bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blue Light Potentiates Antibiotics in Bacteria via Parallel Pathways of Hydroxyl Radical Production and Enhanced Antibiotic Uptake
Authors: Leanse Leon G. , Anjos Carolina dos , Kaler Kylie Ryan , Hui Jie , Boyd Jeffrey M. , Hooper David C. , Anderson R. Rox , Dai Tianhong
Published: November 2023

In the age of antimicrobial resistance, the urgency by which novel therapeutic approaches need to be introduced into the clinical pipeline has reached critical levels. Antimicrobial blue light (aBL), as an alternative approach, has demonstrated promise as a stand‐alone therapeutic method, albeit with a limited window of antimicrobial activity. Work by others indicates that treatment with antibiotics increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may, in part, contribute to the bactericidal effects of antibiotics. These findings suggest that there may be potential for synergistic interactions with aBL, that similarly generates ROS. Therefore, in this study, the mechanism of aBL is investigated, and the potential for aBL to synergistically promote antibiotic activity is similarly evaluated. Furthermore, the translatability of using aBL and chloramphenicol in combination within a mouse model of Acinetobacter baumanii burn infection is assessed. It is concluded that porphyrins and hydroxyl radicals driven by “free iron” are paramount to the effectiveness of aBL; and aBL is effective at promoting multiple antibiotics in different multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Moreover, rROS up‐regulation, and promoted antibiotic uptake are observed during aBL+antibiotic exposure. Lastly, aBL combined with chloramphenicol appears to be both effective and safe for the treatment of A. baumannii burn infection. In conclusion, aBL may be a useful adjunct therapy to antibiotics to potentiate their action.
Near‐Infrared‐Responsive Rare Earth Nanoparticles for Optical Imaging and Wireless Phototherapy
Authors: Du Pengye , Wei Yi , Liang Yuan , An Ran , Liu Shuyu , Lei Pengpeng , Zhang Hongjie
Published: November 2023

Near‐infrared (NIR) light is well‐suited for the optical imaging and wireless phototherapy of malignant diseases because of its deep tissue penetration, low autofluorescence, weak tissue scattering, and non‐invasiveness. Rare earth nanoparticles (RENPs) are promising NIR‐responsive materials, owing to their excellent physical and chemical properties. The 4f electron subshell of lanthanides, the main group of rare earth elements, has rich energy‐level structures. This facilitates broad‐spectrum light‐to‐light conversion and the conversion of light to other forms of energy, such as thermal and chemical energies. In addition, the abundant loadable and modifiable sites on the surface offer favorable conditions for the functional expansion of RENPs. In this review, the authors systematically discuss the main processes and mechanisms underlying the response of RENPs to NIR light and summarize recent advances in their applications in optical imaging, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, photoimmunotherapy, optogenetics, and light‐responsive drug release. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the application of RENPs in optical imaging and wireless phototherapy under NIR activation are considered.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Regioselective C7Ar‐Functionalization of Tryptophan with Quinones and its Late Stage Peptide Exemplification
Authors: Tank Disha Harsukhbhai , Kharat Narendra Dinkar , Bajaj Kiran , Panda Siva S. , Sakhuja Rajeev
Published: November 2023

Pivaloyl‐directed Rh(III)‐catalyzed regioselective C7Ar‐H functionalization of protected tryptophans were accomplished with 1,4‐benzoquinones, furnishing a series of quinone‐appended tryptophan‐based unnatural amino acids in high yields. Further, the late stage functionalization on tryptophan‐containing dipeptides was achieved with 1,4‐benzoquinones in moderate reactivity.
Al2O3‐coated BiVO4 Photoanodes for Photoelectrocatalytic Regioselective C−H Activation of Aromatic Amines
Authors: Wang Jinghao , Zuo Lulu , Guo Zhiyu , Yang Caoyu , Jiang Yuheng , Huang Xuewei , Wu Lizhu , Tang Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

Photoelectrochemistry is becoming an innovative approach to organic synthesis. Generally, the current photoelectrocatalytic organic transformations suffer from limited reaction type, low conversion efficiency and poor stability. Herein, we develop efficient and stable photoelectrode materials using metal oxide protective layer, with a focus on achieving regioselective activation of amine compounds. Notably, our photoelectrochemistry process is implemented under mild reaction conditions and does not involve any directing groups, transition metals or oxidants. The results demonstrate that beyond photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis exhibits high efficiency, remarkable repeatability and good functional group tolerance, highlighting its great potential for applications.
Poly(PEI‐catechol‐tetraethylenepentamine) was prepared by “one‐pot method” for removing Reactive Red 195
Authors: Liang Ze , Lu Lin , Gao Tingting , Liu Qinze , Yang Zhizhou , Zhou Ruoyao , Peng Guofeng , Yao Jinshui , Zhang Changbin
Published: November 2023

Wastewater containing dyes is frequently discharged by industrial processes and needs separation and recycling. To solve this problem, it is important to research and develop environmentally friendly, efficient adsorbent materials for pollutant separation and recovery. In this study, a poly(PEI‐catechol‐tetraethylenepentamine) (PPCT) adsorbent was synthesized using a simple catecholamine reaction. This adsorbent exhibited high adsorption capacity and excellent removal efficiency for Reactive Red 195 (RR‐195) in wastewater. The material was characterized using SEM, FT‐IR, TGA, EA, and XPS. Its performance was optimized by varying the type of polyethyleneimine and the amount added during the preparation process. The effects of temperature, pH, contact time, and salt concentration on the adsorption were systematically investigated. Additionally, the experimental data showed consistency with both the Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models, simultaneously. The maximum adsorption capacity can reach 1754 mg g−1 at 303 K, with a retention rate of 86.6% after two cycles. The removal rate exceeds 98% at a concentration of 400 mg g−1 or lower. Additionally, the protonated amine group in PPCT carries a positive charge under acidic conditions, enabling selective adsorption of the anionic dye RR‐195. Consequently, PPCT exhibits an excellent adsorption effect on RR‐195 and holds promising applications in pollutant removal.
Efficient synthesis of phosphorus containing melamine salt for enhancing flame retardancy of poly(lactic acid)/polyamide 11 blends
Authors: Jiang Peng , Chang Liang , Pan Fangya , Jia Hongyu , Chen Zhilin , Liang Shanqing
Published: November 2023

A tetrakis (melamine)‐1‐hydroxyethylidene‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid salt (EA‐MEL) was synthesized by a straightforward acid–base neutralization reaction between 1‐hydroxyethylidene‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid (EA) and melamine (MEL). This compound, which contains phosphorus and nitrogen elements, exhibits a 40% carbon residue at a temperature of 800°C. When combined with diethyl aluminium hypophosphite (OP1230) as a flame‐retardant composite in polylactic acid (PLA)/polyamide 11 blends through melt blending, a synergistic effect between the two flame retardants is observed. Consequently, the limiting oxygen index value significantly increases to 34.3, showcasing a remarkable 64.6% improvement. Additionally, the material achieves a V‐0 rating according to UL‐94 standards, and the peak heat release rate drops to 269 kW∙m−2 with the addition of just 5 wt% EA–MEL. These results demonstrate that EA‐MEL and OP1230 contribute to the generation of phosphoric acid derivatives and the formation of a crosslinked (PN)n or (PON)n network. This network enables the formation of a complete, compact, and expanded char residue, effectively isolating heat and oxygen.
Evaluating Antibiofilm, Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Activities ofScutellaria brevibracteatasubsp.brevibracteataEssential Oil
Authors: Kart Naime Nur Bozbeyoğlu , Günal Batıkan , Mutlu Doğukan , Doğan Nazime Mercan , Arslan Şevki , Semiz Gürkan
Published: November 2023

Essential oils have many important biological properties, including antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. These unique properties make, essential oils good alternatives to synthetic chemical drugs, which have many side effects. In this study, we aimed to determine the chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil obtained fromScutellaria brevibracteatasubsp.brevibracteata. Specifically, its antibiofilm activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 andStaphylococcus aureusATCC 29213 biofilms using XTT assay. Cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of the essential oil were investigated in human lung cancer cells (A540 and H1299) using MTT assay, Annexin V‐FITC and propidium iodide staining and q‐PCR. Thirty‐two different compounds were identified from the essential oil, of which elemol (20.42 %), γ‐eudesmol (20.12 %) and β‐eudesmol (14.85 %) were the main components. The essential oil was more effective againstP. aeruginosaPAO1 biofilm (79 %) thanS. aureusATCC 29213 biofilm (27 %). The specific activity of the essential oil againstP. aeruginosabiofilm may be related to its high terpene contents. In addition, the essential oil showed high cytotoxic activity towards A549 (IC509.09 μg/ml) and H1299 (IC5055.04 μg/ml) cell lines, inducing apoptosis in these cancer cells. These results demonstrate the antibiofilm and anticancer activities ofS. brevibracteatasubsp.brevibracteataessential oil.
Comparative study of different biological processing methods on nutritional composition and bioactivity of whole‐grain wheat
Authors: Shi Zongqing , Zhang Duqin , Tian Xiaohong , Tan Bin
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Biological processing is considered one of the most effective technologies used to eliminate adverse traits and improve the quality of cereal. To compare the effects of different biological processing methods on the nutritional value and bioactivity of whole‐grain wheat (WGW), solid‐state fermentation (SSF), germination (GT), solid‐state fermentation (SSF), germination (GT), and phytase treatment (PT) were performed.

Findings

After biological processing, protein, insoluble dietary fiber, and bound flavonoid contents significantly increased, while phytate, bound phenolic, and free flavonoid contents obviously decreased. The molar ratio of phytate content to mineral content, including PA/Ca, PA/Fe, and PA/Zn, significantly reduced by 13.8%–42.0%, 8.4%–73.4%, and 17.9%–45.0%, respectively, suggesting the improvement of mineral bioavailability. The greatest reduction of phytate content was found in WGW after PT. In comparison to SSF and PT, GT significantly improved phenolic content and 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) and 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging abilities of free phenolic extract in WGW. As compared to GT and PT, the ORAC of the free phenolic extract in WGW obviously improved after SSF with strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Monascus sp.

Conclusions

Overall, SSF, GT, and PT showed high efficiency in phytate degradation, and GT and SSF, in particular, improved the nutritional value and bioactivity of WGW.

Significance and Novelty

This study provides data supporting the use of different biological processing methods based on different objectives when preparing WGW products.
Use of molecular simulation for evaluating adsorption equilibrium of inhalation anaesthetic agents on metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Haeri‐Nejad Masoud , Eic Mladen
Published: November 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were studied as alternatives to zeolites and activated carbon for adsorptive removal of wasted inhalation anaesthetic agents (IAA). Monte Carlo simulation was used to predict equilibrium adsorption isotherms of IAA on selected MOFs. Rather than generic forcefields (FFs), the all‐atom FF parameters published by Arcario were used for IAA modelling. Continuous fractional component Monte Carlo (CFCMC) proved crucial for speedy simulation of large molecules. We found that allocating 70% probability to the CFlambdaSwap move gave optimum fits between simulation and experiment. The simulations provided us with an insight into the adsorption mechanisms of IAA in these structures. Heats of adsorption, Brauner‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) surface area, and total pore volume were deduced to be the crucial parameters for low, medium, and high range of relative pressures in the isotherm. Therefore, the chromium atoms in MIL‐101‐Cr are better adsorbers of IAA than MIL‐100‐Al at lower pressures despite the similarities in terms of the type of linkers and topology. Our simulation results corroborated the earlier published studies on the self‐association behaviour of sevoflurane molecules based on the experimental isotherms reported for MOF‐177‐Zn. Finally, the high polarity of IAA is thought to explain good low‐pressure simulation/experiment data agreement for the MOFs possessing coordinatively unsaturated sites (CUS) despite using generic DREIDING FF for the framework atoms. Our in‐house parsing code helped realize that the grand‐canonical Monte‐Carlo simulation speed is not the same for all pressure points but decreases for higher pressure points. This can be explained by increased density of the adsorbates making successful trial moves less probable.
Evaluation and economic value of Hedera colchica in urban land management
Authors: Mirhosseini Mahsa Sadat , Saeb Keivan , Kiadaliri Masoud , Rahnavard Aptin
Published: November 2023

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing, securing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In this study, the carbon sequestration capacity of Hedera colchica was investigated in soil of a semiarid region in Iran. Samples were taken from plants cultivated in the semiarid area of the polluted metropolis of Tehran and the amount of sequestered carbon in the aboveground and underground parts of the plant was measured. The conversion coefficient of carbon sequestration of plant organs (stem, leaf, and root) was determined separately by the combustion method. Carbon tax policy was used to evaluate the carbon sequestration function, as the shadow price of carbon. The results showed a significant difference in the amount of carbon sequestration in different organs of the plant. Stems and roots with 29.3 and 4.3 t ha−1, respectively, showed the highest and lowest amount of carbon deposition. The results of the economic value showed that the carbon shadow price was $40567.6 ha−1 on average. In general, the results of this study showed that the organs of H. colchica can have a beneficial effect in the process of carbon sequestration.
Adaptive power permutation modulation: A novel transmission technique for increased spectral efficiency over fading channels
Authors: Özyurt Serdar
Published: November 2023

In this study, we propose a novel transmission technique for multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems as a partial response to ever‐growing demand for the increased spectral efficiency. The introduced scheme, called adaptive power permutation modulation (APPM), relies on the distinct power allocations on the conventionally modulated symbols to convey a certain number of additional information bits. Unlike the traditional power allocation strategies which generally aim to combat the channel fading and entail some form of channel state information (CSI) at the transmit side, APPM utilizes different power levels to convey additional information and does not necessitate any kind of CSI at the transmitter. The proposed approach is applied to two well‐known MIMO configurations, Alamouti space‐time block coding and zero‐forcing beamforming, by embracing a general frequency‐selective fading scenario under digital phase modulation. Both the modulation order and the power allocation levels on the modulated symbols are adaptively determined based on a set of additional information bits. It is shown that in addition to the conventionally modulated symbols, an extra sequence of
bits can be conveyed without any significant additional complexity where
equals the number of subcarriers. Also, it is demonstrated that considerable transmit power savings can be attained when compared with the standard schemes under a certain target spectral efficiency.
Multifunctional coatings hinging on the catechol/amine interplay
Authors: Alfieri Maria Laura , Panzella Lucia , Napolitano Alessandra
Published: November 2023

Design and implementation of functional coatings is a topic of active research in a variety of health‐related applications, most of which require wet adhesion. The powerful wet adhesion of mussel byssus proteins rich in DOPA and lysine residues provided a clue to realize that the combination of a catechol and an amine component has a specific role in the interfacial adhesion. From this natural model, polydopamine (PDA)‐based coatings have been developed that result from the oxidative polymerization of dopamine combining the catechol and amine functionalities in the same molecule. Covalent interactions resulting from Michael‐type addition or Schiff‐base formation of the polymeric products from dopamine oxidation as well as non‐covalent π‐stacking and cation‐π interactions exemplify the diverse mode of catechol/amine interplay that have been identified as responsible of the adhesion and cohesion properties of PDA. In the last decade coatings inspired to the same chemistry but using different starting materials have been explored particularly catechols of natural origin and different amine components, while mechanistic studies with model compounds have allowed to rationalize the structural requirements for adhesion and to expand the potential of these functional coatings.
A novel three‐step DNA extraction method for mixed bloodstains
Authors: Huang Jian , Huang Yushong
Published: November 2023

Mixed DNA samples from at least two contributors can be present at a crime scene, which could be the most crucial piece of genetic evidence. The mixed stains in sexual assault cases are typically separated using differential lysis procedures (a two‐step method). Blood mixed stains, however, are usually difficult to separate. In this work, we propose that a mixed stain comprises three layers, that is, (1) the upper layer which is primarily made up of cells from one contributor; (2) the middle layer which is a similar mixture from two contributors; and (3) the lower layer which primarily comprises cells from the other contributor. Based on this concept, a novel three‐step DNA extraction method was proposed to solve the challenge involving bloodstains from two contributors. In the experiment, we extracted three layers DNA from mixed bloodstains using three steps. As a result, single‐source DNA and approximate single‐source DNA were detected from steps 1 and 3, respectively. This study demonstrates that the DNA from some mixed blood stains could be effectively separated following an appropriate extraction strategy, providing valuable insights, and serving as a reference for future examination of blood mixtures.
Improving DNA mixtures analysis using compound markers composed of InDels and SNPs screened from the whole genome with next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Tan Mengyu , Xue Jiaming , Wu Qiushuo , Zheng Yazi , Liu Guihong , Zhang Ranran , Wu Mengna , Song Jinlong , Xiao Yuanyuan , Chen Dezhi , Lv Meili , Liao Miao , Qu Shengqiu , Liang Weibo
Published: November 2023

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) allows for better identification of insertion and deletion polymorphisms (InDels) and their combination with adjacent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to form compound markers. These markers can improve the polymorphism of microhaplotypes (MHs) within the same length range, and thus, boost the efficiency of DNA mixture analysis. In this study, we screened InDels and SNPs across the whole genome and selected highly polymorphic markers composed of InDels and/or SNPs within 300 bp. Further, we successfully developed and evaluated an NGS‐based panel comprising 55 loci, of which 24 were composed of both SNPs and InDels. Analysis of 124 unrelated Southern Han Chinese revealed an average effective number of alleles (Ae) of 7.52 for this panel. The cumulative power of discrimination and cumulative probability of exclusion values of the 55 loci were 1–2.37 × 10–73 and 1–1.19 × 10–28, respectively. Additionally, this panel exhibited high allele detection rates of over 97% in each of the 21 artificial mixtures involving from two to six contributors at different mixing ratios. We used EuroForMix to calculate the likelihood ratio (LR) and evaluate the evidence strength provided by this panel, and it could assess evidence strength with LR, distinguishing real and noncontributors. In conclusion, our panel holds great potential for detecting and analyzing DNA mixtures in forensic applications, with the capability to enhance routine mixture analysis.
Limitation of permutation‐based differential correlation analysis
Authors: Song Hoseung , Wu Michael C.
Published: November 2023

The comparison of biological systems, through the analysis of molecular changes under different conditions, has played a crucial role in the progress of modern biological science. Specifically, differential correlation analysis (DCA) has been employed to determine whether relationships between genomic features differ across conditions or outcomes. Because ascertaining the null distribution of test statistics to capture variations in correlation is challenging, several DCA methods utilize permutation which can loosen parametric (e.g., normality) assumptions. However, permutation is often problematic for DCA due to violating the assumption that samples are exchangeable under the null. Here, we examine the limitations of permutation‐based DCA and investigate instances where the permutation‐based DCA exhibits poor performance. Experimental results show that the permutation‐based DCA often fails to control the type I error under the null hypothesis of equal correlation structures.
Pharmacogenomics to support mental health medication therapy management: Clinical practice considerations and a conceptual framework to enhance patient care
Authors: Bishop Jeffrey R. , Schneiderhan Mark E. , Butler Tiana , Carpentier Rachel M. , Heins Katharine R. , Formea Christine M.
Published: November 2023

Mental illnesses are common and often necessitate the use of medications to improve symptoms. For most common conditions, many pharmacologic treatment options are available, but there is limited evidence to guide the selection of a specific medication or dose for a given patient. Dose‐related side effects are common, and many patients either drop out of treatment or require multiple medication trials before finding a regimen they can tolerate. This prolongs time to remission, increasing suffering and risk for severe outcomes including disability and suicide. A promising approach to reduce early medication discontinuation or switching is through the strategic application of pharmacogenomics (PGx), which utilizes an individual's genetic information to refine dosing or better select an optimal medication. Extensive research has established how genetic variation may influence to what extent individuals metabolize medications commonly prescribed for mental illnesses. The evidence‐based integration of PGx information into clinical care necessitates a patient‐centered approach that considers many factors. Comprehensive medication management by pharmacists provides an optimal framework to incorporate PGx information to improve treatment precision in mental health.
Discovery of the covalent SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro inhibitors from antiviral herbs via integrating target‐based high‐throughput screening and chemoproteomic approaches
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Ni , Zhu Guang‐Hao , Liu Wei , Chen Xi‐Xiang , Xie Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Jian‐Rong , Jiang Mei‐Fang , Zhuang Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Ge Guang‐Bo
Published: November 2023

The main proteases (Mpro) are highly conserved cysteine‐rich proteins that can be covalently modified by numerous natural and synthetic compounds. Herein, we constructed an integrative approach to efficiently discover covalent inhibitors of Mpro from complex herbal matrices. This work begins with biological screening of 60 clinically used antiviral herbal medicines, among which Lonicera japonica Flos (LJF) demonstrated the strongest anti‐Mpro effect (IC50 = 37.82 μg/mL). Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based chemical analysis and chemoproteomic profiling revealed that LJF extract contains at least 50 constituents, of which 22 exhibited the capability to covalently modify Mpro. We subsequently verified the anti‐Mpro effects of these covalent binders. Gallic acid and quercetin were found to potently inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Mpro in dose‐ and time‐ dependent manners, with the IC50 values below 10 µM. The inactivation kinetics, binding affinity and binding mode of gallic acid and quercetin were further characterized by fluorescence resonance energy transfer, surface plasmon resonance, and covalent docking simulations. Overall, this study established a practical approach for efficiently discovering the covalent inhibitors of Mpro from herbal medicines by integrating target‐based high‐throughput screening and MS‐based assays, which would greatly facilitate the discovery of key antiviral constituents from medicinal plants.
Sex differences in stress‐induced hyperalgesia and its mechanisms
Authors: Gao Qiang , Liu Mei‐Qi , Li Jia‐Xin , Wang Yi , Zhang Ying , Zhu Hui
Published: November 2023

Chronic stress induces a variety of physiological and/or psychological abnormalities, including hyperalgesia. Researchers have discovered sex differences in the prevalence of stress‐induced hyperalgesia (SIH) in recent years. Sex differences may be one of the reasons for the heterogeneity of susceptibility to stress‐related diseases. In this review, the potential mechanisms of sex differences in SIH are discussed, such as hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis responses, regulation of sex hormones, and immune system responses.
Temperature variation in the South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic
Authors: Lu Hua , Cowell Steve , King John , Orr Andrew , Phillips Tony , Dobb Emilia , Xue Jonathan , Kucieba Sabina , Phillips Guy , Marshall Gareth
Published: November 2023

Meteorological records at Signy Station in the South Orkney Islands (SOIs) have recently been digitized to cover the period of 1947–1995. This study compares the newly available near‐surface air temperatures at Signy with those from a nearby station, Orcadas and with reanalysis datasets to provide a more comprehensive picture of the weather and climate variability in the SOIs. Temperatures from both stations show a higher degree of variability in winter than summer, but the variability differs in terms of its relationship to the dominant wind directions and sea ice influences. The two stations differ markedly in terms of their respective warm temperature events, largely due to orography‐induced föhn winds at Signy Station as northwesterlies flow over Coronation Island. ERA5 reproduces the monthly to annual averages exceedingly well but underestimates both cold and warm tails of station temperatures. Temperature trends in the SOIs are also considered in terms of changes in large‐scale circulation and the sea surface temperature over the Brazil‐Falkland Confluence. However, caution is required in interpreting the long‐term temperature trends estimated from reanalysis data as most of the reanalyses show a cold bias before 1979, which is most likely caused by misrepresentation of the sea ice.
Wine prices in economics: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Le Fur Eric , Thelisson Anne‐Sophie , Guyottot Olivier
Published: November 2023

This article presents a literature review and a bibliometric analysis of academic research on wine prices in economics. The study comprises a review of 180 articles published in journals between 1992 and 2022. Bibliometric and science mapping methods apply indicators identifying the most prominent journals, authors, countries, institutions, topics, most published and cited articles, co‐authorship, bibliographic coupling, cited references, and keywords. This approach highlights the importance of four clusters in the literature: determinants of the wine prices, demand and consumption of wine, fine wine as an alternative investment, and quality and brand reputation of Bordeaux wines. This study shows many areas for further research within and outside these clusters.
Determining nitrogen topdressing rates in accordance with actual seedling density and crop nitrogen status in direct‐seeded rice
Authors: Peng Bilin , Wang Xinyu , Hu Xiangyu , Liu Yanzhuo , Liang Kaiming , Fu Youqiang , Hu Rui , Li Meijuan , Ye Qunhuan , Yin Yuanhong , Pan Junfeng , Zhong Xuhua
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Adjusting nitrogen (N) input based on actual seedling density (ASD) and plant N status is a practical approach for improving the yield stability of direct‐seeded rice. However, the adjustment of topdressing N rates has been empirical in the past. This study aimed to establish a quantitative approach for determining N topdressing rates during tillering (Ntil) and panicle development (NPI) based on ASD and crop N status in direct‐seeded rice. Field experiments were conducted involving 12 treatments, consisting of four Ntil and three seeding rates in 2017, and eight treatments combining seeding rate, Ntil, and NPI in 2020.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis revealed that the tiller number at panicle initiation (TILPI) was predominantly influenced by ASD and Ntil. The determination coefficients (R2) of the regression models ranged from 0.887 to 0.936 across the four‐season experiments. The results indicated that Ntil could be determined accurately using ASD and the target maximum tiller number. Similarly, grain yield was influenced significantly by the N uptake at panicle initiation (NUPPI) and NPI, with R2 of 0.814 and 0.783 in the early and late seasons of 2020, respectively. This suggested that NPI could be calculated based on NUPPI and the target grain yield.

CONCLUSION

The findings offer a quantitative method for establishing N topdressing rates for tillering and panicle development, relying on the monitoring of actual seedling density and plant N status in direct‐seeded rice production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Role of Shear Wave Elastography in the Diagnosis of Peyronie Disease
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Wu Xu , Zhang Yuyang , Zhang Chaoxue
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The present study aims to explore the role of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of Peyronie disease (PD).

Methods

A total of 59 PD patients and 59 age‐matched healthy adult men were included in this study. The B‐mode ultrasound (US) and SWE were performed for all subjects, and the Young modulus (YM) values of the corresponding regions of the penis in the PD and control groups were recorded and compared.

Results

The mean age of the included PD patients and age‐matched controls was 53.81 years (SD 9.52, range 32–73). On B‐mode US evaluation, 41 (69.5%) of 59 included PD patients were found to have penile plaques, and the remaining 18 (30.5%) patients had no evidence of penile plaque. After evaluation using SWE, the YM values in the penile plaque region of these 41 patients with penile dysplasia were found to be significantly higher (60.29 kPa ± 19.95) than those outside the plaque (in the same patient) (21.05 kPa ± 4.58) and in the same penile region of the control group (20.59 kPa ± 4.65) (P < .001). In the remaining 18 PD patients, the results showed that the YM value of the abnormal penile region in the PD patients (56.67 kPa ± 13.52) was significantly higher than the YM value outside the abnormal penile region in the same patients (22.79 kPa ± 4.31) and in the same penile region in the control group (19.87 kPa ± 3.48) (P < .001; P < .001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study showed that SWE as a non‐invasive technique is useful in identifying and differentiating penile plaques in PD patients and is a simple, rapid and complementary method to B‐mode US.
HOW TO BECOME A HUMAN LEADER: BETTER CONNECT WITH YOURSELF SO YOU CAN BETTER CONNECT WITH OTHERS
Authors: le Gentil Hortense
Published: November 2023

The author, a global executive leadership coach, believes that “today’s leaders cannot pretend to know all the answers and come up with all the solutions and rely on the pervasive but outdated playbook of what I call the “superhero leader”: the infallible, unflappable and fearless leader issuing directives from the corporate mountain top.” She notes that “human leadership is not about being “soft” or “nice.” It is about the ability to connect with the perspectives and emotions of others—whether employees, customers, or shareholders—to better serve their needs.” She discusses such concepts as mindtraps and mindsets, and how these affect organizational executives and leaders. She outlines a three‐step process: 1. Identifying Mindtraps 2. Engineering a Mindshift 3. Practice Mindbuild. Within part one, for instance, she discusses trauma, identity, role, and whose voice is it? Within part 2, challenge your beliefs, challenge your fears, and release the past. In part 3, Define your unique identity as a human leader and Practices to better connect with yourself. She further elaborates that “the journey from mindtrap to mindshift and mindbuild has a profound impact on those who undertake it, unleashing a deep and lasting transformation on multiple levels.”
Unusual Shell Morphologies of Responsive Amino Core‐Shell Microgels Induced by pH During Shell Synthesis
Authors: Annegarn Marco , Ehring Ina , Hellweg Thomas
Published: November 2023

The properties of pH‐responsive microgels are strongly influenced by the pH value during synthesis. In this work, based on a N‐n‐propylacrylamide (NNPAM) core with N‐3‐(dimethylamino)propylmethacrylamide (DAPMA) as a comonomer, a series of core‐shell microgels with shells from NNPAM and N‐(3‐aminopropyl)methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMH) are synthesized at different pH values. While the swelling behavior is studied with temperature‐ and angle‐dependent photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), the size and morphology are also investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and static light scattering (SLS). At acidic pH, rather monodisperse microgels with a very fuzzy shell are obtained. The microgels evolve particulate structures on their shell at intermediate pH until not only a core‐shell microgel but also a secondary microgel species is produced at basic pH. By altering the synthesis pH, it is possible to influence the morphology of core‐shell microgels to suit future applications like the uptake and release of drugs or surface modification.
Twisted Iwasawa invariants of knots
Authors: Tange Ryoto , Ueki Jun
Published: November 2023

Let be a prime number and an integer coprime to . In the spirit of arithmetic topology, we introduce the notions of the twisted Iwasawa invariants of ‐representations and ‐covers of knots. We prove among other things that the set of Iwasawa invariants determines the genus and the fiberedness of a knot, yielding their profinite rigidity. Several intuitive examples are attached. We further prove the theorem for ‐representations of twist knot groups and give some remarks.
Boundedness of area operators on anisotropic Hardy spaces
Authors: Pang Changbao , Wang Maofa , Xu Bang
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we completely characterize the boundedness theory of anisotropic area operators from anisotropic mixed‐norm Hardy spaces into mixed‐norm Lebesgue spaces in terms of Carleson measures.
An analytical solution for the dynamic response of a seawater‐sloping seabed‐bedrock system under an oblique incident SV wave
Authors: Shan Zhendong , Xie Zhinan , Li Jinkai , Dong Rui
Published: November 2023

The characteristics of seabed ground motion are the theoretical basis for the study of seawater‐soil‐structure interactions and seismic‐induced geological hazards. There are numerous offshore marine structures located on sloping seabeds. Therefore, the sloping seabed's seismic response requires to be investigated. Engineers and scholars are more interested in the SV waves because they carry more energy than the P waves in earthquakes. An analytical solution for the steady‐state response of the inclined seafloor under an oblique incident SV wave is offered. The impacts of the seafloor angle on the fluid pressure and displacement of the saturated sediment layer are investigated under different incident wave frequencies, incident angles, and thicknesses of the seawater layer and sediment layer. By observing along the seabed surface, we discovered that the slope angle might cause considerable variances between different positions even at a small site. While examining the seabed at varying depths, we discovered that the incline angle has distinct impacts on different areas of the seabed. It has an amplifying effect at some depths and a reducing effect at other depths. Generally, as the slope angle increases, the distinction between the responses of the inclined and horizontal seabed becomes more prominent. Especially when the incidence angle of the SV waves is near the critical angle, the impacts of the slope angle become more significant. Even if the horizontal seabed model is employed with the same seawater depth, it is not suitable for analyzing the seismic response of a sloping seabed. Otherwise, significant errors would arise.
Topology optimization considering self‐weight
Authors: Masarczyk Daniela , Kuhl Detlef
Published: November 2023

In civil engineering self‐weight loading usually represents the preponderant load case and shall therefore be considered in structural optimization. The present study investigates numerical topology optimization of structural stiffness with a bound on disposable amount of material. A customized topology optimization routine based on Sequential Quadratic Programming was built and is examined by means of known benchmark problems complemented by consideration of self‐weight. This study aims to highlight the relevance of consideration of self‐weight in resource efficient structural design by demonstrating its impact on the optimal structural layout.
Effects of online citizen participation on legitimacy beliefs in local government. Evidence from a comparative study of online participation platforms in three German municipalities
Authors: Escher Tobias , Rottinghaus Bastian
Published: November 2023

In order to generate legitimacy for policies and political institutions, governments regularly involve citizens in the decision‐making process, increasingly so via the Internet. This research investigates if online participation does indeed impact positively on legitimacy beliefs of those citizens engaging with the process, and which particular aspects of the participation process, the individual participants, and the local context contribute to these changes. Our surveys of participants in almost identical online consultations in three German municipalities show that the participation process and its expected results have a sizeable effect on satisfaction with local political authorities and local regime performance. While most participants report at least slightly more positive perceptions that are mainly output‐oriented, for some engagement with the process leads not to more, but in fact to less legitimacy. We find this to be the case both for those participants who remain silent and for those who participate intensively. Our results also confirm the important role of existing individual resources and context‐related attitudes such as trust in and satisfaction with local (not national) politics. Finally, our analysis shows that online participation is able to enable constructive discussion, deliver useful results, and attract people who would not have participated offline to engage.
Engineered antigen‐binding fragments for enhanced crystallization of antibody:antigen complexes
Authors: Bruce Heather A. , Singer Alexander U. , Filippova Ekaterina V. , Blazer Levi L. , Adams Jarrett J. , Enderle Leonie , Ben‐David Moshe , Radley Elizabeth H. , Mao Daniel Y. L. , Pau Victor , Orlicky Stephen , Sicheri Frank , Kurinov Igor , Atwell Shane , Kossiakoff Anthony A. , Sidhu Sachdev S.
Published: November 2023

The atomic‐resolution structural information that X‐ray crystallography can provide on the binding interface between a Fab and its cognate antigen is highly valuable for understanding the mechanism of interaction. However, many Fab:antigen complexes are recalcitrant to crystallization, making the endeavor a considerable effort with no guarantee of success. Consequently, there have been significant steps taken to increase the likelihood of Fab:antigen complex crystallization by altering the Fab framework. In this investigation, we applied the surface entropy reduction strategy coupled with phage‐display technology to identify a set of surface substitutions that improve the propensity of a human Fab framework to crystallize. In addition, we showed that combining these surface substitutions with previously reported Crystal Kappa and elbow substitutions results in an extraordinary improvement in Fab and Fab:antigen complex crystallizability, revealing a strong synergistic relationship between these sets of substitutions. Through comprehensive Fab and Fab:antigen complex crystallization screenings followed by structure determination and analysis, we defined the roles that each of these substitutions play in facilitating crystallization and how they complement each other in the process.
Unusual modifications of protein biomarkers expressed by plasmid, prophage, and bacterial host of pathogenic Escherichia coli identified using top‐down proteomic analysis
Authors: Fagerquist Clifton K. , Shi Yanlin , Park Jihyun
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Pathogenic bacteria often carry prophage (bacterial viruses) and plasmids (small circular pieces of DNA) that may harbor toxin, antibacterial, and antibiotic resistance genes. Proteomic characterization of pathogenic bacteria should include the identification of host proteins and proteins produced by prophage and plasmid genomes.

Methods

Protein biomarkers of two strains of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were identified using antibiotic induction, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF‐TOF) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with post‐source decay (PSD), top‐down proteomic (TDP) analysis, and plasmid sequencing. Alphafold2 was also used to compare predicted in silico structures of the identified proteins to prominent fragment ions generated using MS/MS‐PSD. Strain samples were also analyzed with and without chemical reduction treatment to detect the attachment of pendant groups bound by thioester or disulfide bonds.

Results

Shiga toxin was detected and/or identified in both STEC strains. For the first time, we also identified the osmotically inducible protein (OsmY) whose sequence unexpectedly had two forms: a full and a truncated sequence. The truncated OsmY terminates in the middle of an α‐helix as determined by Alphafold2. A plasmid‐encoded colicin immunity protein was also identified with and without attachment of an unidentified cysteine‐bound pendant group (~307 Da). Plasmid sequencing confirmed top‐down analysis and the identification of a promoter upstream of the immunity gene that is activated by antibiotic induction, that is, SOS box.

Conclusions

TDP analysis, coupled with other techniques (e.g., antibiotic induction, chemical reduction, plasmid sequencing, and in silico protein modeling), is a powerful tool to identify proteins (and their modifications), including prophage‐ and plasmid‐encoded proteins, produced by pathogenic microorganisms.
Comparing three strategies for surface treatment of Mg coated by hexamethylene diamine tetra methylene phosphonic acid for corrosion protection
Authors: Soliman Hanaa , Abdel Mouez Fatma , Hussien Hoda , Makhlouf Abdel Salam , Wan Guojiang
Published: November 2023

Manufacturing Mg and Mg‐based alloys with controllable degradation rate has always been a challenge. Surface modification is one of the best ways to acquire protection against corrosion. Previously, many approaches such as phosphating (Na3PO4), fluoridation (HF), and alkalization (NaOH) treatments have been used to regulate the corrosion rate. Here, we compare the corrosion rates of 3‐surface modified Mg samples coated with hexamethylene diamine tetra methylene phosphonic (HMDTMPA). The protection of those different layers was ranked in the order: phosphate > alkaline > fluoridation treatment. The chemistry of those chemical conversion layers was discussed in the light of scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanism of tailoring a protective film of HMDTMPA on phosphated Mg was discussed according to the ability of P to bridge the substrate with the coating.
Cluster randomized trial designs for modeling time‐varying intervention effects
Authors: Lee Kenneth Menglin , Cheung Yin Bun
Published: November 2023

Stepped‐wedge cluster randomized trials (SW‐CRTs) are typically analyzed assuming a constant intervention effect. In practice, the intervention effect may vary as a function of exposure time, leading to biased results. The estimation of time‐on‐intervention (TOI) effects specifies separate discrete intervention effects for each elapsed period of exposure time since the intervention was first introduced. It has been demonstrated to produce results with minimum bias and nominal coverage probabilities in the analysis of SW‐CRTs. Due to the design's staggered crossover, TOI effect variances are heteroskedastic in a SW‐CRT. Accordingly, we hypothesize that alternative CRT designs will be more efficient at modeling certain TOI effects. We derive and compare the variance estimators of TOI effects between a SW‐CRT, parallel CRT (P‐CRT), parallel CRT with baseline (PB‐CRT), and novel parallel CRT with baseline and an all‐exposed period (PBAE‐CRT). We also prove that the time‐averaged TOI effect variance and point estimators are identical to that of the constant intervention effect in both P‐CRTs and PB‐CRTs. We then use data collected from a hospital disinvestment study to simulate and compare the differences in TOI effect estimates between the different CRT designs. Our results reveal that the SW‐CRT has the most efficient estimator for the early TOI effect, whereas the PB‐CRT typically has the most efficient estimator for the long‐term and time‐averaged TOI effects. Overall, the PB‐CRT with TOI effects can be a more appropriate choice of CRT design for modeling intervention effects that vary by exposure time.