bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of building information modeling on slope stability and mitigation analysis in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Yoga Purnama , Oktaviana Latif , Wahyu Kurniawan , Adriyati Meilani
Published: March 2022

Slope failure in the well site area in Aceh, Indonesia caused the termination of gas distribution and resulted in financial loss. Based on the visual observation, the slope failed due to the high intensity of rainfall, which influenced the reduction of soil shear strength of the slope embankment. Moreover, the slope reinforcement has been damaged due to the collapsed trees on the slope embankment. Slope stability analysis was carried out by using a two-dimensional (2D) numerical method in several section areas to determine the appropriate slope reinforcement or countermeasures. Based on the 2D slope stability analysis, the Building Information Modeling (BIM) was performed by using a 3D projection drawing to evaluate the detailed information of the area which was applied by the countermeasures system. This method describes the total area and material quantity covered by the countermeasure system to determine the information material quantity and land acquisition area. Furthermore, the implementation of BIM in this study provides detailed information during the construction process to ensure comprehensive landslide mitigation.
Using nanoclay hydrophilic bentonite as a filler to enhance the mechanical properties of asphalt
Authors: Asim Mohammad , Thamer Abdulrasool , Kadhim Yasir
Published: March 2022

Higher traffic loads on the wheels, increased traffic volumes, and exposure to changing weather conditions result in increasing the road stresses and strains, putting the paving layers in danger of degradation such as fatigue, stripping, cracking, and rutting. A tremendous number of studies and trials have been conducted to modify asphalt to have a longer service life, less maintenance, be cheaper, and be more environmentally friendly. Recently, nanotechnology has proven very beneficial in all industries, including asphalt. It can be used to enhance the asphalt's mechanical properties. Using nano clay in asphalt is expected to improve the mechanical properties and the service life of the asphalt. So the main objective of this study is to investigate the performance of nano clay hydrophilic bentonite in improving the physical characteristics of asphalt concrete. This study uses nano clay with various replacement ratios as fillers to the ordinary used limestone filler in asphalt concrete. The used replacement percentages were (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100). The experimental tests that were conducted in this study include Marshall Stability (MS), Marshall Flow (MF), voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm) and air voids (AV). The results showed a noticeable enhansment in the behavior of the asphalt mix with increasing the replacement percentage by nanoclay. Also, it was found that the 60% replacement rate by nano clay has the highest Marshall stability with an increase of 93%, also the lowest flow with a decrease of 25% compared to the control asphalt mix.
The lived experience of health sciences students’ participation in an interprofessional community-based stroke class
Authors:   Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Kloppers M , Bardien F ,   Division of Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Titus A ,   Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Bester J ,   Division of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Inglis-Jassiem G ,   Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Published: March 2022

Background. Collaborative approaches in healthcare contexts may provide better care for patients. Interprofessional circuit-based group therapy could counter profession-specific tribalism. There is no evidence on interprofessional education (IPE) community-based interventions on student learning in the health professions. Objective. To explore undergraduate health sciences students’ experience of being involved in community-based interprofessional circuit-based group therapy. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were inductively analysed exploring undergraduate health sciences students’ experience of involvement in an IPE community-based stroke intervention. Results. A total of 12 final-year students participated, with representation from physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. This IPE opportunity beneficially impacted students’ collaborative competencies in knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviours. This community-based rotation immersed students in a service-delivery environment where patient management was co-ordinated by a multiprofessional rehabilitation team. The integrated stroke circuit group activity aimed to enhance further interconnectedness between student participants. Students who were exposed to this clinical activity reported an understanding of (i) patients’ unique contexts; (ii) role development and complementary overlap between health professions; and (iii) the value of joint interventions to both patients and rehabilitation teams in resource-constrained settings. Conclusion. These students have been primed in their practice-readiness as healthcare professionals for the 21st century who will promote quality care, and embrace collaborative professional practice and person-centredness.
STIMulating blood pressure
Authors: Garrud Tessa AC , Jaggar Jonathan H
Published: March 2022

The protein STIM1 helps to maintain membrane coupling sites in smooth muscle cells that regulate arterial contractility and blood pressure.
Trabalho institucional identitário no campo organizacional do Turismo
Authors: Albuquerque Mariene Cavalcante Borba de , Oliveira Samir Adamoglu
Published: March 2022

O estudo teve como objetivo compreender como o trabalho institucional realizado no campo organizacional do turismo constrói socialmente a identidade turística de um destino. Para isso, realizou-se um estudo de caso no município de Conde (PB) mapeando-se os atores organizacionais e seus respectivos papéis na atividade turística do município e, por meio de uma análise qualitativa de conteúdo, identificou-se elementos que evidenciam sua identidade turística, verificando ações pertinentes ao trabalho institucional responsável pela construção social dessa identidade. Assume-se um enfoque institucionalista aplicado ao campo do Turismo, articulando os aportes do trabalho institucional e da construção social de identidades. Conclui-se que o município possui um arcabouço identitário diverso em que atores heterogêneos, com atividades-fim distintas, têm realizado ações individuais e não colaborativas indicando um processo de construção multi-identitário que o tem impedido de se tornar tanto um atrativo turístico competitivo quanto a converter-se em um destino turístico final. Assim, demonstra-se que (i) a identidade representa um mecanismo no processo de institucionalização do destino em um campo organizacional, (ii) a legitimação da identidade local influencia diretamente no fortalecimento da atividade turística, e que (iii) o modo como uma determinada localidade é reconhecida por seus atributos centrais, distintivos e duradouros, definirá qual público se motivará a visitá-la.
SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro displays faster self‐maturation in vitro than SARS‐CoV 3CLpro due to faster C‐terminal cleavage
Authors: Kuo Chih‐Jung , Liang Po‐Huang
Published: March 2022

The coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has become a worldwide pandemic. The 3C‐like protease (3CLpro), which cleaves 11 sites including its own N‐ and C‐termini on the viral polyproteins, is essential for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. In this study, we constructed the full‐length inactive 3CLpro with N‐ and C‐terminal extensions as substrates for monitoring self‐cleavage by wild‐type 3CLpro. We found that the rate‐limiting C‐terminal self‐cleavage rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro was 35‐fold faster than that of SARS‐CoV 3CLpro using the Trx/GST‐tagged C145A 3CLpro substrates. Since self‐cleavage of 3CLpro is the initial step for maturation of other viral proteins, our study suggests more facile SARS‐CoV‐2 replication than that of SARS‐CoV.
3D Printing of Mechanically Resistant Poly (Glycerol Sebacate) (PGS)‐Zein Scaffolds for Potential Cardiac Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Ruther Florian , Roether Judith A. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: March 2022

Due to the limited regenerative capacity of the natural human myocardium, 3D printing of the cyclic polyester poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) offers a promising alternative to produce scaffolds (cardiac patches) for cardiac tissue engineering. Since the 3D printability and subsequent thermal crosslinking of pure PGS without any modification or additives are challenging, a PGS‐zein‐salt‐based printing process is developed in this work by mixing PGS pre‐polymer with ground and sieved sodium chloride particles and additionally with different amounts of the corn protein zein. The resulting inks show excellent printability and high shape fidelity both during the printing process and after thermal crosslinking. Chemical analysis indicates the successful integration of zein into the PGS backbone. Mechanical characterization shows the anisotropic behavior of the structure in the alternating printing direction. Subsequent biological assessments reveal no cytotoxic effects on C2C12 cells, rendering the developed PGS‐zein combination a suitable material for 3D printing of cardiac patches.
Electro‐Reconstruction‐Induced Strain Regulation and Synergism of Ag‐In‐S toward Highly Efficient CO2 Electrolysis to Formate
Authors: Zhang Jiguang , Fan Tingting , Huang Pingping , Lian Xinyi , Guo Yuting , Chen Zhou , Yi Xiaodong
Published: March 2022

Formate production from direct CO2 electrolysis is economically appealing yet challenging in activity, selectivity, and stability. Herein, sulfur and silver dual‐decorated indium quasi‐core–shell structures with compressive or tensile strain are rationally designed for efficiently electrocatalyzing CO2 to formate. The introduction of Ag and S increases the current density, Faradaic efficiency, and operational stability of formate both in H‐cell and flow cell systems. As a result, the optimized Ag‐In‐S bimetallic catalysts exhibit the FEHCOO− of ≈94.0% with a JHCOO− of more than −560.0 mA cm−2 at ≈−0.951 VRHE in the flow cell system, which far surpasses the undecorated In catalyst. The experimental and theoretical calculations provide a deeper understanding of the role of the interfacial strain between In or In4Ag9 shell and AgIn2 core in boosting the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency, in which the formation energy of *OCHO intermediate decreases and the charge transfer rate is accelerated by interface strain.
Solar Deicing Nanocoatings Adaptive to Overhead Power Lines
Authors: Li Yang , Ma Wei , Kwon Ye Seul , Li Weihong , Yao Shuhuai , Huang Baoling
Published: March 2022

In frigid winter, the ice and snow built‐up on high‐voltage overhead power lines may seriously risk the reliability of electric power transmission and telecommunication systems. Green technologies for power line deicing that can effectively remove the accumulated ice or snow on the cables in a gentle way are highly desired but technically challenging due to the complex cable surfaces. Herein, this work reports a scalable solar‐thermal icephobic nanocoating compatible with both flat and complex curved surfaces. The spray‐coated nanocoating comprises a titanium nitride nanoparticle layer as a low‐emissivity photo‐thermal medium and dual‐scale silica particles as a water‐repellent layer even at low temperatures. Enabled by the collective effects of high‐efficiency solar‐thermal conversion and temperature‐insensitive superhydrophobicity, the nanocoating realizes effective deicing/defrosting on power lines at frigid temperatures down to −15 °C. The versatility of this coating and its compatibility with mass‐production processes render passive solar‐driven deicing technologies promising for practical applications on most outdoor exposed surfaces.
Printing and Erasing of DNA‐Based Photoresists Inside Synthetic Cells
Authors: Walther Tobias , Jahnke Kevin , Abele Tobias , Göpfrich Kerstin
Published: March 2022

In the pursuit of producing functioning synthetic cells from the bottom‐up, DNA nanotechnology has proven to be a powerful tool. However, the crowded yet highly organized arrangement in living cells, bridging from the nano‐ to the micron‐scale, remains challenging to recreate with DNA‐based architectures. Here, laser microprinting is established to print and erase shape‐controlled DNA hydrogels inside the confinement of water‐in‐oil droplets and giant unilamellar lipid vesicles (GUVs). The DNA‐based photoresist consists of a photocleavable inactive DNA linker, which interconnects Y‐shaped DNA motifs when activated by local irradiation with a 405 nm laser. An alternative linker design allows to erase custom features from a preformed DNA hydrogel with feature sizes down to 1.38 μm. The present work demonstrates that the DNA hydrogels can serve as an internal support to stabilize non‐spherical GUV shapes. Overall, DNA‐based photoresists for laser printing in confinement allow to build up architectures on the interior of synthetic cells with light, which diversifies the toolbox of bottom‐up synthetic biology.
The EU's farm‐to‐fork strategy: An assessment from the perspective of agricultural economics
Authors: Wesseler Justus
Published: March 2022

The EU Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy includes a number of policy objectives that have implications for agricultural production in the EU and beyond. This contribution discusses the possible implications from an economic perspective. We draw on economic assessments by other authors and discuss their wider implications by considering only partially quantified benefits and costs. Overall, the assessments indicate a decline in EU agricultural production in quantitative terms. The F2F strategy negatively affects aggregate consumer surplus and—depending on the assumption made—a net increase or decrease in producer surplus, thereby inducing an overall net welfare loss. Partially quantified benefits and costs include the environmental benefits and costs linked to the F2F strategy, such as implications for greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, or the landscape. Therefore, by launching the strategy, policy makers have implicitly concluded that the additional net benefits outweigh the losses in consumer surplus. The economic studies combined with studies on the impact of agricultural practices on biodiversity and the emission of greenhouse gases do not support this claim without further technological and institutional changes, such as supporting the application of modern biotechnology by reducing regulatory hurdles. Also, whether most consumers will share this view remains to be seen. EU policy makers have it in their hands to implement the necessary institutional changes.
Stabilisierung von Elektronentransferwegen erlaubt Stabilität von Biohybrid‐Photoelektroden über Jahre
Authors: Friebe Vincent M. , Barszcz Agata J. , Jones Michael R. , Frese Raoul N.
Published: March 2022

Die Nutzung natürlicher photosynthetischer Enzyme in biohybriden Anwendungen stellt eine attraktive und potenziell nachhaltige Möglichkeit zur Umwandlung von solarer Energie in Elektrizität und Brennstoffe dar. Jedoch begrenzt die Stabilität von photosynthetisch aktiven Proteinen nach der Implementierung in biohybride Anwendungsdesigns die operative Lebensdauer von Biophotoelektroden auf bisher wenige Stunden. In dieser Publikation demonstrieren wir, wie sich die Stabilität einer mesoporösen Elektrode, welche mit dem Photoprotein RC‐LH1 aus Rhodobacter sphaeroides beschichtet ist, erheblich steigern lässt. Durch die Aufrechterhaltung der Elektronenübertragungswege konnte die operative Lebensdauer unter Dauerlicht auf 33 Tage gesteigert werden und die operative Funktionalität nach einer Lagerung über mehr zwei Jahre hinweg demonstriert werden. Kombiniert mit hohen Photoströmen, die Spitzenwerte von 4.6 mA cm−2 erreichten, erzeugte die optimierte Biophotoelektrode eine kumulative Leistung von 86 C cm−2, die höchste bisher berichtete Leistung für diese Art von Elektroden. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der Faktor, welcher die Stabilität einschränkt, die Architektur der Struktur ist, die das Photoprotein umgibt, sowie das entsprechende biohybride Sensoren und photovoltaische Geräte mit einer Betriebsdauer von mehreren Jahren möglich sind.
Polydopamine‐bridged synthesis of h‐BN@PDA@PbWO4 as multifunctional enhancers for γ‐shielding performance and thermal conductivity of neoprene composites
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Ying Jun , Zeng Jun , Liu Hui Ping , Zhou Yuan Lin
Published: March 2022

In order to solve the problem of poor thermal conductivity of polymer‐based radiation shielding composite materials, h‐BN@PDA@PbWO4 hybrid powders were prepared by combining h‐BN with high thermal conductivity and PbWO4 with γ shielding. With the assistance of polydopamine, PbWO4 particles were synthesized in situ on the h‐BN surface. The effects of h‐BN@PDA@PbWO4 on thermal conductivity, γ‐ray shielding, and mechanical properties of chloroprene rubber were studied. The results showed that the hybrid particles had better dispersibility than the pure mixing of h‐BN and PbWO4 in chloroprene rubber and significantly improved the thermal conductivity gamma‐ray shielding performance and mechanical properties of CR composites. When the filler content of the hybrid powder reaches 40 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the composite is about 3.16 times that of the pure CR. The γ shielding rates at 86.5 KeV and 105.3 KeV photon energies increase by 14.14% and 17.61% compared with the pure CR. Compared with pure CR, the tensile strength of the composites increased by 4.79 MPa, and the elongation at break decreased slightly. These were because h‐BN@PDA@PbWO4 shows had an excellent synergistic effect in CR substrate. The new kind of CR/h‐BN@PDA@PbWO4 composite can be used for thermal management and gamma shielding.
Fabrication, characterization, and thermoelectric properties of soft polyurethane foam loaded with semiconducting poly(3‐hexylthiophene) nanofibers
Authors: Mano Genki , Murasawa Yoshihiro , Shimamura Keisuke , Iso Ayaka , Kanehashi Shinji , Shimomura Takeshi
Published: March 2022

A polyurethane foam (PUF) loaded with poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofibers is fabricated as a thermoelectric (TE) material with low‐thermal conductivity. To date, there have been no reports on PUFs loaded with organic fillers, including conducting polymers, exhibiting TE properties. The P3HT nanofibers do not affect the polyurethane foaming reaction and are uniformly dispersed in the PUF. Generally, conductive fillers, including carbon fillers, result in brittle PUFs. However, the PUFs loaded with P3HT nanofibers exhibit mechanical strength and Young's modulus comparable to the PUFs without fillers, and the thickness can be completely restored even after compressing 20 times. Finally, it is confirmed that the PUF loaded with P3HT nanofibers exhibits TE properties, and the Seebeck coefficient is approximately 3 mV K−1, which is comparable to that of the conventional P3HT film reported previously. The soft PUF loaded with P3HT nanofibers can be regarded as a TE material with flexibility, mechanical toughness, and low‐thermal conductivity.
Forecasting portfolio returns with skew‐geometric Brownian motions
Authors: Bufalo Michele , Liseo Brunero , Orlando Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

The gist of this work is to propose a minimum tracking error portfolio that could be adopted not only as an automated alternative to ETFs but, it could also be potentially used to anticipate market changes in the target index. This goal has been achieved by adopting skew Brownian motion as a general framework. The proposed solution has been declined in two versions: the case in which the constituents (i.e., in our case the subindices) of the objective portfolio are uncorrelated among each other, and the case in which correlation should be taken into account. Our tests, carried out on the S&P 500, as an example of a developed market, and Bovespa, as an example of an emerging market, shows that the proposed solutions replicate the index with a much smaller tracking error than that of the ETFs considered.
Effects of Tang Luo Ning on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats revealed by LC–MS metabolomics approach
Authors: Li Yangfan , Yao Weijie , Gao Yanbin
Published: March 2022

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes with limited therapies. Tang Luo Ning (TLN), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has been proved to be effective in the treatment of DPN in clinical and experimental studies. However, the potential metabolic mechanism of TLN for the treatment of DPN is still unclear. Here the therapeutic effect of TLN on DPN was studied, and HPLC‐IT‐TOF/MS was used to explore the metabolic changes related to DPN and to explore the mechanism of TLN on DPN induced by high glucose. Furthermore, metabolic pathway analysis was used to explore the metabolic changes induced by DPN and TLN. As a result, TLN could improve the peripheral nerve function of DPN rats, and TLN could reduce the demyelination of the sciatic nerve in DPN rats. Metabolomics analysis showed that 14 potential biomarkers (citrate, creatine, fumarate, glyceric acid, glycine, succinate, etc.) of both DPN and TLN treatment were identified. Pathway analysis showed that the changes in these metabolites were mainly related to the citrate cycle (TCA cycle); glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism.
Two‐year longitudinal case study of intensive exposure treatment in an adolescent girl with social anxiety disorder
Authors: Haukeli Kristine , Edlund Klara
Published: March 2022

The purpose was to adapt the “Bergen 4‐Day Treatment” for severe social anxiety disorder and to study the 28 months follow‐up effects for a 16‐year‐old girl. It was delivered over three full days. At post‐treatment, 48% reduction in symptoms, she no longer met the diagnostic criteria for SAD.
Constriction ring of the penis in a newborn infant: A rare form of amniotic band syndrome
Authors: Ting Yu Shan , Mukkam Renisha Paul , Chandran Suresh
Published: March 2022

The amniotic band comprises disrupted amnion strands causing entrapment or entanglement of various fetal parts resulting in a spectrum of anomalies from digital band constriction or amputation to severe craniofacial/visceral defects and even fetal demise. We present a newborn infant with a rare, isolated ring constriction of the penis.
Review and case report of the treatment in a young girl with primary failure of eruption
Authors: Awad Mirna G. , Dalbah Lana , Srirengalakshmi M. , Venugopal Adith , Vaid Nikhilesh R.
Published: March 2022

Any localized non‐eruption of teeth can be attributed to myriad of factors. A failure of a permanent tooth to erupt or cessation of initial eruption with no obvious local/systemic causative factor is said to be primary failure of eruption (PFE). The etio‐pathogenesis of PFE is due to the mutation of PTH1R gene. Clinical features such as infra‐occluded teeth, posterior open bite, lack of any cause or habit are usually attributed to diagnosing the condition, and a confirmatory diagnosis is done by the gene analysis of PTH1R gene. Treatment of such a condition is tricky as any application of orthodontic traction to teeth affected by PFE will not be successful and may cause ankylosis. This correspondence reviews and demonstrates the treatment of a case of PFE to restore function and esthetics to the best possible outcome.
Metal‐Free Reductive Coupling of para‐Quinone Methides with 4‐Cyanopyridines Enabled by Pyridine‐Boryl Radicals: Access to Pyridylated Diarylmethanes with Anti‐Cancer Activity
Authors: Qu Chuan‐Hua , Gao Li‐Xia , Tang Yan , Liu Yuan , Luo Xiao‐Qin , Song Gui‐Ting
Published: March 2022

Reported herein is a streamlined protocol to produce pyridylated diarylmethanes through pyridine‐boryl radical induced reductive coupling between para‐quinone methides (p‐QMs) and 4‐cyanopyridines using bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2) as a templated reagent. The metal‐free process is characterized by an operationally simple approach, excellent chemoselectivity (1,2‐ vs. 1,6‐selectivity), and a broad substrate scope with good functional group compatibility. The mechanistic studies provided important insights into the reductive cross‐coupling process between diarylmethyl radical and pyridine‐boryl radical. Moreover, part of the obtained pyridylated diarylmethane products were screened against a panel of cancer cell lines, and 3 v was confirmed to significantly inhibit the proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. This method offers a platform for the preparation of new lead compounds with antitumor activity.
Nanoporous Gold Catalyst for the Oxidative N‐Dealkylation of Drug Molecules: A Method for Synthesis of N‐Dealkylated Metabolites
Authors: Alipour Najmi Ali , Jafariyeh‐Yazdi Elchin , Hadian Mojgan , Hermans Jos , Bischoff Rainer , Yue Jun , Dömling Alexander , Wittstock Arne , Permentier Hjalmar P.
Published: March 2022

A novel method for the selective catalytic N‐dealkylation of drug molecules on a nanoporous gold (NPG) catalyst producing valuable N‐dealkylated metabolites and intermediates is described. Drug metabolites are important chemical entities at every stage of drug discovery and development, from exploratory discovery to clinical development, providing the safety profiles and the ADME (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) of new drug candidates. Synthesis was carried out in aqueous solution at 80 °C using air (oxygen source) as oxidant, in single step with good isolated yields. Different examples examined in this study showed that aerobic catalytic N‐dealkylation of drug molecules on NPG has a broad scope supporting N‐deethylation, N‐deisopropylation and N‐demethylation, converting either 3° amines to 2° amines, or 2° amines to 1° amines.
μFlowCal – High‐Resolution Differential Flow Microcalorimeter for the Measurement of Heats of Mixing
Authors: Vaz Inês C. M. , Torres Manuel C. , Silva Fernando M. T. , Carpinteiro. Francisco S. , Santos Luís M. N. B. F.
Published: March 2022

This work presents the description, calibration, test and performance evaluation of a new flow microcalorimeter. The μFlowCal is a differential heat conduction, flow microcalorimeter, designed to work in isothermal conditions, in differential mode and in the absence of gas phase, requiring small amounts of sample (200 μL). Both the microcalorimeter and its operational methodology were optimized to measure the heat of mixing of fluids with moderate viscosity and volatility. The microcalorimeter has a sensitivity of 116 μV mW−1 and a level of detection of 170 nW. A very good performance (uncertainty <5 %) was obtained for the selected test processes: enthalpy of dilution of aqueous sucrose solutions and excess enthalpy of binary mixtures of decane‐octanol. The μFlowCal prototype is a new tool in micro‐scale physical chemistry and a step forward concerning signal resolution and sample volume. Nowadays, these are major requirement for the study of novel promising solvents and their mixtures.
Browsing herbivores improve the state and functioning of savannas: A model assessment of alternative land‐use strategies
Authors: Irob Katja , Blaum Niels , Baldauf Selina , Kerger Leon , Strohbach Ben , Kanduvarisa Angelina , Lohmann Dirk , Tietjen Britta
Published: March 2022

Changing climatic conditions and unsustainable land use are major threats to savannas worldwide. Historically, many African savannas were used intensively for livestock grazing, which contributed to widespread patterns of bush encroachment across savanna systems. To reverse bush encroachment, it has been proposed to change the cattle‐dominated land use to one dominated by comparatively specialized browsers and usually native herbivores. However, the consequences for ecosystem properties and processes remain largely unclear. We used the ecohydrological, spatially explicit model EcoHyD to assess the impacts of two contrasting, herbivore land‐use strategies on a Namibian savanna: grazer‐ versus browser‐dominated herbivore communities. We varied the densities of grazers and browsers and determined the resulting composition and diversity of the plant community, total vegetation cover, soil moisture, and water use by plants. Our results showed that plant types that are less palatable to herbivores were best adapted to grazing or browsing animals in all simulated densities. Also, plant types that had a competitive advantage under limited water availability were among the dominant ones irrespective of land‐use scenario. Overall, the results were in line with our expectations: under high grazer densities, we found heavy bush encroachment and the loss of the perennial grass matrix. Importantly, regardless of the density of browsers, grass cover and plant functional diversity were significantly higher in browsing scenarios. Browsing herbivores increased grass cover, and the higher total cover in turn improved water uptake by plants overall. We concluded that, in contrast to grazing‐dominated land‐use strategies, land‐use strategies dominated by browsing herbivores, even at high herbivore densities, sustain diverse vegetation communities with high cover of perennial grasses, resulting in lower erosion risk and bolstering ecosystem services.
Decay of TRPV3 as the genomic trace of epidermal structure changes in the land‐to‐sea transition of mammals
Authors: Wu Tianzhen , Deme Luoying , Zhang Zhenhua , Huang Xin , Xu Shixia , Yang Guang
Published: March 2022

The epidermis plays an indispensable barrier function in animals. Some species have evolved unique epidermal structures to adapt to different environments. Aquatic and semi‐aquatic mammals (cetaceans, manatees, and hippopotamus) are good models to study the evolution of epidermal structures because of their exceptionally thickened stratum spinosum, the lack of stratum granulosum, and the parakeratotic stratum corneum. This study aimed to analyze an upstream regulatory gene transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 3 (TRPV3) of epidermal differentiation so as to explore the association between TRPV3 evolution and epidermal changes in mammals. Inactivating mutations were detected in almost all the aquatic cetaceans and several terrestrial mammals. Relaxed selective pressure was examined in the cetacean lineages with inactivated TRPV3, which might contribute to its exceptionally thickened stratum spinosum as the significant thickening of stratum spinosum in TRPV3 knock‐out mouse. However, functional TRPV3 may exist in several terrestrial mammals due to their strong purifying selection, although they have “inactivating mutations.” Further, for intact sequences, relaxed selective constraints on the TRPV3 gene were also detected in aquatic cetaceans, manatees, and semi‐aquatic hippopotamus. However, they had intact TRPV3, suggesting that the accumulation of inactivating mutations might have lagged behind the relaxed selective pressure. The results of this study revealed the decay of TRPV3 being the genomic trace of epidermal development in aquatic and semi‐aquatic mammals. They provided insights into convergently evolutionary changes of epidermal structures during the transition from the terrestrial to the aquatic environment.
Salinity legacy: Foliar microbiome's history affects mutualist‐conferred salinity tolerance
Authors: Subedi Suresh C. , Allen Preston , Vidales Rosario , Sternberg Leonel , Ross Michael , Afkhami Michelle E.
Published: March 2022

The rapid human‐driven changes in the environment during the Anthropocene have placed extreme stress on many plants and animals. Beneficial interactions with microorganisms may be crucial for ameliorating these stressors and facilitating the ecosystem services host organisms provide. Foliar endophytes, microorganisms that reside within leaves, are found in essentially all plants and can provide important benefits (e.g., enhanced drought tolerance or resistance to herbivory). However, it remains unclear how important the legacy effects of the abiotic stressors that select on these microbiomes are for affecting the degree of stress amelioration provided to their hosts. To elucidate foliar endophytes' role in host‐plant salt tolerance, especially if salinity experienced in the field selects for endophytes that are better suited to improve the salt tolerance of their hosts, we combined field collections of 90 endophyte communities from 30 sites across the coastal Everglades with a manipulative growth experiment assessing endophyte inoculation effects on host‐plant performance. Specifically, we grew >350 red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) seedlings in a factorial design that manipulated the salinity environment the seedlings experienced (freshwater vs. saltwater), the introduction of field‐collected endophytes (live vs. sterilized inoculum), and the legacy of salinity stress experienced by these introduced endophytes, ranging from no salt stress (0 parts per thousand [ppt] salinity) to high salt stress (40 ppt) environments. We found that inoculation with field‐collected endophytes significantly increased mangrove performance across almost all metrics examined (15%–20% increase on average), and these beneficial effects typically occurred when the endophytes were grown in saltwater. Importantly, our study revealed the novel result that endophyte‐conferred salinity tolerance depended on microbiome salinity legacy in a key coastal foundation species. Salt‐stressed mangroves inoculated with endophyte microbiomes from high‐salinity environments performed, on average, as well as plants grown in low‐stress freshwater, while endophytes from freshwater environments did not relieve host salinity stress. Given the increasing salinity stress imposed by sea level rise and the importance of foundation species like mangroves for ecosystem services, our results indicate that consideration of endophytic associations and their salinity legacy may be critical for the successful restoration and management of coastal habitats.
The effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on right ventricular function – insights from the IRON‐CRT trial
Authors: Martens Pieter , Dupont Matthias , Dauw Jeroen , Nijst Petra , Bertrand Philippe B , Tang W.H. Wilson , Mullens Wilfried
Published: March 2022

Aims

Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) improves left ventricular function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Yet, the effect of FCM on right ventricular (RV) function remains insufficiently elucidated.

Methods and results

This is a pre‐defined analysis of the IRON‐CRT trial in which symptomatic HFrEF patients with iron deficiency and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) despite optimal medical therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) underwent 1:1 randomization to FCM or placebo in a double‐blind fashion. RV function was measured as the change from baseline to 3‐month follow‐up in RV fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pulsed Doppler peak velocity at the RV lateral annulus (RV S′), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and its coupling to the right ventricle (TAPSE/SPAP ratio). The RV contractile reserve was measured as the change in TAPSE during incremental pacing at 70, 90 and 110 bpm. A total of 75 patients underwent randomization and received FCM (n = 37) or placebo (n = 38). At baseline 72.5% had RV dysfunction and 70% had RV dilatation. At 3‐month follow‐up, patients receiving FCM had a significant improvement in RV FAC (+4.1% [+1.4% − +6.9%] vs. −2.2% [−4.9% − +0.6%] in the placebo group, p = 0.002) and TAPSE (+0.98 mm [+0.28 mm − +1.62 mm] vs. −0.19 mm [−0.85 mm − +0.48 mm] in the placebo group, p = 0.020), but not RV S′. Patients receiving FCM had a numerically lower SPAP (p = 0.073) and significant improvement in TAPSE/SPAP ratio (+0.097 [+0.048 − +0.146] vs. +0.002 [−0.046 − +0.051] in the placebo group, p = 0.008). At baseline both groups had diminished RV contractile reserve during incremental pacing, which was attenuated at 3‐month follow‐up in the FCM group (p = 0.004). Patients manifesting more RV function improvement were more likely to exhibit higher degrees of LVEF improvement (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Treatment with FCM in HFrEF patients results in an improvement in RV function and structure and improves the RV contractile reserve.
Recent Developments of Thermal Management Strategies for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A State‐of‐The‐Art Review
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Xuelai , Lin Xiangwei
Published: March 2022

The performance of lithium‐ion batteries is quite dependent on temperature and a series of investigations on the battery thermal management system (BTMS) have been reported during the past decades. Herein, the recent developments of BTMS are thoroughly summarized. First, the thermal characteristics of the battery caused by different temperature conditions and temperature nonuniformity are described. Then, the thermal models, including electro‐thermal coupled model and electrochemical–thermal coupled model are briefly presented. Subsequently, various traditional strategies like air cooling, liquid cooling, phase change material (PCM) cooling, and heat pipe cooling are elaborated. With the development of battery technology, BTMS based on a single strategy alone cannot meet the growth of thermal requirements, especially under dynamic and high‐power energy conditions. Hence, a hybrid BTMS that integrates two or more cooling strategies begins to be studied and provide a feasible solution for the problem. The related studies on hybrid BTMS are also systematically reviewed from the perspective of combinations, such as air–PCM, liquid–PCM, heat pipe–PCM, and other hybrid strategies. Besides, the current research on battery preheating strategies is also summarized. Finally, insufficient present studies are pointed out, aiming to provide comprehensive guidance toward the development of battery thermal management.
PharmRF: A machine‐learning scoring function to identify the best protein‐ligand complexes for structure‐based pharmacophore screening with high enrichments
Authors: Kumar Sivakumar Prasanth , Dixit Nandan Y. , Patel Chirag N. , Rawal Rakesh M. , Pandya Himanshu A.
Published: March 2022

Structure‐based pharmacophore models are often developed by selecting a single protein‐ligand complex with good resolution and better binding affinity data which prevents the analysis of other structures having a similar potential to act as better templates. PharmRF is a pharmacophore‐based scoring function for selecting the best crystal structures with the potential to attain high enrichment rates in pharmacophore‐based virtual screening prospectively. The PharmRF scoring function is trained and tested on the PDBbind v2018 protein‐ligand complex dataset and employs a random forest regressor to correlate protein pocket descriptors and ligand pharmacophoric elements with binding affinity. PharmRF score represents the calculated binding affinity which identifies high‐affinity ligands by thorough pruning of all the PDB entries available for a particular protein of interest with a high PharmRF score. Ligands with high PharmRF scores can provide a better basis for structure‐based pharmacophore enumerations with a better enrichment rate. Evaluated on 10 protein‐ligand systems of the DUD‐E dataset, PharmRF achieved superior performance (average success rate: 77.61%, median success rate: 87.16%) than Vina docking score (75.47%, 79.39%). PharmRF was further evaluated using the CASF‐2016 benchmark set yielding a moderate correlation of 0.591 with experimental binding affinity, similar in performance to 25 scoring functions tested on this dataset. Independent assessment of PharmRF on 8 protein‐ligand systems of LIT‐PCBA dataset exhibited average and median success rates of 57.55% and 74.72% with 4 targets attaining success rate > 90%. The PharmRF scoring model, scripts, and related resources can be accessed athttps://github.com/Prasanth-Kumar87/PharmRF.
Effects of β‐hydroxy β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on muscle mass, function, and other outcomes in patients with cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Prado Carla M. , Orsso Camila E. , Pereira Suzette L. , Atherton Philip J. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P.
Published: March 2022

Low muscle mass is prevalent among patients with cancer and a predictor of adverse clinical outcomes. To counteract muscle loss, β‐hydroxy β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation has been proposed as a potential therapy for older adults and various diseases states. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects and safety of HMB supplementation in relation to muscle mass and function and other clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, ProQuest, and grey literature for reports published from inception to December 2021 was conducted. Included studies provided supplements containing any dose of HMB to adult patients with active cancer. A synthesis without meta‐analysis was conducted using a vote‐counting approach based solely on the direction of the effect (i.e. regardless of statistical significance). Risk of bias was assessed for each outcome domain, and evidence from higher‐quality studies (i.e. those with either low or moderate risk of bias) was examined. Safety was evaluated using both lower‐quality and higher‐quality studies. Fifteen studies were included, in which six were randomized controlled trials in patients with various cancer types and treatments. Studies prescribed HMB combined with amino acids (73.3%), HMB in oral nutritional supplements (20.0%), or both supplement types (6.7%); Ca‐HMB doses of 3.0 g/day were provided in 80.0% of the studies. Four studies had high risk of bias across all outcome domains. Considering the higher‐quality studies, evidence of a beneficial effect of HMB supplementation was found in four of four studies for muscle mass, two of two for muscle function, three of three for hospitalization, and five of seven for survival. In contrast, no beneficial effects of HMB on quality of life or body weight was found in two of four and three of five studies, respectively. A limited number of higher‐quality studies evaluating the impact of HMB on cancer therapy‐related toxicity, inflammation, and tumour response were observed. No serious adverse effects directly related to the nutrition intervention were reported. Although limited, current evidence suggests that HMB supplementation has a beneficial effect on muscle mass and function in patients with cancer. Well‐designed trials are needed to further explore the clinical benefit of HMB supplementation in this patient population.
Inferior vena cava ultrasonography in the assessment of intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness in the emergency department and intensive care unit: A critical analysis review
Authors: Spiliotaki Eleni , Saranteas Theodosios , Moschovaki Nefeli , Panagouli Konstantina , Pistioli Efstathia , Kitsinelis Vasilios , Briasoulis Panagiotis , Papadimos Thomas
Published: March 2022

Rapid evaluation of intravascular volume status is vital; either excessive or limited fluid administration may result in adverse patient outcomes. In this narrative review, critical analysis of pertinent diagnostic accuracy studies is developed to delineate the role of inferior vena cava ultrasound measurements in the assessment of both intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness in the emergency department and intensive care unit. In addition, limitations, and technical considerations of inferior vena cava ultrasound measurements as well as directions for future research are thoroughly discussed.
Localized stomach cancer: Perioperative or postoperative approach? A meta‐analysis of phase III studies
Authors: Ben Kridis Wala , Rejab Haitham , Mzali Rafik , Daoud Jamel , Khanfir Afef
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Despite the development and standardization of surgical techniques in the treatment of localized gastric adenocarcinoma, the loco‐regional and metastatic recurrence rate remains high. A combined radiochemotherapeutic regimen (the MacDonald regimen) as well as perioperative chemotherapy allows a significant improvement in the survival of patients with localized gastric adenocarcinoma with a reduction in the recurrence rate compared to surgery alone. The purpose of this review is to specify the best therapeutic approach in the treatment of localized gastric cancer.

Methods

We performed a systemic search of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid without language restriction. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported.

Results

We pooled 727 patients from two phase III randomized controlled trials. There was a benefit of perioperative chemotherapy versus surgery alone on the overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55–0.95) and on disease free survival (DFS) (HR = 0.65, CI: 0.50–0.85). Adjuvant chemotherapy was superior to surgery alone based on OS and disease free survival (CLASSIC study HR = 0.72, CI: 0.52–1 and HR = 0.56, CI: 0.44–0.72, respectively). Adjuvant radiochemotherapy was superior to surgery alone (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09–1.66; P = 0.005).

Conclusion

A face‐to‐face comparison of perioperative chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy is necessary.
Liver and spleen stiffness on ultrasound elastography are predictors of the occurrence of esophagogastric varices after balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
Authors: Furuichi Yoshihiro , Abe Masakazu , Yoshimasu Yuu , Takeuchi Hirohito , Itoi Takao
Published: March 2022

Background

Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is an effective treatment for gastric varices, but predictors associated with overall survival rate (OS) and occurrence of esophagogastric varices (EGV) have not yet been clarified. In this study, we clarified these predictors by performing ultrasound elastography and blood tests at various time points.

Methods

A total of 34 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was to identify predictors associated with OS and EGV occurrence by univariate and multivariate analyses. Secondary endpoints were to extract the cut‐off values for OS and EGV occurrence, and to clarify chronological changes in liver stiffness (LS), spleen stiffness (SS), spleen index (SI), and portal vein flow volume (PVF). Time points were set as before BRTO (Bf), and 1 day (D1), 7 days (D7), 1 month (1M), 3 months (3M), and 6 months (6M) after BRTO.

Results

Albumin‐bilirubin score Bf, fibrin‐4 index change 6M, and branched chain amino acids tyrosine molar ratio (BTR) 1M were predictors of OS on univariate analysis (P = .021, .033, and .019, respectively) but were not extracted by multivariate analysis. The factors of LS 6M > 19.9 kPa and SS D7 > 21.7 kPa were predictors of the occurrence of EGV on multivariate analysis (P = .029 and .025, respectively). PVF significantly increased with time after BRTO.

Conclusion

Albumin‐bilirubin score and BTR had the possibility to associate with OS, and the predictors of reduced occurrence of EGV were LS < 19.9 and SS < 21.7.