bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High glucose impairs osteogenic differentiation of embryonic stem cells via early diversion of beta‐catenin from Forkhead box O to T cell factor interaction
Authors: Dienelt Anke , Keller Kevin C. , zur Nieden Nicole I.
Published: September 2022

Background

Diabetes, which is characterized by an increase in blood glucose concentration, is accompanied by low bone turnover, increased fracture risk, and the formation of embryonic skeletal malformations. Yet, there are few studies elucidating the underlying alterations in signaling pathways leading to these osteogenic defects. We hypothesized here that bone formation deficiencies in a high glucose environment result from altered activity of beta‐catenin (CTNNB1), a key contributor to osteogenic differentiation, dysregulation of which has also been implicated in the development of diabetes.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we used a previously established embryonic stem cell (ESC) model of differentiation that mimics the diabetic environment of the developing embryo. We differentiated murine ESCs within osteogenic‐inducing media containing either high (diabetic) or low (physiological) levels of D‐glucose and performed time course analyses to study the influence of high glucose on early and late bone cell differentiation.

Results

Endpoint measures for osteogenic differentiation were reduced in a glucose‐dependent manner and expression of precursor‐specific markers altered at multiple time points. Furthermore, transcriptional activity of the lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF)/T cell factor (TCF) transcription factors during precursor formation stages was significantly elevated while levels of CTNNB1 complexed with Forkhead box O 3a (FOXO3a) declined. Modulation of AKT, a known upstream regulator of both LEF/TCF and FOXO3a, as well as CTNNB1 rescued some of the reductions in osteogenic output seen in the high glucose condition.

Conclusions

Within our in vitro model, we found a clear involvement of LEF/TCF and FOXO3a signaling pathways in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation, which may account for the skeletal deficiencies found in newborns of diabetic mothers.
Does firms' carbon disclosure increase consumers' recycling willingness and firms' recycling performance?
Authors: Ma Yongchao Martin , Teng Ying , Deng Zhongzhun , Yang Zhilin
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, firms are expected to actively respond and take actions to respond to global warming and carbon emissions reduction. As a part of a circular economy, recycling improves waste management and reduces carbon emissions for firms. In the development of firms' strategies, the problem of enhancing the recycling performance becomes a challenge. This paper explores how carbon disclosure influences firms' recycling performance from consumers' purposive inference of firms' recycling behaviors. First, based on a sample of 442 firms' data, we demonstrate that firms' carbon disclosure increases firms' recycling performance. To further explain this effect from the consumer's point of view, two online experiments (N1 = 445 and N2 = 433) show that firms' carbon disclosure increases consumers' recycling willingness, as it acts as an environmental appeal that raises consumers' communal intention inference about firms' recycling and thus enhances consumers' recycling willingness. Furthermore, we find that economic incentives do not increase consumers' recycling willingness. Our study suggests that firms should be cautious in using economic incentives when developing strategies to improve recycling performance and actively improve their carbon disclosures. Carbon disclosure can be used as an environmental appeal to increase consumers' recycling willingness and firms' recycling performance. It is also important to note that these findings have practical implications for governments, policy‐making authorities, and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The results of our study contribute to the literature on firms' recycling performance in circular economy (CE) and carbon disclosure from a theoretical perspective.
Research progress on nanoparticles applied in redox flow batteries
Authors: Zhang Ruiping , Zhou Haotian , Sun Peizhuo , Ma Qiang , Lu Mengyue , Su Huaneng , Yang Weiwei , Xu Qian
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the focus on the utilization of renewable energy has continued to heat up. However, renewable energy has the drawbacks of intermittency and mismatch between power generation and electricity consumption in time and space, thus the energy storage system is indispensable. Redox flow batteries (RFBs), as an electrochemical energy storage system, have attracted widespread attention with the nature of flexible design and long service life. The components of RFB and the efficient combination of components play a key role in battery performance. Due to the size effect and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, the ionic conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical effects are improved in RFBs with the addition of nanoparticles, thus improving the power performance and charge–discharge cycle life of the battery. In this review paper, we mainly report the application and research progress of nanoparticles applied in RFBs. The applications of nanoparticles in electrode, electrolyte, and proton (ion) exchange membranes in aqueous and nonaqueous RFBs are briefly introduced, with emphasis on adjusting the type, size, surface treatment, loading method, and loading quality of nanoparticles. The transport property and electrochemical reaction rate of active species and charges in RFBs can be improved after the inclusion of nanoparticles, leading to the improvement of the power density, energy efficiency, and stability of the battery. The applications and research progress of nanoparticles in RFBs can be systematically and comprehensively understood via the analyses and discussions in this review. It also provides a new technical idea to promote the commercial development and deployment of high‐performance RFB.
Structural Fine‐Tuning and In‐situ Generation of P, O Vacancies in Hollow Co‐Ferrocene‐MOFs Derived Phosphides for Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Gao Juan , Yu Xin , Li Yaxin , Ma Yurong
Published: September 2022

As the high overpotential of oxygen evolution reaction seriously affect the efficiency of water splitting, catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction need further improvement by precise structural design and fine‐tuning. In this study, hollow Co‐Ferrocene‐MOFs derived phosphides are synthesized successfully. Phase conversion and vacancies generation are realized simultaneously in our strategy. By the subtle regulation of doped Zn, metallic Co2P increases gradually in the mixed ConP crystal phases and abundant P, O vacancies generate in‐situ. The synergistic effect of enriched P, O vacancies, metallic Co2P and the unique morphology endows catalysts with more reaction sites and high conductivity, leading to a remarkable catalytical performance. Zn doped CoFeP@NC with Co/Zn feeding ratio of 1 : 3 offers small overpotentials of 270 mV and 313 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. This study introduces a promising strategy for the synthesis of high efficiency catalysts.
Immobilization of AgCl/Pd Heterojunctions on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes: Interfacial Design‐Induced Electronic Regulation Enhances Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Gao Hao , Chen Zhiliang , Liu Huade , Lin Cunbiao , Sha Linna , Yang Yun , Zhuang Guilin , Wang Xiaojun , Zhan Wenwen , Han Xiguang
Published: September 2022

Rationally designing interface structure to modulate the electronic structure of a photocatalyst is an efficient strategy to facilitate the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers and improve photocatalytic activity. In this work, a AgCl/Pd heterostructure encapsulated by N‐doped carbon nanotubes (AgCl/Pd@N−C) with a fan‐like morphology assembled hollow tubes was synthesized by pyrolysis of a AgCl/Pd@Bim precursor. The unique interface structure not only increases the number of photogenerated charge carriers, but also provides an effective channel for the separation of electrons and holes, which have been proved by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. As expected, the obtained AgCl/Pd‐3@N−C exhibited greatly enhanced conversion efficiency and recyclability toward the photocatalytic oxidative coupling of amine under blue‐light irradiation.
Microporous Framework (Nb, Fe)‐Silicate with Much Potential to Remove Rare‐Earth Elements from Waters
Authors: Lin Zhi , Tavares Daniela , Pereira Eduarda , Rocha João
Published: September 2022

Nanoparticles of a new small‐pore metal silicate formulated as Na2.9(Nb1.55Fe0.45)Si2O10 ⋅ xH2O and exhibiting the structure of previously reported Rb2(Nb2O4)(Si2O6) ⋅ H2O have been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. Replacement of the bulky Rb+by smaller Na+ions was accomplished by stabilizing the framework structure via partial occupancy of the Nb5+sites by Fe3+ions. Exploratory ion‐exchange assays evidence the considerable potential of this new silicate to remove rare‐earth elements from aqueous solutions.
Scanning Optical Spectroelectrochemistry: Applications in Protein Redox Potential Measurements
Authors: Bernhardt Paul V.
Published: September 2022

The accurate measurement of redox potentials of small molecules is a relatively straightforward task using electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry. However, proteins, in most cases, are not amenable to the same approach due to slow heterogeneous electron transfer and the possibility of denaturing at the electrode surface. This necessitates the use of small molecular weight redox mediators to facilitate electron transfer. This leads to spectroelectrochemical techniques where the applied electrochemical potential is coupled to a spectroscopic signal of the protein. Traditionally this is done at different applied (fixed) potentials akin to an electrochemical titration, but the time required for electrochemical equilibrium to be established, and its consistent application, are major sources of experimental error. Here we have utilised a continuously scanning potential synchronised with time‐resolved UV‐vis spectroscopy to provide an automated approach that can be used to measure protein redox potentials accurately in an expedient manner. The test cases are the heme proteins cytochrome c and myoglobin. The scope and limitations of the method are discussed.
Numerical investigation on red blood cell flow based on unstructured grid
Authors: Li Guojie , Chen Bin , Wang Xinkai
Published: September 2022

Prediction of blood cell flow is known as the difficult research by reason of the complexity of blood vessel. In this study, considering the complex structure of blood vessels, a mechanical model for red blood cell (RBC) based on unstructured grid has been established to study the flow characteristics of RBCs in complex blood vessels. In the model, the strain‐energy function by Skalak is employed to model the shear elasticity and surface‐area conservation of the membrane, and the hinge spring is used to describe the forces originating from local bending of the membrane. The immersed boundary method is utilized to couple the interphase force. Using the model, the stretching test of RBC is compared with the experiment data, and the good agreement verified the validation of the present model. The morphology of red blood cell and the blood viscosity in micro‐vessel are studied. RBCs move with a symmetric shape (parachute shape) in small blood vessels, and the buckling instability is observed when the RBC flow slowly through a micro‐vessel or a converging–diverging capillary. When the vessel diameter is around 10 μm, the reverse Fahraeus‐Lindqvist effect is presented. The blood apparent viscosity shows linear increase with the blood hematocrit. In addition, Malaria infection can make the RBC deformability decreased and the blood apparent viscosity increased.
Effect of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan on QT/QTc Interval and Pharmacokinetics in HER2‐Positive or HER2‐Low Metastatic/Unresectable Breast Cancer
Authors: Shimomura Akihiko , Takano Toshimi , Takahashi Shunji , Sagara Yasuaki , Watanabe Junichiro , Tokunaga Eriko , Shinkai Tetsu , Kamio Takahiro , Kikumori Kunika , Kamiyama Emi , Fujisaki Yoshihiko , Saotome Dan , Yamashita Toshinari
Published: September 2022

HER2‐targeted anticancer therapies may be associated with cardiovascular adverse events. This study evaluated effects of the HER2‐targeted antibody–drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (T‐DXd, DS‐8201a) on QT/QTc interval and its pharmacokinetics. Patients with heavily pretreated, metastatic HER2‐expressing breast cancer were enrolled at seven study sites in Japan. T‐DXd was administered intravenously at 6.4 mg/kg on day 1 of each 21‐day cycle. Primary end points were baseline‐adjusted QTcF interval and pharmacokinetics parameters. Key secondary end points included safety events, serum concentration of T‐DXd and DXd at the time of electrocardiographic measurements, and antitumor activity parameters. Among 51 total patients, 47 (92.2%) had HER2‐low breast cancer (immunohistochemistry 1+ or 2+ and in situ hybridization–negative/equivocal/missing). Pharmacokinetic parameters after a single dose of T‐DXd were consistent with previous studies. After multiple doses, T‐DXd showed moderate accumulation (accumulation ratio (cycle 3/cycle 1), 1.35), but DXd showed minimal accumulation (1.09). The upper bound of the 90% confidence interval for mean ΔQTcF interval was < 10 ms at all timepoints, and at mean maximum serum concentration was also < 10 ms. Based on concentration‐QT analysis, ΔQTcF increased with increasing concentrations of T‐DXd and DXd. No clinically meaningful QTcF prolongation was observed. T‐DXd had a manageable safety profile and showed antitumor activity in HER2‐low breast cancer. In this study, a T‐DXd dose of 6.4 mg/kg, higher than the 5.4‐mg/kg dose currently approved for breast cancer, was not associated with clinically relevant QTcF prolongation in heavily pretreated patients with HER2‐expressing metastatic breast cancer. This study adds to our understanding of T‐DXd for treatment of HER2‐low breast cancer.
Using the HepaCometChip Assay for Broad‐Spectrum DNA Damage Analysis
Authors: Owiti Norah A. , Kaushal Simran , Martin Lincoln , Sly Jamie , Swartz Carol D. , Fowler Jasmine , Corrigan Joshua J. , Recio Les , Engelward Bevin P.
Published: September 2022

Exposure to DNA damaging agents can lead to mutations that cause cancer. The liver is particularly vulnerable because it contains high levels of Cytochrome P450 enzymes that can convert xenobiotics into DNA reactive metabolites that form potentially carcinogenic bulky DNA adducts. As such, current requirements for preclinical testing include in vivo testing for DNA damage in the liver, which often requires many animals. Given that efforts are underway in many countries to reduce or eliminate the use of animals in research, there is a critical need for fast and robust in vitro tests to discern whether xenobiotics or potential pharmaceutical agents can damage the hepatocyte genome. One possible approach is to leverage the alkaline comet assay, which is used to assess genotoxicity based on the ability of damaged DNA to become free to migrate toward the anode during electrophoresis. The comet assay, however, has several limitations. The assay is (i) slow and (ii) vulnerable to experimental noise, (iii) it is difficult to detect bulky DNA adducts since they do not directly affect DNA migration, and (iv) cell types typically used do not have robust metabolic capacity. To address some of these concerns, we have developed the “HepaCometChip” (a.k.a. the HepaRG CometChip), wherein metabolically competent cells are incorporated into a higher throughput CometChip platform. Repair trapping is used to increase sensitivity for bulky lesions: undetectable bulky lesions are converted into repair intermediates (specifically, single‐strand breaks) that can be detected with the assay. Here, we describe a protocol for performing the HepaCometChip assay that includes handling and dosing of HepaRG cells and performing the CometChip assay. With its higher throughput, ability to capture metabolic activation, and sensitivity to bulky lesions, the HepaCometChip offers a potential alternative to the use of animals for genotoxicity testing. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: HepaRG cell culturing and dosing

Basic Protocol 2: CometChip assay
Water Harvesting Strategies through Solar Steam Generator Systems
Authors: Onggowarsito Casey , Feng An , Mao Shudi , Nguyen Luong Ngoc , Xu Jiangtao , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2022

Solar steam generator (SSG) systems have attracted increasing attention, owing to its simple manufacturing, material abundance, cost‐effectiveness, and environmentally friendly freshwater production. This system relies on photothermic materials and water absorbing substrates for a clean continuous distillation process. To optimize this process, there are factors that are needed to be considered such as selection of solar absorber and water absorbent materials, followed by micro/macro‐structural system design for efficient water evaporation, floating, and filtration capability. In this contribution, we highlight the general interfacial SSG concept, review and compare recent progresses of different SSG systems, as well as discuss important factors on performance optimization. Furthermore, unaddressed challenges such as SSG's cost to performance ratio, filtration of untreatable micropollutants/microorganisms, and the need of standardization testing will be discussed to further advance future SSG studies.
Solid‐State Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Mixed PET/Cotton Textiles**
Authors: Kaabel Sandra , Arciszewski Jane , Borchers Tristan H. , Therien J. P. Daniel , Friščić Tomislav , Auclair Karine
Published: September 2022

Waste polyester textiles are not recycled due to separation challenges and partial structural degradation during use and recycling. Chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textiles through depolymerization can provide a feedstock of recycled monomers to make “as‐new” polymers. While enzymatic PET recycling is a more selective and more sustainable approach, methods in development, however, have thus far been limited to clean, high‐quality PET feedstocks, and require an energy‐intensive melt‐amorphization step ahead of enzymatic treatment. Here, high‐crystallinity PET in mixed PET/cotton textiles could be directly and selectively depolymerized to terephthalic acid (TPA) by using a commercial cutinase fromHumicola insolensunder moist‐solid reaction conditions, affording up to 30±2 % yield of TPA. The process was readily combined with cotton depolymerization through simultaneous or sequential application of the cellulase enzymes CTec2®, providing up to 83±4 % yield of glucose without any negative influence on the TPA yield.
Divergent C−H Amidations and Imidations by Tuning Electrochemical Reaction Potentials
Authors: Choi Isaac , Trenerry Michael J. , Lee Ken S. , King Nicholas , Berry John F. , Schomaker Jennifer M.
Published: September 2022

Electrochemical C−H functionalizations are attractive transformations, as they are capable of avoiding the use of transition metals, pre‐oxidized precursors, or suprastoichiometric amounts of terminal oxidants. Herein an electrochemically tunable method was developed that enabled the divergent formation of cyclic amines or imines by applying different reaction potentials. Detailed cyclic voltammetry analyses, coupled with chronopotentiometry experiments, were carried out to provide insight into the mechanism, while atom economy was assessed through a paired electrolysis. Selective C−H amidations and imidations were achieved to afford five‐ to seven‐membered sulfonamide motifs that could be employed for late‐stage modifications.
Classification of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology of pancreatic space occupying lesions by Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System: A five year study
Authors: Chaudhary Dimple , Banga Priyanka , Sakhuja Puja , Goyal Surbhi , Saran Ravindra K. , Batra Vineeta V. , Srivastava Siddharth , Agarwal Anil K.
Published: September 2022

Background

Majority of the pancreatic cancer patients present at an advanced stage and have poor 5 year survival rate. Thus, there is a need for early detection of pancreatic cancer with the initiation of the therapy.

Materials & Methods

This is a retrospective study including all the endoscopic ultrasound guided (EUS) guided pancreatic FNAs from 2016 to 2020. The aspirate smears were analyzed and classified according to The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System for Reporting Pancreaticobiliary Cytology (PSCPC).

Results

A total of 245 EUS guided FNAs from pancreatic lesions were included. Cyto‐histological correlation was done wherever available. Category I (non diagnostic) accounted for 40 cases (16%) cases, Category II (negative) comprised of 44 cases (18%); and Category III (Atypical) had 5 cases (2%). Category IV neoplastic‐benign category included 3 cases of serous cystadenoma, while neoplastic‐others category included pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (n = 21), solid pseudo‐papillary neoplasms (SPEN) (n = 12) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (n = 4). A total of 7 cases (2.8%) were reported in Category V (Suspicious). A diagnosis of adenocarcinoma (Category VI) was rendered in 105 cases (42.8%) cases. Rarer types included non Hodgkins lymphoma (n = 3) and one case of primary undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclastic giant cells. Cyto‐histological correlation in all categories was available in 58 cases with 8 false negative cases. Thus overall sensitivity of EUS guided FNAC was found to be 87.8% with a diagnostic yield of 83.6% while sensitivity in diagnosing adenocarcinoma was 96.9%.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the spectrum of EUS guided FNA of pancreatic lesions in a subset of North Indian population and classified them according to PSCPC. EUS guided FNAC is a sensitive investigation which plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis of pancreatic space occupying lesions (SOLs) in advanced stage.
Processing of task‐irrelevant sounds during typical everyday activities in children
Authors: Debnath Ranjan , Wetzel Nicole
Published: September 2022

Our ability to focus on a task and ignore task‐irrelevant stimuli is critical for efficient cognitive functioning. Attention control is especially required in the auditory modality as sound has privileged access to perception and consciousness. Despite this important function, little is known about auditory attention during typical everyday activities in childhood. We investigated the impact of task‐irrelevant sounds on attention during three everyday activities ‐ playing a game, reading a book, watching a movie. During these activities, environmental novel sounds were presented within a sequence of standard sounds to 7‐8‐year‐old children and adults. We measured ERPs reflecting early sound processing and attentional orienting and theta power evoked by standard and novel sounds during these activities. Playing a game versus reading or watching reduced early encoding of sounds in children and affected ongoing information processing and attention allocation in both groups. In adults, theta power was reduced during playing at mid‐central brain areas. Results show a pattern of immature neuronal mechanisms underlying perception and attention of task‐irrelevant sounds in 7‐8‐year‐old children. While the type of activity affected the processing of irrelevant sounds in both groups, early stimulus encoding processes were more sensitive to the type of activities in children.
Disposition of serum steroids in response to combined oral contraceptives and menstrual cycle phases: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Knutsson Jona Elings , Ekström Lena , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén
Published: September 2022

To analyze doping control samples from female athletes demands understanding of non‐doping factors that affect the steroid profile. These could be physiological factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, or the effect of commonly used approved drugs like combined oral contraceptives. Urine samples have been the main way of doping testing, but serum samples are proposed as a complement. Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or the ratio of testosterone and androstenedione has been proposed as a biomarker for testosterone doping because it increases after transdermal testosterone administration. In this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of 340 healthy females, we analyzed the serum steroid levels, including glucuronide metabolites, before and after 3 months of combined oral contraceptives or placebo. At follow up, sample collection in the placebo group was randomly distributed between different menstrual cycle phases. This enabled to analyze changes in concentrations between the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases. Combined oral contraceptives decreased all serum steroids including the glucuronide metabolites. As expected, serum testosterone levels increased during the ovulation phase, and also androstenedione and androstenediol, whereas the glucuronide metabolites remained unaffected. Neither combined oral contraceptives nor menstrual cycle phases did affect the ratio of testosterone and androstenedione in serum, and consequently this ratio seems promising as a marker of doping with endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids in women.
High‐performance computing of 3D blasting wave propagation in underground rock cavern by using 4D‐LSM on TianHe‐3 prototype E class supercomputer
Authors: Fu Meng , Zhao Gaofeng
Published: September 2022

Parallel computing assigns the computing model to different processors on different devices and implements it simultaneously. Accordingly, it has broad applications in the numerical simulation of geotechnical engineering and underground engineering, of which models are always large‐scale. With parallel computing, the computing time or the memory requirements will be reduced by splitting the original domain of the numerical model into many subdomains, which is thus named as the domain decomposition method. In this study, a cubic and equal volume domain decomposition strategy was utilized to realize the parallel computing on the distributed memory system of four‐dimensional lattice spring model (4D‐LSM) based on the message passing interface. With a more efficient communication strategy introduced, this study aimed at operating an one‐billion‐particle model on a supercomputer platform. The preprocessing procedure of the parallelized 4D‐LSM was restructured and the particle generation strategy suitable for the supercomputer platform was employed to minimize the time consumption in preprocessing and calculation. On this basis, numerical calculations were performed on TianHe‐3 prototype E class supercomputer at the National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin. Two field‐scale three‐dimensional blasting wave propagation models were carried out, of which the numerical results verify the computing power and the advantage of the parallelized 4D‐LSM in the simulation of large‐scale three‐dimension models. Subsequently, the time complexity and spatial complexity of 4D‐LSM and other particle discrete element methods were analyzed.
Ultra‐Fast Continuous‐Flow Photo‐Thiol‐Ene Functionalization of Conformation‐Controlled Cinchona Alkaloids
Authors: Konan Kouakou Eric , Abollé Abollé , Felpin François‐Xavier
Published: September 2022

In this work, we describe ultra‐fast continuous flow photo‐thiol‐ene reactions on cinchona alkaloids derivatives through a control of the reactive conformation in solution. Flow thiol‐ene reactions proceed at 32 °C under light irradiation at 365 nm and require only 2.5 minutes of residence time to reach completion. The short path length of the tubular flow photochemical reactor, which maximizes and homogenizes the photon flux, associated to the fine tuning of the reactive conformation of cinchona alkaloids in solution are the main reasons for the high rates observed. The predominant conformation in solution of cinchona alkaloids was adjusted through the substitution of the hydroxyl group at C9 by a phenyl carbamate function.
Subjective selection and the evolution of complex culture
Authors: Singh Manvir
Published: September 2022

Why is culture the way it is? Here I argue that a major force shaping culture issubjective (cultural) selection, or the selective retention of cultural variants that people subjectively perceive as satisfying their goals. I show that people evaluate behaviors and beliefs according to how useful they are, especially for achieving goals. As they adopt and pass on those variants that seem best, they iteratively craft culture into increasingly effective‐seeming forms. I argue that this process drives the development of many cumulatively complex cultural products, including effective technology, magic and ritual, aesthetic traditions, and institutions. I show that it can explain cultural dependencies, such as how certain beliefs create corresponding new practices, and I outline how it interacts with other cultural evolutionary processes. Cultural practices everywhere, from spears to shamanism, develop because people subjectively evaluate them to be effective means of satisfying regular goals.
A correction for Reynolds‐averaged‐Navier–Stokes turbulence model under the effect of shock waves in hypersonic flows
Authors: Tian Yuyan , Gao Zhenxun , Jiang Chongwen , Lee Chun‐Hian
Published: September 2022

Studies on the unphysical increase of turbulent quantities for RANS simulation induced by shock waves in hypersonic flows are carried out. Numerical experiments on the hypersonic flow over a blunt body reveal that the phenomenon of unphysical increase of turbulent quantities across the detached shock wave is induced by the strain‐rate‐based production terms of the k‐ and k‐ SST turbulence models, which leads to the over‐prediction of aerothermal prediction. While this phenomenon does not occur for Spalart–Allmaras (S–A) turbulence model because of its vorticity‐based production term. In order to eliminate this unphysical phenomenon, and to maintain the accuracy of the original models for boundary layer and separation flows, a new correction method for the k‐ and k‐ SST models is proposed: by comparing the orders of magnitude between the strain‐rate‐based and vorticity‐based production terms, the vorticity‐based production term is used near the shock waves, while the original strain‐rate‐based production term is still used in other regions. Finally, the correction method is applied to turbulence and transition flows over blunt bodies, and the numerical results show that the correction method effectively eliminates the unphysical increase of turbulent quantities across shock waves and improves the accuracy of aerothermal and transition onset location prediction.
Mineralogical origin of the chromatic contrast enhancing the Mount Bego petroglyphs (Alpes‐Maritimes, France)
Authors: Berthonneau Jeremie , Vallet Jean‐Marc , Bromblet Philippe , Martin François , Grauby Olivier
Published: September 2022

The conservation of archaeological heritage such as open‐air petroglyphs is a major challenge due to the vulnerability of surfaces exposed to local environmental conditions. A precise knowledge of their nature therefore constitutes the cornerstone of their preservation. The surfaces of the valleys of the Mount Bego are characterized by a chromatic contrast between the thin red layer covering the outcrops and the underlying greenish substrate, revealed by thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs. To establish the mineralogical nature of the red layer, a spectroscopic, crystallographic, and petrographic study was carried out. Collectively, the results of this study evidence that, unlike rock coatings, this layer formed through the mobilization of structural iron, in the form of Fe (hydr)oxides, from the clay minerals that constitute the rocks. We thus discuss how the succession of events along the geological history of the site has created the environmental conditions for its formation. This study eventually provides useful data on the actual state of the petroglyphs toward their preservation. In a more global context, the conclusions of this study bring insights into the physicochemical mechanism leading to the reddening of recently exposed glacial valleys.
Evolution of fluvial landscapes since the late Pleistocene at the Wangchenggang site of the Ying River Basin, Central China: Implications for the development and change of prehistoric settlements
Authors: Liao Yinan , Lu Peng , Mo Duowen , Li Ye , Xu Junjie , Cao Yanpeng , Ma Long , Xin Yingjun , Chen Panpan , Wang Xia , Zhao Chengshuangping , Zhan Peng
Published: September 2022

Reconstructing the evolution of fluvial landscapes is vital to our understanding of how and why early settlements used or abandoned locations in dynamic alluvial settings, especially places such as China's Central Plains where alluvial landforms have dominated since at least the late Pleistocene era. The Wangchenggang (WCG) site on the upper reaches of the Ying River is considered to be the legendary capital of the Great Yu who, according to historical documents, heroically tamed the big floods and founded the first dynasty of Xia. However, evolution of the alluvial landscape of the Holocene Ying River and its influence on the long‐term settlement change at the WCG site remains unclear. We present a detailed reconstruction of long‐term landscape evolution and settlement change at the site, based on the results of our geoarchaeological investigation, and published paleoclimate and archaeobotanical data. The results show that the region experienced an episode of extensive alluvial accretion in the late Pleistocene. From the end of the late Pleistocene to the early Holocene, the Ying River began to incise the alluvial plain, leading to the formation of the oldest terrace (T3). The middle and late Holocene in the Ying River valleys saw two episodes of alluvial aggradation between 7.7–5.4 ka B.P. (before present) and 4.5–3.8 ka B.P., respectively. Each of these events was followed by an alluvial incision, resulting in the formation of new alluvial terraces. During the historical periods, the youngest terrace T1 was formed. These cyclic changes in the regional fluvial landscape profoundly impacted the location and expansion of prehistoric settlements. During the Peiligang period (9.0–7.0 ka B.P.), the early stages of alluvial aggregation resulted in wide and shallow channels along the rivers. Early humans who relied on gathering and hunting for food chose to establish small settlements along such riverine environments. As alluvial aggradation continued in the Yangshao period (7.0–5.0 ka B.P.), they moved to a higher place, away from the rivers in the southwest, and flourished on high alluvial grounds. When a secondary terrace formed after the Longshan period (5.0–4.0 ka B.P.), people moved eastward again to build an early city on the T2 terraces and T3 terraces of the Ying River. When the water levels rose toward the terrace surfaces, they began to build moats and practiced mixed millet–rice farming. During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770–4256 B.C.), when the river started to down cut on a large scale, humans responded by building settlements on the lower and flat plains in the east.
Health reform in China: Developments and future prospects
Authors: Qian Jiwei
Published: September 2022

In 2009, China initiated a new round of health reform to establish a well‐functioning health system. The 2009 health reform did make some significant achievements in improving affordability and accessibility. In particular, social health insurance has been expanded significantly and various social health insurance plans have covered over 95% of total population in China by 2011. The Chinese government also has significantly increased fiscal input for health financing. However, affordability remains a serious concern as the social health insurers, as purchasers, were not very effective in containing the growth of health expenditure. Accessibility to primary care and public health is another concern. In this context, health governance reforms are necessary to address affordability and accessibility issues. Health governance set rules for key actors of the health system (including service providers, health insurers and government departments) by taking into account the strategies and incentives of these actors in their interactions. In recent years, a series of reforms in health governance have been initiated. Some progresses have been achieved. For the next stage of health reform, issues including how to further reform the governance structure of medical institutions and how to improve resource allocation in the health system are critical.
Approach to the patient with decompensated cirrhosis and aortic stenosis during liver transplantation evaluation
Authors: Duong Nikki , Nguyen Veronica , De Marchi Lorenzo , Thomas Arul
Published: September 2022

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular disease and is reported to be present in 2%–7% of people over the age of 65. Risk factors for aortic stenosis and NASH overlap; thus, as the population ages, there is an increased likelihood that patients undergoing liver transplantation evaluation may have severe aortic stenosis. There is a high mortality rate associated with cardiac surgeries in patients with cirrhosis. Further, there are no guidelines that assist in the decision making process for patients with cirrhosis and AS. In this review, we highlight key studies that compare transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with cirrhosis. We propose an algorithm as to how to approach the patient with aortic stenosis and considerations unique to patients with cirrhosis (i.e., anticoagulation, EGD for variceal assessment; need to determine timing after TAVI before listing).
Magnetic dipole effects on non‐Newtonian ferrofluid over a stretching sheet
Authors: Zeb Hussan , Wahab Hafiz A. , Khan Umar , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: September 2022

In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of heat transfer in non‐Newtonian ferrofluids produced by stretchable sheet. Further, we investigated in this study the effects of Arrhenius activation energy and magnetic dipole. We use in this study, a similarity ansatz to simplify the governing system into a nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations system. We determined the computational solution of the resulting ordinary differential system by applying method with Runge–Kutta method. The influence of beneficial physical parameters on momentum, energy, and concentration profile are shown through graphs. The major finding of this study, the variation of velocity field is reduces for the higher values of , , and . The temperature field increases for higher values of , and reduce for . Further, we conclude in this study the arising or reducing in the concentration, temperature, and velocity field for various physical parameters. The impacts of physical quantities namely skin fraction, Nusselt, and Sherwood numbers are examined through numerically via tables.
Understanding the role of initial soil moisture and precipitation magnitude in flood forecast using a hydrometeorological modelling system
Authors: Yin Dongxiao , Xue Z. George , Bao Daoyang , RafieeiNasab Arezoo , Huang Yongjie , Morales Mirce , Warner John C.
Published: September 2022

We adapted the WRF‐Hydro modelling system to Hurricane Florence (2018) and performed a series of diagnostic experiments to assess the influence of initial soil moisture and precipitation magnitude on flood simulation over the Cape Fear River basin in the United States. Model results suggest that: (1) The modulation effect of initial soil moisture on the flood peak is non‐linear and weakens as precipitation magnitude increases. There is a threshold value of the soil saturation, below and above which the sensitivity of flood peak to the soil moisture differentiates substantially; (2) For model spin‐up, streamflow needs longer time to reach the ‘practical’ equilibrium (10%) than the soil moisture and latent heat flux. The model uncertainty from spin‐up can propagate through the hydrometeorological modelling chain and get amplified into the flood peak; (3) For ensemble flood modelling with a hydrometeorological system, modelling uncertainty is dominated by the precipitation forecast. Spin‐up induced uncertainty can be minimized once the model reaches the ‘practical’ equilibrium.
Microbially inoculated chars strongly reduce the mobility of alachlor and pentachlorobenzene in an alluvial sediment
Authors: Jevrosimov Irina , Kragulj Isakovski Marijana , Apostolovi Tamara , Tamindžija Dragana , Ronevi Srđan , Sigmund Gabriel , Ercegovi Marija , Maleti Snežana
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the transport behavior of two organic and persistent contaminants (alachlor and pentachlorobenzene) on Danube alluvial sediment in the absence and in the presence of microbially inoculated biochar produced at 400 °C and three hydrochars produced at 180, 200, and 220 °C. Stainless steel columns were used for the sorption experiments in nonequilibrium conditions. Obtained results were modeled using the advective-dispersive equation under nonequilibrium conditions. Transport of these compounds through the alluvial sediment column showed that the retention time increased with increasing molecular hydrophobicity. Inoculated biochar increases the retardation of both compounds: twofold for pentachlorobenzene compared with alachlor as a consequence of a higher hydrophobicity. Obtained results indicate that the highest biodegradation coefficient was observed for pentachlorobenzene (λ = 10) in alluvial sediment with addition of an inoculated hydrochar, which is assumed to be a consequence of biosorption. Moreover, all experiments on the columns indicate that the addition of inoculated chars yields a significantly higher Rd coefficient for pentachlorobenzene than for alachlor. Bacterial counts increased in all of the column experiments, which indicates the successful adaptation of microorganisms to experimental conditions and their potential for the removal of a large number of organic pollutants. Thus, addition of inoculated chars to contaminated sediments has the potential as a remediation technique to inhibit the leaching of pollutants to groundwaters. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:933–942. © 2022 SETAC
Mucosal Interleukin‐10 depletion in steroid‐refractory Crohn's disease patients
Authors: Carrasco Anna , Tristán Eva , Fernández‐Bañares Fernando , Martín‐Cardona Albert , Aceituno Montserrat , Zabana Yamile , Fluvià Lourdes , Hernández José María , Lorén Violeta , Manyé Josep , Salas Antonio , Andújar Xavier , Loras Carme , Esteve Maria
Published: September 2022

Background

Previous studies suggested that Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) depletion in Crohn's disease (CD) could predict outcome. Aim: To determine IL‐10 in blood and at different intestinal locations in patients with active CD and to assess its potential prognostic capacity to identify aggressive CD.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with CD were included. Ulcerative colitis (UC), infectious colitis and healthy individuals acted as controls. Serum and mucosal samples were taken at baseline and 1 month after steroid initiation in CD patients. Patients were classified according to steroid response. Control samples were obtained from different intestinal locations. IL‐10 expression was measured with real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence (intestine) and ELISA (serum, biopsy cultures' supernatants and tissue homogenates).

Results

CD and UC showed an increase in IL‐10 messenger RNA (mRNA) versus controls (p < .0001) in mucosa, whereas IL‐10 protein secretion was increased in all types of intestinal inflammation (p < .001). No differences in IL‐10 mRNA were found in CD at baseline regarding steroid response, but levels decreased in non‐responders versus responders (p = .027) and were restored with rescue therapy. Serum IL‐10 was increased in steroid‐refractory CD at baseline and after treatment.

Conclusions

Abnormal IL‐10 levels in refractory patients in both mucosa and blood have physiopathological relevance and may have potential clinical applications.
Gut microbiota‐stem cell niche crosstalk: A new territory for maintaining intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Ma Ning , Chen Xiyue , Johnston Lee J. , Ma Xi
Published: September 2022

Intestinal epithelium undergoes rapid cellular turnover, relying on the local niche, to support intestinal stem cells (ISCs) function and self‐renewal. Research into the association between ISCs and disease continues to expand at a rapid rate. However, the detailed interaction of ISCs and gut microbes remains to be elucidated. Thus, this review witnessed major advances in the crosstalk between ISCs and gut microbes, delivering key insights into (1) construction of ISC niche and molecular mechanism of how to jointly govern epithelial homeostasis and protect against intestinal diseases with the participation of Wnt, bone morphogenetic protein, and Notch; (2) differentiation fate of ISCs affect the gut microbiota. Meanwhile, the presence of intestinal microbes also regulates ISC function; (3) microbiota regulation on ISCs by Wnt and Notch signals through pattern recognition receptors; (4) how do specific microbiota‐related postbiotics influence ISCs to maintain intestinal epithelial regeneration and homeostasis that provide insights into a promising alternative therapeutic method for intestinal diseases. Considering the detailed interaction is still unclear, it is necessary to further explore the regulatory role of gut microbiota on ISCs to utilize microbes to alleviate gut disorders. Furthermore, these major advances collectively drive us ever closer to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and cancer treatment by microbial transplantation in the clinic.
The lack of dynamic competition and the market insufficiency for agricultural productivity growth: Implications for the role of the state
Authors: Moon Wanki
Published: September 2022

This paper shows that there is lack of dynamic competition in agriculture, making the market mechanism of agriculture insufficient for bringing about technological innovations. The market insufficiency differs from market failures in that the former causes dynamic inefficiency and lack of growth while the latter causing static inefficiency in resource allocation at a point in time. As a result, farm firms represent a special type of business organizations lacking dynamic competition. This paper proposes and evaluates hypotheses about the shifting roles of the state and agro‐input supply sector in bringing about agricultural productivity growth across countries at different development stages.
The role of phenothiazine derivatives in autophagy regulation: A systematic review
Authors: Otręba Michał , Stojko Jerzy , Rzepecka‐Stojko Anna
Published: September 2022

In this review, we summarized the current literature on the impact of phenothiazine derivatives on autophagy in vitro. Phenothiazines are antipsychotic drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia, which is related to altered neurotransmission and dysregulation of neuronal autophagy. Thus, phenothiazine derivatives can impact autophagy. We identified 35 papers, where the use of the phenothiazines in the in vitro autophagy assays on normal and cancer cell lines, Caenorhabditis elegans, and zebrafish were discussed. Chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mepazine, methotrimeprazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, and novel derivatives can modulate autophagy. Stimulation of autophagy by phenothiazines may be either mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐dependent or mTOR‐independent. The final effect depends on the used concentration as well as the cell line. A further investigation of the mechanisms of autophagy regulation by phenothiazine derivatives is required to understand the biological actions and to increase the therapeutic potential of this class of drugs.