bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chalcones bearing nitrogen‐containing heterocyclics as multi‐targeted inhibitors: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies
Authors: Sıcak Yusuf , Kekeçmuhammed Hüseyin , Karaküçük‐İyidoğan Ayşegül , Taşkın‐Tok Tuğba , Oruç‐Emre Emine Elçin , Öztürk Mehmet
Published: April 2023

In this work, a series of chalcones (1a–d, 2a–d, 3a–d, 4a–d, and 5a–d) were designed and synthesized by Claisen–Schmidt condensation. Also, their chemical structures were elucidated using UV–Vis, FT IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS spectral data, and elemental analyses. Subsequently, the anticholinesterase, tyrosinase, urease inhibitory activities and antioxidant activities of all chalcones were evaluated. The inhibitory potential of all chalcones in terms of IC50 value was observed to range from 7.18 ± 0.43 to 29.62 ± 0.30 μM against BChE by comparing with Galantamine (IC50 46.06 ± 0.10 μM) as a reference drug. Also, compounds 2c, 3c, 4c, 4b, and 4d exhibited high anticholinesterase activity against both AChE and BChE enzymes. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity results revealed that three compounds (IC50 1.75 ± 0.83 μM for 2b, IC50 2.24 ± 0.11 μM for 3b, and IC50 1.90 ± 0.64 μM for 4b) displayed good inhibitory activity against tyrosinase compared with kojic acid (IC50 0.64 ± 0.12 μM). In addition, other different three chalcones (IC50 22.34 ± 0.25 μM for 2c, IC50 20.98 ± 0.08 μM for 3c, and IC50 18.26 ± 0.13 μM for 4c) showed excellent inhibitory activity against the urease by comparing with thiourea (IC50 23.08 ± 0.19 μM). Compounds 3c and 4c showed the best potency in all antioxidant activity tests. In light of these findings, the structure–activity relationship for compounds was also described. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies, including molecular docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and pharmacophore analyses of compounds, gave important information about the interactions and drug‐likeness properties. As a result, all chalcones exhibited suitable ADMET findings, predicting good oral bioavailability.
Drug repositioning to discover novel ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors against visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Sheikh Sabahat Yasmeen , Ansari Waseem Ahmad , Hassan Firoj , Faruqui Tabrez , Khan Mohammad Faheem , Akhter Yusuf , Khan Abdul Rahman , Siddiqui Maqsood A. , Al‐Khedhairy Abdulaziz A. , Nasibullah Malik
Published: April 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused byLeishmania donovani(Ld), and most cases occur in Brazil, East Africa, and India. The treatment for VL is limited and has many adverse effects. The development of safer and more efficacious drugs is urgently needed. Drug repurposing is one of the best processes to repurpose existing drugs. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is an important target againstL. donovaniin the polyamine biosynthesis pathway. In this study, we have modeled the 3D structure of ODC and performed high‐throughput virtual screening of 8630 ZINC database ligands againstLeishmania donovaniornithine decarboxylase (LdODC), selecting 45 ligands based on their high binding score. It is further validated through molecular docking simulation and the selection of the top two lead molecules (ceftaroline fosamil and rimegepant) for Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation, Density functional theory (DFT), and molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MMGBSA) analysis. The results showed that the binding affinities of ceftaroline fosamil, and rimegepant are, respectively, −10.719 and 10.159 kcal/mol. The docking complexes of the two lead compounds, ceftaroline fosamil, and rimegepant, with the target ODC, were found stable during molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the analysis of MMGBSA revealed that these compounds had a high binding free energy. The DFT analysis showed that the top lead molecules were more reactive than the standard drug (pentamidine).In‐silicofindings demonstrated that ceftaroline fosamil, and rimegepant might be recognized as potent antagonists against ODC for the treatment of VL.
Advances in mechanical biomarkers
Authors: Eroles Mar , Rico Felix
Published: April 2023

Mechanical biomarkers distinguish health conditions through quantitative mechanical measurements. The emergence and establishment of nanotechnology in the last decades have provided new tools to obtain mechanical biomarkers at the nanoscale. Mechanical measurements are reproducible, label‐free, start to be applied in vivo can be high throughput, and require small samples. Mechanical protocols in clinical practice at the macro scale like palpation or blood pressure measurement are routinely used by medical doctors. Nanotechnology brought mechanical sensing to the next scale, where cells, tissues, and proteins can be probed and linked to medical conditions. Mechanical changes in cells and tissues may be detected before other markers, such as protein expression, providing an important advantage as biomarkers. In the present review, we explore the biomarker's historical evolution, describe mechanical biomarkers on various diseases and novel discoveries in the nanomechanical field for their characterization. We conclude that mechanical biomarkers are establishing novel hallmarks in diseases, in several cases for early diagnostics of diseases and discovery of drug targets in the proteins involved in the mechanical changes, while advances in instrumentation are bringing commercial products into the clinical practice. Mechanical biomarkers along with clinical testing are establishing an important niche in the market, whose demand is increasing due to the expansion of personalized medicine and unmet needs in the clinics.
Predicting the negative conversion time of nonsevere COVID‐19 patients using machine learning methods
Authors: Ye Jiru , Shao Xiaonan , Yang Yong , Zhu Feng
Published: April 2023

Based on the patient's clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators, different machine‐learning methods were used to develop models for predicting the negative conversion time of nonsevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. A retrospective analysis was performed on 376 nonsevere COVID‐19 patients admitted to Wuxi Fifth People's Hospital from May 2, 2022, to May 14, 2022. The patients were divided into training set (n = 309) and test set (n = 67). The clinical features and laboratory parameters of the patients were collected. In the training set, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to select predictive features and train six machine learning models: multiple linear regression (MLR), K‐Nearest Neighbors Regression (KNNR), random forest regression (RFR), support vector machine regression (SVR), XGBoost regression (XGBR), and multilayer perceptron regression (MLPR). Seven best predictive features selected by LASSO included: age, gender, vaccination status, IgG, lymphocyte ratio, monocyte ratio, and lymphocyte count. The predictive performance of the models in the test set was MLPR > SVR > MLR > KNNR > XGBR > RFR, and MLPR had the strongest generalization performance, which is significantly better than SVR and MLR. In the MLPR model, vaccination status, IgG, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte ratio were protective factors for negative conversion time; male gender, age, and monocyte ratio were risk factors. The top three features with the highest weights were vaccination status, gender, and IgG. Machine learning methods (especially MLPR) can effectively predict the negative conversion time of non‐severe COVID‐19 patients. It can help to rationally allocate limited medical resources and prevent disease transmission, especially during the Omicron pandemic.
Influence of contrasting cultivation altitudes on the physicochemical, digestive, and functional properties of four Musa starches produced in Cameroon
Authors: Ngoh Newilah Gérard , Wambo Pascal , Vepowo Cédric Kendine , Ngouno Annie Takam , Ngoungoure Solange Ulrich Manjia , Tembe Jonas Tembe , Nkouandou Mama , Ngombi Eric Ngombi , Fokou Elie , Etoa François‐Xavier , Dufour Dominique
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Bananas and plantains are important food sources for many people in the world. Their high starch content places them among the highest energy providers. This study aimed to determine the effects of altitude on banana starch properties in Cameroon. A dessert banana, a cooking banana, a plantain cultivar, and a plantain‐like hybrid were grown at low and high altitudes (respectively at 80 m and 1300 m above sea level).

RESULTS

Starch analyses showed an increase in moisture and pH values against a drop in total titratable acidity and dry matter content with respect to altitude. Amylose content, as well as water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity and syneresis of high‐altitude plantain and plantain‐like hybrid, were significantly higher. Starch digestibility was low and ranged between 13.4% and 37.9% after 2 h of incubation. High‐altitude plantain starches contained more amylose and were more resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis.

CONCLUSION

Starches from CARBAP K74 and Kelong mekintu, grown at high altitude, showed good water and oil absorption capacities, low digestibility, and high resistance. The adequate properties of these banana starches predispose them for use as thickeners and gelling agents as well as ingredients for the formulation of low‐calorie foods. This study highlights the importance of altitude when discussing banana and plantain starch properties. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Phosphorylated walnut protein/chitosan nanocomplexes as promising carriers for encapsulation of caffeic acid phenethyl ester
Authors: Ling Min , Xu Yanfei , Huang Xuan , He Changwei , Zhou Zheng
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Walnut proteins display poor solubility and dispersity under acidic pH conditions, which limits their application in acidic beverages and foods. This study aimed to fabricate stable nanocomplexes between phosphorylated walnut protein (PWPI) and chitosan (CS) in an acidic pH and to investigate the encapsulation capacity of the complexes.

RESULTS

The PWPI/CS nanocomplexes prepared at a mass ratio of 2:1 showed small Z‐average sizes (approximately 285 nm at pH 5.5 and 222 nm at pH 3.5) with a narrow particle distribution (polydispersity index <0.3). Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) can be effectively encapsulated into PWPI/CS with improved solubility. Circular dichroism analysis indicated that PWPI/CS and CAPE‐loaded PWPI/CS (PWPI/CS‐CAPE) had reduced α‐helical content and increased β‐sheet content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis further identified the different driving forces for the complexation of PWPI and CS at pH 3.5 and 5.5 and confirmed the successful encapsulation of CAPE. The rheological results revealed that the PWPI/CS and PWPI/CS‐CAPE formed at pH 3.5 (PWPI/CS‐CAPE‐3.5) had a higher apparent viscosity and better viscoelasticity than the complexes formed at pH 5.5. The PWPI/CS‐CAPE‐3.5 also showed good stability under heat treatment, salt treatment, and long‐term storage. The PWPI/CS‐CAPE complexes showed controlled release of CAPE.

CONCLUSION

Walnut protein and chitosan nanocomplexes prepared at acidic pH levels were stable and promising carriers for CAPE, which could expand the application of walnut proteins in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of different physical factors on potato protein‐chitosan complexes considering Hofmeister series and Maillard reaction
Authors: Yuan Ruoyun , Liu Yao , Zhou Xue , Song Ruxin , Ma Chengye , Chen Shanfeng , Li Hongjun , Wang Chenjie
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Potato protein possesses strong potential for application in the food industry due to its outstanding nutritional and functional properties. However, the inevitable industrial processing often brings adverse effects. The use of a polysaccharide and protein complex is a promising way to improve the performance of potato protein. This work aimed to investigate the effects of different physical factors on the potato protein/chitosan (PP/CS) complex system.

RESULTS

The addition of NaCl was not conductive to the formation of PP/CS complexes, resulting in significantly decreased peak turbidities from 1.29 to 0.75. The effect of different ions on PP/CS system matched with the Hofmeister series in the following order: Li+ > Control > Na+ > K+; SCN− > I− > NO3− > Br− ≈ Control > Cl− > SO42−, among which the salting‐in ions (Li+, Br−, NO3−, I− and SCN−) tended to promote the formation of PP/CS complexes. The turbidity increased significantly when the reaction temperature rose to 45 °C and above, and peak turbidity was obtained at lower pH values. The PP/CS system reaction at 45 °C led to the highest whiteness value, and the Maillard reaction could occur when the temperature was above 45 °C.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study confirmed that different physical factors led to strong influences on PP/CS complexes, especially when considering the Hofmeister series and the Maillard reaction. These findings could have significant implications for the utilization of potato protein in complex food systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structural changes and calcium bioaccessibility of calcium fortified milk containing CaCO3 loaded solid‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsion during simulated in vitro digestion
Authors: Li Gongwei , Zhang Jie , Xu Duoxia , Cao Yanping
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

In most regions around the globe, average dietary calcium intake is relatively low. Consumers increasingly supplement calcium with milk. However, commercial high‐calcium milk has the problem of low calcium bioaccessibility. This study was to explore calcium fortified milk containing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) loaded solid‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsion as a potential novel calcium fortified milk with higher calcium bioaccessibility.

RESULTS

The CaCO3 loaded solid‐in‐oil‐in‐water (S/O/W) emulsion with good physical stability (zeta potential −33.34 ± 0.96 mV, mean particle size 4.49 ± 0.02 μm) and high calcium bioaccessibility (32.34%) was prepared when the concentration of xanthan gum was 4 g L−1. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties and gastrointestinal fate of calcium fortified milk (calcium contents, 1.25 mg mL−1, 1.35 mg mL−1, and 1.45 mg mL−1) with different proportions of CaCO3 loaded S/O/W emulsion and pure milk were investigated. The calcium fortified milk (calcium content, 1.25 mg mL−1) with a small amount of CaCO3 loaded S/O/W emulsion did not significantly affect the physicochemical properties of pure milk and had similar rheological properties and higher calcium bioaccessibility to commercial high‐calcium milk. Excessive calcium ion (Ca2+) weakens the electrostatic interaction of milk sample system and causes aggregation of colloidal particles, which was attributed to more insoluble calcium soap formation.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the S/O/W emulsion delivery system improved the dispersion stability and bioaccessibility of CaCO3. These findings contribute to the development of calcium fortified milk with improved physicochemical properties and higher calcium bioaccessibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Burning rate catalysts action on the trinitroresorcinol combustion wave parameters
Authors: Denisyuk Anatoly P. , Aung Zar N. , Sizov Vladimir A. , Demidova Larisa A. , Merkushkin Alexey O.
Published: April 2023

The effect of burning rate catalyst—3% nickel salicylate (NS) with 1% carbon nanotubes (CNT)—on the combustion wave parameters of trinitroresorcinol (TNR) at 2 MPa as well as on the structure and elemental composition of the carbon frame on the surface of quenched TNR samples at 2 and 15 MPa were studied. The catalyst itself increases the burning rate by ∼4.3 times. It is shown that for the sample with NS and CNT, the accumulation of nickel particles formed during the decomposition of the catalyst occurred (∼110 times) at 2 MPa on the carbon frame. The degree of catalyst particles accumulation at 15 MPa is ∼60 times lower than at 2 MPa, so the burning rate increases by only 1.3 times. At 2 MPa the catalyst significantly (by ∼68 K) increases the combustion surface temperature, by ∼2.7 times increases the temperature gradient in the carbon frame zone, and reduces the length of the primary (fizz zone) and secondary flames. As a result, the heat release rate on the frame is 13.5 times higher than on the carbon frame of the sample without a catalyst. For TNR samples the thermal conductivity coefficient, based on the characteristics of the framework obtained, was calculated, and it was shown that the thermal conductivity coefficient of the carbon frame for a sample with NS and CNT is significantly (∼8 times) higher than for a sample without a catalyst. From the calculation of the heat balance of the c‐phase at 2 MPa it follows that the combustion leading zone of the sample with a catalyst is the carbon frame, from which ∼98% of the necessary for combustion propagation heat enters the c‐phase; for a sample without a catalyst, the heat gain from the gas zone is ∼20%; the leading zone is the reaction layer of the condensed phase. Thus, the mechanism of combustion catalysis of aromatic nitro compounds is the same as for double‐base propellants. Two conditions are necessary for combustion catalysis: the formation of a carbon frame on the combustion surface, on which catalyst particles accumulate, and the carbon frame thermal conductivity coefficient must be significantly higher than that of the gas zone above combustion surface of the sample without a catalyst.
Antioxidant Polymers with Enhanced Neuroprotection Against Insulin Fibrillation
Authors: Bera Avisek , Ghosh Pooja , Ghosh Shilpendu , Mukherjee Arindam , De Priyadarsi
Published: April 2023

Lipoic acid (LA) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) are well established antioxidants to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, they are carboxylates with ≈4.7 pKa making them negatively charged at physiological pH (7.4) reducing their passive diffusion through cell membranes. LA is known to be capable of reducing protein fibrillation. Incorporation of LA and especially DHLA in polymer side chains are scarce. Herein, the first examples of the anti‐amyloidogenic effect of LA and DHLA incorporated into the side‐chain of a block copolymer with a water‐soluble poly(polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PPEGMA) segment are presented. The resultant polymers show improved ROS scavenging activity and improved ability to reduce insulin fibrillation compared to free LA and DHLA. Furthermore, the resultant polymers are also capable of disintegrating preformed insulin firbrils. Interestingly, polymers with dihydro‐lipoate moieties showed 93% free radical scavenging activity with 91% anti‐fibrillating efficacies for insulin protein confirmed by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and Thioflavin T (ThT) dye binding study, respectively. Further, the antioxidant polymers increase the cell viability against fibrillar insulin aggregates that may be involved in the etiology of several diseases. Overall, this work reveals that antioxidant polymer‐based therapeutic agents can serve as a powerful modulation strategy for developing novel drugs in future against amyloid‐related disorders.
Combination of four pedicled flaps for multilayer reconstruction of massive pelvic defect: A case report
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Fuchs Bruno
Published: April 2023

Tumors affecting the perineal region are a subtle and difficult to diagnose type of malignancy. In particular, soft tissue sarcomas (STS) may be already very large at time of diagnosis, thus impairing a normal life. In such severe cases, debulking surgery is the only possibility to offer the patient an acceptable quality of life again. These procedures inevitably result in massive defects. Depending on the affected area, there are different reconstructive options available so far, and sometimes a combination of multiple flaps is required. With the present report, we would like to share our experience with a complex genital and perineal defect. A 75‐year‐old patient presenting a massive epithelioid sarcoma in the ischio‐rectal and anal fossae underwent a surgical excision with safe margins, which included the resection of the external genitalia, the pubis, and the rectum. The end result of this procedure was a massive defect measuring 31 cm (length) × 8 cm (width) × 6 cm (depth). To accomplish the requirements of this particular case we planned to utilize mostly the nearby tissues. The reconstruction was performed layer by layer. We resorted to a pedicled chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap measuring 8 cm × 6 cm, with a large amount of the vastus lateralis (20 cm × 8 cm) to fill the deeper defect, and a duplicated fascia lata (20 cm × 6 cm) to restore the abdominal support of the pubis. Then the external coverage was completed combining a pedicled superficial circumflex (SCIP) flap measuring 9 cm × 8 cm, a pedicled gracilis flap measuring 27 cm × 4 cm and a pedicled posteromedial thigh (PMT) flap measuring 22 cm × 8 cm harvested in vertical fashion. The postoperative course was uneventful, and at 6 months follow up the reconstructive result was successful with a stable soft tissue coverage and no complaints from the patient. With the present case report, we would like to show the importance of mastering different reconstructive procedures, whose combination might be the only solution to cover very large and complex defects.
Simultaneous multislice imaging with slice‐specific z‐shim
Authors: Finsterbusch Jürgen , Chu Ying
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To implement slice‐specific z‐shim in simultaneous multislice (SMS) imaging in order to minimize signal losses in slice‐accelerated T2*‐weighted acquisitions, such as for spinal cord functional neuroimaging.

Methods

The RF envelopes of the individual slice bands are temporally shifted on the plateau of the slice‐selection gradient pulse before being combined to the multiband RF envelope. Thus, optimum z‐shims can be realized for each slice of an SMS excitation, which is in contrast to conventional z‐shimming. EPI with 2‐fold SMS acceleration was performed on a 3T whole‐body MR system in phantoms and the cervical spinal cord of healthy volunteers (i) without z‐shim, (ii) with conventional z‐shim using the average value of the slices of the SMS excitation, and (iii) with optimal, slice‐specific z‐shims for each slice using envelope shifts.

Results

Phantom experiments demonstrate the equivalence of the envelope shift and conventional z‐shimming for non‐SMS excitations. With SMS, the best image quality is obtained with “mixed” z‐shim, where only the z‐shim differences of the slices of an SMS excitation are implemented by an envelope shift while their mean z‐shim is applied conventionally with a gradient pulse after the echoes acquired for N/2 ghost correction. In phantoms and in vivo, this setup outperforms the approaches without slice‐specific z‐shim with respect to signal amplitude and temporal SNR at the expense of slight TE differences (<1 ms) between the slices.

Conclusion

With RF envelope shifts, slice‐specific z‐shims can be combined with SMS imaging, which could improve slice‐accelerated functional neuroimaging in the spinal cord.
Impact of carbamate formation on the surface tension of epoxy‐amine curing systems
Authors: Shenk Timothy M. , Benjamin Kenneth M. , Winter Robb M.
Published: April 2023

Epoxy‐amine reactive systems, including their surface tension, have been studied due to their use and importance in composites and adhesives in laboratory and industrial applications. Understanding how the system's surface tension changes during curing could help target applications for tailored composites. Using the Wilhelmy plate method, surface tensions for epoxy‐curing agent systems were investigated under different environments. While the epoxy exhibited an expected negative temperature coefficient of −0.096 mN/m/°C, the curing agent exhibited a positive temperature coefficient of 0.073 mN/m/°C, which is due to the curing agent reacting with atmospheric CO2 to form carbamate through a zwitterion pathway and functional groups accumulating at the surface of the reacting systems. Carbamate formation results in a surface tension below that of the individual constituents in the epoxy‐amine curing agent system. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to verify in situ formation of carbamate, and by reducing the system's temperature, it was demonstrated that the system surface tension profiles displayed micellar surfactant‐like characteristics. FTIR was used to explore the difference in composition between the surface and the bulk, in particular carbamate formation at the surface, resulting in a lowering of the surface tension of reacting systems.
Registration of grain sorghum seed (A/B) and pollinator (R) parent lines for chilling and drought tolerance
Authors: Perumal Ramasamy , Tesso Tesfaye T. , Jagadish S. V. Krishna , Kumar Vipan , Aiken Robert M. , Bean Scott R. , Smolensky Dmitriy , Peiris K. H. Shantha , Prasad P. V. Vara , Little Christopher R.
Published: April 2023

Four sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] seed parents, male sterile A and four male fertile B maintainer lines (KS148A [Reg. no. PL‐321, PI 701488], KS148B [Reg. no. PL‐322, PI 701489], KS149A [Reg. no. PL‐323, PI 701490], KS149B [Reg. no. PL‐324, PI 701491], KS150A [Reg. no. PL‐325, PI 701492], KS150B [Reg. no. PL‐326, PI 701493], KS151A [Reg. no. PL‐327, PI 701494], KS151B [Reg. no. PL‐328, PI 701495]), and six pollinator parents [KS152R (Reg. no. PL‐329, PI 701496), KS153R (Reg. no. PL‐330, PI 701497), KS154R (Reg. no. PL‐331, PI 701498), KS155R (Reg. no. PL‐332, PI 701499), KS156R (Reg. no. PL‐333, PI 701500), and KS157R (Reg. no. PL‐334, PI 701501) from the Kansas State University, Agricultural Research Center, Hays, KS, were approved for release by the Kansas State University in July 2021. These 10 lines were from different populations and were developed through recurrent selection (random mating) followed by pedigree and backcross breeding methods between the selected germplasms (PI 574562, PI 550610, PI 574599, PI 574560, PI 550607, and IS 1269C), adapted breeding lines and different genetic male sterile ms3 lines (KP 8B, N310B, B06‐41701‐167, B9614, BHF14, BH8606‐6) in different combinations. Parent lines KS148A&B, KS149A&B, KS152R, and KS153R are tolerant to chilling stress and KS150A&B, KS151A&B, KS154R, KS155R, KS156R, and KS157R are tolerant to drought stress and are recommended to develop hybrids respectively for early (end of April to first week of May) and regular (end of May to first week of June) planting for the central Great Plains. Preliminary screening of all 10 lines showed tolerance to nine postemergence herbicides. These 10 parent lines are early to medium maturity, three‐dwarf (dw1, Dw2, dw3, dw4) in height, photoperiod‐insensitive, and possess unique combinations of plant and seed color. All 10 parent lines are tannin free with acceptable grain quality, short peduncle length, compact or semi‐compact panicles, and combining ability for yield and standability.
Effects of intravenous thrombolysis with and without salvianolic acids for injection on the functional recovery of patients with acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Wang Liuding , Liu Yue , Wei Jingjing , Liang Xiao , Zhang Yunling
Published: April 2023

In patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the effect of salvianolic acids for injection (SAFI) as the secondary treatment after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SAFI for patients with AIS undergoing IVT. We searched seven electronic databases and two registries from inception to July 24, 2022, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of SAFI plus recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) on the functional recovery compared to rt‐PA alone in patients with AIS. Two independent authors selected RCTs, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A meta‐analysis was conducted. Eight RCTs involving 682 patients with AIS were included. Compared to patients receiving intravenous rt‐PA alone, those receiving intravenous rt‐PA combined with SAFI had a higher likelihood of achieving favorable functional outcomes at 3 months. In addition, the use of SAFI for 2 weeks was associated with better neurological recovery. The evidence of benefit was confirmed by trial sequential analysis (TSA). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage did not differ between the two groups. In patients with AIS, intravenous rt‐PA combined with SAFI might achieve better functional outcomes. However, further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of SAFI.
Remote operation system for novice tractor drivers for situations where automatic driving is difficult
Authors: Amagai Sogo , Fukuoka Yuji , Fujii Takafumi , Matsuzaki Yushi , Hosozawa Hiroaki , Ikegami Takanori , Warisawa Shin'ichi , Fukui Rui
Published: April 2023

The development of automated tractors is anticipated to address the problem of a declining and aging agricultural labor force. However, there are numerous situations in which automatic driving is difficult in the field. We developed a remote operation system allowing novice tractor drivers to control a tractor remotely in situations where automatic driving is difficult and evaluated its performance on a real tractor in a field. Our challenge was to design a user interface (UI) that allows novices to comprehend the tractor's status and return the tractor situation where automatic operation is possible. The system's UI is inspired by popular video games. In experiments, even novice tractor drivers with little or no experience driving automobiles or playing video games could remotely control the tractor and till according to the goal line. In addition, the participants dealt with an invisible obstacle by viewing illustrations of the tractor sensor data. The designed UI's operation methods and operator attributes were analyzed. Through the experiment, the following facts were revealed. A method of operation that allows the analog stick to adhere to the mechanical guide results in smooth operation. In addition, the participant's preferred control method depends on his/her gaming experience. Thus, this study clarifies some of the specifications and design guidelines necessary for a novice‐friendly remote UI for the remote operation of a tractor.
The hydromorphology indexIHMbased on fish requirements
Authors: Schmölz Katja , Felber Agnes , Wolfgang Mark , Thaler Melanie , Wieser Josef , Persiano Simone , Bertoldi Giacomo , Tasser Erich
Published: April 2023

Stream ecosystems are diverse and dynamic habitats that are strongly influenced by the direct and indirect consequences of human interventions. Several initiatives have been started all over Europe to satisfy the European guidelines for the protection of local water bodies, but a standardised procedure across national borders fulfilling all relevant aspects and parameters of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) does not exist. In this context, we propose a new methodical approach based on salmonid fish populations to assess stream quality to increase the comparability of individual assessments due to standardized survey and evaluation methods for hydromorphology. Our approach is based on the Austrian and Italian methods, which account for the European standards, and it has been tested in 81 stream sections representative of different site and anthropogenic use conditions in the European Alps. The assessment procedure is composed of a set of 11 indicators, which were selected to evaluate longitudinal and lateral morphological and temporal dynamics of morphological and hydrological conditions. The indicators were combined into three indices, the morphology (IM), hydrology (IH), and hydromorphology indices (IHM), to obtain a holistic picture with as few parameters as possible. The definition of indicators and indices, their methodical implementation and practical testing in the field, were carried out by an interdisciplinary team of international experts. The resulting and tested field manual is included with this publication as Supplementary material. The applicability, strengths, and weaknesses of the approach are discussed in the present paper.
Surface‐Diluted LiMn6 Superstructure Units Utilizing PO43− Confined Ni‐Doping Sites to Stabilize Li‐Rich Layered Oxides
Authors: Cheng Wenhua , Liu Qingcui , Ding Juan , Wang Xingchao , Wang Lei , Wang Jiulin , Zhang Wenjun , Huang Yudai
Published: April 2023

Serious capacity and voltage degradation of Li‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) caused by severe interfacial side reactions (ISR), structural instability, and transition metal (TM) dissolution during charge/discharge need to be urgently resolved. Here, it is proposed for the inaugural time that the confinement effect of PO43− dilutes the LiMn6 superstructure units on the surface of LLOs, while deriving a stable interface with phosphate compounds and spinel species. Combining theoretical calculations, diffraction, spectroscopy, and micrography, an in‐depth investigation of the mechanism is performed. The results show that the modified LLO exhibits excellent anionic/cationic redox reversibility and ultra‐high cycling stability. The capacity retention is increased from 72.4% to 95.4%, and the voltage decay is suppressed from 2.48 to 1.29 mV cycle−1 after 300 cycles at 1 C. It also has stable long cycling performance, with capacity retention improved from 40.2% to 81.9% after 500 cycles at 2 C. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the diluted superstructure units on the surface of LLO inhibiting the TM migration in the intralayer and interlayer. Moreover, the stable interfacial layers alleviate the occurrence of ISR and TM dissolution. Therefore, this strategy can give some important insights into the development of highly stable LLOs.
Sonopiezoelectric Nanomedicine and Materdicine
Authors: Wang Xue , Dai Xinyue , Chen Yu
Published: April 2023

Endogenous electric field is ubiquitous in a multitude of important living activities such as bone repair, cell signal transduction, and nerve regeneration, signifying that regulating the electric field in organisms is highly beneficial to maintain organism health. As an emerging and promising research direction, piezoelectric nanomedicine and materdicine precisely activated by ultrasound with synergetic advantages of deep tissue penetration, remote spatiotemporal selectivity, and mechanical‐electrical energy interconversion, have been progressively utilized for disease treatment and tissue repair by participating in the modulation of endogenous electric field. This specific nanomedicine utilizing piezoelectric effect activated by ultrasound is typically regarded as “sonopiezoelectric nanomedicine”. This comprehensive review summarizes and discusses the substantially employed sonopiezoelectric nanomaterials and nanotherapies to provide an insight into the internal mechanism of the corresponding biological behavior/effect of sonopiezoelectric biomaterials in versatile disease treatments. This review primarily focuses on the sonopiezoelectric biomaterials for biosensing, drug delivery, tumor therapy, tissue regeneration, antimicrobia, and further illuminates the underlying sonopiezoelectric mechanism. In addition, the challenges and developments/prospects of sonopiezoelectric nanomedicine are analyzed for promoting the further clinical translation. It is earnestly expected that this kind of nanomedicine/biomaterials‐enabled sonopiezoelectric technology will provoke the comprehensive investigation and promote the clinical development of the next‐generation multifunctional materdicine.
Ultrahigh Performance H2O2 Generation by Single‐Atom Fe Catalysts with N/O Bidentate Ligand via Oxalic Acid and Oxygen Molecules Activation
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Lai Cui , Xu Fuhang , Huang Danlian , Hu Tianjue , Li Bisheng , Ma Dengsheng , Liu Shiyu , Fu Yukui , Li Ling , Tang Lin , Chen Liang
Published: April 2023

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation are researched but it is still challenging to obtain high H2O2 yields. Herein, graphite carbon nitride (FeSA/CN) confined single Fe atoms with N/O coordination is prepared, and FeSA/CN shows high H2O2 production via oxalic acid and O2 activation. Under visible light illumination, the concentration of H2O2 generated by FeSA/CN can achieve 40.19 mM g−1 h−1, which is 10.44 times higher than that of g‐C3N4. The enhanced H2O2 generation can be attributed to the formation of metal‐organic complexes and rapid electron transfer. Moreover, the O2 activation of photocatalysts is revealed by 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine oxidation. The results display that the O2 activation capacity of FeSA/CN is higher than that of g‐C3N4, which facilitates the formation of H2O2. Finally, density functional theory calculation demonstrates that O2 is chemically adsorbed on Fe atomic sites. The adsorption energy of O2 is enhanced from −0.555 to −1.497 eV, and the bond length of OO is extended from 1.235 to 1.292 Å. These results exhibit that the confinement of single Fe atoms can promote O2 adsorption and activation. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism is elaborated, which provides a deep understanding for SACs‐catalyzed H2O2 generation.
Switchable Xe/Kr Selectivity in a Hofmann‐Type Metal–Organic Framework via Temperature‐Responsive Rotational Dynamics
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Choe Jong Hyeak , Kang Minjung , Kang Dong Won , Yun Hongryeol , Youn Jeongwon , Lee Weon‐Gyu , Lee Jung‐Hoon , Hong Chang Seop
Published: April 2023

The development of adsorbents for Kr and Xe separation is essential to meet industrial demands and for energy conservation. Although a number of previous studies have focused on Xe‐selective adsorbents, stimuli‐responsive Xe/Kr‐selective adsorbents still remain underdeveloped. Herein, a Hofmann‐type framework Co(DABCO)[Ni(CN)4] (referred to as CoNi‐DAB; DABCO = 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane) that provides a temperature‐dependent switchable Xe/Kr separation performance is reported. CoNi‐DAB showed high Kr/Xe (0.8/0.2) selectivity with significant Kr adsorption at 195 K as well as high Xe/Kr (0.2/0.8) selectivity with superior Xe adsorption at 298 K. Such adsorption features are associated with the temperature‐dependent rotational configuration of the DABCO ligand, which affects the kinetic gate‐opening temperature of Xe and Kr. The packing densities of Xe (2.886 g cm−3 at 298 K) and Kr (2.399 g  cm−3 at 195 K) inside the framework are remarkable and comparable with those of liquid Xe (3.057 g cm−3) and liquid Kr (2.413 g cm−3), respectively. Breakthrough experiments confirm the temperature‐dependent reverse separation performance of CoNi‐DAB at 298 K under dry and wet (88% relative humidity) conditions and at 195 K under dry conditions. The unique adsorption behavior is also verified through van der Waals (vdW)‐corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations and nudged elastic band (NEB) simulations.
Harnessing Pseudo‐Jahn−Teller Disordering of Monoclinic Birnessite for Excited Interfacial Polarization and Local Magnetic Domains
Authors: Huang Xiaogu , Yu Gaoyuan , Quan Bin , Xu Jing , Sun Guomin , Shao Gaofeng , Zhang Qinghua , Guo Tengchao , Guan Jiaping , Zhang Mingji , Zhu Xiaohui , Gu Lin
Published: April 2023

The symmetry in a polymorph is one of the most important elements for determining the inherent lattice nature. The MnO2 host tends to high‐symmetry MnO6 octahedra as a result of the electronic structure t2g3eg0 of Mn4+ ions, displaying an ordered structure accompanying with poor polarization loss and limiting its application toward high‐performance microwave absorbers. Here, a pseudo‐Jahn−Teller (PJT) distortion and PJT disordering design with abundant self‐forming interfaces and local magnetic domains in the monoclinic birnessite–MnO2 host is first reported. The PJT distortion can give rise to asymmetric MnO6 octahedra, inducing the formation of interfaces and increased electron spin magnetic moment in the lattice. The resultant birnessite with PJT distortions and PJT disordering delivers an outstanding reflection loss value of −42.5 dB at an ultralow thickness of 1.7 mm, mainly derived from the excited interfacial polarization and magnetic loss. This work demonstrates an effective approach in regulating the lattice structure of birnessite for boosting microwave absorption performance.
Bivalves from the Changhsingian (upper Permian) Bellerophon Formation of the Dolomites (Italy): ancestors of Lower Triassic post‐extinction benthic communities
Authors: Prinoth Herwig , Posenato Renato
Published: April 2023

Diverse shallow marine fossil assemblages from the Changhsingian Bellerophon Formation (Dolomites) record late Palaeozoic marine life immediately before the end‐Permian mass extinction. We classifiedc. 6500 bivalves from western Dolomites localities, identifying 26 species including one new family (Ladinomyidae), three new genera (Ladinomya,Lovaralucina,Gardenapecten) and 10 new species:Acharax frenademezi,Bakevellia(Bakevellia)preromangica,Edmondia hautmanni,Etheripecten stuflesseri,Ladinomya fosteri,Lovaralucina covidi,Palaeolima badiotica,Promytilus merlai,Tambanella?stetteneckensisandVolsellina carinata. The occurrence of threeEumorphotisspecies with different stratigraphic distributions, leads us to propose an upper Permian ‘LowerEumorphotisZone’, divided intoE. praecurrens,E. striatocostataandE. lorigaesubzones, and distinct from the existing Lower TriassicEumorphotisZone (here renamed ‘UpperEumorphotisZone’). Palaeoecological analysis produced six biofacies and four ecofacies, based on richness, dominance and ecological lifestyle. The bivalves inhabited lagoonal to nearshore environments affected by stressed conditions: high temperatures, high salinity, shallow water depths, low oxygen and high terrigenous input. The upper Bellerophon Fm is characterized by increasingly fully marine conditions, although eurytopic taxa still suggest stressed conditions. Bivalve richness of the upper Permian Bellerophon and Lower Triassic Werfen formations was compared to estimate the genus‐level extinction rate. The disappearance of almost half (47%) of Bellerophon Fm genera is remarkably low compared with other, coeval bivalve faunas. Pre‐extinction bivalve faunas were dominated by stress‐adapted taxa (Unionites,Eumorphotis,Bakevellia,Towapteria) able to thrive in extreme environmental conditions, survive the end‐Permian mass extinction, and become the dominant biotic component of Lower Triassic benthic communities globally.
A specific high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method validated for estimation of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride
Authors: Patel Bhoomi , Patel Satish
Published: April 2023

High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography has the capacity to run many samples simultaneously and reduced solvent usage, It offers a number of advantages that can save both time and money. The simultaneous quantification of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride in a combined dose has been developed and validated using a specific, precise, accurate, and economical high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography technique. Methanol: Water (8: 2, v/v) was used as the mobile phase during the separation, which took place on a stationary phase of pre‐coated silica gel aluminum plate 60 F254. At 248 nm, separated components were densitometrically measured. The method was validated for Linearity and range, precision, reproducibility, specificity, accuracy, the limit of detection, and the limit of quantification as per the International Council for Harmonization Q2(R1) guideline. mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride regression coefficients (R2) were found to be 0.9995 and 0.9991, accordingly. Mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride percentage recoveries were measured to be 98.99 ± 0.39 and 99.15 ± 0.95, respectively. The analytical findings demonstrate that the proposed approach could be used to quantify mometasone furoate and olopatadine HCl simultaneously in a combined dose.
Phase Engineering of 2D Violet/Black Phosphorus Heterostructure for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Xin , Ma Ming , Zhao Xuewen , Jiang Peng , Wang Yan , Wang Jiahong , Zhang Jinying , Zhang Fuxiang
Published: April 2023

Rapid charge recombination has limited the application of black phosphorus (BP) as a visible light‐responsive photocatalyst. Violet phosphorus (VP), another 2D phosphorus allotrope, has drawn extensive attention for its excellent semiconductor property. However, its photocatalytic activity for hydrogen (H2) evolution is yet to be studied. Herein, a VP/BP heterostructure using a phase engineering strategy is constructed, wherein few‐layered VP is interlaced with BP to create a well‐matched heterophase interface by virtue of their identical chemical compositions and different crystal phases. Experimental and theoretical calculations reveal that VP and BP exhibit strong interaction at the heterophase interface, which is found effective in accelerating photogenerated electron transfer from BP to VP for improved charge separation efficiency. After being decorated with a Rh cocatalyst, the VP/BP heterostructure with utilization of visible light up to 700 nm shows ≈3‐ and 210‐times greater photocatalytic H2 evolution activity with respect to its counterparts. This study highlights feasibility of phase engineering and provides an alternative strategy in promoting charge separation as well as performance of photocatalyst.
An interdisciplinary forensic approach for human remains identification and missing persons investigations
Authors: Dahal Ayusha , McNevin Dennis , Chikhani Madelen , Ward Jodie
Published: April 2023

The resolution of unidentified human remains (UHR) and long‐term missing persons (LTMP) cases is paramount for administrative, legal, and humanitarian reasons. There are various forensic profiling methods for human identification; however, their utility is dependent on several factors. First, UHR can be found in different stages of decomposition, so the availability and diversity of post‐mortem (PM) information will differ. Second, the availability and totality of the LTMP's ante‐mortem (AM) information will differ. Therefore, the suitability of existing methods will be dependent on the quality and quantity of PM and/or AM data available for comparison. Visual recognition is the simplest and quickest method, but typically not practiced or possible, owing to the altered, fragmented, or skeletonized state of UHR. Primary forensic profiling methods involve the comparison of fingerprint, dental, DNA, and medical data. Secondary forensic profiling methods from anthropology, radiology, geochemistry, and anatomy disciplines can provide supplementary evidence to support comparative identification approaches. Emerging forensic molecular technologies such as genomics, microbiomics, epigenetics, and proteomics, together with individual digital footprints from personal devices, offer new investigative leads for establishing identity. However, despite the success of these individual methods, their limitations must be considered when used in isolation. Through the development of a guiding forensic examination framework, this review endorses an interdisciplinary response to unidentified and missing persons investigations, where various forensic specialists collaboratively examine UHR using a suite of contemporary forensic profiling methods to produce multiple and/or different lines of evidence to link them effectively, efficiently, comprehensively, and systematically to LTMP.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Special Situations and Investigations

Forensic Biology > DNA Testing in Disaster Victim and Missing Persons Identification

Forensic Medicine > Medicolegal Death Investigation Systems

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Interdisciplinary Collaboration