bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smut fungus (Langdonia walkerae) incidence is lower in two bunchgrass species (Aristida stricta and A. beyrichiana) after fires early in the year
Authors: Fill Jennifer M. , Meadows Inga , Walker Joan L. , Crandall Raelene M. , Kerrigan Julia L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPremiseIn frequently burned southeastern USA pine‐grassland communities, wiregrass (Aristida stricta and A. beyrichiana) are dominant bunchgrasses whose flowers are infected during flowering by a smut fungus (Langdonia walkerae). We hypothesized that because prescribed fire timing affects wiregrass flowering patterns, it could affect smut incidence (occurrence of smut on plants) and severity of infection in inflorescences and spikelets. Because soil order could influence plant susceptibility, we hypothesized that these patterns would differ between soil orders. We hypothesized differences between species as representative of geographic variation in this ecosystem.MethodsWe surveyed the incidence and severity of L. walkerae in wiregrass populations (85 populations at 14 sites) that had been prescription burned at different times during the previous year. We used binomial regressions to test whether incidence and severity differed by burn day, soil order, or species, with site as a random effect.ResultsFires that occurred in the winter were associated with significantly lower incidence than fires later in the year (as the months progressed into summer). Plants growing on Spodosol soils were significantly less likely to be infected than those on other soils. More variation in incidence, however, was explained by site, suggesting that site‐specific characteristics were important. Smut severity in inflorescences and spikelets was greater overall in populations of A. stricta than in southern populations (A. beyrichiana).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that fire timing and soil order affect L. walkerae incidence in wiregrass plants, but neither appears to be associated with greater severity. Patterns of smut infection are related to site history and geographic variation.
Common epilepsy variants from the general population are not associated with epilepsy among individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Richard Melissa A. , Lupo Philip J. , Ehli Erik A. , Sahin Mustafa , Krueger Darcy A. , Wu Joyce Y. , Bebin Elizabeth M. , Au Kit Sing , Northrup Hope , Farach Laura S. ,   TACERN Study Group
Published: February 2024

AbstractCommon genetic variants identified in the general population have been found to increase phenotypic risks among individuals with certain genetic conditions. Up to 90% of individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are affected by some type of epilepsy, yet the common variants contributing to epilepsy risk in the general population have not been evaluated in the context of TSC‐associated epilepsy. Such knowledge is important to help uncover the underlying pathogenesis of epilepsy in TSC which is not fully understood, and critical as uncontrolled epilepsy is a major problem in this population. To evaluate common genetic modifiers of epilepsy, our study pooled phenotypic and genotypic data from 369 individuals with TSC to evaluate known and novel epilepsy common variants. We did not find evidence of enhanced genetic penetrance for known epilepsy variants identified across the largest genome‐wide association studies of epilepsy in the general population, but identified support for novel common epilepsy variants in the context of TSC. Specifically, we have identified a novel signal in SLC7A1 that may be functionally involved in pathways relevant to TSC and epilepsy. Our study highlights the need for further evaluation of genetic modifiers in TSC to aid in further understanding of epilepsy in TSC and improve outcomes.
Health care disparities and chronic rhinosinusitis: Does neighborhood disadvantage impact outcomes in sinonasal disease?
Authors: Gill Amarbir S. , Tullis Benton , Mace Jess C. , Massey Conner , Pandrangi Vivek C. , Gutierrez Jorge A. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Beswick Daniel M. , Soler Zachary M. , Smith Timothy L. , Alt Jeremiah A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveSocioeconomic status (SES) is linked to health outcomes but has not been well studied in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The area deprivation index (ADI) is a comprehensive measure of geographic SES that ranks neighborhood disadvantage. This investigation used ADI to understand the impact of neighborhood disadvantage on CRS treatment outcomes.MethodsA total of 642 study participants with CRS were prospectively enrolled and self‐selected endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) or continued appropriate medical therapy as treatment. The 22‐item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short‐Form 6‐D (SF‐6D) health utility value scores were recorded pre‐ and post‐treatment. Using residence zip codes, national ADI scores were retrospectively assigned to patients. Spearman's correlation coefficients (Rs) and Cramer's V effect size (φc) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.ResultsA history of ESS was associated with significantly worse ADI scores compared to no history of ESS (φc = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.25; p < 0.001). Baseline total SNOT‐22 (Rs = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.22; p < 0.001) and SF‐6D values (Rs = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.27, −0.12; p < 0.001) were significantly negatively correlated with national ADI rank. No significant correlations between ADI and within‐subject improvement, or achievement of >1 minimal clinically important difference, in SNOT‐22 or SF‐6D scores after treatment were found.ConclusionsGeographic socioeconomic deprivation was associated with worse baseline disease severity and history of prior surgical intervention. However, ADI did not correlate with improvement in disease‐specific outcomes. The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes in CRS requires further investigation.
Postmortem diagnosis of gestational psittacosis: A case report
Authors: Miyauchi Takashi , Hirata Yutaro , Fukuda Shinya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundGestational psittacosis is one of the causes of unanticipated maternal death but has been difficult to diagnose early in clinical practice.Case PresentationA 28‐year‐old woman who was 7 months pregnant experienced flu‐like symptoms, which deteriorated. She was brought to our hospital in shock, and the fetus was nonviable. The patient was diagnosed with pneumonia and septic shock and administered meropenem. Despite aggressive resuscitation, she died 7 h after symptom onset. After obtaining consent from the patient's family, the autopsy was done to identify the cause of death. Microscopically, there was intervillous neutrophil accumulation in the placenta. Genetic analysis detected the Chlamydia psittaci gene in several organs, including placenta.ConclusionGestational psittacosis should be considered for a pregnant woman with flu‐like symptoms. Moreover, unanticipated death of a pregnant woman might warrant a detailed autopsy to reveal the cause of death.
Levodopa Impairs the Energy Metabolism of the Basal Ganglia In Vivo
Authors: Prasuhn Jannik , Schiefen Tanja , Güber Theresia , Henkel Julia , Uter Jan , Steinhardt Julia , Wilms Britta , Brüggemann Norbert 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveOne proposed mechanism of disease progression in Parkinson's disease includes the interplay of endogenous dopamine toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the in‐vivo effects of exogenous dopamine administration on cerebral bioenergetics are unknown.MethodsWe performed a double‐blinded, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled trial. Participants received either 200/50 mg levodopa/benserazide or a placebo and vice versa on the second study visit. Clinical assessments and multimodal neuroimaging were performed, including 31phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the basal ganglia and the midbrain.ResultsIn total, 20 (6 female) patients with Parkinson's disease and 22 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls (10 female) were enrolled. Treatment with levodopa/benserazide but not with placebo resulted in a substantial reduction of high‐energy phosphorus‐containing metabolites in the basal ganglia (patients with Parkinson's disease: −40%; healthy controls: −39%) but not in the midbrain. There were no differences in high‐energy phosphorus‐containing metabolites for patients with Parkinson's disease compared to healthy controls in the OFF state and treatment response.InterpretationExogenously administered levodopa/benserazide strongly interferes with basal ganglia high‐energy phosphorus‐containing metabolite levels in both groups. The lack of effects on midbrain levels suggests that the observed changes are limited to the site of dopamine action. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:849–857
Sortase‐Catalyzed Protein Domain Inversion
Authors: Zhou Yan , Durek Thomas , Craik David J. , Rehm Fabian B. H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTopological transformations and permutations of proteins have attracted significant interest as strategies to generate new protein functionalities or stability. These efforts have mainly been inspired by naturally occurring post‐translational modifications, such as head‐to‐tail cyclization, circular permutation, or lasso‐like entanglement. Such approaches can be realized experimentally via genetic encoding, in the case of circular permutation, or via enzymatic processing, in the case of cyclization. Notably, these previously described strategies leave the polypeptide backbone orientation unaltered. Here we describe an unnatural protein permutation, the protein domain inversion, whereby a C‐terminal portion of a protein is enzymatically inverted from the canonical N‐to‐C to a C‐to‐C configuration with respect to the N‐terminal part of the protein. The closest conceptually analogous biological process is perhaps the inversion of DNA segments as catalyzed by recombinases. We achieve these inversions using an engineered sortase A, a widely used transpeptidase. Our reactions proceed efficiently under mild conditions at 4–25 °C and are compatible with entirely heterologously‐produced protein substrates.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Transfer Hydrogenation of 1,3‐Dipolar Nitrones
Authors: Xu Liren , Yang Tilong , Sun Hao , Zeng Jingwen , Mu Shuo , Zhang Xumu , Chen Gen‐Qiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOwing to their distinctive 1,3‐dipolar structure, the catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of nitrones to hydroxylamines has been a formidable and longstanding challenge, characterized by intricate enantiocontrol and susceptibility to N−O bond cleavage. In this study, the asymmetric hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation of nitrones were accomplished with a tethered TsDPEN‐derived cyclopentadienyl rhodium(III) catalyst (TsDPEN: p‐toluenesulfonyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylene‐1,2‐diamine), the reaction proceeds via a novel 7‐membered cyclic transition state, producing chiral hydroxylamines with up to 99 % yield and >99 % ee. The practical viability of this methodology was underscored by gram‐scale catalytic reactions and subsequent transformations. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations and DFT calculations were also conducted to elucidate the origin of enantioselectivity.
Covalent Organic Frameworks Based Photoenzymatic Nano‐reactor for Asymmetric Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Amines
Authors: Ran Lu , Chen Yu , Zhu Yanqiu , Cai Huanyu , Pang Huaji , Yan Dingce , Xiang Yonggang , Teng Huailong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBio‐catalysis represents a highly efficient and stereoselective method for the synthesis of valuable chiral compounds, however, the poor stability and limited reaction types of free enzymes restrict their wide application in industrial production. In this work, to overcome these problems, a multifunctional photoenzymatic nanoreactor CALB@COF‐Ir was developed through the encapsulation of Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) in a photosensitive covalent organic framework COF‐Ir. This bio‐nanocluster serves as efficient catalysts in asymmetric dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of secondary amines to give a series of chiral amines in high yields (up to 99 %) and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee). The well‐designed COF‐Ir not only acts as safety cover to prevent CALB from deactivation but promotes racemization of secondary amines via photo‐induced hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process. Photoelectric characterization and TDDFT calculation revealed that (ppy)2Ir units in COF‐Ir play crucial role in this photocatalytic system which enhance its photo‐redox properties through facilitating the separation between photoelectrons (e−) and holes (h+). Furthermore, the heterogeneous photoenzymatic nanoreactor could be recycled for five rounds with slight decline of catalytic reactivity.
A Multimodal Bio‐Sensing and Imaging Platform (MSIP) for Real‐Time Intraoperative Margin Detection in Cancer Surgery
Authors: Hatami‐Fard Ghazal , Vyas Khushi , Leff Daniel , Dasgupta Ranan , Anastasova Salzitsa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn cancer surgery, the precise characterisation of tissue margins is of paramount importance to ensure effective resection. However, conventional methods have inherent limitations in terms of both speed and accuracy, often necessitating labour‐intensive postsurgical tissue analyses. To overcome these challenges and enhance the precision of cancer surgery, we introduced an innovative Multimodal Sensing and Imaging Platform (MSIP) equipped with advanced pH sensing capabilities. The MSIP represents the synergistic fusion of a miniaturised, flexible wire‐based electrochemical pH sensor with a sensitivity of 62.4 mV per pH for real‐time functional imaging. Simultaneously, it incorporates a high‐speed confocal endomicroscope utilizing a 2.6 mm fibre bundle to achieve subcellular resolution in morphological imaging. The pH sensor enables continuous monitoring of dynamic changes in the tumour microenvironment, offering valuable insights. Confocal endomicroscopy provides high‐resolution, real‐time imaging of tumour morphology with an impressive 2.2 μm resolution. This integration not only enhances the precision of cancer surgery but also fosters a comprehensive understanding of the biological and molecular characteristics of tumours. By consolidating multiple diagnostic parameters into a unified platform, MSIP has emerged as a transformative technology poised to revolutionise our approach to cancer surgery.
Dual material fused filament fabrication of composite core‐shell structures with improved impact resistance and interfacial adhesion
Authors: Naqi Ahmad , Bischoff Derek J. , Mackay Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe mechanical performance of parts produced by fused filament fabrication (FFF) has been limited due to the presence of voids and poor interlayer welding. Recent advancements in FFF have enabled the fabrication of void‐free objects with strong interlayer welding through the use of semicrystalline polymer shells such as high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) along with a high viscosity core polymer like acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS). The zero‐shear viscosity (η0) of ABS is three orders of magnitude higher than HDPE making the ABS‐HDPE core‐shell configuration preferable. ABS holds the shape by preventing bulk flow and part bending while HDPE promotes full surface contact across the layers. Most polymers, however, are immiscible which causes a weak weld line along the core‐shell interface. Herein, maleic anhydride (MAH) is grafted to the butadiene segment of the ABS core thereby compatibilizing the interface with HDPE, improving the interfacial adhesion. Attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to confirm successful grafting. Using a custom‐made die affording the core‐shell structure, the ABS‐g‐MAH is shown to improve the impact resistance by 253% and 16% compared to neat HDPE and ABS specimens, respectively. Additionally, a 10% increase compared to the unmodified ABS‐HDPE core‐shell configuration is observed.
Morphological evolution and property changes of acrylate rubber/polyacetal thermoplastic vulcanizates during dynamic vulcanization process
Authors: Huang Xin , Gong Wei Ying , Deng Tao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA new type of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) that is resistant to hot oil, high temperature, and aging was prepared using acrylate elastomer (ACM) and polyoxymethylene (POM) as raw materials. The phase transition process and micromorphology development of the blends with the change of dynamic vulcanization (DV) time, and to illustrate the effects of the phase transition and the degree of elastomer phase crosslinking on the macroscopic properties of TPV were investigated. It was shown that ACM crosslinking occurs continuously during 0–8 min of DV, whereas the phase inversion process occurs predominantly during 0–3 min. In contrast, the cross‐section of the blends after phase inversion is flat, The constant elongation stress under small deformation, hardness, and permanent deformation after break are reduced, and the elongation at break, nonrelaxable modulus, and aging resistance are improved. The increase in the degree of vulcanization of the ACM phase resulted in a significant increase in the modulus of the blends under large deformation, an increase in the nonrelaxable modulus and relaxable modulus, an increase in the aging resistance, and a decrease in the elongation at tear were observed.
Investigating the impact of Cloisite® 15A nanoclays on the diffusivity of Irganox 1035 antioxidant in high‐density polyethylene nanocomposite
Authors: Mouloud Aicha , Kerkour Abdelhakim , Colin Xavier , Ait Cherif Ghania , Benchaoui Abdelmounaim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractKnowing the diffusion coefficients of antioxidants in packaging materials is essential to assess their effectiveness in protecting materials against oxidation, but also to prevent their eventual migration to food. In this work, the diffusion of a commercial phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1035) was measured experimentally in pristine high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and in HDPE nanocomposite filled with 3 wt% of nanoclays (Cloisite® 15A). Diffusion experiments were performed using the Roe's method between 60 and 100°C. The local concentration of Irganox1035 in each film was measured by UV–Vis spectroscopy from the UV absorbance at 282 nm. The adjustment of the experimental data by Fick's second law allowed us to deduce the values of the diffusion coefficient of Irganox1035 at each temperature and to show that the temperature dependence of this coefficient obeys an Arrhenius' law. It is shown that the incorporation of 3 wt% of Cloisite®15A into HDPE significantly hinders the diffusion of Irganox 1035 and increases its activation energy. Several mechanistic assumptions could explain this result, first the increase in the tortuosity of diffusion paths, but also the possible establishment of strong intermolecular interactions between the antioxidant and some chemical groups on the nanofiller surface, or even the formation of an interphase with reduced molecular mobility around the nanofillers.
Facile construction of polypyrrole microencapsulated γ‐Fe2O3 for simultaneously enhancing the flame retardancy and smoke toxicity suppression of intumescent flame‐retardant epoxy resins
Authors: Long Miaotian , Zhang Zerui , Yan Long , Yi Liang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor effectively strengthening the comprehensive properties of intumescent flame‐retardant epoxy resins (EPs), a microencapsulating γ‐Fe2O3 by polypyrrole (PPy) named PPy‐Fe2O3 was synthesized and used as a synergist to simultaneously enhance the flame retardancy, smoke toxicity suppression and mechanical strength of EP composites containing diaminodiphenylmethane modified ammonium polyphosphate (DDP). The results demonstrate that the mixture of PPy‐Fe2O3 and DDP exhibits a surprising synergistic effect on strengthening the comprehensive properties of EP composites. Specifically, EP composite containing 0.2 wt% PPy‐Fe2O3 and 9.8 wt% DDP achieves the UL94 V‐0 rating with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 35.5%, while 10 wt% DDP only imparts a UL94 V‐1 rating and a LOI value of 34.0% to EP. Furthermore, 0.2 wt% PPy‐Fe2O3 shows a 11.0% reduction in peak smoke production rate and a 12.3% reduction in peak heat release rate of the EP/DDP system. The enhanced fire security of EP/DDP/PPy‐Fe2O3 is attributed to the formation of more phosphorus‐rich structures retained in the char, thus reducing the release of harmful gases including NH3, CO, and CO2, and generating more incombustible gases including H2O to weaken burning intensity. Meanwhile, the satisfactory compatibility of PPy‐Fe2O3 with epoxy matrix imparts a superior mechanical strength to EP composites.
Annular expansion for enhanced orientation and mechanical properties of extruded amorphous PPESK/PES pipes
Authors: Pan Xiaotong , Pan Yuxi , Zhao Haiyang , Liu Cheng , Zeng Wenguang , Guo Yujie , Song Ce , Jian Xigao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWith the discovery of deeper oil fields, conventional metal pumping pipes have been proven to be ineffective in meeting the requirements for deep well oil production due to their high weights and limited corrosion resistance. Therefore, in this study, a composite of Poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) and polyethersulfone (PES) was used to fabricate nonmetal pipes. To enhance the mechanical properties of the PPESK/PES pipes, a self‐designed annular expansion pipe extruder head was used. The circumferential burst stress and axial tensile strength of the PPESK/PES pipes subjected to 30° expansion were 73.0% and 48.9% higher than those of the unexpanded sample, respectively. When annular expansion was integrated into the extrusion of PPESK/PES/carbon fiber pipes, the axial tensile strength and circumferential burst stress were 45.9% and 88.8% higher than those of the unexpanded sample, respectively. Results of polarized infrared testing and metallographic microscopic examinations demonstrated that molecular chains present a regular orientation at a certain angle to the extrusion direction, under the effect of annular expansion extrusion. These findings highlight the efficiency of annular expansion in promoting the large‐scale production of pipes.
Sustainable poultry farming in developing nations: Exploring cassava waste utilization for enhanced poultry production and economic viability
Authors: Aroh Izuchukwu Martin , Agboje Agida Christopher , Ogbonna Goodness N. , Anyanka Samuel Onyedikachi , Macartan Benjamin P. , Ohanehi Helen Amara , Anigbogu Nnamdi Mbanefo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn intensive poultry production, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, addressing the issues of agricultural waste and feed costs for farmers is crucial. This study explores a solution by incorporating cassava waste into broiler chicken diets. The research examines its effects on economic factors, growth performance, carcass yield, and agricultural waste utilization over 8 weeks. Three hundred broiler chickens were divided into three groups: a control group without cassava waste and two treatment groups with 10% and 15% cassava waste inclusion. Results showed that a 10% inclusion improved key performance indicators such as weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and carcass weight, while a 15% inclusion was less efficient than the control. Economically, diets with 10% and 15% cassava tuber waste were more cost‐effective than the control, emphasizing the economic benefits of cassava‐based diets for broiler chickens, and offering a sustainable, cost‐efficient feeding option for poultry farmers.