bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential‐Modulated Ion Distributions in the Back‐to‐Back Electrical Double Layers at a Polarised Liquid|Liquid Interface Regulate the Kinetics of Interfacial Electron Transfer
Authors: Gamero‐Quijano Alonso , Manzanares José A. , Ghazvini Seyed M. B. H. , Low Paul J. , Scanlon Micheál D.
Published: December 2022

Biphasic interfacial electron transfer (IET) reactions at polarisable liquid|liquid (L|L) interfaces underpin new approaches to electrosynthesis, redox electrocatalysis, bioelectrochemistry and artificial photosynthesis. Herein, using cyclic and alternating current voltammetry, we demonstrate that under certain experimental conditions, the biphasic 2‐electron O2 reduction reaction can proceed by single‐step IET between a reductant in the organic phase, decamethylferrocene, and interfacial protons in the presence of O2. Using this biphasic system, we demonstrate that the applied interfacial Galvani potential difference
provides no direct driving force to realise a thermodynamically uphill biphasic IET reaction in the mixed solvent region. We show that the onset potential for a biphasic single‐step IET reaction does not correlate with the thermodynamically predicted standard Galvani IET potential and is instead closely correlated with the potential of zero charge at a polarised L|L interface. We outline that the applied
required to modulate the interfacial ion distributions, and thus kinetics of IET, must be optimised to ensure that the aqueous and organic redox species are present in substantial concentrations at the L|L interface simultaneously in order to react.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Stable Arylfluorene‐Based Radical‐Type Mechanophores
Authors: Sugita Hajime , Lu Yi , Aoki Daisuke , Otsuka Hideyuki , Mikami Koichiro
Published: December 2022

Radical‐type mechanophores (RMs) can undergo homolytic cleavage of their central C−C bonds upon exposure to mechanical forces, which affords radical species. Understanding the characteristics of these radical species allows bespoke mechanoresponsive materials to be designed and developed. The thermal stability of the central C−C bonds and the oxygen tolerance of the generated radical species are crucial characteristics that determine the functions and applicability of such RM‐containing mechanoresponsive materials. In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of two series of arylfluorene‐based RM derivatives, that is, 9,9’‐bis(5‐methyl‐2‐pyridyl)‐9,9’‐bifluorene (BPyF) and 9,9’‐bis(4,6‐diphenyl‐2‐triazyl)‐9,9’‐bifluorene (BTAF). BPyF and BTAF derivatives were synthesized without generating any peroxides initially, albeit that BPyF slowly converted to the corresponding peroxide in solution. DFT calculations revealed the importance of the thermodynamic stability and the values of the α‐SOMO levels of the corresponding radical species for their thermal stability and oxygen tolerance. Furthermore, the mechanochromism of BTAF was demonstrated by ball‐milling a BTAF‐centered polymer, which was synthesized by atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
Investigating the agreement between polarized and unpolarized densitometry in offset lithography printing
Authors: Schneider Devin J. , Myers Bruce L. , Altay Bilge Nazli
Published: December 2022

Automated color measurement systems have become significant components of offset lithographic printing presses for better process control and reduced job waste. Some European press manufacturers are known to offer automated color measurement equipment that is confined to polarized density readings, which is uncommon in US. Introducing polarized densitometry into an environment where unpolarized densitometry is utilized can be problematic. Print professionals are on the lookout for a solution that is evidenced by a recent feature in a post from the IDEAlliance G7 Professionals forum seeking for a methodology to convert polarized to unpolarized readings. The present study applies the Bland–Altman method together with other statistical analyses to determine if a conversion between polarized and unpolarized densitometry can be established within a limited set of parameters. Three spectrodensitometers were used to record densitometric readings of wet and dry process inks on coated and uncoated drawdown proofs. The results showed that coated papers had significantly less variation between instruments compared to uncoated papers. Wet inks had more minor variations compared to dry inks. Furthermore, pure difference values and a Mann–Whitney U test indicated differences between unpolarized and polarized densitometric readings in all cases. Finally, t‐tests performed on the resulting difference data for both unpolarized versus polarized and unpolarized versus predicted polarized that showed fixed bias by means of the computed p‐values.
Pharmacokinetics, Bioequivalence, and Safety Evaluation of Two Formulations of 0.2‐g Ibuprofen Granules
Authors: Su Jianfen , Zhang Canhua , Su Yue , Huang Chen , Zhao Jinlong , Yang Hui , Xu Zuoheng , Li Jianhao , Yang Xinchun
Published: December 2022

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agent. In this study, we compared the pharmacokinetic properties, bioequivalence, and safety of a newly developed generic formulation (test) and a branded formulation (reference) of 0.2 g ibuprofen granules in healthy Chinese participants in fasting and fed arms. The randomized, single‐dose, open‐label, two‐preparation, two‐sequence, two‐period crossover study had a washout period of 7 days between each period. It was conducted in 72 participants, 24 in the fasting arm and 48 in the fed arm. The concentration of ibuprofen in the plasma was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectroscopy. The primary pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a noncompartmental model. Safety assessments were performed throughout the study. The mean values of Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC0‐∞ for the test and reference preparations of ibuprofen were 19 295 and 21 101 ng/mL, 70 795 and 70 558 ng * h/mL, and 72 023 and 71 647 ng * h/mL, respectively, in the fasting arm and 11 299 and 11 605 ng/mL, 70 983 and 69 157 ng * h/mL, and 73 279 and 71 267 ng * h/mL, respectively, in the fed arm. For all parameters, bioequivalence was within acceptable limits. No serious adverse reactions were reported in this study. This study demonstrated that the 2 formulations of ibuprofen granules were bioequivalent in healthy Chinese volunteers under fasting and fed conditions.
Ransomware prevention using moving target defense based approach
Authors: Khan Muhammad Mubashir , Hyder Muhammad Faraz , Khan Shariq Mahmood , Arshad Junaid , Khan Muhammad M.
Published: December 2022

Over the past decade, there has been a rapidly rising trend of malware (ransomware) that limits user access by encrypting the data and demanding the ransom against the decryption key. In most cases, such encryption may lead to a permanent data loss. In order to prevent this unwanted encryption, we propose a method based on Moving Target Defense (MTD) approach. Our method is based on the alteration of the attack surface to reduce the attack success ratio. We have used multiple layers of MTD. The first layer generates random extensions that hide the existing known file extensions. This will protect user files against those ransomware variants which encrypt files having some specific extensions. Our second layer of protection uses event‐based MTD in which tasks are scheduled to change file extensions at the occurrence of specific events which mostly occur due to the execution of ransomware in the system. As a result of our proposed method, we have successfully protected user files against well‐known ransomware variants such as WannaCry, Cerber, Locky, Tesla, Revil, Bitlocker, Darkside, Ranzy.
Toward intelligent resource management in dynamic Fog Computing‐based Internet of Things environment with Deep Reinforcement Learning: A survey
Authors: Gupta Shally , Singh Nanhay
Published: December 2022

Fog computing has already started to gain a lot of momentum in the industry for its ability to turn scattered computing resources into a large‐scale, virtualized, and elastic computing environment. Resource management (RM) is one of the key challenges in fog computing which is also related to the success of fog computing. Deep learning has been applied to the fog computing field for some time, and it is widely used in large‐scale network RM. Reinforcement learning (RL) is a type of machine learning algorithms, and it can be used to learn and make decisions based on reward signals that are obtained from interactions with the environment. We examine current research in this area, comparing RL and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approaches with traditional algorithmic methods such as graph theory, heuristics, and greedy for managing resources in fog computing environments (published between 2013 and 2022) illustrating how RL and DRL algorithms can be more effective than conventional techniques. Various algorithms based on DRL has been shown to be applicable to RM problem and proved that it has a lot of potential in fog computing. A new microservice model based on the DRL framework is proposed to achieve the goal of efficient fog computing RM. The positive impact of this work is that it can successfully provide a resource manager to efficiently schedule resources and maximize the overall performance.
Classical versus reinforcement learning algorithms for unmanned aerial vehicle network communication and coverage path planning: A systematic literature review
Authors: Mannan Abdul , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Mahmood Khalid , Ahmad Aftab , Ahmad Rodina
Published: December 2022

The unmanned aerial vehicle network communication includes all points of interest during the coverage path planning. Coverage path planning in such networks is crucial for many applications, such as surveying, monitoring, and disaster management. Since the coverage path planning belongs to NP‐hard issues, researchers in this domain are constantly looking for optimal solutions for this task. The speed, direction, altitude, environmental variations, and obstacles make coverage path planning more difficult. Researchers have proposed numerous algorithms regarding coverage path planning. In this study, we examined and discussed existing state‐of‐the‐art coverage path planning algorithms. We divided the existing techniques into two core categories: Classical and reinforcement learning. The classical algorithms are further divided into subcategories due to the availability of considerable variations in this category. For each algorithm in both types, we examined the issues of mobility, altitude, and characteristics of known and unknown environments. We also discuss the optimality of different algorithms. At the end of each section, we discuss the existing research gaps and provide future insights to overcome those gaps.
Identification ofHSPA8as an interacting partner ofMAB21L2and an important factor in eye development
Authors: Seese Sarah E. , Muheisen Sanaa , Gath Natalie , Gross Jeffrey M. , Semina Elena V.
Published: December 2022

Background

Pathogenic variants in humanMAB21L2result in microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma. The exact molecular function of MAB21L2 is currently unknown. We conducted a series of yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) experiments to determine protein interactomes of normal human and zebrafish MAB21L2/mab21l2 as well as human disease‐associated variant MAB21L2‐p.(Arg51Gly) using human adult retina and zebrafish embryo libraries.

Results

These screens identified klhl31, tnpo1, TNPO2/tnpo2, KLC2/klc2, and SPTBN1/sptbn1 as co‐factors of MAB21L2/mab21l2. Several factors, including hspa8 and hspa5, were found to interact with MAB21L2‐p.Arg51Gly but not wild‐type MAB21L2/mab21l2 in Y2H screens. Further analyses via 1‐by‐1 Y2H assays, co‐immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry revealed that both normal and variant MAB21L2 interact with HSPA5 and HSPA8. In situ hybridization detected co‐expression ofhspa5andhspa8withmab21l2during eye development in zebrafish. Examination of zebrafish mutanthspa8hi138Tgidentified reducedhspa8expression associated with severe ocular developmental defects, including small eye, coloboma, and anterior segment dysgenesis. To investigate the effects ofhspa8deficiency on themab21l2Arg51_Phe52delallele, corresponding zebrafish double mutants were generated and found to be more severely affected than single mutant lines.

Conclusion

This study identifies heat shock proteins as interacting partners of MAB21L2/mab21l2 and suggests a role for this interaction in vertebrate eye development.
Modeling broad‐scale patterns of elk summer resource selection in Montana using regional and population‐specific models
Authors: Ranglack Dustin H. , Proffitt Kelly M. , Canfield Jodie E. , Gude Justin A. , Rotella Jay , Garrott Robert A.
Published: December 2022

Understanding animal distribution is important for management of populations and their habitats. Across the western United States, elk (Cervus canadensis) provide important ecological, cultural, and economic benefits and the sound management of their habitats is of vital importance. In western Montana, National Forest lands are managed in part to provide and protect elk habitat needs, and summer elk habitat is managed with consideration to motorized routes. We evaluated the relative importance of nutritional resources, access routes, and other landscape attributes on elk summer resource selection at multiple spatial scales, and compared resource selection among nine different southwestern Montana elk populations to determine the applicability of generalized regional models for informing habitat management recommendations. First, we developed nine population‐specific and two regional summer resource selection models. Second, we evaluated the predictive performance of each model within and among elk populations using cross‐validation scores to identify the best model. We found that in all populations nutritional resources, best represented using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) metrics, were the most important factors associated with elk summer resource selection. Access routes affected resource selection in all populations; however, the influence of access routes was relatively modest as compared with nutritional resources. Of the access route covariates we considered, density of all routes (i.e., routes open and closed to motorized use) explained most variation in summer elk resource selection. Validation of population‐specific resource selection models among populations revealed that in many cases model predictions extrapolated to areas outside of the development area had modest to poor predictive performance, especially as distance from the modeled population increased. Thus, caution should be used when extrapolating resource selection models based on a single study population to other populations. Regional models of resource selection predicted resource selection across populations better than population‐specific models, particularly when constructed by pooling data from multiple populations, and we recommend these types of models be used to inform regional habitat management policies. Our results suggest that managers should expand any current management paradigm for elk summer habitat that is focused on limiting access route density to also consider nutritional resources as an important component of elk summer habitat.
Rapid shifts in migration routes and breeding latitude in North American bluebirds
Authors: Sonnleitner Jared , LaZerte Stefanie E. , McKellar Ann E. , Flood Nancy J. , Reudink Matthew W.
Published: December 2022

Spatial and temporal shifts in the migratory patterns of birds have become more frequent as climate change and habitat alteration continue to impact ecosystems and the species dependent on them. In this study, we used eBird community science data collected over ten years to examine potential changes in the migratory patterns of three North American bluebird species: eastern (Sialia sialis), western (Sialia mexicana), and mountain (Sialia currucoides) bluebirds. Community science datasets such as those provided through eBird are a valuable tool for examining population‐level processes, as such data are often costly and time‐consuming to collect through other approaches (e.g., directly tracking individuals). Using generalized additive models, we produced smoothed migration paths for all three species over each season from 2009 to 2018. We asked whether there were changes over this 10‐year period in the timing of spring and fall migration and migration speed, and the population centroids during breeding and migration. In contrast to many species that are experiencing poleward shifts in their distributions, the population centroids during the breeding period of all three bluebird species appear to have shifted southward over the past decade. Perhaps most surprisingly, we also detected strong longitudinal shifts in the population centroids during migration in eastern and western bluebirds, with both species shifting toward the center of the continent. Despite these changes in migratory routes and breeding distributions, we detected no change in the migratory timing or speed of any of the species. Our analysis indicates that bluebirds are rapidly altering the pattern of their migration, likely in response to changing environmental conditions, but not always in the direction predicted.
Azulene‐Indole Fused Polycyclic Heteroaromatics
Authors: Duan Chao , Zhang Jianwei , Cai Shali , Xiang Junjun , Yang Xiaodi , Gao Xike
Published: December 2022

Linear polycyclic systems are promising candidates in the area of organic electronics. Herein, we present the syntheses of three azulene‐indole (AzIn) fused polycyclic heteroaromatics (PHAs),AzIn‐1,AzIn‐2andDGAzIn, which have nitrogens and nonhexagonal rings simultaneously. The chemical structures, optical and electrochemical properties of three AzIn‐based PHAs have been investigated, as well as their protonation behaviors with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). All three AzIn‐based PHAs exhibit narrow optical band gaps with moderate to good air stability,anti‐Kasha emission and reversible stimuli‐responsiveness. Furthermore, these straightforward and simple synthetic routes would provide a new entry for constructing novel azulene‐embedded π‐conjugates, especially for the seven‐membered ring of azulene unit, wherein the regioselective transformation is not well developed.
Environmental drivers of paraglacial time duration and intensity for scree slopes dynamics in forested environments
Authors: Germain Daniel , Stabile‐Caillé Ludwig
Published: December 2022

The highly fissile lithology of the rockwalls and the diversity of mass‐wasting processes provide a specific character to the active talus slopes of the northern Gaspé Peninsula since deglaciation. At a regional scale, the geology of the rockwalls, the patterns and modalities of deglaciation and the evolution towards a cold temperate morphoclimatic regime in a maritime context still influence the geomorphological dynamics of scree slopes today. At a local scale, the south–north orientation of the main coastal valleys influences insolation and exposure to prevailing winds, which in turn influence the snow cover regime and the occurrence of freeze–thaw cycles. The statistical analyses carried out from the mapping of 43 talus slopes and their geometric variables allowed the identification of significant environmental factors for the characterization of the dominant geomorphic processes: snow avalanches, frost‐coasted clast flows, debris flows and rockfalls. Slope aspect appears to be a key parameter in the nature of the processes acting on the talus slopes. East‐ and north‐facing talus slopes are generally covered by a significant snowpack in winter and the dominant processes are snow avalanches and debris flows. West‐ and south‐facing talus slopes face prevailing winds and insolation and are subject to frost‐coated clast flows, the main driver for forest regression, and rockfalls. However, the evolution of scree slopes in forested environments remains extremely complex due to the multiscale components that affect their evolution in the short, medium and long term.
Two volcanic tsunami events caused by trapdoor faulting at a submerged caldera near Curtis and Cheeseman Islands in the Kermadec Arc
Authors: Sandanbata Osamu , Watada Shingo , Satake Kenji , Kanamori Hiroo , Rivera Luis
Published: December 2022

Two unusual submarine earthquakes (Mw 5.8) occurred near volcanic
islands, called Curtis and Cheeseman, in the Kermadec Arc in 2009 and
2017. Following both earthquakes, similar tsunamis with wave heights of
about a meter, that are disproportionate to their moderate seismic
magnitudes, were observed by coastal tide gauges. We investigate the
source mechanism for both earthquakes by analyzing tsunami and seismic
data of the 2017 event. Preliminary analysis of tsunami data indicates
that the earthquake uplifted a submerged caldera around the islands.
Source modeling using tsunami and seismic data reveals that a trapdoor
faulting, involving ring-faulting and deformation of an underlying magma
reservoir, occurred due to magma overpressure in the reservoir, possibly
in association with caldera resurgence. The relationship between the
maximum fault slip and the seismic magnitude for trapdoor faulting
events found at global calderas is different from that for regular
earthquakes, reflecting the peculiarity of the volcanic earthquakes.
Genome‐wide association analysis of chilling‐tolerant germination in a new maize association mapping panel
Authors: Ma Yun , Yao Lan , Zhang Liwei , Su Aiguo , Wang Ronghuan , Song Wei , Li Zhaowei , Zhao Jiuran
Published: December 2022

Maize is a crop that is highly susceptible to the negative effects of low temperature. Low temperature can delay seed germination and cause a decrease in seed vigor, which seriously affects seedling emergence and yield. In this study, 190 maize accessions (inbred lines) with strong germination potential at normal temperature (25°C) were selected from more than 500 accessions to construct a new association mapping panel to further investigate germination under chilling stress (5°C). We re‐sequenced the genomes of the 190 diverse accessions and obtained 4,886,919 high‐quality SNPs. We then used this data to analyze population structure, perform principal components analysis, and construct a phylogenetic tree of the new maize panel. The relative germination rate (RGR) and relative germination index (RGI) are two traits that are significantly related to chilling‐tolerant germination. Genome‐wide association analysis showed that RGR and RGI shared a major QTL, and they also shared the top SNP. There were a total of 26 significant SNPs in common. These SNPs hit directly or indirectly within 37 candidate genes. Among these 37 gene candidates, eight are homologs of genes previously reported to be related to both germination and low‐temperature stress, and another 12 genes related to low‐temperature stress or other abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, oxidative, and high light stress. In addition, RGR and RGI had another 15 and 26 significant SNPs, respectively, which were associated with 17 and 92 candidate genes, respectively. Further qRT‐PCR analysis using 26 chilling‐tolerant and 22 chilling‐sensitive accessions implied that Zm00001eb272370, Zm00001eb272390, and Zm00001eb272400 associated with the top SNP, may play different roles during cold‐germination. Thus, our study not only established a new association mapping panel suitable for investigation of germination at low temperature but also provided valuable genetic resources for future studies to improve chilling‐tolerant maize varieties.
Comparison of antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of pure and nanoemulsified Nepeta pogonosperma essential oil
Authors: Sharifi Kimia , Sharifi Akram
Published: December 2022

The current study aimed to investigate the antiradical and antibacterial potential of pure and its nanoemulsified (NNE) Nepeta pogonosperma essential oil (PNE). Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against two Gram‐positive (E. faecalis and B. cereus) and two Gram‐negative (M. catarrhalis and K. pneumonia) food‐related pathogens during 60‐day storage was investigated based on disc diffusion, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The chemical compounds of Nepeta essential oil were estimated by GC/MS. The physical properties of the nanoemulsion including polydispersity index (PDI), mean particle diameter, and viscosity were also determined. 4aα,7α,7aβ‐Nepetalactone (46.31%), 1,8‐cineole (23.13%), and (Z)‐α‐bisabolene (4.01%) were the main compounds of this essential oil. The Nepeta nanoemulsion had a mean droplet diameter of 254.07 nm, PDI of 0.281, and viscosity of 0.887 cP. NNE had stability for up to 60 days. The PNE showed a higher IC50 value than NNE (p < .05). During storage, the antiradical performance of both PNE and NNE was decreased (p < .05). However, emulsification was successful to control this decreasing trend. E. faecalis was the most susceptible bacteria to PNE and NNE, while the lowest inhibition zone was obtained for K. pneumoniae. At the first time, the antibacterial effect of PNE was more than NNE. However, over time nanoemulsion became more successful in maintaining its antibacterial effect. Overall, the incorporation of Nepeta pogonosperma essential oil into a nanoemulsion system can be a promising system to maintain the bioactivity of the essential oil for a longer time.
CA2 orchestrates hippocampal network dynamics
Authors: Oliva Azahara , Fernandez‐Ruiz Antonio , Karaba Lindsay A.
Published: December 2022

The hippocampus is composed of various subregions: CA1, CA2, CA3, and the dentate gyrus (DG). Despite the abundant hippocampal research literature, until recently, CA2 received little attention. The development of new genetic and physiological tools allowed recent studies characterizing the unique properties and functional roles of this hippocampal subregion. Despite its small size, the cellular content of CA2 is heterogeneous at the molecular and physiological levels. CA2 has been heavily implicated in social behaviors, including social memory. More generally, the mechanisms by which the hippocampus is involved in memory include the reactivation of neuronal ensembles following experience. This process is coordinated by synchronous network events known as sharp‐wave ripples (SWRs). Recent evidence suggests that CA2 plays an important role in the generation of SWRs. The unique connectivity and physiological properties of CA2 pyramidal cells make this region a computational hub at the core of hippocampal information processing. Here, we review recent findings that support the role of CA2 in coordinating hippocampal network dynamics from a systems neuroscience perspective.
Compound Specific Radiocarbon (14C) Dating of Our Colorful Past: from Theory to Practice
Authors: Hendriks Laura , Portmann Cyril
Published: December 2022

For generations, humanity has preserved customs, places, objects, artistic expressions, and values – our cultural heritage. The use of color on cultural heritage objects is ubiquitous and found on artefacts from prehistoric rock art to present day contemporary artworks. The chemical identification of the colored materials used within an artwork often provides information about the work's origin. At the simplest level, a comparison of the materials present with information on their first date of discovery indicates the earliest possible period in which the colored artefact was created. More precise constraints on the date of creation can be provided by radiocarbon (14C) dating, however until today no such analysis has ever been conducted on the compounds responsible for the object's color. The analysis of natural organic dyes and pigments is challenging, as the limited sampling access, their low concentrations and presence in highly complex matrix, are all major challenges to be overcome. The separation of intermingled carbon sources is without question the most difficult problem, yet feasible with the help of compound specific radiocarbon analysis (CSRA). Here, we discuss the potential of radiocarbon dating isolated natural organic dyes and pigments and explore new routes to date cultural heritage objects.
How do we design and evaluate health system strengthening? Collaborative development of a set of health system process goals
Authors: Bertone Maria Paola , Palmer Natasha , Kruja Krista , Witter Sophie ,   HSSEC Working Group 1
Published: December 2022

Strong health systems are widely recognized as a key requirement for improving health outcomes and also for ensuring that health systems are equitable, resilient and responsive to population needs. However, the related term Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) remains unclear and contested, and this creates challenges for how HSS can be monitored and evaluated. A previous review argued for the need to rethink evaluation methods for HSS to examine systemic effects of HSS investments. In line with that recommendation, this article describes the work of the HSS Evaluation Collaborative (HSSEC) in the development of a framework and tool to guide HSS monitoring, evaluation and learning by national and global actors. It was developed based on a rapid review of the literature and iterative expert consultation, with the aim of going beyond a focus on the building blocks of health systems and on health system outputs or health outcomes to think about the features that constitute a strong health system. As a result, we developed a list of 22 health system process goals which represent desirable attributes for health systems. The health system process goals (or rather, progress towards them) are influenced by positive and negative, intended and unintended effects of HSS interventions. Finally, we illustrate how the health system process goals can be operationalised for prospective and retrospective HSS monitoring, evaluation and learning, and how they also have the potential to be used for opening a space for participatory, inclusive policy dialogue about HSS.
Below canopy evapotranspiration in four different variable retention harvesting treatments in a red pine plantation forest
Authors: Bodo Alanna V. , Parker William C. , Elliott Ken A. , Arain M. Altaf
Published: December 2022

Variable retention harvest (VRH) is a silvicultural approach that retains differing proportions and patterns of canopy trees across a harvested area to emulate natural disturbance effects on stand structure and enhance the resilience of the regenerating stand to abiotic and biotic stresses. Four VRH treatments were applied to an 83‐year‐old red pine (PinusresinosaAit.) plantation forest in the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone of Canada that included 55% aggregate retention (55A), 55% dispersed retention (55D), 33% aggregate retention (33A), 33% dispersed retention (33D) and an unharvested control (CN). In the sixth growing season after harvest, tree stem sap flow and eddy covariance flux measurements were used to examine the impacts of VRH on the dominant components of total stand evapotranspiration (ET), i.e., canopy transpiration (TC) and water flux from the understory vegetation and soil (ETU) as well as understory and canopy water use efficiency (WUE). A positive relationship was found between harvest intensity and the growth of understory vegetation and ETU. The contribution of ETUto ET was higher in the dispersed compared to the aggregate VRH treatments. Canopy transpiration contributed 83% of ET in the CN plot and 58%, 55%, 30% and 23% in the 55D, 55A, 33A and 33D treatments, respectively. Overall, VRH treatments resulted in increased canopy WUE but little comparative effect on understory WUE. Our results suggest that the dispersed retention pattern led to higher ET and productivity than the aggregate pattern of the same retention level. Where carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation is the primary management objective, higher retention levels such as 55D might be used to favour stand level carbon storage while accepting slower rates of understory development. Our findings on the effects of VRH on productivity and WUE of the canopy and understory will help forest managers to better employ VRH as an option to meet multiple objectives and adapt forests to a warmer, more variable climate.
Extracellular histone H3 facilitates ferroptosis in sepsis through ROS/JNK pathway
Authors: Han Zhijun , Yuan Zhizhou , Shu Linfei , Li Tao , Yang Fan , Chen Lei
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Previous evidence realized the critical role of histone in disease control. The anti‐inflammatory function of estradiol (E2) in sepsis has been documented. We here intended to unveil the role of extracellular histone H3 in sepsis regarding cell ferroptosis and the role of E2 in a such mechanism.

Methods

Clinical sample, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced animal models and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced cell models were prepared for testing relative expression of extracellular histone H3 and E2 as well as analyzing the role of extracellular histone H3 and E2 in sepsis concerning cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ferroptosis.

Results

Under sepsis, we found increased ferroptosis and extracellular histone H3 content, but reduced E2 concentration. Extracellular histone H3 facilitated ferroptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by LPS through activating the ROS/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Moreover, E2 antagonized the effect of extracellular histone H3 on LPS‐induced HUVEC ferroptosis and sepsis injury in CLP‐induced animal models.

Conclusion

We highlighted that extracellular histone H3 facilitated lipopolysaccharides‐induced HUVEC ferroptosis via activating ROS/JNK pathway, and such an effect could be antagonized by E2.
Recent advance in mesenchymal stem cells therapy for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Najera Jonathan , Hao Jijun
Published: December 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells found in a variety of tissues in the body, including but not limited to bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and umbilical cord blood. Given their immunomodulatory effect and ability to be readily isolated from several tissues, they have great potential to be used as a therapeutic agent in a variety of immune‐mediated disorders. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a persistent and relapsing immune skin condition that has recently become more common in several species such as humans, canines, equines, and felines. The use of MSCs to treat AD has piqued the great interest of researchers in recent years. In this article, we review the recent understanding of AD pathology and advances in preclinical and clinical studies of MSCs, MSCs‐derived conditional media and exosomes as therapeutic tools to treat AD.
Mechanism of β‐hairpin formation in AzoChignolin and Chignolin
Authors: Zschau Richard L. , Zacharias Martin
Published: December 2022

AzoChignolin is a photoswitchable variant of the mini‐protein Chignolin with an azobenzene (AMPP) replacing the central loop. AzoChignolin is unfolded with AMPP in the trans‐isomer. Transition to the cis‐isomer causes β‐hairpin folding similar to Chignolin. The AzoChignolin system is excellently suited for comprehensive analysis of folding nucleation kinetics. Utilizing multiple long‐time MD simulations of AzoChignolin and Chignolin in MeOH and water, we estimated Markov models to examine folding kinetics of both peptides. We show that while AzoChignolin mimics Chignolin's structure well, the folding kinetics are quite different. Not only folding times but also intermediate states differ, particularly Chignolin is able to fold in MeOH into an α‐helical intermediate which is impossible to form in AzoChignolin. The Markov models demonstrate that AzoChignolin's kinetics are generally faster, specifically when comparing the two main microfolding processes of hydrophobic collapse and turn formation. Photoswitchable loops are used frequently to understand the kinetics of elementary protein folding nucleation. However, our results indicate that intermediates and folding kinetics may differ between natural loops and photoswitchable variants.
The network structure of posttraumatic stress symptoms in war‐affected children and adolescents
Authors: Scharpf Florian , Saupe Laura , Crombach Anselm , Haer Roos , Ibrahim Hawkar , Neuner Frank , Peltonen Kirsi , Qouta Samir , Saile Regina , Hecker Tobias
Published: December 2022

Background

It is unclear whether findings from previous network analyses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among children and adolescents are generalizable to youth living in war‐torn settings and whether there are differences in the structure and connectivity of symptoms between children and adolescents. This study examined the network structure of PTSD symptoms in a sample of war‐affected youth and compared the symptom networks of children and adolescents.

Methods

The overall sample comprised 2007 youth (6–18 years old) living in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Palestine, Tanzania, and Uganda amid or close to war and armed conflict. Youth reported their PTSD symptoms using a self‐report questionnaire in Palestine and structured clinical interviews in all other countries. We computed the networks of the overall sample and of two sub‐samples of 412 children (6–12 years) and 473 adolescents (13–18 years) and compared the structure and global connectivity of symptoms among children and adolescents.

Results

In both the overall sample and the sub‐samples, re‐experiencing and avoidance symptoms were most strongly connected. The adolescents' network had a higher global connectivity of symptoms than the children's network. Hyperarousal symptoms and intrusions were more strongly connected among adolescents compared to children.

Conclusion

The findings lend support to a universal concept of PTSD among youth characterized by core deficits in fear processing and emotion regulation. However, different symptoms may be particularly important in different developmental stages, with avoidance and dissociative symptoms dominating in childhood and intrusions and hypervigilance gaining importance in adolescence. Stronger symptom connections may render adolescents more vulnerable to the persistence of symptoms.
Efficacy and safety of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) for COVID‐19: A rapid review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Amani Behnam , Amani Bahman
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, medRxiv, and Google Scholar were searched to identify the relevant evidence up to November 10, 2022. The reference lists of key studies were also scanned to find additional records. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane tools for assessing the risk of bias. The Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software version 3.0 was employed for data analysis. Twenty‐three studies involving 314 353 patients were included in the analysis. The findings of the meta‐analysis showed a significant difference between the Paxlovid and no‐Paxlovid groups in terms of mortality rate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.45), hospitalization rate (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.24–0.69), polymerase chain reaction negative conversion time (mean difference [MD] = −2.46; 95% CI: −4.31 to −0.61), and hospitalization or death rate (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.06–0.46). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of COVID‐19 rebound (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.67–1.04), emergency department visit (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.45–1.24), intensive care unit admission (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.13–1.01), and adverse events (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 0.42–11.47). The results of the present study support the efficacy and safety of Paxlovid in the treatment of patients with COVID‐19. Further research is needed to investigate the COVID‐19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment.
The Relationship between Creativity and Attitudes toward Intergroup Conflicts
Authors: Fahoum Nardine , Pick Hadas , Rainer Shenhav , Zoabi Dana , Han Shihui , Shamay‐Tsoory Simone
Published: December 2022

The maintenance and escalation of intergroup conflicts have been explained by negative emotions and attitudes toward outgroup members. Considering that creative cognition entails the ability to generate diverse and new ideas, we sought to investigate whether creativity may contribute to overcoming negative emotions and attitudes associated with intergroup conflicts. Therefore, we examined whether individual differences in creativity predict conflict‐related emotions and attitudes in the context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. To that end, we recruited Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs who identify themselves as Palestinian and administered the Torrance task of divergent thinking to assess the levels of originality and flexibility of participants. We also measured outgroup‐targeted emotions and attitudes toward the conflict. Results indicate that participants who demonstrate higher levels of original thinking, on average, reported higher levels of positive emotions toward outgroup members and were more supportive of conciliatory attitudes toward the conflict. Moreover, these associations were more evident among Israelis than among Palestinians. Finally, a mediation analysis demonstrated that originality predicts conciliatory attitudes through an increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative emotions toward outgroup members. This relationship was not moderated by nationality. These findings suggest that interventions based on creativity training may be beneficial to encourage reconciliation.
Plant–soil feedback plays an important role in the progression of plant community succession
Authors: Qu Qing , Xu Hongwei , Wang Minggang , Liu Guobin , Xue Sha
Published: December 2022

Background

Studying plant–soil feedback (PSF) is of great significance to understanding plant community dynamics.

Aims

We aimed to determine the temporal variation in PSF at different stages of grassland community succession and the influencing factors.

Methods

We conducted a 3‐year experiment to examine how PSF changes during different successional stages (early‐, mid‐ and late‐). Setaria viridis, Stipa bungeana and Bothriochloa ischaemum were selected as representative and dominant early‐, mid‐ and late‐species, respectively, in the semiarid grassland of the Loess Plateau, China.

Results

The temporal variation in the PSF pattern was found to be species‐specific. Negative and neutral PSF patterns in early‐ and mid‐species, respectively, were found within the 3‐year growth periods. A positive PSF pattern for late‐species was found in the second growth period, and a negative PSF pattern was found in the third growth period. The shoot biomass of early‐species was overall positively correlated with soil nutrients and enzyme activity in the soil of the three species. However, the shoot biomass of late‐species was overall negatively correlated with soil nutrients and enzyme activity in early‐species soil.

Conclusions

We suggest that the negative PSF of early‐species over the growing period explains why the advantage of these early colonizers is temporary. In contrast, the positive PSF of late‐species likely contributes to their successful colonization and the entire community succession process. Our results indicated that PSF plays an important role in the progression of plant community succession.
Infrared‐assisted spouted bed drying of Chinese yam cubes: effect of constant and variable temperature drying processes on drying behavior, uniformity, and quality attributes
Authors: Li Linlin , Pan Hong , Chen Junliang , Cao Weiwei , Liu Wenchao , Duan Xu , Ren Guangyue
Published: December 2022

Background

Infrared‐assisted spouted bed drying (IRSBD) is an innovative hybrid drying technology based on infrared drying and spouted bed drying, which has the advantages of higher drying efficiency and better uniformity. Temperature is an important process parameter that affects drying characteristics and product quality. Considering the overall quality of the product, drying at a constant temperature may not be the best solution. However, there is a lack of research on dynamically varying drying schemes. In this study, the effects of constant and variable temperature drying processes on the drying characteristics, uniformity, energy consumption, and quality of Chinese yams were evaluated.

Results

The shortest drying time and lowest energy consumption were obtained by IRSBD at 70 °C, followed by staged rising temperature drying (SRTD). However, SRTD achieved the best drying uniformity. The Peleg model could describe the dehydration kinetics of dried yams well (R2 > 0.99). A high drying temperature (70 °C) favored the preservation of bioactive compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids) and gave the best antioxidant activity and equilibrium rehydration ratio of dried yams but resulted in poor color. Samples dried with SRTD showed comparable good antioxidant activity and better color than those dried at 70 °C.

Conclusion

A reasonable variable temperature drying scheme using IRSBD is considered to be better when considering the drying performance and overall quality of the products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hand‐sewn direct repair versus resection and hand‐sewn anastomosis techniques for the reversal of diverting loop ileostomy after lower anterior rectal resection surgery: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Keramati Mohammad Reza , Meshkati Yazd Seyed Mostafa , Shahriarirad Reza , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Mohsen , Kazemeini Alireza , Behboudi Behnam , Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Keshvari Amir
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Several techniques have been proposed for the closure of loop ileostomy. This is the first study comparing bowel function and outcomes of two different hand‐sewn surgical techniques used for the closure of diverting protective loop ileostomy.

Method

In this prospective, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial, 40 patients with a history of rectal cancer, low anterior resection, and diverting loop ileostomy who were candidates for ileostomy reversal were included and randomly assigned into two groups, hand‐sewn direct repair of the ileal defect (group A) and resection and hand‐sewn anastomosis of the ileum (group B).

Results

The mean age of patients was 56.42 and 52.10 years in groups A and B, respectively. Regarding early postoperative period, group A developed earlier first gas passage (1.68 vs. 2.25 days, p = 0.041) and stool passage (2.10 vs. 2.80 days, p = 0.032). Group A also revealed shorter operating time (83.68 vs. 89.50 min, p = 0.040) and hospital stay (4.73 vs. 6.80 days, p = 0.001). None of the participants in both groups developed signs of bowel obstruction during the early and late postoperative follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Direct hand‐sewn repair for the closure of diverting loop ileostomy is a safe technique with better postoperative bowel function, oral diet tolerance, and less hospital stay compared to resection and hand‐sewn anastomosis of the ileum.