bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and bridges for sustaining functional habitat networks: A macroecological system analysis of wet grassland landscapes
Authors: Angelstam Per , Manton Michael , Stjernquist Ingrid , Gunnarsson Tómas Grétar , Ottvall Richard , Rosenberg Mats , Thorup Ole , Wedholm Per , Elts Jaanus , Gruberts Davis
Published: April 2022

This study aims at supporting the maintenance of representative functional habitat networks as green infrastructure for biodiversity conservation through transdisciplinary macroecological analyses of wet grassland landscapes and their stewardship systems. We chose ten north European wet grassland case study landscapes from Iceland and the Netherlands in the west to Lithuania and Belarus in the east. We combine expert experiences for 20–30 years, comparative studies made 2011–2017, and longitudinal analyses spanning >70 years. Wader, or shorebird, (Charadrii) assemblages were chosen as a focal species group. We used evidence‐based knowledge and practical experience generated in three steps. (1) Experts from 8 wet grassland landscapes in northern Europe's west and east mapped factors linked to patterns and processes, and management and governance, in social‐ecological systems that affect states and trends of wet grasslands as green infrastructures for wader birds. (2) To understand wader conservation problems and their dynamic in wet grassland landscapes, and to identify key issues for successful conservation, we applied group modeling using causal loop diagram mapping. (3) Validation was made using the historic development in two additional wet grassland landscapes. Wader conservation was dependent on ten dynamically interacting ecological and social system factors as leverage points for management. Re‐wetting and grazing were common drivers for the ecological and social system, and long‐term economic support for securing farmers’ interest in wader bird conservation. Financial public incentives at higher levels of governance of wetland management are needed to stimulate private income loops. Systems analysis based on contrasting landscape case studies in space and over time can support (1) understanding of complex interactions in social‐ecological systems, (2) collaborative learning in individual wet grassland landscapes, and (3) formulation of priorities for conservation, management, and restoration.
Population differentiation and intraspecific genetic admixture in twoEucryptorrhynchusweevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) across northern China
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Jie , Song Wei , Cao Li‐Jun , Chen Jin‐Cui , Hoffmann Ary A. , Wen Jun‐Bao , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: April 2022

Increasing damage of pests in agriculture and forestry can arise both as a consequence of changes in local species and through the introduction of alien species. In this study, we used population genetics approaches to examine population processes of two pests of the tree‐of‐heaven trunk weevil (TTW),Eucryptorrhynchus brandti(Harold) and the tree‐of‐heaven root weevil (TRW),E. scrobiculatus(Motschulsky) on the tree‐of‐heaven across their native range of China. We analyzed the population genetics of the two weevils based on ten highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. Population genetic diversity analysis showed strong population differentiation among populations of each species, withFSTranges from 0.0197 to 0.6650 and from −0.0724 to 0.6845, respectively. Populations from the same geographic areas can be divided into different genetic clusters, and the same genetic cluster contained populations from different geographic populations, pointing to dispersal of the weevils possibly being human‐mediated. Redundancy analysis showed that the independent effects of environment and geography could account for 93.94% and 29.70% of the explained genetic variance in TTW, and 41.90% and 55.73% of the explained genetic variance in TRW, respectively, indicating possible impacts of local climates on population genetic differentiation. Our study helps to uncover population genetic processes of these local pest species with relevance to control methods.
IIb‐RAD‐sequencing coupled with random forest classification indicates regional population structuring and sex‐specific differentiation in salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)
Authors: Guragain Prashanna , Båtnes Anna Solvang , Zobolas John , Olsen Yngvar , Bones Atle M. , Winge Per
Published: April 2022

The aquaculture industry has been dealing with salmon lice problems forming serious threats to salmonid farming. Several treatment approaches have been used to control the parasite. Treatment effectiveness must be optimized, and the systematic genetic differences between subpopulations must be studied to monitor louse species and enhance targeted control measures. We have used IIb‐RAD sequencing in tandem with a random forest classification algorithm to detect the regional genetic structure of the Norwegian salmon lice and identify important markers for sex differentiation of this species. We identified 19,428 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 95 individuals of salmon lice. These SNPs, however, were not able to distinguish the differential structure of lice populations. Using the random forest algorithm, we selected 91 SNPs important for geographical classification and 14 SNPs important for sex classification. The geographically important SNP data substantially improved the genetic understanding of the population structure and classified regional demographic clusters along the Norwegian coast. We also uncovered SNP markers that could help determine the sex of the salmon louse. A large portion of the SNPs identified to be under directional selection was also ranked highly important by random forest. According to our findings, there is a regional population structure of salmon lice associated with the geographical location along the Norwegian coastline.
A dormant T‐cell population with autoimmune potential exhibits low self‐reactivity and infiltrates islets in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kong Yuelin , Jing Yi , Allard Denise , Scavuzzo Marissa A. , Sprouse Maran L. , Borowiak Malgorzata , Bettini Matthew L. , Bettini Maria
Published: April 2022

The contribution of low‐affinity T cells to autoimmunity in the context of polyclonal T‐cell responses is understudied due to the limitations in their capture by tetrameric reagents and low level of activation in response to antigenic stimulation. As a result, low‐affinity T cells are often disregarded as nonantigen‐specific cells irrelevant to the immune response. Our study aimed to assess how the level of self‐antigen reactivity shapes T‐cell lineage and effector responses in the context of spontaneous tissue‐specific autoimmunity observed in NOD mice. Using multicolor flow cytometry in combination with Nur77GFP reporter of TCR signaling, we identified a dormant population of T cells that infiltrated the pancreatic islets of prediabetic NOD mice, which exhibited reduced levels of self‐tissue reactivity based on expression of CD5 and Nur77GFP. We showed that these CD5low T cells had a unique TCR repertoire and exhibited low activation and minimal effector function; however, induced rapid diabetes upon transfer. The CD4+CD5low T‐cell population displayed transcriptional signature of central memory T cells, consistent with the ability to acquire effector function post‐transfer. Transcriptional profile of CD5low T cells was similar to T cells expressing a low‐affinity TCR, indicating TCR affinity to be an important factor in shaping CD5low T‐cell phenotype and function at the tissue site. Overall, our study suggests that autoimmune tissue can maintain a reservoir of undifferentiated central memory‐like autoreactive T cells with pathogenic effector potential that might be an important source for effector T cells during long‐term chronic autoimmunity.
Application of morphological characteristics of radiofrequency lesions to individual parameters of thermal rhizolysis for trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Massager Nicolas , Pouleau Henri‐Benjamin , Jodaïtis Alexandre , Morelli Daniele
Published: April 2022

Background

Thermic rhizolysis is a reliable therapy for pharmaco‐resistant trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Temperature, duration of electrocautery and needle location can influence the efficacy and complications of the therapy.

Methods

We performed experimental thermocautery on egg white with increasing parameters of time (30–120 s) and temperature (60–95°C); we analysed the shape, size and volume of the thermic lesions produced. We developed a surgical procedure to assess peroperatively the probable thermocoagulation field and its geometric relations with the trigeminal roots and other anatomical structures of Meckel's cave, and we individually adapted the parameters of rhizolysis to optimize the results. This procedure was applied on 22 patients with TN.

Results

The volume of the lesions produced by rhizolysis on egg white had a spheroidal shape and increased linearly with the level of temperature and the time of electrocautery from 1.595 mm3(SD 0.38) to 54.454 mm3(SD 10.41); higher temperatures induced larger thermocoagulation fields than longer time periods. The calculated volumes measured at all levels of temperature and time were applied in vivo on the patient stereotactic planning during the thermocoagulation procedure in order to select the optimal parameters for rhizolysis. The median values used were 75°C (range 70–85°C) and 60 s (range 45–60 s). At 6‐month follow‐up, pain outcome was Barrow‐Neurological‐Institute class‐I for 72.7%, IIIa for 22.7% and IIIb for 4.6%; the only complication due to rhizolysis was mild facial numbness in 13 subjects (59%) at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

We conclude that geometric analysis of the position of the electrode before trigeminal thermocoagulation with morphometric‐related individual adaptation of treatment parameters could avoid serious injuries and optimize pain control.

Significance

We have adapted the technique of radiofrequency rhizolysis for TN. Our procedure allows individual peroperative adaptation of the parameters of thermocoagulation, according to the specific position of the electrode during rhizolysis. Preliminary results on a series of 22 patients have shown promising results.
Influence of oxygen concentration on the metabolism of Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Janoska Agnes , Verheijen Jelle J. , Tang Wenjung , Lee Queenie , Sikkema Baukje , van Gulik Walter M.
Published: April 2022

In large‐scale bioreactors, there is often insufficient mixing and as a consequence, cells experience uneven substrate and oxygen levels that influence product formation. In this study, the influence of dissolved oxygen (DO) gradients on the primary and secondary metabolism of a high producing industrial strain of Penicillium chrysogenum was investigated. Within a wide range of DO concentrations, obtained under chemostat conditions, we observed different responses from P. chrysogenum: (i) no influence on growth or penicillin production (>0.025 mmol L−1); (ii) reduced penicillin production, but no growth limitation (0.013–0.025 mmol L−1); and (iii) growth and penicillin production limitations (<0.013 mmol L−1). In addition, scale down experiments were performed by oscillating the DO concentration in the bioreactor. We found that during DO oscillation, the penicillin production rate decreased below the value observed when a constant DO equal to the average oscillating DO value was used. To understand and predict the influence of oxygen levels on primary metabolism and penicillin production, we developed a black box model that was linked to a detailed kinetic model of the penicillin pathway. The model simulations represented the experimental data during the step experiments; however, during the oscillation experiments the predictions deviated, indicating the involvement of the central metabolism in penicillin production.
Combined effects of calcium‐alginate coating and Artemisia fragrance essential oil on chicken breast meat quality
Authors: Alirezalu Kazem , Moazami‐Goodarzi Amir Hossein , Roufegarinejad Leila , Yaghoubi Milad , Lorenzo Jose M.
Published: April 2022

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of calcium‐alginate (CA) containing Artemisia fragrance essential oils (AFEOs) as a potential antioxidant and antimicrobial coating on quality attributes and shelf life of chicken meat throughout keeping period (4°C). Five treatments were produced as follows: T1 (distilled water as control), T2 (2% CA), T3 (2% CA +500 ppm AFEOs), T4 (2% CA +1000 ppm AFEOs), and T5 (2% CA +1500 ppm AFEOs). The chicken meats packaged in polyethylene bags at atmospheric condition and physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties were assessed at days 1, 4, 8, and 12. There was no remarkable difference in proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, and fat) of meat samples by treating with CA or AFEOs. The results revealed that CA +AFEOs coating reduced significantly the pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values and also displayed higher contents of the total phenolic content (TPC) and redness value when compared with control. According to results, 2% CA +1500 ppm AFEOs reduced 58.3 (mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg) and 0.63 (mg/100 g) of TBARS and TVB‐N values when compared to control, respectively. The microbiological count showed that CA +AFEOs had a significantly higher inhibitory impact on the total viable count (TVC), coliforms, molds and yeasts. At day 12, 6.89 Log CFU (colony‐forming units)/g was recorded for TVC in 2% CA +1500 ppm AFEOs, which was the lowest overall. This treatment also displayed the reduction of 2.97 Log CFU/g in coliforms and 3.3 Log CFU/g in molds and yeasts in comparison with uncoated samples. The outcomes of pH, TBARS, TPC, color values, microbiological count, and organoleptic properties suggested 2% CA +1500 ppm AFEOs as an efficient coating for quality stability and improving the shelf life of chicken breast meat without negative impact on organoleptic properties.
Monitoring the variations in physicochemical characteristics of squab meat during the braising cooking process
Authors: Zhao Wenhong , Liu Qiaoyu , Jiang Hao , Zheng Minyi , Qian Min , Zeng Xiaofang , Bai Weidong
Published: April 2022

Braised squabs are traditional Chinese foods. However, the processing is highly experience dependent and lacks a theoretical basis. Hence, a comparative study of the physicochemical properties in different processing stages of braised squabs was necessary. We observed the physicochemical changes in the processing stages of braised squabs (raw meat, braised meat, and fried meat). The color parameters, moisture content, and drip loss rate gradually decreased during the processing. On the contrary, crude protein content and pH value were upregulated in the processing stages of braised squabs. Furthermore, the diameter of muscle fiber significantly increased in the braised meat and further decreased in the fried meat compared with the raw muscle fiber. Similarly, hardness, springiness, and chewiness were also increased in the braised step and decreased in the fried step. Additionally, the contents of essential amino acids remain unchanged. Hence, our results provided a certain reference value on the production of braised squabs.
Engineering early memory B‐cell‐like phenotype in hydrogel‐based immune organoids
Authors: Graney Pamela L. , Zhong Zhe , Post Sarah , Brito Ilana , Singh Ankur
Published: April 2022

Memory B cells originate in response to antigenic stimulation in B‐cell follicles of secondary lymphoid organs where naive B cells undergo maturation within a subanatomical microenvironment, the germinal centers. The understanding of memory B‐cell immunology and its regulation is based primarily on sophisticated experiments that involve mouse models. To date, limited evidence exists on whether memory B cells can be successfully engineered ex vivo, specifically using biomaterials‐based platforms that support the growth and differentiation of B cells. Here, we report the characterization of a recently reported maleimide‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels as immune organoids towards the development of early memory B‐cell phenotype and germinal center‐like B cells. We demonstrate that the use of interleukin 9 (IL9), IL21, and bacterial antigen presentation as outer membrane‐bound fragments drives the conversion of naive, primary murine B cells to early memory phenotype in ex vivo immune organoids. These findings describe the induction of early memory B‐cell‐like phenotype in immune organoids and highlight the potential of synthetic organoids as a platform for the future development of antigen‐specific bona fide memory B cells for the study of the immune system and generation of therapeutic antibodies.
Supramolecular nanotherapeutics enable metabolic reprogramming of tumor‐associated macrophages to inhibit tumor growth
Authors: Ramesh Anujan , Malik Vaishali , Brouillard Anthony , Kulkarni Ashish
Published: April 2022

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) exist in multiple phenotypes across the spectrum, defined by an M1 antitumorigenic phenotype and an M2 pro‐tumorigenic phenotype on two ends of the spectrum. A largely immunosuppressive tumor‐microenvironment aids the polarization of the infiltrating macrophages to a pro‐tumorigenic M2 phenotype that promotes tumor progression and metastasis. Recent developments in macrophage immunotherapy have focused on strategies to re‐educate TAMs from an M2 to M1 phenotype. Recent findings in the realm of immuno‐metabolism have indicated that distinct metabolic signatures accompany macrophages based on their polarization states (M1‐Glycolysis and M2‐TCA cycle). These metabolites are important drivers of cellular signaling responsible for acquiring these polarization states, with evidence showing that metabolism is essential to facilitate the energy requirements of immune cells and regulate immune cell response. We hypothesized that TAMs could be reprogrammed metabolically by co‐delivery of drugs using a supramolecular nanoparticle system that could effectively rewire macrophage metabolism by simultaneous inhibition of the TCA cycle and upregulation of the glycolytic metabolic pathway. TLR7/8 agonist and Fatty Acid Oxidation (FAO) inhibitor loaded metabolic supramolecular nanoparticles (MSNPs) were synthesized. In vitro assays showed macrophages treated with MSNPs were reprogrammed from an M2 phenotype to an M1 phenotype while significantly upregulating phagocytosis. When injected in 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice, MSNPs treatment reduced tumor growth progression more than other treatments. Hence, the delivery of TLR7/8 agonist combined with an FAO inhibitor can enhance antitumor efficacy through metabolic reprogramming of tumor‐associated macrophages.
The moderating effects of school resources on the impact of a school‐based intervention on the social information‐processing skills of third graders in rural China
Authors: Guo Shenyang , Li Na , Sun Xiaodong , Peng Jin , Fraser Mark W.
Published: April 2022

Using a school‐based intervention, Let's Be Friends (LBF), designed to promote the social information‐processing (SIP) skills of third‐grade children in rural China, the specific aim of this study was to assess the moderating effects of school characteristics on program outcomes. We systematically tested the moderating effects of six school‐resource variables (i.e., student–teacher ratio, school size, number of library books per student, number of computers per 100 students, percentage of teachers with middle‐ and high‐level titles, and percentage of teachers with high‐level title or “backbone” recognition) on outcomes in a controlled trial of LBF program. School resources (i.e., small school size, low student–teacher ratio, and more teachers with high‐level title or backbone) were associated with SIP skill acquisition, reduced aggressive behavior, and higher cognitive concentration. School contextual characteristics condition the impact of social‐emotional education programs in Chinese rural primary schools.
Adverse reactions of BNT162b2 vaccine booster against COVID‐19 in Japan
Authors: Nishizawa Toshinori , Jinta Torahiko , Koyamada Ryosuke , Uehara Yuki , Taki Fumika , Arioka Hiroko
Published: April 2022

Female participants had a higher incidence of headache, nausea, myalgia, arthralgia, redness, pruritus, and inoculation site redness and pruritus (p 0.05). Low grade fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, and inoculation site induration and heat were associated with age group (p 0.05).
Association between achieving textbook outcomes and better survival after laparoscopic liver resection in the anterolateral segments in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: D'Silva Mizelle , Cho Jai Young , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Lee Hae Won , Lee Jun Suh , Lee Boram , Kim Moonhwan , Jo Yeongsoo
Published: April 2022

Background

The quality of surgical procedures are assessed by textbook outcomes (TO). Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is considered a standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the anterolateral segments of the liver. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting achievement of TO for LLR and its impact on survival.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LLR for lesions located in the anterolateral segments (n = 309). Patients were divided into TO and non‐TO group.

Results

A TO was achieved in 55.0% of patients (n = 170). In multivariable analysis, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥ 10 (odds ratio[OR] 3.076; 95% confidence interval[CI] 1.134–8.342), absence of diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.325; 95% CI: 1.227–4.407) and thrombocytopenia (OR: 2.115; 95% CI: 1.134–8.342) were independently associated with not achieving TO. The 5‐year overall (82.9% vs 72.8%, P = .017) and recurrence‐free (48.8% vs 35.4%; P = .036) survival rates were significantly greater in the TO group than in the non‐TO group.

Conclusion

The MELD score, thrombocytopenia, and hypoalbuminemia were independent risk factors influencing the achievement of TO. TO influences the short‐ and long‐term outcomes after LLR for HCC.
Catalyst‐free one‐pot three‐component rapid synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles by liquid‐assisted grinding
Authors: Jiang Ling , Yan Si‐Yu , Dong Jing‐Wen , Ye Li‐Dan , Cheng Yue , Chu Xiao‐He
Published: April 2022

A series of polysubstituted pyrroles were rapidly synthesized in moderate to good yields via catalyst‐free one‐pot three‐component reaction of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with primary amines and nitrostyrenes by using liquid‐assisted grinding. This protocol provides several advantages over the conventional chemical synthesis, such as simple work‐up procedure, wide substrate scope, short reaction time, and environmental friendliness. Structures of polysubstituted pyrroles were confirmed by1H NMR,13C NMR, and ESI‐MS studies.
Robust energy management of micro‐grid system using an efficient RNN‐MDA approach
Authors: Durairasan M. , Balasubramanian Divya
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces a hybrid methodology of robust energy management for system modeling and configuration of Microgrid linked system. The proposed system is combined performance of both the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Modified Dragonfly algorithm (MDA), hence it is known as RNN‐MDA. Microgrid connected system like photovoltaic, wind turbine, fuel cell, micro turbine, and battery. RNN predicts the optimal load demand of proposed system. MDA optimally configures the microgrid combination. Cost function of micro turbine, fuel cell, operation, and maintenance cost and the constraints involving power balance and generation capacity of each MG sources are involved. At last, the proposed model is instigated on MATLAB/Simulink working platform and performance equates through existing performances. Cost savings of proposed and existing for 24 h and 1 year is also analyzed in paper. The cost savings of the proposed technique for 24 h and 1 year are 54.8387% and 82.77%. Thus the proposed technique shows the better performance over other procedures based on cost savings, power generation, fitness function, error reduction, computation time and statistical parameters, cost accuracy percentage.
Fifty shades of pray: Faith diversity management approaches impact employee satisfaction, support perceptions, and turnover
Authors: Park Lauren S. , Martinez Larry R.
Published: April 2022

Organizational policies and practices related to workforce diversity and inclusion have implications for employees of all backgrounds. With the changing composition of faith identities in the workforce, organizations must change to meet the needs of employees of all faith identities, including employees who do not identify with a faith tradition. Across two studies, we use Miller and Ewest's (2015) Faith and Work Organizational Framework to explore how different organizational approaches to faith diversity management impact the job outcomes of employees of differing faith identities. Results indicate that “faith‐friendly” organizations, characterized by a proactively inclusive approach, yield the highest employee satisfaction and perceptions of supervisor and organizational support and lowest intentions to turn over for employees of all and no faith identities. This was supported when examined with both a cross‐sectional survey and using experimental manipulation. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Managing your feelings at work, for a reason: The role of individual motives in affect regulation for performance‐related outcomes at work
Authors: Bindl Uta K. , Parker Sharon K. , Sonnentag Sabine , Stride Christopher B.
Published: April 2022

Affect regulation matters in organizations, but research has predominantly focused on how employees regulate their feelings. Here, we investigate the motives for why employees regulate their feelings. We assess employees' engagement in affect regulation based on distinct motives and investigate their implications for performance‐related outcomes. We develop a framework and measure for distinct types of motivated affect regulation at work, comprising hedonic affect regulation (motive to feel better), task‐related affect regulation (motive to reach an achievement‐related goal), and social affect regulation (motive to get along with others). Study 1 (N = 621 employees) indicated each type of motivated affect regulation was distinct from the others. In Study 2 (N = 80 employees; n = 821 observations), in line with our theorizing, hedonic and task‐related affect regulation were both positively associated with performance‐related outcomes via perceived affect‐regulation success. In addition, the link between task‐related affect regulation and perceived affect‐regulation success was strongest for those individuals who habitually engage in deep acting. By contrast, social affect regulation did not predict perceived affect‐regulation success or performance‐related outcomes. Understanding why employees choose to manage their feelings advances insights on individual motives in employee behavior and provides new avenues for improving performance outcomes in organizations.
Phonon, magnon and magnetic properties of Cu‐doped NiO nanostructures
Authors: Sunny Anoop , Balasubramanian Karthikeyan
Published: April 2022

We have extensively studied the phonon, magnon and magnetic properties of copper (Cu)‐doped nanocrystalline nickel(II) oxide (NiO) using room‐temperature Raman spectroscopy. The required nanomaterials were synthesized using a simple sol–gel method. The phonon modes of NiO nanoparticles have been observed in a large background of magnon excitations, and the wavenumbers of phonon modes were deviated from the theoretical predictions due to the phonon–magnon interaction. The variations of magnon excitations with the Cu doping concentrations were investigated based on reduced spin correlation length and superexchange interaction. The two‐magnon (2M) excitations were suppressed and blue shifted with Cu doping concentration indicating the variations in the magnetic behaviour. The modification of antiferromagnetic nature and the formation of multiphase magnetic properties of NiO nanoparticles were investigated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and discussed in detail. The variations in the phonon and magnon excitations can be used to probe the magnetic nature and spintronic applications of NiO nanoparticles.
Identifying the polymorphs of serpentine with micro‐Raman spectroscopy: Clear separation in biaxial plots
Authors: Kashima Aruto , Urashima Shu‐hei , Yui Hiroharu
Published: April 2022

Serpentine, Mg3Si2O5(OH)4, is a phyllosilicate mineral having several polymorphs, that is, antigorite, chrysotile, lizardite, and polygonal. Because the crystal structure is dependent on thermodynamic environment where serpentine was produced, it has been desired for the polymorphs to be distinguished for geoscientific investigation. While crystal structures are analyzed by X‐ray crystallography in many cases, it is difficult to apply the X‐ray technique to small and/or non‐uniform samples. In the present study, we achieved to unambiguously determine the serpentine's polymorphs with microscopic Raman spectroscopy. Among various Raman‐active vibrational modes, we focused on the SiOSi symmetric stretching mode and bending vibration of SiO4 units because layer structure of SiO4 tetrahedral sheets (T‐sheets) alters with the crystal structure. With the peak wavenumbers determined with subpixel accuracy, the polymorphs were clearly separated in biaxial plots of the peak wavenumbers. As a result, we succeeded in distinguishing lizardite and polygonal serpentine, which were believed to be indistinguishable from Raman spectra, for the first time. Because microscopic Raman spectroscopy is nondestructive method that requires neither large single crystals nor any pretreatment of samples, it is applicable to small (<1 mm), fragile, rare, and/or heterogeneous samples. This feature advantages our technique for the investigation on non‐uniform and a trace amount of serpentines in terrestrial mantle rocks from seafloor and in meteorites from asteroids carrying complex histories of their formation and aqueous alteration.
Unraveling the effect of surfactant chain length on the binding interaction of curcumin with cationic and non‐ionic micelles
Authors: Das Priyabrata , Mandal Pabitra , Shit Debatri , Pramanik Smritimoy
Published: April 2022

Major drawbacks of using curcumin as a potential multifunctional drug are its very low water solubility and lack of bio‐availability. For this purpose we have used surfactants to increase the solubility of curcumin in aqueous medium and to assess its hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions with micelles. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of the interaction of curcumin with surfactants, we have employed cationic and non‐ionic surfactants. We have used hexadecyl(cetyl)trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), tetradecyltrimethylammonium (TTAB) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) as cationic surfactants of varying hydrocarbon tail dimension and octylphenol ethoxylate with 10 moles of ethyelene oxide (OPE‐10), octylphenol ethoxylate with 16 moles of ethyelene oxide (OPE‐16), octylphenol ethoxylate with 30 moles of ethyelene oxide (OPE‐30) as non‐ionic surfactants of varying poly(ethylene oxide) hydrophilic head dimension. From the increase in fluorescence intensity of curcumin in the presence of surfactants, we had estimated the apparent binding constant (Kb) of curcumin‐micelle complex formation. The evaluated Kb values between curcumin and CTAB, TTAB, and DTAB were 7.75 × 105, 3.44 × 105, and 0.78 × 105 L mol−1, respectively. In the case of non‐ionic surfactants, the estimated Kb values of curcumin with OPE‐10, OPE‐16, and OPE‐30 were 4.90 × 106, 3.82 × 106, and 0.58 × 106 L mol−1, respectively. Thus, it was found that Kb values were somehow greater in the case of non‐ionic surfactants than cationic surfactants. From the fluorescence quenching study it was revealed that the probable location of curcumin was the Stern layer and the palisade layer in the case of cationic and non‐ionic micelles, respectively. Our results might be useful to overcome challenges associated with the delivery of curcumin as a multifunctional drug molecule.
Experimental study on the influence of wetting agent addition on the water adsorption and impact crushing dust generation of coal
Authors: Zheng Lei , Li Dewen , Xu Shengdong
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed at investigating the influence of wetting agent addition on the water adsorption capacity, dust generation capacity and dust particle size distribution of coal. To achieve this aim, nonylphenol ethoxylate 10 wetting agent was used as an additive to prepare a 0.1% concentration solution, and a comparative test was conducted on different coal types from three coal mines in different provinces. The test results suggest that the natural saturated water adsorption time of coal was shortened by 33%–67% through wetting agent addition. Therefore, wetting agents are effective for enhancing water injection operations that require a limited construction period. The influence of wetting agent addition on the saturated water adsorption amount differed significantly for different coal types, and the wetting agent did not generally improve the saturated water adsorption rate. However, wetting agent addition alone did not lower the dust generation rate from coal. For a given moisture content, the wetting agent influenced the particle size distribution of dust generated during impact crushing differently between types of coal. For the three coal types investigated, wetting agent addition reduced the concentration of airborne by up to 8%.
Phosphorylated walnut protein isolate as a nanocarrier for enhanced water solubility and stability of curcumin
Authors: Ling Min , Yan Chunjun , Huang Xuan , Xu Yanfei , He Changwei , Zhou Zheng
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The low solubility and poor dispersion of alkaline‐extracted walnut protein isolate (AWPI) limit its application as a protein‐based carrier for the delivery of poorly soluble nutraceuticals, including curcumin. This work investigated the physicochemical characteristics of phosphorylated walnut protein isolate (PWPI) extracted using sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) and evaluated its encapsulation ability.

RESULTS

The results of phosphorus determination, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the phosphorylation of the extracted PWPI. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis indicated that PWPI contained higher α‐helix and lower β‐sheet contents than AWPI. The PWPI prepared at pH 9.0 and 11.0 showed significantly improved solubility, similar surface hydrophobicity, and increased surface charges compared to the AWPI. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated that the binding affinity of curcumin to PWPI was significantly higher than that of AWPI. When bound to PWPI, the solubility of curcumin in aqueous solution was greatly enhanced, with an 8700‐fold increase at a nanocomplex concentration of 10 mg mL−1. The complexation of curcumin with PWPI significantly improved the storage stability of curcumin. Additionally, the PWPI–curcumin nanocomplexes showed significantly increased antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSION

Phosphorylated walnut protein isolate showed greatly improved solubility and strong encapsulation ability, making it a promising nanocarrier for curcumin. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Solid‐phase extraction techniques based on nanomaterials for mycotoxin analysis: An overview for food and agricultural products
Authors: Tang Zhentao , Liu Fei , Fang Fang , Ding Xuelu , Han Qingrong , Tan Yuzhu , Peng Cheng
Published: April 2022

Mycotoxin contamination is a globally concerned problem for food and agricultural products since it may directly or indirectly induce severe threats to human health. Sensitive and selective screening is an efficient strategy to prevent or reduce human and animal exposure to mycotoxins. However, enormous challenges exist in the determination of mycotoxins, arising from complex sample matrices, trace‐level analytes, and the co‐occurrence of diverse mycotoxins. Appropriate sample preparation is essential to isolate, purify, and enrich mycotoxins from complicated matrices, thus decreasing sample matrix effects and lowering detection limits. With the cross‐disciplinary development, new solid‐phase extraction strategies have been exploited and integrated with nanotechnology to meet the challenges of mycotoxin analysis. This review summarizes the advance and progress of solid‐phase extraction techniques as the methodological solutions for mycotoxin analysis. Emphases are paid on nanomaterials fabricated as trapping media of solid‐phase extraction techniques, including carbonaceous nanoparticles, metal/metal oxide‐based nanoparticles, and nanoporous materials. Advantages and limitations are discussed, along with the potential prospects.
The Correlation Between the Sonographic Course of Transobturator Slings and Sling‐Related Pain
Authors: Alshiek Jonia , Wei Qi , Javadian Pouya , Quiroz Lieschen H. , Baumfeld Yael , Shobeiri S. Abbas
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine whether transobturator slings follow a consistent path and whether there is an association between ultrasonographically visualized sling pattern or position with sling‐related pain.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional retrospective pilot study. We evaluated women who were presented to our clinic for pain or other urogynecologic symptoms following transobturator sling placement between 2009 and 2014. Patients had undergone a 3‐dimensional endovaginal pelvic floor ultrasound, assessing minimal levator hiatus, antero‐posterior diameter, left–right diameter, and the hiatal shape. The mesh patterns were categorized as seagull patterns (normal), lopsided, flat, and convoluted.

Results

A total of 68 cases were reviewed. Fifty patients reported pain, and 18 did not. There were wide variations in the course of the slings. The sling center‐ minimal levator hiatus position ranged 14.8 mm below and 17.9 mm above the minimal levator hiatus. The lateral arm insertion points ranged between 17.1 mm below and 16.6 mm above the minimal levator hiatus. The right arm insertion points ranged between 9.6 mm below and 18.8 mm above the minimal levator hiatus. Thirty‐five of 68 (70%) patients with pain and 13 of 18 (72.2%) without had abnormal sling patterns. The abnormal sling shape was not correlated with pain (P = 1). The levator shape trended toward a statistical significant correlation with sling shape abnormality (P = .084).

Conclusions

This population of women with transobturator sling complications demonstrated wide variations in anatomic paths. Neither the abnormal sling shape nor the distance of the center of the tape from the minimal levator hiatus level were correlated with pain.
Inter‐laboratory differences in the apparent quantum yield for the photochemical production of dissolved inorganic carbon in inland waters and implications for photochemical rate modeling
Authors: Koehler Birgit , Powers Leanne C. , Cory Rose M. , Einarsdóttir Karólína , Gu Yufei , Tranvik Lars J. , Vähätalo Anssi V. , Ward Collin P. , Miller William L.
Published: April 2022

Solar radiation initiates photochemical oxidation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in inland waters, contributing to their carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Models can determine photochemical DIC production over large spatiotemporal scales and assess its role in aquatic C cycling. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) spectrum for photochemical DIC production, defined as mol DIC produced per mol chromophoric dissolved organic matter‐absorbed photons, is a critical model parameter. In previous studies, the principle for the determination of AQY spectra is the same but methodological specifics differ, and the extent to which these differences influence AQY spectra and simulated aquatic DIC photoproduction is unclear. Here, four laboratories determined AQY spectra from water samples of eight inland waters that are situated in Alaska, Finland, and Sweden and span a nearly 10‐fold range in DOM absorption coefficients. All AQY values fell within the range previously reported for inland waters. The inter‐laboratory coefficient of variation (CV) for wavelength‐integrated AQY spectra (300–450 nm) averaged 38% ± 3% SE, and the inter‐water CV averaged 63% ± 1%. The inter‐laboratory CV for simulated photochemical DIC production (conducted for the five Swedish lakes) averaged 49% ± 12%, and the inter‐water CV averaged 77% ± 10%. This uncertainty is not surprising given the complexities and methodological choices involved in determining DIC AQY spectra and needs to be considered when applying photochemical rate modeling. Thus, we also highlight current methodological limitations and suggest future improvements for DIC AQY determination to reduce inter‐laboratory uncertainty.
Rapid Nondestructive Detection Enabled by an Ultra‐Broadband NIR pc‐LED
Authors: Suo Hao , Wang Yu , Zhao Xiaoqi , Zhang Xin , Li Leipeng , Guan Kuiwen , Ding Wenge , Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Wang Feng
Published: April 2022

The rapid development of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopic techniques has greatly stimulated the discovery of novel broadband NIR‐emitting phosphors as advanced light sources. Herein, a novel double‐perovskite phosphor La2MgHfO6:Cr3+/Yb3+ that displays ultra‐broadband NIR emissions with a full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) of 333 nm is reported. The remarkable luminescence property stems from the multiple crystallographic sites, relatively weak crystal field, and efficient Cr3‐to‐Yb3+ energy transfer (ET). The site occupation of Cr3+ is elaborately verified by the Rietveld refinement and first‐principles calculation. By controlling the ET process, the internal/external quantum efficiency (IQE/EQE), bandwidth, and thermal stability of NIR emissions are substantially improved. The as‐prepared phosphors are further integrated into a miniaturized NIR light‐emitting diode (LED) package, demonstrating superior performance in rapid nondestructive detection of structural failure in thin electronic cables. The results described here provide a novel pointcut for designing broadband NIR‐emitting phosphors with desired optical properties toward applications in industrial inspection and medical diagnosis.
5,12‐Dialkyl‐5,12‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐a]carbazole‐Based Oxime‐Esters for LED Photoinitiating Systems and Application on 3D Printing
Authors: Hammoud Fatima , Giacoletto Nicolas , Nechab Malek , Graff Bernadette , Hijazi Akram , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: April 2022

In order to expand the application of oxime‐esters (OXEs) and to introduce a one‐component photoinitiating system of high performance in visible light photopolymerization, a series of 5,12‐dialkyl‐5,12‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐a]carbazole‐based oxime‐esters with visible light absorption abilities is designed and synthesized. Notably, when irradiated with light‐emitting diodes at 405 nm, the proposed structures can undergo a direct cleavage of the NO bond followed by decarboxylation, generating free radicals capable to efficiently initiate free radical photopolymerizations (FRP). Furthermore, the new OXEs showed good thermal initiation abilities and can be used as dual photo and thermal initiators. An interesting structure/reactivity/efficiency relationship can be obtained by comparing the reactivity of the different radicals generated upon photoexcitation at identical chromophore but also by comparing the photoinitiating ability of the hexyl derivatives (1)–(10) with that of methyl derivatives (1′)–(10′) characterized by a lower solubility than the previous series in resins. Chemical mechanisms are studied through different techniques including real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UVvisible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence (time‐resolved or steady‐state) as well as molecular modeling calculations. To finish, OXEs are incorporated in new photosensitive 3D printing resins, furnishing 3D objects with a remarkable spatial resolution.
Atomic Scale Investigation on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Polylactic acid Composites
Authors: Wei Qinghua , Zhou Jiayi , Sun Daocen , Yang Rongbin , Li Mingyang , Wang Yanmei , Zhang Juan , Wang Yanen
Published: April 2022

Molecular characterization of nanocomposites is of great significance for the design, prediction, and understanding of the structure and properties of nanocomposites. Herein, a molecular dynamics simulation method is employed to investigate the structures, thermodynamical, and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites, as well as the effects and mechanisms of CNTs on the structure and mechanical properties of PLA matrices. The concentration profile result suggests that the type of CNTs has a significant influence on the distribution of PLA molecular chains, with relative concentration profiles around CNTs in the order of PLA/CNTs‐COOH > PLA/CNTs‐OH > PLA/CNTs‐NH2 > PLA/CNTs. Incorporating CNTs into the PLA matrix decreases the FFV and mobility of the polymer, where the trend is PLA > PLA/CNTs > PLA/CNTs‐NH2 > PLA/CNTs‐OH > PLA/CNTs‐COOH. Meanwhile, the tensile properties of the PLA matrix increase with the incorporation of CNTs, and the trend agrees with the results of fractional free volume (FFV) and relative concentration distribution. Finally, the analysis results of interaction illustrate that hydrogen bond interactions between PLA molecular chains and the functional groups on CNTs surface are involved in the adsorption of the polymers on the CNTs surface, thus affecting their interfacial interaction, structure, and properties.
Automated estimation of total lung volume using chest radiographs and deep learning
Authors: Sogancioglu Ecem , Murphy Keelin , Th.Scholten Ernst , Boulogne Luuk H. , Prokop Mathias , van Ginneken Bram
Published: April 2022

Background

Total lung volume is an important quantitative biomarker and is used for the assessment of restrictive lung diseases.

Purpose

In this study, we investigate the performance of several deep‐learning approaches for automated measurement of total lung volume from chest radiographs.

Methods

About 7621 posteroanterior and lateral view chest radiographs (CXR) were collected from patients with chest CT available. Similarly, 928 CXR studies were chosen from patients with pulmonary function test (PFT) results. The reference total lung volume was calculated from lung segmentation on CT or PFT data, respectively. This dataset was used to train deep‐learning architectures to predict total lung volume from chest radiographs. The experiments were constructed in a stepwise fashion with increasing complexity to demonstrate the effect of training with CT‐derived labels only and the sources of error. The optimal models were tested on 291 CXR studies with reference lung volume obtained from PFT. Mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and Pearson correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) were computed.

Results

The optimal deep‐learning regression model showed an MAE of 408 ml and an MAPE of 8.1% using both frontal and lateral chest radiographs as input. The predictions were highly correlated with the reference standard (Pearson's r = 0.92). CT‐derived labels were useful for pretraining but the optimal performance was obtained by fine‐tuning the network with PFT‐derived labels.

Conclusion

We demonstrate, for the first time, that state‐of‐the‐art deep‐learning solutions can accurately measure total lung volume from plain chest radiographs. The proposed model is made publicly available and can be used to obtain total lung volume from routinely acquired chest radiographs at no additional cost. This deep‐learning system can be a useful tool to identify trends over time in patients referred regularly for chest X‐ray.