bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sourcesand nature of heterogeneity in recombinant phenol hydroxylase derived fromthe basidiomycetous soil yeast Trichosporon cutaneum
Authors: Waters Sean , Y. Neujahr Halina
Published: October 2023

Preparations of the dimeric flavoenzyme phenol hydroxylase derived from Trichosporon cutaneum were found to contain an active tetrameric form when the enzyme was produced in Escherichia coli. The relative content of the tetramer was estimated from scans of silver‐stained native PAGE gels and/or size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Proportions of up to 22′ of the enzyme protein, depending on the growth temperature and the level of added inducer, were observed in independent cultures as well as in purified preparations. No tetramer was ever seen in cell extracts or purified preparations from T. cutaneum. Traces of higher multimers and of possibly deamidated species were also detected in preparations of the recombinant enzyme. The rate of enzyme production seems to be the major factor in promoting formation of the tetramer, whereas the specific growth rate of the fermentor culture appears to be of minor importance. The dimeric and the tetrameric forms were purified using either SEC or ion‐exchange chromatography as a final step. The two purified species did not interchange under a variety of conditions, indicating that they are not undergoing rapid equilibria. The FAD of either form, as isolated by SEC, was present to a lower‐than‐expected extent of 2 equiv./dimer. However, by removing FAD and reconstituting the resulting apoproteins with the cofactor, the FAD content could be increased to 2 equiv. in the dimer and 3 equiv. in the tetramer. Both reconstituted forms exhibited absorption spectra identical with that of phenol hydroxylase from T. cutaneum as well as that of the recombinant enzyme. All spectra were equally perturbed by one equivalent of phenol per enzyme‐attached FAD. The ratio of specific activities of the dimeric and the tetrameric forms was, however, lower than expected from the ratio of their FAD contents. The results are compatible with the notion that the tetramer consists of a native phenol hydroxylase dimer associated with a non‐native one with a decreased ability to bind FAD, either in one or both of its constituent “monomers”.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IN RUSSIA AND ESTONIA*
Authors: O'LEAR SHANNON
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT. The use of e‐mail by a grassroots activist group that straddles the Estonian‐Russian border transcends political boundaries and provides ready connections to people in distant places. Activists create a perceived space of resistance in a supportive network that is stretched across space. This network of concern, defined by the physical space in which these activists work and by the strong communicative connections among them, was created to overcome continued environmental mismanagement and remove cultural barriers to cooperation. E‐mail communication has enabled an ongoing influence on environmental policy in Estonia and Russia. This circumstance of a collaborative e‐mail network created by grassroots activists to aid political work is a testament to how communication technology has expanded for the purpose of strengthening previously silenced voices in a regional and political context.
The Prevention of Suicidal Behaviors: An Overview
Authors: Silverman Morton M. , Maris Ronald W.
Published: October 2023

The authors discuss the development of the concept of prevention as it has evolved from the public health and mental health fields. Concepts of epidemiology, treatment, and community mental health are defined in terms of their contributions to the evolution of prevention thinking. Four models of prevention are presented and critiqued: the public health model, the operational model, the antecedent conditions model, and the injury control model. Essential ingredients for implementing effective preventive interventions are presented, as well as examples of practical preventive interventions.
The Place of Suicide Prevention in the Spectrum of Intervention: Definitions of Critical Terms and Constructs
Authors: Silverman Morton M. , Felner Robert D.
Published: October 2023

The authors trace the evolution of prevention models and conceptual foundations for the prevention of disorders starting with the public health/medical model and concluding with the contemporary model recently proposed by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. They compare and contrast the contributions of each model toward the theoretical reduction of suicide in the general population. Risk and protective factors as they relate to suicidal behaviors are identified. The paper explores conceptual frameworks used to understand population‐level risk factors and moves toward a discussion of how to target individuals at risk for suicidal behaviors. First‐order and second‐order targets of change in prevention efforts are defined and examples provided.
Adolescent Multiphasic Personality Inventory and Its Utility in Assessing Suicidal and Violent Adolescents
Authors: Minarik Mary Jane , Myatt Robert , Mitrushina Maura
Published: October 2023

Adolescent Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles of inpatient adolescents were examined to identify differences between suicidal (danger to self, n = 145) and violent (danger to others, n = 36) adolescents. Participants were 181 inpatients (12–17 years old, mean age, 14.7 years) admitted to an adolescent psychiatric unit of a southern California county hospital. Results indicate that the suicide group had significantly higher scores than the violent group on five scales (Hypochondriasis, Psychasthenia, Paranoia, Schizophrenia, and Social Introversion). These scales, singly or in combination, have been found to be indicative of psychotic process. This suggests the presence of psychotic process in suicidal, but not violent, adolescents.
8 African‐American Suicide: A Cultural Paradox
Authors: Gibbs Jewelle Taylor
Published: October 2023

African‐American suicide rates have traditionally been lower than White rates despite a legacy of racial discrimination, persistent poverty, social isolation, and lack of community resources. This paper focuses on four issues: (1) patterns and trends of Black suicide across the lifespan; (2) risk and protective factors in subgroups of Blacks; (3) the influence of cultural factors on suicide patterns of Blacks; and (4) implications of these patterns for prevention and early intervention of suicidal behavior among African Americans. Risk factors for Black suicide include: male sex, early adulthood, substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, family or interpersonal conflict, antisocial behavior, and homosexuality. Protective factors that mitigate the risks of suicide include religiosity, older age, southern residence, and social support. Implications for preventive policies and programs are discussed to counter the recent trend of rising suicide rates among adolescents and very elderly Blacks.
Effects of different drying methods on quality and water distribution of Lycium barbarum
Authors: Zeng Tao , Liu Bin , Bi Lisen , Hu Hengxiang , Li Zhuorui , Li Rui , Shi Shengqiang , Theodorakis Panagiotis E.
Published: October 2023

Although Lycium barbarum is a valuable medicinal food, it is unfortunately not easy to store due to its high moisture content. In order to maximize the preservation of the medicinal value of L. barbarum, drying is increasingly used for its storage. Motivated by the need to better understand and improve the drying of L. barbarum, in this study, the VFD (vacuum freeze drying) and HD (hot air drying) are employed as drying processes, and the rehydration ratio, drying time, specific energy consumption, sensory characteristics, moisture ratio, energy consumption, moisture mobility, and amino acids and flavonoids content of dried L. barbarum are comprehensively analyzed. The results show that, after VFD, L. barbarum has lower hardness (71.53 ± 1.68), higher rehydration ratio (1.31 ± 0.02), larger volume, plump, round and smooth surface, and similar color to the fresh L. barbarum. At the same time, compared with the sample after HD, the moisture ratio of L. barbarum after VFD is lower (1.4 ± 0.1), and its content of free water is almost negligible (2.2%). In addition, the amino acids and flavonoids content of L. barbarum after VFD are closer to those of the fresh product (133.7 μmol/g, 5.69 mg/g). Based on the analysis of the drying effect on the physical and chemical properties of L. barbarum, we conclude that VFD is a promising processing technology. However, HD proves to greatly reduce the specific energy consumption and drying time when raising the temperature appropriately, whereas VFD could not achieve the same result by increasing the heating rate of VFD.

Practical applications

In this paper, based on the mechanism of different drying methods, the quality of L. barbarum products after drying was compared, and the water distribution in the drying process was analyzed. It is found that using VFD technology to dry L. barbarum can improve the production efficiency of L. barbarum industry and the quality of L. barbarum products. Meanwhile, the research results can provide reference for the optimization of VFD system and the scientific formulation of process parameters.
Microbiome‐based therapies for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis
Authors: Wei Xindi , Qian Shujiao , Yang Yijie , Mo Jiaji
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Periodontitis and peri‐implantitis are oral infectious‐inflammatory diseases associated with oral microbial dysbiosis. Microbiome‐based therapies, characterized by manipulation of the microbiota, are emerging as promising therapeutic approaches to resolve the microbial dysbiosis and associated dysregulation of immune system. This review aims at summarizing recent progress on microbiome‐based therapies in periodontitis and peri‐implantitis, promoting a further understanding of the related therapeutic mechanisms.

Subjects and Methods

Pertinent literatures focused on microbiome‐based therapies for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis are obtained from PubMed and Web of Science.

Results

In this article, we review the roles and therapeutic mechanisms of four microbiome‐based therapies, including probiotics, postbiotics, predatory bacteria and phages, and microbiota transplantation, in the management of periodontitis and peri‐implantitis. Challenges facing this field are also discussed, highlighting the areas that require more attention and investigation.

Conclusions

Microbiome‐based therapies may serve as effective treatment for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis. This review presents a new viewpoint to this field.
Systematic use of half normal saline during ablation of ventricular tachycardia in structural heart disease
Authors: Cherbi Miloud , Voglimacci‐Stephanopoli Quentin , Delasnerie Hubert , Mandel Franck , Domain Guillaume , Foltran Deborah , Mondoly Pierre , Beneyto Maxime , Rollin Anne , Maury Philippe
Published: October 2023

Background

Efficiency and safety of ablation using half normal saline (HNS) has been shown in refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT), but no evaluation in unselected larger populations has been made.

Objective

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of systematic HNS ablation in VT ablation.

Methods

All successive VT ablations in patients with structural heart disease from 2018 to 2021 used HNS in our center and were retrospectively included.

Results

One hundred seventy‐seven successive VT ablation procedures using HNS have been performed in 148 patients (91% males, mean 64 ± 12 years, ischemic cardiomyopathy 64%, left ventricular ejection fraction 38 ± 13%). A mean of 19 ± 7.5 min of RF was delivered, with a mean power of 44 ± 7 W. Relevant complications happened in 9% (strokes 2%, tamponades 3%, atrioventricular block during septal ablations 5%). Over a mean follow‐up of 15 ± 9 months, VT recurred in 46%. Final recurrence rate after one or several procedures was 36% (18 months follow‐up). Number of VT episodes decreased from 14 ± 35 before to 2.5 ± 10 after ablation (p < .0001) and number of ICD shocks decreased from 4.8 ± 6.8 to 1.5 ± 0.8 (p = .027).

Conclusion

Systematic use of HNS during VT ablations in patients with structural heart disease leads to long‐term recurrences rates and complications in the range of what is reported using normal saline. Although controlled studies are needed for demonstrating the superiority of such attitude, the use of HNS in every scar‐related VT ablation seems safe for standard cases and may be furthermore useful in case of refractory arrhythmias due to difficult‐to‐ablate substrates.
The individual relationship between atrial fibrillation sources from CARTOFINDER mapping and atrial cardiomyopathy
Authors: Guckel Denise , Piran Misagh , Bergau Leonard , Hamriti Mustapha El , Fink Thomas , Sciacca Vanessa , Reil Jan‐Christian , Braun Martin , Khalaph Moneeb , Imnadze Guram , Kramer Katharina , Friedrich Sarah , Rühl Jasmin , Körperich Hermann , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian
Published: October 2023

Background

Targeting individual sources identified during atrial fibrillation (AF) has been used as an ablation strategy with varying results.

Objective

Aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between regions of interest (ROIs) from CARTOFINDER (CF) mapping and atrial cardiomyopathy from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients underwent index catheter ablation for persistent AF (PERS AF). Pre‐processed LGE CMR images were merged with the results from CF mapping to visualize harboring regions for focal and rotational activities. Atrial cardiomyopathy was classified based on the four Utah stages.

Results

Procedural success was achieved in all patients (n = 20, 100%). LGE CMR revealed an intermediate amount of 21.41% ± 6.32% for LA fibrosis. ROIs were identified in all patients (mean no ROIs per patient n = 416.45 ± 204.57). A tendency towards a positive correlation between the total amount of atrial cardiomyopathy and the total number of ROIs per patient (regression coefficient, β = 10.86, p = .15) was observed. The degree of fibrosis and the presence of ROIs per segment showed no consistent spatial correlation (posterior: β = 0.36, p‐value (p) = .24; anterior: β = −0.08, p = .54; lateral: β = 0.31, p = 39; septal: β = −0.12; p = .66; right PVs: β = 0.34, p = .27; left PVs: β = 0.07, p = .79; LAA: β = −0.91, p = .12). 12 months AF‐free survival was 70% (n = 14) after ablation.

Conclusion

The presence of ROIs from CF mapping was not directly associated with the extent and location of fibrosis. Further studies evaluating the relationship between focal and rotational activity and atrial cardiomyopathy are mandatory.
The elicitor VP2 from Verticillium dahliae triggers defence response in cotton
Authors: Qiu Ping , Zheng Baoxin , Yuan Hang , Yang Zhaoguang , Lindsey Keith , Wang Yan , Ming Yuqing , Zhang Lin , Hu Qin , Shaban Muhammad , Kong Jie , Zhang Xianlong , Zhu Longfu
Published: October 2023

Verticillium dahliae is a widespread and destructive soilborne vascular pathogenic fungus that causes serious diseases in dicot plants. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the number of genes upregulated in defoliating pathotype V991 was significantly higher than in the non‐defoliating pathotype 1cd3‐2 during the early response of cotton. Combined with analysis of the secretome during the V991–cotton interaction, an elicitor VP2 was identified, which was highly upregulated at the early stage of V991 invasion, but was barely expressed during the 1cd3‐2‐cotton interaction. Full‐length VP2 could induce cell death in several plant species, and which was dependent on NbBAK1 but not on NbSOBIR1 in N. benthamiana. Knock‐out of VP2 attenuated the pathogenicity of V991. Furthermore, overexpression of VP2 in cotton enhanced resistance to V. dahliae without causing abnormal plant growth and development. Several genes involved in JA, SA and lignin synthesis were significantly upregulated in VP2‐overexpressing cotton. The contents of JA, SA, and lignin were also significantly higher than in the wild‐type control. In summary, the identified elicitor VP2, recognized by the receptor in the plant membrane, triggers the cotton immune response and enhances disease resistance.
On the abc$abc$ conjecture in algebraic number fields
Authors: Scoones Andrew
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we prove a weak form of the conjecture generalised to algebraic number fields. Given integers satisfying , Stewart and Yu were able to give an exponential bound in terms of the radical over the integers (Stewart and Yu [Math. Ann. 291 (1991), 225–230], Stewart and Yu [Duke Math. J. 108 (2001), no. 1, 169–181]), whereas Győry was able to give an exponential bound in the algebraic number field case for the projective height in terms of the radical for algebraic numbers (Győry [Acta Arith. 133 (2008), 281–295]). We generalise Stewart and Yu's method to give an improvement on Győry's bound for algebraic integers over the Hilbert Class Field of the initial number field K. Given algebraic integers in a number field K satisfying , we give an upper bound for the logarithm of the projective height in terms of norms of prime ideals dividing , where L is the Hilbert Class Field of K. In many cases, this allows us to give a bound in terms of the modified radical as given by Masser (Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 130 (2002), no. 11, 3141–3150). Furthermore, by employing a recent bound of Győry (Publ. Math. Debrecen 94 (2019), 507–526) on the solutions of S‐unit equations, our estimates imply the upper bound
where is an effectively computable constant. Further, given conditions on the largest prime ideal dividing , we obtain a sub‐exponential bound for in terms of the radical. Independently, as a direct application of his bounds on the solutions of S‐unit equations(Győry ([Publ. Math. Debrecen 94 (2019), 507–526]), Győry (Publ. Math. Debrecen 100 (2022), 499–511) also attains results mentioned above, including the above inequality, but over the base field K, as discussed in Section 6. As a consequence of our results, we will give an application to the effective Skolem–Mahler–Lech problem and give an improvement to a result by Lagarias and Soundararajan (J. Théor. Nombres Bordeaux 23 (2011), no. 1, 209–234) on the XYZ conjecture.
To what extent do physiological tolerances determine elevational range limits of mammals?
Authors: Storz Jay F. , Scott Graham R.
Published: October 2023

A key question in biology concerns the extent to which distributional range limits of species are determined by intrinsic limits of physiological tolerance. Here, we use common‐garden data for wild rodents to assess whether species with higher elevational range limits typically have higher thermogenic capacities in comparison to closely related lowland species. Among South American leaf‐eared mice (genus Phyllotis), mean thermogenic performance is higher in species with higher elevational range limits, but there is little among‐species variation in the magnitude of plasticity in this trait. In the North American rodent genus Peromyscus, highland deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) have greater thermogenic maximal oxygen uptake () than lowland white‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) at a level of hypoxia that matches the upper elevational range limit of the former species. In highland deer mice, the enhanced thermogenic in hypoxia is attributable to a combination of evolved and plastic changes in physiological pathways that govern the transport and utilization of O2 and metabolic substrates. Experiments with Peromyscus mice also demonstrate that exposure to hypoxia during different stages of development elicits plastic changes in cardiorespiratory traits that improve thermogenic via distinct physiological mechanisms. Evolved differences in thermogenic capacity provide clues about why some species are able to persist in higher‐elevation habitats that lie slightly beyond the tolerable limits of other species. Such differences in environmental tolerance also suggest why some species might be more vulnerable to climate change than others.

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El proceso de individuación en el proyecto educativo de Gilbert Simondon
Authors: Losada-Sierra Manuel
Published: October 2023

El filósofo francés Gilbert Simondon es conocido por su crítica a la forma como las perspectivas sustancialista e hilemórfica conciben la individuación. Para Simondon, la individuación no se piensa desde una plenitud alcanzada, sino desde un proceso en el que el individuo se está constituyendo individual y colectivamente. De este modo, muestra el desplazamiento de una teoría de la relación a una teoría de los procesos de individuación en la cual la ontología cede el paso a la ontogénesis. El presente artículo quiere mostrar cómo el pensamiento de Simondon sobre la educación guarda una estrecha relación con la forma en que la individuación se presenta como proceso y no como resultado. Si la educación es relación, esta se da dentro de un proceso de individuación y no es el evento de un encuentro entre individuos ya constituidos. En el fondo, la escuela, como la individuación, es un campo de tensiones y potencialidades. Simondon es optimista en que una educación que mejore las condiciones de comunicación en el interior de los procesos educativos tendrá unos efectos restauradores en el entramado social, y podrá ser, por tanto, el eje articulador de una sociedad más solidaria y liberadora.
La textilidad de Atenea: de pasajes iliádicos y mujeres maquinadoras
Authors: Carmona Barón Ángela María
Published: October 2023

En este artículo se analiza la importancia del trabajo textil realizado por las mujeres en la Grecia antigua. Se presentarán algunos pasajes homéricos para guiar el reconocimiento del concepto de unas manos pensantes en el que una actividad teórico-práctica es capaz de transmitir poderosos mensajes no hablados desde la vulnerabilidad de lo femenino que, al contrario de lo que tradicionalmente podría pensarse, tienen una dimensión política. Para ello se procederá en tres apartados. En el primero, se indicará el modo en que el trabajo manual puede ser comprendido como ejercicio intelectual en el mundo griego; en el segundo, se revisará cómo el tejido se entiende desde lo humano y la manera en la que Atenea es símbolo de la textilidad que reviste a lo humano, y en el tercero se afirma que la práctica del tejido es una forma idónea de reivindicación de la figura femenina. Finalmente, la conclusión muestra cómo esta práctica sigue vigente hoy.
Una visión mística de exilio en la vida de dos pensadoras
Authors: Flórez Guzmán Sandra Lorena
Published: October 2023

El exilio es una experiencia aniquiladora del yo y de los referentes afectivos y espaciales, que representa para diversos autores una oportunidad de renacimiento en otro suelo. El presente artículo explora, a través de recortes en las obras de Hannah Arendt y María Zambrano, la vinculación del exilio con la experiencia metafísica en la vida y la producción escrita de estas dos mujeres que asumieron el desafío de reinventarse y de encontrar, en la travesía por el desierto de la soledad, la oportunidad de vencer el silenciamiento impuesto a las mujeres y a los refugiados, parias de nuestro tiempo.
Experimental and Numerical Studies on an Automobile Air Conditioning System With the Refrigerants R134a, R1234yf, and R1234ze(E)
Authors: Gurudatt H. M. , Narasimham G. S. V. L. , Sadashive Gowda B.
Published: October 2023

The Montreal Protocol of 1987 has put the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the category of ozone-depleting substances. The hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), synthesized as alternatives to CFCs, though possess zero ozone-depleting potential, have high global warming potential (GWP). Despite this, numerous applications currently employ HFCs for refrigeration and air conditioning. The 2016 Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol suggested a phase out of the HFCs, and this process will go on until 2036 in developed nations and until 2047 in developing nations to accomplish a condition of 85% decrease in the use of HFCs. The refrigerant R134a used in mobile air conditioning has a global warming potential (GWP100) of 1300, which prompted researchers to look for new low GWP refrigerants. Recent research has revealed that the HydroFluoroOlefin (HFO) refrigerants R1234yf and R1234ze(E) with a GWP100 of 4 or less show promise for application in the automobile air conditioning (AAC) field. The AAC requires special attention due to frequent leakages of HFC caused by vibration-induced pipe failures. In this research, the low GWP refrigerants R1234yf and R1234ze(E) are considered to explore the AAC system performance, and comparisons are made with the currently used refrigerant R134a. The numerical simulations are performed by including and excluding liquid-to-suction heat exchanger/internal heat exchanger (IHX). The results show that the use of IHX is advantageous for both R1234yf and R1234ze(E). Even though R134a performed better, R1234yf with IHX is a better low GWP alternative in the current AAC system working with R134a without IHX, with only a slight compromise in the system performance and the performance of R1234yf is better than R1234ze(E). Finally, the numerical simulation results are validated against the experimental results for R134a and R1234yf and found that most of the results agree within 10% deviation for system without IHX and within 15% deviation for system with IHX. Thus, if the AAC systems change to R1234yf with an IHX, the directives set out in the Kigali amendment of 2016 to Montreal Protocol (namely the discontinuation of HFCs for refrigeration) will be satisfied without any significant loss in the performance.
Experimental Study on the Small Two-Phase Thermosyphon Loop With Minichannel Evaporator
Authors: Liu Yang , Yan Zhe , Jiang Zhenhua , Li Nanxi , Yang Baoyu , Wu Yinong
Published: October 2023

This study experimentally investigates the small two-phase thermosyphon loop with a minichannel evaporator. The influences of heating power, fan power, and inclination angle on the heat transfer performance are presented, and the related mechanisms are revealed. Results show that the thermal resistance of the thermosyphon loop tends to decrease as the heating power is increased. It is found that there exists an optimal value of fan power. Interestingly, the invalidity behavior of thermosyphon under the inclination condition prefers to occur at higher heating power. To sum up, the small two-phase thermosyphon loop with a minichannel evaporator could produce excellent heat transfer performance with energy-saving characteristics, indicating its wide potential applications in the field of electronic chip cooling.
Numerical Study on the Application of Pressure-Swirl Atomizing Nozzles in a Direct Air Cooling Condenser of the Power Plant
Authors: Liu Tianyun
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a pressure-swirl atomizing nozzle was proposed to improve the atomization characteristics and enhance the heat transfer characteristics. By modifying the structural parameters of the nozzle, the effect of angles of inclined holes on the swirl plate on the heat transfer characteristics was studied, and the structure of the nozzle was optimized based on fluent software. The corresponding relationship between the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the nozzle and the flowrate was obtained, which provides a basis for the parameter setting of the discrete phase model. The nozzle was then applied to a spray humidification system of a direct air cooling unit in the power plant. The influences of nozzle arrangements and spray directions on the vacuum degree of the system were studied. The results of the numerical study show that the nozzle with the angle of inclined holes at 45 deg not only has the highest heat transfer efficiency but also has the highest heat transfer uniformity among all the simulated cases. In the air cooling unit of the power plant, when the nozzles are arranged in staggered rows and the angle between the spray direction and the positive direction along the height is kept at 15 deg, the heat transfer performance of spray humidification is the best. The vacuum degree of the condenser is the highest.
Tail-Integrated Boundary Layer Ingesting Propulsion Systems for Turbo-Electric Aircraft
Authors: Chen Zhibo , Galbraith Marshall C. , Spakovszky Zoltán S. , Greitzer Edward M. , Sabnis Jayant S.
Published: October 2023

This article presents conceptual design guidelines and results for a tail-integrated propulsion system for a turbo-electric civil transport aircraft with boundary layer ingestion (BLI). The aerodynamic performance goal is separation-free and shock-free operation at cruise with fuel burn reduction, compared with a baseline conventional aircraft for the same mission. The assessment of BLI benefits is based on calculations using CFD and TASOPT software, both to characterize the design challenges and to establish the physical mechanisms for resolving these challenges. The guidelines include a “horseshoe” inlet to accept the non-uniform flow without incurring separation, a nacelle profile similar to supercritical airfoils to reduce shock strength, and an annular nozzle to eliminate flow separation between tail-BLI propulsors. The conceptual design has nine BLI propulsors with electric fans on an axisymmetric tail of a single-aisle aircraft. The fans are powered by twin underwing turbofans. The estimated benefit of the tail-BLI, twin underwing turbofan aircraft is 10.4% in Payload-Range Fuel Consumption (PRFC) at a cruise Mach number of 0.8, compared to a baseline twin underwing turbofan configuration. Sensitivity studies further show that a 1% increase in installed (i.e., with BLI) fan isentropic efficiency translates to 0.8% rise in PRFC benefit.
The Impact of a Lifestyle Intervention on Postpartum Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Hispanic Women With Abnormal Glucose Tolerance During Pregnancy: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Wagner Kathryn A. , St. Laurent Christine W. , Pekow Penelope , Marcus Bess , Rosal Milagros C. , Braun Barry , Manson Joann E. , Whitcomb Brian W. , Sievert Lynnette Leidy , Chasan-Taber Lisa
Published: October 2023

Background: Women with abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with higher rates among Hispanics. However, studies on the impact of lifestyle interventions on postpartum CVD profiles are sparse. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a controlled trial among a subsample of Hispanic women with abnormal glucose tolerance participating in Estudió PARTO (Project Aiming to Reduce Type twO diabetes; mean age = 28.2 y, SD: 5.8) who were randomized to a culturally modified Lifestyle intervention (n = 45) or a comparison Health and Wellness intervention (n = 55). Primary endpoints were biomarkers of cardiovascular risk (lipids, C-reactive protein, fetuin-A, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and insulin resistance (fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, homeostasis model assessment, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and adiponectin) measured at baseline (6-wk postpartum) and 6 and 12 months. Results: In intent-to-treat analyses, there were no significant differences in changes in biomarkers of CVD risk or insulin resistance over the postpartum year. In prespecified sensitivity analyses, women adherent with the Lifestyle Intervention had more favorable improvements in insulin (intervention effect = −4.87, SE: 1.93, P = .01) and HOMA-IR (intervention effect = −1.15, SE: 0.53, P = .03) compared with the Health and Wellness arm. In pooled analyses, regardless of intervention arm, women with higher postpartum sports/exercise had greater increase in HDL-cholesterol (intervention effect = 6.99, SE: 1.72, P = .0001). Conclusions: In this randomized controlled trial among Hispanic women with abnormal glucose tolerance, we did not observe a significant effect on postpartum biomarkers of CVD risk or insulin resistance. Women adherent to the intervention had more favorable changes in insulin and HOMA-IR.
Guinea baboons are strategic cooperators
Authors: Formaux Anthony , Sperber Dan , Fagot Joël , Claidière Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Humans are strategic cooperators; we make decisions on the basis of costs and benefits to maintain high levels of cooperation, and this is thought to have played a key role in human evolution. In comparison, monkeys and apes might lack the cognitive capacities necessary to develop flexible forms of cooperation. We show that Guinea baboons (
Papio papio
) can use direct reciprocity and partner choice to develop and maintain high levels of cooperation in a prosocial choice task. Our findings demonstrate that monkeys have the cognitive capacities to adjust their level of cooperation strategically using a combination of partner choice and partner control strategies. Such capacities were likely present in our common ancestor and would have provided the foundations for the evolution of typically human forms of cooperation.
Regulating reconstruction of oxide-derived Cu for electrochemical CO
2
reduction toward n-propanol
Authors: Long Chang , Liu Xiaolong , Wan Kaiwei , Jiang Yuheng , An Pengfei , Yang Caoyu , Wu Guoling , Wang Wenyang , Guo Jun , Li Lei , Pang Kanglei , Li Qun , Cui Chunhua , Liu Shaoqin , Tan Ting , Tang Zhiyong
Published: October 2023

Oxide-derived copper (OD-Cu) is the most efficient and likely practical electrocatalyst for CO
2
reduction toward multicarbon products. However, the inevitable but poorly understood reconstruction from the pristine state to the working state of OD-Cu under strong reduction conditions largely hinders the rational construction of catalysts toward multicarbon products, especially C
3
products like n-propanol. Here, we simulate the reconstruction of CuO and Cu
2
O into their derived Cu by molecular dynamics, revealing that CuO-derived Cu (CuOD-Cu) intrinsically has a richer population of undercoordinated Cu sites and higher surficial Cu atom density than the counterpart Cu
2
O-derived Cu (Cu
2
OD-Cu) because of the vigorous oxygen removal. In situ spectroscopes disclose that the coordination number of CuOD-Cu is considerably lower than that of Cu
2
OD-Cu, enabling the fast kinetics of CO
2
reaction and strengthened binding of *C
2
intermediate(s). Benefiting from the rich undercoordinated Cu sites, CuOD-Cu achieves remarkable n-propanol faradaic efficiency up to ~17.9%, whereas the Cu
2
OD-Cu dominantly generates formate.
Laser-driven hierarchical “gas-needles” for programmable and high-precision proximity transfer printing of microchips
Authors: Chen Furong , Gai Mengxin , Sun Ningning , Xu Zhangyu , Liu Lei , Yu Haiyang , Bian Jing , Huang YongAn
Published: October 2023

Micro–transfer printing (μTP) techniques are essential for advanced electronics. However, current contact/noncontact μTP techniques fail to simultaneously achieve high selectivity and transfer accuracy. Here, a laser projection proximity transfer (LaserPPT) technique is presented, which assembles the microchips in an approach-and-release manner, combining high-precision parallelism with individual chip control. An embedded carbon layer with a thin gas layer is generated by an ultraviolet laser, followed by absorbing heat from the infrared laser, to enable the sequential expansion of hierarchical “gas-needles.” The level 1 large gas-needle with a substantially growing height can reduce the gap between the microchip and the receiver. Then, the level 2 small gas-needles enable the gentle release of a chip. Therefore, the LaserPPT can obtain a strong adhesion modulation (~1000 times), excellent size scalability (<100 micrometers), and high transfer accuracy of ~4 micrometers. Last, the assembly of a micro–light-emitting diode display demonstrates the capabilities for deterministic assembly of microarrays.
Biosensor-guided detection of outer membrane-specific antimicrobial activity against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
from fungal cultures and medicinal plant extracts
Authors: Shideler Steve , Bookout Tyson , Qasim Azka , Bowron Lauren , Wu Qiaolian , Duan Kangmin , Treu Roland , Reckseidler-Zenteno Shauna , Lewenza Shawn
Published: October 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
responds to sub-lethal antimicrobial exposure by inducing the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) surface modifications that mask antibiotic binding sites and contribute to repair and resistance of the outer membrane (OM). We exploit these membrane damage-responsive operons in a biosensor approach used to discover new antimicrobials that specifically target the OM. Chromosomal transcriptional
luxCDABE
reporters from the
pmr
(polymyxin resistance; aminoarabinose LPS modification) and
speD2E2
(spermidine synthesis) operons are induced by validated outer membrane-acting agents including cationic antimicrobial peptides, cation chelators, ascorbic acid, detergents, and cell wall synthesis inhibitors cycloserine and bacitracin. To identify novel sources of OM-disrupting antimicrobials, we used these OM damage-responsive biosensors to screen a panel of fungal culture supernatants for novel antimicrobial and biosensor activity. Biosensor activity was used to determine the optimal time point of antimicrobial production from fungal supernatants and to guide the purification of active fractions after size-exclusion chromatography. Water and ethanol extracts of Chinese medicinal plants also proved to be a source of biosensor activity. The pathogen box is a 400-member drug library of potential antimicrobials, but none of these compounds induced our OM damage biosensors. This novel, sensitive, cell-based screening assay has potential for future discovery of lead compounds that specifically target the outer membrane, which is a significant barrier to antibiotic entry into Gram-negative bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

New approaches are needed to discover novel antimicrobials, particularly antibiotics that target the Gram-negative outer membrane. By exploiting bacterial sensing and responses to outer membrane (OM) damage, we used a biosensor approach consisting of polymyxin resistance gene transcriptional reporters to screen natural products and a small drug library for biosensor activity that indicates damage to the OM. The diverse antimicrobial compounds that cause induction of the polymyxin resistance genes, which correlates with outer membrane damage, suggest that these LPS and surface modifications also function in short-term repair to sublethal exposure and are required against broad membrane stress conditions.
Inhibition of host cell division by T5 protein 008 (Hdi)
Authors: Mahata Tridib , Molshanski-Mor Shahar , Goren Moran G. , Kohen-Manor Miriam , Yosef Ido , Avram Oren , Salomon Dor , Qimron Udi
Published: October 2023

Bacteriophages (phages) have evolved effective methods of exploiting host-cell machinery by redirecting molecular pathways. In this study, we describe an inhibitor of bacterial growth, T5.008, encoded by the T5 phage. High-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA from bacterial mutants resistant to T5.008 identified mutations in the
Escherichia coli ftsZ
gene, suggesting that T5.008 targets the cell division protein FtsZ. We validated this finding by replacing a residue in FtsZ with one that confers protection from T5.008 inhibition. We used time-lapse microscopy to show that T5.008 interferes with FtsZ ring formation and stability, thereby inhibiting division. We also demonstrated that phages expressing T5.008 can prevent host division before lysis much more efficiently than those lacking T5.008. We also showed that T5.008 provides a competitive advantage to the T5 phage. This strategy of inhibiting division during phage infection likely enables T5 phage to utilize host-cell resources efficiently.

IMPORTANCE

We have identified a novel phage-encoded inhibitor of the major cytoskeletal protein in bacterial division, FtsZ. The inhibition is shown to confer T5 bacteriophage with a growth advantage in dividing hosts. Our studies demonstrate a strategy in bacteriophages to maximize their progeny number by inhibiting escape of one of the daughter cells of an infected bacterium. They further emphasize that FtsZ is a natural target for bacterial growth inhibition.
The inhibition of IRE1alpha/XBP1 axis prevents EBV-driven lymphomagenesis in NSG mice
Authors: Arena Andrea , Romeo Maria Anele , Po Agnese , Benedetti Rossella , Gilardini Montani Maria Saveria , Gonnella Roberta , Santarelli Roberta , Gaeta Aurelia , De Smaele Enrico , Cirone Mara
Published: October 2023

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a group of heterogeneous diseases originating in conditions of immune deficiency, whose main driver is considered to be Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Here, we explored the role of IRE1alpha/XBP1s axis in EBV-driven lymphomagenesis in an NOD SCID gamma mouse model, as these animals develop malignancies that closely resemble PTLD when engrafted with EBV-positive peripheral blood momonuclear cells (PBMC). This study evidences for the first time that 4μ8C IRE1 alpha endoribonuclease inhibitor prevented lymphomagenesis
in vivo
and B-cell immortalization
in vitro
driven by the virus. At the molecular level, 4μ8C reduced the expression of EBV antigens such as ZEBRA and LMP1, downregulated c-Myc and cyclin D1, and prevented the activation of STAT3, molecules known to be involved in viral lymphomagenesis. The results obtained in this study suggest that the inhibition of IRE1 alpha endoribonuclease may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent EBV-associated PTLD that arise in immune-deficient patients.

IMPORTANCE

The novelty of this study lies in the fact that it shows that IRE1 alpha endoribonuclease inhibition by 4μ8C was able to counteract Epstein-Barr virus-driven lymphomagenesis in NOD SCID gamma mice and prevent B-cell immortalization
in vitro,
unveiling that this drug may be a promising therapeutic approach to reduce the risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) onset in immune-deficient patients. This hypothesis is further supported by the fact that 4μ8C impaired the survival of PTLD-like cells derived from mice, meaning that it could be helpful also in the case in which there is the possibility that these malignancies have begun to arise.
Seasonal Dynamics of Growth and Production of Monoporeia affinis (Amphipoda: Pontoporeiidae) in a Subarctic Lake: The Role of Temperature and Trophic Conditions
Authors: Maximov A. A. , Maximova O. B. , Usov N. V.
Published: October 2023

The growth and production of glacial relic amphipods Monoporeia affinis in a small subarctic lake were studied based on detailed seasonal observations in 2019–2021. Growth and production were closely related to trophic conditions (chlorophyll a concentration). The maximum values were observed at low water temperatures (~5°C) in early summer, coinciding with the spring maximum of chlorophyll. The summer warming of bottom waters was accompanied by a decrease in the growth rate of amphipods, which is apparently associated with the consumption of most of the primary production in the pelagic zone. It is concluded that current climatic conditions can adversely affect glacial relicts even in cold-water lakes of the subarctic zone.
Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in two alkaptonuria patients
Authors: Tomonaga Seiya , Yoshimura Ichiro , Kanazawa Kazuki , Yamamoto Takuaki
Published: October 2023

Alkaptonuria is a very rare disorder in which homogentisic acid accumulates due to a deficiency in the activity of homogentisic acid 1,2 dioxygenase. This deficiency results in deposition of a yellowish–brown pigment in connective tissue. Such deposition is termed ‘ochronosis’ and leads to deterioration in the formation and structure of proteoglycans in hyaline cartilage. These actions lead to fragmentation and rapid destructive arthritis. Often, ochronotic arthritis appears at 40–60 years of age, and many patients are treated symptomatically. Here, we report two patients (three ankles) with ochronotic arthritis who were treated with ankle arthrodesis. In all cases, the postoperative clinical score improved, but the time needed for fusion was prolonged and symptomatic subtalar arthropathy developed in the early postoperative period.
Phase II randomised placebo-controlled trial of sodium selenate as a disease-modifying treatment in chronic drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy: the SeLECT study protocol
Authors: Vivash Lucy , Johns Hannah , Churilov Leonid , MacPhail Sara , Casillas-Espinosa Pablo , Malpas Charles , Shultz Sandy R , Tailby Chris , Wijayath Manori , Reutens David , Gillinder Lisa , Perucca Piero , Carney Patrick , Nicolo John-Paul , Lawn Nicholas , Kwan Patrick , Velakoulis Dennis , Hovens Christopher M , O’Brien Terence J
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. Despite many antiseizure medications (ASMs) being available, up to one-third of patients do not achieve seizure control. Preclinical studies have shown treatment with sodium selenate to have a disease-modifying effect in a rat model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Aim

This randomised placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate the antiseizure and disease-modifying effects of sodium selenate in people with drug-resistant TLE.

Methods

This will be a randomised placebo-controlled trial of sodium selenate. One hundred and twenty-four adults with drug-resistant TLE and ≥4 countable seizures/month will be recruited. Outcomes of interest will be measured at baseline, week 26 and week 52 and include an 8-week seizure diary, 24-hour electroencephalogram and cognitive, neuropsychiatric and quality of life measures. Participants will then be randomised to receive a sustained release formulation of sodium selenate (initially 10 mg three times a day, increasing to 15 mg three times a day at week 4 if tolerated) or a matching placebo for 26 weeks.

Outcomes

The primary outcome will be a consumer codesigned epilepsy-Desirability of Outcome Rank (DOOR), combining change in seizure frequency, adverse events, quality of life and ASM burden measures into a single outcome measure, compared between treatment arms over the whole 52-week period. Secondary outcomes will compare baseline measures to week 26 (antiseizure) and week 52 (disease modification). Exploratory measures will include biomarkers of treatment response.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the lead site, Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee (594/20). Each participant will provide written informed consent prior to any trial procedures. The results of the study will be presented at national and international conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through consumer organisations.

Conclusion

This study will be the first disease-modification randomised controlled trial in patients with drug-resistant TLE.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR; ACTRN12623000446662.