bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of soluble microbial products during anaerobic treatment
Authors: Kuo Wen‐Chien , Sneve Mark A. , Parkin Gene F.
Published: November 2006

Stock (fill‐and‐draw) reactors and chemostats (CSTR) fed acetate and glucose were used to investigate the production of soluble microbial products (SMP) during anaerobic treatment. These reactors were maintained at solids retention times (SRT) from 15 to 56 days with organic loading rates (OLR) from 0.18 to 0.50 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L · d. Results showed that longer SRTs resulted in higher levels of SMP, with SMP ranging from 17 to 59 mg COD/L when acetate was the sole carbon and energy source and 50 to 291 mg COD/L when glucose was the substrate. Normalized production of SMP (SMP/influent COD = SMP/S0) ranged from 0.2% to 1.0% for acetate reactors and 0.6% to 2.5% for glucose reactors. Steady‐state results from chemostats fed glucose showed that as SRT increased, SMP/S0 decreased to a minimum and then increased, indicating the existence of an optimal operating SRT that would result in a minimum normalized production of SMP. Effluent soluble COD was mostly SMP; the fraction of effluent soluble COD made up of SMP increased with increasing SRT. Production of SMP from glucose reactors was modeled. Normalized production of SMP during anaerobic treatment appears to be lower when compared with aerobic production of SMP reported in the literature.
Speciation of chromium(III) in activated sludge
Authors: Imai Akio , Gloyna Earnest F.
Published: November 2006

An understanding of the fate of metals in the activated sludge process is necessary. Such knowledge is needed to assess the potential adverse effects of metals that may be associated with activated sludge and ultimately discharged into the natural environment. As an example, an equilibrium approach was developed to quantify the distribution of trivalent chromium, Cr(III) in activated sludge. Cr(III) adsorption on activated sludge exhibited linear characteristics. Cr(III) formed a 1:2 complex with soluble organic compounds remaining in wastewater treatment plant effluents. Both pH and the mean cell retention time significantly affected Cr(III) adsorption and complexation. Intracellular Cr(III) uptake was estimated by comparing the observed overall Cr(III) uptake with the predicted Cr(III) adsorption. This comparison revealed that more Cr(III) is transported to the solid phase than predicted. The predicted speciation of Cr(III) suggested that intracellular Cr(III) accounted for more than 70% of the total Cr(III) in activated sludge. Thus, intracellular uptake was an important consideration.
Control concrete sewer corrosion via the crown spray process
Authors: Sydney Roger , Esfandi Edward , Surapaneni Siva
Published: November 2006

The crown spray process involves the spray application of a high‐pH mixture to the crown area of the sewer. The aim is to deactivate the sulfur‐ or sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and neutralize the acid at the sewer crown; to render the sewer crown environment unfavorable for regrowth and recolonization of SOB; to leave a residual alkalinity on the sewer crown to neutralize the acid produced as the SOB recolonize the sewer, and, consequently, control the crown corrosion process. A number of different chemicals, both hazardous and nonhazardous, were investigated for use with the process. The use of biocides as additives to enhance the deactivation potentials of the various treatment mixtures was also evaluated. To gauge the effectiveness of the treatment, surface pH of the sewer crown is measured before and after treatment. Immediately after spraying the surface, pH of the crown generally increases from less than 2 to greater than 9 and then gradually decreases with time to background levels. The mechanism of deactivation and regrowth of the organisms is discussed. Magnesium hydroxide slurry, a nonhazardous chemical, is the most effective treatment chemical tested to date. Application of a 50% slurry to the crown of a highly corroded active sewer has maintained the surface pH at or greater than 9 for approximately 9 months. Microbiological assays indicate a reduction in population of SOB from 107 to 102 cells/g of corrosion product (below detectable levels). Approximately 9 months after treatment, the number of SOB are still 1 to 2 orders of magnitude below the background population level. The operational aspects, economics, and the mechanism of the crown spray process are discussed. The data indicate the crown spray process is the most economical corrosion control technology of eight other methods previously evaluated by the districts.
Layout design of user interface components with multiple objectives
Authors: Peer S.K. , Sharma Dinesh , Ravindranath K. , Naidu M.M.
Published: November 2006

A multi-goal layout problem may be formulated as a Quadratic Assignment model, considering multiple goals (or factors), both qualitative and quantitative in the objective function. The facilities layout problem, in general, varies from the location and layout of facilities in manufacturing plant to the location and layout of textual and graphical user interface components in the human?computer interface. In this paper, we propose two alternate mathematical approaches to the single-objective layout model. The first one presents a multi-goal user interface component layout problem, considering the distance-weighted sum of congruent objectives of closeness relationships and the interactions. The second one considers the distance-weighted sum of congruent objectives of normalized weighted closeness relationships and normalized weighted interactions. The results of first approach are compared with that of an existing single objective model for example task under consideration. Then, the results of first approach and second approach of the proposed model are compared for the example task under consideration.
General properties of lasing effect in chiral liquid crystals
Authors: Palto S. , Shtykov N. , Umansky B. , Barnik M. , Blinov L.
Published: November 2006

Numerical simulations and experimental studies of the lasing effect in chiral liquid crystals are presented. It is shown that ring-like light emission, which is often observed experimentally, is a true lasing effect. Lasing condition and different modes in thin liquid crystal layers are discussed.
Photonic liquid crystal fibers — a new challenge for fiber optics and liquid crystals photonics
Authors: Woliński T. , Ertman S. , Lesiak P. , Domański A. , Czapla A. , Dąbrowski R. , Nowinowski-Kruszelnicki E. , Wójcik J.
Published: November 2006

The paper reviews and discusses the latest developments in the field of the photonic liquid crystal fibers that have occurred for the last three years in view of new challenges for both fiber optics and liquid crystal photonics. In particular, we present the latest experimental results on electrically induced birefringence in photonic liquid crystal fibers and discuss possibilities and directions of future developments.
Multicomponent Intervention for Overactive Bladder in Women
Authors: Funada Satoshi , Luo Yan , Uozumi Ryuji , Watanabe Norio , Goto Takayuki , Negoro Hiromitsu , Ueno Kentaro , Ichioka Kentaro , Segawa Takehiko , Akechi Tatsuo , Ogawa Osamu , Akamatsu Shusuke , Kobayashi Takashi , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Although the cognitive components of behavioral therapy for overactive bladder (OAB) are widely recognized, there is a lack of studies evaluating the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions that include cognitive components as a treatment for OAB.

Objective

To examine the efficacy of a multicomponent intervention in improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for women with moderate to severe OAB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial was conducted in Japan among women aged 20 to 80 years who had moderate to severe OAB. Participants were recruited from 4 institutions between January 16, 2020, and December 31, 2022, through self-referral via advertisement or referral from the participating institutions.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 1:1 by minimization algorithm using an internet-based central cloud system to four 30-minute weekly sessions of a multicomponent intervention or waiting list. Both groups continued to receive baseline treatment throughout the study period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the least-squares mean changes from baseline through week 13 in HRQOL total scores of the OAB questionnaire between 2 groups. Secondary outcomes included OAB symptom score and frequency volume chart.

Results

A total of 79 women were randomized to either the intervention group (39 participants; mean [SD] age, 63.5 [14.6] years) or the waiting list control group (40 participants; mean [SD] age, 63.5 [12.9] years). One participant from each group dropped out from the allocated intervention, while 5 participants in the intervention group and 2 in the control group dropped out from the primary outcome assessment at week 13. Thirty-six participants (92.3%) in the intervention group and 35 (87.5%) in the control group had moderate OAB. The change in HRQOL total score from baseline to week 13 was 23.9 points (95% CI, 18.4-29.5 points) in the intervention group and 11.3 points (95% CI, 6.2-16.4 points) in the waiting list group, a significant difference of 12.6 points (95% CI, 6.6-18.6 points; P < .001). Similar superiority of the intervention was confirmed for frequency of micturition and urgency but not for OAB symptom score.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings demonstrate that a multicomponent intervention improves HRQOL for women with moderate to severe OAB and suggest that the cognitive component may be an effective treatment option for women with OAB.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry Identifier: UMIN000038513
Bacteremia From a Presumed Urinary Source in Hospitalized Adults With Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Authors: Advani Sonali D. , Ratz David , Horowitz Jennifer K. , Petty Lindsay A. , Fakih Mohamad G. , Schmader Kenneth , Mody Lona , Czilok Tawny , Malani Anurag N. , Flanders Scott A. , Gandhi Tejal N. , Vaughn Valerie M.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Guidelines recommend withholding antibiotics in asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), including among patients with altered mental status (AMS) and no systemic signs of infection. However, ASB treatment remains common.

Objectives

To determine prevalence and factors associated with bacteremia from a presumed urinary source in inpatients with ASB with or without AMS and estimate antibiotics avoided if a 2% risk of bacteremia were used as a threshold to prompt empiric antibiotic treatment of ASB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study assessed patients hospitalized to nonintensive care with ASB (no immune compromise or concomitant infections) in 68 Michigan hospitals from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022. Data were analyzed from August 2022 to January 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was prevalence of bacteremia from a presumed urinary source (ie, positive blood culture with matching organisms within 3 days of urine culture). To determine factors associated with bacteremia, we used multivariable logistic regression models. We estimated each patient’s risk of bacteremia and determined what percentage of patients empirically treated with antibiotics had less than 2% estimated risk of bacteremia.

Results

Of 11 590 hospitalized patients with ASB (median [IQR] age, 78.2 [67.7-86.6] years; 8595 female patients [74.2%]; 2235 African American or Black patients [19.3%], 184 Hispanic patients [1.6%], and 8897 White patients [76.8%]), 8364 (72.2%) received antimicrobial treatment for UTI, and 161 (1.4%) had bacteremia from a presumed urinary source. Only 17 of 2126 patients with AMS but no systemic signs of infection (0.7%) developed bacteremia. On multivariable analysis, male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02-2.05), hypotension (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.18-2.93), 2 or more systemic inflammatory response criteria (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.46), urinary retention (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.18-2.96), fatigue (aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.08-2.17), log of serum leukocytosis (aOR, 3.38; 95% CI, 2.48-4.61), and pyuria (aOR, 3.31; 95% CI, 2.10-5.21) were associated with bacteremia. No single factor was associated with more than 2% risk of bacteremia. If 2% or higher risk of bacteremia were used as a cutoff for empiric antibiotics, antibiotic exposure would have been avoided in 78.4% (6323 of 8064) of empirically treated patients with low risk of bacteremia.

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with ASB, bacteremia from a presumed urinary source was rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients with AMS. A personalized, risk-based approach to empiric therapy could decrease unnecessary ASB treatment.
The MYC–NFATC2 axis maintains the cell cycle and mitochondrial function in acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Patterson Shaun D. , Massett Matthew E. , Huang Xu , Jørgensen Heather G. , Michie Alison M.
Published: March 2024

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a clonal haematological malignancy affecting the myeloid lineage, with generally poor patient outcomes owing to the lack of targeted therapies. The histone lysine demethylase 4A (KDM4A) has been established as a novel therapeutic target in AML, due to its selective oncogenic role within leukaemic cells. We identify that the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFATC2) is a novel binding and transcriptional target of KDM4A in the human AML THP‐1 cell line. Furthermore, cytogenetically diverse AML cell lines, including THP‐1, were dependent on NFATC2 for colony formation in vitro, highlighting a putative novel mechanism of AML oncogenesis. Our study demonstrates that NFATC2 maintenance of cell cycle progression in human AML cells was driven primarily by CCND1. Through RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP‐seq), NFATc2 was shown to bind to the promoter region of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and subsequently regulate their gene expression in THP‐1 cells. Furthermore, our data show that NFATC2 shares transcriptional targets with the transcription factor c‐MYC, with MYC knockdown phenocopying NFATC2 knockdown. These data suggest a newly identified co‐ordinated role for NFATC2 and MYC in the maintenance of THP‐1 cell function, indicative of a potential means of therapeutic targeting in human AML.
Structural enzymology studies with the substrate 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA: bifunctional MFE1 is a less efficient dehydrogenase than monofunctional HAD
Authors: Sridhar Shruthi , Kiema Tiila‐Riikka , Schmitz Werner , Widersten Mikael , Wierenga Rik K.
Published: March 2024

Multifunctional enzyme, type‐1 (MFE1) catalyzes the second and third step of the β‐oxidation cycle, being, respectively, the 2E‐enoyl‐CoA hydratase (ECH) reaction (N‐terminal part, crotonase fold) and the NAD+‐dependent, 3S‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) reaction (C‐terminal part, HAD fold). Structural enzymological properties of rat MFE1 (RnMFE1) as well as of two of its variants, namely the E123A variant (a glutamate of the ECH active site is mutated into alanine) and the BCDE variant (without domain A of the ECH part), were studied, using as substrate 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA. Protein crystallographic binding studies show the hydrogen bond interactions of 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA as well as of its 3‐keto, oxidized form, acetoacetyl‐CoA, with the catalytic glutamates in the ECH active site. Pre‐steady state binding experiments with NAD+ and NADH show that the kon and koff rate constants of the HAD active site of monomeric RnMFE1 and the homologous human, dimeric 3S‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HsHAD) for NAD+ and NADH are very similar, being the same as those observed for the E123A and BCDE variants. However, steady state and pre‐steady state kinetic data concerning the HAD‐catalyzed dehydrogenation reaction of the substrate 3S‐hydroxybutanoyl‐CoA show that, respectively, the kcat and kchem rate constants for conversion into acetoacetyl‐CoA by RnMFE1 (and its two variants) are about 10 fold lower as when catalyzed by HsHAD. The dynamical properties of dehydrogenases are known to be important for their catalytic efficiency, and it is discussed that the greater complexity of the RnMFE1 fold correlates with the observation that RnMFE1 is a slower dehydrogenase than HsHAD.
Mission time minimization for UAV‐supported data distribution in Internet of Things
Authors: Liu Rui , Na Zhenyu , Li Bowen , Lin Ye
Published: March 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used to transmit data to Internet of Things (IoT) devices in various industrial, civil and military applications because of their flexibility and mobility. Some emergency situations pose strict requirements for UAV mission completion time. Therefore, this paper investigates a UAV‐supported data distribution network, where a UAV is dispatched to distribute data to a group of IoT devices. We propose a device attribution (DA) based cluster‐by‐cluster (CBC) communication strategy. The objective is to minimize UAV mission time while satisfying the required data amount of all devices. To this end, we propose a mission time optimization algorithm (MTOA), whose key lies in invoking DA mechanism to determine the device belonging in the coverage of overlapping clusters. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can effectively reduce the mission time compared with the baseline ones, offering an innovative method for solving complex device attribution issues. Furthermore, the proposed strategy is expected to exhibit a significant potential in scenarios involving the high‐density IoT device deployment.
Continuous Sandwiched Film Containing Oriented ZnO@HDPE Microfiber for Passive Radiative Cooling
Authors: Peng Fei , Ren Kunlun , Zheng Guoqiang , Dai Kun , Gao Chaojun , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: March 2024

Recently, passive radiative cooling (PRC) that realizes thermal management without consuming any energy has attracted increasing attention. However, few studies focus on low‐cost and robust PRC film fabricated by a facile and environmentally friendly method. In this study, via coextrusion blow film molding and water leaching, sandwiched PRC film (SPRCF) is efficiently prepared, and its skin and core layer are respectively high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film and oriented ZnO@HDPE microfiber layer. Of note, such a sandwiched structure enables SPRCF to possess remarkable mechanical properties, abrasion, and weather resistance. Moreover, with the introduction of ZnO, SPRCF shows lower sunlight transmittance (≈3.8%) but higher mid‐infrared transmittance (≈88.8%), endowing it with remarkable PRC performance (the maximum cooling power of daytime and nighttime are respectively 73.8 and 96.7 W m−2). Furthermore, the decent self‐cleaning performance of SPRCF‐45 endows it with maintenance‐free features outdoors. This work proposes a facile and environmentally friendly method for preparing low‐cost and robust SPRCF, opening a new pathway to develop PRC film following the concept of polymer “structuring” processing.
Supercritical CO2‐Assisted Layer Exfoliation of MAX Ti3AlC2 Nanosheets Without Etching
Authors: Kim Hyeri , Gwon Dajeong , Kim Dohyeong , Kee Jinho , Koo Jaseung
Published: March 2024

Although MAX exhibits excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical conductivity due to its metallic and ceramic properties, the exfoliation of the MAX sheets with oxidation stability is a key issue in maximizing its advantages and improving its performance. In this study, the supercritical CO2 (scCO2) technique is employed to mechanically exfoliate MAX sheets without chemical etching. The supercritical fluid process is conducted in two continuous steps under different CO2 conditions: supercritical drying and rapid exfoliation of the supercritical suspension (RESS). X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results reveal that both supercritical drying (45 °C and 100 bar) and RESS (100 °C and 120 bar) processes are required for MAX sheet exfoliation. During these processes, scCO2 molecules are deeply intercalated into the MAX sheet interlayers. The scCO2‐treated MAX sheets and oxidized MXene exhibit electrical conductivities of 457, 303, and 46 S cm−1 at 100 bar based on the powder resistivity measurement system. Because the layer exfoliation of MAX sheets is closely correlated with the performance of MAX‐based materials, the technique employed in this study can provide a route for applications requiring expanded MAX, ranging from nanoelectronic devices to energy‐storage materials such as supercapacitors and battery anodes.
Liquid Plug Motion Noninvasive Detecting in Opaque Microchannels via Grating Electrodes‐Based Liquid‐Solid Nanogenerator
Authors: Zhao Nannan , Du Hengxu , Zou Meng , Xi Ziyue , Yang Hengyi , Dong Bowen , Wang Yawei , Yu Hongyong , Xu Ruijiang , Dong Fangyang , Wang Huiwen , Xu Minyi
Published: March 2024

The precision in controlling fluid flow is crucial for the efficiency of microchannel devices. Consequently, it is essential to monitor the fluid within microchannels in real time. However, the microchannel flow's susceptibility to disturbance and small size present challenges in sensing. A Liquid‐Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) with grating electrodes is proposed for non‐invasive sensing of liquid plug movements in microchannels and is suitable for use with opaque channels. This sensor operates on the principle of initiating multiple pulse signals via grating electrodes. And analyze the motion of the liquid plug by the time difference between the signal peaks. It facilitates the measurement of liquid plug count, average speed, average acceleration, and the detection of flow direction. The liquid plug counters, and flow direction sensors yielded clear and distinguishable signals. The liquid plug average speed sensor achieves a 95% accuracy rate, and the acceleration sensor accurately distinguishes speed trends of the liquid plug with more than 85% precision. Grating electrodes are effectively employed for motion sensing. Analyzing the motion of an object by the time difference between voltage peaks offers greater stability than voltage magnitude analysis. Four portable prototypes are designed to make them applicable for fluid sensing in microchannel devices.
Resistive Self‐Sensing Controllable Fabric‐Based Actuator: A Novel Approach to Creating Anisotropy
Authors: Yilmaz Ayse Feyza , Ozlem Kadir , Khalilbayli Fidan , Celebi Mehmet Fatih , Kalaoglu Fatma , Atalay Asli Tuncay , Ince Gökhan , Atalay Ozgur
Published: March 2024

Designing advanced soft robots with soft sensing capabilities for real‐world applications remains challenging due to the intricate integration of actuation and sensor capabilities, which require diverse materials and complex procedures. This paper introduces a fabric‐based robotic technology featuring an “all textile‐based self‐sensing pneumatic actuator” and a low‐cost resistive strain sensor created through simple sewing techniques. The novel approach eliminates the need for additional strain‐limiting woven fabric, simplifying the manufacturing process. It also enables the development of bioinspired motions such as bending, twisting, and snake‐like movements. The electromechanical behaviors of the sensor and bending actuator are tested for their performance under positive air pressure. Through mathematical modeling, the actuator's sensing capacity is estimated accurately, providing precise feedback for pressure and position control. Different closed‐loop controller types, including On–Off and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control, are evaluated for their effectiveness. Furthermore, the practical application of the sensing actuator is demonstrated by integrating it into a wearable glove, showcasing its enhanced sensing capabilities for finger‐like soft wearable robotic applications. This research tackles the challenges associated with designing advanced soft robots with integrated sensing capabilities, offering a promising fabric‐based solution that can drive significant advancements in real‐world applications.
Sphractal: Estimating the Fractal Dimension of Surfaces Computed from Precise Atomic Coordinates via Box‐Counting Algorithm
Authors: Ting Jonathan Yik Chang , Wood Andrew Thomas Agars , Barnard Amanda Susan
Published: March 2024

The fractal dimension of a surface allows its degree of roughness to be characterized quantitatively. However, limited effort is attempted to calculate the fractal dimension of surfaces computed from precisely known atomic coordinates from computational biomolecular and nanomaterial studies. This work proposes methods to estimate the fractal dimension of the surface of any 3D object composed of spheres, by representing the surface as either a voxelized point cloud or a mathematically exact surface, and computing its box‐counting dimension. Sphractal is published as a Python package that provides these functionalities, and its utility is demonstrated on a set of simulated palladium nanoparticle data.
Construction of Reconfigurable and Polymorphic DNA Origami Assemblies with Coiled‐Coil Patches and Patterns
Authors: Teng Teng , Bernal‐Chanchavac Julio , Stephanopoulos Nicholas , Castro Carlos E.
Published: March 2024

DNA origami nanodevices achieve programmable structure and tunable mechanical and dynamic properties by leveraging the sequence‐specific interactions of nucleic acids. Previous advances have also established DNA origami as a useful building block to make well‐defined micron‐scale structures through hierarchical self‐assembly, but these efforts have largely leveraged the structural features of DNA origami. The tunable dynamic and mechanical properties also provide an opportunity to make assemblies with adaptive structures and properties. Here the integration of DNA origami hinge nanodevices and coiled‐coil peptides are reported into hybrid reconfigurable assemblies. With the same dynamic device and peptide interaction, it is made multiple higher‐order assemblies (i.e., polymorphic assembly) by organizing clusters of peptides into patches or arranging single peptides into patterns on the surfaces of DNA origami to control the relative orientation of devices. The coiled‐coil interactions are used to construct circular and linear assemblies whose structure and mechanical properties can be modulated with DNA‐based reconfiguration. Reconfiguration of linear assemblies leads to micron scale motions and ≈2.5‐10‐fold increase in bending stiffness. The results provide a foundation for stimulus‐responsive hybrid assemblies that can adapt their structure and properties in response to nucleic acid, peptide, protein, or other triggers.
Phosphorylated SHMT2 Regulates Oncogenesis Through m6A Modification in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Tianyu , Wang Yanan , Cheng Minzhang , Hu Qifan , Wan Xiaorui , Huang Menglin , Liu Yuhan , Xun Wenze , Xu Jin , Wang Lei , Luo Ruiguang , Yuan Yi , Wang Keru , Wang Jianbin
Published: March 2024

Targeting cancer‐specific metabolic processes is a promising therapeutic strategy. Here, this work uses a compound library that directly inhibits metabolic enzymes to screen the potential metabolic targets in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SHIN1, the specific inhibitor of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1/2 (SHMT1/2), has a highly specific inhibitory effect on LUAD cells, and this effect depends mainly on the overexpression of SHMT2. This work clarifies that mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1)‐mediated phosphorylation at Ser90 is the key mechanism underlying SHMT2 upregulation in LUAD and that this phosphorylation stabilizes SHMT2 by reducing STIP1 homology and U‐box containing protein 1 (STUB1)‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation. SHMT2‐Ser90 dephosphorylation decreases S‐adenosylmethionine levels in LUAD cells, resulting in reduced N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) levels in global RNAs without affecting total protein or DNA methylation. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP‐Seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) analyses further demonstrate that SHMT2‐Ser90 dephosphorylation accelerates the RNA degradation of oncogenic genes by reducing m6A modification, leading to the inhibition of tumorigenesis. Overall, this study elucidates a new regulatory mechanism of SHMT2 during oncogenesis and provides a theoretical basis for targeting SHMT2 as a therapeutic target in LUAD.
Blocking Ubiquitin‐Specific Protease 7 Induces Ferroptosis in Gastric Cancer via Targeting Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase
Authors: Guan Xiaoqing , Wang Yichao , Yu Wenkai , Wei Yong , Lu Yang , Dai Enyu , Dong Xiaowu , Zhao Bing , Hu Can , Yuan Li , Luan Xin , Miao Kai , Chen Bonan , Cheng Xiang‐Dong , Zhang Weidong , Qin Jiang‐Jiang
Published: March 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) presents a formidable global health challenge, and conventional therapies face efficacy limitations. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 7 (USP7) plays pivotal roles in GC development, immune response, and chemo‐resistance, making it a promising target. Various USP7 inhibitors have shown selectivity and efficacy in preclinical studies. However, the mechanistic role of USP7 has not been fully elucidated, and currently, no USP7 inhibitors have been approved for clinical use. In this study, DHPO is identified as a potent USP7 inhibitor for GC treatment through in silico screening. DHPO demonstrates significant anti‐tumor activity in vitro, inhibiting cell viability and clonogenic ability, and preventing tumor migration and invasion. In vivo studies using orthotopic gastric tumor mouse models validate DHPO's efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and metastasis without significant toxicity. Mechanistically, DHPO inhibition triggers ferroptosis, evidenced by mitochondrial alterations, lipid Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and iron overload. Further investigations unveil USP7's regulation of Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase (SCD) through deubiquitination, linking USP7 inhibition to SCD degradation and ferroptosis induction. Overall, this study identifies USP7 as a key player in ferroptosis of GC, elucidates DHPO's inhibitory mechanisms, and highlights its potential for GC treatment by inducing ferroptosis through SCD regulation.
Unveiling Alterations of Epigenetic Modifications and Chromatin Architecture Leading to Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming during the Evolutionary Trastuzumab Adaptation of HER2‐Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Duan Ningjun , Hua Yijia , Yan Xueqi , He Yaozhou , Zeng Tianyu , Gong Jue , Fu Ziyi , Li Wei , Yin Yongmei
Published: March 2024

Secondary trastuzumab resistance represents an evolutionary adaptation of HER2‐positive breast cancer during anti‐HER2 treatment. Most current studies have tended to prioritize HER2 and its associated signaling pathways, often overlooking broader but seemingly less relevant cellular processes, along with their associated genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Here, transcriptome data is not only characterized but also examined epigenomic and 3D genome architecture information in both trastuzumab‐sensitive and secondary‐resistant breast cancer cells. The findings reveal that the global metabolic reprogramming associated with trastuzumab resistance may stem from genome‐wide alterations in both histone modifications and chromatin structure. Specifically, the transcriptional activities of key genes involved in lipid metabolism appear to be regulated by variant promoter H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 modifications, as well as promoter‐enhancer interactions. These discoveries offer valuable insights into how cancer cells adapt to anti‐tumor drugs and have the potential to impact future diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Concentrated Solar Light Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting for Stable and High‐Yield Hydrogen Production
Authors: Dong Wan Jae , Ye Zhengwei , Tang Songtao , Navid Ishtiaque Ahmed , Xiao Yixin , Zhang Bingxing , Pan Yuyang , Mi Zetian
Published: March 2024

Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising technique for converting solar energy into low‐cost and eco‐friendly H2 fuel. However, the production rate of H2 is limited by the insufficient number of photogenerated charge carriers in the conventional photoelectrodes under 1 sun (100 mW cm−2) light. Concentrated solar light irradiation can overcome the issue of low yield, but it leads to a new challenge of stability because the accelerated reaction alters the surface chemical composition of photoelectrodes. Here, it is demonstrated that loading Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on single crystalline GaN nanowires (NWs) grown on n+‐p Si photoelectrode operates efficiently and stably under concentrated solar light. Although a large number of Pt NPs detach during the initial reaction due to H2 gas bubbling, some Pt NPs which have an epitaxial relation with GaN NWs remain stably anchored. In addition, the stability of the photoelectrode further improves by redepositing Pt NPs on the reacted Pt/GaN surface, which results in maintaining onset potential >0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and photocurrent density >60 mA cm−2 for over 1500 h. The heterointerface between Pt cocatalysts and single crystalline GaN nanostructures shows great potential in designing an efficient and stable photoelectrode for high‐yield solar to H2 conversion.
Self‐Assembly of Organic Semiconductors on Strained Graphene under Strain‐Induced Pseudo‐Electric Fields
Authors: Hwang Jinhyun , Park Jisang , Choi Jinhyeok , Lee Taeksang , Lee Hyo Chan , Cho Kilwon
Published: March 2024

Graphene is used as a growth template for van der Waals epitaxy of organic semiconductor (OSC) thin films. During the synthesis and transfer of chemical‐vapor‐deposited graphene on a target substrate, local inhomogeneities in the graphene—in particular, a nonuniform strain field in the graphene template—can easily form, causing poor morphology and crystallinity of the OSC thin films. Moreover, a strain field in graphene introduces a pseudo‐electric field in the graphene. Here, the study investigates how the strain and strain‐induced pseudo‐electric field of a graphene template affect the self‐assembly of π‐conjugated organic molecules on it. Periodically strained graphene templates are fabricated by transferring graphene onto an array of nanospheres and then analyzed the growth and nucleation behavior of C60 thin films on the strained graphene templates. Both experiments and a numerical simulation demonstrated that strained graphene reduced the desorption energy between the graphene and the C60 molecules and thereby suppressed both nucleation and growth of the C60. A mechanism is proposed in which the strain‐induced pseudo‐electric field in graphene modulates the binding energy of organic molecules on the graphene.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma LINC01116 Outcompetes T Cells for Linoleic Acid and Accelerates Tumor Progression
Authors: Ma Kun , Chu Junhui , Liu Yufeng , Sun Linmao , Zhou Shuo , Li Xianying , Ji Changyong , Zhang Ning , Guo Xinyu , Liang Shuhang , Cui Tianming , Hu Qingsong , Wang Jiabei , Liu Yao , Liu Lianxin
Published: March 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and a typical pattern of disturbances in hepatic lipid metabolism. Long non‐coding RNAs are shown to play an important role in the regulation of gene expression, but much remains unknown between tumor microenvironment and lipid metabolism as a bridging molecule. Here, long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 01116 (LINC01116) acts as this molecular which is frequently upregulated in HCC patients and associated with HCC progression in vitro and in vivo is identified. Mechanistically, LINC01116 stabilizes EWS RNA‐binding protein 1 (EWSR1) by preventing RAD18 E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (RAD18) ‐mediated ubiquitination. The enhanced EWSR1 protein upregulates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARA) and fatty acid binding protein1 (FABP1) expression, a long‐chain fatty acid (LCFA) transporter, and thus cancer cells outcompete T cells for LCFAs, especially linoleic acid, for seeding their own growth, leading to T cell malfunction and HCC malignant progression. In a preclinical animal model, the blockade of LINC01116 leads to enhanced efficacy of anti‐PD1 treatment accompanied by increased cytotoxic T cell and decreased exhausted T cell infiltration. Collectively, LINC01116 is an immunometabolic lncRNA and the LINC01116‐EWSR1‐PPARA‐FABP1 axis may be targetable for cancer immunotherapy.
Genetic data confirm the presence of juvenile Alosa alosa in the estuary of the River Tamar
Authors: King R. Andrew , Hillman Rob , Boyle Jay , Stevens Jamie R.
Published: March 2024

Within the UK, allis shad (Alosa alosa) are classified as Critically Endangered and are known to breed in only a single river, the Tamar. Despite evidence of spawning within the lower freshwater reaches of the river and at the tidal limit within the estuary, juvenile allis shad have never been found. Genetic analysis, based on mitochondrial DNA haplotype and nuclear Polymerase Chain Reaction ‐ Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) data, confirmed that juvenile shad found within the lower Tamar estuary in autumn 2022 were A. alosa.
Salt and heavy metal stress responses and metal uptake potentials of some leafy vegetables
Authors: Nasircilar Ayse Gul , Ulukapi Kamile , Topcuoglu Bulent , Kurubas Seckin , Erkan Mustafa
Published: March 2024

Abiotic stress conditions caused by increasing anthropogenic activities over the years necessitate using marginal waters in agricultural irrigation and pose a risk to public health by causing salt stress and heavy metal pollution in the soil. The study exposed rocket (Eruca sativaL.), cress (Lepidium sativumL.), and parsley (Petroselinum crispumMill.) plants to heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr at rates of 300, 140, 75, 300, 3, and 100 mg kg−1, respectively) and salt stress (3, 6, and 9 dS m−1). Both stress conditions affected plant growth negatively. Biomass losses reaching 88% occurred in the rocket, which was determined to be more sensitive to salt stress than heavy metal stress. In parsley, on the other hand, it was determined that the above‐ground organs were more affected by salt stress, but the negative effect of heavy metal stress on the roots was higher than salt stress. In cress, the cultivars produced different responses to stress factors. The Zeybek cultivar was more affected by salt stress, and Bahargülü was more affected by heavy metal stress. In general, an increase in macro‐ and micronutrients was found under stress conditions. In addition, it was determined that the plants were hyper‐accumulative in terms of lead absorption and were sorted as cress > parsley > rocket in terms of metal uptake. According to these findings, these plants should be grown taking into account the lead values in the soil, and consumers should be aware that they are a group of vegetables that accumulate lead.
Edible Soft Actuators Based on Konjac Glucomannan for Underwater Operation
Authors: Kanno Ryo , Kwak Bokeon , Pankhurst Markéta , Shintake Jun , Floreano Dario
Published: March 2024

Soft robots are being increasingly developed and deployed for underwater applications such as exploration, monitoring, and rescue owing to their innate compliance, mechanical and chemical stability, and waterproof properties. However, they are still predominantly manufactured using silicones and acrylic elastomers, which pose environmental risks due to their limited biodegradability. To tackle this issue, a method for manufacturing water‐resistant, liquid‐driven soft actuators made from a novel type of konjac glucomannan (KGM) is presented, which is plant‐derived, insoluble, and edible. The material offers impressive stretchability, reaching up to 67.2% of its initial length, surpassing previous related work, and withstands over a 1000 cycles of tensile stress. Using this material, we develop soft actuators that can bend up to 47.1°, and the maximum blocking force of 0.1 N is achieved with a pressure input of 20 kPa. A gripper that is capable of grasping various objects underwater is also evaluated. In essence, this article introduces a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional soft robotic materials, paving the way for innovative and eco‐conscious underwater applications. The utilization of edible, water‐resistant materials like konjac provides a promising solution to reduce pollution and mitigate negative environmental impacts associated with traditional underwater soft robots.
The latest insights into rare blood disorders: Diagnosis and treatment strategies
Authors: Kuter David J. , Cataland Spero R. , Broome Catherine M. , Neunert Cindy
Published: March 2024

Please visit https://bit.ly/AJHpodcast to complete the accredited learning activity and receive CME credit or NCPD contact hours.

Because immune‐mediated rare blood disorders are uncommon, healthcare providers often lack the knowledge and experience necessary to identify, diagnose, and treat them in accordance with best practices. As a result, there are significant gaps in care, including delays in diagnosis and suboptimal treatment. To ensure that more patients with these rare disorders are offered quality, evidence‐based care, it is essential that healthcare providers possess up‐to‐date information about best practices and new developments in this area of medicine. In this activity, composed of three podcasts, an expert moderator will interview three expert faculty members about evidence‐based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cold agglutinin disease; and the challenges of achieving enduring remission in patients with immune thrombocytopenia.
“Breaking down in tears, soaked in sweat, and sick from the heat”: Media‐based composite narratives of first responders working during the 2021 Heat Dome
Authors: Tetzlaff Emily J. , Cassan Casey , Goulet Nicholas , Gorman Melissa , Hogya Brooks , Kenny Glen P.
Published: March 2024

Background

During the summer of 2021, a deadly, unprecedented multiday Heat Dome engulfed western Canada. As a result of this extreme heat event (EHE), emergency dispatchers received an unparalleled increase in incoming 911 calls for ambulance, police, and fire (as first responders) services to attend to hundreds of heat‐vulnerable community members succumbing to the heat. With 103 all‐time heat records broken during this EHE and indoor temperatures of nearly 40°C, the first responders attending these calls faced extensive job demands and highly challenging operating conditions. Initial investigations have explored the health system‐level impacts; however, little has been done to explore the impact on the first responders themselves. Therefore, this study aimed to improve our understanding of EHEs' impacts on the operational capabilities and health of first responders, specifically police, fire, ambulance, and dispatch services.

Methods

A systematized review and content analysis of media articles published on the 2021 Heat Dome in Canada was conducted (n = 2909), and four media‐based composite narratives were developed highlighting police, fire, ambulance, and dispatch services. The Job Demands‐Resources (JD‐R) model was applied as a theoretical framework for occupational burnout.

Results

The media‐based composite narratives highlighted that first responders faced record‐breaking call volumes, increased mental‐health‐related claims, and exhaustive heat‐related physiological stress. Using the JD‐R model as a theoretical framework for occupational burnout, we identified three measures of stressful job demand: work overload (e.g., the surge in call volume, firefighters responding to medical emergencies), emotional demands (e.g., severe medical emergencies, sudden deaths, unresponsive patients, distraught family members), and physical demands (e.g., resuscitation in personal protective equipment, heat‐related illness).

Conclusion

The experiences described underscore the importance of supporting first responders during work in extreme heat conditions. These findings have important implications for addressing rising rates of burnout during and following public health crises, such as EHEs, a problem that is increasingly being recognized as a threat to the Canadian public healthcare system.
Estimation of carrier frequencies utilizing the gnomAD database for ACMG recommended carrier screening and Finnish disease heritage conditions in non‐Finnish European, Finnish, and Ashkenazi Jewish populations
Authors: Kandolin Miska , Pöyhönen Minna , Jakkula Eveliina
Published: March 2024

American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommends offering Tier 3 carrier screening to pregnant patients and those planning a pregnancy for conditions with a carrier frequency of ≥1/200 (96 genes for autosomal recessive [AR] conditions). Certain AR conditions referred to as Finnish disease heritage (FINDIS) have a higher prevalence in Finland than elsewhere. Data from gnomAD v2.1 were extracted to assess carrier frequencies for ACMG‐recommended AR and FINDIS AR and X‐linked genes in Finnish, non‐Finnish European, and Ashkenazi Jewish populations. Following variants were considered: ClinVar pathogenic or likely pathogenic, loss‐of‐function, and Finnish founder variants. Gene carrier (GCR), cumulative carrier (CCR), and at‐risk couple rates (ACR) were estimated. In Finnish population, 47 genes had a GCR of ≥0.5%. CCRs were 52.7% (Finnish), 48.9% (non‐Finnish European), and 58.3% (Ashkenazi Jewish), whereas ACRs were 1.4%, 0.93%, and 2.3% respectively. Approximately 141 affected children with analyzed AR conditions are estimated to be born in Finland annually. Eighteen genes causing FINDIS conditions had a GCR of ≥0.5% in the Finnish population but were absent in the ACMG Tier 3 gene list. Two genes (RECQL4 and RMRP) had GCR of ≥0.5% either in non‐Finnish Europeans or Ashkenazi Jewish populations. Results highlight the need for careful curation of carrier screening panels.
Selective Ring‐Opening Amination of Isochromans and Tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Niu Changhao , Zhang Zheng , Li Qi , Cheng Zengrui , Jiao Ning , Zhang Chun
Published: March 2024

The molecular structure‐editing through selective C−C bond cleavage allows for the precise modification of molecular structures and opens up new possibilities in chemical synthesis. By strategically cleaving C−C bonds and editing the molecular structure, more efficient and versatile pathways for the synthesis of complex compounds could be designed, which brings significant implications for drug development and materials science. o‐Aminophenethyl alcohols and amines are the essential key motifs in bioactive and functional material molecules. The traditional synthesis of these compounds usually requires multiple steps which could generate inseparable isomers and induce low efficiencies. By leveraging a molecular editing strategy, we herein reported a selective ring‐opening amination of isochromans and tetrahydroisoquinolines for the efficient synthesis of o‐aminophenethyl alcohols and amines. This innovative chemistry allows for the precise cleavage of C−C bonds under mild transition metal‐free conditions. Notably, further synthetic application demonstrated that our method could provide an efficient approach to essential components of diverse bioactive molecules.