bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible interactions between gut microbiome and division of labor in honey bees
Authors: Wang Kang , Zheng Ming , Cai Minqi , Zhang Yi , Fan Yuanchan , Lin Zheguang , Wang Zhi , Niu Qingsheng , Ji Ting
Published: August 2024

Recent studies have provided new insights into the role of the microbiome in shaping host behavior. However, the relationship between the temporal division of labor among honey bees (Apis mellifera) and their gut microbial community has not been widely studied. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the link between the gut microbiome and division of labor in honey bees by examining the microbial absolute abundance and relative composition of 7‐day‐old nurse bees and 28‐day‐old forager bees from a natural hive, as well as those of worker bees of the same 14‐day‐old age showing different behaviors in a manipulated hive. We found that forager bees had fewer core bacteria, particularly gram‐positive fermentative genera such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with Bifidobacterium asteroides being the most sensitive to host behavioral tasks. Our results showed that forager bees have lower gut community stability compared to nurse bees, suggesting that their gut community is more susceptible to invasion by non‐core members. Furthermore, a pollen limitation experiment using caged honey bees indicated that dietary changes during behavioral shifts may be a driving factor in honey bee microbial diversity. This study contributes to a greater understanding of the interaction between the gut microbiome and behavioral tasks and provides a foundation for future assays.
A Practical Zinc Metal Anode Coating Strategy Utilizing Bulk h‐BN and Improved Hydrogen Redox Kinetics
Authors: Kim Dong Il , Jeong Hee Bin , Lim Jungmoon , Jeong Hyeong Seop , Kim Min Kyeong , Pak Sangyeon , Lee Sanghyo , An Geon‐Hyoung , Chee Sang‐Soo , Hong Jin Pyo , Cha SeungNam , Hong John
Published: August 2024

Achieving high‐performance aqueous zinc‐ion batteries requires addressing the challenges associated with the stability of zinc metal anodes, particularly the formation of inhomogeneous zinc dendrites during cycling and unstable surface electrochemistry. This study introduces a practical method for scattering untreated bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) particles onto the zinc anode surface. During cycling, stabilized zinc fills the interstices of scattered h‐BN, resulting in a more favorable (002) orientation. Consequently, zinc dendrite formation is effectively suppressed, leading to improved electrochemical stability. The zinc with scattered h‐BN in a symmetric cell configuration maintains stability 10 times longer than the bare zinc symmetric cell, lasting 500 hours. Furthermore, in a full cell configuration with α‐MnO2 cathode, increased H+ ion activity can effectively alter the major redox kinetics of cycling due to the presence of scattered h‐BN on the zinc anode. This shift in H+ ion activity lowers the overall redox potential, resulting in a discharge capacity retention of 96.1% for 300 cycles at a charge/discharge rate of 0.5 A g−1. This study highlights the crucial role of surface modification, and the innovative use of bulk h‐BN provides a practical and effective solution for improving the performance and stability.
The complement system: A key player in the host response to infections
Authors: Jayaraman Archana , Walachowski Sarah , Bosmann Markus
Published: August 2024

Infections are one of the most significant healthcare and economic burdens across the world as underscored by the recent coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, with the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to better understand host–pathogen interactions to design effective treatment strategies. The complement system is a key arsenal of the host defense response to pathogens and bridges both innate and adaptive immunity. However, in the contest between pathogens and host defense mechanisms, the host is not always victorious. Pathogens have evolved several approaches, including co‐opting the host complement regulators to evade complement‐mediated killing. Furthermore, deficiencies in the complement proteins, both genetic and therapeutic, can lead to an inefficient complement‐mediated pathogen eradication, rendering the host more susceptible to certain infections. On the other hand, overwhelming infection can provoke fulminant complement activation with uncontrolled inflammation and potentially fatal tissue and organ damage. This review presents an overview of critical aspects of the complement‐pathogen interactions during infection and discusses perspectives on designing therapies to mitigate complement dysfunction and limit tissue injury.
Denitrative Functionalization of Nitroarenes: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Li Haiyan , Lei Zhiguo , Yang Xun , Xiao Yuxuan , Yin Ying , Du Jiahui , Duan Wengui , Yu Lin
Published: August 2024

Nitroarenes are fundamental feedstocks in the chemical industry. Their relatively inert C−NO2 bond allows for late‐stage modifications of molecules and exhibits complete orthogonality to the reactivity of C‐halogen bond in cross‐coupling reactions. The denitrative functionalization of nitroarenes holds significant appeal due to it avoids the use of aryl halides, thereby simplifying reaction steps and improving atom and step economy. Recent progress in direct denitrative functionalization of nitroarenes includes palladium‐catalyzed denitrative coupling, copper‐catalyzed denitrative coupling, as well as metal‐free one‐pot C−NO2 functionalization. In this review, we provide a concise overview of these advancements, detailing the reaction features and mechanisms. This summary aims to highlight the versatility and efficiency of denitrative functionalization methodologies, offering insights into their potential applications and inspiring further research in this promising area of organic synthesis.
ART26.12, a novel fatty acid‐binding protein 5 inhibitor, shows efficacy in multiple preclinical neuropathy models
Authors: Warren W. G. , Osborn M. , David‐Pereira A. , Tsantoulas C. , Xue Wenwen , Yates A. , OSullivan S. E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Painful neuropathy is a pathological condition caused by numerous factors including diabetes, chemotherapy or cancer. ART26.12 is a novel fatty acid‐binding protein 5 inhibitor, which our group showed could prevent and treat persistent pain in a preclinical model of oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

In the current study, the efficacy of orally dosed ART26.12 was tested in multiple neuropathy models of different aetiology. Paw withdrawal threshold to von Frey monofilaments and latency to escape a cold plate were used as measurements of mechanical and cold sensitivity.

Results

ART26.12 (25 and 50 mg/kg BID), dosed prior to the induction of paclitaxel‐induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN), reversed mechanical allodynia induced by paclitaxel in both male and female rats, and ART26.12 (50 mg/kg BID) prevented the induction of PIPN in female rats. ART26.12 (50 mg/kg BID) also had a protective effect on body weight in the PIPN model. ART26.12 (25 and 100 mg/kg BID) reversed mechanical allodynia when treating established streptozotocin‐induced diabetic neuropathy in male rats. In a model of breast cancer‐induced bone pain in female rats, ART26.12 (100 mg/kg BID) reversed mechanical allodynia within 1 h of dosing. In the same model, ART26.12 (25 mg/kg BID) reversed mechanical allodynia from day 4 of treatment.

Conclusion

Overall, these preclinical data suggest that ART26.12 is a safe and efficacious therapeutic drug for continued development towards the prevention and treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

Significance Statement

This work now shows that ART26.12, a novel and selective inhibitor of FABP5, can prevent and treat multiple preclinical models of peripheral neuropathy. Given its excellent safety profile, further work is warranted to develop ART26.12 as a potential therapeutic tool for pain management.
Microbial Squalene: A Sustainable Alternative for the Cosmetics and Pharmaceutical Industry – A Review
Authors: Shalu Saseendran , Karthikanath Panam Kunnel Raveendranathan , Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar , Blank Lars M. , Germer Andrea , Balakumaran Palanisamy Athiyaman
Published: August 2024

Squalene is a natural triterpenoid and a biosynthetic precursor of steroids and hopanoids in microorganisms, plants, humans, and other animals. Squalene has exceptional properties, such as its antioxidant activity, a high penetrability of the skin, and the ability to trigger the immune system, promoting its application in the cosmetic, sustenance, and pharmaceutical industries. Because sharks are the primary source of squalene, there is a need to identify low‐cost, environment friendly, and sustainable alternatives for producing squalene commercially. This shift has prompted scientists to apply biotechnological advances to research microorganisms for synthesizing squalene. This review summarizes recent metabolic and bioprocess engineering strategies in various microorganisms for the biotechnological production of this valuable molecule.
A hierarchical constrained density regression model for predicting cluster‐level dose‐response
Authors: Pennell Michael L. , Wheeler Matthew W. , Auerbach Scott S.
Published: August 2024

With the advent of new alternative methods for rapid toxicity screening of chemicals comes the need for new statistical methodologies which appropriately synthesize the large amount of data collected. For example, transcriptomic assays can be used to assess the impact of a chemical on thousands of genes, but current approaches to analyzing the data treat each gene separately and do not allow sharing of information among genes within pathways. Furthermore, the methods employed are fully parametric and do not account for changes in distribution shape that may occur at high exposure levels. To address the limitations of these methods, we propose Constrained Logistic Density Regression (COLDER) to model expression data from different genes simultaneously. Under COLDER, the dose‐response function for each gene is assigned a prior via a discrete logistic stick‐breaking process (LSBP) whose weights depend on gene‐level characteristics (e.g., pathway membership) and atoms consist of different dose‐response functions subject to a shape constraint that ensures biological plausibility. The posterior distribution for the benchmark dose among genes within the same pathways can be estimated directly from the model, which is another advantage over current methods. The ability of COLDER to predict gene‐level dose‐response is evaluated in a simulation study and the method is illustrated with data from a National Toxicology Program study of Aflatoxin B1.
Study on the effective drainage range of long horizontal borehole for goaf gas drainage
Authors: Guo Mingjie , Guo Wenbing , Yuan Ruifu , Tan Yi , Bai Erhu
Published: August 2024

Laying long horizontal borehole (LHB) in mining‐induced strata fractures for coal‐bed gas drainage in the goaf is a pivotal method for eliminating safety hazards, preventing atmospheric pollution, and realizing gas utilization. A crucial premise of this method is to determine the effective drainage range of the borehole, a key parameter directly affecting boreholes spacing and drainage efficiency. In this study, a model of gas seepage during LHB drainage within a circular equipotential boundary was presented, and the complex variable function theory and the mirror principle were adopted for deriving the complex potential function of gas flow under the condition of LHB drainage and the drainage volume function of a single center borehole. Besides, the main indicator to determinate the effective drainage range of LHB was given. Specifically, the indicator refers to the distance between the turning point (the point at which the change rate of the gas flow velocity is −0.002 around the borehole) and the center of the borehole. Subsequently, numerical simulation was conducted to obtain the effective drainage range of LHB within mining‐induced fractures of overlying strata, that is, 4 m < r < 7 m. Furthermore, discussion of the effective drainage range of LHB was carried out by analyzing gas flow velocity distributions and LHB drainage volumes. A case study demonstrates that a double‐borehole layout with a 10 m spacing can effectively control pressure‐relief gas in the goaf. Meanwhile, such a layout can achieve well‐balanced drainage efficiency of each borehole with a minimal difference of 0.31 m3 min−1, which is only about 7.9% of the average drainage volume of the two boreholes. The above results verify that the determined effective drainage range of LHB is reasonable. The research results can provide references for determining the drainage range of LHB in multi‐borehole layout of coal mines, and then determining the spacing of LHBs arrangement, thereby improving the efficiency of gas extraction.
The National Electrical Safety Code, powerline clearances, and wildfires
Authors: Babrauskas Vytenis
Published: August 2024

The provisions of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) have a long, but undocumented history. They are the primary means by which Public Utilities Commission agencies in various States in the United States enforce requirements for electrical clearances pertinent to high‐voltage powerlines. Examination of the NESC provisions for clearances between grounded guy wires and distribution phase conductors in the context of the Woolsey Fire indicates a comprehensive lack of realism in the Code provisions. While they may be entirely sufficient to prevent sparkover under normal operating conditions, they are wholly insufficient to cope with even modest adverse events. The profession should consider explicitly assessing factors beyond sparkover that affect the adequacy of clearance requirements. The provisions of the NESC (and California's parallel General Order No. 95) should be systematically reexamined in order to ensure that safety regulations can cope with adverse events that are serious, but not extreme. Since the vast majority of the electrical power network is aging and not new construction, a scheme should be developed to establish priorities for upgrading existing facilities at the highest risk of failure.
Long‐term immune changes in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia following treatment with venetoclax plus rituximab
Authors: Kater Arnon P. , Eichhorst Barbara F. , Owen Carolyn J. , Jaeger Ulrich , Chyla Brenda , Lefebure Marcus , Millen Rosemary , Jiang Yanwen , Thadani‐Mulero Maria , Boyer Michelle , Seymour John F.
Published: August 2024

Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Anti‐CD20 antibodies (e.g., rituximab [R]) can be combined with venetoclax (Ven) to treat CLL. However, anti‐CD20 antibodies can increase hypogammaglobulinemia risk, while the effects of Ven on immune dysregulation are still uncertain. We report long‐term immune changes in VenR‐ and bendamustine‐R (BR)‐treated patients with relapsed/refractory CLL in the MURANO trial (NCT02005471). Patients were randomized to fixed‐duration VenR (2 years Ven; VenR for the first 6 months) or BR (6 months). Immune cell levels were evaluated at the end of combination treatment (EOCT), end of treatment (EOT; VenR arm only), and 12 and 24 months post‐EOCT. Overall, 130/194 VenR‐ and 134/195 BR‐treated patients completed treatment without progressive disease. In patients who completed VenR combination therapy, median immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM levels decreased from baseline to EOT (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.0001, respectively); by 24 months, post‐EOT IgG had returned to baseline level and IgM had increased from baseline (p ≤ 0.001). Median IgA levels increased from baseline to 12 (p ≤ 0.0001) and 24 months post‐EOT (p ≤ 0.0001). In BR‐treated patients, changes in IgG, IgA, and IgM levels across the assessed time points were not significant, and by 24 months, post‐EOCT IgG, IgA, and IgM were above baseline levels. Grade ≥3 infection rates on treatment were low. Overall, immune recovery was observed with VenR and BR, with stabilization of Ig levels after treatment. Post‐treatment infection rates were generally low, making these very tolerable therapies for CLL.
Assessing the implementation of healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices in Early Childhood Education and Care in New South Wales, Australia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Renda Ana , Reilly Kathryn , Yoong Serene , Lum Melanie , Lecathelinais Christophe , Hodder Rebecca , Grady Alice
Published: August 2024

Issue Addressed

Australian children are not meeting the recommended physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) guidelines. Health behaviour practices implemented in community settings such as early education services can improve child's health outcomes and are therefore key to help meet guidelines. This study aimed to measure the implementation of HE and PA policies and practices in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and to examine their association with service characteristics.

Methods

A random sample of 1122 centre‐based ECEC services were invited to a cross‐sectional survey measuring HE and PA policy and practice implementation. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between the service characteristics and implementation of policies/practices.

Results

In total, 565 ECEC services completed the survey. Results show that while some practices are implemented, the implementation of practices promoting HE and PA education is low. Practices related to educator training for HE (18%) and PA (13%) were poorly implemented. The implementation of practices such as ‘providing educator training around child PA’, ‘engaging families in activities to increase child PA’ and ‘encouraging supportive feeding practices’ were significantly higher in services located in major cities than regional/remote services. ‘Having a PA policy’ and the practice of ‘limiting the use of screen time’ was significantly higher in long day care services than in preschools. The implementation of ‘providing educator‐led PA’, ‘providing free play opportunities’ and ‘having a PA policy’ was significantly lower in private not‐for‐profit community managed services than in private for‐profit services.

Conclusions

Implementation of various HE and PA policies and practices in regional/remote services, private not‐for‐profit services and preschools across NSW could be improved.

So What?

Future research should be prioritised towards identifying factors influencing the implementation of these policies and practices to best tailor implementation support efforts for those who need it the most.
Assessment of in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam on carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacterales from Iran: An experimental study
Authors: Haeili Mehri , Ghaderi Bavil‐Olyaei Parisa
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

The prevalence of carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacterales (CPE) continues to increase worldwide. Combination of β‐lactam and novel β‐lactamase inhibitors introduce a revolutionary treatment option for CPE. Ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVB) has been recently developed for treatment of severe infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria. We aimed to evaluate in vitro activity of CAZ/AVB on a collection of 85 ESBL‐producing‐carbapenemase negative and CPE from Iran.

Methods

ESBL and carbapenemase production was phenotypically confirmed by combined disk test and modified carbapenem inactivation method respectively. The presence of clinically important carbapenemase encoding genes was examined using PCR. Susceptibility of all isolates to CAZ/AVB was determined using discs containing 30 μg ceftazidime +20 μg avibactam (AVB). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CAZ/AVB in 28 CPE (4 Escherichia coli and 24 Klebsiella pneumoniae) was determined by gradient diffusion method using MIC test strips (0.016−256 mg/L ceftazidime +4 mg/L AVB).

Results

All phenotypically identified ESBL positive‐carbapenemase negative isolates were found to be susceptible to CAZ/AVB. Among the carbapenem resistant isolates, CAZ/AVB showed potent inhibitory activity against all OXA‐48‐like (MIC ranges 0.125/4−0.75/4 mg/L) and KPC positive isolates (MIC ranges <0.016/4−0.19/4 mg/L). However, AVB could not restore the activity of ceftazdime against isolates producing metallo‐β‐lactamases (MLBs) including VIM, NDM (MIC > 256/4 mg/L) and IMP (MIC > 8/4 mg/L).

Conclusion

Our data highlighted the excellent in vitro performance of CAZ/AVB against ESBL‐producing and CPE suggesting that this combination can efficiently be used as therapeutic option for management of CPE infections particularly in regions with high prevalence of KPC and/or OXA‐48‐like positive but MBL‐negative Enterobacterales.
Mixed convective nanofluid flow and heat transfer induced by a stretchable rotating disk in porous medium
Authors: Maiti Hiranmoy , Mukhopadhyay Swati
Published: August 2024

Enhancement of “heat transfer” using “nanofluid” has diverse potential applications in heat exchangers, thermal management of electric devices, cooling of tractors, solar thermal systems, manufacturing of paper, and many others. Hence, the aim of the current investigation is to explore the impacts of “mixed convection” on “nanofluid flow” over a permeable rotating disk, which is stretched radially in a porous medium. Variable wall “temperature” and “convective boundary conditions” are also considered here. This makes the present investigation different from others. The suitable “similarity transformations” are imposed to alter the governing partial differential equations into a set of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Then, these ODEs are solved numerically by the “4th order Runge‐Kutta method” using the “shooting technique” with the help of the bvp4c package in MATLAB software. The effects of fluid controlling “parameters” on “flow and thermal fields” as well as “skin friction coefficient” and “Nusselt number” are presented graphically and explained physically. Due to enhanced rotation of the disk, the radial and azimuthal velocity of the fluid increase and the temperature of the fluid decreases. Most importantly, it is observed that when the disk rotates faster than the stretching rate, the temperature of the nanofluid decreases rapidly, which has wider applications for cooling purposes. It is also noted that when the suction parameter increases its value from −1 to 1, for Ag–water nanofluid, the “skin friction coefficient” decreases by 73.56%, and the Nusselt number also decreases by 24.11%, and for Fe3O4–water nanofluids, the “skin friction coefficient” decreases by 71.25% and the Nusselt number decreases by 24.47%.
Utilizing multilayer perceptron for machine learning diagnosis in phase change material‐based thermal management systems
Authors: Arif Abdul , Reddy Vallapureddy Siva Nagi , Srividya Kode , Mallampalli Ujwal Teja
Published: August 2024

Electric vehicles encounter significant challenges in colder climates due to reduced battery efficiency at low temperatures and increased electricity demand for cabin heating, which impacts vehicle propulsion. This study aims to address these challenges by implementing a thermal management system utilizing Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and validating the performance of a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model in predicting PCMs behavior and battery temperature distributions. The study employs an MLP model trained with 160 samples of diverse heat inputs, including pulsating, constant, wiener, discharging, and random temperatures. The model uses these temperatures as inputs and liquid fractions as target values. Performance evaluation is conducted using the MATLAB platform and is benchmarked against existing approaches, such as Long Short‐term Memory (LSTM), spatiotemporal convolutional neural network (CNN), and pooled CNN‐LSTM. The MLP model's accuracy in predicting PCMs phase transitions is validated by comparing predicted liquid fractions with numerically obtained values. Additionally, this study forecasts temperature distributions within a standard battery pack under various discharge scenarios, considering the performance of commercial lithium‐ion batteries. The proposed MLP model demonstrates high efficacy, achieving a correlation of up to 0.999 and root mean squared error below 0.013 compared with numerical results.
A portfolio diversification measure in the unit interval: A coherent and practical approach
Authors: Flores Yuri Salazar , Diaz‐Hernandez Adan , Nolasco‐Jauregui Oralia , Quezada‐Tellez Luis Alberto
Published: August 2024

In this article, we introduce and examine the efficiency of a portfolio diversification measure. Using the recently developed coherence properties for diversification measures as well as other criteria, we show that the novel measure outperforms the most commonly used diversification measures. Although similar in shape to other measures, our measure is the only one that satisfies all nine coherence properties whilst being easily interpreted. After testing interpretability and coherence for all measures, we perform an empirical analysis divided into two main parts. In the first part, we test some common diversification measures in a Gaussian context and in the second part we consider three empirical portfolios during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We establish the efficiency of our measure in capturing the changing level of diversification in empirical portfolios. We believe these results imply a competitive advantage for our measure and make it relevant for econometricians, practitioners and decision‐makers in general in a portfolio optimisation context.
Personal value preferences, multifaceted job satisfaction and burnout in Israeli high‐tech
Authors: Tartakovsky Eugene , Orange Philippe
Published: August 2024

This study investigates connections between personal value preferences, satisfaction with different facets of the job and burnout among high‐tech workers. The study's sample included 175 individuals (43% females) working in the high‐tech industry in Israel. A high level of satisfaction with work content was associated with low burnout and high professional accomplishment, and satisfaction with coworkers was associated with low burnout. Satisfaction with supervisor, salary and promotion opportunities did not affect high‐tech workers' burnout and professional accomplishment. A high preference for achievement values was associated with high professional accomplishment. A high preference for power values was associated with low satisfaction with all job facets. In addition, power values increased burnout indirectly by reducing satisfaction with work content and coworkers. Power values also decreased personal accomplishment indirectly by reducing satisfaction with work content. A high preference for self‐direction values was associated with high satisfaction with salary and promotion opportunities. Finally, high preferences for achievement and universalism values were associated with high satisfaction with promotion opportunities. The theoretical and practical implications of the obtained results are discussed.
A review of memristive reservoir computing for temporal data processing and sensing
Authors: Jang Yoon Ho , Han Joon‐Kyu , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: August 2024

Reservoir computing (RC) is a promising paradigm for machine learning that uses a fixed, randomly generated network, known as the reservoir, to process input data. A memristor with fading memory and nonlinearity characteristics was adopted as a physical reservoir to implement the hardware RC system. This article reviews the device requirements for effective memristive reservoir implementation and methods for obtaining higher‐dimensional reservoirs for improving RC system performance. In addition, recent in‐sensor RC system studies, which use a memristor that the resistance is changed by an optical signal to realize an energy‐efficient machine vision, are discussed. Finally, the limitations that the memristive and in‐sensor RC systems encounter when attempting to improve performance further are discussed, and future directions that may overcome these challenges are suggested.
Assessment of irrigation performance trends using selected comparative indicators over consecutive periods: A case study of the Koga Irrigation Scheme in the Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Desalegn , Damtie Menwagaw T. , Shumye Alebachew
Published: August 2024

The Koga Irrigation Scheme is a modern irrigation scheme in Ethiopia, and furrow irrigation is a common water application method. The main purpose of this study is to show in which year it performed well and what the problems were and to identify the best alternatives that may be essential for managing the scheme effectively and efficiently. The performance trends of the Koga Irrigation Scheme were evaluated using four selected performance indicators, namely, physical, agricultural, water use and economic performance indicators. Primary and secondary data, including geographic locations, water supply, harvested yield, market prices, irrigated crops, actual irrigated area, planned irrigable area, total management and operation cost, water fees and historical climate data, were collected. Land use performance analysis indicates that the scheme operates below its potential. The maximum irrigated area was 6,327.7 ha less than the designed 7,000 ha in 2015 and 3,619.9 ha in 2016. Water consumption peaked in 2015 and decreased in 2016. The dominant crops were wheat (55%), potato (19%), barley (7.6%), onion (7.4%), maize (5.6%) and other crops (5.4%). This suggests a preference for low‐value, water‐intensive crops. Water use by crops is lower than reservoir release, indicating significant water loss. Economic water productivity is low, primarily due to the dominance of low‐value, water‐intensive crops. To enhance scheme performance, the study recommends adjusting cropping patterns, estimating actual water demand for the respective crops and irrigation scheduling, adopting efficient water application methods and strengthening the market chain.
Essential health services tracker to enhance routine data use for sector‐wide decision‐making
Authors: Kikoba Bigten , Mahundi Masoud
Published: August 2024

Healthcare actors have designated a set of services as essential health services (EHSs), essential for achieving universal health coverage. Therefore, monitoring the provision of EHS is indispensable to gauge how countries progress toward achieving universal health coverage. However, there are no mechanisms for sector‐wide monitoring of these services. While EHSs cover the entire health sector, monitoring is left to individual subunits and health programs, which often confine themselves to specific diseases and health interventions. This makes it difficult to monitor interferences to the provision of these services. Such interferences include epidemics and pandemics such as COVID‐19, Marburg, Ebola, and seasonal incidences of cholera. This study, therefore, proposes an EHS tracker, a data visualization tool, to enhance routine data use for monitoring and tracking EHSs regularly. The paper details a collaborative process for developing the tracker, culminating in the creation of the tool itself. The paper contributes to the ongoing initiatives to strengthen data use practices using innovative solutions in the efforts to institutionalize data use practices and data‐driven decision‐making for improved healthcare service delivery.
p38MAPK/HSPB1 is involved in the regulatory effects of selenomethionine on the apoptosis, viability and testosterone secretion of sheep Leydig cells exposed to heat
Authors: Xu Yinying , Xia Yuting , Zhao Jie , Yu Hao , Zhang Yanli , Mao Dagan
Published: August 2024

Testosterone derived from testicular Leydig cells (LCs) is important for male sheep, and the testis is susceptible to external temperature. The present study aimed to explore the alleviating effect of selenomethionine (Se‐Met) on heat‐induced injury in Hu sheep LCs. Isolated LCs were exposed to heat (41.5°C, heat exposure, HE) or not (37°C, nonheat exposure, NE), and cells in NE and HE were treated with 0 (C) or 8 μmol/L (S) Se‐Met for 6 h. Cell viability, testosterone level, and the expression of GPX1, HSD3B, apoptosis‐related genes and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK)/heat shock protein beta‐1 (HSPB1) pathway were examined. The results showed that Se‐Met increased GPX1 expression (NE‐S vs. NE‐C: 2.28‐fold; HE‐S vs. HE‐C: 2.36‐fold, p < 0.05) and alleviated heat‐induced decrease in cell viability (HE‐S vs. HE‐C: 1.41‐fold; HE‐C vs. NE‐C: 0.61‐fold, p < 0.01), although the viability was still lower than that in the NE‐C cells (HE‐S vs. NE‐C: 0.85‐fold) and Se‐Met‐treated cells (HE‐S vs. NE‐S: 0.81‐fold). Se‐Met relieved heat‐induced decrease in testosterone level (HE‐S vs. HE‐C: 1.84‐fold, p < 0.05) and HSD3B expression (HE‐S vs. HE‐C: 1.67‐fold, p < 0.05). Se‐Met alleviated heat‐induced increase in Bcl2‐associated protein X (BAX) expression (HE‐C vs. HE‐S: 2.4‐fold, p < 0.05), and decrease in B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL2) expression (HE‐S vs. HE‐C: 2.62‐fold, p < 0.05), resulting in increased BCL2/BAX ratio in the HE‐S cells (HE‐S vs. HE‐C: 5.24‐fold, p < 0.05). Furthermore, Se‐Met alleviated heat‐induced activation of p‐p38MAPK/p38MAPK (HE‐C vs. HE‐S: 1.79‐fold, p < 0.05) and p‐HSPB1/HSPB1 (HE‐C vs. HE‐S: 2.72‐fold, p < 0.05). In conclusion, p38MAPK/HSPB1 might be involved in Se‐Met‐mediated alleviation of heat‐induced cell apoptosis, cell viability and testosterone secretion impairments in sheep LCs.
Effects of surface acting on exhaustion of Korean school counselors
Authors: Lim Hajin , Lee Tsai‐Ju , Weng Cathy , Lee Sang Min
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the impact of surface acting on exhaustion in Korean school counselors. Using the daily diary method with 223 school counselors, the study examined how maintaining a positive outward image through surface acting is related to job exhaustion. The results indicated that surface acting at both Level 1 and Level 2 positively affects exhaustion. Additionally, a supportive administrative climate negatively predicted exhaustion. Interestingly, the relationship between surface acting and exhaustion was found to be more pronounced when administrators were perceived as highly supportive, whereas this relationship was attenuated in the context of low administrative support. These findings highlight the complexity of emotional labor and the crucial role of administrative support in the well‐being of school counselors. Future research should further explore these dynamics to develop effective strategies for reducing burnout among school counselors.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 enhances BMSC stemness through ITGA2‐dependent PI3K/AKT pathway activation
Authors: Jiang Nizhou , Hu Zhenxin , Wang Quanxiang , Hao Jiayu , Yang Rui , Jiang Jian , Wang Hong
Published: August 2024

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) are promising cellular reservoirs for treating degenerative diseases, tissue injuries, and immune system disorders. However, the stemness of BMSCs tends to decrease during in vitro cultivation, thereby restricting their efficacy in clinical applications. Consequently, investigating strategies that bolster the preservation of BMSC stemness and maximize therapeutic potential is necessary. Transcriptomic and single‐cell sequencing methodologies were used to perform a comprehensive examination of BMSCs with the objective of substantiating the pivotal involvement of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2) in stemness regulation. To investigate the impact of these genes on the BMSC stemness in vitro, experimental approaches involving loss and gain of function were implemented. These approaches encompassed the modulation of FGF2 and ITGA2 expression levels via small interfering RNA and overexpression plasmids. Furthermore, we examined their influence on the proliferation and differentiation capacities of BMSCs, along with the expression of stemness markers, including octamer‐binding transcription factor 4, Nanog homeobox, and sex determining region Y‐box 2. Transcriptomic analyzes successfully identified FGF2 and ITGA2 as pivotal genes responsible for regulating the stemness of BMSCs. Subsequent single‐cell sequencing revealed that elevated FGF2 and ITGA2 expression levels within specific stem cell subpopulations are closely associated with stemness maintenance. Moreover, additional in vitro experiments have convincingly demonstrated that FGF2 effectively enhances the BMSC stemness by upregulating ITGA2 expression, a process mediated by the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. This conclusion was supported by the observed upregulation of stemness markers following the induction of FGF2 and ITGA2. Moreover, administration of the BEZ235 pathway inhibitor resulted in the repression of stemness transcription factors, suggesting the substantial involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway in stemness preservation facilitated by FGF2 and ITGA2. This study elucidates the involvement of FGF2 in augmenting BMSC stemness by modulating ITGA2 and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings offer valuable contributions to stem cell biology and emphasize the potential of manipulating FGF2 and ITGA2 to optimize BMSCs for therapeutic purposes.
Ankle‐brachial index and carotid ultrasound as surrogates for coronary artery disease diagnosis
Authors: Salles Barbosa Henrique , Tavares Contim Mariana , Gomes Bastos Marcus
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease represents the foremost cause of death among chronic and non‐transmissible diseases. Diagnostic tools commonly used for peripheral and carotid atherosclerosis, such as ankle‐brachial index (ABI) and carotid ultrasonography (CU), may contribute as surrogates for the diagnosis of coronary arterial disease (CAD).

Material and Methods

We report a cross‐sectional study of 50 patients referred to elective invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Patients were submitted to ABI and CU—for carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and carotid atherosclerotic plaque screening (CAPS). Clinical and demographic variables were also evaluated. CAD was defined as greater than 50% stenosis in at least one coronary artery.

Results

In logistic regression analysis, only CAPS showed a statistically significant area under the curve (AUC) for CAD prediction: 0.812 (95% CI, p <0.001). ABI and CIMT did not show statistically significant performance. For multivariate logistic regression analysis, the model including variables “gender,” “dyslipidemia,” “smoking,” “pack‐years,” and CAPS predicted CAD better. The AUC for this model was 0.912 (95% CI, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The screening for carotid atherosclerotic plaques may enhance traditional risk stratification strategies for CAD. Longitudinal studies and bigger samples of subject are needed to allow extrapolation of our findings.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and measurement properties of the Persian version of the modified Cincinnati knee rating system
Authors: Eshraghi Nasim , Mirghaderi Peyman , Omid Reza , Sajadi Mohamad , Pashapour‐Yeganeh Amirreza , Mortazavi S. M. Javad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To validate and assess the cross‐sectional adaptation of the modified Cincinnati knee rating system (MCRKS) Persian translation.

Methods

To assess test‐pretest reliability, 102 participants were asked to fill out the MCRKS (Per) scale after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α), reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), construct validity (Pearson's r) and sensitivity (floor/ceiling effect) were determined. In addition, patients completed other relevant measures as the ACL return to sports after injury (ACL‐RSI) survey, hospital for special surgery ACL satisfaction survey (HSS ACL‐SS), visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and patient's satisfaction, Tegner activity score (TAS), single assessment numeric evaluation, and Lysholm score.

Results

Using MCRKS (Per), the internal consistency (Cronbach's α) was 0.9 (if item deleted: 0.81–0.86); the construct validity (Pearson's r) varied between –0.50 (for VAS pain scale) and 0.79 (for Lysholm score); the reliability (ICC value) varied between 0.82 and 0.97; furthermore, no ceiling or floor effect was present.

Conclusion

The MCRKS (Per) has adequate measurement properties and is considered a valid, reliable and sensitive instrument which can identify clinical outcomes after ACLR surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and risk of meniscus injury: Exploring the safest delay interval
Authors: Utoyo Ghuna Arioharjo , Fachri Dliyauddin , Calvin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The duration for which anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can be delayed without resulting in a risk of subsequent meniscus injury has remained a debatable topic. The main purpose of this study was to determine the safest delay interval for a delayed ACLR.

Methods

This retrospective study included all patients who underwent ACLR between January 2020 and January 2022. The patients were divided into four groups based on the delay interval: <3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months and >12 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) at 1‐year postoperatively.

Results

A total of 95 patients were included in this study. ACLR delay of 3–6 months was not associated with the risk of meniscus injury, while a delay of 6–12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13–16.79; p = 0.031) and >12 months (OR = 10.68; 95% CI = 2.55–42.22; p = 0.001) was associated with a likelihood of developing meniscus injury. Meniscus injury risk increased by 12% for each month of ACLR delay (OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.04–1.22; p = 0.003). Regarding clinical outcomes at 1‐year postoperatively, all groups exhibit the same clinical results.

Conclusion

ACLR can be safely delayed up to 6 months after the initial injury. However, a delay for >6 months must be avoided, as it was found to significantly increase the likelihood of developing a meniscus injury.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Leveraging SEER data through machine learning to predict distant lymph node metastasis and prognosticate outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Sun Jiaxuan , Huang Lei , Liu Yahui
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aims to develop and validate machine learning–based diagnostic and prognostic models to predict the risk of distant lymph node metastases (DLNM) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate the prognosis for this cohort.

Design

Utilizing a retrospective design, this investigation leverages data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, specifically the January 2024 subset, to conduct the analysis.

Participants

The study cohort consists of 15,775 patients diagnosed with HCC as identified within the SEER database, spanning 2016 to 2020.

Method

In the construction of the diagnostic model, recursive feature elimination (RFE) is employed for variable selection, incorporating five critical predictors: age, tumor size, radiation therapy, T‐stage, and serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels. These variables are the foundation for a stacking ensemble model, which is further elucidated through Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). Conversely, the prognostic model is crafted utilizing stepwise backward regression to select pertinent variables, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, tumor size, and age. This model culminates in the development of a prognostic nomogram, underpinned by the Cox proportional hazards model.

Main outcome measures

The outcome of the diagnostic model is the occurrence of DLNM in patients. The outcome of the prognosis model is determined by survival time and survival status.

Results

The integrated model developed based on stacking demonstrates good predictive performance and high interpretative variability and differentiation. The area under the curve (AUC) in the training set is 0.767, while the AUC in the validation set is 0.768. The nomogram, constructed using the Cox model, also demonstrates consistent and strong predictive capabilities. At the same time, we recognized elements that have a substantial impact on DLNM and the prognosis and extensively discussed their significance in the model and clinical practice.

Conclusion

Our study identified key predictive factors for DLNM and elucidated significant prognostic indicators for HCC patients with DLNM. These findings provide clinicians with valuable tools to accurately identify high‐risk individuals for DLNM and conduct more precise risk stratification for this patient subgroup, potentially improving management strategies and patient outcomes.
Numerical modeling of HTS excited medium‐speed wind generators with diode rectifier stator feeding
Authors: Köster Robin , Binder Andreas
Published: August 2024

Medium‐speed wind generators in the MW‐range with high‐temperature superconducting excitation winding are analyzed by means of non‐linear 2D and 3D FEM models. Besides an inverter‐based sinusoidal stator current feeding, a grid connection via a diode rectifier is analyzed by using coupled FEM and circuit simulations. The newly proposed modeling techniques are used to determine the excitation requirement for speed‐variable, unity power factor operation at constant stator voltage, as required for a diode rectifier feeding of the stator winding. 2D FEM models in the H‐A‐formulation are developed and used for the calculation of the hysteresis loss in the superconducting field winding at stationary operation as well as for an investigation of field current variations in the HTS field winding. The major modeling challenges consist in very long settling times of voltage‐fed models, several strong model non‐linearities and high requirements on the spatial discretization. Approaches for overcoming these difficulties with reasonable computational efficiency are proposed.
Coupling effects of irrigation and nitrogen on spring maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in Northwestern China
Authors: Wang Hairui , Bai Qingjun , Ma Lina , Wan Yu , Dang Xiaowen , Li Jun , Wang Ruonan , Wang Tengfei , Zeng Xuemei
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

This study explored the mechanism of irrigation and nitrogen (N) coupling on spring maize yield and soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the objective of achieving water saving, high yield and emission reduction. Field experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of multiple irrigation and N management strategies on GHG emissions and to determine the optimal balance between GHG, water conservation and grain yield. The experiments were conducted on spring maize with three irrigation levels (low, IL; medium, IM; and high, IH) and 4 N application levels (N40, N80, N120 and N160 kg N ha−1).

RESULTS

The IL treatment exhibited the lowest N2O and CO2 emission fluxes and the lowest CH4 uptake fluxes. The N40 treatment exhibited the lowest N2O and CO2 emission fluxes and the highest CH4 uptake flux. Significant positive correlations were observed among N2O and CO2 emission fluxes, CH4 uptake fluxes, and soil moisture and inorganic N content. Maize yield initially increased and then decreased with rising levels of irrigation and N management. By employing the TOPSIS method to assess yield and greenhouse effects, we identified the IMN120 treatment as optimal given that this treatment achieved the highest yield (14 686.26 kg ha−1) and water use efficiency (3.51 kg m−3) while maintaining relatively low global warming potential (573.30 kg CO2 eq ∙ ha−1) and GHG intensity (0.0390 kg CO2 eq ∙ kg−1).

CONCLUSION

Irrigation optimization and N management are key to reducing GHG emissions, enhancing yield, and promoting both the sustainable development of agriculture and environmental protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.