bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Blood Mucosal‐Associated Invariant T Cells in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis and of Resident Mucosal‐Associated Invariant T Cells From the Axial Entheses of Non‐Axial Spondyloarthritis Control Patients
Authors: Rosine Nicolas , Rowe Hannah , Koturan Surya , Yahia‐Cherbal Hanane , Leloup Claire , Watad Abdulla , Berenbaum Francis , Sellam Jeremie , Dougados Maxime , Aimanianda Vishukumar , Cuthbert Richard , Bridgewood Charlie , Newton Darren , Bianchi Elisabetta , Rogge Lars , McGonagle Dennis , Miceli‐Richard Corinne
Published: February 2022

Objective

The importance of interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) in the pathogenesis of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) has been demonstrated by the success of IL‐17A blockade. However, the nature of the cell populations that produce this important proinflammatory cytokine remains poorly defined. We undertook this study to characterize the major IL‐17A–producing blood cell populations in the peripheral blood of patients with axial SpA, with a focus on mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a population known to be capable of producing IL‐17.

Methods

We evaluated IL‐17A production from 5 sorted peripheral blood cell populations, namely, MAIT cells, γδ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and neutrophils, before and after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, the calcium ionophore A23187, and β‐1,3‐glucan. Expression of IL‐17A transcripts and protein were determined using nCounter and ultra‐sensitive Simoa technology, respectively. MAIT cells from the axial entheses of non‐axial SpA control patients (n = 5) were further characterized using flow cytometric immunophenotyping and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the production of IL‐17 was assessed following stimulation.

Results

On a per‐cell basis, MAIT cells from peripheral blood produced the most IL‐17A compared to CD4+ T cells (P < 0.01), CD8+ T cells (P < 0.0001), and γδ T cells (P < 0.0001). IL‐17A was not produced by neutrophils. Gene expression analysis also revealed significantly higher expression of IL17A and IL23R in MAIT cells. Stimulation of peripheral blood MAIT cells with anti‐CD3/CD28 and IL‐7 and/or IL‐18 induced strong expression of IL17F. MAIT cells were present in the normal, unaffected entheses of control patients who did not have axial SpA and showed elevated AHR, JAK1, STAT4, and TGFB1 transcript expression with inducible IL‐17A protein. IL‐18 protein expression was evident in spinal enthesis digests.

Conclusion

Both peripheral blood MAIT cells and resident MAIT cells in normal axial entheses contribute to the production of IL‐17 and may play important roles in the pathogenesis of axial SpA.
B Cell–Specific Deletion of CR6‐Interacting Factor 1 Drives Lupus‐like Autoimmunity by Activation of Interleukin‐17, Interleukin‐6, and Pathogenic Follicular Helper T Cells in a Mouse Model
Authors: Park Jin‐Sil , Yang SeungCheon , Hwang Sun‐Hee , Choi JeongWon , Kwok Seung‐Ki , Kong Young‐Yun , Youn Jeehee , Cho Mi‐La , Park Sung‐Hwan
Published: February 2022

Objective

CR6‐interacting factor 1 (CRIF1) is a nuclear transcriptional regulator and a mitochondrial inner membrane protein; however, its functions in B lymphocytes have been poorly defined. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of CRIF1 on B cell metabolic regulation, cell function, and autoimmune diseases.

Methods

Using mice with B cell–specific deletion of CRIF1 (Crif1ΔCD19 mice), we assessed the relevance of CRIF1 function for lupus disease parameters, including anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA), cytokines, and kidney pathology. RNA sequencing was performed on B cells from Crif1ΔCD19 mice. The phenotypic and metabolic changes in immune cells were evaluated in Crif1ΔCD19 mice. Roquinsan/+ mice crossed with Crif1ΔCD19 mice were monitored to assess the functionality of CRIF1‐deficient B cells in lupus development.

Results

Crif1ΔCD19 mice showed an autoimmune lupus‐like phenotype, including high levels of autoantibodies to dsDNA and severe lupus nephritis with increased mesangial hypercellularity. While loss of CRIF1 in B cells showed impaired mitochondrial oxidative function, CRIF1‐deficient B cells promoted the production of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and IL‐6 and was more potent in helping T cells develop into follicular helper T cells. In a mouse model of autoimmune lupus, depletion of CRIF1 in B cells exacerbated lupus severity, and CRIF1 overexpression prevented lupus development in roquinsan/san mice.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that CRIF1 negatively correlates with disease severity and that overexpression of CRIF1 ameliorates disease development. Our findings suggest that CRIF1 is essential for preventing lupus development by maintaining B cell self tolerance.
The strange case of Drp1 in autophagy: Jekyll and Hyde?
Authors: Chen Yanfang , Culetto Emmanuel , Legouis Renaud
Published: February 2022

There is a debate regarding the function of Drp1, a GTPase involved in mitochondrial fission, during the elimination of mitochondria by autophagy. A number of experiments indicate that Drp1 is needed to eliminate mitochondria during mitophagy, either by reducing the mitochondrial size or by providing a noncanonical mitophagy function. Yet, other convincing experimental results support the conclusion that Drp1 is not necessary. Here, we review the possible functions for Drp1 in mitophagy and autophagy, depending on tissues, organisms and stresses, and discuss these apparent discrepancies. In this regard, it appears that the reduction of mitochondria size is often required for mitophagy but not always in a Drp1‐dependent manner. Finally, we speculate on Drp1‐independent mitochondrial fission mechanism that may take place during mitophagy and on noncanonical roles, which Drp1 may play such as modulating organelle contact sites dynamic during the autophagosome formation.
Long noncoding RNASEH1‐AS1 exacerbates the progression of non‐small cell lung cancer by acting as a ceRNA to regulate microRNA‐516a‐5p/FOXK1 and thereby activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Chan , Huang Jian , Lou Ke , Ouyang Hui
Published: February 2022

Background

Till now, no study has focused on the functions of RNASEH1 antisense RNA 1 (RNASEH1‐AS1) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accordingly, we measured the expression of RNASEH1‐AS1 in NSCLC and characterized its functions in detail. Finally, our research elucidated the mechanisms that occurred downstream of RNASEH1‐AS1.

Methods

RNASEH1‐AS1 expression was examined utilizing TCGA database and qRT‐PCR. Functional experiments were conducted to study the tumor‐associated functions of RNASEH1‐AS1. The targeting relationship among RNASEH1‐AS1, microRNA‐516a‐5p (miR‐516a‐5p), and forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) was revealed utilizing RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

Utilizing TCGA database and our own cohort, we found a significantly increased level of RNASEH1‐AS1 in NSCLC. The high level of RNASEH1‐AS1 was markedly related with poor clinical outcomes. Knockdown of RNASEH1‐AS1 expression inhibited NSCLC cell growth, metastatic capacities, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and promoted the apoptosis in vitro, whereas RNASEH1‐AS1 overexpression exerted the opposite effects. Additionally, knocking down RNASEH1‐AS1 expression suppressed tumor growth in vivo. RNASEH1‐AS1 was confirmed to act as a miR‐516a‐5p sponge, consequently upregulating FOXK1 expression in NSCLC cells. As revealed by the subsequent rescue experiments, the miR‐516a‐5p/FOXK1 axis served as a downstream effector of RNASEH1‐AS1. In addition, by controlling the miR‐516a‐5p/FOXK1 axis, RNASEH1‐AS1 was capable of activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.

Conclusion

RNASEH1‐AS1 exacerbated the oncogenicity of NSCLC by affecting the miR‐516a‐5p/FOXK1 axis and consequently promoting the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Our newly identified RNASEH1‐AS1/miR‐516a‐5p/FOXK1/Wnt/β‐catenin network may offer an interesting foundation for NSCLC treatment in the clinic.
Technology or technocracy? For law enforcement, it can be a slippery slope
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: February 2022

I will be the first to admit it. I am a self‐professed tech addict when it comes to my professional career and the applications that I find useful in public safety. If you were to ask my colleagues in the IT space, they would probably describe me as savvy enough to understand the culture and processes while talking the proverbial talk, but smart enough (usually) to not get myself into too much trouble.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Oleanolic Acid‐Linked Disulfide, Thioether, or Selenium Ether Moieties as Potent Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Li Ya‐Mei , Zhang Yu , Luan Tian , Liu Chuan‐Feng
Published: February 2022

A series of novel oleanolic acid (OA)‐linked disulfide, thioether, or selenium ether derivatives was synthesized, and their antiproliferative activity was evaluated against human liver cancer (BEL‐7402 and HepG‐2), colon cancer (HCT116), and normal liver (L02) cell lines using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT). Preliminary bioassay results revealed that OA derivatives modified at the C3−OH position, i. e., compound a4 containing sulfide ether, exhibited the best antiproliferative activity against BEL‐7402 cells, with an IC50 value of 5.70±0.82 μM. Further flow cytometry assays revealed that compound a4 exerted its antiproliferative effects by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase leading to apoptosis. Moreover, compared with the lead compound OA and the positive control drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), the OA derivatives demonstrated potent antiproliferative activities against the cancer cell lines.
Impact of bPNA Backbone Structural Constraints and Composition on Triplex Hybridization with DNA
Authors: Munyaradzi Oliver , Rundell Sarah , Bong Dennis
Published: February 2022

We report herein a study on the impact of bifacial peptide nucleic acid (bPNA) amino acid composition and backbone modification on DNA binding. A series of bPNA backbone variants with identical net charge were synthesized to display either 4 or 6 melamine (M) bases. These bases form thymine‐melamine‐thymine (TMT) base‐triples, resulting in triplex hybrid stem structures with T‐rich DNAs. Analyses of 6 M bPNA‐DNA hybrids suggested that hybrid stability was linked to amino acid secondary structure propensities, prompting a more detailed study in shorter 4 M bPNAs. We synthesized 4 M bPNAs predisposed to adopt helical secondary structure via helix‐turn nucleation in 7‐residue bPNAs using double‐click covalent stapling. Generally, hybrid stability improved upon stapling, but amino acid composition had a more significant effect. We also pursued an alternative strategy for bPNA structural preorganization by incorporation of residues with strong backbone amide conformational preferences such as 4R‐ and 4S‐fluoroprolines. Notably, these derivatives exhibited an additional improvement in hybrid stability beyond both unsubstituted proline bPNA analogues and the helically patterned bPNAs. Overall, these findings demonstrate the tunability of bPNA‐DNA hybrid stability through bPNA backbone structural propensities and amino acid composition.
Deciphering Internal and External π‐Conjugation in C3‐Symmetric Multiple Azobenzene Connected Systems in Self‐Assembly
Authors: Grewal Surbhi , Kumar Pravesh , Roy Saonli , Bala Indu , Sah Chitranjan , Kumar Pal Santanu , Venkataramani Sugumar
Published: February 2022

Two tripodal C3‐symmetric photoswitchable molecular systems T1 and T2 are reported that have extended conjugation at external and internal positions using an acryl group. The influence of the extended π‐bonds in their absorption properties, thermal relaxation of the photoisomers and their propensities in forming supramolecular self‐assemblies have been explored through spectroscopy, and microscopic studies. In particular, the investigations on the self‐assembly have been carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), polarized optical microscopy (POM), X‐ray diffraction studies (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Remarkably, the position of the acryl group influences the behaviour of the two target molecules in supramolecular assembly, and also in the formation of photoresponsive organic hydrogels or microcrystals.
Kinetics of the Rhodium‐Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation of 1‐Decene in a Thermomorphic Solvent System
Authors: Kortuz Wieland , Kirschtowski Sabine , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas , Hamel Christof
Published: February 2022

The homogenously rhodium‐catalyzed tandem reaction of the hydroaminomethylation of 1‐decene is investigated in a thermomorphic solvent system consisting of methanol and n‐dodecane with the ligand sulfoxantphos. The influence of temperature, pressure and catalyst concentration is studied experimentally as the basis for kinetic modeling and parameter estimation. A kinetic model for the hydroaminomethylation is developed by connecting and reparametrizing a mechanistic approach for the hydroformylation with a reductive amination model. Simulations and experimental data are in good agreement indicating the transferability of mechanistic kinetic models.
Drug Disposition Protein Quantification in Matched Human Jejunum and Liver From Donors With Obesity
Authors: Wegler Christine , Wiśniewski Jacek R. , Robertsen Ida , Christensen Hege , Kristoffer Hertel Jens , Hjelmesæth Jøran , Jansson‐Löfmark Rasmus , Åsberg Anders , Andersson Tommy B. , Artursson Per
Published: February 2022

Mathematical models, such as physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models, are used to predict, for example, drug disposition and toxicity. However, populations differ in the abundance of proteins involved in these processes. To improve the building and refinement of such models, they must take into account these interindividual variabilities. In this study, we used global proteomics to characterize the protein composition of jejunum and liver from 37 donors with obesity enrolled in the COCKTAIL study. Liver protein levels from the 37 donors were further compared with those from donors without obesity. We quantified thousands of proteins and could present the expression of several drug‐metabolizing enzymes, for the first time, in jejunum, many of which belong to the cytochrome P450 (CYP) (e.g., CYP2U1) and the amine oxidase (flavin‐containing) (e.g., monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)) families. Although we show that many metabolizing enzymes had greater expression in liver, others had higher expression in jejunum (such as, MAOA and CES2), indicating the role of the small intestine in extrahepatic drug metabolism. We further show that proteins involved in drug disposition are not correlated in the two donor‐matched tissues. These proteins also do not correlate with physiological factors such as body mass index, age, and inflammation status in either tissue. Furthermore, the majority of these proteins are not differently expressed in donors with or without obesity. Nonetheless, interindividual differences were considerable, with implications for personalized prediction models and systems pharmacology.
Structure‐Function Correlation and Dynamic Restructuring of Cu for Highly Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Conversion
Authors: Zhu Chenyuan , Zhao Siwen , Shi Guoshuai , Zhang Liming
Published: February 2022

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy sources and emerging environmental issues have pushed the development of energy conversion and storage technologies to the forefront of chemical research. Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion provides an attractive approach to synthesizing fuels and chemical feedstocks using renewable energy. On the path to deploying this technology, basic and applied scientific hurdles remain. Copper, as the only metal catalyst that is capable to produce C2+ fuels from CO2 reduction (CO2R), still faces challenges in the improvement of electrosynthesis pathways for highly selective fuel production. In this regard, mechanistically understanding CO2R on Cu‐based electrocatalysts, particularly identifying the structure–function correlation, is crucial. Here, a broad view of the variable structural parameters and their complex interplay in CO2R catalysis on Cu was given, with the purpose of providing deep insights and guiding the future rational design of CO2R electrocatalysts. First, this Review described the progress and recent advances in the development of well‐defined nanostructured catalysts and the mechanistic understanding on the influences from a particular structure of a catalyst, such as facet, defects, morphology, oxidation state, composition, and interface. Next, the in‐situ dynamic restructuring of Cu was presented. The importance of operando characterization methods to understand the catalyst structure‐sensitivity was also discussed. Finally, some perspectives on the future outlook for electrochemical CO2R were offered.
Edge tokamak transport in regimes with high collisionality
Authors: Rozhansky Vladimir , Baranovsky Ilya , Kobelev Anton
Published: February 2022

In the strongly detached regimes, especially in future tokamak reactors, plasma in the divertor and in some special regions like vicinity of highly radiating X‐point is strongly collisional. Ion gyrofrequency becomes less than Coulomb collision frequency and might be of the order of ion‐neutral collision frequency. For such parameters, parallel and perpendicular ion diffusion and mobility caused by ion‐neutral collision becomes important and can to large extent determine density profiles and currents distribution in the divertor. In the present article, plasma profiles in the vicinity of divertor plates were analysed. It is demonstrated that density profiles are determined by combination of parallel and perpendicular ambipolar diffusion. Results of analytic calculations are compared with Particle‐In‐Cell Monte‐Carlo Collisions (PIC MCC) simulations of magnetized plasma and collisional transport of magnetized ions from quasi‐neutral region to the material surface. Analytic expressions are compared with the results of particle in cell simulations done for different angles between magnetic field and material surface and different plasma parameters. Impact of velocity of neutral particles on ion fluxes and currents is also investigated. Consequences for divertor plasma typical for ITER and other future tokamak‐reactors are discussed.
Contrasting responses of native and introduced mammal communities to fire mosaics in a modified landscape
Authors: Zylinski Simeon , Swan Matthew , Sitters Holly
Published: February 2022

Planned fire is increasingly recognized as an important tool in conservation, but other factors such as land‐use change may hinder the ability of land managers to use fire for the benefit of biodiversity. The mosaic of past fires in native vegetation may interact with the mosaic of other land‐cover types in human‐modified landscapes, yet the effects of these interactions on mammal communities are unknown. We investigated the responses of ground‐dwelling mammal community composition and species richness to interactions between land cover and post‐fire vegetation growth‐stage mosaics in southern Australia. This fire‐prone, human‐modified landscape features a fine‐scale fire mosaic in native vegetation patches surrounded by pasture, horticulture, and peri‐urban environments. We measured the composition of land‐cover types and fire mosaics (landscape structure) at multiple scales of up to 1257 ha surrounding 129 study sites, and considered native and introduced species together and separately. Land‐cover composition was the primary driver of community composition: native species favored areas with a greater proportion of native heathy woodland, whereas introduced species were associated with landscapes comprising more cleared land. The fire mosaic also influenced community composition and species richness: greater growth‐stage diversity was associated with native habitat‐specialist communities and fewer introduced species. In areas with more cleared land, native species richness increased when there was a greater proportion of mid‐successional vegetation, demonstrating that the effect of fire mosaics on mammal diversity depended on land‐cover composition. The positive relationship between introduced species richness and cleared land extent was also stronger in recently burned sites than in other growth stages, suggesting that introduced species are well suited to more modified areas of the landscape. Land managers need to consider the underlying land‐cover composition and the potential interactions it may have with fire mosaics and species composition. In this landscape a greater diversity of growth stages may disadvantage introduced species yet an increase in mid‐successional vegetation in more modified areas would be likely to benefit native mammal communities. Our study highlights that fire management may need to be tailored depending on the context of land use and the species of interest.
Seagrass meadows mixed with calcareous algae have higher plant productivity and sedimentary blue carbon storage
Authors: Kalokora Olivia J. , Gullström Martin , Buriyo Amelia S. , Mtolera Matern S. P. , Björk Mats
Published: February 2022

Seagrass meadows capture and store large amounts of carbon in the sediment beneath, thereby serving as efficient sinks of atmospheric CO2. Carbon sequestration levels may however differ greatly among meadows depending on, among other factors, the plant community composition. Tropical seagrass meadows are often intermixed with macroalgae, many of which are calcareous, which may compete with seagrass for nutrients, light, and space. While the photosynthetic CO2 uptake by both seagrasses and calcareous algae may increase the overall calcification in the system (by increasing the calcium carbonate saturation state, Ω), the calcification process of calcareous algae may lead to a release of CO2, thereby affecting both productivity and calcification, and eventually also the meadows’ carbon storage. This study estimated how plant productivity, CaCO3 production, and sediment carbon levels were affected by plant community composition (seagrass and calcareous algae) in a tropical seagrass‐dominated embayment (Zanzibar, Tanzania). Overall, the patterns of variability in productivity differed between the plant types, with net areal biomass productivity being highest in meadows containing both seagrass and calcareous algae. Low and moderate densities of calcareous algae enhanced seagrass biomass growth, while the presence of seagrass reduced the productivity of calcareous algae but increased their CaCO3 content. Sedimentary carbon levels were highest when seagrasses were mixed with low or moderate cover of calcareous algae. The findings show that plant community composition can be an important driver for ecosystem productivity and blue carbon sequestration.
Revisiting the influence of learning in predator functional response, how it can lead to shapes different from type III
Authors: Bruzzone Octavio Augusto , Aguirre María Belén , Hill Jorge Guillermo , Virla Eduardo Gabriel , Logarzo Guillermo
Published: February 2022

Predator/parasitoid functional response is one of the main tools used to study predation behavior, and in assessing the potential of biological control candidates. It is generally accepted that predator learning in prey searching and manipulation can produce the appearance of a type III functional response. Holling proposed that in the presence of alternative prey, at some point the predator would shift the preferred prey, leading to the appearance of a sigmoid function that characterized that functional response. This is supported by the analogy between enzyme kinetics and functional response that Holling used as the basis for developing this theory. However, after several decades, sigmoidal functional responses appear in the absence of alternative prey in most of the biological taxa studied. Here, we propose modeling the effect of learning on the functional response by using the explicit incorporation of learning curves in the parameters of the Holling functional response, the attack rate (a), and the manipulation time (h). We then study how the variation in the parameters of the learning curves causes variations in the shape of the functional response curve. We found that the functional response product of learning can be either type I, II, or III, depending on what parameters act on the organism, and how much it can learn throughout the length of the study. Therefore, the presence of other types of curves should not be automatically associated with the absence of learning. These results are important from an ecological point of view because when type III functional response is associated with learning, it is generally accepted that it can operate as a stabilizing factor in population dynamics. Our results, to the contrary, suggest that depending on how it acts, it may even be destabilizing by generating the appearance of functional responses close to type I.
Snail communities increase submerged macrophyte growth by grazing epiphytic algae and phytoplankton in a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Lv Tian , Guan Xin , Fan Shufeng , Han Chen , Gao Zhongyao , Liu Chunhua
Published: February 2022

The relationships between producers (e.g., macrophytes, phytoplankton and epiphytic algae) and snails play an important role in maintaining the function and stability of shallow ecosystems. Complex relationships exist among macrophytes, epiphytic algae, phytoplankton, and snails. We studied the effects of snail communities (consisting of Radix swinhoei, Hippeutis cantori, Bellamya aeruginosa, and Parafossarulus striatulus) on the biomass of phytoplankton and epiphytic algae as well as on the growth of three species of submerged macrophytes (Hydrilla verticillata, Vallisneria natans, and one exotic submerged plant, Elodea nuttallii) in a 90‐day outdoor mesocosm experiment conducted on the shore of subtropical Lake Liangzihu, China. A structural equation model showed that the snail communities affected the submerged macrophytes by grazing phytoplankton and epiphytic algae (reduction in phytoplankton Chl‐a and epiphytic algal abundance), enhancing the biomass of submerged macrophytes. Highly branched macrophytes with high surfaces and morphologies and many microhabitats supported the most snails and epiphytic algae (the biomass of the snail communities and epiphytic algae on H. verticillata was greater than that on V. natans), and snails preferred to feed on native plants. Competition drove the snails to change their grazing preferences to achieve coexistence.
Streamlining of a synthetic co‐culture towards an individually controllable one‐pot process for polyhydroxyalkanoate production from light and CO2
Authors: Kratzl Franziska , Kremling Andreas , Pflüger‐Grau Katharina
Published: February 2022

Rationally designed synthetic microbial consortia carry a vast potential for biotechnological applications. The application of such a consortium in a bioprocess, however, requires tight and individual controllability of the involved microbes. Here, we present the streamlining of a co‐cultivation process consisting of Synechococcus elongatus cscB and Pseudomonas putida for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from light and CO2. First, the process was improved by employing P. putida cscRABY, a strain with a higher metabolic activity towards sucrose. Next, the individual controllability of the co‐culture partners was addressed by providing different nitrogen sources, each exclusively available for one strain. By this, the growth rate of the co‐culture partners could be regulated individually, and defined conditions could be set. The molC/molN ratio, a key value for PHA accumulation, was estimated from the experimental data, and the necessary feeding rates to obtain a specific ratio could be predicted. This information was then implemented in the co‐cultivation process, following the concept of a DBTL‐cycle. In total, the streamlining of the process resulted in an increased maximal PHA titer of 393 mg/L and a PHA production rate of 42.1 mg/(L•day).
Performance analysis of a runner for gravitational water vortex power plant
Authors: Faraji Adam , Jande Yusufu Abeid Chande , Kivevele Thomas
Published: February 2022

Micro‐hydropower can be used to meet the needs of both isolated and rural communities for electricity. Due to its inexpensive initial investment, simple design, easy maintenance and low‐head utilisation, the gravitational water vortex power plant (GWVPP) has recently piqued interest. The findings of numerical work employing a numerical simulation and analytical approach for the GWVPP are presented in this study. To understand the influence of each on the efficiency of GWVPP, four parameters (speed, hub‐blade angle, number of blades and runner profile) were explored. Design‐Expert software was used to investigate the interplay of each parameter/factor in order to maximise the contribution of each. Design‐Optimal Expert's (custom) design tool was used to construct twenty‐four experimental runs. To calculate the system efficiency, these runs were simulated in commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software called Ansys CFX.

The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental results, which yielded R2 values of 0.9507 and 0.9603 for flat and curved profiles, respectively. Furthermore, the findings show that the chosen parameters have an impact on the GWVPP's efficiency via interaction as seen in response surface methodology (RSM). Furthermore, numerical analysis increased the curved blade profile runner's total efficiency by 3.65%. In comparison with the unoptimised scenarios, the efficiency of the flat runner profile increased by 1.69%.
Colonization of oil palm empty fruit bunches by basidiomycetes from the Brazilian cerrado: Enzyme production
Authors: da Silva Elias Alves , Mendes Thais Demarchi , Pacheco Thályta Fraga , Wischral Daiana , dos Santos Dulce Cristine , Mendonça Simone , Camassola Marli , de Siqueira Félix Gonçalves , Souza Manoel Teixeira
Published: February 2022

The use of residual lignocellulosic biomass appears as an opportunity to obtain high added value products like enzymes. The present work goal was to select basidiomycetes capable of metabolizing empty fruit bunches (EB) or sludge decanter (SD) from the oil palm industry to produce enzymatic cocktails. First, eight macro‐basidiomycetes strains from the Brazilian cerrado were selected based on genomic DNA analyses out of an initial group of 30. The selected basidiomycetes and two ascomycetes (commercial mushrooms) were cultured to obtain ligninolytic and cellulolytic enzymes, respectively. All the extracts produced had proteins, and enzymatic profiles evaluated. The enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated EB used cocktails of basidiomycetes extracts combined with commercial cellulases or ascomycetes extracts. The best combination of enzymatic extracts for hydrolyses of hydrothermally pretreated EB was the cocktail with Trichoderma reesei, Aspergillus aculeatus, and Pleurotus sp. extracts, reaching 19.7% of glucose yield and 22.8% of xylose yield. These results show that enzymes and sugars are products derivable from residues produced in large quantities by the oil palm industry. This study corroborates the hypothesis that basidiomycetes from the Brazilian cerrado present an enormous biotechnological potential, still unexplored.
Quantification and classification of grainflow morphology on natural dunes
Authors: Zhang Pei , Sherman Douglas J. , Pelletier Jon D. , Ellis Jean T. , Farrell Eugene J. , Li Bailiang
Published: February 2022

Grainflows (or avalanches) are fundamental mechanisms associated with the evolution and migration of dunes. This study addresses grainflow morphology on the 21.3 m and 54.5 m high slipfaces of two barchans. A series of metrics to characterize shape developed with the perspective that this approach may provide a key to recognizing different grainflow morphodynamic regimes. We provide the first detailed and objective measurements of grainflow morphometry based on terrestrial laser scanning and subsequent image analysis of 1243 grainflows on the larger dune and 1609 from the smaller dune. Grainflow shape was classified based on five representative morphometric attributes: average length, average width, rectangularity, triangularity, and elongation. Cluster analysis indicated three recognizable grainflow types: elongated, narrow grainflows (Type 1); long, triangular grainflows (Type 2); and short, rectangular grainflows (Type 3). The distributions of grainflow types were substantially different on the larger and smaller dune, and different from distributions found on smaller dunes in other studies.
The oxidative and thermal stability of optimal synergistic mixture of sesame and grapeseed oils as affected by frying process
Authors: Khakbaz Heshmati Maryam , Jafarzadeh‐Moghaddam Maryam , Pezeshki Akram , Shaddel Rezvan
Published: February 2022

In spite of grapeseed oil high contents of linoleic acid, its oxidative stability is relatively low, and mixing with more stable oils such as sesame oil can be a good way to improve the oxidative stability of this oil. The aim of this study was to increase the oil oxidative stability by producing an optimum formulation due to the combination of grapeseed and sesame oil. For this purpose, some of the qualitative properties of the optimum formulation were investigated during frying process. For finding the best formulation, the quantities of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of sesame oil were blended with 100, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% of grapeseed oil. The results show that the highest percentage of fatty acid in various samples (sesame oil, grapeseed oil, and mixed formulations) is related to the linoleic acid, followed by oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid. In conclusion the addition of sesame oil to grapeseed oil increased the number of phenolic compounds, antioxidant strength, and oxidative stability of the mixed oil samples. Considering the price of the product and the importance of the nutritional quality and stability of the oil, combining 75% sesame oil and 25% grapeseed oil has the best nutritional quality and lower cost than pure sesame oil formula. After frying process, comparison of sesame and grapeseed oil different factors with national Iranian standard limits showed that the parameters of acid number and peroxide value were more than Iran’s national standard, but the content of polar compounds was within the permissible content. Finally, the mixture of sesame and grapeseed oil is not suitable for long‐term heating and frying.
Tracer‐specific reference tissues selection improves detection of 18F‐FDG, 18F‐florbetapir, and 18F‐flortaucipir PET SUVR changes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Yanxiao , Ng Yee Ling , Paranjpe Manish D. , Ge Qi , Gu Fengyun , Li Panlong , Yan Shaozhen , Lu Jie , Wang Xiuying , Zhou Yun ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2022

This study sought to identify a reference tissue‐based quantification approach for improving the statistical power in detecting changes in brain glucose metabolism, amyloid, and tau deposition in Alzheimer's disease studies. A total of 794, 906, and 903 scans were included for 18F‐FDG, 18F‐florbetapir, and 18F‐flortaucipir, respectively. Positron emission tomography (PET) and T1‐weighted images of participants were collected from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative database, followed by partial volume correction. The standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) calculated from the cerebellum gray matter, centrum semiovale, and pons were evaluated at both region of interest (ROI) and voxelwise levels. The statistical power of reference tissues in detecting longitudinal SUVR changes was assessed via paired t‐test. In cross‐sectional analysis, the impact of reference tissue‐based SUVR differences between cognitively normal and cognitively impaired groups was evaluated by effect sizes Cohen's d and two sample t‐test adjusted by age, sex, and education levels. The average ROI t values of pons were 86.62 and 38.40% higher than that of centrum semiovale and cerebellum gray matter in detecting glucose metabolism decreases, while the centrum semiovale reference tissue‐based SUVR provided higher t values for the detection of amyloid and tau deposition increases. The three reference tissues generated comparable d images for 18F‐FDG, 18F‐florbetapir, and 18F‐flortaucipir and comparable t maps for 18F‐florbetapir and 18F‐flortaucipir, but pons‐based t map showed superior performance in 18F‐FDG. In conclusion, the tracer‐specific reference tissue improved the detection of 18F‐FDG, 18F‐florbetapir, and 18F‐flortaucipir PET SUVR changes, which helps the early diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, and therapeutic response in Alzheimer's disease.
The safety and clinical effectiveness of rapid infusion with CT‐P10 in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A retrospective non‐interventional post‐authorization safety study in Europe
Authors: Bishton Mark , Marshall Scott , Harchowal Jatinder , Salles Gilles , Golfier Camille , Tucci Alessandra , Fernández Alicia Rodriguez , Sanchez Blanco Jose Javier , Bocchia Monica , Kim SooKyoung , Lee Young Nam , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: February 2022

Rapid infusion (RI) of the rituximab biosimilar CT‐P10 is currently only an approved treatment regimen for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Although both CT‐P10 and reference rituximab are known to be frequently administered using a RI regimen (≤90 min) in clinical practice, published data on the safety of RI of CT‐P10 in patients with NHL and CLL are limited. Hence, this study collected real‐world safety and effectiveness data on RI‐CT‐P10 from the medical records of 196 patients with NHL or CLL in 10 European centers, 6 months after the date of the first RI (index date); the infusion‐related reaction (IRR) rate was compared to previously published data. Ten percent (95% confidence interval 6%–15%; n = 20/196) of patients experienced an infusion‐related reaction (IRR) on day 1–2 post‐index, which was not significantly different (p = 0.45) to the IRR rate for rituximab described in a previous meta‐analysis (8.8%). During the observation period, 2% of patients experienced grade 3–5 IRRs and 85% (n = 166) experienced an adverse event (non‐IRR). The most common reason for discontinuation of first‐line CT‐P10 was planned treatment completion (81%; n = 158). Complete response and partial response to CT‐P10 was observed in 74% (n = 142/192) and 22% (n = 42/192) of patients, respectively. The results of this real‐world study demonstrate that the safety and effectiveness profile of RI‐CT‐P10 is similar to RI of reference rituximab and therefore support the current use of RI‐CT‐P10 in patients with NHL and CLL.
Economic policy uncertainty and stock markets’ co‐movements
Authors: Albrecht Peter , Kapounek Svatopluk , Kučerová Zuzana
Published: February 2022

Here, we investigate the direction of the relationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and stock markets. We focus on time‐variant co‐movements between the EPU index and selected stock market indices (S&P500, UK100, Nikkei225 and DAX30) at different investment horizons. We show that the EPU index lags stock markets at longer investment horizons during global financial turmoil, especially in the United States, Japan and Germany. The identified lag between the changes of the EPU index and selected stock market indices ranges between 2 and 6 months at investment horizons exceeding 32 months. In addition, we confirm the existence of the short‐term effects of EPU on stock markets.
IoT‐Pi: A machine learning‐based lightweight framework for cost‐effective distributed computing using IoT
Authors: Shao Tianchen , Chowdhury Deepraj , Gill Sukhpal Singh , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: February 2022

It is possible to develop intelligent and self‐adaptive application on the edge nodes with rapid increase in computational capability of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. With the rapid growth of cloud technologies, the demand for hybrid architecture with cloud and IoT has also been boosted as well. To satisfy the critical and comprehensive requirements in the architecture evolution, we proposed a lightweight framework called IoT‐Pi to provide a 3‐phase (sample, learn, adapt) life cycle management of cloud resources with machine learning prediction working on IoT edge nodes using Raspberry Pi device. Compared to the traditional interference by human beings in the field of system administration, the accuracy rate of machine learning prediction in the proposed technique for some algorithms reached over 70%, which demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of running cloud resource management on an IoT devices such as Raspberry Pi.
Modeling of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid removal from aqueous solution with fixed bed adsorption column: Thomas and Yoon–Nelson methods
Authors: Belat Begum , Veli Sevil , Isgoren Melike
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

In Turkey, which is one of the world's top walnut producers, the volume of waste shell has increased in recent years as a result of escalating consumption. Globally, including in Turkey, cleaning products are the leading pollutants entering the aquatic environment. This study aimed to address both issues, by investigating the removal of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid synthetic solution through a fixed‐bed adsorption column system embedded with the composite of a polyaniline‐supported activated walnut shell.

RESULTS

Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid removal efficiency was evaluated in terms of detergent and chemical oxygen demand (COD) parameters. Column performance increased with low flow rate, increased bed height and high inlet concentration. Optimum conditions were determined as 7.5 cm bed height, 10 mL min−1 flow rate, and 30 mg L−1 inlet solution concentration. Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models were applied to experimental data to estimate the column adsorption behavior. The Yoon–Nelson model (R2 > 0.9) seemed fit to explain the adsorption column behavior. To understand the reuse capacity of the adsorbent a regeneration study was carried out, showing that the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent (qtotal) decreased from 216 mg g−1 before regeneration to 6.4 mg g−1 after the third regeneration cycle.

CONCLUSION

This adsorbent has a high potential for detergent and COD adsorption from anionic aqueous solutions, and would be a good alternative for a pretreatment step. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Seabird stress and breeding: Endocrine and hematological stress biomarkers differ between gray‐faced petrel (Pterodroma gouldi) colonies
Authors: Whitehead Edin A. , Russell James C. , Hickey Anthony J. , Taylor Graeme A. , O'Reilly Katie M. , Della Penna Alice , Dunphy Brendon J.
Published: February 2022

Seabird breeding success is known to reflect oceanic conditions. Gray‐faced petrels (Pterodroma gouldi) breeding on the east coast of Auckland, New Zealand, exhibit poor reproductive success and slow chick development compared to west coast conspecifics. This study mapped changes in physiological traits (corticosterone [CORT] and hematological parameters) indicative of sublethal stress in this Procellariiform species between the west coast (Ihumoana) and east coast (Hāwere) island colonies. We found adult gray‐faced petrels on the east coast to be lighter and, unlike west coast birds, exhibited an attenuation of response CORT levels between incubation and chick‐rearing phases. Such responses were also reflected in east coast chicks that were lighter and had higher feather CORT titers than west coast chicks. Measures of adult hematology and plasma biochemistry revealed significantly lower glucose levels in east coast birds and indicated that chick rearing is the most stressful phase of breeding for this species Combined; these results suggest that east coast birds are under greater nutritional stress and that parents appear to transfer the costs of poor foraging to their chicks to preserve their own condition, consequently increasing chick developmental stress. Our results suggest that any long‐term decrease in ocean conditions and/or climatic shifts would be more acutely felt by east coast chicks and potentially their parents, resulting in years of poor breeding success rates on a local scale.
Phase Ib study of avadomide (CC‐122) in combination with rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma
Authors: Nastoupil Loretta J. , Kuruvilla John , Chavez Julio C. , Bijou Fontanet , Witzig Thomas E. , Santoro Armando , Flinn Ian W. , Boccomini Carola , Kenkre Vaishalee P. , Corradini Paolo , Isufi Iris , Andorsky David J. , Klein Leonard M. , Greenwald Daniel R. , Sangha Randeep , Shen Frank , Hagner Patrick , Li Yan , Dobmeyer Juergen , Gong Nian , Uttamsingh Shailaja , Pourdehnad Michael , Ribrag Vincent
Published: February 2022

The multicenter, phase Ib CC‐122‐DLBCL‐001 dose‐expansion study (NCT02031419) explored the cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD) agent avadomide (CC‐122) plus rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or follicular lymphoma (FL). Patients received avadomide 3 mg/day 5 days on/2 days off plus rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 8 of cycle 1, day 1 of cycles 2 through 6, and day 1 of every third subsequent cycle for 2 years. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability; preliminary efficacy was a secondary endpoint. A total of 68 patients were enrolled (DLBCL [n = 27], FL [n = 41; 31 lenalidomide‐naïve, 10 lenalidomide‐treated]). Median age was 62 years (range, 33–84 years), and patients had received a median of 3 (range, 1–8) prior regimens. Among patients with DLBCL, 66.7% had primary refractory disease (partial response or less to initial therapy). Among patients with FL, 65.9% were rituximab‐refractory at study entry and 10.0% were lenalidomide‐refractory. The most common any‐grade avadomide‐related adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (63.2%), infections/infestations (23.5%), fatigue (22.1%), and diarrhea (19.1%). The most common grade 3/4 avadomide‐related AEs were neutropenia (55.9%) infections/infestations (8.8%), and febrile neutropenia (7.4%). In patients with DLBCL, overall response rate (ORR) was 40.7% and median duration of response (mDOR) was 8.0 months. In patients with FL, ORR was 80.5% and mDOR was 27.6 months; response rates were similar in lenalidomide‐naïve and ‐treated patients. Avadomide plus rituximab was well tolerated, and preliminary antitumor activity was observed in patients with R/R DLBCL and FL, including subgroups with typically poor outcomes. These results support further investigation of novel CELMoD agents in combination with rituximab in R/R DLBCL and FL.