bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent daytime and nighttime heatwaves in the late 21st century over the CORDEX‐East Asia phase 2 domain using multi‐GCM and multi‐RCM chains
Authors: Kim Young‐Hyun , Ahn Joong‐Bae , Suh Myoung‐Seok , Cha Dong‐Hyun , Chang Eun‐Chul , Min Seung‐Ki , Byun Young‐Hwa , Kim Jin‐Uk
Published: May 2023

The adverse impacts of extreme heat on human health when a concurrent daytime and nighttime heatwave (CDNHW) occurs are greater than when daytime or nighttime heatwaves occur individually, because of the reduced recovery time from heat exposure. This study projects increases in CDNHW over the whole of East Asia under two Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) and two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5). The daily maximum and minimum temperatures, which are used to define a CDNHW, are calculated of 3‐hourly temperatures of 25 km horizontal resolution produced by 12 general circulation model and regional climate model chains participating in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment East Asia phase 2 project. In Historical simulation (1981–2005), occurrence period and occurrence rate of CDNHW from April to September area‐averaged in East Asia are 10.9 days and 0.9%, respectively. In projections for the future (2071–2100), occurrence period and occurrence rate of CDNHW will be 3 weeks and 3.7% (RCP2.6), 2 months and 20.5% (RCP8.5), 2 months and 15.6% (SSP1‐2.6), and 3 months and 45.7% (SSP5‐8.5). In addition, it is expected that the CDNHW intensity will increase, and the spatial extent of CDNHW will be extended. Although a CDNHW lasting less than 3 days is the most common, the proportion of CDNHWs lasting more than 10 days, compared to the total CDNHW frequency, will increase to 1.2% (RCP2.6), 7.2% (RCP8.5), 6.1% (SSP1‐2.6), and 17.3% (SSP5‐8.5) from 0.2% (Historical). Both occurrence rate and intensity of CDNHW will increase to a relatively large extent in Indochina, East and West China, and India. If the current greenhouse gas emissions continue, East Asia will experience unprecedented heat stress because the frequency and intensity of CDNHWs, which rarely occur during present‐day, will increase significantly over all regions by the end of the 21st century.
Emergency department pharmacist impact on time to administration of heparin: a brief report
Authors: Brisben Taylor M. , Maldonado Cody R. , Bruner Michaela M. , Ott Rachel L. , Spilman Sarah K. , Jansen Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2023

In the United States, venous thromboembolisms (VTE) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulant medicines, such as heparin, are often indicated to stop or prevent clot formation, and early administration of heparin has been associated with reduced mortality. There is no literature evaluating whether administration of heparin is expedited when pharmacists are involved in patient care in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of an ED pharmacist decreased time to heparin administration for patients with VTE or ACS. This study was approved by the institutional review board at the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) Health Institutional Review Board (reference number: 2021‐047). This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated patients who presented to the ED between 1 January 2019 and 30 May 2022 and received an order for unfractionated heparin with a confirmed diagnosis of VTE or ACS. The chi‐square test and Wilcoxon ranked‐sum test were used to detect differences between groups. A total of 65 patients were included in the analyses. Comparison of the median time between order and administration of heparin revealed that patients with an order placed while a pharmacist was present in the ED received heparin sooner than patients without an ED pharmacist present (32 min vs 50 min, p = 0.02). Time to administration of heparin was significantly shorter when a pharmacist was present in the ED at the time the order was placed by the care team. Findings suggest that the presence of an ED pharmacist expedites time to heparin administration.
15N labeling technology reveals enhancement of nitrogen uptake and transfer by root interaction in cotton/soybean intercropping
Authors: Jing Bo , Shi Wenjuan , Wang Han , Lin Fengmei
Published: May 2023

Background

Biological nitrogen fixation in legumes and their transfer of nitrogen to non‐legumes in legume/non‐legume intercropping systems are considered to be important for the improvement of productivity. However, research on interspecific interaction and root nitrogen transfer in cotton/soybean intercropping systems has rarely been undertaken. In this study, the roots of cotton and soybean were separated with either complete root barriers (CB), using plastic film, or semi‐root barriers (SB), using nylon net. No root barrier (NB) was used as the control.

Results

The results showed that cotton produced more above‐ground dry matter (DM) than soybean. The above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake of cotton was greatest with the NB treatment. The above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake of soybean was greatest with the CB treatment. At the harvest stage, the nitrogen transfer rate from soybean to cotton was 22.47% with the SB treatment and 40.41% with the NB treatment. Interspecific root interaction increased the nitrogen transfer amount, especially for the cotton roots in the 0–15 cm soil layer and for the soybean roots in the 0–30 cm soil layer. The root distribution of soybean was the key factor affecting nitrogen transfer amount, and nitrogen transfer amount was the key factor affecting nitrogen uptake of cotton in the cotton/soybean intercropping system.

Conclusion

These results indicated that nitrogen transfer from soybean to cotton through root interaction improved cotton above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Association between sarcopenia and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal or hepato–pancreatico–biliary cancer
Authors: Nagarajan Ganesh , Doshi Pratik , Bardeskar Nikhil S. , Kulkarni Aniruddha , Punamiya Aditya , Tongaonkar Hemant
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives

Despite surgical advances, postoperative complications persist, affecting oncologic outcomes and increasing treatment costs. It is important to identify a marker that can predict postoperative complications, which can help prehabilitate patients before surgery. This study evaluated sarcopenia as a predictive marker of postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal (GI) or hepato–pancreatico–biliary (HPB) cancer.

Methods

Sarcopenia was assessed using the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra on abdominal computed tomography. The predictive ability of sarcopenia was evaluated by adjusting for other clinicopathological factors.

Results

Of the 210 patients, 81 (38.57%) were sarcopenic. The overall morbidity and mortality were 33.81% and 2.86%, respectively. Major complications (Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥ III) were observed in 10.95% patients and sarcopenic patients were significantly more likely to develop major complications (p = 1.42 × 10−10). Sarcopenia (p = 6.13 × 10−6; odds ratio = 12.29) independently predicted postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stay (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia objectively predicted the development of postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stay in patients undergoing surgery for GI or HPB cancer. This may facilitate the prehabilitation of patients planned for surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Microplastic ingestion by deep‐pelagic crustaceans and fishes
Authors: Bos Ryan P. , Zhao Shiye , Sutton Tracey T. , Frank Tamara M.
Published: May 2023

A size‐selective loss of smaller microplastics (< 1 mm) from surface pelagic waters has been reported, yet few surveys have studied biological ingestion by deep‐pelagic organisms as a sink for the “missing” plastic. Here, 557 individuals representing 35 species of vertically migrating and nonmigrating mesopelagic crustaceans and fishes were collected in the Gulf of Mexico from discrete‐depth intervals (0–200 m; 200–600 m; 600–1000 m; 1000–1200 m; 1200–1500 m) and analyzed for microplastic ingestion. We observed that 29% and 26% of crustacean and fish individuals, respectively, ingested microplastics, with an average plastic length of 0.59 ± 0.2 mm. A subsample of ingested polymers was identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, revealing that alkyd resin (density 1.6 g cm−3) and cellophane (density 1.42 g cm−3) were mainly consumed. Our data indicate that nonmigratory crustaceans had significantly higher levels of microplastic ingestion than migratory crustaceans at all depths available for comparison. While migratory fishes ingested microplastics at higher frequencies (0.28) than nonmigratory fishes (0.23), the frequency of microplastic ingestion by nonmigratory fishes increased with depth and was highest at depths of 1200–1500 m (0.40). Paired with the data for crustaceans, these observations suggest that plastic ingestion may be higher at deeper depths. Feeding strategy also appeared correlated to microplastic ingestion, as species that rely on gelatinous materials and marine snow for energy had the highest levels of ingestion. Altogether, our data highlight a largely undescribed temporary reservoir and implicate important biological transport pathways for the smaller plastic size fractions in the open ocean.
The distal femoral epiphysis used as a fetal maturity marker: Implications of extant medical data for bioarcheological analysis
Authors: Partiot Caroline , Santos Frédéric , Niel Mélissa , Delteil Clémence , Lesieur Emmanuelle , Chaumoitre Kathia , Piercecchi Marie‐Dominique , Adalian Pascal
Published: May 2023

The distal epiphysis of the femur is classically reported as a marker of fetal maturity and is thus identified in a bioarcheological context as an indicator that an individual died at or around the time of birth; it thus provides crucial information in the creation of the biological profile and associated burial practices. The aim of the present study was to re‐evaluate this use by investigating an extant sample to assess (i) the age‐related frequencies of both distal femoral and proximal tibial epiphyses and (ii) the influence of factors such as sex, vitality, and morbidity on the maturation of both epiphyses. The study was conducted on medical CT scans acquired in utero and ex utero between 2008 and 2017 in the hospital of Marseille (France). The final sample included 248 individuals aged between 26 and 42 completed gestational weeks (GW). Based on the results obtained in this study, 11% of the individuals from the sample aged between 26 and 33 completed GW had already developed a distal femoral epiphysis, whereas individuals aged between 38 and 42 GW had already developed both femoral and tibial epiphyses. According to these observations and current obstetrical practice, this maturation indicator cannot therefore be considered a precise estimator of whether a fetus is at term or not in an archeological context. Similarly, no delayed ossification was found among individuals who did not survive to 42 GW, or among those with severe developmental abnormalities, which does not support the hypothesis that delayed epiphysis maturation of the distal femur may be a morbidity marker for this age group in past populations.
Global benefits and domestic costs of a cooperative surveillance strategy to control transboundary crop pathogens
Authors: Radici Andrea , Martinetti Davide , Bevacqua Daniele
Published: May 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Surveillance of plant pathogens is usually designed according to country boundaries. Benefits of a global surveillance system to tackle long‐distance dispersed crop pathogens are unquantified. Here, a ‘non‐cooperative’ and a ‘cooperative’ strategy are compared in terms of minimizing the surveillance effort to achieve given domestic and global targets. Although a ‘cooperative’ strategy is always more suitable, impacts of its adoption are not equally distributed among countries. Medium‐sized countries in central Europe and Asia would benefit the most from reducing the domestic effort, whereas others would need to deploy more sentinels than they would place in their own interests.

Transboundary diseases are extremely complex to control and can cause global socio‐economic damage. In the context of crop protection, surveillance strategies are usually designed according to country boundaries, regardless of the spatial scale of the spread of the disease.

In this study, we investigate the suitability of this scale for surveilling long‐distance dispersed pathogens. We use an epidemic network describing worldwide potential transport of Puccinia graminis, the causal agent of stem rust of wheat, modelled in a previous work. Based on network properties, we conceive two strategies for prioritizing areas to be monitored for the presence of the disease, either cooperative or each country alone, and we compare their performances in terms of minimizing the effort deployed in achieving given surveillance targets at global and domestic level.

We find that a cooperative strategy is more efficient at the global scale. However, its adoption implies a heterogeneous geographic distribution of surveillance effort‐related costs and benefits. Medium‐sized countries in central Europe and Asia would benefit the most; on the other hand, countries placed in important spreading pathways should deploy more surveillance effort than they would place without cooperation. Among the major wheat producers, China is the only country that may have a cost from a cooperative strategy, whereas India, Russia, the United States, France and Ukraine would have the most benefits.

The acknowledgement of how costs and benefits of a global governance would be shared among countries is needed to gain unanimous support for an international cooperative surveillance system.
Dynamics of pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) immigration and colonization of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in Europe
Authors: Bick Emily , Sigsgaard Lene , Torrance Martin T , Helmreich Salena , Still Laurence , Beck Brittany , El Rashid Rami , Lemmich Jesper , Nikolajsen Thomas , Cook Samantha M
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Understanding the dynamics of pest immigration into an agroecosystem enables effective and timely management strategies. The pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) is a primary pest of the inflorescence stages of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of pollen beetle immigration into oilseed rape fields in Denmark and the UK using multiple methods, including optical sensors.

RESULTS

In all fields, pollen beetles were found to be aggregated and beetle density was related to plant growth stage, with more beetles occurring on plants after the budding stage than before inflorescence development. Optical sensors were the most efficient monitoring method, recording pollen beetles 2 and 4 days ahead of water traps and counts from plant scouting, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Optical sensors are a promising tool for early warning of insect pest immigration. The aggregation pattern of pollen beetles post immigration could be used to precisely target control in oilseed rape crops. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The cholinergic pathway transmits signals of neuropeptide F to regulate feeding of Ostrinia furnacalis larvae
Authors: Jiang Xuemin , Shi Jian , Yang Haoran , Zhao Zhangwu
Published: May 2023

Background

Feeding is the basis of animal survival and reproduction. In insects, the neuropeptide F (NPF), a homologous polypeptide of NPY in vertebrates, plays an important role in regulation of feeding behavior. However, relatively little has been known about the molecular mechanism of feeding.

Results

In this study, we show that the cholinergic pathway is very important in signaling transmission of NPF feeding regulation in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae, in which the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (vAChT) in presynaptic membrane and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in postsynaptic membrane are positively regulated by NPF, while the ace1 and ace2 encoding the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are negatively regulated by NPF, leading to a balance of acetylcholine (ACh)‐the excitatory transmitter. More, the cholinergic pathway further transmits signaling to the downstream pathways of the phosphoInositide‐3 kinase (PI3K) and the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), respectively.

Conclusion

The cholinergic transmission, positively regulated by NPF, is involved in feeding of O. furnacalis larvae via downstream PI3K and the CREB pathways, respectively. The deexcitation of cell cholinergic pathway or inhibition of PI3K and CREB lead to decreases of larval feeding amount. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The gut microbiome of Helicoverpa armigera enhances immune response to baculovirus infection via suppression of Duox‐mediated reactive oxygen species
Authors: Tian Zhiqiang , Guo Xi , Michaud JP , Zha Meng , Zhu Lin , Liu Xiaoming , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Baculoviruses such as Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) infect their lepidopteran hosts via the larval midgut where they interact with host immune responses and gut microbiota. Here we demonstrate that gut microbiota proliferating in response to HearNPV infection promote larval immune responses which impede the infection process.

RESULTS

The microbial load of the larval midgut increased following HearNPV infection, due primarily to increases in Enterococcus spp., whereas most other bacterial genera declined, with Firmicutes replacing Proteobacteria as the dominant phylum. Injection of abdominal prolegs of infected larvae with H2O2 promoted viral infection, diminished microbial abundance, and accelerated larval death, mimicking the effects of HearNPV infection, which up‐regulated dual oxidase (Duox) expression, increasing H2O2 levels in the midgut. Knockdown of Duox with RNAi reduced H2O2 production in the guts of infected larvae, increased bacterial loads, decreased viral replication, and improved larval survival. Germ‐free larvae were more susceptible to HearNPV than control larvae, exhibiting greater expression of Duox, higher levels of H2O2, and lower survival. Replenishment of gut bacteria in germ‐free larvae restored the base‐line immunity to HearNPV observed in normal larvae. Enterococcus spp., Levilactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus sp. bacteria were isolated and implicated in immunity restoration via replenishment in germ‐free larvae.

CONCLUSION

These findings illuminate how gut microbiota play important roles in larval defense against oral baculovirus infection, and suggest novel avenues of investigation to enhance the efficacy of baculoviruses and improve control of lepidopteran pests. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antibacterial mechanism of the novel antimicrobial peptide Jelleine‐Ic and its efficacy in controlling Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae in kiwifruit
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Wang Lifang , Tang Wei , Xing Yue , Liu Pu , Dang Xiangli
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) poses a severe threat to kiwifruit production. Because of the insufficient efficacy and environmental safety of available treatments, novel antibacterial agents should be urgently developed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be used as antimicrobials for disease control. In this study, we designed a novel AMP, Jelleine‐Ic, and evaluated its antibacterial activity and mechanism of action against Psa.

RESULTS

Jelleine‐Ic with a half‐maximal effective concentration of 1.67 μg/mL exhibited stronger antibacterial activity than did parent Jelleine‐I. Jelleine‐Ic targeted the Psa membrane, increased membrane permeabilization and dissipated membrane potential, resulting in calcium leakage. Electron microscopy revealed that Jelleine‐Ic disrupted cell morphology and caused intracellular alterations. Moreover, this AMP penetrated the cell membrane, bound to DNA, and reduced the expression of genes related to DNA replication and repair. Jelleine‐Ic also reduced esterase activity and induced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. This peptide inhibited the development of Psa canker. The control efficiency of Jelleine‐Ic against Psa in the leaf discs and leaves of kiwifruit was 81.83% and 70.53%, respectively, which was superior to that of the commercial agricultural streptomycin. Furthermore, Jelleine‐Ic upregulated the expression of kiwifruit defense genes (PR‐10 and WRKY70a).

CONCLUSION

Jelleine‐Ic effectively controls Psa in vitro and in vivo, and may be developed as a bactericide for plant disease control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigation of Electrical Properties of N‐Polar AlGaN/AlN Heterostructure Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Inahara Daisuke , Matsuda Shunsuke , Matsumura Wataru , Okuno Ryo , Hanasaku Koki , Kowaki Taketo , Miyamoto Minagi , Yao Yongzhao , Ishikawa Yukari , Tanaka Atsushi , Honda Yoshio , Nitta Shugo , Amano Hiroshi , Kurai Satoshi , Okada Narihito , Yamada Yoichi
Published: May 2023

AlN‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) enable high‐breakdown voltage, high drain current, and high‐temperature operation. To realize high‐frequency devices, N‐polar AlGaN/AlN heterostructure FETs are focused on. N‐polar Al0.1Ga0.9N/Al0.9Ga0.1N/AlN FET is fabricated using metal–organic vapor‐phase epitaxy, and its electrical characteristics are evaluated. An N‐polar AlN layer is grown on a sapphire substrate with a misorientation angle of 2.0° toward m‐axis, on which a 20 nm thick Al0.9Ga0.1N base layer and a 20 nm Al0.1Ga0.9N channel layer are grown. The static FET operation is confirmed to exhibit an n‐channel and pinch‐off. Normally, during operation with a turn‐on voltage of −3.2 V, a high operating breakdown voltage of 620 V and high operating temperature of 280 °C are also confirmed.
Adsorption properties of black phosphorene for actinides U, Th, and Pu: A first‐principles study
Authors: Wu Feihong , Tang Xian , Cheng Guodong , Tan Jie , Zhang Yang , Zhou Nan , Liang Jinting
Published: May 2023

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out in this work to systematically investigate the adsorption properties of monolayer black phosphorene (BP) for actinide uranium (U), thorium (Th), and plutonium (Pu) atoms. More specifically, the linear response method was used and the HubbardUvalues of 2.97 and 2.61 eV were fitted describing the strong lattice point Coulomb interactions of the U and Pu 5forbitals, respectively. From the DFT + Ucalculations, it was demonstrated that the U, Th, and Pu atoms can be favorably adsorbed on the hollow sites of the BP surface, with an adsorption energy of 3.48, 4.93, and 0.98 eV, respectively. By analyzing the electronic structure, charge transfer, and highest occupied molecular orbital, it was revealed that the U and Th adatoms can induce the generation of impurity states within the band gap of BP and stabilize their adsorption by strongp‐dcoupling with the phosphorus atoms. In addition, from the electron–phonon coupling calculations, it was revealed that the temperature for the stable adsorption of the U and Th adatoms can reach as high as 500 and 673 K. By using the adsorption rate equation, the critical temperature for the adsorption–desorption transition of U and Pu adatoms was estimated to be 632 and 185 K, respectively, while the Th adatom did not tend to desorb. Our results clearly indicate that BP is an ideal adsorption and separation material for actinides with promising potential applications, such as uranium extraction from seawater.
Challenges for sustainability: misperceptions and misleading advice
Authors: Moxnes Erling
Published: May 2023

To ensure sustainable development, governments depend on informed decision‐makers including the electorates. Previous studies show evidence of widespread and systematic misperceptions, voter ignorance, and reliance on inappropriate cognitive heuristics. The wait and see heuristic is one such trusted heuristic that is used repeatedly and with minimal effort. When applied to the management of dynamically complex renewable resources, it leads to overinvestment and resource depletion. On the optimistic side, a laboratory experiment finds that proactive expert advice counteracts the wait and see heuristic and contributes to sustainability. However, when expert advice is challenged by misleading advice that supports the wait and see heuristic, most of the positive effect of the expert advice disappears. The experiment generalizes to a large number of sustainability problems. Different from fake news that can be corrected by simple facts, misperceptions and misleading advice call for extraordinary information policies and deliberative democracy. © 2023 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
A double‐Cox model for non‐proportional hazards survival analysis with frailty
Authors: Begun Alexander , Kulinskaya Elena , Ncube Njabulo
Published: May 2023

The Cox regression, a semi‐parametric method of survival analysis, is extremely popular in biomedical applications. The proportional hazards assumption is a key requirement in the Cox model. To accommodate non‐proportional hazards, we propose to parameterize the shape parameter of the baseline hazard function using the additional, separate Cox‐regression term which depends on the vector of the covariates. This parametrization retains the general form of the hazard function over the strata and is similar to one in Devarajan and Ebrahimi (Comput Stat Data Anal. 2011;55:667–676) in the case of the Weibull distribution, but differs for other hazard functions. We call this model the double‐Cox model. We formally introduce the double‐Cox model with shared frailty and investigate, by simulation, the estimation bias and the coverage of the proposed point and interval estimation methods for the Gompertz and the Weibull baseline hazards. For real‐life applications with low frailty variance and a large number of clusters, the marginal likelihood estimation is almost unbiased and the profile likelihood‐based confidence intervals provide good coverage for all model parameters. We also compare the results from the over‐parametrized double‐Cox model to those from the standard Cox model with frailty in the case of the scale‐only proportional hazards. The model is illustrated on an example of the survival after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The R programs for fitting the double‐Cox model are available on Github.
Supervised structural learning of semiparametric regression on high‐dimensional correlated covariates with applications to eQTL studies
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Huazhen , Liu Li , Ma Yanyuan , Wei Ying , Li Yi
Published: May 2023

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies utilize regression models to explain the variance of gene expressions with genetic loci or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, regression models for eQTL are challenged by the presence of high dimensional non‐sparse and correlated SNPs with small effects, and nonlinear relationships between responses and SNPs. Principal component analyses are commonly conducted for dimension reduction without considering responses. Because of that, this non‐supervised learning method often does not work well when the focus is on discovery of the response‐covariate relationship. We propose a new supervised structural dimensional reduction method for semiparametric regression models with high dimensional and correlated covariates; we extract low‐dimensional latent features from a vast number of correlated SNPs while accounting for their relationships, possibly nonlinear, with gene expressions. Our model identifies important SNPs associated with gene expressions and estimates the association parameters via a likelihood‐based algorithm. A GTEx data application on a cancer related gene is presented with 18 novel eQTLs detected by our method. In addition, extensive simulations show that our method outperforms the other competing methods in bias, efficiency, and computational cost.
Vanadium‐Incorporated Mesoporous Silica as Oxidase Mimic for Colorimetric Dopamine Detection and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Biswas Rima , Ghosh Debojit , Dasgupta Shalini , Bhaduri Samanka Narayan , Banerjee Rumeli , Datta Pallab , Biswas Papu
Published: May 2023

The intriguing features of artificial enzymes made nanozymes attractive in the field of biosensing and biomedical. Here, vanadium‐incorporated dendritic mesoporous silica (VMSN) as an oxidase mimicking nanozyme was utilized as a sensitive and selective colorimetric biosensor to detect dopamine (DA) and treat cancer cells. The nanozyme was successfully fabricated through the in‐situ incorporation of vanadium ions in the silica framework via a simple sol‐gel method using CTAB and mesitylene. The excellent oxidase‐like activity of VMSN was monitored by the oxidation of TMB. The kinetics, mechanism of the catalytic reaction and the effect of temperature, pH, and concentration on oxidase‐like activity were investigated thoroughly and further, based on the oxidase‐like activity, a fast and sensitive colorimetric sensing of dopamine developed with a LOD of 0.0021 μM and a linear range of 0–50 μM. The proposed colorimetric method was successfully used to determine DA concentration in commercially available dopamine hydrochloride injection.VMSN was further modified with folic acid and utilized against cancer cells in vitro. Neuroblastoma cells (SHSY‐5Y) show ROS generated by VMSN in the presence of oxygen, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity detrimental for SHSY‐5Y cells.
Screening and Study of Aptamer Based on Gastric Cancer Cell Culture Medium
Authors: Qiaomei Ji , Ming Shi , Jian Li , Huaqing Sun , Jian Li , Zhiwei Liu , Kun Li
Published: May 2023

Gastric Cancer (GC) is one of the fifth most malignant tumors in the world and the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. At present, one of the methods to diagnose gastric cancer patients is screening for gastric cancer tumor markers. However, the specificity and detection rate of existing tumor markers are low. Aptamer, also known as chemical antibody, is a kind of single‐stranded oligonucleotide (DNA or RNA) obtained by SELEX. It is widely used in the diagnosis of new diseases and as a molecular probe for treatment. This study used Med‐SELEX technology, using agarose magnetic beads as the carrier, and cancer culture medium as the screening target. APT‐1 specific to gastric cancer cell culture medium was screened out from random library through q‐PCR real‐time monitoring and screening process, and its affinity and specificity for gastric cancer serum were verified by subsequent q‐PCR and quantum dot methods. Serum stability test and cytotoxicity test proved its practicability. APT‐1 is not only of great significance for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer and the construction of targeted drug delivery system for gastric cancer, but also may be used as a probe to discover new tumor markers for gastric cancer.
Performance of Functionals and Basis Sets in Calculating Redox Potentials of Nitrile Alkenes and Aromatic Molecules using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Duque‐Prata Amílcar , Pinto Tiago B. , Serpa Carlos , Caridade Pedro J. S. B.
Published: May 2023

To calculate redox potentials of small organic compounds in acetonitrile, the performance of different functionals and basis sets has been evaluated using density functional theory with the polarized continuum model. Several Pople and Ahlrichs basis sets and functionals at distinct levels of the Jacob's Ladder have been studied: PW91, PBE, M06‐L, B3LYP, PBE0, M06‐2X, CAM‐B3LYP, ωB97X‐D3, RI‐B2PLYP. It is shown that redox studies should not be done considering oxidation and reduction potentials jointly but analyzing them separately. Functional M06‐2X has a more consistent and uniform response both in reductions and oxidations, having an adequate balance between accuracy and computational effort. Linear dependence between the basis set size and the accuracy of the calculated redox potential has not been found.
Graphene Quantum Dot‐PEI‐Cyclodextrin Nanocarrier for Simultaneous miR21a Delivery and Cell Imaging in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Heidari Mana , Salmanpour Mohsen , Najafi Haniyeh , Monajati Maryam , Rahiminezhad Zahra , Azarpira Negar , Sadat Abolmaali Samira , Tamaddon Ali Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Over‐expression of miR21 plays an important role in several cancers by promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we attempted to prepare a beta cyclodextrin‐polyethyleneimine‐graphene quantum dot (βCD‐PEI‐GQD) nanocarrier for cellular delivery of miR21a. For this purpose, tosylated‐βCD and GQD were conjugated to branched PEI. The product was characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The morphology, particle size distribution, and ζ‐potential of miR21a were examined by TEM and DLS following overnight incubation with βCD‐PEI‐GQD in aqueous media. The miR21 silencing was measured by stem‐loop RT‐PCR in HepG2 human hepatoma cell line. Cellular uptake and cell toxicity assays were determined by fluorescence microscopy and Trypan blue staining method, respectively. The formation of miR21a/CD‐PEI‐GQD Nanoplex with a decreased average size of 114 nm and a ζ‐potential (+36.1 mV) lower than CD‐PEI‐GQD nanocarrier by adding miR21a was confirmed at optimum C/P ratio =8.7. RT‐PCR revealed that miR21a/βCD‐PEI‐GQD Nanoplex significantly downregulated miR21 expression levels effectively. Overall, miR21a delivery using CD‐PEI‐GQD is presented as a novel trackable nanocarrier for cancer therapy.
Solar‐CO2‐to‐Syngas Conversion Enabled by Precise Charge Transport Modulation
Authors: Mo Qiao‐Ling , Xu Shu‐Ran , Li Jia‐Le , Shi Xiao‐Qiang , Wu Yue , Xiao Fang‐Xing
Published: May 2023

The rational design of the directional charge transfer channel represents an important strategy to finely tune the charge migration and separation in photocatalytic CO2‐to‐fuel conversion. Despite the progress made in crafting high‐performance photocatalysts, developing elegant photosystems with precisely modulated interfacial charge transfer feature remains a grand challenge. Here, a facile one‐pot method is developed to achieve in situ self‐assembly of Pd nanocrystals (NYs) on the transition metal chalcogenide (TMC) substrate with the aid of a non‐conjugated insulating polymer, i.e., branched polyethylenimine (bPEI), for photoreduction of CO2 to syngas (CO/H2). The generic reducing capability of the abundant amine groups grafted on the molecular backbone of bPEI fosters the homogeneous growth of Pd NYs on the TMC framework. Intriguingly, the self‐assembled TMCs@bPEI@Pd heterostructure with bi‐directional spatial charge transport pathways exhibit significantly boosted photoactivity toward CO2‐to‐syngas conversion under visible light irradiation, wherein bPEI serves as an efficient hole transfer mediator, and simultaneously Pd NYs act as an electron‐withdrawing modulator for accelerating spatially vectorial charge separation. Furthermore, in‐depth understanding of the in situ formed intermediates during the CO2 photoreduction process are exquisitely probed. This work provides a quintessential paradigm for in situ construction of multi‐component heterojunction photosystem for solar‐to‐fuel energy conversion.
Tailoring Advanced N‐Defective and S‐Doped g‐C3N4 for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Wang Haitao , Jiang Jizhou , Yu Lianglang , Peng Jiahe , Song Zhou , Xiong Zhiguo , Li Neng , Xiang Kun , Zou Jing , Hsu Jyh‐Ping , Zhai Tianyou
Published: May 2023

Although challenges remain, synergistic adjusting various microstructures and photo/electrochemical parameters of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are the keys to alleviating the energy crisis and environmental pollution. In this work, a novel nitrogen‐defective and sulfur‐doped g‐C3N4 (S‐g‐C3N4‐D) is designed elaborately. Subsequent physical and chemical characterization proved that the developed S‐g‐C3N4‐D not only displays well‐defined 2D lamellar morphology with a large porosity and a high specific surface area but also has an efficient light utilization and carriers‐separation and transfer. Moreover, the calculated optimal Gibbs free energy of adsorbed hydrogen (ΔGH*) for S‐g‐C3N4‐D at the S active sites is close to zero (≈0.24 eV) on the basis of first‐principle density functional theory (DFT). Accordingly, the developed S‐g‐C3N4‐D catalyst shows a high H2 evolution rate of 5651.5 µmol g−1 h−1. Both DFT calculations and experimental results reveal that a memorable defective g‐C3N4/S‐doped g‐C3N4 step‐scheme heterojunction is constructed between S‐doped domains and N‐defective domains in the structural configuration of S‐g‐C3N4‐D. This work exhibits a significant guidance for the design and fabrication of high‐efficiency photocatalysts.
Pressure‐Stabilized High‐Entropy (FeCoNiCuRu)S2 Sulfide Anode toward Simultaneously Fast and Durable Lithium/Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Cheng Wenbo , Liu Jie , Hu Jun , Peng Wenfeng , Niu Guoliang , Li Junkai , Cheng Yong , Feng Xiaolei , Fang Leiming , Wang Ming‐Sheng , Redfern Simon A. T. , Tang Mingxue , Wang Gongkai , Gou Huiyang
Published: May 2023

Pressure‐stabilized high‐entropy sulfide (FeCoNiCuRu)S2 (HES) is proposed as an anode material for fast and long‐term stable lithium/sodium storage performance (over 85% retention after 15 000 cycles @10 A g−1). Its superior electrochemical performance is strongly related to the increased electrical conductivity and slow diffusion characteristics of entropy‐stabilized HES. The reversible conversion reaction mechanism, investigated by ex‐situ XRD, XPS, TEM, and NMR, further confirms the stability of the host matrix of HES after the completion of the whole conversion process. A practical demonstration of assembled lithium/sodium capacitors also confirms the high energy/power density and long‐term stability (retention of 92% over 15 000 cycles @5 A g−1) of this material. The findings point to a feasible high‐pressure route to realize new high‐entropy materials for optimized energy storage performance.
Dual Modification of Chayotextle Starch: Effect on Physicochemical, Functional, and Structural Properties
Authors: Isaac Martínez‐Trejo Gerardo , Miguel Anaya‐Esparza Luis , Vargas‐Torres Apolonio , Pablo Hernández‐Uribe Juan , Omar Viñas‐Bravo
Published: May 2023

Chemically modified starches are widely used as food additives to improve the appearance and physicochemical and biological properties of foods. The aim of this work is to chemically modify chayotextle (Sechium edule) starch by hydroxypropylation‐crosslinking, and evaluate the effects of degree of substitution (DS), swelling power (SP), solubility index (SI), pasting, thermal properties, and morphological and molecular characteristics. Polar‐Tex (modified maize starch) is used as control. The modified chayotextle starches (CHSs) exhibit a white color and DS values between 0.34% and 1.19% hydroxypropyl, dependening on propylene oxide concentration‐response. In addition, the SP and pasting properties are higher in modified CHS than in native CHS and Polar‐Tex. The SI and temperature of gelatinization of modified starches decrease compared to native sample. The morphology of native and modified CHS granules is spherical and oval. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance studies confirm the structural modifications of CHS by hydroxypropylation‐crosslinking. Dual‐modified CHS can be potentially used as an additive in the food industry.
Glycemic Index and Amylose Content of 25 Japonica Rice Italian Cultivar
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Haxhari Filip , Gasparri Clara , Barrile Gaetan Claude , Cavioni Alessandro , Guido Davide , Mansueto Francesca , Zese Marco , Mazzola Giuseppe , Moroni Alessia , Patelli Zaria , Peroni Gabriella , Pirola Martina , Tartara Alice , Cantaluppi Enrico , Campanini Luigi , Magnani Edoardo , Feccia Sergio , Perna Simone
Published: May 2023

The glycemic index (GI) was developed to classify foods according to their ability to increase postprandial blood glucose. The literature reports that the GI of rice varieties ranges from 48 to 93. All studies evaluate Indica rice but none evaluates the GI of Japonica rice. Furthermore, no studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between amylose content and GI in Japonica rice. The aim of this study is to evaluate the GI and amylose content of 25 Japonica rice genotypes.

This study is based on the standard method for GI determination according to the international standard ISO 26642; it includes two men and eight women (mean age 28.3 ± 3.7, Body Mass Index – BMI – 21.4 ± 2.6). Five rice genotypes show low GI (Selenio, Argo, Enr18215, Enr18328, Enr18433), 10 medium GI (Carnaroli, CL12, CL388, CRLB1, Elio, Enr18126, Iarim, S. Andrea, Tiberio, and Valente), and 10 high GI (Arborio, Lince, Duilio, Castelmochi, Padano, Puma, Baldo, CL18, CL35, CL71). A negative association is also observed between medium GI and amylose (r = −0.528). As the amylose content increases, the mean GI decreases.

Five rice genotypes have a low GI and are therefore suitable for a healthy diet and for diabetics.
Monitoring food quality ‐ effect of curcumin in the development of polyethylene/thermoplastic starch based smart packaging
Authors: Hazer Seda , Aytac Ayse
Published: May 2023

Smart packaging relies on the one‐to‐one interaction of food with its packaging or its environment to monitor food quality and safety. Colorimetric pH indicators (synthetic, natural) working in a smart food packaging system are particularly striking when used with fresh foodstuffs such as fish and meat that perish quickly and require real‐time freshness monitoring. In this study, curcumin (Cur) was used as a natural pH indicator to produce sustainable smart packaging material. Towards this objective, low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blend‐based films containing Cur were prepared using a twin screw extrusion and hot‐pressing processes. Besides, two different compositions of LDPE/TPS mixture (50/50 and 70/30) were used as the matrix. Thermal, mechanical, morphological properties, an affinity for water, and color change properties of LDPE/TPS/Cur films were investigated. They showed a significant color change from yellow to brown at pH: 10 at the end of the seventh day, especially in the 50 LDPE/50 TPS mixture. 50 LDPE/50 TPS mixture with 7% curcumin content gave the highest tensile strength of 8.03 Mpa. When the same mixture was used to monitor chicken meat spoilage at 25°C, meat samples have shown color changes from light yellow to light brown due to the increased content of total volatile basic amines. As a result, it has been suggested that 50 LDPE/50 TPS mixture containing 7% Cur can be used as a smart packaging material.
Bio‐based compatibiliser enhancing the interface properties of CaCO3/recycled high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Ye Liangdong , Liu Hongbo , Li Dacheng , Wei Qiaoyan , Li Ziwei , Chen Dongming , Lu Shaorong
Published: May 2023

The fabrication of composites of two or more materials with different polarities requires the use of compatibilisers to improve interface properties. However, most compatibilisers used for industrial production are derived from the cracking products of petroleum, which is a limited resource susceptible to price fluctuations and pollutes the environment. In this study, a new compatibiliser derived from renewable plant‐oil‐based products, ESO–G–OA, was designed and synthesized using epoxy soybean oil, oleic acid, and glycerol. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that ESO–G–OA can effectively improve the dispersion of CaCO3 in a recycled high‐density polyethylene (reHDPE) matrix and reduce the interfacial gap between the two phases. The analysis of the mechanical properties showed that the ESO–G–OA‐modified composite has higher tensile and impact strength than unmodified samples. The ESO–G–OA modification improved the thermal stability and melt flow of the composite and reduced the energy consumption during processing. Moreover, the excellent compatibility of ESO–G–OA can improve the comprehensive properties of CaCO3/reHDPE composites, compensating for the performance reduction caused by the multiple processing steps necessary to obtain reHDPE. This confirmed that ESO–G–OA has promising application prospects in the production of composites requiring compatibilisers.
Improving Shop Floor-Near Production Management Through Data-Driven Insights
Authors: Schmitt R. H. , Kiesel R. , Buschmann D. , Cramer S. , Enslin C. , Fischer M. , Gries T. , Hopmann Ch. , Huebser L. , Janke T. , Kemmerling M. , Müller K. , Pelzer L. , Perau M. , Pourbafrani M. , Samsonov V. , Schlegel P. , Schopen M. , Schuh G. , Schulze T. , van der Aalst W. M. P.
Published: May 2023

In short-term production management of the Internet of Production (IoP) the vision of a Production Control Center is pursued, in which interlinked decision-support applications contribute to increasing decision-making quality and speed. The applications developed focus in particular on use cases near the shop floor with an emphasis on the key topics of production planning and control, production system configuration, and quality control loops.

Within the Predictive Quality application, predictive models are used to derive insights from production data and subsequently improve the process- and product-related quality as well as enable automated Root Cause Analysis. The Parameter Prediction application uses invertible neural networks to predict process parameters that can be used to produce components with desired quality properties. The application Production Scheduling investigates the feasibility of applying reinforcement learning to common scheduling tasks in production and compares the performance of trained reinforcement learning agents to traditional methods. In the two applications Deviation Detection and Process Analyzer, the potentials of process mining in the context of production management are investigated. While the Deviation Detection application is designed to identify and mitigate performance and compliance deviations in production systems, the Process Analyzer concept enables the semi-automated detection of weaknesses in business and production processes utilizing event logs.

With regard to the overall vision of the IoP, the developed applications contribute significantly to the intended interdisciplinary of production and information technology. For example, application-specific digital shadows are drafted based on the ongoing research work, and the applications are prototypically embedded in the IoP.