bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the Riddle in Order to Solve It: There Is More Than One “Parkinson's Disease”
Authors: Outeiro Tiago F. , Alcalay Roy N. , Antonini Angelo , Attems Johannes , Bonifati Vincenzo , Cardoso Francisco , Chesselet Marie‐Françoise , Hardy John , Madeo Graziella , McKeith Ian , Mollenhauer Brit , Moore Darren J. , Rascol Olivier , Schlossmacher Michael G. , Soreq Hermona , Stefanis Leonidas , Ferreira Joaquim J.
Published: May 2023

Background

More than 200 years after James Parkinsondescribed a clinical syndrome based on his astute observations, Parkinson's disease (PD) has evolved into a complex entity, akin to the heterogeneity of other complex human syndromes of the central nervous system such as dementia, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. Clinicians, pathologists, and basic science researchers evolved arrange of concepts andcriteria for the clinical, genetic, mechanistic, and neuropathological characterization of what, in their best judgment, constitutes PD. However, these specialists have generated and used criteria that are not necessarily aligned between their different operational definitions, which may hinder progress in solving the riddle of the distinct forms of PD and ultimately how to treat them.

Objective

This task force has identified current in consistencies between the definitions of PD and its diverse variants in different domains: clinical criteria, neuropathological classification, genetic subtyping, biomarker signatures, and mechanisms of disease. This initial effort for “defining the riddle” will lay the foundation for future attempts to better define the range of PD and its variants, as has been done and implemented for other heterogeneous neurological syndromes, such as stroke and peripheral neuropathy. We strongly advocate for a more systematic and evidence‐based integration of our diverse disciplines by looking at well‐defined variants of the syndrome of PD.

Conclusion

Accuracy in defining endophenotypes of “typical PD” across these different but interrelated disciplines will enable better definition of variants and their stratification in therapeutic trials, a prerequisite for breakthroughs in the era of precision medicine. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Reduced and Delayed Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ryman Sephira G. , Shaff Nicholas , Dodd Andrew , Nitschke Stephanie , Wertz Christopher , Julio Kayla , Suarez Cedeno Gerson , Deligtisch Amanda , Erhardt Erik , Lin Henry , Vakhtin Andrei , Poston Kathleen L. , Tarawneh Rawan , Pirio Richardson Sarah , Mayer Andrew
Published: May 2023

Background

Cerebrovascular dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is heterogeneous and may contribute to disease pathophysiology or progression. There is a need to understand the mechanisms by which cerebrovascular dysfunction is altered in participants with PD.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that participants with PD exhibit a significant reduction in the ability of the cerebral vessels to dilate in response to vasoactive challenges relative to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

The current study uses a vasodilatory challenge while participants undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging to quantify the amplitude and delay of cerebrovascular reactivity in participants with PD relative to age and sex‐matched HC. An analysis of covariance was used to evaluate differences in cerebrovascular reactivity amplitude and latency between PD participants and HC.

Results

A significant main effect of group was observed for whole‐brain cerebrovascular reactivity amplitude (F(1, 28) = 4.38, p = 0.046, Hedge's g = 0.73) and latency (F(1, 28) = 16.35, p < 0.001, Hedge's g = 1.42). Participants with PD exhibited reduced whole‐brain amplitude and increased latencies in cerebrovascular reactivity relative to HC. The evaluation of regional effects indicates that the largest effects were observed in the cuneus, precuneus, and parietal regions.

Conclusions

PD participants exhibited reduced and delayed cerebrovascular reactivity. This dysfunction may play an important role in chronic hypoxia, neuroinflammation, and protein aggregation, mechanisms that could lead to disease progression. Cerebrovascular reactivity may serve as an important biomarker and target for future interventions. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Endotoxin Hypothesis of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Brown Guy C. , Camacho Marta , Williams‐Gray Caroline H.
Published: May 2023

The endotoxin hypothesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the idea that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder. LPS endotoxins are found in, and released from, the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria, for example in the gut. It is proposed that gut dysfunction in early PD leads to elevated LPS levels in the gut wall and blood, which promotes both α‐synuclein aggregation in the enteric neurons and a peripheral inflammatory response. Communication to the brain via circulating LPS and cytokines in the blood and/or the gut–brain axis leads to neuroinflammation and spreading of α‐synuclein pathology, exacerbating neurodegeneration in brainstem nuclei and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, and manifesting in the clinical symptoms of PD. The evidence supporting this hypothesis includes: (1) gut dysfunction, permeability, and bacterial changes occur early in PD, (2) serum levels of LPS are increased in a proportion of PD patients, (3) LPS induces α‐synuclein expression, aggregation, and neurotoxicity, (4) LPS causes activation of peripheral monocytes leading to inflammatory cytokine production, and (5) blood LPS causes brain inflammation and specific loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, mediated by microglia. If the hypothesis is correct, then treatment options might include: (1) changing the gut microbiome, (2) reducing gut permeability, (3) reducing circulating LPS levels, or (4) blocking the response of immune cells and microglia to LPS. However, the hypothesis has a number of limitations and requires further testing, in particular whether reducing LPS levels can reduce PD incidence, progression, or severity. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Multiple positive solutions and stability results for nonlinear fractional delay differential equations involving p ‐Laplacian operator
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Addai Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study a system of multiple positive solutions and stability results for nonlinear fractional delay differential equations involving
‐Laplacian operator. We derived adequate conditions to ensure that at least three nonnegative solutions exist by applying the conditions of the Leggett–Williams fixed‐point theory and some Green function properties. Due to a small change in time‐delay, we analyzed the Hyers–Ulam stability‐type of the equation. We used Riemann–Liouville fractional differential definition, and we assumed that nonzero delay
. In addition, for application purpose, comprehensive examples are given to ensure the effectiveness and feasibility of the results in this paper. Our proposed equation generalize some literature in the system.
Present and future of pure shift NMR in metabolomics
Authors: Chen Xi , Bertho Gildas , Caradeuc Cédric , Giraud Nicolas , Lucas‐Torres Covadonga
Published: May 2023

NMR is one of the most powerful techniques for the analysis of biological samples in the field of metabolomics. However, the high complexity of fluids, tissues, or other biological materials taken from living organisms is still a challenge for state‐of‐the‐art pulse sequences, thereby limiting the detection, the identification, and the quantification of metabolites. In this context, the resolution enhancement provided by broadband homonuclear decoupling methods, which allows for simplifying 1H multiplet patterns into singlets, has placed this so‐called pure shift technique as a promising approach to perform metabolic profiling with unparalleled level of detail. In recent years, the many advances achieved in the design of pure shift experiments has paved the way to the analysis of a wide range of biological samples with ultra‐high resolution. This review leads the reader from the early days of the main pure shift methods that have been successfully developed over the last decades to address complex samples, to the most recent and promising applications of pure shift NMR to the field of NMR‐based metabolomics.
National validation of the nursing Intensive‐Care satisfaction scale: Research protocol
Authors: Alcalá‐Jiménez Isidro , Delgado‐Hito Pilar , Benito‐Aracil Llúcia , Martínez‐Momblan María Antonia , Muñóz‐Rey Pilar , Otero‐García Irene , Sánchez‐Pamplona Cristina , Romero‐García Marta
Published: May 2023

Aim

Validate the Nursing Intensive‐Care Satisfaction Scale in ICUs throughout Spain. Identify the improvement strategies recommended by the patients and professionals.

Design

Quantitative psychometric methodology and a cross‐sectional descriptive correlational design.

Methods

The study population will be all patients discharged from 19 participating ICUs in Spain. Consecutive sampling (n = 564). Once discharged from the ICUs, they will receive the questionnaire and then, after 48 hours it will be given to them again to analyse the temporal stability. To validate the questionnaire, the internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) and temporal stability (test–retest) will be analysed.

Results

Improve the quality of nursing care by modifying, changing or strengthening behaviours, skills, attitudes or areas for improvement involved in the process.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 therapy in people with obesity restores natural killer cell metabolism and effector function
Authors: De Barra Conor , Khalil Mohammed , Mat Arimin , O'Donnell Cliona , Shaamile Ferrah , Brennan Kiva , O'Shea Donal , Hogan Andrew E.
Published: May 2023

Objective

People with obesity (PWO) have functionally defective natural killer (NK) cells, with a decreased capacity to produce cytokines and kill target cells, underpinned by defective cellular metabolism. It is plausible that the changes in peripheral NK cell activity are contributing to the multimorbidity in PWO, which includes an increased risk of cancer. This study investigated whether therapy with long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues, which are an effective treatment for obesity, could restore NK cell functionality in PWO.

Methods

In a cohort of 20 PWO, this study investigated whether 6 months of once weekly GLP‐1 therapy (semaglutide) could restore human NK cell function and metabolism using multicolor flow cytometry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and cytotoxicity assays.

Results

These data demonstrate that PWO who received GLP‐1 therapy have improved NK cell function, as measured by cytotoxicity and interferon‐γ/granzyme B production. In addition, the study demonstrates increases in a CD98‐mTOR‐glycolysis metabolic axis, which is critical for NK cell cytokine production. Finally, it shows that the reported improvements in NK cell function appear to be independent of weight loss.

Conclusions

The restoration, by GLP‐1 therapy, of NK cell functionality in PWO may be contributing to the overall benefits being seen with this class of medication.
Layperson Perception of Reflux‐Related Symptoms
Authors: Fischer Jakob L. , Tolisano Anthony M. , Navarro Alvaro I. , Trinh Lily , Abuzeid Waleed M. , Humphreys Ian M. , Akbar Nadeem A. , Shah Sharan , Schneider John S. , Riley Charles A. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess for differences of intended meaning in the description of reflux‐related symptoms among otolaryngology patients and clinicians.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey‐based study.

Setting

Five tertiary, academic otolaryngology practices.

Methods

Between June 2020 and July 2022, a questionnaire consisting of 20 common descriptors of reflux‐related symptoms within four domains (throat‐, chest‐, stomach‐, and sensory‐related symptoms) was completed by patients. Attending otolaryngologists at five academic medical centers then completed the same survey. The primary outcome was to assess differences in patient and clinician perceptions of reflux‐related symptoms. Differences based on geographic location was a secondary outcome.

Results

A total of 324 patients and 27 otolaryngologists participated. Patients selected a median of six terms compared with 10.5 for otolaryngologists (p < .001). Otolaryngologists were more likely to select sensory symptoms (difference: 35.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2%, 52.4%), throat‐related symptoms (32.4%; 21.2, 43.6%), and chest‐related symptoms (12.4%; 8.8, 15.9). Otolaryngologists and patients were equally likely to consider stomach symptoms as related to reflux (4.0%, −3.7%, 11.7%). No significant differences were identified based on geographic location.

Conclusion

There are differences between otolaryngologists and their patients in the interpretation of the symptoms of reflux. Patients tended to have a narrower interpretation of reflux with symptoms primarily limited to classic stomach‐related symptoms, while clinicians tended to have a broader definition of reflux that included extra‐esophageal manifestations of disease. This has important counseling implications for the clinician, as patients presenting with reflux symptoms may not comprehend the relationship of those symptoms to reflux disease.
A structural and phase influences the physico‐chemical, in vitro bioactivity of alumina‐zirconia nanoparticles loaded chitosan‐sodium alginate scaffold for biomedical applications
Authors: Shanmugam Balu Kolathupalayam , Arumugam Karthik , Srinivasan Surendhiran , Narayanasamy Sruthi , Saravanan Savitha
Published: May 2023

Presently, alumina‐zirconia nanoparticles are prominently used in biomedical applications because of their valuable properties and augmented biological interactions. Amorphous (AZA) and tetragonal phase (AZT) nanoparticles are synthesized by spray pyrolysis. Three concentrations (10/15/20 mg) of synthesized alumina‐zirconia nanoparticles were mixed separately with 4 wt% of chitosan‐sodium alginate composite and developed as scaffolds using solvent casting. The physico‐chemical and in vitro biological properties of the prepared samples are evaluated using appropriate techniques. The physico‐chemical characteristics of AZT (tetragonal phase) nanoparticles and their scaffolds enhances in vitro biocompatibility, improve antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli and also possess better in vitro cytotoxicity against human osteosarcoma (MG‐63) cells compare than amorphous nanoparticles (AZA) and their scaffolds. From the analysis, AZT nanoparticles and AZT scaffolds are fit for biomedical applications, including tissue engineering and nano theranostics.
A systematic review of opioid use and multimodal strategies in solid organ transplant recipients and living donors
Authors: Kutzler Heather L. , Lichvar Alicia B. , Quan David , Bowman Lyndsey J. , Diamond Adam , Doligalski Christina , Griffin Tina , Melaragno Jennifer , Sweiss Helen , Fleming James
Published: May 2023

The opioid epidemic has impacted analgesia in the postoperative period for solid organ transplant (SOT) donors and recipients. However, optimal pain management and opioid stewardship strategies have not been identified across this unique population. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of perioperative opioid use and to describe multimodal analgesic strategies to reduce opiate use in SOT recipients and living donors. A systematic review was conducted. Electronic searches were performed in Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Science through December 31, 2021. Title and abstracts were screened. Relevant articles underwent full‐text review. Literature was separated into effects of opioid exposure on post‐transplant outcomes, recipient pain management strategies, and living donor pain management strategies. Search yielded 25,190 records, and 63 were ultimately included. The impact of opioid use on post‐transplant outcomes was assessed in 19 publications. The risk of graft loss in pretransplant opioid users was assessed in six reports and was found to be higher in the majority (66%) of publications. Opioid minimization strategies were reported in 20 studies in transplant recipients. Twenty‐four studies evaluated pain management strategies in living donors. Both populations used a combination of multimodal strategies to minimize opioid use throughout the hospitalization and on discharge. Opioids are associated with select negative outcomes in post‐transplant recipients. To minimize their use while also maintaining appropriate analgesia, multimodal pain regimens should be considered in SOT recipients and donors.
From bottle to bedside: Implementation considerations and antimicrobial stewardship considerations for bloodstream infection rapid diagnostic testing
Authors: Lapin Jonathan S. , Smith Richard D. , Hornback Krutika M. , Johnson J. Kristie , Claeys Kimberly C.
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs have been quick to adopt novel molecular rapid diagnostic technologies (mRDTs) for bloodstream infections (BSIs) to improve antimicrobial management. As such, most of the literature demonstrating the clinical and economic benefits of mRDTs for BSI is in the presence of active AMS intervention. Leveraging mRDTs to improve antimicrobial therapy for BSI is increasingly integral to AMS program activities. This narrative review discusses available and future mRDTs, the relationship between the clinical microbiology laboratory and AMS programs, and practical considerations for optimizing the use of these tools within a health system. Antimicrobial stewardship programs must work closely with their clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure that mRDTs are used to their fullest benefit while remaining cognizant of their limitations. As more mRDT instruments and panels become available and AMS programs continue to expand, future efforts must consider the expansion beyond traditional settings of large academic medical centers and how combinations of tools can further improve patient care.
Natural products targeting signaling pathways associated with regulated cell death in gastric cancer: Recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Hu Qichao , Li Zhibei , Li Yubing , Deng Xinyu , Chen Yuan , Ma Xiao , Zeng Jinhao , Zhao Yanling
Published: May 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most serious gastrointestinal malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. The complexity of GC process lies in the multi‐phenotypic linkage regulation, in which regulatory cell death (RCD) is the core link, which largely dominates the fate of GC cells and becomes a key determinant of GC development and prognosis. In recent years, increasing evidence has been reported that natural products can prevent and inhibit the development of GC by regulating RCDs, showing great therapeutic potential. In order to further clarify its key regulatory characteristics, this review focused on specific expressions of RCDs, combined with a variety of signaling pathways and their crosstalk characteristics, sorted out the key targets and action rules of natural products targeting RCD. It is highlighted that a variety of core biological pathways and core targets are involved in the decision of GC cell fate, including the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK‐related signaling pathways, p53 signaling pathway, ER stress, Caspase‐8, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and so on. Moreover, natural products target the crosstalk of different RCDs by modulating above signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that targeting various RCDs in GC with natural products is a promising strategy, providing a reference for further clarifying the molecular mechanism of natural products treating GC, which warrants further investigations in this area.
IMC‐PID tuning method based on maximum sensitivity for uncertain multivariable systems
Authors: Chu Minghui
Published: May 2023

A controller design method based on effective open‐loop transfer function (EOTF) and internal model control (IMC) is proposed for square multivariable systems with uncertain parameters. In this paper, two equivalent substitutions are used to deal with the multivariable system with uncertain parameters. In the first equivalent substitution, the EOTF method is used to solve the coupling problem of the system. In order to prevent the interval explosion problem of parameters, the affine algorithm is adopted in the decoupling process to determine the value region of system parameters. Then, the multivariable system with uncertain parameters is transformed into a set of single‐variable system with uncertain parameters. The second equivalent substitution is based on Kharitonov's theorem to process every single variable system with uncertain parameters and replace it by a set of boundary models. Meanwhile, in order to ensure that the tuning controller can not only make the system stable but also meet a certain degree of robustness, based on the idea of IMC, the maximum sensitivity is introduced to design the PID controller. Finally, numerical simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Listening to the river: Representing non‐human needs and interests in debates about water governance and management
Authors: Strang Veronica
Published: May 2023

The social sciences and humanities have become increasingly critical of the anthropocentrism that supports exploitative relations with the non‐human domain. This shift in positionality recognises that non‐human beings and ecosystems are not humankind's passive subjects but the co‐creators of shared lifeworlds. A logical consequence is a greater appreciation of the rights and interests of non‐human beings and ecosystems, both in law and in the decision‐making processes that shape human‐environmental relations. This requires some form of pan‐species democracy that simultaneously respects biocultural diversity. Drawing on ethnographic research on the River Stour in Dorset, this paper considers how we might reimagine the notion of community to encompass human and non‐human inhabitants in river catchment areas. It considers what ‘speaking for the river’ would entail, and what a river might want to say. Employing anthropological approaches to art and material culture, examining ‘what things do’, and the multi‐species ethnography that illuminates interspecies relations, this requires an imaginative leap, not into faux animism, but into serious consideration of the river as an active partner in human‐non‐human relations. This requires us to understand the river's properties and behaviours, and how it acts both creatively and destructively upon all of the living kinds that depend upon it—and vice versa. What does a river need to ensure its own flourishing and that of its dependent communities? This paper considers how ‘listening to the river’ enables the representation of its needs and interests in decision‐making processes.
Crayfish assemblages correlate with dam‐induced effects on abiotic factors and predatory fish assemblages in Alabama streams
Authors: Barnett Zanethia C. , Ochs Clifford A. , Easson Gregory L. , Adams Susan B.
Published: May 2023

Stream faunal assemblage structure is tied closely to hydrology and associated physiochemical properties. By altering natural flows, dams and their impoundments impact faunal assemblages over long distances. Although numerous studies have assessed the effect of dams on stream fauna, information is lacking for crayfishes. In this study, we characterized the effects of relatively large storage dams on crayfish assemblage structures. Over 2 years, we sampled three impounded and two unimpounded streams across two drainages in Alabama, United States, to identify biotic and abiotic factors correlated with crayfish assemblage metrics. Compared to impounded streams, unimpounded streams had greater habitat complexity (e.g., aquatic vegetation and woody debris), fewer predator fishes, lower minimum temperatures, and more variable discharges. These characteristics correlated with a higher density and diversity of crayfishes and smaller adults in impounded compared to unimpounded streams. Crayfish species assemblages differed between drainages, as did the biotic and abiotic factors affecting crayfish assemblages in each drainage, suggesting that these factors were species‐specific in their effects. Additionally, analysis of land uses suggested that factors other than dams may have also contributed to the observed differences in assemblage structures between impounded and unimpounded streams. For instance, in the more urbanized drainage, crayfish assemblages were more similar between up and downstream sections in all streams, regardless of impoundment. Our results indicate that large dams alter stream crayfish assemblage structure, with potentially cascading effects in trophic and organic matter dynamics both up and downstream.
Reindeer control over shrubification in subarctic wetlands: spatial analysis based on unoccupied aerial vehicle imagery
Authors: Villoslada Miguel , Ylänne Henni , Juutinen Sari , Kolari Tiina H. M. , Korpelainen Pasi , Tahvanainen Teemu , Wolff Franziska , Kumpula Timo
Published: May 2023

Herbivores can exert a controlling effect on the reproduction and growth of shrubs, thereby counter‐acting the climate‐driven encroachment of shrubs in the Arctic and the potential consequences. This control is particularly evident in the case of abundant herbivores, such as reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), whose grazing patterns are affected by management. Here, we tested how different reindeer grazing practices on the border between Finland and Norway impact the occurrence of willow (Salix spp.) dominated patches, their above‐ground biomass (AGB) and the ability of willows to form dense thickets. We used a combination of multispectral and RGB imagery obtained from unoccupied aerial vehicles field data and an ensemble of machine‐learning models, which allowed us to model the occurrence of plant community types (Overall accuracy = 0.80), AGB fractions (maximum R2 = 0.90) and topsoil moisture (maximum R2 = 0.89). With this combination of approaches, we show that willows are kept in a browsing‐trap under spring and early summer grazing by reindeer, growing mostly small and scattered in the landscape. In contrast, willows under the winter grazing regime formed dense stands, particularly within riparian areas. We confirm this pattern using a random forest willow habitat distribution model based on topographical parameters. The model shows that willow biomass correlated with parameters of optimal habitat quality only in the winter grazing regime and did not respond to the same parameters under spring and summer grazing of reindeer.
Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Platinum Nanoparticles Stabilized by Chitosan
Authors: Apryatina Kristina V. , Zuev Dmitry N. , Amarantov Sergey V. , Gusev Sergey A. , Zakharychev Evgeniy A. , Smirnova Larisa A.
Published: May 2023

Platinum nanoparticles were obtained chemically in acetic acid solutions of chitosan from the precursor H2PtCl6 using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent with simultaneous UV irradiation. The compositions were studied by SAXS, TEM, dynamic light scattering, FTIR‐spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and atomic force microscopy. Nanoparticles are characterized by a narrowly dispersed size distribution while the effect of the conformation of chitosan macromolecules on their characteristics is manifested. The SAXS method showed that in a chitosan solution with a semi‐flexible coil conformation of macromolecules, 96.8 % of the formed nanoparticles are characterized by an average radius of 1.4 nm. According to the TEM results, platinum nanoparticles are characterized by a crystal structure and a particle diameter of about 1.3–5.0 nm. A different picture is observed for platinum nanoparticles formed in chitosan with the rigid rod conformation of macromolecules – only 91 % of platinum nanoparticles had an average radius of 1.4 nm. The TEM method showed these nanoparticles turned out to be about 1 nm in size, and they did not crystallize, but remained amorphous. The introduction of platinum nanoparticles into the polysaccharide matrix significantly shifts the glass transition temperature of chitosan toward lower values by 20 and 10 °C respectively, and increases the tensile strength of the composites by 35 MPa.
A Highly Sensitive Toluene and Xylene QCM Nanosensor Using Nanoporous MIL‐101(Cr) as a Sensing Layer
Authors: Haghighi Elahe , Zeinali Sedigheh
Published: May 2023

This study reports a facile method to fabricate a metal‐organic framework (MOF) MIL‐101(Cr) based quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at room temperature. MIL‐101(Cr) as a novel superior material with an extremely large surface area of 2612 m2/g and pore volume of 1.26 cm3/g, can have higher adsorption capacity in comparison with zeolites, carbon nanotubes, and many porous polymers. It was chosen as a sensing thin film coated onto the surface of the QCM electrode by using the drop‐casting method. The synthesized MOF was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and so on. The frequency of the crystal changes during the adsorption of gas molecules onto the MOF layer. Adsorption/desorption behaviors of toluene and o‐xylene vapors in different concentrations vs time are considered and sensing properties such as sensor response, response/recovery time, sensitivity, and limit of detection are measured. The sensor exhibits a short response/recovery time, as well as a fully reversible and repeatable sensor response that reflects the high stability of the sensor. The most prominent advantage of this research in comparison with other works is the high sensitivity of the sensor to o‐xylene and toluene with a sensitivity of 26.912 and 11.604 Hz/ppm and the very low detection limits of 1.960, 4.102 ppm for o‐xylene and toluene respectively which are very lower than the reported threshold limit values. π‐π stacking interaction between benzenedicarboxylate groups of MIL‐101(Cr) and aromatic rings may be the effective factor in selective detection among other analytes like methanol, ethanol, acetone, n‐hexane, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran (THF).
Investigation of N,N′‐Disulfopiperazinium Chlorometallates of Fe(III), Ni(II) and Co(II) as Hybrid Catalysts for the Synthesis of 1,2‐Dihydroquinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Kalita Sangeeta , Kashyap Niharika , Bora Debanga Bhusan , Das Sukanya , Borah Ruli
Published: May 2023

Three organic salts of N,N′‐disulfopiperazinium cation with complex metal chloride anions of Fe(III), Ni(II) and Co(II) cations were developed as Brønsted‐Lewis acidic hybrid materials in solid state. Their structural compositions were established by FT‐IR, UV‐Visible, SEM, EDX, Powder XRD and Raman techniques. Thermogravimetric analyses showed removal of physisorbed water around 100 °C for Fe(III) salt in contrast to 150–170 °C for Ni(II) & Co(II) organic salts for strongly bound water molecules in highly crystalline state. Their Brønsted acidities were determined from comparative UV‐visible spectra of 4‐nitroaniline in water in presence of the halometallates while Lewis acidity strength was observed via FT‐IR spectra of these salts in presence of pyridine as probe molecule. The catalytic activity of these acidic organic salts was investigated for three‐component synthesis of 1,2‐dihydroquinazolines as recyclable heterogeneous catalysts.
A Promising Alternative for Aqueous Effluents Treatment: Modified Mesoporous Materials that are Photoactive under LED Visible Radiation.
Authors: Ochoa Rodríguez Pablo A. , Vaschetto Eliana G. , Casuscelli Sandra G. , Elías Verónica R. , Eimer Griselda A.
Published: May 2023

TiO2 nanoparticles co‐doped with iron and carbon were tested in photocatalytic processes using visible radiation to degrade Acid Orange 7 and Paracetamol from aqueous solutions. In our previous reports, the mesoporosity and crystallinity of the samples were analyzed along with the calcination temperature effect. In this work, it was possible to verify the efficiency of a synergistic effect between dopants when a calcination at 150 °C was applied, favoring their localization in key sites of titania structure which improves the response under visible light. Such accomplishments could be also confirmed through photoluminescence analysis. Thus, the optimized solid showed an enhanced photocatalytic performance, reaching at only one hour of reaction, a complete degradation of both dye and drug while some intermediate species were reduced according to mineralization degree (around 80 %), and biodegradability achieved. Therefore, the proposed photocatalytic system presents potential as a previous step to a biological treatment for aqueous effluents.
Crystal Structure and Photochromic Properties of Two Complexes based on 1‐(4‐carboxybenzyl)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium Ligand
Authors: Yang Fengyi , Liu Na , Chen Jiali , Liu Jinjian
Published: May 2023

Selecting different metal ions, two novel complexes {[Zn(BCbpy)(m‐BDC)(H2O)] ⋅ 2H2O}n (1) and [Co(H2O)6]0.5[Co0.5(BCbpy)(H2O)2](m‐BDC) ⋅ 3H2O ⋅ DMF (2) have been prepared and structurally characterized in the presence of the viologen ligand 1‐(4‐carboxybenzyl)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium (BCbpy) and 1,3‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (m‐H2BDC). The crystal structures and photochromic properties of two complexes have been investigated in this article. 1 possesses a two‐dimensional (2D) layered structure, while the structure of 2 is zero‐dimensional (0D). As expected, 1 and 2 were discovered to be photochromic accompanying electron transfer (ET). Interestingly, 1 can be dissolved in ethanol solution and deposited on filter paper, applied to a printing medium without ink.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 6‐Amino‐2‐styrylchromones as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Chen Ya‐Chen , Chu Yi‐Cheng , Li Cai‐Wei , Chen Jih‐Jung , Shih Tzenge‐Lien
Published: May 2023

2‐Styrylchromones, a C‐2 styrene derivative of chromones, possess a broad spectrum of biological activity. However, 2‐styrylchromones are scarce in nature but not to mention the amino‐substituted styrylchromones. We have synthesized fourteen 6‐amino‐2‐styrylchromones and evaluated their anti‐cancer activity on human caucasian colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT‐29). 6‐Amino‐2‐styrylchromones and related derivatives have never been revealed their pharmacology profiles. Among the novel fourteen compounds, we reported that compound 9 h exhibited its potential with the comparable activity with 5‐flurouracil (5‐FU) as a referenced drug.
Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles and Magnetic Nanocomposites for Adsorption, Desorption and Preconcentration of Pb(II)
Authors: Şahin Muradiye , Arslan Yasin
Published: May 2023

Synthesis, characterization, Pb(II) adsorption, recovery, preconcentration and reusability of different nanoadsorbents were investigated in detail. With green synthesis, silver, iron oxide and iron copper nanoparticles (AgNPs, Fe3O4NPs and Fe/CuNPs) were synthesized and modified with chitosan and alginate natural polymers to form nanocomposite beads (Fe3O4‐CS, Fe3O4−AT, Fe/Cu−CS and Fe/Cu−AT). When the adsorption efficiencies of the seven synthesized nanoadsorbents from the aqueous medium were compared, it was seen that the magnetic bimetallic Fe/Cu−CS beads provided the highest adsorption with 100 % efficiency for Pb(II). The adsorption mechanism, effects of temperature, initial lead ion concentration and pH of the solution on the Pb(II) adsorption capacity of Fe/Cu−CS beads were investigated. The recovery studies have shown that Fe/Cu−CS beads have good adsorption/desorption performance around 90 % of desorption was achieved with 5 mM HNO3. These results show that Fe/Cu−CS beads have potential to be a promising material for adsorption, preconcentration and desorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution.
Spatial Heterogeneity Directs Energy Dissipation in Condylar Fibrocartilage
Authors: Jiang Nan , Su Zhan , Sun Yixin , Ren Rong , Zhou Jiahao , Bi Ruiye , Zhu Songsong
Published: May 2023

Condylar fibrocartilage with structural and compositional heterogeneity can efficiently orchestrate load‐bearing and energy dissipation, making the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) survive high occlusion loads for a prolonged lifetime. How the thin condylar fibrocartilage can achieve efficient energy dissipation to cushion enormous stresses remains an open question in biology and tissue engineering. Here, three distinct zones in the condylar fibrocartilage are identified by analyzing the components and structure from the macro‐and microscale to the nanoscale. Specific proteins are highly expressed in each zone related to its mechanics. The heterogeneity of condylar fibrocartilage can direct energy dissipation through the nano‐micron–macro gradient spatial scale, by atomic force microscope (AFM), nanoindentation, dynamic mechanical analyzer assay (DMA), and the corresponding energy dissipation mechanisms are exclusive for each distinct zone. This study reveals the significance of the heterogeneity of condylar fibrocartilage in mechanical behavior and provides new insights into the research methods for cartilage biomechanics and the design of energy‐dissipative materials.
Super‐Fast Fog Collector Based on Self‐Driven Jet of Mini Fog Droplets
Authors: Yan Defeng , Chen Yang , Liu Jinming , Song Jinlong
Published: May 2023

Freshwater scarcity crisis threatens human life and economic security. Collecting water from the fog seems to be an effective method to defuse this crisis. Nonetheless, the existing fog collection methods have the limitations of the low fog collection rate and efficiency because of their gravity‐based droplet shedding. Here, the aforementioned limitations are resolved by proposing a new fog collection method based on the self‐driven jet phenomenon of the mini fog droplets. A prototype fog collector (PFC) composed of a square container that is filled with water is first designed. Both sides of the PFC are superhydrophobic but covered with superhydrophilic pore array. The mini fog droplets touching the side wall are easily captured and spontaneously and rapidly penetrate into the pores to form jellyfish‐like jets, which greatly increases the droplet shedding frequency, guaranteeing a higher fog collection rate and efficiency compared with the existing fog collection methods. Based on this, a more practical super‐fast fog collector is finally successfully designed and fabricated which is assembled by several PFCs. This work is hoping to resolve the water crisis in some arid but foggy regions.
Estimation Method for Transmission Line Overloads Due to Renewable Energy Source (RES) Output Forecast Errors in Daily Supply and Demand Planning
Authors: Hibi Shunsuke , Kawabe Kenichi , Masuta Taisuke
Published: May 2023

We propose a method to estimate transmission‐line overloads due to forecast errors of power output of renewable energy sources. The proposed method involves particle swarm optimization and optimal power flow calculations. The effectiveness of the method is confirmed via numerical simulations using a modified IEEE RTS 24‐bus system model. The results indicate that the proposed method can determine the forecast errors of the renewable power output that causes thermal overload, and further predict the occurrences of transmission‐line overload under generator activation in supply and demand planning. Furthermore, we explain the occurrence mechanism of transmission‐line overload due to forecast errors, which may contribute to improve the daily supply and demand planning. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Building Kindergartener's Independence with Text‐Based Conversations
Authors: Pilonieta Paola , Hathaway Jennifer I.
Published: May 2023

In primary‐grade classrooms, young children are expected to participate in rich conversations as they build their speaking and listening skills. One way to support students' success with these types of conversations is to explicitly teach them academic conversation skills. Academic conversations are intentional, focused on school‐related topics, and sustained over multiple turns (Zwiers & Hamerla, 2018). The skills needed to participate in these conversations include posing, clarifying, supporting, and evaluating ideas along with focused listening. In this article we offer five steps to help teachers build students' academic conversation skills in their classrooms starting with assessment, selecting books, determining the focus of the conversation, teaching and modeling conversation skills, and building student independence.
Homelessness and water insecurity in the Global North: Trapped in the dwelling paradox
Authors: Meehan Katie , Beresford Melissa , Amador Cid Fausto , Avelar Portillo Lourdes Johanna , Marin Anna , Odetola Marianne , Pacheco‐Vega Raul
Published: May 2023

In this article, we introduce the “dwelling paradox” to explore how the state actively produces water insecurity for people experiencing homelessness in the Global North. We explain that the dwelling paradox is (1) produced by a modernist ideology of public service delivery that privileges water provision through private infrastructural connections in the home; (2) is reproduced by the welfare‐warfare state, which has increasingly weaponized public water facilities and criminalized body functions in public space; and (3) is actively contested by some houseless communities, who challenge hegemonic ideals of the “home”—and its water infrastructure—as a private, atomized space. In advancing a relational and spatial understanding of water insecurity, we use the dwelling paradox to illustrate how unhoused people are caught in a space of institutional entrapment that is forged by state power and amplified by anti‐homeless legislation. Such spaces of entrapment make it extremely difficult for unhoused people to achieve a safe, healthy, and thriving life—the basis of the human rights to water and sanitation.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance
Whose just energy transition? A South African perspective
Authors: Xaba Nqobile
Published: May 2023

South Africa's energy transition is underway and the country has adopted a just transition framework for its execution. However, the energy transition in South Africa is confronted by a multitude of socioeconomic challenges. This perspective focuses on urgent issues regarding South Africa's energy transition. The author argues that South Africa's energy transition needs a people‐centered approach; it must place the needs of all citizens at the forefront and leave no‐one behind. The transition must bring to the fore a new economic development pathway that is driven by renewable energy to create new sectors for economic growth, to create decent work, to reduce persisting energy inequalities and to address the ongoing energy crisis. Furthermore, developed economies will be essential in assisting South Africa with a financing deal for its energy transition. It remains to be seen whether the financing deal will indeed be realized. Also, there must be transparency between partners regarding the nature and structure of these deals, and that this finance be channeled to the most vulnerable victims of climate change. South Africa's energy transition model is the first of its kind globally; the world is watching keenly to see whether the country can succeed. Therefore, the challenge remains for South Africa to ensure that the energy transition addresses the country's socioeconomic challenges and prioritizes its people.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Economics > Energy Transitions
Membrane contact sites orchestrate cholesterol homeostasis that is central to vascular aging
Authors: Li Wenjing , Pang Yiyun , Jin Kehan , Wang Yuru , Wu Yujie , Luo Jichang , Xu Wenlong , Zhang Xiao , Xu Ran , Wang Tao , Jiao Liqun
Published: May 2023

Chronological age causes structural and functional vascular deterioration and is a well‐established risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, leading to more than 40% of all deaths in the elderly. The etiology of vascular aging is complex; a significant impact arises from impaired cholesterol homeostasis. Cholesterol level is balanced through synthesis, uptake, transport, and esterification, the processes executed by multiple organelles. Moreover, organelles responsible for cholesterol homeostasis are spatially and functionally coordinated instead of isolated by forming the membrane contact sites. Membrane contact, mediated by specific protein–protein interaction, pulls opposing organelles together and creates the hybrid place for cholesterol transfer and further signaling. The membrane contact‐dependent cholesterol transfer, together with the vesicular transport, maintains cholesterol homeostasis and has intimate implications in a growing list of diseases, including vascular aging‐related diseases. Here, we summarized the latest advances regarding cholesterol homeostasis by highlighting the membrane contact‐based regulatory mechanism. We also describe the downstream signaling under cholesterol homeostasis perturbations, prominently in cholesterol‐rich conditions, stimulating age‐dependent organelle dysfunction and vascular aging. Finally, we discuss potential cholesterol‐targeting strategies for therapists regarding vascular aging‐related diseases.

This article is categorized under:

Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Entropy of radiation with dynamical gravity
Authors: Perez-Pardavila Carlos
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We compute the subregion entanglement entropy for a doubly holographic black string model. This system consists of a non-gravitating bath and a gravitating brane, where we incorporate dynamic gravity by adding a DGP term. This opens up a new parameter directly extending previous work and raises an important question about unitarity. In this note we analyse which theories in this big parameter space, will have unitary entropy evolution, in particular, we will distinguish which of those will follow a Page curve.