bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous Inferior Zn Anode in High‐Concentration Electrolyte: Leveraging Solid‐Electrolyte‐Interface for Stabilized Cycling of Aqueous Zn‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Guo Yalan , Li Zhengang , Min Yulin , Wang Xin
Published: April 2023

Aqueous Zn‐metal batteries (AZMBs) are promising large‐scale energy storage devices for their high safety and theoretical capacity. However, unstable Zn‐electrolyte interface and severe side reactions have excluded AZMBs from long cycling required by practically reversible energy storage. Traditional high‐concentration electrolyte is an effective strategy to suppress dendrites growth and resolve the poor electrochemical stability and reversibility of Zn‐metal anodes, yet how scientifically universal such strategy is for hybrid electrolyte of different concentrations remains unclear. Herein, we studied the electrochemical behaviors of AZMBs comprising a ZnCl2‐based DMSO/H2O electrolyte of two distinct concentrations (1 m vs. 7 m). The electrochemical stability/reversibility of Zn anodes in both symmetric and asymmetric cells with high‐concentration electrolytes are unusually inferior to the ones with low‐concentration electrolyte. It was found that more DMSO components in the solvation sheath of low‐concentration electrolyte exist at the Zn‐electrolyte interface than in high‐concentration counterpart, enabling higher organic compositions in solid‐electrolyte‐interface (SEI). The rigid inorganic and flexible organic compositions of SEI decomposed from the low‐concentration electrolyte is accounted for improved cycling and reversibility of Zn metal anodes and the respective batteries. This work reveals the critical role of SEI than the high concentration itself in delivering stable electrochemical cycling in AZMBs.
The effects of exposure to physical and emotional violence from partners on psychological resilience, forgiveness, happiness, life satisfaction, and depression level in Turkish women
Authors: Dikmen Hacer Alan , Çankaya Seyhan
Published: April 2023

The data of this descriptive and correlational study were collected from 583 women between October 2021 and December 2021 with information form, Brief Resilience Scale, Oxford Happiness Scale—Short Form, Epidemiological Research Center Depression Scale, Heartland Forgiveness Scale, and Life Satisfaction Scale. There is a statistically significant difference between the resilience, happiness, and life satisfaction levels of women exposed to physical violence from their partners and the presence of depression (p < .001). A statistically significant difference was found between the presence of depression and resilience, happiness, and life satisfaction (p < .001) and forgiveness (p = .004) in women who were exposed to emotional violence from their partners. While resilience, happiness, and life satisfaction levels decreased in women who were exposed to physical violence from their partners, the incidence of depression increased. While the presence of depression increased in women who were exposed to emotional violence from their partners, the level of resilience, happiness, life satisfaction, and forgiveness decreased.
Data‐driven predictions of summertime visits to lakes across 17 US states
Authors: Nelson Erik , Rogers Maggie , Wood Spencer A. , Chung Jesse , Keeler Bonnie
Published: April 2023

Using a dataset of more than 51,000 US lakes, we estimated the relationship between summertime lake visits, lake water clarity, landscape features, and other amenities, where visits were estimated with counts of geo‐located photographs. Given the size and complexity of our dataset, we used a combination of machine learning techniques, imputation techniques, and a Poisson count model to estimate these relationships. We found that every additional meter of average summertime Secchi depth was associated with at least 7% more summertime lake visits, all else equal. Second, we found that lake amenities, such as beaches, boat launches, and public toilets, were more powerful predictors of visits than water clarity. Third, we found that visits to a lake were strongly influenced by the lake's accessibility and its distance to nearby lakes and the amenities the nearby lakes offered. Our research highlights the need for (1) a better understanding of how representative social media data are of actual recreational behavior, (2) the development of best practices to account for nonrandom patterns in missing natural feature data, and (3) a better understanding of the potential endogeneity in the lake visit–water quality relationships.
Value of troponin T versus I in the diagnosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related myocarditis and myositis: rechallenge?
Authors: Rossi Valentina A. , Gawinecka Joanna , Dimitriou Florentia , von Eckardstein Arnold , Dummer Reinhard , Ruschitzka Frank , Matter Christian M.
Published: April 2023

A 54‐year old patient with metastatic melanoma presented with asymptomatic myositis and myocarditis after combined immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy (anti‐programmed cell death receptor‐1, anti‐lymphocyte activating gene‐3, and anti‐indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase‐1). The diagnosis was based on the typical time window after ICI, recurrence upon re‐challenge, elevations of CK, high‐sensitive troponin T (hs‐TnT) and I (hs‐TnI), mild NT‐proBNP increase, and positive magnetic resonance imaging criteria. Notably, hsTnI was found to more rapidly increase and fall and to be more heart‐specific than TnT in the context of ICI‐related myocarditis. This led to ICI therapy withdrawal and switch to a less effective systemic therapy. This case report highlights the differential value of hs‐TnT and hs‐TnI for diagnosis and monitoring of ICI‐related myositis and myocarditis.
Synthesis of Aryl‐ and Alkyl‐Containing 3‐Methylene‐5‐hydroxy Esters via a Barbier Allylation Reaction
Authors: Bartholomäus Albert T. H. , Roman Dávid , Al‐Jammal Walid K. , Vilotijević Ivan , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: April 2023

The formation of C−C bonds via the allylation of carbonyl compounds has been widely applied in total syntheses. Amongst the many possible strategies, the Barbier‐type allylation in aqueous media has received only moderate attention over the last decades despite its mild reaction conditions. In this study, we investigated the indium (In0) and zinc (Zn0) mediated Barbier allylation reaction to efficiently synthesize base‐labile 3‐methylene‐5‐hydroxy containing building blocks for natural product total synthesis. As model study we selected the allylation of lipidic undecanal with ethyl 3‐(bromomethyl)but‐3‐enoate in the presence of either Zn0 or In0 and investigated the effects of additives on yields and selectivities. We then applied the optimized reaction conditions to sterically demanding allyl bromides and functionalized aromatic aldehydes yielding eleven new homoallylic alcohols, one of which was further transformed via oxidation and reduction sequences.
The effect of individual, group, and shared organizational identification on job satisfaction and collective actual turnover
Authors: Avanzi Lorenzo , Perinelli Enrico , Mariani Marco Giovanni
Published: April 2023

Drawing on the Social Identity Approach principles, we explored the relationship between organizational identification (individual, group, and shared), job satisfaction, and collective actual turnover. We hypothesize that (a) shared identification moderates the within‐person relationship between individual organizational identification and job satisfaction, namely, the effect is stronger for groups in which the level of shared organizational identification is higher; (b) group job satisfaction mediates the relationship between group organizational identification and collective actual turnover. This study was conducted in a large Italian firm (N = 1090; sale locations = 91). Data were collected using both surveys (e.g., job satisfaction) and archive data (collective actual turnover). By means of Bayesian Multilevel Structural Equation Models, we supported the moderating role played by shared organizational identification in the relationship between individual organizational identification and job satisfaction, while no evidence was found for the mediational hypothesis. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for management.
Early preclinical plasma protein biomarkers of brain trauma are influenced by early seizures and levetiracetam
Authors: Saletti Patricia G. , Mowrey Wenzhu B. , Liu Wei , Li Qianyun , McCullough Jesse , Aniceto Roxanne , Lin I‐Hsuan , Eklund Michael , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Ali Idrish , Santana‐Gomez Cesar , Coles Lisa , Shultz Sandy R. , Jones Nigel , Staba Richard , O'Brien Terence J. , Moshé Solomon L. , Agoston Denes V. , Galanopoulou Aristea S. ,   for the EpiBioS4Rx Study Group
Published: April 2023

Objective

We used the lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) model of moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to identify early plasma biomarkers predicting injury, early post‐traumatic seizures or neuromotor functional recovery (neuroscores), considering the effect of levetiracetam, which is commonly given after severe TBI.

Methods

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent left parietal LFPI, received levetiracetam (200 mg/kg bolus, 200 mg/kg/day subcutaneously for 7 days [7d]) or vehicle post‐LFPI, and were continuously video‐EEG recorded (n = 14/group). Sham (craniotomy only, n = 6), and naïve controls (n = 10) were also used. Neuroscores and plasma collection were done at 2d or 7d post‐LFPI or equivalent timepoints in sham/naïve. Plasma protein biomarker levels were determined by reverse phase protein microarray and classified according to injury severity (LFPI vs. sham/control), levetiracetam treatment, early seizures, and 2d‐to‐7d neuroscore recovery, using machine learning.

Results

Low 2d plasma levels of Thr231‐phosphorylated tau protein (pTAU‐Thr231) and S100B combined (ROC AUC = 0.7790) predicted prior craniotomy surgery (diagnostic biomarker). Levetiracetam‐treated LFPI rats were differentiated from vehicle treated by the 2d‐HMGB1, 2d‐pTAU‐Thr231, and 2d‐UCHL1 plasma levels combined (ROC AUC = 0.9394) (pharmacodynamic biomarker). Levetiracetam prevented the seizure effects on two biomarkers that predicted early seizures only among vehicle‐treated LFPI rats: pTAU‐Thr231 (ROC AUC = 1) and UCHL1 (ROC AUC = 0.8333) (prognostic biomarker of early seizures among vehicle‐treated LFPI rats). Levetiracetam‐resistant early seizures were predicted by high 2d‐IFNγ plasma levels (ROC AUC = 0.8750) (response biomarker). 2d‐to‐7d neuroscore recovery was best predicted by higher 2d‐S100B, lower 2d‐HMGB1, and 2d‐to‐7d increase in HMGB1 or decrease in TNF (P < 0.05) (prognostic biomarkers).

Significance

Antiseizure medications and early seizures need to be considered in the interpretation of early post‐traumatic biomarkers.
Synthesis of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural from glucose over carbon‐based acid–base bifunctional catalyst
Authors: Wang Chun , He Qiao , Chen Wenhai , Cheng Qunpeng , Song Guangsen , Fan Guozhi
Published: April 2023

Carbon‐based acid–base bifunctional catalyst was synthesized by the functionalization of activated carbon (AC) with 3‐mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane, 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxysilane, and H2SO4 via sulfhydrylation, ammonifiation, and sulfonation successively. The as‐prepared catalyst of NH2‐AC‐SO3H was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller specific area analysis, and it was further used for producing fuel precursor 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) from glucose. The influences of the catalyst type, ratio of acid–base groups, catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and reaction time were investigated. It was found that NH2‐AC‐SO3H revealed excellent activity, and the yield of 5‐HMF reached 71.8% under the optimized reaction conditions with a 1.3:1 mass ratio of NH2‐AC‐SO3H to glucose at 140°C for 6 h in γ‐valerolactone. The reusability of NH2‐AC‐SO3H was also performed, and only slight decreases in the conversion of glucose and the yield of 5‐HMF were observed, still giving 65.3% yield of 5‐HMF after 4 runs.
The effect of chitosan coating combined with cold plasma on the quality and safety of pistachio during storage
Authors: Akhavan‐Mahdavi Sahar , Mirzazadeh Mehdi , Alam Zahra , Solaimanimehr Somaye
Published: April 2023

Pistachios are one of the most important agricultural and export products of Iran. Fresh pistachio fruit has soft skin, is highly perishable, and therefore has a short life after harvesting, which has made traders and consumers have a great desire to increase the shelf life of this product. For this purpose, in this study, the effect of different concentrations of chitosan as an edible coating (0.5 and 1.5% w/v) and the duration of cold plasma treatment (60 and 120 s) were investigated during 180 days of pistachio storage. The effect of treatments on the shelf life of pistachio fruit was evaluated by determining moisture content, color components, peroxide value, total mold and yeast, hardness, aflatoxin content, and sensory evaluations. The results showed that the treatment with 1.5% chitosan coating and 120 s of cold plasma treatment preserved the hardness of the pistachio and the color indices in the best way (p < .05). Also, this treatment had the minimum number of peroxide, aflatoxin, and mold and yeast counts during the storage time. The treatments with chitosan coating and under plasma application did not cause any unpleasant odor or taste during the storage time. In conclusion, according to the results of this research, it was determined that the simultaneous use of chitosan coating and cold plasma treatment can potentially be used as a new approach for commercial applications and the export of fresh pistachios.
Estimation of crustal strain in Kashmir Himalayan region of north India using continuous GPS measurements
Authors: Mir Sareer Ahmad , Gahalaut Vineet Kumar , Wani Ahsan Afzal , Bali Bikram Singh
Published: April 2023

Global positioning system (GPS) measurements of crustal deformation provide insight into the crustal plate velocity and strain rate variation in the actively deforming Earth's crust. GPS measurements in the Kashmir Himalaya indicate that most of the crustal motion between the Indian Plate and southern China is accommodated along the Himalayan arc, resulting in the accumulation of crustal strain and locking of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). Here, we present geodetically estimated spatial and temporal crustal strain rates in the Kashmir Himalaya from GPS measurements to understand the nature of crustal deformation. We processed and analysed GPS data from 21 sites across Kashmir Himalaya along with several IGS sites. We find that the average deformation rate of the GPS sites in Kashmir Himalaya with reference to the Indian Plate range between 2.8 and 15.5 ± 1 mm/year. The GPS results illustrate that the strain rate field is dominated by a compression component with its rate as 7.2 × 10−8 strain/year and the maximum shear strain, γmax, of 1.9 × 10−7 strain/year. The earthquake focal mechanisms suggest that earthquake activity in the Kashmir Himalaya is predominantly manifested in the form of thrust motion. The maximum principal shear strain value reflects that the Kashmir Himalaya is under NE–SW compressional regime. The spatial distribution of crustal strain indicates that the region north‐east of Kashmir Valley is accumulating maximum strain, resulting in the stress build‐up and could be the region of a future large earthquake.
Combustion characteristics of CI engine fueled with WCO biodiesel/diesel blends at different compression ratios and EGR
Authors: Ali Noor , Maki Duraid F.
Published: April 2023

The present study investigated the effect of compression ratio (CR) with the use of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology on the performance of combustion characteristics at different CRs and engine loads; the brake thermal efficiency (BTE), specific fuel consumption (SFC), volumetric efficiency (VOL.EFF), exhaust gas temperature, carbon dioxide emission (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and oxygen content (O2). The single‐cylinder, four‐stroke compression ignition engine was run on a mixture of diesel and biodiesel prepared from Iraqi waste cooking oil at (B0, B10, B20, and B30). A comparison has been achieved for these combustion characteristics at different blends, load, and CRs (14.5, 15.5, and 16.5) at 1500 rpm constant engine speed. The transesterification process is used to produce biodiesel and ASTM standards have been used to determine the physical and chemical properties of biodiesel and compare them to net diesel fuel. The preliminary conducting tests indicated that engine performance and emissions improved with the B20 mixture. Experimental test results showed an increase in BTE when CR increased by 17% and SFC increased by 23%. It also found a higher VOL.EFF by 6% at higher pressure ratios. A continuous decrease in BTE values and an increase in SFC were sustained when the percentage of biodiesel in the mixture was increased. Emissions of carbon dioxide, HC, and NOx increased by 12%, 50%, and 40%, respectively, as CR reached high values. NOx increased with the addition of biodiesel to 35%, which necessitated the use of EGR technology at rates of 5% and 10%. The results indicated that the best results were obtained in the case of running the engine with a mixing ratio of B20 with the addition of 10% EGR, NOx decreased by 47% against a slight increase in other emissions.
Spatio‐temporal patterns and quantification of lake–groundwater interaction determined in a large water transfer lake
Authors: Xiong Ling , Aldahan Ala , Qian Ruizhi , Yi Peng , Chen Xuegao , Li Kai , Fang Jinzhu , Wang Lu , He Peng
Published: April 2023

The exchange rate is often characterized by spatio‐temporal heterogeneity, but the spatio‐temporal patterns of exchange rate have rarely been quantified, especially in water transfer lakes. This study was conducted from March to July 2021. The tracer data of δ2H, δ18O (n = 121),222Rn (n = 522), Cl (n = 151), TDS (n = 155) in lake water, shallow groundwater (7–10 m), deep groundwater (25–40 m), and an improved single‐well radon model were applied in 3 (A, B and C) typical areas (~1 km2) of the Hongze lake. The results show that during the water transfer period (March to May) the rising lake level from normal water level (13 m asl) to the storage level (13.5 m asl), caused the exchange rate to increase from −6.3 × 10−7to 33.2 × 10−7 m/s. All tracers in groundwater of A and C were continuously diluted by lake water, but shown a better mixing of the lake water, shallow and deep groundwater in area B with a water transfer channel/river (~−100 m3/s). In rainstorm season (June and July), the exchange rate changed from 3.4 × 10−7to −44.8 × 10−7 m/s due to the high groundwater table (13–15 m asl) caused by flood and rainstorm. The rainstorm imposed the inflow of both shallow and deep groundwater into lake in river areas (A and B), but only shallow groundwater recharged lake in non‐river area (C). Additionally, the exchange rate of the whole lake was estimated by the water balance equation, which varied between −1011 and 458 m3/s with an average of −26 m3/s. Finally, a conceptual model of exchange rate among lake, shallow and deep groundwater under spatio‐temporal heterogeneity is proposed. The findings offer better understanding of the spatio‐temporal heterogeneity of lake–groundwater interaction and the effects on lake water balance and recharge systems.
Network dynamics for modelling artificial groundwater recharge by a cluster of infiltration basins
Authors: Di Lena Francesco , Berardi Marco , Masciale Rita , Portoghese Ivan
Published: April 2023

In this paper we propose a simple approach for modelling the functioning of a cluster of interconnected infiltration basins: such a modelling is crucial for correctly managing artificial aquifer recharge. We model and dynamically quantify the flow from the bottom of each basin, towards the outer walls of the cluster, and between adjacent basins: as a result of this modelling, saturated hydraulic conductivity parameters are estimated. This goal is accomplished simply by using mass balance arguments and Darcy's law, considering only water levels data and the total water inflow daily bestowed to the trenches; by using a declipping technique, automated recorded data are suitably filtered; then, from these data, an efficient algorithm is implemented for determining which basin is instantaneously fed. This approach can be used for managing the efficiency and performance of such facilities over time, and it can be easily generalized. The model is tested over a real‐life site in Castellana Grotte (Southeastern Italy), where an infiltration basins cluster is used as final receptor of the effluents from a tertiary treatment wastewater plant.

Novelty and International Appeal Statement

We propose a simple approach for modelling the functioning of a cluster of interconnected infiltration basins. By a dynamical systems approach, we model the flow from the bottom of each basin, towards outer walls of the cluster, and between adjacent basins: as a result, saturated hydraulic conductivity parameters are estimated.
Spatial–temporal variations of metals and arsenic in sediments from the Doce River after the Fundão Dam rupture and their bioaccumulation in Corbicula fluminea
Authors: de  Figueiredo Eufrasio Pauly Guacira , Cruz Ana C. F. , Trevizani Tailisi H. , Mi Kim Bianca S. , Perina Fernando C. , Yamamoto Flávia Y. , Figueira Rubens C. L. , de  Souza Abessa Denis M.
Published: April 2023

The rupture of the Fundão dam in Brazil released tons of mining tailings into the Doce River Basin (DRB). This investigation aimed to determine the bioaccumulation of metals in soft tissues of the bivalve Corbicula fluminea exposed to sediments collected in the DRB in four periods (just after, 1, 3, and 3.5 years after the dam rupture). In the exposure bioassays, the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediments and bivalve soft tissues were quantified. The concentration of some elements (As, Cd, Mn, and Al) in sediments exceeded the federal limits or regional backgrounds at some sampling sites, but their concentrations tended to decrease over time. However, higher concentrations of many elements were detected in the winter of 2019. Several elements were detected in C. fluminea soft tissues, but the bioaccumulation factors were generally low or not related to those elements associated with the ore tailings, evidencing that the bioavailability of metals to bivalves, in laboratory conditions, was limited. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:87–98. © 2023 SETAC
Yakima Basin Integrated Plan—A collaborative partner's perspective
Authors: Vickers Sara R. , Eberhart Urban B.
Published: April 2023

Resilience to climate change is not a process that can be done single‐handedly. Centring the focus around building both a climate‐resilient system and well‐rounded partnerships, the Kittitas Reclamation District (KRD), Washington State, USA, as part of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan (YBIP), has been successful in mitigating water scarcity in the Kittitas Valley and benefitting the larger Yakima River Basin. By using collaborative governance, a decision‐making process that breaks down barriers and engages people across the boundaries of public agencies, different levels of government and the public, the KRD has modified its long‐term operational goals. The priority is now to establish if a proposed project can provide benefits to other interests and their water needs throughout the Yakima River Basin. We must work together to look at the big picture of a large geographical area in an effort to solve multiple water issues through a single project. As part of YBIP, the goals come to fruition through comprehensive planning for water conservation and the established relationships the partners have with each other. We work together using trust, respect and civility to move towards action and acknowledging that achieving our goals is made possible through collaboration. Opportunities to work together are sought out and taken so that water conservation and other water resiliency projects can be funded and implemented as quickly as possible in an effort to plan for future water scarcity. Protecting the certainty of the water supply for the future of the farms and the ecosystem is of utmost importance.
Exosomal lipid PI4P regulates small extracellular vesicle secretion by modulating intraluminal vesicle formation
Authors: Jin Xue , Xia Tian , Luo Shuchen , Zhang Ying , Xia Yu , Yin Hang
Published: April 2023

Membrane lipids play vital roles in small extracellular vesicle (sEV) biogenesis. However, the function of various lipids in the biogenesis of sEVs is still poorly understood. Phosphoinositolphosphates (PIPs), a group of the most critical lipids in vesicle transport, can undergo rapid conversion in response to a variety of cell signals, which in turn influence the generation of vesicles. Due to the challenge in detecting the low amount of PIP content in biological samples, the function of PIPs in sEVs has been insufficiently investigated. Here, we employed an LC‐MS/MS method to detect the levels of PIPs in sEVs. We revealed phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate (PI4P) was the main PI‐monophosphate in macrophage‐derived sEVs. The release of sEVs was regulated in a time‐dependent manner and correlated with the PI4P level during the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In terms of mechanism, within 10 h of LPS treatment, the LPS‐induced production of type I interferon inhibited the expression of PIP‐5‐kinase‐1‐gamma, which increased the PI4P content on multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and recruited RAB10, member RAS oncogene family, to promote sEV generation. When LPS stimulation was extended to 24 h, the heat shock protein family A member 5 (HSPA5) expression level was elevated. PI4P interacted with HSPA5 on the Golgi or endoplasmic reticulum away from MVBs, which disrupted the continuous fast sEV release. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated an inducible sEV release model response to LPS treatment. The inducible release may be due to PI4P regulating the generation of intraluminal vesicles secreted as sEVs.
Homogenization of monthly series of temperature and precipitation: Benchmarking results of the MULTITEST project
Authors: Guijarro José A. , López José A. , Aguilar Enric , Domonkos Peter , Venema Victor K. C. , Sigró Javier , Brunet Manola
Published: April 2023

The homogenization of climate observational series is a needed process before undertaking confidently any study of their internal variability, since changes in the observation methods or in the surroundings of the observatories, for instance, can introduce biases in the data of the same order of magnitude than the underlying climate variations and trends. Many methods have been proposed in the past to remove the unwanted perturbations from the climatic series, and some of them have been implemented in software packages freely available on the Internet. The Spanish project MULTITEST was intended to test their performance in an automatic way with synthetic monthly series of air temperature and atmospheric precipitation, to update inter‐comparison results from former projects, especially those of the COST Action ES0601. Several networks representing different climates and station densities were used to test a variety of homogenization packages on hundreds of random samples. Results were evaluated mainly in the form of root mean squared errors and errors in the trend of the series, showing that ACMANT, followed by Climatol, minimized these errors. However, other packages performed also relatively well, even outperforming them when there were simultaneous biases of the same sign in most or all the test series.
Effect of Composition of Lung Biomimetic Niche on the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation toward Alveolar Type II Pneumocytes
Authors: Della Sala Francesca , di Gennaro Mario , Lista Gianluca , Messina Francesco , Valente Teodoro , Borzacchiello Assunta
Published: April 2023

Pulmonary niche dynamically orchestrates the signals, such as proliferation or differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which allows inducing tissue repair. Lung niche includes extracellular matrix (ECM), comprising hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen (COLL), and several types of MSCs. Impaired ECM, in lung pathologies, makes the promising therapies based on MSCs ineffective, as it results in a reduced attachment and homing of MSCs, precluding their differentiation and viability. To overcome this problem, in this study a pulmonary biomimetic niche based on HA and COLL hydrogel is developed, with the specific aim to elucidate the role of COLL and HA/COLL semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) in directing the differentiation of MSCs into Alveolar Type II (ATII) cells. The effect of low (L), medium (M), and high (H) molecular weight (MW) HA is investigated, both like structural component of the SIPNs hydrogel and like trophic factor in cell culture media solution. HA in the culture media significantly improves surfactant protein (SP)‐C expression (≈2 ng mL−1), without showing difference in the MW tested, compared to control only (≈1 ng mL−1). Furthermore, LMWHA/COLL hydrogel promotes the SPC expression (approximately two times) compared to COLL, MMWHA/COLL, and HMWHA/COLL hydrogels.
Facile Fabrication of Superelastic, Hydrophobic, and Hierarchical Polydimethylsiloxane@nanocelluloses Aerogels for Durable Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Yu Jiangang , Bao Pingnian , Li Jie , Jin Yi , Xu Jianguo , Lv Yanwen
Published: April 2023

Nanocelluloses (NCs)‐based aerogels have gradually attracted attention due to their excellent performance in oil recovery for mitigating environmental pollution caused by oil spillages. However, hydrophobicity due to polyhydroxy groups and fragile in water, as well as a complicated fabricating process, significantly restrict their practical applications. Herein, a facile route is reported to fabricate superelastic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)@NCs aerogels through a Pickering emulsion strategy. The hierarchical PDMS@NCs aerogels exhibit function‐dependent porous structures and integrated properties of hydrophobicity and lipophilicity, stemming from the synergistic effect of the hydrophobic skin layer and porous matrix. The resulting aerogels are capable of continuous oil/water filtration by adsorption‐extrusion with a flux up to 4300 L m−2 h−1 and a separation efficiency of 99.9%. Therefore, this provides a new route for the rational design of morphology‐tunable NCs‐based aerogels and affords a reference for its practical application in durable oil/water separation.
The role of vitamin D receptor and IL‐6 in COVID‐19
Authors: Azmi Ali , Rismani Maziyar , Pourmontaseri Hossein , Mirzaii Ebrahim , Niknia Sedigheh , Miladpour Behnoosh
Published: April 2023

Background

Vitamin D (Vit.D) has an important role in protecting COVID‐19 patients. This study investigated the changes in vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and interleukin 6 levels in patients with COVID‐19.

Materials and methods

120 hospitalized patients and 120 healthy people participated in this study, both group adjusted by sex and age. Vit.D was measured with HPLC, the expression of VDR gene was done with Real‐time PCR, and IL‐6 was measured with ELISA assay.

Results

Our findings showed no significant difference in the case of Vit.D (25‐OH‐D3) between the two studied groups, interestingly the expression of VDR was statistically lower in the patients with COVID‐19, p‐value = 0.003. VDR expression was lower in the patient with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, significantly, p‐value = 0.002. The level of IL‐6 was statistically higher in the COVID‐19 group, p‐value = 0.003.

Conclusion

Alongside the important role of 25‐OH‐D3 in COVID‐19 patients, the quality and quantity of the VDR expression and its role in the level of IL‐6 are the promising risk factors in the future. Further studies are needed to determine the factors increasing the expression level of VDR, especially in the patients with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Effect of Brooder Age and Size on Fry Size Variation in Channel Catfish
Authors: Ott Brian D. , Bosworth Brian G. , Torrans Eugene L. , Waldbieser Geoffrey C.
Published: April 2023

Variation in harvest size of ictalurid catfishes can be problematic for both catfish producers and processors, ultimately reducing profitability for both. Although harvesting and grading techniques can reduce this variation, the biological underpinnings of these size discrepancies remain unknown. Fry from Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus brooders that were 2–5 years old were measured to determine the amount of naturally occurring variation in body mass among sac fry and swim-up fry. Over two spawning seasons, older brooders consistently produced larger sac fry (38–54% larger) and swim-up fry (42–51% larger) than their younger counterparts. However, within-spawn fry size variation was similar among all brooder ages measured. Regression modeling indicated that broodstock body mass did not influence fry body mass, whereas broodstock age was a significant predictor. These data reveal that brooder age is an important determinant of fry size and that initial fry body mass variation could be relevant to understanding fingerling size variation and may play a role in improving the production of ictalurid catfishes.
Pelvic floor muscle function after grade II tears—Surface electromyography test–retest and differences between nulliparous and primiparous
Authors: Mota Patrícia , Costa Ana , Santos Diana , Santo Susana , Barros Joana G. , Bø Kari
Published: April 2023

Background

Vaginal birth is a risk factor for weakening of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and development of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Perineal tears may decrease PFM function. PFM tone can be assessed with surface EMG (sEMG), but reliability studies of sEMG in women with perineal tears are lacking. The aims of this study were to evaluate test–retest and intrarater reliability of sEMG and compare PFM activation between nulliparous and primiparous.

Methods

A sEMG test–retest was performed in 21 women (12 nulliparous and 9 primiparous with grade II tears) to assess intra‐rater reliability during rest and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFM. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were tested. A comparison between nulliparous' and primiparous' PFM activation during rest and MVC was performed.

Results

sEMG demonstrated fair reliability in nulliparous (ICC: 0.239; SEM: 5.2; MDC: 14.5) and moderate reliability in primiparous (ICC: 0.409; SEM: 1.5; MDC: 4.2) during rest. For peak MVC very good intrarater reliability was found in nulliparous (ICC: 0.92; SEM: 8.0; MDC: 22.2) and in primiparous (ICC: 0.823; SEM: 8.0; MDC: 22.2). Statistically significant lower PFM activation was found in primiparous women with perineal tear grade II than in nulliparous at rest (mean difference 9.1 µV, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–19.0, p = 0.001), and during MVCpeak (mean difference 50.0 µV, 95% CI 10.0–120.0 p = 0.021).

Conclusions

sEMG is reliable when measuring PFM activation in primiparous women with perineal tears grade II. Women with perineal tears grade II have lower PFM activation both during rest and MVC.
Estimation of subvoxel fat infiltration in neurodegenerative muscle disorders using quantitative multi‐T2 analysis
Authors: Nassar Jannette , Trabelsi Amira , Amer Rula , Le Fur Yann , Attarian Shahram , Radunsky Dvir , Blumenfeld‐Katzir Tamar , Greenspan Hayit , Bendahan David , Ben‐Eliezer Noam
Published: April 2023

MRI's T2 relaxation time is a valuable biomarker for neuromuscular disorders and muscle dystrophies. One of the hallmarks of these pathologies is the infiltration of adipose tissue and a loss of muscle volume. This leads to a mixture of two signal components, from fat and from water, to appear in each imaged voxel, each having a specific T2 relaxation time. In this proof‐of‐concept work, we present a technique that can separate the signals from water and from fat within each voxel, measure their separate T2 values, and calculate their relative fractions. The echo modulation curve (EMC) algorithm is a dictionary‐based technique that offers accurate and reproducible mapping of T2 relaxation times. We present an extension of the EMC algorithm for estimating subvoxel fat and water fractions, alongside the T2 and proton‐density values of each component. To facilitate data processing, calf and thigh anatomy were automatically segmented using a fully convolutional neural network and FSLeyes software. The preprocessing included creating two signal dictionaries, for water and for fat, using Bloch simulations of the prospective protocol. Postprocessing included voxelwise fitting for two components, by matching the experimental decay curve to a linear combination of the two simulated dictionaries. Subvoxel fat and water fractions and relaxation times were generated and used to calculate a new quantitative biomarker, termed viable muscle index, and reflecting disease severity. This biomarker indicates the fraction of remaining muscle out of the entire muscle region. The results were compared with those using the conventional Dixon technique, showing high agreement (R = 0.98, p < 0.001). It was concluded that the new extension of the EMC algorithm can be used to quantify abnormal fat infiltration as well as identify early inflammatory processes corresponding to elevation in the T2 value of the water (muscle) component. This new ability may improve the diagnostic accuracy of neuromuscular diseases, help stratification of patients according to disease severity, and offer an efficient tool for tracking disease progression.
3D printed Sr‐HA/PCL scaffolds: Fabrication via liquid solvent technique
Authors: Ashtariyan Ali , Khorsand Hamid , Bavarsiha Fatemeh
Published: April 2023

In this research, the Sr‐HA/poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) composite scaffold was fabricated using a solvent‐based extrusion method. First, the coprecipitation method was used to synthesize the Sr‐HA powders. For this purpose, strontium was doped into hydroxyapatite (HA) with molar ratios of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. Then, the solvent‐based extrusion method was used to manufacture the 3D printed Sr‐HA/PCL scaffolds. X‐ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, and field emission scanning electron microscope of all samples calcined at 900°C for 1 h indicated the formation of a single‐phase HA structure. The composition of the synthesized powders was confirmed using an inductively coupled plasma test and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The compressive strength of Sr‐HA/PCL scaffolds compared with pure HA increased from 3.8 to 5.9 MPa. Results of the MTT test showed that Sr‐HA/PCL scaffolds were biocompatible and the growth and proliferation of MG63 cells on the surface of scaffolds increased with the presence of strontium.
Enhancing energy storage property of polymer nanocomposites by rationally regulating shell thickness of core–shell structured nanoparticles
Authors: Gao Liang , Zhang Jiaqi , Chen Zijun , Wang Xuan
Published: April 2023

Design of core–shell structure for ceramic filler is an effective way to improve the electric insulation property of polymer matrix. However, it still faces the disadvantage of a low dielectric constant, inhibiting the increase in energy storage density. Herein, we propose an effective strategy for regulating shell thickness to induce dielectric polarization, which simultaneously improves dielectric constant and breakdown strength of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)‐based nanocomposite incorporated by core–shell structured BaTiO3@SiO2 (BT@SO) nanoparticles. The results show that BT@SO fillers with a moderate SiO2 shell thickness of 15 nm and a low content of 1.0 vol% enhances dielectric constant and breakdown strength of PVDF‐based nanocomposite to 14.7 and 500.5 MV/m, respectively. Compared with pure PVDF, the dielectric constant and breakdown strength of PVDF/BT@SO are increased by 82.2% and 61.3%, respectively. Comprehensively, its discharge energy density is enhanced by 352%, up to 12.2 J/cm3, which is attributed to the high induced polarization of charge confinement and the multi‐function combined effects of SiO2 shell as a deep trap, barrier and adsorption layer. This study provides more insight into the interface control mechanism of core–shell nanostructure, and offers a theoretical basis for designing polymer nanocomposites with high energy storage density.
Formation of a conductive network in urea−formaldehyde/carbon nanotube composite foams for electromagnetic shielding
Authors: Gou Pan , Ye Lin , Li Chuanlong , Zhao Xiaowen
Published: April 2023

Due to advantages of low cost and intrinsic flame retardancy, urea−formaldehyde (UF) foams with electromagnetic shielding function present a promising application prospect in the fields of construction, transportation and electronics. In this study, by using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive filler and thermo‐expandable microspheres (EMs) as physical foaming agent, a series of UF/CNT composite foams with perfect and polygonal closed cellular structure were prepared for electromagnetic shielding. By adding 6 wt% EMs, the composite foam exhibited a uniform cell wall thickness, while the local accumulation of CNTs was inhibited and CNTs were distributed evenly within the cell walls. With increasing CNT content the dispersion of CNTs transformed from a scattered and ‘island‐like’ structure to an interconnected structure, and for samples with CNT content higher than 1.34 vol% a continuous conductive network was constructed within the cell walls, thus significantly improving the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness for the foams, which reached 34.5 dB and satisfied the requirement of commercial applications. Moreover, the contribution of absorption to the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was much larger than that of reflection for composite foams, indicating that absorption was the dominant shielding mechanism. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A thienyl‐benzodithiophene‐based two‐dimensional conjugated covalent organic framework for fast photothermal conversion
Authors: Liu Yamei , Wang Mingchao , Dong Changlin , Yu Hongde , Lu Yang , Huang Xing , Paasch Silvia , Brunner Eike , Heine Thomas , Song Fang , Auras Florian , Xu Fugui , Mai Yiyong , Feng Xinliang
Published: April 2023

Two‐dimensional conjugated covalent organic frameworks (2D c‐COFs) are emerging semiconductor materials for optoelectronic and photothermal applications. In particular, the highly tailorable, semiconducting thiophene‐based 2D c‐COFs have attracted considerable interest due to their nontrivial physicochemical properties such as photo‐activity, broad optical absorption, tunable electronic structures, and so forth. Herein, we demonstrate a novel, crystalline 2D c‐COF based on thienyl‐functionalized benzodithiophene (BDT) and biphenyl (BP) via the Schiff‐base polycondensation reaction. The resultant BDT‐BP‐COF exhibits a broad optical absorption up to ca. 600 nm and decent π‐conjugation along the 2D polymer skeleton, as revealed by the optical absorption and theoretical calculations. The favorable π‐conjugation and the abundant electron‐rich thiophene units confer excellent photo‐activity to BDT‐BP‐COF towards the usage of solar energy. As a proof‐of‐concept application, we explore BDT‐BP‐COF in photothermal conversion, in which it shows a fast surface‐temperature increase upon light irradiation for seconds.
A bacterium against the tiger: further evidence of the potential of noninundative releases of males with manipulated Wolbachia infection in reducing fertility of Aedes albopictus field populations in Italy
Authors: Caputo Beniamino , Moretti Riccardo , Virgillito Chiara , Manica Mattia , Lampazzi Elena , Lombardi Giulia , Serini Paola , Pichler Verena , Beebe Nigel W. , della Torre Alessandra , Calvitti Maurizio
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Incompatible insect technique (IIT) is a population suppression approach based on the release of males with manipulated Wolbachia infection inducing egg inviability in wild females. We here present results of multiple field releases of incompatible ARwP males carried out in 2019 in a 2.7‐ha green area within urban Rome (Italy) to assess the effect on Aedes albopictus egg viability. Data are compared with results obtained in 2018, when the approach was tested for the first time in Europe.

RESULTS

An average of 4674 ARwP males were released weekly for 7 weeks, resulting in a mean ARwP:wild male ratio of 1.1:1 (versus 0.7:1 in 2018). Egg‐viability dynamics in ovitraps significantly varied between treated and control sites, with an estimated overall reduction of 35% (versus 15% in 2018). The estimated proportion of females classified as mated with ARwP males was 41.8% and the viability rate of eggs laid by these females (9.5%) was on average significantly lower than that of females only mated with wild males (87.8%); however, high variability in fertility was observed. Values of ARwP male competitiveness were 0.36 and 0.73 based on the overall viability rate of eggs in ovitraps and on female fertility, respectively; thus, well above the conventional 0.2 threshold for an effective suppressive impact in the field.

CONCLUSIONS

Results further support the potential of IIT as a tool to contribute to Ae. albopictus control in the urban context, stressing the need for larger field trials to evaluate the cost‐efficacy of the approach in temperate regions. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Calculation of Thermal Conductivity of AlGaN/GaN Superlattices
Authors: Filatova-Zalewska Alexandra , Litwicki Zenon , Jeżowski Andrzej
Published: April 2023

Herein, the results of theoretical investigation of anisotropic thermal conductivity of AlGaN/GaN superlattices (SLs) are presented. For calculations, the Boltzmann transport equation in the relaxation time approximation is used. Results of computations are compared with experiment and theoretical result obtained using Callaway model. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical results is observed. Opportunity of use of the Callaway model for calculation of anisotropic thermal conductivity of SLs is discussed.
Magnetic and Magnetotransport Properties of the Magnetic Topological Nodal‐Line Semimetal TbSbTe
Authors: Gao Fei , Huang Jianqi , Ren Weijun , Wu Hengheng , An Meng , Wu Xueliang , Zhang Long , Yang Tianran , Wang Aifeng , Chai Yisheng , Zhao Xinguo , Yang Teng , Li Bing , Zhang Zhidong
Published: April 2023

The magnetic properties, magneto‐resistivity, Hall resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and heat capacity are investigated for a magnetic topological nodal‐line semimetal TbSbTe. The calculated energy‐band structures of TbSbTe show two nodal rings on the kx‐ky planes, and the Fermi surface possesses one electron pocket with an enclosure of one hole pocket around the Γ point. The multiple magnetic phase transitions are induced at critical magnetic fields of Hc1 ≈ 10.5 kOe, Hc2 ≈ 20.8 kOe, and Hc3 ≈ 38.2 kOe at 2 K for the H // ab plane. Temperature dependence of electrical resistivity displays a hump‐like feature around 240 K, a general positive slope above TN = 6 K but a negative slope below TN. The magnetoresistance exhibits a conversion from the semi‐classical H2 dependence at weak fields to the linear‐field dependence at high fields, indicating the presence of a Dirac linear energy dispersion. TbSbTe may provide an ideal platform for studying topological physics and designing devices based on topological quantum materials.