bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of evidence that fibrillin1 regulates bone morphogenetic protein 4 activity in kidney or lung
Authors: McKnite Autumn , Kim Hyung‐Seok , Silva Joshua , Christian Jan L.
Published: February 2023

Background

The Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) precursor protein is cleaved at two sites to generate an active ligand and inactive prodomain. The ligand and prodomain form a noncovalent complex following the first cleavage, but dissociate after the second cleavage. Transient formation of this complex is essential to generate a stable ligand. Fibrillins (FBNs) bind to the prodomains of BMPs, and can regulate the activity of some ligands. Whether FBNs regulate BMP4 activity is unknown.

Results

Mice heterozygous for a null allele of Bmp4 showed incompletely penetrant kidney defects and females showed increased mortality between postnatal day 6 and 8. Removal of one copy of Fbn1 did not rescue or enhance kidney defects or lethality. The lungs of Fbn1+/− females had enlarged airspaces that were unchanged in Bmp4+/−;Fbn1+/− mice. Additionally, removal of one or both alleles of Fbn1 had no effect on steady state levels of BMP4 ligand or on BMP activity in postnatal lungs.

Conclusions

These findings do not support the hypothesis that FBN1 plays a role in promoting BMP4 ligand stability or signaling, nor do they support the alternative hypothesis that FBN1 sequesters BMP4 in a latent form, as is the case for other BMP family members.
Correlation of Health Indicators on Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dechent Philipp , Barbers Elias , Epp Alexander , Jöst Dominik , Li Weihan , Sauer Dirk Uwe , Lehner Susanne
Published: February 2023

Herein, a detailed correlation index of health indicators for lithium‐ion batteries is presented. Identifying potential correlations of health indicators is of high importance with regard to the cell selection process and to minimize the occurring cell‐to‐cell spread within the lifetime. Health indicators that are taken into account are among others impedance measurements of different pulse lengths, capacity values at different discharge procedures and checkups, weight, and initial voltage. Herein, the work is based on four different aging datasets covering variations in cell chemistry (NMC, LFP, NCA), cell type (round, prismatic), as well as the size and designated application (consumer, automotive). A publicly available dataset is included to allow for an easy reproduction of the results.
Isolation and identification of progenitors, glycoconjugates of β‐damascenone precursors, in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Kaneshima Tai , Nojima Satoshi , Mori Shoko , Myoda Takao , Nakahara Koichi , Matsuo Yoshihide
Published: February 2023

β‐Damascenone, which has a characteristic sweet and fruity aroma, is a key flavour of various food and drinks, including sweet potato shochu, a Japanese traditional spirit. The compound in the spirits is known to be hydrolytically generated and liberated from progenitors in sweet potato during the manufacturing processes. However, thus far, the progenitors have not been well investigated. In this study, we isolated and identified 11 glycosidic progenitor compounds 1–11 using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques combined with a hydrolysis assay. These progenitors consist of two types of aglycones [3,5,9‐trihydroxymegastigma‐6,7‐diene (A1) and 3,9‐dihydroxymegastigma‐4,6,7‐triene (A2)] and four types of glycones [β‐d‐glucopyranoside (G1), (2‐O‐β‐apiofuranosyl)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (G2), (6‐O‐β‐xylopyranosyl)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (G3) and (2‐O‐β‐d‐apiofuranosyl,6‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (G4)]. Aglycones A1 and A2 are known as direct precursors of β‐damascenone, and compounds 1–3, which have A1 as an aglycone, have been previously reported from other plant materials. On the other hand, compounds 4–11 are newly characterized as glycosidic progenitors of β‐damascenone.
Differential optineurin expression controls TGFβ signaling and is a key determinant for metastasis of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Liu Sijia , van Dinther Maarten , Hagenaars Sophie C. , Gu Yuanzhuo , Kuipers Thomas B. , Mei Hailiang , Gomez‐Puerto Maria Catalina , Mesker Wilma E. , ten Dijke Peter
Published: February 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging breast cancer subtype to treat due to its aggressive characteristics and low response to the existing clinical therapies. Distant metastasis is the main cause of death of TNBC patients. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying TNBC metastasis may lead to new strategies of early diagnosis and more efficient treatment. In our study, we uncovered that the autophagy receptor optineurin (OPTN) plays an unexpected role in TNBC metastasis. Data mining of publicly available data bases revealed that the mRNA level of OPTN in TNBC patients positively correlates with relapse free and distance metastasis free survival. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo models demonstrated that OPTN suppresses TNBC metastasis. Mechanistically, OPTN inhibited the pro‐oncogenic transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) signaling in TNBC cells by interacting with TGFβ type I receptor (TβRI) and promoting its ubiquitination for degradation. Consistent with our experimental findings, the clinical TNBC samples displayed a negative correlation between OPTN mRNA expression and TGFβ gene response signature and expression of proto‐typic TGFβ target genes. Altogether, our study demonstrates that OPTN is a negative regulator for TGFβ receptor/SMAD signaling and suppresses metastasis in TNBC.
Biological properties of hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium dioxide nanotube surfaces using negative pressure method
Authors: Wang Yan , Tang Shuang , Ding Ning , Zhang Zutai
Published: February 2023

Titanium (Ti) exhibits superior biocompatibility and mechanical properties but is bioinert, while hydroxyapatite (HA) possesses excellent osteogenesis and is widely used for the modification of Ti surface coatings. However, the synthesis of homogeneous and stable HA on metallic materials is still a major challenge. In this study, porous titanium dioxide nanotube arrays were prepared on Ti surface by anodic oxidation, loaded with calcium and phosphorus precursors by negative pressure immersion, and HA coating was formed by in situ crystallization of calcium and phosphorus on the surface by hydrothermal heating. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and bonding strength were conducted to confirm the surface characteristics of each group. The cell proliferation, mineralization degree, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MC3T3‐E1 cells on samples were calculated and compared in vitro experiments. Cylindrical samples were implanted into rat femurs to evaluate biocompatibility and osteogenesis in vivo. The results showed that HA crystals successfully synthesized in TiO2 nanotubes, enhancing the bonding strength of HA coating and Ti substrate under negative pressure. Moreover, HA coating on Ti substrate remarkably enhanced cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation activity in vitro, and improved new bone formation as well as osseointegration in vivo.
Multi‐lane recognition using the YOLO network with rotatable bounding boxes
Authors: Park Hee‐Mun , Park Jin‐Hyun
Published: February 2023

Currently, driver assistance and autonomous driving functions are emerging as essential convenience functions in automobiles. For autonomous driving, fast and accurate lane recognition is required, along with driving environment recognition. The recognized lanes must be divided into ego and left‐ and right‐side lanes. Among deep learning, the You Only Look Once (YOLO) network is widely known as a fast and accurate object detection technique. The general methods are not robust to angle variations of the objects because of the use of a traditional bounding box, a rotation variant structure for locating rotated objects. The rotatable bounding box (RBBox) can effectively handle situations where the orientation angles of the objects are arbitrary. This study uses a YOLO approach with RBBox to recognize multi‐lane accurately. The proposed method recognizes the ego lane and its surrounding lanes by accurately distinguishing them. And the proposed method shows stable multi‐lane recognition performance by predicting them that exist in the images but do not exist in the ground truth of the TuSimple data set. Even compared to other lane recognition methods, it shows good competitiveness. Nevertheless, more training data and network learning are needed in a specific road environment (a lane is centered on the image).
The optimal strategy for 3D‐printed uncemented endoprosthesis for the bone defect reconstruction of the distal radius, based on biomechanical analysis and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gong Taojun , Luo Yi , Lu Minxun , Wang Jie , Zhang Yuqi , Wang Yitian , Tang Fan , Li Zhuangzhuang , Zhou Yong , Min Li , Tu Chongqi
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Prosthetic reconstruction after resecting giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) of the distal radius has been proposed. However, this is generally associated with various complications. To improve the functional outcomes, we designed a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed uncemented endoprosthesis. Meanwhile, using finite‐element analysis and clinical observation, an optimization strategy was explored.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with Campanacci III or recurrent GCTB of the distal radius who underwent 3D‐printed uncemented endoprosthesis reconstruction. Clinically, according to the different palmar tilts of the endoprosthesis, patients were divided into the biological angle (BA) group and the zero‐degree (ZD) group. We recorded and evaluated the differences in functional outcomes and complications between the two groups. Biomechanically, four 3D finite‐element models (normal and customized endoprostheses with three different implemented palmar tilts) were developed.

Results

We analyzed 22 patients (12 males and 10 females). The median follow‐up period was 60 (range, 19–82) months. Of the 22 patients, 11 patients were included in the BA group and the remaining 11 patients were in the ZD group. Both groups showed no significant differences in the range of motion, Mayo score, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores postoperatively. The subluxation rate was significantly lower in the ZD group than in the BA group. The biomechanical results showed similar stress and displacement distribution patterns in the normal and prosthetic reconstruction models. Additionally, the endoprosthesis with 0° palmar tilt showed better biomechanical performance.

Conclusion

3D‐printed uncemented endoprosthesis provides acceptable midterm outcomes in patients undergoing distal radius reconstruction. Optimizing the design by decreasing the palmar tilt may be beneficial for decreasing the risk of wrist joint subluxation.
The effect of cochlear size on electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses in deaf children
Authors: Zhu Han‐Yu , Sun Jia‐Qiang , Sun Jing‐Wu , Guo Xiao‐Tao
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between auditory pathway function and cochlear size in deaf children with a radiologically normal inner ear or Mondini malformation.

Methods

Thirty‐five deaf children without inner ear malformations (IEMs) and forty cases with Mondini malformation were included in this study. The electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) evoked by electrical stimulation at the round window niche (RWN) and round window membrane (RWM) were recorded during cochlear implantation (CI) surgery. The anatomical parameters of the cochlea were assessed by high‐resolution computed tomography and OTOPLAN 3‐D construction software. Correlations between EABRs and cochlear sizes were analyzed.

Results

The EABR thresholds and/or latencies were negatively correlated with the basal cochlear diameter, cochlear width and/or cochlear duct length in both patients without IEMs and those with Mondini malformation.

Conclusion

The physiological function of the peripheral auditory system depends on the anatomical structure of the cochlea to an extent. A larger cochlear size appears to be associated with better auditory conduction function. Our findings may be beneficial to selection of the proper electrode type and prediction of postoperative auditory rehabilitation.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Biogenic Synthesis of Zinc Oxide/Chitosan Nanocomposite using Callistemon citrinus (Bottle Brush) for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Usman Usman Lawal , Singh Nakshatra Bahadur , Allam Bharat Kumar , Banerjee Sushmita
Published: February 2023

Discharges from various industries have polluted water bodies, resulting in adverse health problems both to the aquatic biota and humans. The biological approach to treat these wastewaters is considered ecologically friendly, sustainable, and reliable. The present study investigates the efficiency of green fabricated ZnO/chitosan nanocomposite (NC) for methylene blue (MB) dye photodegradation in an aqueous solution under ultraviolet irradiations. The fabricated NC is characterized using different techniques such as X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X‐rays (EDX), and Fourier Transform‐Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). ZnO/chitosan NC is used for the photodegradation of MB under different conditions. The results reveal that the ZnO‐Chitosan NC efficiently photodegraded 99.2% of MB dye under the experimental condition (Temp = 25 °C, photocatalyst dose = 0.2 g L‐1, contact time of irradiation 120 min at pH 8). The photodegradation process has been found to follow pseudo first‐order kinetic model. Photocatalyst after desorption can be used seven times effectively. The photodegradation model has also been proposed.
Understanding the Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Phenomena of 2‐Hydroxy‐3‐Naphthaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Sil Akash , Mukhopadhyay Madhumita , Bose Debosreeta
Published: February 2023

The specific objective of this theoretical study is to explore the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) property of 2‐hydroxy‐3‐naphthaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (2H3NS). Proton transfer takes place when the acidic or basic part of a molecule becomes stronger in the excited state which leads to the formation of a tautomer. This takes place via an intramolecular hydrogen bond formation between the two moieties that opens a door for the intramolecular proton transfer process. The present approach utilizes density functional theoretical (DFT) approach to determine the proper geometrical optimization of the molecule, determination of the intramolecular bond distance of O─H during the transition state between the enolic and tautomeric forms, and simulating potential energy curves (PECs) at both the ground and excited states. The excited states explore include the first two singlet states (S1, S2) and the first excited triplet state (T1). The distances of the detachable H from the O atom and the N atom (to which it gets attached) have been used as the unique reaction coordinates to check the variation in the angle O···H···N. The ensuing results help to determine the progress of the prototropic process as both lead to the same species passing through the same transition state. The findings are further corroborated by FTIR spectroscopy through the formation of both O─H and ─N─H bond in the transition state. Frontier molecular orbitals of the tautomer's at the ground state reveals the shifting charge density from ─O─H to N─H region in the HOMO and certifies the stated mechanism.
A DFT+U Based Study of Full‐Heusler Alloy Ru2VSi
Authors: Kapil Jyoti , Shukla Pramila , Pathak Ashish
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the structural, electronic, magnetic, and elastic properties of Full‐Heusler alloy Ru2VSi are studied using density functional theory (DFT) by implementing Hubbard correction parameter (U). The calculations are performed using Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) with and without implementation of U and the results are compared. With GGA only, the compound shows a metallic behavior with the overlapping of bands in both the up and down spin states and exhibits a non‐integral magnetic moment. With the incorporation of U, the alloy shows a half‐metallic behavior with a finite indirect band‐gap of 0.51 eV in the spin‐down state and a metallic character in the spin‐up state. It also shows an integral magnetic moment of 1.00 μB, in good agreement with the Slater‐Pauling Rule for half‐metallicity in Full‐Heusler alloys. The elastic properties indicate toward the stability of this compound against external stresses and deformations. The observed properties make this compound a suitable material for applications based on spintronic devices.
Dynamics of Proton Transport in Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) with Ammonium Perchlorate (NH4ClO4)
Authors: Pratap Rana , Singh Abhimanyu , Singh Ram Chandra , Singh Manoj K. , Alheety Mustafa A. , Aldbea Ftema W. , Samsudin A. S. , Singh Pramod .K
Published: February 2023

NH4ClO4 has a very high ionic conductivity ∼ 10−5 Scm−1 in which probable charge carrying mobile species is H+ ion apart from the anion ClO4−. The H+ can be derived either from the –CH2‐CH2‐ of the polymer PEO chain or from the NH4+ of the complexing salt. In order to identify the mobile H+ species and to investigate its dynamics, a wide‐line nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study has been carried as a function of temperature. The two types of H+ species, as stated above, have been found to show different temperature dependence of the respective NMR‐linewidths. It has been established that only one of these H+ species (i.e., belonging to NH4+ cation) contributes predominantly to the room temperature conductivity.
Correlation between Air Pollution and Violence: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Sharma Lipika , Pandey Shri Prakash
Published: February 2023

Climate change is the most relevant discussion point in today's scenario. The research paper explains and analysis the relationship between crime and air pollution. It is important to understand that there is a remarkable increase in crimes in the recent past globally and the same can be correlated to air pollution. Studies suggest that air pollution contributed to the increased crime rate. Recent studies in this context have suggested that air pollution can be directly related to aggressive behavior and which in turn leads to an increase in the crime rate. The paper focuses on harm mitigation rather than retribution when dealing with environmental offences. Awareness of the application of restorative processes in cases of environmental harm is ambiguous and, indeed, exculpatory in nature in present scenario. It is generally accepted that environmental crimes are among some of the most lucrative types of transnational illegal activity. In 2016, their monetary worth is calculated at between US$ 91 and 259 billion annually, most likely the world's fourth largest criminal sector after narcotics, counterfeits, and trade in human beings. In this area, there is indeed a detailed list of violations, i.e., wildlife crimes, illicit mining are few to mention.
Ion Transport and Dielectric Studies on [PEO:TiO2]:NH4SCN Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Singh Markandey
Published: February 2023

An improvement in ion transport behavior and dielectric properties of polyethylene oxide based polymer electrolytes have been investigated upon the dispersal of TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 nanoparticle is synthesized with the help of well‐known sol–gel technique. The different compositions of polymer electrolyte systems are prepared by the solution cast technique. Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) films are synthesized by loading of nanoTiO2 particle in a pristine polymer electrolyte matrix. The structural and morphological behaviors of nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) have been subsequently characterized by XRD and SEM studies. The ionic behavior of synthesized NCPEs is ascertained by Wagner's polarization technique. AC and DC conductivity of polymer electrolyte films have been carried out using impedance spectroscopic techniques. Dielectric relaxation studies of polymer electrolytes are examined using impedance spectroscopic data. The conductivity relaxation mechanism of NCPEs has been concluded with the help of modulus formalism. DC conductivity of best ion‐conducting NCPEs at room temperature has been found to σ = 2.5 × 10−5 S cm−1. The electrode polarization effect has completely vanished in the dielectric and modulus formalism and the conductivity scaling data show a single master curve observed in ion dynamics. The change in ionic conductivity with frequency and temperature is studied by impedance spectroscopic investigations. The effect of salt on dielectric parameters of NCPEs is also extracted from impedance spectroscopic data to explore underlying ion dynamics.
Efforts to Replace Methylene Chloride in Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry
Authors: Yogesh Ruchika , Srivastava Noopur , Mulik Baban Mohan
Published: February 2023

Methylene chloride (MC) or dichloromethane is a halogenated organic solvent of choice used in many chemical industries such as pharmaceutical, insecticide, paint, and polymer industries. Several health hazards associated with the use of MC are known to us through available literature. MC is reported to be a potential neurotoxic, cardiotoxic, cancer‐causing, and tissue‐damaging agent. Inhalation and direct skin contact are the major routes of exposure to MC in occupational environments. Most government agencies and environment, health and safety forums throughout the world have recognized MC as a hazardous solvent and have kept strict regulatory control on the usage of MC. MC is a Class 2 solvent as per ICH guidelines. This review article presents some case studies where MC has been replaced in commercial synthetic processes and column chromatography by other solvents and solvent mixtures, demonstrating that it is possible to either reduce the usage or replace MC in process chemistry. Many industrial and academic efforts have brought in place several solvent selection guides helpful for effectively replacing MC from existing or planned synthetic processes. Sustainable and environment‐friendly synthetic processes can be developed by implementing the concept of green chemistry, such as replacing the use of MC in the existing chemical processes and avoiding the use of MC in future chemical processes. Successful introduction of MC‐free chemical processes in the pharmaceutical industry can surely be achieved with continuous efforts in this direction.
Thermo Acoustical Analysis of Nickel Sulfamate with DMSO at Varying Temperatures Using Ultrasonic Techniques
Authors: Lancy S. Irudaya Sahaya , P. Padmavathi , Gopal A. Mathana , Pandey Krishna Kumar , J. Poongodi
Published: February 2023

Electroplating is one of the methods of plating the metallic layer with another metal. This coatings and metallic films are home to many versatile applications and form a vital technology. The aim is to provide a conclusion from the survey of different reaction mechanisms and the kinetics of nickel electro‐deposition from different baths. By varying the temperatures, i.e., 308, 313, 318, 323, 328, 333 K in the binary system of nickel sulfamate with DMSO, properties such as density, ultrasonic velocity, and viscosity have been recorded in the investigation. Various acoustical parameters such as adiabatic compressibility (β), intermolecular free length (Lf), free volume (Vf), internal pressure (πi), acoustic impedance (Z), enthalpy (H), Gibbs free energy (∆G) are determined from the experimental data. The results are interpreted on the approach of molecular interactions between the binary mixtures.
Comparative Study of Molecular Docking, Structural, Electronic, and Fukui Function Studies on Favipiravir and its Newly Designed Derivatives (Potential Inhibitors) for COVID‐19 Protease
Authors: Pandey Anoop Kumar , Singh Vijay , Dwivedi Apoorva
Published: February 2023

Favipiravir is an antiviral medication currently being trialed as a COVID‐19 treatment. These results motivate us to develop new species (possibly drugs) from favipiravir, perform comparative molecular docking, and reexamine their biological and pharmacological activities. Detailed quantum chemical research on favipiravir and its newly designed derivatives has been carried out with the help of DFT/B3LYP/6–311 + + G (d, p). In the present work, the structure of favipiravir has been modified and 12 new species have been modeled (all species are inherently stable because no virtual frequency is found during the vibration analysis). Reactivity of all species using various descriptors (local) such as Fukui function, local softness, electrophilicity, and global, i.e., electronegativity, hardness, HOMO–LUMO gap, etc. of the same are calculated and discussed. In silico studies such as molecular docking of all species and complete quantum chemistry studies suggest that four of them may mitigate the effects of the COVID‐19 protease.
Methylene Blue Dye Removal from Water by Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica) Adsorbent
Authors: Singh Pragya , Kumar Rajesh , Kumari Rachna , Singh N. B. , Singh Ram Chandra , Singh Pramod K.
Published: February 2023

Organic dyes, present in the aquatic environment, have negative effects on ecosystems. Attempts are being made to remove these dyes by using number of physico‐chemical methods. Out of all the methods, adsorption technique is the most economical and efficient technique. However, for this purpose, efficient and cost‐effective adsorbents are needed. In this paper processed neem leaf powder (NLP) has been used for methylene blue (MB) dye removal. NLP has been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopic, and scanning electron microscopic techniques. Results have shown that NLP has crystalline character with number of functional groups. MB is removed by using NLP under different varying conditions such as NLP doses, varying MB concentration, and different pH. When fixed amount of NLP (0.2 g) is used, removal of MB increases with time and becomes almost constant after 40 min. Maximum MB removal is obtained at pH = 6.0. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic models are discussed and the data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second order kinetic models. Ab initio calculations have shown that nature of interaction depends on the orientation of groups and both type of adsorption is feasible in the present system. Results show that NLP is an effective adsorbent for removal of MB dye.
DFT Calculations for Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye on Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaves
Authors: Singh Pragya , Kumar Rajesh , Rachna Km , Singh N. B. , Singh Ram Chandra , Singh Pramod K.
Published: February 2023

Organic dyes, present in the aquatic environment, have negative effects on ecosystems. Attempts are being made to remove these dyes by using number of physio‐chemical methods. Out of all the methods, adsorption technique is the most economical and efficient technique. For this purpose, efficient and cost‐effective adsorbents are needed. Neem leaf powder (NLP) containing Azadirachtin Indica, has been used for methylene blue (MB) dye removal. The interaction of dye on neem leaf containing Azadirachta indica plays an important role. Quantum mechanical calculations using density functional theory have been done in order to have an idea about interaction during adsorption. There is a possibility of both strong and weak interaction depending on the orientation of adsorbent and adsorbate.
Environmental Information Policy in India feed Pro‐Environment Industry Operation: A Case Study of EIA Report on Proposed Integrated Steel Complex Site, Halakundi, Karnataka
Authors: Lohochowdhury Biplab , Giridhar Divya , Kumar Pal Arvind , Mitra Archan
Published: February 2023

Infrastructure development/industrialization in an area without proper environmental assessment is well known. Governments have implemented environmental impact assessment (EIA) policies to avoid harming the environment. Implementing EIA policy in coordination with local government agencies requires an understanding of environmental information flow. Before and after data sets on environmental change are critical for pro‐environment industry operation. Is it possible to synchronies EIA and Environmental information Centre (EIC) in a way that reduces environmental pollution while increasing entropy at all levels of communication? How does EIC affect EIA regimes? How to close environmental data? How should environmental data be used in EIA? A robust environment information policy (EIP) must address these issues in pro‐environmental development projects and industrial operations (EIP). However, access to information is still limited in India. Lack of quality and complete information makes it difficult for regulators to evaluate large‐scale infrastructure/industry development data submitted by proponents. Proposers and consultants should be given specific instructions on how to communicate with all stakeholders in the project impact zone. Additional information within the broad category of “Information” is sought. As a result, the researchers sought to gather data for the Environment Information System (EIS). Climate change and grassroots communication are two areas being studied. Information is critical in environmental matters. Despite public opinion, authorities ignore environmental planning. The policy decision cycle should priorities data. To better communicate about the environment, the author proposes a proper chain and system of information (Information Modeling). The reporting agencies strictly adhere to the EIA's policy. After their purpose is served, these reports are useless.
Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Plant‐Mediated Silver Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Moges‐Tsegaye Meron , Kumar Manish , Pandey S. P. , Fentie‐Tasew Molla , Yadav Priya‐ , Chouhan Garima
Published: February 2023

Infections caused byStaphylococcus aureusandKlebsiella pneumoniaeare becoming a common health issue throughout the world. Medicines that have been used to treat infections caused by these organisms are becoming obsolete due to the emergence of drug resistance at an alarming rate. Recently, the use of green synthesized nanoparticles has been gaining momentum as an alternative approach to combating microbial infections, since traditional methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles involve the use of toxic chemicals and the formation of harmful by‐products. In this study, an aqueous extract of the medicinal plantPrunella vulgarisis used for the synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs). The formation of AgONPs is confirmed by UV‐visible spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 200–400 nm. X‐ray analysis of AgONPs shows crystallite size of the particles to be 36.9 nm. Scanning electron microscopic image shows the synthesized AgONPs are seemed to be spherical and oval in morphology with an average size of 55–182 nm, whereas FTIR spectroscopy of AgONPs reveal the presence of functional group. Finally, AgONPs are tested to be effective againstS. aureusandk. Pneumoniae.
Frequency Response and Power Dissipation of RC Coupled CE Amplifier by Using Series and Parallel Network of Like Transistors
Authors: Tiwari Satyendra Nath , Khadarabad Ghouse Mohiuddin , Pandey Anoop Kumar , Dwivedi Apoorva , Pandey Shri Prakash , Singh Vijay
Published: February 2023

The RC‐coupled small‐signal amplifier is a widely used circuit that serves as a basic building block in electronic circuits. The study of amplifier circuits with various component modifications may yield important results that can be utilized to improve circuit designs based on application needs. Using the Pspice 9.5.2 simulation tool, a study of a BJT‐based CE amplifier is carried out to determine the dependence of frequency response, bandwidth, maximum voltage gain, power dissipation, input impedance, and other parameters while using a network of BJTs coupled in parallel and in series from Q1 to Qn.
A Review on Aluminum Matrix Composites Synthesized by FSP
Authors: Das Shyam Sundar , Raja Avinash Ravi , Nautiyal Hemant , Gautam Rohit Kumar Singh , Jha Pushkar , Sharma Jyoti , Singh Sudesh
Published: February 2023

Surface modification has been emerged out as a novel value addition process to increase the mechanical as well as tribological execution of the engineering materials in the previous decade. Friction stir processing (FSP) has been one of the best and most recent technologies for improving the surface properties of work material. The current study explores a critical review of the fabrication of aluminum matrix composite by incorporating the abrasive type particles through FSP and analyzing the improved mechanical, thermal, and tribological characteristics of the fabricated composite materials. The study will pave the way for opportunities related to surface modification by FSP.
Polycrystalline Solid–Solid Composite [(NH4)2C2O4·1H2O:Al2O3)]: Electrical and Structural Detail
Authors: Pratap Rana , Kumar Sushant , Samsudin Rabiatul Adawiyah , Latif Famiza Abdul , Singh Ram Chandra , Kumar Manish
Published: February 2023

In solid–solid composite formation by dispersal of insulating filler in an ionic matrix results in ionic conductivity enhancement which has been discussed in details in this paper. Present system deals ammonium oxalate ((NH4)2C2O4·1H2O) dispersed with insulating filler (Al2O3). Electrical, structural, and thermal studies viz. conductivity measurement, ion transport, ionic transference number, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry are presented in detail.
A Review on Thermo‐Mechanical Durability of Glass Fiber/Polymer Composites in Water
Authors: Priyadarshini Saigeeta , Singh Lavish Kumar , Kaithwas Chandra Kant , Soren Shatrughan
Published: February 2023

Glass fiber/polymer composites find extensive application in marine industry; however, the durability of theses marine structures has always been a matter of concern owing to their continuous exposure to harsh marine environment. The objective of this study is to consolidate and analyze the work that has been carried out so far, primarily focusing on the influence of the marine‐environment characteristics on water absorption and its subsequent impact on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced composites. It is found that immersion time and operational temperature are the two prominent factors that influence the durability of these polymer composites. Moisture causes reversible changes such as plasticization and irreversible changes such as hydrolysis, cracking, and crazing which subsequently exerts a detrimental effect on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of epoxy resins. During the initial stage of water absorption, the moisture content increased rapidly with the immersion time, and then it increased slowly as the immersion time stretched until the moisture content in the specimen reached a saturation level. Prolong exposure in water not only led to a substantial deterioration in static mechanical properties; it also altered the mode of failure from a brittle matrix‐ductile fiber to ductile matrix‐brittle fiber.
Knockdown of UBE2I inhibits tumorigenesis and enhances chemosensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma via modulating p27kip1 nuclear export
Authors: Huang Jie , Tan Xiaolong , Liu Yan , Jiang Kainian , Luo Jian
Published: February 2023

The asymptomatic nature of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), particularly during its early stages, in combination with its high aggressiveness and chemoresistance, significantly compromises the efficacy of current therapeutic options, contributing to a dismal prognosis. As a tumor suppressor that inhibits the cell cycle, abnormal cytoplasmic p27kip1 localization is related to chemotherapy resistance and often occurs in various cancers, including CCA. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism is unclear. SUMOylation, which is involved in regulating subcellular localization and the cell cycle, is a posttranslational modification that regulates p27kip1 activity. Here, we confirmed that UBE2I, as the only key enzyme for SUMOylation, was highly expressed and p27kip1 was downregulated in CCA tissues, which were associated with poor outcomes in CCA. Moreover, UBE2I silencing inhibited CCA cell proliferation, delayed xenograft tumor growth in vivo, and sensitized CCA cells to the chemotherapeutics, which may be due to cell cycle arrest induced by p27kip1 nuclear accumulation. According to the immunoprecipitation result, we found that UBE2I could bind p27kip1, and the binding amount of p27kip1 and SUMO‐1 decreased after UBE2I silencing. Moreover, nuclear retention of p27kip1 was induced by UBE2I knockdown and SUMOylation or CRM1 inhibition, further suggesting that UBE2I could cooperate with CRM1 in the nuclear export of p27kip1. These data indicate that UBE2I‐mediated SUMOylation is a novel regulatory mechanism that underlies p27kip1 export and controls CCA tumorigenesis, providing a therapeutic option for CCA treatment.
Protopanaxadiol manipulates gut microbiota to promote bone marrow hematopoiesis and enhance immunity in cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression mice
Authors: Cao Yuru , Liu Ben , Li Wenzhen , Geng Feng , Gao Xue , Yue Lijun , Liu Huiping , Liu Congying , Su Zhenguo , Lü Junhong , Pan Xiaohong
Published: February 2023

Protopanaxadiol (PPD) has potential immunomodulatory effects, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we explored the potential roles of gut microbiota in the immunity regulation mechanisms of PPD using a cyclophosphamide (CTX)‐induced immunosuppression mouse model. Our results showed that a medium dose of PPD (PPD‐M, 50 mg/kg) effectively ameliorated the immunosuppression induced by CTX treatment by promoting bone marrow hematopoiesis, increasing the number of splenic T lymphocytes and regulating the secretion of serum immunoglobulins and cytokines. Meanwhile, PPD‐M protected against CTX‐induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Oscillospirales, Turicibacter, Coldextribacter, Lachnospiraceae, Dubosiella, and Alloprevotella and reducing the relative abundance of Escherichia‐Shigella. Importantly, PPD‐M lost the ability to promote bone marrow hematopoiesis and enhance immunity when the gut microbiota was depleted by broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Moreover, PPD‐M promoted the production of microbiota‐derived immune‐enhancing metabolites including cucurbitacin C, l‐gulonolactone, ceramide, DG, prostaglandin E2 ethanolamide, palmitoyl glucuronide, 9R,10S‐epoxy‐stearic acid, and 9′‐carboxy‐gamma‐chromanol. KEGG topology analysis showed that the PPD‐M treatment significantly enriched the sphingolipid metabolic pathway with ceramide as a main metabolite. Our findings reveal that PPD enhances immunity by manipulating gut microbiota and has the potential to be used as an immunomodulator in cancer chemotherapy.
Framework for dual‐energy‐like chest radiography image synthesis from single‐energy computed tomography based on cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network
Authors: Lee Minjae , Lee Hunwoo , Lee Dongyeon , Cho Hyosung , Choi Jaegu , Cha Bo Kyung , Kim Kyuseok
Published: February 2023

Background

Dual‐energy (DE) chest radiography (CXR) enables the selective imaging of two relevant materials, namely, soft tissue and bone structures, to better characterize various chest pathologies (i.e., lung nodule, bony lesions, etc.) and potentially improve CXR‐based diagnosis. Recently, deep‐learning‐based image synthesis techniques have attracted considerable attention as alternatives to existing DE methods (i.e., dual‐exposure‐based and sandwich‐detector‐based methods) because software‐based bone‐only and bone‐suppression images in CXR could be useful.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to develop a new framework for DE‐like CXR image synthesis from single‐energy computed tomography (CT) based on a cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network.

Methods

The core techniques of the proposed framework are divided into three categories: (1) data configuration from the generation of pseudo CXR from single energy CT, (2) learning of the developed network architecture using pseudo CXR and pseudo‐DE imaging using a single‐energy CT, and (3) inference of the trained network on real single‐energy CXR. We performed a visual inspection and comparative evaluation using various metrics and introduced a figure of image quality (FIQ) to consider the effects of our framework on the spatial resolution and noise in terms of a single index through various test cases.

Results

Our results indicate that the proposed framework is effective and exhibits potential synthetic imaging ability for two relevant materials: soft tissue and bone structures. Its effectiveness was validated, and its ability to overcome the limitations associated with DE imaging techniques (e.g., increase in exposure dose owing to the requirement of two acquisitions, and emphasis on noise characteristics) via an artificial intelligence technique was presented.

Conclusions

The developed framework addresses X‐ray dose issues in the field of radiation imaging and enables pseudo‐DE imaging with single exposure.
Clinical outcomes after total excision of transobturator tape inserted for treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Abbas Nazish , Virdee Tonicka , Basu Maya , Iles David , Kanitkar Surya , Kearney Rohna , Khan Hamayun , Ward Karen , Reid Fiona
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Midurethral tapes (MUTs) were the most common surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) between 2008 and 2017. Transobturator tapes were introduced as a novel way to insert MUTs. Some women have experienced life‐changing complications, and opt to undergo a total excision of transobturator tape (TETOT). There is a paucity in evidence about the outcomes of TETOT, which is a complex operation. This study aims to report clinical outcomes of all women who underwent TETOT in a specialist mesh center.

Methods

All women between 2017 and 2022 who underwent TETOT in one mesh center were reviewed. Background demographics and preoperative symptoms were recorded retrospectively. Outcome data were collected using patient global impression of improvement (PGI‐I) scales via telephone review and analyzed using SPSS 25.

Results

Forty‐five women underwent telephone review in May 2022, on average 27.9 months (range: 3−60) after TETOT. Mean age was 55 and body mass index (BMI): 30; 82% were postmenopausal, 20% were smokers, and 73.3% had recurrent SUI before excision. Indications for excision were infection (4%), vaginal exposure (24%), urethral perforation (9%), and chronic pain not associated with other complications (60%). Two women with recurrent SUI opted for a concomitant fascial sling; both reported a PGI of “very much improved” regarding SUI postoperatively. Only 12 women (26.5%) did not have SUI before excision; of these 9 (75%) reported new SUI postoperatively. Pain improved for 57.8%, but worsened for 24.4%. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.055), more women who underwent TETOT for pain alone reported worsening pain than those with pain with an additional complication (37% vs. 5.55%). Overall, 62.2% women felt “better” after their excision, 17.8% felt “worse.”

Discussion

After TETOT, 62% of women felt better. Improvement in pain was reported by 58%—those with chronic pain without another complication reported improvement in pain less frequently (48% vs. 72%) and worsening pain more frequently (37% vs. 6%). Existing SUI worsened in 65% of women and 75% developed new SUI. There appears to be discordance between reporting global improvement with worsening of commonly measured clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Outcome data are important for counseling women about the risks and benefits of TETOT. Women and clinicians may have different attitudes to the possible benefits of TETOT, as evidenced by women reporting feeling better despite continuing pain or SUI. Conventional outcome measures do not adequately capture all outcomes that are important to patients.
Effect of macrocyclization and tetramethylrhodamine labeling on chemokine binding peptides
Authors: Wack Julia S. , Brahm Kevin , Babel Philipp , Dalton James A. R. , Schmitz Katja
Published: February 2023

Receptor‐derived peptides have played an important role in elucidating chemokine‐receptor interactions. For the inflammatory chemokine CXC‐class chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), a site II‐mimetic peptide has been derived from parts of extracellular loops 2 and 3 and adjacent transmembrane helices of its receptor CXC‐class chemokine receptor 1 (Helmer et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 25657). The peptide sequence with a C‐terminal glutamine did not bind to CXCL8, whereas one with a C‐terminal glutamate did but with low micromolar affinity. We sought to improve the affinity and protease stability of the latter peptide through cyclization while also cyclizing the former for control purposes. To identify a cyclization strategy that permits a receptor‐like interaction, we conducted a molecular dynamics simulation of CXCL8 in complex with full‐length CXC‐class chemokine receptor 1. We introduced a linker to provide an appropriate spacing between the termini and used an on‐resin side‐chain‐to‐tail cyclization strategy. Upon chemokine binding, the fluorescence intensity of the tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA)‐labeled cyclic peptides increased whereas the fluorescence anisotropy decreased. Additional molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the fluorophore interacts with the peptide macrocycle so that chemokine binding leads to its displacement and observed changes in fluorescence. Macrocyclization of both 18‐amino acid‐long peptides led to the same low micromolar affinity for CXCL8. Likewise, both TAMRA‐labeled linear peptides interacted with CXCL8 with similar affinities. Interestingly, the linear TAMRA‐labeled peptides were more resistant to tryptic digestion than the unlabeled counterparts, whereas the cyclized peptides were not degraded at all. We conclude that the TAMRA fluorophore tends to interact with peptides altering their protease stability and behavior in fluorescence‐based assays.
Security control for Markovian jump systems under fading channel: A finite‐time sliding‐mode method
Authors: Zhao Meng , Cao Zhiru , Yang Yekai , Niu Yugang
Published: February 2023

The finite‐time sliding mode control (SMC) design is developed in this work for Markovian jump systems with peak‐bounded external disturbances, where the system state may suffer from the channel fading and deception attacks over the sensor‐to‐controller channel. The multiplicative fading model is introduced to describe the fading phenomenon in the unpredictable communication network, and the channel coefficients are mutually independent random variables that take values in certain intervals. Besides, the deception attacks on the transmitted state signals may be stochastically launched. Under the effect of channel fading and deception attacks, a sliding surface involving fading parameter is devised, and a security finite‐time SMC law is designed to achieve the finite‐time reachability of the specified sliding surface. Furthermore, by adopting the partitioning strategy during the reaching phase and sliding phase of SMC design, the derived sufficient criteria can achieve the stochastic finite‐time boundedness. Finally, the numerical simulation results are provided to illustrate the developed finite‐time SMC approach under the fading communication and malicious attacks.