bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of genotypic and climatic variation at the range edge: A case study in winegrapes
Authors: Jones Faith A. M. , Bogdanoff Carl , Wolkovich E. M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPremiseChanges in habitat suitability due to climate change are causing range shifts, with new habitat potentially available at cold range edges. We must predict these range shifts, but forecasters have limited knowledge of how genetic differences in plant physiological tolerances influence range shifts. Here, we focus on a major determinant of species ranges—physiological tolerance to extreme cold—to ask how warming over recent decades and genetic variation shape expansion across complex landscapes.MethodsWe examined how genotypes vary in maximum cold tolerance from 9 years of cold hardiness data across 18 genotypes from 13 sites, using winegrapes (Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera) as a case study. Combining a Bayesian hierarchical dose‐response model with gridded climate data, we then project changes in climatic suitability near winegrapes’ current cold range‐edge between 1949 and 2016.ResultsPlants increased maximum cold hardiness non‐linearly with decreasing air temperature (maximum cold hardiness: –23.6°C), but with substantial (by 2°C) variation across genotypes. Our results suggest, since the 1980s, decreasing freeze injury risk has made conditions more favorable for all genotypes at the cold range‐edge, but conditions remained more favorable for more cold hardy genotypes and in warmer areas. There was substantial spatial variation in habitat suitability, with the majority of suitably warm habitat located in a narrow north‐south oriented strip.ConclusionsWe highlight the importance of genotypic differences in physiological tolerances when assessing range shift potential with climate change. Habitat improvements were unevenly distributed over the spatially complex landscape, though, emphasizing the importance of dispersal in range expansion.
RASopathies are the most common set of monogenic syndromes identified by exome sequencing for nonimmune hydrops fetalis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Makhamreh Mona M. , Shivashankar Kavya , Araji Sarah , Critchlow Elizabeth , O'Brien Barbara M. , Wodoslawsky Sascha , Berger Seth I. , Al‐Kouatly Huda B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRASopathies are a group of malformation syndromes known to lead to nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) in severe presentations. Pathogenic variants can be de novo or parentally inherited. Despite being a known frequent presentation, the fraction of monogenic NIHF cases due to RASopathies is limited in the literature. Also, the specific parental contribution of RASopathies to NIHF is not well described. Our objective was to review pooled exome sequencing (ES) diagnostic yield of RASopathies for NIHF and to determine the parental contribution of RASopathy to NIHF. We performed a systematic review of prenatal ES studies from January 1, 2000 to August 1, 2022. Thirty‐six studies met inclusion criteria. Cases with RASopathy gene variants were reviewed. NIHF cases were further classified as isolated or non‐isolated. Thirty‐six ES studies including 46 pregnancies with NIHF and a diagnosed RASopathy were reviewed. Forty‐four diagnostic variants and 2 variants of uncertain significance in 12 RASopathy genes were identified. Expanding on what was previously published, a total of 506 NIHF cases were extracted with 191 cases yielding a positive diagnosis by ES. The overall rate of RASopathy diagnosis in clinically diagnosed NIHF cases was 9% (44/506). The rate of RASopathy diagnosis among NIHF cases with positive genetic diagnosis by ES was 23% (44/191). Of the 46 cases identified, 13 (28%) variants were parentally inherited; specifically, 5/13 (38%) maternal, 3/13 (23%) paternal, 2/13 (15%) biparental, and 3/13 (23%) unspecified. Majority of NIHF cases 29/46 (63%) were isolated. Among NIHF cases with positive ES diagnoses, RASopathy diagnostic yield by ES was 23%. NIHF secondary to RASopathies was parentally inherited in 28% of cases. Most cases of NIHF due to RASopathy were isolated, with no prenatal detection of associated anomalies.
Causal relationship between lipid profile and muscle atrophy: A bi‐directional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Kun , Gao Peng , Fang Xiaoxiang , Tang Kexing , Ouyang Pan , Li Zongchao , Li Liangjun , Deng Zhenhan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the bi‐directional causal relationship between lipid profile and characteristics related to muscle atrophy by using a bi‐directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsThe appendicular lean mass (ALM), whole body fat‐free mass (WBFFM) and trunk fat‐free mass (TFFM) were used as genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data for evaluating muscle mass; the usual walking pace (UWP) and low grip strength (LGS) were used as GWAS data for evaluating muscle strength; and the triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), apolipoprotein A‐1 (Apo A‐1), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) were used as GWAS data for evaluating lipid profile. For specific investigations, we mainly employed inverse variance weighting for causal estimation and MR‐Egger for pleiotropy analysis.ResultsMR results showed that the lipid profile predicted by genetic variants was negatively correlated with muscle mass, positively correlated with UWP, and was not causally correlated with LGS. On the other hand, the muscle mass predicted by genetic variants was negatively correlated with lipid profile, the UWP predicted by genetic variants was mainly positively correlated with lipid profile, while the LGS predicted by genetic variants had no relevant causal relationship with lipid profile.ConclusionsFindings of this MR analysis suggest that hyperlipidemia may affect muscle mass and lead to muscle atrophy, but has no significant effect on muscle strength. On the other hand, increased muscle mass may reduce the incidence of dyslipidemia.
Design and Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Furan‐Indole Compounds Bearing both Axial and Central Chirality
Authors: Wang Jing‐Yi , Gao Cong‐Hui , Ma Cheng , Wu Xin‐Yue , Ni Shao‐Fei , Tan Wei , Shi Feng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the chemistry community, catalytic asymmetric synthesis of furan‐based compounds bearing both axial and central chirality has proven to be a significant but challenging issue owing to the importance and difficulty in constructing such frameworks. In this work, we have realized the first catalytic asymmetric synthesis of five‐five‐membered furan‐based compounds bearing both axial and central chirality via organocatalytic asymmetric (2+4) annulation of achiral furan‐indoles with 2,3‐indolyldimethanols with uncommon regioselectivity. By this strategy, furan‐indole compounds bearing both axial and central chirality were synthesized in high yields with excellent regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivities. Moreover, theoretical calculations were conducted to provide an in‐depth understanding of the reaction pathway, activation mode, and the origin of the selectivity.
A RuCl3 complex catalytic system for hydroesterification of ethylene, carbon monoxide, and ethanol
Authors: Jin Huaihu , Cao Qi , Wu Dongfang 
Published: December 2023

CO, ethylene, and CH3CH2OH can be converted to ethyl propionate by ethylene hydroesterification. The RuCl3 complex catalytic system (RuCl3‐DMF‐NaI‐NaOH) is reported for ethylene hydroesterification in this paper. The function mechanisms of each substance of the catalytic system have been analyzed. The catalytic activity of RuCl3 is increased by DMF (N,N‐dimethylformamide) as the ligand. The formation of 3‐pentanone is prevented by NaI by accelerating the termination rate at which ethyl attacks the propionyl species, while the formation of acetal is inhibited by NaOH. The formation mechanism of ethyl propionate has been analyzed. In‐depth researches have been done on the reaction temperature, catalyst concentration, and other factors influencing the performance of catalytic system. In RuCl3‐DMF‐NaI‐NaOH catalytic system, at reaction conditions (180°C, P(C2H4) = P(CO) = 1.5 MPa), after 4 h reaction, the conversion of ethylene reaches 87.1% with 92.8% selectivity of ethyl propionate. This work provides a neoteric catalytic system for the synthesis of ethyl propionate by ethylene hydroesterification.
Effect of the shape of hydrogel samples on their stretch‐fracture properties
Authors: Feng Shi , Liu Zhihan , Yang Jing , Liu Yuwei , Yan Meiling , Xiang Xu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHydrogels have broad application prospects, but the measurement of their mechanical properties often lacks stability. This study investigates the mechanical properties of hydrogels, with a specific focus on the influence of sample geometry on the tensile‐fracture testing results. In the process of stretching the hydrogel along its length, increasing the width and thickness will result in uneven stress distribution. When the width of PAM hydrogel is three times that of initial sample (5 mm of width), the elastic modulus, maximum stress, and maximum strain of PAM hydrogel are reduced by about 16.8%, 69.2%, and 26.5%, respectively. Similarly, compared to the initial sample (1 mm of thickness), the elastic modulus of the triple thickness sample was reduced by about 6.5%, the maximum stress was reduced by 31%, and the maximum strain was reduced by 18.3%. In contrast, increasing the length of the hydrogel can improve the tensile properties of the hydrogel. Finite element calculations support these findings that the size increase in the loading direction improves the stress dispersion uniformity. These results indicate that the shape (length, width and thickness) of the hydrogel sample affects the tensile properties of the hydrogel and should be paid attention in related studies.
Consumer price evaluation strategies: Internal references, external references, and price images in consumer price perception
Authors: Hamilton Ryan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractConsumers have available to them several potential strategies they might use to evaluate a given price. Research suggests they might compare an observed price to internal reference prices (IRPs) drawn from memory. Alternatively, consumers might evaluate a price relative to external reference prices (ERPs) available in the immediate environment. Finally, a consumer might use the seller's price image (PI), the overall impression that consumers form of the price level of a store, as a heuristic to evaluate prices. This paper briefly reviews previous research on these three evaluation strategies, as well as work investigating how these strategies interact with each other. Building on previous work, these insights are organized into a framework for predicting the factors likely to influence consumers' use of each of these strategies. It is argued that the selection of a price evaluation strategy will be based on the relative accessibility and perceived diagnosticity of IRPs, ERPs, and PIs, as well as the consumers' motivations and type of judgment the consumers are making.
The challenges of using lignocellulosic biomass in pioneer industrial plants
Authors: Corrêa Carlos E. F. , Santos Daniel de C. L. P. , Bomtempo José V. , Alves Flavia C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo use residual biomass in industrial plants it is necessary to fulfill conditions that have proven challenging when developing production processes based on renewable sources. Relatively recent efforts to produce second‐generation ethanol (2GE) have led to some caveats regarding obstacles that can arise in the large‐scale conversion of residual lignocellulosic biomass to biofuel. Even after years of research to develop technological packages that would make the production of 2GE feasible, the first plants installed could not operate continuously within the design, and they failed to meet market expectations. By interviewing managers from the 2GE pioneer plants, the research reported in this paper identified the methods used by the 2GE pioneers, from decision‐making processes to startup and plant operation. Analyzing the challenges they faced and their relationships with innovation processes, it found that industrial handling of lignocellulosic biomass was the main reason for the relative operational failure of the pioneer 2GE production plants. It also found that changes of policy and lack of efficient communication between the equipment suppliers and the users might also lead to the failure of the pioneer plants. Based on these findings, this paper considers the significance of these projects for biobased industries using lignocellulosic biomass in pioneer plants. The conclusions suggest that filling the knowledge gap related to the industrial handling of lignocellulosic biomass, as well as understanding that new relationships between biorefineries and their equipment suppliers may generate new paths for innovation processes, should be fundamental for the implementation of first‐of‐a‐kind plants within the scope of bioeconomy.
Functionalized 2D transition metal dichalcogenide inks via liquid‐phase exfoliation for practical applications
Authors: Jeong Yeonsu , Samorì Paolo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTransition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising 2D materials which are attracting significant interest because of their distinctive physicochemical properties. The possibility of being exfoliated and dispersed in liquid solutions offers a viable pathway to scalable production. This personal account focuses on recent advancements in 2D TMD inks produced by liquid‐phase exfoliation (LPE) methods and intercalation‐based electrochemical exfoliation. In particular, different LPE production strategies, like ultrasonication LPE, high‐shear mixing exfoliation, and microfluidization, are introduced alongside a broad range of liquid media employed to provide functionalized TMD inks. The main advantage of TMD inks is its scalability, for practical applications in printed optoelectronics, energy storage, and conversion. Furthermore, the chemical functionalization of TMD inks can solve the poor electrical conductivity attributed to edge defects inherent in TMD inks. Finally, the ultimate orientations for future applications of chemically functionalized TMD devices are forecasted, with a specific focus on wearable and flexible printed electronics.
Distribution of regional lymph nodes metastasis in 870 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the suggestions for individualized elective prophylactic neck irradiation with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Zheng , He Qian , Li Yiting , Wang Subin , Li Feiping , Wang Hui , Li Wenhui , Han Yaqian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeTo explore the feasibility of individualized elective prophylactic neck irradiation (iEPNI) for optimizing current approach by investigating metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) distribution in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Materials and MethodsRecords of 870 NPC patients without distant metastasis in Hunan Cancer Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were reviewed. LNs' locations were identified based on the 2013 guidelines. The intra‐regional lymphatic drainage (IRLD) areas included Station 1st (level VIIa and II), Station 2nd (level III and Va), and Station 3rd (level IV, Vb, and Vc). Other levels were categorized as extra‐regional areas.ResultsAmong the 870 patients, 94.5% cases exhibited LNs metastasis, including unilateral metastasis in 198 patients and bilateral metastasis in 624 patients. In the whole cohort, the most common involved IRLD areas were level IIb (87.1%), VIIa (80.0%), IIa (61.8%), Va (30.6%), IV (21.4%), Vb (8.9%), and Vc (1.1%). Besides, rates of LNs metastasis in Station 1st, 2nd, and 3rd were 94.3%, 61.1%, and 22.9%, respectively. Only four patients (4, 0.5%) revealed skipping metastasis among the three stations.ConclusionsLymph node metastasis follows an organized pattern from Station 1st to 3rd with scarce skipping metastasis. A potential iEPNI strategy of prophylactic neck irradiation to the ipsilateral latter node‐negative station appears promising in NPC patients. Further prospective investigations are warranted to validate the approach.
Actinobacteria as Microbial Cell Factories and Biocatalysts in The Synthesis of Chiral Intermediates and Bioactive Molecules; Insights and Applications
Authors: Salama Sara , Mostafa Heba Sayed , Husseiny Samah , Sebak Mohamed 
Published: December 2023

AbstractActinobacteria are one of the most intriguing bacterial phyla in terms of chemical diversity and bioactivities of their reported biomolecules and natural products, including various types of chiral molecules. Actinobacterial genera such as Detzia, Mycobacterium, and Streptomyces are among the microbial sources targeted for selective reactions such as asymmetric biocatalysis catalyzed by whole cells or enzymes induced in their cell niche. Remarkably, stereoselective reactions catalyzed by actinobacterial whole cells or their enzymes include stereoselective oxidation, stereoselective reduction, kinetic resolution, asymmetric hydrolysis, and selective transamination, among others. Species of actinobacteria function with high chemo‐, regio‐, and enantio‐selectivity under benign conditions, which could help current industrial processing. Numerous selective enzymes were either isolated from actinobacteria or expressed from actinobacteria in other microbes and hence exploited in the production of pure organic compounds difficult to obtain chemically. In addition, different species of actinobacteria, especially Streptomyces species, function as natural producers of chiral molecules of therapeutic importance. Herein, we discuss some of the most outstanding contributions of actinobacteria to asymmetric biocatalysis, which are important in the organic and/or pharmaceutical industries. In addition, we highlight the role of actinobacteria as microbial cell factories for chiral natural products with insights into their various biological potentialities.
Phytochemistry and Micromorphology of Epicuticular Waxes in Four Juniper Species With Fragmented Distribution in the Balkans
Authors: Rajčević Nemanja , Dodoš Tanja , Janković Smiljana , Novaković Jelica , Zheljazkov Valtcho , Semerdjieva Ivanka , Marin Petar D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe cuticle is important in the interaction between the plant and its environment, especially in the dry areas. Four species of junipers from the section Sabina wild growing in the Balkans were selected to study leaf wax composition using GC/MS and GC‐FID and its surface morphology under SEM to understand the correlation between the distribution and/or habitat of these species and their cuticles. SEM micrographs showed continuous, smooth epicuticular layers with crusts in all species but with a species‐specific distribution of different 3D crystalloid types and different cuticle thickness. n‐C33 alkane was the most abundant compound, followed by n‐C29, n‐C31, and n‐C35, depending on the species and the site. The average chain length (N) was the lowest in J. phoenicea, but with the greatest dispersion around it. At the same time, the two most continental species (J. foetidissima and J. excelsa) show the N with the lowest dispersion around it. The statistical analyses confirmed the significance of climate on the evolution of the specific epicuticular wax composition in studied junipers.
The evaluations of the inhibition of orlistat on Clostridium perfringens sialidase (NanI) activity by in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Ertik Onur , Yanardag Refiye 
Published: December 2023

AbstractClostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is a bacterium that causes serious problems in humans and animals such as food poisoning, gas gangrene and infections. C. perfringens has three sialidases (NanH, NanI, NanJ) and inhibition of NanI constitutes an approach in the treatment of C. perfringens since NanI provides the carbohydrate source necessary for the growth of bacteria. In our study, the inhibition effect of some drugs belonging to different drug groups on NanI activity was investigated. Among these drugs, orlistat (0.21±0.05 μM) was determined to have a lower IC50 value than the positive control quercetin (15.58±1.59 μM). It was determined in vitro by spectrofluorometric method. Additionally, NanI molecular docking studies with orlistatand quercetin were performed using iGemdock, DockThor and SwissDock. Orlistat (−93.93, −8.649 and −10.03 kcal/mol, respectively) was found to have a higher binding affinity than quercetin (−92.68, −7.491 and −8.70 kcal/mol, respectively), and the results were in line with in vitro studies. The results may suggest that orlistat is a molecule with drug potential for C. perfringens because it inhibits the drug target NanI, and that the inhibition efficiency can be increased by studies with orlistat derivatives.
Degrading characteristics of oil‐degrading bacteria and its study of petroleum hydrocarbon metabolites
Authors: Ma Yufei , Zhu Huan , Liu Hongwei , Xie Yali , Zhang Dan , Cheng Yan , Feng Ruyi , Zhang Jianping , Yang Shengke 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExploring the community characteristics of petroleum degrading bacteria and revealing the types of petroleum metabolites produced by degrading bacteria play an important role in solving the problem of oil pollution. In this study, the bacterial suspension was extracted from the sludge of the sewage treatment plant, and the efficient dominant bacteria were enriched and cultured by microbial screening. The optimal environmental conditions and kinetic behavior of microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater were discussed, and the metabolites of microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons were analyzed. The results showed that the optimum degradation conditions of the strain were as follows: bacterial suspension inoculum: 2%, pH: 7, temperature: 30°C, initial concentration of contaminated water sample: 500 mg/L. Under these conditions, the microbial petroleum hydrocarbon degradation efficiency was 84.7% and followed the first‐order kinetics; qualitative and quantitative statistical analysis of the metabolites of the microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by gas chromatography‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was performed. A total of 10 significantly upregulated products and 12 significantly downregulated products were screened, which were significantly different from the metabolites of the control group. Further microbial community analysis showed that Pseudomonas was dominant in the bacterial suspension, more than 99.5%, which was significantly different from the sludge sample, providing data support for the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by Pseudomonas. This study has provided a scientific basis for in situ remediation of petroleum pollution in groundwater.