bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Lignosulfonate‐Based Phenol Formaldehyde Foam with Excellent Thermal Performance
Authors: Song Shushan , Xu Zhongbin , Zhen Xiang , Wang Zhongming , Ge Tiejun
Published: August 2022

An efficient route for the synthesis of lignin phenol formaldehyde (LPF) foams through the foaming process of LPF resin is described. The one‐pot method is used to prepare the resin. To obtain the resin, lignosulfonate is phenolic modified under alkaline conditions. The resin is obtained by incorporating the modified lignosulfonate with phenol via phenol‐formaldehyde condensation. Subsequently, the LPF resin is subjected to a foaming process that yields LPF foam, and the thermal properties of the foam are investigated. The results of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analyses indicate that compared with lignosulfonate, the molecular weight of phenolated lignin decreases significantly, and the content of phenolic and aliphatic hydroxyl groups increases. Thermogravimetric, thermal conductivity, and limiting oxygen index analyses are also conducted. The results reveal that the maximum carbon residue rate (43.76% at 800 °C), maximum thermal conductivity (0.0344 W m−1 K−1), and maximum oxygen index (39.1%) occur for the LPF foam with 20 wt% lignin. These results demonstrate that lignosulfonate is a promising candidate for the use of phenol modification in preparing LPF foam. Furthermore, this study provides a new direction for the modification and application of lignin.
PLA‐b‐SMA as an Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer for Encapsulation of Lipophilic Cargo
Authors: Ball Lauren E. , Pfukwa Rueben , Siqueira Raoni P. , Mosqueira Vanessa C. F. , Klumperman Bert
Published: August 2022

The encapsulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within drug delivery systems such as polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) vastly improves the therapeutic efficiency of the incorporated APIs. PNPs synthesized using amphiphilic block copolymers are efficient drug delivery systems as the hydrophobic block facilitates the encapsulation of lipophilic components and the hydrophilic block constitutes the hairy corona of the PNP that stabilizes the nanocarriers against aggregation in solution. Poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic acid) (SMA) is an attractive polymer for the hydrophilic corona of PLA‐based nanoparticles as it allows for post polymerization functionalization and aids in the prevention of NP aggregation. The synthesis of a novel PLA‐b‐SMA block copolymer, via sequential ring opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, is presented. PLA macro‐CTAs, synthesized via ROP, can be chain extended via RAFT copolymerization of styrene and maleic anhydride to yield PLA‐b‐SMAnh and via RAFT polymerization of N‐vinylpyrrolidone to yield PLA‐b‐PVP block copolymers. Controlled hydrolysis of the anhydride moieties converts PLA‐b‐SMAnh into PLA‐b‐SMA. Monodisperse PLA‐b‐SMA and PLA‐b‐PVP nanoparticles (NPs) ranging in diameter between 60 and 220 nm are prepared. The lipophilic fluorescent dye DiI is encapsulated within the NPs successfully and these fluorescent NPs are used in a preliminary cell uptake study.
A Pillar[5]arene‐Based Smart Organogel with Effective Iodine Adsorption
Authors: Zhang Qian , Fan Lu‐Lu , Yue Tian‐Jiao , Hu Zhi‐Guo , Li Na , Li Jun , Jiang Yu‐Qing , Li Ke‐Qing , Guo Hai‐Ming
Published: August 2022

Two copolymers are synthesized: one (P1) has pendant azo and 5‐(1H‐1, 2, 3‐triazol‐1‐yl) pentanenitrile (TAPN) groups, and the other (P2) has pendant azo and pillar[5]arene groups. When the two copolymers are mixed in chloroform, an organogel with excellent self‐healing capability and dual‐stimulus responsiveness is formed. Reversible double noncovalent cross‐linked networks including host–guest complexation and π–π interactions are responsible for this property. A xerogel prepared from the organogel can capture iodine in aqueous media. The presence of many effective sorption sites including electron‐rich phenolic units and azo groups provides the xerogel with iodine uptake ability. The pillar[5]arene‐based gel can adsorb iodine and self‐heal rapidly, and therefore has potential as a long‐life adsorbent.
A stepwise multiple regression model to predict Fusarium wilt in lentil
Authors: Ali Yasir , Qin Anzhen , Aatif Hafiz Muhammad , Ijaz Muhammad , Khan Azhar Abbas , Ahmad Salman , Shahzad Umbreen , Yasin Muhammad , Rahman Shafeeq Ur
Published: August 2022

The present study was designed to develop a disease predictive model based upon meteorological variables, that is, minimum and maximum temperatures, rainfall, and relative humidity to predict lentil wilt severity. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship of meteorological variables with disease severity. A significant correlation was found between all meteorological variables and lentil wilt severity. Maximum temperature showed negative correlation, while minimum temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity exhibited positive correlation with lentil wilt severity. Environmental variables and disease severity data of 2 years (2017–2018) were used to develop a disease predictive model using a stepwise multiple regression analysis. Maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall, and relative humidity significantly contributed to disease development and explained 94.39% variability in disease severity. This model, based on 2 years data, was then validated with 5 years (2012–2016) meteorological variables and disease severity data set. Homogeneity of regression line in the multiple regression equations of 2 years (2017–2018) model and 5 years (2012–2016) model indicated that they validated each other. Lentil wilt severity was high at maximum (17–25°C) and minimum temperature (9.5–15.1°C), rainfall (4.5–6.5 mm), and relative humidity (55%–85%), respectively. The lentil wilt disease predictive model developed for four lentil varieties, namely M‐85, NL‐2, Mansehra‐89, and NARC‐08‐1, during the present investigation will be useful to predict disease severity before epidemic occurrence and the time of fungicide application. Hence, the model is helpful to reduce the use of fungicides, lessen environmental pollution, and help limit the cost of production of lentil growers.
Global weak solutions to the Vlasov–Poisson–Fokker–Planck–Navier–Stokes system
Authors: Chen Li , Li Fucai , Li Yue , Zamponi Nicola
Published: August 2022

We consider the compressible Vlasov–Poisson–Fokker–Planck–Navier–Stokes system in a three‐dimensional bounded domain with nonhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. The system describes the evolution of charged particles ensemble dispersed in an isentropic fluid. For the adiabatic coefficient
, we establish the global existence of weak solutions to this system with arbitrary large initial and boundary data.
Eugenol, A Major Component of Clove Oil, Attenuates Adiposity, and Modulates Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Li Mengjie , Zhao Yuhan , Wang Yanan , Geng Ruixuan , Fang Jingjing , Kang Seong‐Gook , Huang Kunlun , Tong Tao
Published: August 2022

Scope

Eugenol (EU), the major aromatic compound derived from clove oil, is being focused recently due to its potential in preventing several chronic conditions. Herein, this study aims to evaluate the potential of EU in obesity prevention and to delineate the mechanisms involved.

Methods and results

Five‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice are fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with EU (0.2%, w/w) for 13 weeks. EU significantly reduces obesity‐related indexes including final body weight, body weight gain, adipocyte size, visceral fat‐pad weight, and fasting blood glucose. EU prevents HFD‐induced gut dysbiosis, as indicated by the increase of Firmicutes and decrease of Desulfobacterota at phylum level, and the increase of Dubosiella, Blautia, unclassified_f_Oscillospiraceae, and unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, and the decrease of Alistipes, Alloprevotella, and Bilophila at genus level. Notably, the obesity‐related indexes are positively correlated with the relative abundances of Bacteroides, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Colidextribacter, and Bilophila, and negatively correlated with the relative abundances of norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Moreover, the preventive effects of EU on obesity are accompanied by the transcriptomic reprogramming of white adipose tissue.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that EU prevents the HFD‐induced adiposity and modulates gut dysbiosis, and highlight the potential of EU in obesity intervention as a functional dietary supplement.
Energy efficient time‐modulated OFDM directional modulation transmitters
Authors: Hou Jiayu , Purushothama Jayakrishnan M. , Fan Haijun , Song Chaoyun , Ding Yuan , Sellathurai Mathini
Published: August 2022

In this study, a reconfigurable power divider (RPD) enabled energy efficient direction modulation (DM) transmitter for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulated data transmission is proposed. The RPD can smartly select the output ports and operate as a power divider or a switch with appropriate control conditions. Hence, the RPD is able to recycle the energy in the ‘OFF’ state antennas, which is otherwise wasted in the conventional DM transmitter constructed using a fixed power divider and switches. It has been shown in a 4‐element array example that the newly proposed RPD‐based OFDM DM transmitter can provide 1.5–7.8 dB SNR gains (or in the other way, reducing power consumption by 1.5–7.8 dB) for different excitation strategies.
A new wiggly technique for ultra‐wideband two‐line directional couplers
Authors: Abbaszadeh Saber , Pahlavan Payman , Jalali Mohsen
Published: August 2022

In this letter, a new wiggly structure of two‐line directional couplers is presented in which the coupling part of the coupler has a saw‐tooth with rectangular edges. It has been shown that this method can offer advantages of both saw‐tooth and rectangular counterparts with phase velocity compensation over a wider frequency range and a lower possibility of deformations. To evaluate the proposed approach, a 21 dB directional coupler at the frequency range of 4–8 GHz is designed and fabricated on a RO4003C board.
Understanding the use and tolerance of a pediatric and an adult commercial blenderized enteral formula through real‐world data
Authors: Steel Cindy , Wile Heather , Li Olivia , Yedulla Swapna , Hare Ian , Hopkins Bethany
Published: August 2022

Background

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is frequently prescribed to individuals who cannot consume adequate food orally. Commercial blenderized enteral formulas (CBEF) containing real‐food ingredients are becoming more popular and more widely available; however, the demographics of patients receiving these formulas have rarely been evaluated, and little data are available on patient tolerance in the community.

Methods

US claims data were obtained for children and adolescents/adults who used the CBEF of interest as the sole source of nutrition via enteral feeding tube in the community setting following discharge from acute care. Demographics, concomitant medications, clinical diagnoses, and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were tabulated using descriptive statistics. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms before and after hospital discharge were compared using significance tests.

Results

The study included 231 participants (180 children, 51 adolescents/adults). CBEFs were prescribed to patients with a variety of diagnoses, of which the most common were digestive and respiratory disorders. Children experienced significantly lower rates of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distension in the weeks following hospital discharge compared with the baseline (all P < 0.001). Adolescents/adults experienced significantly lower rates of constipation, nausea, and vomiting (all P < 0.05). Neither group increased their usage of GI medications following hospital discharge.

Conclusion

These CBEFs, based on real‐food ingredients, were prescribed to diverse patients in the community and were well tolerated. These formulas offer an alternative to standard polymeric formulas and an alternative or adjunct to homemade blenderized formulas.
Beyond values: How emotions, anthropomorphism, beliefs and knowledge relate to the acceptability of native and non‐native species management in cities
Authors: Straka Tanja M. , Bach Luise , Klisch Ulrike , Egerer Monika H. , Fischer Leonie K. , Kowarik Ingo
Published: August 2022

Managing non‐native species in cities is often controversial because these species can support both ecosystem services and disservices. Yet, how the acceptability of non‐native species management by the general public differs in relation to native species, to distance (i.e. close to residence and elsewhere) and among plants and animals is understudied. Furthermore, while values, beliefs and knowledge are often considered in this context, psychometric factors such as emotions and anthropomorphic views have received little attention.

We surveyed 658 residents in Berlin, Germany, to assess (i) the acceptability of management actions differing in their severity for non‐native plants and animals compared to native species with similar traits, (ii) the influence of perceived distance of species (i.e. close to residence and elsewhere) and (iii) the predictive potential of psychometric (i.e. values, beliefs, self‐assessed knowledge, emotions and anthropomorphism) and socio‐demographic factors for this acceptability.

Eradication (i.e. lethal control/removal) was generally the least accepted management action, but more accepted for non‐native than native species. Distance mattered for the acceptability of non‐native plant management with unspecified control action the most accepted management action close to residence.

While values (self‐transcendence and conservation) mostly explained the acceptability of doing nothing and eradication, emotions related strongly to all management actions. Beliefs were more important than self‐assessed knowledge in relation to non‐native species management and beliefs about non‐native plants and animals were rated almost similar. Anthropomorphic views had predictive potential for plants and animals; that is, the stronger people held anthropomorphic views, the less they accepted eradication. Participants with a garden supported doing nothing with plants (native and non‐native) more than without.

Results highlight the complexity of factors underlying the acceptability of management actions on species in cities. While values, beliefs and self‐assessed knowledge are important in the context of species management, other psychometric factors add to our understanding of acceptability. We conclude that awareness about different acceptability patterns related to species management can support environmental policies on biological invasions in cities. Tailoring and implementing adequate management actions can benefit from incorporating cognitive but also affective factors of the public.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Encapsulation of anti‐viral active material for plant protection based on inverse Pickering emulsions
Authors: Mani Karthik Ananth , Berenice Meche , Yaakov Noga , Feldbaum Reut Amar , Kotliarevsk Liliya , Naftali Shoham Matsrafi , Belausov Eduard , Zelinger Einat , Fallik Elazar , Dombrovsky Aviv , Mechrez Guy
Published: August 2022

This study presents anti‐viral coating formulations based on Pickering emulsion. We used a versatile strategy to produce a stable Pickering emulsion by depletion interaction between an emulsion droplet and a particle using solvent‐soluble polymers as a depletant. This interaction facilitates the adsorption of particles onto the droplet interface and stabilizes the emulsions. The coating formulation is based on water‐in‐toluene emulsions stabilized using commercial hydrophobic silica, with polycaprolactone polymer as a depletant dissolved in toluene. The structure of the emulsions and their stability were characterized by confocal microscopy, centrifugal analysis using a LUMiSizer®, and cryogenic‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) used to confirm the depletion phenomenon. The active materials copper oxychloride and propionic acid were incorporated into the most stable water‐in‐toluene emulsion and applied to the polycarbonate surfaces after being oven‐dried to remove the toluene while leaving the colloidosomes template with the active ingredient needed to resist viral infections. The bio‐assay of the copper oxychloride and propionic acid encapsulated samples were carried out on Nicotiana tabaccum var Xanthi plants. At a 6–7 leaf stage, Young plants of Xanthi were subjected to inoculation with the 0.01 M sodium‐phosphate pH = 7.0 containing ToBRFV from each of the coated surfaces. The inoculated plants were dusted with carborundum to enhance virus infection, and three leaves above the two lowest leaves in each plant were rubbed. Local lesions were apparent at ~4 days post‐inoculation, indicating virus count. The formulation encapsulated with copper oxychloride gave 87% protection, whereas the one with propionic acid dissolved conferred 91% protection from infestation.
The proteome of clear cell ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Ji Jennifer X , Cochrane Dawn R , Negri Gian Luca , Colborne Shane , Spencer Miko Sandra E , Hoang Lynn N , Farnell David , Tessier‐Cloutier Basile , Huvila Jutta , Thompson Emily , Leung Samuel , Chiu Derek , Chow Christine , Ta Monica , Köbel Martin , Feil Lucas , Anglesio Michael , Goode Ellen L , Bolton Kelly , Morin Gregg B , Huntsman David G
Published: August 2022

Clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) is the second most common subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Late‐stage CCOC is not responsive to gold‐standard chemotherapy and results in suboptimal outcomes for patients. In‐depth molecular insight is urgently needed to stratify the disease and drive therapeutic development. We conducted global proteomics for 192 cases of CCOC and compared these with other epithelial ovarian carcinoma subtypes. Our results showed distinct proteomic differences in CCOC compared with other epithelial ovarian cancer subtypes including alterations in lipid and purine metabolism pathways. Furthermore, we report potential clinically significant proteomic subgroups within CCOC, suggesting the biologic plausibility of stratified treatment for this cancer. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the CCOC proteomic landscape to facilitate future understanding and research of this disease. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Rapid authentication of Chaenomeles species by visual volatile components fingerprints based on headspace gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry combined with chemometric analysis
Authors: Tian Shanming , Guo Huanying , Zhang Minmin , Yan Huijiao , Wang Xiao , Zhao Hengqiang
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Chaenomeles, including Chaenomeles speciosa (ZP), Chaenomeles sinensis (GP), Chaenomeles tibetica (XZ), and Chaenomeles japonica (RB), has been widely used as food in China for thousands of years. However, only ZP, was recorded to be the authentic medicinal Chaenomeles. Therefore, the rapid and accurate method for the authenticity identification of Chaenomeles species is urgently needed.

Objective

To develop a method for rapid differentiation of Chaenomeles species.

Methods

The visual volatile components fingerprints based on headspace gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS) combined with chemometric analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), were utilised for the authentication of Chaenomeles species.

Results

The visual volatile components fingerprints by the GC‐IMS intuitively showed the distribution features of the volatile components for different Chaenomeles samples. The LDA and PLS‐DA models successfully discriminated Chaenomeles species with original discrimination accuracy of 100%. Fifteen volatile compounds (VOCs) (peaks 9, 12, 13, 19, 23, 24, 35, 48, 57, 65, 67, 76, 79, 80, 83) were selected as the potential species‐specific markers of Chaenomeles via variable importance of projection (VIP > 1.2) and one‐way analysis of variance (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed that the visual volatile components fingerprints by HS‐GC‐IMS combined with chemometric analysis is a meaningful method in the Chaenomeles species authentication.
Structure and properties of flame‐retardant Lyocell fibers prepared by blending method
Authors: Yang Gesheng , Peng Kang , Zhang Huihui , Song Xuejiao , Zhou Yi , Shao Huili
Published: August 2022

Two flame retardants, melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and modified melamine cyanurate (MCA), were examined and added to a cellulose solution to fabricate flame‐retardant Lyocell fibers Lyocell‐MPP and Lyocell‐MCA, respectively, via dry–wet spinning. Compared with the non‐modified Lyocell fiber (without flame retardant), the flame‐retardant fibers produced a higher amount of carbon residue during combustion, whereas the heat release capacity, peak heat release rate, and total heat release decreased, indicating that the flame‐retardant fibers present a lower fire risk. The limit oxygen index values of Lyocell‐MPP and Lyocell‐MCA were 26.5% and 27.1%, respectively, complying with the flame‐retardant standard. The crystallinity and mechanical properties of the flame‐retardant fibers decreased relative to those of the non‐modified Lyocell fiber. Furthermore, the wearability of the flame‐retardant fibers was studied—both flame‐retardant fibers displayed good washing resistance properties and improved hygroscopicity but a lower dyeing performance than the non‐modified Lyocell fiber.
Optical metasurfaces made by cell projection lithography
Authors: Hädrich Mathias , Siefke Thomas , Banasch Michael , Zeitner Uwe D.
Published: August 2022

Metasurfaces offer promising possibilities for emerging photonic applications like see‐through, near‐eye displays. Vistec Electron Beam lithography systems with variable shaped beam (VSB) and cell projection (CP) technology provide a flexible solution to generate repetitive structures on large substrates. Excellent pattern fidelity is achieved in a feasible write‐time, enabling prototyping or the manufacturing of replication masters.
Azadirachtin inhibits the development and metabolism of the silk glands of Spodoptera frugiperda and affects spinning behavior
Authors: Zhao Weihua , Zheng Qun , Qin Deqiang , Luo Peiru , Ye Cuiyi , Shen Shigang , Cheng Dongmei , Huang Suqing , Liu Lihui , Xu Hanhong , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major agricultural pest, and the dispersal of its larvae by spinning silk is one of the causes of crop damage. At present, there are relatively few reports of pest control that affect larvae spinning silk. In this study, the effect of spinning behavior of the S. frugiperda larvae was investigated through a series of experiments.

RESULTS

The 3rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda were exposed to azadirachtin, and the pathological changes in the silk glands of S. frugiperda and the differences in their metabolites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, histological sectioning, transmission electron microscopy and metabolomics. The results showed that azadirachtin could affect the silk gland of S. frugiperda. After 48 h of treatment with azadirachtin, the silk gland lumen of S. frugiperda appeared vacuolated. KEGG showed that 31 different metabolites were identified, of which 12 were upregulated and 19 were downregulated. These metabolites were enriched in 15 different metabolic pathways, which indicated that the silk gland of S. frugiperda was closely related to the formation of fatty acids and energy metabolism for the silk formation process.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a preliminary report of the effect of azadirachtin on the spinning behavior of the S. frugiperda larvae. Metabolomic results indicated that histidine, glycine and leucine, which are related to serine protein synthesis, were down‐regulated. Azadirachtin can damage the silk glands of S. frugiperda and thus affect spinning behavior. This provides the basis for the control of S. frugiperda by spinning silk. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Should the two‐trial paradigm still be the gold standard in drug assessment?
Authors: Zhan Stella Jinran , Kunz Cornelia Ursula , Stallard Nigel
Published: August 2022

Two significant pivotal trials are usually required for a new drug approval by a regulatory agency. This standard requirement is known as the two‐trial paradigm. However, several authors have questioned why we need exactly two pivotal trials, what statistical error the regulators are trying to protect against, and potential alternative approaches. Therefore, it is important to investigate these questions to better understand the regulatory decision‐making in the assessment of drugs' effectiveness. It is common that two identically designed trials are run solely to adhere to the two‐trial rule. Previous work showed that combining the data from the two trials into a single trial (one‐trial paradigm) would increase the power while ensuring the same level of type I error protection as the two‐trial paradigm. However, this is true only under a specific scenario and there is little investigation on the type I error protection over the whole null region. In this article, we compare the two paradigms by considering scenarios in which the two trials are conducted in identical or different populations as well as with equal or unequal size. With identical populations, the results show that a single trial provides better type I error protection and higher power. Conversely, with different populations, although the one‐trial rule is more powerful in some cases, it does not always protect against the type I error. Hence, there is the need for appropriate flexibility around the two‐trial paradigm and the appropriate approach should be chosen based on the questions we are interested in.
Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine in atherosclerosis: A review
Authors: Liu Huimei , Zhu Li , Chen Linxi , Li Lanfang
Published: August 2022

Atherosclerosis is the onset of endothelial cell damage and is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fibrinogen and lipid in large and middle arteries. Recent researches indicate that traditional Chinese medicine including Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Fructus Crataegi, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Fructus Lycii, and Coptidis Rhizoma have therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the pharmacological roles of these kinds of traditional Chinese medicine in atherosclerosis refer to endothelial function influences, cell proliferation and migration, platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, lipid metabolism, and the gut microbiome. Traditional Chinese medicine may serve as potential and effective anti‐atherosclerosis drugs. However, a critical study has shown that Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma may also have toxic effects including pustules, fever, and elevate circulating neutrophil count. Further high‐quality studies are still required to determine the clinical safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients.
Robust sequential experimental strategy for black‐box optimization with application to hyperparameter tuning
Authors: Sunder Gautham , Albrecht Thomas A. , Nachtsheim Christopher J.
Published: August 2022

Global optimization of expensive, noisy black‐box functions is a problem of significant interest and is used extensively in applications such as hyperparameter optimization (HPO) of machine learning models. Response Surface Optimization (RSO) and Bayesian Optimization (BO) are two highly efficient model‐based experimentation strategies for optimizing expensive, noisy black‐box functions. The run‐size efficiency of both RSO and BO is critically dependent on the fitness of the surrogate model in approximating the true response function. In this regard, both RSO and BO deliberately choose initial designs that are optimal for estimating the assumed surrogate model and their sequential design strategy is aimed at further refining the surrogate model estimate. As a result, a design strategy that is optimal for one is not necessarily optimal for the other. In this study, we propose Compound‐RSO, a model‐robust, three‐stage experimental strategy for optimizing noisy black‐box functions with continuous experimental factors. Compound‐RSO is a hybrid strategy between RSO and BO which empirically estimates the complexity of the black‐box function and chooses the appropriate strategy between them. We propose robust designs that are highly efficient for estimating a second‐order polynomial model and that simultaneously maximize the power of the Lack‐of‐Fit test to determine the inadequacies of a second‐order approximation. Additionally, we propose a trust‐region‐based‐adaptive experimentation strategy for optimizing a second‐order response function. Through our simulation study we illustrate that the proposed Compound‐RSO strategy is more efficient than BO when the response function is second‐order, and performs comparably to BO when the response function is complex. Lastly, a case study on HPO of Deep Neural Networks (DDNs) in the context of visual quality inspections at a medical device manufacturer further illustrates the utility of the proposed Compound‐RSO strategy.
Existence of stationary ballistic deposition on the infinite lattice
Authors: Chatterjee Sourav
Published: August 2022

Ballistic deposition is one of the many models of interface growth that are believed to be in the KPZ universality class, but have so far proved to be largely intractable mathematically. In this model, blocks of size one fall independently as Poisson processes at each site on the ‐dimensional lattice, and either attach themselves to the column growing at that site, or to the side of an adjacent column, whichever comes first. It is not hard to see that if we subtract off the height of the column at the origin from the heights of the other columns, the resulting interface process is Markovian. The main result of this article is that this Markov process has at least one invariant probability measure. We conjecture that the invariant measure is not unique, and provide some partial evidence.
Application of microbial inoculants significantly  enhances crop productivity: A meta‐analysis of studies from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Li Jiayu , Wang Juntao , Liu Hongwei , Macdonald Catriona A. , Singh Brajesh K.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

With the rapid development of microbial technology, microbial inoculant is considered as a promising tool in sustainable agricultural systems. Mechanisms by which microbial inoculants improve crop yield include improving plant nutrient availability and alleviating abiotic/biotic stresses (e.g., drought, salt and disease). However, the field efficacy of microbial inoculants remains inconsistent, which constrains large‐scale adoptions. Identity of dominant mechanisms that underpin the positive impacts of different microbial inoculants is limited. Thus, a comprehensive quantitative assessment of known inoculants on crop performance is needed to provide guidance for the development of effective microbial tools from both research and commercial perspectives.

Materials and Methods

Based on 97 peer‐reviewed publications, we conducted a meta‐analysis to quantify the benefits of different microbial inoculants on crop yield, and to identify the key mechanisms that underpin enhanced crop yield.

Results

Result showed that (i) alleviation of stresses was the major mechanism (53.95%, n = 53) by which microbial inoculants enhance crop yield, while improving plant nutrient availability accounted for 22.25% (n = 58) of crop yield enhancement. (ii) Pseudomonas was the most effective microbial inoculant in enhancing crop yield through alleviating stresses (63.91%, n = 15), whereas Enterobacter was the most effective in improving plant nutrient availability (27.12%, n = 5). (iii) Considering both mechanisms together, Pseudomonas (49.94%, n = 21), Enterobacter (27.55%, n = 13) and Bacillus (25.66%, n = 32) were the largest sources of microbial inoculants to enhance crop yield, and the combination of diazotroph Burkholderia with its legume host had the highest effect on improving the yield (by 196.38%). Microbial inoculants also improve nutritional quality by enhancing mineral contents in the produce.

Conclusion

Our analysis provides evidence that microbial inoculants can enhance agricultural productivity and nutritional quality and can be used either alone or in combination with reduced amount of agrochemicals to promote sustainable agriculture.
Exploring the antecedents of sustainable consumers' purchase intentions: Evidence from emerging countries
Authors: Lavuri Rambabu , Jindal Abhinav , Akram Umair , Naik Bhukya Koteswara Rao , Halibas Alrence Santiago
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this research study is to examine the antecedents of sustainable purchasing intention among two Asian countries' consumers, namely, India and Indonesia. Snowball sampling is used to collect data from 642 respondents from the two countries, and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results reveal that antecedent variables such as environmental knowledge and environmental concern had a substantial impact on sustainable attitudes (SAs) and perceived behavior control; however, perceived behavior control had no impact on Indian consumers. While for Indian consumers, subjective norms had decisive moderating association between SAs and sustainable purchasing intention; for Indonesian consumers, it did not. Further, subjective norms did not show any moderating association between Indian and Indonesian consumers' perceived behavior control and sustainable purchasing intention. Finally, trust showed a significant moderating relationship between SAs, perceived behavior control and sustainable purchasing intention for Indian customers but not for Indonesian consumers.
Network meta‐analysis of rare events using penalized likelihood regression
Authors: Evrenoglou Theodoros , White Ian R. , Afach Sivem , Mavridis Dimitris , Chaimani Anna
Published: August 2022

Network meta‐analysis (NMA) of rare events has attracted little attention in the literature. Until recently, networks of interventions with rare events were analyzed using the inverse‐variance NMA approach. However, when events are rare the normal approximations made by this model can be poor and effect estimates are potentially biased. Other methods for the synthesis of such data are the recent extension of the Mantel‐Haenszel approach to NMA or the use of the noncentral hypergeometric distribution. In this article, we suggest a new common‐effect NMA approach that can be applied even in networks of interventions with extremely low or even zero number of events without requiring study exclusion or arbitrary imputations. Our method is based on the implementation of the penalized likelihood function proposed by Firth for bias reduction of the maximum likelihood estimate to the logistic expression of the NMA model. A limitation of our method is that heterogeneity cannot be taken into account as an additive parameter as in most meta‐analytical models. However, we account for heterogeneity by incorporating a multiplicative overdispersion term using a two‐stage approach. We show through simulation that our method performs consistently well across all tested scenarios and most often results in smaller bias than other available methods. We also illustrate the use of our method through two clinical examples. We conclude that our “penalized likelihood NMA” approach is promising for the analysis of binary outcomes with rare events especially for networks with very few studies per comparison and very low control group risks.
The effect of Medicaid on recidivism: Evidence from Medicaid suspension and termination policies
Authors: Gollu Gultekin , Zapryanova Mariyana
Published: August 2022

Although people who go through the prison and jail system in the United States have significant health care needs, many leave it with no health insurance and, as a result, they experience gaps in access to care. Exploiting variation in Medicaid eligibility policies for incarcerated individuals across states and using administrative prison release data, we find that suspending rather than terminating Medicaid upon incarceration decreases the probability of returning to prison within 1 and 3 years of release by 2.91 and 4.58 percentage points, respectively. These effects are observed among different types of prisoners, but are greater for Black and repeat offenders. Our results suggest that faster and easier reinstatement of Medicaid benefits upon prison release decreases recidivism rate and are directly relevant to ongoing policy debates on the health care coverage of vulnerable populations.
Circ_SNX27 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma development via miR‐637/FGFR1 axis
Authors: Li Hua , Liu Bingli , Xu Xin , Li Shunle , Zhang Di , Liu Qingfeng
Published: August 2022

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as critical regulatory factors in cancer development. Nonetheless, the potential regulatory mechanism of circRNA sorting nexin 27 (circ_SNX27) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown.

Methods: The circ_SNX27, microRNA‐637 (miR‐637), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) levels were quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Next, function experiments were conducted using in vitro assays and in vivo senograft study. The relationship between miR‐637 with circ_SNX27 or FGFR1 was uncovered by dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays.

Results: The circ_SNX27 and FGFR1 levels were up‐regulated, but miR‐637 content was reduced in HCC. Circ_SNX27 down‐regulation inhibited HCC cell proliferation, motility, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro, as well as weakened tumor growth in vivo. Circ_SNX27 served as a sponge of miR‐637 to promote FGFR1 expression. MiR‐637 reduction abolished the restrained effect of circ_SNX27 absence on HCC cell development. Moreover, miR‐637 curbed HCC cell malignant phenotype by regulating FGFR1.

Conclusion: Circ_SNX27 contributed to HCC development via miR‐637/FGFR1 axis, offering a new idea for the treatment of HCC.
The toxicity mechanism of glabridin in prostate cancer cells is involved in reactive oxygen species‐dependent PI3K/Akt pathway: Integrated utilization of bioinformatic analysis and in vitro test validation
Authors: Zhang Fengyan , Wang Fufang , Li Wenjie , Liang Liping , Sang Xicheng
Published: August 2022

Glabridin is a prenylated isoflavonoid with considerable anticancer property. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have evolved as regulators of many cellular signaling pathways in prostate cancer (PC). However, the role of ROS signaling in the anticancer activity of glabridin has not been investigated. Here, we attempted to evaluate the effect of glabridin on PC and the involvement of ROS signaling. Intracellular ROS and mitochondrial ROS (mitoROS) production in PC cell lines, DU‐145 and LNCaP, were measured by H2DCFDA and MitoSOX Red staining, respectively. MTT assay was used to analyze the cellular viability. EdU staining assay was conducted to analyze the cell proliferation. To analyze apoptotic rate, TUNEL assay was performed. Caspase‐3 activity was detected to reflect cell apoptosis. Western blot was carried out to detect the expression levels of Akt and p‐Akt. We found that intracellular ROS and mitoROS levels were dose‐dependently upregulated after glabridin treatment in both DU‐145 and LNCaP cells, which was reversed by the treatment of ROS inhibitor, N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC). Glabridin inhibited the cell viability and reduced the number of EdU‐positive DU‐145 and LNCaP cells, which were respectively proved by MTT assay and EdU staining assay. Glabridin promoted cell death with increased apoptotic rate and caspase‐3 activity in DU‐145 and LNCaP cells. The effects of glabridin on cell proliferation and apoptosis were reversed by NAC. Moreover, glabridin suppressed the ratio of p‐Akt/Akt, while NAC mitigated the decreased p‐Akt/Akt ratio. In addition, the effects of glabridin on cell proliferation and apoptosis were also attenuated by Akt activator, SC79. Collectively, our results demonstrated that glabridin suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in PC cells via regulating ROS‐mediated PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings suggested that glabridin might hold a promising prospective as a therapeutic agent against PC.
Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure in vivo perturbs mitochondrial metabolic during oocyte maturation
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Qi Changyong , Ma Zhinan , Wang Yixiong , Zhang Lei , Hou Xiaojing
Published: August 2022

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a member of a group of polyfluorinated and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in mammals. However, the effects of in vivo exposure to PFOA on the female reproductive system and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In our study, we constructed a mouse model to investigate whether low‐dose PFOA (1 mg/kg/day) or high‐dose PFOA (5 mg/kg/day) affect meiosis maturation of oocytes and the potential mechanisms that may be associated with oocyte maturation disorder. Our results indicate that low‐dose and high‐dose PFOA can lead to impaired oocyte maturation, which is manifested by decreased rate of embryonic foam rupture and first polar body extrusion. Moreover, PFOA exposure harmed the mitochondrial metabolic, resulting in low levels of ATP contents, high reactive oxygen species, aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the proportion of DNA damage marker γ‐H2AX was also significantly increased in PFOA exposure oocytes. These changes lead to abnormal arrangements of the spindle and chromosomes during oocyte maturation. In conclusion, our results for the first time illustrated that exposure to PFOA in vivo in female mice impaired the meiosis maturation of oocytes, which provided a basis for studying the mechanism of PFOA reproductive toxicity in female mammals.
Bioremediation of bisphenol A found in industrial wastewater using Trametes versicolor (TV) laccase nanoemulsion‐based bead organogel in packed bed reactor
Authors: Trivedi Janki , Chhaya Urvish
Published: August 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the toxic chemicals, which is widely used for manufacturing epoxy, polyester resin, and polycarbonates. These materials are extensively used in manufacturing of reusable bottles, baby bottles, dental sealants, various medical devices, and so forth. Moreover, canned and packaged foods are sources of bisphenol A, which is unknowingly consumed by many people worldwide. Its endocrine disrupting and teratogenic properties impose potential risk to the wildlife and human health. BPA has been linked to reproductive, metabolic, and immunity disorders in humans. Regardless of BPA ban in reusable and baby bottles, annually, 15 billion pounds of BPA still being produced. BPA pollution and its cleanup are major challenges. Therefore, it is essential to develop a suitable strategy to bioremediate BPA. The Trametes versicolor (TV) laccase‐based nanoemulsion calcium alginate bead organogel was able to transform 94% of BPA within 2 h of treatment. Organogel showed 60% of BPA removal from actual industrial wastewater in packed bed batch reactor and 67% of BPA removal in continuous flow packed bed reactor. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) of treated industrial effluent was 14 mg/L, which is very much less than untreated effluent's BOD, which was 48 mg/L. The chemical oxygen demand of industrial effluent was 1240 mg/ml, and treated effluent was 248 mg/L, respectively. Hence, application of nanoemulsion‐based organogel in packed bed reactor found to be a potential candidate for the bioremediation of industrial effluent containing BPA.

Practitioner Points

The TV laccase‐based nanoemulsion calcium alginate bead organogel was able to transform 94% of BPA.

Organogel showed 67% of BPA removal from industrial wastewater in continuous flow packed bed reactor.

The nanoemulsion‐based organogel in packed bed reactor found to be potential candidate for the bioremediation of industrial effluent containing BPA.
Photodegradation of N‐nitrosodimethylamine under 365 nm Light Emitting Diode Irradiation
Authors: Fan Jiahui , Deng Cun , Rao Yongfang
Published: August 2022

The photodegradation of NDMA has been extensively investigated under the irradiation of low‐pressure or medium‐pressure Hg lamps and xenon lamp. However, NDMA photolysis remains unknown under 365 nm ultraviolet light‐emitting diode (UV‐LED) irradiation. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation on NDMA photodegradation by 365 nm UV‐LED illumination. The quantum yield of NDMA photolysis under 365 nm UV‐LED irradiation was determined to be 0.0312 ± 0.0047. The influence of pH on NDMA photodegradation was found to be wavelength dependent. Compared with distilled and deionized water (DDW), tap water inhibited NDMA photodegradation, but secondary wastewater effluent did not. Based on the quantification of NDMA photolysis products and pH influence, the photooxidation of the excited NDMA in the nonprotonated form was proposed to be a major pathway for NDMA photodegradation under the irradiation of UV‐LED lamp at 365 nm. This study further enhances our knowledge on NDMA photodegradation.

Practitioner Points

Quantum yield of NDMA photolysis at 365 nm was determined to be 0.0312 ± 0.0047.

The influence of pH on NDMA photodegradation was wavelength dependent.

NDMA photodegradation was inhibited in tap water compared with that in DDW.

NDMA photodegradation in SWE was similar to that in DDW.

Excited nonprotonated NDMA photooxidation is a major degradation pathway.
Nonlocal chaotic analysis of double layered viscoelastic nanoplates embedded in Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation and under in‐plane biaxial loads
Authors: Mamandi Ahmad
Published: August 2022

In this paper, based on the extended Melnikov method the homoclinic analysis for chaotic vibration of a double layered viscoelastic nanoplates (DLNPs) embedded in Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation and under in‐plane excited biaxial loads using the Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory has been investigated. The governing nonlinear coupled partial differential equations (PDEs) of motion for DLNP considering viscoelastic Kelvin–Voigt model in the Kirchhoff's thin plate theory in conjunction with the von‐Karman geometrical nonlinear strain–displacement relations have been derived. Then, applying the Galerkin method the governing nonlocal coupled PDEs of motion of DLNP have been converted into the nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using mode summation technique and discretized in terms of time. The criteria for the homoclinic transverse intersection for synchronous and asynchronous types of buckling are studied to predict the homoclinic orbits and chaotic motions applying the generalized Melnikov method. Besides, the critical buckling load has been determined for asynchronous and synchronous types of buckling. The obtained results are validated with comparing them with the results presented in the literature for a special case. Then, the effect of changes of different parameters including nonlocal small‐scale parameter, foundation coefficients, biaxial load ratio, geometric aspect ratio on the critical buckling load and ratio of nonlocal to local natural frequency have been studied. The critical threshold surface for the synchronous and asynchronous manifolds to predict transversely condition for the chaotic motion are discussed on the parametric space.