bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Super‐Localisation of Single Nanoparticle Nucleation and Growth in Nanodroplets
Authors: Ciocci Paolo , Valavanis Dimitrios , Meloni Gabriel N. , Lemineur Jean‐François , Unwin Patrick R. , Kanoufi Frédéric
Published: February 2023

The formation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) on surfaces by electrodeposition is of significant interest, particularly with a view to understand the early stages of nucleation and growth. Here, the combination of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) and interference reflection microscopy (IRM) is demonstrated to be a compelling approach for real‐time monitoring of NP dynamics within the SECCM meniscus‐electrode wetted area, through synchronous monitoring in the millisecond range of the electrochemical and optical signatures. Diffraction‐limited entities, undergoing phase changes at the electrode substrate, are readily highlighted and tracked in time, including the onset time for the appearance of NPs and their movement over time. The results strongly implicate the rapid formation, surface diffusion and aggregation of smaller entities (not detectable optically) to produce the larger electrodeposited NPs. By applying SECCM tips of different size, it is also possible to understand how the wetted area (meniscus size) plays a key role in the number of NPs formed, with small tip sizes allowing the formation of single NPs. The SECCM‐IRM approach is expected to be a powerful platform for the study of myriad phase‐formation processes at the nanoscale, particularly by drawing on the possibility of making hundreds or thousands of measurements in fresh surface locations through SECCM technology.
Prozesstechnik auf der ACHEMA 2022
Authors: Mehling Tanja , Kleiber Michael
Published: February 2023

Die ACHEMA 2022 war nur etwa halb so groß wie üblich, bildete aber die großen Trends in der Prozesstechnik hinreichend ab. Hervorzuheben sind die Forschungen zur Nutzung von Wasserstoff als Energieträger und die Verwendung von CO2, CO und Polymerabfällen als Rohstoffe. Doch auch neue Entwicklungen bei der Gestaltung von Wärmeübertragern, Mischern und Reaktoren, der Kopplung von Digitalisierung und Verfahrenstechnik und neuen Lösungen zur Energieeffizienz sowie raffinierte Messtechnik und Vorführungen zur Sicherheitstechnik machten die ACHEMA zu einer spannenden Messeveranstaltung.
Nickel/Quinim Enabled Asymmetric Carbamoyl‐Acylation of Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Wu Xianqing , Li Haiyan , He Feng , Qu Jingping , Chen Yifeng
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Transition metal‐catalyzed difunctionalization of tethered alkene has emerged as a prevailing tool for the expedient construction of synthetically valuable cyclic compounds. However, most efforts have been devoted to the reaction of styrene‐type substrates due to their rigid scaffold and high reactivity. With respect to the difunctionalization of nonaromatic tethered olefin, especially the mono‐substituted alkene, still remains largely underdeveloped. Herein, we disclose a nickel/Quinim complex and TBADT‐cocatalyzed asymmetric carbamoyl‐acylation of unactivated alkene tethered on nonaromatic carbamoyl chlorides with diverse aldehydes. The reaction exhibits broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance, as well as high reaction efficiency and enantioselectivity. Both monosubstituted and 1,1‐substituted alkenes can work well with either aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes under the current protocol, providing convenient access to an array of medicinally useful chiral γ‐lactams derivatives bearing a convertible acyl functionality. This reaction showcases more application possibilities of the chiral Quinim ligand in the future asymmetric catalytic transformations.
Predictive value of serum iron on heart failure in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Wen , Lin Guoli , Dai Caizhi , Xu Kaizu
Published: February 2023

Background

In clinical practice, heart failure often occurs after acute myocardial infarction, and a new biomarker for its early prediction is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum iron and heart failure after acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

A total of 41 patients with heart failure after STEMI and 31 controls were included in the study. The demographic variables and baseline clinical characteristics of both groups were analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences between patients with heart failure and controls in terms of demographic characteristics. There were significant differences in terms of serum iron, N terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Binary logistic regression analyses demonstrated that serum iron (odds ratio [OR]: 0.804, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.699–0.924) and Tn‐I (OR: 1.072, 95% CI: 1.011–1.137) were independent predictors for heart failure (p < .05, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve for serum iron was 0.808 (95% CI: 0.707–0.908, p < .01). The best cutoff value of serum iron was 11.87 μmol/L (sensitivity: 87.1%; specificity: 68.3%).

Conclusions

Patients with heart failure after STEMI have lower serum iron levels than patients without heart failure after STEMI. Serum iron levels are a risk factor for heart failure after STEMI.
Evaluation of Pharmacokinetics and Safety With Bioequivalence of Voriconazole Injection of 2 Formulations in Chinese Healthy Volunteers: Bioequivalence Study
Authors: Huang Chunqi , Dong Danqing , Yu Fei , Ren Xueying , Wu Yi , Wang Zhuoyan , Wang Ying
Published: February 2023

Voriconazole is a first‐line medicine for treating invasive aspergillosis. We aimed to evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of voriconazole injection in Chinese healthy volunteers (HVs). In this single‐center, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐cycle, fasting‐dose BE study, HVs (n = 24) were 1:1 divided into 2 groups (test [T]–reference [R] and R–T) and received 6 mg/kg of voriconazole intravenously with a 7‐day washout. The plasma was collected for up to 72 hours at the time point after dosing on day 1/day 8. The plasma concentration of voriconazole was measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were ascertained on the basis of a noncompartmental model. In the BE study, the geometric mean ratios of the maximum concentration, area under the concentration–time curve from time 0 to the last measurable plasma concentration, and area under the concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity were 101.1%, 105.6%, and 105.5%, respectively, and the 90%CI fell within 80%–125%. Adverse events were observed in 26.1% of subjects in the T formulation stage and 17.4% in the R formulation stage. Under the BE study, voriconazole values from T and R formulations were bioequivalent.
Fiber Spinning of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Isotactic Polypropylene: Melt Spinning and Melt Drawing
Authors: Stieglitz Lucas , Geiger Christina , Großmann Paula F. , Kränzlein Moritz , Rodewald Katia , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Rieger Bernhard
Published: February 2023

Herein, this work reports fiber spinning of tailored isotactic polypropylene (iPP) by melt spinning and melt drawing, yielding an adjustable diameter of 40–400 μm. The crystallinity of all obtained fibers with a molecular weight between 330–1400 kg/mol is increased by thermal annealing and investigated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). The potential of ultrahigh molecular weight iPP (UHMW‐iPP) fibers compared to fibers manufactured from industrially available iPP becomes evident when the mechanical performance is compared: fibers spun from UHMW‐iPP (1400 kg/mol) enable a tensile strength of up to 400 MPa, whereas commercially available fibers (330 kg/mol) show a tensile strength of approximately 50 MPa. However, UHMW‐iPP exhibits a short timeframe, in which extrusion is possible, thereafter extrusion rupture occurs, probably induced by an increased melt viscosity.
Quantification of tumorsphere migration with a physics‐based machine learning method
Authors: Vong Chun Kiet , Wang Alan , Dragunow Mike , Park Thomas I.‐H. , Shim Vickie
Published: February 2023

Current analysis techniques available for migration assays only provide quantitative measurements for overall migration. However, the potential of regional migration analyses can open further insight into migration patterns and more avenues of experimentation with the same assays. Previously, we developed an analysis pipeline utilizing the finite element (FE) method to show its potential in analyzing glioblastoma (GBM) tumorsphere migration, especially in characterizing regional changes in the migration pattern. This study aims to streamline and further automate the analysis system by integrating the machine‐learning‐based U‐Net segmentation with the FE method. Our U‐Net‐based segmentation achieved a 98% accuracy in segmenting our tumorspheres. From the segmentations, FE models made up of 3D hexahedral elements were generated, and the migration patterns of the tumorspheres were analyzed under treatments B and C (under non‐disclosure agreements). Our results show that our overall migration analysis correlated very strongly (R2 of 0.9611 and 0.9986 for treatments B and C, respectively) with ImageJ's method of migration area analysis, which is the most common method of tumorsphere migration analysis. Additionally, we were able to quantitatively represent the regional migration patterns in our FE models, which the methods purely based on segmentations could not do. Moreover, the new pipeline improved the efficiency and accessibility of the initial pipeline by implementing machine learning‐based automated segmentation onto a mainly open‐sourced FE analysis platform. In conclusion, our algorithm enables the development of a high‐content and high‐throughput in vitro screening platform to elucidate anti‐migratory molecules that may reduce the invasiveness of these malignant tumors.
High survival following bleaching underscores the resilience of a frequently disturbed region of the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Page Cathie A. , Giuliano Christine , Bay Line K. , Randall Carly J.
Published: February 2023

Natural bleaching events provide an opportunity to examine how local‐scale environmental variation influences bleaching severity and recovery. During the 2020 marine heat wave, we documented widespread and severe coral bleaching affecting 75%–98% of coral cover throughout the Keppel Islands in the southern inshore Great Barrier Reef. Acropora, Pocillopora, and Porites were the most severely affected genera, while Montipora was comparatively less susceptible. Site‐specific heat‐exposure metrics were not correlated with Acropora bleaching severity, but recovery was faster at sites that experienced lower heat exposure. Despite severe bleaching and exposure to accumulated heat that often results in coral mortality (degree heating weeks ~4–8), cover remained stable. Approximately 94% of fate‐tracked Acropora millepora colonies survived, perhaps due to reduced irradiance stress from high turbidity, heterotrophic feeding, and large tidal flows that can increase mass transfer. Severe bleaching followed by rapid recovery and the continuing dominance of Acropora populations in the Keppel Islands is indicative of high resilience. These coral communities have survived a 0.8°C increase in average temperatures over the last 150 years. However, recovery following the 2020 bleaching was driven by the easing of thermal stress, which may challenge their recovery potential under further warming.
The association study between changes in HbA1C with rs2250486 and rs67238751 genetic variants for SLC47A1 in newly diagnosed Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: 6 months follow‐up study
Authors: Semnani Armina , Kazerouni Faranak , Kalbasi Saeid , Shahrokhi Seyedeh Zahra , Rahimipour Ali
Published: February 2023

Objectives

One of the most well‐known oral medications for the treatment of T2DM is metformin. Variants have been found in studies to be useful in detecting new genes connected to T2DM aetiology and affecting metformin's mechanism of action. In this research, we aimed to study two variations of the SLC47A1 gene; rs2250486 and rs67238751, in T2DM patients who had been taking metformin for the first 6 months after the diagnosis in the Iranian population for the first time.

Design and Methods

A total of 200 individuals were recruited for the study. According to their glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, the patients were divided into two groups: responders (HbA1c levels were reduced by at least 1% after 6 months of metformin treatment.) and non‐responders. DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyped by Tetra ARMS PCR. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure HbA1c levels at the start of the treatment and again 6 months later.

Results

rs2250486 variant in the dominant model reduces the HbA1C levels after 6 months of metformin treatment. In fact, when compared to the T/C + C/C genotypes, the T/T genotype improves HbA1C levels (p‐value = .014). Furthermore, in the allelic model, the T allele improves HbA1C levels in comparison to the C allele (p‐value = .008). After 6 months of metformin treatment, serum levels of HbA1C in responders were reduced significantly in both groups (T/T and T/C + C/C), (p‐value = <.0001). However, the rs67238751 variant did not reveal a meaningful relationship with lower HbA1C levels in any of the models.

Conclusions

This study found that the rs2250486 variant could be associated with reducing HbA1C levels while the rs67238751 variant, had no relationship.
Use of and association between heart failure pharmacological treatments and outcomes in obese versus non‐obese patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Cappelletto Chiara , Stolfo Davide , Orsini Nicola , Benson Lina , Rodolico Daniele , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Dahlström Ulf , Sinagra Gianfranco , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: February 2023

Aims

To investigate the use of guideline‐directed medical therapies (GDMT) and associated outcomes in obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) versus non‐obese patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results

Patients with HFrEF from the Swedish HF Registry were included. Of 16 116 patients, 24% were obese. In obese versus non‐obese patients, use of treatments was 91% versus 86% for renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi)/angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi), 94% versus 91% for beta‐blockers, 53% versus 43% for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Obesity was shown to be independently associated with more likely use of each treatment, triple combination therapy, and the achievement of target dose by multivariable logistic regressions. Multivariable Cox regressions showed use of RASi/ARNi and beta‐blockers being independently associated with lower risk of all‐cause/cardiovascular death regardless of obesity, although, when considering competing risks, a lower risk of cardiovascular death with RASi/ARNi in obese versus non‐obese patients was observed. RASi/ARNi were associated with lower risk of HF hospitalization in obese but not in non‐obese patients, whereas beta‐blockers were not associated with the risk of HF hospitalization regardless of obesity. At the competing risk analysis, RASi/ARNi use was associated with higher risk of HF hospitalization regardless of obesity.

Conclusion

Obese patients were more likely to receive optimal treatments after adjustment for factors affecting tolerability, suggesting that perceived beyond actual tolerance issues limit GDMT implementation. RASi/ARNi and beta‐blockers were associated with lower mortality regardless of obesity, with a greater association between RASi/ARNi and lower cardiovascular death in obese versus non‐obese patients when considering competing risk.
Quality by design‐based capillary electrophoresis method development for the quantitative analysis of four iridoid compounds in Gentiana macrophylla Radix
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaoyang , Li Shunan , Chen Yun , Li Zheng , Lian Yunlan , Li Wenlong
Published: February 2023

In this study, the capillary electrophoresis‐photodiode array detector was employed for the analysis of four iridoid compounds in Gentiana macrophylla Radix (RGM), and the method was optimized based on the concept of analytical quality by design (AQbD). The peak areas relative standard deviation (n = 3) and resolution of the four analytes were selected as critical method attributes. Fractional factorial design test combined with Pareto analysis were employed to screen critical method parameters (buffer concentration, pH, sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS] micelle concentration, temperature, and voltage). Subsequently, three main factors (buffer concentration, buffer pH, and SDS concentration) were selected by central composite design test for constructing the design space. The optimal separation conditions as follows: capillary column (50.2 cm × 50 µm, detection length 40 cm). Working background electrolyte consisted of 51 mmol/L borax solution (pH = 9.47) and 40 mmol/L SDS. The samples were injected by pressure (5 s at 0.5 psi) and the detection was performed at 254 nm. Applied voltage was 20 kV and column temperature was 23°C. The developed method is rapid and reliable for the quantitative analysis of four iridoid compounds in RGM, providing a reference for the application of AQbD concept in the analysis of natural products.
Online large volume sample staking preconcentration and separation of enantiomeric GHRH analogs by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Otin Joanie , Tran N. Thuy , Benoit Aurélie , Buisson Corinne , Taverna Myriam
Published: February 2023

A capillary electrophoresis method is proposed to analyze the four most well‐known growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs that are misused by athletes. Dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin used as a chiral selector allowed, for the first time, the separation of those basic peptide analogs, including enantiopeptides (sermorelin and CJC‐1293) that differ by the chirality of only one amino acid. To increase the method sensitivity, electrokinetic preconcentration methods have been investigated. The large volume sample stacking with polarity switching (PS‐LVSS) method with an injected sample volume corresponding to 80% of the capillary one was found superior to the sweeping in terms of signal enhancement factor (SEF). Acid and organic solvent addition to the sample (0.1 mM phosphoric acid with 30% methanol) led to a twofold signal improvement, when compared to water as a matrix. We increased capillary dimensions to provide a signal enhancement through the injection of a larger sample volume. Finally, using a combination of the optimized PS‐LVSS preconcentration with the chiral capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), the GHRH analogs were separated and limits of detection between 75 and 200 ng/mL were reached. This method was successfully applied to urine after a desalting step. An optimized C18 SPE was used for that purpose in order to provide low sample conductivity (<130 µS/cm) and preserve the efficiency of LVSS preconcentration. SEF of 640 was obtained with desalted urine spiked with sermorelin by comparison to the CZE (without preconcentration) method.
Investigation of the Heteroatom Doping Effect on Gasification Fine Slag Residue Carbon Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts
Authors: Wang Simin , Li Heng , Gong Yan , Guo Qinghua , Yu Guangsuo
Published: February 2023

Coal gasification fine slag (GFS) is a kind of solid waste that is produced from industrial entrained‐flow gasification plants. Using the GFS flotation residue as a carbon source for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst is therefore an effective recycling method that will gain great attention. Herein, the carbon residue after the flotation of GFS is used as the precursor to prepare ORR catalysts through CO2 activation. Combined with the characterization of Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, the influence of N, P, Fe, Ca, and other doped elements on the physical and chemical structure of the catalyst is explored. The results demonstrate that calcium chloride causes the decrease of reactive nitrogen, and has a negative effect on the development of pore structure. The active nitrogen content of ammonium phosphate as a nitrogen source is lower than that of ammonium chloride as a nitrogen source. The codoping of ammonium phosphate and ferrocene produces a mutual inhibitory effect, resulting in lower doping levels of phosphorus and iron. This study has great significance for the activation and heteroatom doping treatment of ORR catalysts prepared from gasification residue carbon.
Life cycle assessment of Iran energy portfolio: Renewable energy replacement approach
Authors: Saedi Amir Hosein , Ahmadi Abolfazl
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, due to the increasing energy demand in different industry, agriculture, and household sectors, great importance is attached to energy portfolio and generation/consumption in macrolevel planning. A viable approach to power generation planning is the environmental assessment of the power generation process. This study employs life cycle assessment based on Eco‐Indicator 99 methodology which analyzes midpoint and endpoint impacts. Energy impact evaluation is based on Eco‐invent database from resource harvesting to recycling. The study aims to assess Iran's energy production/consumption portfolio, but technical construction, operation, and recycling are not discussed. The study focuses on energy demand and energy generation resources in Iran, under three energy portfolio scenarios: (1) a basic scenario is a real energy portfolio for Iran's 2018‐power demand, (2) Iran's 2050‐energy portfolio with maximum accessible renewable energy capacity, and (3) Iran's 2050‐energy portfolio with zero‐carbon emission to evaluate the final consequences of life cycle. The York model is used to estimate energy demand in 2050. The Green‐X model is used to evaluate the relationship between the impacts and economic growth. Iran's energy portfolio has a low emission, compared with the global portfolio with a 36%‐coal application. Among Iran's portfolios, the most adventitious scenario is in 2018, followed by the 2050 portfolio with population growth and 50% increase in energy demand, and the zero‐carbon scenario with 64% of energy portfolio based on solar and wind energy technologies. Compared with the 2018 scenario, in the second and third scenarios, the environmental effects are decreased by 40% and 52%, respectively, indicating the significance of renewable energy in reducing the environmental consequences.
Seasonal dynamics of marly badlands illustrated by field records of hillslope regolith properties, Draix–Bléone Critical Zone Observatory, South‐East France
Authors: Ariagno Coline , Pasquet Sylvain , Le Bouteiller Caroline , van der Beek Peter , Klotz Sébastien
Published: February 2023

Sparsely vegetated badlands are loci of intense erosion that is sufficiently rapid to have observable effects on human timescales. Characterizing and understanding the physical weathering processes in these settings are key to predicting the temporal variability of regolith production and sediment flux, as well as their evolution under changing climate conditions. Here, we study intra‐annual changes of hillslope properties and explore the relationship between sediment production and transport in steep marly badland catchments of the Draix–Bléone Critical Zone Observatory (SE France), where decades‐long monitoring records show rapid morphological changes. There is evidence for seasonal dynamics of these badlands, but characterization and quantification of physical weathering processes have been lacking up to now. We explore this gap by monitoring key regolith parameters including grain‐size distribution (characterized by D50), surface resistance and water content in the regolith layer (surface to ∼10 cm depth) at different locations, through repeated field surveys over a 2.5‐year period. While water content appears to be directly controlled by the last previous rainfall event, the cyclic annual pattern in observed D50 suggests that loose and finely fragmented regolith is mainly produced and accumulates during the winter season, whereas sediment transport is dominant during spring–summer. This dynamic reduces regolith thickness and induces coarsening of hillslope surface material between early spring and autumn. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlights the strong correlation between resistance and D50. We therefore suggest that D50 provides the best proxy of regolith weathering in these marls. The spatial variability of the regolith was analysed through a geophysical profile, highlighting distinct behaviour depending on slope aspect. However, the distribution of slope angles is independent of aspect at the catchment scale. These results corroborate the strong annual dynamics of these catchments, where hillslopes and gullies are drained during spring and early summer high‐intensity precipitation events, inducing high sediment yields.
Shannon meets Stackelberg on the cognitive interference channel part I: A deterministic view
Authors: Ebrahimkhani Atena , Akhbari Bahareh
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we have combined a game‐theoretic and an information‐theoretic notions to describe the selfish behavior of each user in a two‐user linear deterministic cognitive interference channel (LD‐CIC). The two‐user LD‐CIC is the simple case of the cognitive radio technology in the high SNR regime. This model is a solution to improve the spectral efficiency in software defined network (SDN) concept in 5G. In the two‐user LD‐CIC, the information bits of the primary/licensed transmitter is a‐priori provided at the cognitive/secondary/unlicensed transmitter. So that, the cognitive transmitter can cooperate and utilize the frequency spectrum to send the information bits of the both transmitters. In information‐theoretic approaches, full cooperation is assumed between transmitters for codebook and rate selection in this channel. This may not be a realistic assumption if transmitters are selfish and are willing to maximize their own benefit. In particular, we have defined the Stackelberg equilibrium (SE) region on the capacity region of the two‐user LD‐CIC to capture the behavior of each transmitter when they compete even though one of them is informed of the other transmitter information bits. We have implemented a two‐phase Stackelberg game with the primary and cognitive transmitters acting as the leader in the first phase, and the follower in the second phase, respectively. In this implementation, both transmitters are assumed to be selfish and only interested in optimizing their own pay‐offs. The SE region is characterized as a subset of capacity region in which the transmitters cannot gain more transmission rate by individually deviating from the SE strategy. The achievability of the resultant region has been configured using a randomized Han‐Kobayashi scheme for all the channel gains. Also, we have compared the obtained SE region with the previous equilibrium regions such as Nash equilibrium (NE) region of the linear deterministic interference channel (LD‐IC). The results have shown that the SE points on the sum‐rate of the LD‐CIC capacity region are more than the NE points on the sum rate of the capacity region of LD‐IC, so the SE region of the LD‐CIC is Pareto superior to the NE region of LD‐IC.
Physicochemical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and in vitro cytotoxic activities of corn pollen protein hydrolysates obtained by different peptidases
Authors: Akbarmehr Amir , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi , Ghanbarzadeh Babak , Sarabandi Khashayar
Published: February 2023

The applications of protein hydrolysates as food preservatives and nutraceutical ingredients have attracted much attention because of their beneficial effects. The interest in these ingredients has shifted toward their biological activities with benefits to human health. Bioactive peptides are known as antioxidant agents that could promote health‐promoting effects and prolong food shelf‐life beyond their basic nutritional value. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant, antimicrobial, and in vitro cytotoxic properties of corn pollen protein (CPP) hydrolysates obtained by different enzymes. Proteolytic activity in terms of degree of hydrolysis (DH) and SDS‐PAGE analysis was measured in pancreatin (H‐Pan), pepsin (H‐Pep), and trypsin (H‐Tri) hydrolysates. Amino acid composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and cytotoxicity of hydrolysates were evaluated. DH and SDS‐PAGE revealed higher proteolytic activity of pepsin compared to other enzymes. Amino acid analysis showed that the functional amino acids such as antioxidant types were most predominant in H‐Pep compared to two other samples. Antioxidant activity of hydrolysates was found to be affected by the type of enzyme and the concentration of hydrolysates. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between antioxidant activity of different hydrolysates. The highest antioxidant activity in terms of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (0.23–2.75 mM), DPPH (33.3%–64.8%), and hydroxyl (33.7%–63.2%) radical scavenging activities, chelation of iron (33.2%–62.5%) and copper (30.2%–50.5%) metals, and total antioxidant activity (0.65–0.85) was obtained for H‐Pep followed by H‐Pan and H‐Tri samples. Antibacterial tests showed that pepsin‐hydrolyzed protein was not significantly (P > 0.05) effective against E. coli at any concentrations, however, it showed significant (P < 0.05) concentration‐dependent effect against S. aureus (with inhibition zones of 15–25 mm). Cytotoxicity results revealed that CPP, as a nonhydrolyzed protein, did not generally show antiproliferative activity, however, a significant (P < 0.05) ability of H‐Pep hydrolysate in decreasing HT‐29 colon cancer cell line viability was seen in a concentration‐dependent manner (the lowest cell viability of 32% at 5 mg/mL). Overall, investigating the application of protein‐based hydrolysates is one of the possible strategies that govern their applied intentions as preservatives and nutraceuticals in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Effects of corn supplementation on serum and muscle microRNA profiles in horses
Authors: Carver Clarissa , Bruemmer Jason , Coleman Stephen , Landolt Gabriele , Hess Tanja
Published: February 2023

Laminitis associated with equine metabolic syndrome causes significant economic losses in the equine industry. Diets high in non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) have been linked to insulin resistance and laminitis in horses. Nutrigenomic studies analyzing the interaction of diets high in NSCs and gene expression regulating endogenous microRNAs (miRNA) are rare. This study's objectives were to determine whether miRNAs from dietary corn can be detected in equine serum and muscle and its impacts on endogenous miRNA. Twelve mares were blocked by age, body condition score, and weight and assigned to a control (mixed legume grass hay diet) and a mixed legume hay diet supplemented with corn. Muscle biopsies and serum were collected on Days 0 and 28. Transcript abundances were analyzed using qRT‐PCR for three plant‐specific and 277 endogenous equine miRNAs. Plant miRNAs were found in serum and skeletal muscle samples with a treatment effect (p < .05) with corn‐specific miRNA being higher than control in serum after feeding. Endogenous miRNAs showed 12 different (p < .05) miRNAs in equine serum after corn supplementation, six (eca‐mir16, ‐4863p, ‐4865p, ‐126‐3p, ‐296, and ‐192) previously linked to obesity or metabolic disease. The results of our study indicate that dietary plant miRNAs can appear in circulation and tissues and may regulate endogenous genes.
Petrogenesis of the Quxu intrusive complex: Implications for Eocene magmatism in the southern Lhasa Terrane, Tibet
Authors: Yu Yanqiu , Guan Qi , Woo Ik , Li Zengsheng , Jing Tianjing , Wang Duixing
Published: February 2023

The widely distributed Eocene mafic microgranular enclaves in the Lhasa Terrane of southern Tibet carry important information regarding crust–mantle interactions in collisional zones. Here, we report geochronological and geochemical data of granitoids and mafic enclaves from Quxu in the southern Lhasa Terrane. Zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating indicates that the Quxu granitoids and enclaves were synchronously emplaced at ca. 50 Ma. The granitoids are medium‐ to high‐K calc‐alkaline, metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.82–0.90) and have high Al2O3(14.48–16.57 wt%) and low MgO (2.81–2.99 wt%). The mafic enclaves (SiO2 = 50.55–54.57 wt%) have 5.12–5.37 wt% MgO and an Mg#of 49–51, with weakly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.85–0.91). The Quxu granitoids and enclaves have similar zircon Hf isotopic compositions, withεHf(t) values ranging from +7.62 to +13.32. A comprehensive study of the data available for coeval rocks from the Gangdese Batholith indicates that the Quxu granitoids were derived from partial melting of the lower crust, while the parental magmas of the mafic enclaves were most likely derived from lithospheric mantle beneath southern Tibet. The Quxu granitoids are interpreted as the result of mixing between the lower crust‐derived melts and lithospheric mantle‐derived mafic melts, which are likely the magmatic response to the breakoff of the Neo‐Tethyan Oceanic slab at about 50 Ma.
Development of a novel prognostic signature derived from enhancer RNA‐regulated genes in head neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Diao Pengfei , Huang Rong , Shi Yawei , Yao Qin , Dai Yibin , Yuan Hua , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: February 2023

Background

Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are increasingly recognized as prognostic biomarkers—across human cancers. Here, we sought to develop a novel eRNA‐regulated genes (ERGs)‐derived prognostic signature for head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Candidate ERGs were identified via co‐expression between individual survival‐related eRNAs and their putative targets by Spearman's correlation analyses. The ERG signature was developed by univariate Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and maximum AUC in 1000 iterations of LASSO‐penalized multivariate Cox regression. An ERG nomogram incorporating ERG signature and selected clinicopathological parameters were constructed by multivariate Cox regression. Biological roles of eRNA of interest were further explored in vitro.

Results

The ERG signature successfully stratified patients into subgroups with distinct survival in multiple cohorts. An ERG nomogram was developed with satisfactory performance in prognostication. Inhibition of ENSR00000165816 significantly reduced transcript level of SLC2A9 and impaired cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

Our results establish ERG signature and nomogram as powerful prognostic predictors for HNSCC.
Further refining the boundaries of the hippocampus CA2 with gene expression and connectivity: Potential subregions and heterogeneous cell types
Authors: Bienkowski Michael S.
Published: February 2023

Over the last two decades, the definition of hippocampal area CA2 has evolved from Lorente de Nó's original Golgi‐based morphological description with the discovery of specific CA2 gene expression markers. Exploiting the specificity of these molecules has allowed for the genetic dissection of CA2 structure and function in transgenic mice. With this change in criteria, the anatomical boundaries of the CA2 have expanded across the hippocampal axis but the CA2's full rostrocaudal extent is not consistently delineated across atlases. The Hippocampus Gene Expression Atlas (HGEA) provides a comprehensive map of 20 gene expression domains across the entire mouse hippocampus including the CA2. In this commentary, I will review the consensus gene expression patterns that demarcate the expanded CA2 boundaries in the HGEA. Using DropViz single‐cell transcriptomics and Mouse Connectome Project connectomics data, I will then suggest potential differences in CA2 cell type heterogeneity and connectivity that may identify and characterize further CA2 subregions.
How context influences the functionality of community‐level health governance structures: A case study of community health committees in Kenya
Authors: Karuga Robinson , Kok Maryse , Mbindyo Patrick , Otiso Lilian , Macharia Judy , Broerse Jacqueline E. W. , Dieleman Marjolein
Published: February 2023

Community Health Committees (CHCs) are mechanisms through which communities participate in the governance and oversight of community health services. While there is renewed interest in strengthening community participation in the governance of community health services, there is limited evidence on how context influences community‐level structures of governance and oversight. The objective of this study was to examine how contextual factors influence the functionality of CHCs in Kajiado, Migori, and Nairobi Counties in Kenya. Using a case study design, we explored the influence of context on CHCs using 18 focus group discussions with 110 community members (clients, CHC members, and community health volunteers [CHVs]) and interviews with 33 health professionals. Essential CHC functions such as ‘leadership’ and ‘management’ were weak, partly because Health professionals did not involve CHCs in developing health plans. Community Health Committees were active in the supervision of CHVs, reviewing their household reports, although they did not utilise these data for making decisions. Resource mobilisation and evaluation of health programs were affected by the lack of administrative and operational support, such as training. Despite having influential membership, CHCs could not provide leadership and management functions. Health system actors perceived the roles of CHCs as service providers rather than structures for governance and oversight. Insufficient awareness of CHC roles among health professionals, lack of training and operational support for community‐based activities constrained CHCs' functionality and thus their role in community participation. While there are efforts to institutionalise community‐level governance structures for health at sub‐national level, there is a need to scale‐up these efforts countrywide. We recommend that community‐level governance structures be empowered, mandated, and provided with resources to take on the responsibility of overseeing community health services and exacting accountability from health providers.
Developing women leaders: The role of women's professional organizations
Authors: Steele Clarissa R. , Moake Timothy R. , Medina‐Craven Michele N.
Published: February 2023

Women face obstacles to leader development within their organizations. We investigate how women benefit from joining women's professional organizations (WPOs). We first conducted a pilot study in which we surveyed members of a WPO in the Southeastern United States to investigate whether women join these types of organizations for leader development, with results indicating that most members joined for leader development. We then interviewed members of this same organization to explore what leadership‐related benefits they derive from their involvement. We found that experiences within this organization allowed members to hone their leadership abilities, network with other women, work directly with and observe women leaders, and receive support from others to take on leadership roles. In turn, these members had increased leadership aspirations, more confidence in their leadership capabilities, and a more expansive view of leadership within their careers. Overall, the findings from this exploratory study highlight the important role that WPOs can play in women's leader development.
Changes in the effects of oil price shocks on US industrial production
Authors: Kwon Dohyoung
Published: February 2023

This paper examines whether there exists a structural change in the relationship between oil shocks and US industrial production with the rapid development in oil industry due to the shale revolution. Using a structural VAR model, I identify supply and demand shocks in global crude oil markets and estimate changes in their effects on the US industrial production. The key finding is that the US industry output has become more responsive to oil price shocks since the shale oil boom. Oil supply shocks have been more important and heterogeneous effects on the industrial production depending on the US or non‐US oil supply component. There has also emerged the positive effect of oil demand shocks, stimulating aggregate economic activity. In particular, I find that there have been strong positive spillover effects from an oil price increase to other industries not only through direct purchases of inputs for oil production and investment, but also through indirect knowledge and technology transfers created during the shale revolution. These findings have profound policy implications for the fiscal and monetary authority who copes with exogenous oil shocks.
Physical, morphological and bioactive properties of Co–Cr–W–Ta alloys: Influence of insertion of tantalum and surface thermochemical treatment on bioactivity
Authors: da Silva Batista Beatriz , da Silva Luzeli Moreira , de Menezes Alan Silva , Barbosa Corrêa Luana , Cruz Rosas Elaine , Santos‐Oliveira Ralph , Mendes Fernando , Macêdo Ana Angélica M. , Rebelo Alencar Luciana M.
Published: February 2023

The development of bioactivity in bioinert metallic alloys is a field of interest aiming to improve some aspects of these materials for implant applications. New Co63Cr28W9‐xTax alloys with different Ta concentrations (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, and 9% w/w) were synthesized in the work reported here. The alloys were characterized by x‐ray diffraction, volumetric density, Vickers microhardness, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersion x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Bioactivity properties were evaluated by in vitro tests with simulated body fluid (SBF). In vivo assays were performed to assess biocompatibility. The influence of surface thermochemical treatment and Ta insertion on the bioactive properties of the alloys was investigated. The results showed that the alloy structure comprises εCo and αCo phases, with cobalt as a matrix with Cr, W, and Ta as a solid solution. TaCo2 phase is observed in the alloys with 4, 6, and 9% w/w of Ta, and its amount increase as Ta concentration increases. Volumetric density is reduced (from 8.78 ± 0.06 to 8.56 ± 0.09 g/cm3) as Ta concentration increases (from 0% to 9% w/w) mainly due to the lower density of the tantalum compared to the tungsten metal. On the other hand, the TaCo2 phase contributes to the increase of Vickers's hardness by ~17.6% for the alloy with 9% Ta (394.7 ± 8.1 HV) compared with Co63Cr28W9 (336 ± 5 HV). The topographic analysis showed increased roughness and adhesion due to the nucleation of Ta1.1O1.05 and Ca2Ta2O7 crystals after surface thermochemical treatment. The roughness and adhesion increase from 16.9 ± 0.6 nm and 8.3 ± 1.8 nN (untreated surface) to 255.7 ± 17.7 nm and 24.1 ± 12.6 nN (treated surface), respectively, for the Co63Cr28Ta9 alloy. These results suggest that thermochemical treatment provides surface conditions favorable to hydroxyapatite (HA) nucleation. The SEM and EDS data showed the nucleation of spongy structures, consistent with HA, composed mainly of Ca and P, indicating that oxides tantalum promoted a bioactive response on the sample's surface. The biological assay corroborated the alloy's safety and applicability, highlighting its potential in biomedical application since no harmful effects were observed.
Pharmacokinetics of JNJ‐73763989 and JNJ‐56136379 (Bersacapavir) in Participants With Moderate Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Kakuda Thomas N. , Halabi Atef , Klein Gernot , Sanga Madhu , Guinard‐Azadian Carine , Kowalik Monika , Nedoschinsky Katja , Nangosyah Julius , Ediage Emmanuel Njumbe , Hillewaert Vera , Verboven Peter , Goris Ivo , Snoeys Jan , Palmer Martyn , Biermer Michael
Published: February 2023

JNJ‐73763989 is comprised of 2 short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), JNJ‐73763976 and JNJ‐73763924, that target hepatitis B virus (HBV) mRNAs for degradation, thereby inhibiting HBV replication. JNJ‐56136379 is a capsid assembly modulator that inhibits HBV replication by inducing the formation of empty capsids (CAM‐E). In 2 phase 1, open‐label, non‐randomized, single‐center studies, the single‐dose pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of JNJ‐73763989 or JNJ‐56136379 were assessed in participants with moderate hepatic impairment (Child–Pugh Class B) versus participants with normal liver function. Participants in both studies received a single subcutaneous dose of JNJ‐73763989 200 mg or oral JNJ‐56136379 250 mg, followed by an evaluation of plasma pharmacokinetic parameters and safety assessments. Plasma exposure to JNJ‐73763976, JNJ‐73763924, and JNJ‐56136379 was 1.3‐ to 1.4‐, 1.8‐ to 2.2‐, and 1.1‐ to 1.3‐fold higher in participants with moderate hepatic impairment versus participants with normal liver function; however, these increases were not considered clinically relevant. Both drugs were well tolerated and safe, with 7 (21.9%) participants experiencing 1 or more treatment‐emergent adverse events, 3 of which were related to JNJ‐56136379. Overall, the plasma exposures of JNJ‐73763989 and JNJ‐56136379 were higher in participants with moderate hepatic impairment, but both were well tolerated. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of hepatic impairment under multiple‐dose administration.
Second trimester fetal MRI of the brain: Through the ground glass
Authors: Fileva Nevena , Severino Mariasavina , Tortora Domenico , Ramaglia Antonia , Paladini Dario , Rossi Andrea
Published: February 2023

Fetal MRI is an important tool for the prenatal diagnosis of brain malformations and is often requested after second‐trimester ultrasonography reveals a possible abnormality. Despite the immature state of the fetal brain at this early stage, early suggestive signs of the presence of brain malformations can be recognized. To differentiate between the normal dynamics of the growing brain and the developing pathological conditions can be challenging and requires extensive knowledge of normal central nervous system developmental stages and their neuroradiological counterparts at those different stages. This article reviews the second‐trimester appearances of some commonly encountered brain malformations, focusing on helpful tricks and subtle signs to aid in the diagnosis of such conditions as rhombencephalosynapsis, various causes of vermian rotation, molar tooth spectrum anomalies, diencephalic‐mesencephalic junction dysplasia, ganglionic eminence anomalies, and the most common malformations of cortical development.