bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logistic‐growth models measuring density feedback are sensitive to population declines, but not fluctuating carrying capacity
Authors: Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Herrando‐Pérez Salvador
Published: April 2023

Analysis of long‐term trends in abundance of animal populations provides insights into population dynamics. Population growth rates are the emergent interplay of inter alia fertility, survival, and dispersal. However, the density feedbacks operating on some vital rates (“component feedback”) can be decoupled from density feedbacks on population growth rates estimated using abundance time series (“ensemble feedback”). Many of the mechanisms responsible for this decoupling are poorly understood, thereby questioning the validity of using logistic‐growth models versus vital rates to infer long‐term population trends. To examine which conditions lead to decoupling, we simulated age‐structured populations of long‐lived vertebrates experiencing component density feedbacks on survival. We then quantified how imposed stochasticity in survival rates, density‐independent mortality (catastrophes, harvest‐like removal of individuals) and variation in carrying capacity modified the ensemble feedback in abundance time series simulated from age‐structured populations. The statistical detection of ensemble density feedback from census data was largely unaffected by density‐independent processes. Long‐term population decline caused from density‐independent mortality was the main mechanism decoupling the strength of component versus ensemble density feedbacks. Our study supports the use of simple logistic‐growth models to capture long‐term population trends, mediated by changes in population abundance, when survival rates are stochastic, carrying capacity fluctuates, and populations experience moderate catastrophic mortality over time.
We are memory: B‐cell responses in allergy and tolerance
Authors: Pfützner Wolfgang , Polakova Alexandra , Möbs Christian
Published: April 2023

The significance of B‐cell memory in sustaining IgE‐mediated allergies but also ensuring the development of long‐term allergen tolerance has remained enigmatic. However, well‐thought murine and human studies have begun to shed more light on this highly disputed subject. The present mini review highlights important aspects, like the involvement of IgG1 memory B cells, the meaning of low‐ or high‐affinity IgE antibody production, the impact of allergen immunotherapy, or the relevance of local memory established by ectopic lymphoid structures. Based on recent findings, future investigations should lead to deeper knowledge and the development of improved therapies treating allergic individuals.
Enhanced Mott cell formation linked with IgM Fc receptor (FcμR) deficiency
Authors: Mahmoudi Aliabadi Pedram , Al‐Qaisi Khlowd , Jani Peter K. , Honjo Kazuhito , Klemm Uwe , Lee Kyeong‐Hee , Baumgarth Nicole , Radbruch Andreas , Melchers Fritz , Kubagawa Hiromi
Published: April 2023

In previous studies, Mott cells, an unusual form of plasma cells containing Ig‐inclusion bodies, were frequently observed in peripheral lymphoid tissues in our IgM Fc receptor (FcμR)‐deficient (KO) mouse strain. Because of discrepancies in the reported phenotypes of different Fcmr KO mouse strains, we here examined two additional available mutant strains and confirmed that such enhanced Mott‐cell formation was a general phenomenon associated with FcμR deficiency. Splenic B cells from Fcmr KO mice clearly generated more Mott cells than those from WT mice when stimulated in vitro with LPS alone or a B‐1, but not B‐2, activation cocktail. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the Ig variable regions of a single IgMλ+ Mott‐hybridoma clone developed from splenic B‐1 B cells of Fcmr KO mice revealed the near (VH) or complete (Vλ) identity with the corresponding germline gene segments and the addition of six or five nucleotides at the VH/DH and DH/JH junctions, respectively. Transduction of an FcμR cDNA into the Mott hybridoma significantly reduced cells containing IgM‐inclusion bodies with a concomitant increase in IgM secretion, leading to secreted IgM binding to FcμR expressed on Mott transductants. These findings suggest a regulatory role of FcμR in the formation of Mott cells and IgM‐inclusion bodies.
Swelling and flow of expanding clays as a cause for non‐tectonic deformations in a glacial–interglacial environment: Holy Cross Mountains, Poland
Authors: Jurewicz Edyta , Karnkowski Paweł , Czarnecka‐Skwarek Anna , Wójcik Emilia , Gawriuczenkow Ireneusz
Published: April 2023

Not all deformational structures are tectonic in nature. Those that do not form under the influence of endogenic causes, but are the result of, for example, gravity, compaction or diapiric extrusion, are referred to as non‐tectonic phenomena. An example of such deformation is the steep and overturned dips of Callovian and Oxfordian layers in the gently folded Mesozoic cover of the Holy Cross Mountains. Their steepening was a result of processes taking place in the underlying ductile formations of Keuper–Rhaetian (Upper Triassic) and Bathonian, slightly enhanced by glaciotectonics. The latter are dominated by claystones, with a minor share of mudstones and sandstones. Their plasticity was due to a significant share of mixed‐layer minerals of smectite‐illite type, which under conditions of high water could swell. Low‐density water‐saturated clays were extruded from under the edge of a limestone slab leading to its deformation. The diapiric flow of the clay‐mass was stimulated by low temperature, high water saturation of rocks and mechanical disintegration associated with freeze–thaw processes during the Pleistocene.
Biomimetic and bioinspired nano‐platforms for cancer vaccine development
Authors: Feng Chenchao , Tan Peng , Nie Guangjun , Zhu Motao
Published: April 2023

The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treating modalities of cancer. Cancer vaccine, aiming to harness the host immune system to induce a tumor‐specific killing effect, holds great promises for its broad patient coverage, high safety, and combination potentials. Despite promising, the clinical translation of cancer vaccines faces obstacles including the lack of potency, limited options of tumor antigens and adjuvants, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Biomimetic and bioinspired nanotechnology provides new impetus for the designing concepts of cancer vaccines. Through mimicking the stealth coating, pathogen recognition pattern, tissue tropism of pathogen, and other irreplaceable properties from nature, biomimetic and bioinspired cancer vaccines could gain functions such as longstanding, targeting, self‐adjuvanting, and on‐demand cargo release. The specific behavior and endogenous molecules of each type of living entity (cell or microorganism) offer unique features to cancer vaccines to address specific needs for immunotherapy. In this review, the strategies inspired by eukaryotic cells, bacteria, and viruses will be overviewed for advancing cancer vaccine development. Our insights into the future cancer vaccine development will be shared at the end for expediting the clinical translation.
Potatoes dormancy release and sprouting commencement: A review on current and future prospects
Authors: Hu Qiannan , Tang Caitian , Zhou Xinyu , Yang Xiangzheng , Luo Zisheng , Wang Lei , Yang Mingyi , Li Dong , Li Li
Published: April 2023

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide. Nevertheless, due to food safety concerns, substantial amounts of potatoes are not utilized, resulting in losses. Dormancy development is affected by potato variety, temperature, light, humidity, and so forth. Traditional and novel techniques to detect potato dormancy have been developed based on infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral, and multispectral imaging systems in combination with simulation verification. This review describes the ability of novel approaches to address the uncertain hazardous issue and delay or inhibit potato dormancy incidence and development. Further, this review describes the role of carbohydrate metabolism and phytohormone regulation involved in potato dormancy, the mechanism of action to address dormancy, and challenges and recommendations moving forward. More work is needed to develop novel approaches toward addressing the problem of potato germination after harvest.
A deep conventional neural network model for glioma tumor segmentation
Authors: Ayadi Wadhah , Elhamzi Wajdi , Atri Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Glioma represents one of the most aggressive cancers, which can develop in the brain. The automatic tumor segmentation and its sub‐regions represent a challenging task owing to their considerable structural variation. It can appear in different ways and with several shapes, which makes tissue identification a crucial task. Reliable and accurate segmentation presents an important component in tumor treatment and diagnosis planning. To overcome these drawbacks, various Deep Learning (DL) schemes are proposed to aid doctors. In this paper, a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) scheme for glioma segmentation was proposed. Our suggested technique consists of three phases. First, we use intensity normalization to ameliorate the image quality as a preprocessing step. Second, an automatic segmentation technique based on CNN has been proposed. The new model has several layers. Finally, and with the goal of refining the segmentation results, we employ a post‐processing approach. We use the public benchmark BraTS datasets from 2018 and 2020 with low‐grade and high‐grade glioma tumors to test the suggested framework. These datasets contain about 285 and 369 patients, respectively. The four modalities are exploited. Each patient has about 155 2D images from every modality. All the images have the same size (240 × 240 pixels). Our technique performs well compared to new methods, with Dice scores of 0.88 for the Whole Tumor, 0.84 for Tumor Core, and 0.71 for Enhancing Tumor based on the first dataset. According to the second dataset, the three regions had an average of 0.88, 0.9, and 0.75, respectively. The Jaccard indexes for the first data set are 0.8, 0.73, and 0.56 for the three regions, respectively. The second data set attains 0.8, 0.82, and 0.6 for the three regions. The results show that the suggested framework is an excellent way to segment data, especially compared to other methods.
Design, synthesis, antimicrobial activity, DFT, and molecular docking studies of pyridine‐pyrazole‐based dihydro‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles against various bacterial and fungal targets
Authors: Desai Nisheeth , Jadeja Dharmpalsinh , Monapara Jahnvi , Panda Saroj Kumar , Rana Malay Kumar , Dave Bharti
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial resistance which is increasing at an alarming rate is a severe public health issue worldwide. Hence, the development of novel antibiotics is an urgent need as microbes have developed resistance against available antibiotics. In search of novel antimicrobial agents, a convenient route for the preparation of substituted 3‐(1‐phenyl‐3‐(p‐tolyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1‐(2‐phenyl‐5‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐3(2H)‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones (6a–6o) has been adopted by using pyridine‐3‐carbohydrazide and various aromatic aldehydes. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by using various spectral techniques, for example, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Synthesized hybrids were studied for in vitro antimicrobial potency against various bacterial and fungal strains. Antibacterial results revealed that compounds 6e, 6h, 6i, 6l, and 6m were found to be most active against bacterial strains as they showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 62.5 μg/mL while compounds 6d, 6e, and 6h showed MIC value of 200 μg/mL against Candida albicans. The quantum parameters that relate to the bioavailability of the compounds were computed, followed by docking with different bacterial and fungal targets like sortase A, dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate kinase, gyrase B, sterol 14‐alpha demethylase. The experimental and computational results are in good agreement.
SUMO regulation of FKBP51 activity and the stress response
Authors: Gobbini Romina P. , Velardo Vanina Giselle , Sokn Clara , Liberman Ana C. , Arzt Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Glucocorticoids (GCs) actions are mostly mediated by the GC receptor (GR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Alterations of the GR activity have been associated to different diseases including mood disorders. FKBP51 is a GR chaperone that has gained much attention because it is a strong inhibitor of GR activity. FKBP51 exerts effects on many stress‐related pathways and may be an important mediator of emotional behavior. Key proteins involved in the regulation of the stress response and antidepressant action are regulated by SUMOylation, a post‐translational modification that has an important role in the regulation of neuronal physiology and disease. In this review, we focus on the role of SUMO‐conjugation as a regulator of this pathway.
Already here: Metaverse in touch and sound
Authors: Puntoni Stefano
Published: April 2023

This commentary questions two common assumptions underlying discussions of how digital technology can enrich the consumer experience. First, broad conceptualizations tend to accommodate augmented reality and virtual reality under a single metaverse umbrella. This commentary draws attention to differences between the two and to the present‐day prevalence of augmented reality experiences. Second, discussions of the metaverse tend to focus on visual experiences. This commentary draws attention to the impact that augmented reality is having through other senses. I argue that augmented reality experiences are ubiquitous because smartphones and wearables enrich our everyday life with haptic and sonic information.
Self‐control and grit are associated with school performance mainly because of shared genetic effects
Authors: Kevenaar Sofieke T. , Dolan Conor V. , Boomsma Dorret I. , van Bergen Elsje
Published: April 2023

Background

By combining the classical twin design with regression analysis, we investigated the role of two non‐cognitive factors, self‐control and grit, in the prediction of school performance. We did so at the phenotypic, genetic, and environmental level.

Methods

Teachers filled out a survey on the twins' school performance (school grades for reading, literacy, and math), self‐control (ASEBA self‐control scale), and grit (the perseverance aspect) for 4891 Dutch 12‐years‐old twin pairs (3837 pairs with data for both and 1054 pairs with data for one of the twins). We employed regression analyses to first assess the contributions of self‐control and grit to school performance at the phenotypic level, and next at the genetic and environmental level, while correcting for rater (teacher) effects, parental SES, and sex.

Results

Higher SES was associated with better school performance, self‐control, and grit. On average, girls had more self‐control and grit than boys. Corrected for sex, SES, and teacher rater effects, genetic factors accounted for 74%, 69%, and 58% of the phenotypic variance of school performance, self‐control, and grit, respectively. Phenotypically, self‐control and grit explained 28.3% of the variance in school performance. We found that this phenotypic result largely reflected genetic influences.

Conclusions

Children who have better self‐control and are grittier tend to do better in school. Individual differences in these three traits are not correlated because of shared environmental influences, but mainly because of shared genetic factors.
The use of artificial intelligence and game‐based learning in removable partial denture design: A comparative study
Authors: Mahrous Ahmed , Botsko David L. , Elgreatly Amira , Tsujimoto Akimasa , Qian Fang , Schneider Galen B.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare student performance in removable partial denture (RPD) design during a pre‐clinical RPD course with and without using a recently developed computer software named AiDental. Additionally, student perceptions associated with the use of this software were assessed.

Methods

The AiDental software consists of a learning environment containing an RPD design system that automatically designs RPDs based on the user's input. The software also contains an RPD game component that compares the user's RPD Design to an automatically generated RPD ideal design. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase one, pre‐clinical second‐year dental students who participated in the study were randomly divided into two groups: The AiDental group with AiDental software access (n = 36), and the conventional group without software access (n = 37). Both groups received conventional RPD instruction and practice, however, the AiDental group had additional access to the AiDental software. After 2 weeks, both groups took a mock practical test, which was collected and graded by the principal investigator (PI). The PI was blinded from group assignment and no identifying information was used in the mock practical. In phase two, all students were granted access to the AiDental software for the remainder of the pre‐clinical course duration. At the conclusion of the course, all students were given a survey to evaluate their perceptions of the AiDental software. Descriptive statistics were calculated and analyzed. Variables related to perceptions of both the AiDental designer and game were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation test, the chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, and the non‐parametric Wilcoxon rank‐sum test as appropriate. In addition, a thematic analysis of the responses to the optional comments section was conducted using the Braun and Clarke method.

Results

Phase one results showed that subjects in the AiDental group were more likely than subjects in the conventional group to receive a final grade of A or B. Phase two results showed generally favorable student perceptions towards the software, and additionally, the results showed that age was significantly negatively correlated with ease of use of the software, improving decision‐making, and critical thinking relative to RPD design choices. However, no correlation between age and using the software as a reference were noted.

Conclusions

The use of AiDental's automated feedback and gamification techniques in RPD education had a positive effect on student grades and it was well‐liked by students. Thus, the results suggest that AiDental has the potential to be a useful adjunct to pre‐clinical teaching.
Modification process of selected thermoplastics with cold plasma and evaluation of changes in their properties
Authors: Janík R. , Kohutiar M. , Skalková P. , Pajtášová M. , Labaj I. , Šulcová J. , Dobrovská J.
Published: April 2023

Targeted surface modification of materials is becoming a commonly used process in the production and research environment. This process alters the functional properties of the polymer surface and, under laboratory and manufacturing conditions, can ideally be initiated by a diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge plasma, also called a cold plasma. The efficiency of the surface modification process by this type of discharge is given mainly by the speed of the plasma‐chemical modification process. An interesting area of research in this area is the characterization of changes in the above plasma chemical modification. The nature of the changes can be observed ideally on the flat surfaces of selected materials, since the height of the visually homogeneous plasma layer is approximately 0.3 mm. During the process of plasma chemical modification, the investigated surface of the polymeric material is also exposed to temperature, electric micro‐discharges, heat flow and ultraviolet radiation. All these elements affect changes that need to be investigated and described. The effect of temperature and micro‐discharges during the cold plasma treatment can be evaluated from thermograms. Visually homogenous plasma respectively heat flow from its generation is first time monitored with Schlieren Imaging system. The effect of degradation (due to ultraviolet radiation) of polymers is monitored with static tensile test.
Computational evaluation of automotive camber component for light‐weight design
Authors: Kim K. J. , Lee J.‐W.
Published: April 2023

Due to global warming, environmental issues are one of the most interesting issues in the world. Especially for automobiles that emit pollutants, the issue of lightweight design is one of the important research areas. Thus, this study deals with the lightweight design of a camber link, an automotive suspension component, through finite element analysis. With reference to the camber link made of steel (SM45C) material that has been proven by commercialization, we will replace it with A356 aluminum alloy material to reduce the weight. Here, the design was changed through finite element analysis to reinforce the reduction of rigidity due to material substitution. In particular, we propose a method of designing a camber link considering the safety factor by analyzing the change of stress applied to the suspension. The weight reduction of about 14 % was achieved through static analysis using the weight factor. Using the dynamic optimization method through static analysis using the weight factor and stress ratio, it can be seen that the application is convenient and easy for the lightweight and optimal design of automobile parts.
Modelling and simulation of the hardness profile and its effect on the stress‐strain behaviour of punched electrical steel sheets
Authors: Kubaschinski P. , Gottwalt‐Baruth A. , Tetzlaff U. , Altenbach H. , Waltz M.
Published: April 2023

The shear cutting of electrical steel sheets has a significant influence on the magnetic and mechanical material properties. Due to plastic deformation and strain hardening in the area of the punched edge, the electrical steel sheets exhibit a characteristic hardness profile. This study deals with the modelling of the resulting hardness profile by means of finite‐element simulations. Elastic‐plastic material properties are obtained from spherical nanoindentation testing as a function of the local hardness. In particular, representative stress‐strain values are determined by applying Tabor's concept of indentation stress‐strain curves. The choice of the appropriate stress‐ and strain‐constraint factors is discussed with respect to the nanoindentation test setup used. Following this, the representative stress‐strain values are analytically described to determine true stress‐strain curves for the local assignment of different material models depending on the hardness. The implementation of the modelling approach in a finite‐element simulation is presented for a punched electrical steel sheet specimen under monotonic loading. The simulation results are basically in good agreement with experimental data and confirm the expected influence on the mechanical material behaviour due to the shear cutting process.
Modeling of the residual stress state in laser welded assemblies from micrographs
Authors: Aberbache H. , Bolot R. , Mathieu A. , Corolleur A. , Laurent F.
Published: April 2023

This work aims to study the influence of the shape of the weldseam on residual stresses in a laser welded assembly. The applied model directly uses micrographs of the weld cross‐section as mesh: for this, an in‐house tool was developed that makes it possible to convert micrographs into an APDL (Ansys Parametric Design Language) script command file readable by ANSYS. Application of a distinct reference temperature for the weld bead elements makes it possible to consider its shrinkage during cooling from the solidus temperature. Residual stresses related to thermal deformations can then be calculated. Welding of 304L stainless steel is considered as reference case.
Using 3D‐scanners and finite element method to assess the fatigue life of welded joints based on the actual geometry of seam welds: realistic modelling of notches at the weld toe
Authors: Späth R. , Steinebrunner M.
Published: April 2023

To predict the service life of welded joints, the seam welds of samples (cross joint, K‐seam, sheet thickness 15 mm and a laser‐welded butt joint, sheet thickness 6 mm, both made of steel quality S 355) are recorded using a 3D scanner. The data obtained in this way is processed and transferred to a finite element method program. The meshing of the weld seams is very detailed. A finite‐element‐method stress calculation is then carried out. The real samples are tested in a fatigue test up to the point of cracking. The results from calculation and test are then compared. A possible crack location can be predicted very well using the finite element method results. The cracks in the real test are always in the area of very high or often the absolute highest calculated stresses. A prediction of the service life in the fatigue test is possible with a certain scatter – close to the usual scatter for welded joints. Based on the results of 19 samples, a fatigue class for local stress (based on the real geometry) of FAT 300 can be preliminary estimated for the cross‐joint specimens. Definition according to the specifications of the International Institute of Welding (FAT at 2 mio. cycles, survival probability 97.7 %).
Role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases
Authors: Jin Xiangyu , Ma Yinchu , Liu Didi , Huang Yi
Published: April 2023

Programmed cell death (PCD) is regarded as a pathological form of cell death with an intracellular program mediated, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and embryonic development. Pyroptosis is a new paradigm of PCD, which has received increasing attention due to its close association with immunity and disease. Pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory cell death mediated by gasdermin that promotes the release of proinflammatory cytokines and contents induced by inflammasome activation. Recently, increasing evidence in studies shows that pyroptosis has a crucial role in inflammatory conditions like cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, neurological diseases (NDs), and metabolic diseases (MDs), suggesting that targeting cell death is a potential intervention for the treatment of these inflammatory diseases. Based on this, the review aims to identify the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways related to pyroptosis activation and summarizes the current insights into the complicated relationship between pyroptosis and multiple human inflammatory diseases (CVDs, cancer, NDs, and MDs). We also discuss a promising novel strategy and method for treating these inflammatory diseases by targeting pyroptosis and focus on the pyroptosis pathway application in clinics.
Manufacturer encroachment on a green supply chain with environmental labeling
Authors: Hu Yufei , Chen Lianghua , Chi Yingying , Wang Yinuo
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates manufacturer encroachment on a green supply chain wherein alternative environmental labels are utilized to disclose the hidden product greenness attribute. We show that both self‐ and government labels facilitate and adjust the promotion effect of encroachment on product greenness, stimulating green demand and retail prices for profitability improvement and raising wholesale prices for investment sharing. The difference is that self‐labeling's low credibility and complete self‐interest features only induce inferior greenness increments and coordination effects. Government labeling outperforms self‐labeling in simultaneously optimizing the interests of the manufacturer, retailer, and society, presuming the benefits of greenness improvement reimburse investments.
Diagnostic yield and clinical impact of chromosomal microarray analysis in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Cucinotta Francesca , Lintas Carla , Tomaiuolo Pasquale , Baccarin Marco , Picinelli Chiara , Castronovo Paola , Sacco Roberto , Piras Ignazio Stefano , Turriziani Laura , Ricciardello Arianna , Scattoni Maria Luisa , Persico Antonio M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by high heritability estimates and recurrence rates; its genetic underpinnings are very heterogeneous and include variable combinations of common and rare variants. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) offers significant sensitivity for the identification of copy number variants (CNVs), which can act as susceptibility or causal factors for ASD.

Methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate both diagnostic yield and clinical impact of aCGH in 329 ASD patients of Italian descent.

Results

Pathogenic/likely pathogenic CNVs were identified in 50/329 (15.2%) patients, whereas 89/329 (27.1%) carry variants of uncertain significance. The 10 most enriched gene sets identified by Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis are primarily involved in neuronal function and synaptic connectivity. In 13/50 (26.0%) patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic CNVs, the outcome of array‐CGH led to the request of 25 additional medical exams which would not have otherwise been prescribed, mainly including brain MRI, EEG, EKG, and/or cardiac ultrasound. A positive outcome was obtained in 12/25 (48.0%) of these additional tests.

Conclusions

This study confirms the satisfactory diagnostic yield of aCGH, underscoring its potential for better, more in‐depth care of children with autism when genetic results are analyzed also with a focus on patient management.
Dietary Supplementation with the Probiotic SF68 Reinforces Intestinal Epithelial Barrier in Obese Mice by Improving Butyrate Bioavailability
Authors: Benvenuti Laura , D'Antongiovanni Vanessa , Pellegrini Carolina , Fornai Matteo , Bernardini Nunzia , Ippolito Chiara , Segnani Cristina , Di Salvo Clelia , Colucci Rocchina , Martelli Alma , Flori Lorenzo , Calderone Vincenzo , Carta Gianfranca , Ghelardi Emilia , Calvigioni Marco , Panattoni Adelaide , Coppolecchia Raffaella , Arini Achille , Antonioli Luca
Published: April 2023

Scope

Modifications in intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, the short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) are main factors altering intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and eliciting the onset of a meta‐inflammation observed in obesity. The present study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Enterococcus faecium (SF68) administration in counteracting the impairment of gut barrier and enteric inflammation in a model of diet‐induced obesity, characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying such beneficial effects.

Methods and Results

Male C57BL/6J mice, fed with standard diet (SD) or high‐fat diet (HFD), are treated with SF68 (108 CFU day−1). After 8 weeks, plasma interleukin (IL)‐1β and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) are measured, analysis of fecal microbiota composition and butyrate content as well as intestinal malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, mucins, tight junction protein, and butyrate transporter expression are investigated. After 8 weeks, SF68 administration counteracts the body weight gain in HFD mice, reducing plasma IL‐1β and LBP. In parallel, SF68 treatment acts against the intestinal inflammation in HFD‐fed animals and improves the intestinal barrier integrity and functionality in obese mice via the increase in tight junction protein and intestinal butyrate transporter (sodium‐coupled monocarboxylate transporter 1 ) expression.

Conclusions

Supplementation with SF68 reduces intestinal inflammation and reinforces the enteric epithelial barrier in obese mice, improving the transport and utilization of butyrate.
A high‐power dual‐mode oversized substrate‐integrated waveguide (OS‐SIW) filter with flexible transmission zero (TZ) and bandwidth
Authors: Li Meiling , He Wensi , Zheng Qi , Yang Xuexia , Yi Zixuan
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a high‐power and sharp‐skirt‐selectivity bandpass filter with flexible transmission zero (TZ) and bandwidth. The proposed filter consists of three cascaded dual‐mode resonant cavities and a bandstop resonant structure. The dual‐mode resonant cavity is composed of a substrate‐integrated waveguide structure and a mushroom metal structure, which can implement a controllable bandwidth and generate a TZ for sharp skirt selectivity. Meanwhile, the middle dual‐mode resonant cavity is an oversized waveguide structure to improve power capacity. Moreover, the integrated bandstop resonant structure is used to generate another flexible TZ. The effect of different dimensional mushroom metal structures and bandstop resonant structures are also analyzed in detail. Finally, the proposed structure is fabricated and tested. Simulation results show that the proposed filter has an insertion loss of −1 dB at the passband 8.9–10.7 GHz with two TZs on both sides of the passband. Additionally, the proposed filter can obtain an 11 MW power capacity. Compared with the traditional filters, the proposed filter possesses high‐power and sharp skirt selectivity characteristics, and its position of TZ and bandwidth can be properly adjusted.
What is the relationship between philanthropy, materiality and public space?
Authors: Daly Siobhan
Published: April 2023

This article explores the dynamic between public space and material representations of philanthropy. It adapts the conception of public space in terms of layers: physical, code and content (Lessig, 2001; Németh, 2012). The article discusses physical forms of philanthropy and the codified norms, processes and relationships in material representations of philanthropy (code). To this end, part one examines how gifts of buildings and the memorialisation of philanthropy embody the philanthropic dominance of public space. Part two explores how the (re)appropriation of public space(s) encapsulates what happens in, and in relation to physical manifestations of philanthropy (content). Specifically; (i) the uses of spaces (ii) deliberation in public spaces; (iii) the decolonisation of philanthropic processes and practices; and (iv) the complementarity of public space and the public sphere. The article offers a novel heuristic for philanthropy and public space that can also inform conversations between development professionals and donors, and public debate.
The preparation of 3,4‐ethylenedioxy thiophene (EDOT)‐based conjugated microporous polymers by direct arylation polymerization and fluorescence‐sensing nitro‐aromatic compounds and iodine
Authors: Ren Li‐Ying , Li Qian‐Qian , Zhang Yu‐Xia
Published: April 2023

The 3,4‐ethylenedioxy thiophene (EDOT)‐based conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) were readily constructed via facile one‐step direct arylation polymerication of CH from simple EDOT as a linker and commercially available aryl bromides of different geometries as the knots, without preactivation of CH bonds of aromatic building blocks using organometallic reagents. In contrast to conventional coupling reactions, this synthesis strategy not only has atomic efficiency but also can use simple thiophene derivatives as building blocks for synthesizing thiophene‐based CMPs of different structures, which avoids the synthesis of complex thiophene derivatives and are important for applications, for example, fluorescent sensors. The resulting EDOT‐based CMPs were used to fluorescent sensing to 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP), I2, and p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP), with high optimal Stern‐Volmer quenching constants.
Receptor for hyaluronan‐mediated motility (RHAMM) defines an invasive niche associated with tumor progression and predicts poor outcomes in breast cancer patients
Authors: Tarullo Sarah E , He Yuyu , Daughters Claire , Knutson Todd P , Henzler Christine M , Price Matthew A , Shanley Ryan , Witschen Patrice , Tolg Cornelia , Kaspar Rachael E , Hallstrom Caroline , Gittsovich Lyubov , Sulciner Megan L , Zhang Xihong , Forster Colleen L , Lange Carol A , Shats Oleg , Desler Michelle , Cowan Kenneth H , Yee Douglas , Schwertfeger Kathryn L , Turley Eva A , McCarthy James B , Nelson Andrew C
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer invasion and metastasis result from a complex interplay between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Key oncogenic changes in the TME include aberrant synthesis, processing, and signaling of hyaluronan (HA). Hyaluronan‐mediated motility receptor (RHAMM, CD168; HMMR) is an HA receptor enabling tumor cells to sense and respond to this aberrant TME during breast cancer progression. Previous studies have associated RHAMM expression with breast tumor progression; however, cause and effect mechanisms are incompletely established. Focused gene expression analysis of an internal breast cancer patient cohort confirmed that increased RHAMM expression correlates with aggressive clinicopathological features. To probe mechanisms, we developed a novel 27‐gene RHAMM‐related signature (RRS) by intersecting differentially expressed genes in lymph node (LN)‐positive patient cases with the transcriptome of a RHAMM‐dependent model of cell transformation, which we validated in an independent cohort. We demonstrate that the RRS predicts for poor survival and is enriched for cell cycle and TME‐interaction pathways. Further analyses using CRISPR/Cas9‐generated RHAMM−/− breast cancer cells provided direct evidence that RHAMM promotes invasion in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry studies highlighted heterogeneous RHAMM protein expression, and spatial transcriptomics associated the RRS with RHAMM‐high microanatomic foci. We conclude that RHAMM upregulation leads to the formation of ‘invasive niches’, which are enriched in RRS‐related pathways that drive invasion and could be targeted to limit invasive progression and improve patient outcomes. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Do you like it or not? Identifying preference using an electroencephalogram during the viewing of short videos
Authors: Deng Yaling , Wang Ye , Xu Liming , Meng Xiangli , Wang Lingxiao
Published: April 2023

Accurately predicting whether a short video will be liked by viewers is a topic of interest to media researchers. This study used an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record neural activity in 109 participants as they watched short videos (16 clips per person) to see which neural signals reflected viewers' preferences. The results showed that, compared with the short videos they disliked, individuals would experience positive emotions [indexed by a higher theta power, lower (beta – theta)/(beta + theta) score], more relaxed states (indexed by a lower beta power), lower levels of mental engagement and alertness [indexed by a lower beta/(alpha + theta) score], and devote more attention (indexed by lower alpha/theta) when watching short videos they liked. We further used artificial neural networks to classify the neural signals of different preferences induced by short videos. The classification accuracy was the highest when using data from bands over the whole brain, which was 75.78%. These results may indicate the potential of EEG measurement to evaluate the subjective preferences of individuals for short videos.
Design of input assignment and feedback gain for re‐stabilizing undirected networks with High‐Dimension Low‐Sample‐Size data
Authors: Yasukata Hitoshi , Shen Xun , Sasahara Hampei , Imura Jun‐ichi , Oku Makito , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: April 2023

There exists a critical transition before dramatic deterioration of a complex dynamical system. Recently, a method to predict such shifts based on High‐Dimension Low‐Sample‐Size (HDLSS) data has been developed. Thus based on the prediction, it is important to make the system more stable by feedback control just before such critical transitions, which we call re‐stabilization. However, the re‐stabilization cannot be achieved by traditional stabilization methods such as pole placement method because the available HDLSS data is not enough to get a mathematical system model by system identification. In this article, a model‐free pole placement method for re‐stabilization is proposed to design the optimal input assignment and feedback gain for undirected network systems only with HDLSS data. The proposed method is validated by numerical simulations.
Observer‐based neural adaptive fixed‐time tracking control for multi‐input multi‐output nonlinear systems with actuator faults
Authors: Song Xiaona , Sun Peng , Ahn Choon Ki , Song Shuai
Published: April 2023

This study developed a new strategy for adaptive fixed‐time output feedback control of multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) nonlinear systems involving unmeasurable external disturbances and actuator faults. Two actuator faults, loss of effectiveness and lock‐in‐place were simultaneously considered. Furthermore, a composite observer was used in MIMO systems to estimate unmeasurable states and external disturbances simultaneously, and radial basis function neural networks were employed to identify unknown internal nonlinearities. Additionally, the command‐filtered backstepping approach was applied to avoid tedious analytic calculations of the backstepping framework, and a compensation item was constructed to attenuate the filter error. A fault‐tolerant controller was developed to ensure that the overall states of the controlled system were practically fixed‐time bounded while the tracking error was regulated to the equilibrium region having a fixed‐time convergence ratio. Illustrative studies showed the validity and practicability of the proposed theory.
The logics and rhetoric of the announced shutdown of the Fessenheim nuclear power plant (France)
Authors: Fröhlig Florence
Published: April 2023

The closing of the aging nuclear power plant of Fessenheim was eventually concretized in June 2020 after many years of controversy, reflecting the sensibility of closing nuclear power plants in France, the world's second largest producer of nuclear power. This paper provides insight into how this highly policy vexed issue was discussed on the local level during 2017, a period when the decision regarding the shutdown was still at stake. Here, I examine the discursive strategies mobilized by key actors lobbying for the shutdown or maintenance of the nuclear power plant to enhance their argumentations. Using political discourse analyses combined with the logics approach, the article shows that the argumentation of proponents and advocates of a shutdown is structured around the same concept of sustainability. However, economic growth, social prosperity, and environmental “cautiousness” are not articulated with the same chain of equivalence and do not activate the same fantasmatic logics.
High‐performance HR practices, job demands and employee well‐being: The moderating role of managerial support
Authors: Yunus Suhaer , Whitfield Keith , Sayed Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed
Published: April 2023

Drawing on the labour process theory and the job‐demands resources model, this study challenges the assumption of beneficial effects of high‐performance HR practices (HPHRP). The study argues that such practices lead to heightened work demands, which in turn compromise employees' well‐being. The study also argues that the negative consequences associated with HPHRP can be ameliorated when employees receive support from their managers. To test the study's moderated mediation model, multisource matched employer‐employee data from the Workplace Employment Relations Survey 2011 is used. Results of generalised multilevel structural equation modelling in STATA revealed that the relationship between HPHRP and well‐being (anxiety and depression) is mediated by Job demands (JD). Furthermore, the relationship between JD and both anxiety and depression is moderated by Managerial support (MS), such that when the level of MS is high, the positive relationship between HPHRP and both anxiety and depression via JD is weaker. Taken together, the findings of the study advance our understanding of why and when HPHRP may impair employees' well‐being.
Superhigh and Robust Ion Selectivity in Membranes Assembled with Monolayer Clay Nanosheets
Authors: Yu Xin , Qian Xitang , Wei Qinwei , Zhang Qing , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Ren Wencai
Published: April 2023

It is crucial to control the ion transport in membranes for various technological applications such as energy storage and conversion. The emerging functional two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets such as graphene oxide and MXenes show great potential for constructing ordered nanochannels, but the assembled membranes suffer from low ion selectivity and stability. Here a class of robust charge‐selective membranes with superhigh cation/anion selectivity, which are assembled with monolayer nanosheets of cationic/anionic clays that inherently have permanent and uniform charges on each layer is reported. The transport number of cations/anions of cationic vermiculite nanosheet membranes (VNMs)/anionic Co‐Al layered double hydroxide (CoAl‐LDH) nanosheet membranes is over 0.90 in different NaCl concentration gradients, outperforming all the reported ion‐selective membranes. Importantly, this excellent ion selectivity can persist at high‐concentration salt solutions, under acidic and alkaline conditions, and for a wide range of ions of different sizes and charges. By coupling a pair of cation‐selective vermiculite membrane and anion‐selective CoAl‐LDH membrane, a reverse electrodialysis device which shows an output power density of 0.7 W m−2 and energy conversion efficiency of 45.5% is constructed. This work provides a new strategy to rationally design high‐performance ion‐selective membranes by using 2D nanosheets with inherent surface charges for controllable ion‐transport applications.
Ultrafast and Ultralarge Lithium‐Ion Storage Enabled by Fluorine‐Nitrogen Co‐Implanted Carbon Tubes
Authors: Hou Qing , Hu Ajuan , Ni Hongbin , Sun Zongqiang , Duan Jianing , Xu Xiaoming , Fan Jingmin , Yuan Ruming , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: April 2023

As a holy grail in electrochemistry, both high‐power and high‐energy electrochemical energy storage system (EES) has always been a pursued dream. To simultaneously achieve the “both‐high” EES, a rational design of structure and composition for storage materials with characteristics of battery‐type and capacitor‐type storage is crucial. Herein, fluorine‐nitrogen co‐implanted carbon tubes (FNCT) have been designed, in which plentiful active sites and expanded interlayer space have been created benefiting from the heteroatom engineering and the fluorine‐nitrogen synergistic effect, thus the above two‐type storage mechanism can get an optimal balance in the FNCT. The implanted fluorine heteroatoms can not only amplify interlayer spacing, but also induce the transformation of nitrogen configuration from pyrrole nitrogen to pyridine nitrogen, further promoting the activity of the carbon matrix. The extraordinary electrochemical performance as results can be witnessed for FNCT, which exhibit fast lithium‐ion storage capability with a high energy density of 119.4 Wh kg−1 at an ultrahigh power density of 107.5 kW kg−1.
Thermally Managed, Injectable Optoelectronic Probe with Heat Dissipation Guide for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lee Ju Seung , Choi Jiwoong , Park Gha Yeon , Kang Seung Ji , Yang Jae‐hun , Lee Youngkyu , Choi Myunghwan , Kim Kwangmeyung , Kim Tae‐il
Published: April 2023

The development of fabrication technologies and appearance of new materials has resulted in dramatic increase in the performance of electronic devices, while the overall size has decreased. Recent electronic devices made of micro/nano‐size components show high efficiency and outstanding performance with compact size, but these devices have revealed several fatal problems. In particular, the isolated heat that is generated by numerous components concentrated in a limited small area at high density, such as bio‐integrated devices, is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed, because it is closely related to the performance and lifetime of electronic devices. To solve these problems, the microscale light emitting diode (µLED)‐based neural probe is introduced on an injectable heat dissipation guide. The heat dissipation guide is made of boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials with high thermal conductivity. The heat management noticeably improves the optical output performance of the µLEDs, in which BN effectively dissipates heat, and allows enhanced lighting from the LEDs to be transmitted through brain tissue without thermal damage. Moreover, it shows remarkable improvement in the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy of mouse cancer cells.