bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering climate for marginalized groups: Connections to peer relations and engineering identity
Authors: Davis Susannah C. , Nolen Susan Bobbitt , Cheon Naeun , Moise Elba , Hamilton Eric William
Published: April 2023

Background

A better understanding of departmental climate and its relationship to engineering identity is needed to diversify engineering and improve marginalized students' experiences.

Purpose/Hypothesis

We investigated whether undergraduate engineering students from 16 social identity groups perceived departmental climate differently from one another and examined psychological and behavioral factors contributing to these perceptions and their relationship to engineering identification.

Design/Method

We surveyed 398 undergraduate engineering students about departmental climate and engineering identity, testing structural models across race and gender. Qualitative analysis of open‐ended items complemented quantitative results.

Results

Students rated climate for dominant identities (White, male, and/or US‐born) as more welcoming than for 14 nondominant identities, broadening the notion of “nondominant” identities in engineering. In structural models, invariant across race and gender, students' perceptions of bias, safety, and faculty support predicted climate ratings; peer relations and microaggressions predicted engineering identity. There were mean differences in perceptions across intersections of race and gender, but students in all groups perceived a climate gap favoring dominant identities. Open‐ended responses highlighted students' desire for a more diverse, inclusive program and the importance of peer relations.

Conclusions

Departmental climate can be less welcoming for engineering students with many different nondominant identities. Attending to both students' own social positioning and their perceptions of climate for other students can open opportunities for change in engineering departments. Results suggest that efforts to improve peer relations in group work could be important in promoting disciplinary identification in historically marginalized groups.
Machine annealing‐guided navigation of antihypertensive food peptide selectivity between human ACE N‐ and C‐domains in structurally interacting diversity space
Authors: Mei Li , Shang Shuyong , Wang Shaozhou , Ye Haiyang , Zhou Peng
Published: April 2023

Human angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) is a well‐established druggable target for the treatment of hypertension (HTN), which contains two structurally homologous but functionally distinct N‐ and C‐domains. Selective inhibition of the C‐domain primarily contributes to the antihypertensive efficiency and can be exploited as medicinal agents and functional additives for regulating blood pressure with high safety. In this study, we used a machine annealing (MA) strategy to guide the navigation of antihypertensive peptides (AHPs) in structurally interacting diversity space with the two ACE domains based on their crystal/modeled complex structures and an in‐house protein‐peptide affinity scoring function, aiming to optimize the peptide selectivity for C‐domain over N‐domain. The strategy generated a panel of theoretically designed AHP hits with a satisfactory C‐over‐N (C > N) selectivity profile, from which several hits were found to have a good C > N selectivity, which is roughly comparable with or even better than the BPPb, a natural C > N‐selective ACE‐inhibitory peptide. Structural analysis and comparison of domain‐peptide noncovalent interaction patterns revealed that (i) longer peptides (>4 amino aids) generally exhibit stronger selectivity than shorter peptides (<4 amino aids), (ii) peptide sequence can be divided into two, section I (including peptide C‐terminal region) and section II (including peptide middle and N‐terminal regions); the former contributes to both peptide affinity (primarily) and selectivity (secondarily), while the latter is almost only responsible for peptide selectivity, and (iii) charged/polar amino acids confer to peptide selectivity relative to hydrophobic/nonpolar amino acids (that confer to peptide affinity).
Mindfulness and workplace safety: An integrative review
Authors: Liu Zihan , Hoff Kevin , Baranski Erica , Snyder Galen , Flin Rhona , Lindner Peggy , Spitzmueller Christiane
Published: April 2023

Mindfulness has recently gained popularity in applied settings to enhance workplace safety, especially in safety‐critical occupations such as healthcare and construction. In this review, we synthesize existing research across disciplines to establish a theoretical model of mindfulness and safety. Based on 32 empirical studies, we first summarize and critically analyze how mindfulness and safety are conceptualized and operationalized in the literature. We then consolidate empirical findings and conceptual arguments and draw upon the job demands–resources model to propose a theoretical model linking the basic benefits of mindfulness to safety‐related job demands. Specifically, we propose that mindfulness (a) improves detection of and responses to workplace risks and hazards, (b) enhances concentration and self‐monitoring of safety behaviors in cognitively demanding situations, and (c) facilitates more adaptive responses to emotional burdens. We further propose that the mindfulness–safety link can vary across boundary conditions, including personal and contextual characteristics. Our theoretical model serves as a foundation to integrate existing knowledge and guide future research. We conclude by highlighting specific opportunities for researchers and practitioners to advance research and applications of mindfulness and workplace safety.
Recent advances in quality preservation of postharvest golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutiper)
Authors: Guo Yuxi , Chen Xuefeng , Gong Pin , Deng Zhenfang , Qi Zhuoya , Wang Ruotong , Long Hui , Wang Jiating , Yao Wenbo , Yang Wenjuan , Chen Fuxin
Published: April 2023

The golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutiper) is one of the most productive mushrooms in the world. However, F. velutiper experiences continuous quality degradation in terms of changes in color and textural characteristics, loss of moisture, nutrition and flavor, and increased microbial populations due to its high respiratory activity during the postharvest phase. Postharvest preservation techniques, including physical, chemical and biological methods, play a vital role in maintaining postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of mushrooms. Therefore, in this study, the decay process of F. velutiper and the factors affecting its quality were comprehensively reviewed. Additionally, the preservation methods (e.g., low‐temperature storage, packaging, plasma treatment, antimicrobial cleaning and 1‐methylcyclopropene treatment) for F. velutiper used for the last 5 years were compared to provide an outlook on future research directions. Overall, this review aims to provide a reference for developing novel, green and safe preservation techniques for F. velutiper. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Preparation and Applications of Polydimethylsiloxane‐Based Fluorescent Materials
Authors: Dong Ying , Zhong Hai , Wu Youping , Deng Jianping
Published: April 2023

In the past few years, fluorescent materials have received significant attention due to their fascinating luminescent properties and wide‐ranging applications. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has also attracted the interest of many researchers due to its remarkable performances. The combination of fluorescence and PDMS will undoubtedly produce abundant advanced multifunctional materials. Although numerous achievements have been made in this field, there is still no review to summarize the relevant research. This review summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art achievements made in PDMS‐based fluorescent materials (PFMs). First, the preparation of PFM is overviewed following a classification according to the fluorescent sources, including organic fluorescent molecules, perovskite, photoluminescent nanomaterials, and metal complexes. Their applications in sensors, fluorescent probes, multifunctional coatings, and anticounterfeiting are then introduced. Finally, the challenges and development trends in the field of PFMs are presented.
MYO1B as a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in Arecoline‐associated oral carcinoma
Authors: Sun Zhen , Guo Xiaopeng , Chen Huarong , Ling Junjun , Zhao Houyu , Chang Aoshuang , Zhuo Xianlu
Published: April 2023

Background

Arecoline, the main component of betel nut, induces malignant transformation of oral cells through complicated unclear mechanisms. Thus, we aimed to screen the key genes involved in Arecoline‐induced oral cancer and further verify their expressions and roles.

Methods

This study included a data‐mining part, a bioinformatics verification part, and an experimental verification one. First, the key gene related to oral cancer induced by Arecoline was screened. Then, the expression and clinical significance of the key gene in head and neck/oral cancer tissues were verified, and its downstream mechanisms of action were explored. Afterwards, the expression and roles of the key gene were verified by experiments at the histological and cytological levels.

Results

MYO1B was identified as the key gene. Overexpression of MYO1B was associated with lymph node metastasis and unfavorable outcomes in oral cancer. MYO1B may be mainly related to metastasis, angiogenesis, hypoxia, and differentiation. A positive correlation between MYO1B and the infiltration of macrophages, B cells, and dendritic cells was presented. MYO1B might have a close relationship with SMAD3, which may be enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway. MYO1B suppression markedly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis abilities of both Arecoline‐transformed oral cells and oral cancer cells.

Conclusion

This study revealed MYO1B as a key gene in Arecoline‐induced oral tumorigenesis. MYO1B might be a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for oral cancer.
Dual role of sprouty2 as an inhibitor of RAS/ERK‐driven proliferation and a promoter of cancer invasion in KRAS wild‐type colorectal cancer
Authors: Lee Chung‐Ta , Chu Chien‐An , Wang Yu‐Ming , Wang Yi‐Wen , Chen Yi‐Lin , Ho Chung‐Liang , Yeh Yu‐Min , Lin Peng‐Chan , Lin Bo‐Wen , Chen Po‐Chuan , Chen Shang‐Hung , Chan Ren‐Hao , Chang Chen , Chow Nan‐Haw
Published: April 2023

Sprouty2 (SPRY2) is known to inhibit the RAS/MAPK/ERK pathway, and is a potential study target for cancer. The effect of SPRY2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and whether it is influenced by KRAS mutation are not known. We manipulated SPRY2 gene expression and used an activating KRAS‐mutant plasmid to determine its effect on CRC cell function in vitro and/or in vivo. We performed SPRY2 immunohistochemical staining in 143 CRC specimens and analyzed the staining results with various clinicopathological characteristics in relation to KRAS mutation status. SPRY2 knockdown in Caco‐2 cells carrying the wild‐type (WT) KRAS gene upregulated phosphorylated ERK (p‐ERK) levels and increased cell proliferation in vitro, but inhibited cell invasion. However, SPRY2 knockdown in SW480 cells (activating KRAS mutant) or Caco‐2 cells transfected with KRAS‐mutant plasmid did not significantly alter p‐ERK levels, cell proliferation, or invasion. The xenografts of SPRY2‐knockdown Caco‐2 cells were larger with less deep muscle invasion than those of control cells. The clinical cohort study revealed a positive association of SPRY2 protein expression with pT status, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion in KRAS‐WT CRCs. However, the associations were not observed in KRAS‐mutant CRCs. Interestingly, high SPRY2 expression was related to shorter cancer‐specific survival in both KRAS‐WT and KRAS‐mutant CRC patients. Our study demonstrated the dual role of SPRY2 as an inhibitor of RAS/ERK‐driven proliferation and as a promoter of cancer invasion in KRAS‐WT CRC. SPRY2 may promote the invasion and progression of KRAS‐WT CRC, and might also enhance KRAS‐mutant CRC progression through pathways other than invasion.
Relationship between perceptions of recurrence risk and depression state among first‐episode ischemic stroke patients in rural areas: The mediating role of coping style
Authors: Liu Xueting , Zhang Zhenxiang , Lin Beilei , Guo Yunfei , Mei Yongxia , Ping Zhiguang , Wang Wenna , Jiang Hu , Wang Shaoyang , Zhang Chunhui , Chen Suyan , Zhang Qiushi
Published: April 2023

Aims

To investigate the relationship between stroke survivors' perceptions of recurrence risk, coping styles and depression state, and the role coping styles play in mediating that relationship.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

From one hospital in Huaxian, China, 320 stroke survivors were randomly selected as a convenience sample. In this research, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and the Stroke Recurrence Risk Perception Scale were all used. Structural equation modelling and correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. This research followed the EQUATOR and STROBE checklists.

Results

There were 278 valid survey responses. There were mild to severe depressive symptoms in 84.8% of stroke survivors. In stroke survivors, there was a significant negative relationship (p < 0.01) between the positive coping of perceptions of recurrence risk and their depression state. Recurrence risk perception's impact on depression state was partly mediated, according to mediation studies, by coping style, with the mediation effect accounting for 44.92% of the overall effect.

Conclusions

The connection between perceptions of recurrence risk and depression state was mediated by the coping mechanisms of stroke survivors. A lower degree of depression state among survivors was connected with positive coping to the beliefs of recurrence risk.
Convergence and stability of Galerkin finite element method for hyperbolic partial differential equation with piecewise continuous arguments
Authors: Chen Yongtang , Wang Qi
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the convergence and stability of Galerkin finite element method for a hyperbolic partial differential equations with piecewise continuous arguments are investigated. Firstly, the variation formulation is derived by applying Green's formula and Galerkin finite element method to spatial direction of the original equation. Next, semidiscrete and fully discrete schemes are obtained and the convergence is analyzed in ‐norm rigorously. Moreover, the stability analysis shows that the semidiscrete scheme can achieve unconditionally stability. The sufficient conditions of stability for fully discrete scheme are also obtained under which the analytic solution is asymptotically stable. Finally, some numerical experiments are provided to demonstrate our theoretical results.
Decannulation in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Ghelab Zina , Bokov Plamen , Teissier Natacha , Micaelli Delphine , Patout Maxime , Hayotte Aurélie , Dauger Stéphane , Delclaux Christophe , Dudoignon Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Rationale

Patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) require long‐term ventilation to ensure gas exchange and to prevent deleterious consequences for neurocognitive development. Two ventilation modes may be used for these patients depending on their tolerance, one invasive by tracheostomy and the other noninvasive (NIV). For patients who have undergone a tracheostomy, transition to NIV is possible when they meet predefined criteria. Identifying the conditions favorable for weaning from a tracheostomy is critical for the success of the process.

Objective

The aim of the study was to share our experience of decannulation in a reference center; we hereby describe the modality of ventilation and its effect on nocturnal gas exchange before and after tracheostomy removal.

Methods

Retrospective observational study at Robert Debré Hospital over the past 10 years. The modalities of decannulation and transcutaneous carbon dioxide recordings or polysomnographies before and after decannulation were collected.

Results

Sixteen patients underwent decannulation following a specific procedure for transition from invasive to NIV. All decannulations were successful. The median age at decannulation was 12.6 [9.4; 14.1] years. Nocturnal gas exchange was not significantly different before and after decannulation, while expiratory positive airway pressure and inspiratory time increased significantly. An oronasal interface was chosen in two out of three patients. The median duration of hospital stay for decannulation was 4.0 [3.8; 6.0] days.

Conclusion

Our study underlines that decannulation and transition to NIV are achievable in CCHS children using a well‐defined procedure. Patient preparation is crucial to the success of the process.
The insecticidal activity and mechanism of tebuconazole onNilaparvata lugens(Stål)
Authors: Cai Yongfeng , Ren Zhijie , Li Chengyue , Cai Tingwei , Yu Chang , Zeng Qinghong , He Shun , Li Jianhong , Wan Hu
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that fungicides have insecticidal activity that can potentially be used as an insecticide resistance management strategy in the brown planthopperNilaparvata lugens(Stål). However, the mechanism that induces mortality ofN. lugensremains elusive.

RESULTS

In the present study, the insecticidal activities of 14 fungicides againstN. lugenswere determined, of which tebuconazole had the highest insecticidal activity compared with the other fungicides. Furthermore, tebuconazole significantly inhibited the expression of the chitin synthase geneNlCHS1; the chitinase genesNlCht1,NlCht5,NlCht7,NlCht9, andNlCht10; and theβ‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase genesNlHex3,NlHex4,NlHex5andNlHex6; it significantly suppressed the expression of ecdysteroid biosynthetic genes as well, includingSDR,CYP307A2,CYP307B1,CYP306A2,CYP302A1,CYP315A1andCYP314A1ofN. lugens. Additionally, tebuconazole affected the diversity, structure, composition, and function of the symbiotic fungi ofN. lugens, as well as the relative abundance of saprophytes and pathogens, suggesting that tebuconazole reshapes the diversity and function of symbiotic fungi ofN. lugens.

CONCLUSION

Our findings illustrate the insecticidal mechanism of tebuconazole, possibly by inhibiting normal molting or disrupting microbial homeostasis inN. lugens, and provide an important rationale for developing novel insect management strategies to delay escalating insecticide resistance. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Population pharmacokinetics of tenofovir given as either tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide in an African population
Authors: Kawuma Aida N. , Wasmann Roeland E. , Sinxadi Phumla , Sokhela Simiso M. , Chandiwana Nomathemba , Venter Willem D. F. , Wiesner Lubbe , Maartens Gary , Denti Paolo
Published: April 2023

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are prodrugs of the nucleotide analogue tenofovir, which acts intracellularly to inhibit HIV replication. Whereas TDF converts to tenofovir in plasma and may cause kidney and bone toxicity, TAF mostly converts to tenofovir intracellularly, so it can be administered at lower doses. TAF leads to lower tenofovir plasma concentrations and lower toxicity, but there are limited data on its use in Africa. We used data from 41 South African adults living with HIV from the ADVANCE trial and described, with a joint model, the population pharmacokinetics of tenofovir given as TAF or TDF. The TDF was modeled to appear in plasma as tenofovir with a simple first‐order process. Instead, two parallel pathways were used for a TAF dose: an estimated 32.4% quickly appeared as tenofovir into the systemic circulation with first‐order absorption, whereas the rest was sequestered intracellularly and released into the systemic circulation as tenofovir slowly. Once in plasma (from either TAF or TDF), tenofovir disposition followed two‐compartment kinetics and had a clearance of 44.7 L/h (40.2–49.5), for a typical 70‐kg individual. This semimechanistic model describes the population pharmacokinetics of tenofovir when dosed as either TDF or TAF in an African population living with HIV and can be used as a tool for exposure prediction in patients, and to simulate alternative regimes to inform further clinical trials.
A Robust Triboelectric Nanogenerator Resistant to Humidity and Temperature in Ambient Environment
Authors: Shankaregowda Smitha Ankanahalli , Nanjegowda Chandrashekar Bananakere , Guan Shirong , Huang Jiaqi , Li Jingyi , Ahmed Rumana Farheen Sagade Muktar , Sannathammegowda Krishnaveni , Boregowda Anandraju Madaveeranahally , Wang Fei , Cheng Chun
Published: April 2023

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an energy harvesting technology from widespread mechanical energy based on the combined effects of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. TENG devices are promising to be integrated into human daily life and their stability in the ambient environment is quite crucial to guarantee robust output. This requirement is increasing exponentially for powering various wearable/portable electronics and still remains as a challenge. Herein, contact and separation mode‐based, humidity‐ and temperature‐resistant TENG (HT‐TENG) is fabricated utilizing ethylene vinyl acetate and polytetrafluoroethylene tape as frictional layers. By harvesting biomechanical energy, the device could generate peak‐to‐peak open circuit voltage of ≈210 V and short‐circuit current of ≈12.85 μA, respectively. The as‐fabricated device is tolerant to fluctuating relative humidity ranging from 10% to 60% and temperature ranging from 10 to 60 °C. Further, the device is shown to charge 22 and 47 μF commercial capacitors to 3 V using rectifier bridges, glowing light‐emitting diodes, powering digital wrist watches, and a calculator. Thus HT‐TENG as an efficient power source reliably operates not only in typical conditions, but also in desert and frigid environments, thereby extending the applicability and commercialization of the device in the global environments.
Analysis of histidine‐tagged recombinant proteins from nickel and copper coated surfaces by direct electrospray ionization and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Javanshad Roshan , Taylor Christopher James , Delavari Niusha , Barkman Todd J. , Stull Frederick , Venter Andre R.
Published: April 2023

Rationale

Purification of recombinant proteins is a necessary step for functional or structural studies and other applications. Immobilized metal affinity chromatography is a common recombinant protein purification method. Mass spectrometry (MS) allows for confirmation of identity of expressed proteins and unambiguous detection of enzymatic substrates and reaction products. We demonstrate the detection of enzymes purified on immobilized metal affinity surfaces by direct or ambient ionization MS, and follow their enzymatic reactions by direct electrospray ionization (ESI) or desorption electrospray ionization (DESI).

Methods

A protein standard, His‐Ubq, and two recombinant proteins, His‐SHAN and His‐CS, expressed in Escherichia coli were immobilized on two immobilized metal affinity systems, Cu–nitriloacetic acid (Cu‐NTA) and Ni‐NTA. The proteins were purified on surface, and released in the ESI spray solvent for direct infusion, when using the 96‐well plate form factor, or analyzed directly from immobilized metal affinity‐coated microscope slides by DESI‐MS. Enzyme activity was followed by incubating the substrates in wells or by depositing substrate on immobilized protein on coated slides for analysis.

Results

Small proteins (His‐Ubq) and medium proteins (His‐SAHN) could readily be detected from 96‐well plates by direct infusion ESI, or from microscope slides by DESI‐MS after purification on surface from clarified E. coli cell lysate. Protein oxidation was observed for immobilized proteins on both Cu‐NTA and Ni‐NTA; however, this did not hamper the enzymatic reactions of these proteins. Both the nucleosidase reaction products for His‐SAHN and the methylation product of His‐CS (theobromine to caffeine) were detected.

Conclusions

The immobilization, purification, release and detection of His‐tagged recombinant proteins using immobilized metal affinity surfaces for direct infusion ESI‐MS or ambient DESI‐MS analyses were successfully demonstrated. Recombinant proteins were purified to allow identification directly out of clarified cell lysate. Biological activities of the recombinant proteins were preserved allowing the investigation of enzymatic activity via MS.
Distributed finite‐time optimization algorithms for multi‐agent systems under directed graphs
Authors: Zhu Wenbo , Sun Changyin , Wang Qingling
Published: April 2023

Existing distributed finite‐time optimization algorithms for continuous‐time multi‐agent systems require either undirected graphs or weight balanced digraphs, and distributed finite‐time optimization problems for weight unbalanced digraphs are still great challenging. Thus, the distributed finite‐time optimization problems for continuous‐time multi‐agent systems with strongly convex local cost functions are investigated under directed graphs in this article. First, a distributed finite‐time gradient estimator is constructed by using non‐smooth analysis and algebraic graph theory, then distributed finite‐time optimization algorithms and piecewise distributed finite‐time optimization algorithms are proposed based on the designed gradient estimator. The new proposed distributed finite‐time optimization algorithms which only require strongly connected graphs relax the balanced requirement. Furthermore, the communication bandwidth of systems could be saved by deploying the proposed piecewise distributed finite‐time optimization algorithms since the information exchange in the optimization process is reduced. Finally, simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of proposed distributed optimization algorithms.
Control Lyapunov function method for robust stabilization of multistable affine nonlinear systems
Authors: Barroso Nelson F. , Ushirobira Rosane , Efimov Denis
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we study the problem of robust stabilization of affine nonlinear multistable systems in the presence of exogenous disturbances. The results are based on the theory of input‐to‐state stability (ISS) and integral input‐to‐state stability (iISS) for systems with multiple invariant sets. The notions of ISS and iISS control Lyapunov functions (CLFs) and the small control property are extended within the multistability framework. Such properties are also complemented by the concept of a weak iISS CLF and corresponding small control property. It is verified that the universal control formula can be applied to yield the ISS (iISS) property for the closed‐loop system. The efficiency of the extended CLF framework in the multistable sense is illustrated for a Duffing system and in application to a noise‐induced transition in a semiconductor‐gas‐discharge gap system.
Historical development and the present status of Japanese dams
Authors: Itsukushima Rei
Published: April 2023

Dams have contributed to population growth and technological innovation by reducing the risk of flooding and allowing humans to cultivate productive alluvial soils on river floodplains. However, in countries where many dams have already been constructed, many problems have been observed, such as river environment degradation, aging of the embankments, and inadequate dam performance. As the social and natural environment surrounding dams is becoming more complex and diverse, it is necessary to understand the current overall status of dams and the history of their construction such that we may consider how social capital and dams are related to human society and the natural environment. In this study, the relationship of basic information of dams and the social background in which the dams exist was examined for Japan, where dam construction began in earnest in the late 1800s and became a driving force for economic development. The situations surrounding dams are drastically changing, as maintenance and management costs increase due to the aging of dams and water demand varies due to changes in the industrial structure of a region. Simultaneously, there are instances where dams are expected to reduce damage, such as in the presence of more severe and frequent droughts and floods caused by climate change. It is therefore necessary to remove or restructure dams while considering numerous complex and diverse factors, such as the local social conditions, potential future changes, and environmental impact of rivers.
Highly Crystalline Prussian Blue for Kinetics Enhanced Potassium Storage
Authors: Shu Wenli , Huang Meng , Geng Lishan , Qiao Fan , Wang Xuanpeng
Published: April 2023

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are promising cathode materials for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) owing to their large open framework structure. As the K+ migration rate and storage sites rely highly on the periodic lattice arrangement, it is rather important to guarantee the high crystallinity of PBAs. Herein, highly crystalline K2Fe[Fe(CN)6] (KFeHCF‐E) is synthesized by coprecipitation, adopting the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dipotassium salt as a chelating agent. As a result, an excellent rate capability and ultra‐long lifespan (5000 cycles at 100 mA g−1 with 61.3% capacity maintenance) are achieved when tested in KIBs. The highest K+ migration rate of 10−9 cm2 s−1 in the bulk phase is determined by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. Remarkably, the robust lattice structure and reversible solid‐phase K+ storage mechanism of KFeHCF‐E are proved by in situ XRD. This work offers a simple crystallinity optimization method for developing high‐performance PBAs cathode materials in advanced KIBs.
How have immune checkpoint inhibitors transformed melanoma treatment?
Authors: Schmitt Andreas Michael , Larkin James
Published: April 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have had a significant impact on the prognosis of people with a wide range of tumours. Melanoma in particular is one of the malignancies for which immunotherapy can achieve excellent outcomes in the adjuvant and advanced settings. Here the authors discuss the use of ICIs and the benefits they can offer.
Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in fetal and placental tissue of bovine abortions and perinatal mortalities
Authors: Van Loo Hans , Pascottini Osvaldo Bogado , Hooyberghs Jozef , De Bleecker Koen , Ribbens Stefaan , Opsomer Geert , Pardon Bart
Published: April 2023

Background

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick‐borne zoonotic bacterium that is the aetiologic pathogen of tick‐borne fever (TBF) in ruminants. In clinical bovine cases of TBF, abortion and stillbirth may be observed. However, in this regard, the pathophysiology of TBF has not yet been completely elucidated, and no clear guidelines to diagnose A. phagocytophilum‐related abortions and perinatal mortalities (APM) are available.

Methods

This exploratory study aimed to investigate the presence of A. phagocytophilum in bovine cases of APM and determine whether placental or fetal spleen tissue has the greatest sensitivity for A. phagocytophilum identification. The placenta and fetal spleen of 150 late‐term bovine APM cases were analysed using real‐time PCR to detect A. phagocytophilum.

Results

A total of 2.7% of sampled placentas were positive for A. phagocytophilum, while none of the fetal spleen samples was.

Limitations

No histopathology to detect associated lesions was performed. Consequently, no evidence of causality between the detection of A. phagocytophilum and APM events could be achieved.

Conclusion

The detection of A. phagocytophilum suggests a potential role of this pathogen in bovine APM, and placental tissue seems to be the most suitable tissue for its identification.
Convergence in floodplain pond communities indicates different pathways to community assembly
Authors: Chanut P. C. M. , Burdon F. J. , Datry T. , Robinson C. T.
Published: April 2023

Disturbance can strongly influence ecosystems, yet much remains unknown about the relative importance of key processes (selection, drift, and dispersal) in the recovery of ecological communities following disturbance. We combined field surveys with a field experiment to elucidate mechanisms governing the recovery of aquatic macroinvertebrates in habitats of an alluvial floodplain following flood disturbance. We monitored macroinvertebrates in 24 natural parafluvial habitats over 60 days after a major flood, as well as the colonization of 24 newly-built ponds by macroinvertebrates over 45 days in the same floodplain. We examined the sources of environmental variation and their relative effects on aquatic assemblages using a combination of null models and Mantel tests. We also used a joint species distribution model to investigate the importance of primary metacommunity structuring processes during recovery: selection, dispersal, and drift. Contrary to expectations, we found that beta diversity actually decreased among natural habitats over time after the flood or the creation of the ponds, instead of increasing. This result was despite environmental predictors showing contrasting patterns for explaining community variation over time in the natural habitats compared with the experimental ponds. Flood heterogeneity across the floodplain and spatial scale differences between the experimental ponds and the natural habitats seemingly constrained the balance between deterministic and stochastic processes driving the ecological convergence of assemblages over time. While environmental selection was the dominant structuring process in both groups, biotic interactions also had a prominent influence on community assembly. These findings have profound implications towards understanding metacommunity structuring in riverscapes that includes common linkages between disturbance heterogeneity, spatial scale properties, and community composition.
Chronic hyperglycaemia increases the vulnerability of the hippocampus to oxidative damage induced during post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia in a mouse model of chemically induced type 1 diabetes
Authors: McNeilly Alison D. , Gallagher Jennifer R. , Evans Mark L. , de Galan Bastiaan E. , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , Thorens Bernard , Dinkova-Kostova Albena T. , Huang Jeffrey-T. , Ashford Michael L. J. , McCrimmon Rory J. ,   on behalf of the Hypo-RESOLVE Consortium
Published: April 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Chronic hyperglycaemia and recurrent hypoglycaemia are independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline in type 1 diabetes. Recurrent hypoglycaemia in rodent models of chemically induced (streptozotocin [STZ]) diabetes leads to cognitive impairment in memory-related tasks associated with hippocampal oxidative damage. This study examined the hypothesis that post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia in STZ-diabetes exacerbates hippocampal oxidative stress and explored potential contributory mechanisms.

Methods

The hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp technique was used to induce equivalent hypoglycaemia and to control post-hypoglycaemic glucose levels in mice with and without STZ-diabetes and Nrf2−/− mice (lacking Nrf2 [also known as Nfe2l2]). Subsequently, quantitative proteomics based on stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture and biochemical approaches were used to assess oxidative damage and explore contributory pathways.

Results

Evidence of hippocampal oxidative damage was most marked in mice with STZ-diabetes exposed to post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia; these mice also showed induction of Nrf2 and the Nrf2 transcriptional targets Sod2 and Hmox-1. In this group, hypoglycaemia induced a significant upregulation of proteins involved in alternative fuel provision, reductive biosynthesis and degradation of damaged proteins, and a significant downregulation of proteins mediating the stress response. Key differences emerged between mice with and without STZ-diabetes following recovery from hypoglycaemia in proteins mediating the stress response and reductive biosynthesis.

Conclusions/interpretation

There is a disruption of the cellular response to a hypoglycaemic challenge in mice with STZ-induced diabetes that is not seen in wild-type non-diabetic animals. The chronic hyperglycaemia of diabetes and post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia act synergistically to induce oxidative stress and damage in the hippocampus, possibly leading to irreversible damage/modification to proteins or synapses between cells. In conclusion, recurrent hypoglycaemia in sub-optimally controlled diabetes may contribute, at least in part, to accelerated cognitive decline through amplifying oxidative damage in key brain regions, such as the hippocampus.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available in ProteomeXchange, accession no. 1-20220824-173727 (www.proteomexchange.org). Additional datasets generated during and/or analysed during the present study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Graphical abstract
Prediction and validation of melt pool dimensions and geometric distortions of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg
Authors: Ullah Rizwan , Lian Junhe , Akmal Jan , Wu Jiaojiao , Niemi Esko
Published: April 2023

A finite element–based thermomechanical modeling approach is developed in this study to provide a prediction of the mesoscale melt pool behavior and part-scale properties for AlSi10Mg alloy. On the mesoscale, the widely adopted Goldak heat source model is used to predict melt pool formed by laser during powder bed fusion process. This requires the determination of certain parameters as they control temperature distribution and, hence, melt pool boundaries. A systematic parametric approach is proposed to determine parameters, i.e., absorption coefficient and transient temperature evolution. The simulation results are compared in terms of morphology of melt pool with the literature results. Considering the part-scale domain, there is increasing demand for predicting geometric distortions and analyzing underlying residual stresses, which are highly influenced by the mesh size and initial temperature setup. This study aims to propose a strategy for evaluating the correlation between the mesh size and the initial temperature to provide correct residual stresses when increasing the scale of the model for efficiency. The outcomes revealed that the predicted melt pool error produced by optimal Goldak function parameters is between 5 and 12%. On the part-scale, the finite element model is less sensitive to mesh size for distortion prediction, and layer-lumping can be used to increase the speed of simulation. The effect of large time increments and layer lumping can be compensated by appropriate initial temperature value for AlSi10Mg. The study aids practitioners and researchers to establish and validate design for additive manufacturing within the scope of desired part quality metrics.
Extending the GPS IIIA antenna calibration for precise orbit determination of low Earth orbit satellites
Authors: Conrad Alex , Desai Shailen , Haines Bruce , Axelrad Penina
Published: April 2023

High-precision applications of GNSS require accurate calibrations to correct for phase variations of the transmitting antennas. Calibrations distributed by the International GNSS Service (IGS), based upon observations from the global network of ground stations, are often used as the source of the transmitter calibrations as they are inherently linked to a specific definition of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame. The IGS provides antenna phase variations as a function of boresight angle for each basic block of navigation satellite. To support scientific missions operating in low Earth orbit, the antenna calibrations must be extended beyond the 14-degrees limit that can be observed by GNSS receivers on the Earth. Extended antenna calibrations to accommodate low Earth orbiting satellites have already been derived for the GPS Block II satellites. This paper derives an extension solution for the new GPS IIIA antenna calibration, based on a year of observations from the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich altimetry mission and validated using Jason-3. These solutions are inherently consistent with the IGS-provided models of the Block II antenna calibrations. We use the new model for the GPS IIIA transmitter antenna calibration extensions to evaluate the impact on precise orbit solutions of both Sentinel-6 MF and Jason-3.
Fault diagnosis for PV system using a deep learning optimized via PSO heuristic combination technique
Authors: Eldeghady Ghada Shaban , Kamal Hanan Ahmed , Hassan Mohamed A. Moustafa
Published: April 2023

A heuristic particle swarm optimization combined with Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN-PSO) technique is proposed in this paper to improve the convergence and the accuracy of prediction for fault diagnosis of Photovoltaic (PV) array system. This technique works by applying the ability of deep learning for classification and prediction combined with the particle swarm optimization ability to find the best solution in the search space. Some parameters are extracted from the output of the PV array to be used for identification purpose for the fault diagnosis of the system. The results using the back propagation neural network method only and the method of the back propagation heuristic combination technique are compared. The back propagation algorithm converges after 350 steps while the proposed BP-PSO algorithm converges only after 250 steps in the training phase. The accuracy of prediction using the BP algorithms is about 87.8% while the proposed BP-PSO algorithm achieved 95% of right predictions. It was clearly shown that the results of the back propagation heuristic combination technique had better results in the convergence of the simulation as well as in the accuracy of the prediction of the fault diagnosis in the PV system.
Coherent diffractive imaging of proteins and viral capsids: simulating MS SPIDOC
Authors: Kierspel Thomas , Kadek Alan , Barran Perdita , Bellina Bruno , Bijedic Adi , Brodmerkel Maxim N. , Commandeur Jan , Caleman Carl , Damjanović Tomislav , Dawod Ibrahim , De Santis Emiliano , Lekkas Alexandros , Lorenzen Kristina , Morillo Luis López , Mandl Thomas , Marklund Erik G. , Papanastasiou Dimitris , Ramakers Lennart A. I. , Schweikhard Lutz , Simke Florian , Sinelnikova Anna , Smyrnakis Athanasios , Timneanu Nicusor , Uetrecht Charlotte ,   for the MS SPIDOC Consortium
Published: April 2023

MS SPIDOC is a novel sample delivery system designed for single (isolated) particle imaging at X-ray Free-Electron Lasers that is adaptable towards most large-scale facility beamlines. Biological samples can range from small proteins to MDa particles. Following nano-electrospray ionization, ionic samples can be m/z-filtered and structurally separated before being oriented at the interaction zone. Here, we present the simulation package developed alongside this prototype. The first part describes how the front-to-end ion trajectory simulations have been conducted. Highlighted is a quadrant lens; a simple but efficient device that steers the ion beam within the vicinity of the strong DC orientation field in the interaction zone to ensure spatial overlap with the X-rays. The second part focuses on protein orientation and discusses its potential with respect to diffractive imaging methods. Last, coherent diffractive imaging of prototypical T = 1 and T = 3 norovirus capsids is shown. We use realistic experimental parameters from the SPB/SFX instrument at the European XFEL to demonstrate that low-resolution diffractive imaging data (q < 0.3 nm−1) can be collected with only a few X-ray pulses. Such low-resolution data are sufficient to distinguish between both symmetries of the capsids, allowing to probe low abundant species in a beam if MS SPIDOC is used as sample delivery.
Improved LC–MS identification of short homologous peptides using sequence-specific retention time predictors
Authors: Hollebrands Boudewijn , Hageman Jos A. , van de Sande Jasper W. , Albada Bauke , Janssen Hans-Gerd
Published: April 2023

Peptides are an important group of compounds contributing to the desired, as well as the undesired taste of a food product. Their taste impressions can include aspects of sweetness, bitterness, savoury, umami and many other impressions depending on the amino acids present as well as their sequence. Identification of short peptides in foods is challenging. We developed a method to assign identities to short peptides including homologous structures, i.e. peptides containing the same amino acids with a different sequence order, by accurate prediction of the retention times during reversed phase separation. To train the method, a large set of well-defined short peptides with systematic variations in the amino acid sequence was prepared by a novel synthesis strategy called ‘swapped-sequence synthesis’. Additionally, several proteins were enzymatically digested to yield short peptides. Experimental retention times were determined after reversed phase separation and peptide MS2 data was acquired using a high-resolution mass spectrometer operated in data-dependent acquisition mode (DDA). A support vector regression model was trained using a combination of existing sequence-independent peptide descriptors and a newly derived set of selected amino acid index derived sequence-specific peptide (ASP) descriptors. The model was trained and validated using the experimental retention times of the 713 small food-relevant peptides prepared. Whilst selecting the most useful ASP descriptors for our model, special attention was given to predict the retention time differences between homologous peptide structures. Inclusion of ASP descriptors greatly improved the ability to accurately predict retention times, including retention time differences between 157 homologous peptide pairs. The final prediction model had a goodness-of-fit (Q2) of 0.94; moreover for 93% of the short peptides, the elution order was correctly predicted.

Graphical abstract
Evolution of Alternaria toxins during the brewing process and the usability of optical sorting methods to reduce mycotoxin concentrations in beer
Authors: Bretträger Marina , Scheibenzuber Sophie , Asam Stefan , Rychlik Michael , Gastl Martina , Becker Thomas
Published: April 2023

To assess the impact of black-colored grain on Alternaria mycotoxin concentrations in different stages of the brewing process, brewing experiments were conducted in a microscale brewhouse. Different mixtures of visually unaffected and black-colored batches of two malt samples were used, which were obtained by an optical sorting device. The 13 Alternaria mycotoxins alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), tenuazonic acid (TeA), tentoxin (TEN), alterperylenol (ALTP), altertoxins I and II (ATX I and II), altenuene (ALT) as well as the modified forms AOH-3-glucoside (AOH-3-G), AOH-9-glucoside (AOH-9-G), AME-3-gluoside (AME-3-G), AOH-3-sulfate (AOH-3-S) and AME-3-sulfate (AME-3-S) were analyzed in each processing step by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and the toxin concentrations were balanced over the whole brewing process. Fungal DNA content in the starting material (mixtures) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In this study, TeA was the only toxin to migrate into the final beer, while the AOH, AME, TEN, ALTP and ATX I toxins were mainly found in the spent grains. The observance of AOH-3-S and AME-3-S in some processing steps also showed the possibility of modification reactions during brewing. Furthermore, no distinct correlations between the fungal DNA and the analyzed mycotoxins could be observed in the starting material, while the amount of black colored grains only impacted toxin concentrations in one of the two used malt samples. Nevertheless, it was shown that optical sorting of malt batches might be a useful tool for the malting and brewing industry to prevent elevated mycotoxin concentrations.