bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of ZnO-Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanocomposites through Sonochemical Methods for Methylene Blue Degradation
Authors: Saridewi Nanda , Komala Sri , Zulys Agustino , Nurbayti Siti , Tulhusna Latifah , Adawiah Adawiah
Published: September 2022

Textile industry waste can pollute the aquatic environment because it contains dye contaminants with very stable properties that are difficult to degrade naturally. However, dye contaminants degradation can be carried out by photodegradation using ZnO-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite photocatalysts. This study aims to synthesize ZnO-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite through a sonochemical method. Then measure their photocatalytic activity in methylene blue degradation. The best ZnO-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite is made of ZnO:Fe3O4 mass ratio of 4:1 with a crystal size of 31.058 nm, a hexagonal crystal phase and a particle size of 173.23 nm. The ZnO-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposites (4:1) provides optimum degradation capacity of methylene blue under halogen lamp irradiation of 99.56 mg/g at pH 13. Furthermore, the ZnO-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposites had good stability in 10 cycles reaction with a degradation capacity of 99.24-99.75 mg/g. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by ZnO-Fe3O4 occurs through the formation of free radical species with hydroxyl radicals as the dominant species that play an important role in the degradation process. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Perceptions of Teachers’ Competency and Burnout in Turkey: A research on Teachers of Multi-grade Classrooms
Authors: YILMAZ Sait Burak , DEMİR Özden
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to determine the perceptions of teachers on their competency and to find out the relationship between their perceptions of competency and burnout. Additionally, this research is a descriptive survey model. The sample of this study consists of 201 teachers who work in multi-grade classes in both Kars city center and counties of Kars city. In addition; “Personal Information Form”, “Teacher Competency Perception Questionnaire” and “Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educator Form” has been used in this research. For the obtained data from Teacher Competency Perception Questionnaire, arithmetic mean with f and % has been used as well as standard deviation. Moreover, Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis has been used to analyze whether there is a statistic relation between the perceptions of teachers on their competency and their burnout. As a result of the data obtained from this research, it has been deduced that teachers of multi-grade classes perceive themselves as competent in all sub-dimensions of teacher competency. Besides, a negative correlation has been found between the emotional exhaustion which is one of the sub-dimensions of burnout perceptions of teachers of multi-grade classes and depersonalization and some other sub-dimensions of professional competence; however, it has been found that there is a positive correlation between the personal success sub-dimension and some sub-dimensions of professional competence.
Covid-19 Pandemisi Sonrası İlköğretim Okullarında Yapılması Gerekenlere İlişkin Paydaş Görüşlerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: KILIÇ ÖZMEN Zehra
Published: September 2022

Covid-19 salgını pek çok alanda zorluklar yaşanmasına neden olmaktadır. Bu alanlardan biri ilkokullardır. Bu çalışmada, ilkokullarda salgın sonrası neler yapılabileceğiyle ilgili veli, sınıf öğretmeni ve akademisyenlerin görüşlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olgubilim deseniyle tasarlanmıştır. Veriler yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formuyla Zoom üzerinden görüşme yapılarak elde edilmiş, içerik analiziyle çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgular, sorumluluklar ve düzenlemeler olmak üzere iki temaya ayrılmaktadır. Paydaşların en fazla sorumluluk yükledikleri kurum, devlettir. Alt yapı ve teknik donanımla her çocuğun öncelikle derslere ulaşımının sağlanması gerektiği düşünülmektedir. İlkokul öğrencilerinin evden derse katılımlarında ikinci rolü velilerin oynadığı belirtilmektedir. Düzenlemeler alt temasında; salgın sonrası öğretimin yeniden planlanması konusunda tüm paydaşlar hem fikirdir. Dijital yetkinlik, ders tasarımları, disiplinler arası yaklaşımlar öğretimin planlanması içinde yer almaktadır. Özellikle sınıf öğretmeni ve akademisyenler, öğretmen eğitiminin tekno-pedagojik unsurlarla desteklenerek tüm öğretmenlere verilmesi gerektiğini vurgulamaktadırlar.
Physicians and EMS Who Responded to Mass Shootings Develop Consensus Recommendations for Improving Care
Authors: Ruder Kate
Published: September 2022

This Medical News article discusses new guidance for health care system responses to mass shooting incidents.
Applying a bifactor model to the functions of relational aggression: Associations with hostile attribution biases and difficulties with emotion regulation
Authors: Colton Kassidy C. , Godleski Stephanie A. , Crane Cory A.
Published: September 2022

Previous research suggests that reactive and proactive aggression likely have distinct underlying mechanisms that uniquely contribute to the perpetration of each as a result of faulty cognitive and emotional processes. Still, very little work has examined the association of the functions of relational aggression with emotion dysregulation and hostile attribution biases. In addition, it is important to examine relational aggression in its pure and co‐occurring functions given that past work finds reactive and proactive aggression to occur both jointly and distinctly. Thus, the current study employed a bifactor model to distinguish between pure reactive, pure proactive, and co‐occurring relational aggression in emerging adulthood (N = 647, Mage = 19.92, SD = 2.83), a developmental time period for which relational aggression is particularly prominent. To further address gaps in the relational aggression literature, indirect pathway models revealed that relational hostile attribution biases emerged as a concurrent indirect path in the relationship between emotion dysregulation and pure reactive relational aggression. Furthermore, emotion dysregulation was directly positively associated with both pure functions as well as co‐occurring relational aggression, and hostile attribution biases for relational provocations were directly associated with both pure functions of relational aggression, though the association was negative for pure proactive and positive for pure reactive relational aggression. Findings highlight the potential influence of emotion dysregulation and attributing hostile intent to social situations on engaging in the different functions of relational aggression.
Neural network based recursive terminal sliding mode control and its application to active power filters
Authors: Chu Yundi , Hou Shixi , Fu Shili , Fei Juntao
Published: September 2022

In recent times, research interests for the control design of uncertain nonlinear systems are observed in neuroscience‐inspired intelligent controllers. In this article, a recursive terminal sliding mode control scheme based on continuous radial basis emotional neural network (CRBENN) is proposed. First, a recursive terminal sliding mode controller is constructed. The sliding mode surface is composed of a fast non‐singular terminal sliding mode surface and a recursive integral terminal sliding mode surface, which not only ensures that the tracking error converges to zero in a finite time, but also can eliminate the reaching phase and achieve global robustness by setting the surface parameters with appropriate initial values. In addition, in order to effectively deal with the uncertainty, an adaptive CRBENN controller with online parameter adjustment capability is established, and its stability and convergence are analyzed using the Lyapunov method. The designed CRBENN, inspired by neuroscience, is simple in structure and fast in response. Simulation and experimental results on active power filter show that the control scheme has good current tracking ability and anti‐interference ability.
NIR‐Assisted MgO‐Based Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Targeted Treatment of Parkinson's Disease through the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Gao Yifei , Cheng Yuxue , Chen Jiapeng , Lin Danmin , Liu Chao , Zhang Ling‐Kun , Yin Liang , Yang Runcai , Guan Yan‐Qing
Published: September 2022

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a major limiting factor that prevents the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, MgOp@PPLP nanoparticles are explored by using MgO nanoparticles as a substrate, polydopamine as a shell, wrapping anti‐SNCA plasmid inside, and modifying polyethylene glycol, lactoferrin, and puerarin on the surface to improve the hydrophilicity, brain targeting and antioxidant properties of the particles, respectively. MgOp@PPLP exhibits superior near‐infrared radiation (NIR) response. Under the guidance of photothermal effect, these MgOp@PPLP particles are capable of penetrating the BBB and be taken up by neuronal cells to exert gene therapy and antioxidant therapy. In both in vivo and in vitro models of PD, MgOp@PPLP exhibits good neuroprotective effects. Therefore, combined with noninvasive NIR radiation, MgOp@PPLP nanoplatform with good biocompatibility becomes an ideal material to combat neurodegenerative diseases.
Electro‐Thermal Characterization of Dynamical VO2 Memristors via Local Activity Modeling
Authors: Brown Timothy D. , Bohaichuk Stephanie M. , Islam Mahnaz , Kumar Suhas , Pop Eric , Williams R. Stanley
Published: September 2022

Translating the surging interest in neuromorphic electronic components, such as those based on nonlinearities near Mott transitions, into large‐scale commercial deployment faces steep challenges in the current lack of means to identify and design key material parameters. These issues are exemplified by the difficulties in connecting measurable material properties to device behavior via circuit element models. Here, the principle of local activity is used to build a model of VO2/SiN Mott threshold switches by sequentially accounting for constraints from a minimal set of quasistatic and dynamic electrical and high‐spatial‐resolution thermal data obtained via in situ thermoreflectance mapping. By combining independent data sets for devices with varying dimensions, the model is distilled to measurable material properties, and device scaling laws are established. The model can accurately predict electrical and thermal conductivities and capacitances and locally active dynamics (especially persistent spiking self‐oscillations). The systematic procedure by which this model is developed has been a missing link in predictively connecting neuromorphic device behavior with their underlying material properties, and should enable rapid screening of material candidates before employing expensive manufacturing processes and testing procedures.
Atomic‐Scale Structure Dynamics of Nanocrystals Revealed By In Situ and Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Zhao Haofei , Zhu Yuchen , Ye Huanyu , He Yang , Li Hao , Sun Yifei , Yang Feng , Wang Rongming
Published: September 2022

Nanocrystals are of great importance in material sciences and industry. Engineering nanocrystals with desired structures and properties is no doubt one of the most important challenges in the field, which requires deep insight into atomic‐scale dynamics of nanocrystals during the process. The rapid developments of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), especially environmental TEM, reveal insights into nanocrystals to digest. According to the considerable progress based on in situ electron microscopy, a comprehensive review on nanocrystal dynamics from three aspects: nucleation and growth, structure evolution, and dynamics in reaction conditions are given. In the nucleation and growth part, existing nucleation theories and growth pathways are organized based on liquid and gas–solid phases. In the structure evolution part, the focus is on in‐depth mechanistic understanding of the evolution, including defects, phase, and disorder/order transitions. In the part of dynamics in reaction conditions, solid–solid and gas–solid interfaces of nanocrystals in atmosphere are discussed and the structure–property relationship is correlated. Even though impressive progress is made, additional efforts are required to develop the integrated and operando TEM methodologies for unveiling nanocrystal dynamics with high spatial, energy, and temporal resolutions.
Soil sensing and machine learning reveal factors affecting maize yield in the mid‐Atlantic United States
Authors: Kinoshita Rintaro , Tani Masayuki , Sherpa Sonam , Ghahramani Afshin , van Es Harold M.
Published: September 2022

In large‐scale arable cropping systems, understanding within‐field yield variations and yield‐limiting factors are crucial for optimizing resource investments and financial returns, while avoiding adverse environmental effects. Sensing technologies can collect various crop and soil information, but there is a need to assess whether they reveal within‐field yield constraints. Spatial data regarding grain yields, proximal soil sensing data, and topographical and soil properties were collected from 26 maize (Zea mays L.) growing fields in the U.S. Mid‐Atlantic. Apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) collected by an on‐the‐go sensor (Veris) was an effective method for estimating subsoil textural variation and water holding capacity in the Coastal Plain region, which was also the best predictor of spatial yield pattern when combined with surface pH and topographic wetness index in a Random Forest (RF) model. In the Piedmont Plateau region, proximal soil sensors showed a lower correlation to measured soil properties, while topographical properties (aspect and slope) were important estimators of spatial yield patterns in an RF model. In locations where the RF model failed to predict yield variation, soil compaction appeared to be limiting crop yields. In conclusion, the application of RF models using ECa sensors and topographical properties was effective in revealing within‐field yield constraints, especially in the Coastal Plain region. On the Piedmont Plateau, the calibration of proximal sensor information needs to be improved with a particular focus on soil compaction.
Development of an artificial intelligence‐based diagnostic model for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fujita Kazuki , Katsuki Masahito , Takasu Ai , Kitajima Ayako , Shimazu Tomokazu , Maruki Yuichi
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is sometimes difficult for nonspecialists, resulting in misdiagnosis. A missed diagnosis can lead to improper management and poor outcomes. Moreover, nonspecialists lack a simple diagnostic model with high accuracy for AD diagnosis.

Methods

Randomly assigned data, including training data, of 6000 patients and test data of 1932 from 7932 patients who visited our memory clinic between 2009 and 2021 were introduced into the artificial intelligence (AI)‐based AD diagnostic model, which we had developed.

Results

The AI‐based AD diagnostic model used age, sex, Hasegawa's Dementia Scale‐Revised, the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the educational level, and the voxel‐based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's disease (VSRAD) score. It had a sensitivity, specificity, and c‐static value of 0.954, 0.453, and 0.819, respectively. The other AI‐based model that did not use the VSRAD had a sensitivity, specificity, and c‐static value of 0.940, 0.504, and 0.817, respectively.

Discussion

We created an AD diagnostic model with high sensitivity for AD diagnosis using only data acquired in daily clinical practice. By using these AI‐based models, nonspecialists could reduce missed diagnoses and contribute to the appropriate use of medical resources.
Connecting Energetic Nitropyrazole and Nitrobenzene Moieties with C−C Bonds using Suzuki Cross‐Coupling Reaction: A Novel Route to Thermally Stable Energetic Materials
Authors: Pandey Krishna , Bhatia Prachi , Dolui Pritam , Ghule Vikas D. , Kumar Dheeraj
Published: September 2022

This work describes a new route to thermally stable energetic materials by connecting different types of energetic moieties (nitropyrazole and polynitrobenzene) with C−C bonds, where the first step involves a Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction between 4‐bromo‐3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazole and 4‐chlorophenylboronic acid. Further nitration, amination, oxidation, and salt formation reactions on the resulting C−C coupled framework resulted in various thermally stable energetic materials. All the compounds were fully characterized using IR, NMR [1H, 13C{1H}], differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analysis, and HRMS studies. Compounds 7 and 9 were further characterized by 15N NMR, and compounds 3 and 6 were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Theoretical heats of formation and energetic performance for all the energetic compounds were calculated using Gaussian 09 and EXPLO5 v6.06 programs, respectively. This research introduces a novel method for synthesizing C−C coupled energetic materials that are not accessible by any other routes.
Phthalimide‐tethered imidazolium salts: Synthesis, characterization, enzyme inhibitory properties, and in silico studies
Authors: Yiğit Murat , Demir Yeliz , Barut Celepci Duygu , Taskin‐Tok Tuğba , Arınç Ali , Yiğit Beyhan , Aygün Muhittin , Özdemir İsmail , Gülçin İlhami
Published: September 2022

A series of new imidazolium salts were prepared in good yield by the reaction between 1‐alkylimidazole and a variety of alkyl halides. The structures of the compounds were identified by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of 1b was determined by the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method. The phthalimide‐tethered imidazolium salts exhibited inhibition abilities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) I and II, with Ki values in the range of 24.63 ± 3.45 to 305.51 ± 35.98 nM for AChE, 33.56 ± 3.71 to 218.01 ± 25.21 nM for hCA I and 17.75 ± 0.96 to 308.67 ± 13.73 nM for hCA II. The results showed that the new imidazolium salts can play a key role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, and leukemia, which is related to their inhibition abilities of hCA I, hCA II, and AChE. Molecular docking and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies were used to look into how the imidazolium salts interacted with the specific protein targets. To better visualize and understand the binding positions and the influence of the imidazolium salts on hCA I, hCA II, and AChE conformations, each one was subjected to molecular docking simulations.
Nanowarming of vitrified pancreatic islets as a cryopreservation technology for transplantation
Authors: Wakabayashi Taisei , Kaneko Masahiro , Nakai Tomoki , Horie Masanobu , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Takahashi Masazumi , Tanoue Shota , Ito Akira
Published: September 2022

Biobanking of pancreatic islets for transplantation could solve the shortage of donors, and cryopreservation of vitrified islets is a possible approach. However, a technological barrier is rewarming of large volumes both uniformly and rapidly to prevent ice formation due to devitrification. Here, we describe successful recovery of islets from the vitrified state using a volumetric rewarming technology called “nanowarming,” which is inductive heating of magnetic nanoparticles under an alternating magnetic field. Convective warming using a 37°C water bath as the gold standard for rewarming of vitrified samples resulted in a decrease in the viability of mouse islets in large volumes (>1 ml) owing to devitrification caused by slow warming. Nanowarming showed uniform and rapid rewarming of vitrified islets in large volumes. The viability of nanowarmed islets was significantly improved and islets transplanted into streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice successfully lowered serum glucose. The results suggest that nanowarming will lead to a breakthrough in biobanking of islets for transplantation.
Updates on biogas enrichment and purification methods: A review
Authors: Oliveira Lígia Gomes , Cremonez Paulo André , Machado Bruna , da Silva Eliane Soares , Silva Felipe Eduardo Bueno , Corrêa Gean Carlo Gosch , Lopez Thiago Fernando Magrini , Alves Helton José
Published: September 2022

The market for biogas production has been increasing every year all over the world. The use of biogas as an energy vector is accomplished through the most diverse applications, such as direct burning (thermal energy), internal combustion engines, and fuel cells. Besides direct applications, biogas can be used as a raw material for producing high added‐value products, such as molecular hydrogen and renewable hydrocarbons, through a new enterprise concept, the biorefineries. Purity and quality control are determinant factors that enable the decision‐making regarding the end use of biogas. Physical, chemical, and biological methods can be used in biogas upgrading processes as well as a combination of different techniques. This review aims to deepen the knowledge about relevant technologies for biogas purification. It also addresses the most efficient and feasible methods, challenges to be overcome, and main demands for future studies. Therefore, the presentation, in a detailed way, of the synergistic effects caused by components contained in natural biogas and the combinatorial methods for removing these contaminants, differentiates this from other works that approach only the purification techniques but do not point out their problems and causes more comprehensively. Thus, studies related to the combined effects of contaminants would be interesting in future works.
Comparative analysis of heat‐stress‐induced abscisic acid and heat shock protein responses among pea varieties
Authors: Huang Shaoming , Zhang Haixia , Purves Randy W. , Bueckert Rosalind , Tar'an Bunyamin , Warkentin Thomas D.
Published: September 2022

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) and abscisic acid (ABA) play important roles in plant heat responses but have not been extensively studied in pea (Pisum sativum L.), whose heat susceptibility is well known. In this study, four pea varieties varying in heat tolerance based on field trials were evaluated. Plants were heat stressed for 3, 6, 12, or 24 h at 38 °C before pollination. Anther and stipule RNA from the same flowering node were sampled for transcriptional profiling of PsHSP18.1 and PsHSP71.2. Additional stipules were sampled for the quantification of ABA concentration and its five key catabolites from the four major ABA catabolic pathways by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐SRM/MS). The transcription of both HSP genes was upregulated because of heat stress (HS). In stipules, the upregulation was greatest at 3 h HS, whereas in anthers, the induced transcription was similar among different hours of HS. Likewise, more ABA accumulated in the ABA metabolism pool because of HS, and the ABA response started rapidly after 3 h of treatment. Heat‐tolerant varieties had a higher ABA synthesis and turnover rate at 3 h HS than their respective heat‐susceptible counterparts. This study provides new insights into different heat tolerance among Canadian pea varieties regarding HSP and ABA hormone regulation.
Heterogeneity in the size of the apical surface of cortical progenitors
Authors: Badouel Caroline , Audouard Christophe , Davy Alice
Published: September 2022

Background: The apical surface (AS) of epithelial cells is highly specialized; it is important for morphogenetic processes that are essential to shape organs and tissues and it plays a role in morphogen and growth factor signaling. Apical progenitors in the mammalian neocortex are pseudoepithelial cells whose apical surface lines the ventricle. Whether changes in their apical surface sizes are important for cortical morphogenesis and/or other aspects of neocortex development has not been thoroughly addressed.

Results: Here we show that apical progenitors are heterogeneous with respect to their apical surface area. In Efnb1 mutants, the size of the apical surface is modified and this correlates with discrete alterations of tissue organization without impacting apical progenitors proliferation.

Conclusions: Altogether, our data reveal heterogeneity in apical progenitors AS area in the developing neocortex and shows a role for Ephrin B1 in controlling AS size. Our study also indicates that changes in AS size do not have strong repercussion on apical progenitor behavior.
Lithium‐Rich Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2/Hierarchical Porous Graphitic Carbon Composites Promoters for Polysulfides Regulation in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhong Haoxiang , Hu Qianqian , Zhang Lingzhi
Published: September 2022

The shuttle effect of polysulfides severely limits the practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, the lithium‐rich Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2/hierarchical porous graphitic carbon composite (LLNM/HPGC) is designed and synthesized as host material for lithium–sulfur batteries, aiming to restrict the shuttle effect of polysulfides via physical entrapment from 3D HPGC and accelerate the conversion of polysulfides from the lithium‐rich LLNM as catalyst. Benefiting from the well‐constructed host framework, 1glycerinum‐LLNM/2HPGC@sulfur (1Gly‐LLNM/2HPGC@S) shows higher specific capacity of 651 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5C than that of 546.3, 422.8, 476, and 421.7 mAh g−1 for HPCG@S, Gly‐LLNM@S, 1Gly‐LLNM/3HPGC@S, and 1Gly‐LLNM/5HPGC@S. Therefore, this work demonstrates a promising route to inhibit the shuttle effect of polysulfides for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Experimental study of molten bubble layer growth and bubble size distribution in post‐flame‐spread PMMA samples
Authors: Hossain Sarzina , Wichman Indrek , Miller Fletcher , Olson Sandra
Published: September 2022

Although thermoplastics possess many desirable traits as solidified materials, they are combustible and burn readily. Post burning samples of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are the focus of this study. During flame spread, PMMA forms a bubble containing molten surface layer that influences the spread rate and the surface mass efflux. This study examines the formation and distribution of bubbles inside a PMMA sample that has previously been subjected to flame spread and then re‐hardened into its solid state. Experiments discussed herein were conducted in a Narrow Channel Apparatus (NCA), which reduces the influences of gravitation (buoyancy) on flame spread. Bubble sizes and counts were determined using digital image analysis (DIA). The burnt samples were analyzed by dividing sample images into eight equal area sections. Frequency distributions of bubble size (area) were compared. Distribution functions were fitted against the empirical probability density function (PDF) for the bubble size distribution. The log‐normal distribution predicts the bubble size distribution for all segments. The bubble distribution function can be used to describe physical processes inside the polymeric material as it undergoes thermal transformation by the spreading flame.
Isolation and characterization of antioxidant peptides from oyster (Crassostrea rivularis) protein enzymatic hydrolysates
Authors: Huang Hui , Cen Jianwei , Yang Daqiao , Li Laihao , Li Chunsheng , Yang Xianqing , Wang Yueqi , Hu Xiao , Wang Jinxu , Cai Qiuxing
Published: September 2022

Peptides from oysters have several bioactive functions. In this study, we identified antioxidant peptides from oysters (Crassostrea rivularis) and investigated their structure–function relationship. We used an 8 kDa molecular‐weight (MW) cut‐off membrane and semiprep reversed‐phase liquid chromatography to collect five peptides (F1–F5) and identified the highest‐abundance ion‐peak sequences AWVDY (F1), MSFRFY(F2), EPLRY(F3), RKPPWPP(F4), and YAKRCFR(F5) having MWs of 652, 850, 676, 877, and 943 Da, respectively, using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole/time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. These peptides exhibited high antioxidant activities, similar to butylated hydroxytoluene, reduced glutathione, and ascorbic acid. F5 demonstrated the highest scavenging activity for DPPH radicals (IC50 = 21.75 μg/ml), hydroxyl radicals (IC50 = 18.75 μg/ml), and superoxide radicals (IC50 = 11.00 μg/ml), while F3 demonstrated the highest reducing power. Furthermore, F5 significantly protected Caco‐2 cells from H2O2‐induced oxidative damage. These results suggest that the antioxidant peptide F5 is a promising food additive that protects against oxidative damage.
Evaluation of the acute toxicity and 28‐days subacute toxicity of the alcoholic extract from Ganoderma leucocontextum
Authors: Deng Shizhan , AGA Er‐bu , Xie Hongjun , Xiong Hai , Ye Bengui
Published: September 2022

Ganoderma leucocontextum is a well‐known traditional medicine in Tibet Autonomous Region, which has benefits, such as anti‐hypoxia, neurotrophic action on nerves, easing coughs and relieving asthma, strengthening the body and prolonging life. However, few research have focused on its negative effects, possibly jeopardizing its safety. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of an alcoholic extract from G. leucocontextum (GLA) in vivo. The phytochemical characterization analysis showed that alcoholic extract from G. leucocontextum were rich in polysaccharides, triterpenoids. Then, in acute oral toxicity, male and female mice from Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) were orally administered with 16 g/kg GLA and were observed for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity, male and female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were orally administered with 2, 4, and 8 g/kg doses of GLA for 28 days. There was no death or clinical changes in male and female mice in the acute toxicity test. During the subacute toxicity test, the difference in body weights, food consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, and organ coefficients between treated and control groups were unrelated to GLA treatment. The obtained data show that the GLA had no significant toxic effects when administered orally to male and female rats in acute and subacute toxicity.
Experimental study on the effect of simulated grass and stem coverage on resistance coefficient of overland flow
Authors: Cen Youdong , Zhang Kuandi , Peng Yong , Rubinato Matteo , Liu Juanjuan , Ling Peng
Published: September 2022

Vegetation plays a significant role in preventing desertification, conservation of soil and water. However, nowadays, there is still uncertainty regarding the mechanisms of flow resistance caused by dissimilar vegetation covers. To address this gap, a series of these was conducted in this study to investigate the influence of synthetic grass and stems on the variation of resistance on overland flows. Thirty vegetation configurations were selected (combining five synthetic grass coverage options and six synthetic stem coverage ones), and tested against five unit discharges (flow range = 0.28–2.22 L m−1 s−1) and four slope gradients (3.49%–20.78%). The results obtained showed that the unit discharge is the key driving factor for the transition from laminar to transitional flow. Furthermore, the relationship between the resistance coefficient (f) and the Reynolds number (Re) was not monotonically increasing or decreasing, but behaviours observed were specifically linked to each vegetation coverage. However, a critical coverage threshold was identified, and it corresponded to 2.72% when the slope gradient tested was 3.49%. This threshold decreased with the increase of the slope gradient. In addition, when the vegetation coverage was less than the critical threshold, the f was negatively correlated with Re, otherwise if the vegetation coverage was higher than the critical threshold identified the f–Re relation was positively correlated. The total flow resistance under synthetic grass and stem cover was unequal to the linear superposition of grain resistance and form resistance caused by synthetic stem and grass, which meant that the linear superposition approach is not applicable to overland flows. Finally, a model was developed to predict the flow resistance by applying the π‐theorem and the multiple nonlinear regression analysis and it has been validated against the experimental results confirming its accuracy and high performance (adj.R2 = 0.99, NSE = 0.94).
Functional Testing of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Pathway Variants Identified on Whole-Exome Sequencing in a Patient with Delayed-Onset Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Using ACVR1R206H-Specific Human Cellular and Zebrafish Models
Authors: Wentworth Kelly L. , Lalonde Robert L. , Groppe Jay C. , Brewer Niambi , Moody Tania , Hansberry Steven , Taylor Kimberly E. , Shore Eileen M. , Kaplan Frederick S. , Pignolo Robert J. , Yelick Pamela C. , Hsiao Edward C.
Published: September 2022

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is critical in skeletal development. Overactivation can trigger heterotopic ossification (HO) as in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare, progressive disease of massive HO formation. A small subset of FOP patients harboring the causative ACVR1R206H mutation show strikingly mild or delayed-onset HO, suggesting that genetic variants in the BMP pathway could act as disease modifiers. Whole-exome sequencing of one such patient identified BMPR1AR443C and ACVR2AV173I as candidate modifiers. Molecular modeling predicted significant structural perturbations. Neither variant decreased BMP signaling in ACVR1R206H HEK 293T cells at baseline or after stimulation with BMP4 or activin A (AA), ligands that activate ACVR1R206H signaling. Overexpression of BMPR1AR443C in a Tg(ACVR1-R206Ha) embryonic zebrafish model, in which overactive BMP signaling yields ventralized embryos, did not alter ventralization severity, while ACVR2AV173I exacerbated ventralization. Co-expression of both variants did not affect dorsoventral patterning. In contrast, BMPR1A knockdown in ACVR1R206H HEK cells decreased ligand-stimulated BMP signaling but did not affect dorsoventral patterning in Tg(ACVR1-R206Ha) zebrafish. ACVR2A knockdown decreased only AA-stimulated signaling in ACVR1R206H HEK cells and had no effect in Tg(ACVR1-R206Ha) zebrafish. Co-knockdown in ACVR1R206H HEK cells decreased basal and ligand-stimulated signaling, and co-knockdown/knockout (bmpr1aa/ab; acvr2aa/ab) decreased Tg(ACVR1-R206Ha) zebrafish ventralization phenotypes. Our functional studies showed that knockdown of wild-type BMPR1A and ACVR2A could attenuate ACVR1R206H signaling, particularly in response to AA, and that ACVR2AV173I unexpectedly increased ACVR1R206H-mediated signaling in zebrafish. These studies describe a useful strategy and platform for functionally interrogating potential genes and genetic variants that may impact the BMP signaling pathway. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
New insights into cellular links between sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and ketogenesis
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Maleki Mina , Butler Alexandra E. , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2022

Sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a newly developed class of highly effective antidiabetic therapies that normalize hyperglycemia via urinary glucose excretion. However, they may be accompanied by certain side effects that negatively impact their therapeutic benefits. SGLT2is induce a metabolic shift from glucose to fatty acids and thus increase lipolysis which, in turn, induces ketogenesis. The complete pathways linking SGLT2is to ketoacidosis have not yet been fully elucidated, though much is now known. Therefore, in this mechanistic study, we present the current knowledge and shed light upon the possible cellular pathways involved. A deeper understanding of the possible links between SGLT2is and ketogenesis could help to prevent adverse side effects in diabetic patients treated with these drugs.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0018189 drives non‐small cell lung cancer growth by sequestering miR‐656‐3p and enhancing xCT expression
Authors: Cai Jianfeng , Zheng Yiping , Dong Lie , Zhang Xiangbin , Huang Yinghui
Published: September 2022

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the cancers with a high mortality rate. CircRNAs have emerged as an important regulatory factor in tumorigenesis in recent years. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism of a circular RNA cullin 2 (hsa_circ_0018189; hsa_circ_0018189) is still unclear in NSCLC.

Methods

RNA levels of hsa_circ_0018189, microRNA (miR)‐656–3p, and Solute carrier family seven member 11 (SLC7A11, xCT) were analyzed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and protein level was assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemical assay. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to detect cell glutamine metabolism. Effects of hsa_circ_0018189 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed by corresponding assays. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA‐immunoprecipitation assay confirmed the target relationship between miR‐656‐3p and hsa_circ_0018189 or xCT. The in vivo function of hsa_circ_0018189 was verified by xenograft mouse models.

Results

Hsa_circ_0018189 abundance was overexpressed in NSCLC cells and samples. Deficiency of hsa_circ_0018189 lowered NSCLC cell proliferative, migrating, invading, and glutamine metabolism capacities, and hsa_circ_0018189 silencing inhibited the growth of tumors in vivo. Hsa_circ_0018189 could up‐regulate xCT by sponging miR‐656‐3p. And miR‐656‐3p downregulation or xCT overexpression partly overturned hsa_circ_0018189 knockdown or miR‐656‐3p mimic‐mediated repression of NSCLC cell malignancy.

Conclusion

Hsa_circ_0018189 drove NSCLC growth by interacting with miR‐656‐3p and upregulating xCT.
A tale of two populations: vital rates of fishers in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lofroth Eric C. , Weir Richard D. , Davis Larry R. , Hansen Ingebjorg Jean
Published: September 2022

Fishers (Pekania pennanti) are a forest‐dependent carnivore of conservation concern in British Columbia, Canada. Ecological, spatial, and genetic evidence suggests that there are 2 distinct populations (Boreal and Columbian) that occur in forests at low to moderate elevations in the boreal and central interior regions of the province. In British Columbia, fishers occur at low densities relative to other parts of their range in North America, are trapped for their fur, and are sensitive to habitat change. Despite these factors, little demographic information exists to assist with management decisions for these populations. We collated and analyzed survival and reproductive data from 100 radio‐tagged fishers from 5 independent studies conducted between 1990 and 2012 in British Columbia: 2 in the Boreal population, and 3 in the Columbian population. We also collated litter size data from 1 den box study and a translocation project of fishers from the Columbian population. Annual survival rates were not significantly different between the populations or between males and females; however, adult survival rates were higher than subadults (0.79 and 0.63, respectively). Subadult females had significantly lower survival rates than other sex or age classes. Reproductive rates were significantly different between the 2 populations (denning rate = 0.54 [Columbian], 0.82 [Boreal]; litter size = 1.7 [Columbian], 2.6 [Boreal]). These differences resulted in net reproductive rates in the Columbian population that were less than half of those in the Boreal population (0.92 kits/reproductive season compared to 2.13, respectively). Population growth rates suggest that the Columbian population may have been declining during the studies, whereas the Boreal population may have been increasing (0.96 compared to 1.20). Consequently, we suggest that focused and intensive habitat and population management for fishers are needed in British Columbia to ensure population sustainability, particularly for the Columbian population.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Homodimerization of Brominated Polystyrene Chains
Authors: Basler Eleanor D. , Chong Jaden L. , Heath Chloe M. , Ching Katie S. , Jennett Shelby T. , Tillman Eric S.
Published: September 2022

A nickel‐based catalytic system leading to high yields (≈80%) of polymer chain coupling has been developed. The extent of coupling (Xc) is found to be relatively high (>75%) and consistent across a wide range of catalyst loadings (0.1 – 1.0 equivalent with respect to the chain end), comparing favorably with other chain‐end joining methods. A mechanistic cycle is proposed to occur with benzylic chain‐end radical intermediates, consistent with the addition of a nitroso radical trap substantially lowering coupling yields. The effect of the polymer chain end (Cl vs Br) and the halide associated with the nickel catalyst is also probed.
Genetic and clinical characteristics of 24 mainland Chinese patients with CTNNB1 loss‐of‐function variants
Authors: Yan Dan , Sun Yu , Xu Na , Yu Yongguo , Zhan Yongkun ,   the Mainland Chinese League of NEDSDV Rare Disease
Published: September 2022

Background

Neurodevelopmental disorder with spastic diplegia and visual defects (NEDSDV) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome, which is caused by the heterozygous germline loss‐of‐function variants in CTNNB1.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical and genetic findings of 24 previously undescribed Chinese patients affected by CTNNB1‐related disorders and explored the possible ethnicity‐related phenotypic variations.

Results

Twenty‐one loss‐of‐function variants were identified within these 24 NEDSDV patients, including 14 novel CTNNB1 variants and 7 recurrent ones. The prominent clinical manifestations in our cohort are developmental delay/intellectual disability (100%), motor delay (100%), speech impairment (100%), dystonia (87.5%) and microcephaly (69.6%). The common facial dysmorphisms were consistent with previous reports, including wide nasal bridge (58.3%), bulbous nose (45.8%), long philtrum (45.8%) and thin upper lip (45.8%). In addition, 19 patients (79.2%) in our cohort had mild visual defects, while one affected individual (4.2%) had familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. Notably, we discovered that 20 patients (83.3%) exhibited various behavioral abnormalities, which is described in Chinese patients for the first time.

Conclusion

We provided the largest known Chinese cohort with pathogenic CTNNB1 variants, which not only helps to expand the variant spectrum of CTNNB1 gene, but further delineates the typical phenotype of this disorder in Chinese population.
Citizen's adoption intention toward contact tracing apps: An analysis using innovation resistance theory
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Siddiqui Aaliyah , Siddiqui Mujahid
Published: September 2022

This study explores the factors that prevent citizens from using contact tracing apps (CTA). It uses the innovation resistance theory to construct a parsimonious data analysis model. Data are collected from 440 users of CTA, and an analysis using structural equation modeling is done. Moderation analysis is performed to measure the influence of trust on the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results reveal that privacy concerns, functional complexity, and benefit ambiguity are the main factors causing hindrance in the adoption of CTAs. The study carries implications for public authorities and technology professionals for promoting and increasing the uptake of public‐oriented mass‐consumption technology.
Comparison of the performance of a microwave plasma torch and a gliding arc plasma for hydrogen production via methane pyrolysis
Authors: Kreuznacht Simon , Purcel Maximilian , Böddeker Simon , Awakowicz Peter , Xia Wei , Muhler Martin , Böke Marc , Keudell Achim von
Published: September 2022

Hydrogen production via plasma methane pyrolysis is investigated using a microwave plasma torch (MPT) and a gliding arc plasmatron (GAP). The performance of the two plasma sources in terms of methane conversion, product spectrum, and energy efficiency is compared. The physical and chemical properties of the produced carbon particles are compared. The methane conversion is higher in the GAP than in the MPT. In the MPT amorphous spherical carbon particles are produced in the volume of the plasma source. In the GAP methane pyrolysis in the volume stops after the production of acetylene. The conversion of acetylene into solid carbon takes place in a heterogeneous reaction on top of the electrode surfaces instead. This leads to a lower hydrogen selectivity, higher acetylene selectivity and more platelet‐like morphology of the produced carbon particles when compared to the MPT.
Molecular basis for thermal stability and affinity in a VHH: Contribution of the framework region and its influence in the conformation of the CDR3
Authors: Kinoshita Seisho , Nakakido Makoto , Mori Chinatsu , Kuroda Daisuke , Caaveiro Jose M.M. , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: September 2022

The camelid single domain antibody, referred to VHH or Nanobody, is considered a versatile tool for various biotechnological and clinical applications because of its favorable biophysical properties. To take advantage of these characteristics and for its application in biotechnology and therapy, research on VHH engineering is currently vigorously conducted. To humanize a camelid VHH, we performed complementarity determining region (CDR) grafting using a humanized VHH currently in clinical trials, and investigated the effects of these changes on the biophysical properties of the resulting VHH. The chimeric VHH exhibited a significant decrease in affinity and thermal stability and a large conformational change in the CDR3. To elucidate the molecular basis for these changes, we performed mutational analyses on the framework regions revealing the contribution of individual residues within the framework region. It is demonstrated that the mutations resulted in the loss of affinity and lower thermal stability, revealing the significance of bulky residues in the vicinity of the CDR3, and the importance of intramolecular interactions between the CDR3 and the framework‐2 region. Subsequently, we performed back‐mutational analyses on the chimeric VHH. Back‐mutations resulted in an increase of the thermal stability and affinity. These data suggested that back‐mutations restored the intramolecular interactions, and proper positioning and/or dynamics of the CDR3, resulting in the gain of thermal stability and affinity. These observations revealed the molecular contribution of the framework region on VHHs and further designability of the framework region of VHHs without modifying the CDRs.
Structure and specificity of an anti‐chloramphenicol single domain antibody for detection of amphenicol residues
Authors: Swofford Charles A. , Nordeen Sarah A. , Chen Lu , Desai Mahaam M , Chen Joanna , Springs Stacy L. , Schwartz Thomas U. , Sinskey Anthony J.
Published: September 2022

Antibiotics in aquaculture prevent bacterial infection of fish, but their misuse is a public health risk and contributes to the unintentional creation of multiresistant pathogens. Regulatory agencies cannot do the rigorous, expensive testing required to keep up with the volume of seafood shipments. Current rapid test kits for these drugs enable the increase in testing needed for adequate monitoring of food supply chains, but they lack a high degree of accuracy. To combat this, we set out to discover and engineer single‐domain antibodies (VHHs) that bind to small molecule antibiotics, and that can be used in rapid test kits. The small size, solubility, and stability of VHHs are useful properties that can improve the reliability and shelf‐life of test kits for these adulterants. Here, we report a novel anti‐chloramphenicol VHH (Chl‐VHH) with a disassociation constant of 57 nM. This was achieved by immunizing a llama against a chloramphenicol‐keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) conjugate and screening for high affinity binders through phage display. The crystal structure of the bound‐VHH to chloramphenicol was key to identifying a mutation in the binding pocket that resulted in a 16‐fold improvement in binding affinity. In addition, the structure provides new insights into VHH‐hapten interactions that can guide future engineering of VHHs against additional targets.