bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating tiafenacil and tolpyralate for weed control and basal foliage removal in hops
Authors: Hill Ryan J. , King David R. , Moretti Marcelo L.
Published: August 2024

In an effort to find alternatives to paraquat for weed control and basal foliage removal in hops (Hummus lupulus L.), due to regulatory and safety concerns, a study was conducted across Oregon and Washington in 2020 and 2021. The study compared the efficacy of tiafenacil and tolpyralate against a nontreated control and carfentrazone. Applications were made early when hops were 2‐ to 3‐m tall (early), and at over 4 m (late). Tiafenacil showed 55%–85% effectiveness in basal foliage control, slightly higher than carfentrazone, and did not cause crop injury. Tiafenacil at 50 and 100 g a.i. ha−1 controlled Lolium multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot (63%). The mixture of tiafenacil and tolpyralate controlled 80% of L. multiflorum, Cirsium arvense L., and Bassia Scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott. In all cases, control was followed by weed regrowth. No signs of crop injury were observed in any of the studies with tiafenacil. Early applications of tiafenacil reduced yield between 0% and 40% relative to the nontreated control. Late applications of tolpyralate and tiafenacil did not significantly reduce yield. Tolpyralate was as effective as carfentrazone for weed control and basal foliage removal. Early applications of tolpyralate reduced plant height and yield relative to the nontreated control and consistently induced phytochemical injury. Tolpyralate yield reductions ranged from 0% to 84% relative to the nontreated control, depending on the trial. A mixture of tolpyralate and tiafenacil was the most effective treatment tested. We conclude that both tiafenacil and tolpyralate are safe for sucker applications in hops, but careful timing is needed to reduce the risk of injury with tolpyralate. The mixture of tiafenacil and tolpyralate can improve weed control comparable to available options.
Leveraging deep learning for dollar spot detection and quantification in turfgrass
Authors: Kitchin Elisabeth C. A. , Sneed Henry J. , McCall David S.
Published: August 2024

This study evaluates the effectiveness of fine‐tuning a semantic segmentation model to identify and quantify dollar spot in turfgrasses, the most extensively managed and researched disease of turfgrasses worldwide. Using the DeepLabV3+ model, recognized for its capability to segment complex shapes and integrate multi‐scale contextual information, the research leveraged a diverse dataset comprising various turfgrass species, disease stages, and lighting conditions to ensure robust model training. The trained model is able to identify and segment disease instances accurately and precisely, and the results indicate the potential for model‐based assessment to outperform traditional visual assessment methods in speed, accuracy, and consistency. The development of deep learning models on extensive datasets like ImageNet requires significant computational resources. However, by fine‐tuning a pretrained semantic segmentation model, we adapted it for disease segmentation using only a standard personal computer's graphics processing unit. This approach not only conserves resources but also highlights the practicality of deploying advanced deep learning applications in turfgrass pathology with limited computational capacity. The proposed model provides a new tool for turfgrass researchers and professionals to rapidly and accurately quantify this important disease under real‐world growing conditions. Additionally, the findings suggest the potential to apply deep learning algorithms to other turfgrass diseases to support data‐driven decisions. This could enhance disease management practices and improve decision‐making processes for fungicidal treatments, thereby improving the economic and environmental sustainability of turfgrass management.
Aromatic Polymethacrylates from Lignin‐Based Feedstock: Synthesis, Thermal Properties, Life‐Cycle Assessment and Toxicity
Authors: Sedrik Rauno , Bonjour Olivier , de Souza Nariê Rinke Dias , Ismagilova Alina , Tamsalu Iris , Kisand Veljo , Cherubini Francesco , Jannasch Patric , Vares Lauri
Published: August 2024

There is currently a great need for rigid, high‐performance and processable bio‐based polymers and plastics as alternatives to the fossil‐based materials used today. Here, we report on the straightforward synthesis and polymerization of lignin‐derived methacrylate monomers based on the methyl esters of 4‐hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, and syringic acid, respectively. The corresponding homopolymethacrylates exhibit high glass transition temperatures (Tgs) at 106, 128, and 197 °C, respectively. Rheological properties and thermal stability up to at least 277 °C indicate that these polymers are melt‐processable. In addition, copolymers with methyl methacrylate are prepared to further vary and tune the polymer properties. An integrated ex‐ante and prospective life‐cycle assessment of key environmental impact parameters indicates similar or only slightly higher values compared to well‐established fossil‐based methyl methacrylate. Moreover, the toxicity towards human HeLa cell lines compares well with that of poly(methyl methacrylate). Hence, the potential availability of lignin‐derived acids, combined with the straightforward and potentially upscalable monomer synthesis, make these rigid polymers appealing alternatives towards bio‐based high‐Tg thermoplastic materials with low toxicity.
Small Molecule π–π Stacking Promotes Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Splitting of Aqueous Hydrogen Production from Polyaniline
Authors: Nie Weixing , Ruan Mengnan , Wang Chengyi , Liu Zhifeng
Published: August 2024

Photoelectrocatalysis efficiency depends on light absorption and the effective use of photogenerated carriers but is often limited by inefficient charge transfer and catalytic surface reactivity. In this study, π–π stacking of polar small molecules on aromatic ring‐rich polyaniline (PANI) was carried out to improve its photoelectrocatalytic splitting of water for hydrogen production. Detailed photoelectrochemical experiments and density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations show that small molecules of p‐aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and PANI have the best π–π stacking (compared to p‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTA)), which promotes the separation of carriers on the PANI surface. In addition, the polar effect of the small molecules also improves the reactivity of the PANI surface and also reduces the potential barrier for H2 evolution. The current density of PANI‐PABA reached −0.12 mA/cm2 (1.23 V vs. RHE) 2.53 times higher than that of pure PANI in linear voltammetric scanning tests under light. This strategy of introducing polar small molecules into organocatalysts via π–π stacking will provide new ideas for the preparation of efficient organic photoelectrocatalysis.
β‐Ketoenamine Porous Organic Polymers for High‐Efficiency Carbon Dioxide Adsorption and Separation
Authors: Zong Lina , Li Xiangyu , Cai Peiyu , Zhou Hong‐Cai , Huang Ning
Published: August 2024

To mitigate the greenhouse effect, a number of porous organic polymers (POPs) has been developed for carbon capture. Considering the permanent quadrupole of symmetrical CO2 molecules, the integration of electron‐rich groups into POPs is a feasible way to enhance the dipole‐quadrupole interactions between host and guest. To comprehensively explore the effect of pore environment, including specific surface area, pore size, and number of heteroatoms, on carbon dioxide adsorption capacity, we synthesized a series of microporous POPs with different content of β‐ketoenamine structures via Schiff‐base condensation reactions. These materials exhibit high BET specific surface areas, high stability, and excellent CO2 adsorption capacity. It is worth mentioning that the CO2 adsorption capacity and CO2/N2 selectivity of TAPPy‐TFP reaches 3.87 mmol g−1 and 27. This work demonstrates that the introduction of β‐ketoenamine sites directly through condensation reaction is an effective strategy to improve the carbon dioxide adsorption performance of carbon dioxide.
Enhanced adaptive data rate strategies for energy‐efficient Internet of Things communication in LoRaWAN
Authors: Ali Lodhi Muhammad , Wang Lei , Mahmood Khalid , Farhad Arshad , Chen Jenhui , Kumari Saru
Published: August 2024

The long‐range wide area network (LoRaWAN) is a standard for the Internet of Things (IoT) because it has low cost, long range, not energy‐intensive, and capable of supporting massive end devices (EDs). The adaptive data rate (ADR) adjusts parameters at both EDs and the network server (NS). This includes modifying the transmission spreading factor (SF) and transmit power (TP) to minimize packet errors and optimize transmission performance at the NS. The ADR managed by NS aims to provide reliable and energy‐efficient resources (e.g., SF and TP) to EDs by monitoring the packets received from the EDs. However, since the channel condition changes rapidly in LoRaWAN due to mobility, the existing ADR algorithm is unsuitable and results in a significant amount of packet loss and retransmissions causing an increase in energy consumption. In this paper, we enhance the ADR by introducing Kalman filter‐based ADR (KF‐ADR) and moving median‐based ADR (Median‐ADR), which estimate the optimal SNR by considering the mobility later used to assign the SF and TP to EDs. The simulation results showed that the proposed techniques outperform the legacy ADRs in terms of convergence period, energy consumption, and packet success ratio.
Diphenyl urea‐benzylidene acetohydrazide hybrids as fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 inhibitors and anticancer agents
Authors: Abdel‐Mohsen Heba T. , Nageeb Amira M. , Ghannam Iman A. Y.
Published: August 2024

Molecular hybridization between diphenyl urea and benzylidene acetohydrazide was adopted for the design of a new series of FGFR‐1 targeting cancer. The designed series was synthesized and submitted to NCI‐USA to be screened for their growth inhibitory activity on NCI cancer cell lines. Some of the synthesized hybrids displayed promising growth inhibitory activity on NCI cancer cell lines with a mean GI% between 70.39% and a lethal effect. Compounds 9a, 9i, 9j, and 9n‐p were further selected for a five‐dose assay and all the tested candidates showed promising antiproliferative activity with GI50 reaching the submicromolar range. Encouraged by the potent activity of 9a on colon cancer on the one hand and the well‐known overexpression of FGFR‐1 in it on the other hand, it was further selected as a representative example to be evaluated for its mechanism on the cell cycle and apoptosis of HCT116 cell line. Interestingly, 9a was found to pause the cell cycle of the HCT116 cell line at the G1 phase and induced late apoptosis. In parallel, all the synthesized hybrids 9a‐p were examined for their potential to inhibit FGFR‐1 at 10 µM. Compounds 9a, 9g, 9h, and 9p were found to have potent inhibitory activity with % inhibition = 63.04%, 58.31%, 60.87% and 79.84%, respectively. Molecular docking simulation of 9a in the binding pocket of FGFR‐1 confirms its capability to achieve the characteristic interactions of the type II FGFR‐1 inhibitors. Exploration of the ADME properties of 9a‐p by SwissADME web tool proved their satisfactory physicochemical properties for the discovery of new anticancer hits.
Transthyretin cardiac amyloid: Broad heart failure phenotypic spectrum and implications for diagnosis
Authors: Alonso Mileydis , Neicheril Radhika K. , Manla Yosef , McDonald Malcolm L. , Sanchez Alejandro , Lafave Gabrielle , Seijo De Armas Yelenis , Camargo Antonio Lewis , Uppal Dipan , Wolinsky David , Thakkar‐Rivera Nina , Velez Mauricio , Baran David A. , Estep Jerry D. , Snipelisky David
Published: August 2024

Aims

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA) is most often associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, patients may present with impaired systolic function at the time of diagnosis, which has not been widely investigated. We sought to explore the prevalence of various heart failure (HF) phenotypes and their associated clinical characteristics at the time of ATTR‐CA diagnosis.

Methods

We performed a single‐centre retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with ATTR‐CA evaluated between February 2016 and December 2022. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, imaging and laboratory findings were compared across HF phenotypes (age: 78.1 ± 8.6 years, with 91.1% male). A total of 21.6% (n = 46) presented with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 17.8% (n = 38) with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and 60.6% (n = 129) with HFpEF at the time of diagnosis with ATTR‐CA. Those presenting with HFrEF or HFmrEF were more likely to be African American and had significantly worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, higher N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and higher serum creatinine levels as compared with those with HFpEF.

Conclusions

Although ATTR‐CA is traditionally thought to be seen primarily among patients with HFpEF, our data suggest that ATTR‐CA has a higher prevalence among patients with HFrEF, which underscores the importance of heightened clinical suspicion regardless of ejection fraction when considering ATTR‐CA. Furthermore, although comorbidities are similar, patients with HFmrEF and HFrEF had a worse symptom burden.
Composition, thermal, and microstructural characteristics of mutton tallows in comparison with beef tallows
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Tong , Yang Guolong , Hu Jingbo , Meng Pengcheng , Liu Wei
Published: August 2024

The composition, thermal properties, and microstructure of some mutton tallows (MTs), such as sheep tallow (ST), goat tallow (GT), and sheep tail tallow (STT), were investigated and compared with those of beef tallow (BT). The results showed that the fatty acids (FAs) in the MTs were dominated by oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, which were similar to those of BTs; also there were some natural trans and odd‐carbon FAs occurred in these tallows. Comparison with STs, GTs, and BTs, STT had higher triunsaturated and diunsaturated‐monosaturated triacylglycerols (TAGs) and lower monounsaturated‐disaturated and trisaturated TAGs. Solid fat content (SFC) profile of STT was different those of STs, GTs, and BTs, whereas STs, GTs, and BTs had similar SFC profiles. In the range of 0–50°C, STT had a lower SFC compared with STs, GTs, and BTs at a given temperature. DSC results showed that MTs had melting and crystallization curves similar to BTs; and the GT, ST, and BT had higher melting and crystallization temperatures than STT. All MT and BTs crystals are β′ form; there also exists certain β form. The microscopic morphology of the STT was radial spherical aggregates, and those of other MT and BTs were consisted of radial inner core and low density outer halo area.

Practical Application: The results of SFC, microstructure, and morphology indicated mutton tallows containing the desired crystal form and crystal morphology could be used as shortening base fats. The research can provide a theoretical basis for expanding the application of mutton tallows in food industry.
Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for chronic pain: Enhancing psychological well‐being without altering attentional biases towards pain faces
Authors: Robles Elena , Blanco Iván , Díez Gustavo , Vázquez Carmelo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study examines the effects of a Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on psychological measures and attentional patterns to pain stimuli, using eye‐tracking methods, in individuals with chronic pain.

Method

Thirty‐two participants with chronic pain and no prior mindfulness experience were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a waiting list group. Both groups completed self‐report measures of symptoms, well‐being, and an attentional disengagement task using emotional faces as stimuli. Assessments were conducted at two points: before and after the intervention for the experimental group, with the waiting list group serving as a control.

Results

Before the MBSR program, chronic pain participants exhibited significant attentional biases towards pain‐related stimuli during early attentional stages. Following the program, significant improvements were observed in depression, anxiety, stress, pain acceptance, overall well‐being, and life satisfaction. However, it had a limited impact on attentional patterns, with only a significant increase in gaze duration across all stimuli.

Discussion

Despite the MBSR program's success in reducing symptoms associated with chronic pain, the lack of broader attentional improvements raises questions about the mechanisms responsible for psychological improvements.

Significance Statement

This study pioneers the use of eye‐tracking to examine how MBSR influences attention in chronic back pain. While the program improved psychological well‐being, it did not generally alter attentional patterns, except for an increased ability to maintain attention across stimuli. We discuss whether this attentional change could be associated with the increased acceptance observed in the MBSR program.
Pain catastrophizing and trunk co‐contraction during lifting in people with and without chronic low back pain: A cross sectional study
Authors: Ippersiel Patrick , Preuss Richard , Kim Byungjin , Giannini Cristina , Robbins Shawn M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Trunk co‐contraction during lifting may reflect a guarded motor response to a threatening task. This work estimated the impact of pain catastrophizing on trunk co‐contraction during lifting, in people with and without low back pain.

Methods

Adults with high pain catastrophizing (back pain: n = 29, healthy: n = 7) and low pain catastrophizing (back pain: n = 20, healthy: n = 11), performed 10 repetitions of a lifting task. Electromyography data of rectus abdominis, erector spinae and external oblique muscles were collected, bilaterally. Co‐contraction indices were determined for rectus abdominis/erector spinae and external oblique/erector spinae pairings, bilaterally. Pain catastrophizing was measured using the pain catastrophizing scale and task‐specific fear using the Photograph series of daily activities scale. Three‐way mixed ANOVAs tested the effects of group (back pain vs. healthy), pain catastrophizing (high vs. low), lifting phase (lifting vs. replacing) and their interactions.

Results

There were no main effects of pain catastrophizing, lifting phase, nor any interactions (p > 0.05). Group effects revealed greater co‐contraction for bilateral erector spinae/rectus abdominis pairings (but not erector spinae‐external oblique pairings) in people with back pain, compared to healthy participants, independent of pain catastrophizing and lifting phase (p < 0.05). Spearman correlations associated greater task‐specific fear and greater erector spinae‐left external oblique co‐contraction, only in people with back pain (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Greater co‐contraction in the back pain group occurred independent of pain catastrophizing, as measured with a general questionnaire. A task‐specific measure of threat may be more sensitive to detecting relationships between threat and co‐contraction.

Significance Statement

This work contributes evidence that people with back pain commonly exhibit trunk co‐contraction when lifting. The lack of a relationship between pain catastrophizing and trunk co‐contraction, however, challenges evidence linking psychological factors and guarded motor behaviour in this group. Together, this suggests that other factors may be stronger determinants of co‐contraction in people with LBP or that a general construct like pain catastrophizing may not accurately represent this relationship.
Islands in the stream: Wood‐induced deposition and erosion in the river corridor
Authors: Marshall Anna , Wohl Ellen
Published: August 2024

Large wood causes and responds to deposition and erosion within a river corridor. We focus on the anastomosing, gravel‐bed Swan River and two meandering, gravel‐bed tributaries in northwestern Montana, USA to explore the temporal dimensions of deposition and erosion associated with channel avulsions and island formation and to introduce the concept of wood levees. Channel avulsion represents isolation of part of the existing floodplain and formation of an anastomosing channel planform, with wood‐induced deposition at the point of channel bifurcation. Islands form at a wood jam that migrates upstream with time as sediment accumulates in the lee of the jam. The island creates only a local interruption of the single‐channel planform. We use tree‐ring and 14C dating to constrain wood‐induced island ages. We interpret the three wood‐induced forms of deposition and erosion that we describe here as reflecting a temporal continuum. Wood levees have primarily non‐woody vegetation and may be transient relative to the other features. Tributary islands appear to persist from a decade to over a century. Tree ages of 100–200 years at the floodplain avulsion site and the characteristics of the secondary channels suggest that these wood‐induced avulsion features can persist for more than a century. Understanding the temporal dynamics of wood‐induced features and spatial variation in erosion and deposition provides insight into the dynamics and spatial heterogeneity of natural river corridors, with implications for river restoration.
Expression analysis of SOX2 and SOX9 in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Steen Sonja , Horn Dominik , Flechtenmacher Christa , Hoffmann Jürgen , Freier Kolja , Ristow Oliver , Hess Jochen , Moratin Julius
Published: August 2024

Background

Lately SOX2 and SOX9, transcription factors associated with stemness‐like phenotypes of cancer cells, have been linked to tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy.

Methods

This study aimed on evaluating the expression of SOX2 and SOX9 in a large cohort of patients with OSCC including primary and recurrent tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases. Semiautomatic digital pathology scoring was used to determine protein expression and survival analysis was performed to evaluate its prognostic significance.

Results

We found a significant downregulation of SOX9 from primary disease to lymph node metastases (p < 0.001). SOX9 expression and the subgroup SOX2lowSOX9high were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (p < 0.05). Additionally, SOX2lowSOX9high expression pattern was confirmed as independent prognosticator for overall survival.

Conclusions

These results indicate the relevant role of SOX2 and SOX9 in patients with OSCC and show the clinical relevance for further investigation on the molecular mechanisms underlying SOX‐related gene expression.
The longitudinal association between COVID‐19 stressors and adolescents' diurnal cortisol: The mediating effects of parental anxiety and behaviours
Authors: Li Man , He Fengjiao , Lan Qili , Zhang Chen , Zang Yinyin , Wang Li
Published: August 2024

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, research indicated increased psychological distress among adolescents. However, limited research has investigated the association between COVID‐19‐related stress and the adolescent hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, a critical stress response system. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal study exploring the relationship between COVID‐19 stressors and adolescent HPA activity. We recruited 121 adolescents (M
age = 10.02) and their parents. One parent reported COVID‐19 stressors and their own anxiety, while adolescents reported parenting behaviours. Diurnal cortisol levels in adolescents were assessed 4 months later. Our results found that the association between COVID‐19 stressors and diurnal cortisol levels was sequentially mediated by parental anxiety and indifference, but not parental caring. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of negative parental behaviours on adolescent HPA axis during the pandemic. Therefore, interventions targeting reduced parental anxiety and negative parental behaviours may effectively protect adolescents' mental health in such circumstances.
Anti‐inflammatory, antiosteoporotic, and bone protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A against glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis in rats
Authors: Kuai Jianbo , Zheng Jiachun , Kumar Ankit , Gao Hongwei
Published: August 2024

Osteoporosis is a common condition worldwide, affecting millions of people. Women are more commonly affected than men, and the risk increases with age. Inflammatory reaction plays a crucial role in the expansion of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized by a gradual decline in bone density and bone tissue quality, which increases fragility and raises the risk of fractures. We scrutinized the anti‐osteoporosis effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYA) against glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in rats. In‐silico study was carried out on EGFR receptor (PDBID: 1m17), Estrogen Alpha (PDB id: 2IOG), MTOR (PDB id: 4FA6), RANKL (PDB id: 1S55), and VEGFR2 (PDB id: 1YWN) protein. For this investigation, Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were used, and they received an oral dose of HYA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, b.w.) along with a subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg/day) to induce osteoporosis. The biomechanical, bone parameters, antioxidant, cytokines, inflammatory, nutrients, hormones, and urine parameters were estimated. HYA treatment significantly suppressed the body weight and altered the organ weight. HYA treatment remarkably suppressed the level of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and improved the level of bone mineral density (total, proximal, mild, and dis). HYA treatment restored the level of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), estradiol (E2), and parathyroid hormone near to the normal level. HYA treatment remarkably altered the level of biomechanical parameters, antioxidant, cytokines, urine, and inflammatory parameters. HYA treatment altered the level of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta (RANKL) and RANKL/OPG ratio. The result clearly showed the anti‐osteoporosis effect of HYA against GIOP‐induced osteoporosis in rats via alteration of antioxidant, cytokines, inflammatory, and bone protective parameters.
miR‐542‐5p targets GREM1 to affect the progression of renal fibrosis
Authors: Pang Shuting , Xie Boji , Feng Bingmei , Xu Guiling , Ye Qinglin , Chen Xuesong , Ruan Liangping , Chen Hong , Pan Shang‐Ling , Xue Chao , Li Wei
Published: August 2024

Renal fibrosis (RF) is a typical pathological presentation of end‐stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing this re‐expression process remain unclear. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with RF were screened by microarray analysis using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The miRNAs upstream of the genes in question were predicted using the miRWalk database. The miRNAs involved in the two GEO data sets were intersected to identify key miRNAs; their regulatory pathways were investigated using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the effects and the underlying mechanisms of target miRNA on RF were examined in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)‐induced mice renal fibrotic model and a transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced tubular epithelium (HK‐2) fibrotic cell model. In total, 109 and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the GSE133530 and GSE80247 data sets, respectively. GREM1 was identified as a hub gene, where its 2196 upstream miRNAs were predicted; miR‐574‐5p was found to be downregulated and closely related to fibrosis after data set intersection and enrichment analyses, thus was selected for further investigation. A differential expression heatmap (GSE162794) showed that miR‐542‐5p was downregulated. The expression of GREM1 mRNA was upregulated, whereas that of miR‐542‐5p was downregulated in UUO mice and fibrotic HK‐2 cells as compared with the relevant controls. The binding site of miR‐542‐5p was predicted at the 3'UTR region of GREM1 and was confirmed by subsequent dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Western blot analysis showed that Gremlin‐1 and Fibronectin were significantly upregulated after induction of TGF‐β1; when miR‐542‐5p was overexpressed or GREM1 mRNA was interfered, the upregulations of Gremlin‐1 and Fibronectin were significantly reduced. Our research demonstrates that miR‐542‐5p plays a critical role in the progression of RF, and thus may be a promising therapeutic target for CKD and ADPKD.
Research of the anharmonic effect on the main reactions related to NH3, NH2, and NH
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Chen Linyi , Song Zening , Xu Shuyang , Xia Wenwen , Yao Li
Published: August 2024

NH3 is a highly promising zero‐carbon fuel. In this paper, 19 important reactions involving NH3, NH2, and NH in the ammonia system are studied to better establish the combustion reaction mechanism of ammonia. These reactions encompass the reactions of NH3, NH2, and NH with free radicals and inorganic compounds such as O, H, OH, NO, H2O, and O2. Utilizing the transition state theory and Yao‐Lin method, energy barrier diagrams for these reactions are presented, and the harmonic and anharmonic rate constants are calculated over the temperature range from 300 to 4000 K. The calculation results reveal that, in most reactions, the harmonic rate constants exceed the anharmonic rate constants and the experimental results are closer to the anharmonic rate constants. Additionally, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are fitted. To summarize, most reactions are significantly influenced by the anharmonic effect.
Effects of long‐term coal gangue dumping on soil chemical environment and microbial community in an abandoned mine
Authors: Yin Meiqi , Sheng Wenyi , Zhang Xiya , Wu Yiming , Ma Xiangyan , Cui Zhaojie , Bo Huaizhi , Zheng Guodong , Liu Lele , Guo Weihua
Published: August 2024

Coal gangue hill, a significant anthropogenic interference, can cause various forms of land degradation. The promoting effect of coal gangue on soil qualities has also been discovered. However, few studies investigated the soil properties and microbiome of prolonged gangue hills. Here, we investigated soil microbial communities and chemical properties in a vegetated gangue hill and adjacent cropland and wasteland (regarded as gangue‐free lands). We did not find any significant differences in the content of organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus between the gangue hill and the cropland (Kruskal–Wallis test, p > 0.05). The content of all metals we investigated (Pb, Ni, Sb, Fe, and Al) did not exceed the risk control values (GB 15618‐2018; GB 36600‐2018). The content of Fe and soil electrical conductivity of the gangue hill was significantly higher than the gangue‐free lands (about 2 times and 20 times, respectively), which were also the key factors shaping microbial communities (Mantel's test, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the composition of the bacterial communities between the gangue hill and gangue‐free lands. The random‐forest model identified four species belonging to Actinobacteria and Ascomycota as the unique species in the gangue hill. Functional annotation revealed that the significant differences between the two land types were in bacterial nutrition types, fungal saprophytic types, and nitrogen cycling. Our study provided a theoretical foundation for land management and sustainable utilization in abandoned mining areas.
Epigenetic reprogramming in gastrointestinal cancer: biology and translational perspectives
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Mengsha , Xu Jing , Zheng Liuxian , Liu Pengpeng , Chen Jingyao , Liu Hongyu , Chen Chong
Published: August 2024

Gastrointestinal tumors, the second leading cause of human mortality, are characterized by their association with inflammation. Currently, progress in the early diagnosis and effective treatment of gastrointestinal tumors is limited. Recent whole‐genome analyses have underscored their profound heterogeneity and extensive genetic and epigenetic reprogramming. Epigenetic reprogramming pertains to dynamic and hereditable alterations in epigenetic patterns, devoid of concurrent modifications in the underlying DNA sequence. Common epigenetic modifications encompass DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNA, RNA modifications, and chromatin remodeling. These modifications possess the potential to invoke or suppress a multitude of genes associated with cancer, thereby governing the establishment of chromatin configurations characterized by diverse levels of accessibility. This intricate interplay assumes a pivotal and indispensable role in governing the commencement and advancement of gastrointestinal cancer. This article focuses on the impact of epigenetic reprogramming in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer, as well as other uncommon gastrointestinal tumors. We elucidate the epigenetic landscape of gastrointestinal tumors, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and their interrelationships. Besides, this review summarizes the potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic targets in epigenetic reprogramming, with the aim of assisting clinical treatment strategies.
State‐owned equity and innovation performance of mixed‐ownership enterprises in China: The moderating effect of marketization
Authors: Ning Liu , Honglie Zhang , Meng Lin
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to clarify the influence of controlling and participatory state‐owned equity on innovation performance within mixed‐ownership enterprises (MOEs), focusing specifically on the co‐innovation effect of ownership structure. Empirical evidence suggests that controlling state‐owned equity hinders innovation performance in MOEs. In contrast, participatory state‐owned equity has the potential to significantly boost innovation performance in MOEs. Moreover, a more thorough analysis reveals that the level of marketization not only mitigates the inhibitory impact of controlling state‐owned equity on innovation but also enhances the positive effect of participatory state‐owned equity on innovation in MOEs. These empirically supported findings offer valuable insights for crafting effective policy strategies to promote mixed‐ownership reforms in emerging economies.
Detection of land surface albedo changes over Iran using remote sensing data
Authors: Kefayat Motlagh Omid Reza , Darand Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Albedo is one of the key parameters in climatic studies. Investigating its temporal and spatial behavior can be a tool for understanding environmental changes. The MODIS sensor continuously produces the land surface albedo on a global scale and with the appropriate spatial resolution and makes it available to researchers. In this study, to analyze Iran's surface albedo trend, first, the daily albedo data of the MODIS on Iran in the period from January 1, 2001 to December 30, 2021 with a spatial resolution of 500 m were prepared from the NASA website. After the necessary pre‐processing, the long‐term seasonal and annual trend of Iran's albedo was calculated at the 90% confidence level using the non‐parametric Mann–Kendall test. The findings showed that the albedo trend is positive in the lowland interior areas of Iran and negative in the highland areas. Since the decreasing trend of albedo in highland areas indicates the reduction of snow cover in these areas, this issue can challenge the life and water resources of these areas that rely on the accumulation of snow.
Detection of defects in composite insulators based on laser‐induced plasma combined with machine learning
Authors: Xu Shuaiqi , Che Changjin
Published: August 2024

Due to Prolonged operation and external environmental factors, composite insulators may develop various defects, which can potentially lead to serious accidents in power systems. Detecting and analyzing these defects is critically important. In this study, we combine machine learning with laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to identify defects in composite insulators and obtain spectral data from both defective and nondefective samples. The Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection algorithm was employed to reduce the dimensionality of the data, thereby enhancing detection accuracy and efficiency. Decision tree, random forest (RF), K‐nearest neighbor, and support vector machine algorithms were used to classify the dimensionality‐reduced data. The results indicate that the RF algorithm achieved the best classification performance, with accuracies of 100% and 95.46% for the training and test sets, respectively. Furthermore, the precision, recall, and F1 scores, which reflect model performance, also showed superior results with the RF algorithm. These findings suggest that the combination of LIBS technology and machine learning can rapidly and accurately detect and analyze defects in composite insulators, offering new insights and methods for defect detection in composite insulators.
Adapting standardized trout monitoring to a changing climate for the upper Yellowstone River, Montana, USA
Authors: Briggs Michelle A. , Glassic Hayley C. , Guy Christopher S. , Opitz Scott T. , Rotella Jay J. , Schmetterling David A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Long-term standardized monitoring programs are fundamental to assessing how fish populations respond to anthropogenic stressors. Standardized monitoring programs may need to adopt new methods to adapt to rapid environmental changes that are associated with a changing climate. In the upper Yellowstone River, Montana, biologists have used a standardized, mark–recapture monitoring protocol to annually estimate the abundance of trout since 1978 to assess population status and trends. However, within the past two decades, climate change has caused changes in discharge timing that have prevented standardized monitoring from occurring annually.

Methods

We investigated the feasibility of using two analytical methods, N-mixture models and mean capture probability, for estimating the abundance of three trout species in the upper Yellowstone River using the historical long-term data set; these methods allow abundance to be estimated when a mark–recapture estimate cannot be obtained due to hydrologic conditions.

Result

When compared with abundance estimates from mark–recapture methods, N-mixture models most often resulted in negatively biased abundance estimates, whereas mean capture probability analyses resulted in positively biased abundance estimates. Additionally, N-mixture models produced negatively biased estimates when tested against true abundance values from simulated data sets. The bias in the N-mixture model estimates was caused by poor model fit and variation in capture probability. The bias in the mean capture probability estimates was caused by heterogeneity in capture probability, likely caused by variable environmental conditions, which were not accounted for in the models.

Conclusion

N-mixture models and mean capture probability are not viable alternatives for estimating abundance in the upper Yellowstone River. Thus, exploring additional adaptations to sampling methodologies and analytical approaches, including models that require individually marked fish, will be valuable for this system. Climate change will undoubtedly necessitate changes to standardized sampling methods throughout the world; thus, developing alternative sampling and analytical methods will be important for maintaining the utility of long-term data sets.
Cold blood in warming waters: Effects of air temperature, precipitation, and groundwater on Gulf Sturgeon thermal habitats in a changing climate
Authors: Carlson Andrew K. , Gaffey Bethany M.
Published: August 2024

Objective

In a changing climate, the effects of air temperature, precipitation, and groundwater on water temperature and thermal habitat suitability for Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser desotoi, listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, are not well understood. Hence, we incorporated these factors into thermal habitat models to forecast how Gulf Sturgeon may be affected by wide-ranging climate change scenarios in 2024–2074.

Methods

Using data from the Choctawhatchee River, Florida, we developed precipitation- and groundwater-corrected air–water temperature models, compared their accuracy with that of conventional air–water temperature models used in fisheries management, and projected future Gulf Sturgeon thermal habitat suitability for normal physiological functioning and fieldwork (i.e., population sampling and telemetry surgeries) in summer (May–August) under 16 climate change scenarios.

Result

Precipitation- and groundwater-corrected models were more accurate than conventional air–water temperature models (mean improvement in adjusted R2 = +0.45; range = +0.09 to +0.75). Water temperature was projected to warm at widely variable rates across climate change scenarios encompassing different air temperature, precipitation, and groundwater regimes. Importantly, Gulf Sturgeon summer aggregation areas were cooler and influenced more by precipitation and groundwater and less by air temperature than were non-aggregation areas. If precipitation and groundwater—as drivers of cooling—become warm in a changing climate, summer aggregation areas were projected to exhibit thermal habitat degradation equivalent to or greater than that of non-aggregation areas.

Conclusion

Our results add hydrological context to the premise that aggregation areas provide cool water and energetic savings for Gulf Sturgeon during summer, underscoring the importance of protecting these habitats through groundwater conservation, water quality monitoring, and riparian/watershed habitat management. Our findings indicate that identifying thermally appropriate times for fieldwork activities will be increasingly important and time-restricted as climate change intensifies. However, our research provides managers with a portfolio of water temperature models and an accurate, cost-effective, management-relevant approach to forecasting thermal habitat conditions for Gulf Sturgeon and other species in a changing climate.
Preparative temperature rising elution fractionation of polyolefin elastomer and its chain microstructure
Authors: Liu Peng , He Shuang , Yang Tao , Zhang Zhenkang , Xue Yanhu
Published: August 2024

Polyolefin elastomer (POE) has very weak crystalline ability, consequently, applying the conventional preparative temperature‐rising elution fractionation (P‐TREF) to separate is challenging. Here, a unique, home‐built P‐TREF apparatus with an extensive range of temperatures from −80°C to 150°C is applied to first fractionate POE depending on its crystallizability. The main fractions are eluted at 0°C, 8°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C. The corresponding weight percentages of fractions are 8.31, 13.38, 15.59, 12.05, 13.39, 17.30, and 10.53 wt%, respectively. The chain structures of fractions are further analyzed by high‐temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT‐GPC), 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C‐NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and successive self‐nucleation and annealing (SSA). The crystallinity of the fraction grows continually as the elution temperature rises. The 1‐octene comonomer concentrations within the fractions decreases from 13.8 to 7.9 mol% when the elution temperature rises from −10°C to 40°C. These findings enable for the detailed recognition of the chain microstructure of POE resin and the extension of the TREF approach to POE resins. This lays the groundwork for fundamental studies and practical uses in industry.
Evaluation and optimization of sample size of neonates and infants for pediatric clinical studies on cefiderocol using a model‐based approach
Authors: Yamaguchi Daichi , Katsube Takayuki , Wajima Toshihiro
Published: August 2024

When planning pediatric clinical trials, optimizing the sample size of neonates/infants is essential because it is difficult to enroll these subjects. In this simulation study, we evaluated the sample size of neonates/infants using a model‐based optimal approach for identifying their pharmacokinetics for cefiderocol. We assessed the usefulness of data for estimation performance (accuracy and variance of parameter estimation) from adults and the impact of data from very young subjects, including preterm neonates. Stochastic simulation and estimation were utilized to assess the impact of sample size allocation for age categories in estimation performance for population pharmacokinetic parameters in pediatrics. The inclusion of adult pharmacokinetic information improved the estimation performance of population pharmacokinetic parameters as the coefficient of variation (CV) range of parameter estimation decreased from 4.9%–593.7% to 2.3%–17.3%. When sample size allocation was based on the age groups of gestational age and postnatal age, the data showed 15 neonates/infants would be necessary to appropriately estimate pediatric pharmacokinetic parameters (<20%CV). By using the postmenstrual age (PMA), which is theoretically considered to be associated with the maturation of organs, the number of neonates/infants required for appropriate parameter estimation could be reduced to seven (one and six with <32 and >32 weeks PMA, respectively) to nine (three and six with <37 and >37 weeks PMA, respectively) subjects. The model‐based optimal design approach allowed efficient evaluation of the sample size of neonates/infants for estimation of pediatric pharmacokinetic parameters. This approach to assessment should be useful when designing pediatric clinical trials, especially those including young children.
Multifunctional magneto‐plasmonic lipogel based on peptide hydrogel for application in combined cancer therapy
Authors: Gomes Valéria , Veloso Sérgio R. S. , Carvalho André , Hilliou Loic , Coutinho Paulo J. G. , Moura Cacilda , Martins José A. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S. , Ferreira Paula M. T.
Published: August 2024

Supramolecular hydrogels, particularly low‐molecular‐weight peptide hydrogels, are promising drug delivery systems due to their ability to change the solubility, targeting, metabolism and toxicity of drugs. Magneto‐plasmonic liposomes, in addition to being remotely controllable with the application of an external magnetic field, also increase the efficiency of encapsulated drug release through thermal stimulation, for example, with magnetic and optical hyperthermia. Thus, the combination of those two materials—giving magneto‐plasmonic lipogels—brings together several functionalities, among which are hyperthermia and spatiotemporally controlled drug delivery. In this work, a novel dehydrodipeptide hydrogelator was synthesised, and the respective hydrogel was functionalized with magneto‐plasmonic liposomes. After individually characterising the components with regard to their rheological, spectroscopic and magnetic properties, the magneto‐plasmonic lipogel was equally characterised and evaluated concerning its ability to deliver drugs in a controlled fashion. To this end, the response of the 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein‐loaded magneto‐plasmonic lipogel to near‐infrared light was assessed. The results showed that the system is a proper carrier of hydrophilic drugs and allows to envisage photo‐responsive drug delivery. These facts, together with the magnetic guidance and hyperthermia capabilities of the developed composite gel, may pave the way to a new era in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.