bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diaporchalasins A–E, New Cytochalasins from the Endophytic Fungus Diaporthe sp. BMX12 Isolated from Aquilaria sinensis
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Qi , Ma Qing‐Yun , Xie Qing‐Yi , Gai Cui‐Juan , Wu You‐Gen , Dai Hao‐Fu , Zhao You‐Xing
Published: April 2024

Five new cytochalasins, diaporchalasins A–E (1–5), together with 14 known congeners (6–19) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Diaporthe sp. BMX12, which was isolated from the branches of Aquilaria sinensis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including high‐resolution electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Their absolute configurations were assigned by theoretical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 11 and 12 featuring a keto carbonyl at C‐21 displayed cytotoxicity toward K562, BEL‐7402, SGC‐7901, A549, and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 4.4 to 47.4 μM.
Why Does Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Catalyze the Oxidation of Some Tetrahydropyridines?
Authors: Price Nathan J. , Nakamura Akiko , Castagnoli Neal , Tanko James M.
Published: April 2024

Results pertaining to the mechanism of the oxidation of the tertiary amine 1‐methyl‐4‐(1‐methyl‐1‐H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MMTP, a close analog of the Parkinsonism inducing compound MPTP) by 3‐methyllumiflavin (3MLF), a chemical model for the FAD cofactor of monoamine oxidase, are reported. MMTP and related compounds are among the few tertiary amines that are monoamine oxidase B (MAO−B) substrates. The MMTP/3MLF reaction is catalytic in the presence of O2 and the results under anaerobic conditions strongly suggest the involvement of radical intermediates, consistent with a single electron transfer mechanism. These observations support a new hypothesis to explain the MAO‐catalyzed oxidations of amines. In general, electron transfer is thermodynamically unfavorable, and as a result, most 1° and 2° amines react via one of the currently accepted polar pathways. Steric constraints prevent 3° amines from reacting via a polar pathway. Those select 3° amines that are MAO substrates possess certain structural features (e. g., a C−H bond that is α‐ both to nitrogen and a C=C) that dramatically lower the pKa of the corresponding radical cation. Consequently, the thermodynamically unfavorable electron transfer equilibrium is driven towards products by an extremely favorable deprotonation step in the context of Le Chatelier's principle.
Systematic Analysis of the Effect of Genomic Knock‐Out of Non‐Essential Promiscuous HAD‐Like Phosphatases YcsE, YitU and YwtE on Flavin and Adenylate Content in Bacillus Subtilis
Authors: Scharf Alexandra , La‐Rostami Farshad , Illarionov Boris A. , Nemes Vivien , Feldmann Anna M. , Höft Lars S. , Lösel Henri , Bacher Adelbert , Fischer Markus
Published: April 2024

Studying the metabolic role of non‐essential promiscuous enzymes is a challenging task, as genetic manipulations usually do not reveal at which point(s) of the metabolic network the enzymatic activity of such protein is beneficial for the organism. Each of the HAD‐like phosphatases YcsE, YitU and YwtE of Bacillus subtilis catalyzes the dephosphorylation of 5‐amino‐6‐ribitylamino‐uracil 5′‐phosphate, which is essential in the biosynthesis of riboflavin. Using CRISPR technology, we have found that the deletion of these genes, individually or in all possible combinations failed to cause riboflavin auxotrophy and did not result in significant growth changes. Analysis of flavin and adenylate content in B. subtilis knockout mutants showed that (i) there must be one or several still unidentified phosphatases that can replace the deleted proteins; (ii) such replacements, however, cannot fully restore the intracellular content of any of three flavins studied (riboflavin, FMN, FAD); (iii) whereas bacterial fitness was not significantly compromised by mutations, the intracellular balance of flavins and adenylates did show some significant changes.
An Immersion Ultrasonic Testing‐Based Research Platform for Studying Electroplating Kinetics
Authors: Zirui Yang , Yunda Chen , Zou Fangxin , Cegla Frederic B.
Published: April 2024

Electroplating is widely exploited in numerous application areas. Understanding the kinetics of electroplating, which is essentially a dynamic phenomenon, is crucial to making use of it appropriately in the real world. Currently, there exist a variety of research tools for studying electroplating kinetics, each with its own pros and cons. In this paper, we introduce a novel, immersion ultrasonic testing‐based technique that carries out in situ, direct monitoring of the thickness increase of an electroplated layer. Through careful design and optimization of the measurement setup and the signal processing protocol, the measurement resolution of the technique was able to reach a sub‐micron level. Via a number of demonstrative zinc plating experiments that were performed under different conditions, the measurement accuracy of the technique was thoroughly validated by a number of independent methods. All in all, the technique can become a promising alternative tool for studying the kinetics of different electroplating processes, supplementing the existing toolbox with the capability of providing a new class of information.
Theoretical Study of the Ternary Compound Monolayer CuP2Se for Photocatalytic Water Splitting with Efficient Optical Absorption
Authors: Qiu Xiaole , Wang Xiaoxuan , Liu Xiaolu , Yuan Saifei , Han Kai , Yang Hongchao
Published: April 2024

Utilizing photocatalytic method to produce hydrogen by splitting water is an efficient strategy to solve the hotspot issues of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Herein, we systematically investigate the corresponding properties of the reported Cu‐bearing ternary compound monolayer CuP2Se by using the first‐principle calculations. The monolayer CuP2Se has quite small cleavage energy of 0.51 J/m2, indicating it can be easily produced by the mechanical exfoliation method experimentally. In addition, it is an indirect bandgap semiconductor material which has a moderate value of 1.91 eV. The conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM) can perfectly straddle the redox potentials of water when a biaxial strain of −4% to 4% is applied, unveiling the high photocatalytic thermodynamic stability of monolayer CuP2Se in response to the effect of solvent tension. Remarkably, the monolayer CuP2Se also demonstrates significant sunlight capturing ability in the visible region. The outstanding electronic and optical properties suggest that the monolayer CuP2Se is undoubtedly a viable material for photocatalytic water splitting.
Radiation‐Induced Defects in Uranyl Trinitrate Solids
Authors: Kruse Samantha J. , Rajapaksha Harindu , LaVerne Jay A. , Mason Sara E. , Forbes Tori Z.
Published: April 2024

Actinides are inherently radioactive; thus, ionizing radiation is emitted by these elements can have profound effects on its surrounding chemical environment through the formation of free radical species. While previous work has noted that the presence of free radicals in the system impacts the redox state of the actinides, there is little atomistic understanding of how these metal cations interact with free radicals. Herein, we explore the effects of radiation (UV and γ) on three U(VI) trinitrate complexes, M[UO2(NO3)3] (where M=K+, Rb+, Cs+), and their respective nitrate salts in the solid state via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Raman spectroscopy paired with Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods. We find that the alkali salts form nitrate radicals under UV and γ irradiation, but also note the presence of additional degradation products. M[UO2(NO3)3] solids also form nitrate radicals and additional DFT calculations indicate the species corresponds to a change from the bidentate bound nitrate anion into a monodentate NO3• radical. Computational studies also highlight the need to include the second sphere coordination environment around the [UO2(NO3)3]0,1 species to gain agreement between the experimental and predicted EPR signatures.
Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles from Codium macroalgae for wastewater pollutants removal by adsorption
Authors: Şahin Muradiye , Arslan Yasin , Tomul Fatma , Akgül Füsun , Akgül Rıza
Published: April 2024

Algae have adsorption properties and reducing agents due to their rich content. In this study, palladium nanoparticles (Pd NP), platinum nanoparticles (Pt NP), and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NP) were prepared from Codium macroalgae using green synthesis. The structure of the synthesized nanoparticles was elucidated by X‐ray diffractometry, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and their use as nanoadsorbents for the removal of pollutants from aqueous media was investigated in detail. Naproxen (NPX), an anti‐inflammatory drug, and the dyes methylene blue (MB) and cresol red (CR) were selected as pollutants for this study. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted using both real wastewater obtained from the Organised Industrial Zone of Isparta Province and synthetic water samples prepared with tap water from Burdur Province and pure water. Under optimum adsorption conditions, Pd NP showed significant efficiency in the real wastewater sample, with an adsorption capacity of 37.19 and 50.03 mg g–1 for CR and NPX, respectively, within 150 min. In comparison, Pt NP showed an adsorption capacity of 40.01 mg g–1 for MB within the same timeframe. These findings indicate that while Pd NP showed the highest adsorption capacity for both CR and NPX, Pt NP showed the highest adsorption capacity for MB. The Langmuir model and the pseudo‐second‐order equation were more suitable to describe the adsorption behavior of CR, MB, and NPX. In addition, studies on the desorption and reusability of the nanoadsorbents were carried out under the same optimum experimental conditions.
Impact of virtual education based on health belief model on cervical cancer screening behavior in middle‐aged women: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Khoshnazar Mahdieh Sadat , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Shahnazi Hossein
Published: April 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and a cause of high mortality among people. Pap smear screening is an appropriate method to prevent cervical cancer and reduce its mortality.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the effect of web‐based education based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on cervical cancer screening behavior in middle‐aged women.

Methods and Results

This study is a quasi‐experimental interventional research that was conducted on 240 middle‐aged women aged 40–59 years in Isfahan, Iran, in 2022. An online educational intervention based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model was conducted for the intervention group using the Triple‐B platform. The information on the intervention and control groups was collected before, immediately after the intervention, and 2 months later using a valid questionnaire. The gathered Data was analyzed using ANOVA and LSD post‐hoc, independent samples t test, chi‐square, and MANCOVA statistical tests in SPSS 26 software. After the intervention, the mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self‐efficacy, and internal cues to action in the intervention group increased and the mean score of perceived barriers decreased (p < .001). The mean score of the external cues to action did not show a significant difference between the intervention and control groups before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention. Two months after the intervention, 32 women (26.2%) in the intervention group and two women (1.7%) in the control group performed the Pap smear test.

Conclusion

Web‐based educational intervention based on HBM using different strategies such as question and answer, presentation of infographics, lectures, brainstorming, showing videos and numerous educational images can be an effective way for increasing knowledge and cognitive variables of women and doing Pap smear test.
Effect of 2‐methoxyestradiol on mammary tumor initiation and progression
Authors: Peta Kimberly T. , Durandt Chrisna , van Heerden Marlene B. , Joubert Anna M. , Pepper Michael S. , Ambele Melvin A.
Published: April 2024

Background

The anti‐cancer agent 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME) has been shown to have anti‐proliferative and anti‐angiogenic properties. Previously, the effect of 2‐ME on early‐ and late‐stage breast cancer (BC) was investigated in vivo using a transgenic mouse model (FVB/N‐Tg(MMTV‐PyVT)) of spontaneous mammary carcinoma. Anti‐tumor effects were observed in late‐stage BC with no effect on early‐stage BC. Given the contrasting results obtained from the different BC stages, we have now investigated the effect of 2‐ME when administered before the appearance of palpable tumors.

Methods

Each mouse received 100 mg/kg 2‐ME on day 30 after birth, twice per week for 28 days, while control mice received vehicle only. Animals were terminated on day 59. Lung and mammary tissue were obtained for immunohistochemical analysis of CD163 and CD3 expression, and histological examination was performed to analyze tumor necrosis. Additionally, blood samples were collected to measure plasma cytokine levels.

Results

2‐ME increased tumor mass when compared to the untreated animals (p = .0139). The pro‐tumorigenic activity of 2‐ME was accompanied by lower CD3+ T‐cell numbers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and high levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐1β. Conversely, 2‐ME‐treatment resulted in fewer CD163+ cells detectable in the TME, increased levels of tumor necrosis, increased IL‐10 plasma levels, and low IL‐6 and IL‐27 plasma levels.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings suggest that 2‐ME promotes early‐stage BC development.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Simulations for Aripiprazole 2‐Month Ready‐to‐Use Long‐Acting Injectable in Adult Patients With Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Harlin Matthew , Larsen Frank , Wang Xiaofeng , Park Wansu , Rich Benjamin , Gobburu Jogarao V. , Raoufinia Arash
Published: April 2024

A ready‐to‐use (RTU) long‐acting injectable (LAI) formulation of aripiprazole monohydrate for administration once every 2 months, available in 960 mg (Ari 2MRTU 960) or 720 mg doses, has been developed for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. A previously developed and validated population pharmacokinetic model for characterizing aripiprazole plasma concentrations following administration of oral aripiprazole or aripiprazole once‐monthly (AOM) intramuscular injection was expanded to include the RTU LAI formulation of aripiprazole (Ari RTU LAI). Overall, 8899 aripiprazole pharmacokinetic samples from 1191 adults from 10 clinical trials were included in the final combined analysis data set. Aripiprazole plasma concentration‐time profiles were simulated for various Ari RTU LAI initiation and maintenance scenarios in 1000 virtual patients. Diagnostic plots demonstrated that the final population pharmacokinetic model, which incorporated data for oral aripiprazole, AOM, and Ari RTU LAI, adequately described aripiprazole concentrations following Ari RTU LAI administration. Absorption of Ari RTU LAI was modeled by a parallel zero‐order and lagged first‐order process. Simulations across multiple scenarios were performed to inform dosing recommendations, including various treatment initiation regimens for a 2‐monthly formulation of Ari RTU LAI in patients with or without prior stabilization on oral aripiprazole, and for patients switching from AOM. Additional simulations accounted for missed/delayed doses, cytochrome (CYP) 2D6 metabolizer status, and concomitant use of CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitors. Overall, simulations across a variety of scenarios demonstrated an Ari RTU LAI pharmacokinetic exposure profile that was comparable to AOM, with a longer dosing interval.
Social network based link correlation using graph neural network with deep learning architectures for feature vectors prediction and classification
Authors: Sonti Nagaraju , Mulpuri Santhi Sri Rukmini , Pamulapati Venkatappa Reddy
Published: April 2024

In recent years, social network analysis has received a lot of interest. A critical area of research in this field is link prediction. Link prediction is researched for other forms of social networks. Still, because social link networks (SLNs) change over time and depend on the discussed topics, this network has unique difficulties. Recent studies have focused on three main issues: extending link prediction to a dynamic environment, forecasting formation, and destroying network linkages that change over time. Although it is a challenging issue, deep learning (DL) techniques have been demonstrated to increase prediction accuracy significantly. This research proposes a novel approach to link correlation for social networks based on DL architectures in feature vector prediction and classification. Here the input data has been processed for smoothening and normalization with noise removal. Then, the feature vector was predicted using a dynamically structured convolutional radial basis neural network for this data. The expected feature vector has been classified using a stochastic gradient‐based graph neural network. The experimental analysis is carried out for various social network data in terms of accuracy of 98%, precision of 85%, recall of 86%, F‐1 score of 75%, AUC of 72%, and RMSE of 76%.
Towards achieving geo‐indistinguishability for 3D GPS location: A 3D Laplace mechanism approach
Authors: Yan Yan , Yan Pengbin , Mahmood Adnan , Xu Fei , Sheng Quan Z.
Published: April 2024

As the scope of human exploration continues to expand from land to space and the oceans, location‐based data analysis and services are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The wide application of various services based on spatial location in the fields of medical, transportation, financial, social and so forth not only provides great convenience but also exposes the disadvantages of location privacy leakage. Most present location privacy protection solutions are only relevant to 2D locations. However, with the widespread use of positioning‐enabled aircraft, sensing devices and acquisition equipment, there is an urgent need to achieve privacy protection for 3D spatial location data. Therefore, this article proposes a 3D geo‐indistinguishability perturbation method for 3D GPS Locations. The suggested approach calculates GPS coordinate perturbation accurately using the 3D Laplace mechanism, allowing for point‐to‐point perturbation while protecting the privacy of 3D spatial GPS coordinates. Experimental examination of real spatial location datasets demonstrates that the proposed 3D spatial location perturbation method outperforms other existing methods in terms of location service quality loss, data availability, and operational efficiency with the same privacy budget.
CHARMM‐GUI Membrane Builder for Lipid Droplet Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Gee Stephen , Glover Kerney Jebrell , Wittenberg Nathan J. , Im Wonpil
Published: April 2024

Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles that are necessary for eukaryotic and prokaryotic metabolism and energy storage. They have a unique structure consisting of a spherical phospholipid monolayer encasing neutral lipids such as triacylglycerol (TAG). LDs have garnered increased interest for their implications in disease and for drug delivery applications. Consequently, there is an increased need for tools to study their structure, composition, and dynamics in biological contexts. In this work, we utilize CHARMM‐GUI Membrane Builder to simulate and analyze LDs with and without a plant LD protein, oleosin. The results show that Membrane Builder can generate biologically relevant all‐atom LD systems with relatively short equilibration times using a new TAG library having optimized headgroup parameters. TAG molecules originally inserted into a lipid bilayer aggregate in the membrane center, forming a TAG‐only core flanked by two monolayers. The TAG‐only core thickness stably grows with increasing TAG mole fraction. A 70 % TAG system has a core that is thick enough to house oleosin without its interactions with the distal leaflet or disruption of its secondary structure. We hope that Membrane Builder can aid in the future study of LD systems, including their structure and dynamics with and without proteins.
Autistic traits in pregnancy linked to adverse birth outcomes
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have found that women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have disparities in their treatment during pregnancy, resulting in adverse birth outcomes, according to background material introducing a study of a prospective birth cohort.
Develop skills for creating and updating policies and procedures
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: April 2024

In a recent article, I discussed the importance of developing a strategic plan for departments to determine where they are, where they want to be, their assets and liabilities, how they could attain their goals, and the criteria for knowing if they achieved them (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dhe.31668).
OCR issues new guidance on Section 504 protections for GER/GERD
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2024

As mentioned in the April 2024 issue of Disability Compliance for Higher Education, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has published new resources for preventing discrimination against students with disabilities. The resources explain the existing legal protections for students with a range of disabilities, including asthma, diabetes, food allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
We know very little about pollination in the Platanthera Rich (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae)
Authors: Janes Jasmine K. , van der Voort Genevieve E. , Huber Dezene P. W.
Published: April 2024

The Platanthera Rich. (Orchidoideae) comprise a speciose genus of orchids primarily in the northern hemisphere, with up to 200 known species worldwide. Individual species are known to self‐pollinate, but many rely on insect pollinators with characteristics such as floral color, timing of floral odor emissions, nectar rewards, and spur length associated with particular pollination syndromes. As with many orchids, some orchid–pollinator associations are likely highly co‐evolved, but we also know that some Platanthera spp. are the result of hybridization events, which implies a lack of pollinator fidelity in some cases. Some Platanthera spp. occur in large numbers which, coupled with the numerous Platanthera–pollinator systems, make them accessible as study species and useful for co‐evolutionary studies. Due to the likely effects of climate change and ongoing development on Platanthera spp. habitats, these orchids and their associated pollinators should be a focus of conservation attention and management. However, while there is a fairly substantial literature coverage of Platanthera–pollinator occurrence and interactions, there are still wide gaps in our understanding of the species involved in these systems. In this systematic review, we outline what is current knowledge and provide guidance on further research that will increase our understanding of orchid–insect co‐evolutionary relationships. Our review covers 157 orchid species and about 233 pollinator species interacting with 30 Platanthera spp. We provide analyses on aspects of these interactions such as flower morphology, known insect partners of Platanthera species, insect‐Platanthera specificity, pollination visitor timing (diurnal vs. nocturnal), floral rewards, and insect behavior affecting pollination outcomes (e.g., pollinia placement). A substantial number of Platanthera spp. and at least a few of their known pollinators are of official (IUCN) conservation concern – and many of their pollinators remain unassessed or even currently unknown – which adds to the urgency of further research on these co‐evolved relationships.
Genetic differentiation and phylogeography of Erythroneurini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) in the southwestern karst area of China
Authors: Luo Guimei , Pu Tianyi , Wang Jinqiu , Ran Weiwei , Zhao Yuanqi , Dietrich Christopher H. , Li Can , Song Yuehua
Published: April 2024

Erythroneurini is the largest tribe of the microleafhopper subfamily Typhlocybinae. Most prior research on this tribe has focused on traditional classification, phylogeny, and control of agricultural pests, and the phylogeography of the group remains poorly understood. In this study, the mitochondrial genomes of 10 erythroneurine species were sequenced, and sequences of four genes were obtained for 12 geographical populations of Seriana bacilla. The new sequence data were combined with previously available mitochondrial DNA sequence data and analyzed using Bayesian and Maximum‐Likelihood‐based phylogenetic methods to elucidate relationships among genera and species and estimate divergence times. Seriana was shown to be derived from within Empoascanara. Phylogeographic and population genetic analysis of the endemic Chinese species Seriana bacilla suggest that the species diverged about 54.85 Mya (95% HPD: 20.76–66.23 million years) in the Paleogene period and that population divergence occurred within the last 14 million years. Ancestral area reconstruction indicates that Seriana bacilla may have originated in the central region of Guizhou, and geographical barriers are the main factors affecting gene flow among populations. Ecological niche modeling using the MaxEnt model suggests that the distribution of the species was more restricted in the past but is likely to expand in the future years 2050 and 2070.
Impact of abscisic acid treatment on postharvest storage quality and volatile flavor substances in blueberries
Authors: Qiao Huiru , Wu Weijie , Zhang Yiqin , Kong Qi , Chen Hangjun , Wang Lishu , Fang Xiangjun , Gao Haiyan
Published: April 2024

To investigate the impact of abscisic acid (ABA) on the postharvest flavor and quality of blueberries, this study employed different concentrations of ABA (400 μM ABA, 600 μM ABA, and 800 μM ABA) to treat the blueberries. The treated blueberries were then stored at 4°C (~80% relative humidity) for 35 day. Subsequently, genes associated with the metabolism of volatile aromatic substances and fatty acids in postharvest blueberries were assessed using real‐time PCR. Our results revealed that the treatment of ABA could maintain a high level of nutrient and aromatic substances in blueberries. Particularly, 600 μM ABA caused most significant changes in fatty acid metabolism‐related enzyme activities, such as lipoxygenase, hydroperoxide lyase, alcohol dehydrogenase, as well as related gene expressions, like VcLOX2S, VcHPL, VcADH1‐1, VcADH1‐2, VcADH1‐3, and VcADH1‐4. In addition, Furthermore, the blueberries treated with 600 μM ABA exhibited a superior quality when compared to the control group. This superior quality included higher levels of total acid, ascorbic acid, total phenol, anthocyanin, soluble sugar contents, and so forth. In conclusion, postharvest ABA treatment decelerated the decrease in volatile aroma substances and effectively maintained the flavor of blueberries.
Mouse models to explore the biological and organismic role of DNA polymerase beta
Authors: Sobol Robert W.
Published: April 2024

Gene knock‐out (KO) mouse models for DNA polymerase beta (Polβ) revealed that loss of Polβ leads to neonatal lethality, highlighting the critical organismic role for this DNA polymerase. While biochemical analysis and gene KO cell lines have confirmed its biochemical role in base excision repair and in TET‐mediated demethylation, more long‐lived mouse models continue to be developed to further define its organismic role. The Polb‐KO mouse was the first of the Cre‐mediated tissue‐specific KO mouse models. This technology was exploited to investigate roles for Polβ in V(D)J recombination (variable‐diversity‐joining rearrangement), DNA demethylation, gene complementation, SPO11‐induced DNA double‐strand break repair, germ cell genome stability, as well as neuronal differentiation, susceptibility to genotoxin‐induced DNA damage, and cancer onset. The revolution in knock‐in (KI) mouse models was made possible by CRISPR/cas9‐mediated gene editing directly in C57BL/6 zygotes. This technology has helped identify phenotypes associated with germline or somatic mutants of Polβ. Such KI mouse models have helped uncover the importance of key Polβ active site residues or specific Polβ enzyme activities, such as the PolbY265C mouse that develops lupus symptoms. More recently, we have used this KI technology to mutate the Polb gene with two codon changes, yielding the PolbL301R/V303R mouse. In this KI mouse model, the expressed Polβ protein cannot bind to its obligate heterodimer partner, Xrcc1. Although the expressed mutant Polβ protein is proteolytically unstable and defective in recruitment to sites of DNA damage, the homozygous PolbL301R/V303R mouse is viable and fertile, yet small in stature. We expect that this and additional targeted mouse models under development are poised to reveal new biological and organismic roles for Polβ.
Cryoprotective effect of glycopeptide complex from abalone viscera on frozen surimi and its underlying mechanism
Authors: Chen Xu , Yu Luhan , Wu Jinhong , Huang Jianlian , Cai Xixi , Wang Shaoyun
Published: April 2024

Freezing technology is important for the long‐term preservation of aquatic products such as surimi. However, mechanical damage caused by ice crystals would lead to quality deterioration. Abalone viscera glycopeptide (AVGP) complex was prepared by hydrolysis technology, which exhibited ice recrystallization ability and antioxidant activity. Moreover, effects of AVGP on Ca2+‐ATPase activity, total sulfhydryl content, secondary structure of myofibrillar protein (MP), rheological properties, and gel properties of surimi frozen were investigated. Results showed that surimi treated with AVGP could improve the gel strength and rheological properties of surimi, reduce the gel ice crystal holes, and improve the degradation of gel matrix caused by freeze–thaw. AVGP can significantly inhibit the decrease of Ca2+‐ATPase activity and total sulfhydryl group content. When the addition of AVGP exceeded 4% (w/w), its freezing protection effect on MP was better than that of commercial antifreeze agents. Moreover, the α‐helix and β‐fold contents in the 4% AVGP group were significantly higher than those in the control group, indicating that the addition of an appropriate amount of AVGP can protect the secondary structure of MP. Therefore, AVGP could serve as a new food ingredient with antifreeze and antioxidant functions for frozen surimi.
Levels of serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin after embryo transfer and subsequent miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Kabodmehri Roya , Ghanami Gashti Nasrin , Zahiri Sorouri Ziba , Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Milani Forozan , Hasanpour Marziyeh , Eslami‐Kenarsari Habib , Rafiei Sorouri Zahra
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aimed to examine maternal serum concentration of β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) on Day 16 after embryo transfer and risk of miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Methods

In this study, we evaluated 125 pregnancies following in vitro fertilization (IVF). β‐hCG concentrations were measured on the morning of Day 16 after embryo transfer. Baseline characteristics of the study participants were also recorded.

Results

Concentrations of β‐hCG on Day 16 after embryo transfer were inversely associated with the higher risk of miscarriage (p < 0.001), but did not with pre‐eclampsia and IUGR (p > 0.05). Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a reverse and significant association between β‐hCG and higher risk of miscarriage (σ = 0.531 and p < 0.001). There was a significant association between frozen embryo transfer and the risk of IUGR and pre‐eclampsia (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023, respectively).

Conclusions

Maternal serum concentrations of β‐hCG on Day 16 after IVF/embryo transfer were associated with the higher risk of miscarriage, but not pre‐eclampsia and IUGR.
A mini review of reinfection with the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant
Authors: Shen Hongwei , Chen Dingqiang , Li Chenglin , Huang Tingting , Ma Wen
Published: April 2024

Background

COVID‐19 has caused severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. After the end of the dynamic zero‐COVID policy in China in December, 2022, concerns regarding reinfection were raised while little was known due to the lack of surveillance data in this country.

Aims

This study reviews the probability, risk factors, and severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant reinfection, as well as the interval between infections, risk of onward transmission by reinfected cases, and the role of booster vaccination against reinfection.

Sources

References for this review were identified through searches of PubMed and Web of Science up to September 24, 2023.

Results

The rate of reinfection ranges from 3.1% to 13.0%. Factors associated with a higher risk of reinfection include being female, having comorbidities, and being unvaccinated. Reinfection with the BA.4 or BA.5 variant occurs approximately 180 days after the initial infection. Reinfections are less clinically severe than primary infections, and there is evidence of lower transmissibility. The debate surrounding the effectiveness and feasibility of booster vaccinations in preventing reinfection continues.

Conclusions

The reinfection rate during the Omicron epidemic is significantly higher than in previous epidemic periods. However, the symptoms and infectivity of reinfection were weaker than those of the prior infection. Medical staff and individuals at high risk of reinfection should be vigilant. The efficacy of booster vaccinations in reducing reinfection is currently under debate.
Evaluation of nanolayer and particle size on fluid transport through rotating disks
Authors: Akinshilo Akinbowale T.
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the impact of nanolayer which shows the relationship between the nanoparticle and pure fluid is investigated on the fluid transport and thermal transfer through a rotating system. The nanolayer shows the relationship between the nanoparticle and base liquid, signifying a higher thermal conductivity than the nanoparticle and lower conductivity than the base fluid. Also, the effect of larger nanoparticle size and volume on fluid thermal distribution is considered. The nanoparticle raises the fluid thermal conductivity with the aim of conserving thermal transfer during fluid transport, consequently saving energy. The mechanics of the fluid is developed using a higher‐order coupled system of nonlinear models, solved with the aid of the Homotopy perturbation method. Obtained results from the analysis show the impact of nanolayer expansion on thermal distribution increases boundary layer thickness. Also, the size of the nanoparticle when varied from 10 to 40 nm shows a heat transfer increase of 17.02% at the center of the disk. Particle size increase indicates temperature rise as nanolayer size encompassing the nanoparticle increases. Obtained results when compared against literature give good agreement. The study finds useful applications in coolant and lubricant processing amongst other practical applications.
Impact of dam construction on sediment transport capacity: A case study of the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Jin Zhongwu , Feng Le , Liu Yujiao , Liu Ya , Xu Dong , Liu Zhaoxi
Published: April 2024

Reservoir sedimentation affects lifespan, hydropower generation, water resource use, and ecosystem sustainability. In this study, using measured data from the world‐renowned Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), sediment transport capacity was analysed from 2002 to 2020 at four TGR gauging stations (Cuntan, Qingxichang, Wanxian, and Miaohe). The result indicated that: (1) a significant decrease in sediment transport capacity occurred in the TGR before and after dam construction, with an overall reduction of 82% in the perennial backwater zone. Notably, Qingxichang, Wanxian, and Miaohe experienced reductions of 40%, 91%, and 59%, respectively. Since the initial operation phase, their maximum monthly sediment transport capacity has consistently occurred in July. (2) Changes in the water level in front of the dam, the incoming flow, and sediment influxes were the primary factors driving the annual variations in sediment transport capacity. Among the factors affecting the variation of sediment transport capacity along the TGR, the influence of the cross‐sectional morphology was more pronounced than that of the distance from the dam. Sediment transport capacities in the wide and shallow sections were considerably lower than those in the narrow and deep sections. (3) A sediment transport amplitude index () was proposed to assess the sediment dynamics within the TGR, which effectively characterized the sedimentation conditions based on the relative importance of these influencing factors. These findings provide a theoretical basis for operational strategies in the TGR and offer insights into the patterns of sediment transport capacity changes in reservoir areas before and after dam construction in other river‐type reservoirs.
Evaluation of the ecological risk of pesticide residues from the European LUCAS Soil monitoring 2018 survey
Authors: Franco Antonio , Vieira Diana , Clerbaux Laure-Alix , Orgiazzi Alberto , Labouyrie Maeva , Köninger Julia , Silva Vera , van Dam Ruud , Carnesecchi Edoardo , Dorne Jean Lou C. M. , Vuaille Jeanne , Lobo Vicente Joana , Jones Arwyn
Published: April 2024

The 2018 LUCAS (Land Use and Coverage Area frame Survey) Soil Pesticides survey provides a European Union (EU)-scale assessment of 118 pesticide residues in more than 3473 soil sites. This study responds to the policy need to develop risk-based indicators for pesticides in the environment. Two mixture risk indicators are presented for soil based, respectively, on the lowest and the median of available No Observed Effect Concentration (NOECsoil,min and NOECsoil,50) from publicly available toxicity datasets. Two further indicators were developed based on the corresponding equilibrium concentration in the aqueous phase and aquatic toxicity data, which are available as species sensitivity distributions. Pesticides were quantified in 74.5% of the sites. The mixture risk indicator based on the NOECsoil,min exceeds 1 in 14% of the sites and 0.1 in 23%. The insecticides imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos and the fungicide epoxiconazole are the largest contributors to the overall risk. At each site, one or a few substances drive mixture risk. Modes of actions most likely associated with mixture effects include modulation of acetylcholine metabolism (neonicotinoids and organophosphate substances) and sterol biosynthesis inhibition (triazole fungicides). Several pesticides driving the risk have been phased out since 2018. Following LUCAS surveys will determine the effectiveness of substance-specific risk management and the overall progress toward risk reduction targets established by EU and UN policies. Newly generated data and knowledge will stimulate needed future research on pesticides, soil health, and biodiversity protection. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1639–1653. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

The 2018 LUCAS Pesticide survey provides a European Union (EU)-scale assessment of 118 pesticide residues in more than 3473 soil sites. Mixture soil risk indicators were developed for use in retrospective assessments. Results set a baseline to track progress toward meeting EU policy objectives.
Frequency converting and digital modulation of light derived from lanthanide for signal encoding and logic computing
Authors: Chen Haisheng , Shen Jiaying , Du Xiaona , Cai Songhua , Guo Feng , Io Weng Fu , Zhou Tianhong , Dong Zhengang , Bian Taiyu , Guo Jiaxing , Liu Weiwei , Zhang Yang , Wu Zhenping , Hao Jianhua
Published: April 2024

Modulation of light underpins a central part of modern optoelectronics. Conventional optical modulators based on refractive‐index and absorption variation in the presence of an electric field serve as the workhorse for diverse photonic technologies. However, these approaches based on electro‐refraction or electro‐absorption effect impose limitations on frequency converting and signal amplification. Lanthanide‐activated phosphors offer a promising platform for nonlinear frequency conversion with an abundant spectrum. Here, we propose a novel approach to achieve frequency conversion and digital modulation of light signal by coupling lanthanide luminescence with an electrically responsive ferroelectric host. The technological benefits of such paradigm‐shifting solution are highlighted by demonstrating a quasi‐continuous and enhancement of the lanthanide luminescence. The ability to locally manipulate light emission can convert digital information signals into visible waveforms, and visualize electrical logic and arithmetic operations. The proof‐of‐concept device exhibits perspectives for developing light‐compatible logic functions. These results pave the way to design more controllable lanthanide photonics with desired opto‐electronic coupling.

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Fe‐doped Ni3S2@CoSx nanoarrays derived from MOF as bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient overall water‐splitting
Authors: Song Jia‐Le , Li Lu‐Bing , Wang Yun‐Hai , Chen Qing‐Yun
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Fabricating high‐performance bifunctional electrocatalysts remains challenging to promote the development of electrocatalytic water‐splitting.

RESULT

A heterostructure Fe‐Ni3S2@CoSx/NF was successfully synthesized using an interfacial engineering strategy. Benefiting from the strong synergistic effect between highly active cobalt sulfide (CoSx) and iron‐doped trinickel‐disulfide (Ni3S2) (Fe‐Ni3S2), Fe‐Ni3S2@CoSx/NF exhibited outstanding bifunctional performance, with low overpotentials of 77 and 217 mV for the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, at 10 mA cm−2.

CONCLUSION

The CoSx nanoarrays and Fe‐Ni3S2 nanosheets respectively served as HER and OER active centers. When Fe‐Ni3S2@CoSx/NF was used as both cathode and anode for overall water‐splitting, a low voltage of 1.52 V was required to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 with nearly 100% Faradic efficiency and outstanding durability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A nonuniform linearized Galerkin‐spectral method for nonlinear fractional pseudo‐parabolic equations based on admissible regularities
Authors: Fardi M. , Mohammadi S. , Hendy A. S. , Zaky M. A.
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we deal with the nonlinear fractional pseudo‐parabolic equations (FPPEs). We propose an accurate numerical algorithm for solving the aforementioned well‐known equation. The problem is discretized in the temporal direction by utilizing a graded mesh linearized scheme and in the spatial direction by the Galerkin‐spectral scheme. We investigate the stability conditions of the proposed scheme. We also provide an error estimate of the proposed approach to demonstrate that it is convergent with temporal second‐order accuracy for fitted grading parameters. The proposed scheme is also extended to tackle coupled FPPEs. Numerical experiments are provided to validate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed scheme.
Are Lentil (Lens culinaris) Farms Productive, Profitable, and Efficient in Resource Allocation? A Cross‐Sectional Study From Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Binod , Dhakal Shiva Chandra , Marahatta Santosh , Bastakoti Ram Chandra
Published: April 2024

The study was based on primary data from 473 lentil farmers selected randomly to analyze productivity, profitability, efficiency, and sensitivity of lentil farms in Nepal. Methods like benefit–cost, break‐even, margin safety, and sensitivity analysis, scaling technique, Cobb–Douglas type of production function, and stochastic frontier were adopted to derive farm economics, allocative, and cost efficiency levels. With average productivity of 672 kg/ha, lentil farmers in the study area were earning about 41% profit as of gross return with a profitability index of 0.78. About 45% margin of safety and estimates of benefit–cost ratio above one on all sensitivity measures is indicative of low risk and robust enterprise. Resources allocated in lentil production were found inefficient, and to achieve maximum return, expenses on land preparation, seed, nutrient, and plant protection cum irrigation should be increased by 27.6%, 80%, 33.1%, and 97%, respectively. Similarly, expenses on labor and harvesting activities need to be decreased by 30.1% and 23.6%. Labor cost and seed cost were the most important variables, and a 1% increase would surge the total production costs by 0.42% and 0.19%, respectively. The cost efficiency was estimated as 1.137 mean value, meaning that over 13.7% of the costs in lentil farms is wasted while comparing best‐practiced farm. Only about 48% of farms is fairly efficient at efficiency levels 1.0 to 1.09, but the majority is inefficient, which needs to minimize the waste of resources. Although suffering from climatic risks and production‐related problems, lentil enterprise is profitable, less risky, less sensitive, and fairly to inefficient in resource use. Wise attention is need on the part of farm management and resource utilization. Farmers are suggested to maintain farm size around 0.5 ha or below 1 ha, use only improved varietal seed, cut labor expenses with the use of machinery, and perform adequate tillage during sowing followed by effective disease management practices.
First application of one‐class support vector machine algorithms for detecting abnormal behavior of marine medaka Oryzias javanicus exposed to the harmful alga Karenia mikimotoi
Authors: Chairil Abrianna Elke , Takai Yuki , Koba Yosuke , Kijimoto Shinya , Tsuruda Yukinari , Kang Ik‐Joon , Oshima Yuji , Shimasaki Yohei
Published: April 2024

It is empirically known that fish exposed to harmful algal blooms (HABs) exhibit abnormal behavior. This might serve as a method for early detection of HABs. There has been no report of the detection of behavioral abnormalities of fish exposed to harmful algae using machine learning. In this study, the behavior of Oryzias javanicus (Java medaka) exposed in a stepwise manner to the HAB species Karenia mikimotoi at densities of 0 cells mL−1 (control), 1 × 103 cells mL−1 (nonlethal), and 5 × 103 cells mL−1 (sublethal) was recorded for 30 min at each cell density using two digital cameras connected to a software that tracked behavioral metrics of fish. The level of anomaly in the behavior of Java medaka was then analyzed using one‐class support vector machines (OC‐SVM) to determine whether the behavioral changes could be considered abnormal. The results revealed abnormal swimming behavior evidenced by an increase of swimming speed, a decrease of shoaling behavior, and a greater depth of swimming in Java medaka exposed especially to the sublethal K. mikimotoi density. The medaka exposed to K. mikimotoi also displayed physical deformities of their gills that were thought to have caused their abnormal behavior. This supposition was confirmed by further analysis using OC‐SVM because the behavior of groups exposed to nonlethal and sublethal densities of K. mikimotoi were considered abnormal compared with that of the control groups. The results of this study show the possibility of using this system for early and real‐time detection of HABs.