bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of fully biodegradable fusible interlinings for eco‐friendly garments and investigation of their performance on a shirt
Authors: Seyidzade Lale , Gurarda Ayca , Kanik Mehmet , Manasoglu Gizem
Published: March 2023

Interlining is a very important accessory in the garment industry and is used between two layers of fabric in the garment to support the appearance and stance of the garment. In fusible interlinings, petroleum‐based synthetic materials such as polyamide, polyester, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), and various copolymers are used as the bonding material. Since these polymers do not degrade over time in nature, they do not support environmentally friendly production. This study aimed to produce fully biodegradable (100%) fusible interlinings by using environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers instead of traditional ones and thus develop eco‐friendly garment with their help. Firstly, fusible interlinings were produced by coating three different polymers, one conventional (HDPE) and the other two biodegradable (PLA and PCL) on the cotton base fabric by knife coating technique. In the second stage, these fusible interlinings were applied to a 100% cotton shirting fabric, and their performance and biodegradability tests were performed. According to the results, it was revealed that these interlinings could be used in the production of completely biodegradable clothes.
An Isothiazolanthrone‐Based Self‐Assembling Anticancer Color‐Changing Dye for Concurrent Imaging and Monitoring of Cell Viability
Authors: Gour Nidhi , Kshtriya Vivekshinh , Khatun Sajmina , Bandyopadhyay Sujoy , Ghosh Rajib , Koshti Bharti , Singh Ramesh , Haque Ashadul , Bhatia Dhiraj , Joshi Khashti Ballabh , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Nath Sukhendu , Rengan Aravind K.
Published: March 2023

We report the photophysical properties, self‐assembly and biological evaluation of an isothiazolanthrone‐based dye, 7‐amino‐6H‐anthra[9,1‐cd]isothiazol‐6‐one (AAT), which reveals anticancer properties and can be potentially used as dye for monitoring cell viability. The solvent‐dependent photophysical studies suggest that the emission of AAT is sensitive to environment polarity due to which interesting changes in the colored emission may be observed owing to the charge transfer (CT) processes. AAT also self‐assembles to tree‐like branched morphologies and produce, a greenish emission inside the cells when imaged after short interval (15 mins) of incubation while a red fluorescence could be noted after 24 h. Interestingly, AAT also produce differential emission inside mouse normal cells as compared to its cancer cell lines since it possess anticancer activity. The experimental observations were also validated theoretically via computational modeling.
Correlation between age and the sciatic nerve diameter in the first 2 years of life: A high‐resolution ultrasound study
Authors: Jenny Carole , van der Linde Jacoba , Hundsberger Thomas , Broser Philip J.
Published: March 2023

Aim

To investigate the maturation of the peripheral nervous system by analyzing the cross‐sectional area of the sciatic nerve during the first 2 years of life.

Methods

The sciatic nerve was examined by high‐resolution ultrasound imaging in 52 children aged 0 days to 10 years, 45 of whom were younger than 2 years. The correlation between the cross‐sectional area of the nerve and the age was statistically tested. A logarithmic regression analysis was performed to develop a logarithmic growth model of the cross‐sectional area.

Results

There is a highly significant correlation between the age and the cross‐sectional area of the sciatic nerve. The growth rate can well be described by a logarithmic model.

Interpretation

Based on the literature on the maturation of the median nerve and nerve roots and the findings of the present study, we conclude that both the proximal and the distal parts of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system increase simultaneously.

What this paper adds

Normative values for the size of the sciatic nerve in children.
Four New C19‐Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum nagarum Stapf
Authors: Ding Ning , Wang Shu , Xiao Yan , Huang Shuai , Chen Lin , Xie Jiang , Zhou Xian‐Li
Published: March 2023

Four new aconitine‐type C19‐diterpenoid alkaloids, were isolated from the roots of Aconitum nagarum Stapf which were named as nagarutines A–D (1–4), together with eleven known compounds (5–15). The structures of the compounds were identified by IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. All compounds were tested for the inhibitory effect on LPS induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, compound 7 showed moderate anti‐inflammatory activity effect and Inhibition rate is about 44.50%.
A Tri‐Enzyme Cascade for Efficient Production of L‐2‐Aminobutyrate from L‐Threonine
Authors: Li Xin , Gao Changzheng , Wei Wanqing , Song Wei , Meng Weiwei , Liu Jia , Chen Xiulai , Gao Cong , Guo Liang , Liu Liming , Wu Jing
Published: March 2023

L‐2‐aminobutyrate (L‐ABA) is an important chiral drug intermediate with a key role in modern medicinal chemistry. Here, we describe the development of an efficient method for the asymmetric synthesis of L‐ABA in a tri‐enzymatic cascade in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) using a cost‐effective L‐Thr. Low activity of leucine dehydrogenase from Bacillus thuringiensis (BtLDH) and unbalanced expression of enzymes in the cascade were major challenges. Mechanism‐based protein engineering generated the optimal triple variant BtLDHM3(A262S/V296C/P150M) with 20.7‐fold increased specific activity and 9.6‐fold increased kcat/Km compared with the wild type. Optimizing plasmids with different copy numbers regulated enzymatic expression, thereby increasing the activity ratio (0.3 : 1:0.6) of these enzymes in vivo close to the optimal ratio (0.4 : 1 : 1) in vitro. Importing the optimal triple mutant BtLDHM3 into our constructed pathway in vivo and optimization of transformation conditions achieved one‐pot conversion of L‐Thr to 130.2 g/L L‐ABA, with 95 % conversion, 99 % e.e. and 10.9 g L−1 h−1 productivity (the highest to date) in 12 h on a 500 mL scale. These results describe a potential biosynthesis approach for the industrial production of L‐ABA.
Identification and validation of NFIA as a novel prognostic marker in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: de Alwis Roger , Schoch Sarah , Islam Mazharul , Möller Christina , Ljungberg Börje , Axelson Håkan
Published: March 2023

Prognostic tools are an essential component of the clinical management of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Although tumour stage and grade can provide important information, they fail to consider patient‐ and tumour‐specific biology. In this study, we set out to find a novel molecular marker of RCC by using hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A), a transcription factor implicated in RCC progression and malignancy, as a blueprint. Through transcriptomic analyses, we show that the nuclear factor I A (NFIA)‐driven transcription network is active in primary RCC and that higher levels of NFIA confer a survival benefit. We validate our findings using immunohistochemical staining and analysis of a 363‐patient tissue microarray (TMA), showing for the first time that NFIA can independently predict poor cancer‐specific survival in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients (hazard ratio = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.24–0.85, p value = 0.014). Furthermore, we confirm the association of HNF4A with higher grades and stages in ccRCC in our TMA cohort. We present novel data that show HNF4A protein expression does not confer favourable prognosis in papillary RCC, confirming our survival analysis with publicly available HNF4A RNA expression data. Further work is required to elucidate the functional role of NFIA in RCC as well as the testing of these markers on patient material from diverse multi‐centre cohorts, to establish their value for the prognostication of RCC.
Density Differences Affect the Mixing Process of Pollutants in The River Confluence Area
Authors: Dong Cheng , Feng MinQuan , Jing HaiXiao , Dang XiaoGe
Published: March 2023

The influence of density differences on the mixing process of pollutants in the confluence area of the Yellow River (YR) and Fen River (FR) is unclear. This study conducts several field experiments on the hydrodynamic and pollution concentrations in a large asymmetric confluence. The mixing rate and deviation from complete mixing (δ) for the pollutant concentrations are used to describe the mixing process and intensity of contaminants. The results show that the density differences caused by the sediment concentration are an essential factor affecting the pollutant mixing process in the confluence area. After ≈14.7 dimensionless river lengths, theδof the pollutants in the confluence area, under the strong density difference, drops below 10%. In comparison, the maximumδunder the other density differences still exceeds 10% after 27.5 dimensionless river lengths. The strong density difference in the confluence area enhances the pollutant mixing process and shortens the mixing distance. The flow velocity distribution and shear layer changes under different density differences are important driving forces that affect the mixing process of pollutants. This study is of great scientific significance, as it helps gain insight into the mixing pattern of pollutants in river confluence areas.
Top advances of the year: Precision oncology
Authors: Desai Aakash , Reddy Neha K. , Subbiah Vivek
Published: March 2023

The advent of precision medicine has changed the landscape of oncologic biomarkers, drug discovery, drug development, and, more importantly, outcomes for patients with cancer. Precision oncology entails the genomic profiling of tumors to detect actionable aberrations. The advances in clinical next‐generation sequencing from both tumor tissue and liquid biopsy and availability of targeted therapies has rapidly entered mainstream clinical practice. In this review, recent major developments in precision oncology that have affected outcomes for patients with cancer are discussed. Rapid clinical development was seen of targeted agents across various mutational profiles such as KRASG12C (which was considered “undruggable” for almost 4 decades), Exon 20 insertions, and RET mutations. Approaches to precision chemotherapy delivery by the introduction of antibody drug conjugates in the armamentarium against lung cancer has been appreciated.
Experimental Models of Gulf War Illness, a Chronic Neuropsychiatric Disorder in Veterans
Authors: Reddy Doodipala Samba , Wu Xin , Singh Tanveer , Neff Michael
Published: March 2023

Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic multifaceted condition with debilitating pain and fatigue, as well as sleep, behavioral, and cognitive impairments in war veterans. Currently, there is no effective treatment or cure for GWI; therefore, there is a critical need to develop experimental models to help better understand its mechanisms and interventions related to GWI‐associated neuropsychiatric disorders. Chemical neurotoxicity appears to be one cause of GWI, and its symptoms manifest as disruptions in neuronal function. However, the mechanisms underlying such incapacitating neurologic and psychiatric symptoms are poorly understood. The etiology of GWI is complex, and many factors including chemical exposure, psychological trauma, and environmental stressors have been associated with its development. Attempts have been made to create GWI‐like symptomatic models, including through chronic induction in mice and rats. Here, we present a brief protocol of GWI in rats and mice, which exhibit robust neuropsychiatric signs and neuropathologic changes reminiscent of GWI. This article provides a guide to working protocols, application of therapeutic drugs, outcomes, troubleshooting, and data analysis. Our broad profiling of GWI‐like symptoms in rodents reveals features of progressive morphologic and long‐lasting neuropsychiatric features. Together, the GWI model in rodents shows striking consistency in recapitulating major hallmark features of GWI in veterans. These models help identify mechanisms and interventions for GWI. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Experimental induction of Gulf War illness in rats

Support Protocol 1: Monitoring of Gulf War illness signs and neuroimaging analysis in rats

Basic Protocol 2: Experimental induction of Gulf War illness in mice

Support Protocol 2: Monitoring of Gulf War illness signs and neuropathology analysis in mice
Recent Breakthroughs in Supercapacitors Boosted by Macrocycles
Authors: Jin Xian‐Yi , Ge Qingmei , Cong Hang , Zhang Yun‐Qian , Zhao Jiang‐Lin , Jiang Nan
Published: March 2023

Supercapacitors are essential for electrochemical energy storage because of their high‐power density, good cycle stability, fast charging and discharging rates, and low maintenance cost. Macrocycles, including cucurbiturils, calixarene, and cyclodextrins, are cage‐like organic compounds (with a nanocavity that contains O and N heteroatoms) with unique potential in supercapacitors. Here, we review the applications of macrocycles in supercapacitor systems, and we illustrate the merits of organic macrocycles in electrodes and electrolytes for improving the electrochemical double‐layer capacitors and pseudocapacitance via supramolecular strategies. Then, the observed relationships between electrochemical performance and macrocyclic structures are introduced. This comprehensive review describes recent progress on macrocycle‐block supercapacitors for researchers.
Glyoxylic‐Acetal‐Based Electrolytes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries and Sodium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Leibing Christian , Leistenschneider Desirée , Neumann Christof , Oschatz Martin , Turchanin Andrey , Balducci Andrea
Published: March 2023

A comprehensive study on the properties and implementation of glyoxylic‐acetals in sodium‐ion energy storage systems is presented. Electrolytes containing 1,1,2,2‐tetramethoxyethane (tetramethoxyglyoxal, TMG), 1,1,2,2‐tetraethoxyethane (tetraethoxyglyoxal, TEG) and a mixture of the latter with propylene carbonate (PC) exhibit increased thermal stabilities and higher flash points compared to classical electrolytes based on carbonates as solvents. Due to its favorable properties, 1 m NaTFSI in TEG/PC (3 : 7), has been selected and used for sodium‐ion energy storage systems based on a Prussian Blue (PB) positive electrode and a hard carbon (HC) negative electrode. Compared to conventional electrolyte (based on a 1 : 1 mixture of ethylene carbonate, EC, and dimethyl carbonate, DMC), this glyoxylic‐acetal electrolyte provides competitive capacity and prolonged cycle life. Postmortem XPS analysis indicates that the electrode‐electrolyte interphases formed in presence of TEG are thicker and presumably more protective, inhibiting typical degradation processes of the electrodes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the suitable properties of TEG on the cycling stability can also be exploited for the construction of highly stable sodium‐ion capacitors.
A Luminescent Zinc(II) Coordination Polymer for Selective Detection of Fe3+ and Cr2O72− in Water and Catalytic CO2 Fixation
Authors: Sahoo Subham , Mondal Sumit , Sarma Debajit
Published: March 2023

Fluorescence‐based detection technique using coordination polymer has been considered an attractive alternative over conventional approaches. Herein, a new luminescent zinc(II) coordination polymer, [Zn(4‐ABPT)(NIPA)(H2O)], SSICG‐5, is synthesized by using a Lewis acidic Zn(II) ion, aromatic nitro group containing ligand 5‐nitroisophthalic acid (H2NIPA), and basic −NH2 rich ligand 3,5‐di(pyridine‐4‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine (4‐ABPT). SSICG‐5 can detect Fe3+ and Cr2O72− selectively with a LOD of 0.16 μM and 1.94 μM, respectively. Additionally, carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation via one‐pot CO2 cycloaddition reaction has significant importance for reduced waste formation, minimizing reaction time and lowering chemical usage. Zn metal centre of SSICG‐5 possesses a replaceable coordinated water molecule. The active metal sites combined with the Lewis acidic and basic sites of the ligands make SSICG‐5 an ideal bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for efficient CO2 cycloaddition reaction under room temperature (RT), solvent‐free conditions. Notably, SSICG‐5 exhibits near quantitative conversion (turnover number (TON) of 198) of propylene oxide to its carbonate compound under mild reaction conditions.
An Efficient Photon Utilization Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic Based on Curled Reflectors
Authors: Wang Jiyu , Tang Xiaobin , Zhao Sheng , Deng Haoyue , Ji Chen , Wang Hongyu , Liu Yunpeng , Li Xinyi , Lu Hongbo , Xu Zhiheng
Published: March 2023

For radioisotope thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) to produce higher output power, it is often required that the irradiance incident on the thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell array be more uniform. However, the irradiance received by each cell of the TPV array is relatively different under the conventional cell array surround structure of RTPV, resulting in a serious overall electrical output mismatch loss and a lower output power utilization rate. Herein, an RTPV with curled reflectors optimized by finite‐element method is proposed. It is shown in the simulation results that the irradiation uniformity of the cell array can reach 87.5%, the total output power reaches 88.12 W, which is 39.8% higher than that prior to optimization, and the mismatch loss is reduced by 69.2%. In addition, the impact of the reflectivity of reflectors is also targeted from the perspective of practical applications, and it can still produce higher output power than that of the conventional structure even at reflectivity as low as 70%. Ultimately, the RTPV prototype with reflectors is developed, and the electrical performance is tested to verify the effect of irradiance improvement. Herein, reflectors with positive gain for RTPV are proposed, which provides a new idea for the development of high‐efficiency power supplies.
KCNH2 variants in a family with epilepsy and long QT syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Yu , Hao Nanya , Sander Josemir W. , Lin Xu , Xiong Weixi , Zhou Dong
Published: March 2023

Objective

Genes associated with Long QT syndromes (LQTS), such as KCNQ1, KCNH2, and SCN5A, are common causes of epilepsy. The Arg 744* variant of KCNH2 has been previously reported in people with epilepsy or LQTS, but none of these patients were reported to simultaneously suffer from epilepsy and LQTS. Herein, we report the case of a family with epilepsy and cardiac disorders.

Method

The proband, a 25‐year‐old woman, with a family history of epilepsy and LQTS was followed at West China Hospital. The proband experienced her first seizure at the age of seven. Video electroencephalograms (vEEGs) showed epileptic discharges. Her 24‐h dynamic electrocardiograms 2 (ECGs) showed QTc prolongation. The proband's mother, who is 50 years old, had her first generalized tonic‐clonic seizure (GTCS) at the age of 18 years old. After she gave birth at the age of 25, the frequency of seizures increased, so antiepileptic therapy was initiated. When she was 28 years old, she complained of palpitations and syncope for the first time, and QTc prolongation was detected on her 24‐h dynamic ECGs. The proband's grandmother also had complaints of palpitations and syncope at the age of 73. Her 24‐h dynamic ECGs indicated supraventricular arrhythmia, with the lowest heart rate being 41 bpm, so she agreed to a pacemaker. Considering the young patient's family history, blood samples of the patient and her parents were collected for genetic analysis.

Results

A heterozygous variant of KCNH2 [c.2230 (exon9) C>T, p. Arg744Ter, 416, NM_000238, rs189014161] was found in the proband and her mother. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology, we classified the KCNH2 variant as pathogenic.

Significance

This study expands the clinical phenotype of the Arg 744* KCNH2 pathogenic variant. In the context of channelopathies, because of the genetic susceptibility of the brain and the heart, the risk of comorbidity should be considered. This also indicates the importance of precise antiepileptic drug (AED) management and regular ECG monitoring for patients with channelopathies.
Focal tonic seizures with asymmetrical posturing could allow voluntary movements: A lesson to not be misled for a non‐epileptic event
Authors: Fukuda Mitsumasa , Tojima Maya , Inoue Kenji , Mashimo Hideaki , Kashii Hirofumi , Kumada Satoko , Usami Kiyohide , Ikeda Akio
Published: March 2023

This report documents the clinical features of supplementary motor area seizures with voluntary movements in two patients. The first case describes a 13‐year‐old boy with a 2‐year history of nocturnal seizures, characterized by an asymmetrical brief tonic posture followed by bilateral rapid hand shaking, but without impaired awareness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no abnormalities. Video electroencephalogram indicated interictal focal spikes and ictal activity 2 s before clinical onset in the frontal midline area. The patient stated that he purposely shook his hands to lessen the seizure‐induced upper limb stiffness. The second case describes a 43‐year‐old man with a 33‐year history of nocturnal seizures, characterized by an asymmetric brief tonic posture, with the right hand grabbing to hold this posture, but without impaired awareness. Video electroencephalogram indicated that he voluntarily moved his right hand during the latter part of the seizures; however, no clear ictal electroencephalogram change was noted. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion in the right medial superior frontal gyrus. Fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography and ictal single‐photon emission computed tomography indicated ictal focus in the mesial frontal area, as confirmed by invasive electroencephalogram and seizure freedom after surgery. Both patients had typical supplementary motor area seizures, except they could perform voluntary movements in the body parts. The co‐occurrence of supplementary motor area seizures and voluntary movements is clinically useful, as it may help avoid the inaccurate and misleading diagnosis of non‐epileptic events such as psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures.
Highly purified cannabidiol improves stability and postural tone in adult patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: A case series
Authors: Calvello Carmen , Fernandes Mariana , Lupo Clementina , Placidi Fabio , Izzi Francesca , Bianco Ciro , Celeste Maria Grazia , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Liguori Claudio
Published: March 2023

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe developmental epileptic encephalopathy associated with numerous neurological signs and symptoms. Altered postural tone and the need for a caregiver‐assisted wheelchair are features characterizing patients with LGS. Highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) is a novel antiseizure medication (ASM) recommended for seizure treatment, in combination with clobazam, in patients with LGS. Adding CBD to the previous ASM treatment helps in reducing seizure frequency, specifically drop seizures, in patients with LGS in both clinical trials and real‐world studies. However, no data about drug effects on postural tone, motor activity, gait, and stability are available. In this case series, three adult patients diagnosed with LGS were treated with CBD as an add‐on. During the follow‐up, a slight improvement in seizure frequency was observed. Unexpectedly, an amelioration in postural tone and stability, measured using the validated Gross Motor Function Classification System, was also detected. Our case series suggests that CBD may help in managing patients with LGS regarding seizure control and in improving other aspects of the clinical spectrum of the disease, such as postural tone and stability. The mechanisms at the basis of this improvement may be related, other than seizure reduction, to the drug's effect on the brain locomotor centers, as demonstrated in animal model studies.
Impact of an optimized epilepsy surgery imaging protocol for focal epilepsy: A monocentric prospective study
Authors: Vaudano Anna Elisabetta , Ballerini Alice , Zucchini Francesca , Micalizzi Elisa , Scolastico Simona , Talami Francesca , Giovannini Giada , Pugnaghi Matteo , Orlandi Niccolò , Biagioli Niccolò , Cioclu Maria Cristina , Vallone Stefano , Genovese Maurilio , Todeschini Alessandra , Cavalleri Francesca , Malagoli Marcella , Meletti Stefano
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate in a real clinical scenario the impact of the ILAE‐recommended “Harmonized neuroimaging of epilepsy structural sequences”‐ HARNESS protocol in patients affected by focal epilepsy.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled focal epilepsy patients who underwent a structural brain MRI between 2020 and 2021 at Modena University Hospital. For all patients, MRIs were: (a) acquired according to the HARNESS‐MRI protocol (H‐MRI); (b) reviewed by the same neuroradiology team. MRI outcomes measures were: the number of positive (diagnostic) and negative MRI; the type of radiological diagnosis classified in: (1) Hippocampal Sclerosis; (2) Malformations of cortical development (MCD); (3) Vascular malformations; (4) Glial scars; (5) Low‐grade epilepsy‐associated tumors; (6) Dual pathology. For each patient we verified for previous MRI (without HARNESS protocol, noH‐MRI) and the presence of clinical information in the MRI request form. Then the measured outcomes were reviewed and compared as appropriate.

Results

A total of 131 patients with H‐MRI were included in the study. 100 patients out from this cohort had at least one previous noH‐MRI scan. Of those, 92/100 were acquired at the same Hospital than H‐MRI and 71/92 on a 3T scanner. The HARNESS protocol revealed 81 (62%) positive and 50 (38%) negative MRI, and MCD was the most common diagnosis (60%). Among the entire pool of 100 noH‐MRI, 36 resulted positive with a significant difference (p < .001) compared to H‐MRI. Similar findings were observed when accounting for the expert radiologists (H‐MRI = 57 positive; noH‐MRI = 33, p < .001) and the scanner field strength (H‐MRI 43 = positive, noH‐MRI = 23, p < .001), while clinical information were more present in H‐MRI (p < .002).

Significance

The adoption of a standardized and optimized MRI acquisition protocol together with adequate clinical information contribute to identify a higher number of potentially epileptogenic lesions (especially FCD) thus impacting concretely on the clinical management of patients with focal epilepsy.
A physics‐informed Bayesian framework for characterizing ground motion process in the presence of missing data
Authors: Chen Yu , Patelli Edoardo , Edwards Benjamin , Beer Michael
Published: March 2023

A Bayesian framework to characterize ground motions even in the presence of missing data is developed. This approach features the combination of seismological knowledge (a priori knowledge) with empirical observations (even incomplete) via Bayesian inference. At its core is a Bayesian neural network model that probabilistically learns temporal patterns from ground motion data. Uncertainties are accounted for throughout the framework. Performance of the approach has been quantitatively demonstrated via various missing data scenarios. This framework provides a general solution to dealing with missing data in ground motion records by providing various forms of representation of ground motions in a probabilistic manner, allowing it to be adopted for numerous engineering and seismological applications. Notably, it is compatible with the versatile Monte Carlo simulation scheme, such that stochastic dynamic analyses are still achievable even with missing data. Furthermore, it serves as a complementary approach to current stochastic ground‐motion models in data‐scarce regions under the growing interests of PBEE (performance‐based earthquake engineering), mitigating the data‐model dependence dilemma due to the paucity of data, and ultimately, as a fundamental solution to the limited data problem in data scarce regions.
Trend analysis and evaluation of hydrogen energy and hydrogen storage research
Authors: Ozsari Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen energy is a type of energy contained in hydrogen, the most common element in the universe. Hydrogen energy is a clean form of energy used in many other fields apart from powering spacecraft and cars. This study examines the contributions researchers from around the world have made in the field of hydrogen energy and storage over the past 30 years (January 1, 1992‐January 1, 2022). A comprehensive bibliometric approach has been applied to illustrate the scientific publications on hydrogen energy and related topics using the Scopus database, which revealed 15 792 publications published by more than 500 authors and organizations scattered over 120 countries. Various aspects of these studies have been analyzed, such as publication type, number of citations, fundamental research areas, and keywords. The article additionally examines the countries, authors, journals, and institutions that have worked in the field of hydrogen energy and storage. Thus, this article presents detailed results from the 18 most influential authors, 20 most influential journals, and 15 most influential institutions in the field of hydrogen energy and storage in terms of publication, citation, publication impact parameters, and h‐indexes over the past 30 years and shows the effects of all countries that have published in the field of hydrogen energy and storage in terms of number of publications and citations. As a result of the analysis of all parameters, the most effective journals are shown to be the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Fuel Cells Bulletin, and the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, and the most effective countries are seen to be China, USA, and South Korea. However, Ibrahim Dincer has been identified as the most influential author and to differ in several ways in terms of contributing authors. The results also indicate how important the subject of hydrogen energy is in the field of energy, physics and astronomy, and engineering. As a result, this article presents the trends over the last 30 years and details on future directions.
Two‐scale conjugate heat transfer solution for micro‐structured surface
Authors: He L.
Published: March 2023

The primary challenges for simulating a turbulent flow over a micro‐structured surface arise from the two hugely disparate spatial length scales. For fluid–solid coupled conjugate heat transfer (CHT), there is also a time‐scale disparity. The present work addresses the scale disparities based on a two‐scale framework. For the spatial scale disparity, a dual meshing is employed to couple a global coarse‐mesh domain with local fine‐mesh blocks around micro‐structures through source terms generated from the local fine‐mesh and propagated to the global coarse‐mesh domain. The convergence and robustness of the source terms driven coarse‐mesh solution is enhanced by a balanced eddy‐viscosity damping. In this work, the two‐scale method previously developed only for a fluid‐domain is extended to a solid domain so that thermal conduction around micro‐elements can now be resolved accurately and efficiently. The fluid–solid timescale disparity is dealt with by a frequency domain approach. The time‐averaged (zeroth harmonic) is effectively obtained in the same way as steady CHT. And remarkably, wall temperature unsteadiness can be simply obtained from the fluid temperature harmonics through a wall fluid–solid temperature harmonic transfer‐function at minimal computational cost. The developed CHT capability is validated for an experimental internal cooling channel with multiple surface rib‐elements. For a test configuration with 100 micro‐structures, the fluid domain‐only, the solid domain‐only and the fluid–solid coupled CHT solutions are analyzed respectively to examine and demonstrate the validity of the present framework and implementation methods. Some of the results also serve to illustrate the primary underlying working of the methodology.
An Ambitious Goal: A Grounded, Informed, and Compelling Theological Bioethics
Authors: Antommaria Armand H. Matheny
Published: March 2023

In Disability's Challenge to Theology: Genes, Eugenics, and the Metaphysics of Modern Medicine (Notre Dame Press, 2022), Devan Stahl establishes an ambitious goal: develop a Christian bioethics that is metaphysically grounded, informed by the experience of disability, and culturally compelling. She argues that personhood is not the possession of certain abilities; all humans are worthy of dignity and respect because they are created by God in God's image. According to Stahl, persons should be valued for who they are and treated with radical acceptance. Interventions on the body should be judged on whether they promote flourishing, and such judgments should be informed by the experience of disability and made in community. These arguments will be of interest to Christian bioethics, disability scholars, and those interested in the capability approach, but clinical ethicists may find Stahl's book less compelling.
Impact of HPV testing in opportunistic cervical screening: Support for primary HPV screening in the United States
Authors: Cuzick Jack , Adcock Rachael , Kinney Walter , Castle Philip E. , Robertson Michael , McDonald Ruth M. , Stoler Mark H. , Du Ruofei , Wheeler Cosette M. ,   for the New Mexico HPV Pap Registry Steering Committee
Published: March 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical screening increases diagnosis of precancer and reduces the incidence of cervical cancer more than cytology alone. However, real‐world evidence from diverse practice settings is lacking for the United States (U.S.) to support clinician adoption of primary HPV screening. Using a population‐based registry, which captures all cervical cytology (with or without HPV testing) and all cervical biopsies, we conducted a real‐world evidence study of screening in women aged 30 to 64 years across the entire state of New Mexico. Negative cytology was used to distinguish cotests from reflex HPV tests. A total of 264 198 cervical screening tests (with exclusions based on clinical history) were recorded as the first screening test between 2014 and 2017. Diagnoses of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 or 3 or greater (CIN2+, CIN3+) from 2014 to 2019 were the main outcomes. Of cytology‐negative screens, 165 595 (67.1%) were cotests and 4.8% of these led to biopsy within 2 years vs 3.2% in the cytology‐only group. Among cytology‐negative, HPV tested women, 347 of 398 (87.2%) CIN2+ cases were diagnosed in HPV‐positive women, as were 147 of 164 (89.6%) CIN3+ cases. Only 29/921 (3.2%) CIN3+ and 67/1964 (3.4%) CIN2+ cases were diagnosed in HPV‐negative, cytology‐positive women with biopsies. Under U.S. opportunistic screening, across a diversity of health care delivery practices, and in a population suffering multiple disparities, we show adding HPV testing to cytology substantially increased the yield of CIN2+ and CIN3+. CIN3+ was rarely diagnosed in HPV‐negative women with abnormal cytology, supporting U.S. primary HPV‐only screening.
Time‐varying association of second primary malignancy and long‐term survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Zhu Xiaoke , Heng Yu , Zhou Jian , Lin Hanqing , Zhou Liang , Zhang Ming , Cao Pengyu , Tao Lei
Published: March 2023

A high risk of developing second primary malignancy (SPM) has been reported among head and neck cancer patients. Here, we aimed to statistically quantify the impact of SPM development on the survival of head and neck cancer patients. Our study was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database to collect the data of 48 316 patients who received curative surgical resection for initial primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (IP‐HNSCC) in 1975 to 2019. SPM diagnosis was treated as a time‐varying covariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to estimate the association between SPM development and survival, overall or by the subsite of IP‐HNSCC. Of the included patients, 11 238 patients (23.3%) developed SPM during the follow‐up period. A significant reduction in survival was observed among patients with SPM (hazard ratio [HR] for overall survival, 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.20‐3.41). The impact of SPM development on reduced survival was more significant in patients with localized IP‐HNSCC vs regional IP‐HNSCC (HROS, 3.41; 95% CI: 3.24‐3.6 vs HROS, 3.18; 95% CI: 3.05‐3.31; P for interaction <.001). The survival impact of SPM development was more evident in younger patients than in older patients. SPM in lung and bronchus was associated with the most pronounced reduction in survival, overall and across all subsites of HNSCC. Our results indicated that SPM development led to a significant reduction in survival. A greater survival benefit may be achieved through intensive surveillance for SPM in lung and bronchus targeting younger patients and those with localized HNSCC.
A 90‐day toxicity study of tripeptide, arginine‐alanine‐lysine
Authors: Dunn Maureen , Glávits Róbert , Murbach Timothy S. , Modica Vickie , Endres John R. , Hirka Gábor , Pasics Szakonyiné Ilona
Published: March 2023

There is a growing global interest in using peptides in the health industry for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and natural food products. Peptides contain two or more linked amino acids, whereas more than 50 amino acids are classified as polypeptides. Although there is a growing level of interest in the use of peptides in the health and wellness industry, there is a lack of literature pertaining to a specific tripeptide derived from arginine, alanine, and lysine (RAK) that is of interest for human dietary use. Therefore, a 90‐day repeated‐dose toxicity study was performed in rats to evaluate the subchronic oral toxicity of RAK. Eighty Han:WIST rats were administered RAK by gavage at doses of 0, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg bw/day. There were no mortalities or other treatment related effects, and no target organs were identified. A no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (NOAEL) of 1000 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested, was determined. This study will contribute to the body of research in regard to the safety of the use of RAK.
Sertoli cell adaptation to glucose deprivation: Potential role of AMPK in the regulation of lipid metabolism
Authors: Rindone Gustavo M. , Dasso Marina E. , Centola Cecilia L. , Pellizzari Eliana H. , Camberos María del C. , Toneatto Judith , Galardo María N. , Meroni Silvina B. , Riera María F.
Published: March 2023

Sertoli cells (SCs) provide an adequate environment for germ cell development. SCs possess unique features that meet germ cells' metabolic demands: they produce lactate from glucose, which is delivered as energy substrate to germ cells. SCs store fatty acids (FAs) as triacylglycerols (TAGs) in lipid droplets (LDs) and can oxidize FAs to sustain their own energetic demands. They also produce ketone bodies from FAs. It has been shown that exposure of SCs to metabolic stresses, such as glucose deprivation, triggers specific adaptive responses that sustain cell survival and preserve lactate supply to germ cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there are modifications in rat SCs lipid metabolism, including LD content, FA oxidation, and ketone bodies production, as part of their adaptive response to glucose deprivation. The present study was performed in 20‐day‐old rat SCs cultures. We determined LD content by Oil Red O staining, FA oxidation by measuring the release of 3H2O from [3H] palmitate, TAGs and 3‐hydroxybutyrate levels by spectrophotometric methods, and mRNA levels by RT‐qPCR. Results show that the absence of glucose in SC culture medium entails: (1) a decrease in LD content and TAGs levels that is accompanied by decreased perilipin 1 mRNA levels, (2) an increase in FA oxidation that is in part mediated by AMP kinase (AMPK) activation and (3) a decrease in 3‐hydroxybutyrate production. Additionally, we studied whether sestrins (SESN1, 2 and 3), proteins involved in the cellular response to stress, are regulated in glucose deprivation conditions. We show that there is an increase in SESN2 mRNA levels in deprived conditions. In conclusion, glucose deprivation affects SC lipid metabolism promoting FA mobilization from LDs to be used as energy source.
Preparation of porous Cu‐rich CuNi electrodes via electrochemically dealloying in ionic liquid
Authors: Pan Yu‐Hsuan , Yu Chia‐Lin , Lee Chien‐Liang , Chen Po‐Yu
Published: March 2023

Commercial CuNi (55/45 wt%) alloy can be electrochemically dealloyed to be the porous Cu‐rich CuNi electrodes, which reveals an enhanced catalytic activity toward nitrate reduction in contrast with that of the mother alloy electrodes. In comparison with the use of aqueous electrolytes, the formation of the porous structures is reproducible if ionic liquid (IL) is used as the electrolyte for the dealloying process. During the dealloying process, a relatively more quantity of Ni but both Ni and Cu were electrochemically oxidized to be Ni(II) and Cu(II) complex ions; different ions seemed to own different coordinating molecules in accordance with the NMR analysis. Cu(II) ions could be reduced to Cu metal and deposited upon the counter electrode during the dealloying process. Ni(II) ions, on the other hand, can be mostly removed from the IL phase by extraction into the immiscible water phase. A sustainable system may be developed for the preparation of nitrate‐active electrodes in accordance with the study shown here.
Comparative analysis of hypoxic response of human microvascular and umbilical vein endothelial cells in 2D and 3D cell culture systems
Authors: Dienemann Sandra , Schmidt Vanessa , Fleischhammer Tabea , Mueller Julia H. , Lavrentieva Antonina
Published: March 2023

In vitro cultivation conditions play a crucial role in cell physiology and the cellular response to external stimuli. Oxygen concentrations represent an essential microenvironmental factor influencing cell physiology and behaviour both in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, new approaches are urgently needed to monitor and control oxygen concentrations in 2D and 3D cultures, as well as cell reactions to these concentrations. In this work, we modified two types of human endothelial cells–human microvascular (huMECs) and umbilical vein endothelial cells (huVECs) with genetically encoded hypoxia biosensors and monitored cell reactions in 2D to different oxygen concentrations. Moreover, we fabricated 3D cell spheroids of different cell numbers and sizes to reveal the onset of hypoxia in huVECs and huMECs. We could demonstrate a quantitative sensor response of two cell types to reduced oxygen supply in 2D and reveal different thresholds for hypoxic response. In 3D cell spheroids we could estimate critical construct sizes for the appearance of a hypoxic core. This work for the first time directly demonstrates different hypoxic signatures for huVECs and huMECs in 2D and 3D cell culture systems.
Modeling and tuning of glucose oxidase‐catalase system incorporating dissolved oxygen concentration
Authors: Ruales‐Salcedo Angela V. , Prado‐Rubio Oscar Andrés , Fontalvo Javier , Higuita Juan Carlos , Woodley John M.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Gluconic acid production by a glucose oxidase (GOx) and catalase (CAT) system has been proposed. However, the bioprocess optimal design and operation are limited by the lack of kinetic models of GOx involving oxygen as substrate. Herein, the GOx‐CAT system is modeled considering a continuous oxygen supply at a bioreactor lab scale. Initially, experiments and modeling for parameter estimations of and the individual enzymes were conducted. Then, experiments and modeling for the GOx‐CAT system were performed for final model tuning. Additionally, the model quality was evaluated, allowing for a deeper understanding of the system phenomenology.

RESULTS

From the oxygen transport model tuning, a highly accurate estimation was obtained (>0.98 and confidence interval <2%). The highest oxygen transport rate was obtained for the combined system Buffer‐antifoam‐GOx‐CAT that was 2.5 times larger than that obtained for DI water. Kinetic models for the individual enzymes were very accurate and the parameters were fully identifiable. For the integrated system, the gluconic acid evolution was properly predicted and there was a loss of predictive power for the oxygen model. Parameter identifiability analysis showed that and interpretability was compromised. However, the sensitivity analysis indicated that the model must not be simplified.

CONCLUSION

Herein its has been demonstrated that is a complex parameter to be estimated for multi‐enzymatic systems due to its dependency on medium composition, particularly with GOx. Nonetheless, based on the acceptable model predictive power, the calculated parameters could be used for studies on the process design phase. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Drug repurposing for viral cancers: A paradigm of machine learning, deep learning, and virtual screening‐based approaches
Authors: Ahmed Faheem , Kang In Suk , Kim Kyung Hwan , Asif Arun , Rahim Chethikkattuveli Salih Abdul , Samantasinghar Anupama , Memon Fida Hussain , Choi Kyung Hyun
Published: March 2023

Cancer management is major concern of health organizations and viral cancers account for approximately 15.4% of all known human cancers. Due to large number of patients, efficient treatments for viral cancers are needed. De novo drug discovery is time consuming and expensive process with high failure rate in clinical stages. To address this problem and provide treatments to patients suffering from viral cancers faster, drug repurposing emerges as an effective alternative which aims to find the other indications of the Food and Drug Administration approved drugs. Applied to viral cancers, drug repurposing studies following the niche have tried to find if already existing drugs could be used to treat viral cancers. Multiple drug repurposing approaches till date have been introduced with successful results in viral cancers and many drugs have been successfully repurposed various viral cancers. Here in this study, a critical review of viral cancer related databases, tools, and different machine learning, deep learning and virtual screening‐based drug repurposing studies focusing on viral cancers is provided. Additionally, the mechanism of viral cancers is presented along with drug repurposing case study specific to each viral cancer. Finally, the limitations and challenges of various approaches along with possible solutions are provided.
Consistent neutralization of circulating omicron sub‐variants by hybrid immunity up to 6 months after booster vaccination
Authors: Cheung Allen K. L. , Lu Yingying , Zhu Yufang , Fung Tsz Yan , Zheng Yulan , Zheng Zhihua , Hong Peng
Published: March 2023

The current COVID‐19 vaccination program requires frequent booster vaccination to maintain sufficient neutralization levels against immune evasive SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. However, prior studies found more potent and durable immune response in convalescing individuals, raising the possibility of less frequent booster vaccination for them. Here, we conducted a longitudinal immunological study based on two prospective cohorts of booster vaccinated convalescing COVID‐19 patients or healthcare workers (HCW) without COVID‐19 history in Xiangyang, China. Comparing to 1‐month post‐boosting, pseudovirus neutralization titers (pVNT50) of ancestral Wuhan‐Hu‐1 and circulating omicron sub‐variants BA.5, BF.7, BA.4.6, BA.2.75, and BA.2.75.2 spikes were stable or even increased in convalescing samples at 6‐month post‐boosting, when HCW samples showed substantial drop of neutralization titers across the spectrum. Variant‐to‐Wuhan‐Hu‐1 pVNT50 ratios showed no significant variation during the 17 months from pre‐vaccination to 6‐month post‐boosting in convalescing individuals, indicating that the high durability of hybrid immunity was likely sustained by continuously improving neutralization potency that compensated immune decay. Our data provide mechanistic insight into prior epidemiological findings that vaccine‐elicited humoral immune response was more durable in convalescing individuals than those without SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and suggest further research into potential extension of boosting intervals for convalescing individuals.