bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meniscal allograft transplantation in patients with substantial cartilage disease led to a sustained long‐term improvement in patient‐reported outcome measures
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Khatri Chetan , Spalding Tim , Smith Nick
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Due to a lack of consensus regarding effective treatment options in young patients, the indications of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) have widened to include those with substantial cartilage disease. The aim of this study was to report the long‐term patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and allograft survival rates for patients with substantial cartilage disease.

Methods

A review of the prospectively maintained database was performed. Patients with International Cartilage Repair Society 3b or above cartilage grading in either their femur or tibia were classified as having substantial cartilage disease. Postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee, Tegner, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Lysholm were compared between those with and without substantial cartilage disease. Kaplan–Meir analysis was used to assess the survival rates. Survival was defined as revision or removal of allograft or conversion to arthroplasty.

Results

Data from 422 patients were included in the analysis with 129 patients found to have full‐thickness chondral lesions and 281 patients without full‐thickness chondral lesions. The mean follow‐up was 6.33 (SD 3.48) years for the cohort. The mean age for the entire cohort was 30 (SD 9.23). Patients in substantial cartilage disease group underwent meniscal transplantation at an older age (32 [standard deviation {SD} 8.47] years vs. 29 [SD 9.35] years [p < 0.001]). There was no significant difference in PROMs between the two groups up to 10 years postoperatively (p > 0.05). The substantial cartilage disease group had significantly lower survival rates compared to those without (80.62% vs. 94.32%).

Conclusions

MAT in the context of substantial cartilage disease was associated with an improvement in PROMs up to 10 years with no difference to the group without substantial cartilage disease. The PROMs in combination with the long‐term survival rates in this study can be used to counsel patients preoperatively.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
The Agroecological Transition of Farms in the Ecuadorian Andes Through the Lens of the Main Agroecological Structure
Authors: Saenz‐Lituma Gabriel
Published: November 2024

Many sectors of society have urged a transition from modern conventional agriculture to more sustainable alternatives. One of the most frequently mentioned is agroecology, due to its potential to improve soil health, promote agrobiodiversity, food sovereignty, and regenerate ecosystem functions. However, complex systems such as farms demand the transformation of a broad set of characteristics and practices for its transition. These factors are, in turn, conditioned by social, educational, economic, and political factors. Therefore, a clear understanding of the main drivers behind the management of farms is vital for supporting an effective transition. This research applied the main agroecological structure (MAS) methodology, which employs 10 indicators (5 biological, 5 cultural) to evaluate the degree of connectivity of a farm with the landscape, the agrobiodiversity present in living fences and crops, and the practices employed by farmers to support and preserve it. Finally, the MAS methodology gives farms a score from 0 to 100, understood as the degree of development of its agroecological structure, or as the “resilience” of a system in agroecological transition. Measurements were performed in 20 farms with different degrees of agroecological transition, in five locations of the northern‐central Andean region of Ecuador. The farms had a moderately developed structure on average (71.05 over 100), and MAS variation was not correlated to the size of the farm, nor with its degree of connectivity with the surrounding landscape. It was rather significantly related to the geographic location of the study site. One of the main differences between study sites was a more extended prevalence of cooperation and development programs, suggesting a strong connection between the development of agroecological practices and capacity building processes. For this reason, the author proposes that MAS measurements should be complemented with deeper analyses of the capacity‐building background of each site. This study aims to establish a baseline of the MAS in Ecuador, and to provide new tools for monitoring and supporting agroecological transition.
Effects of Single‐Axis and Fixed‐Tilt Photovoltaic Array Construction on the Soil Seed Bank Characteristics in Semi‐Arid Grasslands
Authors: Li Jie , Bao Ai Ke , Sun Xiao Dan , Wu Tong , Duan Yuan Yuan , Yang Huan , Guo Zheng Gang , Pang Xiao Pan
Published: November 2024

With the rapid global development of photovoltaic power generation, research on its impact on land and ecosystems has become increasingly significant. However, its impact on soil seed bank characteristics has yet to be better assessed. In this study, monitoring plots were established in a semi‐arid grassland undergoing solar energy development. This setup allowed us, for the first time, to investigate how soil seed bank characteristics respond to the construction of two typical photovoltaic array systems: single‐axis and fixed‐tilt systems. This study demonstrated that in both single‐axis and fixed‐tilt systems, the establishment of photovoltaic arrays resulted in a significant increase in soil seed density, with seed counts rising by approximately 47.5% compared with control sites without arrays. The aggregation effect of soil seed density under the photovoltaic array primarily occurred in the 0–10 cm soil layer. The soil seed density under the single‐axis arrays was higher than that under the fixed‐tilt arrays. The construction of photovoltaic arrays resets local soil and directly changes the micro‐environment—including reductions in solar radiation, decreases in average temperature by 0.1°C, and wind speed decreases by 1.5 m/s—which negatively affected the richness and diversity of the soil seed bank, resulting in a 21.1% decrease in species richness and a 10.1% reduction in seed diversity. Furthermore, this study highlights that seed germination in semi‐arid grasslands is under pressure due to environmental changes associated with photovoltaic construction areas. Specifically, soil moisture and organic matter were the key factors affecting the vegetation restoration potential of the entire construction area. We recommend selecting the single‐axis system of photovoltaic components. This selection is crucial, which considers both energy production efficiency and supports the facilitation of future vegetation ecosystem succession. Altogether, this study provides information for future land‐use planning in photovoltaic construction areas and sustainable development of photovoltaic power generation.
Climate Regulates the Effects of Abrupt Vegetation Shifts on Soil Moisture in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Xiao Guoan , Xin Liangjie , Wang Xue , Li Xiubin , Tan Minghong
Published: November 2024

Abrupt vegetation shifts, defined as an abrupt and irreversible level shift in the intercept (rather than slope) in productivity, indicate transitions of unstable ecosystems to alternative states. Understanding these shifts is critical when monitoring ecosystem productivity because they may reveal drivers and environmental impacts that differ from gradual changes in vegetation. In China's Loess Plateau where sustainable water resource limits are being approached due to revegetation, it is unclear whether large‐scale abrupt vegetation shifts have occurred and how the various vegetation changes have affected the soil water content (SMC). In this study, we found that approximately 27.9% of grasslands and 24.8% of forests on the Loess Plateau experienced positive abrupt vegetation shifts from 2000 to 2020. The results of the climate zone method and the multi‐period difference‐in‐differences (MDID) model showed that the effects of abrupt vegetation shifts on the SMC vary geographically. Approximately 55.9% of grasslands and 33.9% of forests can wet the soil (0–289 cm) during abrupt greening, while 35.7% of grasslands and 37.6% of forests may cause drying in such events. Positive hydrological responses of soil to vegetation greening were concentrated in grasslands with precipitation below 340 mm and forests with precipitation below 520 mm, and this could be related to the limitation of lower precipitation on evapotranspiration. Similar positive responses were also found in strong evaporative environments where the temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed were higher, and the vapor pressure deficit was lower, which may have been associated with the constraints of soil evaporation through vegetation greening. This study reveals the existence of spatial heterogeneity in the hydrological response of soils to abrupt vegetation shifts and explores possible climate‐regulating mechanisms. The results could be used to inform the development of targeted conservation and restoration measures in areas with similar climate conditions.
Parotid sialolithiasis – Long term follow‐up analyzing surgical approaches
Authors: Tanenbaum Zachary , Wenzel Piper , Molotkova Evgeniya , Fick Ben , Henkle Kailey , Hoffman Henry
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Present follow‐up data comparing transoral and transfacial parotid gland procedures for stone removal to offer insight addressing technical considerations and complications.

Methods

Retrospective study of a consecutive series of surgical treatments for parotid sialolithiasis from 2013 to 2018 at an academic institution by one surgeon provided review of 16 transoral and 10 transfacial procedures supplemented by long‐term follow‐up through telephone or mail. Clinical and radiographic parameters, additional treatment, and persistence of symptoms were evaluated.

Results

Four of 10 patients treated with the transfacial approach had parotid‐cutaneous fistulas addressed with transdermal scopolamine patches and pressure dressings (one also with intraductal steroid infusion) with closure at a median of 12.5 days. A fifth fistula failed to resolve at 23 days and was addressed with parotidectomy. All 8 patients who were contacted (median: 106 months) reported complete resolution of symptoms. None had facial weakness.

Six of 16 patients treated by a transoral approach had persistent stone fragments at the conclusion of operation. Four of these 6 patients underwent subsequent procedures (two transoral, one transfacial, one parotidectomy). Among the 11 patients who responded to long‐term follow‐up (median: 107 months), one reported mild symptoms insufficient to request treatment. Larger stone size coupled with proximal location correlated with the conversion from transoral to include transfacial approach.

Conclusion

Patients with retained stone remnants at the conclusion of transoral stone removal are more likely to require additional procedures that result in long‐term favorable results. The transfacial approach to stone removal offers long‐term favorable results following the common short‐term complication of salivary fistula.

Level of Evidence

OCEBM Level 4.
Interactive software for processing, compilation, and interpretation of seafloor heat‐flow data, including analysis of measurement uncertainties
Authors: Dickerson K. L. , Fisher A. T. , Harris R. N. , Hutnak M.
Published: November 2024

We present software for processing and interpretation of marine heat‐flow data. These data commonly include in situ measurements of the thermal gradient and thermal conductivity as a function of subseafloor depth, and are used to calculate vertical heat flow. New software includes SlugPen, for parsing and correcting datasets for each penetration, and SlugHeat, for calculating equilibrium temperatures () and in situ thermal conductivity (k) with depth, and using these values to calculate heat flow and uncertainty metrics. SlugHeat is based on an established approach that solves iteratively for and k and introduces several new tools and a graphical user interface to help identify and resolve data issues and improve interpretation of results. Notably, SlugHeat incorporates multiple options for determining the uncertainty of calculated heat‐flow values, including a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis of layer properties. Results from reprocessing heat‐flow data from earlier marine surveys show the benefits of SlugHeat's flexibility and interactivity for managing and interpreting data from multiple settings. We find that incorporating ambiguity in the thickness and thermal conductivity of individual sediment layers significantly increases the uncertainty in heat flow measurements; the statistical fit of observations to a linear model, as has been historically relied on to define heat‐flow uncertainty, tends to understate this value. Assessment of data quality and testing reduction options requires making thoughtful decisions, aided using an interactive interface, and is therefore not fully automated. SlugPen and SlugHeat are accessible for public use with documentation and source code that is readily adaptable to include alternative processing algorithms.
PREDICTING LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH THE TALENTS THAT REALLY MATTER
Authors: Conchie Barry , Dalton Sarah
Published: November 2024

Conchie (founder and president of Conchie Associates) and Dalton (partner, Conchie Associates) explain that they apply science “to the study, application, and development of leadership,” adapted from the research in their book The Five Talents Really Matter. They discuss their criteria for outstanding leadership and point to “over 58,000 top level leaders in our global database.” Their scientific “assessment of The Five Talents That Really Matter carries a disproportionate weight, greater than all the other factors thought to be important in leadership selection, in predicting top leadership performance.” The Talents “capture the broad variability of traits, dispositions, and characteristics the very best leaders possess, and, through the Executive Leadership Assessment built to measure these talents, we are able to use the results to help predict future leadership performance.” In their words, the Talents are Setting Direction (using modern GPS technology as a metaphor), Harnessing Energy, Exerting Pressure (“Debate and dissent, we’ve found, is what many leaders claim to value yet precious few succeed in delivering”), Increasing Connectivity (“The very best leaders…are straight shooters who deliver difficult messages with compassion,”) and Controlling Traffic (“Exceptional leaders responsible for business execution follow rigid rules with maximum flexibility.”)
Ion Chemistry in Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization: Recent Advances in Direct Gas Phase Analyses
Authors: Dryahina Kseniya , Polášek Miroslav , Jašík Juraj , Sovová Kristýna , Španěl Patrik
Published: November 2024

Dielectric barrier discharge ionization (DBDI) sources, employing low‐temperature plasma, have emerged as sensitive and efficient ionization tools with various atmospheric pressure ionization processes. In this review, we summarize a historical overview of the development of DBDI, highlighting key principles of gas‐phase ion chemistry and the mechanisms underlying the ionization processes within the DBDI source. These processes start with the formation of reagent ions or metastable atoms from the discharge gas, which depends on the nature of the gas (helium, nitrogen, air) and on the presence of water vapor or other compounds or dopants. The processes of ionizing the analyte molecules are summarized, including Penning ionization, electron transfer, proton transfer and ligand switching from secondary hydrated hydronium ions. Presently, the DBDI‐MS methods face a challenge in the accurate quantification of gaseous analytes, limiting its broader application in biological, environmental, and medical realms where relative quantification using standards is inherently complex for gaseous matrices. Finally, we propose future avenues of research to enhance the analytical capabilities of DBDI‐MS.
Compact Wide‐Stopband QMSIW‐Based BPF for X‐Band Applications
Authors: Medda Amrita , Azad Amit R. , Srivastava Gunjan , Mohan Akhilesh , Sinha Manoranjan
Published: November 2024

A novel and compact two‐pole quarter mode substrate integrated waveguide (QMSIW) based bandpass filter with ultra‐wide stopband characteristics (rejection level > 20 dB, up to 4.05f0, where f0 is the center frequency of the bandpass filter) is designed and developed in this paper. The designed second‐order filter comprises of two circular QMSIW cavity resonators. The filter is designed using the dominant TM010 mode of the circular SIW cavity. The TM010 modes of cavities are coupled through the arc‐shaped slot etched in the middle layer. To verify the present design methodology, a second‐order bandpass filter is fabricated and its characteristics are measured. The designed bandpass filter shows outstanding performance in terms of good fractional bandwidth of 14.45%, lower insertion loss of 2 dB and wider stopband behavior (rejection better than 20 dB up to 4.05f0) in a given footprint. The experimental results of the filter matches well the EM‐simulated ones.
Simultaneous multi‐slice cardiac real‐time MRI at 0.55T
Authors: Yagiz Ecrin , Garg Parveen , Cen Steven Y. , Nayak Krishna S. , Tian Ye
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To determine the feasibility of simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) real‐time MRI (RT‐MRI) at 0.55T for the evaluation of cardiac function.

Methods

Cardiac CINE MRI is routinely used to evaluate left‐ventricular (LV) function. The standard is sequential multi‐slice balanced SSFP (bSSFP) over a stack of short‐axis slices using electrocardiogram (ECG) gating and breath‐holds. SMS has been used in CINE imaging to reduce the number of breath‐holds by a factor of 2–4 at 1.5T, 3T, and recently at 0.55T. This work aims to determine if SMS is similarly effective in the RT‐MRI evaluation of cardiac function. We used an SMS bSSFP pulse sequence with golden‐angle spirals at 0.55T with an SMS factor of three. We cover the LV with three acquisitions for SMS, and nine for single‐band (SB). Imaging was performed on 9 healthy volunteers and 1 patient with myocardial fibrosis and sternal wires. A spatio‐temporal constrained reconstruction is used, with regularization parameters selected by a board‐certified cardiologist. Images were quantitatively analyzed with a normalized contrast and an Edge Sharpness (ES) score.

Results

There was a statistically significant 2‐fold difference in contrast between SMS and SB and no significant difference in ES score. The contrast for SMS and SB were 13.38/29.05 at mid‐diastole and 10.79/22.26 at end‐systole; the ES scores for SMS and SB were 1.77/1.83 at mid‐diastole and 1.50/1.72 at end‐systole.

Conclusions

SMS cardiac RT‐MRI at 0.55T is feasible and provides sufficient blood‐myocardium contrast to evaluate LV function in three slices simultaneously without any gating or periodic motion assumptions.
A 5‐year natural history cohort of patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy determining disease progression and feasibility of clinical outcome assessments for clinical trials
Authors: Kools Joost , Vincenten Sanne , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Voet Nicoline B. M. , Merkies Ingemar , Horlings Corinne G. C. , Voermans Nicol C. , Mul K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction/Aims

The number of clinical trials in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is expected to increase in the near future. There is a need for clinical outcome assessments (COAs) that can capture disease progression over the relatively short time span of a clinical trial. In this study, we report the natural progression of FSHD and determine the feasibility of COAs for clinical trials.

Methods

Genetically confirmed FSHD patients underwent various COAs at baseline and after 5 years. COAs consisted of the Motor Function Measure (MFM), manual muscle testing using the Medical Research Council score, six‐minute walk test, quantitative muscle strength assessment of the quadriceps muscle, clinical severity score, and FSHD evaluation score (FES). Statistical significance and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were calculated and power calculations were performed.

Results

One hundred fifty‐four symptomatic FSHD patients were included, with a mean (SD) age of 51.4 (14.6) years old. All COAs showed a minimal, yet statistically significant progression after 5 years. MCID was reached for the MFM Domain 1, MFM total score, and FES. These three COAs showed the lowest sample size requirements for clinical trials (185, 156, and 201 participants per group, respectively, for a trial duration of 2 years).

Discussion

The captured FSHD disease progression rate in 5 years was generally minimal. The COAs in this study are not feasible for clinical trials with a duration of 2 years. Extended trial durations or novel outcome assessments might be necessary to improve trial feasibility in FSHD.
Impact of adherence to oral nutritional supplements on nutrition status and muscle strength in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: A prospective observational longitudinal study
Authors: Ferreira Wagner A. , Martucci Renata B. , Souza Nilian C.
Published: November 2024

Background

Given the lack of evidence regarding the effects of adherence to oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and the types of formulas used in clinical practice, we aimed to assess the impact of adherence to ONS and the high‐protein formula on the nutrition status and muscle strength in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

This study evaluated newly diagnosed outpatients with esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer prescribed ONS. Nutrition status was assessed using the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA), and muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength (HGS) dynamometry. ONS adherence was calculated as the ratio of self‐reported intake to the prescribed amount and categorized as ≥80% or <80%.

Results

A total of 54 patients were included. Most patients were ≥60 years of age (63%), were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (63%), were classified as stage III and IV (83%), and exhibited nutrition risk or malnutrition according to PG‐SGA (89%). Patients with adherence ≥80% to ONS exhibited less weight loss and HGS reduction compared with patients with adherence <80% (P < 0.05). Although patients consuming a high‐protein formula maintained HGS and those on a standard formula experienced a reduction, formula type did not predict HGS change in the multivariate analysis. ONS protein intake, adjusted for adherence, was a predictor of weight change (β: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02–0.2; P = 0.011).

Conclusion

Patients with adherence ≥80% to ONS experienced less reduction in both weight and HGS, whereas those consuming a high‐protein formula maintained HGS. Notably, ONS protein intake, adjusted for adherence, was an independent predictor of weight change.
MXene—Reclaimed Cellulose Acetate Composites for Methylene Blue Removal Through Synergistic Adsorption and Photocatalysis
Authors: Subash Alsha , Sen Sanchari , Naebe Minoo , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian , Kulthe Manisha , Kore Akansha
Published: November 2024

The rapid growth in textile industries has led to a significant discharge of dyed water into water sources, posing severe threats to human and environmental health. Methylene blue (MB), crucial for medical diagnostics and dyeing, requires effective removal due to its toxicological and environmental hazards, persisting above 1 ppm in aqueous solutions at ambient temperatures. Reclaiming cellulose acetate not only heralds a sustainable approach to water reclamation but also amalgamates natural purification with technological advancements. The study utilized reclaimed cellulose acetate to fabricate electrospun nanofibers and bead adsorbents using Ti3C2Tx and surface‐modified Ti3C2Tx via liquid‐state microwaving. The research investigated surface chemistry, morphology, and the impact of adsorption conditions on MB adsorption, revealing enhanced uptake capacities from 45% to 93% for nanofibers and 40%–80% for beads at 25°C after 2 and 3 h, respectively. Adsorption followed PSO kinetics and Langmuir isotherms, with thermodynamic analysis indicating an endothermic, spontaneous physisorption process with ΔH and ΔS values obtained 0.008–31.33 kJ·mol−1 and 11.95–116.38 J·mol−1·K−1. Furthermore, the CA‐surface‐modified Ti3C2Tx composite demonstrated significant photocatalytic activity, achieving 96% degradation efficiency compared to Ti3C2Tx alone. The biodegradation assay under natural conditions using an in‐house degradation slurry showed 20%–58% degradation of the spent adsorbents over 120 days.
Preparation and properties of three‐dimensional hexagonal honeycomb woven composites with superior electromagnetic wave absorbing and load bearing performances
Authors: Yao Wenbin , Guo Xingcheng , Zhou Xinghai , Gao Yuan , Qian Yongfang , Lyu Lihua
Published: November 2024

With the advent of the 5G era, electromagnetic pollution has been increasingly serious. Structural electromagnetic wave (EW) absorbing composites play a key role in both civil and military applications. However, the laminated plate structure and laminated honeycomb structure EW‐absorbing composites were prone to delamination and low EW absorbing performance. To enhance the EW absorption and mechanical properties of composite materials, this study successfully developed a novel three‐dimensional hexagonal honeycomb woven composites (3D‐HHWC). 3D‐HHWC with a three‐dimensional hexagonal honeycomb woven fabric (3D‐HHWF) as the reinforced materials was manufactured by the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process with epoxy resin, carbon black (CB), multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and carbonyl iron powder (CIP) as functional materials. The EW absorption performance and bending mechanical properties of 3D‐HHWC with different structural parameters were compared and analyzed. The test results demonstrated that the 3D‐HHWC (H2‐3) achieved a remarkable minimum reflection loss of −38.1 dB with the effective electromagnetic absorption band (EAB) 13.8 GHz. Additionally, CST provided a clear explanation of the electromagnetic field distribution elucidating the mechanism for EW absorption. While the 3D‐HHWC (H2‐3) had a maximum bending load 6603.9 N without obvious delamination phenomenon. Furthermore, finite element simulation clarified internal stress distribution explaining the failure mechanisms. In conclusion, the 3D‐HHWC exhibited outstanding EW absorption and mechanical properties for widespread application in military and aerospace fields.

Highlights

The 3D‐HHWC was formed by VARTM process with epoxy resin, CB, MWCNTs, and CIP.

The 3D‐HHWC had excellent EM performance with RLmin −38.1 dB and EAB 13.8 GHz.

CST provided a clear explanation of the electromagnetic field distribution.

The 3D‐HHWC had a maximum bending load 6603.9 N without obvious delamination.

FEM clarified internal stress distribution to explain the failure mechanisms.
Synthesis and characterization of UV‐curable polyurethane acrylates derived from trimethylolpropane and hydroxyethyl methacrylate: Effect of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) content on thermal stability, gloss properties, and microstructure
Authors: Eren Bilge , Karaçoban Esra Demir , Erdoğan Beyhan
Published: November 2024

This study presents the synthesis of a series of ultraviolet (UV)‐curable polyurethane acrylates (PUAs) derived from trimethylolpropane (TMP) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) through a one‐step polymerization method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reveals distinct vibration bands corresponding to different functional groups within the polyurethane structure and was used to explore microphase separation in these PUAs. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates two degradation steps in UV‐cured PUA films, revealing the influence of HEMA content on thermal stability. Gloss properties exhibit a complex relationship with HEMA content, with initial improvement followed by a decline. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties, measured by contact angle values, indicate increased cross‐linking and less polar surfaces with higher HEMA content. UV‐cured PUA films achieve effective chemical cross‐linking and a dense microstructure, contributing to enhanced film properties.

Highlights

HEMA's diluent effect increases the exposure of hydrophobic groups on the surface.

FTIR with deconvolution techniques were used to analyze H‐bonding and microphase.

Excessive HEMA led to phase separation and surface defects, reducing gloss.

Formation of H‐bonds between N–H and C=O increased effective cross‐link density.
Efficacy of L‐arabinose in managing cucumber Fusarium wilt and the underlying mechanism of action
Authors: Yu Min , Yuliana Rohyanti , Tumewu Stephany Angelia , Bao WanXue , Suga Haruhisa , Shimizu Masafumi
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Cucumber Fusarium wilt (CFW), triggered by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, leads to substantial yield reductions in global cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production. Common management strategies for CFW include soil fumigation, grafting, and crop rotation. However, these methods have limitations regarding safety and efficacy stability, necessitating the development of new, cost‐effective, and eco‐friendly control strategies. Our prior research demonstrated that L‐arabinose, an inexpensive and safe sugar commonly used in food and beverages, effectively suppressed bacterial wilt in tomatoes. This study explores the potential of L‐arabinose in managing CFW and investigates its mechanism of action.

RESULTS

Soil applications of L‐arabinose, ranging from 0.00001 to 0.01%, effectively suppressed CFW. The most significant suppressive effect was observed at 0.01%, reducing the disease severity index by 67.5% compared to the control treatment. Microscopic examination of transverse root sections showed that pathogen hyphae colonized the epidermis but seldom penetrated the cortical layer of roots in L‐arabinose‐treated seedlings. In contrast, the entire root tissue of control seedlings was colonized by the pathogen. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed a significant increase in the expression of defense‐related genes dependent on salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene in L‐arabinose‐treated plants compared to control plants, 6 and 10 days post pathogen inoculation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that soil application of L‐arabinose can effectively suppress CFW by priming root tissues for multiple defense signaling pathways. Therefore, L‐arabinose holds potential as a new fungicide for managing CFW. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of shifting patterns of the South Asian High on interannual variability of Indian summer monsoon rainfall in homogeneous regions
Authors: Gollapalli Sripathi , Osuri Krishna Kishore , Dandi Appala Ramu , Rao A. S.
Published: November 2024

The movement and intensity indices of the South Asian High (SAH), an upper‐level anticyclonic‐circulation over the Tibetan Plateau, play a crucial role in Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) during June–September. The present study aims to document (i) the association between SAH and ISMR in the periods of June–July–August (JJA) and July–August–September (JAS), and (ii) the ISMR changes at different spatial and temporal scales. The Bayesian change‐point detection method identifies 1981 as change point and the dataset has been split into two groups (past climate:1940–1980 and current climate:1981–2020) to analyze temporal variations in ISMR. Results indicate that the northwest–southeast index (INW–SE), north–south index (INS) and intensity index (IINT) of the SAH are strongly correlated (˜0.67, ˜0.60, and ˜0.51, respectively) with ISMR whereas the east–west index (IEW) is negatively correlated (˜−0.52) during the JAS season. This relation was stronger in the past climate than the current climate, except for the IINT index during the JAS season. The INW–SE and INS indices are closely associated with all‐India, northwest India (NWI), and central India (CI) rainfall, whereas IINT is associated with south peninsular India (SPI) during the JAS season. The increased rainfall over NWI and SPI in the current climate is strongly associated with positive INS and IINT indices, respectively, during the JAS season. The northeast India (NEI) rainfall did not show any association with SAH indices; however, the IEW is strongly associated with increased NEI rainfall during El Niño years. A significant positive (negative) relation between meridional (zonal) wind shear and SAH indices except the IEW index is observed. Further, the positive (negative) SAH indices favor more (moderate) ISMR due to strong positive (negative) moisture anomalies. The study demonstrates the movement and intensity of the SAH in the dynamical shifts of seasonal rainfall patterns across the Indian homogeneous regions.
Molecular Interactions and Structural Transformations in Water Complexes with Azoles in Solid Films: IR and DFT Study
Authors: Kapustin Rostislav , Grinvald Iosif , Agrba Alina , Agrba Mikhail , Vorotyntsev Andrey , Vorotyntsev Vladimir , Vorotyntsev Ilya , Petukhov Anton , Baberkina Elena , Aleksandrova Daria
Published: November 2024

Azoles are widely used as bioactive substances, herbicides, catalysts, corrosion inhibitors, polymeric compositors, organometallic ligands, and optical elements’ components. The interaction with water plays a crucial role in many applications of azoles. The objective of this study is to observe the molecular interaction and structural transformations of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diazoles’, 1,2,3‐ and 1,2,4‐triazoles’ complexes with water molecules. We have selected the most valuable for application and theoretical interest azoles with different molecular structures, which have allowed us to consider the basic features of their aqueous complexes. We used the IR study method allowing to fix water intermediates in the solid phase. We have also employed the hybrid B3LYP functional DFT method with GD3BJ dispersion correction. At the cluster formation, the hydrogen atom transfer arises, providing a labile spatial arrangement of the water system. The formation of azoles’ complexes with a hydronium ion having relatively low binding energy allows the reshaping of the complexes’ structure at the hydrogen atom cluster‐to‐cluster transition. The complex formation is accompanied by the hydrogen atom transfer with the participation of both water and azole hydrogen atoms. This transfer provides the mobile spatial arrangement of clusters and hydrogen atom transition from donor to acceptor centers.
Di‐o‐Quinones Bearing an Additional Coordination Function in m‐Dioxyarylene Linker as Potential Building Blocks for Coordination‐Driven Self‐Assembly
Authors: Cherkasova A. V. , Martyanov K. A. , Cherkasov A. V. , Antipova N. , Kuropatov V. A. , Cherkasov V. K.
Published: November 2024

Bis‐dioxolene ligands 1–5, linked by m‐dioxyarylene spacers were synthesized. Such ligands are considered as potential building blocks for coordination‐driven design of cage‐like units by self‐assembly mechanism. The peculiarity of new species is in presence of additional functional group in the linker such as pyridinyl (1), ester (2–3), and carboxyl (4–5) that add the possibilities for ordering modes during the design of coordination polymers. Di‐o‐quinones 1–2 were synthesized by reaction of 4‐chloro‐3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐quinone (4‐Cl‐3,6‐Q) with pyridine‐3,5‐diol and methyl 3,5‐dixydroxybenzoate, respectively, in presence of base. The preparation of di‐o‐quinone 5 turned to be a multistage process where di‐catechols 3–4 were isolated as intermediates.
Computational Integration of TRPV4 Antagonists: 3D QSAR, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, ADME/Tox, and Retrosynthesis studies
Authors: Abdelilah Toughzaoui , Oussama Chedadi , Abdellah El Aissouq , Youssef El Ouardi , Mohammed Bouachrine , kamal Moradi , Abdelkrim Ouammou
Published: November 2024

TRPV4 antagonists that could be potential drugs for treatment and management of neuropathic pain. This study was conducted to systematically design several amino derivatives of 2,4′‐dimethyl‐[4,5′‐bithiazol]‐2‐yl as antagonists. In silico computational methods, such as 3D quantitative structure‐activity relationship modeling (3D‐QSAR), molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic property assessment (ADMET), were used to discover new compounds with strong antagonistic activity. The best‐performing 3D‐QSAR model was developed using a partial least squares approach and comparative molecular similarity analysis (CoMSIA). The developed model demonstrated an excellent ability to correlate and predict properties (R2 = 0.932, Q2 = 0.620, and SEE = 0.109). It was observed that variations in biological activity were significantly influenced by interactions with steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic fields. Molecular docking was used to validate the 3D‐QSAR methods and to explain the binding site and interactions between the most active ligands and the receptor. Based on these results, a new series of compounds was predicted. The best‐anchored molecules underwent MD simulation to confirm their dynamic behavior and stability, and they also underwent retrosynthetic analysis to assist in their synthesis.
Stereochemical Shape Morphing in Diels‐Alder Polymer Networks
Authors: Moon Junho , Sang Zhen , Rajagopalan Kartik Kumar , Gardea Frank , Sukhishvili Svetlana
Published: November 2024

The intrinsic reversibility of dynamic covalent bonding, such as the furan‐maleimide Diels‐Alder (DA) cycloaddition reactions, enables reprocessable, self‐healing polymer materials that can be reconfigured via the mechanism of solid‐state plasticity. In this work, the temperature‐dependent exchange rates of stereochemically distinct endo and exo DA bonds are leveraged to achieve tunable, temperature‐ and stress‐activated shape morphing in Diels‐Alder polymer (DAP) networks. Through thermal annealing, ≈35% of endo DA isomers are converted in neat DAP networks to the thermodynamically favored exo form, achieving ≈97% exo after complete annealing at 60 °C. This conversion results in a ≈1.7 fold increase in elastic modulus, from 1.7 to 3.0 MPa, and significantly alters the stress relaxation and shape recovery behavior. Spatially resolved annealing, is further showcased enabling the precise control of spatial distributions of endo and exo DA bonds across planar geometries. The locally distinct concentrations of endo/exo isomers, achieved by temperature‐induced conversion of endo DA isomers to the thermodynamically stable exo DA isomers, gave rise to the spatial distributions of stress relaxation rates and elastic strain recovery mismatch to enable controlled stereochemical shape morphing. This approach provides a simplified, thermally driven method for shape morphing, with potential applications in soft robotics and flexible electronics.
2D Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Materials for Noble Gas Separation
Authors: Šedajová Veronika , Kim Min‐Bum , Langer Rostislav , Kumar Gobbilla Sai , Liu Lili , Baďura Zdeněk , Haag James V. , Zoppellaro Giorgio , Zbořil Radek , Thallapally Praveen K , Jayaramulu Kolleboyina , Otyepka Michal
Published: November 2024

Noble gases, notably xenon, play a pivotal role in diverse high‐tech applications. However, manufacturing xenon is an inherently challenging task, due to its unique properties and trace abundance in the Earth's atmosphere. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the development of efficient methods for the separation of noble gases. Using mild fluorographene chemistry, nitrogen‐doped graphene (GNs) materials are synthesized with abundant aromatic regions and extensive nitrogen doping within the vacancies and holes of the aromatic lattice. Due to the organized interlayer “nanochannels”, nitrogen functional groups, and defects within the two‐dimensional (2D) structures, GNs exhibits effective selectivity for Xe over Kr at low pressure. This enhanced selectivity is attributed to the stronger binding affinity of Xe to GN compared to Kr. The adsorption is governed by London dispersion forces, as revealed by theoretical calculations using symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory (SAPT). Investigation of other GNs differing in nitrogen content, surface area, and pore sizes underscores the significance of nitrogen functional groups, defects, and interlayer nanochannels over the surface area in achieving superior selectivity. This work offers a new perspective on the design and fabrication of functionalized graphene derivatives, exhibiting superior noble gas storage and separation activity exploitable in gas production technologies.
Machine learning models on the rigidity of welded shear tab connections
Authors: Farivar Behzad , Ghassemi Babak , Yousefian Kaveh , Murray Cameron D.
Published: November 2024

This article presents an analytical study on the rigidity of shear tab connections, building on a previous study that developed 281 finite element models of varying geometry and size. The initial study proposed an equation to predict shear tab connection behavior based on geometric characteristics. This article further refines those predictions by assessing uncertainties using supervised machine learning (ML) models and proposing improved equations and methods. First, a simplified polynomial regression curve with enhanced statistical metrics is introduced. Additionally, support vector machine (SVM) with feature dimension reduction is used to predict the rigidity of shear tab connections. To identify the best regression model, three algorithms were tested: random forest (RF), XGBoost (XGB), and artificial neural network (ANN), with XGB achieving the lowest error. For classification, four algorithms – SVM, ANN, RF, and CatBoost (CB) – were employed to categorize shear tab behavior as either simple or semirigid. Among these, CB demonstrated the highest accuracy in classifying new test data based on numerical modeling results.
Steel stresses and shear forces in reinforcing bars due to dowel action
Authors: Pejatović Marko , Muttoni Aurelio
Published: November 2024

Reinforcing bars in structural concrete are typically designed to carry axial forces. Nevertheless, due to their bending stiffness, the bars can also carry transverse forces, that are associated with the localized bending mechanism (dowel action) resulting from the relative displacements (or slip) wherever a crack interface or a discontinuity interface (between two concrete parts cast at different times) intercept the bar. Such localized bending induces stress concentrations in both the bars and the concrete. The relative displacement can occur at interfaces either perpendicular to the bar or inclined with respect to its axis. Thanks to steel ductility, the bending stresses in the bars due to dowel action do not impair the sectional capacity at the ultimate limit state. Fatigue verifications, however, require an accurate evaluation of these stresses under imposed transverse displacements or shear forces. As well known, dowel action can be described by means of the traditional unidimensional Winkler's model (beam on an elastic foundation), where the bearing stiffness of the concrete embedment is typically introduced through a couple of parameters, namely the bar diameter and the concrete strength in compression. The actual behavior of a dowel, however, is definitely more complex and for such a reason, improvements are needed for the Winkler's model to introduce other parameters typical of actual structures. Hence, a new formulation is introduced in this study for the bearing stiffness, that is calibrated based on mechanical considerations and measurements with optical fibers. The proposed formulation also accounts for the following parameters: angle between the crack and the bar, concrete‐cover thickness, number of load cycles and the softening effect caused by the local secondary cracks radiating from bar ribs during the pull‐out process. The predictions of the model—implemented with the proposed bearing stiffness—fit fairly well the test results under both monotonic and cyclic loads, in terms of shear force–transverse displacement response and peak stress in the reinforcing bars.
Catalytic Cracking of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Light Olefins Using Zeolite‐Based Materials: Recent Advances, Trends, Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Magaji Suleiman , Hussain Ijaz , Malaibari Zuhair , Hossain Mohammad M. , Qureshi Ziyauddin S. , Ahmed Shakeel
Published: November 2024

The catalytic cracking of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has attracted significant attention due to its importance in producing valuable feedstocks for the petrochemical industry. This review provides an overview of recent developments in zeolite‐based catalyst technology for converting LPG into light olefins. Catalytic cracking utilizes zeolite‐based catalysts usually associated with stability challenges, such as coking and sintering. The discussion focused on the underlying mechanisms that govern the catalytic cracking process and provided insights into the complex reaction pathways involved. A comprehensive analysis of various strategies employed for improving the effectiveness of zeolite catalysts has been discussed in this review. These strategies encompass using transition metals to modify catalyst properties, treatments involving phosphorous modification, alkaline earth metals, and alkali metals to alter the acidity level of the zeolites. The elucidation of the impact of silica‐to‐alumina ratios in zeolites and the development of hierarchical zeolite‐based catalysts through top‐down and bottom‐up methodologies are also discussed.
First Isolation and Characterization of Feline Panleukopenia Virus From Wild Raccoon Dogs in the Residential Area of Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Chen , Tao Jin , Tang Ling , Sun Tong , Sun Zhuyun , Xu Huan , Deng Shuaitao , Xue Cheng , Ji Xing , Wang Rui , Chen Hongjun
Published: November 2024

Background

Carnivore parvovirus is commonly detected in canines and felines and results in a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, with a high lethality rate. In recent years, the gradual restoration of urban ecosystems coupled with a lack of natural predators means that wild raccoon dogs have gradually entered residential neighbourhoods in Shanghai, and the carnivore parvovirus carried by such canines may seriously affect their health and that of dogs and cats in these neighbourhoods.

Objectives

Therefore, it is essential to monitor wild raccoon dogs for carnivore parvovirus.

Methods

The wild raccoon samples were collected from the residential area of Shanghai and screened for parvovirus, followed by virus isolation and sequence comparison analysis.

Results

In this study, three strains of parvovirus, YSH1‐2022, YSH2‐2022 and GSW1‐2023, were isolated from anal and pharyngeal swab mixtures of 42 live raccoon dogs and two dead raccoon dogs in Shanghai, China. After alignment, it was found that the three strains of parvovirus were all located in the same branch as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), and the three VP2 genes had 100% homology with FPV VP2 genes isolated from Shanghai and Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. The homology of the three NS1 genes with FPV NS1 isolated from Shanghai and other places was 99.9%–100%.

Conclusion

This is the first report of FPV isolated from raccoon dogs. In this study, the host range and risk of infection of parvovirus were evaluated, providing data to support wildlife management and policy formulation in Shanghai.