bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Synthesized Poly(Pthalazinone Ether Sulfone Ketone) Copolymer‐Modified Separators for Li−S Batteries
Authors: Mathivanan Tamilarasan , Dolui Subrata , Nandhini Panjulingam , Rajkumar Kanakaraj , Lakshmipathi Senthilkumar , Banerjee Sanjib , Kalai Selvan Ramakrishnan
Published: August 2022

Lithium‐Sulfur (Li−S) batteries have become an undoubtful choice for future high‐energy applications due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the “Shuttle Effect” is a phenomenon that hinders the practical application of Li−S batteries. The present work reports a facile synthesis of poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketones) (PPESK) as a surface modifier for the conventional glass fiber separator to arrest the shuttle effect. PPESK is prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution (SNAr) with 4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) phthalazin‐1(2H)‐one, bis (4‐chlorophenyl methanone), and 4,4′‐sulfinyl‐bis (chlorobenzene). The Li−S cells with PPESK@GF separators deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 1054.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C than GF (991.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to determine the interaction between the PPESK with lithium polysulfides, Li2Sn (n=1, 2, 4, 6, and 8). The results indicate that all the lithium polysulfides strongly bind with the sulfone nitrogen site of the PPESK structure with high binding energy, particularly Li2S6 has −492.58 kcal/mol. The atoms‐in‐molecules analysis (AIM) shows the presence of ionic bonds between PPESK and lithium polysulfides. Gibb's free energy, the thermodynamical parameter, indicates that the reaction is exergonic and spontaneous. Overall, the theoretical findings augment the observed experimental results.
Relationships between the eDNA concentration obtained from metabarcoding and stream fish abundance estimated by the removal method under field conditions
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru , Fukushima Keitaro , Sakai Masaru , Wu Luhan , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: August 2022

Estimating abundance or biomass using eDNA metabarcoding is a powerful emerging tool that may provide an alternative to conventional laborious methods for biological monitoring. However, inferring aquatic macroorganism abundance or biomass using eDNA concentrations remains challenging, especially in lotic environments, because of several potential confounding factors. In this study, we tested whether quantitative eDNA metabarcoding that uses internal standard DNA can be used to estimate the abundance of four fish species. We collected eDNA samples and concurrently estimated fish densities using the conventional removal method in small tributaries in four seasons during a year. The effects of potential confounding factors, including the body mass of the individuals, water temperature, and discharge volume, were assessed using an allometric scaling model. We found an increasing trend of eDNA concentration against the increase in abundance across all species. In the most abundant species, a significant increase in the precision of predicted abundance was achieved by considering confounding factors, such as season and discharge. Although this study successfully determined the relationships between eDNA concentration and fish abundance under lotic field conditions, it also identified several limitations of quantitative eDNA metabarcoding. The relationship between eDNA concentration and fish abundance in rare species showed significant variances in the regression. More sequencing depth may be necessary to detect rare species sufficiently. The eDNA concentration estimation error effect was significant, particularly among the samples that showed the same abundance figures by direct capture estimation. The utilization of quantitative eDNA metabarcoding may be suitable for organisms that are expected to have a substantial variation in their population density. More comparative studies with various conventional methods would be informative, especially in lotic field environments, to overcome these limitations and achieve wider applications of eDNA metabarcoding in future research and monitoring.
MedXFit—Effects of 6 months CrossFit® in sedentary and inactive employees: A prospective, controlled, longitudinal, intervention study
Authors: Brandt Tom , Heinz Elisabeth , Klaaßen Yannik , Limbara Selina , Mörsdorf Marian , Schinköthe Timo , Schmidt Annette
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Muscle and mobility enhancing training is recommended to promote musculoskeletal fitness and prevent MSD. A functional fitness program emphasizing the importance of musculoskeletal fitness is provided by CrossFit®. However, data from long‐term CrossFit® interventions assessing measures of musculoskeletal fitness in sedentary and inactive individuals does not exist.

Methods

This prospective, controlled study investigates the effects of 6 months CrossFit® training (2×60 min/week) in inactive adults (in terms of <2 muscle or mobility enhancing training sessions per week) with predominantly sitting or standing occupations. 91 participants were initially assessed, 2 were excluded, 55 self‐selected for intervention (IG), and 34 for the control group (CG). Primary endpoint was a change in mobility (Functional Movement Screen score). Secondary endpoints were changed in strength (maximum isometric strength in kg; Dr. Wolff BackCheck®), and well‐being (WHO‐5 score). Key exploratory endpoints were changes in back‐issue measures (pain intensity, limitation, and frequency).

Results

39 participants of IG and 31 of CG completed the evaluation after 6 months. The IG improved significantly more (p < 0.001) compared with the CG in the FMS (η² = 0.58), trunk extension (η² = 0.46), trunk flexion (η² = 0.47), trunk lateral flexion left (η² = 0.41), trunk lateral flexion right (η² = 0.42), upper body push (η² = 0.4), upper body pull (η² = 0.25), hip extension left (η² = 0.18), and hip extension right (η² = 0.4). Change of WHO‐5 scores did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.55; η² = 0.01). Exploratory analysis of back‐issue data showed a higher decrease for pain intensity, limitation, and frequency in the IG compared with the CG.

Conclusion

This study proves for the first time within the scope of a prospective, controlled study the broad benefits of CrossFit® in inactive adults doing predominantly sedentary work.
Comparison of the postoperative analgesic effect of transversus abdominis plan block and quadratus lumborum block: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Öncü Gülşah , Boran Ömer Faruk , Çalışır Feyza , Orak Yavuz , Bilal Bora , Öksüz Hafize
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

In this study, we aimed to compare the transversus abdominis plan block (TAP) and quadratus lumborum block (QL) efficacy for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing varicocelectomy under spinal anesthesia.

Methods

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 and 2 patients, aged 18–45 years, who underwent varicocelectomy operation under elective conditions, were included. Eighty patients were divided into three groups as TAP group, QL group, and control group by prospective randomization. The patients were operated under spinal anesthesia. At the end of the operation, TAP was applied to the TAP group with a posterior approach using ultrasound (USG) in the supine position. To the QL group, the patient was placed in the lateral decubitus position and the lateral QL was applied via USG. No block type was applied to the control group. Patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) device containing tramadol was administered intravenously at the end of the surgery in all groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was questioned at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24 h in the follow‐up of the patients. Intravenous 1 g paracetamol was given over VAS 4. PCA usage time and usage amounts were recorded.

Results

As a result of comparing the groups according to the VAS scores at all hours were significantly different between the three groups (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups when comparing the number of PCA bolus administrations (p < 0.001). TAP and QL blocks significantly reduced the number of PCA bolus when compared with the control group (p < 0.001) but the number of PCA bolus was found to be similar between TAP and QL blocks (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

TAP and QL, which are administered to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing varicocelectomy under spinal anesthesia, are both effective in reducing pain scores and the amount of analgesia consumption.
Respiratory symptoms, spirometric, and radiological status of stone‐cutting workers in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Shamim , Choudhury Shah Ashiqur Rahman Ashiq , Dip Abir Hasan , Bose Taposh , Sarkar Ashis Kumar , Rahman Mohammed Atiqur , Ferdous Jannatul
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Inhalation of respirable silica dust during several stone processing methods can result in several respiratory diseases. However, data are scarce regarding the respiratory health of stone‐cutting workers in Bangladesh. We aimed to determine the point prevalence of respiratory symptoms, lung function status and radiological abnormalities among the stone‐cutting workers.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 200 stone‐cutting workers. Adult workers having a job experience of at least 3 years participated in this study. Then inquiry was made regarding respiratory symptoms with the help of a preformed questionnaire. All the participants underwent chest X‐ray and spirometry. A respiratory dust sampler was used to measure the dust concentration of the stone‐cutting factories.

Results

Among the 200 stone‐cutting workers, 89% (178) showed at least one chronic respiratory symptom while they had chest tightness (75.5%), chronic cough (74.5%), and shortness of breath (66.5%) as the most prominent ones. Spirometry findings revealed that the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) value was 1.42± 0.65 L in the obstructive pattern, 1.43 ± 0.73 L in the restrictive pattern. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) value was 2.53 ± 1.12 L in the obstructive pattern, 1.53 ± 0.75 L in the restrictive pattern. 42.69% of stone‐cutting workers who complained of at least one respiratory symptom had abnormal chest X‐ray findings. Those with progressive massive fibrosis had the lowest mean FEV1 value (0.75 ± 0.50 L). While measuring workplace dust concentration, we found high particulate matter (PM) 2.5 (979.78 µg/m3) and PM 10 (1298.35 µg/m3) values.

Conclusions

Most of the stone‐cutting workers in our study exhibited different respiratory symptoms. These symptoms were associated with abnormal lung function and radiology. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to determine the actual dimension of this problem.
Retracted: Design, development, and evaluation of a registry system for hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A methodological study
Authors: Oliaei Shahram , Karimi Amirali , Shamsabadi Ahmadreza , Mirzapour Pegah , Mojdeganlou Hengameh , Nazeri Zahra , Bagheri Amir B. , Nazarian Newsha , Jashaninejad Reyhaneh , Qodrati Mohammad , Amiri Fard Iman , Ghanadinezhad Farzaneh , Afzalian Arian , Heydari Mohammad , Mehraeen Esmaeil , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), utilizes 100% oxygen at pressures greater than sea‐level atmospheric pressure, for the treatment of conditions in which the tissues starve for oxygen. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) has granted HBOT approval for the treatment of various conditions. On the other hand, applying informatics registry systems can improve care delivery, ameliorate outcomes, and reduce the costs and medical errors for the patients receiving HBOT treatment. Therefore, we aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a registry system for patients undergoing HBOT.

Methods

In the first phase, the conceptual and logical models were designed after conducting symposiums with experts and having other experts review the models. In the second phase, the system was developed on the web using ASP.NET  and C# programming languages frameworks. The last phase involved Nielsen's heuristic evaluation method for the system's usability. Five experts evaluated the system, including three health information management specialists and two medical informatics specialists.

Results

The hyperbaric patient information registry system (HPIRS) interacts with three types of users—a specialist physician, a nurse, and a system administrator. A scenario for each predefined activity was designed, and all the information was stored in the SQL servers. The five experts independently found 152 issues, of which 84 were duplicates. The 68 distinct issues of the system were then resolved.

Conclusions

The design and development of such registry systems can make data available and stored carefully to improve clinical care and medical research and decrease costs and errors. These registries can provide the healthcare systems with E‐health applications, improved data management, more secure data transfer, and support for statistical reporting. The implemented heuristic evaluation method can also provide a low‐cost and readily available system to fix the issues of the designed systems.
Middle Fossa Decompression for Recurrent Facial Palsy: Prevalence and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Song Yohan , McHugh Christopher , Tirino Jennifer , Hadlock Tessa , Santos Felipe
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the surgical outcomes in patients treated for recurrent facial nerve palsy (RFP) at a quaternary facial nerve referral center.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on 132 patients with RFP who presented to our institution's facial nerve clinic from 2001 to 2021. Records were analyzed for etiology of palsy, facial nerve function, and recurrence rates. Pre‐ and post‐operative audiometric outcomes were also assessed in surgically managed patients.

Results

6.8% of RFP patients underwent surgical decompression. For patients who did not undergo surgery, the House‐Brackmann (HB) score was 2.9 ± 1.3 (SD) at the initial clinic visit, and 2.4 ± 1.3 (SD) at the last clinic visit. This difference was significantly different (p = 0.01, t‐test). For surgical patients, the pre‐operative HB score was 2.9 ± 0.9 (SD) and post‐operative HB score was 1.8 ± 0.6 (SD), which were significantly different (p = 0.01, t‐test). The number of facial palsy episodes also decreased pre‐ and post‐operatively from 3.5 ± 0.8 (SD) to 0.2 ± 0.4 (SD) episodes, which were significantly different (p < 0,001, t‐test). Audiometric outcomes were not significantly different pre‐ and post‐surgery (p = 0.31, t‐test for PTA; p = 0.34, t‐test for WRS).

Conclusion

Facial nerve decompression for RFP patients with incomplete functional recovery may be an effective treatment for decreasing the frequency and severity of facial palsy episodes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1222–1227, 2023
Functional reconstruction of the unilateral supraglottis and piriform sinus with a triple chimeric superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap after supraglottic laryngectomy: A case report
Authors: Werner Jonas , Rajan Gunesh P. , Scaglioni Mario F.
Published: August 2022

Preservation of laryngeal functions after supraglottic laryngectomy depends on both the extent of surgical resection and the type of reconstruction. Any reconstructive modality faces the challenges of preserving voice and swallow function due to the complex and dynamic anatomy of the larynx. In this report, we present a case in which the entire affected unilateral supraglottis and piriform sinus were functionally reconstructed using a triple chimeric superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) free flap. An extended unilateral supraglottic laryngectomy and neck dissection were performed in a 78‐year‐old male patient presenting with a supraglottic cT4a cN0 cM0 laryngeal cancer. The resulting defect was reconstructed using a triple chimeric SCIP flap from the right inguinal region intended to reconstruct the different affected compartments. It was based on three perforators and consisted of a 4 cm × 3 cm fascial flap from the external oblique muscle and two fasciocutaneous paddles measuring 6 cm × 2 cm and 3 cm × 4 cm. The arterial and venous vessels were anastomosed to the superior thyroid artery and internal jugular vein. The fascial flap was used to reconstruct the aryepiglottic fold. The smaller fasciocutaneous paddle was utilized to reconstruct the affected piriform sinus and former thyroid cartilage compartment, while the larger fasciocutaneous paddle served as a monitor skin flap. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. Laryngeal functions including voice and deglutition were well‐preserved after 4 months of rehabilitation. The patient showed no signs of chronic aspiration or tumor recurrence 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The pliable and versatile triple chimeric SCIP flap provides a useful free flap option for a tailored functional reconstruction after an extended supraglottic laryngectomy. Restoration of larynx elevation and mobility with the presented technique substantially improves swallow rehabilitation while preserving the voice.
Clinical applications of mass spectrometry‐based proteomics in cancer: Where are we?
Authors: Boys Emma L. , Liu Jia , Robinson Phillip J. , Reddel Roger R.
Published: August 2022

Tumor tissue processing methodologies in combination with data‐independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA‐MS) have emerged that can comprehensively analyze the proteome of multiple tumor samples accurately and reproducibly. Increasing recognition and adoption of these technologies has resulted in a tranche of studies providing novel insights into cancer classification systems, functional tumor biology, cancer biomarkers, treatment response and drug targets. Despite this, with some limited exceptions, MS‐based proteomics has not yet been implemented in routine cancer clinical practice. Here, we summarize the use of DIA‐MS in studies that may pave the way for future clinical cancer applications, and highlight the role of alternative MS technologies and multi‐omic strategies. We discuss limitations and challenges of studies in this field to date and propose steps for integrating proteomic data into the cancer clinic.
Botanic gardens: Seizing the moment while imagining the future
Authors: Crane Peter
Published: August 2022

Societal Impact Statement

The coronavirus pandemic has reminded us that green spaces provide sanctuary and comfort, as well as opportunities for release and relief, during difficult times. However, to ensure continuing viability, botanical gardens can do more to address important societal concerns, especially around the environment. Sustaining relevance through action, especially local action, while also thinking beyond botanical science, and making creative use of electronic outreach will help botanic gardens to flourish.

This paper is a personal reflection on high‐level issues relevant to future of botanic gardens and similar organisations, based on the personal experiences of the author at the Field Museum in Chicago, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (now the Yale School of the Environment) in New Haven, Connecticut, and the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in northern Virginia. Botanic gardens have the inherent advantage that passages of nature, especially in cities, are vital for individual and social well‐being. But this natural advantage needs to be supplemented by actions that take into account a changing world and that respond in meaningful ways to the concerns of supporters and stakeholders. I emphasise five principles that are important now and for the future: (1) Sustaining relevance is key; (2) science is not enough; (3) actions speak louder than words; (4) local action is disproportionately important; and (5) electronic outreach is not optional. Leadership from outstanding individuals is also vital. Finding, encouraging and developing energetic people who are open minded, determined to make a difference and willing to embrace change is vital for institutional success.
Evaluation of autoantibody signatures in pituitary adenoma patients using human proteome arrays
Authors: Banerjee Arghya , Ray Arka , Barpanda Abhilash , Dash Ankita , Gupta Ishika , Nissa Mehar Un , Zhu Heng , Shah Abhidha , Duttagupta Siddhartha P. , Goel Atul , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To identify the specific diagnostic biomarkers related to pituitary adenomas (PAs), we performed serological antibody profiles for three types of PAs, namely Acromegaly, Cushing's and Nonfunctional Pituitary Adenomas (NFPAs), using the human proteome (HuProt) microarray. This is the first study describing the serum autoantibody profile of PAs.

Experimental Design

We performed serological autoantibody profiling of four healthy controls, four Acromegaly, three Cushing's and three NFPAs patient samples to obtain their autoantibody profiles, which were used for studying expression, interaction and altered biological pathways. Further, significant autoantibodies of PAs were compared with data available for glioma, meningioma and AAgAtlas for their specificity.

Results

Autoantibody profile of PAs led to the identification of differentially expressed significant proteins such as AKNAD1 (AT‐Hook Transcription Factor [AKNA] Domain Containing 1), NINJ1 (Nerve injury‐induced protein 1), L3HYPDH (Trans‐3‐hydroxy‐L‐proline dehydratase), RHOG (Rho‐related GTP‐binding protein) and PTP4A1 (Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Type IVA 1) in Acromegaly. Protein ABR (Active breakpoint cluster region‐related protein), ST6GALNAC6 (ST6 N‐acetylgalactosaminide alpha‐2, 6‐sialyltransferase 6), NOL3 (Nucleolar protein 3), ANXA8 (Annexin A8) and POLR2H (RNA polymerase II, I and III subunit H) showed an antigenic response in Cushing's patient's serum samples. Protein dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) and reticulon‐4 (RTN4) exhibited a very high antigenic response in NFPA patients. These proteins hold promise as potential autoantibody biomarkers in PAs.
Measuring food systems sustainability in heterogenous countries: The Brazilian multidimensional index updated version applicability
Authors: Norde Marina Maintinguer , Porciuncula Laura , Garrido Giovanna , Nunes‐Galbes Nadine Marques , Sarti Flavia Mori , Marchioni Dirce Maria Lobo , de Carvalho Aline Martins
Published: August 2022

Countries with large territories marked by heterogeneity lack tools to monitor their distinct food systems sustainability. The multidimensional index for sustainable food systems (MISFS) was designed to measure food system sustainability locally, using the Brazilian territory. The aim was two‐fold: to present the MISFS updating process (MISFS‐R), and to show the applicability of MISFS‐R to uncover local geopolitical priorities. Methods: Based on a systematized review and sensitivity analysis, 46 indicators were selected to compose the MISFS‐R social, nutritional, environmental, and economic dimensions. Official Brazilian datasets allowed the MISFS‐R scoring for 26 Brazilian states and capitals. Correlations between MISFS‐R dimensions were analyzed by Spearman's coefficient. A cluster analysis was used to check for Brazilian states similarities and priorities. Findings: Economic and environmental performance were inversely related, while economic performance was directly related to social and nutritional scores. Four clusters were formed with marked differences in their food systems sustainability profile.
Algorithm for Solving Trip‐Out Rate Due to Shielding Failure of Bent Transmission Line
Authors: Huang Li , Liu Peng , Huang Junjie , Tang Bo , Liao Zirong
Published: August 2022

Accurate assessment of lightning protection performance of extra high voltage transmission lines is important for transmission line design and different lightning protection. Based on the electro‐geometrical model, this paper introduces the angle influence factor, and presents an algorithm for shielding failure trip‐out rate of angle tower, and the existing algorithm is expanded. By establishing the three‐dimensional geometric model of the angle tower, the electrical geometric relations of conductors and ground wires on both sides are analyzed, respectively, and the projection area algorithm for shielding failure is modified. To further verify the application value of the calculation algorithm, the change of the shielding failure trip‐out rate of the typical angle tower with the bending angle of transmission line and the tower height in a 500 kV transmission line is analyzed. The analysis results show that the trip‐out rate of the outside corner is higher than that of the inside one, and with the increase of the angle and the height of the tower, the trip‐out rate shows an upward trend. When the tension tower height is 71.5 m and the angle increases from 0° to 80°, the outside shielding failure trip‐out rate increased by 10.9% and the inside decreased by 9.3%. Compared with the classical electro‐geometrical model calculation, the difference of trip‐out rate is 4.3% when the bending angle is 80°. When the tangent tower height is 70 m and the angle increases from 0° to 40°, the shielding failure trip‐out rate on the outside increased by 5.9% while the inside decreased by 6.2%. The research results provide a simple algorithm for solving bending transmission line and give some reference for lightning protection design of EHV transmission lines. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Ist ein anderer Umgang mit Ressentiments denkbar?
Authors: Szynka Peter
Published: August 2022

Mein Beitrag versucht, die philosophischen und geschichtlichen Hintergründe eines zentralen Begriffs bei Saul D. Alinsky neu auszuleuchten, dem Begrif des Ressentiments. Alinsky, der Begründer des Community Organizing, hat bei der Organisation von Bürgergruppen versucht, vorhandene Ressentiments aufzulösen, indem er die zugrundeliegende Diskriminierungen artikulierbar macht, sie in politische Forderungen verwandelt, die schließlich in Verhandlungen umgesetzt werden. Er sah darin auch ein Verfahren, die Menschen vor falschen Agitatoren zu schützen.
Study on the microcosmic superlubricity mechanism of PVPA affected by metal cations
Authors: Cai Hongyun , Zhang Caixia , Li Fuping , Liu Mengmeng , Zhang Tao , Chu Hongyan , Liu Zhifeng
Published: August 2022

Hydrophilic polymer coatings on artificial implants generate excellent tribological properties. The friction properties of polymer coatings are affected by salt ion factors. Herein, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to show that the superlubricity was achieved between poly(vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA)-modified Ti6Al4V and polystyrene (PS) microsphere probe lubricated with monovalent salt solutions (LiCl, NaCl, KCl, and CsCl). Considering that adhesion is an important cause of friction changes, the AFM was further utilized to obtain adhesion between friction pairs in different salt solutions. The results indicated that the larger the cation radius in the lubricant, the smaller the adhesion, and the lower the friction coefficient of the PVPA coating. The electrostatic interaction between the PVPA and one-valence cations in lubricants was analyzed by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as it was found to be the main influencing factor of the adhesion. Combined analysis results of friction and adhesion indicated that by adjusting the size of cation radius in lubricant, the adhesion between the tribo-pairs can be changed, and eventually the magnitude of friction can be affected. This study opens up a new avenue for analyzing the friction characteristics of hydrophilic polymer coatings from the perspective of intermolecular forces.
Astonishingly distinct lubricity difference between the ionic liquid modified carbon nanoparticles grafted by anion and cation moieties
Authors: Wang Baogang , Yao Linping , Dai Shanshan , Lu Hongsheng
Published: August 2022

The astonishingly distinct lubricity difference between the ionic liquid modified carbon nanoparticles grafted by anion and cation moieties (A-g-CNPs and C-g-CNPs) was well established as additives of polyethylene glycol (PEG200). The peripheral anion moieties and positively charged inner parts of C-g-CNPs could successively absorb onto the friction interfaces by electrostatic interactions to form the organic—inorganic electric double layer structures, tremendously boosting the lubricity of PEG200. Contrarily, the preferentially electrostatic adsorption of negatively charged inner parts but repulsion of the peripheral cation moieties determined the weak embedded stability of A-g-CNPs between the friction interfaces, even impairing the lubricity of PEG200. This work can offer solidly experimental and theoretical guidance for designing and developing the high-performance nanoadditives modified by ionic molecules.
Optimizations of a Multi-Agent System for a Real-World Warehouse Problem
Authors: Ács Botond , Dóra László , Jakab Olivér , Jüttner Alpár , Madarasi Péter , Varga László Z.
Published: August 2022

In recent years, many warehouses applied mobile robots to move products from one location to another. We focus on a traditional warehouse where agents are humans, and they are engaged with tasks to navigate to the next destination one after the other. The possible destinations are determined at the beginning of the daily shift. Our real-world warehouse client asked us to minimize the total wage cost, and to minimize the irritation of the workers because of conflicts in their tasks. We define a heuristic for the optimizations for splitting the orders into warehouse carts, defining the sequence of the products within the carts, and the assignment of the carts to workers. We extend Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) solution techniques. Furthermore, we have implemented our proposal in a simulation software, and we have run several experiments. According to the experiments, the make-span and the wage cost cannot be reduced with the heuristic optimization, however the heuristic optimization considerably reduces the irritation of the workers. We conclude our work with a guideline for the warehouse.
Modelling the influence of marine ice on the dynamics of an idealised ice shelf
Authors: Craw Lisa , McCormack Felicity S. , Cook Sue , Roberts Jason , Treverrow Adam
Published: August 2022

Understanding the dynamic behaviour of ice shelves, specifically the controls on their ability to buttress the flow of ice into the ocean, is critical for predicting future ice-sheet contributions to sea level rise. Many large ice shelves, which are predominantly composed of meteoric ice, have a basal layer of marine ice (formed from accumulated platelets at the ice–ocean interface), comprising up to 40% of their thickness locally. Differences in temperature, chemistry and microstructure between marine and meteoric ice mean the rheological properties of the ice vary throughout the ice shelf. These differences are not explicitly accounted for in ice-sheet modelling applications, and may have an important influence on ice shelf dynamics. We tested the sensitivity of a model of an idealised ice shelf to variations in temperature distribution and flow enhancement, and found that incorporating a realistic thermal profile (where the marine ice layer is isothermal) had an order of magnitude greater effect on ice mass flux and thinning than incorporating the mechanical properties of the marine ice. The presence of marine ice at the ice shelf base has the potential to significantly increase deviatoric stresses at the surface and ice mass flux across the front of an ice shelf.
A graph method of description of driving behaviour characteristics under the guidance of navigation prompt message
Authors: Yang Liping , Bian Yang , Zhao Xiaohua , Wu Yiping , Liu Hao , Liu Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

To verify whether a graph is suitable for describing driver behaviour performance under the effects of navigation information, this study applies two types of prompt messages: simple and detailed. The simple messages contain only direction instructions, while the detailed messages contain distance, direction, road and lane instructions. A driving simulation experiment was designed to collect the empirical data. Two vehicle operating indicators (velocity and lateral offset), and two driver manoeuvre indicators (accelerator power and steering wheel angle) were selected, and T-test was used to compare the differences of behavioural performance. Driving behaviour graphs were constructed for the two message conditions; their characteristics and similarities were further analysed. Finally, the results of T-test of behavioural performance and similarity results of the driving behaviour graphs were compared. Results indicated that the two different types of prompt messages were associated with significant differences in driving behaviours, which implies that it is feasible to describe the characteristics of driving behaviours guided by navigation information using such graphs. This study provides a new method for systematically exploring the mechanisms affecting drivers’ response to navigation information, and presents a new perspective for the optimisation of navigation information.
Superiority Discounting Implies the Preposterous Conclusion
Authors: Barrington Mitchell
Published: August 2022

Many population axiologies avoid the Repugnant Conclusion (RC) by endorsing Superiority: some number of great lives is better than any number of mediocre lives. But as Nebel shows, RC follows (given plausible auxiliary assumptions) from the Intrapersonal Repugnant Conclusion (IRC): a guaranteed mediocre life is better than a sufficiently small probability of a great life. This result is concerning because IRC is plausible. Recently, Kosonen has argued that IRC can be true while RC is false if small probabilities are discounted to zero. This article details the unique problems created by combining Superiority with discounting. The resultant view, Superiority Discounting, avoids the Repugnant Conclusion only at the cost of the Preposterous Conclusion: near-certain hell for arbitrarily many people is better than near-certain heaven for arbitrarily many people.
Dicamba residue persistence in processing tomato
Authors: Meyers Stephen L. , Arana Jeanine , Woolam Brandi C. , Vargas Nathaly , Rodriguez Laura , Cardona Luz
Published: August 2022

There is zero tolerance for dicamba and dicamba metabolite residue in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit following exposure to dicamba. Field trials were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to determine the persistence of dicamba and metabolite (5-hydroxy dicamba and 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid [DCSA]) residue in processing tomato shoots and fruits. Dicamba was applied 49 d after transplanting at 0, 0.53, 5.3, and 53 g ae ha−1. Tomato plants were harvested 5, 10, 20, 40, and 61 d after treatment (DAT). No 5-hydroxy dicamba was recovered from any sample. In 2020, the DCSA metabolite was detected from tomato shoot tissue when dicamba was applied at the 53 g ha−1 rate at 0 (14 µg kg−1), 5 (3 µg kg−1), and 20 DAT (5 µg kg−1) and from tomato fruit tissue at 53 g ha−1 at 20 (2 µg kg−1) and 61 DAT (2 µg kg−1). In 2021, DCSA was not detected from tomato shoot or fruit tissues at any harvest date. By 5 DAT, dicamba was only detected from tomato shoot tissues treated with 53 g ha−1. At 0 DAT, dicamba residue was detectable only from tomato fruit on plants treated with 53 g ha−1. Tomato fruit dicamba residue from plants treated with 5.3 g ha−1 had a predicted peak of 19 µg kg−1 at 11.3 DAT. Tomato fruit dicamba residue from plants treated with 53 g ha−1 decreased from 164 to 8 µg kg−1 from 5 to 61 DAT. Furthermore, this study confirms that dicamba is detectable from tomato fruits at 61 DAT following exposure to 5.3 or 53 g ha−1 dicamba. Growers who suspect dicamba exposure should include tomato fruit tissue with their collected sample or sample tomato fruits separately.
An Analytical Framework for Determining the Ecological Risks of Wastewater Discharges in River Networks Under Climate Change
Authors: Yang Soohyun , Büttner Olaf , Kumar Rohini , Basso Stefano , Borchardt Dietrich
Published: August 2022

Over the last decades, treatment of domestic wastewater promoted by environmental regulations have reduced human health risks and improved water quality. However, ecological risks caused by effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) discharged into rivers still persist. Moreover, the evolution of these ecological risks in the future is intimately related to effects of changing climate, especially regarding streamflow in receiving rivers. Here, we present an analytical and transferable framework for assessing the ecological risks posed by WWTP‐effluents at the catchment scale. The framework combines the size‐class k of WWTPs, which is a load‐proxy, with their outflows' location in river networks, represented by stream‐order ω. We identify ecological risks by using three proxy indicators: the urban discharge fraction and the local‐scale concentrations of each total phosphorous and ammonium‐nitrogen discharged from WWTPs. About 3,200 WWTPs over three large catchments (Rhine, Elbe, and Weser) in Central Europe were analyzed by incorporating simulated streamflow for the most extreme projected climate change scenario. We found that WWTPs causing ecological risks in the future prevail in lower ω, across almost all k. Distinct patterns of ecological risks are identified in the k‐ω framework for different indicators and catchments. We show, as climate changes, intensified risks are especially expected in lower ω receiving effluents of intermediate‐k WWTPs. We discuss the implications of our findings for prioritizing WWTPs upgrading and urging updates on environmental regulations. Further discussions underline the feasibility of applying the framework to any geographical regions and highlight its potentials to help in achieving global long‐term commitments on freshwater security.
Empirical Reconstruction of Earth‐Moon and Solar System Dynamical Parameters for the Past 2.5 Billion Years From Cyclostratigraphy
Authors: Zhou Maoyang , Wu Huaichun , Hinnov Linda A. , Fang Qiang , Zhang Shihong , Yang Tianshui , Shi Meinan
Published: August 2022

The chaotic behavior of the Solar System prevents the prediction of the precise evolution of the planetary secular frequencies. Here we use four cyclostratigraphic sequences, ∼259 Ma Wujiaping Formation, ∼455 Ma Pingliang Formation, ∼655 Ma Datangpo Formation and ∼2,465 Ma Dales Gorge Member, and Bayesian inversion to provide powerful geological constraints to this problem. The inversion provides constraining estimates for the Solar System fundamental secular frequencies g1, g2, g3, g4, and g5, and the Earth's precession rate k from 105.26 ± 2.68 (2σ) arcseconds/year at ∼2,465 Ma to 55.86 ± 2.60 (2σ) arcseconds/year at ∼259 Ma. Stochastic monotone interpolation enables the reconstruction of Earth‐Moon distance from 2.5 billion years to the present. Calculation of tidal dissipation supports the ocean model before 1.4 Ga, but is outside the error range after ∼1.8 Ga, suggesting lower tidal dissipation in the early Proterozoic Eon, and a possible high value in the early Paleozoic.
Comparing and Contrasting the Properties of the Inner Heliosphere for the Three Most Recent Solar Minima
Authors: Riley Pete , Caplan Ronald M. , Downs Cooper , Linker Jon A. , Lionello Roberto
Published: August 2022

The previous three solar cycles have ended in progressively more quiescent conditions, suggesting a continual slide into an ever deeper minimum state. Although the Sun's magnetic field is undoubtedly responsible for this quiescence, it is not clear how changes in its structure and strength modulate the properties of the solar wind. In this study, we compare the statistical properties of the solar wind during the three most recent minima (08/1996, 12/2008, and 12/2019) and develop global MHD model solutions to help interpret these observations. We find that, counter‐intuitively, the statistical properties of the solar wind for the most recent minimum lie midway between the 08/1996 and 12/2008 minima. For example, while the minimum speed dropped by 40 km s−1 between 08/1996 and 12/2008, they rose by 20 km s−1 around the 12/2019 minimum. From the model results, we infer that the 12/2008 and 12/2019 minima were structurally similar to one another, with the presence of corotating interaction regions driven by equatorial coronal holes, while the 08/1996 minimum represented a more “standard” tilted dipole configuration associated with those of earlier space age minima. Comparison of the statistical properties derived from the model results with data suggest several opportunities to improve model parameters, as well as to apply more sophisticated modeling approaches. Overall, however, the model results capture the essential features of the observations and, thus, allow us to infer the global structure of the inner heliosphere, of which the in‐situ measurements provide only a glimpse.
ALOX15-launched PUFA-phospholipids peroxidation increases the susceptibility of ferroptosis in ischemia-induced myocardial damage
Authors: Ma Xiao-Hui , Liu Jiang-Han-Zi , Liu Chun-Yu , Sun Wan-Yang , Duan Wen-Jun , Wang Guan , Kurihara Hiroshi , He Rong-Rong , Li Yi-Fang , Chen Yang , Shang Hongcai
Published: August 2022

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a classic type of cardiovascular disease characterized by injury to cardiomyocytes leading to various forms of cell death. It is believed that irreversible myocardial damage resulted from I/R occurs due to oxidative stress evoked during the reperfusion phase. Here we demonstrate that ischemia triggers a specific redox reaction of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-phospholipids in myocardial cells, which acts as a priming signaling that initiates the outbreak of robust oxidative damage in the reperfusion phase. Using animal and in vitro models, the crucial lipid species in I/R injury were identified to be oxidized PUFAs enriched phosphatidylethanolamines. Using multi-omics, arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase-1 (ALOX15) was identified as the primary mediator of ischemia-provoked phospholipid peroxidation, which was further confirmed using chemogenetic approaches. Collectively, our results reveal that ALOX15 induction in the ischemia phase acts as a “burning point” to ignite phospholipid oxidization into ferroptotic signals. This finding characterizes a novel molecular mechanism for myocardial ischemia injury and offers a potential therapeutic target for early intervention of I/R injury.
Nrf2 signaling activation by a small molecule activator compound 16 inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury and death in osteoblasts
Authors: Zhao Jing-wei , Tang Pei-jun , Zhou Zhen-tao , Xu Gang , Li Quan , Li Ke-ran , Zheng Yue-huan
Published: August 2022

We explored the potential activity of compound 16 (Cpd16), a novel small molecule Nrf2 activator, in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stimulated osteoblasts. In the primary murine/human osteoblasts and MC3T3-E1 murine osteoblastic cells, Cpd16 treatment at micro-molar concentrations caused disassociation of Keap1-Nrf2 and Nrf2 cascade activation. Cpd16 induced stabilization of Nrf2 protein and its nuclear translocation, thereby increasing the antioxidant response elements (ARE) reporter activity and Nrf2 response genes transcription in murine and human osteoblasts. Significantly, Cpd16 mitigated oxidative injury in H2O2-stimulited osteoblasts. H2O2-provoked apoptosis as well as programmed necrosis in osteoblasts were significantly alleviated by the novel Nrf2 activator. Cpd16-induced Nrf2 activation and osteoblasts protection were stronger than other known Nrf2 activators. Dexamethasone- and nicotine-caused oxidative stress and death in osteoblasts were attenuated by Cpd16 as well. Cpd16-induced osteoblast cytoprotection was abolished by Nrf2 short hairpin RNA or knockout, but was mimicked by Keap1 knockout. Keap1 Cys151S mutation abolished Cpd16-induced Nrf2 cascade activation and osteoblasts protection against H2O2. Importantly, weekly Cpd16 administration largely ameliorated trabecular bone loss in ovariectomy mice. Together, Cpd16 alleviates H2O2-induced oxidative stress and death in osteoblasts by activating Nrf2 cascade.
Native metabolomics identifies the rivulariapeptolide family of protease inhibitors
Authors: Reher Raphael , Aron Allegra T. , Fajtová Pavla , Stincone Paolo , Wagner Berenike , Pérez-Lorente Alicia I. , Liu Chenxi , Shalom Ido Y. Ben , Bittremieux Wout , Wang Mingxun , Jeong Kyowon , Matos-Hernandez Marie L. , Alexander Kelsey L. , Caro-Diaz Eduardo J. , Naman C. Benjamin , Scanlan J. H. William , Hochban Phil M. M. , Diederich Wibke E. , Molina-Santiago Carlos , Romero Diego , Selim Khaled A. , Sass Peter , Brötz-Oesterhelt Heike , Hughes Chambers C. , Dorrestein Pieter C. , O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Gerwick William H. , Petras Daniel
Published: August 2022

The identity and biological activity of most metabolites still remain unknown. A bottleneck in the exploration of metabolite structures and pharmaceutical activities is the compound purification needed for bioactivity assignments and downstream structure elucidation. To enable bioactivity-focused compound identification from complex mixtures, we develop a scalable native metabolomics approach that integrates non-targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and detection of protein binding via native mass spectrometry. A native metabolomics screen for protease inhibitors from an environmental cyanobacteria community reveals 30 chymotrypsin-binding cyclodepsipeptides. Guided by the native metabolomics results, we select and purify five of these compounds for full structure elucidation via tandem mass spectrometry, chemical derivatization, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as evaluation of their biological activities. These results identify rivulariapeptolides as a family of serine protease inhibitors with nanomolar potency, highlighting native metabolomics as a promising approach for drug discovery, chemical ecology, and chemical biology studies.
A long-acting formulation of rifabutin is effective for prevention and treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kim Manse , Johnson Claire E. , Schmalstig Alan A. , Annis Ayano , Wessel Sarah E. , Van Horn Brian , Schauer Amanda , Exner Agata A. , Stout Jason E. , Wahl Angela , Braunstein Miriam , Victor Garcia J. , Kovarova Martina
Published: August 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Successful treatment requires strict adherence to drug regimens for prolonged periods of time. Long-acting (LA) delivery systems have the potential to improve adherence. Here, we show the development of LA injectable drug formulations of the anti-TB drug rifabutin made of biodegradable polymers and biocompatible solvents that solidifies after subcutaneous injection. Addition of amphiphilic compounds increases drug solubility, allowing to significantly increase formulation drug load. Solidified implants have organized microstructures that change with formulation composition. Higher drug load results in smaller pore size that alters implant erosion and allows sustained drug release. The translational relevance of these observations in BALB/c mice is demonstrated by (1) delivering high plasma drug concentrations for 16 weeks, (2) preventing acquisition of Mtb infection, and (3) clearing acute Mtb infection from the lung and other tissues.