bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in Naked Metal Clusters for Catalysis
Authors: Luo Zhixun , Shehzad Aamir 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe properties of sub–nano metal clusters are governed by quantum confinement and their large surface–to–bulk ratios, atomically precise compositions and geometric/electronic structures. Advances in metal clusters lead to new opportunities in diverse aspects of sciences including chemo–sensing, bio–imaging, photochemistry, and catalysis. Naked metal clusters having synergic multiple active sites and coordinative unsaturation and tunable stability/activity enable researchers to design atomically precise metal catalysts with tailored catalysis for different reactions. Here we summarize the progress of ligand–free naked metal clusters for catalytic applications. It is anticipated that this review helps to better understand the chemistry of small metal clusters and facilitates the design and development of new catalysts for potential applications.
Role of Nb2O5 Crystal Phases on the Photocatalytic Conversion of Lignin Model Molecules and Selectivity for Value‐Added Products
Authors: Rojas Susana D. , Rafaela Gabriela , Espinoza‐Villalobos Nicole , Diaz‐Droguett Donovan E. , Salazar‐González Ricardo , Caceres‐Jensen Lizethly , Escalona Néstor , Barrientos Lorena 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe photocatalytic conversion in aqueous media of phenol and guaiacol as a lignin model compound using Nb2O5 with different crystal phases was studied. Nb2O5 particles were synthesized using hydrothermal methods, where it was observed that changes in the solvent control their morphology and crystal phase. Different photocatalytic behavior of Nb2O5 was observed with the selected model compounds, indicating that its selection directly impacts the resulting conversion and selectivity rates as well as the reaction pathway, highlighting the relevance of model molecule selection. Photocatalytic conversion of phenol showed conversion rate (C%) up to 25 % after 2 h irradiation and high selectivity (S%) to pyrogallol (up to 50 %). Orthorhombic Nb2O5 spheres favored conversion through free hydroxyl radicals while monoclinic rods did not convert phenol. Guaiacol photocatalytic oxidation showed high conversion rate but lower selectivity. Orthorhombic and monoclinic Nb2O5 favored the formation of resorcinol with S % ~0.43 % (C % ~33 %) and ~13 % (C % ~27 %) respectively. The mixture of both phases enhanced the guaiacol conversion rate to ~55 % with ~17 % of selectivity to salicylaldehyde. The use of radical scavengers provided information to elucidate the reaction pathway for these model compounds, showing that different reaction pathways may be obtained for the same photocatalyst if the model compound is changed.
Targeting neutrophils: Mechanism and advances in cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Shuaixi , Jia Jiachi , Wang Fuqi , Wang Yuhang , Fang Yingshuai , Yang Yabing , Zhou Quanbo , Yuan Weitang , Bian Zhilei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCancer is a thorny problem which cannot be conquered by mankind at present and recent researchers have put their focus on tumor microenviroment. Neutrophils, the prominent leukocytes in peripheral blood that accumulate in tumours, serves as frontline cells in response to tumour progression owing to the rapid development of micro biotechnology. Hence, targeted therapy with these neutrophils has made targeting treatment a promising field in cancer therapy.Main bodyWe broadly summarise some studies on the phenotypes and functions of tumour‐associated neutrophils as well as the unique web‐like products of neutrophils that play a role in cancer progression—neutrophil extracellular traps—and the interactions between neutrophils and the tumour microenvironment. Moreover, several targeted neutrophils therapeutic studies have made some progress and provided potential strategies for the treatment of cancer.ConclusionThis review aims to offer a holistic perspective on therapeutic interventions targeting neutrophils to further inspire more researches on cancer therapies.
Immune‐related adverse events in non‐small cell lung cancer: Occurrence, mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Lin Xuwen , Xie Mei , Yao Jie , Ma Xidong , Qin Lin , Zhang Xu‐Mei , Song Jialin , Bao Xinyu , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yinguang , Liu Yiming , Han Wenya , Liang Yiran , Jing Ying , Xue Xinying 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has heralded a transformative era in the therapeutic landscape of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While ICIs have demonstrated clinical efficacy in a portion of patients with NSCLC, these treatments concurrently precipitate a spectrum of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), encompassing mild to severe manifestations, collectively posing a risk of significant organ damage. Consequently, there exists an imperative to augment our comprehension of the pathophysiological underpinnings of irAEs and to formulate more efficacious preventive and ameliorative strategies. In this comprehensive review, we delineate the clinical presentation of organ‐specific irAEs in patients with NSCLC and provide an in‐depth analysis of recent advancements in understanding the mechanisms driving ICI‐induced toxicity. Furthermore, we discuss potential strategies and targets for ameliorating these irAEs. Ultimately, this review aims to furnish valuable insights to guide further research endeavours in the context of irAEs in NSCLC patients.
Ion acceleration from golden mylar film irradiated by visible ns pulsed laser
Authors: Torrisi L. , Silipigni L. , Cutroneo M. , Torrisi A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA Pulsed ns laser operating at 532 nm wavelength with 150 mJ pulse energy was employed to irradiate micrometric thick mylar films, from 1 to 100 μm thick, covered by 0.05 μm Au in the back face. Protons and light ions have been accelerated by the electric field developed in the non‐equilibrium plasma by the laser pulse in a vacuum at an intensity of the order of 1010 W/cm2. Time‐of‐flight technique, obtained using a Faraday cup and a fast storage oscilloscope, is employed to measure the ion velocity, energy, and yield emitted in backward and forward directions. The yield of the emitted plasma photons is also evaluated. Two ion collectors are used in opposite directions to measure the plasma radiations emitted in backward and forward directions. Data analysis is based on the Coulomb‐Boltzmann‐shifted (CBS) distribution function. The target ablation yield is evaluated in the order of 3.5 μm per laser shot.
Soil respiration and controls in warmer winter: A snow manipulation study in postfire and undisturbed black pine forests
Authors: Pacaldo Renato S. , Aydin Mirac , Amarille Randell Keith 
Published: March 2024

AbstractClimate change impacts drive warmer winters, reduced snowfall, and forest fires. In 2020, a wildfire scorched about 1508 hectares of black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) forests in Türkiye. Whether the combined effects of lack of snow and forest fires significantly alter winter soil respiration (Rs) and soil temperature remains poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted in the postfire and undisturbed black pine forests during the winter to quantify Rs rates as affected by lack of snow and forest fire. We applied four treatments: snow‐exclusion postfire (SEPF), snow postfire (SPF), snow‐exclusion‐undisturbed forest (SEUF), and snow undisturbed forest (SUF). The SEPF exhibited the significantly lowest mean Rs rates (0.71 μmol m−2 s−1) compared to the SPF (1.02 μmol m−2 s−1), SEUF (1.44 μmol m−2 s−1), and SUF (1.48 μmol m−2 s−1). The Rs also showed significant variations with time (p < .0001). However, treatments and time revealed no statistically significant interaction effects (p = .6801). Total winter Rs (January–March) ranged from 4.47 to 4.59 Mt CO2 ha−1 in the undisturbed forest and 2.20 to 3.16 Mt CO2 ha−2 in the postfire site. The Rs showed a significantly positive relationship (p < .0001) with the soil (0.59) and air (0.46) temperatures and a significantly negative relationship (p = .0017) with the soil moisture (−0.20) at the 5 cm depth. In contrast, the Rs indicated a negative but not statistically significant relationship (p = .0932) with the soil moisture (−0.16) at the 10 cm soil depth. The combined effects of lack of snow and forest fire significantly decreased Rs, thus conserving the soil's organic carbon stocks and reducing the CO2 contribution to the atmosphere. In contrast, a warmer winter significantly increased Rs rates in the undisturbed forest, suggesting an acceleration of soil organic carbon losses and providing positive feedback to climate change.
Season, prey availability, sex, and age explain prey size selection in a large solitary carnivore
Authors: Bates‐Mundell Logan , Williams Sara H. , Sager‐Fradkin Kim , Wittmer Heiko U. , Allen Maximilian L. , Cristescu Bogdan , Wilmers Christopher C. , Elbroch L. Mark 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPrey selection is a fundamental aspect of ecology that drives evolution and community structure, yet the impact of intraspecific variation on the selection for prey size remains largely unaccounted for in ecological theory. Here, we explored puma (Puma concolor) prey selection across six study sites in North and South America. Our results highlighted the strong influence of season and prey availability on puma prey selection, and the smaller influence of puma age. Pumas in all sites selected smaller prey in warmer seasons following the ungulate birth pulse. Our top models included interaction terms between sex and age, suggesting that males more than females select larger prey as they age, which may reflect experiential learning. When accounting for variable sampling across pumas in our six sites, male and female pumas killed prey of equivalent size, even though males are larger than females, challenging assumptions about this species. Nevertheless, pumas in different study sites selected prey of different sizes, emphasizing that the optimal prey size for pumas is likely context‐dependent and affected by prey availability. The mean prey weight across all sites averaged 1.18 times mean puma weight, which was less than predicted as the optimal prey size by energetics and ecological theory (optimal prey = 1.45 puma weight). Our results help refine our understanding of optimal prey for pumas and other solitary carnivores, as well as corroborate recent research emphasizing that carnivore prey selection is impacted not just by energetics but by the effects of diverse ecology.
Parasitoid species diversity has no effect on protective symbiont diversity in experimental host‐parasitoid populations
Authors: Hafer‐Hahmann Nina , Vorburger Christoph 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHow does diversity in nature come about? One factor contributing to this diversity are species interactions; diversity on one trophic level can shape diversity on lower or higher trophic levels. For example, parasite diversity enhances host immune diversity. Insect protective symbionts mediate host resistance and are, therefore, also engaged in reciprocal selection with their host's parasites. Here, we applied experimental evolution in a well‐known symbiont‐aphid‐parasitoid system to study whether parasitoid diversity contributes to maintaining symbiont genetic diversity. We used caged populations of black bean aphids (Aphis fabae), containing uninfected individuals and individuals infected with different strains of the bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa, which protects aphids against parasitoids. Over multiple generations, these populations were exposed to three different species of parasitoid wasps (Aphidius colemani, Binodoxys acalephae or Lysiphlebus fabarum), simultaneous or sequential mixtures of these species or no wasps. Surprisingly, we observed little selection for H. defensa in most treatments, even when it clearly provided protection against a fatal parasitoid infection. This seemed to be caused by high induced costs of resistance: aphids surviving parasitoid attacks suffered an extreme reduction in fitness. In marked contrast to previous studies looking at the effect of different genotypes of a single parasitoid species, we found little evidence for a diversifying effect of multiple parasitoid species on symbiont diversity in hosts.
Deceptive pollinator lures benefit from physical and perceptual proximity to flowers
Authors: White Thomas E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPredators often use deception to exploit sensory and cognitive biases in prey. In pollinating insects, these include preferences for conspicuous colours associated with flowers, which predators such as orb‐web spiders display as prey lures. Theory predicts that deceptive signal efficacy should covary with both their perceptual similarity and physical proximity to the resources—here, flowers—whose cues they are imitating. Here I used the colour‐polymorphic jewelled spider Gasteracantha fornicata to test this prediction. I first examined spiders' capture success in the field, and found their visual resemblance and physical proximity to flowers interacted to mediate capture rates, with colour‐similarity becoming increasingly important as the distance between spiders and flowers decreased. I then replicated this interaction experimentally. Spiders adjacent to colour‐matched flowers enjoyed heightened capture success relative to those with nearby but colour‐mismatched flowers. While spiders with flowers placed at a distance (irrespective of colour) recorded the fewest captures. These results support ‘neighbourhood’ effects in aggressive deception as receivers' vulnerability to exploitation is mediated by the local signalling community. More generally, they emphasise the importance of the broader information landscape in the ecology of communication, and suggest misinformation is most effective when physically and perceptually proximate to the truth.
Peat swamp hydrological connectivity and runoff vary by hydrogeomorphic setting: Implications for carbon storage
Authors: McCarter Colin , Kaufman Stephen , Branfireun Brian , Waddington James 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDespite their importance in carbon cycling and catchment runoff dynamics, the hydrology of temperate peat swamps in response to changing hydrometeorological conditions is largely understudied. We examined the importance of hydrogeomorphic settings in controlling hydrological connectivity and runoff in a temperate peat swamp in southern Ontario, Canada over two consecutive growing seasons with contrasting conditions (dry and wet years). We chose two different small‐scale hydrogeomorphic settings to investigate: (i) a site with strong wetland‐stream interactions (i.e., an unconfined stream channel; unconfined) and (ii) a site with limited wetland‐stream interactions (confined).During the wet year, the confined site exhibited a consistently gaining stream, maintaining lateral hydrological connectivity and yielding high runoff ratios, while during the dry year, the confined site lost water and experienced low runoff ratios during storm events. Overland flow at the unconfined site maintained a longitudinal hydrological connectivity delivering water to its sub‐catchment outflow, as reinforced by hydrochemical observations. This connectivity was maintained in the wet year but ceased in the dry year despite consistent upstream sub‐catchment water inflow due to high depression storage. Runoff ratios were reduced because of this hydrological disconnection.We highlight the importance of small‐scale hydrogeomorphic setting on peat swamp carbon storage as facilitated by the variation of within‐site hydrological connectivity and runoff, which also has important implications for downstream water quality. The unconfined site maintained a higher water table position in both years and has much greater peat carbon stocks. We suggest peat swamp channelization either naturally or through drainage decreases carbon stocks.
L‐ascorbyl palmitate and endogenous micronutrients in vegetable oils provide synergistic antioxidant activities: Micronutrient species and concentration
Authors: Zhang Yikang , Zhao Chenwei , Jin Jun , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the present study, antioxidant impacts of L‐ascorbyl palmitate (L‐AP) on 14 kinds of typical vegetable oils were studied, whose ratios of C18:1 to C18:2 ranged from 0.15 to 9.57. Regression analyses between vegetable oils and their micronutrient‐free counterparts revealed that the antioxidant capacity of L‐AP was closely related to concentrations of α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols instead of fatty acid compositions. Binary mixtures consisting of L‐AP and α‐, γ‐, or δ‐tocopherols exhibited desirable synergistic antioxidant effects in comparison with individual species. The optimal synergistic effects were found at ratios of L‐AP to α‐, γ‐, δ‐tocopherols, being 1:2–1:4. Further EPR spin trapping test figured out that the combined antioxidants reduced the total amount of spin adducts significantly during lipid oxidation, which were contributed by regenerating tocopherols from L‐AP. The results will highlight the application of L‐AP in protecting packed cooking oils after opening and during cooking.Practical applications: Vegetable oils packaged in 4–5 L bottles are one of the most important forms for home cooking. Although deoxygenation techniques are applied to increase their shelf life during storage, they will experience a more violent oxidation reaction after opening. The oils are typically oxidized to rancidity before ending up in consumption. L‐AP was therefore involved into the vegetable oils to prevent them from oxidation during uses. The results of study can help companies to select the optimal L‐AP addition amount according to different endogenous tocopherol types and contents in the target oil in order to extend the use life of the vegetable oil.
Veterans with chronic pain: Examining gender differences in pain type, overlap, and the impact of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Hadlandsmyth Katherine , Driscoll Mary A. , Johnson Nicole L. , Mares Jasmine G. , Mengeling Michelle A. , Thomas Emily B. K. , Norman Sonya B. , Lund Brian C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundWomen are more likely to experience multiple overlapping pain conditions (MOPCs) relative to men. Post‐traumatic stress disorder can negatively impact the severity and trajectory of chronic pain and its treatment. Specific associations between gender, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and MOPCs require further examination.MethodsA cohort of all Veterans in 2021 who met criteria for one or more of 12 chronic pain types was created using national Veterans Health Administration administrative data. MOPCs were defined as the number of pain types for which each patient met criteria. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated gender differences in frequency for each of the 12 pain subtypes, after controlling for demographics and comorbidities. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate gender differences in the count of MOPCs and to explore moderation effects between gender and PTSD.ResultsThe cohort included 1,936,859 Veterans with chronic pain in 2021, which included 12.5% women. Among those with chronic pain, women Veterans had higher rates of MOPCs (mean = 2.3) relative to men (mean = 1.9): aIRR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.30–1.32. PTSD also served as an independent risk factor for MOPCs in adjusted analysis (aIRR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.23–1.24). The interaction term between gender and PTSD was not significant (p = 0.87). Independent of PTSD, depressive disorders also served as a strong risk factor for MOPCs (aIRR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.36–1.37).ConclusionsIndividuals with MOPCs and PTSD may have complex treatment needs. They may benefit from highly coordinated trauma‐sensitive care and integrated interventions that simultaneously address pain and PTSD.SignificanceWomen were significantly more likely than men to experience MOPCs. PTSD was also significantly, independently, associated with MOPCs. Patients, particularly women, may benefit from tailored interventions that address both trauma and MOPCs.
Approximate inner solvers for block preconditioning of the incompressible Navier–Stokes problems discretized by isogeometric analysis
Authors: Egermaier Jiří , Horníková Hana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe deal with efficient numerical solution of the steady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) using our in‐house solver based on the isogeometric analysis (IgA) approach. We are interested in the solution of the arising saddle‐point linear systems using preconditioned Krylov subspace methods. Based on our comparison of ideal versions of several state‐of‐the‐art block preconditioners for linear systems arising from the IgA discretization of the incompressible NSE, suitable candidates have been selected. In the present paper, we focus on selecting efficient approximate solvers for solving subsystems within these preconditioning methods. We investigate the impact on the convergence of the outer solver and aim to identify an effective combination. For this purpose, we compare convergence properties of the selected solution approaches for problems with different viscosity values, mesh refinement levels and discretization bases.
Neuronal deletion of Gtf2i results in developmental microglial alterations in a mouse model related to Williams syndrome
Authors: Bar Ela , Fischer Inbar , Rokach May , Elad‐Sfadia Galit , Shirenova Sophie , Ophir Omer , Trangle Sari Schokoroy , Okun Eitan , Barak Boaz 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWilliams syndrome (WS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous microdeletion, characterized by hypersociability and unique neurocognitive abnormalities. Of the deleted genes, GTF2I has been linked to hypersociability in WS. We have recently shown that Gtf2i deletion from forebrain excitatory neurons, referred to as Gtf2i conditional knockout (cKO) mice leads to multi‐faceted myelination deficits associated with the social behaviors affected in WS. These deficits were potentially mediated also by microglia, as they present a close relationship with oligodendrocytes. To study the impact of altered myelination, we characterized these mice in terms of microglia over the course of development. In postnatal day 30 (P30) Gtf2i cKO mice, cortical microglia displayed a more ramified state, as compared with wild type (controls). However, postnatal day 4 (P4) microglia exhibited high proliferation rates and an elevated activation state, demonstrating altered properties related to activation and inflammation in Gtf2i cKO mice compared with control. Intriguingly, P4 Gtf2i cKO‐derived microglial cells exhibited significantly elevated myelin phagocytosis in vitro compared to control mice. Lastly, systemic injection of clemastine to P4 Gtf2i cKO and control mice until P30, led to a significant interaction between genotypes and treatments on the expression levels of the phagocytic marker CD68, and a significant reduction of the macrophage/microglial marker Iba1 transcript levels in the cortex of the Gtf2i cKO treated mice. Our data thus implicate microglia as important players in WS, and that early postnatal manipulation of microglia might be beneficial in treating inflammatory and myelin‐related pathologies.