cleaved APOA1 peptides is likely a consequence of enzymatic degradation by metalloproteinases and chymase. We identified metalloproteinase, chymase, and cathepsins as the main proteolytic actors. The analysis indicated increased activity of these proteases irrespective of their abundance.
Co‐occurring chronic pain and primary psychological disorders in adolescents: A scoping review
Authors: Bateman Sharon , Caes Line , Eccleston Christopher , Noel Melanie , Jordan Abbie
Published: May 2023

Long‐term health conditions, whether mental or physical, often co‐occur in adolescents. For instance, adolescents with chronic pain may experience co‐occurring primary psychological disorders. In this scoping review, we determine the influence of co‐occurring chronic pain and primary psychological disorders on adolescents' functioning. A systematic search of six databases was conducted to identify articles if they were: (1) peer‐reviewed; (2) reported original findings; (3) included participants aged 11–19 years, who experienced chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting 3 months or more) and had a co‐occurring diagnosis of a primary psychological disorder; and (4) assessed functioning. Searches returned 9864 articles after the removal of duplicates. A two‐phase abstract and full‐text screening process identified two eligible articles which compared emotional functioning (n = 1) and social functioning (n = 2) between groups of adolescents with co‐occurring chronic pain and primary psychological disorders with adolescents only reporting chronic pain. Overall findings revealed no differences in social functioning, but adolescents with co‐occurring chronic pain and a primary psychological disorder (depression and anxiety) reported worse emotional functioning compared with adolescents with chronic pain alone. This review confirms the limited research on the co‐occurrence of primary psychological disorders and chronic pain in adolescents by only identifying two eligible articles exploring the co‐occurrence of chronic pain with depression, anxiety, and/or attentional disorders.
Tailoring materials for their need: Sustainable layered double hydroxide polymer composites
Authors: Oosthuizen Hester , Jones Louise , Naseem Sajid , Labuschagne F. J. W. J. , Leuteritz Andreas
Published: May 2023

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are popular functional fillers increasingly used in composite materials. They can be designed via metal and anion selection as well as the specific processing method to prepare structures with desired functional properties. This makes LDHs suitable for many different applications, including as flame‐retardants, UV stabilizers, and anti‐microbial agents in polymer nanocomposites as well as a photo‐absorber in a solar cell. Here an overview of LDH synthesis and modification, composite preparation as well as characterization is given to highlight the unique ability for customization of LDH.
Quick knockdown results in high mortality: is this theory correct? A case study with phosphine and the red flour beetle
Authors: Sakka Maria K. , Nakas Christos T. , Bochtis Dionysis , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The fumigant phosphine is used all over the world for disinfestation of stored grains and commodities. Adults of 23 different populations of Tribolium castaneum from 10 different countries were evaluated for phosphine resistance using a modification of the Detia Degesch Phosphine Tolerance Test Kit (DDPTTK). Adults were exposed to 3000 ppm and recorded for 5–270 min for their mobility.

RESULTS

Among the tested populations, high levels of phosphine resistance were recorded in populations from Brazil, Serbia, and Spain. No survivals were recorded after 7 days post exposure for eight of 23 in a tested population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work revealed four scenarios: 1, quick knockdown–low (or no) recovery; 2, Slow knockdown–high recovery; 3, Quick knockdown–high recovery; and 4, Slow knockdown–low recovery. Our data indicate that post exposure period is critical for the evaluation and characterization of phosphine resistance. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Self‐assembling tripeptide forming water‐bound channels and hydrogels
Authors: Parisi Evelina , Adorinni Simone , Garcia Ana M. , Kralj Slavko , De Zorzi Rita , Marchesan Silvia
Published: May 2023

D‐Ser(tBu)‐L‐Phe‐L‐Trp is described as a self‐assembling tripeptide that yields nanofibrillar hydrogels at physiological conditions (phosphate buffer at pH 7.4). The peptide is characterized by several spectroscopic methods, such as circular dichroism and fluorescence, oscillatory rheometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals supramolecular packing into water‐bound channels and allows the visualization of the intermolecular interactions holding together peptide stacks.
Integrated green‐and‐quality inspection schemes for green product quality with six‐sigma yield assurance and risk management
Authors: Shu Ming‐Hung , Wang To‐Cheng , Hsu Bi‐Min
Published: May 2023

Due to worldwide awareness of the sustainable environment, research on green production and distribution has grown within academic and industrial communities. For an eco‐friendly environment, limiting hazardous substances (HSs) concentration in products quality assessment is one of the most crucial strategies to achieve the 4Rs of the products, namely, Reduction, Reuse, Recycle, and Recovery. Trustworthy inspection, evaluation, and validation methods to ensure multiprocess yield and risk of acquiring green product quality are desired for the industry. However, the existing methods use arbitrary inspection sizes, levels of capability, and ignore controls for both Types I and II risks. To overcome these drawbacks and pursue Six‐Sigma green capability suppliers, this study establishes a multiprocess performance chart, called the green product quality analysis chart (GPQAC), to inspect and analyze green product submissions. GPQAC implements variables sampling plans based on unilateral and bilateral process capability indices. The chart operates at given Six‐Sigma green and quality compliance and simultaneously controlled Type I and Type II risks. The required sample size and rejection and acceptance capability zones are determined from the multiprocess optimization taking into account the Bonferroni correction. This determination enables GPQAC to aggregate the overall status of a group of processes and assess the ability of the supplier processes to execute efficiently and economically relative to the customer specifications. We also establish web‐based GPQAC graphs using a cloud‐computing program for lot disposition. Finally, a real‐world case illustrates the utility of the GPQAC integrated variables sampling scheme in enhancing environmental sustainability.
Resection of tracheal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma by bronchoscopic high‐frequency electrosurgical snare: Case report
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Kishikawa Yasuyuki , Koike Ai , Takahata Yuriko , Okamatsu Yuki , Fujita Akitaka , Arimura‐Omori Masako , Harada Taishi
Published: May 2023

There is no standard method of bronchoscopic local therapy for tracheal tumours. We herein present a case involving a 61‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with tracheal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and underwent resection by a bronchoscopic high‐frequency electrosurgical snare. Few reports to date have described such use of high‐frequency electrosurgical snares; however, they are effective for the treatment of tracheal tumours, especially pedunculated tumours.
Remote monitoring of short‐term body mass variation in savanna ungulates
Authors: Fuentes‐Allende Nicolás , Stephens Philip A. , MacTavish Lynne M. , MacTavish Dougal , Willis Stephen G.
Published: May 2023

Large herbivores in seasonal environments often experience mass variation due to temporal changes in the availability of critical resources like water and forage, as well as due to breeding events. Yet the documentation of mass variation in mammals of highly seasonal savanna habitats, which host the highest densities of grazing ungulates globally, has rarely been explored. Here, we showcase a method to evaluate seasonal mass variation in bovids. Our method used mineral‐baited scales and camera traps to enable us to track the body mass of three species through a period of wet and dry seasons in a South African savanna ecosystem. To illustrate one potential application of the method, we related body mass data to time, weather and resource availability. This showed that individuals altered their body masses markedly between seasons with, for example, female Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) gaining, on average, >21 kg over the 15‐week wet‐season period in 1 year. These changes were positively related to factors such as vegetation productivity (assessed using NDVI) and the frequency of rains. This method enables easy, non‐lethal and non‐invasive acquisition of mass data. The equipment is easy to deploy concurrently over large areas. Monitoring by this method has a variety of possible applications, potentially providing a useful early‐warning indicator of body condition to inform management, or providing information about ecological states, such as parturition or the reproductive effort of males. Given the longer and harsher dry seasons experienced in many arid systems in recent decades, and projected in future, this method may provide a straightforward means of monitoring long‐term body condition in animals as a result of environmental change.
Highlighting the role of agriculture and geospatial technology in food security and sustainable development goals
Authors: Pandey Prem Chandra , Pandey Manish
Published: May 2023

Food security is a global challenge that aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 ‐ “No Poverty”, SDG 2 ‐ “Zero Hunger,” SDG 3 ‐ “Good Health and Well‐being,” SDG 13 ‐ “Climate Action,” and SDG 15 ‐ “Life on Land.”. To effectively address this issue, a convergence of agriculture and technology is crucial, incorporating precision agriculture, sustainable agriculture, bio‐economy and advanced technologies such as machineries, Artificial intelligence‐meachine learning and geospatial technology. Recent trends in food security worldwide have witnessed the adoption of technological advancements. However, it is important to consider biodiversity when implementing and adopting technological advancements. The integration of technology in agricultural practices aim to reduce chemical usage in farms, while increased production remains the main objective of smart farming and Precision Agriculture. By minimizing the use or implementing localized approaches for chemicals on farms, we can preserve soil‐faunal diversity, which is at risk along with targets due to excessive applications of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. Geospatial technology plays a significant role by leveraging remotely sensed images acquired through satellites, aerial platforms, and GPS‐tagged drones to enhance agricultural practices, improve crop growth and increase crop yields. Through geospatial technology, we can map and monitor soil and crop conditions, and effectively conserve, protect, and manage biodiversity on a global scale. The applications of remote sensing technology consider ecological and environmental parameters, soil factors, crop conditions, and plant‐soil diversity to optimize yields and agricultural productivity. Additionally, the evaluation of various agricultural practices such as sustainable agriculture, bio‐economy, using technology can contribute to increased yields, profitability, and biodiversity conservation as central components of these practices. This study emphasizes that achieving the SDG objectives is attainable through agriculture, which has direct and indirect connections to all SDGs. Geospatial technology plays a vital role in supporting the objectives at spatial and temporal scales by facilitating agricultural practices, ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, monitoring soil and crop conditions, and promoting sustainable development.
Sclerema Neonatorum in a Premature Newborn: A Case Report
Authors: Alhalabi Rima , Salloum Riham , Alhalabi Dima , Oun Youlla , Abudeeb Julia , Kikhia Judy , Mouhamad Manal
Published: May 2023

Sclerema neonatorum (SN) is a rare condition of neonatal panniculitis with a poor prognosis and a high fatality rate. It clinically presents as hardening of the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue extending throughout the body, sparing the fat-free soles, palms, and genitalia. SN typically affects gravely ill, preterm neonates in the first week of life and diagnosis is often clinical. We report a case of an eight-day-old premature infant diagnosed with early-onset neonatal sepsis who presented with clinical and histopathological features of SN. Despite early treatment of the sepsis with intravenous antibiotics and the SN with a topical corticosteroid cream and moisturiser, the infant died on the twelfth day of life.
Mechanism of Synthesis of Tröger and Spiro‐Tröger Base Derivatives Starting from Naphthyl‐ and Anthracenylamines: A Computational Study
Authors: Dusso Diego , Lanza Priscila A. , Parise Alejandro R. , Havlík Martin , Tatar Ameneh , Chesta Carlos A. , Moyano E. Laura , Dolenský Bohumil , Vera D. Mariano A.
Published: May 2023

Tröger's bases (TB) have enormous applicability in different areas of science and technology. The mechanisms of reaction of different aminoaromatics with formaldehyde in acid media are described in depth using DFT calculations and model synthesis from our group. When different naphthylamines and anthracenylamine were used, a mixture of products was obtained, highlighting the corresponding TB, acridine and a novel isomer of TB, called SpiroTB, depending on the amino precursor and reaction conditions. Using methyl‐6‐amino‐naphthalene‐2‐carboxylate, ten possible synthesis pathways for TB, SpiroTB and acridine were explored thoroughly on their free energy surfaces. The most likely pathways were also evaluated for 2‐aminonaphthalene, 2‐aminoanthracene and 2‐methoxy‐6‐amino‐naphthalene. It was found that the first formaldehyde enters on a carbon ortho to the amino and the distribution of products is driven by the relative energies of the transition states required to form the methylene bridge between two aromatic carbons and/or between an ortho carbon and the nitrogen of the second aminoaromatic. The absence of spiroTB starting from 4‐bromoaniline was also explained.
5‐Styrylisoxazoles: π‐Conjugated System with Fluorescent Properties and Bioactivity
Authors: Sadovnikov Kirill S. , Vasilenko Dmitry A. , Gracheva Yulia A. , Grishin Yuri K. , Roznyatovsky Vitaly A. , Tafeenko Victor A. , Astakhova Nadezhda E. , Burtsev Ivan D. , Milaeva Elena R. , Averina Elena B.
Published: May 2023

A simple two‐step protocol for the synthesis of 3‐aryl/hetaryl‐4‐nitro‐5‐styrylisoxazole was elaborated. A large series of novel 5‐styrylisoxazoles (36 compounds) containing various substituents at positions 3 and 5 of isoxazole cycle was obtained. The title compounds revealed fluorescent properties in visible region, possessing emission maximum up to 610nm. The effect of solvatochromism and chemosensor properties towards a number of metal cations were demonstrated. Cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 (breast carcinoma), HCT‐116 (colon carcinoma), A549 (pulmonary carcinoma) and WI38 (fibroblasts from lung tissue) cell lines was tested and toxicity in the concentration range of 10–100 μM was found for several compounds.
Anti‐inflammatory Potential of 1,4‐Naphthoquinone Acyl Thiourea Hybrids on Lipopolysaccharide‐Activated Mammalian Macrophages, and Their Acid Dissociation Constants
Authors: Canatar Ceren , Türkben Havva , Efeoglu Cagla , Sari Hayati , Karasu Elize , Nural Yahya , Ayaz Furkan
Published: May 2023

In this study, seven new and known 1,4‐naphthoquinone acyl thiourea hybrids were synthesized and their molecular structures were confirmed by various analytical methods. These derivatives were tested for their anti‐inflammatory potential on the murine macrophages. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine production levels and cell viabilities were compared between the groups and with LPS positive control groups to determine the most potent anti‐inflammatory drug candidate. Our results suggest that these derivatives had anti‐inflammatory activity without exerting major cytotoxicity. Their future evaluation in inflammatory and autoimmune disease settings will be crucial for their possible utilization in the clinical setting. The acid dissociation constants of synthesized hybrids 1–7 were determined potentiometrically at 25.0±0.1 °C, at an ionic strength of 0.1 M NaCl in 20 % (v/v) DMSO – water hydro‐organic solvent mixture in an acidic medium. Three acid dissociation constants were calculated for each hybrid with the HYPERQUAD computer program using the data obtained as a result of potentiometric titrations under the specified conditions.
2D Ruddlesden–Popper Polycrystalline PerovskitePyro‐Phototronic Photodetectors
Authors: Wan Jiaxin , Yuan Hua , Xiao Zhixing , Sun Jia , Peng Yongyi , Zhang Dou , Yuan Xi , Zhang Jidong , Li Zhuan , Dai Guozhang , Yang Junliang
Published: May 2023

Two‐dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) layered halide perovskite has attracted wide attentions due to its unique structure and excellent optoelectronic properties. With inserting organic cations, inorganic octahedrons are forced to extend in a certain direction, resulting in an asymmetric 2D perovskite crystal structure and causing spontaneous polarization. The pyroelectric effect resulted from spontaneous polarization exhibits a broad prospect in the application of optoelectronic devices. Herein, 2D RP polycrystalline perovskite (BA)2(MA)3Pb4I13 film with excellent crystal orientation is fabricated by hot‐casting deposition, and a class of 2D hybrid perovskite photodetectors (PDs) with pyro‐phototronic effect is proposed, achieving temperature and light detection with greatly improved performance by coupling multiple energies. Because of the pyro‐phototronic effect, the current is ≈35 times to that of the photovoltaic effect current under 0 V bias. The responsivity and detectivity are 12.7 mA W−1 and 1.73 × 1011 Jones, and the on/off ratio can reach 3.97 × 103. Furthermore, the influences of bias voltage, light power density, and frequency on the pyro‐phototronic effect of 2D RP polycrystalline perovskite PDs are explored. The coupling of spontaneous polarization and light facilitates photo‐induced carrier dissociation and tunes the carrier transport process, making 2D RP perovskites a competitive candidate for next‐generation photonic devices.
Three Strategies in Engineering Nanomedicines for Tumor Microenvironment‐Enabled Phototherapy
Authors: He Shiliang , Jia Xiao , Feng Sai , Hu Junqing
Published: May 2023

Canonical phototherapeutics have several limitations, including a lack of tumor selectivity, nondiscriminatory phototoxicity, and tumor hypoxia aggravation. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by hypoxia, acidic pH, and high levels of H2O2, GSH, and proteases. To overcome the shortcomings of canonical phototherapy and achieve optimal theranostic effects with minimal side effects, unique TME characteristics are employed in the development of phototherapeutic nanomedicines. In this review, the effectiveness of three strategies for developing advanced phototherapeutics based on various TME characteristics is examined. The first strategy involves targeted delivery of phototherapeutics to tumors with the assistance of TME‐induced nanoparticle disassembly or surface modification. The second strategy involves near‐infrared absorption increase‐induced phototherapy activation triggered by TME factors. The third strategy involves enhancing therapeutic efficacy by ameliorating TME. The functionalities, working principles, and significance of the three strategies for various applications are highlighted. Finally, possible challenges and future perspectives for further development are discussed.
Boron‐Doping Induced Electron Delocalization in Fluorophosphate Cathode: Enhanced Na‐Ion Diffusivity and Sodium‐Ion Full Cell Performance
Authors: Yu Hong , Gao Yan , Jing Hongbo , Wang Jinjin , Liang Qinghua , Kang Jinzhao , Wang Xiaomei , Qi Weihong , Du Cheng‐Feng
Published: May 2023

Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) is widely accepted as advanced cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries with high application prospects ascribing to its considerable specific capacity and high working voltage. However, challenges in the full realization of its theoretical potential lie in the novel structural design to accelerate its Na+ diffusivity. Herein, considering the important role of polyanion groups in constituting Na+ diffusion tunnels, boron (B) is doped at the P‐site to obtain Na3V2(P2−xBxO8)O2F (NVP2−xBxOF). As evidenced by density functional theory modeling, B‐doping induces a dramatic decrease in the bandgap. Delocalization of electrons on the O anions in BO4 tetrahedra is observed in NVP2−xBxOF, which dramatically lowers the electrostatic resistance experienced by Na+. As a result, the Na+ diffusivity in the NVP2−xBxOF cathode has accelerated up to 11 times higher, which secures a high rate property (67.2 mAh g−1 at 60 C) and long cycle stability (95.9% capacity retention at 108.6 mAh g−1 at 10 C after 1000 cycles). The assembled NVP1.90B0.10OF//Se‐C full cell demonstrates exceptional power/energy density (213.3 W kg−1 @ 426.4 Wh kg−1 and 17970 W kg−1 @ 119.8 Wh kg−1) and outstanding capability to withstand long cycles (90.1% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 105.3 mAh g−1 at 10 C).
Novel Bilayer SnO2 Electron Transport Layers with Atomic Layer Deposition for High‐Performance α‐FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Xuecong , Zhou Yan , Chen Muyang , Wang Dianxi , Chao Lingfeng , Lv Yifan , Zhang Hui , Xia Yingdong , Li Mingjie , Hu Zhelu , Chen Yonghua
Published: May 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on the SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) have achieved remarkable photovoltaic efficiency. However, the commercial SnO2 ETLs show various shortcomings. The SnO2 precursor is prone to agglomeration, resulting in poor morphology with numerous interface defects. Additionally, the open circuit voltage (Voc) would be constrained by the energy level mismatch between the SnO2 and the perovskite. And, few studies designed SnO2‐based ETLs to promote crystal growth of PbI2, a crucial prerequisite for obtaining high‐quality perovskite films via the two‐step method. Herein, we proposed a novel bilayer SnO2 structure that combined the atomic layer deposition (ALD) and sol‐gel solution to well address the aforementioned issues. Due to the unique conformal effect of ALD‐SnO2, it can effectively modulate the roughness of FTO substrate, enhance the quality of ETL, and induce the growth of PbI2 crystal phase to develop the crystallinity of perovskite layer. Furthermore, a created built‐in field of the bilayer SnO2 can help to overcome the electron accumulation at the ETL/perovskite interface, leading to a higher Voc and fill factor. Consequently, the efficiency of PSCs with ionic liquid solvent increases from 22.09% to 23.86%, maintaining 85% initial efficiency in a 20% humidity N2 environment for 1300 h.