bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the National Academy of Arbitrators' 75th Anniversary, A Former President Looks at ADR History for a Future Path
Authors: Stewart Susan L.
Published: October 2022

The National Academy of Arbitrators, a nonprofit organization of U.S. and Canada arbitrators (see naarb.org) held its 75th Annual Meeting and Education Conference in Toronto from May 11‐14, 2022. As I was the NAA president from 2021 to 2022, this conference marked the completion of my term in this leadership position. In accordance with tradition, I made a speech to the conference, sharing my experiences and hopes relating to the NAA's history, current challenges, and possible future. I emphasized the integrity and neutrality of the arbitration process, the importance of diversity, and the NAA's laudable traditions. Below is an Alternatives adaptation of this speech.
Part 1: The Power of Apology and Forgiveness
Authors: Creo Robert Angelo
Published: October 2022

In preparation for a contentious and complex dispute involving an interpersonal business relationship and betrayal, the defense counsel and I consulted on the defendant's eagerness to make a formal apology.
Description of the first definitive Corythosaurus (Dinosauria, Hadrosauridae) specimens from the Judith River Formation in Montana, USA and their paleobiogeographical significance
Authors: Takasaki Ryuji , Chiba Kentaro , Fiorillo Anthony R. , Brink Kirstin S. , Evans David C. , Fanti Federico , Saneyoshi Mototaka , Maltese Anthony , Ishigaki Shinobu
Published: October 2022

Despite the long history of research in the late Campanian Judith River Formation in northern Montana, most of the vertebrate fossils are represented by fragmentary remains, making precise taxonomic identifications difficult. Contrary to this, the partially contemporaneous Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, Canada is known for its tremendous fossil preservation, permitting rigorous studies of dinosaur diversity, evolution, and biostratigraphy. Hadrosaurids comprise one of the most abundant dinosaur clades in the Dinosaur Park Formation, but taxonomic affinities of hadrosaurid specimens remain poorly understood in the Judith River Formation. Corythosaurus is the most common hadrosaurid in the Dinosaur Park Formation and, to date, has been restricted to this formation. This study reports the first definitive Corythosaurus specimens from the Judith River Formation, which were discovered on two private ranches in northern Montana. The attribution of the most complete skeleton to Corythosaurus is indicated by: wide crest‐snout angle, presence of premaxilla‐nasal fontanelle, dorsoventrally expanded nasal, laterally exposed ophthalmic canal of the laterosphenoid, and tall neural spines. A second specimen preserves a large ilium that can be positively identified as Corythosaurus based on its associated skull, which is now in private hands. The specimens were recovered from the Coal Ridge Member of the Judith River Formation, which is approximately time equivalent to the Dinosaur Park Formation. Thus, the discovery of Corythosaurus in the Judith River Formation extends the biogeographic range of this genus and establishes a framework for future interformational biostratigraphic studies of Late Cretaceous dinosaur faunas in North America.
Matrix metalloproteinase gene mutations and bioinformatics of telocytes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luan Chaoguang , Xu Ying
Published: October 2022

Telocytes (TCs) have crucial functions to promote the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by over‐expressing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), but the mechanism by which TCs secrete MMPs in the genome is still unknown. We first cultured and isolated primary TCs from distinct liver cancer tissues and hepatic hemangioma surrounding tissues (Control group). Their whole exon genes were tested by Illumina HiSeq family of platforms and by high‐throughput sequencing as well as variant mutations. Moreover, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assays were utilized to assess the expression of MMPs. The perniciousness of signal‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations of proteins were predicted by the Polyphen‐2 database. Divergent expression and overall survival (OS) of MMPs was screened by StarBase‐Pan Cancer plate; and MMPs associated signaling pathways were found by Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes. The “competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)” network was constructed by Cytoscape software. We found that 12 specific types of SNP mutations related to 5 types of MMPs occurred in TCs of liver malignant tumors as a potential result of MMP1, MMP9, and MMP17 overexpression. High levels of MMP1, MMP7, and MMP9 represented poor OS in HCC, and an interactive network of MMPs is shown. Allele shifts of C/T (rs20544) and G/C (rs2250889) in MMP9 were risk factors for TCs in HCC by the prediction of the Polyphen‐2 Database. (MMP9 (−3 C/T)) mutation might be a genetic mechanism of upregulating MMP9 in TCs.
Small extracellular vesicles derived from human adipose‐derived stem cells regulate energetic metabolism through the activation of YAP/TAZ pathway facilitating angiogenesis
Authors: Sun Jun , Lin Zhengjie , Liao Zhi , Wu Zhimin , Li Hao , Wang Hui
Published: October 2022

Recent studies have found small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that are secreted from human adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (hADSCs‐sEVs) and contribute to angiogenesis. Glycolysis, the primary energetic pathway of vascular endothelial cells, plays a key role in the process of angiogenesis. However, hADSCs‐sEVs' effects on energy metabolism within endothelial cells remain unclear. In our study, we found that hADSCs‐sEVs restored glycolytic metabolism suppressed by 3‐(pyridinyl)‐1‐(4‐pyridinyl)‐2‐propen‐1‐one(3PO), a unique glycolytic inhibitor increasing the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), glycolytic gene expression as well as pyruvate, lactate, and ATP production in HUVEC cells. In contrast, hADSCs‐sEVs decreased PDH‐E1α expression and acetyl‐CoA production. The above results indicate that hADSCs‐sEVs promote HUVEC angiogenesis via enhancing glycolysis and suppressing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that the YAP/TAZ pathway may play a key role in the effects hADSCs‐sEVs have on HUVECs, thus, providing a promising approach for pro‐angiogenesis‐related regeneration.
Study of quercetin and fisetin synergistic effect on breast cancer and potentially involved signaling pathways
Authors: Hosseini Seyede Saba , Ebrahimi Seyed Omar , Haji Ghasem Kashani Maryam , Reiisi Somayeh
Published: October 2022

Naturally‐derived drugs have drawn much attention in recent decades. Efficiency, lower toxicity, and economic reasons are some of their advantages that justify this broad range of administration for different diseases, including cancer. If we can find a specific combination that boosts the effects of their single therapy, leading to synergism effect, increased efficiency, and decreased toxicity, they can act even better. Quercetin and fisetin, two well‐known flavonoids, have been used to fight against various cancers. In this study, we investigated their possible synergism quercetin and fisetin on MCF7, MDA‐MB‐231, BT549, T47D, and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines. Then the optimum combined dose was used to study their impacts on wound healing abilities and clonogenic properties. The real‐time qPCR was used to study the expression of their validated downstream effectors in predicted pathways. A significant synergism effect (p < .01, combination index: <1) was observed for all cell lines. Combination therapy was significantly more effective in colony formation (p < .0001) and wound healing assays (p < .001) compared to single therapies. The expression level of potential effectors was also showed a greater change. In vivo study confirmed the in vitro results and showed how significantly (p < .001) their synergism promotes their singular function in inhibiting cancer progression. The breast cancer mouse models receiving combined therapy lived longer with higher average body weight and smaller tumor sizes. These results exhibit that quercetin and fisetin inhibit cancer cell proliferation, migration and colony formation synergistically, and matrix metalloproteinase signaling and apoptotic pathways are relatively responsible for inhibitory activities.
Knockdown of long noncoding RNA MIAT attenuates hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating the miR‐488‐3p/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Zhiling , Hu Jie , Zhou Shulan , Ai Wenwei
Published: October 2022

Dysfunction of cardiomyocytes contributes to the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA myocardial infarction‐associated transcript (MIAT) in cardiomyocyte injury remains largely unclear. The cardiomyocyte injury was assessed via cell viability and apoptosis using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively. The levels of MIAT, microRNA (miR)‐488‐3p, and Wnt5a were detected via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. After bioinformatical analysis, the binding between miR‐488‐3p and MIAT or Wnt5a was confirmed via dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull‐down assays. Our results showed that MIAT expression was increased in AC16 cells after hypoxia treatment. Silencing of MIAT alleviated hypoxia‐induced viability reduction, apoptosis increase, and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activation. MIAT directly targeted miR‐488‐3p. MiR‐488‐3p might repress hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocyte injury, and its knockdown reversed the effect of MIAT depletion on cardiomyocyte injury. Wnt5a was validated as a target of miR‐488‐3p. Wnt5a expression restoration attenuated the influence of MIAT knockdown on hypoxia‐triggered cardiomyocyte injury. Our findings demonstrated that downregulation of MIAT might mitigate hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocyte injury partly through miR‐488‐3p mediated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Inhibition of intermittent calcium‐activated potassium channel (SK4) attenuates Ang II‐induced hypertrophy of human‐induced stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes via targeting Ras–Raf–MEK1/2–ERK1/2 and CN–NFAT signaling pathways
Authors: Zhao Hongyi , Wang Xi , Tang Yanhong , Zhao Qingyan , Huang Congxin
Published: October 2022

Cardiac hypertrophy caused by angiotensin II (Ang II) is essential for the pathological process of heart failure. The intermediate calcium‐activated potassium channel (SK4) has been shown to be involved in the process of the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the role of SK4 in cardiac hypertrophy has not been elucidated. Cardiac hypertrophy in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells‐derived cardiomyocytes (HiPSC‐CMs) was induced by Ang II. Cells were transfected with SK4 adenovirus or treated with SK4 inhibitor (TRAM‐34). TUNEL staining was used to assess the levels of apoptosis. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, respectively. The present results showed that SK4 expression was upregulated in HiPSC‐CMs stimulated by Ang II. The downregulation of SK4 by a specific inhibitor TRAM‐34 markedly ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy (reflected by the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and β‐myosin heavy chain) and apoptosis (reflected by the level of Caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl‐2) induced by Ang II treatment. The action of SK4 in cardiac hypertrophy was mediated by Ras–Raf–mitogen‐activated protein kinases 1/2 (MEK1/2)–extracellular‐regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and calcineurin (CN)–nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT) activation. Our studies demonstrated that inhibition of SK4 significantly alleviated cardiac hypertrophy induced by Ang II in hiPSC‐CMs by targeting Ras–Raf–MEK1/2–ERK1/2 signaling and CN–NFAT signaling pathway. Our studies suggest that SK4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target that could delay hypertrophy.
Intravascular imaging for left main stem assessment: An update on the most recent clinical data
Authors: Cortese Bernardo , Piraino Davide , Gentile Domitilla , Onea Horea‐Laurentiu , Lazar Leontin
Published: October 2022

Left main (LM) stem has different structural and anatomical characteristics compared to all of the other segments of the coronary tree, thus its management through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a challenge and is associated with worse clinical outcome and higher need for revascularization as compared to other lesion settings. Intravascular imaging, by means of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT), is an important tool for LM PCI guidance, aiming at improving the immediate performance and the long term outcome of this procedure. Following current guidelines and recent scientific findings, IVUS becomes important to firstly assess, and finally evaluate the result of LM stenting, according to the experience and preferences of the operator. The role of OCT still remains to be defined, but recent data is shedding light also on this imaging technique. The aim of this review is to highlight the latest scientific advancements regarding intravascular imaging in LM coronary artery disease.
Evaluation of factors associated with selection for coronary angiography and in‐hospital mortality among patients presenting with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest without ST‐segment elevation
Authors: Zheng Wayne C. , Noaman Samer , Batchelor Riley J. , Hanson Laura , Bloom Jason E. , Al‐Mukhtar Omar , Haji Kawa , D'Elia Nicholas , Ho Felicia C. S. , Kaye David , Shaw James , Yang Yang , French Craig , Stub Dion , Cox Nicholas , Chan William
Published: October 2022

Background

Clinical factors favouring coronary angiography (CA) selection and variables associated with in‐hospital mortality among patients presenting with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without ST‐segment elevation (STE) remain unclear.

Methods

We evaluated clinical characteristics associated with CA selection and in‐hospital mortality in patients with OHCA, shockable rhythm and no STE.

Results

Between 2014 and 2018, 118 patients with OHCA and shockable rhythm without STE (mean age 59; males 75%) were stratified by whether CA was performed. Of 86 (73%) patients undergoing CA, 30 (35%) received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). CA patients had shorter return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) time (17 vs. 25 min) and were more frequently between 50 and 60 years (29% vs. 6.5%), with initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score >8 (24% vs. 6%) (all p < 0.05). In‐hospital mortality was 33% (n = 39) for overall cohort (CA 27% vs. no‐CA 50%, p = 0.02). Compared to late CA, early CA ( ≤ 2 h) was not associated with lower in‐hospital mortality (32% vs. 34%, p = 0.82). Predictors of in‐hospital mortality included longer defibrillation time (odds ratio 3.07, 95% confidence interval 1.44‒6.53 per 5‐min increase), lower pH (2.02, 1.33‒3.09 per 0.1 decrease), hypoalbuminemia (2.02, 1.03‒3.95 per 5 g/L decrease), and baseline renal dysfunction (1.33, 1.02‒1.72 per 10 ml/min/1.73 m2 decrease), while PCI to lesion (0.11, 0.01‒0.79) and bystander defibrillation (0.06, 0.004‒0.80) were protective factors (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among patients with OHCA and shockable rhythm without STE, younger age, shorter time to ROSC and GCS >8 were associated with CA selection, while less effective resuscitation, greater burden of comorbidities and absence of treatable coronary lesion were key adverse prognostic predictors.
Age‐related changes in the coronary microcirculation influencing the diagnostic performance of invasive pressure‐based indices and long‐term patient prognosis
Authors: Faria Daniel , Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , Lee Joo Myung , Lee Seung Hun , Travieso Alejandro , Jung Ji‐Hyun , Doh Joon‐Hyung , Nam Chang‐Wook , Shin Eun‐Seok , Hoshino Masahiro , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Kanaji Yoshihisa , Gonzalo Nieves , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Escaned Javier
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Investigate age‐related changes in coronary microvascular function, its effect on hyperemic and non‐hyperemic indices of stenosis relevance, and its prognostic implications.

Background

Evidence assessing the effect of age on fractional flow reserve (FFR), resting mean distal intracoronary pressure/mean aortic pressure (Pd/Pa), and microcirculatory function remains scarce.

Methods

This is a post hoc study of a large prospective international registry (NCT03690713) including 1134 patients (1326 vessels) with coronary stenoses interrogated with pressure and flow guidewires. Age‐dependent correlations with functional indices were analyzed. Prevalences of FFR, resting Pd/Pa, and coronary flow reserve (CFR) classification agreement were assessed. At 5 years follow‐up, the relation between resting Pd/Pa, CFR, and their age‐dependent implications on FFR‐guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) deferral (deferred if FFR > 0.80) were investigated using vessel‐oriented composite outcomes (VOCO) composed of death, myocardial infarction, and repeated revascularization.

Results

Age correlated positively with FFR (r = 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03 to 0.13, p =  0.005), but not with resting Pd/Pa (r = −0.03, 95% CI:−0.09 to 0.02, p = 0.242). CFR correlated negatively with age (r = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.21 to −0.10, p < 0.001) due to a significant decrease in maximal hyperemic flow in older patients. Patients over 60 years of age with FFR‐guided deferred‐PCI abnormal resting Pd/Pa or abnormal CFR had increased risk of VOCO (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.15 to 4.36, p = 0.048; HR: 2.46, 95% CI:1.23 to 4.96, p = 0.011; respectively).

Conlusions

Aging is associated with decrease in microcirculatory vasodilation, as assessed with adenosine‐based methods like CFR. In patients older than 60 years in whom PCI is deferred according to FFR > 0.80, CFR and resting Pd/Pa have an incremental value in predicting future vessel‐oriented patient outcomes.
Revascularization and long‐term outcomes in high‐acuity spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Thaler Christina , Witt Dawn R. , Henry Timothy D. , Grey Elizabeth Z. , Baechler Courtney J. , Lohese Opema , Okeson Brynn K. , Schmidt Christian W. , Sharkey Scott W.
Published: October 2022

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is often treated conservatively due to revascularization risks. Yet, an important number of SCAD patients have high acuity characteristics necessitating revascularization, with uncertain long‐term outcomes.

Objectives

Document revascularization utilization and long‐term outcomes in high acuity SCAD.

Methods

Prospective/retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to first SCAD event presenting directly to the Minneapolis Heart Institute 2002−2021, median follow‐up 3.8 years.

Results

Among 139 patients (age 49 ± 12 years, 96% female), revascularization was performed in 60 (43%), utilizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 56, successful in 80%) or coronary artery bypass graft (n = 4). In the entire cohort, 90 (65%) unique patients had one or more high acuity characteristic: ST‐elevation (38%), proximal dissection (38%), cardiogenic shock (6.5%), cardiac arrest (9.4%), left main dissection (6.5%), peripartum dissection (7.2%). High acuity patients accounted for 51 of 60 (85%) revascularizations. Revascularization rates were: ST‐elevation (60%), proximal dissection (62%), cardiogenic shock (89%), cardiac arrest (62%), left main dissection (100%), peripartum dissection (70%). Survival was 97% (revascularized) vs 100% (nonrevascularized); p = 0.2. Adverse outcomes (revascularized vs. nonrevascularized) included recurrent AMI:16.7% versus 8.9%; p = 0.2, SCAD recurrence: 13.3% versus 6.3%; p = 0.1, stroke: 5% versus 2.5%; p = 0.44, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator: 6.7% versus 6.3%; p > 0.9. Reintervention was necessary in 21% of PCI‐treated patients.

Conclusions

High‐acuity characteristics were present in nearly two‐thirds of this SCAD cohort; the vast majority of revascularizations were performed in high‐acuity patients. Despite high acuity, long‐term survival was favorable in revascularized patients.
Transcatheter aortic valve with a novel self‐expandable device in patients with previous mechanical mitral valve prosthesis
Authors: Tébar Márquez Daniel , Moreno Raul , Galeote Guillermo , Jurado‐Roman Alfonso , Jimenez‐Valero Santiago , García‐Escobar Artemio , Vera Silvio , Moreno‐Gómez Isidro , Lopez de Sa Esteban
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the procedural and early outcomes of patients with mechanical mitral valve prosthesis (MVP) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a novel self‐expandable retrievable device.

Background

TAVR in patients with prior MVP may have an increased risk of complications related to device positioning and interference between both prosthetic valves.

Methods

An observational study was conducted, including eight patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and prior mechanical MVP who underwent TAVR with the novel device AllegraTM (Biosensors). No transesophageal monitoring was used.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 75 years. The mean distance between MVP and aortic annulus was 3.8 mm. Procedural success was achieved in all patients with no major intraprocedural, in‐hospital, or follow‐up complications.

Conclusions

TAVR with Allegra TAVI system in patients with prior MVP offers good procedural and clinical outcomes.
Left ventricular stroke volume index following transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an early predictor of 1‐year survival
Authors: Annamalai Shiva K. , Koethe Benjamin C. , Simsolo Eli , Huang Dou , Connors Ann , Resor Charles D. , Weintraub Andrew R. , Pandian Natesa G. , Downey Brian C. , Patel Ayan R. , Wessler Benjamin S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Adverse cardiac events are common following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our aim was to investigate the low left ventricular stroke volume index (LVSVI) 30 days after TAVR as an early echocardiographic marker of survival.

Hypothesis

Steady‐state (30‐day) LVSVI after TAVR is associated with 1‐year mortality.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing TAVR from 2017 to 2019. Baseline and 30‐day post‐TAVR echocardiographic LVSVI were calculated. Patients were stratified by pre‐TAVR transaortic gradient, surgical risk, and change in transvalvular flow following TAVR.

Results

This analysis focuses on 238 patients treated with TAVR. The 1‐year mortality rate was 9% and 124 (52%) patients had normal flow post‐TAVR. Of those with pre‐TAVR low flow, 67% of patients did not normalize LVSVI at 30 days. The 30‐day normal flow was associated with lower 1‐year mortality when compared to low flow (4% vs. 14%, p = .007). This association remained significant after adjusting for known predictors of risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 3.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–11.63 [per 1 ml/m2 decrease], p = .046). Normalized transvalvular flow following TAVR was associated with reduced mortality (8%) when compared to those with persistent (15%) or new‐onset low flow (12%) (p = .01).

Conclusions

LVSVI at 30 days following TAVR is an early echocardiographic predictor of 1‐year mortality and identifies patients with worse intermediate outcomes. More work is needed to understand if this short‐term imaging marker might represent a novel therapeutic target.
Spexin in the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax: Characterization, brain distribution, and interaction with Gnrh and Gnih neurons
Authors: Paullada‐Salmerón José A. , Wang Bin , Muñoz‐Cueto José A.
Published: October 2022

Spexin (Spx) is a recently characterized neuropeptide implicated in multiple physiological processes in vertebrates, including reproduction, food intake, and regulation of anxiety and stress. Two orthologs (Spx1 and Spx2) are present in some nonmammalian vertebrates, including teleosts. However, information on the distribution of Spx in the brain and its interactions with other neuroendocrine systems in fish is still scarce. In this work, we cloned and sequenced the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Spx1, which included a 27 aa signal peptide and a mature peptide of 14 aa that is C‐terminal amidated. spx1 transcripts were higher in the diencephalon/caudal preoptic area/hypothalamus and medulla but were also detected in the olfactory bulbs, telencephalon/rostral preoptic area, optic tectum/tegmentum, cerebellum/pons, and pituitary. The immunohistochemical study revealed Spx1‐immunoreactive (ir) cells in different nuclei of the preoptic area, habenula, prethalamus, mesencephalic tegmentum and in the proximal pars distalis (PPD) and pars intermedia of the pituitary. Spx1‐ir fibers were widely distributed throughout the brain being particularly abundant in the midbrain and hindbrain, in close contact with tegmental gonadotropin‐releasing hormone 2 (Gnrh2) cells and isthmic gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (Gnih) cells of the secondary gustatory nucleus. Moreover, Gnih fibers were observed innervating Spx1‐ir cells lying in several subdivisions of the magnocellular preoptic nucleus and in the lateral nucleus of the valvula, whereas ventrolateral prethalamic Spx1‐ir cells received immunopositive Gnrh2 fibers. In the pituitary, Gnrh1‐ir fibers were observed closely associated with Spx1‐ir cells of the PPD. These results suggest that Spx1 could be involved in both reproductive and nonreproductive (i.e., food intake, behavior) functions in sea bass.
Smart bin: Waste segregation system using deep learning‐Internet of Things for sustainable smart cities
Authors: Mohammed Aarif K.O. , Mohamed Yousuff Caffiyar , Mohammed Hashim B.A. , Mohamed Hashim C. , Sivakumar P.
Published: October 2022

Waste management is a major issue with the emerging growth in the world population, and we need to find efficient ways to recycle and reuse waste. Segregating waste has become a primary need in waste management as different types of waste like Bio & Non‐Bio‐degradable waste should be processed differently. Effective waste isolation at the fundamental level is especially required for this. Several Smart cities oriented smart garbage management systems are also proposed using Internet of Things (IoT) and GSM. The existing smart bins using IoT and wireless sensor network (WSN) are dependent significantly on two major things. First, multiple types of sensors, as a single sensor may not be able to detect different material waste, and second, the console (Microcontroller, Arduino Raspberry Pi) and connectivity which in turn dependent on programming and operating system. These limitations of the embedded smart bin are overcome by combining IoT with artificial intelligence approaches such as deep neural network (DNN) systems. In this paper, we have presented a Friendly Waste Segregator Using Deep Learning and the IoT to classify and isolate the waste objects as biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. Our proposed method utilizes, a robust deep learning network to classify the waste accurately and IoT for monitoring and connectivity using various sensors. Our proposed method with initial training can identify and segregte real‐time waste objects without human intervention with an average accuracy of 97.49 %. Our smart bin intends to provide optimized waste management of bio and non‐bio‐waste and help to build an ecologically safe society.
Graph convolutional neural networks‐based assessment of students' collaboration ability
Authors: Lin Jinjiao , Gao Tianqi , Wen Yuhua , Yu Xianmiao , You Bizhen , Yin Yanfang , Zhao Yanze , Pu Haitao
Published: October 2022

As 21st‐century skills have become increasingly important, collaboration ability is now considered essential in many areas of life. Different theoretical frameworks and assessment tools have emerged to measure this skill. However, more applied studies on its implementation and assessment in current educational settings are required. This research accordingly uses Graph Convolutional Neural Networks (GCNs) to assess students' collaboration ability from students' assignments. The Pearson correlation coefficient is used to measure the similarity of the level of students' collaboration ability, and similar students are linked together to establish an adjacency matrix. By sorting through relevant literature and selecting the feature words that represent the strength of collaboration ability, calculating the similarity between the preprocessed student data and each selected feature word, after which the highest value of the similarity as the feature value of the student for this feature and establish the student feature matrix. Finally, the GCNs are jointly trained by the adjacency matrix and the feature matrix. The results show that this method can effectively assess students' collaboration ability. Moreover, compared with other text classification methods, the GCNs selected in this paper has higher accuracy.
Optimized multi‐objective Q‐learning with enhanced beetle swarm optimization based scientific workflows scheduling on cloud computing environment
Authors: S Nivethithai , B Hariharan
Published: October 2022

Cloud technology has raised significant prominence providing a unique market economic approach for resolving large‐scale challenges in heterogeneous distributed systems. Through the use of the network, it delivers secure, quick, and profitable information storage with computational capability. Cloud applications are available on‐demand to meet a variety of user QoS standards. Due to the large number of users and tasks, it is important to achieve efficient planning of tasks submitted by users. One of the most important and difficult nondeterministic polynomial‐hard challenges in cloud technology is task scheduling. To overcome the problem, in this article, optimized multi‐objective Q‐learning with EBSO‐based task scheduling on the cloud is proposed. Q‐learning is one of the machine learning algorithms that can solve these types of problems. The proposed approach is divided into two processes: task prioritization and resource selection. In this article, initially, the tasks are prioritized by using the Q‐learning algorithm. After the prioritization, the tasks are assigned to resources by using the enhanced beetle swarm optimization (EBSO) algorithm. To achieve this, the multi‐objective function is designed based on makespan, cost, and resource utilization. The effectiveness of the suggested method is evaluated using a variety of criteria such as makespan, resource utilization, and cost.
Heterologous SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA neutralising antibody responses in convalescent plasma
Authors: Davis Samantha K , Selva Kevin John , Lopez Ester , Haycroft Ebene R , Lee Wen Shi , Wheatley Adam K , Juno Jennifer A , Adair Amy , Pymm Phillip , Redmond Samuel J , Gherardin Nicholas A , Godfrey Dale I , Tham Wai‐Hong , Kent Stephen J , Chung Amy W
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Following infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, virus‐specific antibodies are generated, which can both neutralise virions and clear infection via Fc effector functions. The importance of IgG antibodies for protection and control of SARS‐CoV‐2 has been extensively reported. By comparison, other antibody isotypes including IgA have been poorly characterised.

Methods

Here, we characterised plasma IgA from 41 early convalescent COVID‐19 subjects for neutralisation and Fc effector functions.

Results

Convalescent plasma IgA from > 60% of the cohort had the capacity to inhibit the interaction between wild‐type RBD and ACE2. Furthermore, a third of the cohort induced stronger IgA‐mediated ACE2 inhibition than matched IgG when tested at equivalent concentrations. Plasma IgA and IgG from this cohort broadly recognised similar RBD epitopes and had similar capacities to inhibit ACE2 from binding to 22 of the 23 prevalent RBD mutations assessed. However, plasma IgA was largely incapable of mediating antibody‐dependent phagocytosis in comparison with plasma IgG.

Conclusion

Overall, convalescent plasma IgA contributed to the neutralising antibody response of wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD and various RBD mutations. However, this response displayed large heterogeneity and was less potent than IgG.
Type 2 diabetes albuminuric and non‐albuminuric phenotypes have different morphological and functional ultrasound features of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Garofolo Monia , Napoli Vinicio , Lucchesi Daniela , Accogli Sandra , Mazzeo Maria Letizia , Rossi Piercarlo , Neri Emanuele , Del Prato Stefano , Penno Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Aims

Whether different diabetic kidney disease (DKD) phenotypes recognise differences in morphological and vascular properties of the kidney is still unexplored. We evaluated the potential role of kidney ultrasonography in differentiating DKD phenotypes in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross‐sectional, single‐centre study. Total (TRV) and parenchymal renal volumes (PRV) were calculated by applying the ellipsoid formula for conventional (2D) ultrasonography and with manual segmentation for 3D ultrasonography, and then adjusted for body surface area (aTRV, aPRV). Renal resistive index (RI) was contextually determined. DKD phenotypes have been defined based on increased urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR >30 mg/g) and/or reduced eGFR (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Recruitment was planned to have groups of the same size.

Results

Among 256 subjects, 26.2% had No‐DKD, 24.6% increased albuminuria only (Alb+), 24.2% non‐albuminuric DKD (Alb−DKD), and 25.0% albuminuric DKD (Alb+DKD). Compared to No‐DKD, RI was significantly higher in all DKD phenotypes, being the highest in Alb+DKD, and with a significant trend of RI > 0.70 to increase across phenotypes. In comparison with No‐DKD, both 2D and 3D volumes were increased in Alb+ and significantly reduced in Alb−DKD as well as in Alb+DKD, with significantly lower volumes in Alb−DKD as compared to Alb+DKD at the same reduced levels of eGFR. In adjusted regressions, compared to No‐DKD, RI was associated with Alb+; both RI and aPRV3D were associated with Alb+DKD; only aPRV3D with Alb‐DKD. Compared to No‐DKD, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analyses, designed taking into account conventional risk factors, showed that US parameters did not ameliorate the characterisation of Alb+ and Alb+DKD, while aPRV3D significantly improved the phenotyping of Alb‐DKD.

Conclusions

As a novel information, we reported that, in type 2 diabetes, the emerging normoalbuminuric DKD phenotype showed reduced TRVs and PRVs even when compared, at similarly reduced eGFR levels, with Alb+DKD opening. In perspective, these findings suggest a possible role of imaging for better discrimination of DKD phenotypes in clinical practice.
Reactivity of Indolylmethylacetates with N, O, and S Soft Nucleophiles: Evidence of 2‐Alkylideneindolenines and 3‐Alkylideneindoleninium Generation by ESI‐MS and IRMPD Spectroscopy
Authors: Arcadi Antonio , Berden Giel , Ciogli Alessia , Corinti Davide , Crestoni Maria Elisa , De Angelis Martina , Fabrizi Giancarlo , Goggiamani Antonella , Iazzetti Antonia , Marrone Federico , Marsicano Vincenzo , Oomens Jos , Serraiocco Andrea
Published: October 2022

The synthesis of (aminomethyl), (tosylmethyl), and (aryloxymethyl) indoles starting from indolylmethylacetates and N, O, and S soft nucleophiles has been developed. ESI‐MS and IR multiple‐photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy analyses confirm the reaction proceeds through a conjugate addition of the nucleophile to 2‐alkylideneindolenines and 3‐alkylideneindoleninium.
Numerical analysis and optimization of the charging process on a shell‐and‐tube latent heat thermal energy storage unit for a solar power plant with direct steam generation
Authors: Deng Yajun , Zhu Zhengyue , Wang Wenzhao , Ye Qianhao , Yu Bo , Sun Dongliang
Published: October 2022

A two‐dimensional model of the charging process on a heat storage unit in a shell‐and‐tube type latent heat subsystem of a solar power plant with direct steam generation was constructed in this study. The effects of the outer diameter to inner diameter ratio, aspect ratio, phase change material (PCM) thermal conductivity, and heat transfer fluid (HTF) mass flow rate were investigated. Results show that increasing the PCM thermal conductivity, HTF mass flow rate, and aspect ratio of the heat storage unit can shorten heat storage time, but the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the heat storage unit has an optimal value of 6 in this problem. Using response surface methodology analysis, the influence of the aspect ratio, outer‐to‐inner‐diameter ratio, PCM thermal conductivity, and HTF mass flow rate on the storage time of the phase change heat storage unit is in descending order. After a genetic algorithm optimization, the storage rate of the heat storage unit increased by 35%. The results of this study can guide the heat storage unit to achieve a better practical application performance.
Flow field characteristic of water jet with air ring protective layer under submerged environment and the orthogonal optimization of nozzle structure
Authors: Zhang Liang , Qi Qingjie , Ma Tianfang , Sun Lifeng , Wang Yue , Chai Jiamei
Published: October 2022

A water jet with an air ring protective layer is a promising rock‐breaking and cutting rate improvement method in submerged environment, such as oil–gas drilling. The jet flow field characteristic determines the jet impinge performance and is affected by nozzle structure parameters. In this study, the water jet flow with air ring under submerged environment was numerically simulated. The jet flow field structure with air ring was obtained by analyzing the distributions of jet velocity and air content at different cross sections. The effects of several critical nozzle structure parameters on jet isokinetic core length and axial velocity were investigated by adopting the orthogonal design method. The results show that the jet flow field structure with air ring in radial direction includes a high‐speed water jet zone, air ring protective layer, and air–water mixed zone, having the advantages of concentrated energy in axis region, long core section length, and low‐velocity attenuation. The influence degrees of nozzle structure parameters on jet core section length and axial velocity at X = 0.3 m are: length‐diameter ratio > outlet diameter > conic angle > air nozzle diameter > water‐air nozzle spacing and outlet diameter > length‐diameter ratio > conic angle > water‐air nozzle spacing > air nozzle diameter, respectively. The jet core section length and axial velocity both increase exponentially with the increasing outlet diameter, both first increase rapidly and then slowly decreases with the increase of conic angle and water–air nozzle spacing. There is the optimal conic angle of 15° and appropriate water–air nozzle spacing of 3–5 mm. With the increase of length–diameter ratio, they both first decrease rapidly and then slow down, indicating that conical nozzle is more suitable for water jet with air ring. And 0.9–1.2 mm is proper for the air nozzle diameter.
An advanced hydraulic fracturing technique: Pressure propagation and attenuation mechanism of step rectangular pulse hydraulic fracturing
Authors: He Pei , Lu Zhaohui , Deng Zhi , Huang Yongkui , Qin Dawei , Ouyang Liming , Li Menglai
Published: October 2022

Hydraulic fracturing technology has played a pivotal role as a key technology in shale gas development, but the geological environmental problems caused have been worrying the public. This paper proposes an advanced step rectangular pulse hydraulic fracturing technique, which can achieve higher pressure and more complex fractures by pumping lower energy fluid. The results indicate that the pressure propagation of step rectangular pulse hydraulic fracturing can be divided into stable and unstable propagation stages. Compared with conventional hydraulic fracturing, longer unsteady propagation time, higher pressure and more complex pressure distribution can be obtained. Step pulse parameters are discussed. We found that the pulse pressure increases linearly with the increase in pulse amplitude. There are optimal pulse frequencies and comprehensive damping coefficients to get optimal fluid pressure in different shale reservoirs. These research results will help reduce geological environmental hazards, and can also provide guidance for the optimization of step rectangular pulse hydraulic fracturing technology in shale reservoirs.
Study on the distribution and connectivity of organic matter pores in Longmaxi shale based on 2D and 3D FIB‐SEM
Authors: Hui Dong , Zhang Yan , Hu Yong , Peng Xian , Li Longxin , Zhao Zihan , Liu Xixiang , Li Tao , Pan Yi
Published: October 2022

Knowledge of shale pore structure characteristics is crucial to understand gas storage and seepage mechanisms. Organic matter (OM) pores are considered the most important pore type in shale, and one of the currently significant research questions focuses on the spatial distribution and connectivity of OM pores. To answer this question, typical OM‐rich siliceous shale samples from the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation were comprehensively investigated using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. A three‐dimensional model of the OM‐rich region of interest was segmented and reconstructed based on numerous two‐dimensional slices. The types of OM were found to control the development of organic pores, and OM pores including honeycomb‐shaped pores, spongy‐shaped pores, and slit‐like irregular pores are mainly formed in the pyrobitumen. The pore structure parameters of the OM‐rich ROI revealed that the pore size distribution of honeycomb‐shaped OM pores formed in the pyrobitumen was mainly distributed in the range of 10–50 and 80–100 nm, while the throat equivalent diameter distribution demonstrated a unimodal curve with the main peak located at approximately 30 nm. Pore connectivity analysis further indicated that pyrobitumen also contained several isolated nano‐pores, and pores with diameters smaller than 40 nm were poorly connected. Furthermore, permeability simulation revealed clear discrepancies in different directions owing to the heterogeneity of the OM pores. These findings provide experimental evidence for the assessment of shale gas resources and their development potential.
Simulation of carbon emission for mining‐separating‐backfilling integrated coal mines based on system dynamics
Authors: Long Shuangshuang , Wang Xiangqian , Guo Puhao
Published: October 2022

Clarifying the influencing factors of energy consumption in underground production processes of coal mine is the premise and foundation for the coal mining industry to control the energy consumption and intensity to achieve the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This paper aims to investigate and compare the differences in energy consumption and carbon emissions between a mining‐separating‐backfilling integrated coal mine (MSBICM) and a traditional coal mine and explore the effects of the main production links underground on carbon emission intensity in coal mines. Hence, taking an MSBICM in Henan province as an example, this study constructed an energy consumption and carbon emission model of the mine using system dynamics (SD) method. Based on this model, the energy consumption of the main production logistics system and auxiliary production system in MSBICM was simulated and analyzed. In addition, this study made a comparative analysis of the energy consumption of the different production links in the two types of coal mines. The results showed that: (1) the comprehensive mechanized coal mining with solid filling system and ventilation system were the subsystems with the highest and lowest energy consumption in MSBICM respectively. (2) The influence rates of raw coal mining, gangue filling, coal‐gangue separating, and material transportation on carbon emission intensity in coal mine were 1.09%, 1.34%, 1.09%, and 5.13%, respectively. (3) Under the same production and filling targets, energy consumption of underground transportation systems in MSBICM was found to be 336.66 tons of standard coal less than that in traditional coal mine. This study has helped clarify the complex relationships among the factors that influence energy consumption in coal mines and provided a reference for implementing dual control of energy consumption to promote low‐carbon mining of coal resources.
Modeling the impacts of climate change on monthly commercial sector electricity consumption: A case of Suzhou, China
Authors: Su Zhenyu , Zhou Zhifan
Published: October 2022

Multiple regression equations are the most common method for modeling the influences of climate variables on electricity demand. However, the multiple regression equations based on time series data often suffer from the problem of serial correlation or heteroskedasticity, resulting in biased estimation of the coefficients of parameters. Given that previous studies have paid less attention to such issues, in quantifying the effects of climate change on monthly commercial electricity consumption, in Suzhou, China, we paid more attention to the detection of the autocorrelation or heteroskedasticity that exists in a regression model. The results confirm that if a regression equation suffers from autocorrelation or heteroskedasticity, taking the necessary remedial measures can significantly improve the goodness of fit for the model. Again, it also found that if the temperature is less than the lower limit of the comfort zone, the relationship between climate change and electricity consumption is linear; if the temperature exceeds the upper limit of the comfort zone, this relationship is nonlinear, and a quadratic curve is more appropriate for modeling this relationship.
Optimal sizing of hybrid renewable energy systems for reliability enhancement and cost minimization using multiobjective technique in microgrids
Authors: Vaka Srinivas Sandeep Kumar Reddy , Matam Sailaja Kumari
Published: October 2022

Microgrids can meet their electrical energy needs through the use of renewable energy systems and energy storage. Combining hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) with a battery energy storage system (BESS) is the best way to increase the systems reliability while still satisfying load demand. Suitable sizing of microgrid with optimal power allocations of HRES and BESS in terms of capacity and discharge leads to improved reliability. Cost and reliability are two important aspects of microgrid system functioning. While designing the system with HRES and BESS, there must be an appropriate balance between cost and reliability. This paper presents an algorithm for optimal design of HRES with BESS for optimizing levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and power supply reliability factor (PSRF) Particle swarm optimization and epsilon constraint based multi‐objective PSO algorithms are used to solve the objectives considering 24 hours time horizon. A hybrid Wind‐PV system with Diesel Generator and BESS is considered for the study. In this work, 12 trails of simulation runs are made to obtain accurate values of average levelized cost of electricity and power supply reliability factor along with the optimal power allocations of DGs and BESS. According to the findings, sizing of HRES with BESS optimally lowers the LCOE by reducing the quantity of power drawn from the grid and improves PSRF. ε‐MPSO provides the optimal results in minimizing the LCOE by obtaining proper energy management between HRES and BESS with improved reliability.